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The Collapse took my rights away.
But it’s my heart that will leave me truly powerless.

Somehow, I’m still alive.
So are the gruff, dangerous men I’ve found myself strangely at home with. The Steel Demons escaped execution only to find they’ve been betrayed by one of their own. Once an unbreakable brotherhood, tension and distrust grows between them.

Meanwhile I’m stuck between a rock and Reaper’s hard place.

I should have known better than to fall for the green-eyed, rough-handed president. I knew a man like him would only hurt me. When he drops hints about sharing me with his two best friends, that says enough about what he thinks I am--an object to be passed around, just like every other woman after the Collapse.

The only question is, can I find the power to walk away?

Powerless is the second book in a motorcycle-themed, dystopian reverse harem series. This series is full of kindle-melting steam and dangerous men who take what they want. Proceed with caution if easily offended.

Reading order:
1. Lawless
2. Powerless
3. Fearless (March 2020)

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2019

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1471 people want to read

About the author

Crystal Ash

63 books1,062 followers

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5 stars
3,670 (50%)
4 stars
2,426 (33%)
3 stars
1,019 (13%)
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142 (1%)
1 star
36 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 421 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
1,040 reviews86 followers
August 26, 2020
Boy am I glad the sequel is already out, especially after that end!

By now I'm hooked even if I can't say exactly what has me turning pages late into the night.

If you like kindle-melting rough and sexy guys, a sweet and badass female lead, fabulous pets, an addictive story with a small paranormal spin and a great MC gang - this one's for you.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to read Fearless. Cause ...
I want more!
Profile Image for TheBookPlatypus.
1,212 reviews247 followers
June 3, 2021
3.5

So this book was a bit more interesting. We get a little bit more backstory on each of the future possible men that will be in the RH with Mariposa. Nothing is established yet in this book. She apparently falls in love with one of the main characters that is the president of the MC, Reaper.
I had a hard time believing that they fell in love. It kind of happened out of nowhere - there was little to no build up of their alleged love story and it really threw me off guard to be honest.
There also seems to be a little bit more paranormal aspects coming into the storyline which is what I absolutely love and thoroughly enjoyed. These men have intense unnatural connections with their animals. And the cliffhanger definitely leaves you wondering what the hell is going on.

Here’s my personal beef with this story. I understand not everyone is familiar with guns. I just wish authors will take a little bit of time and do research because it really kills the storyline for me when authors use terminology that doesn’t exist. ... a “handheld assault rifle”?! What is that? I have to repeat over and over again in my head - this is fiction. This is fiction. This is fiction.
But coming from a heavy pro-gun background from military to hunters, I can’t with the wording.

There is no such thing as a handheld assault rifle. And while the media has used the term assault rifle, it does not exist. Assault is an action. Not a type of gun. I can assault you with a gun by hitting you with it. But it is not a type of weapon. This is just my personal beef with the book and it really took away the enjoyment of reading. I’m sure most people wouldn’t even notice or care.

I’m invested in the rest of the story. I hope as we continue on with the series that there’s better built up between the relationships and I’m very hyped up to see what the connection is with the animals and their owners.

Profile Image for Amara.
598 reviews66 followers
January 2, 2020
...

So, now I have to wait until March to find out what the epilogue was all about! Gah!

There's a violence, gore, mind blowing sex, and a rapey situation if you need a trigger warning.

I totally dig these characters...every single one of the MCs. The guys are completely different and though the books are short (3 hours or less), it doesn't feel incomplete...except for the cliffhanger epilogue.

Now, spoilers...






Mari is accepting of the harem notion. Reaper is the MC president and the primary lover. He also comes from a background where women having multiple lovers is the norm. Jandro, the VP, is the smooth talking, sweetheart, friend to everyone, sorta dad-ish caretaker guys of the club, even though he is about the same age as the other guys. Gunnar is the angelic, flirty, sexy as sin go to guy that sorts all the outside resources, weapons, etc., that is also a weapons expert. Shadow is the dark, quiet, mysterious with an oh so tragic past, while being scarred and still smoking hot...and having few social skills. There's a rapey situation that is a misunderstanding with Shadow too.

