Silver Elite

Silver Elite cover
Good Books rating 3.7

Technical:
  • ID: 539
  • Added: 2025-09-14
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9781804950739
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-05-06
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 4

Set 150 years after a biotoxin nearly wiped out humanity, the world is split between the immune Primes and the psychic-enhanced Mods, who face persecution and death. Wren Darlington, a Mod with rare abilities, has lived in hiding while secretly supporting the rebel Uprising against the oppressive Prime-led regime. When captured and forced to join the elite Silver Block military unit that hunts people like her, Wren gains a dangerous opportunity to strike from within. As Wren trains and fights to survive among her enemies, she must keep her powers hidden and resist the intense attraction to Cross Redden, her cocky and compelling commanding officer. Their slow-burning romance complicates her mission as war escalates, secrets unravel, and Wren must decide how far she will go to protect herself and the future of the Continent. This sizzling dystopian romance blends psychic warfare, betrayal, and high stakes in a world where trust is deadly and love is forbidden.

Reviews
Bossy Bookworm · 2025-09-14
compelling 4.00

The novel features a compelling mix of dystopian elements, elite training, and complex social conflicts, with a slow-burning romance that avoids typical genre pitfalls.

The reviewer was drawn to the novel despite usually preferring fantasy and romance to be separate, finding the story’s elite training and magical abilities intriguing. They appreciated the nuanced portrayal of class conflict and the slow development of the romance between Wren and Cross, noting that their relationship felt authentic and avoided awkwardness common in similar books. The tension between Wren's rebellious spirit and her forced involvement in the elite military unit adds depth to the plot. Additionally, the reviewer liked that the romance was a slow burn, with attraction building over time rather than immediate coupling, which enhanced the story's emotional realism. The power dynamics between the protagonists were handled thoughtfully, making the romance feel balanced and believable within the dystopian context.


Quick quotes

    I was taken with the double-edged quest, elite training, magical abilities, and complex conflicts between classes in the first in this dystopian series.

    Will these two, who are definitely not allowed to be together, end up together? They will.

    The slow burn of attraction lasts far longer than their togetherness, and their intimacy didn't induce cringing on my part in its odd specificity or skewed power dynamic.

The Book Dutchesses · 2025-05-24
captivating 4.50

A highly recommended dystopian novel with compelling world-building, strong characters, and a gripping mix of politics, friendship, and romance.

This review praises the book for its immersive world and the complex dynamics between characters, especially the protagonist Wren and her commanding officer Cross. The reviewer was initially wary due to hype but found the narrative captivating and the pacing excellent, devouring the lengthy book quickly. The only criticism was the absence of Cross’s point of view, which the reviewer hopes will be included in the sequel to deepen character understanding. Overall, the book is celebrated for its balance of elements and emotional impact.


Quick quotes

    You know a book is good when you devour a 500+ page book in a day.

    The world, politics, friendship, and romance all had me hooked from the start.

    Wren and Cross were such interesting characters.

Books Are My Third Place · 2025-05-16
disappointed 2.20

The book has a great premise but disappoints due to writing, story structure, and character development, leaving some readers feeling let down despite its popularity.

This reviewer was initially excited about the book’s premise but felt let down by the execution, particularly criticizing the writing style, story structure, and characters. They acknowledge the strong concept of a post-apocalyptic world with modified humans and a military dictatorship but feel these elements were not developed deeply enough to satisfy. The reviewer points out that while the book is popular and has sold well, some readers share their disappointment regarding the storytelling aspects. They also note that important world-building details, such as the impact of climate devastation, are underexplored, and the military coup background is vague. Despite the potential, the reviewer suggests that the novel may not meet expectations for those seeking a fully fleshed-out dystopian narrative with strong character arcs.


Quick quotes

    It's a GREAT premise, and I’m honestly sad I didn’t love it.

    It also seemed to cause climate devastation, but that’s never really addressed in any meaningful way.

    I was disappointed from the first chapter.

Cups and Thoughts · 2025-05-05
engaging 4.10

The book is a fast-paced and addictive dystopian novel with a complex protagonist who balances powerful abilities and a risky mission against an oppressive regime.

This review highlights the book's intense pacing and addictiveness, emphasizing the protagonist Wren as a reckless but gifted character navigating a dangerous world. The reviewer appreciates the tension between Wren's need to hide her powers and her involvement with the rebel Uprising, alongside the complicated dynamics with her commanding officer, which enrich the story's emotional stakes. The blend of suspense, psychic powers, and political conflict creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked. The reviewer also notes the strong chemistry and conflict within the novel, particularly focusing on Wren’s internal and external struggles. They emphasize the book’s appeal to fans of dystopian stories with layered characters and high stakes, praising its ability to combine action, romance, and intrigue effectively.


Quick quotes

    this book has everything you would expect in a fast-paced and addicting dystopian novel — a reckless fmc with all the gifted talents, high ...

    Wren has survived all these years by concealing her abilities and keeping a low profile while doing what she can to aid the rebel Uprising in fighting against the Primes’ oppressive rule.

    She is forced to join their most elite program: Silver Block. Unwittingly, her enemy has given her—and the Uprising—the perfect opportunity to strike a devastating blow from inside their ranks.