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Shane Schofield #2
Area 7
Matthew Reilly dazzled the world with his electrifying thrillers Ice Station and Temple. And now, Shane "Scarecrow" Schofield returns with his most harrowing and explosive adventure yet. . .
AREA 7
It is America's most secret base, hidden deep in the Utah desert, an Air Force installation known only as Area 7. And today, it has a visitor - the President of the United States. He has come to inspect Area 7, to examine its secrets for himself. But he's going to get more than he bargained for on this trip. Because hostile forces are waiting inside.
Among the President's helicopter crew, however, is a young Marine. He is quiet, enigmatic, and he hides his eyes behind a pair of silver sunglasses. His name is Schofield. Call-sign: Scarecrow. Rumor has it, he's a good man in a storm. Judging by what the President has just walked into, he'd better be...
AREA 7
It is America's most secret base, hidden deep in the Utah desert, an Air Force installation known only as Area 7. And today, it has a visitor - the President of the United States. He has come to inspect Area 7, to examine its secrets for himself. But he's going to get more than he bargained for on this trip. Because hostile forces are waiting inside.
Among the President's helicopter crew, however, is a young Marine. He is quiet, enigmatic, and he hides his eyes behind a pair of silver sunglasses. His name is Schofield. Call-sign: Scarecrow. Rumor has it, he's a good man in a storm. Judging by what the President has just walked into, he'd better be...
507 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 9, 2001
About the author
Matthew Reilly
72 books5,648 followersBorn in Sydney in 1974, Matthew Reilly was not always a big fan of reading. It was only after he read To Kill A Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies in Year 10 that he realised reading could transport you to another world. Following this revelation, Matthew soon began creating stories of his own and set about writing his first novel, Contest, at the age of 19 while still at university studying law.
Following rejections from all the major publishers, Matthew self-published Contest in 1996, printing 1000 copies. He produced a big-budget-looking novel which he sold into bookshops throughout Sydney, one shop at a time.
In January 1997, a Commissioning Editor for Pan Macmillan Australia walked into Angus & Robertson's Pitt Street Mall store and bought a copy of Contest. The editor tracked Matthew down through his contact details in the front of the book. Interestingly, those original self-published editions of Contest have now become much sought after collectors' items. One recently sold on eBay for $1200!
Matthew Reilly is now the internationally bestselling author of the Scarecrow novels: Ice Station, Area 7, Scarecrow, Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves and the novella Hell Island; the Jack West novels: Seven Ancient Wonders, The Six Sacred Stones, The Five Greatest Warriors, The Four Legendary Kingdoms, and The Three Secret Cities; and the standalone novels Contest, Temple, Hover Car Racer, The Tournament, Troll Mountain, The Great Zoo of China and The Secret Runners of New York.
His books are published in over 20 languages with worldwide sales of over 7 million copies.
Since Seven Ancient Wonders in 2005, Matthew's novels have been the biggest selling new fiction title released in Australia for that year.
Matthew has also written several short stories, including Roger Ascham and the King's Lost Girl, a special free prequel to The Tournament which is available online. Other short stories include Time Tours, The Mine and the hyper-adrenalised romp, Altitude Rush.
He owns and drives a DeLorean DMC-12, the car made famous in the Back to the Future movies. He also has a life-sized Han Solo in carbonite hanging on the wall of his office! When not writing or penning a film script, Matthew can be found on the golf course.
Matthew Reilly is currently living in Los Angeles.
(source: Amazon)
Following rejections from all the major publishers, Matthew self-published Contest in 1996, printing 1000 copies. He produced a big-budget-looking novel which he sold into bookshops throughout Sydney, one shop at a time.
In January 1997, a Commissioning Editor for Pan Macmillan Australia walked into Angus & Robertson's Pitt Street Mall store and bought a copy of Contest. The editor tracked Matthew down through his contact details in the front of the book. Interestingly, those original self-published editions of Contest have now become much sought after collectors' items. One recently sold on eBay for $1200!
Matthew Reilly is now the internationally bestselling author of the Scarecrow novels: Ice Station, Area 7, Scarecrow, Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves and the novella Hell Island; the Jack West novels: Seven Ancient Wonders, The Six Sacred Stones, The Five Greatest Warriors, The Four Legendary Kingdoms, and The Three Secret Cities; and the standalone novels Contest, Temple, Hover Car Racer, The Tournament, Troll Mountain, The Great Zoo of China and The Secret Runners of New York.
His books are published in over 20 languages with worldwide sales of over 7 million copies.
Since Seven Ancient Wonders in 2005, Matthew's novels have been the biggest selling new fiction title released in Australia for that year.
Matthew has also written several short stories, including Roger Ascham and the King's Lost Girl, a special free prequel to The Tournament which is available online. Other short stories include Time Tours, The Mine and the hyper-adrenalised romp, Altitude Rush.
He owns and drives a DeLorean DMC-12, the car made famous in the Back to the Future movies. He also has a life-sized Han Solo in carbonite hanging on the wall of his office! When not writing or penning a film script, Matthew can be found on the golf course.
Matthew Reilly is currently living in Los Angeles.
(source: Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 580 reviews
February 11, 2022
Matthew Reilly (Ice Station) Australia's answer to America's Clive Cussler (Sahara) and then some, the well-known late author Mr. Cussler was the King of contemporary action -adventure the over the top sub genre we like to make fun of while turning the page as quickly as possible to see the outcome...aren't we inconsistent? You bet...So this is how we grow by learning from inadequate, mistaken, sketchy misinformation...But back to our book ( which I never got to Area 7 ) yes modeled after Area 52...no 51 for those that keep track of the mysterious Air Force base in the lonely deserts of the American West in Nevada the sparsely populated state with only two large cities of Reno in the north, Las Vegas the south and suburbs , yet somehow transferred here to Utah, did you think this fools the public? Stories circulate of Aliens captured from outer space, conspiracy junkies believe, weird manifestations occur there, even a flying saucer the ultimate symbol of the unearthly, gives one the creeps, however this is Shane "Scarecrow" Schofield's book and his fantastic acrobatics flying through the air with or without a plane or piloting a spaceship in orbit makes Superman look like a weakling , all this we trust saves America from nuclear annihilation...come on and the White House guy is there trying, always moving with the others in Scarecrow's unit of U.S. Marines through tall structures, endless floors full of vicious animals, escaped cold- blooded killers, some dominated by drugged, brutal airmen with water rising from a damaged tank not a swimming pool still. The mad general Charles ( called Caesar what else? ) Russell commands the usual loyal followers which have no imagination since their doom is unavoidable when the world terminates, again they're uninformed, isolated from society, brainwashed with thick suds...
Still non -readers must be eliminated, oh yes stop the bombs too.. If they indulged, the Air Force traitors would called in sick saving their precious hides ...those who fight and run away live to be called cowards. Mr. Reilly is a talented action writer , he deserves more attention while I search for another nonsensical book from the Aussie. Oh, also as the monumental bloodbath continues Scarecrow manages to get a girlfriend from his squad Sergeant Elizabeth "Fox" Gant the nickname says it completely.The only other female is married and bigger than he called Mother, not counting the Secret Service woman, too far from home of course . From the bitter cold of Antarctica to the blistering heat of Area 7 and (nearby Area 8 our little secret) the second in the Scarecrow series tells us this is a worthy follow-up to the great first one.
Still non -readers must be eliminated, oh yes stop the bombs too.. If they indulged, the Air Force traitors would called in sick saving their precious hides ...those who fight and run away live to be called cowards. Mr. Reilly is a talented action writer , he deserves more attention while I search for another nonsensical book from the Aussie. Oh, also as the monumental bloodbath continues Scarecrow manages to get a girlfriend from his squad Sergeant Elizabeth "Fox" Gant the nickname says it completely.The only other female is married and bigger than he called Mother, not counting the Secret Service woman, too far from home of course . From the bitter cold of Antarctica to the blistering heat of Area 7 and (nearby Area 8 our little secret) the second in the Scarecrow series tells us this is a worthy follow-up to the great first one.
May 3, 2011
Warning: Do not read this book if you cannot suspend your disbelief about the seemingly improbable events that occur during action sequences. If you can’t do this, you will not enjoy this book. If you can, then hang on for the wild ride. No one, and I do mean no one, writes action scenes like Matthew Reilly. I reached for this book for precisely that reason.
Reading one of his books is like watching an action movie on steroids. I was laughing and cheering out loud throughout this book, and I could feel my heart beating fast as the tension of not knowing what would come next had me in its grip.
Although there are definitely some scenes that make you roll your eyes because you are having a “yeah, right” moment, it’s clear that Matt Reilly did his research. He started with an idea, and he developed the background to make his idea come to life. And in the process, he wrote a story that definitely gave me something to worry about. Because he poses the question of what group has the greatest potential to take over this country. Easy answer if you think about it: a Branch of the United States Armed Forces. Why, because they have access to many of the installations containing some of this countries greatest tactical assets: high tech planes and ballistic missiles. And something else even worse. If you guessed the US Air Force, then 10 points to you. It so happens that the President is visiting one of the most mysterious Air Force bases; a good time to put their plan into action.
Only they didn’t plan on US Marine Captain Shane ‘Scarecrow’ Schofield being part of the President’s protection detail. The great thing about these books is that Shane has the deck stacked against him the whole time, and the cards only pile up higher as time passes. However, this is not a man who gives up. He uses the advantages he has available, which often involves some quick thinking on his part. Schofield is a hero you can get behind. He’s a decent human being, not a killing machine, unless he has to be. And he will get the job done, no matter what. After going through the crazy experience in Antarctica with Scarecrow (written about in Ice Station), I definitely love the guy. His surviving team members, Gant (who Shane has a budding relationship with) and Mother (a tough as nails 6’4” shaved-head female marine) are also along for the ride to help save the day.
The villains don’t particularly stand out, other than being loathsome human beings with no sense of loyalty (beyond their own sinister agendas), and bloodthirsty murderers, but this book is so fast-paced, you don’t really miss the character depth. Again, this is the kind of book you pick up when you want an edge of your seat, action-driven story. And you will definitely get that.
Despite its quick pace, I felt the story was pretty solid. This is one of those books you have to pay attention to when you read, because cues will be planted in earlier scenes that will play a pivotal role later on. It helps to appreciate Scarecrow and the other good guys for their quick-thinking and adaptability under fire.
The body count is high in this one, so I’d warn especially squeamish readers. I admit that I would probably flinch if I was seeing some of this on the big screen, and I did a bit when I was reading. But it adds to the sense of risk that good guys do die, and you feel a sense of validation when the bad guys die ugly. Trust me, they deserve it in this book.
Matt Reilly really knows how to bring it. I always enjoy myself when I read his books. And Scarecrow and his crew are just awesome. Glad to read another one of their adventures.
Reading one of his books is like watching an action movie on steroids. I was laughing and cheering out loud throughout this book, and I could feel my heart beating fast as the tension of not knowing what would come next had me in its grip.
Although there are definitely some scenes that make you roll your eyes because you are having a “yeah, right” moment, it’s clear that Matt Reilly did his research. He started with an idea, and he developed the background to make his idea come to life. And in the process, he wrote a story that definitely gave me something to worry about. Because he poses the question of what group has the greatest potential to take over this country. Easy answer if you think about it: a Branch of the United States Armed Forces. Why, because they have access to many of the installations containing some of this countries greatest tactical assets: high tech planes and ballistic missiles. And something else even worse. If you guessed the US Air Force, then 10 points to you. It so happens that the President is visiting one of the most mysterious Air Force bases; a good time to put their plan into action.
