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reads_vicariously's review against another edition
4.0
This story immediately drops you into conflict and gives you a protagonist you can really empathize with. I truly feel the guilt and sorrow Natalie carries after her brother's accident, as well as the emotional weight that increasingly burdens her as the story progresses. She faces a lot of tragedy and death throughout, including an unbelievably difficult decision in the later half, and I was rooting for her the entire time!
Baba Yaga has always been a fascinating character to me, and I like the twist this story takes on her mythology. There are also a lot of horrifying scenes where nature is reclaiming the town and its people, often in gruesome and disgusting ways. Those were a lot of fun, and they added narrative punches that kept the story clipping along at a good pace.
I'm a big fan of creepy folktales, curses, and eco-horror so this story really found its mark with me! Other things I found fascinating include: the time period and setting, the lore for the backstory, and the dramatic tension between Christianity and paganism. My only complaint is that I feel like the story ends in a very abrupt manner, but otherwise it's great and I can't wait to read more from the author!
Baba Yaga has always been a fascinating character to me, and I like the twist this story takes on her mythology. There are also a lot of horrifying scenes where nature is reclaiming the town and its people, often in gruesome and disgusting ways. Those were a lot of fun, and they added narrative punches that kept the story clipping along at a good pace.
I'm a big fan of creepy folktales, curses, and eco-horror so this story really found its mark with me! Other things I found fascinating include: the time period and setting, the lore for the backstory, and the dramatic tension between Christianity and paganism. My only complaint is that I feel like the story ends in a very abrupt manner, but otherwise it's great and I can't wait to read more from the author!
the_coycaterpillar_reads's review against another edition
5.0
The Balance epitomises everything that I love about folktale horror. It’s a story of balance, order, the coming full circle. There’s secrets at every corner, an unknown set of scales allowing harmony and control. What happens when humanity grasps for more control, more power? Will that balance tip and allow everything to come crashing all down? Time doesn’t exist whilst reading this book. Yes, you can hear it whittling down, each tick getting louder and louder until it beats furiously in your brain, making the tension all that more palpable.
The balance is a work of art.
This book crept up on me and felt like a sledgehammer on the back of my head. Where even do you begin with this story? Natalya’s 10-year-old brother injures his leg whilst climbing a tree, the fall makes him break his leg but that isn’t the most worrying part – he has a laceration that most likely will become infected, which of course it does. The local doctor heals the bone to the best of his abilities, but he has no antibiotics and pretty much no access to any. The boys condition worsens, and Natalia is in a bind…allow her brother to either lose his leg or succumb to septicaemia or seek help from a shunned member of the community. Help that lives deep in the forest.
The Balance is a story that will have goosebumps creeping up your arms. Kev Harrison has nailed his exquisitely torturous method of storytelling, something that would have fit right in on “Tales from the Crypt.” It’s referred to as a retelling of the Slavic folktale of Baba Yaga. I was completely enthralled by the prospect of a gatekeeper, if you will, keeping the balance between nature and the village. The villagers may feel threatened or frightened of her but there will come a time when you will need her influence.
They say there is always consequences for your actions, and nothing has been truer for the residents of this small Polish village. Don’t expect the secrets to be revealed at a nice steady pace, Harrison likes to give you a swift kick to the genitals where the action is concerned. Once everything becomes unravelled its like an avalanche in the alps. I won’t lie, I loved everything about it!
The Balance was utter perfection. There was nothing that didn’t work. Characterisation, worldbuilding…gah, just everything *insert chef’s kiss* I particularly enjoyed Natalia’s resilience. Despite her brother’s accident, she manned up and took responsibility, despite her mother being a complete dragon about it. Even though seeking out alternative help would land her in the shit with her mother again, she did what was best for her brother, to hell with the consequences. Harrison is an author that deserves all your trust because he can deliver. The authentic feel of the small village, frustrations and strains, the author had me from the start!
The Balance is like nothing you’ve read before, forget it all! Intense, atmospheric, and beautifully told. Harrison is a fabulous teller of stories and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.
The balance is a work of art.
This book crept up on me and felt like a sledgehammer on the back of my head. Where even do you begin with this story? Natalya’s 10-year-old brother injures his leg whilst climbing a tree, the fall makes him break his leg but that isn’t the most worrying part – he has a laceration that most likely will become infected, which of course it does. The local doctor heals the bone to the best of his abilities, but he has no antibiotics and pretty much no access to any. The boys condition worsens, and Natalia is in a bind…allow her brother to either lose his leg or succumb to septicaemia or seek help from a shunned member of the community. Help that lives deep in the forest.
The Balance is a story that will have goosebumps creeping up your arms. Kev Harrison has nailed his exquisitely torturous method of storytelling, something that would have fit right in on “Tales from the Crypt.” It’s referred to as a retelling of the Slavic folktale of Baba Yaga. I was completely enthralled by the prospect of a gatekeeper, if you will, keeping the balance between nature and the village. The villagers may feel threatened or frightened of her but there will come a time when you will need her influence.
They say there is always consequences for your actions, and nothing has been truer for the residents of this small Polish village. Don’t expect the secrets to be revealed at a nice steady pace, Harrison likes to give you a swift kick to the genitals where the action is concerned. Once everything becomes unravelled its like an avalanche in the alps. I won’t lie, I loved everything about it!
The Balance was utter perfection. There was nothing that didn’t work. Characterisation, worldbuilding…gah, just everything *insert chef’s kiss* I particularly enjoyed Natalia’s resilience. Despite her brother’s accident, she manned up and took responsibility, despite her mother being a complete dragon about it. Even though seeking out alternative help would land her in the shit with her mother again, she did what was best for her brother, to hell with the consequences. Harrison is an author that deserves all your trust because he can deliver. The authentic feel of the small village, frustrations and strains, the author had me from the start!
The Balance is like nothing you’ve read before, forget it all! Intense, atmospheric, and beautifully told. Harrison is a fabulous teller of stories and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.
pbanditp's review against another edition
5.0
Baba Yaga knows how to keep the balance between nature and the town. Now you’ve gone and upset it. What a great read for an autumn feel. Creepy and exciting
readingvicariously's review against another edition
4.0
This story immediately drops you into conflict and gives you a protagonist you can really empathize with. I truly feel the guilt and sorrow Natalie carries after her brother's accident, as well as the emotional weight that increasingly burdens her as the story progresses. She faces a lot of tragedy and death throughout, including an unbelievably difficult decision in the later half, and I was rooting for her the entire time!
Baba Yaga has always been a fascinating character to me, and I like the twist this story takes on her mythology. There are also a lot of horrifying scenes where nature is reclaiming the town and its people, often in gruesome and disgusting ways. Those were a lot of fun, and they added narrative punches that kept the story clipping along at a good pace.
I'm a big fan of creepy folktales, curses, and eco-horror so this story really found its mark with me! Other things I found fascinating include: the time period and setting, the lore for the backstory, and the dramatic tension between Christianity and paganism. My only complaint is that I feel like the story ends in a very abrupt manner, but otherwise it's great and I can't wait to read more from the author!
Baba Yaga has always been a fascinating character to me, and I like the twist this story takes on her mythology. There are also a lot of horrifying scenes where nature is reclaiming the town and its people, often in gruesome and disgusting ways. Those were a lot of fun, and they added narrative punches that kept the story clipping along at a good pace.
I'm a big fan of creepy folktales, curses, and eco-horror so this story really found its mark with me! Other things I found fascinating include: the time period and setting, the lore for the backstory, and the dramatic tension between Christianity and paganism. My only complaint is that I feel like the story ends in a very abrupt manner, but otherwise it's great and I can't wait to read more from the author!
beccybee95's review
2.0
2.5*
Good story and folktale style, but lacklustre and rushed ending. Also badly needs a proofreader, especially in the latter chapters!
Good story and folktale style, but lacklustre and rushed ending. Also badly needs a proofreader, especially in the latter chapters!
monakabbani's review
4.0
“Be silent, my children, but do not fear, the final reckoning awaits us all.”
What would you do to save someone you love? Would you go against your society’s orders and damn yourself and those you involve? That’s what Natalia does to save her little brother. Only her deeds cause much more chaos than thought possible. When Baba Yaga, a lone, kind woman in the forest, heals her brothers’ wounds, Natalia thought no one would ever know. Until her mother uncovers a bottle of special tea that she perceives to be demonic. In leagues with Lucifer to be exact! The religious town unites to take down Baba Yaga, ignorantly burning her and her cottage to the ground. But the old gods require balance and blood is always paid for with blood.
If you’re into exposing hypocrisy and the forces of nature, this take on the folklore of Baba Yaga is definitely for you. I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this read with my only critique being that the ending is a bit rushed. However, the first half is impeccable and I binge read it because I wanted to find out what would happen!!! The ending left me satisfied, I only wish I could have relished it for longer. I don’t say this often but the book is $4 on amazon kindle. It took me about two/three hours to read and it was well, WELL worth it. Head over to amazon now, download it (or order a copy!), have a glass of wine, and you won’t be disappointed.
Pulled from synopsis: The Balance by Kev Harrison is a modern reimagining of the Slavic folk tale of Baba Yaga, set in Cold War Poland. I really felt there. There’s a lot of intriguing themes and symbolism that can make your mind stir for hours when done. A lot of horrifying gore and truth. A lot of deep reflection to be had. (Will probably be purchasing for some friends.)
What would you do to save someone you love? Would you go against your society’s orders and damn yourself and those you involve? That’s what Natalia does to save her little brother. Only her deeds cause much more chaos than thought possible. When Baba Yaga, a lone, kind woman in the forest, heals her brothers’ wounds, Natalia thought no one would ever know. Until her mother uncovers a bottle of special tea that she perceives to be demonic. In leagues with Lucifer to be exact! The religious town unites to take down Baba Yaga, ignorantly burning her and her cottage to the ground. But the old gods require balance and blood is always paid for with blood.
If you’re into exposing hypocrisy and the forces of nature, this take on the folklore of Baba Yaga is definitely for you. I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this read with my only critique being that the ending is a bit rushed. However, the first half is impeccable and I binge read it because I wanted to find out what would happen!!! The ending left me satisfied, I only wish I could have relished it for longer. I don’t say this often but the book is $4 on amazon kindle. It took me about two/three hours to read and it was well, WELL worth it. Head over to amazon now, download it (or order a copy!), have a glass of wine, and you won’t be disappointed.
Pulled from synopsis: The Balance by Kev Harrison is a modern reimagining of the Slavic folk tale of Baba Yaga, set in Cold War Poland. I really felt there. There’s a lot of intriguing themes and symbolism that can make your mind stir for hours when done. A lot of horrifying gore and truth. A lot of deep reflection to be had. (Will probably be purchasing for some friends.)
writingcaia's review against another edition
All horror fans are going to enjoy this novella!
This is the perfect Halloween read, devourable in one sitting while enjoying your pumpkin something
This is the perfect Halloween read, devourable in one sitting while enjoying your pumpkin something
biancarosesmith's review
5.0
I am infatuated by folklore and particularly the Slavic mythology of Baba Yaga so when I saw this novella was based around Baba Yaga I knew I needed to read it.
A quick intro re Baba Yaga - she stems from Russian folklore and there are many stories and fairytales about her but she is generally portrayed as a fierce, wild, wise crone woman who rides around in a mortar and pestle and lives in a house surrounded by bones and on chicken legs. Baba Yaga is often portrayed as an evil witch but she also teaches us important lessons such as bravery in the face of fear and self determination.
Now onto the story. This story ticked so many boxes for me - atmospheric, witchy, mythology, dark woods, creepy, herbal medicine.. it had it all!
I connected to the characters and narrative immediately and was completely absorbed and emotionally invested in the story of this brave young girl going on a journey into the cold woods in Poland to see Baba Yaga to try save her brother.
I enjoyed nature being front and centre and we see after a tragedy occurs a chain of events play out where the balance in nature must be restored.
It was the perfect pace and had a steady, spooky build up the climax. I could really imagine the cold climate and the deep woods where Baba Yaga.
This was such a wonderful read and I would highly recommend it to those looking for stories which are witchy, atmospheric, contain folklore and will tug a bit on your heart strings.
A quick intro re Baba Yaga - she stems from Russian folklore and there are many stories and fairytales about her but she is generally portrayed as a fierce, wild, wise crone woman who rides around in a mortar and pestle and lives in a house surrounded by bones and on chicken legs. Baba Yaga is often portrayed as an evil witch but she also teaches us important lessons such as bravery in the face of fear and self determination.
Now onto the story. This story ticked so many boxes for me - atmospheric, witchy, mythology, dark woods, creepy, herbal medicine.. it had it all!
I connected to the characters and narrative immediately and was completely absorbed and emotionally invested in the story of this brave young girl going on a journey into the cold woods in Poland to see Baba Yaga to try save her brother.
I enjoyed nature being front and centre and we see after a tragedy occurs a chain of events play out where the balance in nature must be restored.
It was the perfect pace and had a steady, spooky build up the climax. I could really imagine the cold climate and the deep woods where Baba Yaga.
This was such a wonderful read and I would highly recommend it to those looking for stories which are witchy, atmospheric, contain folklore and will tug a bit on your heart strings.
spookyoctopusreads's review
4.0
I admit that I haven't read a lot of folk horror, but this book may very well make me seek out some more from the sub-genre. The story gave me some serious Brother Grimm vibes (you know, the type of cautionary children's story that may just be a tad too dark for children). I was totally digging it. There was this whole fairy tale'esque atmosphere, while also keeping with a Cold War Poland setting. What Kev Harrison did with this book was magical.
The Slavic folk tale of Baba Yaga is reimagined in the tale of a sister, Natalia, who would go to great lengths to help her brother, Kuba. Her devotion to her brother leads her deep into the forest, against her mother's wishes, to visit the "witch" in search of healing for her brother's injured leg. Sadly, Natalia and Kuba quickly learn that everything has a price, and Kuba's healing sets in motion a series of events that disrupt the balance of nature.
The sibling bond was done really well, and it was evident that Natalia had a very kind heart, especially when it came to protecting her brother. However, much of her existence was wrapped up in her relationship with her brother, to the point where I couldn't really pinpoint who SHE was. Also, the synopsis indicated that the book was set in Cold War Poland, but I think more detail could have been used to further immerse readers in that setting. Through much of the book, I felt as if it could have been happening in any Old World European village.
4.5/5- Overall, The Balance was a beautifully written tale. I always love a book with some underlying "deeper" value, something beyond the surface narrative. Harrison explored the concept that everything is connected and that the world needs balance to thrive. Harrison's very accessible writing propelled the narrative at a great pace, making this book a great one sitting read. The ending was one that I found to be really powerful and surprising. I would TOTALLY recommend this to both horror lovers and non horror fanatics alike. There are certainly some pretty horrific scenes, but this story transcends the genre confines and will resonate with many types of readers.
**Thank you Kev Harrison for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.**
The Slavic folk tale of Baba Yaga is reimagined in the tale of a sister, Natalia, who would go to great lengths to help her brother, Kuba. Her devotion to her brother leads her deep into the forest, against her mother's wishes, to visit the "witch" in search of healing for her brother's injured leg. Sadly, Natalia and Kuba quickly learn that everything has a price, and Kuba's healing sets in motion a series of events that disrupt the balance of nature.
The sibling bond was done really well, and it was evident that Natalia had a very kind heart, especially when it came to protecting her brother. However, much of her existence was wrapped up in her relationship with her brother, to the point where I couldn't really pinpoint who SHE was. Also, the synopsis indicated that the book was set in Cold War Poland, but I think more detail could have been used to further immerse readers in that setting. Through much of the book, I felt as if it could have been happening in any Old World European village.
4.5/5- Overall, The Balance was a beautifully written tale. I always love a book with some underlying "deeper" value, something beyond the surface narrative. Harrison explored the concept that everything is connected and that the world needs balance to thrive. Harrison's very accessible writing propelled the narrative at a great pace, making this book a great one sitting read. The ending was one that I found to be really powerful and surprising. I would TOTALLY recommend this to both horror lovers and non horror fanatics alike. There are certainly some pretty horrific scenes, but this story transcends the genre confines and will resonate with many types of readers.
**Thank you Kev Harrison for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.**