One Man: No Plan, K'Barthan Series: Part 3: Comedic sci fi

Book 3: K’Barthan Series

by M T McGuire

Genres: Humorous Fantasy; Dystopian; Humorous sci-fi

Synopsis

One Man: No Plan, K'Barthan Series: Part 3

The Pan of Hamgee needs answers, although he's not even sure he knows the questions.
He has a chance to go straight but it's been so long that he's almost forgotten how. Despite a death warrant over his head he is released, given a state-sponsored business, and a year's amnesty for all misdemeanours while he adjusts. On the down side, Ruth has left him for his nemesis, Lord Vernon.
The Pan doesn't have a year, either. In only five days Lord Vernon will gain total power and destroy K'Barth. Unless The Pan can stop him. Because even though the Candidate, the person prophesied to save K'Barth, has finally appeared it's still going to be down to The Pan to make things right. But he has no clue where to start or whether he even can.
The future hangs by a thread and the only person who can fix it is The Pan: a man without a plan.

Written in British English with a little light swearing.
Suggested cinema rating: PG

A quick word with the author

Q - So, tell us about the K'Barthan Series. What made you write it? What makes it special?
A - As a reader, I have always loved British satire and humor or humour. I love comedic sci fi and fantasy I love funny; funny aliens, epic fantasy series like the Discworld novels comedic sci fi like Douglas Adams. But I also like misfit characters and a tale that zips along quickly. I like genre fiction mashups; Douglas Adams meets StarTrek and James Bond - and a dash of romance (but no squelchy bits).

The K'Barthan series does have a deeper side. Sure on one level it's a light fun sci fi read but on another level it's about teamwork; team action in science fiction - or fantasy. Our heros and heroines work together across the series to bring down the indomitable forces of evil (bit of an untrendy epic fantasy trope there but I like it). You won't find standard mythic creatures in my sci fi - I couldn't face the deluge of emails I'd inevitably get from those who knew more about them than I do, telling me I'd got them wrong. However, you will find all sorts of quirky characters and interesting alien species. From six feet Swamp Things with antennae to cute furry creatures like the Blurpons, with their fluffy ears, big button eyes and penchant for extreme violence. The K'Barthan population has variety. I like my aliens quirky and I like characters who don't fit in, misfit characters who are totally unsuited to the quests up on which they embark.

Q – Should this series be read in order?
A – Yes. A – The character development – and some of the technology – will make the most sense if it is. That said, the short series prequel can be read any time. The books go in this order:

1. Unlucky Dip: Prequel
   
2. Few Are Chosen, K'Barthan Series: Part 1
   
3. The Wrong Stuff, K'Barthan Series: Part 2
   
4. One Man: No Plan, K'Barthan Series: Part 3
   
5. Looking For Trouble, K'Barthan Series: Part 4

Q – What is your favourite kind of Book? Would The K'Barthan Series fit on the list?

A – Oh yes. I wrote it entirely for me. If anyone else likes it, that's gravy. I love British humour, especially satire and parody in sci fi and fantasy: people like Pratchett and Adams. There's so much texture and depth in their books. I think if you're funny you can be harder hitting and setting it all in a parallel reality helps.

Q – Do you have a target reader?

A – It's more a mind set and an approach to life I'm reaching out to. Sure, I wrote it with my (then) teenage nephew in mind - but to give you an idea; the oldest fan of the series I know of is in his 90s and the youngest is 10.

Q – Thanks for giving our readers a look inside The K'Barthan Series.

A – Thank you!

Release date: June 11, 2014

Publisher: Hamgee University Press

Print pages: 332