Viking Quest

Kristin Butcher writes novels for young adults. Her most recent works
are Cairo Kelly and the Mann, The Gamma War, and The Tomorrow Tunnel.

Based on historical evidence of Viking explorations in Labrador, the
novel begins with the departure of Leif Eriksson, who is sailing home to
Greenland, supposedly for supplies. A handful of explorers are left in
the new land to await his return, including Leif’s son, Rigg, a
thoughtful lad who is somewhat of a misfit among the more raucous
Norsemen. While on guard duty, Rigg encounters a red-faced creature,
which he mistakes for a demon. Though the others in the camp are at
first skeptical of Rigg’s story, they soon change their view when one
of the group is found mysteriously dead. Certain his demise is the work
of evil spirits, the Vikings decide to sail for home before anything
else can happen. Only Tyrkir, the old rune master, thinks Vinland is
inhabited by people—not demons—and he convinces the others to wait a
few days while he and Rigg set out to get proof.

Viking Quest has the potential to be an exciting story. It contains
adventure, exploration, and armed conflicts. Unfortunately, much of the
excitement of these elements is diffused by the passive manner in which
the story is told. There is very little interaction of characters; even
the assorted skirmishes in the novel are related from a distance.
Untimely explanations of words, folklore, and points of history further
detract from the flow of the narrative. Nevertheless, the vivid imagery
and historical content should earn the novel shelf space in a library.
Recommended.