DARK STAR: Confessions of a Rock Idol (A Coming of Age Christian Thriller) (Rock Star Chronicles Book 1)

With tension on every page, Amazon #1 Best-Selling author Creston Mapes demonstrates why he is a "Top Pick" among mystery, fiction and thriller lovers . Praise for DARK STAR "Worthy of any Grisham novel, this book was riveting from start to finish. Mapes is a rare find." Focus on Fiction "Dark Star is a gripping page-turner of a debut." Infuze Magazine "A rock and roll thriller sure to keep readers in suspense." CCM Magazine "Mapes forges a powerful tale. 4 Stars - Top Pick!" Romantic Times Book Club "Genuine tension . . . a real page-turner." Akron Beacon Journal "Difficult to put down . . . a wonderful book. Give this one a chance!" Armchair Interviews "An unvarnished look at sin and redemption, confidently written. Dark Star is an impressive debut." Best-Selling Author James Scott Bell "Not in a very, very long time, have I had as much joy and pleasure with reading a book as I just had with Dark Star." HollywoodJesus.com "Dark Star, Creston Mapes' first novel, is probably the best book I have read so far this year." In the Library Review "Dark Star takes the prevalent work of Satan and brings it into a very real context." HM The Hard Music Magazine "Mapes' books are instantly intriguing." SPIRE Reviews Creston Mapes grew up in northeast Ohio, where he has fond memories of living with his family of five in the upstairs portion of his dad's early American furniture store - The Weathervane Shop. Creston was not a good student, but the one natural talent he possessed was writing.xa0He set type by hand and cranked out his own neighborhood newspaper as a kid, then went on to graduate with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University. Creston was a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida, then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for a job as a creative copywriter.xa0Creston served for a stint as a creative director, but quickly learned he was not cut out for management. He went out on his own as a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30 years, did work for Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV,xa0TNT Sports, colleges and universities, ad agencies, and more. He's ghost-written more than ten non-fiction books.xa0Along the way, Creston has written 13 contemporary thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels ( Nobody ) optioned as a major motion picture.xa0xa0Creston married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and they have four amazing adult children. Creston loves his part-time job as an usher at local venues where he gets to see all the latest-greatest concerts and sporting events. He enjoys reading, fishing, thrifting, bocci, painting, pickleball, time with his family, and dates with his wife.xa0Keep informed of special deals, giveaways, new releases, and exclusive updates from Creston: crestonmapes.com/contact For Creston's eBooks, audio books, and paperbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes STAND ALONE THRILLERS I Am In Here Nobody SIGNS OF LIFE SERIES Signs of Life Let My Daughter Go I Pick You Charm Artist Son & Shield Secrets in Shadows THE CRITTENDON FILES Fear Has a Name Poison Town Sky Zone ROCK STAR CHRONICLES Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol Full Tilt Keep informed of special deals, giveaways, new releases, and exclusive updates from Creston: crestonmapes.com/contact For Creston's eBooks, audio books, and paperbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes --This text refers to the paperback edition. From the Inside Flap I remember curling up in the backseat of our old Matador when I was ten years old, reading scenes from Nicky Cruz's "Run, Baby, Run." The story centered around his days of anger and gang violence, then culminated with his conversion. I was hooked.xa0In similar fashion, Creston Mapes pulled me into his fictional confessions of former rock idol, Everett Lester, who is now on trial for the murder of a psychic. The difference here is that Mapes moves quickly from the seedy side of Lester's background--drugs, sex, rock n' roll--to the powerful influence of God's love and forgiveness. Although the story is sometimes tame in its telling and wraps things up neatly in conclusion, it never shies from the ugly consequences of Lester's actions. We are well aware of Lester's abusive lifestyle and the blackness that surrounded him. The scenes of supernatural confrontation are handled confidently.xa0Perhaps the book's greatest strength is it format, weaving scenes from the murder trial into the unfolding account of Lester's life. It makes for a fast-paced read that is convincing in its transformation of a former bad-boy turned born-again Christian. In the hands of a lesser author, this would've lacked excitement or cohesion. Mapes turns it into a beautifully crafted tale. With the exception of missing profanity and sexual details, this feels as though it could be a true-life account. Everett Lester is fully fleshed character.xa0The next book, "Full Tilt," continues Lester's story, including the results of his budding romance, the snare of his brother's problems, and the devastation of methamphetamine. This is one rock solid series. -- Best Selling Author Eric Wilson --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. Can Fame, Wealth, and Power Buy Happiness?Everett Lester and his band, DeathStroke, ride the crest of a wave to superstardom. But the deeper they become immersed in fame, wealth, and power, the more likely they are to be swallowed alive by the drugs, alcohol, and discontentment that have become their only friends. Everett is headed down a perilous road of no apparent return when he's charged with the murder of his personal psychic. The only hope he can cling to comes from Topeka , Kansas , and the letters written by a prayerful young lady who lives there. Consistent and persistent, the notes cut straight to Everett 's empty heart, offering a fulfillment he's never grasped before. But what if he's found guilty of murder? Will he recognize the spiritual battle that's raging for his soul?Endora Crystal was my rock...As I staggered through the chaos of rock 'n' roll fame--the drugs and alcohol, the selfishness and turmoil--Endora was the gentle voice in my ear telling me I was special. Telling me I was adored. She was my personal psychic, and she said I had a unique purpose, a calling to give my fans happiness. To be their god.My band, DeathStroke, dominated the world of rock. Yet strife ruled our inner circle. My family didn't know me. I loved no one but myself.And yet Karen Bayliss was praying for me, that I would come to know the love of God and the lordship of Jesus Christ. She was not a fan. Didn't care for my music. Karen just wanted me to know peace.Now Endora is dead, and I've been charged with first-degree murder.Everett Lester is headed down a perilous road of no apparent return. Will he recognize the spiritual battle that's raging for his soul? --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. Read more