Book Review: Wild Card 3: NEVER SAY NEVER by Asfiya Rehman

WILD CARD 3: NEVER SAY NEVER

by Asfiya Rehman

Publisher: Half Baked Beans

Pages: 140

Publication Date: 30 August 2020

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Price: Rs 157 INR (PAPERBACK)

Buy here: Purchase Link

Wild Card 3: Never Say Never is the concluding part of the Wild Card trilogy, a sports-fiction series centered around tennis, ambition, and the emotional journeys of its characters. While it continues the story from the earlier books, the author provides a short recap in the beginning, which makes it possible for new readers to follow the story without confusion.

This book however shifts its primary focus to Roshni Mehrotra, a teenager who has used a wheelchair since birth and is now stepping into a new phase of her life—college. Unlike school, where she had support and familiarity, the transition to college life can be overwhelming for anyone, but for Roshni, it came with the added challenge of being seen differently by others.  An environment which exposes her to judgment, labeling, and the subtle ways society defines people by their physical conditions rather than their individuality.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is how realistically it portrays the emotional and psychological experiences of a teenager who feels different from others. Her insecurities, hesitation, and her quiet determination that makes her journey feel truly genuine and relatable. 

At its heart, the novel is not only about sports but also about identity, independence, and relationships. Roshni wants to chase her dreams, but struggles to open up to her dad, feeling he'll suffocate her with worry. Whilst her dad, Karan, is caught between wanting to protect her and letting her go. The evolving father-daughter relationship forms one of the most touching parts of the story. The misunderstandings between them feels super raw and real, like the kind of messy stuff we all experience in real life, making the plot even more relatable. To that, the presence of Vikram and Tahira bring a sense of warmth to the story, balancing the story's heavier moments, and reminding us how important it is to have people who believe in us, sometimes even before we fully believe in ourselves.

Another element i appreciated about this book is the way it introduces readers to the world of wheelchair tennis, something not many of us are familiar about. The match descriptions, and competitive atmosphere are written in a way that allows readers to visualize the action clearly, creating the excitement of watching a real match unfold. But in the end, what really stays with you is Roshni’s determination keep trying despite her self-doubt. it's like we all have days when we doubt ourselves, but she shows us how to push through. 

The writing style is simple and easy to follow. I found myself turning the pages ever so quickly, not because the language was complex, but because the emotions felt so close to home. The story doesnt try too hard to be dramatic—it simply unfolds through small moments of doubt, courage and the realization that staying still is never really an option.

For me, the heart of Wild Card 3 lies in its message: that limitations—whether physical, emotional, or societal—do not define a person’s potential. Sometimes the biggest victories are not the trophies we win, but the fears we overcome along the way.✨

Overall, Wild Card 3 can be described as a heartfelt sports-fiction novel that blends themes of perseverance, family bonds, and personal growth. Whether read as part of the trilogy or as a standalone novel, it offers an inspiring and emotionally resonant reading experience, especially for those who enjoy stories about determination, relationships, and the pursuit of dreams! 

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