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Who We Remain

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Twenty-year-old Olivia Arison learned long ago that survival means staying quiet and keeping your head down. She remembers the world before the Sovereign Council, and the wreckage it left behind. For eleven years, the Arison family managed the impossible, hiding beyond the Council’s reach and carving out a fragile life of freedom.

Until the day it falls apart.

One loss is all it takes. A single fracture in everything they built, and suddenly the life Olivia held together with both hands begins to unravel. Her family scatters. The safety they sacrificed everything for disappears overnight. The more she struggles to hold it together, the more she realizes how much her family was keeping from her.

Now the Council is closing in.

Forced out of hiding and into a world ruled by fear, Olivia finds herself drawn toward people she wasn’t prepared to meet and truths she wasn’t ready to uncover.

The Sovereign Council will do anything to keep control.

But Olivia may be the one thing they didn’t plan for.

Freedom always has a cost. The only question is how far she’s willing to go to claim it.

Who We Remain is a heartfelt dystopian story of an eldest sister torn between protecting her siblings and empowering them, as she steps into a future she was always meant for, just not like this.

407 pages, Paperback

Published May 12, 2026

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About the author

Teresa Trencher

2 books8 followers
Born in Miami, Florida, Teresa Trencher writes dystopian fiction rooted in power, survival, and the psychology of control. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she is drawn to the ways trauma reshapes identity and how resilience is forged in impossible circumstances.

A mother and advocate for resilience while living with chronic illness, she writes stories about survival, moral complexity, and the quiet rebellions that change lives. Her work examines what breaks us and what refuses to stay broken.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Katie.
738 reviews37 followers
April 30, 2026
This book wastes no time…right from the opening pages, it throws you into a fast-paced, pulse-pounding story. Blending dystopian tension with eerie thriller elements and touches of horror, it immediately hooked me. The stakes feel high from the start, and I found myself genuinely worried for the main characters almost instantly. The female main character, in particular, is easy to connect with, and I grew attached to her very quickly.

I appreciated the flashbacks to the “before” times, which added depth to the story and made the world feel more real. Piecing together the inner workings of what was happening was incredibly engaging, and I enjoyed uncovering the layers of the plot. What made it especially chilling, though, was how plausible it all felt..this is the kind of story that lingers because you can imagine it actually happening.

And that ending… the cliffhanger was intense and left me desperate for answers. The author does an excellent job of pulling readers in and keeping them invested until the very last page. I’m already looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Cassie.
24 reviews3 followers
May 12, 2026
4.5 stars! This book captured me from the start. I felt like the FMC was relatable and I truly felt like I understood her!

The way you are taken on an emotional rollercoaster has you wanting more. There is romance but it is slow and the author says it will pick up in book 2 so I am excited to see where that goes.

I enjoyed the way the author developed the characters through the book. It was beautifully written! It ends on a cliffhanger and I am cannot wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Whitney (bookish.whitney).
400 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2026
Wow!!! What a crazy cliff hanger...I need book 2 now pretty please.

I have read lots of dystopian lately and they are all so good yet so different.

We follow Olivia (Liv) and her siblings as they are escaping the Sovereign Council (SC), which is the entity that is governing at the moment. But what she learns more about in her escape is how deeply her family is in the rebellion fighting against the SC.

There is heartbreak but also so much courage and strength. Liv is so much stronger than she may have thought and willing to go to any lengths to get her brother back. And make sure the rest of her siblings are safe.

1 review1 follower
May 13, 2026
Haunting, heartfelt dystopian with sharp humor and gorgeous prose

Who We Remain (A House of Arison Saga, Book 1) by Teresa Trencher hit exactly the sweet spot I love in dystopian fiction: high tension and real stakes, but grounded in character, family bonds, and the quiet, human moments that make survival feel personal—not just procedural.

One of the first lines that made me smile (and immediately trust the voice) was:
“Luc was gifted with an impressive eye roll for her thirteenth birthday.”

That kind of quick, lived-in humor is threaded through a story that also carries real emotional weight—especially around memory, responsibility, and what it means to be the “steady one” for others:
“I didn’t understand then what he meant, how some people are chosen to be the ones who remember, who hold the responsibility of keeping others steady, who become the quiet center on which the family turns.”

The writing also nails intimacy in motion—those formative snapshots that tell you everything about a relationship without overexplaining:
“Dad took me down to the trail for the first time. My legs worked double-time to match his stride.”

And I loved how the book doesn’t treat violence or survival choices lightly. This line lingered with me because it captures the moral friction that the best dystopian stories explore:
“The hardest part isn’t pulling the trigger. It’s knowing when you should and when you shouldn’t and, more importantly, being able to deal with the consequences after.”

There are also moments of pure sensory nostalgia that feel like anchors in a broken world:
“The massive trunk is welcoming as I approach, it’s rough bark textured with memories. The old tire swing blows slightly in the wind.”

Bottom line
If you like dystopian stories that balance grit with tenderness—sharp voice, emotional undercurrents, and prose that can be both funny and quietly devastating—this is absolutely worth your time. I finished it feeling moved and eager to keep going in the series.
Profile Image for Ary.reads.
222 reviews7 followers
June 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 Stars

First, thank you to Teresa Trencher for providing me with an ARC of Who We Remain in exchange for an honest review.

Who We Remain is a compelling dystopian novel that balances high-stakes survival with an emotional story about family, sacrifice, and identity. From the opening chapters, I was drawn into Olivia’s world—a world shaped by fear, secrecy, and the constant threat of discovery.

What stood out most to me was the focus on family dynamics. While the dystopian setting and the looming power of the Sovereign Council create plenty of tension, the heart of this story lies in Olivia’s relationships with her siblings and the difficult choices she must make as their world begins to unravel. Her growth throughout the novel felt authentic, and I found myself invested in her journey from survival mode to someone willing to challenge everything she thought she knew.

The pacing kept me engaged, especially as hidden truths began to surface and the scope of the world expanded. The emotional moments landed well, and the themes of freedom, resilience, and hope gave the story depth beyond its dystopian framework.

The reason this wasn’t quite a full five stars for me is that there were a few places where I would have loved more development and exploration of the world-building. The premise is intriguing, and I found myself wanting even more details about the history of the Council and the society Olivia inhabits.

Overall, Who We Remain is an engaging and heartfelt dystopian story with a strong protagonist, meaningful family relationships, and plenty of suspense. If you enjoy character-driven dystopian fiction with themes of courage, found strength, and fighting for freedom, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Profile Image for Bookmark This with Jess.
191 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 1, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

I was not expecting this book to hit me the way it did… but it absolutely did.

This is a deeply introspective story that leans heavily into themes of grief, identity, and what it means to rebuild yourself after everything falls apart. It’s very character-driven, and you spend a lot of time inside the main character’s thoughts, processing everything alongside them in a way that feels incredibly real.

The pacing is slower, but it works perfectly for this story. Instead of rushing, it allows you to fully connect with the characters—so when the emotional and plot-driven moments start to hit, they hit hard. I found myself completely invested.

Emotionally, this book takes you on a ride. You’re crushed, then given a little bit of hope, only to be crushed again. By the end, I was honestly just… mad—in that “gearing up for revenge” kind of way—and then left hanging for book two.

If I had any complaint at all, it would be that this story doesn’t fully wrap up in one book. I typically prefer series where each installment can stand on its own without a major cliffhanger. However… it worked. I need book two.

This author did not take it easy on my feelings, and I genuinely appreciated that. The story doesn’t try to neatly fix everything, which made it feel more honest and impactful.

Overall, I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy slower-paced, emotional, and introspective stories with strong character growth, real, raw feelings—and moments of action that hit when you least expect them.

This one hurt—in the best way.
Profile Image for Kaitlon Gentry.
Author 2 books3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 2, 2026
Who We Remain by Teresa Trencher was by far my favorite read of 2026.

The main character, Liv, continues to live in my mind well after finishing the book. Her strength and cunning, plus her fierce loyalty to those around her, is inspirational. I was sucked in on the first page, and could barely set the book down. The storyline is interesting and holds the reader's attention as it takes you through a journey no one wishes to live through, but felt real all the same.

The characters not only feel like real people, but the emotional connection built through Teresa's writing is palpable. There are so many amazing characters with specific personalities and traits. I feel as a reader that each character could represent someone in my life at some point in time, which is what makes the story feel so real.

The Arison's have to work for everything they have on their land, and they've worked hard. The family takes care of their home, so much so, that the homestead almost feels like a secondary character that links them all together.

Although everything listed above is already a good enough reason to read the book, my favorite thing by far, was the dialogue between the characters. They are sassy and witty, and their conversations come with ease. I saw the love each characters had for the other, and I was drawn to that connection.
Profile Image for Nellie aka Cult Menace.
39 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2026
This story feels like surviving the end of the world with blood on your hands and hope still beating in your chest.

Who We Remain isn’t just about rebellion.

It’s about grief.
Sisterhood.
The quiet terror of losing everything that once kept you safe.
And the moment survival stops being enough.

Olivia was taught to stay hidden.
To endure.
To keep her head down and survive whatever the world became.

But some people were never meant to disappear quietly.

And Tobin?

He feels like the kind of character forged in the wreckage of a broken world.
Sharp edges.
Quiet intensity.
The kind of man who sees exactly who Olivia is becoming before she does.

“Because I see you.
You’re a force to be reckoned with.”

The found family in this story feels earned.
The love feels fragile in the way real hope does.
And the rebellion?
It doesn’t feel aestheticized or distant.

It feels personal.

Like people choosing each other anyway while the world burns around them.

And honestly…
the lines about freedom, books, resistance, and hope hit a little too close to home in the best possible way.

“There’s a fire in the people that oceans cannot drown.”

This book doesn’t just ask whether hope survives.

It asks what we’re willing to sacrifice for it.

And honestly?

This one stayed with me.
Profile Image for Bec Woods.
Author 5 books
June 23, 2026

I came to We who Remain and found it whole. The plot holds, the characters are drawn with care, and the world stands on its own feet without needing me to prop it up. That is not a small thing. Plenty of books fall down at the join. This one does not.

What I wanted was to be let further in.

The story is all here. What I kept wishing for was a little more air in the prose, the trust to let a moment land before naming what it means. Time and again I leaned toward a feeling, only for the book to reach it first and hand it to me finished. I wanted to do some of that work myself. The conversations move cleanly too, sometimes a touch too cleanly. I missed the friction of real talk, the half-sentence, the thing left unsaid and circled back to later.

None of this is a failure of craft. It reads less like a flaw than like trust the book has not yet learned to extend. The bones are good enough that the gaps were the only thing I noticed, which is its own kind of compliment. I was never bored. I was leaning in, and the book kept answering before I had finished asking.

I'd read this author again. I suspect the next one trusts me more.
Profile Image for Danni Drummond.
316 reviews42 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 30, 2026
Who We Remain
A House of Arison Saga book 1
By Teresa Trencher

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🥾 New Adult
🐾 Dystopian
🥾 Strangers to Lovers
🐾 a Fight for Survival
🥾 Resistance

This beautifully emotional book follows the story of the Arison family and their fight against the government to survive after their dad was schmurdered, they have been raised to be survivalists  in case everything turns upside down.
And upside down it went, they are forced to run from their safe haven homestead after their mum goes down with the fight to protect them.
Along their journey they find the resistance and uncover so many family secrets while suffering the loss of loved family members.

Really intriguing book, worth a read 🥰

Who We Remain releases May 12th 😘🖤

#dystopianbooks #newadultreads #whoweremain #bookreview #booktokfyp
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 11, 2026
Who We Remain is a dystopian fiction novel told from the perspective of Olivia Arison, the eldest daughter of a close-knit family living under the eye of an authoritative regime (The Sovereign Council). As the story unfolds, we learn The Arisons have been breaking the "law" and hiding a secret to maintain their property and now the council is closing in. What follows is a journey of survival.

What I enjoyed most about WWR was the unwavering determination of the main character to fight for what she believes in, the realistic dialogue, the light-hearted banter (particularly from Paxton, a cousin of he Arisons) and overlying theme that we cannot simply persevere under oppression, but must fight against it.

I plan to read the next books in the series.

Fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent will enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Phoenix Drake.
Author 16 books13 followers
May 26, 2026
This was absolutely a five-star read for me. Thoroughly researched, especially Olivia, the FMCs role.The author’s knowledge of medicine, anatomy, chemistry, herbs, teas, plants, poisons, and survival skills came through on every page without turning into an information dump. Those details made the dystopian world believable and kept me turning pages.

Olivia was smart, capable, and layered without being written like a perfect heroine. Knowledge and needed to survive in a world like this. My senses were right next to her.

The dystopian aspect hit hard, especially with everything happening in the U.S. right now. Even if the book wasn’t meant to be political, dystopian fiction almost always carries politics in its spine, and this one landed with real force.

An incredible dystopian read and easily five stars. Can't believe this is a debut!! More please 🙏.
Profile Image for Montrell Henderson-Coleman.
1 review
May 28, 2026
YESSSSSS OLIVIAAAAAAAAA!!!


The rollercoaster I experienced reading this dystopian beauty! Action! Romance! Tragedy and heartbreak! The strong and evident sense of unity and love! WOW! Talk about a bad*** female protagonist who will do anything for her family and her people!

I was immediately drawn into the House of Arison world from the very beginning of the book and even more so at the end because that CLIFFHANGER?!!

Following Olivia Arison, she and her family navigate a dangerous and harsh world governed by the Sovereign Council, staying hidden to survive. Until one day that changes.

The storyline and characters are so amazing, I felt all of the emotions, from one end of the spectrum to the other!

Such an amazing journey to undergo, I cannot wait to see what Olivia and the crew have in store in the next installment of the saga! DEFINITELY A FAN!!!

53 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 26, 2026
4.25

I am writing this review voluntarily. I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of "Who We Remain". This is a dystopian novel of government regulation after a natural disaster and society breakdown resulting in heartache, loss and hope for change as, Liv, uses her survival training to protect her family and, ultimately, change the world.   This is a well-written story that takes a complicated premise and makes it easy for the reader to follow. It is an emotional journey of grief and finding strength. There were times when reading this book that I was not ok. 🥹 And the cliffhanger!    Definitely need to read the next one!
Profile Image for Jamie De.
35 reviews2 followers
June 21, 2026
This fast paced dystopian will have you turning pages and on the edge of your seat! The Arison family is everything beautiful in the world, and we follow Olivia Arison as she navigates a new world in the resistance.
This book confronts some uncomfortable truths about corruption and what could be humanity’s downfall. As Olivia finds herself thrown into turmoil and loss, we also see hope and light in a world that is harsh and dangerous, for women and children especially.
If you like dystopian stories and fast paced heartfelt stories, We Who Remain is for you! A strong debut from author Teresa Trencher and I can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Aeron.
14 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 12, 2026
I read as an ARC, and I purchased a copy.

This was an ARC read, but I also purchased a copy. Thanks Teresa for letting me read your book early.

Okay, y’all. I loved this book. This is a dystopian coming of age story about a 20 year old woman who is trying to protect her family, but ends up leading a revolution. Light romance. Ends in a cliffhanger, but I know book 2 is coming. I loved this story. I found it super engaging. It gripped me. I devoured this book in 3 days. It kept me up at night, reading it.
Profile Image for Courtney.
134 reviews4 followers
May 19, 2026
What an EPIC ride! This dystopian story yanked me in from the very beginning in a fast-paced adventure of survival and family.

I am absolutely invested in the Arison family after clutching my kindle and begging everyone to be okay through the wild survival they must endure in this new world. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, begging for each character that I’d fallen for to be okay.

If you enjoy a close cast of characters with a deep heartfelt message then this is the series for you! I can’t wait to continue on with these characters in the next book.

Profile Image for Najeebah Indie  Thomas.
Author 34 books6 followers
May 24, 2026
What a journey!

I had to find a quiet place and get this book done...it got so intense, I read this feeling like I was part of the family! There were times my heart was racing, I was nervous, even sad....this book shows another side of reality a world where you fend for yourself, you're your own doctor and you grow your own food...but peace always gets disrupted! This was like no other book I have ever read... and I loved the art on each chapter!!! 💕
Ma ........... 🥲 I will always think about Ma 🫂 not all mother's are the same 💯
Profile Image for Lisa Johnston.
Author 4 books59 followers
June 25, 2026
There is nothing quite so satisfying as a great dystopian read. Teresa Trencher delivers with a survival story that sees the main character, Olivia (Liv) transform from a girl to a woman as she fights a corrupt regime for both her siblings and her new found family. The dialogue and banter between the characters is never forced and the relationships real. This is a great beginning to what promises to be a captivating series. I am looking forward to book two!
Profile Image for Ari.
39 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2026
ARC Reader

I really enjoyed this book. Liv’s journey is definitely a hard one, but watching her grow into her strong person in a world devoted to keep women weak and navigating all the secrets left behind by her parents and finding her place in the resistance is intriguing to read. The cliffhanger at the end has me on the edge of my seat for the next book.
Profile Image for Amy.
265 reviews15 followers
May 30, 2026
Trigger warnings at the beginning. Then, when I read the “Official Notice,” I thought, “What am I getting myself into?”

I loved Liv’s determination, courage, and strength. Her devotion to her family made smile and broke my heart at the same time.

The ending makes me excited and impatient for book 2!
Profile Image for Ashley.
108 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 30, 2026
This is a dystopian novel with a little romance sprinkled in! I would love to see how the romance blooms in the next book. The ending definitely makes you want more. This is Theresas debut novel and I think she did a great job!

Comes out May 12th. Please give it a try ❤️
Profile Image for Kerri Stoner.
Author 3 books20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 7, 2026
I RECEIVED AN ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

If you enjoy dystopian reads, this is the book for you! Think Divergent and Hunger Games vibes…

It’s fast-paced, full of action, and kept me turning the pages. What I especially loved about the setting is how eerily believable it feels—like a potential near-future reality.

Once Liv, the FMC, discovers her truth, her character really takes off. She steps into her role without hesitation, making her easy to root for.

As a debut novel, this is a strong foundation for the series and an impressive accomplishment.

I’ll end with my favorite quote and side character:
“To abnormal, alive, and fabulous.” — Rowyn
Profile Image for Vicki.
1 review2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 2, 2026
A gripping dystopian novel, Who We Remain has captured me, enthralled me, and led me back to my love of dystopia.

The characters and their relationships are so well written that you begin to believe you’ve developed friendships with them, that you’re right there with them in their banter, their fear, their grief.

Through gripping storytelling, Teresa Trencher captures a world we have begun to fear, putting both our fear and our hope for change into words. Her imagery is powerful in a way that is hard to describe. Even as someone with aphantasia, I was able to experience the story fully, feeling everything from the warmth of the family farm to the raw emotion of grief.

The ending leaves you wanting more, eager for the next release, and truly wishing you could remain in the world of the Arison Saga just a little longer.
Profile Image for KellyM.reads.
91 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 2, 2026
Reading this book felt like watching an action movie in my head, fast paced and relentless from start to finish. It’s an emotional journey through a broken world, filled with hope, grief, and a slowburn romance that really adds depth. I really enjoyed the plot and would recommend it to any sci-fi/dystopian reader. Liv's story has just begun.. I’m excited for book two, it ends on a massive cliffhanger right when I was most invested! I'll Definitely keep reading.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews