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Eden Paradox #2
Eden's Trial
First contact did not go well...
Survivors are fleeing Earth, into a hostile galaxy where alien intelligence and weaponry rule. Can a deserted planet offer refuge? Or will the genetically engineered Alicians finish the job started on Eden. While Blake fends off attacks, Micah seeks allies, but his plan backfires, and humanity finds itself on trial for its very right to exist.
Survivors are fleeing Earth, into a hostile galaxy where alien intelligence and weaponry rule. Can a deserted planet offer refuge? Or will the genetically engineered Alicians finish the job started on Eden. While Blake fends off attacks, Micah seeks allies, but his plan backfires, and humanity finds itself on trial for its very right to exist.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2011
151 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Barry Kirwan
20 books2,310 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 52 reviews
January 4, 2023
3.5 stars this time – same complaints as before but everything has improved on the first instalment. The weirdest thing to me is the way Kirwan writes female characters, with an odd sort of ignorance that would almost be misogynistic if it didn’t feel so much like he has just never talked to a woman for more than five minutes? It’s so peculiar that I’m kind of willing to just look past it, to be honest.
February 7, 2014
An interesting followup to the first book. At first I had the impression the story starts slowly, but as pages go by, it takes up the pace. I don't consider it as good as the first one, but it is a must read anyway. The recap of what happened in the first book takes up quite a lot at the beginning of this one. If you read it immediately after the first one, you will be bored at the start.
The main story is OK and the trial has more of a philosophical side. I love how the Grid Society develops and there are quite a few surprises of how the characters evolve.
The main story is OK and the trial has more of a philosophical side. I love how the Grid Society develops and there are quite a few surprises of how the characters evolve.
April 10, 2023
Kirwan's ability to advance a narrative, character and world build, and push the boundaries of science fiction is fantastic. The dialogue is crisp, descriptions are precise yet leave enough for the reader to fill in the blanks and the story itself is compelling and well-paced.
When a books jumps from character to character, I can find some tedious or nonsensical at times but this series has none of those problems. Each character is dynamic in his or her own right, causing the reader to feel a vast range of emotions about each of them as their character grows. What's more, those feelings can change at a snap as the narrative twists and turns.
Very surprised at the relatively low readership of this one. Great series that I believe could be an excellent three part full feature film.
Onto the next one!
When a books jumps from character to character, I can find some tedious or nonsensical at times but this series has none of those problems. Each character is dynamic in his or her own right, causing the reader to feel a vast range of emotions about each of them as their character grows. What's more, those feelings can change at a snap as the narrative twists and turns.
Very surprised at the relatively low readership of this one. Great series that I believe could be an excellent three part full feature film.
Onto the next one!
January 17, 2022
The author's ability to keep throwing in intriguing twists and turns is truly impressive. I read the book in one sitting because it was that interesting to me. I still find the author obnoxiously sexist sometimes, and I could have done with far fewer battle scenes. But I would definitely recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who likes sci fi.
April 11, 2023
would've gotten 5 stars if not for the weird need to sexualize so many of the female characters 😕 other than that very good would recommend 🐈
May 16, 2023
Again, 4.5 stars. And again, one of the main detractors is the unfortunate choice of narrator. It is especially difficult with the cast of characters growing and changing.
Interestingly, like the first book, the story takes a significant turn about halfway through the book. It is this progression of story and the characters that really drives this book towards almost 5-star rating. Can't wait to see where it goes next!
Interestingly, like the first book, the story takes a significant turn about halfway through the book. It is this progression of story and the characters that really drives this book towards almost 5-star rating. Can't wait to see where it goes next!
March 14, 2025
After nearly being wiped out by a race of intelligent alien insects, the last refugees of Earth must roam the galaxy in search of a new home—while also trying to prove to the intergalactic community that humanity is more than just an insignificant species unworthy of survival. Eden's Trial takes itself a bit less seriously than its predecessor, which I see as a welcome change. After all, the premise of the series was a bit far-fetched to begin with, and I think embracing its merits as an all-out entertaining space opera is preferable to forcing a highbrow, speculative sci-fi tone.
The book starts off a bit slow but picks up significantly in the second half, weaving together many engaging, if familiar, space opera tropes. Although I found the first half a bit boring, there's plenty set in motion by the end, and I’m definitely curious to see what happens in the next book of the series.
The book starts off a bit slow but picks up significantly in the second half, weaving together many engaging, if familiar, space opera tropes. Although I found the first half a bit boring, there's plenty set in motion by the end, and I’m definitely curious to see what happens in the next book of the series.
June 29, 2022
Turned Into Inter-Galactic Clown Show
Wow, what a change from the first book. This second book thrusts humanity into the wide galaxy…only to find out that it’s the wide “multi-galaxy”…a severely improbable concept. The characters, interactions and concepts which were interesting in book 1 turn out to be wildly sporadic in book 2. A highly unlikely galactic caste system, multiple multi-galactic invasions, seriously flawed science, and throw in a caste-inspired galactic “Survivor-style” game that species can play and you will understand why I can’t take this book series seriously, anymore. What a huge turnaround from Book 1. At least the author knows how to write…so I’ll give 2 stars for competence.
Wow, what a change from the first book. This second book thrusts humanity into the wide galaxy…only to find out that it’s the wide “multi-galaxy”…a severely improbable concept. The characters, interactions and concepts which were interesting in book 1 turn out to be wildly sporadic in book 2. A highly unlikely galactic caste system, multiple multi-galactic invasions, seriously flawed science, and throw in a caste-inspired galactic “Survivor-style” game that species can play and you will understand why I can’t take this book series seriously, anymore. What a huge turnaround from Book 1. At least the author knows how to write…so I’ll give 2 stars for competence.
July 16, 2023
Like the first of the series the book has ok writing but the plot and the characters leave much to be desired.
The world / universe and how it functions would have worked well if exaggerated more and used in a satirical book, but here it's played straight faced and the situations are just too outlandish to work in that context. The plot is basically non existent and propelled by "convenient" events and a constant stream of Deus ex machinas. The characters are almost exclusively 2 dimensional caricatures with very few exceptions.
Barely good enough to kill some time on the commute.
The world / universe and how it functions would have worked well if exaggerated more and used in a satirical book, but here it's played straight faced and the situations are just too outlandish to work in that context. The plot is basically non existent and propelled by "convenient" events and a constant stream of Deus ex machinas. The characters are almost exclusively 2 dimensional caricatures with very few exceptions.
Barely good enough to kill some time on the commute.
March 25, 2013
Amazing. The pace, the characters, all of it. I feel completely facinated with the way more and more subjetcs keep comming into the plot. A must for the SIFI fans.
July 4, 2019
Good read
Very enjoyable love the characters to looking forward to more action in the following books really hooked give me more
Very enjoyable love the characters to looking forward to more action in the following books really hooked give me more
May 14, 2020
Way too many different things going on for me.
December 11, 2020
The scale of Star Trek, the guts of Star Wars but not quite achieving either.
(To Barry: yes, it's a bit grim, but I'm one of those who will carry on to the next ones!)
A lot to unpack in what I found to be a mostly satisfying successor to The Eden Paradox. (Very minor spoilers ahead...)
The action and snappy interactions between the characters remain as good as ever, but the scope and stakes of the story are raised to an unbelievable level which I found to be simultaneously great and the biggest flaw up until now. The expansion of Kirwan's Galactic society is very entertaining and allows for wonderful moments. However, I found it challenging to maintain the necessary suspension of disbelief when the new villains were introduced.
The previous book made me feel that the universe was massive and that our heroes were just unlucky to be the generation that was caught in a millennial plan of a superior race. Humanity's unfortunate fate felt as random as the fate of an ant colony destroyed because someone wants to plant potatoes there. Moreover, the shock between the time scales in which the two clashing species worked made humanities efforts seem futile. It all very natural.
The funny thing is, I didn't even noticed how much that played a part in the pleasure it was reading The Eden Paradox until it went missing in Trial. In Trial we are asked to go along with the fact that, after being told of the countless millenniums between events, the 2nd biggest conflict in the history of the whole universe just happens to occur a few years after humanity has their first conflict with an alien race. Whereas before, the trip to Eden, Micah's and Pierre's development and even Kat's connection to the alien mirror race was something that took time and had consequences, now characters jump grid levels like it's nothing and travel through the universe like someone who goes to the supermarket, all courtesy of a plethora of Deus Ex Machina devices that appear when it's convenient.
If I sound overly critical, it is not my intention. I commend the author's ambition and the book was a pleasure to read, but I could not help to feel that Kirwan felt he had a shot at something here and throwed everything and the kitchen sink at it, as if Tolkien had tried to squeeze the silmarillion in the middle of The Two Towers.
Still, I've already bought the next two, which is possibly the best summary of how much I am enjoying this trip.
(To Barry: yes, it's a bit grim, but I'm one of those who will carry on to the next ones!)
A lot to unpack in what I found to be a mostly satisfying successor to The Eden Paradox. (Very minor spoilers ahead...)
The action and snappy interactions between the characters remain as good as ever, but the scope and stakes of the story are raised to an unbelievable level which I found to be simultaneously great and the biggest flaw up until now. The expansion of Kirwan's Galactic society is very entertaining and allows for wonderful moments. However, I found it challenging to maintain the necessary suspension of disbelief when the new villains were introduced.
The previous book made me feel that the universe was massive and that our heroes were just unlucky to be the generation that was caught in a millennial plan of a superior race. Humanity's unfortunate fate felt as random as the fate of an ant colony destroyed because someone wants to plant potatoes there. Moreover, the shock between the time scales in which the two clashing species worked made humanities efforts seem futile. It all very natural.
The funny thing is, I didn't even noticed how much that played a part in the pleasure it was reading The Eden Paradox until it went missing in Trial. In Trial we are asked to go along with the fact that, after being told of the countless millenniums between events, the 2nd biggest conflict in the history of the whole universe just happens to occur a few years after humanity has their first conflict with an alien race. Whereas before, the trip to Eden, Micah's and Pierre's development and even Kat's connection to the alien mirror race was something that took time and had consequences, now characters jump grid levels like it's nothing and travel through the universe like someone who goes to the supermarket, all courtesy of a plethora of Deus Ex Machina devices that appear when it's convenient.
If I sound overly critical, it is not my intention. I commend the author's ambition and the book was a pleasure to read, but I could not help to feel that Kirwan felt he had a shot at something here and throwed everything and the kitchen sink at it, as if Tolkien had tried to squeeze the silmarillion in the middle of The Two Towers.
Still, I've already bought the next two, which is possibly the best summary of how much I am enjoying this trip.
September 11, 2022
3.5 really
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has plenty of twists and turns that build on the same pace of the first. The writing is great and the story flows well from character to character. The best and worst of humanity is always shown, especially the propensity for power struggles and disunity.
However, a few things stop this book being exceptional. One of them is the whole Louise issue and concocting unnecessary drama and treachery. Seriously unnecessary especially the epilogue. By now she is an unneeded character , why she is kept around I don't know. Next up you have double standards for the male vs female characters - Sandy and Jennifer are allowed to sleep with whoever they want to (or want to sleep with ) , for the most obtuse of reasons such a jealousy or situations thought up in their own minds (even when untrue), yet the men are lambasted for even spending time with another woman when nothing sexual occurs. How is that explained? Sandy goes crazy at Micah for a sexual encounter he has yet she has expressed zero interest in him ( "Its never going to happen." ), and has had other men during this time. Mind boggling. There were slight redemptions for Kat & Jennifer, extremely slight, as these two by and large are the most infuriating characters. Their thinking and reasoning skills are pathetic, and react emotionally to every thing without any logic.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has plenty of twists and turns that build on the same pace of the first. The writing is great and the story flows well from character to character. The best and worst of humanity is always shown, especially the propensity for power struggles and disunity.
