Review by Dave Lawson

Blurb: 

A grandmotherly necromancer seeking resolution for her past with the help of her loyal entourage: an undead cat and a spectral knight.

A girl on the run from the Eternal Empire for the mysterious power she possesses.

When a chance encounter pulls them together, Gam Gam will do what it takes to protect Mina from the rogue sergeant hounding her–including raising the dead. As long as they’re dressed for the occasion.

Reviewer’s Note: I picked this one up for 99 cents from the Narratess Indie Sale. 

Review: 

Necromancers, baked goods, knitted hats and socks, what more could you want from a novella? After finishing The Blade Itself, I found myself in need of something a little different. Something, well, cozy. And this one did the trick! 

We follow Mina, a young girl reeling after the death of her father, on the run from an evil sergeant intent on finding her. She comes upon Gam Gam, an elderly necromancer, who is the sweetest old lady to ever exist. Seriously. I want to hug her. And eat her baked goods. Maybe she’d make me a hat? 

I was so invested in the world, and through Holcombe’s descriptions, it felt as though I was right there with the characters, and for a cozy read, there was so much emotion packed into the scenes, particularly one near the end between Mina and…someone who shall not be named because spoilers. 

The magic system is cool, with necromancers, neuromancers, and all the other kinds of mancers making appearances, and I loved Holcombe’s descriptions whenever Mina enters into the minds of others. 

Mina and Gam Gam are both complex characters with emotional depth, and I love them wholeheartedly. I’m the type of reader who wants to connect with the characters, root for them, and cheer them on, and Mina and Gam Gam are the kind of characters you can’t help by love and support. 

A special shoutout goes to Sir Gibblet, who I would read an entire novel series about. I kinda want to be him when I grow up. But not a ghost. 

This may not be the book for every fantasy fan, particularly those who only read sprawling epics full of political machinations and week long battles, but it was a glorious palate cleanser of a book, and I recommend it to everyone. 

Can’t wait for more Gam Gam!