I went into this as open-mindedly as possible, and I still left really disappointed. Perhaps this comes off of my recent deep dive into excellent dystopian stories, but this felt like someone had no real knowledge of the point of dystopian stories nor a sense of why we read them? I'm sure in its way this will be popular. It's just not for me.

While I was really intrigued by the premise of Silver Elite, I struggled to connect with the main character. She’s impulsive, impatient, and if I’m being honest probably one of the most frustrating FMCs I’ve ever read. The book acknowledges her flaws, which I appreciate, but by the end, it felt like she kept digging herself deeper with every choice she made.

That said, the slow-burn romance was a highlight! The tension between the leads was palpable, and I’d rate the spice around 3 stars. The world-building and plot were strong, especially with the themes of oppression and power woven in—it actually gave me Fourth Wing vibes during the combat training scenes, which I loved.

The humor also landed well for me, especially any scene with Kaine Sutler. He completely stole the show and became my favorite character with his charm and wit.

Overall, while the FMC wasn’t my cup of tea, I was satisfied with the plot and definitely enjoyed the story’s direction.

This genuinely felt like someone went into chat gpt and said "generate me a romantasy like Fourth Wing, but Dystopian" & it feels dystopian even calling this a Dystopian.

I definitely think that romance can exist within dystopian, but what bothers me about this is Dystopian is fundamentally a heavily political genre that exists intentionally to create commentary on the world around us and this quite blaringly did not give a shit about the genre and in fact reads as quite offensive and questionably alt-right at times.

The writing is very bad, the "dystopian" is offensive and simply there for the aesthetic at best, and the romance is also deeply cringe.

I really enjoyed my time with Silver Elite. The world Dani Francis builds is tense, gritty, and full of high stakes drama that kept me turning the pages. Wren is the kind of character I love rooting for, she's flawed, stubborn, and trying to find her place in a society that wants to break her.

That said, the pacing felt a little slow at the start. It took me a few chapters to fully settle into the story, but once the action picked up and Wren’s secrets started unraveling, I was hooked. The dynamic between her and Cross brought just the right amount of romantic tension, and the power dynamics in the Silver Block training kept things interesting.

I absolutely DEVOURED this book! The blurb drew me in and I was immediately hooked by the first chapter. Easily my favorite read of 2025; definitely fills the void if you’re seeking an amazing Enemies x Lovers novel.
Silver Elite, by Dani Francis, is a fast-paced dystopian romance that follows the struggle of power between the Prime (civilians without abilities), and the Mods (individuals with telepathic abilities).
Dani Francis’ world building and plot were extremely easy to follow, especially if this is not your typical genre. The flashback scenes between the FMC, Wren Darlington, and her uncle, Jim Darlington, are helpful in understanding the history of the continent and the relationship between these to significant characters.
Another significant relationship? Wren and Cross Redden. How much can be said without giving anything away?! The tension, the angst, and the lead up to the romance were everything.
I cannot stop recommending Silver Elite to those around me; I will be waiting (impatiently I might add) with my fingers crossed for a sequel.

••••••••••
Thank you Dani Francis, Hambright PR, and Del Rey for the opportunity to read Silver Elite as an ARC. This review and the thoughts expressed are my own opinions.
••••••••••

I've been dying for some new dystopian despite the current situation in this country, and this did not disappoint! Romance, plot twists, 10/10 worldbuilding...this book is EVERYTHING. Every single character including the side ones were just written so freaking well?? I haven't been this invested in a future book since Hunger Games.

The main issue is that this book is marketed as something it is not. Dystopian novels have themes that make social or political commentary and this doesn’t get there. It’s more of a fantasy. While there are entertaining scenes and moments they do not come together to make a story, it’s clunky, it does not flow. The FMC is inconsistent, you really can’t gauge who she is and what she stands for which resulted in me not becoming invested in the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC

I'm hoping this book brings back dystopian books but this was fantastic. I loved the MFC and her strength. She continues she show herself as compassionate and capable of tough things. Can't wait to read the next one.

this book was ok. there were some far paced bits and other parts that did drag a bit. but who is dani francis? i’m kinda interested - obviously is they wish to remain anonymous, then of course they can - but i wonder if it’s already a known author in the publishing community,

now, i did my dissertation on dystopian fiction. would i say this is entirely dystopian? no. there isn’t the political commentary and “mirror” to society in this book. i would say it’s mainly fantasy rather than dystopian.

the writing was ok, a few errors here and there but i that is because it’s an ARC. but i am still grateful for the chance to receive this ARC.

Silver Elite by Dani Francis is hands down one of the best books I have read this year.

More than 250 years following the Last War that created the Modified, we follow Wren Darlington as she finds herself neck deep in in enemy territory. She has been "recruited" to train to be part of the Command's strongest military force.

Every chapter continued to keep me on my toes.

Through giggling and kicking my feet, to literally standing up in shock, even bawling my eyes out at the revelations through the story.

This world Dani has created will be one that lives in my brain for decades. It is truly a phenomenal read and for anyone that loves a dystopian read.

I cannot wait to see where Wren goes next!

Thank you NetGalley for sending this ARC my way, it was beyond phenomenal

This was like a fever dream. I innocently picked up Silver Elite this morning intending to read for an hour with my coffee. It’s now 9 pm and I feel like I’m coming to after devouring it in one sitting. I know I ate and drank but it was like my kindle was glued to my hands. What sorcery is this? Needless to say I loved it. The drama, the stakes, the romance. Loved. It. Did it have some pacing issues and some less than stellar dialogue? Absolutely. Did it remind me of a certain blockbuster with dragons. Yes. Is it completely unique and groundbreaking? No. But it has that ineffable quality that keeps you invested and turning the pages that so many entries in this genre lack. Did any of that spoil the addictive quality of the story? No. Not one bit. I’m not here to nitpick or make comparisons. I’m only here to say I loved it and I hope we ordered enough copies for our library!

I had the time of my dystopian lover life with this one! My advice is to go into the story for just that- the love of a good story! Don’t overthink it, and don’t analyze it to death and make it a big political dilemma you think you need to decipher. Just ENJOY THE ADVENTURE! The two main characters remind me of Tris and Four’s dynamics in the Divergent series, which I loved immensely. There’s not a huge, drawn out in-depth explanation of the inner workings of this dystopian world, though I honestly didn’t feel like I needed it. Again, go into it for the love of a good story! The side characters were well-developed, and I fell myself getting attached to several of them, even the ones I wanted to hate. They were flawed and multifaceted, so this made them human and relatable, If you’re looking to dive into a dystopian setting with a sci-fi touch… if you love stories about humans with extraordinary powers… if you MELT for a good enemies to lovers… look no further. THIS needs to be your next read! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my arc read. These opinions are my own.
🌎dystopian setting
👮‍♂️elite military academy
🌲creepy dark forest
🧠heightened mental powers
🖤true enemies to lovers


🛑Ps. For the love of amazingly talented entertainment - Stop making everything a political argument!!🛑

This was marketed as a dystopian romance, but it reads more like a shallow fantasy of vibes over substance. The worldbuilding has no depth, the stakes feel manufactured, and the genre’s usual weight is completely missing. It’s all gloss, no grit. I saw someone else say that it is more shallow than a kiddie pool and couldn’t agree more.

The writing itself is rough. Clunky prose, stiff and cringey dialogue, and an insufferable FMC who spends half her time reminding us how hot the MMC is and the other half making irrational choices. There’s no real connection between the leads—just instant attraction with no emotional foundation. And a scene involving dubious consent sealed the DNF for me.

Shallow, unpolished, and painfully underdeveloped. I tapped out early and have no regrets.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a vibe for my millennial heart. I can objectively see why people say that much of the book seems to be pulled from others in the past. I did wish that we knew more about The Company and The Command; actually the world in and of itself. However this was a fun read and I was entertained.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing a DRC of this title for review.

Sure to make a splash with sci-fi/fantasy readers-- especially those who are fans of dystopian fiction-- would recommend that libraries add this one to their collection!

I received an ARC of Silver Elite from Hambright PR, and I’m so glad I did because wow… this book completely pulled me in. It’s officially out now and worth grabbing.

I seriously couldn’t put it down. I laughed, I blushed, I highlighted the life out of my Kindle. The tension?? SO GOOD. I’ve been craving a book like this.

Wren is everything. She's sarcastic, impulsive, loyal, and just... real. I related to her so much. She’s the kind of character you feel like you know—and honestly, I want to be her when I grow up. Her growth through the story was so well done.

And then there’s Cross. My new book boyfriend. Prosessive, soft when it counts, and just so freaking hot. He just wants her safe, and the way he sees her? Ugh. I’m unwell. I want him.

The plot had me hooked, too!! There’s mystery, tension, a little chaos, and this constant feeling of not knowing who to trust. By the end, you’re questioning everything. Are you a Prime? Or with the Uprising? I’m still not sure where I stand.

I don’t usually love dystopian books—Divergent wasn’t for me and Hunger Games was just okay—but this one really hit. The characters, the world, the banter… it all worked for me. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

I need book two immediately. I wish there author had an instagram so I could eyeball for updates 😍😍

Thank you Netgalley and Delray for my EARC📚

This is definitely one of my Top 10 books for 2025 already!!!

What would you do if you lived on Earth 150 years after it went through terrible biotoxic destruction that caused Modified humans to be created but also the other half of the population is normal.This obviously causes lots of war and destructions among the primes and the Mods.

Wren our main character and her uncle came across the most trouble.To the point where she was captured after her skills were reported to the elite primes but this led to something unforeseeable. It guaranteed her a spot on a training academy for the people who absolutely hated her kind but she had no idea that it would lead to working with Cross Redden the Generals son... where many secrets and many missions unfolded including their relationship 😉

I was very skeptical of starting a book that has SCIFI in it Im not a Sci-fi person. But this book blew me away. It was electrifying with every chapter. I just didn't expect the level of Romantasy I got form the story. I couldn't put the book down. This book was right up my alley its Dystopian aspects were what made it unique. Including the training academy antics were very entertaining. All the side characters are seriously the best.

I can't wait for book 2.

This will be one of 2025 top reads without a doubt this will fulfill all the book girlies hearts and minds.

This book was pretty addicting - fast paced and hard to put down! I would definitely class it as more of a romance than a dystopian - the oppressive government and other political aspects take the back seat in favour of setting up a romantic arc. The MMC was pretty swoon-worthy, the FMC was badass but also kind of reckless to a fault. Side characters were fun, but some felt as though they were purely there to create tension and could have been fleshed out a bit more (although this is the first in a series so there is still time for that). Overall, I enjoyed this and will for sure read the next book!

I finished Silver Elite and I think I’m still processing that ending. Although I did really enjoy this story I’m not going to lie, for the majority of it I was just vibing with the character because the storyline wasn’t all the wild. What I failed to realize until about the last 150 pages is actually how much was being built up. It was one crazy thing after another, my jaw was on the ground. I don’t even care who Dani Francis is as long as they keep this story going!

Silver Elite is fantastic! I could not read it fast enough but I also didn't want it to end. I loved these characters and I cannot wait for more!!