ALT Grayscale image taken from the foot of a tower of an imposing cathedral. Individual spiers like knives flank its rise. Small windows line up the center. The top cannot be seen or reached. Over it are the words "A reader's guide to The Babbler and the Balance Keeper, an NA Christian gothic dystopian by Erin Blackwood"

ALT Backlit image of a cloaked figure standing in front of a window, hands raised to the voluminous hood on her head. The pitch is "Desperate to escape the oppressive religion she was chosen to serve and bring her pious but disgraced friend along with her, secret heretic Quincy plots to con a religious fanatic from the outside world into helping them escape. But the key to freedom the woman holds looks nothing like what Quincy imagined, and her lies catch the attention of a man who could kill them all."

ALT The image of a many vaulted ceiling, supported by thick imposing pillars and arches, with the words "If you love" and highlighting the following: Creepy underground labyrinth Vivid gothic atmosphere Sacrificial love Snarky MC living a double life Evil but entertaining villain Sweet friendship of opposites Characters choosing to be brave even when terrified HIgh but deeply personal stakes the desert is trying to kill you Battle of wits Platonic "touch her and die" No romance The power of small acts of kindness and love in the face of powerful opposition

ALT Reader feedback displayed over rust-colored dunes: 5/5 stars, I am obsessed and will be sharing it with everyone. The story resonated with me in an emotional way, that I don’t think will be fading any time fast. I was riveted. Absolutely riveted. This is really powerful. I'm tearing up. She’s about to die and she’s still so sassy. ENOUGH WITH THE CLIFFHANGERS. XD This is so delightfully creepy I was gripped by the first line and sucked in. The descriptions were vivid and the prose beautiful Bird is beautiful in a soft, brave way. Quincy is so real and I just want to root for her right away. Their friendship is so sweet. But I’m afraid that all these secrets are going to make it fall apart Can I have book two tomorrow? Quincy, you’re stressing me out girl 😂😅😅 You really make things come alive. If I lean forward any farther in my seat, I'm going to fall off the couch again HOW DARE YOU The battle of wits!!!!! It was * chef’s kiss * The examiner needs to be shoved into a bottle ofcacti

ALT Background image of a man in a dark coat with black leather gloves with the following text over top: “Adapt or die,” he said softly. “That’s how the world has always survived. Adjusting ourselves to the circumstances. Change. We have forgotten that. I think it’s time for a little reminder, and you’ll be perfect for what I have in mind.” He cocked his head to the side, that cold, inhuman smile creeping across his lips. “And when we do save the world, we’ll make sure they show their gratitude. To you, and to me.”