Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Kingdom of Ilya, society is divided between the powerful Elites and the powerless Ordinaries. Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary, survives in the slums by stealing to support herself and her best friend, Adena. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she saves Prince Kai, the future Enforcer of the crown, from an assassination attempt. Now known as the “Silver Savior,” Paedyn is thrust into the heart of the kingdom’s brutal Purging Trials, where Elites battle for dominance.

As Paedyn navigates the deadly trials, she must conceal her true identity while grappling with her growing feelings for Kai. The trials are more than just a competition—they are a reflection of the kingdom’s deep-seated prejudices and the lengths to which those in power will go to maintain control. With themes of forbidden romance, political intrigue, and personal sacrifice, Powerless is a gripping start to a trilogy that explores the complexities of power and identity.