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The Irish End Game #3
Heading Home: Book 3 of the Irish End Games
What happens when the one thing you’ve been praying for turns out to be the one thing that will destroy you and everything you love? After two years of living and adjusting to life after the bomb, Sarah and her son John have discovered that happiness can trump grief and loss. Together they’ve created a life of fellowship and hard work, pride of self and community, good friendships and, for Sarah, love. But the moment a messenger comes to the camp with the news that the United States government is gathering up all of its stranded nationals to help them get home, is the moment their world begins to crumble. Who could guess that the one thing they’d prayed so fervently for would be the very thing that would destroy everything they’ve worked so hard to build?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2013
113 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 27, 2024
My least favorite book of the series. While the first two books told a story of survival and adapting to life without conveniences, the third book was nothing more than a soap opera mixed with a horribly produced reality show. I quickly got tired of the love triangles and betrayals and jealousy. Definitely not as interesting as the first book and nothing ever left me thinking about it after I finished reading. The book did end with a preview of the fourth book which seems to get back to the mystery and survival story arcs, but I’m not chomping at the bit to read it yet. I think I’m going to take a break and explore some other authors first.
January 23, 2025
So book 3. Two years after "The Crisis," a bomb that causes an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) that wipes out everything electric/ electronic/ everything with a chip. This bomb only affected Ireland, Scotland, Wales, to a lesser extent England, and in the US, only Boston was bombed. So now finally the Yanks show up to bring their people home. They show up as typical Yanks: over paid, over fed, over sexed, and over here. They seem to have a single minded focus on bringing Americans back home and no thought of helping our UK allies rebuild. (Does it make sense that two years after the bomb, all electronics are still out, including new ones that might be built? Seems like maybe, sort of.)
So two plots wind through this one: Is Sarah going to take her son John and go back to US? They have built a new life in Ireland, with close friends, a community, a wholesome lifestyle with lots of bread baking, crops, horses. John is a responsible young man instead of the video game obsessed teen he was in the US. And Sarah is in love with Mike, the exceptionally hunky Irish man she has been flirting with since the beginning of the series. Two years later they still haven't consummated or solidified their relationship.
The second plot is that Mike who founded this community and named it after himself (Donovan's Lot) has set himself up as the boss. He frequently says "this isn't a democracy" and spends his days giving orders, assigning tasks. So a trouble making stranger rides in and starts stirring up rebellion against Mike's autocratic rule. Will Mike be able to maintain his leadership role or will Brian succeed in taking over? What will happen if he does?
There's also a new love interest for Mike. If Sarah is leaving for US, Aideen is ready and willing to step into her spot. Sarah's first reaction when the Yanks show up is "oh yay, we are going home!". It takes her an exceptionally long time to even think about what they would be leaving behind. (Sarah does come across as kind of slow witted at times )
Both of these plots have a lot of back and forth. The villains are extraordinarily villainous. The reactions of the ordinary people of Donovan's Lot are a bit hard to fathom. All the way through a heaping helping of suspension of disbelief is required, but the ending is always obvious. The book is entertaining, but barely. On a scale of buy it, borrow it or don't bother, it is solidly borrow it.
So two plots wind through this one: Is Sarah going to take her son John and go back to US? They have built a new life in Ireland, with close friends, a community, a wholesome lifestyle with lots of bread baking, crops, horses. John is a responsible young man instead of the video game obsessed teen he was in the US. And Sarah is in love with Mike, the exceptionally hunky Irish man she has been flirting with since the beginning of the series. Two years later they still haven't consummated or solidified their relationship.
The second plot is that Mike who founded this community and named it after himself (Donovan's Lot) has set himself up as the boss. He frequently says "this isn't a democracy" and spends his days giving orders, assigning tasks. So a trouble making stranger rides in and starts stirring up rebellion against Mike's autocratic rule. Will Mike be able to maintain his leadership role or will Brian succeed in taking over? What will happen if he does?
There's also a new love interest for Mike. If Sarah is leaving for US, Aideen is ready and willing to step into her spot. Sarah's first reaction when the Yanks show up is "oh yay, we are going home!". It takes her an exceptionally long time to even think about what they would be leaving behind. (Sarah does come across as kind of slow witted at times )
Both of these plots have a lot of back and forth. The villains are extraordinarily villainous. The reactions of the ordinary people of Donovan's Lot are a bit hard to fathom. All the way through a heaping helping of suspension of disbelief is required, but the ending is always obvious. The book is entertaining, but barely. On a scale of buy it, borrow it or don't bother, it is solidly borrow it.
September 16, 2018
The style of writing is superb. The author has an extraordinary talent to make us love or hate the characters, sometimes both. The action is jam-packed and the characters never really get a chance to recover before something else big happens. Quality story-telling, even if much of the story is vile. I love that despite the ugliness, there are threads of beauty wrapped in love, kindness, forgiveness, and community; finding family among strangers in dire situations. I did quite like the ending to this book. It was wrapped up nicely like a balm to soothe the scars from the rest of the story. I hope the rest of the books in the series are of the same quality as I look forward to reading them.
June 27, 2017
I have read the first 3 books in this series now and after each book my opinion grows. After the first (Free Falling), I wasn't sure if I would read any more in the series. Found it a little far fetched and the characters unbelievable. Whilst the story remained a little 'out there' and Sarah, the main character, a little annoying, I really wanted to know what happened.
I read the first three back to back, now currently reading something different, I will be back to catch up on whatever trouble Sarah brings to those around her soon.
I read the first three back to back, now currently reading something different, I will be back to catch up on whatever trouble Sarah brings to those around her soon.
June 3, 2017
This is the third book in the Irish End Games Series and it's as good as the first 2 with exciting plots. The story continues on with the same characters trying to live in a remote area of Ireland after an EMP wiped out all modern conveniences. Instead it's as if they were living in the 18th century with extra complications and violence and I often forget it's present time. I like the characters and the plots are always tense and exciting. Four or five more books in the series to go!
April 27, 2019
Really enjoyed the first book. The second had a rough start but i got through it and then loved it! I cannot say the same for the third! Tedious is one of the words that come to mind. Too farfetched!
I’m done!
I’m done!
May 17, 2019
Irish Rebirth
A very good book! I can easily believe the things that happened to Sarah, John, Mike, Gavin, Fiona and Declan would occur in a post-apocalyptic Ireland. Great, exciting way to bring a conclusion to this chapter in their lives.
A very good book! I can easily believe the things that happened to Sarah, John, Mike, Gavin, Fiona and Declan would occur in a post-apocalyptic Ireland. Great, exciting way to bring a conclusion to this chapter in their lives.
August 20, 2019
Overall the story premise was good. I just grew tired of the characters. I feel that they would not behave in the manner described, as well, I did not like the main "villain" and how over the top she was vindictive.
June 2, 2019
And on to the next one.
Twists and turns in this continuing story of Irish tempers and love. Surprise after surprise and I am eager to read the next book
Twists and turns in this continuing story of Irish tempers and love. Surprise after surprise and I am eager to read the next book
August 19, 2019
Enjoyed the whole series!!! Couldn't put it down.
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April 7, 2021The book “Heading Home” enticed me to read the next in the series
December 24, 2025
Wonderful ending, but not without having lost many friends and Sarah being separated from her parents. A great read.
February 3, 2015
I was ready for some relaxing time with Sarah and John and Mike but that wasn't going to be not with Susan Kiernan-Lewis as the author. She can write a story to keep the readers interest going for hours and hours. I read all 3 books in one day. That should say something to the context of the story. I really thought about what was going on in this story and thought that something like this could actually happen. If I let my imagination run a little bit some of this book could actually come true in some future date. I hope not but with the way things are now who knows. Sarah, David, John started out on a family vacation and look what happened. The story never really says what started it all it just says that it was something the Americans must have done something but never what. That was something that bothered me but not enough to stop reading.
If you read the first 2 books you are already hooked I don't need to say anything more on the subject of the story line. Susan Kiernan-Lewis is an awesome writer and I can't wait to read more of her books. This book got me going and I hope this series has you too.
If you read the first 2 books you are already hooked I don't need to say anything more on the subject of the story line. Susan Kiernan-Lewis is an awesome writer and I can't wait to read more of her books. This book got me going and I hope this series has you too.
July 4, 2015
Good Series, Tortuous Book
I really like this series, maybe the best of all Susan's books. The resiliency of people thrown into a desperate situation is one we all hope is how we'd be. She is pretty creative with how they manage, and probably pretty close to correct.
That being said, this particular installment has made me want to tear out my hair in frustration. Mostly it's because Sarah has been "leaving next week, next day, today..." For 2/3 of the book. We know she's not leaving because there are more books in the series and she's the main character. We know she will end up with Mike despite other women and crazy situations.
Then there's the fact that the rest of the world is normal and no one has come to the aid of the Irish. We all know that wouldn't happen.
Of course Susan always has to have a bad guy, but a vengeful, manipulative girl or two is annoying. In general, people are smarter than she's made out the villagers to be.
I'm ready for this chapter to resolve itself and hope that the next book is less tedious and predictable.
I really like this series, maybe the best of all Susan's books. The resiliency of people thrown into a desperate situation is one we all hope is how we'd be. She is pretty creative with how they manage, and probably pretty close to correct.
That being said, this particular installment has made me want to tear out my hair in frustration. Mostly it's because Sarah has been "leaving next week, next day, today..." For 2/3 of the book. We know she's not leaving because there are more books in the series and she's the main character. We know she will end up with Mike despite other women and crazy situations.
Then there's the fact that the rest of the world is normal and no one has come to the aid of the Irish. We all know that wouldn't happen.
