Kane – The First Blood Son is the prequel to the Snow Blood Series.

This is the perfect cover for Kane – The First Blood Son. During the poll I sent you to help me select a cover, some of you wondered why Snow Blood wasn’t on it. That’s because this is the story of how Kane met Brogio and the results. It takes place long before the white husky Snow becomes Snow Blood.
 
Let me tell you why Brogio and Kane are the focus of the cover:  

Kane de Medici’s thirst for knowledge leads him into the dark world of vampirism. Working as an apprentice to the great master, Leonardo da Vinci in 1503, he encounters Brogio, one of Florence’s most wealthy bachelors. Their growing friendship coupled with strange events lead him to uncover Brogio’s inconceivable secret. Brogio is a vampire, the very first vampire.  
 
Kane’s quest for endless learning has him propose that the vampire “turn” him so that he can become Brogio’s first vampire blood son. Reluctantly Brogio agrees, but Kane’s uncontrollable blood lust unleashes a plague upon the world.

Kane – The First Blood Son is now available for Pre-Order for .99 cents. By pre-ordering the Kindle Version, you will receive $2.00 off the regular price. Get yours today by clicking here. 

And, do you remember that I've decided to give Kane his own series?  I've actually completed Moon Blood Season 1 and am outlining Season 2.  So, get in on the story of Kane from the beginning!

Want to join my launch party and get a free copy of Kane – The First Blood Son? Stay tuned.
 
Thanks!
Carol

After losing my husband Mark's mother last Sunday, I wasn't going to write anything sad. I'm doing a book poll for the cover of my upcoming book, Kane - The First Blood Son, and planned to post about it here. 

But then, this morning, our beloved Neo showed us he was in pain. Mark immediately carted him off to the vet. The news isn't good. A large mass was discovered. Probably hemagiosarcoma, the same cancer that took our beloved Luke, of Luke's Tale.

That combined with the passing of two other beloved family members this year crushed me. I had been holding up until the news about Neo this morning.  My heart is breaking once again.

Then, I recalled a line from John Irving's Hotel New Hampshire. "Sorrow always floats." In it, the family is moving and flying to Europe. They take the family dog , Sorrow, whom they couldn't bear to lose, so they had a taxidermist stuff him after he passed away. To be safe, this large family takes two different airplanes, splitting up so that if there's a plane crash, some of them will survive. Inevitably, the plane with Sorrow, along with other family members, crashes. Irving describes the stuffed animal Sorrow floating among the wreckage. Thus "Sorrow always floats," hit me today. 

Death is a journey we will all take, but that's no real comfort to anyone at the loss of loved ones. They say tragedy always comes in threes. For us, this year, it certainly has - Mark's mom, his step-mom, and now most certainly, Neo.

I am sorry if this brings you down. I'm a writer, and I'm writing out my pain. That's one of the ways that I cope. So, what is the point of this message? Hold your loved ones close to you. Cherish every moment. Sorrow takes us by surprise and floats into our lives when we least expect it.  Mark and I certainly didn't expect the sorrow of losing three beloved family members in the last six months.

Hopefully until a better time,
Carol

Not long ago, a friend of mine discovered that he needed to undergo a serious and lengthy surgical procedure, one that would put his life at risk. He called Mark and me for support, and of course, we were there for him every step of the way.

But what broke my heart was when he said, "I don't think anyone else will care." 

I explained to him that just wasn't the case, and then things started to happen. His sister flew in from the Midwest to be with him before, during, and after the surgery. Friends came out of the woodwork to wish him well through emails, texts, and social media. His only child sat vigil through the surgery and the aftermath. Friends came to visit when he was recovered enough to visit with them.

This leads me to my point. Why do we often wait until a crisis or a potentially fatal illness to let those we love know how much we do care? 

Your answer will most assuredly be "Life gets in the way." These days, everyone is so busy. But, what's more important than spending time with those you love or care for and letting them know how you feel about them? After all, we don't have an indefinite period of time with each other.

Now, I'll admit, I'm as guilty, if not more guilty, of letting life, work, or my own interests get in the way. This incident with my friend gave me pause. It had been almost a year since we had spent time together. Oh, we communicated over the phone and through social media, but that's not the same as spending time together. Is it?  What if we had lost him during the surgery?

So, all I'm doing is trying to encourage all of us to take more time to smell the roses and give those roses to those we love.

Til Next Time,
​Carol  

It was SO hot today and unusually humid for Southern California. And, I have to admit that, even though I pushed it down, I had pain. When I dismounted from Okido, I felt dizzy and a little confused. Turns out, I was dehydrated.  After three bottles of water and a bottle of Gatorade, I felt like a human again. I can only imagine how Okido felt with all that hair and fur, but he got a good cooling shower and happily proceeded to munch on the apples I put in his feeder in front of his fan.

I sat down, put some ice on the back of my neck, and wondered why I put myself through it. Dressage is hard work for the rider and the horse. The key is to make it look easy. Sometimes I succeed, and other times I struggle. It's never something that once you get it, you're perfect. Working with an animal has its share of unpredictability. And, then there's my body. Some days it cooperates, and others not so much.

After I got home, I found the answer to why I put myself through it. I posted it above. That's us this past Saturday at El Sueno Equestrian Center. Okido was so amazing, obedient, and elegant. Yes, he's still a puppy and has so much to learn, as do I, but I couldn't ask for a better dance partner. 

A year ago, I wouldn't have believed it. A year ago I lost my best buddy, Aramis, just one month before his 17th birthday. My world came crashing down. Not because I had lost my competition horse, but because my partner and friend had suddenly and unexpectedly passed on. 

We lose our beloved animals far too quickly. All of us know that. It's just one of those painful facts. I thought I'd never find another to compare to Aramis. I struggled just to move through the days without going out to the barn to hang with him, ride him, lesson with him. Pam, my trainer, had me ride several different horses to keep me going, but it wasn't the same. 

It wasn't the same until I saw photos and a video of Okido I.T He took my breath away. He took Pam's breath away. We couldn't wait to meet him. But wait... he's only four years old.I'd have to go from showing Third Level back down to the beginning again. We both acknowledged that wouldn't be a bad thing, and so he became my new friend and partner.

In training only six months with Pam, he is doing great. Right now, for me, the levels and scores don't matter.  What matters is the joy i feel when I see him. What matters is the training and what we are learning. ​What matters is the relationship. It's about being strong enough to ride through all the pain and come out on the other side.

A friend of mine told me that she loved to see me having so much fun at the show. I reminded myself of that this morning. And, I finally realized that it's the journey that truly matters... not the outcome. Don't get me wrong! The outcome with Okido is great... but what matters is our journey together and what we teach each other along the way.

That's what friendship should be.

Til Next Time,
​Carol 

​Congratulations to Carol McKibben on her new release SNOW BLOOD SEASON 5! This is the long awaited 5th installment of the beloved Snow Blood vampire series. #BookLovers #AmReading #Paranormal #ParanormalReaders #BookUnleashed

Series: Snow Blood Season 5
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Troll River Publications
Publication Date: July 15, 2017

📗

Snow Blood Season 5 Brings the Adventures of Brogio, the First Vampire, and His Family to an End.

A devastating loss sets Snow Blood and his vampire family on a path to revenge. Determined to use whatever means necessary, Brogio’s kindred dog risks the endangerment and potential destruction of all he loves and most especially the love of his master’s life, Selene. Only a surprising intervention can save them from a tragic destiny as the mythological gods unite to destroy them.

As this beloved vampire series draws to a close with Season 5, discover the true fate that awaits Brogio and his loved ones.

🔗

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/new/35441885-snow-blood

Amazon: http://ow.ly/si0Q30cH7C7

🎁

Giveaway: Win fabulous prizes at http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5ddfc19f104/?

📗

For more information, visit https://bookunleashed.com/post/2017/07/15/new-release-snow-blood-season-5/

Mary will be receiving a silver wolf pendant, the first four books in the Snow Blood Series signed by Carol McKibben, and lots of other swag! 

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Til Next Time,
​Carol

To celebrate the imminent release of Snow Blood Season 5, July 4th, and the fact that Snow Blood Season 4 is on sale for the FIRST and ONLY time for 99 cents… I have some things to give away! ❤

Up for grabs are:

•  - A silver wolf pendant
•  - A white wolf key chain
•  - Signed copies of
•   Snow Blood Season 1, 2, 3, 4
•  - Signed Snow Blood  Post Cards

 - Signed Snow Blood Bookmarks

Join the giveaway and pre-order Snow Blood: Season 5 on AMAZON now!
http://mybook.to/snowblood5

To qualify, enter the Rafflecopter below. I will pick one winner randomly (U.S and Canada Only) on July 10!
​Snow Blood Season 5 Release Date: July 15.

Snow Blood Season 5 Brings the Adventures of Brogio, the First Vampire, and His Family to an End.

Hi, Everyone!

I am so in love with my cover for Season 5. It's your first look at Brogio and how I envisioned him as I wrote. Some of the fans who helped me select the right cover said that they loved the way he and Snow Blood look as if they are one in this cover. Hope you like it. Let me know if you do.

Now to give you more insight into Snow Blood Season 5:

A devastating loss sets Snow Blood and his vampire family on a path to revenge. Determined to use whatever means necessary, Brogio’s kindred dog risks the endangerment and potential destruction of all he loves and most especially the love of his master’s life, Selene. Only a surprising intervention can save them from a tragic destiny as the mythological gods unite to destroy them.

As this beloved vampire series, narrated by Snow Blood, draws to a close with Season 5, discover the true fate that awaits Brogio and his loved ones. 

Snow Blood Season 5 is now available for Pre-Order for $1.99. By pre-ordering the Kindle Version, you will save $2.00 off the regular price. Get yours today by going to http://mybook.to/snowblood5

For all of this series' readers  who have cheered me on, offered their opinions and support, and communicated with me throughout, a simple thank you doesn't seem to suffice. You literally keep me going, and I love you all unconditionally. Don't look at this as the end! Remember, I've written a Prequel to Snow Blood entitled Kane's Story. Yes, you'll discover the backstory on what has become one of my most favored characters. My publisher tells me it will be out on October 1.

And guess what? I've decided to give Kane his own series. I'm currently hard at work on Moon Blood. What it's all about you say? Did you read my last blog? Check it out, and stay tuned.

Til Next Time, 
​Carol

As I wrote the series finale for Snow Blood, I also began a short story about one of the series' characters, Kane. Well, my publisher liked it so much that she wiggled her index finger at me and said, "Oh, no. This needs to be a novel, or at least a novelete." So, I started over and expanded something I call Kane's Story. It provides all the background on the character and how he became a vampire, along with the trouble he caused in the process. You know Kane. He can be a stinker. Maybe that's why my dear readers liked him so much?

Anyway, after I finished the book on Kane and the Snow Blood series, it just seemed logical(because of the way I ended Snow Blood) to evolve all of that into a series about Kane and a new hybrid wolf character  named Moon. Thus, I have begun the Moon Blood Series.

I'm not sure if you will like it or not, but I thought that I would give you a snippet to gauge reader reaction. So, here it is. Let me know if it sucks or not. Thanks!

Episode One – Birth
Following Kane de Medici demands stealth. I weave among the mid-sized shrubs, white cedar hemlock, spruce and maple trees indigenous to Nova Scotia. Sure-footed steps avoid the rustling of leaves and the crunching of sticks. Sniffing the mild July night air, I catch his spicy scent. I am not naïve. I know his vampire skills sense my presence.
            I first opened my eyes to his strong face and that scent two years ago. I imprinted on Kane when I was born, and we have a special bond. When he visits every few months, I stop at nothing to be near him.
            His nightly hunt for animal prey to quench his blood lust takes him to the woods surrounding Brogio’s Wolfville wine estate. I track him on these adventures. Maybe I can protect him if he needs me. Brogio warned Kane of a rabid bear on the loose that the locals have tried to kill. “Be cautious of people in the woods this night” he admonished Kane who laughed it off. “It is the humans who should be careful.”
            Arrogant, intelligent, and handsome, Kane’s wit and charm fascinate me, but I fear for him and will be on the lookout for this bear.
            I chase after him as he takes down a mountain lion with his lightning speed some distance ahead. I pause to test the surrounding air for danger. Sensing no other predators or immediate prey, I step forward. The pain slices through my right front leg and takes me to my knees. I cry out and struggle with the steel-jawed trap, only sawing my cut leg further into the bone. Falling over, I try to free myself from this monster, but it only tears into me tighter. I cannot stop my cries of agony.
            Kane reaches me only seconds after I am caught. Strong hands reach to comfort me first. I feel the pressure of the sharp teeth in my leg release. He bends to try his healing lick, one of his vampire gifts, on my damaged leg. 
            “Hold still, Moonlight, I need to stop the bleeding.”
            He licks for several moments, and this brings minor relief to my throbbing leg. I moan and whine.   
            “You’ve lost too much blood, girl. I’ve got to get you home.” Kane scoops me into his arms as if I weigh nothing, holds my leg up, and sprints with me to the front door of our home. His speed covers his naked body with my blood. As he kicks the door open, my vision blurs, but I can make out Brogio and Selene jumping to their feet.
          “What happened?” Brogio’s deep voice queries.
            Selene rushes to us and leans her beautiful face into mine and places her hand on my head.
            “A bear trap.” Kane sprints into the den and lays me down on my bed.
            Snow Blood, Nova, and my pack surround me. Selene pushes through with towels to stem the blood flow. My mother tries to lick my face. My sire hoovers nearby. My brothers and sisters yap with agitation.
            “Can you heal her?” Brogio kneels next to my head.
             “Brogio, her leg is almost severed.” Selene points to my mangled leg as she tries to stop the bleeding.
             “No, I tried. She has lost too much blood. Her struggle to break free made it worse. The leg is irreparable.”
             I feel the world fading away. Only their voices hold me to them.
            “I can save her if I turn her as soon as she dies.” Kane’s voice seems far away now.
            “Do I have your permission?”
             I don’t wait for their agreement. My tongue finds his hand on my head, and I move to lick it. Kane has always linked to me telepathically, as he has all of my pack. I think hard. Yes, make me like you. Let me be with you always.
             His hand tightens slightly on my head in response. As my life drains away from me, I hear Brogio and Selene say “yes” in unison.

Yes, I've deleted some details since you haven't read Snow Blood 5. But let me know your thought.

Til Next Time,
​Carol