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K'Barthan Extras, #1
Small Beginnings
What do you do when trouble comes knocking and everyone else is out?When your very existence is treason, employment opportunities are thin on the ground. But when one of the biggest crime lords in the city makes The Pan of Hamgee a job offer he can’t refuse, it’s hard to tell what the dumbest move accepting the offer or saying no to Big Merv. Neither will do much for The Pan’s life expectancy.Small Beginnings is written in British English and is the first in a series, although it can be read as a stand alone story.Estimated UK film rating of this book U (universal) or G (general)This is a humorous science fiction fantasy story set in a parallel reality.Small Beginnings is the first book in the Hamgeen Misfit, dystopian humorous science fiction series. It is set in a contemporary dystopia, in a parallel reality but there is futuristic technology. There is an overall story arc to the series, but these stories are written to be stand alone and can be read in any order.INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHORQ – What made you write this series?A – There's a saying, somewhere, that if the book you want to read hasn't been written, you must write it. If you want the honest answer I wrote it for me.As a reader, I have always loved British satire and humor or humour. I love funny; funny epic fantasy novels like the Discworld series and comedic sci fi like Douglas Adams. I like light fun reads, especially sci fi and fantasy, but I also like a little dystopian angst and a gripping tale in the time honoured tradition of adventure and action fiction. I love misfit characters, the weirder and more colourful the better. And of course, I like genre fiction mashups; Douglas Adams meets StarTrek meets Doctor Who meets Terry Pratchett and James Bond ... with some Python thrown in.I wanted weird alien races, flying cars, car chases, static powered laser guns ... you get the picture. They aren't there, so I've made it my goal to write them. You won't find standard mythic creatures in my science fantasy - 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. And also, because I thought the whole point of fantasy was to make up new stories, not write about stories and characters that already exist. Surely that's mythical/religious fan fiction rather than fantasy isn't it? Anyway, you will find all sorts of quirky characters and interesting, new 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.Q – What will readers enjoy most about this series?A – Hopefully, the same things as I the world building, the characterisation, what, I hope, is pithy, witty dialogue (or dialog) and of course, characters who are flawed and stuff up, and are not beautiful; misfits, ne’r do wells etc. There's not one skinny woman in a leather jumpsuit anywhere in this series. I like writing characters who have zero combat skills, putting them in a situation where they could really do with knowing how to fight and seeing how they cope with nothing but their wits - I'm mean like that. Oh and of course the snurds. You've gotta love a flying car, right?
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
65 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2019
29 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
M.T. McGuire
20 books135 followersM T McGuire enjoys the real world but wouldn't want to live here full time. That's why she writes books. She grew up, or at least, got bigger, half way up a windy down in Sussex. Her home was also the first location choice for Hogwarts, in the Harry Potter films, so maybe it's not so strange that she's ended up writing spec-fic. Perhaps there's something in the water up there, apart from chalk. She used to do stand up but sat down and started to write books when she got married. She now lives in Bury St Edmunds, in Suffolk, with a McOther, a McMini and a selection of very silly cars. She hasn't found a way to make any of the cars fly, and none of them is fitted with ordnance like the ones in her books, but she and her team of evil scientists are working on that.
Despite the fact she's pushing fifty now, and supposedly, an adult, M T checks all unfamiliar wardrobes for a gateway to Narnia. She hasn't found one so far but she lives in hope.
Despite the fact she's pushing fifty now, and supposedly, an adult, M T checks all unfamiliar wardrobes for a gateway to Narnia. She hasn't found one so far but she lives in hope.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 27, 2021
I received a free review copy of this audio book, at my request, and am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.
The one complaint I have, is this story is too short.
This story picks up directly up after the short story "The Unlucky Dip" and continues the idea of The Pan becoming a delivery man for Big Merv.
The world building is light. It provides enough information for the plot of the book, but it does assume you've read previous book, particularly the main series. I don't think a reader would be lost, if they started with this story, but context like Grongles and K'Barth are not fully developed in this book.
The settings are familiar, to the series, like the pub and the streets of (excuse the spelling, audiobook) Ning Dan Po. It all written in the same way as in Few Are Chosen, giving the experience of a real place, rather than just something fluid in the authors mind, that changes with time.
It also introduces us to our other favorites like Trev, Gladys and Ada and most importantly Humbert. As well, several things hinted at in The Unlucky Dip are confirmed, like the garbage bags The Pan slept in are outside the pub.
The story has the feel of the first book. It is witty and fun, while still being suspenseful. I know the Pan would be fine, but I still kept having to remind myself of that while he was in danger.
Big Merv is properly back. In The Unlucky Dip, he was all menace and no humor. In this book he is intimating but funny. I laugh every time I hear some bizarre way of insulting the Pan. This book also goes a long way to reinforcing his character arc in the main series.
The only issue I had was this story is too short. And I don't mean it leaves things out, or it ends before the story is finished. I mean when ever I start a K'Barthan story, I always want to know more. This book is roughly 2.5 hours, and as soon as the conflict was resolved and the book was concluding I found myself wanting more, another conflict another story. It is the trap of this series, it sucks you in (like a portal).
The voice narration, by Gareth Davies, is superb as usual. His old lady voices are great, his male voices are excellent and his old parrot voice is hilarious. Definitely one of my favorite narrators.
All in all, this is an excellent story. It is new but familiar. Funny but tense. It gives us an insight to how The Pan came to meet the characters from Book 1 and provides some not essential but interesting back story. I didn't like the length, but not because the story was lacking, but because I always want more of The Pan.
The one complaint I have, is this story is too short.
This story picks up directly up after the short story "The Unlucky Dip" and continues the idea of The Pan becoming a delivery man for Big Merv.
The world building is light. It provides enough information for the plot of the book, but it does assume you've read previous book, particularly the main series. I don't think a reader would be lost, if they started with this story, but context like Grongles and K'Barth are not fully developed in this book.
The settings are familiar, to the series, like the pub and the streets of (excuse the spelling, audiobook) Ning Dan Po. It all written in the same way as in Few Are Chosen, giving the experience of a real place, rather than just something fluid in the authors mind, that changes with time.
It also introduces us to our other favorites like Trev, Gladys and Ada and most importantly Humbert. As well, several things hinted at in The Unlucky Dip are confirmed, like the garbage bags The Pan slept in are outside the pub.
The story has the feel of the first book. It is witty and fun, while still being suspenseful. I know the Pan would be fine, but I still kept having to remind myself of that while he was in danger.
Big Merv is properly back. In The Unlucky Dip, he was all menace and no humor. In this book he is intimating but funny. I laugh every time I hear some bizarre way of insulting the Pan. This book also goes a long way to reinforcing his character arc in the main series.
The only issue I had was this story is too short. And I don't mean it leaves things out, or it ends before the story is finished. I mean when ever I start a K'Barthan story, I always want to know more. This book is roughly 2.5 hours, and as soon as the conflict was resolved and the book was concluding I found myself wanting more, another conflict another story. It is the trap of this series, it sucks you in (like a portal).
The voice narration, by Gareth Davies, is superb as usual. His old lady voices are great, his male voices are excellent and his old parrot voice is hilarious. Definitely one of my favorite narrators.
All in all, this is an excellent story. It is new but familiar. Funny but tense. It gives us an insight to how The Pan came to meet the characters from Book 1 and provides some not essential but interesting back story. I didn't like the length, but not because the story was lacking, but because I always want more of The Pan.
November 16, 2019
Fun for aficionado es
A short set at the start of the author's series of hilarious fantasy adventures.there's little or no worldbuilding, so this is one for those already familiar with what's going on. With that caveat it is great fun!
A short set at the start of the author's series of hilarious fantasy adventures.there's little or no worldbuilding, so this is one for those already familiar with what's going on. With that caveat it is great fun!
November 16, 2019
Amazing writing as usual
Funny and well written as always. Like meeting up with old friends. I love the humor in these books and the adventures of pan
Funny and well written as always. Like meeting up with old friends. I love the humor in these books and the adventures of pan
October 23, 2019
If you’re already a fan of The Pan of Hamgee (as I am) you’ll love this story of his first job for Big Merve. If you’re not (yet) then this makes a great introduction. It’s short, sharp and funny. The Pan lives by his wits as he’s an outlaw. It doesn’t do to get on the wrong side of Big Merve so he feels he should just run, but then he’d have to start again in a place he didn’t know. It features balding parrots, eye-wateringly hot cheese and pickle sandwiches and many other good things. Give it a whirl.
April 13, 2025
It’s absolutely wonderful to renew my acquaintance, except I’m sure I can call it friendship, with The Pan of Hamgee. Some characters will just not lie down when their series is finished. I am delighted to read these novella-length stories (about 70 pages) which tell of firstly, the job The Pan is asked to do for Big Merv, which is a test to see if he’s any use to the Big Man…
...Despite the chaos, he lives to star in the next story!
...Despite the chaos, he lives to star in the next story!
May 24, 2024
a fun series
The K’Barthan series is funny, futuristic, and good science fiction. This K’Barthan Extra’s series are shorter books that give some extra background to the main series. This one details The Pan of Hamgee’s first delivery for Big Merv. In the process one may discover where The Pan’s name came from. Enjoy the read!
The K’Barthan series is funny, futuristic, and good science fiction. This K’Barthan Extra’s series are shorter books that give some extra background to the main series. This one details The Pan of Hamgee’s first delivery for Big Merv. In the process one may discover where The Pan’s name came from. Enjoy the read!
September 11, 2023
This short novella introduces likeable antihero The Pan of Hamgee, who appears in a series of McGuire's novels.
Our fugitive from governing forces picks the wrong pocket and ends up beholden to a Swamp Thing local gangster. Quivering antennae, old ladies with a bald parrot, thugs handy with their fists and suspect cheese sandwiches are just a few of his many problems.
Whilst I haven't read the other books, which puts me at worldbuilding disadvantage, it's still a wonderful example of tongue in cheek snark and hilariously named alien species, with a healthy dose of 'off the wall' sarcasm, reminiscent of Douglas Adams, and will give enough of a flavour of the author's style of comedy.
Our fugitive from governing forces picks the wrong pocket and ends up beholden to a Swamp Thing local gangster. Quivering antennae, old ladies with a bald parrot, thugs handy with their fists and suspect cheese sandwiches are just a few of his many problems.
Whilst I haven't read the other books, which puts me at worldbuilding disadvantage, it's still a wonderful example of tongue in cheek snark and hilariously named alien species, with a healthy dose of 'off the wall' sarcasm, reminiscent of Douglas Adams, and will give enough of a flavour of the author's style of comedy.
February 18, 2021
PSA: You might want to read a bit more in the "proper" K'Barthan series first to have a better idea of what you're getting yourself into. But even if you start with this short story (like I did, d'oh!), it's a fun adventure, and you get a great sense of the characters and a fair impression of the world The Pan of Hamgee lives (or tries to survive) in. A glossary would have come in handy, though. :)
I definitely want to read more about The Pan and his world!
I definitely want to read more about The Pan and his world!
October 17, 2020
This is only the second book of M.T.McGuire's that I've read - and this isn't really my comfort zone genre - but I'm thinking of adding it to my list....... I'm just not too sure what list to add it too!! It has two plusses (pluses?) - 1. it made me laugh - and that's a much needed commodity at the moment! and 2. it kept my interest - and 3. I want a Pan of Hamgee mug now!! :-)
October 6, 2020
I actually read the new one - Night Swimming, but I can't find it on Goodreads.
October 26, 2021
Wonderful little taster which made me look up and buy the first in the K'barthan (I think that's right) series. looking forward to following Pan of Hangers adventures now.
July 22, 2022
Mutated gangsters types small choices. Free from Amazon in July 2022
September 15, 2022
Sci fi with a touch of noir. A little bit of a Star Wars bar with non-humans for color.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews