Review: Powerless

Powerless by Lauren Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Powerless," a dystopian novel heavily inspired by "The Hunger Games" and set against a backdrop eerily reminiscent of the Holocaust, offers a riveting exploration of a world where the absence of power is a death sentence. In this harsh realm, only the Elites, those born with powers, are afforded the luxury of life, leaving a society sharply divided between the haves and the have-nots. Amidst this setting, the Trials, a vaguely timed yet crucial event, serve as the stage for a story rich with emotional depth and complexity.

The narrative, centred around the Trials, masterfully intertwines themes of anguish, hesitant love, jealousy, loyalty, and betrayal. The protagonist, an underdog by birth in a world that has always shown her cruelty, embarks on a treacherous journey of self-discovery and survival. Her path is fraught with challenges, not least of which is her dangerous attraction to a prince — an allure as perilous as it is forbidden, drawing her in like a moth to flame.

"Powerless" is characterized by a deliberate pace, taking its time to flesh out a meticulously crafted world and its inhabitants. This slower build-up, punctuated by the high stakes and drama of the Trials, crescendos into an intense climax that leaves readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the sequel. While romance permeates the narrative, the story maintains a spice-free tone, focusing instead on the emotional development and interactions between characters, making for an enjoyable read that's as heartwarming as it is thrilling.

The characters, with their likeable personalities and relatable struggles, anchor the story's heart. Their endeavours to find their place in a world that deems them powerless resonate with universal themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. "Powerless" is more than just a dystopian novel; it's a compelling tale of the human spirit's indomitable will to survive against all odds, making it a standout read for fans of the genre seeking substance and depth beneath the surface of a well-trodden path.