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Empowereds
She's hiding her family's deadly secret. He's hunting for the truth—and her
Twenty-one-year-old Charity Huntington has spent her life in hiding, dodging a government that hunts down Empowereds—those with forbidden abilities. Her father is one of the last remaining psychics, and their family lives as harvesters, working in isolation to avoid the authorities.
She knows the keep their family secret, trust no one, and never draw attention.
Charity especially ought to be wary of the new hire, Enzo. The man is tall, dark, and a bit too cocky. He also has a mysterious past and some serious gun skills that don’t match his story.
Of course, knowing the rules and following them are two different things when a guy looks as good as Enzo. She's in danger in more ways than one.
Enzo Valdez is a government officer tasked with a deadly go undercover, locate the psychic hiding among the harvesters, and eliminate them with extreme prejudice.
But when he meets Charity—captivating, kind, and everything he didn’t expect—his loyalty begins to waver.
Falling for her could mean betraying everything he’s sworn to uphold...but resisting her may be impossible.
This post apocalyptic romance has page-turning action, sweet romance, and lots of witty banter. If you've ever wanted to read a dystopian adult romance or love dystopian sci fi romance, this book is for you. (Because hey, it's not just the seventeen-year-olds who get to fall in love in the future...)
Twenty-one-year-old Charity Huntington has spent her life in hiding, dodging a government that hunts down Empowereds—those with forbidden abilities. Her father is one of the last remaining psychics, and their family lives as harvesters, working in isolation to avoid the authorities.
She knows the keep their family secret, trust no one, and never draw attention.
Charity especially ought to be wary of the new hire, Enzo. The man is tall, dark, and a bit too cocky. He also has a mysterious past and some serious gun skills that don’t match his story.
Of course, knowing the rules and following them are two different things when a guy looks as good as Enzo. She's in danger in more ways than one.
Enzo Valdez is a government officer tasked with a deadly go undercover, locate the psychic hiding among the harvesters, and eliminate them with extreme prejudice.
But when he meets Charity—captivating, kind, and everything he didn’t expect—his loyalty begins to waver.
Falling for her could mean betraying everything he’s sworn to uphold...but resisting her may be impossible.
This post apocalyptic romance has page-turning action, sweet romance, and lots of witty banter. If you've ever wanted to read a dystopian adult romance or love dystopian sci fi romance, this book is for you. (Because hey, it's not just the seventeen-year-olds who get to fall in love in the future...)
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2024
85 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Janette Rallison
74 books1,995 followersCheck out my awesome book trailers!
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...
Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.
Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007
"
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...
Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.
Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007
"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 31, 2024
not sure I can finish this one.
I’m 75% into this book and I hate them both. I keep waiting for her to grow an actual spine and him to have some remorse for being such an AH. How pathetic is she that he can betray her six ways to Sunday and she keeps coming back for more? And his apologies are some of the weakest and insincere I’ve ever heard.
It hurts to dislike it so much since I’m a fairly big fan of JR. There’s way too much push and not nearly enough pull so it feels painfully unbalanced. At the moment I’m feeling like massive lost potential.
I had high hopes but at the moment I’m annoyed I lost any sleep over it.
I honestly cannot imagine being satisfied by the end.
If I ever manage to finish it and a miracle happens to improve my opinion of either of these characters maybe I’ll up my up my rating to 2 stars.
Or maybe I’m just as pathetic as Charity in hoping for a miracles only to be duped yet again.
I’m 75% into this book and I hate them both. I keep waiting for her to grow an actual spine and him to have some remorse for being such an AH. How pathetic is she that he can betray her six ways to Sunday and she keeps coming back for more? And his apologies are some of the weakest and insincere I’ve ever heard.
It hurts to dislike it so much since I’m a fairly big fan of JR. There’s way too much push and not nearly enough pull so it feels painfully unbalanced. At the moment I’m feeling like massive lost potential.
I had high hopes but at the moment I’m annoyed I lost any sleep over it.
I honestly cannot imagine being satisfied by the end.
If I ever manage to finish it and a miracle happens to improve my opinion of either of these characters maybe I’ll up my up my rating to 2 stars.
Or maybe I’m just as pathetic as Charity in hoping for a miracles only to be duped yet again.
January 25, 2025
This started out with a punch. I loved the beginning. I think my younger self would have loved this so much but my 45 year old self is just not buying it. The story is good. The characters are very immature feeling. The love story is just young and silly. I really would have liked this years ago. I would say the audience for this is 12 to 25. A fun adventure with a little romance that will keep you on the edge of your toes.
December 27, 2024
Ever since he lost both his fiance and his dad to the actions of an Empowered, Enzo has dedicated his life to finding and neutralising all Empowereds, whether psychic, telekinetic or fortes. Fortunately, as a police officer, it's also his job. But when he's sent undercover to a group of harvesters who are rumoured to have at least a psychic and possibly also a telekinetic with them, he finds a situation that challenges all his beliefs. Charity knows the rules that keep their family safe, and has always been careful about keeping them. But there's something about the new guy on the job that makes breaking a few suddenly more appealing. As a psychic, Ben's sole aim has been to keep his family safe - but it'll take all he can do and more to keep them all safe when the truth comes out...
I'm not always a fan of dystopian books, but I'll try anything this author writes - and I certainly don't regret reading this. Both Enzo and Charity want to do the right thing, but their world views, based on upbringing and experience, are distinctly at odds. He's convinced anyone with special powers will always use them for bad; she knows that her dad has done nothing bad with his powers but only uses them to keep the family safe. And while she doesn't always understand the point of his visions, she's willing to follow them out of faith in her dad - even when it means, well, I'd better not say what for fear of spoilers. As for Enzo, he takes a lot of convincing that these people really are what they seem, but always tries to do his duty, even when it's hard (not that he always succeeds). Their romance is somewhat patchy because of everything between them, but still good to watch (and clean). The rest of the family make good secondary characters, and I'd like to see more of them - in fact, I'm really hoping this is going to have a sequel, or be the start of a new series. All in all, a really good read - recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
I'm not always a fan of dystopian books, but I'll try anything this author writes - and I certainly don't regret reading this. Both Enzo and Charity want to do the right thing, but their world views, based on upbringing and experience, are distinctly at odds. He's convinced anyone with special powers will always use them for bad; she knows that her dad has done nothing bad with his powers but only uses them to keep the family safe. And while she doesn't always understand the point of his visions, she's willing to follow them out of faith in her dad - even when it means, well, I'd better not say what for fear of spoilers. As for Enzo, he takes a lot of convincing that these people really are what they seem, but always tries to do his duty, even when it's hard (not that he always succeeds). Their romance is somewhat patchy because of everything between them, but still good to watch (and clean). The rest of the family make good secondary characters, and I'd like to see more of them - in fact, I'm really hoping this is going to have a sequel, or be the start of a new series. All in all, a really good read - recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
December 28, 2024
Oh! My! Word!!! I NEED more!!! I have to tell you how excited I am that there will be another book!!! But I'm also really hoping that there will be more than two books! I seriously loved this one. If you can't tell by all of my gushing! Because holy moly, the twists and turns are so worth it! I LOVED it!!!
Charity's family were really fun. And the dynamics with her dad and the whole post apocalyptic world, you're going to be turning those pages super fast! Just sayin'! Must Read Faster! You'll thank me later when you read it and have a cleared schedule to just sit down and read and not be interrupted!
I don't want to say much about the book, because you can read the synopsis for yourself, and I also don't want to spoil anything because this is a storyline that you have to read and experience for yourself. Do NOT go looking for spoilers because you're going to love the ride and surprises!
And add to the post apocalyptic world, Charity's family and navigating everything, there's a sweet love story that will have you frustrated with Enzo and cheering him on all at the same time!
Content: I would consider this a clean read. There are moments of peril and fights and battles but they are not overly graphic. There are some kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the author but also purchased my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Charity's family were really fun. And the dynamics with her dad and the whole post apocalyptic world, you're going to be turning those pages super fast! Just sayin'! Must Read Faster! You'll thank me later when you read it and have a cleared schedule to just sit down and read and not be interrupted!
I don't want to say much about the book, because you can read the synopsis for yourself, and I also don't want to spoil anything because this is a storyline that you have to read and experience for yourself. Do NOT go looking for spoilers because you're going to love the ride and surprises!
And add to the post apocalyptic world, Charity's family and navigating everything, there's a sweet love story that will have you frustrated with Enzo and cheering him on all at the same time!
Content: I would consider this a clean read. There are moments of peril and fights and battles but they are not overly graphic. There are some kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the author but also purchased my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
March 9, 2025
Fun and unique! I think I'd read anything Ms. Rallison wrote, but I was extra excited when I heard she was writing an adult urban fantasy with a sci-fi twist. Not sure the exact genre this falls into, but it was a lot of fun to read.
I thought the story moved along well, the characters were likable. I don't want to give too much away, but I enjoyed the plot and world building. My only quibbles are I thought Charity was a little too quick to forgive at time and I thought Overall, a really enjoyable read. It left things off were I hope there are more books in the series because I'd love to return to this world again!
Content Rated PG+
Romance: Kissing, very closed door intimacy (married couple)
Language: None
Violence: Some fighting, death, shootings - not overly descriptive
I thought the story moved along well, the characters were likable. I don't want to give too much away, but I enjoyed the plot and world building. My only quibbles are I thought Charity was a little too quick to forgive at time and I thought Overall, a really enjoyable read. It left things off were I hope there are more books in the series because I'd love to return to this world again!
Content Rated PG+
Romance: Kissing, very closed door intimacy (married couple)
Language: None
Violence: Some fighting, death, shootings - not overly descriptive
January 6, 2025
Kept Me Interested
I'm always on the lookout for books like this to break up my usual reading and give my mind a new type of distraction. This book kept me interested the whole way through. I was thinking about it, anxious to get back when I wasn't reading it. I hope there will be more books in this series!
Content: peril, violence. Kissing.
I'm always on the lookout for books like this to break up my usual reading and give my mind a new type of distraction. This book kept me interested the whole way through. I was thinking about it, anxious to get back when I wasn't reading it. I hope there will be more books in this series!
Content: peril, violence. Kissing.
June 15, 2025
First half of the book > Second half of the book.
The extra star is because I love the author’s other books.
The extra star is because I love the author’s other books.
January 6, 2025
Brilliantly written! I was captivated from page one and instantly drawn into a new world that was fresh and suspenseful all at the same time.
This is a story where the country has been torn apart by war and is run by the government that is hunting down empowereds, which are people with special powers. This isn't a book about good vs. evil, nor is it about right or wrong. When faced with a dystopian society are there two distinct sides or just shades of gray? I love this question, and why I love these books.
Empowereds is fundamentally about two people who meet (not under normal circumstances) standing upon opposing sides and who have very different views of the world, but ultimately want to make the world a better and safe place. Enzo and Charity just have very different ideas of how that should happen.
Charity is from a family who has always lived outside the city. Her family is basically nomadic, moving every few days or weeks depending on the harvest, never staying in one spot for long and considering Charity's father is an empowered himself, they don't believe in how the government has treated them. It is also the only life she's known.
Enzo is a city cop, and his job is to take find and arrest empowereds. His current assignment sends him undercover to Charity's family to find a potential empowered living in the country. However, the longer Enzo is living with the harvesters and getting to know Charity, the more he believes the group is harmless and the more he falls for Charity.
This book is engaging, the action is fantastic and nail biting, and I loved the world building and each and every character. Enzo and Charity's banter was spot on and together they shared great character growth. I'd love to return to this world as this book felt like just the beginning.
This is a story where the country has been torn apart by war and is run by the government that is hunting down empowereds, which are people with special powers. This isn't a book about good vs. evil, nor is it about right or wrong. When faced with a dystopian society are there two distinct sides or just shades of gray? I love this question, and why I love these books.
Empowereds is fundamentally about two people who meet (not under normal circumstances) standing upon opposing sides and who have very different views of the world, but ultimately want to make the world a better and safe place. Enzo and Charity just have very different ideas of how that should happen.
Charity is from a family who has always lived outside the city. Her family is basically nomadic, moving every few days or weeks depending on the harvest, never staying in one spot for long and considering Charity's father is an empowered himself, they don't believe in how the government has treated them. It is also the only life she's known.
Enzo is a city cop, and his job is to take find and arrest empowereds. His current assignment sends him undercover to Charity's family to find a potential empowered living in the country. However, the longer Enzo is living with the harvesters and getting to know Charity, the more he believes the group is harmless and the more he falls for Charity.
This book is engaging, the action is fantastic and nail biting, and I loved the world building and each and every character. Enzo and Charity's banter was spot on and together they shared great character growth. I'd love to return to this world as this book felt like just the beginning.
April 11, 2025
The foreshadowing in this book is insanely good. I was jumping up and down near the end when it all came together, and little things that were said throughout tied into the end. The last third of this book is so intense, but not in a stressful way, in like an adrenaline pumping because you’re so excited type of way!
The romance is clean, but does have a nondescript fade to black between a married couple. My biggest pet peeve with that is that the two main characters weren’t sure they had a future together, so i wished the fade to black would have happened later when they were fully committed to each other and had exchanged “i love yous” first. I’m a strong believer that sex should be between two committed people that love each other, so that was a bit of a let down. The main characters did exchange “I love yous” shortly after the fade to black but it felt cheapened a bit to me. But if I pretend the fade to black didn’t happen I really loved the rest of the romantic aspects of the story. 🤣 This isnt a book I would just hand over to teens though because of that, but for adults I think it’s fine.
The world building is also very good! It’s got a fantasy and dystopia feel to it, that blended very well together.
I loved all the characters, but especially the FMC’s dad!
If the fade to black was later or not included at all this would easily have been 5 stars book. That fade to black is zero stars for me, horrible message sent, but the foreshadowing, plot, worldbuilding, characters are all 5 stars easy peasy for me! So settling with 3 stars.
Content: no swearing, kissing a bit passionate, but nothing crazy, very mild fade to black, mild violence
The romance is clean, but does have a nondescript fade to black between a married couple. My biggest pet peeve with that is that the two main characters weren’t sure they had a future together, so i wished the fade to black would have happened later when they were fully committed to each other and had exchanged “i love yous” first. I’m a strong believer that sex should be between two committed people that love each other, so that was a bit of a let down. The main characters did exchange “I love yous” shortly after the fade to black but it felt cheapened a bit to me. But if I pretend the fade to black didn’t happen I really loved the rest of the romantic aspects of the story. 🤣 This isnt a book I would just hand over to teens though because of that, but for adults I think it’s fine.
The world building is also very good! It’s got a fantasy and dystopia feel to it, that blended very well together.
I loved all the characters, but especially the FMC’s dad!
If the fade to black was later or not included at all this would easily have been 5 stars book. That fade to black is zero stars for me, horrible message sent, but the foreshadowing, plot, worldbuilding, characters are all 5 stars easy peasy for me! So settling with 3 stars.
Content: no swearing, kissing a bit passionate, but nothing crazy, very mild fade to black, mild violence
January 6, 2025
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2025
This book is a genre combo of the best sort - Post-apocalyptic romcom! I love the idea of exploring what could happen should society fracture that is inherent to post-apocalyptic fiction; I also love romcoms’ ability to blend the awkwardness of everyday with a swoony love story. This book was a perfect blend of the two genres!
I loved all the characters in this story. Rallison excels at creating characters who feel real. None of the main characters are perfect, but they are genuinely good people trying their best. These sorts of characters tend to be absent in a lot of post apocalyptic fiction, and I appreciated their inclusion in this novel. Because the characters feel similar to my family/friends, it was easy to be immersed in the story.
The post apocalyptic society pictured in this book feels much more realistic than the typical for the genre. Much of what is familiar in our current society was retained in the culture depicted within this book, but with the addition of unrest and distrust and supply shortages one would expect with a collapse. The divided US states depicted in this book made sense for a society fractured by terror, even down to the precise divisions of the states.
Even with being post apocalyptic, the book stays out of the realm of harsh language or extreme violence. The romance has kissing and stays closed door.
Thank you to the author for the ARC! All opinions are my
This book is a genre combo of the best sort - Post-apocalyptic romcom! I love the idea of exploring what could happen should society fracture that is inherent to post-apocalyptic fiction; I also love romcoms’ ability to blend the awkwardness of everyday with a swoony love story. This book was a perfect blend of the two genres!
I loved all the characters in this story. Rallison excels at creating characters who feel real. None of the main characters are perfect, but they are genuinely good people trying their best. These sorts of characters tend to be absent in a lot of post apocalyptic fiction, and I appreciated their inclusion in this novel. Because the characters feel similar to my family/friends, it was easy to be immersed in the story.
The post apocalyptic society pictured in this book feels much more realistic than the typical for the genre. Much of what is familiar in our current society was retained in the culture depicted within this book, but with the addition of unrest and distrust and supply shortages one would expect with a collapse. The divided US states depicted in this book made sense for a society fractured by terror, even down to the precise divisions of the states.
Even with being post apocalyptic, the book stays out of the realm of harsh language or extreme violence. The romance has kissing and stays closed door.
Thank you to the author for the ARC! All opinions are my
December 27, 2024
I received an advanced copy of Empowereds from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you've read any of my other reviews for Janette Rallison's books, you'll know that I love all of them. She is one of my all-time favorite authors, and I cannot recommend her books enough.
Empowereds vastly differs from some of her other works but still has her trademark banter and humor, making it much easier to read than other dystopian novels. Though there are some heavy themes (and a little murder), the humor offsets it perfectly. There wasn't a single point where the heaviness bogged down the reading. I think "dystopian romantic comedy" would be an appropriate label for this one.
The characters were great. Charity and Enzo had great chemistry, and I appreciated that, despite knowing what she did about their relationship from her father's psychic abilities, she still proceeded with caution (mostly). In books where one person knows something the other doesn't about their relationship, it's sometimes hard for me to believe that everything develops naturally. However, their relationship was very well done.
I would have liked more world-building, especially with information about the Empowereds. Interestingly, only three specific powers came about, and I had questions about what was happening and why it happened. We got some answers, but I would have loved a little more. There was enough for me to follow along, though, so it didn't take too much away from the story.
If you're looking for a dystopian romantic comedy—which I've now decided I need more of—look no further. Empowereds is an excellent book, and I highly recommend it.
If you've read any of my other reviews for Janette Rallison's books, you'll know that I love all of them. She is one of my all-time favorite authors, and I cannot recommend her books enough.
Empowereds vastly differs from some of her other works but still has her trademark banter and humor, making it much easier to read than other dystopian novels. Though there are some heavy themes (and a little murder), the humor offsets it perfectly. There wasn't a single point where the heaviness bogged down the reading. I think "dystopian romantic comedy" would be an appropriate label for this one.
The characters were great. Charity and Enzo had great chemistry, and I appreciated that, despite knowing what she did about their relationship from her father's psychic abilities, she still proceeded with caution (mostly). In books where one person knows something the other doesn't about their relationship, it's sometimes hard for me to believe that everything develops naturally. However, their relationship was very well done.
I would have liked more world-building, especially with information about the Empowereds. Interestingly, only three specific powers came about, and I had questions about what was happening and why it happened. We got some answers, but I would have loved a little more. There was enough for me to follow along, though, so it didn't take too much away from the story.
If you're looking for a dystopian romantic comedy—which I've now decided I need more of—look no further. Empowereds is an excellent book, and I highly recommend it.
December 29, 2024
dystopian romcom with a non-teenage protagonist
This is a bit of a weird genre but it totally works and I seriously hope Janette Rallison (and more people) write more of this.
The good: this book has all of Ms Rallison's trademarks:
+ banter
+ humour that keeps it from getting toooo dark
+ Realistic characterisation & character development
+ Healthy but flawed family relationships
The bad/things I wished would be different:
- the ending is very abrupt. It's NOT a cliffhanger, but it definitely feels like it stopped before it had properly ended. If you've read Ms Rallison's other books, this is probably something you've encountered before. Not a deal-breaker because it's not a cliffhanger at all, just a bit annoying.
- the seducing Enzo scene (and honestly, the whole cave section) was weird for me. I do feel that Charity was falling too fast/being very naive. But the ending of the scene definitely saved it from being truly icky, and the naiveté made sense in the context too.
Overall I'm very glad I read this and would highly recommend it.
This is a bit of a weird genre but it totally works and I seriously hope Janette Rallison (and more people) write more of this.
The good: this book has all of Ms Rallison's trademarks:
+ banter
+ humour that keeps it from getting toooo dark
+ Realistic characterisation & character development
+ Healthy but flawed family relationships
The bad/things I wished would be different:
- the ending is very abrupt. It's NOT a cliffhanger, but it definitely feels like it stopped before it had properly ended. If you've read Ms Rallison's other books, this is probably something you've encountered before. Not a deal-breaker because it's not a cliffhanger at all, just a bit annoying.
- the seducing Enzo scene (and honestly, the whole cave section) was weird for me. I do feel that Charity was falling too fast/being very naive. But the ending of the scene definitely saved it from being truly icky, and the naiveté made sense in the context too.
Overall I'm very glad I read this and would highly recommend it.
March 13, 2025
An apocalyptic and dystopian society with secrets of it’s own—5 stars
Charity’s father sees visions which help him protect his family. Charity has lots of skills, but lacks confidence in herself and in her abilities. Enzo is a secret operative for the government, who doesn’t like psychics for very personal reasons. Enzo is Charity’s intended, according to visions, but things go sideways and not according to plan when Enzo discovers a thing or two.
I loved the scene with Enzo and the soldiers in the wilderness. His answers to the soldiers were great! He knew how to keep talking and to give explanations to outlast the truth serum, and he knew how to answer truthfully without giving away vital information. This was a very creative, dystopian novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Charity’s father sees visions which help him protect his family. Charity has lots of skills, but lacks confidence in herself and in her abilities. Enzo is a secret operative for the government, who doesn’t like psychics for very personal reasons. Enzo is Charity’s intended, according to visions, but things go sideways and not according to plan when Enzo discovers a thing or two.
I loved the scene with Enzo and the soldiers in the wilderness. His answers to the soldiers were great! He knew how to keep talking and to give explanations to outlast the truth serum, and he knew how to answer truthfully without giving away vital information. This was a very creative, dystopian novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
March 18, 2025
Great adventure with humor
Fun story! I look forward to the sequel and hope it comes soon.
This book had humor, action, suspense, and romance. It was well written with fleshed out characters and an original plot.
I did take a bit longer to read it than I have most of Rallison's books. I think, though, that was because it had a bit more blood than I like. (Mostly because I'm a wuss. This isn't an extremely graphic book, I just struggle with more than a little blood in my reading.)
I didn't love the hero and heroine like I have in some books, but by the end of the book, I was attached to them and ready to follow them into their next adventure! I understand why Rallison isn't writing the next book right now, but I hope she doesn't keep us in suspense for too long.
Overall, Empowereds is a great read. Thanks to Janette Rallison for another good book.
Fun story! I look forward to the sequel and hope it comes soon.
This book had humor, action, suspense, and romance. It was well written with fleshed out characters and an original plot.
I did take a bit longer to read it than I have most of Rallison's books. I think, though, that was because it had a bit more blood than I like. (Mostly because I'm a wuss. This isn't an extremely graphic book, I just struggle with more than a little blood in my reading.)
I didn't love the hero and heroine like I have in some books, but by the end of the book, I was attached to them and ready to follow them into their next adventure! I understand why Rallison isn't writing the next book right now, but I hope she doesn't keep us in suspense for too long.
Overall, Empowereds is a great read. Thanks to Janette Rallison for another good book.
April 1, 2025
This is a good clean book. Remember, they do get married, but NOTHING is spelled-out-in-your-face-spicy-bedroom scenes. So yes, clean book, just as you would expect from Rallison.
This story takes after civilization collapses due to ‘Empowereds’ and some states are trying to stay together.
‘Empowereds’ are individuals who have abilities that make them different human beings, they were supposed to serve the country, instead they divided the country and created a post civilization society. They became criminals for the exception of a small few. The government started a campaign to kill/prison all Empowereds. Until one undercover cop, falls for one daughter of an Empowered.
Then it all goes downhill for him. Moral dilemmas, loyalties are questions, hearts are broken, and the dreaded cliffhanger!
This is a good book. It is fast and fun to read.
This story takes after civilization collapses due to ‘Empowereds’ and some states are trying to stay together.
‘Empowereds’ are individuals who have abilities that make them different human beings, they were supposed to serve the country, instead they divided the country and created a post civilization society. They became criminals for the exception of a small few. The government started a campaign to kill/prison all Empowereds. Until one undercover cop, falls for one daughter of an Empowered.
Then it all goes downhill for him. Moral dilemmas, loyalties are questions, hearts are broken, and the dreaded cliffhanger!
This is a good book. It is fast and fun to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
Fascinating World Building
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a good dystopian novel, and I loved that the characters were not teenagers. Less angst. No love triangle! This was such a fascinating world with the empowereds and their gifts, and the government set on capturing them all.
The plot was entertaining and full of action. The romance was sweet and compelling. It was interesting to see how the “fated” bit worked out, and I loved the banter between Charity and Enzo!
It feels like an odd time of year for a dystopian romance, but this book will draw you in and hold you till the very last page.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a good dystopian novel, and I loved that the characters were not teenagers. Less angst. No love triangle! This was such a fascinating world with the empowereds and their gifts, and the government set on capturing them all.
The plot was entertaining and full of action. The romance was sweet and compelling. It was interesting to see how the “fated” bit worked out, and I loved the banter between Charity and Enzo!
It feels like an odd time of year for a dystopian romance, but this book will draw you in and hold you till the very last page.
January 13, 2025
Empowered is Book 1 in the Empowered Series by Janette Rallison. This book takes place after WW3. I thought the characters were interesting and well written. Charity is a great main character along with her family. Charity dad has visions and any "magic" is illegal and will cost their life. I thought that having the world in disarray with magical abilities thrown in was great. Then, the author threw in a romance. Enzo is brought into their group, but, can he be trusted? I believe that this new series started with a home run. Book 2, Erasing Time, can't come to soon! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 13, 2025
This is a my first read from this author. Would I read more? YES! Absolutely!
If you enjoy fun banter, great characters, interesting plot and superb world building this is a book for you. I would say that it is difficult to assign a certain genre to this book - it seems to be a mix of a few genres. And maybe this unique mixture is what makes this book absolutely appealing and fun to read. I certainly hope there will be more from this world with these characters.
Sidenote: I appreciated the way romance was handled in this book. In a society where it is more and more difficult to find decent closed door reads this one handles it perfectly well. And the couple is married.
If you enjoy fun banter, great characters, interesting plot and superb world building this is a book for you. I would say that it is difficult to assign a certain genre to this book - it seems to be a mix of a few genres. And maybe this unique mixture is what makes this book absolutely appealing and fun to read. I certainly hope there will be more from this world with these characters.
Sidenote: I appreciated the way romance was handled in this book. In a society where it is more and more difficult to find decent closed door reads this one handles it perfectly well. And the couple is married.
December 6, 2024
I couldn't put this book down. There is a good amount of action in this closed-door romance and some unpredictable plot twists that kept me turning the page. This is a story that takes place in a post-apocalyptic society (which is usually a little too heavy for me these days), but there are plenty of humorous moments sprinkled throughout that really lighten the overall feel. It was fun to read and I definitely want a sequel. In full disclosure, I read an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.
December 30, 2024
First off, this book was different. When I started it I didn't think I would like it. While I think there were little holes here and there in the plotline, I really liked this book. I read half of it in a day! I liked the main characters. I heard some people thought the main character was too much of a prude, but I appreciated her dedication to her beliefs and what she thought was best. I figured the ending would have a happy ending, but couldn't ever predict how we would get there. This is one I will definitely read again!
January 15, 2025
SO GOOD!
-Powers
-Post-apocalypse
-Arranged marriage
-Undercover Cop
I am obsessed.
Charity’s father can see the future and gives predictions that are very vague. Throughout the whole story I tried to figure out how the prophecies would happen and if she would fall in love with the undercover guy who could kill them all. Their love story is suspenseful, swoony, and full of witty banter. I’ll say it again. SO GOOD! I don’t think I can wait for book 2!
CW: Married couple kiss, tease, and get passionate, but they never cross line. closed door
-Powers
-Post-apocalypse
-Arranged marriage
-Undercover Cop
I am obsessed.
Charity’s father can see the future and gives predictions that are very vague. Throughout the whole story I tried to figure out how the prophecies would happen and if she would fall in love with the undercover guy who could kill them all. Their love story is suspenseful, swoony, and full of witty banter. I’ll say it again. SO GOOD! I don’t think I can wait for book 2!
CW: Married couple kiss, tease, and get passionate, but they never cross line. closed door
January 26, 2025
Loved it!!
Empowered was a FANTASTIC book!! The story sucks you in in the beginning, and I continued reading late into the night. Totally worth the lack of sleep! It was really easy to empathize with Charity and begin to root for her. Enzo was patriotic and loyal, and I liked that he fought his feelings at first--he was there on assignment, not to date the farmer's daughter. The world-building was amazing, and the romance was swoonworthy. Love those smoldering kisses! Another fantastic book from Janette Rallison! I'll definitely read the sequel when it gets written.
Empowered was a FANTASTIC book!! The story sucks you in in the beginning, and I continued reading late into the night. Totally worth the lack of sleep! It was really easy to empathize with Charity and begin to root for her. Enzo was patriotic and loyal, and I liked that he fought his feelings at first--he was there on assignment, not to date the farmer's daughter. The world-building was amazing, and the romance was swoonworthy. Love those smoldering kisses! Another fantastic book from Janette Rallison! I'll definitely read the sequel when it gets written.
March 13, 2025
I've been a fan of Rallison for many years, and this book did not disappoint.
Empowereds is a fast-paced novel with engaging and realistic characters. I was hooked from the very beginning.
While this is indeed a dystopian/post-apocalyptic novel, it is also an engaging romance. It has all the action and world-building readers will love as well as relationships and romance that give it heart and soul.
If you like your dystopian/post-apocalyptic novels free of graphic violence and explicit sex while still giving you tons of action, adventure, and romance, this is the book for you!
Empowereds is a fast-paced novel with engaging and realistic characters. I was hooked from the very beginning.
While this is indeed a dystopian/post-apocalyptic novel, it is also an engaging romance. It has all the action and world-building readers will love as well as relationships and romance that give it heart and soul.
If you like your dystopian/post-apocalyptic novels free of graphic violence and explicit sex while still giving you tons of action, adventure, and romance, this is the book for you!
March 28, 2025
A budding romance in a ruined America - where some people have super strengths due to past genetic engineering………….. now these many of these people have turned rogue and are hunted. But there are a few that try to remain hidden. This is the story of Charity whose father has a psychic power and of Enzo who believes all empowered are evil and is sent to hunt in Charity's farming community the empowered.
I enjoyed this opening book of a series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this opening book of a series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 13, 2024
This is going to be a great series! This is book one and it is a thriller. I love the characters. The Huntington family is so close. I love the family dynamics. Charity is kind, innocent and full of faith in her father's physic ability. It's that very ability that puts their family in danger. Enzo is a complex character. This first book gets me really excited for the rest of the series. I can't wait to see what happens next.
January 5, 2025
Though not what you would expect from Janette Rallison, this intriguing and sometimes alarming story kept me riveted. I read the after note about how most of the plot points came from her dreams, and that just made me like it more. I can't say I've ever read anything like it (despite being a fan of dystopian novels), and I was so sad to come to the end. I need more! The after note also promises an eventual sequel, so I'll try to be satisfied with that. :)
January 19, 2025
Her father has visions that always come true
In a world where people like him are considered criminals she is worried about him. And yet it seems to be helping her - and hopefully she can find him and help him. A man who works at the farm (and is really a spy) helps her . . . and they both run into problems. THIS is a superb book. Absolutely loved it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In a world where people like him are considered criminals she is worried about him. And yet it seems to be helping her - and hopefully she can find him and help him. A man who works at the farm (and is really a spy) helps her . . . and they both run into problems. THIS is a superb book. Absolutely loved it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 10, 2025
This story is a mix of post-apocalyptic chaos and forbidden romance, and it pulled me in from the start. The world-building is super detailed and easy to visualize, but what stood out to me were the characters. They’re emotional, relatable, and the kind you genuinely root for.
The plot is packed with twists that keep you guessing, and I found myself flying through the pages to see what would happen next. If you’re into intense, character-driven stories with a lot of heart and high stakes.
The plot is packed with twists that keep you guessing, and I found myself flying through the pages to see what would happen next. If you’re into intense, character-driven stories with a lot of heart and high stakes.
December 29, 2024
Absolutely Loved It
I absolutely love the author’s writing style—it’s so captivating! The characters feel authentic and relatable, and the plot is both engaging and refreshingly unpredictable. I also deeply appreciate that the content is clean and well-written. Highly recommend!
Can’t wait for the next book!
I absolutely love the author’s writing style—it’s so captivating! The characters feel authentic and relatable, and the plot is both engaging and refreshingly unpredictable. I also deeply appreciate that the content is clean and well-written. Highly recommend!
Can’t wait for the next book!
December 30, 2024
A Great Apocalyptic Story
But, it ends on an open note, so we only have a little idea what’s going to happen with Blue, Enzo, and Charity’s family. This is a romance, and there are some kissing sessions that are still clean, but it gets a little steamy. I’m looking forward to the next book, or even a bonus epilogue which we’re always begging Janette for!
But, it ends on an open note, so we only have a little idea what’s going to happen with Blue, Enzo, and Charity’s family. This is a romance, and there are some kissing sessions that are still clean, but it gets a little steamy. I’m looking forward to the next book, or even a bonus epilogue which we’re always begging Janette for!
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