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Eden Paradox #1
The Eden Paradox
In 2063, Earth's overheated climate and war-ravaged cities are near breaking point. A new habitable planet is discovered within reach, but the first two missions have failed to return. This is the story of the third mission to Eden. What really awaits the crew of four as they make the long journey to this supposed uninhabited virgin planet, and what is the link to the secret 900 year old sect known as Alicians back on Earth? While Blake leads the Eden mission, a young researcher named Micah discovers a terrible truth that threatens the very existence of humanity.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2011
866 people are currently reading
33.9k people want to read
About the author
Barry Kirwan
18 books2,346 followersBarry (J F) Kirwan is a split personality. He writes science fiction under the name Barry Kirwan, and thrillers under his pen name J F Kirwan. In his day job, he travels worldwide, working on aviation safety. He lives in Paris, where he first joined a fiction class – and became hooked! This led to an acclaimed four-book series called the Eden Paradox. But when a back injury stopped him scuba diving for two years, he wrote a thriller series about a young Russian woman, Nadia, where a lot of the action occurred in dangerously deep waters. Since then he wrote a serial killer thriller called The Dead Tell Lies, and is writing a new scifi series starting with When the Children Come....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
February 7, 2018
Original Review Here
When given the chance to be part of The Eden Paradox blog tour, I leapt at the opportunity. I already knew I loved Kirwan’s writing and was excited to see how he handled science-fiction. I guess, theoretically, that could mean I got my hopes up too high. Thankfully, however, the book was just as good as I hoped.
It had everything: dying planets, new planets as potential salvation, good aliens, bad aliens, aliens secretly controlling sect groups, humans nuking said aliens after being lured to their home planet… Not a book you can sum up concisely! Action-packed and full of suspense, I was unable to put it down.
There are various main characters. Micah: an analyst who ends up over his head. Kat: a communications expert who can commune via unconventional methods as well as through technology. Blake: the captain of the supposedly doomed expedition to Eden. Vince: high up in an organisation that seems to know everything. Gabriel: an assassin with an ulterior motive. Jennifer: an `assistant` with more answers and knowledge that she knows what to do with.
They are an eclectic group but the reader gets to know each in their own way. I liked and could empathise with all of the characters: a tricky feat given the combination of characterisations. Micah was definitely the favourite though: he knows he is out of his depth, but that doesn’t stop him from trying to save humanity. A classic hero, through and through.
Set in both the future and on alien planets means the reader is thrust into a world that is operating on very different rules compared to now. It meant that it took some reading before I could start to get to grips with what was going on. The numerous characters and narration view points on top of the whole alien-invasion-thing meant I couldn’t initially connect the characters and their situations with each other; I couldn’t relate to the world being built.
But once I got to grips with that world, I couldn’t put the book down. The tension is high and the pacing fast. Despite being a relatively long book, you aren’t given the chance to catch your breath as plans are revealed, deceptions uncovered and the fate of humanity quite literally resting in the hands of a few who dare to believe that it is worth saving.
It’s only been in the last year or so that I have properly started reading science-fiction. The Eden Paradox is proof that I made the right choice entering this genre. There is a lot to get to grips with: aliens, space, a futuristic Earth etc. But if you can get your head around it all, you are left with an intense and incredibly gripping tale.
Put it this way: I read this book for a blog tour. I am now planning on reading the rest of the series because it caught my attention so well.
If you’re a science-fiction fan, then this book is a definite must read!
When given the chance to be part of The Eden Paradox blog tour, I leapt at the opportunity. I already knew I loved Kirwan’s writing and was excited to see how he handled science-fiction. I guess, theoretically, that could mean I got my hopes up too high. Thankfully, however, the book was just as good as I hoped.
It had everything: dying planets, new planets as potential salvation, good aliens, bad aliens, aliens secretly controlling sect groups, humans nuking said aliens after being lured to their home planet… Not a book you can sum up concisely! Action-packed and full of suspense, I was unable to put it down.
There are various main characters. Micah: an analyst who ends up over his head. Kat: a communications expert who can commune via unconventional methods as well as through technology. Blake: the captain of the supposedly doomed expedition to Eden. Vince: high up in an organisation that seems to know everything. Gabriel: an assassin with an ulterior motive. Jennifer: an `assistant` with more answers and knowledge that she knows what to do with.
They are an eclectic group but the reader gets to know each in their own way. I liked and could empathise with all of the characters: a tricky feat given the combination of characterisations. Micah was definitely the favourite though: he knows he is out of his depth, but that doesn’t stop him from trying to save humanity. A classic hero, through and through.
Set in both the future and on alien planets means the reader is thrust into a world that is operating on very different rules compared to now. It meant that it took some reading before I could start to get to grips with what was going on. The numerous characters and narration view points on top of the whole alien-invasion-thing meant I couldn’t initially connect the characters and their situations with each other; I couldn’t relate to the world being built.
But once I got to grips with that world, I couldn’t put the book down. The tension is high and the pacing fast. Despite being a relatively long book, you aren’t given the chance to catch your breath as plans are revealed, deceptions uncovered and the fate of humanity quite literally resting in the hands of a few who dare to believe that it is worth saving.
It’s only been in the last year or so that I have properly started reading science-fiction. The Eden Paradox is proof that I made the right choice entering this genre. There is a lot to get to grips with: aliens, space, a futuristic Earth etc. But if you can get your head around it all, you are left with an intense and incredibly gripping tale.
Put it this way: I read this book for a blog tour. I am now planning on reading the rest of the series because it caught my attention so well.
If you’re a science-fiction fan, then this book is a definite must read!
April 15, 2019
Clever
Clever storyline, but difficult to read at times. The author writes well and tells a good story, but many people, I'm sure, will put the book down, unable to read through the complexities.
Clever storyline, but difficult to read at times. The author writes well and tells a good story, but many people, I'm sure, will put the book down, unable to read through the complexities.
January 9, 2020
The story takes place far into the future and in almost half the scenes on a different planet, so it took some reading before I got to grips with it. The numerous characters and narration from each one's viewpoints made it hard to connect with them initially and sympathise with their situations, but if you can get your head around it all, you will find the story to be quite enjoyable.
So, a dying Earth, a new seemingly habitable planet, good aliens, bad aliens controlling secret sect groups, deepsea explorers, assassins, computer hackers/analysts (sort of), a spaceship crew that is more than meets the eye, a plot of domination and annihilation spanning millennia ... Yeah, quite a lot happening, and it comes with plenty of action and suspense, as well as twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
I won't go into detail with the characters because it don't want this to be a long review. Micah is worth the mention though: an analyst who is pulled deep into a plot devised by insect-like aliens hellbent on eliminating mankind. I think he gets the most "screentime" because he's the typical average guy who realises he's lacking a range of capabilities other characters have but he doesn't back down from the responsibility of saving the world.
Halfway through, I couldn’t put the book down. The tension and pacing pick up, but you have to be patient. I'm eager to see what happens next.
So, a dying Earth, a new seemingly habitable planet, good aliens, bad aliens controlling secret sect groups, deepsea explorers, assassins, computer hackers/analysts (sort of), a spaceship crew that is more than meets the eye, a plot of domination and annihilation spanning millennia ... Yeah, quite a lot happening, and it comes with plenty of action and suspense, as well as twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
I won't go into detail with the characters because it don't want this to be a long review. Micah is worth the mention though: an analyst who is pulled deep into a plot devised by insect-like aliens hellbent on eliminating mankind. I think he gets the most "screentime" because he's the typical average guy who realises he's lacking a range of capabilities other characters have but he doesn't back down from the responsibility of saving the world.
Halfway through, I couldn’t put the book down. The tension and pacing pick up, but you have to be patient. I'm eager to see what happens next.
September 16, 2021
Set fifty years into the future, this is a sci-fi thriller based around a dystopian world that follows multiple characters through their journey of interplanetary travel and the consequences. Kirwan treats the reader to a vivid and rich description of the settings for the story, enabling us to feel like we can truly see the landscapes.
The story is told from the perspective of several main characters which helps us to get a fully rounded view, while maintaining an ever-increasing pace. This is a classic sci-fi book with high-quality writing and an interesting plot. It will be popular with readers who enjoy Orson Scott Card and Robert Heinlein.
The story is told from the perspective of several main characters which helps us to get a fully rounded view, while maintaining an ever-increasing pace. This is a classic sci-fi book with high-quality writing and an interesting plot. It will be popular with readers who enjoy Orson Scott Card and Robert Heinlein.
March 10, 2020
A gripping story about a post-apocalyptic Earth divided between two opposing groups of nations, with the western citizens living in fear of a repressive police force. With only 10 years before the world becomes uninhabitable, the West is attempting to assess the possibilities offered by an alternative world using a new faster than light vehicle. The action is moved very quickly, switching between the viewpoints and actions of a number of groups and individuals, with numerous twists and turns leading to a denouement which paves the way for the next book in the series. Characters are well developed and believable and it is a really worthwhile read.
October 15, 2023
Kirwan takes on a complex culture and diverse sci-fi world and throws us into the fray. He does a great job of showing us what many extraterrestrial sci fi fans already know: Earth is no longer the answer. This is a multi-faceted story with many different perspectives, groups (factions), and areas of political divide. The way Kirwan keeps up with it and still manages the story is impressive.
At some point the pacing lulls, but Kirwan is a seasoned writer and knows how to muscle through in a way that keeps the story interesting. Keep in mind this is the first in the series, so a lot of groundwork needs to be established.
The characters are well-developed, and the plot is written well even in the complexity. Definitely give this book a try.
At some point the pacing lulls, but Kirwan is a seasoned writer and knows how to muscle through in a way that keeps the story interesting. Keep in mind this is the first in the series, so a lot of groundwork needs to be established.
The characters are well-developed, and the plot is written well even in the complexity. Definitely give this book a try.
April 15, 2020
An excellent book with great characters. It is about the human race who have almost destroyed the natural resources of the planet and have to look in the universe for a similar planet to colonize. They are led to Eden, which appears to be a planet similar to earth. Recon space rockets are sent and the 3rd one gets there after the first 2 were sabotaged. The humans are being manipulated by an alien race who feed on planets and their people and have subverted some who help them in their plans, on the basis that they will be rewarded. Opposing them are the sentinels who know the threat that exists.
To give more details would spoil the enjoyment of reading this outstanding book. Very highly recommended for Sci Fi lovers
To give more details would spoil the enjoyment of reading this outstanding book. Very highly recommended for Sci Fi lovers
February 7, 2020
I generally struggle to find what I term good old-fashioned sci-fi but this free download from book bub hit the buttons.
Up-to-date storyline, nasty aliens and heroic earthlings. Great stuff.
With a bit of judicial editing to eliminate typos and repetitiveness this could be a contender alongside Heinlein or Frank Herbert's dune for excellent sci-fi
Up-to-date storyline, nasty aliens and heroic earthlings. Great stuff.
With a bit of judicial editing to eliminate typos and repetitiveness this could be a contender alongside Heinlein or Frank Herbert's dune for excellent sci-fi
February 28, 2012
The Eden Paradox, by Barry Kirwan, is an enjoyable read that will be relished by fans of science fiction.
Fifty years into the future, the earth has been maimed by war and is near collapse from heat exhaustion. Scientists have already found the vaccine for AIDS and robot soldiers have quelled rebel invasions. The 3-year long World War between the United Secular Nations and the ‘Big Five’ Religious Front countries has left half a billion dead and a shortage of food (beef has hit $300 a kilo), power and fuel.
Then a new planet is discovered: Eden, a green-purple world bathed in blood-orange sunlight, a planet filled with virgin lakes and forests, a place so beautiful it could be compared to pre-war Switzerland.
Now, the Ulysses, a faster-than-light ship carrying a crew of four astronauts, is on its way to Eden. The venture has given one last hope to mankind. If Eden fails, all humanity will see is an abyss.
Then one of the astronauts begins having strange nightmares about a desert-filled Eden and a horrific creature. The nightmares put the astronauts on edge. After all, there’s reason for concern: Ulysses isn’t the first mission to Eden. There were two before which failed miserably under mysterious circumstances. One stopped transmitting after an hour of arrival; the other one exploded five days before landing. Do the nightmares have any substance or in any way predict the future? What, in reality, is going on in Eden?
The Eden Paradox is a well-written, action-packed, suspenseful novel. Told in multiple points of view separated by chapters, the story moves mainly between two characters: Micah, analyst at Eden Mission Control on earth, and Blake, lead astronaut at the Ulysses. Micah feels he’s being thrust into a vortex of murder, deception and conspiracy; he feels coerced into a probably fatal role in a game he doesn’t understand nor cares about. Blake, on the other hand, is intend on protecting his crew, find out what’s really going on in Eden, and return to earth successfully. In spite of all the action, there are a lot of exposition and backstory in the first few chapters. There are also a lot of characters and it took me a while to identify with any one of them.
However, I have to say that the scenes are very film-like in nature and I felt as if I were watching a movie. Although the plotline is different, the pace and tone reminded me of the Alien series, which are one of my favorites. The author uses a lot of detail to bring his fictional world to life, and in this aspect he was quite successful. In short, even though I’m not an avid fan of sci-fi, I enjoyed the novel and would definitely recommend it to readers of the genre.
A native of Farnborough, England, author Barry Kirwan grew up watching planes at the annual air show. Unable to become an astronaut, he did the next best thing—become a science fiction writer. When he’ not working in air traffic safety, he can be found writing his Eden Trilogy and other stories. Visit him at www.barrykirwan.com.
Fifty years into the future, the earth has been maimed by war and is near collapse from heat exhaustion. Scientists have already found the vaccine for AIDS and robot soldiers have quelled rebel invasions. The 3-year long World War between the United Secular Nations and the ‘Big Five’ Religious Front countries has left half a billion dead and a shortage of food (beef has hit $300 a kilo), power and fuel.
Then a new planet is discovered: Eden, a green-purple world bathed in blood-orange sunlight, a planet filled with virgin lakes and forests, a place so beautiful it could be compared to pre-war Switzerland.
Now, the Ulysses, a faster-than-light ship carrying a crew of four astronauts, is on its way to Eden. The venture has given one last hope to mankind. If Eden fails, all humanity will see is an abyss.
Then one of the astronauts begins having strange nightmares about a desert-filled Eden and a horrific creature. The nightmares put the astronauts on edge. After all, there’s reason for concern: Ulysses isn’t the first mission to Eden. There were two before which failed miserably under mysterious circumstances. One stopped transmitting after an hour of arrival; the other one exploded five days before landing. Do the nightmares have any substance or in any way predict the future? What, in reality, is going on in Eden?
The Eden Paradox is a well-written, action-packed, suspenseful novel. Told in multiple points of view separated by chapters, the story moves mainly between two characters: Micah, analyst at Eden Mission Control on earth, and Blake, lead astronaut at the Ulysses. Micah feels he’s being thrust into a vortex of murder, deception and conspiracy; he feels coerced into a probably fatal role in a game he doesn’t understand nor cares about. Blake, on the other hand, is intend on protecting his crew, find out what’s really going on in Eden, and return to earth successfully. In spite of all the action, there are a lot of exposition and backstory in the first few chapters. There are also a lot of characters and it took me a while to identify with any one of them.
However, I have to say that the scenes are very film-like in nature and I felt as if I were watching a movie. Although the plotline is different, the pace and tone reminded me of the Alien series, which are one of my favorites. The author uses a lot of detail to bring his fictional world to life, and in this aspect he was quite successful. In short, even though I’m not an avid fan of sci-fi, I enjoyed the novel and would definitely recommend it to readers of the genre.
A native of Farnborough, England, author Barry Kirwan grew up watching planes at the annual air show. Unable to become an astronaut, he did the next best thing—become a science fiction writer. When he’ not working in air traffic safety, he can be found writing his Eden Trilogy and other stories. Visit him at www.barrykirwan.com.
August 20, 2015
Sort of a mashup of Aliens meets Battlestar Galatica. There are lots of characters and several story lines and points of view going through the book which the author uses to drive his story forward at a breakneck momentum. I did find towards the end the technique of leaving the character at a cliffhanger when switching to another point of view to be predictable and the change in a couple of the characters at the end to be rushed. Like AG Riddle's Atlantis trilogy, I found the good guys more fleshed out and the villains too one dimensional. But did enjoy the book and am reading the next one in the series.
