Joker Moon

Set in the aftermath of World War II, this gripping tale explores a world forever altered by a terrifying alien virus. Known as the wild card virus, it devastated Earth's population, leaving only a handful of survivors who were irrevocably changed. These survivors were either blessed with extraordinary superpowers or cursed with unspeakable deformities and were known as Aces and Jokers, respectively.

Theodorus, once a dreamer of soaring through the skies in aeroplanes and rockets, finds his aspirations crushed when the virus transforms him into a monstrous snail centaur, weighing several tons. Despite this unimaginable setback, his indomitable spirit remains unquenched. Years pass, and Theodorus matures and comes into his fortune, yet his childhood dreams remain steadfast.

Now, when Theodorus gazes up at the night sky, he envisions more than the Moon – he dreams of a homeland for Jokers, a haven where the outcast children of the wild card virus could find solace and safety from the prejudices and dangers of Earth. This dream, however, is not without its challenges. While some dismiss it as an impossible fantasy, others recognize the threat it poses and marshal their resources to thwart him.

Undeterred, Theodorus pursues his vision, unaware that the Moon is already home to another presence. The enigmatic Moon Maid, mysterious and unwelcoming, has no desire for company, complicating Theodorus’s already perilous journey.

For decades, George R.R. Martin – the bestselling author of A Song of Ice and Fire – has collaborated with an evolving ensemble of renowned science fiction and fantasy writers to craft the intricate and immersive Wild Cards universe. In Joker Moon, the tradition of compelling narratives and complex characters continues, as readers are drawn into a story of ambition, resilience, and the eternal quest for belonging.