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Title: The Bell at Sealey Head
Series: ———-
Author: Patricia McKillip
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 245
Words: 71K
| Synopsis: |
From Wikipedia
The small ocean town of Sealey Head has long been haunted by a phantom bell that tolls as evening falls. The sound is so common that many of the town’s inhabitants do not even notice it, let alone questions its existence. Ridley Dow, a scholar from the city, comes to investigate the mystery, and sets up residence at the old inn owned by a young man named Judd and his ailing father. To aid Ridley, Judd enlists the help of his friend and love-interest Gwyneth, a young woman who writes her own stories to explain the bell.
On the other side of town is the ancient manor Aislinn House, whose owner, Lady Eglantine, lies dying. Emma, a servant in the house, is able to open doors that lead not into another room, but into another world. On the other side of Aislinn House’s doors is castle where the princess Ysabo moves through her daily rituals, tasks that Ysabo hates and does not understand, but cannot question. While Emma and Ysabo are able to speak to one another, neither has ever tried to cross into the other’s realm.
When Lady Eglantine’s heir Miranda Beryl comes to Aislinn House, Sealey Head’s secrets begin to reveal themselves, sometimes with dangerous consequences. Miranda brings to Sealey Head an entourage of friends from the city, as well as a strange assistant. As the town gets pulled deeper into the strange magic that Ridley, Judd, Gwyneth, and Emma uncover, Ridley breaches the border between Aislinn House and Ysabo’s world. It is only when the bell’s location and owner are discovered that Aislinn House and all of Sealey Head are able to return to safety.
| My Thoughts: |
I so enjoyed the time I spent reading this. While my reads in March were pretty cool, there is just something about McKillip’s writing that soothes my soul.
Everything I might have to say I’ve said about McKillip before. I’m not going to repeat it ad nauseum. Beautiful language, highly recommended, go read it.
You Are Welcome.
★★★★★
Bookstooge's Reviews on the Road 
I don’t think I know another such devoted and enthusiastic McKillip fan! I really feel I should give her books a second chance 🙂
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Part of my enthusiasm stems from the fact that she is the ONE author who strikes that tiny part of me, that almost non-existent part, of poetry in my soul. No other author has ever managed to do this. There doesn’t appear to be rhyme or reason to it.
As for a second chance, I just don’t know what to say. I obviously want everyone else to love her work. I also realize that is just impossible and I’d rather you read something you know you’ll like than try to batter your head against a wall on my recommendation 😀
Who knew that reading could be so complicated, hahahahaha!!!!!
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Ursula Le Guin is one author does that for me. It is indeed very individual.
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I could use a few five star reads coming into my life right now!
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Yeah, sounds like things are a bit rough with the infection and all. Hope the medication works!
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This almost sounds like it’s two separate stories. Are the plot lines intertwined, or are the more like two different episodes set into one book?
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They are two separate storylines and they are intertwined, but HOW they are intertwined is one of delicious mysteries 😀
So good!
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That sounds fun! I got curious because it can be hard to tell sometimes if a book is two intertwined storylines, or two independent novellas in the same binding.
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Yeah, I hate when that is the case. It is usually very annoying 🙂
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I’m okay with it if I know that going in. But if I expect a united story and get to novellas I’m usually disappointed.
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*two novellas… typing too fast. 😉
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Sounds awesome.
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I highly recommend McKillip. While she’s not for everyone, she’s one of those authors that everyone should at least try…
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Whenever I read your McKillip reviews, I have to remind myself that the two of us don’t quite get along just because you make her books sound amazing! I wish I liked her writing. I feel like I’m missing out.
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I’m sorry. I know exactly how you feel. I’ve had the same exact experience with John Gwynne and another blogger.
But at least you know so you don’t try again 😀
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Added to the list 🙂 Another great cover!
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I was devastated when her next book , Kingfisher, stopped using Kinuko Craft’s art 😦
And I’ve seen some of the re-releases with new covers. Absolute trash that won’t sell for spit!
But yeah, a great book 😀
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Nothing better than a book we can lose ourselves in to forget the outside world… Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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This re-read of McKillip has been so good. Has me already looking forward to the next time I cycle through her stuff 😀
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I think reading about your love for her work is also soothing to the soul for me hahaha To know that even the Great Bookstooge can squeal gives hope to humanity! 😀
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There is ONE soft spot in my heart and McKillip hits it every time. There is indeed hope for everyone 😉
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I’ve never tried this author and this one sounds both interesting and a good length as a trial.
The cover has a certain charm to it as well.
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If you haven’t read any McKillip, this will let you know if you like her style or not.
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I’ll have a look into it some more. Certainly enjoy the sound of the premise.
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I definitely need to read this!
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Well, if/when you do get around to reading it, I hope you really enjoy it…
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