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Barry Kirwan
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When the children return: The battle for Earth (Children of the Eye Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Barry Kirwan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 167 ratings
Ten years ago, Sally had her world ripped away from her – now she's taking it back.

★★★★★ "The first book was amazing, this one is incredible!" Jessica Belmont

★★★★★ "Fast-moving, epic, realistic characters and stellar writing!" Felicia Denise

★★★★★ "This series is delivered with such style, transporting us into a world so credible we feel we are physically accompanying the characters. Simply excellent!" Grady Harp

A decade ago, ten-year-old Sally watched helplessly as the brutal Axleth invaded Earth. She and a few hundred others escaped aboard the spaceship Athena, piloted by the secretive Artificial Intelligence who calls himself Ares. Now, as they approach Earth, she leads her fearless band of refugees determined to take back their home at any cost.

But much has changed on Earth. Finding allies willing to rise up against the Axleth stranglehold will be difficult. And as they near the Solar System, the Athena is tracked and attacked by an enemy ship. Something has followed them from the depths of space.

As war erupts on Earth, Sally’s small army must show more courage than they knew they possessed, and Sally herself must come to terms with what it truly means to be a battle commander, and decide exactly how much she is willing to sacrifice to win back her planet.

Editorial Reviews:
★★★★★ "When the Children Return is the thrilling sequel that takes the series in epic new directions..." Tom Witcomb

★★★★★ "Filled with action and incredible and unexpected moments that blew my mind!" Susel Dezzani

★★★★★ "I really liked the deeper themes at play – the idea of AIs and where their power might take them; what is worth fighting for; the idea of augmetics and whether they should be pursued, if maxims should be followed i.e. whether you should make a friend of your enemy, and what that might cost you in terms of conscience. I was never less than entertained! And the emotional heft - my word, this is good! I felt SO many emotions..." Amanda Rutter

★★★★★ "Kirwan’s richly-described settings incorporate aspects of astronomy, engineering, biology, quantum physics — you name it. But it’s the author's insight into plain old human nature that brings reality to his writing. It was easy to identify with his characters, even though like most of us, I’ve yet to travel beyond our small blue planet." MEG

★★★★★ "The descriptions of the ship Athena and sub in the opening chapter are just enough to set your imagination off into overdrive!" APK

★★★★★ "There are definitely several reading levels in this book and Barry Kirwan reinforces his status as a central player in the field of science fiction. His evocative descriptions help visualize the Athena and the Axleth Citadel, he instils humour in his characters and intricately weaves suspense throughout the novel in such a way that by the time you close the cover, you will crave for the next instalment of the Children of the Eye series." Thiebaux
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  1. Book 2 of 3
    Children of the Eye
  2. Print length
    359 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    November 26, 2021
  5. File size
    4.4 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
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  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B099GSNK9H
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (November 26, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 26, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 359 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 167 ratings

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Barry Kirwan

Barry Kirwan

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Ever since staring up at the stars through my first telescope, I've wondered what might be out there, and who might come visiting one day. Like most of my favorite science fiction authors, I don't assume they'll look like us, or think like us. Both the Eden Paradox series and the new series explore alien motivations and our reactions to them, the new series going one step further to consider how super-AIs might consider humanity. You can find out more about my books on facebook.com/EdenParadox or www.barrykirwan.com,

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
167 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Felicia Denise
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Enemy of My Enemy is My...?
    Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I’ve looked forward to book two of the Children of the Eye series since January and When the Children Return didn’t disappoint.

    A now-adult Sally leads the battle-ready group as the Athena returns to Earth to face the Axleth and reclaim their planet.

    It will be easier said than done.

    Even with the artificial intelligence Ares and his knowledge way beyond humanity’s imaginings, the fight will be daunting, perhaps even hopeless. Has Ares shared everything he knows with the humans? What does he know about the mysterious ship that attacked the Athena and is following them to Earth?

    Doesn’t look as though the enemy of my enemy is my friend, but it will take battle, betrayal, and loss before the true enemy is identified.

    Nathan, our hero from book one is back, still not feeling like a hero. Haunted by his service in Afghanistan, even the small victory of saving some of Earth’s children doesn’t change him. Things get even worse for him when Lara goes missing and is presumed dead. But never count him out. The survivors can make this planned assault on their home planet because he got them out the first time and he’ll rise to the occasion when needed.

    Like Sally, many of the children who escaped are now adults, some with children of their own. But some have chosen to be augmented by Ares to assist with piloting the Athena, and now exist as something more than human.

    However, like in book one, it is man’s humanity that to me is the dominant theme of When the Children Return. Our differences separate us. Our differences lead us to shun, hate, and violence. But Barry Kirwan’s science fiction adventure proves when we have a common enemy and goal, those differences are meaningless and fade away. (So why do we allow them to do so much damage at all?)

    This fast-moving epic has several moments of ennui and regret, and sadness, but realistic characters and stellar writing not only lead to smooth transitions but also made this a one-sitting read for me.

    Bittersweet, yet hopeful, the ending is open enough for book three, and I’m here for it!

    Enjoy!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • V.E.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
    Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2021
    When the Children Return (Children of the Eye Book 2) by Barry Kirwan is an excellent science fiction book that not only entertains but builds on highly imaginative settings. This ability of the author renders this book eminently readable. You will get to know the well-described characters too. They are richly rendered and relatable. But it is the shocking opening is that pulls you in and compels you to read further. There's a ton of action, with clever and clear writing that makes it even more fascinating. As you read this second book in the series, you revisit familiar characters who face new challenges while they figure out who their enemies are. Great book and highly recommend.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Emmie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Suspense & Surprise When the Children Return
    Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I just finished When the Children Return, the second in Barry Kirwan's Children of the Eye series. The first book When the Children Come opens with a shock, and the suspense builds from there. The Prologue in this second book brought me into the character’s present situation, and I was quickly absorbed into their new world(s) and the dangers they face. When the Children Return has plenty of vivid action, interesting human dynamics and creative “surprises” cleverly foreshadowed early in the text.

    Dialogue in When the Children Return is crisp, realistic and sprinkled with humor. Descriptions in this second novel of the Eye series seem more visceral than in the first book. Even when Kirwan describes a single moment of action, he paints a clear picture, i.e./ “Whatever she held in her hand, there was no muzzle flash, no sound, just a rising cacophony of internal cockpit alarms as the Stinger’s engine’s stuttered. Her lips moved, and the shield opening snapped shut like a soap bubble.”

    Kirwan’s richly-described settings incorporate aspects of astronomy, engineering, biology, quantum physics — you name it. But it’s the author's insight into plain old human nature that brings reality to his writing. It was easy for me to identify with his characters even though, like most of us, I’ve yet to travel beyond our small blue planet.
    One person found this helpful
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  • God's Crissie
    5.0 out of 5 stars great SF thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Lots of nail-biting action and battles in space and on Earth. Creepy bad aliens, the underdog earthers, promise of total destruction—then the war! No sex in this book (unlike book 1), but some swearing. Great twists and turns!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Sam P.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic sequel to When the Children Come
    Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This follow-up to When the Children Come surpassed my expectations. Whereas the first book was nonstop action from page 1, focused on a relatively close group of characters, this sequel opens it up and breathes life into a larger set of characters while at the same time moving along at a great pace. The plotting and descriptions are vivid, fresh and plausible, the transitions are smooth, and I was pleasantly surprised more than a few times about what was going to happen. It's a strong entry by this established author. Great work, and I look forward to the next one.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Grymm
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic second installment
    Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2021
    It usually takes a lot for me to get into science fiction. It has to really grab me immediately and throw me into the universe without completely destroying what makes the writing special. Kirwan knocks this book out of the park with that. It didn’t take long for me to feel the universe in this second installment in the Children of the Eye series.

