What do you think?
Rate this book
Aces High, Jokers Wild #2
Call the Bluff
It costs a lot to win. And even more to lose.
Seven Corporations rule the former United States with seven codes of conduct based on their ideas of morality. Comply with the code of the Corporation that holds your Citizen Contract, or suffer the economic consequences. Or fight back. For sixty years the Democratic State Force has been fighting to return representative democracy to the country. Living in the no man’s lands between cities and hanging on by their fingernails, the thinly spread guerrilla force hasn’t gotten far. But they have a secret weapon: their finest unit, Base 1407. Handle: The Wildcards.Pulled together after disaster by Commander Aidan Headly, the Wildcards are on top of their game again. They’d better be. They’ve just been called to act as backup in a mission bigger than anything the Force has attempted before. The team that went in first is probably dead.If they pull their mission off, everything will change.If they don’t, they’ll be lucky to survive the year.
Life’s a bitch. She’s got the game rigged. Keep the cards close to your chest.
Seven Corporations rule the former United States with seven codes of conduct based on their ideas of morality. Comply with the code of the Corporation that holds your Citizen Contract, or suffer the economic consequences. Or fight back. For sixty years the Democratic State Force has been fighting to return representative democracy to the country. Living in the no man’s lands between cities and hanging on by their fingernails, the thinly spread guerrilla force hasn’t gotten far. But they have a secret weapon: their finest unit, Base 1407. Handle: The Wildcards.Pulled together after disaster by Commander Aidan Headly, the Wildcards are on top of their game again. They’d better be. They’ve just been called to act as backup in a mission bigger than anything the Force has attempted before. The team that went in first is probably dead.If they pull their mission off, everything will change.If they don’t, they’ll be lucky to survive the year.
Life’s a bitch. She’s got the game rigged. Keep the cards close to your chest.
280 pages, Paperback
First published December 23, 2018
14 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
O.E. Tearmann
22 books61 followersBringing their own experiences as a marginalized author to the page with flawed but genuine characters, O.E. Tearmann’s work has been described as “Firefly for the dystopian genre.”
Tearmann is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, a finalist for the Cygnus award and the winner of the 2022 Feathered Quill award. They live in Colorado with two cats, their partner, and the belief that individuals can make humanity better through small actions. In their spare time, they teach workshops on writing GLTBQ characters, plant gardens that showcase sustainable agricultural practices, and play too many video games.
Tearmann is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, a finalist for the Cygnus award and the winner of the 2022 Feathered Quill award. They live in Colorado with two cats, their partner, and the belief that individuals can make humanity better through small actions. In their spare time, they teach workshops on writing GLTBQ characters, plant gardens that showcase sustainable agricultural practices, and play too many video games.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 16, 2022
Call the Bluff by O.E. Tearmann
Aces High, Jokers Wild #2
Had to pick this book up immediately after telling friends about book one in the series. I had to see if this book was as good as the first one and indeed it was.
In book two of the series, the team has come together and is working well as a team. The book begins with the base having just moved to a new site and soon being given an “impossible” task to implement…if they can. So far only unsuccessful attempts have been made and the area commander feels that the Wildcards are best able to implement what is hoped will have a huge impact on the companies running what is America in a dystopian world.
Reconnaissance, planning, research, trials, fixes, and effort is expended working to make the mission perfect without loss of life or exposure of the team or their base. Eventually it is go-time and the effort is made to impact the corporations with a stranglehold on those they control.
Will the team succeed? What will happen if they do or if they don’t? How do the team fare during the various stages of the missions planning through implementation? How does all of this impact the rest of the base? And how do celebrations of birthdays and holidays take place in this crazy world of the future?
