What do you think?
Rate this book
Powerless #2
The Shadowing
In book two of the Powerless series, Mira and her friends must endure a period of apprenticeship, known as The Shadowing. While her friends seek out mentors to develop their unique magical abilities, Mira searches for the brilliant author of her science books, Flip Widget. For all they have to fear in the future, they will find that the troubles they prepare for are much close than they think.
ebook
First published August 30, 2010
3 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Jason Letts
79 books181 followersSometimes I think writing makes me crazy, but then again I'd probably be even more crazy without it. There are a lot of things I do to balance out though: traveling, distance running, hiking, reading, orange juice, tennis, food fights, walking out of movie theaters telling the people in line that Harry Potter dies, cooking ethnic food, and competitive napping.
Find My Books:
On Amazon
Find My Books:
On Amazon
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 28, 2010
Rating: 4.1 out of 5
“Heroic? The only heroes are the people who happen to get it right when everyone is watching.”
When we talk about heroism, about doing the right thing, are we doing so because it’s honorable or simply to be rewarded for doing something we think to be so? What does it mean when we look inside ourselves and find out we really don’t know who we are, that those we trust are less than trustworthy, that those efforts to gain acceptance through the previously mentioned gallant acts are meaningless? Do we let the pain and suffering define us, or do we rise up against the torrent of doubt and push to define ourselves rather than allow the situations we’ve found ourselves in to define us? And which way is the correct one?
These are some of the core questions asked in “The Shadowing”, the second book of the “Powerless” series by Jason Letts. It is the tale of Mira, the lone girl with no special abilities in a world where every other person has a superpower of one type or another.
This novel begins where the previous book, “The Synthesis”, left off; with the students, fresh off their confrontation with the baddies who attacked Mira’s house, saying goodbye and ready to head off to become “shadows”, or apprentices, in order to further learn to become experts with their powers. (As a side note, I did have a bit of a problem with this method of beginning the story. I felt there should have been at least a month or so gap between events. The way it's written seems a little rushed. Luckily, however, this awkward tone dissipates quickly and the story picks up steam again.) They disperse, heading off to learn their craft and ready themselves to fight in a war that is their mutual destiny.
It is in these training sequences that this particular novel shines. The teachers are all fresh characters, and to see the way the main protagonists – Mira, Aoi, Vern, and Will – change is accomplished with clever plotting and more than a trace of subtlety. The rancher who guides the hotheaded Aoi, for example, is a man of such calm that at times he seems to be a pillar of stone in a raging windstorm. To see his affect on a girl whose temper and angst had previously ruled her life was to witness the birth of a woman from a little girl. It was achieved with sensitivity and respect for the characters, which for a writer is sometimes very hard to do.
But it is the changes that occur within Mira that are the crux (and heart) of this tale. She heads off to find the only individual she thinks can help her – Flip Widget, the author of the science manuals that have guided her life, whose name is both humorous and, as you glance deeper into his character as the story progresses, deeply prophetic.
She is put through trials she barely survives, given information that rocks the core of her world, and in the end discovers a supposed truth about herself that causes her to question her place in the world – which, as for any of us, always comes down to our place within our own families, because when it comes down to it, our families ARE our worlds.
Seeing the change in Mira as this chapter of a much larger tale reaches its climax is heartbreaking. This was a girl of such innocence and drive, and when the innocence is ripped from her, the remaining ambition is driven in murky and sometimes unforgivable directions. And yet we can understand the thoughts that run through her head, the anger she feels, because each and every one of us has been betrayed at some point in our lives. Each of us has felt the slaughter of our self-definition and the desire to lash out at those who’ve wronged us, even if they aren’t around. And by the last page, as Mira is gazing at the sky, crying and wondering whatever she did to deserve the torment forced upon her, we are right there with her; disbelieving, cynical, and, more than anything, sad.
