The Narrative

The Plot Bandits #3

by Katherine Vick

THE BIGGER THE ARMY, THE HARDER IT FALLS

Everyone in the Taskmaster’s Realm knows that narrative convention is as real as the laws of physics (and often much realer). The ferryman is crotchety and greedy and must be tricked. The mystic ghost has essential wisdom to impart. Barbarians are stupid, hairy drunkards led by a berserker. Convention is just the way the world operates.

And it’s oh, so predictable.

So when Fodder and his friends are forced their separate ways, held captive against impossible odds, and threatened by a fate worse than death, they begin to wonder: If we know exactly how the world works, can’t we make it work for us?

It’s time to play.

Genres: Fantasy

255 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2022

About the author

Katherine Vick was born in the middle bit of England longer ago than she’d care to admit (1979, if you must know. Aren’t you nosy?). She studied Geography at University of Wales, Aberystwyth, writing her dissertation on the Role of Landscape and Culture in Fantasy Novels. She then moved onto a Master’s degree in Literary Studies and Creative Writing at University of Central England, where she wrote the dissertation that inspired the creation of Fodder, so she hopes you’ll feel she put her education to good use. She flirted briefly with fast food and retail work before settling down as a college administrator. She spends occasional weekends on historic battlefields in her capacity as a rather clumsy late medieval re-enactor. She (mis)spent a part of her youth writing stories based around other people’s literary and media creations. She likes to read and watch fantasy, history and science fiction - frankly anything that gets her away from the real world, which is far too much trouble. Occasionally she even gets around to writing stuff.

Reviews

[Darcia Helle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if we’re all characters in a story?

And what happens to the characters when they’re not in a particular scene?

The Narrative is the third of four books in The Plot Bandits series, which asks these questions and more in an outrageously fun and insightful way.

Content feels more action/adventure than the first two. We’re off and running from the first page, with our heroes split up and doing their best not to screw up the whole plan, such as it is.

My favorite aspect is Pleasance’s character trajectory, as she learns about herself as a woman, her own wants and needs, as opposed to what has been expected of her.

This series definitely needs to be read in order, starting with book one, The Disposable. Now, if you need me, I’ll be sitting here dangling on the ledge as I await the final book.

[Chriss Corkscrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious. Brilliant. Sharp.

I've been waiting for this book for ages and may have accidentally devoured the whole thing by lunchtime on publication day. I was not disappointed. Just so clever and funny and a riot from start to finish.

Only one problem - what I thought was a trilogy is apparently a... four-ogy? ... and when I got to 'To be concluded in... The Taskmaster', I nearly bit through my bookmark!

I totally recommend Vick's irreverent fantasy series to anyone. It's just fun and moreish, totally romps along and is a real joy-bringer!

[Leigh Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine Vick's very creative story continues to be a page turner in her third book of the Plot Bandits series, The Narrative. And the story is an adventurous page turner, because you will want to find out what happens to the rebellious Disposables and the Royals and Nobles who are after them. Will Flirt and Shoulders escape being burned alive by Poniard the Assassin? Will Fodder fall into a trap set by Swipe? Will Pleasance and Dullard be welcomed with open arms when they return to her family? And what of the Ring of Athiphion, Preen's Book of Instruction, and is the First Rule of battle true? I thoroughly enjoyed following the paths these characters take and you will, too!!

[Sarah Awa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The epic saga continues, and the pace never lets up! Our "little guy" heroes are split up, and so we follow 3 plot threads to some dangerous places and through some hilarious hijinks!

We finally find out what the terrible punishment is that the Powers That Be have planned for Fodder and crew, and so the stakes are as towering as the Imposing Castle!

Speaking of that place, some very interesting things happen there...and on the Final Battlegrounds...

My favorite scene in this book involves a ghost...and that's all I'm going to say about that!

Can't wait to read the final installment!!!