Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read the digital arc of this book! I appreciate the opportunity.
It’s a mix of Fourth Wing, Divergent, Darkest Minds and The Hunger Games. Notice how a majority of the comparisons are 2012 dystopian novels. If you are looking for a spicy modern version of all of these combined, then you may like this book.
For me, this was a failed pizza delivery. You open your front door, and the pizza is face down on the ground. :( What I’m trying to say is that the author had something but delivery was not good.
My biggest complaints:
- Repetitive phrases such as “holy hellfuck!” (You can play a drinking game to it)
-Rehashing the same tropes: main character is good at everything, love interest is a mysterious edgy guy that’s just out of reach, main character has super duper special powers and is the only one that can do anything super special (except towards the end, surprise!), etc.
-The spice, especially the dialogue between the characters was REALLY awkward. It’s almost comedic and cringy at the same time.
-65% of this book is the main character purposely being useless. She purposely fails at everything to be forced out of the program (which for her situation, it doesn’t make sense) and it’s very aggravating. The author builds this OP main character just to have them fail for most of the book. If you’re going with the “they’re good at everything trope”, then commit!!!
-All character descriptions for the men are very muscle focused. There’s rarely a description that doesn’t have at least a paragraph dedicated to muscles. It was very annoying. It was around 25% of the way through that I was willing to accept a description of a stick figure.
- Very predictable
- Character logic was out the window. Narrative was in a similar predicament.

If this does not sound like an interesting read to you, then according to my Kindle, I have saved you from 7 hours of reading. I hope this helped.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC!!

First of all, if you like Fourth Wing, you will MOST DEFINITELY love this. But I have a hot take: I think this is better than Fourth Wing.

Yes, Wren is hotheaded and snarky, much like Violet, but surprisingly, she didn't bother me like Violet did. I do love the part where Jim (oh, Jim. My heart ached for him) schools her that recklessness isn't bravery, and she often reflects on her mistakes, which I admire. I could understand why she acted the way she did in certain situations, too, and while the prose isn't my thing, I found the worldbuilding very interesting and well-done. I really enjoyed the exploration of Prime and Mods, and some twists at the end knock it right out of the park. You can tell the author put a lot of thought into the plot.

In fact, I will absolutely not be surprised if this book blows up once it's released. It ticks most of the boxes that people love about Fourth Wing and perhaps Shatter Me. My only gripe is mainly about the romance because it ran too insta-lust for me and Cross isn't my type, but this is a me-problem and most readers are absolutely going to eat this up.

This was a super bingeable and fun read, and I'm very grateful I got to read this early! Would whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone who loves Fourth Wing or romantic dystopian fiction in general.

I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to hearing more about Wren (Dove) and the difficult decisions she will have to make. She’s a strong character with a big heart,

Silver Elite had a lot of action, military training, political intrigue, frustrating coercion and betrayal, grief, a romantic relationship and a cliff hanger!

There are always some books I’m reluctant to start because I’m afraid I won’t like it, and this is one such book. After finishing, I’m a little angry at myself that I didn’t start it sooner. This is a little bit of a dystopian novel where there are Mods and Primes, with the Mods having been modified by a virus, and the Primes being the ones not affected. From there it’s very similar to “our” world. I love the main characters Wren and Cross; they really seemed suited for each other. And their relationship progressed in a perfect fashion: not too fast, not too slow. I did guess at a few things, and there were a couple I was taken by surprise about. I’m also wondering about the end, and how that’s going to affect everything in the next book. My only real complaints are that the book could have been cut down by about 25% to make it more tight, and it seemed at times more of a YA book (which I don’t particularly like). Other than that, I’m so excited to read the next one. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

Fast dystopian romantesy…… I enjoyed it, easy read and some great angles in here with abilities…. Looking forward to book 2 and would be great to more depth and development on the politics….. thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thankyou Netgalley and @delrey for the arc in return for an honest review!

Silver Elite by @danifrancis
Releases: May 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

WOW. Just WOW.

This book was amazing!

It reminded me of the Shatter Me series by Taheri Mafi!
A steamier, sexier Shatter Me with higher stakes and less clothes.
The tension, both romantic and not, was so well done. The betrayals left me reeling.
And the ending, oh my god the ending!

Thank you to Netgalley and Del Rey for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Silver Elite is a concoction of practically everything I dislike in a book. While I usually love YA romantasies (and I know this book is a dystopian romance, but it still fits the mold), adult romantasies consistently miss the mark for me. I was hoping that because Silver Elite is dystopian it would offer a nice twist on the “romantasy” style, but nope.

If you’ve read any of the recent popular romantasies, you’ve essentially already read Silver Elite. It attempts to do something new with its psychic concept; I’ll give it that, but at its core, Silver Elite is yet another addition to the growing pile of SJM-inspired clones. I have no doubt this book will gain a massive following, and I don’t want to sound like a huge hater, but it’s disheartening that formulaic books like this continue to go viral, while more original books hardly get attention on the same scale. Every trending romantasy nowadays feels like a poorly written Feysand fanfiction, and Silver Elite is no exception. It’s like I’m reading about the same couple over and over again, but that couple wasn’t even that good to begin with.

Off the bat, the book feels like a checklist of overused tropes. And what a shame that is because with the concept of this book, it could have done something different. By page three, we’re introduced to a “growling” man who immediately tries to have sex with the main character. She hides from this character, and soon after, we’re introduced to another man who is described as "inconceivably attractive" and who Wren says she doesn't think she's "ever seen a better-looking human, male or female." Naturally, this man is now her enemy. She goes into his room without permission, and he’s the “asshole.” This kind of childish thinking we see countless times in different books between love interests is exactly why I’ve come to dislike the enemies to lovers trope. Of course, the book’s premise describes it as an enemies-to-lovers romance, but I'm still waiting for a good take on it.

Wren is a cardboard cutout of your standard sassy/stabby main character. Cross is the typical morally grey love interest. And of course, we have descriptions of how “big” and “tall” he is. The banter between these two feels so forced and made for BookTok. There’s frequent cursing and use of the words “male” and “female.” The writing is vague and simple and feels more for a younger audience than an adult, despite its themes. As other reviewers mentioned, there's moments between Wren and Cross that feel very questionable.

The romance, writing, characterization, and plot elements don’t offer anything we haven’t seen before, but I recognize I’m not exactly the target audience for this book. I would recommend Silver Elite as an alternative for fans of Fourth Wing/ACOTAR (or for people who liked those books but don’t support the authors). Understandably, what I disliked about this book might be what someone absolutely loves, and it seems like I'm in the minority for this one so far.

I could not get enough of this book! The storyline, the world setting, and the memorizing characters. The abilities, the romance, the world...really just ALL. OF. IT.

I know it's early in the year, heck it's barely begun but I daresay, this will be my most favorite read of the year. I just couldn't put it down and am so very sad it is over. I am still thinking about this book hours later and wondering how fast the author can write so the next book will be here.

I don't read this genre a lot, but I can see this genre, no, this series, becoming an all-time favorite and one I will definitely need to explore more of.

I can't say enough about this book, these characters, this world, heck, just the writing alone will draw you in and the characters and world will keep you there.

I really tried to savor this read but I couldn't help myself and read it all in almost one sitting. I am so sad it is over, and I am already on the edge of my seat, counting down the days until the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

This was a wild ride, in the best way possible! The action in this story never lets up, and it was wonderfully done.

A return in style to YA dystopias of a decade ago, "Silver Elite" was an absolute delight and masterfully done. The FMC and MMC were both very well written, and the tension and angst of their enemies-to-lovers relationship kept me on the edge of my seat. I read this book in ONE sitting because I simply could not put it down. There is plenty to love here: the characterization, the pace and action, the complex relationships among the characters, and twists that I did not always see coming. Truly, this is one of my favorites of 2025, and I'm already looking forward to the next.

Highly recommend!

Silver Elite by Dani Francis

When I was growing up – dystopian fantasy was the ‘it’ thing, and I am so glad to have read a new novel in this genre – Silver Elite.

Silver Elite ticked quite a number of boxes for me. Military, political intrigue, forbidden romance, secret identities, rebels, betrayal and an interesting magical system just to name a few. I lost sleep reading this book. The ending was great, and I am so excited to continue this series and see where things go.

I also enjoyed that while I was able to predict some plot points, others had me shocked. The character growth was done well, and I found I liked the protagonist, Wren, more as the story progressed on.

I did find this book slow to get going – but I am attributing that to the world building and explanation of magical systems before the story can progress. I also felt there was one to many love interests – I am hoping that this will serve a purpose later on in the books.

Looking forward to what comes next in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Worlds - Del Rey for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I honestly thought I had given up on ever finding a dystopian book that I would like again. I thought I had completely burned myself out of being able to enjoy the genre. Silver Elite might have just changed that!

I honestly loved the mash of other genres alongside the dystopian plot line. And the characters were excellent! I'm already upset that I have to wait until book two is released and this one hasn't even come out yet!

Silver Elite is book one in a thrilling new dystopian trilogy.

The world remains broken after a biotoxin nearly wiped out a majority of the population 150 years ago. Some were immune—Prime—while others developed psychic abilities—Modified. Now, the Continent is run by an oppressive rule seeking to destroy anyone who is Modified.

The story follows Wren—a Modified—who lives in hiding on a cattle ranch, pretending to be a Prime. A devastating consequence places Wren in the Continents military. She is ultimately forced to join the elite Silver Block where she meets the equally infuriating and handsome Cross Redden—her commanding officer. Wren now has two objectives: survive and become a spy for the Uprising while navigating the undeniable pull to Cross.

I am re-entering my dystopian era. This gave me all of the nostaglic dystopian vibes I used to read and love. The story kept a consistent pace with plenty of action-packed situations and high-stakes environment. There was a predictable plot twist, but I was rolling with it. I was mostly excited to see how it would all play out. The bleak and oppressive setting was easy to visualize. It paired well with the Primes' fear and hive-mind mentality regarding the Modified.

The MCs and side characters were morally ambiguous and compelling. Wren was determined, confident, and at times, sarcastic. She comes off as arrogant, but it worked for her character given how she was raised and what she endured. The epic chemistry between Wren and Cross paired with their back and forth banter had me kicking my feet with excitement. Cross was commanding and ruthless but something tells me he is a deeply-layered character and the payoff will be glorious.

Overall, I think this trilogy has the potential to be a huge success. I am looking forward to the next installment.

—𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 - 𝘋𝘦𝘭 𝘙𝘦𝘺, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.—

I am unwell after finishing this book. My mind has been blown, and I fear I'm now going to be stuck in the worst of book hangovers. Feral over the characters, the world, the betrayals... UGH. I haven't read a dystopian book that I've truly enjoyed in a while, but this book takes the cake. It feels kind of like Divergent mixed with Fourth Wing. The last 50 pages had me reading with my heart in my throat, gasping and yelling at some points. While there was one big revel that felt very predictable, I was SHOCKED several times in the end. And then there's Wren and Cross. I'm weak. I'm swooning. I'm sobbing at how stupidly sweet they are together. Please read this and become just as obsessed. I will 1000% be continuing the series. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

4,5/5

Divergent meets Shatter me! If you crave the 2010 dystopian book craze, it's a go just here.

Silver Elite is the first book of a becoming trilogy where we follow Wren, a young badass FMC, who is trying to bring down an oppressive and unfair government. Many things occurred and when she is forced to join the enemy’s army program, she is given the opportunity to become a spy for the rebels and help them to take everything down from the inside, keeping her identity hidden. Of course, nothing happen as planned.

The worldbuilding was no different of a classic dystopian book, a post-apocalyptic world following a huge war and a bacteria infection which has left behind immune humans and humans with psychic powers (the mods), a political war between the two populations, a world where the heads of the two movements take extremes black of white actions where the world is just full of shades of grey.
I found the story quite predictable, nothing surprised me, it didn’t bother me really, but it lack a bit of originality. Despite that, it was thrilling, a great page turner.

You know me, what make a good fantasy is the worldbuilding and the characters, and I loved them, main and minor characters.
Wren is a badass women who is not afraid of doing things done. Reckless, fearless, strong, she knows how to hide her weaknesses and she is a real badass at hiding her identity.
Cross Is interesting, I like these characters who have a lot of secrecy, quite mysterious and who change their general behavior when their feelings are involved.

There are a lot of actions, twists, trials, danger and tension in this book but what will make it popular is probably the romance in it. It’s more an enemies-to-lusters than lovers to me but it was addictive. I saw plenty people comparing it to fourth wing, and yes I guess it is similar for the chemistry and physical parts. That’s the only thing I enjoyed less in this book, I would have prefer less sexual tension (which clearly drive the protagonists together), a romance who begin later maybe, and more of an adult, thinking, constructive building at the foundation of the relation. But it works as it is!

The ending was perfect to announce the next book and I look forward to it!
So, I really enjoyed this e-ARC, thank you NetGalley and Delrey for the opportunity, it was a great rewind in the dystopian romance universe, I can’t wait to see how the serie will progress in the following!

I have mixed feelings about this book. While I enjoyed parts of it, the story felt uneventful, with predictable twists and a lackluster ending. The FMC, Wren, was too reckless and fell flat for me, while Cross had depth and intrigue, making him more compelling. As for the romance, it was questionable. After the big reveal, their relationship felt more organic and real, but before that, it lacked chemistry and passion. Overall, it wasn’t terrible, but much of it felt like filler. I’m giving it 3 stars for the moments I did enjoy, though I’m unsure if I’ll continue with the series.

Oh.my.GOD. What have I just read?! Wowwww I absolutely devoured this book!! The ENDINGGGG, the twists!!! My brain is still trying to process what has happened but oh my word, what an absolutely insanely thrilling ride that was. Loved it! Absolutely LOVED IT!! Wren & Cross err hello new favourite book couple ever. Friendships and betrayal…super crazy mind powers and people in charge on mega power trip. Such a refreshing story to read, I could literally visualise every setting that was being described and in a weird way it made me think of intersteller (don’t ask me why as zero space involved) I think with the whole ranch/military vibe…anyway I’m digressing. Amazing, I cannot WAIT for book 2 READ THIS IMMEDIATELY

I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book when I started but it truly got better and better as I read on. And the twists towards the end?! I could not have called any of it 😱

If you enjoy dystopian, enemies to lovers, espionage vibes then this one is for you!

Silver Elite by Dani Francis follows Wren Darlington, a powerful modified girl who’s spent most of her life in hiding from the primes that would have her killed for her abilities. Following a reckless mistake Wren finds herself behind enemy lines and on the path to join the elite Silver Block. There she is under the command of the formidable and annoyingly tempting Cross Redden. Wren is faced with one difficult choice after another as she navigates the hostile environment she's been thrown into. Dani’s writing caught and held my attention from the beginning. She does a phenomenal job of character development and world building. Wren is a beautifully flawed main character and I loved that she was aware of her flaws and was able to own up to her mistakes. Cross is extremely complex and I love how Dani peels his layers away slowly throughout the book. The banter and tension between Wren and Cross is incredibly well written and made for a great romance element.
Dani did a wonderful job of building an intricate world full of captivating characters. The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall I really enjoyed the book.
This was an intriguing read and I would most definitely recommend it to any Sci Fi/Fantasy lovers. Thank you Del Rey for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was such a fun time! A fast-paced, easy read!

Wren, a Mod, has been in hiding for as long as she can remember but in a failed effort to save the only father figure she’s ever known, she ends up behind enemy lines. She’s given the choice between life imprisonment or serving in the military. Wren has to hide her abilities, maintain the lies that keep her safe, and now work undercover for the rebel Uprising.

I love Wren so much. She’s a flawed, feisty, loving, funny, impulsive, sexy badass!

AND

Holy Moly!

You could cut the sexual tension in this book with a knife!! Usually when the fmc meets the hottest guy she’s ever seen in the first few pages I tend to think it’s going the insta-love route. Which is a pretty fast DNF for me. NOPE! The development from their attraction (the angst!) to mutual respect to love was PERFECTION!

The world building never felt over or under done to me, I felt pulled in and I knew as much as Wren did which is everything a 20 year old on the run from a big bad government would know. I'd love to learn more about the different religious/cultural elements from the different regions mentioned, so I hope we get more of that in the next book.

Now this book didn’t break the mold, there were familiar elements and some common tropes, but it still manages to feel fun and overall it’s an enticing read. I’m really excited to see where this story goes!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Truly, trust no one.

I was instantly absorbed into reading Silver Elite. Dystopian reads are not a very common read for me, but I did enjoy this book. There were very obvious twists laid out, but I was interested in seeing how those twists would unfold and was not disappointed.

The Mods were an intriguing take on humans with advanced capabilities to read about as far as their powers go, though I do wish there was different formating in the text for when something is spoken aloud and when something was said through the telepathic link. I was satisfied with the world building so far, but would love more in the next book.

Wren is a pretty fascinating main character. Her struggles with her identity, rage and impulsivity were interesting to read. I was amused and equally frustrated by her through the book, but I do really like her. Cross is equally charming and infuriating as the love interest and I really liked the dynamic between him and Wren. I look forward to seeing where this series goes. The twist at the end (I think all the twists were very well seeded from the beginning) has me eagerly wanting the next book.

Overall a great, fast read for me. Easily added to my series I will be continuing and recommending.

Thank you Netgalley and Del Rey for the opportunity to read this book.