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

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 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.

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.

First off, I want to get this off my chest...

THIS MAN KNOWS HOW TO WRITE WITCHERY!!
This book is brimming with my own preferred brand of folk witchcraft. It also has elements of botanical, folk and body horror - the sort that creeps into your bones rather than smacks you in the face.

In this second book, we are treated to a slice of Cornish coastal folklore and creatures alongside the earthy moorland and the two are combined perfectly, depicted with Sam's lush, whimsical, yet slightly unsettling detail. Nancy is both badass and vulnerable in this story. She makes mistakes and learns some lessons, but her cast of supporting characters (human, underfolk, friend and foe) are intriguing.

This book speaks to family, unlikely alliances, hidden motives, being careful of what you wish for, and a deep desire for reconciliation between the old ways and the new giving life to old stories. There is power in names and tales, and this lesson is learned the hard way here.

I suppose this book would be classed as fantasy, but it feels extremely grounded and authentic to me. I can absolutely believe in what lies beneath the landscape. Guess my heathen moor-wanderer is showing.

I was lucky, just as I had finished Gorse when Ragwort turned up in my in box and I was straight back into the story which was was just as good, Amazing characters that jump off the page and an electric storyline. Unexpected occurrences which keep the tension level high and an other great conclusion that left me exhausted. I have been really impressed with both the stories so far.

Ragwort gives us everything I loved in Gorse and more besides. Horton’s prose is as lyrical and immersive as ever. The Cornish moors rise from the page in all their raw, windswept majesty, threaded through with folklore so vivid it feels breathed into the very soil. And this time we’re carried further, to the coast and the restless sea, where I could practically taste the salt on the air and hear the waves battering the rocks. Horton’s landscapes are never just settings - they’re alive, elemental and integral to the tale.

Horton returns to the clash of old beliefs and new religion but this isn't a simple rehash. Instead it's a deeper exploration of how both are bound by stories - stories that shape power, faith and identity. At its heart, this is a novel about the power of stories - the ones we inherit, the ones we share, the ones we craft about ourselves - and the truths they hold, whether whispered, remembered or believed.

At the centre of it all is Nancy Bligh. Strong and courageous, she is burdened by grief and anger, thrust into the mantle of Keeper, and learning to wield a magic that is by turns wondrous and terrifying. Watching her stumble, learn and grow into her power is as compelling as any of the book’s mysteries as she wrestles with legacy, faith and the burden of responsibility.

If I had one frustration, it’s Horton’s return to the trope of poor communication: secrets hoarded, truths withheld, with characters silenced by fear, shame, guilt, or deliberate secrecy and Nancy’s own refusal to listen when answers are given. It fits the themes and her character arc, but for me, it dulled a few emotional blows.

Ragwort is a haunting, beautiful continuation of The Eythin Legacy - and for those who loved Gorse, an absolute must-read. I can't wait to see where Horton takes us next and hope to return soon to this world where spriggans roam the moors, buccas ride the waves and magic whispers around every corner.

Ragwort by Sam Horton is a novel steeped in folklore, conjuring a world where the fey, witches, and merfolk feel as real as the ground beneath your feet. Horton’s writing is so immersive that I could almost taste the salt spray of the sea and smell the damp peat of the moors. It’s an evocative, sensory experience that lingers long after reading. At times, the prose moves slowly, and I found myself impatient to press forward with the story but the descriptive richness more than made up for it. For readers who love myth, magic, and the old stories that blur the line between our world and the otherworldly, this is a book to savour.
thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC I thoroughly enjoyed reading this

I thoroughly enjoyed Ragwort by Sam Horton. The writing style is extremely engaging and invokes the writing of old gothic novels, some times the prose is absolutely stunning.

The world building or setting of the scenes is wonderful and cleverly done. I had not read the first book but there was enough detail and guidance that I was still able to adore this book. Having grown up on the Cornish border I was immediately captivated by the world this book transported me to.

I love the weaving together of a new folklore piece which invokes old myths and magic in a clever and appropriate way. I love the tension threaded through the book of beliefs and religions changing and how that affects people.

The characters are extremely engaging. They are well written and enjoyable.