Dear Book Voyagers,
As we journey further from the release of "Awoke", the first book in the "Unseen War" series, I find myself brimming with a mix of gratitude, excitement, and sheer awe at the path we've traversed together. It's been an incredible journey, one that's far from over, and today, I'm thrilled to share with you some updates that have left me absolutely chuffed!
1. The Awoke Collection Edition Box Giveaway
First up, we have something truly special for you – an opportunity to dive deeper into the reimagined Boston and the mystical ties between the living and the dead with our exclusive Awoke Collection Edition Box. But hurry, the giveaway ends at the month's close - February 29th! This isn't just any box; it's a treasure trove containing:
2. Upcoming Author Event in Boston
For our voyagers in the Boston area, mark your calendars for March 9th at 1:30pm! I'll be at the Frugal Bookstore, a cherished community space and the only Black-owned bookstore in Boston. It promises to be a night of lively discussion, shared stories, and perhaps a few secrets revealed about what lies ahead.
3. Celebrating Reviews
The reception to "Awoke" has been nothing short of overwhelming. From the immersive experience lauded by Reader's Favorite to the suspenseful, emotionally layered tale highlighted by Feathered Quill, your reviews have transcended my highest expectations. Then Kirkus Reviews praises the vivid storytelling and world-building, while the action sequences and backstories have resonated deeply with many of you. These reviews are a testament to our shared journey, and for that, I am immensely thankful and excited for what's next!
Looking Ahead: "Rise"
The journey doesn't end here - how can it? The next installment, "Rise", is scheduled for Fall 2025, and I am pouring my heart and soul into continuing the saga that we've embarked on together. The road ahead is filled with more twists, deeper explorations, and, of course, the unwavering spirit of our protagonist, Katya.
As we move forward, I want to hear from you. Your thoughts, your favorite moments, what shocked you, and what you're eagerly anticipating in "Rise". Your engagement and feedback are what fuel this journey, making each step more meaningful than the last. Find me on Tiktok, Threads and Instagram!
In closing, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being the most incredible voyagers a writer could ask for. Here's to more adventures, more discoveries, and more unforgettable moments together.
With all my gratitude,
K.T.
As a writer, the journey of weaving words into stories is intensely personal, but there’s nothing quite as rewarding as seeing those stories touch the hearts and minds of readers. Over time, "The Want Series," now "The Unseen War," has transcended pages, becoming more than just a series—it's evolved into shared moments, experiences, and memories that resonate with so many of you. Today, I'd like to take a moment to shine a spotlight on some of the incredible interactions and testimonials I've received from our community of Book Voyagers.
1. A Letter from Lesley in New York City:
A while back, I received a message on Facebook from Lesley, who was in love with Awoke, demanding to know where the second book was. Needless to say, I had a great chuckle from her ferocity because it meant that the book was worth the effort and aggravation.
2. A Book Review from Caitlyn:
Caitlyn was one of the many book reviewers who received an Advance Reading Copy (ARC) looking to get feedback. The first thing she said was that she was stunned to see a Black female protagonist in a fantasy novel written by a Black female author. Knowing that it was not the norm to see at the time (and still isn't quite mainstream), I was ecstatic to see that someone outside of my community understood the significance of our choices. And she loved the story in its entirety.
3. The Tearful Meet-up at Black Book Exp:
I had the privilege of meeting dozens of Book Voyagers and exploring the different books other Black authors wrote. Among them was Sharita, who had brought her daughter Ari to the Expo. She came up to me to hug me and teared up. She said she was so happy to see someone there prevailing and writing characters resembling Ari. Ari loves fantasy but was immediately drawn to my book. I teared up as well because all I ever wanted to do was create powerful characters that also looked like me. Ari and Sharita understood the power of representation just as much as I did. It led to other conversations about appearing at nearby schools to encourage children to continue to write and pursue their dreams.
Sharing these moments is a small window into the vast universe of emotions and experiences that you, my readers, have shared with me. Your words, art, and emotions are a testament to the magic of storytelling. They remind me that, while I may provide the words, your imagination, interpretation, and personal journeys truly bring the story to life.
To every Book Voyager out there, know that your voice matters. Your experiences, emotions and the very impact that "The Unseen War" has had on you fuel my passion and push me to dive deeper into this world we've created together.
Until next time, Book Voyagers.
Keep sharing, believing, and most importantly, voyaging through the realms of stories.
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