Contest is the first published novel by Australian thriller writer Matthew Reilly, and established his career as one of the most popular writers among young Australians, as well as people all over the world. It is interesting to note that in 1996, after being rejected by several Australian publishing houses, Reilly personally paid for 1000 copies of the book to be published privately, and sold them himself.

The book itself, like most of Matthew Reilly's works, uses American characters, told from an American point of view. It tells the story of a man and his daughter, who are unwittingly thrown into an intergalactic gladiatorial fight called the 'Presidian', which is being staged in the New York Public Library (edited in the US release). The 'Presidian' is fight between all seven 'intelligent' races, humans included. It is held every 1000 years at a different location.

Contest is the original Matthew Reilly bestseller, and is a strong indication of the direction that Australian literature is taking, especially the thriller genre and the work of younger writers.

Film, TV or theatrical adaptations

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Contest is also a movie in production by Matthew Reilly himself.

1994 novels | Australian novels Thriller novels Debut novels | Matthew Reilly novels