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writingandwhimsy's review
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
A fun and interesting superhero story with worldbuilding that had a significant effect on the story. I haven’t read many superhero stories, but this is certainly one of my favourites. It had an interesting cast of characters with an unique plot. I’m certainly excited to find out what happens in the next installment!
A fun and interesting superhero story with worldbuilding that had a significant effect on the story. I haven’t read many superhero stories, but this is certainly one of my favourites. It had an interesting cast of characters with an unique plot. I’m certainly excited to find out what happens in the next installment!
imani_iguana's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
thebookishelf's review
5.0
Science fiction novels that explore genetic mutations and superhuman abilities feed the imagination by transporting readers to worlds filled with wonder and possibility. In these stories, DNA is altered through technological or natural means, unlocking extraordinary abilities in humans and other beings. Characters struggle to understand and control their newfound powers while navigating a society that views them with skepticism, fear or admiration. Such narratives confront big questions about what it means to be human and the ethical implications of surpassing natural limitations through genetic modification. They invite readers to contemplate their own beliefs about free will, human perfection and the destiny of our species as our understanding of genetics and bioengineering advances. At their heart, these science fiction tales tap into our universal yearning to push boundaries, unleash our potential, and achieve the impossible - even if it means sacrificing elements of our humanity along the way.
Powerless tells the story of Hanna Super, a 16-year-old girl who discovers she does not have the superpowers that the rest of her family possesses due to a genetic mutation. Hanna Super is the black sheep of her extraordinary family despite carrying the super gene like her powered siblings. Working tirelessly in her father Artem's lab, Hanna desperately seeks to unlock her abilities before his patience runs out.
When Hanna makes a mistake in the lab, her father harshly kicks her out with nowhere to go. Hanna clings to one hope for redemption - if she develops powers, she can return home. This desperate bid to prove herself launches Hanna's quest to uncover the secrets hiding within her DNA.
Her journey brings her into conflict with the Russian mob and forces her to confront dark truths about her father's murky past. These revelations shake Hanna's loyalty to her family and push her to question how far she will go to gain the powers she so desperately craves. She begins piecing together the full story of what's really happening with superpowered individuals while seeking answers about why her gifts never surfaced, what happened to her mother, and who she can truly trust.
Though born with the super gene like her powered siblings, Hanna struggles with feeling like an outsider without abilities. On the run from her family, she faces the harsh realities of a world dominated by superhumans. Her quest focuses on survival, self-discovery and activating her dormant powers.
Powerless combines elements of science fiction, adventure and mystery as it probes the complex relationship between DNA, evolution and humanity. Readers accompany Hanna on an emotional journey as she fights for purpose and place amid uncertainty, conflict and difficult truths - witnessing her resilience and growth as she emerges from her outsider status in search of self-acceptance regardless of whether her powers manifest. One central theme is finding your true identity and sense of belonging. Hanna feels left out as the only family member without powers. She thinks getting powers will make her fit in. But her journey teaches her what really matters is being true to herself, regardless of powers. It's qualities like strength of character, caring for others and inner strength that define you - not genetic mutations. Hanna learns having resilience, doing what's right and being a good person make you truly powerful.
Another big theme is power dynamics and how power can corrupt. The story looks at how having superpowers affects people's status in society and in Hanna's family. Hanna sees her dad's power goes to his head as he tries to control and dump those he thinks are inferior. But Hanna realizes true strength comes from using your power to help others, not dominate them. This lesson is important as she struggles with her own desire for power.
Family connections and secrets also shape the story. Hanna's troubled relationships with her siblings and dad stem from lies and a lack of communication. As she discovers her family's hidden past, she sees how secrets have damaged the trust and closeness that should unite them. In the end, Hanna finds the courage to be true to herself. She realizes the truth is what builds real connections with others, even family. Overall the book examines what really gives life meaning. Hanna learns having superpowers isn't what makes you special. It's qualities like kindness, courage and being true to yourself that empower you to make a real difference - in your own life and the lives of others. These inner strengths help you forge bonds and find where you truly belong.
Jacqueline Pretty's writing in "Powerless" is simply captivating. She has a way with words that draws you in from the very beginning and keeps you engrossed until the very end. Her descriptions are so vivid and detailed that you can almost feel the world she has created coming to life around you. The pacing of the story is spot-on, with just the right balance of action and reflection. It's a rollercoaster of emotions as you follow Hanna's journey, and you can't help but root for her every step of the way.
What I really appreciate about Pretty's writing is her ability to create characters that feel like real people. Hanna, in particular, is such a relatable protagonist. You can feel her insecurities, her fears, and her longing for acceptance deep in your bones. And the supporting characters are equally well-developed, each with their own unique personality and motivations. It's a testament to Pretty's skill as a writer that she can make you care so deeply about these fictional individuals.
In conclusion, "Powerless" by Jacqueline Pretty is a remarkable novel that seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, self-discovery, and the pursuit of power. Pretty's masterful writing, captivating storytelling, and well-developed characters make for an immersive reading experience that leaves a lasting impact. Whether you're a fan of science fiction, superhero narratives, or coming-of-age stories, this book has something to offer. Its exploration of themes such as power, acceptance, and identity will resonate with readers of all ages, inviting introspection and sparking discussions. I highly recommend "Powerless" to readers who crave a thought-provoking and thrilling journey. Prepare to be transported into a world where extraordinary abilities and the search for belonging collide. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you follow Hanna's quest for self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of her own power.
Powerless tells the story of Hanna Super, a 16-year-old girl who discovers she does not have the superpowers that the rest of her family possesses due to a genetic mutation. Hanna Super is the black sheep of her extraordinary family despite carrying the super gene like her powered siblings. Working tirelessly in her father Artem's lab, Hanna desperately seeks to unlock her abilities before his patience runs out.
When Hanna makes a mistake in the lab, her father harshly kicks her out with nowhere to go. Hanna clings to one hope for redemption - if she develops powers, she can return home. This desperate bid to prove herself launches Hanna's quest to uncover the secrets hiding within her DNA.
Her journey brings her into conflict with the Russian mob and forces her to confront dark truths about her father's murky past. These revelations shake Hanna's loyalty to her family and push her to question how far she will go to gain the powers she so desperately craves. She begins piecing together the full story of what's really happening with superpowered individuals while seeking answers about why her gifts never surfaced, what happened to her mother, and who she can truly trust.
Though born with the super gene like her powered siblings, Hanna struggles with feeling like an outsider without abilities. On the run from her family, she faces the harsh realities of a world dominated by superhumans. Her quest focuses on survival, self-discovery and activating her dormant powers.
Powerless combines elements of science fiction, adventure and mystery as it probes the complex relationship between DNA, evolution and humanity. Readers accompany Hanna on an emotional journey as she fights for purpose and place amid uncertainty, conflict and difficult truths - witnessing her resilience and growth as she emerges from her outsider status in search of self-acceptance regardless of whether her powers manifest. One central theme is finding your true identity and sense of belonging. Hanna feels left out as the only family member without powers. She thinks getting powers will make her fit in. But her journey teaches her what really matters is being true to herself, regardless of powers. It's qualities like strength of character, caring for others and inner strength that define you - not genetic mutations. Hanna learns having resilience, doing what's right and being a good person make you truly powerful.
Another big theme is power dynamics and how power can corrupt. The story looks at how having superpowers affects people's status in society and in Hanna's family. Hanna sees her dad's power goes to his head as he tries to control and dump those he thinks are inferior. But Hanna realizes true strength comes from using your power to help others, not dominate them. This lesson is important as she struggles with her own desire for power.
Family connections and secrets also shape the story. Hanna's troubled relationships with her siblings and dad stem from lies and a lack of communication. As she discovers her family's hidden past, she sees how secrets have damaged the trust and closeness that should unite them. In the end, Hanna finds the courage to be true to herself. She realizes the truth is what builds real connections with others, even family. Overall the book examines what really gives life meaning. Hanna learns having superpowers isn't what makes you special. It's qualities like kindness, courage and being true to yourself that empower you to make a real difference - in your own life and the lives of others. These inner strengths help you forge bonds and find where you truly belong.
Jacqueline Pretty's writing in "Powerless" is simply captivating. She has a way with words that draws you in from the very beginning and keeps you engrossed until the very end. Her descriptions are so vivid and detailed that you can almost feel the world she has created coming to life around you. The pacing of the story is spot-on, with just the right balance of action and reflection. It's a rollercoaster of emotions as you follow Hanna's journey, and you can't help but root for her every step of the way.
What I really appreciate about Pretty's writing is her ability to create characters that feel like real people. Hanna, in particular, is such a relatable protagonist. You can feel her insecurities, her fears, and her longing for acceptance deep in your bones. And the supporting characters are equally well-developed, each with their own unique personality and motivations. It's a testament to Pretty's skill as a writer that she can make you care so deeply about these fictional individuals.
In conclusion, "Powerless" by Jacqueline Pretty is a remarkable novel that seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, self-discovery, and the pursuit of power. Pretty's masterful writing, captivating storytelling, and well-developed characters make for an immersive reading experience that leaves a lasting impact. Whether you're a fan of science fiction, superhero narratives, or coming-of-age stories, this book has something to offer. Its exploration of themes such as power, acceptance, and identity will resonate with readers of all ages, inviting introspection and sparking discussions. I highly recommend "Powerless" to readers who crave a thought-provoking and thrilling journey. Prepare to be transported into a world where extraordinary abilities and the search for belonging collide. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you follow Hanna's quest for self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of her own power.
_readwithsha's review
5.0
The action scenes are off the charts and the imagery is so vivid, it's like watching a movie in your head. I mean, seriously, I was hooked from the very first page!
Thankyou for this amazing arc.
Thankyou for this amazing arc.
beautynbks's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
prisoner_of_books's review
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
4.5 stars
Honestly I read this book a little while ago and can't remember everything, but I knew I absolutely loved it! And it was so unexpected too!
I was hooked from the first page and the author did not let me go! The writing was amazing and I could see everything so clearly in my head. The characters were so complex and amazing, all morally grey too.
In this world superheros are real and discovered by a strand of DNA, but they have to be registered and monitored. Hanna is a part of the Super family, the daughter of the guy who found the DNA strand. But out of her three monstrous siblings, she is the only one who never manifested a power. So of course her father tried many many things to get her to show powers. But none of them worked, so she spent her days in the lab trying to make herself useful.
Until there was a leak and everyone blames her. She is cast out into the street straight into enemy hands. The Brotherhood, the society her mother was a part of and her father was trying to destroy. Hanna decides she will earn her place back in the family by spying. But in the end she must decide how far she will go for power. Will she betray her monstrous family, or the new ruthless family she has found in the Brotherhood?
The premise of this book sounds so good and it was definitely executed that way as well! I honestly wasn't expecting much but I got drawn into Hanna's world of fear, torture, science, superheroes and mafia gangs.
It had an unraveling mystery, strong characters, amazing writing and was action-packed!
I highly recommend this book to all my sci-fi fantasy fans who love a good genetic superhero trope with adventure and action plus a tight sisterly bond, bold and brash characters and of course daddy issues.
Content notes: self harm, toxic family dynamics, light drug references, and mild violence
Thank you so much to BOMM tours and the author for providing me with this copy.
Honestly I read this book a little while ago and can't remember everything, but I knew I absolutely loved it! And it was so unexpected too!
I was hooked from the first page and the author did not let me go! The writing was amazing and I could see everything so clearly in my head. The characters were so complex and amazing, all morally grey too.
In this world superheros are real and discovered by a strand of DNA, but they have to be registered and monitored. Hanna is a part of the Super family, the daughter of the guy who found the DNA strand. But out of her three monstrous siblings, she is the only one who never manifested a power. So of course her father tried many many things to get her to show powers. But none of them worked, so she spent her days in the lab trying to make herself useful.
Until there was a leak and everyone blames her. She is cast out into the street straight into enemy hands. The Brotherhood, the society her mother was a part of and her father was trying to destroy. Hanna decides she will earn her place back in the family by spying. But in the end she must decide how far she will go for power. Will she betray her monstrous family, or the new ruthless family she has found in the Brotherhood?
The premise of this book sounds so good and it was definitely executed that way as well! I honestly wasn't expecting much but I got drawn into Hanna's world of fear, torture, science, superheroes and mafia gangs.
It had an unraveling mystery, strong characters, amazing writing and was action-packed!
I highly recommend this book to all my sci-fi fantasy fans who love a good genetic superhero trope with adventure and action plus a tight sisterly bond, bold and brash characters and of course daddy issues.
Content notes: self harm, toxic family dynamics, light drug references, and mild violence
Thank you so much to BOMM tours and the author for providing me with this copy.
mikkareads's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I think I would've loved »Powerless« to pieces when I was younger, in my teens or early 20s. I don't mean to make this sound like a slight – after all, since it's a YA novel, that is exactly the age range of the target audience! And I know that many adult readers loved it, as well.
The book has a lot going for it: fast-paced, thrilling action, a compelling hero(ine)'s journey, an engaging writing style… It is a quick, fun read, telling the touching story of a young girl who struggles to find acceptance and self-esteem.
But to me, it feels too much like a mishmash of »X-Men« (young people with superpowers), »The Umbrella Academy« (domineering, controlling father figure) and »Encanto« (the main character is the only one who's ordinary). Thus, it veers into that awkward territory between homage and rehashing established ideas
While Hanna herself is relatable, her father and all but one of her siblings hate her, with no nuance. The author emphasizes their cruelty, their unfairness, their unflinching ruthlessness. This paints a picture in black and white, robbing the story of dimension. The book mentions a few times that the teens are the direct result of a cold, inhumane father, who expects all of his children to be 'super' – but it still seems a leap from disappointment to contempt to hate.
Also, Science Fiction is an unforgiving genre when it comes to factual errors. It calls for one of two things: meticulous research, or sticking to what you already know. »Powerless« gets a few things wrong. For example, in one chapter, the story hinges on a clone having the same fingerprints and retinal patterns as the original person, and that's just not true. Both are not determined by a person's genes; clones and identical twins would be easily distinguishable by these traits.
I felt torn on how to rate it. Ultimately, I need to keep the target audience in mind, and I feel like the novel is likely to be a smash hit for many young readers. Hence, I give it a solid 3 stars.
The book has a lot going for it: fast-paced, thrilling action, a compelling hero(ine)'s journey, an engaging writing style… It is a quick, fun read, telling the touching story of a young girl who struggles to find acceptance and self-esteem.
But to me, it feels too much like a mishmash of »X-Men« (young people with superpowers), »The Umbrella Academy« (domineering, controlling father figure) and »Encanto« (the main character is the only one who's ordinary). Thus, it veers into that awkward territory between homage and rehashing established ideas
While Hanna herself is relatable, her father and all but one of her siblings hate her, with no nuance. The author emphasizes their cruelty, their unfairness, their unflinching ruthlessness. This paints a picture in black and white, robbing the story of dimension. The book mentions a few times that the teens are the direct result of a cold, inhumane father, who expects all of his children to be 'super' – but it still seems a leap from disappointment to contempt to hate.
Also, Science Fiction is an unforgiving genre when it comes to factual errors. It calls for one of two things: meticulous research, or sticking to what you already know. »Powerless« gets a few things wrong. For example, in one chapter, the story hinges on a clone having the same fingerprints and retinal patterns as the original person, and that's just not true. Both are not determined by a person's genes; clones and identical twins would be easily distinguishable by these traits.
I felt torn on how to rate it. Ultimately, I need to keep the target audience in mind, and I feel like the novel is likely to be a smash hit for many young readers. Hence, I give it a solid 3 stars.
flyawaytinker's review
adventurous
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
ashleyyjo12's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5