A few weeks ago, I was a bit let down by the latest Bordertown book, which I reviewed as stuck too much in the past, even as it tried to bring that setting into the present day.

Paradoxically, that's what I enjoyed most about Fort Freak - after the last several books featured an almost entirely new generation of Aces and Jokers involved in major events around the globe, this one goes back to where it started - New York, specifically Jokertown. There are plenty of new characters, but featured roles for some old familiar faces (and places) too. This book felt like coming home, like a family reunion of sorts. Great work by the writers, also a mix of new and familiar faces, and GRRM melding it all together.

If I had to come up with a complaint it'd be that the alternate history aspect of the Wild Cards stories didn't show up much here, though I enjoyed the subtle references here and there (at one point, you might even say I was Thrilled).

Mostly, I enjoyed this book more than any of the Wild Cards novels in a long time, and can only hope the already-promised next volume will offer more reunions with old friends.