Powerless Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Powerless by Lauren Roberts is the first book in The Powerless Trilogy. The story is set in the kingdom of Ilya, where society is divided between the Elites, who possess magical abilities, and the Ordinaries, who are powerless. Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary, survives by pretending to be a Psychic, a member of the Elite class. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she saves Prince Kai Azer during a confrontation in the slums, earning her the moniker "Silver Savior." This act leads her into the deadly Purging Trials, a competition designed to showcase the Elites' powers. As Paedyn navigates the Trials, she must keep her true identity hidden while grappling with her growing feelings for Kai and the dangerous world she has entered.
Why I Love This Book
I love how this book blends elements of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue to create a compelling narrative. The world-building is rich and immersive, with a well-developed magic system and a society that feels both oppressive and vibrant. Paedyn is a strong, relatable protagonist whose journey of self-discovery and resistance against a corrupt system is both inspiring and emotional. The slow-burn romance with Prince Kai adds depth to the story, filled with tension and chemistry. The Purging Trials provide a high-stakes backdrop that keeps the plot engaging and unpredictable. Overall, this book offers a thrilling and heartfelt reading experience that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy young adult fantasy novels with strong romantic elements, complex characters, and themes of resistance and identity, you'll love this book. The blend of magic, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre. Fans of authors like Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout will find much to appreciate in this series. The book contains mature themes, including societal oppression and violence, so it's best suited for readers who enjoy emotionally intense and morally complex narratives.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This book contains themes of societal oppression and violence, which may be distressing for some readers.
Tagged As
YA fantasy, romantasy, magic, political intrigue, slow burn romance, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, dystopian, Purging Trials, strong heroine, morally complex characters, series, emotionally intense, mature themes
Steam Level
The romance is slow-burn with emotional depth, focusing more on character development and tension than explicit scenes. There are some passionate moments, but they are few and fade to black, making it suitable for readers who prefer a mild spice level.
