Reviews

Just like Gam Gam, Adam Holcombe has brought an incredible story to life in A Necromancer Called Gam Gam. This wonderful novella is a bite sized treat perfect for any occassion. I just knew as 2023 wrapped up that I had to go back and reread my favourite new novella of the year and I am so glad that I did so. This story is a resounding indie success.

The story follows Mina, a young girl who’s life is fraught with death and unfortunate circumstances because of the mysterious power she wields. This leads her to run into the titular necromancer, Gam Gam, and together they set out to right a big wrong and stop the rogue sergeant who is hunting Mina.

The writing is superb, evocative and a whole lot of fun. We are introduced to a small cast of wild and wonderful characters who all leap off the page with their own distinct personalities and quirks. Gam Gam is a wholesome, beautiful soul who found a place in my heart. To have a grandmother like her would be to feel safe and comforted in the tumultous world. While Mina is a strong, young soul who never gives up. She was a fantastic main character with an incredibly believable arc in so few pages.

‘Mina’s emotions went to war within her, happiness and sadness squeezing at her heart while fear and excitement sent sparks through her head.’

Adam writes his heartfelt moments as well as his action scenes. He can jump from dressing the undead in wonderful knitted garments to an all out bar brawl with well practiced ease. I was constantly entertained and dragged from page to page with rapt excitement.

‘One by one, each undead approached Gam Gam and dithered over a hat, a scarf, or a pair of socks. When they chose, Gam Gam assisted in dressing them.’

This is a story that I can and will read again and again. I found it at a hard time and reread it at a good time. For both occassions it was perfect. I have nothing bad or critical to say about this incredible indie delight.

A Necromancer Called Gam Gam is a semi-finalist in the first ever Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS) and I wish Adam the best of luck. If everyone sees the marvel and heart of this little story it will be a guaranteed finalist.

rg9400's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a nice quick read. It moved a lot faster than I was expecting, and because of that, I struggled to build the emotional connections to the characters that were required for some of the emotional beats to land. I think a good chunk of the first 75% of the book actually focuses more on plot, and if it had involved some of the more impactful reflections on grief throughout, it would have worked a bit better. But still, it was charming, especially the character of Gam Gam and worth the read.

narratricenessa's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

theliteraryapothecary's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.5

This was the second semi-finalist that I read for SFINCs and I am so glad that I did. I loved the characters of Gam Gam and Mina. They warmed my heart on a cold day.

A Necromancer Called Gam Gam is a novella about a neuromancer (one who can read and project people's memories - I hope I am close in that description) called Mina, who is a young girl who is mourning the death of her father when we first meet her and Gam Gam who is a necromancer and not only uses the undead for good causes, but also knits them hats, scarvers, sweaters, and socks. Mina and Gam Gam meet when they both need someone the most.

CAWPILE Breakdown:

Characters: 8.5 - I loved the characters the most in this novella. They were created with love and care. Even the undead had personality.

Atmosphere/Setting: 7 - At times it was stronger than others.

Writing Style: 9 - Holcombe has a writing style that I could read all day. It is calm and gentle and funny; its tone fits its characters and it is entertaining.

Plot: 6 - At times, it felt like the plot was thin as we were learning about the characters and they were learning about themselves. But I do think it came around in the end.

Intrigue: 6.5 - The intrigue was gentle in this book (if that's even a thing). It was there but more like curiousity and less actual intrigue.

Logic/Relationships: 9 - Everything in this short novella made sense and I loved seeing where this friendship between Mina and Gam Gam led.

Enjoyment: 10 -I truly enjoyed everything about this book and just want more.

CAWPILE Total: 56/7 = 8 = 4.5 stars

chromaticbrews's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

bitts's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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