Title: Powerless
Author: Jacqueline Pretty
Publisher: Pandora Books
Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure
First Publication: 2023
Language: English
Book Summary: Powerless by Jacqueline Pretty
How far would you go for power?
When Hanna was eight, her older sister burst into flames—the first of her siblings to get superpowers. Eight years later and Hanna now has three other superpowered siblings, while she remains disappointingly powerless.
Hanna’s father, Artem Super, is the scientist responsible for discovering the super gene mutation. She has been working in his lab, desperate to find a way to unlock the powers hidden in her DNA before his patience runs out. Unfortunately for Hanna, a suspected research leak is all the reason Artem needs to have his superpowered children force her out of their home. She has one shot at redemption—if she gets powers, she can come back.
Hanna’s quest leads her to tangle with the Russian mafia and learn dark secrets about her father’s past, prompting her to question where her loyalties lie, and just how far she will go to prove herself.
Book Review: Powerless by Jacqueline Pretty
Science fiction novels that explore genetic mutations and superhuman abilities feed the imagination by transporting readers to worlds filled with wonder and possibility. In these stories, DNA is altered through technological or natural means, unlocking extraordinary abilities in humans and other beings. Characters struggle to understand and control their newfound powers while navigating a society that views them with skepticism, fear or admiration. Such narratives confront big questions about what it means to be human and the ethical implications of surpassing natural limitations through genetic modification. They invite readers to contemplate their own beliefs about free will, human perfection and the destiny of our species as our understanding of genetics and bioengineering advances. At their heart, these science fiction tales tap into our universal yearning to push boundaries, unleash our potential, and achieve the impossible – even if it means sacrificing elements of our humanity along the way.
Powerless tells the story of Hanna Super, a 16-year-old girl who discovers she does not have the superpowers that the rest of her family possesses due to a genetic mutation. Hanna Super is the black sheep of her extraordinary family despite carrying the super gene like her powered siblings. Working tirelessly in her father Artem’s lab, Hanna desperately seeks to unlock her abilities before his patience runs out.
When Hanna makes a mistake in the lab, her father harshly kicks her out with nowhere to go. Hanna clings to one hope for redemption – if she develops powers, she can return home. This desperate bid to prove herself launches Hanna’s quest to uncover the secrets hiding within her DNA.
Her journey brings her into conflict with the Russian mob and forces her to confront dark truths about her father’s murky past. These revelations shake Hanna’s loyalty to her family and push her to question how far she will go to gain the powers she so desperately craves. She begins piecing together the full story of what’s really happening with superpowered individuals while seeking answers about why her gifts never surfaced, what happened to her mother, and who she can truly trust.
Though born with the super gene like her powered siblings, Hanna struggles with feeling like an outsider without abilities. On the run from her family, she faces the harsh realities of a world dominated by superhumans. Her quest focuses on survival, self-discovery and activating her dormant powers.
Powerless combines elements of science fiction, adventure and mystery as it probes the complex relationship between DNA, evolution and humanity. Readers accompany Hanna on an emotional journey as she fights for purpose and place amid uncertainty, conflict and difficult truths – witnessing her resilience and growth as she emerges from her outsider status in search of self-acceptance regardless of whether her powers manifest. One central theme is finding your true identity and sense of belonging. Hanna feels left out as the only family member without powers. She thinks getting powers will make her fit in. But her journey teaches her what really matters is being true to herself, regardless of powers. It’s qualities like strength of character, caring for others and inner strength that define you – not genetic mutations. Hanna learns having resilience, doing what’s right and being a good person make you truly powerful.
Another big theme is power dynamics and how power can corrupt. The story looks at how having superpowers affects people’s status in society and in Hanna’s family. Hanna sees her dad’s power goes to his head as he tries to control and dump those he thinks are inferior. But Hanna realizes true strength comes from using your power to help others, not dominate them. This lesson is important as she struggles with her own desire for power.
Family connections and secrets also shape the story. Hanna’s troubled relationships with her siblings and dad stem from lies and a lack of communication. As she discovers her family’s hidden past, she sees how secrets have damaged the trust and closeness that should unite them. In the end, Hanna finds the courage to be true to herself. She realizes the truth is what builds real connections with others, even family. Overall the book examines what really gives life meaning. Hanna learns having superpowers isn’t what makes you special. It’s qualities like kindness, courage and being true to yourself that empower you to make a real difference – in your own life and the lives of others. These inner strengths help you forge bonds and find where you truly belong.
Jacqueline Pretty’s writing in “Powerless” is simply captivating. She has a way with words that draws you in from the very beginning and keeps you engrossed until the very end. Her descriptions are so vivid and detailed that you can almost feel the world she has created coming to life around you. The pacing of the story is spot-on, with just the right balance of action and reflection. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions as you follow Hanna’s journey, and you can’t help but root for her every step of the way.
What I really appreciate about Pretty’s writing is her ability to create characters that feel like real people. Hanna, in particular, is such a relatable protagonist. You can feel her insecurities, her fears, and her longing for acceptance deep in your bones. And the supporting characters are equally well-developed, each with their own unique personality and motivations. It’s a testament to Pretty’s skill as a writer that she can make you care so deeply about these fictional individuals.
In conclusion, “Powerless” by Jacqueline Pretty is a remarkable novel that seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, self-discovery, and the pursuit of power. Pretty’s masterful writing, captivating storytelling, and well-developed characters make for an immersive reading experience that leaves a lasting impact. Whether you’re a fan of science fiction, superhero narratives, or coming-of-age stories, this book has something to offer. Its exploration of themes such as power, acceptance, and identity will resonate with readers of all ages, inviting introspection and sparking discussions. I highly recommend “Powerless” to readers who crave a thought-provoking and thrilling journey. Prepare to be transported into a world where extraordinary abilities and the search for belonging collide. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you follow Hanna’s quest for self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of her own power.
