I really enjoyed this dystopian romantasy novel! It was compulsively readable and a fun ride. A bit light on the world building but heavy on plot. Easy to follow and keep track of characters, but perhaps a bit predictable. I will definitely be back for book 2!

Wren has spent her whole life hiding her psychic abilities and living with her Uncle Jim. When her uncle is taken by the Company for his association with the Uprising trying to give Mods back their rights in the Continent she goes after him, landing herself in the academy training to join the Silver Elite, she has to lie to everyone about who she really is otherwise she may be killed.

I would say this is one of my top reads so far for 2025, loved being back in a dystopian fantasy world again that's filled with so much tension you can't put the book down! Of course we have a romance that builds and is so addictive you just want more! Plot twists and action give this book another layer.

If you want a book you can't put down and just can get lost in I highly recommend picking Silver Elite up!

Yes but it isn't for everyone!I was immediately hooked on the premise of generations of women stealing jewelry from the nefarious to help the needy.

Good, not great. I can see why this is commercially successful--Wren is fierce, she is an adult with a past (vs a shrinking violet), and Cross is an appealing foe and lover. However, this wraps up a little too perfectly, the big reveal is very obvious, and there are some plot holes and leaps of faith the reader needs to take. All in all, an easy and fun read.

This is Fourth Wing meets Divergent. It is a fun read. There is action from beginning to end. Never did I feel like it was dragging or boring. Is it the best writing? No, but it was engaging. I was interested enough in the story and plot line to continue reading. I definitely will be reading the next book in the series.

I know this book has been getting mixed reviews online, but I honestly enjoyed it! There were a few random errors (spelling, grammar) that I think were mainly due to being an ARC, but the story was very entertaining overall. A friend of mine complained that Wren was annoying and kept making some dumb choices. And while I agree, I pointed out that Feyre (from the beloved ACOTAR) and other popular FMCs also don't start out super likable. Also, she's what, 20? Her prefontal cortex is not fully developed, so yeah, she's bound to be a bit annoying. I think Wren has a lot of room for growth and I'm eager to see where the story goes from here.

This was a difficult one for me to connect with. Marketed as the next big dystopian best seller, I couldn’t help but feel it lacked the soul that most dystopian novels require, especially in regards to having a believable social-political climate. It sort of felt like someone went, “oh, dystopia is getting popular again so let’s add a lot of spice!” without considering any critical thinking or application of the power this specific genre can achieve. It felt wild to read this with it releasing in 2025 and it having little substance or correlation to actual political climate. That left a really disappointing taste in my mouth, and it’s sad to see a heavily marketed dystopian novel and the only thing making it “for adults” is sex scenes. Some actual dissecting of the political environment (hello, again it’s a dystopian!) was absolutely necessary here.

Things I did like: I enjoyed the pacing, and I felt like the action scenes were followed by appropriate reprieves to keep it from feeling like it was falling head first. There was some clever dialogue and the conversations were easy to read through, which I always appreciate. I see a lot of potential in the side characters! I honestly want more of their story and I hope it dives that direction one day.

Honestly, I was really disappointed with Silver Elite. The plot was confusing, and the pacing felt off from the start. Characters seemed underdeveloped, making it hard to connect or care about what was happening. The writing style didn’t quite click with me either. It felt cluttered and lacked the grip I look for in a good read. I had high expectations but ended up feeling let down, so I can only give it one star. Not my cup of tea, but others might find something to enjoy.

This book gets all the stars!!! I haven’t read a dystopian book this good since Scythe!!! I could not put this down. The characters (each with their own distinct personality & voice) the plot, the world building, the atmosphere….everything is written so well. This is my favorite book of the year!!

Banter for days
Badass FMC
Hot MMC with an edge
Politics
Tension…oh the tension
Vested cast of characters
Dystopian world
Just enough spice
Fast paced story
Twists & a cliffhanger

Just an overall amazing book!! Already counting down until book two!

Wren, a Modified human, is forced to join the Continent’s military in this fast-paced science fiction. Wren discovers the hatred she holds for the Continent is more for those in power than the people who serve that power, but does less hatred mean she is open to love? This book will be great for fans of stories about resistance to government with a dash of romance. The execution of Wren discovering that it’s the government that is evil, not its people, was not believable enough to become invested in the relationships she builds.

Well, I guess I'm in the minority on this one and maybe am a bit smooth brained, but this was a 5-star read for me. BUT I went into it mostly blind, just knowing it was hyped and dystopian. I’ve seen this labeled as romantasy, which feels a bit misleading - it leans much more dystopian-lite with romance elements. With deeper world building in a few spots and more aligned marketing, this book could’ve avoided some of the conflicting reviews and really soared.

Could the dystopia have been a bit deeper and more reflective? Yes.
Was I still entertained without that? Yes.
Are there problems at times? Yes. See: <spoiler> sending lifelong best friend to labor camp </spoiler>
Is this the absolute best dystopian novel of all time? Absolutely not.
Is Cross Redden a new top book boyfriend? Maybeeeeee.

This isn't one of my "this book is a literary masterpiece and every single moment of it was perfection" 5-star reviews. This is a "I was so hooked and entertained, I had strong emotions, and this book will stick with me for at least a few days after finishing" 5-star review. I was here for the vibes and the vibes only.

That being said, this book definitely had its issues. And there's other reviews that dive into those issues in a way better and deeper way than I could- so please check those out.

Spoiler-y thoughts:
<spoiler>
- Wren and Cross scenes were cute and also sexy at times
- Also Kaine... I mean why choose am I right
- Wren you sent your bestie and her father to labor camps....................
- I do wish there was more discussion around the morals of everything
- And I also wish there was more world building. Show me the dystopia!
- I LOVE the mod abilities and how they manifest
- Wren healing her burn?!?? Like are you actually an idiot??? GIRL
- Kaine actually being alive and their hotshot pilot... uhhmm I mean I kind of wished for that when he "died" but there's something about this that I don't absolutely love
</spoiler>

I was able to read the eBook and listen to the audiobook. As expected, with Amanda Dolan as the narrator, the audiobook was phenomenal. Seriously, Amanda ALWAYS knocks it out of the park.

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Worlds, Del Rey, and the author Dani Francis for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Extra shoutout to The Del Rey Team for reaching out to me - I can't wait to review more of your books in the future, especially if they are this entertaining!

There is much controversy about this book but I enjoyed it. It might be because it was reminiscent of early 2000s romantasy, but it worked for me. It's not the best book ever, but it was easy to read and I wanted to know what happens. Sometimes, depending on the mood, that is enough. I give Silver Elite 4/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of Silver Elite by Dani Frances. All opinions are my own

Why is this being compared to hunger games? It’s not hunger games?

Anyways I did enjoy it. It had me hooked the entire time. It didn’t have the depth I normally love in a dystopian fantasy. Also I feel like Wren was horny af. And not necessarily in a good way. Like I’m not sure if it added to the story line enough. I feel like story was compromised for it.

Overall I’m rating it 4 because despite me thinking it lacks depth, overall I did enjoy it. And have recommended it to so many people already!

I finished this book and oh my goodness I have no words. I started and finished it in about 2 days, and to say that I'm hooked is putting it lightly.

Our main lead, Wren has been living in hiding because of her powers and suddenly she's tossed into the hands of the enemy- forced to hide her identity and try to survive Silver Block - where the most elite of the Command soldiers are weeded out. Enter Cross, our cold brooding commander, who our lovely lead had a run in with (even then the tension was tensioning) and seeing the two of them develop their relationship was SO GOOD. (he's so down bad and I love that for him) The vibes between our two leads, Wren and Cross were *chef's kiss* AMAZING.

I certainly felt like I was on a rollercoaster of emotions, and the ending has me wanting the next one!!

Some parts of the book were predictable but I still enjoyed how the author had fun plot twists after plot twists that I wasn't expecting.

Military/slight dystopian setting
THE TENSION and banter
Badass FMC who's not perfect
Psychic powers

What more could you ask for? Thanks so much for the ARC opportunity!!

I didn't love this book. I like my FMC to be strong in what they fight for. This book was compared to Hunger Games and Divergent, both which have FMC who do fall in love but are first driven to do what is best for their country and people. This book was nothing in comparison. The character frequently talk about how hot or cute the MMC. We don't need to continuously hear about his looks. She was also s frustrating in the decisions she made which were selfish and immature.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC. Even though this one wasn't for me, I hope others readers love it.

This book was my adrenaline shot.The universe was pointing its finger towards it and I took my leap. Do I regret it? Absolutely not!! I devoured it in two sitting which itself shows how enamored I am 😍.

This book lured me into the complex regime of Prime and Modified. In a world where psychic abilities are scrutinized rigorously, Wren has been keeping a secret, but a slip foreshadowed her mask and forced her to join the elite Silver block.

What's harder than to sustain the trials is the commanding officer itself, Cross. The instant connection between them was rousing. Their scenes are the snippets of warm hug in the cold weather.I savored it with my life!!

Cross has officially entered my list of book boyfriends and the sweet gesture moment was my favorite scene....DREAMY!!

The whole building was intricate and rhaprodising with an academic setting playing a major role. The fast-paced and visionary writing makes it intractable for readers to stop themselves from slipping into the world of dystopian romance.

The plot twist opens the Pandora box for readers to tag along for the book two, because the story has just begun.The characters are the squad team collected but with their flaws whispering around the line.The elements are like Joker cards waiting for their revelations with secret identities, deception and betrayal.

The story doesn't shy away from drama but also signifies healing through relationships and self acceptance.

If you're a fan of enemies to lovers, found family, a world where you are on quest to sustain, this is the gem to hold. A thrilling ride with slow burn romance!!

Fast-paced, with a psychic twist and an enemies-to-lovers slow burn that actually delivers.

Wren is a powerful heroine hiding in plain sight. And Crss is cold, dangerous, and impossible not to fall for. The world-building is sharp, and the plot keeps moving with twists I didn’t see coming.

If you love rebellion, found power, and forbidden romance, this one’s worth the hype.

Can’t wait for Book 2. 👀🔥

I loved this romantic fantasy by Dani Francis. It was a quick read, and I was hooked from the very beginning. It was hard not to love the main character, Wren, and empathize with her tragic upbringing. Concealing her special powers is key because if anyone were to find out who she really is, she would be put to death. Soon she finds herself falling in love with a military man of importance, also the enemy. Cue the enemies to lovers banter and the forbidden love tropes. I hated that it ended on a cliffhanger and I really hope the next book comes out soon!

Silver Elite by Dani Francis

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

I’m going to stand on business when I say this but … FIVE STARS! I’ve read the opposition pieces and the critiques, and I don’t care. Five stars. No less. It has to be. This book was goooooooood!!! It scratched my dystopian itch in a way I didn’t even know I needed! This is for the Shatter Me and Divergent girlies that grew up and became Fourth Wing and Throne of Glass girlies.

I’ll start with the world building. I actually kind of loved it? I’m so excited to see more of it? I like the way it’s set up. I feel like I got just enough world building to get my bearings but not so much that I was lost and confused the whole time. That’s exactly how I like it. I cannot wait to see how it gets expanded on even more in future books. I wanna know what the rest of the world is doing because I could totally see them just alienating the continent to not have to deal with how ridiculous the future Americas are being. What is Tierra Fe up to really? 👀

Characters?? HIT! There were so many characters I loved in this book. Kaine might go down as one of my all time favorite book characters. UGH! That man has my whole heart. And don’t get me started on Cross Redden … whewwww 🥵 I even grew to love Xavier by the end. Wren might be one of the most reckless characters I’ve ever read, especially when Kaine is involved, but for some reason, I loved it, even though I normally wouldn’t? She made it work somehow. I can see the vision for the character growth, and I can’t wait.

I am obsessed with the “magic” system. It isn’t really magic, but I loved the silver veins and modified vs. prime debate. I’ve seen some critiques saying they wish this book had gotten more into the political workings and government commentary that tends to come with dystopian novels, but I’m choosing to trust the author on this one. I feel like the next book will definitely have more focus on that. Our narrator is in the dark, too, so it doesn’t make sense for us to know about things even she doesn’t know about yet. I can see the pieces that will eventually come together, though.

The reveal at the end? 👀 Kicking, screaming, giggling, twirling my hair! I was not expecting that AT ALL! Now, one of the other big reveals of the book is pretty obvious from the start, but I think that’s what makes it so interesting. When it finally does get revealed, the anticipation for it has built so much that you’re just champing at the bit for it to finally be out! I still gasped out loud because it just hit so good. 😌

I am down bad for this book! 10/10 would recommend. If your first crush was Four in that one scene in Divergent or Aaron Warner pining hard for Juliette in Shatter ME 😏 … then this might be the book for you!

Thank you to Dani Francis, Del Rey, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions stated are my own.

SO MUCH FUN! This is a spicy dystopian romance that is set in a military like school. I preferred the second half to this when the romance kicked in more, but was having fun from the beginning. Go into this knowing it's more about the couple, and that the FMC can be kind of dumb. I think the worldbuilding was set up really well, but it is going to take some time for us to get it fully.