Step into the thrilling world of the Irish End Game series, where an ordinary American family faces an extraordinary fight for survival in the rugged Irish countryside! Written by Susan Kiernan-Lewis, this post-apocalyptic saga blends mystery, thriller, and suspense, pulling readers into a tale of resilience and human spirit. With its vivid characters and immersive coastal Ireland setting, the series transforms a simple vacation into a heart-pounding adventure.
Imagine a world where electricity vanishes, vehicles grind to a halt, and survival hinges on wit and courage. That’s the gripping premise of Irish End Game, where the Woodson family—David, Sarah, and their young son John—navigate a chaotic new reality. Ready to discover their journey? Let’s dive in!
How Irish End Game Began
Susan Kiernan-Lewis, a USA TODAY bestselling author known for her Maggie Newberry Mysteries, crafted the Irish End Game series from a fascination with survival and human resilience. Inspired by her love for Ireland’s landscapes and her knack for placing strong female protagonists in perilous situations, she launched the series in 2012 with Free Falling. Her background as an advertising copywriter and her experiences living in diverse cultures, including a French village, infuse the series with rich, authentic details.
The idea sparked from a chilling question: What happens when modern conveniences disappear? Kiernan-Lewis wove this concept into a narrative that’s both a love letter to Ireland and a pulse-pounding exploration of family bonds under pressure. The series grew into 12 books, each building on the Woodsons’ saga.
The Heart of Irish End Game
The series kicks off with Free Falling (2012), where the Woodsons’ Irish vacation turns apocalyptic after an international crisis cuts off electricity and communication. Stranded in a rural cottage, they face looters and starvation, learning to survive without modern luxuries. In Going Gone (2013), Sarah is kidnapped and taken to a dystopian England, battling a post-apocalyptic sex slave trade to reunite with her family. Heading Home (2013) introduces the promise of rescue, only to unleash new upheavals, while Rising Tides (2015) explores a mysterious plague and desperate searches for loved ones.
At its core, the series delves into themes of resilience, family, and the indomitable human spirit. Kiernan-Lewis’s style is fast-paced, with cliffhangers and multidimensional characters like Sarah, whose maternal strength drives the narrative. The Irish setting—lush fields, stone walls, and coastal cliffs—becomes a character itself, contrasting beauty with danger. Fans praise the series for its suspenseful plotting and relatable characters, though some note the darker themes, like violence, may not suit all readers.
Why Irish End Game Resonates
The Irish End Game series has carved a niche in dystopian fiction, captivating readers with its blend of adventure and emotional depth. Its focus on an average family thrust into chaos makes it relatable, while the Irish backdrop adds a unique flavor. Readers on Goodreads and Amazon laud its addictive quality, with reviews calling it “riveting” and “heart-pounding.” The series’ exploration of survival without technology also sparks reflection on our modern dependencies.
Though not a cultural juggernaut, the series has a dedicated fanbase, with some suggesting it could inspire a TV adaptation. Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to balance gritty realism with hope, making it a standout for fans of post-apocalyptic tales.
- Publication Years: 2012–2019
- Number of Books: 12
- Notable Recognition: Overall winner for Mystery/Suspense in Kindle Review’s Best Indie Book Awards 2016
Grab Free Falling and dive into the Irish End Game’s thrilling world of survival and suspense!