In this story, we get stuck into a mystery involving both the return of one of Nancy’s ancestors and also the return of a powerful being called the ‘Mother’.

Even though he’s still dead, Pel is causing trouble in the underworld while trying to help his daughter.

This is a story about stories - the ones we tell ourselves and the ones that are so powerful, they can come alive through sheer belief.

The writing is beautiful, as always and I find the descriptions of Mirecoombe and its surrounding conjur both comfort and danger.

All stories are magic.

After taking on her late father’s mantle of Keeper of Mirecoombe, Nancy Bligh struggles with the grief and ordeals which claimed him. The otherfolk speak of the return of The Mother, while the inhabitants of Mirecoombe hum a song that whispers of the return of a witch – Nancy’s grandmother. This grandmother may be the key to helping Nancy make sense of her own innate witchcraft and aid in identifying The Mother is before it’s too late.

Ragwort is the second novel in The Eythin Legacy series. I hadn’t read the first, but this instalment provides enough context without bogging down the story. The writing is atmospheric, evoking the bleakness of Cornwall’s open moors and the rugged coastline. Themes of family and the power of stories lies at the heart of this novel, making it a compelling read for anyone with an interest in supernatural stories and English folklore.

Personally, I found the evocative writing overused and repetitive, which slowed the pacing. Nancy is likeable, but her tendency to let events unfold rather than trust her instincts and act was frustrating. Equally, some allies offer cryptic warnings only to vanish and reappear too late with information that could have helped Nancy much earlier. Additionally, Nancy’s control over her new powers feels given rather than earned, which weakened her character arc.

A story told is a story told, nothing more

Or less.

Truth is a shuttle on a broken loom.



A story about a magician.

A story about a witch.

A story about a story.

The truth caught somewhere between them. Settle in.

Trust me.

Listen.”

Gorse by Sam. K. Horton was one of my favourite books of last year so I was extremely excited to be given the chance to read Ragwort. If you haven’t already read Gorse then don’t read any further because this review will contain spoilers.

Ragwort pulled me back in straight away, chasing creatures across the moor in search of answers about ‘The Mother.’

When we see Nancy again she is still reeling from the loss of Pel, unwilling to accept that he is really dead. At the same time she is struggling to find her way as Keeper, feeling like she needs to fill his shoes, but also like she needs to do better than he did.

“Determined to be a better Keeper than her father, the one her home deserves, Nancy has taught herself a great deal.”

She is also trying to teach herself to control her Murmur, the magic she was born with and that Pel preferred she suppress.

The events of Gorse have left a fracture in the village. Once there were simply those who adhered to the old ways, made a space in their lives for magic, or for religion. Now little cults are springing up all over the moor. With some of the villagers Cleaver is someone to worship, some pray to Pel, or to Nancy herself. If there is a belief that can spring up then there is someone willing to follow it. In short, Mirecoombe is lost.

Nancy is trying hard to discover who ‘The Mother’ is, all the creatures are talking of her but all are unwilling or unable to say what or who she is.

In the beginning of the story Nancy has once again failed to glean anymore information and turns to Madge, her friend, and the closest thing to family she has left. She feels like Pel could have done a better job than her. Madge tries to remind her of his faults, that she is enough.

“Men live. Men die. Your father is still just a man. Take him off that pedestal. He’s not suited to it. He’s a man Nancy at the end of it. Your father is still just a man. …You are Nancy Bligh, not Lord bloody Hunt and we are all the better for it. Let him go.”

One thing Nancy finds comfort in is stories of her grandmother, a grandmother who had powers like Nancy’s own.

“She was a witch, of course. At least that is what they called her. Because sometimes the words one needs are not the words one has, and people are scared of a woman who knows what she wants. And how to take it.”

Nancy has no family left and relishes these stories, so when she learns her grandma may be alive after all she leaves her precious moor and the creatures under her care and sets off in search of her, but can she find the answers she seeks and discover the secrets of The Mother before it is too late?

I loved returning to Mirecoombe and the magical world of the moors. I enjoyed watching Nancy growing in confidence and embarking on new experiences and relationships. There were moments where I wanted to shake her and wake her up to the truth of what she already holds, and other moments where I was barely holding back my tears when reading. I cannot recommend this book enough.

I devoured Ragwort and wanted to immediately start it again as soon as I finished because I wasn’t ready for it to end. As we learn from Ragwort stories have power, and Ragwort is more powerful than most.

The Mother is coming. Be ready.

Ragwort is the sequel to Gorse, published in September 2024, the first of The Eythin Legacy set in 19th-century Cornwall. Pel is dead; Meliora Ray is dead; and now Nancy is the ‘Keeper’ (and perhaps part witch). She does have magic on her side, and can conjure the Murmur which is destructive and hard to control, but she is learning. She is aware that she has not been given the right training, in order to fulfil her new occupation responsibly. Madge, owner of the local pub, tells of Meliora’s importance in things to come and hints that Meliora may still be alive, and being held somewhere against her will. As Nancy travels to find her, she crosses into dangerous territory where her magic may not be enough to keep her safe.
Ragwort, like Gorse, is a book that feels as though every word has been carefully chosen to suit the circumstance, not a sentence out of place. Descriptions are otherworldly and characters as peculiar and quirky along with being multifaceted. This is a time out of place, a lovely, strong read, although I suggest readers start with Gorse if you love magical fantasy because it takes a while to place yourself in situ as a reader, without the events of the previous book. Recommended with pleasure.

As with the first book of this series, the atmosphere and location are their very own characters, drawing you in from the first page. Apart from the strong atmospheric first impression that is so characteristic of Horton's work, the story itself expands on the family drama of the first book, organically weaving in even more complex backstory and familial dynamics that keep you invested in the characters and plot. Once again, Horton writes one of the most memorable omniscient-leaning narrators I've come across in recent times. And I think that's probably my best "advice": if you don't like omniscient narrators, atmospheric descriptions and a slower pacing that allows for these stylistic elements and choices to really shine, then this book isn't for you. If you do, however, then it is.

A beautiful series rooted in Cornish folklore. This was a worthy successor to Gorse. I read an eARC of this book so thank you to the author and the publisher.

This continues in the same vein as Gorse, but with new challenges our keeper must face. I would definitely recommend reading the two books in order so you can see the growth of the character and recognise characters from Gorse in Ragwort.

Across both books I absolutely love the use of nature and folklore. These books are so richly gorgeous, with the creatures and botanicals so vividly imagined. We have an entertaining story as well but I could read this book just for the descriptions alone and still have a good time. I love how evocative this is and it’s so easy to picture the setting.

It’s easy to root for the main character in this, to sympathise with her for the challenges and losses she’s faced, to feel frustrated when her good nature lets her be led astray and to passionately wish for her success.

This was entertaining, beautiful and a great follow up to Gorse.

Here’s another golden gem of a book by SK Horton. Like its predecessor, Ragwort is full of delicate and clever imagery, bringing the reader to a Cornwall full of magic and wonder. The writing demands a slowing down; for each sentence to be read without hurry and with attention. The writing, as always, is exquisite, though I will admit the plot does stall on occasions. There are aspects of the story that remain unsolved, and entire chapters that didn’t seem to add anything to the overall arc, and this did make it feel rather slower than necessary at time. Having said that, I’m assuming there will be a third book, and I can’t wait to re-join Nancy and those close to her when it arrives.

A gripping sequel. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Five stars. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.