Wild Card

Etudes in C# #1

by Jamie Wyman

It was bad enough that gods gambled with human souls, but Catherine Sharp’s soul just had to be won by the Greek goddess of Discord, Eris. As if working a dead-end tech support job didn’t suck the life out of her as it was. Now, Cat finds herself performing random tasks for the goddess in her free time.

But when Coyote, the Native American trickster himself, claims to have won her own soul in Mayhem’s weekly poker game, Cat wants in on the action. With five sneaky gods upping the ante, Cat needs to find a way to collect the winning chips that could save her soul.
Marius, a handsome yet irritating satyr with his own debt to Eris, might finally come in handy for something. If they play their cards right and work together, Cat and Marius may just get their freedom back. If they don’t kill each other—or fall in love—first.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Mythology, Romance, Paranormal

280 pages, ebook

First published November 25, 2013

About the author

After a misspent adulthood pursuing a Music Education degree, JAMIE WYMAN fostered several interests before discovering that being an author means never having to get out of pajamas. (However, she can eat/spin fire, tell you a lot about auditioning to be a Blue Man, and read/write in Circular Gallifreyan.) Jamie also works as an editor. In addition to freelance work, she works with sci-fi/fantasy publisher Dragon Moon Press. As an author, Jamie’s favorite playgrounds are urban fantasy, horror and creepy carnival settings. When she’s not traipsing about with her imaginary friends, she lives in Phoenix with two hobbits and two cats. She is proud to say she has a deeply disturbed following at her blog.

Jamie's debut novel WILD CARD (Entangled Edge, 2013) is available wherever ebooks are sold. You can also find her short story "The Clever One" in the anthology WHEN THE HERO COMES HOME 2 (Dragon Moon Press, August '13). 2014 will see her work in the Sherlock Holmes-inspired anthology TWO-HUNDRED AND TWENTY-ONE BAKER STREETS (Abbadon Books), and the release of a follow up to WILD CARD, UNVEILED.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think Wild Card is a good start to (I'm assuming) a new urban fantasy series. I don't see any other books in the works, but that's never stopped an author before!

Cat is an extremely skilled computer tech who lost her soul to Eris in a game of poker.
The hows aren't explained till toward the end of the book, but it's not exactly what you think...
Since then, she's been the goddess of Discord's unpaid lackey. Thanks to being on call 24/7, she has no social life, no love life, and no money.
So when Eris announces that there may be a way for her to get her freedom, Cat jumps at the chance. Supposedly all she has to do is attend a party, but Cat's under no illusions that it will be that easy. When Eris insists that her obnoxious personal assistant Marius escort Cat to the gala, any leftover hope she had about a mundane evening flies right out the window. Cat's contempt for Marius is only rivaled by his disdain for her. Since they both work for Eris, they've had years to dig and poke at each others nerves. So at this point, they're both pretty raw.
Such a cute couple!

At the party, Cat finds out from Coyote that Eris has put her soul up as a bargaining chip in the mother of all poker games. It seems that all of the trickster gods across mythology like to get together once in a while and test each other out. The party is being held so the other gods can decide whether Cat is worth it.
Cat's job is to retrieve all of the chips from the other gods in order for Eris to free her.
Now here's where the story fell a bit short for me.
And possibly this is because of my limited knowledge of poker, or gambling in general...
I didn't get why she had to run around trying to get all of the chips. Eris gave them the chips. They were supposed to give them to Cat if they found her an acceptable bargain. Just sit still and let them come to you, right?
I also didn't understand why Cat thought Eris was going to free her. The instructions about getting all of the chips back didn't even make a whole lot of sense to start with, and the goddess lies for fun, so she had to know she was probably going to pull something at the last minute.

Other than the wonky plot holes, I really enjoyed the story. Marius and Cat were funny together, and after a while he grew on me. The author even managed to make him sexy, which is no small feat considering he's a satyr.
Still not too sure about the goat legs, though. *shudder*
It was interesting to read about some trickster gods that I hadn't heard of before, and I also liked the way the more familiar gods were painted in a different light. Loki is my new favorite!

If you're looking for a new urban fantasy that mixes things up with mythology, then this might be something you'll want to check out.

Also check out http://www.addicted2heroines.com/2013... for other reviews and cool stuff.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I need to preface this review by saying I tend to shy away from paranomals. However, the teaser was so intriguing - I had to snap up a copy from NetGalley.

Cat Sharp is so utterly familiar to me. Like her, I've always had an affinity for technology. I can't say I'm quite as gifted, but I know how she feels when she manages to bring a server back to life.

And Marius. *sigh* Oh Marius. I want to know everything about Marius. Please Ms. Wyman... give me more. I beg for many, many, many sequels.

The story itself was an intricately wound web of fantastical beings, shiny lights and brilliant characters. Set in Vegas, how could it not be? But hearing that there's an underbelly for Gods and Deities was icing on the cake. If I had to compare this book to something, I'd say it was "Princess Bride"-esque. Well, except that Buttercup doesn't exactly start out loving her pirate.

She's lost her soul in the worst way possible, and it's in jeopardy of changing hands yet again. Her soul's "owner" has wagered it on a game of poker, and Cat has to do a bit of dancing in order to save herself.

Worse yet, her boss tells her that her assistant, Marius, will be accompanying her on this journey. Not only is he full of himself, he's got an obnoxious English accent that he uses like a sword - to jab and sting. Oh yeah, and he's a Satyr.

Deals are struck, monsters are nipping at heels, and double-crosses are par for the course. I couldn't put this book down. Seriously. It's like a roller coaster that you don't want to stop riding. READ IT! 'nuff said. ;-)

[Beth Cato · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read so much urban fantasy that I tend to be critical of it. It has to be really good and fresh to grip me. Wild Card did just that. Wyman uses the vivid backdrop of Las Vegas to depict an unusual face-off of the old trickster gods. Cat is a snarky red-head with a knack for computers, but her day job is interrupted by the whims of Eris, who owns her soul. When Cat finds that Eris has thrown Cat's soul into a card game match between trickster gods, all hell breaks loose. Literally. The gods don't simply play to win. They want to test the potential goods. That means Cat's on the run for her life, all with the help of the rakish satyr, Marius.

A lot of urban fantasies recycle the same gods and fae. I loved that Wyman brought in Maui and mythology from Hawaii, a darker take on Coyote, and I loved, loved, what she did with Loki. The romance isn't some clear-cut thing here, either. Marius comes across as a real dirt bag from the start, but he develops into a very complex and sympathetic character.

This is the sort of book that reminds me that urban fantasy can still be fresh and full of potential.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book, it took a while for all the major pieces to come together. This is a new author, both to me and to the masses. I really enjoyed her story telling and she had a great concept. Loads of action and intrigue to go around.

She lost me a bit in the romance, cause there really wasn't much of anything there. Marius never gave me any love vibes, he was too concerned with his own well-being to ever really think of Cat. I did feel bad for his uh, situation, but not enough to think he made any sort of hero in the end.

I thought Flynn a much better love interest, even if it is only friendship at the moment. He definitely gave me warm fuzzy feelings!!

Cat is a real contradiction, she seems so strong and kick butt at times and others she is wallowing in self doubt/pity. I really thought there were many times when she should have gotten past her self esteem issues, cause she kicks serious mythological butts!

All in all this was a really intriguing read with a serious mix of mythologies. It was fun to see how they interacted and to think of a world where they all could co-exist. Very detailed information about each, I love it when I learn while enjoying my reading!!

No real steam factor here, things get lukewarm for a scene or two, but no real passion. That is one of the reasons I would not label it a romance.

Ms Wyman did a great job of crafting a story that held my interest from beginning to end. I have high hopes for future books, with such a strong first effort she can only get better. Kudos, I hope there is a sequel, with a Flynn/Cat love story perhaps! There is definitely more to tell in this story!

*Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

[Ambrosia · Rating 3 out of 5]

(In the interest of full disclosure, I should state first that I count author Jamie Wyman as a friend, although geography and time constraints have sadly prevented us from becoming close. I was more than a little apprehensive, therefore, about reading her book; not that I thought her incapable of writing something good, but because I hate having to tell someone I genuinely like and respect that the project they've loved and labored over has serious problems and may well be stillborn. Tl;dr: this is not one of those projects. So without further ado...)

Phew. I think I need a cigarette.

Not-quite-three-hundred pages of Cat Sharp's whirlwind 24 hours all over Vegas is enough to wear anyone out. Twists piling on top of turns, betrayals and counter-betrayals. And like the best Vegas stories, the stakes are high - Cat's very freedom is at stake.

Whirlwind or no, the pacing is one of this story's strongest attributes. If the pages were physical, they would practically spark as you turned them, scathing remarks and witty rejoinders flying back and forth in quick brief flashes. There's just the right amount of time for the characters to catch their breath before the next crisis, and the next, until the big climactic scene.

Unfortunately, the breakneck pace seems to cost more than a little clarity. The rules of the story are not well-defined (what exactly is it that magical beings can do with her soul? what are their limits?); and while a certain amount of opacity is justifiable (as Cat herself doesn't understand the entirety of what's going on and is fumbling around based on a notoriously unreliable goddess' word), it was unclear to this reader precisely why she was pursuing the MacGuffin. At times it seemed implied that she would gain her freedom, at others merely the possibility to better her circumstances, and either way it's never quite delineated how the magic poker chips are supposed to work. Or, indeed, what they signify - if Cat was collecting them to gain her freedom, why did the gods flick them over to her so easily once she confronted them? Similarly, while I could understand Cat's overwhelming desire to regain possession of her soul, I couldn't quite follow her willingness to trust the word of a goddess who had proved her untrustworthiness on multiple occasions. Even with nothing else to go on, she seemed resourceful enough to find some way of verifying Eris' word and perhaps gaining a better understanding of what was going on; even with the human tendency to ignore better sense when offered what we desire most, the blind acceptance just didn't fit with Cat's world-weary persona.

That particular issue aside, however, the characterization was a goodly part of what made this story so much fun. Wyman's characters have great chemistry, and their back-and-forth made me giggle aloud more than once. I felt that Marius, as the love interest, got slightly short shrift in his development; there were hints that there might be more to him than snark, but his development seemed to be wildly outpaced by the growing of Cat's attraction to him. Similarly, the resolution of his character arc fell a tad flat; I think if he'd gotten a touch more development it would have had more emotional impact.

My last criticism (really! I promise!) is more in the grey area of stylistic issues, and may well just be personal preference, but: one of the things I liked most about Cat was her agency and resourcefulness. So it was more than a little jarring to have her biggest character flaw be crippling self-doubt. Again, this is probably tied in to the pacing; if we'd gotten to know her in a little more depth, it might have felt more natural and less like a switch was being flipped (you're incredibly talented! But nobody likes you! But you can fight off shark demons! But you'll never be good at anything!). It felt to me like she was a proactive character often being forced into a passive role, and I found that incredibly frustrating - even her character arc of learning to take responsibility for herself and owning her own power was curtailed by a plot that, by necessity, was making her a glorified barter token. (Related side note: I get that gods don't care about human rights and all that, but I found Cat's consistently being threatened with sexual harassment/violence slightly distasteful, especially given that she was in a position to do so little about it - it felt like a cheap way to raise the stakes.) Fortunately the aforementioned character arc seems to have taken her past much of that insecurity, so I'm hoping that'll be less of a problem in the next book.

That sounds like a lot of issues, and it is, but much can be forgiven for that holy grail of guilty-pleasure reads: compulsive readability. And in that, Wild Card delivers in spades. Wyman's world is an engrossing one, and more than once during the day I found my thoughts wandering back to it; the only reason I didn't devour it all in one night is that I was trying to read critically as well as just for fun. This is a very promising start to a series; I will absolutely read the next one, and can say without a doubt that I would even if I didn't know the author.

[Ren Puspita · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Catherine Sharp is a technomancer (she can fix things, anything that connect to technology). She lose her soul to Eris, because a stupid act that she'd commit 8 years ago. When she think she will be free from the bitch goddess, turn that Eris wager her soul in a poker game. Not just an ordinary game, but a game between the gods of trick, mischief and mayhems. Cat, with the help of Marius, a satyr that cursed by Zeus so he can't feel any pleasure, try to collect a chip from gods that wager with Eris - they are Coyote, Maui, Puck and Loki- to continue the game. Each God promise Cat some things, except for Loki who his whereabout is not known. Can Cat finally get her freedom, or she must falling from one of the God that is worse than Eris herself?

Wild Card is a debut novel by Jamie Wyman, and I request this when Engtangled offer some e-ARC to be reviewed based on its blurb. The premise look interesting and different, took a new take into one of lesser goddess from Greek Myth, Eris, the Goddess of Discord. Also use some another pantheon myth like Norse, Celtic, Pacific Island and Native American. While the idea of the technomancer was fresh, Wild Card feel like some old Urban Fantasy novel I knew. It was hard to symphatize with Cat. Sometime I feel liike Ms Wyman try too hard to make Cat look strong for readers. While it success for some part, italso failed, when Cat somehow too much wallowing in self pity and look hopeless.

For a debut, Ms Wyman have so much potential. I also think that Wild Card can be split into two books, for some event and twist feel too rushed for me. The ending for this book kinda hint that there are will be many thing that Cat (and Ms Wyman) deliver to us. Anyhow, I do not agree with the blurb, especially about "falling in love" thing. If you think that Cat and Marius will fall to each other, (or have some sex scene) you will be disappointed. Wild Card is pretty much a traditional urban fantasy, and the romance part is not too much, even there are some reference to sex scenes and kissing. I will not said that Marius himself as hero material. His relationship with Cat is based on lie and deceits, because both are slave for their master. But again, if Ms Wyman decide to continue Cat's story, I wonder if she will make Cat finally romantically involved with Marius. Not just a tease here and there.

If you love urban fantasy and a different take into myth, you don't want to miss Wild Card. It's worth to try and read.

Thanks for Entangled for providing the e-ARC

[All Things Urban Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

WILD CARD makes perfect use of Las Vegas, turning the lights and the glamor of the Strip into a backdrop for battling gods, deadly monsters, and the battered and broken bit players just trying to break even. Both Cat and Marius have quite a bit of baggage, and knowing who you can trust in the city of sin is even more difficult with immortal agendas muddying the waters.

Both the strength and weakness of WILD CARD is how many unanticipated twists move the story. Some work beautifully, adding extra momentum and adrenaline to an already breakneck pace. Others feel unfinished, and their rough edges snagged the story and slowed things down. Perhaps the worst example of this is the mechanism of the poker chips. Lies and hazy rules swirl around them, making it hard to understand where Cat will find them, what they represent, or why powerful beings keep handing them over. This mechanic spans the whole book, so the entire flashy and fun adventure is built on a weak and wobbly foundation.

But make no mistake, WILD CARD is an entertaining way to fill an afternoon. Cat’s genuine interest in problem solving dovetails beautifully with the story, and helped me remain interested despite the elements that didn’t work as well. Perhaps like any Las Vegas tall tale, WILD CARD is an adventure best enjoyed without too much scrutiny.

Sexual Content: Kissing, references to sex, a non-explicit sexual assault.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a story that will take you spinning and racing because it is chalkfull of adventure and drama than look no further and try this out for size. This girl really had to stay on her toes or that might have been all she wrote lol. Boy she was in a pickle but that is what happens when you no longer own your soul and someone else does and you are at their beck and call. Cat just might get to make this her last job if it really is legit but seriously I wonder why she thought truth would be told now. But then no story would there be right? Freedom she could almost taste it,longed for it. But it is not so much what a god will say but what they really mean. A party out of her league she must go and the favor is revealed for what it really is. Alas freedom was not the word she would of used of the end result of what really was going to go on. And if the events that follow don't cramp a girl's style it would of for anyone else but her. She actually is worth more than she realized and capable of much more than she knew and must use in order to survive.This girl sure has alot of gumption and determination really likable character with a cast of players that combined is one dynamite of a story. She might not gets what she wants at the end but she gets what she needs I do believe. Received an arc for a honest review.

[Gabrielle Harbowy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WILD CARD is about Catherine Sharp, an IT professional in Las Vegas, whose soul belongs to Eris, Goddess of Discord. Cat learns that Eris has bet her soul in an all-deity poker game, and Cat finds herself in a race against the next hand to figure out a way to get her soul back for herself.

WILD CARD is one of those rare urban fantasy novels that isn’t about a girl in a love triangle with an angel and a demon, or about a paranormal detective or monster hunter...which means that in addition to being well-written, it’s a welcome change of pace.

Nothing against the cops, detectives, monster-hunters, and conflicted high schoolers, many of which still make for good reads. It’s just that when a book categorizes itself as urban fantasy, you can almost bet your immortal soul that it’ll be one of the above.(Yes, I went there.)

Here you’ll find IT terminology (used properly!), pop culture and comics references both oblique and overt, and a cover that doesn’t show midriff, cleavage, or a physically impossible pose. Cat Sharp is owned and controlled by a deity, yet still manages to have more agency than many other novels’ main characters who operate under their own free will. She puts her survival ahead of her hormones, reacts realistically to challenges and traumas, and has the sort of strong, likeably snarky narrative voice that first person perspective was made for.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looks like this is going to be a series and a rather good one at that! The book description drew me in but the author by far succeeded my expectation. This was a new twist for me. The Gods playing for a human soul that isn't what it appeared to be. It just goes to show that even the Gods who have all the power want more. This book had me laughing and at times eager to see what the next move is. This book was highly enjoyable with wonderfully descriptive characters and a new twist on a paranormal romance.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read and I could not believe how quickly I finished it. It felt that I had no sooner sat down with it then I was finished.

The story moved along at a great pace, had loveable characters and a fantastic story as well.

I look forward to having the opportunity of reading more by Jamie Wyman in the future.

[Noone · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unoriginal, bad writing, and just very sloppy in general.

Yet another example of a book that wants emotional payoff without the prior investment.
If you want your heroine to overcome her inner insecurities, find herself, and unlock her special snowflake powers you need to develop the character first. You need to make us care, show us why we should care, make us emotionally invested, make us witness her pain, and understand her perspective.
You can not accomplish this in like 3 pages. That usually requires at least 100.
The way this book did it just felt cheap and dishonest.

The magic was utter garbage, especially because the "science" or "tech know-how" it's all based on, is just rubbish. If you don't have the slightest idea of computers or even basic physics, don't base your magic system on some handwavy science bullshit. Just make the magic "magic" and make it follow magical rules. That is totally fine!

Even if executed well this book would've had a hard time reaching 4 stars just because of its unoriginality and severe corny clichée infestation. But it's not. I dropped at 80% so the badly written bullshit drama I criticized above is probably supposed to be the beginning of the story climax. No thanks.

I know it's hard to actually write a decent book and I feel kind of bad for ripping this apart like that but the necessary work just wasn't put into it.
This book seems very much like a spontaneous first attempt at writing a book and it comes across as lazy all around.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Las Vegas, everyone hopes that Lady Luck will be on their side, but for Cat Sharp, luck has been rather elusive. Her soul was won by Eris, the Greek goddess of discord and ever since, Cat has been at her beck and call. She's longed for freedom, and when Cat learns that her soul is at stake in yet another poker game, she decides to take control. Eris tells her that if she can collect the poker chip that belongs to each of the four other gods who are playing the game, she might be able to win her freedom - for good. With the help of a handsome yet insanely irritating satyr, Cat attempts to outsmart the gods and change her fortune for good.
I absolutely loved this book. I've been pleasantly surprised by a lot of the ARCs I've received from Entangled Publishing since I started reviewing for them in October, but this one was by far my favorite. I will definitely be looking for more from Jamie Wyman in the future.

I expected this book to be much more centered around romance, because every single other title I've received from Entangled has been, and I'm not going to lie, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was not the case. Not that I have anything about romance, but I enjoyed that even though this book touched on romantic relationships, the main focus of the book was Cat's attempt to win back her soul. Romance is a side-plot, and not even a very major one, at that.

I loved Wyman's writing style. As I mentioned in my progress update, she was able to overcome my aversion to excessive profanity and actually make vulgarity work. Cat has a very foul mouth, but it suits her salty personality and rather than cheapening the quality of the novel, I felt that it actually helped to develop her character. Much of Wyman's writing goes from perfectly worded descriptions to sarcastic commentary. For example, when we first meet Eris, Wyman describes her appearance:

"The goddess was a study in angles. Her nose sliced through her hawk-like features, and she had sunken cheeks, skeletal fingers, and sharp elbows."
A few sentences later, we get Cat's thoughts on the subject:

"I'd think that a divine being would look a little more attractive - or at least eat a damn cheeseburger - but Eris liked to f*** with people's heads."

The sarcastic commentary mingled with what I feel to be a superior style of writing served to further develop Cat's personality and add a degree of flavor and humor to the description. The entire book is written in such a way and I felt that it made it more enjoyable to read.

Cat was such a great protagonist. Although she has very little control over her life since her soul is owned by a very authoritative goddess, from the very beginning, she comes off as a tough, confident woman, not a victim or weak damsel in distress who relies on men to help her. Although she definitely is not afraid to ask for help from either Marius, a satyr who is one of Eris's servants who Cat begrudgingly befriends, or her best friend Flynn, Cat is also extremely competent in her own right and she's not afraid to face the gods head on to fight to reclaim ownership of her soul.

I also came to love Marius. He's a fascinating character. He's selfish and arrogant, completely driven by objectifying women and at first I was afraid that he would turn into the stereotypical troubled bad boy who the main female character is able to change. This wasn't the case. Although we do learn that there is much more to Marius than meets the eye, the reader constantly questions his motives and if he's really on Cat's side. Cat herself is reluctant to trust him - when she does, he fails her trust, but when she decides to shut him out, he does something to surprise her that earns it back again. This cycle continues throughout the book and it constantly kept me wondering how things would turn out. There is no obvious ending with these two, though I initially thought there would be, and, again, this was a really welcome surprise. I also thought he was really funny, even when he was being a pig.

The plot is full of twists and turns, and I was constantly surprised by where things were going. There were many twists that I did not see coming - another element that I loved. Wyman doesn't info dump. We learn about characters' backgrounds and the world that they live in slowly, in bits and pieces, until finally we can see the whole picture. I found that the book was very difficult to put down and even though I have finals this week, I was constantly pulled away from studying to keep reading... probably not the best situation for me as a student, but, let's face it, I'd much prefer to be reading than studying!

I definitely recommend that you read this. I really hope that Wyman will write a sequel, because, although the story did wrap everything major up, there is definitely room for the story to continue and I'd love to find out what is going to happen to Cat in her new circumstances that she's in by the end of the story. I'll be looking for more by Wyman in the future, because this was definitely a treat to read. I definitely recommend that you go pick up a copy of your own!

[Kimmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read.

Definitely looking forward to picking up the test of the series and reading them all. Highly recommended for those who enjoy myths brought into the current timelines.

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Catherine Sharp's life has not been hers for ten years since Eris, the Greek Goddess of Discord. What she thinks is a normal day but turns into one she will never forget. She finds out Eris is betting her soul away during a poker game with five Gods. Some of which test Cat over the next day. With the help of a Satyr, who is also in debt to Eris "helps" Cat along her journey but he wants something in return.

This was a fun story that has many twists and turns. It was very entertaining and enjoyable. This is the first book in this series and it starts the series off with a great start. This is my first book by this author but it won't be my last.

[Carrow Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. That characters were vivid and engaging and the pacing was lovely. I especially enjoyed how real everyone and plot was (even though it involved gods). The depictions of the different pantheons were also entertaining and witty. Highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys stories of mortals being tormented by fickle gods.

[Melliane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mon avis en Français

My English review

I was quite intrigued by the synopsis and the cover when I saw them. An urban fantasy book? Check. Gods? Check. An original story with a great heroine? Double Check! Yes, as you can see, this book is a real surprise for me and I took great pleasure in reading something original.

Cat is a young woman like any other if not a detail, she no longer has her soul. Because of an unfortunate event, her soul was deposed and played so she became a pawn in the service of the Goddess of Discord, Eris. This is not something she agrees with much ease, and I must say that I understand her. She must remain available at all times for the woman and satisfy all her demands, whatever they may be, even if in bad grace. Therefore, she can not leave the city, or even have a worthy job. Because, of course, belonging to someone does not pay the bills. But an event will completely change her life when Eris, which is found ruined, plays her soul without warning her in a poker game with other gods. But Cat wants to regain her soul, and she is ready to do everything for it! So when Eris offers to retrieve the tokens of each player to have a chance to be free, Cat does not hesitate one second. Yet she does not know who the participants are, or what they want from her.

I was completely swept away by the story! I loved the idea of gods. They are all present in the human world although they are not really aware of them. The Gods are trying to live their lives even if it is different from ordinary mortals. We also discovered some really known as Loki or Puck. Yes as you can see, many famous characters are present, the gods of Greek mythologist as well as some known Faes. I loved how the author had imagined all of them. They do not really have the nature we could expect and I was surprised more than once, but it’s also so good! Well of course, they all want something from our heroine without she understands the reason. And what better way to test her than to send the worst creatures to see how she would be able to defend herself? I must say that I took great pleasure in discovering Cat. This is a young woman who really did not have any luck in her life and she is now paying the price. However, she is very brave and tries to do the best in all circumstances. We will be able to understand her throughout the novel, seeing her when she faces her doubts, her greatest fears, and observing the consequences about her future.

She will however not be alone in this adventure and we also discover two really different men. A technomage, a longtime friend of our heroine, who does not hesitate to help her when she is in need and Marius, a Satyr, she thought she knew. It is very difficult to really understand Marius. He sometimes seems determined to help her and do everything to ensure her to do what she wants and other times he seems to play a double game and I must say that I had many questions about him throughout the novel and I can not really statute about him but I can not wait to meet him afterwards. Of course I was also really curious about what gods were involved in this game and why they wanted so bad to win but we discover all that throughout the chapters.

In conclusion I must say that this novel is a real and very good surprise. There are many revelations that I did not expect and I ‘m really happy for this first novel, and I hope there will be many more to read because I am eager to learn more. A new author to discover!

[Paul Krueger · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the interests of full disclosure, Ms. Wyman and I share an agent. But trust me: if I hadn't enjoyed the bajeezus out of this book, I wouldn't have been moved to write this review.

I cracked open (so to speak) my copy of Wild Card on a flight from LA to Chicago, and it was a perfect traveling companion. Perhaps the only shortcoming it had was that I read it so quickly that there was still a solid hour and a half left in my flight by the time I hit "The End."

Urban fantasy is my pet genre, and there are a few keys to getting it right: a strong point of view, fluid integration of the mundane and the magical, and a good, strong sense of place so the "fantasy" doesn't overwhelm the "urban." Wyman checks off all those boxes pretty much right off the bat. Cat Sharp is a snarky first-person narrator, sure, but unlike a lot of her literary kin she keeps her sassiness to non-obnoxious levels. And she gets bonus points from me for having a job that has absolutely nothing to do with law enforcement, refreshingly enough.

More important: her chemistry with the book's romantic lead, the satyr Marius. The two have a good rapport, and while I'm always a little skeptical of changing-feelings-over-the-course-of-one-crazy-night arcs, the tension between them felt believable (forgiving the fact that he's a mythical creature and they both serve an equally mythical Greek goddess). I liked where things landed between them--it was the end of this story, but very clearly not the end of their story.

Only a thing or two about the narrative felt underdeveloped to me. The discipline of technomancy ends up becoming a plot element, but there doesn't appear to be any real explanation for its presence in the narrative; it just *is*. Obviously, there's a certain amount of "Just go with it" inherent in any fantasy lit, but something so Gibson-esque seemed a bit out of step with the rest of the book, which was largely concerned with the machinations of ancient gods. But I also recognize that this is the first in a series, and sometimes you have to leave a few things unexplored so they can be delved into later. Just a little more depth would've helped, though.

By that same token, I wish we could've gotten more of Flynn the technomancer, Cat's oldest (and possibly only) friend. I think he was supposed to be seen as a rival to Marius for Cat's interest, but it wasn't ever really a contest. He seemed like an interesting guy and I kept waiting for him to pop back into the narrative, but after two admittedly prominent appearances, he wasn't ever really revisited. I might be misremembering some things about the plot construction, but as things stand right now he could lift out of the story without too much fuss, which is too bad because he was rather cool.

Those are the only major caveats from this emptor, though. Wyman does a great job of using her Las Vegas setting and its associated motifs to inform her story and provide it with texture. The trickster gods Cat runs up against are all memorable, though some were more vibrant than others. And Cat herself was an engaging narrator--enough so that I'm eager to see how Wyman follows this volume up.

Anyway, read this thing already. It'll make a better companion on a long flight than whatever shambling horror the airline's assigned as your seatmate.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review posted on my blog, Becky on Books.

Wow--I absolutely loved this book! Originally I wanted to read it because of the mythology angle--as a junior high social studies and English teacher, I get to teach all kinds of mythology, and I love to read modern takes on the ancient legends. What originally sold me, though, was the fact that Eris, the goddess of discord was in it--how many novels can make that claim? There just isn't enough fiction out there with any kind of role in it for the deity who started the Trojan War, in my opinion. ;) After a somewhat slow start, I soon found myself absolutely hooked, and then the ending had me anxious for more...

The blurb is a little misleading, because this novel is a lot more straight up urban fantasy than urban fantasy romance as it sounds from the description. There are definite romantic aspects to it, but much of the potential Cat/Marius romance remains just that--potential. I've got great hopes for later in the series, but this one is really more about Cat's journey--which just so happens to be with Marius--than their relationship together.

Vegas is the perfect backdrop for a story involving immortals, and I thought it was interesting that apparently in this universe (unlike, for example, in Rick Riordan's) the supernatural and immortal world isn't completely shielded from the mortal one. When Cat and Marius are being chased down the Strip by a monstrous giant bird, the "regular" people can see it--and wisely, they flee. At one point, Pele, the volcano goddess, bursts out of the Mirage's waterfall--seriously, this couldn't happen anywhere but Vegas.

I loved the blend of mythologies here--the poker game that is being played for Cat's soul includes the gods Eris (Greek), Maui (Hawaiian), Coyote (Native American), Puck (fae), and Loki (Norse). Originally Africa's Anasazi was a part as well, but he left the table before the story began. Jamie Wyman does a great job of bringing all the different traditions together throughout, making it a really fun read.

Once the story gets going, it's pretty much non-stop--I totally felt for Cat in this passage, because that's how the reader feels too:

My head spun trying to sort it all out. The levels of intrigue, the games stacked one on top of the other. I couldn't fathom the amount of backstabbing and paranoia Eris and her kith lived with. This is why I never played RISK as a kid.

I hear you, Cat.

At times I was a bit lost--I'm not really sure why the players were so casual about handing their chips over to Cat, for one thing, and Cat's backstory drama left me a bit 'meh'--but in the greater scheme of things most of the plot threads were skillfully pulled together at the end, making for a satisfying read overall.

Loved. Loki. Even if he looks nothing like Tom Hiddleston's version, he's just awesome in this book.

The ending brings Cat a new--and hopefully exciting--beginning. I cannot wait to see where the author is going with this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

Wild Card was such a fun surprise! I loved the mix of all kinds of mythology (Greek, Norse, Hawaiian, etc), combined with the fae, along with humans with special abilities! And it's set in Las Vegas! Our heroine is Catherine Sharpe, a technician for the casinos on the Strip. She's also bound to the goddess of discord, and it's not a pleasant fact. But Eris has bet Cat's soul in a high stakes poker game. Cat wants to be free from the goddess, but when the other players send minions to try to kill her, she isn't quite sure if her fate will be worse if Eris loses.

I immediately liked Wild Card. It's unique, fast paced, and fun. Cat is a great narrator, and I adored Marius! He's a centaur, who is also bound to Eris and he's cursed. He and Cat have a very tense relationship, and I loved watching them work together to track down the other players in the game for Cat's soul. He is a trickster, so sometimes it's hard to tell if he's being truthful, but ultimately I had faith in him! Plus, it didn't hurt that I wanted to smoosh their faces together!

The plot of Wild Card did start to confuse me near the end. Cat is trying to track down the other gods who are bidding on her soul and collect their poker chips. At first it seemed like getting all four chips would allow Cat to get her soul back, but that wasn't the case. The gods give up the chips much too freely, like they don't matter. They also keep mentioning that they're testing the merchandise, so what was the point of the chips? It felt like Cat was on a wild goose chase, since those chips really meant nothing for the state of her soul, and were probably just symbolic of the bet. I did love the whole poker game set up though. It was definitely different and interesting.

Cat is bisexual! Or at least not straight. She doesn't actually put a label on it, but I felt like I should mention it anyway, in case this is something you seek out in novels. Her sexuality also isn't made into a big deal, aside from a pervy joke from Marius, which I really liked. She just happens to be capable of falling in love with whoever, and have sex with whoever, and that's just how it is.

I really enjoyed Wild Card. I thought it was so unique and engaging, even when it did get confusing. I'm totally excited to learn more about Cat's abilities as a technomage, since that was only touched upon in this first installment (for reasons). I also need more of Marius! He's amazing! And Loki isn't too bad himself either.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[Habrewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Card by Jamie Wyman
* I received a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review*

Catherine Sharp has had a run of bad luck and love which has led to her soul belonging to Eris, the Goddess of Discord. She may have a life but she is expected to be at Eris beck and call. When the Goddess offers her a chance to get her soul back, how can she refuse? She just never expected to be tested by all the players in the game.

Along with Marius she sets out to retrieve poker chips from the five other members of the game. She and Marius are in a battle for her life facing things of nightmares. The more time they spend together, the more she discovers about him that she actually likes. She starts to see beneath his glamour, and that frightens him.

I enjoyed this story and I think Catherine is a strong heroine. I like that she can take care of herself but isn’t afraid to ask for help when she needs it. She knows that she needs Marius if she is ever going to complete this task and get her soul back. Along the way she discovers things about herself that she never would’ve imagined. With the help of her friends she begins to harness her new found powers while fighting to stay alive.

The actual poker game at the end was my favorite part of the book. I would’ve liked to see her be able to win the right to “deal” herself into the game for a chance to win her soul back. I was happy with the outcome of the game though and I loved the twist at the end. I have to admit that I loved seeing the Goddess of Discord get a dose of her won medicine though.

I didn’t like Marius very much in the beginning but as Catherine began to peel back his layers, he started to grow on me. He has a reputation to uphold, hence his attitude but underneath he seems to be a very lonely man/beast. He turns out to be a good friend to Catherine, even though he has ulterior motives.

This book combined a couple of my favorite things and I enjoyed it very much. Mythology has always been a favorite of mine and reading about the Gods was fun. During a conversation with Loki, the quote about whose hammer Catherine wielded during the battle has to be one of my favorites. I also loved the techno aspect since my husband is a techno geek himself. Overall I really enjoyed this book and give Wild Card 4 Flaming Hearts.

[Ang L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book… wow. Seriously, folks. This book is a spectacular, sexy, snarky spree through sleaze and skill. Or some other equally nifty alliteration, because Ms. Wyman has managed to grab my by my wrists, spin me around, and let go so my brain starts rattling around in my head like a pinball machine.

I have always been a fan of multi-deity pantheon fiction. This amazing book takes that to a whole new level, introducing multiple pantheons who not only exist, but interact with each other and own souls. One of those souls is Cat Sharp, a girl after my own heart – after all, I too am a tech geek who has been “accused” of talking to my machines. Cat is sharp – sharp, snarky, and full of piss and vinegar that makes her a worthwhile heroine for such a crazy venture through time and space – no wait, that was Doctor Who. Cat’s adventure is through Vegas, which is about as close to a TARDIS as you can get, I think.

Cat’s relationship with the satyr, Marius, is one that defies real explanation – trust me when I say you’ll probably recognize a few like it in your own life as well, and you’ll probably find yourself laughing and swearing and growling at both of them regularly.

Ms. Wyman expertly weaves intricate layers of detail and big picture together, crafting a story that not only catches and holds your attention, but ignites your imagination as well. She has managed to put together a world that seems completely plausible, and more than once I saw what was happening so perfectly in my head that I wondered if it was recalling events that actually happened. Disbelief? Officially suspended.

I can’t wait to read the rest of the series, and I am sure I’ll become a rabid fan of Ms. Wyman’s just as much as I am a rabid fan of Hugh Howey’s. I can’t even apologize in advance to my friends and family who will likely be stuck listening to my raving about the book until they read it themselves – at which point they, too, will be converts.

What am I saying? I am saying GET IT. READ IT. LOVE IT. Immerse yourself in the story and the entirely believable world. Simmer and stew in the lingering questions, and rejoice in the knowledge that they will undoubtedly be answered, for the series is set to be (at least) 5 books long. Hurray! I can’t wait!

[Jasmyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

How would you like to have your soul used as a poker chip - a very expensive one - but still a poker chip. Catherine has managed to have her soul traded not once, but it looks like twice now, in a high stakes poker game of the gods. Now, it's not just Greek gods we're talking about here, although Eris does play a very large roll, but gods from across the pantheons. It was really cool watching the different dieties interact with Cat, Marius, and each other. Of course no one, except the gods, is really sure that Cat's soul was up to begin with, but Cat and Marius have promised to help each other out - and maybe save them both from Eris in the end.

Cat was a fun character, but there was so much she never knew about herself - and boy was she pissed when she found out some of it. She was a computer wiz with no social life outside her little techie sphere. There were several times when Marius, the satyr, was ablt to completely steal the show from her. He was suave, sophisticated, and a complete ass - in a humorous way (Cat may disagree with me there). The story was exciting with the various gods all trying to test Cat and see what made her tick - almost like a little lab experiment. I know, a little twisted, but what else to gods have to do.

The only part of this book that rubbed me a little wrong was that it screamed sequel at me. So I hunted and looked to see what I could find. I was enjoying the story so I figured why not read the first one first? But there was none - at least not that I could find. So I kept reading thinking maybe I had totally missed something. They did eventually explain the past that was repeatedly referenced, but it was almost at the end of the book. If I was the author, I would write a quicky novella about Cat's past with Daphne as a prequel - I really want to know more now!

And on a totally random side note: I loved this cover!!!

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...

[T.A. Moorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review and more can be seen at http://gothicmoms.blogspot.com/

Truly one of the best non-vampire books ever!!! There's nothing like a good poker game to get the blood flowing, especially when what's at stake is your very own soul.

Catherine "Cat" Sharp is just your average run of the mill tech geek, or so it seems even to herself. What she never knew was that she is actually a technomage, able to communicate and control all electronics and machinery, a very powerful one. But, since her powers have been bound unbeknownst to her she never had the chance to find out. Add on to that the fact that she accidentally gave away her soul to a person who lost it in a poker game to the Goddess of Discord, who in turn now has her soul up on the gambling block, again. Did I mention she was an atheist before this all even began? Well, imagine learning that there are indeed gods by having one snatch your soul out of your body. And now, after eight years of servitude Cat finally has her freedom dangled in front of her, all she has to do is gather four poker chips. Simple, right? Well, if you can define getting said chips from four of the greatest trickster gods, Maui, Puck, Coyote and none other than Loki of Asgard simple, sure! Oh yea, and your greatest ally being a satyr under the employ of the very goddess you are trying to be rid of...

Right from the very beginning this book will grab readers and pull them in, giving the feel of watching a movie rather than reading from a book. Not one dull moment, and not a page will readers want to skip. Every emotion that this heroine feels; despair, fear, betrayal, readers will feel it right alongside with Cat. Oh, and also want to reach inside and slap Eris' scraggly face.

This book is a true must read. And don't worry, even readers unfamiliar with the pantheons will be able to follow along, not skipping a beat. Warning though, you may lose sleep reading this, because you will NOT want to put this book down until the very end!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review and more can be seen at http://gothicmoms.blogspot.com/

Truly one of the best non-vampire books ever!!! There's nothing like a good poker game to get the blood flowing, especially when what's at stake is your very own soul.

Catherine "Cat" Sharp is just your average run of the mill tech geek, or so it seems even to herself. What she never knew was that she is actually a technomage, able to communicate and control all electronics and machinery, a very powerful one. But, since her powers have been bound unbeknownst to her she never had the chance to find out. Add on to that the fact that she accidentally gave away her soul to a person who lost it in a poker game to the Goddess of Discord, who in turn now has her soul up on the gambling block, again. Did I mention she was an atheist before this all even began? Well, imagine learning that there are indeed gods by having one snatch your soul out of your body. And now, after eight years of servitude Cat finally has her freedom dangled in front of her, all she has to do is gather four poker chips. Simple, right? Well, if you can define getting said chips from four of the greatest trickster gods, Maui, Puck, Coyote and none other than Loki of Asgard simple, sure! Oh yea, and your greatest ally being a satyr under the employ of the very goddess you are trying to be rid of...

Right from the very beginning this book will grab readers and pull them in, giving the feel of watching a movie rather than reading from a book. Not one dull moment, and not a page will readers want to skip. Every emotion that this heroine feels; despair, fear, betrayal, readers will feel it right alongside with Cat. Oh, and also want to reach inside and slap Eris' scraggly face.

This book is a true must read. And don't worry, even readers unfamiliar with the pantheons will be able to follow along, not skipping a beat. Warning though, you may lose sleep reading this, because you will NOT want to put this book down until the very end!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat just wants her soul back from Eris the goddess of Discord. Between working her tech support job and doing jobs for Eris she has no life. Now she finds just when she may be free her soul is on a gambling table with five gods. If she can get the chips they carry she may get free. However with Gods and Goddesses you never know what they will throw at you. So with the help of Marius a satyr indebted to Eris she has to find the chips before time runs out. They don't get along and each has a secret but they have to learn to work together. They might just find more than their souls before it is over.

Cat is good at her job and at surviving. She has made mistakes in the past but now is trying to get over them and get her life back. She doesn't trust easy and she is more special than even she knows. She doesn't give up and keeps fighting. Marius is the sexy satyr who has a secret he does his best so no one finds out about. He at times can be a jerk and is very flirty. I really liked both of them.

This is a very entertaining book as you get to see several different mythological creatures and see what they have at their beck and call.You see just how little they care about human and how they just pass souls around when the cards are down. Cat does her best to get her soul back and has to fight with Marius help different creatures to get the chips she needs. I loved all the action and the way Marius and she have to work together even when they have never got along. They have a big spark between them you want to see grow. The author does a great job in creating this book as you never know what will happen next or what Cat will do. I was very surprised at the ending and thought it might turn out different. If you love reading about Gods and Goddesses, a book with action and sexual tension try this one.

[Gigi staub · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was bad enough that gods gambled with human souls, but Catherine Sharp’s soul just had to be won by the Greek goddess of Discord, Eris. As if working a dead-end tech support job didn’t suck the life out of her as it was. Now, Cat finds herself performing random tasks for the goddess in her free time.

But when Coyote, the Native American trickster himself, claims to have won her own soul in Mayhem’s weekly poker game, Cat wants in on the action. With five sneaky gods upping the ante, Cat needs to find a way to collect the winning chips that could save her soul.
Marius, a handsome yet irritating satyr with his own debt to Eris, might finally come in handy for something. If they play their cards right and work together, Cat and Marius may just get their freedom back. If they don’t kill each other—or fall in love—first.

Review:

If you like Urban Fantasy you will love this book!

Now, what book is not fun set in Vegas, ok, some are not fun but this is a wild ride through the strip that you will love.

This is the story of Catherine (Cat) who years ago mistakenly gave her soul to someone she loved and that person gambled it away. Eris has owned Cat's soul for years and because of this Cat has been trapped in dead end jobs and her life in general has been stymied. Now, Cat's soul has been gambled again by Eris in a poker game with four other Gods. This book unique and fresh and I loved all the twist and turns the Author takes Cat and us the readers on. The story is fast paced and action packed!

Cat is a great character, she is an active participant in her future and is tough and fun. The side characters are great too and come on now which team are we on? Team Marius or Team Flynn or maybe Team Loki????

I don't think I can do the story justice, so you just have to read it yourself!

4 stars

[Eva Millien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut urban fantasy novel is a refreshing and unique take on magic and mythology, that involves gods in the in the glittering lights of Las Vegas.

Catherine Sharp’s life sucks, not only is she working at a dead end job, she’s stuck performing random task to the Greek goddess of Discord, Eris, who just happens to own her soul. When her soul is anted up in a poker game with five sneaky gods, Catherine must find a way to collect the winning chips that could save her life. She’s joined by Marius, a satyr who owns his own debt to Eris and if they don’t kill each other or fall in love, they just might get their freedom back.

The author has created a fun, fast paced read that keeps readers entertained from beginning to end. She brings this fascinating tale to life with vivid imagery, lots of action and intrigue and compelling characters with strong snarky personalities that seizes the imagination and doesn’t let go. There is also plenty of humor with some amusing events set in motion by the twisted game the gods are playing as well as the sassy and spunky dialogue. And the author’s setting the story in Las Vegas is ingenious I mean what better place for the gods to play in the modern world.

The author does a great job of building this fascinating world, making the reader feel as if they are right there with the characters. This world certainly has a promising future if the author decides to make it into a series. I certainly feel that her debut novel is a success and I will be keeping my eye out for more books by Jamie Wyman.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a roller coaster for me - not only because of the story but especially because I started not very enthusiastic, was swept away, was angry and not very excited, and loved the end.

the story is about Cat - a specialist for computers and Tech, who lost her soul to the goddess Eris and is now working for her release. Eris promise her freedom for one last task she has to fulfil together with Marius, a satyr, who is also working for Eris.

the story spans two to three days and there is so much action in it that my head was spinning from it - but I loved it

Cat as a characters is wonderful, you can experience all the ups and downs. She is a real contradiction because most of the times she is a very strong character but she also has her pity-parties. her history was perfectly woven into the story and was interesting to see where she is coming from

the side characters are great:
Marius is one of the most interesting characters I met. he is controversial and he grows on you - even when you think he is the biggest jerk you have ever met
Flynn was interesting and hopefully we will see more of him - but only as friend.
And I definitely loved the Gods. Great!

all in all: it was a very fast paced story with interesting characters and I am eagerly waiting for the next one!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review - so all opinions are my own!

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

WILD CARD makes perfect use of Las Vegas, turning the lights and the glamor of the Strip into a backdrop for battling gods, deadly monsters, and the battered and broken bit players just trying to break even. Both Cat and Marius have quite a bit of baggage, and knowing who you can trust in the city of sin is even more difficult with immortal agendas muddying the waters.

Both the strength and weakness of WILD CARD is how many unanticipated twists move the story. Some work beautifully, adding extra momentum and adrenaline to a break neck pace. Others feel unfinished, and their rough edges snagged my attention and slowed things down. Perhaps the worst example of this is the mechanism of the poker chips. Lies and hazy rules swirl around the, making it hard to understand why Cat is collecting them, what they represent, or why powerful beings keep handing them over. This mechanic spans the whole book, so the entire flashy and fun adventure was built on a weak and wobbly foundation.

Cat's genuine interest in problem solving dovetails beautifully with the story, and helped me remain interested despite other elements that didn't work as well. A fun adventure to fill an afternoon, like any Las Vegas tall tale, WILD CARD is best enjoyed without too much scrutiny of the underlying dynamics.

Full review to follow.

Sexual content: Kissing, references to sex, a non-explicit sexual assault.