The Powerless Series by Lauren Roberts has quickly become a must-read for fans of romantic dystopian fiction. With its fast-paced plot, morally gray characters, and intense enemies-to-lovers dynamic, the series has carved out a strong presence in the YA fantasy book genre!
Set in a divided kingdom where people are either “Elite”—born with deadly powers—or “Ordinaries” with none, the story follows Paedyn, a street-smart girl who fakes being Elite to survive.
When she’s thrown into a deadly competition designed for the strongest Elites to showcase their abilities, her secret puts her at constant risk, especially when she catches the attention of Kai, a powerful and dangerous prince.
The blend of high stakes, political tension, and slow-burn romance has resonated with readers who enjoy books like The Hunger Games, Red Queen, or The Selection. Since its debut on BookTok and other social platforms, The Powerless Series has developed a loyal fan base and earned spots on bestseller lists.
Lauren Roberts, the author behind the series, started writing Powerless, the first book, as a passion project. However, it exploded in popularity after self-publishing, eventually landing her a traditional publishing deal. And now that the main trilogy is over, it is revealed that The Powerless Series is getting a TV adaptation as well!
If you’re looking to start this addictive series—or need help figuring out the correct reading order—you’re in the right place.
The Powerless Trilogy Reading Order:
Lauren Roberts’ The Powerless Series is one of the most popular fantasy romance series right now. It’s trending; everyone who loves reading romantic fantasies has already read this book. Now that the final book in the trilogy is out, it’s the right time to start reading the series or re-read it from the beginning.
Here’s the correct order to read the fantasy series:
| No.: | Book Name: | Release Date: |
| 1. | Powerless | January 2023 |
| 1.5. | Powerful (Novella) | April 2024 |
| 2. | Reckless | July 2024 |
| 3. | Fearless | April 2025 |
| 3.5. | Fearful (Novella) | September 2025 |
How to Read The Powerless Series in Order?
1. Powerless (2023)
Only the extraordinary belong in the kingdom of Ilya—the exceptional, the empowered, the Elites.
The powers these Elites have possessed for decades were graciously gifted to them by the Plague, though not all were fortunate enough to survive the sickness and reap the reward. Those born Ordinary are just that—ordinary. When the King decreed that all Ordinaries be banished to preserve his Elite society, lacking an ability suddenly became a crime, making Paedyn Gray a felon by fate and a thief by necessity.
Surviving in the slums as an Ordinary is no simple task, and Paedyn knows this better than most. Having been trained by her father to be overly observant since she was a child, Paedyn poses as a Psychic in the crowded city, blending in with the Elites as best she can in order to stay alive and out of trouble.
But when Paeydn unsuspectingly saves one of Ilya’s princes, she finds herself thrown into the Purging Trials. The brutal competition exists to showcase the Elites’ powers—the very thing Paedyn lacks. If the Trials and the opponents within them don’t kill her, the prince she’s fighting feelings for certainly will if he discovers what she is!
1.5. Powerful (2024) – A Novella
This novella is set during the same time as the events in the first book, and it focuses on Adena 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.
2. Reckless (2024)
After surviving the Purging Trials, Ordinary-born Paedyn Gray has killed the King and kickstarted a Resistance throughout the land. Now she’s running from the one person she had wanted to run to!
Kai Azer is now Ilya’s Enforcer, loyal to his brother Kitt, the new King. He has vowed to find Paedyn and bring her to justice.
Across the deadly Scorches and deep into the hostile city of Dor, Kai pursues the one person he wishes he didn’t have to.
But in a city without Elites, the balance between the hunter and hunted shifts – and the battle between duty and desire is deadly!
3. Fearless (2025)
Paedyn and Kai are reunited but face a terrible decision in this thrilling conclusion to the bestselling romantasy series!
Paedyn Gray and Kai Azer have returned to the Kingdom of Ilya. But Paedyn has a life-altering choice to make!
Whatever she decides will determine her fate—and the fate of those around her—forever. In the ultimate battle of love and loyalty, who wins?
3.5. Fearful (2025)
Set during the time of Fearless, a mysterious figure arrives in the kingdom of Ilya to witness the fight for the throne and the price it costs those sworn to defend the land in this beautiful and heart-wrenching story.
Love too grand, it kills.
Mara never intended to set foot in Ilya again. But when the king makes a life-altering decision, her interest is piqued, and Death is determined to understand Kitt Azer’s mind if he is destined to join her in the Mors.
Spending time with the king while observing the castle’s inhabitants reminds Mara that there is more to life than just death. There is love. But even the purest of intentions spur revenge and the pursuit of power. And fate will have its way with all of them—to live, to rule, to love, and most certainly, to die…
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