A review by alyn_reads
Powerless by Lauren Roberts

5.0

Wow. This book? Powerless by Lauren Roberts is everything you could want in a fantasy romance, a fierce heroine, a morally gray love interest, high stakes tension, and a world dripping with danger and intrigue. I devoured it.

The story follows Paedyn, a girl forced to hide her true identity in a society obsessed with power, literally. In a world where abilities define worth, being powerless makes you expendable. But Paedyn? She’s far from helpless. Clever, resourceful, and bold, she’s a heroine you can’t help but root for. When she’s thrust into the Cut, an elite competition filled with deadly challenges, her secret becomes harder to keep, especially with the enigmatic Callan watching her every move.

Let’s talk about Callan for a second. He’s the kind of love interest you don’t forget. Dangerous, sharp tongued, and annoyingly magnetic, he’s the perfect foil for Paedyn. Their chemistry? Electric. The enemies to lovers dynamic simmers with tension, banter, and just the right amount of longing to make your heart ache. Roberts knows exactly how to draw out the slow burn, leaving you desperate for each stolen glance and charged interaction.

What really sets Powerless apart, though, is the world building. It’s vivid, immersive, and brimming with lore that begs to be explored. From the deadly Cut to the complex social hierarchy, every detail feels meticulously crafted. And the plot? Twists on twists on twists. Just when you think you have it figured out, Roberts pulls the rug out from under you.

The best part? You don’t have to stop here. The novella Fearless and book two (Ruthless) are already out, so you can dive right back into this gripping world. And with book three (Boundless) set to release in April 2025, now’s the perfect time to catch up. If you’re a fan of Throne of Glass or The Hunger Games but crave more romance and moral complexity, Powerless will be your next obsession.