Balance Must Remain

The Sirians

by K.M. Davidson

The powerful must be few for balance to remain…

I knew what would come for this world under the guiding hands of King Alrik. All I could ever do was sit back and watch it unfold, lurking in the shadows and resorting to quiet action while the loudest voices continued to win.

Even when I wanted to scream, to warn those I cared for, to change the future that Fate so willingly burned me with…

Because I was the chosen one.

The Great Child.

The Great Karasi.

And greatness was required of me.


Balance Must Remain is a novel set in the world of the Sirians Series, following a side character from the series with a forbidden love like Cleopatra and Marc Antony, shifters, Hecate vibes, and an immortal, BIPOC FMC. While you could read this as a prequel to the main books of the Sirians Series, the author suggests reading the first three books before reading this one to avoid spoilers or confusion.

[ Contains adult content. This book is not an HEA. Reader discretion is advised.]

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2025

About the author

K.M. “Katie” Davidson is an adult fantasy author. Her authorial journey began as a young writer creating YA fantasy novels in composition notebooks and publishing them on Wattpad. After getting her Bachelor’s in Creative Writing and Master’s in English Literature—and abandoning 20+ book ideas—she finally sat down in 2023 and finished her debut novel, Darkness Comes Again.

Outside of writing and reading, Katie is a Content Marketer. She loves dance parties with her husband and dog, hiking, traveling, entertaining conspiracy theories (none more than aliens), collecting more rocks, and buying old copies of books published over 100 years ago.

For exclusive sneak peeks, character aesthetics, and more news, follow K.M. Davidson on social media: @kmdavidsonbooks

Reviews

[Sarah Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite literally one of my favorite 5 star reads this year. This book is a wonderful puzzle piece to bring the Sirian journey full circle to gear up for the next installment. Katie's character development and easter egg drops were so good (I even annotated as I went - I don't do that!) The top ups to existing characters that happened; I didn't know I needed! Fantastic read for anyone who really wants a deep dive into the beginning of a beautiful series. 🩷

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was so much more than just a simple back story. Yes, it was nice getting to see Karasi throughout the years and gain that insight into how she became the character we met in The Sirians Series. But this really adds SO MUCH to the overall plot as well as the connections with the greater universe in this world. Such a good read! Thank you to the author for the eARC!

[Alyse Palsulich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you SO MUCH K.M. Davidson for an early copy of this book. I truly am speechless as I'm writing this review as I just finished my second read moments ago.

The Sirians series is one that I hold close to my heart. I have loved getting to know Reva and her men as well as her friends she's made along her journey. What I didn't know while reading the other stories is how integral Karasi was to the entire world and, of course, Reva herself. This book is a MUST for anyone who plans on reading this series. Not only does it provide SO MUCH MORE depth to Karasi's character, but it starts putting the puzzle pieces of this universe together (and I must say, K.M. Davidson is truly a literary genius). I have no idea HOW but somehow this story ties together all the rest in a way that is obviously informative, but even more than that emotional. My heart ached for all the loss Karasi endured and even for all of the love she gained. Seeing this world/characters through Reva's POV is so interesting now because it contrasts to greatly with Karasi's. Sorry this part of the review was so much babbling, I truly am a mess after binging this whole story, but I think that shows what a wonderful book this is.

If you want a story that will rip your heart out while making you question everything you know about a universe, this is the one for you. It is filled with romance, heartbreak, hope, devastation, and so much more. Even if I were to read this as a stand alone, I believe I would have enjoyed it so much because Karasi is an entire story within herself. I have so much more respect and love for her than I ever imagined when I first started this series.

Don't mind me as I go cry (whether those tears be happy or sad, you will have to find out by reading through the final chapter).

[Stephanie O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!!! I was lucky enough to Beta read it earlier this year and can’t believe we are only a few short days from release now!

I absolutely loved getting to learn Karasi’s back story, she has been through it and is a resilient queen! I loved how Katie formatted this book in time jumps, Karasi has been around for a while after all so definitely was the perfect way to tell her story! We get so much insight into both her history and overall world building of this series. I loved seeing the inner workings of her mind that explain so much of the character we see from Reva’s perspective. Plus some other characters that tie into this whole universe. Katie is a mastermind and planning extraordinaire!

And finally, Brand, my heart was cleaved in two with their beautiful story. I truly felt their connection and chemistry jumping off the pages, I wish they’d had more time. This should come as no surprise, but Katie made me cry again, a lot…and I love her for it.

Thank you so much for letting me read your stories, your talent will never cease to amaze me!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is perfect for diving into Karasi's character. I've loved her since the beginning of the Sirians Series, so getting a novella that dives into her why made this an amazing read.

I'm also so blown away by the author's ability to pack such a punch into a shorter story (because man, this this hit in the best way possible). I love the layers that are added to the overall series as well.
It adds so much in understanding our misunderstood characters while adding to the series plot as a whole.

Karasi's story is not for the faint of heart, but if you've read books 1-3, you know KM likes to rip our hearts out while making it so we can't stop reading!

If you love the series, you'll love this one!

Thanks to the author for the eARC! It's been a joy to continue reading this series, forever and always!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loved Karasi in the first two books, I was so excited to see her point of view explored. Karasi’s story was so much more than I could have anticipated. I laughed, I cried(a lot), I screamed; this was everything. Her journey really highlighted the struggle between our duties to others and our own mental health. This was an absolutely breathtaking addition to the Sirians series and I’m going to need EVERYONE to read this one.


*thank you so much to the author for the early copy, I treasured it🥹

[Sage Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read to those who have read the Sirians books 1 & 2. This insight on Karasi and who she is as a person and what she has endured was such a heartbreaking treat.

I can admit that I judged Karasi too harshly reading Sirians books 1 & 2, I think this will drastically influence my view of her when I reread the series!

Thank you Katie for this beautifully written story about a woman who never got to live for herself but, always for others.

[Kelsey Snook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cool look into the backstory of an important character in the Sirians series. It comes out in October - make sure you've read the first three books in the series, otherwise this will contain a lot of spoilers for you!

"You forget I'm far from innocent and virtuous. I am no lady, no princess - just a wild thing that can't be tamed." "In this room, in this bed - I will tame you."

“I’ll be waiting for you.” He held me tighter to his chest as we laid there. “It was always you…”

[Ally | book_dragon89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotion packed novella! I loved getting a deeper look into Karasi’s life, heartbreaking as it is. Seeing the connections to the characters I know and love from the Sirian series really gives this world depth!

K. M. Davidson always does a fantastic job at giving us a well rounded story in her novellas! Often they feel short and lacking, but not hers! She gives us a fleshed out plot with characters that have depth and character growth, as well as heartbreak that will bring tears to your eyes!

I definitely highly recommend reading the first three books in the Sirian series before reading this!

Thank you to the author for this arc!!

[Savannah "S.N." Anderson]

DNFed. The strangers-to-lovers trope and lustfulness is not my cup of tea. But if you want to read this book, don't let my opinion deter you. I encourage you to read it if you want to!