I have to say, for a second installment in a series, this book goes to some unexpectedly dark places. I appreciated it so much. In that way, it’s a step ahead of its predecessor. However, in other ways it lags behind. A sensation of innocence prevailed over everything in the first book, and the dialogue suited that tone. In this one, however, it becomes a bit stilted at times; robotic, almost like reading one of George Lucas’ “Star Wars” scripts. I assume this was because the writer had a difficult time transitioning them from adolescence to young adulthood. It is an awkward transition, and for this reason I am willing to overlook it. Just as the characters are learning about themselves, author Letts is learning about them at the same time. I have a feeling that come the next installment, this issue will have been worked out, and all will flow smoothly. After all, it was simply something I noticed, not a distraction.
One other thing I feel I must mention is the writing style. Once more, this is a book told in third person omniscient. As I’ve stated over and over again, this can be more than a little distracting and maddening, and those who are sticklers for point of view must be forewarned. Now, being that this is my own brain, I can choose to ignore the things that annoy me if I think the story itself is good enough. On the other hand, as a reviewer I have a responsibility to the reader to point out the flaws, and so I will.
Despite this, however, I still loved the book. It’s a wild romp through the treacherous maze of the teenage mind as adulthood lurks right around the corner. It’s about desiring to choose the right path and being able to forgive yourself if you fail to do so. There is pain, there are fleeting moments of joy, and behind it all there’s the growing portent of an evil that will surely swallow these brave young people whole if they don't rise up to the challenges ahead of them.
In all, it’s a book I enjoyed very, very much. I feel adults will get as much out of it as the YA crowd it's written for. I look forward to the next book, and can’t wait to see whether Mira and her friends can overcome the horrors that await them. I have a feeling that the losses will only mount as the series moves onward. In that way, whoever reads this book should cherish those innocent moments that still exist, because in all probability, they aren’t going to last long.
Yes, this books gets a resounding, “Go and buy it!” from this humble reviewer. So do it already!
Plot - 9
Characters - 9
Voice - 7
Execution - 7
Personal Enjoyment – 9
Overall – 41/50 (4.1/5)
“Heroic? The only heroes are the people who happen to get it right when everyone is watching.”
When we talk about heroism, about doing the right thing, are we doing so because it’s honorable or simply to be rewarded for doing something we think to be so? What does it mean when we look inside ourselves and find out we really don’t know who we are, that those we trust are less than trustworthy, that those efforts to gain acceptance through the previously mentioned gallant acts are meaningless? Do we let the pain and suffering define us, or do we rise up against the torrent of doubt and push to define ourselves rather than allow the situations we’ve found ourselves in to define us? And which way is the correct one?
These are some of the core questions asked in “The Shadowing”, the second book of the “Powerless” series by Jason Letts. It is the tale of Mira, the lone girl with no special abilities in a world where every other person has a superpower of one type or another.
This novel begins where the previous book, “The Synthesis”, left off; with the students, fresh off their confrontation with the baddies who attacked Mira’s house, saying goodbye and ready to head off to become “shadows”, or apprentices, in order to further learn to become experts with their powers. (As a side note, I did have a bit of a problem with this method of beginning the story. I felt there should have been at least a month or so gap between events. The way it's written seems a little rushed. Luckily, however, this awkward tone dissipates quickly and the story picks up steam again.) They disperse, heading off to learn their craft and ready themselves to fight in a war that is their mutual destiny.
It is in these training sequences that this particular novel shines. The teachers are all fresh characters, and to see the way the main protagonists – Mira, Aoi, Vern, and Will – change is accomplished with clever plotting and more than a trace of subtlety. The rancher who guides the hotheaded Aoi, for example, is a man of such calm that at times he seems to be a pillar of stone in a raging windstorm. To see his affect on a girl whose temper and angst had previously ruled her life was to witness the birth of a woman from a little girl. It was achieved with sensitivity and respect for the characters, which for a writer is sometimes very hard to do.
But it is the changes that occur within Mira that are the crux (and heart) of this tale. She heads off to find the only individual she thinks can help her – Flip Widget, the author of the science manuals that have guided her life, whose name is both humorous and, as you glance deeper into his character as the story progresses, deeply prophetic.
She is put through trials she barely survives, given information that rocks the core of her world, and in the end discovers a supposed truth about herself that causes her to question her place in the world – which, as for any of us, always comes down to our place within our own families, because when it comes down to it, our families ARE our worlds.
Seeing the change in Mira as this chapter of a much larger tale reaches its climax is heartbreaking. This was a girl of such innocence and drive, and when the innocence is ripped from her, the remaining ambition is driven in murky and sometimes unforgivable directions. And yet we can understand the thoughts that run through her head, the anger she feels, because each and every one of us has been betrayed at some point in our lives. Each of us has felt the slaughter of our self-definition and the desire to lash out at those who’ve wronged us, even if they aren’t around. And by the last page, as Mira is gazing at the sky, crying and wondering whatever she did to deserve the torment forced upon her, we are right there with her; disbelieving, cynical, and, more than anything, sad.
I have to say, for a second installment in a series, this book goes to some unexpectedly dark places. I appreciated it so much. In that way, it’s a step ahead of its predecessor. However, in other ways it lags behind. A sensation of innocence prevailed over everything in the first book, and the dialogue suited that tone. In this one, however, it becomes a bit stilted at times; robotic, almost like reading one of George Lucas’ “Star Wars” scripts. I assume this was because the writer had a difficult time transitioning them from adolescence to young adulthood. It is an awkward transition, and for this reason I am willing to overlook it. Just as the characters are learning about themselves, author Letts is learning about them at the same time. I have a feeling that come the next installment, this issue will have been worked out, and all will flow smoothly. After all, it was simply something I noticed, not a distraction.
One other thing I feel I must mention is the writing style. Once more, this is a book told in third person omniscient. As I’ve stated over and over again, this can be more than a little distracting and maddening, and those who are sticklers for point of view must be forewarned. Now, being that this is my own brain, I can choose to ignore the things that annoy me if I think the story itself is good enough. On the other hand, as a reviewer I have a responsibility to the reader to point out the flaws, and so I will.
Despite this, however, I still loved the book. It’s a wild romp through the treacherous maze of the teenage mind as adulthood lurks right around the corner. It’s about desiring to choose the right path and being able to forgive yourself if you fail to do so. There is pain, there are fleeting moments of joy, and behind it all there’s the growing portent of an evil that will surely swallow these brave young people whole if they don't rise up to the challenges ahead of them.
In all, it’s a book I enjoyed very, very much. I feel adults will get as much out of it as the YA crowd it's written for. I look forward to the next book, and can’t wait to see whether Mira and her friends can overcome the horrors that await them. I have a feeling that the losses will only mount as the series moves onward. In that way, whoever reads this book should cherish those innocent moments that still exist, because in all probability, they aren’t going to last long.
Yes, this books gets a resounding, “Go and buy it!” from this humble reviewer. So do it already!
Plot - 9
Characters - 9
Voice - 7
Execution - 7
Personal Enjoyment – 9
Overall – 41/50 (4.1/5)
May 17, 2018
The Shadowing (Powerless Book 2) -- Jason Letts May 9-11, 2018 (15 chapters)
Note: I read this book as a part of the 5-book set and am giving the book review here. For the overall series review, see my Powerless Complete 5 book Set review. (Which will happen after I read all five books, of course!)
Note: There is a violent scene in this book which covers the topic of entrapment and graphic violence from an adult man against a teen girl. If this troubles you, you may want to skip these sections of the story (it covers chapters 10 [section starts with “Mira, groggy and fatigued”…] and [“Mira set down the copper sheet and…”] and [“Mira reeled to the side from…”] and [“In the flickering light, Mira and…”], in chapter 11) or skip this book all together.
Second books in book series often set the tone for the remaining books. If this will be so in this series, that remains to be seen. This book took me a little longer to read. The book started where the last book left off and alternates between the major characters from the first book (Will, Roselyn, Vern, Aoi, and Mira.) However, this is primarily Mira story and it doesn’t get any easier for her as the story advances. People are not at all as they seem and she has to navigate through trying to figure out who is really good and bad. In the book the group are shadowing someone with like powers and they each have their own struggles and successes; all to varying degrees. Most turn out for the better, but one is greatly affected by the experience.
In her excitement to have her own shadowing experience, Mira learns some lessons that may haunt her for the rest of her life.
This book is targeted at the YA crowd, however there are sections, (as noted above,) that I feel may be too intense for some YA readers. It was even tough for me to read. Not for it’s contents, even the intense ones, but because its very deep. There were a few sections that I had to re-read because there was so much going on. This book would appeal to fantasy and science-minded YA and older readers. This isn’t science fiction in the way of star shooters and aliens, but that there is a lot of chemistry and biology lessons to be had. Either the author has a science background or is well read on the subject.
There were a few times that an editor needed to clean up some things for clarity, but overall pretty decently written.
Enjoying this series, despite the mature scenes in some sections.
Three stars.
Note: I read this book as a part of the 5-book set and am giving the book review here. For the overall series review, see my Powerless Complete 5 book Set review. (Which will happen after I read all five books, of course!)
Note: There is a violent scene in this book which covers the topic of entrapment and graphic violence from an adult man against a teen girl. If this troubles you, you may want to skip these sections of the story (it covers chapters 10 [section starts with “Mira, groggy and fatigued”…] and [“Mira set down the copper sheet and…”] and [“Mira reeled to the side from…”] and [“In the flickering light, Mira and…”], in chapter 11) or skip this book all together.
Second books in book series often set the tone for the remaining books. If this will be so in this series, that remains to be seen. This book took me a little longer to read. The book started where the last book left off and alternates between the major characters from the first book (Will, Roselyn, Vern, Aoi, and Mira.) However, this is primarily Mira story and it doesn’t get any easier for her as the story advances. People are not at all as they seem and she has to navigate through trying to figure out who is really good and bad. In the book the group are shadowing someone with like powers and they each have their own struggles and successes; all to varying degrees. Most turn out for the better, but one is greatly affected by the experience.
In her excitement to have her own shadowing experience, Mira learns some lessons that may haunt her for the rest of her life.
This book is targeted at the YA crowd, however there are sections, (as noted above,) that I feel may be too intense for some YA readers. It was even tough for me to read. Not for it’s contents, even the intense ones, but because its very deep. There were a few sections that I had to re-read because there was so much going on. This book would appeal to fantasy and science-minded YA and older readers. This isn’t science fiction in the way of star shooters and aliens, but that there is a lot of chemistry and biology lessons to be had. Either the author has a science background or is well read on the subject.
There were a few times that an editor needed to clean up some things for clarity, but overall pretty decently written.
Enjoying this series, despite the mature scenes in some sections.
Three stars.
June 11, 2018
I wasn’t going to finish this book but then my OCD kicked in and I did. But I’m not sure why. There is a unique story hidden in the mist of bad story telling. There is no rhyme or reason to this book. If there is a war to be fought why would you let your young people kill each other to get to the top of some mountain. And why is it important to get to the top of the mountain! So much is wrong or just plan ridiculous. I don’t like to give bad reviews, I like to find the good. But I tried, and the best I can say is the idea behind the books was ok if weak in book 1 and just lost here.
