Matthew Reilly Books In Order: Where To Begin
- 01. Matthew Reilly Book Order: A Definitive Guide
- 02. What to start with
- 03. Recommended reading sequences
- 04. Character-led groupings
- 05. Frequently asked questions
- 06. Deep dive: key titles explained
- 07. Contest (1996)
- 08. The Seven Deadly Wonders (2005)
- 09. The Six Sacred Stones (2007)
- 10. The Five Greatest Warriors (2009)
- 11. The Four Legendary Kingdoms (2016)
- 12. The Three Secret Cities (2018)
- 13. The Two Lost Mountains (2020)
- 14. The One Impossible Labyrinth (2021)
- 15. The Great Zoo of China (2014)
- 16. The Secret Runners of New York (2019)
- 17. Cobalt Blue (2022)
- 18. Mr. Einstein's Secretary (2023)
- 19. Practical reading guide: how to assemble your own list
- 20. Glossary of publication milestones
- 21. Additional context and sources
Matthew Reilly Book Order: A Definitive Guide
The primary reading order for Matthew Reilly's works is best understood by separating his major series from standalone titles. This article provides a clear, structured guide to help you start with the most canonical entry points and then progressively explore alternate sequences and novellas. The goal is a practical roadmap that aligns with publication chronology, character arcs, and thematic development.
What to start with
Begin with the Jack West Jr. saga if you want to experience Reilly's flagship characters and interlocking plots at their most ambitious. The series unfolds across seven novels, each building on the global-scale action and fast-paced tempo that fans expect. For readers who prefer a quicker entry or a standalone hook, start with the standalone Contest, which introduces Reilly's high-stakes, puzzle-driven style without committing to a long series.
- Jack West Jr. series: The Seven Deadly Wonders (2005), The Six Sacred Stones (2007), The Five Greatest Warriors (2009), The Four Legendary Kingdoms (2016), The Three Secret Cities (2018), The Two Lost Mountains (2020), The One Impossible Labyrinth (2021).
- Standalone novels: Contest (1996), Temple (1999), Troll Mountain (2014), The Great Zoo of China (2014), The Secret Runners of New York (2019), Cobalt Blue (2022), Mr. Einstein's Secretary (2023).
Historical publication order is a useful baseline for many readers, but some fans prefer chronological in-universe order when considering character timelines and world-building. Below is a concise alignment to help you choose your starting point based on your preferences for scope and pace.
Recommended reading sequences
- Publication-first path for newcomers - Start with Contest (1996), then Temple (1999), Hover into The Seven Deadly Wonders (2005) as the gateway into Jack West Jr., followed by The Six Sacred Stones (2007) and The Five Greatest Warriors (2009). Continue with The Four Legendary Kingdoms (2016), The Three Secret Cities (2018), The Two Lost Mountains (2020), and The One Impossible Labyrinth (2021).
- Jack West Jr. canonical arc - Read The Seven Deadly Wonders, The Six Sacred Stones, The Five Greatest Warriors in order, then pivot to The Four Legendary Kingdoms, The Three Secret Cities, The Two Lost Mountains, and The One Impossible Labyrinth to complete the epic arc.
- Standalone starter for speed - Begin with Contest to quickly gauge author voice, then explore Temple and Troll Mountain, followed by The Great Zoo of China if you crave globe-spanning set pieces in shorter standalone formats.
Character-led groupings
| Group | Representative Titles | Approx. Publication Window | Typical Pace | Suggested Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack West Jr. series | The Seven Deadly Wonders; The Six Sacred Stones; The Five Greatest Warriors; The Four Legendary Kingdoms; The Three Secret Cities; The Two Lost Mountains; The One Impossible Labyrinth | 2005-2021 | Epic-scale, multi-location, puzzle-driven | Start with The Seven Deadly Wonders |
| Standalone thrillers | Contest; Temple; Troll Mountain; The Great Zoo of China; The Secret Runners of New York; Cobalt Blue; Mr. Einstein's Secretary | 1996-2023 | Fast-paced, self-contained adventures | Start with Contest for a quick feel |
Frequently asked questions
Deep dive: key titles explained
The following mini-profiles summarize why each core title matters to a reader constructing a coherent reading path, with attention to themes, pacing, and the sequence's impact on experience.
Contest (1996)
Contest launches Reilly's career with a tight, globe-girdling chase through a series of catastrophic tests. It showcases his talent for high-concept problem-solving and cinematic action while remaining accessible to newcomers. This standalone is the most compact entry point and a reliable litmus test for whether you'll enjoy his style.
The Seven Deadly Wonders (2005)
Kickoff for the Jack West Jr. saga, introducing a protagonist whose survival hinges on decoding ancient mysteries under extreme time pressure. The novel blends adventure with cryptic clues and international stakes, establishing a blueprint for subsequent installments. Fans often cite this book as the definitive launchpad for the series' voice and tempo.
The Six Sacred Stones (2007)
Second in the Jack West Jr. arc, this installment intensifies the global chase and broadens the mythos around the enigmatic artifacts. The novel sustains the rapid-fire pacing and elaborate puzzle structure that readers expect from the series.
The Five Greatest Warriors (2009)
Continuing the series, this entry expands the ensemble cast and deepens the strategic layer of the mission. It maintains the high-speed action while threading in more personal stakes for West and allies.
The Four Legendary Kingdoms (2016)
With a longer gap since the previous book, this entry re-energizes the series by introducing new landscapes and higher-level threats, while preserving the puzzle-driven core mechanics. It marks a shift toward a broader, globe-spanning set-piece sensibility.
The Three Secret Cities (2018)
Further expands the arc with new locations and tighter narrative momentum, continuing the tradition of a sprawling conspiracy resolved through intellect and audacious action.
The Two Lost Mountains (2020)
This book delves deeper into the series' lore and character dynamics, maintaining the franchise's signature blend of quick pacing and clever problem-solving under pressure.
The One Impossible Labyrinth (2021)
Concludes the current Jack West Jr. cycle with a culmination of the central quest, tying together multiple threads and testing the limits of the team's problem-solving prowess. The climax encapsulates Reilly's hallmark synthesis of action and mystery.
The Great Zoo of China (2014)
A standout standalone that showcases Reilly's ability to craft ambitious, self-contained adventures without relying on the Jack West Jr. or Scarecrow universes. It's a popular entry point for readers seeking a large-scale thriller with a grounded, character-driven core.
The Secret Runners of New York (2019)
A contemporary standalone that leverages urban settings and modern tensions, offering a brisk, action-packed narrative that still reflects Reilly's penchant for intricate plots and high stakes.
Cobalt Blue (2022)
One of Reilly's later standalones, Cobalt Blue expands his thematic repertoire, blending geopolitics with fast-paced set pieces. It provides a modern lens on the author's signature adrenaline-fueled storytelling.
Mr. Einstein's Secretary (2023)
A recent addition that tightens the standalone catalog, delivering suspenseful narratives with intellectual twists and brisk, cinematic action. It serves as a testament to Reilly's ability to refresh his formula for new audiences.
Practical reading guide: how to assemble your own list
Reading order is both art and science. Start with a strong entry point to gauge your taste, then follow a path that matches your appetite for epic series arcs or fast standalone thrillers.
| Reading Path | Recommended Start | Ideal Progression | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Publication-first Jack West Jr. | The Seven Deadly Wonders | Seven Deadly Wonders → The Six Sacred Stones → The Five Greatest Warriors → The Four Legendary Kingdoms → The Three Secret Cities → The Two Lost Mountains → The One Impossible Labyrinth | Preserves reveal timing and series momentum |
| Standalone-focused | Contest | Contest → Temple → Troll Mountain → The Great Zoo of China → The Secret Runners of New York → Cobalt Blue → Mr. Einstein's Secretary | Flexible, quick-start approach |
Glossary of publication milestones
- First novel: Contest (1996) introduced Reilly's kinetic style and puzzle-centric plotting.
- Breakthrough: The Seven Deadly Wonders (2005) established the Jack West Jr. franchise with global stakes.
- Series expansion: The Four Legendary Kingdoms (2016) and The Three Secret Cities (2018) broadened the universe beyond the initial trilogy.
- Recent standalones: The Secret Runners of New York (2019) and Cobalt Blue (2022) diversified the catalog with contemporary settings and modern geopolitics.
Additional context and sources
For readers seeking official guidance, Reilly's own site features author FAQs that touch on publishing decisions, editing, and control over final text, which can influence how readers perceive order and continuity. Contemporary listings and bibliographies from book-series aggregators corroborate the sequence and provide cross-referenced alternative orders, including publication and chronological arrangements. Reviews and video discussions offer spoiler-free overviews and reading impressions that help new fans calibrate their expectations before committing to a long series.
As of 2025, Reilly remained a prominent figure in action-thriller publishing, with his works continuing to appear on bestseller lists and in international editions, reflecting sustained reader interest in globe-spanning, fast-paced adventures. Fans often note that the energy of Reilly's prose-short chapters, punchy cliffhangers, and vivid setpieces-lends itself to both single-sitting reads and extended marathon sessions across a weekend or vacation. By aligning your order with either a serialized experience or a bite-sized collection of standalone adventures, you can tailor your journey through Reilly's high-octane world to fit your schedule and appetite.
For the most reliable up-to-date bibliography, consult publisher pages and author-sanctioned resources, as release dates and series continuations can shift with new editions or reissues. This helps ensure your reading plan stays current with the latest titles and any new Jack West Jr. or standalone additions as they are announced.
What are the most common questions about Matthew Reilly Books In Order Where To Begin?
[Question]?What is the best order to read Matthew Reilly?
The best order depends on your goals: for breadth and flagship characters, follow the Jack West Jr. sequence in publication order; for a fast entry point, begin with Contest and then sample standalone titles like Temple or The Great Zoo of China. This approach maximizes familiarity with Reilly's signature pacing and puzzle-centric plots.
[Question]?Should I read the Jack West Jr. books before standalone novels?
Not necessarily. If you value a deep, serialized arc with recurring antagonists and escalating stakes, start with The Seven Deadly Wonders and continue in order. If you prefer immediate standalone storytelling with closed endings, begin with Contest and branch into The Great Zoo of China or The Secret Runners of New York.
[Question]?Are there short stories or novellas I should know about?
Yes. Matthew Reilly's universe includes shorter works and novellas that expand world-building and backstory. These are useful as supplementary material between major releases or as quick reads to stay engaged during a longer publishing gap.
[Question]?How does publication order compare with in-universe chronology?
Publication order generally tracks with the introduction of major characters and settings, but the in-universe chronology for Jack West Jr. is more linear in terms of the overarching quest across each novel. Reading in publication order helps preserve reveal timing and author intent, while a reader-focused chronology may better emphasize story continuity.