Powerless / Powerless Trilogy #1

My Review

"Powerless" is an absolute gem that I stumbled upon in a bookstore and couldn't resist picking up. Little did I know that it would become my latest obsession, keeping me glued to its pages until the wee hours of the morning.

I was trapped in a whirlwind of banter-filled romantasy and flew through the pages. Both of the main characters had me in a chokehold. Their sass, sarcasm, and sizzling chemistry are top-notch; their slow pace deserves a trophy of its own. Yes, this book was filled with romantasy tropes to the brim, but it didn’t ruin my reading experience as the author cleverly wove them into the story without it feeling like she was shoving them down your throat.

Now, the story is set in a world divided between the powerful Elites and the Ordinaries. The Elites, who have special abilities ranging from minor skills to more supreme powers, and of course, the ones born without powers, the Ordinaries. In this kingdom, Ordinaries are inferior to Elites, and on the king's orders, all Ordinaries are to be eliminated to preserve his elite society.

Our story centers around the two main characters, Paedyn & Kai.

So we have Paedyn Gray, our not-so-ordinary Ordinary, who is a quick-witted thief just trying to survive in the slums with her best friend. Her sharp tongue and wit made the book fun in a really entertaining way. I was rooting for her, as it was refreshing to see a female lead that didn’t have magic or special powers and had to rely on her wits to stay alive. She was also given some great skills like her strength, wit, determination, and preservation and a healthy dose of sass. Getting to see her development and overcome so many obstacles was a great adventure. BUT occasionally I was so mad at her (girl made some questionable decisions)!

And then there's Prince Kai, the cocky enforcer with a mission to hunt down people like Paedyn. Their dynamic is electric, filled with palpable chemistry and snarky banter that had me grinning from ear to ear. Kai's internal struggle adds depth to his character, and watching him fall for Paedyn despite his better judgment was both swoon-worthy and heart-wrenching. He is everything and more, I can’t get over him. This man just has a way with words (and moves). The way I was giggling like a little girl and made me blushing every time the man opened his mouth or showed his dimples was embarassing, wut what can you do? He was just so charming, tortured, swoony, witty, and perfect. When he braided her hair and called her “my pretty Pae” - swoon. The fact that he knew her capabilities and gave ‘that’s my girl’ vibes rather than forcing her into protection and hiding her away from the world. Seriously, how can you not love him!!

While the premise might sound familiar to fans of dystopian YA fiction (Shatter Me, Hunger Game & Red Queen series), "Powerless" manages to carve out its own place with its captivating characters and addictive storyline. Paedyn's sharp tongue and resourcefulness make her a refreshing protagonist, and I couldn't help but root for her as she navigated the treacherous trials.

But what truly sets "Powerless" apart is its masterful handling of romance. The slow burn between Paedyn and Kai is nothing short of exquisite, building tension with every stolen glance and lingering touch. chef's kiss Their relationship feels organic and nuanced, adding an extra layer of depth to an already compelling story. How the author built up this fiery and heated chemistry between the MCs despite them not even sharing a single kiss was just so immaculate. Even if sometimes I wanted to reach into the book and smash their heads together with a scream of 'NOW KISS FOR PHUCK SAKE', I'm glad it happened as it did. The angst was killing me, yet it made it all worth it.

And let's not forget about the pacing – "Powerless" moves at a breakneck speed, never giving readers a chance to catch their breath. The world-building is seamless, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the story without getting bogged down by unnecessary details, political plays, and different breeds. The world-build is easy to understand so you can just lean back and enjoy the journey.

In short, "Powerless" is a must-read for fans of romantasy. I devoured every page and am already counting down the days until I can get my hands on the sequel. Trust me, you won't be able to put this book down either.