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.