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A review by elislittlelibrary
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
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
4.5
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:)
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:
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
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Torture, Grief, Death of parent