The Keepers of the Balance Series

When the balance between Light and Darkness shatters… ordinary teens must rise as heroes.

Across worlds hidden behind invisible doors, an ancient Order fights to protect the fragile Balance that keeps Darkness at bay.

For fifteen-year-old Marston Ames and his fellow Keepers-in-training, life is anything but ordinary. From portal-hopping missions and dangerous enemies to impossible choices and heart-pounding battles, each step they take brings them closer to a fate they never asked for… and powers they barely understand.

But in this war between Light and Darkness, the biggest battles aren’t always fought with magic. They’re fought with loyalty, sacrifice, and love.

Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Keeper of the Lost Cities, and Brandon Mull, The Keepers of the Balance is a clean YA fantasy adventure series packed with portal-hopping danger, reluctant heroes, found family, and a spark of sweet romance.

The Keeper by Shana Dow

The Keeper

Some destinies come calling… even in your nightmares.

Fifteen-year-old Marston Ames just wanted a normal life. But after a cross-country move, strained family dynamics, and dreams that leave bruises, "normal" is the last thing on his horizon. When a violent stranger from his nightmares attacks him in the real world, Marston stumbles through a hidden portal—straight into a realm where monsters, magic, and destiny collide.

Now he's caught in a centuries-old struggle between light and darkness… and whether he likes it or not, he’s at the center of it. Invited to join an ancient Order sworn to protect the balance between realms, Marston is thrust into a world of powerful allies, dangerous enemies, and cryptic prophecies he barely understands. Trusting anyone—including the mysterious girl named Olivia—feels impossible. But as the nightmares bleed into waking life and choices grow deadlier, Marston will have to decide: run from fate… or rise to meet it.

Full of heart-pounding twists, reluctant hero moments, and just a spark of slow-burn friendship-to-something-more, The Keeper is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Fablehaven, and Keeper of the Lost Cities. If you crave portal fantasy with danger, found family, and a boy who doesn’t want to be the hero but kind of has to be… this adventure delivers.

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The Meadow by Shana Dow

The Meadow

Some nightmares don’t stay in your dreams… they follow you home.

Marston Ames thought becoming a Keeper would make things easier. He was wrong.

Between hiding his magical identity, starting at a new school, and figuring out how to tell Olivia how he really feels, life in the human world feels more complicated than ever. But when haunting dreams return—this time showing his family consumed by Darkness—Marston realizes the danger isn’t over. It’s getting worse.

Now, the Balance between realms is cracking. Rogue Elites are gathering. Missions are turning deadly. And as the Darkness creeps closer to the people he loves most, Marston faces an impossible choice: follow the rules of the Order… or risk everything to protect his family.

Filled with heart-pounding action, growing romance, and a twist that changes everything, The Meadow raises the stakes in this YA portal fantasy adventure. Perfect for fans of Brandon Mull, Shannon Messenger, and Rick Riordan.

Start reading The Meadow today and find out what Marston’s really willing to fight for.

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The Portal by Shana Dow

The Portal

When your family’s in danger… how far would you go to save them?

Marston Ames is out of time—and out of options. His family has disappeared, his friends are in hiding, and the Balance between realms is crumbling. With guilt gnawing at him and a dangerous new power awakening inside, Marston knows one thing for sure: he can’t stand by and do nothing.

But as he races to unravel the truth behind his family’s capture, the lines between friend and enemy blur. Betrayals cut deep. Allies fall. And just when Marston thinks he understands the cost of being a Keeper… a shattering twist will change everything he believes about love, loyalty, and himself.

In this explosive series finale, the battle between Light and Darkness reaches its breaking point. Perfect for fans of Brandon Mull, Rick Riordan, and Keeper of the Lost Cities, The Portal delivers high-stakes action, heart-wrenching choices, and the emotional payoff readers have been waiting for.

Start reading The Portal today and discover how far one boy will go for family, friendship, and the fate of all worlds.

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The Awakening by Shana Dow

The Awakening (Prequel)

She was sent to destroy him. Falling for him was never part of the plan.

Elite agent Kasia has one mission: steal the Light from her target… and extinguish it forever. But when she meets Thomas—a boy with a brightness she’s never encountered—something inside her begins to crack.

The more time she spends watching him, the harder it becomes to pull the trigger. And when a single, reckless choice puts them both in danger, Kasia is forced to decide: follow her orders… or protect the boy she was trained to destroy.

As enemies close in and forbidden feelings ignite, Kasia and Thomas must outrun a Darkness that will stop at nothing to tear them apart.

Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance, dangerous missions, and portal fantasy with heart, The Awakening delivers fast-paced action, high-stakes emotion, and the first spark of a love that could change everything.

Start reading The Awakening today and discover how one choice can rewrite destiny.

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Olivia by Shana Dow

Olivia (Free Novella)

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She was sent to destroy him. Falling for him was never part of the plan.

Elite agent Kasia has one mission: steal the Light from her target… and extinguish it forever. But when she meets Thomas—a boy with a brightness she’s never encountered—something inside her begins to crack.

The more time she spends watching him, the harder it becomes to pull the trigger. And when a single, reckless choice puts them both in danger, Kasia is forced to decide: follow her orders… or protect the boy she was trained to destroy.

As enemies close in and forbidden feelings ignite, Kasia and Thomas must outrun a Darkness that will stop at nothing to tear them apart.

Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance, dangerous missions, and portal fantasy with heart, The Awakening is the emotional prequel novella to the Keepers of the Balance series. Dive in for action, high-stakes emotion, and the first spark of a love that could change everything.

Start reading Olivia today and discover how one choice can rewrite destiny.

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