Sunday, July 17, 2011

Who is Daniel Blackbird?

A few people asked me why I decided to write a horror novel with a protagonist who is an aboriginal and I think it goes back to my childhood. Daniel Blackbird was born of two personalities. The first being my best childhood friend, named Mike and the other being Billy Jack. Both were strong characters and both were faced with obstacles not usually thrust upon a normal mans shoulders.

My Pal Mike, like Blackbird, was a half breed and when he came to our school at 11 years-old it seemed that every wanted to challenge him to a fight. One morning I saw him walking in the hallway with a bicycle chain lock hanging around his neck and asked, "Hey kid, what's with the chain."

"Protection," he answered. I would later find out that Mike was getting jumped by two and three boys during recess and lunch hour. To my knowledge he never lost a fight and as time wore on we became inseparable as friends. Eventually, those who targeted him learned the hard way that he was one tough half-breed.

Billy Jack certainly hasn't stood the test of time, but it's creator (Tom Laughlin) melded a great story with a character who I thought was pretty cool. Billy Jack, half breed Vietnam Vet, fearless, dangerous and compassionate. The first film I saw Billy Jack in was Born Losers and I'd have to say that it left quite an impression on me.


Daniel Blackbird is also a strong character and though he does not wear his emotions on his sleeve he does carry the burdens of his mistakes in his heart. He is unrelenting, somewhat like Van Helsing, but it is not a vampire he hunts but a bastard offspring of the Windigo, that has the ability to change shape. Blackbird is a loner, who has lost everything. He has been banished, seen his family murdered and this drives him as he to has nothing left to lose. 


Or so he thinks..

Thursday, July 14, 2011

The reviews are in.

People who have read my book have now started reviewing it and I have to say I am pretty happy with what has come back so far.

Reader reviews are what drive people to purchase the book and getting read is what every writer craves most of all. Sure, they wouldn't mind the fame, the fortune and the money, but it all comes backj to being read.


If you have read: THE EQUINOX, please be sure to go back to my page and write a review. Not only does it benefit me but it educates readers about the novel itself.

The Reviews


The Equinox is a highly descriptive journey into a less-travelled corner of horror story-telling. Preston melds First Nations folklore with old-school Victorian vampire hunting. The heavily developed characters embark on a truly goretastic hunt for evil. Scary, disturbing and well worth the read.
--Keith Parker

***

A first rate novel from a first time author. MJ Preston delivers originality in this pulse pounding-gore-fest-horror novel.
-- Peter Deitza The Word

***

MJ Preston weaves aboriginal lore with modern day police work; seat-of-your-pants suspense and horror. He pulls out all the stops when it comes to mayhem – mayhem in the streets, mayhem in the air and mayhem in the cornfields around the prairie town. If you want a good read on a ‘dark and stormy night’ this is the one.
-- Author R James Steel

***
The Equinox is a fast paced read and MJ Preston pulls no punches as he delivers blow after blow in a horrific thrill ride that does not let you go until the last page.
--Colin Stark
 

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

The Equinox - A Novel of Horror


It has existed for centuries.

A dark curse held captive by ancient ritual, a creature of insatiable hunger possessing the ability to change shape at will. During spring and fall equinox it would break through the walls separating our worlds to feed.

Now it walks among us unrestrained and very hungry.

Banished from the Chocktee Nation and obsessed with vengeance, Daniel Blackbird has been chasing the “Walker” across North America for over 14 years. Bearing a scar from his first encounter, he feels the abomination's telepathic pull and is drawn in whatever direction it moves, but it always seems to be one step ahead of him.

Until now!

Over a thousand miles away residents of the prairie town of Thomasville are trying to come to terms with unspeakable crimes.

In a race against time, Blackbird sets out for the prairie town which, as the Equinox approaches, is destined to become a killing ground where cultures and worlds will collide.

 

 To learn more about The Equinox or the Author please visit:  MJ Preston - The Equinox