Matthew Reilly

For those of you CC fans out there I would just like to recommend the adventure books from the Australian author Matthew Reilly. Reillys style is very similar to that of Cussler - Ive read them all & I can't speak highly enough of his books. Unfortunately Mr Reilly doesnt write books at the same rate as Mr C. Anyway, for those of you that have read any of Matthew Reillys books let me know what you think & maybe who you think is the better writer!!!

Welcome to the forum, Apollo! I haven't read any Matthew Reilly yet, but have seen a ton of his books on shelves everywhere.

Aside from having similar styles, are there any other similarities between him and Cussler? Is there anything you think he does better than Clive, or vice versa?

Enjoy your time on the forum, and post often!

Reilly writes nothing more than glorified movie scripts.All action/no substance.
At least Clive writes stuff thats beleivable.Reilly is so over the top that it's almost a parody.OOOO i need to stick my hand through molten lava to open this door but the *hero* takes it with just a little wince and carries on like nothings happened.Give me a break
Yes fiction is about the suspension of disbelief but Reilly carries it too far and it wrecks the story for me.
the only similarities are the central *hero* in each book and the fact that Cussler is still the master of the genre and Reilly is a bad copy.

Well, there was never any REAL substance to most of Cussler's novels. And, frankly, we don't read them for substance, we read them for escapism and thrills. Otherwise, why bother ? Most of Cussler's plots are outlandish and that's OK,because we all know most of this stuff would never happen. Cussler, like most thriller writers, doesn't have much character development and all of the NUMA characters are one-dimensional. As to action,well, even you have to admit some of the books move kind of slowly (NIGHTPROBE comes to mind),so,in that sense, Reilly gives you much more bang for the buck. And,if you are an Indiana Jones kind of fan that likes seat of your pants make it up as we go along kind of tale,then Reilly's definitely your boy. Nothing wrong with that.

As to believability,well, that's all relative. In every story since DRAGON, we have the author appearing as himself in some way as to actually guide or help the heroes to the plot conclusion.
The amazing thing is they NEVER remember him from book to book!! That's got to be the silliest and most unbelievable plot device yet ! But Cussler didn't stop there. Let's not forget the "Immaculate Conception" of the twins !! That,in and of itself,out reillys Reilly himself.

But comparing these guys is like comparing apples and oranges. Each has their own niche and their own fan base and they all write stuff that people want to read.

But the guy giving Cussler a run for his money is James Rollins. His stories have great action and plots that make you think. His Sigma Force books are great and he has excellent stand along stories and characters as well. Cussler's upcoming problems will be that he has too many series (do we really need FARGO?)happening and too many different authors writing FOR him. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but the quality of the writing is inconsistent and we are not getting Cussler,just images from someone else's perspective.

Which is all the more reason to read many other authors and appreciate what they contribute to the genre as well because someday even Cussler will be knocked off the throne. Happens to the best of us.

Every one is entilted to belive what they want. Just remember yesterday's science fiction is today's science fact.
I do not believe someone can put their hand in hot lava and not even winch.
Reading other authors is always good for your mind. Read each one with an open mind at least.
Welcome to the Forum Applo. Post often.

Hell just got a bit cooler, because I happen to agree with Mr. Kitt on several points here. This one especially:

I'll admit that the original post from our new member, Apollo_95 was a bit of a head scratcher because there really isn't that much similarity.

Now, I won't damn anyone with faint praise. I do happen to think that there is substance to Cussler's work (some novels more than others) and I fundamentally reject most of the cliche criticisms of thillers and action-adventure (i.e. formulaic, one-dimensional), but everyone has different tastes. If you (and I'm talking about critics in general here, not Mr. Kitt) don't like it, don't eat it, but don't assume that you can speak for everyone else.

Thanks for your comments although I need to question Mostly Heeps comment "At least Clive writes stuff thats beleivable". Have you not read 'Raise the Titanic'??

Its true that Reillys books could quite easily be made into films & I believe that the rights to several of his books have been bought by film companies. Im sure you will agree that Cusslers books usually follow a very similar plot line whereas Reilly is more creative with his. Reillys early books were usually based around a specific location ie. Ice Station, Contest & Area 57, but his later books have taken his main character on a worldwide adventure!! If anything his books are getting better and better. The only fault with Reilly is that his books only seem to come out every 2/3 years. I think that when Reilly has been writing for as long as Cussler (I think Reilly is only in his early thirties) then his collection of books is gonna put Mr C in the shade.

Oswalder - if you like Cussler ur gonna love Reilly!! Read Ice Station & let me know what u think - Im sure you'll be hooked after that.

And if you like Cussler and Reilly, there's this other guy you should check out....his name escapes me, but he writes about this guy named Nick Kismet.

Mr Ellis, tsk,tsk, that is a shameless plug on your part. And need I point out the similarities between MY name and that of your character. Take out the "sme" and well.....close enough.

Least you could do is send me a book.

However, I will accept it as a compliment and a tribute,of sorts,especially if he's handsome,brave, and always gets the girl.

I'll let you know where to send the royalty check along with the ARC of your latest. Hope it's a thick novel. I have a dresser with a broken leg--LOL !!!

This post has been edited by Nick Kitt on Jul 9 2009, 12:44 PM

Mr Ellis, tsk,tsk, that is a shameless plug on your part. And need I point out the similarities between MY name and that of your character. Take out the "sme" and well.....close enough.

Least you could do is send me a book.

However, I will accept it as a compliment and a tribute,of sorts,especially if he's handsome,brave, and always gets the girl.

I'll let you know where to send the royalty check along with the ARC of your latest. Hope it's a thick novel. I have a dresser with a broken leg--LOL !!!

I for one don't think that is a shameless plug at all, especially on this forum which I do believe promotes authors to share their work with us. If memory serves me correctly I believe Sean co-authored a book about the works of Clive Cussler and Clive loved the book.

I have never read a Matthew Reilly book and have never wanted to based on feedback I've received about his books from various people and from one person in particular whose opinion I value.

Sean keep plugging away. Your books look great sitting next to Clive's on my bookshelf.

Mr Ellis, tsk,tsk, that is a shameless plug on your part. And need I point out the similarities between MY name and that of your character. Take out the "sme" and well.....close enough.

Least you could do is send me a book.

However, I will accept it as a compliment and a tribute,of sorts,especially if he's handsome,brave, and always gets the girl.

I'll let you know where to send the royalty check along with the ARC of your latest. Hope it's a thick novel. I have a dresser with a broken leg--LOL !!!

Once again you prove you're nothing more than an ignorant prick with your last statement Nick.Why the call for that?


Here's an idea mate. James Rollins will be the keynote speaker at this years CC Con in San Diego...Why don't you attend? Here's a chance to meet 2 of your favorite aauthors and talk to them face to face.

Mr Ellis, tsk,tsk, that is a shameless plug on your part. And need I point out the similarities between MY name and that of your character. Take out the "sme" and well.....close enough.

Least you could do is send me a book.

However, I will accept it as a compliment and a tribute,of sorts,especially if he's handsome,brave, and always gets the girl.

I'll let you know where to send the royalty check along with the ARC of your latest. Hope it's a thick novel. I have a dresser with a broken leg--LOL !!!

Once again you prove you're nothing more than an ignorant prick with your last statement Nick.Why the call for that?


Here's an idea mate. James Rollins will be the keynote speaker at this years CC Con in San Diego...Why don't you attend? Here's a chance to meet 2 of your favorite aauthors and talk to them face to face.

LOL !! Some guys have NO sense of humor.


Rollins the keynote speaker ?!? Nicely done whoever had the smarts to set that up.
Even Cussler sees the big potential in Rollins and can't say I blame him. You can hurt your neck always looking over your shoulder so you might as well as invite him to the party.

And, heep,you really ought to lighten up and chill. You gonna get an ulcer if you haven't got one already.