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Powerless
When all goes dark, they’re left alone. As starvation provokes chaos, can one man defend all he holds dear?
Sunspots, Al-Qaeda, North Korea—no one knows why the power goes out in sleepy little Harpursville, how much of the world is affected, or how long it will last. In one instant virtually every modern convenience stops working, leaving the townspeople scrambling.
For Kevin Barton, the problem is compounded by the presence of his sixteen-year-old daughter's best friend, Dina, who's been stranded at the house after yet another sleepover. When Kevin's attempt to escort Dina home ends in robbery and humiliation, their "second daughter's" overnight visit becomes a permanent stay. Kevin doesn't really mind. Dina helps with everything from hauling water to digging a garden, and she does it with a smile. But with food scarce and hunger eating away at reason, her large appetite and constant presence sets the household on edge, causing a rift between Kevin and his wife, Monica.
Help is offered by the man who stops Harpursville from sliding into everyone-for-themselves chaos but then he gives Kevin an unthinkable ultimatum. With the peace of the town and Kevin's own family hanging in the balance, he faces a two-front war. Can Kevin find the power in himself to protect everything he holds dear?
Buy Powerless to shine a light on darkness today!
"It’s in the microcosm of the Bartons’ house that the insidious drama of the unknown versus the known plays out and is brilliantly developed until the fitting conclusion. A gripping and thoughtful psychological tale." - Kirkus Reviews
“A poignant, elegantly written, gripping book that delves deep into an all-too-possible future. You won’t be able to put this down. O’Handley is brilliant and masterful. One of the best books I’ve ever read.” – Lisa Regan, USA Today & Wall Street Journal best-selling author
Sunspots, Al-Qaeda, North Korea—no one knows why the power goes out in sleepy little Harpursville, how much of the world is affected, or how long it will last. In one instant virtually every modern convenience stops working, leaving the townspeople scrambling.
For Kevin Barton, the problem is compounded by the presence of his sixteen-year-old daughter's best friend, Dina, who's been stranded at the house after yet another sleepover. When Kevin's attempt to escort Dina home ends in robbery and humiliation, their "second daughter's" overnight visit becomes a permanent stay. Kevin doesn't really mind. Dina helps with everything from hauling water to digging a garden, and she does it with a smile. But with food scarce and hunger eating away at reason, her large appetite and constant presence sets the household on edge, causing a rift between Kevin and his wife, Monica.
Help is offered by the man who stops Harpursville from sliding into everyone-for-themselves chaos but then he gives Kevin an unthinkable ultimatum. With the peace of the town and Kevin's own family hanging in the balance, he faces a two-front war. Can Kevin find the power in himself to protect everything he holds dear?
Buy Powerless to shine a light on darkness today!
"It’s in the microcosm of the Bartons’ house that the insidious drama of the unknown versus the known plays out and is brilliantly developed until the fitting conclusion. A gripping and thoughtful psychological tale." - Kirkus Reviews
“A poignant, elegantly written, gripping book that delves deep into an all-too-possible future. You won’t be able to put this down. O’Handley is brilliant and masterful. One of the best books I’ve ever read.” – Lisa Regan, USA Today & Wall Street Journal best-selling author
324 pages, Paperback
First published August 24, 2022
10 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Jeff O'Handley
2 books4 followersJeff O'Handley is a life-long environmental educator with a strong conservation ethic who has delved into the realm of literary fiction with both feet.
Jeff O’Handley has been a science and technical writer as part of his job since the late 1980’s, but fiction is his passion. This talented and insightful author provides depth to his characters and explores their stories in a way that can be related to on a very personal level. Jeff can often be found ‘butt-deep in a swamp’ removing invasive species, leading a nature walk in the woods, or promoting recycling as part of his work for a boots-on-the-ground conservation organization. Jeff is a die-hard Boston Bruins fan who loves the outdoors and has a resistance to tech, but grudgingly admits to the usefulness of smartphones and computers. Jeff grew up on Long Island, NY but has embraced the rural life of central New York, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.
Jeff O’Handley has been a science and technical writer as part of his job since the late 1980’s, but fiction is his passion. This talented and insightful author provides depth to his characters and explores their stories in a way that can be related to on a very personal level. Jeff can often be found ‘butt-deep in a swamp’ removing invasive species, leading a nature walk in the woods, or promoting recycling as part of his work for a boots-on-the-ground conservation organization. Jeff is a die-hard Boston Bruins fan who loves the outdoors and has a resistance to tech, but grudgingly admits to the usefulness of smartphones and computers. Jeff grew up on Long Island, NY but has embraced the rural life of central New York, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 1, 2022
This novel was like footsteps, a pitter-patter along an alcove then when you finally connect feet to the floor and get out of bed it’s already too late. It was always going to be too late because long after you heard a bump in the night you squeezed your eyes shut and hoped.
Kevin Barton didn’t even get a pitter-patter.
Something about POWERLESS got me. A father tasked with protecting his family in an environment where it’s almost impossible to do so…
A supposed savior with hidden motives spreading hope that might turn out to be nothing but smoke...
When the power goes out in a small town, everyone becomes vulnerable and the world takes about 100 leaps backward towards a state of nature. In the middle of it is Barton, a sympathetic suburban dad caught in a Stephen King-esque quagmire that beggars explanation.
The suspense won’t quit in this one. The cultural critiques are grab-able, they’re right there for even an obtuse reader like yours truly. The Stand, The Walking Dead: when calamity strikes, Ned Flanders is who you gotta watch out for. I get it.
But this particular expedition into apocalyptic voyeurism kept me engaged from cover to cover. In a genre that’s been busy over the years, a job well done.
Kevin Barton didn’t even get a pitter-patter.
Something about POWERLESS got me. A father tasked with protecting his family in an environment where it’s almost impossible to do so…
A supposed savior with hidden motives spreading hope that might turn out to be nothing but smoke...
When the power goes out in a small town, everyone becomes vulnerable and the world takes about 100 leaps backward towards a state of nature. In the middle of it is Barton, a sympathetic suburban dad caught in a Stephen King-esque quagmire that beggars explanation.
The suspense won’t quit in this one. The cultural critiques are grab-able, they’re right there for even an obtuse reader like yours truly. The Stand, The Walking Dead: when calamity strikes, Ned Flanders is who you gotta watch out for. I get it.
But this particular expedition into apocalyptic voyeurism kept me engaged from cover to cover. In a genre that’s been busy over the years, a job well done.
December 25, 2022
I am honestly quite shocked at the amount of 5 star reviews for this and those who are apparently okay with overlooking the fact that the male main character (you know, the person we are supposed to root for and have compassion for throughout this book) has continual sexualized thoughts about his daughter's best friend, who is 16.
When I read Kevin’s first passing thoughts early into the book, page 24 I believe, I thought it was a bit...odd, and out of left field. (And very unnecessary. Dina needed to be either 18 or this entire plot needed to be removed.) I kept pressing forward. But then it kept happening. Page 150, 167, 203.
"Her shirt rode up, exposing her pale, taut belly, perfectly smooth save for the dimple of her navel. Her breasts pushed at the thin fabric. Each looked like a perfect fit for his hand. His palms itched." Page 203.
That's Kevin, our male MC who I believe is in his 40's, thinking about Dina, age 16. So apparently this is okay when you're in a possible apocalyptic scenario.
There is no indication that this happens in this book, and I was seriously creeped out by the leering male gaze in this book. To me, this is not okay.
Arc was provided by the publisher.
When I read Kevin’s first passing thoughts early into the book, page 24 I believe, I thought it was a bit...odd, and out of left field. (And very unnecessary. Dina needed to be either 18 or this entire plot needed to be removed.) I kept pressing forward. But then it kept happening. Page 150, 167, 203.
"Her shirt rode up, exposing her pale, taut belly, perfectly smooth save for the dimple of her navel. Her breasts pushed at the thin fabric. Each looked like a perfect fit for his hand. His palms itched." Page 203.
That's Kevin, our male MC who I believe is in his 40's, thinking about Dina, age 16. So apparently this is okay when you're in a possible apocalyptic scenario.
There is no indication that this happens in this book, and I was seriously creeped out by the leering male gaze in this book. To me, this is not okay.
Arc was provided by the publisher.
August 31, 2022
This book quietly sucked me in. Gentle words temper a harsh reality.
I am so impressed with the blunt honesty this author explored family, stress and impacts. He certainly did not shy away from how we view our daughters. Others wishing to coerce, wear down women from their right to say no to a passive acceptance.
Powerless focuses on a small town - loss of powerin all its literal and metaphorical sense. So well done.
I am so impressed with the blunt honesty this author explored family, stress and impacts. He certainly did not shy away from how we view our daughters. Others wishing to coerce, wear down women from their right to say no to a passive acceptance.
Powerless focuses on a small town - loss of powerin all its literal and metaphorical sense. So well done.
September 13, 2022
Powerless by Jeff O Handley📚
Wow, 'Powerless by Jeff O Handley' was really something different. I don't think I've ever read something like this. I don't even know what genre to even call it exactly. It's a mix of literary fiction, speculative fiction, dystopian fiction, mystery, scifi and more. The writing style was lyrical and dreamy. The theme of the book was about how we would survive without modern technology to help us. The tone of the book was cautionary and realistic.
The plot was fast paced and believable. The vocabulary was simple and can be comprehended by beginner readers. The best thing about the book was the plot and the setting. It increased the intensity and the dread as I read the book. If the book was set anywhere else, it would never have worked. A small town simmering with prejudices and stereotypes is the only place this would have worked.
The characters in the book were resourceful and witty. There was slow build up of this impending doom that was present throughout the book. Just imagine, one day you wake up and none of the technology in the world works. You have to go back to the old times of farming, firewood and neighbourhood patrols. This book is focused on one family and how they try to survive the odds. Everyday they try not to freeze to death, or starve or get shot by some some desperate vigilante. Will they survive? Will the family survive this ordeal together or disintegrate? Read to find out!
I would recommend this book to everyone who loves fiction.
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
- Afreen Khalil
Wow, 'Powerless by Jeff O Handley' was really something different. I don't think I've ever read something like this. I don't even know what genre to even call it exactly. It's a mix of literary fiction, speculative fiction, dystopian fiction, mystery, scifi and more. The writing style was lyrical and dreamy. The theme of the book was about how we would survive without modern technology to help us. The tone of the book was cautionary and realistic.
The plot was fast paced and believable. The vocabulary was simple and can be comprehended by beginner readers. The best thing about the book was the plot and the setting. It increased the intensity and the dread as I read the book. If the book was set anywhere else, it would never have worked. A small town simmering with prejudices and stereotypes is the only place this would have worked.
The characters in the book were resourceful and witty. There was slow build up of this impending doom that was present throughout the book. Just imagine, one day you wake up and none of the technology in the world works. You have to go back to the old times of farming, firewood and neighbourhood patrols. This book is focused on one family and how they try to survive the odds. Everyday they try not to freeze to death, or starve or get shot by some some desperate vigilante. Will they survive? Will the family survive this ordeal together or disintegrate? Read to find out!
I would recommend this book to everyone who loves fiction.
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
- Afreen Khalil
September 22, 2022
Powerless by Jeff O'Handley is a book about how in a small town the citizens try to deal when the power went out. So, when they discover they don't have any way to make their phones even cars works, they are literary, powerless.
.
So in this books, we are going to see how a family and others characters has to deal with feeling powerless, in all of the sense of the word, when they couldn't control any situation.
.
In this book we are going to see brave characters, trying to fighting to the uncertainty of when power will return.
.
It's a great work when you think if this situation comes to reality, what would you do?
.
So in this books, we are going to see how a family and others characters has to deal with feeling powerless, in all of the sense of the word, when they couldn't control any situation.
.
In this book we are going to see brave characters, trying to fighting to the uncertainty of when power will return.
.
It's a great work when you think if this situation comes to reality, what would you do?
May 21, 2022
Review of eBook
It’s a usual Saturday morning with Kevin Barton preparing to drive his daughter, Kelly, and her best friend, Dina, up to the school so that Dina can catch the bus for the track meet. As they’re preparing to leave, static bursts from the radio, the light goes out, the kitchen appliances stop humming.
No one thinks too much about the power being out . . . it happens from time to time in sleepy little Harpursville and it probably won’t be long before power is restored.
But then neither of the cars will start. The landline doesn’t work. The cell phones don’t work. Kevin’s watch stopped working.
Nothing works.
With virtually every modern electronic convenience out of commission, it isn’t long before people are scrambling for food. An attempt to walk Dina the seven miles to her home meets with disaster as a group of thugs accosts them and steals their food and water. And so, Dina, a frequent sleepover guest, remains with Kevin, his wife Monica, and Kelly.
When Eli Sobchuk plants himself in the middle of the road, causing an Army convoy to stop, the townspeople get virtually no information about what has happened, but the Army does leave some MREs for them. Sobchuk becomes a hero of sorts and becomes the authority, setting up jobs to help people survive, and working together as a community to share food, clothing, blankets, and tools.
But appearances are often deceiving and it isn’t long before Kevin finds out what Eli really wants. Can he protect his family from the disaster . . . and from those with nefarious plans?
=========
What do you do when an unexpected event upends your life and everything you took for granted suddenly disappears? Here, in this captivating tale, readers see not only the difficulties associated with survival but also the issues of dealing with a variety of attitudes and behaviors . . . and not all of them conducive to community sharing of work and food.
A strong sense of place, well-defined characters, and a captivating plot combine to pull readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. Unexpected events keep the suspense building and an undercurrent of tension runs throughout the narrative.
True-to-life in the behaviors of various characters, one can only wonder what it would be like if this scenario actually occurred. Power plays an important role in the unfolding narrative, whether it is about the now-silent electronics or the power bullies hold over others or the power some seek in order to control others [or goods or services] or the power one can find within oneself.
Readers will find much to ponder in this compulsive tale that could, one day, become a reality.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Breaking Night Press and NetGalley
#Powerless #NetGalley
It’s a usual Saturday morning with Kevin Barton preparing to drive his daughter, Kelly, and her best friend, Dina, up to the school so that Dina can catch the bus for the track meet. As they’re preparing to leave, static bursts from the radio, the light goes out, the kitchen appliances stop humming.
No one thinks too much about the power being out . . . it happens from time to time in sleepy little Harpursville and it probably won’t be long before power is restored.
But then neither of the cars will start. The landline doesn’t work. The cell phones don’t work. Kevin’s watch stopped working.
Nothing works.
With virtually every modern electronic convenience out of commission, it isn’t long before people are scrambling for food. An attempt to walk Dina the seven miles to her home meets with disaster as a group of thugs accosts them and steals their food and water. And so, Dina, a frequent sleepover guest, remains with Kevin, his wife Monica, and Kelly.
When Eli Sobchuk plants himself in the middle of the road, causing an Army convoy to stop, the townspeople get virtually no information about what has happened, but the Army does leave some MREs for them. Sobchuk becomes a hero of sorts and becomes the authority, setting up jobs to help people survive, and working together as a community to share food, clothing, blankets, and tools.
But appearances are often deceiving and it isn’t long before Kevin finds out what Eli really wants. Can he protect his family from the disaster . . . and from those with nefarious plans?
=========
What do you do when an unexpected event upends your life and everything you took for granted suddenly disappears? Here, in this captivating tale, readers see not only the difficulties associated with survival but also the issues of dealing with a variety of attitudes and behaviors . . . and not all of them conducive to community sharing of work and food.
A strong sense of place, well-defined characters, and a captivating plot combine to pull readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. Unexpected events keep the suspense building and an undercurrent of tension runs throughout the narrative.
True-to-life in the behaviors of various characters, one can only wonder what it would be like if this scenario actually occurred. Power plays an important role in the unfolding narrative, whether it is about the now-silent electronics or the power bullies hold over others or the power some seek in order to control others [or goods or services] or the power one can find within oneself.
Readers will find much to ponder in this compulsive tale that could, one day, become a reality.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Breaking Night Press and NetGalley
#Powerless #NetGalley
May 26, 2022
The power went out. Nothing that runs on electricity works. We aren't told exactly why, because this is the kind of thing you need power for your radio or computer or smartphone to give you. Speculation is sunspots or an EMP, considerating that even battery run gadgets don't work any more. No cars, no lights, no refrigerators, no chainsaws. Nothing that requires electricity works.
We are in Vermont, I think. Location is only important to show we are in a very small town surrounded by trees. Events would have unfolded differently in a larger town or small city. We are focused on a family, Kevin and Monica and their daughter Kelly. Dina, a friend of Kelly's, was spending the night. She is now trapped with the Bartons. That leads to different dynamics later on in the story.
Our little town, Harpursville, is too small for a chain grocery store. This fact, and the knowledge that the closest grocery is now some 20 miles away, makes the villagers nervous. When Army trucks suddenly show up driving down the road, everyone crowds around them. One man, Eli Sobchuk, steps out in front of the trucks and stops them. This convoy is the only information that the people of Harpursville have of what has happened and that their government is still running.
Sobchuk takes advantage of his "heroism" in stopping the convoy and getting the village some supplies to become the mayor pro-tem. That actually works for a while, but you remember the saying about power. Eli pushes Kevin in the wrong way and things change.
I found this story, apocalyptic as it is, to be an interesting look at how a group of people could behave when they just have themselves to count on. Fortunately for the inhabitants of Harpursville, this whatever happened, happened at the start of the summer. They would have had a harder time surviving if it had been winter. The only hard to swallow bit was at the end of the story, but I'll let you find that out for yourself.
We are in Vermont, I think. Location is only important to show we are in a very small town surrounded by trees. Events would have unfolded differently in a larger town or small city. We are focused on a family, Kevin and Monica and their daughter Kelly. Dina, a friend of Kelly's, was spending the night. She is now trapped with the Bartons. That leads to different dynamics later on in the story.
Our little town, Harpursville, is too small for a chain grocery store. This fact, and the knowledge that the closest grocery is now some 20 miles away, makes the villagers nervous. When Army trucks suddenly show up driving down the road, everyone crowds around them. One man, Eli Sobchuk, steps out in front of the trucks and stops them. This convoy is the only information that the people of Harpursville have of what has happened and that their government is still running.
Sobchuk takes advantage of his "heroism" in stopping the convoy and getting the village some supplies to become the mayor pro-tem. That actually works for a while, but you remember the saying about power. Eli pushes Kevin in the wrong way and things change.
I found this story, apocalyptic as it is, to be an interesting look at how a group of people could behave when they just have themselves to count on. Fortunately for the inhabitants of Harpursville, this whatever happened, happened at the start of the summer. They would have had a harder time surviving if it had been winter. The only hard to swallow bit was at the end of the story, but I'll let you find that out for yourself.
April 6, 2022
I could not put this book down.
It’s deep, thoughtful, unique and at points so riveting.
Powerless is about so much more than lack of food. It’s about lack of humanity in some.
It’s very well written. It had great fluidity.
You can’t stop reading cause you need to know where it’s going. Because the book is really about what is lacking...basic humanity. And how the worse case scenario brought it out in some. And how a guy who usually goes along to get along has to step up for his family.
It also leaves you wanting more.
Powerless for me is a book that shines a light on the darkness of human nature. And honestly a little creepy in the sense that crap...that could actually happen.
This book is a great book club book. I highly recommend you check it out.
It’s deep, thoughtful, unique and at points so riveting.
Powerless is about so much more than lack of food. It’s about lack of humanity in some.
It’s very well written. It had great fluidity.
You can’t stop reading cause you need to know where it’s going. Because the book is really about what is lacking...basic humanity. And how the worse case scenario brought it out in some. And how a guy who usually goes along to get along has to step up for his family.
It also leaves you wanting more.
Powerless for me is a book that shines a light on the darkness of human nature. And honestly a little creepy in the sense that crap...that could actually happen.
This book is a great book club book. I highly recommend you check it out.
August 23, 2022
Is this the apocalypse or some kind of human accident? When all the power goes out, these are the questions the small town citizens must ask themselves.
Harpursville is a rural town where everything is peaceful. One day, suddenly, the power goes out. Nothing works—not even landline phones. No one knows why or how far this problem goes. Nor do they know how long it will last. Without power, the residents are left to old fashion living. For Kevin Barton, this leaves him panicked and afraid. Not only must he take care of his wife and daughter but his daughter's best friend. With no cars working, he tried to take the friend home but a robbery sent them scurrying back home for cover. Meanwhile, wife Monica, who deals with anxiety even before the power went off, is obsessed with how much food they have and sees the girl as an issue that may affect her family. When the town is organized by a furnace maintenance man, things get better and worse. The town has food as they make a garden, pillage empty houses, and create a protective force for the area. But the Bartons know his type and it can't be long before he does something heinous.
Jeff O'Handley doesn't take on the large story. Instead, he focuses on a handful of characters. While some background characters have a story, he doesn't spend much time on them. Their lives are usually portrayed to the reader through dialogue. By focusing on the Bartons and the town “leader”, readers are able to get to know these characters and really care about them. You feel their emotions and understand why they make decisions even if they are stupid ones. The characters propel the story as they adjust to their new life.
Powerless is also a metaphor. The loss of power puts characters into situations they can't control. They must develop their inner power and stand up for their family, for their survival. The story can not end until they find that power and change the world they live in for the better. This becomes even more important than the actual power coming on because their character development will transcend this emergency leaving them stronger and braver for the rest of their lives
O'Handley is stingy with answers. So don't expect many. Though you can expect the story to be wrapped up neatly.
I received an ARC for review; all opinions are my own.
Harpursville is a rural town where everything is peaceful. One day, suddenly, the power goes out. Nothing works—not even landline phones. No one knows why or how far this problem goes. Nor do they know how long it will last. Without power, the residents are left to old fashion living. For Kevin Barton, this leaves him panicked and afraid. Not only must he take care of his wife and daughter but his daughter's best friend. With no cars working, he tried to take the friend home but a robbery sent them scurrying back home for cover. Meanwhile, wife Monica, who deals with anxiety even before the power went off, is obsessed with how much food they have and sees the girl as an issue that may affect her family. When the town is organized by a furnace maintenance man, things get better and worse. The town has food as they make a garden, pillage empty houses, and create a protective force for the area. But the Bartons know his type and it can't be long before he does something heinous.
Jeff O'Handley doesn't take on the large story. Instead, he focuses on a handful of characters. While some background characters have a story, he doesn't spend much time on them. Their lives are usually portrayed to the reader through dialogue. By focusing on the Bartons and the town “leader”, readers are able to get to know these characters and really care about them. You feel their emotions and understand why they make decisions even if they are stupid ones. The characters propel the story as they adjust to their new life.
Powerless is also a metaphor. The loss of power puts characters into situations they can't control. They must develop their inner power and stand up for their family, for their survival. The story can not end until they find that power and change the world they live in for the better. This becomes even more important than the actual power coming on because their character development will transcend this emergency leaving them stronger and braver for the rest of their lives
O'Handley is stingy with answers. So don't expect many. Though you can expect the story to be wrapped up neatly.
I received an ARC for review; all opinions are my own.
May 17, 2022
Powerless is a well-written and gritty take on small town life after a major disaster. Kevin Barton and his family live on the outskirts of Harpursville, a hamlet in rural New York. When a major blackout wipes out communication and modern electrical conveniences, the townsfolk must come together to survive. Most of the story takes place in the Barton’s household, where Kevin must transition from administrator to farmer. His wife, Monica, takes on the role of hunter and quartermaster as she minds their ever-dwindling supplies. Their daughter Kelly, and her stranded friend, Dina, try to cope with being teenagers while living through a minor apocalypse.
Powerless is a very realistic take on a prolonged state of emergency. While it is not nearly as dire or hard to digest as Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road,” (which gets a brief mention), and there are no post-apocalyptic monsters or zombies, the author covers actual threats, like lack of food, water, medicine, and the mixed intentions of other people, which makes this story feel much more grounded.
I find it refreshing that Kevin is an ill-equipped modern day everyman, more suited for desk work than living off the land. He’s not a man “with a certain set of skills” or a former special forces soldier. He’s just an average forty-year-old man who is lucky enough to live next door to a working farm in a time of crisis.
The theme of “power,” who has it, and who does not, is explored throughout the novel. Characters who find themselves powerless in the new world develop new skills to survive, some for the better, some worse. As supplies run out the idea of “neighbors helping neighbors” becomes more of a veiled menace than cheery mantra. Coming on the heels of a global pandemic, what once would seem like a survival fantasy story feels very real and very possible at this time in history.
Powerless is a riveting post-apocalyptic novel that plays with being a psychological thriller as well as a compelling character study.
Powerless is a very realistic take on a prolonged state of emergency. While it is not nearly as dire or hard to digest as Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road,” (which gets a brief mention), and there are no post-apocalyptic monsters or zombies, the author covers actual threats, like lack of food, water, medicine, and the mixed intentions of other people, which makes this story feel much more grounded.
I find it refreshing that Kevin is an ill-equipped modern day everyman, more suited for desk work than living off the land. He’s not a man “with a certain set of skills” or a former special forces soldier. He’s just an average forty-year-old man who is lucky enough to live next door to a working farm in a time of crisis.
The theme of “power,” who has it, and who does not, is explored throughout the novel. Characters who find themselves powerless in the new world develop new skills to survive, some for the better, some worse. As supplies run out the idea of “neighbors helping neighbors” becomes more of a veiled menace than cheery mantra. Coming on the heels of a global pandemic, what once would seem like a survival fantasy story feels very real and very possible at this time in history.
Powerless is a riveting post-apocalyptic novel that plays with being a psychological thriller as well as a compelling character study.
Read
October 6, 2022The book offers a fresh perspective on the aftermath of disasters.
The setting for the narrative is the quiet and little village of Harpursville.Everything was going smoothly until the electricity went out entirely one day. We even become anxious when we consider the possibility of being without power for some definite period, what if it is not available for an indefinite period? Kevin Barton is the main character. In this frantic circumstance he has to take care of his wife and daughter and her best friend. In his families, there are shortages of necessities in addition to the electricity issue. His troubles worsen to the point where even his married life is no longer peaceful.The story's events start to take shape soon, drawing us deeper into the book and bringing it to a satisfying conclusion.
The work of Jeff O'Handley in making this book so flawless in every way is outstanding.The characters and circumstances are very realistic, and the tale and plot are incredibly captivating.There are very few characters but they are real, their problems are real and they drive the plot forward as they get used to their new lives.An engaging writing style helps you experience and comprehend the setting of the story.
The title was wisely chosen to convey both the protagonists' sense of powerlessness and the power outage. They have also felt as though their strength and power have been sapped by the electricity. However, towards the book's conclusion, they realise their potential, and that is the section I enjoy reading the best.
I had a great time reading this book!
The setting for the narrative is the quiet and little village of Harpursville.Everything was going smoothly until the electricity went out entirely one day. We even become anxious when we consider the possibility of being without power for some definite period, what if it is not available for an indefinite period? Kevin Barton is the main character. In this frantic circumstance he has to take care of his wife and daughter and her best friend. In his families, there are shortages of necessities in addition to the electricity issue. His troubles worsen to the point where even his married life is no longer peaceful.The story's events start to take shape soon, drawing us deeper into the book and bringing it to a satisfying conclusion.
The work of Jeff O'Handley in making this book so flawless in every way is outstanding.The characters and circumstances are very realistic, and the tale and plot are incredibly captivating.There are very few characters but they are real, their problems are real and they drive the plot forward as they get used to their new lives.An engaging writing style helps you experience and comprehend the setting of the story.
The title was wisely chosen to convey both the protagonists' sense of powerlessness and the power outage. They have also felt as though their strength and power have been sapped by the electricity. However, towards the book's conclusion, they realise their potential, and that is the section I enjoy reading the best.
I had a great time reading this book!
June 5, 2022
First of all, great title! “Powerless” refers to several aspects of this highly-readable and entertaining book by author Jeff O’Handley. This is the story of an everyday family in an everyday small town. On a typical Saturday morning, all power suddenly goes out. Of course, the Kevin Barton family assumes it will be restored soon. But the power doesn’t go on. After the initial semi-fun of lighting lanterns and creating meals with snacks in the pantry, Kevin, his wife, daughter and daughter’s friend must come to grips with their new life.
And during this challenging time, the Bartons learn what it means to “feel powerless”-physically, emotionally, mentally. Kevin is a nice guy, with no particular skills, except for his caring instinct. But day by day, Kevin gets to know his neighbors better and he begins to learn new skills so he and his family can survive. The Barton’s plant a garden, chop wood, try to hunt, trade things with their neighbors. But planning and trying can only go so far, when their family relationships become strained and when the village people begin to have issues.
Interestingly, we readers never learn anything more than what Kevin knows. We don’t discover why or what caused the power to stop. When will it come back on- or will it ever come back on? I really liked this book-it was fun, engaging and easy to read. Thanks to NetGalley and Breaking Night Press for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
And during this challenging time, the Bartons learn what it means to “feel powerless”-physically, emotionally, mentally. Kevin is a nice guy, with no particular skills, except for his caring instinct. But day by day, Kevin gets to know his neighbors better and he begins to learn new skills so he and his family can survive. The Barton’s plant a garden, chop wood, try to hunt, trade things with their neighbors. But planning and trying can only go so far, when their family relationships become strained and when the village people begin to have issues.
Interestingly, we readers never learn anything more than what Kevin knows. We don’t discover why or what caused the power to stop. When will it come back on- or will it ever come back on? I really liked this book-it was fun, engaging and easy to read. Thanks to NetGalley and Breaking Night Press for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
August 27, 2022
The Barton family is enjoying a typical Saturday morning. Monica made breakfast and Kevin is about the drive his daughter Kelly's friend to a track meet. But when Kevin and Dina get in the car, it won't start. Neither will their other car, and that isn't all. Suddenly everything stops working. Clocks, phones, tablets, machinery, everything that needs any type of power.
Their first thoughts are that it is a power outage. But that doesn't explain the cars, watches, and things that are charged. So what has happened? There is no radio or TV, and they cannot call the power company to find out. You know it is bad when the landline is dead and this family and their neighbors will soon find out how little information or help is out there.
Dina just wants to go home, but when the reality of desperate people hits too close, she winds up staying with the Bartons. Amidst a town full of people with few skills that easily transfer into self-sufficiency and a man who has become the town leader, a man with a hidden agenda, can this family survive?
A plot that doesn't seem as far-fetched as it might have at one time. I liked almost everything about this story except a potential relationship between two characters(who shall remain nameless because of spoilers). It was interesting to see who became resilient and who took advantage of the people being powerless. The ending isn't what I expected, but then I am not the author, am I right!
Their first thoughts are that it is a power outage. But that doesn't explain the cars, watches, and things that are charged. So what has happened? There is no radio or TV, and they cannot call the power company to find out. You know it is bad when the landline is dead and this family and their neighbors will soon find out how little information or help is out there.
Dina just wants to go home, but when the reality of desperate people hits too close, she winds up staying with the Bartons. Amidst a town full of people with few skills that easily transfer into self-sufficiency and a man who has become the town leader, a man with a hidden agenda, can this family survive?
A plot that doesn't seem as far-fetched as it might have at one time. I liked almost everything about this story except a potential relationship between two characters(who shall remain nameless because of spoilers). It was interesting to see who became resilient and who took advantage of the people being powerless. The ending isn't what I expected, but then I am not the author, am I right!
September 8, 2022
Today, is my spot on LoveBooksTours blog tour for Jeff O’Hadleys Powerless. I read this contemporary literary fiction novel as an ebook for this tour. I’m so glad that I took part on this blog tour as I really liked this novel. I like reading dystopian, apocalyptic and survivalist novels, as I’ve always found the concept of if all electricity went out what would we do. Well, this novel tells one such family’s story when a solar storm cuts off everybody’s power from phones to cars, to heating and water supply. This literary fiction novel tells a story of what happens to society when hunger strikes, looting begins and there’s no order or governance anymore.
I found this concept for a novel very interesting and Jeff O’Hadley writes intelligently about one family’s struggle to survive. This novel is thrilling, exciting and interesting. I’m happy to have discovered a new author whose writing style I like. I also liked the various plot twists in this novel and the character development. It was fascinating seeing how the characters relationships developed as the story unfolded. What would each character do in order to survive and not starve?
I’m giving this novel 4 stars as I really liked this concept of surviving a world without electricity and how much our daily lives rely on electricity. I found this novel fascinating, interesting and cleverly written and I’m sure other readers will do too.
I found this concept for a novel very interesting and Jeff O’Hadley writes intelligently about one family’s struggle to survive. This novel is thrilling, exciting and interesting. I’m happy to have discovered a new author whose writing style I like. I also liked the various plot twists in this novel and the character development. It was fascinating seeing how the characters relationships developed as the story unfolded. What would each character do in order to survive and not starve?
I’m giving this novel 4 stars as I really liked this concept of surviving a world without electricity and how much our daily lives rely on electricity. I found this novel fascinating, interesting and cleverly written and I’m sure other readers will do too.
September 24, 2022
Imagine our world that's so dependent on electricity, suddenly going out of power, no one knowing why and for how long! In one instant, virtually every modern convenience stops working, leaving the people of sleepy little Harpursville scrambling.
For the protagonist Kevin Barton, the problem is compounded by the presence of his sixteen year old daughter's best friend, who is stuck at their house after a sleepover, after a disastrous attempt to get her home. It's all going great with her helping with chores and all, until the family realises food is scarce and problems are ever-increasing, causing a rift in Kevin's married life as well! All goes dark and starvation provokes chaos.
Even though the book is an easy read, it's gripping one, that takes on the lives of the members of a common household in the event of crisis, and the author has created this masterpiece of a book in a wonderful way. The extremely intriguing book cover made me pick this book and boy, I wasn't disappointed!
Gripping story, amazing writing style, and an unputdownable book! The story is all believable, and discusses something so crucial, when it comes to survival of a small town family household, in such a brilliant manner. Appropriately titled book that is ironically so powerful! It's a brilliant debut and I'd certainly love to read more from the author.
For the protagonist Kevin Barton, the problem is compounded by the presence of his sixteen year old daughter's best friend, who is stuck at their house after a sleepover, after a disastrous attempt to get her home. It's all going great with her helping with chores and all, until the family realises food is scarce and problems are ever-increasing, causing a rift in Kevin's married life as well! All goes dark and starvation provokes chaos.
Even though the book is an easy read, it's gripping one, that takes on the lives of the members of a common household in the event of crisis, and the author has created this masterpiece of a book in a wonderful way. The extremely intriguing book cover made me pick this book and boy, I wasn't disappointed!
Gripping story, amazing writing style, and an unputdownable book! The story is all believable, and discusses something so crucial, when it comes to survival of a small town family household, in such a brilliant manner. Appropriately titled book that is ironically so powerful! It's a brilliant debut and I'd certainly love to read more from the author.
August 30, 2022
An excellent representation of small town life after a major disaster is presented in Powerless in a realistic and well-written manner. In a very realistic manner, Powerless depicts an extended state of emergency. There is a brief mention of Cormac McCarthy's The Road, but the author discusses actual threats, such as food shortages, lack of water, and mixed intentions on the part of others, which makes this story more relatable. Even though the author does not mention post-apocalyptic monsters or zombies in the story, the actual threats make the story more grounded. We are left with the question of power throughout the book, which is explored to determine who possesses it and who does not. Due to their powerlessness in the newly created world, some characters develop different survival skills, some of which are beneficial and some which are detrimental. The concept of "neighbors helping neighbors" has become less of a cheery mantra and more of a threat in the face of diminishing supplies. During this period in history, a global pandemic has changed what seemed like a survival fantasy story into something very real and feasible. Powerless is a compelling post-apocalyptic novel that combines the genres of a psychological thriller and a compelling character study.
May 23, 2022
When I read the blurb about this plot where there's a major blackout, not only of electrical power, but vehicles, machinery, watches, phones, etc, I wanted to read it. But I was soon to learn that the plot is not really ABOUT the power blackout but about SEX! I feel more than a little guilty in finishing it, it was that disturbing (not just the sex but the language). However, I really wanted to find out how it ended and what had caused this blackout. Let's just say that I was just about as disappointed in the ending as I was the rest of the book.
The redeeming factor (in my opinion) is that the disaster made a few people examine their lives and become stronger. I hate giving only 2 stars to something that I was privileged to read in advance, but NetGalley asked for an honest review, so here you have it.
The redeeming factor (in my opinion) is that the disaster made a few people examine their lives and become stronger. I hate giving only 2 stars to something that I was privileged to read in advance, but NetGalley asked for an honest review, so here you have it.
June 24, 2022
Reading this, it kind of feels like Jeff is trying to be Stephen King. Disaster in a small town, several characters who share narration (quite abruptly in some cases), and a lot of obsessing over women's breasts.
Jeff's not Stephen, but this is still an interesting read. I saw the very ending coming a mile off, but the middle bits were interesting. It's a good look at how something like this might play out - and apparently we're overdue for a really good solar storm! It makes you aware how fragile things really are.
I know it's very accurate, but reading some of the male gaze parts made me feel grimy. I'd have liked to skip them. Again, though, it's very accurate to how things would likely play out in this kind of situation.
A good read overall, just watch out for those spots if you're sensitive to that kind of thing.
Jeff's not Stephen, but this is still an interesting read. I saw the very ending coming a mile off, but the middle bits were interesting. It's a good look at how something like this might play out - and apparently we're overdue for a really good solar storm! It makes you aware how fragile things really are.
I know it's very accurate, but reading some of the male gaze parts made me feel grimy. I'd have liked to skip them. Again, though, it's very accurate to how things would likely play out in this kind of situation.
A good read overall, just watch out for those spots if you're sensitive to that kind of thing.
September 1, 2022
Oh my God this book is one of my worst nightmares, ngl.
The TLDR on POWERLESS is that one day the power goes out. And not just the electric. But EVERYTHING.
I hate comparing all end it the world type books to LORD OF THE FLIES but...the comparisons are never wrong. In the book we follow Kevin and his wife Monica, their daughter Kelly and Kelly's best friend Dina. We also follow Eli who becomes the town's defacto leader. The town has no idea wtf is going on and we follow these people as they learn to adapt.
I love me a good dystopian novel and this is that book. The one subplot of the novel did get to be tiresome but the subplot expertly highlights just how far some people will go when there's no agency in control.
Thank you to @lovebookstours and @jeffohandley for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
The TLDR on POWERLESS is that one day the power goes out. And not just the electric. But EVERYTHING.
I hate comparing all end it the world type books to LORD OF THE FLIES but...the comparisons are never wrong. In the book we follow Kevin and his wife Monica, their daughter Kelly and Kelly's best friend Dina. We also follow Eli who becomes the town's defacto leader. The town has no idea wtf is going on and we follow these people as they learn to adapt.
I love me a good dystopian novel and this is that book. The one subplot of the novel did get to be tiresome but the subplot expertly highlights just how far some people will go when there's no agency in control.
Thank you to @lovebookstours and @jeffohandley for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 30, 2022
Our world’s obsession and dependence on technology is a hard truth. What happens to all of us who no longer are hunter gatherers, but people who fill our days with tik-tok videos, VR games, and may only have social interactions through a keyboard and a screen?
O’Handley gives the reader such a situation. When life as we know and expect is upended, who do we become? Where is our value? Can we grow our own food? Will we hold fast to our morals & convictions when life gets hard?
This book is based on survival & the author provides a well-written and interesting storyline that gives the reader something really profound to think about.
O’Handley gives the reader such a situation. When life as we know and expect is upended, who do we become? Where is our value? Can we grow our own food? Will we hold fast to our morals & convictions when life gets hard?
This book is based on survival & the author provides a well-written and interesting storyline that gives the reader something really profound to think about.
August 13, 2022
This book was not something I would normally pick up honestly. However, with that being said it was VERY well written!!
I was sucked in from chapter 1 I could not put the book down. I binge read this in like a day and a half. (You know work and all lol )
I would recommend this book as it is fast paced and a quick read.
I do wish the cover art would be revisited as there are many other things it could have been that would have been better in my opinion.
I was sucked in from chapter 1 I could not put the book down. I binge read this in like a day and a half. (You know work and all lol )
I would recommend this book as it is fast paced and a quick read.
I do wish the cover art would be revisited as there are many other things it could have been that would have been better in my opinion.
August 24, 2022
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When the power goes off unexpectedly, Kevin Barton doesn't think much of it. But as more is revealed, and cars will not run, no telephone service, he begins to worry. The loss of control of the situation is as dangerous as the loss of power. The situation will worsen and the family must pull together to get through and survive.
When the power goes off unexpectedly, Kevin Barton doesn't think much of it. But as more is revealed, and cars will not run, no telephone service, he begins to worry. The loss of control of the situation is as dangerous as the loss of power. The situation will worsen and the family must pull together to get through and survive.
August 26, 2022
This is one of the most realistic portrayals of a “quiet apocalypse” that I’ve read. The fall of society and the disintegration of civilization is shown in all its ugly truth. The fact that it takes place in a small country town as opposed to a large city allows the focus to be on character development and for the reader to really appreciate the growth and changes of the characters. The relatability of the people and situations they encounter are eye opening and intense. A definite must read!
September 23, 2022
Powerless is broken in to 3 parts, with short chapters. Its a post-apocalyptic thriller that grabs you from the very beginning. The characters in this book deal with the feeling of being powerless during this time, and while reading, it gets you thinking. Thinking of what could happen during the apocalypse. What kind of power would you have, or not have during this time. The book was well written, and I enjoyed the characters and how they handled the situations they were put in.
October 13, 2022
What happens to a small town when the power goes out? I have read a number of stories like this based in different settings. This one differentiated itself by focusing on the main characters as opposed to why the power was gone. Everyone seemed to change for better or worse, and it was hard to tell which direction they were moving as the days go on. Our world without power. What chaos and what a hard life it would be.
September 4, 2022
I could not put this one down. It drew me in from the very start, very well written.
It is a glimpse into our very own minds, lol. Scary when you imagine that this could very well happen.
Only bad part, left me needing to know a few things, needed just a little more.
It is a glimpse into our very own minds, lol. Scary when you imagine that this could very well happen.
Only bad part, left me needing to know a few things, needed just a little more.
September 28, 2022
Great story telling!
This was a story told well. Wonderful character building, and the writing done so well, I could smell the scenes . Great job and I hope there will be more to come from this author!
This was a story told well. Wonderful character building, and the writing done so well, I could smell the scenes . Great job and I hope there will be more to come from this author!
September 12, 2022
Excellent and thought provoking. I found the characters were well developed and relatable. I highly recommend it!
September 26, 2022
Thank you to Breaking Night Press and Jeff for an advance copy of Powerless.
In an undisclosed time period, that could very well be present-day, the grid goes down. Cars stop working, lights go out, and no one has a way to contact anyone outside their town. For Kevin, his main concern is his wife and daughter…and daughter’s best friend Dina who happened to be staying with the family when the world went dark. In an attempt to get Dina back to her less than attentive parents, the world has already moved towards Martial Law and Kevin is assaulted by a group of kids which turns Dina’s time with the family into an unforeseen permanent stay.
As the calendar pages turn and the only help that comes is in the form of tanks rolling through to get to a bigger city leaving nothing but some food and a promise to return with answers, the town is left to their own devices, working together (or not) to survive the people start to show their true colors, paranoia sets in, and survival becomes more than just making sure there’s food on the table.
As far as dystopian character studies go, this stands at the top compared to some of the others I’ve read. I typically read YA dystopians which are much more action/plot-driven so I tend to find character study dystopian books a tad on the slow side. This did have its slow moments, but overall I found it fascinating. Jeff really brought together a multitude of personalities and scenarios to test the characters.
Powerless has the feel of a locked-room book, there were times in which the town felt suffocating. While the focus is on Kevin’s family (plus Dina) we meet plenty of side characters that play major roles in the story. I loved how Jeff was able to thread together so much in what is really a limited setting.
In an undisclosed time period, that could very well be present-day, the grid goes down. Cars stop working, lights go out, and no one has a way to contact anyone outside their town. For Kevin, his main concern is his wife and daughter…and daughter’s best friend Dina who happened to be staying with the family when the world went dark. In an attempt to get Dina back to her less than attentive parents, the world has already moved towards Martial Law and Kevin is assaulted by a group of kids which turns Dina’s time with the family into an unforeseen permanent stay.
As the calendar pages turn and the only help that comes is in the form of tanks rolling through to get to a bigger city leaving nothing but some food and a promise to return with answers, the town is left to their own devices, working together (or not) to survive the people start to show their true colors, paranoia sets in, and survival becomes more than just making sure there’s food on the table.
As far as dystopian character studies go, this stands at the top compared to some of the others I’ve read. I typically read YA dystopians which are much more action/plot-driven so I tend to find character study dystopian books a tad on the slow side. This did have its slow moments, but overall I found it fascinating. Jeff really brought together a multitude of personalities and scenarios to test the characters.
Powerless has the feel of a locked-room book, there were times in which the town felt suffocating. While the focus is on Kevin’s family (plus Dina) we meet plenty of side characters that play major roles in the story. I loved how Jeff was able to thread together so much in what is really a limited setting.
February 26, 2024
This book made me go “Hmmm” then made me uncomfortably go “wtf”
Interesting dystopian plot that makes you think what would you do if this happened to you. It even makes you think about your neighbors and other surroundings. Would you be okay if everything stopped working? No electricity, no vehicles?
BUT THEN this story took a turn to being mostly about family problems caused by men lusting over an underage girl during the power outage. There should be a trigger warning. The male gaze perspective in this story creeps me out. I feel really bad for Dina since she is a child and gets forced into thinking like an adult by grimey men who only care about themselves and can’t seem to remember that someone’s child is the center of their impure thoughts. They use the power being out as an excuse for their actions. I truly don’t know why the author chose to go this route when there’s so many other interesting stories that would come out of a dystopian power outage. Why choose pedophilia and men negotiating over a young girl’s body? I did however thoroughly enjoy the ending.
Interesting dystopian plot that makes you think what would you do if this happened to you. It even makes you think about your neighbors and other surroundings. Would you be okay if everything stopped working? No electricity, no vehicles?
BUT THEN this story took a turn to being mostly about family problems caused by men lusting over an underage girl during the power outage. There should be a trigger warning. The male gaze perspective in this story creeps me out. I feel really bad for Dina since she is a child and gets forced into thinking like an adult by grimey men who only care about themselves and can’t seem to remember that someone’s child is the center of their impure thoughts. They use the power being out as an excuse for their actions. I truly don’t know why the author chose to go this route when there’s so many other interesting stories that would come out of a dystopian power outage. Why choose pedophilia and men negotiating over a young girl’s body? I did however thoroughly enjoy the ending.
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