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Sarah Roberts #1
Dark Visions
Eighteen-year-old Sarah Roberts experiences blackouts. When she wakes, notes are written in her own hand. Prophecies. Dark Visions. Future events with dire consequences only she can avert.
Sarah is an Automatic Writer. She receives a message that details a kidnapping and what she can do to stop it. She has averted kidnappings before. The notes are quite specific. She's convinced this one won't be that hard.
But things go wrong when the kidnappers recognize her. People are killed. Witnesses place Sarah at the scene. The police find her notebook riddled with prophecies of accidents and crimes and now they want answers.
Sarah is in a fight for her life with no one to trust and a kidnapping ring who want to find out how she knows so much about them. The police are hunting her for very different reasons while her parents think she's at a sleepover.
Sarah is an Automatic Writer. She receives a message that details a kidnapping and what she can do to stop it. She has averted kidnappings before. The notes are quite specific. She's convinced this one won't be that hard.
But things go wrong when the kidnappers recognize her. People are killed. Witnesses place Sarah at the scene. The police find her notebook riddled with prophecies of accidents and crimes and now they want answers.
Sarah is in a fight for her life with no one to trust and a kidnapping ring who want to find out how she knows so much about them. The police are hunting her for very different reasons while her parents think she's at a sleepover.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2010
294 people are currently reading
1810 people want to read
About the author
Jonas Saul
107 books391 followersJonas Saul is the bestselling author of the Sarah Roberts Series—more than two million sold!—and has written and published over sixty thrillers. After acquiring an agent, he signed several deals in Los Angeles, with MadRiver Pictures optioning his Sarah Roberts Series—over forty books!—(currently in development).
Jonas has often outranked Stephen King and Dean Koontz on Amazon over the past decade. He’s regularly invited to be a guest speaker, teacher, or workshop presenter at international writing conferences and film festivals worldwide.
He hosts multiple annual retreats in Greece, where he currently lives—writer’s, screenplay, and reader’s retreats. He focuses his teaching on how to get tension and emotion in every scene and on every page, how he made it as a creator/writer, the path to success in this business, and the pitfalls to avoid. Visit the Imagine Greece Retreats website at www.imaginegreeceretreats.com, or email him directly.
Jonas Saul is an acclaimed author, teacher, and professional freelance editor. He lends his editing prowess to several publishers and offers private editing services to clients. His website, www.imaginepress.org, is a testament to his editing skills, featuring numerous testimonials from satisfied authors. Jonas is an email away for those needing professional editing.
To book Jonas for a speaking engagement at a writer’s conference/festival, to have him on your jury at a film festival, or even to say hello, email Jonas directly at jonassaul@icloud.com.
Jonas has often outranked Stephen King and Dean Koontz on Amazon over the past decade. He’s regularly invited to be a guest speaker, teacher, or workshop presenter at international writing conferences and film festivals worldwide.
He hosts multiple annual retreats in Greece, where he currently lives—writer’s, screenplay, and reader’s retreats. He focuses his teaching on how to get tension and emotion in every scene and on every page, how he made it as a creator/writer, the path to success in this business, and the pitfalls to avoid. Visit the Imagine Greece Retreats website at www.imaginegreeceretreats.com, or email him directly.
Jonas Saul is an acclaimed author, teacher, and professional freelance editor. He lends his editing prowess to several publishers and offers private editing services to clients. His website, www.imaginepress.org, is a testament to his editing skills, featuring numerous testimonials from satisfied authors. Jonas is an email away for those needing professional editing.
To book Jonas for a speaking engagement at a writer’s conference/festival, to have him on your jury at a film festival, or even to say hello, email Jonas directly at jonassaul@icloud.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
March 30, 2014
This book was okay; I didn't love it nor hate it. It had an interesting story but it moved slowly.
Quote from book I liked: "Only God Knows Everything"
What’s sad is the second book was a freebie, and it looked so interesting I paid for this one. Yet the first book doesn't compel me at all to move forward in this series.
November 1, 2012
Ok prob not the best thing to do a review when one hasn't finished the book however . . . think this will be one of the few books I just can't finish. I picked the book up based upon the concept of the story and the first 10 reviews shown at Amazon. I'm now only 20% thru the book and have struggled to keep reading that far. I find it amazing at the number of people who reviewed this book like it was just fantastic. While the story may be good, the writing is horrible! One short choppy sentence after another. Terrible dialog. I do believe the longest sentence so far had maybe eight words in it? The flow is so bad that it became irritating. I can't remember the last time I had this reaction to a book and even had my husband read a few pages to get his viewpoint. Funny, he said the same thing and asked if it was maybe the first book the author had written. The best I can say is it's like reading as if you were the "Text to speech" AI.
It's a shame because several of his books looked very interesting. Just not sure I want to take a chance on one. On the other hand . . . with amazon I can pick a few up for a free read so will most likely try another. Hopefully the next one will be a HUGE improvement.
I would also like to point out that this is only the second negative book review I've ever written! Sorry . . . I did try to like the book, just wasn't happening for me.
Gave it a 3 out of 5 only because in all fairness I didn't finish the book. Otherwise probably would have been a 2 star at best.
It's a shame because several of his books looked very interesting. Just not sure I want to take a chance on one. On the other hand . . . with amazon I can pick a few up for a free read so will most likely try another. Hopefully the next one will be a HUGE improvement.
I would also like to point out that this is only the second negative book review I've ever written! Sorry . . . I did try to like the book, just wasn't happening for me.
Gave it a 3 out of 5 only because in all fairness I didn't finish the book. Otherwise probably would have been a 2 star at best.
September 4, 2025
I picked this up as a free Kindle eBook back in November 2011, but don't remember if it was a recommendation or if it just looked interesting when I was searching for free books to read on my new Kindle Touch. The summary looked interesting, and it was free, so I ordered it.
When I started reading the book, I felt drawn into it immediately from the first sentence:
"Life and death was the difference of a choice, a moment of indecision, an expensive thought that cast a silky web around her. The snare was always set, gripping and pulling, but would she be strong enough when the time came? Would she be able to save whomever it is she was supposed to save?".
Pros: Captivating, intriguing, exploration of psychic ability, kidnapping.
Cons: A little choppy in sections. A lot of unnecessary, in my opinion, characters.
I liked Sarah's flaws, rather than her being a well-adjusted teen. Her character was a quick thinker, but inexperienced with her abilities, and sometimes confused. All this makes her all the better.
This was my first Jonas Saul book, but definitely not my last.
When I started reading the book, I felt drawn into it immediately from the first sentence:
"Life and death was the difference of a choice, a moment of indecision, an expensive thought that cast a silky web around her. The snare was always set, gripping and pulling, but would she be strong enough when the time came? Would she be able to save whomever it is she was supposed to save?".
Pros: Captivating, intriguing, exploration of psychic ability, kidnapping.
Cons: A little choppy in sections. A lot of unnecessary, in my opinion, characters.
I liked Sarah's flaws, rather than her being a well-adjusted teen. Her character was a quick thinker, but inexperienced with her abilities, and sometimes confused. All this makes her all the better.
This was my first Jonas Saul book, but definitely not my last.
March 29, 2013
I don't understand why this book has gotten so many high rated reviews.
The premise of the story sounded moderately interesting. The execution was poor at the most. I don't know how to explain my feelings about it, except to say that the story was utterly without depth, richness and dimension. Despite kidnappings, shootings, car accidents and dead girls, there was no tension or suspense. There was no sophistication in the descriptions at all. In a word, the writing was flat. The characters were plastic and I was not able to connect with them or care that much. At this moment, I can't remember the main young woman's name and I just set the book down.
I have two more of this series to read, but at this moment I am unsure I will try to finish them.
The premise of the story sounded moderately interesting. The execution was poor at the most. I don't know how to explain my feelings about it, except to say that the story was utterly without depth, richness and dimension. Despite kidnappings, shootings, car accidents and dead girls, there was no tension or suspense. There was no sophistication in the descriptions at all. In a word, the writing was flat. The characters were plastic and I was not able to connect with them or care that much. At this moment, I can't remember the main young woman's name and I just set the book down.
I have two more of this series to read, but at this moment I am unsure I will try to finish them.
April 16, 2015
Amazing! I've been looking forward to starting this series for a while and let me tell you, it does not disappoint! Absolutely filled to the brim with action, suspense and thrills. Following Sarah Roberts, the main character, who's not your usual heroine whatsoever. She'd different, in more ways than one. Especially since she tends to get herself knee deep into trouble to save others due to an unusual talent she's developed, along with some bad habits. She's a magnet for trouble to say the least.
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery suspense story. The twists and jolts kept coming, never slowing down the entire way through. Sarah is almost an anti-heroine and her unusual circumstances that thrust her into the center ring of danger while keeping you wondering just who she really is and what her secrets are. The villains scared me to death, they were brutal in every sense. I wouldn't want to be hung up around them at any time, ever.
What an exciting series debut and I am very much looking forward to continue reading more of this addictive thrill ride.
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery suspense story. The twists and jolts kept coming, never slowing down the entire way through. Sarah is almost an anti-heroine and her unusual circumstances that thrust her into the center ring of danger while keeping you wondering just who she really is and what her secrets are. The villains scared me to death, they were brutal in every sense. I wouldn't want to be hung up around them at any time, ever.
What an exciting series debut and I am very much looking forward to continue reading more of this addictive thrill ride.
November 23, 2011
The story was enjoyable, but I thought some of the "mystery" elements were at times too convenient and at other times too contrived. There were several interconnected storylines, and they didn't always line up neatly. I do look forward to reading more from this author.
September 26, 2017
I was a little confused when I finished this... it was an interesting premise and I wondered what would happen next throughout the entire reading. But I felt flat when I finished and didn't feel the need to read the next book in the series. I don't know how to explain it. There was action, but for some reason, I didn't feel the excitement of it. Perhaps the description was flat? Or the main character just wasn't very agitated by the action, leaving me underwhelmed? I didn't connect with the characters; the author told us what they were doing, but there was very little insight as to why they were doing it. It was pretty obvious who the brains was behind the kidnappings, so no real surprises. Too bad, because the idea had a lot of promise.
April 28, 2022
Thrilling read
I was on the edge of my seat the whole entire time I read. Omg this novel was so good. I was intrigued as I was quickly introduced to a new genre I've never read on this level. My emotions are still all over. I recommend this author to anyone who's into thrillers.
I was on the edge of my seat the whole entire time I read. Omg this novel was so good. I was intrigued as I was quickly introduced to a new genre I've never read on this level. My emotions are still all over. I recommend this author to anyone who's into thrillers.
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November 15, 2023Totally gave up on this book. I couldn’t get into it. All the references to Trichotillomania are dominant in the book but misplaced, in my opinion.
November 8, 2014
Wow this book, wow.
And when I say wow it's not in a good way... well mostly not.
First off let me say how I came across this book. I found the second book to this series for free on Amazon. When I read the blurbs for both books I was intrigued.
So naturally I started to read the first one. And I hated it- until the halfway point.
Why did I hate it?
The writing was good as well as the pace and the plot.
My problem was with the characters, almost all of the characters really annoyed me- they all seemed suspicious and just made me uneasy. For the first few chapters of this book it felt (to me at least) that Sarah was surrounded by villains. I even hated her mom at first. I really really hated being inside some of these characters heads! Especially Gert’s, reading from his POV was nauseating.
Despite my annoyance and disgust I forced myself to finish this book, because I’m one of those weirdos that needs closure I can’t DNF. I put books on hold but I always eventually continue. I know it is ridiculous to keep reading something that is making you miserable but I needed to know that the bad people would pay and the good people would survive.
And thankfully a little past the half-way point I actually stopped grinding my teeth in frustration and started to enjoy the story. It helped that Gert’s POV was greatly reduced and that I felt the conclusion coming closer and closer, a conclusion that I sensed I would be happy with (and I was).
So all in all, this book was ok. I can see how some people would love it and I definitely can see how some people would hate it. I am going to continue on to the second one, it was free and it looks like it will be better than the first.
April 9, 2014
I have to admit I love reading stories about psychics and the main character - Sarah Roberts is one..She is what is called an Automatic
Writer, which means she blacks out and when she does she writes things that are going to happen.
Sarah is 18 and just started having this blackouts. When she writes they will tell of things that are going to happen and Sarah goes into action trying to prevent them. One time she writes to take a hammer and go to the bridge. As she is sitting at the bridge she wonders why and finds out immediately.
Sarah gets involved in a kidnapping that turns bad for her. In helping,
she winds up getting kidnapped herself and her life is in danger.
In the mix is a sister that Sarah never knew she had because her parents didn't tell her that her sister was kidnapped and killed.
This is a fast moving book and an easy read to enjoy.
The books ends with a cliffhanger, so I am anxious to start the next one!
Writer, which means she blacks out and when she does she writes things that are going to happen.
Sarah is 18 and just started having this blackouts. When she writes they will tell of things that are going to happen and Sarah goes into action trying to prevent them. One time she writes to take a hammer and go to the bridge. As she is sitting at the bridge she wonders why and finds out immediately.
Sarah gets involved in a kidnapping that turns bad for her. In helping,
she winds up getting kidnapped herself and her life is in danger.
In the mix is a sister that Sarah never knew she had because her parents didn't tell her that her sister was kidnapped and killed.
This is a fast moving book and an easy read to enjoy.
The books ends with a cliffhanger, so I am anxious to start the next one!
July 23, 2014
This is a well written book with an intense plot that will keep you seating on the edge of your chair for most of the book. The characters are well defined and the environment richly described, making you feel the story as if you were there, cheering for Sarah.
Sarah is a young lady who writes mysterious messages during black-outs, warning about bad things to happen in the future, and she works alone to prevent those things to happen, without the knowledge even of her parents. But after preventing one kidnapping from happening, she was spotted by the kidnappers on a second try six months later. When the kidnappers saw her at the place where they should get their victim, they aborted their original plan and took her instead. The drama develops in a fast pace and the twists in the story will keep you hooked until you turn the last page.
I recommend this book to the permanent library of all readers who appreciate a nice thriller/suspense story with psychic touches.
Sarah is a young lady who writes mysterious messages during black-outs, warning about bad things to happen in the future, and she works alone to prevent those things to happen, without the knowledge even of her parents. But after preventing one kidnapping from happening, she was spotted by the kidnappers on a second try six months later. When the kidnappers saw her at the place where they should get their victim, they aborted their original plan and took her instead. The drama develops in a fast pace and the twists in the story will keep you hooked until you turn the last page.
I recommend this book to the permanent library of all readers who appreciate a nice thriller/suspense story with psychic touches.
April 9, 2015
Sarah Roberts is a very unique character. Not only does she suffer from some sort of anxiety condition which causes her to rip out her own hair, but she's also an automatic writer. She has the ability to foresee the future and then she rushes off to prevent the disaster that's about to occur. In other words, she’s a hero, but she’s not your average run of the mill hero.
Sarah's life drastically changes when she quickly goes from the hero to the victim and is kidnapped herself while trying to save a young girl.
The story moves at a quick speed which I think is great. By the time I reached page 56, I already had my suspicions that Dolan and Alex are involved with the whole kidnapping business, I just didn’t know how.
Overall, the book was flawlessly written with no errors or faulty storyline. I’ve never read a Dean Koontz or Stephen King thriller so I am not sure what to expect with this type of genre, but I thought that it was a very well thought out read.
Sarah's life drastically changes when she quickly goes from the hero to the victim and is kidnapped herself while trying to save a young girl.
The story moves at a quick speed which I think is great. By the time I reached page 56, I already had my suspicions that Dolan and Alex are involved with the whole kidnapping business, I just didn’t know how.
Overall, the book was flawlessly written with no errors or faulty storyline. I’ve never read a Dean Koontz or Stephen King thriller so I am not sure what to expect with this type of genre, but I thought that it was a very well thought out read.
August 11, 2015
They never end the way you think!
Sarah, young lady with unfamiliar skills, they say it takes time for them to develop. As families go each has its own issues, sometimes it's with siblings, others with parents and some are just completely dysfunctional. This is sorta Sarah's family, but there is a secret that Sarah doesn't know.
Sarah is a sort of physic, but she doesn't see visions,blackouts out. Her position is to save others from life threatening danger. The question remains who is going to say e her from danger?
She attends a Physics Fair and meets a lady named Esmeralda who does a small reading with Sarah,she tells her she is in grave danger but doesn't have any information to help protect Sarah.
Things tAke turn for the worst and the people she should trust she doesn't for various reasons. But that is where I will suggest you read this for yourself. See How the police find what she knows and try to decide is she is a victim or a villain.
Sarah, young lady with unfamiliar skills, they say it takes time for them to develop. As families go each has its own issues, sometimes it's with siblings, others with parents and some are just completely dysfunctional. This is sorta Sarah's family, but there is a secret that Sarah doesn't know.
Sarah is a sort of physic, but she doesn't see visions,blackouts out. Her position is to save others from life threatening danger. The question remains who is going to say e her from danger?
She attends a Physics Fair and meets a lady named Esmeralda who does a small reading with Sarah,she tells her she is in grave danger but doesn't have any information to help protect Sarah.
Things tAke turn for the worst and the people she should trust she doesn't for various reasons. But that is where I will suggest you read this for yourself. See How the police find what she knows and try to decide is she is a victim or a villain.
October 6, 2014
I am actually reading The Sarah Roberts Series Vol. 1-3, but I've chosen to do the reviews one book at a time. Dark Visions is one of the best suspense novels I've read, and it reminds me a bit of Dean Koontz's novel, Intensity. Because of this, I would highly recommend this novel to fans of Dean Koontz, of which I am one. This is the story of an 18-year old girl, Sarah Roberts, who uses her gift of automatic writing to help others. In the process of attempting to prevent a girl from being kidnapped, Sarah herself becomes the victim of the kidnapping. While held by her captor, Sarah begins to discover secrets that her parents have kept from her. This is a fantastic psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
June 10, 2013
The first installment of the Sarah Roberts series. I got this as a kindle freebie and of course as the author planned all along I am Hooked!
I could not put this down! Sarah Roberts is a girl who has Automatic Writing abilities and tries to help people on her journey while being careful of being in the spotlight since she also has a disorder called trichotillomania.
I was fascinated by this fact since I am also a sufferer of this but I have to count my blessings as I do not have it as bad as described in the book.
I could not put this book down and as soon as I was finished, I immediately went on to book 2!
Thank you Jonas Saul for a great read!
I could not put this down! Sarah Roberts is a girl who has Automatic Writing abilities and tries to help people on her journey while being careful of being in the spotlight since she also has a disorder called trichotillomania.
I was fascinated by this fact since I am also a sufferer of this but I have to count my blessings as I do not have it as bad as described in the book.
I could not put this book down and as soon as I was finished, I immediately went on to book 2!
Thank you Jonas Saul for a great read!
September 14, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I found the main character, Sarah, to be someone I cared about. I'm not sure if I actually believe the premise of automatic writing, but it's fun to suppose. The plot was well developed and not predictable, as so many books seem to be anymore.There was quite a bit of action. It was a good book. I will read the rest of the series. Thank goodness there are more and I can follow these characters again.
January 29, 2014
Dark Visions is one of the best reads I have read. Jonas Saul had me hooked in Chapter one and the book was not put down until the final chapter.
I don't know if 'automatic writing' is an actual fact but will say that it strongly embedded in my mind.
A must read book!!
I am looking forward to more of Sarah Robert's journey.
I received this book free from Goodreads first reads!!!
Thank you Jonas Saul!!!
I don't know if 'automatic writing' is an actual fact but will say that it strongly embedded in my mind.
A must read book!!
I am looking forward to more of Sarah Robert's journey.
I received this book free from Goodreads first reads!!!
Thank you Jonas Saul!!!
January 24, 2015
I looked at my books to see what I was supposed to be reading! I couldn't remember if I'd added DARK VISIONS or not. I have not finished the next book on my list, because once I picked up this book I couldn't stop reading. I love Sarah Roberts! And Jonas Saul's writing! Two days later I read THE WARNING. Loved it. Couldn't stop reading it. Now it's the fourth day and I'm on to THE CRYPT. I'm so glad I discovered this author.
March 4, 2022
'Dark Visions' is an awesome book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I loved the characters. I could not put it down. It is well written and well played out. A great story line. An amazing thriller. Sarah will keep you hooked and wanting to follow her journey. Quite a twist as the story unfolds. I highly recommend reading this book.
May 10, 2013
Sarah Roberts is a very interesting character. I found myself drawn to know more about her. This story is a real page turner and I stayed up late a few nights to finish it. Action packed and can't wait to get started on the next in the series.
May 24, 2015
Kidnappings and psychic.
Psychic fair, corrupt people and senseless violence. If the sentence or paragraph doesn't make me stop and think, I call it just light reading. Looks like it's long series, will read the second book when I need to give my brain a rest.
Psychic fair, corrupt people and senseless violence. If the sentence or paragraph doesn't make me stop and think, I call it just light reading. Looks like it's long series, will read the second book when I need to give my brain a rest.
December 30, 2016
Loved the fast pace. I enjoyed the story and found it be an attention grabber. I started the book to read a bit while at lunch. I did not put it down until I finished it. Never heard of a puller but that is just one part of Sarah that made the book unique. I already started book 2.
October 20, 2012
Good book. Switches character views but is easy to follow. Love the ending.
Read
November 4, 2012Loved it. Could not put down. Was so happy it was a series as I am hooked read all 4. Onto the mafia trilogy
November 12, 2012
Pretty good story, however, most of these direct to e-book titles really need better editing for typos, missing words or just plain wrong words that are spelled correctly.
February 27, 2013
This book was amazing! It was like reading a movie!! So fast paced! I couldn't put it down!
January 27, 2014
Ive read this series so many times its ridiculous. I love it. Starts out amazing and ends amazing.
February 2, 2014
I am fascinated by the writing in this series, keeps me wanting more
August 10, 2014
This was surprisingly good (and I don't normally like paranormal theme novels -- so it's probably great for someone who does like them). I will definitely continue on with book#2 in the series now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews