If
you’ve read Matthew Reilly’s work, then you know
it’s probably wise to have a defibrillator close by. His
narratives are fast-paced, absorbing, all-encompassing --- and
doubly so in his latest novel, THE 6 SACRED STONES.


This is a nominal sequel to 7 DEADLY WONDERS; while it’s not
crucial to have read the first book before beginning the new
volume, your sense of enjoyment will be much greater if you do. THE
6 SACRED STONES marks the return of Jack West Jr., who saved the
world in 7 DEADLY WONDERS from a global catastrophe of cosmic
proportions. Well, that’s not exactly accurate. He did save
it, but a group of bad guys undo his work at the beginning of THE 6
SACRED STONES, and as a result there is a really big
disaster --- one of those “Hide! Hide! I Want My
Mommy!”-sized disasters --- lurking out in the cosmos and
heading our way.


The good news is that West and his capable Doc Savage-like team
know how to stop the threat. The bad news is that the means by
which the threat can be halted is scattered throughout the world;
they absolutely must complete the first step within a matter of
days, and then carry out the remaining tasks according to a strict
schedule. West and company are aligned against some heavy-duty
guys, some of whom want to stop the threat for their own nefarious
reasons, while others want to bring the world to a cataclysmic
end.


If nearly impossible deadlines and apparently insurmountable foes
aren’t enough to get your heart racing, West also has a
traitor or three on the team. If explosions and karate are your
thing, then this book is just what the doctor ordered. Those with
an interest in astronomy, anthropology and archaeology, however,
will absolutely love the novel as well.


Reilly combines Stonehenge, Egyptian monuments, Ethiopian diamond
mines and planetary alignment to create both a threat and a
solution unlike any you have encountered. He also combines the best
of Indiana Jones, Tarzan and the aforementioned Doc Savage with a
double dose of caffeine-charged adrenalin to create a story and
characters you will never forget. You’ll even forgive him for
leaving us all hanging at the end of THE 6 SACRED STONES. But
not to worry --- the sequel will be along in due time.