"Silver Elite" is such a delicious throwback to everything I loved about dystopian fiction, but with a decidedly adult edge that had me absolutely hooked. Following Wren, a powerful psychic trying to survive in a world that wants her dead, this story delivers on action, tension, and slow-burn romance that'll keep you up way too late turning pages. The chemistry between Wren and her commanding officer Cross absolutely sizzles, even as you know their attraction could get them both killed.

While some of the plot twists might feel familiar to genre veterans (and I definitely called one major reveal pretty early on), it honestly didn't diminish my enjoyment of watching it all unfold. The military training setting provides the perfect pressure cooker for both character development and rising stakes. Fair warning though - the pacing does slow a bit in the middle before ramping up to a finale that leaves you desperately wanting the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My Dystopian era of reading 15 years ago was probably one of my favourite periods of my reading life so when I heard Silver Elite being called a Dystopian Fourth Wing, I was so excited.

I was hooked from the first page, the author does a great job of setting up the world, society and magic system whilst also throwing us straight into the plot. Wren was a great character to follow, she feels familiar but in a good way, like you’re with a trusted old friend.

I always love any kind of school/ training facility setting and this military style programme was really fun. The friendships, rivalries and romances developing between different characters kept me hooked and I struggled to put it down.

I will say that nothing really surprised me, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. There’s a reason why some of these tropes and plot lines are so beloved and I really enjoyed the feeling of nostalgia I had for all the old Dystopian stories, I sure hope they are having a resurgence.

I was definitely rooting for the underdog when it came to the romance 👀 I really can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks when it publishes, I think it’s going to be huge.

Thank you so much for letting me read this early copy :)

2.5 stars rounded down.

Silver Elite follows Wren Darlington, a Mod - someone who possesses psychic abilities caused by a biotoxin that nearly wiped out the population 150 years ago. The Primes - who are immune to the biotoxin and possess no powers - want nothing more than to eliminate the Mods. Wren has kept herself alive by concealing her abilities while doing all she can to aid the rebel Uprising in fighting again the Primes’ oppressive rule. One careless mistake gets her involved with the Continent’s military, and she is forced to join their most elite program: Silver Block. All Wren has to do is keep her powers hidden, survive training, feed the Uprising information from inside enemy ranks, and try not to fall for Cross Redden, her cocky and maddeningly attractive commanding officer.

This book is reminiscent of the dystopian novels we saw in the 2000s, and I was so excited to read it. Unfortunately, although the premise was fantastic, the execution was lacking for me.

While this book started off very fast-paced, the pace quickly slowed down. I got to the 50% mark and realised that nothing much had really happened, and although there was a bit more action towards the end, I still came away from this book feeling like there was too much filler and repetitive scenes. It was also very predictable, and I guessed one of the big reveals very early on, which made it feel anticlimactic.

I wanted more from the world-building. There are sentences here and there about the world and how it’s ruled, but it felt lacking and was clumsily done. I also found the training program slightly ridiculous. The recruits are only training for two months before they’re trusted to go on dangerous missions, which even in a dystopian world, felt far too soon.

I initially quite liked Wren, but she ended up becoming one of the most irritatingly stubborn FMC’s I’ve ever read about, and she made some truly idiotic decisions. Her impulsivity made her read like a child. She was also morally inconsistent, and also a bit of a hypocrite. I found it really strange how she would go through something really traumatic, and would barely react to it. I almost forgot some of the things that had happened when they were brought up again, because it seemed like Wren had completely forgotten them too, and we are reading from her POV.

The MMC and love interest, Cross, is just another romantasy archetype - dark hair, tattoos, muscles upon muscles, broody, makes some questionable decisions etc. He didn’t have much of personality, although I possibly liked him a bit more than Wren as he was less annoying. The romance between them was based purely on physical attraction. I didn’t feel any emotional connection between them, which made the love declarations feel really out of place.

There was one reveal at the end that I didn’t see coming, and it seems like the sequel could be interesting based on the ending. However, there just wasn’t enough that I liked about this book for me to consider picking up the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK/Del Rey for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! Dystopia was my first genre true love so it was incredible to return to it in an adult context that absolutely sizzled from start to finish. Wren is brash and impulsive and reckless and I fell in love with her almost immediately as she carried me through the story in her brazen fashion. The dynamic between her and Cross was flawlessly executed and there were several plot twists throughout that left me reeling. Seriously, read this book when it comes out, you won't regret it

This is what dystopias are meant to be.

Dystopias are one of my favourite genres and this book certainly delivered. Their main purpose is to explore the exaggeration of societal fears, and at certain points I was reminded so vividly of current politics that it could have been pulled straight from a newspaper (minus the psychic part).

This book was never boring and the characters are deeply impactful. I love the main character, who is flawed and stubborn in a way that is believable as opposed to annoying.

The setting has just enough of a foundation in reality to create a personal connection with it from the get go. But, all additional world building removes it far enough from the real world that it still feels like escapism.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this ARC.

5 stars!!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the early arc of this debut of a book. OMG! I loved every minute of this book. It reminded me so much of the Divergent books that I read when I was younger and I was hooked. I couldn't put this book down. I need the next one if there is one! I loved the characters so much especially Cross and Wren. They were my favourite throughout the whole book!.

Silver Elite feels like a return to the high point of the late 2000s and early 2010s. But this book is far from Young Adult, with spicy scenes and plot lines as dark as the later Hunger Games books.

Silver Elite is a fantasy dystopia that’s almost borderline romantasy in its feel, with co-running plot lines of romance and classic dystopia. This makes it feel a little closer to Divergent in its set up, but I thought the story was a little more compelling. There was a nice little reveal as part of the plot which was really nicely developed and set up. The build up to it allowed you to slowly work it out yourself which I loved – that it didn’t come out of nowhere was fab.

What marks this book down a little for me was how annoying and slightly toxic the main romance couple were. I think fans of books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Fourth Wing would probably enjoy the unfurling of the relationship, but for me it was a bit much and hard to swallow at points. It was also more explicit than I was expecting but if that’s your thing you’ll be happy!

The world building of this dystopian world was really cool, I loved the way it was developed and not a copy paste of every other dystopia. I mean some of the cliches are there. Wren is special and different than other silver bloods, because of course! It wouldn’t be a dystopia without a little cliche. What makes Silver Elite stand out from some of the weaker dystopia is that there were realistic politics behind what occurred in the book, compared to other dystopia stories hopping on the success of The Hunger Games and Divergent in the mid 2010s.

I loved the world building and the non-romance plot of this book and I will definitely be back to read the sequels when they’re published. If you love dystopia and spicy romantasy novels you’ll be all set with Silver Elite. Some scenes were just a little too blue for me!

Happy Reading! xx

Screaming about this #gifted copy of Silver Elite!

Dystopic fantasy novels have always had a special place in my heart, as books from this genre were some of the formative books for me as a teenager and young adult that made me love reading. When I heard about Silver Elite by @authordanifrancis , a new adult dystopian series that hearkened back to series like Hunger Games and Divergent, I just knew I had to get my hands on this copy ASAP. Basically I had no chill.

Wren is a Mod with multiple abilities that has grown up in a dangerous place where Mod’s are hunted by Primes, humans with no abilities. By concealing her powers with the help of her Uncle Jim, Wren is able to remain hidden as a Prime in her community. When tragedy strikes, Wren finds herself forced to join the most elite program of the military, Silver Block. Can she use this opportunity to take down those who want to kill her and those like her from the inside? Or will she get distracted by the handsome commanding officer Cross Redden and their explosive chemistry?

This books hits the ground running and does not let up. It’s exciting, addictive, and extremely well written. I did not want to put it down at all. Wren is a likable and relatable FMC, but I also really enjoyed the side characters. Silver Elite is top tier dystopic fantasy. Ever since finishing it I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.

Silver Elite is out in May and I’ll be waiting here with bated breath for all the love. Huge thanks to the publisher @delreyuk for this gorgeous arc. This baby will be treasured forever.

What’s your favorite dystopic fantasy novel or series?

#dystopian #silverelite #hygge

Fast-paced, fabulous fun 🕊️✨

I am incredibly impressed by this debut, the writing was incredible with deep characterisation that left a meaningful impression. I loved Wren, and I don't love many main characters. She was fierce and stubborn and powerful in a way that didn't bulldoze over everything the story set up.

The characters were each distinct in their own rights with developed thought processes that made them real and interesting to read.

I really enjoyed the fast pace. So much happens and I really appreciated that we get to see so much of this world and how Wren grows within it.

I thought the plot twist was predictable but no less enjoyable.

Biggest problem was that I honestly had no idea what the MC looked like until 300 pages in?!


Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC

(4.5 stars)

Dystopia is back and its hotter than ever. If you loved The Hunger Games and Divergent, and you're craving athe spice of Rebecca Yarros, SILVER ELITE delivers on every level. We've got enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and a subversive rebellious undercurrent in a military setting. I absolutely adored it!

This book!!! just wow, I was captivated from the start, I loved the premise of the book and the plot and it was executed perfectly and I am soo happy that it is the first in a trilogy!!
The people on the continent are divided into two sectors - either Prime's or Modified (psychic abilities that ultimately mean death). The MFC Wren has managed to hide her psychic abilities as a telepath however when her uncle dies she ends up being forced to train for the Silver Block, a military sector who fight against the Modified, however she is fuelled with so much anger and hate she decides to work against the enemy and relay information back to the Uprising, from the inside, as no-one knows of her own abilities. This was sooo good, and I loved the romance between Wren and Cross Redden (the commanding officer) is fab and a perfect enemies to lovers, slow burn romance trope, and I love their banter.
The book was well written and the plot and characters were easy to follow, which is a thumbs up as usually world-building in the first book of a series can sometimes be a bit heavy but this was not.
Really excited for the next book!

This was phenomenal and totally worth the sleep deprivation haha. I'm still slightly in disbelief that this is a debut novel.

I had no idea what to expect from Silver Elite but grew increasingly intrigued by the cascade of 5 star reviews I kept noticing as I perused the selection of upcoming books for this year.

An enemies-to-lovers high-stakes adventure with a dystopian backdrop? Count me in!

Captivating from the get-go, we're introduced to Wren Darlington, a reckless headstrong FMC who happens to be one of the Modified - a subset of people previously exposed to a toxin that had led to them developing abilities, who as a result live in seclusion and hiding from the Prime (those who have no gifts and were unaffected), as well as their oppressive government and regime.
After a very traumatic event occurs in Wren's life, she's forced to join and train as a soldier for "Silver Block," an elite force within the military, who use all kinds of tactics in order to surpress Mods, as well as execute those who are considered a threat.

There, she encounters Cross Redden - ruthless, broody, yet cocky and attractive, who also happens to be one of the commanding officers for Silver Block. The chemistry between the two is off-the-scale, even from their initial run-in with each other, and despite Wren's mistrust towards Cross and everything that comes with his territory, the magnetic high tension between the two is unavoidable.

I felt all the emotions Wren was contending with; the attraction towards her swoonworthy commander, the devastation suffered over the loss of a loved one, the defiance to be free from a situation she cannot escape, and the pure anger and disgust she feels at the way the Modified have been treated and talked about. Wren is a character you just can't help but root for throughout, and I loved the bonds and relationships she formed with the other people surrounding her.

Despite the first instalment of this series being set in a limited number of locations throughout, there was not a single boring moment. Every single chapter felt necessary, and exhilarating. Every character, minor or otherwise, seemed important and multifaceted.
I loved the concept, the setting, how unique the story is and how beautifully the writing flows to the point every word and chapter has something worth staying up late for.

I've seen this book compared to Fourth Wing, which I'll admit I've never read, as well as The Hunger Games and Divergent, both series of which I didn't necessarily love either, but I guess I can see where the comparisons come from. I honestly think Silver Elite is unique in its own right, and I initially dived right into this without realizing it's the first part of a series. Part of me is kicking myself as waiting for the next book is gonna be a long and tough one.

5 full shining stars and a surefire reassurance that I will absolutely pick up the author's next book. Thank you so much to Netgalley and Random House Cornerstone for providing me with an e-ARC for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Just meh, overall I found the characters to be boring and one note. I also thought the storyline was quite predictable and not as good as the comps ones seen it compared to, such as Shatter Me and hunger games, however it's been compared to fourth wing and one dark window (surprisingly) to me which also makes sense, I didn't like fourth wing so I think it's a mixed bag. If you liked any of the four mentioned comps then this book may be for you, it just didn't work for me.

3.5 stars rounded down.

Silver Elite does nothing new, has a plot twist I predicted on page 30, and a protagonist who makes some of the most idiotic decisions I've seen in a while. Despite that, I found it hard to put down.

The writing style is nothing special (first person, present tense by the way) but not grating either. The romance bored me: it's based entirely on physical attraction until near the end, and without getting into spoilers, we still don't get to see how most of their emotional bond developed. The love interest's personality is also completely unchanged from the usual dominating romantasy archetype. There really was nothing interesting or original about him.

After listing all that it sounds like I didn't like this book at all, but after getting through the first 50 pages or so I flew through it. I think if you turn your brain off and just go along for the ride you can have a fun time with this. That said, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who really can't stand romantasy.

Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.

THIS BOOK! Dystopia is backkkkkkk

Now this was a chunky read but worth every page. Mystery and forbidden powers, an uprising, a handsome soldier 👀
This book brought it all with twists and turns along the way.

I loved the sci-fi elements to this with a toxin that promotes psychic gifts in those who aren’t immune. I loved Wren who is an incredible character. And the plot (*cough* Cross *cough*)

I cannot wait to see more of this series!!

A great read to avoid the book hangover that was left by Onyx Storm, and a promising series start from Francis.

I could make a lot of comparison's to other books for this one - though the marketing is saying "Fourth Wing meets The Hunger Games" - I was getting a sense of Red Queen, Divergent and Maze Runner too. It felt familiar, almost like a mash up of my favourite YA reads, but in a good way. The dystopian society depicted felt realistic and possible, as did the tensions between Mods and Primes. I can't wait to see how the next instalment plays out, and whether Cross and Wren can find a way back together from opposite sides of the conflict.

Without a doubt, a popular book this summer, and hopefully a signal of the dystopian trend making a come-back!

Absolutely loved this book, the relationship and the chemistry from the fmc and mmc was amazing throughout and this was so well written. Loved the competition elements as well as the twists and turns. Would highly recommend for anyone who loves enemies to lovers. Such a good book.☺️

I had mixed feelings about this book. On one hand it’s very readable and anyone who enjoyed teen dystopian back in the 2010s will feel a lot of nostalgia reading Silver Elite. However, considering this book is aimed at older readers I don’t think that the level of trauma the mc experiences over the course of the narrative is properly dealt with. Any time something bad happens to Wren she seems to bounce back very quickly into being perky and sarcastic. There’s being resilient and then there is a lack of realism which Silver Elite crosses into on many occasions.

Another issue is the insta lust thing that Wren and Cross have going on. It didn’t make a lot of sense to me that they would be all over each other so fast. Especially for Wren, who is supposed to have trust issues. There are couple of intimate scenes between them that took place after fairly horrendous personal traumas and it made very little sense for them to be getting it on, amongst other issues. This romance plot could definitely have benefited from a slightly slower burn.

When it comes to the side characters I mostly really liked them, but I couldn’t really get attached to Tana or Wolfe. Despite them being Wren’s closest friends they don’t really talk very often which I found strange. This blunted the impact of certain scenes later on for me. I loved Wren’s friendship with Lydie though. That story arc was the best for me when it reached its inevitable conclusion. I’m excited to see them come face to face in the future.

When it comes to the setting of the book though I really enjoyed it. The whole Prime and Mod conflict reminded me a lot of Divergent’s faction system in a very positive way. I also really liked the lore of Mod powers, like peoples mental voices and speaking voices not syncing up. That was very cool. I appreciated the nostalgia value of the world building whilst maintaining a unique storyline. Silver Elite is written in a style that makes it easy to burn through quickly which is the type of book I really enjoy reading. This could have been a 5* read from me if there weren’t so many issues with the character relationships and behaviour. However it was still very fun and I probably will read the sequel when it comes out.

This book was extremely addictive and fast paced - I tore through it in 48 hours. It has the perfect balance of making me feel nostalgic for 2010s YA dystopian novels whilst also having the vibes of popular romantasy books. I can see this being an instant fave on social media when it comes out and I'm eager for the sequel to find out what happens next to Wren and Cross.

This is my favourite book for some time! I really loved this storyline and twists and turns and I absolutely loved the main character and her personality reminded me of me!