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Chronicles of Gam Gam #2
The Wishing Stone
A mythical relic believed to have the ability to grant any wish.
A map, leading the way through ancient and sealed catacombs.
Gam Gam's return to Capital City is not what she expected when she stumbles upon her first clue to the Wishing Stone's whereabouts. Joined by Mina and her new friend Emil, along with the undead retinue of Nugget, Sloughy, and Gerald, they set out to uncover secrets that could unravel more than just their lives.
A map, leading the way through ancient and sealed catacombs.
Gam Gam's return to Capital City is not what she expected when she stumbles upon her first clue to the Wishing Stone's whereabouts. Joined by Mina and her new friend Emil, along with the undead retinue of Nugget, Sloughy, and Gerald, they set out to uncover secrets that could unravel more than just their lives.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2024
About the author
Adam Holcombe
5 books55 followersAdam Holcombe daylights as a programmer and moonlights as an author. After spending years toying with the idea of writing, he decided to fully commit and work toward releasing his first novel.
Then Gam Gam got in the way, and his first novel became his first novella. The novel will come later.
When he’s not locking himself in a cold basement to type away, he can be found squishing his dog (but not too hard), squawking at his tortoise (but not too loudly), goofing off with his wife (in perfectly ordinary, non-weird ways), DMing for his friends (I even got to play as a character a couple times!), or the usual chilling at home. He is a lover of books, board games, video games, and swords.
Adam is currently working on more Gam Gam stories, as well as the launch of a Sci-Fi series with the novel Bounty Inc.
TESTIMONIALS ABOUT ADAM AS A PERSON:
"THE BEST ADAM" - Krystle Matar.
"ALSO GAH" - Virginia McClain.
Then Gam Gam got in the way, and his first novel became his first novella. The novel will come later.
When he’s not locking himself in a cold basement to type away, he can be found squishing his dog (but not too hard), squawking at his tortoise (but not too loudly), goofing off with his wife (in perfectly ordinary, non-weird ways), DMing for his friends (I even got to play as a character a couple times!), or the usual chilling at home. He is a lover of books, board games, video games, and swords.
Adam is currently working on more Gam Gam stories, as well as the launch of a Sci-Fi series with the novel Bounty Inc.
TESTIMONIALS ABOUT ADAM AS A PERSON:
"THE BEST ADAM" - Krystle Matar.
"ALSO GAH" - Virginia McClain.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 7, 2024
This review was originally published on Before We Go Blog
Adam Holcombe continues the tale of everyone’s favourite necromancer granny and her wonderfully weird found family in The Wishing Stone, the deadly entertaining second instalment in The Chronicles of Gam Gam series. And this time, we’re going on a high-stakes Indiana Jones-esque quest adventure with the undead!
Although the story picks up a few months after the end of Necromancer Called Gam Gam, I was instantly pulled right back into the messy lives of these delightful and irresistibly charming characters. We are reunited with all our beloved familiar suspects, but also get to meet some new faces who not only add a fresh and exciting dynamic to the story but whose diverse backgrounds also organically open up/enrich the world. Though, my favourite aspect of The Wishing Stone was, of course, seeing how the bond between Gam Gam and Mina has only strengthened over time, and I thought it was especially beautiful to witness just how much Mina has grown in her unique neuromancy powers under Gam Gam’s care.
And those powers really get their time to shine as they are launched into a new unexpected adventure that leads them down into dark catacombs in search for a mythical relic and come face to face with a deliciously hateable villain. The stakes quickly rise to dangerously high levels, and all the thrilling displays of both Gam Gam and Mina’s powers in this sequel had me completely entranced, filling me with equal parts awe and terror. See, while book 1 already had some dark undertones and unexpected gut punches, I feel like The Wishing Stone really takes things to the next level. The core themes of loss, memory, and family become even more hard-hitting and poignant, which is exactly why this story will linger on in my mind for a long time to come despite its shorter length.
Though, for all that this sequel is so much darker and more action-packed than its predecessor, it somehow is also still incredibly charming and funny. Holcombe imbues this entire story with an effortlessly entertaining air of humour, heart and warmth, and both the amusing inner monologue and hysterical dialogue had me cackling out loud so many times. Not to mention, we are treated to some POV snippets from Nugget, the best skeleton cat to ever have (un?)lived, which was everything I didn’t know I needed from this story.
While I personally wouldn’t have minded a few more quiet moments in The Wishing Stone, there is no denying that Holcombe hit all the right emotional beats and delivered a sequel that more than lives up to its brilliant predecessor. How these novellas can manage to get me so emotionally invested that I am left crying tears of both joy and sorrow is truly beyond me, but I love them all the more for it. So, if you are looking for a short yet unforgettable story that is as dark as it is wholesome, then please do yourself a favour and read The Chronicles of Gam Gam already!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Adam Holcombe continues the tale of everyone’s favourite necromancer granny and her wonderfully weird found family in The Wishing Stone, the deadly entertaining second instalment in The Chronicles of Gam Gam series. And this time, we’re going on a high-stakes Indiana Jones-esque quest adventure with the undead!
Although the story picks up a few months after the end of Necromancer Called Gam Gam, I was instantly pulled right back into the messy lives of these delightful and irresistibly charming characters. We are reunited with all our beloved familiar suspects, but also get to meet some new faces who not only add a fresh and exciting dynamic to the story but whose diverse backgrounds also organically open up/enrich the world. Though, my favourite aspect of The Wishing Stone was, of course, seeing how the bond between Gam Gam and Mina has only strengthened over time, and I thought it was especially beautiful to witness just how much Mina has grown in her unique neuromancy powers under Gam Gam’s care.
And those powers really get their time to shine as they are launched into a new unexpected adventure that leads them down into dark catacombs in search for a mythical relic and come face to face with a deliciously hateable villain. The stakes quickly rise to dangerously high levels, and all the thrilling displays of both Gam Gam and Mina’s powers in this sequel had me completely entranced, filling me with equal parts awe and terror. See, while book 1 already had some dark undertones and unexpected gut punches, I feel like The Wishing Stone really takes things to the next level. The core themes of loss, memory, and family become even more hard-hitting and poignant, which is exactly why this story will linger on in my mind for a long time to come despite its shorter length.
Though, for all that this sequel is so much darker and more action-packed than its predecessor, it somehow is also still incredibly charming and funny. Holcombe imbues this entire story with an effortlessly entertaining air of humour, heart and warmth, and both the amusing inner monologue and hysterical dialogue had me cackling out loud so many times. Not to mention, we are treated to some POV snippets from Nugget, the best skeleton cat to ever have (un?)lived, which was everything I didn’t know I needed from this story.
While I personally wouldn’t have minded a few more quiet moments in The Wishing Stone, there is no denying that Holcombe hit all the right emotional beats and delivered a sequel that more than lives up to its brilliant predecessor. How these novellas can manage to get me so emotionally invested that I am left crying tears of both joy and sorrow is truly beyond me, but I love them all the more for it. So, if you are looking for a short yet unforgettable story that is as dark as it is wholesome, then please do yourself a favour and read The Chronicles of Gam Gam already!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 20, 2024
The Wishing Stone by Adam Holcombe is the second book about the necromancer grandma Gam Gam and her new ward Mina.
The relationship between these two has grown even stronger, and I just adore the found family vibes. The humour and love makes this a warm and cosy book, but then there's the necromancy, and the big bad villain, so it's quite dark in places as well.
Cosy-Dark is definitely my latest obsession, and after I found Kingfisher I can't get enough of it. Holcombe absolutely delivers on this craving!
This second book is faster paced and has more stakes and adventure. We meet friends and enemies, old and new, and get into a whole lot of trouble.
The story also delves a little deeper into the characters emotions. So it gives us both more action, but also more introspection and a look on loss and how they deal with it. There's hope, friendship and family to counter balance the hard bits, which works out perfectly for my taste. I have no idea how the author manages to put so much story and character in such a short book, it must be magic.
The relationship between these two has grown even stronger, and I just adore the found family vibes. The humour and love makes this a warm and cosy book, but then there's the necromancy, and the big bad villain, so it's quite dark in places as well.
Cosy-Dark is definitely my latest obsession, and after I found Kingfisher I can't get enough of it. Holcombe absolutely delivers on this craving!
This second book is faster paced and has more stakes and adventure. We meet friends and enemies, old and new, and get into a whole lot of trouble.
The story also delves a little deeper into the characters emotions. So it gives us both more action, but also more introspection and a look on loss and how they deal with it. There's hope, friendship and family to counter balance the hard bits, which works out perfectly for my taste. I have no idea how the author manages to put so much story and character in such a short book, it must be magic.
January 14, 2025
A really fun book! I don’t know if I liked it QUITE as much as book one, but Adam’s easy humor and the way he provides the reader with an emotional connection to the characters really shines through here.
September 20, 2024
Going on more adventures with Mina and Gam Gam is always a treat! I really enjoyed this second outing from Adam Holcomb :)
May 16, 2026
A Warm Hug
The Wishing Stone is an impressive balance between heavy such as grief, loss, and the oppressive regime of an undying Emperor, and the warm, loving core of found family, the sacrifices we’re willing to make for each other, and fuzzy knitted things. An excellent sequel to A NECROMANCER CALLED GAM GAM.
The Wishing Stone is an impressive balance between heavy such as grief, loss, and the oppressive regime of an undying Emperor, and the warm, loving core of found family, the sacrifices we’re willing to make for each other, and fuzzy knitted things. An excellent sequel to A NECROMANCER CALLED GAM GAM.
September 12, 2024
ARC received for free in return for an honest review.
A Necromancer Called Gam Gam was one of my biggest surprise finds earlier this year, and I am delighted to report that The Wishing Stone worthy successor.
A number of scenes in this stood out for me, with the wholesale acceptance of the Wholesomeness of Gam Gam herself, to a masterclass in Evil Villain Introduction 101, and not to forget Nugget, the best Boney kitty of them all.
Add in some impressive world building for the page count and you are lift with a great fantasy read with a lot of heart.
A Necromancer Called Gam Gam was one of my biggest surprise finds earlier this year, and I am delighted to report that The Wishing Stone worthy successor.
A number of scenes in this stood out for me, with the wholesale acceptance of the Wholesomeness of Gam Gam herself, to a masterclass in Evil Villain Introduction 101, and not to forget Nugget, the best Boney kitty of them all.
Add in some impressive world building for the page count and you are lift with a great fantasy read with a lot of heart.
October 5, 2024
Cozy fantasy done well! I was absolutely delighted to drop back into the tales of Gam Gam and Mina after the first story and this one doesn't disappoint. We rejoin the most delightful necromancer to grace fiction with her new young companion a few months after the first book. They are thrust into a quest for the titular wishing stone, taking on the feel of Indiana Jones at times with its sewers and rats and hidden tombs. This story is definitely grander in scope than the first book, and somewhat slower at its start, but the second half of the book in particular ramps it up to spectacular ends.
Whilst it isn't as intrinsically cozy as the first novel, that warm relationship between Gam Gam and Mina forms the heart of the story, and that heart is beautiful to see. The gentle humour remains, we get more action from Nugget (everyone's favourite undead cat), and we get more of a view of the wider world that the story is set in.
The novella format really works well with this sort of story, giving us the perfect dose of necromantic happiness.
Everyone needs some Gam Gam in their life!
Whilst it isn't as intrinsically cozy as the first novel, that warm relationship between Gam Gam and Mina forms the heart of the story, and that heart is beautiful to see. The gentle humour remains, we get more action from Nugget (everyone's favourite undead cat), and we get more of a view of the wider world that the story is set in.
The novella format really works well with this sort of story, giving us the perfect dose of necromantic happiness.
Everyone needs some Gam Gam in their life!
November 11, 2025
I had trouble sticking with the last couple of books I tried reading so I decided to go to something I knew I would enjoy and pick up the sequel to A Necromancer Called Gam Gam! The Wishing Stone did not disappoint. It has that same unique charm I loved about the first book and every page is filled with adventure for Mina and Gam Gam. I loved some of the new characters, the whole development of Mina's abilities, and particularly enjoyed Nugget's little adventure. That being said, I don't want to accidentally spoil anything so I'll end this review by encouraging everyone to check it out!
September 10, 2025
A Necromancer Called Gam Gam was one of my favourite books I read last year—An unlikely blend of knitting, kindness, and raising the decaying undead that took me on an emotional journey exploring loss and grief. So when The Wishing Stone was announced, I was so ready for another foray into this big warm hug of a world. And, spoilers for the review below, but I think this one really does top the first.
The Wishing Stone is an excellent sequel in every regard. For me, towards the end it became quite reminiscent of the first Mistborn book (the only one of that initial trilogy I’ve read so far) but far more satisfying in its execution. I loved Mina’s character arc and progression, and the newly introduced characters like Emil were brilliant. And there’s POV segments for Nugget! That’s the most important part for sure; he’s amazing. I’m now an unashamed Nugget stan.
Gam Gam, Mina, and Emil’s quest for the titular Wishing Stone was really engaging and I was not expecting the plot to twist the way that it did. There’s plenty of action, intrigue, and gut-wrenching emotional moments, but the story still manages to be a warm knitted blanket. Gam Gam is an absolute gem.
I loved the extension and exploration of Mina’s powers, and the deeper dive into the lore of the Eternal Empire. The Empire was largely a backdrop in the first book, but it takes centre-stage here, and the way the consequences of Mina and Gam Gam’s actions play directly in to this sequel were very well done.
The book’s pacing is spot-on and flows really nicely and I think this sequel improves upon the first book in a lot of ways. Bravo! I can’t wait to read more in the Chronicles of Gam Gam. This has definitely been one of my favourite reads this year.
The Wishing Stone is an excellent sequel in every regard. For me, towards the end it became quite reminiscent of the first Mistborn book (the only one of that initial trilogy I’ve read so far) but far more satisfying in its execution. I loved Mina’s character arc and progression, and the newly introduced characters like Emil were brilliant. And there’s POV segments for Nugget! That’s the most important part for sure; he’s amazing. I’m now an unashamed Nugget stan.
Gam Gam, Mina, and Emil’s quest for the titular Wishing Stone was really engaging and I was not expecting the plot to twist the way that it did. There’s plenty of action, intrigue, and gut-wrenching emotional moments, but the story still manages to be a warm knitted blanket. Gam Gam is an absolute gem.
I loved the extension and exploration of Mina’s powers, and the deeper dive into the lore of the Eternal Empire. The Empire was largely a backdrop in the first book, but it takes centre-stage here, and the way the consequences of Mina and Gam Gam’s actions play directly in to this sequel were very well done.
The book’s pacing is spot-on and flows really nicely and I think this sequel improves upon the first book in a lot of ways. Bravo! I can’t wait to read more in the Chronicles of Gam Gam. This has definitely been one of my favourite reads this year.
September 19, 2024
I was given an arc of this book by the author. Thank you! My review is honest and my opinions are my own.
The Wishing Stone is the sequel to A Necromancer Called Gam Gam and in it we see the return of the beloved Gam Gam, her neuromancer ward Mina, Nugget her skeletal cat familiar and many of the side characters from book 1. It was a real treat to be back among this little band of found family and to see how Mina’s skill has developed substantially under Gam Gam’s tutelage. Not only her neuromancy, but also her depth of moral character has developed. Her friendship with Emil is cute and her determination to help anyone she meets is heartwarming.
The introduction of a dastardly, immoral antagonist and an ensuing battle between humans and undead ups the stakes considerably, as does the peril both Mina and Gam Gam find themselves in. The thought of memories being taken away forcibly and minds being flayed is terrifying!
This little novella is a very satisfying quick read and I highly recommend it to fans of Gam Gam, whose quest to knit warm garments for everyone she meets continues. I loved the idea of undead bugs with little pieces of yarn around their necks for scarves. Holcombe’s stories are imaginative and fun, with exactly the right amount of quirkiness to keep the reader guessing as to what he might think of next!
The Wishing Stone is the sequel to A Necromancer Called Gam Gam and in it we see the return of the beloved Gam Gam, her neuromancer ward Mina, Nugget her skeletal cat familiar and many of the side characters from book 1. It was a real treat to be back among this little band of found family and to see how Mina’s skill has developed substantially under Gam Gam’s tutelage. Not only her neuromancy, but also her depth of moral character has developed. Her friendship with Emil is cute and her determination to help anyone she meets is heartwarming.
The introduction of a dastardly, immoral antagonist and an ensuing battle between humans and undead ups the stakes considerably, as does the peril both Mina and Gam Gam find themselves in. The thought of memories being taken away forcibly and minds being flayed is terrifying!
This little novella is a very satisfying quick read and I highly recommend it to fans of Gam Gam, whose quest to knit warm garments for everyone she meets continues. I loved the idea of undead bugs with little pieces of yarn around their necks for scarves. Holcombe’s stories are imaginative and fun, with exactly the right amount of quirkiness to keep the reader guessing as to what he might think of next!
October 15, 2024
I was introduced to A Necromancer Called Gam Gam last year and fell in love with the cozy, found family story that the Author has produced. So when offered the chance to read the sequel, I greedily gobbled that arc up and settled in. What I found was more of the same with extras.
The Wishing Stone follows almost directly one from A Necromancer Called Gam Gam. We find that although Gam Gam and Mina had got out from Sergeant Mikyal's clutches, the Eternal Empire is not going to forget them that easily. Now they are back in Capital City, in the heart of the Empire. What follows is a similar story to Gam Gam but with a bit more bite to it. It feels a little more spiteful, which suits the story immensely. It still has all the things that I loved about Gam Gam but it stung more as well. The feels in this one really get to you!
We have the usual suspects of Gam Gam, Mina, Nugget, Gerald and Sloughy present with some extra characters thrown in. Emil is a thief with a talent for disappearing. Clyde was a personal favourite, although he was done slightly dirty. There is some great progression of Mina's magic. And possibly, best of all, there is some chapters from the POV of the mighty Nugget! That found family feeling is just as strong, if not stronger, in this as it was in Gam Gam. It's far too perilous to be called cozy but you know our group would do (and do) anything for each other.
It's not a very long book at 144 pages but Adam Holcombe manages to pack a lot into those pages. It is a strong sequel for a great book and has some great action sequences in it as well. I am wondering where it can go next but that is for the Author to suprise use. A heart-warming continuation of the Chronicles of Gam Gam.
I received a free copy from the Author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
The Wishing Stone follows almost directly one from A Necromancer Called Gam Gam. We find that although Gam Gam and Mina had got out from Sergeant Mikyal's clutches, the Eternal Empire is not going to forget them that easily. Now they are back in Capital City, in the heart of the Empire. What follows is a similar story to Gam Gam but with a bit more bite to it. It feels a little more spiteful, which suits the story immensely. It still has all the things that I loved about Gam Gam but it stung more as well. The feels in this one really get to you!
We have the usual suspects of Gam Gam, Mina, Nugget, Gerald and Sloughy present with some extra characters thrown in. Emil is a thief with a talent for disappearing. Clyde was a personal favourite, although he was done slightly dirty. There is some great progression of Mina's magic. And possibly, best of all, there is some chapters from the POV of the mighty Nugget! That found family feeling is just as strong, if not stronger, in this as it was in Gam Gam. It's far too perilous to be called cozy but you know our group would do (and do) anything for each other.
It's not a very long book at 144 pages but Adam Holcombe manages to pack a lot into those pages. It is a strong sequel for a great book and has some great action sequences in it as well. I am wondering where it can go next but that is for the Author to suprise use. A heart-warming continuation of the Chronicles of Gam Gam.
I received a free copy from the Author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
September 25, 2024
I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. This sequel continues Mina and Gam Gam's story with old characters and new faces. It carried the same charm as the first with a little bit more of a darker tone. We got to see more of Gam Gam's powers and a nice Nugget POV that I found funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2024
Another great book full of charming characters and the bonds between them. Keep up the good work!
December 8, 2024
I love Gam Gam, Nugget, and Mina - well, okay, Nugget a bit more so. I enjoyed learning more about these fascinating characters, while meeting a few new ones along the way. Some fun moments, some touching moments, and some tense moments add up to a highly enjoyable tale in the world of necromancy. magic, and mayhem.
More, please!
More, please!
October 10, 2024
A Necromancer Called Gam Gam was one of my favorite reads of 2024, so I was really eager to dive into Holcombe’s second installment of the Chronicles of Gam Gam. I often find that sequels struggle to live up to the first book in a series, but The Wishing Stone exceeded my expectations. Holcombe takes readers back into the world of the Eternal Empire, several months after the events of A Necromancer Called Gam Gam, bringing wonderful new additions to this fantastical, found family, delving into his characters’ magical abilities, and handling the complexities of growing through grief with immense kindness. Holcombe also creates a simply dastardly villain, and provides readers with the POV of a lovable, undead cat, “Nugget.”
While Holcombe’s writing is incredibly creative and endearing, I am continually impressed by his ability to work in and handle difficult topics. Throughout the novella, main character Mina learns more about and practices her neuromancy skills, and I was moved by the way that this growth in skill was portrayed. Holcombe was able to delve deeper into the grieving process with his characters by showing how love and empathy can be a catalyst for growth. Mina battles fear and sadness over the loss of her father, but learns that by leaning into memories and the support of others, rather than pushing them away, she’s able to help herself (and others) heal.
Holcombe’s Chronicles of Gam Gam is a light-hearted, fantasy series that really has a powerful impact. I love books that allow me some self-reflection, and while reading The Wishing Stone I found myself questioning a few things:
-How can I value the memories that I have created?
-What does it mean to support those around me who are grieving?
-Who are the people/what are the things that I can lean on in difficult times?
The Wishing Stone is a beautiful entry in a heartwarming, fun series and tackles grief, relationships, and the endurance of memories with incredible care. I would highly recommend this series to readers of all ages, but have your tissues nearby!
Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest opinion/review. Opinions above are all my own.
While Holcombe’s writing is incredibly creative and endearing, I am continually impressed by his ability to work in and handle difficult topics. Throughout the novella, main character Mina learns more about and practices her neuromancy skills, and I was moved by the way that this growth in skill was portrayed. Holcombe was able to delve deeper into the grieving process with his characters by showing how love and empathy can be a catalyst for growth. Mina battles fear and sadness over the loss of her father, but learns that by leaning into memories and the support of others, rather than pushing them away, she’s able to help herself (and others) heal.
Holcombe’s Chronicles of Gam Gam is a light-hearted, fantasy series that really has a powerful impact. I love books that allow me some self-reflection, and while reading The Wishing Stone I found myself questioning a few things:
-How can I value the memories that I have created?
-What does it mean to support those around me who are grieving?
-Who are the people/what are the things that I can lean on in difficult times?
The Wishing Stone is a beautiful entry in a heartwarming, fun series and tackles grief, relationships, and the endurance of memories with incredible care. I would highly recommend this series to readers of all ages, but have your tissues nearby!
Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest opinion/review. Opinions above are all my own.
September 8, 2024
The Wishing Stone by Adam Holcombe is the sequel to the amazing A Necromancer Called Gam Gam and is just as magical and heart warming as its predecessor. In this delightful novella we are reunited with Gam Gam whose mission to provide everyone with the cosiest of knitted accessories continues, Mina who is learning more about her magical abilities and honing her skills as a neuromancer, and of course Nugget who remains committed to being the cutest and best reanimated cat skeleton in existence. They have returned to the capital city despite the Immortal Emperor's continued search for all neuromancers as Gam Gam is on a quest to track down the fabled Wishing Stone. In an escapade that could rival Indian Jones for peril and adventure and with plenty of tongue in cheek humour the gang, along with Mina's new friend and excellent thief Emil track down a mysterious map that sends them exploring the catacombs under the city and of course drama ensues.
I was really looking forward to this book and I am so happy that reading it filled me with so much joy. Mina and Gam Gam , and Nugget, Sloughy and Gerald of course, are such wonderful characters, full of charm and quirkiness in the best possible way. I felt like Mina grew quite a bit as a character and seeing her step into her power but taking with her the lessons that Gam Gam had taught her felt really good. The stakes feel slightly higher in this book and I think the tension is a little more intense, especially in the second half of the book, there was a moment that literally made me gasp, but I should have known to trust the process.
I read an ARC courtesy of the author and loved every word, all opinions are my own.
I was really looking forward to this book and I am so happy that reading it filled me with so much joy. Mina and Gam Gam , and Nugget, Sloughy and Gerald of course, are such wonderful characters, full of charm and quirkiness in the best possible way. I felt like Mina grew quite a bit as a character and seeing her step into her power but taking with her the lessons that Gam Gam had taught her felt really good. The stakes feel slightly higher in this book and I think the tension is a little more intense, especially in the second half of the book, there was a moment that literally made me gasp, but I should have known to trust the process.
I read an ARC courtesy of the author and loved every word, all opinions are my own.
September 25, 2024
4.5 rounded up to 5.
I received the ARC for this from the author, Adam Holcombe.
I loved loved loved this installment of the Chronicles of Gam Gam. What a fantastic second book!
Characters: 5/5 - As always, I love Holcombe characters. Gam Gam and Mina are so dear to me.
Atmosphere/Setting: 5/5 - The atmosphere and setting in The Wishing Stone were absolutely spot on in this book. Wouldn't change a thing.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 - Perhaps it was a me in the moment thing - there were a few spots (not many!) that just felt a little bit off to me, but couldn't tell you what or why...
Plot: 4.5/5 - There were a few times were it felt like maybe the plot was straying but Holcombe was able to bring it back around quickly.
Intrigue: 5/5 - More than I ever expected! I knew that Holcombe wouldn't leave our characters where they are at, but had no idea how they'd pull it off...
Logic/Relationships: 5/5 - Everything made perfect sense for the characters and relationships developed better than I could have expected!
Enjoyment: 5/5 - LOVED LOVED LOVED This book!
Total: 34/7 = 4.85 (4.5 rounded up to 5)
Quotes: "Mina stood in a hallway of Death." (125)
I received the ARC for this from the author, Adam Holcombe.
I loved loved loved this installment of the Chronicles of Gam Gam. What a fantastic second book!
Characters: 5/5 - As always, I love Holcombe characters. Gam Gam and Mina are so dear to me.
Atmosphere/Setting: 5/5 - The atmosphere and setting in The Wishing Stone were absolutely spot on in this book. Wouldn't change a thing.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 - Perhaps it was a me in the moment thing - there were a few spots (not many!) that just felt a little bit off to me, but couldn't tell you what or why...
Plot: 4.5/5 - There were a few times were it felt like maybe the plot was straying but Holcombe was able to bring it back around quickly.
Intrigue: 5/5 - More than I ever expected! I knew that Holcombe wouldn't leave our characters where they are at, but had no idea how they'd pull it off...
Logic/Relationships: 5/5 - Everything made perfect sense for the characters and relationships developed better than I could have expected!
Enjoyment: 5/5 - LOVED LOVED LOVED This book!
Total: 34/7 = 4.85 (4.5 rounded up to 5)
Quotes: "Mina stood in a hallway of Death." (125)
January 3, 2025
If you've read Gam Gam, you know whether you want to read this book. If you haven't, you should really read Gam Gam first, this is not really meant as a starting point to the series - you'll miss badly needed context (note that if you HAVE read the first book I wouldn't say you need to reread it, there are enough hints and reminders to get you through).
Mina is back and in trouble and Gam Gam is there to save her, and be saved by her. It's a familiar formula after book 1 and it works wonderfully here as well!
The tone is light-ish (not light, but not grimdark either), on the cusp of YA. The characters are colorful and interesting, alive and dead, and Mina saves the day by being a better person, as she should.
Overall, like I said, if you like GG, you'll enjoy this, and if you really didn't (what's wrong with you?), this won't change your mind.
Mina is back and in trouble and Gam Gam is there to save her, and be saved by her. It's a familiar formula after book 1 and it works wonderfully here as well!
The tone is light-ish (not light, but not grimdark either), on the cusp of YA. The characters are colorful and interesting, alive and dead, and Mina saves the day by being a better person, as she should.
Overall, like I said, if you like GG, you'll enjoy this, and if you really didn't (what's wrong with you?), this won't change your mind.
September 11, 2024
Short, sweet and, oh, so satisfying. I got an advanced reading copy because after I finished A Necromancer Called Gam Gam, I needed more. (I also got the short stories because I need to know EVERYTHING about Gam Gam–she is such a mood.)
If you like found families, cats, and reversal of expectations, you'll love this series. It's a cosy, feel good story. Best read with tea and baked goods, when the weather starts to get a little chilly.
If you like found families, cats, and reversal of expectations, you'll love this series. It's a cosy, feel good story. Best read with tea and baked goods, when the weather starts to get a little chilly.
October 12, 2024
If you've read the first Gam Gam book, never fear--this one's an extremely satisfying sequel. (If you haven't read the first one, you should do that first; things will make more sense.) More of the characters you love (Nugget! Sloughy!), more exciting necromantic battles, more cozy hand-knit scarves. If you're looking for some of the best cozy fantasy available, indie or traditional publishing, you'll love Gam Gam and crew.
December 3, 2025
Following the events of the first novella, Mina and Gam Gam find themselves at the heart of the Empire and, with the help of a new friend, seek a rare artefact that is rumoured to contain the power to bring the dead, properly this time.
A wonderful follow-up to “A Necromancer Called Gam Gam” that somehow succeeds in being even more joyful, action-packed, and heartwarming - as well as expanding the found family! I could keep reading more Gam Gam stories until the end of time, and it's lovely to see the series go from strength to strength.
A wonderful follow-up to “A Necromancer Called Gam Gam” that somehow succeeds in being even more joyful, action-packed, and heartwarming - as well as expanding the found family! I could keep reading more Gam Gam stories until the end of time, and it's lovely to see the series go from strength to strength.
September 10, 2024
4 of 5 stars for The Wishing Stone, the second novella in the Chronicles of Gam Gam. It's a fun follow-up to the first book and a solid cozy fantasy adventure with a strong cast of characters. It comes out in October!
November 4, 2024
Quirky and enjoyable. I'm not usually one for cozy fantasy, but this has the vibe, with more at stake, more action, and a darker aesthetic. Call it a Grim & Cozy.
I'm looking forward to seeing more of Gam Gam, and Holcombe's new sci-fi series.
I'm looking forward to seeing more of Gam Gam, and Holcombe's new sci-fi series.
December 8, 2025
Another great Gam Gam book
I loved this book as much as the last one. In this one Mina comes into her own abilities and a better opportunity to know Nugget better. Lots of thrilling action and suspenseful moments.
I loved this book as much as the last one. In this one Mina comes into her own abilities and a better opportunity to know Nugget better. Lots of thrilling action and suspenseful moments.
October 2, 2024
Ohh this one got a bit dark a bit too quickly - another good book in this world but manage your expectations on this one - it is different from the last one
Full RTC
Full RTC
October 11, 2024
Loved the second tale of Gam Gam and Mina. A short and emotional tale of friendship and heroism, whilst also delving into what makes us us.
Bring on more tales of a knitting necromancer.
Bring on more tales of a knitting necromancer.
December 23, 2024
4.5 stars!
December 29, 2025
A wonderful continuation of the series!
January 17, 2026
Enjoyment 8/10
Concept 8/10
Execution 7/10
Writing 7/10
Plot & Logic 6/10
Pacing & Structure 8/10
Atmosphere 8/10
Characters 8/10
Intrigue 7/10
World Building 7/10
Rating: 3.71/5
Concept 8/10
Execution 7/10
Writing 7/10
Plot & Logic 6/10
Pacing & Structure 8/10
Atmosphere 8/10
Characters 8/10
Intrigue 7/10
World Building 7/10
Rating: 3.71/5
October 6, 2024
Holcombe’s latest offering in the Chronicles of Gam Gam treats us to a treasure hunt in catacombs as we follow Gam Gam, Mina, Nugget & their new friend Emil in the search for a mythical stone said to be able to grant wishes.
As most readers suspect; it’s not to be an easy task as Mina is still very much a wanted person and they’re going to have to come together in order to make it out of the trouble headed their way.
-A solid sequel to one of the most enjoyable debuts I’ve had the pleasure of reading and one I’m looking forward to sharing with my children.
I tend to use gifting and sharing books as a metric when it comes to how much I’ve read something, and suffice to say that I had mom read the first book in the series + sent a copy to my cousin’s daughter in Japan. I’ll be sharing this one too. Honestly one of those series both the adults and kids in your life can enjoy together if you’re looking for that kind of thing.
As most readers suspect; it’s not to be an easy task as Mina is still very much a wanted person and they’re going to have to come together in order to make it out of the trouble headed their way.
-A solid sequel to one of the most enjoyable debuts I’ve had the pleasure of reading and one I’m looking forward to sharing with my children.
I tend to use gifting and sharing books as a metric when it comes to how much I’ve read something, and suffice to say that I had mom read the first book in the series + sent a copy to my cousin’s daughter in Japan. I’ll be sharing this one too. Honestly one of those series both the adults and kids in your life can enjoy together if you’re looking for that kind of thing.
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