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Servant #1
Servant: The Awakening
Urban paranormal fantasy featuring Gabrielle Servant. Slayer. Seducer. Gabrielle Cody has the ability to see the demons among us as they really are-and the responsibility to destroy them. She can't allow anyone to get in her way, even the magnetic Detective Luther Cross. Sensing a malevolent presence watching and stalking her, Gaby is drawn again and again to an abandoned hospital surrounded by an aura of sickness and suffering-and unimaginable evil.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2007
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609 people want to read
About the author
L.L. Foster
7 books67 followersL.L. Foster is a pseudonym for romance writer Lori Foster.
Under this name, she writers Urban Fantasy books with a little bit of romance.
Under this name, she writers Urban Fantasy books with a little bit of romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 11, 2010
In a nutshell, the book has Gaby (Gabrielle Cody) getting vague messages/feelings from 'God', and goes forth to vanquish the evil God sends her (in the way of knife slashing and viciousness). There's a not-so-plucky assistant/punching bag named Mort, and along the way she meets a cop, Luther Cross, who spends his time following her around and emanating sexual tension (apparently). It's an all right premise (sorta), made terrible by the characterization and execution.
I ended up disliking the main character, Gaby, so much. There are strong heroines, and then there are characters like Gaby, who seem strong, but are verbally abusive, physically abusive, and an all around jerk. Yes, she has a crappy job from hell (well, heaven). Yes, she needs to go out and kill unspeakable evil (providing that she's just not bugfuck crazy). But does that really excuse her behavior? She's horrible to her landlord, Mort. Then she seems to drag him along with her and become her accomplice in crime (not willingly, but considering how much the guy tries to help her out, you'd think she'd at least be civil to him). She physically attacks several people, who, all right, seem to be begging for it, but there's a line between self defense and excessive force that she crosses seemingly unable to even see it. Anything that doesn't go her way she reacts with her fists. It's appalling that this is your heroine that you're supposed to like or relate to.
She has a thin veneer of toughness over loads of melodrama and irritating weakness (which should make her more relatable, but makes me want to smack her). Then she excises this by drawing/writing graphic novels that are a underground cult hit. Seriously? She's apparently completely naive in sexual matters (she asked Mort and then Luther about oral sex, I kid you not--she should at least have known that that is not something to ask your not-friend about), and I'm supposed to believe this? From a girl who lives in a really horribly crappy part of town, and who grew up in foster care and should have at least some peripheral awareness? Though she doesn't listen to music and has never watched tv in her life (or something). Her character is horribly put together.
Luther Cross isn't much better. He's a 'man's man' who gropes Gaby. He does have a moment of 'why did I do that?!', but that doesn't excuse him. One wishes he was more professional and less, 'I want to get into her pants so badly'.
The most likable person, in my opinion, is Mort, and he's an irritating hanger-on, who doesn't seem to realize that maybe he should butt out of other people's business. But then horrible things happen around him and you think to yourself, 'poor guy', so maybe he's more of someone to pity than someone to actually like. Who knows.
The way the book is written isn't much better. Very dramatic (overly so). I rolled my eyes at a few phrases and the melodrama.
In a market glut with urban fantasy, you'll find dozens of books better than this one.
I ended up disliking the main character, Gaby, so much. There are strong heroines, and then there are characters like Gaby, who seem strong, but are verbally abusive, physically abusive, and an all around jerk. Yes, she has a crappy job from hell (well, heaven). Yes, she needs to go out and kill unspeakable evil (providing that she's just not bugfuck crazy). But does that really excuse her behavior? She's horrible to her landlord, Mort. Then she seems to drag him along with her and become her accomplice in crime (not willingly, but considering how much the guy tries to help her out, you'd think she'd at least be civil to him). She physically attacks several people, who, all right, seem to be begging for it, but there's a line between self defense and excessive force that she crosses seemingly unable to even see it. Anything that doesn't go her way she reacts with her fists. It's appalling that this is your heroine that you're supposed to like or relate to.
She has a thin veneer of toughness over loads of melodrama and irritating weakness (which should make her more relatable, but makes me want to smack her). Then she excises this by drawing/writing graphic novels that are a underground cult hit. Seriously? She's apparently completely naive in sexual matters (she asked Mort and then Luther about oral sex, I kid you not--she should at least have known that that is not something to ask your not-friend about), and I'm supposed to believe this? From a girl who lives in a really horribly crappy part of town, and who grew up in foster care and should have at least some peripheral awareness? Though she doesn't listen to music and has never watched tv in her life (or something). Her character is horribly put together.
Luther Cross isn't much better. He's a 'man's man' who gropes Gaby. He does have a moment of 'why did I do that?!', but that doesn't excuse him. One wishes he was more professional and less, 'I want to get into her pants so badly'.
The most likable person, in my opinion, is Mort, and he's an irritating hanger-on, who doesn't seem to realize that maybe he should butt out of other people's business. But then horrible things happen around him and you think to yourself, 'poor guy', so maybe he's more of someone to pity than someone to actually like. Who knows.
The way the book is written isn't much better. Very dramatic (overly so). I rolled my eyes at a few phrases and the melodrama.
