Powerless

by Brent Miller

For the first time in centuries, a child was born without a superpower. Eighteen-year-old Carson Adachi has lived his entire life believing that he was indeed Powerless. During Recruitment for trade schools, Carson’s power begins to manifest and he learns that there are far worse things to be than powerless. The leaders of the known world – the Council – take an interest in Carson and his unique power, but tensions quickly rise as he questions the knowledge of his rulers. Against everything he’s been raised to believe, Carson finds himself fighting not only for the right to use his power – but for his very life.

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2022

About the author

Brent Miller has enjoyed writing since childhood. At thirteen, he wrote his first novel, and he was first published at sixteen. With that experience, he was able to appear on the news, speak to groups, and hold multiple book signing events - and he fell in love with the idea of being an author.

Since then, Brent attended college and earned a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering. After college, he obtained a black belt in Tang Soo Do and started an Engineering career. Those life experiences, and any set for the future, fuel his writing and bring his stories to life.

Reviews

[Jacob Dukelow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well-written piece written from a first person perspective. I found that this perspective elevates the emotional connection between the main character and the reader, which is extremely important as you progress through the book. You are able to feel the defeat, frustration, and wins of Carson which thicken the skin of the story.

I found myself intrigued by the idea of this book. People have powers that they learn to train but are very much in a class separated system. Like many societies throughout human history, this society of powered people is also brainwashed to a certain extent. The way the book is written constantly has you questioning whether you should support the leaders of the society, or the rebellion. It is very well done and will keep your eyes glued to the book searching for more answers.

Overall, Powerless presents an interesting idea about a future society that essentially repeats history by suppressing its followers until rebellion arrives. Carson goes from being an ordinary person to more closely resembling a god. And while I felt like I supported his journey to becoming not so powerless, by the end of the book there is a hint of evil that I feel could corrupt him. So to some extent it twists this novel into a tragedy instead of heroic story.

Great book! 5/5 stars no question.

[Nolan Tomlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting

Let me start by saying I did not overly like this book. So, why 5 stars. The reason is that it is a really well written story. It is a fantastic merging of man vs man and man vs himself.

Our protagonist is really a tragic figure. But he is certainly no hero. Nor is he really a villain. He is shaped by circumstances far beyond his control or comprehension.

In the end it is a sad story. I think it is a true tragedy. There is always hope, and the story ends with the hope that better things lie ahead.

So, even though I didn’t truly like it, that is due to my personal tastes. But it is a really good story. Lots of conflict and lots of examination on the foibles of society and the leaders thereof. I strongly reading this.

[Paul · Rating 1 out of 5]

To many of the plot points are the same as another series whose name escapes me. The changes, people have powers. Instead of a test to figure out which group they should find the most in common with there are tests in which the groups pick the people they want. Things that are the same, Live in a community separated from the outside world by a wall that they have been told all there life that nothing awaits them but death. The leader from each faction creates up a council that is most interested in keeping power. When the main character goes outside of the wall finds a ready made army to help attack the city they escaped.

[Katie Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written, exciting story with powers. I love the unique way telekinesis is expressed. The history tidbits at the beginning of each chapter was a neat addition that enhanced the world building. I was very surprised with how Carson developed but it made it an interesting & unique story. The ending battle and story's conclusion was crazy, I am still reeling from it.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the concept of a person elevated to a position of prestige even when he does not feel he deserves it. When he was able to use that position to uncover major flaws in the system, he took me on a journey that surprised me in the end and left me contemplating his true intentions.

[Judy Dickey]

enjoyed this book

Compelling story. I liked the relationship growth between the characters and the plot and how the story unfolded. Highly recommended.

[Britt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the type of book I thought it was. 50%, I skipped to the last chapter, and that verified it. The other review covers it better than I can.