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The Great Balance World #0.5
A Lady of Truth
In a world of Balance, debts must be paid and change comes at a cost.
Eleya is well versed in the importance of keeping the Balance. To even the scales after her brother loses a fortune he doesn't have, she approaches the man he owes. Prince Dmir.
Dmir doesn’t know what to do with the lady sneaking into his room. She insists on an alternative method to repay her brother’s debt, but Dmir needs that money. He wants to fund Balanced inventions to bring progress to everyone in Plumei. As much as he is tempted to accept Eleya’s salacious proposal, he knows he shouldn’t. But maybe she can help him and work off the debt at the same time.
Eleya can’t help but commit fully to the principled, visionary prince once he shows her his plans. She will use all her powers, including a Balance-given ability to recognize the truth, to help him. But she can’t lie—she soon wants more than to repay the debt. She wants the prince himself.
Eleya is well versed in the importance of keeping the Balance. To even the scales after her brother loses a fortune he doesn't have, she approaches the man he owes. Prince Dmir.
Dmir doesn’t know what to do with the lady sneaking into his room. She insists on an alternative method to repay her brother’s debt, but Dmir needs that money. He wants to fund Balanced inventions to bring progress to everyone in Plumei. As much as he is tempted to accept Eleya’s salacious proposal, he knows he shouldn’t. But maybe she can help him and work off the debt at the same time.
Eleya can’t help but commit fully to the principled, visionary prince once he shows her his plans. She will use all her powers, including a Balance-given ability to recognize the truth, to help him. But she can’t lie—she soon wants more than to repay the debt. She wants the prince himself.
138 pages, Paperback
Published September 27, 2022
8 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Jen Lynning
22 books88 followersJen Lynning never outgrew her love of fairy tales. (She may have studied German just so she could read the Brothers Grimm in the original.) When she wasn’t reading about life in a magical world, she was imagining it. Eventually she decided to start writing her own stories where magic and romance meet.
Jen lives in Northern Virginia with her two cats, who make their own contributions to her writing by walking across the keyboard, and her bird, who offers commentary on the whole process.
Jen lives in Northern Virginia with her two cats, who make their own contributions to her writing by walking across the keyboard, and her bird, who offers commentary on the whole process.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 21, 2022
Good leadership role models
‘The Universe naturally seeks Balance.
Humans naturally seek Progress.
The Watcher of the Scales must reconcile these opposing tendencies.
Musings on Balance
Anonymous
12th century Korengal Vhas’
Dmir takes this seriously and he uses his role as the “spare heir” to influence other people with resources to join the cause. He uses his time and talents to research problems and to think of environmentally-responsible options. We are not responsible for fixing everything, but we are responsible for doing our part.
Fave quote:
‘Older brothers were a pain at times.’
Fave character:
Josyn
A ruler mentioned having received some feedback from his/her councilors. It takes a healthy ego to consider the words of someone who thinks differently than you do *and* is the opposite of public policy:
‘Plumei has focused so intensively on expanding the empire over the past century that we have forgotten to strengthen the kingdom that gave our empire birth.’
May we all champion the Balance in our lives and in our world.
Which a great segue into ‘A Princess of Vision’ (expected in Jan 2023).
‘The Universe naturally seeks Balance.
Humans naturally seek Progress.
The Watcher of the Scales must reconcile these opposing tendencies.
Musings on Balance
Anonymous
12th century Korengal Vhas’
Dmir takes this seriously and he uses his role as the “spare heir” to influence other people with resources to join the cause. He uses his time and talents to research problems and to think of environmentally-responsible options. We are not responsible for fixing everything, but we are responsible for doing our part.
Fave quote:
‘Older brothers were a pain at times.’
Fave character:
Josyn
A ruler mentioned having received some feedback from his/her councilors. It takes a healthy ego to consider the words of someone who thinks differently than you do *and* is the opposite of public policy:
‘Plumei has focused so intensively on expanding the empire over the past century that we have forgotten to strengthen the kingdom that gave our empire birth.’
May we all champion the Balance in our lives and in our world.
Which a great segue into ‘A Princess of Vision’ (expected in Jan 2023).
January 18, 2025
4 stars
Content Warning: gambling, toxic parent, death of family member (happens off-page), historical trauma from past lover
This was a fun little read that I used for a reading prompt, and to intentionally start clearing stories I have sitting on my kindle.
I enjoyed the relationship between Dmir and Eleya, and feel Jen Lynning was able to create fully fleshed characters and a believable romance trajectory within the 120ish pages this novella is. The obstacles didn't feel rushed either, and there was a lot of world-building, which I appreciated. I also liked that this prequel introduced a main character of book 1 in this series, and established how she got back to her home kingdom.
Overall, it's a cute little story with a somewhat bold FMC and a cinnamon-roll of a MMC, and I'm intrigued enough to try the first book in this series.
Content Warning: gambling, toxic parent, death of family member (happens off-page), historical trauma from past lover
This was a fun little read that I used for a reading prompt, and to intentionally start clearing stories I have sitting on my kindle.
I enjoyed the relationship between Dmir and Eleya, and feel Jen Lynning was able to create fully fleshed characters and a believable romance trajectory within the 120ish pages this novella is. The obstacles didn't feel rushed either, and there was a lot of world-building, which I appreciated. I also liked that this prequel introduced a main character of book 1 in this series, and established how she got back to her home kingdom.
Overall, it's a cute little story with a somewhat bold FMC and a cinnamon-roll of a MMC, and I'm intrigued enough to try the first book in this series.
November 11, 2023
4.5 stars--this was an unexpected delight that was both sweet and spicy. There seemed to be more plot than emotional development, but the latter was very well paced. (i.e. there was more plot than a novella can comfortably hold, but the emotional arcs were the perfect length for a novella.) I've already ordered the next book and am looking forward to it.
ETA: it's better the second round!
ETA: it's better the second round!
October 18, 2022
The book basically lost me within the first few pages, because it is all so senseless: "If you forgive my brother's gambling debts I will sleep with you" - "all right I will forgive the debt, no need to sleep with me" - "No my pride will not let me accept this, I would prefer to prostitute myself for the money" - how does reaction make any sense at all?!?
And the way the heroine throws herself at the poor man is simply disturbing. Not taking no for an answer is called sexual harassment if a man does it.
I am deeply disappointed because I liked the other books of the author very much. Hopefully the next book will be better.
And the way the heroine throws herself at the poor man is simply disturbing. Not taking no for an answer is called sexual harassment if a man does it.
I am deeply disappointed because I liked the other books of the author very much. Hopefully the next book will be better.
October 29, 2022
A really sweet fantasy romance novella with great characters. In some ways it was a little let down by not being full novel length, because the reason it was only three stars for me was that some of the cut scenes were very abrupt and the relationship development between the two main characters didn't feel as natural as it could have with more time to build it. That being said, I really enjoyed both Eleya and Dmir as individuals, and all of the secondary characters, particularly Princess Josyn ; I'm looking forward to seeing more of them as this series continues.
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September 15, 20253.5/5
Still debating whether it should be rounded up or down…
I want to start with the positives, because I feel like this review will seem like I didn’t like the book (when it’s quite the contrary, I just have a few irks with it).
This novella is the first in the Great Balance World books, and serves as an introduction to the world and its balance magic. It’s a romance novel with regency and steampunk elements, which feels like the perfect type of story for me. The writing was great, the characters where fleshed enough for a novella and I’m left wanting to continue reading about the others characters in this world.
HOWEVER
The world is interesting and I was really excited to see how the politics would work in it. At 100 pages, it felt way too short in story and development. I like the characters enough, but we don’t get a lot of chances to see them interact with each other. The romance was cute, but jumped to love way too quickly, with no connecting scenes in-between. I feel like the main plot structure of the book was there, but it didn’t get the time to really explore any area. I don’t think this is the fault of the length (although I feel like it could’ve been a novel like every other book in the series), but by the pacing. There are some really interesting ideas that the too-fast-pacing doesn’t let us explore. For example, in the book, the protagonist has the “power” to tell truths apart. Because of that, she herself cannot lie. However, this power is used maybe three times in the story. It’s just a quirky characteristic of her, but nothing that really helps the plot or develops the story in any way. With an element like that, you could’ve explored much more about the politics, the way the world operates and the people in it, but instead we have a universe where seemingly everyone is honest almost 100% of the time and there’s no intrigue. No real moment where the protagonist has to find a way to not lie but also hide the real answer.
Again, these cons exist, but the novella is still really good as a starting point. When I read the next book, I’ll be able to decide if the cons were a product of the length or a reoccurring thing. For now, this is a good beginning for what promises to be a great series.
Still debating whether it should be rounded up or down…
I want to start with the positives, because I feel like this review will seem like I didn’t like the book (when it’s quite the contrary, I just have a few irks with it).
This novella is the first in the Great Balance World books, and serves as an introduction to the world and its balance magic. It’s a romance novel with regency and steampunk elements, which feels like the perfect type of story for me. The writing was great, the characters where fleshed enough for a novella and I’m left wanting to continue reading about the others characters in this world.
HOWEVER
The world is interesting and I was really excited to see how the politics would work in it. At 100 pages, it felt way too short in story and development. I like the characters enough, but we don’t get a lot of chances to see them interact with each other. The romance was cute, but jumped to love way too quickly, with no connecting scenes in-between. I feel like the main plot structure of the book was there, but it didn’t get the time to really explore any area. I don’t think this is the fault of the length (although I feel like it could’ve been a novel like every other book in the series), but by the pacing. There are some really interesting ideas that the too-fast-pacing doesn’t let us explore. For example, in the book, the protagonist has the “power” to tell truths apart. Because of that, she herself cannot lie. However, this power is used maybe three times in the story. It’s just a quirky characteristic of her, but nothing that really helps the plot or develops the story in any way. With an element like that, you could’ve explored much more about the politics, the way the world operates and the people in it, but instead we have a universe where seemingly everyone is honest almost 100% of the time and there’s no intrigue. No real moment where the protagonist has to find a way to not lie but also hide the real answer.
Again, these cons exist, but the novella is still really good as a starting point. When I read the next book, I’ll be able to decide if the cons were a product of the length or a reoccurring thing. For now, this is a good beginning for what promises to be a great series.
June 7, 2024
An interesting idea is introduced in this prequel: what if all things must be kept in Balance? A girl prayed for the ability to know truth from lies, but in return had to give up the ability to lie herself. The whole magic/philosophy of this world Elysia lives in makes for a great idea.
I couldn't help but find the setting up of the story jumped in too suddenly without setting up the Balance ideology though. It's really quiet strange how Elys wants to settle her brother's monetary debt to a prince by... Becoming his concubine? Even when Prince Dmir proves himself a cinnamon roll and refuses, saying the debt is void, Elys' reaction isn't clear without knowing the importance of the world lore. (I'm also not sure if calling somewhere a "gaming hell" was intentional or typo for hall - depends on the venue or world slang!)
Other than that, it's a breezy novella of gaslamp fantasy romance. Very quick and not too spicy, there are times it feels like it could have developed more, but if you need a short romantasy read it serves as an introduction to the Great Balance world with all its politics and magic.
-I received a free copy of this ebook from the author's newsletter. This does not influence my review-
I couldn't help but find the setting up of the story jumped in too suddenly without setting up the Balance ideology though. It's really quiet strange how Elys wants to settle her brother's monetary debt to a prince by... Becoming his concubine? Even when Prince Dmir proves himself a cinnamon roll and refuses, saying the debt is void, Elys' reaction isn't clear without knowing the importance of the world lore. (I'm also not sure if calling somewhere a "gaming hell" was intentional or typo for hall - depends on the venue or world slang!)
Other than that, it's a breezy novella of gaslamp fantasy romance. Very quick and not too spicy, there are times it feels like it could have developed more, but if you need a short romantasy read it serves as an introduction to the Great Balance world with all its politics and magic.
-I received a free copy of this ebook from the author's newsletter. This does not influence my review-
August 5, 2023
This is a soft and sweet romance. Not major spice, just some angst for the most part, minus one scene. I'm all for light reading but this definitely was some impressive light reading, bordering on a 2 star rating.
What I liked:
--- Ely was a quirky character
--- Dmir was the cutest
--- Sweet and soft romance
--- Steampunkish nature
--- The MFC and MMC work together and don't hate each other
What I didn't like:
--- Elys character was so flat, zero development
--- The severe lack of plot
--- No other character development
--- What purpose did it serve to mention the father or brother? They offered nothing to the storyline
--- So many plot holes
--- Where was my steam punk?
I think if you want just a cute, sweet, VERY QUICK falling in love, romance book, this is for you. However, for the reasons listed above I just couldn't get passed a 2.5/5 stars.
Spice:2/5
Plot: 1/5
Character Dev: 2.5/5
Overall: 2.5/5
What I liked:
--- Ely was a quirky character
--- Dmir was the cutest
--- Sweet and soft romance
--- Steampunkish nature
--- The MFC and MMC work together and don't hate each other
What I didn't like:
--- Elys character was so flat, zero development
--- The severe lack of plot
--- No other character development
--- What purpose did it serve to mention the father or brother? They offered nothing to the storyline
--- So many plot holes
--- Where was my steam punk?
I think if you want just a cute, sweet, VERY QUICK falling in love, romance book, this is for you. However, for the reasons listed above I just couldn't get passed a 2.5/5 stars.
Spice:2/5
Plot: 1/5
Character Dev: 2.5/5
Overall: 2.5/5
June 26, 2024
tropes:
▸novella
▸steampunk romantasy
▸political intrigue
▸cinnamon roll mmc
This novella is a prequel of The Great Balance World series, where in this world everything has to do in Balance, debts must be paid, and every change comes at a cost. Eleya insists on an alternative method to repay her brother’s debt, but Prince Dmir needs that money to fund scientist in researching for the different source of energy, to not just reliance on coal. then she helps him to get the investors and work off the debt at the same time with all her powers, including a Balance-given ability to recognize the truth.
The author did a wonderful job setting up an introduction into this series. it was a good quick read, and I really enjoyed it, it had a good pace and lovable characters. Prince Dmir is a sweet cinnamon roll mmc that we all need, Eleya is smart and sassy, and the side characters are interesting, I'm so excited to seeing them in their own books later in this series. recommended!
▸novella
▸steampunk romantasy
▸political intrigue
▸cinnamon roll mmc
This novella is a prequel of The Great Balance World series, where in this world everything has to do in Balance, debts must be paid, and every change comes at a cost. Eleya insists on an alternative method to repay her brother’s debt, but Prince Dmir needs that money to fund scientist in researching for the different source of energy, to not just reliance on coal. then she helps him to get the investors and work off the debt at the same time with all her powers, including a Balance-given ability to recognize the truth.
The author did a wonderful job setting up an introduction into this series. it was a good quick read, and I really enjoyed it, it had a good pace and lovable characters. Prince Dmir is a sweet cinnamon roll mmc that we all need, Eleya is smart and sassy, and the side characters are interesting, I'm so excited to seeing them in their own books later in this series. recommended!
July 3, 2023
A short and satisfying introduction to an all new series by one of my favorite fantasy romance authors. Balance is the key to magic in this unique gaslamp world, and so Eleya has cast a truth detection spell on herself that means she also cannot tell a lie. It makes for an interesting character, navigating the upper echelons of pomp and power, but unimpressed by flattery or the usual double talk. The story is short, and the romance quick and sweet. Dmir is my favorite kind of hero, more noble than the people around him and devoted to a good cause. I liked the parallels in our own world including the trade offs between technological advancement and the natural world. I liked the side characters as well, and look forward to seeing them shine in their own books later in the series.
July 1, 2025
Wow!
I knew this was a novella, but I didn’t expect it to take me on so many twists and turns!
It’s told from a single POV, which I personally really enjoy. The FMC and MMC are so sweet—but I think I love the relationships between the women the most.
This is the fourth book I’ve read by Jen Lynning, and I just know I’m always going to love the way she writes relationships.
The magic system is also super interesting—I definitely want to learn more about it. Jen throws you right in and trusts that her audience is smart enough to catch up. The concept of Balance as a central force in magic and their world is really compelling.
What are you waiting for? Read it and find out 🌝
A lovely little summer read!
I knew this was a novella, but I didn’t expect it to take me on so many twists and turns!
It’s told from a single POV, which I personally really enjoy. The FMC and MMC are so sweet—but I think I love the relationships between the women the most.
This is the fourth book I’ve read by Jen Lynning, and I just know I’m always going to love the way she writes relationships.
The magic system is also super interesting—I definitely want to learn more about it. Jen throws you right in and trusts that her audience is smart enough to catch up. The concept of Balance as a central force in magic and their world is really compelling.
What are you waiting for? Read it and find out 🌝
A lovely little summer read!
August 12, 2023
Sassy and smart, Eleya is prepared to do just about anything to help those she loves. She doesn't expect her latest plan to help her brother to end up the way it has, though. She ends up working with Prince Dmir, researching ways to maintain the Balance of all. Finally able to help contribute to her people in a meaningful way while also being aware of her personal Balance, Eleya is in for a few major surprises. Her boldness is part of what makes her so endearing, and thankfully, Dmir feels the same. This was a very cute and heartwarming story of love and fighting for it despite other responsibilities.
November 25, 2023
I was unimpressed with this book. It is a novella so it is meant to be shorter, but it felt like nothing was truly expanded on. The worldbuilding was lacking, the character development was lacking, the plot was lacking.
There were so many moments/issues that ended up being a fade to black situation which took me out of the story.
The idea of it being steampunk just felt like a casual mention of the story itself, but it wasn't really shown at all.
If you are just wanting a short, simple, quick HEA book- here ya go. I think I finished it in about 4 hours tops at 3 in the morning.
There were so many moments/issues that ended up being a fade to black situation which took me out of the story.
The idea of it being steampunk just felt like a casual mention of the story itself, but it wasn't really shown at all.
If you are just wanting a short, simple, quick HEA book- here ya go. I think I finished it in about 4 hours tops at 3 in the morning.
July 30, 2025
A cute and wholesome story of balance and two members of the ton finding love in unsuspecting places.
I feel the story was very light and airy and had little tension and angst. They were there, but they were presented in a light way, if that makes sense. Your dad throws you out? Oh okay, just go and stay in the palace with your boyfriend. No big deal. Things like this.
I did enjoy the story a lot despite this thing and it feels like a nice palate cleanser of a book and I like the message of finding balance but not being overly strict about it as that will lead to not so good things.
3.5 stars.
I feel the story was very light and airy and had little tension and angst. They were there, but they were presented in a light way, if that makes sense. Your dad throws you out? Oh okay, just go and stay in the palace with your boyfriend. No big deal. Things like this.
I did enjoy the story a lot despite this thing and it feels like a nice palate cleanser of a book and I like the message of finding balance but not being overly strict about it as that will lead to not so good things.
3.5 stars.
January 3, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
I don’t love when 2 characters “FaLl In LoVe” after 2 kisses but this was a fun read despite that.
It’s also fun despite how desperate Eleya is. Someone needs to tell her desperation doesn’t look good on her.
🌶️🌶️/5
How do you rate a novella’s spiciness? There are 1 or 2 explicit sex scenes but it’s only 120 pages.
I don’t love when 2 characters “FaLl In LoVe” after 2 kisses but this was a fun read despite that.
It’s also fun despite how desperate Eleya is. Someone needs to tell her desperation doesn’t look good on her.
🌶️🌶️/5
How do you rate a novella’s spiciness? There are 1 or 2 explicit sex scenes but it’s only 120 pages.
November 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this little novella, although—as with most shorter forms—it has a few shortcomings. My biggest issue lies with the dialogue, which was generally good but at times felt forced or not entirely natural. The one spicy scene also felt slightly off. I suspect this is due to the limited page count, which likely required some compromises.
I do appreciate that in just 120 pages the author managed to build enough of the world for the reader to get a clear sense of the setting. The romance was genuinely sweet, and the characters were very likeable.
Despite the elements that didn’t fully work for me, I’m definitely planning to continue the series with “A Princess of Vision”.
I do appreciate that in just 120 pages the author managed to build enough of the world for the reader to get a clear sense of the setting. The romance was genuinely sweet, and the characters were very likeable.
Despite the elements that didn’t fully work for me, I’m definitely planning to continue the series with “A Princess of Vision”.
November 19, 2022
A straight forward lady and a reluctant spare to the crown in a world where everything has to be balanced. Interesting magical system. I'm looking forward to following books for more explanations of this magic and more examples of spells.
March 28, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of the book and am giving my honest review. I enjoyed the story a lot of the world is different from what I have read before. I like how the story progressed as you really don't know what will happen and the way each relationship is shown is very well done.
November 15, 2023
Super cute book! Really nice and truthful to themselves characters. I really enjoyed reading this story. Go read it!
Un libro super bonito, con personajes entrañables y fieles a sí mismos. Realmente disfrute mucho de esta historia. Lo recomiendo!
Un libro super bonito, con personajes entrañables y fieles a sí mismos. Realmente disfrute mucho de esta historia. Lo recomiendo!
July 1, 2024
Well that was sweet 🥰 I love Ely and Dmir and their story was so fun and fast paced but done well. I would have loved a longer novel but this little novella was a quick read and I feel like it will set up the series well.
July 24, 2025
Eleya has been long trained to find the balance but a mission looking to reconcile gambling debts found that perhaps her love needs attention and balance.
This is a lovely and easy story to read, with likable characters and emotional arcs galore.
This is a lovely and easy story to read, with likable characters and emotional arcs galore.
November 15, 2025
Wish it were longer! Such a sweet pairing! I definitely recommend starting with A Princess of Vision then A Scholar of Beauty, followed by a Thief of whatever (can’t remember the last bit of the title) and this one last. I had to sign up for Jen’s newsletter to get it!
September 13, 2023
Fun, quick read
This is an interesting world with enjoyable characters. It is a quick story, but there are additional books after this one.
This is an interesting world with enjoyable characters. It is a quick story, but there are additional books after this one.
December 10, 2023
A fun quick read. Maybe a little corny at times, but it was cute. The balance thing seems like a neat world idea.
December 13, 2023
Good! Definitely worth the read with an interesting storyline and wonderful characters.
December 17, 2023
I loved the plot of this book and the emotional connection between the main characters.
December 19, 2023
This was a fun, cute little read.
April 8, 2024
I love this book ❤️
And especially the two main characters 🤭
And especially the two main characters 🤭
May 25, 2024
Nice story, a bit short. Fine characters. Lovely read.
June 6, 2024
Read this after book 2/3 and thought this was the weakest in terms of relationship development actually feeling realistic. I wish there had been more show less tell
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews