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The Powerless Trilogy #1.5
Powerful
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.
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.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2024
About the author
Lauren Roberts
6 books25.3k followersWhen Lauren Roberts isn't writing about fantasy worlds and bantering love interests, she can likely be found burrowed in bed reading about them. Lauren has lived in Michigan her whole life, which makes her very familiar with potholes, snow, and various lake activities. She has the hobbies of both a grandmother and a child: knitting, laser tag, hammocking, word searches, and coloring. Powerless is her first novel (now a New York Times Best Seller), and she hopes to have the privilege of writing pretty words for the rest of her life. If you enjoy ranting, reading, and writing, Lauren can be found on both TikTok and Instagram @Laurenrobertslibrary for your entertainment.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 15,962 reviews
June 7, 2024
i still refuse to believe that ending
July 3, 2024
This book was solely written for the masochists. It is love, it is PAIN, it is heart break, and it is RAGE.
One, two, three, four, FIVE SHINING 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS FOR ADENA!
He pulls me close, and I'm suddenly, silently hoping he never stops. With his arm wrapped tightly round me, he leans forward until our foreheads brush. And that's when he whispers, 'I think you're my little piece of perfection.'
I kiss him fiercely. I kiss him the way I've fantasized kissing someone my whole life. I kiss him like it's the end of a fairytale.
‘You did the right thing. Run to me. Always run to me’
'Death is gentle in a way life never was.'
💜🏹✨
ˋ°•*⁀➷Powerless Book 1 Review
ˋ°•*⁀➷Reckless Book 2 Review
One, two, three, four, FIVE SHINING 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS FOR ADENA!
He pulls me close, and I'm suddenly, silently hoping he never stops. With his arm wrapped tightly round me, he leans forward until our foreheads brush. And that's when he whispers, 'I think you're my little piece of perfection.'
I kiss him fiercely. I kiss him the way I've fantasized kissing someone my whole life. I kiss him like it's the end of a fairytale.
‘You did the right thing. Run to me. Always run to me’
'Death is gentle in a way life never was.'
💜🏹✨
ˋ°•*⁀➷Powerless Book 1 Review
ˋ°•*⁀➷Reckless Book 2 Review
April 16, 2024
I loved it 😭😭❤
Mak and Adena are so pure. Their journey is so pure. Their love is so pure.
✔️ Grumpy x sunshine
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Slow burn
The ending broke my heart. I have been crying for the last few hours and the more I think about their beautiful story, the more I cry. Mak is such a grump, he is the type who only cares about her and no one else. I loved how he opened up to Adena. Adena, such a sweetheart. Her vibes and the way she cares for people is everything!
But what I now find interesting is Mak's character arc. I already have a few theories but knowing what he is and what he can do, will surely make things interesting. Excited to see how it all plays out.
~•~•~
LET'S GOOOO 🤩🤩🤩
Mak and Adena are so pure. Their journey is so pure. Their love is so pure.
✔️ Grumpy x sunshine
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Slow burn
The ending broke my heart. I have been crying for the last few hours and the more I think about their beautiful story, the more I cry. Mak is such a grump, he is the type who only cares about her and no one else. I loved how he opened up to Adena. Adena, such a sweetheart. Her vibes and the way she cares for people is everything!
But what I now find interesting is Mak's character arc. I already have a few theories but knowing what he is and what he can do, will surely make things interesting. Excited to see how it all plays out.
~•~•~
LET'S GOOOO 🤩🤩🤩
May 15, 2024
my heart hurts so bad after this 💔
May 1, 2024
I picked this up knowing it would hurt, but I did not expect it to hurt quite this much…
May 23, 2024
4.45!
"And will you be beside me up there?'
'If I should be so lucky.'
'Promise me' she murmurs sternly 'I don't want to be alone'
I nod against her hair. 'I promise, Dena.'
This book had me screaming in a void at 3 AM because how dare you Lauren! How dare you :( this book was written in the most beautiful way ever, I fell so easily in love with Adena and especially Mak which is a surprise since it was only 180 pages but hey Wendy Heiss did it too, so there's hope for novellas after all. I just loved how everything was moving along, we knew what was going to happen but also didn't it kept me hooked.
"Don't say that' I squeeze him tighter, feeling his body shake with each breath. 'I need you.'
'Don't' he murmurs against my hair. 'I'll only disappoint you."
Adena was the purest character ever! she was the definition of sunshine> I do not think I have ever seen someone so kind, loving and passionate as Adena because she was so easy to love and so easy to read about. There were moment where I just wanted to go and hug her. She was so sweet and her relationship with Pae here was also so sweet. I loved her so much and the way she was feral over sticky buns had me wishing I had sticky buns as well. She was just so cute and loving and I dont see that in many characters, especially in fantasy books.
Mak was a pure brooding grump who hated anyone but Adena and I loved how much he loved her and how much he noticed her and the things that she did and how well he took care of her, and my heart breaks for him so much because he did not deserve that!!! he deserved so much better but I am also excited to see where his story would mix with the main plotline because he cant just vanish into thin air like that, now that Lauren has introduced him.
"I think you're my little piece of perfection."
The romance was so cute, wholesome, heartfelt and HEARTBREAKING! I knew what was going to happen but I still chose to believe otherwise because their romance was altering my brain chemistry, they were so cute and everything that they were doing was *screams into a pillow* making me feel lonely but tbh I loved them. The forced proximity, the way they communicated. The way they touched each other with this intensity and love. It was beautiful.
Go read it. NOW!
___
I loved Adena so much as a side character and i think she truly deserves a story from her own perspective but also not. a full length book so this is actually perfect? Also Mak 🤭🤭 cant wait for him either!!
"And will you be beside me up there?'
'If I should be so lucky.'
'Promise me' she murmurs sternly 'I don't want to be alone'
I nod against her hair. 'I promise, Dena.'
This book had me screaming in a void at 3 AM because how dare you Lauren! How dare you :( this book was written in the most beautiful way ever, I fell so easily in love with Adena and especially Mak which is a surprise since it was only 180 pages but hey Wendy Heiss did it too, so there's hope for novellas after all. I just loved how everything was moving along, we knew what was going to happen but also didn't it kept me hooked.
"Don't say that' I squeeze him tighter, feeling his body shake with each breath. 'I need you.'
'Don't' he murmurs against my hair. 'I'll only disappoint you."
Adena was the purest character ever! she was the definition of sunshine> I do not think I have ever seen someone so kind, loving and passionate as Adena because she was so easy to love and so easy to read about. There were moment where I just wanted to go and hug her. She was so sweet and her relationship with Pae here was also so sweet. I loved her so much and the way she was feral over sticky buns had me wishing I had sticky buns as well. She was just so cute and loving and I dont see that in many characters, especially in fantasy books.
Mak was a pure brooding grump who hated anyone but Adena and I loved how much he loved her and how much he noticed her and the things that she did and how well he took care of her, and my heart breaks for him so much because he did not deserve that!!! he deserved so much better but I am also excited to see where his story would mix with the main plotline because he cant just vanish into thin air like that, now that Lauren has introduced him.
"I think you're my little piece of perfection."
The romance was so cute, wholesome, heartfelt and HEARTBREAKING! I knew what was going to happen but I still chose to believe otherwise because their romance was altering my brain chemistry, they were so cute and everything that they were doing was *screams into a pillow* making me feel lonely but tbh I loved them. The forced proximity, the way they communicated. The way they touched each other with this intensity and love. It was beautiful.
Go read it. NOW!
___
I loved Adena so much as a side character and i think she truly deserves a story from her own perspective but also not. a full length book so this is actually perfect? Also Mak 🤭🤭 cant wait for him either!!
April 20, 2024
So Lauren chose pain with that ending
June 9, 2024
Lauren babe, the title should’ve been painful.
that hurt a lot.
that hurt a lot.
May 31, 2024
✰⋆☾ ⋆ Powerful ⭑☽ ✧˖°. Lauren Roberts ✰
🕮 LOVE the cover
🕮 Romantasy
🕮 Novella
🕮 Grumpy X Sunshine
🕮 Magic / Powers
🕮 Hunger games x Magic
🕮 No happy ending
🕮 He does her hair
🕮 Read if you want to cry, A LOT.
🕮 slow burn
🕮 - /🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
“Run to me. Always run to me.” ❤
Yes, but no.. Just no.
???????!!!!! 😭😭😭😭
I refuse to believe the ending, Mak deserved so much better. Adena deserved so much better.
Seriously crying for Makoto rn.. What did the poor guy do to deserve so much hurt and dissapointment in his life? If he doesn’t get an happy ending in Reckless I’ll never read another book again 😭
me the whole time while reading Powerful:
Update:
Okay so.. I was not okay after this book.
Don't get me wrong, It's such a good book. Couldn't put it down and finished it within hours.
But Makoto.. The poor man.. 😭 He better finds so much happiness in Reckless or I'm personally going to find Loot and kill anyone who even dares to break his heart again.
The worst part is we already knew how this book was going to end by reading Powerless.. But The book just destroyed me anyways. 🥴
"Just count the stars, Dena." 😭
🕮 LOVE the cover
🕮 Romantasy
🕮 Novella
🕮 Grumpy X Sunshine
🕮 Magic / Powers
🕮 Hunger games x Magic
🕮 No happy ending
🕮 He does her hair
🕮 Read if you want to cry, A LOT.
