Powerless by Lauren Roberts

This book was highly recommended to me by a couple of friends, so I was eager to start reading it. The plot takes place in the Kingdom of Ilya, where a sickness called the Plague killed thousands of people. However, some of the survivors gained abilities, calling themselves Elites. Then, there were people who didn’t get powers: the Ordinaries. The king, who wished to create an all-Elite society, accused the Ordinaries of carrying a disease that would be harmful to the Elites and their powers, leading to the killing and attempted-extinction of the Ordinaries.

However, there were some Ordinaries that survived and lived disguised as Elites, including Paedyn Gray, disguised as a Psychic. She inhabited the slums, living off of looting people and shops. Kai was the kingdom’s future Enforcer, given his rare and unique ability, and a prince of Ilya. Growing up with an unloving father, he went through rigorous training to prepare him to be an Enforcer. 

Living an inconspicuous life is all Paedyn wanted. However, after accidentally saving one Kai, she was chosen to participate in the Trials, a competition allowing contestants to showcase their abilities in 3 different competitions. While the winner gains fame and wealth, there is also the risk of death given how fierce the competition is. Sent to the palace, Paedyn was subjected to training and formal events, all the while putting up with Kai’s incessant flirting. Paedyn and Kai have to not only survive the Trials, but battle with their feelings as they grow to like each other more and more. 

My favorite part of the book is definitely the battle between the king and the Resistance, a rebellion group consisting of Ordinaries and the Fatals (Elites with “dangerous” abilities, including Silencers and Mind Readers). Not only is it satisfying to see Paedyn kill the king (who killed her father for being part of the Resistance), the king reveals several truths that give the story a twist. Also, it is gratifying to see Paedyn overcome her fear of and take revenge on him after his corrupt reign over Ilya.

However, the Trials were also enjoyable to read through. Paedyn, even with no ability, could show off her wits and physical agility to her full extent. Mixed with a good ratio of romance between Kai and Paedyn and actual fighting, the Trials kept me on my toes.

All in all, this story did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend it to anybody who likes a good mix of action and romance!

- Joyce Zheng