A review by elaichipod
Powerless by Lauren Roberts

adventurous emotional 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

4.25

BookTok really pulled through with this book!! I was so hooked. The banter, the character dynamics, the build up were all laid out so perfectly. I know the whole Hunger Games concept is not anything new, but I still enjoyed the story. Kai and Paedyn's interactions made me so giddy, I was just waiting for one of them to confess! They are so cute together and I feel like they would make sure a powerful couple. Also, when Kai says "Pae" for the first time and then starts using it when his feelings get really intense?? Unbeatable. I need the second book immediately!!! I feel like it will be even more exciting because this book ended on a cliffhanger. I do wish the princes were made a bit more aware of the propaganda and discrimination against Ordinaries, or questioned their father a bit more, but I can understand why paedyn couldn't push it. I also think I needed a wrap-up from the Resistance's end, just to know where they were at after the attack, but maybe the next book will pick up from there.

I’m trying not to laugh and failing miserably. I snort and clamp a hand over my mouth, shaking with less than silent laughter at my current situation. At that, I feel Kai’s lips smiling against my palm and tug my hand back before I can change my mind.

 Weak from worry, powerless from panic. No, just powerless.

“The ball is tomorrow,” Lenny says, almost sounding solemn. “The ball is tomorrow,” I echo, my voice barely more than a whisper. “And then it’s the final Trial.” He’s staring up at the stars looking down on us. I exhale a shaky laugh, seemingly unable to come up with my own words since I say, “And then it’s the final Trial.” Lenny looks at me, eyes full of laughter. “What are you, a parrot or a Paedyn?”