Gorse

In Gorse, a young woman named Nancy Bligh confronts the fading belief in magic while battling dark forces in 18th-century Cornwall.

Set in 1786 Cornwall, Gorse weaves a rich tapestry of folklore and dark fantasy. The villagers of Mirecoombe rely on their Keeper, the seasoned Lord Pelagius Hunt, who has long acted as a bridge between the human world and the fey. However, as faith in the old ways wanes, the Reverend Cleaver rises to prominence, preaching from a pulpit that looms over the village. In this shifting landscape, the ancient beliefs in piskies and spriggans are threatened, and a dark presence begins to haunt the moors, leaving death in its wake.

Nancy Bligh, a determined and gifted young woman, steps into the breach where Pel refuses to tread. With her natural sight and connections to the mystical creatures of the land, she embodies the power and potential that the Keeper has neglected. As the village plunges into despair, Nancy grapples with her own abilities and the responsibilities they entail. The struggle to maintain the delicate balance between the fey and human realms becomes a pivotal theme as she seeks to protect her home and its people.

Gorse is a poignant exploration of faith, love, and grief, prompting readers to consider the beliefs they hold dear and how these shape their identities. As darkness envelops Mirecoombe, Nancy’s journey illuminates the profound questions of choice and consequence in a world where magic and reality intertwine.