The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom: Interview and Giveaway Snow Blood by Carol McKibben

Snow Blood Season 1

Snow Blood Series

Episodes 1-6

Carol McKibben

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Troll River Publications

Date of Publication: February 14, 2014

Print ISBN: 978-1939564368

eBook ISBN: B00JOWG05O

Number of pages: 240 pages

Word Count: 56,025

Cover Artist: Truenot Dreams

Book Description:

Snow Blood Season 1 by Carol McKibben is the first in a series of short novels retelling the modern day adventures of the first vampire.

When Brogio must turn Snow, a beautiful white husky, in order to save the dog, a series of events is unleashed that reveal a sinister plot against the father of all vampires.

As life and true death experiences bond the master vampire and his newly transformed vampire canine together, they unravel a conspiracy that when resolved may return Selene, the love of Brogio’s life, back to him and set him free from the lonely existence that has plagued him for thousands of years! From the author of Luke’s Tale, follow Snow Blood, an epic story of the first vampire as told through the eyes of his kindred dog.

Episode One - reveals how Snow first meets Brogio, the original vampire, and follows the white husky through his transformation to the Kindred world.

Episode Two - uncovers a sinister plot to destroy the father of all vampires, and we meet Kane, Brogio’s first blood child. This episode traces Snow’s efforts to discover Brogio’s history.

Episode Three - introduces Selene, a nurse who is identical to the love of Brogio’s existence. Is she merely a doppelganger or his love returned to him? Is she part of the threat to his destruction? More threats are made not just against the lives of Brogio and Snow but against Selene, forcing them to reveal their true identities to her. Struggling with her acceptance of Brogio, Snow and Kane, Selene is brought into their fold for her protection.

Episode Four and Five - let the reader know more about Brogio and the original Selene’s past while Brogio attempts to protect those he loves from inevitable destruction by leading the threatening dark forces away from them. Snow intercedes after Selene’s plea for help to reunite her to Brogio. United again, destruction follows the four of them wherever they go. Hounded by ancient gods and goddesses, monsters, werewolves and a number of disasters, they battle to protect each other. In his effort to protect his master and those he loves, Snow must make a promise that will end his life as he knows it. The true source bent on destroying Brogio is finally revealed and culminates in an epic battle where Snow offers up his life to save Brogio, Selene and Kane.

Episode Six – Snow prepares to keep the promise that he made, but Kane intervenes for his “blood brother,” leaving us to wonder about both their fates. Tension grows between Brogio and Selene as he attempts to make her his wife for eternity and defy the gods. The reader discovers if Selene is his love returned to him.

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Excerpt 1:

The pain sliced into my ribs like steel on bone. Then, nothingness.

Searing pain, and the sight of two snarling, rabid beasts locked in battle, interrupted the safety of my void. The scent of their blood-filled rage made my nose twitch. My brain screamed "move" but my legs disobeyed. Paralyzed on the ground, I watched as two giant beasts circled each other, lumbering dangerously close. One, an unknown, unnatural brother who could stand on hind legs. The other ... a demon, perhaps? That was the best way I could describe this otherworldly creature.

My eyes began to focus. I could see blood-covered fangs and claws, a demon strangely glowing in the lunar light. It looked "moon-kissed”. Light from the night-time sun caressed this deformed creature. Perhaps I'm imagining this? Maybe it's my love of the moon. I've always felt its protection at night on my forays into the woods near my home.

Jaws snapping. The upright wolf-being lunged. The demon creature moved faster, almost a blur. It hastily side-stepped the wolf's bite as easily as a mongoose avoids a cobra. The wolf snarled its frustration. It circled the moon-kissed demon that appeared to be taunting its opponent. I tried to move to observe better, but pain savagely raked through me. A dark circle of wetness surrounded me. The air reeked with the smell of ... blood. My blood.

Why had I recklessly left the comfort of my home? The fireplace in the den warmed us against the outside of fall's cold weather. Perhaps I needed adventure. Prey lurked in the outside darkness, and instinctively, I had wanted to give chase. My little human tried to tackle me just as I dashed to the kitchen and nosed aside the flap from the back door to the freedom of the night that beckoned me.

"Snow! Don't go out there. It's dark!" He squirmed, trying to hold me. He weighed less than any little subaltern laying his body across my shaggy mass. Embarrassing, I thought, since I outranked him in the pack. But, I never snapped at him. My little human needed my protection.

"Let him go, Tommy. He's just doing his job; keeping the coyotes away." Tommy's father, our Alpha, had spoken, and we must all obey.

The little human stood upright and slowly released his grip on my back. Moments later, I was chasing coyotes across the front lawn and out into the street, doing what I did best – protecting my pack. Now, as the sound of gnashing teeth brought me back into the present, I wished for the chance to better safeguard them. Who would warn my humans of this danger if I didn't make it home?

The two creatures battled on. The wolf leaped over its combatant's head, narrowly avoiding a crushing blow to its leg. The glowing demon blurred, quickly avoiding an attack from the rear. It spun just in time to avoid its throat from being taken. Suddenly, fall leaves were flying into the air. They hit the grass under the trees that lined the abandoned road and tumbled, arms and heads over legs.

My paws quivered as the fight drew closer to me. Inexplicitly, I remained unable to move from where I had landed after the pain hit me. My energy had already seeped from my body. Running away appeared no longer an option.

I watched as the fierce beasts arose quickly from their tumble. The wolf gained an advantage, lunging forward and extending its claws as the demon stumbled over a broken tree trunk. Its opportune fall to the ground enabled the demon to duck the razor-sharp claws. Just missing the demon, the wolf landed and rolled behind its enemy. Quickly, it spun up to go after its prey now sprawled out on the grass.

Just as the wolf leaped, BOOM. A loud explosion ... and then the wolf crumpled to the ground with a pained yelp and a heavy thud. His lifeless body sprawled awkwardly on the dirt.

A strange voice pierced through my head. "Silver bullets work well on panweres, too." A malicious chuckle followed.

Was that the demon's voice? I wondered. Surely I did not see his lips moving.

The demon creature knelt over its victim and poked the wolf's body. No sign of life. Triumphantly, it threw back its head and let out a victory scream that made the hairs on my neck bristle. It then rose to cast its appraising gaze in my direction. I struggled to get my feet under me, fearing that if I didn't, the demon would kill me on this spot, just as he had taken the life of the wolf. As it approached me, I felt my life slowly drain away; the darkness enveloped me again. The sadness of never seeing my family again lingered ...

Darkness closed over me ... drifting into ... an overwhelming itchy sensation? My nerve endings were on fire, consuming me with a new-found rush. The thin line of life spread throughout me. Every fiber of my body stood on end as the blood-filled eyes of the demon pierced mine. A thin drop of blood clung to one of its fangs before descending onto my face in slow motion. I tried to move but the creature held me in place with one giant claw-covered hand. Other than the weight of its massive body, I felt no trace of the initial pain that had sent me into darkness.

I watched transfixed as the creature transformed into a human. First claws became large hands. It shrunk only slightly. Its deformed body took the shape of a strong, muscular athlete. Its distorted visage faded into a handsome face with a strong nose, cheek bones and jaw. It was only seconds until it became a naked man. It spoke. "Hold still, dog. Let your body absorb my venom and heal."

Venom? Heal me? Fire streaked through my veins, forcing every part of me to come alive. An unfamiliar strength enveloped me. I had been crippled only moments ago. Now, every part of me sprang to life. My eyes never left the demon/man.

Blonde and fair, a pale face framed large violet-colored eyes that transitioned back to red and again to violet. He towered over me; his long, muscular frame stretched over what must have been almost a half-head taller than James, my master. I once heard my master brag, "I'm six-foot-one in my stocking feet." I guess that was his way of stating how tall he is.

The demon/man wiped the blood from his face onto his hand. My blood, or his? I wasn't sure.

"All right," he commanded, "try to get up now."

I sprang to all fours, shook my heavy white coat and sat back on my haunches. How did I get on this deserted road in the middle of the woods? Prey. That's it. Chasing prey. The large black car with Oregon plates sitting sideways in the road next to us, lights on, motor running, looked as though it had swerved to avoid something. Had it collided with me?

The man knelt down and patted my head. "Confused are you? That's right, I hit you."

I cocked my head at him, feeling better than before. How could he have hit me? I got a whiff of his odor. A layer of perfume concealed the smell of death and something rotten that had emanated from the demon during its battle with the wolf. I stood and shook my whole body again, as if to expel the experience and the smell. Then I turned away to go back home.

"Wait!" He placed a firm grip on my back with his strong, human hands.

I whipped my head around, baring teeth in warning. Let me go! I had to go home to my loving family and the warm fire that awaited me.

He stared at me. "No, that's an insane thought."

Was he speaking to me? Was he reading my mind?

He paused for a long moment, staring at me as if he could see through me. I shivered from the menacing touch of his hand on my back.

He released his grip. His shoulders slumped, and he ran a bloody hand through his blonde hair. He took a long, deep breath, then shook his head. "Come with me."

I watched him move toward the car. I had to go home. My people must be worried.

He turned to me, and I felt drawn to him. No, I must go home.

"There is no choice, dog. Come with me."

No! The hackles on my back stood on end in warning. I will go home! I backed away, growling in defiance. I turned to run, but he blocked my path to freedom and caught me in a heartbeat.

He stopped me in my tracks. How could this human outrun me?

He grabbed my head with his bloody hands and twisted my face to meet his blood-red eyes. "You will come with me now! It is for your survival and that of your people." He let go and stood tall again. He took two long strides to the car. Over his shoulder he commanded, "Come!"

I resisted with everything that I had.

He opened a door to the large sedan and motioned for me to take the passenger seat. I tried to resist again but my legs disobeyed me, and I covered the short space and jumped in. He slammed the door behind me.

I growled as I watched him cross in front of the car and open the driver's door. A black turtleneck sweater and black pants hung on the back of the driver's seat. Black loafers and socks sat on the floor in front of the seat. He reached inside for them and hurriedly put them on, never taking his eyes from me. His gaze was creeping me out. Intense.

Sliding behind the wheel, he looked at me for a long minute. "You're my responsibility now. Let's go find you something to eat. You will need your strength."

I didn't like his toothy grin. What wasn't he telling me?

I found it odd that my ravenous cravings for something ... something very bloody outweighed all other reason.

About the Author:

Carol McKibben graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Secondary Education and a minor in Journalism. She went on to earn a Master’s of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from Rollins College. After teaching English and Journalism for a decade, she was offered the opportunity to join Miramar Communications, the 8th largest publishing house west of the Mississippi in Los Angeles.

Working her way up from editorial and then as Director of Market Development, she became the publisher of Special Events magazine (a trade publication for all those working in the events industry) that she helped launch in 1984. In addition, she created a companion trade show, The Special Event, for which she was also the director for a decade, planning every aspect – from exhibits to educational conferences and events.

During that time, she earned her Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation and helped found the International Special Events Society (ISES) of which she was international president from 1999-2000. She co-authored The Dictionary of Event Management for ISES and helped write the study guides for the CSEP exam.

She was a magazine publisher for both consumer and trade magazines for 20+ years. She has written numerous articles and conducted a myriad of seminars, often speaking to large audiences for both The Special Event and ISES. She was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the special events industry in 1999.

In 2007, she began a freelance writing and editing career, working with other authors to help them realize their dreams. She has published Luke’s Tale, Riding Through It and Snow Blood Season 1. Luke’s Tale and Snow Blood are targeted to a YA market. Luke’s Tale was included in the Summer Solstice Top 12 Book Pick List. Carol writes from the heart of a dog’s eyes. Her books help support her dog rescue efforts and focus on unconditional love.

Carol is married to Mark McKibben, a broadcast engineering sales professional and experienced airplane pilot, and they have two grown children, Rett and Stephanie, and three grandchildren, Lauren, Diesel and Slater. Their current “babies” are Neo, their 117-lb. Labradoodle, a trained therapy dog, and Binks, a black Labrador Retriever rescue. Together Mark and Carol work with the Los Angeles Animal Rescue and Wings of Rescue to save the precious lives of endangered dogs.

Carol is a firm believer in Maya Angelou’s quote:” I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” She believes that angels were her inspiration for Luke’s Tale – a Story of Unconditional Love and feels that even though the Snow Blood Series is about the original vampire and his kindred dog, that theme carries through. “There’s a method to my madness,” she states. “The world is waiting for love to overcome hate. I feel that my purpose is to show others how to love unconditionally, just as dogs love us we should love each other.”

Carol’s other favorite quote is one that her husband taught her. “I love myself more when I am with you.”

Carol ,Neo and Binks are currently working on Snow Blood Season 2.

To learn even more about Carol, go to http://www.carolmckibben.com

Blog: http://www.carolmckibben.com/blog

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@carolmckibben

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/carolmckibbenauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20497411-snow-blood

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4046806.Carol_McKibben

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/carolmckibben

RSS: http://www.carolmckibben.com/1/feed

Luke’s Tale: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5TgN5PQao8

Praise for Snow Blood

CAROL MCKIBBEN HAS BECOME ONE OF THE AMAZING NEW LIGHTS IN LITERATURE AT THE MOMENT! -Grady Harp, October 20, 2014

SNOW BLOOD ENTHRALLS ... A TALE FOR ALL AGES 5-Stars! "From Chapter One I was enthralled...a love story...a vampire dog...a mystery? The author didn't miss one intriguing trick in this spellbinding tale. I hated when it ended and need it to continue to know what happens next to these entrancing lovers and this loyal, mystical and prophetic canine. Carol manages to weave in every element that will captivate a reader and it is like reading ancient mythology which to some is real, and it was hard to believe that these characters are not real, especially Snow Blood who is a dog, but so much more. It is storytelling at its finest. Best yet, it could appeal to all ages, from younger children (10 on up) to teens to adults. Carol, don't stop now!" -Andrea Michaels

5-Stars for Snow Blood! "Approaching midnight, and I can't stop reading Snow Blood. If you enjoy vampires, mythology, intrigue, and a love story all told from a dog's perspective...read this book. Page turner from page 1. Rare for a book to capture and hold my attention from page one. So looking forward to the next Snow Blood book!" -Lee Brown

5-Stars - "SNOW BLOOD Season 1 is a unique novel in that McKibben has elected to tell a story through the eyes, senses, and thoughts of an animal. For some authors this attempt may become uncomfortably artificial, but McKibben is so gifted at the manner in which she maintains this stance that every page of the novel is wholly credible. Add to that fact the theme of the story being the turning of non-vampires into vampires and one would think the author was up against an unscalable wall of credibility. But that is the mark of a practiced veteran: understand the stance of the perspective, keep it viable, and the story will work.

And work SNOW BLOOD Season 1 most assuredly does. The Snow of the title is a beautiful white husky who is attacked by a mysterious wolf like animal who then takes the form of a human (Brogio) and transforms Snow into a vampire. When Brogio must turn Snow in order to save the dog, a series of events are unleashed that reveal a sinister plot against the father of all vampires. As life and true death experiences bond the master vampire and his newly transformed vampire canine together, they unravel a conspiracy that when resolved may return Selene, the love of Brogio's life, back to him and set him free from the lonely existence that has plagued him for thousands of years. But to appreciate the skill of this fine writer, the following `turning' is quoted form early in the book:

He bent down and looked deeply into my eyes. "What is your name?" My thoughts betrayed me as my legs had earlier. I felt compelled to answer. My name is Snow. "Ah, yes. Snow. I shall call you Snow ... Blood. You can call me Brogio." I heard the words, but his mouth didn't move. He took another sip from his glass and smiled. "That's right; you're hearing my thoughts. Spoken words will not be needed between us now." He held up his glass. I wondered what was in the glass. "This is wine from my winery. Vintage 1985." I was relieved that he wasn't drinking a glass of blood in front of me. So tell me, Brogio, why do we not need words? Again, the smile. The eyes turned deep red for a fraction of a second. A cold chill coursed through me, and I shivered. I wanted to run, but where? This Brogio could outrun me. And he could read my mind too! Anger rose up, and I let out a reflexive growl. "I am an Artemis. Animals understand and obey me. It is the way. And now, I am your sire." If you control animals, why did the strange wolf attack you? "I have no control over panweres." Panweres? Never heard of them. What ... "A shape shifter. A creature that can shift into many different kinds of animals." He stood straight up. "Come, you must feed. We can talk more later." I want to go home. "No, you can't. It would be dangerous." He kneeled down next to me. "Snow Blood, you would end up killing those you love until I can teach you to control your urges." I shook my head from side to side. I don't understand. He sighed and returns to the oversized chair, taking a long drink of the remaining wine. I sat firmly in place. I refused to go anywhere until I understood what he meant. "Snow." He sat back in the chair as if ready to tell me a story, "You are becoming a vampire. And, Only a vampire can make another." He stared at me to let the words sink in. "You died on the road, and I turned you to bring you back."

This is very fine, highly creative writing from an artist who knows her trade well. She will be noted." Grady Harp

5-Stars for Snow Blood! "Carol McKibben has outdone herself. She 'writes from the heart' as she once again weaves her magic by sharing her unique way of seeing life through the eyes of another animal. The moment I saw Snow's beautiful white fur and piercing blue eyes, I wanted to protect him right away. Then "Brogio, the first vampire!" must turn Snow, If he doesn't Snow will die. Carol's fluent writing is a page turner and this book is full of twists, turns and surprises. I won't give too much away but believe me you won't want to miss the series!" –Robin Potter

5-Stars! "Exquisite Vampire Novel - Brogio is the first vampire created by the goddess Artemis. Brogio creates the first vampire dog who he names Snow Blood. At first Snow Bolood resists being "vampire." As time passes, he accepts being "vampire" and is loyal to Brogio. He learns about Brogio's life and his lost love. Snow Blood tells this stunning story that has mystery, romance, mythology and horror in it. This makes for a fantastic read! Does Brogio find his lost love? How does Brogio survive in the world besides making a living? Why does a vampire dog not be affected by the sun? This is an excellent vampire novel. There are twists and turns you don't expect. I enjoyed this "vampire" novel more than any of the other vampire stories I have read with the exception of the original Bram Stoker's Dracula. This is a strong not to be missed! Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own." -S. Mahaffey

5-Star - "Excellent Vampire Read! Snow Blood: Season 1: Episodes 1-6 was an excellent read that really took me by surprised. I was intrigued by the plot, as it sounded like a story that I have never read before. The concept is pretty amazing, and definitely did not disappoint at all. The Husky dog, Snow, tells the story of how he came about meeting his master, Brogio. I have never read a story where a dog is a vampire as well, which made this one so likable (I love dogs!).

This story contains pretty much everything; from mystery to suspense, to romance and deep questioning. The relationship between Brogio and Selene was quite interesting, and I am curious to see what will happen next. Reading the story through Snow's eyes made the story even better.
I can't wait to read episode 2. Carol McKibben truly is a very gifted author." -Karen Ruggiero

5-Stars - "Snow Blood Episode 1 was a real surprise find for me. Being a dog person, I was tempted but I only reluctantly ventured out to read this book about a white husky who becomes vampire. To my relief and joy the concept really worked. Snow, the husky, tells in his own words how he comes in contact with Brogio, his saviour and master, and how his new life pans out. Telling a vampire dog story adds a great twist, one that is long overdue since we have shapeshifters and werewolve stories everywhere. Telling the story from the dog's perspective worked for me since it is a welcome break from just 'cute' dog stories and stories told by dogs. Episode 1 sets the scene and focuses on the transformation and the main characters, but it is ultimately a short novel that leaves a lot for the next installments. The drama, the suspense and the perspective are excellent, and I no doubt will make my way through this canine paranormal series. Well done." -Christoph Fischer

"In Snow Blood, Season 1, another of Carol McKibben’s books, we encounter Snow, a white husky, who (as in Luke’s Tale, above) tells his own story. It involves a sinister plot against the father of all vampires told through a stream of supernatural events. And there’s another love triangle, of a sort, involving Selene, Brogio and Snow. This wildly imaginative tale delves deeply into a complex occult world of the vampire and the panwere (a type of shapeshifter). • vampire, n. – one whom drinks the blood of others, be it animal or human. • panwere, n. – a shapeshifter that can morph its life to match that of another creature. This first of a series (Series 1) is told in six scenes or episodes. If you are a lover of vampire stories involving clever dogs, this book is for you." -Don Messerschmidt, Literary Dogs

This story is the perfect tale of unconditional love. We get to see things through the eyes of a dog watching the love of Brogio's life walk in while the jealous god that cursed him tries to rip the lovers apart. Snow Blood has none of that and seeks to help Brogio and Selene be together! Fun, fast read!" -Lea Lyanna, BookBeasties

"I love Carol's books on Snow Blood. I know 5 is the highest rating, but they deserve a 10. I can not wait to see what happens next." DConner

New Book Journal features Snow Blood with some info on Luke's Tale.

Preview
Go to http://askdavid.com/preview/8306 for a preview of Snow Blood.

And, here's more info on Snow Blood!

“A real surprise find for me. Being a dog person I was tempted but I only reluctantly ventured out to read this book about a white husky who becomes vampire. To my relief and joy the concept really worked! … The drama, the suspense and the perspective are excellent, and I no doubt will make my way through this canine paranormal series. Well done!” ~Christoph Fischer

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