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Only the extraordinary belong in the Kingdom of Ilya—the exceptional, the empowered, the Elites. The Elites have possessed powers for decades, gifted to them by the Plague, although not all who survived the Plague reaped the rewards. Those born Ordinary are just that: ordinary, banished from the Kingdom of Ilya and shunned from society.
Paedyn Gray is an Ordinary posing as a Psychic to blend in with the Elites. When lacking in ability became a crime, she was forced to become a thief to survive in the slums. She unsuspectingly saves one of Ilya’s princes, Kai Azer, and is thrown into the Purging Trials. This brutal competition showcases the Elites’ powers—the thing Paedyn lacks. If the Trials and opponents don’t kill her, the prince she’s fighting feelings for will if he discovers what Paedyn is—completely Ordinary.
I heard a lot of praise for the Powerless series, and I am so excited it did not disappoint! I could have definitely read this book in one setting; however, with children, that can be difficult. The author was able to really immerse me into each character and the trials with such a deep connection and feel what they were enduring. The feelings for one another Kai and Paedyn fight against is a plot line throughout the book: will their love stand up when the truth is revealed?
Ahh, I cannot say enough how much I enjoyed Powerless! It has adventure, fighting, and romance without sex scenes. If you love Divergent and The Hunger Games you will devour this series.
Rated: Moderate. There are about 10 instances of moderate language, 10-15 uses of mild language, and some instances of using “Plagues” as a swear/Deity name. There is frequent violence and/or talk of it: a sword piercing a chest with blood pooling the floor; talk of a child being whipped for stealing; broken bones; choking; talk of torturing; branding by carving a letter on her chest; and stabbing in the throat. Even though there are violent scenes, it’s not overly gory. Romantically, the book includes passionate kissing and falling asleep together, but no sex.
