Wild Cards I

Wild Cards, Book 1

By: George R. R. Martin - editor

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 18 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Great read.

A great introduction to one of the most entertaining and unique sci-fi series I've read.

Great way to meet new authors.

I had originally encountered Melinda Snodgrass in another of GRRMartin's anthologies. For me these are perfect. The stories last long enough for my commute to and from work. They are a great way to sample new authors, and Martin has a way of picking new ones. His introductions frame his selection process and are pieces I have used in school to introduce high school students to ways of thinking about literature.

A classic book that just gets better

I read this book back in the late 80s and have reread it multiple times. This is comic book superheroes in a real world with all the flaws and triumphs that includes. This series isn't for everyone however as there is definitely strong language, graphic violence and graphic sexual situations. If Game of Thrones is the Adult Lord of the Rings then Wild Cards is Adult MCU

Eh

A few of the stories are decent. A good listen if you have to kill time.

Virus Creates Heroes, Monsters, & A Good Audiobook

An alien supervirus mutates a percentage of the population, creating great powers in people (Aces), or grotesque deformities (Jokers), both with no warning, reason or rhyme. Take this concept, and let loose some of science fiction's more imaginative writers to take this framework, and write stories in their own style and direction, and you have a must hear audiobook. Outside of the slow beginning, which sets up this universe, each story is different, yet still manages to tie in common events just enough to provide continuity and flow.

A few specific characters show up in most of the stories, but overall, the stories can stand alone, and actually weave together just enough to move an overall storyline along. My favorite Ace was one that hibernates, and when he awakens, has a different set of powers, good or bad, as well as a different body. There are definitely many others and you'll find your favorite, too. What I found most interesting, was that some characters I first thought were Aces actually were Jokers, and vice versa - Be ready for a few surprises.

If you want elegant prose that trips softly off the tongue, stop here. This is written in the language of the people reflected in each story, so you'll feel that this is almost a recording of the events, allbeit in a very positive way. Some of the writers provide a deep backstory, others build an action-heavy drama. All-in-all, this is a nice mix of writing that you'll enjoy. Do keep in mind that this series is so popular, that a good number of followup books were written in similar fashion. No surprise there.

In a few words, this audiobook is a delight, and if, after you're finished hearing it, quickly buy the second in the series, I wouldn't be surprised in the least. You'll like this one. I know I do.

I don't know where to start!!!

Started off ok then gets crazy. It seems like you start over and over.i haven't give up on it and I don't know if I'll try the second book. I find myself just wanting to start the next chapter and see if it will get better. I know if G.R.R.M is involved it will get better.

Alternate Timeline

The collection of stories provide an eclectic view of a reality where superheroes are real and there is science to explain it. Many views of related subject matter, common protagonists, and circumstances varied by time make for an interesting view of the "what could have been" where means are by turns the new downtrodden and the new elite. Very well narrated, the excellent production make what are at times using time shifts and thematic leaps easier to follow.

World War S

Like a 3rd person super hero version of World War Z (the book), this collection of short stories is gripping and satisfying. Can't wait to experience more in the series.

Great grouping of stories.

It was cool to see all the different stories tie back together. Gives great depth to all these characters.

Great Anthology!

If this were more of a cohesive book I would have liked it better, but this writing within a world of super powers is well done and exquisitely read.