🕮 slow burn
🕮 - /🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
“Run to me. Always run to me.” ❤
Yes, but no.. Just no.
???????!!!!! 😭😭😭😭
I refuse to believe the ending, Mak deserved so much better. Adena deserved so much better.
Seriously crying for Makoto rn.. What did the poor guy do to deserve so much hurt and dissapointment in his life? If he doesn’t get an happy ending in Reckless I’ll never read another book again 😭
me the whole time while reading Powerful:
Update:
Okay so.. I was not okay after this book.
Don't get me wrong, It's such a good book. Couldn't put it down and finished it within hours.
But Makoto.. The poor man.. 😭 He better finds so much happiness in Reckless or I'm personally going to find Loot and
The worst part is we already knew how this book was going to end by reading Powerless.. But The book just destroyed me anyways. 🥴
"Just count the stars, Dena." 😭
May 9, 2024
˗ˏˋ 5 ★ for this precious and heartbreaking novella ´ˎ˗
I was already considering going to therapy, and after reading this... I finally might schedule an appointment very soon. I knew what I was getting into when I decided to read this considering the ending of Powerless. BUT STILL, I chose my curiosity and love for this trilogy and its characters over my wellbeing. This is exactly why I don’t read books with sad endings. I’m very empathetic and I end up broken every single time. And this time? It wasn’t the exception😫
❥ 𝓐𝓭𝓮𝓷𝓪☀️ ₊˚.⋆ ☼⋆⁺₊✧
This girl was a walking ball of sunshine with the kindest soul ever😭💗 seriously, she was so sweet, caring, funny, and kind. She was the type of person who, with just her presence, filled you with good vibes and happiness. I didn’t connect with her a lot in Powerless, but here? I absolutely loved her. All I wanted to do was to put her in a glass box and protect her from all the evil in the world. The world didn’t deserve her, alright? 😭 okay- maybe Mak did, and Pae too, but the rest? She was too good for them and I’m so heartbroken and MAD about her destiny.
❥ 𝓜𝓪𝓴🌙 ₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
I don’t even know what I should say about him😭❤️🩹 this baby really deserves all the good things in the world, and I’M SO SAD AND ANGRY that he lost his two everything (aka Hera and Dena). Like, WHYYYY!? Why do the most softhearted people (like Adena) have the saddest endings and the worst blows that life can throw while the most disgusting people are living their best lives? *existential question*
He wanted to give the facade of being cold-hearted, when in reality he was the cutest and most lovable person ever. He just wanted to protect his heart since he got it crushed by life in general and the people who were supposed to love him the most. And you know what? I wanted to give him the biggest hug and put him in the glass box with Adena to protect them and give them all the happiness, love, well-being, and peace they deserved.
❥ My thoughts 💭 ✶⋆.˚
⋆˙⟡ emotional well-being? what’s that? because mine is nonexistent after reading this. I’m crushed, broken, empty, and my heart was ripped out of my chest and shattered into a million pieces.
⋆˙⟡ do I have any tears left in my body? I don’t think so. I probably ran out of tears with that ending. And the funny thing? I knew all along what was going to happen, but still: IT HURT LIKE HELL.
⋆˙⟡ I don’t even know what else I can say because I’m just devastated and my mind can’t even think properly😭 I just wanted to say that I completely loved Adena and Mak and the brief romance they had while it lastedor rather, the beginning of their romance that can never develop. They were the sweetest people who met under difficult circumstances and got something like “the right person at the wrong time." They deserved more time to continue “tripping” into each other, and to have their love story and the happiest ending ever, okay? But things needed to happen, and people needed to suffer. So, Adena left the moon aka Mak without his sun to complement him, but now he has a star that outshines every other star watching over him, just like he said she would. BUT NOT EXPECTING IT TO BE SO SOON😭💔 so… maybe in another life, they had their happy ending, right? 😫 I want to believe in that.
⋆˙⟡ ALSO, there are so many theories that blew my mind while reading possible plots for Reckless. Like, I really NEED a reunion between Pae and Mak with both of them wearing the vests Adena made for them *CRYING*😭❤️🩹 anddd maybe Mak is somehow related to Pae or Kai? He has a sliver of silver hair (LIKE PAE) that was mentioned too many times just to be some coincidence. Besides, MAK IS ALSO A WIELDER, JUST LIKE KAI. Like, OMGGGG!?? *SCREAMING*. Also, it’s mentioned a lot that Kai and Mak are “similar”. So, idk. Mak has nothing to lose now and maybe he’ll want some revenge. I see a lot of drama coming for Reckless and I’M SO READY FOR IT 🛐
❥ Other quotes just because I love them ✨
*ೃ✧˚. “You did the right thing. Run to me. Always run to me.” yess sir, I would always run to you too🛐
*ೃ✧˚. “Even in the midst of crying, she managed to glow, as though each tear was a drop of sunlight.” the way he always compares her with the sun🥺☀️💕
*ೃ✧˚. “But you… you’re the embodiment of everything I am not. And yet, here I am, crawling back to you as though I’ve left a piece of myself behind.” I would crawl back at her too❤️🔥
*ೃ✧˚. “He stole your smile,” she whispers, ��no wonder you didn’t have one to give me… “I’ll find one,” I murmur. “Steal it back if I must. For you.” *MELTING*
*ೃ✧˚. “You are the sweetest thing I have never tasted. And I doubt I’ve craved anything more.” oh my… 🦋🦋
*ೃ✧˚. “honey/ hun” for the 895783 times 🛐🥰💘
❥ Quotes that broke my heart ✨
*ೃ✧˚. “You make even the stars envious” I repeat softly, leaning towards her. “Because one day- far from now- you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one”. Okay, can we cry now? 😭
*ೃ✧˚. “You had me! You had me, and I would have kept your secret.”😫
ೃ✧˚. “I never imagined it would be this difficult to leave. Because now there is her and every moment after. I had never known happiness before her, and if there is to be an after in which she doesn’t exist, I know I never will again.” reading this and knowing what was going to happen… *sobbing*
*ೃ✧˚. “I’m so unused to someone wanting me. Choosing me. Finding me worth the effort. Because I’m completely undeserving of it. Of her.” MAK, YOU DESERVE ALL THE GOOD THINGS IN THIS WORLD. I just wanted to hug him so bad😭
*ೃ✧˚. “Her fingers are bent, swollen, broken behind her back. Her sewing fingers. They have broken her sewing fingers.” *emotional damage*
*ೃ✧˚. “Just count the stars, Dena.” MY FKN HEART WAS CRUSHED💔 *screaming and crying at this point*
*ೃ✧˚. “Thanks for picking the closest star, Dena. Looks like you’ll be around to keep me company.” ☀️😭😫 he’s completely alone now, okay? WHYY😭 I can't breathe with this thought 💔
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
Anyways, I really enjoyed and loved this novella even though it left me broken on the floor sobbing at 4 am and wondering why I read this kind of stuffapparently, I'm a masochist 💗💗💋
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
𓏲 ₊💜 𓂃 pre-read: 🍃
ready to be a masochist, feel some real pain, and end up heartbroken 💋
𓏲 ₊♡𓂃💫“See you in the sky”💫⋆𓂃ִֶָ ⊹˚
I was already considering going to therapy, and after reading this... I finally might schedule an appointment very soon. I knew what I was getting into when I decided to read this considering the ending of Powerless. BUT STILL, I chose my curiosity and love for this trilogy and its characters over my wellbeing. This is exactly why I don’t read books with sad endings. I’m very empathetic and I end up broken every single time. And this time? It wasn’t the exception😫
✨𝓢𝓹𝓸𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝓐𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓭✨
❥ 𝓐𝓭𝓮𝓷𝓪☀️ ₊˚.⋆ ☼⋆⁺₊✧
🌷“He’s not exactly a ray of sunshine, but perhaps something equivalent to moonlight. Mysterious and unnerving. Equally as beautiful, yet, soft enough to stare at.”🌷
This girl was a walking ball of sunshine with the kindest soul ever😭💗 seriously, she was so sweet, caring, funny, and kind. She was the type of person who, with just her presence, filled you with good vibes and happiness. I didn’t connect with her a lot in Powerless, but here? I absolutely loved her. All I wanted to do was to put her in a glass box and protect her from all the evil in the world. The world didn’t deserve her, alright? 😭 okay- maybe Mak did, and Pae too, but the rest? She was too good for them and I’m so heartbroken and MAD about her destiny.
💐“I’m tripping into you, Mak.”💐
❥ 𝓜𝓪𝓴🌙 ₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
🦋“If darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she is not around. And I wonder how I’ve stumble this long without her to guide me.”🦋
I don’t even know what I should say about him😭❤️🩹 this baby really deserves all the good things in the world, and I’M SO SAD AND ANGRY that he lost his two everything (aka Hera and Dena). Like, WHYYYY!? Why do the most softhearted people (like Adena) have the saddest endings and the worst blows that life can throw while the most disgusting people are living their best lives? *existential question*
He wanted to give the facade of being cold-hearted, when in reality he was the cutest and most lovable person ever. He just wanted to protect his heart since he got it crushed by life in general and the people who were supposed to love him the most. And you know what? I wanted to give him the biggest hug and put him in the glass box with Adena to protect them and give them all the happiness, love, well-being, and peace they deserved.
