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 · 725 ratings  · 18 reviews
Commencement your review of Dealer's Choice (Wild Cards, #xi)
Shannon Appelcline
It's the close of the Jumper trilogy, and overall a potent book. Though things lag a bit in the beginning, from Herne'southward assail on Hartmann onward, which is the latter half of the book, this is ane of the most gripping and exciting Wild Menu books effectually. Information technology also provides a solid end to this trilogy, without pulling punches, only also while providing a few interesting surprises.

Bloat (Stephen Leigh) is manifestly the heart of the book. One of the reasons this finale works is considering the writers ma

It'southward the close of the Jumper trilogy, and overall a strong volume. Though things lag a bit in the beginning, from Herne's assault on Hartmann onward, which is the latter half of the book, this is one of the most gripping and exciting Wild Carte books around. It besides provides a solid terminate to this trilogy, without pulling punches, merely also while providing a few interesting surprises.

Bloat (Stephen Leigh) is obviously the center of the book. One of the reasons this finale works is because the writers fabricated Bloat an understandable and sympathetic character. In fact, it's not entirely obvious if he's the villain or if the government is. Everything lives in a land of gray.

Modular Man (Walter Jon Williams) gets the first of our major character arcs, equally he seeks his independence. Honestly, one of the problems with MM has always been that he doesn't have truthful authorization and agency, weakening him as a character. That's on full display here, as he'due south forced to fight for the Rox, but Williams likewise addresses the trouble.

Carnifex (John Miller) has never been i of my favorite characters considering he'south so one-dimensionally bad and bad ass. Still, he provides united states of america an interesting viewpoint on the assault on the Rox, and when faced with someone worse than him, the smallest bit of his improve nature leaks out.

Turtle (George R.R. Martin) gets IMO the best arc, but I likewise think Martin is one of the best writers. It's a character arc with multiple dimensions, asking both what Tom will practice and what connections he might make. The reply to both questions is astounding. About all of the most shocking and memorable scenes in Dealer's Choice involve the Turtle.

Wyungare (Edward Bryant) feels mainly like deus-ex-machina human. He comes into the story with a very specific goal and has virtually no characterization other than that goal. Except for really generic, cultural characterization.

The Bodysnatcher (George R.R. Martin) was presumably added considering the jumper viewpoint was missing. Her story doesn't feel particularly complete, and some of the stuff regarding the jumpers is actually anticlimatic because it occurs totally off-screen.

Overall, a solid conclusion to this sometimes troubled and overly extended trilogy.

...more
Ben Lund
Apr 24, 2019 rated it really liked it
Really good conclusion, especially afterwards the weirdness that was volume ten. I really disliked the Blaise story line so I was glad when that whole unpleasantness ended in the final volume, and we got back to world and focused again on some sometime memorable characters while also introducing some new ones. I was too happy to see some closure for some characters. I don't know if they'll be dorsum in later on books, but it's dainty to take a series that feels like a living, breathing, constantly irresolute universe. Really proficient determination, especially after the weirdness that was volume x. I really disliked the Blaise story line so I was glad when that whole unpleasantness ended in the final volume, and we got back to globe and focused again on some erstwhile memorable characters while likewise introducing some new ones. I was also happy to see some closure for some characters. I don't know if they'll exist back in later books, just information technology'southward nice to have a series that feels like a living, breathing, constantly changing universe. Keeps each volume fresh and new. ...more
Craig Childs
War is coming to the Rox. On one side, Bloat has grown his psionic powers and appears to now have nearly unlimited command over the physical universe. On the other side, the US authorities is amassing its total arsenal for a frontal assault, including a coalition of its virtually powerful aces. One way or the other, the conflict will come up to a thunderous conclusion over the next 48 hours…

The adept news is that Dealer's Selection is an improvement over the last two entries in the Wild Cards series. Thankful

War is coming to the Rox. On i side, Bloat has grown his psionic powers and appears to at present have nigh unlimited control over the concrete universe. On the other side, the US government is amassing its total armory for a frontal set on, including a coalition of its nearly powerful aces. One way or the other, the conflict will come to a thunderous conclusion over the next 48 hours…

The good news is that Dealer's Choice is an improvement over the last 2 entries in the Wild Cards series. Thankfully, Melinda Snodgrass' ill-conceived and ill-executed gender-swapping storyline for Dr. Tachyon is no longer in play. Too, this volume's straightforward plot introduces many new aces with new powers.

Unfortunately, at that place is just nothing the authors can practice to write their way out of the ridiculous characters and plotlines of this triad. I see this novel every bit a mercy killing of sorts… hopefully the serial tin can regain its footing soon.

What I Liked:

• One of the worst aspects of Jokertown Shuffle was Bloat'southward fantasy world where he inhabits a dissimilar body and weaves magic that affects the existent world. This subplot is partially redeemed here; it is shown to overlap with the Australian aboriginal Dreamland where Wyungare lives. This opens upwards the render of i of the more than interesting and underused characters from Aces Abroad.

• Herne the Hunter is a Celtic mythological figure with god-similar abilities. Information technology is fun to see how the Wild Hunt is portrayed in this universe at the aforementioned time I am also reading about information technology in Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher serial.

• The render of Gregg Hartmann… he only has a small role, merely could Puppetman likewise exist resurrected one day?

• Fun new aces: Legion, Crypt Keeper, Patchwork (call up White potato Head Woman), Detroit Steel (recall Hugh Jackman in Pacific Rising), and Cameo (she brings back Mackie Messer for an encore fight)

• The Sewer Jack and Modular Man storylines are picked upwards for the first time since Down and Muddy. Bagabond is even in tow, sort of, through her feline avatar.

• The novel tried at times to accost weighty questions of morality: Do jokers have a right to their ain gratis representative government? Do they forfeit that right when they utilize tactics to kill, steal, and kidnap--or do the ends justify the means? Does Modular Man have free volition or is he just a machine? How do his rights compare to Kafkas's, who is later on all just a sentient roach?

• Several characters have satisfying arcs: Wyungare, Patchwork make noble sacrifices. Some of the Legions face a surprising finish. ModMan engineers his liberty but at a surprising emotional cost.

What I Disliked:

• Erratic writing. For every department of strong prose (George R. R. Martin's exhilarating description of Pulse traveling at lite speed) in that location are multiple clunky scenes (Edward Bryant'south inability to think of a convincing way for Cordelia to sneak Sewer Jack out of the infirmary; Bloat playing practical jokes on the ace raid rather than pressing his advantage to kill them).

• Jumpers seem even less imaginative in using their powers. Many are tricked into jumping delicate elderly bodies from which they cannot escape (an obvious set-up ). This story would have benefitted from more aces getting jumped. If Snotman/Reflector had been jumped, the tale may have concluded differently…

• Cutesy characters (ice-skating penguins, a talking dragon, mermen on flying fish) and references to Monty Python ("Information technology'due south only a flesh wound").

• More than half this volume is devoted to battle scenes. There are plenty of action heroes showing off their superpowers but little character development or world-building.

• Turtle is still a disappointing platitude. He joins the war machine campaign to bring down the Rox, merely then we have to endure repetitive scenes of him whining over his guilt whenever he has to kill enemy combatants. Later, he goes full-on mass murderer when a girlfriend he just met the 24-hour interval before gets killed… ho hum, maudlin and predictable.

• Mr. Nobody and Cyclone received what appear to be ignominious deaths. Mayhap they will return, but if not, they deserved ameliorate.

• The ending seems frustratingly unclear whether Bloat is killed or retreats into the Dreamworld to live on another aeroplane of existence.

I am rating the novel 3 stars, which includes an boosted star only considering I really like Patchwork and Legion and hope they render soon…

...more than
Ylva
Oct 29, 2021 rated information technology liked it
This review has been hidden considering it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This i was rough.
Man, woman, alligator, and cat, they escaped together. Nobody seemed to detect.
Afterward all, this was Jokertown.
And it was New York.

Not in the sense that the story was bad. In fact, every bit a lot of reviews have already pointed out, DEALER'S CHOICE probably, from a technical standpoint, the strongest in the series since ACE IN THE HOLE. The problem is that that doesn't really matter, because of all the compelling characters and premises featured in the story, simply about two become th

This 1 was rough.
Human being, woman, alligator, and cat, they escaped together. Nobody seemed to notice.
Later all, this was Jokertown.
And it was New York.

Not in the sense that the story was bad. In fact, as a lot of reviews take already pointed out, DEALER'S Option probably, from a technical standpoint, the strongest in the series since ACE IN THE Hole. The problem is that that doesn't really matter, because of all the compelling characters and premises featured in the story, only well-nigh two get the chance to shine.

And even those characters are wasted.

'Volition,' he said. 'That is all a human needs to survive, non an unclean genetic heritage.'
Battle, Ray idea, is deranged.

Let's take Carnifex himself as an instance: a wildly interesting potential exploration of obedience, authority, and the nitty-gritty ethics of superhuman powers existence used in the name of the 'greater good'. This would brand, and has often made in the past, for fascinating interplay with characters like Lady Black, Jack Braun, Gregg Hartmann, and even Cyclone. But will it? No! Ray is tossed into an arbitrary petty strike team of one-liners and one-half-broiled political thinkpieces that contribute exactly nothing to any of the characters involved.

But that'southward non even the worst law-breaking.

'You lot desire to know about Hartmann?' the Outcast said, and he allow his powers drain into the words so that they sparked in the minds of the listeners.

The interaction between Hartmann and Bloat/Outcast/Teddy is a beacon of twisted motives and barbed philosophies, a shining star that is then almost immediately buried under more meaningless attempts at humanizing what is already probably the most homo Wild Cards character to appointment.

The damage to the Wall he could prepare - the Wall was just an image taken from his mind and fabricated existent with Bloat's gift. But the jokers were existent.

Bloat'southward arc of realizing that the safe oasis, the fantasy he's congenital at the expense of people one-half a world away, is at present claiming hundreds upon hundreds of lives amongst his followers is hands the most interesting affair to come out of DEALER'S Selection. It takes a strange sidetrack, which seems to have been hastily assembled out of criticisms equally to how certain plot elements were handled earlier in this trilogy, just it is overall very, very strong. And to have him realize that in his zealous attempts to unmask Hartmann he has inadvertently used the same kind of power that he now condemns? If but!

Bloat looked downward on him. In that location was a touch of sadness in his tone. 'Welcome to the Rox,' he said. 'I think you'll fit right in.'

Across that though, the impossible ethical choices that you would think well-nigh of the other characters would also exist faced by in the form of this book are all merely ignored.

'They say that Bloat tin change physical reality. My bet is that he'due south not going to be able to change the five hundred artillery and mortar beat I can driblet on the Rox every single infinitesimal.'
There was another long moment of silence. This was the man, Modular Man thought, who Whirlwind thought liked jokers too much.

Considering why would you bother to unpack all of that?

Also, the Turtle deserved a much better conclusion than this. Practise meliorate, George.

That was nearly of the people who knew he was alive right at that place. Dead men don't make a whole lot of friends.
But it was only Tom Tudbury who was expressionless. The Turtle however had miles to go before he slept.
He finished his java, and went to become his crush.

In summary, despite some vivid points of (by and large) wasted potential, this one was really was not all that.

'If you wish to be heroic,' said Wyungare, 'the all-time thing y'all could do would be to relieve this woman's life. She is going to die without care.'
'Isn't the same thing,' said Reflector.
The Aborigine shook his head. 'Yes, it is.'
...more
Matt G
Oct 05, 2020 rated it it was astonishing
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click hither. An exciting and satisfying finish to the Rox Triad. Turtle, Carnifex, and Mod Human being at their best. Croyd's cameo at the end was genius. Interested to run across what became of Bloat and the residuum of the jumpers.
Elliot Huxtable
A fabulous catastrophe to the Rox trilogy
Junior Araujo
Dec 07, 2021 rated information technology it was amazing
An astonishing wrap-up to the trilogy within the series. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion. An amazing wrap-up to the trilogy within the series. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion. ...more
Glen U
Jul 20, 2016 rated it actually liked information technology
"Dealer's Selection" is the 11th book in George R.R. Martins Wild Card serial. The Wild Bill of fare series started as an alternate history collaboration of many of the top notch science fiction writers in 1987. Its initial volume was set in New York City in the tardily 1940'southward and through a series of events, real super heroes and other mutants came into existence. "Dealer's Choice" brought the series to the early 1990'due south and continues the saga of a earth populated with Aces (superheroes), Jokers (mutants) and "Dealer'south Choice" is the 11th book in George R.R. Martins Wild Carte series. The Wild Card series started equally an alternating history collaboration of many of the height notch science fiction writers in 1987. Its initial volume was set in New York City in the late 1940'south and through a series of events, real super heroes and other mutants came into existence. "Dealer'south Choice" brought the serial to the early 1990's and continues the saga of a world populated with Aces (superheroes), Jokers (mutants) and nats (unchanged human beings.) This 11th volume as well is a render to the collaboration of dissimilar writers equally opposed to the single author that wrote volume ten. "Dealer's Pick" is one of the better Wild Card novels, as it tidies up some past problems and does not introduce too many new characters. It is an extremely well written book with fantabulous prose, huge imagination and ,as said earlier, a definitive conclusion. Not your typical sci-fi offering, information technology will appeal to those who are a fan of the alternate history theme. One note of warning, though. Information technology can get confusing for the reader if he/she tries to read this every bit a stand alone novel. History is history, fifty-fifty if it is fictional and reading the preceding books will make each i more enjoyable. ...more
Baal Of
Aug 18, 2016 rated it liked it
With virtually of the characters that I cared almost out of the picture at present, I have little investment in this series whatsoever more than. I pretty much hate both sides of the disharmonize, although I understand with the jokers more because of their outsider status. Turtle is pathetic, and then he gets his fantasy woman with no particularly good reason except I guess wish fulfillment by the author? mayhap? I don't really know. I wasn't bored, since at that place was plenty of activity, but if I weren't already committed to fini With most of the characters that I cared about out of the picture now, I have little investment in this series any more. I pretty much detest both sides of the conflict, although I empathise with the jokers more than because of their outsider status. Turtle is pathetic, and so he gets his fantasy woman with no especially adept reason except I gauge wish fulfillment by the author? maybe? I don't really know. I wasn't bored, since there was plenty of activity, but if I weren't already committed to finishing the books I borrowed from my friend (one more to go) I would not feel compelled to read whatsoever more of the series. ...more than
Bob
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I just want to give thanks the publisher for press the highlights of the unabridged volume on the back and leaving nil out. It special type of idiot to listing things that happen in the terminal 50 pages of the book. Thanks for ruining the book.

After the concluding book this at least pulled in some of the characters I like. I had thought Carnifex was dead so it was interesting to see him back. Turtle has go actually annoying. I find it impossible that he barely has whatever conviction. He needs a heart and balls tra

I simply want to give thanks the publisher for press the highlights of the entire book on the back and leaving zippo out. It special type of idiot to list things that happen in the last 50 pages of the book. Thanks for ruining the volume.

Subsequently the concluding book this at least pulled in some of the characters I like. I had idea Carnifex was dead so it was interesting to come across him back. Turtle has get really annoying. I find it impossible that he barely has any confidence. He needs a heart and assurance transplant. On the other paw why would people get near the jumpers knowing what they can do.

I liked the render of Mackie Messer.

...more
Kruunch
Jul 25, 2016 rated it really liked information technology
Eleventh book in the Wild Card serial and ane of the better ones. This one is more of a comprehensive novel equally the series seems to have gotten away from its mosaic style.

The story centers around the Rox and information technology'southward final conclusion with notables such as The Great and Powerful Turtle, Modular Man, Carnifex, Bloat and Legion.

Wraps upwardly nicely with a smashing catastrophe and re-energized my love of the series.

Eleventh volume in the Wild Card series and one of the ameliorate ones. This one is more than of a comprehensive novel every bit the series seems to accept gotten away from its mosaic mode.

The story centers effectually the Rox and it'south final conclusion with notables such as The Swell and Powerful Turtle, Modular Human, Carnifex, Bloat and Legion.

Wraps up nicely with a nifty ending and re-energized my beloved of the series.

...more
Craig
Apr 29, 2015 rated it really liked it
This eleventh Wild Cards volume is one of the best of the serial so far. It brings some major plot lines to a close, kicks off a few others, and is a fast-paced and exciting mosaic novel in its own right. This i got the serial dorsum on path. My favorite sections were written by Stephen Leigh and Martin himself.
Charl
January 07, 2013 rated it it was amazing
All-time of the series, so far. Conclusion of the Rox/Bloat storyline. Conclusion/culmination of several other story lines, too. And the reset/restart of a couple, including my personal favorite character.
Theresa
Jul 24, 2011 rated it it was amazing
Dealer'south Option (Wild Cards, #11)
George R.R. Martin
Dealer'southward Choice, wow!!! Your dungeons and dragons fans will find this right up your alley, those who love wild cards will find another slap-up story in the series, and super hero lovers, well your choice can an obese boy salve the world
Michael
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Slightly better than I remember, but still problematic like every WC novel was back and so. The sex scenes are the worst. 46-year-old Turtle ending upward with 21-twelvemonth-sometime Legion is specially blench now. Oh well, at least the jumpers are gone.
Jason
One of the best so far! Crawly
bluetyson
Joseph Mannion
Daniel Gonçalves
Alison C
George Raymond Richard "R.R." Martin was born September xx, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey. His father was Raymond Collins Martin, a longshoreman, and his mother was Margaret Brady Martin. He has ii sisters, Darleen Martin Lapinski and Janet Martin Patten.

Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe Schoolhouse and Marist Loftier School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood chil

George Raymond Richard "R.R." Martin was born September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey. His father was Raymond Collins Martin, a longshoreman, and his female parent was Margaret Brady Martin. He has two sisters, Darleen Martin Lapinski and Janet Martin Patten.

Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe Schoolhouse and Marist Loftier School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin's beginning professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: "The Hero," sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue. Other sales followed.

In 1970 Martin received a B.Due south. in Journalism from Northwestern Academy, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to consummate a Yard.South. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.

As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Melt County Legal Help Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976, and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. He wrote part-time throughout the 1970s while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and instructor.

In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.

Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Animal at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Dazzler and the Beast, and then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.

Martin's present domicile is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was S-Key Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers' Guild of America, Due west.

http://us.macmillan.com/writer/george...

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