Powerless

In keeping with the conventions of the dystopian fantasy genre, Powerless depicts a world in which heightened social hierarchies serve as commentary on real-life, contemporary issues. In the fictional kingdom of Ilya, people are divided into Elites and Ordinaries, with Elites being further categorized into Mundanes, Offensives, Defensives, and Fatals. In this world, social and supernatural powers are intrinsically linked: the stronger the ability, the higher the social status. This hierarchy is even made visible by the city’s layout, with Mundanes being relegated to the poorest neighborhoods, while the rich nobles are the most powerful Elites: “Farther from the slums, the more the rows of shops and homes slowly improve in condition and size. Shacks turn into homes, homes turn into mansions, leading up to […] the royal castle” (2). Powers act as a clear symbol for and cause of class disparities. Significantly, Ordinaries are treated like pariahs: They are banished and killed because of the king’s desire to create an all-powerful society. Their persecution is reminiscent of the discrimination faced by oppressed groups in the real world. Additionally, the lies used to justify this ostracization benefit a small number of high-powered individuals, which parallels the prejudices and propaganda that oppressive socio-political systems rely on.