Wild Cards III: Jokers Wild

Quick Answer

Read "Wild Cards III: Jokers Wild" as the 4th book in the Wild Cards sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Wild Cards: Inside Straight" (Book 3)

❓ Can I skip this book?

❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 4th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

Is this helpful?

2014

Here, in the third volume of the Wild Cards series, seven of science fiction's most gifted writers take you on a journey of wonder and excitement. September 15th is Wild Card Day, which commemorates the date the Wild card virus was released, spreading a wave of mutations around the globe. And 1986—the fortieth anniversary—promises to be the biggest Wild Card Day ever. But in New York City, not everyone is celebrating. The Astronomer, a twisted, powerful genius, has been planning how own special festivities for Wild Card Day, It will be a day of revenge against those who have opposed his evil plans—and aces and jokers alike must soon fight for their lives. Includes stories by: Edward Bryant Leanne C. Harper George R. R. Martin John J. Miller Lewis Shiner Walter Simons Melinda M. Snodgrass The Wild Cards Universe The Original Triad #1 Wild Cards #2 Aces High #3 Jokers Wild The Puppetman Quartet #4: Aces Abroad #5: Down and Dirty #6: Ace in the Hole #7: Dead Man’s Hand The Rox Triad #8: One-Eyed Jacks #9: Jokertown Shuffle #10: Dealer’s Choice #11: Double Solitaire #12: Turn of the Cards The Card Sharks Triad #13: Card Sharks #14: Marked Cards #15: Black Trump #16: Deuces Down #17: Death Draws Five The Committee Triad #18: Inside Straight #19: Busted Flush #20: Suicide Kings The Fort Freak Triad #21: Fort Freak #22: Lowball #23: High Stakes The American Triad #24: Mississippi Roll #25: Low Chicago #26: Texas Hold 'Em At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Series Order Complete! 🎉

You have reached the latest record for this series guide.

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

Medium Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Wild Cards conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Wild Cards III: Jokers Wild?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Wild Cards III: Jokers Wild before Wild Cards: Inside Straight?

No. We recommend reading Wild Cards: Inside Straight first. Wild Cards III: Jokers Wild is the 4th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.