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Erinland
Two troubled young adults find themselves key players in a deadly game that spans the 21st century and the Viking Age.
Amy, finding it difficult to ‘fit in’, becomes increasingly obsessed with the virtual reality game Erinland. The VR characters and the mist of Erin begin to invade Amy’s dreams and her waking moments. She finds herself drawn into Erinland in 9th century Ireland. Amy becomes part of this mystical world as she joins in the struggle to defeat the Viking raiders.
Richard has a complicated home life and feels he doesn’t belong anywhere. A series of events finds him desperate and living on the streets, where he finds himself dragged into 9th century Norway by a Viking warrior. Richard finds acceptance with the Vikings and joins them on a colonisation raid to Ireland.
Amy, finding it difficult to ‘fit in’, becomes increasingly obsessed with the virtual reality game Erinland. The VR characters and the mist of Erin begin to invade Amy’s dreams and her waking moments. She finds herself drawn into Erinland in 9th century Ireland. Amy becomes part of this mystical world as she joins in the struggle to defeat the Viking raiders.
Richard has a complicated home life and feels he doesn’t belong anywhere. A series of events finds him desperate and living on the streets, where he finds himself dragged into 9th century Norway by a Viking warrior. Richard finds acceptance with the Vikings and joins them on a colonisation raid to Ireland.
- GenresFantasy
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2017
186 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Berryman
4 books149 followersKathryn is a Sydney author whose interest in history and mythology was the catalyst for her debut novel Erinland to become a reality.
A visual writer, Kathryn explores the mythologies of ancient Norway and Ireland, giving a tangible view of everyday life and the impact of the Gods in these two cultures.
Kathryn has also delved into the world of picture books, and with the help of talented artist Susan Boyle, has created Gunner.
The inspiration for this story is based on actual events. Set in Darwin during World War II, Gunner is just another stray dog wandering on the RAAF Base, looking for scraps of food. He is injured during an air raid and is rescued by personnel from No. 2 Squadron.
Gunner becomes a mascot for the Base and later discovers he has a unique talent. How will he use this talent to help others?
Kathryn loves to write and dabble in other creative pursuits, in her spare time.
A visual writer, Kathryn explores the mythologies of ancient Norway and Ireland, giving a tangible view of everyday life and the impact of the Gods in these two cultures.
Kathryn has also delved into the world of picture books, and with the help of talented artist Susan Boyle, has created Gunner.
The inspiration for this story is based on actual events. Set in Darwin during World War II, Gunner is just another stray dog wandering on the RAAF Base, looking for scraps of food. He is injured during an air raid and is rescued by personnel from No. 2 Squadron.
Gunner becomes a mascot for the Base and later discovers he has a unique talent. How will he use this talent to help others?
Kathryn loves to write and dabble in other creative pursuits, in her spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 18, 2018
Who doesn't love a time travel fantasy? The yardstick for this style of fiction with a Celtic flavour is Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series.
Chuck in Vikings for good measure and you have the makings of a great story.
Has Berryman hit the mark with Erinland? Not quite for me. Still, a solid effort for a debut novel. A great deal of research has gone into this novel, and for that a big thumbs up. Her language is at times beautiful and poetic.
Unfortunately, long and detailed descriptions and lack of engaging dialogue slowed the pace down way too much. Others who are into this genre will definitely love Erinland to bits.
Chuck in Vikings for good measure and you have the makings of a great story.
Has Berryman hit the mark with Erinland? Not quite for me. Still, a solid effort for a debut novel. A great deal of research has gone into this novel, and for that a big thumbs up. Her language is at times beautiful and poetic.
Unfortunately, long and detailed descriptions and lack of engaging dialogue slowed the pace down way too much. Others who are into this genre will definitely love Erinland to bits.
March 12, 2018
Many writers could take a lesson from this author in terms of research!
Yes, there were times when I would have preferred to stay with the one character a bit longer but I loved the way the author made sure the reader knew which one we were reading about.
All in all, an enjoyable, interesting and fascinating book. Will most likely add it to my read-again list.
Yes, there were times when I would have preferred to stay with the one character a bit longer but I loved the way the author made sure the reader knew which one we were reading about.
All in all, an enjoyable, interesting and fascinating book. Will most likely add it to my read-again list.
August 27, 2017
Mystery, intrigue and a vortex to the past, K. Berryman cleverly transported me from the modern world into a history rich with gods, magic and legend. Erinland raced along at pace that kept me captivated from the first page till the last. I discovered insight into Viking lore as the characters fulfilled their destinies. Whose side should I be on? Perspective is everything.
October 28, 2017
Kathryn Berryman’s debut novel Erinland is a time travel fantasy that will have appeal for teens through to adults.
Two teenagers, Amy and Richard, are transported back to 9th century Ireland and find themselves on different sides of a war. Amy has to adjust to life with the local population, whereas Richard becomes involved with the invading Northmen. Both teens face a culture shock (of course) and the reader begin to witness their characters begin to transform as they rise to the challenges presented to them. It will be interesting to see how Berryman develops them in the rest of the series.
Erinland utilises multiple POV, but unlike some novels this never becomes confusing.
Berryman has created an interesting and well thought out mix of Christian and pagan mythologies in writing Erinland and has clearly done an immense amount of research into what life may have been like during this time. Her writing makes it very easy to visualise her world and its inhabitants.
Several passages deliver intricate descriptions and the level of detail in them will interest many readers. Though I found these sections interesting and informative, I felt that they slowed the pacing of the story, particularly when they were delivered in large segments of dialogue. For this reason it turned out that, whilst I enjoyed Erinland, it was not really the story for me.
However, Erinland may be just the thing for you.
Three Stars
Two teenagers, Amy and Richard, are transported back to 9th century Ireland and find themselves on different sides of a war. Amy has to adjust to life with the local population, whereas Richard becomes involved with the invading Northmen. Both teens face a culture shock (of course) and the reader begin to witness their characters begin to transform as they rise to the challenges presented to them. It will be interesting to see how Berryman develops them in the rest of the series.
Erinland utilises multiple POV, but unlike some novels this never becomes confusing.
Berryman has created an interesting and well thought out mix of Christian and pagan mythologies in writing Erinland and has clearly done an immense amount of research into what life may have been like during this time. Her writing makes it very easy to visualise her world and its inhabitants.
Several passages deliver intricate descriptions and the level of detail in them will interest many readers. Though I found these sections interesting and informative, I felt that they slowed the pacing of the story, particularly when they were delivered in large segments of dialogue. For this reason it turned out that, whilst I enjoyed Erinland, it was not really the story for me.
However, Erinland may be just the thing for you.
Three Stars
October 2, 2017
Kathryn Berryman's Eirnland for me was a mixture of emotions.
I will admit upfront that this book was not for me, as it is not my normal fair for reading. As Kathryn is a friend of mine I pushed through the book and I will now give you my honest opinion.
Eirnland started off slow, it set up the two major characters in opposite directions and then proceeded to add more characters. For me this was a little frustrating as I either wanted the writer to go back to the character she had just set up and done a wonderful job of making me like them.
Kathryn does a wonderful job of painting vivid locations that I could almost touch with her words, at times I wished she would get on with the fighting. I was rewarded or my faith with a battle that surpassed my longings gave me a happy buzz of satisfaction. When the big fight came, and you knew it was coming, it was great with people dying all over the place and the heroes being true to themselves. The heroes reacted as you would imagine they would from the great character building that she did throughout the book.
On top of this, she did a great job of mixing her story into the law of the country and making the characters feel like they were actually becoming the law rather than echoing it.
This book was not to my taste but if you love great vivid locations and wonderfully created characters that you can invest in, this is the book for you.
I will admit upfront that this book was not for me, as it is not my normal fair for reading. As Kathryn is a friend of mine I pushed through the book and I will now give you my honest opinion.
Eirnland started off slow, it set up the two major characters in opposite directions and then proceeded to add more characters. For me this was a little frustrating as I either wanted the writer to go back to the character she had just set up and done a wonderful job of making me like them.
Kathryn does a wonderful job of painting vivid locations that I could almost touch with her words, at times I wished she would get on with the fighting. I was rewarded or my faith with a battle that surpassed my longings gave me a happy buzz of satisfaction. When the big fight came, and you knew it was coming, it was great with people dying all over the place and the heroes being true to themselves. The heroes reacted as you would imagine they would from the great character building that she did throughout the book.
On top of this, she did a great job of mixing her story into the law of the country and making the characters feel like they were actually becoming the law rather than echoing it.
This book was not to my taste but if you love great vivid locations and wonderfully created characters that you can invest in, this is the book for you.
March 16, 2017
Amy is mesmerized by the computer game, Erinland. Virtual reality is providing an exciting escape for this young girl, struggling to accept her lot in life, attending an expensive school where no one likes her. It’s no fun being the outcast, especially at her age. She almost wished that her virtual reality was her reality. Who wouldn’t want to live a life with gods and goddesses and protecting ancient manuscripts and chalices? So, when ordered to bed by her mother, she reluctantly turns off the computer and climbs into bed, only to be sucked through the virtual reality of the computer game into the real world of Erinland. And Amy is a goddess and the Vikings are about to attack. And there are precious treasures to protect.
But there is another person from her time, from her world. A young boy, Richard, escaping an abusive family situation, to find himself rescued by none other than a Viking warrior and he, too, is sucked back in time to the ninth century, to a Viking town, to a time in preparation for invading another land, Erinland, the place where Amy now resides.
Fantasy and virtual reality and time travel, with a little twist of history and mythology, Kath Berryman’s novel, “Erinland”, is a compelling narrative of ninth century Norway and Ireland. The lush depiction of the Irish landscape and the detailed accounts of the powerful mythological beliefs that dominated the lives of the Irish and the Vikings, thread their own mysterious web of compassion, fear and riveting suspense. The reader relates intimately with the characters and, when the battle actually does begin, it is difficult to determine which side to cheer on. A wonderful story of myth, fantasy, time travel and virtual reality.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite.
But there is another person from her time, from her world. A young boy, Richard, escaping an abusive family situation, to find himself rescued by none other than a Viking warrior and he, too, is sucked back in time to the ninth century, to a Viking town, to a time in preparation for invading another land, Erinland, the place where Amy now resides.
Fantasy and virtual reality and time travel, with a little twist of history and mythology, Kath Berryman’s novel, “Erinland”, is a compelling narrative of ninth century Norway and Ireland. The lush depiction of the Irish landscape and the detailed accounts of the powerful mythological beliefs that dominated the lives of the Irish and the Vikings, thread their own mysterious web of compassion, fear and riveting suspense. The reader relates intimately with the characters and, when the battle actually does begin, it is difficult to determine which side to cheer on. A wonderful story of myth, fantasy, time travel and virtual reality.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite.
July 16, 2017
Erinland is a virtual reality world recreating the viking invasions of Ireland. Two Australian teenagers Amy and Richard find themselves dragged into this world where they are hailed as gods Amy a reincarnation of the Irish goddess Brigid and Richard the son of Odin.
I found the use of both Irish and Norse Mythology quite entertaining and a broad knowledge of these mythologies along with a rudimentary understanding of the Irish Language certainly assisted with my understanding of the plot (even if I was slightly confused at them referring to the Village leader with a word I had so far only encounter as meaning Prime Minister)
The interaction between the real world and that of Erinland sometimes felt a little odd, how did Richard end up in the game and were the events in Erinland real or just part of the game.
but I enjoyed the Irish setting and the variety of Irish characters.
I found the use of both Irish and Norse Mythology quite entertaining and a broad knowledge of these mythologies along with a rudimentary understanding of the Irish Language certainly assisted with my understanding of the plot (even if I was slightly confused at them referring to the Village leader with a word I had so far only encounter as meaning Prime Minister)
The interaction between the real world and that of Erinland sometimes felt a little odd, how did Richard end up in the game and were the events in Erinland real or just part of the game.
but I enjoyed the Irish setting and the variety of Irish characters.
November 3, 2017
What a fascinating read. This story introduces the reader to world rich in Irish and Viking history; it reminded me a little bit of the Daughter of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier. Richard and Amy are both interesting young characters (and so very real, too, with Amy having issues at school and Richard problems with his dad) who have to learn a lot about their new era in a really short amount of time. A lot of exposition at the start, would like to have to seen a bit more action, but it gets quicker at the end for a rather startling climax that doesn't follow the rules. Looking forward to book two.
August 12, 2017
Erinland is a fascinating book, The world itself is extremely detailed, with a rich history that is all encompassing, with compelling characters and a beautiful melding of myths, fantasy and actual history. A compelling read and full of history, if you are looking for a book that you can believe the world created within the pages exists in its utmost, this book is what i would recommend. Beautiful writing.
April 4, 2018
The depth of this book will amaze the reader! I don't know much about either Irish or Viking mythology, but this embraces both with such passion and detail. Intermingling 21st Century characters who are dragged, literally kicking and screaming, into the past where they are cast as gods to help their people on both sides of the battle. An intriguing story that doesn't fail to excite; it's a compelling read to the end, where the reader has no choice but to want the next book in the series.
July 28, 2017
Enjoyable read. Found myself getting lost in the descriptive narrative while thinking "that's interesting, didn't know that" and having to remind myself it's a story about Amy and Richard, two teens who find themselves in a virtual world. Loved the mythology and going to read again.
November 13, 2017
Not my usual type of book but read it as I had won it from Goodreads .Would be of more interest to people who were gamers, although was interesting about 9th century Ireland and the Vikings. Lots of unusual names but found at the end of the book a list of the names and their pronunciation
July 29, 2017
Great book. Really enjoyed the way the author developed the characters and the story line. Must read.
July 30, 2017
Fantastic Read!
The characters are fantastic, the concept is amazing and I couldn't put this book down. The only problem was it wasn't a paperback. Haha, I'm old school. Seriously, it's a must read.
The characters are fantastic, the concept is amazing and I couldn't put this book down. The only problem was it wasn't a paperback. Haha, I'm old school. Seriously, it's a must read.
August 6, 2017
Kathryn Berryman has quite an amazing knowledge of Irish and Viking history. Having both those bloodlines in myself, I felt like I was travelling back along my own family timelines and seeing how my ancestors lived. There were vivid descriptions of customs, clothes, buildings, food and everything else you could imagine being in these ancient villages. However, my favourite part of the book was when the two sides were approaching battle-time and the pace got faster and faster - my heart was pumping with excitement! Amy vs Richard... Personally, I can't resist a good-looking bad boy, soooo Go Team Richard! All hail Odinson!
March 18, 2018
An interesting narrative mixing Irish, Viking, Christian and Druid history/ mythology that would appeal to YA readers.
March 31, 2018
I really enjoyed this novel. Who can resist unicorns? Great escape into fantasy, well researched and awesome cover.
August 14, 2017
There are many things I liked about Erinland, the use of real lore and history is one of my most favourite things about the book. It gave me a little thrill that it had similar folklore from another book series I love Mark Chadbourn World's End. Kathryn had the same level of respect to the old myths and legends of Celts.
While I admire her writing it just didn't capture me as much as I wanted. I found that the writing didn't sing to my tastes. Personally, I can't fault the extreme amount of work, research and passion that is evident in this book, it just wasn't for me
While I admire her writing it just didn't capture me as much as I wanted. I found that the writing didn't sing to my tastes. Personally, I can't fault the extreme amount of work, research and passion that is evident in this book, it just wasn't for me
February 14, 2017
‘Erinland’ is an engaging story about two teenagers leading separate lives in the 21st Century, who are plunged back to the 9th Century. Amy is propelled back to Ireland, while Richard finds himself amongst the Norwegian Vikings. The story delves into Irish and Viking mythology as it follows the journey of the two teenagers and how they adjust to their new lives. What will happen though when their new lives collide?
I recommend ‘Erinland’, especially to those who enjoy tales of time travel and historical fiction.
I recommend ‘Erinland’, especially to those who enjoy tales of time travel and historical fiction.
August 17, 2017
A dynamite 5 Stars for Kathryn Berryman's Erinland, a totally different fantasy book, nothing like you've ever read before! This book kept me captured and intrigued from cover to cover! If you love time-travel, historical elements, and a fantastical make-believe world, then this is the book for you!
The world-building is very well done in this book, the characters are well-developed and so very unique with their own individual personalities that bring a lot of spark to the page. You will not be displeased with Erinland, I highly recommend this book!
The world-building is very well done in this book, the characters are well-developed and so very unique with their own individual personalities that bring a lot of spark to the page. You will not be displeased with Erinland, I highly recommend this book!
August 30, 2021
Fantastic use of English structure and vocabulary. Creative Irish/Viking mythology. Great read - especially liked the Glossary at the back of book. While reading, I assumed the author had a PhD in English literature/creative writing or connected subjects...
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews