“Silver Elite” by Dani Francis is taking the internet by storm. The dystopian romantasy novel has sparked a wave of discussion — from speculation about whether Dani Francis is a pseudonym to debates over how well the book fits within the dystopian genre. Controversies aside, Silver Elite earned glowing early reviews ahead of its May 2025 release. With dystopian fiction making a major comeback this year and romantasy dominating reader wishlists, its success isn’t entirely surprising. The novel ambitiously blends both genres — though whether it pulls that off is still up for debate.
Set in a world where Mods—individuals with psychic abilities—are hunted and oppressed, Silver Elite follows Wren Darlington as she fights to keep her powers hidden while being forced into military training. After her uncle is branded a traitor and executed, Wren is conscripted into Silver Block, her nation’s most elite combat program. There, she must maintain her cover while working to dismantle the very system that deems her existence a threat. But as she navigates the harsh realities of training and surveillance, Wren finds herself entangled in the web of her false identity—and in a growing connection with the enigmatic commanding officer, Cross Redden.
Many readers have noted that Silver Elite echoes the dystopian hits of the 2010s—Divergent in particular comes to mind. That nostalgic appeal is likely a big reason why so many flocked to the book following its May 6 release. However, post-publication reactions have been mixed. While some praise its fresh take on familiar tropes, others have pointed out its flaws, sparking debate across BookTok and beyond. Whether Silver Elite lives up to the hype may come down to what you’re hoping to find in it.
Silver Elite Is an Addictive Page-Turner
If there’s one thing Silver Elite excels at, it’s drawing readers in with ease. The world-building is accessible, with a clear and uncomplicated societal structure — perhaps even overly so at times. While veteran fantasy and dystopian readers might find the setting a bit too simplistic, newcomers to the genre will likely appreciate its straightforwardness. This simplicity allows the story to focus more on its characters, relationships, and central themes, making for an engaging and easy read.
Once the story gains momentum—which happens fairly early on—Silver Elite becomes undeniably gripping. With constant high stakes and a steady stream of twists, it’s a fast-paced read that’s hard to step away from. This is where the comparisons to A Court of Thorns and Roses and Fourth Wing start to make sense. While Silver Elite differs significantly from those romantasy powerhouses in many ways, it shares one key trait: it keeps readers hooked. Like its predecessors, it offers an entertaining, immersive experience that lingers long after the final page.
Dani Francis’ Silver Elite Shines More as Romantasy Than Dystopia
Silver Elite’s attempt to straddle both the romantasy and dystopian genres may be its most significant misstep—and it’s at the heart of many of the critiques the book has received. While Dani Francis nails many hallmarks of romantasy, the novel struggles to fully deliver on its dystopian premise. The romance itself isn’t particularly groundbreaking and could benefit from more development in the early chapters. However, as the story progresses, the forbidden love dynamic, sharp banter, and steamy moments hit their stride, offering plenty for romantasy fans to enjoy.
Unfortunately, Silver Elite focuses so heavily on relationships that it often sidelines the deeper discussions it could be exploring. While it’s not accurate to say the novel lacks dystopian commentary—the oppressive government ruling over Wren and Cross is evident, and there are clear references to greed, surveillance, and violence used to uphold the status quo—these themes remain surface-level. The story touches on these issues but doesn’t delve into them as deeply or thoughtfully as it might have.
Silver Elite Takes Some Questionable Turns
While Silver Elite has some notable strengths, it also makes questionable choices that are hard to justify—even if the overall reading experience is enjoyable. Reflecting its thin dystopian framework, the story tends to portray both sides of the conflict negatively, leaving readers uncertain about the intended message. Told from Wren’s point of view, the narrative seems to encourage rooting for the Uprising, yet we see them commit many objectionable acts. At the same time, Wren often shows sympathy toward the enemy, who are also described as reprehensible, creating a confusing moral landscape.
Ultimately, whether Silver Elite is worth reading depends on individual tastes and expectations. Readers seeking a deeply immersive and complex dystopian narrative might find it somewhat simplistic or juvenile. However, newcomers to the genre—or fans of romantasy—may appreciate it as a solid introduction. Those who enjoy a well-executed enemies-to-lovers romance with darker, intense moments will likely find plenty to enjoy in this blend of genres.
