If you’re obsessed with enemies-to-lovers, royal intrigue, and high-stakes Trials like Hunger Games meets A Court of Thorns and Roses, the Powerless Trilogy by Lauren Roberts is your next addiction. This BookTok phenomenon exploded in 2023 and dominates 2025 reading lists with its powerless heroine vs. ruthless prince romance. Here’s EVERYTHING you need to know!
Series Overview & World-Building
Set in the kingdom of Ilya, society divides Elites (born with powers) from Ordinaries (powerless). Every year, deadly Trials select the strongest for the royal court. Paedyn Gray, an 18-year-old Ordinary thief, fakes Elite powers to survive—until she catches prince Kai Azer’s eye. Forbidden romance brews amid betrayal, murder, and kingdom-shaking secrets.
Core Tropes:
- Enemies-to-lovers (hate sparks into obsession)
- Fake powers / hidden identity
- Touch-her-and-die prince protection
- Moral gray areas (loyalty vs. survival)
- Found family with rebel thieves
Complete Reading Order (5 Books + Timeline)
Book 1: Powerless (Jan 2023, 496 pages)
Plot: Paedyn enters the Purging Trials to save her father’s apothecary. She fights with street smarts while dodging prince Kai (brutal, beautiful Enforcer) and his brother Kitt (charming future king). Twists reveal her lineage ties to the Trials’ dark origins.
Runtime: Slow-burn tension builds to a gut-punch cliffhanger.
Highlights: “Rotten royalty” banter, dagger training sparks, masked ball identity reveal.
Why Read: Perfect series entry—introduces addictive world + chemistry.
Rating: 4.3/5 Goodreads (1M+ ratings).
Novella 1.5: Powerful (Nov 2024, 208 pages)
Plot: Adena (Paedyn’s bestie, a rebel assassin) navigates court dangers during Powerless events. Her forbidden Elite crush adds heartbreaking layers.
Highlights: Side-character POV deepens friendships; ties directly to Book 1 twists.
Why Read: Read tandem with Powerless for immersive dual perspectives.
Book 2: Reckless (Dec 2024, 576 pages)
Plot: Post-Trials chaos—Paedyn’s secret spreads, forcing alliances with Kai amid assassination plots. Rebels rise, powers fail mysteriously. Romance escalates (steamy confessions!).
Highlights: Forbidden kisses, betrayal reveals, “market fight” action scene.
Why Read: Raises stakes x10; perfect mid-series escalation.
Book 3: Fearless (Apr 2025, ~600 pages)
Plot: Trilogy finale—kingdom war erupts as Paedyn uncovers her true heritage. Alliances shatter, sacrifices abound, epic Kai showdown.
Highlights: Prophecy fulfillment, heart-wrenching goodbyes, finale battle.
Why Read: Satisfying closure with emotional payoff.
Novella 3.5: Fearful (TBA Late 2025)
Expected: Final side stories wrapping loose ends (likely Kitt or Adena focus).
Key Characters & Ships
| Character | Role | Personality | Ship Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paedyn Gray | Powerless thief | Fierce, witty, dagger queen | 🔥 Kai x Paedyn (main) |
| Kai Azer | Enforcer prince | Brooding, lethal, secretly soft | Obsessive protector |
| Kitt Azer | Heir prince | Charming, manipulative | 💔 Love triangle tension |
| Adena | Rebel Ordinary | Loyal assassin, sassy | Side romance brewing |
Why Binge This Series NOW
- BookTok Gold: 500K+ videos; sprayed edges collector’s editions sell out.
- Tropes for Days: Every YA romantasy craving (no spice fade-to-black).
- Pacing Perfection: Action-packed Trials + swoony banter balance.
- Themes: Power vs. heart, found family, defying destiny.
- For Fans Of: Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, Holly Black.
Platforms & Where to Buy
- Ebook/Print: Amazon, Kindle Unlimited (Books 1-2).
- Audiobook: Narrated by Teddy Hamilton & Caitlin Kelly (5⭐ immersion).
- Special Editions: Barnes & Noble exclusive with sprayed edges.
- Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4iYTiYm
Final Recommendation & Watch Order
Binge Order: Powerless + Powerful → Reckless → Fearless. Start today—trilogy complete by summer 2025!
Team Kai or Team Kitt? Drop your fave quote below! Who’s reading next?