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Powerless
Beth has it a grammar school education, a stay at home mother who dotes on her, a father who works hard on his own business, and a little sister who adores her. But when an older man takes an interest in her, the innocence she once had is slowly ripped away from her.Seven years later, Abby, her younger sister, has her life turned upside down again on Christmas Eve when pink-haired, skinny Beth turns up out of the blue. Life starts to take a turn for the worse. Now a teenager herself, Abby barely recognises this stranger.When Beth starts receiving threatening text messages and nightmares disturb her sleep, Abby knows it is not good news. But why won't Beth talk about it? Why is she so powerless?Abby is tired of explaining that she is not a little kid anymore. In a world away from their comfortable life, Abby begins to see snippets of Beth's broken life and the men who would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. With her parents' marriage on the brink of collapse, Abby wonders whether life will ever return to normality.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2021
31 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Vicky Ball
2 books73 followersAfter teaching for sixteen years, Vicky decided she needed a new challenge. She now works as a student administrator for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology course at her local university. She has always loved writing and has been doing it for many years. She has been on numerous writing courses which have allowed her to share her love of writing with others. After the success of her first book, Powerless, she has continued in the genre of thriller and is excited to release her second novel Abandoned. She is also a passionate reader, enjoying a variety of genres, especially thrillers. She lives in North Essex with her husband, two teenage daughters, two cats and two rabbits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 13, 2021
Powerless is a gripping first novel for this very talented author! A poignant story about two sisters caught up in the terror of a deplorable crime. Rather than fixating on the crime, the author does a skillful job of exploring the relationship between the two sisters and delves into the precarious family dynamic over a seven year period of time. Many twists and turns in the storytelling make this an impressive read. It’s an ending you will not expect. I will certainly be following Vicky Ball and look forward to all her future works.
March 5, 2022
A doozy of a debut novel!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this debut novel, Powerless, by Vicky Ball! I have been following Vicky on Twitter in the #WritingCommunity for quite a while now, and was super excited to watch her book launch in early November 2021. Of course I knew I just had throw in my support and read Powerless asap, I just had to get through a few books ahead of it on my TBR pile first!
I am delighted to report that it was worth the wait! Powerless is definitely not the kind of book you might normally find me reading, however I am more than willing to expand my repertoire and delve into something completely different for me—and support a new author at the same time!
The plot of this psychological modern day thriller revolves around two sisters, Beth and Abby, in two distinct time periods. Abby is quite young, and cannot understand why her older sister Beth suddenly disappears from home, with no word one day. Fast forward many years later, and Beth sudden returns into her family's life, upending everything with chaos, and with even more unanswered questions than when she left. And Beth's youngster sister Abby is now at the exact same age when the novel starts, as when Beth left home, and finds herself dealing with the same risks and dangers! It sounds complicated, however I promise the story will make sense, as the story shifts back and forth in time, to reveal the hidden truth. There's a whopper of terrifying twist in this heart-wrenching tale of deceit, danger, and all too real drama. You won't be able to put this one down!
I am super thrilled to aboard the Vicky Ball fan club at the debut of her publishing career, and cannot wait to see what she comes up with next! Take a bow, Vicky!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this debut novel, Powerless, by Vicky Ball! I have been following Vicky on Twitter in the #WritingCommunity for quite a while now, and was super excited to watch her book launch in early November 2021. Of course I knew I just had throw in my support and read Powerless asap, I just had to get through a few books ahead of it on my TBR pile first!
I am delighted to report that it was worth the wait! Powerless is definitely not the kind of book you might normally find me reading, however I am more than willing to expand my repertoire and delve into something completely different for me—and support a new author at the same time!
The plot of this psychological modern day thriller revolves around two sisters, Beth and Abby, in two distinct time periods. Abby is quite young, and cannot understand why her older sister Beth suddenly disappears from home, with no word one day. Fast forward many years later, and Beth sudden returns into her family's life, upending everything with chaos, and with even more unanswered questions than when she left. And Beth's youngster sister Abby is now at the exact same age when the novel starts, as when Beth left home, and finds herself dealing with the same risks and dangers! It sounds complicated, however I promise the story will make sense, as the story shifts back and forth in time, to reveal the hidden truth. There's a whopper of terrifying twist in this heart-wrenching tale of deceit, danger, and all too real drama. You won't be able to put this one down!
I am super thrilled to aboard the Vicky Ball fan club at the debut of her publishing career, and cannot wait to see what she comes up with next! Take a bow, Vicky!
November 14, 2021
Sometimes, a book has that "I'll just read one more chapter" effect, and this is one of them. I didn't really know what to expect from Powerless, and its a testament to the storytelling that three quarters of the way through, I still had no idea how it would end, but needed to find out so had to keep going. It's a fast-paced, disturbing story (no spoilers) that opens the door on the dangers of being too trusting, of wanting to be loved too much, and is a salutary tale of "being careful what you wish for." I can't wait for the next novel.
March 21, 2022
A well-written twisting thriller with darker themes…
Vicky Ball delivers a twisting tale that carries a plethora of darker themes while being executed in a page-turning style that hops back and forth in time with dual P.OV’s. Ball does everything to tell this story and succeeds. As readers we are shown just enough to suggest what is happening beneath the surface of a story that tackles the themes of naivety, coercion, trauma, addiction and of course danger that is a lot closer than first realised.
When ‘Beth’ returns home after several years after disappearing it brings up all kinds of questions and contention that places her younger sister ‘Abby’ on a twisting path of realisation. There is a lot to unpack and it happens gradually while the twists appear unexpectedly. Perhaps this a cautionary tale for those who are younger to not be so trusting to those who clearly want something – a powerful message aimed at readers of a certain younger age who will get something from this book. What we are shown is just enough without glorifying or even exploiting the many issues the reader and characters face. The concept of ‘Businessmen’ simply casts a long enough shadow to suggest what is really happening and the message being about trust.
With a story that goes full circle, Powerless is a thrilling and twisting tale that will take readers on a dramatic and sometimes unexpected ride.
Vicky Ball delivers a twisting tale that carries a plethora of darker themes while being executed in a page-turning style that hops back and forth in time with dual P.OV’s. Ball does everything to tell this story and succeeds. As readers we are shown just enough to suggest what is happening beneath the surface of a story that tackles the themes of naivety, coercion, trauma, addiction and of course danger that is a lot closer than first realised.
When ‘Beth’ returns home after several years after disappearing it brings up all kinds of questions and contention that places her younger sister ‘Abby’ on a twisting path of realisation. There is a lot to unpack and it happens gradually while the twists appear unexpectedly. Perhaps this a cautionary tale for those who are younger to not be so trusting to those who clearly want something – a powerful message aimed at readers of a certain younger age who will get something from this book. What we are shown is just enough without glorifying or even exploiting the many issues the reader and characters face. The concept of ‘Businessmen’ simply casts a long enough shadow to suggest what is really happening and the message being about trust.
With a story that goes full circle, Powerless is a thrilling and twisting tale that will take readers on a dramatic and sometimes unexpected ride.
November 18, 2021
This thriller keeps you second guessing everything and not trusting anyone. The multiple points of view and different periods of time lead to a gripping story that is easy to follow and exciting. While there were many times I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room because of poor decisions being made, I was completely invested in what the outcomes of those decisions were going to be.
November 14, 2021
I was gripped by Vicky Ball's debut novel, Powerless. A subtle blend of intimacy and intrigue really helps the reader get absorbed by the narrative. The two sisters present as realistic and well-crafted characters, and the theme of sexual exploitation is sensitively handled. After a series of plot twists, the ending provides a surprising, yet satisfying denouement.
November 3, 2021
My Rating - 4.5/5
Contrary to the title, this book is POWERFUL!
It is hard-hitting & heart-breaking, but through it all, there is so much love, strength, and a fierce fight to survive.
When it begins, and Beth returns, you feel Abby's frustration, anger & resentment. Her sister is a relative stranger, back after 7 years and no explanation. Only ever being told "it's complicated" but it’s not long before Beth’s past catches up with her & the harrowing truth is finally revealed.
This book had twists & turns that I never saw coming. As always with thrillers, I think I know, but nothing I expected could prepare me for the pain, terror & sadness that filled so many of the pages. In the midst of so much horror, there are beautiful bonds formed (new & old) and there is courage! Showing the truth strength, of body & mind, from deep within.
The author handles the traumatic themes with care and sensitivity.
Thank you so much, Vicky for giving me an ARC eBook in return for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings! Grooming, sexual assault, rape, emotional & mental abuse. Manipulation, control.
Contrary to the title, this book is POWERFUL!
It is hard-hitting & heart-breaking, but through it all, there is so much love, strength, and a fierce fight to survive.
When it begins, and Beth returns, you feel Abby's frustration, anger & resentment. Her sister is a relative stranger, back after 7 years and no explanation. Only ever being told "it's complicated" but it’s not long before Beth’s past catches up with her & the harrowing truth is finally revealed.
This book had twists & turns that I never saw coming. As always with thrillers, I think I know, but nothing I expected could prepare me for the pain, terror & sadness that filled so many of the pages. In the midst of so much horror, there are beautiful bonds formed (new & old) and there is courage! Showing the truth strength, of body & mind, from deep within.
The author handles the traumatic themes with care and sensitivity.
Thank you so much, Vicky for giving me an ARC eBook in return for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings! Grooming, sexual assault, rape, emotional & mental abuse. Manipulation, control.
August 19, 2022
This was a great debut novel with non-stop action. I really enjoyed the shifting perspectives and the way the story jumped back and forth with the timeline so all the pieces could slowly come together. I did not see the twist at the end coming and it really took me by surprise!
February 2, 2022
This review first appeared on my blog - https://nsfordwriter.com - on 1st February 2022.
A compelling debut YA novel, Powerless is an emotionally gripping story about controlling relationships and the dangers of teenage girls trusting older men who then lure them into awful situations. I would describe it as a cautionary tale. Although the topics are very sensitive, the finer details are a little skimmed over, so there is nothing too graphic for the younger reader.
The narrative is told by two sisters, Abby and Beth, with an occasional mysterious narrative voice which is revealed nearer the end. The story begins with Beth suddenly turning up at the family home after being away for seven years, during which time Abby has grown up and is now fifteen. Gradually we find out what happened to Beth. The pace is quite stately until sometime after the halfway point. Then it speeds up and becomes more of a thriller. It was an interesting structure and had some good twists. I genuinely couldn’t predict what was going to happen.
Although the teenagers’ behaviour was realistic, I wasn’t convinced that they had very authentic narrative voices. To me, they sounded overly formal and tended to use expressions that I would associate with people two or three decades older than them. However, perhaps they’re just nicely-spoken!
The writing style was easy to read and concise, but I think it would have benefited from a little more proofreading, as there were some repeated words, typos and missing punctuation.
In summary, a very good, thought-provoking debut which discusses some important issues.
A compelling debut YA novel, Powerless is an emotionally gripping story about controlling relationships and the dangers of teenage girls trusting older men who then lure them into awful situations. I would describe it as a cautionary tale. Although the topics are very sensitive, the finer details are a little skimmed over, so there is nothing too graphic for the younger reader.
The narrative is told by two sisters, Abby and Beth, with an occasional mysterious narrative voice which is revealed nearer the end. The story begins with Beth suddenly turning up at the family home after being away for seven years, during which time Abby has grown up and is now fifteen. Gradually we find out what happened to Beth. The pace is quite stately until sometime after the halfway point. Then it speeds up and becomes more of a thriller. It was an interesting structure and had some good twists. I genuinely couldn’t predict what was going to happen.
Although the teenagers’ behaviour was realistic, I wasn’t convinced that they had very authentic narrative voices. To me, they sounded overly formal and tended to use expressions that I would associate with people two or three decades older than them. However, perhaps they’re just nicely-spoken!
The writing style was easy to read and concise, but I think it would have benefited from a little more proofreading, as there were some repeated words, typos and missing punctuation.
In summary, a very good, thought-provoking debut which discusses some important issues.
December 24, 2024
I picked this book up after seeing a sweet post online about the author having sold a few books at a fair. I’m glad I did, it was nice to read a book from a lesser known author and it was an intriguing read.
I did feel like the perspectives were a bit dated and underdeveloped; the majority of the book was told from the perspective of teenage girls and they used words for things that haven’t been in fashion for a while, and the language was a bit formal in general. Throughout the book, it felt like we were hearing echoes of their thoughts rather than living inside the heads of fully fleshed-out people.
However, the twists were intriguing and I definitely didn’t see the ending coming! Worth a read, if this is your genre.
I did feel like the perspectives were a bit dated and underdeveloped; the majority of the book was told from the perspective of teenage girls and they used words for things that haven’t been in fashion for a while, and the language was a bit formal in general. Throughout the book, it felt like we were hearing echoes of their thoughts rather than living inside the heads of fully fleshed-out people.
However, the twists were intriguing and I definitely didn’t see the ending coming! Worth a read, if this is your genre.
November 24, 2021
This is a well written thriller for adults & YA.
I really enjoyed how the author set the scene.
Exploring each character and the dynamics
between them. It made what happened next
all the more of a roller coaster. The dark subject
matter is well handled. Shocking but not explicit.
It really is a page turner & you won’t see the twist
at the end coming.
I really enjoyed how the author set the scene.
Exploring each character and the dynamics
between them. It made what happened next
all the more of a roller coaster. The dark subject
matter is well handled. Shocking but not explicit.
It really is a page turner & you won’t see the twist
at the end coming.
November 27, 2021
Gripping
I was hooked from the very beginning, drawn in by the well-developed, intriguing characters & the mystery elements of the gripping plot. The pacing was perfect & I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of POVs. I didn’t see the end coming, which was great! Fantastic story. I highly recommend giving it a read.
I was hooked from the very beginning, drawn in by the well-developed, intriguing characters & the mystery elements of the gripping plot. The pacing was perfect & I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of POVs. I didn’t see the end coming, which was great! Fantastic story. I highly recommend giving it a read.
December 2, 2021
This is a brilliant debut book by Vicky Ball. I found it a little uncomfortable at times, but that shows strength in the writing. A heartbreaking story portrayed so well in the voices of the two sisters.
December 22, 2021
A great read, I didn’t want to put it down! The lives and thoughts of the characters were well described so that it was easy to visualise them. Very suspenseful and exciting. Would definitely read another book by this author.
December 8, 2021
Couldn't put this book down. A very enjoyable read full of twists and turns. I would highly recommend!
May 25, 2022
A fast-paced and exciting read with a twist that I did not see coming! I found myself tearing through this book and losing myself deeper in the story. Enjoyed the changes in POV, although the first one was a little jarring as I wasn't expecting it! A very well thought out plot with a gritty core.
November 16, 2021
For a Debut novel this is an amazing read. I simply could not put it down. What I call a real page Turner. Her way of writing makes you want to read more. A book about sibling relationships and the trauma and dangers of life today is expertly covered. Im just sad I don't yet have another Vicky Ball book to read.
January 25, 2024
Book 120 - Vicky Ball - Powerless
I joined Twitter…last year…and have been following a number of authors. This book is by one of them. Have read some stunning thrillers that I have discovered via Twitterland - Book 96 - The Easton Falls Massacre, Book 106 - Saving April and Year 3 Book 5 - The Things you find in Rockpools - to name three.
This was disarmingly brilliant but oh so difficult. A daughter returns after having been ‘lost’ for seven years. The family - Mum, Dad and the younger sister are pleased to have her back but where has she been is the big question ?
The first third deals with a slow rebuilding of relationships…delicate questioning…
The middle third explains and it is horrific… a warning about losing yourself, bring deceived and the downward spiral from a normal background family to deception…and betrayal on a terrifying scale.
My one complaint is the final third where it very much leans into melodrama and stretches incredulity to the extreme… but then I realised…real life is probably so much worse.
Page turner…breathless… unputdownable …wow
The loss of innocence and an innocent lost.
I joined Twitter…last year…and have been following a number of authors. This book is by one of them. Have read some stunning thrillers that I have discovered via Twitterland - Book 96 - The Easton Falls Massacre, Book 106 - Saving April and Year 3 Book 5 - The Things you find in Rockpools - to name three.
This was disarmingly brilliant but oh so difficult. A daughter returns after having been ‘lost’ for seven years. The family - Mum, Dad and the younger sister are pleased to have her back but where has she been is the big question ?
The first third deals with a slow rebuilding of relationships…delicate questioning…
The middle third explains and it is horrific… a warning about losing yourself, bring deceived and the downward spiral from a normal background family to deception…and betrayal on a terrifying scale.
My one complaint is the final third where it very much leans into melodrama and stretches incredulity to the extreme… but then I realised…real life is probably so much worse.
Page turner…breathless… unputdownable …wow
The loss of innocence and an innocent lost.
December 21, 2024
I picked this up after seeing a post from a few years ago where the author had a viral moment as an onslaught of new readers supported her based on one tweet by the author. I love the internet for that type of thing and I wanted to support her as well even if I was very late to the party.
I'm a bit torn on this book. I loved the first 60% which I read in one night but didn't love the back 40% as much. I think it was when the timeline was revealed that it lost me. I won't go into spoiler territory here so I'll just say the justification for the missing time doesn't make a lot of sense to me. The last 25% of the book felt rushed and it wasn't a satisfying ending for me. It downgraded the previous antagonists to two dimensional characters which doesn't help the lesson the story is trying to tell.
In the first half of the book there were emotional notes that were hit perfectly but the last quarter of the book was missing that. I wanted to stay with them longer in those moments, really feel the turn of events, but we were rushed through them too much.
What I did love was the accuracy of the POV from the 16yo's perspective. Her thoughts, justifications, interpretation of experiences, and reactions to events were so spot on for me. It was almost like the author had peered into my own head at that age.
I had forgotten what my 16yo self was like until I read this and it reminded me of how flawed we are when we're growing up and experiencing the world for the first time. We don't know if we should have these reactions, we're putting on a show for others because that's what we THINK we should do when we feel very differently in our hearts, we're trying to follow the lead of our parents or elders but have doubts and don't know how to voice them... all of this was the jumbled mess of the character's and my 16yo brain that I had forgotten about.
I think the first half is important for teens or pre-teens to reads as a cautionary tale. The back quarter lost that lesson in favour of tying up the ending in a pretty bow when, in my opinion, that wasn't the point of the story or lesson in the first place. The events in the book can be triggering (trigger list below) but it's told in a way that isn't detailing the events on page. The writing style itself is interesting because it's a little bit removed from the events in many parts which helps the content to not be as triggering as it would have been with other writing styles. I wasn't re-traumatised by this which, given my history with these triggers, is uncommon for me. I usually need to stay away from books that have these triggers as, depending on how it's handled, they can be upsetting and/or can affect my mental health significantly. This book is one exception which I am grateful for.
The first half of the book gets 4.5 stars but the back quarter dragged it down to a 3.5 star rating. I do recommend it if you keep in mind the ending is a bit rushed.
TRIGGER WARNING BELOW
THE TRIGGER WARNINGS CONTAIN SPOILERS
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Trigger warnings:
- age gap power dynamics (derogatory)
- controlling behaviour
- death
- drug use (off page)
- forced imprisonment
- forced sex work/rape (kind of off page)
- gaslighting and emotional abuse (on page)
- grooming (on page)
- kidnapping
- sex with a minor (kind of off page)
- violence
- volatile housing situation / unhoused individuals
I'm a bit torn on this book. I loved the first 60% which I read in one night but didn't love the back 40% as much. I think it was when the timeline was revealed that it lost me. I won't go into spoiler territory here so I'll just say the justification for the missing time doesn't make a lot of sense to me. The last 25% of the book felt rushed and it wasn't a satisfying ending for me. It downgraded the previous antagonists to two dimensional characters which doesn't help the lesson the story is trying to tell.
In the first half of the book there were emotional notes that were hit perfectly but the last quarter of the book was missing that. I wanted to stay with them longer in those moments, really feel the turn of events, but we were rushed through them too much.
What I did love was the accuracy of the POV from the 16yo's perspective. Her thoughts, justifications, interpretation of experiences, and reactions to events were so spot on for me. It was almost like the author had peered into my own head at that age.
I had forgotten what my 16yo self was like until I read this and it reminded me of how flawed we are when we're growing up and experiencing the world for the first time. We don't know if we should have these reactions, we're putting on a show for others because that's what we THINK we should do when we feel very differently in our hearts, we're trying to follow the lead of our parents or elders but have doubts and don't know how to voice them... all of this was the jumbled mess of the character's and my 16yo brain that I had forgotten about.
I think the first half is important for teens or pre-teens to reads as a cautionary tale. The back quarter lost that lesson in favour of tying up the ending in a pretty bow when, in my opinion, that wasn't the point of the story or lesson in the first place. The events in the book can be triggering (trigger list below) but it's told in a way that isn't detailing the events on page. The writing style itself is interesting because it's a little bit removed from the events in many parts which helps the content to not be as triggering as it would have been with other writing styles. I wasn't re-traumatised by this which, given my history with these triggers, is uncommon for me. I usually need to stay away from books that have these triggers as, depending on how it's handled, they can be upsetting and/or can affect my mental health significantly. This book is one exception which I am grateful for.
The first half of the book gets 4.5 stars but the back quarter dragged it down to a 3.5 star rating. I do recommend it if you keep in mind the ending is a bit rushed.
TRIGGER WARNING BELOW
THE TRIGGER WARNINGS CONTAIN SPOILERS
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Trigger warnings:
- age gap power dynamics (derogatory)
- controlling behaviour
- death
- drug use (off page)
- forced imprisonment
- forced sex work/rape (kind of off page)
- gaslighting and emotional abuse (on page)
- grooming (on page)
- kidnapping
- sex with a minor (kind of off page)
- violence
- volatile housing situation / unhoused individuals
January 1, 2024
This book got me out of my reading slump that has been ongoing for many years. To say the book was gripping would be an understatement. The short chapters written from different perspectives really makes you want to keep reading. Will definitely be buying Vicky Ball’s next book. 10/10 recommend “Powerless”.
December 19, 2024
Unexpected, Authentic, Dark
Genre: Teen & YA/Thriller/Family Drama
Powerless by Vicky Ball
How would you feel if you had had to share the limelight with another for the first eight years, and then one day they just leave, and suddenly you have that spotlight to yourself. All the attention is on you….well eventually anyway. Then out of nowhere this person returns, and you not only feel like you might have to share that spotlight again, but find that you aren’t really in it at all. Your spot has been taken away again. You’re confined to the back of the stage, whilst the crowd can’t get enough of the main act, and you don’t even know the reason for that sudden change all those years ago, left as some sort of understudy for a play that you hadn’t rehearsed for (not that you knew that at the time), thrown on to the stage and expected to perform in their part when you weren’t ready. Keeping the performance going whilst all the others are seemingly forgetting theirs. They daren’t question the star of the show, for fear of her leaving again.
Having seen an item about Author Vicky Ball on my local news only last week, as I champion independent authors online, I was keen to find her profile and see what she had written. I don’t as a rule read the synopsis on a book I am planning to read so that it doesn’t interfere with how I write mine, but I did have a read of maybe the first few lines, or at least enough to draw the conclusion that it would be a book I might enjoy. I loved the cover, it does make you wonder who she is and why exactly the book is titled as it is. The book is split into three parts with subheadings. Those subheadings relate to one of the two main characters and whose perspective that section of the book is presented from. It isn’t a format that I always get on with, as it can make the book feel very long and drawn out, depending on the genre. In the case of ‘Powerless’ it is not a narrative that is spirit lifting or one I found all that comfortable to read for a large part, and so, at times, it felt quite arduous. The subject matter is dark, not the type of book that I would normally choose, if the synopsis provided any prior indication, or there was a trigger warning perhaps. I don’t think that trigger warnings are perhaps appropriate for this novel as, mercifully the unsavoury detail that could have been included, was only alluded to. Something I was grateful for, as I never like to leave a book unfinished. When I realised where the story was going, I did read the whole synopsis to ascertain if I could have got any clue to the actual nature of the storyline, and there is a subtle hint if you choose to see it. Now for the slight critiques. I did find that in some passages of dialogue, it was hard to distinguish who was talking. Although I do wonder if this was partly down to the formatting as I read it on my laptop. By my reckoning, when Beth returned, she would have been 22, yet when she goes for a walk with her mother and Abbey early on, she states that she is 20. However, this is corrected later on in the book. The only other thing that threw me was Lily and Beth obtaining jobs as tour guides on page 44 under the date of 2010, yet Beth states that it is ‘their first day’, on that particular job on page 48 under the date of 2017. I also wondered how it came to be that Lily’s parents knew where their daughter was.
From the outset, it is intriguing as you wonder what Beth’s back story is from the last seven years, and how her returning will affect her family dynamic. When she is reluctant to tell her parents and her younger sister where she has been during that time, you really feel Abbey’s frustration, as she wants an explanation and Jack and Emily aren’t pushing their eldest daughter to provide one. I was sad for Abbey when Beth and Emily admonish her for posting on Facebook as, that is what teenagers do, plus I felt that it was an attention seeking tactic. If it was the latter, it most definitely worked. Around that time, Emily tells Beth that ‘everything is all her fault’ and yet she won’t expand on her accusatory statement. At that point I suspected Emily of knowing more than she was letting on, but it seems that she didn’t later on in the book, I guess it was just heat of the moment anger at Beth running away. Everything is seemingly quite normal, until Abbey has a sighting of someone significant to her sister on a couple of occasions. I got an early inkling as to what might be happening when Emily, the girl’s mother, seems keen to impress on her husband, the urgency of contacting the police, but Jack is less convinced. This got me wondering why that would be the case. His involvement, I have to say, and probably largely because this is the kind of novel I would normally not be that interested to read, I wouldn’t have guessed in a million years. Beth’s naivety during the part of the book that reveals how her life played out whilst she was away, is quite agonising, or at least it was for me. I really couldn’t believe that she didn’t see anything wrong in what was taking place. I thought her character was written well though and I liked the dynamic between her and her younger sister once they’d got to know each other again.
Michael could have been a nice guy I think, if he hadn’t cared about covering his own back more than Beth’s. In different circumstances at a later part in Beth’s life maybe. I think the impact of the situation wasn’t maybe as powerful as it could have been for me because I felt I had to be mindful of narration and dates, and ensuring that I had the information noted that I needed to be able to do a detailed review and I would perhaps like to read it again some time. That said though, the events taking place did make me feel very awkward, particularly with the introduction of Stuart and his associates. The conclusions to Lily and Isabella’s stories were very different and it was nice that Beth had the chance to meet one of her friends again. It is quite frustrating when Beth doesn’t realise when she is blatantly lied to about Isabella’s whereabouts.
When Harry makes the acquaintance of Abbey via text, it did strike me as strange that he was able to get her number, although some people do include them as part of their information on their socials. Alarm bells started to ring for me at this point, but I changed my mind at many stages. It really wasn’t until Beth realised what had been going on that I realised myself, and it was fabulous to discover such a tense, and gripping tail end to an otherwise disturbing but not exactly compelling storyline for me, largely due to the fact that I didn’t pick up on early cues. It is a clever tactic to write a novel about something that is so suppressed in society that the reader doesn’t even think that that would be a subject that someone would write about. When the reasons for Jack’s business trips and his taking control of having to get away became apparent, I was genuinely shocked. I can definitely see why ‘Powerless’ is a best seller and will be interested in whatever Vicky writes from here.
Genre: Teen & YA/Thriller/Family Drama
Powerless by Vicky Ball
How would you feel if you had had to share the limelight with another for the first eight years, and then one day they just leave, and suddenly you have that spotlight to yourself. All the attention is on you….well eventually anyway. Then out of nowhere this person returns, and you not only feel like you might have to share that spotlight again, but find that you aren’t really in it at all. Your spot has been taken away again. You’re confined to the back of the stage, whilst the crowd can’t get enough of the main act, and you don’t even know the reason for that sudden change all those years ago, left as some sort of understudy for a play that you hadn’t rehearsed for (not that you knew that at the time), thrown on to the stage and expected to perform in their part when you weren’t ready. Keeping the performance going whilst all the others are seemingly forgetting theirs. They daren’t question the star of the show, for fear of her leaving again.
Having seen an item about Author Vicky Ball on my local news only last week, as I champion independent authors online, I was keen to find her profile and see what she had written. I don’t as a rule read the synopsis on a book I am planning to read so that it doesn’t interfere with how I write mine, but I did have a read of maybe the first few lines, or at least enough to draw the conclusion that it would be a book I might enjoy. I loved the cover, it does make you wonder who she is and why exactly the book is titled as it is. The book is split into three parts with subheadings. Those subheadings relate to one of the two main characters and whose perspective that section of the book is presented from. It isn’t a format that I always get on with, as it can make the book feel very long and drawn out, depending on the genre. In the case of ‘Powerless’ it is not a narrative that is spirit lifting or one I found all that comfortable to read for a large part, and so, at times, it felt quite arduous. The subject matter is dark, not the type of book that I would normally choose, if the synopsis provided any prior indication, or there was a trigger warning perhaps. I don’t think that trigger warnings are perhaps appropriate for this novel as, mercifully the unsavoury detail that could have been included, was only alluded to. Something I was grateful for, as I never like to leave a book unfinished. When I realised where the story was going, I did read the whole synopsis to ascertain if I could have got any clue to the actual nature of the storyline, and there is a subtle hint if you choose to see it. Now for the slight critiques. I did find that in some passages of dialogue, it was hard to distinguish who was talking. Although I do wonder if this was partly down to the formatting as I read it on my laptop. By my reckoning, when Beth returned, she would have been 22, yet when she goes for a walk with her mother and Abbey early on, she states that she is 20. However, this is corrected later on in the book. The only other thing that threw me was Lily and Beth obtaining jobs as tour guides on page 44 under the date of 2010, yet Beth states that it is ‘their first day’, on that particular job on page 48 under the date of 2017. I also wondered how it came to be that Lily’s parents knew where their daughter was.
From the outset, it is intriguing as you wonder what Beth’s back story is from the last seven years, and how her returning will affect her family dynamic. When she is reluctant to tell her parents and her younger sister where she has been during that time, you really feel Abbey’s frustration, as she wants an explanation and Jack and Emily aren’t pushing their eldest daughter to provide one. I was sad for Abbey when Beth and Emily admonish her for posting on Facebook as, that is what teenagers do, plus I felt that it was an attention seeking tactic. If it was the latter, it most definitely worked. Around that time, Emily tells Beth that ‘everything is all her fault’ and yet she won’t expand on her accusatory statement. At that point I suspected Emily of knowing more than she was letting on, but it seems that she didn’t later on in the book, I guess it was just heat of the moment anger at Beth running away. Everything is seemingly quite normal, until Abbey has a sighting of someone significant to her sister on a couple of occasions. I got an early inkling as to what might be happening when Emily, the girl’s mother, seems keen to impress on her husband, the urgency of contacting the police, but Jack is less convinced. This got me wondering why that would be the case. His involvement, I have to say, and probably largely because this is the kind of novel I would normally not be that interested to read, I wouldn’t have guessed in a million years. Beth’s naivety during the part of the book that reveals how her life played out whilst she was away, is quite agonising, or at least it was for me. I really couldn’t believe that she didn’t see anything wrong in what was taking place. I thought her character was written well though and I liked the dynamic between her and her younger sister once they’d got to know each other again.
