Snow Blood: Season 1 by Carol McKibben Giveaway & Interview

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.

Snow Blood video trailer: http://youtu.be/Jkr2Qgcwwr0

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The night air brought an aroma of the dark surrounding forest. Owls beckoned to me: "Catch me if you can." A squirrel scurried up a tree to dine on a tasty nut it had found on the earthen floor. A snake curled around a branch ready to devour a tree mouse. My sole amusement as I sat guard for what seemed eternity outside the wine tasting. The moon peaked high in the sky. I desperately wanted to howl at it as a diversion from the craving to feast upon the people who came and went. Laughter filled the tasting room, jammed packed with wine lovers in evening dress strolling from one tasting station to the next, stopping to "cleanse their pallets" with cheese and bread in-between. Brogio had advised me that this was "part of the business."

I once again looked to the full moon that appeared to shine more brightly than days past. My mind wandered. I imagined that Brogio must be circling some delicious female, ready to entice her into the wine cellar and quench his thirst for his preferred food: Human blood. I longed to taste it with him. I held on to my blood lust, remembering Brogio's constant coaching about control, so I wouldn't randomly attack a lone wine taster exiting the building. Every day seemed to make it easier to control my urges. Later, I planned to satisfy my hunger with the creatures in the forest. I shook my heavy coat and sat back to scratch each ear, but a shadow from the trees gave me pause.

She walked out of the forest, taking me by surprise. How had I not heard her footsteps, sensed her presence? She was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. Dogs don't get hung up on human appearance, but even my dead veins pulsed a bit at the sight of her. She glowed like the moon. Was this . . . could it be the one the goddess told me to find?

Her slender body glided toward me. Her footsteps made no sound. She wore a steel-blue dress that matched her eyes. Her long blonde hair hung to her waist in a straight line around her. It shimmered like silver in the moonlight against her alabaster skin. I backed away as she drew near.

She stopped just in front of me. "Beautiful boy, why're you sitting here alone?"

I felt the caress of her hand. A sharp, electric thrill coursed through me. I gave her a quick “ruff.”

Her laughter tinkled like wind chimes in a breeze. She mesmerized me, and I followed her into the tasting room, not considering any consequences.

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." DConnerNew Book Journal features Snow Blood with some info on Luke's Tale.
PreviewGo 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

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.

Interview – Carol McKibben – November 13, 2014

Where are you from?

Originally? Born in Savannah, Georgia, I grew up in Asheville, North Carolina. After attending the University of Georgia and graduating from the University of Kentucky, I lived all over the East Coast until we moved to Los Angeles in 1981.

Tell us your latest news?

Hmmm … I have lots of news. My horse and I ranked third in Southern California at Third Level Dressage (I ride competitively). I’m working on Season 2 of my Snow Blood Series and I just celebrated my 40^th wedding anniversary with the same man! Now that’s a feat these days!

When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing when I was a kid. Was on the newspaper staff in high school and college. Majored in English and Journalism. Taught writing in high school and then became an editor and publisher of magazines. So, pretty much always!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I was 14, my Daddy started reading my articles. He looked at me one day and said, “You’re a writer.” And, I’ve believed it since then.

What inspired you to write your first book?

Let me clarify. As a journalist and editor, I was always writing. I edited a number of books for others. But, I didn’t slow down long enough to really write my first book until 2005. I published it in 2007. It’s a memoir, but I don’t consider it my first “book.” It was a way to leave my past behind and start fresh. I consider my first real work of fiction Luke’s Tale. It’s the story of a couple’s search to find unconditional love as told through the eyes of their blind dog. Honestly, I dreamed about it. The little voices in my head (no, I’m not a nutcase!) kept pushing me to write it. Then, I went to two different psychics who told me that I was being divinely guided to write it. All my books are driven by the theme of unconditional love, even my Snow Blood series about vampires.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I prefer narratives written though the eyes and hearts of dogs. I feel it gives me a more one-on-one personalized ability to speak to my reader directly. I want to make my readers laugh and cry in the same story, because I’m laughing or crying as I write it. It allows me to flesh out the characters clearly to my readers.

How did you come up with the title?

As you might have guessed, I’m totally into dogs. They play a prominent part in everything that I write currently. Luke’s Tale had just been published, and my publisher was hanging around the barn with me. She looked at me and asked me what I was going to write next.

I gave her a sideways look and flippantly said, “What do you want me to write?”

She smiled and said, “Why not a vampire book?”

I replied, “A vampire dog?”

She laughed and said, “why not?”

I work with a lot of rescue groups and had just fostered a snow white husky for which we had found a home. The dog’s name was “Snow.” I said, “I’ll call the dog “Snow,”

She said, “Why not Snow Blood?” And there it was. We both instantly loved it.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Oh, heck yes! All my books are about unconditional love. That love is always illustrated by the actions of the dog/narrator in the story. Dogs are the only beings that love us unconditionally. My question has always been why can’t we love each other (human to human) in the same way – without conditions. We often put “strings” on each other – If you behave in a certain way, be who I want you to be, do what I want you to do – then I will love you. Think about it. People today don’t stick together during tough times. Why not? Because they don’t love each other unconditionally. Snow Blood takes an unlikely scenario where the reader wouldn’t necessarily expect love, loyalty, etc. and illustrates it.

How much of the book is realistic?

It’s pure, paranormal fantasy. If you don’t like vampire stories, hate dogs and can’t suspend disbelief, then it’s not for you. On the other hand, if you’d love to read the story of how the first vampire was created (from the Vampire Bible) as told through the eyes of his kindred dog and how love can help you overcome anything, you’ll love it.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

No, not in Snow Blood. This story is my pure imagination. Except of course, Snow Blood is modeled after a foster dog named Snow. In Luke’s Tale, definitely. But, that’s another story.

What books have most influenced your life most?

The books of John Irving because he writes about quirky characters and his stories make you laugh and cry at the same time. I like his plot twists, and I enjoy books that take readers where they don’t expect to go. I want to be “touched” by what I read. Don’t you?

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Definitely John Irving. I’ve never met him, but he has taught me much with his writing.

What book are you reading now?

A Big Little Life by Dean Koontz and A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny.  I never have time to read one book at a time, so I usually read two at a time and switch back and forth, picking up whichever one strikes me at the moment.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

No one at the moment. I do want to read Richard Stephenson’s Collapse.

What are your current projects?

I am working on Snow Blood Season 2. In Season 1, I purposely made Selene a rather weak-willed character. In Season 2, she transforms into this very strong character. I love doing that. In addition, I’m adding more flavor to all the characters, more depth. And, I’m giving Snow a love interest.

Multiple reviewers said this is a vampire story … love story … mystery with lots of twists and turns. That’s still all there, but I want the characters to be even richer.

What would you like my readers to know?

This is a story about vampires. But, it’s also a commentary on how to unconditionally love another. I never put in anything just for the sake of a shock value. It’s all a part of what would happen in that world. But the overriding theme is unselfish love. It always is in all of my books. Give me a try and see what you think!

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

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

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