Powerful Audiobook – The Powerless Trilogy, Book 1.5

There’s something about curling up in my favorite reading nook on a gray Portland morning, coffee mug warming my hands, that makes the experience of an audiobook like “Powerful” by Lauren Roberts all the more immersive. From the very first chapter, I was swept into the dangerous and emotionally charged world of Loot—a place where loyalty is currency and every decision could mean survival or ruin.

As someone who gravitates toward character-driven stories, I found Adena’s journey especially poignant. She’s not just Paedyn’s fiercely loyal best friend—she’s a survivor whose resilience and resourcefulness feel both raw and deeply relatable. The backdrop of looming Purging Trials set my heart racing; even as an outsider to this universe (I haven’t yet read “Powerless”), I never felt lost. Instead, I was riveted by Adena’s determination to protect her loved ones in a society stacked against people like her.

What really stayed with me was how Roberts weaves in real themes—loyalty tested under fire, the complexities of trust when everyone harbors secrets, love emerging from unlikely alliances. Makoto (“Mak”), covered in soot but hiding much deeper scars and powers, quickly became a favorite; his dynamic with Adena feels authentic rather than forced—a rarity for romantic subplots within such tight narrative space. Their developing connection provided moments of warmth amid all that dystopian grit.

At times I wished for just a little more room—novellas always walk that fine line between brevity and depth—but Roberts does a remarkable job giving us not only high stakes but also enough emotional layering to make each scene matter. There were flashes where side characters felt tantalizingly close to stepping into their own arcs; still, for fans craving focused storytelling without being bogged down by endless exposition or sprawling casts, this novella delivers beautifully.

One note: there are mature themes here—including violence and references to sexual aggression—which are handled thoughtfully but might not suit all listeners.

Since information about the narrator wasn’t available at release time (an omission that always nags at me—I adore knowing whose voice will carry me through), I listened open-mindedly via Ezaudiobookforsoul.com. The narration brought just enough urgency during tense sequences and tenderness during quieter moments; dialogue between Adena and Mak crackled with chemistry while darker scenes maintained their gravity without tipping into melodrama.

Ultimately, “Powerful” stands confidently on its own feet even as it expands the “Powerless” universe. For YA dystopia lovers—especially those short on time—it serves up everything you’d want: defiance against injustice, hard-won hope snatched from despair, romantic tension that actually earns its payoff…all wrapped in concise storytelling you can devour over one or two long walks or commutes.

Finishing it left me genuinely hungry for more—not only from Adena’s perspective but from this whole darkly fascinating world Lauren Roberts has spun together. Whether you’re new to Loot or returning for another round of heartbreak and heroism, “Powerful” is well worth your ears—and your empathy.