Powerless Book Review
Powerless by Lauren Roberts book review and recommendation with NO SPOILERS
Date: 5-12-25 Post Written By: MK Overall Rating: 9.1/10
Book Cover Rating: 9.1/10
(My personal opinion)
Title: Powerless
Author: Lauren Roberts
Pages: 523
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Subplots: Magic
Romance Level: 2/3 (no spice, but prominent part of plot)
Series: The Powerless Trilogy #1
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
First Published: 2023
Number of Editions: 69
Awards Won: British Book Award Nominee for Children’s Fiction, Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction, Barnes & Noble Children’s & YA Book Award for Young Adult
Goodreads Rating: 4.17/5
# of Goodreads Ratings: 681, 233
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5
# of Amazon Ratings: 46,173
Common Sense Media Age Recommendation: 14+
Movie/TV Show?? : In early development of TV adaptation
Book Type: Standard
POV Type: Dual, First Person
Pacing: Medium-Fast
Generally: Hunter. Hunted. Brutal trials. Magic.
Blurb:
The Elites have possessed powers for decades, gifted to them by the Plague, while those born Ordinary are just that, banished from the Kingdom of Ilya and shunned from society.
No one knows this better than Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary posing as a Psychic to blend in with the Elites. But when she unwittingly saves one of Ilya’s princes, Kai Azer, she’s thrown into the Purging Trials, a brutal competition showcasing the Elites’ powers.
If the Trials and the opponents within them don’t kill her, the prince she’s fighting feelings for will if he discovers what Paedyn is . . . completely Ordinary.
My Review
Main Characters:
Paedyn Gray- Paedyn is one of the main characters in this book. She is an Ordinary, meaning someone without powers. This means she is hated by the government, and if found, will be killed. She is sharp-tongued, not afraid to tell the truth, and bold. She is passionate, but also often feels lonely and…well….powerless. One of her key features is shocking, silver hair.
Malakai Azer- Kai is one of Ilya’s princes. He is an Elite, meaning someone with powers. He can absorb and use other Elite’s powers. He has been trained from birth by the king to be the Enforcer, basically a brutal killer. He often closes himself off, and rarely shows his true emotions. He has a caring side, but also a ruthless side for anyone who has wronged him.
Kitt Azer- Kitt is the crown prince. He is also an Elite. He has power over water and fire. Since birth, the king has trained Kitt to follow in his footsteps. He is kind, caring, and listens to advice.
Wow. I’ve heard a TON about these characters, given how obsessed basically all YA readers seem to be with them right now. But, they deserve it! These were some AMAZING characters with depth and unique characteristics. They seemed SO real and personable, even with parts of them that might have been less realistic. It was easy to relate to them and feel for them. They all went through such rollercoasters of joy, pain, grief, and success (and certainly dragged the reader right along with them).
Character Rating: 9.9/10
Setting:
This book takes place in the Kingdom of Ilya
This was a great fantasy setting. I loved the juxtaposition between Paedyn’s part of the city vs the princes’ palace/grounds. This setting was well described and portrayed. The atmosphere was constantly shifting and gave the reader many highs and lows.
Setting Rating: 8.8/10
Plot:
Okay. I have a lot to say about this plot. Was it engaging, captivating, and left me unable to stop reading? Absolutely! But was it also cliche and generic? Yes. I LOVED everything that was happening, but could also clearly see the flaws. A majority of this book seemed VERY similar to Hunger Games (though to be fair, it wasn’t a 100% carbon copy). I don’t mean this is a directly negative way, I loved the Hunger Games! I just think if you’re looking for a unique story, this might not be the one for you. It was also fairly predictable. But, at the same time, it was engaging, and I struggled more than I probably have all YEAR to put this down. It was the sort of plot that had me staying up read it, and excited to get home everyday just to read it. So, I’m fairly conflicted over this plot; I REALLY enjoyed it, but would warn off people looking for originality.
Plot Rating: 8.0/10
Writing:
This writing matched the book PERFECTLY. It was clearly written for a young adult audience, and there were not any super sophisticated or advanced plotting throughout the book. I don't mean this to complain though! I don’t think this book needed any of that. But, I want to make sure everyone has fair expectations.
Writing Rating: 8.8/10
Ending:
So.. I’m IMMEDIATELY on my way to Barnes & Noble to buy book 2…. This ending was AMAZING! The cliffhanger was PERFECT and left me no choice but to read book 2. A few loose ends were wrapped up, but there were still A TON more leaving me on the EDGE OF MY SEAT! Seriously, if you aren’t prepared to IMMEDIATELY dive into book 2…well…..good luck.
Ending Rating: 10/10
The Overall:
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and think it was totally worth the hype! There were a few flaws throughout, (nothing about the book seemed particularly unique, it felt VERY similar to other fantasy books, and a little less sophisticated), but none of these really hindered my reading experience. I absolutely loved the main characters, and the cliffhanger was AMAZING. I’m so excited to read book 2 immediately!!
Overall Book Rating: 9.1/10
I would strongly recommend this book
Help independent bookstores by buying on Bookshop: Powerless
Or buy on Amazon: Powerless
ChatGPT’s Opinion: Powerless by Lauren Roberts has received mixed reviews, with many praising the engaging slow-burn romance and strong character dynamics, particularly between Paedyn and Prince Kai. Fans of romantic fantasy appreciate the chemistry and emotional growth, but critics highlight the book's lack of originality, drawing heavy comparisons to The Hunger Games and Red Queen. Common criticisms include underdeveloped world-building, unclear plot motivations, and noticeable writing and editing issues. While the story may satisfy readers who enjoy romance-driven narratives, it may disappoint those seeking a more unique and polished fantasy novel.
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When Lauren isn’t writing about fantasy worlds and bantering love interests, she can likely be found burrowed in bed reading about them. Lauren has lived in Michigan her whole life, making her very familiar with potholes, snow, and various lake activities. She has the hobbies of both a grandmother and a child, i.e., knitting, laser tag, hammocking, word searches, and coloring. Powerless is her first novel, and she hopes to have the privilege of writing pretty words for the rest of her life. If you enjoy ranting, reading, and writing, Lauren can be found on both TikTok and Instagram @LaurenRobertsLibrary for your entertainment.
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Powerful
Reckless
Fearless
View Lauren Robert’s books on her website: Laurenrobertslibrary.com
Or on Amazon: Lauren Robert’s Books
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ChatGPT.com (ONLY for specified “ChatGPT’s opinion” portion of reviews and small information gathering)
So, was the Powerless book worth the hype??
I think for a young adult audience, yes! The key parts of this book were engaging and captivating. It might have had minor flaws, but nothing that made this book less worthy of its popularity! The characters, specifically, had been LOVED by audiences recently, and I think they also deserved it! They were well developed, had character development, and seemed personable.
What did you think of this book??
Reach out below anytime! Whether to share your opinion of this book, comment on mine, ask for similar suggestions, or ask for more clarity/spoilers for this book. I’d love to answer any questions, share more opinions, or hear your thoughts!! Thanks so much!!
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