Before the Balance

by R.J. Zielonka, Elizabeth Jenney (Illustrator)

AMZ #1 New Release Author RJ Zielonka brings you Book 2 of the fast paced, impossible-to-put-down series!

This sci-fi fantasy series brings in elements from Fallout, Dune, and The Last Airbender, while being something entirely original.

In Before the Balance, the second book of The Hollowed Star Series, find out what happens to Finley and friends as they make it to the city of Toronto, their final destination on a dystopian and nearly unlivable planet Earth.

After everything they survived in Book One, it’s time to find out the answer to so many Is Auryn really on that ship? If she is, what’s going to happen between her, Finley, Kian and Mina? Why do Finley’s dreams come true? Is a dying planet Earth even worth saving?

Immerse yourself in a place where dreams can come true and love can bloom, even when you might not want them to.

413 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2025

About the author

Amazon #1 New Release Author RJ Zielonka resides in Buffalo, NY, where near-constant heartbreak from his local sports teams caused him to turn inward and write about something lighter and happier: The fictional end of the world. You can follow his much shorter and much, more more chaotic rumblings on the Bills, Sabres, space, LGBTQIA+ rights, and more on Bluesky @bobz.bsky.social.

Reviews

[Chuck]

This is another fantastic read by RJ! In the first book, he proved he was a master at world building and creating characters that fight to survive, but he proves in this one that he is also excellent at delving deeper into characters’ lives and complex relationships. The pacing and plot points pull you along quickly as you again root for the characters to succeed. Before you know it, the book is over in a flash and once again, leaves you begging for more. I can’t believe that I have to wait a few months for book three to be released! I’ve learned so much from him from a writing standpoint too in how to create characters and stories that people will really love. Congrats to the author for pulling off another masterfully written novel!

[Lucy Connery]

Book 2 was the perfect sequel to After the Exodus. The switches in POV make the book a quick, exciting read. You grow closer to the characters and start to see the plot build. Counting down to book 3’s release!

[R.J. Zielonka]

I wrote it so legally I have to think its pretty good!!!

[Elle Jean]

This was a fantastic sequel to a fantastic indie debut. The storytelling really ramps up in this book. Can't wait for book 3!!

[Lacie]

A story of perseverance, friendship, and self discovery. RJ Zielonka took the second installment of the Hallowed Star series to the next level. He impressively weaved high stakes sci-fi elements with tender found family moments. I highly recommend this series if you're a fan of Station Eleven and The Last Air Bender.

Excited for part 3!