Let's talk about said rapey situation a minute. Okay, Shadow has no social skills and he thinks Jandro sent Mari to have sex with him. Instead of letting him be in control, she fears him, so she rides him? And runs all over him. Then feels guilty for basically cheating on Reaper, so she feels bad? Really? Okay, I am not trying to be insensitive to these things and have luckily never felt like i was in a rapey situation or have been raped. But to me, she could have yelled or said something like, "You know I am with Reaper right?" Plus she says she was attracted to him initially upon meeting him, so is she justifying? I honestly don't know. Her actions don't show me her fear, and yeah he could snap her neck, but has he ever shown her any hint of violence toward her? No. He's odd and avoidant, yes. I am not buying that she felt threatened or that this was rape based on that. As I have said, I don't have first hand knowledge so maybe I am more accepting. Sorry if that offends.

(Side note- one of the ladies from RHR told us the difference between rape and rapey in regards to Venemous, a rapey book, so I am going with that understanding. Basically rape is violence for the sake of violence and brutalization of someone by taking their power. Rapey is or can be such a misunderstanding or cultural differences leading to etc. as was this case). I hope I explained that right. I forgot which thread it was said in and who said it.

The MC is a family unit that does what they must to survive. They may seem corrupt and evil, but they actually have morals and limit damage when they can to those who they think deserve it.

Mari is a medic and while she isn't the most perfect FMC, the rest of the characters more than make up for it. I'm totally invested in the story now.

Now the epilogue hints at some type if genre change to paranormal or fantasy. It mentions following the word of the gods, more about the animal bonds, and that by way of Reaper's sister and dead brother, some type of prophetic dream or sight or being able to communicate with the dead or something. I'm excited!

And the next book is months away!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sober Decay.
53 reviews16 followers
April 22, 2025
quick fun read

These books are so fun to read. A slow build RH that I’m looking forward to! Great post-apocalyptic world with diverse characters and an intriguing story unfolding.
Crystal Ash knows how to drop the story-crumbs to keep a reader eagerly eating up her work.
1,810 reviews6 followers
March 4, 2020
Loved Lawless, loved Powerless even more

I have to say this. OMFG. OMFG. OMFG. Now I have to say it again. OMFG. Never in a million years would I have seen that coming. Once you read it, you'll know what I'm talking about. *Lots more swearing* I'm still thinking about it. OMFG.
Phew, now I've got that off my chest, onto the review. After all the setting up, getting to know you, getting to know the time and the territory, and the action that took place in Lawless, I was quite breathless when I reached the end. This book continues from the end of Lawless and kept me reading long into the night. It continues building on the relationships between Mari and the men, who are getting to know each other better. The action kept the momentum going and fitted in with the anarchic times and the enmities of states and gangs, bringing danger to all the Steel Demons, and also giving Mari the opportunity to demonstrate her skills, showing that she is becoming a valued member of the MC.
I loved Hades all through, with his goofy face and his licky affection. I loved Horus too. What a little sweetheart, especially when tearing chickens apart!. I loved learning more of the relationship and connection between Reaper and Hades, and also Gunner and Horus. Hades and Horus are so attuned to and in sync with Reaper and Gunner, and the men have this mystical, spiritual bond with them. Seeing the interactions between man and dog/bird, the appearance of them being separate entities faded a little and they seemed to be two halves of one whole, two souls in one body.
Oh, what the hell, one more time. OMFG. That scene was fantastic, horrifying, tension-filled, smouldering, incredible. I didn't know whether to gasp in shock or moan with delight (or something else!). I'm not sure that I've ever read a scene that surprised me more. It came out of WTF nowhere and I think my mouth was hanging open the whole time I was reading it. Everything about it was shocking and delicious. The fallout from it was marvellous. Just everything was good about the whole damn thing.
The epilogue was completely unexpected. What a way to leave me wanting the next one. I'm glad we got a hint of what is to come. Fingers crossed that Crystal writes very quickly, and that she gifts us with a long series because I am already so much in love with these characters. Shadow is definitely my favourite and he needs a book all to himself.
Profile Image for abbey willcox.
402 reviews23 followers
May 15, 2022
Jesus, I am left with pure goosebumps!! This is going to sound vague as fuck but no spoilers.. so I picked up on some small “easter eggs” in the first book and wondered if it was possible for the author to put a spin on this story by bringing in something new… then there were more small Easter eggs planted and that ending confirmed my suspicions!! I’m so excited!! Now I’m left with so many questions!! Sorry I know that made absolutely no sense to anyone except me 🤣

ANYWAY….

This book is just as gripping as the first. I couldn’t stop reading, literally. I took it on the school run with me 😂

Can I please be a steel demon?! This was action packed and let me repeat this from my previous review for the first book, PROCEED WITH CAUTION if easily offended…. Especially with some thing that happens and left my jaw dragging along the floor!! I wanted more from shadow in this book, not quite what I had expected 🙈😅 that one is certainly misunderstood. That said, I hope Mari can help soothe some of those old scars ❤️

Again, it’s hard to review these books without giving away any spoilers! 😅
But I’m thoroughly enjoying these books so far, so I’m off to binge read the next book! 😄

#powerless #steeldemonsmc #bookrecommendations #bookstagram
Profile Image for G. Vance.
101 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2020
First off, my stars are one star off from regular reviews bc a book really has to be life changing before I give it a 5 star. So this is like a regular three star.

I'm struggling with this review bc of That Scene. I'm really intrigued by the setting and like all of the characters. I'm just super confused about Mari's motivation in that moment. Maybe if there had been more beforehand that was more than what seemed like mere curiosity about Shadow, it wouldn't sit so strangely with me. It might also be bc the personal bodily danger for Mari in the world in general has lessened, so that wasn't forefront in my mind. And past trauma as a reason for action didn't seem to factor in as much. The author is walking a fine line here, making sure that you understand that Mari is in control, and enjoys herself, but there is still an inherent power struggle here between her and Shadow, just physically. But even if there had been more hints of attraction, when it happens: right after Reaper is back, before they even have a real chance to talk, with her also feeling some guilt/confusion over Jandro - it's all such an odd circumstance, that I'm just not sure it works for me.

Still love Gunner, and am looking forward to more time with him. And love that the paranormal stuff is getting bumped up more. I am also looking forward to her delving more deeply into the relationship dynamics. Having only tangentially ever known people in polyamory relationships I'm curious about the issues that come up, and it seems like the internal dialogue Jandro is having is going to touch one some of these. Beyond just jealousy issues.

I actually can't wait for the new book coming out in a couple of weeks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kitty Katz.
59 reviews58 followers
December 9, 2019
4.5 stars

This series is growing on me more and more !

Book 2 continues the story of Mari and the Steel Demons MC. Still not much development with Shadow (except that one weird-ass but there's now some interesting developments with the rest of the guys.

But mostly,
that ending!!! That made this 10x better than it already was and now I'm dying to get the next one !
Profile Image for JenMcJ.
2,528 reviews325 followers
March 9, 2020
This has a lot of potential and I'm enjoying the series but I feel like there are just tons and tons of plot holes and inconsistencies in the dystopian world building. It's not getting better in this book. Where is their electricity and water coming from at the very least? We are moving into harem territory in this book but don't get there in this one. The third book appears to be longer so I'm hopeful we can get that going and find out about the mystical side of things that are showing up more and more.

Profile Image for Karen.
232 reviews40 followers
January 28, 2020

***** 4 stars *****

Refreshing change from the new powers/academy and bully genre's I can't seem to get away from lately. Nicely done dystopian world, with an MC and reverse harem lifestyle blended together. And just for shits and giggles there is a hint of some unexplained paranormal thrown in too. All in all a very well put together series, that I will definitely be continuing.

Solid recommend!
Profile Image for Readingwiththeroberts.
592 reviews23 followers
December 12, 2023
I think I liked this book a little more than the first one. I mean so far there is nothing amazing about it but I don't know what it is but the book definitely is holding my attention. There is going to be some sort of "fantasy" aspect to this series (I don't really know what else to call it besides fantasy). It was so annoying that Reaper and Mari just kept having the miscommunication trope in this book so I'm glad that was finally worked out. I'm still interested to see what happens in the next book.
Profile Image for Princess J. Antoinette.
991 reviews103 followers
January 20, 2021
Exciting

Wow, this little storyline keeps getting better and better. I'm a little impressed right now Crystal Ash, with the ending of this book... Got a girl on the edge of her seat to see where you'll take me with the next book.

Overall rating:
4* ~ A Good Read
99 reviews
February 26, 2020
Living

Life after society crashed and burned. Totally enjoyed this story with Mari and her Steel Demon men. Can't wait to read the next installment.
Profile Image for rosa.
543 reviews7 followers
September 5, 2022
This book is quite possibly one of the easiest reads I’ve ever read. It's neither exciting nor dull, but I'm enjoying the leisurely pace.

Powerless is the second book of the Steel Demons MC series and follows Mariposa - a medic that has joined the Steel Demons with Reaper, Jandro, Gunner and Shadow, plus their furry friends Hades and Horus.

I did enjoy this instalment. Not much happened, but it was nice to see Mari settling into the MC life (with zero issues, obv) and living out her medic fantasies - not that she’d ever let you forget that she's medically trained.

This book focuses more on Mari developing friendships and relationships. I appreciated the chapters with her and Noelle, although I will need someone (ahem, Mari) to tell Tessa about her cheating husband asap. There's some great spice and some short-lived drama with Reaper that seemed pointless. I’m not going to comment on the incident between Shadow and Mari because it seemed out of place and I don’t really know what to make of it - other than to share a dub-con content warning.

The world-building is still just surface level which is frustrating at times for a series set in a dystopian future. Still, overall I thought this was book good - it's only 250ish pages, it's multi-POV, and the chapters are short.

I think this series is potentially trying to do a lot of things - be light but also dark, dystopian with no world-building, MC, why choose and bringing in enhanced abilities for some characters. I’m not sure where it’s all going, but for now, I don’t hate it.
Profile Image for Sarah Anne.
1,879 reviews181 followers
August 27, 2022
Representation: Latina and Latino main characters

Overall: 4-stars

Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions

Possible Triggers: Yes

Ending:
Profile Image for Katie Cherry.
Author 22 books416 followers
December 6, 2019
If you like RH romance, I cannot recommend this series enough. I am DYING. I loved book one, but good heavens. Book 2 just sealed the deal for me. This is already one of my new FAVORITE series. Ever. But, good heavens... I have never seen such perfection regarding the REASONING behind RH, and showing how there are mixed feelings about it. The characters are so beyond perfect (in their realism- they are certainly not perfect, though Mari comes close!) and the plot... it's about to get freaking crazy in book 3 and I cannot be more excited. And upset because wait time, but at least I know it'll be much quicker than traditionally published authors can do! #indieforthewin!

Anyway, if I have any romance lovers following my reviews here, seriously. SERIOUSLY. This is beyond amazing. I wasn't so sure it would be my thing. And it's absolutely in the top 3 best books I've read this year, at least, and definitely #1 in romance.
Profile Image for Missy Brown.
1,712 reviews31 followers
December 11, 2019
I am loving this series!!!! A lot more happens here than in book one i feel. Book one consists of getting to know our characters and this new world they live in.

Mari is trying to adjust to her new role with the Steel Demons MC. She is strong willed, knows what she wants and not afraid to voice it. There is a double crosser in the MC, and they are trying to figure out who it could be. There is just not threats within the mc but without. But Mari has found a purpose and possibly love. But what happens when maybe she is attracted to more than one? How could she commit to one when she is attracted to more?

Overall, Powerless is a great follow-up in this series. We get some action, suspense, lots of sexy time and just a overall great story. I need to see what happens next!!
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews50 followers
December 16, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Ash really outdid herself this time!! This is one explosive addition to the phenomenal series that really leaves you wanting more right this minute even knowing you have to wait for the next one. We pick back up right where book one left off with them all in danger. Thanks to some slick moves they prevail but now they know they have a traitor. This leads to some interesting events to say the least. Add in the evolving relationship with Mari and her men to get one fantabulous book. Total must read for fans of dystopian RH. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Shelby | Spicy.booknook.
404 reviews59 followers
July 5, 2023
As with book one, the formula stays the same. Horrible universe, but good characters that make it a fun read. The books are on the smaller side (270-300ish pages) and I am just blowing through them, such an easy flow to read. There was a little weirdness with Shadow... just a very odd scene, but I am so interested in his character. I have such a weakness for the tortured males in books. Also, there is another element coming into play, making it lean towards PNR, so that's interesting. Excited to move on to book 3 and see where that goes.
Profile Image for Sammantha  Norris.
53 reviews
December 19, 2019
Yes!!

The book was amazing and I need the next but the epilogue though!!!! WTH now I have to over analyze both books and put .ore pieces together! I should have known that it wouldn't be a normal dystopia MC series
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 1 book16 followers
May 31, 2022
Nope, I cannot process this.

Did this man just SA this girl and like everyone brushed it over??? Or was it consensual? I literally could not, for the life of me, tell.

Ummmm... this series isn't bad, per se, but it's just not my fav. I think I probs won't continue reading.
Profile Image for Tashi.
281 reviews59 followers
March 14, 2020
Loved

OK OMG love love this the characters stories are all coming out now. Slowly! The authors sucked me in so i need more !!
Profile Image for Tiera McMillian.
1,160 reviews44 followers
June 15, 2020
OMG YAAASSSSS! That ending.. freaking goosebumps! All the subtle and even not so subtle hints that this was turning into something supernatural with the animals and everything, but it just kept getting brushed off but now I have confirmations! Now I'm dying even more to find out what has happened to this world and we have the introduction what seems is going to be our ongoing story line.

Mari is just doing her thing and living in her element as she is further incorporated into the her new gang. She finally has her dream of being needed as a medic and treating her patients, and seeing to the health of those around her. Yea Reaper is a T total twat.. but I'm all up in my feels about him. The Steel Demon's have enemies galore it seems, and not just the outside gangs.. a traitor is in their midst feeding info to the enemies which causes all the action and for Mari to put all her skills to good use. These 4 guys.. the bonds with the animals and especially our newest revelation here at the end... It really kicked it up a notch for me. I can't wait to see what happens.
Profile Image for Catherine.
115 reviews12 followers
June 4, 2025
okayyy.

another quick read.

I understand the author is showing us these are flawed men and that Mariposa is somehow their "missing piece"/ going to help "fix them" but I'm not stoked with the whole Shadow romance - ish plot. I don't think it was written well and leaves a lot to be desired. I like him and his character, but I don't like the slight forced sex scenes.

On to my book 1 theories, I do believe I'm correct. With multiple new revelation in small powers such as Hades fast healing, Gunner bird sight, and now the sister speaking to the dead in her dreams, I think there is going to be a supernatural twist. NOT to mention the epilogue scene where she legit says their are God's.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cat H.
1,939 reviews215 followers
June 4, 2022
4.6 stars.
Ok.
I’m really liking where this is going.
I’m glad I finally started reading this series. So far it’s really living up to the hype.
There’s been some questionable things thatve gone on but I think they were written well and handled really well afterward too.
Plus the little bits of paranormal type things are just cool as hell and make everything that much better.

I’m really excited to see if it continues to be this good.
Profile Image for Danielle (Danniegurl).
1,943 reviews108 followers
December 23, 2023
Short Quick Easy

Honestly this isn’t bad at all. There are a few typos but nothing major. Overall I’m enjoying the story of Mari in the Steel Demon’s MC. I’m seeing there might be some paranormal elements to this but in a lite way so far. I love the cast of characters and so far I’ve yet to see the dystopian life that’s happened. She’s found a small community and I wonder if that’s rare or the norm in these times. Overall I really like the series and want to see more.
Profile Image for Sunshine .
876 reviews
Read
August 12, 2023
DNF 30% - so I get kinda where this is going. And it seems like it should be a pretty good plot. The problem is that the author just didn’t make me believe the building of the relationships - so I’m not invested in them. Therefore, I’m stopping. I need to believe in the relationships to enjoy romance.
Profile Image for Kyara.
129 reviews
September 17, 2022
I’m on a roll with these books. The ending was a cliff hanger but a good one that didn’t have me stressed. Well, maybe a lil stressed.
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