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Balancing the Scales #3
Old Secrets
Karma and Jake return in this thrilling conclusion to the Balancing the Scales trilogy.
Unable to find new leads on the terrorist organization they hunt, Karma and Jake set off to the one place they might find answers: Tibet. But something lurks on the horizon—something dark and dangerous enough that the United States, China, and Japan join forces to put an end to it.
While Karma wasn’t the first to be betrayed and terrorized, she vows to make certain she is the last—no matter what the cost.
Unable to find new leads on the terrorist organization they hunt, Karma and Jake set off to the one place they might find answers: Tibet. But something lurks on the horizon—something dark and dangerous enough that the United States, China, and Japan join forces to put an end to it.
While Karma wasn’t the first to be betrayed and terrorized, she vows to make certain she is the last—no matter what the cost.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2023
About the author
R.J. Blain
90 books1,345 followersRJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 26, 2023
Good but not great.
The culmination of Karma's journey of discovery, finding out who and what she is, who her family were, why she was adopted out and why a mysterious organisation has been trying to kill her for so long are all wrapped up in a nice beat his in this book. My puzzlement over why Jake had such a marked change of character in the second book is also addressed as is his relationship with his pack. The rough spot for me is the motivation behind the "Greenwich" group wanting Karma dead, I found it a bit unbelievable and we do not get answers from the villains as they are dispatched with no big dramatic showdown. There is a fight but it's short and anticlimactic (in my opinion) I did enjoy the final chapter though when all the loose threads are wrapped up in a very nice bow. I hope one day we get to visit with Karma and Jake again...............
The culmination of Karma's journey of discovery, finding out who and what she is, who her family were, why she was adopted out and why a mysterious organisation has been trying to kill her for so long are all wrapped up in a nice beat his in this book. My puzzlement over why Jake had such a marked change of character in the second book is also addressed as is his relationship with his pack. The rough spot for me is the motivation behind the "Greenwich" group wanting Karma dead, I found it a bit unbelievable and we do not get answers from the villains as they are dispatched with no big dramatic showdown. There is a fight but it's short and anticlimactic (in my opinion) I did enjoy the final chapter though when all the loose threads are wrapped up in a very nice bow. I hope one day we get to visit with Karma and Jake again...............
July 23, 2024
2024 bk 97. The various strands of the first two books are beginning to come together - as Karma and Jake are reunited. The couple recognizes that his parents have been a major part of their problems as partners and that trust has been broken. Karma's ties with her rogue partner need to be tended, as does a deeper look into her own background. A trip to Japan reveals a surprise that will rock the world of the paranormal and help them shut down the evil forces that sacrifice children. A very well done ending - although I do hope that somewhere along the line we get to see more of Karma and Jake and their children.
December 8, 2023
I enjoyed meeting Karma's parents! As usual, there was too much talk, but it ended well!
November 27, 2023
Such a great finish!
It had been a while since the first two books, so I happily went back and re-read from the beginning! I really have enjoyed all the wolf and witch entrees and this one was sooo good, as foxes are just as fun! Can’t get enough of all of these personalities, basically. I know the author doesn’t like to extend too much, but I would love to see more of this whole fox thread. Guess I’ll just have to go back and read more of the wolf and witches, oh well!
It had been a while since the first two books, so I happily went back and re-read from the beginning! I really have enjoyed all the wolf and witch entrees and this one was sooo good, as foxes are just as fun! Can’t get enough of all of these personalities, basically. I know the author doesn’t like to extend too much, but I would love to see more of this whole fox thread. Guess I’ll just have to go back and read more of the wolf and witches, oh well!
November 23, 2023
How does this author do it? She comes up with the most preposterous background for Karma and makes it (in the context of her worlds) plausible, believable and fun. I have to admit I was wondering about Karma's name - this novel answers so many questions. And now Desmond has a pack - will he survive it? I really want to know.
November 26, 2023
"Old Secrets" is an incredible conclusion to the "Balancing the Scales" trilogy. RJ Blain is an amazing author who is able to develop strong characters like Karma and Jake. Ms. Blain has also illustrated that men can also be victims who, if given the opportunity, may find healing, strength and redemption. I highly recommend this trilogy!
November 27, 2023
disappointed
I love R.J. Blain no matter what name she writes under. But this book was a hard slog, maybe it was me but I had a tough time getting through this book the first two I have read several times and laughed and cried through them. Old Secrets was very wordy and did not engage me at all.
I love R.J. Blain no matter what name she writes under. But this book was a hard slog, maybe it was me but I had a tough time getting through this book the first two I have read several times and laughed and cried through them. Old Secrets was very wordy and did not engage me at all.
November 28, 2023
waited a long time for book 3
I waited a long time for book 3 to come out - not sure it was worth the time reading it but I trudged through. It is probably my least favorite book by the author. Too much needless dialogue and so very little action. Book 2 had taken a weird turn, and this one continued that path.
I waited a long time for book 3 to come out - not sure it was worth the time reading it but I trudged through. It is probably my least favorite book by the author. Too much needless dialogue and so very little action. Book 2 had taken a weird turn, and this one continued that path.
December 3, 2023
Wonderful end of a trilogy
This book and the two preceding it were all a wonderful and emotional action filled mystery adventure with a bit of cop drama on top. This was highly entertaining and I've already re-read the first two books multiple times. I would highly recommend any and all books by this author.
This book and the two preceding it were all a wonderful and emotional action filled mystery adventure with a bit of cop drama on top. This was highly entertaining and I've already re-read the first two books multiple times. I would highly recommend any and all books by this author.
October 6, 2024
a series that lives up to the character’s name
These three books are an entertaining jaunt sure to keep you up at night racing to the finish. Karma and Jake are funny,serious, loving, and violent at different times. The plot line is engaging and the twists are fresh and unexpected. I highly recommend this series.
These three books are an entertaining jaunt sure to keep you up at night racing to the finish. Karma and Jake are funny,serious, loving, and violent at different times. The plot line is engaging and the twists are fresh and unexpected. I highly recommend this series.
January 19, 2026
I love Karma and Jake’s story!
Such a great story and I love how everything came together. I was thinking it would go one way and trying to figure out how it would all end and I can say I am happy with the ending and how it all worked out. I look forward to reading future books from R.J. Blain! What a great author!
Such a great story and I love how everything came together. I was thinking it would go one way and trying to figure out how it would all end and I can say I am happy with the ending and how it all worked out. I look forward to reading future books from R.J. Blain! What a great author!
November 24, 2023
Awesome!
An excellent end to the series. The plot was wonderful with unexpected twists and turns. I recommend reading the series in order. I can't wait to see what R.J. writes next!
An excellent end to the series. The plot was wonderful with unexpected twists and turns. I recommend reading the series in order. I can't wait to see what R.J. writes next!
November 24, 2023
As always R.J. brings her best.
Always appreciate R.J.s worlds. Karma is one of my favorite. Love her royal states, blood bound, Bailey and the gang's worlds and so many more. Thank you for the many hours of reading pleasure.
Always appreciate R.J.s worlds. Karma is one of my favorite. Love her royal states, blood bound, Bailey and the gang's worlds and so many more. Thank you for the many hours of reading pleasure.
December 2, 2023
Nice finish for a series
Enjoyed tying up of loose ends on this storyline, satisfactory conclusion to Karmas’ questions, nice to see old friends with the Desmonds and the Sanders too.
Enjoyed tying up of loose ends on this storyline, satisfactory conclusion to Karmas’ questions, nice to see old friends with the Desmonds and the Sanders too.
December 7, 2023
Excellent as always
I'm crossing my fingers that there is a next book in this series. I need to know what happens! Excellent alternate universe, shifters, foxes normals and gods. As the title suggests, all intertwined due to old secrets.
I'm crossing my fingers that there is a next book in this series. I need to know what happens! Excellent alternate universe, shifters, foxes normals and gods. As the title suggests, all intertwined due to old secrets.
December 18, 2023
Fantastic tie up.
I truly love RJ Blain. Her work is amazing and this story was a great cap to the Karma story. So many twists that tied in so well but weren't expected. What a sad tale of Karma's parents.
I'm sorry the story is ended. It was truly amazing.
I truly love RJ Blain. Her work is amazing and this story was a great cap to the Karma story. So many twists that tied in so well but weren't expected. What a sad tale of Karma's parents.
I'm sorry the story is ended. It was truly amazing.
December 18, 2023
A stellar conclusion to the trilogy! Adore Jake and Karma - the relationship between the two is very well done. The end is very satisfying, and I hope to see this pair pop up in other stories! Need more foxes :)
October 14, 2024
excellent series
I did have a little difficulty following names while reading the series but that was more from reading interruptions than the story format. The last book ties everything together nicely. As always, RJ Blain keeps you on your toes while reading the stories.
I did have a little difficulty following names while reading the series but that was more from reading interruptions than the story format. The last book ties everything together nicely. As always, RJ Blain keeps you on your toes while reading the stories.
September 1, 2026
I love the storyline on these books, but the narration is so hard. It literally is probably the worst narrated stories that I’ve ever listened to. Someone has to do better, the narrators absolutely ruined the stories and almost made me want to just quit several times. I almost just quit.
November 26, 2023
.a little disappointing after the action in the first two
Dialogue between the main two to explain plot was extensive
Dialogue between the main two to explain plot was extensive
November 28, 2023
Extremely satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
December 4, 2023
This book was a little slow getting started and bogged down in places, but it picked up and came to a satisfying conclusion.
December 15, 2023
Redemption
This was a great way to wrap up a lot of loose ends. I loved the whole adventure with Jake and Karma.
This was a great way to wrap up a lot of loose ends. I loved the whole adventure with Jake and Karma.
December 17, 2023
Excellent!
More please! What is Richard up to?
I would love one where you call all the big Huns to fight. I thought this one might be it but loved how they woke Desmond up.
More please! What is Richard up to?
I would love one where you call all the big Huns to fight. I thought this one might be it but loved how they woke Desmond up.
December 19, 2023
Enjoyed the end of Karma's arc.
December 22, 2023
Excellent series! Not your usual shifter story, but much deeper. The story will keep you guessing and you will be quite pleased by the adventure.
March 19, 2024
A surprising but satisfying conclusion to Karma's and Jake's story
January 28, 2026
I love the ending if this book. I find the characters grow and develop very well.
July 26, 2026
OMG
I love this series as well as the series with Richard and the whole gang. R. J. Thanks for your wonderful storirs.
I love this series as well as the series with Richard and the whole gang. R. J. Thanks for your wonderful storirs.
November 22, 2023
Karma finds...
Absolutely wonderful story and a rousing close to the trilogy. Karma finds her future through finding her past and helping to eliminate evils.
Absolutely wonderful story and a rousing close to the trilogy. Karma finds her future through finding her past and helping to eliminate evils.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews