Silver Elite By Dani Francis Book Review
Dystopian worlds mixed with steamy enemies-to-lovers romance? That’s exactly the vibe Dani Francis nails in Silver Elite, a book that’s either got people totally hooked or seriously divided.
So, what’s Silver Elite about? It’s a fast-paced adult dystopian romance set in a future split between normal people and those with psychic powers, called Modifieds, who are hunted by the oppressive Prime regime. The story follows Wren Darlington, a badass with four powerful psychic gifts, who’s forced into an elite military training team after being caught. Alongside her intense and cocky commander, Cross Redden, sparks fly amid danger, secrets, and betrayals. There’s action, political tension, a little rebellion brewing, and plenty of banter and slow-burn romance that keeps things simmering. The tone mixes gripping dystopia with spicy romantasy, making it a page-turner fans of Divergent, The Hunger Games, or Fourth Wing might enjoy, especially if you want something more adult and intense.
What really stands out? For many, it’s the characters, especially Wren, who’s confident, sarcastic, and complicated without being overly quirky, and Cross, whose charm and brooding vibe create some seriously delicious chemistry. The world-building feels just fleshed out enough, showing a tense, oppressive society but focusing mostly on Wren’s limited perspective. The unique psychic abilities add a fresh twist to the dystopian theme. Plus, the academy setting gives it that nostalgic early-2010s dystopian feel while keeping things modern and edgy. And if you’re into letters and test results as immersive extras, this book throws those in too!
Reader reactions are pretty split. Some rave about its addictive pacing, sharp dialogue, and emotional highs. Fans say it’s one of the best dystopian-romance blends in recent years, praising how it balances action, friendships, and romance without getting boring or repetitive. They love the enemies-to-lovers dynamic and the slow build-up of tension. On the other hand, some readers struggled, calling the world-building shallow, the romance either rushed or toxic, and criticizing how serious themes like oppression and trauma were handled. A few found Wren’s motivations inconsistent or irritating, and said the regime felt too vague or sanitized to seem real. There’s also controversy about some problematic scenes and how consent is portrayed, which definitely isn’t for everyone.
From my take? If you love dystopian settings but really want gripping, spicy romance with strong characters and lots of tension, Silver Elite is probably right up your alley. It’s fast, bingeable, and emotionally charged with enough plot twists to keep you guessing. But if you’re craving a dystopia with deep political intricacies, realistic takes on oppression, and nuanced moral dilemmas, this one might fall short. The romance is a major focus, sometimes to the story’s detriment, and it leans heavily into familiar romantasy tropes that won’t please everyone.
Overall, Silver Elite is the kind of debut that sparks big feelings, whether love or frustration, and clearly puts Dani Francis on the map as a voice to watch in dystopian romance. It’s perfect if you want a little bite of a high-stakes world, complex heroes, and a slow-burning forbidden romance with plenty of heat. If that sounds like your kind of story, definitely check it out. And hey, if you’ve read it, let me know what you thought!