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Wild Cards #26
Texas Hold'em
Texas Hold'em: A Wild Cards Novel is an adventure in the bestselling shared-universe science fiction superhero series, edited by #1 New York Times bestselling author George R. R. Martin. This mosaic novel contains the following stories:
"Bubbles and the Band Trip" by Caroline Spector
"The Secret Life of Rubberband" by Max Gladstone
"Jade Blossom's Brew" by William F. Wu
"Beats, Bugs, and Boys" by Diana Rowland
"Dust and the Darkness" by Victor Milan
"Is Nobody Going to San Antone?" by Walton Simons
"Drop City" by David Anthony Durham
"Bubbles and the Band Trip" by Caroline Spector
"The Secret Life of Rubberband" by Max Gladstone
"Jade Blossom's Brew" by William F. Wu
"Beats, Bugs, and Boys" by Diana Rowland
"Dust and the Darkness" by Victor Milan
"Is Nobody Going to San Antone?" by Walton Simons
"Drop City" by David Anthony Durham
384 pages, Hardcover
First published November 6, 2018
60 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
About the author
George R.R. Martin
1,504 books118k 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 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 17, 2018
This amazing collaboration is set in the world created initially by George R.R. Martin and I love that others get to play upon this rich tapestry. Essentially it's set in a time after Earth has been forever changed by an alien virus. The population is still human but many are something much more terrifying. We have those known as Jokers, with mental and physical deformities; others known as Aces possess powers that resemble superheroes and yes they are outnumbered by the normal humans and often ostracized or persecuted.
So explanations aside what happens in this book ? It's quite a normal situation really with a school band traveling to a contest so obviously we get pupils and those sent to chaperone them. Ok it's obviously not that straightforward and the kids are Jokers and we might even find the odd Ace hiding amongst them. Their chaperones are very experienced Aces and whether they want to be there or not these escorts are determined to protect their charges. Things get complicated right from the start with protesters, old rivals and even a missing contestant ! What follows is utter chaos as the contest continues amidst angst, romance, petty jealousies and a lot of mischief.
An incredible idea that actually works. I thoroughly enjoyed this foray into the imagination of these assembled authors and enjoyed the myriad of surprises.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
So explanations aside what happens in this book ? It's quite a normal situation really with a school band traveling to a contest so obviously we get pupils and those sent to chaperone them. Ok it's obviously not that straightforward and the kids are Jokers and we might even find the odd Ace hiding amongst them. Their chaperones are very experienced Aces and whether they want to be there or not these escorts are determined to protect their charges. Things get complicated right from the start with protesters, old rivals and even a missing contestant ! What follows is utter chaos as the contest continues amidst angst, romance, petty jealousies and a lot of mischief.
An incredible idea that actually works. I thoroughly enjoyed this foray into the imagination of these assembled authors and enjoyed the myriad of surprises.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
June 2, 2019
A Wild Cards YA novel? The last few years have seen the Wild Cards series go really dark with the horror, really intense with the sex, really serious with the crime, and very angsty with the social issues of the day... This time around The Amazing Bubbles and friends have all of this to face and more when they take a high school jazz band to a music competition in Texas. Band nerds are exceeded in their nerdiness only by their chaperones, and only someone who's been there understands that truth. I particularly enjoyed the Diana Rowland story in this one, but the framing Bubbles story was far and away the best.... and it all ends up with Mighty Joe Young and a Marx Brothers grand finale... The book is a big, fun romp, and if it all doesn't quite tie together and make complete sense all of the time, that's okay, that why they call 'em funny books, right?
April 7, 2019
I had told myself I wasn't going to bother reading any more Wild Cards books.
That wasn't an easy decision—I've been a huge fan of these "mosaic novels" ever since Jetboy soared over Manhattan in the very first volume, 'way back in 1987—back when series editor George R.R. Martin was just another writer (if a really good one, who'd already hooked me and many others), not nearly the powerhouse he is today. But after 2016's High Stakes escalated the blatant sexism, rampant typos and overall grimth to an unbearable level, I was out.
Then, right here on Goodreads, Craig drew me back in, with his positive review of Low Chicago (and, I must say, with his extraordinarily gracious response to my rather dim comment on said review).
Now, I still haven't read Low Chicago itself—the small branch library I go to rarely stocks whole series—but when its followup Texas Hold'Em showed up on the shelf, it seemed like the best of luck—like filling an inside straight—so I went ahead and picked it up.
Craig was right. Texas Hold'Em works very hard to lighten the mood, and to recapture the irrepressible sense of fun which characterized the earliest Wild Cards books. Maybe this one works a little too hard, even, pulling back far from the apocalyptic edge of the "Fort Freak Triad" to focus on... a high school jazz band competition?!?
But this is not just any band contest, of course. The members of the Jokertown Mob, Xavier Desmond High School's jazz band, have won a slot in the prestigious national Charlie Parker High School Jazz Competition, which is to be held far, far away from their comfortable Manhattan stomping grounds... eighteen hours away, in fact, by bus. And while San Antonio, Texas, may not be the farthest possible place from New York City—geographically, politically, religiously or culturally—it is a town that has been only lightly touched by the wild card virus.
A busful of wild cards, in a city otherwise chock full o'nats. What could possibly go wrong?
The only question is whose bubble will get burst first. Fortunately, the kids of the Jokertown Mob have an ace on their side. Literally—"The Amazing Bubbles" has been roped into being one of the chaperones. Michelle Pond is band member Adesina's mom, you see, and she does know a thing or two about bursting bubbles... and keeping 'em intact.
Texas Hold'Em does share some flaws with its predecessors. Heavy-handed moralizing, predictable "surprise" reversals and the usual crowd of 'isms all make appearances. But... I have to give the authors who worked on this installment a lot of credit... seems to me their hearts were in the right places (along with their diamonds, spades and clubs...).
In the end, and in spite of its flaws, I found myself liking Texas Hold'Em—enough, anyway.
That wasn't an easy decision—I've been a huge fan of these "mosaic novels" ever since Jetboy soared over Manhattan in the very first volume, 'way back in 1987—back when series editor George R.R. Martin was just another writer (if a really good one, who'd already hooked me and many others), not nearly the powerhouse he is today. But after 2016's High Stakes escalated the blatant sexism, rampant typos and overall grimth to an unbearable level, I was out.
Then, right here on Goodreads, Craig drew me back in, with his positive review of Low Chicago (and, I must say, with his extraordinarily gracious response to my rather dim comment on said review).
Now, I still haven't read Low Chicago itself—the small branch library I go to rarely stocks whole series—but when its followup Texas Hold'Em showed up on the shelf, it seemed like the best of luck—like filling an inside straight—so I went ahead and picked it up.
Craig was right. Texas Hold'Em works very hard to lighten the mood, and to recapture the irrepressible sense of fun which characterized the earliest Wild Cards books. Maybe this one works a little too hard, even, pulling back far from the apocalyptic edge of the "Fort Freak Triad" to focus on... a high school jazz band competition?!?
But this is not just any band contest, of course. The members of the Jokertown Mob, Xavier Desmond High School's jazz band, have won a slot in the prestigious national Charlie Parker High School Jazz Competition, which is to be held far, far away from their comfortable Manhattan stomping grounds... eighteen hours away, in fact, by bus. And while San Antonio, Texas, may not be the farthest possible place from New York City—geographically, politically, religiously or culturally—it is a town that has been only lightly touched by the wild card virus.
A busful of wild cards, in a city otherwise chock full o'nats. What could possibly go wrong?
The only question is whose bubble will get burst first. Fortunately, the kids of the Jokertown Mob have an ace on their side. Literally—"The Amazing Bubbles" has been roped into being one of the chaperones. Michelle Pond is band member Adesina's mom, you see, and she does know a thing or two about bursting bubbles... and keeping 'em intact.
Texas Hold'Em does share some flaws with its predecessors. Heavy-handed moralizing, predictable "surprise" reversals and the usual crowd of 'isms all make appearances. But... I have to give the authors who worked on this installment a lot of credit... seems to me their hearts were in the right places (along with their diamonds, spades and clubs...).