Of course Susan always has to have a bad guy, but a vengeful, manipulative girl or two is annoying. In general, people are smarter than she's made out the villagers to be.
I'm ready for this chapter to resolve itself and hope that the next book is less tedious and predictable.
March 11, 2015
I have really enjoyed this series.. but this one goes a bit too far beyond feasibility. If the USA caused the problems described why wouldn't they try to help the nations affected? But then, we never did find out exactly what happened.. All we know is that Ireland and England have been thrown back to the 18th century while the USA still enjoy all the comforts of modern day technology.. and then they (the USA) decide the rest of the world just don't matter anymore and CUT THEMSELVES OFF COMPLETELY - sorry, just can't go along with that scenario. So, been nice to know you, but I won't be continuing with the last 2 books of the series.
September 22, 2014
Great read
Just finished this third book in this series. Susan Kiernan-Lewis has me hooked. I was happy with the ending but sad that the series was over. But joy of joys, I find out that book #4 is on it's way!! And it gets even better, book #5 is also coming in 2015. Thanks Susan.
Just finished this third book in this series. Susan Kiernan-Lewis has me hooked. I was happy with the ending but sad that the series was over. But joy of joys, I find out that book #4 is on it's way!! And it gets even better, book #5 is also coming in 2015. Thanks Susan.
February 1, 2015
I have really been enjoying this series. I plowed through the first three and was so distressed to find the next one isn't released until next month. This one was more of a romantic historic novel but that is okay. I loved it anyway. If you like dystopian novels or historical fiction then this series is for you.
February 18, 2015
Irish End Games
I try not to get into books that are a series but once I read the first one...I couldn't stop. The characters were very interesting. The storyline was excellent. I really get into the apocalyptic books for some reason.
Enjoyed Susan Kiernan-Lewis's writing and hope to read more of her books.
I try not to get into books that are a series but once I read the first one...I couldn't stop. The characters were very interesting. The storyline was excellent. I really get into the apocalyptic books for some reason.
Enjoyed Susan Kiernan-Lewis's writing and hope to read more of her books.
February 21, 2015
An excellent story
I really have enjoyed this story. Book three has a deeper feel of a love story than I am use to and was not sure in the beginning of book three if I wanted to continue. But the story sucks you in and I found myself cheering for the hero's and wishing a horrible end for the villains. It's a good read and would make a great movie.
I really have enjoyed this story. Book three has a deeper feel of a love story than I am use to and was not sure in the beginning of book three if I wanted to continue. But the story sucks you in and I found myself cheering for the hero's and wishing a horrible end for the villains. It's a good read and would make a great movie.
March 3, 2015
just keeps getting better
When you think all is settled down to happily ever after the author throws a curve. I want to go live in the time and place she created. I don't quite understand why the rest of the world doesn't send relief supplies but then the reader must suspend disbelief.
When you think all is settled down to happily ever after the author throws a curve. I want to go live in the time and place she created. I don't quite understand why the rest of the world doesn't send relief supplies but then the reader must suspend disbelief.
October 26, 2019
I could not get through the Irish End Games series fast enough. This series goes down as one of my favorites. Very fast paced. You fall in love with the characters and you feel for what they are going through. This series had me hooked from the start, and I can't wait for each book to come out so I can continue to read what happens next.......
July 7, 2014
Pretty good, but I thought this was the last book. When I got to the last page it read,"do you want to read the final book? Coming soon. Now I have to wait til I don't know when it will be published!
August 6, 2015
Just when I think enough already I'm done with this series something happens that pulls me right back in. So yes I am now downloading book # 4, Blind Sided. (Gave up on it...it was too much about supernatural goings on and didn't interest me).
August 21, 2015
The Irish end Game series! Books, one two and three
Very good story! Loved people and the scenes that they were interested in about our changing world of uncertainly, as the world is today!
Very good story! Loved people and the scenes that they were interested in about our changing world of uncertainly, as the world is today!
September 3, 2015
Nicely wrapped up what I thought would be a trilogy. But, wait, I guess there are more books in the series. This seems to be pretty common these days. In any case, more drama within the camp in this installment. Overall a good page-turner!
December 25, 2015
Absolutely love this series
I would love to be a part of "Donovan's Lot". The story line is great and non predictable. You have taught me a lot about my great grandparents home land! The use of native language and Irish-isms is fantastic.
I would love to be a part of "Donovan's Lot". The story line is great and non predictable. You have taught me a lot about my great grandparents home land! The use of native language and Irish-isms is fantastic.
January 29, 2015
Not quite as exciting as the first two books in the series, but still had me hooked.
February 4, 2015
Very good book
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March 12, 2015Very good book. A little too descriptive at times but overall I would recommend it.
April 12, 2015
"Heading Home" was a great continuation in this exciting series. It picks up right where you left off and you will not want to put the book down. I am clearly hooked!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews