I wouldn’t be conforming to acceptable standards if I wrote a review that recommended a different book. But in the spirit of the Wildcards, I am going to risk insubordination and do what I believe is best for everyone, in spite of what my superiors (er, editors) might say. I am going to stand my ground and fight for a series I believe in!
Okay, team, here’s my idea—and it’s crazy enough that it just might work. Buy The Hands We’re Given, book one in the Aces High Jokers Wild series. And while you’re pulling that book-purchase trigger, buy the newest book in the series, Odds Against.
Read book one. After that, I’ll let you decide if you want to jump ahead to book seven, bypassing all the crazy stunts, parties, rebellions, mistakes and victories, most of which shouldn’t have worked but somehow did, in books two through six and the bonus in-between novelettes. And of course you’ll be missing out on the personal evolution path that each and every Wildcards team member travels while doing whatever it takes to save America. Talk about walking and chewing gum at the same time. times a hundred!
Okay, I’m hearing whispering in the ranks. You need more information. Here, I’ve printed up copies of the back cover blurb for the first book. Take one and pass them around. I’ll give you a couple of minutes to read it.
Aidan Headly never wanted to be the man giving orders. That’s fine with the Democratic State Force base he’s been assigned to command: they don’t like to take orders. Nicknamed the Wildcards, they used to be the most effective base against the seven Corporations owning the former United States in a war that has lasted over half a century. Now the Wildcards are known for creative insubordination, chaos, and commanders begging to be reassigned. Aidan is their last chance. If he can pull off his assignment as Commander and yank his ragtag crew of dreamers and fighters together, maybe they can get back to doing what they came to do: fighting for a country worth living in.
Everyone up to speed? Any questions? Yeah, you in the back with your hand up. You want to know more about the seven corporations? That’s a big question and I suggest you read the first book. Anyone else? Who’s Aidan Headly? Just a guy trying to do the best job he can in a world gone crazy. But he’s also looking for… wow, would you look at the time. Back to work, team! There’s shenanigans to plan, and books to read!
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Lori Alden Holuta lives between the cornfields in Michigan, where she grows herbs and vegetables when she’s not playing games with a cat named Chives. She’s fond of crafting, reading in the dark, literary worldbuilding, and pulling up dandelions. Visit Lori at brassbrightcity.com and ceejaywriter.com.
