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Suicide Kings (2010)

by George R.R. Martin(Favorite Author)

3.82 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

0765357143 (ISBN13: 9780765357144)

languge

English

genre

Fantasy

publisher

Tor Science Fiction

series

Wild Cards

review 1: I picked up this book solely due to George RR Martin's name on the cover, being a significant fan of his 'Game of Thrones' series. I kept it due to the blurb sounding like a cross between X-Men and a war story and a curiosity at what a "mosaic novel" might be like. I was fascinated right from page 1.The story was engaging, the characters interesting despite their unrealistic powers and I thought the transition from one author to another was seamless. I couldn't tell which parts were written by who (although it tells you at the end of the book). Coming late to the series, there is a lot of backstory to figure out, but I actually enjoyed not fully understanding the history between the characters and working it out as I went along.While set in a fantastic alternate history, s... moreome of the story elements (child soldiers, countries ravaged by war, the atrocities committed in war, the two-faced nature of dictators & the ineptness of bureaucracy) are all too real. So just a warning that, due partly to these story elements and partly to George RR Martin's "earthy" sensibilities - there is a fair bit of profanity, violence and sex in the book. I am not sure if the whole series is like that.If you like stories about superheroes and mutants (X-Men, Heroes), I think you will like the Wild Cards universe. Initially, I had no idea this series had been around as long as it has (since 1987!) and I was reading just one of the latest volumes. I am now keen to track down the rest of the series and have downloaded the original collection of short stories. Highly recommended.
review 2: Suicide Kings By George R.R. Martin A great piece of editing Magic… Melinda Snodgrass I bow to your ability to seamlessly blend the story. As a Mosaic novel, many who look into the series may wonder that this book has so many authors. It is due to the dedication of the authors, the commitment to the consortium rules and ideals that create a seamless piece. Even knowing the various authors for a while I could not pull out any individual writing style… Suicide Kings is the final third in the trilogy of the Wild Card version of American Hero. The book shows the final development of the new batch of characters, and through growth, sacrifice and loss have learned to live beyond the bounds of their Wild Card gifts and abilities or liabilities. The book in general is a dark story looking into child soldiers in Africa and the destruction of society within by corrupt and ruthless rulers. The Wild Card virus again has been put to its original use, as a weapon, inflicted on hapless children of war torn Africa for the twisted policies of corrupt and destructive leaders. Mark Meadows (Tom Weathers) is a key feature in the story. Looking through his eyes at the destruction that his desires and dreams caused and inflicted on millions around the world shows how the ideals of changing the system, may be corrupted by the excess of human need. His path from innocent idealist, to heartbreaking helplessness shows how ideals can be overdone, and bring destruction in their zeal. Michelle Pond (Amazing Bubbles) recovers from her heroic sacrifice to stave New Orleans from a nuclear bomb. What brings her back is the dream of the destruction and violence of child soldiers in Africa. Her powers are put to the test when facing Tom Weathers, and the last of the “friends”. Wally Gunderson (Rustbelt) is an idealistic hero, he would strive beyond his capacity to move stand or fight for someone else. The book looks at his quest to find balance with his selfless nature, and learning to love others. It is the final development of his character.Jonathan Tipton-Clarke (Bugsy) one of the first American hero characters learns to let go of the past, by learning to risk what he has for something better. He learns the value of the past to teach us, but also the value of letting go those ties that bind us. There are many more sub-plots and stories that could be used as discussion pieces in the Wild Card fan club for years. A great book, congratulations for continuing this remarkable series, and inspiring so many to the broad scope of human nature, and possibility. less

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