Lauren Roberts' Powerless Books in Order

Lauren Roberts is the author of the dagger-to-throat romantasy trilogy that everyone can't stop talking about. A BookTok phenomenon that weaves enemies-to-lovers and slow-burn romance into deadly trials and morally grey characters, Powerless is Lauren's epic creation that she began crafting when she was just 18 years old.

A perfect blend of Red Queen, The Hunger Games, and Throne of Glass, this gripping series explores themes of power, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. With its complex characters, high-stakes drama, and heart-pounding romance, it's no wonder that fans are eager to know the best way to read the books. Whether you're reading the series for the first time or want to revisit it in the most impactful order, this guide will help you navigate the Powerless universe from start to finish.

 

Books by Lauren Roberts and Similar Authors

 

Powerless Series Books in Order

 

Publication and Best Reading Order

To fully experience the captivating world of Powerless and understand the story, here's the recommended reading order:

1. Powerless (2023)

1.5 Powerful (2024)

2. Reckless (2024)

3. Fearless (2025)

 

#1 Powerless

Powerless front cover by Lauren Roberts featuring the top of a dagger and some purple flowers.

Why we love it:

   - The 'trial' trope driven plot is Throne of Glass meets The Hunger Games vibes.

   - The excruciating tension of an enemies-to-lovers slow burn romance.

Powerless follows heroine Paedyn who, in an unseen twist of fate, saves Ilya’s Prince Kai, and as a result is thrown into the Kingdom’s ‘Purging Trials’. The only catch is that the trials allow the magic users (Elites) in this world to showcase their powers, and as the book title suggests, Paedyn is powerless (Ordinary). So not only must Paedyn lie and scheme to appear powerful in a game where it’s a fight to the death, she must also confront her feelings that simmer below the surface for the royal prince she loathes and her fellow contestant: Prince Kai. Filled with intrigue and action, and a slow burn romance that will have you throwing your book out the window in frustration, Powerless is one to be added to your TBR list immediately.

 

#1.5 Powerful

Powerful front cover by Lauren Roberts featuring a needle and thread dripping with blood and some ivy around the outside.

Why we love it:

   - It’s a short and powerful side story with ‘grumpy-sunshine’ romance.

   - It helps you appreciate the deeper exploration of side characters and their stories. 

Before moving to the second book, read Powerful, a quick, yet impactful, novella that explores the perspective of Adena, Paedyn's bubbly seamstress best friend. Set during the events of Powerless, whilst Paedyn faces the Purging Trials, this novella dives deeper into the gritty streets of Loot and introduces Mak, a complex and brooding Elite. It’s a bittersweet, romantic detour that fans will adore.

 

#2 Reckless

Reckless front cover by Lauren Roberts featuring an arrowhead surrounded by leaves and red petals.

Why we love it:

   - Kai Azer, the book boyfriend we didn’t know we needed until we met him.

   - A plot twist that will leave you SCREAMING for book 3.

*SPOILER ALERT* Reckless follows on from the jaw-dropping end of Powerless where Paedyn is now a traitor to her country after killing the King. Being chased by the one she wanted to give her heart to, Paedyn travels to the far reaches of the Kingdom to stoke the flames of a rebellion she stumbled upon in book 1. In this dual POV narrative, we get a glimpse not only into Paedyn’s story but also into the dismay and internal struggle Kai deals with as he’s forced to follow Paedyn across the country, chasing the girl he’s fallen for, not for love, but to bring her back to the new king as a traitor. Enemies once again, Paedyn and Kai must juggle their duties to their country and beliefs, alongside feelings for each other they can no longer ignore. Reckless takes slow burn romance to a whole new level, a book so aching you will want to read in one sitting.

 

#3 Fearless

Fearless front cover by Lauren Roberts featuring a silver crown with green gems surrounded by leaves and pink roses.

In the highly anticipated finale to the Powerless trilogy, Paedyn must make a decision that could change both the fates of the Kingdom and her love life as she knows it. Torn between a duty to her friend and the Kingdom he now rules over and her heart, the conclusion to Fearless is one that will no doubt leave readers reeling, long after the last page has been read. Will this be Booktok’s next favourite romantasy or will fans of Paedyn and Kai be left with the ultimate book hangover!

 

Enjoy!

The Powerless series by Lauren Roberts is a must-read for fans of high-stakes trials, morally grey characters, and slow-burn romance. With its gripping blend of action, sacrifice, and forbidden love, the trilogy has captivated readers worldwide. Whether you're diving in for the first time or revisiting the story, this guide ensures you experience Paedyn and Kai’s journey in the best possible way. As the final book, Fearless, approaches, fans eagerly await the conclusion to this epic romantasy—one that promises to leave a lasting impact.

If you're looking for more books in order guides, check out our book inspiration blog posts. For more, romantasy inspiration that keeps you reading into the night, take a look at the 8 best romantasy books for cosy reading.

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