Silver Elite by Dani Francis

I have never thought of myself as a "Fantasy Reader", but I am changing my opinion, especially if there is a dystopian element (which I love). This is the first book (of a presumed trilogy?) about Wren Darlington. Wren lives in a divided world. Those who are Modified (like Wren) have psychic abilities, some of them quite powerful. The Command, who controls the Continent, is led by General Redden. The Command is run like the military and their enemies are the Mods. The Command personnel can kill a Mod on sight. So, the Mods keep their status secret - to the best of their ability. This can be tricky because when they communicate internally with each other, the veins in their arms pop up in a silverish color. If they are not wearing a long-sleeve shirt, this can mean death.

Wren's parent's died when she was five years old and she was taken away by Jim - who promised her parents he would protect her. She calls him Uncle Jim, although they are not related. He takes her to live in the Blacklands for the first three years. This a dark and dangerous place to live, but it gives him a chance to work with Wren as she begins to understand her abilities. Wren's parents were killed because they were a part of the Uprising to overthrow the Command. (Originally, it was the Modified that were in control of the Continent, but the Modified were overthrown by the Command a long time previously.) Wren doesn't remember her real name and she really doesn't remember her parents. When Jim & Wren leave the Blacklands, Jim asks for a home & land in a farming Ward.

Wren has two "best friends". One is Tana, who lives in her Ward. The other is Wolf, who she has befriended internally. She has never met Wolf, but they communicate in their heads and they have been since she was a young child. Wren's life turns upside down when she saves a young boy's life (using one of her abilities) and Jim is executed for being a part of the Uprising because the Command figures out who is really is (his real name). Wren pleads ignorance, saying she had no idea that Jim was a Mod. She is sent to the Command as a new recruit. Her superior is one of General Redden's sons, Cross Redden. Since she is now amongst the enemy, she downplays her skills because she has to hide her Modified status. Cross happened to see her save the young boy's life however, so he knows she is really talented at shooting, etc. He waits her out.

Wren is a very powerful Modified, with at least five abilities - one of which takes away a person's "free will". Living with the enemy, working for the rebellion, losing friends, being betrayed - this is all in a day for Wren. Some of the things that happen are predictable, but so be it. It still really enjoyed this new world! I am just sad that I have to wait a couple of years (so they say) to read the next installment.

Wendy's Rating: *****