About This Book
"Powerless" is a young adult romantic fantasy novel for ages 12-18, following Paedyn Gray, an 18-year-old "Ordinary" in a kingdom where those without powers are persecuted. After saving a prince, she's forced to compete in the deadly "Purging Trials" while posing as an Elite. The book explores themes of social injustice, prejudice, and identity, wrapped in a high-stakes survival plot and a forbidden romance with Prince Kai. Parents should be aware of moderate violence, peril, and "steamy romantic encounters" as noted by reviewers. It's a fast-paced, immersive read that has resonated with many YA fantasy fans.
Publisher Annotation: Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, this young adult fantasy follows the forbidden romance between a powerful prince and an ordinary girl as they try to survive their kingdom's grueling laws pitting them against each other.
Concepts
Love & FamilyFriendship & LoyaltyFear & BraveryResilience & PerseveranceSelf-Confidence & IdentityJustice & FairnessGood vs. EvilLoneliness & BelongingEmpathy & KindnessHonesty & IntegrityCuriosity & WonderTeamwork & CollaborationAnxiety & WorryBeing DifferentPeer PressureGrowing UpCultural IdentityFantasy & MagicPrincesses
Violence
peril_danger
discrimination
Romantic Content
Character Death
Discussion Prompts
1
How does the society in Ilya treat those who are different? What does this tell us about prejudice?
2
Paedyn has to hide who she truly is to survive. How does this affect her, and what would you do in her situation?
3
The book features a forbidden romance. Why do you think forbidden love stories are so compelling?
4
What does it mean to be "powerful" in this book? Is it just about having abilities, or something more?
5
If you were an Ordinary, would you try to fight the system or try to blend in?
External Reviews
NYT Bestseller
Children’s & Young Adult Series (70 weeks on list)
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