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Wild Cards #30
Full House
A new Anthology collection of Wild Cards stories. In the aftermath of World War II, an alien virus struck Earth, endowing a handful of survivors with extraordinary powers. People with admirable abilities were called aces. Others became physically mutated and were labeled as jokers. Every generation, the virus creates new aces and jokers. Every generation, there are those who use their powers in the service of humanity or for the purpose of evil. Wild Cards is their story.
Contents:
* When We Were Heroes [Wild Cards] (2013) / novelette by Daniel Abraham
* Evernight [Wild Cards Universe] (2018) / novelette by Victor Milán?
* Lies My Mother Told Me [Wild Cards] (2013) / novella by Caroline Spector
* Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza [Wild Cards] (2014) / short story by Carrie Vaughn
* Discards [Wild Cards] (2016) / novelette by David D. Levine
* The Elephant in the Room [Wild Cards] (2013) / novelette by Paul Cornell
* When the Devil Drives [Wild Cards] (2017) / novelette by Melinda M. Snodgrass [as by Melinda Snodgrass]
* The Atonement Tango [Wild Cards] (2017) / novelette by Stephen Leigh
* Prompt. Professional. Pop! [Wild Cards] (2014) / short fiction by Walter Jon Williams
* How to Move Spheres and Influence People [Wild Cards Universe] (2019) / novelette by Marko Kloos
"New readers and fans of the long-running series will both love the fast-paced plotting and the ever-expanding history of the Wild Card virus on this alternate Earth, where even the superheroes are human." ― Shelf Awareness
Contents:
* When We Were Heroes [Wild Cards] (2013) / novelette by Daniel Abraham
* Evernight [Wild Cards Universe] (2018) / novelette by Victor Milán?
* Lies My Mother Told Me [Wild Cards] (2013) / novella by Caroline Spector
* Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza [Wild Cards] (2014) / short story by Carrie Vaughn
* Discards [Wild Cards] (2016) / novelette by David D. Levine
* The Elephant in the Room [Wild Cards] (2013) / novelette by Paul Cornell
* When the Devil Drives [Wild Cards] (2017) / novelette by Melinda M. Snodgrass [as by Melinda Snodgrass]
* The Atonement Tango [Wild Cards] (2017) / novelette by Stephen Leigh
* Prompt. Professional. Pop! [Wild Cards] (2014) / short fiction by Walter Jon Williams
* How to Move Spheres and Influence People [Wild Cards Universe] (2019) / novelette by Marko Kloos
"New readers and fans of the long-running series will both love the fast-paced plotting and the ever-expanding history of the Wild Card virus on this alternate Earth, where even the superheroes are human." ― Shelf Awareness
336 pages, Hardcover
First published August 2, 2022
28 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
George R.R. Martin
1,506 books119k followersGeorge Raymond Richard "R.R." Martin was born September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey. His father was Raymond Collins Martin, a longshoreman, and his mother was Margaret Brady Martin. He has two sisters, Darleen Martin Lapinski and Janet Martin Patten.
Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin's first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: The Hero, sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue. Other sales followed.
In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.
As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976, and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. He wrote part-time throughout the 1970s while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.
In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.
Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Beast at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Beauty and the Beast, then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Martin's present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers' Guild of America, West.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/george...
Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin's first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: The Hero, sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue. Other sales followed.
In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.
As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976, and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. He wrote part-time throughout the 1970s while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.
In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.
Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Beast at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Beauty and the Beast, then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Martin's present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers' Guild of America, West.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/george...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 15, 2024
The title pages of this book label it as "A Wild Cards Mosaic Novel," but it's not. It's a collection of ten stories that originally appeared on the tordotcom website 2012-'19. Other than sharing the Wild Cards universe setting they're unrelated. Most of the stories feature characters from previous books, and it was fun to read the updates of how they've fared since then. It leads off with a fast-paced story by Daniel Abraham, When We Were Heroes, featuring Curveball in a nice romantic comedy reminiscent of the Notting Hill movie, and then quickly switches gears to dark and depressing and too long in Evernight by Victor Milan. Lies My Mother Told Me by Caroline Spector features Bubbles and Hoodoo Mama in a great set-up that lacks a good ending, and Nuestra Senora de la Esperanza is an excellent Carrie Vaughn story featuring Earthwitch recovering her family. David D. Levine's Discards is a good if dismal look at poverty in Brazil, and Paul Cornell has a lightweight story about a young lady who's dating The Sleeper and becomes a flying elephant, The Elephant in the Room, but she has trouble getting along with her mother; it's complicated. When the Devil Drives by Melinda M. Snodgrass checks in with Noel and his family, and Stephen Leigh's The Atonement Tango shows an aging Drummer Boy dealing with terrorists in addition to his other issues. I believe my favorite was Prompt.Professional.-Pop!- by Walter Jon Williams, a fun and clever caper story with Golden Boy and Pop Tart. The final story is the origin story of a new ace, How to Move Spheres and Influence People by Markos Kloos, a delightful story of a girl who gets triggered by a game of dodgeball. All in all, I enjoyed it very much, and I hope that the other stories they only published online so far will be similarly collected in book form.
May 21, 2023
This latest anthology comes out on August 9, 2022. Macmillan-Tor/Forge provided an early galley in exchange for a review.
I was still in college (my final year) when the first Wild Cards book came out in January of 1987. This one told how an alien virus was released over New York City in the late 1940's, changing a world forever. Those exposed either died instantly or had their lives altered drastically. Some suffered hideous deformities - becoming known as Jokers. A small number acquired super-abilities - becoming known as Aces. As a super-hero fanatic, this was right in my wheelhouse. For the next twenty-five years, I would eagerly buy and gobble up the latest paperback in the series as soon as they were released.
From 2013 to 2022, twenty-three standalone stories in the series were published on the Tor website. Full House includes a large selection (ten) of these stories, for the first time in physical print. A number of the characters in these tales first appeared in some of those earlier published collections published before 2013. Events from those earlier stories do get referenced in these ones as well. So, this is definitely a book for the fans first and foremost. My concern: those diehard fans will likely have already read these stories online so they might only pick this up to be completists. Comic fans are completists by nature, though, so this might not be too big of an issue.
For me, personally, I found that I enjoyed more than half of these tales. For an anthology, that's a good reward.
I was still in college (my final year) when the first Wild Cards book came out in January of 1987. This one told how an alien virus was released over New York City in the late 1940's, changing a world forever. Those exposed either died instantly or had their lives altered drastically. Some suffered hideous deformities - becoming known as Jokers. A small number acquired super-abilities - becoming known as Aces. As a super-hero fanatic, this was right in my wheelhouse. For the next twenty-five years, I would eagerly buy and gobble up the latest paperback in the series as soon as they were released.
From 2013 to 2022, twenty-three standalone stories in the series were published on the Tor website. Full House includes a large selection (ten) of these stories, for the first time in physical print. A number of the characters in these tales first appeared in some of those earlier published collections published before 2013. Events from those earlier stories do get referenced in these ones as well. So, this is definitely a book for the fans first and foremost. My concern: those diehard fans will likely have already read these stories online so they might only pick this up to be completists. Comic fans are completists by nature, though, so this might not be too big of an issue.
For me, personally, I found that I enjoyed more than half of these tales. For an anthology, that's a good reward.
August 2, 2022
Full House (Hardcover)
by George R.R. Martin
I am happy to have this physical copy of these stories, especially Evernight, with sadness is the last solidly written story from Victor Milan. This review will feature each of the stories as I experienced them. I am grateful that the Wild Cards Consortium worked to get the fans this solid physical copy.
“ when we were heroes” 2012 by Daniel Abraham
A look at the heroes of the American Hero television show after all the events in the Inside strait, Busted flush and Suicide Kings. Bugsy has come to realize that despite all his powers he is not invulnerable. He has lost parts of himself as the events cost him his nature and capacity. Curveball, reminisces her role in changing the world, and what it costs her. The story shows the human nature of the Aces and the cost of being a role model and ideal.
“Evernight” 2018 by Victor Milan
Evernight looks into the darkness within the world and realm of Wild Card Virus and those who attempted first to eradicate and then weaponize the Virus and its victims. The story touches base on the corruption and power struggles in France. The first response in France to the outbreak was rounding up and exceling Wild Card Victims. This soon changed when the trial of the Four Aces made the corrupt American Policy the errorant opposition. France opened the door for victims. But as usual corruption in political spheres makes it ill advised to be afflicted and out in the open. Which opens the underground to those survivors.
This story looks into the original concept of the Takis-a virus. To quote Victor Milan, “They say that the wild card has a mischievous streak, that grants those whom it touches what they most desire.” The problem with the virus is that people can not control what they desire. Takis-a is a cruel mistress. What does not kill you outright may condemn you forever. And only the chosen few can find an Ace in their hand.
Evernight is a poignant soliloquy to Victor’s remarkable characters. It shows the depth of the Wild Card Mosaic world, and the levels of human concepts of corruption, reputation and betrayal.
“ Lies my mother told me” 2013 Caroline Spector
A fearful story for the wild card universe, a new threat that could put any Ace or Joker into an extremely bad situation. Caroline Brings us another outstanding story about the personal struggles of the Amazing Bubbles and her daughter Adesina. Only by showing each other their extent of powers can they solve the problem and protect the world. Not a small feat for the woman who saved the world more than once.
“Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza ” 2014 by Carrie Vaughn
How do you recover from devastation? Earth Witch is struggling with her internal demons, what has she done? What has she failed to do? She struggles with herself, with her physical and mental injuries from the battle with the Great Djinn. Her attempt to connect to the church has brought more questions to her shattered heart and mind. Her father, the solace and fire of her childhood has a solution, something she never expected. She is faced with finding her roots, and accepting her abilities.
This is a great individual story for the Wild Cards series, it shows the death of the universe but also the personal struggles of the individuals.
“Discards” 2016 by David D. Levine
Looking around the world for the stories of Wild Card victims. In Rio the world of Wild Cards is divided between the affluent tourism business, and the crime-filled slums. A young boy who survives by hand to mouth living in the edges of Rio's trash dumps is totally changed by his affliction of the Wild Card virus. Not only does he have a Joker card appearance, a mishmash of physical features, but he is rejected by those unaffected by the Virus. He is forced to change his life, and living, moving to the slums of Rio's Joker town, and having to run the gambit of the crime-infested town life. He finds power and gifts in his affliction that may help him if he is willing to compete on a global scale with his new abilities. This is an informed look into the world of the mosaic Wild Cards stories, and a look into the real life hazards of the poor and destitute.
“ The elephant in the Room” 2013 by Paul Cornell
Although Paul Cornell is your modest English Author you can see his wisdom and understanding of the roles we lead in his short Wild Cards Book. The Fact that a fan favorite graces the pages of this story is of interest to the lovers of the mosaic books. Croyd is back, boys and girls, starring in his own right in Fort Freak, we have just a little more of the story gracing the pages of this short story. The Understudy is a young wild card victim who has the ability to mimic the capacity of wild card deuces, aces, jokers in her vicinity. Although in Fort Freak it was not yet managed in The Elephant in the Room she faces another problem altogether. Being accepted for who she is. And finding a place for the love of her life. I hope that Croyd learns a lesson and comes back in the future. It would be good to see him find love. Another great book for the Wild Card analogs.
“ When the devil Drives” 2017 by Melinda M. Snodgrass
I waited impatiently to see how Noel continued in his family life. To see the tragedy of his fish out of water as he separated himself from his family. Leaving his wife and young son, convening himself that his past will always haunt him. Noel is framed for a murder he had no reason to commit when Rusty brings down the building on the competitions head. Using his alters and his given wild card Noel will have to skip over the globe to find the reason and purpose of the murder. In finding that he learns that life has changed and that he can be a father without being haunted by his past. Because he was only allowing fear to control him.
“ The Atonement tango” 2017 by Stephen Leigh
The Wild Cards authors introduce the series talking about the superheroes and the role playing game that began this series. Eventually they will describe how they look at society, its prejudices, its grievances and its violence. I think when Stephen Leigh next talks about how the series shows these humanistic struggles he should tell them that simply the idea is best expressed in Atonement Tango. Not only will the fans see characters like DB, Finn, and the sleeper but they will see how the story reminds us as human beings we need to teach tolerance, understanding, and forgiveness. It is a struggle sometimes to see our heroes defined by prejudiced eyes. To see them brought down to villainy because of those who do not see the brighter side, or just can not focus on the real picture.
Reading this story the fans learn that sometimes the worst punishment is what we think of ourselves. Great job showing the spirit of the series and giving us the exit stage left of a great character.
“ Prompt. Professional. Pop!” 2014 by Walter Jon Williams
Hollywood is a hard place. It's a hard place to live. It's a hard place to survive. The Wild Card virus gives us many things that Hollywood would love. Not only actors of renown beauty, and capacity, but also people who can bring things that are not there. The projectionist was able to change his features. The Golden boy Jack Braun, had the looks that would melt hearts, and he never aged. The American Hero TV show gave us aces that could change the industry from the mundane to the extraordinary. Cleo was able to bring anything to the set that she could imagine, move things to wherever she could see. On the film set there was a limit to how this could be used on the set. Dragon Girl, her direct competition, was able to as a child change her stuffed toys into real giant animals. This rivalry makes hard times for Cleo, then things always change, she has to use her abilities to find the clues to what is happening, can she save herself, and her world? A great short story into the characters and nature of the Wild Cards world.
“ How to move Spheres and influence people” 2019 by Marko Kloos
Marko Kloos does a great job introducing a new character into the Wild Cards Consortium. Marko uses a childhood memory and game to cause the switch. It's a common series of childhood memories, Dodgeball is a common American nostalgia game, the 1970-80's kids remember it fondly and mixed results. The main character finding her nemesis using the rules of the game to hurt and attack her was a common occurrence. In many ways it makes the character more enduring to the Dodge ball nostalgia. Using the idea of stress causing the card to turn. The new power of moving Spheres is a notable concept of the Wild Card ability. Although this is a brief introduction, it's an exciting addition to the series.
by George R.R. Martin
I am happy to have this physical copy of these stories, especially Evernight, with sadness is the last solidly written story from Victor Milan. This review will feature each of the stories as I experienced them. I am grateful that the Wild Cards Consortium worked to get the fans this solid physical copy.
“ when we were heroes” 2012 by Daniel Abraham
A look at the heroes of the American Hero television show after all the events in the Inside strait, Busted flush and Suicide Kings. Bugsy has come to realize that despite all his powers he is not invulnerable. He has lost parts of himself as the events cost him his nature and capacity. Curveball, reminisces her role in changing the world, and what it costs her. The story shows the human nature of the Aces and the cost of being a role model and ideal.
“Evernight” 2018 by Victor Milan
Evernight looks into the darkness within the world and realm of Wild Card Virus and those who attempted first to eradicate and then weaponize the Virus and its victims. The story touches base on the corruption and power struggles in France. The first response in France to the outbreak was rounding up and exceling Wild Card Victims. This soon changed when the trial of the Four Aces made the corrupt American Policy the errorant opposition. France opened the door for victims. But as usual corruption in political spheres makes it ill advised to be afflicted and out in the open. Which opens the underground to those survivors.
This story looks into the original concept of the Takis-a virus. To quote Victor Milan, “They say that the wild card has a mischievous streak, that grants those whom it touches what they most desire.” The problem with the virus is that people can not control what they desire. Takis-a is a cruel mistress. What does not kill you outright may condemn you forever. And only the chosen few can find an Ace in their hand.
Evernight is a poignant soliloquy to Victor’s remarkable characters. It shows the depth of the Wild Card Mosaic world, and the levels of human concepts of corruption, reputation and betrayal.
“ Lies my mother told me” 2013 Caroline Spector
A fearful story for the wild card universe, a new threat that could put any Ace or Joker into an extremely bad situation. Caroline Brings us another outstanding story about the personal struggles of the Amazing Bubbles and her daughter Adesina. Only by showing each other their extent of powers can they solve the problem and protect the world. Not a small feat for the woman who saved the world more than once.
“Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza ” 2014 by Carrie Vaughn
How do you recover from devastation? Earth Witch is struggling with her internal demons, what has she done? What has she failed to do? She struggles with herself, with her physical and mental injuries from the battle with the Great Djinn. Her attempt to connect to the church has brought more questions to her shattered heart and mind. Her father, the solace and fire of her childhood has a solution, something she never expected. She is faced with finding her roots, and accepting her abilities.
This is a great individual story for the Wild Cards series, it shows the death of the universe but also the personal struggles of the individuals.
“Discards” 2016 by David D. Levine
Looking around the world for the stories of Wild Card victims. In Rio the world of Wild Cards is divided between the affluent tourism business, and the crime-filled slums. A young boy who survives by hand to mouth living in the edges of Rio's trash dumps is totally changed by his affliction of the Wild Card virus. Not only does he have a Joker card appearance, a mishmash of physical features, but he is rejected by those unaffected by the Virus. He is forced to change his life, and living, moving to the slums of Rio's Joker town, and having to run the gambit of the crime-infested town life. He finds power and gifts in his affliction that may help him if he is willing to compete on a global scale with his new abilities. This is an informed look into the world of the mosaic Wild Cards stories, and a look into the real life hazards of the poor and destitute.
“ The elephant in the Room” 2013 by Paul Cornell
Although Paul Cornell is your modest English Author you can see his wisdom and understanding of the roles we lead in his short Wild Cards Book. The Fact that a fan favorite graces the pages of this story is of interest to the lovers of the mosaic books. Croyd is back, boys and girls, starring in his own right in Fort Freak, we have just a little more of the story gracing the pages of this short story. The Understudy is a young wild card victim who has the ability to mimic the capacity of wild card deuces, aces, jokers in her vicinity. Although in Fort Freak it was not yet managed in The Elephant in the Room she faces another problem altogether. Being accepted for who she is. And finding a place for the love of her life. I hope that Croyd learns a lesson and comes back in the future. It would be good to see him find love. Another great book for the Wild Card analogs.
“ When the devil Drives” 2017 by Melinda M. Snodgrass
I waited impatiently to see how Noel continued in his family life. To see the tragedy of his fish out of water as he separated himself from his family. Leaving his wife and young son, convening himself that his past will always haunt him. Noel is framed for a murder he had no reason to commit when Rusty brings down the building on the competitions head. Using his alters and his given wild card Noel will have to skip over the globe to find the reason and purpose of the murder. In finding that he learns that life has changed and that he can be a father without being haunted by his past. Because he was only allowing fear to control him.
“ The Atonement tango” 2017 by Stephen Leigh
The Wild Cards authors introduce the series talking about the superheroes and the role playing game that began this series. Eventually they will describe how they look at society, its prejudices, its grievances and its violence. I think when Stephen Leigh next talks about how the series shows these humanistic struggles he should tell them that simply the idea is best expressed in Atonement Tango. Not only will the fans see characters like DB, Finn, and the sleeper but they will see how the story reminds us as human beings we need to teach tolerance, understanding, and forgiveness. It is a struggle sometimes to see our heroes defined by prejudiced eyes. To see them brought down to villainy because of those who do not see the brighter side, or just can not focus on the real picture.
Reading this story the fans learn that sometimes the worst punishment is what we think of ourselves. Great job showing the spirit of the series and giving us the exit stage left of a great character.
“ Prompt. Professional. Pop!” 2014 by Walter Jon Williams
Hollywood is a hard place. It's a hard place to live. It's a hard place to survive. The Wild Card virus gives us many things that Hollywood would love. Not only actors of renown beauty, and capacity, but also people who can bring things that are not there. The projectionist was able to change his features. The Golden boy Jack Braun, had the looks that would melt hearts, and he never aged. The American Hero TV show gave us aces that could change the industry from the mundane to the extraordinary. Cleo was able to bring anything to the set that she could imagine, move things to wherever she could see. On the film set there was a limit to how this could be used on the set. Dragon Girl, her direct competition, was able to as a child change her stuffed toys into real giant animals. This rivalry makes hard times for Cleo, then things always change, she has to use her abilities to find the clues to what is happening, can she save herself, and her world? A great short story into the characters and nature of the Wild Cards world.
“ How to move Spheres and influence people” 2019 by Marko Kloos
Marko Kloos does a great job introducing a new character into the Wild Cards Consortium. Marko uses a childhood memory and game to cause the switch. It's a common series of childhood memories, Dodgeball is a common American nostalgia game, the 1970-80's kids remember it fondly and mixed results. The main character finding her nemesis using the rules of the game to hurt and attack her was a common occurrence. In many ways it makes the character more enduring to the Dodge ball nostalgia. Using the idea of stress causing the card to turn. The new power of moving Spheres is a notable concept of the Wild Card ability. Although this is a brief introduction, it's an exciting addition to the series.
May 6, 2024
Full House isn't really a Wild Cards mosaic novel.
Other Wild Cards novels have a theme and a plot arc that spans the novel or novels.
There's no theme to Full House, and depending on one's point of view, there's either no plot arc or too many.
The problem is that Full House is a collection of short stories set in the Wild Cards universe that were published online on the tor.com website. These stories are not connected to each other- thus the "no theme" issue.
The stories were published over a course of approximately five years, and mostly fill minor narrative gaps in bigger plot arcs. The Committee and Mean Streets arcs, which covers six novels, are represented.
It's been around five years since I read any of those works. These stories do not introduce the characters. They do not provide backstory. They are meant to be fun, one off reads. But the reader is expected to know where they fit.
If you have not read any of the Wild Cards series, don't start here. You will be lost.
For veteran Wild Carders, there are some old school references. Croyd Crenson shows up in a very forgettable and extremely unoriginal story. Jack Braun also makes an appearance in a very well written but extremely annoying story.
I would have gotten more out of Full House if I could remember more of the sources.
This one's for Wild Card completists only.
Other Wild Cards novels have a theme and a plot arc that spans the novel or novels.
There's no theme to Full House, and depending on one's point of view, there's either no plot arc or too many.
The problem is that Full House is a collection of short stories set in the Wild Cards universe that were published online on the tor.com website. These stories are not connected to each other- thus the "no theme" issue.
The stories were published over a course of approximately five years, and mostly fill minor narrative gaps in bigger plot arcs. The Committee and Mean Streets arcs, which covers six novels, are represented.
It's been around five years since I read any of those works. These stories do not introduce the characters. They do not provide backstory. They are meant to be fun, one off reads. But the reader is expected to know where they fit.
If you have not read any of the Wild Cards series, don't start here. You will be lost.
For veteran Wild Carders, there are some old school references. Croyd Crenson shows up in a very forgettable and extremely unoriginal story. Jack Braun also makes an appearance in a very well written but extremely annoying story.
I would have gotten more out of Full House if I could remember more of the sources.
This one's for Wild Card completists only.
July 4, 2024
Unlike previous Wild Cards books this isn't a mosiac novel in any way. It is a series of short stories largely about characters from the 'second wave' of Wild Cards novels. I believe they are all free over on the Wild Cards website but as a completist I needed the novel. The stories are written by a mix of older writers and newer ones. I tended to like the older ones more I think. Melinda Snodgrass wrote a Double Helix story (one of my favourite new Wild Card characters) and Walter Jon Williams wrote a Pop Tart story, a little used character. These were probably my favourite two stories, the characters aren't squeaky clean like most of them but it is more likely because they aren't origin stories which seems to infuse a lot of them - characters like Earth Witch, Hoodoo Mama (in the Amazing Bubbles story), the Recycler, Darkness and Slapshot (which I think is the only new main character here, written by Marko Kloos) are all largely origin stories.
Having said that, none of the stories are boring and were all worth reading. I guess, mainly because of the format, these stories had lower stakes for our 'heroes' like the stories were 'smoother'.
Having said that, none of the stories are boring and were all worth reading. I guess, mainly because of the format, these stories had lower stakes for our 'heroes' like the stories were 'smoother'.
December 9, 2025
The world of Wild Cards has grown over the years, getting more and more complex. That world has a rich history now with a lot of interesting developments with various characters. This is a collection of short stories to novellas, with some new characters, some of the "current generation" like Earth Witch, Curveball, Rustbelt, and Drummer Boy, and a few appearances by old favorites, with nods to or actual appearances by Golden Boy and Peregrine, among others.
A desperate ace in Paris is trying to save her brother, but nothing is as easy as it seems...
Earth Witch, recovering from some serious injuries, learns things about her family and history...
Drummer Boy is confronted by a horrific crime that the overworked detectives in Fort Freak can't handle on their own...
A new character has to deal with suddenly manifesting powers while she's in school...
various characters from American Hero show up in different ways, some good, some less so.
While I very much enjoy this series, and say the whole thing is worth the read, these stories can stand alone if you're not familiar with the books.
A desperate ace in Paris is trying to save her brother, but nothing is as easy as it seems...
Earth Witch, recovering from some serious injuries, learns things about her family and history...
Drummer Boy is confronted by a horrific crime that the overworked detectives in Fort Freak can't handle on their own...
A new character has to deal with suddenly manifesting powers while she's in school...
various characters from American Hero show up in different ways, some good, some less so.
While I very much enjoy this series, and say the whole thing is worth the read, these stories can stand alone if you're not familiar with the books.
August 2, 2024
Nice Collection
I've been an on and off reader / sometimes fan of the Wildcards stories since I first borrowed my brother's copies of the 1st 5 or 6 volumes back in the late 80's. What can I say? I like 'comic book stories.' They're not all great, heck I felt like some of the early stories were designed to purposely make people feel uncomfortable (cause that's edgy?). But mostly, I like the attempt to further humanize (if you will) superhero stories ... and the 'jokers' side of things provides some nice social commentary sometimes.
I read almost all of these stories - either online or through my Hoopla subscription (Yay Hoopla!), and I think searching out more stories, since this is far from complete, might be something to check out for yourself 🤔, but all-in-all nice collection.
I've been an on and off reader / sometimes fan of the Wildcards stories since I first borrowed my brother's copies of the 1st 5 or 6 volumes back in the late 80's. What can I say? I like 'comic book stories.' They're not all great, heck I felt like some of the early stories were designed to purposely make people feel uncomfortable (cause that's edgy?). But mostly, I like the attempt to further humanize (if you will) superhero stories ... and the 'jokers' side of things provides some nice social commentary sometimes.
I read almost all of these stories - either online or through my Hoopla subscription (Yay Hoopla!), and I think searching out more stories, since this is far from complete, might be something to check out for yourself 🤔, but all-in-all nice collection.
November 6, 2025
Unlike most of the books in the "Wild Cards" universe, this is not a mosaic novel. It is a collection of short stories, all completely unconnected. As is the case with most short story collections, the quality varies from story to story; none are truly bad, none are truly great, but none are without interest to a fan of the series. Better than some of the more recent novels ("Three Kings", I'm looking at you) it still isn't high on my list of favorite entries in the series.
May 1, 2025
A selection of short stories from publisher Tor's website. It's an above-average collection.
When We Were Heroes by Daniel Abraham
Curveball visits Bugsy in NY to take a bite out of his ass for publishing a gossip column--with pics--about her love life. She finds him a wreck, having been forced to abandon a teammate on his final Committee mission.
A nuanced look at the effects of trauma and the cost of celebrity. Grimdark slice of life that showcases the best that the superhero subgenre has to offer. 5 stars
-------------------
Evernight by Victor Milán
An ace terrorist with darkvision descends into the endless Paris underdark in hopes of rescuing her brother from the frightening subterranean jokers who rule there.
Follows one of the manufactured child-soldier ace survivors of the People's Paradise of Africa. Evernight takes a cynical view of both the French capitalist status quo and the revolutionary forces that seek to change it. The only good guys are the working class victims of the power struggle. Reminded me (in a good way) of Brian Wood's DMZ. 4 stars
-------------------
Lies My Mother Told Me by Caroline Spector
Somebody keeps stealing Joey 'Hoodoo Mama's' zombie powers, leaving her traumatized and quaking. The organization responsible is threatening those in Bubbles' circle in order to control her.
Joey's backstory--what shaped her power and why she collapses without it--is absolutely upsetting to read, but it serves Wild Cards' longstanding commitment to grimdark realism. Unfortunately the antagonist organization introduced here fails the internal logic test; the climactic fight is nonsensical; and the central conflict goes completely unresolved. 2 stars
-------------------
Nuestra Senora de la Esperanza by Carrie Vaughn
Ana the Earth Witch struggles in the aftermath of the Egypt war, traumatized by the lives she's taken (and recovering from a bullet to the gut). She seeks out a joker grandmother in Mexico that she didn't even know was alive.
Another of those small, quiet stories that takes place between the action scenes. Asks some interesting questions, lets the character breathe and grow. 5 stars
-------------------
Discards by David D. Levine
Origin story of Tiago Gonçalves, the Recycler. He's a homeless, starving Brazilian orphan bouncing around the favelas trying not to die when his card turns.
This is one of Wild Cards' fortes, putting the injustices and abuses of the societies of the world under a microscope. No child should have to experience this. 4 stars
-------------------
The Elephant in the Room by Paul Cornell
It's the Understudy's big break; she's been tapped to partner with Elephant Girl as the main attraction at the Wild Card circus. But her toxic mother has flown in from England to undermine her, and her boyfriend Croyd Crenson is so hopped up on amphetamines that he shakes like a distilled chihuahua.
That's the surface story, anyway. The real story is about the nature of the Sleeper, and true love, and the mixed blessing that is family, and viciously cruel fate. 3 stars
-------------------
When the Devil Drives by Melinda M. Snodgrass
An old fashioned murder mystery, Wild Cards style. The body of a business rival turns up at one of Noel Matthews' work sites. The cops are content to blame the obvious suspect so he has to solve the crime to clear his name.
This one was fun. A bit too compressed, and that ending is overly saccharine, but fun. 4 stars
-------------------
The Atonement Tango by Stephen Leigh
A homegrown terrorist detonates a bomb at a Joker Plague concert, killing most of the band and amputating one of Drummer Boy's arms. Hurt, angry, devastated, he hunts the murderer and learns some things about what he values and the extent to which he has unintentionally isolated himself.
I am once again awed by Wild Cards' willingness to spend its marquis characters' lives and well-being in service to the greater story. 5 stars
-------------------
Prompt. Professional. Pop! by Walter Jon Williams
The D list actress and semiprofessional thief known as Pop Tart is hired by a Hollywood producer to sabotage a rival producer's film. He then stiffs her, and upsetting an ethically flexible teleporting ace has consequences.
Williams does a wonderful job capturing the point of view of a raging narcissist, as well as testing the boundaries of what a creative person with sight-limited teleportation might accomplish, in a well-structured short story. 5 stars
-------------------
How to Move Spheres and Influence People by Marko Kloos
A boarding school student with hemiparesis discovers that she can control spheres. Which comes in handy when she's bullied during gym class dodgeball.
Another origin story, this time exploring how tectonic change upends the life of an innocent 15yo girl. It's bittersweet, though it ends on a broad, potential-laden note. 4 stars
When We Were Heroes by Daniel Abraham
Curveball visits Bugsy in NY to take a bite out of his ass for publishing a gossip column--with pics--about her love life. She finds him a wreck, having been forced to abandon a teammate on his final Committee mission.
A nuanced look at the effects of trauma and the cost of celebrity. Grimdark slice of life that showcases the best that the superhero subgenre has to offer. 5 stars
-------------------
Evernight by Victor Milán
An ace terrorist with darkvision descends into the endless Paris underdark in hopes of rescuing her brother from the frightening subterranean jokers who rule there.
Follows one of the manufactured child-soldier ace survivors of the People's Paradise of Africa. Evernight takes a cynical view of both the French capitalist status quo and the revolutionary forces that seek to change it. The only good guys are the working class victims of the power struggle. Reminded me (in a good way) of Brian Wood's DMZ. 4 stars
-------------------
Lies My Mother Told Me by Caroline Spector
Somebody keeps stealing Joey 'Hoodoo Mama's' zombie powers, leaving her traumatized and quaking. The organization responsible is threatening those in Bubbles' circle in order to control her.
Joey's backstory--what shaped her power and why she collapses without it--is absolutely upsetting to read, but it serves Wild Cards' longstanding commitment to grimdark realism. Unfortunately the antagonist organization introduced here fails the internal logic test; the climactic fight is nonsensical; and the central conflict goes completely unresolved. 2 stars
-------------------
Nuestra Senora de la Esperanza by Carrie Vaughn
Ana the Earth Witch struggles in the aftermath of the Egypt war, traumatized by the lives she's taken (and recovering from a bullet to the gut). She seeks out a joker grandmother in Mexico that she didn't even know was alive.
Another of those small, quiet stories that takes place between the action scenes. Asks some interesting questions, lets the character breathe and grow. 5 stars
-------------------
Discards by David D. Levine
Origin story of Tiago Gonçalves, the Recycler. He's a homeless, starving Brazilian orphan bouncing around the favelas trying not to die when his card turns.
This is one of Wild Cards' fortes, putting the injustices and abuses of the societies of the world under a microscope. No child should have to experience this. 4 stars
-------------------
The Elephant in the Room by Paul Cornell
It's the Understudy's big break; she's been tapped to partner with Elephant Girl as the main attraction at the Wild Card circus. But her toxic mother has flown in from England to undermine her, and her boyfriend Croyd Crenson is so hopped up on amphetamines that he shakes like a distilled chihuahua.
That's the surface story, anyway. The real story is about the nature of the Sleeper, and true love, and the mixed blessing that is family, and viciously cruel fate. 3 stars
-------------------
When the Devil Drives by Melinda M. Snodgrass
An old fashioned murder mystery, Wild Cards style. The body of a business rival turns up at one of Noel Matthews' work sites. The cops are content to blame the obvious suspect so he has to solve the crime to clear his name.
This one was fun. A bit too compressed, and that ending is overly saccharine, but fun. 4 stars
-------------------
The Atonement Tango by Stephen Leigh
A homegrown terrorist detonates a bomb at a Joker Plague concert, killing most of the band and amputating one of Drummer Boy's arms. Hurt, angry, devastated, he hunts the murderer and learns some things about what he values and the extent to which he has unintentionally isolated himself.
I am once again awed by Wild Cards' willingness to spend its marquis characters' lives and well-being in service to the greater story. 5 stars
-------------------
Prompt. Professional. Pop! by Walter Jon Williams
The D list actress and semiprofessional thief known as Pop Tart is hired by a Hollywood producer to sabotage a rival producer's film. He then stiffs her, and upsetting an ethically flexible teleporting ace has consequences.
Williams does a wonderful job capturing the point of view of a raging narcissist, as well as testing the boundaries of what a creative person with sight-limited teleportation might accomplish, in a well-structured short story. 5 stars
-------------------
How to Move Spheres and Influence People by Marko Kloos
A boarding school student with hemiparesis discovers that she can control spheres. Which comes in handy when she's bullied during gym class dodgeball.
Another origin story, this time exploring how tectonic change upends the life of an innocent 15yo girl. It's bittersweet, though it ends on a broad, potential-laden note. 4 stars
July 28, 2024
Not a mosaic novel, but a collection of Wild Card stories. I'd read most of them before, as they are available online. These stories are of consistently good quality, and they include many favorite jokers/aces.
December 9, 2025
Another great collection of Wild Cards stories, sone better than others. Not a continuous narrative, just separate and unrelated stories.
Sone interesting new characters who I hope we get to see more of in the future, as well as a couple of appearances by old friends
Sone interesting new characters who I hope we get to see more of in the future, as well as a couple of appearances by old friends
December 6, 2022
Rustbelt, Curveball, Bubbles, Earth Witch, Bugsy, Croyd..so great seeing these characters return!
November 2, 2023
An anthology of unrelated Wild Cards stories - a little uneven, but overall of a high quality.
November 16, 2022
Short stories of various skill in this universe. A bit frustrating as it was sad to end the chapters with the better characters- would have preferred to read a while book about them.
Read
March 24, 2023Read the hardcover, not the Kindle Edition.
May 19, 2024
Collection of short stories previously published online, here in print for the first time.
Recommended for everyone interested in the Wild Cards series.
Recommended for everyone interested in the Wild Cards series.
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