Powerless - by Jacqueline Pretty

Book Synopsis

How far would you go for power?

When Hanna was eight, her older sister burst into flames-the first of her siblings to get superpowers. Eight years later and Hanna now has three other superpowered siblings, while she remains disappointingly powerless.

Hanna's father, Artem Super, is the scientist responsible for discovering the super gene mutation. She has been working in his lab, desperate to find a way to unlock the powers hidden in her DNA before his patience runs out. Unfortunately for Hanna, a suspected research leak is all the reason Artem needs to have his superpowered children force her out of their home. She has one shot at redemption-if she gets powers, she can come back.

Hanna's quest leads her to tangle with the Russian mafia and learn dark secrets about her father's past, prompting her to question where her loyalties lie, and just how far she will go to prove herself.

Content warning: This book contains strong language and depictions of self-harm, violence, depression and unhealthy family dynamics. Please be mindful of these and other possible triggers.

Review Quotes

"The author delivers an exciting superhero story with series potential. A strong superhero yarn for fans of the X-Men and Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows."

"This is an entertaining and distinctive novel, and Pretty goes to great lengths to endow its characters with singular abilities that will wow readers. Pretty builds a convincing system, complete with cutting edge science, phenomenal exploits, and a sharp betrayal that ratchets up the story's edginess."

"A darker The Incredibles with a dangerous crime family as shadowy adversaries... Supers plus conspiracy heaven but with emotional gravitas. The pacing is a steady canter with bouts of galloping when needed... the intrigue have you unable to put this book down.

The narrative is inviting, with a relatable protagonist you instantly root for, whose inner turmoil and familial agitation you can taste from the beginning. In this story, Hanna wrestles with her moral compass. The depiction of intense feelings, self-harm, etc., is done wonderfully without sensationalism, but with sensitivity. The 'dangerous' parts are not sugar-coated, you feel how high the stakes are. The development of the characters is done in tandem with the story, never staunching the flow to the unfurling of the well-thought-out storyline.

This is about being true to yourself and the people who deserve it. It compliments inner strength, showing us that we are stronger than we think. About wanting to belong, to be accepted.

At times heart-wrenching, this is an exhilarating ride where anyone could be the good guy or the bad, that roars in its breathtaking intensity towards an epic finale." - Rebecca Veight

"With a beginning, which reminds a bit of The Umbrella Academy, this fast-paced adventure packs tons of intrigue and unexpected twists.

I was surprised at how quick the tension shoots up, and Hanna is propelled from one horrible situation into the next. Constant action and difficult predicaments along with tons of danger kept those pages turning, making sure it's not one easily put down... It was an exciting ride the entire way through." - Tonja Drecker

"OMG, I loved this book. Hanna was an amazing character, perfectly portrayed as a 16-year-old girl, her struggles, her feelings, I could feel it all. The world building was so good and the mystery of it all was top notch. I can't wait for more from this world and see where things are going with literally everyone." - Catarina Águas

"The excitement is real as Hanna flees from her family only to wind up in the embrace of a mafia family. Will she choose them or will she do anything to get back to the family that cruelly rejected her? This book is fast paced and well written. The world is detailed, terrifying at times and quite a mirror for those of us who have terrible family members and a history of self-harm. You get so wrapped up with Hanna's survival that it is hard to put this book down. I couldn't until I finished it. You spend the book desperately wanting to protect this remarkably smart teen from the evils of her world and wanting to punish her family for their depravity. This is a fantastically written book and a good read for young adults." - Lauren Allen

"A fun and interesting superhero story with worldbuilding that had a significant effect on the story. I haven't read many superhero stories, but this is certainly one of my favourites. I'm certainly excited to find out what happens in the next instalment!" - Siobhan Mostyn-Waldron