Superstar

by Christopher Long, Bryan Dumas (Contributor)

He's the worshiped frontman for Cherry Hill, the hottest act in country music. Trent Davis is a superstar. And he's about to blow his brains out.

"Superstar" is the explosive story of country music sensation, Trent Davis — his meteoric rise to fame, his scandalous fall from grace and his heart-stopping fight for survival.

More than a salacious account of sex, drugs, egos, greed, power plays and revenge, "Superstar" also delivers a greater message of faith and forgiveness triumphing over fame and fortune in the fast-paced world of country music.

OVERVIEW
We each have our own story — the personal path that led us to salvation. But for country music sensation, Trent Davis, his journey just might kill him first — too much success, too young, too soon.

At age 22, Trent no longer is the naive Midwestern church boy who wrote songs in science class to his high school sweetheart, Tracy. Adored by legions of fans worldwide, he now has become a delusional, greed-driven, drug-addicted alcoholic with a raging ego.

Trent's life spirals further out of control after he is exposed in a torrid affair with the wife of powerful and vengeful businessman, Richard Moore. He's soon forced from his world of sold-out concert appearances, backstage pampering and luxury tour buses, and into a desperate life on the run — an unfamiliar place where his fame and fortune are of no value.

Embracing the drug-hazed perception that his own marriage and career have been irreparably destroyed, and fearing the certainty of Richard's fatal wrath, Trent attempts to seal his own fate by "finishing the job" himself. But just as he cocks the hammer of the loaded .44 magnum revolver buried in his mouth, Trent's phone rings suddenly. Could his guardian angel be on the line?

254 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2019

About the author

Christopher Long is an author, music industry analyst, multi-media content contributor, award-winning musician, and entertainment personality. Referred to once as “the rock and roll Erma Bombeck,” Chris is known for his conversational, common sense writing style and passion for sharing his unique perspectives on pop culture.

The author of the non-fiction titles; "A Shot of Poison" (CG Publishing 2010), "C’MON!" (Digital Books International 2012), and "Shout it Out Loud" (Digital Books International 2014), Chris released his fiction debut, the Christian-themed "Superstar" via Moonshine Cove Publishing in 2019. A 10th Anniversary Edition of "A Shot of Poison" was released in 2020.

Based on his popular weekly Ink19.com music column, Chris’ latest book "Garage Sale Vinyl” arrived in stores and at online retailers via Bibliozona Books in May 2024. Brimming with magical music, feel-good stories, and engaging guests, Chris’ Garage Sale Vinyl Podcast launched on Spotify in May 2025.

Since 2007, Chris has contributed lively content to the entertainment news outlet, Ink19. He has also written for V13, Muen Magazine, and the Florida-based print publications, "Brevard Live," "The Buzz," and "JAM!"

As an in-demand special events host and DJ, Chris can often be found in an array of settings throughout the U.S. and on various concert stages, fronting his high-octane rock combo, DL Serios.

When not writing or performing, Chris makes frequent guest appearances on TV / radio shows and podcasts. He also has enjoyed roles in global missionary work and local youth ministry programs.

Raised in Missouri’s rugged Ozark Mountains and on Florida's sunny Space Coast, Chris currently lives with three other humans and four furies; two lovable Goldens and two rambunctious Doodles.

- facebook.com/AuthorChristopherLong
- instagram.com/author_christopher_long
- linkedin.com/in/authorlong
- amazon.com/stores/author/B003TNB6Y4
- AuthorChristopherLong@yahoo.com

Reviews

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too much too soon at too young of an age.
Country music sensation Trent Davis grew up a naive Midwestern church boy, he went with his Momma. He progressed to writing songs in Science class for his high school girlfriend, Tracy.
Forget Science class songs though, this is the real stuff he's hit the "big time" . He's a Superstar. After a quick engagement he and Tracy marry. He promises to never "hurt" her. His Daddy hurt his Momma because he was a famous musician as well and ran around with the women. Trent won't do that he promises. Hitting the big time proves to be too much for Trent to handle, what with the easy women throwing themselves at him even though he's married,alcohol readily available and and endless cash flow, all he wants is at his fingertips. Moderation is not in his vocabulary as his marriage is on the rocks after a torrid affair he's been having for several years becomes fully exposed in the media.
The pace picks up as he goes on the run fearing for his life when the big wig husband of the woman he's had a affair with is after him. While on the run his social status means nothing and the pampering lifestyle he is used to is gone. Ready to end it all in his drug induced state at a sleazy hotel when it all becomes too much his phone rings. I do believe it is his guardian angel calling and this is truly the most important phone call of his life he has received.
Truly phenomenal! Powerfully intense message and such encouragement! A must read especially for young people caught up in thinking they are invincible!
Publication Date: April 6, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Valicity Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy heavy stories with a lot of heart and meaning, I think you might find something worth reading within the pages of Superstar. This work of Christian fiction tells a heartbreaking yet inspiring story that will leave you thinking deeply about what we watch and listen to as well as the journey of the artists who produce those materials.

I will be the first to say I am not a fan of country music—nor am I a fan of music related books/movies. But Superstar sparked an interest when Long presented it to The Rebel Christian for review. Maybe its because of the drama, the heartbreak, betrayal, lies, and the plain and simple revelation of Christ that made this book a wonderful read—or maybe it was the talented writing and smooth dialogue, I don’t know! But altogether, Superstar is an entertaining and thought-provoking book that should leave you feeling thankful for the “simple” life you might be living in comparison to our protagonist.

Sometimes I’m not so sure if Trent is the hero or villain of the story. He lives a life to be envied by fans, friends, and family but once you step into his shoes and see things through an open eye, you quickly realize there is such a thing as a living nightmare. There is lying, cheating, even life-threatening danger hiding behind the curtains of fame but its all wrapped up nicely in screaming fans, all-night concerts, and red-carpet events. This reminds me of how I would sit and stare at my television in awe of the Grammys awards show or other events when I was a child. Back then, I always thought it looked so luxurious and those thoughts are reinforced with Superstar but quickly torn apart through Trent’s own behavior and experiences.

We are presented with a very flawed main character, but he is not beyond repair. One of the things I liked most about Trent was his ability to recognize his own mistakes. While there were definitely times where he victimized himself, I found his growth and his journey in his faith admirable. It takes a lot of courage to own up to your wrongs; part of being a Christian is facing your past head-on and having the strength to believe that God is bigger than any sin you will ever commit. You have to trust that you’ve been forgiven for your past and place your future in God’s hands. Trent didn’t have a perfect journey, but he did have one that opened his eyes to the Grace of God, and I found that to be beautiful.

Christians looking for a story of salvation will certainly enjoy this while fans of contemporary and drama will appreciate it as well. I would recommend this to adult readers.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long's experience in the music entertainment industry is evident as he takes us through the world of the music superstar. It is not a pretty world. I had no idea about the sacrifices one has to make to be a success and the pressures that come along with that success. Remaining a moral person must be nearly impossible. Seeing Trent spiral down was heartbreaking but very realistic.

Long has included a secondary issue of fatherhood. Trent's father was an absent one. Trent resented it fiercely but then became an absent father himself.

This is a good novel for readers who dream of being successful in the music industry. It is also a good one for readers in general as Long gives us an inside view of a superstar musician and then the amazing restoration that comes through the grace of Jesus Christ.

I received a complimentary digital copy of the book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Kathleen Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUPERSTAR deals with the struggles of young country musician, Trent Davis, as he tries to establish a career for his band (Cherry Hill) while keeping his marriage together. This is a lively, fast-paced story with lots of interesting plot twists. Trent is an interesting main character; he’s a deeply flawed and sometimes weak man who nevertheless struggles with his conscience. Christopher Long makes great use of detail to paint vivid and lively settings. The dialogue is realistic and well-suited to the characters.

—Kathleen Jones
(Author of Love Is the Punch Line)

[Greg Van Vorhis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read all of Christopher Long's books, starting with A Shot of Poison, I have seen his growth as a man, as a Christian, and as an author. SUPERSTAR is no different, and is the next logical progression in his growth. It is his first foray into the land of fiction.

SUPERSTAR is a quick read, showing the dark side of stardom, and giving you the idea that Long has seen these stories play out in some shape or form at some point in his life on the road supporting national acts. The fact that Long's band Dead Serios appears a few times in the book is a fun inside joke for those in the know, as well.

My only real critique of this book is that upon its release, it has already dated itself. There are references to using MySpace as a modern, popular way to promote bands, as well as watching the film Juno in the theater (great movie; check it out if you haven't seen it). There is another film reference that I can't remember that dates this book squarely in the early 2000s. There also is a lack of reference to streaming media sources like Spotify and Pandora when talking about the artist's popularity.

Putting these thoughts in writing helps me to understand Long's intent.....to tell the story of an artist back in the day when there were legitimate SUPERSTARs that made legendary albums....multiple legendary albums, like Kiss, the Allman Brothers, Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, and yes, even Poison, instead of these one- and two-hit wonders by the here-today, gone-tomorrow artists on the pay-the-artist pennies streaming music services.

Long CAN'T write that story, and it's not his fault. SUPERSTARs don't exist in modern music because the music industry has changed. Barring the resurgence of vinyl, physical music collections are a dying breed. We don't have shelves of CDs, cassettes, records, or 8-tracks to look through, refresh our memories and listen to. If we aren't reminded about a modern artist, their music dies. Their music becomes almost secondary. Modern artists must also become social media personalities in order to remain relevant.

ANYWAY, enough about the music industry and back to the book.....

There were places that I wish Long would have expanded, but his transitions were great, and the intro was spot-on, no fill, let's-get-at-it. I look forward to Long's next book and seeing how he continues to grow as a man, as a Christian, and as an author.

Job well done, good and faithful servant.

[Violet Favero · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author perfectly captured the fragility of the human condition in this easy read that centers around the life of country music superstar Trent Davis. Trent's rise and fall as a young country music star is told in a manner that the reader is invested in the story, the tension is palatable. I had a hard time putting this book down. The bathroom scene brought me to tears. The character development was great and authentic. It's a must read!

[Vince · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story!! I couldn't put the book down, found myself wrapped up in the story, felt connected to the characters, and completely amazed how the story ended!

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read!!!