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Powers

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I let him take my hand. The cold blue flame in his eyes held me, seared me. "Do you feel it?" he asked. "It's a warm tingle, isn't it? In your hands, moving up your arms, like a current."
"No." My hands tingled with warmth. It moved up my arms like a current.

When Gwen and Adrian meet, they unlock each other's latent psychic powers. It's too bad they can't stand each other, don't trust each other, and do everything they can to manipulate each other. Will they use their power to save lives? Or will it destroy them both? Written in alternating voices, this is a compelling, suspenseful novel about power in all its forms-psychic, physical, sexual, romantic.

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2006

3 people are currently reading
160 people want to read

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Deborah Lynn Jacobs

3 books11 followers

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5 stars
70 (24%)
4 stars
77 (27%)
3 stars
92 (32%)
2 stars
35 (12%)
1 star
9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Lindaisa.
545 reviews61 followers
March 31, 2014
Rating: 2.5 stars

So...I came into this book with low expectations. I don't even know what compelled me to buy it? I'm thinking maybe I was entranced by the cover and the fact that it was so cheap. That's bookoutlet for you huh?

You want to know whats worse than having low expectations and having those low expectations validated? Having low expectations...thinking that maybe you were wrong, and having hope that maybe this will be a good experience after all...just to have your hopes shattered about 45 pages in.

"Powers" started out so good! I was reading, turning the pages thinking, "omg this is actually going to be good!" We had Gwen who seemed like a great female character, headstrong, a bit low on the self esteem but she was aware of it, and she didn't let it define her. Then there was Adrian, wannabe asshole forced to move against his will once again, perpetrating the typical bad boy persona, but really just trying to make it through being 'the new guy.'

The set up was awesome...And then Deborah had to go and screw it up. Now I knew there was going to be some supernatural type elements in the story because the synopsis spoke of prophetic dreams and mind reading...but the execution BOMBED! -- Not just on the supernatural elements but all the other elements thrown in as well...It was like Deborah was writing one story, got confused or bored with where it was going and instead of just starting over with a new plot line or something, she just shoved everything into this little bitty 183 page book!

There were just too many elements in "Powers" and not enough pages for the development of them. I'm still not sure what the point of it all was...Was it a sci fi fantasy novel? What with all the energy balls and glowing auras. Or was it a book about destiny and not being able to change your fate? - This regarding the final destination-esque fates some of their 'rescuees' had. -- MAYBE it was just a regular high school love/hate story about a girl who changes herself for a boy she claims to hate, and said boy bringing her flowers everyday and buying her lunch....WHAT THE HELL!

Favorite part(s) of Powers: nada...absolutely nada. -- You know what, let me not be an ass...The writing was decent. While the character and plot development was lacking (183 pages remember) at least the book was well written with no grammatical errors and things and such. Although...I was quite annoyed that the story was written in first person past tense. Ugh,I got used to that after a while though.

Least favorite part(s) of Powers: Everything? Don't get me started. How about the fact that Gwen exploited peoples tragic accidents just so she could have a story for the newspaper she worked for, where she so desperately wanted to get an internship. Or that fact that Adrian got mad at anyone who showed an interest in any of the girls he set his sights on...even though he had no claim on ANYONE! -- Oh, let me not forget the authors annoying need to make her characters say "eh." I mean...I understand this takes place in Canada...but come on...Do Canadians even really say that? gosh!

Final verdict? This book was a waste of my time....What is going on? I've been having such bad luck with books lately. I'm not in a reading slump persee (I read fanfiction to stay out of those...you should try it, it works,) but I am in a kind of reading funk...where I seem to be gravitating towards sucky books...HELP ME!
Profile Image for Emma.
56 reviews
December 9, 2008
Absolutely amazing. That's all there is to say.

I read this book in, literally, hours. It was a great fast read, though the ending kind of left you hanging... I wish there was a second one, but I don't think it's going to happen... I would highly reccommend this book!!
Profile Image for Centauri.
Author 1 book4 followers
September 2, 2019
SPOILERS (maybe)
I like the revelation of how similar the 2 teens are; they are both very much into getting what they want, and sometimes what someone wants changes.
It was also very interesting that their abilities were compared to drugs and addiction - I liked that angle. Why do superpowered people do what they do? They're addicted to the rush of energy and power. Good stuff.
Profile Image for Judy.
23 reviews
January 5, 2024
I remember reading this book in middle school and loved it. Some stuff is corny and cringey but love it nonetheless. Very nostalgic for me.
Profile Image for Karin.
Author 15 books260 followers
January 7, 2008
Gwen, a self-conscious 11th grader, has been having a reoccurring dream; one of a handsome and mysterious stranger walking down the hallway of her school. He stands in the doorway of her English class wearing a long, leather, duster and sunglasses. She can't believe it when the dream comes true and Adrian walks into her life. Immediately she sees through his act.



Adrian acts like a tough guy; full of confidence and charm, but inside he is full of doubt. He has been moved around by his parents so many times that he has never had an opportunity to form friendships and reintroducing himself to new student populations is getting old. Once he meets Gwen, his life changes in unimaginable ways.



When Gwen and Adrian begin to come into contact with each other more often, by eating at the same lunch table – against Gwen's will – and sharing classes, Gwen's occasional prophetic dreams turn into daytime visions. These visions show her impending disasters. Adrian also benefits from contact with Gwen. Gwen unlocks the ability, hidden within Adrian's mind, to read people's thoughts. As long as they are around each other, they are mentally linked. Once they realize what is going on, they begin to use these powers to their advantage. Manipulating each other for their own benefit causes a lot of tension and mistrust between the two.



POWERS is told in the alternating points of view of Adrian and Gwen. The small chunks make it possible to read this book in short sittings. The story begins with Gwen, the unpopular, chunky, underdog, looking like the more likeable character, and Adrian playing the unfeeling user. However, for me, Adrian was the better character. He really comes through in the end and puts everything together so he and Gwen can be together.

Profile Image for Jennifer Wardrip.
Author 5 books517 followers
November 13, 2012
Reviewed by Karin Perry for TeensReadToo.com

Gwen, a self-conscious 11th-grader, has been having a recurring dream; one of a handsome and mysterious stranger walking down the hallway of her school. He stands in the doorway of her English class wearing a long leather duster and sunglasses. She can't believe it when the dream comes true and Adrian walks into her life. Immediately she sees through his act.

Adrian acts like a tough guy; full of confidence and charm, but inside he is full of doubt. He has been moved around by his parents so many times that he has never had an opportunity to form friendships--and reintroducing himself to new student populations is getting old. Once he meets Gwen, his life changes in unimaginable ways.

When Gwen and Adrian begin to come in contact with each other more often, by eating at the same lunch table "against Gwen's will" and sharing classes, Gwen's occasional prophetic dreams turn into daytime visions. These visions show her impending disasters. Adrian also benefits from contact with Gwen. Gwen unlocks the ability, hidden within Adrian's mind, to read other people's thoughts. As long as they are around each other, they are mentally linked. Once they realize what is going on, they begin to use these powers to their advantage. Manipulating each other for their own benefit causes a lot of tension and mistrust between the two.

POWERS is told from the alternating points of view of Adrian and Gwen. The small chapters make it possible to read this book in short sittings. The story begins with Gwen, the unpopular, chunky underdog, looking like the more likeable character, and Adrian playing the unfeeling user. However, for me, Adrian was the better character. He really comes through in the end and puts everything together so he and Gwen can be together.
Profile Image for Arielle.
25 reviews11 followers
October 9, 2009
Gwen is what every girl doesn’t want to be in high school, invisible. Except she loves being invisible, she is a Watcher. She observes everyone else and enjoys being in the background. She writes for her town newspaper, and is pretty good at what she does for her young age. She is in high school and her best friend is her cousin, Joanna. Lately she has been having this same reoccurring dream with this boy that she doesn’t even know… until now. When her dreams come true and she meets the boy, her world is suddenly filled with psychic dreams and powers she never thought she had.

Adrian is the new kid. His father decided to move them because he thought it was best for Adrian. Adrian thought otherwise, Rocky Waters, Ontario, Canada was just too cold for him, and the town was something else. His first day at his new high school he sees Gwen, but he doesn’t know that he is the one she has been seeing in her dreams. Adrian is automatically attracted to Joanna and Gwen doesn’t want anything to do with him. As Gwen and Adrian spend more time together, they both realize they cant live without each other, unless they want to be unhappy.

Gwen’s dreams become reality, burning houses, drowning people, children left behind. But Adrian has a power too, and with his help, she can save these people, or so she thinks. They try to outdo fate, but that’s not possible, everything happens for a reason. They battle life, love. and The Power.

This book is definitely an interesting read and I never knew what would happen next. But it got a B minus because it could have been better. I wish it went into a little bit more detail and that it was a longer book. But all in all, it was good. Adrian is exactly the kind of guy Gwen would never think about, except she starts to constantly, that is when this book gets good. Give it a try. You might just like it.

-Arielle.
Profile Image for Dallin Squire.
4 reviews
July 10, 2014
The Super Reviewer says:

Powers by Deborah Lynn Jacobs

Opinion:

Honestly, it was the best book in the world! Ok maybe not THE best but pretty darn close! I thought it was a suspenseful love story. ‘Nuff Said! I like that it was about two people who were attracted to each other but not because of looks. They were attracted to the power. A power that was strong and thrilling, one that unleashed both of their gifts to unimaginable heights! Dreams foreseeing the future, mind reading, super energy balls (and not just Adrian’s hormones!!), manipulating voice, dangerous games, and a link that neither can deny make up this tale of Gwen and Adrian.

Gwen hates Adrian from the first time she sees him. She knows he is arrogant, manipulative, and controlling but she is attracted like a moth to light. She thinks: “He won’t notice me. I’m wallpaper. I’m safe. But my dreams suggested otherwise.” (Back cover)

Adrian couldn’t care for her, except she has the power and the power is what he wants. He will do anything to get it. “I don’t like her. But I need her. I want her. And I always get what I want.” (Back cover)

Rating:
5/5
Profile Image for Luisa.
23 reviews18 followers
October 31, 2015
i thought that the concept and plot idea of this book had such great potential but was a great waste of an idea.
It could've easily been one of my top favourite books if the author had just added a lot more structure and detail to the characters and plot scenes it could've gotten a much better review from not only me, but everybody else who read it.
i felt that the emotions running between Gwen and Adrian were very unexplained and sudden.
i understand that maybe the author was trying to show that love can be sudden and unexplained because it is an unexpected, and passionate emotion, but in a book i feel that it has to be kind of explained in the characters thoughts for the reader to be able to distinguish whether the character loves or hates, or only somewhat likes the other character.
I also thought that, the characters powers weren't explained enough and that Adrians past was very empty, and unexplained. I wish the author had elaborated more on his background and both of their powers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ellen Sara.
237 reviews
September 28, 2009
The book was fast paced, had a great plot and was tightly written. I was interested right away. My real problem with the book was the two main characters they were both incredibly selfish. Adrian at least at the end tried to save peoples lives. I'm not really surprised a teenage boy used his power to cheat at school and try to get girls. I can understand why Gwen was angry with him, he did use her in a horribly selfish way. Then there is Gwen who wants to use her visions of people getting hurt to capture the perfect picture to further her journalistic career. She was willing to let a truck get hit by a bus, a car sink in the ice and a home burn to further her career. She even altered her visions to manipulate Adrian. I just had real issues with the fact that she never thought about trying to help people. I really think if they hadn't been so selfish I would have liked the book a lot more. I also wish it had been longer.

Profile Image for lafon حمزة نوفل.
142 reviews46 followers
June 10, 2012
Certainly this was a fast read, as I finished this in just under half an hour. It wasn't too bad, and the writing was believable. I figured that as I am similar to not just one, but both characters I would enjoy it more than I did. Gwen is a "Watcher" (You know seeing as "Watcher" was capitalized I was hoping for something a little better than what she turned out to be.), which means she watches people, figures out their traits and body language etc. etc. This is exactly what I do. Adrian is the one who goes out and pretends to the whole world changing his "face" from time to time (not his literal face, it's more like his way of being and the way he carries himself), and I do this too, only I'm not a player. All in all this book was simply OK, so I'm giving it 2 stars on the goodreads scale where 2 stars equals OK.
Profile Image for Edgar.
3 reviews
February 1, 2012
Powers is a science fiction love story about two teens that have interesting abilities. Kathleen is sad and feels guilty over her brother’s death, so she is always trying to find his brother in alternate universes. But every choice she makes it turns into multiple universes. Soon, she is no longer certain what world she is in, or whose life she is living.The only stability is Luke. But Luke is a stranger that seems to have secrets. she is'nt sure whether she can trust him or if hes a predator, or her soul mate as her best friend Jen claims. Over all this was a good book and I liked it because it tells the story from both of the peoples angles and you can slowly feel both the characters growing and on each other it's a perfect combination of science and romance.
Profile Image for Natalie.
237 reviews
September 7, 2013
Powers is a book that is told in the voices of Gwen and Adrian. Gwen is a quiet girl who works a part time job as a reporter for the local newspaper. Adrian is the new kid at Gwen's school and seems to keep running into her. When the two of them feel drawn together by the powers that they share they try to stay away from one another as much as possible. However, as things happen they find each other drawn together.

My favorite character is probably Gwen. She lives in a small town and doesn't have many friends. But when Adrian moves into town she notices something strange going on with everything around her. When she realizes that Adrian is just like her, she tries to stay away from him as much as possible. I hope you like the book as much as I do.
Profile Image for Karen.
515 reviews21 followers
July 18, 2015
2.5 Stars

A fast paced fun read that feels more like the introduction to a story/series than a stand alone book.

This book had tons of character building and tension between the two main characters that creates fantastic story build up that doesn't really seem to go anywhere.

Loved the concept behind the book, but I just wanted more from the book than what I got.
Profile Image for Kelley Lynn.
Author 11 books188 followers
July 8, 2013
Ms. Jacobs does a fantastic job of making me want to keep reading about two characters that really have a lot of growing up to do. They definitely aren't 'likeable', and at times I wanted to hit them upside the head. They have super powers, but aren't super people, and that is something that isn't explored very often in literature. Sure, we have the 'bad guys' and the 'good guys'. But we rarely see the 'selfish guys'. Not necessarily bad, but why shouldn't they want to use their powers for themselves? Ms. Jacobs explores this dynamic brilliantly. I will definitely be reading more of her work.
12 reviews
February 13, 2009
this book is awesome the main characters have so many problems with their lives and eachother.they learn that the addiction inside can make them blind to what they want.One of the main ideas of the book is manipulating because it seems everyone has an effect on someone else noone is independant. I learn from the book that humans can only handle so much power. And when that power is not put in check we sometimes think the world revolves around us. As i said before this book is great.
Profile Image for Annabelle.
251 reviews10 followers
September 21, 2015
I don't know what it was about this short little novel, but it captivated me. The love/hate relationship between Gwen and Adrian was perfectly written, with tension so strong it practically sizzled off the page. The lack of an intricate plot didn't even bother me, because the obvious focus of the story was simply two people and the power between them. I only wish the book was longer; I could have read about these characters forever.
Profile Image for Dennis Sharpe.
Author 23 books149 followers
November 3, 2013
I read this one fast. It was good... not great... but a solid read. It made me think a lot of certain Canadian friends of mine.

I think I'm going to pass this on to a younger reader in my family. I believe they might enjoy it more than me. Perhaps I am not the target age range (or gender) for this title.
1 review
December 27, 2014
I wasn't expecting much from this story, it was a quick read. I personally enjoyed the whole powers and bickering between the two main characters, but the "side-missions" and the revelation about what their powers can do to people was not needed at all. As an individual YA novel it's nice, the writing style is a little immature.
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,268 reviews71 followers
January 24, 2016
This book is a fast read that might appeal to reluctant readers, except for that it makes no sense whatsoever. Is Adrian a bad guy or a good guy? Do people die when they're supposed to or not? What's their connenction. All surface, no depth or continuity.
Profile Image for Morgan Sibbett.
267 reviews3 followers
July 17, 2008
omg i loved this book i wish there was a second one to this i mean the betrayal and all the power and love and deception
Profile Image for Chelsie.
19 reviews
August 31, 2011
I love the connection between Gwen & Adrian.
And i loved how it would switch back and forth to there point of views.
This book was really good.
I definitely recommend this book:)
Profile Image for Izzy.
265 reviews9 followers
July 20, 2016
I actually enjoyed this book more than I thought I would...amazing concept and executed quite well in my opinion I adored Gwen <3
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