Thank you to the author/publisher/netgalley for the eARC! I could not resist requesting this one after seeing all the hype surrounding it upon release. I appreciate the chance to review it.

Despite some of the criticism behind this one, I did enjoy it. The pros: accessible prose, romance that is very much on-brand with what's trending out there, and interesting world (with a caveat to be explained shortly.) What I felt was lacking: the genre mashup on romance and dystopia didn't quite work for me, though there are merits to it. To be proper, and in my opinion, well-written dystopia, there should e a clear and proper critique of the systemic oppression the book is trying to address. While SILVER ELITE partially does so, it's overshadowed by the romance and the "spice," that it's hard to take seriously, and therefore, in some respects, may come across as being a little disrespectful. (I still believe that books like THG has done this the best, integrating romance in a way that feels both relevant and respectful.) Overall, enjoyable... but still very much a Romantasy book with a Dystopia label slapped on it.

This book felt like it was written by chatgpt and the prompt was "Re-make a worse hunger games and fourth wing that feels like every other popular romantasy books. I will not be purchasing this book for my shop because of how bland and boring this book felt.

I’m feeling pretty conflicted about this book. The comparisons to other popular dystopian novels are baffling to me—honestly, it’s nowhere near that caliber. The premise had potential, but the execution didn’t quite live up to the hype. Like many other books in this genre, it spends the majority of the story (about 80%) building up, only to deliver a payoff that feels too little, too late.

The book starts off promising, drawing you in with intriguing concepts, but as the story progresses, it loses momentum fast. The pacing becomes sluggish, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged, wondering if it was even worth pushing through to see if things would pick up.

It’s frustrating because I genuinely think this story had a lot of potential. There were moments that sparked my interest, but by the end, I was left with more questions than answers and a sense of disappointment. For a book that had such an interesting premise, I couldn’t help but feel like it fell short in a lot of ways. There’s just so much left to be desired.

I dnf´ed the book pretty early on.
The writing style was very generic and the story just couldn´t hold my attention.

Silver Elite is a fast, drama-filled read that doesn’t take itself too seriously and that’s part of the fun. It gives off just the right amount of 2010s dystopian YA energy: mysterious powers, intense stares, and a whole lot of over-the-top emotion. Not deep or life-changing, but super entertaining and easy to binge when you’re in the mood for something indulgent.

I’m not sure there’s anything else I can say about this book that hasn’t been said. There’s a reason it’s so popular.

Silver Elite was a good time, not a great time. I enjoyed myself reading, but found that I had figured out some reveals pretty early on and it took quite a while for me to feel really invested. Overall a fun read, but I admittedly don’t know that I’m itching to pick up the next one.

I get why people love this but I am feeling very conflicted.

Silver Elite is a dystopian romance that felt like nothing new or revolutionary. The plot was very predictable. I think it went for longer than I would have liked. There was no real politics or proper world building. I liked the magic system but needed to know more. I needed history and answers and any kind of substance. It was very focused on the romance, which would have been okay if I was connected to the romance, but I was not.

I was mostly entertained and did enjoy it for the most part. I enjoyed the training part of the story. Am excited to see where things progress with the next book.

I loved this!! This had all of the nostalgic 2012 dystopia era vibes that I enjoy so much! I also really enjoyed the romantic storyline as well and the plethora of interesting side characters. This in essence has some similar undertones to fourth wing but not enough to make me feel like I’ve already read it and just enough to make it feel almost familiar in a way that draws you in and you know it’s going to be a fun ride. I will be dying in the meantime while I wait for the next installment. GO READ IT!

Such a fantastic book, I did not want to stop reading. Just really easy to read, engaging storyline, characters I actually cared about. I just love when a book flows so well it's effortless to read. I can't wait for the next installment and I want all the special editions I can get my hands on.
Thank you netgalley for the e-arc.

Adicctive? Yes. But not because it was good, but it was a trainwreck.
I would still recommend this book if you need a laugh, enjoy formulated romance (this one is set in a futuristic America) or are just curious what this is about (without having high expectations).

The romance was a big no for me, because it was insta-lust, toxic and predictable. The MMC was so unlikeable, controlling and power-hungry and to this point I do not understand how anything (not even the *big* reveal) could make him likeable or redeem his actions in any way to our MFC.
The book was promoted as a dystopian romance but it was not a dystopia at all since it had none of the dystopian aspects, except for a vague setting which was not important at all. This made me so sad because I love reading about dystopian societs. And it was also too focused on the "romance", all the side characters were forgetful and interchangable.
The writing couln't save anything for me because it read very juvenile and basic, it lacked emotion and dept.

Overall it was a quick read, though forgetful and annoying at times, so I cannot recommend it.

I was on the fence about reading this book, but I heard so many people talk about it on social media, so I had to see what the fuss was all about. There were some exciting moments in the book, but it was also predictable with one or two surprises. I wanted to like the romance in this book, but it didn't pull me in like I wanted. Overall, this was a decent story and I think many others will enjoy it. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Worlds for this ARC.

Silver Elite by Dani Francis is a dystopian romantasy set in a divided futuristic, post-war world where you are either the Modified with special abilities or you are the Primes who hunt them. With a Divergent like feel, pulse-pounding action and smoldering romantic tension, it is the perfect pick for fans of spicy romance, fast-paced storytelling, and characters brimming with intensity.

In a world where power dictates everything and danger lurks behind every polished smile; rebellion is stirring in the shadows. Wren Darlington, a rare Mod whose veins do not glow silver like the others, has spent her life hiding, training in secret, waiting for the moment she can help the Uprising. But when a reckless decision threatens to reveal her identity, Wren is forced into the elite military program known as Silver Block.

Surrounded by enemies and under constant surveillance, Wren agrees to spy for the Uprising. Her mission? Infiltrate, survive, and await her instructions. What she did not expect was him—Cross Redden, the cold, enigmatic commander of Silver Block…and the son of the regime’s most feared general.

Dani Francis weaves a gripping tale of secrets, survival, and shifting allegiances. The twists kept me on edge, the pace was relentless, and the emotional stakes? Absolute perfection. Wren is a fierce, flawed, and an utterly relatable heroine. The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance? Chef’s kiss. Add in brutal rivalries, found-family bonds, and just the right dose of dark academia, and Silver Elite becomes your next binge-worthy obsession. The unanswered questions are living rent-free in my head, haunting me—and I’m clinging to the edge of my seat, absolutely desperate for the next book.

Thank you, Dani Francis, Del Rey, Random House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!

I am so sorry but I have decided to DNF this one, I even tried the audio but its not grabbing me and seems focused on smut instead of a plot line.

Thanks for the opportunity!

4.5⭐

This was such a fast and fun read. I thought the concept was super fun. It did kinda go downhill a bit towards the end of the book. I didn't enjoy her reckless decisions as much then.

I also understand her wanting to lean on someone, but by the end it felt so much like a crutch. He was cleaning up her mess too often. I wish Wren would be more thoughtful and less impulsive so that she wouldn't have to scream for help as much. We kind of lost the strong independent Wren from the beginning that I really appreciated.

DNF. Juvenile writing. Uninteresting characters. Unoriginal plot. Plot holes. I was bored. This needed serious editing.

Thank you so much for allowing me to read this ARC. I have heard so much about this book and it did not disappoint. I am a huge fan and can’t wait for book #2!

One of my favorite books this year! I loved the dystopian nostalgia and it transported me back to those times! It has so many good twists I didn’t see coming (that ending!) and I loved the romance and the way it unraveled. I cannot wait for the next book and this book is so popular at the library can’t wait to keep recommending it!

I don’t understand the mass hype around this…don’t get me wrong it wasn’t bad but it read like every other “mid” dystopian fantasy novel I’ve read in the last 5 years. It was like a mass up of them. I read a review calling this a palate cleanser read & i think that’s pretty on par with how it’d recommend this.

In a war between modified people (those with special abilities like telepathy) and primes (those without abilities), Wren Darlington is caught in the middle. Despite staying hidden on a ranch for most of her life, a reckless decision when her modified uncle is caught ends her up in a training camp for her enemies. She has to hide her telepathy amongst her other abilities from everyone including the captain who can tell she’s lying. This debut fantasy novel has all of the right tropes: the slow burn romance, the alternate communication trope (a la You’ve Got Mail), and the high stakes trials to get into an elite squad. Also, there is no miscommunication third act breakup. This was everything a romantasy reader asks for.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.