Wild Cards X: Double Solitaire

Wild Cards X: Double Solitaire, crafted by the talented Melinda Snodgrass and edited by the esteemed George R. R. Martin, invites readers into a thrilling interstellar journey within the Wild Cards universe. This standalone novel, while part of the larger tapestry of the Wild Cards series, offers a unique and exhilarating narrative set in a world where an alien virus transformed ordinary people into superheroes or grotesque beings known as jokers.

The narrative unfolds with Blaise, a deeply ambitious and ruthless character, commandeering his grandfather's spacecraft, escaping the chaos on Earth only to set his sights on the planet Takis. Fleeing the factions of jokers, aces, and nats that he manipulated into turmoil, his next venture promises new victories and conquests. Yet, Blaise's departure is not without grievous consequences.

Left stranded is Dr. Tachyon, a pivotal figure in the series known for his compassionate yet often conflicted nature. Deprived of his own body, which Blaise has cunningly taken over, Tachyon finds himself trapped within the pregnant body of a teenage runaway, a vulnerable and fragile position that adds layers of urgency and poignancy to his quest.

Determined to reclaim his roots and derail Blaise's ambitions, Tachyon must embark on a perilous mission that leads him back to Takis. There, he plunges into a web of political and military intrigues native to the Takisian culture. The stakes are dauntingly high, involving betrayals and shifting allegiances that could alter the fate of an entire world.

This novel combines Snodgrass’s deft handling of complex characters with an engrossing plot filled with suspense and adventure. Readers will find themselves captivated by the intricate dynamics of power, identity, and survival woven into this extraordinary tale. Wild Cards X: Double Solitaire is more than a mere science fiction story; it is an exploration of human—and alien—spirit, resilience, and ambition that will leave you eagerly turning pages.