Katie Cross
The North by Katie Cross | Reader Request Series Book 3
The North by Katie Cross | Reader Request Series Book 3
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Three words: Lots. More. Merrick.
The last thing Merrick wants to do is leave the Central Network.
Or Bianca Monroe.
The wild witch he cares about more every day has a way of getting under his skin, into his thoughts, and far too close to his heart.
But duty calls.
While Merrick works to smooth the way for the Northern and Central Networks to cooperate, he receives the worst possible news.
Bianca has been captured by Mabel.
And Merrick can do nothing about it.
Far from the witch he longs to protect, trapped by duty, distance, and politics, Merrick must face the helplessness of loving someone in danger when he cannot reach her.
Then High Priestess Farah agrees to cooperate with the Central Network.
At last, there may be a chance to save Bianca.
The fight is on.
The North is book 3 in the Reader Request Series by Katie Cross. This clean YA fantasy short story takes place during War of the Networks, but this time, readers experience the danger, longing, duty, and desperation from Merrick’s point of view.
Perfect for readers who love clean YA fantasy, The Network Series, Bianca and Merrick, reader-requested stories, companion novellas, behind-the-scenes moments, Northern Network politics, emotional fantasy, slow-burn romance, witch fantasy, and no-spice bonus stories.
Spoiler Warning
The North contains spoilers for War of the Networks.
For the best reading experience, read The North after War of the Networks, book 4 in The Network Series.
Perfect For Readers Who Love
- Clean YA fantasy with no spice
- The Network Series
- Bianca Monroe and Merrick
- Merrick’s point of view
- Slow-burn romance
- Beloved character moments
- Reader-requested stories
- Companion novellas
- Behind-the-scenes fantasy stories
- Northern Network politics
- High Priestess Farah
- Emotional fantasy romance
- Magical politics
- Witch fantasy
- Deeper Alkarra worldbuilding
- Bonus stories from beloved fantasy worlds
Format Options
This product is available in multiple formats, depending on the edition selected:
- Ebook
- Audiobook
Please choose your preferred format before checkout.
Paperback Note
Want this story in paperback? The North is included in Reader Request Stories: Volume 1, which collects Reader Request short stories 1–6.
Click here for the paperback edition.
Series Placement
The North is book 3 in the Reader Request Series.
It takes place during War of the Networks and is best read after War of the Networks, book 4 in The Network Series.
Reader Request Series
The Reader Request Series includes short stories and companion novellas inspired by reader-requested moments from across Alkarra. Each story has its own recommended reading placement depending on where it falls in the larger timeline.
FAQ
Is The North part of The Network Series?
The North is part of the Reader Request Series and is set in the world of The Network Series.
When should I read The North?
The North is best read after War of the Networks, book 4 in The Network Series, because it takes place during that novel from Merrick’s perspective.
Does The North contain spoilers?
Yes. The North contains spoilers for War of the Networks.
Do I need to read The Network Series first?
Yes, recommended. The North was written for readers who already know Bianca Monroe, Merrick, Mabel, and the events surrounding War of the Networks.
Is The North appropriate for young adult readers?
Yes. The North is clean YA fantasy written for young adult readers and adult readers who enjoy emotional fantasy, slow-burn romance, magical politics, beloved character moments, and no-spice stories.
Does The North have romance?
Yes. The North focuses on Merrick’s clean slow-burn feelings for Bianca Monroe as he wrestles with duty, distance, and the fear of not being able to protect her.
Is there spice?
No. The North is clean YA fantasy with no spice.
Is The North available in paperback?
Yes. The North is available in paperback as part of Reader Request Stories: Volume 1, which includes Reader Request short stories 1–6.
What tropes are in The North?
This story includes Merrick’s point of view, Bianca and Merrick, slow-burn romance, hidden longing, Northern Network politics, duty versus love, beloved character moments, behind-the-scenes story, reader-requested story, companion novella, emotional fantasy, witch fantasy, and deeper Network Series worldbuilding.
What formats are available?
Depending on the edition selected, The North may be available as an ebook or audiobook. The paperback version is included in Reader Request Stories: Volume 1.
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We know the story, we know what happens, but to see Merrick´s point of view, it was just such a fun read! I loved it! I am an even bigger Merrick fan if that is possible! Hahaha
For every Merrick lover, this book is for you. It shows a side of Merrick that’s been hinted at but kept tucked away. His love for Bianca comes through as she is captured by Mabel, and Mabel is trying to woo the Northern Network. How do you stand by and watch your love spellbound and not try to save her. Tune in and find out.
Merrick gets a chance to show more of himself to the readers through this story. Katie gives us the chance to feel what Merrick goes through quietly loving his little troublemaker and the choices he makes in being himself. Its a great adventure into the North.