The K’Barthan Extras are a series of novella-length stories featuring the Pan of Hamgee – the star of M T McGuire’s funny, fantastic, thrilling fantasy/scifi series. I reviewed the first two in January. These are just as good.
Close Enough (K’Barthan Extras #3)
If you like planet-based dystopian science fiction adventure – with added comedy – then hopefully you will enjoy this book.
Terry Pratchett meets Dr Who, with a dash of Father Ted … sort of.
As recently appointed delivery man for Big Merv, one of Ning Dang Po’s most powerful crime bosses, The Pan of Hamgee is ordered to deliver a gift to Big Merv’s current girlfriend. With a pair of bespoke-made, sapphire and diamond earrings on board, and a trip across the city in the offing, what could possibly go wrong? Everything.
Close Enough is written in British English and is the third in the Hamgeean Misfit series of comedy sci fi fantasy dystopian stories. It can be read as a stand alone book. Estimated UK film rating of this book PG (PEGI12/TEEN). Estimated rating for the other books in the PG (PEGI12/E10). This is a humorous dystopian science fiction fantasy story set in a parallel reality. Younger readers who have read all the Harry Potter books without any worries will be fine with the Hamgeean Misfit series. [goodreads]
Too Good to be True (K’Barthan Extras #4)
When trouble comes knocking meet the one man dumb enough to answer the door.
When The Pan of Hamgee encounters some mudlarkers trying to land a box on the banks of the River Dang he is happy to help. Having accepted a share of the contents as a reward he cannot believe his luck. It contains one of the most expensive delicacies available in K’Barth, Goojan spiced sausage. If he can sell it, the sausage might spell the end of his troubles. On the other hand, knowing his luck, it could bring a whole load more.
The only work of fiction which contains an 11 mph barge chase … probably.
Suggested UK cinema rating for this one PG (parental guidance)
This is a humorous science fiction fantasy story set in a parallel reality. Available in ebook, paperback and audio format.
My Review
Just as the first two K’Barthan Extras entertained and amused me, so did the last two. Close Enough came close enough to being a really excellent story. Well told, well twisted and well, everything you expect from the Pan of Hamgee, including overthinking the problem somewhat. Actually, overthinking a lot! Much of the mess is of his own making, but fortunately he gets out of it somehow. I don’t think that’s a spoiler.
Too Good to Be True really matches its title. This is a marvellous adventure, outstanding, and longer than the other three. It needs to be to cater for the magnificent descriptions of, among other great descriptions, the old quarters. Here the Pan leaps from window to window, since the roof level and ground floor are stuffed with Grongles or the Resistance, neither of whom agree with the Pan’s methods. Or his philosophy of life. And the twists… oh the twists! Will he, won’t he? And indeed, as the blurb suggests, it has probably the most exciting 11 mph barge chase in literature.
I don’t know whether these work only if you are already a fan, or whether they would make a good introduction to the longer series (which I raved about). Maybe either, or both. I’m now tempted to read the whole series again…
Hi,
In theory, not my usual reading, but you’ve intrigued me. Terry Pratchett and Father Ted ? No cloased doors, not this year. ,
Somehow I’ve failed to read these books. They sound something like what I need!
You should read One Man, No Plan… I think that is the first in the series…. It’s English humour, but you get English humour, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!