Michael could have been a nice guy I think, if he hadn’t cared about covering his own back more than Beth’s. In different circumstances at a later part in Beth’s life maybe. I think the impact of the situation wasn’t maybe as powerful as it could have been for me because I felt I had to be mindful of narration and dates, and ensuring that I had the information noted that I needed to be able to do a detailed review and I would perhaps like to read it again some time. That said though, the events taking place did make me feel very awkward, particularly with the introduction of Stuart and his associates. The conclusions to Lily and Isabella’s stories were very different and it was nice that Beth had the chance to meet one of her friends again. It is quite frustrating when Beth doesn’t realise when she is blatantly lied to about Isabella’s whereabouts.
When Harry makes the acquaintance of Abbey via text, it did strike me as strange that he was able to get her number, although some people do include them as part of their information on their socials. Alarm bells started to ring for me at this point, but I changed my mind at many stages. It really wasn’t until Beth realised what had been going on that I realised myself, and it was fabulous to discover such a tense, and gripping tail end to an otherwise disturbing but not exactly compelling storyline for me, largely due to the fact that I didn’t pick up on early cues. It is a clever tactic to write a novel about something that is so suppressed in society that the reader doesn’t even think that that would be a subject that someone would write about. When the reasons for Jack’s business trips and his taking control of having to get away became apparent, I was genuinely shocked. I can definitely see why ‘Powerless’ is a best seller and will be interested in whatever Vicky writes from here.
February 28, 2023
Powerless takes us on an emotional journey through the coercion, grooming, abuse and manipulation that is exploitation. In this case, childhood sexual exploitation (CSE).
As someone who works in this field, I was particularly interested in the authors account. It was quickly evident that she had researched or had experience of the vulnerabilities of young people.
Written from the perspective of two sisters Beth and Abby, Powerless tells of a childhood interrupted by grooming and of Beth’s disappearance for a number of years, as well as her return to her family home.
Readers get to understand the subtleties of grooming and coercion, leading to exploitation and sexual violence. We also get to see that CSE is multi-layered and vulnerabilities such as homelessness, addiction, offending and mental ill health can be targeted or a result of exploitation.
The criminal careers and organised crime gangs are linked in to highlight how, all too often, CSE and other forms of exploitation such as MDS are hard to trace, difficult to flee, and hard to prosecute.
Powerless is written in a way that is emotionally sensitive yet real, that raising awareness and empathy. With likeable characters, emotional impact and a clever twist, it’s a highly recommended book for young people as well as adults.
As someone who works in this field, I was particularly interested in the authors account. It was quickly evident that she had researched or had experience of the vulnerabilities of young people.
Written from the perspective of two sisters Beth and Abby, Powerless tells of a childhood interrupted by grooming and of Beth’s disappearance for a number of years, as well as her return to her family home.
Readers get to understand the subtleties of grooming and coercion, leading to exploitation and sexual violence. We also get to see that CSE is multi-layered and vulnerabilities such as homelessness, addiction, offending and mental ill health can be targeted or a result of exploitation.
The criminal careers and organised crime gangs are linked in to highlight how, all too often, CSE and other forms of exploitation such as MDS are hard to trace, difficult to flee, and hard to prosecute.
Powerless is written in a way that is emotionally sensitive yet real, that raising awareness and empathy. With likeable characters, emotional impact and a clever twist, it’s a highly recommended book for young people as well as adults.
March 4, 2025
Thanks to the power of Twitter, I was blessed with the opportunity to read Powerless, a gripping story about trust that kept me tied from beginning to end. It was a real page turner that had me constantly asking how the story would be resolved and where the characters would find themselves at the end.
The story is, mainly, told between two characters: Abby and Beth. We start with Abby, a fifteen-year-old girl who's an, "only child;" only because her older sister, Beth, disappeared seven years ago without rhyme or reason. When she returns on Christmas Eve 2017, now twenty-two, she's almost unrecognizable and her appearance causes turmoil in the family that results in a mysterious man, Michael, looking for her. From there, the story takes us back in time, chronicling Beth's time away from her family as she is subjected to extremely uncomfortable situations, begging, pleading for a way out. When we return to the present, the shocking twist ends in a thrilling conclusion that I did not see coming.
There's a lot to like about the novel; the realistic depictions of the characters and how they kept making decisions driven by emotion. The various points in time and nicely detailed places. Our main protagonists, Abby and Beth, falling for obvious tricks that give their depiction weight, grounding them in reality.
However, there are a few things I didn't like, mainly the ending. I felt it was rushed, maybe *too* convenient for the stakes at play. Not that the story shouldn't strive for a, "happily ever after," type of ending, but it felt bizarre essentially having this big reveal that doesn't do much after the fact. I was also not very convinced as to why the time skip was there; I think it has to do with having to age up Abby to be Beth's age when she left, but part of me isn't convinced that Beth can survive for seven years out and about with Michael on her tail. Then again, I also think these might just be nitpicks because it's not like real life is devoid of people losing the plot either.
Overall, what mattered most is how much the narrative gripped me and I have no issues recommending the novel to a friend who may be interested in these types of page-turners that keep you second guessing at every turn.
The story is, mainly, told between two characters: Abby and Beth. We start with Abby, a fifteen-year-old girl who's an, "only child;" only because her older sister, Beth, disappeared seven years ago without rhyme or reason. When she returns on Christmas Eve 2017, now twenty-two, she's almost unrecognizable and her appearance causes turmoil in the family that results in a mysterious man, Michael, looking for her. From there, the story takes us back in time, chronicling Beth's time away from her family as she is subjected to extremely uncomfortable situations, begging, pleading for a way out. When we return to the present, the shocking twist ends in a thrilling conclusion that I did not see coming.
There's a lot to like about the novel; the realistic depictions of the characters and how they kept making decisions driven by emotion. The various points in time and nicely detailed places. Our main protagonists, Abby and Beth, falling for obvious tricks that give their depiction weight, grounding them in reality.
However, there are a few things I didn't like, mainly the ending. I felt it was rushed, maybe *too* convenient for the stakes at play. Not that the story shouldn't strive for a, "happily ever after," type of ending, but it felt bizarre essentially having this big reveal that doesn't do much after the fact. I was also not very convinced as to why the time skip was there; I think it has to do with having to age up Abby to be Beth's age when she left, but part of me isn't convinced that Beth can survive for seven years out and about with Michael on her tail. Then again, I also think these might just be nitpicks because it's not like real life is devoid of people losing the plot either.
Overall, what mattered most is how much the narrative gripped me and I have no issues recommending the novel to a friend who may be interested in these types of page-turners that keep you second guessing at every turn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2024
They say that it’s normal for the young to be impulsive. They say: "When does one have more freedom to explore what life has to offer than in one’s youth?" What nobody seems to pay much attention to is that adventures can be dangerous. What many consider the proof of the adult’s fossilised mind, at times, is the wisdom acquired by the years of life experience.
“Powerless” by Vicky Ball is an excellent cautionary tale that puts into a different perspective what, at first glance, an innocent urge to be independent of one’s parents can lead to.
The story is an absolute page-turner. I finished it in a few days, and if I had more time to read, I would have finished it even quicker. “Powerless” is full of twists and turns I didn’t see coming and learning a new secret made me want to find out more.
When Beth returns after a seven-year absence, her younger sister Abby has mixed feelings about it. I liked that the sisterly reunion wasn’t portrayed solely in happy colours. Abby was eight when Beth disappeared, and now she is the same age as was Beth when she went away. At fifteen, it is difficult to see outside your ‘box’ of teenage worries. And Abby needs time and guidance to come to terms with her older sister being back in her life. She gets neither, for Beth’s return puts into motion a rollercoaster of disturbing events, and their parents are not keen to share anything with young Abby.
Beth falls into a trap of love so many fifteen-year-old girls would have fallen into easily. Alas, the man she falls in love with and who lures her out of her parental home and her life as a schoolgirl turns out to be more dangerous than simply a guy wishing to rob an innocent girl of her virginity. This man, Michael, will rob Beth of so much more…
Fast-paced and unpredictable, “Powerless” is a book you won’t want to put down until you know how the mess one seemingly usual family’s life has turned into ends.
“Powerless” by Vicky Ball is an excellent cautionary tale that puts into a different perspective what, at first glance, an innocent urge to be independent of one’s parents can lead to.
The story is an absolute page-turner. I finished it in a few days, and if I had more time to read, I would have finished it even quicker. “Powerless” is full of twists and turns I didn’t see coming and learning a new secret made me want to find out more.
When Beth returns after a seven-year absence, her younger sister Abby has mixed feelings about it. I liked that the sisterly reunion wasn’t portrayed solely in happy colours. Abby was eight when Beth disappeared, and now she is the same age as was Beth when she went away. At fifteen, it is difficult to see outside your ‘box’ of teenage worries. And Abby needs time and guidance to come to terms with her older sister being back in her life. She gets neither, for Beth’s return puts into motion a rollercoaster of disturbing events, and their parents are not keen to share anything with young Abby.
Beth falls into a trap of love so many fifteen-year-old girls would have fallen into easily. Alas, the man she falls in love with and who lures her out of her parental home and her life as a schoolgirl turns out to be more dangerous than simply a guy wishing to rob an innocent girl of her virginity. This man, Michael, will rob Beth of so much more…
Fast-paced and unpredictable, “Powerless” is a book you won’t want to put down until you know how the mess one seemingly usual family’s life has turned into ends.
February 4, 2023
A truly gripping YA thriller!
When I say truly gripping, I mean it! This book was so hard to put down! The story deals with difficult subjects of grooming and child/adult sexual exploitation, yet these subjects were dealt with carefully and well. And although it leaves you feeling really ‘powerless’ reading about how easy it is to fall for dangers of this world and how difficult is to get out once you get there, I couldn’t stop myself from hoping and caring for both sisters.
And I think that’s where the author’s talent really shone! Outside of creating a fantastic plot, full of twists, mystery and drama, Vicky Ball created really believable and complex characters that I was invested in from not even the first pages but from first paragraphs they were introduced in. I thought that their style of speaking, the way they thought and behaved, was authentic for both their age and situations they found themselves in. It was probably more visible with Beth (older sister), since you got to experience changes in her behaviour and thinking as the years went by.
I don’t think I can recommend this book enough. If you enjoy reading dark-themed thrillers, you should definitely give this story a go! The only thing I would struggle on is to advise on the appropriate age for younger readers, simply because on one hand the topics the story deals with are typically for a more mature audience, on the other, however, with the way author approached narration (careful with language and visual aspect of certain scenes) I am wondering if reading this book wouldn’t be beneficial for younger readers (particularly girls, who often falls victims of similar activities). I guess the decision here would be up for parents.
On the final note, I loved the characters and writing style and I know that I’m already looking forward to reading other books written by this talented author.
When I say truly gripping, I mean it! This book was so hard to put down! The story deals with difficult subjects of grooming and child/adult sexual exploitation, yet these subjects were dealt with carefully and well. And although it leaves you feeling really ‘powerless’ reading about how easy it is to fall for dangers of this world and how difficult is to get out once you get there, I couldn’t stop myself from hoping and caring for both sisters.
And I think that’s where the author’s talent really shone! Outside of creating a fantastic plot, full of twists, mystery and drama, Vicky Ball created really believable and complex characters that I was invested in from not even the first pages but from first paragraphs they were introduced in. I thought that their style of speaking, the way they thought and behaved, was authentic for both their age and situations they found themselves in. It was probably more visible with Beth (older sister), since you got to experience changes in her behaviour and thinking as the years went by.
I don’t think I can recommend this book enough. If you enjoy reading dark-themed thrillers, you should definitely give this story a go! The only thing I would struggle on is to advise on the appropriate age for younger readers, simply because on one hand the topics the story deals with are typically for a more mature audience, on the other, however, with the way author approached narration (careful with language and visual aspect of certain scenes) I am wondering if reading this book wouldn’t be beneficial for younger readers (particularly girls, who often falls victims of similar activities). I guess the decision here would be up for parents.
On the final note, I loved the characters and writing style and I know that I’m already looking forward to reading other books written by this talented author.
January 16, 2022
What a terrifying thriller of exploitation and deceit. Vicky Ball knocked it out the park with her debut novel, Powerless—a dark glimpse into a world that some may want to pretend doesn’t exist. With every page, I cringed at the way each character was manipulated with promises of a life that was sure to never come. I felt deeply for each one of them and squirmed at the thought of how easily something like this could happen in real life—and surely has. Connecting with characters on this kind of level isn't easy, but Ball pulled it off with ease.
The plot tackles a delicate topic for some, but one that needs to be talked about all the same. Ball chose to tell the story from different points of view (love this by the way), so I got a clear perspective of why Beth and Abby reacted to certain situations the way they did, and their counteractions as well. These characters didn’t make choices just to move the story along, they took actions that coincided with the nature of who they were and the life which they had been dealt. It made them more real, and more believable. Well done!
The plot tackles a delicate topic for some, but one that needs to be talked about all the same. Ball chose to tell the story from different points of view (love this by the way), so I got a clear perspective of why Beth and Abby reacted to certain situations the way they did, and their counteractions as well. These characters didn’t make choices just to move the story along, they took actions that coincided with the nature of who they were and the life which they had been dealt. It made them more real, and more believable. Well done!
January 16, 2023
This isn't the book for you if you prefer cozy. It's too close to real life for that, but it's still a book I enjoyed. There are multiple mysteries in the book and it starts already on the first page. I love it when I just have to read one more page because I'm desperate to know what happens. There are big questions about all the four members in the family and I found the slow revelation motivating.
I also believe in YA books teaching us some important lessons. I heard a local news story while I was reading this book, about a man in my neighbourhood that tried persuading girls to get into his car. Obviously, they shouldn't, and none did. It's not the same situation because it's grooming in the book, but the message is the same, a certain mistrust isn't a bad thing.
I'm left with one question, the mother. She seems to be too distant, maybe the most powerless in the family, and perhaps the reason Beth is powerless. This is clearly a dysfunctional family and another lesson to learn from the book is that you don't ignore things. That leads to your children searching elsewhere.
There's nothing predictable about this book and you are going to be shocked.
I also believe in YA books teaching us some important lessons. I heard a local news story while I was reading this book, about a man in my neighbourhood that tried persuading girls to get into his car. Obviously, they shouldn't, and none did. It's not the same situation because it's grooming in the book, but the message is the same, a certain mistrust isn't a bad thing.
I'm left with one question, the mother. She seems to be too distant, maybe the most powerless in the family, and perhaps the reason Beth is powerless. This is clearly a dysfunctional family and another lesson to learn from the book is that you don't ignore things. That leads to your children searching elsewhere.
There's nothing predictable about this book and you are going to be shocked.
December 31, 2021
When your teenage daughter disappears and it's been a number of years with no word do you give up? When suddenly that daughter returns out of the blue her sister and parents are delighted to reconnect with her but finding out what has happened in those missed years is not going to be easy. The daughter, Beth has turned the family life upside down but what is she hiding? Why does she seem so scared? How can Beth and her family overcome the challenges to restore what they had all those years back?
Powerless is a debut novel from Vicky Ball and it is clear she has a real talent in weaving a story that keeps the reader guessing as to what will come next. Even if you are able to see what is coming, which many would not be able to, the way Vicky has put twists in that keep you wanting to read on and what you felt you knew is not going to be exactly the outcome.
I am looking forward to much more to come from this author and highly recommend this book as one of those that is a page turner you will find hard to put down.
Powerless is a debut novel from Vicky Ball and it is clear she has a real talent in weaving a story that keeps the reader guessing as to what will come next. Even if you are able to see what is coming, which many would not be able to, the way Vicky has put twists in that keep you wanting to read on and what you felt you knew is not going to be exactly the outcome.
I am looking forward to much more to come from this author and highly recommend this book as one of those that is a page turner you will find hard to put down.
February 1, 2022
Vicky Ball, author of Powerless, comes out swinging for a TKO in her debut novel. Published in collaboration with Burton Mayers Books, Powerless is riveting from the get-go. When their oldest daughter, Beth, went missing seven years ago, the Kimmings family was shattered. Younger sister, Abby, and her parents, have marked time in a semblance of normal life ever since. Their surprise and relief is palpable when Beth turns up on their doorstep on Christmas Eve with no explanation of where she’s been or what she’s been doing since the last time they saw her. Abby is glad to have her sister back but frustrated with her reticence at answering questions. Beth is cagey and needy in turn and Abby is desperate to know why. The answers she finds are terrifying. Ball throws thrilling twists and oh-no moments with the ease of a seasoned ball player. I can’t give this one enough stars for fans of the suspense and thriller genres.
January 4, 2025
What a good book!
Writing from the perspective of a 15-year-old can be tricky; it could even become cliché. However, Vicky executed it incredibly well. You can empathize with and still feel frustrated by the decisions and thought processes of both Abby and Beth.
The book gave me such a strong feeling of helplessness and, true to its very well-chosen title, a sense of powerlessness.
The story tackles very sensitive and difficult topics, but it does so in a way that feels empathetic, respectful, and considerate.
The only thing I wish is that the ending had been a bit longer, providing more insights and details about how everything unfolded. Still, the ending was shocking and unexpected, but looking back, it was well-crafted and leaves you with the feeling of "How did I not see that?"
Overall, it’s an amazing book—fast-paced and captivating. A fantastic debut, and I can’t wait to read more from Vicky!
Writing from the perspective of a 15-year-old can be tricky; it could even become cliché. However, Vicky executed it incredibly well. You can empathize with and still feel frustrated by the decisions and thought processes of both Abby and Beth.
The book gave me such a strong feeling of helplessness and, true to its very well-chosen title, a sense of powerlessness.
The story tackles very sensitive and difficult topics, but it does so in a way that feels empathetic, respectful, and considerate.
The only thing I wish is that the ending had been a bit longer, providing more insights and details about how everything unfolded. Still, the ending was shocking and unexpected, but looking back, it was well-crafted and leaves you with the feeling of "How did I not see that?"
Overall, it’s an amazing book—fast-paced and captivating. A fantastic debut, and I can’t wait to read more from Vicky!
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