She is the very thing he’s spent his whole life hunting.He is the very thing she’s spent her whole life pretending to be.
Only the extraordinary belong in the kingdom of Ilya—the exceptional, the empowered, the Elites.
The powers these Elites have possessed for decades were graciously gifted to them by the Plague, though not all were fortunate enough to both survive the sickness and reap the reward. Those born Ordinary are just that—ordinary. And when the king decreed that all Ordinaries be banished in order to preserve his Elite society, lacking an ability suddenly became a crime—making Paedyn Gray a felon by fate and a thief by necessity.
Surviving in the slums as an Ordinary is no simple task, and Paedyn knows this better than most. Having been trained by her father to be overly observant since she was a child, Paedyn poses as a Psychic in the crowded city, blending in with the Elites as best she can in order to stay alive and out of trouble. Easier said than done.When Paeydn unsuspectingly saves one of Ilyas princes, she finds herself thrown into the Purging Trials. The brutal competition exists to showcase the Elites’ powers—the very thing Paedyn lacks. If the Trials and the opponents within them don’t kill her, the prince she’s fighting feelings for certainly will if he discovers what she is—completely Ordinary.
My Thoughts:
A Surprisingly Addictive YA Fantasy
After finding myself in a bit of a reading slump, Powerless by Lauren Roberts was the perfect book to pull me out of it. I don’t usually reach for YA, but I absolutely devoured this one. With its captivating characters, sharp banter, and unique magic system, it’s a story that surprised me in all the best ways. While there’s no spice in the romance department, the witty back-and-forth between the main characters more than makes up for it, giving the book an extra spark.
Hunger Games Vibes – Without the Required Killing
If you’re into books that have an edge of danger and high-stakes action, Powerless brings that vibe without being a direct copy of anything else. It did give me some *Hunger Games* energy, but with a twist—there’s no arena where killing is mandatory, yet death and betrayal seem to follow the characters like shadows. The danger feels ever-present, making for a tense, unpredictable atmosphere that kept me turning the pages.
Unique Magic System
One of the standout elements in Powerless is the magic system. It’s not your typical, run-of-the-mill fantasy magic. There’s something fresh and intriguing about how magic works in this world, and I found myself fascinated by its rules and limitations. It’s woven seamlessly into the plot, adding depth to the characters’ struggles and choices, which made the stakes feel even higher.
Characters You Can’t Help But Love
Now, let’s talk about the characters—because they’re one of the best parts of this book. Paedyn and Kai are both incredibly likable, and their chemistry is undeniable. Even without any steamy scenes, their banter and the tension between them are so satisfying. They’re the type of characters you want to root for, even when things get messy. And then there’s Kitt. What can I say? I was *not* prepared for Kitt, and that’s all I’ll say to avoid spoilers, but wow.
Twists, Betrayals, and Predictable Surprises
The plot is full of betrayals, and while I did manage to guess a few of the twists, it didn’t make the story any less enjoyable. Sometimes knowing what’s coming only heightens the anticipation, and that was definitely the case here. Every betrayal felt epic, and I was fully invested in seeing how each character would react. The tension between alliances and enemies kept me glued to the pages.
Already Diving Into Reckless
I’m currently halfway through Reckless, the sequel, and I’m absolutely dying to know what happens next! If you’re looking for a YA fantasy with strong characters, an intriguing plot, and plenty of action, *Powerless* is definitely worth picking up. It’s the perfect mix of suspense, wit, and a touch of heartache, leaving me eager for more.
Final verdict: four stars and a solid recommendation for anyone who loves a good fantasy adventure with just the right amount of emotional punch.
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