REVIEW & INTERVIEW - RESOUNDING TRUTH - THE RESOUNDING SERIES BY KATE THOMAS

Resounding Truth is number 2.5 in The Resounding Series, a novella to give the readers a glimpse into the world of the Resounding Lycans. The prequel that started it all will release late spring 2015 and kick off the 8 book 

(plus multiple novellas) series.

Title: Resounding Truth

Series: The Resounding Series

Author: Kate Thomas

Release Date: 19th March 2015

BLURB from Goodreads

Derik has been the Alpha of the Graybacks since the death of Drucilia’s father, his murder still weighing heavy upon Dru. With fierce determination and an iron fist, the new Alpha has successfully kept them alive and fed, but the threat of Hunters and Vampires creeps ever so close. With his eye on Dru as a prime candidate for his mate, he demands more than she’s willing to give and blazes a trail of rage across the pack at her denial. 

They have waited for a savior, for someone to come and take power from Derik and the time draws near. Dru’s sister Karis can see deep into the future and makes it known that a white wolf will be their redeemer, but will he be too late? With the Queen of the vampires thirsty for an accord in blood and the head Huntress of the Circle of Elders seeking the white wolf with fever, things get tense and complicated far before the resounding truth is uncovered. 

Goodreads Link

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Thomas, is the author of the upcoming Equilibrium Series, a five-book supernatural new adult series, with plans for a few more series in 2015. 
She is a CPA by trade, a church planter and entrepreneur at heart; however, writing and reading are passions she just can't help but indulge in. With more ideas than one person should be allowed, she is blessed to have a muse that doesn't seem to take a vacation and more energy that one might consider healthy.

Sign up for my newsletter? http://eepurl.com/bbT9M1

She writes under the following pen names:

L.A. Starkey - Young Adult & Middle Grade Paranormal

Isabella James - Sci-fi/Fantasy

Lauren Elizabeth - Adult Contemporary Romance

INTERVIEW

supplied by the Author

Where did the idea for Resounding Truth come from?

I’m very much a paranormal readers, so wolves, vamps and demons are right up my alley. I’ve been working on a YA project that focused on Greek Myth for the last year, and where I loved it like one of my kids, I was waiting to start Resounding! It’s the core of my own love as a reader. The ideas are a HUGE mixture of watching various movies and reading loads of books throughout my life. If I had to point to one place for the idea it would be to the movie “Van Heilsing”. I keep that set up, that action-packed theme in mind when I’m writing this series.

What did you do on your last birthday?

Funny enough, my family was snowed in from the artic vortex that hit the northern part of the US. We went to Branson, Missouri for the after Christmas holidays and planned to drive home on my birthday, which was a Sunday. The vortex hit and we all spent the day (my hubby, three kids, mom, dad and younger brother) staring at each other with boughs of cabin fever. It got better that afternoon as we threw snowballs at each other to fight off the aggression. *laughs*

Do you have any tattoos?  Where? When did you get it/them? Where are they on your body?

No, but I want one. I’d love one on the inner part of my left wrist, where my watch would cover it up. I want it to say, ‘fierce” or something of that nature. I do hate needles, but I’d man up for a tat.

What are you working on right now?

You bet. I have a handful of pen names, so I just wrapped up the YA trilogy under L.A. Starkey and put the box set out. I’m actually working on several things all at once. I have both my Equilibrium Series and my Resounding Series coming out this year for Kate Thomas. “The Core: Equilibrium I” is already released and “The Light” is coming by May 27th at the latest. Resounding’s first full length novel is scheduled for June 30th and I’m about 1/6 of the way through writing it now.

I’m actually turning to another pen name to work on a few serials for contemporary romance. Just want to test the market for those, so I have 6 series (2 different series) coming out in April I believe.

Other than that, I’m working to build up Good Tales Book Tours as it’s my newest baby and drinking LOADS of mountain dew!

What do you think you’re really bad at?

I’ve decided that I was picking daisies the day God was handing out patience. I released my book on Friday and by Saturday morning I’m wondering why I have no reviews! I can see that 40 books sold that first night. Where are the reviews? Um… yeah, it’s a 505 page book. Slow your roll, Kate.

Have you ever had an imaginary friend?

No, but I want one. I have a humorous personality, so I can usually keep myself occupied and laughing for longer than I care to share. I’m thinking the various characters running around in my skull most times of the day might be considered imaginary, but it’d be rude to call them that. 

Any weird things you do when you’re alone?

I talk to myself quite a bit and answer myself as well. I laugh often and it’s usually at myself. When I’m alone I honestly prefer to have a book in front of me… not too weird, unless you’re holding Twilight at a stop sign and praying no one will pull up behind you, making you put the book down and drive.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” (Michelangelo) I believe completely in what it says to each and every one of us. We can do anything we can put our minds to – no matter how ridiculous it may seem. Most people have been beat down by criticism or mediocrity and have officially given up on moving forward and reaching for the stars, but I believe with all my heart that each of us has the ability to do and be anything we can imagine. 

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Coffee ice cream, all the way. However… there is a cream cheese flavored ice cream that Baskin Robbins 31 will have sometimes, but they are stingy with it. So we’ll go with the readily available coffee flavor. I lack patience like nobody’s business.

Which mythological creature are you most like?

Definitely the Valkyrie. I’m much too aggressive not to be a fearless female Viking soldier, and have you seen the outfits they wear? I’m in.

What are four things you can’t live without?

My faith in Jesus. My coffee and Hazelnut creamer (that counts as one – I’m bossy, remember). My husband who is insanely fine and loves me in a way that is honestly ridiculous. My kids who make me crazy and remind me I’m loved.

What kind of music you like?

I love alternative, hip hop, rock and some heavy metal. I listen to everything my teenage girls do, including contemporary Christian music and I love to play classical on our piano. Music is one of my many muses.

Do you like to dance?

Heavens yes, though I rarely do it anymore. I danced my whole life as a child and early teen and then hit a few too many nightclubs as a young adult. Now in my thirties, I dance around the kitchen to embarrass my kids – which they love, as do I.

What are 5 things within touching distance?

My iphone – music! My coffee cup – energy! My wallet – addictions! My notepad for writing – Cheat Sheet! My surface pro – Awesomeness!!!

What is your least favorite word?

Um. I’m not sure if it’s a word, um, but, um, it take, um, up a lot of, um, space. I hate commas too. Probably um’s fault.

What part of the writing process do you dread?

Oh… editing. I’d rather brush my teeth with superglue than edit a manuscript. I’m a math girl and this grammar thing has become my nemesis. If I ever strike gold with my books I’m not going to buy a large house or a new car. I’m going to get an editor.

Where do you get your best ideas?

From  life. I try hard to pay attention to the characters in my real life and use a lot of them in my books. If I’m running dry, music is always something that will help bring me back. I write what I’d love to read really.

What do you do to relax?

I rarely relax, which is a weakness of sorts. I think I need to purchase a tranquilizer gun so that my husband can put me down when I need to take a break. The only relaxing things I force myself to do are taking bubble baths now and again and lounging in the pool in the backyard.

If we were to come to your house for a meal, what would you give us to eat?

My family is from the south for the most part, so you’d most like get a southern fried meal. Something like chicken fried steak, white gravy, butter creamed corn, whipped potatoes, and homemade biscuits. No dessert… there’s no room for it, I promise.

Do you listen to music when you're writing?

Sometimes. Music moves me and so if I know where the scene is going and need to get it out, I’ll turn the music off. The last thing I need is for the music to change the direction of my writing. If I’m just writing a short scene or something for fun outside of the context of a story – the music is what I let drive the entire piece.

What song would you choose for Karaoke?

Either Pat Benatar’s “Love is a battlefield” or Katy Perry’s “Roar”.

What is the first book you remember making an indelible impression on you?

R.L. Stine’s Fear Street Novels. They were a quick read and the romance and action were perfectly blended. I was always a little bit scared by the scene or situation and experienced almost every emotion with those books. My girls read them now.

Do you have any other talents you want to share?

Yep. I’m a songwriter as well. I wrote a short intro for my debut novel. You can check it out at this youtube link.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E05_ye05OqM

***GIVEAWAY***

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MY REVIEW

Title: Resounding Truth
Series: The Resounding Series
Author: Kate Thomas
Release Date: 19th March 2015

BLURB from Goodreads
Derik has been the Alpha of the Graybacks since the death of Drucilia’s father, his murder still weighing heavy upon Dru. With fierce determination and an iron fist, the new Alpha has successfully kept them alive and fed, but the threat of Hunters and Vampires creeps ever so close. With his eye on Dru as a prime candidate for his mate, he demands more than she’s willing to give and blazes a trail of rage across the pack at her denial. 

They have waited for a savior, for someone to come and take power from Derik and the time draws near. Dru’s sister Karis can see deep into the future and makes it known that a white wolf will be their redeemer, but will he be too late? With the Queen of the vampires thirsty for an accord in blood and the head Huntress of the Circle of Elders seeking the white wolf with fever, things get tense and complicated far before the resounding truth is uncovered. 

Goodreads Link

INITIAL THOUGHTS
So as soon as I saw this one on Netgalley I requested it immediately! I've been looking out for another great shifter series, and I'm hoping this may be "it". What am I hoping for? Mmm something on par with Women Of The Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong, Jessica McClain Series by Amanda Carlson and/or the Holloway Pack Series by J.A. Belfield

REVIEW
As I mentioned above I requested this one from Netgalley and was accepted quite quickly. I had been looking for another shifter series to read along with the other fantastic series I mentioned above.
So the cover of this book shows a full moon, and those of us who read the shifter genre know that is very important to shifters. After reading the novella I would say the couple featured almost kissing on the cover, could be Drucilla and the current and sometimes quite sadistic Alpha of the Graybacks called Derik. Then again the male could fit the description of Caleb too. There is the werewolf howling at a full moon too, another regular theme for shifter books. The colours of the cover suggest it is all taking place at a dusk setting.
Do I think this cover would make me pick the book up from a book store shelf? Yes, it shouts out that it's a shifter book, and I find the cover appealing enough that it would make me pick this one up to learn more.
So I'll start with telling you a little about the Greyback pack. The Alpha is the rather sadistic man called Derik. Derik has grown up in the pack alongside the then Alpha's daughter Drucilla. Drucilla's father had originally planned for Derik to take over from him and be mated with Drucilla when the time came. However Derik killed Drucilla's father. There is some more "back story" hinted at. The circumstances surrounding the death of Drucilla's parents is one of the major reasons Drucilla hates Derik.  Derik has so far rejected the idea of mating with anyone, never mind taking Drucilla as his mate. Instead Drucilla has a more friendship based relationship with Derik's younger brother. The pack is somewhat split in their feelings about Derik being Alpha. So it's with mixed feelings that they are considering moving their pack base. A scouting trip has been sent ahead to check out any potential dangers. 
Drucilla shares a tent with her young sister Karis. Karis if very special and both her and Drucilla are treasured by the pack. Karis has the "gift" of prophecy. She has recently had one of the prophetic dreams in which she saw a new Alpha appearing, who would become Drucilla's soul mate. When Karis tell's Druncilla about her dream it really strikes a chord with her because earlier that day whilst swimming in the nearby lake Drucilla caught a glimpse of an imposing white wolf. 
I could really go on and on about this novella. Though it's a novella, it covers so much, there's so much action, drama and little romance thrown in too.
Caleb is a rarity, an Alpha travelling alone in a search for his soul mate. Caleb also has the gift of prophecy and has seen his "true mate" in his dreams. So it is no shock to him when he finds her, swimming in a lake. It takes his mate a little longer to accept the idea.
Naturally Derik hates Caleb on sight and wants him to have nothing to do with him. Derik also notices the looks that Caleb is giving Drucilla. 
Drucilla's sister is kidnapped by vampire's, so the rumors of them being near the new werewolf settlement were true. It also seem's that Derik knows all about the vampires as he heads off to do a "deal" with them for the safe return of Karis. The head female vampire refuses to make a deal with Derik and makes her blood bond with Drucilla. Perhaps it's because of the vampires action, or the fact there's another Alpha male sniffing around Drucilla, as Derik has a change of heart and decides he may well take her as his mate after all. Drucilla is repulsed at the idea, unable to forgive him for the deaths of her parents.
Who will Drucilla end up being with? Who is her true soul mate, Derike or Caleb? What will it mean for the pack? Is the pack in danger from the vampires, or is there a greater danger to fear?
So did I enjoy the book? I loved it, the plot and characters pulled me in slowly and firmly held me there. The novella kept my attention throughout. I enjoyed the politics of two Alpha's being around each other, as well as the dangers of the Hunters and Vampires that await the pack. I also love a great kick butt female character and in this novella we have Drucilla and the early signs of another one in Karis. I also love the way the whole pack treasure Karis too even though some do not believe or find the fact that she can see the future scary.
Would I recommend the book? I do recommend this novella yes! I love a great shifter series, and this definitely seems like a promising start to a prospectively brilliant series.
Would I want to read more in this series? Yes please as soon as possible!! This series is securely added to my wishlist.
Would I read other books by this author? I intend to. I'm already considering her Equilibrium Series.