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adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Considering everything I've heard about his book, I'm shocked that I actually kind of enjoyed it! This may not be the most original book out there, and it was fairly predictable, but it was fun and addictive. Honestly, this is probably one of the better romantasy books I've read recently. Though I'll admit the romance was a bit lacking. Cross didn't have much of a personality outside of brooding. Also, Wren made an extremely stupid decision near the end of the book that made no sense and really annoyed me. Despite this, I think I'll stick around for the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Drug use, Rape, Slavery
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The first 10 chapters are basically all the world-building and plot-setting. Once you get past that, all the fun Divergent/Dauntless training stuff begins. The book has a unique storyline that combines similar elements of both Hunger Games and Divergent; however, it favors the latter more.
Divergence = Mod / Modifiers (those with telepathic abilities)
Panem Districts = Wards (in alphabetical style; for example, Ward Z is basically farmland)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Grief, Murder
Moderate: Cursing, Self harm, Sexual assault, Torture, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Slavery
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Minor: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Explosive. Addictive. Utterly unforgettable.
Silver Elite was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025—and it absolutely lives up to the hype. This is the first book in a brand-new trilogy, and I’m already hooked. I honestly can’t wait to see where the story goes next—book two can’t come soon enough!
From the very first page, this book is a relentless, adrenaline-fueled ride through a dystopian world brimming with danger, desire, and devastating secrets. With a fierce heroine, a sexy and ruthless MMC, forbidden powers, a slow-burn romance, and betrayals that hit like a punch to the gut—you won’t be able to tear your eyes from the page.
It’s the kind of story that dares you to fall for the enemy… and bleeds you when you do.
If you’re a fan of the Divergent series, then this one needs to be on your radar.
---
From the very first page, this book is a relentless, adrenaline-fueled ride through a dystopian world brimming with danger, desire, and devastating secrets. With a fierce heroine, a sexy and ruthless MMC, forbidden powers, a slow-burn romance, and betrayals that hit like a punch to the gut—you won’t be able to tear your eyes from the page.
It’s the kind of story that dares you to fall for the enemy… and bleeds you when you do.
If you’re a fan of the Divergent series, then this one needs to be on your radar.
---
What to Expect:
âś… enemies to lovers
âś… psychic abilities
âś… secret identity
âś… military academy
âś… single POV
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use, Torture, Car accident
Minor: Sexual assault
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is me telling everyone to READ THIS BOOK!
I was fortunate to get an ARC of this book through NetGalley… and oh my god.
This book was MADE for the kids who have been trying to fill a hole in their life since they read Divergent and The Hunger Games in middle/high school. I was hooked from the very start. It truly gave me everything I didn’t know I needed.
The plot and writing was so good. I was on the edge of my seat for nearly the entire book. The characters were lovable yet flawed. The tension was *perfect* and I was internally screaming constantly.
I really appreciate that this book gave me everything I wanted from a dystopian novel, without feeling like it was coping other series that I’ve read. I felt like the plot twists and overall conflict was unique. Imagine your favorite dystopian novel from childhood, but turned on its head, and with spice!!!
I can’t say it enough how much I enjoyed this book and cannot WAIT for the next one. 5 stars. Read it ASAP!!
I was fortunate to get an ARC of this book through NetGalley… and oh my god.
This book was MADE for the kids who have been trying to fill a hole in their life since they read Divergent and The Hunger Games in middle/high school. I was hooked from the very start. It truly gave me everything I didn’t know I needed.
The plot and writing was so good. I was on the edge of my seat for nearly the entire book. The characters were lovable yet flawed. The tension was *perfect* and I was internally screaming constantly.
I really appreciate that this book gave me everything I wanted from a dystopian novel, without feeling like it was coping other series that I’ve read. I felt like the plot twists and overall conflict was unique. Imagine your favorite dystopian novel from childhood, but turned on its head, and with spice!!!
I can’t say it enough how much I enjoyed this book and cannot WAIT for the next one. 5 stars. Read it ASAP!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
“Our gifts aren’t always a gift, little bird. Sometimes, they’re a curse.”
Wow, you will think you understand the meaning behind this quote at the beginning of the book. But, you have no idea how much more meaning it will carry once you finish. I was at 50% of the book and then had to sit for the next 3.5 hours to finish it because I could not put it down.
This dystopian novel brings the same feeling you experienced after finishing the following series:
The Hunger Games
Divergent
Red Queen
Fourth Wing
X-Men
The world-building in this book is solid. I was able to follow along easily and didn’t feel the need to flip back to determine where the characters were or what was happening. Something I would love to see (and this is likely to appear in a future book, as there’s no way another book is not coming) is a more in-depth explanation of how Mods came to be (think The Maze Runner prequel).
This book had a mix of predictable, satisfying, and shocking plot twists. I definitely was entertained as each puzzle piece moved into place. Francis ultimately created a great depiction of a morally grey society. By the end of the book, I knew that there were more complexities behind each side (e.g., Mods, Primes, Abberants, etc.). Francis’ story allows her readers to begin making inferences about who really is good vs. who is bad. I have a feeling this will fluctuate a lot in future books.
Now, for my slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers enthusiasts, look no further because this is an excellent book for that. The tension that develops between the FMC and MMC is evident from the start, and it was enjoyable for me to provide commentary while reading and trying to guess when they would finally admit to having feelings for each other. However, my one qualm with the romance was that it felt a little unbalanced. It seemed to go from slow-burn tension, to the “F” it moment (which I always enjoy), to (in my opinion) unnecessary hookup moments, to a quick “I love you”. I think it would be very significant to create a better mix for the romance to truly capture the characters’ genuine feelings for each other.
Overall, this was a fun, entertaining, heart-pounding, out-loud gasping read that most dystopian readers will find themselves drawn to. I know that I can not wait to see what happens in the next installment.
Wow, you will think you understand the meaning behind this quote at the beginning of the book. But, you have no idea how much more meaning it will carry once you finish. I was at 50% of the book and then had to sit for the next 3.5 hours to finish it because I could not put it down.
This dystopian novel brings the same feeling you experienced after finishing the following series:
The Hunger Games
Divergent
Red Queen
Fourth Wing
X-Men
The world-building in this book is solid. I was able to follow along easily and didn’t feel the need to flip back to determine where the characters were or what was happening. Something I would love to see (and this is likely to appear in a future book, as there’s no way another book is not coming) is a more in-depth explanation of how Mods came to be (think The Maze Runner prequel).
This book had a mix of predictable, satisfying, and shocking plot twists. I definitely was entertained as each puzzle piece moved into place. Francis ultimately created a great depiction of a morally grey society. By the end of the book, I knew that there were more complexities behind each side (e.g., Mods, Primes, Abberants, etc.). Francis’ story allows her readers to begin making inferences about who really is good vs. who is bad. I have a feeling this will fluctuate a lot in future books.
Now, for my slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers enthusiasts, look no further because this is an excellent book for that. The tension that develops between the FMC and MMC is evident from the start, and it was enjoyable for me to provide commentary while reading and trying to guess when they would finally admit to having feelings for each other. However, my one qualm with the romance was that it felt a little unbalanced. It seemed to go from slow-burn tension, to the “F” it moment (which I always enjoy), to (in my opinion) unnecessary hookup moments, to a quick “I love you”. I think it would be very significant to create a better mix for the romance to truly capture the characters’ genuine feelings for each other.
Overall, this was a fun, entertaining, heart-pounding, out-loud gasping read that most dystopian readers will find themselves drawn to. I know that I can not wait to see what happens in the next installment.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief
Minor: Physical abuse, Torture, Blood, Vomit, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Alcohol
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is not a return to The Hunger Games as an adult—that would require some coherent interrogation of the genre it claims. But, y’all don’t wanna hear me, you just wanna dance.
Reasons for the one star:
Wren, our fmc, is a horribly unlikable person.
From the opening scene, we get a taste of Wren’s selfishness, superiority complex, and tendency to self-sabotage. While “escaping” from a one-night fling, she actively leads the guy on while telling everyone else how clingy he is. He is a Command soldier—part of the military oppressing her kind (Mods). She hates and fears Command soldiers, but also seemingly exclusively seeks them out as sexual partners?
I like a little brashness in a dystopian fmc (see: Katniss). However, Wren’s impulsivity is not due to a strong moral compass or sense of justice—she acts selfishly, and everyone around her has to deal with the fallout. She genuinely does not seem to have any forethought about the impact of her actions on others—they are all NPCs to her. We don’t learn much of anything about her supposed best friend, so their friendship isn’t believable. And of course all male characters are introduced by how hot Wren thinks they are instead of by normal physical descriptions.
I’m all for complex, varied, and even unlikable fmcs when it makes sense for the story. But there is no indication that the reader is supposed to be actively rooting against Wren as much as I was. She’s entirely unrelatable—and please, may this friendship never find me.
Cinder blocks and exposed pipes do not a dystopia make.
Silver Elite does the same thing I take issue with in many recent romantasy hits: the potentially interesting dystopian and sci-fi elements are an afterthought. They’re only developed and utilized insofar as is necessary to put the fmc and love interest into tropey scenarios (in the vein of playing Barbies as a kid and trying to make the Barbies kiss). I was truly intrigued by the promise of a dystopian world with an oppressive regime and an fmc with hidden abilities infiltrating the regime’s elite military squad. However, the author was clearly not interested in the political commentary that is inherent to the genre. For example, Wren notes that the Company is a “military machine” but its leader, the General, “has no need for politics or superfluous job titles.” This is just a bunch of handwaving to avoid the inherent politics of the world—partly because I think if the politics were explored at all, it’d be clearer that this is an unintentional villain origin story.
The romance = The Worst Couple You Know.
Wren and the main love interest are just terrible people being insufferable together and making it everyone else’s problem. It’s insta-lust, it’s toxic, it’s shallow. It’s 40 tropes in a book box special edition trench coat. The love interest has zero personality and is all inappropriate comments. (He’s also just really bad at his job?) And because the world building is generic and the stakes are not believable, the “enemies to lovers” is just giving sexual harassment in the workplace. This is copy paste the same romantasy couple we always get (right down to the tattoos and a certain special connection—iykyk).
Silver Elite is set to publish May 6, 2025, and is the first of a planned series.
eARC provided by NetGalley and Del Rey for review.
Reasons for the one star:
Wren, our fmc, is a horribly unlikable person.
From the opening scene, we get a taste of Wren’s selfishness, superiority complex, and tendency to self-sabotage. While “escaping” from a one-night fling, she actively leads the guy on while telling everyone else how clingy he is. He is a Command soldier—part of the military oppressing her kind (Mods). She hates and fears Command soldiers, but also seemingly exclusively seeks them out as sexual partners?
I like a little brashness in a dystopian fmc (see: Katniss). However, Wren’s impulsivity is not due to a strong moral compass or sense of justice—she acts selfishly, and everyone around her has to deal with the fallout. She genuinely does not seem to have any forethought about the impact of her actions on others—they are all NPCs to her. We don’t learn much of anything about her supposed best friend, so their friendship isn’t believable. And of course all male characters are introduced by how hot Wren thinks they are instead of by normal physical descriptions.
I’m all for complex, varied, and even unlikable fmcs when it makes sense for the story. But there is no indication that the reader is supposed to be actively rooting against Wren as much as I was. She’s entirely unrelatable—and please, may this friendship never find me.
Cinder blocks and exposed pipes do not a dystopia make.
Silver Elite does the same thing I take issue with in many recent romantasy hits: the potentially interesting dystopian and sci-fi elements are an afterthought. They’re only developed and utilized insofar as is necessary to put the fmc and love interest into tropey scenarios (in the vein of playing Barbies as a kid and trying to make the Barbies kiss). I was truly intrigued by the promise of a dystopian world with an oppressive regime and an fmc with hidden abilities infiltrating the regime’s elite military squad. However, the author was clearly not interested in the political commentary that is inherent to the genre. For example, Wren notes that the Company is a “military machine” but its leader, the General, “has no need for politics or superfluous job titles.” This is just a bunch of handwaving to avoid the inherent politics of the world—partly because I think if the politics were explored at all, it’d be clearer that this is an unintentional villain origin story.
The romance = The Worst Couple You Know.
Wren and the main love interest are just terrible people being insufferable together and making it everyone else’s problem. It’s insta-lust, it’s toxic, it’s shallow. It’s 40 tropes in a book box special edition trench coat. The love interest has zero personality and is all inappropriate comments. (He’s also just really bad at his job?) And because the world building is generic and the stakes are not believable, the “enemies to lovers” is just giving sexual harassment in the workplace. This is copy paste the same romantasy couple we always get (right down to the tattoos and a certain special connection—iykyk).
Silver Elite is set to publish May 6, 2025, and is the first of a planned series.
eARC provided by NetGalley and Del Rey for review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Torture, Murder, War
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Medical content, Dementia, Kidnapping, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail