What do you think?
Rate this book
Gates of Erin
In a time of great war, two Irish teens become the heirs to an ancient prophecy—and must fend for their lives in a battle between realms.
1924, Ireland
Dragged from Dublin to live with distant family in the countryside, fifteen-year-old Virginia is out of her depth. But when a great beast chases her into a strange world underground, she’ll need to forge new allies and bold schemes to stay alive in a kingdom of cruel fairies, warrior leprechauns, and mercurial gods.
At seventeen, Connell is reeling from the death of his soldier brother and falling for the new girl in town. When Virginia disappears, Connell is the only one who knows where she’s gone, and soon finds himself apprenticed to a legendary hero, tasked with saving a realm—and fulfilling a destiny—he barely understands.
Intricately woven with Irish mythology, this thrilling YA fantasy debut transports readers to Otherworld, where two human teens become unwitting pawns in a dangerous game between gods and men.
1924, Ireland
Dragged from Dublin to live with distant family in the countryside, fifteen-year-old Virginia is out of her depth. But when a great beast chases her into a strange world underground, she’ll need to forge new allies and bold schemes to stay alive in a kingdom of cruel fairies, warrior leprechauns, and mercurial gods.
At seventeen, Connell is reeling from the death of his soldier brother and falling for the new girl in town. When Virginia disappears, Connell is the only one who knows where she’s gone, and soon finds himself apprenticed to a legendary hero, tasked with saving a realm—and fulfilling a destiny—he barely understands.
Intricately woven with Irish mythology, this thrilling YA fantasy debut transports readers to Otherworld, where two human teens become unwitting pawns in a dangerous game between gods and men.
220 pages, Paperback
Published July 28, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 16, 2026
What happens when an ordinary teenage girl discovers that the world she knows is only a small part of a much larger reality? What happens when ancient mythology, a forgotten prophecy, powerful gods, and dangerous creatures suddenly become part of the life of two teenagers?
Elizabeth Gabel’s Gates of Erin answers these questions through an adventurous fantasy that takes readers into a fascinating world where the boundaries between the human world and the supernatural are not as distant as they seem.
Set in Ireland in 1924, the story follows fifteen-year-old Virginia, who is sent from Dublin to live with distant relatives in the countryside. What initially appears to be a change of environment soon becomes something much more dangerous when she encounters a mysterious and terrifying creature and finds herself drawn into the Otherworld. Seventeen-year-old Connell, who is already carrying the grief of losing his soldier brother, becomes connected to Virginia’s disappearance and eventually finds himself pulled into the supernatural conflict as well.
What makes the story particularly intriguing is that Virginia and Connell are not merely accidental participants in this strange world. They are connected to an ancient prophecy that declares that the girl and the boy will unite the worlds and have control over the fire beast. Suddenly, their personal journeys become connected to the fate of entire realms.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Gates of Erin is its use of Irish mythology. The novel doesn't simply borrow the idea of a magical world; it builds its fantasy around gods, fairies, warriors, ancient covenants, supernatural creatures, and the mythology of Ireland. This gives the story a distinctive identity and makes the world feel different from the more familiar fantasy settings readers may be accustomed to.
The Otherworld is especially fascinating because it isn't presented as a perfect magical paradise. It has its own politics, dangers, rules, conflicts, and power struggles. The existence of magical covenants also adds another layer to the story because power is not completely unrestricted. Characters must navigate rules and agreements that have existed long before Virginia and Connell arrive.
Virginia is perhaps the character whose transformation stands out the most. She begins the story as a young girl trying to adjust to an unfamiliar environment, but her circumstances force her to become increasingly courageous, independent, and decisive. Watching her move from someone who is simply trying to understand what is happening around her to someone entrusted with an enormous responsibility is one of the most satisfying aspects of the story.
Connell's journey is different but equally important. His character is shaped by grief, love, responsibility, and eventually courage. His apprenticeship and training transform him from a teenager caught in an extraordinary situation into someone capable of taking an active role in the fight between the worlds.
I also found the relationship between Virginia and Connell interesting because it exists at the intersection of romance and destiny. They are developing feelings for each other while simultaneously discovering that their connection may have been predicted long before they were born. This raises an interesting question: are they together because they genuinely choose one another, or because destiny has placed them on the same path?
