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

Nathan, emotionally scarred after three tours in Afghanistan, lives alone in Manhattan until New Year’s Eve, when he meets Lara. The next morning, he notices that something odd is going on – a terrified kid is being pursued by his father. A young girl, Sally, pleads with Nathan to hide her from her parents. There is no internet, no television, no phone coverage. Nathan, Lara and Sally flee along the East Coast, encountering madmen, terrorists, the armed forces, and other children frightened for their lives. The only thing Nathan knows for sure is that he must not fall asleep...

★★★★★ \"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