💜“I think you’re my little piece of perfection.”💜
❥ My thoughts 💭 ✶⋆.˚
⋆˙⟡ emotional well-being? what’s that? because mine is nonexistent after reading this. I’m crushed, broken, empty, and my heart was ripped out of my chest and shattered into a million pieces.
⋆˙⟡ do I have any tears left in my body? I don’t think so. I probably ran out of tears with that ending. And the funny thing? I knew all along what was going to happen, but still: IT HURT LIKE HELL.
⋆˙⟡ I don’t even know what else I can say because I’m just devastated and my mind can’t even think properly😭 I just wanted to say that I completely loved Adena and Mak and the brief romance they had while it lasted
⋆˙⟡ ALSO, there are so many theories that blew my mind while reading possible plots for Reckless. Like, I really NEED a reunion between Pae and Mak with both of them wearing the vests Adena made for them *CRYING*😭❤️🩹 anddd maybe Mak is somehow related to Pae or Kai? He has a sliver of silver hair (LIKE PAE) that was mentioned too many times just to be some coincidence. Besides, MAK IS ALSO A WIELDER, JUST LIKE KAI. Like, OMGGGG!?? *SCREAMING*. Also, it’s mentioned a lot that Kai and Mak are “similar”. So, idk. Mak has nothing to lose now and maybe he’ll want some revenge. I see a lot of drama coming for Reckless and I’M SO READY FOR IT 🛐
❥ Other quotes just because I love them ✨
*ೃ✧˚. “You did the right thing. Run to me. Always run to me.” yess sir, I would always run to you too🛐
*ೃ✧˚. “Even in the midst of crying, she managed to glow, as though each tear was a drop of sunlight.” the way he always compares her with the sun🥺☀️💕
*ೃ✧˚. “But you… you’re the embodiment of everything I am not. And yet, here I am, crawling back to you as though I’ve left a piece of myself behind.” I would crawl back at her too❤️🔥
*ೃ✧˚. “He stole your smile,” she whispers, ��no wonder you didn’t have one to give me… “I’ll find one,” I murmur. “Steal it back if I must. For you.” *MELTING*
*ೃ✧˚. “You are the sweetest thing I have never tasted. And I doubt I’ve craved anything more.” oh my… 🦋🦋
*ೃ✧˚. “honey/ hun” for the 895783 times 🛐🥰💘
❥ Quotes that broke my heart ✨
*ೃ✧˚. “You make even the stars envious” I repeat softly, leaning towards her. “Because one day- far from now- you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one”. Okay, can we cry now? 😭
*ೃ✧˚. “You had me! You had me, and I would have kept your secret.”😫
ೃ✧˚. “I never imagined it would be this difficult to leave. Because now there is her and every moment after. I had never known happiness before her, and if there is to be an after in which she doesn’t exist, I know I never will again.” reading this and knowing what was going to happen… *sobbing*
*ೃ✧˚. “I’m so unused to someone wanting me. Choosing me. Finding me worth the effort. Because I’m completely undeserving of it. Of her.” MAK, YOU DESERVE ALL THE GOOD THINGS IN THIS WORLD. I just wanted to hug him so bad😭
*ೃ✧˚. “Her fingers are bent, swollen, broken behind her back. Her sewing fingers. They have broken her sewing fingers.” *emotional damage*
*ೃ✧˚. “Just count the stars, Dena.” MY FKN HEART WAS CRUSHED💔 *screaming and crying at this point*
*ೃ✧˚. “Thanks for picking the closest star, Dena. Looks like you’ll be around to keep me company.” ☀️😭😫 he’s completely alone now, okay? WHYY😭 I can't breathe with this thought 💔
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
Anyways, I really enjoyed and loved this novella even though it left me broken on the floor sobbing at 4 am and wondering why I read this kind of stuff
𓏲 ₊♡𓂃“To the girls with softer dreams- your purpose is just as powerful.”⋆𓂃ִֶָ ⊹˚
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
𓏲 ₊💜 𓂃 pre-read: 🍃
ready to be a masochist, feel some real pain, and end up heartbroken 💋
Currently reading
July 12, 2024pre-read: since i only have less than half of this book left + reckless destroyed me, i might as well finish this now <3 i know this is just going to hurt more, but let me enjoy adenamak while i can ☹️🩷
∘•········ʚ ♡ ɞ ········•∘
GUYS I JUST MET LAUREN ROBERTS. SHE WAS THE SWEETEST AND FUNNIEST PERSON EVER I LOVE HER. she also dedicated "cardigan" by taylor swift to adena and mak (specifically the "you drew stars around my scars" lyric) so safe to say, i'm going to adore this 🫶pretend i'm not alr halfway through this, i love adena so much i'm sobbing
∘•········ʚ ♡ ɞ ········•∘
GUYS I JUST MET LAUREN ROBERTS. SHE WAS THE SWEETEST AND FUNNIEST PERSON EVER I LOVE HER. she also dedicated "cardigan" by taylor swift to adena and mak (specifically the "you drew stars around my scars" lyric) so safe to say, i'm going to adore this 🫶
April 15, 2024
adena deserves all the sticky buns in the world
May 1, 2024
I am here to tell you that knowing the ending DOES NOT MAKE IT EASIER! I mean wowowow Lauren really chose violence with this one bc THE WAY I SOBBED AT THE END, I didn’t know if I want to throw the book into the wall or myself…. Also, I was okay w this in book one, but getting to know Adena made this SO SO MUCH WORSE, she needs to be resurrected, idc how
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2024
thankfully the ending didn’t actually happen hahahahhahah (help me)
June 15, 2024
❝ you make the stars envious, because one day –far from now– you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one. ❞
➸ in the stars by benson boone
you took the best of my heart, and left the rest in pieces
there’s an adenamak-sized hole in my chest. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be truly okay again.
my expectations for this book were honestly quite low after the mess (sorry <3) that was powerless, but I had some hope that it would be better– and of course, I wanted to have my heart broken. But I regret that decision deeply, as this book didn’t just break my heart. It stomped on it and tossed it in a blender.
Despite my mournful state after reading powerful, I still loved it more than I ever thought I would. It was, as Mak would say, a little piece of perfection (yes, he did say that about Adena. No, I'm not crying as I write this). Seriously, this book was so pure and sweet and beautiful. adenamak are simply the most adorable couple. Mak spent his whole life believing he didn’t deserve happiness, or to smile. but Adena comes along, and being with her gives him more joy than he ever thought was possible. I just… I can’t. I cannot.
The quality of writing here has much improved since powerless. I didn’t cringe at all, which makes me even more excited for the second book's release in July. I’m both excited and terrified to see where the plot goes and how Mak will play into Paedyn’s story.
If you enjoyed powerless even a little bit, I highly recommend this little novella. Just make sure to have tissues next to you 🥺🧸
₊ ⊹❀ fav quotes:
➸ ❝ run to me. always run to me. ❞
➸ ❝ I had never known happiness before her. But if there is to be an after in which she doesn’t exist, I know I never will again. ❞
➸ ❝ If darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she’s not around. And I wonder how I’ve stumbled this long without her to guide me. ❞
➸ ❝ He is my fantasy. This is my reality. ❞
➸ ❝ you’re the embodiment of everything I am not. And yet, here I am, crawling back to you as though I’ve left a piece of myself behind. ❞
➸ in the stars by benson boone
you took the best of my heart, and left the rest in pieces
there’s an adenamak-sized hole in my chest. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be truly okay again.
my expectations for this book were honestly quite low after the mess (sorry <3) that was powerless, but I had some hope that it would be better– and of course, I wanted to have my heart broken. But I regret that decision deeply, as this book didn’t just break my heart. It stomped on it and tossed it in a blender.
Despite my mournful state after reading powerful, I still loved it more than I ever thought I would. It was, as Mak would say, a little piece of perfection (yes, he did say that about Adena. No, I'm not crying as I write this). Seriously, this book was so pure and sweet and beautiful. adenamak are simply the most adorable couple. Mak spent his whole life believing he didn’t deserve happiness, or to smile. but Adena comes along, and being with her gives him more joy than he ever thought was possible. I just… I can’t. I cannot.
The quality of writing here has much improved since powerless. I didn’t cringe at all, which makes me even more excited for the second book's release in July. I’m both excited and terrified to see where the plot goes and how Mak will play into Paedyn’s story.
If you enjoyed powerless even a little bit, I highly recommend this little novella. Just make sure to have tissues next to you 🥺🧸
₊ ⊹❀ fav quotes:
➸ ❝ run to me. always run to me. ❞
➸ ❝ I had never known happiness before her. But if there is to be an after in which she doesn’t exist, I know I never will again. ❞
➸ ❝ If darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she’s not around. And I wonder how I’ve stumbled this long without her to guide me. ❞
➸ ❝ He is my fantasy. This is my reality. ❞
➸ ❝ you’re the embodiment of everything I am not. And yet, here I am, crawling back to you as though I’ve left a piece of myself behind. ❞
May 6, 2024
4.5⭐️ RTC
’See you in the sky.’ Currently sobbing🤧
- - - -
I HAVE IT IN MY HANDS.IM NOT CRYING YOU ARE
‘You did the right thing. Run to me. Always run to me’
- - - - - -
Since I gave away my kidneys for an ARC of Reckless. I'll give my left leg for an ARC of Powerful 😁😅
’See you in the sky.’ Currently sobbing🤧
- - - -
I HAVE IT IN MY HANDS.
‘You did the right thing. Run to me. Always run to me’
- - - - - -
Since I gave away my kidneys for an ARC of Reckless. I'll give my left leg for an ARC of Powerful 😁😅
July 4, 2024
ˋ°•*⁀➷ 5 🌟
“See you in the sky.”
My hearts broken & my eyes are glassy. A few pages managed to evoke a plethora of emotions. The slow building of chemistry between the two, blossoming into love, friendship, hopes & aspirations all come crashing together at the final trial erupting heartbreak in my sensitive little heart.
๋࣭ ⭑⚝ ADENA ๋࣭ ⭑⚝
She is the shining sun peeking through the grey clouds on a rainy day, illuminating the world. The constellation of stars you see glowing in the sky. The pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. A girl filled with love, joy, & a heart too big in the Elites Cruel World.
ˋ°•*⁀➷
“There is quite the difference between fragility and delicacy.’
‘So, you think I’m delicate?’
She tilts her head in question. ‘Don’t you want to be handled with care?’
This leaves me speechless.”
๋࣭ ⭑⚝ MAKOTO ๋࣭ ⭑⚝
All the hardships he’s gone through in his life showcase his difficulties but he manages to pull through the sorrows & showcase his love fiercely for Hera, and Adena, his shining stars that bring light to his lonely life. On a side note- I just know he’s never going to take that vest off, it’s going to be his most prized possession alongside the knife pouch.
ˋ°•*⁀➷
“With his arm wrapped tightly round me, he leans forward until our foreheads brush. And that’s when he whispers, ‘I think you’re my little piece of perfection.”
“You did the right thing. Run to me. Always run to me.”
“You make even the stars envious,’ I repeat softly, leaning towards her. ‘Because one day – far from now – you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.”
“Something far more intimate than any kiss or touch so far. No, he pulls back far enough to let me see him smile.
It’s big and bright and beautifully his.”
“For me?’ I ask breathlessly, staring at his smile.
‘Every single one,’ he murmurs.”
“You are the sweetest thing I have never tasted.’ Another brush of his knuckles. ‘And I doubt I’ve craved anything more.”
💔😭⭐️
Heart was indeed broken.
Pre-review
Mentally preparing for my heart to be broken 💔😭
“See you in the sky.”
My hearts broken & my eyes are glassy. A few pages managed to evoke a plethora of emotions. The slow building of chemistry between the two, blossoming into love, friendship, hopes & aspirations all come crashing together at the final trial erupting heartbreak in my sensitive little heart.
๋࣭ ⭑⚝ ADENA ๋࣭ ⭑⚝
She is the shining sun peeking through the grey clouds on a rainy day, illuminating the world. The constellation of stars you see glowing in the sky. The pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. A girl filled with love, joy, & a heart too big in the Elites Cruel World.
ˋ°•*⁀➷
“There is quite the difference between fragility and delicacy.’
‘So, you think I’m delicate?’
She tilts her head in question. ‘Don’t you want to be handled with care?’
This leaves me speechless.”
๋࣭ ⭑⚝ MAKOTO ๋࣭ ⭑⚝
All the hardships he’s gone through in his life showcase his difficulties but he manages to pull through the sorrows & showcase his love fiercely for Hera, and Adena, his shining stars that bring light to his lonely life. On a side note- I just know he’s never going to take that vest off, it’s going to be his most prized possession alongside the knife pouch.
ˋ°•*⁀➷
“With his arm wrapped tightly round me, he leans forward until our foreheads brush. And that’s when he whispers, ‘I think you’re my little piece of perfection.”
“You did the right thing. Run to me. Always run to me.”
“You make even the stars envious,’ I repeat softly, leaning towards her. ‘Because one day – far from now – you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.”
“Something far more intimate than any kiss or touch so far. No, he pulls back far enough to let me see him smile.
It’s big and bright and beautifully his.”
“For me?’ I ask breathlessly, staring at his smile.
‘Every single one,’ he murmurs.”
“You are the sweetest thing I have never tasted.’ Another brush of his knuckles. ‘And I doubt I’ve craved anything more.”
💔😭⭐️
Heart was indeed broken.
Pre-review
Mentally preparing for my heart to be broken 💔😭
June 27, 2024
2 ⭐️
nope. sorry but i hated it. ms author seems to have rly interesting concepts but poor execution…. bc WHAT did i just read 😧 fanfiction ??? even that’s written better…
this story is trying to check mark a bunch of popular book tropes and create “iconic” book quotes for ppl to spread across sns. the entire thing felt too rushed, and even after 200 pages i don’t know anything about the main characters or this kingdom/world. mak/adena’s dialogue was SO cringy at times and it seemed like the author was trying too hard to force the grumpy x sunshine trope T__T ++ mak’s nickname for adena as “hun” or “honey” made me imagine him as a 23 y/o man and adena as a 15 y/o girl… 💀💀💀
there were also so many points in this book that had potential to answer questions from Powerless,, but then the chapter ended and then skipped to who knows when 😫 PRIME EXAMPLE – we STILL don’t know why adena was suddenly captured by the king and put at the center of the trials… this book was the perfect opportunity to talk about that and MORE T__T
the only reason i’m giving this book 2 stars is because the ending was kinda sad/good + also some quotes were cute,,, and by the end i cared less about adena than when i started. also i rly hope mak appears in book 2 because if not then WHAT WAS THE REASON FOR ALL THE INSTA-LOVE (which i found so fake btw) AND DEVOTION IN THIS BOOK ?!?!?
⊹ “you did the right thing. run to me. always. run to me.”
⊹ “it’s the way my thoughts never cease to wander towards her, my heart falling senselessly after.”
⊹ “you make even the stars envious… because one day – far from now – you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.”
⊹ “i don’t fall for someone. i trip uncontrollably towards them before inevitably hitting the ground.”
₊˚ʚ 🪡 ₊˚✧ ﾟ. pre-read:
im ready to get back into the world of powerless!!!
"to the girls with softer dreams – your purpose is just as powerful" the dedication omg 🥹😫
nope. sorry but i hated it. ms author seems to have rly interesting concepts but poor execution…. bc WHAT did i just read 😧 fanfiction ??? even that’s written better…
this story is trying to check mark a bunch of popular book tropes and create “iconic” book quotes for ppl to spread across sns. the entire thing felt too rushed, and even after 200 pages i don’t know anything about the main characters or this kingdom/world. mak/adena’s dialogue was SO cringy at times and it seemed like the author was trying too hard to force the grumpy x sunshine trope T__T ++ mak’s nickname for adena as “hun” or “honey” made me imagine him as a 23 y/o man and adena as a 15 y/o girl… 💀💀💀
there were also so many points in this book that had potential to answer questions from Powerless,, but then the chapter ended and then skipped to who knows when 😫 PRIME EXAMPLE – we STILL don’t know why adena was suddenly captured by the king and put at the center of the trials… this book was the perfect opportunity to talk about that and MORE T__T
the only reason i’m giving this book 2 stars is because the ending was kinda sad/good + also some quotes were cute,,, and by the end i cared less about adena than when i started. also i rly hope mak appears in book 2 because if not then WHAT WAS THE REASON FOR ALL THE INSTA-LOVE (which i found so fake btw) AND DEVOTION IN THIS BOOK ?!?!?
⊹ “you did the right thing. run to me. always. run to me.”
⊹ “it’s the way my thoughts never cease to wander towards her, my heart falling senselessly after.”
⊹ “you make even the stars envious… because one day – far from now – you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.”
⊹ “i don’t fall for someone. i trip uncontrollably towards them before inevitably hitting the ground.”
₊˚ʚ 🪡 ₊˚✧ ﾟ. pre-read:
im ready to get back into the world of powerless!!!
"to the girls with softer dreams – your purpose is just as powerful" the dedication omg 🥹😫
May 8, 2024
i didn't need to go through that much pain all over again!😭😭😭
3.75 🌟
-------------------------------
OKAY, I don't remember who they are, and I read powerless almost 2 months ago !! THIS ISEMBARRASSING
Adena is the friend of pay, who is mak??? HELP 😭😭😭😭😭😭
But APRIL???😭😭
3.75 🌟
-------------------------------
OKAY, I don't remember who they are, and I read powerless almost 2 months ago !! THIS IS
Adena is the friend of pay, who is mak??? HELP 😭😭😭😭😭😭
But APRIL???😭😭
Want to read
May 3, 2024 YEAH, NOT IN THE MOOD TO SHED TEARS 🙏🏻
April 17, 2024
I.....im going to pretend the last 15 ish pages dont exist >< WWWWWTTTTTFFFF WAS THE NEED LIKE WHY POOR MAK he lost both of the only people that he let himself care about UGHHHHH
May 1, 2024
･:*:･ﾟ⁀➷ 4.25/5 ★
HOW WAS THIS SO GOOD?! 🤭🤭 I mean, it did shatter my heart into a million pieces but i loved every second if it 🌷✨️
➷ “To the girls with softer dreams – your purpose is just as powerful!”
Tropes:
🪡 Grumpy x sunshine
🪡 Romantasy
🪡 Novella
I absolutely loved powerless so i was so excited to see that this was coming out!! And it was sm better than i thought it could be 🥹
ೃ⁀➷ Writing & plot:
Lauren Roberts’ writing is soo stunning aah!! 🫶🫶 I can’t believe this is only her second book, bc her books are so compelling and easy to read it’s insane. This one transported me right back into the world and i was so happy to be back. The paedyn and kai appearances had me running happy laps around my room 🤭🤭
Honestly, this one didn’t have the strongest plot ever but did i care? Absolutely not, i was having the time of my life 🎀💘 I listened to this as an audiobook and it was the perfect short little audiobook, i would highly recommend!! I thought it was so clever to set this during the same timeline as powerless bc it filled in all the gaps so well. It was so fun seeing what was happening during the trials and i’m now even more excited for reckless to release!! I NEED IT IN MY HANDS RN 😫😫
➷ “I think you're my little piece of perfection.”
ೃ⁀➷ Characters:
The fact this novella was under 200 pages and i fell so in love with these characters?! i have no idea how it happened but i love them with my whole heart 🥹💘
➵ Adena: my precious sunshine girl i love her smm!! 🥹🥹 Her bubbly personality was so fun and she was just so wholesome & cute, i wanted to wrap her in a huge hug and protect her from the world 🫂🎀
➵ Mak: omg i love him?! 🤭🤭 The way i went into this with no idea who he was and came out obsessed with him. He was so broody, but seeing him open up to Adena was the most precious thing ever 🥹🌷 He’s definitely no kai but i still love him and i can’t wait to see what he does in the rest of the series! ✨️
➷ “You make even the stars envious,” I repeat softly, leaning towards her. “Because one day, far from now, you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.”
ೃ⁀➷ Romance:
‼️ major spoilers in this section ‼️
➵ Adena and Mak:
I think lauren is blessed or something bc how do her romances hit so hard?! First kai and pae, and now these two?!? 😫😫 I’m obsessed. I wasn’t convinced of their relationship at first but then they snuck into my heart and soon i was tearing up when mak started to smile for adena 🥺🥺🥺 This is honestly the best grumpy sunshine i’ve ever read, it was done so perfectly.
But the ending?! It hurt in powerless but in here, seeing mak’s reaction?! 😃 And “see you in the sky”?? 😃😃 My eyes hurt from crying sm.
They did not deserve this 💔
‼️ spoilers have ended ‼️
➷ “see you in the sky”
ೃ⁀➷ In conclusion:
Absolutely stunning… but lauren roberts is public enemy #1 after that ending 😃🔪 I would definitely recommend this series tho if you want:
✔️ Super bingeable
✔️ Great writing
✔️ Amazing characters
✔️ STUNNING romance
✔️ Romantasy series to obsess over
I just know reckless is going to be amazing 🥹🌷
《 2024 Challenge: Book 57 of 115 》
･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ
ೃ⁀➷ prereview:
➷ “see you in the sky” 💔
If anyone needs me, i’ll be crying in a dark corner for the foreseeable future
rtc 🌷✨️
･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ
ೃ⁀➷ preread:
➷ I am genuinely terrified to read this, but also so excited bc powerless was stunning 🤭🤭 i've got a box of tissues ready, so here we go!! 🌷✨️
HOW WAS THIS SO GOOD?! 🤭🤭 I mean, it did shatter my heart into a million pieces but i loved every second if it 🌷✨️
➷ “To the girls with softer dreams – your purpose is just as powerful!”
Tropes:
🪡 Grumpy x sunshine
🪡 Romantasy
🪡 Novella
I absolutely loved powerless so i was so excited to see that this was coming out!! And it was sm better than i thought it could be 🥹
ೃ⁀➷ Writing & plot:
Lauren Roberts’ writing is soo stunning aah!! 🫶🫶 I can’t believe this is only her second book, bc her books are so compelling and easy to read it’s insane. This one transported me right back into the world and i was so happy to be back. The paedyn and kai appearances had me running happy laps around my room 🤭🤭
Honestly, this one didn’t have the strongest plot ever but did i care? Absolutely not, i was having the time of my life 🎀💘 I listened to this as an audiobook and it was the perfect short little audiobook, i would highly recommend!! I thought it was so clever to set this during the same timeline as powerless bc it filled in all the gaps so well. It was so fun seeing what was happening during the trials and i’m now even more excited for reckless to release!! I NEED IT IN MY HANDS RN 😫😫
➷ “I think you're my little piece of perfection.”
ೃ⁀➷ Characters:
The fact this novella was under 200 pages and i fell so in love with these characters?! i have no idea how it happened but i love them with my whole heart 🥹💘
➵ Adena: my precious sunshine girl i love her smm!! 🥹🥹 Her bubbly personality was so fun and she was just so wholesome & cute, i wanted to wrap her in a huge hug and protect her from the world 🫂🎀
➵ Mak: omg i love him?! 🤭🤭 The way i went into this with no idea who he was and came out obsessed with him. He was so broody, but seeing him open up to Adena was the most precious thing ever 🥹🌷 He’s definitely no kai but i still love him and i can’t wait to see what he does in the rest of the series! ✨️
➷ “You make even the stars envious,” I repeat softly, leaning towards her. “Because one day, far from now, you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.”
ೃ⁀➷ Romance:
‼️ major spoilers in this section ‼️
➵ Adena and Mak:
I think lauren is blessed or something bc how do her romances hit so hard?! First kai and pae, and now these two?!? 😫😫 I’m obsessed. I wasn’t convinced of their relationship at first but then they snuck into my heart and soon i was tearing up when mak started to smile for adena 🥺🥺🥺 This is honestly the best grumpy sunshine i’ve ever read, it was done so perfectly.
But the ending?! It hurt in powerless but in here, seeing mak’s reaction?! 😃 And “see you in the sky”?? 😃😃 My eyes hurt from crying sm.
They did not deserve this 💔
‼️ spoilers have ended ‼️
➷ “see you in the sky”
ೃ⁀➷ In conclusion:
Absolutely stunning… but lauren roberts is public enemy #1 after that ending 😃🔪 I would definitely recommend this series tho if you want:
✔️ Super bingeable
✔️ Great writing
✔️ Amazing characters
✔️ STUNNING romance
✔️ Romantasy series to obsess over
I just know reckless is going to be amazing 🥹🌷
《 2024 Challenge: Book 57 of 115 》
･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ
ೃ⁀➷ prereview:
➷ “see you in the sky” 💔
If anyone needs me, i’ll be crying in a dark corner for the foreseeable future
rtc 🌷✨️
･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ
ೃ⁀➷ preread:
➷ I am genuinely terrified to read this, but also so excited bc powerless was stunning 🤭🤭 i've got a box of tissues ready, so here we go!! 🌷✨️
June 22, 2024
”See you in the sky.”
🌌
my sweet sweet adena 😭😭😭 it’s rare for a book to bring me to tears, but this one did (tears were literally streaming down my face). i feel such sorrow for adena 😭💔 what made it even more heartbreaking was her unawareness of the situation until the very end, and her calmness during her final moments 😭😭😭
“And then I count. One, two, three… Death is gentle in a way life never was. I look up into the sky, seeing stars swim in my vision. What a beautiful night in the Fort. Four, five, six… I’m counting the seconds until I see her next. I’m counting the stars until I see Mak shining beside me. The stars wink at me, welcoming me home. And on the second eight, I know nothing.”
and mak… oh mak 😭😭😭 i can’t imagine how devastated he must have been, losing both hera and adena to the trials. and the fact that he was there to witness adena’s final moments too 😭😭😭 they literally only had a few days together and he never got the chance to give her the gift he had picked out for her 😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔 this is so unfair 😭😭
���Just count the stars, Dena. Just count the stars.”
“I count right along with her. One, two, three… Only, I’m counting down the seconds until I get to see her again. Four, five, six… I’ll count until I’m up in the sky beside her. Seven, eight, nine… And I suddenly wish that second would come sooner. Ten, eleven, twelve… I feel her power flicker and fade. And then I watch her die. Watch the life drain from her dark skin, steal the light from the eyes. The connection snaps. Her ability slips between my fingers. Leaving me cold and shaking without its comfort. And I’ll never feel it again. Never feel her again. Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen… When Paedyn’s hand sweeps over her eyes, shutting out the world for eternity, I stand and stumble down the path with shaky legs. Sixteen, seventeen, eighteen… Tears blur my vision; anger burns my blood. I turn down a concrete tunnel leading to the world beyond. A world without her. A world she is no longer in. And I’m not sure I can live in that world. Nineteen, twenty, twenty-one… My sobs echo off the walls, drowning out the cheers from inside the Bowl. It should have been me. I wish it was me. Twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four… They are cheering. Cheering as if a sliver of the sun hadn’t just burned out before them. Twenty-five, twenty-six, twenty-seven… When my feet meet the path outside, and my face is thoroughly doused in sun, I fall to my knees once again. I clutch the vest around me, pulling at the perfectly straight seams holding it together. Twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty… Never again will I get to admire her while she sews. My head falls into my hands, collecting hot tears on my palms. Then I’m running my fingers over the vest again, tracing every bit that her fingers graced. Thirty-one, thirty-two, thirty-three… My heart stutters at the feel of raised thread beneath a pocket. I don’t need to look at it to know what it says. Don’t need to read the words to have more tears rolling down my cheeks. ‘See you in the sky.’ I look up, choking back a sob. Thirty-four, thirty-five, thirty-six… The sun drenches me in warmth, coats me in comfort. It’s soothing. Gentle. Soft. I smile sadly. Laugh despite the tears still staining my skin. And there she is, outshining everyone. In a way, she’s always been the sun. Always the brightness that existed despite the presence of such darkness. Thirty-seven, thirty-eight, thirty-nine… ‘Thanks for picking the closest star, Dena.’ I take a shaky breath. Forty, forty-one, forty-two… ‘Looks like you’ll be around to keep me company.’”
more quotes/dialogues that made my heart ache:
“But you… you’re the embodiment of everything I am not. And yet, here I am, crawling back to you as though I’ve left a piece of myself behind. And it scares the shit out of me.”
“I regret not buying that blue shirt from you, if only so I had your attention long enough to convince you that red suits you better. I regret not telling you how much I like it when you blow those bangs out of your eyes, or the way you clap after finishing a row of stitches. I regret smothering every smile you made me want to give you. And I regret not telling you the truth. But most of all, not saying goodbye.”
“He stole your smile. No wonder you didn’t have one to give me.”
“I’ll find one. Steal it back if I must. For you.”
“I made him, and every other man I found, memorise every one of your features. I described the color of your eyes and the length of the lashes lining them. The warmth of your skin, and the specific curl of your hair. Your nose, your lips, your smile. Down to the every scar of your palm from one of my daggers. I made them memorise you. So, yes, he knew exactly who you were and still decided to ignore my threats.”
“You make even the stars envious. Because one day — far from now — you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.”
“And will you be beside me up there?”
“If I should be so lucky.”
“Promise me. I don’t want to be alone.”
“I promise, Dena.”
my sweet sweet adena 😭😭😭 it’s rare for a book to bring me to tears, but this one did (tears were literally streaming down my face). i feel such sorrow for adena 😭💔 what made it even more heartbreaking was her unawareness of the situation until the very end, and her calmness during her final moments 😭😭😭
“And then I count. One, two, three… Death is gentle in a way life never was. I look up into the sky, seeing stars swim in my vision. What a beautiful night in the Fort. Four, five, six… I’m counting the seconds until I see her next. I’m counting the stars until I see Mak shining beside me. The stars wink at me, welcoming me home. And on the second eight, I know nothing.”
and mak… oh mak 😭😭😭 i can’t imagine how devastated he must have been, losing both hera and adena to the trials. and the fact that he was there to witness adena’s final moments too 😭😭😭 they literally only had a few days together and he never got the chance to give her the gift he had picked out for her 😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔 this is so unfair 😭😭
���Just count the stars, Dena. Just count the stars.”
“I count right along with her. One, two, three… Only, I’m counting down the seconds until I get to see her again. Four, five, six… I’ll count until I’m up in the sky beside her. Seven, eight, nine… And I suddenly wish that second would come sooner. Ten, eleven, twelve… I feel her power flicker and fade. And then I watch her die. Watch the life drain from her dark skin, steal the light from the eyes. The connection snaps. Her ability slips between my fingers. Leaving me cold and shaking without its comfort. And I’ll never feel it again. Never feel her again. Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen… When Paedyn’s hand sweeps over her eyes, shutting out the world for eternity, I stand and stumble down the path with shaky legs. Sixteen, seventeen, eighteen… Tears blur my vision; anger burns my blood. I turn down a concrete tunnel leading to the world beyond. A world without her. A world she is no longer in. And I’m not sure I can live in that world. Nineteen, twenty, twenty-one… My sobs echo off the walls, drowning out the cheers from inside the Bowl. It should have been me. I wish it was me. Twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four… They are cheering. Cheering as if a sliver of the sun hadn’t just burned out before them. Twenty-five, twenty-six, twenty-seven… When my feet meet the path outside, and my face is thoroughly doused in sun, I fall to my knees once again. I clutch the vest around me, pulling at the perfectly straight seams holding it together. Twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty… Never again will I get to admire her while she sews. My head falls into my hands, collecting hot tears on my palms. Then I’m running my fingers over the vest again, tracing every bit that her fingers graced. Thirty-one, thirty-two, thirty-three… My heart stutters at the feel of raised thread beneath a pocket. I don’t need to look at it to know what it says. Don’t need to read the words to have more tears rolling down my cheeks. ‘See you in the sky.’ I look up, choking back a sob. Thirty-four, thirty-five, thirty-six… The sun drenches me in warmth, coats me in comfort. It’s soothing. Gentle. Soft. I smile sadly. Laugh despite the tears still staining my skin. And there she is, outshining everyone. In a way, she’s always been the sun. Always the brightness that existed despite the presence of such darkness. Thirty-seven, thirty-eight, thirty-nine… ‘Thanks for picking the closest star, Dena.’ I take a shaky breath. Forty, forty-one, forty-two… ‘Looks like you’ll be around to keep me company.’”
more quotes/dialogues that made my heart ache:
“But you… you’re the embodiment of everything I am not. And yet, here I am, crawling back to you as though I’ve left a piece of myself behind. And it scares the shit out of me.”
“I regret not buying that blue shirt from you, if only so I had your attention long enough to convince you that red suits you better. I regret not telling you how much I like it when you blow those bangs out of your eyes, or the way you clap after finishing a row of stitches. I regret smothering every smile you made me want to give you. And I regret not telling you the truth. But most of all, not saying goodbye.”
“He stole your smile. No wonder you didn’t have one to give me.”
“I’ll find one. Steal it back if I must. For you.”
“I made him, and every other man I found, memorise every one of your features. I described the color of your eyes and the length of the lashes lining them. The warmth of your skin, and the specific curl of your hair. Your nose, your lips, your smile. Down to the every scar of your palm from one of my daggers. I made them memorise you. So, yes, he knew exactly who you were and still decided to ignore my threats.”
“You make even the stars envious. Because one day — far from now — you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.”
“And will you be beside me up there?”
“If I should be so lucky.”
“Promise me. I don’t want to be alone.”
“I promise, Dena.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2024
—— 4. ✰ stars.
・❥・ Mood of the book: The Last Time by Taylor Swift ft. Gary Lightbody
Well, this book shut me up, to be completely honest, I thought it was simply going to be filler and unnecessary to the story, and although yes, it is true that it adds little more than the character of Mak, it is very much worth reading, if you weren't enthusiastic about Powerless, like I was, give Powerful a chance because I assure you it's better!
Lauren Roberts will have to pay my therapy bills, because I cried while reviewing my highlights from the book.
In this case, we follow Adena, Paedyn's best friend, and what she experiences while Paedyn is in the trials. We meet Mak, who hires her to sew him a uniform to infiltrate the castle, and feelings begin to arise.
I can't say anything else at all, since it would be a spoiler, and if you've already read the first book, you already know what I mean.
I found improvement in the author's writing, which gives me hope that I will also like the next book.
The book is much more focused on romance, which although in my opinion is a bit fast, taking into account that it is a 244 page novella, you can't ask for slow burn. This helped a lot for me to enjoy it more, although I always prefer the fantasy part in romantasy books, but in the first book I didn't enjoy it, so I was grateful for the lack of it here, even though I hope that will change on the second book.
I liked the characters, especially Mak, since we already know Adena a little from the first book, and the events of the novella leave me with expectations for the next one.
Finally, this book has DESTROYED my heart, it has been a long time since I cried like this over a book, and I value that a lot.
PLEASE, PLEASE READ THIS NOVEL. (YES. I AM RECOMMENDING PAIN TO YOU)
'He’s breathtaking in the way I would imagine a stab wound to be, so handsome it’s piercing. Like a blade, everything about him is sharp and cold.'
'She is an intoxicating sort of exhausting, like running until you’ve lost your breath but enjoying the feeling all the while. And I feel as though I’ve been sprinting for days.'
'If darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she is not around. And I wonder how I’ve stumbled this long without her to guide me.'
Now I will put some quotes that I consider spoilers, but I can't NOT put them, so if you haven't read the book, and above all, if you haven't read the first, DON'T READ THESE:
'Those beautiful hands of hers. Those beautiful hands that have cupped my face, created countless pieces of clothing, clapped joyfully at the smallest of things. And now they never will again.'
'She’s counting the stars. I break. All of me. Every inch of my being shattering at the realization.'
'See you in the sky.'
'Thanks for picking the closest star, Dena.' I take a shaky breath. Forty, forty-one, forty-two… 'Looks like you’ll be around to keep me company.'
➤ Powerless Series:
╰┈➤Powerless , 3. ✰ stars.
ೃ⁀➷ 𝓹𝓻𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀:
12/06 🪡 : I can’t see what I’m typing through the tears 😃. So much better than powerless. rtc when I stop sobbing
08/06 🪡 : I hope this is useful and not just a filler 💀
' Run to me. Always run to me.'
・❥・ Mood of the book: The Last Time by Taylor Swift ft. Gary Lightbody
Well, this book shut me up, to be completely honest, I thought it was simply going to be filler and unnecessary to the story, and although yes, it is true that it adds little more than the character of Mak, it is very much worth reading, if you weren't enthusiastic about Powerless, like I was, give Powerful a chance because I assure you it's better!
Lauren Roberts will have to pay my therapy bills, because I cried while reviewing my highlights from the book.
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 𝓅𝓁ℴ𝓉ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
In this case, we follow Adena, Paedyn's best friend, and what she experiences while Paedyn is in the trials. We meet Mak, who hires her to sew him a uniform to infiltrate the castle, and feelings begin to arise.
I can't say anything else at all, since it would be a spoiler, and if you've already read the first book, you already know what I mean.
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 𝑔𝑒𝓃𝑒𝓇𝒶𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈 ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
I found improvement in the author's writing, which gives me hope that I will also like the next book.
The book is much more focused on romance, which although in my opinion is a bit fast, taking into account that it is a 244 page novella, you can't ask for slow burn. This helped a lot for me to enjoy it more, although I always prefer the fantasy part in romantasy books, but in the first book I didn't enjoy it, so I was grateful for the lack of it here, even though I hope that will change on the second book.
I liked the characters, especially Mak, since we already know Adena a little from the first book, and the events of the novella leave me with expectations for the next one.
Finally, this book has DESTROYED my heart, it has been a long time since I cried like this over a book, and I value that a lot.
PLEASE, PLEASE READ THIS NOVEL. (YES. I AM RECOMMENDING PAIN TO YOU)
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓆𝓊𝑜𝓉𝑒𝓈ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
'He’s breathtaking in the way I would imagine a stab wound to be, so handsome it’s piercing. Like a blade, everything about him is sharp and cold.'
'She is an intoxicating sort of exhausting, like running until you’ve lost your breath but enjoying the feeling all the while. And I feel as though I’ve been sprinting for days.'
'If darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she is not around. And I wonder how I’ve stumbled this long without her to guide me.'
Now I will put some quotes that I consider spoilers, but I can't NOT put them, so if you haven't read the book, and above all, if you haven't read the first, DON'T READ THESE:
'Those beautiful hands of hers. Those beautiful hands that have cupped my face, created countless pieces of clothing, clapped joyfully at the smallest of things. And now they never will again.'
'She’s counting the stars. I break. All of me. Every inch of my being shattering at the realization.'
'See you in the sky.'
'Thanks for picking the closest star, Dena.' I take a shaky breath. Forty, forty-one, forty-two… 'Looks like you’ll be around to keep me company.'
➤ Powerless Series:
╰┈➤Powerless , 3. ✰ stars.
ೃ⁀➷ 𝓹𝓻𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀:
12/06 🪡 : I can’t see what I’m typing through the tears 😃. So much better than powerless. rtc when I stop sobbing
08/06 🪡 : I hope this is useful and not just a filler 💀
July 4, 2024
finished ⋆ 2 ≀ ȷuᥣ ≀ 24
ᯓ ☆ ˚ ⋅ 2.5 stars
I just liked the last 20%, the rest felt forced and sometimes cringy for me.
I'm not saying that I hated the characters or something. I just couldn't connect to them, especially mak. as for adena I already love her so much since powerless, she's my favorite. But this novella didn't make me contact to her more than I already am. Mak wasn't a bad character tho.
Also they had their cute moments, but as l said before about powerless, that this author just add more quotes and quotes to make the reader swoon for the characters, and it's not always feels real. and it was like that at some parts of the novella for me.
also the grumpy x sunshine felt so forced to me.
The 2.5 stars are just for the pain in the end.
︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶୭ৎ︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶
ʚɞ pre read 🪡 › .•
╰ started ⋆ 1 ≀ ȷuᥣ ≀ 24
I don't really wanna read this, but reckless is coming out in a day, so I have to read it.
I'm trying to be hopeful from all the five/four stars I've been seeing for this one. but tbh I'm not, especially since I hate everything I read rn
ᯓ ☆ ˚ ⋅ 2.5 stars
⊹˚ 🪡⋆˙⟡₊ ‘You make even the stars envious,’ I repeat softly, leaning towards her. ‘Because one day – far from now – you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.’
‘And will you be beside me up there?’
‘If I should be so lucky.’
‘Promise me,’ she murmurs sternly. ‘I don’t want to be alone.’
I nod against her hair. ‘I promise, Dena.’
I just liked the last 20%, the rest felt forced and sometimes cringy for me.
I'm not saying that I hated the characters or something. I just couldn't connect to them, especially mak. as for adena I already love her so much since powerless, she's my favorite. But this novella didn't make me contact to her more than I already am. Mak wasn't a bad character tho.
Also they had their cute moments, but as l said before about powerless, that this author just add more quotes and quotes to make the reader swoon for the characters, and it's not always feels real. and it was like that at some parts of the novella for me.
also the grumpy x sunshine felt so forced to me.
The 2.5 stars are just for the pain in the end.
︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶୭ৎ︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶
ʚɞ pre read 🪡 › .•
╰ started ⋆ 1 ≀ ȷuᥣ ≀ 24
I don't really wanna read this, but reckless is coming out in a day, so I have to read it.
I'm trying to be hopeful from all the five/four stars I've been seeing for this one. but tbh I'm not, especially since I hate everything I read rn
May 21, 2024
“𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚎𝚗𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚞𝚜, 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚢–𝚏𝚊𝚛 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚗𝚘𝚠–𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚞𝚙 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖, 𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚎.”
never, never has a book made me bawl my eyes out the way it did 2 mins ago. broken. shattered. im not reviewing this book because i will physically crumble if i try. 😭❤️🩹
“𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚜����𝚊𝚛, 𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚊. 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚖𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚊𝚗𝚢.”
never, never has a book made me bawl my eyes out the way it did 2 mins ago. broken. shattered. im not reviewing this book because i will physically crumble if i try. 😭❤️🩹
“𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚜����𝚊𝚛, 𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚊. 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚖𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚊𝚗𝚢.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2024
Utterly powerful! 😭 God I love Adena so much, her story is beautiful. As this book is a novella, everything happens a lot quicker in this with less build up but I still absolutely adored this book. I can't wait for Reckless bc I'm not ready to leave these characters behind just yet!
June 18, 2024
➳ 4 ☆! 🌿🪡
🎧 - new year's day
ᯓᡣ𐭩 hold on to the memories
they will hold on to you.
➳ can you hear me sobbing in the background?! please, if you haven't already go read this!! im so glad i finally got to, and if you enjoyed 'powerless' at all this is a MUST. probably one of my favorite novellas ive ever read, and i didn't want it to end! this book made me even more excited for 'reckless' in 2 weeks and i have HOPES for that one!
˗ˏˋ꒰ overall experience꒱ super fast paced, i think the writing in here definitely improved! and can we give an applaud for the banter EEEE has me giggling and swooning! i also like how we go the perspective of adena AND mak, i love them both so much. but that ending wrecked me, yet again !! all that being said, go read this and prepare for reckless! 💌
˗ˏˋ꒰ adena + mak꒱AWW my little cuties i love them sm <3 mak had dry humor and i couldnt stop laughing with his quick remarks and sarcasm. and my little angel adena, UGH i love her sm, she is a certified yapper, and i LOVE THAT!! and maks backstory?! i wanted to sob. i think the story was heartwarmingwrenching but anyway! i cant wait to see what is in store for mak and i have theories. also im still in denial for everything so! i have never read a couple that could relate to one line in the song 'cardigan' more than they can 🤧 also adena is such a mirrorball <3
cardigan
ᯓᡣ𐭩you drew stars around my scars
but now im bleeding
labrinyth
ᯓᡣ𐭩"it only hurts this much right now"
was what i was thinkin' the whole time
uh-oh, i'm fallin' in love
enjoy these quotes 🫶
➳ “if darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she is not around. And I wonder how I’ve stumbled this long without her to guide me.”
➳ “shh.” I run a hand down the length of her curls, feeling a hiccup jostle her body. “You did the right thing. Run to me. Always run to me.”
➳ “you make even the stars envious,” I repeat softly, leaning toward her. “Because one day—far from now—you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.”
🪩🫶🪡🌿
preview! 🪡
its about time i picked this up, so i excited to see, my love, adena, i love her saur much <3 ANDD to prepare for reckless!i have high hopes for that one and im so scared but this looks like the perfect palette cleanser ahh! ALSO - thank you so much for all the birthday wishes guys 🤧you guys are all L I T E R A L angels?! truly making my day out here im so thankful ilysm 💗😚 HAPPY SUNDAY XO
ive spent my whole life wishing to be wanted. and here he is, begging me to let him. ✮⋆˙
🎧 - new year's day
ᯓᡣ𐭩 hold on to the memories
they will hold on to you.
➳ can you hear me sobbing in the background?! please, if you haven't already go read this!! im so glad i finally got to, and if you enjoyed 'powerless' at all this is a MUST. probably one of my favorite novellas ive ever read, and i didn't want it to end! this book made me even more excited for 'reckless' in 2 weeks and i have HOPES for that one!
˗ˏˋ꒰ overall experience꒱ super fast paced, i think the writing in here definitely improved! and can we give an applaud for the banter EEEE has me giggling and swooning! i also like how we go the perspective of adena AND mak, i love them both so much. but that ending wrecked me, yet again !! all that being said, go read this and prepare for reckless! 💌
˗ˏˋ꒰ adena + mak꒱AWW my little cuties i love them sm <3 mak had dry humor and i couldnt stop laughing with his quick remarks and sarcasm. and my little angel adena, UGH i love her sm, she is a certified yapper, and i LOVE THAT!! and maks backstory?! i wanted to sob. i think the story was heartwarming
cardigan
ᯓᡣ𐭩you drew stars around my scars
but now im bleeding
labrinyth
ᯓᡣ𐭩"it only hurts this much right now"
was what i was thinkin' the whole time
uh-oh, i'm fallin' in love
enjoy these quotes 🫶
➳ “if darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she is not around. And I wonder how I’ve stumbled this long without her to guide me.”
➳ “shh.” I run a hand down the length of her curls, feeling a hiccup jostle her body. “You did the right thing. Run to me. Always run to me.”
➳ “you make even the stars envious,” I repeat softly, leaning toward her. “Because one day—far from now—you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.”
🪩🫶🪡🌿
preview! 🪡
its about time i picked this up, so i excited to see, my love, adena, i love her saur much <3 ANDD to prepare for reckless!
May 1, 2024
★★★☆☆ - 3.5 stars
SPOILERS FOR POWERLESS
For the girl who deserved a happy ending.
i’m not one to read novellas, but after enjoying powerless, i thought i’d give this one a try. it did nothing except break my heart. i hardly see the point of Adena having a novel if we wouldn’t get to see more of her. i do, however, think that Mak should have a role in Reckless. otherwise, this book is just a cash grab.
nothing happened in this, since it was only 220 pages. it was purely an insta-attraction between Mak and Adena. Mak is an Elite who grew up in the slums with his cousin, Hera. they escaped a dark past and only had each other. when Hera is taken into the Trials, Mak seeks Adena for help. Adena is biding her time by sewing, anxiously waiting for Paedyn to also return from the Trials. there’s a ton of flirting and not enough character development. i was still enjoying the romance though. their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was nice, a bit forced for sure, but they’re both super sweet.
when they’re taken into the palace for the Trials, it’s such a dreadful experience for the reader. we already know what happens. listening to Adena and Mak share all their hopes and dreams for the future only filled me with despair.
and then it happened, i tried to hold in my tears in history class. it was hard.
the writing continued to annoy me in this one. the words “endearing” and “enthralled” were repeated SO much. even i can think of more vocabulary words than that. there’s this really cool thing called a thesaurus or even google!! look up “synonyms for endearing” and boom. jackpot.
it didn’t absolutely ruin my experience, though. i mean, i tore through this book in a day. i carried it with me to the bathroom, even. sorry—TMI. you get the point. i would love to know what drug lauren roberts puts in her books.
novellas are supposed to be for character development. did we see any? no. i honestly would have liked a novella from Kitt or Lenny better. but as i said before, Mak could possibly end up being an important character in Reckless. Mak was a very intriguing character. he is the only other known Wielder besides Kai. it would be so smart to have him in Reckless. just saying.
i did enjoy this one. Powerless and Powerful are both fast-paced reads, great for anyone wanting to get out of a slump.
Reckless being released in July is torture. there was a Reckless snippet at the end of this book, but it wasn’t enough. i honestly want to petition for book 2 to be released sooner.
quotes ⋆☀︎. ͙͘͡★
“Run to me. Always run to me.”
If darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she is not around.
”You make even the stars envious. Because one day—far from now—you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.”
”Just count the stars.”
now let me go sob in peace!!
SPOILERS FOR POWERLESS
For the girl who deserved a happy ending.
i’m not one to read novellas, but after enjoying powerless, i thought i’d give this one a try. it did nothing except break my heart. i hardly see the point of Adena having a novel if we wouldn’t get to see more of her. i do, however, think that Mak should have a role in Reckless. otherwise, this book is just a cash grab.
nothing happened in this, since it was only 220 pages. it was purely an insta-attraction between Mak and Adena. Mak is an Elite who grew up in the slums with his cousin, Hera. they escaped a dark past and only had each other. when Hera is taken into the Trials, Mak seeks Adena for help. Adena is biding her time by sewing, anxiously waiting for Paedyn to also return from the Trials. there’s a ton of flirting and not enough character development. i was still enjoying the romance though. their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was nice, a bit forced for sure, but they’re both super sweet.
when they’re taken into the palace for the Trials, it’s such a dreadful experience for the reader. we already know what happens. listening to Adena and Mak share all their hopes and dreams for the future only filled me with despair.
and then it happened, i tried to hold in my tears in history class. it was hard.
the writing continued to annoy me in this one. the words “endearing” and “enthralled” were repeated SO much. even i can think of more vocabulary words than that. there’s this really cool thing called a thesaurus or even google!! look up “synonyms for endearing” and boom. jackpot.
it didn’t absolutely ruin my experience, though. i mean, i tore through this book in a day. i carried it with me to the bathroom, even. sorry—TMI. you get the point. i would love to know what drug lauren roberts puts in her books.
novellas are supposed to be for character development. did we see any? no. i honestly would have liked a novella from Kitt or Lenny better. but as i said before, Mak could possibly end up being an important character in Reckless. Mak was a very intriguing character. he is the only other known Wielder besides Kai. it would be so smart to have him in Reckless. just saying.
i did enjoy this one. Powerless and Powerful are both fast-paced reads, great for anyone wanting to get out of a slump.
Reckless being released in July is torture. there was a Reckless snippet at the end of this book, but it wasn’t enough. i honestly want to petition for book 2 to be released sooner.
quotes ⋆☀︎. ͙͘͡★
“Run to me. Always run to me.”
If darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she is not around.
”You make even the stars envious. Because one day—far from now—you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.”
”Just count the stars.”
now let me go sob in peace!!
July 3, 2024
|| 2.0 star ||
I was afraid I wouldn’t enjoy this novella because we already knew it would have a sad ending due to the previous book, but I shouldn’t have worried. There wasn’t a single moment where I would have felt emotional anyway, regardless of knowing the ending beforehand. I felt zero connection to the characters or story, and I simply didn’t care.
Also, is it just me or was it a little sad that Adena was constantly thinking about Pae like she was some perfect saviour, when we know that Pae never even gave her a second thought once she left Loot.
I mean, poor girl… Such a one-sided friendship, and then she even has to die so tragically for it? That’s the worst luck in the world.
That said, Adena’s incessant perkiness and childishness did give me a major headache and her romance with Mak was really superficial as well. Adena truly read as a child 99% of the time, and Mak read like he had the personality of a cardboard box. Their relationship gave me the ick, especially because Adena was way more into him at first than the other way around and it was pathetic. Then, suddenly, for no reason whatsoever, Mak becomes obsessed with her too but it just feels fake and random.
The writing was also insanely repetitive and super cringy, especially in the first half. The first half truly was one of the worst things I’ve read in a while, but the second half was quite a bit better. It still wasn’t good, but at least it wasn’t that awful either.
I think it’s because the second half at least had some semblance of a plot, so we didn’t have to focus so much on the awkward and forced romance. Still, the tiny bit of plot we did get felt super rushed and underdeveloped. This novella could have done so much more with it.
We could have gotten to see the true friendship between Adena and Pae so that Pae’s upcoming revenge arc would hold more meaning (Update: There was no revenge arc in Reckless) or we could have seen how and why the king did this to Adena, but instead we skipped over every scene that could have told us anything meaningful. I think the only reason this novella will have had some sort of purpose is if Mak ends up playing a big part in the rest of the series, but I’m not sure he will (Update: He wasn’t even mentioned once in Reckless). And even still, his personality was pretty much non-existent in this, so the novella wouldn’t have added much regardless.
Honestly, I just wasn’t a big fan of this whole story overall, and I felt disappointed and underwhelmed. It was pretty bad. It’s as plain and simple as that.
The 'Powerless' trilogy:
1. Powerless - 3.0 stars
2. Reckless - 1.0 star
I was afraid I wouldn’t enjoy this novella because we already knew it would have a sad ending due to the previous book, but I shouldn’t have worried. There wasn’t a single moment where I would have felt emotional anyway, regardless of knowing the ending beforehand. I felt zero connection to the characters or story, and I simply didn’t care.
Also, is it just me or was it a little sad that Adena was constantly thinking about Pae like she was some perfect saviour, when we know that Pae never even gave her a second thought once she left Loot.
I mean, poor girl… Such a one-sided friendship, and then she even has to die so tragically for it? That’s the worst luck in the world.
That said, Adena’s incessant perkiness and childishness did give me a major headache and her romance with Mak was really superficial as well. Adena truly read as a child 99% of the time, and Mak read like he had the personality of a cardboard box. Their relationship gave me the ick, especially because Adena was way more into him at first than the other way around and it was pathetic. Then, suddenly, for no reason whatsoever, Mak becomes obsessed with her too but it just feels fake and random.
The writing was also insanely repetitive and super cringy, especially in the first half. The first half truly was one of the worst things I’ve read in a while, but the second half was quite a bit better. It still wasn’t good, but at least it wasn’t that awful either.
I think it’s because the second half at least had some semblance of a plot, so we didn’t have to focus so much on the awkward and forced romance. Still, the tiny bit of plot we did get felt super rushed and underdeveloped. This novella could have done so much more with it.
We could have gotten to see the true friendship between Adena and Pae so that Pae’s upcoming revenge arc would hold more meaning (Update: There was no revenge arc in Reckless) or we could have seen how and why the king did this to Adena, but instead we skipped over every scene that could have told us anything meaningful. I think the only reason this novella will have had some sort of purpose is if Mak ends up playing a big part in the rest of the series, but I’m not sure he will (Update: He wasn’t even mentioned once in Reckless). And even still, his personality was pretty much non-existent in this, so the novella wouldn’t have added much regardless.
Honestly, I just wasn’t a big fan of this whole story overall, and I felt disappointed and underwhelmed. It was pretty bad. It’s as plain and simple as that.
The 'Powerless' trilogy:
1. Powerless - 3.0 stars
2. Reckless - 1.0 star
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