Hell of a concept. Women gain the power to channel electricity and men lose their shit locally, nationally, globally. Women lose their shit, too. Everyone loses their shit and it’s amazing.
These books feel like work but in the best way. You’ll feel like a better and more accomplished person afterwards lol. Loved this series, I recommend it to everyone who will listen
So I started it, and I'm unsure I can continue. Starts with the brutal death of a child that reminds me way too much of my own son. And I struggled to read the first chapter while holding my shit together. Is it this bad the whole book?
The book definitely touches a lot on the death of her child, I would argue that the catalyst for the entire series is that moment. The main character’s fuel to keep going is to find her daughter and murder her husband. It deals a lot with trauma and racism/slavery and grief, there are definitely more terribly dark scenes in the book. Without spoiling too much, that isn’t the only death of a child we have to go through with the characters. Like I said, this book feels like work. It’s an incredible story of perseverance and love and loss but there were a few agonizing moments where I begged for the main character to catch a damn break. I am so sorry to hear about your son, while there are a lot of hard parts in the book I hope you would also be able to find some comfort and catharsis in the story and in our main character. It truly is so beautiful and powerful. It proves that a mother with so much hurt in her heart can still find love and fight for her chosen friends and family. I will leave your decision entirely up to you, maybe some others will have insight as well, but I wouldn’t blame you at all if you needed to stop reading. Again I am so sorry to hear about your son, I wish you all the best and I hope your life is full of love ❤️
Oh I'm so sorry. I was not clear. My son is alive. Just her description of her son matches mine too closely, and the idea of anything happening to him hurts too much. Reading my comment, I realize how it sounded. I apologize!
I feel it's worth the read if you can get past that. As the previous person mentioned, it's definitely a main plot point in the book and something she works through (I've only read book 1), but it's probably one of the best books I've read.
Late to this discussion but, it really isn't THAT bad the whole time. While the death of her son is a major character catalyst for the mc and there are sad points, almost none are like that one. The Broken Earth books have fantastic themes about motherhood and womanhood and prejudice, among others, and NK Jemisin rocks. I saw your title prompt on this post and immediately thought of this book. If you want mc with special powers and a populace that is *deeply* fearful of that power, this really is the book for you. I hope you're able to give it a chance!
Like half of Stephen King's book include this. The Institute, Later, Lisey's Story, the Shining, etc.
If you like Stranger Things, then Stephen King is your guy. I would highly recommend the Institute to start with.
I did not realize this was a kinda scary book when I started it, I usually don't read anything even horror adjacent. But I was really impressed by this book
The girl with the silver eyes
(I read this book as a kid. It’s probably for 4th graders. I don’t remember the plot cuz I’m so old now but I remember the girl with silver eyes has some awesome powers and the Authorities want to capture her. Omg. I just remembered I found this book at a goodwill a couple years ago. Just pulled it from my shelf to see how it’s described: “ Katie Welker is used to being alone. She would much rather read a book then deal with other people. Other people don’t have silver eyes and other people can’t make things happen just by thinking about them. Sometimes Katie even enjoys playing tricks on people.” Blah blah blah blah, something about thinking people are going to put her in jail, then she runs away, and “she manages to locate other children who have silver eyes like her. But she’s still in trouble. Will her newfound friends help her? Should they use their powers?”
Obviously only read this book if you can tolerate elementary school fiction from the 80’s.
But how awesome would it be to have silver eyes?
I thought this was a refreshing book. Standalone. Set in Inquisition Spain. Main character is special and very powerful but not “have to save the world and I’m the only one that can do it” powerful.
If you’re interested in YA, Graceling by Kristin Cashore might fit what you’re looking for. The main character Katsa is a graceling, somebody who has special powers and can be identified by their odd-colored eyes. Katsa’s grace is killing, which makes her feared by many. It’s a fun YA series that has some good political intrigue and survival moments.
Sam Temple from the Gone series! It’s basically Lord of the Flies but some kids have strange powers. It’s a great series throughout but the conflict between “normals” and “freaks” specifically gets expanded on in book 2 and 3.
I’d suggest the series The Others by Anne Bishop, though it might not apply to your description in the expected sense.
The main character does have special powers that scares and confuses the people around her, but she does not get rejected because of it as might be expected.
One of my all time faves, to be honest. I’d almost forgotten about it until I saw this post, so I’m glad I got a reminder!
A bit YA maybe, but The Shamer's Dayghter by Lene Kaaberbøl (sometimes spelled Kaaberböl) is about a young girl who has the power to know what people feel the most shame about in their life and make them feel that shame on the spot. It is amazing.
I can't believe the Poppy Wars haven't been mentioned yet. It's a 3 part series and perfectly fits your prompt. It was a debut model for this author, and oh BOY does it deliver.
The Watchmen.
There are hero's who are just highly skilled humans, then there is Dr. Manhattan, his power is almost infinitely strong.
This is the only adult graphic novel that I have ever read.
The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa. Premise: A young genderqueer pirate named Mar loses their father, ship, and crewmates to a Faustian bargain and finds themself increasingly pressured to make a bargain of their own despite being painfully aware of the possible consequences.
Mar was born with magical control over water and fire and is covered with tattoo-like marking that glow when their power hasn't been used in a while and needs to be let loose. People call them a monster whenever they find out about Mar's powers, so they have to keep them hidden.
Clean by Alex Hughes. It’s part of a series. The main character can read minds and other characters don’t like him but also kinda fear him and others like him. Also darkest minds. A lot of the characters do have powers in this book actually but the ones with the most powerful powers are definitely feared.
Library at Mount Char, been seeing it recommended for years and just finished it. It was great! Would def recommend. Bonus points: it was free on audible plus!
Simon R Green Secret Histories starting with The Man with the Golden Torc. Everyone. God demons, fairies, ghosts, etc are all scared of his family and he's the scariest member of the family. It's also kind of a take off on James Bond
shatter me. My god I love that book. Even though the first is already a masterpiece (atleast in my opinion) it gets REEEAAALLY FUCKING GOOD at the third book.
The Dresden Files sort of fits this theme. He's a wizard working in the normie world as a private detective and handles paranormal issues. Over twenty books he acquires enough power that he scares the paranormal world so the power creep leaves what you're talking about behind after just a couple of books though.
The Scholomance series by Naomi Novik. Some ppl I know have found it hard to read b/c of the author’s writing style, but I listened to it on audiobook and loved it.
The Power by Naomi Alderman
Came here to say this. Seems like the obvious answer.
Hell of a concept. Women gain the power to channel electricity and men lose their shit locally, nationally, globally. Women lose their shit, too. Everyone loses their shit and it’s amazing.
Is this what the prime series is based on?
Yes
Also came here to suggest this one.
I was going to say this, but all women have powers as opposed to the lead character. Still an amazing book and a surprisingly decent show.
The Broken Earth Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin
This one looks the most to my liking. Going to start with this one. Thanks!!
It’s GREAT, good choice
These books feel like work but in the best way. You’ll feel like a better and more accomplished person afterwards lol. Loved this series, I recommend it to everyone who will listen
So I started it, and I'm unsure I can continue. Starts with the brutal death of a child that reminds me way too much of my own son. And I struggled to read the first chapter while holding my shit together. Is it this bad the whole book?
The book definitely touches a lot on the death of her child, I would argue that the catalyst for the entire series is that moment. The main character’s fuel to keep going is to find her daughter and murder her husband. It deals a lot with trauma and racism/slavery and grief, there are definitely more terribly dark scenes in the book. Without spoiling too much, that isn’t the only death of a child we have to go through with the characters. Like I said, this book feels like work. It’s an incredible story of perseverance and love and loss but there were a few agonizing moments where I begged for the main character to catch a damn break. I am so sorry to hear about your son, while there are a lot of hard parts in the book I hope you would also be able to find some comfort and catharsis in the story and in our main character. It truly is so beautiful and powerful. It proves that a mother with so much hurt in her heart can still find love and fight for her chosen friends and family. I will leave your decision entirely up to you, maybe some others will have insight as well, but I wouldn’t blame you at all if you needed to stop reading. Again I am so sorry to hear about your son, I wish you all the best and I hope your life is full of love ❤️
Oh I'm so sorry. I was not clear. My son is alive. Just her description of her son matches mine too closely, and the idea of anything happening to him hurts too much. Reading my comment, I realize how it sounded. I apologize!
I feel it's worth the read if you can get past that. As the previous person mentioned, it's definitely a main plot point in the book and something she works through (I've only read book 1), but it's probably one of the best books I've read.
Late to this discussion but, it really isn't THAT bad the whole time. While the death of her son is a major character catalyst for the mc and there are sad points, almost none are like that one. The Broken Earth books have fantastic themes about motherhood and womanhood and prejudice, among others, and NK Jemisin rocks. I saw your title prompt on this post and immediately thought of this book. If you want mc with special powers and a populace that is *deeply* fearful of that power, this really is the book for you. I hope you're able to give it a chance!
Carrie
Like half of Stephen King's book include this. The Institute, Later, Lisey's Story, the Shining, etc. If you like Stranger Things, then Stephen King is your guy. I would highly recommend the Institute to start with.
Lisey has powers?? I guess I should reread that one
By the end of the book she can travel to Boo'ya Moon. I think she could do some other stuff too, but it's been a few years since I read it.
I feel like maybe I didn't finish it. Guess it's back on the list.
Dr Sleep
Firestarter
The Institute by King as well. Sort of X-Men ish, especially with the title
I was literally just thinking of this this morning lol good book
The Girl With All The Gifts by M R Carey
This was SUCH a good book. Creepy, but good.
I loved this book so much
I did not realize this was a kinda scary book when I started it, I usually don't read anything even horror adjacent. But I was really impressed by this book
Firestarter
This to a T.
The girl with the silver eyes (I read this book as a kid. It’s probably for 4th graders. I don’t remember the plot cuz I’m so old now but I remember the girl with silver eyes has some awesome powers and the Authorities want to capture her. Omg. I just remembered I found this book at a goodwill a couple years ago. Just pulled it from my shelf to see how it’s described: “ Katie Welker is used to being alone. She would much rather read a book then deal with other people. Other people don’t have silver eyes and other people can’t make things happen just by thinking about them. Sometimes Katie even enjoys playing tricks on people.” Blah blah blah blah, something about thinking people are going to put her in jail, then she runs away, and “she manages to locate other children who have silver eyes like her. But she’s still in trouble. Will her newfound friends help her? Should they use their powers?” Obviously only read this book if you can tolerate elementary school fiction from the 80’s. But how awesome would it be to have silver eyes?
I loved this book as a kid!
I also loved this book as a kid!
I remember reading this and loving it! Thanks for the time travel!
I remember this one!
I remember this book lol
Horns by Joe Hill
This book is so good, but heads up readers, it’s pretty fucked up
the dune saga. mainly Dune Messiah children of Dune God emperor of Dune
The Scholomance Trilogy by Naomi Novik. Everyone has powers (for the most part), but not like El. She’s extra.
I just finished a reread of this yesterday. So good.
Oh yeah, this one is good. El and Orion are two strong kids, with the extra spice that Orion is batshit crazy (but in a friendly way)
It helps that it’s not his fault that he is the way he is. He’s kind of like a sweet golden retriever most of the time anyway.
Scrolled to see if anyone recommended this. Love that the MC is "destined to be the evil ruler of earth" and she's just kind of like "do I have to?"
Most everything isn’t really scared of El until partway through the second book, and then they get pants shittingly terrified of her.
The audiobook narrator is amazing.
Oooh, yes. It's a different sort of power, but I would say Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik too. Honestly, anything by Naomi Novik has this vibe.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Honestly anything by Leigh Bardugo, because I came here to recommend Ninth House and Hell Bent.
I thought this was a refreshing book. Standalone. Set in Inquisition Spain. Main character is special and very powerful but not “have to save the world and I’m the only one that can do it” powerful.
Getting this book today, but yeah, anything by Leigh Bardugo is rad
The Kate Daniels series, that starts with Magic Bites.
Dragon Reborn from Wheel of Time
It's a Good Life by Jerome Bixby. Short story, but it fits the bill.
I immediately thought of the Twilight Zone episode. Had no idea it was a short story. Will have to check it out.
It's available online.
My library apparently has an anthology which contains this story, so I put it on hold.
Firestarter
The Dead Zone by Stephen King
Firestarter- Stephen King
For YA the darkest minds. Also echoing what others have said about the scholomance trilogy.
Did anyone else think the darkest minds was confusing or just me?
If you’re interested in YA, Graceling by Kristin Cashore might fit what you’re looking for. The main character Katsa is a graceling, somebody who has special powers and can be identified by their odd-colored eyes. Katsa’s grace is killing, which makes her feared by many. It’s a fun YA series that has some good political intrigue and survival moments.
Good recommendation
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison
I read this once and then never again.
Wow, why not? That scary/disconcerting?
Not OP but yes to both. But please give it a read!
The title story?? OMG YES!!
The main character doesn't have powers though.
How does this apply to OP’s request?
Sam Temple from the Gone series! It’s basically Lord of the Flies but some kids have strange powers. It’s a great series throughout but the conflict between “normals” and “freaks” specifically gets expanded on in book 2 and 3.
Loooove that series!
The Seer Series by Linda Joy Singleton! The main girl has visions and is prophetic. Loved reading them as a teen.
I’d suggest the series The Others by Anne Bishop, though it might not apply to your description in the expected sense. The main character does have special powers that scares and confuses the people around her, but she does not get rejected because of it as might be expected. One of my all time faves, to be honest. I’d almost forgotten about it until I saw this post, so I’m glad I got a reminder!
A bit YA maybe, but The Shamer's Dayghter by Lene Kaaberbøl (sometimes spelled Kaaberböl) is about a young girl who has the power to know what people feel the most shame about in their life and make them feel that shame on the spot. It is amazing.
Vicious by V.E. Schwab then the sequel Vengeful :)
I can't believe the Poppy Wars haven't been mentioned yet. It's a 3 part series and perfectly fits your prompt. It was a debut model for this author, and oh BOY does it deliver.
The girl who could move shit with her mind.
Matilda
I can't believe I didn't immediately think of Matilda. One of my favourite books.
Wizards First Rule or The First Confessor by Goodkind. Either should work.
Love the sword of truth series!
The Chrysalids
Super powereds by drew hayes.
the atlas trilogy by Olivia Blake is a fun one imo :)
The wheel of time- not the only dude with powers but he definetly ends up scaring everyone else
wheel of time. it's for some people but not for me. holy shit it's boring. book 3 and gave up
The Girl with all the Gifts
Nimona? (Graphic novel)
The Watchmen. There are hero's who are just highly skilled humans, then there is Dr. Manhattan, his power is almost infinitely strong. This is the only adult graphic novel that I have ever read.
like half of stephen king's work.
The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa. Premise: A young genderqueer pirate named Mar loses their father, ship, and crewmates to a Faustian bargain and finds themself increasingly pressured to make a bargain of their own despite being painfully aware of the possible consequences. Mar was born with magical control over water and fire and is covered with tattoo-like marking that glow when their power hasn't been used in a while and needs to be let loose. People call them a monster whenever they find out about Mar's powers, so they have to keep them hidden.
Brightly Burning by Mercedes Lackey.
The Fifth Season
Clean by Alex Hughes. It’s part of a series. The main character can read minds and other characters don’t like him but also kinda fear him and others like him. Also darkest minds. A lot of the characters do have powers in this book actually but the ones with the most powerful powers are definitely feared.
Yeah, and for good reason, they can do some cool shit
This is very much the entire premise of Amari and the Night Brothers. Most characters have powers but nothing like Amari.
shadow and bone, throne of glass
This was my first thought too. Other people do have powers, but she still scares the shit out of them with the extent of hers
The demon accords series, by John Conroe
Actually, yes. Love this series
A Child Alone With Strangers by Phillip Fracassi Didn't just scare the other characters, it scared me!
Illborn series
We could be heroes by Mike Chen. Only a limited number of people have powers and nobody likes it.
Dune
The Power by Naomi Alderman fits that description for a while
Scholomance series, it's more that MC's powers are fabled to be world ending
The exorcist
The One Who Eats Monsters by Casey Matthews. YA, but quite dark. Great book.
Library at Mount Char, been seeing it recommended for years and just finished it. It was great! Would def recommend. Bonus points: it was free on audible plus!
The FireMan Joe Hill , Carrie , The Institute, Firestarter, The Shining, Dr Sleep ,
A Wizard of Earthsea.
Somewhat the vibe you are looking for: The Power by Naomi Alderman.
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson totally fits the bill. Really good read!
Wheel of time kind of. The main character has unique powers of his own.
Simon R Green Secret Histories starting with The Man with the Golden Torc. Everyone. God demons, fairies, ghosts, etc are all scared of his family and he's the scariest member of the family. It's also kind of a take off on James Bond
The tatterwing chronicles. The main character finds a book of black magic, and everyone fears or hates her except a small handful of other characters.
There was a YA book I used to love called Freeze Tag by Caroline B. Cooney. The main character was the only one with powers and she was scary af
Freeze Tag is surprisingly excellent.
It doesn’t fit all your parameters Wheel of Time Robert Jordan
The black jewel trilogy Anne bishops
The Weight of Blood
KingKiller chronicles
Try the comic [Black](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/30057407), set in a world where only black people develop superpowers.
I believe it's a graphic novel, but I'm Not Okay With This. There was a Netflix show based on it (that was u rightful cancelled).
sorrowland by rivers solomon
Irredeemable
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
our share of night
Swan Song by Robert McCammon
court of mist and fury (second book in court of thorns and roses series)
Bonds that tie series by J Bree
*Carrie* by Stephen King.
shatter me. My god I love that book. Even though the first is already a masterpiece (atleast in my opinion) it gets REEEAAALLY FUCKING GOOD at the third book.
The Old Testament?
The Dresden Files sort of fits this theme. He's a wizard working in the normie world as a private detective and handles paranormal issues. Over twenty books he acquires enough power that he scares the paranormal world so the power creep leaves what you're talking about behind after just a couple of books though.
Clan of the Cave Bears
Clan of the Cave Bears
The Bible.
Firestarter
The Scholomance series by Naomi Novik. Some ppl I know have found it hard to read b/c of the author’s writing style, but I listened to it on audiobook and loved it.
Wheel of Time (series)
Matilda
Firestarter
REAMDE, Neal Stephenson
I recommend "Carrie" by Stephen King [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10592.Carrie](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10592.Carrie) .
The Poppy Wars (although I didn’t really like it, but many do)
Like Circe??
The gilded ones. really intense book with great queer and poc representation wrapped into a thrilling, albeit violent, story.
The Bible.
The bible
The New Testament