    Kirwan has already established himself as a good writer. What really catapults him as a great writer is how he approaches this book. He grabs you as soon as you start and keeps you invested, even when the action lulls. The adventures the displaced Earthlings endure after escaping on Athena as they zip through space are just…well…stellar. Puns aside, this is a phenomenal second installment. If you like science fiction and a diverse, rich cast, then pick up this book; of course, that’s after you pick up the first.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Andreas K
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you like Kirwan, You'll love this one
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 26, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    We re-join the characters from the previous story, a little unsure of their host and wanting to get their planet back. War training, simulation, good guys that become bad guys, new good guys, complex interpersonal relationships and finally playing all of this out on the ground for real.
    The first book pulls along to a point that its clear our time on our own planet was up. The second book pulls us back from that edge and raises the old question, is the enemy of my enemy truly my friend ?
    Fantastic familiar characters, new ones to get behind and a fast paced adventure through space and time and we are reading classic Kirwan.
    Started reading it and only stopped because I was in trouble for reading all the time ! Worth getting in trouble for :-D
    Loved it !
    Now... where is the final book :)
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  • Alank
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, hard to put down!
    Reviewed in Germany on November 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I have read some of other books from this author, likewise, this does not disappoint. It dives straight into the action and keeps you gripped from the off. The descriptions of the ship Athena and sub in the opening chapter are just enough to set your imagination off into overdrive! Lots of exciting characters to discover as this adventure begins!
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  • Rayzor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth reading
    Reviewed in Australia on June 19, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The first book was great fun. (Okay, "fun" may not be the right word.) The "Don't fall asleep" premise caused the story to move constantly with no slowing down permitted, and the book had a vibe to match - the protagonist felt like someone who had been awake for days and was mostly staying active to stay awake.

    This book was the one with the story - who did what to whom and why. Along with a lot more action, of course. It manages to make the alien invasion... not silly. (The big problem with alien invasions is usually "why bother?". Congratulations evil overlords! You've just bankrupted your own civilisation to rule some backward chumps with, by your standards, inadequate levels of hygiene and sanitation.) The Axel hybrids are interesting and consistent, the (now grown-up) children are interesting and consistent, the ending is reasonable.

    The one gripe I have is with the author's understanding of black holes. Put simply, they don't actually suck. Mr Kirwan, if you were to implode the Moon to form a black hole, it would be a black hole with the mass of the Moon. It isn't going to swallow the Earth. Not now, and not thousands of years in the future. Honestly though, that inaccuracy comes late in the book and isn't a major plot point. The rest is all good!
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  • MARIE HOUZELLE
    5.0 out of 5 stars Way beyond humanity’s imaginings
    Reviewed in France on November 26, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Some of us wonder how far we should believe the scientists instruct us about crucial, life-and-death issues we struggle to understand.
    For Lara, Sally and the crew of exiles on the Athena, the stakes are slightly higher: the question is whether to trust Ares, an Artificial Intelligence “way beyond humanity’s imaginings”, who seems to be their only chance to survive, go back to Earth, and retrieve their planet from the murderous Axleth.
    Up to now, he’s been extraordinarily efficient, but how will he react in front of the completely new situations they are bound to encounter? Young Sally sees him as “a kindred spirit”, and trusts they have a common purpose. Lara, more experienced, finds out that he’s hiding things from them, and she suspects his intentions. She wonders if he’s using them for his own purposes. He might help them to regain the earth, but what is his final goal?
    By the way: if Ares, with “his imperturbable, eyeless face”, is not human, and certainly not animal, how come the other characters use HE or HIS to refer to this Artificial Intelligence?
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  • Christopher R Vanier
    5.0 out of 5 stars Who are our true friends and allies?
    Reviewed in France on January 7, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    ‘When the Children Come’ is the second book by Barry Kirwan in his series ‘Children of the Eye’, and it is full of surprises. The theme of AI as a deciding factor in our future human existence, only hinted at in the previous book, takes on full force. The characters, from Nathan to Sally and Lara, all fascinating, are multiplied, and each chapter presents a new crisis. This reader couldn’t stop turning the pages! No sooner is one menace half understood than another takes over. Underneath this palpitating action, the reader is forced to reflect on mankind’s future. Who are our real friends and allies? And can we change alliances? The third book had better come soon!
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