If you’re on BookTok you’ll have heard ofSilver EliteandShield of Sparrows, the two latestromantasybooks to go viral on the platform. Both novels hit shelves on May 6, and since their releases, have sparked a lot of buzz and debate among readers about which book is better. The two technically sit under separate genres, with Dani Francis’Silver Elitelabeled as a dystopian romance, and Devney Perry’sShield of Sparrowsa traditional romantasy. However, the high praise and discussion of these books often happen in tandem.
Silver Eliteis the first in a new dystopian trilogy that has continuously been described asDivergentmeetsFourth Wing.It’s set in a world where a biotoxin nearly wipes out the entirety of Earth’s population, leaving some survivors with enhanced psychic abilities. By contrast, Perry’sShield of Sparrows follows a princess who is forced into a marriage with the prince of a rival kingdom and thrust into a world with ancient magic and monstrous creatures. While both are rightfully celebrated on BookTok for their entertaining narratives,I felt one novel was stronger overall.
Who’s The Better Heroine: Silver Elite’s Wren Or Shield Of Sparrows' Odessa?
One Undergoes More Growth In The First Book Than The Other
Dani Francis and Devney Perry both wrote captivating female leads in their latestromantasy book releases. While I enjoyed reading about each of their characters, I do thinkShield of Sparrows' Odessa goes through a greater amount of growth in the first book— which ultimately creates more depth for her character.Silver Elite’s Wren, from the start, is a strong fighter and extremely confident in herself and her abilities. But given that she’s already well-trained with her powers, Wren doesn’t have the same opportunity for growth as Odessa.
WhileSilver Elitespends more time building out Wren’s relationship with Cross,Shield of Sparrowsmakes sure to develop Odessa.
WhileSilver Elitespends more time building out Wren’s relationship with Cross,Shield of Sparrowsmakes sure to develop Odessa and transform her character’s abilities and beliefs over time. Through this,readers are able to truly connect with and understand her character in a deeper way, experiencing her growth alongside her — whereas Wren has yet to go through a transformation in a similar manner. However, I do think the ending ofSilver Elitesets up Wren to experience a vast change in book two.
Cross Redden vs. Ransom: Which Romantasy Book’s Love Interest Is More Compelling
Both Francis and Perry do a great job at building out compelling love interests for their heroines, creating engaging storylines with accompanying plot twists that serve the narrative extremely well — even whilst being a bit predictable. However, observing each novel from a romantic lense, I believeOdessa and Ransom’s dynamics are a bit more endearing. Wren and Cross have an equally exciting romance, especially when learning that the two have been friends for longer than they initially believed. However, the romance before this big reveal feels a bit more lust-driven than romantic.
I’m sure the next book in theSilver Elitetrilogy will build upon their romance arc, but from book one alone, it doesn’t really compare to the romance found inShield of Sparrows.Odessa and Ransom’s relationship is a slow-burn romancefull of tension and yearning, which makes the reading experience all the more enjoyable and ultimately adds more of an alluring aspect to Ransom’s character. While the two seemingly get off on the wrong foot, their banter and “reluctant allies” dynamics add greatly to their growth and credibility as a couple.
Silver Elite’s Supporting Characters vs. Shield of Sparrows' Secondary Cast
One Author Does A Better Job Forming Attachments To Side Characters
Shield of Sparrowshad a few supporting characters that I absolutely loved, but I thinkDani Francis’Silver Elitedoes a better job at getting readers to form strong attachments to its secondary cast.Wren’s close relationship with, and love for, her uncle fuels much of the plotthroughout the first book, and even a few surprising relationships with her fellow Silver Block crew — especially Lyddie and Kaine — add more depth to the narrative.
Not only that, butLyddie and Kaine help readers to view the Elites through a different lense, making Wren’s “enemies” feel far more human and real than just a looming threat. Reading and experiencing the lies they were fed about Modifieds also helps to create a greater story, and it allows Wren to understand that not every Elite is inherently evil. While Perry’s novel does create some equally great side character dynamics, I don’t think the supporting cast has fully developed into what it will become.
Which BookTok Hit Has The Better Story, Silver Elite Or Shield of Sparrows?
After reading both, I’d have to sayShield of Sparrowswins in this category as well. While I truly enjoyedSilver Elite, the first novel in the series spends more time solidifying the relationship between Wren and Cross, putting in less work into building out its central storyline and dystopian elements. Clearly, there’s more that will be unraveled in future books, but comparing the two from the initial releases alone,Shield of Sparrowshas a more well-rounded story. Perry does a fantastic job at building a unique fantasy world, developing her characters, and introducing an engaging conflict.
Which Of The Beloved BookTok Series' Settings Is Better
Both Are So Different, But One Author Took More Time To Set The Stage
Again, this is a bit hard to compare, seeing how the twopopular BookTok bookstechnically sit in different genres. However,Shield of Sparrows' setting is more immersive and expansive, whereSilver Elite,in its first novel, is a bit more stationary and less dynamic given it primarily takes place on a military base.Shield of Sparrowsvividly describes and transports readers to its different lands, and much of the setting is explored in depth by Odessa and Ransom throughout Perry’s first book.
Ultimately, from just her first book, Perry has created a well-established setting, whereasSilver Elitehas barely scratched the surface of what its world holds.
The setting feels like it comes to life through her writing, and the threats of the monsters in the land add greatly to the dangers that dwell within it. Ultimately, from just her first book, Perry has created a well-established setting, whereasSilver Elitehas barely scratched the surface of what its world holds. However,Silver Elite’s ending is poised to change this in future sequels.
Why Shield Of Sparrows Is The Better Romantasy Book
The Story Was Balanced And Set Up Book Two Perfectly
While both of these books are equally enjoyable, the characters, setting, and overall story found inShield of Sparrowsestablish it as the better romantasy book.Perry’s latest release has all the makings of a great romantasy series, and whileSilver Eliteis just as entertaining — and quite the addictive read for me — it isn’t as well-balanced asShield of Sparrows.Shield of Sparrows' main protagonist is fully developed by the end of the first book, and Odessa’s slow-burn romance with Ransom doesn’t complicate or forgo the actual plot.
Perry’sShield of Sparrowsis perfectly paced and sets up book two to be just as entertaining and jaw-dropping. The series' entry lays the groundwork for future novels, and the plow-twist ending is the cherry on top of an already brilliantromantasynarrative. Again, I truly adored and enjoyed both of these books — and whileSilver Eliteisn’t as well-rounded, I do think future sequels will add a lot to its overall narrative. Both BookTok recommendations are extremely entertaining, and their endings have me excited to see where Francis and Perry will go in book two.
