The Bell at Sealey Head
by Patricia A. McKillip
Ace Books; $14, 277 pp
McKillip is so good at writing fantasy---and this novel is a perfect example. Set in an unnamed land, the tale revolves around a magical manor called Aislinn House that overlooks the sea near a village called Sealey Head. The house is a portal/reflection of a castle in another land ruled by rigid magical ritual carried out by a young princess named Ysabo. At the novel’s beginning, only one person can see this other world, and it is a young maid named Emma, who has made friends with Ysabo.

The bell at Sealey Head which has never been actually seen, rings just as the last rays of the sunset burn out. Theories abound as to its significance. (Of course many think it is the last sound a sinking ship made centuries ago).

The ancient owner of Aislinn House, Lady Eglantyne is close to death and so her heir has been called to Sealey Head. Miranda Beryl is a haughty society lady from the nearby city of Landringham. She comes with a huge entourage of friends, some of whom stay at the House. Others stay at the Inn at Sealey Head closest to the house.

Visitors are rare at the Inn, until they get notice that Miranda Beryl and her followers are going to need rooms. The Inn’s current residents are: Judd Cauley who runs the place, his blind father Dugold, the twins Pandora and Crispin and the baby Dulcie. Gwyneth the writer who lives up in the attic is fascinated by the bell and longs to discover its meaning.

Not only does Miranda Beryl and crowd show up, but a wandering scholar named Ridley Dow arrives in the village, also fascinated by the bell.

The heart of the mystery of Aislinn House is an ancient curse laid by a nasty wizard. And why the curse was laid and how it’s broken is brought to a tense, tight conclusion. Overlaid on the unraveling of the curse are the many tangled threads of affection in this tale and who will end up loving who is a compelling element.

A dear, sweet fantasy. ~ Sue Martin