Resurgence Blog Tour || (in which my heart explodes) || Book Review + Author Interview + GIVEAWAY!

Monday, September 30, 2019

photo credits to the amazing K. A. Emmons 
I just want to shout about this book from the rooftops. 

Back in 2017, I had the honor of helping coordinate the blog tour for my dear friend Kate Emmons's debut novel, The Blood Race, and here we are, two years later and the final book in The Blood Race series, Resurgence, is officially out in the world. 

Wow. 

Word have always been my thing, but when it comes to how proud I am of Kate, there are none sufficient. I will always laugh when people try to tell me that blogging friends aren't "real" friends (whatever that means), and Kate is one of the biggest reasons for that. Over the last three and a half years of knowing her, she has never failed to be one of the most constant sources of wisdom and encouragement in my life. She speaks truth with grace, and makes you feel like you can take on the world.

But let's be honest, most of you already knew that, because most of you know Kate. And in knowing her, you know that she is one of the kindest, most talented souls that you can ever have the joy of encountering. So today, we're here to celebrate her, and this incredible trilogy that she's created. Kate, getting to see you bring this dream of yours to life, these books that you have poured your heart and soul into, has been such an honor. You are one of the most brilliant, empowering people, and I couldn't be more grateful that our paths crossed. Love you, love you, love you.

If you have yet to dive into The Blood Race series, close out of this post immediately and go get your hands on the first two books, because they are the most incredible journey. Then pop back here and celebrate with us! Resurgence might just be the best one yet.

In celebration, we're partying here on the blog today with my full review of Resurgence, an interview with the queen herself, K. A. Emmons, AND a giveaway!


LET'S JUMP INTO IT!

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It's always the most bittersweet feeling, seeing a series that you love come to an end. The characters become like old friends, and there's always that bit of anxiety, knowing their story is going to wrap up. I don't know about you, but I've read too many series that were going beautifully - until the final book, where everything crashed and burned before my eyes, ending in the worst way possible. Needless to say, you get a little nervous about series finales after that. 

Resurgence, on the other hand, could not have been a more perfect final book to the The Blood Race series. 

Words fall short when it comes to this one. I've always said that Kate reminds me of a modern C. S. Lewis, and the sentiment still stands, even more strongly than before. Her work has the most beautiful thread of allegory throughout that really just can't be described. You have to read it for yourself to truly understand, but wow, what a beautiful book. I was on the ARC team, and I devoured this book in one sitting over Labor Day weekend. My poor family didn't quite know what to think as I secluded myself out on the porch, unable to step away from the masterpiece that was Resurgence. 

The best way that I'm able to describe it is that this book somehow manages to shatter you into a million pieces and yet make you feel a little more whole. There are a thousand different themes woven throughout, which I love. Everyone who reads it is going to get something a little different out of it, but somehow exactly what you need. 

I loved seeing the characters each reach their resolution. Like I said - it's like following an old friend. These characters have my heart, and seeing their stories come to a close was so bittersweet. But oh, Kate wove them together so brilliantly. Over and over throughout the book, I found my jaw dropping.  The way that her brain works - I just can't fathom. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. 

Resurgence just might be my favorite book in the series. It's incredible in a thousand ways, and I just can't recommend it enough. It is pure art. Read it, please. I promise, you need this story. 

RATING - ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
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photo again via Kate...isn't she the cutest?

My favorite part of blog tours is always getting to chat with the author and hear more about the heart behind the book. Kate, thank you so much for taking the time to dive deeper into Resurgence with me! 


How does it feel to be finishing The Blood Race series?

It feels great as well as surreal…I’ve spent so much time in this world and with these characters that it’s hard to believe it’s over...but then it never is over really, because it lives in my mind.


What has been your favorite part of writing this series, and what was your favorite part about writing this book specifically?

My favorite thing about writing the series is how much it’s taught me and how much I’ve grown as an individual while writing it. Each of the characters have taught me things about the world and myself, and for that I am forever grateful.


What is the biggest thing you want your readers to take away from The Blood Race series?

I hope they take away whatever they need to; whatever their soul needs. There’s a lot in the book, and everyone sees things differently. My hope is that the idea that we are powerful shines through strong, that there is so much more going on than we realize, but ultimately I hope each and every reader finds what they personally need in those pages.


Which book in the series was your favorite to write and why?

Worlds Beneath. That book changed my life.


What was the hardest part about this whole process for you?

Mostly just the business aspects of publishing a book - all the many little technical things that aren’t generally my forte. But! It’s been a lot to learn and in a good way.


Is there anything you would do differently with The Blood Race looking back on it all?

If I could do it all again, I would SLOW DOWN and SAVOR MORE. That’s the best advice for young writers in my opinion...slow down and savor it. No need to rush. 


What has been your favorite part of putting your books out into the world? What has it been like seeing people all over the world reading this story?

My favorite part is when I get an email or a message from someone saying that the book impacted them in a positive way. It’s humbling and such an honor to think that I could contribute something worthy. And oh man, it’s surreal at times...knowing my book is “out there” and that people I have never even met before are reading it. Wowza.


What is the biggest advice you would give to someone hoping to publish a book?

Keep writing. Believe in yourself. Believe in your story and write it YOUR OWN WAY. 


What do you have up your sleeve next? 

Oh, just a few surprises! ;)

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

In honor of the release of Resurgence, enter to win a FREE ebook copy! Open now through October 9th. Enter now!

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When she’s not hermiting away in her colorfully-painted home office writing her next science fiction, passionate story-teller and adventurer Kate Emmons is probably on the road for a surf or hiking trip, listening to vinyls, or going for a power run.


Emmons’ debut novel The Blood Race is the first book in her YA science fiction/fantasy thriller series.

The novel follows main character Ion, a troubled teen with unusual powers which he struggles to keep concealed. Through a series of strange occurrences, and a run-in with Hawk, the beautiful, mysterious, yet savage girl next door, Ion involuntarily stumbles headlong into an extra dimension—a secret reality that’s been hidden since the beginning of time; one that was made especially to protect and train teenagers with the abilities he possesses—”anomalies”. A secret place of intense training, hidden from humanity and created to defeat a rising darkness which a prophecy declares could swallow future earth.


Emmons lives in the often-snowy hills of rugged Vermont with her husband and dog named Rocket.


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Have you snagged your copy of Resurgence yet?? What are you waiting for?! Already read it? Tell me what you thought in the comments! I'm dying for people to fangirl with. You don't want to miss this one - it is incredible.

7 comments:

  1. KATE IS MY FAVORITE HUMAN and I just got Resurgence in the mail. Hopefully I can make time this weekend. .

    xoxo.
    k.

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  2. This is such a great post and interview! I'm still making my way through Resurgence. Life is busy, so it took me awhile to really get into it, but it's picking up and I'm so unbelievably proud of Kate! It's such an accomplishment to finish writing a series.

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