In the end, and in spite of its flaws, I found myself liking Texas Hold'Em—enough, anyway.
October 8, 2018
An okay entry in the Wild Cards series for YA readers. A high school band competition brings together a band of jokers, some hidden aces, and a mix of admirers and bigots in San Antonio Texas.The students and their escorts, adult aces, deal with protesters, conspiracies, runaways, great music, romance, traps, crude humor, and other goings-on. Some of the multiple stories dragged and were less than essential to the primary plot (the story in which a pianist runs away with a charismatic ace and is hunted down by other aces dragged badly and didn't tie in well with the rest of the book), but overall, fans of the series will probably enjoy parts of it.
April 12, 2019
Texas Hold 'Em is another solid entry in the Wild Cards series. I have been reading these for well over two decades and still find them enjoyable. This novel is set in Texas which was kind of interesting, specifically San Antonio, a city I have a lot of affection for. Also this book is pretty lighthearted which makes for a nice change of pace, and some of my favorite characters from past books show up, though of course I won't tell you which ones. There are both good and bad Texans in this book, which is a much fairer representation than portraying all of us as gun toting jerks.
January 13, 2019
I thoroughly enjoy Martin's Wild Card series and was pleasantly surprised to see this particular one deals with the children affected by this changing world. Set during a band competition, Martin and his compatriots adjust their voices and write a lively, witty, action-packed story that addresses racism, prejudice and religious fear.
July 1, 2019
Read for the 2019 PopSugar reading challenge. This is "A book about someone with a superpower" - more than one someone, really, since the Wild Cards universe is all about a variety of people and a variety of powers.
Some time when I was in elementary school, the Sci-Fi Channel came into being. For a young nerd, this channel was basically the coolest possible thing you could come across when flipping to see what was on. I got really into Battlestar Galactica, the original one, or at least as much as a 9-10 year old who didn't actually have a concept of when to regularly expect the old show to air could do. It blew my mind. I went around school saying "Frack!" a lot, was yelled at by teachers on more than one occasion, and defended this by saying, "They said it on TV!"
With regularity I tried to get the other young nerds I knew to watch it. Basically what we had in common is we all really liked Star Wars and this made us weird. And even the other weird kids would give me the "Dude, you're weird" look when I tried to tell them about Battlestar Galactica. I mention this because I've accepted that my adult version of this is being into the Wild Cards series, since here I am reading this book about eight months after its release and I seem to be the 107th person to rate it on Goodreads. I mean, it's not good, so that's one reason, but the book before it which was amazing only has 213 ratings, so... you know.
What I enjoy about Wild Cards is that the elevator pitch is always good. In this case, kids from a Manhattan high school populated almost exclusively by "jokers" (people who have been mutated by an alien virus and may have gained superpowers along with a physical transformation) are going on a trip to perform in a jazz band competition. Even decades later, the jokers face prejudice, but really they're just teenaged band nerds who want to get into teenage drama and play some jazz.
Most Wild Cards books are, in my experience, a series of distinct short stories that are connected around that elevator pitch. Often there's one multi-part story spread through the whole book to link the stories to the same plot. Texas Hold'em is a departure from this norm in that four of the seven stories are split apart into multiple parts. I didn't enjoy this way of doing things because it felt like there was less real meat to get into in the stories before moving on to something else.
I would also say that most Wild Cards books have a better sense of what they want to be. For instance, the previous volume, Low Chicago, was very, very strongly tied in to time travel superpowered hijinx across the history of Chicago. Texas Hold'em wants to have the teenager drama as the kids meet and crush on one another and have to face people who hate them just because they look different; it wants to be something of a reflection on how the in-universe show American Hero changed the lives of people who went on it; and then, also, two different hard-boiled detective noir dudes drop in to practically grit out explanatory narrative through chomped cigars.
This all does not add up to a cohesive whole. Some of the authors are much worse than others about being able to render conversations with teenage slang that feel like they are natural and modern. I'm not willing to write off the cringe-y dialogue that popped in to the "Bubbles and the Band Trip" chapters as reflecting Bubbles herself being out of touch with the teens - perhaps if the story was given more time to breathe, I might, but this one is the one that's chopped up into 13 parts across a 381 page book of short stories. Bubbles doesn't have space to be much of anything as a character here.
Some are worse than others about being able to make the point that they want to make about prejudice towards the jokers in a subtle way. I could only roll my eyes at the mother who was apparently involved in a lawsuit about the joker jazz band kids being allowed into the competition - nats fear jokers have an unfair advantage in being able to play music. In a bit of dialogue about how a circuit court ruled in favor of the jokers, the woman actually says, "Thank God we have five conservative justices on the Supreme Court."
I am someone who is no fan of the five conservative justices on the Supreme Court in real life and I was not impressed by this line. It wasn't even plot-relevant. Unlike, say, two books ago where the ICE agents showed up and tried to deport the joker-immigrants and a plot across the whole book was distracting said ICE agents, this throwaway mention of the Supreme Court is never important again. None of the drama involves whether the kids will get kicked out of the competition by the court.
One final complaint: This book is really a bit too into the plot device of "This person who appears to be completely normal is secretly a wild card." Having read a lot of these books I get that to an extent this is what you have to do. There's automatic tension in a character who secretly has some minor ability and knows that if it was public they would be viewed differently. If a Wild Cards book wants to do that with one character, that's understandable.
Indeed, the short story with LoriAnne, the rural Louisiana girl who plays the drums and has a secret power of being able to sense, talk to, control, and temporarily clone mosquitos, is one of the better ones in the book. She is sweet with her pure desire to just drink up any interaction she can have with aces and jokers because she is one but she's never met one.
However, if I've counted right, this book has four different "everyone thinks they're a nat but they're not" characters. That includes two separate POV characters. It's just a little too repetitive for my liking. There was a good idea for a book here and some good ideas for stories here that just... didn't come together. Hopefully there's a next Wild Cards down the road and hopefully it's a lot better than this.
Some time when I was in elementary school, the Sci-Fi Channel came into being. For a young nerd, this channel was basically the coolest possible thing you could come across when flipping to see what was on. I got really into Battlestar Galactica, the original one, or at least as much as a 9-10 year old who didn't actually have a concept of when to regularly expect the old show to air could do. It blew my mind. I went around school saying "Frack!" a lot, was yelled at by teachers on more than one occasion, and defended this by saying, "They said it on TV!"
With regularity I tried to get the other young nerds I knew to watch it. Basically what we had in common is we all really liked Star Wars and this made us weird. And even the other weird kids would give me the "Dude, you're weird" look when I tried to tell them about Battlestar Galactica. I mention this because I've accepted that my adult version of this is being into the Wild Cards series, since here I am reading this book about eight months after its release and I seem to be the 107th person to rate it on Goodreads. I mean, it's not good, so that's one reason, but the book before it which was amazing only has 213 ratings, so... you know.
What I enjoy about Wild Cards is that the elevator pitch is always good. In this case, kids from a Manhattan high school populated almost exclusively by "jokers" (people who have been mutated by an alien virus and may have gained superpowers along with a physical transformation) are going on a trip to perform in a jazz band competition. Even decades later, the jokers face prejudice, but really they're just teenaged band nerds who want to get into teenage drama and play some jazz.
Most Wild Cards books are, in my experience, a series of distinct short stories that are connected around that elevator pitch. Often there's one multi-part story spread through the whole book to link the stories to the same plot. Texas Hold'em is a departure from this norm in that four of the seven stories are split apart into multiple parts. I didn't enjoy this way of doing things because it felt like there was less real meat to get into in the stories before moving on to something else.
I would also say that most Wild Cards books have a better sense of what they want to be. For instance, the previous volume, Low Chicago, was very, very strongly tied in to time travel superpowered hijinx across the history of Chicago. Texas Hold'em wants to have the teenager drama as the kids meet and crush on one another and have to face people who hate them just because they look different; it wants to be something of a reflection on how the in-universe show American Hero changed the lives of people who went on it; and then, also, two different hard-boiled detective noir dudes drop in to practically grit out explanatory narrative through chomped cigars.
This all does not add up to a cohesive whole. Some of the authors are much worse than others about being able to render conversations with teenage slang that feel like they are natural and modern. I'm not willing to write off the cringe-y dialogue that popped in to the "Bubbles and the Band Trip" chapters as reflecting Bubbles herself being out of touch with the teens - perhaps if the story was given more time to breathe, I might, but this one is the one that's chopped up into 13 parts across a 381 page book of short stories. Bubbles doesn't have space to be much of anything as a character here.
Some are worse than others about being able to make the point that they want to make about prejudice towards the jokers in a subtle way. I could only roll my eyes at the mother who was apparently involved in a lawsuit about the joker jazz band kids being allowed into the competition - nats fear jokers have an unfair advantage in being able to play music. In a bit of dialogue about how a circuit court ruled in favor of the jokers, the woman actually says, "Thank God we have five conservative justices on the Supreme Court."
I am someone who is no fan of the five conservative justices on the Supreme Court in real life and I was not impressed by this line. It wasn't even plot-relevant. Unlike, say, two books ago where the ICE agents showed up and tried to deport the joker-immigrants and a plot across the whole book was distracting said ICE agents, this throwaway mention of the Supreme Court is never important again. None of the drama involves whether the kids will get kicked out of the competition by the court.
One final complaint: This book is really a bit too into the plot device of "This person who appears to be completely normal is secretly a wild card." Having read a lot of these books I get that to an extent this is what you have to do. There's automatic tension in a character who secretly has some minor ability and knows that if it was public they would be viewed differently. If a Wild Cards book wants to do that with one character, that's understandable.
Indeed, the short story with LoriAnne, the rural Louisiana girl who plays the drums and has a secret power of being able to sense, talk to, control, and temporarily clone mosquitos, is one of the better ones in the book. She is sweet with her pure desire to just drink up any interaction she can have with aces and jokers because she is one but she's never met one.
However, if I've counted right, this book has four different "everyone thinks they're a nat but they're not" characters. That includes two separate POV characters. It's just a little too repetitive for my liking. There was a good idea for a book here and some good ideas for stories here that just... didn't come together. Hopefully there's a next Wild Cards down the road and hopefully it's a lot better than this.
May 31, 2023
This time the reader is treated to even more threading of stories. Instead of one overarching tale to tie together the other stories, this time we get ongoing chapters of multiple stories at the same time. This could come off as jarring if the writers' styles are drastic. However, they all seem to mesh very well. Despite the seamless writing, I still had some problems connecting with this one.
I think it was a couple things. First, I was never a band kid. The closest I ever got to going-away for an event while in high school was the CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) convention weekends. Even then, I tended to be one of the kids that kept in line. So, I didn't relate well with the kids in the band competition here. Second, there just wasn't enough escapist action in these stories for me. I like the "super" aspect of the Wild Cards genre. This one had some more subtle themes to it. Ah well. Lastly, the merged format kept the focus shifting which meant I was not connecting to each parts' cast.
I think it was a couple things. First, I was never a band kid. The closest I ever got to going-away for an event while in high school was the CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) convention weekends. Even then, I tended to be one of the kids that kept in line. So, I didn't relate well with the kids in the band competition here. Second, there just wasn't enough escapist action in these stories for me. I like the "super" aspect of the Wild Cards genre. This one had some more subtle themes to it. Ah well. Lastly, the merged format kept the focus shifting which meant I was not connecting to each parts' cast.
September 7, 2020
A cute addition to the series. The Jokertown high school jazz band goes to San Antonio for a band competition. Bubbles's daughter is in the band, so Bubbles is roped into going as a chaperone. Besides her and her daughter, I didn't recognize any characters; I'm sure there's backstory for some of them, but I've read less that half the previous books. Anyway, there are other jokers and aces, local people who think jokers are abominations, young people with new talents emerging, and lots of teenage action. This was lighter than many of the other books and fun to read.
September 4, 2023
An okay entry. The pendulum swings all the way from High Stakes (which was pretty gross) to this, which is pretty tame.
November 29, 2018
Texas Hold'em is the twenty-seventh book in the Wild Cards series. This should not be read as a standalone or you will have have a difficult time understanding what Jokers, Aces, and Wildcards are and how they became that way. This is an average story in the series and is geared towards Young Adults as it deals with a group of high school students who travel to a band contest. This adult enjoyed it for the story it was.
May 6, 2019
I'm a long time fan of the Wild Card series; it's managed to stay interesting and relevant for much longer than I'd have ever expected. But this particular entry seemed, put baldly, terribly written. Well, no, maybe that's too strong; there were no great moments in this book but many chapters were at least serviceable. But alongside the bulk of mediocre writing, there were a few chapters that I almost tossed the book aside.
One of the big issues throughout, though, is the dialogue: it feels all over the place. One of the themes of the book is dealing with generation gaps (it deals with the relatively small scale stakes of several superpowered individuals chaperoning a high school jazz band competition, which includes some superpowered teenagers); thus, it tries to distinguish between the way the teenagers talk and the way the 'adults' talk. To my eyes, the teenager slang seemed artificially put on, not mixed in organically with the conversation. Similarly, in the chapters with Darkness and Dust (two new characters, I think; one is West African and one is Mexican-American with a pinch of native American), the insertion of French and Spanish phrases felt overdone and unnatural (at least, having to follow up with explanations).
The chapter that was the low point was "Jade Blossom's Brew", in which Jade Blossom (a small character from previous novels who has since become a Carmen-Electra like model) appears as a celebrity guest for the jazz competition. Given the low opinion many of the characters had of her, this was rife with opportunity for conflict; but it ended up being cartoony. The organizers were worse than the worst-organized fan convention I've ever heard of, despite ostensibly having put the event on for several years; the "adults" were immediately insulting her and slutshaming her like hack teenage sitcom material. After the slut shaming, she was used to move some characters around like chess pieces (no, not as in with keen strategizing; plucked off the board and moved to a different position by a heavy hand). It ends with her dancing on a piano and literally kicking moonstruck teenagers away from her.
That chapter made me wonder if the book had been rushed: one of the authors in the shared universe was slipped a bunch of editor directions ("things A, B, and C need to happen, by tomorrow 8am."). There were other signs that made me wonder about editors: there were two different detective agency stories in this, both feeling like underdeveloped B-plots. In one, the aforementioned Dust was hired to find a teenage runaway; in another, a much more experienced detective from Ackroyd and Creighton was brought in to investigate possibly lethal pranks. Ackroyd and Creighton were familiar faces, but Creighton seemed inconsistent (was he really good at disguise and keen on keeping it a secret, or was he not good and just fine with exposing his ability to get out of slightly annoying situations?) The very ending, in which he turns out unable to hold his liquor, made for a perfect horrible cartoon ending for a very cartoony book.
One of the big issues throughout, though, is the dialogue: it feels all over the place. One of the themes of the book is dealing with generation gaps (it deals with the relatively small scale stakes of several superpowered individuals chaperoning a high school jazz band competition, which includes some superpowered teenagers); thus, it tries to distinguish between the way the teenagers talk and the way the 'adults' talk. To my eyes, the teenager slang seemed artificially put on, not mixed in organically with the conversation. Similarly, in the chapters with Darkness and Dust (two new characters, I think; one is West African and one is Mexican-American with a pinch of native American), the insertion of French and Spanish phrases felt overdone and unnatural (at least, having to follow up with explanations).
The chapter that was the low point was "Jade Blossom's Brew", in which Jade Blossom (a small character from previous novels who has since become a Carmen-Electra like model) appears as a celebrity guest for the jazz competition. Given the low opinion many of the characters had of her, this was rife with opportunity for conflict; but it ended up being cartoony. The organizers were worse than the worst-organized fan convention I've ever heard of, despite ostensibly having put the event on for several years; the "adults" were immediately insulting her and slutshaming her like hack teenage sitcom material. After the slut shaming, she was used to move some characters around like chess pieces (no, not as in with keen strategizing; plucked off the board and moved to a different position by a heavy hand). It ends with her dancing on a piano and literally kicking moonstruck teenagers away from her.
That chapter made me wonder if the book had been rushed: one of the authors in the shared universe was slipped a bunch of editor directions ("things A, B, and C need to happen, by tomorrow 8am."). There were other signs that made me wonder about editors: there were two different detective agency stories in this, both feeling like underdeveloped B-plots. In one, the aforementioned Dust was hired to find a teenage runaway; in another, a much more experienced detective from Ackroyd and Creighton was brought in to investigate possibly lethal pranks. Ackroyd and Creighton were familiar faces, but Creighton seemed inconsistent (was he really good at disguise and keen on keeping it a secret, or was he not good and just fine with exposing his ability to get out of slightly annoying situations?) The very ending, in which he turns out unable to hold his liquor, made for a perfect horrible cartoon ending for a very cartoony book.
December 16, 2018
Texas Hold'em (Wild Cards, #27)
by George R.R. Martin
Bubbles and the Band Trip By Caroline Spector
Dear Dear Dear, Caroline, what a wonderful story. I really appreciate the lighter theme of this book. I know that Wild Cards seems to go through cycles, from light to dark stories, in triplicates is part of what a long term reader expects from the series. I am happy that you were the main editor of this lighter look at the Wild Card universe. Your voice was seen through out the story, the humor, and sarcasm punctuated the book in remarkable ways. I have always loved Bubbles, and to see her dealing with teenage Adesina brings such a human quality to story. I am amazed by your knowledge of Band competitions, and Jazz. The books could be a lesson in both of those topics on their own. I like to see the ACE characters having to deal with normal everyday things. It's outlandishly funny and poignant that Bubbles has to struggle not to "bubble" everything that annoys her. That her strong aggressive nature does not help her in the annoyances of normal life. The dynamics of motherhood, being a chaperone, not only make the story but the fact that you are looking at prejudice and radical groups reminds us what the series originally brought to light. Great job.
The secret life of Rubberband by Max Gladstone
Welcome Max Gladstone, I have been waiting a while for your contribution. Although I did preview the Tor release of "Fitting in", I like the nuances of your Wild Card character. The idea that what works for other characters in the series, namely the American Hero Television show, did not benefit all those who joined the show. Mr. Ruttiger has a place in the series, his flexible ability, and morphemic body shape is something I can see continuing through the series, I hope he will be as beloved as other characters in the series. I love your new voice in the books, and your relaxed writing style. Welcome.
Jade Blossom's brew William F Wu
Welcome back Mr Wu, its has been a while, I was excited that you would come back to the series when I heard at Bubonicon that you had a new story. I was hoping to see Lazy Dragon, but Jade Blossom is another remarkable character that you created. Your remarkable ability to add another element of race and perception to the Wild Card series has always been one of the halmarks of the series. Your story adds to the story one more pound of frustration to the main character and makes the tension increase in the story. Thank you for adding your voice to the series again.
Beats, Bugs and boys by Diana Rowland
Welcome Diana Rowland, Its been a while that this reader of the series has waited for your contribution of the series. I knew when you came in over two years ago to the series, and wanted to see what you would bring to there series. One Beats, and Bugs and boys... fits, your writing style and your ability to bring a new voice into this complex series is admirable. Looking at the story you added has become one of the key stories in the book. Your view point of a child who had no contact with the Wild Card world dealing with her own power and ability is refreshing and will help new fans understand the series.
Dust and the Darkness by Victor Milan
Oh my my my, the last solo Victor Milan story, can I take a moment and breath that in. In the Texas hold'em story this story so seamlessly steps into the story as a beloved fan I had to take a breath. Caroline great job of editing and placing the story. How do I feel? Frustrated that Dust and Darkness will not get a solo novel. Victor has a way of making characters you want to know more about. Darkness is an intriguing character. Why does she have the ACE ability to create darkness? How absolute is that darkness? How long does it stay after her, so many questions? Dust, his backstory, where he is in life, where he is going, it needs to be told. The idea that a broken bull rider can find a new lease in life is so poignant with the reality that this is one of the last stories we get from this prolific and wonderful man. The idea that you can go on and find purpose in life after your dreams have been ended, but that your friends and family connections will be there to help you is so hopeful. I saw reminders of that in the story, as Victor used quotes from Melinda, Caroline, and GRRM in his story. With tears in my eyes I raise my glass to Victor's continued accomplishments.
Is Nobody Going to San Antone? by Walton Simons
Well Bud, you have a character in Jerry.. to see Mr Nobody have another story has been fun. The awkward nature of his experience is just another light note in this series of stories. I loved the reminder of Mighty Joe Young, and the other black and white films. The appearances of classic movie actors and characters always makes Jerry a fun character. To see that he was able to help other ACE's in the series is one of the things I love about the series. Like Croyd, Jerry is a fun reminder of the original stories. The fact that he became Joe, not only is hilarious, but those fans that have been around will remember that he has a problem with being a large ape.
Drop City by David Anthony Durham
"Wow" David Durham has found a new power I admire so much, his character DJ is an ACE with an amazing twist to his power that just makes not only this volume of Wild Cards, but something that we all wish could happen in the real world. How would it be in the world today would have someone with this ACE power, that for a night you could be in the body of another person? To see the racism, the limitations of disability, and so many other things in life that cause hatred and prejudice put on the person whom judges others by appearances not conduct of character. It was a moment of justice in the series, but dang that is a cooooool ACE.
by George R.R. Martin
Bubbles and the Band Trip By Caroline Spector
Dear Dear Dear, Caroline, what a wonderful story. I really appreciate the lighter theme of this book. I know that Wild Cards seems to go through cycles, from light to dark stories, in triplicates is part of what a long term reader expects from the series. I am happy that you were the main editor of this lighter look at the Wild Card universe. Your voice was seen through out the story, the humor, and sarcasm punctuated the book in remarkable ways. I have always loved Bubbles, and to see her dealing with teenage Adesina brings such a human quality to story. I am amazed by your knowledge of Band competitions, and Jazz. The books could be a lesson in both of those topics on their own. I like to see the ACE characters having to deal with normal everyday things. It's outlandishly funny and poignant that Bubbles has to struggle not to "bubble" everything that annoys her. That her strong aggressive nature does not help her in the annoyances of normal life. The dynamics of motherhood, being a chaperone, not only make the story but the fact that you are looking at prejudice and radical groups reminds us what the series originally brought to light. Great job.
The secret life of Rubberband by Max Gladstone
Welcome Max Gladstone, I have been waiting a while for your contribution. Although I did preview the Tor release of "Fitting in", I like the nuances of your Wild Card character. The idea that what works for other characters in the series, namely the American Hero Television show, did not benefit all those who joined the show. Mr. Ruttiger has a place in the series, his flexible ability, and morphemic body shape is something I can see continuing through the series, I hope he will be as beloved as other characters in the series. I love your new voice in the books, and your relaxed writing style. Welcome.
Jade Blossom's brew William F Wu
Welcome back Mr Wu, its has been a while, I was excited that you would come back to the series when I heard at Bubonicon that you had a new story. I was hoping to see Lazy Dragon, but Jade Blossom is another remarkable character that you created. Your remarkable ability to add another element of race and perception to the Wild Card series has always been one of the halmarks of the series. Your story adds to the story one more pound of frustration to the main character and makes the tension increase in the story. Thank you for adding your voice to the series again.
Beats, Bugs and boys by Diana Rowland
Welcome Diana Rowland, Its been a while that this reader of the series has waited for your contribution of the series. I knew when you came in over two years ago to the series, and wanted to see what you would bring to there series. One Beats, and Bugs and boys... fits, your writing style and your ability to bring a new voice into this complex series is admirable. Looking at the story you added has become one of the key stories in the book. Your view point of a child who had no contact with the Wild Card world dealing with her own power and ability is refreshing and will help new fans understand the series.
Dust and the Darkness by Victor Milan
Oh my my my, the last solo Victor Milan story, can I take a moment and breath that in. In the Texas hold'em story this story so seamlessly steps into the story as a beloved fan I had to take a breath. Caroline great job of editing and placing the story. How do I feel? Frustrated that Dust and Darkness will not get a solo novel. Victor has a way of making characters you want to know more about. Darkness is an intriguing character. Why does she have the ACE ability to create darkness? How absolute is that darkness? How long does it stay after her, so many questions? Dust, his backstory, where he is in life, where he is going, it needs to be told. The idea that a broken bull rider can find a new lease in life is so poignant with the reality that this is one of the last stories we get from this prolific and wonderful man. The idea that you can go on and find purpose in life after your dreams have been ended, but that your friends and family connections will be there to help you is so hopeful. I saw reminders of that in the story, as Victor used quotes from Melinda, Caroline, and GRRM in his story. With tears in my eyes I raise my glass to Victor's continued accomplishments.
Is Nobody Going to San Antone? by Walton Simons
Well Bud, you have a character in Jerry.. to see Mr Nobody have another story has been fun. The awkward nature of his experience is just another light note in this series of stories. I loved the reminder of Mighty Joe Young, and the other black and white films. The appearances of classic movie actors and characters always makes Jerry a fun character. To see that he was able to help other ACE's in the series is one of the things I love about the series. Like Croyd, Jerry is a fun reminder of the original stories. The fact that he became Joe, not only is hilarious, but those fans that have been around will remember that he has a problem with being a large ape.
Drop City by David Anthony Durham
"Wow" David Durham has found a new power I admire so much, his character DJ is an ACE with an amazing twist to his power that just makes not only this volume of Wild Cards, but something that we all wish could happen in the real world. How would it be in the world today would have someone with this ACE power, that for a night you could be in the body of another person? To see the racism, the limitations of disability, and so many other things in life that cause hatred and prejudice put on the person whom judges others by appearances not conduct of character. It was a moment of justice in the series, but dang that is a cooooool ACE.
April 26, 2021
Not going to lie this was probably my least favorite wild cards novel. Other than one or two stories it was a sad end to the American triad of of the wild cards novels. it failed to capitalize on having great characters like Rustbelt and Bubbles do anything note worthy and instead replaced them with characters like "rubberband" and "dust". There were some great call back characters in this book and I did enjoy the younger characters interactions and adventures but they were otherwise diluted by strange stories where Jade Blossom shows up just to remind everyone that she was unlikeable. Could honestly be skipped but if you've read 25 of these books you will be able to read this one as well.
November 28, 2018
Dnf. It is a day in the life of kids at a music competition. Not what I enjoy about the series. Hoping the next is better.
June 15, 2019
Texas Hold ’Em is the 27th book in the long-running Wild Cards series, which started in 1987. I read this book late last year but did not get a chance to review it until just now, so I’m just going to do a quick one.
The Wild Cards books make up one of the more interesting book series at the moment. Started by George R. R. Martin and his tabletop game friends (all of whom where fantasy and science fiction writers), this series has since expanded into a massive book franchise that has featured an impressive line-up of authors. There are a huge number of books, and the series is even currently being adapted into a couple of television series on Hulu.
Each of the Wild Cards books is made up of several short, interconnected stories written by a different author, with the entire novel edited together by Martin. Texas Hold ’Em, for example, features the talents of David Anthony Durham, Max Gladstone, Diana Rowland, Caroline Spector, Walton Simons, William F. Wu and the late Victor Milán. Melinda M. Snodgrass, who has contributed to a huge number of the previous Wild Cards books, also assisted in editing this book.
I came into this franchise fairly late and have only read the books which make up the most recent trilogy, The American Triad. I quite enjoyed the first two books in the trilogy, Mississippi Roll and Low Chicago, and was looking forward to the third and final book, Texas Hold ’Em.
I found Texas Hold ‘Em to be a fun addition to this fantastic series. However, unlike the other two Wild Cards books that I have read, this one seemed to be a bit more like a young adult fiction novel. This is mainly because many of the short stories focus on teenage characters as they encounter the many ups and downs of San Antonio and the jazz competition. The rest of the stories are a pretty interesting mix of mystery, thriller and other action adventure type stories, as the various adult characters encounter a range of situations, mostly associated with protecting or wrangling their young charges. There were some good stories within this book, and fans of the franchise will appreciate the return of several recurring characters who have appeared in some of the previous books.
The stories in this book are told in a different way to the previous Wild Cards books. Rather than having several short stories told to their full extent and then connected by one split short story that overlaps with each of them, Texas Hold ’Em is instead broken up by a period of several days. Each of the days contains multiple parts of the various short stories, featuring the events of that story that happens on that day. This is a much more fragmented way to tell each story, but the chronological consistency is an interesting narrative choice. The combined short stories do make for quite a good overall narrative, although it does seem a little lower stakes than some of the previous books in the series.
One of the most interesting parts of this book is the examination of prejudice and hatred that infects each of the stories. In this universe, many of the humans who were unaffected by the Wild Card virus discriminate against Jokers and Aces; Jokers because of their disfigurations and Aces because they are afraid of them. This appears to be particularly enhanced down in San Antonio, mainly due to the appearance of the Purity Baptist Church, this universe’s version of everyone’s favourite hate group, the Westboro Baptist Church. The various protests and prejudices of the fiction group against those affected by the Wild Card virus do reflect the Westboro Baptist Church, so it was definitely an accurate depiction, and it was cool to see how they would react when confronted with someone with superpowers. That being said, the writers really needed to come up with a better term than “God’s Weenies” to refer to this group, or least stop repeating it to the degree that they did. Many of the characters in the book also encounter other forms of discrimination aside from the protests occurring outside the event, most of which mirrored discrimination real-life minority groups experience every day. This was a pretty good look at discrimination, and I liked how the various authors attempted to examine this problem by putting it in the context of the Wild Cards universe, especially as it led to some curious scenarios and interesting story moments.
Overall, this was a great new addition to the Wild Cards series. If I’m going to be honest, this was probably my least favourite book in the American Triad trilogy, but I still had fun reading it. I am interested to see what the next book in the Wild Cards universe will be like, and I will be curious to see if the show I mentioned above actually comes into being.
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
The Wild Cards books make up one of the more interesting book series at the moment. Started by George R. R. Martin and his tabletop game friends (all of whom where fantasy and science fiction writers), this series has since expanded into a massive book franchise that has featured an impressive line-up of authors. There are a huge number of books, and the series is even currently being adapted into a couple of television series on Hulu.
Each of the Wild Cards books is made up of several short, interconnected stories written by a different author, with the entire novel edited together by Martin. Texas Hold ’Em, for example, features the talents of David Anthony Durham, Max Gladstone, Diana Rowland, Caroline Spector, Walton Simons, William F. Wu and the late Victor Milán. Melinda M. Snodgrass, who has contributed to a huge number of the previous Wild Cards books, also assisted in editing this book.
I came into this franchise fairly late and have only read the books which make up the most recent trilogy, The American Triad. I quite enjoyed the first two books in the trilogy, Mississippi Roll and Low Chicago, and was looking forward to the third and final book, Texas Hold ’Em.
I found Texas Hold ‘Em to be a fun addition to this fantastic series. However, unlike the other two Wild Cards books that I have read, this one seemed to be a bit more like a young adult fiction novel. This is mainly because many of the short stories focus on teenage characters as they encounter the many ups and downs of San Antonio and the jazz competition. The rest of the stories are a pretty interesting mix of mystery, thriller and other action adventure type stories, as the various adult characters encounter a range of situations, mostly associated with protecting or wrangling their young charges. There were some good stories within this book, and fans of the franchise will appreciate the return of several recurring characters who have appeared in some of the previous books.
The stories in this book are told in a different way to the previous Wild Cards books. Rather than having several short stories told to their full extent and then connected by one split short story that overlaps with each of them, Texas Hold ’Em is instead broken up by a period of several days. Each of the days contains multiple parts of the various short stories, featuring the events of that story that happens on that day. This is a much more fragmented way to tell each story, but the chronological consistency is an interesting narrative choice. The combined short stories do make for quite a good overall narrative, although it does seem a little lower stakes than some of the previous books in the series.
One of the most interesting parts of this book is the examination of prejudice and hatred that infects each of the stories. In this universe, many of the humans who were unaffected by the Wild Card virus discriminate against Jokers and Aces; Jokers because of their disfigurations and Aces because they are afraid of them. This appears to be particularly enhanced down in San Antonio, mainly due to the appearance of the Purity Baptist Church, this universe’s version of everyone’s favourite hate group, the Westboro Baptist Church. The various protests and prejudices of the fiction group against those affected by the Wild Card virus do reflect the Westboro Baptist Church, so it was definitely an accurate depiction, and it was cool to see how they would react when confronted with someone with superpowers. That being said, the writers really needed to come up with a better term than “God’s Weenies” to refer to this group, or least stop repeating it to the degree that they did. Many of the characters in the book also encounter other forms of discrimination aside from the protests occurring outside the event, most of which mirrored discrimination real-life minority groups experience every day. This was a pretty good look at discrimination, and I liked how the various authors attempted to examine this problem by putting it in the context of the Wild Cards universe, especially as it led to some curious scenarios and interesting story moments.
Overall, this was a great new addition to the Wild Cards series. If I’m going to be honest, this was probably my least favourite book in the American Triad trilogy, but I still had fun reading it. I am interested to see what the next book in the Wild Cards universe will be like, and I will be curious to see if the show I mentioned above actually comes into being.
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
January 15, 2020
Great fun! Much better flow and integration between stories (compared to Chicago Low), interesting characters and clever story conceit, lots of fun action. Michelle and Adesina, Ghost and Rusty et al are welcome returns, and a band trip a great backdrop for all sorts of chaos and missteps, well played. DJ Tod and TheFeels were welcome additions to the Wild Cards universe, and smoothly integrated in this story.
I enjoyed the cover art, with some of the players sketched into the bubbles around Michelle. Wish this collection included a character page though, especially with so many similarly-named kids and so many multiply monikered Aces and Jokers.
Sore points for me in this collection were the inept chaperones, the side story of Mindy-Lou Gutiérrez, and the juvenile actions of some of the adults.
Two dozen chaperones, probably four dozen teenagers, and no one suggests putting a chaperone or two on the doors after curfew? Were these adults never teenagers? Some of the kids have been jokers their whole lives, and they haven't learned they are making themselves targets going out alone in a strange city at night?
I found the sub story of Billy Rainbow and Mindy-Lou Gutiérrez out of place in this collection. The first-person style was jarring as the rest of the work is written in third person. You'd think a missing teenager would be sobering and a bit scary, but there's almost zero impact to the main story line and action.
And really, not one but two men (Jerry Jeff and Robin) in their middle age can't tell that the other is broke? I think most kids learn to recognize the signs of financial need before middle school. Why would a guy on the outs pick the most expensive place to have a TEACHER pay? And why wouldn't the teacher own up to his financial situation? Really...
I found the Purity Bible group over the top as well. I don't imagine any city in the US allowing adults to harass high-school students en masse for days, uninterrupted. Maybe the Wild Cards universe doesn't have hate crime or stalking laws? Certainly the public protestors should have been brought in and questioned after the thefts and the snakes?
Michelle still behaves like a bully with no diplomatic or negotiation skills, Wally like a bashful teenager, and its old. In all these years, no one, not their friends, the UN, no military body nor police force, has suggested crowd management or negotiation skills training for these global actors? Not a single leader has figured that just a little training could get them the best allies on the planet?
I suppose that's the Superhero world, and it serves to advance the stories in any direction the authors like, but I think these items keep the collection from meriting a top rating.
If these stories are aimed at teenagers, maybe teaching them some actual skills wouldn't be amiss? Certainly one would still expect plenty of missteps from teenagers and adults, but these people are so clueless, I'd expect kids reading this would be bursting to tell someone how the adults SHOULD have responded, every step of the way.
I enjoyed the cover art, with some of the players sketched into the bubbles around Michelle. Wish this collection included a character page though, especially with so many similarly-named kids and so many multiply monikered Aces and Jokers.
Sore points for me in this collection were the inept chaperones, the side story of Mindy-Lou Gutiérrez, and the juvenile actions of some of the adults.
Two dozen chaperones, probably four dozen teenagers, and no one suggests putting a chaperone or two on the doors after curfew? Were these adults never teenagers? Some of the kids have been jokers their whole lives, and they haven't learned they are making themselves targets going out alone in a strange city at night?
I found the sub story of Billy Rainbow and Mindy-Lou Gutiérrez out of place in this collection. The first-person style was jarring as the rest of the work is written in third person. You'd think a missing teenager would be sobering and a bit scary, but there's almost zero impact to the main story line and action.
And really, not one but two men (Jerry Jeff and Robin) in their middle age can't tell that the other is broke? I think most kids learn to recognize the signs of financial need before middle school. Why would a guy on the outs pick the most expensive place to have a TEACHER pay? And why wouldn't the teacher own up to his financial situation? Really...
I found the Purity Bible group over the top as well. I don't imagine any city in the US allowing adults to harass high-school students en masse for days, uninterrupted. Maybe the Wild Cards universe doesn't have hate crime or stalking laws? Certainly the public protestors should have been brought in and questioned after the thefts and the snakes?
Michelle still behaves like a bully with no diplomatic or negotiation skills, Wally like a bashful teenager, and its old. In all these years, no one, not their friends, the UN, no military body nor police force, has suggested crowd management or negotiation skills training for these global actors? Not a single leader has figured that just a little training could get them the best allies on the planet?
I suppose that's the Superhero world, and it serves to advance the stories in any direction the authors like, but I think these items keep the collection from meriting a top rating.
If these stories are aimed at teenagers, maybe teaching them some actual skills wouldn't be amiss? Certainly one would still expect plenty of missteps from teenagers and adults, but these people are so clueless, I'd expect kids reading this would be bursting to tell someone how the adults SHOULD have responded, every step of the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2021
One of the things I like about the Wild Cards universe is how many different types of story it's capable of telling. This particular offering is far from the usual, which to my mind is a plus, but to many readers could be a negative. Compared with what you'd normally expect from Martin (for whatever he has to do with this book specifically), this is entirely devoid of horrible deaths, almost completely lacking in sexual references, and largely upbeat and positive. It's also - and one suspects this is what most people might have a problem with in a superhero story - particularly low stakes.
The core plot concerns a high school jazz band spending a week in San Antonio in order to take part in a national competition. Six stories are woven into this, but they're all directly related to it, mostly introducing new characters to the series as an admittedly implausibly high number of the characters turn out to be secret aces. Or deuces, really, in most cases.
The running theme of the stories is prejudice, because the band that's the focus of it all is made up of jokers. Texas, in this respect, doesn't come out of it very well, being most prominently represented by a bigoted Baptist church, but there are, in fact, a number of more tolerant characters to play against this, most obviously in the final story.
For me, the weakest of the break-out stories is 'Jade Blossom's Brew', in which a former contestant on American Hero basically acts like a jerk. She is doing it in a good cause towards the end, but up until then, she just seems to be obnoxious for the sake of it, and I didn't get a feel for the character at all. But all of the others worked, dealing with minor dramas along the way and teens breaking the school-imposed curfew along with trying to figure out their place in the world. Of the new characters, the one that I found worked best was the girl with the secret power to control mosquitos; otherwise, it's the returning characters of Bubbles and Jerry Strauss who make the most impression.
This is a standalone book; obviously, there's a lot of backstory to some of the characters, and to the world itself, but it's not really necessary to have read the previous books to make sense of this one On the other hand, it's so different in tone to most of those, even with the strong theme of unjustified prejudice, that it's really not a good place to start. It's a change of pace, something I wouldn't want very often, but that's nice every now and then.
The core plot concerns a high school jazz band spending a week in San Antonio in order to take part in a national competition. Six stories are woven into this, but they're all directly related to it, mostly introducing new characters to the series as an admittedly implausibly high number of the characters turn out to be secret aces. Or deuces, really, in most cases.
The running theme of the stories is prejudice, because the band that's the focus of it all is made up of jokers. Texas, in this respect, doesn't come out of it very well, being most prominently represented by a bigoted Baptist church, but there are, in fact, a number of more tolerant characters to play against this, most obviously in the final story.
For me, the weakest of the break-out stories is 'Jade Blossom's Brew', in which a former contestant on American Hero basically acts like a jerk. She is doing it in a good cause towards the end, but up until then, she just seems to be obnoxious for the sake of it, and I didn't get a feel for the character at all. But all of the others worked, dealing with minor dramas along the way and teens breaking the school-imposed curfew along with trying to figure out their place in the world. Of the new characters, the one that I found worked best was the girl with the secret power to control mosquitos; otherwise, it's the returning characters of Bubbles and Jerry Strauss who make the most impression.
This is a standalone book; obviously, there's a lot of backstory to some of the characters, and to the world itself, but it's not really necessary to have read the previous books to make sense of this one On the other hand, it's so different in tone to most of those, even with the strong theme of unjustified prejudice, that it's really not a good place to start. It's a change of pace, something I wouldn't want very often, but that's nice every now and then.
August 9, 2023
This was honestly a pretty pointless novel. The story which ties the narrative together wasn't particularly interesting or well written and has dialogue like this;
Personally, I've read better teen dialogue in fanfiction written by people in their forties. The rest of the stories vary from 'an entire story dedicated to slut shaming a minor character from a previous novel' to 'Look at this stereotype of a stereotypical Deep South Texan and pretend they're a believable character' and 'this story has nothing to do with the main one but is here anyway' as well as 'here's a preachy tangent that couldn't be more obviously preachy unless one of the involved parties was on a soapbox in an angel costume and the other party was crawling around in mud in a devil costume'.
They tried way too hard to keep up the location based idea that ties the American Triad together, and ended up with a book that's really just about an authors poor execution of modern teenagers encountering that same authors imagination of what religious Texans would be like in the Wild Cards universe, which ended up essentially being the Westboro Baptist Church who are actually based in Kansas. Wild Cards has portrayed bigotry against Jokers and Aces in plenty of novels in multiple well thought out ways, across races, cultures and varying geography, but when they try to ground it in religion it rarely turns out well. It didn't for the stories focused with the middle east for the most part, and it doesn't here either.
The main story itself isn't a bad concept in itself, (when it's not written by an author who has their circa 2018 or so teens saying 'hella adorbs' and 'totes sad-like' when they grew up in war-torn Congo and almost died from an attempted super soldier program for child soldiers) it's just very poorly executed with two dimensional stereotypes masquerading as characters and multiple pointless short stories tagged alongside it to pad it out into a publishable novel.
"Jinxies, Mom, I just got shot."
"I've been totes better. Being shot, I confess, not my favorite thing."
"You're awfully quippy for being shot."
Personally, I've read better teen dialogue in fanfiction written by people in their forties. The rest of the stories vary from 'an entire story dedicated to slut shaming a minor character from a previous novel' to 'Look at this stereotype of a stereotypical Deep South Texan and pretend they're a believable character' and 'this story has nothing to do with the main one but is here anyway' as well as 'here's a preachy tangent that couldn't be more obviously preachy unless one of the involved parties was on a soapbox in an angel costume and the other party was crawling around in mud in a devil costume'.
They tried way too hard to keep up the location based idea that ties the American Triad together, and ended up with a book that's really just about an authors poor execution of modern teenagers encountering that same authors imagination of what religious Texans would be like in the Wild Cards universe, which ended up essentially being the Westboro Baptist Church who are actually based in Kansas. Wild Cards has portrayed bigotry against Jokers and Aces in plenty of novels in multiple well thought out ways, across races, cultures and varying geography, but when they try to ground it in religion it rarely turns out well. It didn't for the stories focused with the middle east for the most part, and it doesn't here either.
The main story itself isn't a bad concept in itself, (when it's not written by an author who has their circa 2018 or so teens saying 'hella adorbs' and 'totes sad-like' when they grew up in war-torn Congo and almost died from an attempted super soldier program for child soldiers) it's just very poorly executed with two dimensional stereotypes masquerading as characters and multiple pointless short stories tagged alongside it to pad it out into a publishable novel.
December 10, 2018
Wild Cards Teen Edition, with special appearance by the Westboro Baptist Church.
The Jokertown High Jazz Band buses to Texas to participate in an elite national jazz band competition. Martin and company use the wild card virus as a metaphor to explore the traumatic transformative nature of adolescence, and the setting--a fearful, largely joker and ace free Texas--to put religious bigotry under the microscope.
There were a few stories I enjoyed, but Texas Hold'em falls within the weaker end of the Wild Cards spectrum. The forced teen-speak was unrealistic and awkward, and the big dramatic climax chapter was just...silly. And I seriously could have lived without the out-of-character Fartboy chapter.
Stories:
The Jokertown High Jazz Band buses to Texas to participate in an elite national jazz band competition. Martin and company use the wild card virus as a metaphor to explore the traumatic transformative nature of adolescence, and the setting--a fearful, largely joker and ace free Texas--to put religious bigotry under the microscope.
There were a few stories I enjoyed, but Texas Hold'em falls within the weaker end of the Wild Cards spectrum. The forced teen-speak was unrealistic and awkward, and the big dramatic climax chapter was just...silly. And I seriously could have lived without the out-of-character Fartboy chapter.
Stories:
February 26, 2019
- Dust and the Darkness are exactly the type of characters I like reading about. The end of their story seems to set up more adventures ad I hope to read about them. (But considering who the writer is....maybe not, insert sad face emoji)
- I am sucker for the return of old characters and we get 'Nobody' in this volume. His story ends up a bit comical and it is the one where Adesina actually does something.
- Jade Blossom was an complex character. I kept thinking she would be a great foil for the Amazing Bubbles as there are interesting similarities and differences that could be explored if they are juxtaposed together.
- The teenagers in the story actually act like teenagers especially in the 'love triangle' and 'joker rave' stories. I am not sure about the lingo they use though. I don't think I've ever heard a teenager use 'totes' unironically. I do know a lot of teenagers - admittedly not American.
- The short stories are way better than the bits in between.
- The Amazing Bubbles is in it - YAY!. Unfortunately there is less reason for her to be amazing - she is struggling to be a mom. Makes sense for her character development I guess but nor very exciting.
- Very low risk levels for the characters. No major life developments for any of them. Certainly not the grim and grittiness I love about the series.
- Rubberband is one of the most uninteresting characters ever created for a Wild Cards book. It was a relief when I realised his story had stopped. That sort of sneaks up on you.
- I think this is the first Wild Cards book I haven't given 5 stars to.
- I am sucker for the return of old characters and we get 'Nobody' in this volume. His story ends up a bit comical and it is the one where Adesina actually does something.
- Jade Blossom was an complex character. I kept thinking she would be a great foil for the Amazing Bubbles as there are interesting similarities and differences that could be explored if they are juxtaposed together.
- The teenagers in the story actually act like teenagers especially in the 'love triangle' and 'joker rave' stories. I am not sure about the lingo they use though. I don't think I've ever heard a teenager use 'totes' unironically. I do know a lot of teenagers - admittedly not American.
- The short stories are way better than the bits in between.
- The Amazing Bubbles is in it - YAY!. Unfortunately there is less reason for her to be amazing - she is struggling to be a mom. Makes sense for her character development I guess but nor very exciting.
- Very low risk levels for the characters. No major life developments for any of them. Certainly not the grim and grittiness I love about the series.
- Rubberband is one of the most uninteresting characters ever created for a Wild Cards book. It was a relief when I realised his story had stopped. That sort of sneaks up on you.
- I think this is the first Wild Cards book I haven't given 5 stars to.
May 11, 2021
This was a good way to end the American Trilogy/Cycle in the series (the British cycle ends later this year). I know part of the reason I'm giving this a slightly better rating than I probably should. It's because of the band trip.
Have you ever chaperoned a school dance or band trip? Back in my married days I did both. Our daughter was in the middle school band, and fortunately for us it was a one day gig. Now, here Bubbles, Rustbucket and more are chaperoning Jokertown's high school jazz band at a jazz band competition in Texas. Now while The Amazing Bubbles (aka Michelle Pond) wonders what can wrong herding a bunch of teenagers....
Bigots protesting the Jokers competing, violent attacks against the teens, teen on teen peer attacks (all right maybe that is a stretch), a borderline kidnapping-sure just a nice, quiet few days in San Antonio.
As per the usual mosaic novel there are various plots and subplots running throughout the book, but the end literally had me laughing.
I won't spoil the music reference Bubbles sneaks in, but between that and some of the teenager issues with Adesina in the last 40 pages or so I think a lot of people would smile, if not laugh.
Have you ever chaperoned a school dance or band trip? Back in my married days I did both. Our daughter was in the middle school band, and fortunately for us it was a one day gig. Now, here Bubbles, Rustbucket and more are chaperoning Jokertown's high school jazz band at a jazz band competition in Texas. Now while The Amazing Bubbles (aka Michelle Pond) wonders what can wrong herding a bunch of teenagers....
Bigots protesting the Jokers competing, violent attacks against the teens, teen on teen peer attacks (all right maybe that is a stretch), a borderline kidnapping-sure just a nice, quiet few days in San Antonio.
As per the usual mosaic novel there are various plots and subplots running throughout the book, but the end literally had me laughing.
I won't spoil the music reference Bubbles sneaks in, but between that and some of the teenager issues with Adesina in the last 40 pages or so I think a lot of people would smile, if not laugh.
June 5, 2019
This is the last of the current trilogy exploring the non New York side of the Wild Cards universe. Texas Hold 'em takes us to Austin; unlike the two previous volumes Texas is not as central because most of the main characters are New York Jokers and Aces visiting Texas for a music competition.
Some old characters like Bubbles, Jade Blossom, and Jerry Strauss are involved in a small mystery of who is sabotaging the kids from Jokertown. New characters to me I'm likely to want to read more of are Dust and Darkness.
The main story is the joker kids and their competitors but really it's fundamentally about how this universe is dealing with the Wild Card virus. There are no easy answers. It's a struggle but the kids make connections and form networks so there is hope for a peaceful future. The other two volumes were bigger stories revolving around time travel and a haunted journey along the Mississippi, but if big stories don't interest you than this collection of smaller stories might be more rewarding.
Some old characters like Bubbles, Jade Blossom, and Jerry Strauss are involved in a small mystery of who is sabotaging the kids from Jokertown. New characters to me I'm likely to want to read more of are Dust and Darkness.
The main story is the joker kids and their competitors but really it's fundamentally about how this universe is dealing with the Wild Card virus. There are no easy answers. It's a struggle but the kids make connections and form networks so there is hope for a peaceful future. The other two volumes were bigger stories revolving around time travel and a haunted journey along the Mississippi, but if big stories don't interest you than this collection of smaller stories might be more rewarding.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2019
I am currently nearing the end of a reread through the series; at least up until Suicide Kings it was a reread. Everything after that was a first read for me. I purchased the first six Wild Cards novels around the time volumes 11 and 12 hit the shelf (early 90s?). I have reread those first six more times than I can remember. My intention was to wait and review the series as a whole after I had finished the next book. But this volume stands out as being so bad that I couldn't wait.
I can get behind a subtle or even bold political message, it's kind of hard to do this kind of alternate history sci-fi without a little bit of that. But the politics of this book are so heavy-handed that they become a caricature. I can even get behind the YA Wild Cards theme of thenovel. But the execution is so poor that I can't really excuse it. From cringy dialogue to bad characterization, this one is the absolute worst.
I can get behind a subtle or even bold political message, it's kind of hard to do this kind of alternate history sci-fi without a little bit of that. But the politics of this book are so heavy-handed that they become a caricature. I can even get behind the YA Wild Cards theme of thenovel. But the execution is so poor that I can't really excuse it. From cringy dialogue to bad characterization, this one is the absolute worst.
November 30, 2019
This is exactly the Wild Cards novel that I needed right now.
I have been generally enjoying the revival of this series, and I loved when things got dark, but there's a limit to the amount of grim politics and body horror that I can tolerate - eventually you need a palate cleanser. And this was exactly that. The last novel before this tried, but got bogged down in a mixture of redundancy and pointlessness.
This was cheesy YA fun, and that is a genre I hadn't even realized was sorely missing from the Wild Cards universe. It kept the WC signature cultural relevance, but played around in a new style with a mix of familiar and new characters. All in all, good light fun.
I have been generally enjoying the revival of this series, and I loved when things got dark, but there's a limit to the amount of grim politics and body horror that I can tolerate - eventually you need a palate cleanser. And this was exactly that. The last novel before this tried, but got bogged down in a mixture of redundancy and pointlessness.
This was cheesy YA fun, and that is a genre I hadn't even realized was sorely missing from the Wild Cards universe. It kept the WC signature cultural relevance, but played around in a new style with a mix of familiar and new characters. All in all, good light fun.
April 16, 2019
Who would ever think of setting a SF/Superhero book around a high school jazz band competition? The GRRM-led crew at Wild Cards did, and to surprisingly excellent result. The new sequence of books that lower the stakes and localize the action to a single setting (San Antonio, a Mississippi riverboat, the vicinity of the Palmer Hotel in Chicago) have been a great throwback to the first Wild Cards trilogy. I care about these characters, and when their trials become superhuman, they're always grounded in human emotion.
November 15, 2018
George R. R. Martin, who isn’t writing new Game of Throne books, has edited a heart-warming wild cards tale, Texas Hold'em (hard from Tor) set at a high-school Jazz band competition in San Antonio. The band from Xavier Desmond High are all jokers, causing lots of bible belt protests. There’s a stink bomb, a kidnaping, and a lot of music. Prejudiced kids are taught lessons, and somehow it all works out. It left a tear in my eye.Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press
January 14, 2019
I didn't mean to read this one in a single day (well, period of wakefulness, anyway), but I did. It was light and fun and worked pretty well - not as funny as I suspect people were aiming for, and a few dangling plot threads along the way, but coherent and enjoyable, albeit something of a side story to the main arc of the series (although at least one plot development in it I suspect will be important down the line). Roll on volume 28
April 11, 2020
My first foray into George R R Martin's Wild Cards and although it was very much a YA novel I quite enjoyed it. It was certainly something different and the constant discussion of racism mixed up with the Ace, Deuce, Joker and nat dichotomy running through; as well as the teen angst, made for an entertaining first trip into this world.
I'll probably read the beginning of this trilogy to find out more about Ms Michelle 'Bubbles' Pond at the very least
I'll probably read the beginning of this trilogy to find out more about Ms Michelle 'Bubbles' Pond at the very least
November 30, 2018
First of all, I've read all 25+ books in this series except 2 and 3 for some reason.
After the last grimdark series and the riverboat weirdness of the last one, this was a closer return to form. Plus...Popinjay! Fun little jaunt.
What's needed in the next book is a return to form with more of the variety of powers going up against powers.
After the last grimdark series and the riverboat weirdness of the last one, this was a closer return to form. Plus...Popinjay! Fun little jaunt.
What's needed in the next book is a return to form with more of the variety of powers going up against powers.
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