Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Have you ever felt like an outsider, desperately trying to fit in? Imagine a world where your very existence is illegal, where you have to hide who you truly are just to survive. Now, throw in a dash of forbidden romance, a sprinkle of deadly competition, and a whole lot of badassery, and you’ve got “Powerless” by Lauren Roberts. This book, y’all… it’s a wild ride.

The Lowdown: What’s the Deal with “Powerless”?

Okay, so picture this: You’re in the kingdom of Ilya, where being “Elite” (aka having superpowers) is everything. If you’re an Ordinary (read: no powers), tough luck—you’re basically persona non grata. Our girl Paedyn Gray? She’s an Ordinary trying to pass as an Elite. Talk about stress, am I right?

Things get real when Paedyn accidentally saves Prince Kai Azer’s life. Suddenly, she’s thrown into the Purging Trials—a brutal competition to show off Elite powers. Oh, and did I mention she’s starting to catch feelings for the prince? Yeah, because that’s not complicated at all when you’re hiding a secret that could get you killed.

“Powerless” by Lauren Roberts is the first book in The Powerless Trilogy, followed by the novella “Powerful” and the upcoming sequel “Reckless.” And let me tell you, if this first installment is anything to go by, we’re in for one heck of a ride.

The Good Stuff: What Makes “Powerless” Shine?

1. Paedyn: Our Badass Heroine

Let’s talk about Paedyn for a sec. This girl is fierce, y’all. She’s spent her whole life pretending to be something she’s not, and she’s damn good at it. Her wit, her strength, and her determination make her a protagonist you can’t help but root for. Plus, her inner struggle between survival and doing what’s right?

2. The Romance: Slow Burn, Anyone?

Okay, can we discuss the tension between Paedyn and Kai? It’s electric, I’m telling you. Their banter, the stolen glances, the way they slowly start to trust each other… it’s the kind of slow burn that’ll have you yelling “Just kiss already!” at the book. (No? Just me? Alright then.)

3. The World-Building: It’s All in the Details

Roberts has created a world that feels real and lived-in. The way she describes the stark contrast between the opulent palace and the gritty slums of Loot Alley? You can almost smell the sticky buns and feel the grime under your fingernails.

4. The Supporting Cast: More Than Just Background Noise

From the loyal and sassy Adena to the enigmatic Prince Kitt, the secondary characters in “Powerless” aren’t just there to fill space. They each have their own motivations and secrets, adding depth to the story and making you wonder who you can really trust.

The Not-So-Great: Where “Powerless” Stumbles

1. Pacing Issues: Slow and Steady Doesn’t Always Win the Race

Look, I get it. World-building takes time. But there were moments, especially in the first half of the book, where the pacing felt a bit… well, powerless. Some scenes dragged on longer than necessary, while others felt rushed.

2. Familiar Tropes: Been There, Done That?

At times, “Powerless” by Lauren Roberts leans heavily on some well-worn YA tropes. The chosen one, the love triangle (sort of), the brutal competition… Sound familiar? While Roberts puts her own spin on these tropes, there were moments where it felt a bit “been there, done that.”

The Writing: Roberts’ Style and Flair

Lauren Roberts has a way with words, y’all. Her writing is vivid and immersive, pulling you right into the heart of Ilya. The way she describes Paedyn’s inner turmoil, the tension of the Trials, and the simmering attraction between characters? It’s the kind of writing that keeps you up way past your bedtime, muttering “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 3 AM and you’ve finished the book.

The Verdict: To Read or Not to Read?

Look, if you’re a fan of YA fantasy with a dash of romance and a whole lot of intrigue, “Powerless” by Lauren Roberts is a no-brainer. It’s got all the elements that make the genre great—a strong heroine, a swoon-worthy love interest, high-stakes action, and enough plot twists to keep you guessing.

Sure, it’s not perfect. But you know what? Its flaws are part of its charm. It’s like that slightly messy friend who always keeps things interesting—you can’t help but love them, imperfections and all.

Plus, with “Powerful” (the novella) already out and “Reckless” on the horizon, you know you’re in for a wild ride with this trilogy. So why not jump on the Powerless train now? Trust me, you won’t regret it.

How Does “Powerless” Stack Up?

If you’re wondering how “Powerless” compares to other books in the genre, think of it as a love child between “Red Rising” and “The Selection,” with a dash of “X-Men” thrown in for good measure. It’s got the high-stakes competition of “The Hunger Games,” the royal intrigue of “Red Queen,” and the hidden-identity drama of “Throne of Glass.”

While it might not be breaking entirely new ground, “Powerless” takes familiar elements and combines them in a fresh, exciting way. It’s like when you mix all your favorite ice cream flavors—sure, you’ve had each one before, but together? It’s a whole new delicious experience.

Who Should Read “Powerless”?

1. YA Fantasy Fans: If you live for magic systems, royal intrigue, and epic competitions, this book is calling your name.
2. Romance Lovers: The slow-burn romance in this book? It’ll have you swooning and screaming in equal measure.
3. Underdog Enthusiasts: If you’re always rooting for the little guy (or gal), you’ll love Paedyn’s journey.
4. Anyone Who’s Ever Felt Like an Outsider: Paedyn’s struggle to fit in while hiding her true self? It’s relatable AF, even if you don’t live in a fantasy kingdom.

Final Thoughts: Why “Powerless” Packs a Punch

Here’s the thing about “Powerless”—it’s more than just another YA fantasy romance. It’s a story about identity, about the power of choice, and about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. It asks some big questions: What makes someone truly powerful? Is it their abilities, or their choices? Can one person really make a difference in a corrupt system?

Sure, it’s got swoon-worthy romance and pulse-pounding action. But underneath all that, “Powerless” has heart. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is be true to yourself.

So, do yourself a favor. Grab a copy of “Powerless,” curl up in your favorite reading spot, and prepare to be swept away. Just don’t blame me when you’re up until 3 AM, bleary-eyed but unable to put the book down. And when you’re done? Well, “Powerful” is waiting for you, with “Reckless” not far behind. Trust me, you’re going to want to see where Paedyn’s journey takes her next.

Because in a world where power is everything, sometimes being powerless is the greatest strength of all.