eARC
JUST hear me before you judge me, this book I loveeeed it. If you like an adult version of Red Queen with better plots, almost believable powers and without love triangles, then this is your book. Definetively enjoyed it and I totally agree with the hype this book is going to get, also so good writing and such a good debut. I need book two ASAP!

While I love romance and romantasy, it’s always a breath of fresh air to wander into other genres. And while dystopian fiction had its day in the sun, it’s been a while since I’ve seen a title like this! However, my reading experience of this book was highly mixed. There were things I enjoyed for sure, but I also struggled to maintain interest at times.

Largely, I think this comes down to the balance between the romance and the dystopian aspects. This book promotes itself as slow-burn which I think is misleading. Perhaps I’m just a romance snob, but to me, slow-burn isn’t just “how far into the book does the sex scene happen” but instead refers to the slow development of interest/feelings which then leads to intimacy. Here, however, the book leans heavily into lust almost instantly, which very much turned off my slow-burn-loving heart.

It didn’t help that some of the “reveals” around the identity of one of the characters was telegraphed a mile away. I found that once I got further in the book and some of this information had come out, I was able to enjoy the romance more. That said, I never fully recovered from the instalust turn off, so by the end, the romance was solidly in the “meh” category. I also felt there were too many spicey scenes for my taste, leaning more heavily into the smut side of things, especially given some of the weaker aspects of the world-building as a whole.

The writing was approachable, but I also felt that it was a bit simplistic at times. The tone often didn’t seem to match the serious nature of the world that was being describing, coming across as far too unserious for the situations on hand. Similar to the reveals regarding characters, many of the plot points were very familiar. Again, this can be comforting for some readers who are more focused perhaps on the love story than the over-arching plot. But for me, it was a definite let down. Pacing-wise, however, it was fairly steady throughout. And readers who enjoy more straight-forward writing may be less put off by the writing style. For me, it came across as a bit too juvenile for an adult book.

This is a hard one to rate. I personally didn’t have a great time with it, as it felt very derivative and like something I had read many times before. That said, I also think it’s just the sort of story that will appeal to romantasy fans who are more interested in spice and the romantic plot line and who are looking for some more variety in their reading (after picking up the millionth dragon or Fae book). If the latter sounds like you, by all means, check this one out! But if you’re more interested in the world-building or the complexity of a dystopian novel, this might be a bit of a let down.

Rating 7: A bit too predictable in its plotting and its character reveals, but romantasy readers will likely still gobble this one up!

Link will go live on May 9 on The Library Ladies

This is going to be the book lovers next obsession. Dystopian is back baby!!
I cannot believe this is Dani’s first book, the writing is amazing, it flowed so well and the pacing was perfect.
I loved the world building, I thought I’d get confused at the different terminology but I picked it up super quickly and soon understood everything that was going on.
I loved Wren as a main protagonist. She’s strong minded, a sharp thinker, kind natured and totally badass.
The tropes in this are so seamless and well written. It’s not your typical enemies to lovers because Wren can’t admit to being modified and therefore an enemy to the Command. But they still manage to strike up an unlikely friendship and the tension is top notch.

It’s obvious from the start that Wren and Cross are going to be our endgame ship but I really enjoyed the subtle hint of other options-Kaine, Wolf and Cross- throughout the book. It added a layer of fun to everything going on.
Captain Cross- aka the internets new favourite book boyfriend- was so dreamy. The chemistry between him and Wren was palpable. Their banter was top class and I just adored all their interactions.
Lots of things I was begging to happen did and there was so much going on in the last 20% I couldn’t put it down. The plot twists and revelations set everything up for the next book in what I’m hoping to be a brilliant trilogy.

I recommend this to any adult dystopian reader, one of the top 2025 book releases for sure!

Thankyou to Delrey, NetGalley and Dani Francis for the arc, I’m incredibly grateful and absolutely loved this reading experience.

Silver Elite by Dani Francis


This book is the perfect blend of a more adult Divergent and X-Men with a romance of taunting and a slow burn. This is the dystopian book I’ve been waiting for.

“Our gifts aren’t always a gift, little bird. Sometimes they’re a curse.”

Our story centers on Wren Darlington who is a witty and refreshing protagonist with her being both smart and relatable, however she can be very reckless in certain moments. I love her recklessness as it reminds us of her young age and her realistic reactions that can happen in the heart of the moment. She manages to play her role at the dangerous training facility of Silver Block whilst still being herself until she questions her own actions.

Cross Redden is a typical MFC, tall, dark, hot and mysterious.a mix of Xaden and Four. Cross is well aware of his presence in the team, both as Captain in Silver Block and an attractive soldier. He and Wren have a witty and tense relationship whilst navigating their opposing views. One thing I loved about this book is that their relationship shows the softer moments as well as the more heated moments.

In total honesty I guessed the Big Reveal about half way through, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book as it fed well into the narrative. Overall I was impressed by how many themes were woven into the story but one of my highlights was the emotional aspect of the book, with both main characters and secondary characters feeling well thought out and given individual voices.
With Wren's journey following themes of fighting for freedom and the risks involved, it will be interesting to see how the story develops.

HOLY HELLF!CK!

The silver elite will be the next top dystopian Romantasy of 2025! Mark my words .

This book was amazing from start to finish. I was never bored , Dani Francis had me squealing, clutching my pearls, gasping, at one point I fist pumped. All the emotions.

There is big political intrigue in this book and somewhere in the middle I was somehow rooting for both sides. The twists and turns hand me on my toes and I loved every second of it.

Wren is my favorite female main character written, in such a long time! Her resilience and strength and witty mouth I fell in love and I think a lot of women will read her story and feel so empowered and inspired.

Cross is my everything. I LOVE a consensual daddy. He is giving major xaden X four vibes and I ate it up. He is everything my millennial heart could ask for.

5✨ for the silver elite!!!!

Super fun dystopian romance in a world where a bioweapon has made people Mods and given them abilities or primes people who are immune. Like the X-Men, this is a major source of conflict. When Wren makes a mistake and must hide how powerful she really is as she is thrown into the military branch that hunts mods, it will take all of her abilities to survive. Wren feels very young to me and I was hoping she would grow up a little more but it was still a fun read.

If you were a fan of the Divergent series then you will enjoy this book! Different storyline, a little more adult, but same vibe as those books.

Silver Elite is set in a dystopian world that is easy to understand. It kept me engaged the whole time and the ending left me wanting more. I will definitely be reading the second book when it comes out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Worlds for this ARC!!!!

Silver Elite was a captivating read. If Fourth Wing and Divergent were to have a baby, Silver Elite would be its child. There were many things I liked AND disliked about this book. Let's start with the things that worked. The author did a great job creating a fast paced and engaging story. The book was unputdownable. I liked the premise of the story and the school aspect. I found the school tasks interesting. The undercover operation scene with the main characters was fun to read! The whole modified aspect of the world was fascinating. Wren's abilities were neat and I liked the flashbacks of her childhood honing her skills with Jim. I liked her relationship with Jim and how she fought for him. Wren was an interesting character. I'm not sure how I feel about her. Wren was very reckless. Her behavior overtime was frustrating to read. Like girl! Please take a moment to think about what you are doing. Her decision making at the end of the book was mind boggling. I did empathize with her and her loneliness being the only modified in the training. I thought the author did a good job with the push/pull dilemma she was facing in school and her relationships. I did like Wren and Cross's relationship. I was a fan of how the author built up their relationship. I do wish there was more to their relationship. I felt like the author relied too much on their past and didn't take the time to delve more into them. Cross could have been developed better. I wanted more from his character. I hope the next book will focus more on him. I want to know more about his family past and his relationships with his brothers. The biggest drawback for this book is the writing. To be frank, the writing wasn't amazing. I thought the writing was weak. There were a lot of repetitive thoughts from Wren's character. For example, she mentions Lyddie growing on her countless times. Wren went through a lot of trauma and I felt like some things she went through weren't properly addressed. Something would happen and then a chapter later, it would be brushed under the rug. I thought the author could have expanded more on the Bryce events. I also felt like the Tana storyline was easily forgotten about/not focused on enough. I wanted more follow-up on some of the plot points. I would have liked more of an explanation on the state of the world in the book. The author did a little bit of world building on the history of the world and how humanity got to where they were at. That aspect of the story felt a little underwhelming. The author relied heavily on readers already having a prenotion on what a climate changed world and dystopian future would look like. The ending of the book was exciting and the twist at the end surprised me. Despite its faults, I plan on continuing the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC.

Silver Elite was everything I hoped for and is exactly as advertised—basically it’s the love child of the Hunger Games and Divergent.

Wren Darlington is a Mod in hiding until an unfortunate series of events get her taken captive and forced to join training for the military’s Silver Block. Angry and grieving, Wren decides to fight the enemy from the inside but her path keeps running into CO Cross Redden who doesn’t believe a single word she says.

Dani Francis’ story telling had me hooked from beginning to end—I couldn’t wait to read it and even slowed down towards the end because I wanted to savor each passing page. I just can’t stop thinking about it! The plot is action packed, the characters are lovable and some loathsome. I wish I had the rest of this series in my hands now!

Thank you again to NetGalley and Random House Worlds/Del Rey for a chance to read an advanced copy and give an honest review of this book!

So many things to love about this book! I love a good dystopian story and this was that with a touch of fantasy and of course an enemies to lovers story arc, almost a Hunger Games with powers. The marketing that I got on this book was aimed at those of us who have adored the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. It was perfect and much needed after finishing Onyx Storm and hooked me immediately.

Wren is a Modified - a person who has special powers due to a bio-toxin. She is an extremely powerful Mod and has also been well trained in combat skills, particularly sharp shooting. But Modifieds are reviled on the Continent and people are encouraged to turn them in to the government, so she keeps herself hidden. Her parents are gone and she lives with her "Uncle" Jim. A chance accident makes her noticed by Command and sets in motion her new life in their military.

Wren is given a choice - join Command or go to the stockade. Not only that, she is expected to train for the Silver Elite, a highly competitive program of the top soldiers. She balks at the entire concept until an option to be a spy for the revolution comes her way. The trouble is, she starts to wonder which side she is really on, and who the good guys really are. Her commanding officer, and the only one to know that she is a Mod, is Cross Redden, the General's son.

Wren is not completely cut off while she trains. Like most Modifieds, she has telepathic abilities. She can communicate with people she has met that she links with, but she also forged a connection when she was little with another Modified who she has never met. To keep themselves safe, they never give each other complete information about who they are or where they live. But Wolf is Wren's oldest friend and helps her survive her training.

This book has a little bit of everything. Detailed world building, strong characters, interesting political conflicts, and that slow process of kicking everyone else off the island. As I was reading it, I couldn't help telling everyone that I knew about it, especially my friends who were into romantasy. The relationship between Wren and Cross is a slow burn, but one that makes sense on so many levels. A lot of the story was also incredibly relelvant with the way our society is struggling right now. One quote that really stood out to me is

"Nothing good every comes from the notion that one group is better than another."

The story creates the two sides by having the Primes vs the Modifieds. The Primes consider Mods as aberrant. They are the enemy and need to be rooted out. But all of the information that each side is given is presented with a bias. Their leaders don't want them to interact and see that there is a place in the world for each of them. It is always easier to have someone to blame for the problems of the world, even a dystopian one.

This is a fabulous book and I can't wait to read the rest of the series (and probably read this one over a few times).

This book was utterly addictive and I absolutely devoured it. Dani Francis has written an absolute masterpiece for those who loved hunger games and divergent growing up. I can’t believe that this is a debut novel for her.

There were so many good qualities throughout this book but my most favorite was the characters. Wren was an absolute fireball, the perfect FMC with great character growth throughout the book. Cross..CROSS REDDEN was absolutely divine. The relationship between Wren and Cross was dynamite and addictive. Our side characters Kaine, Lydia, Roe, and Ivy all had integral parts and you still felt like you knew them intimately. The plot was utterly fantastic. The world building was very detailed and the dystopian setting was top notch with understanding the class system and their world.

I feel like Dani did a fantastic job with balancing surprises and plot developments with drool worth tension and emotional depth of our characters. I went into this book blind and I have ZERO regrets. TOP book of 2025 I can guarantee it.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Randomhouse Worlds | DelRey for the eARC. SHEEEWWWWW.

I really hate to say this, but I just did not vibe with this one :( I think I need to give it a reread/reattempt, because I feel like I'm missing the love that everyone else has for it. The writing style just wasn't it for me, and unfortunately, neither was the MC. Her choices erked me more than anything, and I found myself DNFing at 30%. I will reattempt this one again, but maybe with lower standards/expectations.

I loved this book so much. Wren and Cross along with the other side characters like Kaiden, Jim, and Xavier all have my heart. Those last 40 pages though were such a whirlwind of reveals and now I can't wait to see where Dani Francis takes this story. I'm sad that I have to wait probably around a year and a half for the next book but when it comes out I will 100% be reading it.

Also, congrats to Dani Francis because this novel was so good it was almost like she's been writing for years.

This book is like if Divergent (hiding powers) and Catching Fire (helping rebllion in secret) were adult fiction.

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.