Lauren Roberts' novella "Powerless," marks her debut in the YA world. The story, initially self-published and later released by Simon & Schuster in 2023, centers around a forbidden romance between a powerful prince and an ordinary girl in a kingdom with strict laws.

Only the extraordinary belong in the kingdom of Ilya, while those without powers, known as Ordinaries, are banished. Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary, survives in the slums by posing as a Psychic. When she saves a prince and gets involved in the Purging Trials, she must navigate the deadly competition and her growing feelings for the prince while hiding her true identity.

The Author

Roberts, when not immersed in crafting fantastical worlds and intriguing romances, indulges in her passion for reading, often found nestled in bed with a good book. A Michigan native, she is intimately acquainted with the quirks of her home state, from potholes to snow and the joys of lakeside activities. Despite her adult responsibilities, Roberts embraces hobbies that span generations, such as knitting, laser tag, hammocking, word searches, and coloring.

As an author, Roberts aspires to continue weaving captivating narratives for years. Beyond her literary pursuits, Roberts engages with her audience through TikTok and Instagram, sharing her thoughts, rants, and love for literature.

Roberts discussed her journey from self-publishing to traditional publishing and how her writing has developed, partly influenced by her presence on TikTok. Her decision to write a companion novella stemmed from an invitation by Yasmin Morrissey, editorial director at S&S U.K., along with senior editor Nicole Ellul at S&S BFYR. They proposed the idea, wondering if another narrative awaited exploration. Roberts immediately thought of Adina, feeling she had not fully delved into her story.

The novella flowed effortlessly, completed in just 28 days, allowing Roberts to expand on Adina's character.

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A Perfect Blend of Fantasy and Romance

A review on Instagram noted that the book encapsulates all the cherished elements of fantasy and romance within a tension-filled, exhilarating, and swoon-worthy narrative. Every beloved micro-trope of romantasy is expertly interwoven, from daggers at throats to intimate moments of hair braiding and endearing nicknames. The dynamic between Kai and Paedyn is a constant source of anticipation and delight, their banter and bickering never ceasing.

The fast-paced plot, immersive descriptions, and the delicate balance between sweetness and rivalry enhance the reading experience. The forbidden love trope adds depth and complexity to the narrative, keeping readers excited for the next pages. Highly recommended for fans of "Dance of Thieves" and the initial "Throne of Glass" book, the story grips readers from the opening chapter, leaving them eager for the sequel.

Plot Similarities to Popular Films

A review from an enthusiastic fantasy reader on Lace and Dagger Books expressed intrigue at the book's popularity. The reviewer highlighted how it captivated them despite initial reservations about the genre. While drawing comparisons to films like "Red Queen" and "The Hunger Games," the reviewer acknowledged similarities but enjoyed the characters and their dynamics, particularly praising Paedyn and Kai. They noted some trope-like aspects of Paedyn's character but still found her intriguing.

Kirkus Reviews also noted that some scenes are reminiscent of "The Hunger Games." The review also indicated the lack of depth and world-building logic needed to support extreme story elements. The reviewer criticized the novel for illogical leaps, inconsistent characterizations, and disturbing themes, including genocide and child abuse, which are not adequately addressed.

Analyzing Promise and Pitfalls

Lynn's Book Blog articulated that the book shows promise in its writing style. However, the book suffers from being overly long, filled with repetition and unnecessary details. The dialogue feels forced, and the plot and characters rely heavily on tropes.

Despite the book's length, the world-building feels lacking, with vague explanations about a plague that granted powers to some survivors, dividing them into Elites and Ordinaries, with ordinary people sentenced to death.

The purpose of the Purging Trials, where Elites showcase their powers, seems unclear and unrealistic, lacking motivation and reward. The romance between Kai and Pae is hindered by the unnecessary addition of a love triangle and unrealistic physical interactions that feel forced. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer did not discourage others from reading it.

Despite the lack of sufficient world-building and description, the writing's readability makes up for it. This will surely make readers anticipate potential improvements in future books. Overall, Roberts's novel is promising and worth waiting for to see how the story progresses. 

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