I've not read the hunger games... but I've heard lots about it and I totally am feeling those vibes.. especially from the title alone!! Without a doubt the best book I've read this year.. damn maybe ever tbh!!! I was hooked!!

The writing alone was out of this world, the descriptions, the storytelling, the romance and the pacing of the book was amazing! I loved that it was dual pov too, between the male and female main character... well it was sizzling chapter by chapter. The build up was intense.

Okay so we know there is a lot of heat between the main characters.. but let's just give a shout out to the secondary characters because they were also amazing.

Yeah just yeah gimme the second book already... I will totally admit to running to IG to message the author to totally crush over the book and then also I ran [in the internet world ofc.] To amazon to find the paperback copy.. order it and then see there will be a second book so yeah I pre-ordered that too!!!

All the bloody stars!!!!

"Powerless" by Lauren Roberts is an electrifying urban fantasy that sparks with creativity and tension from its opening pages. Set in a world where supernatural abilities are the norm, the novel follows the journey of a protagonist stripped of their powers, navigating a society that values strength above all else.

Roberts weaves a complex and immersive world where the dynamics of power and vulnerability are explored in depth. The protagonist's struggle to find their place in a world they once dominated creates a compelling character arc that resonates with readers on both emotional and intellectual levels.

The author's prose is sharp and engaging, propelling the narrative forward with a mix of action, intrigue, and introspection. The exploration of identity, self-worth, and the meaning of true strength adds layers of depth to the story, making it more than just a fantastical adventure.

"Powerless" deftly examines the intersection of power, society, and individuality, inviting readers to question the value they place on external abilities versus internal qualities. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery and personal growth is relatable and inspiring, making the novel a thought-provoking read.

Lauren Roberts masterfully combines fantastical elements with thought-provoking themes, resulting in a novel that is as entertaining as it is intellectually stimulating. "Powerless" is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy who appreciate a story that challenges conventions and dives into the complexities of human nature.

thank you to netgalley, the publisher and author for this arc.

4 stars.

SOOOOO yes i am going to need the second book in my grubby little hands VERY soon bc pls what was this 😭😭😭 like this was so good, especially the tension!! *chef's kiss*

this story has a kind of hunger games vibe, in the way that it's also about contestants who have to battle to the death to win the "trials". the winner gets a good sum of money. some other elements also reminded me a little too strongly of thg, but nothing i can't overlook. but just know; it was clear where the inspiration was drawn from.

one small piece of criticism i do have, is that some phrases/actions were repeated too often, to the point it annoyed me little. but that's all, really.

anyways, again, the tension between the mc and the mmc was delicious. i would give this book four stars for that alone. i will take no judgment, i am just a girl after all. 😌

Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this story. This book is one hell of a rollercoaster and to be honest is up there as one of the best books i've read this year. highly recommend!

I was hooked from the start; reading this definitely gave me Hunger Games vibes with slow burn romance.

I loved the characters and was please that there was plenty of strong female characters in this book.

Really looking forward to reading the second book.

When I saw the blurb for this book I was so excited to read it, so thank you to Simon and Schuster UK Children's and NetGalley for my wish copy,

3.5/5

This book is a mix of The Hunger Games/Defy the Night and is a great introduction for teens wanting to explore young adult fantasy. It was a bit of a roller coaster for me. I started off really enjoying it, but by the end I didn't know what characters I actually liked? There was a lot that wasn't explained in enough depth, making it difficult to understand the connection between the characters. For example, I didn't always understand the relationship between Kai and Kitt? I'd have loved to have learnt more about their relationship as brothers and why Kitt never appeared to support his brother emotionally. I'm hoping the author explores this more in future books!

The romance! I spent the majority of the book screaming at the angst because I always wanted a little bit more from the characters! Hopefully we will see this in the next book!

Powerless takes place in the kingdom of Illya where The Plague raged and killed thousands, separating the kingdom into The Elites who have magical powers and the Ordinary who are powerless, often banished or killed on detection unless they manage to avoid it by faking Elite powers like Paedyn Gray. Paedyn's secret is safe until she unknowingly saves the life of Prince Kai and finds herself nominated for the Purging Trials.

I don't mind our main character Paedyn. She's cunning, smart and funny, but I think she has room to develop more. We know she's powerless but surely she's got to have some other weakness. I would've liked to have seen the darker side of Kai more. We're constantly told that he is a monster and a killer but the first time we see him with a chance to prove this, his first target is a child who he of course lets go. Kitt however! I love how he's not like every other YA next heir to the throne who is supposed to be cold and calculating. He longs to be a successful king like his father, but at the same time he wants to be able to live his own life.

However, the tension between Paedyn and Kai's brother Kitt though. I want more of them two. I loved Paedyn and Kai together but in my opinion, I feel like Paedyn and Kitt could serve the enemies to lovers trope much more. Like her using him to get information, the betrayal? I need more! Book two better give me them. Don't get me wrong, I do like Paedyn and Kai together but I felt like their 'enemies to lovers' story was more insta-attraction with tons of flirty banter. They are constantly flirting, like what actually makes them enemies, aside from her being an ordinary and him being an elite? I was wanting more angst between them.

As much as I enjoyed the book, there is a lot of similarities to The Hunger Games and Red Queen. I would've loved to have seen more of the world building as well including the backstory of how everything broke out. Additionally, why is everyone so strong? Surely the elites would have some form of weakness due to their powers? It would prove that they're not all gods.

While the book is fast paced and easy to follow, there is a lot of repeated phrases and full of figurative language and metaphors. I understand that this is Lauren Robert's first book but there is a few things to improve on which I'm sure we will see within in the second book. Here's to hoping that she breaks away from the copy and paste of other ya fantasy plots for the second book.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I don't think that there is anything in particular that is new or special about Powerless

This is without a doubt a rip-off of The Hunger Games but that's not to say that it's not enjoyable. At the moment there are very few books that are keeping my attention and somehow, Powerless did just that.

There are a quite a few holes in the plot but as a debut, I don't think there are too many things to complain about.

This is book 1 of a trilogy - I think this is going to be fairly popular, mainly thanks to teenage girls who are singing the praises of this all over TikTok without having read the book - but I'm not sure that I'll bother with the following books.

I will however keep an eye on the author for the future as I think she's got a lot of potential.

Although this book is addictive and readable, overall I found it derivative. The conflict between the protagonists is exciting but are let down by the pacing and plot, both of which make the romance feel rushed and obvious. The focus on the romance detracts from the plot, which feels like an amalgamation of other similar books and is not sufficiently interesting. The style undercuts the emotion, the constant repetition of the characters’ conflicts about the romance with overly flowery language not feeling earned.

I was really excited about Powerless, and while I was sufficiently invested in the story to want to read the sequel, there were a few things that didn't quite work for me.

The premise of the plot had very much a hunger games type of feel to it - deadly trials, and the two main characters patching each other up during one of the trials was a bit of a déjà-vu moment, for sure. However, I struggled to see why the Elites would put their lives on the line for this, seeing as they all were comfortably at the top of society in the world created by Roberts. Even suspending my misgivings over the trials at the heart of the plot, there were other elements that gave me this feeling of re-reading something a bit too well-worn - the trial in the shifting maze was very much reminiscent of the Triwizard tournament finale.

Giving this a rating of 3 stars because I did overall enjoy it. This will appeal to YA readers who like a twist on the chosen one trope and enjoy enemies to lovers, royalty and win-or-die trials.

This is such an entriguing storyline. Very easy to read and follow.

I love the characters - Paedyn representing strong females in this after everything her character has experienced.

The slow-burn romance between Paedyn and Kai made me smile everytime the pair were on the page!!!

Full of twists, drama, intensity and action.

Highly recommend!

There are high-stakes and plenty of romance in this fantasy novel with Hunger Games vibes.

In a world ruled by Elites with magical powers, Ordinaries are banished or killed on detection unless, like Paedyn Gray, they manage to avoid detection by faking Elite powers. Paedyn's secret is safe until she unwittingly saves the life of Prince Kai and finds herself nominated for the Purging Trials. Can she keep her secret on the biggest and deadliest stage in the kingdom, while fighting growing feelings for a prince who will kill her if he discovers who she really is?

I loved the world building in Powerless and really enjoyed how varied the different Elite powers were. There's lots of interesting backstory and history to unpack, and plenty more to explore in book two.

There was also great banter and plenty of tension. I really enjoyed the way Paedyn and Kai's relationship evolved - the stolen moments between them were my favourite parts of this novel.

But oh, that ending! I am so desperate to find out what happens next!

Fantasy romance novel, mostly very good and certainly engaging.

Paedyn lives in a world where the Elites have powers and those without, the Ordinaries, are hunted down. She survives in the slums but gets involved in the Trials, a Hunger Games type event. Kai is the prince being trained to be the king’s enforcer, also involved in the Trials. The plot works well as far as the action is concerned but the romance angle is overlong in my opinion. The characters are well-developed and generally likeable. Ending on a cliffhanger, this volume is the start of a trilogy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Rating: 2/5

"Powerless" by Lauren Roberts is a young adult novel set in the captivating Kingdom of Ilya, a realm ruled by elites who wield extraordinary powers granted by a mysterious plague. The story centers around Paedyn, a young woman living amidst a society divided between the gifted elites and the ordinary people who must hide their lack of powers under the constant threat of banishment or worse.

The premise of a society divided by powers and the struggle of ordinary individuals living in disguise holds promise, offering a fresh take on familiar themes. Paedyn's audacious decision to pretend to be an elite and her unwanted involvement in the treacherous world of the elite games presents an intriguing premise that captivates the reader's attention.

However, as the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that "Powerless" falls into certain pitfalls commonly found in young adult literature. The narrative tends to be repetitive, and the writing style leans toward a simplistic tone that may be more suitable for a younger audience. The characters, including Paedyn herself, feel somewhat two-dimensional, lacking the depth and complexity that could have enriched their relationships and vulnerabilities. Additionally, the book's resemblance to the "Hunger Games" series is hard to ignore, and this familiarity might leave readers longing for a more distinctive and original storyline.

While the book does have its strengths, such as Paedyn's resourcefulness and her ability to manipulate situations through her clever deceptions, it would have greatly benefited from more immersive world-building. A deeper exploration of the Kingdom of Ilya, its history, and its social dynamics could have compensated for the underdeveloped characters and brought a greater sense of depth to the narrative.

In conclusion, "Powerless" by Lauren Roberts offers a unique concept within the realm of a divided society and an ordinary protagonist thrust into the world of elites. Despite its promising premise, the book struggles with repetitive writing, underdeveloped characters, and a narrative that often lacks the depth and complexity required to truly engage readers. While Paedyn's cleverness shines, a dearth of world-building and deeper character exploration ultimately hinder the novel's potential. As a result unfortunately, I can give “Powerless" only a rating of 2 out of 5 stars.

This book was truly fantastic, a fantasy novel based around a set of trials, reminiscent of the Hunger Games but not too similar. The use of dual POV was a great choice, being able to see inside the heads of both our main characters was great! I'm not usually one for this kind of romance, but the chemistry between the protagonists was incredible.
The story never felt like it was dragging at all even when it was focusing on life outside the trials, it was fast moving enough to keep you interested without being confusing.
Overall a stunning debut from Lauren Roberts, I can't wait for the next one, especially after that last minute twist!

This is a classic ya fantasy, i enjoyed it. Reminiscent of red queen by Victoria aveyard.
I liked the plot and the characters. There was great tension!

I'm giving this a neutral 3 stars because I don't think it's bad, it just reads like it needs a developmental editor to go over it and tweak the story. I think it's something I might have enjoyed more about 20yrs ago too so part of it is me falling outside the target audience. Basically if you enjoyed Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (which I hated because it was so badly written and structured) and you thought the Hunger Games was about a love triangle while the political nuance swooped over your head, then you'll probably really enjoy this. It didn't work fod me. The characters weren't differentiated enough and too many plot points were contrived. Everyone has to have a special ability? How does that even work? And why are the trials even happening? It doesn't make sense. Over all a really cool concept but it just didn't land for me. But check out that gorgeous cover!

Powerless by Lauren Roberts had me hooked right from the start! Such a great story,, I couldn't put it down - but that ending!!! I need more!

This book is everything I want in a YA Fantasy Romance.

The intriguing plot, the magic system, the tension! I ate it all up and left no crumbs.

Paedyn Gray is a thief, and a good one at that. But she’s Ordinary. In a world hostile to Ordinaries, people with no powers, she lives in the slums as she tries to hide her true identity or risk being caught and killed. When she happens upon a certain handsome target, steals from him and then ends up saving him, her life suddenly changes. Pae accidently saves an arrogant and annoyingly charming Prince of Ilya, Kai, and is subsequently thrust into competing in the Purging Trials. Named for the Purging of Ordinaries, it is a series of trials for the Elites to showcase their power. Pae must compete and survive not only the trials, but she must also keep her deadly secret.

Kai is decidedly handsome and extremely cocky. As the Trials go on, the pair get closer, closer than some people (including Pae) would like. An attachment to the Prince that would kill her if he knew her secret is dangerous, so why can’t Pae seem to stay away from him?

First of all, I want to congratulate the author for writing some of the best tension I have EVER read. This had me giggling and kicking my feet like a schoolgirl. Kai and Pae’s relationship was so rich, so well written – I was so immersed in their back and forth. Some of Pae’s other relationships were also brilliantly written, chiefly the one with Adena. I won’t give any details away, but this made me FEEL. Pae’s relationship with the other Prince, Kitt, was another doozy – another one I won’t spoil but is worth mentioning.

Pae was likeable, even when she made questionable decisions, and that’s a hard thing to do (from my experience anyway). Even when you’re screaming at her to not do it, you find yourself rooting for her anyway. She had a well written background and you could understand why she did certain things. Similarly, Kai’s character had such depth. Watching him shed his masks and learning about his past; it was heartbreaking.

I really enjoyed the magic system in this book. There are different ‘factions’ consisting of desirable, undesirable, and outlawed magics. These bleed into the class and power system of the world; with desirables at the top. This is one of the plotlines in the book, Elites purging the Ordinaries and the outlawed magics for power and control.

This was an action packed, slow burn romance story with high stakes and many deceptions. I do not think I can wait patiently for the next book to come out as I desperately need to know what happens next!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children's UK, Netgalley, and Lauren for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Brilliant! I went straight out on publication day and got myself a physical copy!! I loved this book and I would read another 5! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my eArc of this book.