June 29, 2023
‘The rich make laws for others to follow…the holocaust was mere days away…’
British author Barry Kirwan, now living outside of Paris, has written academic articles about preventing disasters in nuclear power plants, oil rigs, and aircraft (his work experience has been in air traffic and nuclear power safety), four text books on human error, and nine novels – The CHILDREN OF THE EYE series of two books, and the four book series EDEN PARADOX, of which this is the initial novel. Both series explore alien motivations and how we react to them. He also writes under the nom de plume JF Kirwan, publishing 66 METRES, 37 HOURS, 88 NORTH, and THE DEAD TELL LIES – excellent thriller novels!
Barry takes science fiction writing to a new level. His polished prose lingers over character creation with such skill that his story becomes credible from the top. An example of this gift is found in his opening lines – ‘People rarely search for bodies in ceilings, Gabriel O’Donnell reminded himself. He should have a couple of hours before anyone discovered his latest victim Slipping unseen from the side door, he dissolved into the amoebic mass of dignitaries arriving for the fund-raiser at Eden Mission Control. He itched to shed his tuxedo and starched shirt, but he needed the camouflage, along with stolen emotion-ID that had required a messy killing, to secure entry. He blended in with the wealthy entourage decked in stark designer suits and power dresses…He let his eyes glaze over as if he, too, were rich enough to forget what was outside, an Earth maimed by War and near collapse from heat exhaustion Somewhere here was his target, but as yet he didn’t know who…’ Sound strangely familiar?
The provided synopsis of the book’s tale serves the novel well: ‘In 2063, Earth's overheated climate and war-ravaged cities are near breaking point. A new habitable planet is discovered within reach, but the first two missions have failed to return. This is the story of the third mission to Eden. What really awaits the crew of four as they make the long journey to this supposed uninhabited virgin planet, and what is the link to the secret 900 year old sect known as Alicians back on Earth? While Blake leads the Eden mission, a young researcher named Micah discovers a terrible truth that threatens the very existence of humanity.’
This is some of the most polished science fiction writing this reader has encountered. Not only is the story original, but also it is delivered with such style that it transports us into a world so credible that we feel as though we are physically accompanying the characters. First class novel – and a highly recommended one!
British author Barry Kirwan, now living outside of Paris, has written academic articles about preventing disasters in nuclear power plants, oil rigs, and aircraft (his work experience has been in air traffic and nuclear power safety), four text books on human error, and nine novels – The CHILDREN OF THE EYE series of two books, and the four book series EDEN PARADOX, of which this is the initial novel. Both series explore alien motivations and how we react to them. He also writes under the nom de plume JF Kirwan, publishing 66 METRES, 37 HOURS, 88 NORTH, and THE DEAD TELL LIES – excellent thriller novels!
Barry takes science fiction writing to a new level. His polished prose lingers over character creation with such skill that his story becomes credible from the top. An example of this gift is found in his opening lines – ‘People rarely search for bodies in ceilings, Gabriel O’Donnell reminded himself. He should have a couple of hours before anyone discovered his latest victim Slipping unseen from the side door, he dissolved into the amoebic mass of dignitaries arriving for the fund-raiser at Eden Mission Control. He itched to shed his tuxedo and starched shirt, but he needed the camouflage, along with stolen emotion-ID that had required a messy killing, to secure entry. He blended in with the wealthy entourage decked in stark designer suits and power dresses…He let his eyes glaze over as if he, too, were rich enough to forget what was outside, an Earth maimed by War and near collapse from heat exhaustion Somewhere here was his target, but as yet he didn’t know who…’ Sound strangely familiar?
The provided synopsis of the book’s tale serves the novel well: ‘In 2063, Earth's overheated climate and war-ravaged cities are near breaking point. A new habitable planet is discovered within reach, but the first two missions have failed to return. This is the story of the third mission to Eden. What really awaits the crew of four as they make the long journey to this supposed uninhabited virgin planet, and what is the link to the secret 900 year old sect known as Alicians back on Earth? While Blake leads the Eden mission, a young researcher named Micah discovers a terrible truth that threatens the very existence of humanity.’
This is some of the most polished science fiction writing this reader has encountered. Not only is the story original, but also it is delivered with such style that it transports us into a world so credible that we feel as though we are physically accompanying the characters. First class novel – and a highly recommended one!
February 3, 2018
Having read and loved books written under his pen name I was more than happy to pick up The Eden Paradox even though it is a completely different genre. I’m not even sure where to begin with this review because this book was kind of mind-blowing.
The storyline is so amazingly complex, every time I thought I had a hang of where things were heading, something would come up that would completely throw me for a loop. I have to salute Mr Kirwan for managing to keep all the plates spinning on this one, there were so many threads to this story that I felt sure that something would be forgotten but everything that needed to be resolved was, it is the first book in a series so there needs to be something to continue the story after all.
The worldbuilding is intense, a future apocalyptic earth searching for another planet to ensure the survival of the species, with all sorts of futuristic tech, and of course a few different fanatic factions. I felt like I could slot easily into this version of the world, the descriptions were vivid and managed to give such a clear picture without feeling like it was being constantly dumped on you. I did struggle to get my mind around some of the more scientific stuff but I still found the basic concepts easy to follow from the way it is written.
The was a big range of characters in this and at first, I will admit to getting a little confused about who was who and where they were, but I managed to get past that fairly quickly. I also thought that I wouldn’t feel as connected to them as there were so many to take in but each of the characters even the secondary ones had a lot of depth to them.
There were a lot of characters that got under my skin but the ones I enjoyed the most were the crew of the Ulysses, their situation was so interesting to read about, four very different people in close quarters who share this unforgettable experience and having to adapt to situations they couldn’t have imagined. It made for thrilling reading.
If you are a science fiction fan then you will be very easily sucked into this one but I think there will be a lot of people that would really enjoy this book just for its amazing story.
The storyline is so amazingly complex, every time I thought I had a hang of where things were heading, something would come up that would completely throw me for a loop. I have to salute Mr Kirwan for managing to keep all the plates spinning on this one, there were so many threads to this story that I felt sure that something would be forgotten but everything that needed to be resolved was, it is the first book in a series so there needs to be something to continue the story after all.
The worldbuilding is intense, a future apocalyptic earth searching for another planet to ensure the survival of the species, with all sorts of futuristic tech, and of course a few different fanatic factions. I felt like I could slot easily into this version of the world, the descriptions were vivid and managed to give such a clear picture without feeling like it was being constantly dumped on you. I did struggle to get my mind around some of the more scientific stuff but I still found the basic concepts easy to follow from the way it is written.
The was a big range of characters in this and at first, I will admit to getting a little confused about who was who and where they were, but I managed to get past that fairly quickly. I also thought that I wouldn’t feel as connected to them as there were so many to take in but each of the characters even the secondary ones had a lot of depth to them.
There were a lot of characters that got under my skin but the ones I enjoyed the most were the crew of the Ulysses, their situation was so interesting to read about, four very different people in close quarters who share this unforgettable experience and having to adapt to situations they couldn’t have imagined. It made for thrilling reading.
If you are a science fiction fan then you will be very easily sucked into this one but I think there will be a lot of people that would really enjoy this book just for its amazing story.
February 7, 2014
A great sci-fi book for the first in a series. The introduction of characters is smooth, their development is complex. The action is evenly paced so you won't get bored with long descriptive chapters or full action non-sense.
June 13, 2024
This is the first book I read by the author. The Eden Paradox is a sci-fi with a very complex yet interesting storyline. The story is set in fifty years into the future. The Earth's temperature is overheated, and war-torn cities are on the verge of collapsing.
The author gives the reader a vivid and detailed description of the story's locations, making us feel as if we can experience the surroundings for ourselves. It is more of old-fashioned sci-fi with multiple characters. The plot is complicated, but the author uses his exceptional writing skills to weave all of the threads together into a satisfying and scary climax.
There were dying worlds, potential redemption worlds, good and bad aliens, aliens secretly managing religious groups, and humans nuking these aliens after being enticed to their home planet etc. Initially, it was a little hard to connect with the story and I couldn't relate to the universe that was being created. I couldn't put the book down once I got a handle on that world.
Overall an adventurous read.
You might like to check out more similar books here.
The author gives the reader a vivid and detailed description of the story's locations, making us feel as if we can experience the surroundings for ourselves. It is more of old-fashioned sci-fi with multiple characters. The plot is complicated, but the author uses his exceptional writing skills to weave all of the threads together into a satisfying and scary climax.
There were dying worlds, potential redemption worlds, good and bad aliens, aliens secretly managing religious groups, and humans nuking these aliens after being enticed to their home planet etc. Initially, it was a little hard to connect with the story and I couldn't relate to the universe that was being created. I couldn't put the book down once I got a handle on that world.
Overall an adventurous read.
You might like to check out more similar books here.
August 14, 2020
The insects from hell
It’s sad to say but I could definitely see humanity doing exactly this scenario in the face of an technologically advanced race attacking us. Internal betrayal by our own species, superior aliens that think of us as a good food source. Stupidity that made us weak in the first place, a devastated earth that probably wouldn’t have survived anyway, and a group of people all to willing to aid the enemy are just a few of the problems for those hoping to survive. I’ll most likely be purchasing other books in the series.
It’s sad to say but I could definitely see humanity doing exactly this scenario in the face of an technologically advanced race attacking us. Internal betrayal by our own species, superior aliens that think of us as a good food source. Stupidity that made us weak in the first place, a devastated earth that probably wouldn’t have survived anyway, and a group of people all to willing to aid the enemy are just a few of the problems for those hoping to survive. I’ll most likely be purchasing other books in the series.
March 23, 2013
All of the mind-opening futurethink, philosophy and technology of Peter F. Hamilton with the visual excitement of James Cameron. This book had me scrambling for the 2nd in the series while I was still 3/4 of the way through the first. The technology is bright and inspiring in spite of the philosophically dark perspective on humanity. It's an honest telling of what it means to be human and the challenges we face as an intellectually evolving species who remains war-like in our nature.
September 25, 2021
The Eden Paradox was an intense and action-driven read about the end of the world. There was a lot going on in this book, and that’s why I loved it. The larger than life characters were very compelling and hooked me from early on, and the story pacing was very fast. Told from different perspectives it left me asking more questions than I expected. I found myself at certain points sitting on the edge of the couch literally about to fall off as sometimes the action got so intense!
I would be very surprised if anyone who purchased this book didn't enjoy it as much as I have. Highly recommended.
I would be very surprised if anyone who purchased this book didn't enjoy it as much as I have. Highly recommended.
July 6, 2017
An action-packed alien invasion story. Multiple compelling and intersecting plot lines, brimming with clever ideas about future history and future tech. My only complaint was that sometimes too many things were happening at once!
February 19, 2020
Inventive minds
Always wonder where these ideas and worlds come from. Thought this was a bit difficult to follow in the beginning but as the characters began to connect it drew everyone together into forces of good verses I. Just the kind of story I always enjoy. Twist and turns throughout. Enough to keep you in the chair and wondering " what's next? "
Always wonder where these ideas and worlds come from. Thought this was a bit difficult to follow in the beginning but as the characters began to connect it drew everyone together into forces of good verses I. Just the kind of story I always enjoy. Twist and turns throughout. Enough to keep you in the chair and wondering " what's next? "
October 4, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It took me awhile to get interested but once action took place I couln't find time enough to throw my self into it. Good characters, nice plot even with some elements taken from other big SiFi stories.
February 28, 2022
For me at least the book picked up in its 3rd part. I think perhaps I started to gain awareness of the relationships between characters and just who and what those were. It is far too easy for me to lose perspective on who relates to whom in a story when all these different names are being thrown around with all their different interactions - important and also inconsequential - especially when that knowledge is so supportive of the plotlines and the story in general. Sometimes with better known books/novels I can go to Wikipedia to get some basis on some basic info to clear up everything (well, many things minimally) with regards to such. And so long as I don't read it verbatim it regards itself as a highly condensed form of Cliff's Notes for me. Just don't like to read too in depth or too much of the story is ruined for me. Anyway, I suppose I shouldn't assume such, but I doubt this book and series has much if anything mentioned about it in even Wikipedia. Again, I shouldn't assume. I was thinking on a personal note were I to write a novel of my own (and despite the lackluster nature of my reviews I am an accomplished writer at least in specific genres and have had a multitude of highly educated and also published persons seriously suggest I need write a novel or a dozen. Would need an editor to discover the multitude of places I simply lose track of my story. Where I diverge from the path seemingly never to return). Anyway, getting to the point I would enjoy adding to my own writings (or doing so for others who could afford such services) an appendix which opens links by formulae and may give for example info about characters, even basic sensory details, as one progresses through the novel (and perhaps series). And then too progression of plot and other minimal offerings as to what (and whom) has happened in a timeline without divulging more beyond the point you designate (ie. only relating through chapter 5 on all accounts when you designate that is as far as you would like to be made more clearly aware of that which is confused). Okay. Seriously off-track from a review of this book. I certainly through the first two parts would have only given 3 stars. It just could not maintain my attention well. But Part 3 helped clarify much for me and evoke some conscious attention and furthered interest. One thing I suspect is that the narrator (and possibly author though suspect not on that account) of this Audible version is British, even though it is not overtly so in the narrative voices. Just a feeling moreso. Perhaps the empath in me. And that may have left confusion often in my capacity to relate when the characters are primarily American. And so I end up giving this 4 stars as I am about to start book 2 in the series, "Eden's Trial".
***Minimal edits to correct a few grammatical errors as well as spelling faux pax. The content and intent (if any) was adjusted in no way. We good? Hehe.***
***Minimal edits to correct a few grammatical errors as well as spelling faux pax. The content and intent (if any) was adjusted in no way. We good? Hehe.***
October 7, 2021
The Eden Paradox
by Barry Kirwan
I received a copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A thrilling and alarming account of what remains of Earth after years of destructive world wars. Earth is left burning, rapidly deteriorating, shortly to become unsuitable to support life. They found the answer to this in the form of Eden, a planet that presents itself as having everything humans require to reconstruct their future. But it holds so much more.
With a team of four astronauts almost ready to step foot on Eden, travelling on the Ulysses, funding and support is essential to make the future a reality for Earth’s hopes and dreams under the New World Alliance.
This is “the first novel in this epic, galaxy-spanning series” and wow what a debut! The reader is instantly enveloped by intrigue from the initial phrases, being introduced to Gabriel, a highly skilled and futuristic assassin, on the fringe of his next hit. Barry Kirwan wastes no time in generating apprehension, successfully designing a dramatic mental image of the scenario as it unfolds. I particularly enjoyed the repeated jump from circumstances surrounding Gabriel and the activities aboard Ulysses. Some may identify it as confusing if not accustomed to such a style. I found it merely adds more pleasure in exploring the events on each occasion.
The pace speeds up quickly. In fact, I can’t say it stops! A rollercoaster ride of animated terror packed into one book. Sabotage occurs along with simultaneous killings elsewhere, consistently with the same challenge of who and, more importantly, why. This goes hand in hand with the continual, formidable impression of not recognizing who to trust.
When I read a book, partway, I decide what I assume will take place or the direction in which the writing is moving. Whatever you choose, forget it, because it unravels to so much more and keeps on going until the last word!
Barry Kirwan is a genius, establishing a stunning, complex plot, building slowly but surely, like a spider constructing a web. The Eden Paradox contains a terrifying reality of how insignificant humanity is on the scale of things but remains a beacon for how resilient we can be as one.
“Nature’s instincts are less easily fooled than human intelligence,”… so true.
I rate The Eden Paradox 5 out of 5 stars.
by Barry Kirwan
I received a copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A thrilling and alarming account of what remains of Earth after years of destructive world wars. Earth is left burning, rapidly deteriorating, shortly to become unsuitable to support life. They found the answer to this in the form of Eden, a planet that presents itself as having everything humans require to reconstruct their future. But it holds so much more.
With a team of four astronauts almost ready to step foot on Eden, travelling on the Ulysses, funding and support is essential to make the future a reality for Earth’s hopes and dreams under the New World Alliance.
This is “the first novel in this epic, galaxy-spanning series” and wow what a debut! The reader is instantly enveloped by intrigue from the initial phrases, being introduced to Gabriel, a highly skilled and futuristic assassin, on the fringe of his next hit. Barry Kirwan wastes no time in generating apprehension, successfully designing a dramatic mental image of the scenario as it unfolds. I particularly enjoyed the repeated jump from circumstances surrounding Gabriel and the activities aboard Ulysses. Some may identify it as confusing if not accustomed to such a style. I found it merely adds more pleasure in exploring the events on each occasion.
The pace speeds up quickly. In fact, I can’t say it stops! A rollercoaster ride of animated terror packed into one book. Sabotage occurs along with simultaneous killings elsewhere, consistently with the same challenge of who and, more importantly, why. This goes hand in hand with the continual, formidable impression of not recognizing who to trust.
When I read a book, partway, I decide what I assume will take place or the direction in which the writing is moving. Whatever you choose, forget it, because it unravels to so much more and keeps on going until the last word!
Barry Kirwan is a genius, establishing a stunning, complex plot, building slowly but surely, like a spider constructing a web. The Eden Paradox contains a terrifying reality of how insignificant humanity is on the scale of things but remains a beacon for how resilient we can be as one.
“Nature’s instincts are less easily fooled than human intelligence,”… so true.
I rate The Eden Paradox 5 out of 5 stars.
February 10, 2021
I originally started this book mid last year, but couldn't get into it. I recently spotted it in my library sitting on 11% read. So I restarted and I'm glad I did. It was a thrill ride of action with engaging characters and an ending I wouldn't have predicted. Looking forward the rest of the series. :)
June 24, 2012
The only unique resource on Earth not readily available elsewhere in the solar system is us, and Mr. Kirwan knows it.
With the art of a master swordsman, Mr. Kirwan carves out a tale of diabolical intent and our desperate struggle against both ourselves and an implacable, superior enemy. His characters are instantly involving. Each has a unique history and cultural background that is made clear through clever use of exposition and offhand remarks that really convince the reader that these are real people involved in a visceral struggle for survival.
Overall Mr. Kirwan made excellent use of mixing dialog with exposition, although there were a few places where I felt he should have spent more time showing the reader some of the action leading to the present situation instead of having a character reminisce about the past. At no point did the book feel rushed or ponderous. His ability to merge poetic prose with technical knowledge and amazing descriptions that kept clicking the forward button on my Kindle in every free moment I had. At no point did the science overwhelm the story and the book is a smooth read from start to finish.
Mr. Kirwan's plot line is complex, but he uses his superior writing talent to tie all the lines together to a satisfying, and chilling conclusion that left me wishing I had already bought the sequel.
Truly, if you don't read this book you're missing out. I highly recommend The Eden Paradox to any lover of science fiction and good, edge of your seat stories.
With the art of a master swordsman, Mr. Kirwan carves out a tale of diabolical intent and our desperate struggle against both ourselves and an implacable, superior enemy. His characters are instantly involving. Each has a unique history and cultural background that is made clear through clever use of exposition and offhand remarks that really convince the reader that these are real people involved in a visceral struggle for survival.
Overall Mr. Kirwan made excellent use of mixing dialog with exposition, although there were a few places where I felt he should have spent more time showing the reader some of the action leading to the present situation instead of having a character reminisce about the past. At no point did the book feel rushed or ponderous. His ability to merge poetic prose with technical knowledge and amazing descriptions that kept clicking the forward button on my Kindle in every free moment I had. At no point did the science overwhelm the story and the book is a smooth read from start to finish.
Mr. Kirwan's plot line is complex, but he uses his superior writing talent to tie all the lines together to a satisfying, and chilling conclusion that left me wishing I had already bought the sequel.
Truly, if you don't read this book you're missing out. I highly recommend The Eden Paradox to any lover of science fiction and good, edge of your seat stories.
October 9, 2021
Eden Paradox by Barry Kirwan is the first book in The Eden Trilogy. It lays out the foundation for the future books and therefore is quite long.
Naturally, there are good guys and bad guys, good vs. evil. The religious fanatics are in a cult and misconstrue things.
The concept is that earth has destroyed itself, and there is now a mission to Eden to allow for the new species to live. The story details how the technicians led by Micha need to work together to defeat the enemy. There are many times when the team has to decide what really is happening and how to manage the trouble thrown their way.
If you like science fiction, you will enjoy this new series.
Naturally, there are good guys and bad guys, good vs. evil. The religious fanatics are in a cult and misconstrue things.
The concept is that earth has destroyed itself, and there is now a mission to Eden to allow for the new species to live. The story details how the technicians led by Micha need to work together to defeat the enemy. There are many times when the team has to decide what really is happening and how to manage the trouble thrown their way.
If you like science fiction, you will enjoy this new series.
August 7, 2021
🖤
No matter which way you look at this book, Eden's Paradox fails to live up the average rating hype.
The story starts out great and you get the feeling that it trying to get the reader primed for an intelligent story line, but it all gets lost in the author's insistence on making predictable plot escapes for the protagonists, nauseating focus on unnecessary crudeness and condescending racial stereotypes.
🖤🖤
📣📣This book proves that just tagging a book as sci-fi, doesn't mean you get treated to an intuitive story line.
If for some reason you've thought of buying this book, i'd strongly advise against it.
1.5 stars
October 10, 2021
In The Eden Paradox there is more at stake then just finding a new home. This is the third mission to get to this life-sustaining planet but of course it is brought with danger and obstacles in past failings in the story he really proves how good he is. People love to say this Book was a page turner, but in the Eden paradox it truly is. Although I found it a little long I still could not put it down it regardless of all the chores I had to do in my home lol! This is a great book and one I highly recommend!
February 25, 2020
Wow crazy wild
This is one of the wildest scifi that I've read. Humanity is near elimination but keeps fighting and overwhelming enemy. I can see the future will be exciting. Great imagination here at work...enjoy
This is one of the wildest scifi that I've read. Humanity is near elimination but keeps fighting and overwhelming enemy. I can see the future will be exciting. Great imagination here at work...enjoy
January 12, 2022
Barry Kirwan is passionate about space and life beyond Earth, he put all his ideas and fascination for other planets into paper. The Eden Paradox is a science fiction series that starts in 2063, Earth's overheated climate and war-ravaged cities are near a breaking point but fear not, a brand-new planet is discovered for some reason people is not able to return from their missions to Eden. When 4 new people decide to go investigate, a young researcher named Micah discovers a terrible truth that threatens the very existence of humanity.
I have to say, I found this book to be very interesting… I know it is science fiction, but Kirwan’s writing makes it very believable and I actually think this could be part of the Earth's future. There is a diversity of characters so I really enjoyed the fact that I could connect with any of them and feel I was part of the story. It has very interesting facts and is filled with imagination! Highly recommended!
I have to say, I found this book to be very interesting… I know it is science fiction, but Kirwan’s writing makes it very believable and I actually think this could be part of the Earth's future. There is a diversity of characters so I really enjoyed the fact that I could connect with any of them and feel I was part of the story. It has very interesting facts and is filled with imagination! Highly recommended!
November 11, 2022
This book is quite an achievement, but perhaps not in the sense that you would expect. Few writers, that I know of, would be able to pull off exactly what Mr. Kirwan has done here. He managed to write a book by himself, though it has all the hallmarks of being written by someone with a split personality. I am not sure of Mr. Kirwan's mental state, nor would it be appropriate to make assumptions, but I can come to no other conclusion. This book continues to sway between constant extremes which give the feeling that this book was written by both a 17-year-old boy with too many hormones raging through his pubescent body, a first-year literature student who doesn't know when to be brief and has no sense for completely inappropriate pacing, mood, and emotion, while at the same time having flashes of quality that can only be ascribed to an author with years of experience.
It makes for a jarring reading experience.
Let me give you some examples. The female characters are almost all pretty and need to be sexual. A woman cannot be an interesting character without it, at least not in this book. ''Tight assess'', ''voluptuous assets'' and various other descriptions that are only given to woman are abound in this novel. To my recollection, not a single man is described by a physical descriptor, which seems to be a right solely reserved for women.
Then there's the clanky dialogue, the wonky analogies, and the simply weird pacing. Let me give you a few direct quotes from the book itself:
''He surreptitiously pinched his left arm with his right hand.'' Brevity, my man, brevity! What the heck is this sentence? Just say he pinched himself. This sentence gives me the feeling that pinching oneself with anything else than your hand is a common occurrence. Also, why would you need to do this secretly?
''He moved his closed left fist over to her hand and opened it.'' Just say he gave her something! Again, what's with the unnecessary description?
But my personal favourite (and this one and the last two are just one from one single chapter, the book is stuffed with strange and clunky sentences like that), is this:
''And I was just getting to like you. Do you know how rare that is?'' Is this a funny quip after someone did something slightly silly? A light-hearted comment perhaps? Nope. These are the words from a character said to another WHO LITERALLY JUST DIED AFTER SAVING THEIR LIFE! Who the hell says that a corpse? In what weird-ass world does Mr. Kirwan live?
Talking about worlds, we come to the only good things about this book, the reason I actually finished this book, and that is the world-building. Mr. Kirwan builds an interesting story world, with a decently crafted backdrop, the bad guys are believable enough and the plot, in an overall sense, has enough going for it to be interesting. It's a shame that the author then has to ruin this all with overbearing exposition, ''tight asses'' over depth of character, and dialogue that takes me right out of the story and makes me roll my eyes so hard they nearly launch out of the back of my head (that last part of the sentence was inspired by this novel).
Oh, and who is this guy's editor? Brevity is key and this book is sorely lacking in it. With a splash of it, this book could have done with at least 50 pages less.
It makes for a jarring reading experience.
Let me give you some examples. The female characters are almost all pretty and need to be sexual. A woman cannot be an interesting character without it, at least not in this book. ''Tight assess'', ''voluptuous assets'' and various other descriptions that are only given to woman are abound in this novel. To my recollection, not a single man is described by a physical descriptor, which seems to be a right solely reserved for women.
Then there's the clanky dialogue, the wonky analogies, and the simply weird pacing. Let me give you a few direct quotes from the book itself:
''He surreptitiously pinched his left arm with his right hand.'' Brevity, my man, brevity! What the heck is this sentence? Just say he pinched himself. This sentence gives me the feeling that pinching oneself with anything else than your hand is a common occurrence. Also, why would you need to do this secretly?
''He moved his closed left fist over to her hand and opened it.'' Just say he gave her something! Again, what's with the unnecessary description?
But my personal favourite (and this one and the last two are just one from one single chapter, the book is stuffed with strange and clunky sentences like that), is this:
''And I was just getting to like you. Do you know how rare that is?'' Is this a funny quip after someone did something slightly silly? A light-hearted comment perhaps? Nope. These are the words from a character said to another WHO LITERALLY JUST DIED AFTER SAVING THEIR LIFE! Who the hell says that a corpse? In what weird-ass world does Mr. Kirwan live?
Talking about worlds, we come to the only good things about this book, the reason I actually finished this book, and that is the world-building. Mr. Kirwan builds an interesting story world, with a decently crafted backdrop, the bad guys are believable enough and the plot, in an overall sense, has enough going for it to be interesting. It's a shame that the author then has to ruin this all with overbearing exposition, ''tight asses'' over depth of character, and dialogue that takes me right out of the story and makes me roll my eyes so hard they nearly launch out of the back of my head (that last part of the sentence was inspired by this novel).
Oh, and who is this guy's editor? Brevity is key and this book is sorely lacking in it. With a splash of it, this book could have done with at least 50 pages less.
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