Novels like Powerless by Lauren Roberts

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    Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

    If you enjoyed the competitive stakes and romance of Powerless, Fourth Wing might capture your attention. Set in an elite dragon-rider academy, this novel plunges readers into dangerous trials and fierce rivalries.

    There's no safety net here—protagonists face real risks in their struggles to survive. The enemies-to-lovers element is prominent and captivating, adding layers of tension and intrigue.

    Pair this dynamic romance with political plotting and intense action sequences, and you've got a story packed with excitement. For readers seeking adrenaline, dragons, and a gripping romance, this novel definitely hits the mark.

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    From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

    Fans who appreciated the romantic tension and political undercurrents in Powerless might find From Blood and Ash intriguing. This story centers on a girl named Poppy, a sworn maiden whose destiny is controlled by others.

    Her secret desires clash with expectations, especially regarding her forbidden attraction to her mysterious guard, Hawke. The political intrigue and prophecy aspects keep readers hooked, while the romance injects urgency and heat into every page.

    Readers will enjoy unraveling hidden truths and watching forbidden love unfold amidst power struggles and deception.

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    The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

    The Hunger Games trilogy offers deadly challenges and survival stakes similar to those in Powerless. Katniss Everdeen enters a brutal televised competition to save her sister from certain death, swept up in violence orchestrated by an oppressive government.

    While romance isn't the central focus, the connection between Katniss and Peeta adds heart and vulnerability to the high-stakes struggle. Like Powerless, characters must navigate dangerous political realities and emotional tension.

    Collins crafts a gripping narrative of rebellion and sacrifice, grounded in vivid characters readers can root for.

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    Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

    Similar to Powerless, the world of Victoria Aveyard's Red Queen is sharp with social divides. Society separates elites with silver blood and supernatural abilities from red-blooded commoners suffering beneath their rule.

    Mare, the protagonist, is a Red whose shocking hidden powers thrust her into silver court intrigue. The sharp twists, political plots, and electrifying betrayals create drama and suspense. Romance complicates Mare's alliances, adding emotional stakes at every turn.

    Reading Mare's journey means experiencing rebellion, betrayal, and power struggles—perfect for those who appreciated similar themes in Powerless.

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    A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

    In A Court of Thorns and Roses, Feyre finds herself captured by a mysterious fae lord as punishment for killing a wolf. This tale blends elements of Beauty and the Beast with dark fantasy romance.

    Like Powerless, readers are drawn into political court machinations and slowly revealed secrets. Feyre's tentative alliances and unsettling attraction build tension, and vivid descriptions immerse readers in the magical fae realm.

    Maas creates compelling romance and intricate plotting, crafted precisely for fans craving fantasy with emotional depth, romantic tension, and layered character dynamics.

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    Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

    Throne of Glass follows Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin summoned to compete as the king's champion. Contestants face deadly tasks, murder plots, and relentless court politics.

    These intense trials evoke the competitive and dangerous atmosphere readers enjoyed in Powerless. Beneath the action, romance emerges quietly, complicating loyalties and decisions.

    Mystery over Celaena's past, combined with magic's slow resurfacing, provides layers of intrigue. For readers interested in a strong heroine, deadly tournaments, and romantic tension mixed with suspense, Throne of Glass delivers plenty.

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    Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

    If the enemies-to-lovers trope in Powerless captivated your interest, Serpent & Dove could be another satisfying read. Witch Lou is married off—to her worst enemy, a devoted witch hunter.

    Their clashing views and forced proximity spark delicious tension as romance takes unexpected turns. Amidst this romance, dark magic and religious conflict build steady danger. Mahurin explores themes of identity and prejudice carefully, creating a rich emotional arc.

    Fans of romance set against powerful external conflict will find this a compelling read.

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    The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

    The Cruel Prince plunges readers into the dazzling and cruel faerie courts through human eyes. Jude, a mortal girl raised among the fae, must carefully navigate ruthless politics and escalating danger.

    The conflict between Jude and Prince Cardan provides fierce romantic tension with the compelling enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Like Powerless, dangerous political maneuvering shapes characters' paths, resulting in high stakes.

    Suspense builds steadily as alliances shift constantly, making betrayal inevitable. Readers who enjoy morally complex characters, subtle romance, and dangerous court intrigue might find this novel irresistible.

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    An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

    Sabaa Tahir's series places readers firmly in a brutal empire inspired by Roman traditions. Elias, a soldier in training, meets Laia, a slave undercover at his academy, where violence and death are everyday experiences.

    High-stakes competitions and espionage set the stage for tense romance and complex political conspiracies, offering a similar atmosphere to Powerless. Characters grapple with impossible choices, finding courage in harsh circumstances.

    Tahir balances heart-wrenching sacrifices and redemption with vivid storytelling designed for readers seeking romance combined with action and carefully woven intrigue.

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    Graceling by Kristin Cashore

    Powerless readers drawn to skilled protagonists confronting dangerous societal expectations might appreciate Graceling. This story follows Katsa, a girl born with a deadly "Grace"—the skill of killing.

    She navigates court politics that exploit her powers, ultimately claiming her own identity and destiny. Along the way, romantic interest Po helps her uncover profound truths about herself. Action, mystery, romance, and internal struggles all blend smoothly.

    Cashore crafts a nuanced, emotionally satisfying narrative about autonomy, strength, and love that resonates strongly in fantasy readers' hearts.

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    The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

    If ​you enjoyed competition elements in Powerless, Carissa Broadbent's novel about a human girl joining a dangerous vampire tournament may intrigue you. Characters form uncertain alliances, face deadly challenges, and battle for survival.

    Romantic sparks ignite amidst danger, especially through the enemies-to-lovers dynamic. The emotional intensity rises, driven by personal stakes and familial sacrifice, pulling readers deep into the narrative.

    Broadbent creates fascinating world-building and tension-filled romance, delivering high-stakes action alongside satisfying emotional payoff for romantasy fans.

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    Gild by Raven Kennedy

    Inspired by the King Midas legend, Raven Kennedy's Gild brings a darker twist to fantasy romance. Protagonist Auren, in captivity within a golden palace, slowly begins discovering hidden strengths. Romance develops patiently, adding emotional complexity.

    Like Powerless, this novel explores self-discovery amidst harsh societal structures and power struggles.

    Kennedy delivers tension, desire, and robust character growth in her compelling fantasy retelling, perfect for readers interested in emotional depth, carefully unfolding romance, and subtle magic.

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    Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

    For readers attracted to unique powers and high political stakes in Powerless, Veronica Roth's duology offers a similarly satisfying blend. Characters possess special powers or "currentgifts," caught amid escalating conflicts spanning multiple planets.

    The complex political issues and vivid drama shape this turbulent narrative. At its core, an enemies-to-lovers romance emerges gradually. Roth captures readers with vivid world-building, relatable characters, and romance woven carefully into exciting sci-fi fantasy elements.

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    Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

    Juliette, cursed with a fatal touch and isolated for years, steps into freedom and rebellion in Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me. A love triangle adds emotional complexity, intensifying Juliette's internal struggles and sparking tension.

    Similar to Powerless, deadly powers and oppressive regimes frame characters' intimate trials and larger battles. Revealed secrets and shifting loyalties keep suspense high, driving the narrative forward.

    Readers might find Juliette's compelling journey rich in romance, emotional exploration, and powerful storytelling.

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    Trial by Fire by Emily R. King

    In Trial by Fire, women compete in vicious warrior trials—much as characters face competitions in Powerless. Kalinda, claimed unwillingly as queen, must enter deadly fights and navigate royal intrigue.

    Rebellion stirs beneath harsh traditions, and Kalinda's daring courage captures readers' loyalty. Romance develops thoughtfully, integrated seamlessly into high-stakes struggles and personal growth.

    For readers focused on strong heroines defying expectations, romantic tension combined with survival conflicts, King's book presents an engaging fantasy filled with danger, revelation, and emotional connection.