Read
February 15, 2018"It's not enough for you to know that water is made of hydrogen and oxygen or carbon is found in the soil,the sand,and the clay beneath our feet. You've got to understand how the elements of the universe combine to form chemicals and solutions that exist within our very bodies.Let me imprint upon you this very basic fact.There is no difference between the elements found in our bodies and the elements in nonliving things...you can find the same combination of elements in all forms of life...essential building blocks hydrogen.oxygen,and carbon.Together,they make up ninety eight percent of all living things..these elements bond together in different ways to create the various structures of our bodies,and we can tell exactly what they do based on the shape they take.We absorb these elements through our food.Our stomachs break apart what we eat into these essential molecules.Then they replenish our system so we can function as a living thing.This process of obtaining energy from outside sources for use in our body is called metabolism...Combinations of these elements form the four most common molecules in our body.They are carbohydrates,lipids,proteins,and nucleic acids...their different combinations make up cells, and cells form every single part of our body in the most spectacularly complex arrangement imaginable."
Widget created Mira, was responsible for her sister's kidnapping. Tries to kill Mira.
Mira's personality changes. Mira kills at Shadow Mountain.
Widget created Mira, was responsible for her sister's kidnapping. Tries to kill Mira.
Mira's personality changes. Mira kills at Shadow Mountain.
December 27, 2020
This is the second book of five. It was not very good, but I did read all five and I liked it better by the end. I give the series 4 stars overall.
October 12, 2010
Have you ever felt different from others? What would you be willing to do to prove yourself? Where would you draw the line?
Mira has been through a lot. Within the past year, she has discovered that there's a whole world out there she has never experienced and she's also found out some startling things about herself and her family. She has had to work harder and smarter than everyone else just to keep up, and her recent victory against her peers has finally earned her some respect and helped establish a place for her in the world.
But Mira's journey is only beginning. In the second book in the "Powerless" series, Mira finds herself in situations that force her to see herself in a different light, just as readers will see her in a different light. The Mira we knew in book one is evolving into someone we might not recognize, and this evolution will irrevocably change her.
In this darker and more intense installment, we follow the graduates into their "shadowing" experience. They are each to work with his or her own mentor to further develop their special talents and train for their imminent entrance into the mysterious war. Most of the shadows have had mentors picked out for them already, but Mira needs to find someone. She finds the perfect mentor (she thinks) in Flip Widget, the author of the books that have been Mira's lifeline. When Flip reluctantly agrees to take Mira on as a shadow, she embarks upon an grueling, and sometimes confusing, training that takes her places she never expected. The experience gives her powerful tools even as it destroys some of the truths she holds dear. Is she strong enough to survive? Or is she truly "powerless?"
One of my favorite things about this book is the opportunity we are given to explore each of the main characters in much more depth. The first book told the story mainly from Mira's point of view, and we experienced her classmates through her eyes. In this book, we get to experience them a little more closely, from their own unique perspectives. Not only does this character development make them more interesting to us, it also gives us a broader perspective of Mira's world and what she is up against in her journey to establish herself and become whole.
Just as before, the author leaves us hanging a bit at the end, just enough to make us shout "When is the next one coming out?" This is definitely a series to watch!
I give this 4.5 /5 stars (rounded up to 5)
Mira has been through a lot. Within the past year, she has discovered that there's a whole world out there she has never experienced and she's also found out some startling things about herself and her family. She has had to work harder and smarter than everyone else just to keep up, and her recent victory against her peers has finally earned her some respect and helped establish a place for her in the world.
But Mira's journey is only beginning. In the second book in the "Powerless" series, Mira finds herself in situations that force her to see herself in a different light, just as readers will see her in a different light. The Mira we knew in book one is evolving into someone we might not recognize, and this evolution will irrevocably change her.
In this darker and more intense installment, we follow the graduates into their "shadowing" experience. They are each to work with his or her own mentor to further develop their special talents and train for their imminent entrance into the mysterious war. Most of the shadows have had mentors picked out for them already, but Mira needs to find someone. She finds the perfect mentor (she thinks) in Flip Widget, the author of the books that have been Mira's lifeline. When Flip reluctantly agrees to take Mira on as a shadow, she embarks upon an grueling, and sometimes confusing, training that takes her places she never expected. The experience gives her powerful tools even as it destroys some of the truths she holds dear. Is she strong enough to survive? Or is she truly "powerless?"
One of my favorite things about this book is the opportunity we are given to explore each of the main characters in much more depth. The first book told the story mainly from Mira's point of view, and we experienced her classmates through her eyes. In this book, we get to experience them a little more closely, from their own unique perspectives. Not only does this character development make them more interesting to us, it also gives us a broader perspective of Mira's world and what she is up against in her journey to establish herself and become whole.
Just as before, the author leaves us hanging a bit at the end, just enough to make us shout "When is the next one coming out?" This is definitely a series to watch!
I give this 4.5 /5 stars (rounded up to 5)
May 5, 2017
Since I read this series back-to-back I am going to review it as one entry. The first thing you have to know about this series is that it’s set in an imagery world where they have absolutely NO IDEA how to educate children. If this is going to bother you then don’t read the Powerless Series, because it will be a big deal in the first few books and really set the underlying tone for the world-building.
The next thing you need to know is that because of the education system the military is run by power hungry dunder-heads. If an completely incompetent military will drive you nuts that you probably shouldn’t read this series.
Those things aside, this is one of the most unique worlds I’ve ever visited in a book. The author’s idea for the world is so outrageous that I just had to read through all the books to find out where he was planning on taking it.
The back drop is a world where everyone has some sort of power, everyone that is except for Mira. These powers range from useful (controlling the weather) to bizarre (sweating oil or giving birth to random animals.) Basically instead of relying on scientific understanding to get things done they reply on finding someone who has the power to do it.
We being the story with Mira, who has been kept from the outside world by her fathers ability to control the weather who has created a cloud wall around their home. Her mother (who has the power to put you to sleep with a touch) and father are afraid that a powerless person would be a freak and wouldn’t be able to make it in the outside world. So they’ve kept her at home teaching her from a series of scientific manuals.
Teenage Mira finally gets to join her peers in school and tries her best to fit in. The problem is that her peers do think shes a freak, and the education system is set up to pit power against power to see whose power can win in a fight (really, I warned you that their system was the worst.) It becomes a story about overcoming the odds, coming of age and learning to work together.
Like any series some books are better than others, but over all I enjoyed the journey.
The next thing you need to know is that because of the education system the military is run by power hungry dunder-heads. If an completely incompetent military will drive you nuts that you probably shouldn’t read this series.
Those things aside, this is one of the most unique worlds I’ve ever visited in a book. The author’s idea for the world is so outrageous that I just had to read through all the books to find out where he was planning on taking it.
The back drop is a world where everyone has some sort of power, everyone that is except for Mira. These powers range from useful (controlling the weather) to bizarre (sweating oil or giving birth to random animals.) Basically instead of relying on scientific understanding to get things done they reply on finding someone who has the power to do it.
We being the story with Mira, who has been kept from the outside world by her fathers ability to control the weather who has created a cloud wall around their home. Her mother (who has the power to put you to sleep with a touch) and father are afraid that a powerless person would be a freak and wouldn’t be able to make it in the outside world. So they’ve kept her at home teaching her from a series of scientific manuals.
Teenage Mira finally gets to join her peers in school and tries her best to fit in. The problem is that her peers do think shes a freak, and the education system is set up to pit power against power to see whose power can win in a fight (really, I warned you that their system was the worst.) It becomes a story about overcoming the odds, coming of age and learning to work together.
Like any series some books are better than others, but over all I enjoyed the journey.
September 25, 2010
Author Jason Letts takes young adult literature to a whole new level in his second installment of the Powerless series entitled "The Shadowing." The second book doesn't miss a beat, seamlessly picking up where the first book left off as Mira, Vern, Aoi and the rest of the graduating class of Dustfalls Academy head off into the unknown to complete their shadowing. What transpires is nothing short of amazing as author Jason Letts weaves in mystery, intrigue, and plot twists that you can't see coming until they happen into a narrative that follows Mira, Vern, Aoi, Roselyn, and Will on their separate shadowing journeys and their coming together to conquer the Rite at Shadow Mountain.
One of the best aspects of the book for me was the expansion of the narrative to other characters besides Mira. She is the catalyst that brings this story together and the main reason that we all keep on reading, but the adventures of these other supporting characters helps the final portion of the book at Shadow Mountain really come together. We, the readers, can see how these teens grow physically and mentally as well as how their priorities change as they grow up and see the world in new ways. Character growth is key to propelling a series forward and Letts delivers.
The second installment takes a dark turn, adding more sinister elements to the plot that I think are the author's way to foreshadow the dangers this dynamic group of teens will face as they head to war. This isn't a fluffy young adult book; instead, it will make the reader think about and question the world around them as they grow to understand the importance of loyalty and teamwork.
If you haven't started reading the Powerless series, you are definitely missing out.
One of the best aspects of the book for me was the expansion of the narrative to other characters besides Mira. She is the catalyst that brings this story together and the main reason that we all keep on reading, but the adventures of these other supporting characters helps the final portion of the book at Shadow Mountain really come together. We, the readers, can see how these teens grow physically and mentally as well as how their priorities change as they grow up and see the world in new ways. Character growth is key to propelling a series forward and Letts delivers.
The second installment takes a dark turn, adding more sinister elements to the plot that I think are the author's way to foreshadow the dangers this dynamic group of teens will face as they head to war. This isn't a fluffy young adult book; instead, it will make the reader think about and question the world around them as they grow to understand the importance of loyalty and teamwork.
If you haven't started reading the Powerless series, you are definitely missing out.
December 23, 2010
In Jason Lett's first book Powerless: The Synthesis we are introduced to Mira who has been kept in a safe and secure world of her parents making. The reason? She has a sister somewhere out in the cruel world who was kidnapped as a child, and she has no special talent or power like the other children. Something in her world changes and her parents realize they must let her choose her own path. It is in choosing to enter the world that Mira finds her own type of power and builds friends and allies.
In the sequel Powerless: The Shadowing we watch as not only Mira, but her friends grow and develop their talents and knowledge. From an early age they relied only on their talents to help them. Mira did not have this advantage and had to rely on her wits. Each child has set off to find a mentor who will help them develop their talent. For Mira she finds the author of her beloved Science books, Flip Widget. He puts her through grueling training that often makes you wonder if she will survive it.
The one thing I really liked was the way this turned a little darker. I'm told by my relatives that it is my warped side. So be it. It made the story more fascinating. This book was told from multiple points of view as each child's story of developing their talent is told. Once again Mr. Letts has left us hanging at just the right place. At this point all I can say is hurry up with the next one. This is a must read.
In the sequel Powerless: The Shadowing we watch as not only Mira, but her friends grow and develop their talents and knowledge. From an early age they relied only on their talents to help them. Mira did not have this advantage and had to rely on her wits. Each child has set off to find a mentor who will help them develop their talent. For Mira she finds the author of her beloved Science books, Flip Widget. He puts her through grueling training that often makes you wonder if she will survive it.
The one thing I really liked was the way this turned a little darker. I'm told by my relatives that it is my warped side. So be it. It made the story more fascinating. This book was told from multiple points of view as each child's story of developing their talent is told. Once again Mr. Letts has left us hanging at just the right place. At this point all I can say is hurry up with the next one. This is a must read.
September 9, 2010
Jason Letts is back with book two in his Powerless series: The Shadowing, and he has ratcheted up the tension, the action, and the excitement. Here in book two, I felt the characters really start to develop -- the changes in the characters are both fundamental and believable, pulling me still further into the rich compelling story.
