20 Books Like Powerless By Lauren Roberts
Let me take you on a journey some books that you’ll absolutely love if you enjoyed Powerless by Lauren Roberts.
I know how it feels to finish a book that pulls you in so deeply, and you’re left craving more—more action, more strong characters, more of those tantalizing enemies-to-lovers vibes.
Well, nothing to be disappointed about because here they are.
Books Like Powerless
1. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Let’s start with Red Queen. This book is like Powerless in the sense that it also features a world divided by power, or more specifically, by blood.
Mare Barrow, the protagonist, is a “Red”—basically a normal human without any special powers—living in a world ruled by the elite “Silvers,” who have incredible abilities. Sounds familiar, right?
When Mare discovers she has a power of her own, even though she’s supposed to be powerless, her life takes a thrilling, dangerous turn. The tension between classes and the way Mare navigates her identity and newfound abilities will keep you on the edge of your seat.
2. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
If you loved the high stakes and intricate world-building in Powerless, you’ve got to check out An Ember in the Ashes.
This book introduces us to Laia, a scholar under the harsh rule of the Martial Empire, and Elias, a soldier who’s secretly disillusioned with the oppressive regime he serves. Their paths cross in the most intense way, leading to a story full of rebellion, secrets, and the constant fight for freedom.
The way Tahir blends romance, action, and a fight against a tyrannical system is reminiscent of the energy and tension in Powerless.
3. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Now, this one’s for all of you who can’t get enough of enemies-to-lovers tension! The Cruel Prince plunges us into the twisted and treacherous world of the Faerie.
Jude Duarte is a mortal who’s thrust into this dangerous world after her parents are murdered. She’s tough, cunning, and she knows she has to fight to survive. Her dynamic with Prince Cardan, who starts off as her biggest tormentor, is everything if you live for the slow-burn romance that’s laced with danger and mutual disdain.
Trust me, if you liked the electric connection between powerless characters and those with power in Roberts’ book, Jude and Cardan’s relationship will have you hooked.
4. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
You probably knew this one was coming! Throne of Glass is a classic when it comes to YA fantasy with strong female leads.
Celaena Sardothien is an assassin who’s given a chance to earn her freedom by competing in a deadly competition. The world Maas creates is rich with intrigue, magic, and complex characters who each have their own agenda.
Celaena’s journey from a prisoner to one of the most powerful people in the kingdom mirrors that rise from powerlessness that makes Powerless so compelling. Plus, there’s plenty of romance and betrayal to keep things spicy.
5. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
If you’re into modern-day settings with a twist of magic and legend, Legendborn should be your next read.
This book follows Bree Matthews as she discovers a secret society at her university that’s linked to King Arthur and his knights. It’s a perfect blend of contemporary issues, like dealing with grief and identity, mixed with ancient magic and secret orders.
The pacing, the intense action, and the exploration of power dynamics will resonate with anyone who enjoyed Powerless. And the romance? Let’s just say there’s some serious chemistry and a lot of tension that will keep you turning the pages.
6. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
For those of you who loved the clash of identities and the enemies-to-lovers trope in Powerless, Serpent & Dove is going to be right up your alley.
This story brings together a witch, Louise, and a witch hunter, Reid, in a forced marriage. Yes, you read that right—forced marriage! The tension between them is palpable from the start, and as they navigate their way through their complex relationship, you’ll be rooting for them despite their differences.
The world-building is rich, the magic is intriguing, and the romance will make your heart race.
7. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
This book is perfect for those who love dystopian settings mixed with a supernatural twist.
The Bone Season introduces us to Paige Mahoney, a clairvoyant in a world where possessing such abilities is illegal. She’s captured and taken to a secret city controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. The story dives deep into themes of rebellion, power, and survival—all wrapped up in a complex, fascinating world.
The way Paige has to navigate her power in a world that tries to suppress it reminds me of the struggles in Powerless. Plus, the series only gets better with each book!
8. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
If you enjoyed the raw emotions and internal conflict in Powerless, then Shatter Me should definitely be on your list.
Juliette Ferrars has a deadly touch—literally. Her journey from being a girl who sees herself as a monster to someone who learns to embrace her power is captivating. The writing style is unique, almost poetic, and it draws you deep into Juliette’s mind.
The romance is intense, with that irresistible enemies-to-lovers vibe, especially when Juliette meets Warner, a character who’s as complex as he is captivating. This series will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, for sure!
9. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Let’s talk dystopia with a heavy dose of superpowers. The Darkest Minds follows Ruby, a girl with frightening abilities, who escapes a government “rehabilitation camp” and joins a group of kids on the run.
The world Bracken creates is grim, and the kids are forced to grow up fast, dealing with their powers and the consequences that come with them. It’s a story about survival, finding your place in a world that fears you, and, of course, fighting against those who try to control you.
The group dynamic and the way these characters bond over their shared experiences will give you those same feels you got from Powerless.
10. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Six of Crows is a heist story, but it’s so much more than that.
It’s about six outcasts, each with their own unique skills and dark pasts, who come together for an impossible mission. The characters are complex, the stakes are incredibly high, and the world-building is rich and immersive.
Kaz Brekker, the leader of this motley crew, is one of those characters you can’t help but be drawn to—he’s clever, ruthless, and has a heart buried deep under all his scars. If you love character-driven stories with a lot of tension, moral ambiguity, and a bit of romance, you’re going to devour this book.
11. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Graceling is a must-read if you’re into stories where characters grapple with extraordinary powers.
The book is set in a world where certain people are “Graced” with unique abilities. Katsa, the protagonist, has the Grace of killing, making her both feared and used by her uncle, the king. But Katsa isn’t content to be anyone’s weapon, and her journey towards independence and self-discovery is full of action, intrigue, and a romance that will tug at your heartstrings.
The way she struggles with her power and identity mirrors some of the themes in Powerless.
12. Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian
If you enjoyed the theme of reclaiming power and fighting against an oppressive regime in Powerless, then Ash Princess is a book you’ll want to dive into.
Theodosia, the “Ash Princess,” has lived under the thumb of the conqueror who killed her mother and took over her kingdom. After years of humiliation and pain, Theo decides to fight back, and her journey is one of strategy, deception, and building strength in the face of overwhelming odds.
The emotional depth and the inner conflict Theo faces as she plans her rebellion will resonate with fans of Powerless.
13. The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
Imagine a world where magic, history, and treasure hunts collide—that’s what you get in The Gilded Wolves.
Set in a fantastical version of 19th-century Paris, this book follows Séverin and his band of misfits as they embark on a high-stakes mission. Each character has their own unique skills and secrets, making the group dynamic fascinating and full of tension.
If you loved the group interactions and complex relationships in Powerless, you’ll definitely appreciate the intricate bonds and the blend of magic and mystery in this story.
14. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
Girls of Paper and Fire brings you into a world where demons rule, and human girls are forced into servitude as concubines for the Demon King.
Lei, the protagonist, is chosen as one of these girls but has no intention of submitting quietly. The story is powerful, exploring themes of trauma, resistance, and forbidden love.
If you’re into stories where the protagonist rises against an impossible situation, this one will hook you from the start. The romance here is also beautifully done, with an enemies-to-lovers twist that gradually evolves into something deep and emotional.
15. To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
If you enjoyed the darker, grittier aspects of Powerless, then To Kill a Kingdom should be on your radar.
This book reimagines the classic mermaid myth with a twist—Lira is a siren who collects the hearts of princes, literally. But when she’s cursed to live as a human, she finds herself on a ship with Prince Elian, a siren hunter.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is strong with this one, and the tension between Lira and Elian is palpable as they’re forced to work together despite their mutual hatred. The world-building is immersive, and the action-packed plot will keep you hooked.
16. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Cinder is a sci-fi twist on the classic Cinderella story, but don’t let that fool you—this book is packed with intrigue, danger, and a badass heroine.
Cinder is a cyborg mechanic living in a future society where she’s considered less than human. When she becomes entangled with Prince Kai and the politics of her world, she uncovers secrets about her past that change everything.
The way Cinder grapples with her identity and fights against a society that sees her as disposable is reminiscent of the struggles in Powerless. Plus, there’s a slow-burn romance that adds just the right amount of tension.
17. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
If you haven’t yet ventured into the Grishaverse, Shadow and Bone is the perfect place to start.
Alina Starkov, an ordinary soldier, discovers she has a rare and powerful ability that could be the key to saving her war-torn world. But with great power comes even greater danger, and Alina must navigate a treacherous path filled with dark magic, dangerous politics, and a very alluring villain.
The blend of fantasy, romance, and high stakes will definitely remind you of the best parts of Powerless.
18. Furyborn by Claire Legrand
Furyborn is a fantasy novel that spans a thousand years, following two fiercely independent young women: Rielle and Eliana.
Rielle’s story is about discovering her powers and battling forces that threaten her kingdom, while Eliana is a bounty hunter living in a dystopian future who discovers a connection to Rielle. The dual timelines and the epic scope of the story are thrilling, and both heroines struggle with their powers and identities in ways that will resonate with fans of Powerless.
The twists and turns in this book will keep you guessing until the very end.
19. These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
How about a story set in 1920s Shanghai with a deadly Romeo and Juliet twist? These Violent Delights brings you into a world of gang wars, forbidden love, and a mysterious plague.
Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov, heirs to rival gangs, have a complicated history full of betrayal and unresolved feelings. The enemies-to-lovers trope is beautifully played out against the backdrop of a city teetering on the edge of chaos.
If you loved the tension and drama in Powerless, you’ll find this historical fantasy just as compelling.
20. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
For something a bit darker and more intense, The Poppy War is an epic fantasy inspired by Chinese history, specifically the Second Sino-Japanese War.
The story follows Rin, a war orphan who discovers she has a powerful, destructive ability linked to the gods. As she trains in military school and learns to harness her powers, Rin is drawn into the brutal realities of war.
This book doesn’t shy away from the horrors of battle and the cost of power, making it a gripping, thought-provoking read. The way Rin struggles with her power and the consequences of using it will definitely remind you of the themes in Powerless.
So there you have it – some amazing books that are sure to satisfy your craving after finishing Powerless.
Each of these books offers something that I think you’ll find just as captivating: complex characters, intense power struggles, high-stakes action, and yes, that delicious enemies-to-lovers tension.
Now, the hard part: deciding which one to read first!
But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices. Whether you’re in the mood for dystopian drama, magical kingdoms, or secret societies, there’s something here that’s bound to pull you in just as deeply as Powerless did.
Happy reading, and let me know which one you start with—I’m dying to hear your thoughts on these!