Mira Ipswich couldn't have ever known the startling difference that separates her from the rest of humanity. But when she discovers a strange anoma...
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reviews
Jun 18, 2010
Heidi
rated it: 
Recently, I've had the pleasure of reading Jason Letts' Powerless, Book One in the Synthesis Series.
For me, a truly great Young Adult novel holds an appeal to all ages, not just the young adult audience that it caters too. Maybe this is unrealistic, but I believe that a successful novel in this genre transports a reader to their own childhood, so that they can experience the novel through the eyes of their younger self along with the characters.
Powerless, Book One of t More...
For me, a truly great Young Adult novel holds an appeal to all ages, not just the young adult audience that it caters too. Maybe this is unrealistic, but I believe that a successful novel in this genre transports a reader to their own childhood, so that they can experience the novel through the eyes of their younger self along with the characters.
Powerless, Book One of t More...
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Mar 23, 2011
Stephen
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I bought this book for my Kindle, based on the rating it had on Amazon as well as the $2.99 price. I was expecting it to be good, but I was really surprised at how good it is. Normally I stay away from young adult books, particularly with female heroes, but my recent experience with Amanda Hocking allowed me to take a chance on this series.
Powerless is a young adult series about a young woman and her friends, and it is beautifully written. Jason Letts gives us fantastic but very rea More...
Powerless is a young adult series about a young woman and her friends, and it is beautifully written. Jason Letts gives us fantastic but very rea More...
Jul 14, 2010
Robert
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jun 19, 2010
Sandra
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Mira Ipswich lived in an isolated world of her parents creation. Trying to protect their daughter from an unspeakable evil, Kevin and Jeana Ipswich have protected their daughter the only way they knew how. A series of events convinces them that they must release her to the world and her fate. When Mira discovers there is a wall beyond the mist she is confused and excited. Then she finds out why her parents have tried to protect her. Everyone is born with a power or gift. That is everyone except
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(4 people liked it)
Jun 07, 2010
Garrett
rated it:
I loved this book!
Take your typical fantasy novel -- where the hero discovers she has mystical powers and must save the world -- and turn it on its head.
With "Powerless" the author has created compelling characters and a fascinating setting with a twist: the main character is the only person without a special power! In a world where every person has an extra ability of some sort, Mira is exceptional in that she has none.
I could not stop reading this More...
Take your typical fantasy novel -- where the hero discovers she has mystical powers and must save the world -- and turn it on its head.
With "Powerless" the author has created compelling characters and a fascinating setting with a twist: the main character is the only person without a special power! In a world where every person has an extra ability of some sort, Mira is exceptional in that she has none.
I could not stop reading this More...
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(5 people liked it)
Jun 27, 2010
M.
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Aug 11, 2010
Ann
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As we are introduced to Mira, we see that she lives quite the sheltered life with her parents. For being overly protected, she is quite imaginative, scientific and is ‘gifted’ with the ability for making gadgets. When her parents decide it is time for her to grow and attend school, Mira slowly learns to stand on her own in a world like nothing she imagined. All but Mira have their own special ability which will help them for the upcoming war. Mira is overwhelmed by not having her own power for t
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Oct 22, 2010
Tiger Holland (All-Consuming Books)
rated it:
Not all superpowers are created equal. For every soaring Superman there is an Aquaman, ordering the starfish to do his bidding. Four of Captain Planet's planeteers get elemental powers, while one has the nebulous power of "Heart". But in a world where every known person has some extraordinary gift on the sliding scale of usefulness, Mira Ipswich has no powers at all. For almost her whole life, her parents have kept her sequestered in Cloud Cottage so that none of the other superbeings
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Jun 13, 2010
Grace
rated it:
Move over Harry Potter and the Twilight series. The next big thing in young adult fantasy is here with the debut novel in Jason Letts' Powerless series, "The Synthesis."
"The Synthesis" is a coming of age and underdog story of of fifteen year old Mira Ipswitch, who must navigate and succeed in a world in which everyone is given a special power but her. Using her common sense, problem solving skills, and knowledge of mathematics and machinery, Mira is able to compe More...
"The Synthesis" is a coming of age and underdog story of of fifteen year old Mira Ipswitch, who must navigate and succeed in a world in which everyone is given a special power but her. Using her common sense, problem solving skills, and knowledge of mathematics and machinery, Mira is able to compe More...
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Oct 15, 2010
Len
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original post here
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 wi More...
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 wi More...
Jul 14, 2010
P.
rated it: 
This is a book idea which deserved better treatment than it received. The initial premise - a world in which everyone has super powers except one unfortunate girl - is compelling. Unfortunately, the author simply isn't up to the task.
The book is riddled with language problems. Every third sentence, it seems, is redundant (example: Jeanna is "startled by her daughter's unexpected and sudden appearance," when only one of those modifiers was necessary). Incorrect word form More...
The book is riddled with language problems. Every third sentence, it seems, is redundant (example: Jeanna is "startled by her daughter's unexpected and sudden appearance," when only one of those modifiers was necessary). Incorrect word form More...
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Nov 01, 2011
Candice
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I found this book because the first chapter appeared at the end of my e-copy of Amanda Hocking's Switched. The first chapter intrigued me, both for it's premise and because I thought it was well written - better than Hocking's book that I just finished actually. Powerless is the story of Mira Ipswitch, a girl who lives in a world where every person has a special power, except for her.
I really liked this premise because I thought it was an interesting twist on the more traditional v More...
I really liked this premise because I thought it was an interesting twist on the more traditional v More...
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Aug 23, 2011
Alexia
rated it: 
I picked up The Synthesis (Powerless #1) as a free ebook on Amazon.com It looked interesting, so I decided to give it a shot. I found the story to be original and different. Mira is a girl who grows up in a secluded cottage with her parents knowing nothing about the outside world. As she discovers that there is a world beyond the mist of her home, she finds out that she has no super human powers at all, which is quite unusual in a world where everyone has some sort of power. This story take
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Jun 25, 2011
Emma
rated it:
Really, really good idea which I found massively intriguing. However the idea was let down by the actual story.
I didn't like the character of Mari, she really annoyed me, and something about the whole book just felt meh. It didn't grip me or pull me in at all, and I found myself skipping huge chunks of it just to see what happened in the end... where I should add there was no real resolution at all. Now don't get me wrong I like a good series but I like each book to stand alone too. More...
I didn't like the character of Mari, she really annoyed me, and something about the whole book just felt meh. It didn't grip me or pull me in at all, and I found myself skipping huge chunks of it just to see what happened in the end... where I should add there was no real resolution at all. Now don't get me wrong I like a good series but I like each book to stand alone too. More...
Aug 14, 2010
Emma-Quinn
rated it: 
I must say, that when I heard about this book, my first thought was: "Wow, I haven't heard that before! Great!". And the idea is really good. We've got a heroine we can identify with. She's not powerfull in the same way fantasy heros and heroines usually are. Her only power is her mind, her fantasy and her learning ability. I thought it was the perfect book. Until I started reading. The writing is some of the worst I've read in my life. It didn't speak to me in any way. The book is not
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Jul 07, 2011
Robin
rated it:
This book has many great ideas and scenes. I loved the piecemeal assassin and Mira's ability to think and create, abilities which have largely been abandoned in this world of superpowers. The scenes in which the adults deal with the approaching threat show there is a lot more going on than Mira knows.
I have some questions about the world and its history, some things that after this first book I don't understand yet, but there are several more books and I am sure Mr. Letts will explai More...
I have some questions about the world and its history, some things that after this first book I don't understand yet, but there are several more books and I am sure Mr. Letts will explai More...
Dec 16, 2010
Kimberly
rated it:
Powerless: The Synthesis is a good young adult book. The book's synopsis interested me so I requested it. I was glad to get a free e-copy of the book and once started I rapidly read through it. The plot moves along at a good pace. The teenage characters are easy to relate with, even though they have powers they all deal with typical issues. The characters grow and develop and the book ends on a strong note, making you wish there was more to read. I look forward to the next book in the series and
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Sep 04, 2011
Connie
rated it:
This was an o.k. read. Someone from Goodreads suggested it to me since I liked The Hunger Games. IMO I didn't think this book was nearly as good as The Hunger Games, but it was entertaining. The character and story development left a lot to be desired. I didn't find myself caring at all about any of the characters in this story. It is a YA book, and even thought I've read some really good YA books that were enjoyable for adults, the writing in this book felt like it was too simplistic for my
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May 01, 2011
Alexandria
rated it:
I need to preface this review with this: LOADS of people loved and enjoyed this book. I thought the story was compelling, and I really enjoyed the last couple chapters. So read 5-star reviews, too.
My frist problem was that the setting was not well established. It seemed like a pre-industrial farming society, yet Mira knew all sorts of science-related facts that we take for granted today, she spoke of paper *airplanes*, and she seemed to have all this electronic technology that is defin More...
My frist problem was that the setting was not well established. It seemed like a pre-industrial farming society, yet Mira knew all sorts of science-related facts that we take for granted today, she spoke of paper *airplanes*, and she seemed to have all this electronic technology that is defin More...
Oct 02, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
The heroine, Mira, is completely different from everyone else around her because she doesn't have a power. The importance of education for this girl is a crucial factor for her success. Contrasting with the laughably clueless teacher, Mira is able to construct all sorts of mechanical devices. Adjusting to her environment isn't easy for her though, leaving her with a lot of growing up to do.
One thing that struck me was the clear, crisp writing, which I believe does a better job of expla More...
One thing that struck me was the clear, crisp writing, which I believe does a better job of expla More...
Jan 15, 2011
John
rated it:
I recently read Powerless: The Synthesis on my Kindle for iphone app, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will admit up front that I am a sucker for all things superhero. Flying people? Let me at it! Super-human strength? I'll read it! Telekinesis? Yes, please!
Uncontrollable sweat with the consistency of Crisco? Um... Control and mastery over grubs and earthworms? Yikes!!
No, this is not your typical comic-book superhero storyline. Jason Letts (who, by the way, is an im More...
Uncontrollable sweat with the consistency of Crisco? Um... Control and mastery over grubs and earthworms? Yikes!!
No, this is not your typical comic-book superhero storyline. Jason Letts (who, by the way, is an im More...
Oct 16, 2010
Bluemoon
rated it:
I didn't love the book, I also didn't hate the book. There were times when I kept waiting for the book to pick up and other times when I was so engrossed by it. It's a pretty good introductory novel for a series/trilogy. For me there are a few negative and positive feedback.
Lets start with the negative:
- I found it really hard that parents who were so protective all of a sudden become so lenient. I get the point that she needs to learn how to defend herself, but parents who are ov More...
Lets start with the negative:
- I found it really hard that parents who were so protective all of a sudden become so lenient. I get the point that she needs to learn how to defend herself, but parents who are ov More...
Oct 09, 2011
Lizzi
rated it:
I wasn't sure when I went to buy this book, but who can beat FREE! I'm glad I did!
For being a new author, Jason Letts does a great job with his characters and his story. The writing could stand to be a bit stronger but the story overall was very good and I enjoyed the main character, Mira. I'll be getting the second book when it comes out. It'll be nice to see how this author's writing progresses.
I'd say that it's worth the read.
For being a new author, Jason Letts does a great job with his characters and his story. The writing could stand to be a bit stronger but the story overall was very good and I enjoyed the main character, Mira. I'll be getting the second book when it comes out. It'll be nice to see how this author's writing progresses.
I'd say that it's worth the read.
Aug 06, 2011
Kerri
rated it:
It is rare that I don't finish a book but I just could not get through this book. I made it about half way through. The bizarre writing style at first intrigued me and I kept reading hoping that I would get hooked but I just didn't. I thought that the idea behind this book was unique and interesting enough but the book just dragged and weird things kept happening that made me go hmmmm?????? Sorry but I finally gave up on this book. :o(
Aug 27, 2010
Scott
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book. I found myself picking up my kindle to read more when I should have been doing other things. The concept was unique to me and I look forward to Mira's next adventures.
I would like to see a bit more character development in the next novel as I didn't find myself attached to some of the supporting characters I believe will take on a larger role going forward, but the story more than made up for it. Hopefully we'll learn a little more about her classmates dur More...
I would like to see a bit more character development in the next novel as I didn't find myself attached to some of the supporting characters I believe will take on a larger role going forward, but the story more than made up for it. Hopefully we'll learn a little more about her classmates dur More...
Aug 23, 2011
Julie
rated it:
This was an amazing book that made you want to finish it. It did not lose momentum halfway through and make you want to put it down. I got this book as a free book for my Kindle. And dammit, it is part of a series, and now I want to read the next one to see what happens next. In another review, I read that this is a young adult book. But some adult books are SO boring. As I digress....this book was good and I plan on archiving it on my kindle so I can re-read it in the future!
Jun 06, 2010
Squeaky
rated it:
I enjoyed this book very much. The main character is warm and giving, the supporting characters are human and three-dimensional, and the story and the world it is set in are well-thought-out, detailed, engaging, exciting and interesting. It's an excellent and thoughtful debut, and I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Sep 24, 2010
J.M.
rated it:
When reading a book, I love to get transported to another place. Jason Letts provided that for me in this book. I am an avid fan of old school Marvel Comics, and there were moments in this story that I had the same feeling come over me as when I was twelve years old, listening to Motley Crue's first album while scanning an X-men comic!
Synthesis subtly touches on the "how we came to be" subject that anyone in any society can relate to, as well as dealing with peer pressure a More...
Synthesis subtly touches on the "how we came to be" subject that anyone in any society can relate to, as well as dealing with peer pressure a More...
Sep 21, 2011
Mlpmom
rated it:
This book is such a breath of fresh air. It is fun, adventurous, and unique. I had a blast reading it. Fantasy for me is always hit or miss, I either love it or I hate it and this one I really really loved.
This just isn't your typical fantasy novel, take everything normally found in a fantasy novel and give it a good shake and maybe even a twirl or two and this is what you come up with.
This book will appeal to old and young alike. It is very much appropriate for middle school kids More...
This just isn't your typical fantasy novel, take everything normally found in a fantasy novel and give it a good shake and maybe even a twirl or two and this is what you come up with.
This book will appeal to old and young alike. It is very much appropriate for middle school kids More...
Feb 09, 2011
Kathy
rated it:
i was surprised by how much i liked the book. i read the trylle trilogy by amanda hocking, and jason letts was involved, so i read inevitable, and i really liked it. i decided to give this new series a try, and now i am a big fan of both amanda hocking and jason letts.
