Books

Powerful by Lauren Roberts Review

If you’ve read Powerless and found it riveting, then Powerful will surely blow your mind. After finishing the first book, I couldn’t wait to dive into this sequel, and wow—did it deliver. Where Powerless had me glued to the pages, Powerful was even more character-driven, which I utterly loved. There’s just something about seeing a side character’s POV of the story that always has be engaged.

The Plot in a Nutshell

Without giving too much away, Powerful begins a bit before Powerless and delves deeper into the kingdom of Ilya. This novella really zeroes in on Adena, Paedyn’s best friend, and Mak, a new character we haven’t seen yet. Adena, who really had more of a supporting role in Powerless, takes center stage in this one. The story explores her journey of self-discovery, loyalty, and love through a world fraught with danger, controlled by the tiny elite, while the oppressive system of the King looms over everything.

This time around, the focus is a bit more intimate, with character dynamics much more synchronous and intense. The romantic tension between Adena and Mak is so slow-burning that you feel every little moment between them. It’s that classic “grumpy meets sunshine” trope, but Roberts pulls it off with such heart. Sure, the political tensions are always there in the background, but the real story is about Adena’s growth and her relationship with Mak.

Why I Loved the Characters Even More

I felt invested in the characters in Powerless, but Powerful made me root for them in a completely different way.

Adena, at first glance, may seem like any normal, bubbly, innocent character, but she’s layered—her life experiences have given her quiet strength. She draws her strength from relationships and stays true to herself even when facing unimaginable challenges. Mak, on the other hand, begins as the brooding, grumpy love interest but has so much more beneath his stoic exterior. His emotional growth throughout this book made me root for him every step of the way. He wasn’t some weird, angsty guy; he was well-rounded, and seeing him gradually open up to Adena was one of my favorite parts.

What I valued most in Powerful was how it let the characters’ emotions take the lead. The chemistry between them felt organic and real. It wasn’t just about big romantic moments—it was in smaller, more intimate moments, like when Mak brings Adena breakfast or when they exchange subtle glances. These layers made them feel real and natural within their world.

Emotional Resonance and World-Building

What surprised me most about Powerful was how emotionally and relationship-driven it was. Powerless did a great job setting up Ilya’s world, so with the groundwork laid, Powerful could really focus on the characters and their journeys. I liked how Roberts didn’t weigh us down with too much exposition or world-building this time.

Instead, the novella operates as if readers are already familiar with the universe, allowing for a more streamlined and personal narrative. Because of this, the emotional stakes feel even higher, and the moments between Adena and Mak become all the more powerful.

Even though the world-building takes a back seat, Roberts still enriches the setting in subtle ways. There’s still political tension, but it doesn’t overshadow the personal drama, which I appreciated. You get the sense that even though these characters are caught in a larger struggle between the Elites and Ordinaries, their personal battles are just as significant.

The Slow-Burn Romance

I have to say, I’m a sucker for a good slow-burn romance, and Powerful really nailed it. The relationship between Adena and Mak builds over time, and you feel every ounce of tension drawn out between them. It’s not rushed or overly dramatic, but the small, quiet moments between them carry so much weight. The banter was fun, but what hooked me was how they supported one another through their personal struggles.

You know those novel couples where you just need them to be together? That’s Adena and Mak.

Additionally, their dynamic isn’t just about romance but also partnership and mutual respect. I loved how they brought out the best in each other, balancing their personalities and emotional needs. This made the romance feel earned, which can sometimes be tricky in a shorter novella format. Still, Roberts pulls it off with ease.

Ending on a Bittersweet Note

One thing I have to point out is how Roberts managed to create a bittersweet tone throughout Powerful.

The rest of this section does contain a mild spoiler if you have not read either Powerless or Powerful. So feel free to skip to the next section.

There’s always an underlying sense that something tragic could happen at any moment, making me hold my breath during certain scenes. Since the events of this book unfold alongside the Powerless timeline, the ending isn’t a complete surprise. Instead, knowing what’s coming makes the buildup even sadder and more heartbreaking.

Final Thoughts

Powerful is the character-driven, emotionally deep story I was hoping for after reading Powerless. As much as that first book hooked me with its world-building and action, this one drew me in even more with its focus on Adena and Mak’s personal journeys. If you’re looking for a novella that balances slow-burn romance with a rich, layered plot, you’ll want to pick this one up.

If you have read this, what did you think of it?