An Ordinary girl partners with a brutal prince during the quinquennial Purging Trials in this YA fantasy romance--and TikTok sensation--originally self-published and now available in a special-edition hardcover with case stamping, a bonus chapter, and a teaser to the second book. Lauren Roberts's exciting story thrills with flirtatious banter, cutthroat battles, and searing betrayals.
More than three decades ago, the Plague that killed thousands of Ilyans bestowed survivors with supernatural abilities. Those who didn't receive a gift, the Ordinaries, were banished. In honor of that Great Purging, the Elites hold the celebratory Purging Trials every five years, a deadly arena competition to "showcase the people's supernatural abilities" and gain glory and wealth.
Eighteen-year-old Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary pretending to have Psychic abilities, risks execution by living in the kingdom's slums. When she unwittingly saves the life of Kai Azer--future Enforcer, killer of Ordinaries, and son of the king who killed her father--she is chosen as one of the nine competitors in the Trials, as is the prince. Her plan? Partner with Prince Kai: "Play the part. Play him." Win. And do not give in to his charms.
Roberts presents a spin on the deadly game trope by incorporating multiple layers of complexity: dual POVs; fathers both admirable and problematic; hints of a love triangle between Pae and two brothers; sexually tense moments with "a promise of passion"; fierce training and fight sequences enhanced by creative abilities; and an underground Resistance hungry for revenge. Powerless is a compelling tale of darkness and destruction, of a divide carved by a vicious king, and of the lure of freedom, choice, and power. --Samantha Zaboski, freelance editor and reviewer