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Wild Cards Reading Order.

Expert Guideby George R. R. Martin
4 Entries
Ongoing
Quick Answer

Start Wild Cards by George R. R. Martin with "Wild Cards", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

A shared universe series, co-edited by Martin, detailing the lives of people affected by the Wild Card virus in an alternate history.

Reader's Guide

This series spans 4 main titles released between 2015 and 2014. For the best experience, we recommend following the Publication Order below to preserve key plot reveals.

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Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Wild Cards"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

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Community Consensus

High Debate

"The comments do not contain any information or discussion regarding the 'Wild Cards' series. The discussion centers on the validity of a recent community ranking poll (likely related to SPFBO/SPSFC), noting that the data is flawed because many users did not rank their books in a specific order. Despite methodological disagreements, the community universally appreciates the effort of the original poster in compiling the list."

Key Reddit Advice

No reading order for 'Wild Cards' is mentioned. The strongest reading advice provided is the enthusiastic recommendation of Dan Simmons' *Hyperion* and the general guidance to explore SPFBO semi-finalists rather than limiting choices to finalists.

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.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Wild Cards. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Wild Cards" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Wild Cards" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Start with "Wild Cards"Explore all by George R. R. Martin

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

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

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order4 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Wild Cards

Pub: 2015

The alien virus arrived on Earth just after World War II - and the world was never the same. For those who become infected, there are two results: death, or transformation. And depending on the recipient, death is sometimes the preferable outcome. Only a few lucky ones become super-human "aces" as a side effect of the virus; the rest are turned into horrible, grotesque "jokers." It's a strange and wonderful, terrible and terrifying world where anything can go. A world that, in a twist of fate, could lie just outside your door. A world of Wild Cards.

Curation Note:The series structure originated from a mandate that the first story take place immediately after World War II (1946), creating a forty-year gap that subsequent stories were forced to fill, thereby establishing a specific historical chronology for the universe that later contributions had to adhere to.

2

Wild Cards I

Pub: 2017

Plot details hidden until you finish "Wild Cards".

In the aftermath of WWII, an alien virus struck the Earth, endowing a handful of survivors with extraordinary powers.

3

Wild Cards: Inside Straight

Pub: 2013

Plot details hidden until you finish "Wild Cards I".

The Wild Cards series reboots with new authors, new heroes and a new direction In 1946, an alien virus that rewrites human DNA was accidentally unleashed in the skies over New York City. It killed ninety percent of those it infected. Nine percent of those who survived mutated into tragically deformed creatures. And one percent gained superpowers. The Wild Cards shared-universe series, created and edited since 1987 by NEW YORK TIMES No.1 bestseller George R.R. Martin along with Melinda Snodgrass, is the tale of the history of the world since then - and of the heroes among that one percent. Now it is time for a new generation of heroes - and writers - to pick up the baton. Twenty-eight extraordinary people - Aces, people who have contracted the deadly Wild Cards virus and lived - sign onto a reality TV show. These young heroes have never really been heroic, but each has a superhuman skill. Initially divided up into four suits while competing in staged contests as only LA-LA land could dream up, the losers are voted off the show until, at last, the greatest American Hero will be left standing. As the weeks go by, those remaining in the competition are stunned by sickening events in the Middle East. Their inane challenges look silly when compared to those unpowered people risking their lives. Will this group of over-privileged and under-informed 'celebrities' be able to make a real difference to the world? And how many of them really care?

4

Wild Cards III: Jokers Wild

Pub: 2014

Plot details hidden until you finish "Wild Cards: Inside Straight".

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Wild Cards series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read Wild Cards?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Wild Cards" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as George R. R. Martin intended.

Can I read Wild Cards books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the Wild Cards universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.