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.

Silver Elite is #1 in a new dystopic romance series perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and Divergent. This was one of my top reads and I'd say its as good if not better than some of the more recent hyped romantasy series that seem to be all over BookTok. This one felt like the perfect mix of interesting and unique world building, complex and easy-to-relate to main characters, steamy and swoony romance and lots of action, adventure, thrills and more. I can't wait to read book #2 and hope its not too far away.

Review is up on Goodreads and will be posted on Amazon Australia on release day. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book.

Is dystopian fantasy coming back in? Because if so, I am absolutely here for it, and this book is perfect to kickstart my obsession again!

I devoured this book in less than a day. This book just gripped me almost instantly. There was a perfect balance of world building, introductions of characters and action right from the get go, and I found it so hard to put down!

Wren is such a bad*ss! I love a strong FMC (who doesnt?!) but there was something about her that made me really like her. Her upbringing was anything but conventional, and the challenges she faces in this book made for quite a tense read at times, but she just got on with it and I loved that. She had a tender side to her too which is shown through her conversations with Wolf.

Now, I can’t write a review about this book without mentioning Cross. He is just everything I want in a MMC. I don’t want to say too much more because I don’t want to drop too many spoilers, but I just can’t stop thinking about him.

The romance isn’t your traditional yearning slowburn. It’s more instant attraction, conflicting feelings slowburn, and it surprisingly worked well for me. The banter between them was just so funny and had me giggling like a schoolgirl with every interaction. I liked that their relationship started more on physical attraction which then progressed into feelings later on when other information is released to the both of them.

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤
•Dystopian World
•Forbidden Romance
•Enemies to Lovers
•Psychic Abilities
•Slow Burn
•Secret Identity / Undercover Agent

I really think that this book is going to be super popular on release, and I am so here for it 🙌🏻

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Del Rey for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻

wow this book!! I was so grateful to receive an ARC!! Amazing plot and great characters, i love a dystopian and they’re always very nostalgic and comforting for me having read divergent and the hunger games growing up and thus did not disappoint!! I cannot wait for more

Oh my god. This book. Absolutely adored it from top to bottom. This is so reminiscent of the old time (yes 10 years ago) dystopian books. I absolutely ate this up! The writing was good, the characters were fun and layered and I adored the main cast. I will absolutely scream about this book on my socials. If you have any physical arcs left I would love one in order to take some photos and videos for it.

Highly addictive dystopian book! Similar vibes to the hunger games but for adults. The powers/magic system was akin to xmen and it was highly enjoyable. Definitely the next big thing in this genre. Anyone who loves fourth wing would be thrilled with this.

This BOOK. omg😭🫶🏻 it took me straight back to the golden days of Divergent and Young Elites—you know, when dystopian fantasy was everything! This book brings that same addictive energy but with its own fresh, emotional punch. The world-building is razor-sharp, the stakes are high, and the twists? They’ll knock the breath out of you. I was literally SCREAMING!!

What sets this story apart is how deeply it gets under your skin. The characters are so layered, each decision cutting deeper than the last. I was OBSESSED with the emotional turmoil, the betrayals, the moments of hope that feel like holding onto a thread. One moment it was all fun and games, until it took a dangerous turn. Wren is such a reckless, but brave and loyal protagonist, with the most amazing set of skills! Every chapter left me guessing, and just when I thought I had it figured out—BOOM, Dani Francis hits you with another twist. ( i did foresee one twist tho, so I’m proud of myself 😅)

If you’re craving old-school dystopian vibes with a modern edge, complex characters, and a story that refuses to let go even after you’ve finished, Silver Elite is IT. My heart is wrecked in the best way possible. Where is book 2?😭

Thank you so much DelRey UK for the e-galley and NetGalley for providing it. My opinion is my own.

DNF @ 11% :( Really put off by the prose/writing style, just could not gel with it at all. Might be one to try re-reading at another time.

Silver elite
- dystopian vibes
- high stakes
- forbidden romance
- secret powers
- hidden identity
- vibes to the Shatter me saga + Fourth Wing

Dystopian obssesion, we are so back!!!
Silver elite has something that hooks you from the first chapter, especially if you are looking for a story with a fast pace and gripping action. The book follows Wren, who almost from the beginning is forced to train to be part of an elite military group in charge of keeping in line people within society who have powers such as telepathy and mind control, being the only problem that she is actually just one of those people and must do everything possible to keep her powers a secret.

The setting is very interesting, typical of military academies like Fourth Wing, there are different classes, training and tests that do not give a break and in which anything can happen, and no one is necessarily safe. There is ample room for intrigue, betrayal, and trying to figure out which side is really the correct one (if there is ant).

I found the romance very entertaining to read. The protagonists have the typical dynamic in which the almost immediate physical attraction is noticeable but none of them wants to give in and especially for her it is very difficult to justify what she feels for the one who must be her enemy, so there is plenty of tension and slow burn.

Now, in my opinion, the greatest strength of this book is also its greatest weakness. Focused on so much action I feel that the development of the relationships between the characters is neglected, causing certain betrayals and plot twists to not impress me as much as they should, and this is something that also includes certain aspects of the romance. There are plots that, felt rushed or with a weak foundation that needed it much more exploration.

In any case, I think this is going to be a mega popular book and that it has room to deepen and improve even more as the series progresses. It is very entertaining and impossible to put down until you finish it so I definitly reccommend.

As a Mod, someone with often very powerful psychic abilities, Wren Darlington is used to hiding in plain sight among those without powers, the Primes. Living a somewhat quiet life with her uncle on their ranch, with an occasional op or two for the Uprising, she makes a mistake that starts a chain of events she could never have expected.

Forced to join the military's elite Silver Block, Wren can take advantage of her new position to benefit the Uprising, to feed them information and fight back against the ones who want her and every other Mod dead. All she has to do is pass the tests and keep her powers hidden, but her commanding officer Cross Redden is frustrating in his cockiness, and even though she shouldn't be, she's drawn to him, and it could jeopardise everything.

I must've read this so fast, I was honestly hooked from the first page. Enemies to lovers? Check. Fantasy and dystopian world? Check. Slow burn? Check. Psychic abilities? Check. Competitive vibes? Check. Absolutely everything I love in a book and it didn't disappoint. 

The plot is perfectly paced and never felt rushed, and there's so much to learn not just about FMC Wren, but the side characters too. There's no long paragraphs of info dumping the world building either, it all just flows together and creates more than enough to imagine the world Wren is in.

I'm still shook this is a debut, and I cannot wait for the next book. The author has easily made it onto my favourites list! This is definitely going to become popular when it's released, it appeals to so many, but if like me you're still longing for the dystopian worlds of Divergent, The Hunger Games, and Red Queen, Silver Elite can easily ease it (just know it's not YA and it doesn't pretend to be).

Expect to see me hyping this up to, and beyond its release date! 



Did I like the book? Yes!

Did I love it? Yes!

Would I recommend it? Without a doubt. Catch me on instagram recommending this to everyone.

Fourth Wing meets Shatter Me.
Want to go back to the 2010s dystopian trend but as an adult? Read this new adult romance fantasy.

After a biotoxin ravaged the continent, people are divided between Primes and Modified - those with psychic gifts, basically a death sentence.
Wren is a telepath, trained to hide her powers and lie to everyone. When her uncle is executed, she is recruited by Command (she hates nothing more) to train for their most elite Silver Block. Filled with vengeance, she is determined to work behind enemy lines and feed information back to the Uprising.

This reminded me of Fourth Wing. We have a hot, dangerous, cocky commanding officer. We have found family, teasing, dangerous trials. We have high tension, sizzling physical chemistry. A highly intelligent and driven heroine.

<b>“Lack of coordination. Insolent attitude. No upper body strength or combat instincts.
Borderline useless."
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Captain. I'm sure you possess some redeeming qualities."
"That's Ford's opinion of your fighting skills."
</b>
The division of people, the control of populace, designations, and fear mongering reminded of childhood favourites such as The Hunger Games and Divergent.

What I didn’t like:
I wasn’t a huge fan of how quickly Cross and Wren felt this undeniable attraction. There isn’t much emotional connection but they get hot and heavy.

I found the twist extremely predictable, but I did like the end and the set up for the next book! Waiting for the next book will be tense.

<b>“You’re not timid or weak, Dove. You’re a firestorm, and you’re going to burn everything in your path if you don’t learn how to restrain yourself.”
</b>
I do think this will take booktok by storm like Fourth Wing.

Arc gifted by Random House Cornerstone.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/booksblabbering/">Bookstagram</a>

When I received the notification to say I had been accepted for an ARC I was so happy. The minute I read the synopsis I was hooked. I just had to read it. I can throughly say I wasn’t disappointed one bit. Not only is the FMC extremely likeable but the story and plot is so unique and gripping. I honestly could not put the book down.