COOL READS: Matthew Reilly's Bio

Matthew Reilly : Master of high-octane thrillers and relentless adventure

Matthew Reilly, born on July 2, 1974, in Sydney, Australia, is a globally acclaimed author renowned for his high-octane action thrillers. His novels, characterised by rapid pacing and cinematic flair, have captivated readers worldwide, with over 8 million copies sold across more than 20 languages.

Early Life and Education

Raised in the suburb of Willoughby, Reilly was the second son of Ray, a Department of Corrective Services employee, and Denise, a mathematics teacher. He attended St Aloysius' College in Milsons Point, graduating in 1992, and subsequently pursued a law degree at the University of New South Wales, completing his studies in 1997.

Literary Career

Reilly's passion for storytelling ignited during his teenage years, particularly after reading classics like To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies. At 19, while still in university, he penned his debut novel, Contest. Facing rejections from major publishers, he self-published the book in 1996, producing 1,000 copies. His determination paid off when Cate Paterson, a commissioning editor from Pan Macmillan, discovered Contest in a Sydney bookstore and offered him a two-book deal.

Following this breakthrough, Reilly authored Ice Station (1998), which garnered international acclaim and established his reputation for adrenaline-fueled narratives. He continued to build on this success with series like the Shane Schofield novels — Area 7, Scarecrow, Hell Island, and Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves—and the Jack West Jr. series, including Seven Ancient Wonders, The Six Sacred Stones, The Five Greatest Warriors, and The Four Legendary Kingdoms.

Reilly's standalone works, such as Temple, The Tournament, The Great Zoo of China, and The Secret Runners of New York, further showcase his versatility and commitment to delivering gripping tales.

Ventures into Film

Expanding his creative horizons, Reilly ventured into filmmaking with his directorial debut, Interceptor, released on Netflix in 2022. The film, starring Elsa Pataky and executive produced by Chris Hemsworth, centres on a US Army captain's mission to thwart a nuclear attack. Reilly co-wrote the screenplay, bringing his signature action-packed style to the screen.

Personal Life

In 2004, Reilly married Natalie Freer, who had been a significant support in his early writing career. Tragically, Natalie passed away in 2011, leading Reilly to take a hiatus from public engagements. He later relocated to Los Angeles and, in April 2023, married Kate Freeman.

An avid fan of pop culture, Reilly's personal collection includes memorabilia like a life-size Han Solo in carbonite and a DeLorean from Back to the Future. His enthusiasm for storytelling, both written and visual, continues to inspire his diverse body of work.

Matthew Reilly is known for fast-paced, action-packed thrillers that blend crime, military strategy, and archaeology with blockbuster-style storytelling. Here's a list of his major books and series:

* Scarecrow Series

Features: Shane Schofield, a U.S. Marine with the call-sign "Scarecrow"

Ice Station (1998)

Area 7 (2001)

Scarecrow (2003)

Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves (2011)

Hell Island (2005) — novella (originally for Australian Defence Force)

* Jack West Jr. Series

Indiana Jones-style archaeological thrillers

Seven Ancient Wonders (2005)

The Six Sacred Stones (2007)

The Five Greatest Warriors (2009)