Wild Cards I

Wild Cards, Book 1

By: George R. R. Martin - editor

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

In the aftermath of WWII, an alien virus struck the Earth, endowing a handful of survivors with extraordinary powers. Originally published in 1987, the newly expanded saga contains additional original stories by eminent writers.

©1986, 2010 George R.R. Martin (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

A Brilliant, if Imperfect, Beginning

I love comics, I love superheroes, and now I love Wild Cards.

This novel is essentially a collection of short stories all taking place in the Wild Cards universe. Because this is an anthology written by multiple authors the stories within have varying levels of quality. But I still enjoyed all them even if I did enjoy some more than others.

Knowing some of the history about the book deeply improves the enjoyment of the read because it explains why this first novel is presented in the format it is. Originally, Martin and his fellow writers wanted a trilogy of superhero books based on their roleplaying sessions of the game Superworld, that would take place in the 1980's. They invited author Howard Waldrop to write a story for this trilogy and he agreed, saying he had wanted to write a story for some time that would fit into this universe. Thus the first story "Thirty Minutes Over Broadway!" was written.

But this story takes place in 1946! The Wild Cards novels would take place a whole 40 years later and surely a lot would happen in this gap of time. But Waldrop was firm on the time placement, stating to take it or leave it if they wanted his story in the novel. So it was taken and the first novel became not a superhero story about fighting villains or aliens, but an abridged history of the Wild Cards universe from 1946 to the early 80s. The move to make the first novel a history of the universe was used to set the stage for later novels, introduce some characters and plotlines to come, and provide bullet points of the history of early Wild Cards history in short story form. But the novel is still largely enjoyable and, even though I have yet to read the other yet, I would argue is essential to understand later novels in the series.

Must read scifi for superhero fans

If you like superhero comics but struggle to find interesting reading, Wild Cards is perfect. The sophistication and quality is remarkable.

Aces Abound

Where does Wild Cards I rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not the best but definitely not the worst.

What did you like best about this story?

Realistic themes that apply to the Aces, Jokers and Nats in their world. You'd be hard pressed to find a better sci-fi super-hero novel elsewhere.

Have you listened to any of Luke Daniels’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Luke does a great job. But this is a hindsight review, and the newer audiobooks of Wild Cards with the assorted cast is vastly better.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Aces Abound. But I think just plain Wild Cards would be best.

Any additional comments?

Croyd is my favorite so far!

if you like short stories this is a good one

I have decided that this is the last credit I will spend on short stories as I am just not a fan. That said, this is a good one if you are a fan of quick, easy to listen to stories. I like the world building, the premise of the story and some of the fantastic characters you meet - I would have just preferred them in a full length book or 10....

A fun ride.

I truly enjoyed this book and the world built by all of these talented authors.

Great book!

I've been meaning to read this book for a long time so when I saw it on Audible I listened to it right away. I should have read it a lot sooner. this is a great book.

As good as when I originally read it!

having read the first dozen books in the mid-90's, to find an Audible version was great. The addition of the 2010 parts three me off at first, but I correctly assumed the added parts had to do with the other 11 books I hadn't read, and were put in the Audible version to be chronologically more correct. Bully on you Audible! Looking forward to the others, but I would be willing to bet I will listen faster than they I'll get the series done. 😭

10 out of ten for style...

With a cast of writers such as W J Williams and the late, great Roger Zelazny (who is NOT listed as an author, though his character Croyd Crieghton (sp?) is one of the best), this is a great anthology by great science fiction authors in the tradition of great "comic books." Good work, and I look forward to the next three chapters.
"If it's Demise, Don't look in his eyes..."
Enjoy.

Not what I had expected...

Would you try another book from the authors and/or Luke Daniels?

No

What do you think your next listen will be?

Anything by Diana Gabaldon

Do you think Wild Cards I needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Only if you are into SciFi.

Any additional comments?

I only could get through about 2/3 of the stories--too much repetition and too unbelievable!
Wish I could trade this book for another that I really want.

A collection of stories

A collection of stories has stronger stories and worse stories.

This one has an awesome frame story and strong in-between moments written by the guy that wrote Game of Thrones.

It is a strong collection in my opinion because it is alternative historical fiction with a fantasy bent. As an alternative history, it's very interesting. Plus, I can't resist professionally written transformation stories. They're my favorite.