Actually Love the Story, HATE the Endings

SPOILERS for those who have not read

I just finished reading Reckless and I am not prepared for Powerful. These first two books left me sobbing. I’ve never read a book so gut wrenching heartbreaking as this.

Yes I might be over exaggerating, there are probably books far worse, but I don’t know, this series really got to me. I loved Adena from the start and for her to be removed so quickly. I just know Paedyn regrets asking her to come help her.

I literally broke down reading Kitt’s POV from 6 yrs ago. Each line I was bawling for his envy having the relationship Kai and Ava has. I get why he hates being called Kitty now, it makes it all understandable. Also when Ava had said the line where she wanted to be inside the Willow tree it reminded me of the one scene in Paranorman where the girl wanted to be in the tree, and she died inside of the tree happy that she is finally free from pain and can rest easily.

Also a few months ago I read like 4 chapters of Powerful before I started off the reading order, so after I found out Adena died it makes sense why her book is so small/short compared to the other books.

My ideal ending of course would be Paedyn finishing the trials, getting to flee Ilya with Adena & Kai that way Kai is free from the life as well that he never wished to be in

#powerless #booktok #books #laurenroberts #letschat

2025/6/4 Edited to

... Read moreIt's truly incredible how deeply a good book series like Lauren Roberts' Reckless and Powerful can burrow into your soul, leaving you an emotional wreck. The original post perfectly captures that intense feeling – loving every twist and turn, connecting with the characters, only to be left heartbroken by the conclusion. Those gut-wrenching moments, the feeling of 'sobbing' or being 'heartbroken' – it's a testament to the author's skill in portraying the harsh realities characters face. While not literal mental health struggles for the reader, the emotional intensity can be overwhelming, almost cathartic. We connect so strongly with Paedyn's journey, Adena's fate, and Kitt's unspoken pain, as if their struggles become our own. This deep empathy is what makes the impact of the Reckless series so profound. It allows us to explore complex emotions in a safe space, even when those emotions are painful. The Reckless and Powerful books are more than just fantasy; they delve into themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the devastating consequences of power. The original poster mentioned Adena's quick removal and Kitt's heartbreaking POV. These aren't just plot points; they're emotional anchors that make the series so memorable, even if the endings leave us reeling. The way Lauren Roberts builds these characters and their relationships makes their eventual struggles feel incredibly real, leaving a lasting impression long after you've closed the Barnes & Noble Exclusive Editions. Lauren Roberts has a unique talent for crafting worlds that feel both fantastical and brutally real. Her ability to evoke such strong emotions, to make readers 'bawl' over a character's envy or despair, is a hallmark of her writing. It's this profound connection that makes the discussion around her series so vibrant among readers. When an author can consistently deliver such emotional depth, it elevates the reading experience beyond mere entertainment into something truly impactful. When a story affects us this deeply, especially when the ending doesn't align with our hopes, it can feel like a personal heartbreak. The desire for a 'happily ever after' for Paedyn, Adena, and Kai, as the original author expressed, is a common sentiment among readers who invest so much in these fictional lives. It highlights the power of storytelling to create such intense emotional investment that the conclusion can feel like a profound loss or even an injustice. Perhaps it's in sharing these raw feelings, in discussing what we 'loved' about the story and what made us 'hate the endings,' that we truly process the impact of such powerful narratives. It's why #booktok and reader communities thrive – to find others who understand the emotional journey these books take us on.

17 comments

Michele's images
Michele

I dnf’ed Fearless as it put me in a bad reading slump and its been months since I read another book.

✨💜🥱eRiKa🥱💜✨'s images
✨💜🥱eRiKa🥱💜✨

I love the entire thing with a passion 🥹💕

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