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.

Such a great read, fast paced and action packed.
This is the type of book that is pure escapism and keeps you wondering about what comes next.
Can't wait for the second installment.

I had high hopes going into this and it was even better than I thought it would be! Everything in this book was great. Perfect amount of world building, I wasn’t confused about Primes and Modifieds, and understood how the society was structured. I loved how each character was fully developed, even side characters who were only written in a handful of times. Wren and Cross were fantastic main characters. I was interested in both of them and both of their backstories. Their relationship was complex and kept me invested. And the ending…I need to know more. Such an amazing start to the trilogy, I can’t wait to read the rest!

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

I applied for this ARC on a whim because I sometimes I really miss that whole dystopian craze—and that turned out to be a great decision because this one definitely brought me back to the feeling I got from reading those. It felt reminiscent of Shatter Me, while still feeling fresh enough to make me feel like I was reading an original story, and not a recycled one like so many dystopias are now.

I actually ended up enjoying the romance much more than I expected too. Their relationship development was really well-paced and made me genuinely invested in the couple.

I will say, I definitely thought this played i to the whole “I’m-so-special-everyone-is-obsessed-with-me” nonsense, with the way nearly every guy that interacted with her thirsted after her, but in the books defense, would it really be nostalgic of our favorite 2014 dystopian books if it didn’t?

The world building was also pretty easy to follow which is always nice — the biggest question I had is what on earth is a “quat” and why is it their only insult. I would have appreciated more background on the world’s history, but the foundation provided here was solid, and I think the rest will be explained in future books.

One of my favorite aspects was the story’s willingness to take risks: main characters aren’t safe, and there’s plenty of betrayal. This really kept me on my toes, and a few moments genuinely surprised me. However, I did predict one of the major twists about a character’s identity early on — before chapter two, even. Still, the mix of surprises, betrayals, and intense stakes kept it from feeling too predictable.

Another thing I didn’t really care for the number of sex scenes (there were four or five for the record). They weren’t poorly written, but I didn’t feel they were all necessary. For readers who enjoy a balance of romance and action, though, these scenes may be a great addition.

Overall, this turned out to be a really present surprise. It’s a good addition to the dystopian genre and a solid debut for sure, and I’m one hundred percent interested in where the story is headed in any future books!


Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Worlds for providing with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

🅞🅥🅔🅡🅐🅛🅛 🅡🅐🅣🅘🅝🅖: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆~

ARC review ✨
5/5⭐️
1.75/5 🌶️

If you like:
🩶 sci-fi/fantasy
🩶 dystopian world
🩶 enemies to lovers
🩶 slow burn
🩶 top tier plot twists
🩶 uprising/rebellions

Then you will love this book.

I seriously loved this book. I don’t typically read dystopian/sci-fi type books but this was amazing.

I loved the romance in it. Truly gave me butterflies at times! There was spice but it was pretty tame and minimal overall which was totally fine! The tension and romance was enough.

The side characters were wonderful and brought a lot to the story and its overall development.

It was action-packed and engaging. A true page turner.

THE TWISTS. Okay, one I saw coming but even guessing that beforehand, it still had a satisfying reveal. All the other twists, though?! Had me shooketh. Especially the ending.

Holy moly, I cannot wait for book 2!

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Worlds, and Del Rey for access to this ARC!

Well that was everything I ever want in a book.

If One Dark Window and Fourth Wing had a love child with a badass FMC, set in a dystopian world, it would be Silver Elite.

When tragedy strikes Wrens ranch on the outskirts of her small town, she embarks on a journey to save the man who raised her. She finds herself trapped in military training and in a battle of wills with the (hot) Captain of her new unit. But is he who he says he is? Is anyone?

Who can Wren trust when shes spent her life hiding the most dangerous parts of herself. The walls are closing in and she must do what is necessary to stay alive.

I consumed this book in one night. I’m talking 10pm to 4am. I could. Not. Put. It. Down.

Wren gives us strength, attitude, competence and heart. Everything I ask for in a FMC. Cross is just *chefs kiss* gosh I don’t even know what to say about Cross except that he’s taken top Book Boyfriend spot and i don’t know if he’ll ever be surpassed. He’s everything.

The supporting characters are also incredible, full of dimension and just so damn likable.

Twists and turns around every corner make this book hard to put down, paired with the slow burn enemies to lovers and its addictive.

This book had me in a chokehold from page one, it had me kicking my feet and giggling, and it had me on edge: basically everything I ask a book to provide when I pick it up.

I absolutely loved it and cannot WAIT for book two!

Thank you netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

AHHHH I am absolutely obsessed. I absolutely devoured this book. It's giving...shatter me x fourth wing. It's everything I want in a romantasy: hidden powers, slow burn romance, found family, twists and turns, a strong FMC, an mmc down SO BAD for the FMC. I ate it up and wish I could forget and reread it again. This is my top read of 2024 thus far.

This was strong start to the series, it had that element that I was looking for in a dystopian romance. The plot worked well and enjoyed the overall psychic gifts in this. The characters were everything that I was looking for and enjoyed how they worked in this universe. It left me wanting to read more in this series and was engaged with the world. Dani Francis has a great writing style and am excited for more.