Member Reviews
I was so lucky to get an E-ARC of Silver Elite from @netgalley
So Thank You!!!
I absolutely adored Silver Elite! It is the perfect nostalgic dystopian book that everyone needs! The whole concept is so so well done and so polished. I found it so hard to put it down once I started reading, and didn't even think about checking my phone! It's so well written, I could not believe that it was a debut!
Wren is such a good character and I loved learning all about her and how she has survived in such a harsh world.
The romance was really well done, and I was so invested in it!
The story is like the best rollercoster and the twists and turns were great. I saw a few of them coming, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment at all! Please get yourself a copy of this and dive straight in!
I can't wait to get myself the beautiful first print run special edition too!
Dystopian is back and better than ever. Everyone rejoice.
I have not felt this way since I first read Divergent as a teen. I KNOW some of you were down bad for Divergent and I’m TELLING YOU, you NEED to read Silver Elite. JOIN US.
This was my last 5-star read of 2024 and I’m glad I finished off the year with a bang! I wonder how many times I’ll reread this before it releases in May 🤭
Silver Elite is a SIZZLING dystopian enemies-to-lovers romance where the FMC has a deadly secret, and trusting ANYONE could be her downfall, especially the super sexy commanding officer Cross Redden. The enemies were enemyimg I PROMISE. The chemistry had me screaming and kicking my feet! 🔥
I have not stopped thinking about this book since I put it down and I fear I am OBSESSED.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
It’s official! I’ve been enlisted into @porschereads’s Silver Elite cult…I MEAN @porschereads’s harmless group of book girlies who love Silver Elite a perfectly normal amount, thank you very much.
Dystopian is back and better than ever. Everyone rejoice.
I have not felt this way since I first read Divergent as a teen. I KNOW some of you were down bad for Divergent and I’m TELLING YOU, you NEED to read Silver Elite. JOIN US.
This was my last 5-star read of 2024 and I’m glad I finished off the year with a bang! I wonder how many times I’ll reread this before it releases in May 🤭
Silver Elite is a SIZZLING dystopian enemies-to-lovers romance where the FMC has a deadly secret, and trusting ANYONE could be her downfall, especially the super sexy commanding officer Cross Redden. The enemies were enemyimg I PROMISE. The chemistry had me screaming and kicking my feet! 🔥
I have not stopped thinking about this book since I put it down and I fear I am OBSESSED.
5⭐️ SILVER ELITE
Thankyou to Netgalley and Del ray for approving my request for an ARC of Silver Elite in exchange for an honest review.
Have you ever finished a book and felt completely lost after? How are you supposed to get on with your day now that its over? Well Silver Elite absolutely made me feel this way.
From the beginning this book pulls you in like a moth to a flame. By page 2 I was hooked.
Dani Francis has created a dystopian world full of intricate politics between two conflicting sides of a population; Mods (modified) and primes (people without gifts), encapsulating the reader into a war of morals and choices made dependent on them morals as well as prejudices and biases present form both sides.i
The majority of this book takes place at a military command base and it is done perfectly. I felt as if I were experiencing the gruelling training programme of silver block alongside our main character Wren. (Who is an absolute badass in every possible way. I want to be her.)
The perfect amount of action as well as a beautiful and heartfelt romance story that captured me mind, body and soul, is intertwined throughout this show stopper plot. The communication in this romance was something I appreciated so much and just further pushed my love for our two main characters. I could not tear my eyes away form the page even if I tried.
I absolutely loved how fleshed out so many of the characters were, side ones and even what could be considered more background characters are all integrated into this story perfectly. But Wren truly is one of my favourite female characters I have read. She is so complex and compelling, Francis truly allows us to see all of Wrens thoughts and processes in a way I haven’t experienced before and it truly makes you connect with her.
Although I felt like some aspects of the plot were predictable, I don’t think that hinders anything at all, if anything it misleads you in the best possible way. Because I may have predicted the general path of some plots, yet every single time I had Dani Francis managed throw me off at the last second with an added little flourish that made the more predictable plot lines incredible and just that little bit different from what you though. Genius.
THE ENDING?!?!? - Absolutely immaculate. And that’s all I can say.
Silver Elite has very quickly become an all time favourite book of mine and if you haven’t already this is your sign to pre-order it. You will absolutely not regret it. Thank you Dani Francis for creating this rollercoaster a book. I adored every single second.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Silver Elite is the first book in a new Dystopian trilogy. In it, we follow Wren, a rebel using her hidden psychic powers to try to bring down an oppressive government. When she is forced to join the enemy’s army, she is given the unique opportunity to gather information and slowly take them down from the inside. She just has to hide who she really is…
This is a good book to read for anyone who misses the 2010 dystopian book craze. If you loved Divergent, The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner, you’ll probably enjoy this book too. That being said, it has a lot in common with these books, so I thought it lacked a bit of originality. For instance, the biotoxin that gave some people powers was reminiscent of books like The Darkest Minds. The separation of two groups was a bit like the separation between people with red and silver blood in Red Queen. Even the psychic powers reminded me a bit of the forbidden powers in The Bone Season. But I have read a lot of dystopian books, so it may just be that it’s hard to surprise me anymore.
That being said, I enjoyed the military and espionage aspects of the story. I aways enjoy reading about a capable female main character and Wren certainly matches that description. She is shrewd, cunning and powerful and she is also constantly alert which builds up plenty of tension. I also liked Cross’s character (despite his slightly silly name). He is still a bit of a mystery by the end of the book, so I’ll be interested to see what more we learn about him in the series.
There are plenty of trials in this book, lots of danger and tension, but I think that the romance is what will make it popular with readers. I’ve seen other reviewers compare it to Forth Wing and I’m inclined to agree. The relationship between Wren and Cross shares the same strengths and weaknesses as Violet and Xaden’s relationship. There is tension, chemistry and hate which makes their interactions fun. But they also seem to fall in love (or perhaps in lust) very quickly without much build up. Either way, the romance is central for people who love a Romantasy book.
So, whilst this wasn’t my favourite dystopian book I think it has a lot of strengths. I look forward to seeing how the series progresses!
Silver Elite has all the hallmarks of a YA romantasy, albeit a dystopian one rather than dragons: a kick ass chosen one heroine, insta attraction to the one boy she really needs to stay away from, secrets and revolutionaries, a school type environment, terrifying powers and first person present narration. We've all been here before haven't we? Luckily Silver Elite takes the usual ingredients and produces something original and compelling.
Wren is a Mod, someone with psychic abilities. Raised by a family friend she calls uncle, like all Mods she keeps her abilities secret - if discovered she can expect to be sent to a labour camp if she is lucky, to face a firing squad if not. Desperate to make a difference Wren has been performing small errands for the Uprising, a Mod led resistance to the Company, the military government that keeps the whole country under close control. But when Wren draws the Company'a attention her life unravels and she finds herself forced to apply for Silver Block, the most elite soldiers in The Company, under the command of the infuriatingly attractive Cross.
Taut, twisty with a well written romantic sideplot and geninely shocking moments Silver Elite is destined to be this year's must read debut. Highly recommended.
This was an enjoyable dystopian fantasy with a side of romance that really drew me in.
I found it a little slow to start but once I was into the training environment it really picked up.
In a world where one dictatorship and oppressed people have been thrown over for another, the FMC has to hide her dangerous powers at all costs, trapped inside the enemy’s stronghold, she has an opportunity to learn crucial information to help her cause, but there’s a lot more at play than she understands.
There were some predictable twists throughout but that didn’t impact my enjoyment, and I look forward to the next installment.
Thank you for my earc of this book. I really enjoyed this and found myself really eager to return to it. It was an easy to read book but not overly simplistic.
The book reminded me of Divergent, fourth wing, and that kind of vibe. It was engaging and well-paced, if a little predictable at times (what book isn’t to an extent though?)
Thank you so much to Random House UK, Cornerstone | Del Rey for an eARC of this book by Dani Francis.
Wow oh Wow! I was sent an email to see if I was interested in this book and after seeing the description I thought, why not? (I also loved that the main character has the same name as my daughter). But after this becoming my first EVER dystopian read, I am sad that I can't binge the rest in the series straight away!
There was the perfect amount of romance, suspense and action, and I was never disappointed at any point when reading this. The dialogue was on point, the characters were all so well structured and believable. I just simply loved it! To the point that it put me in a reading slump because nothing else could compare.
The world building was *Chef's Kiss* and even without a visible map in the eARC version, I could picture where ever place was and the witty and smooth prose made it so easy to read and follow. It is in first person, yet, considering the world the book is set in, sounds like a voiced diary log being listened to.
I've already pre-ordered a copy on Waterstones and will be with the rest of the series as soon as they come out. Silver Elite by Dani Francis is already on my re-read list.
You will love this if you enjoy reading:
- Forbidden Love which is slow burn and full of sexual tension
- Psychic Abilities
- Well thought through plot twists
- Dystopian world
- Uprising
- A 3.5 on the spice scale
- Secret Identities
- Military themes
I really REALLY loved this book! I highly recommend! 100% a 6 star read for me, if I could give it one, so I have settled for 5 stars. :'D
I think this book is going to a massive hit
Dystopian vibes are back!
Dani Frances has created an amazing world full of suspense, betrayal and gloriously high stakes.
I was gripped and did not want to put it down. Turning pages into the early hours of the morning, who needs sleep? When there is secrets to uncover and twists to reveal.
If you love:
Dystopian Worlds
Forbidden Romance
Psychic abilities
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Commanding Officer x Recruit
Rebellion/Uprising
Secret Identities
Betrayals
You will adore this book. I seriously can not wait for the next in the series. 5 star read!
I devoured this book so quickly! it had everything I loved about my favourite dystopians like The hunger games but with a more current take on the genre and of course magic. Silver Elite is such a fast paced and easy to read book, I was absorbed into the narrative from the very start and couldn't put it down until I finished it! The characters all had their own unique voices and felt very believable which helped to create tension and suspense at all the right moments. After finishing this I had to sit with it a while to try and gather my thoughts and better articulate how much I enjoyed this book but my internal monologue is just 'AHHHHHHH!' whenever I think of this book. Dani has done an amazing job of creating a world that is entirely her own and and completely fresh to read about whilst channelling everything that feels quintessentially dystopian. Silver Elite is Fourth wing meets The bone season, it has everything that I love in my dystopian novels and more and I can't wait for the sequel!!!
Struggling to review this one and I normally love reviewing books with ease.
I absolutely gobbled up the first half of the book, staying awake until 3am. It reminded me of how I felt reading Hunger Games and Divergent. An immediate 5 star!...... But.... At the 70% mark I was losing interest, getting annoyed with the characters and changing story line. By 80% I was actually contemplating giving it up, I stuck with it because I felt there would be a big reveal but I found the two reveals disappointing too.
I'm not really sure what happened or how to rate it as it feels like two books to me, I just wish the second half was as good as the first!
I really liked this book as it reminded me of my love for dystopian books and brought me back to my teenage years where I grew up reading books like Divergent, Maze Runner and The Hunger Games, etc. I really miss that era of reading and I am sure that many readers like myself who are around the same age as me and read the same as me when growing up, will love this and it will resonate with them.
I like the characters and I couldn't help but think of FourTris whilst reading and especially with the first book of these kind of book series, I really love the training aspect and reading about how they must train really hard to gain their spot.
I loved this reading experience, I haven't stayed up to finish a book in a long long time, so again feeling very nostalgic. There were many moments where I gasped out loud, had to sit up and take a minute as I processed what I read.
This was an enjoyable read! I do feel like the first half was a lot stronger than the second half.
It is a book set in dystopian world and it felt very nostalgic. The plot was easy to follow, there were things that I guessed quite early on but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book.
My main let down is that I would of liked to know more about the world,
and I didn’t feel like we really got to know who Wren was or understand her motivations because some of her actions weren’t making sense. Despite that, this is highly binge able and I read it under 24 hours.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
I’m here to share my review of Silver Elite, the debut novel by @authordanifrancis.
This story plunges us into a dystopian world where, 150 years ago, a bacterium nearly wiped out humanity. Only two groups remain: the “Mods,” who ingested the bacterium and developed extraordinary abilities, and the “Primes,” who are immune to it. The Primes hold all the power and oppress the Mods.
Wren, a Mod living incognito with her uncle, is forcibly conscripted into the Primes’ army. She must hide her abilities from her team while also resisting the charm of Captain Cross.
🩶 I started this novel without reading any reviews, so I had no preconceived notions. It had been a while since I read a dystopian book, and I thought, “Why not?” Honestly, it was such a great read—especially for a debut novel!
🕊️ The writing was spot-on, and the world-building was well-developed and easy to follow: a dystopian world where a bacterium almost wiped out humanity, leaving the Mods (with abilities) and the Primes (immune to the bacterium). The Primes dominate the Mods.
🩶 As for the plot, it does follow familiar dystopian tropes with some predictable twists and rebellion themes. However, I was still hooked. I liked how the book ended, teasing a captivating second installment.
🕊️ The protagonists are a highlight. Wren is a badass, a sharpshooter who loves adrenaline and has great wit. Personally, I adore this type of female character. Opposite her is Cross, the captain and the general’s son. Now, hold on—if you’ve read Fourth Wing and swooned over Xaden, then Cross is going to be right up your alley! He’s surrounded by mystery, and it’s clear he’s a character with many layers to uncover.
🩶 The romance between them is hot and sexy, with some spicy scenes. However, they don’t spend much time together for most of the book, so the emotional connection feels a bit lacking. That said, towards the end, after a certain revelation, things shift, and I found the connection I was looking for.
🕊️ The secondary characters contribute to the main plot and aren’t just there for decoration, which was great. You’ll experience betrayals, disappointments, and surprises from them, which added a lot of energy to the story.
➡️ Overall, this was an excellent read, and I’m sure this book has the potential to make waves! I highly recommend it if you’re a fan of dystopia and romantasy!
ℹ️ It will be released in English in May 2025.
I read this book thanks to NetGalley 🙏🏻
This is a masterpiece in dystopian romance that had me hooked from the very first page!
The narrative is driven by compelling characters navigating a dystopian world where psychic abilities, known as Modifications, are both a gift and a death sentence.
Wren, the protagonist, is a powerful Modified (Mod) with four psychic abilities. Having spent her life in hiding to evade execution by the ruling Primes, she aids the rebel Uprising in small ways. A careless mistake leads to her capture and conscription into the elite Silver Block training program, providing her with an opportunity to infiltrate the enemy from within.
Cross serves as Wren's commanding officer in Silver Block. Cross is ruthless, infuriatingly irresistible and my new book boyfriend.
The dynamic between Wren and Cross is central to the story, blending elements of enemies-to-lovers romance within the high-stakes dystopian setting. Their interactions are marked by suspicion, witty banter, a slow-burning attraction, and undeniable chemistry contributing to the novel's tension and depth.
The world-building is rich and immersive, making you feel like you're right there alongside Wren as she navigates high-stake challenges and uncovers thrilling secrets. The pacing is perfect, keeping you on the edge of your seat while giving you just enough time to savor the emotional depth of the narrative.
From the intricately crafted characters to the vividly described settings, every detail pulls you deeper into this incredible story in a way that kept me up late into the early hours. And those twists? Absolutely brilliant—each one had me gasping out loud. I predicted one but I have trust issues!
Francis's writing style is crisp, engaging, and emotionally resonant, with dialogue that feels authentic and pacing that never drags. Each twist and turn left me breathless, eagerly flipping pages to find out what happens next. The blend of suspense, heart, and sheer creativity makes this book a must-read for fans of the genre.
Silver Elite is a shining example of storytelling done right and was an instant favourite. If you're looking for an unforgettable read that stays with you long after you’ve finished, this is it!
Thank you so much to the publisher for the opportunity to read this in advance! I cannot wait for the sequel!
Round up to 4.5✨
In a world where silverbloods with toxin-induced gifts are being systematically hunted by the Primes, Wren Darlington has survived by hiding in plain sight—until she’s discovered by the Command. Forced into their brutal training program, Wren seizes the chance to dismantle the regime from within while balancing her people’s rebellion and her growing connection to the brooding Captain Cross Redden.
Perfect for fans of:
✨Shatter Me
✨Divergent
✨Hunger Games
✨Fourth Wing
Tropes and themes I adored:
🕊️Dystopian
🕊️Forbidden Romance
🕊️Psychic abilities
🕊️Enemies to Lovers
🕊️Slow Burn
🕊️Commanding Officer x Recruit
🕊️Rebellion/Uprising
🕊️Secret Identity
The enemies to lovers dynamic between Wren and Captain Cross is delicious, blending raw attraction with emotional depth as they navigate loyalty, betrayal, and blurred allegiances. The trials Wren endures, her unwavering strength, and the suspenseful twists (a few deliciously predictable) kept me glued to the pages. Fans of Divergent will love the academy trials and the themes of identity and resistance woven into this dystopian tale.
This book packs a punch in both the action and romance departments, and Wren is one of the most compelling heroines I’ve read in a long time. If you love stories with survival, rebellion, and just the right amount of spice, this one’s for you. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for the next installment!
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC
Thank you to Del Rey and Dani Francis for approving my Netgalley request for a digital ARC of Silver Elite.
Silver Elite is a dystopian fantasy where secrets hide in plain sight, subterfuge, and survival depends on staying unseen. Dani Francis creates a unique dystopian fantasy in a world where the fallout of radiation and experimentation has produced genetic modifications in the general population, leading to children being born with telepathic, psychic, and mind-control abilities.
I loved how easy it was to be engrossed by the riveting storytelling that hooks you from the first page. The writing style is immersive, easy to read, and full of elegant descriptions, with a twisty plot to keep you on the edge of your seat (even if some turns are easy to predict from the foreshadowing seeds sown through the story). The character arcs are complex and captivating and capture your heart in this exceptional intricate world crafted around this absorbing plot that’s had my stomach tying itself in knots with the perfectly paced plot.
The electric chemistry, gripping tension, and sizzling heat bring to life a delicious slow-burn romance as enemy turns ally and hate gives way to love. Wren and Cross will be one of my new favorite enemies-to-lovers pairings as I adored their powerful, emotional connection, merciless banter, and ability to stay true to their hearts when torn loyalties are tested, sacrifices demanded, and the struggle to survive in a war where both sides determined to win at any cost.
An addictive and unputdownable dystopian fantasy read you won’t be able to put down. Finally, the Divergent and Hunger Games spicy love child I’ve long to read since crossing the threshold of being read adult fiction. If you grew up loving The Hunger Games, Maze Runner, and Divergent, you’d best settle-in for a readathon, as you won’t be putting this one down. Mark down 6 May on your calendar for Silver Elite, as you won’t want to miss this amazing read! I predict this one is going to be a bestseller, hands down.
Brilliant. An utterly page turning read.
The story drew me to this from its description and the author kept me hooked with the various plot twists in this dystopia fantasy debut.
I absolutely loved this one. It had so much going for it. You'll be page turning well into the night.
A forbidden, slow burn romance that was both hot and sweet at the same time. The banter between Cross and Wren was on point throughout!
A great magic system, world building and evil dictator vibes.
And a training academy setting that made for an engaging read.
This is a brilliant debut, the author created a very interesting and different magic system as the back drop for this story. I loved the way the author explained the world building and abilities through Wren's story.
And how she added in a WHOLE heap of 'who can you trust' and mixed it up with a perfectly executed slow burn forbidden romance.
And that ending!
This is a FANTASTIC start to a new trilogy and I'm excited to read more. Highly recommended!
HOLY MOLY!!!
Let me gush about the book that's had me in a chokehold for days and left me severely hungover and wanting for more. Seriously Dani... How could you make us wait??
Silver Elite is one of those books that leave you staring at a blank screen when you try to review it because it's just THAT good! Dani Francis's debut novel just did that to me, and I'm still recovering! The fact that this is Francis's first novel? Mind. Blown. 🤯
For my dystopian lovers (looking at you, Divergent and Hunger Games fans), this book is about to be your new obsession.
Let's talk about our main character - she's giving chaotic queen energy with a side of terrible decision-making, and I was (and am still) LIVING for it! Our FMC was the kind of character who makes you scream "NO! DON'T DO IT" while secretly hoping they absolutely do it. And our leading man? Let's just say I've found my new book boyfriend, and I'm not taking applications for replacements. Nope.
The side characters? Chef's kiss perfection! You know how sometimes secondary characters feel like NPC energy? Not here! Each one feels like they could star in their own story (hint hint, Dani Francis, if you're reading this please get this made into a movie 👀).
And can we also talk about the plot twists? Because WHEW! Just when you think you know where the story's heading, Francis pulls the rug out from under you, and somehow you love her more for it. The pacing is *chef's kiss* - no awkward slow moments or info dumps, just pure, addictive storytelling that had me saying "just one more chapter" until 3 AM. I mean, just read the first chapter, that pretty much sets the tone for the entire book.
And the romance? Oh gosh! It's spicy enough to make things interesting but not so hot it overshadows the plot. Perfect balance, just like everything else in this book.
I'm calling it now - this is going to be THE book of 2025. The kind that has Bookstagram and BookTok losing their minds and spawns a million fanfics (please and thank you!).
Fair warning though, the ending will leave you both completely satisfied and desperately needing book two. I'm already planning my reread and pulling out my tabs to annotate this bad boy while I wait!
Final Thoughts: If you don't add this to your TBR immediately, we can't be friends. Sorry, I don't make the rules! It is what it is.