Powerless (The Powerless Trilogy)

I'll be honest, I wasn't really sure what I was going to think of this. Other than Hunger Games, I've not read any YA type books, and have only begun to dip my toes into the fantasy genre with the Empyrean series. I was pleasantly surprised though. I don't feel like it was super fantasy heavy other than the fact that it has characters with powers. There wasn't a much world building that was given, but I don't think that it was needed either. The map in the front of the book was pretty self explanatory and there was no issue mentally picturing where they were at when they hopped around throughout the book. I thought the author did a good job toeing the line of keeping YA but still having that fun and flirty banter between Kai and Paedyn...never going overtly sexual. It was a nice change up to what I've been reading the last couple of months and I don't feel like I missed the spice or even wanted it. I read other reviews and thought some of them were pretty harsh considering this was YA and didn't really understand why people are so bothered. Was I expecting a literary masterpiece? No. Did I think that regardless, it was still really really good? Yes. Will I be continuing the series? Also yes. If you enjoyed Hunger Games and/or Divergent, you should enjoy this too. Very much gives those vibes. I enjoyed getting to know a little bit of Paedyn's past life and current daily life before the author just threw her into the Trails. Running into, stealing from and ultimately "saving" the prince prior to getting selected for the Trials helped to set up that surprise factor when Kai realizes that Pae has been selected. I loved that Pae remained true to herself during the whole show the king made of the Trials...never bowing to their expectations. I'm curious to dive into Powerful and see Adena's POV since she didn't make it through to the end of the book. I also felt like there was a lot left unsaid between Pae and Kai and there's definitely still that longing that they have for each other so I'm excited to see what happens with them. I'm also curious to see how Kai and Kitt's relationship dynamic changes now that Kitt is king and Kai is sort of at his mercy as the Enforcer.

I love the characters and plot. I love the connection between the characters. I love that the story keeps you guessing. I’m used to standalones and “happily ever afters”though, so this intense cliff hanger ending was harder for me

unseasoned chicken in book form

I need to get the second book asap.. this book was a lot better then i thought it would be. it was sitting on my bookshelf for months collecting dust.. & now im mad at myself for not reading it SOONER.

Great story! Good character development and storyline!