valashain
2/2/2014
�Fort Freak is written as a standalone and given the limited availability of the older books in the series, that makes sense. It can be read without having read any of the other volumes but I'm not sure it is a good point to enter the series. There are a lot of nods to other books in the series, and some characters have quite a history. Besides the aforementioned Father Squid, The Sleeper, originally a creation of Roger Zelazny, make an appearance for instance. This novel is a treat for those familiar with the Wild Cards universe, a decent entry in the overall series. For first time readers I would recommend starting with Wild Cards I or Inside Straight though. Martin has mentioned on his blog that a second novel on the fifth precinct cops is in the works. It is tentatively titled Oddball and expected to be released in late 2012. I for one, will keep an eye out for it.
Click on the link below for my full review.
http://valsrandomcomments.blogspot.com/2011/09/fort-freak-george-rr-martin.html