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Powers #1
Ordinary
Description: Having a superpower is ordinary. Your Power determines your entire life. But 17-year-old Ugene is Powerless. He can’t read minds or enhance his strength. He can’t manipulate natural matter or heal injuries.
Determined to find out why he is different, Ugene submits himself as a test subject at Paragon. But nothing is as it seems. All exits from the testing floor are sealed. Subjects endure brutal and sometimes deadly injuries. No amount of power can save them.
When his new friend Jade disappears, Ugene is shocked to discover why so many test subjects vanish without a trace.
Now, Ugene must choose between his own preservation . . . or the lives of countless other test subjects.
Determined to find out why he is different, Ugene submits himself as a test subject at Paragon. But nothing is as it seems. All exits from the testing floor are sealed. Subjects endure brutal and sometimes deadly injuries. No amount of power can save them.
When his new friend Jade disappears, Ugene is shocked to discover why so many test subjects vanish without a trace.
Now, Ugene must choose between his own preservation . . . or the lives of countless other test subjects.
328 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2020
47 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Starr Z. Davies
24 books221 followersStarr Z. Davies is a bestselling author and winner of numerous book awards.
She writes by the lake, dreaming up new ways to torture her characters. She's best known for her soul-crushing historical fantasy and genre-blending dystopian worlds of futuristic cities and fantasy realms. She has recently shifted into the realm of epic fantasy novels, where she expects to settle for a long time to come.
Starr's an avid reader with a Bachelor's in writing and publishing. During undergrad, she gained a reputation as the Character Assassin, because she knew how to destroy (and often kill) her characters with impunity.
She's proficient at producing action-packed, character-rich stories that her readers love.
She writes by the lake, dreaming up new ways to torture her characters. She's best known for her soul-crushing historical fantasy and genre-blending dystopian worlds of futuristic cities and fantasy realms. She has recently shifted into the realm of epic fantasy novels, where she expects to settle for a long time to come.
Starr's an avid reader with a Bachelor's in writing and publishing. During undergrad, she gained a reputation as the Character Assassin, because she knew how to destroy (and often kill) her characters with impunity.
She's proficient at producing action-packed, character-rich stories that her readers love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 21, 2021
This book was very enjoyable and well crafted. The main character, Ugene, is an outcast. His journey leads us into a world where people with abilities are common and those without are not. Through Ugene we see how even in a world where powers are a part of society there is still bias, fear and discrimination against those who are different.
The world building is done well and the mysteries Ugene uncovers draw us in with each chapter. As alliances form and enemies are revealed, we learn how perception can be a lie and even people with powers are not what they seem. From the beginning our hero is struggling to find his place in the world. And with each new trial, Ugene learns more about himself the others being tested and those in charge.
Each new discovery carries us further into the dangers that continue building momentum until the last page. Ordinary is book one in the series, and anyone who enjoys dystopian novels will enjoy this book. From the interesting characters we meet to the incredible abilities of both friends and enemies alike. The story takes us to a world on the brink, where hard choices are made and survival is not certain.
The world building is done well and the mysteries Ugene uncovers draw us in with each chapter. As alliances form and enemies are revealed, we learn how perception can be a lie and even people with powers are not what they seem. From the beginning our hero is struggling to find his place in the world. And with each new trial, Ugene learns more about himself the others being tested and those in charge.
Each new discovery carries us further into the dangers that continue building momentum until the last page. Ordinary is book one in the series, and anyone who enjoys dystopian novels will enjoy this book. From the interesting characters we meet to the incredible abilities of both friends and enemies alike. The story takes us to a world on the brink, where hard choices are made and survival is not certain.
February 13, 2021
This book was nothing I expected it to be honestly and it blew my mind how great it was. In the book we meet ugine. A no powered boy who is surrounded by people who do have powers. We need him right before graduation and career day and hes scared. How is he going to find a job with no power in a world where everyone has a power? At career day he's turned away and laughed out of two of the jobs he could possibly do and at the third he thinks his dreams are coming true. He wants nothing more then to become a scientist and fix himself and others with no or little powers and that's what he thinks the third job is offering until his favorite teacher pulls him away and tells him to go home. At home is family tells him not to trust the major corporation he so desperately wants to join. Even after the head hancho visits offering a deal he can't seem to pass up. He runs away to them and finds out he's to be a test subject, but how can he refuse when they are offering him so much in return?
(I received a copy of this book for an honest review)
(I received a copy of this book for an honest review)
February 2, 2021
Is Ugene a superhero without a super power, has he not discovered his power yet, or does something else make him a superhero? That’s what Paragon wants to know, so Ugene is admitted for testing, because in Elpis being powerless gets you harassed, bullied, and labeled as an outcast.
Ordinary by Starr Z. Davies is a combination fantasy, sci-fi, mystery story. Ordinary arrested my attention from the very beginning and held my attention in an unrelenting grip until the very end. Starr Davies’s characters are well-developed and Ugene is easy to relate to. Ms. Davies’s characters have an interesting array of powers.
As tensions build, questions unfold: who can Ugene trust? Who is telling the truth and who is lying? What is real and what is simulation?
The story was a fast-paced, mysterious, ride with plenty of action. I couldn’t put this book down, and when I had to, I couldn’t wait to pick it up again. At the end, I wasn’t disappointed nor left hanging, but I definitely can’t wait to dig into the next book in the “Powers” trilogy.
If this is what Starr Z. Davies has to offer her readers in her debut novel, I believe we can expect great things from her in future novels. I now count myself a fan of Starr Z. Davies and look forward, not only to finishing the reading of the “Powers” trilogy, but in reading whatever follows.
I highly recommend Ordinary to fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery readers from 5th grade through adult.
As a Book Reviewer, I was given an ebook copy of Ordinary for my honest review, and I give Ordinary by Starr Z. Davies 5 stars.
Ordinary by Starr Z. Davies is a combination fantasy, sci-fi, mystery story. Ordinary arrested my attention from the very beginning and held my attention in an unrelenting grip until the very end. Starr Davies’s characters are well-developed and Ugene is easy to relate to. Ms. Davies’s characters have an interesting array of powers.
As tensions build, questions unfold: who can Ugene trust? Who is telling the truth and who is lying? What is real and what is simulation?
The story was a fast-paced, mysterious, ride with plenty of action. I couldn’t put this book down, and when I had to, I couldn’t wait to pick it up again. At the end, I wasn’t disappointed nor left hanging, but I definitely can’t wait to dig into the next book in the “Powers” trilogy.
If this is what Starr Z. Davies has to offer her readers in her debut novel, I believe we can expect great things from her in future novels. I now count myself a fan of Starr Z. Davies and look forward, not only to finishing the reading of the “Powers” trilogy, but in reading whatever follows.
I highly recommend Ordinary to fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery readers from 5th grade through adult.
As a Book Reviewer, I was given an ebook copy of Ordinary for my honest review, and I give Ordinary by Starr Z. Davies 5 stars.
February 18, 2022
Fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent will definitely want to pick up the first book of the Powers YA series by author Starr Z. Davies. Not only does it set the tone for what society could look like in the future when most people have superpowers, it also creates one of the most likeable characters I have met in a long time. Ugene not only submits himself to be used as a test subject at Paragon to help his fellow citizens and friends but also starts to unravel what is really going on within the fortress where test subjects seem to disappear without a trace. What is so unique and endearing about Ugene is he has no superpowers. He is an ordinary 17-year-old who makes extraordinary things happen! I'll definitely read more to find out what happens to Ugene and the other characters in the Powers series.
October 29, 2021
Ordinary: is A Young Adult Sci-Fi Dystopian Novel (The Powers Series Book 1). This is the first novel This is my first read by Starr Davies and I am very impressed. Reading her novel is as if you are watching a an artist creating a sculpture. As she carves the story she draws in the reader and you become part of the sculpture. This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the novel
April 9, 2020
This is one of those books that I genuinely struggled to put down and couldn't stop thinking about when I wasn't reading it. The world in Ordinary has been cleverly woven with a diverse and intriguing cast of characters - including my favourite trope of the morally grey woman in power. The tension within Ugene's story was palpable and it frequently felt like I was right there with him.
An absolutely fantastic read, especially for lovers of dystopias.
An absolutely fantastic read, especially for lovers of dystopias.
April 14, 2020
Imagine living in a world where having a superpower makes you ordinary. Having a superpower determines your status in the world and it would also determine what sort of job you would have. I guess the more powerful your power the better job you would have and a better house ECT….
But then imagine living in this world with no power. Yeah that would be kind of bad with no one wanting to be friends with someone like you. No skills for a job and if there was a job that you could do no one would want you to work for them as you are different.
Well Ugene Powers lives in this world and without any powers. Ugene has a lab at his home where he has been working for a long time trying to figure out why he has no powers. All Ugene wants is to be like everyone else and to be accepted.
Ugene doesn’t believe that he will ever be able to get a job but he is surprised on job day at his school when he is offered a job at a research center. They want to use him to experiment on and hopefully one day with their research he can have powers of his own and may be save others at the same time.
After arriving at the research center Ugene meets other people who have agreed to the experiments. Things at the research center don’t seem to be on the up an up. Something is going on and Ugene is determined to find out what and hopefully find a way to escape before to many lives are lost or put in danger. Ugene has no idea who he can trust or not. Is he the only one that sees something is amiss with the experiments and the research company? What is there true agenda?
When I read the summary for Ordinary I had to read it. Ordinary is a very thrilling and exciting read. It is so very intriguing and filled with mystery from beginning to end. It will keep you hooked on the edge of your seat rooting for Ugene the whole way. I can’t wait to read more about Ugene and others in this extraordinary world of Ordinary. I honestly loved the world that was created for Ordinary. I could just see it all playing out in my head like a movie.
I would like to recommend Ordinary to all fans of dystopian or apocalyptic worlds.
But then imagine living in this world with no power. Yeah that would be kind of bad with no one wanting to be friends with someone like you. No skills for a job and if there was a job that you could do no one would want you to work for them as you are different.
Well Ugene Powers lives in this world and without any powers. Ugene has a lab at his home where he has been working for a long time trying to figure out why he has no powers. All Ugene wants is to be like everyone else and to be accepted.
Ugene doesn’t believe that he will ever be able to get a job but he is surprised on job day at his school when he is offered a job at a research center. They want to use him to experiment on and hopefully one day with their research he can have powers of his own and may be save others at the same time.
After arriving at the research center Ugene meets other people who have agreed to the experiments. Things at the research center don’t seem to be on the up an up. Something is going on and Ugene is determined to find out what and hopefully find a way to escape before to many lives are lost or put in danger. Ugene has no idea who he can trust or not. Is he the only one that sees something is amiss with the experiments and the research company? What is there true agenda?
When I read the summary for Ordinary I had to read it. Ordinary is a very thrilling and exciting read. It is so very intriguing and filled with mystery from beginning to end. It will keep you hooked on the edge of your seat rooting for Ugene the whole way. I can’t wait to read more about Ugene and others in this extraordinary world of Ordinary. I honestly loved the world that was created for Ordinary. I could just see it all playing out in my head like a movie.
I would like to recommend Ordinary to all fans of dystopian or apocalyptic worlds.
January 13, 2020
What Made Me Read It I was sent a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The author described it as a young adult sci-fi dystopian novel, inspired by her love for superheroes like Batman and Spiderman; Starr Davies also mentioned she gained a reputation as the "Character Assassin", while pursuing a degree in creative writing, for her "habit of utterly destroying her characters emotionally and physically". This hinted at good potential for character growth and a novel I might enjoy reading so I decided to give it a go.
The Plot A devastating civil war between humans with enhanced abilities and those without left the planet a barren place incapable of sustaining life. The few survivors banded together to build Elpis, a sanctuary among the destruction where powered people worked together to heal the ruined soil and save humanity. Now Elpis is facing a new threat, as more people are being born with weaker powers or succumbing to degenerative diseases, taking them one step closer to extinction again.
In a world where the strength of one's power determines social status and wealth, Ugene Powers is at a serious disadvantage. Born without enhanced abilities, Ugene doesn't qualify for any of the Four Branches of Power that define their society, and in his last year of high school Ugene has no future prospects. When his own father shows signs of suffering from Muscular Degeneration, Ugene sees only one way out - to volunteer as a test subject in Dr. Cass' research to stop Regression.
But there's more to Paragon Diagnostics than meets the eye and soon Ugene is faced with a hard choice - remain at the testing facility for a chance to gain normal powers and save his father from a fatal disease, or help his fellow test subjects escape a gruesome existence and Proposition 8.5.
The Good "Ordinary" is the first book in the 'Ordinary' series, a young adult sci-fi novel set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic world, told in the first person through the eyes of the main character, a powerless teenage boy in his last year of high school struggling to find his place in a society of powered people. The story is divided in 3 parts: part 1 introduces both the world - the sanctuary city of Elpis, and the main character - Ugene Powers; part 2 follows Dr. Cass' research on Regression and its impact on each of the test subjects, as Ugene adapts to life at Paragon Tower; part 3 explores Ugene's personal struggles as he is forced to take on a role he's unprepared for, with dire consequences on a personal level and society as a whole.
The plot is fast-paced, with thrilling action sequences where the test subjects use their powers to survive the trials, and plenty of suspense with an ongoing mystery, as Ugene tries to piece the puzzle together and discover the true purpose behind Paragon Diagnostics' research. The worldbuilding is complex and imaginative: the Four Branches of Power (somatic - powers that enhance the body, psionic - powers enhanced by the mind, divinic - powers linked to the cosmic universe and naturalist - powers that can manipulate the natural world); Testing Day and Career Day, to determine enhanced abilities and social status; Regression, a fast-spreading degenerative condition; the Consumption Tax and Proposition 8.5, a controversial law that discriminates citizens with weaker powers; futuristic sim tests all too realistic and deadly... all these elements help build the powered society of Elpis and move the plot forward.
The characters are well developed and realistic, with believable motivations and goals, be it survival or pursuit of knowledge and power at any cost. Ugene in particular shows strong emotional growth throughout the story: ostracized and bullied his whole life, he goes from just wanting to be ordinary with common powers like everyone else, to volunteer as a medical research test subject in order to save his father from a fatal disease, to take on an unwanted leadership role when he's forced to make hard decisions that could affect all those around him - from being "that powerless kid" to the "harbinger of hope", Ugene learns that enhanced abilities and powers doesn't equate to true strength.
Read the full review on: https://literaryportals.blogspot.com/...
Final Rating 5 of 5 stars. "Ordinary" is the first book in the 'Ordinary' series, a young adult sci-fi novel set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic world, fast-paced with thrilling action sequences and plenty of suspense with an ongoing mystery. Recommended for those who enjoy science fiction and stories about characters with super powers, personal struggles and moral dilemmas.
The Plot A devastating civil war between humans with enhanced abilities and those without left the planet a barren place incapable of sustaining life. The few survivors banded together to build Elpis, a sanctuary among the destruction where powered people worked together to heal the ruined soil and save humanity. Now Elpis is facing a new threat, as more people are being born with weaker powers or succumbing to degenerative diseases, taking them one step closer to extinction again.
In a world where the strength of one's power determines social status and wealth, Ugene Powers is at a serious disadvantage. Born without enhanced abilities, Ugene doesn't qualify for any of the Four Branches of Power that define their society, and in his last year of high school Ugene has no future prospects. When his own father shows signs of suffering from Muscular Degeneration, Ugene sees only one way out - to volunteer as a test subject in Dr. Cass' research to stop Regression.
But there's more to Paragon Diagnostics than meets the eye and soon Ugene is faced with a hard choice - remain at the testing facility for a chance to gain normal powers and save his father from a fatal disease, or help his fellow test subjects escape a gruesome existence and Proposition 8.5.
The Good "Ordinary" is the first book in the 'Ordinary' series, a young adult sci-fi novel set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic world, told in the first person through the eyes of the main character, a powerless teenage boy in his last year of high school struggling to find his place in a society of powered people. The story is divided in 3 parts: part 1 introduces both the world - the sanctuary city of Elpis, and the main character - Ugene Powers; part 2 follows Dr. Cass' research on Regression and its impact on each of the test subjects, as Ugene adapts to life at Paragon Tower; part 3 explores Ugene's personal struggles as he is forced to take on a role he's unprepared for, with dire consequences on a personal level and society as a whole.
The plot is fast-paced, with thrilling action sequences where the test subjects use their powers to survive the trials, and plenty of suspense with an ongoing mystery, as Ugene tries to piece the puzzle together and discover the true purpose behind Paragon Diagnostics' research. The worldbuilding is complex and imaginative: the Four Branches of Power (somatic - powers that enhance the body, psionic - powers enhanced by the mind, divinic - powers linked to the cosmic universe and naturalist - powers that can manipulate the natural world); Testing Day and Career Day, to determine enhanced abilities and social status; Regression, a fast-spreading degenerative condition; the Consumption Tax and Proposition 8.5, a controversial law that discriminates citizens with weaker powers; futuristic sim tests all too realistic and deadly... all these elements help build the powered society of Elpis and move the plot forward.
The characters are well developed and realistic, with believable motivations and goals, be it survival or pursuit of knowledge and power at any cost. Ugene in particular shows strong emotional growth throughout the story: ostracized and bullied his whole life, he goes from just wanting to be ordinary with common powers like everyone else, to volunteer as a medical research test subject in order to save his father from a fatal disease, to take on an unwanted leadership role when he's forced to make hard decisions that could affect all those around him - from being "that powerless kid" to the "harbinger of hope", Ugene learns that enhanced abilities and powers doesn't equate to true strength.
Read the full review on: https://literaryportals.blogspot.com/...
Final Rating 5 of 5 stars. "Ordinary" is the first book in the 'Ordinary' series, a young adult sci-fi novel set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic world, fast-paced with thrilling action sequences and plenty of suspense with an ongoing mystery. Recommended for those who enjoy science fiction and stories about characters with super powers, personal struggles and moral dilemmas.
March 25, 2020
The world almost ended, the only people left, where those who had powers.
Now the society is somewhat rebuilt. But the new threat comes in a form of power regression. People are getting weaker and weaker. Paragon, a biotech company supposedly is doing research on how to fight it.
And then there is Ugene. He was born with no power. That makes him an oddity, he stands out, has no future, because no one will hire him. Paragon offers him a job, to be their test subject. With the promise of helping his family he agrees.
But waits him there is nothing he signed up for. The building is full of people, some with weaker powers, some with powers too strong, but all living in horrible conditions, closed in, subjected to horrible tests daily, with no chance of escape. Ugene has one secret weapon. His mind. When he realizes just how horrible their life is, he starts to formulate a plan, talk to others, find some answers.
He unknowingly starts a fight.
It’s such an epic story. The storyline is very, very complex. At every turn, there is a new twist waiting. I love the setting, the characters, they just jumped off the pages. It’s been a few weeks since I read it and I can’t get it out of my head. I keep thinking about what will happen next...
received from the Author
October 27, 2021
Ordinary, is anything but ordinary.
I really loved this book. The writing captivated me, and pulled me into the story, in a way that most of the books I have picked up recently haven't been able to do.
Solid writing, a great world that doesn't have so much world building that it slows down the story, but it includes enough that you get a glimpse of the world that leaves you wanting more.
The main reason I give this four stars, rather than five, was that I felt that we're introduced to a large cast nearly midway through the book that I feel we never really get to know. It seemed like the right place and reasons to bring these characters in, I just would have liked a little more depth to them, as I struggled to have any sense of who was who, or feel any connection to them.
Overall, this is a great first book in the series, and I can't wait to read what happens next!
I really loved this book. The writing captivated me, and pulled me into the story, in a way that most of the books I have picked up recently haven't been able to do.
Solid writing, a great world that doesn't have so much world building that it slows down the story, but it includes enough that you get a glimpse of the world that leaves you wanting more.
The main reason I give this four stars, rather than five, was that I felt that we're introduced to a large cast nearly midway through the book that I feel we never really get to know. It seemed like the right place and reasons to bring these characters in, I just would have liked a little more depth to them, as I struggled to have any sense of who was who, or feel any connection to them.
Overall, this is a great first book in the series, and I can't wait to read what happens next!
January 15, 2022
Received as review copy from Story Origin; also received an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review.
Narrated by Nathaniel Ascher, whom brilliantly brings to life the first book of this hauntingly deep, memorable dystopian series.
Eugene is suppose to have a superpower and fit into a world where being unique is everything. Eugene is unique... but by having no special ability, forcing himself to earning a living hoping someone will see he's worth something despite the lack of powers. When a powerful company called Paragon claims they help him understand why Eugene is Powerless, he becomes a test subject to several haunting experiences. Something dark is happening inside Paragon and Eugene may be the key to changing everything. Highly recommended.
Narrated by Nathaniel Ascher, whom brilliantly brings to life the first book of this hauntingly deep, memorable dystopian series.
Eugene is suppose to have a superpower and fit into a world where being unique is everything. Eugene is unique... but by having no special ability, forcing himself to earning a living hoping someone will see he's worth something despite the lack of powers. When a powerful company called Paragon claims they help him understand why Eugene is Powerless, he becomes a test subject to several haunting experiences. Something dark is happening inside Paragon and Eugene may be the key to changing everything. Highly recommended.
March 22, 2021
In a place where everyone is born with some level of superpower, that is what is considered ordinary. But what if you are born without one? Can you still be a contributing member of society? Maybe you can be more than just a contributor, maybe a hero...
This is a fantastic story by Starr Z. Davies to kick off the Powers series. I loved how Ugene was not the typical main character in a superhero story. He was very relatable. I’m excited to see what’s to come in the next book!
I enjoyed Nathaniel Ascher’s narration. His performance was so well done that I actually forgot I was listening to an audiobook.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
This is a fantastic story by Starr Z. Davies to kick off the Powers series. I loved how Ugene was not the typical main character in a superhero story. He was very relatable. I’m excited to see what’s to come in the next book!
I enjoyed Nathaniel Ascher’s narration. His performance was so well done that I actually forgot I was listening to an audiobook.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
November 1, 2024
An ordinary book review of a not so ordinary book (Flowchart style)
By Anonymous reader on October 28, 2024
Format: Paperback
Ordinary Power Series book one of three.
Hello! I am reading this book in a book club group for my English class.
Imagine a fantasy, dystopian world where having power was “the norm” and a person's only way to get around in life. There are four different branches;
Somatics who could crush you in an instant
Naturalists who can manipulate organic matter
Divinics with strange cosmic powers
Psionics with the power to read minds
And then there’s Ugene (weird spelling for the name, I know)…..
Ugene Powers seems like a normal 17 year old boy in our world, but in his world he is anything but Ordinary. Ugene is powerless. He’s waited his whole life for a power that never even existed for him in the first place. And that is what isolates him from the rest of the world. Things get even worse for Ugene on testing day, a day where all high school kids go to get a career that resonates with their power. Ugene, powerless, obviously cannot get a job. Or can he?
An organization and well known scientific corporation named Paragon wants to recruit Ugene specifically because he has no power. They find Ugene to be interesting. Ugene loves science and the work that Paragon does, so of course he wants to agree. But something still seems a little off. Ugene is told not to go to Paragon by his parents as it is “too dangerous”. But it doesn’t take long for Ugene to be persuaded when he finds out his Somatic dad has a muscle condition and might not have much longer left to live. Paragon offers to heal Ugene’s dad in exchange for him. His parents still plead him not to go, but Ugene stupidly ignores them and runs away without them noticing.
At Paragon, Ugene starts to question his choices. Is Ugene the tester or the test subject? After spending a few days in Paragon, Ugene finally understands that Paragon indeed just wants him as a test subject. Ugene is brutally tortured constantly, and everyday is a test for survival. He needs to escape. Making friends along the way, Ugene must work hard to find his way out of the Paragon building, and back home. And many secrets are uncovered along the way. Ugene will find out that everyone is different than what they appear to be, and so much more.
“Because why be Ordinary, when you can be extraordinary?”
Now I know what you all are thinking. “Two stars only. Oh my god why!”
Well I personally did NOT like this book at all for many reasons. On the contrary though, there were a handful of reasons why I did sort of enjoy this book, and why you might be able to do so as well. But explaining all of them would simply just be boring and hard to understand, so I will make a flowchart to help you all decide if reading this book is something that might interest you or not, and THEN explain each point a bit more.
If you do NOT love slow-pace dystopian/fantasy//futuristic fiction stories, then please STOP right here. This is not the book for you. But if you do love slow-pace dystopian & fantasy fiction stories, then this is the book for you, and you can go on to the next bullet point.
Explanation: I personally am not into dystopian fiction stories, or most anyway, and I totally do not like stories that are futuristic. I also find slow-pace books boring and easy to get too lost with what is going on.
If you strongly HATE typos in books, and are very very picky about articles having correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc, then STOP right here. This is not the book for you. But if you don’t mind reading books with typos and spelling errors, and only care about reading and enjoying the book, then this book might be for you, you may go on to the next bullet.
Explanation: A BIG issue I had with this book is that I found many spelling, grammar, punctuation mistakes, and typos in the book. And while I don’t exactly have the best grammar either, reading a book where these mistakes are present, just takes away the whole book reading experience for me. The book was most likely not checked over enough, or poorly edited.
If you are 13 years old or younger I do NOT recommend reading this book as there are lots of violent moments including fights, descriptive injury moments, moments where characters are brutally tortured, and even death. I also do not recommend this book even if you are over 13 years old, but you hate gore, blood, death, and etc talked about in books. But if you really don’t mind reading that sort of stuff, or enjoy reading that sort of stuff, then this is the book for you. Please go on to the next bullet point.
Explanation: Things in movies or books like gore, death, and blood really disgust me and I find it hard to watch or read. There is something about reading about violence that disgusts me or makes me uncomfortable. I guess it’s just the way that it is described so descriptively in the book. So if you feel the same way, and hate reading about or watching violence, then you might not like this book.
But at the end of the day, every person is different. We all have our preferences and interests that stand out and are unique. So some people might enjoy this book, while others may not. Still though, I had to give this book a 2 star rating because I did not enjoy it and thought it was poorly written. So overall, I would not recommend this book.
By Anonymous reader on October 28, 2024
Format: Paperback
Ordinary Power Series book one of three.
Hello! I am reading this book in a book club group for my English class.
Imagine a fantasy, dystopian world where having power was “the norm” and a person's only way to get around in life. There are four different branches;
Somatics who could crush you in an instant
Naturalists who can manipulate organic matter
Divinics with strange cosmic powers
Psionics with the power to read minds
And then there’s Ugene (weird spelling for the name, I know)…..
Ugene Powers seems like a normal 17 year old boy in our world, but in his world he is anything but Ordinary. Ugene is powerless. He’s waited his whole life for a power that never even existed for him in the first place. And that is what isolates him from the rest of the world. Things get even worse for Ugene on testing day, a day where all high school kids go to get a career that resonates with their power. Ugene, powerless, obviously cannot get a job. Or can he?
An organization and well known scientific corporation named Paragon wants to recruit Ugene specifically because he has no power. They find Ugene to be interesting. Ugene loves science and the work that Paragon does, so of course he wants to agree. But something still seems a little off. Ugene is told not to go to Paragon by his parents as it is “too dangerous”. But it doesn’t take long for Ugene to be persuaded when he finds out his Somatic dad has a muscle condition and might not have much longer left to live. Paragon offers to heal Ugene’s dad in exchange for him. His parents still plead him not to go, but Ugene stupidly ignores them and runs away without them noticing.
At Paragon, Ugene starts to question his choices. Is Ugene the tester or the test subject? After spending a few days in Paragon, Ugene finally understands that Paragon indeed just wants him as a test subject. Ugene is brutally tortured constantly, and everyday is a test for survival. He needs to escape. Making friends along the way, Ugene must work hard to find his way out of the Paragon building, and back home. And many secrets are uncovered along the way. Ugene will find out that everyone is different than what they appear to be, and so much more.
“Because why be Ordinary, when you can be extraordinary?”
Now I know what you all are thinking. “Two stars only. Oh my god why!”
Well I personally did NOT like this book at all for many reasons. On the contrary though, there were a handful of reasons why I did sort of enjoy this book, and why you might be able to do so as well. But explaining all of them would simply just be boring and hard to understand, so I will make a flowchart to help you all decide if reading this book is something that might interest you or not, and THEN explain each point a bit more.
If you do NOT love slow-pace dystopian/fantasy//futuristic fiction stories, then please STOP right here. This is not the book for you. But if you do love slow-pace dystopian & fantasy fiction stories, then this is the book for you, and you can go on to the next bullet point.
Explanation: I personally am not into dystopian fiction stories, or most anyway, and I totally do not like stories that are futuristic. I also find slow-pace books boring and easy to get too lost with what is going on.
If you strongly HATE typos in books, and are very very picky about articles having correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc, then STOP right here. This is not the book for you. But if you don’t mind reading books with typos and spelling errors, and only care about reading and enjoying the book, then this book might be for you, you may go on to the next bullet.
Explanation: A BIG issue I had with this book is that I found many spelling, grammar, punctuation mistakes, and typos in the book. And while I don’t exactly have the best grammar either, reading a book where these mistakes are present, just takes away the whole book reading experience for me. The book was most likely not checked over enough, or poorly edited.
If you are 13 years old or younger I do NOT recommend reading this book as there are lots of violent moments including fights, descriptive injury moments, moments where characters are brutally tortured, and even death. I also do not recommend this book even if you are over 13 years old, but you hate gore, blood, death, and etc talked about in books. But if you really don’t mind reading that sort of stuff, or enjoy reading that sort of stuff, then this is the book for you. Please go on to the next bullet point.
Explanation: Things in movies or books like gore, death, and blood really disgust me and I find it hard to watch or read. There is something about reading about violence that disgusts me or makes me uncomfortable. I guess it’s just the way that it is described so descriptively in the book. So if you feel the same way, and hate reading about or watching violence, then you might not like this book.
But at the end of the day, every person is different. We all have our preferences and interests that stand out and are unique. So some people might enjoy this book, while others may not. Still though, I had to give this book a 2 star rating because I did not enjoy it and thought it was poorly written. So overall, I would not recommend this book.
February 19, 2020
Review to come.
November 1, 2024
Ordinary Power Series Book One written by Starr. Z. Davies was an interesting read. I want to start by saying that whoever the editor is, fire them. The amount of typos and grammatical errors throughout this book was insane. I found at least 14 moments of typos or grammatical errors throughout the book. Many of these are on the same page! Second, I’m not sure what the age demographic was for this as there are multiple mentions and scenes of abuse, and very descriptive injuries, violence, and torture. I had to put the book down for a few seconds after parts because it was so descriptive and brutal.
Ugene Powers is a 17-year-old boy born in a society fueled by the use of powers. Ironically, he was born without powers, contrary to his last name. He is constantly bullied and harassed for being powerless, and when the job fair where you ultimately decide what you are going to do for the rest of your life comes up, he is denied work for the meager two jobs he is wanted for. However, an additional job pops up and is his dream job; to work at Paragon lab. However, he soon finds out that that is not what the job wanted him for at all, as he agrees to go there and is placed in a testing facility. There, he meets others as they are all brutally experimented on and tortured. The rest you will have to find out for yourself.
On a positive note, the book gets interesting in the last 90 or so pages. The format of the entire book is whacky, and there are many plot holes. The pacing of the book, especially in the beginning, is soooo slow and boring. Little to nothing happens, and most of it seems pointless. Speaking of being pointless, the amount of characters and the side characters are pointless and confusing. Although there are some likable characters, they are few and far between. Additionally, there are too many side characters that show up once and twice, and then aren’t mentioned for 100 pages. When they are mentioned again, you have already forgotten them. Even the author forgets her own characters! Later into the book, (I won’t be specific about names + pages so as not to spoil), the author mentions 3 characters who have died. After repeating the same sentence multiple times on different pages, she mentions 2 of the dead ones, and then says the name of one who was alive not even a page before! This ‘new’ addition wasn’t dead. She mixed up two names starting with the same letter!
Also, the main character, Ugene, (weird spelling, I know), is the dumbest main character I have ever seen. He states obvious things, does obvious things, and acts confused when the most obvious outcome happens. His parents tell him not to go with Paragon as they will harm him, but he goes anyway, saying; “Oh they won’t experiment on me!” For example, on page 90, after going through a lot of physical torture, Ugene witnesses a girl get injured. He then says, “What have I gotten myself into? What’s going on here?” (90). It’s almost like your parents warned you about this! Additionally, Ugene has no redeeming qualities. Other characters have to say or explain that he is super smart, because he never does anything smart that allows you to infer that.
On an actual positive note, the end of the book is actually interesting. I was invested towards the end and didn’t want to put it down, since I wanted to know what happened to Ugene and his friends. Though most of the characters are unlikable, I actually liked Miller, Mo, Enid, Boyd, and Michael. The rest I honestly don’t remember who they are. Additionally, I like how the rest of the group treats issues, as most of them act rational and mature, unlike Ugene. It makes up for his poor behavior and decision-making throughout the text.
Ugene Powers is a 17-year-old boy born in a society fueled by the use of powers. Ironically, he was born without powers, contrary to his last name. He is constantly bullied and harassed for being powerless, and when the job fair where you ultimately decide what you are going to do for the rest of your life comes up, he is denied work for the meager two jobs he is wanted for. However, an additional job pops up and is his dream job; to work at Paragon lab. However, he soon finds out that that is not what the job wanted him for at all, as he agrees to go there and is placed in a testing facility. There, he meets others as they are all brutally experimented on and tortured. The rest you will have to find out for yourself.
On a positive note, the book gets interesting in the last 90 or so pages. The format of the entire book is whacky, and there are many plot holes. The pacing of the book, especially in the beginning, is soooo slow and boring. Little to nothing happens, and most of it seems pointless. Speaking of being pointless, the amount of characters and the side characters are pointless and confusing. Although there are some likable characters, they are few and far between. Additionally, there are too many side characters that show up once and twice, and then aren’t mentioned for 100 pages. When they are mentioned again, you have already forgotten them. Even the author forgets her own characters! Later into the book, (I won’t be specific about names + pages so as not to spoil), the author mentions 3 characters who have died. After repeating the same sentence multiple times on different pages, she mentions 2 of the dead ones, and then says the name of one who was alive not even a page before! This ‘new’ addition wasn’t dead. She mixed up two names starting with the same letter!
Also, the main character, Ugene, (weird spelling, I know), is the dumbest main character I have ever seen. He states obvious things, does obvious things, and acts confused when the most obvious outcome happens. His parents tell him not to go with Paragon as they will harm him, but he goes anyway, saying; “Oh they won’t experiment on me!” For example, on page 90, after going through a lot of physical torture, Ugene witnesses a girl get injured. He then says, “What have I gotten myself into? What’s going on here?” (90). It’s almost like your parents warned you about this! Additionally, Ugene has no redeeming qualities. Other characters have to say or explain that he is super smart, because he never does anything smart that allows you to infer that.
On an actual positive note, the end of the book is actually interesting. I was invested towards the end and didn’t want to put it down, since I wanted to know what happened to Ugene and his friends. Though most of the characters are unlikable, I actually liked Miller, Mo, Enid, Boyd, and Michael. The rest I honestly don’t remember who they are. Additionally, I like how the rest of the group treats issues, as most of them act rational and mature, unlike Ugene. It makes up for his poor behavior and decision-making throughout the text.
November 7, 2024
Being Ordinary in a Not So Ordinary Society
Ordinary (Powers, #1) Review
Type: Paperback
“Ordinary” by Starr Z. Davies is a sci-fi novel and is book one in the “Powers Series”. Overall, this story wasn’t my favorite. It replicated the hardships of someone who doesn’t fit in with the rest of society. As ironic as it sounds, Ugene Powers was born without powers in a society where powers are everything, having highly impacting power means that you are set in life. Your life through school, your reputation, your job, and even the taxes you pay all depend on how powerful you are. Life isn’t all that great for Ugene.
In my opinion, the good thing about the book was that the plot and story were interesting. It resembles the plot in “The Hunger Games” and has similar concepts such as rebellion. However, the story had a lot of negatives. The story had so many typos that I’m not sure there was an editor involved in writing this story. For example, one of the typos was: “The powers that be believe that we are going backward…” (Davies 66). The author forgot a lot of what was happening in the story involving characters, events, and even simple and small things such as locks on doors.
There were so many side characters that even the author couldn’t keep track of them. She would get the characters mixed up such as Michael and Mo. I think she could have also been a little more creative with the names of the characters. I was a little frustrated when I was first introduced to the main character and his name (Ugene) didn’t start with an “E”. Others have agreed with me when I complained about it. I understand that characters can be difficult to create, but it’s still frustrating. The characters weren’t very dynamic either because so many roles were taken by other characters. If you can’t make a character very detailed because there are too many stereotypical roles in the story, then some characters can be eliminated.
The rating of this book in the description should not be considered “young-adult”. This story is incorporated with subjects of torture and violence that should be highlighted or added into the description of the book as a warning. Reading what Ugene and the other patients were going through was truly unsettling and should be a disclaimer somewhere on the book cover.
One more thing that was frustrating to me was the main character’s drive that led to the events that happened throughout the book. Ugene had found out that his father had a deadly disease and thus took up the offer to be a patient at Paragon (the research facility) But after everything that happened and everything that Ugene went through, SPOILER ALERT, his father died and it was all for nothing.
Overall this story was okay. It had an interesting plot and the story itself was great. However it had a lot of negatives and I wouldn’t recommend this story to anyone interested in reading it. It was an okay book, but there is a lot of room for improvement.
Ordinary (Powers, #1) Review
Type: Paperback
“Ordinary” by Starr Z. Davies is a sci-fi novel and is book one in the “Powers Series”. Overall, this story wasn’t my favorite. It replicated the hardships of someone who doesn’t fit in with the rest of society. As ironic as it sounds, Ugene Powers was born without powers in a society where powers are everything, having highly impacting power means that you are set in life. Your life through school, your reputation, your job, and even the taxes you pay all depend on how powerful you are. Life isn’t all that great for Ugene.
In my opinion, the good thing about the book was that the plot and story were interesting. It resembles the plot in “The Hunger Games” and has similar concepts such as rebellion. However, the story had a lot of negatives. The story had so many typos that I’m not sure there was an editor involved in writing this story. For example, one of the typos was: “The powers that be believe that we are going backward…” (Davies 66). The author forgot a lot of what was happening in the story involving characters, events, and even simple and small things such as locks on doors.
There were so many side characters that even the author couldn’t keep track of them. She would get the characters mixed up such as Michael and Mo. I think she could have also been a little more creative with the names of the characters. I was a little frustrated when I was first introduced to the main character and his name (Ugene) didn’t start with an “E”. Others have agreed with me when I complained about it. I understand that characters can be difficult to create, but it’s still frustrating. The characters weren’t very dynamic either because so many roles were taken by other characters. If you can’t make a character very detailed because there are too many stereotypical roles in the story, then some characters can be eliminated.
The rating of this book in the description should not be considered “young-adult”. This story is incorporated with subjects of torture and violence that should be highlighted or added into the description of the book as a warning. Reading what Ugene and the other patients were going through was truly unsettling and should be a disclaimer somewhere on the book cover.
One more thing that was frustrating to me was the main character’s drive that led to the events that happened throughout the book. Ugene had found out that his father had a deadly disease and thus took up the offer to be a patient at Paragon (the research facility) But after everything that happened and everything that Ugene went through, SPOILER ALERT, his father died and it was all for nothing.
Overall this story was okay. It had an interesting plot and the story itself was great. However it had a lot of negatives and I wouldn’t recommend this story to anyone interested in reading it. It was an okay book, but there is a lot of room for improvement.
November 2, 2024
A look into being outcasted from society based on genetic testing
Format: Paperback
Ugene Powers lives in a world where everyone around him is considered “ordinary”. “Ordinary people have Powers and prospects”, which means they have some kind of power related to strength, telekinesis, connection to nature, or some kind of connection with the world, like on a higher plane of existence. Ugene is anything but ordinary, he has no powers even though his family is ranked very high in society based on their abilities. Ugene ends up at a testing facility where he is kept and cannot leave without completing his testing. Upon arriving Ugene finds out there are certain rules he must follow to ensure his safety. Some rules include not leaving your room after a certain time, meals only at certain times, testing is mandatory, and his mentor also suggested that he should not try to make friends with anyone.
Ordinary: Power Series One is an exciting book that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in dystopian novels, specifically those that deal with genetic makeup. This novel is very similar to The Hunger Games and Maze Runner. Like the Hunger Games with Katniss Everdeen, it has a huge role of the underdog which gives the reader a want to continue reading, hoping that Ugene succeeds in the end. Starr Z. Davies does a great job of establishing supporting characters to help Ugene along his journey and create a society where the world isn’t meant to be perfect. These supporting characters help develop the story and make the novel have a more emotional attachment for the reader, which is something I really enjoyed.
When reading this novel unethical euthanasia, societal outcasts, torture, and thoughts of dying are the main themes that are prevalent and may not be for all age groups. I would recommend people above the age of 14 to read this book as some concepts are disturbing and cruel. This book makes the reader think about their life situations and helps them realize they should be grateful for what they have. It can also help the reader make realizations about concepts of working with others and teamwork benefiting multiple people to make situations better. The emotion built in this book is very deep and I always had to force myself to set it down. I loved this book so much that I just bought the second one in the series and would definitely recommend it to many people.
Format: Paperback
Ugene Powers lives in a world where everyone around him is considered “ordinary”. “Ordinary people have Powers and prospects”, which means they have some kind of power related to strength, telekinesis, connection to nature, or some kind of connection with the world, like on a higher plane of existence. Ugene is anything but ordinary, he has no powers even though his family is ranked very high in society based on their abilities. Ugene ends up at a testing facility where he is kept and cannot leave without completing his testing. Upon arriving Ugene finds out there are certain rules he must follow to ensure his safety. Some rules include not leaving your room after a certain time, meals only at certain times, testing is mandatory, and his mentor also suggested that he should not try to make friends with anyone.
Ordinary: Power Series One is an exciting book that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in dystopian novels, specifically those that deal with genetic makeup. This novel is very similar to The Hunger Games and Maze Runner. Like the Hunger Games with Katniss Everdeen, it has a huge role of the underdog which gives the reader a want to continue reading, hoping that Ugene succeeds in the end. Starr Z. Davies does a great job of establishing supporting characters to help Ugene along his journey and create a society where the world isn’t meant to be perfect. These supporting characters help develop the story and make the novel have a more emotional attachment for the reader, which is something I really enjoyed.
When reading this novel unethical euthanasia, societal outcasts, torture, and thoughts of dying are the main themes that are prevalent and may not be for all age groups. I would recommend people above the age of 14 to read this book as some concepts are disturbing and cruel. This book makes the reader think about their life situations and helps them realize they should be grateful for what they have. It can also help the reader make realizations about concepts of working with others and teamwork benefiting multiple people to make situations better. The emotion built in this book is very deep and I always had to force myself to set it down. I loved this book so much that I just bought the second one in the series and would definitely recommend it to many people.
August 4, 2025
I figured this was just a book about a world of superheroes. I admit to skimming the summary so what happened to was a shock. The things people will do to get what they want is horrifying.
Ugene was unique in that he had no powers and that was a problem. Worse, powers were weakening in those who had them and the younger ones didn’t seem to be testing as high with their powers.
The problem was that being powerless was considered dangerous. The world was in disarray between due to a battle between those with powers and those without. It was thought that the world couldn’t be repaired without superpowers. Hard to say if that was the full truth or not but Ugene was confident that they could survive no matter what.
Ugene was unique in other ways but he is the protagonist and arguably the only real hero in the story. There was followers but it took Ugene to pull them together, to do what no one ever tried to do. He had a plan and it was constantly suffering from setbacks but they were a bunch of teenage test subjects who were treated brutally and didn’t know the rules. Ugene broke them.
Ugene’s motives were all good ones. Breaking out aside, he had still wanted to get to know the other test subjects. He was just that kind of person. He also had some personal motives, such as the chance to get powers and the save someone he cared about. Then when he realized the hell he was in he became a leader to the other test subjects. It wasn’t by choice but by necessity.
Some might compare this to the Hunger Games but the similarities are only very surface level. Paragon, the “bad guys”, truly believed they were doing the right thing. They wanted to save the world at any cost, even if it was on the bones of the young and innocent.
I want to be clear about one thing. There wasn’t a single test subject that wasn’t in some way tortured, sometimes to the point where they couldn’t tell right from wrong. It some cases it was simply “a roof over my head and three square meals” which tells you something about the perfect, world-saving society that anyone lived that way.
Looking forward to the next book.
Ugene was unique in that he had no powers and that was a problem. Worse, powers were weakening in those who had them and the younger ones didn’t seem to be testing as high with their powers.
The problem was that being powerless was considered dangerous. The world was in disarray between due to a battle between those with powers and those without. It was thought that the world couldn’t be repaired without superpowers. Hard to say if that was the full truth or not but Ugene was confident that they could survive no matter what.
Ugene was unique in other ways but he is the protagonist and arguably the only real hero in the story. There was followers but it took Ugene to pull them together, to do what no one ever tried to do. He had a plan and it was constantly suffering from setbacks but they were a bunch of teenage test subjects who were treated brutally and didn’t know the rules. Ugene broke them.
Ugene’s motives were all good ones. Breaking out aside, he had still wanted to get to know the other test subjects. He was just that kind of person. He also had some personal motives, such as the chance to get powers and the save someone he cared about. Then when he realized the hell he was in he became a leader to the other test subjects. It wasn’t by choice but by necessity.
Some might compare this to the Hunger Games but the similarities are only very surface level. Paragon, the “bad guys”, truly believed they were doing the right thing. They wanted to save the world at any cost, even if it was on the bones of the young and innocent.
I want to be clear about one thing. There wasn’t a single test subject that wasn’t in some way tortured, sometimes to the point where they couldn’t tell right from wrong. It some cases it was simply “a roof over my head and three square meals” which tells you something about the perfect, world-saving society that anyone lived that way.
Looking forward to the next book.
March 7, 2021
3.5 stars for me. I liked this, but I don't know how much will stick in my memory (for sequels, which I probably would be interested in reading, well one sequel and one parallel companion book ... they are all available on Kindle Unlimited). I had the audiobook for this installment (given to me in exchange for an honest review), but I grabbed the KU copy so I could have the text too. I ended up reading a bit as well as listening (I like to listen when doing other things/multi-tasking, but reading before bed). The narration was good. One little thing that bugged me was the pronunciation of talk/walk/stalk ... with the "l" sound audible. Everything else was pronounced the same way I would (no accent or anything) but I'm just not used to hearing an "l".
Ugene ... instead of the standard Eugene. I thought it was just a bit too much to call everyone with powers "ordinary" (I mean I get it, if everyone is the same, it isn't anything special, but then again it isn't something to go out of the way to label ordinary. And all the power are NOT the same, there are different types and different levels). So while I get that the whole "ordinary" is a theme for the titles of the books in the series and all, it just annoyed me a bit. As did Ugene ... our powerless MC, having the last name of ... "Powers". Such an ultimate, and trying too hard, irony.
There was a bit of a Hunger Games vibe at one point. With the higher ups putting kids in a test/challenge, and the kids fighting each other, some teaming up.
I only have a couple weeks left on my KU subscription. I don't know if I'm invested enough to quickly get through next two installments (just text copy included in KU, not audio). If I don't read them now though, I don't know that this story would stick in my memory enough to come back to it at a later time ...
Ugene ... instead of the standard Eugene. I thought it was just a bit too much to call everyone with powers "ordinary" (I mean I get it, if everyone is the same, it isn't anything special, but then again it isn't something to go out of the way to label ordinary. And all the power are NOT the same, there are different types and different levels). So while I get that the whole "ordinary" is a theme for the titles of the books in the series and all, it just annoyed me a bit. As did Ugene ... our powerless MC, having the last name of ... "Powers". Such an ultimate, and trying too hard, irony.
There was a bit of a Hunger Games vibe at one point. With the higher ups putting kids in a test/challenge, and the kids fighting each other, some teaming up.
I only have a couple weeks left on my KU subscription. I don't know if I'm invested enough to quickly get through next two installments (just text copy included in KU, not audio). If I don't read them now though, I don't know that this story would stick in my memory enough to come back to it at a later time ...
May 9, 2021
This book was really great. I loved how the author wrote this book. It was a great start to the series.
This I loved about this book:
- The main character. I loved how Ugene grows and develops throughout this book.
- The world-building throughout the book. The setting is always developing and becoming more complex. It was really great to see that the setting was never lost after the first few chapters.
- The plot development in this book. I loved the twists and turns in this story. It was hard to stop listening because I wanted to listen to more.
-I really loved the dystopian feel this book had throughout. It grabbed you in the beginning and never let go.
-The narration was brilliant. I loved how the narrator used different tones for different characters.
Things I didn't enjoy:
-The book did slow down a bit in the middle.
- Ugene made stupid decisions for someone who was meant to be incredible smart. It was a bit weird, but then emotion may have played a part.
Overall, I enjoyed listening to this book. It was fun to listen to the world-building, plot development and watch the story play out. I found the book slow at times, but otherwise it was great.
I received this audiobook from the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This I loved about this book:
- The main character. I loved how Ugene grows and develops throughout this book.
- The world-building throughout the book. The setting is always developing and becoming more complex. It was really great to see that the setting was never lost after the first few chapters.
- The plot development in this book. I loved the twists and turns in this story. It was hard to stop listening because I wanted to listen to more.
-I really loved the dystopian feel this book had throughout. It grabbed you in the beginning and never let go.
-The narration was brilliant. I loved how the narrator used different tones for different characters.
Things I didn't enjoy:
-The book did slow down a bit in the middle.
- Ugene made stupid decisions for someone who was meant to be incredible smart. It was a bit weird, but then emotion may have played a part.
Overall, I enjoyed listening to this book. It was fun to listen to the world-building, plot development and watch the story play out. I found the book slow at times, but otherwise it was great.
I received this audiobook from the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 6, 2020
Thank you so much to Starr for reaching out to me and allowing me to read this book and do a review! All opinions are my own.
No matter how far I got into this book, I definitely understood Ugene’s plight and his point of view. His desperate need to fit in, but eventually learning to love himself, with out without having a Power.
While this took a minute to get into, once you got to the main objective within the tests run at Paragon and the idea that while Ugene might not have a Power, he’s still special. The idea that using your knowledge to your advantage was a really cool concept. It was almost like a mash up of Divergent and The Host? It’s a fantastically done dystopian YA!
I thought the plot was easy to follow, the characters arcs were well done and the prose flowed nicely. I really enjoyed getting to know each character, especially Ugene. I think that he was “ordinary” yet valuable to any plans. Once I got started, I didn’t want to put this down.
My only gripe is I would’ve liked a little more romance, but that’s a personal preference. The book did just fine without it! I did really enjoy this though. It’s an interest concept and was fun to read about.
No matter how far I got into this book, I definitely understood Ugene’s plight and his point of view. His desperate need to fit in, but eventually learning to love himself, with out without having a Power.
While this took a minute to get into, once you got to the main objective within the tests run at Paragon and the idea that while Ugene might not have a Power, he’s still special. The idea that using your knowledge to your advantage was a really cool concept. It was almost like a mash up of Divergent and The Host? It’s a fantastically done dystopian YA!
I thought the plot was easy to follow, the characters arcs were well done and the prose flowed nicely. I really enjoyed getting to know each character, especially Ugene. I think that he was “ordinary” yet valuable to any plans. Once I got started, I didn’t want to put this down.
My only gripe is I would’ve liked a little more romance, but that’s a personal preference. The book did just fine without it! I did really enjoy this though. It’s an interest concept and was fun to read about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2020
This is a really great start to a new series. Kinda reminds me of Divergent, how everyone is tested and according to their strengths put into different jobs or categories. Ugene however doesn't have any powers, he is completely and utterly ordinary. His unique condition is brought to the attention of one of the biggest Pharma companies that wants to study him saying that he could be the key to unlocking powers or boosting powers. It seems that peoples powers are diminishing in strength so they need to find a way to stop this in order to keep their way of life going. However Ugene offers something even scarier, what Ugene has is brains, he uses his mind to think his way out of problems and finds solutions, he shows that by working together people have a better chance than if they worked alone.
There is really a lot in this book that could be broken down and examined, it is a good story with a good message, you don't have to have a magical power to be special or important. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series.
There is really a lot in this book that could be broken down and examined, it is a good story with a good message, you don't have to have a magical power to be special or important. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series.
February 22, 2023
‘You don’t need Powers to have brains’
If you can’t find your niche, craft it yourself. There are various topics to study and skills to master – pick some and enjoy life. Per one of the characters, people should be defined by how they ‘rise and inspire’. We need more of that IRL AND no more eugenics!
Kids who are treated as “less than” tend to retreat into themselves. Fortunately, the ones with higher intelligence *and* semi-decent self-esteem are able to find an escape route that will lead them to a career path. It’s the kids in the other three quadrants who are get lost in the systematic neglect – we desperately need to change that.
The author even provides her Spotify playlist for readers’ enjoyment!
May we each strive to find the key that unlocks abilities – for ourselves and for others.
Next is ‘Unique’ before I post my review for the next series (Powers Legacy). ‘Desolation’ is expected early March and I’ll start the Beta read for ‘Infiltration’ next week.
If you can’t find your niche, craft it yourself. There are various topics to study and skills to master – pick some and enjoy life. Per one of the characters, people should be defined by how they ‘rise and inspire’. We need more of that IRL AND no more eugenics!
Kids who are treated as “less than” tend to retreat into themselves. Fortunately, the ones with higher intelligence *and* semi-decent self-esteem are able to find an escape route that will lead them to a career path. It’s the kids in the other three quadrants who are get lost in the systematic neglect – we desperately need to change that.
The author even provides her Spotify playlist for readers’ enjoyment!
May we each strive to find the key that unlocks abilities – for ourselves and for others.
Next is ‘Unique’ before I post my review for the next series (Powers Legacy). ‘Desolation’ is expected early March and I’ll start the Beta read for ‘Infiltration’ next week.
April 8, 2020
This book interested me because it kinda takes what one would assume the normal is and totally flips it to the other side! The author expressed how she was obsessed with superheroes from a young age and I gather that is why in this instance/story you're only deemed "normal" if you actually have some sort of super power which Ugene, our main character does not but he goes to work for a sketchy business in the hopes of obtaining one and soon discovers everything is not on the up and up and has to weight the pros and cons and see if it's really worth it.
A really fun and fast paced ride for anybody with likable and "super" realistic characters.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
A really fun and fast paced ride for anybody with likable and "super" realistic characters.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2021
This story had elements of both Divergent and the Hunger Games. Like divergent, people are scored and given jobs based on the power and the level of power a person has. Like the Hunger Games, test subject volunteers are made to go through deadly simulation that not all come back from. The story is about Ugene, a young man about to graduate from high school without powers and looking at never being allowed to earn a living as a consequence of not having powers. He volunteers to be a test subject in hopes to be fixed. Instead he encounters the Hunger Games style testing. He and the other test subjects decide to break free from the facility and a bunch end up dead. The story ends in a cliffhanger. Looks like there is a part two and three.
February 14, 2024
Trust.
This is a first for me from the author Starr Z. Davies and all I can do is praise her for her penmanship, for her imagination.
Without a doubt this book deserves five stars but I got to be very careful about this because it’s only the first of a trilogy and I’ve already made this mistake a few times with different authors which had a great idea which got destroyed for over extending, just like in the movies the first is a dream then greed was their downfall.
The moral of this story is that nobody can really know anybody.
Excellent narration by Nathaniel Ascher for each one of the characters in this book.
My recommendations !!!
Oded Ostfeld.
This is a first for me from the author Starr Z. Davies and all I can do is praise her for her penmanship, for her imagination.
Without a doubt this book deserves five stars but I got to be very careful about this because it’s only the first of a trilogy and I’ve already made this mistake a few times with different authors which had a great idea which got destroyed for over extending, just like in the movies the first is a dream then greed was their downfall.
The moral of this story is that nobody can really know anybody.
Excellent narration by Nathaniel Ascher for each one of the characters in this book.
My recommendations !!!
Oded Ostfeld.
March 23, 2021
I recieved this book for free in exchange for an unbiased review.
And I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a fresh tale of the outsider who doesnt have the advantages of those around him, but it makes him unique when he just wants to be normal. He lives in a time and place when everyone around him gets powers as they mature, but his powers remain latent. Hes smart, charismatic, kind, and a born leader. He's young and a little naive too which just endears him am the more.
I'm looking forward to reading more!!!
And I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a fresh tale of the outsider who doesnt have the advantages of those around him, but it makes him unique when he just wants to be normal. He lives in a time and place when everyone around him gets powers as they mature, but his powers remain latent. Hes smart, charismatic, kind, and a born leader. He's young and a little naive too which just endears him am the more.
I'm looking forward to reading more!!!
November 11, 2021
What if Ordinary meant you had Superpowers'? What if you didn't? What does that make you? Worthless or Extraordinary?
Ugene is about to find out.
I had this as an Audible Arc and trust me, it is well worth the listen and the read.
I urge you to come along for the ride of an original plot, riddled with questions, self-examination, and character growth. I found this to be a fascinating listen and stayed up way too late as I just didn't want to turn it off for the night. The narration is spot on, the plot intricate and enjoyable.
Ugene is about to find out.
I had this as an Audible Arc and trust me, it is well worth the listen and the read.
I urge you to come along for the ride of an original plot, riddled with questions, self-examination, and character growth. I found this to be a fascinating listen and stayed up way too late as I just didn't want to turn it off for the night. The narration is spot on, the plot intricate and enjoyable.
October 1, 2022
Interesting premise
I enjoyed the premise and plot of this book, although the felt kind of … juvenile I guess. Maybe I’m just not the target audience. Still, I’m going to go on to book 2 and see what happens with the amazing Eugene and his merry band of Powers.
I enjoyed the premise and plot of this book, although the felt kind of … juvenile I guess. Maybe I’m just not the target audience. Still, I’m going to go on to book 2 and see what happens with the amazing Eugene and his merry band of Powers.
September 25, 2023
Couldn’t put it down! My preteen son and I listened to this audiobook together and we both enjoyed it. I’m excited to see where book 2 takes us. Ugene is a super likeable and relatable character, especially for anyone struggling with their own identities. Loved this intense story so much.
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