Wild Cards books in order

Q: "What order should I read the Wild Cards books?"

"Read in publication order. Each book is numbered sequentially, making it straightforward. Some early volumes are mosaic novels with multiple authors contributing chapters. Later volumes are mostly single-author stories. Publication order preserves the timeline and character development as Martin and the Wild Cards Trust conceived it."

Q: "Who writes Wild Cards?"

"George R.R. Martin and Melinda M. Snodgrass edit the series and write within it, but over 40 authors have contributed. Each volume typically features 8-12 short stories or novellas following different characters. Martin selects themes and coordinates continuity, while individual authors write their contributions."

Q: "How many Wild Cards books are there?"

"34 volumes published 1987-2025. Martin began the series in 1987 and continues releasing new volumes annually. The series moved from Bantam to Tor.com and continues under Martin's oversight as editor."

Q: "What is Wild Cards about?"

"In 1946, an alien virus called the Wild Card was deployed on Earth. 90% of those exposed died (draw a black queen). 9% experienced disfiguring mutations (jokers). 1% gained superpowers (aces). The series follows generations of characters in an alternate history America where the virus reshaped society, politics, and culture after WWII."

Q: "Are the Wild Cards books connected to Game of Thrones?"

"No. Martin edits Wild Cards and occasionally writes within it, but it's a separate universe with no connection to Westeros. The series launched several years before A Game of Thrones was published."

Reading order

#	Title	Year	Buy on Amazon
1	Wild Cards I	1987	Buy
2	Aces High	1987	Buy
3	Jokers Wild	1987	Buy
4	Aces Abroad	1988	Buy
5	Down and Dirty	1988	Buy
6	Ace in the Hole	1990	Buy
7	Dead Man’s Hand	1990	Buy
8	One-Eyed Jacks	1991	Buy
9	Jokertown Shuffle	1991	Buy
10	Double Solitaire	2012	Buy
11	Dealer’s Choice	2013	Buy
12	Aces High Too	2014	Buy
13	Ghostman Tales	2015	Buy
14	Mississippi Roll	2017	Buy
15	Inside Straight	2008	Buy
16	Busted Flush	2011	Buy
17	Suicide Kings	2012	Buy
18	Fort Freak	2013	Buy
19	Lowball	2014	Buy
20	High Stakes	2015	Buy
21	Spin a Black Yarn	2016	Buy
22	Fearful Sights	2017	Buy
23	Texas Hold ‘Em	2018	Buy
24	Low Chicago	2020	Buy
25	Joker to the Throne	2021	Buy
26	Murder in the Metro	2022	Buy
27	The Bodies We Buried	2023	Buy
28	Pulling Strings	2024	Buy

George R.R. Martin launched Wild Cards in 1987 as a shared universe anthology. Martin had previously worked on comic books and wanted to bring the collaborative sensibility of superhero universes to prose fiction. The concept: an alien virus released in 1946 that either killed, mutated, or superpowered those exposed. Wild Cards follows the consequences across generations in an alternate America.

Each volume features 8-12 stories ranging from short pieces to novella-length narratives. Multiple authors contribute. Martin picks themes, coordinates continuity, and often contributes stories of his own. Melinda M. Snodgrass, Walter Jon Williams, John Jos. Miller, and others have become regulars. The range of voices gives Wild Cards depth—different styles, perspectives, and genre approaches—while maintaining consistent character development and timeline.

Publication order works best. The books are numbered. Read Wild Cards Volume I in 1987, Aces High in 1987, Jokers Wild in 1987, and continue through the series. Some volumes are mosaic novels where authors collaborate following a single overarching narrative. Others are anthologies of standalone tales tied by theme or location. Martin coordinates the continuity.

The series runs longer than many because Martin keeps adding new authors and characters. Some volumes focus on aces with superheroic powers. Others center on jokers, those burdened with disfiguring mutations. Some follow historical events—the McCarthy hearings, the AIDS crisis, the war on terror—refracted through the lens of a world where people with visible differences and powers live openly among everyone else.

Martin continues editing new volumes annually. The Wild Cards Trust ensures continuity while allowing fresh voices and perspectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read the Wild Cards books?

Read in publication order. Each book is numbered sequentially, making it straightforward. Some early volumes are mosaic novels with multiple authors contributing chapters. Later volumes are mostly single-author stories. Publication order preserves the timeline and character development as Martin and the Wild Cards Trust conceived it.

Who writes Wild Cards?

George R.R. Martin and Melinda M. Snodgrass edit the series and write within it, but over 40 authors have contributed. Each volume typically features 8-12 short stories or novellas following different characters. Martin selects themes and coordinates continuity, while individual authors write their contributions.

How many Wild Cards books are there?

34 volumes published 1987-2025. Martin began the series in 1987 and continues releasing new volumes annually. The series moved from Bantam to Tor.com and continues under Martin’s oversight as editor.

What is Wild Cards about?

In 1946, an alien virus called the Wild Card was deployed on Earth. 90% of those exposed died (draw a black queen). 9% experienced disfiguring mutations (jokers). 1% gained superpowers (aces). The series follows generations of characters in an alternate history America where the virus reshaped society, politics, and culture after WWII.

Are the Wild Cards books connected to Game of Thrones?

No. Martin edits Wild Cards and occasionally writes within it, but it’s a separate universe with no connection to Westeros. The series launched several years before A Game of Thrones was published.

Reading order#

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading order