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Serving Spirits
Mitch Whitley has convinced his wife Natalie to stay home as a monstrous hurricane barrels down on their home town. She didn't really want to stay, but Mitch can be very persuasive. Now, as the night wears on, the terror mounts, and Natalie realizes that the fury of nature may be the least of her concerns.
Serving Spirits is a novella of suspense and terror intended for mature readers.
Serving Spirits is a novella of suspense and terror intended for mature readers.
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
Audible Audio
First published August 11, 2013
63 people want to read
About the author
Adam Light
20 books270 followersAdam Light resides in northeast Florida with his beautiful wife and daughter, and their two fur sons, Walker and Aspen.
For years, he's peeked out at you from your slightly open closet door, or grasped at the little toes you carelessly left uncovered. His stories have been published in horror anthologies such as Doorbells at Dusk, the Bad Apples: Halloween Horror series, and Dead Roses: Five Dark Tales of Twisted Love, to name a few.
Now, you can find all of his work under one gorgeous cover in Dreams for the Dying, the definitive collection of Adam Light's tantalizing tales. Be sure to pick it up now, before it's too late.
Click here for your copy of Dreams for the Dying
For years, he's peeked out at you from your slightly open closet door, or grasped at the little toes you carelessly left uncovered. His stories have been published in horror anthologies such as Doorbells at Dusk, the Bad Apples: Halloween Horror series, and Dead Roses: Five Dark Tales of Twisted Love, to name a few.
Now, you can find all of his work under one gorgeous cover in Dreams for the Dying, the definitive collection of Adam Light's tantalizing tales. Be sure to pick it up now, before it's too late.
Click here for your copy of Dreams for the Dying
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 5, 2014
Thief, the pits of Hell are not good enough for you. But I'm going to send you there anyway.
A woman wants to stay alive. A man wants her dead. And Mother Nature's throwing everything she's got at them.
Welcome to another fun serving of horror and suspense from Adam Light. The less you know about this one, the better, so I'll say no more than to read it with all the lights burning while the wind howls outside.
A woman wants to stay alive. A man wants her dead. And Mother Nature's throwing everything she's got at them.
Welcome to another fun serving of horror and suspense from Adam Light. The less you know about this one, the better, so I'll say no more than to read it with all the lights burning while the wind howls outside.
October 7, 2015
Natalie married Mitch against her father's wishes. Her Father disappears in Haiti while researching his next book,but before he goes missing he sends his beloved daughter a talisman to protect her.
It's a dark,stormy night and Mitch has plans....
I always enjoy this author's work,just in time for Halloween.
It's a dark,stormy night and Mitch has plans....
I always enjoy this author's work,just in time for Halloween.
February 25, 2014
I loved this story when I first read this in the Toes Up collection last year and it was a favourite of mine. Its set during a hurricane in Florida, and has Mitch and Natalie as the focus.
The story sets a good pace and we find a lot out about the characters. Natalie's dad, a big name author never trusted Mitch, and so set about finding away to keep his daughter save. Enter the huge man sized statue.
The setting was good, the hurricane the perfect setting for what Mitch has planned for Natalie. With power outages, the violence of the storm echoing the violence in the house, but Mitch hasn't planned for a statue that is hungering just for a taste of him. Magic mixed with a big dose of horror. Brilliant!
The story sets a good pace and we find a lot out about the characters. Natalie's dad, a big name author never trusted Mitch, and so set about finding away to keep his daughter save. Enter the huge man sized statue.
The setting was good, the hurricane the perfect setting for what Mitch has planned for Natalie. With power outages, the violence of the storm echoing the violence in the house, but Mitch hasn't planned for a statue that is hungering just for a taste of him. Magic mixed with a big dose of horror. Brilliant!
December 23, 2013
A strong new horror novella from Adam Light, more traditional than some of his quirkier material, but very enjoyable nonetheless.
This story brought to mind some of the best aspects of Robert E. Howard's adventure-horror stories, but written in a voice that is uniquely Adam Light's.
Throw in a pint of marital discord, a cup of deceipt, a pinch of voudou; stir it all up in the blender of a killer storm bearing down on the coast, and you've got one heck of a story.
And one that's very appropriately themed for the collection in which it was originally printed, Toes Up. You'll see what I mean by the end.
My only disappointment with the story was that the author laid such a detailed, vivid foundation here that I really kind of wanted a novel-length work. As-is, it's firmly in novella territory, but the pages sped by so fast that it left me wanting more.
And that's a good thing.
Recommended.
This story brought to mind some of the best aspects of Robert E. Howard's adventure-horror stories, but written in a voice that is uniquely Adam Light's.
Throw in a pint of marital discord, a cup of deceipt, a pinch of voudou; stir it all up in the blender of a killer storm bearing down on the coast, and you've got one heck of a story.
And one that's very appropriately themed for the collection in which it was originally printed, Toes Up. You'll see what I mean by the end.
My only disappointment with the story was that the author laid such a detailed, vivid foundation here that I really kind of wanted a novel-length work. As-is, it's firmly in novella territory, but the pages sped by so fast that it left me wanting more.
And that's a good thing.
Recommended.
July 13, 2014
What do you need to know about this story?
- it is short (perfect in this case);
- although there is a supernatural element, the real monster is ordinary (well, as much as a psychopath can be);
- it has an unlikeable female character (annoying at best);
- it will probably enrage you;
- it has a perfect and great ending.
So, go read it.
- it is short (perfect in this case);
- although there is a supernatural element, the real monster is ordinary (well, as much as a psychopath can be);
- it has an unlikeable female character (annoying at best);
- it will probably enrage you;
- it has a perfect and great ending.
So, go read it.
December 7, 2013
It was a dark and stormy… Just kidding. But it really was!
Hurricane Gwendolyn is battering the mansion. Natalie Whitley gets through it the howling winds and crash of tress falling by drowning it out with some Metallica. That and a Stoli and cranberry juice cocktail her husband mixed for her.
As the storm beats at the doors and windows, Natalie wishes she were in Vegas. But the mansion should be able to withstand the hurricane. It’s just a matter of waiting for it to pass.
I’ve been through my share of hurricanes and it always seems the worst of the storm occurs at night. All that crashing and howling and loud bumps makes for a long and scary night. Then the power goes out and it really gets bad.
The author sets the mood for you and all you can do is hang on.
You have a great cast of characters. Seth, Natalie’s father, is a famous horror writer and is traveling abroad, researching his next big hit. Natalie is the apple of her father’s eye.
Mitch, the husband, is everything Natalie’s father doesn’t want for his daughter and his suspicions are soon confirmed.
A large package arrives at the mansion. Seth is always sending Natalie odd finds. This one is beyond odd and quite grotesque.
You’re going to love what’s in the crate. From here on, Natalie has to fear what’s in the mansion as much as the storm outside.
Once I knew what was in the crate, I had an idea where this story was going. That doesn’t mean I didn’t relish every word getting there.
Adam infuses suspense, outrage, and terror in stunning doses. While Serving Spirits is a short read, it feels a lot longer while you’re experiencing it.
Looking for something scary for a dark and stormy night. Or a quiet one. I recommend Serving Spirits.
I received this book from the author for my honest review. Thanks Adam. I would gladly have spent my money on this one and any future ones!
Hurricane Gwendolyn is battering the mansion. Natalie Whitley gets through it the howling winds and crash of tress falling by drowning it out with some Metallica. That and a Stoli and cranberry juice cocktail her husband mixed for her.
As the storm beats at the doors and windows, Natalie wishes she were in Vegas. But the mansion should be able to withstand the hurricane. It’s just a matter of waiting for it to pass.
I’ve been through my share of hurricanes and it always seems the worst of the storm occurs at night. All that crashing and howling and loud bumps makes for a long and scary night. Then the power goes out and it really gets bad.
The author sets the mood for you and all you can do is hang on.
You have a great cast of characters. Seth, Natalie’s father, is a famous horror writer and is traveling abroad, researching his next big hit. Natalie is the apple of her father’s eye.
Mitch, the husband, is everything Natalie’s father doesn’t want for his daughter and his suspicions are soon confirmed.
A large package arrives at the mansion. Seth is always sending Natalie odd finds. This one is beyond odd and quite grotesque.
You’re going to love what’s in the crate. From here on, Natalie has to fear what’s in the mansion as much as the storm outside.
Once I knew what was in the crate, I had an idea where this story was going. That doesn’t mean I didn’t relish every word getting there.
Adam infuses suspense, outrage, and terror in stunning doses. While Serving Spirits is a short read, it feels a lot longer while you’re experiencing it.
Looking for something scary for a dark and stormy night. Or a quiet one. I recommend Serving Spirits.
I received this book from the author for my honest review. Thanks Adam. I would gladly have spent my money on this one and any future ones!
December 31, 2013
A very well written short story that falls squarely into supernatural thriller territory as a conniving husband plots the end of his wife while a hurricane approaches. Light's prose is quite literary, yet flows well, and is the biggest strength of this short piece. The plot of Serving Spirits is a little predictable, but the ride is still an enjoyable one. A final edit would also help iron out the rough edges typical of any independent publication (such as when Natalie is bleeding from cuts that have yet to be sustained). And mention must be made of the clever title with its double meaning.
If this short is any indication, Adam Light is a new voice in horror that is worth monitoring, and I look forward to seeing what else he has in store for genre fans.
4 Disapproving Fathers for Serving Spirits.
If this short is any indication, Adam Light is a new voice in horror that is worth monitoring, and I look forward to seeing what else he has in store for genre fans.
4 Disapproving Fathers for Serving Spirits.
January 13, 2014
I originally read this on December 15th, but forgot to come back and do my review, so I gave it a reread today to refresh the old memory. Upon a second reading, I still feel it warrants a four star rating. The first thing I noticed was how the author just seems to get better and more polished with every story I read. That's awesome, and leaves me eager to see what's next.
I really enjoyed the setting, the big house in the midst of a raging hurricane. I could envision it like I was there, the raging winds, the rain slamming into the windows, the booming thunder and flashes of lightning. Set the mood perfectly. I liked Natalie, she was likable without being a wimp, rock and roll without being a bitch. Slimeball Mitch was easy to picture too. I could almost see the smarmy look on his face, feel my fist itching to smash it. I liked how the story built up quickly, the way the statue was explained through the letters from Nat's father. Speaking of him, I wish we would've seen more of him. I found myself wanting to know him better. When it came to the action, it was all-out. I was glad Nat put up a fight, despite being drugged and tipsy. Then... the Djab... super creepy. Especially with the power going out... It was a neat ending, I liked how Mitch got taken care of. Plus it was interesting to learn about the Djab, something I'd never even heard of before, but did some subsequent Googling of after reading this tale.
Another entertaining story from Adam Light, I'm looking forward to more.
I really enjoyed the setting, the big house in the midst of a raging hurricane. I could envision it like I was there, the raging winds, the rain slamming into the windows, the booming thunder and flashes of lightning. Set the mood perfectly. I liked Natalie, she was likable without being a wimp, rock and roll without being a bitch. Slimeball Mitch was easy to picture too. I could almost see the smarmy look on his face, feel my fist itching to smash it. I liked how the story built up quickly, the way the statue was explained through the letters from Nat's father. Speaking of him, I wish we would've seen more of him. I found myself wanting to know him better. When it came to the action, it was all-out. I was glad Nat put up a fight, despite being drugged and tipsy. Then... the Djab... super creepy. Especially with the power going out... It was a neat ending, I liked how Mitch got taken care of. Plus it was interesting to learn about the Djab, something I'd never even heard of before, but did some subsequent Googling of after reading this tale.
Another entertaining story from Adam Light, I'm looking forward to more.
March 8, 2014
Serving Spirits is a new branch of fiction from Adam's literary tree. The bizarre fiction we have become accustomed to from Adam isn't present in this story. This is more traditional horror. It is a real change in tempo and mood but it is still well written, character driven horror. Short, sweet, and to the point (as always) this is another notch on the bedpost of great writing coming from one of the Brothers Light.
December 7, 2013
What a suspense filled story! It was so intense, I could feel my whole body tensed up while reading.
The storyline was a really interesting one. And I was hooked on the story from the first page. There was a whole lot of entertainment packed into 44 pages.
I would highly recommend Serving Spirits to anyone looking for an exciting action packed story!
The storyline was a really interesting one. And I was hooked on the story from the first page. There was a whole lot of entertainment packed into 44 pages.
I would highly recommend Serving Spirits to anyone looking for an exciting action packed story!
December 8, 2013
SERVING THE SPIRITS...
This is my favorite tale out of "Toes Up."
Natalie's famous horror author father warns her before she marries Mitch but lurve is blind, you know. Her father has disappeared on a trip to Haiti to research a book on voudou but not before he sends her a very helpful gift.
This novella would be great extended into a full book.
This is my favorite tale out of "Toes Up."
Natalie's famous horror author father warns her before she marries Mitch but lurve is blind, you know. Her father has disappeared on a trip to Haiti to research a book on voudou but not before he sends her a very helpful gift.
This novella would be great extended into a full book.
May 1, 2014
I just love books by the Light brothers - and they haven't let me down yet! I really felt like I got to know the characters, something that doesn't happen often in shorter stories. It was good and creepy, and even a bit sad at one point. I would definitely recommend it.
December 13, 2013
A good horror tale about a Dad's love for his daughter.
January 24, 2014
This was one creepy book. But I expect nonetheless from Adam Light.
The book starts off with a terrible Hurricane that Natalie wanted to run away from. But her husband Mitch, for his own selfish reasons that we will find out later on, makes her a drink and assures her that the building was built to withstand this type of storm. After all, her father had built it and he had money. He was famous horror author Seth Dent. He had been away on a trip to Haiti learn about Voodoo from the people who really knew to help him write a book.
Natalie got plenty of letters from him, but not recently and she was worried. Mitch said her father would be fine. The last thing Seth,her father, sent was a statue with instructions in a letter to Natalie to read the incantation out loud if she was in trouble. She thought her father silly but, with the storm getting worse and Mitch holed up writing his book, Natalie decided to look through her fathers letters.
She remembered the day the statue arrived. She paid the men who hauled it in extra to open the very big box. The statue was huge and it scarred her because it was scary looking. But if her father believed it would help her, then she believed.
She said the incantation as the wind howled. Nothing happened. Not right away.
Meanwhile, Mitch who seemed like the doting husband was up to his own tricks and they were not all good. Seth never trusted Mitch but Natalie was so in love, he let his daughter have her way but made sure she was protected.
Natalie put on some music to have a sound over the storm and made herself a drink. Or two or three. But she felt very funny and then she was not sure how many drinks she had. And then she wanted Mitch. So she dressed in her sexiest lingerie and went to find him. But he was already on his way to her.
Then you would not believe what happens next.
It is scary as hell!
A definite thumbs up for all horror fans. You will absolutely love this short story.
The book starts off with a terrible Hurricane that Natalie wanted to run away from. But her husband Mitch, for his own selfish reasons that we will find out later on, makes her a drink and assures her that the building was built to withstand this type of storm. After all, her father had built it and he had money. He was famous horror author Seth Dent. He had been away on a trip to Haiti learn about Voodoo from the people who really knew to help him write a book.
Natalie got plenty of letters from him, but not recently and she was worried. Mitch said her father would be fine. The last thing Seth,her father, sent was a statue with instructions in a letter to Natalie to read the incantation out loud if she was in trouble. She thought her father silly but, with the storm getting worse and Mitch holed up writing his book, Natalie decided to look through her fathers letters.
She remembered the day the statue arrived. She paid the men who hauled it in extra to open the very big box. The statue was huge and it scarred her because it was scary looking. But if her father believed it would help her, then she believed.
She said the incantation as the wind howled. Nothing happened. Not right away.
Meanwhile, Mitch who seemed like the doting husband was up to his own tricks and they were not all good. Seth never trusted Mitch but Natalie was so in love, he let his daughter have her way but made sure she was protected.
Natalie put on some music to have a sound over the storm and made herself a drink. Or two or three. But she felt very funny and then she was not sure how many drinks she had. And then she wanted Mitch. So she dressed in her sexiest lingerie and went to find him. But he was already on his way to her.
Then you would not believe what happens next.
It is scary as hell!
A definite thumbs up for all horror fans. You will absolutely love this short story.
June 25, 2014
“Serving Spirits by Adam Light
Advertized by author on Facebook
Started reading June 21, Completed June 24, 2014
Here's a little ditty 'bout Jack and Diane (Mitch and Natalie)
Two American kids growin' up in the heartland (well OK, they aren't kids and it is Florida)
Mitchie's gonna be a writing star
Natalie debutante with booze at their bar
Stayin' in Florida during a heavy breeze
Natty sittin on Mitchie's lap (ah, hahaha!)
He's got his hand somewhere besides her knees
Mitchie says, hey, Natalie
Let's run off to Paris for free
Have a big wedding with special cooks
Daddy will pay and write my book!
This book was fun and it did remind me of the classic Mellowcamp song. I thought it was well written and a good read. Perhaps not as original as I like, but still a good story.
Recommended
Advertized by author on Facebook
Started reading June 21, Completed June 24, 2014
Here's a little ditty 'bout Jack and Diane (Mitch and Natalie)
Two American kids growin' up in the heartland (well OK, they aren't kids and it is Florida)
Mitchie's gonna be a writing star
Natalie debutante with booze at their bar
Stayin' in Florida during a heavy breeze
Natty sittin on Mitchie's lap (ah, hahaha!)
He's got his hand somewhere besides her knees
Mitchie says, hey, Natalie
Let's run off to Paris for free
Have a big wedding with special cooks
Daddy will pay and write my book!
This book was fun and it did remind me of the classic Mellowcamp song. I thought it was well written and a good read. Perhaps not as original as I like, but still a good story.
Recommended
August 23, 2014
While a hurricane rages outside...
Serving Spirits is a taught horror short story that will pull you into its grip. No spoilers--just read it.
...a sense of choking dread unfurls within.
If you like your horror tales dark, in which evil is repaid in kind, you will like this one by Adam Light. I will be looking for more by this author.
Serving Spirits is a taught horror short story that will pull you into its grip. No spoilers--just read it.
...a sense of choking dread unfurls within.
If you like your horror tales dark, in which evil is repaid in kind, you will like this one by Adam Light. I will be looking for more by this author.
January 23, 2014
Serving Spirits is a great, terror filled, fun read. Although it is a short story, this could easily turn into a full novel. Which I would read in a second.
This is a story that left me wanting more. I love the premise, and would love to learn more about Mitch, Natalie, and especially Seth Dent.
Suspense, Haitian voodoo, and a maniacal spouse...what more could you ask for in an action packed story. I look forward to reading more from Adam Light, and his brother.
This is a story that left me wanting more. I love the premise, and would love to learn more about Mitch, Natalie, and especially Seth Dent.
Suspense, Haitian voodoo, and a maniacal spouse...what more could you ask for in an action packed story. I look forward to reading more from Adam Light, and his brother.
November 9, 2014
A good read, my first by this Author. I appreciate the mix of Vodouism including a Djab. Made for an interesting read.
What I appreciate most is the language used to describe things.
“Before the lightning’s brilliance was eaten by dark again.”
“It smelled like the devil’s asshole.”
“Mewling like an infant whose mother had denied him the breast.”
Over all, I enjoyed this story and will definitely read another by this author in the future.
What I appreciate most is the language used to describe things.
“Before the lightning’s brilliance was eaten by dark again.”
“It smelled like the devil’s asshole.”
“Mewling like an infant whose mother had denied him the breast.”
Over all, I enjoyed this story and will definitely read another by this author in the future.
June 8, 2014
Draws you in and keeps you hooked.
What a fun thriller. Novellas can be difficult to write, but this one shines. It was an ever-climbing, tension filled ride. Creepy, sinister, action packed. The background setting of the approaching hurricane was so well done.
My only complaint is the author's overuse of the word 'like.' Like a baby, like bacon, like Medusa. It got almost comical toward the end.
But the overall story was fantastic. More please. :)
What a fun thriller. Novellas can be difficult to write, but this one shines. It was an ever-climbing, tension filled ride. Creepy, sinister, action packed. The background setting of the approaching hurricane was so well done.
My only complaint is the author's overuse of the word 'like.' Like a baby, like bacon, like Medusa. It got almost comical toward the end.
But the overall story was fantastic. More please. :)
May 20, 2015
Forget the terror and mystical hijinks taking place in Serving Spirits; Adam Light's writing ability is phenomenal. His ability to turn a phrase and literary prowess are of epic proportions. That being said, there were quite a few typos in this kindle edition, but Light's talent is still evident. Take a ride into the eye of the storm with Light's high intensity novella, you won't be disappointed.
August 11, 2016
An original tale that'll certainly get your heartbeat going. Some good descriptive imagery, but some language was awkward or clunky.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
April 24, 2014
A good horror short with a plot line I kind of saw coming, but it was fun getting there nonetheless. Excellent work as always by the Adam Light!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews