The Balance of Heaven & Earth by Laurence Westwood

Goodreads Synopsis:

Magistrate Zhu, newly arrived in the remote border town of Tranquil Mountain. He has travelled far from his extensive family estates on the outskirts of Kaifeng – the glorious Song Dynasty capital – hoping to find atonement for past mistakes.

Yet he quickly discovers that Tranquil Mountain is anything but tranquil. The town is beset with simmering tensions since the death of his predecessor. Before Magistrate Zhu even has time to accustom himself to his inexperienced and wayward constabulary and the lowliness of his new surroundings, there is a mysterious murder, rumours of ghosts and blood-thirsty bandits out on the streets, and a disturbing kidnapping to solve – as well as the tragic and tangled legal circumstances of the local heroine Jade Moon to unravel.

For the balance of Heaven and Earth to be maintained, and to prevent catastrophe coming to Tranquil Mountain, Magistrate Zhu is well aware that not a single injustice can be allowed to stand. As he struggles to reach the correct judgements, he realises he has no choice but to offer up his career and perhaps even his own life for the greater good. And, in so doing, he discovers that as Jade Moon’s fate rests in his hands, so his fate ultimately rests in hers.

Book Review:

Finally, I found the time to review this book.

This book amazed me, literally. At, first I was so scared that I will be disappointed by it because I found it so boring in the beginning when I started reading it. I kept reading as I cannot leave a book unread. The book proved me so wrong. I have never read a story based in china and this book is a historical fiction/mystery containing depiction of Chinese culture, law and justice system. Mr. Laurence amalgamated all of this within the story in such an inspiring way that held my attention till the end.

Basically, jade moon’s mysterious character, the mystery of the murder and kidnapping was what made this story even more intriguing. Jade moon embraced her diverse hereditary so fiercely and even defended herself confidently at times. The character development of each and every character was mind blowing. I loved magistrate zhu, horse and junior scribe li’s characters. The instigation of this concept of the balance of heaven and earth was done exceptionally.
This book turned out to be so unexpected.

Thank you so much Mr. Laurence for sending me the physical copy of your book and going out of your way to stay connected with your readers.

About the Author:

After a (probably ill-advised) degree in Theoretical Physics, Laurence commenced upon a varied career in law enforcement and information security consultancy.

He regularly lectures at the University of Warwick on computer law and IP enforcement.

He has had a long-standing fascination with the political, military, social and legal history of China.

He lives just outside of Stratford-upon-Avon, England.