Review: Powerless by Jason Letts

The Synthesis (Powerless, #1)

by Jason Letts

May 30, 2010 (Kindle only)

copy provided by the author

"Mira Ipswich couldn't have ever known the startling difference that separates her from the rest of humanity. But when she discovers a strange anomaly in the midst of her seclusion, her parents are forced to reveal she exists in a world where everyone is imbued with a wondrous natural gift. Everyone except herself that is. Accompany Mira as her attempts to fit in among peers and understand her inconceivable condition embroil her with the dangerous forces threatening her homeland. Protected by nothing more than her imagination and ingenuity, you'll never find a superhero more like you.

The first book in the Powerless series is the tale of Mira’s turbulent and perilous entry into the world around her. And once she’s a part of it, nothing will ever be the same again.

The story is already raking in the awards. It's won the Webb Weaver 2010 Writer's Competition, the judges proclaiming they were "entranced by the writer's ability to bring together this unlikely group of kids," and that the book could "be a hit in the YA book world." The story is a roller coaster ride, filled with diverse characters, lots to discover in an ever-expanding world, and a story full of hopes and aspirations. If you like stories with plenty of dramatic twists and spirited intensity, it'll have you falling in love with a brand new series and begging for more!" (Goodreads)

Review

The Synthesis, Book one of the Powerless series, tells a coming of age story of Mira Ipswitch, a fifteen year-old who comes into terms of her uniqueness as she struggles to fit in to a society where everyone else has powers - except her. 

Mira was sheltered in the Cloud Cottage by her parents, afraid that she might be considered as an outcast by their society for having no special abilities or powers.  Her father, uses his power to cloak their surroundings with mist and protect her from the outside world.  Her mother, with the power to make a person asleep is her usual companion in their house.  Although given all the things she could need and ask for in her life, Mira finds herself questioning what lies behind the mist and why can't she go out. 

As she is given the freedom to go outside and go to school, she realized that fitting in may not be exactly easy, and what does that mean for her being in a society where she is the only one powerless?  Against odds with other students with special abilities, Mira uses her wits and skills like that of in machinery to beat the challenges and to prove to others that she is her own ability.  And with the upcoming war between Light and Dark, where does that put Mira?

This is a promising first novel from Jason Letts.  The roles are reversed, where the protagonist finds herself with no special powers but is ordinary in a world where everyone is given a kind power as gift at birth.  The way Mira struggles with her peers will remind you of the reality of a teenager encountering peer pressure while trying to forge her identity.

I give this novel props for imagination and giving the characters a relatable identities, which most teenagers can connect with.  Some readers may or may not find this as good as the others.  But I know fantasy lovers can agree that this one is pretty interesting.  In the beginning I was a bit lost at the writing style but once I get passed that, I was able to enjoy the experience and was glad I was able to read the book.

Now I am just glad that the second book in the Powerless series, The Shadowing, is now out.  Definitely will have to read this one.  Because there is more to Mira, the secrets in the past, and her role in the coming war - a war where each of them will need to prepare.