Jokers Wild

"Jokers Wild" is the third volume in the Wild Cards shared universe series edited by George R. R. Martin. Unlike the previous two volumes in the series ("Wild Cards" and "Aces High"), this volume uses the format of a mosaic novel, where several writers write individual storylines which were then edited together into one novel length story.

The action of "Jokers Wild" takes place on September 15, 1986, the fortieth anniversary of the release of Xenovirus Takis-A, the so-called "Wild Card virus". The anniversary of this event is observed as Wild Card Day and celebrated or cursed depending upon each individual victim's reaction to the virus.

This particular Wild Card Day sees the Aces of New York City stalked by the evil Astronomer, whose plans had been defeated in the previous volume. Determined to get revenge on all the Aces who beat him, and Fortunato in particular, he and his minions Demise and Roulette stalk and kill several characters throughout the course of the book.

Characters

"Jokers Wild" features the following characters as the main focus of the various storylines:

The characters and action of the novel crossed over from storyline to storyline and many of the main characters also appeared in the plots of the others. In addition, a cast of minor characters, some of whom would later star in their own mosaic novels or short stories, made appearances.

"Jokers Wild" set a pattern for most of the rest of the Wild Cards series. After a couple of books where the stories were fairly self-contained, the writers would work on a mosaic novel that would tie everything together and set the stage for the next group of books.

Within the Wild Cards universe, there is also a performance club called Jokers' Wild (which exists in a portable pocket universe), known for the dangerous and cruel nature of its acts, and sometimes for involuntary audience participation. The name of this club has no relation to the novel.