However, a few things stop this book being exceptional. One of them is the whole Louise issue and concocting unnecessary drama and treachery. Seriously unnecessary especially the epilogue. By now she is an unneeded character , why she is kept around I don't know. Next up you have double standards for the male vs female characters - Sandy and Jennifer are allowed to sleep with whoever they want to (or want to sleep with ) , for the most obtuse of reasons such a jealousy or situations thought up in their own minds (even when untrue), yet the men are lambasted for even spending time with another woman when nothing sexual occurs. How is that explained? Sandy goes crazy at Micah for a sexual encounter he has yet she has expressed zero interest in him ( "Its never going to happen." ), and has had other men during this time. Mind boggling. There were slight redemptions for Kat & Jennifer, extremely slight, as these two by and large are the most infuriating characters. Their thinking and reasoning skills are pathetic, and react emotionally to every thing without any logic.
July 16, 2023
More verging on a 3.5 really, but overall the story was enjoyable and I'm curious to how the series continues.
However, I felt that the story just advanced way too quickly at a lightning pace resulting in most of the scenarios playing out with the Grid expedition team feeling completely unrealistic (yes yes, it's sci-fi but still, a lot of the plot points weren't made particularly believable and could have used some fleshing out).
There was also the continued oversexualised nature of all female characters that carried over from the first book (there's maybe one female character that doesn't just sleep with basically everyone they come across on a whim, even when they're in a relationship?)
However, I felt that the story just advanced way too quickly at a lightning pace resulting in most of the scenarios playing out with the Grid expedition team feeling completely unrealistic (yes yes, it's sci-fi but still, a lot of the plot points weren't made particularly believable and could have used some fleshing out).
There was also the continued oversexualised nature of all female characters that carried over from the first book (there's maybe one female character that doesn't just sleep with basically everyone they come across on a whim, even when they're in a relationship?)
March 8, 2025
Probably a 3.5, since I gave the first one a 4. I really liked this book! I loved some of the characters, and was sad to see certain ones go. However, I liked what someone said in a review when they referenced some of the “unnecessary “ characters, because I did find that to be true. The amount of branching plot lines and new characters was almost impossible to keep track of. Maybe it would’ve been easier to keep track of if there was just a little bit more explanation. Like one second they just barely caught sight of Ourshiwann, and the next it turned into a fully developed city with a name and working political system? Wtf? I was like oh okay. There really was a lack of description in some things that made my brain sprint to keep up. I listened to the audio book, and had to frequently rewind the damn thing. I did really like the grand cosmic scale of the story. That blew my mind. The romance, though, was disgusting. Ew ew ew. Love interest came out of literally nowhere and were just so unbelievable. It did keep my attention at the end of the day, and I love me a good sci fi book. Not sure if I’ll pay to continue .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2023
A great sci-fi series.
Eden's Trial: A galactic exploration novel is the second of four books in the Eden Paradox series written by Barry Kirwan. In this science fiction story, humans are judged and threatened by superior alien races. In the middle of an intergalactic war, survivor humans are fleeing Earth, into a hostile galaxy where alien intelligence and weaponry rule.
I really loved it! Science fiction stories are great and very imaginative but I think the biggest risk is that they are not totally coherent; in this case, the story is carefully developed and every detail fits perfectly. I liked how the suspense is maintained throughout the plot, and the very interesting twists and turns that it has. I recommend it!
Eden's Trial: A galactic exploration novel is the second of four books in the Eden Paradox series written by Barry Kirwan. In this science fiction story, humans are judged and threatened by superior alien races. In the middle of an intergalactic war, survivor humans are fleeing Earth, into a hostile galaxy where alien intelligence and weaponry rule.
I really loved it! Science fiction stories are great and very imaginative but I think the biggest risk is that they are not totally coherent; in this case, the story is carefully developed and every detail fits perfectly. I liked how the suspense is maintained throughout the plot, and the very interesting twists and turns that it has. I recommend it!
March 24, 2021
Love this Series
Found this author after reading a different book. The writing and characters are amazing. The reader becomes engulfed in the story and feels like they are taking the journey themselves. If you enjoy well written scifi fiction this series is a must. Even though this is not my normal genre this series has become one of my favorites this year. A synopsis of the story cannot do it justice so grab the first book and try it. I think you will find it impossible to put down. Barry Kirwan has an amazing story telling ability that is rare and this series is definitely a gem!
Found this author after reading a different book. The writing and characters are amazing. The reader becomes engulfed in the story and feels like they are taking the journey themselves. If you enjoy well written scifi fiction this series is a must. Even though this is not my normal genre this series has become one of my favorites this year. A synopsis of the story cannot do it justice so grab the first book and try it. I think you will find it impossible to put down. Barry Kirwan has an amazing story telling ability that is rare and this series is definitely a gem!
August 8, 2023
Two threads to follow: Micah goes off in search of allies for Eden, while Blake has to navigate the treacherous machinations of Eden's political arena. A lot of new information is divulged, adding to the intrigue. The author skillfully weaves an intricate plot through both story arcs, which kept me interested and engaged, and left me wanting more. The narrative, characters and galaxy building are developing nicely, and the intrigue is certainly increasing. The pacing of the book is adequate, and there are very few lulls.
Overall a great second instalment, I'm definitely hooked and invested in the story now, it's been a while since I've been this infused by a sci-fi book.
August 29, 2023
Eden's Trial: A galactic exploration novel is the second book of the Eden series. This fictional story was written by Barry Kirwan, and in this installment, the crew arrives into an unknown galaxy inhabited by some threatening creatures. While searching for allies, they also face hazardous attacks putting the existence of human being into danger. The novel is a thrilling tale about human beings struggling to survive in a fantasy world. It is a rollercoaster of action and emotions that keeps readers at the edge of their seats. The book is short, easy to read and amazing and catching down to the last page. I can´t wait to read the third one!
August 31, 2023
Barry Kirwan is a true believer that we are not alone in the universe and being the science fiction lover that he is, this book is exactly that: love for sci-fi.
Eden's Trial: A Galactic Exploration Novel is the second book of the Eden Paradox series and we will follow the survivors fighting back and asking for mercy from an unknown alien civilization while trying to stay afloat.
This was truly one of the best sequels of science fiction I have seen in a while! The characters are just flawless and the book overall is hard to put down! This is such a good story, and Kirwan does not disappoint! I absolutely recommend it
Eden's Trial: A Galactic Exploration Novel is the second book of the Eden Paradox series and we will follow the survivors fighting back and asking for mercy from an unknown alien civilization while trying to stay afloat.
This was truly one of the best sequels of science fiction I have seen in a while! The characters are just flawless and the book overall is hard to put down! This is such a good story, and Kirwan does not disappoint! I absolutely recommend it
August 31, 2023
The story's premise is intriguing: Earth's survivors, forced to flee their home, venture into the unknown in search of refuge. However, what they discover is a galaxy ruled by alien beings.
This is a science fiction story with a lot to say. Kirwan 's worldbuilding was unique and creative. The plot includes adventure, action, and new worlds to explore. A compelling mix that is both interesting and entertaining. The story 's rhythm is good; I didn't get bored or lost interest in the reading in any moment; quite the opposite. In short, it is a work that I enjoyed a lot, more with each page I read. I really recommend reading it!
This is a science fiction story with a lot to say. Kirwan 's worldbuilding was unique and creative. The plot includes adventure, action, and new worlds to explore. A compelling mix that is both interesting and entertaining. The story 's rhythm is good; I didn't get bored or lost interest in the reading in any moment; quite the opposite. In short, it is a work that I enjoyed a lot, more with each page I read. I really recommend reading it!
October 11, 2024
Kept up with the characters, some character development which I always enjoy. I felt that the world-building was expansive, but left something to be desired. It was sufficient, but I felt that it was almost too ambitious. It rapidly introduced the reader to this massive extraterritorial world but didn't leave us much time to digest. I yearned to learn more about the new expansive world, but felt we were constantly redirected to the previous world.
Style of writing, dialogue, and characters were impeccable. Honestly, I think the dialogue was my favorite part, the characters were so solid, so well developed
Style of writing, dialogue, and characters were impeccable. Honestly, I think the dialogue was my favorite part, the characters were so solid, so well developed
August 19, 2020
Second in the series, and I must say I liked this one better than the first. The Alicians and their alien allies have wiped out life on Earth and a small group of stalwart humans has escaped to Eden. They can't stay there, but they are finding some support as they struggle.
Some of the portrayals of women, emotionally, seem like they come from the sexist 1950s. In counterbalance, I really enjoyed a scene in a galactic court, with a range of different alien species interacting.
Some of the portrayals of women, emotionally, seem like they come from the sexist 1950s. In counterbalance, I really enjoyed a scene in a galactic court, with a range of different alien species interacting.
July 20, 2022
El conflicto en este libro es mucho mayor, haciendo parecer la trama del primer libro como algo banal, "un pequeño punto en el espacio". La historia empieza lenta y va agarrando el ritmo, culminando con un tercer acto increíble y que demuestra la razón del porque me gusta tanto la ciencia ficcion. Los personajes se siguen desarrollando a través del libro de manera orgánica, sin cambios injustificados.
Barry es una chingonería en describir físicamente a personajes, objetos y naves, lo cual otorga una lectura muy grata y fantástica para cualquiera que le encante el tema de "humanos lidiando con aliens abordo de naves espaciales".
Barry es una chingonería en describir físicamente a personajes, objetos y naves, lo cual otorga una lectura muy grata y fantástica para cualquiera que le encante el tema de "humanos lidiando con aliens abordo de naves espaciales".
January 12, 2025
Quality continuation to the cliff-hanger ending of the Eden Paradox that sees the survivors of humanity take to the stars in search of the galactic grid society that governs the galaxy.
Loved all the scientific concepts / aliens / politics but was a bit shocked at how much of the story is focused on people hooking up and having sex and talking abut crushes etc, most of which I skimmed in order to get back to the good stuff.
Loved all the scientific concepts / aliens / politics but was a bit shocked at how much of the story is focused on people hooking up and having sex and talking abut crushes etc, most of which I skimmed in order to get back to the good stuff.
January 20, 2022
Good story but not entirely a happy ending.
Having said that very oblique fact I’ll tell you another one. Every author starts out with a 4. It’s the author’s work that either keeps it at a 4 or drops to a 3 or less. 5 is hard to obtain because it stands for a perfect work of art.
Having said that very oblique fact I’ll tell you another one. Every author starts out with a 4. It’s the author’s work that either keeps it at a 4 or drops to a 3 or less. 5 is hard to obtain because it stands for a perfect work of art.
July 24, 2024
This books falls short of a good continuation for the first one. There are many plot conveniences but for me the biggest issue was the writing of the female characters. All of them sound whiney, overly jealous and all their actions are directed for the "love" of a man (I put it in quotes as sometimes they just decide to love a man in the span of two pages).
September 3, 2019
Too ‘starwars’rish’ for my liking.
Far too much inter galactic battling!
Found myself skipping paragraph upon paragraph. As I don’t like leaving books unfinished I read to the end, but can’t say I enjoyed this book. Very clever thou.
Far too much inter galactic battling!
Found myself skipping paragraph upon paragraph. As I don’t like leaving books unfinished I read to the end, but can’t say I enjoyed this book. Very clever thou.
February 7, 2020
Good follow up to Book 1
Good story with switches to the various sub plots well managed. Characters are all believable and well rounded. Tension well balanced with action follow by slower passages.
Good story with switches to the various sub plots well managed. Characters are all believable and well rounded. Tension well balanced with action follow by slower passages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews