The Eden Paradox

The Eden Paradox, Book 1

By: Barry Kirwan

Narrated by: Edward Mitchell

Length: 15 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

The Eden Paradox is a brand-new science fiction series from best-selling writer Barry Kirwan.

If you loved Dune, Foundation or Ender’s Game, you'll love the first novel in this epic, galaxy-spanning series.

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 supposedly 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.

©2011 Barry Kirwan (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

"The reader is pulled into an all too real future, with memorable characters, leaving the reader craving more." (Lydia Manx)

"A science fiction thriller with terrific images and revelations." (Gary Gibson)

Intense and fast-paced Cosmic Horror

I received this audible book along with my purchase of the Kindle version, which I’m thankful for, as the narrator really helped me as I read along to his voice.

There’s a ton of action going on in this story. Eden’s Paradox is told through multiple narrators that are all very important to the story, all with a conclusive ending that comes together, wrapping each thread of storyline together by the last 80%.

Most of the characters exude a clear motive and act within their archetype, with my favorite group being the Ulysses astronauts. Their storyline was the one I wanted to read all of first. Even though I wanted to know what was going to happen with them next, the only perspective that I rolled my eyes at when it started was Micah’s. He was unlikeable to me for the entire time.

It’s tragic, really—Micah is supposed to be brilliant, a level 4 on the alien chart, but he constantly manages to be an annoying incel who’s obsessed with girls he sees and never interacts with. I disliked that he was harping over Antonia and that the author decided to make Antonia’s sexuality possibly uncertain simply for his own benefit. I also didn’t like that he put Kat and her together if there’s going to be a hint that Kate and Pierre have something going on, too.

In another vein, I disliked that all the female characters seem to have to be put into the story with their sexuality while none of the males (save for our resident incel) have to do the same. It cheapened the womens’ roles and made me gag every time they had to mention their own sexual acts and how they used that to further themselves in their line of work. Kat is an exception, though she mentions having an interest in Pierre despite the Antonia thing. Like, make a decision.

Despite all of this, I genuinely enjoyed the story and want to read more; figure out what’s going to happen with the Ranger in the Epilogue and if Louise is going to eradicate Vince and Micah before she realizes Esma has betrayed her or if she’s going to be redeemed.

Lastly, I love how Eden and the aliens are described. The mirrors and their spider-like slaughtered masters were tragic, and my empathy bones aches for them. The Q’Roth are easy to picture and incredibly brutal, but not without explanation. The way the “grid” of other alien races and how they determine levels of advancement made sense, but that never made the eradication of humanity feel acceptance. I look forward to seeing what other kinds of aliens there are and how they’ll be brought to life.

10 main characters to follow

Take note of the main chars who will progressively migrate to different scenarios and initially you having to recall the previous scenario/s several chapters earlier. you'll be following zeval threads by mid story, all inter-related, and all STIMULATING & ENGROSSING.

However, some may prefer books with fewer multiple threads which typically require more concentration at times.

I'll readily read the next book!!

My favourite book in Audio is amazing

The first book, while entertaining, is just a setup for the rest. I love it. If you are new to the series, do not give up. It gets better an better. As a non native English speaker, it took me some time to get used to the narrators accent, but after the first hour or so, it was all OK.

Terrible depiction of women

Good overall story idea, but the portrayal of women was so off-putting and terrible that I couldn't finish the book.

overused sci-fi tropes

The book started out promising, but once the “mysteries” are figured out less than halfway through the book, you realize it’s your basic bug alien invasion story. There are a lot of plot holes and inconsistencies as well. The last three hours seemed to go on forever since you’ve already been told what the outcome will be. I won’t be reading any sequels, and will probably steer clear of this author.