Reviews with content warning for Torture - Powerless

Reviews tagging 'Torture'

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

299 reviews

abby_can_read's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

📱
I enjoyed this book. I liked the worldbuilding. The characters were good and their relationships were alright. The elements of the love triangle annoyed me. The plot was decent though predictable and the writing style was fine.

Content Warnings

fantasy_voyager98's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Mrs.Robert's powerful storytelling and mesmerizing world building is truly a work of art.

The witty banter between Paedyn and prince Kai was written to perfection. Paedyn's strong,and clever comebacks are more than a perfect match against Kai's determination,and annoyingly flirty personality.

The B&N exclusive edition is beautiful, and has a bonus chapter that provides more insight for the plot twist that happened in chapter 59 page 451.

Content Warnings

elislittlelibrary's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

In short: surprisingly, I really, really loved this!
I was in a severe reading slump and this book came in from a hold from the library and since it was marked YA fantasy (romance), I thought I'd give it a try in the hope to get me out of the reading slump (which a lot of books before couldn't). And I think it worked! I found myself glued to this book, but I slowed down a little once I got to 50%, because I didn't want it to end.
I was honestly a little apprehensive, because this book was so popular on TikTok and I thought it'd be similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses or Fourth Wing - it's not (fine if it would be, I just happened to not love those two)! It's definitely YA.
The writing is good, with various themes (e.g. eyes) reoccurring throughout the book. The story is told in first person in a dual POV, switching between the two main characters (the epilogue being in the POV of a third character). Dual POVs can be tricky for me, but I think it was well done in this case, the switches were clearly marked, the characters were distinguishable from one another and the characters communicated well (for the most part), so the dual POV actually gave more information instead of just showing the intense miscommunication. There was a little more miscommunication/not telling each other the truth towards the end, but that was somewhat understandable and set up the conflict for the following books. One more thing about language, arguably a stupid point, but one I want to mention nonetheless - the names. I actually picked up this book and read the summary in the book store, but but it right back down when I saw that the name of the main character is Paedyn, I just couldn't do it. Many names in the book feel very "millennial soccer mom", which I had to get used to. Please still read the book, but I had to ignore some names, haha.
Now onto the plot! I'd describe the plot as a mix between the Hunger Games and the Selection, with the additional existence of magic. Even though there are similarities, I still think the plot was really unique, it just had some elements that reminded me of the aforementioned series. While technically, Paedyn is not like other girls, this is not a point in the book and there are both female characters she gets along with well and ones that she does not, so the YA clichés are avoided. While not very obvious, the book does contain some (social) commentary. The main character recognizes how unfair their system is and how unfair the Trials are. Also, in the same breath, possibly a light Triggerwarning to be aware of: while not outright ableist, this world has a system in which only the strongest can live. This has to do with magic, but still, the mindset present in many of the characters may be triggering (for more information:

there are those with magic and those without. A few decades before the events of the book, those without magic were killed ("the Purging"), as they were seen as sick, wearing those with magic. When those without magic are found in the city, they are killed.

). The first half of the book was relatively plot heavy, which I appreciated. The romance really picked up in the second half, so I sometimes wished that there was more focus on the plot (hence why this doesn't get five stars). While the connection is quite instant, in terms of events, the romance is a slow-burn (example: they do not have a proper kiss during the entire book, just almost). Obviously, there is no spice (it's YA after all), but there is a lot of banter! I personally prefer books without spice, but I think that those that like spice will also like this book!
The book ends on a cliffhanger, after which I wanted to read the next book (which only comes out in July). BUT there is a teaser for the second book in the version I read. Now, the cliffhanger at the end of book one was bearable, but the cliffhanger from the teaser was not, I NEED the second book!
All in all, really loved this book:)

Content Warnings

lilycharb's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

michellebub's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

It definitely is slow burn, has no sexual content. Which is good don’t get me wrong, it’s YA, but it could have been closed door. The slowest burn that has ever burned, I might die from these burn scars because I can’t get enough from it. If you think this book is enemies to lovers then you’re going to be disappointed. It might be rivals to lovers but if I’m going to be serious can it be considered that if they’re attracted to eachother from the start? I still enjoyed the tension between the two and the banter was exquisite. I still think about them.
It is dual POV tho.

Content Warnings

alis143's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Content Warnings

girly_owls27's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous challenging emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I just love how he would call her darling! It was so sweet

the knife to the throat motif throughout this entire book was actually quite powerful and never felt repetitive

Content Warnings

imke_d's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I really liked this book. It wasn't as mind blowingly phenomenal as it was made out to be by everyone, but especially for a debut novel, it was pretty good. I really liked the romance, there was a lot of tension which I really enjoyed. Some of the quotes did feel pretty forced though, like they were taken from a '100 best fantasy quotes' pin from pinterest. A small part also did feel a bit unrealistic. Our main character, Paedyn, is an ordinary. Ordinaries aren't allowed in the country. The love interest, Kai, is trained in killing ordinaries. He can sense and 'steal' everyones power, yet when he meets Paedyn, he isn't the least bit suspicious when he can't sense any powers. He just believes her lie and goes on with his day. I just think that a prince this well trained, would not be as easily fooled by a random girl.

Content Warnings

meep_7's review against another edition

4.25

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

'Who did this to you' BOY meets 'why do you care/I'll stab you in the heart' GIRL.

- There's nothing like being so engrossed in a book that you stay up late to finish it. This one had me hooked, both the mcs had me in a CHOCKHOLD! It's a fun, light romantasy with banter that kept me entertained. Despite being tropey, the author integrates them well without overdoing it.

"if i am to be her enemy, i want it to be because she loathes herself for wanting me.”

KAI AZER: The prince who kills people who have no power, but ends up being obsessed with the girl who is powerless herself! Yo! That. SCREAMS DRAMA. THAT SCREAMS ANGST!

From braiding her hair to putting food on her plate to calling her "my pretty pae" and writing this on his hand while being drunk "she said I can touch her when I'm sober"KAKSHSHDHSH💀like I was obsessed with him because he was obsessed with her!🧎‍♀️

When I tell you this man had me acting like a little girl twirling my hair, kicking my feet, I could not stop gigging when he spoke! Honestly I was fighting the urge to underline every word that came out of this man's mouth.😭

His character was also quite complex. His struggle for redemption added depth to his character. His relationship with his two brothers(Kitt and Jax) were wholesome to see.

"she’s so stunning, yet so stubbornly oblivious to how the sunset behind dulls in comparison to the vibrance that is her.”

PAEDYN GRAY: Now on the flip side our fmc was very strong and powerful despite being 'powerless' because she didn't have any fancy powers and had to rely on her physical strength and quick thinking which was quite refreshing to see. The action scenes were pretty easy to follow.

Though I will say her backstory didn't hit quit as hard as Kai's but I still liked how the author developed her character in the present timeline.

I'm glad she was not smitten with Kai from the start. She was too busy being annoyed with him and trying to SURVIVE the trials. The banter and flirting was just so good between them.. Her constantly threatening him with a dagger to his throat and him being HIKEY obsessed with that behaviour had me cackling ngl.

❝Promise me you’ll stay alive long enough to stab me in the back?❞ SIR, she will LITERALLY and FIGURATIVELY! 💀

''Mark my words, prince, i will be your undoing.” I lean in, ignoring the knife against my throat as I murmur, “Oh, darling, I look forward to it.”

-The slow burn in this book is top-tier! The fiery chemistry between the MCs was immaculate ! 🔥 The banter and tension are incredible.

-Okay, let's talk about the author's obsession with eye color? Seriously, every other page mentions "ocean eyes" and "grey eyes." and also pae constantly going on about kitt’s "green eyes". Don't get it twisted I'm not complaining honestly it reminded me of me being fascinated with gojo's ocean blue eyes.💀(More on anime references later)

-This book blends romcom with action, but the fantasy element feels subdued. The world-building is lacking depth and description, with repetitive phrases throughout. However, as a debut novel, I'll cut it some slack. Despite its flaws, I still enjoyed it ALOT!

Now, let me give you some ONE PIECE brain rot moments:

Paedyn is a thief which reminded me so much of nami.

Also the three brothers totally gave me vibes of another set of beloved brothers in OP!

Kitt ➡️ Sabo
Kai ➡️ Ace
Jax ➡️ Luffy

Like, look me in the EYE and tell me that I'm WRONG😭

Aye- somebody count how many times I've called Kitt "sabo" instead of using his actual name!💀

Overall, This book was fast paced. The world is easy to understand. While the start was rocky, once you're in, you're hooked especially for the romance. The last few chapters are packed with action, emotion, and reveals. I need the second book ASAP!

Content Warnings

booksofjades's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

My heart is still pitter pattering as I type. Oh my god did this book keep me on the edge of my seat. I truly don’t understand how it hasn’t got more hype.

Paedyn, Kai, Kitt. The elites and the ordinarys. The kingdom and its cruelty. All forced together by the king and his purging trails.

The dystopian aspect of all the ordinaries being seen as diseased by the elites was so well written and I like that Lauren didn’t shy away from truly setting the scene and talking realistically about how bad the slums could be.

My heart hurts with paedyn both for the unexpected ending but that she has been unfairly overwhelmed in loss more than the average person but I truly envy her strength despite it all.

I’m a huge sucker for fantasy as many already know, and this one sealed the deal easily. I instantly ordered the novella and and sequel and I cannot wait to follow paedyns fate and the fight for fairness.

Content Warnings

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