Three Kings

Three Kings marks the return of the renowned shared-world superhero series, Wild Cards, conceived and edited by George R. R. Martin, the famed author of A Song of Ice and Fire. This extraordinary series has long captured the imaginations of readers, with its rich tapestry of narratives crafted by some of the most illustrious names in science fiction and fantasy.

The Wild Cards universe is a compelling alternate history where the aftermath of World War II brings an alien virus to Earth, radically transforming the lives of its inhabitants. This devastating virus left a third of the world's population dead, while survivors were either horrifically mutated—known as jokers—or endowed with superhuman abilities, thus becoming aces. The intricate balance between these groups sets the stage for tales of power, prejudice, and survival.

In this latest instalment, Three Kings, readers are transported to a reimagined post-war Britain, where the tides of history have shifted dramatically. Queen Margaret ascends the throne following the death of her sister Elizabeth. As Margaret lies on her death-bed, she enlists the joker ace Alan Turing for a mission of utmost importance: to search for the true heir to the throne—Elizabeth's lost son, who was presumed dead in infancy but, in reality, was sent into hiding due to his joker status.

Upon Margaret's death, her elder son Henry assumes the throne, and his vision for England takes a dark turn. He aspires to transform the nation into an 'Anglo-Saxon country' and provocatively suggests exiling jokers to the moon. This sparks dangerous tensions, tearing the fabric of society apart and intensifying the conflicts within the country. The Twisted Fists, a militant group of jokers led by the enigmatic Green Man, rise in opposition, pushing the nation to the brink of turmoil. Amidst this chaos, Babh, the goddess of war, sees a fertile ground for sowing discord and reaping a bloody harvest.

This marvellous mosaic novel showcases the brilliant storytelling talents of noted authors such as Mary Anne Mohanraj, Peter Newman, Peadar Ó Guilín, Melinda M. Snodgrass, and Caroline Spector. Their collective efforts weave a gripping narrative that expands the rich lore of the Wild Cards universe, following the precedent set by Knaves Over Queens, the first Wild Cards novel set in the UK.

Three Kings is a testament to the enduring creativity of George R. R. Martin and his collaborators, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a world where the extraordinary and the human condition collide in breathtaking ways.