Feather of Balance

Forgotten Gods #1

by Laura Greenwood

Ma'at's connection to her sacred feather is under threat.

Ma'at is used to maintaining the balance in the world, but now that's been threatened, she knows she has to act quickly.

Consulting a war god might not seem like the best course of action, but the more time she spends with Maahes, the more drawn to him she is.

Can the unlikely allies find a solution to the problems plaguing Ma'at's magic?

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Feather Of Balance is part of the Forgotten Gods series and is based on Egyptian mythology. It includes a m/f romance, and can be read as a standalone.

If you enjoy Egyptian mythology, gods and goddesses, quests and adventures, and a modern setting, then you should start the Forgotten Gods series!

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, Paranormal, Amazon, Egypt, Paranormal Romance

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2023

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cuisine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology-inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology-inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology-inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology-inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)
- Fated Mates and Monster Dates (cozy monster romance)
- The Dragonflame Heir (dragon romantasy)

Laura has been publishing since 2016 and writing for a lot longer than that. She specialises in quick reads that are perfect for an afternoon, a day at the beach, or a commute. She writes all of her own books.

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last weekend at a fantasy event I was talking with an author about the fact that so many books are based on Greek Mythology. I'm therefore still really happy that Laura Greenwood is focussing on Egyptian Mythology and is introducing me to an entire new world of Gods, Myths and Legends. I was therefore really excited when BookSprout notified me that this arc was available.

This is the new first book in the series and while reading it's clear why this story could only be the very first. Ma'at is a part of a lot of stories and in this book we get to see why. As the Goddess of Balance she has to make sure that she is actively doing something to protect said balance, which means that she's often the one sending other Gods on missions and quests.

I also liked the romance in this book. Since there was a lot more going on, and since this was mostly an introduction to Ma'at as a Goddess and her motives to be who she is in later books, we don't spend every page and chapter with the happy couple, but we do see what they like in each other, why they long for each other's company, why they find safety and comfort with each other.

In this book we also get to see a little more of the whole ceremony to enter the Egyptian afterlife. I had some general knowledge, especially after reading more books in this series, but I really liked that we got to experience the weighing of the heart in more detail, with all the prayers and rituals accompanying it.

At some point I will certainly go back and read the other books in this series I've missed.

[chesirern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feather of Balance by Laura Greenwood is a romantic fantasy novel. I always enjoy reading a book written by Laura Greenwood. She always finds a way to come up with intriguing characters and plots. The characters in this book are Ma’at and Maahes (the goddess of justice and god of war). Honestly imagining them paired together in anyway is quite odd but Laura Greenwood writes their story with precision. I find mythology so fascinating and she does an excellent job bringing the characters and plot to fruition.
I am happy there are more books in the series and I can not wait to dive into the next book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many books in this series and besides enjoying them I’ve always wondered how Ma’at became essentially the leader. This is the story of how her role changes and she steps into a position of power and significance much more than she had in the past. The love story is sweet and unexpected as you wouldn’t expect a god of war and a goddess of truth and balance to be compatible and yet it works. I like very much how this reorders and becomes the new beginning of this series. It explains so much and still leaves plenty of questions to be answered in future books. An enjoyable and very well written book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nathalie Bookwurm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feather of Balance by Laura Greenwood is a short, myth-inspired romantic fantasy following Ma’at, the Egyptian goddess of balance, as she investigates a disturbance in her sacred feather. Teaming up with war god Maahes, the story blends mythology, light romance, and gentle humor in an urban fantasy setting.

Though the pacing starts slow, it picks up mid-book with engaging chemistry and thoughtful use of Egyptian rituals.it’s a quick, enjoyable read—ideal for fans of mythology and slow-burn godly romances.

[Mayi Carolina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Im not sure how to feel about this one !

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within the series of the Forgotten Gods, Ma´at probably plays one of the most importan t roles. So it makes sense, to actually start the series with her...
Until the beginning of the story, sometime in the modern times, Ma´at was a well known goddess, but usually did not step forward or took leadership. All of this is changing, when her Feather of Balance starts flickering, as if something is draining its power. Talking to Maahes, a war and strategy god about the problem, she realises that with Seth, the God of Chaos, gaining strength, she, as the goddess of Balance will lose hers. So she begins to sdevise stategies with Maahes and Isis to fight Seth into submission again.
This book is a mix of a fight for balance and a love story between the goddess of Balance and a god of War/Strategy, whose ultimate goal is peace.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great start to the Forgotten Gods series

This book is set before the others in the "Forgotten Gods" series and is about Ma'at who plays an important role in many of the other stories.

Ma'at, the goddess of truth, balance and justice, but she's having problems with her feather of judgement and ends up working with Maahes, the god of war and strategy to rectify things. They realise that Seth, the God of Chaos, is gaining power which is weakening hers; so work together to start plans to stop him.

A great story, I enjoyed reading about the Egyptian Gods and mythology in a modern setting, with a sweet romance between the main characters. It was also interesting to see how Ma'at rises in importance and how things begin, leading on to the other books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first full-length novel in the Forgotten Gods series, as with most of the Greenwood stories I’ve read was light, fun and a lovely, easy read. I find it particularly fascinating that it was originally written to be the eleventh book in the series. But then slotted in better as the first book. And as a first time reader of this and the series, I found that it bought me into the world perfectly. Now I can’t wait to keep diving into these Egyptian mythology retellings and finding out how Greenwood has structured this world in her own unique ways.

Ma’at and Maahes are a really cute couple, and I love how they get to know one another and just fall into the comfort of their companionship. It’s an easy and comfortable relationship that builds as the story unfolds. Their romance is almost secondary to the primary storyline, and I like that it supports the story, but doesn’t take it all over. Plus, there is nothing better than a couple getting to know one another and falling, rather than the instant lust that some stories feature.

Ma’at is set up beautifully as the opposite of the God of Chaos (Seth) and the one who needs to instigate change / stand against him. This whole story is about her trying to curtail his shenanigans and figuring out how she fits into the modern world. I really enjoyed how Maahes works in a supporting role to her War Council and trying to stop his evil. Plus, it’s a great point that the Goddess of Balance is the one to offset the God of Chaos, even is she isn’t the loudest and most obvious challenger.

I loved how Feather of Balance sets the whole story for a greater battle on the horizon. But, it also hints at future characters who are going to fall in love. I am seriously looking forward to the future couples and relationships that are going to be highlighted in these stories. Now onto the next wonderfully adorable journey.

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something fascinating about the Egyptian Gods and this book is a fascinating mixture of myth, legend and fantasy rolled together to create something new.
The plot is interesting and keeps the reader engaged from the first page to the last page. The characters are great and are both powerful and confident while showing a more vulnerable, human side at the same time.
This is not the first book I have read by this author and I like her style of writing and how fun and easy to read her stories are. It is however the first book I have read in this particular series and I am looking forward to reading others in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda (ellsky) Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing start to a new paranormal romance series, based on Egyptian mythology. I haven't read any other books in this series, but I think this one was written after some others in order to tell Ma'at and Meehes' romantic origin story. There were a lot of Egyptian gods and goddesses mentioned in the book, and I was a little overwhelmed at the sheer number. I have some knowledge of Egyptian mythology, but not enough to recognize half of the names. I am interested to continue in the series as I expect Laura Greenwood will give background information on the "stars" of each book as I progress through them. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and does not resolve any mystery plot points at this time. I read this on Kobo Plus.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating look at how the whole series got started. I feel like I’ve been reading in it for long enough that I’ve kind of forgotten some of the details of where we’ve already covered, so I loved getting this chance to come back to the beginning and discover what started Ma’at and Maahes down this path. And, also, to see how these initial discussions have grown into the care and concern between them that we’ve come to expect in the most recent entries into the series. I really liked the mutual respect Ma’at and Maahes show each other and I look forward to seeing more of them in future volumes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 or Book 11 Ma’at’s story. Ma’at’s story can be book 1 in the forgotten gods series however it is book 11 written. This premieres the unbalance of the world when Seth, god of chaos is over doing things in a more extreme way. With being the goddess of truth, justice and balance, Ma’at’s magic is affected. She unintentionally gains the god of war, Maahes’, help in forming a war council only to find romance. Of course I’ve already familiar with these two being a couple. Good feeling story that initiated The Forgotten Gods series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feather of Balance reads like a prequel for The Forgotten Gods series. It is a intriguing concept with ancient Egyptian gods still existing in the modern world, but faded and forgotten over time, their powers waning. The old traditions, power imbalances and conflicts are still very much in play though. It is a shadow world in our world.

Ma’at and Maahes romance arc is fully established in this book and they get a HFN, there is much more of their story to come! The conflict with Seth is just beginning and there are a ton of teasers for what is to come - that part of the story is very much a cliff hanger. Come for the romance, keep reading the series for the adventure, right?

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The only constant is change”
We all have occasions when we need to take a step back to reflect before making certain decisions. Our surroundings can actually help with that. Perhaps, a comfy chair with a fluffy blanket; speedwalking with some fave tunes; crashin’ with a hot fudge sundae?

Fave line:
‘Talking about a problem over beer can be the best medicine.’

May be each find some time under the stars in order to regain our balance.
Looking forward to the next one in this series to release ‘Vine Of The Heavens (#12) – starting next week!

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A flickering feather.

There is something wrong with Ma’at’s power, and she fears what will happen if the other gods find out. Is it because fewer people believe in her or is something or someone tampering with it? Maahes approaches her with disquieting news about Seth. Is the war god someone she can trust with her secret?

I liked Ma’at and Maahes's story. It is nice to finally find out how they got together. Laura Greenwood has turned the ancient gods into relatable romance and adventure. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the “Forgotten Gods Series.” This is the book that started it all. Ma’at has come to the conclusion that her feather a symbol for her power is not responding to her summons. She is fearful that the gods will find out. Ma’at consults with Maahes a god of war and strategy to help her figure out what’s going on with her powers.

Will Maahes be able to help Ma’at to figure out what’s going on with her feather, will she regain her powers?

I received an ARC via Booksprout, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Feather of Balance. I enjoy Egyptian mythology, so I found the characters fascinating. They're all well written and unique while still holding true to the essence of their myths. The story itself is intriguing, and I definitely enjoyed the romance aspect of the book. This is a fun, quick book. I look forward to reading more books in teh Fogotten Gods series. I highly recommend Feather of Balance for fans of romantic fantasy with characters from Egyptian mythology.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Chavers-martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world of gods introduces us to the god of war and the god of truth and balance. Something is wrong with her magic and while at a social gathering she meets the handsome war god and make a decision to trust him. That decision changes her life in ways both of them didn’t expect. They work together to try to solve the situation and navigate this new relationship. I love reading about the gods and their very human life issues.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How it all started
In more ways than one this really is how everything started in this series... everyone out to stop Seth from causing too much chaos and how Mahees and Ma'at began. A fun romance... buh bam and we like each other, have quite a bit in common, surprise romance. I can see how this would have been a great number one book. Love this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ma'at is having issues with her magic. She can't seem to connect to her sacred feather. So she goes to Maahes, a god of war. Will he be able to help her connect or drive it further apart from her. And what about the attraction that is drawing them to each other? Can Ma'at find happiness with a god of war? Can a god of war be tamed?
Love the story based on Egyptian mythology. It's a beautiful story!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ma'at realizes that her power of balance is diminishing and she needs help to figure it out. Ma'at consults with Maahes knowing he would be a good ally to have knowing that even in war there must be balance. I have always been fascinated by mythology no matter the pantheon and Ms. Greenwood brings them to life with her writing. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of books from Forgotten Gods series, but not this one (don’t know how this happened).
And in a lot (if not all) Ma’at is the powerful goddess that rule (unofficial) the rest of them - especially in this fight with Seth.
This book is the one that explains how that comes to be.
An interesting book, and a very good beginning to this series - especially for the ones that don’t read any of the books.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story by Laura Greenwood. I have been a fan of hers for years now. I can't get enough of her worlds and her stories. Ma'at and Maahes are gods of Egypt. Ma'at has noticed a change in her powers. She tells Maahes and they set off to figure out what is going on with her powers. Will they be able to figure out what is going on?

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ma'at's feather appears to be losing ssome of its magic - and Seth appears to be wanting to start a war. Maahes is the God of War - but he helps Ma'at find a balance - will she be able to stop her feather from getting worse? Will the feelings she has for Maahes help or hinder? Who poisoned Osiris - and will he survive? Nice easy read with a bit of a cliff hanger ending!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balance of Power

An investigation ensues as Ma'at realizes there is something wrong with her powers. She is the goddess of balance, and her tool does not seem to be responding. Enlisting the help of the war and strategy god Maahes is her only hope to restore balance. This story was full of suspense and excitement. I really enjoyed this read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Buttercup1201 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start for the series. Characters are introduced who have their own story later on. I have read other books, not in order and this helps explain a lot.

I recommend reading the series in order.

This is the story of Ma’at and Maahes as well as the start of chaos. Loved how two strong and important god and goddess come together. You if you a fan of Egyptian mythology this is the series for you.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story about Ma'at and how she came to be who she is, is wonderful and gives the reader true insight into who she is. The pairing of her with Maahes brings an element to the story that make for a fantastic read! i Loved It!!! No Spoilers!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tyrene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!! I love the stories about the forgotten God's. Now that they don't have much of a following. The God's and Goddesses can live lives and fall in love. I've been waiting to read about Ma'at and her story. Enjoyable short read and highly entertaining.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining read full of fantasy and unexpected twist. Interesting and complex characters to follow as they build relationships and work together toward a common goal. There is plenty of drama and the interaction between the characters is interesting to read. Hard to put down. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ma'at's connection to her sacred feather comes under threat. She's used to maintaining the balance in the world but she has to act quickly now with it being threatened. She consults war god, Maahes, which might not be the best action but the more she spends time with him...the more she's drawn to him.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.