POWERFUL is a novella that talks about the moment when Adena first meets Paedyn and then what Adena is up to once Paedyn leaves to compete in the Purging Trials.  An unexpected alliance is made with a handsome stranger called Mak, and they devise a plan to go into the palace together for a mission important to Mak. This was before Adena was requested to be Paedyn's personal seamstress for the ball celebrations to create the most beautiful and showstopping gowns that make Paedyn stand out and even more stunning than she already is. Her not following tradition with her gown choices is something that Prince Kai is fond of, but his brother Prince Kitt likes to follow what King Daddy prefers.  Considering that Kitt is the future king, it seems that is drilled into him. While Adena works at the palace, she goes back to see Mak each night.  This serious, grumpy, beautiful man makes her feel safe and puts butterflies in her stomach.  She melts his hardened heart and he admits how he feels for her. 

 

 

I was hesitant to read this book considering I knew Adena's end, but she had such a small part shown in Powerless it seemed fitting that she got a proper goodbye and what led to her demise.  This story shows that Paedyn wasn't the only one falling in love and what Adena was up to while her best friend was trying to continue to fool the elites, win the Purging Trials, and return to the little fort they called home.  The self-made family they had was poor but happy.  It was nice to see Adena have more of a part in this world other than what little was mentioned in Powerless, but this book made it even more sad knowing her a bit more and what she had to lose.  Not just Paedyn, but a man who loved her and had to witness her killed and break completely.  She never had the chance to enjoy this new relationship and after Mak finally found his happiness, it was savagely ripped away before his very eyes. 

 

The end of this book was devastatingly heartbreaking. I have no other words.  I'm going to finish crying now...