SCARECROW is the 3rd novel in Matthew Reilly’s Scarecrow series and probably the most action packed (and unlikely) so far.
Shane Schofield (the Scarecrow) is sent on a mission but when he arrives there is no problem other than the people trying to kill hm. His name has been added to a list and bounty hunters must remove the heads of those on the list by midday on 26th October. The rewards offered to the bounty hunters are huge.
So along with avoiding the various very skilled bounty hunters, Scarecrow must found out who wants him dead and why. When he first sees the list he can’t imagine what the people on the list have in common.
Eventually Scarecrow and his friends manage to uncover the biggest conspiracy ever where 12 of the richest and most powerful men in the world decide to change the direction of the world for their own benefit. And Scarecrow is one of a handful of people who would be capable of stopping them. But Scarecrow loses a lot to get to this point.
This was one of the most over-the-top action-packed novels I have ever read (listened to actually). The entire scenario was completely unrealistic, but the book was a lot of fun – if you don’t mind lots of death and mayhem.
There were also some personal moments between Scarecrow and various friends that almost managed to bring the story back down to earth.
I don’t read a lot of action novels, but I enjoy most works by Matthew Reilly and I’m enjoying this series. I’m looking forward to the next novel – HELL ISLAND.
Published 2003