Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC! 3.5 stars. This was such a fast-paced read. The first 60% had me hooked—I loved the plot twists and the direction the story was taking. However, the last 40% fell a bit flat for me. Wren’s decisions felt inconsistent at times, making her a somewhat confusing protagonist, and while the romance was okay, it didn’t particularly stand out.

That said, the book had strong Divergent vibes, which I really enjoyed! If you’re a fan of fast-paced dystopian stories with intrigue and action, this one might be worth picking up.

It’s the 2010s, and every time you turn around a new dystopian book is being released. Movies are being made. You’re volunteering as tribute, throwing three fingers up in the air like a lighter at a concert, and whistling like a mockingjay. You wonder which faction you belong to, but obviously you’re divergent, because duh. The trend is literally catching fire… 🔥 You’re having the best time of your life living in an alternate futuristic reality, while secretly leading the rebellion….
𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐡. 𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲.

This is everything you loved, everything you wanted those other books to be, and more. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒔. Yep, it’s spicy my friends. 🌶️😏

🕊️ 𝗥𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻
🕊️ 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆
🕊️ 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁
🕊️ 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
🕊️ 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲
🕊️ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿/𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁
🕊️ 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀
🕊️ 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗠𝗖
🕊️ 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻 🔥

“𝑵𝒐𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘-𝒐𝒇𝒇, 𝑫𝒐𝒗𝒆.”

This 𝔸𝕋𝔼.
The writing flowed beautifully. It was so easy to follow, without feeling overly simple. The pacing was perfect. It never slowed down, or felt dull. Every scene mattered. The magic was cool, and felt fresh in a world of the same thing over and over again. The plot was impeccable. I’m pretty good at guessing where things are going, and this threw some major curve balls. This isn’t a short book, but it never felt long. Honestly, I’d like to order another 500 pages please! 🙏🏼

“𝑾𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝑰𝒏 𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌, 𝒘𝒆 𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒌. 𝑾𝒆 𝒄𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓.”

The ROMANCE.
Fuck me. I’m still catching my breath. The tension literally melted off the page. 🥵 It was a glorious slow burn, done right. The perfect amount of build up, the perfect amount of spice, and the perfect amount of emotional connection. 🤌🏼

“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍, 𝑾𝒓𝒆𝒏. 𝑰 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒕. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆.”

𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀. ❤️
This perfect man. 🧎🏼‍♀️
He’s the perfect mix of bossy, masculinity with an endearing vulnerability that melts your fucking heart.
Picture Four from divergent, mixed with Xaden from Fourth Wing. 🤤
He’s 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, and I won’t share. 🙅🏼‍♀️

“𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒎𝒆, 𝑫𝒐𝒗𝒆?”

𝗪𝗿𝗲𝗻.
This girl is everything I want an FMC to be. A stubborn, sarcastic, strong willed capable girl boss. She doesn’t question her abilities, or need anyone to save her. She can save her mother fucking self TYVM. 😆 I simply love her, and would like to be her. That is all. 🙌🏼

“𝑰 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆.”

Seriously, one of my favorite books I’ve ever read. I want to start over right now, and look for everything I missed. 😆
True story. The hype is real. Do yourself favor, and read this damn book!
The ending has me ravenous for more.
I have so many questions. 😩
𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶, 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻!
🙏🏼

When I saw EliteReading on Instagram read and reviewed this one, I knew I needed it! Thank you so much for letting me have the chance to read early! It was the perfect fantasy romance!

You know what? Hell yeah! When I first started seeing this book and all of the positive reviews it was getting, I caved to FOMO and requested the advanced reader copy. Once I started this book I was immediately hooked and I could not put it down. I absolutely loved every second of this novel and I am eager to read the rest of the trilogy. There are parts that were predictable but a couple of plot twists left me gobsmacked and I'm interested to see how they play out.

I really liked Wren as a character and I equally liked Cross. The instant attraction and tension between these two is impeccable and I couldn't get enough. I like my books plot heavy with spice on the side and this one is exactly that. The author tells a compelling story and gives just enough spice to keep it fun and interesting and the balance is wonderfully done.

There is definitely a lot going on that we don't know about yet and I wish the whole trilogy was released at once because I need it right now! Until then, I'll be (not so) patiently waiting.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Worlds | Del Rey for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Listen, there was so much emotional whiplash in this book that I don't even know where to begin with this review, but I will say this: THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!

I'm sad for all of you who have to wait for the book to release (May 2025) before getting reading this gem. And I'm even sadder I have to wait even longer for the second book!

The story takes place in a fantasy world where the people are either Prime or Modified. Mods are called Aberrants by Primes. They are essentially gifted humans. Wren can read minds, for one.

I will say nothing else. I went into this book blind & I'm glad I did. I was a little confused in the beginning, as I discovered a new world, but everything made sense by chapter 2.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy. I am so grateful.

this started off great! I was really interested in the world building and the characters, but it slowed down a lot in the middle for me at least and knocked it down a star. Would still recommend though

Great story for anyone looking for adult dystopian! I really enjoyed the twists and turns of Wren's story. It kept me guessing and intruigued. Well-written and fun!

Silver Elite is a quick paced dystopian novel that will keep you turning the pages. Wren has telepathic powers, among others, in a world where those with powers are persecuted. When her uncle is killed, Wren is drafted into a program to become a soldier for the people who would see her dead. The handsome captain of operations will not let Wren leave no matter what she does. Will she make the cut and will the captain notice her for the right reasons?

The novel kept me wanting to turn pages to see what happened next.

Dani Francis does it again. The queen of dystopian is back. This book did not disappoint, you need to pick it up!

I was so excited for Silver Elite debut novel, especially after reading that intriguing premise. A dystopian world filled with psychic powers, an undercover rebellion, and an enemies-to-lovers romance? It had all the makings of a book I’d adore, and to be fair, the first few chapters had me hooked. The pacing was strong, the tension was gripping, and Wren’s internal struggles made for an engaging lead. I was fully invested in her dangerous game of deception. The opening had such a strong start, with a well-paced introduction to the characters and the world. The development in the first few chapters was incredible, and I was sure I was in for a new favourite.

But somewhere after the 60% mark, the momentum fizzled out. The story started to lose its direction. I found myself wondering where it was all going, and rather than feeling immersed, i struggled to see where the story was heading. It almost felt like the plot was stalling, instead of escalating stakes, it felt like we were treading water, and the once-compelling intrigue started to drag.

And then came the ending… I love a well-done cliffhanger, but this one left me frustrated rather than desperate for the sequel. I get what Dani Francis was aiming for, but it felt abrupt and not as impactful as it could have been. I needed more resolution, or at least a stronger setup for what’s next.

That said, I do think Dani Francis has potential as a writer. Her world-building was compelling, the early tension between Wren and Cross was chef’s kiss, and the premise was fantastic. I just wish the second half had maintained the same energy as the beginning.

Will I read the sequel? Probably! but I’ll be hoping for a stronger, more focused storyline next time.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey & Netgally for the chance of reading this arc. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

—reminiscent of the YA dystopian heyday... but definitely for adults

—enemies to lovers with actual stakes

—rebellious girl meets "I have it SO under control" dude

—oh shit people are like... dying? for real?

Heat Index: 7/10

The Basics:

Wren spent her entire life hiding—and perfecting—her psychic abilities, in fear of an authoritarian regime that would kill her. But a single outburst has her the clutches of Command, with the only upside being that, though they don't trust her, they don't know what she is. The upside? Getting the opportunity to attempt to become one of the Silver Elite, a brutal special force, which could help her aid the Uprising from within. The downside? Her commanding officer is Cross Redden, son of the general who runs this entire thing, and very much capable of picking Wren apart. (In, like. So many ways.)

The Review:

I imagine there will be many thinkpieces at some point about the concept of "dystopian romance", and I imagine I will probably contribute something to some of them, so let's hold space for that for a moment and move on.

(Like, did I have moment where I sort of chuckled and went "I'm in danger" while reading this in 2025? Sure! But. Obviously. Anyway. Moving on!)

Everyone has already said things about this really harkening back to the dystopian YA days, and boy, does it! At first, I shall not lie, I was a little thrown off. It's been quite a while since I read any YA, let alone dystopian YA, which was something I dabbled in but was never devoted to. I wasn't like, desperate for Divergent, you know?

It took me a minute to adjust to some of the classic dystopian stuff you sort of have to expect—the slang that's like ours but isn't, the Resistance, the kickapow grrl power heroine, the military college vibes. And I shall not lie! There were moments when it was a little Much for me. Wren took some getting used to in particular, as she is... very much a rebel girl heroine. Mouthy, unsubtle, very Strong, etc.

... at first.

However, as the book went on, I realized that Dani Francis was like, pulling me into this thing. I feel like it's possible that it's going to get kicked for worldbuilding, because I didn't find it that hard to follow...? And I'm not the best at following worldbuilding. The basic setup of "psychics = oppressed, non-psychics = fascists, BUT PERHAPS SOME PEOPLE ARE MORE MORALLY GRAY THAN YOU THINK" isn't super complicated, and I was okay with that.

Because Wren actually did mature and grow with the story. She became less KICKAPOW! and more "Oh, very serious things are happening and I need to wake up and take this shit seriously"-core. And to be very fair to Wren, she is... twenty. So though this is an adult story, she's still quite literally a young adult who has a lot to learn. Is she still a bit of the Special YA Heroine in some ways? Yes, but I wouldn't call her a Mary-Sue, and I liked her journey throughout this book.

And a lot of her journey does basically take place over the course of a ton of really hard tests, many of which are violent, in this intense military-type setting. Which is how she ends up at a crossroads with... Cross! Get it? Anyway, I thought he was hot and I enjoyed how squirmy the big man got when the woman mouthed off at him. I am a simple girl.

But seriously, while I think there are definitely things you could pick apart on the Big Plot side of this book... I really enjoyed the romance. We meet Wren stumbling out of another guy's bed, basically. And then she meets Cross. I really liked that this was not an issue at all, yay for heroines who are in charge of their sex lives. At first, I thought we were going to get some standard "snark snark" banter, but... Dani Francis really knows how to write a hero who is very clearly losing his mind when he's Not That Type of Man.

Wren gets under Cross's skin as much as he gets under hers—more so, probably. And once I realized that Cross wasn't going to be one of those romance heroes who's soooo above it all, I kind of latched on to their love story. It does ramp up a good bit once they get going, but I bought into the chemistry and their "destiny" vibes.

(Which is why I'm very interested to see where Francis takes a particular aspect of the next book.)

Look, dude. You can get me when the romance is good. And though I have my nitpicks... the romance was good.

As a sidebar, I would also like to note that I love how Cross would be like "This is unethical" and do it anyway. I'm so over ethical romance heroes. It's like, if we're in a war... I want this guy on my side.

The Sex:

The sex! Is also! Good! Wren and Cross are more physically intimate before they let their guards down for emotional intimacy, which is a favorite approach of mine when it comes to love stories. You really get the sense that he is PANTING after this girl, and very aware of it, and very embarrassed about it. So many little fun things here! Chekhov's "I like it rough"! Comments about "servicing"!

You know, we may be in a dystopia, but who knows what the future holds? Maybe secret servicing?

Conclusion:

Look, there are some technical things I could critique here, and it took me a minute to get into it.... But what can I say? I had fun. I'm not going to overthink it. I've got my own dystopia to deal with. For a good time call Cross Redden.

Thanks to Del Rey and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This novel followed the well-worn tropes of the hundred teenage dystopias before it. A girl who is extra-special. A mentor. Betrayals. A rebel group that is maybe also the baddies. It was a fun way to pass the time, but I wouldn't seek it out.

I enjoyed Silver Elite! It was easy to read, with some good parts of excitement and suspense to keep the story moving at a decent pace. The Blacklands reminded me slightly of Area X in Annihilation with the mutated animals, plant life and landscape — big fan of this!

I think the initial partnering of the FMC and MMC was missing some deeper insights into their feelings when they first get together and seemed almost too soon, however I am used to the slowest of slow-burns 🥲. I was left cursing some of Wren’s decision-making at times as it came across as rash and somewhat confusing to the plot.

I am a big fan of a dystopian-style fiction and I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes and how some of the gaps in this book are filled as it progresses; especially with Wren’s character development. That was definitely a cliff hanger! 👏🏻

Thanks to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This book took me right back to the early 2010s, during the height of the dystopian craze sparked by The Hunger Games.

It was fun, and I genuinely enjoyed myself. The worldbuilding wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but it didn’t need to be. This wasn’t new, novel, or innovative, and yeah, it was predictable in a lot of ways - but the author knew exactly what she was doing. She made me feel nostalgic, happy, fuzzy, and all the good things while reading, and that’s what mattered.

The FMC was your typical reckless, overly stubborn, and sometimes frustrating heroine - the kind that’s been a staple of fantasy/sci-fi romance in recent years. Some of her actions made me want to scream, but she was mostly fine, serviceable even, and I grew to like her more as the story went on.

The MMC was one of the many tall, dark, and handsome brooding types with a ruthless streak - think Xaden, Rhys, or any other popular male lead you can name. Again, nothing groundbreaking, but he was likable enough and I’m sure he will be crowned as a new, popular book boyfriend soon.

Where the book really shined was in its action scenes, the lore-building around the different factions and groups, and Wren’s journey as a military prospect. Watching her train, strategize, and try to outmaneuver the obstacles in her path was genuinely engaging. Those moments kept me hooked.

The romance was cute. I was a little wary of the initial insta-lust (because I like more of a slow burn), but the development was actually handled really well - slow and gradual in a way that made it work.

It’s also pretty obvious this book was written in response to Fourth Wing’s success, but honestly? It was much better and succeeded in so many aspects in which that book failed at.

If you’re feeling nostalgic for the early 2010s dystopian romance era - with Divergent, The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, Legend, Matched - then you’ll love this.

I enjoyed the book as a whole for the main character. I enjoyed her actions and her thought processes. However for a supernatural ability book there was very little abilities shown!! It's most just a military training book where everyone can be disrespectful and it's not punished. So quite an odd thing to digest when you know a bit about military structures.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC of this book!

I really really enjoyed this new adult, romantic, sci-fi dystopian. It was actually very refreshing to read a dystopian meant for older readers (I've read a decent amount of YA dystopian). The beginning was a little awkward, but once the story really got going, it was extremely hard to put down. One of those books where you end up short on sleep and then spending an entire weekend reading (I'm not a super fast reader).
I loved the characters. The big identity reveal I saw coming a mile away, but that was okay. It was adorable. The other twists and betrayals were a lot of fun. Ending leaves you hanging a bit with a reveal and a lot unresolved. It hasn't been published yet and I feel like I need the 2nd book now. This is a problem. I'm doomed.

Wow! I am so surprised by this book. I had never heard of this title until I got an email from the publisher. I didn’t even know if I would like this based on the summary, but as a fan of dystopian books back in the day, I decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did! From the very beginning, this book sucked me in. The action, the intrigue, the romance! I think Cross is my new favorite MMC. I didn’t want to put this book down!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC copy.
5 glowing stars!

I literally don’t know what to say?? This is up there will my favourite books ever, by far the best i have read this year. I am SO lucky to have recieved the ARC to this. I honestly cant explain how desperate i am for the next book when this one is yet to release.

This was INCREDIBLY 6 stars if it was possible. I have been waiting forever for a dystopian book and this was exactly what i was waiting for.

First thing is first Cross Redden is the love of my life. The way he was swooning over wren he just fell so deeply for her but they could not be together. When he spoke to her, called her dove, KISSED her i was kicking my flipping legs so much they nearly fell off. Their romance was perfect, it had tension SO MUCH OF IT (THE SHOWER SCENE) ?!, yearning and spiceee and i loved it.

Wren was such an amazing character 100% one of my favourite female main characters. She is so badass and powerful and she does not let anything stop her. She is so strong for what she has been through because of who/what she is but she never lets it get to her and keeps going regardless. Her sass and humour always made me laugh.

The friendships were some of the best, i loved Wren and Kaine how their friendship formed he is so witty and flirty but he cares so much for wren and vice versa i was so happy she had someone. Lydia and Wrens uncle too were great.

Now the plot was phenomenal i was CONSTANTLY hooked after every chapter, i found myself wanting to know more like i needed to keep reading so i could watch everything unfold and my gosh was i in for a ride because the end?! The whole flipping last 20%?!!?! I was in so much shock every page my heart was racing. THE LAST FLIPPING PAGE WHAT Like Dani Francis please i need the next book so bad, you left me it like that???!! On a cliff hanger??

Oh my gosh this is going to be the next big series FOR SURE! For me this was reminiscent of The Hunger Games, Divergent and The Maze Runner, so if you loved those you are going to fall in love with this book and series.

I was gripped by this book the whole time I was reading it. So much happens and there were multiple twists and turns and betrayals that had me pulling my hair out but also enjoying it so much! It’s the perfect first book in a trilogy, as it sets up the world and characters and issues being dealt with really well but keeps you engaged the whole time.

Wren and Cross - damn that tension is literally there from Chapter 1 and it’s phenomenal. And yes it is actual enemies to lovers because they do actually want each other dead…initially. Honestly so much of Cross’ dialogue with Wren made me gasp or smile because that man is DOWN. BAD.

Wren did make multiple decisions that made me think GOD WHYYYY haha! But it made for an exciting read. She is a great FMC who I think people will love and root for.

Such a good book and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

If you’re like me, you maybe heard rumblings that this was the next romantasy to look out for.

And honestly those rumblings were right. I had a great time reading this. The flirting was squeal worthy, the action was packed. It was reminiscent of the fun I had while reading Fourth Wing.

Not all books have to be world changing or unique. Sometimes they just need to be fun. So if that’s what you’re looking for, look no further.

Thank you to Netgalley for the arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.