Melbourne thriller writer Matt Rogers follows the tradition of Matthew Reilly with combat-centered action tales, and “Contracts” is a solid, if unassuming story set on the standard route to Everest. The second of a new series combining previously separate heroes, Jason King and Matt Slater (one is bigger, one is faster), the story revolves around the kidnapping of an American teenage girl, daughter of a senior secret service official. Battle after battle ensues, with the perils of high altitude sickness a further obstacle. Rogers choreographs the violence well but for me, little made the two nigh-superheroes stand out above the scrum of many similar Ethan Hunts in a crowded marketplace. Entertaining, nonetheless.
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