Powerless
4.4 | 63,233 ratings
Price: 19.68
Last update: 02-02-2026
Top reviews from the United States
- Alla L.4.75 stars - SO GOOD.If you're looking for a fantasy book, rivals to lovers, flirting, slow-burn, tension, action, twists and turns, and a fierce MFC and a flirty MMC, then Powerless is for you.
I LOVED this book SO. MUCH. It was pretty fast paced for most of it, but what made be take off some points was because the start was kind of slow and it didn't really show why the trials happened, even though you can search it and it's kind of obvious. If you're wondering, it's pretty much to kill the Ordinaries in the kingdom. But this book is so much more. It's a duel point of view, and the characters are amazing. It's funny and romacntic and the tension and flirting between Kai and Paedyn is MWAH. It was literally perfect and had me hooked the whole time. I feel so stupid for not picking up this book before because IT'S SOOO GOOD. I sometimes even got mad at the author (in a good way) because of the twist and turns and THE ENDING. The ending was a twist but not too much, and it was SO SAD too. I felt so many different emotions just WOW. I devoured this book. I first got it from the library but IMMEDIATELY ran to Amazon so I can get my own copy of it. I love this book SO SO SO much and I promise it won't leave you disappointed unless you're used to reading like REALLY REALLY fantasy and slow burn books. Also don't read it if you read Red Queen or Hunger Games. I haven't read either so the plot isn't so bad, but if you did you might find it boring because it's a mix of the plots from both books.
Overall I LOVED and DEVOURED this book and I recommend it to anyone that's starting fantasy or YA romance. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book and just O.M.G. PLEASE READ IT !! - Bookish Blonde Barista3 1/2 STARSLauren Roberts' Powerless is an enthralling romantasy set in a world divided by power—literally. The kingdom of Ilya is split between the Elites, who gained supernatural abilities after surviving a great plague, and the Ordinaries, who are powerless and hunted to extinction. Paedyn Gray, a clever street thief, has spent her life pretending to be an Elite, using quick thinking and deception to survive. But when she saves Prince Kai Azer’s life, she is thrust into the deadly Purging Trials, a competition designed to showcase the abilities she doesn’t have.
Characters & Romance:
Paedyn is a breath of fresh air in the realm of fantasy heroines—witty, sharp-tongued, and entirely reliant on her intelligence rather than magical gifts. Watching her navigate the trials with sheer grit was a highlight. Meanwhile, Kai is the morally conflicted prince with an undeniable charm, whose arc from executioner to protector is compelling. Their slow-burn romance, filled with tension, witty banter, and stolen glances, is one of the book’s strongest elements.
“If I am to be her enemy, I want it to be because she loathes herself for wanting me.”
Their chemistry is electrifying. From knife-to-throat scenes to moments of unexpected tenderness (like Kai braiding her hair and calling her “my pretty Pae”), every interaction deepens their connection. While the book is marketed as an enemies-to-lovers story, it leans more towards immediate attraction with Paedyn resisting the pull rather than outright hatred.
Plot & Pacing:
The story is fast-paced, and the tension escalates effectively, especially in the last 100 pages, making it impossible to put down. The Purging Trials introduce thrilling life-or-death stakes, though the pacing of each trial varies—some are drawn out while others are over too quickly. The world-building is intriguing but lacks depth in certain areas, sometimes relying too heavily on repetitive descriptions. However, as a debut novel, this is forgivable.
Themes & Writing Style:
Themes of power, survival, and identity are central. Roberts masterfully weaves romance with high-stakes action, making Powerless feel like a romcom wrapped in a dystopian fantasy. There’s humor, angst, and heartache in equal measure. While the writing is engaging, some aspects—like overused phrases and underdeveloped lore—could be polished in future installments.
Final Thoughts:
Despite its imperfections, Powerless delivers an addictive blend of romance and adventure. Fans of The Hunger Games, Red Queen, and Shatter Me will find familiar elements, but the dynamic between Paedyn and Kai keeps it fresh. The ending is a gut punch, setting up book two for what promises to be an angst-filled sequel.
P.S. Kitt is an underrated gem, and I hope Paedyn’s actions don’t push him into villain territory. If Kai and Pae aren’t endgame, I will riot.
Quotes:
➴ "But im never sober around you, pae. Never not drunk on every detail that is you."‧
➴ “What do you want to call me?” “I want to call you mine.”
➴ "I was thinking, that you couldn't breathe. and as much as I like that dress on you, I figured you would look just as good in it with the laces undone."
➴ "I meant what I said. I can't take my eyes off you. I can't take my mind off you."
➴ “Oh, darling, as long as you still think I’m pretty, I don’t give a damn what I look like.”
➴ “Every girl deserves something equally as pretty and deadly as they are."
➴ “When his eyes lock with mine, I wonder why I ever bother looking at anyone else.”
➴ “Remind me to to make you smile like that again, when you aren't dying, and I have all the time in the world to memorise it.”
????Length: 528 Pages
????Genre: Fantasy
????Spice: ????️
????Violence: ????????
????Editing: Nothing that pulled me from the story
????Series: The Powerless Trilogy
????Ending: Cliffhanger
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ - SaiqaOHHH….DARLING, DARLING, DARLING….Im OBSESSEDOBSESSED
‘Mark my words, Prince, I will be your undoing.’
I lean in, ignoring the knife against my throat as I murmur, ‘Oh, darling, I look forward to it.’
What on earth did I just finish reading?! There are 3 types of books, books that has a storyline that are not that interesting and you skim through, books you like reading during the night when you have time, and books you HAVE to read both during the day and night, because your obsessed, your not living in this world anymore but your lost in the book. THIS book is that kind of Obsession!!
‘If I am to be her enemy, I want it to be because she loathes herself for wanting me.’
The story line is good, the caracters are great. The TENSION in this book is on different level, trust me, Ive read like 500 books, and I never thought I would read a book full of soooo much FEELING, and the best thing about it…there was no lust or disgusting thoughts/feelings, it was all adorable and sweet and swoony…I cannot remember how many times I swooned, smiled, sighed and giggled. The dance lessons at night, the thumb war, the saving in the trials, the first meeting, the nightmare scene…I can go on and on and on…
He tilts his head to the side, eyes roaming over my face. ‘Tell me,’ he murmurs, ‘what do you want me to call you?’ My eyes slowly meet his, confused by his question. ‘What do YOU want to call me?’
‘I want to call you mine.’
That banter between the main caracters, deserve an Oscar, it was not short banter you usually get, I loved every word!
You cannot stop FEELING! The WANT, the LONGING, the HEARTPOUNDING looks and words, especially said by Kai, he is arrogant, cocky but still so fierce, intense, full of feelings.
And the way he WANTS, I wish every boy could WANT nd FEEL that way!!
Not until I looked into a pair of ocean blue eyes and realized that perhaps drowning was a beautiful thing. Not until I looked into a pair of fiery blue eyes and realized that perhaps burning was a painless thing. Not until I looked into a pair of sky blue eyes and realized that perhaps falling was a peaceful thing.
And then she’s laughing loudly. I hold my breath, watching the way her head tips towards the sky, her silver hair cascades down her back, her eyes crinkle with amusement. She looks back at me too quickly, and I hope I’ve wiped the look of wanting from my face fast enough.
The heart shattering ending full of hurt has me craving the next book like a maniac. I cannot wait!!
From their first meeting to their last in the book, you will love every moment, just grab the book and read!!!
‘I didn’t realize you had watched me so closely.’ ‘Watched? Darling, I’ve never stopped.’