The Wrong Stuff

Comedic sci fi fantasy

The Pan of Hamgee is not a natural knight in shining armour. Yet he has escaped from police custody in K’Barth, switched realities and foiled Lord Vernon’s attempt to kidnap Ruth, the Chosen One, from the Festival Hall. Pretty good, he thinks.

However, Ruth thinks otherwise. Being pursued by Lord Vernon is bad enough. Now, thanks to The Pan, she’s on the run. They are both alive, of course, but with Lord Vernon on their tail neither of them can be sure how long for.

To save K'Barth and Ruth, the woman of his dreams, The Pan must introduce her to the Candidate, who is prophesied to be the man of her dreams. And he must do it fast – before Lord Vernon finds her. But the gentleman in question is in hiding and no-one knows where. Only The Pan can find him, if he can bring himself to unite them.

Written in British English, suggested cinema rating 12/PG
=> This is the second book in a series of four which works best when read in order <=

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 and I love funny; funny epic fantasy series like the Discworld novels and comedic sci fi like Douglas Adams totally floats my boat. But I also like a gripping tale that zips along quickly in the time honoured tradition of unputdownable adventure. And of course, I like genre fiction mashups; Douglas Adams meets StarTrek and James Bond - and a dash of romance (but no squelchy bits). Therefore, my cunning gambit was fantasy that was also science fiction and would surprise even me. I wanted a fast paced story and gripping tale but comedy in the tradition of all the great funny British authors.

The K'Barthan series does have a deeper side. Sure on one level it's a light piece of witty comedy fiction 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.

Q – Should this series be read in order?
A – Yes. 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:

- Unlucky Dip: Prequel
- Few Are Chosen, K’Barthan Series: Part 1
- The Wrong Stuff, K’Barthan Series: Part 2
- One Man: No Plan, K’Barthan Series: Part 3
- 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!