Fort Freak

Fort Freak invites readers into the gritty and unpredictable world of Manhattan's Fifth Precinct, a place where the mundane duties of law enforcement intersect with extraordinary characters, each possessing their unique enhancements. Colloquially known as "Fort Freak," this precinct is a haven for the bizarre—a place where every officer could easily double as a superhero or a freak show performer, depending on one's perspective.

This mosaic novel seamlessly weaves together the narratives of various law enforcement officers and the enigmatic characters crossing their paths. As part of the storied Wild Cards universe, Fort Freak explores themes of identity, acceptance, and justice within a society reshaped by an alien virus. When the virus first struck in 1946, it altered the DNA of many, resulting in a small fraction gaining incredible abilities while others were tragically disfigured. Against this backdrop, the officers of Fort Freak face not only the challenges of policing a city filled with superpowered individuals but also the existential questions about what it means to be human in a world forever changed.

The book is a collaborative triumph, featuring original stories by an array of acclaimed writers such as Cherie Priest, known for her bestselling work Boneshaker. Joining her are Paul Cornell, an esteemed author and writer for Doctor Who, and David Anthony Durham, recipient of the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in 2009. Together, these authors craft one of the most compelling entries in the Wild Cards series, rich with intense action, intricate world-building, and deeply human characters.

The Wild Cards universe, innovatively created and curated by George R. R. Martin—often dubbed "the American Tolkien" by Time magazine—reveals a detailed alternate history where ordinary people can exhibit extraordinary powers, and legends are made on the streets of New York City.

The Wild Cards Universe:

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