The new Apple TV series Pluribus has introduced viewers to a world of hive minds and alien viruses, but it has also given them a craving for pirate-themed romance novels. The show features a fictional book series, The Winds of Wycaro, written by the main character, which has left many fans wondering if they can buy the books for themselves.
The straightforward answer is no. The Winds of Wycaro is not a real novel series. It exists solely as a key part of the show’s story, written for the character Carol Sturka, a best-selling author played by Rhea Seehorn. In the world of Pluribus, the series is a massively popular work of “speculative historical romance literature,” a genre that would likely be called “romantasy” in today’s book market. Despite the detailed covers and passionate fanbase shown on screen, the books are a creative fiction within a fiction.
What Is The Winds of Wycaro in ‘Pluribus’?
In Pluribus, The Winds of Wycaro is a central part of Carol Sturka’s identity before the world changes. The series is described as a pirate-themed speculative historical romance. It follows a formidable heroine named Lucasia and a handsome corsair named Raban on purple sand seas. The character Raban is so beloved by the fictional fanbase that his mere name sends fans at Carol’s book signing into a frenzy.
The books are so popular within the show’s universe that a Barnes & Noble employee hilariously announces the new release as “the fourth book in her Winds of Wycaro trilogy,” a nod to successful series that expand beyond their original plan. The latest installment featured in the show is titled Bloodsong of Wycaro. In one early scene, Carol’s manager and partner, Helen, is seen subtly moving a display of the book in a bookstore to a more prominent spot, showing her sharp understanding of marketing.
The Deeper Meaning Behind the Fictional Books
The Wycaro novels are more than just a character detail; they are a clever storytelling device. The series’ importance becomes clear after a global event transforms most of humanity into a single, happy hive mind. Carol is one of the few people immune to this change, and she is grieving the loss of her partner, Helen.
The hive mind, which now contains Helen’s memories, uses the books to connect with Carol. It sends a representative named Zosia, who has been chosen because she looks exactly like Carol’s original female version of the character Raban. This is a detail only Carol and Helen knew, proving that Helen’s consciousness and memories persist within the collective mind. The books provide a unique emotional bridge between Carol and the world she is desperately fighting against.
Why the Show’s Working Title Is a Fun Easter Egg
For fans who followed the development of Pluribus, the name “Wycaro” has a special meaning. During production, the show filmed under the working title “Wycaro 339”. This is a common industry practice used to keep a show’s true plot secret before its release. The word “Wycaro” was later woven into the show as the title of Carol’s book series, creating a fun behind-the-scenes Easter egg for dedicated followers.
Could ‘The Winds of Wycaro’ Become a Real Book Series?
While the books are not real today, there is a strong desire among viewers to see them published. Entertainment reporters and fans have expressed how quickly they would read the series if it existed. The show has drawn comparisons to other successful franchises that turned fictional books into real ones, such as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them from the Harry Potter universe.
Vince Gilligan is always trying to write without preaching an answer. He does not tell the audience what to think, and he trusts the intelligence of fans, Rhea Seehorn told Variety.
Apple TV has a history of making fictional books from their shows a reality. For its series Severance, the company published The You You Are, a book written by a character named Ricken. This successful precedent gives fans hope that The Winds of Wycaro could one day sit on actual bookshelves.
Fan Reactions to the Fictional Series
The concept of the books has been met with excitement. One Mashable entertainment reporter wrote, “I fear I’d tear through ‘Winds of Wycaro’ in a heartbeat.” The description of the series as a mix of Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander has only increased the appetite for a real-life adaptation. The character Raban, in particular, is seen as a character who would be very popular on platforms like BookTok.
For now, fans will have to be content with the glimpses of the series shown in Pluribus. The first two episodes of the show are streaming now on Apple TV, with new episodes released every Friday.
Also Read: Outlander Season 8 Final Chapter: Everything You Need to Know
