The new Fourth Wing+Hunger Games I needed!
The characters, the plot, the execution, the tension, all so well done!
Easily a 5-star read, and hoping for the next book.

Silver Elite feels like a nostalgic mash-up of early 2010s dystopian favorites, but aged up with a bit of spice. If you miss books like The Hunger Games, Divergent, or The Darkest Minds, this one will fill that void.

In this world, there are two types of people: Primes, who were immune to a devastating biotoxin, and the Modified, who ended up with psychic abilities as a result. Wren, a Modified, is keeping a low profile while working on a ranch with her uncle until unforeseen circumstances lead her to being recruited into Silver Block, a military branch led by the Primes. With her abilities hidden, Wren is forced to navigate life inside the enemy’s ranks—and things get even more complicated when she starts to fall for her commanding officer, Cross.

Wren can be a frustrating protagonist—she’s reckless, impulsive, and often makes questionable decisions. But to the book’s credit, her behavior is consistent and believable within her character arc. Her flaws make her feel real, even when you want to shake some sense into her.

While the story is a bit predictable at times and the writing isn’t the strongest, it’s undeniably fun and engaging. If you're looking for a fast-paced, dystopian escape with a familiar vibe, Silver Elite is worth the read.

DYSTOPIAN IS BACK BABY!! and it's ADULT!

This was perfect. Literally no notes. Need book 2 IMMEDIATELY.

When I talk about tension and slow burn and yearning.... THIS RIGHT HERE IS WHAT I MEAN. Sweet lord I was SWOONING. I was GIGGLING. I was JAW ON THE FLOOR SQUEALING IN EXCITEMENT. Yes I'm yelling bc EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK.

When I talk about plot and world building, and high stakes, THIS is what I mean. Rebellions, secrets, friendships, moments that make you laugh out loud, kick your feet, and want to cry, THIS IS THE BOOK.

Listen, if you love Divergent and every other dystopian novel out there but wanted it more adult, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.

Sorry not sorry for more yelling. I'm telling yall, this series is my new personality.

Definition of chefs kiss.

Wow! This book is a masterpiece! I became interested in this book when I saw another reviewer compare it to Fourth Wing. This book had me hooked within the first chapter. Wren was such a well written FMC. The banter and attraction between her and Cross was so good. The plot and world building were so interesting and well written. I can’t wait to buy it and put it front and center on my bookshelf.

3.25 stars

I was expecting to like this one more than I did. However, I will still read the next book to see what happens.

The writing is what I struggled with this in this one. It seemed very slow and like not a lot was happening- especially for a dystopian. I also guessed a few of the plot twists almost immediately. There were some I didn't guess that did surprise me, but weren't shocking. The ending is meant to be a bit of a cliff hanger, but it fell a little flat for me. It wasn't as gripping or suspenseful as I expected.

I enjoyed Wren. Her character was interesting. She did make some dumb and reckless decisions at times, but otherwise enjoyable.

I also enjoyed Cross, and ended up liking him a lot more than I thought I would. There is still so much about him that I want to explore.

The relationship between Cross and Wren...I have mixed emotions on. But I came to really love them together towards the end. They were really sweet together then. Overall, I feel like it was a very introductory glance at their relationship. I think there is still a lot of room to develop that.

There were a lot of characters and world-specific terms mentioned, which cause a little confusion for me.

**I was a mentally/emotionally distracted in my personal life while reading this, so maybe this is a me problem.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Worlds for this wARC in exchange for an honest review!

Endless stars for Silver Elite!! I could not put it down for a moment! A flawless debut novel by Dani Francis and perfect first book in this gripping dystopian trilogy!

Wren Darlington is a Modified (or “Mod”) who has been hiding her psychic abilities her whole life due to the persecution Mods face from Continents military. When Wren is suspected of being a Mod and captured, she is forced to either join the Company (military) or face being sentenced to brutal labor camps. When she realizes she may be able to help the rebel Uprising by joining the military, she agrees to enter training for Silver Block — a team of highly skilled soldiers. Wren now has to keep her four psychic abilities hidden, pass the grueling military training, and keep her control around her very enticing (and unbearable) Commanding Officer — Cross Redden. Now Wren must wrestle with her growing camaraderie for her fellows while staying loyal to the Uprising. Who can Wren trust in the end?

Guys. I haven’t rooted for a FMC like Wren in so long. She is funny, badass, compassionate, strong, and reckless (but not dumb reckless, ya know?!). She’s cocky and self assured but also unsure and self reflective, which is so refreshing to see. She is one of my new favorites badass female characters I’ve ever read! Wren is such a complex and nuanced character that I couldn’t help but relate to her many different facets. I was laughing out loud at the things she would say and can’t wait to see how her character grows throughout this trilogy.

Cross. Redden. Oh my goodness! Who doesn’t love a stoic man in uniform who is secretly ooey gooey obsessed and simping over our FMC?? Cross was gone when it came to Wren! This was the perfect “enemies to lovers” where they banter and “hate” each other but are eyeing each other the whole time 👀😂 their banter, flirting, and tension was so delicious! The “touch her and I’ll relocate you across the Continent just because I can” trope was so funny hahaha. Seriously obsessed with Wren and Cross and you’ll quickly see why when you read this 🫠

The world building was phenomenal. I never felt that there was any info dumping and the world materialized easily as I read! The dystopian world setting and psychic powers was so interesting and unique! I felt that the first book gave us an amaaaazing foundation for what’s to come and I can’t wait to discover more!

Look our world, Dani Francis is coming in hot 🔥

The fact that I finished this 500+ page book in less than 24 hours should tell you how fast paced and addictive it is. It honestly blew me away. I didn’t expect to fall in love with it as much as I did.

This world building was so interesting, I loved the idea of the Modified and the Primes.

I also loved these characters, Wren and Cross have my whole heart. I’m excited but also extremely nervous to see where this series goes.

Silver Elite exceeded all my expectations and completely lives up to the hype. It’s the kind of book that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. If you’re a fan of The Darkest Minds, Fourth Wing, or Shatter Me, you’ll definitely find familiar elements here, but Silver Elite forges its own path with a storyline that’s fresh and unique.

The characters are incredibly well-developed and genuinely relatable. I felt an instant connection to them—their emotions, struggles, and growth felt authentic and added an extra layer of depth to the story. Their choices felt perfectly in line with their personalities and situations, which made their journeys feel realistic and compelling, even if they didn’t catch me off guard.

The pacing of the story is masterful—it strikes that perfect balance between keeping the action moving and allowing moments for reflection and depth. The layers of the plot unfold in such a way that you’re constantly being drawn deeper into the world and its conflicts. Speaking of the worldbuilding, it’s beautifully done without being overly dense or overwhelming. Since the setting is dystopian, the focus isn’t on intricate world details, making it an excellent entry point for readers who might shy away from heavier sci-fi or fantasy. It manages to set the stage effectively while keeping the spotlight on the characters and their journey.

And let me tell you, there’s no shortage of action! The stakes are high, the tension is palpable, and the twists and turns kept me fully engaged. Every chapter seemed to offer something new—whether it was heart-pounding excitement, emotional revelations, or powerful moments that made me stop and reflect. It was a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way possible.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Silver Elite to anyone looking for an engaging read that combines action, emotional depth, and a captivating storyline. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. I’m already eagerly awaiting what’s next—it’s safe to say I’m hooked and can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.

Confession, I haven't read a dystopian book in a really long time. Dystopian was my jam as a younger reader but lately I've been really into books more along the fantasy side so this was a fun mix of the two. I also mostly read YA dystopian back then so this was a nice introductory to adult dystopian and also scratched my romance loving itch.

This was a lot of fun - I really won't go deep diving because most of the things I loved...were actually plot twists and I don't want to risk giving anything away.

The author throws you into the world pretty quickly which I love in books. It does plateau out just a bit through the middle as we're following the FMC but understandably so because we can't get to the end result without her going through the process. I enjoyed myself just being along for the ride.

Only thing I will say is that I was rooting for a certain outcome from the very beginning, and while it may be obvious for some, I was not disappointed at all. I wanted it lol. I also feel that it needed to happen in order to really root for our MC's.

What you can expect:
✧ Interesting fantasy/dystopian world
✧ Lots of shocking plot twists sprinkled throughout (it caught me off guard quite a few times actually)
✧ Fun banter
✧ Enemies to lovers
✧ Spice & Violence (not YA)
✧ A version of "hidden identity"

I'm settling on a 4.25★ just due to my pacing personal preferences, but now that we're in the thick of it at the end of the book, I'm super excited to continue on!! Will absolutely be watching for book two release dates.

Thank you so much to Random House Worlds & Del Rey for the opportunity to read and review this e-arc. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. :)

‘Silver Elite’ is a fast-paced, heart-pounding dystopian romance that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. When I say this, I truly mean it. This is a dystopian unlike anything I’ve ever read before.

In a world where psychic abilities are not only dangerous but a death sentence, Wren Darlington must navigate the treacherous waters of survival, betrayal, and forbidden attraction. Having spent her life hiding her powers, Wren is thrust into the enemy’s ranks, where she must train as part of an elite program designed to break her spirit. But Wren has a different agenda—she plans to strike from within.

The novel is a masterclass in tension, as Wren faces the constant threat of discovery while also dealing with the fiery chemistry between her and her commanding officer, Cross Redden (you guys will be giggling over this man trust me). Cross, ruthless and infuriatingly perceptive, is both her greatest enemy and her greatest temptation. The slow-burn romance between them adds a so much to the plot and makes it that much more appealing and engaging that all you’ll want to do is keep turning the page. The push-and-pull dynamic between them is insane and impossible to resist.

With its compelling world-building, complex characters, and a plot that mixes action, intrigue, and romance, this book is a must read for fans of ‘Divergent’ and ‘Fourth Wing’. I’m already eagerly anticipating the next book and I hate that I have to wait! .

3.75 stars.

There was quite a bit I liked, and quite a bit I didn't. I'm not 100% sure how in this dystopian world the telepathic Mods are subjugated by the non-telepathic Primes but I'll suspend my disbelief since there's so much about the politics and wars I don't know yet. My main issue was Wren and being stuck inside her head; we're told she's the best and so great at fighting, shooting, etc, but we never see it (besides the one shot) and for half the book she is trying to purposefully flunk out of the military training program she's forced into, even though she's told repeatedly that if she flunks, she still can't go home. Her character trait of "recklessness" just felt more like idiocy and the inability to listen to a single word someone says to her. It was giving wannabe Aelin Galathynius vibes. Her inner monologue was so repetitive and lacked so much depth. If I had to hear about how she's so talented and would love this training program but ugh these are her enemies!!! Or omg he's so hot but ugh he's my enemy why do I find him so hot???

I really liked the secrecy around her identity and the Uprising. There were a few twists and turns I wasn't expecting, and I love an author who isn't afraid to kill off some characters. The "big" reveal of someone was quite obvious, and the insta-love felt a little forced/cringy. Overall, I thought the characters lacked depth but that can easily be expanded on in future books in the series.

Amazing book, one of my favourites of the year. Bringing dystopian back, it reminded me of all the books I loved as a teenager but was even better.

It seems I’m an outlier here in my opinion on this one. While the premise of a dystopian world with military training reminiscent of Divergent was exciting, the execution of the characters made this book a miss rather than a hit for me.

My main issue lies within our FMC and her inner monologue. The repetitiveness of it all, the way she couldn’t go three seconds without holding onto her morality, was hard to get through. Until about the 80% mark of the book, we stay very surface level with all the characters who we, the readers, are supposed to be growing to care about. I found the world building to be lacking, too. When there are opportunities to expand upon history and context, the author breezes over without detail.

I do think this will appeal to certain readers because of its wit and fast pace. But, I found myself constantly wanting more depth.

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC!

A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC of this incredible book. Silver Elite by Dani Francis is a five-star masterpiece that has quickly become one of my all-time favorite reads! From the first page to the last, I was completely enthralled. The book is a perfect blend of action, suspense, and emotional depth, packed with intensity that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is absolutely electric and SEXY, and the dystopian setting mixed with modern-day elements creates a world that's both captivating and gritty. The high-stakes trials add layers of tension and excitement. I love the Soldier vibe.

The characters are unforgettable—especially Cross Redden, who is now officially my new book boyfriend (NEED HIM). I couldn't get enough of him throughout the story.

The pacing is fast and relentless, making it impossible to put the book down. I need the second book yesterday, PLEASE!!!
I can't wait to see where Dani Francis takes us next!. I’ll be thinking about this book for a LONG time!!!

FIVE HUGE STARS

This book was insane (complimentary). I went into it completely blind and had no idea where the story was going to go.

I loved the dystopian/magical elements sooo much. Such a cool mix of lore in this story.

But let’s get to the highlights:
- sick abilities/powers
- hot men galore
- one guy in particular - good lorddddd i love him
- captain x soldier
- forced proximity
- he’s down bad and obsessed
- hidden abilities

Sooo many parts of this book that I loved that I refuse to spoil bc I need everyone to experience it for themselves without knowing what they’re getting into.

This was a bit of a miss for me, unfortunately. I'm not sure what the issue was for me here exactly. I did not click with the writing style and I just never really got hooked. Felt the story dragged on a bit. Towards the end I was waiting for some big twist or cliffhanger to make me look forward to the next book in the trilogy but unfortunately that did not come. I am not sure I would continue this series.

Silver Elite is a dystopian novel that follows Wren, a modified human with hidden powers, as she is forced into the recruitment process of an elite military unit filled with people who would kill her if they new what she was hiding, including her handsome and magnetic captain. This was a fast, entertaining read for people who enjoyed Fourth Wing, and are looking for an entry level dystopian/fantasy/sci-fi series. Nothing overly complex or confusing here. I'm looking forward to seeing how the world expands in book two.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team for this ARC!

5 stars. The dystopian genre is probably one of my all time favourite genres. It’s a far fetched reality of our own world which simultaneously makes you fear for what’s to come. Especially when such things begin to merge with our own lives in ways you once believed possible. Silver elite is what I can only consider an adult story of some of our favourite teenage dystopian books. This took me back to a time when I loved reading these types of stories when I was younger. Our leading lead, Wren, has lived an interesting life, guarded and taken care of by a man named Jim, who she refers to as uncle. Their first meeting and everything that comes after this is unconventional. There are so many interesting layers to the overall book, I want to say so much without giving too much away. I think wren was an incredible character and an incredibly interesting character to follow, the romance in this just as well done. Cross Redden was a butterfly inducing love interest. Their love story and gradual acceptance of feelings reminded me much of the dystopian romances I loved reading about. Overall an incredible debut novel and an incredible first book in the series. I cannot wait for more!

THIS IS THE BOOK OF 2025 AND ITS GOING TO TAKE THE WORLD BY STORM. As someone who grew up loving the dystopian genre this book absolutely blew my mind and I will never be the same again. From the very first page I was enthralled by the story and was consumed by every word on the page. If you loved The Hunger Games and Divergent, with a twist of Fourth Wing (minus the dragons), look no further this is the book for you.

Our FMC Wren is everything I want in a strong main character - clever, witty, funny, fearless, and slightly unhinged in the best way possible. In a world destroyed by war and consumed with power and control, watching her come into her own and try to discover what is true, what are lies, who can she trust, and what is the government hiding was truly spectacular and made for an incredible story. Even the side characters had amazing arcs and really shaped the plot that will carry on into the following books of the series.

The author flawlessly weaved an intricate story of political intrigue, rebellion, hidden identity, forbidden love, and secrecy. 20/10 recommend this book and I cannot wait to see what will happen in the rest of the series!

I LOVE a good dystopian romance and this one really fit the bill! This book was so hard for me to put down, mainly because of the chemistry between wren and cross. The political intrigue was also a major plus for me. Can’t wait for the next book in this trilogy!!