4.5 ⭐️ Maybe it was a right book at the right time situation but I really loved this one. Think Basgiath in a world like Shatter Me, the main character (Wren) ends up in a situation right at the beginning of the book that forces her to join an elite military squad that fight against people who developed abilities like telepathy, healing, mind-reading, etc. The only problem is that she’s one of them 😁

The setting is super intriguing and really gave me the same vibe I had reading Fourth Wing. I loved the characters but I felt personally betrayed (twice!!!!!) at the end, tbh I always thought that one character was kinda sus but the other one???? I didn’t see that coming at all

The romance is good but could be better, I felt like they spent more time apart than together and I really wanted to see more of their development. The Wolf thing was a bit too obvious but that’s okay bc I wasn’t expecting much from that either (but I do find this connection suspicious 👀)

Anyway, this book was a huge surprise bc even with high expectations it still managed to surprise me, I can’t wait for book two 😭 Thank you Netgalley & Random House for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review :)

Thanks to NetGalley and Del Ray for providing me with an ARC Kindle edition of "Silver Elite" by Dani Francis, in exchange for an authentic review.

Silver Elite is a gripping dystopian fantasy novel that takes readers into a world where danger, secrecy, and suspense interweave to create a thoroughly immersive experience. Like the Divergent series, it introduces a society marked by supernatural abilities, with strict hierarchies and shadowy power structures, but author Francis manages to make the familiar feel refreshingly unique. At the center of it all is Wren, our fierce and enigmatic heroine, an outsider to her core. She’s not just different—she's different in a way the rulers declare dangerous, and she's desperate to keep those differences hidden when revealing them could mean certain death. Wren's world isn't kind to people with her mental powers, and she must continuously work to remain invisible.

The power structure in Silver Elite is controlled by a massive ruling organization with questionable ethics, prone to using cruelty and manipulation to maintain its grip on society. When Wren is unwillingly forced to their side, her military training team includes a complex mix of fierce rivalries and fragile alliances, which adds to the tension simmering beneath the surface. Relationships are far from straightforward here; alliances shift, and characters often conceal their true intentions, forcing Wren into an even deadlier game of strategy, forcing her to constantly be one step ahead of everyone else as the stakes become even higher.

Then there’s the slow-burning tension between Wren and her superior officer Cross, who is both smoking hot and maddening. The attraction between them is intense, but it's fraught with complications, especially given his position in her direct chain of command. Francis carefully builds this dynamic, infusing their interactions with a charged chemistry that makes you root for them even as you wonder whether such a relationship is even possible, given Wren's secrets and Cross' position in their ruthless world. But Cross isn't just a love interest; he's a key player in a much larger game, and like Wren, he may have secrets of his own.

Wren's quest for survival leads her into a labyrinth of intrigue and deception, and as she learns more about her own hidden origins, the stakes escalate. Though I managed to guess the identity of Wolf early on, Francis surprised me with several jaw- dropping twists that kept me on my toes, revealing that there's far more to this story than meets the eye.

And then, just as the story reaches a fever pitch, Francis drops a maddening cliffhanger. The ending leaves you desperate for more, cursing the wait for the next installment. I found myself completely absorbed, turning pages late into the night, eager to unravel the mysteries surrounding Wren and her world.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Silver Elite, and it earns a solid four stars. Here’s hoping the sequel is on its way soon- because this series has me absolutely hooked!

Omg loved it, just wow. I loved the MMC & FMC so much. Fabulous enemies to lovers, can't get over those twists and turns. A must read!

love love love.
an enemies to lovers slow burn? yes. an enemies to lovers slow burn with this much tension and chemistry? ABSOLUTELY YES.

it gave me divergent vibes, but more adult. the plot twists weren’t really shocking for me as i saw them coming but either way they were super fun so read so it didn’t really matter!

really love dani’s writing style. i would definitely recommend!!

instagram review to follow*

This book is my new obsession. It is a must read book-- I devoured it in one night. For those of you who might be like me and have been craving a book with the EXACT same vibes as Shatter me, Divergent and The Darkest Minds, but adult and with spice, this is the book for you. I cannot emphasize how much I loved this!!

Silver Elite is an adult dystopian book with a FABULOUS enemies-to-lovers romance. Our main character Wren Darlington is a silverblood, also known as a Mod, a subset of the population who was exposed to a toxin and developed psychic abilities. Silverbloods are hunted down by the oppressive Continent regime.

Wren's got some of the standard psychic gifts--telepathy, mind reading, etc.--but has one gift that is so powerful and feared that, if discovered, results in immediate execution. To give a little hint that's not a really spoiler because it's revealed early on... think "orange ability" from The Darkest Minds.

After a devastating event unfolds, Wren is forced to join the Silver Block, the most elite branch of the military. Similarly to in Divergent or the Fourth Wing, Wren then has to undergo brutal training on all styles of combat, classroom education, and tactics to suppress Mods - each recruit is given scores based on performance. All the while, Wren has to conceal her powers in an increasingly hostile environment.

Enter Cross Redden, the Silver Block commanding officer and most importantly the son of the Continent's cruel general. Cross is also ruthless - walled-off, broody, strict, and seemingly heartless/emotionless... Wren and Cross's chemistry is explosive. They utterly loathe each other, especially as Wren continuously breaks the rules and gets herself dragged into his office. Wren is so feisty and doesn't take any crap from anyone, but he matches her energy. Cross literally punishes her so many times and they are constantly threatening each other. Chef's kiss. When the slow-burn lust heats up, seeing Wren start to crack through armor is absolutely delicious. Their banter is also unmatched and I lived for every second of it.

I will admit, I saw one of the plot twists coming the second it was introduced early on and I was so, so excited to see when the reveal would come. When I tell you the last portion of the book had me foaming at the mouth. This is one of those books where both the plot and romance are top-tier, and I just couldn't get enough of it. The writing is immaculate and the story delivers on all fronts. I'll say it again, this is a MUST READ book!!

Thank you so much to Del Rey and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this ARC! 📚