I originally picked up Red Queen because of the comparisons to Powerless, but revisiting it reminded me just how much there is to appreciate. From the fascinating divide between Reds and Silvers to the political intrigue and memorable twists, Victoria Aveyard crafts an engaging YA fantasy that's easy to get swept up in. While it didn't become an all-time favorite, it was a thoroughly entertaining four-coffee read.

When I finished Powerless, I discovered that Red Queen was one of the books readers were comparing it to. Curious, I picked it up for myself and ended up with pages of notes. From hidden identities and divided societies to palace politics and rebellions, the similarities were impossible to ignore. But do they tell the same story? That's where things get interesting.

Powerless by Lauren Roberts has sparked countless comparisons to The Hunger Games. After reading both series, I took a closer look at the similarities, differences, and shared story elements to see whether they feel like common dystopian tropes or something more. Here's my spoiler-filled comparison of the two books.

The Powerless series is more than its romantasy label. Beneath the trials, betrayals, and political intrigue is a story about identity, loyalty, and discovering who you are when everything you've ever believed is challenged. Add in one of my favorite enemies-to-lovers romances in recent fantasy, and it's easy to see why I couldn't stop listening. Here's my full series review, covering all three novels and both novellas.