A Bargain in Silver by Josie Jaffrey - Book Review

Synopsis
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?
 

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My Review
**I received a free copy from the author in exchange for a review**
A Bargain in Silver is the first book in the Solis Invicti series. It seems like it will be your typical vampire fare, but it's a little different. I normally don't care much for stories involving vampires, but I will admit this one hooked me from the very beginning.

We have Emmy, the main character, who leads a normal life. She works at a bar, has her co-workers as close friends, and seems genuinely happy. Until one night when everything goes wrong. She finds herself surrounded by Weepers, humans who have been infected and have basically become "zombies" now. Fortunately for her, a savior is lurking nearby.

Drawn into a new world filled with vampires known as Silver, Emmy has to battle with her feelings towards the man who rescued her. On the one hand, she finds him attractive, but on the other, she hates him for things I won't say because spoilers.

Anyway, the Silver have offered humans protection from the Weepers in exchange for their complete subservience aka slavery. Emmy hates this, but what choice does she have? Submit or die. So she reluctantly goes along with the vampires, all the while trying to figure out how to escape this new life she's stuck in.

I don't really want to spoil anything, so I won't say too much more. I just really enjoyed this book ever so much. It was a new take on vampires and dystopian/apocalyptic stories. While some of it was your typical trope (love triangle, good vampires/bad vampires), it was a nice, refreshing read. Especially with the mythos (I think that's the word I want) behind vampires and humans falling in love.

The Weepers don't get as much action as I'd have liked, but they're kind of creepy, so maybe that's a good thing.

The plot is paced quite nicely, keeping the reader engaged without becoming too laggy in spots. The world building is also really great. The story is set in London, which I love. I've only ever been to London once, but I'd love to go back. It's amazing.

There are characters you'll like and find yourself rooting for, like Emmy and a few of the vampires. Then there are characters you'll absolutely hate. And then there are a few characters you'll find yourself unsure about until the very end.

The book had me eager for more, and I'm excited to read the rest of the series. I need to know what happens!

Five very well-deserved stars.


Author Bio
I have always written stories, but it wasn't until I started the first book in the Solis Invicti series in 2014 that I really became obsessed with writing. I love to read, particularly where the escapism of the story is enhanced with an element of fantasy or science fiction. For me, writing is simply an extension of that journey, but I get to decide what happens next (though it's amazing how often the characters seem to decide for themselves what I'm going to write!).

As a new author, I love to hear from readers with their comments and feedback on the books, so please do get in touch through my website or via Twitter.

Thank you for reading!