Much thanks to Jeff, at Fantasy Book News and Reviews, for pointing out that David Anthony Durham has posted the (very cool) cover for the upcoming Wild Cards novel, Suicide Kings, which is edited by George R.R. Martin.
Not bad, eh?
Wild Cards is a series I’ve been rather intimidated about getting into, though with the likes of George R.R. Marting, Daniel Abraham, Melinda Snodgrass and (soon) David Anthony Durham all being involved, I’d like to give it a chance. Anyone have any suggestions on where to start?
I’ve felt the same way about Wild Cards. Interesting world/premise but no clue how to start, especially since half of the books are out of print.
And I saw you are a Suikoden fan as well. Would you agree the series lost something after it went 3D? Nothing can beat Suikoden I. Nothing.
Aidan (and Yeti): Start with Inside Straight. It’s a great entry point to the series. You can think of it like Wild Cards: The Next Generation. There’s only one (soon to be two) published volumes after it.
If you like it, start back with the first one and go from there.
Never had the chance to play Suikoden 1 or 2, but I rather enjoyed Suikoden 3.
Should I ask why Trap-Jaw is wrestling an alligator?
I think I read a Wild Cards short story in Martin’s Dreamsongs collection, but didn’t really get into it. I’ve felt the same way about the series.
Sadly I never got to play Suikoden 1 or 2, but I did enjoy 3, though I heard the first two are superior. I generally don’t like 3D RPGs as much as the 2D ones anyway.
I’m in the same boat Aidan, but figured I’d start with ‘Inside Straight’ (as Joe recommended) when the opportunity finally presents itself as it’s supposed to be something of a new launch point into the series.
As for the Suikoden discussion, I LOVED the first game and am champing at the bit for an announcement that Konami will be releasing the ultra-rare Suikoden II for the Playstation Network as they did with the first several months back. I doubt they hate money enough not to, but the question is…”when!?”
Keith – I’d say the answer to that is probably: ‘Because Trap-jaw wrestles and alligator in the novel.’
Re: Suikoden – I’m a HUGE Suikoden fan, owning every english language iteration of the series, including Suikoden II, which is my favourite in the series.
Though the 3D games don’t quite live up to the earlier ones, they’re still fine games in their own right. Except for Suikoden IV, it’s a black mark on the series. Suikoden V, however, was a bit of a return to form for the series, returning to some of the things that helped the earlier games becomes so endearing and successful.
Glad to see so many Suikoden fans reading my blog!