I will never be able to stop recommending Powerless by Lauren Roberts. Reading this book felt like an emotional rollercoaster that I simply couldn’t get enough of. Set in a world where magical abilities determine one’s fate, the story follows Paedyn, a girl born without powers in a society that deems the powerless expendable. When she is unexpectedly thrown into the deadly Purging Trials—an arena meant to test the strongest elites—she must use her intelligence and survival skills to stay alive. The constant danger had me on edge, fearing for her fate at every turn. Along the way, she crosses paths with Kai, the heir to the throne, whose motives remain uncertain. Their dynamic adds an extra layer of tension, as their growing connection is complicated by the brutal competition they’re both caught in. The slow build of their relationship, filled with sharp banter and unspoken trust, made every interaction between them even more gripping. Despite the ruthless world they live in, their moments of vulnerability offer a much-needed emotional depth to the story.
I usually struggle with fantasy because world-building can be overwhelming, but this book was refreshingly easy to follow. The pacing is relentless, keeping me hooked from start to finish, and the mix of action, suspense, and emotion made it impossible to put down. And that ending? It completely caught me off guard and had me ordering the second book immediately. If you love high-stakes fantasy with gripping action, unexpected twists, and a romance that keeps you guessing, this is a must-read!
By Teen Reviewer, Aanya