What do you think?
Rate this book
Balance #1
Misbalance
It’s been thirteen years since we fled our home planet. To avoid detection, her power and her memories were repressed. We had hoped it would keep her safe from all those that want her power for themselves. But somehow, he found her. Now it is a race against the clock for her to get her power back in time to save us all. A group of teenagers in charge of saving all of creation, what could go wrong?
363 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2024
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Amber Peterson
3 books1 followerAmber Peterson is a proper book nerd from Northern Colorado. After years of writing just for fun, she has finally been convinced to release her hostages and let the world enjoy the epic adventures. Who wants to live in this boring reality all day? Not us! Join her in new worlds where war mammoths, dragons, gods and coffee makers all coexist.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 30, 2024
I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription, and I read it between my tablet and phone using the Kindle app.
We have a young adult story in front of us that goes from urban action to an outstanding world-building tale with more than meets the eye.
Mindy is the main protagonist of the story, a seventeen-year-old who was adopted. In the very first chapter, Mindy is kidnapped, and her adoptive family is murdered. She doesn't know who she really is, but she discovers it as the story progresses, going from a normal teenager to a princess tasked with saving the entire galaxy.
The author creates an amazing world-building experience that expands with every chapter, introducing numerous characters who add depth to the story. Even though the main character is Mindy, the narrative shifts seamlessly between her and Rose.
I really enjoyed this book—the action, suspense, everything—and I can't wait to keep reading the story!
We have a young adult story in front of us that goes from urban action to an outstanding world-building tale with more than meets the eye.
Mindy is the main protagonist of the story, a seventeen-year-old who was adopted. In the very first chapter, Mindy is kidnapped, and her adoptive family is murdered. She doesn't know who she really is, but she discovers it as the story progresses, going from a normal teenager to a princess tasked with saving the entire galaxy.
The author creates an amazing world-building experience that expands with every chapter, introducing numerous characters who add depth to the story. Even though the main character is Mindy, the narrative shifts seamlessly between her and Rose.
I really enjoyed this book—the action, suspense, everything—and I can't wait to keep reading the story!
September 10, 2024
"Misbalance" by Amber Peterson kicks off with a bang—literally. When an armed intruder crashes Mandy's average high school day, her world turns upside down faster than you can say "interdimensional princess."
This sci-fi fantasy mash-up follows Mandy, an amnesiac royal with suppressed superpowers, as she discovers her true identity and the weight of the universe on her shoulders. With a cast of colorful characters and a villain who'd make Darth Vader nervous, Mandy's journey from clueless teen to potential savior of creation is a wild ride across galaxies.
Peterson's writing keeps you glued to the pages, unraveling mysteries and dodging dangers at every turn. The world-building is as expansive as space itself, blending magic and technology with the finesse of a master chef.
While occasionally predictable, "Misbalance" serves up enough twists, turns, and teenage angst to satisfy any fan of YA sci-fi fantasy. It's a promising start to a series that'll have you believing in the power of cosmic puberty. Buckle up, buttercup—this princess's road to self-discovery is anything but a smooth ride!
This sci-fi fantasy mash-up follows Mandy, an amnesiac royal with suppressed superpowers, as she discovers her true identity and the weight of the universe on her shoulders. With a cast of colorful characters and a villain who'd make Darth Vader nervous, Mandy's journey from clueless teen to potential savior of creation is a wild ride across galaxies.
Peterson's writing keeps you glued to the pages, unraveling mysteries and dodging dangers at every turn. The world-building is as expansive as space itself, blending magic and technology with the finesse of a master chef.
While occasionally predictable, "Misbalance" serves up enough twists, turns, and teenage angst to satisfy any fan of YA sci-fi fantasy. It's a promising start to a series that'll have you believing in the power of cosmic puberty. Buckle up, buttercup—this princess's road to self-discovery is anything but a smooth ride!
October 7, 2024
Misbalance is the first book in the Balance series that begins the story of a princess from another planet residing on Earth. She has no memory of who she really is. Her memories and powers locked away. Mandy has no idea who she truly is or how important she is. Until one day...everything changes. It all starts with a strange guy who shows up at her school that her life is changed forever.
Misbalance is a fantasy novel with some scifi elements mixed in. Mandy becomes a girl on the run when she’s kidnapped and losses her entire family. Her life, forever changed. But she finds a safe place to go when she gets a job at a local ranch. It’s there that her powers begin to emerge and she begins to discover the truth of who she is.
Told from multiple POV Misbalance is an engaging mix of YA and coming of age fantasy. You’re getting drama, magic, engaging characters, and light/clean romance. The story overall is well written, but the flow of time needs to be written better. As it is you don’t know how much time is passing and it seems to pass in a blur.
4.5 stars
Misbalance is a fantasy novel with some scifi elements mixed in. Mandy becomes a girl on the run when she’s kidnapped and losses her entire family. Her life, forever changed. But she finds a safe place to go when she gets a job at a local ranch. It’s there that her powers begin to emerge and she begins to discover the truth of who she is.
Told from multiple POV Misbalance is an engaging mix of YA and coming of age fantasy. You’re getting drama, magic, engaging characters, and light/clean romance. The story overall is well written, but the flow of time needs to be written better. As it is you don’t know how much time is passing and it seems to pass in a blur.
4.5 stars
August 28, 2024
This book pulls you in from the very beginning. It was so easy to fall in love with the characters! I was able to relate with the characters not only that but I found them inspiring. I couldn't put the book down. I needed to know what happens next.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
September 26, 2024
This book roared out of the gate. I kept checking the bottom corner of my Kindle to see how much Misbalance was left because I dreaded reaching the end. It is a page-turner, and you hate reaching the last page.
The unfolding story is complex but blossomed with ease. There are many characters, but Peterson’s multi-layered characters of shifters, telepaths, and aliens as they go to war between the Phionites and Cosmonians were peeled back to reveal themselves gently. I became invested in all of them quickly.
The relationships between the characters were romantic and amusing, and the dialogue was great. I saw Mandy’s blooming before she did; they were the connections you root for. The evil they are up against with Cerberus makes the romance stronger.
The suspense is nail-biting. As I became more invested in the characters, I found myself fearing for their safety in the face of the dangerous powers they were up against. Watching them unite as a team to combat evil with their varied power gifts made me cheer when they’d outwit or outfight them.
The world-building is meticulously crafted, especially when the characters step through a portal that spans worlds. Peterson effortlessly weaves these elements together, and you'll find yourself immersed in the story before you even realize it.
Though Mandy, the warrior princess, is the main character, you will have trouble selecting a favorite among the diverse, rich, supporting cast. I highly recommend Misbalance. This is an excellent beginning to a story that I'm looking forward to continuing.
The unfolding story is complex but blossomed with ease. There are many characters, but Peterson’s multi-layered characters of shifters, telepaths, and aliens as they go to war between the Phionites and Cosmonians were peeled back to reveal themselves gently. I became invested in all of them quickly.
The relationships between the characters were romantic and amusing, and the dialogue was great. I saw Mandy’s blooming before she did; they were the connections you root for. The evil they are up against with Cerberus makes the romance stronger.
The suspense is nail-biting. As I became more invested in the characters, I found myself fearing for their safety in the face of the dangerous powers they were up against. Watching them unite as a team to combat evil with their varied power gifts made me cheer when they’d outwit or outfight them.
The world-building is meticulously crafted, especially when the characters step through a portal that spans worlds. Peterson effortlessly weaves these elements together, and you'll find yourself immersed in the story before you even realize it.
Though Mandy, the warrior princess, is the main character, you will have trouble selecting a favorite among the diverse, rich, supporting cast. I highly recommend Misbalance. This is an excellent beginning to a story that I'm looking forward to continuing.
February 24, 2026
I really enjoyed Misbalance! From the start, the story pulled me in and kept things moving. The plot definitely doesn’t waste any time. It’s fast-paced and full of momentum.
That said, I personally tend to prefer slower-paced stories because I like having more time to really sit with the characters and connect with them as things unfold. The pacing here was a little quicker than what I’m used to, so at times I wished for a bit more breathing room to fully absorb certain moments.
One thing I really appreciated, though, was the world-building. The setting felt creative and well thought out, and I thought the concept behind everything was really cool. Even with the faster pace, you can tell there was a lot of depth put into the world itself.
The characters Luke and Rose I absolutely loved! Though they weren’t particularly the main characters of this story, they did have a big part in the overall plot and I loved how the author showed their POV at times. I loved their dynamic and found myself really invested in them. They felt compelling and kept me wanting to see more of them throughout the story.
Overall, even though the pacing wasn’t exactly my personal preference, I still really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it — especially to readers who love a fast-moving plot, strong characters, and an interesting world.
I will definitely be reading the next one!
That said, I personally tend to prefer slower-paced stories because I like having more time to really sit with the characters and connect with them as things unfold. The pacing here was a little quicker than what I’m used to, so at times I wished for a bit more breathing room to fully absorb certain moments.
One thing I really appreciated, though, was the world-building. The setting felt creative and well thought out, and I thought the concept behind everything was really cool. Even with the faster pace, you can tell there was a lot of depth put into the world itself.
The characters Luke and Rose I absolutely loved! Though they weren’t particularly the main characters of this story, they did have a big part in the overall plot and I loved how the author showed their POV at times. I loved their dynamic and found myself really invested in them. They felt compelling and kept me wanting to see more of them throughout the story.
Overall, even though the pacing wasn’t exactly my personal preference, I still really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it — especially to readers who love a fast-moving plot, strong characters, and an interesting world.
I will definitely be reading the next one!
July 26, 2024
Entertaining
I really liked the premise of this story that
blends fantasy, swords, sorcery, science fiction and a coming of age story.
The story kicks off with Mandy, our main protagonist in high school, but we are immediately drawn into an action scene when an armed intruder arrives at the school and targets her. She is confused by the intruder who seems to know her. She soon learns that her adopted family have also been murdered.
The story is told from multiple perspectives with Rose as our second protagonist and a shape-shifting protector of Mandy.
We learn that Mandy is from another world. A princess with powers. Her mind and memories were wiped and she was sent to Earth for her safety.
The world building is excellent and the story goes up a level once they go through the portal to return to her home. There we get to meet Dylan, the main antagonist. A nasty and excellent villain.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but personally wish we had of spent some time with Mandy and her life on Earth before the attack. That being said, there entertaining twists and turns and I enjoyed the story and am interested to see where it goes from here
I really liked the premise of this story that
blends fantasy, swords, sorcery, science fiction and a coming of age story.
The story kicks off with Mandy, our main protagonist in high school, but we are immediately drawn into an action scene when an armed intruder arrives at the school and targets her. She is confused by the intruder who seems to know her. She soon learns that her adopted family have also been murdered.
The story is told from multiple perspectives with Rose as our second protagonist and a shape-shifting protector of Mandy.
We learn that Mandy is from another world. A princess with powers. Her mind and memories were wiped and she was sent to Earth for her safety.
The world building is excellent and the story goes up a level once they go through the portal to return to her home. There we get to meet Dylan, the main antagonist. A nasty and excellent villain.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but personally wish we had of spent some time with Mandy and her life on Earth before the attack. That being said, there entertaining twists and turns and I enjoyed the story and am interested to see where it goes from here
November 4, 2024
“Misbalance,” by Amber Peterson, is an interesting fantasy action/adventure tale centering on seventeen-year-old Mandy, a high school teen who was raised from a young age by an adoptive family. An armed man invades Mandy’s school and kidnaps her. When the vehicle she is being transported in gets in a collision, she manages to escape, but hears the devastating news that her adoptive family, her 2 parents and younger sister Chloe, have been murdered. Mandy encounters a teenaged boy named Brian and later, finds her way to the horse ranch run by Jim, Brian’s dad. Left without a home in hiding, Mandy accepts a job from Jim to help care for the horses. Mandy shocks Brian by demonstrating an instant rapport with a stallion that he had believed might be untrainable. And it soon becomes evident to Mandy that Jim is an alcoholic and a mean drunk, and that Brian is physically abused by him. Meanwhile, Rose is searching for Mandy (whom we learn is actually a princess, an immortal who has unearthly powers) and Rose takes Mandy’s kidnapper, a “Cosmonian prince,” into custody, and in time the pair find they might have similar goals. The book has a brisk and twisty plot, and I enjoyed it!
July 19, 2024
This is the first book in the Balance Series, and it’s a thrilling ride from start to finish! The storytelling is masterful, with a perfect balance of action, suspense, and emotional depth. The pacing keeps you hooked, with just the right amount of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Each chapter unfolds smoothly, making it hard to put the book down. The characters are richly developed and relatable. The Princess Heir is a strong, multidimensional protagonist whose journey of rediscovery and empowerment is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. The supporting characters are equally engaging, each adding their own unique flavor to the story. The world-building is impressive, with vivid descriptions that transport you to different galaxies and immerse you in their unique cultures and landscapes. The formatting of the book is clean and reader-friendly, making for an enjoyable reading experience. This is a must-read for fans of science fiction and fantasy. It’s an exciting start to what promises to be an unforgettable series. I can’t wait to see where the next installment takes us!
August 4, 2024
Compelling fantasy adventure that introduces you to a world on the brink of chaos. The novel centers on a Princess Heir, Mandy, who discovers her extraordinary heritage and the immense responsibility that comes with it. The author masterfully weaves together elements of action, suspense, and coming-of-age into a captivating narrative. As you start reading, you are immediately immersed in a richly imagined world filled with wonder and danger. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery is inspiring and relatable, as she grapples with newfound powers and a destiny she never sought. The plot moves at a brisk pace, but the author takes the time to develop the complexity of the characters. Supporting roles are well-defined, adding depth and dimension to the story. The world-building is captivating, creating a sense of authenticity and wonder. Overall, "Misbalance" is a promising beginning to a series that has the potential to become a fan favorite. The engaging characters, thrilling plot, and vivid world-building, make the book an interesting pick, especially for fans of the genre.
Read
July 12, 2024I rarely read sci-fi but since I just finished reading "Misbalance" I decided to write this review. The story was kind of refreshing for me. It throws you right into a world where magic and mystery are the standards.
The main character, Elara, is quite intriguing. She’s a mix of bravery and vulnerability, which resonated with me and my personal life path.
The world Elara evolves in is described in a vivid way. You can almost feel the magic in the air and see the landscapes she describes. The plot pace is rather good, with enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages.
On the other side, the supporting characters are well-developed too, which rare enough to be mentioned when reading self-published authors. Each character brings something unique to the table, such as Elara’s best friend or the enigmatic mentor figure.
Again, I'm not an avid reader of fantasy, but this one entertained me and was not a loss of time.
The main character, Elara, is quite intriguing. She’s a mix of bravery and vulnerability, which resonated with me and my personal life path.
The world Elara evolves in is described in a vivid way. You can almost feel the magic in the air and see the landscapes she describes. The plot pace is rather good, with enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages.
On the other side, the supporting characters are well-developed too, which rare enough to be mentioned when reading self-published authors. Each character brings something unique to the table, such as Elara’s best friend or the enigmatic mentor figure.
Again, I'm not an avid reader of fantasy, but this one entertained me and was not a loss of time.
August 2, 2024
This book started out well with the school attack. The excitement and tension of that locked me in. The author did a good job with character development. Mandy is an interesting and mysterious character. I wanted to know why there were people after her. Rose and Luke caught my attention fast. I wondered what they had to do with Mandy. Brian and Jim add a certain human vulnerability to the situation. With Amadeus’s arrival the story became more interesting for me. More information was given to let the reader know a little more about where Mandy came from, but in ways, this only added to the mystery. Withholding information and letting it out in small increments seemed to be the author’s main MO. This worked very well for me. The writing is really good. I saw no typos, head hopping or anything else that caused me to disengage from the story. Overall, this is a really engaging fantasy novel. I highly recommend it for lovers of the genre.
September 18, 2024
I was immediately drawn to this book due to its intriguing blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements. The premise, centered around Mandy with a forgotten past and a looming threat, captivated me from the start. The opening scene, introducing the main character and her sister, instantly established a heartwarming connection between them. Unfortunately, her calm and normal life is shattered when an armed intruder enters her school and threatens the safety of those around her. Truly, this book was interesting from start to finish and it was difficult to put it down! As she attempts to recover her memories and make things right, the reader is left on the edge of their seats through every page. The author does an excellent job of providing enough descriptive language within her story to allow the reader to imagine every scene, especially when the world around them is described. Something that I loved was that the ending scene leaves room for a sequel which I’m eagerly looking forward to!
October 29, 2024
I found this an enjoyable fantasy that although geared at young adults, could be appreciated by older readers such as myself. Mandy and Brian were likeable main characters and I enjoyed the sweet romance between them too. Dylan was a good villain as he had a mix of sinister aspects which came across well through the chapters focused on him, such as his power and arrogance, making him a credible threat. I especially enjoyed the chapters where Mandy began her elemental training with Rose and portal training with Moz, as well as training with Luke and liked how her powers Rose to apocalyptic levels in the last third of the book. On another note, I thought some of the vocabulary that certain characters used added flavour to their personalities, like 'holy shittake' which made me laugh. Normally I'm not a fan of shape-shifting either, but I did think this was handled quite well and made sense in the larger story which involved quite intricate world building. An engaging read.
July 26, 2024
An exciting journey of rediscovery
It was an unexpected gem. The story kicks off with an intriguing setup: a group of teenagers tasked with saving the universe. I loved the mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements, and the author did a fantastic job of building a vivid world with plenty of secrets to uncover. The main character's journey to regain her lost powers is thrilling and filled with twists that kept me hooked.
The dynamics between the teenagers add a great layer to the story, with moments of humor, tension, and camaraderie. I really appreciated the fast-paced nature of the plot, which kept the stakes high and the pages turning. The author's writing style is engaging, making it easy to get lost in the adventure.
However, I felt that some parts were a bit too predictable. A few plot points could have been developed further to add depth and surprise to the narrative.
It was an unexpected gem. The story kicks off with an intriguing setup: a group of teenagers tasked with saving the universe. I loved the mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements, and the author did a fantastic job of building a vivid world with plenty of secrets to uncover. The main character's journey to regain her lost powers is thrilling and filled with twists that kept me hooked.
The dynamics between the teenagers add a great layer to the story, with moments of humor, tension, and camaraderie. I really appreciated the fast-paced nature of the plot, which kept the stakes high and the pages turning. The author's writing style is engaging, making it easy to get lost in the adventure.
However, I felt that some parts were a bit too predictable. A few plot points could have been developed further to add depth and surprise to the narrative.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews