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This is the 33rd installment or book to be published in Martin’s Wild Cards universe.
See a previous review for background.
This story stands differently for me. I’ve been reading this series since its first appearance in 1986 so I’m pretty familiar with it. And I have to say: the earlier books (through the early 2000s) had better writing. There was a core group that had been with the Wild Card Trust since the beginning but newer writers started getting introduced around 2018. Now I’m not saying that’s a bad thing; we’re all of us getting a bit older. And maybe I’m just partial to the writers I grew up with; but I just do not have the same connection with many of these newer writers. This particular book has an even balance of three older experienced writers with three relatively new ones. Aside from the anthologies and a couple books that were written by a singular author, all the other books in this series were written by a group. The books were termed a mosaic; and while all the authors were credited on the title page, their particular contributions within the book were not marked. The story was seamless. But this book has one decided difference. Each author’s contribution is clearly marked and while the plot is consistent; the writing is not. I could feel a slight jar when a different writer stepped up. I don’t know how the mosaic novels were constructed but I never felt that before. So, one point against.
The second point against is the plot. One of the things that made this series stand out for me was the focus on super-powers or, in the absence of that, the appearance of a monster. And sometimes the superhero was the monster. Superhero stories were always catnip for me. But this book…shaking my head…has a supernatural element that doesn’t feel true to me.
The house of the title is Loveday House, situated at the end of a causeway in the Celtic Sea, and owned by a Jago Branok. Jago is an Ace whose power is mostly unknown to the world. He is known, however, for throwing the most extravagant house parties; an invitation to one is most sought after. Jago enjoys putting together interesting groups of Aces, Jokers or Deuces or a combination of all. But the house is also a participant in the parties; hence the title.
At the beginning, Gary Bushorn is a guest at a party. He is a Deuce; able to produce fire and heat from his body but not without injury. Jago invites him to remain in the house as an employee. Gary is recovering from the loss of his wife and child. He develops a new relationship with one of the other servants but he has trouble letting go of his past love in order to let the new love grow.
We learn that Jago’s power is the ability to traverse between other worlds and dimensions; a little unclear which is which. And we learn that the house is a nexus. And there is a central ‘bad guy’ in the form of woman named Morwen who is the original owner of the house in most other dimensions. She is a bit put-out to find someone else owning ‘her’ house and decidedly angry to learn he can lock her out. Morwen is not a Wild Carder but is able, somehow, to move between dimensions. This is the supernatural element I mentioned, which I just don’t feel belongs in this series. Morwen’s incursions affect not only the guests but also the live-in servants; and many of her forays prove quite deadly. But she keeps trying and Jago keeps stopping her. But the body count rises. Much of the story is advanced due to Gary’s encounters with Morwen and how they affect his new romantic relationship.
We meet a few familiar faces, but none of the A-listers (to use a contemporary term). We also meet a few new ones but no one is particularly noteworthy.
Basically, the storyline is Gary’s love story. Morwen is his personal demon and interferes with his personal growth. He becomes obsessed. We learn more of Gary’s character than we do of Jago. Mystery is all well and good but I want to connect with major characters. And the resolution (such as it is) of the book is Gary’s final decision regarding his relationship with both Jago and the house.
I will mention one new face; both the author and his creation. The character is an Ace who is able to create an addiction in anyone using simple and harmless herbs. The addiction gives her a measure of control over that person. It was a very intriguing talent and it ended up being one of the best chapters in the book. The author, Peadar Ó Guilín isn’t a complete novice; he has entries in both books of the British Arc in 2018 and 2020. He might be one for me to watch for in the future.
I do have to wonder if one of the differences between this book and the older ones is George R.R. Martin’s involvement. His involvement thirty years ago was quite a bit more personal as he was actively contributing up to 1992. After that, his role was as editor and, I assume, the driving force behind the plotting. Now, I have to wonder if he is just slapping his name on the book to make sure it sells. It just feels to me like the quality has been slipping these past few years.
But I do remain a loyal fan; for now. ~~ Catherine Book
Contributing authors are:
Stephen Leigh
Mary Anne Mohanraj
Caroline Spector
Peter Newman
Kevin Andrew Murphy
Peadar Ó Guilín
For more titles in this series click here
For more titles by George R.R. Martin click here
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