The Revelations of Preston Black

Murder Ballads and Whiskey #3

by Jason Jack Miller

"The third entry in the Murder Ballads and Whiskey series, REVELATIONS, is a punch to the gut that feels glorious."-Dale Herring, GEEKDOM OF GORE

Sometimes a battle between good and evil doesn't look much like the ones they show in movies.

The good guys don't always wear white, and they don't always walk away with the win.

And sometimes you're better off with the devil you know.

The last time Preston went down to the crossroads, his best friend died and he nearly lost his brother. But Old Scratch doesn't take kindly to fools, especially not those who come knocking at his front door. And before all is said and done, he's going to teach Preston a thing or two about what it really means to sacrifice.

Let Raw Dog Screaming Press author Jason Jack Miller take you to a place where love is forever even when death isn't, where magic doesn't have to be seen to be believed, where a song might be the only thing that saves your soul.

MURDER BALLADS AND WHISKEY is a unique, literary, blend of dark fiction, paranormal urban fantasy and horror. It's Appalachian Gothic, Alt.Magical.Realism, Hillbilly Horror. It's AMERICAN GODS meets JUSTIFIED. TRUE BLOOD with witches. It's Johnny Cash with a fistful of copperheads singing the devil right back to hell. THE REVELATIONS OF PRESTON BLACK is your ticket into a world where love can save your soul, where a song can change your destiny, and where evil still hides in the dark corners of the night.

The Murder Ballads and Whiskey Series is THE DEVIL AND PRESTON BLACK, HELLBENDER, and THE REVELATIONS OF PRESTON BLACK.

Book The Revelations of Preston Black by Jason Jack Miller

Blu Gilliand for FEARNET.COM

Jason Jack Miller continues his fascinating exploration of ancient Appalachian magic, the power of music, and the war for a man's soul with The Revelations of Preston Black, the third book in his "Murder Ballads and Whiskey" series.

If you haven't read the first two in that series, The Devil and Preston Black and Hellbender, I strongly urge that you do so. Revelations works just fine as a stand-alone novel, but the events covered here are deeply entwined in those first two books. You'll appreciate what's going on here more, and you'll thank me for introducing you not to just one good book, but a whole trifecta.

The events of this book kick off when touring musician Preston Black, on stage with his creative partner and lover Katy Stefanic, references a deal with the devil. As we all know, demonic references span music history from the crossroads of Robert Johnson to the bat-biting antics of Ozzy Osbourne and up to present day. That they've been around for a while doesn't make them any more popular with certain groups, however, and Black's remark puts him and Katy both square in the crosshairs of a preachin' man by the name of Elijah Clay Hicks. Hicks has an army of believers and the Good Word at his disposal, and he's not afraid to wield them both in the name of righteousness.

Katy disappears, and Black, naturally, goes after her. But his hunt takes him far beyond the dirt roads of Mississippi and Alabama - he's got to go a little darker, a little deeper, and he does just that in an absolutely riveting "baptism" scene that really kicks Revelations into overdrive. Black is soon joined on his mission by some unusual allies, including a trio of dead legends in Johnny Cash, John Lennon and Joe Strummer - men who speak to Black through their music (and, when time is of the essence, text messaging).

Genres: Fantasy

236 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2013

About the author

Jason Jack Miller knows it's silly to hold onto the Bohemian ideals of literature, music, and love above all else. But he doesn't care.

His own adventures paddling wild mountain rivers and playing Nirvana covers for less-than-enthusiastic crowds inspired his novels THE DEVIL AND PRESTON BLACK, HELLBENDER, and THE REVELATIONS OF PRESTON BLACK, published by Raw Dog Screaming Press as part of his MURDER BALLADS AND WHISKEY series. He is a creative writing adjunct at Seton Hill University, where he also mentors in the school's prestigious Writing Popular Fiction MFA program. Jason is a member of the Authors Guild and International Thriller Writers. He lives just outside of Pittsburgh with his wife, Heidi, and a cat. His blog is http://jasonjackmiller.blogspot.com. Tweet him @jasonjackmiller.

Reviews

[Mike Mehalek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Revelations of Preston Black, the third installment of Jason Jack Miller’s Murder Ballads and Whiskey series, did not disappoint. Having taken a backseat for Ben Collins adventure in Hellbender, Preston Black, our favorite tortured musician is back and raising hell in the Deep South—quite possibly quite literally.

Country sweetheart Katie is back too, along with Pauly and some of the Collins’ gang whom we know and love (and a certain Fab fellow), but there are a few new faces and some big surprises in this one.

Of all the books to date, Revelations is my favorite. It feels to this reader that Miller has a firm lockdown on who each of his characters are, and this understanding makes it possible for these characters to feel real. I’ve read many books with great characters, but few have felt so real, so complete. This believability allows Miller to weave a beautiful story of the American road trip, interwoven with music and a hint of supernatural and allowed this reader to suspend his disbelief completely.

Miller grounds us in reality so when those supernatural moments hit, you’re both expecting it and blown away by it. I don’t want to ruin anything here, but I do have to say that I thought I hated snakes before this book….

I’m not sure where Miller is going with this, but I can feel each story building and culminating into some epic monster ballad But hey, getting there is half the fun.

[Lee Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once, Preston Black took up with a fallen angel. But he escaped her wiles, coming out with his own musical genius. He met Katy, the girl of his dreams, and they hit the road, making music together. Until they're harassed by religious fanatics who picket their shows--and then make matters much more personal. Desperate for help, Preston calls on the fallen angel again, against all the advice of his departed musical idols: Lennon, Allman, Strummer, and a host of others. He pays a dear price for doing so. Will he come away with his soul intact? Will another be taken in his place?

Miller has really hit his stride with this third book in the Murder Ballads and Whiskey series (The Devil and Preston Black and Hellbender are the first two, which I also enjoyed). It contains some of the best writing I've encountered this year, and I read a lot. The black baptism sequence is fantastic, as is the thrilling conclusion. The sensory richness is unparalleled, and you can almost hear the music. Breathtaking. I highly recommend The Revelations of Preston Black.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

That being said -- I could not put the book down. From the first page you are endeared to the characters. You find yourself feeling what they are and seeing what they see. The author has detailed knowledge of the South and can set a scene perfectly.

You are pulled into the music scene - and at times you really wish you could hear the converter yourself. This is a tricky area because a lot of writers attempt this but cannot master it. But JJM shows his superior writing skills again.

I cannot wait to reread not only this book but the entire series. I can only hope for more books in this series.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preston Black has hell hounds on his tail and the only way to end it is to return to the crossroads. Last time his best friend died and he almost lost his brother, but the stakes are higher now. What will Preston Black sacrifice to save everything he holds dear?

“I tried to run, but stumbled, and she replaced my dreams with lies.”- Preston Black

The third entry in “Murder Ballads and Whiskey” series, ‘Revelations’ is a punch to the gut that feels glorious. Preston and Katy are recovering and touring with Pauly spreading their music and enjoying it all.

Things don’t last though, as a group of religious fanatics begin to protest the concerts.Not satisfied with protesting they escalate matters that sends Preston on a journey back to crossroads.

There are several scenes that I really love, but the ‘Black Baptism’ and the confrontation at the end are two of my favorites. I hesitate to delve deep into the book as it’s best if things aren’t spoiled, but I will say this; READ IT!

Author Jason Jack Miller is a master at crafting realistic worlds and characters, and infusing them with the supernatural.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book in advance, and it deserves a review.

The first Preston Black book had me hooked, and this, his Revelations brought a refreshing second installment to the series.

Preston is a truly unique main character. He's courageous, superstitious, and finds answers in music, musicians, and folklore.

Katy has more of a role in this book, and I'm very glad for that. She has a great point of view and I enjoy her as a counter balance to Preston.

I'm continually impressed by the way music, lyrics, and musicians are intertwined into the story so effortlessly. This is great story of gothic lore, religion and rites, and Southern superstition.

[Micæl Chadwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this Ten Stars, I would.

I cannot stress how imperative it is that you read this (and the other two in the series) book. I've been anxiously awaiting its release since the moment I closed Miller's last book. His writing is not merely to be read, it is to be experienced.

And experience you will.

From the pages, Preston and Katy's music comes alive. You can hear the songs pouring from between the covers. You find yourself wishing you could be a part of this world, and before you know it you've stepped a muddy bare foot into the pages and you're in the backseat with them barreling down the road with Pauly at the wheel, hoping that you get there in time and praying that you make it back before it is too late (just so long as you don't have to stop to eat at Waffle House along the way). Miller's characters are not just words on paper but truly people you feel you've known your entire life. In the brief moments that you can tear yourself away from reading (which, I promise you, will be difficult), you find yourself wondering where they are, what they are doing, and if everything will be okay.

He gets it all so right - from the music, to the emotion, to the scenery, to the locales and locals, to the magic. It's been a rare phenomenon that I was totally sold on the story that I was reading - and with Miller's writing, I've already bought the farm. He's one of those once in a lifetime authors that you want to tell everyone you know about just so they can become a part of world he's created and share it with you. It's a tremendously magical feat pen on paper.

Not one to ever be at a loss for words, his writing truly leaves me speechless.

I cannot recommend his work enough.

[Michael Brookes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the two previous books in this series (even if I did read them in the wrong order!) and this third book proved no exception and provided a fitting conclusion to Preston Black's tribulations. As with the previous books the author's love and knowledge of music is apparent and added a lot of interest to the story. The supernatural element derived from American folklore was also very interesting and provided a solid framework for the story. It all revolves around the deal with the Devil, but has a lot of twists and turns along the way.

The star of the book is the lead character and here we have a well defined character who has suffered a lot (and continues to do so), but handles it well and I rooted for him throughout the story. The supporting cast were also strong and provided a well rounded cast. One of tyhe aspects that struck me was how Preston had to rely on his friends and family and that worked well for me. He isn't a hero who can blaze or think his way through everything on his own, but needed help even if he didn't want it.

The quality of the writing is superb with a relaxed style which made it a joy to read. The story is well paced and I read it all in a single sitting - although the fact I was having a day long tattoo sitting helped on that front as well! Still it's not often I get to read a full novel in one go and this was a good one to do so. My only minor complaint was that the conclusion felt a little sudden, but I get that with most books I've read - especially the ones I enjoy.

Overall this is an excellent read and I'd recommend the series to anyone who fancies something a little different with an appreciation for American music and folklore.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preston Black is back for another trip to the crossroads! This is the third book in the Murder Ballads and Whiskey series,and I'm always happy when I get to spend time with these characters. Miller doesn't simply tell a story. He immerses readers in the characters' world. His writing sparks all the senses, so that I hear, taste, smell, see, and feel everything along with the characters.

Preston Black's world is filled with music and the supernatural. The plot is intricate without being overly complicated. Some profound issues are tackled here, all expertly woven into the story.

* I highly recommend reading the first two books in this series before reading this book. The story of Revelations of Preston Black closely follows The Devil and Preston Black and Hellbender, drawing on much of the characters' background and history. A reader might feel a little lost if this book was read as a stand-alone. *

[Rory Costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes even farther than the first two in the series in exploring the zone between real life and the supernatural. Miller does both so convincingly, you won't know what end is up -- and it pulls you forward as a reader. The extended "black baptism" scene in particular captivated me, as did the journey to the crossroads, but all of the Revelations are really very effective. Especially if you've read the first entry, finding out who or what Dani is will be an extra bonus. I kept asking myself the question as I was reading here, and the answer is delivered in a satisfying way.

The fanatics are convincing and frightening, but Miller's ability to handle the musical aspect of his stories remains another strength. It's really hard to convey the feel of performing, and though I'm not a musician myself, it hits me as being dead-on.

All in all, I just enjoy Jason Jack Miller's storytelling...a lot.

[David Brawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things are going well for Preston. He’s with the love of his life, successfully making music with her, and even has a record deal. In fact, he’s on tour down south! But the devil isn't done with him yet. Once again, Preston finds himself losing everything, and making his way to the crossroads to deal with the devil. This time, there’s a whole nest of snakes he’ll have to deal with.

Miller again managed to weave a story around music and magic, setting it in the real world, and making it it all flow together like the best jam session you could ever hope for. I don’t want to go into too much detail, but if you've read the first two books, and you can be sure that the story here is just as good!

Can't wait for the next one...

[Gerry LaFemina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first Preston Black book with its grounded-in-reality interplay between the Devil and a young alternative musician, but like with many sequels, The Revelations of Preston Black suffers from having to up the ante in ways that stretch my ability to suspend my disbelief. The writing remains solid, but often character development is sacrificed for action. As much as I like the plot and the writing, as much as I like the characters of Preston and Katy, the book has one fire-fight too many for me.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I may come back and change my rating after reading number 2 in the series, Hellbender. I didn't realize I had them out of order. Preferred the focus on the music in the first book, while this one concentrates more on the hoodoo, voodoo, demons and devils. What's telling though, is I want to go back and read book 2.