An original collection of interconnected stories set in the universe of Wild Cards, created by the bestselling author of A Game of Thrones.

"A complex, intricately fantastic creation" - Telegraph

An alien virus ravages the world, with outcomes as random as a hand of cards. Those affected either draw the Queen of Spades and die, or draw an Ace and gain superpowers, or draw the Joker and mutate strangely.

Croyd Crenson is the greatest failure and the greatest success of Wild Cards. Known as "The Sleep," he undergoes sporadic sleeps, and after each one wakes with a new appearance and powers. So far, he has woken in a unique form: but this time he finds himself split into six different incarnations, each with a distinct appearance and ability.

Recognizing the destruction this could cause, one of the incarnations tasks Tesla – a Joker with Ace-like powers – to gather the remaining five versions before sleep claims them again and leaves Croyd permanently shattered.

The story that follows is a journey through the long and colorful life of Croyd, told from the perspective of those who have encountered the most unusual Wild Carder in the world. And as Tesla must work quickly because not all Croyds are friendly like the first incarnation, they will do whatever it takes to survive…

Contains stories by:

Christopher Rowe, Carrie Vaughn, Cherie Priest, William F. Wu, Walter Jon Williams, Stephen Leigh, Mary Anne Mohanraj, and Max Gladstone.