A Wild Cards Mosaic Novel, apparently, Three Kings is the second British-based instalment in Martin's vast alternative universe series. Essentially Queen Elizabeth II died in childbirth, her sister Margaret succeeded and ruled until 2020. She died leaving two sons, Henry and Richard, the first a reactionary brute, the second a bisexual charmer. Then rumours begin to circulate - that Elizabeth's newborn son survived but was hidden away on Prince Philip's orders because there was something wrong - in fact, like so many others around the world, he was born a Joker, mutated by the alien virus of 1946.
It is for Alan Turing - yes, the Alan Turing - to investigate, even though he is over 100 years old and made of metal. He is assisted by his protege, the Joker super-spy Noel Matthews and the Joker king of London, the Green Man Roger Barnes. They are all frustrated by the Celtic goddess of death Badb, dislodged from Belfast after the Good Friday Agreement and on the look out for a hero's death-blood to rejuvenate her.
It's a good enough pretext with lots of fun ideas. Unfortunately the cast is miles too big to keep track of. Most of the characters are well drawn (unfortunately, Noel isn't, and he gets much of the action). The royals are not very convincing either, mainly because American lead writers always assume we Brits are as keen on our royals as they are. I very much doubt the state would fall if the succession was altered, subverted or just plain failed.
Good enough, but not great. I enjoyed Mississippi Roll much more. Nevertheless I remain fascinated by the overarching concept.
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