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Wildcards Book #1 Book review from GOODREADS:
Reviewed by Simone Elkeles (Goodreads Author)
When the Devil Drives: A Tor.com Original (Wild Cards short story)
by Melinda Snodgrass
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
I waited impatiently to see how Noel continued in his family life. To see the tragedy of his fish out of water as he separated himself from his family. Leaving his wife and young son, convening himself that his past will always haunt him. Noel is framed for a murder he had no reason to commit when Rusty brings down the building on the competitions head. Using his alters and his given wild card Noel will have to skip over the globe to find the reason and purpose of the murder. In finding that he learns that life has changed and that he can be a father without being haunted by his past. Because he was only allowing fear to control him.
The Flight of Morpho Girl (Wild Cards #24.1) (Wild Cards short story)
by Caroline Spector, Bradley Denton
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
Caroline, what a great intro for the Texas Hold’em book. The story shows the struggle of mother and daughter as they re align their lives as Adesina is thrust into her early teens. The struggle of coming to grips with growing up, and remembering our past events. Ghost has been kidnapped, and this brings everything in the family to the forefront. As usual you are compelled by these characters and Bubbles is always Amazing. Thank you for introducing us to the new story lines and how the books have developed over time.
Links to all Wildcard reviews on GOODREADS:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/11973.The_Wild_Cards_Saga
Evernight (Wild Cards short story)
By Victor Milan
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
Evernight looks into the darkness with in the world and realm of Wild Card Virus and those who attempted first to eradicate and then weaponize the Virus and its victims. The story touches base on the the corruption and power struggles in France. The first response in France to the outbreak was rounding up and exceling Wild Card Victims. This soon changed when the trial of the Four Aces made the corrupt American Policy the errorant opposition. France opened the door for victims. But as usual corruption in political spheres makes it ill advised to be afflicted and out in the open. Which opens the underground to those survivors.
This story looks into the original concept of the Takis-a virus. To quote Victor Milan, “They say that the wild card has a mischievous streak, that grants those whom it touches what they most desire.” What the problem with the virus is that people can not control what they desire. Takis-a is a cruel mistress. What does not kill you outright may condemn you forever. And only the chosen few can find an Ace in their hand.
Evernight is a poignant soliloquy to Victor’s remarkable characters. It shows the depth of the Wild Card Mosaic world, and the levels of human concepts of corruption, reputation and betrayal.
Jokers Wild (Wild Cards #3) GOODREADS review:
Let the secret history of the world be told—of the alien virus that struck Earth after World War II, and of the handful of survivors who found they now possessed superhuman powers. Some were called Aces, endowed with powerful mental and physical prowess. The others were Jokers, tormented by bizarre mind or body disfigurements. Some served humanity. Others wreaked terror. Now, forty years later, under the streets of Manhattan an evil genius unleashes the powers of darkness—and Aces and Jokers alike must fight for their lives.
Here, in the third volume of the Wild Cards series, seven of science fiction’s most gifted writers take you on a journey of wonder and excitement.
The Thing About Growing Up in Jokertown (Wild Cards short story)
by Carrie Vaughn
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
The human side of things is brought to bear in this story. The actual look of the children of the Taxis-a virus how their world is changed because of the strange development of the virus, yet they long for the same things as all teenagers.
Having the ability to run like a human greyhound has its benefits and its negatives. Sure she can out run anyone else. Yet the school rules make it so she can not compete against the Nat children. Its not her sole disadvantage but its what she accepts as part of growing up. Growing up as the miracle baby the only child of her joker parents to survive she has been sheltered and adored by her family. The outside world is not as strange or fearful for her as it is to any teenager struggling to find their way in life. She has friends that she can depend on, and the most exciting thing is to go out of the neighborhood and explore the other places like any teenager. This is a great story to add to the accumulative literature of the Wild Cards mosaic novels.
The Elephant in the Room (Wild Cards short story)
by Paul Cornell
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
Although Paul Cornell is your modest English Author you can see his wisdom and understanding of the roles we lead in his short Wild Cards Book. The Fact that a fan favorite graces the pages of this story is of interest to the lovers of the mosaic books. Croyd is back boys and girls, starring in his own right in Fort Freak, we have just a little more of the story gracing the pages of this short story. The Understudy is a young wild card victim who has the ability to mimic the capacity of wild card deuces, aces, jokers in her vicinity. Although in Fort Freak it was not yet managed in The Elephant in the Room she faces another problem altogether. Being accepted for who she is. And finding a place for the love of her life. I hope that Croyd learns a lesson and comes back in the future it would be good to see him find love. Another great book for the Wild Card analogs.
The Rook (Wild Cards short story)
by Melinda M. Snodgrass
To wet the appetites of the Wild Card fandom and create new hype for the new series triad, The Rook was Melinda’s introduction to Fort Freak. The local name for the Jokertown precinct, the series really invigorated the series giving the characters new perspectives, with some of the hints of the beloved aspects of the series. What a great tease, Melinda, we bow to you.
When We Were Heroes (Wild Cards short story)
by Daniel Abraham
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
A look at the heroes of the American Hero television show after all the events in the Inside strait, Busted flush and Suicide Kings. Bugsy has come to realized that despite all his powers he is not invulnerable. He has lost parts of himself as the events cost him his nature and capacity. Curveball, reminisces her role in changing the world, and what it costs her. The story shows the human nature of the Aces and the cost of being a role model and ideal.
Discards (Wild Cards short story)
by David D. Levine
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
Looking around the world for the stories of Wild Card victims. In Rio the world of Wild Cards is divided between the affluent tourism business, and the crime-filled slums. A young boy who survives by hand to mouth living in the edges of Rio’s trash dumps is totally changed by his affliction of the Wild Card virus. Not only does he have a Joker card appearance, a mishmash of physical features, but he is rejected by those unaffected by the Virus. He is forced to change his life, and living, moving to the slums of Rio’s Joker town, and having to run the gambit of the crime-infested town life. He finds power and gifts in his affliction that may help him if he is willing to compete on a global scale with his new abilities. This is a informed look into the world of the mosaic Wild Cards stories, and a look into the real life hazards of the poor and destitute.
Prompt. Professional. Pop! (Wild Cards short story)
by Walter Jon Williams
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
Hollywood is a hard place. It’s a hard place to live. It’s a hard place to survive. The Wild Card virus gives us many things that Hollywood would love. Not only actors of renown beauty, and capacity, but also people who can bring things that are not there. The projectionist was able to change his features. The Golden boy Jack Braun, had the looks that would melt hearts, and he never aged. American Hero TV show gave us aces that could change the industry from the mundane to the extraordinary. Cleo was able to bring anything to set that she could imagine, move things to wherever she could see. On the film set there was a limit to how this could be used on the set. Dragon Girl, her direct competition, was able to as a child change her stuffed toys into real giant animals. This rivalry made hard times for Cleo, then things always change, she has to use her abilities to find the clues to what is happening, can she save herself, and her world? A great short story into the characters and nature of the Wild Cards world.
Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza (Wild Cards short story)
by Carrie Vaughn
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
How do you recover from devastation? Earth Witch is struggling with her internal demons, what she has done? What she has failed to do? She struggles with her self, with her physical and mental injuries from the battle with the Great Djinn. Her attempt to connect to the church has brought more questions to her shattered heart and mind. Her father, the solace and fire of her childhood has a solution, something she never expected. She if faced with finding her roots, and accepting her abilities.
This is a great individual story for the Wild Cards series, it shows the death of the universe but also the personal struggles of the individuals. I hope to one day own all these short stories in a collection i can hold in my hands.
The Button Man and the Murder Tree (Wild Cards short story)
by Cherie Priest
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
The Wild Cards virus has changes the world, it changed the universe. The Button man is a hit man, but the virus has not left him in peace. As he completes his missions he finds that their are plots between the powers that be. The recent contracts he has been doing shows the depth of the controversy. This book looks into the motivations of the survivors and those who are afraid of the circumstances of great powers shared.
The Atonement Tango (Wild Cards short story)
by Stephen Leigh
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
The Wild Cards authors introduce the series talking about the superheroes and the role playing game that began this series. Eventually they will describe how the look at society its prejudices its grievances and its violence. I think when Stephen Leigh next talks about how the series shows these humanistic struggles he should tell them that simply the idea is best expressed in Attonement Tango. Not only with the fans see characters like DB, Finn, and the sleeper but they will see how the story reminds us as human beings we need to teach tolerance, understanding, and forgiveness. It is a struggle sometimes to see our heros defined by prejudiced eyes. To see them brought down to villainy because of those who do not see the brighter side, or just can not focus on the real picture.
Reading this story the fans learn that sometimes the worst punishment is what we think of ourselves. Great job showing the spirit of the series and giving us the exit stage left of a great character.
High Stakes (Wild Cards, #23)
by George R.R. Martin (editor)
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
The authors were not kidding: the darkest, most twisted and otherworldly of the books in the Wild Card series. The lights of hope are few and far between, the terror of the beloved characters is enough to drive the fan to close the book over and over again as you just try to get them images out of your mind. Hellraiser is the villain of the century although he does not lift a finger, for or against the world. It is his death throws that allows what he contains to be released in a phenomenal and otherworldly terror. Highwayman’s link universe has just become more deadly, and the disposition spot of the wild cards most notorious villains. Wonder how Ti Mace faces the evil within. The darkness is not always just skin deep.
The aces are overwhelmed. The familiar and the new find new terror, and strength to face it.
Michelle Pond (Bubbles) faces a danger more than the nuclear bomb she absorbed in previous albums. The anger and hatred within is battling with the love. She is literally placed in a world of hurt. Only her love of her daughter will make her face these terrors, and her love of Joey who brings her home.
Jonathan Hive (Bugsy) has fallen apart, he has lost more than half of himself and his ability to out swarm difficulties is nullified. He learns to take second place and let others risk everything.
Marcus Morgan (IBT) the newest ace/joker that finds his strength in love, but is tested beyond his capacity and abilities, but his love is the only solution in a world encompassing hell.
Barbara Baden (Bable) is unable to use her abilities to find support, or help for her Beloved, Klaus Lohengrin. Their love faces is indomitable challenge that they both may be incapable of solving.
Lowball (Wild Cards #22)
by George R.R. Martin (Editor)
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
Jokertown has seen its fill of missing Jokers but when Father Squid disappears it comes to the notice of everybody. Lowball is the second installment of the Fort Freak trilogy of the Wild card series. Like its predecessors this book is outstanding, its seamless editing and quick wit and drama bring the reader into this alternative history world. Jokertown is the rough and tumble west, with Fort Freak as it’s only link to Law enforcement. Characters briefly met in previous books in the series find starring rolls. Great new characters spring out of the pages to capture the fans imagination. The evil forces drawing to a close on the hapless inhabitants of Jokertown has come to a head. The police have pooled their resources with SCARE and other federal bureaus reigning in their investigative powers to find the missing Jokers and solve the mystery of leaked video tapes, dead jokers, and Joker Fight Clubs. This book brings back the magic of the original books in the series with great characters I wish to see more of.
Fort Freak
by George R.R. Martin (Editor)
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
Going back to the detective work and mystery cross overs of down and Dirty and Death draws five. This new trilogy of the Wild card series is not a reboot but a continuation of a great series. Decades later in our current time a decade after the turn of the century the world of Jokertown has many old stories are coming to light and their repercussions are affecting those who have survived so much. New characters and events never before come to light. We look into the depravity, and the angelic aspects of the Wild Card virus. How the virus has affected individuals, enhances and devastates their lives in ways unknown and incomprehensible in our modern center genic world? Can a man who has survived war and devastation find peace and love? Can a boy disconnected and abandoned find someone he can believe in? Can an Oddity the combination of three loving people find a conclusion to his/her devastating history? This is a great start to a trilogy that will leave fans waiting impatiently for more.
Suicide Kings (Wild Cards #20)
by George R.R. Martin (editor)
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
A great piece of editing Magic… Melinda Snodgrass I bow to your ability to seamlessly blend the story. As a Mosaic novel, many who look into the series may wonder that this book has so many authors. It is due to the dedication of the authors, the commitment to the consortium rules and ideals that create a seamless piece. Even knowing the various authors for a while I could not pull out any individual writing style…
Suicide Kings is the final third in the trilogy of the Wild Card version of American Hero. The book shows the final development of the new batch of characters, and through growth, sacrifice and loss have learned to live beyond the bounds of their Wild Card gifts and abilities or liabilities. The book in general is a dark story looking into child soldiers in Africa and the destruction of society within by corrupt and ruthless rulers. The Wild Card virus again has been put to its original use, as a weapon, inflicted on hapless children of war torn Africa for the twisted policies of corrupt and destructive leaders.
Mark Meadows (Tom Weathers) is a key feature in the story. Looking through his eyes at the destruction that his desires and dreams caused and inflicted on millions around the world shows how the ideals of changing the system, may be corrupted by the excess of human need. His path from innocent idealist, to heartbreaking helplessness shows how ideals can be overdone, and bring destruction in their zeal.
Michelle Pond (Amazing Bubbles) recovers from her heroic sacrifice to stave New Orleans from a nuclear bomb. What brings her back is the dream of the destruction and violence of child soldiers in Africa. Her powers are put to the test when facing Tom Weathers, and the last of the “friends”.
Wally Gunderson (Rustbelt) is an idealistic hero, he would strive beyond his capacity to move stand or fight for someone else. The book looks at his quest to find balance with his selfless nature, and learning to love others. It is the final development of his character.
Jonathan Tipton-Clarke (Bugsy) one of the first American hero characters learns to let go of the past, by learning to risk what he has for something better. He learns the value of the past to teach us, but also the value of letting go those ties that bind us.
There are many more sub-plots and stories that could be used as discussion pieces in the Wild Card fan club for years. A great book, congratulations for continuing this remarkable series, and inspiring so many to the broad scope of human nature, and possibility.
Busted Flush (Wild Cards, #19)
by George R.R. Martin (editor)
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
They have come a long way but find that human nature is their greatest downfall. “A great story about society trying to change, people trying to make things better, only to find out the key players are not playing the game fairly…. with a good cliffhanger”
Inside Straight (Wild Cards, #18)
by George R.R. Martin (editor)
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
American Idol meets wild cards, very dramatic story. American Idol hits the wild cards; despite this the book is entreating and engaging making me want more than ever the other stories.
“Jonathan Hive”- Daniel Abraham, the story of a young man learning to control his capabilities, and his emotional drive.
“Dark of the Moon/ Star Power/ blood on the sun” Lumina enterprises (Melinda M Snodgrass) a young girl learns to balance her nature and her wild card gift.
“Chosen Ones” Carrie Vaughn “Looking for Jet Boy” Michael Cassutt
“Metagames”- Caroline Spector
“Wakes the lion”- John Jos Miller
“Crusader” George R R Martin
“The Tin Man’s Lament” Ian Tregillis
“Incidental Music for heroes” Stephen Leigh
Death Draws Five (Wild Cards, #17)
by John J Miller (editor)
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
Continuing the story of the wild cards through the millennium, how those affected by the wild card survive, and live through the tragedy and self-struggle. Fortunato returns to find his son, only to find a greater mystery involving religion and the wild card virus. Is he able to sacrifice everything for another person, and who would he finally sacrifice everything for.
Highlights of the book, Cameo’s channeling of Cole Porter, and Nighthawks old friend. Ti Mace Pun and conclusion together…Wrap of the controversy of Finn’s position. Jon Fortunato meets his famous father and coming to terms with his heritage.
Deuces Down (Wild Cards, #16)
by George R.R. Martin (editor)
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
A mosaic novel with an introduction written by Walton Simons in 2002 the 15th year of Wild card series. This book opens up the timeline of the series, allowing more stories in the four decades that encompass the stories. As Walton introduces the stories he states that it is common for the writers to continually converse about characters, and upcoming story ideas. One aspect that is unique is these stories focus not on the aces and jokers of the series but Deuces, those who are given an ability after surviving the Xenovirus Takisis A. these powers that are considered a Deuce are just simple abilities that are not heroic or large in composition. For instance Gary who can produce a small blue flame on his fingertips like a Bic lighter. Following an idea that has interested the writers like Sign Girl, Grow-Grip Man, Puddle man etc…
Storming Space, by Michael Cassutt
A short love story and the ability of Cash Mitchell and Eva-Lynne,tells the story of a deuce who can accomplish great things when used appropriately.
Four days in October, by John J Miller
The introduction of Tommy Downs a journalist who finds his ability is to ferret out those affected by the wild card virus.
Walking the Foor, Over You, by Walton Simons
A beautiful woman with a deuce, that she can make people laugh has found herself in trouble, she turns to our favorite character Croyd for protection only to find it is her boss that is the hero despite his own deuce power.
A Face on the Cutting Room Floor, by Melinda Snodgrass
My favorite story of this group, about Dr. Bradley Finn, a pony sized centaur, who as a child finds a mystery on the set of his Fathers movie. As Ms. Snodgrass says, she wanted to write about a joker that was well adjusted and saw his father like James Cameron as a film maker.
Father Henry’s Little Miracle, by Daniel Abraham
Father Henry, is taking care of the Joker Church in New York only to be drawn into an adventure he does not know how to handel. Unforutnatly his duce of producing water from wine may not be able to stand against Demise, one of the strongest evil ace characters in the series.
Promises, by Stephen Leigh
A tragic love story between Gary a deuce, the same one who is a Bic lighter, and his love Caitlyn, a joker who is turning into a living doll. Looking at the human spirit and the interpretation of the term home.
With a Flourish and a Flair, Kevin Andrew Murphy
Swash is drawn on a quest similar to an adventure you could find Holmes, attempting to solve, He and Topper a Takian living in New York has a problem with a personal theft.
Marked Cards (Wild Cards, #14)
by George R.R. Martin (editor)
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
“The color of his skin” Stephen Leigh
The puppet man is gone, and Gregg has been left to pick up the pieces, now when things may have a chance for him to go back in his favor, he is frustrated without his “power”… but that is only the beginning, he needs to learn to lie in his own skin, but he’s has been jumped, and can he find a way back to the world he believed he could control.
“Two of a kind” Walton Simons
Jay and Jerry have begun to work together as a team, they have been engaged to investigate the Card Sharks, but at first they are reluctant to participate. It is not until Jerry is attached in his attempt to figure out what this evil group is up too.
“My sweet lord” victor Milan
Mark Meadows has given up a lot of things to help his fellow wild carders, and to protect his daughter sprout, but his sacrifice may not be enough, and he has to find a new way to face his problems, and protect the thing he loves most.
“Path of silence and of night” Leanne C Harper
Suzanne has learned to appreciate her powers, she has found a people she can believe in, but the sharks have not left her alone, can she protect herself, her friends, her animals, or just survive on her own.
“Feeding frenzy” Walter Jon Williams
The sharks have a plan, and they implement the first one with saving one of their own.
“A breath of life” Sage Walker
Zoe wants to save those she loves, but finds that the problems the world, and the attaches of the sharks, would she give up everything to save others.
“Dose of reality” Laura J Mixon, Melinda M Snodgrass
Clara believed everything she was told, she believed that the virus was the cause of all the problems, she was wanted to get rid of the virus, but found that because of her upbringing, because of her family history, that she must get rid of afflicted by the virus. How will she learn to live in a world where her dreams come true?
Card Sharks: Book of the new cycle: (Wild Cards #13)
Edited by George R.R. Martin (editor)
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
A massive fire has ripped through Joker town church on Black Queens night, killing hundreds of Jokers celebrating this grim memorial. Rev. Quid is saved by Quaziman a time traveler joker who has a hard time keeping his mind and his thoughts, let alone the rest of his body with in a particular movement. They enlist the help of a new Nat reporter to investigate the crime; she discovers a whole history of Joker/ wild car atrocities that span the length and breadth of the modern times, affecting historical and political situations and figures. Leaving Marylyn Monroe alive and Liz Taylor deceased. Card Sharks is a dynamic story with grief, tragedy and a lot of heartache.
For fans this is the book to find out about Nick, and Cameo and why he died.
For new readers this book ties together the legends and ideals of the whole series, with the divergent history brought to place in the world of Wild Cards.
Turn of the Cards (Wild Cards, #12)
by Victor Milán, Victor *
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
Review: Turn of the Cards, it took a long time to get into this story, I have no love of playing soldiers and slogging through Vietnam jungle was more boring than anything which I guess happened to the soldiers all the time… but near the end the meaning of the story comes through, as the lessons of the wild card series comes through.
Dealer’s Choice (Wild Cards, #11)
George R.R. Martin
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
Dealer’s Choice, wow!!! Your dungeons and dragons fans will find this right up your alley, those who love wild cards will find another great story in the series, and super hero lovers, well your choice: can an obese boy save the world.
Double Solitaire (Wild Cards, #10)
by George R.R. Martin (editor)
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
Double Solitaire, By Melinda Snodgrass, wow! The drama of Takis, but things work out only in the last pages… but as usual leave you with questions. Double solitaire is a great story. The Jumpers have taken the body and powers of many different Aces, and Jokers, leaving a plague of victims. Dr. Tachyon is not only the most recent victim. His torture only begins with being jumped. Blaise has decided on a dramatic path for Tachyon, one that provides not only problems on earth, but Problems on Takis with a capital P. This is a great story that will haunt the series.
Jokertown Shuffle (Wild Cards, #9)
by George R.R. Martin
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
Wow! the power of romance!!! This was a very dark and sad story for the series. Very, very violent, probably the one they would make the movie out of. Joker Town shuffle is the struggle of the Jokers left out of the prestige and glory of the Aces. They feel abandoned and ridiculed and treated as sub human. Bloat is a joker the leader of the Jokers who take over Ellis Island. They hope to make their own colony; somewhere they can survive without the horror of others rejection of them. Bloat finds love and sacrifices all he has for it. Only to lose all that he dreams, all that any one of them dreams.
One-Eyed Jacks (Wild Cards, #8)
by George R.R. Martin (Editor), Victor Milán (Goodreads Author) (Contributor)
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
One Eyed Jack is the book where groups called jumpers have come into Joker town, they have found a way to control other people and other Jokers with their own minds, and they are committing crimes and killing the victims they use. One of the most detrimental wild card powers to the trilogy and to the mosaic universe. This power gave the writers fits and still echos that reverberate today. Don’t Ask about Jumpers…
Dead Man’s Hand (Wild Cards #7)
by George R.R. Martin (Editor / Artist), John J. Miller
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
The Dead Man’s Hand is one of the best stories yet, I like that it focused on two main characters and intertwine the two stories, it also filled in the blanks left by ace in a hole, and makes me like the series even more.
Ace in the Hole (Wild Cards #6)
by George R.R. Martin (Editor / Author), Walter Jon Williams (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Victor Milán (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Melinda M. Snodgrass (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Stephen Leigh (Contributor), Walton Simons (Contributor)
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
The Puppet master using his wild card gifts he tries to subvert the presidential election wow a strong political piece, the violence and temperament keep you wishing that somehow or other the man does not get the presidency using his power secretively a wild card attempts to overcome the prejudicial and hatred of the people to become president of the us. The Puppet master manipulates the people around him in a dynamic and explicated way that brings down the whole deck of cards.
Down and Dirty (Wild Cards #5)
by George R.R. Martin (Editor / Author), Melinda M. Snodgrass (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Edward Bryant (Contributor), Stephen Leigh (Contributor), Pat Cadigan (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Walter Jon Williams (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), John J. Miller (Contributor), Roger Zelazny (Contributor) , Arthur Byron Cover (Contributor), Leanne C. Harper (Contributor)
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
Wow very complicated story weaving intrigue politics and gang wars into one story, very dynamic.
Aces Abroad (Wild Cards, #4)
by George R.R. Martin
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
This book covers a world search looking at the reaction to the Wild Card virus, from outright genocide to fame and notoriety. I don’t like some of the evil characters and the one that latches on to people I did not understand…But a good mystery, an exciting adventure. With many dark moments showing the depths of evil humanity can bring. A fact finding mission leads a number of aces to question the prejudice of the world against those infected by the wild card virus.
Wild Cards III: Jokers Wild (Wild Cards #3)
by George R.R. Martin
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
I was a little disappointed that they killed of Kid Dinosaur, but otherwise a great humanistic story, about the struggles of good and evil and the flaws of humanity…. I really like this series its a totally different spin on the superhero genre.
Aces High (Wild Cards, #2)
by George R.R. Martin
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
A celebration of all the good and great powers given by the wild card to its victims. “A story for every man, adventure, mystery, strange monsters, strange heroes, weird concoctions, and a great subplot though all the collaborative stories. the heroes as always save the world.
Wild Cards I
by George R.R. Martin
Review by Theresa Hulongbayan
This is a great beginning to a wonderful series, a collection of stories relating to the development of the concept of the wild card virus. Beginning introduction to Takis-a and the ideas of the concept characters that developed the series. An alien species wants to change their lives creating more people like the ruling class, who are endowed with super powers. Who would not want more people then your opponents who could save the world. Like all good scientist they don’t want to test on them selves. Why not send this virus, to another planet, to test the potential and what not of the virus. That is just the start, and what occurs is an alternative history with a mosaic of writers and idealist bringing to life the questions of social problems in a novel and esteemed way. A very powerful novel, great story shorts, and interesting characters. I love learning the back history of the first few books that I have read. A great opening Hurrah’s….