Jokertown Shuffle

Edited by George R.R. Martin.

Bloat, the boy governor of the Rox, had dreams as big as his monstrous Joker body. He wanted to make Ellis Island a safe haven for his people, a Joker homeland. To survive, Bloat needed the Jumpers, adolescent outcasts who could steal a man's body in the blink of an eye. He needed their money to feed the Rox. Even more, he needed their terrifying powers to stave off the vengeance of a frightened world.

But the Jumpers grew even more vicious and uncontrollable every day, under the leadership of Dr. Tachyon's psychopathic grandson.

Contents:

The Temptation of Heironymous Bloat: I by Stephen Leigh
And Hope to Die by John J. Miller
The Temptation of Heironymous Bloat: II by Stephen Leigh
Lovers: I by Melinda M. Snodgrass
The Temptation of Heironymous Bloat: III by Stephen Leigh
Lovers: II by Melinda M. Snodgrass
The Temptation of Heironymous Bloat: IV by Stephen Leigh
Madman Across the Water by Victor Milán
The Temptation of Heironymous Bloat: V by Stephen Leigh
Lovers: III by Melinda M. Snodgrass
The Temptation of Heironymous Bloat: VI by Stephen Leigh
While Night's Black Agents Their Preys Do Rouse: I by Walter Jon Williams
The Temptation of Heironymous Bloat: VII by Stephen Leigh
Riders by Lewis Shiner
Nobody Does It Alone by Walton Simons
The Temptation of Heironymous Bloat: VIII by Stephen Leigh
Lovers: IV by Melinda M. Snodgrass
The Temptation of Heironymous Bloat: IX by Stephen Leigh
While Night's Black Agents Their Preys Do Rouse: II by Walter Jon Williams
Lovers: V by Melinda M. Snodgrass
The Temptation of Heironymous Bloat: X by Stephen Leigh
Lovers: VI by Melinda M. Snodgrass
The Temptation of Heironymous Bloat: XI by Stephen Leigh

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Science Fiction Anthology

Release date: 1991

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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.