A new ‘triad’ of books begins within the ‘Wild Cards’ series; set during 1986 and 1987, Nats, Jokers and Aces take a sponsored tour around the world to investigate the treatment of victims of the wild card virus. Focusing on particular endeavours, we hear voices clamouring to be heard in one country through to aspirations for total world domination in another. On board are a range of favourite characters and we are also introduced to some compelling and sometimes abhorrent new antagonists. The joy of this series is that although the Wild Card Virus is fantasy at it’s best, the characters are so realistic that it appears resoundingly normal and rational; villains are capable of sporadic moments of gentleness and idols can fall resoundingly off of their pedestals. There is a slightly disjointed feel to this novel initially, possibly because the cohesive setting of New York is left far behind and some serious country hopping takes place. As you get used to the differences however and the plot and pace builds, the different authors bring out the best (or worst) in their characters, so hang on to the fuselage of the ‘Stacked Deck’ and settle in for a wild ride.
Although you could potentially read this as a stand alone story, you will understand so much more of the Wild Card world if you start at the beginning of the series. You do not have to be a science fiction and fantasy buff to enjoy these books. George RR Martin has proven his more mainstream appeal with the ‘Game of Thrones’ TV series adapted from his ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’. Recommended for anyone who appreciates the unusual and bizarre side of life.
Return to the early days of the Wild Cards series, as a group of super-powered Aces set off on a fact-finding tour of the world. Ever since the Wild Card virus spread across New York, people have changed - some becoming superpowered 'Aces', some distorted and bizarre 'Jokers'. But the effects of the virus have spread, and all across the world new mutations are popping up. Sent by the UN on a world tour, tasked with investigating and recording the spread of the virus - and the reactions of the world - a group of Aces will discover that no matter where in the world they are, one thing will remain the same. Humanity is capable of kindness, acceptance and tolerance. But not all of the time...Featuring stories by George R. R. Martin, Melinda M. Snodgrass, Stephen Leigh, Walter Simons and many more, this volume also contains two new stories by Carrie Vaughn and Kevin Andrew Murphy never before published in the UK.
George R. R. Martin published his first story in 1971 and quickly rose to prominence, winning four HUGO and two NEBULA AWARDs in quick succession before he turned his attention to fantasy with the historical horror novel FEVRE DREAM, now a Fantasy Masterwork. Since then he has won every major award in the fields of fantasy, SF and horror. His magnificent epic saga A Song of Ice and Fire is redefining epic fantasy for a new generation. George R. R. Martin lives in New Mexico.
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