I’m quite chuffed to be part of this announcement. I’ve become a big fan of The Keeper of the Balance series, and it just keeps getting better. Every new instalment is more exciting than the last, and the third book was everything I’d been waiting for and more.
 
(If you’re unfamiliar with this series, you may want to check out my review of book two, Warriors of Balance.)
 
Not only are the Vardikhar closing in on the enemies of the Hall, but their enemies are starting to hit them where it hurts. The plot moves a little faster, and the intrigue is more intense. There’s a lot more action in this one, and the stakes are higher than ever before. Earlyan really comes into his own in Order of the Ancestors, both as a warrior and a man. We also gain a little more insight into Doc’s past, and I’m pretty sure a lot of people will be caught off guard by what they learn.
 
This book is exciting in its own right, but it also promises great things to come in the fourth, and last book of this series. I’m itching to read it already.
 
Get Order of the Ancestors for your Kindle
 
Order of the Ancestors Blurb:
 
The Selected have discovered the identity of the parties behind the strike at Air Force Base One in Niemadar. As the Vardikhar begin their search for the mysterious Order of the Ancestors, a military aircraft goes missing unexpectedly, filled with a cargo so sensitive that it might just tip the scales of the imminent War of Balance in favor of the enemies of the Hall if not recovered soon.
 
In the underwater city of Aqualurbia, Earlyan Marnes is determined to see his first mission as a Tuladhvan fulfilled at all costs. Little does he know the steep price that he may have to pay for his pride, his arrogance, and his desire for retribution.
 
Kalther Janasen is torn between his loyalty to the Order of the Ancestors and his desires. The young Wraith Knight struggles mightily with his thoughts, trying to decide on whether he should trust in Earlyan Marnes, or to continue to rely in the guidance of his Stones, the teachings of the Matriarch, and the will of the Ancestors.
 
Far away from the shores of the Water Continent of Asropia, a deadly Hunter continues on her quest for vengeance, seeking to leave her painful past behind. As the Hunter keeps growing stronger, bolder, and more experienced, she finds an unexpected but very valuable asset that could provide her with a great advantage over those who wronged her.
 
Silena Draksas is ready to set her plans in motion. As the young Head of Draksas sows the seeds of chaos and terror, the Dream reveals the location of two valuable prizes. Patient Lenny is also close to discovering the hideout of the Order of the Ancestors: the small ecologic community standing in the heart of the jungle halfway across the world.
 
The struggle for Balance in Akaladia continues in The Order of the Ancestors, book three in the thrilling saga of The Keeper of the Balance.
 
 
About Tito Martinez Barberi
 
Tito Martínez Barberi was born in México City forty-some years ago. Tito spent many years doing copyright work and translations. His experience as a copyrighter and translator, added to what Tito calls his “hyper-imagination”, inspired him to write his current series, The Keeper of the Balance.
 
Tito is a lover of fantasy and sci-fi literature and movies. Although Tito lives in the state of Puebla, México, with Dani, his cat, his mind spends most of its time in Akaladia, bringing to life The Last Bastion, which will be the fourth and last book in The Keeper of the Balance series

What I liked:

Oh what a premise: This book pits fundamental Christianity against science. It could’ve come across as the worst type of message fiction, but for the fact that both sides of the argument are well presented. One feels the confusion of the scientists, and the desperation of the locals in equal measure.

The ugly truth: While much of the cultural divisions are intensified because of the small town setting, it still holds true in many ways for the country on the whole. I was friends with somebody who epitomises the staunch Afrikaaner culture, and I’ve known people who are more like JJ. It never fails to disturb me when white people talk to me as though I’m racist just because I’m white. It also hurts every time a black person is racist towards me, or an Afrikaaner brushes me aside because I’m English-speaking, and a woman on top of it. It’s not wide-spread, thank heavens, but it does exist.

Simple Science: A couple of complicated scientific concepts come up in this book. For the most part, the author does an excellent job of explaining them simply enough for anyone to understand.    

Nitty gritties: The descriptions are succinct but grabbing, and the plot moves at a steady pace.  

It’s home: I’ve been trying to read more books by South African authors, and this one fit the bill perfectly.
 
What I didn’t like:
More nitty gritties: The style is messy. In some places it comes across as third person omniscient while the majority of the book is written in the third person (?). Sentences also tend to be on the long side.
 
An excellent story that broaches a delicate topic in a sensitive manner. It’s easy to connect with the characters, and the plot retains momentum throughout. While it’s a little more raw talent than polish in some ways, this doesn’t detract from the book. It was difficult to put down once I was into it, and I’ll definitely read it again.

Get it on Kindle

I tend to neglect my blog, and it bothers me. Like so many authors, I started this website because Platform! Because the modern author must be omnipresent in terms of Social Media. Must Tweet, must post stuff on Facebook, must upload pictures on Instagram, must more stuff on blog. This must happen consistently, and when notifications go off, you must answer ASAP!

It's important to have a presence, but it starts to feel tiring. It becomes a chore.

It's tough to keep up sometimes, and it prompts one to question the madness. This is a good thing. While I do think it's important to have a presence on major networks, sometimes you just have to acknowledge that one or the other isn't for you.

I've had moments where I thought blogging just wasn't for me. Sometimes I get an idea for a good post, but as soon as I start writing it the whole thing belly flops. Doubts creep in: I'm a writer, it shouldn't be this hard to put a few hundred words together, should it? I keep at it, because I'm stubborn, but writing is rarely fun when it's just another chore. Pushing ahead with a blog post starts to seem like time I could better spend on my novels.

Then the Heavens opened and a unicorn touched me with it's horn, prompting a revelation. Blogging is all about fun and passion for something. These people are part of a global community centered around their interests. It's friendly, personal, and informative. In real life terms, it's having a sign on your home saying 'I like this type of thing' then getting all these visitors who like the same thing.

There are tons of amazing book blogs out there run by amazing people. I want to be part of that. Not because I think they'll buy my book, but because I love books too. I think that's a far more inspiring reason to blog than Platform!