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jehansen127's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Grief, and Classism
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
enchantingreads_rosyreviews's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I’m so unused to someone wanting me. Choosing me. Finding me worth the effort. Because I’m completely undeserving of it. Of her. If darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she is not around. And I wonder how I’ve stumbled this long without her to guide me...
I’ve spent my whole life wishing to be wanted. And here he is, begging me to let him... He is my fantasy. This is my reality. With that realization, all hesitation vanishes. And I kiss him.
This novella gives us the POV of a supporting character from book 1 while big events were happening (you have to read book 1 first). Boy, oh boy, this was an emotional ride. Without spoilers, it’s strange to any time we move through an established timeline, but learn new things because we get to see a new POV. So, while many of the events in this novella weren’t new per se, witnessing the Trials, balls, etc. from Adena and Mak’s POVs was interesting. This is significantly more emotional than the last book (hence why there’s an emotional rating on this graphic) and it’s fast-paced because of the shorter format. But we still get swoon-y lines, colorful writing, lovable characters and we get to see some book 1 faves.
“I count the stars,” she says softly. “To help me sleep... I always wondered how something could shine so bright, even while being swallowed in darkness... I hope they know how admired they are up there,” she murmurs. “I mean, I count them before bed every night.”
I shake my head at the sight of her admiring something far duller than she. “I’m quite sure that even the stars are envious of you... Because one day—far from now—you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one." ...
"And will you be beside me up there?”
“If I should be so lucky.”
“Promise me,” she murmurs sternly. “I don’t want to be alone.”
I nod against her hair. “I promise, Dena.”
Okay, real talk. This book wrecked me. Without spoilers, let me say knowing the basic outline of events (since this book takes place during book 1’s timeline), does NOT make it easier to read. It just makes it more crushing.
I’ve never been much good with pain. Never needed to be. But I refuse to be ashamed of my softness. Gentleness is the strength that fragility lacks.
It would be one thing, if there was a reason behind it. But as I’m writing this, I’ve already finished Reckless, the next book in this series, & it doesn’t seem like Powerful was necessary to understand the series. Like, are new characters gonna prove important to this world? It doesn’t seem like it. So why hurt us like this, Lauren? Why?! 😭 Maybe it will pay off in book 3? I don’t know... but I still loved this book... it just hurts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, and Grief
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Classism
Minor: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail