Aces Abroad

Edited by George R.R. Martin.

Let the secret history of the world be told – of the alien virus that struck Earth after World War II, and of the handful of survivors who found they now possessed superhuman powers. Some were called Aces, endowed with powerful mental and physical prowess. The others were jokers, tormented by bizarre mind or body disfigurements. Some served humanity. Others wreaked terror. And now, forty years later, as the planet once more faces a critical challenge, a group of politically conscious Wild Cards set out on a daring mission to the four corners of the earth to uncover the fate of Aces and Jokers in other lands – it is a journey destined to amaze, terrify, amuse and enlighten us all.

Contents:

The Tint of Hatred: Prologue by Stephen Leigh
From the Journal of Xavier Desmond: November 30 by George R. R. Martin
The Tint of Hatred: Part One by Stephen Leigh
From the Journal of Xavier Desmond: December 1 by George R. R. Martin
Beasts of Burden by John J. Miller
From the Journal of Xavier Desmond: December 8 by George R. R. Martin
The Tint of Hatred: Part Two by Stephen Leigh
Blood Rights by Leanne C. Harper
From the Journal of Xavier Desmond: December 15 by George R. R. Martin
The Tint of Hatred: Part Three by Stephen Leigh
From the Journal of Xavier Desmond: December 29 by George R. R. Martin
The Tint of Hatred: Part Four by Stephen Leigh
From the Journal of Xavier Desmond: January 16 by George R. R. Martin
Down by the Nile by Gail Gerstner-Miller
From the Journal of Xavier Desmond: January 30 by George R. R. Martin
The Tint of Hatred: Part Five by Stephen Leigh
From the Journal of Xavier Desmond: February 7 by George R. R. Martin
The Teardrop of India by Walton Simons
Down in the Dreamtime by Edward Bryant
From the Journal of Xavier Desmond: March 14 by George R. R. Martin
Zero Hour by Lewis Shiner
From the Journal of Xavier Desmond: March 21 by George R. R. Martin
From the Journal of Xavier Desmond: April 10 by George R. R. Martin
Puppets by Victor Milán
Mirrors of the Soul by Melinda M. Snodgrass
Legends by Michael Cassutt
From the Journal of Xavier Desmond: April 27 by George R. R. Martin

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Science Fiction Anthology

Release date: 1988

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George R. R. Martin

George R. R. Martin is one of the most influential and celebrated authors in the world of fantasy literature. Known for his epic storytelling, intricate world-building, and morally complex characters, Martin has captured the imagination of millions of readers globally. Born on September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey, he began his writing career as a young man and quickly became known for his distinctive narrative style. With works spanning across novels, short stories, and television scripts, Martin has established himself as a master of fantasy and speculative fiction.

Best known for his groundbreaking A Song of Ice and Fire series, which inspired the wildly popular television series Game of Thrones, Martin has redefined the modern fantasy genre. His books combine medieval-style politics, deep character development, and unpredictable plots, setting them apart from traditional fantasy works. In A Game of Thrones (1996), the first book in the series, Martin introduces readers to the treacherous and captivating world of Westeros, where noble families vie for power and the fate of the realm hangs in the balance. The series has become a cultural phenomenon, earning Martin critical acclaim and a massive global fanbase.

Martin's writing is known for its complexity, with multiple perspectives and intertwining plotlines that challenge readers' assumptions. His characters, often gray rather than strictly good or evil, add depth to the epic struggles of power, love, betrayal, and survival. The series’ unpredictability, including the shocking deaths of key characters, has set it apart from other works in the genre, earning Martin the title of "The American Tolkien."

Beyond A Song of Ice and Fire, Martin has contributed to various other works, including Fevre Dream, Tuf Voyaging, and The Ice Dragon, showcasing his versatility as a writer. His involvement in television, particularly his role as a co-executive producer and writer on Game of Thrones, has further cemented his status in the literary and entertainment world. Martin is also the editor of the Wild Cards series.

Despite his immense success, Martin's dedication to his craft remains unwavering. Fans eagerly await the next installment in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, with The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring promising to bring even more depth to his already intricate universe.

With his unparalleled storytelling, George R. R. Martin has not only shaped the fantasy genre but also influenced generations of writers, leaving a lasting legacy in both literature and popular culture. His ability to weave together complex worlds, multifaceted characters, and gripping narratives ensures that his works will continue to captivate readers for years to come.

Photo: Henry Söderlund / CC BY 4.0

Wild Cards

Into a world hungry for peace, comes a spaceship ferrying chaos...

An alien bomb is detonated above the planet, shedding an indiscriminate gene virus on an Earth barely recovered from the horrors of World War ll. The result: Wild Cards. ACES blessed with superhuman powers and JOKERS cursed with bizarre physical and mental disfigurements.

This is their story.

Wild Cards consists of thirty-one books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.