The antagonistic forces in the novel also contribute significantly to the story. Epona, in particular, is interesting because her goal is not simply destruction. She wants control. She recognizes the importance of the prophecy and wants to use Virginia, Connell, and the fire beast to gain power over both worlds. Her actions demonstrate one of the novel's recurring ideas: power becomes dangerous when the desire to possess it becomes greater than the responsibility to use it wisely.
Lady Boann and Eris add further layers to the conflict. Lady Boann's destructive power demonstrates how dangerous the supernatural forces can be, while Eris introduces an unsettling element of deception and uncertainty through her ability to mesmerize people and appear differently to different individuals.
The story reaches its most dramatic point when Virginia and Connell finally understand their role in the prophecy. Their union of the wand and the Irish sword creates a powerful light, and with the help of Aoife's spirit and Abcan's final instruction, Virginia calls forth the Great Dragon of Erin, Oilliphéist. The resulting destruction of Geata an Dragon provides a suitably grand climax to a story that has steadily expanded from one girl's strange encounter into a conflict involving entire worlds.
But what I particularly appreciated about the ending is that the story does not simply stop when the battle is over. Instead, it asks what happens after the victory.
Jerneil becomes Master Guardian and is tasked with rebuilding Geata an Dragon. Henri becomes Head Librarian. Connell is expected to continue his training and serve as protector of the Grand Arbiter. Virginia is appointed Grand Arbiter of Geata an Dragon and Heaven's Arbiter.
This makes the ending feel less like a conclusion and more like the beginning of another chapter. Perhaps that is one of the strongest messages of the novel: destiny may give you a role, but it is responsibility that gives that role meaning.
There are, however, moments when the book's ambitious world-building can feel overwhelming. There are many characters, supernatural beings, names, covenants, relationships, and pieces of mythology to keep track of. Readers who are unfamiliar with Irish mythology may occasionally need to slow down to fully absorb everything being introduced. Some secondary characters could also have benefited from deeper development.
Nevertheless, these elements do not take away from the imaginative quality of the story. In fact, readers who enjoy mythology-heavy fantasy may find the complexity one of its attractions.
Overall, Gates of Erin is an imaginative YA fantasy that blends Irish mythology, adventure, romance, historical setting, supernatural conflict, and an ancient prophecy into a story about two young people discovering that their lives are connected to something far greater than themselves.
It is a story about entering an unfamiliar world, discovering one's identity, confronting the abuse of power, and learning that being chosen for something does not remove the responsibility of choosing what kind of person one will become.
Gates of Erin is a good choice for readers who enjoy fantasy stories rooted in mythology and readers who like watching young protagonists grow into responsibilities they never expected to carry.
Its greatest strength is the world it creates. A world where ancient Irish mythology and ordinary teenagers suddenly find themselves standing at the center of a conflict between worlds.
By the time the final pages arrive, Virginia and Connell are no longer simply the teenagers we met at the beginning. They have become protectors, leaders, and keepers of a world they once didn't even know existed.
And that leaves one particularly exciting question for what comes next:
Now that the gates have opened, what other secrets are waiting on the other side?
Elizabeth Gabel’s Gates of Erin answers these questions through an adventurous fantasy that takes readers into a fascinating world where the boundaries between the human world and the supernatural are not as distant as they seem.
Set in Ireland in 1924, the story follows fifteen-year-old Virginia, who is sent from Dublin to live with distant relatives in the countryside. What initially appears to be a change of environment soon becomes something much more dangerous when she encounters a mysterious and terrifying creature and finds herself drawn into the Otherworld. Seventeen-year-old Connell, who is already carrying the grief of losing his soldier brother, becomes connected to Virginia’s disappearance and eventually finds himself pulled into the supernatural conflict as well.
What makes the story particularly intriguing is that Virginia and Connell are not merely accidental participants in this strange world. They are connected to an ancient prophecy that declares that the girl and the boy will unite the worlds and have control over the fire beast. Suddenly, their personal journeys become connected to the fate of entire realms.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Gates of Erin is its use of Irish mythology. The novel doesn't simply borrow the idea of a magical world; it builds its fantasy around gods, fairies, warriors, ancient covenants, supernatural creatures, and the mythology of Ireland. This gives the story a distinctive identity and makes the world feel different from the more familiar fantasy settings readers may be accustomed to.
The Otherworld is especially fascinating because it isn't presented as a perfect magical paradise. It has its own politics, dangers, rules, conflicts, and power struggles. The existence of magical covenants also adds another layer to the story because power is not completely unrestricted. Characters must navigate rules and agreements that have existed long before Virginia and Connell arrive.
Virginia is perhaps the character whose transformation stands out the most. She begins the story as a young girl trying to adjust to an unfamiliar environment, but her circumstances force her to become increasingly courageous, independent, and decisive. Watching her move from someone who is simply trying to understand what is happening around her to someone entrusted with an enormous responsibility is one of the most satisfying aspects of the story.
Connell's journey is different but equally important. His character is shaped by grief, love, responsibility, and eventually courage. His apprenticeship and training transform him from a teenager caught in an extraordinary situation into someone capable of taking an active role in the fight between the worlds.
I also found the relationship between Virginia and Connell interesting because it exists at the intersection of romance and destiny. They are developing feelings for each other while simultaneously discovering that their connection may have been predicted long before they were born. This raises an interesting question: are they together because they genuinely choose one another, or because destiny has placed them on the same path?
The antagonistic forces in the novel also contribute significantly to the story. Epona, in particular, is interesting because her goal is not simply destruction. She wants control. She recognizes the importance of the prophecy and wants to use Virginia, Connell, and the fire beast to gain power over both worlds. Her actions demonstrate one of the novel's recurring ideas: power becomes dangerous when the desire to possess it becomes greater than the responsibility to use it wisely.
Lady Boann and Eris add further layers to the conflict. Lady Boann's destructive power demonstrates how dangerous the supernatural forces can be, while Eris introduces an unsettling element of deception and uncertainty through her ability to mesmerize people and appear differently to different individuals.
The story reaches its most dramatic point when Virginia and Connell finally understand their role in the prophecy. Their union of the wand and the Irish sword creates a powerful light, and with the help of Aoife's spirit and Abcan's final instruction, Virginia calls forth the Great Dragon of Erin, Oilliphéist. The resulting destruction of Geata an Dragon provides a suitably grand climax to a story that has steadily expanded from one girl's strange encounter into a conflict involving entire worlds.
But what I particularly appreciated about the ending is that the story does not simply stop when the battle is over. Instead, it asks what happens after the victory.
Jerneil becomes Master Guardian and is tasked with rebuilding Geata an Dragon. Henri becomes Head Librarian. Connell is expected to continue his training and serve as protector of the Grand Arbiter. Virginia is appointed Grand Arbiter of Geata an Dragon and Heaven's Arbiter.
This makes the ending feel less like a conclusion and more like the beginning of another chapter. Perhaps that is one of the strongest messages of the novel: destiny may give you a role, but it is responsibility that gives that role meaning.
There are, however, moments when the book's ambitious world-building can feel overwhelming. There are many characters, supernatural beings, names, covenants, relationships, and pieces of mythology to keep track of. Readers who are unfamiliar with Irish mythology may occasionally need to slow down to fully absorb everything being introduced. Some secondary characters could also have benefited from deeper development.
Nevertheless, these elements do not take away from the imaginative quality of the story. In fact, readers who enjoy mythology-heavy fantasy may find the complexity one of its attractions.
Overall, Gates of Erin is an imaginative YA fantasy that blends Irish mythology, adventure, romance, historical setting, supernatural conflict, and an ancient prophecy into a story about two young people discovering that their lives are connected to something far greater than themselves.
It is a story about entering an unfamiliar world, discovering one's identity, confronting the abuse of power, and learning that being chosen for something does not remove the responsibility of choosing what kind of person one will become.
Gates of Erin is a good choice for readers who enjoy fantasy stories rooted in mythology and readers who like watching young protagonists grow into responsibilities they never expected to carry.
Its greatest strength is the world it creates. A world where ancient Irish mythology and ordinary teenagers suddenly find themselves standing at the center of a conflict between worlds.
By the time the final pages arrive, Virginia and Connell are no longer simply the teenagers we met at the beginning. They have become protectors, leaders, and keepers of a world they once didn't even know existed.
And that leaves one particularly exciting question for what comes next:
Now that the gates have opened, what other secrets are waiting on the other side?
August 11, 2026
This was a fun read. part of that is that it takes place in Ireland, and there are indeed leprechauns, fairys, magic, enchantments good and bad, and an underground city, in 1924, shortly after WWI, which left extra sorrows in some homes. More than that though, is that some humans, former combatants in the Great War, found a gate that allows them to travel to the undergound city, where they see potential for magic in warfare, coupled with modern weapons. This is a serious threat, but the characters in the story are unaware of this for some time. As there are others threats, such as an insane, but imprisoned water god escaping detention, intent on revenge. All of this is far outside the knowledge of two Irish teenagers just trying to understand things that are very mysterious to them. Good storytelling so far, and then, all hell breaks loose, and the teenagers find themselves in the middle of it all. This builds to a finely crafted ending, in which all of Ireland is threatened, and well as our protagonists and their new friends. There is loss and grief, and survival, and I found I had tears in my eyes as the novel came to an end. I suspect there will be a sequel.
Review of advance copy
Gates of Erin is an absolute triumph for YA urban fantasy. Elizabeth Gabel does not just borrow from Irish mythology; she breathes fierce, cinematic life into it.From the very first page, the atmosphere is thick with tension and ancient magic. The dual perspectives of Virginia and Connell ground the story beautifully. Their growth feels earned, and their chemistry crackles against the backdrop of a brutal, unforgiving Otherworld. Gabel avoids the tired tropes of sparkly, gentle fae. Instead, she delivers a realm filled with mercurial deities, terrifying creatures, and high-stakes political intrigue that keeps you turning pages past midnight.The world-building is lush and deeply researched, yet it never bogs down the breakneck pace of the plot. It is dark, lyrical, and emotionally resonant. If you miss the sharp edge of classic folklore mixed with modern stakes, this book is an absolute must-read. A masterful debut that will leave you begging for a sequel.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I’m still reeling from Gates of Erin. If you’re tired of the same old sanitized fairy tales, you need this on your shelf immediately.Elizabeth Gabel’s take on Irish mythology is brilliant. The Otherworld isn't some sparkly, magical paradise, it’s dark, unpredictable, and genuinely dangerous. The gods and fae are ruthless, which makes the stakes feel incredibly real for Virginia and Connell.Speaking of the leads, their dual perspectives work flawlessly. Their chemistry is fantastic, and watching them navigate the complex politics and terrors of this underground world kept me up way too late. The writing strikes the perfect balance: it is atmospheric and lyrical, but the pacing never drags for a single page.It is atmospheric, intense, and easily one of the best YA fantasies I've read, Don't skip this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I honestly didn’t expect Gates of Erin to pull me in the way it did. At first, I thought it was just another fantasy set in Ireland, but the way the story unfolds feels really different. It’s quiet at the beginning, but there’s always this sense that something is waiting underneath everything.
The mythology isn’t just decoration, it actually feels like it’s part of how the world works. By the middle of the book, I stopped trying to predict everything and just let it happen. I’d recommend it if you like fantasy that builds slowly but stays with you after.
The mythology isn’t just decoration, it actually feels like it’s part of how the world works. By the middle of the book, I stopped trying to predict everything and just let it happen. I’d recommend it if you like fantasy that builds slowly but stays with you after.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book feels like it was written with a cinematic world in mind. While reading, I kept imagining scenes like a movie, the lighting, the landscapes, even the transitions between the normal world and the Otherworld. That’s actually why I think it would benefit from a short cinematic teaser or visual trailer. Even something 30–60 seconds long could really help new readers feel the tone before they start reading. The story already has that kind of visual energy.
If you’re into fantasy that feels immersive and a bit mysterious, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.
If you’re into fantasy that feels immersive and a bit mysterious, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Review of advance copy
For me, the strongest part was the emotional side. I didn’t expect to care so much about the characters, but I did. There are moments where the fantasy elements and the human emotions blend really well, and that’s what made it stand out. It feels like a story that grows on you instead of trying to impress you immediately. I’d honestly recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy with heart and meaning behind it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews