December 24, 2025
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Action Book Reviews Fantasy Teens

Balance of Light by JC Button Book Review

Author: JC Button

Genre: YA Fantasy / Adventure

Year Published: 2024

Nerdection Rating:

“Nerdection Excellent Read”

Balance of Light by JC Button is the thrilling sequel to Jigsaw of Light in The Book of Light series, and it truly takes you on a ride. It’s a mix of adventure, mystery, and just the right amount of magic. If you enjoy stories about lost worlds, ancient secrets, and brave teenagers saving the planet, this book will grab your attention from the very first page.

Spoiler-Free Summary

Balance of Light follows the journey of a teenager named Zeb. After saving the world in the first book, Zeb now faces new dangers and mysteries.

Zeb, a sixteen-year-old boy, owns a magical surfboard made from ancient crystal that can travel through the ocean in seconds, using something like mystical wormholes beneath the sea. He is joined by Kaia, his fearless and smart girlfriend, and her father, Professor Garcia, who brings both humor and insight to the story.

Together, they search for clues from a lost civilization called Mu. Along the way, they explore secret islands, strange tunnels, and ancient chambers, all while being hunted by dangerous people. Meanwhile, Zeb begins having disturbing visions and nightmares that feel far too real, like something dark is trying to reach into his mind. It becomes clear that their journey is only growing more dangerous, and the fate of the world might depend on them again.

My Take on Balance of Light

Let’s start with the obvious. Balance of Light is an ambitious and wildly imaginative novel. It mixes fantasy, science, and history in a creative, fresh way. Reading it felt like watching an exciting movie play out in my head. The pacing is quick, and there’s always something happening. One minute they’re racing across the ocean, the next they’re crawling through ancient ruins filled with hidden traps and near-death escapes.

But the story isn’t just action-packed. There’s depth too.

Zeb is such a relatable character. He’s kind, thoughtful, and still trying to figure out who he is in the middle of all the chaos around him. I really appreciated how grounded he felt, even when things were wildly fantastical. His bond with Kaia felt genuine. She’s strong, loyal, and quick-thinking, the kind of partner who keeps the group moving forward. I also enjoyed Professor Garcia’s presence. He added warmth and wisdom at just the right moments and balanced out the youthful energy of Zeb and Kaia.

What really stood out was Zeb’s internal conflict. Even as he faces these wild challenges, he’s still a teenager who misses his father and struggles with big questions about his place in the world. The author did a great job showing that complexity without making it heavy-handed.

I absolutely loved the idea of the magical surfboard. It brought something original to the story and opened opportunities for exciting, fast-moving scenes across beautiful and mysterious settings. From remote islands to underwater cities, the visuals came alive in my head. The world-building was rich without being overwhelming, and I could clearly imagine every twist in the journey.

I also liked how the fast-paced action didn’t take away from the smaller, emotional moments. The story gave enough breathing space for reflection and character development, which made it even more engaging.

This book isn’t just about thrill and suspense. At its heart, it’s about balance, between people and nature, between power and peace, and within ourselves. The Watchers of Light believe the world must remain in balance to avoid destruction. Zeb gradually begins to understand that the real danger isn’t just external, it’s also within. The tension between control and harmony plays a huge role in his growth, and that made the story feel emotionally grounded.

There’s also a subtle message about legacy, connection, and how we deal with grief. Even when surrounded by love, Zeb still feels the absence of his father. That longing stays with him and influences how he navigates this new chapter of his life. I found those moments very moving.

There’s no doubt that Balance of Light is an excellent read. I enjoyed every moment of it. From the breathtaking adventures to the emotional highs and lows, this story had me completely immersed. It was fun, meaningful, and full of heart.

If you’re into adventurous reads with emotional depth and a touch of fantasy, then this book is absolutely worth trying.


About The Author Of Balance of Light

JC Button studied history at Exeter University. He has served as an army officer, as well as being a teacher. Fascinated from a young age by ancient civilizations and all the mysteries of the past, he never gets bored of discovering new places and seeking out the next adventure.

A life-long fan of surfing, and anything to do with the ocean, he believes that everyone would be happier if they got more sea air! He lives on the coast with his wife and three children.

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