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Genesis Clan #1
Balance of Forces: Toujours Ici
Kendal Richoux’s life began during the reign of Egypt’s only female pharaoh. After accepting the opportunity to drink the elixir of the sun, Kendal becomes immortal and the Genesis Clan’s slayer. History has taught her the dangers of getting too close to anyone who hasn’t harnessed the power of time.
After many years, she returns to New Orleans to finish a job she’s trained for all her life. It’s time for her to face her brother Henri, and it will have dire consequences to mankind if she fails.
Piper Marmande believes Kendal has come to take over the company her family has built over generations. As Kendal prepares for the most important battle of her long life, Piper does her best to uncover every one of Kendal’s secrets, making herself a distraction Kendal can’t afford as she hunts Henri and Ora, the vampire who seduced him to a life of darkness.
After many years, she returns to New Orleans to finish a job she’s trained for all her life. It’s time for her to face her brother Henri, and it will have dire consequences to mankind if she fails.
Piper Marmande believes Kendal has come to take over the company her family has built over generations. As Kendal prepares for the most important battle of her long life, Piper does her best to uncover every one of Kendal’s secrets, making herself a distraction Kendal can’t afford as she hunts Henri and Ora, the vampire who seduced him to a life of darkness.
264 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2011
29 people are currently reading
617 people want to read
About the author
Ali Vali
57 books455 followersAli Vali is the author of the long-running Cain Casey "Devil" series and the Genesis Clan "Forces" series, as well as numerous standalone romances including two Lambda Literary Award finalists, Calling the Dead and Love Match, and her 2017 release, Beauty and the Boss. Ali also has a novella in the collection Girls with Guns.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 9, 2011
This book is classic Ali Vali: a strong butch full life's wisdom, but flummoxed by love when a young damsel in need of rescue trips her up. I read this story years ago on the Internet, but it has been expanded and polished and I was pleased to find I had forgotten the ending.
Ali Vali is one of my very favorite authors. The only reason I didn't give her five stars (couldn't get it to record 4 1/2 stars) is because I thought the polished version made Piper a little too annoying.
Still, nobody can tell a story like Ali.
Ali Vali is one of my very favorite authors. The only reason I didn't give her five stars (couldn't get it to record 4 1/2 stars) is because I thought the polished version made Piper a little too annoying.
Still, nobody can tell a story like Ali.
November 21, 2013
This is a truly imaginative and ingeniously interwoven multi-century storyline. Plus, we have characters that are immortal with some being good and some being awful. It was delightful to see the same folks as they are today then with cut backs to three centuries ago or two centuries ago and then fifty to seventy-five years ago embellishing their depth. The story actually starts in 1482 BC making the primary character and her mentor thousands of years old. Wow! Additionally, there are a few unique sub plots with minor characters that also bounce back and forth through the years. As soon as I got into the swing of things, my enjoyment level went up multiple notches. It seemed natural that such a fantastic structure would be the backdrop for an apocalyptic scenario. This all happens on Earth, but I felt like this was simply out of this world wonderful!
Kendal Richoux is Asra’s current day moniker and I got to know her best of all, although one of her other identities is given quality time, Marquis Jacques St. Louis. The manner in which Asra creates and maintains this masculine persona was pleasurably inventive. There is a stunning and potent connection between Jacques and Kendal. Two powerfully traumatic events for Jacques continually haunt Kendal and are unnervingly intrusive as Kendal attempts to manage her current obligations as a successful businesswoman and as the greatest slayer ever produced by the Genesis clan, a mystically powerful group of immortals constantly at war with demons.
Piper Marmande is a cracker jack, a thorn in Kendal’s side, a woman desperately fighting to save her family's business, and a stunningly beautiful woman who could double for Jacques’s lost love. Oh my! She is quite astute, but can also be a bit ditsy and incredibly persistent. I adored Kendal, but I loved Piper!
Henri, Abez, is Asra’s brother who chose to walk on the dark side and has been and currently is Kendal’s greatest threat. This is a startlingly stellar counterpoint to Asra’s brilliant polished persona. Perfect!
A good deal of this story takes place in and around New Orleans. I really loved the way the environs were presented. The city and Kendal’s estate, Oakgrove, were glorious settings for the action scenes and serene Southern sophistication. Even the evocative opening scenarios in Egypt were rich with august foundations for the balance of the story. This book is splendid and I definitely recommend it. Oh, by the way, there is a lovely story-related explanation of the French phrase used in the title ‘toujours ici” right at the end of the book. Very touching!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Kendal Richoux is Asra’s current day moniker and I got to know her best of all, although one of her other identities is given quality time, Marquis Jacques St. Louis. The manner in which Asra creates and maintains this masculine persona was pleasurably inventive. There is a stunning and potent connection between Jacques and Kendal. Two powerfully traumatic events for Jacques continually haunt Kendal and are unnervingly intrusive as Kendal attempts to manage her current obligations as a successful businesswoman and as the greatest slayer ever produced by the Genesis clan, a mystically powerful group of immortals constantly at war with demons.
Piper Marmande is a cracker jack, a thorn in Kendal’s side, a woman desperately fighting to save her family's business, and a stunningly beautiful woman who could double for Jacques’s lost love. Oh my! She is quite astute, but can also be a bit ditsy and incredibly persistent. I adored Kendal, but I loved Piper!
Henri, Abez, is Asra’s brother who chose to walk on the dark side and has been and currently is Kendal’s greatest threat. This is a startlingly stellar counterpoint to Asra’s brilliant polished persona. Perfect!
A good deal of this story takes place in and around New Orleans. I really loved the way the environs were presented. The city and Kendal’s estate, Oakgrove, were glorious settings for the action scenes and serene Southern sophistication. Even the evocative opening scenarios in Egypt were rich with august foundations for the balance of the story. This book is splendid and I definitely recommend it. Oh, by the way, there is a lovely story-related explanation of the French phrase used in the title ‘toujours ici” right at the end of the book. Very touching!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 11, 2012
This was originally an uber online and has been revamped for publication. I normally really enjoy Vali's books (and online stuff) but this one just just didn't grab me(in either version).
She had an interesting twist on the vampire mythology - with the balance of good and evil, and the sun being the source of power for those on the good side. The characters are very uber-esque, Piper was just plain annoying and the jumping back and forth between three timelines distracted from the main story as well as the characters and just felt like random info dumps.
I hate when I don't like a book by an author I normally enjoy. Despite the fact that this one was a miss for me, it won't preclude me from picking up her next book.
She had an interesting twist on the vampire mythology - with the balance of good and evil, and the sun being the source of power for those on the good side. The characters are very uber-esque, Piper was just plain annoying and the jumping back and forth between three timelines distracted from the main story as well as the characters and just felt like random info dumps.
I hate when I don't like a book by an author I normally enjoy. Despite the fact that this one was a miss for me, it won't preclude me from picking up her next book.
August 26, 2016
A stunning addition to the vampire legend, Balance of Forces: Toujour Ici, is one that stands apart from the rest. Kendal Richoux was born over three thousand years prior to present day. When her brother was seduced to darkness, she instead chose the light and became a warrior for the Genesis Clan, who receives their power from the sun. She has hunted her brother across the centuries and across the globe, but her impeccable sense of honor has saved him in previous encounters. Now back in New Orleans, she must finish what started in the blazing heat and frigid nights of ancient Egypt. Or will she lose everything again?
I found the idea of the two 'clans' very intriguing - one who lives only in darkness and the other who lives in daylight, but has no problem/weakness during the night. I loved the story of Kendal throughout her many guises during the years and it gave great insight to who she started out as and who she has become. I thought the exchanges between Piper and Kendal were great - a verbal game of cat and mouse. The ending leaves room for a sequel or the next book in a series and I am looking forward to either of those possibilities.
I found the idea of the two 'clans' very intriguing - one who lives only in darkness and the other who lives in daylight, but has no problem/weakness during the night. I loved the story of Kendal throughout her many guises during the years and it gave great insight to who she started out as and who she has become. I thought the exchanges between Piper and Kendal were great - a verbal game of cat and mouse. The ending leaves room for a sequel or the next book in a series and I am looking forward to either of those possibilities.
August 12, 2022
Excellent!
Has to be one of the best books I've read in quite a long time. It has everything. Mainly its about good against evil. Also how the world needs to be balanced.
Kendal and Piper the two main characters who actually start with disliking each other.
In some places you'll laugh, then very serious and then you jump on to the adventure.
It's fun fast paced and intriguing. I think you'll love it.
Just keep your mind open and let your imagination run free.
Has to be one of the best books I've read in quite a long time. It has everything. Mainly its about good against evil. Also how the world needs to be balanced.
Kendal and Piper the two main characters who actually start with disliking each other.
In some places you'll laugh, then very serious and then you jump on to the adventure.
It's fun fast paced and intriguing. I think you'll love it.
Just keep your mind open and let your imagination run free.
April 15, 2012
I enjoyed this book more than I have her past few. It has that X&G fan fic feel - which, of course, is where this one got its start. If you're a fan of Ali Vali's, you'll very much like this one.
Also, you can hear me and Peyton Andrews chat with the author about this and many of her other stories on Cocktail Hour episode 40 (http://cocktailhour.us/archives/243)
Also, you can hear me and Peyton Andrews chat with the author about this and many of her other stories on Cocktail Hour episode 40 (http://cocktailhour.us/archives/243)
November 11, 2017
The way this novel was written reminds me of Ann Rice. The writer captivated, excited and stretched my imagination. ...it wasn't sappy reading. It was exactly the type of book I crave a vampire lesbian novel to be!
December 15, 2022
In terms of action lesbian fiction, this is a great book. The pace flows as do the passions. The action does not blot out the character development. It should please many who are looking for lesbian romance with an edge. In terms of the writing, there were some places I was surprised an editing didn't suggest another word; but that happens in all books, so it would be unfair to ding this much which the awkward words are few and far between. What I will ding this for comes from my career as a historian of the ancient world who has researched in and taught about Egyptian history; the very premise of the setting and that there was only one woman pharaoh is utterly false, given the story's overarching focus on women's empowerment, it is a disappointing error.
May 27, 2025
A rather interesting and different take on the vampire mythos, in this case with a focus on the balance of darkness and light, with Kendal being on the side of light. It's part action story, part romance, jumping a bit between times as we get more of Kendal's story. Enemies to lovers, it also slow burn, and while the book does wrap up the plot that was presented, it also teases what the next book will be about at the end.
I very much enjoyed my time with this one, and am looking forward to reading the sequel. It was also my first book by Ali Vali, but I will definitely be reading more.
I very much enjoyed my time with this one, and am looking forward to reading the sequel. It was also my first book by Ali Vali, but I will definitely be reading more.
December 28, 2021
Decent story but I am not really that impressed with the narrator. She is okay but at time the "feel" of the story (the anger of the character ore the tenseness of the situation) is a bit lost by he inflection. The story moves at a fair pace but has moments that seem to drag a little. All in all a decent read.
April 20, 2019
Fantastic
I couldn’t put it down totally hooked from the start. Great story line and characters can’t wait to read the next book. Bought and in my library, lol.
I couldn’t put it down totally hooked from the start. Great story line and characters can’t wait to read the next book. Bought and in my library, lol.
September 7, 2019
Great story about balancing the scales. I also loved the old fashion feel of the courting. Ali Vali has a wonderful talent for creating chivalrous, sensual warriors. All the feels 😍
April 20, 2021
loved the MCs. really liked the story line.
well rounded romance. just bought the second one. will start that tonight
well rounded romance. just bought the second one. will start that tonight
June 25, 2024
Great story
I read this book when it was written, many years ago. I decided to read again, it was like I was reading it for the first time!!!
I read this book when it was written, many years ago. I decided to read again, it was like I was reading it for the first time!!!
August 14, 2018
I enjoyed many parts of this book a lot, and others jot so much. It’s a nicely told version of the immortal (and super butch) warrior who is thousands of years old, very wise and powerful, but somehow falls in love with a young, spoilt and incredibly annoying mere mortal. I found it fun, as long as you don’t think about it too much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2015
Yeah its pretty late but just finished reading another amazing book in which i lost my self into. Its rare to find a book where you become the character but this just another one on my long list of favorite books. Good thing i also bought the second part i cant wait to read it. But in all it was an amazing book and just one of those that helps you get lost in it in a way you can only imagine. I love the way it takes you back to a history so amazingly written and described and adding the hint of immorality, the god Ra,and love into it i cant help but admire such a book. I cant just help but imagine what i would with the immortality Kendal and Piper are granted with. So cant wait to read the second one, love this one lot though.!!!
January 31, 2015
Great story. Loved the characters and there interactions, which at times made me smile. Kendal and Piper are good together and I'm sure never a dull moment will they share. About to start Sera Toujours which I'm hoping will be just as good.
August 14, 2012
Who doesn't love a good vampire story. This one takes it one step further by including an immortal who is on the side of good and light. One of her best books ever. Nice closure to this book with a tickler for a possible sequel.
May 15, 2012
Very gd book..kept me gripped & sets the way for a series
September 25, 2012
This is not your standard romance or fantasy book. Curl up and prepare to be entertained it is a very fun read.
January 25, 2014
From the beginning the story was very interesting but, towards the end about 40 pages it was dragged too much and the writing was humorless and adventure less! Therefore I gave this book 4/5.
May 14, 2016
Could not put this book down! Cover to cover in less than 24 hours. Much like the rest of her books, Ali spins a tale that holds you tight long after the final page!
January 4, 2016
This book was spectacular! Great story line with additional laughter and action! Give it try!
November 22, 2017
Just re-read this series to refresh my memory, and I still love it!
Can't wait for the next book...
Can't wait for the next book...
January 11, 2015
This is the first book from Ali Vali which I read and it doesn't disappoint!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews