Powerless (The Powerless Trilogy, #1) by Lauren Roberts

forbidden romance • enemies to lovers • powerful prince • hidden identity • deadly trials

A New York Times bestseller and the explosive first book in Lauren Roberts’s addictive Powerless trilogy, Powerless delivers a high-stakes fantasy romance filled with forbidden attraction, deadly competition, dangerous secrets, and a heroine who must hide the truth about who she really is.

In the kingdom of Ilya, power determines everything. The Elites possess extraordinary abilities gifted by the Plague, while those born Ordinary are banished and branded as criminals. Paedyn Gray has survived by keeping her lack of power hidden, posing as a Psychic and relying on her sharp instincts, quick thinking, and ability to read the people around her.

But when Paedyn saves one of Ilya’s princes, she is unexpectedly thrown into the Purging Trials, a brutal competition designed to showcase the Elites and test their abilities. Now she must survive against opponents with powers she doesn't possess while concealing the truth from Kai Azer, the prince she has been drawn to despite knowing he is exactly the kind of person she should fear.

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5

The Vibe

Powerless is an addictive young adult romantasy with a sharp-tongued heroine, a powerful prince, simmering forbidden attraction, and a kingdom built on an unforgiving divide between the powerful and the powerless.

Paedyn is resourceful, observant, fiercely independent, and determined to survive in a society that has already decided she doesn't belong. Kai is a prince raised to uphold the laws of Ilya, putting him directly at odds with the girl he cannot seem to stop noticing. Their chemistry builds through banter, danger, forced proximity, and the constant threat of discovery.

With deadly trials, secret identities, political tension, magical abilities, and a romance complicated by everything the characters believe they know about one another, Powerless is made for readers who love high-stakes fantasy romance with plenty of tension and cliffhanger-worthy drama.

Tropes & Tags

• Forbidden romance
• Enemies to lovers
• Slow burn
• Royal romance
• Hidden identity
• Secret identity
• Powerful hero
• Strong heroine
• Forced proximity
• Banter
• Romantic tension
• Fantasy romance
• Young adult fantasy
• Dystopian fantasy
• Magical powers
• Political intrigue
• Deadly trials
• Survival competition
• High-stakes romance
• Secrets and deception
• Series starter

Books in Series (In Order)

1. Powerless (The Powerless Trilogy, #1)
2. Powerful: A Powerless Story (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5)
3. Reckless (The Powerless Trilogy, #2)
4. Fearless (The Powerless Trilogy, #3)
5. Fearful: A Powerless Story (The Powerless Trilogy, #3.5)

Sparkling Edition Includes

• Special case stamping
• Bonus content
• Teaser to Book Two, Reckless

This Deluxe Edition is available only while supplies last. If it becomes unavailable, we'll contact you before shipping with the option to switch to the standard print edition or cancel for a refund.