Really loved this book!

Published 2023 by Simon & Schuster

Soundtrack: Glory and Gore – Lorde

Enthralling, well crafted, and with sizzling chemistry, a girl who can wield a dagger and a prince who has been raised to hunt her down, Powerless was a delightful reminder of how satisfying YA fantasy can be to read. 

Following a devastating plague, the kingdom of Ilya became ruled by a hierarchy in which specific versions of magic are deemed “elite,” and those with less combat-oriented magic are “mundane.” Those without magic are exiled and forced to live in hiding while the elites pretend they don’t exist. 

Sparks, rivalry, and knives fly through three trials when a cunning “ordinary” girl ends up in a magical tournament against the elites.

From their first meeting, the chemistry between these two is on fire, and I loved all the banter, the nicknames and all the “almost” moments. Prince Kai Azer has been groomed to be brutal, to hide all of his weaknesses, and to be the protector and sword to his brother Kitt. Meanwhile, The harshness of poverty raised Paedyn Gray, who has mastered hiding her true identity after being orphaned at the hands of the royals. It was clear that Paedyn and Kai were conflicted yet so attracted to each other. 

The romance and fantasy elements rivaled and intertwined so well. They were both well-developed and drove the plot with equal presence. I found myself completely engulfed in the inner workings of this kingdom and loved the alternating perspectives between Pae and Kai. There was also a secondary conflict between Prince Kitt and Paedyn that added to my compulsive read. 

Regarding fantasy elements, the world-building was easy to follow, the hierarchy believable, and the various manifestations of magic helped drive the suspense surrounding the winning or dying trying tournament. The build-up to the climax was detailed yet satisfying, and I felt the journey added to the emotional turmoil of the last 20% of the book. 

This book is for lovers of tournaments, fantasy worlds, and girls who exceed expectations. Irecommended if you enjoyed A Gathering of Shadows by VE Schwab or The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

While this is YA (kissing—barely, mild gore), I think the tension will appeal to lovers of both more adult romantasy and young adult books. I am already pining to dive into the next book.