It feels beyond time to admit my taste in reading has changed over the last year. There was a time when all I was reaching for were murder mysteries and thrillers of any kind. Now, almost every novel on my nightstand is a romantasy, or a romantic fantasy. There is just something that draws me to them — I love the adventures the lead characters go on, the growth of both the physical and mental strength of the characters, the chance to believe deeply in something that seems out of this world and the utter devotion found between our main lovers.
All that to say, I simply couldn’t stop myself from getting lost in this month’s novel.
‘Silver Elite’ by Dani Francis
Wren Darlington has trained her entire life to be the ultimate weapon; especially given her psychic abilities as a Modified. It is something she’s learned to keep tightly under wraps as these abilities are forbidden on the Continent. One small mistake though, makes her a target and puts her squarely in the hands of her enemy, forced to join their most elite training program. Despite this being a blessing as she can aid the rebel Uprising from within, Wren struggles to find her footing in the world of ultimate secrets and living with people who want her dead.
Add in the fact that her commanding officer, Cross, is also her dream man while squarely being the enemy, Wren is forced to reconcile with everything she knows about herself and the world around her. As the book descriptions says, “And as war rages between Mods like her and those who aim to destroy them, Wren must decide just how far she’s willing to go to protect herself … and how much of the Continent is worth saving.”
This is Dani Francis’ first novel, with the second novel in the series, “Broken Dove,” set to come out May 5, 2026. Some internet sleuthing leads me to believe that this series is a trilogy, so fingers crossed this series can wrap up cleanly with only two more volumes.
However, the more intriguing thread that kept coming up as I was diving into this series is that this is Francis’ first known novel, as Francis may be a pen name, a fact I am obsessed with. There are several different theories as to who the real author may be, each with its own degree of controversy. Some internet sleuths speculate Francis is potentially an already well-known author wanting to break into a new genre or an already established romantasy author who simply wants to create a new series without causing fans heartbreak because their focus is on something new. Others have proposed Francis is a male author posing as a woman, as romantasy authors are predominantly female, or potentially an author who has controversy attached to them. Last but not least, my personal favorite, is the true author AI?
The usage of a pen name has been around since what feels like forever. By 1830, the authors of around 80% of novels were using either a pen name or were simply anonymous, according to the National Library of Scotland. Today, they are still a common practice, though not nearly at the same level. Some of the more famous pen names include Richard Bachman (used by Stephen King to write different genres), George Eliot (used by May Ann Evans to be taken seriously during a time of gender bias), Dr. Seuss (used by Theodor Seuss Geisel, who wasn’t even a doctor) and Mark Twain (used by Samuel Langhorne Clemens, one of many pen names he used). If I were to ever write a novel, I’d likely use a pen name as well — there is just an air of mystery behind it that I love.
I’ll be following along to see what happens with Francis and if their identity is ever truly revealed.
For the novel itself, Francis’ writing is like a swift river; you don’t even realize you’re halfway down the river until you take a break from reading. There are a few twists I wasn’t expecting, which always makes a novel fun, but the ultimate twist you can see coming from a mile away.
Despite loving most of the novel, something that felt ridiculous was the involvement of Cross’ best friend (because there is no other option but for Wren and Cross to fall in love). The best friend ends up accompanying Wren on a trip, and I had a very hard time believing this person can walk away from his job and the life he has built with absolutely no consequences and no hesitations. It just felt unnatural and forced.
This novel is for any romantasy lover, whether you are just dipping your toes or are a fully converted believer. I am already looking forward to May 2026.
Five out of five stars. Available at the Casey Memorial Library and major booksellers.