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Bobby Roland knows things he shouldn't.
Plagued with premonitions of disaster, he fights to save others’ lives. What Bobby doesn't foresee is that rescuing a stranger from death will place him in the line of fire.
He discovers a world of evil spirits and tormented souls when he becomes entangled in a madman's plot to kill the Servant, a man chosen by God to exorcise demons from the possessed. When Bobby falls under spiritual attack following the encounter, he must choose between saving others and saving himself.
Plagued with premonitions of disaster, he fights to save others’ lives. What Bobby doesn't foresee is that rescuing a stranger from death will place him in the line of fire.
He discovers a world of evil spirits and tormented souls when he becomes entangled in a madman's plot to kill the Servant, a man chosen by God to exorcise demons from the possessed. When Bobby falls under spiritual attack following the encounter, he must choose between saving others and saving himself.
- GenresFantasy
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2014
7 people are currently reading
654 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Bailey
25 books250 followersJ. S. Bailey enjoys writing speculative tales that keep readers on the edges of their seats. She has published eight novels and twenty-two short stories, with more on the way. Bailey is fond of long walks in the woods, British television, and lots of burritos. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 13, 2015
For me, this book was more than just a pleasurable novel. This book touched me deeply in a very personal way. It is once again the story of good vs. evil. Bobby Roland is thrust into a world he had neither sought nor expected. He comes with this "gift" -- he gets premonitions. He is not quite sure how to react to them, to prevent the harm he senses coming. Sometimes he only gets a premonition right before the problem is about to occur. It's not easy to figure out what to do. He makes new friends and finds himself involved in things he knows nothing about. We know Bobby is a good guy here, but does he know he is? That's part of the journey, the discovery of him coming to know himself and his place in life. Some might be offended by the religious aspect of the novel but I think anyone who has a faith and believes in a "higher power" would understand that. I think the book reminds us that we all have different gifts or talents that can help others.
Just on a level of a good read, this book has it all. It is full of suspense that had me asking "what the heck? what is going on here?" It kept me riveted from the very beginning. I loved the fleshing out of Bobby, Randy, Phil, Caleb, Lupe and Carly. I was curious about the "bad" guys and the author gives us some good background as to why they behave the way they do; their history and more. This is simply a great story. You don't have to believe anything to enjoy the read. It does have a little teaser at the end that makes the reader want to read the next book. I am can't wait to continue reading the Chronicles of Servitude books.
Just on a level of a good read, this book has it all. It is full of suspense that had me asking "what the heck? what is going on here?" It kept me riveted from the very beginning. I loved the fleshing out of Bobby, Randy, Phil, Caleb, Lupe and Carly. I was curious about the "bad" guys and the author gives us some good background as to why they behave the way they do; their history and more. This is simply a great story. You don't have to believe anything to enjoy the read. It does have a little teaser at the end that makes the reader want to read the next book. I am can't wait to continue reading the Chronicles of Servitude books.
July 9, 2015
J.S. Bailey's Servant was a pleasantly surprising read in many ways. First of all, Bailey demonstrates a smooth writing style that is easy to follow. Beyond that, she shows a high level of creativity and innovation in this story and the concepts within it.
In Bailey's world, there people chosen by God known as Servants. Servants have the ability to draw evil spirits from people. They also have close connections to the holy spirit and other abilities. Some Servants have the ability to fluently speak any language, other have healing abilities, and other have abilities beyond those two.
Only one Servant exists at any time and the mantle must be passed on to another. Should one die prior to passing on the mantle, the world might go out of control with possessions. This last bit leads us to the issue occurring in this story; a former Servant is trying to kill the current one.
As we drive through the plots being put forth by the former Servant, a young man with some precognitive abilities finds himself in the middle of the entire debacle.
I am definitely interested in reading more of the Servant saga and checking out more work from J.S. Bailey.
In Bailey's world, there people chosen by God known as Servants. Servants have the ability to draw evil spirits from people. They also have close connections to the holy spirit and other abilities. Some Servants have the ability to fluently speak any language, other have healing abilities, and other have abilities beyond those two.
Only one Servant exists at any time and the mantle must be passed on to another. Should one die prior to passing on the mantle, the world might go out of control with possessions. This last bit leads us to the issue occurring in this story; a former Servant is trying to kill the current one.
As we drive through the plots being put forth by the former Servant, a young man with some precognitive abilities finds himself in the middle of the entire debacle.
I am definitely interested in reading more of the Servant saga and checking out more work from J.S. Bailey.
December 25, 2014
A definite page turner. J. S. Bailey knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Servant starts off with a bang and never lets up. The end of each chapter left me wanting to continue just a bit farther. If you enjoy mysteries and thrillers, you'll enjoy Servant.
Servant starts off with a bang and never lets up. The end of each chapter left me wanting to continue just a bit farther. If you enjoy mysteries and thrillers, you'll enjoy Servant.
May 21, 2015
Servant is a classic tale of Good vs. Evil. Bobby sees things. Horrible things. His premonitions are filled with disastrous events causing him to save lives. But, after seeing the murderous plot to kill a man choses by God to exorcise demons, knowns as the Servant, Bobby’s own life is in danger.
The book starts out strong and keeps going. It’s the type of read that the reader can’t put down for fear of missing something! The author does a fantastic job of weaving a dark tale full of suspense and evil. My gut clenched each time Bobby came upon evil – I think I bit my lip so hard that I have a mark! I really did feel empathy for Bobby and all of the trouble he faced. He couldn’t help that things that he saw and that led him to fearing for his own life or the life of others. The religious and demonic themes were more prevalent than any other relationship in the book. The internal struggle Bobby faced with believing he is good was the main focus.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot and loved the writing. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review.
The book starts out strong and keeps going. It’s the type of read that the reader can’t put down for fear of missing something! The author does a fantastic job of weaving a dark tale full of suspense and evil. My gut clenched each time Bobby came upon evil – I think I bit my lip so hard that I have a mark! I really did feel empathy for Bobby and all of the trouble he faced. He couldn’t help that things that he saw and that led him to fearing for his own life or the life of others. The religious and demonic themes were more prevalent than any other relationship in the book. The internal struggle Bobby faced with believing he is good was the main focus.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot and loved the writing. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review.
May 30, 2016
I’ve read a couple of J.S. Bailey’s works and can honestly say that, while I certainly liked them, I loved this one! Her writing just keeps getting better.
Bobby Roland is great; he’s like a Moses character to me – flawed and feeling unworthy, but called by God to great things. He’s unsure, but open enough to learn and grow and let God lead him.
And the plot was intense – giving just enough to make me think I knew what was happening then throwing up another wall in the maze, drawing me further in, desperate to know the answers.
Riveting. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Servant – it is a fabulous read! And I would suggest you read the short prequel, Solitude, which is available on Amazon. It’s a great introduction to Bobby and made Servant that much better, because I had that background on Bobby before I even started the “real” story. And, seriously, J.S. totally left me hanging at the end, so now I have to read Sacrifice!
Bobby Roland is great; he’s like a Moses character to me – flawed and feeling unworthy, but called by God to great things. He’s unsure, but open enough to learn and grow and let God lead him.
And the plot was intense – giving just enough to make me think I knew what was happening then throwing up another wall in the maze, drawing me further in, desperate to know the answers.
Riveting. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Servant – it is a fabulous read! And I would suggest you read the short prequel, Solitude, which is available on Amazon. It’s a great introduction to Bobby and made Servant that much better, because I had that background on Bobby before I even started the “real” story. And, seriously, J.S. totally left me hanging at the end, so now I have to read Sacrifice!
November 4, 2014
Well written, fast paced, with memorable characters. (For some reason, Lupe is my favorite). I don't know how authors get into characters heads like some of these, but it impresses me all the same.
It's especially good having read the novella that released prior to this beforehand, because then I knew Bobby a little bit better, which made it more fun to read the novel.
At any rate: awesome book.
It's especially good having read the novella that released prior to this beforehand, because then I knew Bobby a little bit better, which made it more fun to read the novel.
At any rate: awesome book.
December 11, 2016
SERVANT
This is the first in this series and I would recommend it to anyone that wants to read a good book.
This is the first in this series and I would recommend it to anyone that wants to read a good book.
November 11, 2021
A suspenseful paranormal mystery that is engrossing and leaves you wanting more.
Servant is the first book I have read from this author and hope to read many more in the future. Great job!
Synopsis:
Plagued with premonitions of disaster, he fights to save others’ lives. What Bobby doesn't foresee is that rescuing a stranger from death will place him in the line of fire.
He discovers a world of evil spirits and tormented souls when he becomes entangled in a madman's plot to kill the Servant, a man chosen by God to exorcise demons from the possessed. When Bobby falls under spiritual attack following the encounter, he must choose between saving others and saving himself.
Servant is the first book I have read from this author and hope to read many more in the future. Great job!
Synopsis:
Plagued with premonitions of disaster, he fights to save others’ lives. What Bobby doesn't foresee is that rescuing a stranger from death will place him in the line of fire.
He discovers a world of evil spirits and tormented souls when he becomes entangled in a madman's plot to kill the Servant, a man chosen by God to exorcise demons from the possessed. When Bobby falls under spiritual attack following the encounter, he must choose between saving others and saving himself.
April 23, 2018
This definitely wasn't my typical kind of book, but I ended up really enjoying it! Bobby was an easy character to relate to, and I liked that he gained a new community over the course of the book and grew to be more courageous. The changes in perspective were all timed well to build suspense, and it was so fascinating to see the mysteries unravel surrounding Bobby's roommate, his premonitions, and the Servant. Any readers who like suspense with some paranormal elements should definitely check out this series!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook*
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook*
July 22, 2019
Well writen with (mostly LOL) likable characters. It did drag a bit, in the beginning, but I guess the authdwas world building. The pace picked up about half-way through and flew at the end. I expected a horror/ serial killer book and was surprised at the religious context. Not usually my thimg (burnt out on religion when younger), but horror drew me to it. Nevertheless, it all fit together for a thri3ride at the end so now I feel obliged to read the next book.
I received this book, gratis, on BookFunnel, for my honest opinion, so here it is.
I received this book, gratis, on BookFunnel, for my honest opinion, so here it is.
May 21, 2020
The Servant
The beginning or epilogue was very reminiscent of Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart. We are introduced to Bobby, a young man who has recently lost his job. We follow his journey, which are more events of circumstance. The author weaves a well-crafted tale. The strength of the Novel is the suspense that is woven throughout the story. Though there are a few moments when the suspense drags; however, it does pick back up.
The beginning or epilogue was very reminiscent of Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart. We are introduced to Bobby, a young man who has recently lost his job. We follow his journey, which are more events of circumstance. The author weaves a well-crafted tale. The strength of the Novel is the suspense that is woven throughout the story. Though there are a few moments when the suspense drags; however, it does pick back up.
December 29, 2022
Not bad for Christian fiction (do not read the books by Wesley Snipes.... I love him but yikes). I thought it could have used a little editing because there were times when I was confused as to which character I was reading (especially when it was between Randy and Bobby). There was a lot of repetition with the saints and sinners, good and evil, which is expected in Christian fiction, but it was worded so it was too repetitive.
October 10, 2017
Love it!
Wonderful story! Full of power and suspense! This is the second book I've read by Bailey and she always manages to keep me flipping the page, especially towards the end. I look forward to the second in this series.
Wonderful story! Full of power and suspense! This is the second book I've read by Bailey and she always manages to keep me flipping the page, especially towards the end. I look forward to the second in this series.
April 4, 2020
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
mmmm a story about hauntings and spirits and premonitions...thought i would have enjoyed it more than i actually did...
i can see that its well thought out just not for me sorry
mmmm a story about hauntings and spirits and premonitions...thought i would have enjoyed it more than i actually did...
i can see that its well thought out just not for me sorry
June 27, 2017
This book is the type of book I've been wanting to read for a while.
It kept me guessing what would happen next. It was suspenseful and supernatural! I loved it!
It kept me guessing what would happen next. It was suspenseful and supernatural! I loved it!
May 15, 2020
just not my cup of tea
October 1, 2020
Servant was my first exposure to J.S. Bailey's work, and I must say, I am impressed. From the very first page, Bailey drew me in and had me asking questions. Who were Bobby, Phil, Randy, and Graham, and how did they all fit together? And why was "Servant" capitalized? What did that mean? I had to find out.
The Positive: An Intoxicating Plot & Strong Characters
It took me a while to read Servant, which I think contributed toward any negative feelings I had toward it. It's a thrilling and suspenseful novel. Full of heart-pounding action and mystery that is so thought-out that my mind barely wraps around it. Writing suspense successfully is very hard to do, but Bailey does it almost flawlessly. I enjoyed the characters and how Bailey revealed their traits. There was no "bar talk" where all the characters sat down and verbally told their stories. Instead, snippets slipped during different scenes in the novel. And by shoving so many characters into one situation, that also effectively displayed how different all the characters in the novel were.
The story kept me guessing, all the way till the final few sentences. Just a warning, though...you'll want to have book #2 handy, because Servant ends in a cliffhanger! When I read the last few lines, I almost threw my eReader across the room. Not exaggerating. I texted friends, saying, "Don't let me start the next one. You can't let me start the next one." And I haven't...yet. The only reason why I haven't opened Sacrifice is because I don't allow myself to start another book until I review the last one!
The Negative: Too Many Questions, Not Enough Answers
All of that being said, however, there are a few things I didn't like. The main one was that I feel like Bailey waited too long to explain concepts that were the whole foundation of the book. When I picked up the book to start it, I hadn't read the synopsis recently. With that information in mind, I had no idea what a "Servant" was until finishing about 40% of the book. Bailey mentioned the title but offered no explanation. I didn't like how I didn't truly understand the antagonist until the last couple chapters. I still don't know the whole situation with Bobby's roommate, Caleb.
━━━━━━━
Overall, though, I enjoyed T.S. Bailey's Servant. It was unlike anything I had ever ready, and I mean that in a good way. Creative, fascinating, and mind-bending. It had a strong--although not well-explained--plot line that has definitely tethered me to the series. Bailey's reeling me in with every sentence, and she'll probably do the same for you.
And now...I go! Onward to Sacrifice!
*Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
The Positive: An Intoxicating Plot & Strong Characters
It took me a while to read Servant, which I think contributed toward any negative feelings I had toward it. It's a thrilling and suspenseful novel. Full of heart-pounding action and mystery that is so thought-out that my mind barely wraps around it. Writing suspense successfully is very hard to do, but Bailey does it almost flawlessly. I enjoyed the characters and how Bailey revealed their traits. There was no "bar talk" where all the characters sat down and verbally told their stories. Instead, snippets slipped during different scenes in the novel. And by shoving so many characters into one situation, that also effectively displayed how different all the characters in the novel were.
The story kept me guessing, all the way till the final few sentences. Just a warning, though...you'll want to have book #2 handy, because Servant ends in a cliffhanger! When I read the last few lines, I almost threw my eReader across the room. Not exaggerating. I texted friends, saying, "Don't let me start the next one. You can't let me start the next one." And I haven't...yet. The only reason why I haven't opened Sacrifice is because I don't allow myself to start another book until I review the last one!
The Negative: Too Many Questions, Not Enough Answers
All of that being said, however, there are a few things I didn't like. The main one was that I feel like Bailey waited too long to explain concepts that were the whole foundation of the book. When I picked up the book to start it, I hadn't read the synopsis recently. With that information in mind, I had no idea what a "Servant" was until finishing about 40% of the book. Bailey mentioned the title but offered no explanation. I didn't like how I didn't truly understand the antagonist until the last couple chapters. I still don't know the whole situation with Bobby's roommate, Caleb.
━━━━━━━
Overall, though, I enjoyed T.S. Bailey's Servant. It was unlike anything I had ever ready, and I mean that in a good way. Creative, fascinating, and mind-bending. It had a strong--although not well-explained--plot line that has definitely tethered me to the series. Bailey's reeling me in with every sentence, and she'll probably do the same for you.
And now...I go! Onward to Sacrifice!
*Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
January 29, 2015
I was anxiously awaiting the release of Servant after reading the prequal, SOLITUDE. I wasn't disappointed. I know it's cliche, but I seriously couldn't put this book down. It's dark and had so many mysteries coiled up that I just HAD to know what was going on, who was really a bad guy, who wasn't...
Bailey has remarkable talent. I couldn't get over her writing style and knowledge. Filled with enough imagery that every scene is clearly seen in the mind's eye (which in a book like this feels like you're actively participating in the newest James Patterson blockbuster).
Unlike the other reviewer, Lupe was my least favorite character, but still a five-star book. I think any novel that you read in a day and stay up until all hours of the morning to finish qualifies it as 5 stars. Right? Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Bailey has remarkable talent. I couldn't get over her writing style and knowledge. Filled with enough imagery that every scene is clearly seen in the mind's eye (which in a book like this feels like you're actively participating in the newest James Patterson blockbuster).
Unlike the other reviewer, Lupe was my least favorite character, but still a five-star book. I think any novel that you read in a day and stay up until all hours of the morning to finish qualifies it as 5 stars. Right? Looking forward to the next book in the series!
October 21, 2019
Bobby Roland knows things he shouldn't…
Plagued with premonitions of disaster, he fights to save others’ lives. What Bobby doesn't foresee is that rescuing a stranger from death will place him in the line of fire.
He discovers a world of evil spirits and tormented souls when he becomes entangled in a madman's plot to kill the Servant, a man chosen by God to exorcise demons from the possessed. When Bobby falls under spiritual attack following the encounter, he must choose between saving others and saving himself.
The book is well written and I had no problem with the plot or characters but it is heavy on God and saints and sinners which is fine if you like that but for me personally I don't.
Plagued with premonitions of disaster, he fights to save others’ lives. What Bobby doesn't foresee is that rescuing a stranger from death will place him in the line of fire.
He discovers a world of evil spirits and tormented souls when he becomes entangled in a madman's plot to kill the Servant, a man chosen by God to exorcise demons from the possessed. When Bobby falls under spiritual attack following the encounter, he must choose between saving others and saving himself.
The book is well written and I had no problem with the plot or characters but it is heavy on God and saints and sinners which is fine if you like that but for me personally I don't.
July 2, 2015
Well written and fast paced, I enjoyed Bobby, Randy and Phil's dynamic as they fight the forces of evil in their small town. Each character has a story to tell and not all of it is good, but each has to learn to trust in their faith in God, and each other, in order to conquer their evil foes. While I admit that they frustrated me at times and I had no idea where the story would take its next turn, in the end, their decisions were the right ones. Now I can hardly wait to find out what happens next in Sacrifice.
My copy of Servant was a gift from the author and I give my review freely and honestly.
My copy of Servant was a gift from the author and I give my review freely and honestly.
April 18, 2016
J. S. Bailey has created a mystery/thriller with the perfect sprinkle of paranormal into the mix. With every answer supplied to Bobby, more and more questions arise. I was quickly unable to stop reading as I found that I needed answers also. Although Bobby has the gift of premonition, he is still a character who is easy to relate to, being so trusting and carefree, while the other characters are quite complex and take some time to tap into. ‘Servant’ was an absolute delight to read and gives the perfect start to ‘The Chronicles of Servitude.’ I will most definitely be seeking out many more books by this author.
- Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
- Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
June 29, 2015
First this not my normal genre of reading. I received this book for free from Goodreads First reads. I started this book awhile ago, but it wasn't working for me, so I put it down to read something else. I finally picked it up again and even though I wasn't keen on it I continued on with the story. It is well written and I got to say, by the end of the book, I do want to continue on to the next installment.
June 29, 2015
This book blew me away. Once it starts it doesn't let up. I stayed up until 4 am to finish it because i just couldn't put it down, I had to know how it was all going to turn out. Bailey is an excellent story teller. It's the first time in a long time I've come across a book in this genre that grabbed me the way this one did or that was written as well as this on is. I can't wait to read the next one. I recommend this to anyone who loves to read, it's a great book you won't regret opening.
March 12, 2015
Fast-paced, original, and full of likeable characters, Servant is a great read. It's full of twists and turns that involve not only beings in this world, but in the spiritual as well. I believe the rest of this series has every bit of potential to match up to (and at points, succeed) Dean Koontz. 4.5 stars out of 5.
April 7, 2018
This is a book that will especially interest young adults who love a paranormal type story with a faith emphasis, and is probably closer to 3.5 stars. Parts of it were hard to read because of the evil acts the main characters endure. The good vs evil theme is predominant, but you often don’t know exactly who is responsible for the terror until the end. There is also a great example of what true love is, and the sacrifices it might require. The plot certainly held my interest, but this is not my favorite genre.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews