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A review by joelteon
A Necromancer Called Gam Gam by Adam Holcombe
5.0
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.
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.