Broken Dove

Silver Elite #2

by Dani Francis

In the heart-pounding sequel to the Sunday Times bestselling dystopian romance Silver Elite, lines will be crossed, loyalties will be tested, and the fight for the Continent is only just beginning as Wren Darlington finds herself caught in the middle of two one for the fate of her home and another for the fate of her heart.

LINES WILL BE CROSSED.

After blowing her cover as a double agent within Silver Elite and fleeing the Prime-controlled capital, Wren Darlington is finally safe behind allied lines. As her lover and former commander Cross Redden works to disrupt the Primes from inside their ranks, Wren turns her focus toward assisting the Uprising in overthrowing their rule once and for all.

LOYALTIES WILL BE TESTED.

But though she’s back among her own people, trust is hard-won and hidden agendas abound on the Mod base. And beyond those walls, Wren can’t help but worry that Cross is keeping secrets of his own. . . secrets that could jeopardise everything. Complicating matters even further is her shocking reunion with hotshot fighter pilot and undercover operative, Grayson Blake. Once her closest friend in Silver Elite, Gray seems to understand Wren on a level she never thought possible.

AND THE FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CONTINENT IS ONLY JUST BEGINNING.

With the war between Mods and Primes growing more brutal by the day, and with her own role in the conflict becoming more essential than ever, Wren must confront some gut-wrenching questions. Who is she fighting for . . . and who is she willing to lose?

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Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dystopia, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Adult, Fiction

593 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2026

About the author

Dani Francis is the New York Times bestselling author of Silver Elite. She is an avid reader, a lover of all things breakfast, and a hopeless romantic. When she is not creating high-stakes fantasy worlds and complex characters, you can find Dani spending time with family or trying to figure out why the printer never works.

Reviews

[SK]

OMG this bad boiii is in my hands!! Silver Elite was an average read for me but I'm oddly feeling super excited for this one. Going in with the hopes this is better than book one.

[Clace]

I need this book like I need air 😫 and the cover is so prettyy!!

[Iqra]

ITS TIMEEEEE 🗣️🗣️🗣️

DaisyWolf are coming home to meee 🤭😋💗🌷🌸💐🎀🕊️


***

You don’t understand how perfect that cover is 😫🤚

I cannottttt wait for my daisywolf to come home 🙏

[Liana Gold]

Its time! I can't believe it's been a whole year and it's finally here. I was absolutely feral for this story.. I loved how 'easy' the dystopian world felt and how tension filled the chemistry was. I enjoyed the forbidden pull and the military academy, the secrets and the lies--despite how predictable everything was. Silver Elite is one of those books where you either love it or hate it. If you're looking for something fast paced, decent dystopian elements, various mind powers with military vibes, give this a try!

Time to stop squealing and doing a happy dance in my seat, time to start reading. *Already obsessed*

[BookishByTammi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I am so invested in these characters and this story, I couldn't put it down!
It took a turn that I didn't expect but LOVED!
It focused a lot more on the politics, the effects of war and picking between the lesser of two evils.
While also making me giggle and kick my feet.

I loved Silver Elite a tiny bit more (I can’t say why because it’s a spoiler) but thats why this got 4.5
But if you loved Silver Elite and don’t mind the turn this one takes, you should enjoy the rollercoaster 😅

[✨Julie✨]

Glad we won’t have to wait too long for this one! For some reason I was worried it would be years… 😅

[Saranya [hiatus]]

IT'S RELEASE DAY!!

Spoiled the story for myself and I’m not even mad about it. It sounds great, but I’m holding off on reading until the third book comes out. Future me will thank me.



because what do you mean










that there is



















a love triangle?!!


















After everything that happened between Wren and Cross, there's a third person involved and it's not just anything casual like flirting or stuff but 100% intimacy?!!



Like Cross thinks he’s feeling her death but he’s actually just feeling her replacement. Wren playing domestic bliss with this new guy while Cross rots in his own grief?!!

WHAT. IS. THIS.

[ଘRory (Hiatus )]

➤My excitement to read that book is an understatement🙏

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ An absolute clusterfuck but I ATE IT UP!!!

Ahhhh! The ending!!!! WHAT A TEASE!!! This entire book had me screaming WTF?! WTF?! WTF?! Especially in the last several chapters. It was an emotional roller coaster all the way to the very end.

Broken Dove is an incredible sequel full of new adventures, new friendships, twists, turns, betrayal, and revelations. But honestly, I don’t know how I feel about *redacted. It kind of broke my heart and left me feeling uneasy. I’m here for it…cautiously. And definitely with some side eye. 😒🫣😆

But wow. What a story! I ate it up! And it was simply unputdownable. There was something exciting in every chapter. I devoured this fast paced story and fell in love with some new characters. Mako, Gray, and Xavier especially.

OMG, I cannot wait to see everyone’s reactions to this story and relive your shock, denial, and heartbreak. It was so freaking good even with the *redacted. I’m still in denial. 👀

But I NEED BOOK 3 IMMEDIATELY!!! Because the shit is about to hit the fan!!! 😳😬🫣

Thank you so much to Del Rey for the gifted book.



***************************************************************



Finished: ahhhh!!!! The ending.😩 What a tease.

Update: Only a few chapters left and this book is the start of my villain origin story.😩

Update: DelRey is sending me an ARC! I CANNOT CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT!!!!😆 I will be anxiously stalking my mailbox until it arrives. 🫶🏻

I NEED THIS NOOOWWWW! Silver Elite emotionally waterboarded me and I fear Broken Dove is going to finish the job. Whoever this anonymous menace of an author is, just know you’ve ruined me. Ruined!! I don’t know your name, but I do know I’d sell my soul for your drafts. How dare you hide behind a curtain of mystery while casually dropping one of my favorite reads this year!! Come out and face me, coward (or don’t, hehe just kidding) Just PLEASE keep writing in this world!

[kitkat (semi-hiatus ♡︎)]

ITS HERE. HELL YESSSSS

-------

THE COVERRRRRR 😩😩😩😩 currently counting down the minutes until may

[Grace Harper]

pre-read 🧡🕊️

it’s time!!!!

[Ali]

SAY WHAT YOU WANT. I loved the first book, and I've already preordered a signed copy from BAM.

down HORRENDOUS

[Klaudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK WAS THAT?!

Such a disappointment in the direction this book was taken - my advice if loved Wren and Cross treat Silver Elite as a standalone and come up with your own happy ending as this second book is diabolical. Had to come back to this review and just say this is giving Oro/Grim vibes if you know you know and I don’t like it.

I loathe love triangles and this is like one of the worst ones I’ve read?

*Spoilers* and no this was no some minor crushing on two guys situation like with powerless where Kai was the obvious choice. No, this was a full on relationship with Kaine/Gray for MONTHS and even I love yous were shared.

If I’m honest Cross appeared maybe for like 15% of the book overall? My girl Wren started off strong and she didn’t let the flirtatious ways of Kaine/Gray sway her then all of sudden? It’s like a switch flipped and it was honestly painful to read.

Now I know some will argue Cross and Wren broke up but come on! He is the obvious choice but THIS BOOK we had a whole new MMC? Like this wasn’t just a fleeting kiss it was a whole relationship so I’m like who is the real MMC?

The last chapter hello??? Poor Cross has been mourning Wren think she was dead as he couldn’t feel the mental connection whilst she’s playing house with Gray? No sorry, as love triangles go this was just pure EVIL

Dani Francis do better Cross got done dirty and quite frankly with the way it’s gone I don’t think Wren deserves him!

[rêverie]

if this becomes a love triangle (hinted in the synopsis!), im team gray idc

[Tori - Novel Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Dani Francis, you got a lot of explaining to do

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Dove was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026 and consumed me to the point of infiltrating my dreams. Each twist had me racing through the pages! I loved how the sequel expanded the world building, politics, and magic system. The telepathic powers are incredibly fascinating, I had a lot of fun learning about all the new abilities.

I loved Wren’s character development in Broken Dove. Typically stubborn and impulsive, Wren learned to pause and reflect before reacting. She was isolated by the Mods and struggled to assimilate into their society, but persevered and found her place. She faced betrayal and loss, mended her own heart, and slowly opened it up again. I’m proud of her growth.

Some of the new characters frustrated me (you’ll know who), while others warmed my heart (Mako and Poppy). I found Wren and Xavier’s new friendship really sweet and loved how he had her back. I’m so glad Tana is okay. Prince is a cutie, can Wren please find a way to keep him?! I still have a soft spot for Cross and I’m very grateful for all the moments he rescued Wren. BUT, my favourite boy is Grayson Blake. I’ve officially fallen for Mr. Hotshot Pilot.

‼️ SPOILERS AHEAD ‼️

I adored Wren and Gray’s friendship, it was the highlight of my read. The playful banter and tension between them had me on the edge of my seat. I was screaming at all the loose confessions Gray slipped out. And when the moment finally hit, I was done for. I loved how they understood each other and took their time developing their relationship. It was so precious when Gray surprised Wren with a helicopter ride to the lagoon. Gray has always kept everyone at arm’s length, but slowly let his walls down around Wren. I sobbed when he opened up about his family to her — “I wanted to show you… all of me.” 🥹 The end of the book cleaved my heart in two. “Give me your hand, Dove.” OH MY GOD. The last chapter threw my emotions into a spiral. I’m going to be thinking about the final sentence until the next book is released.

Thank you millions to Penguin Aus for the early copy, it’s a dream come true!

[Krissi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This would have been such a good book, but the love triangle ruined it for me sadly.

First the good parts:
- The story, the developments between the primes and the mods
- Xavier! He is so fun and honestly deserves the world
- The found family
- the betrayals and plot twists
- the writing style
- basically everything but the romance

Now as for the romance... Why? Is it not possible for an author to keep a love story going over three books? Was this really necessary? I just don't get it. I have read love triangles that have worked for me before, but this one really didn't. A bit of turbulence, sure, but not this, when Cross was so well written for Wren.

Cross and Wren were set up in a way in book 1 that made everything that happened here feel terrible. They were set up to be literally soulmates. And don't get me wrong, I love Gray as an individual but NOT for Wren. The relationship felt so forced, I was not feeling it at all. Everytime she had moments with him I was distraught and that's despite the fact I like him. I just like her with Cross so much more.
And now one of those guys is going to get heartbroken and it's awful. I can only assume and hope she's getting back with Cross, but she had a full blown relationship with Grayson over the course of months, not just a few stolen kisses or flirting. I hated it. I still clearly want her to be with Cross though (though, does she really deserve him?). It broke my heart that he thought she was dead all this time... If you want to do an MMC switch, you have to do it properly and convince me and I wasn't convinced, even though Gray is awesome. But for Wren, it will always be Cross in my opinion.

Also, is Wren for real? Complaining about Cross not helping enough when he's literally imprisoned? Not even listening to the things he has to say and trusting people she barely knows, just because. And then it turns out Cross was right. Wren was infuriating in this.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Broken Dove was one of my most anticipated reads of this year so it pains me a bit to say what a disappointment it was. I, like many others, went into this book with one question on my mind: Will this book be a love triangle?

So very unfortunately, it was.

We leave off with Wren finding out her old pal Kaine isn't dead but actually alive and working with the Uprising as well as Cross being stuck with his older brother, Travis, in charge after the death of his father.

After Silver Elite, the premise of this book had so much potential and the author did a good job of expanding the world. I got to know a lot more background to the Uprising and some of the other locations in the world, which I enjoyed. The problem was that nothing significant happened for 90% of this book. I was drudging along, barely getting through until that end. It had the action, intensity, and stakes the rest of the book was lacking. The betrayals were well thought out and I found my interest finally resuscitated back to life.

I thoroughly enjoyed the side characters introduced in this book. Poppy has a lot of potential. I loved that Tana was back and became present as the book progresses. And I was invested in Luisa, Evlynne, Mako, Saint, Jasper, and Xavier as well. But god was it infuriating to watch Wren fawn over Grayson the whole book.

If you are more interested in the politics and world building side of things, you might not be as disappointed as I was with this book. But if you, like me, are here for the romance, I am so sorry in advance.

I can tell you with confidence that if Cross did not get a POV in the beginning, I would have skimmed at least the first 30%. He was his down bad self while being interrogated, calling Wren his reason for being, and just chef's kiss. Wren seriously did not deserve him at all. Besides that prologue, there isn't much to write home about on the romance front. Pretty instantaneously I was staring at the book in horror as Wren toed the line with Grayson. While Wren and Grayson were flirting with each other, it was utter insanity that she would constantly remind him that he had a girlfriend instead of asserting a boundary that she has a guy she is in love with! I think it says a lot about how Wren acted when, by the time she and Grayson got together, he didn't perceive her relationship with Cross as more than a hookup.

Frustration doesn't begin to cover how I felt about the romance in this book. If there is going to be a love triangle, at the very least I would like there to be a valid reason for and against each guy. The whole reason Wren and Cross break up (officially, because she was emotionally cheating) is because they come from different worlds. Cross would get shot if he went to the Uprising and Wren had a kill order on her in the Company. Cross wants to run away, Wren wants to stay and fight. Wren and Cross break up, causing a two-month time jump to push Wren and Grayson together. And at that very moment, I was checked out.

There are only two reasons that I gave this book two stars and not one. Firstly, I have to pay my respect to Captain Cross Redden. Secondly is because I really do like the world and premise of this book. It has the right blend of dystopian and fantasy elements to draw you in. But where was the romance? I wanted tension, yearning, chemistry, and high stakes love that this book did not deliver. I refuse to believe Grayson and Wren are meant for each other just as Cross and Wren were all of book 1. Despite all of my issues with this book, I will have to read book 3. I have to hope Wren's decisions in this book were a result of brainwashing so she and Cross can ride out into the sunset but I totally understand if you choose to wash away these pages from your mind and end the series here.

[Elodie]

Godddd I hope this doesn't turn into a love triangle

[Karina *kari_reads* · Rating 1 out of 5]

OH MY FUCKING GOD! 😡😤😡😤😡😡

There is no amount of words to describe HOW MUCH I HATED THIS BOOK! 😡😤😡😤
I could cry since Silver Elite was one of my favourite books of 2025... BUT THIS?! NO

I HATED THE FUCKING LOVE SITUATION?!?! LIKE FUCKING WHY?! It's not even a love triangle since Cross was completely cut out of the book... How can you just cut out the main character and replace him?!?! It was FUCKING CHEAP! And for what?! For the shock factor of having a new love interest???
FUCK NO! TEAM CROSS FOREVER! JUSTICE FOR CROSS because this is NOT how you do a love triangle.
By just cutting out the MMC and replacing him forcefully and shoving it in the readers faces! 😡😤😡😡😡

Also don't even get me started on the plot!! BECAUSE WHAT PLOT?! The plot was not in the room with us. Nothing happens except of course everything necessary to switch the love interest.

THIS BOOK could have been an EMAIL. It was absolutely a filler book... AND MY BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE YEAR! 😡😤😡😤😡😡😡😡😡

[Sam]

May 2026? Dani Francis, babes, I'll read book 2 for you right now.

[Kei]

pleaaaase i dont want a love triangle! i really love cross :(

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

Edit:

After sleeping on it, I think I’m even more disappointed. I really wanted this book to be just as incredible as the first one…

That said, I have to lower my rating to 3 ⭐️. After reflecting on it, I just can’t justify giving it more. There are several narrative choices — and even some of the changes in Wren’s personality — that simply didn’t make sense to me.

The Wren from the first book felt far more mature, even though this sequel tries to convince us that this is where she truly grows up. I honestly don’t see it that way. I barely recognised this “new” Wren, and unfortunately, I can’t say I liked her. Such a disappointment.

And justice needs to be done for Cross in the next book! After everything that happened in this one, he deserves far more attention and recognition than what he got here.

Original review (3.5 ⭐️):

I honestly don’t even know where to start. There are going to be a few spoilers here, but nothing you probably couldn’t already guess from the synopsis.

The pacing was a bit slow at times, but it was still an easy read. The confrontations, betrayals, reveals, and all the tension were probably my favourite parts of the book.

But I really need to talk about the romance because that’s where the book completely lost me.

The way things ended between Wren and Cross felt so frustrating to me. First she was upset because he wouldn’t run away with her, but when he finally decides he will leave with her… suddenly she doesn’t want to anymore! And look, I can understand why she chooses to stay. I can also understand why Cross doesn’t want to join the other side. I even understand why they had to separate at that moment.

What I don’t understand is how she moves on literally a few months later and ends up saying she loves Gray while also saying part of her will always love Cross. You really think that’s normal?

She’s in love with both of them? I’m sorry but it doesn’t work like that.

Cross was supposedly the love of her life, but because they can’t be together she falls for her friend? It felt rushed. I don’t buy it. And honestly, unfair to both Gray and Cross!

I also hated the comparisons she makes between them. It almost felt like she was trying to say that loving Cross hurt her, while loving Gray helps her “grow.” Meanwhile Cross spent the entire series doing everything for her. It just made the whole situation feel worse. So disrespectful and unfair!!

At this point, and with that ending, it’s clearly turning into a love triangle, and not even a good one. If the author wanted Wren to move on from Cross, then fine — but it needed more development, more believable reasons, and way more time to build that relationship properly.

I’m already expecting the next book to end with one of the guys heartbroken or dead. And honestly, after everything, neither of them deserves that!

Overall, I’m really disappointed. After how much I loved Silver Elite, I expected way more from this sequel.

Let’s see what the next book will bring. But I’m not confident after this one. Hope I’m wrong!

P.S. Xavier carried a big chunk of the book. What a great character!!

[Lavinia Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

*citita în avanpremieră

Un al doilea volum aproape la fel de bun ca primul. Povestea noastră continuă de unde a rămas și oh boy, cum se schimbă totul pe parcursul ei. Am și un emoji pentru a descrie cartea: 🤯
Intrăm în lumea Rebeliunii și aflăm multe informații noi, se leagă noi prietenii 🥹 (persoanele secundare iar își fac treaba cu succes si te fac să îți dorești să apară mai des), și avem acțiune din plin. Se discută și multă politică, dar nu își pierde deloc farmecul de distopie & military vibes. Ba din contră. Avem conflicte care mai de care, plot twist uri, misiuni, trădări și oh câte aș mai spune :)))
Avem multe frământări din partea personajului nostru feminin, Wren, și nici nu aș fi văzut să fie altfel. Wren e curajoasă, fierce, plină de sentimente care câteodată o copleșesc, dar e puternică. Mi-a plăcut să o văd dezvoltându-se și în acest volum, și atașându-se de oameni noi 🥹
Ultimele pagini și sfârșitul au fost de-a dreptul tulburătoare, nu am mai recunoscut deloc unele personaje :)) ceea ce e bine. Mă face nerăbdătoare pentru ce urmează. Fiindcă da, am cam rămas iar în plop și plopul e în aer :))))
Nu știu cine e această Dani Francis dar știu ca știe să creeze 🫶🏻 de abia aștept să văd ce mai poate scrie în următoarea carte.

[Stacey | read.with.stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book + Audio Review

Thank you PRH audio for the gifted alc 🫶

4.5⭐️

💭: I enjoyed this one but I feel like there may be some mixed opinions due to the direction of one particular element (that’s all I will say)! 👀

It picks up right where Silver Elite leaves off. We definitely get a much stronger “dystopian vibe” from this book and I really enjoyed it! We learn more history and backstory about the world and the magic which I really wanted from this book. I really enjoyed the romance in this one 🔥. There is also a lot more political intrigue/scheming. There were definitely some twists I didn’t see coming. I think this book has set up the next one very well. And the ending! I definitely want book 3 asap!

🎧: This is dual narration by Amanda Dolan and Teddy Hamilton and it was fantastic! I really enjoy both of these narrators so much. Highly recommend!

[ThianeJansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Round up to 3.75! I’m going to be in the minority of this where I didn’t love this and didn’t hate this BUT I think people are either going to FROTH for what’s happening or absolutely lose their minds. This is going to be fun to see😆

Broken Dove picks up after Silver Elite and expands far beyond Sanctum Point into a broader, more complex world.

We follow Wren as she navigates shifting alliances, new environments, and rising stakes. Questions from book one begin to unravel, while new tensions emerge. Relationships are tested, new ones form, and survival becomes far less certain.


✨ Tropes & themes
🔥 Dystopian romance (dystopian setting takes front stage though)
🤝 Found family
⚖️ Shifting alliances
🫠 Romance you’ll either love or hate
🧠 Political intrigue
😵‍💫 Cliffhanger ending

This is a strong sequel that builds well on the first book.

The worldbuilding is significantly improved, with new locations and characters that make the story feel more expansive and cohesive.

The character dynamics are also stronger. Relationships feel more layered, and the found family element adds emotional weight. The tension throughout is consistent, with several genuinely high-stakes moments.

The pacing could have been tighter and though I like that the world building took front stage I wish I had the audiobook as there were parts I started skimming. Some sections feel longer than necessary and don’t always move the plot forward, which slightly impacts the overall flow.

The romantic dynamics shift in more complex and unpredictable ways, adding intrigue for what’s to come and having me question my own taste.

Nonetheless this was a WELL executed sequel that expands the world, deepens character relationships and raised the stakes to the next level while making me WANT to shift alliances (I decided I won’t tho😆🤪)

[Sophie Hulston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start 🫠 this should’ve been a duet instead of a trilogy!
I loved Silver Elite but honestly this was the biggest disappointment and I’m so annoyed. First of all the audio is advertised as Amanda Dolan AND Teddy Hamilton, yet Teddy only does the prologue & epilogue so if I had known that I probably would’ve eyeball read this

Ok so I felt like a lot of this book was filler and not much happened? And then when action was happening it was quite rushed. We’re introduced to so many new side characters and some aren’t fleshed out enough.

And don’t even get me started on the direction the relationship aspect of this story went. It was so out of left field and unnecessary? I didn’t feel a connection between the characters and don’t know why it was introduced.

There are lots of twists and turns and questions left unanswered that hopefully don’t make me hate book 3 🫣

[Klaudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a painful read. The direction this took was so disappointing. I hated every page. I actually can’t think of a single thing that would have made this book worse. My hope for book 3 is that they all die.

The 2 stars are for Cross and Cross only and that’s me being very generous.

The only reason I didn’t dnf this book was because I wanted to leave a bad review

[Katharine Stepanian]

Hoping and praying for Wren and Kaine to happen in this book

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this one — and honestly, I think I preferred it to Silver Elite (controversial, I know).

Up until about the 40–50% mark, I wasn’t totally sure where it was going. It felt a little slower and I was unsure what my final rating would be… and then suddenly everything shifted. The pacing picked up, so much started happening, and it genuinely felt like a completely different book in the best way.

This is such a strong sequel. It moves the story forward — no filler, no dragging — just real progression.

The romance? I loved the direction it took… that’s all I’m saying 👀
But it worked for me.

I also really enjoyed the new friendships Ren builds in the new location, and the twists and betrayals in that setting added so much tension.

I listened to the audiobook for this one and it was so well done — the narration really elevated things. We only got two chapters from Cross’s POV (I wanted more 😭), but by the end I can see why that choice was made.

I’ll 100% be picking up the next book — I just need it to hit like that final 50% again.