What do you think?
Rate this book
Solis Invicti #1
A Bargain in Silver
If the price of safety is slavery, would you bargain your life?
A Bargain in Silver is book one of Josie Jaffrey's Solis Invicti paranormal romance series, set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic London.
A deadly infection threatens to wipe out humanity. The only people who can stem its advance are the Silver, a vampiric race who offer a simple exchange: protection in return for blood and subservience. It's not a deal that Emmy's willing to make, but as her world burns around her she finds herself in the arms of the enemy and the line between oppressor and saviour begins to blur.
After an attack by the infected, Emmy is rescued by the handsome Drew who introduces her to the world of the Silver. Desperate to escape subjugation and confused by her attraction to him, she gathers what remains of her surrogate family and plans to make a break for freedom.
But despite her efforts to resist, she is drawn further into the intrigues of the mysterious Silver through the agency of their ruler, the Primus: Solomon. Emmy refuses to submit to the cold and detached Primus and an attempt on her life makes it clear that he is unable to protect her from the political machinations of his race.
As the connection between them deepens she must choose between her desire and her will to rebel, but can she trust his intentions when everyone is after her blood?
A Bargain in Silver is book one of Josie Jaffrey's Solis Invicti paranormal romance series, set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic London.
A deadly infection threatens to wipe out humanity. The only people who can stem its advance are the Silver, a vampiric race who offer a simple exchange: protection in return for blood and subservience. It's not a deal that Emmy's willing to make, but as her world burns around her she finds herself in the arms of the enemy and the line between oppressor and saviour begins to blur.
After an attack by the infected, Emmy is rescued by the handsome Drew who introduces her to the world of the Silver. Desperate to escape subjugation and confused by her attraction to him, she gathers what remains of her surrogate family and plans to make a break for freedom.
But despite her efforts to resist, she is drawn further into the intrigues of the mysterious Silver through the agency of their ruler, the Primus: Solomon. Emmy refuses to submit to the cold and detached Primus and an attempt on her life makes it clear that he is unable to protect her from the political machinations of his race.
As the connection between them deepens she must choose between her desire and her will to rebel, but can she trust his intentions when everyone is after her blood?
356 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2015
51 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Josie Jaffrey
56 books172 followersJosie is a dark fantasy, paranormal romance and historical fiction author who writes about lost worlds, dystopian societies and morally-ambiguous monsters (vampires are her favourite). She has published multiple novels and short stories. Most of those are set in the Silverse, an apocalyptic world filled with vampires and zombies.
Josie is the founding editor of indie fantasy magazine Indie Bites (www.silversunbooks.com) and the writer of the urban fantasy podcast Jack Valentine, Vampire Detective (www.jackvalentinepod.com).
She’s currently working on vampire murder mysteries (the Seekers series) and a YA series centred around Atlantis and the lost civilisations of the Mediterranean (the Deluge series). Researching the latter is the first time she’s used her Classics degree since university.
Josie lives in Oxford with her husband and two cats (Sparky and Gussie), who graciously permit human cohabitation in return for regular feeding and cuddles. The resulting cat fluff makes it difficult for Josie to wear black, which is largely why she gave up being a goth. Although the cats are definitely worth it, she still misses her old wardrobe.
Josie is the founding editor of indie fantasy magazine Indie Bites (www.silversunbooks.com) and the writer of the urban fantasy podcast Jack Valentine, Vampire Detective (www.jackvalentinepod.com).
She’s currently working on vampire murder mysteries (the Seekers series) and a YA series centred around Atlantis and the lost civilisations of the Mediterranean (the Deluge series). Researching the latter is the first time she’s used her Classics degree since university.
Josie lives in Oxford with her husband and two cats (Sparky and Gussie), who graciously permit human cohabitation in return for regular feeding and cuddles. The resulting cat fluff makes it difficult for Josie to wear black, which is largely why she gave up being a goth. Although the cats are definitely worth it, she still misses her old wardrobe.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
December 28, 2017
Imagine the end of the world as we know it. A world being taken over by a plague, a deadly infection, and your choice is either to become a Weeper (a zombie-like existence), to die, or to give yourself in servitude to the Silver (a vampire-like race), who are the only thing standing between some sort of life and certain death. Those are the choices given to Emelia and she has a hard time accepting anything less than her total rebellion. Will she allow the Silver to help her survive?
In this opening salvo of the Solis Invicti series, which is set in a sort of post-apocalyptic London, Josie Jaffrey has created a world that has been destroyed. A world none of us would recognize and probably wouldn’t want any part of. Emelia’s only hope is help from the two Silvers vying for attention and affection. I’m still not sure what their true motives are, however, it’s much clearer to me that Drew has genuine feelings for her. As for Sol, he’s the best kind of mystery.
If I’m being completely honest, what I admired most about this book was how the author got me to love the story all while I absolutely disliked the narrator. I couldn’t stand Emmy. She was rude, unappreciative, disrespectful, inconsiderate of people’s feelings, and just plain annoying. As a grown woman, she came off as a petulant child who lacked the cognitive function to make logical or rational decisions. It really irked me. There were many times I wanted to reach in and shake her but I’m just picky when it comes to heroines. Then again, I’m not sure how I’d react when faced with the inevitable sorrow she was. I do know that I wouldn’t try to face zombies on my own. That’s for damn sure.
This series continues with The Price of Silver and I wonder if the battle for Emmy has only just begun. What perils will she face in the books to come? And who can she trust as she navigates her way through this new world order? I’m excited to find out!!
Release Date: January 3, 2015
Genre: Dystopian/Paranormal Romance
POV: Heroine - 1st person
Heat: 2.5 out of 5
Type: Book #1 of the Solis Invicti series
In this opening salvo of the Solis Invicti series, which is set in a sort of post-apocalyptic London, Josie Jaffrey has created a world that has been destroyed. A world none of us would recognize and probably wouldn’t want any part of. Emelia’s only hope is help from the two Silvers vying for attention and affection. I’m still not sure what their true motives are, however, it’s much clearer to me that Drew has genuine feelings for her. As for Sol, he’s the best kind of mystery.
If I’m being completely honest, what I admired most about this book was how the author got me to love the story all while I absolutely disliked the narrator. I couldn’t stand Emmy. She was rude, unappreciative, disrespectful, inconsiderate of people’s feelings, and just plain annoying. As a grown woman, she came off as a petulant child who lacked the cognitive function to make logical or rational decisions. It really irked me. There were many times I wanted to reach in and shake her but I’m just picky when it comes to heroines. Then again, I’m not sure how I’d react when faced with the inevitable sorrow she was. I do know that I wouldn’t try to face zombies on my own. That’s for damn sure.
This series continues with The Price of Silver and I wonder if the battle for Emmy has only just begun. What perils will she face in the books to come? And who can she trust as she navigates her way through this new world order? I’m excited to find out!!
Release Date: January 3, 2015
Genre: Dystopian/Paranormal Romance
POV: Heroine - 1st person
Heat: 2.5 out of 5
Type: Book #1 of the Solis Invicti series
June 15, 2016
They promised protection from the deadly infection. The cost? Complete subservience and blood. The worst has happened, or is it just beginning? Become one of the zombie-like infected or bow to the Silver, a powerful race of vampires. What would you do?
Submission is not on Emmy’s agenda, but all around her, people are dying, becoming monsters and she finds herself on the radar of the two most powerful leaders of the Silver and one of them has murdered her friends. So why is she drawn to Drew, the second in command, the one who killed her friends without thought? Why is the leader, Solomon so drawn to her? He offers a protection that is above none, but even he cannot protect her all of the time and it may cost her her life.
Dystopian, post-apocalyptic and dark, very dark, Josie Jaffrey’s A Bargain in Silver follows Emmy’s world through her eyes, her thoughts and the events directly surrounding her. Not a large slice of the Hell the world has become, but definitely an intriguing one as we follow Emmy in her desperate attempt to make sense of the world that has changed beyond imagination. One young woman, two powerful vampires, each with their own reasons for wanting her, a world of deadly intent, vile machinations and blood as the Silver become top dog in a world gone mad.
Josie Jaffrey takes on the world of the paranormal with bold strokes and a personal touch as we are invited into Emmy’s world, only a small portion of what the future holds and she is one of the fortunate ones, if you consider being the object of desire for two vampires fortunate. Will their positions of power be enough in the end, especially if she will not submit to their desires? One is in love, the others intentions are not so clear, but Emmy must decide between death, infection or slavery before it’s too late.
A powerful start to a new series building on the single focus of one young woman. Will we learn more of this world in the following books? I, for one am in for the long haul, there are too many questions I NEED to have answered!
I received this copy from Josie Jaffrey in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Solis Invicti - Book 1
Publication Date: January 3, 2015
Publisher: Josie Jaffrey
Genre: Dystopian | Paranormal
Print Length: 280 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Submission is not on Emmy’s agenda, but all around her, people are dying, becoming monsters and she finds herself on the radar of the two most powerful leaders of the Silver and one of them has murdered her friends. So why is she drawn to Drew, the second in command, the one who killed her friends without thought? Why is the leader, Solomon so drawn to her? He offers a protection that is above none, but even he cannot protect her all of the time and it may cost her her life.
Dystopian, post-apocalyptic and dark, very dark, Josie Jaffrey’s A Bargain in Silver follows Emmy’s world through her eyes, her thoughts and the events directly surrounding her. Not a large slice of the Hell the world has become, but definitely an intriguing one as we follow Emmy in her desperate attempt to make sense of the world that has changed beyond imagination. One young woman, two powerful vampires, each with their own reasons for wanting her, a world of deadly intent, vile machinations and blood as the Silver become top dog in a world gone mad.
Josie Jaffrey takes on the world of the paranormal with bold strokes and a personal touch as we are invited into Emmy’s world, only a small portion of what the future holds and she is one of the fortunate ones, if you consider being the object of desire for two vampires fortunate. Will their positions of power be enough in the end, especially if she will not submit to their desires? One is in love, the others intentions are not so clear, but Emmy must decide between death, infection or slavery before it’s too late.
A powerful start to a new series building on the single focus of one young woman. Will we learn more of this world in the following books? I, for one am in for the long haul, there are too many questions I NEED to have answered!
I received this copy from Josie Jaffrey in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Solis Invicti - Book 1
Publication Date: January 3, 2015
Publisher: Josie Jaffrey
Genre: Dystopian | Paranormal
Print Length: 280 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 31, 2017
LIKES
- This book is pretty much everything I like in my paranormals. Romance, vampires, creepy zombie-like things, cool world building, etc.
- We're set in London where all of sudden these zombie creatures (though they're call Weepers here because of their bloodshot eyes) come out of hiding and start attacking people. Naturally I'm so here for this apocalypse because this is exactly what I love reading. What throws me off is that the vampires actually want to help! They're still kind of the villains here but I was surprised they were actually taking over to prevent all the humans to be killed.
- I loved Emmy as a main character. She was sassy but not so sassy that she'd get herself killed like in so many books we see lately. She was a good point between not enough and too much and I liked that even as everyone tells her vampires as bad, she still wants to determine that for herself.
- There were a few of the typical tropes (mainly a love triangle) but I actually really loved it and was really rooting for one of the guys! Sadly, I don't think he's going to be the one picked but I'll keep dreaming. To be fair, both potential love interests (good news, there's no actual declarations of love in this book. It was actually realistic!) were really great and I love them both. I was just slightly rooting for one over the other.
- I also liked how there was no insta-love in this story. Insta-lust there was a lot of but I'm here for that and didn't mind a bit.
- I liked how this world was different but not complicated enough so that I got lost. It was easy to follow and I'm looking forward to where the next books will take us.
DISLIKES
- The beginning of the book was a little rushed but once I got everything in this world figured out I quickly forgot about it.
- Beside the beginning it was a little predictable at points but I just really enjoyed reading it all so it didn't bother me much like it normally does.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
- This book is pretty much everything I like in my paranormals. Romance, vampires, creepy zombie-like things, cool world building, etc.
- We're set in London where all of sudden these zombie creatures (though they're call Weepers here because of their bloodshot eyes) come out of hiding and start attacking people. Naturally I'm so here for this apocalypse because this is exactly what I love reading. What throws me off is that the vampires actually want to help! They're still kind of the villains here but I was surprised they were actually taking over to prevent all the humans to be killed.
- I loved Emmy as a main character. She was sassy but not so sassy that she'd get herself killed like in so many books we see lately. She was a good point between not enough and too much and I liked that even as everyone tells her vampires as bad, she still wants to determine that for herself.
- There were a few of the typical tropes (mainly a love triangle) but I actually really loved it and was really rooting for one of the guys! Sadly, I don't think he's going to be the one picked but I'll keep dreaming. To be fair, both potential love interests (good news, there's no actual declarations of love in this book. It was actually realistic!) were really great and I love them both. I was just slightly rooting for one over the other.
- I also liked how there was no insta-love in this story. Insta-lust there was a lot of but I'm here for that and didn't mind a bit.
- I liked how this world was different but not complicated enough so that I got lost. It was easy to follow and I'm looking forward to where the next books will take us.
DISLIKES
- The beginning of the book was a little rushed but once I got everything in this world figured out I quickly forgot about it.
- Beside the beginning it was a little predictable at points but I just really enjoyed reading it all so it didn't bother me much like it normally does.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
September 18, 2017
Damn. This was awesome! I am in love with this book. It was such a refreshing story! If you don't know by now I'm clearly all about the vampires. So reading a new take on them is always just so wonderful. I love unique stories that totally capture my attention!
A Bargain in Silver is a fantastic start to a new series. It's world building is spectacular. I was completely sucked in! I didn't want to stop reading. The characters were entertaining and had some really interesting personalities going on. I can't wait to find the next book!
In this tale we find that the world is currently being ravaged by infected humans/creatures known as Weepers. I'm just gonna tell you they are this bizarre zombie thing that just creeps me out. (I'm anti zombie just because seriously they scare me. Also Eww.) The Silvers aka the new style vamps are in a prime position to not only save humanity but take over as the dominant species so to speak. In exchange for protection from this new plague all they require is your blood and subservience as they build the world with them in charge. For one human, Emmy, she is so not having this whole power struggle thing. Naturally she tries to rebel as much as possible and fight away her impending slavery. It makes it hard though when she was rescued by Silver Drew and has this whole battle of wills thing going on with him. He clearly wants her but does she want him? To make matters more complicated throw in the new leader of the new world order and his advances towards Emmy and power over Drew and you've got a hot mess of complication.
My one critique is the dynamic between Drew and Emmy was just... off. Their encounters are starts and stops of uncertainty mixed with hostility and desire. Not exactly in a good way. They are beyond the traditional hot and cold. He's always hot. She's luke warm or freezing. It's a bit odd. It works. Just throws you off a bit.
***I received a free copy from Josie Jaffrey in exchange for my honest review. ***
A Bargain in Silver is a fantastic start to a new series. It's world building is spectacular. I was completely sucked in! I didn't want to stop reading. The characters were entertaining and had some really interesting personalities going on. I can't wait to find the next book!
In this tale we find that the world is currently being ravaged by infected humans/creatures known as Weepers. I'm just gonna tell you they are this bizarre zombie thing that just creeps me out. (I'm anti zombie just because seriously they scare me. Also Eww.) The Silvers aka the new style vamps are in a prime position to not only save humanity but take over as the dominant species so to speak. In exchange for protection from this new plague all they require is your blood and subservience as they build the world with them in charge. For one human, Emmy, she is so not having this whole power struggle thing. Naturally she tries to rebel as much as possible and fight away her impending slavery. It makes it hard though when she was rescued by Silver Drew and has this whole battle of wills thing going on with him. He clearly wants her but does she want him? To make matters more complicated throw in the new leader of the new world order and his advances towards Emmy and power over Drew and you've got a hot mess of complication.
My one critique is the dynamic between Drew and Emmy was just... off. Their encounters are starts and stops of uncertainty mixed with hostility and desire. Not exactly in a good way. They are beyond the traditional hot and cold. He's always hot. She's luke warm or freezing. It's a bit odd. It works. Just throws you off a bit.
***I received a free copy from Josie Jaffrey in exchange for my honest review. ***
August 25, 2017
Four stars as a YA book, three as a PNR.
Since there isn't anything too graphic as far as sex, violence and foul language, this book is appropriate for anyone who is at least 15 years old. The storyline is pretty awesome, vampires and zombies in one book!! It would have been nice if the zombies had more of a presence.
Great start to a new series!!
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Since there isn't anything too graphic as far as sex, violence and foul language, this book is appropriate for anyone who is at least 15 years old. The storyline is pretty awesome, vampires and zombies in one book!! It would have been nice if the zombies had more of a presence.
Great start to a new series!!
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2018
5/5 stars. A captivating, fast-paced read, in which the characters capture the reader in such a way that they cannot put the book down. Simply addictive. Absolutely want to continue reading the rest of the series!
Read the full review on my blog: https://www.thebookishdeer.com/2018/0...
Read the full review on my blog: https://www.thebookishdeer.com/2018/0...
March 23, 2019
I adored Josie Jaffrey’s The Gilded King and found myself more than willing to dive into The Silver Queen. I’m now eager – no, desperate – to dive into the final book in the Sovereign series, The Blood Prince, to see the wonderful way in which the addictive series comes together. However, before I do so, I told myself it was time to go back and read the Solis Invicti series. It is not a necessity to understand the Sovereign series, but with my addiction to the universe I want as much as I can get my hands on. Thus, I was happy to dive into A Bargain in Silver.
If I’m being completely honest, I was a wee bit worried about A Bargain in Silver at first. The Sovereign series sucked me in deep, but it took a couple of chapters before I was sucked into the first Solis Invicti book in the same kind of way. Sure, I was curious, but it didn’t quite hook me in the same way. It was intriguing, it was fun, but it wasn’t quite the same. This is not to say A Bargain in Silver is a bad book, simply that you can see the development of Josie Jaffrey as a writer between her first book and her more recent books. This book is a solid four-star rating, whereas the Sovereign books had me considering five-star ratings.
Nevertheless, although it took me a couple of chapters, once I was pulled into the story I found I could not put it down. It introduces us to a wonderful world, mixing the paranormal and the dystopian trends together in a wonderful way. It’s one of those things that can be hit or miss, and Josie Jaffrey hits all the right spots. You’re intrigued about so many elements, curious about how everything will come together, and you’ll find yourself turning the pages at a desperate speed to devour all the goodness.
Without a doubt, this was a great start to the Solis Invicti series. It introduces us to so many things, it leaves us curious about so much, and I’m eager to dive into book two.
Merged review:
Josie Jaffrey’s Solis Invicti series is a hidden gem, a vampire series that needs a lot more attention, and a series that will stay with me for a long time.
From the very first book, you’re sucked into the Solis Invicti series. It offers plenty of the things lovers of the genre enjoy, whilst offering plenty of unique aspects. With each new detail that unfolds, you find yourself sucked in ever deep. You fall in love with the characters, the world intrigues you, and the storyline does not let up.
Each of the books bring so much to the series, offering countless twists and turns. Each time you believe you’ve experienced all the story has to offer, you’re surprised by something more.
Without a doubt, this series is worth the read, as Josie Jaffrey made me a fan for life with it.
If I’m being completely honest, I was a wee bit worried about A Bargain in Silver at first. The Sovereign series sucked me in deep, but it took a couple of chapters before I was sucked into the first Solis Invicti book in the same kind of way. Sure, I was curious, but it didn’t quite hook me in the same way. It was intriguing, it was fun, but it wasn’t quite the same. This is not to say A Bargain in Silver is a bad book, simply that you can see the development of Josie Jaffrey as a writer between her first book and her more recent books. This book is a solid four-star rating, whereas the Sovereign books had me considering five-star ratings.
Nevertheless, although it took me a couple of chapters, once I was pulled into the story I found I could not put it down. It introduces us to a wonderful world, mixing the paranormal and the dystopian trends together in a wonderful way. It’s one of those things that can be hit or miss, and Josie Jaffrey hits all the right spots. You’re intrigued about so many elements, curious about how everything will come together, and you’ll find yourself turning the pages at a desperate speed to devour all the goodness.
Without a doubt, this was a great start to the Solis Invicti series. It introduces us to so many things, it leaves us curious about so much, and I’m eager to dive into book two.
Merged review:
Josie Jaffrey’s Solis Invicti series is a hidden gem, a vampire series that needs a lot more attention, and a series that will stay with me for a long time.
From the very first book, you’re sucked into the Solis Invicti series. It offers plenty of the things lovers of the genre enjoy, whilst offering plenty of unique aspects. With each new detail that unfolds, you find yourself sucked in ever deep. You fall in love with the characters, the world intrigues you, and the storyline does not let up.
Each of the books bring so much to the series, offering countless twists and turns. Each time you believe you’ve experienced all the story has to offer, you’re surprised by something more.
Without a doubt, this series is worth the read, as Josie Jaffrey made me a fan for life with it.
May 18, 2018
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 356
Publisher - Self
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
If the price of safety is slavery, would you bargain your life?
A Bargain in Silver is book one of Josie Jaffrey's Solis Invicti paranormal romance series, set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic London.
A deadly infection threatens to wipe out humanity. The only people who can stem its advance are the Silver, a vampiric race who offer a simple exchange: protection in return for blood and subservience. It's not a deal that Emmy's willing to make, but as her world burns around her she finds herself in the arms of the enemy and the line between oppressor and saviour begins to blur.
After an attack by the infected, Emmy is rescued by the handsome Drew who introduces her to the world of the Silver. Desperate to escape subjugation and confused by her attraction to him, she gathers what remains of her surrogate family and plans to make a break for freedom.
But despite her efforts to resist, she is drawn further into the intrigues of the mysterious Silver through the agency of their ruler, the Primus: Solomon. Emmy refuses to submit to the cold and detached Primus and an attempt on her life makes it clear that he is unable to protect her from the political machinations of his race.
As the connection between them deepens she must choose between her desire and her will to rebel, but can she trust his intentions when everyone is after her blood?
My Review
Emmy works in a bar, she is heading home from her shift when the outbreak happens. No one knows why and it hits quickly, spreading fast. The weepers almost get Emmy when she is rescued by Drew, her first insight into the Silver world. The Silver are vampires and have risen to save humanity, their food source, and now humans need to toe the line.
Emmy is a fiery character, she doesn't like being told what to do and resists Drew at every turn. Drew just wants her safe, takes her to a safe centre and meets Solomon, head of the Silver who also is interested in Emmy. What follows is Emmy's introduction to the new life, humans are pretty much, in her view, slaves although with compliance the vampires will help create as much "normality" as they can. Wee see Emmy struggle to heel, do as she is told whilst battling her attraction to Drew, being drawn to Solomon all the while of course staying safe and away from the weepers.
I think this is a fresh take on the whole vampires scene and I did enjoy it however there are a few things that make the old eyeball twitch. The whole "love" triangle got a wee bit teen angst for me, friendship is a huge thing and when threatened, especially for such a spikey character, I felt Emmy wouldn't have let that go. We see Emmy constantly in peril, she has an attitude, she is fierce, strong and challenging which makes a nice change but at points her actions can be very frustrating.
The book also opens in the new world, then goes back to how it all came about, for Emmy, I think that was almost a spoiler. When she goes back to how it all began to bring us to current events, we know where she is and her attitude to it all.
There is brutality, romance, sex, vampires of course, weepers (the infected) and blood bars what more can a vampire fan want? I hope in the following books we get a bit more insight into what the weepers are, how it originated, initial spread/contaminations. I hope she does an origins for the silvers also. All in all a good start to the series, 3.5 out of 5 for me this time, I will read more in the series!
Pages - 356
Publisher - Self
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
If the price of safety is slavery, would you bargain your life?
A Bargain in Silver is book one of Josie Jaffrey's Solis Invicti paranormal romance series, set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic London.
A deadly infection threatens to wipe out humanity. The only people who can stem its advance are the Silver, a vampiric race who offer a simple exchange: protection in return for blood and subservience. It's not a deal that Emmy's willing to make, but as her world burns around her she finds herself in the arms of the enemy and the line between oppressor and saviour begins to blur.
After an attack by the infected, Emmy is rescued by the handsome Drew who introduces her to the world of the Silver. Desperate to escape subjugation and confused by her attraction to him, she gathers what remains of her surrogate family and plans to make a break for freedom.
But despite her efforts to resist, she is drawn further into the intrigues of the mysterious Silver through the agency of their ruler, the Primus: Solomon. Emmy refuses to submit to the cold and detached Primus and an attempt on her life makes it clear that he is unable to protect her from the political machinations of his race.
As the connection between them deepens she must choose between her desire and her will to rebel, but can she trust his intentions when everyone is after her blood?
My Review
Emmy works in a bar, she is heading home from her shift when the outbreak happens. No one knows why and it hits quickly, spreading fast. The weepers almost get Emmy when she is rescued by Drew, her first insight into the Silver world. The Silver are vampires and have risen to save humanity, their food source, and now humans need to toe the line.
Emmy is a fiery character, she doesn't like being told what to do and resists Drew at every turn. Drew just wants her safe, takes her to a safe centre and meets Solomon, head of the Silver who also is interested in Emmy. What follows is Emmy's introduction to the new life, humans are pretty much, in her view, slaves although with compliance the vampires will help create as much "normality" as they can. Wee see Emmy struggle to heel, do as she is told whilst battling her attraction to Drew, being drawn to Solomon all the while of course staying safe and away from the weepers.
I think this is a fresh take on the whole vampires scene and I did enjoy it however there are a few things that make the old eyeball twitch. The whole "love" triangle got a wee bit teen angst for me, friendship is a huge thing and when threatened, especially for such a spikey character, I felt Emmy wouldn't have let that go. We see Emmy constantly in peril, she has an attitude, she is fierce, strong and challenging which makes a nice change but at points her actions can be very frustrating.
The book also opens in the new world, then goes back to how it all came about, for Emmy, I think that was almost a spoiler. When she goes back to how it all began to bring us to current events, we know where she is and her attitude to it all.
There is brutality, romance, sex, vampires of course, weepers (the infected) and blood bars what more can a vampire fan want? I hope in the following books we get a bit more insight into what the weepers are, how it originated, initial spread/contaminations. I hope she does an origins for the silvers also. All in all a good start to the series, 3.5 out of 5 for me this time, I will read more in the series!
April 9, 2018
I am surprised I liked it as much as I did. I am not one for the romance side of things but how it was done in this book was really good. It added to the layers of the story, of the rich world being built. It wasn’t there for the sake of having romance. It had a purpose. Even the love triangle, wasn’t really a triangle. It was quite clear with people’s emotions.
The twists were well placed. Added that extra level of intrigue to the story. I also like how the whole ‘vampire’ and ‘zombie’ thing was done. It was unique in its own way. Though I did think she accepted the Weeper thing a little too fast. Maybe like quotes around Weeper, just to show her mistrust a little.
I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I am thinking of ways it could play out. Will there be a cure? Will they survive? Will she be turned at some point?
(Disclaimer: I received a copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
The twists were well placed. Added that extra level of intrigue to the story. I also like how the whole ‘vampire’ and ‘zombie’ thing was done. It was unique in its own way. Though I did think she accepted the Weeper thing a little too fast. Maybe like quotes around Weeper, just to show her mistrust a little.
I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I am thinking of ways it could play out. Will there be a cure? Will they survive? Will she be turned at some point?
(Disclaimer: I received a copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
August 15, 2017
A Bargain in Silver is a unique Vampire Romance written by Josie Jaffrey. The author finds a new approach to a topic that is covered by oh so many authors. It is always nice when an author finds a way to bring fresh air to something like vampires, to make it different and with that stand out. I liked her approached and found the plot interesting and captivating. The plot kept me reading and it was a difficult book to put down. There were a couple of spots where it felt like the story was dragging out just a little bit, but overall the pace was pretty good, which is important to me. There are a lot of secrets and a a nice big reveal at the end that I really enjoyed a lot, tying this story together nicely in this first book of this series.
Emmy, Emmy, Emmy, what to say about our main character. I get it, you struggle with this new world order, you want to be strong, independent and not trust this new "masters" yet you trust some wihtout reason but not others who have shown you kindness? You confuse me to no end and at times that makes you feel detached from the real world and makes you a tad unrealistic, yes I know this is a fictional book, but some characters still feel "realistic" when others feel not. Then there are moments you are just beyond words, and a characters others should aspire to be like. I hope this is part of your character development and am curious to see where this will go in the next books.
Now Drew on the other hand is nothing but lovable !!!! There is not one bad word you can say about him, except that he has the one male character flaw a lot of guys seem to have, not to open his mouth when he should! Another character I really enjoyed and look forward to read more about is Cam, he is one of those guy friends everyone should have! There are a few more but just do yourself a favor and read the book for yourself and find out who they are.
All in all I think this was a great start to a new series I will be following. Emmy needs some work, but I think she realizes that, which is great, and lets be honest, don't we all? And after doing a little research it seems there are at least 3 more books out in this series, so it seems I don't have to wait long to continue reading on, lucky me.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review. (LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)
Emmy, Emmy, Emmy, what to say about our main character. I get it, you struggle with this new world order, you want to be strong, independent and not trust this new "masters" yet you trust some wihtout reason but not others who have shown you kindness? You confuse me to no end and at times that makes you feel detached from the real world and makes you a tad unrealistic, yes I know this is a fictional book, but some characters still feel "realistic" when others feel not. Then there are moments you are just beyond words, and a characters others should aspire to be like. I hope this is part of your character development and am curious to see where this will go in the next books.
Now Drew on the other hand is nothing but lovable !!!! There is not one bad word you can say about him, except that he has the one male character flaw a lot of guys seem to have, not to open his mouth when he should! Another character I really enjoyed and look forward to read more about is Cam, he is one of those guy friends everyone should have! There are a few more but just do yourself a favor and read the book for yourself and find out who they are.
All in all I think this was a great start to a new series I will be following. Emmy needs some work, but I think she realizes that, which is great, and lets be honest, don't we all? And after doing a little research it seems there are at least 3 more books out in this series, so it seems I don't have to wait long to continue reading on, lucky me.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review. (LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)
April 5, 2023
Loved this vampire story!! Can't wait to read book 2!
December 12, 2017
Title: A Bargain In Silver
Author: Josie Jaffrey
Genre: Adult, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Paranormal
Format: Paperback
Pages: 368
Rating: 5
Heat: 4
Thoughts: Wow, just wow! This mixture of dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and paranormal is freaking awesome!! Throw in some drama, suspense, sexual tension, and excitement you’ve got a fun ride ahead. I can’t wait to be able to read the rest of the series!! I LOVE Emmy, she’s emotionally lost but still so strong. A great portrayal of an intelligent, strong woman who’s world has been turned upside down and doesn’t know which way is up. Too trusting yet distrustful, mouthy, sassy, defiant yet just wanting to feel safe. Man, I could so relate to her situation. Then there’s Sol and Drew, one loves her, the other I have no clue. There’s politics in play that we haven’t even learned yet and it just makes the story that much more fascinating. Almost makes me want to read it again just telling you about it.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work and chose to write a review.
Author: Josie Jaffrey
Genre: Adult, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Paranormal
Format: Paperback
Pages: 368
Rating: 5
Heat: 4
Thoughts: Wow, just wow! This mixture of dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and paranormal is freaking awesome!! Throw in some drama, suspense, sexual tension, and excitement you’ve got a fun ride ahead. I can’t wait to be able to read the rest of the series!! I LOVE Emmy, she’s emotionally lost but still so strong. A great portrayal of an intelligent, strong woman who’s world has been turned upside down and doesn’t know which way is up. Too trusting yet distrustful, mouthy, sassy, defiant yet just wanting to feel safe. Man, I could so relate to her situation. Then there’s Sol and Drew, one loves her, the other I have no clue. There’s politics in play that we haven’t even learned yet and it just makes the story that much more fascinating. Almost makes me want to read it again just telling you about it.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work and chose to write a review.
August 30, 2017
If you follow my reviews, you know the drill! First, comes the grades, then any thoughts, gushing or notes I have, and then a ruling for clean-readers.
World-building: A
Mythology: A
Plot-Twists: A+
Suspense: A-
Girl Power: C
Guy Hero: B+
Villains: A
Love Interests: A-
Feels: B+ (certain people carrying the idiot-ball and other certain people withholding certain info from said idiot-ball toting person kinda detracted from the feels...)
This book had me hooked. I finished it in one sitting. Not kidding. I could not put it down! I can't wait for the continuation of Emmy's journey and to delve more into the intricacies of the world that Jaffrey has built for us readers.
For you clean-readers: this book DOES have mature content. Some scene-skipping/self-editing may be required to read this one.
I would like to thank the author Josie Jaffrey for the ARC I received via email for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.
World-building: A
Mythology: A
Plot-Twists: A+
Suspense: A-
Girl Power: C
Guy Hero: B+
Villains: A
Love Interests: A-
Feels: B+ (certain people carrying the idiot-ball and other certain people withholding certain info from said idiot-ball toting person kinda detracted from the feels...)
This book had me hooked. I finished it in one sitting. Not kidding. I could not put it down! I can't wait for the continuation of Emmy's journey and to delve more into the intricacies of the world that Jaffrey has built for us readers.
For you clean-readers: this book DOES have mature content. Some scene-skipping/self-editing may be required to read this one.
I would like to thank the author Josie Jaffrey for the ARC I received via email for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 25, 2017
2 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author via Lovers of Paranormal. This has not influenced my review.*
I hate to be so harsh in a review, but I have to be honest, and I think this is an important thing to talk about.
This book started off typical with the girl being saved by the hot vampire who just happened to be there, and then the girl thinking about how hot he was even though the world as she knew it was ending. Ok. That doesn't automatically make for a bad story. The real issue I had was that Drew gave me the creeps and came off as stalker-y and sexual assualt-y with how he was so insistent that he'd protect her even though they just met, how he kept pinning her against the wall and saying things that were pushy and manipulative, how he was so controlling and possessive, etc. For example, she got a cut on her arm, he suddenly stepped into the bathroom with her while they were alone at his house and shut the door behind him, she backed away from him, and this happened:
She even said herself that he invaded her space and that she tried to get away. Here's another quote, and keep in mind this man is a stranger who Emilia is angry with:
He picked her up without her permission, then told her to shut up when she tried to argue. Here's another, when he picked her up again without her permission:
Picked her up again without permission, and then snapped at her in a way that seemed threatening. At one point, she even woke up to find he was cuddling her in bed. He said it was because she was screaming in her sleep in fear and it was the only thing that calmed her. I can deal with that. But then he should've moved the second she woke and pushed him away, not kissed her neck, rubbed his leg between hers, and held her in place while she was struggling to get away from him. And it gets even worse because then he kept telling her he knew she felt it too (which she apparently did, but that's not his call to make, and it doesn't matter what she feels if she tells you to stop). Later in the book, he even threatened to put himself in danger unless she talked to him. He also acted like she owed him her feelings just because he had feelings for her. He literally could not fathom why she would turn him down or want someone other than him and acted like she was betraying him by not wanting him. He was the epitome of one of those guys who complains about being "friendzoned."
These things are not sexy. They're scary and controlling and manipulative. These are the kinds of things we've been conditioned to think are sexy by society and many, many other books, so I'm not trying to pick on this author personally, but I feel more and more compelled to point these kinds of problems out the more I see them.
I'm not sure if these behaviors were meant to be sexy, but if they weren't, then that message wasn't clear enough. The MC herself recognized that his behavior was creepy and presumptive, that he wasn't someone she should care about or be attracted to, yet she still kept thinking of how attracted to him she was. And half the time, when Drew essentially sexually assaulted her in some way, she would fight, then give in and think about how sexy it was, then go back to pushing him away. And as the book went on, it became clear the only problem she really had with him wasn't his creepy behavior but rather one specific thing he did earlier in the book.
I kept reading on the off chance that maybe Drew was meant to come off in a negative way, and that maybe Emmy would come to her senses, and that maybe the book would go in an unpredictable direction and not make him the love interest. Solomon was also a potential candidate, and though he wasn't ideal either, he was far better than Drew. Solomon seemed to have good intentions with Emmy, was honest, respected her wishes/consent, and didn't manhandle her. And if you want to know what actually happened in the end... *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
But regardless of her decision in that matter, the whole "I'm attracted to two vampires even though I know I shouldn't be" thing went on for too long and was pretty much the only thing the book was about, so I got frustrated and lost interest. If there had been more to the plot, I might've still been able to enjoy this.
Another problem though was that I didn't like Emmy. Some of her decisions didn't make any sense, she was painfully oblivious to things that were obvious, her inability to stop romanticizing Drew was aggravating, and she came off as kind of selfish when she wasn't appreciative of all the benefits she was getting (or could've been getting) by being close to Solomon (like his protection and not having to donate blood).
I had a few other issues, like too much description and cliche villain stuff, but those were smaller things I probably could've overlooked if not for the rest.
I wanted to read this book because I'm a fan of vampires. I'm also a fan of love triangles. And the writing and premise for this book were not bad. But I couldn't get past the protag's strange decisions or the romanticizing of controlling, possessive behavior.
Recommended For:
I'm not sure I feel comfortable recommending this, but it would best for anyone who likes vampires, new adult (technically it's not NA, but it has that feel), and love triangles.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author via Lovers of Paranormal. This has not influenced my review.*
I hate to be so harsh in a review, but I have to be honest, and I think this is an important thing to talk about.
This book started off typical with the girl being saved by the hot vampire who just happened to be there, and then the girl thinking about how hot he was even though the world as she knew it was ending. Ok. That doesn't automatically make for a bad story. The real issue I had was that Drew gave me the creeps and came off as stalker-y and sexual assualt-y with how he was so insistent that he'd protect her even though they just met, how he kept pinning her against the wall and saying things that were pushy and manipulative, how he was so controlling and possessive, etc. For example, she got a cut on her arm, he suddenly stepped into the bathroom with her while they were alone at his house and shut the door behind him, she backed away from him, and this happened:
"What do I have to do to prove to you I'm not going to hurt you, Emilia?"
I looked at him quizzically as he took my right hand gently, pressing his body into mine. This guy had serious issues with invading my personal space. I tried to jerk away from him, but I was trapped against the towel rail.
"Shh," he said, fixing me with his big, dark eyes, "just let me see it."
She even said herself that he invaded her space and that she tried to get away. Here's another quote, and keep in mind this man is a stranger who Emilia is angry with:
He strapped on the backpack then, to my surprise, swept me up sideways with one arm under my knees and the other under my shoulders.
"Drew," I said in outrage, "I'm perfectly capable of walking."
"No, Emilia," he replied in a long-suffering tone, "you're not. You don't have to act tough, so just shut up and let me help you."
He picked her up without her permission, then told her to shut up when she tried to argue. Here's another, when he picked her up again without her permission:
"I don't need your help!" I shouted at him in irritation.
"Well, you're getting it anyway," he growled at me, his eyes flashing.
Picked her up again without permission, and then snapped at her in a way that seemed threatening. At one point, she even woke up to find he was cuddling her in bed. He said it was because she was screaming in her sleep in fear and it was the only thing that calmed her. I can deal with that. But then he should've moved the second she woke and pushed him away, not kissed her neck, rubbed his leg between hers, and held her in place while she was struggling to get away from him. And it gets even worse because then he kept telling her he knew she felt it too (which she apparently did, but that's not his call to make, and it doesn't matter what she feels if she tells you to stop). Later in the book, he even threatened to put himself in danger unless she talked to him. He also acted like she owed him her feelings just because he had feelings for her. He literally could not fathom why she would turn him down or want someone other than him and acted like she was betraying him by not wanting him. He was the epitome of one of those guys who complains about being "friendzoned."
These things are not sexy. They're scary and controlling and manipulative. These are the kinds of things we've been conditioned to think are sexy by society and many, many other books, so I'm not trying to pick on this author personally, but I feel more and more compelled to point these kinds of problems out the more I see them.
I'm not sure if these behaviors were meant to be sexy, but if they weren't, then that message wasn't clear enough. The MC herself recognized that his behavior was creepy and presumptive, that he wasn't someone she should care about or be attracted to, yet she still kept thinking of how attracted to him she was. And half the time, when Drew essentially sexually assaulted her in some way, she would fight, then give in and think about how sexy it was, then go back to pushing him away. And as the book went on, it became clear the only problem she really had with him wasn't his creepy behavior but rather one specific thing he did earlier in the book.
I kept reading on the off chance that maybe Drew was meant to come off in a negative way, and that maybe Emmy would come to her senses, and that maybe the book would go in an unpredictable direction and not make him the love interest. Solomon was also a potential candidate, and though he wasn't ideal either, he was far better than Drew. Solomon seemed to have good intentions with Emmy, was honest, respected her wishes/consent, and didn't manhandle her. And if you want to know what actually happened in the end... *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
But regardless of her decision in that matter, the whole "I'm attracted to two vampires even though I know I shouldn't be" thing went on for too long and was pretty much the only thing the book was about, so I got frustrated and lost interest. If there had been more to the plot, I might've still been able to enjoy this.
Another problem though was that I didn't like Emmy. Some of her decisions didn't make any sense, she was painfully oblivious to things that were obvious, her inability to stop romanticizing Drew was aggravating, and she came off as kind of selfish when she wasn't appreciative of all the benefits she was getting (or could've been getting) by being close to Solomon (like his protection and not having to donate blood).
I had a few other issues, like too much description and cliche villain stuff, but those were smaller things I probably could've overlooked if not for the rest.
I wanted to read this book because I'm a fan of vampires. I'm also a fan of love triangles. And the writing and premise for this book were not bad. But I couldn't get past the protag's strange decisions or the romanticizing of controlling, possessive behavior.
Recommended For:
I'm not sure I feel comfortable recommending this, but it would best for anyone who likes vampires, new adult (technically it's not NA, but it has that feel), and love triangles.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
February 17, 2018
**Copy received in exchange for an honest review**
This book was an absolute whirlwind of butterflies and emotion and confusion and disbelief for me.
To be honest, I was a little hesitant going into this book because I didn’t know if I was in the right mindset for a paranormal romance – particularly one that is this intricate in its world-building. I’m not sure if you experience this, but if I’ve been reading a lot of contemporary romance, it’s hard for me to get in the right headspace for paranormal or fantasy.
However, after I was about ¼ of the way in the book, it sucked me in. I was definitely skeptical about the instalove factor with Drew and Emmy, but I find that I’m a little more forgiving when that happens in a paranormal or fantasy romance because there are often supernatural factors involved.
This book was an absolute rollercoaster for me for more reasons than just the ride the story was taking me on. I found that I fluctuated significantly between being annoyed with how everyone seemed to be infatuated with Emmy (for no real reason that I understood), yet being so taken by the romance in it I ended up forgiving that pet peeve. There were also moments when the story felt disjointed, but it somehow didn’t deter me from reading the book every chance I got. Normally when those things happen in books, I tend to lose interest, but this book definitely kept my interest until the very end!
Side note: there is an epic love triangle in this book, which I freaking LOVE, but I know there are some readers who don’t like love triangles.
Anyway, this book is definitely worth a read and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next in the series!
♥ Read the full review on my blog: In Love & Words ♥
This book was an absolute whirlwind of butterflies and emotion and confusion and disbelief for me.
To be honest, I was a little hesitant going into this book because I didn’t know if I was in the right mindset for a paranormal romance – particularly one that is this intricate in its world-building. I’m not sure if you experience this, but if I’ve been reading a lot of contemporary romance, it’s hard for me to get in the right headspace for paranormal or fantasy.
However, after I was about ¼ of the way in the book, it sucked me in. I was definitely skeptical about the instalove factor with Drew and Emmy, but I find that I’m a little more forgiving when that happens in a paranormal or fantasy romance because there are often supernatural factors involved.
This book was an absolute rollercoaster for me for more reasons than just the ride the story was taking me on. I found that I fluctuated significantly between being annoyed with how everyone seemed to be infatuated with Emmy (for no real reason that I understood), yet being so taken by the romance in it I ended up forgiving that pet peeve. There were also moments when the story felt disjointed, but it somehow didn’t deter me from reading the book every chance I got. Normally when those things happen in books, I tend to lose interest, but this book definitely kept my interest until the very end!
Side note: there is an epic love triangle in this book, which I freaking LOVE, but I know there are some readers who don’t like love triangles.
Anyway, this book is definitely worth a read and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next in the series!
♥ Read the full review on my blog: In Love & Words ♥
October 28, 2018
This is a refreshing take on the paranormal genre where we have vampires (Silver) and zombies (Weepers) fighting over their food source – humans. The Silver come off as kind of benevolent while the Weepers are for all intents mindless zombies craving human blood. The bargain is that (the few remaining) humans willingly supply blood to the Silver in exchange for protection against the Weepers.
One flaw in this case (as in all zombie plots) is what happens when all the humans are turned into zombies and there is no more food source? Do the Silver and Weepers both die out? Can vampires starve to death? Despite some interesting rules cataloged by the author, this isn’t addressed. Maybe a plot point for a future story?
The story is told from the first person perspective of a female and this is both kind of a curse and interesting. As is unfortunately all too usual for a first person pov, there are way too many ‘Is’ – ‘I did this’, ‘I did that’ – a somewhat staggering 4, 586 to be exact. Perhaps authors who write in the first person should be banned from using the pronoun ‘I’ altogether. This is the reason for the four stars instead of five.
On the other hand if you can get past that, the viewpoint of a woman interacting intimately with the ever so seductive vampire is something is something new and exciting. The love triangle and political power plays made the book for me. Emilia is a good character that sometimes can’t make up her mind just like a real person.
All in all an entertaining read and I think I’ll take a chance on book #2.
One flaw in this case (as in all zombie plots) is what happens when all the humans are turned into zombies and there is no more food source? Do the Silver and Weepers both die out? Can vampires starve to death? Despite some interesting rules cataloged by the author, this isn’t addressed. Maybe a plot point for a future story?
The story is told from the first person perspective of a female and this is both kind of a curse and interesting. As is unfortunately all too usual for a first person pov, there are way too many ‘Is’ – ‘I did this’, ‘I did that’ – a somewhat staggering 4, 586 to be exact. Perhaps authors who write in the first person should be banned from using the pronoun ‘I’ altogether. This is the reason for the four stars instead of five.
On the other hand if you can get past that, the viewpoint of a woman interacting intimately with the ever so seductive vampire is something is something new and exciting. The love triangle and political power plays made the book for me. Emilia is a good character that sometimes can’t make up her mind just like a real person.
All in all an entertaining read and I think I’ll take a chance on book #2.
July 1, 2018
If the price of safety is slavery, would you bargain your life?
First of all I would like to thank the author, Josie Jaffrey for sending me a digital copy of the book, in exchange for an honest review.
when I first received the copy of the book, I was not sure what to expect. Since I am not a person who enjoys the stories of Vampires and Zombies much. But, once I started reading the book, I could not put it down. 🙂 🙂 🙂
The important characteristics I found in this book are as follows;
1. The setting and the background of the story is well created and once you start to read the story, the Vampire and Zombie world is being created in front of your eyes, with the visual effects.
2. Each character was created and constructed well, with proper interconnections with the other characters. This, I think is the success behind the story.
3. Though it was not clearly shown, the love triangle between Emmy, Drew and Sol was visible. It was al about their emotions.
4. Emmy’s life is in jeopardise, due to this love triangle and her connections with the silver. Sometimes, I felt so annoyed for the way the female protagonist of the story was treated.
5. It would have been really great if, we could have got to know more about the world or the setting of the story and how the characters would have dealt with it.
6. The story was intriguing and it kept me awake at night, just to know what will happen in the next chapter.
7. The story was well written and carefully constructed. Had so much fun reading it.
I am looking forward to reading the next book of this series, and would recommend the book to anyone who loves to read paranormal romance.
First of all I would like to thank the author, Josie Jaffrey for sending me a digital copy of the book, in exchange for an honest review.
when I first received the copy of the book, I was not sure what to expect. Since I am not a person who enjoys the stories of Vampires and Zombies much. But, once I started reading the book, I could not put it down. 🙂 🙂 🙂
The important characteristics I found in this book are as follows;
1. The setting and the background of the story is well created and once you start to read the story, the Vampire and Zombie world is being created in front of your eyes, with the visual effects.
2. Each character was created and constructed well, with proper interconnections with the other characters. This, I think is the success behind the story.
3. Though it was not clearly shown, the love triangle between Emmy, Drew and Sol was visible. It was al about their emotions.
4. Emmy’s life is in jeopardise, due to this love triangle and her connections with the silver. Sometimes, I felt so annoyed for the way the female protagonist of the story was treated.
5. It would have been really great if, we could have got to know more about the world or the setting of the story and how the characters would have dealt with it.
6. The story was intriguing and it kept me awake at night, just to know what will happen in the next chapter.
7. The story was well written and carefully constructed. Had so much fun reading it.
I am looking forward to reading the next book of this series, and would recommend the book to anyone who loves to read paranormal romance.
May 14, 2018
I really want to give this a 3.5 star but since I can't, and I just don't feel I can give it a 4, here we are.
First, I really liked the world setting - interesting spin on the vampire/human dynamic.
Where I struggled was with the MC - she just seemed so all over the map in her reactions to everything go on that it was difficult to really sympathize when all I wanted to do was shake her.
Really, I think that this was one of those book relationships that didn't work out - nothing wrong with either one of us, it just wasn't a good fit and we are now both free to move on to other things.
First, I really liked the world setting - interesting spin on the vampire/human dynamic.
Where I struggled was with the MC - she just seemed so all over the map in her reactions to everything go on that it was difficult to really sympathize when all I wanted to do was shake her.
Really, I think that this was one of those book relationships that didn't work out - nothing wrong with either one of us, it just wasn't a good fit and we are now both free to move on to other things.
July 30, 2017
Strike a bargain in exchange for protection. The humans feel little more than protected cattle around the Silvers, a very arrogant and twisted vampire race. One human, Emilia, has drawn the attention of not only the Vampire Primus but also his second in command. Both desire her, but only one desires her love.
I absolutely enjoyed this first book and immediately bought the second!
I absolutely enjoyed this first book and immediately bought the second!
May 17, 2018
I keep forgetting to link my reviews on here but here it is! http://madisonsinkwell.com/a-bargain-...
October 22, 2017
This novel was unique. It started as a thrilling horror story which reminded me of Steven Seagal's Against the Dark for some reason. (It's a zombie movie and this book is a vampire story.) Then the story eventually shifted from horror to romance. To be honest, I preferred the atmosphere of the first part to the romantic part, but it was still interesting. Even the romantic part has some violent scenes and gothic atmosphere. Especially, the scenes of the bar were really cool that I want to see visually like a music video of a gothic metal band's song.
The main character Emilia was always an ordinary girl, so it was easy to relate to her confusion in the unusual situation surrounded by a race of vampires called Silver. Another human character Alice's reaction was also realistic.
The secrets of Silver, a race of vampires, were revealed little by little and it made me turn pages, and everything made sense at the end. It didn't have a real cliff-hanger but I want to know what happens to Emilia next. I hope the bad vampires called Weepers will be involved in the story more than this one in the second book.
*I received this book from the author for an honest review.
The main character Emilia was always an ordinary girl, so it was easy to relate to her confusion in the unusual situation surrounded by a race of vampires called Silver. Another human character Alice's reaction was also realistic.
The secrets of Silver, a race of vampires, were revealed little by little and it made me turn pages, and everything made sense at the end. It didn't have a real cliff-hanger but I want to know what happens to Emilia next. I hope the bad vampires called Weepers will be involved in the story more than this one in the second book.
*I received this book from the author for an honest review.
March 4, 2022
Just finnished this book, and I wanted to leave a simple and "straight from the heart" review (aka always like to write a more "professional"/complete review so it's not usual from me to post a review right after I finish a book).
So, I've been reading and reviewing Josie's books for a few years now. In fact the first books I read written by her where from the Sovereign trilogy. To those who are not aware of her work, the story is set up after the Solis Invicti series.
I loved that trilogy and I've been part of Josie's streat team since that. I've reviewed the 3 Sovereign books, 2 from the Seekers storyline (Killian's Dead and May Day), the first one from the Deluge series and a few short stories.
Therefore, you can see that I'm familiar with Josie's writting, so, as a fan of her work (and as a fan of Cam 😻), I bought Solis Invicti #1.
And... I have to say that Josie keeps surprising me with every narrative!
I just LOVED A Bargain In Silver!
I loved this book so much that I've actually dreamed about Emmy, Sol and Drew. 😹🤭
As I already read the Sovereign series I know how the love triangle will end, but it's been wonderful to read Emmys story and watching her first steps in the Silververse.
So, I've been reading and reviewing Josie's books for a few years now. In fact the first books I read written by her where from the Sovereign trilogy. To those who are not aware of her work, the story is set up after the Solis Invicti series.
I loved that trilogy and I've been part of Josie's streat team since that. I've reviewed the 3 Sovereign books, 2 from the Seekers storyline (Killian's Dead and May Day), the first one from the Deluge series and a few short stories.
Therefore, you can see that I'm familiar with Josie's writting, so, as a fan of her work (and as a fan of Cam 😻), I bought Solis Invicti #1.
And... I have to say that Josie keeps surprising me with every narrative!
I just LOVED A Bargain In Silver!
I loved this book so much that I've actually dreamed about Emmy, Sol and Drew. 😹🤭
As I already read the Sovereign series I know how the love triangle will end, but it's been wonderful to read Emmys story and watching her first steps in the Silververse.
December 13, 2017
I give this book a solid 4.5 silver stars.
I really enjoyed this book - it did take me some time to get into it after the first few chapters though. There is a prologue that I thought was interesting, then in chapter one we jump time backwards a bit to where the story truly begins. I thought it was an odd way to start a book; but honestly, it worked. I understood right away that the author was trying to establish a timeline and a history without having to just dump it all in chapter one.
The first couple of chapters were super exciting and fast paced - then there was a bit of a lull before things really picked up again at the 60% mark! I really enjoyed this author's take on Vampires, and I liked seeing the kind of backside to how Solomon and Drew's relationship looked, and how the Primus took over and created his own little city within the barricades. Emmy is one of those female characters that I felt like just slapping her in the face. She was so back and forth on being a strength for herself, or letting others take care of her. I wanted a little more from her character and I am hoping I get that in the rest of the series. It was interesting to see the set up of this new world order - and finally realize what some of the plot holes meant from early on in the book! Over all it was a super enjoyable story, a lot less romance than I expected, but I'm hoping for more in book two!
I really enjoyed this book - it did take me some time to get into it after the first few chapters though. There is a prologue that I thought was interesting, then in chapter one we jump time backwards a bit to where the story truly begins. I thought it was an odd way to start a book; but honestly, it worked. I understood right away that the author was trying to establish a timeline and a history without having to just dump it all in chapter one.
The first couple of chapters were super exciting and fast paced - then there was a bit of a lull before things really picked up again at the 60% mark! I really enjoyed this author's take on Vampires, and I liked seeing the kind of backside to how Solomon and Drew's relationship looked, and how the Primus took over and created his own little city within the barricades. Emmy is one of those female characters that I felt like just slapping her in the face. She was so back and forth on being a strength for herself, or letting others take care of her. I wanted a little more from her character and I am hoping I get that in the rest of the series. It was interesting to see the set up of this new world order - and finally realize what some of the plot holes meant from early on in the book! Over all it was a super enjoyable story, a lot less romance than I expected, but I'm hoping for more in book two!
July 26, 2017
Vampire - Human romance stories are common. Yet, whenever a fresh perspective is added to it that is when a story appeals. This book is the beginner in a series called Solis Invicti.
The plot is definitely different from the quintessential vampire stories. Yes, it is a love story. It may sound cliched but though it is a romance between vampires and humans the focus is also on post apocalyptic London.
Josie has used simple language. However, I felt the descriptions could have been a bit more better. In the sense that such descriptions evoke imageries and I felt that there were a few places where I felt the imageries weaken. The narration is smooth and I did find a few places that could have been elaborated a bit more. But then, this is the first book in the series so it is possible that few portions may have been left out deliberately in order to be continued in the next book.
The main characters have been well-etched with the right amount of a mysterious aura around them. The Silvers are intriguing. Their interactions reflect varied emotions.
To sum up, the book is worth reading because of its unique treatment to a cliched plot. The cliffhanger is superb and makes you want to read the next in sequence.
P.S- Thank you Josie for a superb story. The review is my honest opinion after I read the book. Bargain in silver has been rated silver now but I am sure it will earn gold in the second book.
The plot is definitely different from the quintessential vampire stories. Yes, it is a love story. It may sound cliched but though it is a romance between vampires and humans the focus is also on post apocalyptic London.
Josie has used simple language. However, I felt the descriptions could have been a bit more better. In the sense that such descriptions evoke imageries and I felt that there were a few places where I felt the imageries weaken. The narration is smooth and I did find a few places that could have been elaborated a bit more. But then, this is the first book in the series so it is possible that few portions may have been left out deliberately in order to be continued in the next book.
The main characters have been well-etched with the right amount of a mysterious aura around them. The Silvers are intriguing. Their interactions reflect varied emotions.
To sum up, the book is worth reading because of its unique treatment to a cliched plot. The cliffhanger is superb and makes you want to read the next in sequence.
P.S- Thank you Josie for a superb story. The review is my honest opinion after I read the book. Bargain in silver has been rated silver now but I am sure it will earn gold in the second book.
October 23, 2016
Does it matter if he is a vampire if he has a good heart?
I absolutely loved this book. I had the hardest time putting it down. I think I may have even growled at my family when they interrupted me. I was so worried about Emmy and her friends, that I couldn’t get them off my mind.
Emmy, for the most part, is your normal average girl. She wants to be part of a family and enjoy life. She gave up her life when her boyfriend disappeared, and move to London to start again. She gets a job as a bartender and gains a bunch of friends who become her family. Then the infection begins and she meets Drew. She is instantly drawn to him, even though she questions their connection constantly. She even allows someone she doesn’t really know to influence her perception of Drew.
Drew, who is second in command of the Solis Invicti, is kind in his own way. He is set in the fact that life is changing on earth and he will be one of those who will help make people comfortable and readjust to the new ways. He seems to try very hard to play within the rules that the Primus has set. Then he meets Emmy and instantly falls for her. Drew, however, knows of the consequences of loving her and wants to make sure that she has her complete free will to make the choice to love him back. He seems very noble. Can a vampire be good? He was born a vampire so perhaps it is possible.
There must be something about Emmy that is special, something unseen by most. Emmy catches the attention of Drew immediately, but also Solomon, who is in charge of the Silver and apparently the world as it is now known. They are both drawn to her even though she has a smart mouth and refuses to be their slave.
Since the story is told from Emmy’s point a view, there are secrets that she feels but is uncertain what they are. The Silver have quite a lot of superstitions and ways that are unknown to humans. Honestly, they must have had this planned for a while, at least by one faction or another. Humans didn’t know that they existed and were completely caught off guard.
My rating is 5 stars. I completely loved this book. I am so recommending this to my friends as I know they would enjoy it too.
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
I absolutely loved this book. I had the hardest time putting it down. I think I may have even growled at my family when they interrupted me. I was so worried about Emmy and her friends, that I couldn’t get them off my mind.
Emmy, for the most part, is your normal average girl. She wants to be part of a family and enjoy life. She gave up her life when her boyfriend disappeared, and move to London to start again. She gets a job as a bartender and gains a bunch of friends who become her family. Then the infection begins and she meets Drew. She is instantly drawn to him, even though she questions their connection constantly. She even allows someone she doesn’t really know to influence her perception of Drew.
Drew, who is second in command of the Solis Invicti, is kind in his own way. He is set in the fact that life is changing on earth and he will be one of those who will help make people comfortable and readjust to the new ways. He seems to try very hard to play within the rules that the Primus has set. Then he meets Emmy and instantly falls for her. Drew, however, knows of the consequences of loving her and wants to make sure that she has her complete free will to make the choice to love him back. He seems very noble. Can a vampire be good? He was born a vampire so perhaps it is possible.
There must be something about Emmy that is special, something unseen by most. Emmy catches the attention of Drew immediately, but also Solomon, who is in charge of the Silver and apparently the world as it is now known. They are both drawn to her even though she has a smart mouth and refuses to be their slave.
Since the story is told from Emmy’s point a view, there are secrets that she feels but is uncertain what they are. The Silver have quite a lot of superstitions and ways that are unknown to humans. Honestly, they must have had this planned for a while, at least by one faction or another. Humans didn’t know that they existed and were completely caught off guard.
My rating is 5 stars. I completely loved this book. I am so recommending this to my friends as I know they would enjoy it too.
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
February 8, 2018
Original review
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Josie Jaffrey!
A Bargain in Silver tells the story of Emmy and how her world turned upside down by the Weepers and the Silver. The weepers are deadly vampires, who can turn you into one of them by just biting you. The Silver are more human vampires and they take over London, the city where Emmy lives. The Silver are trying to save the humans from the Weepers, but Emmy doesn’t really believe that, even though the handsome Silver, Drew, tries to change her mind. But that’s not it, the leader, the Primus Solomon, has an interest in Emmy as well… What will Emmy do? Keep living with the Silver? Or will she run away?
I was really excited when I received A Bargain in Silver because I’ve been craving vampire books. I don’t know why, but for the last couple of months, I didn’t read a lot of vampire books. Luckily, that changed!
When I first started reading A Bargain in Silver, I was planning on reading a few chapters and then go to sleep. It was already 11 PM when I started reading, so I didn’t want to read too much because I had to prepare my exams and study for them. Well, that didn’t turn out as planned… I finished A Bargain in Silver around 2:30 PM because I just couldn’t stop reading. I was completely sucked into Emmy’s world and I just had to finish it!
Emmy is such a nice badass character. I love that she doesn’t immediately trust the Silver. She also struggles with her feelings towards Drew and Sol (short for Solomon) and that was another thing that I really liked. I really like reading love triangles if they’re done right and this was exactly what I wanted. And if I have to choose between Drew and Sol, I would pick Drew. Not because of the bond, because I already picked him before I knew more about the bond.
A Bargain in Silver is the perfect vampire read with an entirely new world of vampires. I loved A Bargain in Silver and I cannot wait to read the sequel, The Price of Silver.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Josie Jaffrey!
A Bargain in Silver tells the story of Emmy and how her world turned upside down by the Weepers and the Silver. The weepers are deadly vampires, who can turn you into one of them by just biting you. The Silver are more human vampires and they take over London, the city where Emmy lives. The Silver are trying to save the humans from the Weepers, but Emmy doesn’t really believe that, even though the handsome Silver, Drew, tries to change her mind. But that’s not it, the leader, the Primus Solomon, has an interest in Emmy as well… What will Emmy do? Keep living with the Silver? Or will she run away?
I was really excited when I received A Bargain in Silver because I’ve been craving vampire books. I don’t know why, but for the last couple of months, I didn’t read a lot of vampire books. Luckily, that changed!
When I first started reading A Bargain in Silver, I was planning on reading a few chapters and then go to sleep. It was already 11 PM when I started reading, so I didn’t want to read too much because I had to prepare my exams and study for them. Well, that didn’t turn out as planned… I finished A Bargain in Silver around 2:30 PM because I just couldn’t stop reading. I was completely sucked into Emmy’s world and I just had to finish it!
Emmy is such a nice badass character. I love that she doesn’t immediately trust the Silver. She also struggles with her feelings towards Drew and Sol (short for Solomon) and that was another thing that I really liked. I really like reading love triangles if they’re done right and this was exactly what I wanted. And if I have to choose between Drew and Sol, I would pick Drew. Not because of the bond, because I already picked him before I knew more about the bond.
A Bargain in Silver is the perfect vampire read with an entirely new world of vampires. I loved A Bargain in Silver and I cannot wait to read the sequel, The Price of Silver.
September 11, 2016
3.5 stars
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Emmy’s world might as well be coming to end; at least, that’s how she feels. Human beings are turning into zombie-like creatures, and in order to save themselves, they have to submit to the powerful creatures that call themselves the Silver.
At first, Emmy is a bit clueless when it comes to how screwed up of a situation the world is in; and I found her initial resistance to the truth to be rather irritating. Luckily for her, she quickly catches on to the fact that submission to the Silver might as well be a do- or- die affair for every human involved. In the course of the story, I found most of her decisions to be rather rash/ not very well thought out. Fortunately, her faults are a bearable and interesting part of the story; and also a very accurate way to portray her humanity.
Of course, the protagonist isn’t only made up of faults. She’s a very plucky young lady, who shows surprising wisdom when it comes to her unwillingness to easily trust or succumb to the somewhat deadly charms of the Silver. Despite the fact that not everything good seems to be coming her way, she is determined to stay alive (which is the most important thing).
I do like the fact that all the characters are the relevant sort, no matter how major or minor they are. The author’s creativity shines forth in her world building, and I like how inhuman and fascinating- but- scary the Silver are.
In all, A Bargain in Silver is a lovely read that more than met my expectations. If you like suspense, and/or post apocalyptic stories, you’ll like this one!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Emmy’s world might as well be coming to end; at least, that’s how she feels. Human beings are turning into zombie-like creatures, and in order to save themselves, they have to submit to the powerful creatures that call themselves the Silver.
At first, Emmy is a bit clueless when it comes to how screwed up of a situation the world is in; and I found her initial resistance to the truth to be rather irritating. Luckily for her, she quickly catches on to the fact that submission to the Silver might as well be a do- or- die affair for every human involved. In the course of the story, I found most of her decisions to be rather rash/ not very well thought out. Fortunately, her faults are a bearable and interesting part of the story; and also a very accurate way to portray her humanity.
Of course, the protagonist isn’t only made up of faults. She’s a very plucky young lady, who shows surprising wisdom when it comes to her unwillingness to easily trust or succumb to the somewhat deadly charms of the Silver. Despite the fact that not everything good seems to be coming her way, she is determined to stay alive (which is the most important thing).
I do like the fact that all the characters are the relevant sort, no matter how major or minor they are. The author’s creativity shines forth in her world building, and I like how inhuman and fascinating- but- scary the Silver are.
In all, A Bargain in Silver is a lovely read that more than met my expectations. If you like suspense, and/or post apocalyptic stories, you’ll like this one!
July 21, 2016
Mention post-apocalyptic and deadly infection in a blurb and you have my attention. So I was happy for a chance to read and review this book.
I will confess that the infected humans had a much too small part to play in this book in my opinion, but you know I love zombies, and zombie-like creatures.
That aside this is a really cool read.
Emmy is making decisions at times that I thought were much too rash, and dangerous. She really doesn't understand how much trouble the world and she herself are in. Still, she isn't a 'too stupid to live' heroine, more of a 'too ballsy and rash' heroine. But on the other hand she at least doesn't immediately give in to her attraction to what as far as she knows is a dangerous being. Overall she's an interesting, if at times tiring heroine.
I really liked the world building. The Silvers are very intriguing and their 'New World Order' frightening. I like that the Silvers have very different morals and think different than humans. It made them more alien and dangerous.
The story is gritty and Emmy has a hard time staying alive. There's a bit of a love/lust triangle going on, but I could understand why Emmy isn't willing to trust either guy, and is fighting her attraction to both.
All in all this is a suspenseful, cool read. I think it will appeal to both fans of UF and fans of post-apocalyptic reads.
I will confess that the infected humans had a much too small part to play in this book in my opinion, but you know I love zombies, and zombie-like creatures.
That aside this is a really cool read.
Emmy is making decisions at times that I thought were much too rash, and dangerous. She really doesn't understand how much trouble the world and she herself are in. Still, she isn't a 'too stupid to live' heroine, more of a 'too ballsy and rash' heroine. But on the other hand she at least doesn't immediately give in to her attraction to what as far as she knows is a dangerous being. Overall she's an interesting, if at times tiring heroine.
I really liked the world building. The Silvers are very intriguing and their 'New World Order' frightening. I like that the Silvers have very different morals and think different than humans. It made them more alien and dangerous.
The story is gritty and Emmy has a hard time staying alive. There's a bit of a love/lust triangle going on, but I could understand why Emmy isn't willing to trust either guy, and is fighting her attraction to both.
All in all this is a suspenseful, cool read. I think it will appeal to both fans of UF and fans of post-apocalyptic reads.
September 7, 2016
I received a free ecopy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Likes: This is a powerful start to what I am sure will be an amazing series! I love that we get to see the destruction of the world as we know it in a matter of hours and that this novel isn’t just a typical vampire/post-apocalyptic tale. The Weepers appeal to our base sense of vampires—mindless killing machines—while the Silver, although acting more human, think differently and have different morals than mere humans do.
The dynamics between Drew, Sol, and Emmy are amazing. Emmy fights her feelings for both of them. It isn’t love at first sight for her and it’s refreshing to have a young female fight—vehemently at times—to not become an object. It is interesting to see Drew blatantly ignore Sol’s orders and vampire customs in an (attempted) effort to keep Emmy safe.
Dislikes: While I do appreciate Emmy’s strong personality, I think she makes rather impulsive decisions at times. It can make for some tiresome situations.
Overall I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to more world building and seeing what trouble Drew and Sol can get Emmy out of. I give A Bargain in Silver 4 stars.
Likes: This is a powerful start to what I am sure will be an amazing series! I love that we get to see the destruction of the world as we know it in a matter of hours and that this novel isn’t just a typical vampire/post-apocalyptic tale. The Weepers appeal to our base sense of vampires—mindless killing machines—while the Silver, although acting more human, think differently and have different morals than mere humans do.
The dynamics between Drew, Sol, and Emmy are amazing. Emmy fights her feelings for both of them. It isn’t love at first sight for her and it’s refreshing to have a young female fight—vehemently at times—to not become an object. It is interesting to see Drew blatantly ignore Sol’s orders and vampire customs in an (attempted) effort to keep Emmy safe.
Dislikes: While I do appreciate Emmy’s strong personality, I think she makes rather impulsive decisions at times. It can make for some tiresome situations.
Overall I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to more world building and seeing what trouble Drew and Sol can get Emmy out of. I give A Bargain in Silver 4 stars.
August 21, 2017
Now that was fun to read, even though a bit cliche. Like any paranormal novel, there's the presence of vampires, though they call themselves Silver and are of course superior to humans and not afraid to show it. The same arrogant vampire race but this time there is another threat. A zombie-like race called Weepers that only Silvers can fight/ So they offer their protection to humans as long as they become blood slaves. Our protagonist Emmy is caught in the whirlwind as she comes in contact with two powerful Silvers.
So Vampires and a threat to humanity. Check.
Love triangle and a guilty conscience. Check.
Defiance up to a point then submission. Check.
It was an interesting book to read and quite exciting at points, but nothing out of the ordinary.
So Vampires and a threat to humanity. Check.
Love triangle and a guilty conscience. Check.
Defiance up to a point then submission. Check.
It was an interesting book to read and quite exciting at points, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews