The Servant is the opening volume of the epic fantasy series Keeper of the Deer, a world shaped by ancient power, fractured loyalties, and the cost of choosing who-and what-you serve.
Raised in the shadow of secrets and cruelty, Radcliffe von Schule has learned one hard truth: survival demands obedience. Bound to a powerful household and trapped by debts not of his making, Rad lives as a servant in all but name, watching nobles play games of influence while the powerless are crushed beneath them.
But power is shifting.
As forgotten magic stirs and old alliances fracture, Rad is drawn into a widening struggle that reaches far beyond the walls that confine him. Every choice carries a price. Every loyalty demands sacrifice. And freedom, once glimpsed, may prove more dangerous than chains.
Blending epic scope with dark fantasy realism, The Servant explores ambition, betrayal, and the thin line between justice and vengeance. It is a story of quiet defiance, hard-earned strength, and the moment when a boy forged by cruelty begins to decide his own fate.
Perfect for readers who enjoy epic fantasy, dark fantasy, and action-driven adventures, The Servant launches a sweeping saga where legacy is a weapon, power has consequences, and no one escapes unchanged.
About the Author :
Paul Heisel is a fantasy author whose love of storytelling began in 1979 with the discovery of Dungeons & Dragons and the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Raised in Alaska, he grew up surrounded by wild landscapes that continue to shape the tone and scope of his fiction. He began writing at thirteen and has spent decades building worlds driven by loyalty, betrayal, and the enduring struggle between light and shadow. His flagship epic fantasy series, Keeper of the Deer, has been nearly five decades in the making. He is also the author of An Emperor's Fury, Tale of the Catstaff, and the contemporary thriller First Frontier. Paul's work is known for grounded worldbuilding, moral complexity, and character-driven narratives that linger beyond the page. He lives in Frisco, Texas, where he balances writing with a career as a Principal Underwriter, continuing to shape new stories late into the night.
Review :
"From the epigraphs to the cryptic epilogue, The Servant works wonder. Heisel has crafted a world all his own-familiar yet mysterious-undergirded by timeless themes of honor, guile, and friendship. Readers eagerly walk in Rad's shoes and feel, chapter by chapter, what that walk will cost."
- Amazon Review
"A servant's defiance ignites a saga of betrayal, magic, and fate. In a world where loyalty can be a weapon and power hides behind every whisper, The Servant blends intimacy with epic scope. Fans of Terry Brooks and Terry Goodkind will recognize the spark of an unforgettable journey."
- Publisher's Review
"Paul Heisel has created a world filled with suspense, intrigue, and wonder that feels both original and immersive. The pacing is tight, the emotional depth compelling, and the plot reveals expertly timed. It's rare to find a debut that feels this confident and complete."
- Goodreads Review
"A dark and compelling introduction to the Keeper of the Deer saga, The Servant balances epic fantasy with intimate, character-driven drama. Its layered worldbuilding, political tension, and moral complexity promise a story both personal and far-reaching."
- Goodreads Review
