A review by annaelisaa
Powerless by Lauren Roberts

adventurous dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I feel like we've all seen this book around booksta & booktok a ton! Especially if you're a romantasy reader, you've probably seen it on lots of different profiles. didn't even know this was a debut until halfway through, and I have manyyyy thoughts! 

This held so much potential with its fast pace, slowburn, and knife-to-throat action. I think the writing style and character crafting could develop beautifully in the future. Could this stand on its own without the romance plotline? Absolutely not. The world is not nearly as detailed as it should be and lacks quite some depth. The trials felt way too similar to the Hunger Games, from the way they were instrumentalized and incorporated into the plot. 

I could tell exactly where the plot was progressing from about 30% in & major plot points were quite predictable. With that being said, I also couldn't put it down! The pacing was just right, and the second half of the book drew me in even more. AND THE DYNAMICS!!! 

This is definitely a good palate cleanser, & I'd rec reading it for the slowburn and not for plot twists and worldbuilding.