A girl with strange abilities must choose a side in a war between gangs… and the two men she loves.
In the ruined streets of Los Angeles, the game is simple. Whichever gang controls the Silvers controls the city. Their blood is the electricity that powers everything.
Lissa Metarro is a Silver who doesn’t want to play the game.
Instead, she wants to live freely with her best friend, Tayna, who could maybe be more than a friend if they weren’t always so concerned with hiding from the gangs and trying to make it to the next day alive.
But dreams of freedom are ruined when Tayna is killed in a horrible accident, and Lissa is kidnapped by the Cards, the most powerful and lethal gang in the city.
Lissa must learn to navigate a new life as she’s forced to serve the Cards as a Silver Queen. And not just any Queen. Her strange and exceptionally powerful silver catches the attention of Gideon Valmontry, the Ace—the leader of the Cards—and a brutal man, who is used to getting what he wants. And he wants Lissa. Not just her body and her silver blood but her heart, too.
But Lissa’s heart is the last thing she has that is hers alone, and she won’t give it to Gideon, even if part of her wants to. Especially not when rumors of a rebel group begin to swirl and, with it, a new hope that a different sort of life might still be possible.
Remnants is the first novel in the Silver Games series. It is a dark fantasy romance with elements that may be triggering to some readers including explicit content, depictions of violence, and more. Please see the author's note and content warnings at the beginning of the book.
Lissa lives on the streets with her best friend Tayna. They dream of freedom from the ruling gangs and a quiet life together. One day, Lissa’s silver blood is discovered and she’s taken to live on the compound of the leader of the Cards gang Gideon. Years later, Lissa’s world is turned upside down again and she’s forced to choose between two sides of a war she never wanted. This book gives me the same vibes of The Hunger Games and Divergent. Only Remnants is more adult considering the graphic sex scenes. There is a cliffhanger and a pretty big twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. I can’t wait to read what happens next! Thank you Jess Stevens and Book Funnel for the ARC
Remnants is book 1 in the Silver Games Series set to publish March 18th!
Lissa a girl with silver in her blood and strange abilities wants to be free to live her life with her best friend in a world ravaged by gangs where silver is a commodity. She doesn’t want to play these games but fate has a different idea.
I really enjoyed the magic system in this book. I thought it was unique. It has a lot of potential and cannot wait to see where Lissa goes as she continues to grow!
Her character definitely changed and molded a lot throughout the book as she ages and learns. Really good characters a lot of thought into them and the plot.
OBSESSED. I need book 2 right now. The love triangle was fantastic. I found myself rooting for both MMC’s and one is literally insane. The plot twist had my jaw on the floor.
In the ruined streets of Los Angeles, the game is simple. Whichever gang controls the sliver controls the city.
Lissa isn’t an ordinary sliver. She has an exceptional power. Once Gideon the Ace of the cards has his hands on her he won’t let go. Lesson one. He owns her.
After being torn away from each other, Tayna has waited years to get Lissa back. Now that he finally has her, he will never leave her again.
The tropes, I mean come on. Enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, captor/captive romance, dark romance fantasy. Just to name a few.
Admission: I've never read or watched The Princess Bride. Remnants is a book that gives a dark romance twist to it, so I'm told. I wouldn't understand the semblance between the both, but I fell in love with it - Remnants that is.
The world-building that the author, Jess Stevens, provides allows you to immerse yourself into the world that Lissa lives in. The city of angels, so to speak. It's a world run by the gangs that control the Silvers.
Lissa has a secret power that gives her both power and pain. She is a Silver after all. She suffers loss like no other and is discovered by Gideon - the Ace of The Cards. Lissa is his everything and he'll do whatever he can to prove it. But Lissa lost her everything when Gideon found her. It's only through her sheer will to not be used for power that she discovers who she truly is.
The secrets, the blood, the loss, the love, the lightning within the pages kept me holding onto my Kindle even when sleep tried to consume me. Remnants hooked me and left me with so many questions.
The tropes; why choose, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, gangs, dark romance and fantasy ... it left me torn between which man would be best for Lissa. She isn't the young and naive 18-year-old girl stuck in the shadows anymore. She can become a queen, in her own right. If those hard conversations took place between herself and Gideon, perhaps their world could be exactly how it needs to be to flourish. But alas, I'll wait for the next books. ;)
Don’t you just love a book that slowly pulls you out of a reading slump! Since Jan21, iykyk, I have been in and out of a slump. Thank you Jess Stevens for helping me. The writing is not only well-structured, but it’s also thought provoking. She helps you connect with the characters, not just the main ones, but also the side characters. I absolutely loved how the story was fast paced, but informative. Her world building was easy to visualize.
This story follows Lissa. When she was 10years old, her mother was a casualty in a war between two gangs because she was an unclaimed Silver. Whichever gang, The Vieled. The Splits. The Tanks. And The Cards, controls The Silver, controls the city. Their blood is electricity that powers everything. The girls who are born with Silver in their veins were taken from their families at a young age and they serve whatever gang that has them. Lissa was in hiding with her best friend Tayna, until one day at the market place everything went wrong. Now she’s forced to learn how to be The Silver Queen to the Ace of The Cards Gideon. Rumors are floating that there’s Rebels, giving Lissa hope that a different life might just be possible.
This story has a well structured Plot with twist, likable characters and SPICE!! This is a game you’d definitely want to join. ♠️
"Remnants" by Jess Stevens is an exhilarating read featuring Lissa, a strong woman torn between her maniacal lover, Gideon, and the potentially saving Tayna.
With a gripping narrative and a cliffhanger that leaves readers eager for more, Lissa's relatable journey makes her a character worth rooting for. This thrilling blend of romance and suspense is highly recommended!
This. Book. I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review!
**Spoiler free review**
Set in dystopian Los Angeles where the city is in ruins and fueled by the blood of Silvers, gangs fight for control. Lissa has been a street rat for most of her life since her mom died, hiding and living with her best friend Tayna to avoid being caught by the gangs, especially the Cards who killed her mother. However, one night goes wrong, Tayna ends up dead (just as they finally confessed their feelings too 😭), and Lissa ends up with the Cards and is forced to serve Gideon, their Ace. But as the years go on, her relationship with Gideon goes from pure spite to complicated, even if she doesn’t support what he’s doing. Until she chooses to do something that completely alters her course and leaves her wondering what comes next.
The beginning of the book may read a little YA, but I promise it gets so much better. There isn’t anything quite like a complicated toxic relationship and you definitely get that here! Gideon may kind of be the worst as in he’s definitely morally grey/black, but also kinda hot? My toxic trait is that I love characters like that 😩 The magic system in this book is really unique and there’s levels to it, plus it really worked well in this urban fantasy setting. There were also INSANE plot twists that had me reeling (and messaging Jess being like WTF).
The writing at times is a little choppy, but I had a GREAT time with this book. At times, I got really frustrated with Lissa because I just thought she was being kind of dumb, but I can also understand how complicated things were for her and she didn’t just get to sit with her feelings. The next book is set up really well with this ending, so I will definitely be reading that when it comes out.
There are definitely dark themes and potentially triggering scenes, so check content warnings!
Thank you to the author Jess Stevens for gifting me this ebook. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This takes place in a basically post apocalyptic world. Everything is destroyed and gangs run the city. The FMC has special blood that makes her valuable to those seeking power. The Silvers' blood has enhancement properties as well as healing for the one using it. This made me think of Captain America and the serum they injected him with to make him a super soldier.... mixed with 28 days later. The government doing something they shouldn't have been doing and it resulted in the world almost ending and a low population. This is book one of the series and we meet Lissa, the FMC who is a Silver and Tayna, her best friend for many years because they met on the streets as orphans and decided to survive together. Tayna dies and Lissa ends up in the clutches of one of the most powerful gangs. She hid herself pretty well for many years being a silver, but that stopped. Ending up at the compound with no one else, she ends up forming a "relationship" (I say that loosely!) with Gideon, because he wants her to himself. I really like the world building in this story and I hope to see more about what is going on outside of the city that they are currently in because this takes place in what was once Los Angeles, but the devastation was worldwide. I'm curious if there is anything else going on too. Either way, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next part. This is a dark romance and there is spice... about 3/5. She is torn between two men and the two sides of the war they are on. She has to choose. There is so much to uncover and lies to unearth... it also ends on a cliffhanger.
Tropes include: Love Triangle Blood Magic Morally Grey MCs Gang Wars
First of all, I would like to thank Jess Steven’s for this ARC. When I originally found her post about Remnants, I saw that it was a princess bride inspired dark romance book and the princess bride is one of my all time favorite movies so I was so happy to be given the chance to read this ARC.
The world building in this book was incredible! I was able to envision what the world looked like during this time, especially with many people fighting over the most potent energy, which so happens to be Silver. I absolutely loved all of the characters in this book. They were really well described and learning about their personalities and backstories made me love them even more. The FMC was portrayed very well and I loved seeing the depths of her emotions and the struggles that she goes through as she tries to find herself in this war of worlds. Even her friends all stole my heart.
I also adored the dynamic of the MMC’s. Even when everything was revealed, I still felt torn between the two as they truly had good and bad in both of them. There was a lot of moments where I found myself wondering what I would do in certain situations. I did not want this book to end but I also looking forward to what the next book will hold. I hope everyone gets the chance to enjoy this book as much I did. This book truly is challenging for my top number 1 book for the month of February.
First, I want to thank Jess Stevens for sending me an eARC in return for my honest review before Remnants is officially published.
I absolutely devoured this book! Remnants is book 1 in the Silver Games series. As a first time author, I think Jess Stevens absolutely killed it and I cannot wait for book 2!
We have 1 FMC, 2 MMC’s, love triangle, a unique magic system, gang wars, post apocalyptic LA, found family, and betrayal.
Gideon is morally black and you just can’t help but root for him. The banter, love, hate, chemistry, and sexual tension between he and Lissa is whew…
Tayna is what I’d consider Lissa’s childhood best friend who is a little morally gray when it comes to making sure those he cares about are ok.
We have enemies-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, touch her and unalive, and a VERY conflicted FMC. The side characters are excellent, the character development, and watching Lissa come into her own.
There are some predictable plot twists and other plot twists that you just don’t see coming. The end is a little bit of a cliffhanger where you’re left wondering what’s going to happen next, but it’s still satisfying. I definitely have a lot of questions that I cannot wait to get answers for!
Lissa has silver running through her veins which makes her valuable. Set in futuristic, run down LA, people will stop at nothing to get their hands on some silver. As a child she’s alone and trying her best to survive when she finds Tayna. One day everything goes wrong, now she belongs to the Ace.
This book had me feeling all the emotions. I felt sad for what Lissa goes through on the streets growing up, to nervous when she gets taken, rage for what is being done to her, and so torn over this love triangle Lissa finds herself in. Of course the choice is obvious to me, until the last chapter when you get the plot twist and left on a cliff hanger! Ugh, Jess Stevens you did me dirty with that one!
Remnants has a new magic system that I thought was original and unique. The futuristic setting was a nice change as well. This book flowed so well and was such an easy read. The author does a great job of building their world and their reality so you understand the situation Lissa is put into and why this love triangle is so hard for her.
This book is being released on March 18 and you have got to add it to your TBR, like now! I’m already ready for book 2!!!
Book one of the Silver Game series. Welcome to dystopian LA where gangs rule and rebels strive for peace again. Lissa battles to find her footing in this love triangle like no other. What a wicked game this was! where do I start with this every page had me on edge, every twist and turn kept me in shock. Every time I thought I knew and settled and made peace with what Lissa had chosen I was torn in another direction! Lissa drove me nuts a bit she came across so nieve at the start and I feel like for what she had already been through so early on in life she should have hardened herself sooner. But her development was good. Tayna......I loved him so much .....now I'm pissed at him! That freaking cliffhanger ugh!! let's talk about Gideon for a second what a toxic complicated jerk! but.....yes please LIKE ON MY KNEES YES PLEASE!
All in all, I loved this book I cannot wait for the rest of the series jess did an amazing job. 🌶️🌶️🌶️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4.5⭐️ 5🌶️ Talk about tail spinning, unhinged, levels of twisted story telling. This is not for the faint of heart, there are triggers and I for one was not prepared for what this book had entailed. It was gripping, angsty, haunting, painful and at times had me walking away. I had to put it down a few times, and come back. I felt like I was a part of the fight, very detailed and engaging, the book pulls you in and has a hold on you….you’re either exhausted by the FMC with her inner battles (made me want to shake/slap some sense into her) or peeved at the two MMCs at different intervals, both deserving to be throat punched. The minor characters played major roles in the plot and left me with (WTH) moments. What male is really the Villain here..(No Spoilers) Ending this roller coaster of a ride, leaves you breathless and with many questions. I for one have a need know…..talk about shock and awe factor.
Read if you like: - enemies to lovers - friends to lovers - hate to love - gangs - morally black MMC - magic - dark romantasy
Lissa is the most sought out silver because of her extraordinary abilities with it. Gideon, or Ace, has claimed her. Tayna was the original love of her life and Lissa has tried so hard to move on. There are two gangs who are fighting for control, and rebels who try to instigate with the Veiled and Cards, so far no one has come close to overtake the power that lies within the gangs.
I really enjoyed this story and I am excited to see where this goes. It had a great plot, nice twists and decent spice. It is easy to follow and despite there being a decent amount of characters, you really enjoy all of them.
I loved that it was fantasy but took place in a semi-recognizable world (dystopian LA) that references todays society. This story had all the tropes i'm obsessed with. I's ready for book 2...
Dark romance fantasy with complex characters and fast paced action. I greatly appreciated how efficiently the unique gang world was introduced and how quickly we got to the meat of the story. So many fantasy books make you slog through names, locations, and complicated world-building, this one was just right.
Tiny bit repetitive at times, and some of the character bonds weren’t fully crafted in a way that was believable, but overall a captivating story.
The book is a bit dark, so check trigger warnings, if necessary, before starting.
Thank you Jess Stevens for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I’m looking forward to the rest of the Silver Game series!
*I didn’t pick up on too much connection to The Princess Bride, as the author had mentioned being influenced by the book/movie, but this didn’t in any way detract from my rating.
Going in I knew this was a 3 book series but now I’m in the fetal position.
Wanna play a game of cards 🃏 … but really it’s chess ♟️
Lissa Is our FMC a Silver (magical blood needed by everyone who is not a silver) Gideon (Cards Gang Leader (known as Ace)) he is her captor, lover, and protector Enter Tayna the thought to be gone childhood friend to create the most juicy love triangle..
The way the MMCs are so unapologetically obsessed with her is delicious. 🤤 Both “touch her and 💀”
The way the plot twists and then decides to turn again just left me hand over mouth, edge of seat, eyes wide.
“You are more than your body and your silver blood”
“You’re everything”
“I’ll never leave you again, Liss. Even at the end.”
I really enjoyed the unique magic system and thought it was different than anything I’ve read before. I also thought it had great plot and the twists were so good!
This book was super fast paced - I was craving to know more about the characters & their relationships to fully understand the complexity & depth of their feelings, which I feel would hit harder for me! Also was expecting more spice since I feel its 2.5 on the spice level but I feel like more is coming in book 2.
The last 25% of the book was so exciting and I grew to love the side characters so much. Feel like there is so much potential for the next books in the series because it’s a really cool world & we’re just getting started.
OMG!!!! This book is pure gold…. Well Silver. 😉 Jess takes you on a wild ride with this book and it does not disappoint!! Lissa is a Silver trying to hide her special blood from the gangs who want her for the silver in her blood. She becomes a Queen for the Cards but I think she will become a true Queen in the next book. Her growth is beautiful!! The love triangle she develops between two Gang leaders is beautifully tragic to say the least. I was really routing for Gideon to turn a corner at first but, Tayna has my heart. 💔 The twist and turns this book took were compelling and unexpected. The cliffhanger at the end **chefs 💋 ** I cannot wait for the second book!!!
Gangs rule. Blood is power. Love means war. ⚡ Welcome to Remnants ⚡
I was hooked at a dark retelling of The Princess Bride!!
I don't even know where to start with this review!!
I engrossed in this story from the very first page. I spent most of the book on the edge of my chair. I am not even exaggerating!
Lissa grabbed my heart strings and didn't let go. She has been through so much and continues to fight. The plot is fast paced and did not let go of my emotions. All the pages are expertly filled with drama, tension, heart ache, and relief.
I received this book as an ARC. I didn't know much about this book this book when I signed up to ARC read it. Once I started this book, i couldn't put it down. I didn't know what to expect, but this was beyond what i was expecting. I loved it. So freaking good. I definitely went through all the emotions with this one. I love the characters and the story. So many twists and turns keep you guessing what is going to happen.
5 star read I definitely recommend this book! It's one of my new favorites! I can't wait for the next one!
Add this one to your TBR. The release date is March 18 2025
That was a fantastic story! So well written and engaging. The love triangle and internal struggle that the FMC goes through was so relatable and understandable. Even though you want to hate one of the MMC, you also come to understand why he does what he does…doesn’t make me any less pissed off though. LOL
This was such a unique spin off of The Princess Bride-post apocalyptic Los Angeles that is ruled by gangs. It had me reading multiple chapters and forgoing adult responsibilities just to find out what happens next. Loved this book but also…what was that ending?!
**Thank you to the author, Jess Stevens, for this ARC!**
I have no words. I loved everything about this. It was dark and twisty. The fantasy aspect is unique and a nice change of pace. Every trope I absolutely love: forced proximity, yearning, he’ll burn the world for her, touch her and die. So many secrets and unexpected allies. So much toxicity and many trigger warnings (please read those).
Lissa’s choices were never her own and it’s clear that they should be! The world that is built in this book doesn’t seem that far out of the realm of possibility. The magic system is understandable and formidable.
This series promises to continue to be detailed on emotions and how everyone deals with what’s coming next. Lissa’s character evolved beautifully and she’s guaranteed to become a formidable “Queen”.
i read this as an ARC and I can't wait to see how Lissa evolves and grows.
I'm not crying 😭 But fr, this book is so good that it had me eating out of its metaphorical hand. It's right up there with SJM in my drooling excitement for book two! I hope I start to see this book everywhere! Lissa is such a bad ass, finding herself and her strength as she learns to control her power. The tangle of being caught in the middle of a war where she understands both sides and learn where she stands in the conflict. LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK! Cannot hype it up enough!
The characters are so well written, the love triangle isn’t your typical love triangle trope and I love how it’s portrayed! The world is easy to understand and the dynamic between the gangs is easily followed. The plot twist at the end, jesus, prepare yourself! I am so ready to find out more, so many questions I need answers to!
If you're not sure if fantasy is your thing, but you want to read something with a little magic this book is for you! This is the perfect book to introduce yourself to the fantasy world. The gang set up in this book is very unique and unlike anything I've read. Silvers essentially power the world but hold no political power at all. This was an easy read, and I enjoyed it so much! AND THE TWIST AT THE END WILL HAVE YOUR JAW ON THE FLOOR.
3.95 stars- I honestly really enjoyed this. I really think the plot itself was quite unique. It gave me mafia x powerless vibes but also not at the same time. The fact that I can’t really accurately describe it says a lot (in a good way). As for the romance aspect, I hate a love triangle. I end up wanting them fmc to be with both MCs or my heart gets heart. I actually really enjoyed this. I love me a good unhinged mmc
i truly enjoyed this story, thank you for the ARC!
the characters in this book were amazing! lissa just wanted to live in peace with her bestie and not be pulled into gangs. life threw her a curveball after a horrific event…and now she is in the clutches of the dominant gang. will she realize there is good and bad in everyone.i can’t wait to see what happens next! highly recommend this book if you like paranormal romance with a delicious darkness!
Blurb: Lissa is silver blooded hiding on the streets with her best friend Tayna. Trying to stay away from the gangs. After being captured by the cards her character grows so much through the book. And she must choose between 2 men
I was hooked from page one. I could not put this book down. If you love hunger games and divergent this book is for you with a lot of spice. The plot and characters were fantastic. There is a cliffhanger and i want book 2 now!
I wasn't even aware of this book before I discovered it at a local bookstore, and I'm so glad I picked it up. The world-building is impressive, and the unique magic system adds depth to the story. The emotional rollercoaster that the characters take you on keeps your feelings all over the place. The plot is incredibly well-structured, and I appreciated how the intricacies were explained early on; it helped me connect more with the characters instead of trying to piece everything together. The plot twists are intense, leaving me emotionally wrecked in the best possible way. I will be following social media for the release date of book two!