I loved:
* Seeing how Aidan is faring as commander
* Finding out how Aidan and Kevin are doing as a couple
* Learning more about Tweak and what makes her not only skittish but so very different
* Watching the various team members continue to thrive and get along as they live in this barren Duster domain they call home
* Knowing that the team has come together as a well-oiled unit and that they are thriving
* Thinking about the positive impact the Dusters may eventually have on America and rooting for them
* Believing that this would make an excellent TV or movie series if the right person read and snapped it up
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Aces High, Jokers Wild #2
Had to pick this book up immediately after telling friends about book one in the series. I had to see if this book was as good as the first one and indeed it was.
In book two of the series, the team has come together and is working well as a team. The book begins with the base having just moved to a new site and soon being given an “impossible” task to implement…if they can. So far only unsuccessful attempts have been made and the area commander feels that the Wildcards are best able to implement what is hoped will have a huge impact on the companies running what is America in a dystopian world.
Reconnaissance, planning, research, trials, fixes, and effort is expended working to make the mission perfect without loss of life or exposure of the team or their base. Eventually it is go-time and the effort is made to impact the corporations with a stranglehold on those they control.
Will the team succeed? What will happen if they do or if they don’t? How do the team fare during the various stages of the missions planning through implementation? How does all of this impact the rest of the base? And how do celebrations of birthdays and holidays take place in this crazy world of the future?
I loved:
* Seeing how Aidan is faring as commander
* Finding out how Aidan and Kevin are doing as a couple
* Learning more about Tweak and what makes her not only skittish but so very different
* Watching the various team members continue to thrive and get along as they live in this barren Duster domain they call home
* Knowing that the team has come together as a well-oiled unit and that they are thriving
* Thinking about the positive impact the Dusters may eventually have on America and rooting for them
* Believing that this would make an excellent TV or movie series if the right person read and snapped it up
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
February 7, 2019
It is often observed that a second entry in a series can be stronger than the first, as the first book handles the matter of introducing the world and its characters whereas the second can move fully into a more-robust storyline. This is undeniably the case with O.E. Tearmann's 'Call the Bluff.' With the Wildcards brought back from the brink in the previous story, we are now free to see them show us how they earned their impressive reputation.
Tighter pacing and world-building than the previous entry benefit the book greatly, and the stakes are higher than ever as we see the true depths of the Corps' depravity. Fans of the first book should absolutely pick up this new installment, and those who were less-enthusiastic for it should strongly consider giving the series another chance.
Tighter pacing and world-building than the previous entry benefit the book greatly, and the stakes are higher than ever as we see the true depths of the Corps' depravity. Fans of the first book should absolutely pick up this new installment, and those who were less-enthusiastic for it should strongly consider giving the series another chance.
March 30, 2020
Though this is book #2 in the series, I read it last, having read #3 first and #1 second (I know, I know, it's a long story why). Even with my convoluted reading order, I enjoyed each book thoroughly. This is high praise from me, as I usually go out of my way to avoid military style stories. But, it's the characters that win you over, with their differences and similarities, their brilliance and stupidity, their flaws and strengths, their passions and fears... I could go on but you get the point. We are given ample time to really get to know the characters intimately. They become dear to us. And the author lays an intricate, fascinating plot on those characters, with tiny details that were well-researched and believable. Do read the series. But don't be like me, try to read it in order!
November 21, 2020
The story is progressing nicely. I am getting even more attached to the characters as the story goes on. The world-building is horrifying in its detailing but done very, very well. Super enjoyable read!
August 8, 2020
I loved the first book so much and this second sent me down another emotional ride. I didn't think the story could get any better but O. E. Tearmann does not let readers down!
The Wildcards are like family to me. My children. I can only hope that I would be valuable to them if this telling of the future actually comes to America.
The USA is ruled by corporations and their codes of conduct. Break a code and you lose points on your social standing as well as a share of resources. Those resources are thin, at best.
Even worse, fight the powers that be or not fit the corporate idea of a desirable human and you Die! Physical imperfections due to genetics supposedly gone wrong or be considered a deviant, as in a member of the LGBT community and you Die.
Aiden and Kevin are two of my favorite characters. Their love story is so beautifully written. The physical encounters leave me breathless. That they could die because they have such a pure, sweet love for each other breaks my heart.
This book had me much more frightened for this tribe of wonderful people. They have an intricate and highly dangerous role in a new mission against the controlling powers. My heart was racing and I had beads of sweat on my forehead every time there was danger. Losing one of the Wildcards feels too real and impossible to endure.
I'm totally addicted to this series. This is not a genre I would have imagined could have me so devoted. Give it a try. The writing is so good, the characters so inviting, the concept of our future so believable, that you want to be a part of the exciting and, at times, terrifying ride. You want to be a Wildcard!
The Wildcards are like family to me. My children. I can only hope that I would be valuable to them if this telling of the future actually comes to America.
The USA is ruled by corporations and their codes of conduct. Break a code and you lose points on your social standing as well as a share of resources. Those resources are thin, at best.
Even worse, fight the powers that be or not fit the corporate idea of a desirable human and you Die! Physical imperfections due to genetics supposedly gone wrong or be considered a deviant, as in a member of the LGBT community and you Die.
Aiden and Kevin are two of my favorite characters. Their love story is so beautifully written. The physical encounters leave me breathless. That they could die because they have such a pure, sweet love for each other breaks my heart.
This book had me much more frightened for this tribe of wonderful people. They have an intricate and highly dangerous role in a new mission against the controlling powers. My heart was racing and I had beads of sweat on my forehead every time there was danger. Losing one of the Wildcards feels too real and impossible to endure.
I'm totally addicted to this series. This is not a genre I would have imagined could have me so devoted. Give it a try. The writing is so good, the characters so inviting, the concept of our future so believable, that you want to be a part of the exciting and, at times, terrifying ride. You want to be a Wildcard!
May 15, 2022
After the first book totally blew me away with its excellent mixture of dystopian action, humour and romance, I immediately snatched up the sequel - and now that I've read it, I'm thrilled to see it lived up to my high expectations and delivered another highly entertaining dose of all the above (and also, phew, is it getting hot in here or is that just me?) while driving forward character and relationship development as well as laying out a little more of the corporate hellscape our ragtag bunch of misfits are fighting to bring down. Really loving this series, and will definitely be reading more of it.
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
January 7, 2019
What a good one to start out the new year with. The world Tearmann creates is thought-provoking and well-crafted, a look at a highly stratified society in a resource-poor future North America. The characters are easy to sympathize with and engaging - my favorite is the patrician, highly educated Kevin, who, as a gay man, had to give up his family and status to live a life truer to himself, although it puts him on the bottom tier of a rigid class system. The main character, Aiden, a transgender man, has his own struggles with family, responsibility and self that make him utterly relatable too.
Call The Bluff touches on themes like income inequality, unethical consumption, privilege, sustainability and intergenerational trauma, and it does so with a diverse cast who show the reader their world through the eyes of queer, transgender, Black, and POC characters. That makes it sound awfully serious, but don't get me wrong, there are lines that make you laugh and scenes that make you cry, and the whole second half had me on a reading tear as the threads of different stories began to pull together and the drama built to a high-stakes conclusion.
Tearmann's strengths seem to be writing action-filled plotlines, and knowing when to stop the action to paint a delicate, emotional picture of an exchange between friends or lovers. Now I'm going to have to go back and read the first entry in this series to get to know this world better - it's definitely one of those you keep thinking about after the book is closed.
Call The Bluff touches on themes like income inequality, unethical consumption, privilege, sustainability and intergenerational trauma, and it does so with a diverse cast who show the reader their world through the eyes of queer, transgender, Black, and POC characters. That makes it sound awfully serious, but don't get me wrong, there are lines that make you laugh and scenes that make you cry, and the whole second half had me on a reading tear as the threads of different stories began to pull together and the drama built to a high-stakes conclusion.
Tearmann's strengths seem to be writing action-filled plotlines, and knowing when to stop the action to paint a delicate, emotional picture of an exchange between friends or lovers. Now I'm going to have to go back and read the first entry in this series to get to know this world better - it's definitely one of those you keep thinking about after the book is closed.
July 7, 2022
Audiobook review.
Wow - this (audio)book was even better than the first one. Now that the team are all on the same page (mostly, anyway; there are still a few dust-ups), they are handed a new, vital mission: Spread the news of what the Companies have been doing to the population. And - oh - the previous bases and individual agents who tried have all been destroyed, captured or killed. This is another nitro-packed rollercoaster ride of action, tension, danger, and suspense. There is still time for sweet moments and romance, too, and plenty of hijincks and gallows humor. When one member goes off-mission, will it enhance or destroy the mission, and will they even survive. Heartbreaking and heart-stopping moments, but also some victories. (That's not a spoiler, there are two more books. LOL) I love the heart of these characters and how they band together and protect each other through it all. I am diving into Book 3 now. I can't wait to see what the Wild Cards do next.
Just a note, there are elements that could be triggering for some, including anxiety, depressive moments, and cutting. That said, these moments contribute to sharing, connection, and hopefully, healing. Everyone is a misfit in some way.
Kirt Graves narration is spot on. He really knows how to bring these characters to life, and expresses their moods, thoughts, and emotions beautifully.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review
Wow - this (audio)book was even better than the first one. Now that the team are all on the same page (mostly, anyway; there are still a few dust-ups), they are handed a new, vital mission: Spread the news of what the Companies have been doing to the population. And - oh - the previous bases and individual agents who tried have all been destroyed, captured or killed. This is another nitro-packed rollercoaster ride of action, tension, danger, and suspense. There is still time for sweet moments and romance, too, and plenty of hijincks and gallows humor. When one member goes off-mission, will it enhance or destroy the mission, and will they even survive. Heartbreaking and heart-stopping moments, but also some victories. (That's not a spoiler, there are two more books. LOL) I love the heart of these characters and how they band together and protect each other through it all. I am diving into Book 3 now. I can't wait to see what the Wild Cards do next.
Just a note, there are elements that could be triggering for some, including anxiety, depressive moments, and cutting. That said, these moments contribute to sharing, connection, and hopefully, healing. Everyone is a misfit in some way.
Kirt Graves narration is spot on. He really knows how to bring these characters to life, and expresses their moods, thoughts, and emotions beautifully.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review
July 3, 2019
Book one was out of my comfort zone...and I loved it hard. This second book is better. It is less a military book and more a suspense filled drama with a team of mismatched members you couldn't see working anywhere else.
In this book, the Wildcats are on another mission in the dystopian world that is was the USA. Many have died before, and it's just as timely as anything in the real world. Corporations continue to rule the former US, but this time the Wildcats are tasked with showing the world the atrocities. And they are scary. Tweak the computer genius takes center stage as the Wildcats work to hack social media. It's riveting, especially if you've watched the news and are up on the latest efforts from other countries to integrate into our society, and therefore control it. The ads you see, fake media, opinion pieces...isn't it all an effort to control Americans?
I was sitting literally on the edge of my couch as I read the book. These characters are created with such love and care. Everything in this story is sharper,strengthened and tighter. Even all the dialogue between characters feels important...like there's nothing insignificant. This is a unique story that continues to dazzle.
In this book, the Wildcats are on another mission in the dystopian world that is was the USA. Many have died before, and it's just as timely as anything in the real world. Corporations continue to rule the former US, but this time the Wildcats are tasked with showing the world the atrocities. And they are scary. Tweak the computer genius takes center stage as the Wildcats work to hack social media. It's riveting, especially if you've watched the news and are up on the latest efforts from other countries to integrate into our society, and therefore control it. The ads you see, fake media, opinion pieces...isn't it all an effort to control Americans?
I was sitting literally on the edge of my couch as I read the book. These characters are created with such love and care. Everything in this story is sharper,strengthened and tighter. Even all the dialogue between characters feels important...like there's nothing insignificant. This is a unique story that continues to dazzle.
June 5, 2020
Call the Bluff
(Aces High, Jokers Wild Book 2)
by O. E. Tearman
Call the Bluff is the second installment in Aces High Jokers Wild series, is a suspense filled drama that continues to dazzle the readers, as they continue with life in the dystopian world. A riveting story, keeping the readers turning pages. It is intriguing to watch as the story continues, and the relationships deepen between the characters. A fantastic book that keeps the readers interest from the very first page.
O. E. Tearman has a creative writing style is all consuming, and flows smoothly, with phenomenal characters and a fully developed world. The author has created cast of mismatched characters with such love and care; each with differing personalities and backgrounds. The characters are a strong and interconnected team that seems like a family. The dialogue between the characters feels vital to the storyline, leaving no doubt as to the role each character plays.
Call the Bluff in the Aces High Jokers Wild series does not disappoint the readers; simply blown the readers away. This is my second book to read by O. E. Tearman, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. These thought and feelings are my own, and I give a 4.5-star rating.
(Aces High, Jokers Wild Book 2)
by O. E. Tearman
Call the Bluff is the second installment in Aces High Jokers Wild series, is a suspense filled drama that continues to dazzle the readers, as they continue with life in the dystopian world. A riveting story, keeping the readers turning pages. It is intriguing to watch as the story continues, and the relationships deepen between the characters. A fantastic book that keeps the readers interest from the very first page.
O. E. Tearman has a creative writing style is all consuming, and flows smoothly, with phenomenal characters and a fully developed world. The author has created cast of mismatched characters with such love and care; each with differing personalities and backgrounds. The characters are a strong and interconnected team that seems like a family. The dialogue between the characters feels vital to the storyline, leaving no doubt as to the role each character plays.
Call the Bluff in the Aces High Jokers Wild series does not disappoint the readers; simply blown the readers away. This is my second book to read by O. E. Tearman, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. These thought and feelings are my own, and I give a 4.5-star rating.
April 6, 2024
I love this series and these characters. Book 2 is even better than the first one. Now that the team are all on the same page (mostly, anyway; there are still a few dust-ups), they are handed a new, vital mission: Spread the news of what the Companies have been doing to the population. And - oh - the previous bases and individual agents who tried have all been destroyed, captured or killed. This is another nitro-packed rollercoaster ride of action, tension, danger, and suspense. There is still time for sweet moments and romance, too, and plenty of hijinks and gallows humor. When one member goes off-mission, will it enhance or destroy the mission, and will they even survive. Heartbreaking and heart-stopping moments, but also some victories. (That's not a spoiler, there are at least two more books. LOL) I love the heart of these characters and how they band together and protect each other through it all. I am diving into Book 3 now. I can't wait to see what the Wild Cards do next.
Just a note, there are elements that could be triggering for some, including anxiety, depressive moments, and cutting. That said, these moments contribute to sharing, connection, and hopefully, healing. Everyone is a misfit in some way.
Just a note, there are elements that could be triggering for some, including anxiety, depressive moments, and cutting. That said, these moments contribute to sharing, connection, and hopefully, healing. Everyone is a misfit in some way.
November 20, 2021
Call the Bluff (Aces High Jokers Wide Book 2) by O. E. Tearmann.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was my 2nd attempt at a novel from O. E. Tearman, which after Vol. 1 “The Hands We’ve Given” keeps developing this oppressive dystopian totalitarian world.
The new Duster base, with its Wildcards, has again become a team, organized around Aidan and Kevin, ready to face the most challenging endeavors, they are back to, if not above, their previous levels of actions and success.
This does not go without doubts and mishaps, but are the Wildcards really able to raise to another level, erase their weaknesses and pull up a stunt nobody has ever been able to achieve before.
They are only ones with skills perhaps good enough to pick up a task which has cost the existence of all the teams who have tried…..
Their aim being still to topple the Corp and help if not induce a revolt of their citizens to help them restore freedom and democracy.
A novel of action, emotions packed addressed to adult readers. I have enjoyed reading it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was my 2nd attempt at a novel from O. E. Tearman, which after Vol. 1 “The Hands We’ve Given” keeps developing this oppressive dystopian totalitarian world.
The new Duster base, with its Wildcards, has again become a team, organized around Aidan and Kevin, ready to face the most challenging endeavors, they are back to, if not above, their previous levels of actions and success.
This does not go without doubts and mishaps, but are the Wildcards really able to raise to another level, erase their weaknesses and pull up a stunt nobody has ever been able to achieve before.
They are only ones with skills perhaps good enough to pick up a task which has cost the existence of all the teams who have tried…..
Their aim being still to topple the Corp and help if not induce a revolt of their citizens to help them restore freedom and democracy.
A novel of action, emotions packed addressed to adult readers. I have enjoyed reading it.
May 14, 2023
Trigger warnings: death, murder, child death, self harm
Base 1407, lead by Commander Aiden Headly has been called in for an extraordinarily dangerous mission. All of the bases that have been tasked with this before have failed. Will Aiden and his team be able to take this on and deal a crushing blow to the Corporations? Or will they fail like all those that came before them.
This is the second in a series and I loved it so much. It’s full of action and super fast paced. There were several points where I was genuinely terrified for the people involved. I love the relationship between Aiden and Kevin. They are a super sweet couple and I want nothing but good things for him. I think Tweak is my favorite character though. You get her backstory fleshed out in this so you can understand why she is the way she is in this. I love how skilled she is and I love how included she is with the group as a whole.
Read this as an audiobook and I loved the narration. Highly recommend the audio version of this if that is what format you prefer.
Overall I think this was a fantastic follow up to the first book. There are some very heavy topics in this and some very explicit adult scenes so I don’t recommend this for younger readers but I do recommend this for older scifi/dystopia fans.
Base 1407, lead by Commander Aiden Headly has been called in for an extraordinarily dangerous mission. All of the bases that have been tasked with this before have failed. Will Aiden and his team be able to take this on and deal a crushing blow to the Corporations? Or will they fail like all those that came before them.
This is the second in a series and I loved it so much. It’s full of action and super fast paced. There were several points where I was genuinely terrified for the people involved. I love the relationship between Aiden and Kevin. They are a super sweet couple and I want nothing but good things for him. I think Tweak is my favorite character though. You get her backstory fleshed out in this so you can understand why she is the way she is in this. I love how skilled she is and I love how included she is with the group as a whole.
Read this as an audiobook and I loved the narration. Highly recommend the audio version of this if that is what format you prefer.
Overall I think this was a fantastic follow up to the first book. There are some very heavy topics in this and some very explicit adult scenes so I don’t recommend this for younger readers but I do recommend this for older scifi/dystopia fans.
September 19, 2021
This is not my favourite genre and in fact normally I wouldn’t continue reading a series of this genre but the books are very well written and have thought provoking messages throughout. I am glad I continued into book two because this book is even better than the first. The character development is incredible and in this book you really start to identify and care about what happens to the base members and it pulls you further into the book and storyline. The dystopian future is realistic and frightening all at once. You have to hope you would be someone brave enough to stand up against the darkness and corruption.
I’m not sure where the series will move from here but it has powerful messages to deliver and makes readers think and question and even creates an uncomfortable feeling at times as readers look inside themselves at their thoughts and actions. Definitely worth reading and I will continue with this series even though it’s not my usual genre of choice.
I’m not sure where the series will move from here but it has powerful messages to deliver and makes readers think and question and even creates an uncomfortable feeling at times as readers look inside themselves at their thoughts and actions. Definitely worth reading and I will continue with this series even though it’s not my usual genre of choice.
March 30, 2021
The Wildcards, led by Aidan Headly, are shaping up nicely and take the fight to Corps when some damning evidence comes their way. Along the way, the unit risk life and limb. I’m enjoying this sci-fi romance series, especially the overarching story arc about the incremental gains the rebel forces are making over the Corps - hopefully it will be enough to tip the balance at some point. I’m also enjoying more time with the Wildcards and the slow reveal of their secrets and mutual trust for each other. I felt the emotion was a little heavy-handed, there’s a self-harm trigger, but the story was gripping nonetheless. I like OE Tearmann’s writing format - there tends to be a series of small vignettes in each book that provide a richness to the main story arc. Kirt Graves provides is always excellent audio narration.
July 30, 2019
The second book in the Aces High, Jokers Wild series. This books carries on from the last with the same characters that have bonded more and become a band of unusual and sometimes scary brothers and sisters.
The humour and the camaraderie between this strange group kept me wanting more and more.
Aiden as base commander and the other misfits including his boyfriend Kevin and Tweak a computer wizard planned to bring down the corporation. The plan would involve stealth speed and a lot of luck but seeing then build and implicate it is what keeps you reading
A very well written book set in the future.
The humour and the camaraderie between this strange group kept me wanting more and more.
Aiden as base commander and the other misfits including his boyfriend Kevin and Tweak a computer wizard planned to bring down the corporation. The plan would involve stealth speed and a lot of luck but seeing then build and implicate it is what keeps you reading
A very well written book set in the future.
May 22, 2024
Pretty good sequel.
Liked the development of Aidan and Kevin’s relationship a bit more. Enjoyed seeing character development of some of the secondary characters too. Felt that was missed in book one.
One thing that kind of bugs me, most of the interactions the Wild Cards have with getting onto the grid seem so easy. In such a techy world, rules by corporations that can put adverts into your brain and track DNA across shops etc, plus all the effort the team goes to to get there, it all seems so simple.
Feels a bit slow, though considering it’s a larger series I’m sure there’s a lot more coming.
Liked the development of Aidan and Kevin’s relationship a bit more. Enjoyed seeing character development of some of the secondary characters too. Felt that was missed in book one.
One thing that kind of bugs me, most of the interactions the Wild Cards have with getting onto the grid seem so easy. In such a techy world, rules by corporations that can put adverts into your brain and track DNA across shops etc, plus all the effort the team goes to to get there, it all seems so simple.
Feels a bit slow, though considering it’s a larger series I’m sure there’s a lot more coming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2019
This is the second installment in Aces High Jokers Wild. Let me begin by saying I love the Wildcards. This group of people are what some would say misfits, but in all actuality they’re a family. In this novel the Wildcards must take on a mission where I held my breath until the final page. What mission you ask, you must read it to find out.
This author writes a story that is all consuming. The story flows well, and the characters are phenomenal. The author leaves no doubt as to the role each character plays. I am simply blown away by her creative writing style. Fantastic book.
This author writes a story that is all consuming. The story flows well, and the characters are phenomenal. The author leaves no doubt as to the role each character plays. I am simply blown away by her creative writing style. Fantastic book.
May 16, 2020
The continuing saga of the Wildcards continues in book 2 of this series. Their missions is to hack sodcial media and deliver "the Fplder" to begin the take down of the severn corporations. Tweak, the computer genius, is critical to its success. She is brillant but also touchy, short tempered and volatile. You will be one the edge of your seat waiting to find out if they are successful in their mission. This books shows how this bunch draws strength and understanding from each other so they survive and fight on.
May 24, 2020
Call The Bluff is the 2nd book in this series and does not disappoint. It is suspense filled and action packed and has you cheering for the ragtag group of people that makes up the Wildcards as they continue the fight against the Corporations running the country. The team is given a huge mission and the risk is high. Asian and Tweak share their secrets in a sweet and heart wrenching quite. Asian and Kevin also continue to define their relationship in romantic and heartbreaking ways. This author has me hooked and I can't wait to see what else is in store for our Wildcards.
May 25, 2020
Wow! After being blown away by the first book in the series, this one definitely did not disappoint! In this book, the Wildcards are given quite the challenge, but they face it head on with a certain level of insanity and enthusiasm. Where the first book in the series was more about world building and character development, this book focused more on the action. I loved this one, and the plot kept my attention until the very end. I highly recommend this one to anyone looking for an amazingly written dystopian novel, who doesn't mind an LGBTQ+ romance.
May 22, 2024
I found this instalment enjoyable to read as I already had an understanding of the context, characters etc. still a very compelling and fascinating world that's been built. not a lot of action but I know it's a long series so there's plenty of time for that. one thing I cannot look past is the repetition of words or phrases. I must have heard the term "cock-eyed" at least 6 times which annoyed me. will think about reading the next book in the series, I can feel the pull stronger after this one than the first book.
May 13, 2019
Interesting!!
Let get this out of the way, I didn't like the ending!!
But as with the first book, it was intriguing to watch Aiden and Kevin as the story continues Kevin goes out on a recon mission on his own but ends up in trouble. Will Kevin make it home or will he end up in jail or will he die?
What will Aiden do while Kevin's gone? Will the team be able to pull of the biggest mission of their life?
To find out pick up your copy now!
Let get this out of the way, I didn't like the ending!!
But as with the first book, it was intriguing to watch Aiden and Kevin as the story continues Kevin goes out on a recon mission on his own but ends up in trouble. Will Kevin make it home or will he end up in jail or will he die?
What will Aiden do while Kevin's gone? Will the team be able to pull of the biggest mission of their life?
To find out pick up your copy now!
May 20, 2019
This was another installment to the Wildcards. The Wildcards are trying to function more as a group now and are slowly finding their groove. Society is never going to change and still labels people according to class. I really liked this one and it was nice to see some of the characters in the forefront when they mess up or on missions. I hope the next one will have more with Tweak. She is badass. Can't wait for book 3.
June 27, 2019
It's a good book. I didn't read the first one in the series, but it didn't destroy the story. This is a very strange group of characters, each has its own uniqueness and brings a different angle/edge to the story. I didn't relate to the characters in the beginning but as the story progressed I could understand them better.
The book has a good storyline and it is well written. It is the first book I read by this author and it is a good one. Looking forward to reading the next one.
The book has a good storyline and it is well written. It is the first book I read by this author and it is a good one. Looking forward to reading the next one.
March 20, 2021
The characters are what really makes this for me but I was a little disappointed with this one plot wise. It felt like everything always works out so nice and clean that I was surprised we ended where we did. Kevin and Aidan are adorable and I love their relationship. There’s just some of the drama happens quickly and is resolved twice as fast. I really thought we’d delve more into Rolling Thunder’s missing people but maybe in the next one it will.
December 31, 2022
I liked this installment of this series quite a bit. It’s nice to have the world building mostly established in book one along with the characters and their quirks and personalities. That made this book easier to listen to and enjoy while still providing a solid story to go along with it.
Pretty invested in this series and where it goes from here. I’m excited to get to continue it!
Thanks to NetGalley for the audio copy!
Pretty invested in this series and where it goes from here. I’m excited to get to continue it!
Thanks to NetGalley for the audio copy!
March 16, 2023
Book 2 lets us get to know the Wildcards better as they go on a new mission. Living in a control based dystopian world, the Wildcards' mission is to make things right. This unique group of mismatched people know how to "play" to get the job done. Loved following along, watching their interactions and exploits; and how they have evolve to becoming more than a team. Looking forward to reading more about them.
June 2, 2019
When you throw a bunch of odd ball people together that love, hurt and laugh together they get close and get the job done. I've never read a book by this auther, but i'll be looking for more. Very well written, good storyline, very fast paced, definitely worth the read. Looking forward to the next in this series.
June 28, 2019
I really enjoyed the second installment of this series. A mismatched bunch of people who come together and find a way right the wrongs of social oppression and prejudice . In doing so they become a family who look after and protect each other no matter what. The author has created an imaginative look at the world today.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews