If you're looking for an author who can ramp up the action like no one else I've ever read, pick up Matthew Reilly. If you choose "The Great Zoo of China," however, be prepared to read a story you may be familiar with.
"The Great Zoo of China" is Reilly's latest. It's filled with his hallmarks - action, interesting characters, action and action. I've described Reilly's work as Clive Cussler on steroids. However, if you've ever read "Jurassic Park" by Michael Crichton or seen the movie, you know the story. People prepare to exploit legendary animals. The animals get loose and eat the people. Most of the animals are destroyed. A few people escape. The end.
In the interview at the end of the book, Reilly admits he loves "Jurassic Park" but says he wrote a different story. Sorry, Mr. Reilly, you didn't. About the only difference is its location. JP was set on an island. GZ, as you may have guessed from the title, is set in China. JP brings a group of experts to tour a brand new park that features dinosaurs. GZ brings a group of journalists to tour a brand new zoo featuring dragons that are, guess what, descended from a heretofore unknown dinosaur. Once the power goes out (which also happened in JP) and the animals start wreaking havoc (also in JP - sensing a pattern here?), I knew who was toast. Actually, I knew before that point. In both books, only a few people survive, and in both books, the site is completely destroyed.
I was disappointed with "The Great Zoo of China." Sure, it's a great way to escape from the humdrum of the everyday for a few hours. It's an adrenaline rush from beginning to end. But it's like riding a roller coaster you've ridden before. Sure, it's fun, but the breathless excitement at the end of the ride is lacking. Sorry, Mr. Reilly. In your mind, "The Great Zoo of China" may be new and different, but for me, at its heart it's still "Jurassic Park."