The Shadowing sees Mira, Will, Verne, Aoi and the rest of the characters step out of their small, relatively safe homes and enter the world. They begin the journey seeking out teachers with whom to apprentice (or "shadow"), but they find so much more. The world is not an easy place, and each of them faces challenges and setbacks. Their journey brings them new adversaries, heartbreak, and betrayal, adding a slightly darker tone to mix. I found myself holding my breath in one scene and completely shocked in another -- so much for my being sure how it would end!
The author kept the world expanding by again pulling back the lens, giving the readers a wider glimpse into more of the complexities of Mira's world -- providing enticing hints of what's to come.
If you haven't already read book one, do so. This series is shaping up to be incredible.
The Shadowing sees Mira, Will, Verne, Aoi and the rest of the characters step out of their small, relatively safe homes and enter the world. They begin the journey seeking out teachers with whom to apprentice (or "shadow"), but they find so much more. The world is not an easy place, and each of them faces challenges and setbacks. Their journey brings them new adversaries, heartbreak, and betrayal, adding a slightly darker tone to mix. I found myself holding my breath in one scene and completely shocked in another -- so much for my being sure how it would end!
The author kept the world expanding by again pulling back the lens, giving the readers a wider glimpse into more of the complexities of Mira's world -- providing enticing hints of what's to come.
If you haven't already read book one, do so. This series is shaping up to be incredible.
January 27, 2011
Part two of The Powerless series, The Shadowing continues the struggles of Mira and her cohorts. The Shadowing follows the training process of the children as they prepare themselves for battle, though Mira has a different goal in mind.
I really enjoyed the format and how the book bounced back and forth between different characters, showing their progress and setbacks as they explored the limits of their powers. The action was exciting, the plot engaging and overall a fun read. Book three just moved up near the top of my long list of to be purchased and to be read books.
Thanks Jason for the ride. I look forward to the next adventure!
I really enjoyed the format and how the book bounced back and forth between different characters, showing their progress and setbacks as they explored the limits of their powers. The action was exciting, the plot engaging and overall a fun read. Book three just moved up near the top of my long list of to be purchased and to be read books.
Thanks Jason for the ride. I look forward to the next adventure!
September 30, 2013
I've adjusted to the writing style, but I really can't stand the main character. I'm sorry bad stuff happened to you, but you're kind of a ***** now, lady. Also, I think it's idiotic that this country pits children against each other their entire lives, then forces them to form a unit that fights against other units, and then suddenly they have to all fight together. There are several near-death (or actual death) instances that would never have happened if the leaders hadn't caused them to hate each other for all their lives.
January 16, 2011
In book two of the Powerless series, Jason Letts provides us a little more time with the Mira's supporting cast. I very much enjoyed getting to know and understand them better. A little over midway through the book, the pace takes off running and I found it nearly impossible to put down. I really liked the imagery in this book and can still see the landscapes that I've been living in for the last few days. If you liked the Synthesis, you will LOVE the Shadowing.
November 22, 2011
It wasn't as good as the first book (Synthesis). Flip Widget is a jerk, Neeko is a jerk, and this book seems to run the race to quit at the finish line. I also thought that the whole Shadow Mountain scene seemed a little dramatic as well. But, it was still a good story. I liked it a lot and I am eager to see what happens next!
April 15, 2015
It's a bit worrisome that I've finished the second book in this series, and I still don't understand what they are fighting over. Also the heroine is all mopey and annoying just because she knows why she's different now and had someone betray her trust. I hope she gets over that sometime in the third book.
November 12, 2010
Oy. The first half was kind of like the first book--stilted writing but sorta decent story. Then it went completely to pot. Atrocious stereotyped dialogue, grammatical errors, and the conception of the plot and the world it's set in also took a dive. Did the editor die midway through?
February 14, 2011
really good so far. i am really liking this author's writing style.
March 16, 2011
great story, surprise ending, it kept me up at night to finish it
May 18, 2011
Pretty fast moving. I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews