Connected by Blood & Keys (Book 1) ARC Request

A universe of magic, bloodlust, protectors, and, at the center of it all, royalty, gifted with power unlike any other. Enter this universe through Connected by Blood & Keys, a core timeline within the GBUniverse and the first in a trilogy around Tyler Asoron’s journey. For lovers of fantasy, twins, magic, and supernaturals:

• Coming of Age
• Royal Lineage
• Ancient Magic
• Orphan Protagonist
• Vampires & Hybrids
• Gifted Supernaturals
• Prophecy/Destiny
• Family Reunions
• Twin Connections

CONNECTED BY BLOOD & KEYS follows seventeen-year-old orphan Tyler Asoron, who lives a simple life with his aunt Rebecca and uncle Rion. As he approaches high school graduation, Tyler decides to uncover the truth about his birth parents, a topic Rebecca has always avoided. Right now, there are two things Tyler knows for sure:

1. His parents died mysteriously when he was a newborn.
2. His aunt and uncle don’t want to talk much about it.

Tyler’s search for answers intensifies with the arrival of the Scotler family, his parents’ old friends. Suddenly, his world is thrown into chaos by shadowy figures, elusive voices, and dead animals in the woods. Rebecca warns him of the Cerif Coven, bloodthirsty, immortal vampires who overthrew the royal Vasilikós kingdom—Tyler’s true lineage.

“…LIKE THE PHOENIX, THE ROYALS SHALL RISE AGAIN.”

Tyler learns he has a long-lost twin brother, Rennon, and together, they hold the key to restoring their dormant bloodline. With a vampire coven threatening him and secrets at every turn, Tyler must decide who to trust to uncover his true heritage and fulfill his ultimate destiny. Connected by Blood & Keys explores what it means to have trust, family, loyalty, and power.

• What would you do to find out the truth?
• What if the truth was behind a DO NOT ENTER door, but you were the key to unlocking it?

It’s time you entered the Gifted Blood Universe. A vast magical cosmos, anchored by a Royal Family that once maintained balance and peace—for light cannot exist without darkness. From generation to generation, the gifted blood is passed. Bestowed to the first generation of royals over a millennia ago by The Firsts. Connected characters, family, secrets, and lies all dwell within the past, present, and uncertain future.

g•b•u•ni•verse

All existing matter and space considered as a whole, a cosmos. Believed to be at least 10 billion light years in diameter, containing a vast number of worlds and timelines. Ever expanding.

Hello! I am T. J. Smith. I’ve spent over a decade building and expanding this universe, the characters, and their stories. I have immersed myself in it and infused all aspects of my creative ability, including designing the official covers, all artwork, interior layout, graphics, videography, and, of course, writing this story!

I’ve been creating worlds and storytelling since early childhood. Since I could scribe (legibly), I have written stories, grasping the minds and attention of those around me. Family, friends, and mentors alike have been pulled into my wondrous worlds and accompanied me on the adventures. Storytelling is a gift that cannot be ignored. My debut novel and introduction to the Gifted Blood Universe is but a ridged piece from my chocolate bar (a favorite guilty pleasure), and I am more than happy to share it with you.