Only they didn’t plan on US Marine Captain Shane ‘Scarecrow’ Schofield being part of the President’s protection detail. The great thing about these books is that Shane has the deck stacked against him the whole time, and the cards only pile up higher as time passes. However, this is not a man who gives up. He uses the advantages he has available, which often involves some quick thinking on his part. Schofield is a hero you can get behind. He’s a decent human being, not a killing machine, unless he has to be. And he will get the job done, no matter what. After going through the crazy experience in Antarctica with Scarecrow (written about in Ice Station), I definitely love the guy. His surviving team members, Gant (who Shane has a budding relationship with) and Mother (a tough as nails 6’4” shaved-head female marine) are also along for the ride to help save the day.
The villains don’t particularly stand out, other than being loathsome human beings with no sense of loyalty (beyond their own sinister agendas), and bloodthirsty murderers, but this book is so fast-paced, you don’t really miss the character depth. Again, this is the kind of book you pick up when you want an edge of your seat, action-driven story. And you will definitely get that.
Despite its quick pace, I felt the story was pretty solid. This is one of those books you have to pay attention to when you read, because cues will be planted in earlier scenes that will play a pivotal role later on. It helps to appreciate Scarecrow and the other good guys for their quick-thinking and adaptability under fire.
The body count is high in this one, so I’d warn especially squeamish readers. I admit that I would probably flinch if I was seeing some of this on the big screen, and I did a bit when I was reading. But it adds to the sense of risk that good guys do die, and you feel a sense of validation when the bad guys die ugly. Trust me, they deserve it in this book.
Matt Reilly really knows how to bring it. I always enjoy myself when I read his books. And Scarecrow and his crew are just awesome. Glad to read another one of their adventures.
May 31, 2021
This was absolutely terrible. And I loved it.
September 7, 2019
When I’m reading an action novel, I want to be able to turn a page as quickly as a camera angle changes in an action movie.
Matthew Reilly has an amazing ability to be able to create this and Area 7 is no exception.
While this is essentially a ‘sequel’ to Ice Station, it can easily stand alone on its own merits. There are some great settings here in Area 7 to really get immersed into.
Easy 5 stars.
Matthew Reilly has an amazing ability to be able to create this and Area 7 is no exception.
While this is essentially a ‘sequel’ to Ice Station, it can easily stand alone on its own merits. There are some great settings here in Area 7 to really get immersed into.
Easy 5 stars.
March 31, 2021
1.) Ice Station ★★★★
2.) Area 7 ★★★
-----------------------------------------
representation: amputee side character, characters of colour.
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★
This was.... fine???? I definitely preferred the first book but I'm continuing on with the series because apparently the next book is awesome!
trigger warnings: literally everything you can possibly think of.... plus cannibalism (ew).
2.) Area 7 ★★★
-----------------------------------------
representation: amputee side character, characters of colour.
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★
This was.... fine???? I definitely preferred the first book but I'm continuing on with the series because apparently the next book is awesome!
trigger warnings: literally everything you can possibly think of.... plus cannibalism (ew).
October 7, 2020
Like many of these Shane Schofield books they take a bit of suspended disbelief and a lot of accepted probable impossibility. The one thing though you can always depend on with this series is non-stop action and an escape from reality. They are just good, fun stories. Matthew Reilly is a genius when putting words on paper to create a memorable adventure. No matter how improbable the story may get you can always be sure that this author going to tie the story line together masterfully with clever twists and details. You just have to lean back and enjoy the ride.
December 28, 2009
Hard to review because 1) it was a ton of fun to read, but 2) ultimately disappointing at just HOW freekin unbelievable the story was. I mean if this were taking place in the year 2200 and every character had bionic abilities or something, but there is NO way the action sequences are plausible. If not for feats of super-ability that make it seem unreal, the timing of everything is way off where you're thinking "theres no WAY they can get from point A to point B before the timer ends in 2 minutes, that would take a half hour or more" and then the next scene, they've arrived up 6 floors of a structure and across flooded rooms and elevator shafts... IN 2 MINUTES!.
But again, very fun to read. Maybe thats the point, but I expect it woulda been much better had it been toned down a bit.
But again, very fun to read. Maybe thats the point, but I expect it woulda been much better had it been toned down a bit.
February 17, 2019
An experiment to see what all the hype is about.
If you like non-stop action movies, video games etc with plenty of Wam! 🥊, 🚀Boom! ⁉️Kapow! descriptions and the body count increasing on every other page, along with one-dimensional characters and a nonsensical storyline then enjoy!
If you like non-stop action movies, video games etc with plenty of Wam! 🥊, 🚀Boom! ⁉️Kapow! descriptions and the body count increasing on every other page, along with one-dimensional characters and a nonsensical storyline then enjoy!
November 19, 2011
This is the second book I've read by Matthew Reilly and just like Ice Station (the first book in the Scarecrow series) it's an action packed read from start to finish! The setting for this story is the mysterious Area 7 a secret U.S. military installation hidden underground in Utah. U.S. Marine Shane "Scarecrow" Scofield is accompanying the President who is visiting Area 7 when all hell breaks loose and it's up to Scarecrow and his team to keep the President alive.
Whilst battling a crack Air Force Squadron intent on killing the President and all his personnel, trying not to get infected by a deadly virus and trying to get away from a group of evil escaped prisoners, Scarecrow and his team have to work together to stop the threat of one mad man who is intent on destroying America.
Apart from Scarecrow, who is a great character, my other favourite team member is Mother! Oh and you must always pack a Maghook as you never know when one will come in handy :-) Fab series!
Whilst battling a crack Air Force Squadron intent on killing the President and all his personnel, trying not to get infected by a deadly virus and trying to get away from a group of evil escaped prisoners, Scarecrow and his team have to work together to stop the threat of one mad man who is intent on destroying America.
Apart from Scarecrow, who is a great character, my other favourite team member is Mother! Oh and you must always pack a Maghook as you never know when one will come in handy :-) Fab series!
