Powerless

Book Details

Author Lauren Roberts
Country	United States
Language	English
Published	January 31, 2023
ISBN	9798987380406
Pages	528

Series:

The Powerless Trilogy #1

Genre:

Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, YA, Dystopia

Story Setting:

A kingdom ruled by Elites with supernatural powers, Ilya.

What To Expect:

Romance, Action, Survival, Secret Identities

Readability:

Fast-Paced, Engaging, Trope-Heavy

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Book Review

Lauren Roberts’ Powerless kicks off The Powerless Trilogy with a high-stakes mix of action, romance, and survival. Set in the kingdom of Ilya, where those born with extraordinary powers, called Elites, dominate, the novel follows Paedyn Gray, a young woman hiding a dangerous secret—she is an Ordinary, powerless in a society that banishes or kills those without abilities. Paedyn’s life takes a sharp turn when she saves the life of Prince Kai, one of Ilya’s rulers and a hunter of Ordinaries, only to be thrust into the Purging Trials, a deadly competition designed to showcase the talents of the Elites.

In its soul, Powerless is about dauntlessness in the face of steep hurdles. Paedyn must use her intelligence and street-smart cunning to survive in a contest meant to reveal her lack of powers. As she navigates the trials, the prince she saved becomes both an ally and an enigma. The romance between Paedyn and Kai is a slow-burning, tension-filled subplot that provides much of the emotional heart of the story. While their chemistry is palpable, the stakes of the Purging Trials and the looming threat of Paedyn’s exposure provide a sense of urgency that keeps the pages turning.

Character Analysis

Paedyn is a standout protagonist. Since the outset, her sharp wit, resilience, and raw nerve make her an easily likeable character. Unlike many heroines in fantasy, she doesn’t possess magical powers or superhuman strength. Instead, her survival depends on her ability to think quickly and adapt to her hostile surroundings. Paedyn’s struggle to conceal her true identity while facing off against powerful opponents in the Purging Trials is a thrilling and constant source of tension.

Prince Kai, nevertheless, is more than meets the eye. As a prince who chases after Ordinaries, his role in Paedyn’s life could have made him a villain. However, his fascination with Paedyn, despite sensing that something is fishy about her, allows for degrees of fragility and conflict to emerge. The relationship between Kai and Paedyn is filled with flirtation, tension, and mutual respect, even as it complicates the broader conflict. Kai’s charm and smouldering intensity make him an ideal love interest for fans of the romantasy genre.

Writing Style & Pacing

Roberts’ writing is crisp and concise, best suited for the romantic tension and action sequences that dominate Powerless. The dialogue is often witty, with a banter-filled relationship between Paedyn and Kai that helps balance the darker themes of survival and falsehood. However, there are moments when the pacing becomes a bit repetitive, particularly in the repeated mentions of characters’ eye colors and other physical traits, which can distract from the overall story.

The world-building is intriguing, though it remains somewhat underdeveloped. Readers get a sense of the stakes—Elites with powers dominating society while the powerless are marginalized—but there could have been more depth in exploring the kingdom of Ilya and its history. Still, the book’s focus on the characters and the trials keeps the narrative moving swiftly.

Final Thoughts

While the book takes inspiration from familiar fantasy and ruinous threads, Robert adds a fresh spin to keep it engaging. The romance is passionately unfolding, the action is intense, and the stakes are high. Fans of enemies-to-lovers, clandestine love, and survival competitions will stumble upon ample to enjoy here.

There are moments where the book feels weighed down by overly familiar clichés, but for readers who enjoy these tropes, it adds to the comfort and appeal. The debut novel’s strongest point is its main character, Paedyn, whose cleverness and determination make her stand out in a crowded genre.

I’m excited to see how Robert develops her world and characters in future works. The cliffhanger ending sets the stage for even more drama and action in the next book.

Book Price & Overview

Well-Structured Plot
Good World-Building
Engaging Characters
Gripping Story Hooks
Non-Predictable Twists
Satisfying Ending

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