The Wander by Katie Cross | Reader Request Series Book 4

Merrick and Bianca… before the heartache.

The battle with Mabel and Almorran magic is over.

The Mansfeld Pact has broken.

And the Central Network is reeling in the aftermath.

Derek Black is recovering his strength, while Bianca Monroe mourns her sword and faces an uncertain future. Viveet is gone, and the loss cuts deeper than anyone around her may fully understand.

Which is precisely when Merrick whisks her away to the Southern Network.

Their destination?

Andrei, the swordmaker who created Bianca’s beloved sword.

But this journey is about more than Viveet.

It is about grief.

It is about hope.

It is about the fragile, aching space between what Bianca and Merrick have already survived and what neither of them knows is still coming.

And Merrick has something he wants to say.

The Wander is book 4 in the Reader Request Series by Katie Cross. This clean YA fantasy companion story takes readers deeper into The Network Series with beloved character moments, slow-burn romance, emotional stakes, Southern Network travel, magical politics, hidden longing, and deeper Alkarra worldbuilding.

Perfect for readers who love clean YA fantasy, The Network Series, Bianca and Merrick, reader-requested stories, companion novellas, emotional fantasy romance, behind-the-scenes moments, witch fantasy, and no-spice bonus stories.

Spoiler Warning

The Wander contains spoilers for the early books in The Network Series, including the battle with Mabel, Almorran magic, and the breaking of the Mansfeld Pact.

For the best reading experience, read The Wander 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
• Slow-burn romance
• Beloved character moments
• Reader-requested stories
• Companion novellas
• Behind-the-scenes fantasy stories
• Southern Network travel
• Andrei the swordmaker
• Viveet
• Emotional fantasy romance
• Magical politics
• Hidden longing
• Witch fantasy
• Deeper Alkarra worldbuilding

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 Wander 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 Wander is book 4 in the Reader Request Series.

It takes place after the battle with Mabel and the breaking of the Mansfeld Pact, 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 Wander part of The Network Series?

The Wander is part of the Reader Request Series and is set in the world of The Network Series.

When should I read The Wander?

The Wander is best read after War of the Networks, book 4 in The Network Series.

Does The Wander contain spoilers?

Yes. The Wander contains spoilers for the early books in The Network Series, including the battle with Mabel, Almorran magic, and the breaking of the Mansfeld Pact.

Do I need to read The Network Series first?

Yes, recommended. The Wander was written for readers who already know Bianca Monroe, Merrick, Derek Black, Viveet, Mabel, and the emotional stakes of The Network Series.

Is The Wander appropriate for young adult readers?

Yes. The Wander is clean YA fantasy written for young adult readers and adult readers who enjoy emotional fantasy, slow-burn romance, magical worlds, beloved character moments, and no-spice stories.

Does The Wander have romance?

Yes. The Wander focuses on Bianca and Merrick’s clean slow-burn romance during a quieter but emotionally important moment after the battle with Mabel.

Is there spice?

No. The Wander is clean YA fantasy with no spice.

Is The Wander available in paperback?

Yes. The Wander 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 Wander?

This story includes Bianca and Merrick, slow-burn romance, hidden longing, beloved character moments, Southern Network travel, magical politics, grief and healing, reader-requested story, companion novella, emotional fantasy, witch fantasy, and deeper Network Series worldbuilding.

What formats are available?

Depending on the edition selected, The Wander may be available as an ebook or audiobook. The paperback version is included in Reader Request Stories: Volume 1.