Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fall in love with someone you shouldn’t? To find yourself caught between loyalty to a friend and the intoxicating pull of a forbidden romance? Lauren Roberts’ novella “Powerful” dives headfirst into these questions, weaving a tale that’s as heart-wrenching as it is captivating.
Stitching Together a World of Magic and Mayhem
Set in the gritty, magic-infused world of Ilya, “Powerful” serves as a companion novella to Roberts’ New York Times bestseller “Powerless.” But don’t let the word “novella” fool you—this story packs more punch than many full-length novels I’ve read.
The story follows Adena, a seamstress with the ability to phase through solid objects, as she navigates life in the slums of Loot. When her best friend Paedyn is chosen for the deadly Purging Trials, Adena finds herself alone and vulnerable. Enter Mak, a mysterious and brooding blacksmith with secrets of his own. As the two join forces to see their loved ones before the Trials begin, they discover that the threads of fate binding them together might be stronger than either of them anticipated.
A Tapestry of Emotion and Intrigue
Roberts has a knack for creating characters that feel so real, you’d swear they could step right off the page. Adena, with her infectious optimism and penchant for sticky buns, is impossible not to love. Her journey from a carefree seamstress to a young woman grappling with loss and unexpected love is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
Mak, on the other hand, is the perfect brooding bad boy with a heart of gold. His struggle to open up to Adena, to allow himself to feel something after years of emotional isolation, is palpable. The chemistry between these two characters is electric, sparking to life in every shared glance and tentative touch.
Worldbuilding That Feels Like Home
One of the things I love most about Roberts’ writing is her ability to make the fantastical feel familiar. The slums of Loot come alive with vivid detail—you can almost smell the sticky buns and hear the clamor of the marketplace. The magic system, with its hierarchy of Elites and Ordinaries, adds depth to the world without overwhelming the narrative.
A Love Story with Teeth
At its core, “Powerful” by Lauren Roberts is a love story. But it’s not your typical YA romance. Roberts doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of her world or her characters’ lives. The love that blooms between Adena and Mak is all the more poignant because of the dangers that surround them.
There’s a rawness to their relationship that feels refreshingly real. They argue, they misunderstand each other, they make mistakes. But they also support each other, challenge each other, and ultimately, make each other better. It’s the kind of love story that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
The Good, The Bad, and The Sticky (Buns)
Let’s break it down, shall we?
What Shines:
- Character Development: Both Adena and Mak undergo significant growth throughout the story. Their arcs feel natural and earned.
- World-building: Roberts expands on the world introduced in “Powerless” without rehashing old information.
- Pacing: For a novella, the story moves at a clip, but never feels rushed.
- Emotional Impact: Prepare for feels. Lots of them.
Room for Improvement:
- Length: While the novella format works, I found myself wishing for more time with these characters.
- Secondary Characters: Some, like Paedyn, feel a bit underdeveloped compared to the main pair.
In the Grand Tapestry of the Series
“Powerful” sits comfortably between “Powerless” and the upcoming “Reckless” in The Powerless Trilogy by Lauren Roberts. While it can be read as a standalone, I’d recommend reading “Powerless” first to fully appreciate the world and the stakes.
What sets “Powerful” apart is its focus on characters who are, well, powerful in their own right. Unlike Paedyn in “Powerless,” who grapples with being an Ordinary in a world of Elites, Adena and Mak both have abilities. Their struggle isn’t about fitting in, but about finding their place in a world that doesn’t make it easy for anyone.
A Bridge to “Reckless”
Without spoiling anything (because trust me, you want to experience this story’s twists and turns for yourself), “Powerful” sets the stage beautifully for “Reckless.” It deepens our understanding of the world and raises the emotional stakes in a way that has me chomping at the bit for the next installment.
Final Thoughts: A Powerful Addition to YA Fantasy
In a market saturated with YA fantasy romances, “Powerful” by Lauren Roberts manages to stand out. It’s a story about love, yes, but also about sacrifice, about finding your place in the world, and about the power of choosing your own fate.
Roberts’ writing style is immersive and emotionally resonant. She has a gift for crafting sentences that make you pause, reread, and savor. Take this gem, for example: “If darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she is not around.” I mean, come on. That’s the kind of line that stays with you.
Who Should Read This?
- Fans of “Powerless” (obviously)
- Anyone who loves a good forbidden romance
- Readers who enjoy complex magic systems and detailed world-building
- Those who appreciate character-driven narratives
- People who don’t mind ugly crying into their pillows at 2 AM (you’ve been warned)
Similar Reads
If you enjoy “Powerful,” you might also like:
- “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard
- “An Ember in the Ashes” by Sabaa Tahir
- “Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo
The Verdict
“Powerful” is a testament to Lauren Roberts’ growth as a writer. It’s a story that lingers, that makes you think, that makes you feel. It’s the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place.
So, grab a sticky bun (or your snack of choice), find a cozy spot, and prepare to be swept away. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself unable to put it down until you’ve reached the last page.
A Personal Note
You know that feeling when you finish a book and you’re not quite ready to leave the world behind? That’s how I felt after reading “Powerful.” I found myself rereading favorite passages, imagining alternative scenarios, even dreaming about Adena and Mak (is that weird? That might be weird).
But isn’t that the mark of a truly powerful story? One that lingers with you, that becomes a part of you? In crafting this novella, Lauren Roberts has done more than just expand her fictional world—she’s given us characters to root for, to cry for, to fall in love with.
And really, isn’t that why we read in the first place?
