Are you looking for someone you can trust with book recommendations? Look no further! My name is Adrianna Kello and this is my column: Talking Books! I bet there are hundreds of books you have seen where you have asked the question, “Is this the book for me?” Well, you have come to the right place to get those answers! Here, I will be publishing my honest reviews, and letting you know if you should give those books on your mind a try!
Alright… Let’s talk books! Right when I closed the first book of the Powerless Trilogy, I ran to my car to go and buy the second one. “Powerless” by Lauren Roberts is a dual point of view, slow burn, fantasy. And let me tell you, the slow burn is so worth it.
Paedyn Gray is an Ordinary in the Elite kingdom of Ilya, but she’s not the only one in hiding. Only the Elites are welcome in the place she calls home, people who developed powers when the Plague hit all those years ago. Kai Azer is who they call the Enforcer, the one who “takes care” of all the Ordinaries still lingering in the kingdom. He is second in line for the throne, standing behind and obeying his brother, Kitt, and the murder of Paedyn’s father: The King.
The story follows both Paedyn and Kai through The Purging Trials, three excruciating tests that challenge the kingdom’s most powerful fighters. Their relationship throughout the trials dances between the lines of tenderness and ferocity. Kai cannot help the soft spot he develops for Paedyn, and she realizes that maybe what happened in her past was not his fault.
Pitted against each other in the trials, will the Enforcer step up to his royal duties, or will he allow the silver-haired girl to shatter the mask he has so intently put in place?
“Powerless” is described as the baby of “Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins and “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard, but only if the baby got dropped on its head a couple times. The overall plot of “Powerless” was lacking in originality, but I think the depth of the characters and backstories made up for it. I love reading books with familiar tropes and comfortable plotlines that I will be able to decipher. If you do too, I would give “Powerless” a try!
My favorite character throughout the first novel would have to be the male main character himself, Kai Azer. Not only is he sarcastic and witty, he is also powerful and prideful. He does whatever he pleases, even if it makes his father angry. He seems put together, but underneath it all, he is tense and grieving.
I loved the dynamic between Paedyn and Kai as well. Their banter is comical, with a hint of flirting. He did not let his title hold him back because he knew exactly what he wanted. Not only was “Powerless” an enemies to lovers novel, it was one of the best well-written young adult fantasy books I have read this year.
I have had my fair share of fantasy novels, and I can already say that right off the bat I knew this book would be a five star read. To be honest, I am not picky when it comes to reading, but here are some key pointers as to why “Powerless” should be added to your list! For one, the world and plot building is familiar with some unique points that will make the story more interesting. The romance is kept clean and slow, which just makes me more excited to get to the final page!
Overall, I would say “Powerless” is the way to go if you are just getting into reading. Besides the slow burn romance, it is a fast paced book, which is easier to read when just starting out. It is definitely a fan favorite on social media platforms. If you enjoy easy to read, giddy books with a little smidge of violence and love, then “Powerless” by Lauren Roberts is for you!
