What do you think?
Rate this book
The Potentials
"On Colliery Row, wizard kids wouldn't last five minutes..."
Daniel Ambrose’s world is falling apart. The troubled teen is struggling with the aftermath of his mother leaving home and he’s on the verge of being permanently excluded from school. But after a school intervention and a controversial response to a substitute teacher’s beliefs, Daniel discovers he is immortal. However, instead of feeling empowered, he’s left feeling even more lost and disconnected from the world around him.
Meanwhile, Molly Nell is coming to terms with her father’s imminent death and when a strange spark grants her the ability to heal, she soon realises that she must decide who deserves her gift—and who must be left to die.
When their paths cross, Daniel, Molly and their friends must discover the true nature of their powers—and the cost of defying fate—while a hidden evil lurks amongst the pages of every story ever told.
The Potentials is a thrilling, thought-provoking story of power, sacrifice, and the cosmic forces that shape our lives. Perfect for fans of The Maze Runner and Percy Jackson, this is a tale of self-discovery where nothing is as it seems, and the greatest battle is fought within.
"Brilliantly Bonkers" - Northumbria University
"Gritty, witty and forged in the backstreets of a council estate" - Spark FM
“Council estate Gabriel Garcia Marquez Magical Realism” — Reader review
“On the face of it, it’s a superhero novel. On a deeper level, it’s about childhood trauma, neglect, abuse and forced religion. It's also completely hilarious and mad.” — Reader review
Daniel Ambrose’s world is falling apart. The troubled teen is struggling with the aftermath of his mother leaving home and he’s on the verge of being permanently excluded from school. But after a school intervention and a controversial response to a substitute teacher’s beliefs, Daniel discovers he is immortal. However, instead of feeling empowered, he’s left feeling even more lost and disconnected from the world around him.
Meanwhile, Molly Nell is coming to terms with her father’s imminent death and when a strange spark grants her the ability to heal, she soon realises that she must decide who deserves her gift—and who must be left to die.
When their paths cross, Daniel, Molly and their friends must discover the true nature of their powers—and the cost of defying fate—while a hidden evil lurks amongst the pages of every story ever told.
The Potentials is a thrilling, thought-provoking story of power, sacrifice, and the cosmic forces that shape our lives. Perfect for fans of The Maze Runner and Percy Jackson, this is a tale of self-discovery where nothing is as it seems, and the greatest battle is fought within.
"Brilliantly Bonkers" - Northumbria University
"Gritty, witty and forged in the backstreets of a council estate" - Spark FM
“Council estate Gabriel Garcia Marquez Magical Realism” — Reader review
“On the face of it, it’s a superhero novel. On a deeper level, it’s about childhood trauma, neglect, abuse and forced religion. It's also completely hilarious and mad.” — Reader review
288 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2024
2 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 18, 2024
⚫️The Potentials by Adrian Woodland is a compelling and imaginative adventure that seamlessly blends the challenges of adolescence with the magic of fantasy, creating a truly unique reading experience. This story is a perfect pick for young readers and anyone who enjoys stories filled with heart, humor, and a touch of the extraordinary.
⚫️At the heart of the novel is 13-year-old Daniel Ambrose, a boy who feels like life is stacked against him. His mother is gone, his father is emotionally distant, and his bad behavior lands him in a class with the "geeks and nerds." Things seem bleak until a new substitute teacher arrives, with an unconventional approach to teaching and a plan to unlock the potential of his students. When a classroom activity goes awry, Daniel and his classmates find themselves grappling with the chaos of their wishes manifesting in unexpected ways. What follows is an imaginative journey where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, and Daniel’s world is turned upside down.
⚫️Adrian Woodland has crafted a story that is as heartwarming as it is thrilling. Daniel’s character is immediately relatable, with his frustrations and insecurities ringing true for any young reader navigating the complexities of growing up. His transformation over the course of the novel learning to embrace his potential, forming unexpected friendships, and discovering his own strength will resonate deeply with readers. The story does an excellent job of exploring the internal and external struggles of adolescence, making it both engaging and emotionally impactful.
⚫️The fantasy element of The Potentials is wonderfully inventive. The idea that whispered wishes can come to life, and the introduction of a hidden evil lurking in the pages of every story ever told, adds layers of intrigue and suspense to the plot. The magical elements are well-crafted, and the way they interact with the characters' real-life issues like Daniel’s strained relationship with his father and his struggles with self-worth gives the narrative both depth and excitement.
⚫️Woodland’s writing style is sharp, witty, and accessible, making the book an enjoyable read for both young readers and adults alike. The pacing is perfect, with a balance of lighthearted moments and tense, action-packed sequences that keep the reader hooked from beginning to end. The quirky dynamics between Daniel and his "unlikely" sidekicks provide humor and heart, while the underlying themes of personal growth, friendship, and resilience are uplifting and meaningful.
⚫️In conclusion, The Potentials is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that strikes a perfect balance between fantasy and real-world issues. It’s a fantastic read for young readers who love a good adventure but also appreciate stories that explore deeper emotional themes. Adrian Woodland has created a memorable and exciting tale that will leave readers eager to see what happens next in Daniel's journey. With its blend of magic, heart, and adventure, The Potentials is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves stories about self-discovery, friendship, and the power of unlocking one’s potential.
Happy reading ❤️✨
July 5, 2025
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this from the author and I really enjoyed it. The story follows a group of kids who after a mysterious interaction with a substitute teacher start to display different and wild abilities. This feels and plays out like a animated tv for me, the abilities all remind me of shows like misfits they don't all fit the traditional norms of what you see in superpowered books and shows.
The characters are all fantastically wacky and wild, each unique an diverse and really interesting to read and see how they play out their own stories in the novel.
The story itself is pretty good and opens up opportunities for sequels and prequels and I'm excited to see where the author goes next. The final scenes play out exactly like watching an ARC in your favourite show (anime comes to mind but I don't know if that was the authors intention) and I loved it.
My only issue was the way it was written felt a little disjointed at times, the flow was awkward and it jump between scenes almost like a slide show and I had double back a few times to make sure I was reading the start of the next chapter or section correctly. Overall though it was very well written.
A wacky super powered story bundled with massive potential, great characters and a well wrapped up initial story. Give it a read I think you will enjoy it.
The characters are all fantastically wacky and wild, each unique an diverse and really interesting to read and see how they play out their own stories in the novel.
The story itself is pretty good and opens up opportunities for sequels and prequels and I'm excited to see where the author goes next. The final scenes play out exactly like watching an ARC in your favourite show (anime comes to mind but I don't know if that was the authors intention) and I loved it.
My only issue was the way it was written felt a little disjointed at times, the flow was awkward and it jump between scenes almost like a slide show and I had double back a few times to make sure I was reading the start of the next chapter or section correctly. Overall though it was very well written.
A wacky super powered story bundled with massive potential, great characters and a well wrapped up initial story. Give it a read I think you will enjoy it.
November 27, 2025
The Potentials by Adrian Woodland is a thrilling, darkly humorous dive into a world where magic, superpowers, and real-world struggles collide. What starts as a seemingly ordinary teenage life for Daniel Ambrose struggling at school, fractured family ties, and personal chaos quickly unravels into a story of discovery, danger, and moral complexity.
Woodland excels at layering character and plot: Daniel and his group of misfit peers Molly, Soup, Gaz, Oscar, and Hoshi are each flawed, endearing, and vividly realized. Their emerging supernatural abilities are only part of the story; the true tension lies in their personal challenges, ethical dilemmas, and the way trauma and neglect shape their choices. The narrative is at once hilarious, gritty, and deeply empathetic, balancing fantastical elements with stark, emotional realism.
The novel’s stakes rise beautifully as friendship, power, and survival intertwine. The tension between writing their own destinies or succumbing to darker forces drives the story with relentless momentum, keeping readers invested in both the personal and supernatural arcs. Fans of The Maze Runner, Percy Jackson, or young adult fantasy with a thoughtful, socially aware edge will find The Potentials immersive, exciting, and unexpectedly moving.
Woodland excels at layering character and plot: Daniel and his group of misfit peers Molly, Soup, Gaz, Oscar, and Hoshi are each flawed, endearing, and vividly realized. Their emerging supernatural abilities are only part of the story; the true tension lies in their personal challenges, ethical dilemmas, and the way trauma and neglect shape their choices. The narrative is at once hilarious, gritty, and deeply empathetic, balancing fantastical elements with stark, emotional realism.
The novel’s stakes rise beautifully as friendship, power, and survival intertwine. The tension between writing their own destinies or succumbing to darker forces drives the story with relentless momentum, keeping readers invested in both the personal and supernatural arcs. Fans of The Maze Runner, Percy Jackson, or young adult fantasy with a thoughtful, socially aware edge will find The Potentials immersive, exciting, and unexpectedly moving.
August 21, 2025
A brilliant mix of pop culture, theology and mythology. You can sense the joy he had writing it, engaging use of narrative styles helps with the mix of protagonists. I do hope we get more stories, particularly about the original potentials. Never had an idea where it was going so stopped trying to predict. Fun, fun, fun.
February 4, 2025
A great read. I never knew a Mackem could spell never mind write a great book! A tremendous story line. Thoroughly enjoyed even though its not the kind of book I would normally read.
February 1, 2025
I rarely write reviews, but I felt compelled to share my thoughts on The Potentials by Adrian Woodland.
This book isn’t just a great read—it’s an experience. From the moment I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Every page left me eager to turn to the next, completely immersed in the world Woodland has crafted.
What makes this book truly special is how deeply relatable its characters are. Molly, Daniel, and Soup (a personal favorite) each remind me of people I know—friends, family, or even parts of myself. Molly embodies resilience, the person who pushes forward no matter the obstacles. Daniel represents those struggling to find their place, constantly torn between expectation and reality. And Soup—his humor and unwavering loyalty make him the kind of friend everyone wishes they had. While their abilities set them apart in the story, their emotions, conflicts, and personal growth feel incredibly real.
Woodland masterfully blends fiction with reality, using metaphor and depth to create a story that lingers long after the final page. But what truly sets this book apart is its wit. Woodland’s humor bursts from every page, adding levity even in the most intense moments. The clever dialogue and sharp observations make for an engaging and entertaining read from start to finish.
One of the best books I've read for a long time, must-read, and one that I’ll be recommending to everyone.
This book isn’t just a great read—it’s an experience. From the moment I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Every page left me eager to turn to the next, completely immersed in the world Woodland has crafted.
What makes this book truly special is how deeply relatable its characters are. Molly, Daniel, and Soup (a personal favorite) each remind me of people I know—friends, family, or even parts of myself. Molly embodies resilience, the person who pushes forward no matter the obstacles. Daniel represents those struggling to find their place, constantly torn between expectation and reality. And Soup—his humor and unwavering loyalty make him the kind of friend everyone wishes they had. While their abilities set them apart in the story, their emotions, conflicts, and personal growth feel incredibly real.
Woodland masterfully blends fiction with reality, using metaphor and depth to create a story that lingers long after the final page. But what truly sets this book apart is its wit. Woodland’s humor bursts from every page, adding levity even in the most intense moments. The clever dialogue and sharp observations make for an engaging and entertaining read from start to finish.
One of the best books I've read for a long time, must-read, and one that I’ll be recommending to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews