Perfekt Balance
The Ære Saga #3
ST Bende
Genre: YA Supernatural Fantasy
Publication Date: April 5, 2016
Become what you believe.
Elsa Fredriksen knows there’s a thin line between love and fear. As High Healer, she rights the wrongs committed by Asgard’s enemies. But even the gods’ secret weapon can’t undo every injury—especially when her fate is completely entwined with the god she’s trying to save.
Elsa’s in love with the Norse God of Justice. But Forse’s heart is ruled by fear—fear that the past will repeat itself; fear that opening his heart will compromise his ability to do his job; fear that he’ll hurt the one girl he desperately wants to protect. Again.
When Elsa faces off against the very monster she once swore to protect, her survival depends on a power she isn’t sure she can control. And when Forse’s worst nightmare unfolds in front of him, Elsa has to decide whether it’s more important to hold the realms in perfekt balance . . . or hold onto the guy she can’t imagine existing without.
Slipping back into the world Bende has created is like slipping into your favorite pajamas! It is right where you want to be! I dove headfirst back into the world that blends what I know with a new Asgardian reality, a world that couples reality with mythology brilliantly. I was so excited to read Perfekt Balance, knowing I would finally see more of Elsa and Forse. These two are obviously the best of friends and the attraction cannot be denied. Getting to see them work through their feelings and all the danger hurled their way is an adventure readers will love!
As with all of Bende’s books in the Ære Saga, the reader is thrust into a world of danger and adrenaline. I love how there is a love story but there is so much more. There are overarching themes that carry throughout the series and a story of strength, devotion, friendship, and honor that allows the reader to admire these characters and their choices. Elsa is such a sweet character. It was great to see her step up and become a strong female lead. In the past she was always a target and while that is still the case here, in this book, we get to see her strength and determination to save those she loves. She is a heroine that still carries a vulnerability. She is kind and wants to do what is right, looking for the good in those around her, even those who are labeled as unsalvageable. Her heroism is different. It is subtle and sacrificing. That combined with her genuine heart and sweet spirit, let’s just say you have a heroine that will make you smile.
Forse is the protector and his determination to save Elsa is both admirable and self-serving. His true emotions come to light in this story and it creates a sweet love story. I loved how Forse, Tyr, and Brynn band together to save Elsa and fight the evil in their path. Many new clues are discovered about impending moments in the future and I am excited to see what direction this series is headed in. The secrets unfolded are shocking and the illusion to what is coming is both ominous and exciting! I cannot wait to read the next book! Each book keeps getting better and better. I loved seeing the happily ever afters of all the characters we have met; a perk from a series that focuses closely on people who live, breathe, and would die for each other. It allows us to see the natural progression of their stories and enjoy more of our favorites. The third book in the Ære Saga is exactly what readers wanted and expected. I cannot wait for more!