Wild Cards II: Aces High

By: George R. R. Martin - editor

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 14 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

After the alien virus struck humanity in the wake of World War II, a handful of the survivors found they possessed superhuman powers. The Wild Cards shared-world volumes tell their story. Here in book two, we trace these heroes and villains through the tumultuous 1980s, in stories from SF and fantasy giants such as George R. R. Martin, Roger Zelazny, Pat Cadigan, Lewis Shiner, Walter Jon Williams, and others.

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

Derailing Detail

I have now mostly enjoyed both volume 1 & 2 of Wild Cards. Great alternate universe anthologies that keep you going long past when you should be working or sleeping. But...

In book 2 the character "Fortunado" repeatedly uses a homophobic slur in an angry manner that doesn't fit the character from the first book at all. For the most part he seems like a completely different person, and has lost his worldly sense and ends up coming across as a bigoted ass, and not in a way that endears in any manner. It's jarring enough that it pulls you right out of the story as you question why he has changed so much. Too bad this detail sticks out so brightly, because it would have been a 5 star review otherwise. That character continuity just ruined large portions because of how he was written and my enjoyment. Maybe we'll be back to form in book 3.

Too much fantasy for me

The characters and story moved quick enough to keep me interested, but the plot was too over the top for me. At times it was so hard to follow that I wondered if I had jumped to a future chapter.

Since I had a hard time finishing the book, I have to give only 2 or 3 stars.

Excellent

I really enjoy these anthologies. It's great how a story is told through so many voices, characters, and writers. It's a real treat.

Fascinating Collection and Great Narration

NOTE - Before you start this, the first Wild Cards book is a must read! I was amazed at how seamlessly multiple writers were able to create individual stories that not only built on everything created in Wild Cards 1, but enhanced and carried on the plot and characters. I started the first book because I liked Luke Daniel's work in the Iron Druid Chronicles. He does his usual fine job here, despite the wide variety of characters. I could recognize the individuals through his consistent 'voices'. Sometimes dark, sometimes humorous, this collection of science fiction stories often paints an unpleasant portrait of humanity that is sadly realistic. Yet they also provide moments of inspiration and herosim. Highly recommended.

The Second In A great Scifi Series Tops The First

If you've read my review of book 1, you know my thoughts on Martin's work within the series, and especially the tremendous who's-who list of authors that jumped aboard this hard-hitting second foray into this rich open-ended world of Aces and Jokers.

The same story-telling strengths and diversity are definitely here as well, PLUS...the storyline is changing. You're once again along for a great ride, and the credits used to acquire this series are definitely well-spent.

Keep in mind, I READ this series when it was WRITTEN, so I speak from strong experience: You'll like this second audiobook in the series as much as the first.

Love the series!!!

Can't stop listening, wide range of characters very well done. Looking forward to next book in the series.

Not bad, not great - but still a good story

I really like Luke Daniels - I first heard him in The Iron Druid series and got hooked there. This book doesn't give him the same opportunities for great voices, but he still does a credible job. The story is OK - not great, but good. Overall a nice finish to the series.

Best series of the last 50 years, beyond compare.

l had to listen to some parts several times and enjoyed every minute of it. each time was just as good as when I first read it in the eighties. and it brought back old memories I thought were gone.

Aw Man! I lost my buddy.

One of those rare books that entertains and becomes your friend. When it's over you're better for the encounter, but you've lost a buddy. Though written by many authors, it's cohesion and unified theme make it much more of a novel than an anthology. Great read!

Even better than the first book!

This book was fantastic! I love this anthology series. Do yourself a favor and check it out.