December 11, 2021
📡Área 7🚁
Es el libro #2 de 5 entregas de la saga scarecrow y tengo que ser full sincera este libro fue el desencanto más grande que he tenido hasta ahora. Y como siempre hago inauguración a la frase….“entremos en contexto y vamo al mambo”
El libro trata básicamente de como
Schofield tiene que proteger la vida del presidente estadounidense en su viaje al área 7 un lugar con secretos de alta dirección y de estrategia militar a nivel de enfrentamiento con países como china, Japón y parte de del continente africano.
Todo la atmósfera da un giro ya que desde que aterrizan schofield como buen militar empieza a notar ciertos movimientos extraños por parte de las tropas que estaban en el planter.
Hasta que descubren que la razón de todo este misterio es que al presiiii le han puesto un dispositivo en el corazón,que no solo lo mantiene vivo sino también a más de la mitad del país.
Por ende la misión es que el presidente se mantenga a salvo para que así también el país. El problema es cómo sobrevivirá estando en un lugar tan inmenso con tropas que superan lo imaginable y que su única función es eliminarlo.
Opinión de porque no me gusto:
1-Copio demasiadas ideas del primer libro(estación polar) razón por la que este fue demasiado predecible.
2-Demasiado Deus Ex Machina
Situaciones en las que era imposible que sucediera lo que sucedió.
Entre otras cosas que son imposible decir sin hacer spoiler.
Puntuación : 3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
El libro se puede leer de manera independiente al primero por lo que si lo lees antes tu opinión puede ser distinta, pero si lees estación polar sabrás que este no le llega ni a los tobillos y notarás todos los huevos.
Fin del comunicado 🥵
Es el libro #2 de 5 entregas de la saga scarecrow y tengo que ser full sincera este libro fue el desencanto más grande que he tenido hasta ahora. Y como siempre hago inauguración a la frase….“entremos en contexto y vamo al mambo”
El libro trata básicamente de como
Schofield tiene que proteger la vida del presidente estadounidense en su viaje al área 7 un lugar con secretos de alta dirección y de estrategia militar a nivel de enfrentamiento con países como china, Japón y parte de del continente africano.
Todo la atmósfera da un giro ya que desde que aterrizan schofield como buen militar empieza a notar ciertos movimientos extraños por parte de las tropas que estaban en el planter.
Hasta que descubren que la razón de todo este misterio es que al presiiii le han puesto un dispositivo en el corazón,que no solo lo mantiene vivo sino también a más de la mitad del país.
Por ende la misión es que el presidente se mantenga a salvo para que así también el país. El problema es cómo sobrevivirá estando en un lugar tan inmenso con tropas que superan lo imaginable y que su única función es eliminarlo.
Opinión de porque no me gusto:
1-Copio demasiadas ideas del primer libro(estación polar) razón por la que este fue demasiado predecible.
2-Demasiado Deus Ex Machina
Situaciones en las que era imposible que sucediera lo que sucedió.
Entre otras cosas que son imposible decir sin hacer spoiler.
Puntuación : 3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
El libro se puede leer de manera independiente al primero por lo que si lo lees antes tu opinión puede ser distinta, pero si lees estación polar sabrás que este no le llega ni a los tobillos y notarás todos los huevos.
Fin del comunicado 🥵
June 30, 2013
4 stars
Oh wow what an amazing adventure I had. Weeeeeeeeeeeee.
I loved previous book. It was uber thrilling. Area 7 isn't lacking too except that I enjoyed it less, though. Perhaps it might have got something to do with less gruesome? Or maybe it's my brain's finally able to cope with some gruesome horrific scenes and got immune to it. I don't know, so on this part it's all just me.
Overall, it was nice. The play chase game it was awesome. Definitely suit for me because I am an adrenaline junkie. As usual, Schofield saves another day. I love him! One part that amuses me is that I was so used to him as a man who afraid with nothing and then, when it came to Gant, he's the opposite. I laughed because it felt silly at the same time cute and also weird.
To be frank, I'd prefer no romance in this series even small bits of it - I don't care. I know, Schofield's a human and he has feelings. He can love but... I don't know, romance in thriller book, it kills the charm. I guess it's too late because in this case, the charm's been killed and might as well I have to suck it up if I want to move on to the next book.
Like any other readers that I am agreed with, I HATE EVERY CLIFFHANGER IN EVERY CHAPTER/SUBCHAPTER/PARAGRAPH IN THIS BOOK. Seriously damn. Every time there's a good part and suddenly, it stops and a new paragraph starts with different part -- I was like what the f***. It made me crazy ALL. THE. TIME. UGH.
Still brilliant, though. No matter what.
Read on your own peril.
Oh wow what an amazing adventure I had. Weeeeeeeeeeeee.
I loved previous book. It was uber thrilling. Area 7 isn't lacking too except that I enjoyed it less, though. Perhaps it might have got something to do with less gruesome? Or maybe it's my brain's finally able to cope with some gruesome horrific scenes and got immune to it. I don't know, so on this part it's all just me.
Overall, it was nice. The play chase game it was awesome. Definitely suit for me because I am an adrenaline junkie. As usual, Schofield saves another day. I love him! One part that amuses me is that I was so used to him as a man who afraid with nothing and then, when it came to Gant, he's the opposite. I laughed because it felt silly at the same time cute and also weird.
To be frank, I'd prefer no romance in this series even small bits of it - I don't care. I know, Schofield's a human and he has feelings. He can love but... I don't know, romance in thriller book, it kills the charm. I guess it's too late because in this case, the charm's been killed and might as well I have to suck it up if I want to move on to the next book.
Like any other readers that I am agreed with, I HATE EVERY CLIFFHANGER IN EVERY CHAPTER/SUBCHAPTER/PARAGRAPH IN THIS BOOK. Seriously damn. Every time there's a good part and suddenly, it stops and a new paragraph starts with different part -- I was like what the f***. It made me crazy ALL. THE. TIME. UGH.
Still brilliant, though. No matter what.
Read on your own peril.
January 30, 2022
Trigger warnings: violence, death, gore, explosions, gun violence, death of a friend, mentions of cannibalism, mentions of rape, racism, eugenics.
30/1/2022
3.5 stars. I'm bumping this up on reread because even though it's utterly ridiculous, it's a whole different kettle of fish reading this during a pandemic. Needed more Gant, but Mother is, as always, a fucking delight.
30/8/2014
Look, we all know that Matthew Reilly's books border on the ridiculous. The plots are over the top, there's little to no character development, and at least 90% of what happens is utterly implausible. But they're just so much fun to read, dammit. I prefer Ice Station to this one, but it's still action packed and fast paced and generally decent non-brain-power-requiring reading.
Sure, it's massively implausible that a secret faction of the Air Force would take over a secret government base in the Nevada desert that's stocked with all kinds of planes and Komodo dragons and Kodiak bears and serial killers to be used for experimentation purposes and also a random small child who may or may not be psychic, oh and BTW, the President has a tracker on his heart and if his heart stops, 14 cities will be nuked. But who cares, because it's one hell of a ride.
As per usual, Reilly's books read a lot like movie scripts - it's all action, all the time - and it's never going to win any awards for being quality literature. But sometimes, brainless action is exactly what you need.
30/1/2022
3.5 stars. I'm bumping this up on reread because even though it's utterly ridiculous, it's a whole different kettle of fish reading this during a pandemic. Needed more Gant, but Mother is, as always, a fucking delight.
30/8/2014
Look, we all know that Matthew Reilly's books border on the ridiculous. The plots are over the top, there's little to no character development, and at least 90% of what happens is utterly implausible. But they're just so much fun to read, dammit. I prefer Ice Station to this one, but it's still action packed and fast paced and generally decent non-brain-power-requiring reading.
Sure, it's massively implausible that a secret faction of the Air Force would take over a secret government base in the Nevada desert that's stocked with all kinds of planes and Komodo dragons and Kodiak bears and serial killers to be used for experimentation purposes and also a random small child who may or may not be psychic, oh and BTW, the President has a tracker on his heart and if his heart stops, 14 cities will be nuked. But who cares, because it's one hell of a ride.
As per usual, Reilly's books read a lot like movie scripts - it's all action, all the time - and it's never going to win any awards for being quality literature. But sometimes, brainless action is exactly what you need.
June 14, 2020
This book SHOULD be read only if you are waiting in the airport to catch a long-delayed flight, or while pursuing some other (similar) pursuit. This book is undoubtedly rather difficult to part-with while in the middle of reading, but it stretches the border of incredulity to such an extreme point that the whole thing becomes pointless at the end. With multiple conspiring groups trying to prove something/steal something/kill something (i.e. someone, who is, incidentally, the President of the U.S.A) etc. etc. and Reilly's hero Scarecrow and his team trying to save the world (i.e. the President), and the whole thing taking place at a speed faster than anything conceivable, the book is bound to receive some expletives after the end of reading, question is: would they be positive, or negative?
December 20, 2021
Scarecrow and two of his comrades-in-arms from the first book are back. This has more action and less downtime, which is one of the reasons I didn't like it as much as the first one. I won't read the next one because Reilly's goal (stated after the novel) is to have even more action packed in, so not for me.
I liked the fact that this was a completely different setting and was pleased that two of the surviving members of the first book (no spoilers in case you haven't already read Ice Station, even though others have gone and done just that :) (but it's not in the book description, so if you don't read farther down, you're all set).
Note that some of my reading friends have rated this much higher.
I liked the fact that this was a completely different setting and was pleased that two of the surviving members of the first book (no spoilers in case you haven't already read Ice Station, even though others have gone and done just that :) (but it's not in the book description, so if you don't read farther down, you're all set).
Note that some of my reading friends have rated this much higher.
March 11, 2015
Suspend belief for this military thriller. Unbelievable plots and impossible escapes from impending death aplenty. A rogue Air Force General supposedly executed, armed with his own Air Force Special Ops unit takes on the US President with his Marine Corp and Secret Service escort. Shane Schofield (Scarecrow) and his team battle for control of a secret military laboratory and bioweapons facility, trying to prevent racial and political disaster. Yet, there is even more treachery as some of the Air Force team is a mercenary group for a South African faction with a third agenda. Lightning fast pace.
January 16, 2018
Had to cut my loses on this one after 138 pages. Introduction was great, prologue really got my attention, nice illustrations, but after that way too much shoot em up bang bang for me. Was hoping to learn more behind the scenes in government installations.
June 13, 2018
Blam! Blam! Scarecrow's back!
While the start of this book reads as though you're in for a predictable action-thriller, it is anything but. Scarecrow, Mother, Fox, and 'Book the Second' are locked in a super secret military facility, alongside the president, and are up against a team of genetically enhanced air-force soldiers. To make matters more interesting, if the president's heart stops beating, a bunch of strategically placed nukes will detonate around key American locations.
While the setting isn't as exciting as Wilkes Ice Station, what goes down in said setting more than makes up for it! I've said it before and I'll say it again: Reilly's ability to mix fact and fiction is incredible. I constantly pondered if such facilities, viruses, or corruption actually exist in the real world.
The virus I speak of dramatically ups the tension. If blowing up most of the USA isn't enough, said virus will kill anyone without Asian ancestry--unless they've taken the antidote! The bad guys just keep getting badder!
The Area 7 facility experiments on animals. This gives us a collection of monstrous bears and Komodo dragons that appear throughout the story. They also test viruses and vaccines on people--multiple-lifers and people sent to the chair: the worst of the worst. I don't need to tell you that one force of villains would be too easy for Scarecrow to deal with, do I?
Action scenes take place throughout the facility, in the air, and boats speeding through a series of canyons. All over-the-top action, the kind of stuff you want to experience with a hero like Scarecrow.
Awesome story, full of clever twists and actions by the lovable (and hateable!) cast. This series is a must read for anyone who enjoys fast-paced thrillers!
I'm more than keen to hook into the next book in this amazing series!
While the start of this book reads as though you're in for a predictable action-thriller, it is anything but. Scarecrow, Mother, Fox, and 'Book the Second' are locked in a super secret military facility, alongside the president, and are up against a team of genetically enhanced air-force soldiers. To make matters more interesting, if the president's heart stops beating, a bunch of strategically placed nukes will detonate around key American locations.
While the setting isn't as exciting as Wilkes Ice Station, what goes down in said setting more than makes up for it! I've said it before and I'll say it again: Reilly's ability to mix fact and fiction is incredible. I constantly pondered if such facilities, viruses, or corruption actually exist in the real world.
The virus I speak of dramatically ups the tension. If blowing up most of the USA isn't enough, said virus will kill anyone without Asian ancestry--unless they've taken the antidote! The bad guys just keep getting badder!
The Area 7 facility experiments on animals. This gives us a collection of monstrous bears and Komodo dragons that appear throughout the story. They also test viruses and vaccines on people--multiple-lifers and people sent to the chair: the worst of the worst. I don't need to tell you that one force of villains would be too easy for Scarecrow to deal with, do I?
Action scenes take place throughout the facility, in the air, and boats speeding through a series of canyons. All over-the-top action, the kind of stuff you want to experience with a hero like Scarecrow.
Awesome story, full of clever twists and actions by the lovable (and hateable!) cast. This series is a must read for anyone who enjoys fast-paced thrillers!
I'm more than keen to hook into the next book in this amazing series!
March 8, 2021
Area 7 (Shane Schofield #2) by Matthew Reilly
Synopsis /
It is America's most secret base, a remote installation known only as Area 7.
And today it has a guest: the President of the United States. But he's going to get more than he bargained for on this trip. Because hostile forces are waiting inside...
Among the President's helicopter crew, however, is a young marine. His name is Schofield. Call-sign: SCARECROW. Rumour has it, he's a good man in a storm. Judging by what the President has just walked into, he'd better be.
My Thoughts /
Warning 1: Do not read this book if you cannot suspend your disbelief about the seemingly improbable events that occur during action sequences. The one thing you can always count on with this series is non-stop action and an escape from reality.
Warning 2: The body count is high! There is violence – hand-to-hand combat violence, gun violence, grenade violence, missile violence, explosive violence.
What this book doesn’t have:-
- crossbows,
- killer whales,
- cute seals,
- hovercrafts.
What this book does have:-
- explosive action and cut throat tension (pun intended)
- a deadly virus
- foreign spies
- USAF commandos no longer loyal to the United States
- a kid named Kevin
- Nuclear bombs
- chemical weapons
- prison inmates
- Monster Bears
- Komodo Dragons
- escapes
- spaceships
- scenes that make you roll your eyes because you are having a “yeah, right” moment,
- and, as always, pack a Maghook as you never know when one will come in handy
Area 7 is book 2 in the Shane Schofield series, written by the talented action writer and Australian author, Matthew Reilly. No one, writes action scenes like Matthew Reilly. I’m reading this to rectify my boo-boo of reading #3 before #2. The setting for this story is [mysterious] Area 7, a secret U.S. military installation hidden underground in Utah. The President is visiting Area 7 accompanied by his secret service entourage, together with Schofield, Fox, Mother, et al, when all hell breaks loose and it's up to Scarecrow and his team to keep the President alive.
I love the very strong female characters who kick butt in their own right.
Another amazing, wild ride, thank you Mr Reilly!
Book #2 Favourite Quote:- Reach for the sky Pardner.
Synopsis /
It is America's most secret base, a remote installation known only as Area 7.
And today it has a guest: the President of the United States. But he's going to get more than he bargained for on this trip. Because hostile forces are waiting inside...
Among the President's helicopter crew, however, is a young marine. His name is Schofield. Call-sign: SCARECROW. Rumour has it, he's a good man in a storm. Judging by what the President has just walked into, he'd better be.
My Thoughts /
Warning 1: Do not read this book if you cannot suspend your disbelief about the seemingly improbable events that occur during action sequences. The one thing you can always count on with this series is non-stop action and an escape from reality.
Warning 2: The body count is high! There is violence – hand-to-hand combat violence, gun violence, grenade violence, missile violence, explosive violence.
What this book doesn’t have:-
- crossbows,
- killer whales,
- cute seals,
- hovercrafts.
What this book does have:-
- explosive action and cut throat tension (pun intended)
- a deadly virus
- foreign spies
- USAF commandos no longer loyal to the United States
- a kid named Kevin
- Nuclear bombs
- chemical weapons
- prison inmates
- Monster Bears
- Komodo Dragons
- escapes
- spaceships
- scenes that make you roll your eyes because you are having a “yeah, right” moment,
- and, as always, pack a Maghook as you never know when one will come in handy
Area 7 is book 2 in the Shane Schofield series, written by the talented action writer and Australian author, Matthew Reilly. No one, writes action scenes like Matthew Reilly. I’m reading this to rectify my boo-boo of reading #3 before #2. The setting for this story is [mysterious] Area 7, a secret U.S. military installation hidden underground in Utah. The President is visiting Area 7 accompanied by his secret service entourage, together with Schofield, Fox, Mother, et al, when all hell breaks loose and it's up to Scarecrow and his team to keep the President alive.
I love the very strong female characters who kick butt in their own right.
Another amazing, wild ride, thank you Mr Reilly!
Book #2 Favourite Quote:- Reach for the sky Pardner.
July 20, 2013
Having recently finished the first book in the Scarecrow series, Ice Station, I have decided that Matthew Reilly is quite adept at writing a story that is essentially contained in one local. In Area 7, we find Scarecrow and some of his friends from the previous novel, stuck in the middle of deadly game of cat and mouse with a maniacal (supposedly) dead man. For much of the book, Reilly teeters on the edge of believable action but by the end of this book he literally rockets past the believable to where no man has gone before. But really, who reads action/adventure for believable plot points.
Having previously listened to the Audiobooks for the Jack West Jr. series, I find this series to be more interesting and the characters more likeable. As I have heard it said, Reilly is not the master of character development as most of them don't live long enough to develop.
The books was well narrated, and the action kept coming. It travels into the absurd for a few chapters and near the end I was saying get on with it already, but I was satisfied as I got exactly what I expected. Another winner by Reilly.
Having previously listened to the Audiobooks for the Jack West Jr. series, I find this series to be more interesting and the characters more likeable. As I have heard it said, Reilly is not the master of character development as most of them don't live long enough to develop.
The books was well narrated, and the action kept coming. It travels into the absurd for a few chapters and near the end I was saying get on with it already, but I was satisfied as I got exactly what I expected. Another winner by Reilly.
April 20, 2007
Good solid action book. Shane "Scarecrow" Schofield again saves the world! This series is fantastic, one great read after the other. If you enjoy books that read like movies, high action one chapter after the other, a small group up against insurmountable odds, this series is for you!
This time Scarecrow is serving on Marine One, carting the President around some secret bases out in the desert when a rouge Air Force special forces team decides to change America overnight. It is up to Scarecrow and a few marines to keep the president alive and save the American way of life in the process. Nuclear bombs, chemical weapons, prison inmates, and a division of highly trained special forces are all that stand in the way of getting the President out of this situation.
This time Scarecrow is serving on Marine One, carting the President around some secret bases out in the desert when a rouge Air Force special forces team decides to change America overnight. It is up to Scarecrow and a few marines to keep the president alive and save the American way of life in the process. Nuclear bombs, chemical weapons, prison inmates, and a division of highly trained special forces are all that stand in the way of getting the President out of this situation.
December 8, 2021
Continuing my revisit of my old favourites, I liked AREA 7 a bit more than I did my re-listen of ICE STATION. "Mr President, there's a transmitter on your heart, and if your heart stops, America DIES" is possibly the campiest thing I've ever heard.
I think this was the first Reilly novel I ever read, way back whenever it was - probably high school. I can see why teenage-me enjoyed it so much, but like ICE STATION I struggled with it as a 30 year old. Really there's nothing wrong with it, and it does the job it was designed to do, I think I've just outgrown things that have "EXPLOSIVE" as descriptors.
Onto SCARECROW next - I remember almost nothing about it, so I'm actually interested to see how it pans out.
I think this was the first Reilly novel I ever read, way back whenever it was - probably high school. I can see why teenage-me enjoyed it so much, but like ICE STATION I struggled with it as a 30 year old. Really there's nothing wrong with it, and it does the job it was designed to do, I think I've just outgrown things that have "EXPLOSIVE" as descriptors.
Onto SCARECROW next - I remember almost nothing about it, so I'm actually interested to see how it pans out.
October 16, 2021
Book 2 is a worthy follow up to the start of a promising series. (Yes, I am a little behind the times, as I only finished book 2). This is a perfect beach or plane read for those who love action and are willing to suspend disbelief. Scarecrow is like Reacher on steroids.
February 2, 2021
Diré algo: Este es el mejor libro que he leído en mi vida, y llevo más de seis años en esto (lo sé soy un feto) Área 7 explotó mi cabeza y me puso al borde del llanto en más de una ocasión. Pensaba que iba a morir de un ataque al corazón mientras lo leía porque NO TIENE PAUSA. No hay ni un poquito de relleno, todo es INCREÍBLE.
Apenas iban 10 páginas y todo un escuadron había muerto y yo: 😨Dios mío, qué es esto? Esta historia ocurre por tierra, mar, aire y cómo si no fuera suficiente... SE VAN AL JODIDO ESPACIO! No podía conmigo, con la presión, con el miedo, con la esperanza... porque a pesar de ser un libro de tácticas militares y que buscaban salvar al presidente y toda la nación... Reilly encontró lugar para el romance y ahí por completo se ganó mi corazón.
Jamás creo volver a leer un libro tan increíble como ese, y si eso ocurre, creo que mi cabeza explotará.
Apenas iban 10 páginas y todo un escuadron había muerto y yo: 😨Dios mío, qué es esto? Esta historia ocurre por tierra, mar, aire y cómo si no fuera suficiente... SE VAN AL JODIDO ESPACIO! No podía conmigo, con la presión, con el miedo, con la esperanza... porque a pesar de ser un libro de tácticas militares y que buscaban salvar al presidente y toda la nación... Reilly encontró lugar para el romance y ahí por completo se ganó mi corazón.
Jamás creo volver a leer un libro tan increíble como ese, y si eso ocurre, creo que mi cabeza explotará.
March 5, 2021
3.5
This was just what I needed right now. Fast paced, ridiculous action sequences, heroes vs baddies, a fun romp. I wasn’t expecting the virus element, so that was somewhat uncomfortable reading at this time - but apart from that, this was pure escapism, perfect to take my mind off actual life for a while.
This was just what I needed right now. Fast paced, ridiculous action sequences, heroes vs baddies, a fun romp. I wasn’t expecting the virus element, so that was somewhat uncomfortable reading at this time - but apart from that, this was pure escapism, perfect to take my mind off actual life for a while.
May 28, 2021
No se como este hombre (hablando del autor) logra superar cada espectativa que tengo con sus libros. Me ha encantado
December 21, 2020
A book that reads like a movie, with action unfolding before your eyes.
March 16, 2020
I still want half-stars. (3.5)
This novel brings back Shane Schofield ‘Scarecrow’ into the one place where he loves to be: action. His mission is to save the President whilst inside top-secret Area 7. However, this novel is also interspersed with some romance with his colleague Libby ‘Fox’ Gant.
This novel tries to live up and beyond to Ice Station, but for me just didn’t quite feel like it. I loved how we got more of Mother (favourite character) and with the addition of Juliet Janson (I love her so much), this novel has some kickass characters. I feel a little sad as well for the departure of 'Rebound' Simmons (just because he reminds me of Jean Havoc), and I would have liked to see more of him. However, some characters didn't have that sort of connection - Book II and Gant felt two-dimensional, as well as the main villain.
And the action scenes sort of felt the same after a while - guns blazing and plane flying. the first novel in the series, Ice Station, had more variety in that sense. Surprisingly, I didn't mind how unrealistic any of the action sequences were, because that was the whole point of the novel - to escape from reality and smash planes around. But going in, it just wasn't as spunky as Ice Station. This review is possibly flawed like that because I keep linking it back to the previous one in the series.
And now, the opinions on the love story. I'll have to admit, it did grow on me. I cared about Schofield's wellbeing, and putting himself through the very high amounts of deaths of his crew members must have taken a toll on him. However, it seemed sort of predictable: the pretty blond-hair blue-eyed girl. Before we learn more about Mother's home life, I was rooting for her to be with Schofield because 1) it is something different from the norm and 2) there was just so much chemistry and it works well. I think I've commented too much on the romance for an action novel, so I'll end the review here.
Overall, a sort of satisfying action novel with the addition of some great cast members but needs more ingenuity. Reilly's novels should 100% become films though: every book he writes has that action-movie drive that is so rare to find in other action novels. They all really keep you hooked.
This novel brings back Shane Schofield ‘Scarecrow’ into the one place where he loves to be: action. His mission is to save the President whilst inside top-secret Area 7. However, this novel is also interspersed with some romance with his colleague Libby ‘Fox’ Gant.
This novel tries to live up and beyond to Ice Station, but for me just didn’t quite feel like it. I loved how we got more of Mother (favourite character) and with the addition of Juliet Janson (I love her so much), this novel has some kickass characters. I feel a little sad as well for the departure of 'Rebound' Simmons (just because he reminds me of Jean Havoc), and I would have liked to see more of him. However, some characters didn't have that sort of connection - Book II and Gant felt two-dimensional, as well as the main villain.
And the action scenes sort of felt the same after a while - guns blazing and plane flying. the first novel in the series, Ice Station, had more variety in that sense. Surprisingly, I didn't mind how unrealistic any of the action sequences were, because that was the whole point of the novel - to escape from reality and smash planes around. But going in, it just wasn't as spunky as Ice Station. This review is possibly flawed like that because I keep linking it back to the previous one in the series.
And now, the opinions on the love story. I'll have to admit, it did grow on me. I cared about Schofield's wellbeing, and putting himself through the very high amounts of deaths of his crew members must have taken a toll on him. However, it seemed sort of predictable: the pretty blond-hair blue-eyed girl. Before we learn more about Mother's home life, I was rooting for her to be with Schofield because 1) it is something different from the norm and 2) there was just so much chemistry and it works well. I think I've commented too much on the romance for an action novel, so I'll end the review here.
Overall, a sort of satisfying action novel with the addition of some great cast members but needs more ingenuity. Reilly's novels should 100% become films though: every book he writes has that action-movie drive that is so rare to find in other action novels. They all really keep you hooked.
March 5, 2016
Yes yes YES. Matt Reilly delivers, and far better than any action movie!
I love Matthew Reilly's writing--the fast-paced action, the settings, the situations and the plot twists and, yes, the characters too. Even Reilly himself admitted that he's in this game to write about action and adventure, and if character development has to get axed as a result, then so be it. But for me, that honestly isn't the case. Getting to see Shane Schofield back in action, along with Libby Gant and Gena "Mother" Newman, as well as learn a bit more about their backstories, was great.
And the setting - a top secret military base in the middle of the American desert - complete with a map which gets updated at the beginning of each "confrontation" - is SO much fun to pore over and try to guess what will happen next. A bit implausible at times (yet never unrealistic) and a very liberal use of exclamation points in the narrative, sure. But it's so much FUN and far better than any action movie out there (in fact, I really wish his books would get made into movies, but then again, books are always better.)
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book of Matt Reilly's (that I have read) and can't wait to read more. Bravo!
I love Matthew Reilly's writing--the fast-paced action, the settings, the situations and the plot twists and, yes, the characters too. Even Reilly himself admitted that he's in this game to write about action and adventure, and if character development has to get axed as a result, then so be it. But for me, that honestly isn't the case. Getting to see Shane Schofield back in action, along with Libby Gant and Gena "Mother" Newman, as well as learn a bit more about their backstories, was great.
And the setting - a top secret military base in the middle of the American desert - complete with a map which gets updated at the beginning of each "confrontation" - is SO much fun to pore over and try to guess what will happen next. A bit implausible at times (yet never unrealistic) and a very liberal use of exclamation points in the narrative, sure. But it's so much FUN and far better than any action movie out there (in fact, I really wish his books would get made into movies, but then again, books are always better.)
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book of Matt Reilly's (that I have read) and can't wait to read more. Bravo!
February 28, 2015
What if the Air Force was conducting secret biological weaponry research at a remote installation in the Utah desert? What if the President was scheduled to make a visit there to see a particular breakthrough in that research? What if the installation had been infiltrated by USAF commandos no longer loyal to the United States? And what if Shane "Scarecrow" Schofield happened to be assigned to the Presidential detail for this trip?
The result: Mayhem!
This is the second in the series about the action adventures of the Marine known as Scarecrow. And, impossible as this may sound (especially if you've read the first book, "Ice Station"), this one is even more frenetic and exciting. The book whips along from one seemingly hopeless situation to another. If I had a nickel for every time I thought to myself, "There's no way he gets out of this predicament,"why, I'd probably have about five dollars! (Do the math. That's a lot of predicaments.) Anyway, I commend this book to you for it's high energy and roller coaster plot line. Enjoy!
The result: Mayhem!
This is the second in the series about the action adventures of the Marine known as Scarecrow. And, impossible as this may sound (especially if you've read the first book, "Ice Station"), this one is even more frenetic and exciting. The book whips along from one seemingly hopeless situation to another. If I had a nickel for every time I thought to myself, "There's no way he gets out of this predicament,"why, I'd probably have about five dollars! (Do the math. That's a lot of predicaments.) Anyway, I commend this book to you for it's high energy and roller coaster plot line. Enjoy!
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