readwithmitch

mini book reviews: Reckless (Powerless #2) and Powerful (Powerless #1.5) by Lauren Roberts

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Okay, so after putting the Powerless series on the back burner for, like, two months, I finally felt like picking it up again. Honestly, I felt a bit underwhelmed after reading the first book—I had super high expectations because of all the hype. I’m not saying it’s a bad book, it just didn’t blow me away, and I was left wanting more. That said, I wasn’t sure when I would continue the rest of the series, but I finally managed to read Powerful and Reckless back to back this past week.

☘️ Powerful by Lauren Roberts ☘️
This novella was heartwarming and bittersweet. I loved reading more of Adena and Paedyn, but what really stood out to me was Adena and Makoto’s storyline. Without giving too much away, since I like to keep things spoiler-free, I’ll just say I’m really glad Adena crossed paths with Mak. Their time together may have been brief, but it felt meaningful, tender, and sincere. I'm looking forward to what role Mak will play in Fearless!

Rating:★★★★☆

🌹 Reckless by Lauren Roberts 🌹
I really enjoyed Reckless, even though there weren’t any major additions to the plot or world-building. My favorite part was how clear Kai’s yearning and angst toward Paedyn was. His words were laced with pain, frustration, and a kind of reluctant anger, but underneath it all, you could tell it came from love and deep care. I’m a sucker for emotionally tortured love interests, so this definitely delivered.

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Funny thing, I didn’t even realize there was going to be another book in the series when I added it to my wishlist last Christmas haha but I just got my copy of Fearless, and I’m hoping to read it soon! 🌸


BOOK BLURB:

Powerless
Set during the time of the New York Times bestseller Powerless, fan favorite Adena gets a story all her own as she attempts to survive on the streets of Loot...and falls for a mysterious—and dangerous—Elite.

Adena and Paedyn have always been inseparable. Fate brought them together when they were young, but friendship ensured they would always protect each other and the home they built in the slums of Loot. But now Paedyn—an Ordinary—has been selected for the Purging Trials, which means almost certain death.

Now alone in Loot, Adena must fend for herself. After attempting to steal, she's rescued by a mysterious man from the market. Mak's shadowy past and secretive power set him apart from the other low-level Elites of Loot. And as the pair team up to see their loved ones before the Trials, the quest tests their loyalty, their love, and their lives.

Reckless

The kingdom of Ilya is in turmoil…

After surviving the Purging Trials, Ordinary-born Paedyn Gray has killed the King, and kickstarted a Resistance throughout the land. Now she’s running from the one person she had wanted to run to.

Kai Azer is now Ilya’s Enforcer, loyal to his brother Kitt, the new King. He has vowed to find Paedyn and bring her to justice.

Across the deadly Scorches, and deep into the hostile city of Dor, Kai pursues the one person he wishes he didn’t have to. But in a city without Elites, the balance between the hunter and hunted shifts – and the battle between duty and desire is deadly.

Be swept away by this kiss-or-kill romantasy trilogy taking the world by storm.

#book_review #romantasy #young_adult