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The Keepers of the Balance #1
The Keeper
Do you believe in fate or destiny?
Fifteen-year-old Marston Ames’ life was turned upside down when his family moved from his childhood home to a small town in northwest Montana. Grappling with loneliness and depression, Marston is convinced his life is now in shambles.
And then there are the heart-stopping dreams that have been plaguing him for months. Why does he keep having the same mysterious nightmares every night with someone trying to kill him? When portions of his dreams begin to leak into his reality, Marston feels as if he is losing his grip on his sanity.
His life takes a sudden turn when he stumbles across a magical place with a strange object nestled in the middle of it. What is the mysterious object and does it have something to do with him? This leads him to a unique opportunity by an ancient and mysterious Order, which in turn causes his dreams to start making sense. Marston is then asked to make a decision that will change the course of his life forever: does he believe in fate or destiny?
Fifteen-year-old Marston Ames’ life was turned upside down when his family moved from his childhood home to a small town in northwest Montana. Grappling with loneliness and depression, Marston is convinced his life is now in shambles.
And then there are the heart-stopping dreams that have been plaguing him for months. Why does he keep having the same mysterious nightmares every night with someone trying to kill him? When portions of his dreams begin to leak into his reality, Marston feels as if he is losing his grip on his sanity.
His life takes a sudden turn when he stumbles across a magical place with a strange object nestled in the middle of it. What is the mysterious object and does it have something to do with him? This leads him to a unique opportunity by an ancient and mysterious Order, which in turn causes his dreams to start making sense. Marston is then asked to make a decision that will change the course of his life forever: does he believe in fate or destiny?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
13 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Shana Dow
7 books47 followersShana Dow writes romantic fantasy for readers who crave emotional depth, magical adventures, and fairytales with a twist. Her books are rooted in slow-burn romance, found family, and fierce heroines discovering their destiny.
She’s the author of the Realms of Fabled Truth series, where five foster sisters are swept into an enchanted world—and into the center of a prophecy that could save or shatter it. Her stories reimagine beloved fairy tales with rich worldbuilding, heartfelt themes, and no spice—just swoony, tension-filled romance.
A homeschool mom of four boys, Shana draws inspiration from the beautiful chaos of everyday life. When she’s not writing, she’s probably sipping something warm, watching K-dramas, or dreaming up new ways to weave heart and magic into her stories.
📚 Whispers of a Broken Vow, the series prequel, and The Promise of an Unraveled Thread, a Rumpelstiltskin retelling, are available now.
Learn more at www.shanadow.com
✨ Follow Shana online:
Instagram: @shanadowauthor
Facebook: @shanadowauthor
TikTok: @shanadowauthor
She’s the author of the Realms of Fabled Truth series, where five foster sisters are swept into an enchanted world—and into the center of a prophecy that could save or shatter it. Her stories reimagine beloved fairy tales with rich worldbuilding, heartfelt themes, and no spice—just swoony, tension-filled romance.
A homeschool mom of four boys, Shana draws inspiration from the beautiful chaos of everyday life. When she’s not writing, she’s probably sipping something warm, watching K-dramas, or dreaming up new ways to weave heart and magic into her stories.
📚 Whispers of a Broken Vow, the series prequel, and The Promise of an Unraveled Thread, a Rumpelstiltskin retelling, are available now.
Learn more at www.shanadow.com
✨ Follow Shana online:
Instagram: @shanadowauthor
Facebook: @shanadowauthor
TikTok: @shanadowauthor
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 30, 2021
This book is amazing. It drew me in right from the first page, and Marston Ames is a wonderful main character. Even facing depression, he cares about not only his family, but defending his world, too.
Moving from your home to a completely new state wouldn't be easy on anyone, but for Marston, it's a departure from everything he's ever known. He has no friends in Montana, and finds trouble in his new town the first time he visits it with Clover, his older sister. When he decides to get into hiking as a way to help cope with his new life, he finds a meadow with a white chair in it.
The chair changes his life. He discovers the Keepers - those who guard our world and others from the darkness, and from the Elites, the people who spread it. Paired with Olivia, his new trainer, Marston begins an epic adventure that keeps you glued to your seat.
