When her power awakens

by Brenna Bustamante

In Taiamen, where worth is measured by bloodline, and power is held by the elite, an outsider carries the spark that can shatter an empire built on cruelty and silence.

Kenna has spent her life unseen. Forced to protect her siblings under the violent hand of her adoptive father in the starving district of Madyor, she has learned to trade pieces of herself just to live. Her world is one of endless work, sacrifice, and bruises, until one day, rage burns hotter than her fear, and a brilliant light erupts from her body, awakening something ancient and terrifying, and forcing her and her best friend, Zander, to escape into the world outside the only home they know.

Now hunted by the government, Kenna discovers she's not just any Conjurer—she's a Dominum, the first in five hundred years to wield all four elements.

But Kenna doesn’t feel powerful; instead she feels like a woman with ashes and guilt on her hands. Haunted by fear of what she is and what she must become, Kenna must choose whether to keep running from her power or embrace it—even if it consumes her.

When Her Power Awakens is a saga of survival and sacrifice, where reluctant heroes are forged in fire and loyalty is tested against the pull of destiny. Threaded with slow-burn romance, enemies-to-lovers tension, and the fierce bonds of found family, it explores the fragile line between devotion and betrayal, illusion and truth. Lush landscapes, elemental magic, and the relentless echo of prophecy will whisk you into realms both perilous and enchanted. Readers who have lost themselves in the epic sweep of Sarah J. Maas or Helen Scheuerer will discover a kindred world as their protagonists gamble with loyalties, sorcery, and the daunting question of what it truly means to be chosen.

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

Reviews

[J.C. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fire Responding to Kenna’s Emotions
The part where the flames spike when she’s struck… I literally gasped. It was like the world itself flinched with her. The fire dancing, shrinking, reacting — it’s perfect foreshadowing and makes the magic feel alive. A subtle detail, but one that changes the entire mood of the scene.

[Selena Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soleil and Inez whispering that the fire “looked like it was dancing” added such a cool layer of mystery. They’re terrified and shaken, but still observant. It shows the closeness of the family — even in chaos, they notice things together. It felt like the first clue that something much bigger is happening beneath the surface.

[A. A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What struck me most was the emotional whiplash: one second the family is laughing over dinner, the next they’re terrified, waiting for Peter to explode. That contrast is written so well that it feels real. You captured that unpredictable tension that exists in abusive households, where safety lasts only for a moment. It’s painfully honest and beautifully written.

[Melinda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Way Zander Holds Her Without Asking Questions
My favorite part is when Zander doesn’t interrogate Kenna or push her — he just wraps his arms around her and lets her cry. That kind of quiet love is rare in fiction. It’s such a soft, intimate moment that shows how deeply connected they are, without any dramatic declarations. Sometimes the gentlest moments hit the hardest.

[Adam Haris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Switching between Kenna, Alistair, and Zander’s perspectives adds so much depth. You understand each character’s struggles and motivations, and the narrative flow keeps the tension high while allowing for quiet introspection.

[Alex Dornelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m honestly still recovering from this book. The worldbuilding is beyond breathtaking — the landscapes, the magic, the cities. It’s like stepping into a dream, but one that feels so tangible and real, you can almost taste it. Every detail is thought through, every corner of the world is alive with history and mystery.

But it’s the heroine who really steals the show. She’s the kind of character you want to root for, not because she’s perfect, but because she’s so human. Her growth throughout the story is gut-wrenching and beautiful. Watching her fight against her inner demons while still pushing forward was a journey I wasn’t ready for but needed. She doesn’t think she deserves her own strength, but by the end, you see her rise in a way that’s nothing short of triumphant.

This book is a reminder that sometimes the greatest battles we face are the ones within ourselves.

[Bianca Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an emotional rollercoaster that you can’t get off of once you start. The heroine, with all her flaws and self-doubt, becomes someone you feel deeply for. You want her to succeed, not because she’s flawless, but because she’s real. The worldbuilding is absolutely immersive, and the magic is a perfect reflection of the heroine herself — untamed, beautiful, and a little bit broken.

The emotional moments hit harder than I expected. Her journey from self-loathing to self-acceptance was raw, real, and honestly, it hurt. But that’s why it’s so powerful. If you like your fantasy with a side of emotional depth, this one’s for you.

[Karlting · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story doesn’t sugarcoat reality. You get moments of pure joy with family and friends, like Kenna feeding her sisters, and then moments of despair, like dealing with Peter’s abuse or the struggle for basic necessities. The emotional range is extraordinary.

[Emilija Pavlovikj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t prepared for how deeply this book would hit me. The worldbuilding is absolutely incredible — it’s one of those settings that feels real as if you could visit it in your dreams. But it’s the heroine who shines the brightest. She’s a warrior, a leader, but her biggest enemy is always herself. Watching her work through her insecurities, her doubts, and her struggles was both painful and cathartic.

If you love complex, flawed characters who feel like real people, this book will hit you right in the heart. The emotional depth is unmatched in fantasy.

[Selina Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get over how Zander breaks the moment he sees Kenna fall apart. The line where he whispers, “I’m not a good friend,” tore me up. He’s so desperately trying to be strong for her, but he’s hurting too. That vulnerability makes him feel real — not some cliché perfect protector, but a boy who’s scared of losing the person he cares about most.

[Shmuel Yaccoby · Rating 5 out of 5]

He isn’t flashy, but he’s grounded, caring, and loyal. His struggles, limitations, and empathy make him one of the most human characters I’ve read in a long time.

[Louis Scarantino · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is rich with potential. Each chapter ends with just enough suspense or insight to leave me desperate for more. I want to follow these characters for years.

[Ambrose Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story switches between action, emotional moments, and world-building without losing momentum. You never feel bored, but you also get space to understand the characters

[Chrys Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter’s abuse, the hunger, the societal neglect in Madyor—it’s uncomfortable but necessary. It makes the victories sweeter and the character growth more meaningful.

[Hussain AlMeraj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inez saying Kenna has a “death wish” made me laugh and ache at the same time. It’s exactly how siblings talk when they’re scared for each other but too proud to admit it. Their relationship feels messy and real — not sugar-coated. It shows that humor can exist even in trauma, and that the sisters survive because they have each other.

[Christian Dennison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soleil is the sister everyone deserves. The way she rushes to check on Kenna and immediately switches into caretaker mode after Peter storms out… she feels like the glue holding the family together. It’s emotional without being melodramatic. She doesn’t say much, but her presence is loud.

[Dr. Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katleya asking for new shoes is probably one of the most heartbreaking lines in the whole story. It shows how children in abusive homes learn to ask quietly, carefully, as if they’re apologizing for needing anything at all. Her innocence makes the violence feel even sharper. She’s the emotional anchor of the family.

[Christopher Armitage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether it’s gambling, manipulating objects, or navigating dangerous situations, she’s smart, strategic, and proactive. I love a protagonist who fights with brains and heart, not just magic.

[Elodie Nastas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite abuse, hunger, and neglect, Kenna continues to fight for herself and her family. Her cleverness, her ability to manipulate magic discreetly, and her emotional intelligence make her a protagonist I genuinely admire. 👍

[Noel Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between gambling tricks, hidden Conjurer abilities, and unexpected encounters, I never knew what was coming next. I was constantly turning pages, eager to see how everything would unfold.

[William Dankovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world so harsh, Zander’s presence is a reminder that kindness exists. The way he helps Kenna with food and support feels deeply human and necessary. His quiet heroism is just as compelling as any magical or physical prowess.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

At its heart❤️, this story is about family—biological, adoptive, and chosen. Kenna’s devotion to her sisters, Zander’s loyalty, and even Alistair’s ambitions tie into larger themes of duty, care, and what it means to truly look out for someone.

[ZQ Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The descriptions of Madyor’s alleys, the Koltuskus, Ainoa’s streets, and the magical displays are so visual. I could close my eyes and picture the entire world

[Tramayne Monaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can admire his drive but also see the cost. He’s privileged yet disciplined, powerful yet vulnerable. His journey complements Kenna’s beautifully.

[Zing Ho · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is often heartbreaking, especially in Madyor, but there are glimmers of hope, like Kenna winning her first gambling round, caring for her sisters, and the moments of connection with Zander and Alistair. It balances despair and optimism beautifully.

[Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poverty vs. wealth, oppression vs. empowerment, desperation vs. control—the contrasts are stark but meaningful. It makes the world feel lived-in and adds weight to every decision the characters make.

[David Towner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute treasure. The worldbuilding is rich and vivid — it feels like each kingdom, each person, each moment was carefully constructed to pull you deeper into the story. But it’s the heroine who’s at the heart of it all. Her internal struggle is beautifully rendered. She doesn’t feel like a superhero or a perfect person. She’s someone who’s been broken, who doubts herself constantly, but still keeps fighting. There’s so much strength in her vulnerability, and by the end, you’re cheering for her like she’s your own best friend.

I can’t recommend this enough for fans of fantasy that’s as emotionally gripping as it is beautifully written.

[Y. PAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love epic fantasy that’s more than just action and magic, this is the book for you. The world is stunning — I honestly kept pausing just to absorb the beauty of the descriptions. But it’s the heroine’s emotional arc that will wreck you. She’s brilliant, yet constantly second-guessing herself. The way her doubts fuel her actions and decisions makes every victory feel earned, and every failure more painful.

It’s the kind of book that makes you reflect on your own life, your own doubts, and reminds you that strength isn’t always about being invincible. It’s about persevering even when you feel like you’re not enough.

[Sonali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that the magic isn’t overpowered. Kenna’s abilities feel earned and limited, which makes her victories satisfying. Alistair’s Conjurer skills and Protego training show a layered system of abilities that enhances the story without overshadowing the human drama.

[Barry King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenna’s survival, Zander’s compassion, Alistair’s rise, and the sisters’ innocence all blend together. Each subplot reinforces the themes of family, resilience, and power.