Gorse is the first book in the historical dark fantasy series The Eythin Legacy, written by Sam K. Horton, and published by Solaris Books. A lyrical and atmospherical story that portrays the conflict between religion and folklore, small town politics and the own fair folk, all to create a highly immersive novel.

Pelagius Hunt, the Keeper, and his foster daughter, Nancy, take care of the moors and the creatures of the Other World while also helping the people from Mirecoombe, a small rural village. However, when a series of deadly murders happen in the moors, most of the villagers, influenced by the Christian priest, Cleaver, agree that the cause is the belief of many people in the Other People; spoiled by Cleaver, they decide to prove their Christianity by purifying the moor with fire.
This action not only affects the Other People, but also puts the delicate equilibrium maintained by the Keeper in doubt, threatening the own survival of Morecoombe. Our two characters will have to find the truth behind the murders and restore the deal with the creatures of the moor, even traveling to the Other World for it.

A novel that draws into the mentor-student relationship between Pelagius and Nancy: the old and grumpy Keeper and the young and powerful Nancy; Pelagius took some decisions in the past that are coming back to bite his hand. However, when the danger arises for the moor, we will see a Pelagius that will risk himself to restore the difficult peace of the place, even if the village is now rejecting him. In comparison, Nancy's arc is one more centered about self-discovery and trust, about getting the hang of her power and finally become part of the village as an outside.
As the main antagonist, Cleaver is an interesting character. He had a friendship with Pelagius in the past, but after a traumatic event, he became more fanatical, and broke the ties with his friend. You can see there's still a bit of fondness from Pelagius to his old friend; but Cleaver is basically acting as a result of pain and fanaticism, putting the focus on how religion can manipulate you in your lowest moments.

Horton's writing is a bit dense, but it pairs well with this kind of dark and atmospheric story; the historical aspect of the novel is well researched and transmitted through the use of certain terms. While the resolution of the mystery can be a bit predictable, the worldbuilding and the blend of Celtic and Cornish mythology work well, capturing also the sensation of being in a small isolated rural village.

Gorse is, by all terms, an excellent dark historical novel, perfect if you are looking for a story that revolves around the conflict between folklore and religion sprinkled with the presence of the Fair Folk. I'm really curious to see how this series will continue, but definitely Sam Horton has picked my interest!