One of the things I love most about The Keeper is Marston's relationship with Clover. She loves her younger brother (they are only eleven months apart) and agrees to do everything she can to help him with his new job as a Keeper. She anchors him in our world, and it was refreshing to read about two siblings who do get along and do love one and respect one another - even when they argue.
This is a great story, and I can't wait to read book two in the series, The Meadow. I'm hoping to see Marston and Olivia grow closer as they tackle harder missions and chase down the Elites.
Moving from your home to a completely new state wouldn't be easy on anyone, but for Marston, it's a departure from everything he's ever known. He has no friends in Montana, and finds trouble in his new town the first time he visits it with Clover, his older sister. When he decides to get into hiking as a way to help cope with his new life, he finds a meadow with a white chair in it.
The chair changes his life. He discovers the Keepers - those who guard our world and others from the darkness, and from the Elites, the people who spread it. Paired with Olivia, his new trainer, Marston begins an epic adventure that keeps you glued to your seat.
One of the things I love most about The Keeper is Marston's relationship with Clover. She loves her younger brother (they are only eleven months apart) and agrees to do everything she can to help him with his new job as a Keeper. She anchors him in our world, and it was refreshing to read about two siblings who do get along and do love one and respect one another - even when they argue.
This is a great story, and I can't wait to read book two in the series, The Meadow. I'm hoping to see Marston and Olivia grow closer as they tackle harder missions and chase down the Elites.
October 1, 2021
This origin story tracks Marston as he discovers his inborn ability to wield the power of light and help keep balance in the mulitverse. From the very start, the power of darkness tries to get ahold of him, and while he's learning the ropes, he finds himself unique amongst new keepers, incredibly sensitive and already in contact with the dark Elites, a rare event from what he's been told.
The plot flowed well throughout, and the ending finished this novel nicely while leaving you excited for more to come. This first book of the series opens us up into a fantastic world where teens can spread the light and help change a world for the better, which is an amazing message for this day in age.
In particular, I love that Marston's trainer is a incredibly competent older girl whom he develops a crush on. I love this dynamic so much, a 'role reversal' of sorts from what we've been used to.
This book is marketed as YA, but is also very appropriate for an MG reader, and I recommend it for everyone that loves coming of age adventures.
The plot flowed well throughout, and the ending finished this novel nicely while leaving you excited for more to come. This first book of the series opens us up into a fantastic world where teens can spread the light and help change a world for the better, which is an amazing message for this day in age.
In particular, I love that Marston's trainer is a incredibly competent older girl whom he develops a crush on. I love this dynamic so much, a 'role reversal' of sorts from what we've been used to.
This book is marketed as YA, but is also very appropriate for an MG reader, and I recommend it for everyone that loves coming of age adventures.
June 6, 2021
We follow Marston a teenage boy who misses the life he left behind when he moved with his family to a small town. Marston is battling depression, while trying to decipher a series of dreams that seem to be connected to his reality. He is surrounded by a supportive family, but he keeps his dreams a secret while he tries to find answers to his many questions and understand his new mission. He is chosen for the task of keeping the balance between good and evil, but first he must figure them out himself and find the light inside him.
Shana Dow accurately describes the feelings that are associated with depression and anxiety. I liked how that was woven into the theme of the story. I Loved the brother and sister relationship. Clover is a sweet character overall and such a good sister. It's a fantasy that feels realistic, in the way it highlights the nature of internal struggles.This book is an interesting start for the series. I enjoyed the mystery of it, and I'm intrigued to find out what will happen next.
Shana Dow accurately describes the feelings that are associated with depression and anxiety. I liked how that was woven into the theme of the story. I Loved the brother and sister relationship. Clover is a sweet character overall and such a good sister. It's a fantasy that feels realistic, in the way it highlights the nature of internal struggles.This book is an interesting start for the series. I enjoyed the mystery of it, and I'm intrigued to find out what will happen next.
August 24, 2021
Marston Ames has been moved from the home he's always known to a home in a remote forest in the middle of nowhere Montana. He's begun having odd dreams, that end up being nightmares before he wakes up. These mysterious nightmares begin to haunt him making it impossible to sleep. His family thinks it's the move having such a negative affect on him and he wonders if that's what it is as well.
Until his first trip into their new town and he sees the man from his dreams. The man reacts in the same way he does in Marston's dreams.
When Marston wakes up from one of these strange dreams and finds his mud covered clothes lying in the corner of his room, he wonders if he's going mad.
When he begins to meet people who say they want to help him and show him how to get to them, he enlists the help of his older sister, Clover and an adventure ensues!
Escaping from retirement homes, portals, magical meadows, glowing orbs and is that romance I smell? Maybe just a glint... but you'll have to pick up your copy to see what I'm talking about and find out what Marston's dreams mean.
Until his first trip into their new town and he sees the man from his dreams. The man reacts in the same way he does in Marston's dreams.
When Marston wakes up from one of these strange dreams and finds his mud covered clothes lying in the corner of his room, he wonders if he's going mad.
When he begins to meet people who say they want to help him and show him how to get to them, he enlists the help of his older sister, Clover and an adventure ensues!
Escaping from retirement homes, portals, magical meadows, glowing orbs and is that romance I smell? Maybe just a glint... but you'll have to pick up your copy to see what I'm talking about and find out what Marston's dreams mean.
August 10, 2023
Exciting new fantasy trilogy. Marston is a typical teenager until he starts having realistic nightmares. Then when his family moves to a new town, he meets the dark stranger in his dreams.
Marston's sister Clover is his opposite, into essential oils and health food. But as strange things keep happening, Marston finds her a surprising ally.
Well written and fast-paced, I can't wait to read the next book about the Keepers of the Balance.
Marston's sister Clover is his opposite, into essential oils and health food. But as strange things keep happening, Marston finds her a surprising ally.
Well written and fast-paced, I can't wait to read the next book about the Keepers of the Balance.
January 26, 2024
What a blast!! I loved this book start to finish. So many fun turns in the plot to keep you engaged, and the characters were so relatable and unique. The crunchy sister and Mom made me laugh. Definitely give this one a read!
December 2, 2021
Clean YA Portal Fantasy
This portal fantasy follows the journey of high schooler Marston Ames from regular kid to a Keeper of the Balance between Light and Darkness. In this first book, we’re introduced to the Keepers and what all they do to keep the worlds in Balance.
My favorite part of this book was the interplay between Marston and his sister Clover. When she finds out about his clandestine activities to save the world, she is supportive and becomes an even better friend. I hope that she will take on a greater role in future books.
The budding romance between Marston and his trainer Olivia is sweet, and the characters, especially Donald, pull on your heartstrings. All in all, it is a clean yet honest look at a young boy’s quest to find his place in the world.
This portal fantasy follows the journey of high schooler Marston Ames from regular kid to a Keeper of the Balance between Light and Darkness. In this first book, we’re introduced to the Keepers and what all they do to keep the worlds in Balance.
My favorite part of this book was the interplay between Marston and his sister Clover. When she finds out about his clandestine activities to save the world, she is supportive and becomes an even better friend. I hope that she will take on a greater role in future books.
The budding romance between Marston and his trainer Olivia is sweet, and the characters, especially Donald, pull on your heartstrings. All in all, it is a clean yet honest look at a young boy’s quest to find his place in the world.
June 5, 2021
Hooked from the Start!
I really wanted to stop reading this. I had to work the next day and needed sleep. But there was no stopping! I had to know! First, I needed to know more about Marston, his depression, and his bad dreams. Then I wanted to know more about the white chair and Ms. Sophina. And it just kept… on… pulling… me… in! The mystery in this story grabbed me and before I knew it, midnight had come and gone and I had to be up at four. I know people sometimes say ‘this book really pulled me in’ or ‘I couldn’t put it down’ and from time-to-time it does happen. Well, this was one of those times where the story really pulled me in and I couldn’t put it down.
The author did a fantastic job of making me feel like I was truly in Marston’s head space and his emotions felt appropriate and spot on. I quite enjoyed the brother and sister relationship between Marston and his older sister, Clover. All the characters felt well lived in and it was easy to see the author placed great thought into each. I thought the pacing of the story was perfect, feeding me the right elements at the right time to keep me wanting more without letting the pace slow too much. I also loved the mystery coupled with the fantastical elements. I’m telling you, don’t read it late at night if you need to be up early. If you love a fast-paced coming-of-age mystery fantasy, this is a fun one!
I really wanted to stop reading this. I had to work the next day and needed sleep. But there was no stopping! I had to know! First, I needed to know more about Marston, his depression, and his bad dreams. Then I wanted to know more about the white chair and Ms. Sophina. And it just kept… on… pulling… me… in! The mystery in this story grabbed me and before I knew it, midnight had come and gone and I had to be up at four. I know people sometimes say ‘this book really pulled me in’ or ‘I couldn’t put it down’ and from time-to-time it does happen. Well, this was one of those times where the story really pulled me in and I couldn’t put it down.
The author did a fantastic job of making me feel like I was truly in Marston’s head space and his emotions felt appropriate and spot on. I quite enjoyed the brother and sister relationship between Marston and his older sister, Clover. All the characters felt well lived in and it was easy to see the author placed great thought into each. I thought the pacing of the story was perfect, feeding me the right elements at the right time to keep me wanting more without letting the pace slow too much. I also loved the mystery coupled with the fantastical elements. I’m telling you, don’t read it late at night if you need to be up early. If you love a fast-paced coming-of-age mystery fantasy, this is a fun one!
October 23, 2023
A powerful story for young people
What an incredible start to what I’m sure will be an amazing series! The whole time I was reading this, I kept telling myself that my fourteen year old son would love this book! I’m always on the hunt for fantasy books that contain truth, beauty and goodness and this book meets all three! Written well, with themes of good versus evil, and light versus darkness, young readers, especially boys, will enjoy Marston’s character and the adventure he begins in this book! This series is a rare gem that I highly recommend!
“The light in me is greater than the darkness in him.” — favorite quote
Side note: This is labeled YA which I consider to be 16+ but I think middle grade (10+) would also appreciate this book.
What an incredible start to what I’m sure will be an amazing series! The whole time I was reading this, I kept telling myself that my fourteen year old son would love this book! I’m always on the hunt for fantasy books that contain truth, beauty and goodness and this book meets all three! Written well, with themes of good versus evil, and light versus darkness, young readers, especially boys, will enjoy Marston’s character and the adventure he begins in this book! This series is a rare gem that I highly recommend!
“The light in me is greater than the darkness in him.” — favorite quote
Side note: This is labeled YA which I consider to be 16+ but I think middle grade (10+) would also appreciate this book.
June 26, 2021
The Keeper by Shana Dow is a fast paced adventure for the YA fantasy reader.
We follow Marston, a teen who has just moved from his childhood home as he adjusts to his new town in a fish out of water role.
In his struggle to settle in to his new life, another curve ball is thrown at him as he learns he has been chosen.
The magical journey that follows is enough to turn any YA reader into a true fan of fantasy; A multiverse, good vs. evil, lucid dreams, a budding romance, danger, quests, siblings and an enticing hook into the next story in the series!
We follow Marston, a teen who has just moved from his childhood home as he adjusts to his new town in a fish out of water role.
In his struggle to settle in to his new life, another curve ball is thrown at him as he learns he has been chosen.
The magical journey that follows is enough to turn any YA reader into a true fan of fantasy; A multiverse, good vs. evil, lucid dreams, a budding romance, danger, quests, siblings and an enticing hook into the next story in the series!
September 6, 2022
From the beginning the author draws you in with needing to know what is happening to Marston (the main character), and why is he having strange dreams. Is it due to his depression, or is there something more going on?
Add in a magical portal, mysterious other worlds, and a life that most people will never know about, and you're hooked. The fight between the Light and the Dark keep you wondering what is going to happen next. Great job Shana Dow! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
Add in a magical portal, mysterious other worlds, and a life that most people will never know about, and you're hooked. The fight between the Light and the Dark keep you wondering what is going to happen next. Great job Shana Dow! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
August 6, 2021
The balance of good and evil
Marston Ames is a 15yr old who finds himself thrust into a world he didnt know existed. He is asked to be a Keeper, someone who maintains the Light. He travels from realm to realm to chase out the darkness.
Marstons character development is amazing. He grows stronger as the book progresses. He has to train to use his abilities and defend himself. The book starts off slow but really picks up toward the end. A great first book!
Marston Ames is a 15yr old who finds himself thrust into a world he didnt know existed. He is asked to be a Keeper, someone who maintains the Light. He travels from realm to realm to chase out the darkness.
Marstons character development is amazing. He grows stronger as the book progresses. He has to train to use his abilities and defend himself. The book starts off slow but really picks up toward the end. A great first book!
September 16, 2021
Looking forward to the continuing story!
The forces of good and evil must be kept in balance, but how? The Keeper offers explanation. With a light theological touch, Dow tells the story of how fifteen year old Marston Ames stumbles upon his destiny of becoming not just a Keeper, but one of extraordinary talent. This was an enjoyable origins story, whetting my appetite for the next book in the series!
The forces of good and evil must be kept in balance, but how? The Keeper offers explanation. With a light theological touch, Dow tells the story of how fifteen year old Marston Ames stumbles upon his destiny of becoming not just a Keeper, but one of extraordinary talent. This was an enjoyable origins story, whetting my appetite for the next book in the series!
September 17, 2022
A solid start to what looks like it should be a great storyline.
Marston Ames doesn't know why his dreams have been so dark, but when his family moves to a new town he discovers his life is ment for more then the average 15 year old.
A good dose of adventure, a tiny but of romance, and the struggle between good and evil.
They say Marston Ames is special. But just how special? Young people.of all ages should enjoy this first book of the Keepers of the Balance series.
Marston Ames doesn't know why his dreams have been so dark, but when his family moves to a new town he discovers his life is ment for more then the average 15 year old.
A good dose of adventure, a tiny but of romance, and the struggle between good and evil.
They say Marston Ames is special. But just how special? Young people.of all ages should enjoy this first book of the Keepers of the Balance series.
March 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this unique and interesting portal fantasy. I loved the way the characters were written with strength, and how the story unfolded slowly building the tension and intrigue as Marston, the main character, discovers more and more about his purpose in keeping the balance of the world, and the enemies he faces.
April 23, 2021
Light vs Dark and amazing relationships between a brother and sister. The Keeper is a fabulous first book in the Keepers of the Balance series. Shana Dow weaves an intriguing story action packed and filled with magic and fantasy. Will Marston be able to keep the Elites from spreading darkness into the world? I highly recommend this wonderful book, you won't be able to put it down.
June 15, 2024
This book is not within my typical genre but I have been so enjoying this series! Knowing the author and getting to see how she so beautifully writes within the YA fantasy genre while reflecting the truth and beauty of her Christian worldview has made this as exciting and refreshing read. I am finished with her second book and couldn’t put it down!
June 21, 2022
An engaging story written for a younger audience. I am definitely far from the young category but I enjoyed this book. The characters are well written and the plot moves along nicely. There are seld discovery and budding romance elements that add depth to the plot. Well done
June 29, 2020
This book definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat! Mysteries, adventures and the battle of darkness and light all fill this story. I am excited to see how this story will end!
July 9, 2020
Strong position in genre
Though the building process takes some time, it was worth the climb, and the pages spilled over into a lush pallet of adventure. Readers of this area will quickly find themselves invested in and traveling with the brother-sister team, as they seemed destined to open new doors and take a stand to maintain a finely tuned balance. Enjoy!
Though the building process takes some time, it was worth the climb, and the pages spilled over into a lush pallet of adventure. Readers of this area will quickly find themselves invested in and traveling with the brother-sister team, as they seemed destined to open new doors and take a stand to maintain a finely tuned balance. Enjoy!
November 30, 2020
Enjoyed this book! Kept my interest!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews