An Unbalanced Force

Lies and clandestine operations, An Unbalanced Force by Valerie Sherrard is not only a mystery but an examination of how far one would go to protect their family.

Ethan Granger has a comfortable life. He’s graduating from high school soon and never really wants for anything. One thing that remains a mystery is what his dad does for a living. He knows he goes on business trips and heads to the office everyday but beyond that it’s a mystery. When, one day, Ethan spots his dad when he was meant to be out of town, red flags start emerging for Ethan. What is his dad doing and why is he lying?

I will admit that when I read the back synopsis of the story I was expecting this to be a story of suspense and action but it was actually quite different. Valerie Sherrard has created a story that has mystery and intrigue but it’s quiet. There’s not a big gotcha moment, the characters are not fleeing for their lives. The main character, Ethan, is forced to reconcile the privilege of his life with how he came to that privilege and how to navigate the reality of his father’s business. 

Valerie Sherrard has created an intellectual story that puts a teenager in a pretty outrageous position and requires him to do the right thing. I love that Ethan, although a teenager and certainly prone to the wrong choices, makes very calculated and intelligent decisions throughout the story. You root for him because you would like to think you would make similar choices given the circumstances.

While not as action packed as I had initially thought, this story was a thought provoking examination of family and choosing between family and what is right.