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Eden Paradox #3
Eden's Revenge
After eighteen years, the quarantine that has protected humanity’s survivors on the planet Esperia is about to end. Mankind won't stand a chance without external help. Yet in the middle of a galactic war, who is concerned about one small planet when worlds fall every day?
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2013
95 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Barry Kirwan
20 books2,320 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 21, 2023
Great read.
The massive scope tends to outshine what made the first two books great. The author's characters lose a bit of their charm and intimacy because the scale of the narrative (almost) demands it.
Think it could have been a bit smaller and left a few more mysteries unsolved for the next one. There's not a whole lot to keep me going into the next one... But I'll probably give it a read. Great series so far.
The massive scope tends to outshine what made the first two books great. The author's characters lose a bit of their charm and intimacy because the scale of the narrative (almost) demands it.
Think it could have been a bit smaller and left a few more mysteries unsolved for the next one. There's not a whole lot to keep me going into the next one... But I'll probably give it a read. Great series so far.
March 16, 2025
I'd hoped Eden's Revenge would spend more time exploring the worldbuilding established in the previous book of the series, but instead, it focuses mostly on the space battle for Esperia, which I felt became slightly repetitive and drawn out. While large-scale battles can be entertaining, I found it hard to feel emotionally invested in this one, as many of the characters involved were introduced too quickly and felt a bit shallow. Also, I think the many romantic subplots were formulaic and unnecessary, adding little to the story. All in all, I was a bit disappointed.
October 31, 2019
Very Readable
I love science fiction books and ice really enjoyed these books so far. The plot is epic and the characters are engaging. It's not a classic but its definitely worth a read!
I love science fiction books and ice really enjoyed these books so far. The plot is epic and the characters are engaging. It's not a classic but its definitely worth a read!
October 27, 2019
A dam good read
This is the third in a series and it did not let me down. I have read a number of series and often they seem to run out of wind by the third one. It is good to see main characters grow and their personalities become fuller. Some characters go and new characters arrive as it should be. Again I say a dam fine read
This is the third in a series and it did not let me down. I have read a number of series and often they seem to run out of wind by the third one. It is good to see main characters grow and their personalities become fuller. Some characters go and new characters arrive as it should be. Again I say a dam fine read
April 10, 2018
Original Review Here
I enjoyed Eden’s Trial, the second book in the series.
But reading Eden’s Revenge suddenly made me realise how much of the previous book was character development, granting them the right skills, motives and understanding in order for the plot to unfold in the way it did in this book.
I loved it!
Despite the cliché, this has been my favourite book of the series so far. The pacing is faster and the characters’ – and readers’ – understanding of the universe meant threats didn’t need to be explained in the same way: humanity was essentially screwed as soon as quarantine was lifted – I didn’t need to be told that.
Eighteen years have passed since the events of the last book. This really worked: a new generation is gearing up to take the reins in the fight for survival. The original characters are still going strong, but we get to see them (or, rather, Micah) in the role of a mentor and a leader rather than relying on others helping him. Despite all the alien upgrades etc that the characters have experienced over the last two books, it was this softer development that makes you realise how much they have grown.
The stakes are higher this time around: Sister Esma and Louise are both out for blood and coming from two different directions. But the galaxy itself is under threat. Micah, Blake, Antonia and those left must prepare themselves for a fight against the Alicians.
But Kat, Pierre and Jen start to understand the bigger picture. They know what is carving a path of destruction towards where humanity have made their home, and they are acutely aware it is going to take a much greater power than them in order to stop this threat.
Jen has become a likeable character again, redeemed from her actions in the last book. Kat, Micah and Antonia have a strange love-triangle going on: Micah finally gets what he always wanted while Kat ends up in impossible situations where she just doesn’t want to be alone. Blake is more of a recluse, but it was good to see his character step up again at the end. Zack is no longer Zack, but there is just enough of him left that he still gets his moment to shine.
There are multiple narrators throughout this third book, more so than before. Perhaps it is because of my understanding of the world, but I found it easier to keep track of who was dealing with which threat. It also probably helped that by this point, they have evolved rather than being in a constantly flux of development.
It did mean, however, there was often long gaps between particular storylines, so you had to remember where in the galaxy they were, and what time-frame had passed for them.
I remained fully engaged the entire way through, perhaps more than the previous books. More than once I wished my commute was a few stops longer so I could keep reading.
I enjoyed Eden’s Trial, the second book in the series.
But reading Eden’s Revenge suddenly made me realise how much of the previous book was character development, granting them the right skills, motives and understanding in order for the plot to unfold in the way it did in this book.
I loved it!
Despite the cliché, this has been my favourite book of the series so far. The pacing is faster and the characters’ – and readers’ – understanding of the universe meant threats didn’t need to be explained in the same way: humanity was essentially screwed as soon as quarantine was lifted – I didn’t need to be told that.
Eighteen years have passed since the events of the last book. This really worked: a new generation is gearing up to take the reins in the fight for survival. The original characters are still going strong, but we get to see them (or, rather, Micah) in the role of a mentor and a leader rather than relying on others helping him. Despite all the alien upgrades etc that the characters have experienced over the last two books, it was this softer development that makes you realise how much they have grown.
The stakes are higher this time around: Sister Esma and Louise are both out for blood and coming from two different directions. But the galaxy itself is under threat. Micah, Blake, Antonia and those left must prepare themselves for a fight against the Alicians.
But Kat, Pierre and Jen start to understand the bigger picture. They know what is carving a path of destruction towards where humanity have made their home, and they are acutely aware it is going to take a much greater power than them in order to stop this threat.
Jen has become a likeable character again, redeemed from her actions in the last book. Kat, Micah and Antonia have a strange love-triangle going on: Micah finally gets what he always wanted while Kat ends up in impossible situations where she just doesn’t want to be alone. Blake is more of a recluse, but it was good to see his character step up again at the end. Zack is no longer Zack, but there is just enough of him left that he still gets his moment to shine.
There are multiple narrators throughout this third book, more so than before. Perhaps it is because of my understanding of the world, but I found it easier to keep track of who was dealing with which threat. It also probably helped that by this point, they have evolved rather than being in a constantly flux of development.
It did mean, however, there was often long gaps between particular storylines, so you had to remember where in the galaxy they were, and what time-frame had passed for them.
I remained fully engaged the entire way through, perhaps more than the previous books. More than once I wished my commute was a few stops longer so I could keep reading.
January 10, 2014
I'm not really well placed to comment on this book as I became so bored with it that I was unable to complete it. I did get to over half-way through, so did give it a chance I think. I really enjoyed the other books in the series and was expecting great things from this one. However, it seemed to be all about battle plans and tactics to me and could have been set anywhere in today's society. I'm not keen on battle sci fi as I think is clear. To me that isn't a storyline. I like a good mystery with it and plenty of unusual events and twists and turns. I notice that this book has however, done well in Amazon reviews so maybe I'm just being picky, but it's not for me.
August 7, 2020
By far the best in the series. The story develops in a much more complex way. The book's whole univers becomes complex and attractive in its complexity. Races, characters, personas, planets, societies develop in great detail. After finishing this one, I can't wait to buy the upcoming final book.
April 23, 2020
As per expectation it was a slow and confusing start. I suspect that even come the very end (Endgame) that not all things will be understood. I think part of that has to do with this not being a "hard science" sci-fi book. And that's okay. This book got rolling quicker than the first two and it did not let up til the end where it left us hanging quite a bit. Glad I do not have to wait to continue with the series. That's the stuff that makes you go Grrrrrr!. Lol. Anyway, lots to think about. Lots to consider. Lots to wonder just how in the hell they're going to get themselves out of this mess this time around and save the day. Save their surviving populace and their new homeworld and its cohabitants. Or perhaps moreso they will save humanity. Can't appreciate so many of the colonist's concerns over advancing the species to level 5. Hell, some are already or at least virtually 4 already. Just a couple generations from making the leap. Though some of course are heavily rooted at level 3 and going nowhere ANY time this coming millennia. And expecially when the genners (sp?) started to show emotion and humility and budding humanity in the form of greater emotional intelligence at the end. Heck, even Pierre at level 10 was given the capacity (temporarily) to interract with his daughter and others and even feel some sort of emotions. IDK. I think these people need get their heads out of their collective asses with regard to that decision when the time comes. Even if it needs to be sneakily forced upon them (perhaps over a couple/few generations so it isn't so obvious). And heck, they've got level 17's working with them and other "higher ups". They can make it so that it happens with the snap of a finger and no one even knows that it DID happen. Just to save their dumb ass selves. OMG. People. Get a grip on your humanity. It doesn't have to leave you if you don't let it. Not how it TRULY matters anyway. BUT that's the thing with people: DESPERATELY AFRAID OF CHANGE; perhaps even more afraid of change than they are of dying (definitely moreso cuz they've seen so much death and all with WWIII and the culling that CHANGE IS THE MIND BLOWER. And you can't just make up and believe in gods and religion to escape your fears of such the way you can with fear of death and dying.
October 11, 2024
Characters, story, and writing were very well done, I have no complaints there.
I did not finish this book, I was disappointed with the development of the protagonist. Their development didn't match their personality I felt.
Also, the world building felt too ambitious, I almost felt the author was at times, back tracking from the world they set out to build. I think that's fair, but I was either underwhelmed or overwhelmed when it came to understanding the world.
I didn't finish because I felt the build up was too drawn out, I was disappointed by the protagonist and by the world building.
I would still recommend giving this a read! Technical language, characters, dialogue, and story are still a 10/10, I just lost steam
I did not finish this book, I was disappointed with the development of the protagonist. Their development didn't match their personality I felt.
Also, the world building felt too ambitious, I almost felt the author was at times, back tracking from the world they set out to build. I think that's fair, but I was either underwhelmed or overwhelmed when it came to understanding the world.
I didn't finish because I felt the build up was too drawn out, I was disappointed by the protagonist and by the world building.
I would still recommend giving this a read! Technical language, characters, dialogue, and story are still a 10/10, I just lost steam
March 9, 2020
Very enjoyable series of books. My wife and I both liked the way the story gets grander in scale with each iteration. Just when you think you know what's going on, the author says "and another thing . . . " , and you're off again!
Some of the characters are still really annoying in how parochial they are in the face of galactic scale issues, but maybe that's my disappointment in how selfish / self-centred humanity can be coming through.
It moves along at a cracking pace - sometimes a little too quickly, requiring get out of jail free cards once in a while.
All in all, a really good read.
Some of the characters are still really annoying in how parochial they are in the face of galactic scale issues, but maybe that's my disappointment in how selfish / self-centred humanity can be coming through.
It moves along at a cracking pace - sometimes a little too quickly, requiring get out of jail free cards once in a while.
All in all, a really good read.
January 19, 2022
Not nearly as good as the previous two volumes. In fact, it makes me wonder if I should bother with the last book in the series. Everything is now about battles. Battle after battle. In addition, the formatting in my copy of this book was really messed up. Random, weird-colored fonts, and wonky paragraph breaks in the middle of sentences or non-existent between speaker changes, so you have to guess at who said what.
September 11, 2022
Better
Fast paced, brutal and a coming together of various characters and plots. The writing is good, albeit with overly unnecessary romance subplots and narratives which add nothing really. The action is continuous and there's plenty of revelations. Still, plaguing this book, like the others, are a few stupendous decisions and liberal wishy-washy sentiments (the worst one by Petra) that defies logic. To me, anyway. Looking forward to the endgame...
Fast paced, brutal and a coming together of various characters and plots. The writing is good, albeit with overly unnecessary romance subplots and narratives which add nothing really. The action is continuous and there's plenty of revelations. Still, plaguing this book, like the others, are a few stupendous decisions and liberal wishy-washy sentiments (the worst one by Petra) that defies logic. To me, anyway. Looking forward to the endgame...
September 21, 2023
What's left of the human race is struggling on Esperia to carve out a life and future for themselves. Quarantine is due to be lifted, and the players in the deadly war have to decide which side they are on in the conflict to come. Follow the main characters as they try to secure a future for humanity in the battle to save Esperia. As in all wars and battles, nobody walks away unscathed, sacrifices will be made, and loved ones will be lost
March 1, 2020
Probably the Brest scifi I've read
The immense characters detail is extraordinary the diabolical villains are the ultimate bad guys. This an extremely exciting entertaining read. I can't say enough how really enjoyable this series is
The immense characters detail is extraordinary the diabolical villains are the ultimate bad guys. This an extremely exciting entertaining read. I can't say enough how really enjoyable this series is
Read
June 27, 2023feel like we're back to square one ngl the story was good but i just can't rate this one knowing that there really was no real progress idk like 😭 why are we still tryna kill louise !!! GET RID OF HER ALREADY 😭😭😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2017
Another great instalment of this literally cosmos-spanning space opera. Not quite as creative as volume 2, but nevertheless highly fascinating and enjoyable. Onward to the grand finale in book 4.
February 7, 2020
That was a good read. Pure page turner
July 9, 2022
Not bad.
November 2, 2022
I was critical of the pacing and plot development of the 2nd book after a very strong 1st book, but this one justified all the moves made in #2. It was excellent and compelling.
May 19, 2023
Non-stop action. A number of new characters. Same narrator.
November 10, 2023
Amazing innovation. The universe continues to expand in this great addition to the series.
September 20, 2024
Humanity is not worth saving. Ww are selfish and corrupt to our core. We would rather see the world burn and consign every human to death if we can save our loved ones.
June 2, 2025
They only downside of the book is the out of place "funny" replies of some characters.
July 11, 2025
3.5/5
October 5, 2022
Following the trend of the first two books, book 3, "Eden's Revenge" is a fun read, but it is long. I am reading the version in the complete series e-book.
May 18, 2025
This series needs to be picked up by Netflix.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews