## Wild Card: A Cure for Boredom? Not Quite.

Barry Colman's "Wild Card" had all the makings of a thrilling ride: a down-on-his-luck virologist stumbles upon a miracle cure, becoming the target of shadowy organizations and international intrigue. Unfortunately, the execution felt as flat as a week-old soda.

The premise itself is intriguing enough. Michael Kough, our protagonist, is a relatable mess, a gambling addict who's hit rock bottom. His accidental discovery should catapult him to the heights of success, but instead, it paints a target on his back. This is where the story should have taken off, with Kough navigating a dangerous world of spies, assassins, and corrupt corporations.

However, "Wild Card" falls short in several key areas:

* **One-Dimensional Characters:** Kough, despite his initial appeal, remains static throughout the story. His growth arc is minimal, and the supporting characters are little more than cardboard cutouts. Charlotte, the love interest, is particularly underdeveloped, her motivations and actions shrouded in mystery that never quite pays off.
* **Predictable Plot:** The narrative follows a predictable path, with twists that are easily anticipated. The "cat-and-mouse" chase between Kough and his pursuers lacks genuine suspense, and the climax feels rushed and anticlimactic.
* **Clichéd Dialogue:** The conversations often feel forced and unnatural, relying on tired tropes and clichés. This further detracts from the characters' depth and makes it difficult to connect with their struggles.

That said, "Wild Card" isn't entirely without merit. Colman's writing style is straightforward and easy to follow, making it a quick read for those seeking escapist fare. The novel also touches on relevant themes such as corporate greed and the ethical dilemmas surrounding scientific breakthroughs.

**Final Verdict:** "Wild Card" is a decent attempt at a thriller, but ultimately falls short of its potential. While the premise is promising, the execution is hampered by weak character development, a predictable plot, and uninspired dialogue. If you're looking for a thought-provoking or genuinely thrilling read, you might want to look elsewhere. However, if you're simply seeking a light, undemanding story to pass the time, "Wild Card" might just do the trick.

I could not finish this book. I had a hard time getting past all of the times they used the word chink to describe an Asian person. I understand they were trying to portray a gruff, rude character, but I believe it was way overdone. I also felt like the writing was a bit amateurish. I would not recommend this book to any of my students or friends.

Michael Kough has found the cure for the common cold, and now people are after him. The story is told through several characters’ perspectives, but Kough is the main point of view. Kough often has conversations with his brain which he refers to as Big Brain and is described by others as the genius part of his brain. The other part of his brain is extremely impulsive and stupid. In fact, his character is just all over the place, one minute he’s a mastermind, the next he’s a killer; he can captain a boat and even fly a plane after only reading the manual. Nothing about this book was based in reality. It was filled with unfounded masculine confidence, racist stereotypes, and far too much action for action’s sake. The book was in need of a good editor for length, characterization, and consistency.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with both an advanced ebook copy and audiobook copy of this book. Sorry, I hated it.

Action packed adventure. I found pieces of this to be beyond believable but it was a fun book. Certainly gave me things to think about.

This book took me a bit to understand due to the main character calling his brain big brain and having conversations with himself. Once I figured that out the book was good. It's something I can see happening in real life and I'm sure it has happened. Listening to all of his trials after making a life saving vaccine is very interesting. You are constantly waiting for his luck to run out. The book kept me entertained and I was always trying to figure out what the main characters next move is going to be. I recommend it if you are looking for an action packed book.