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The Cards You're Dealt
“That’s the Game, Dante. That’s called winning.”
“It isn’t a game when the person who is losing can’t eat.”
In the Cassino Region, every adult is assigned their rank through the drawing of a card from a standard deck. The higher the drawn card, the higher the rank, meaning more privileges and prospects in the Game.
Tessa Gamble, a born and raised Elite, was taught to believe in the fairness of this system. However, she soon learns that all is not as it seems. Why do the Elite stay Elite? How do they benefit from a Game of their design?
Determined, Tessa decides to change the system that benefits so few, or die trying, even if the powers that be need her to lose. She learns that you’re not only as good as the cards you’re dealt; you just need to change the Game.
“It isn’t a game when the person who is losing can’t eat.”
In the Cassino Region, every adult is assigned their rank through the drawing of a card from a standard deck. The higher the drawn card, the higher the rank, meaning more privileges and prospects in the Game.
Tessa Gamble, a born and raised Elite, was taught to believe in the fairness of this system. However, she soon learns that all is not as it seems. Why do the Elite stay Elite? How do they benefit from a Game of their design?
Determined, Tessa decides to change the system that benefits so few, or die trying, even if the powers that be need her to lose. She learns that you’re not only as good as the cards you’re dealt; you just need to change the Game.
288 pages, Paperback
Published September 28, 2024
5 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 27, 2024
I was kindly sent this by J J and was intrigued by the cover and blurb straight away.
This book gave me hunger game vibes but the card dealing concept was just 🤯.
The writing style is simplistic and it makes it easy to devour page after page.
Thoroughly enjoyable and I will continue the series.
For me as a thriller lover, I would have loved more violence etc but I can sense that on the horizon 👀.
This book gave me hunger game vibes but the card dealing concept was just 🤯.
The writing style is simplistic and it makes it easy to devour page after page.
Thoroughly enjoyable and I will continue the series.
For me as a thriller lover, I would have loved more violence etc but I can sense that on the horizon 👀.
November 10, 2024
If you haven’t read this book. Do it. I was captivated all along and loved seeing the progression of characters. It was very well written and brought you along with all the twists. I finished the book with my jaw on the floor, I hope there’s a book two, and I’m looking forward to see where it goes!
November 3, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Can see why there have been comparisons to hunger games. People have mentioned the simplicity of the storyline and narrative but in my view this is not a bad thing. It does not ask anything of you other than to let yourself be drawn into their world. There are no complicated maps or hierarchies or family trees to work out just a straightforward story about the haves and have nots and just how far some are prepared to go to maintain the status quo. Well done JJ Marr on a great debut. Can’t wait to see what happens next and where you take this world.
October 1, 2024
I Got the opportunity to read this book a couple of days before it actually came out!
It was an AMAZING read Full of twists and turns that you couldn't have seen coming.
The characters were mainly all Lovable (except the bad guys!)
I really, really enjoyed reading this and will eagerly wait for more Books from this Author!
On the day this book actually came out, I got to meet the author and get my copy signed!
She was a really lovely person, and didn't seem to mind when I made my mum talk to her for me because I am waay too shy.
I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a read that grips you from the first page and doesn't let you go till the end.
It was an AMAZING read Full of twists and turns that you couldn't have seen coming.
The characters were mainly all Lovable (except the bad guys!)
I really, really enjoyed reading this and will eagerly wait for more Books from this Author!
On the day this book actually came out, I got to meet the author and get my copy signed!
She was a really lovely person, and didn't seem to mind when I made my mum talk to her for me because I am waay too shy.
I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a read that grips you from the first page and doesn't let you go till the end.
September 6, 2024
Add to your tbr!
J J Marr’s exciting debut novel creates a unique and interesting world where your place in society is controlled by a deck of cards.
Featuring a female protagonist who is discovering who she is and what she will fight for in a world that doesn’t play fair.
This dystopian series delves into themes of politics and class systems surrounded by romance, intrigue and mystery.
Perfect for fans of Hunger Games and Divergent.
Eager to see where this story goes next.
J J Marr’s exciting debut novel creates a unique and interesting world where your place in society is controlled by a deck of cards.
Featuring a female protagonist who is discovering who she is and what she will fight for in a world that doesn’t play fair.
This dystopian series delves into themes of politics and class systems surrounded by romance, intrigue and mystery.
Perfect for fans of Hunger Games and Divergent.
Eager to see where this story goes next.
July 14, 2025
I had the privilege of reading an early release of this novel and all I can say is get it ordered immediately! This book is great for any fan of your typical dystopian fantasies, it's got all your favourite tropes and themes but with J.J. Marr's unique twists and turns every page will have you telling yourself "just one more chapter!". Perfect for readers of The Hunger Games, The Shadow Game series, or Victoria Aveyard's work, this book manages to simultaneously be a comfort read and a refreshing take on the genre. Eagerly anticipating the sequel!
November 17, 2024
This had the potential to be spectacular! Unfortunately it fell a little short. The premise is brilliant. The haves an the have nots based on the flip of a card. The Elites do not understand the plight of low born and it all depends on the card you pick where you end up in life! Severe limitations on those who draw low and the sky is the limit for high cards. But a couple of random sex scenes which added nothing to the story. A bit of a rush to finish and not a great end! I really enjoyed the middle, felt like things were building and I started to get to know the characters! Unfortunately that didn't continue. I'm quite sad. If there is a sequel I would probably give it a whirl though!
November 10, 2024
I absolutely loved this unique Dystopian novel.
With most dystopian novels they have a huge amount of world or universe building as you navigate how their alternative world is ran, whereas with this, it feels more like it’s within our realm which enables you to get straight into the characters heads and within their personalities.
It’s clear this book is character driven with main characters fully fueling the plot and showing how kickass they are at revelling and navigating the new rules of their life which is run by the fates and dealers.
With a Hunger Games vibe, I found this story to be unique from the whole concept, the storyline and character names. Everything fitted perfectly from the draw of a card which determines your opportunities and wealth to the alt names of the characters.
It’s a brilliant concept and so well thought out.
The only downside to this series is the wait for the next one
With most dystopian novels they have a huge amount of world or universe building as you navigate how their alternative world is ran, whereas with this, it feels more like it’s within our realm which enables you to get straight into the characters heads and within their personalities.
It’s clear this book is character driven with main characters fully fueling the plot and showing how kickass they are at revelling and navigating the new rules of their life which is run by the fates and dealers.
With a Hunger Games vibe, I found this story to be unique from the whole concept, the storyline and character names. Everything fitted perfectly from the draw of a card which determines your opportunities and wealth to the alt names of the characters.
It’s a brilliant concept and so well thought out.
The only downside to this series is the wait for the next one
October 22, 2024
One word .... WOW.
Cant wait for the next one, J.J. Marr is most definetly an author to follow.
Cant wait for the next one, J.J. Marr is most definetly an author to follow.
May 24, 2025
I just finished The Cards You’re Dealt and I’ve reread the last few paragraphs more times than I can count. I’m honestly stunned. How can a book end like that?! I loved this story, I didn’t go in to it expecting it to be a 5* but this book just blew away. The concept was such a clever blend of something that felt both relatable and totally wild. Think Divergent and The Hunger Games energy, but with its own unique heartbeat…and with spice that added to the story, the character and relationship building.
The twists were relentless!! The deeper into the book I got, the more tangled everything became in the best way. The story just builds and builds and the pace just gets quicker and quicker the further you get in to it. I read the whole thing in a day because I simply couldn’t put it down.
The villains are brilliantly written. One is pretty obvious, but the others? The way doubt creeps in, the second-guessing, the revelations. I didn’t know what (or who) to trust by the end. It made everything that much more intense, my heart was genuinely racing at points.
I liked every character in the whole story. Tessa’s strength, love for her family and conviction in what she believed in was admirable. Dante was a little one dimensional but an all round nice guy and amazing brother (wasn’t the biggest fan of his nickname for Tessa though). Alex, perhaps the most complex character in the story, struggling with his own upbringing and the love for Tessa’s family. You hate him and love him and then hate him again and it’s so fun but also infuriating. Veronica is the humour we need.
That ending, though. I have no idea how to feel except overwhelmed in the best way. I need more. There has to be another book coming. Please.
I’ll be recommending this to everyone I know.
The twists were relentless!! The deeper into the book I got, the more tangled everything became in the best way. The story just builds and builds and the pace just gets quicker and quicker the further you get in to it. I read the whole thing in a day because I simply couldn’t put it down.
The villains are brilliantly written. One is pretty obvious, but the others? The way doubt creeps in, the second-guessing, the revelations. I didn’t know what (or who) to trust by the end. It made everything that much more intense, my heart was genuinely racing at points.
I liked every character in the whole story. Tessa’s strength, love for her family and conviction in what she believed in was admirable. Dante was a little one dimensional but an all round nice guy and amazing brother (wasn’t the biggest fan of his nickname for Tessa though). Alex, perhaps the most complex character in the story, struggling with his own upbringing and the love for Tessa’s family. You hate him and love him and then hate him again and it’s so fun but also infuriating. Veronica is the humour we need.
That ending, though. I have no idea how to feel except overwhelmed in the best way. I need more. There has to be another book coming. Please.
I’ll be recommending this to everyone I know.
November 18, 2024
An easy 5 star read! I am not usually into dystopians, but man did JJ Marr managed to hook, line and sink me into her story, through her reading lives on Tiktok.
The main takeaway from this book, is hands down the FMC Tessa Gamble. She is written as a strong, confident 27- year-old woman, who finds her strength and worth and insists on it.
The worldbuilding is fast, compact but still able to follow along. The plot moves along quickly, making the book hard to put down.
The characters are written so well, that you get stunned at how awful the bad people are and how blue-eyed Tessa is. It was, however, refreshing to read an MC come to terms with the 'truth' over time instead of immediately.
There are some good parallels to our own world and the growing disparity between rich and poor, plus the growing entitlement we see.
The story definitely didn't go the way I thought it would and comes with some twists I didn't see coming! It all wraps up in a genius way.. Well, I say wraps up - it doesn't! Please for the love of it all, read this book, so JJ Marr will finish the sequel and release to me-us.. To us! :D
My only real issue is the virgin trope. It doesn't make sense, really. She is 27 and there are no rules, stating she has to be a virgin at the time of her Dealer Day . (I can't remember what it's called).
But hey, no book is perfect, and the issue is dealt with and handled very well.
This is a perfect book, if you need a quick read, a quick paste, some fun new twists on a dystopian or a pretty book with sprayed edges as standard.
The main takeaway from this book, is hands down the FMC Tessa Gamble. She is written as a strong, confident 27- year-old woman, who finds her strength and worth and insists on it.
The worldbuilding is fast, compact but still able to follow along. The plot moves along quickly, making the book hard to put down.
The characters are written so well, that you get stunned at how awful the bad people are and how blue-eyed Tessa is. It was, however, refreshing to read an MC come to terms with the 'truth' over time instead of immediately.
There are some good parallels to our own world and the growing disparity between rich and poor, plus the growing entitlement we see.
The story definitely didn't go the way I thought it would and comes with some twists I didn't see coming! It all wraps up in a genius way.. Well, I say wraps up - it doesn't! Please for the love of it all, read this book, so JJ Marr will finish the sequel and release to me-us.. To us! :D
My only real issue is the virgin trope. It doesn't make sense, really. She is 27 and there are no rules, stating she has to be a virgin at the time of her Dealer Day . (I can't remember what it's called).
But hey, no book is perfect, and the issue is dealt with and handled very well.
This is a perfect book, if you need a quick read, a quick paste, some fun new twists on a dystopian or a pretty book with sprayed edges as standard.
October 17, 2024
4.5 stars!
Firsts thing first. WOW! What a different and new creative world for a dystopia! I loved how the classes were broken up and loved the idea of a simple deck of cards determining a future.
I loved the play on socialism and how it really reflects current themes going on in this world today, the parallels were not thrown in your face but just slightly enough that you could put two and two together.
I could have done without the prolong. I immediately flagged Anthony’s character right away and it tainted my thoughts for him throughout the entire book. I wanted to try my hardest and just see it from Tessa POV but I never trusted him so I wasn’t all that surprised by his character and I wish I could have experienced that along with Tessa and Alex.
I loved the multiple POV…The Dealer is actually one of my favourite characters POV, I got excited every time I read his chapter.
But the ending had my heart racing. I personally don’t love when books end with a cliffhanger where you don’t know what happens, and this one had a GIANT one.
All and all, I loved how easy it was to read this story and I can’t wait for book 2.
Firsts thing first. WOW! What a different and new creative world for a dystopia! I loved how the classes were broken up and loved the idea of a simple deck of cards determining a future.
I loved the play on socialism and how it really reflects current themes going on in this world today, the parallels were not thrown in your face but just slightly enough that you could put two and two together.
I could have done without the prolong. I immediately flagged Anthony’s character right away and it tainted my thoughts for him throughout the entire book. I wanted to try my hardest and just see it from Tessa POV but I never trusted him so I wasn’t all that surprised by his character and I wish I could have experienced that along with Tessa and Alex.
I loved the multiple POV…The Dealer is actually one of my favourite characters POV, I got excited every time I read his chapter.
But the ending had my heart racing. I personally don’t love when books end with a cliffhanger where you don’t know what happens, and this one had a GIANT one.
All and all, I loved how easy it was to read this story and I can’t wait for book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
I was drawn to the book cover and while stood reading the blurb a young lady walked up to me and said “I wrote that book”. I was surprised to be stood in front of the Author herself and as I am a big fan of fantasy I couldn’t walk out without buying it. I was lucky enough to get the book signed too.
I really enjoyed the story and it did remind me of Hunger Games but as the story develops it is very different. I liked the characters, especially Anthony. I would really like to know more about what happened to Mr Gamble. There were a few twists in there too. I really hope you have plans to continue this story as it was left on a real cliff hanger. I was left wanting more. Great debut! Oh and I love the short chapters!
I really enjoyed the story and it did remind me of Hunger Games but as the story develops it is very different. I liked the characters, especially Anthony. I would really like to know more about what happened to Mr Gamble. There were a few twists in there too. I really hope you have plans to continue this story as it was left on a real cliff hanger. I was left wanting more. Great debut! Oh and I love the short chapters!
May 30, 2025
Fantastically written, gripping story with a political elite/working class social challenge in the form of a deck of cards. So clever in the meanings and relationship between a deck of cards and life. A powerful and challenging way of looking at social class. Strong female main character who is written in an empowering and self confidence building manner. Especially within relationships and spice scenes. Gripping ending which leaves you wanting more.
J J Marr, please write the next book!!!
I was in Waterstones Ayr with my sister when the author came over and showed us her book, we now both have signed copies and read it immediately. You were correct, we did love it.
J J Marr, please write the next book!!!
I was in Waterstones Ayr with my sister when the author came over and showed us her book, we now both have signed copies and read it immediately. You were correct, we did love it.
October 22, 2024
What a fabulous read! Characters are tangible and with no spoilers intended or implied I NEED to KNOW what happens next! Well written and had me on the edge of my seat chapter by chapter. Well done J. J. Marr! As a sidebar I was quite shocked to see the poor reviews on this book. Having read this book now twice over and loving it both times I can only imagine a couple of misbegotten souls with poor grammar are trolling an indie author seeing a modicum of success.
Keep going indie! We believe in you!
Sincerely,
The rebellion
Keep going indie! We believe in you!
Sincerely,
The rebellion
September 4, 2024
Grabbed me from the first page and I couldn't let it go! "The Cards Youre Dealt " by J.J. Marr is a dystopian page turner complete with intrigue, twists, a laugh or two and some genuine fist-pumping out loud "hell ya" moments. Classism is examined in an intriguing and somehow familiar way drawing parallels between fiction and reality. Readers of the "Divergent" series will surely enjoy this book. Fantastic way to spend the weekend and I can't wait for the sequel!
August 21, 2025
I bought this book after hearing the author speak about it at Cymera. I love the concept and found it an entertaining read. The writing is a little unpolished but that didn’t bother me too much. As I got towards the end, I started to wonder how everything was going to be tied up in time… and it wasn’t. It left me hanging, and not in a good way. A couple of other reviews have mentioned a sequel and I really hope that’s happening because I’m not ok!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2024
Honestly the biggest pile of nonsense I think I've ever read. I've contacted waterstones for a full refund as I could have spent this money elsewhere. The book comes across like it's been written by a kindergarten kid it's so bad it's funny.
October 25, 2024
I couldn’t put this addictive book down! Honestly an instant hit! Gives hunger games, divergent and even a bit of politics now vibes and I’m here for it! The characters are engaging and I immediately love Dante! I can’t wait to read more…that cliffhanger
October 28, 2024
I absolutely loved this book!
From the moment I picked it up I was hooked, page one had me wondering what the ending would be like. Got hunger games vibes, I'm a massive fan!
Was right up my street and I can't wait till book two is published.
Well done jen!
From the moment I picked it up I was hooked, page one had me wondering what the ending would be like. Got hunger games vibes, I'm a massive fan!
Was right up my street and I can't wait till book two is published.
Well done jen!
January 6, 2025
I am a sucker for judging a book by the cover and this one is a beaut! It paid off this time and the contents was just as good. If you like dystopian then give this a try. It has a bit of everything, spice, love triangle, impact rich/poor divide and a decent twist at the end. Need a sequel please!
January 10, 2025
This book had me in a chokehold from beginning to end. I had to know what was happening to Tessa, to her brother, and where on earth the plot was going. The cliffhanger ending is perfection, and I can't wait to read the next book!
October 10, 2024
unoriginal, dry, tries to hard to be an actual novel. Obvious that the author has never written a novel of substance.
not likely to read any of their future books
screams COVID project gone awry
not likely to read any of their future books
screams COVID project gone awry
November 8, 2024
Definitely worth a read. Well done J.J.Marr
November 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 Really good and suspenseful. I didn’t know where the story was going! And that cliffhanger of an ending! Omg I need to know what happens!
January 4, 2025
So good , easy to read ! Intense sometimes ! Cathing! Whats going to happen next !?
January 16, 2025
This book is actually based on me. Some of it is actually real, believe it or not.
March 9, 2025
I loved this book! The dystopian vibes with a card theme is nothing like I've read before yet seemed very familiar. 5 stars from me and can't wait to read more from this author
May 23, 2025
Absolutely loved this dystopian world and concept! I knew it was going to be a fun read from the first few chapters and I wasn’t at all disappointed. The only disappointing thing is that it came to an end! 😂 love the multiple POVs and how the characters and story developed. Bring on the second installment I say ♥️♦️♠️♣️
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews