I really really enjoyed this book. I knew from the blurb that it was right up my alley. I loved this take of a dystopian romance. Overall a solid 4 star read for me.

Early 2000s YA paranormal romance has grown up in this spicy adult fantasy. If you loved Vampire Academy, Shatter Me, and Divergent, but wanted them in the style of Forth Wing, this book is for you.

SILVER ELITE has a military setting, a girl with immense powers she has to hide, enemies to lovers, training sequences, covert ops, a lot of guns, a lot of deaths, fast-paced action, high stakes, etc.

It's 1st person POV, so you spend the book inside the head of Wren Darlington. She's 20 years old and hiding her paranormal abilities. She's the stereotypical tough girl: best shooter, emotionally avoidant, cocky, always has a sassy comeback.

The drive of the story is the romance and action. The world-building, character development, and emotional payoff come second.

TW for sexual assault (off page) and mentions of suicide and suicidal ideation.

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey (Random House) for the chance to read and review.

I've read a thousand iteration of this plot. It has all the overused, overly done tropes. It's cliché. It's predictable. But somehow it all works? I don't know why? But it just does? Because I can't remember the last time I stayed awake past 2am just to read a book.

I have to say what I love most has got to be the banter. Wren gives as good as she gets. And the chemistry between her and Cross? Sizzling. I love me those open door scenes. So if you're looking for spice, Silver Elite has some of that.

I had a bit of an issue with everyone just wanting to get in the FMC's pants. Yes I get it. You're gorgeous. You're special. Now stop reminding me.

Like I've said Silver Elite is quite predictable. One of the "big reveals" if you could call it that, I've guessed from the start. Also some of the other "big reveals". The last 10% though was a little chaotic. And I loved it. I resigned myself to not reading the sequel (I didn't think I would miss much) but the last 10% made me change my mind. There are so many more secrets to uncover. Especially when it comes to Wren's parentage and her abilities. And there seems to be a lot more about Mods we don't know about. I also have a strong feeling there's going to be a love triangle in the horizon? Hunger Games style. I won't like it one bit but I just know it's going to be there.

Overall, I think this was a good read. There's something about the writing style that made me want to keep reading. That or I was just in the right mood for this exact kind of book. Whatever the reason I'm happy that I enjoyed reading Silver Elite. It's been a long time since I sincerely felt that way for a new author. These days I've been rereading favorites because I've been picking up and putting down books left and right.

If this book's on your radar I say go for it. And I hope you enjoy the read!

Love this book cover to cover. The twist the turns. New information came you turning pages for more. It's everything you want in a dystopian plot but with a hate you love you romance plot. I need a second book!!

thanks netgalley and random house for the eArc!
This book is literally exactly what you would expect but I enjoyed the hell out of this. It was a fun dystopian with an easy writing style. You will get a set up similar to Fourth Wing, character wise too, with a brush of the Shatter Me world but you make it somehow hornier. But like less romantic. These are the vibes I got.
Know that I love both series and have been itching for some dystopian. If these broad strokes appeal to you then you'll love this story as much as I did.

Silver Elite is the start to a new dystopian series that is reminiscent of Shatter Me and Fourth Wing. The story follows Wren, a secret 'Mod', who has to hide her powers to keep herself alive as she enrols in an elite military academy. What follows is a journey of self-discovery, friendship and romance!

I really enjoyed reading Silver Elite. Although similar dystopian-style stories have been done before, I was engaged throughout. Most of the characters surrounding Wren were easy to root for, although Wren herself sometimes fell into the "sassy main character" stereotype. I felt that the relationship between FMC and MMC was a little bit underdeveloped and relied on instant physical attraction at first. This isn't something that I prefer, personally. However, I am looking forward to seeing how it plays out throughout the rest of the books.

The world-building was good. It was interesting to read about a world where the power had historically shifted several times between the oppressors and oppressed, as this is not particularly common in the genre. Revelations about the world unfolded at a good pace and set the scene well for the next book. The general pace of the story was good, too. Dani Francis was able to create an engaging balance between describing quick training/action scenes and knowing when to skip time.

I would recommend Silver Elite to anyone looking to relive their 2010s dystopian era, or anyone looking for a fun and fast-paced read.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review!
4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2/5 🌶️🌶️

I LOVED this book! I can't wait for it to be published.

Silver Elite is perfect for readers that loved Fourth Wing, Divergent, and Shatter Me. It's a dystopian romance where our FMC, Wren, is one of the most powerful "Mods" (psychics) in existence and is forced into a deadly training program for an elite military group. Forced to hide her powers while venturing deep into enemy territory to aid a rebel uprising, she accidentally starts to fall for the son of her greatest enemy.

What I loved:
⭐️Dystopian, apocalyptic world
⭐️A well built fantasy system that isn't overly complex
⭐️Love triangle (ish)
⭐️Brutal and deadly training program
⭐️All the secrets, deception, and betrayal

What I'm hoping gets tweaked before publishing:
• The slang was so cringy at times. I'm looking at you "fects", "hellfuck", "quat", and "keen" 👀
• I wish I loved her uncle more in the first 10%. A heartwarming story of their time in the Blacklands would have made his character richer than just prickles. He is a bit of a victim of first person narrative - just trust that he loves her, cause damn we did not see it. But hey, maybe she didn't, we didn't see all that much remorse 🤷🏻‍♀️
• Wren and Cross's relationship comes across as lust and surface level for a majority of the book with unimaginative open door scenes that are very skipable, it would have been nice to have seen some depth to their relationship upfront or to have seen conflicting feelings towards Wolf to explain a much deeper relationship/love later

I loved this book so much! Silver Elite by Dani Francis was such a good read! I recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good.

I'm finding it tough to rate Silver Elite by Dani Francis. Is it the most original or perfectly written? No. But did it pull me out of a nearly month long reading slump? Absolutely.

This completely gives Fourth Wing/Divergent vibes, with the whole 'recruited into an elite fighting squad and in love with my trainer and I have special powers' aspect, so fans of that trope will have a good time here. I know I did. The first person present narration is never my favorite, because it always relies too heavily on telling not showing, and I often DNF books like that. But I got hooked pretty quickly and even though it slowed a little in the middle, it was such a fun and quick read that I was compelled to keep going. Like I said, reading slump snapped, finally!

If you've read anything even remotely in the genre before, you'll find this utterly predictable but sometimes, that's just what I need. 3.5, rounding up to 4 for being the right read at the right time.

Wow that was a fun ride! This book was extremely binge-able and I was shocked it’s this authors first book.

We meet Wren Darlington who is hiding her physic ability using all the tools her “Uncle” taught her. She is forced into the most elite training program and her commanding officer just happens to be Cross Reden. The son of the general and the one she can’t take her eyes off of.

This book was exciting, fast paced, and had me questioning where the author was going to take it.

I think one of my only drawbacks is all the men were obsessed with our main character (even if they hated her) which is done in other books and always bugs me.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC!

2 stars ⭐️

Hmmm I had such a hard time diving into this and really getting hooked, which is why it took me so long to finish it. Idk, we’ve just seen the story a million times and this one’s writing and characters just don’t stick

I've been on a big dystopian kick lately, so I was excited when I read this description. It has a great premise, and the worldbuilding is well done, but the romance is a little disappointing. It was still a great book; the characters are great, the suspense had me reading until well past the point I should have gone to bed, and the writing at times was maybe a little bulky but got better the further you got in the book. I would highly recommend it!

This book introduces a sizzling and high-stakes dystopian world where a girl's psychic abilities can lead to her death. Wren Darlington is both fierce and gentle. Her wit and keen observations have saved her over and over again. She lives in a society where you learn quick that no one can be trusted and Command is always watching. Wren makes the mistake of helping a boy from the village, which catches the Command's attention and rips her life into pieces. She is now forced to join Command in the Elite Silver Block and trained as a soldier. What Command doesn't know about Wren is that she has powerful psychic abilities and is working with the Uprising to bring them down.

If you loved the training aspect of Fourth Wing and the political intrigue of Hunger Games, this is your book. The world is set against a backdrop of rebellion and constant danger, adding complexity and tension. The plot accelerates as she infiltrates the enemy's ranks, adrenaline-pumping scenes that feature deadly confrontations. The romance between Wren and her enemy, Cross Redden, injects a spicy dynamic into the story. Their relationship is a mix of tension and attraction in a complex power struggle. Cross and Wren's forced proximity keeps the romantic thread entertaining and well-paced.

The book starts with a bang and never lets up. I think this series could be the breakout of the year. I am very excited to see where the author takes us next. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Random House World, Del Rey

that's enough of that.

at times, it felt a little too borrowed from fourth wing, divergent, and darkest minds. I would have liked to see some more originality thrown in.

I did not appreciate the love interest's immediately flirtation and physical touch. It was much too early in the progression of their budding relationship for that to happen.

"Where I come from you don't touch a woman without her consent. In other words, don't touch me again without my permission."

"Or what?"

this dialogue as well as some of the male love interest's behavior felt extremely icky to me.

This book absolutely stunned me. Wren’s journey from hiding in the shadows to walking a razor’s edge in enemy territory had me hooked. The chemistry between Cross and Wren is so potent, it’s like a spark just waiting to catch fire, and the author doesn’t rush it; she builds it up until you’re practically holding your breath. It’s all woven together with this seamless, gripping prose that carries you through both the adrenaline and the quiet moments of vulnerability. There’s such a haunting beauty in this dystopian world, and yet, it’s the raw, emotional connection you feel with Wren that makes this story unforgettable. The writing is lush, intense, and absolutely addictive. And, I’m already craving the next in the series.

Thank you, Netgalley and Publishers, for an ARV copy for my reading in exchange for my honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5!!

Yes, the first 5% of reading was a bit challenging due to writing errors, but going forward, it smoothed out!! And I'm so glad I kept reading!

Alright, let me just say that Silver Elite grabbed me from the first chapter and didn’t let go. I went in expecting a solid romance, but this book delivered a mix of heat, suspense, and unexpected twists that had me hooked. Dani Francis has created a world that feels both luxe and dangerous—where secrets are currency, and trust is rare.

Plot Vibes (No Spoilers Here): Imagine stepping into a world of hidden power dynamics, where everything and everyone is a little dangerous, and nobody’s motives are quite clear. The plot is like a labyrinth of secrets that pulls you deeper with each chapter. Just when I thought I’d figured out where things were going, the story hit me with a twist that had me turning pages even faster. It’s the kind of book where the romance and mystery are perfectly blended, giving you this edgy, almost forbidden vibe that’s seriously addictive.

Characters & Chemistry: So, about Evelyn—she’s not your typical lead. She’s fierce but layered, with this complex energy that makes her feel unpredictable in the best way. Evelyn’s strength is subtle and magnetic; she’s resilient, sharp-witted, and has a kind of quiet, unapologetic confidence that makes her stand out. She’s got this unique mix of elegance and fire like she’s always one step ahead but not afraid to get her hands dirty. And then there’s Luca. He’s intense, magnetic, and has this almost dangerous allure that’s both thrilling and unnerving. Their chemistry? Pure, unfiltered tension. The way they interact is electrifying, with an undeniable spark that feels raw and authentic.

Spice Level: I’d say the spice here is a solid 3.5/5—enough to keep the heat high, but tasteful and well-timed. There’s a subtlety to their intimacy that makes the tension build slowly, creating a connection that feels earned rather than instant. Their dynamic is intense and charged, and every moment between them is filled with that “will they or won’t they” energy that keeps you glued to the page.

What I Loved: This book nailed the balance between romance and suspense. I loved how the plot didn’t just rely on the romance; there’s a whole world of intrigue, tension, and secrets that make the story feel rich and unpredictable. Dani Francis knows how to throw in just enough twists to keep you guessing without feeling lost. The pacing was spot-on, and I didn’t feel like any moments dragged. Plus, the world she’s created here—this underworld of glamour and hidden dangers—felt so immersive. It’s like stepping into a high-stakes world that you know could turn on a dime.

Who Would Love This Book: If you’re into romantic suspense with a darker edge, or if you’re drawn to stories where chemistry meets mystery, Silver Elite is right up your alley. Fans of authors like Meghan March or J.T. Geissinger will feel right at home here. Evelyn and Luca’s connection is intense and gritty, perfect for readers who like their romance with a little extra bite.

Final Thoughts: Silver Elite is an addictive read that keeps you on your toes. It’s thrilling, sexy, and has the perfect balance of grit and glamour. Dani Francis did an incredible job with this one, and I’m already hoping for more from her. Five stars, hands down!

3.5/5 stars! I really enjoyed this book; I'm a big fan of dystopian novels especially ones with a military element as I always think it's interesting to explore. I also appreciated that this book had unique worldbuilding and I loved the pacing of it. The romance fell a bit flat for me because I wasn't into it from page one, so when the romantic scenes appeared, I wasn't emotionally attached to them to truly enjoy it. I did come into this book expecting a dystopian romance in the same vein as a romantasy, but I think because such major elements of the romance fell flat for me, it impacted my enjoyment of the book. However, ignoring the romance, the book is utterly enjoyable and exciting, the pacing is really good, and I love the dystopian setting and plot.

I got about 10 pages into this book before deciding it was too unbearable to read. Definitely a book suited for Wattpad, not for print.

4 ⭐️
📚 Release Date: May 2025 (This is 100% worth a preorder)

✔️ Dystopian / Post Apocalyptic Fantasy
✔️ Military Training Program Setting
✔️ Genetic Mutations 🧬
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Forbidden Romance
✔️ Slow Burn
✔️ Steam & Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✔️ Similar Books: Fourth Wing, Defy the Night, The Prison Healer, The Divergent Series

If you’re into dystopian settings, high-stakes action, and all the undercover drama...highly recommend.

My Overall Thoughts
**MINOR SPOILERS BELOW**

Plot: 🔥🕵️‍♀️
It's giving spy thriller meets dystopian survival. Wren’s undercover mission inside the elite Silver Block gives her (and us) the perfect look at both sides of the war...and the twists? Some are predictable, but others hit hard. Warning: This ends on a cliffhanger that’ll make you want to launch your Kindle across the room 📱➡️ 🧱. (don't, it’s not worth it.)

Characters:
▪️ Wren: Resilient, and totally chaotic. Big heart. Super fierce.
▪️ Cross: Broody, maddening, and magnetic. You’ll love to hate him, then hate to love him. 😤💖
▪️ Everyone else: Good luck keeping track of who's actually loyal and who's about to backstab—plot twists are super twisty. Be careful who you get attached to 😉....

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
For enemies-to-lovers and forced-proximity fans. Wren and Cross are the definition of slow-burn, with all the simmering tension you could hope for. There's definitely insta-attraction / lusty vibes (NOT to be confused with insta-love...this is definitely a slow burn). Solid blend of steam and spice.

Writing Quality: ✍️
▪️ The Detractors: I had a hard time with the first 10% of this book. The writing & character dialogue felt a bit clunky at times, and there were obvious typos (this is an ARC, so maybe it'll get another round of editing). HOWEVER, something completely shifts around the 20% mark..smooth sailing the rest of the way. The enemies-to-lovers and military training camp tropes are executed well, but they’re also very familiar, which makes some parts feel predictable / routine.
▪️ Strengths: You're thrown right into the action. Pacing is solid, and the world-building?👌. The suspense is delicious and will keep you up all night (seriously, don’t start this at 11 p.m.—rookie mistake). 😴

Emotional Impact: 💥💔
Straight-up palpitations 💓. Wren’s fight for survival and the constant risk of discovery had me high-key stressing out 🫠. Action, tension, and just enough vulnerability to pull at your heartstrings.

As a reader of fantasy this book was a great change! Silver elite had me addicted from start to finish the female main character was well-crafted, and I found myself drawn to her strength,resilience and complexity. I also loved that the interactions between the characters in this book were engaging and felt genuine.

The world-building in Silver Elite is easy to understand and the places described are fascinating! making it an intriguing backdrop for the story. I could easily envision the dystopian society in which the characters live and struggle.

One of the standout features of this book is the dynamic between the male and female lead.Their chemistry and their relationship development kept me eagerly turning the pages.

The main plot twist was sweet and tugged at my heartstrings, and the additional twists and turns, I thought were interesting and got me excited to read the next novel.

Overall, Silver Elite is a great read for fans of dystopian romance. Or even just fans of romance. It delivers a perfect blend of strong, interesting characters, a fascinating world, and an unforgettable storyline. It had me shocked, angry, happy but most of all... I was hooked!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 star
🌶️🌶️ 2 spice
Highly recommended! Thank you Net galley for sending me this Ark Read.