I was soooo looking forward to reading this and it definitely did not disappoint!!
My love for dystopia goes back for years and years and I was so happy to start a new series to devour (no pressure but please write fast Dani…but no pressure, but seriously, 🤍) and enjoy.

Loved the characters, loved the tropes, thoroughly had a great time reading…def recommend and def going to reread!

Thanks for the arc NetGalley and Del Rey, this is my honest review 🩶

This one just didn’t work for me - though I can absolutely see why it’s resonating with so many others. The world-building was interesting and had a unique dystopian flair, which initially pulled me in. It’s fast-paced and easy to read, which kept the pages turning in the beginning, but somewhere along the way, it all started to feel off.

The writing style felt extremely YA - even overly juvenile at times for a dystopian - and yet the book kept forcing in sexual content like it was trying too hard to be NA. The FMC honestly drove me up the wall, and I just couldn’t connect. The found family aspect also felt more like a checkbox rather than something that grew organically.

This book has been marketed as Fourth Wing meets Divergent, which - let’s be real - is a massive reach. I wish it had delivered on that promise, but it missed the mark for me. Maybe I’m the outlier here (clearly, because this book is everywhere). I get the hype, I do - but sometimes a book just isn’t for you, and that’s okay.

Dystopian is so back you guys!! People were not lying when they say that this book pulls you in and keeps you drawn in until the final page, and after the final page because now I am desperate for more!!

My favorite part of Silver Elite was the world-building and the power system! There are a lot of different political, economical, and social dynamics and Francis delivered them in a way that is easy to digest and understand!! I think it’s a compliment to the author and story when you forget you’re reading a *pretty chunky* book! I inhaled it in only a few hours because I just wanted to keep going!!

Our fmc, Wren, is a strong-willed, highly trained Modified individual who must hide her abilities when she is ‘drafted’ (aka thrown in against her will) to an elite military school to train for one of the top military teams in the world (or at least the world they are aware of)! Our mmc is very much like a lot of our favorite dystopian men and as I needed in the past, he took a minute to grow on me! He took a minute for Wren too, minus the lust, so I think that was the point!!
One more highlight is that I loved the side characters, aka Kaine! I LOVED him, he’s just my fav! Every scene with him felt perfect to me idk! The other side characters also stand-out, sometimes I find myself not registering a single side characters name but I was locked in on them in this book!!

Overall I think everyone should give this book a try because it’s very reminiscent of the books we grew up with but with a fresh take! A quick, fun, dystopian read!!

*Silver Elite* by Dani Francis is a thrilling and emotionally charged entry into the realm of paranormal fantasy, blending supernatural elements with compelling character development. The story follows a strong, nuanced protagonist navigating a world of hidden powers, secret societies, and dangerous alliances, all while grappling with identity and loyalty. Francis masterfully balances action and intrigue with heartfelt moments, creating a narrative that is both fast-paced and deeply immersive. With crisp writing and a vivid, atmospheric setting, *Silver Elite* hooks readers from the first page and doesn't let go, making it a standout in the genre.

Thank you to @delreybooks and @netgalley for the chance to review this book early!

Wren is a mod forced to hide her abilities because of the primes who seek to kill every mod. But when she makes a reckless choice, she is thrust into an institution she never thought she’d ever be a part of. She is faced with an impossible choice: train in Silver block to become an Elite for the Uprising, or be delegated to a labour camp for the rest of her life. Even though she is reckless at times she knows the only way to freedom is to work with the uprising.
The politics were interesting because you have the primes who don’t have the abilities Mods do, and are trying to irradicate the mods. But then you have the rebellion who don’t really seem like good people either. It’s very hard to know who to rout for. I guess that’s by design because Wren just wants to live her life free and not be hunted for what she is.
I really enjoyed seeing the different abilities Mods have. Incitement is brutal, and it added a darker element to the story.
At times I found Wren to be a little annoying and horny. She hates her superior officer because of the family he comes from, but has little self control when it comes to his advances?! Idk it kinda killed the “romance” for me. It felt like they were just using each other’s bodies for pleasure. It did get better when some truths were revealed, and I found I enjoyed their relationship more.
I loved the training and camaraderie between the recruits. Despite being surrounded by people who hate mods, Wren manages to form positive connections with a few of the trainees.
Oh boy there were so many twist I did not see coming and I’m gonna need book 2 ASAP!
Silver Elite is out TODAY! May 6th, 2025
Content warning:
Violence
Mention of SA- off page
Sexual content - on page

Happy publication day @authordanifrancis Silver Elite 🩶
Thank you @delreyuk @netgalley for my first ever ARC and what a great book to start with!!

I was intrigued when I saw this book compared to Hunger games and Fourth wing, and boy did it deliver but also with an influence of Divergent! It had the hit of dystopian nostalgia from teenage reading but with adult elements and themes.

Wren is both smart and reckless, possesses psychic powers that if found out are punishable by death, and she’s undercover in enemy territory competing in an elite soldier training program.

Any of the book girlies will spot the main “twist” coming a mile off, but I think that might have been a tactical move to throw the reader off from the other twists, as there were a couple that I did not see coming!

My only slight gripe of was that Cross, the mmc, at times his character felt abit rushed. But I’m so excited for the next book which based on the ending should delve into his character past, present and future even more!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Silver Elite ended up being my favourite read for April and I can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy!!

Silver Elite was such a wild ride! Think dystopian drama meets psychic powers, with a dash of forbidden romance. Wren’s just trying to survive with her secrets intact—but then she’s thrown into a deadly elite training program and stuck with Cross, the broodiest commander ever (and yeah, the tension is real).

It’s fast-paced, high-stakes, and gave me Fourth Wing meets Divergent vibes. Super fun read—I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel!

Silver Elite by Dani Francis is the first book in a dystopian trilogy that follows Wren, a young woman that is trying to keep some secrets. When an inciting incident occurs, she is forced into Silver training where every day is a new test to keep her true identity a secret.

This was fun. It was exactly what I wanted from a dystopian story. Fast paced, some romance, and some political intrigue. This feels very much like Divergent for adults as far as the vibes go. I think a lot of people will love this book because it feels nostalgic and also fresh.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the main romance. I didn’t really connect with the love interest but hopefully that changes in the sequel. I think the world could have been a little bit more fleshed out as well.

Overall, I did have a good time with this book and I know a ton of other readers I can recommend this to!

This book was pure fun... which sounds really weird for a dystopian novel.

Silver Elite is set in a future world torn by conflict between people immune to a biotoxin that has wiped out half of Earth’s population and those who developed psychic gifts as a result of exposure to the toxin. Wren Darlington must conceal her powers after she is forced to join the Continent’s military. As she infiltrates the Primes, Wren finds herself drawn closer to her commanding officer and lines become blurred.

I couldn’t put this one down! I was fully wrapped up in this story, and I can’t wait to continue the series. The tension between Wren and Cross was delicious. I loved the action sequences and fast-pace as well.

I think readers who enjoyed Fourth Wing will eat this up. The military setting, training sequences, and romantic tension between recruit and commanding officer definitely hit all the marks. There is a heavier emphasis on the romantic elements of the story and spice than other dystopian novels that I’ve read. So if you enjoy spice and romantic tension, definitely check this one out!

My rating: 4.5⭐️

Hello this book is amazing I give it six stars. I’m OBSESSED. Dystopian is so! back!

When wren finds herself in enemy territory, she’s forced to join the army- the very one that’s killing her kind. Trust no one. Lie to everyone. And whatever you do, don’t fall for your greatest enemy.

The TENSION in this book is palpable. The MOUTH on cross redden!! There are so many side characters that will win you over as well. The concept of this universe is so interesting, where people with psychic/telepathic abilities are feared and killed. The plot is so gripping and paced perfectly, and with the world building I was never confused about what was going on.

Wren is such an awesome FMC, I can’t wait to see her journey in book two because that ending ?!?! Excuse me ?!

For lovers of fourth wing and divergent: meet your new favorite series

Thank you so much Dani Francis, hambright PR, Del Rey books, and NetGalley for the eARC!

🤍 happy pub day!! 🤍

(?) tell me your latest read you could NOT put down!

Silver Elite was *so* fun - I truly ate this one up & my enjoyment kept building throughout the story! This is book 1 in a planned trilogy, and I already know I will be CRAVING the next book 🤤

check this one out if you like:
▫️ dystopian & fantasy mash-up
▫️ binge-worthy reads
▫️ telepathy, psychic powers, & healing magic
▫️ forbidden romance
▫️ moderate spice & tension/angst mixed in
▫️ uprising/rebellion action
▫️ hidden identity & forced proximity
▫️ reckless & impulsive characters
▫️ Divergent vibes
▫️ endings that have you BEGGING for book 2

thank you to @delreybooks @authordanifrancis and @netgalley for the e-ARC! I think y'all are gonna be absolutely feral for this one, so grab your copy ASAP!! 😏
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#silverelite #dystopianbooks #bookrelease #danifrancis #readthisbook #romantasybooks #magicalreads #newbook #fantasybookrecs #2025books #instagramreads

Hell of a good time
We follow Wren, and her secretive 'modified' abilities as she is forced into recruitment for the elite 'Silver Block' program. 'Mods' with these telepathic powers are persecuted in this military dictatorship, and she is now finds herself in the most dangerous place for people like her.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I didn't want to put it down. It has perfect pacing and was well plotted, truly likeable characters and great plot twists.

While Wren wasn't always likeable as a character (can be bratty and thinks highly of her abilities), she was still fun to follow her journey through the recruitment process. Seeing her learn to be less impulsive and the following consequences.
Although a few of her actions (maybe two at most) had me rolling my eyes at her behaviour. To quote Wren herself: "I'm an obnoxiously curious person"

I love Cross. That man is adorable and completely obsessed with her. Some of his lines honestly had me giggling and kicking my feet hehe.
My only criticism is, I do wish the their relationship wasn't so quick, the tension and attraction could have gone on longer and that would have made it so much better. Maybe seeing that continue into the next book with a slow burn

The other side characters were also really likeable (well the ones that are actually nice people) and all felt fairly fleshed out.

Plot wise, I usually don't like a purely training story as it can be boring but this was not at all. The training tied in so well to the overall uprising plot, the balance being perfect I felt.

The world building was great, it felt thought out and realistic. With enough intrigue for things that haven't been explained yet - I basically just want to know about the Blacklands plz
I'm honestly so intrigued to see where this series goes!

Silver Elite by Dani Francis

4.5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️ (spice)
1.5/3🦋 (swoon)

•My Thoughts•
I feel like I’m still staring into the void blinking. This was a non stop, action packed ride and that ending has me SO excited for more. The world building was well done and the dystopian vibes were absolutely fascinating. Our FMC, Wren is impulsive with the biggest heart and while she was sometimes (ok…all the time) reckless, she didn’t annoy me and I was rooting for her the whole time. I enjoyed the characters and the friendships and the dynamic of Wren being undercover but developing relationships with her enemies. Wren’s relationship with the MMC brought some great tension and swoony moments and I love their progression! I CAN NOT wait for the rest of this series (a trilogy?)! Definitely recommend!

Thank you to @authordanifrancis and @delreybooks for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#silverelite #danifrancis #dystopianromance

What a rollercoaster of emotions!! Honestly. There were so many secrets and betrayal and heartache but the romance factor was on point. The tears were definitely flowing toward the end! Your girl Wren, was getting on my nerves at times though. I absolutely loved Wren & Cross's relationship. I can't wait to see how this story continues!!

You all can finally read this masterpiece. This dystopian read had it all, but also was very unique. I enjoyed it so much, constantly questioning who is right, who is wrong. Some parts had me gasping, other parts I was screaming! It held my attention, I also REALLY loved Kaine loool. His flirty attitude was so funny, but his friendship is amazing with our FMC Wren. But there’s also Cross, he can command me anyday. If you love dystopian reads, that keep you on your toes on every turn, then this is perfect for you!

If I can give this book 10 stars I would! This is going to be booktoks next sensation into this new dystopian trilogy. This books deserves the hype it can get! I want ppl screaming about this book this summer.

If you loved hunger games, divergent, maze runner and vibes of fourth wing, this book is for you! Like if those books had a baby together it would be this masterpiece!

This book already grabbed my attention from the first chapter to the end! This is bringing back dystopian and it will make you cancel your plans to read more because I kid you not I could not put this book down. I needed to know what was going to happen in each chapter as there is so much going on and the character development and training scenes were incredible.

Wren is such a badass FMC I really enjoyed her character and let’s just talk about Captain Cross Redden 🔥🔥 he is absolutely delicious. He is so possessive, powerful and ruthless I loved everything that came out of this man’s mouth. He will be on your top book BF list! 🥵

This was in fact a true enemies to lovers with lots of banter and the slow burn was done right in this book. Thank you to Del Rey for sending me an early copy of this 🫶🏼 I devoured it guys and I can’t wait for more readers to pick this baby up because this is going to be the next big thing to talk about!

This was such an amazing read. I went in with really high expectations after seeing loads of glowing reviews on TikTok, and somehow it still managed to surpass them. A solid 5 stars from me.

I was completely hooked. I went from 24% to finishing it in a day because I just couldn’t put it down. It was one of those books where you keep saying “just one more chapter”... and then suddenly you’ve finished the whole thing. Such a good time.

The writing style is great – really easy to follow – and the plot was clear, well-paced, and had me gripped the entire way through. The friendships, the romance, the action... everything felt really balanced. I often find books like this lean too much into either the fantasy or the romance, but this struck the perfect middle ground.

I did guess one of the twists, but there were definitely a couple I didn’t see coming at all. It kept me on my toes and delivered some proper shocks.

I loved the characters. Wren is a fantastic lead, and I was fully invested in the dynamic between her and Cross. The little comments from the test results were such a clever, fun touch too.

I didn’t want it to end. I was genuinely ready to start the next book the second I finished.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Random House Worlds for the advanced copy. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.

And for anyone interested, it’s out today – definitely worth checking out!

Damn I absolutely loved this, it gave me Divergent vibes in the best way possible and I was in complete shock at the end, I definitely didn’t see it coming! I managed to pick up on some of the other reveals early but still loved it regardless and can’t wait for the rest of the series! Also gimme Cross right now.

The era of dystopian novels is finally back, and the genre is better than ever! Silver Elite felt like a nostalgic journey back to the early 2000s when books like The Hunger Games and Divergent dominated the book market. Combined with a good dose of romance, Silver Elite is definitely the hottest book this spring! I loved the characters—Wren, Jim, Kaine, and Cross—with a big plus for thorough character development. The plot is intriguing, and despite a few brief low-tempo moments here and there, it was mostly fast-paced throughout the book. Be prepared for several twists and turns along the way, heartbreak, and new love. Friendships and loyalties can shift at any moment. I can't wait to read book two. This was very, very good!

oh dystopian is SO back!! this was incredibly fast paced from the beginning in the best way possible and i was eating up every second of it! the politics, the powers, the romance- this was genuinely so good. my only gripe would be the over abundance of the term “hellfuck” which never failed to give me the ick but i digress 😭