Wild Cards VIII: One-Eyed Jacks

One-Eyed Jacks invites readers back into the complex and enthralling universe of Wild Cards, where superpowers come with unique consequences and intriguing narratives. This book, seamlessly edited by the celebrated George R. R. Martin, presents a riveting tale that will captivate both devoted fans and those new to the series.

Set against the backdrop of New York City, where the aftermath of the alien virus continues to shape the lives of its inhabitants, an ominous force emerges from Ellis Island that threatens the fragile peace between humans and those affected by the Wild Card virus. Known as the Jumpers, this ferocious gang possesses an uncanny ability to invade minds and bodies, using their victims to commit heinous acts before abandoning them, leaving chaos and confusion in their wake.

As the Jumpers' malicious ambitions escalate, alliances are tested and rivalries intensify, drawing aces, jokers, and ordinary humans into an unprecedented conflict. The struggle for control and justice brings iconic characters into the spotlight, as well as new faces whose stories add depth and excitement to the unfolding drama.

One-Eyed Jacks showcases a diverse array of writing talent, featuring contributions from Walton Simons, Chris Claremont, Lewis Shiner, William F. Wu, Victor Milán, Stephen Leigh, Melinda M. Snodgrass, and John Jos. Miller. The book also includes previously unpublished works from Carrie Vaughn and Kevin Andrew Murphy, offering fresh perspectives and enriching the Wild Cards narrative tapestry.

For those eager to explore more of the Wild Cards universe, the series unfolds in a series of interconnected stories divided into thematic triads:

The Original Triad
#1 Wild Cards
#2 Aces High
#3 Jokers Wild

The Puppetman Quartet
#4: Aces Abroad
#5: Down and Dirty
#6: Ace in the Hole
#7: Dead Man's Hand

The Rox Triad
#8: One-Eyed Jacks
#9: Jokertown Shuffle
#10: Dealer's Choice

#11: Double Solitaire
#12: Turn of the Cards

The Card Sharks Triad
#13: Card Sharks
#14: Marked Cards
#15: Black Trump

#16: Deuces Down
#17: Death Draws Five

The Committee Triad
#18: Inside Straight
#19: Busted Flush
#20: Suicide Kings

The Fort Freak Triad
#21: Fort Freak
#22: Lowball
#23: High Stakes

The American Triad
#24: Mississippi Roll
#25: Low Chicago
#26: Texas Hold 'Em

Embark on a journey through the ever-evolving Wild Cards universe and witness breathtaking adventures that challenge the limits of power and ethics, all while maintaining the intricate balance between divergent worlds. One-Eyed Jacks stands as a testament to the rich creativity and dynamic storytelling that defines this beloved series.