From the moment I picked up Powerless by Lauren Roberts, I knew I wasnโt diving into a deep, life-changing piece of literature. And yet, I found myself completely hooked. Sure, the writing may not be the bestโthere are moments that lack depth and the prose can feel simplistic.. but the sheer entertainment value makes up for it in spades. If youโre looking for a light, fun read that delivers sharp banter and enough chemistry to keep you smiling, this book absolutely delivers that.
Plot Summary
Powerless follows Paedyn (Pae), a girl who has kept her true identity hidden all her life. In a world ruled by power, she is one of the powerless, yet her spirit and determination set her apart. When fate throws her into the company of Kai, a powerful, sharp-tongued prince, sparks fly, and not just the romantic kind. They get drawn into a larger conflict, the two must work together to fight a common enemy (the trials) while wrestling with their own personal demons.
At its core, Powerless is a fast-paced adventure filled with magic, secrets, and political intrigue. While the plot isnโt the most original in the fantasy genre, itโs executed well enough to keep you turning the pages. The stakes are clear, and even if the story isnโt groundbreaking, itโs still thoroughly enjoyable.
Character Development
Paedyn and Kai are the heart of this book. Paedyn is a character you want to root forโsheโs feisty, stubborn, and unafraid to stand up for herself. Her arc, while not as complex as I would have liked, is compelling enough to keep me invested. She struggles with her lack of power in a world that worships it, yet she consistently shows strength in other ways.
Kai, on the other hand, is the epitome of the brooding, morally grey hero. Heโs quick-witted and sarcastic, and his banter with Paedyn is easily one of the highlights of the book. Their relationship evolves from initial distrust to something deeper, and while it follows a predictable enemies-to-lovers trajectory, itโs still immensely fun to read.
The secondary characters donโt get as much attention (although we do now have a novella dedicated to Adena’s story which helps this). However thereโs so much potential for more depth there. That being said, the focus on Paedyn and Kai means that the book maintains a tight, character-driven narrative, which works in its favor.
Themes and Messages
At its heart, Powerless explores themes of identity, power, and trust. Paedynโs journey of self-discovery is about realizing that power isnโt always about magic or strength. Itโs about resilience and inner conviction. The book also delves into the idea of trust. Particularly between Kai and Paedyn, as they navigate their growing relationship amid external threats.
While these themes are clearly present, but they are not explored deeply. The story prioritizes action and romance over philosophical musings, which makes it a great read if youโre in the mood for something more lighthearted.
Writing Style and Tone
The writing in Powerless isnโt going to win any awards for its literary merit. Itโs straightforward and, at times, lacks the polish and complexity of other fantasy novels. With that said, the simple prose keeps the book accessible and avoids getting bogged down in unnecessary description or world building.
What Roberts excels at, however, is dialogue. The banter between Paedyn and Kai had me giggling and kicking my feet more times than I care to admit. Itโs snappy, sharp, and often the perfect balance of teasing and tension. The tone of the book stays light despite the heavier themes of power and betrayal, making it an easy, enjoyable read.
World-Building
The world-building in Powerless is serviceable but not particularly groundbreaking. Roberts introduces a world where power is everything, and the powerless must fend for themselves. There are elements of magic and political intrigue, but these donโt feel fully fleshed out. The focus remains on the characters and their personal struggles. So the world feels like a backdrop rather than a living, breathing entity.
For readers who love deep, immersive worlds with rich histories, this book might feel a bit shallow. However, for those looking for a fast-paced, character-driven story, the world-building serves its purpose well enough.
Comparison and Context
If youโre a fan of fast-paced, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romances like From Blood and Ash lol, youโll likely enjoy Powerless. It hits all the right beats for this kind of story. With just enough tension and chemistry between the main characters to keep you invested. However, if youโre looking for a book with the depth and complexity of something like Six of Crows, you might find Powerless a little lacking.
Something else to note is that this book gets compared A LOT to other book series with Lauren herself claiming to have drawn inspiration from The Red Queen (which I havenโt read so canโt speak on) and The Hunger Games (which I have read andโฆ letโs just say I can certainly see the similarities!). Some have even compared parts to specific scenes in Harry Potter which I can also kind of understand. That being said Iโm pretty sure she said she wrote this as a passion project at 18, throwing everything she loved in other romantasy books into one of her own. So if youโre looking for a book with raw originality and uniqueness, this isnโt the one for you!
Personal Opinion and Rating
Powerless isnโt a perfect book, but itโs a fun one. The banter between Paedyn and Kai is top-tier, and I found myself smiling through most of their interactions. While the world and plot could use more depth, the characters carry the story, and their dynamic makes this book highly entertaining.
The writing, while not the strongest aspect of the book, doesnโt take away from the overall enjoyment. Go into Powerless expecting a light, quick read with witty dialogue and a smoldering romance, and it wont disappoint.
Rating: 3.5/5
Entertaining, fun, and perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance, but not a book to expect deep world-building or intricate plotlines.
Conclusion and Recommendation
If youโre in the mood for a book thatโs equal parts adventure and romance, Powerless by Lauren Roberts is a solid choice. It doesnโt demand too much from its readers and delivers enough charm and banter to make it an enjoyable ride. I recommend this to anyone who loves a good enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Especially if youโre a fan of character-driven stories with a touch of magic.
If you haven’t read Powerless by Lauren Roberts but like the sound of it, I’ve linked it below! Along with the rest of the series so far. This is currently an incomplete trilogy with one novella and book 3 (Fearless) is available for pre order, although not due to be released until 8th April 2025.
