Scarecrow by Matthew Reilly

I have read an incredible amount of action novels in the years that I was growing up. Considering that I was raised with an army of male friends and relatives around, it’s a miracle that I still want to read the likes of Mack Bolan, James Bond, or Dirk Pitt, and yet I find myself returning to these novels again and again as touchstones of my pulp filled literary past. That’s is why I was delighted to discover and new and exciting action hero created by a 26 year old author from Australian named Matthew Reilly.

It was in 2000 that Reilly published his book Ice Station which introduced readers to marine hero, Shane Scofield. In Scarecrow we are reunited for the third time with Scofield to accompany him as he is targeted for assassination by a man who wants to begin World War III. Scarecrow, the codename given to Scofield due to the vertical scars running over each eye is a terrific name for this book since it gives more insight into the hero then any of the previous installments of this unbelievable action series.

If I were to compare Reilly’s writing style, I would be forced to say that he is the John Woo of writers. He is guilty of forcing his character up against unbelievable odds to do inhumane feats of strength, skill, cunning, and courage. This is a non-stop heart thumping ride of a book that has jets racing across the world, tanker ships sinking, man-eating sharks, and even a guillotine.

With the returning characters of Book II, Mother, and Libby Gant joined by the mysterious bounty hunter, The Black Knight and his sidekick Rufus this headlong plunge into saving the world is more rapid fire then Ice Station or Area 7. What I appreciated the most about Scarecrow was the obvious growth of the author as a writer. Reilly is no longer reticent to let his emotions show in more complex ways including the very risky soft side of his main character. Scofield is allowed to draw the reader out with his growing familiarity with his Delta Force Squad, it is a charming plot twist.

If you never like putting a book down unless it is finished then Scarecrow is the book for you my friend. Non-stop action oriented sequences featuring a parade of guns, rockets, jets, and missiles that no army buff should miss out on. Yet even with all the technical information the humanity and storyline remain strong and focused even if they are so over-the-top as to be almost silly. This book is worth a look in my humble opinion.