When the children come

A gripping dystopian thriller

By: Barry Kirwan

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

A man who hates children is the only one who can save them...

“A fantastic and original premise…flashes of Stephen King and MR Carey.” Tom Witcomb

“Kirwan lights the fuse on a new SF series…action-adventure and dark-edged SF that will enthrall readers.” – Kirkus Reviews

Scarred by three tours in Afghanistan and living off the grid in Manhattan, Nathan thinks his demons are finally his own—until New Year’s Day shatters the world. Sirens gutter out. Phones die. Screens go black. And on a silent street he sees a father hunting his own child. When a terrified girl named Sally begs Nathan to hide her, he and Lara—a stranger who refuses to leave his side—are thrust into a relentless flight along a collapsing America where parents turn predator, soldiers can’t be trusted, and every refuge becomes a trap. With no way to call for help and no time to rest, Nathan learns the one rule that keeps them alive: if he sleeps, they all die.

As the trio races along the coast, gathering haunted, desperate kids who have nowhere else to run, a horrifying pattern emerges—something in the sky is whispering madness into the minds of adults. An alien presence has locked its gaze on Earth, and its influence is spreading. Chased by mobs and military alike, Nathan must outthink enemies he can’t see and outlast a body that demands rest, while Sally’s quicksilver brilliance may be the only key to staying one step ahead. The road to safety ends above the clouds, aboard an ancient intelligence that calls itself Ares, and what it offers is both salvation and a terrifying new beginning. To get there, Nathan will have to confront the soldier he was, the protector he’s become, and the truth about why the children are the only ones worth saving.

If you crave high-velocity, near-future thrillers fused with heart, found family, and jaw-dropping twists, this first book in the Children of the Eye series will keep you turning pages long past midnight—just don’t close your eyes.

Readers who love Blake Crouch, Michael Crichton, and Pierce Brown will devour this book.

★★★★★ "Nathan's raw heroism and Sally's vulnerability make the stakes personal. This is science fiction with a pulse and heart."

★★★★★ "Great story-telling. Intelligent, compelling, and told in a direct, easy-to-read style." Susan Yea

★★★★★ "The writing is even and solid throughout, with interesting, intelligent characters who fight against horrific odds with every advantage and resource they can muster. I'm getting the sequel as soon as it comes out!" Adrian B.

★★★★★ “A taut thriller, with a Lee Child feel to its staccato writing and strong action sequences, and a high concept stretching the novel into true science fiction territory.” Amanda Rutter.

★★★★★ "I’ve read and enjoyed first contact stories before, but the unique plot and realistic characters of When the Children Come make it a memorable book that goes on the re-read shelf." Felicia Denise

★★★★★ “Not just a page-turner – all in all a fabulous novel, which I was sad to finish.” Loulou Brown

★★★★★ "Kirwan's writing really feels authentic. His knowledge is clearly well-researched, and the themes of this novel felt real. I absolutely loved the vivid descriptions, the characters (Sally is awesome), the struggles. Everything felt real. I was on the edge of my seat!" Jessica Belmont