This is me telling everyone to READ THIS BOOK!

I was fortunate to get an ARC of this book through NetGalley… and oh my god.

This book was MADE for the kids who have been trying to fill a hole in their life since they read Divergent and The Hunger Games in middle/high school. I was hooked from the very start. It truly gave me everything I didn’t know I needed.

The plot and writing was so good. I was on the edge of my seat for nearly the entire book. The characters were lovable yet flawed. The tension was *perfect* and I was internally screaming constantly.

I really appreciate that this book gave me everything I wanted from a dystopian novel, without feeling like it was coping other series that I’ve read. I felt like the plot twists and overall conflict was unique. Imagine your favorite dystopian novel from childhood, but turned on its head, and with spice!!!

I can’t say it enough how much I enjoyed this book and cannot WAIT for the next one. 5 stars. Read it ASAP!!

This story has everything I need in a romantasy, and I truly can't believe this is a debut novel. I felt a rush while reading, almost like the first time I read Hunger games or even Fourth Wing, and the writing had me hooked from the first page. Heavy military vibes set in a dystopian world make for high stakes, lots of delicious enemies to lovers tension, and secrets galore which reminded me of Divergent but better!

The plot is the perfect level of complex, and the romance stays just as prominent without ever taking over. Wren and Cross have an instant attraction but it never felt insta-lusty to me and I really enjoyed the build up of their relationship - along with all their stolen moments along the way. Their tension and banter kept me blushing, and as soon as Cross became protective my heart had already been swept away. The eventual sweetness of their relationship felt even more special given the rough nature of their world and provided a much needed balance to the intensity of the plot.

Overall I adored this book and highly recommend it!

I actually really enjoyed this book. While I do have a few minor issues with it, I still think this book was incredibly well written and will be extremely popular.

The world building is really good, it’s a very interesting premise and I like how there’s so many twists and turns within the plot. It’s hard to figure out where loyalties lie in this story which I find really fun because it keeps you on your toes. I will say the world took me a while to understand and I still don’t fully know everything but nonetheless, it’s still well done.

I also like Wren as a main character, she’s clever, funny and determined which I appreciate. I did fear that we would have a Mary sue situation on her hands where she’s just naturally good at everything but that was not the case. While she is good at the physical side of training, she’s not great at studying or tests which I think really saved her from being a Mary sue character. I wish we got a little more depth from Cross earlier on in the book as it wasn’t until later on that he was explored more. I also do think the romance is a little surface level but hopefully that can be expanded upon more in later books.

The plot was a little predictable at times but for the most part I had no idea where the story was gonna go. I will say my main issue with the book is that it’s just slightly too long for my liking as I feel like it did drag at times but overall, this was a really solid read and I look forward to reading more of this series.

This book was everything!! I didn’t think I read enough dystopian fantasy. I absolutely devoured this book! I think a lot of people are going to love it! Like couldn’t put it down, there was something about it that was so addicting,

I love Wren. She is everything I wanted Strong, intelligent, and reckless. And then there’s Cross he is tall, dark, hot and haunted. It was such a unique story, unlike anything I’ve read before. I went in thinking it was a standalone but nope. Now I am emotionally unprepared to wait for the next book.

Thank you to & Random House/Del Rey and Netgalley for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Charming, chaotic, and totally worth It

This story had such a warm, magnetic energy—I was completely drawn in. The romance? For once, I adored it. It felt real, heartfelt, and not overly polished, which made it even more endearing. Things did spiral a bit toward the end, and the conclusion felt a tad abrupt compared to the buildup, but honestly? I enjoyed the entire ride.

If this doesn’t blow up, I’ll be genuinely baffled. It deserves all the hype.

Wow! Fantastic romantasy in a world where the people who have special gifts such as mind reading or telepathy are being extinguished as a dangerous and disgusting species. Wren has hidden her gifts her whole life and only when her 'uncle' who has raised her is executed and she is arrested and forced into training for the Silver Elite miltary does she realize how dangerous this is. The despot General's hunky son makes her knees weak and only adds another layer to her precarious situation. This is absolutely my favorite fantasy novel yet and I cannot wait for the next one!

Thank you to Random House Worlds and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy! #silverelite #netgalley

Silver Elite by Dani Francis
🌟🌟🌟🌟

✍🏼 Quote: “You’re not timid or weak, Dove. You’re a firestorm, and you’re going to burn everything in your path if you don’t learn how to restrain yourself.”

🎵 Song: Believer by Imagine Dragons

I really enjoyed this one, it’s a very interesting concept and fantastic first book with great potential for the rest of the series. It’s set up really well to make you want to continue on to the next book.

We follow Wren who’s a Modified, but not just any Modified, she has a blood mark which means she’s one of the most powerful Mods. In this world, being Modified isn’t a good thing. She’s forced to keep her abilities hidden.

One day, Wren finds herself in the worst situation possible. She’s forced into training to become a Silver block soldier, some of the most elite soldiers in the military that hunt people just like her. Being found out doesn’t just mean Wren will end up in a labour camp. It means Wren will be executed, immediately.

Wren faces many challenges, especially knowing who she can trust when she’s surrounded by people who would hate her if they knew who she truly is. She also has an incredibly frustrating attraction to her commanding officer, Cross Redden, the son of her literal worst enemy.

The first 50% of this book was a little bit slow for me. I think I figured out my issue, which was that Wren seemed to have nothing positive going for her. Even with her training she wasn’t trying to pass and she wasn’t able to form connections with people given her situation. This just made the beginning of the story feel a little bit ‘lost’, like there was nothing to look forward to. After the half way mark the story really picks up and I was really sucked in. Wren like most FMCs, makes some questionable choices, but hopefully as the series continues her character will grow.

The ending was set up perfectly to leave you itching for the next book! With such conflicting information you won’t know who Wren should trust.

I definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR and grabbing yourself a copy when it’s released on Tuesday, May 6th 2025.

I didn’t realize how much I missed a good dystopian world until Silver Elite completely took over my life. Within a few chapters, I was obsessed. It’s fast-paced, full of tension, and just hits that perfect balance of rebellion, high-stakes danger, and slow-burn romance.

Wren is one of those heroines you instantly root for—fierce, stubborn, and clever. And Cross? Let’s just say I wasn’t prepared for how much I’d fall for the emotionally unavailable, morally gray commander type. Their dynamic had me flipping pages way past a reasonable bedtime.

The world-building is sharp without being overwhelming, and I loved the twist on powers and politics. There’s a lot going on beneath the surface, and it never once felt predictable.

If you’re into dystopian stories with a sci-fi edge, sharp characters, and the kind of romance that sneaks up on you in the best way—definitely give this one a shot. I’ll be not-so-patiently waiting for the next book.

I was in the middle of the worst book slump before I was approved for the ARC of Silver Elite, and I’m happy to report it completely pulled me out of it at least for a while. But now after finishing it, I’m left with a whole new dilemma I’m in a different kind of slump, one that only happens when you’re obsessed with a book and don’t know how to move on.

Silver Elite is nothing short of incredible. From the very first pages, I couldn’t put it down, and I knew I had to share it with my friends. It gave me serious Hunger Games and Divergent vibes, but with a unique twist. Think dystopian academic setting with telepathy and intense romantic tension all of my favourite things wrapped into one story.

I have so many questions, and I’m already craving the next book. If you’re into dystopian worlds with smart, complex characters and a slow-burn romance that’ll keep you on edge, Silver Elite is a must-read.

Also, one burning question on my mind: Is Cross endgame?! I need answers.

A huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait to see where this series goes.

Have you ever found yourself dangling on the edge of your seat, heart racing, as a story takes a wild twist right around midnight? That was me at 3 AM, completely hooked and unable to tear myself away from the pages of *Silver Elite* by Dani Francis! This first book in the series is a thrilling rollercoaster ride—well-written, action-packed, and filled with unexpected twists that kept my mind racing. I might be running on fumes today after an all-night binge with this captivating read, but every second was worth it!

The storyline of *Silver Elite* is nothing short of theatrical, weaving a labyrinthine narrative that pulls you in deeper with each turn. I was on the edge of my seat, completely absorbed in its world of warlike espionage and fantasy. If you crave exhilarating plots that keep you guessing, this is a must-read!

A huge thank you to NetGalley, author Dani Francis, and publisher Del Ray for letting me dive into this ARC and share my excitement! Trust me, you won't want to miss this one!

Absolutely enjoyed reading this dystopian fantasy novel. Including elements of romance, war, drama, and mystery. The world building was interspersed throughout and gives the reader a real sense of the world that the characters are living in. I'm really really glad this one is part of a series because I want to read more!

Unfortunately, this one was just not for me, and I DNF'ed quite early on. While the story was quite fast paced, I felt that the main character just didn't work for me and was not a fan of the dialogue. The concept and world building itself is wonderful, but I struggle looking past the characterisation personally, however I can definitely see how the book will work for romantasy fans!

This would have to be the best dystopian book I have read in a long time. It reminds of when I first discovered books like The Hunger Games and Divergent; finding a series that you know is going to be great and gives you all the dystopian feelings.

Cross is definitely on track to be the next big book boyfriend. I really enjoyed the sarcastic banter between him and Wren and really appreciated the enemies to lovers and will - they - won’t - they tropes. I like how Cross is very stoic and harsh, but as the book unfolds you get to see his more soft and romantic side, it was very refreshing.

I also enjoyed how Wren is not a naive damsel in distress type of character. She can handle herself and is strong, independent and brave. I liked her inner turmoil between falling for Cross and trying to maintain her beliefs about Mods and Primes.

The setting and world building is also stand out in this book. I like how as the story unfolds, you get more snippets of what happened to the world as we knew it. I thought the chemical warfare aspect was really clever and liked how not only humans suffered changes, but the animals and the earth itself.

The political aspect was also very intriguing, there was the usual “dictator” ruling the country but you also got to hear about who ruled beforehand, the power struggle and what life was like before them. The rebellion movement is very interesting and you are not sure whether to trust them or not, the author does a very good job of swaying your opinion from chapter to chapter.

Overall, I believe this is a great first book to what seems like an amazing series and is perfect if you’re looking for a new dystopian romance to keep you reading all night.

I absolutely DEVOURED this book. I could not put it down and would give it more than five stars if I could.

I have been waiting years for someone’s writing of the dystopian genre to give the same incredible world building and fast paced plot as the Uglies series.

I found myself instantly sucked into the world that Francis created and easily able to picture the new world she had created in my mind. The Aberrant or Modified are villainised in this new society run by utilitarian government of non-modified humans, and are hiding within society to avoid execution or being sent to a labour camp.

The Silver Elite follows the FMC, Wren, who is reckless, impulsive, and a secret badass that lives on a ranch with her uncle. I absolutely loved her natural introduction to the MMC, Cross, with the tension between them already high as strangers. Cross is EVERYTHING I wanted in a male lead and I loved every interaction they had throughout the book.

This book is for those that love enemies to lovers, slow burn, rebellion uprisings, sci-fi/fantasy, secret identities, hard choices. The story has a face paced plot with lots of action, a little bit of spice, and surprising plot twists throughout - especially the end.

I absolutely adored this book and the only downfall I have with it is that I have no clue when book two is going to be written and released!

Dystopian is back!
When we talk about wanting more Hunger Games/Divergent this is what we want! Its a fully dystopian world (which feels a little too close to our future right now) but with a romance plot line that will have you hooked. There were a few twists and reveals I guessed, but a few that I didnt too.

My favourite part by far was Wren having to pretend she was not super competent. After being forced into an elite ops training program that is designed to kill her, her getting to pull the wool over their eyes gave me a lot of joy.

Silver Elites has some darker moments so please be aware, there is a lot of violence, including a firing squad, as well as torture training to see if they will break and share secrets with the enemy. I would place the level somewhere between Hunger Games and Red Rising for context.

Safe to say I will 100% be reading book two, and I just pre-ordered a copy for my shelf!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review early! I had heard early buzz about this being a blockbuster of a new release this year and I was happy to see it lived up to the billing, and definitely adding Dani Francis to my tracking list for any more future releases. Creative, thoroughly innovative, and a compelling read.

This was a great book! It had me at the edge of my seat sometimes. I'm not going to lie the main character had me annoyed with her especially towards the end of the book. But I will definitely pick up the next book in the series, as I need to know what will happen next!!

I’m writing this in the midsts of just finishing - I’m left a little numb…

What started out as a great story, a brilliant fresh take on a dystopian novel, ended a little flat. There’s so many questions left in my mind:
- what’s the different between a modified and an aberrant?
- why does no one know Cross is modified
- what are the wards and how are they sectioned?
- what do silver block do? And how did Cross go from being a captain on their training to leading their missions?
- why did Ford leave with Wren? How’s that been covered up?
- why does Adrienne have a new power that no one else knew about?
- why is Wren SO impulsive and reckless? And thoughtless - she “loves” Cross and yet she makes his life super difficult
- why does Cross just follow Wren without thought? He just swoops in, hears her excuses and cleans up her messes?

Parking those questions for now, I loved the build between Cross and Wren. While Wren was in the program she started to become likeable, she was building connections, she had purpose, I loved the first Pit scene where Cross chases her out - swoon - but there could have been so much more!

I’m interested to know what happens next, the little bomb Jim leaves us with (no pun intended) has me intrigued, but will I rush into the next book? Probably not…

Ugh I’m annoyed as I really wanted to love this book! I

A perusal of the map at the beginning of the book told me this might hit too close to home. It’s the US with sea level rise. Yep, that seems plausible. Parts of this book were uncomfortably familiar - sentences without due process, families turning on one another. But I think that would be the case with any dystopian books read right now.

But I love the hope that this book has for our dystopian future! Separate areas under separate rules. (I would read a book set in Tierra Fe!) Nature providing boundaries. (The Blacklands!) And government swinging from Mod rule to Prime rule and maybe this is the start of it going back to Mod, or better yet, somewhere in the middle?

Wren and Cross are a good enemies to lovers read! Wren’s relatable and entertaining.

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for an ARC of this book! This is my honest review.

LOVED this so much, I was absorbed immediately and found myself constantly thinking about the story when I wasn’t reading. I thoroughly enjoyed the dystopian setting of future-North America. The pacing and motivation was smooth and believable. It feels like a sexier, more romance-heavy version of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard which I also loved and have read a few times.

Taking off a half star because my girl Wren is kinda dumb and (as she acknowledges), impulsive, reckless and honestly really selfish and self-absorbed. Things go hard off the rails so fast because she doesn’t think and I found myself wanting to shake some sense into her. BUT we are all flawed, and these shortcomings felt like we could all easily slip into them ourselves in her situation.

Cross is a horn dog and also very bold and not ashamed to say how he feels. I would roll my eyes at him one second and then kick my feet in delight. Very excited to continue this series!