The Riddle and the Rune

Gom #2

by Grace Chetwin

This sequel to Gom on Windy Mountain recounts Gom's journey beyond his mountain home to the place called Far Away, in search of his mother, Harga, who left the mountain shortly after Gom's birth and is reputed to be the greatest wizard in the world. Gom is gone only a day when he feels someone following him.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure, Fiction

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[X · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so wonderful to re-visit Ulm! Gom sets out to find his mother and, naturally, finds himself in trouble as soon as he leaves Windy Mountain. Throughout his quest, he makes friends while trying to escape from his enemies and trying to solve the riddle that will bring him to his mother. It is not a typical quest-type fantasy, however. There is no sword-play, no large-scale battles, no royalty worth mentioning, not even a huge, sprawling cast of characters. It has its own quiet charm, much like Gom himself. Adventure, magic, good friends, and evil villains: a lovely story!

The FPI edition is quite nice. It is paperback, but a very nice one, with illustrated first letters of every chapter, sheet music for the songs and a very useful pronunciation guide.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorites! Still amazing even as an adult.

[Bonnie Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, that cliffhanger ending! Finally Gom gets to meet his mother... but it has to wait for the next book.

[Emily Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is fun juvenile literature. Light reading that I remember enjoying when I was younger. There seemed to be some loopholes, but it was a good book to read when you are busy and don't want to be kept up at night reading.

[Tnkw01 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished. What a wonderful tale. Reminds of the types of fantasy I read in my youth. The tale it reminds of the most was Wizard of Earthsea. Recommend this to anyone who loves good fantasy tales when fantasy was young.