Wild Cards III: Jokers Wild

Wild Cards III: Jokers Wild, the thrilling third instalment in the acclaimed Wild Cards series, invites readers to immerse themselves in a brilliantly imagined world where the boundaries between hero and villain blur, and the stakes are sky-high. In this collaborative marvel, seven of science fiction's most talented authors, guided by the visionary master George R. R. Martin, weave a complex narrative of tension, intrigue, and unexpected alliances.

The story unfolds in the vibrant, chaotic streets of New York City, a place forever altered by the release of the Wild Card virus. This transformative event has bestowed upon its survivors a range of powers, some awe-inspiring, others grotesque. Every year on 15th September, Wild Card Day commemorates this fateful event, and in 1986, the fortieth anniversary promises to eclipse all previous celebrations. Not everyone, however, embraces the revelry.

Enter The Astronomer, a diabolical mastermind driven by revenge. His meticulously plotted scheme threatens to upend the festivities and plunge the city into chaos. A diverse cast of aces and jokers must navigate a landscape fraught with danger and deception, as they strive to thwart his nefarious plans and survive the deadliest Wild Card Day yet.

Contributing to this elaborate tapestry of storytelling are some of the genre's finest voices:

• Edward Bryant
• Leanne C. Harper
• George R. R. Martin
• John J. Miller
• Lewis Shiner
• Walter Simons
• Melinda M. Snodgrass

The Wild Cards Universe is a vast and intricate series, comprising several interlinked trilogies and individual stories. Here is how it unfolds:

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

Wild Cards III: Jokers Wild combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, crafting a unique narrative that challenges perceptions and evokes an array of emotions. It's a must-read for fans of complex, multi-layered storytelling and those curious about a world where the extraordinary is commonplace and survival is an art form.