In a market glut with urban fantasy, you'll find dozens of books better than this one.
July 17, 2018
Surprisingly a really good read. A bad as girl given a gift from God to see and slay demons finally meets her match, who is just as eager to help humanity as she is. Can not wait to find the second!
March 16, 2013
I struggled through this book and ultimately I have to say that I really didn't like this one. Why? There are so many issues that I'm not sure how to adequately put them all into this review without it sounding like a rant against the novel. I think that what might ultimately describe this book the best is that this would have been far better served as a short story or at most, a novella. There's the basis of an interesting story here, but there's not enough character development or story to justify a full length novel. The audiobook narrator has a great voice and if not for her, I probably wouldn't have finished this, but that's just about all I can ultimately recommend.
There will be some spoilers in this review, so if you want to know if I recommend it, then I'd say probably not. If you're curious, get this one from the library. I wouldn't recommend buying this until you've finished it and maybe the second one. Maybe it'll improve, maybe it won't. All I know is that I won't be getting the next one.
First off, Gabi is too unpleasant of a character. I don't mind gritty characters with steel balls that are willing to call people on everything. It's part of what initially drew me to characters such as Anita Blake, after all. What kills Gabi is that at times her nastiness seems to be a little overly done to the point that when she's supposed to start caring for other people, it just feels a little hollow and forced. I honestly couldn't believe that she'd care at all for Mort, let alone feel anything romantic or sexual for Luther. There wasn't enough development for that.
I also found it really hard to believe that Gabi has never seen anyone perform oral sex on anyone else. Here is a woman that regularly sees hookers peddling their wares out on the streets, sometimes in plain sight of the main streets, but they've never performed that act? (Hint: this is actually one of the most, if not the most common act performed by prostitutes.) And then suddenly after seeing it the first time, Gabi's able to quickly and easily find someone doing it? It was pretty obvious that this plot element was added in order to really introduce the romance between Gabi and Luther. The reason I mention this specific element is because it's the best example of several parts in the book that felt more like they were sudden additions that were inserted into the novel because the author realized that she'd written herself into a corner. If not for this part, there would be no natural reason for Gabi to approach Luther, no way to introduce the romance.
Why I felt that this would have been better as a short story/novella is because ultimately there wasn't really that much story here. The book was best when it actually dealt with the beasties and monsters that Gabi had to fight. This is usually when we first hear about elements of her past and how she's been living. Unfortunately we're not given that much and what we are given is repeated fairly frequently. The book treats us to multiple scenes of Gabi arguing with people (namely Luther), telling them to go away, and so on. The bickering got really old after a while and at times I couldn't understand why Luther really bothered with Gabi. There wasn't a lot of chemistry between the two.
This book was just way too over the top in its attempts to be gritty and hard bitten, and in the process became more than a chore to finish. Awakening tried way too hard to eschew the idea of the UF and PNR genres and in so doing, became a mockery of itself. I was more disappointed when I discovered this was written by Lori Foster under a pseudonym, as I'd heard great things about her but this book? This was just disappointing. Get this from the library if you're curious. If the other reviews are any indication, you'll either love this to bits or hate it with a passion. I guess you can see which side I landed on.
There will be some spoilers in this review, so if you want to know if I recommend it, then I'd say probably not. If you're curious, get this one from the library. I wouldn't recommend buying this until you've finished it and maybe the second one. Maybe it'll improve, maybe it won't. All I know is that I won't be getting the next one.
First off, Gabi is too unpleasant of a character. I don't mind gritty characters with steel balls that are willing to call people on everything. It's part of what initially drew me to characters such as Anita Blake, after all. What kills Gabi is that at times her nastiness seems to be a little overly done to the point that when she's supposed to start caring for other people, it just feels a little hollow and forced. I honestly couldn't believe that she'd care at all for Mort, let alone feel anything romantic or sexual for Luther. There wasn't enough development for that.
I also found it really hard to believe that Gabi has never seen anyone perform oral sex on anyone else. Here is a woman that regularly sees hookers peddling their wares out on the streets, sometimes in plain sight of the main streets, but they've never performed that act? (Hint: this is actually one of the most, if not the most common act performed by prostitutes.) And then suddenly after seeing it the first time, Gabi's able to quickly and easily find someone doing it? It was pretty obvious that this plot element was added in order to really introduce the romance between Gabi and Luther. The reason I mention this specific element is because it's the best example of several parts in the book that felt more like they were sudden additions that were inserted into the novel because the author realized that she'd written herself into a corner. If not for this part, there would be no natural reason for Gabi to approach Luther, no way to introduce the romance.
Why I felt that this would have been better as a short story/novella is because ultimately there wasn't really that much story here. The book was best when it actually dealt with the beasties and monsters that Gabi had to fight. This is usually when we first hear about elements of her past and how she's been living. Unfortunately we're not given that much and what we are given is repeated fairly frequently. The book treats us to multiple scenes of Gabi arguing with people (namely Luther), telling them to go away, and so on. The bickering got really old after a while and at times I couldn't understand why Luther really bothered with Gabi. There wasn't a lot of chemistry between the two.
This book was just way too over the top in its attempts to be gritty and hard bitten, and in the process became more than a chore to finish. Awakening tried way too hard to eschew the idea of the UF and PNR genres and in so doing, became a mockery of itself. I was more disappointed when I discovered this was written by Lori Foster under a pseudonym, as I'd heard great things about her but this book? This was just disappointing. Get this from the library if you're curious. If the other reviews are any indication, you'll either love this to bits or hate it with a passion. I guess you can see which side I landed on.
June 3, 2008
Wot? I didn 't realize until I came here to review this book that it was second in a series. I truly do feel this is not something I should have to turn to the internet to discover.
ETA: I have since discovered that this is in fact book one, and it was incorrectly entered on goodreads. Sorry, book, for maligning your character!
I've belatedly realized this a pet peeve, so I apologize to everyone who is rational on the subject, but realizing this is a second book has lowered my opinion of it. What I had thought was back-story was actually book one being as-you-know-Bobbed, and I'm not sure why, but that makes me like it less. Bah.
The protagonist, Gaby, (Gabrielle, I assume) has supernatural strength, and a heightened sensitivity to what she believes to be the diabolical, manifested in pain. She has supernatural strength, perception, and reflexes, but lives alone, and grimly slaughters demons as her god-given duty. Basically, Faith, but without the watcher, the sex-drive, or the one-liners.
Which makes it sound pretty bad, but it's not, really, or at least, I found the ambiguity of whether she was legitimately ridding the world of demons or a delusional mass-murderer interesting enough to keep reading. Gaby is annoying, brusque, short-tempered, and foul-mouthed, and although other characters don't find her quite as annoying as they should, they do at least realize she's got the people skills of a cat in a car-wash.
The romantic-ish subplot with the cop was just weird, though. They're drawn together by unspecified forces! She reads his aura, so she knows he's a good guy, which apparently does not preclude his groping her. He gets to explain oral sex to her, because she only knows about sex from watching prostitutes, who never perform oral sex.
Also, Gaby draws her pain onto the page, and is the creator of a wildly successful indie comic which she manages to distribute using her landlord as her agent. In secret. From her landlord. I rolled my eyes pretty hard on that one.
ETA: I have since discovered that this is in fact book one, and it was incorrectly entered on goodreads. Sorry, book, for maligning your character!
I've belatedly realized this a pet peeve, so I apologize to everyone who is rational on the subject, but realizing this is a second book has lowered my opinion of it. What I had thought was back-story was actually book one being as-you-know-Bobbed, and I'm not sure why, but that makes me like it less. Bah.
The protagonist, Gaby, (Gabrielle, I assume) has supernatural strength, and a heightened sensitivity to what she believes to be the diabolical, manifested in pain. She has supernatural strength, perception, and reflexes, but lives alone, and grimly slaughters demons as her god-given duty. Basically, Faith, but without the watcher, the sex-drive, or the one-liners.
Which makes it sound pretty bad, but it's not, really, or at least, I found the ambiguity of whether she was legitimately ridding the world of demons or a delusional mass-murderer interesting enough to keep reading. Gaby is annoying, brusque, short-tempered, and foul-mouthed, and although other characters don't find her quite as annoying as they should, they do at least realize she's got the people skills of a cat in a car-wash.
The romantic-ish subplot with the cop was just weird, though. They're drawn together by unspecified forces! She reads his aura, so she knows he's a good guy, which apparently does not preclude his groping her. He gets to explain oral sex to her, because she only knows about sex from watching prostitutes, who never perform oral sex.
Also, Gaby draws her pain onto the page, and is the creator of a wildly successful indie comic which she manages to distribute using her landlord as her agent. In secret. From her landlord. I rolled my eyes pretty hard on that one.
February 1, 2009
After a shaky start, I ended up thoroughly enjoying this book.
I don't do synopsis as you can read them for yourself. I liked both Luther and Gaby. I like that Gaby was tough but vulnerable and although some of the things we were supposed to believe about her were a bit of a stretch, looking over the whole of the book, it made sense. There were some truly humourous moments along with all the kick-ass action. The romance in this story has only just begun and no doubt will heat up with ongoing books. No sex to speak of but I didn't miss it and usually it's a must have for me. But if you read this book you will know why it's not missed ;) A short book for me at 304pgs.
Mort was a true hoot! I really enjoyed him as a secondary character. He was at times pathetic, sweet and heroic.
Although this book was a bit gruesome in places it fitted in to the storyline and wasn't just violence for violence sake - which I hate.
I wouldn't know who to recommend this to as the whole genre is completely new to me and I don't have any comparisons. So I'll just say I enjoyed it and give it a solid 4 stars and now I'm off to read the sequel.
I don't do synopsis as you can read them for yourself. I liked both Luther and Gaby. I like that Gaby was tough but vulnerable and although some of the things we were supposed to believe about her were a bit of a stretch, looking over the whole of the book, it made sense. There were some truly humourous moments along with all the kick-ass action. The romance in this story has only just begun and no doubt will heat up with ongoing books. No sex to speak of but I didn't miss it and usually it's a must have for me. But if you read this book you will know why it's not missed ;) A short book for me at 304pgs.
Mort was a true hoot! I really enjoyed him as a secondary character. He was at times pathetic, sweet and heroic.
Although this book was a bit gruesome in places it fitted in to the storyline and wasn't just violence for violence sake - which I hate.
I wouldn't know who to recommend this to as the whole genre is completely new to me and I don't have any comparisons. So I'll just say I enjoyed it and give it a solid 4 stars and now I'm off to read the sequel.
May 12, 2009
Gaby feels horrible pain which leads her to find evil so that she can destroy it. For some reason, she chooses to battle evil in flip-flops. Luther is a cop who sees Gaby successfully defend herself against some men who grab her and decides this is suspicious. He procedes to follow her everywhere, invade her home without a warrant, threaten to arrest her for various violent crimes he has no clear reason to connect her with, verbally and physical harrass her, and grab her breasts. Did I mention this is the romantic lead? I didn't find the character's behavior believable, sexy, or appropriate for a police officer. Not to mention illegal.
I was surprised to see that Foster has written dozens of books, because this one really seemed like a first effort. The author used a lot of words that didn't have the meaning and/or grammatical construction that she was going for -- it really reminded me of reading student papers where they've clearly been using the thesaurus and inserting vocabulary they didn't understand. The plot didn't seem very clearly thought out. I can't recommend this book to anyone because there are scores of better paranormal romances and urban fantasies out there. For those who are attracted to the darker, troubled-girl-battling-demons aspect, I recommend skipping this and reading Caitlin R. Kiernan's Dancy Flammarion stories (several are collected in Alabaster) instead.
I was surprised to see that Foster has written dozens of books, because this one really seemed like a first effort. The author used a lot of words that didn't have the meaning and/or grammatical construction that she was going for -- it really reminded me of reading student papers where they've clearly been using the thesaurus and inserting vocabulary they didn't understand. The plot didn't seem very clearly thought out. I can't recommend this book to anyone because there are scores of better paranormal romances and urban fantasies out there. For those who are attracted to the darker, troubled-girl-battling-demons aspect, I recommend skipping this and reading Caitlin R. Kiernan's Dancy Flammarion stories (several are collected in Alabaster) instead.
April 6, 2011
I bought this book in Book Sale because I was caught with the synopsis and the picture on the first page. At first, I really can't keep on reading this book since it was kinda dull and I was like, "okay, this is another book where the author wrote about a dark story of a poor girl who had a sad past, with no family and all that stuff."
Then, I when I read about the part where Gaby met Luther, as usual for me, I got excited and the suspense part is if Luther would caught Gaby red-handed on doing her dirty deeds from her so-called calling. The good part of this book is that, it was dark and yet it has parts that are humorous. Gaby is a cranky, always-annoyed woman yet she's totally innocent when it comes to sex since her upbringing is with the priest who taught her on how to use the gift given to her, which is disposing the evil and sending them to where they rightfully belong.
All in all, I would give this book a 3.5/5 stars and I am more excited on reading the book two since it seems more interesting because I really like Gaby and Luther's story as Luther is the calm, cool guy who is willing to accept Gaby with all her freakishness along. I would recommend this book to those who wants to read a compelling story about a girl wanting to accept herself as she is, while trying to do the right thing even if it means losing the guy she wants to be with.
Then, I when I read about the part where Gaby met Luther, as usual for me, I got excited and the suspense part is if Luther would caught Gaby red-handed on doing her dirty deeds from her so-called calling. The good part of this book is that, it was dark and yet it has parts that are humorous. Gaby is a cranky, always-annoyed woman yet she's totally innocent when it comes to sex since her upbringing is with the priest who taught her on how to use the gift given to her, which is disposing the evil and sending them to where they rightfully belong.
All in all, I would give this book a 3.5/5 stars and I am more excited on reading the book two since it seems more interesting because I really like Gaby and Luther's story as Luther is the calm, cool guy who is willing to accept Gaby with all her freakishness along. I would recommend this book to those who wants to read a compelling story about a girl wanting to accept herself as she is, while trying to do the right thing even if it means losing the guy she wants to be with.
August 14, 2010
I did not really read Lori Foster but I picked up this one under the name L.L. Foster. Yes call me the cover addict! An I read the back and decided okay, I will try it! I am SOOOOO glad I did! You will be too!
It is fast paced, kick ass herione who is a Pallitan and she is different. She sees evil like other people can't, we may feel it but not truly understand, but we cross the street to loose that clingy, evil feel you know. She is wicked with her fists and her blade, she carries it securely on her back and it is like an extention of her body. She's tough no holds bar, defends the weak and innocent and sometimes, well she just likes to beat the shucks outta the bad guy. :)
For us cover junkies, it delivers. For us true paranormal, kick ass herione lovers....Oh Yeah it's all inside! :)
L.L. Foster in my opinion has given us paranormal fans some fresh blood and it will hook you! I read it in 2 days.
March 24, 2010
When I picked this book up, I thought it was going to be really dumb. The cover really didn't help! But I was amazed when I started reading it.
Finally a harsh female lead, that can be a total bad-ass and requires no men! Yes she falls for a guy and there is about 5% romance, but the rest is dark and grotesque. I loved that the main charector was a girl, but at the same time the whole book wasn't focused on making women look strong. She's not meant to be human-like so its ok that she does things that 95% of women couldn't do, and is unafraid of things that 99.99% of real women would be afraid or scared to do.
She is harsh and unapologetic. I loved the book!
Finally a harsh female lead, that can be a total bad-ass and requires no men! Yes she falls for a guy and there is about 5% romance, but the rest is dark and grotesque. I loved that the main charector was a girl, but at the same time the whole book wasn't focused on making women look strong. She's not meant to be human-like so its ok that she does things that 95% of women couldn't do, and is unafraid of things that 99.99% of real women would be afraid or scared to do.
She is harsh and unapologetic. I loved the book!
November 26, 2016
This book isn't paranormal romance. Yes, it has some elements of romance in it, but it should be shelved as Urban Fantasy. Plus, the following two are labeled as Urban Fantasy.
I didn't know exactly what to expect when getting into this, but I was greatly surprised to find that I actually enjoyed it. According to the back, it's basically about a demon hunter. I'd recently read another demon hunting book that was far different.
This is gory, gruesome fun wrapped up in a nicely descriptive story with a damaged and demonic heroine. She's tough, aggressive, distant, and quick with her fingertips. She's got fast reflexes, super charged human abilities, and she can sense evil in the air by the aura surrounding us. Everyone has an aura, and while I wonder just how much of the aura colors Lori Foster was accurate on, I've never encountered another person who was able to visualize the technique and write about it.
The writing was exceptional. It wasn't overly descriptive, but it was just enough to paint the correct picture in your head without going overboard with the gory details. I admit it took me several reads to get through a few paragraphs because it wasn't super easy reading, but the wording used made it feel easy. It's not tough, but it's not as simple as I've seen. It's nice and neat right in the middle.
My only complaint was that I hadn't known it was the start of a trilogy until I'd gotten halfway in. At least I was in the first book, though. Phew!
Not only is this a trilogy, but the heroine apparently writes her own graphic novels based on all her missions, and if research serves me correct, Lori Foster actually has a comic book OF one, as if it were the heroine's. At least, on her website, it shows pictures of it.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes gore, demons, aura, basic human paranormal stuff (NOT witches and vampires paranormal), and who doesn't want a real romance. This is realistic romance, which means romance isn't the main story.
I didn't know exactly what to expect when getting into this, but I was greatly surprised to find that I actually enjoyed it. According to the back, it's basically about a demon hunter. I'd recently read another demon hunting book that was far different.
This is gory, gruesome fun wrapped up in a nicely descriptive story with a damaged and demonic heroine. She's tough, aggressive, distant, and quick with her fingertips. She's got fast reflexes, super charged human abilities, and she can sense evil in the air by the aura surrounding us. Everyone has an aura, and while I wonder just how much of the aura colors Lori Foster was accurate on, I've never encountered another person who was able to visualize the technique and write about it.
The writing was exceptional. It wasn't overly descriptive, but it was just enough to paint the correct picture in your head without going overboard with the gory details. I admit it took me several reads to get through a few paragraphs because it wasn't super easy reading, but the wording used made it feel easy. It's not tough, but it's not as simple as I've seen. It's nice and neat right in the middle.
My only complaint was that I hadn't known it was the start of a trilogy until I'd gotten halfway in. At least I was in the first book, though. Phew!
Not only is this a trilogy, but the heroine apparently writes her own graphic novels based on all her missions, and if research serves me correct, Lori Foster actually has a comic book OF one, as if it were the heroine's. At least, on her website, it shows pictures of it.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes gore, demons, aura, basic human paranormal stuff (NOT witches and vampires paranormal), and who doesn't want a real romance. This is realistic romance, which means romance isn't the main story.
July 31, 2025
This is a unique take on the Chosen One concept - in this case, a young woman who has been chosen to fight the demons/humans who do evil and revel in it. She is literally called by God to do this - when there someone/thing specific she must eliminate, she is overcome by pain; pain that doesn't go away until she has completed her mission.
There is, of course, police detective who comes into her life to cause problems - a good, pure fellow (she can read his aura) who means well and is good at his job.
Author L.L. Foster has created a unique and interesting take on the Chosen One - she's not out to save the world (just yet...?) but is more of a street level paladin. She's good at her "job" but not particularly knowledgeable outside it.
Detective Luther Cross seems to exist primarily to introduce her to other parts of life (he takes her to her first movie, for example) and perhaps become a love interest (his plan, anyway...).
Foster's writing is more than adequate and she's created some interesting characters. The Awakening is possible a bit of a misnomer, though, because as we meet Gabrielle Cody, she's been fighting evil for years. Perhaps the title is more about her learning about stuff other than her calling.
Servant: The Awakening is a decent read with the potential to develop into a fun series.
There is, of course, police detective who comes into her life to cause problems - a good, pure fellow (she can read his aura) who means well and is good at his job.
Author L.L. Foster has created a unique and interesting take on the Chosen One - she's not out to save the world (just yet...?) but is more of a street level paladin. She's good at her "job" but not particularly knowledgeable outside it.
Detective Luther Cross seems to exist primarily to introduce her to other parts of life (he takes her to her first movie, for example) and perhaps become a love interest (his plan, anyway...).
Foster's writing is more than adequate and she's created some interesting characters. The Awakening is possible a bit of a misnomer, though, because as we meet Gabrielle Cody, she's been fighting evil for years. Perhaps the title is more about her learning about stuff other than her calling.
Servant: The Awakening is a decent read with the potential to develop into a fun series.
October 5, 2020
The main character is not a typical female, and that was refreshing to read. I liked the urban fantasy premise and the hunt for the bad guy. The love interest was a (literally stated) chauvinist. Not a huge fan of that dynamic. The author sprinkles random high-brow vocabulary words that can disrupt the narrative (they clearly don't fit with the rest of the reading level). It was enjoyable. While I will likely pick up further books in the series, I am in no rush.
June 4, 2019
Excellent read that keeps you turning the pages. Characters are built so well, even you feel like the innocent Paladin!
May 1, 2020
Loved it . I love the comic book aspect.
Now onto acceptance
Now onto acceptance
December 31, 2016
While this was a very unique story, the main character was just too much for me. She has to be the most angriest, bitchiest, meanest female character I’ve ever read about.
Why I was not a fan of the main character in this story:
1. I understand that she was only ever close to ‘Father’ and doesn’t want to get close to anyone for fear of losing that person, but that doesn’t mean she has to be a complete b*tch to everyone she comes into contact with.
2. She’s supposed to be a professional at what she does, correct? Well after reading the first killing she partakes in it seems like it was her first time killing. The little can easily identify her; she doesn’t bother bringing a change of clothing, so she’s covered in yuckiness; she wasn’t paying to attention to make sure no one was following her even though the cop had been very interested; she throws up at the scene and later leaves bloody fingerprints in the woods; she hangs out at the abandoned hospital which didn’t sound like it was that far from the crime scene; she goes to sleep after arriving home and being told the same cop had been there looking for her; need I say more?
3. She doesn’t want Morty worrying about her or questioning where she’s going or doing, yet, has no issue coming home covered in blood and gunk.
To me, if she’s killed multiple demons you’d think she’d be a little less obvious or draw less attention. If the author purposely wrote her character to be stupid, I just don’t get it. She was definitely too much, in my opinion.
Big words. There were lots of big words used to describe simple things throughout the story. Was the author trying to sound smarter than what she was? I don't know.
Luther was a very strange character. He seemed to be suffering from ‘beaten woman syndrome.’ Gabby kept beating on him and he kept coming back for more. I didn’t get the whole sexual tension between either to where he was constantly touching her. Out of all the characters, I liked Morty the best.
Questions/Comments:
When Luther and Gabby go on their first date, why does he have them sit in the ‘make-out’ area? Knowing people have done stuff there? Gross.
After Gabby saves Luther, sort of, she ends up telling Mort a lot about herself. Why?
Why I was not a fan of the main character in this story:
1. I understand that she was only ever close to ‘Father’ and doesn’t want to get close to anyone for fear of losing that person, but that doesn’t mean she has to be a complete b*tch to everyone she comes into contact with.
2. She’s supposed to be a professional at what she does, correct? Well after reading the first killing she partakes in it seems like it was her first time killing. The little can easily identify her; she doesn’t bother bringing a change of clothing, so she’s covered in yuckiness; she wasn’t paying to attention to make sure no one was following her even though the cop had been very interested; she throws up at the scene and later leaves bloody fingerprints in the woods; she hangs out at the abandoned hospital which didn’t sound like it was that far from the crime scene; she goes to sleep after arriving home and being told the same cop had been there looking for her; need I say more?
3. She doesn’t want Morty worrying about her or questioning where she’s going or doing, yet, has no issue coming home covered in blood and gunk.
To me, if she’s killed multiple demons you’d think she’d be a little less obvious or draw less attention. If the author purposely wrote her character to be stupid, I just don’t get it. She was definitely too much, in my opinion.
Big words. There were lots of big words used to describe simple things throughout the story. Was the author trying to sound smarter than what she was? I don't know.
Luther was a very strange character. He seemed to be suffering from ‘beaten woman syndrome.’ Gabby kept beating on him and he kept coming back for more. I didn’t get the whole sexual tension between either to where he was constantly touching her. Out of all the characters, I liked Morty the best.
Questions/Comments:
When Luther and Gabby go on their first date, why does he have them sit in the ‘make-out’ area? Knowing people have done stuff there? Gross.
After Gabby saves Luther, sort of, she ends up telling Mort a lot about herself. Why?
July 8, 2010
I had to force myself past the first few pages due to their confusing descriptions and use of wording. Once I passed those, however, the novel went by fairly quickly.
First off, I would like to say that you can tell Fantasy/Sci-fi are not Ms. Foster's usual territory. It seemed that she was so focused on developing the romance part of the novel that she completely forgot that there was suppose to be plot development, too. She did bother to come up with a plot but it was neither creative nor original. A doctor abusing patients for their own purposes? A female heroine with special powers trying to stop an evil while a man who is her exact opposite is somehow attracted to her and demands that she do as he says to keep her safe? Nope, not original at all.
I was also annoyed by the complete lack of character history. I felt that Ms. Foster purposely made Gaby an abused victim to foster home with a lack of education. It worked out for Foster seeing as that Gaby as an educational unintelligent person who lack major social skill fit into the story rather well. I just wished that Foster had come up with a better background than that. It just seemed to like a lazy way out. Not to mention that she barely mention's Mort's history, and Luther's is just non-existent.
All in all, the story didn't seem original or well developed but I couldn't stop myself from reading it. I admit it's not a great novel, or even good for that matter. I still must also admit that I liked it and couldn't put it down. I bought the book for the paranormal aspect but ended up reading it for the romance. I just had to see if Luther and Gaby hooked up. However, Gaby's personality and mouth made it hard. I understand that they way she talked and acted was part of the character that was Gabrielle Cody, yet all her foul language and agreeableness made the novel unpleasant to read. I am not offending by cursing, but Gaby's was excessive to the point of annoying. Growing up where I have, it was unbelievable, however.
An interesting book if not taken seriously.
First off, I would like to say that you can tell Fantasy/Sci-fi are not Ms. Foster's usual territory. It seemed that she was so focused on developing the romance part of the novel that she completely forgot that there was suppose to be plot development, too. She did bother to come up with a plot but it was neither creative nor original. A doctor abusing patients for their own purposes? A female heroine with special powers trying to stop an evil while a man who is her exact opposite is somehow attracted to her and demands that she do as he says to keep her safe? Nope, not original at all.
I was also annoyed by the complete lack of character history. I felt that Ms. Foster purposely made Gaby an abused victim to foster home with a lack of education. It worked out for Foster seeing as that Gaby as an educational unintelligent person who lack major social skill fit into the story rather well. I just wished that Foster had come up with a better background than that. It just seemed to like a lazy way out. Not to mention that she barely mention's Mort's history, and Luther's is just non-existent.
All in all, the story didn't seem original or well developed but I couldn't stop myself from reading it. I admit it's not a great novel, or even good for that matter. I still must also admit that I liked it and couldn't put it down. I bought the book for the paranormal aspect but ended up reading it for the romance. I just had to see if Luther and Gaby hooked up. However, Gaby's personality and mouth made it hard. I understand that they way she talked and acted was part of the character that was Gabrielle Cody, yet all her foul language and agreeableness made the novel unpleasant to read. I am not offending by cursing, but Gaby's was excessive to the point of annoying. Growing up where I have, it was unbelievable, however.
An interesting book if not taken seriously.
July 4, 2009
LL Foster, otherwise known as romance author Lori Foster has stretched her talents with this new gritty horror story. This is the first book in this series about twenty-one year old Gabby who has major issues. She is a loner, really from the moment she was born. She hates to be touched, has never been kissed and no parents or friends. She also curses up a storm, much like a truck driver. She rather not feel but she does, in the form of immense pain because she believes she is a servant from God to get rid of evil. She has a special ability that she can see auras around people and knows who is good and who is pure evil, in the form of demons. She must kill them or she will be in mind numbing pain until she does.
But Gabby's world falls off her axis when she comes in contact with Detective Luther Cross. There is something special about him that may come out in future books, but for the moment he is the only one that has gotten through Gabby's hard shell. He is attracted to this strange girl and is very much a trademark Foster hero. He wants to date Gabby and show her affection and intimacies that go on between me and women. (Well he is a man after all and he is very attracted to Gabby) Gabby has no clue about sex, but when Luther comes along, she begins to find interest which is the one lighthearted moment in this story.
There is a lot of violence, gore and helplessness that begins Gabby's tale. I found it to be an enjoyable fast read, but there are some small things about Gabby and her world that may irk some readers. But given time and with a little more skill on Foster's part, she may have a winner on her hands.
But if you are looking for a happy go lucky read, look else where because this promises to be harsh and unrelenting.
I am definitely intrigued about the character of Gabby and her journey to fight evil and perhaps find some happiness with Luther.
But Gabby's world falls off her axis when she comes in contact with Detective Luther Cross. There is something special about him that may come out in future books, but for the moment he is the only one that has gotten through Gabby's hard shell. He is attracted to this strange girl and is very much a trademark Foster hero. He wants to date Gabby and show her affection and intimacies that go on between me and women. (Well he is a man after all and he is very attracted to Gabby) Gabby has no clue about sex, but when Luther comes along, she begins to find interest which is the one lighthearted moment in this story.
There is a lot of violence, gore and helplessness that begins Gabby's tale. I found it to be an enjoyable fast read, but there are some small things about Gabby and her world that may irk some readers. But given time and with a little more skill on Foster's part, she may have a winner on her hands.
But if you are looking for a happy go lucky read, look else where because this promises to be harsh and unrelenting.
I am definitely intrigued about the character of Gabby and her journey to fight evil and perhaps find some happiness with Luther.
January 12, 2011
Let me first mention that I have never read anything else by this author, and had no preconceived notions coming into this novel. I expected a dark urban fantasy and that's what I got. Our main character, Gaby, thinks she is a paladin and is sent on missions by God to rid the world of evil. Due to her past, she does not let anyone get close to her, she's never been kissed, never had a best friend, in fact, she's been extremely isolated for most of her life. That, understandably, makes her a little different from most. She is cursed to suffer immense pain until her target evil person is killed, she sometimes blacks out and goes off the deep end, and she isn't nice to anyone at all. In the world of no nonsense tough chick main characters, Gaby is one of the most realistic, and possibly the most tortured, out there. You feel a bit sorry for her because she seems more like a crazy person than on a mission from God. I really enjoyed this novel because it makes you think. It is not as simple as a woman getting missions and completing them. The bad guys aren't necessarily demons, they are real people. Gaby's "condition" gets better around a certain detective, and in the end she is no longer blacking out and seeing the bad guys as deformed monsters. The Awakening leaves many unanswered questions about Gaby, and I can only hope that the author sticks to her guns and doesn't make everything fluffy in the future. If you are a fan of urban fantasy, and like your heroines to be unique and have depth, then Servant: The Awakening is for you.
December 5, 2007
From what I could gather the book was about a 21 year old girl named Gabrielle Cody who has the power to fight evil. The story never really gives away what type of evil. The reader has to assume it's demons coming from hell or may be just evil in general. She fights in the name of God and claims God is basically her boss. Not exactly sure what her powers consist of, but what we get is that she can read people's aura's, fight, and strength, and may be she's super fast. Not sure if her face morphs as well. She lives in a run down neighborhood and the building she lives in is owned by a comic shop owner by the name of Morty who has a crush on her. She gets little money and what she gets is from her job which is creating her own comic book series that she sends to Morty anonymously. She's a very negative person, but that was the way she was raised to be. She never knew her parents and she grew up in foster care. She had been taught that she could never get close to anyone or have friends for they will get hurt. The PTB's (powers that be) marketed this book as paranormal romance, but it had just a hint of romance and sexual teasing in this book. Which I love. They also made this book look like Gabrielle was a looker/seducer when she is far from
February 5, 2010
The blurb on the back cover proclaims:
Myself a fan of the Eve Dallas books, I can tell you for sure: Nope, this is wrong. For one thing, Dallas is written as a believable character with such novel character elements as background history and a driving personality. And was given a place in an interesting plot set within a fabulously-built storyworld... a storyworld that, you know, had rules and made logical sense and didn't contradict itself. But I digress.
Gaby Cody, on the other hand, is written as Eve Dallas-lite as done by Laurell K. Hamilton for the niche purposes of teen-aged literature. Presumably as away to appeal to the Buffy-fan demographic? Except Buffy was a really smart and interesting show? And that doesn't take into account that a lot of young-adult work is really good.
I do not know or, frankly, care. Neither this series nor this author is recommended.
"One of the most intriguing heroines since J.D. Robb's early Eve Dallas books." —Elizabeth Lowell
Myself a fan of the Eve Dallas books, I can tell you for sure: Nope, this is wrong. For one thing, Dallas is written as a believable character with such novel character elements as background history and a driving personality. And was given a place in an interesting plot set within a fabulously-built storyworld... a storyworld that, you know, had rules and made logical sense and didn't contradict itself. But I digress.
Gaby Cody, on the other hand, is written as Eve Dallas-lite as done by Laurell K. Hamilton for the niche purposes of teen-aged literature. Presumably as away to appeal to the Buffy-fan demographic? Except Buffy was a really smart and interesting show? And that doesn't take into account that a lot of young-adult work is really good.
I do not know or, frankly, care. Neither this series nor this author is recommended.
April 8, 2025
I've heard about this book and even seen it many times when I've visited Barnes & Noble but never had the money to buy and read it. It wasn't until I was contacted by Lori Foster, who writes the Servant series as L.L. Foster contacted me about reading and reviewing both books in her Servant series, which she had an ARC of her newly released 2nd book Servant: The Acceptance. I told her it would be my pleasure since I've been meaning to get both books and read them. I alwasy like trying to find new romance genres and authors to read because I like to read different styles especially characters that aren't exactly what we would call normal. The heroine, Gabrielle Code, is not your typical 21-year-old since she is a 6 foot tall skinny young woman but on top of that she is a unique woman. Gaby is a loner who has never had a normal life with loving parents and siblings and she has a calling from God that has been with her all her life causing her physical pain whenever evil is near or something evil is happening around her.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2011
I like this book but I will say the main female character Gaby in it is certainly not a fave of mine, atleast from this first book so far sher isnt. Hell it could be because there was a point in my life were I was a cold hearted ice queen myself but even I had my limits. Even though she expresses having a soft side here and there she still would come off having this attitude like if people didnt meet her standards they were pathetic which really would strike a nerve with me, not even I thought that of all the people around me like that. I was compelled at first to toss this and let it earn the rank of book two in the couldnt finish shelf but I read on and plan to read the other books currently out for the series. Other then the character everything else was good. I loved a bunch of the other characters like Luther and Mort, they gave a good touch to the story and I think even helped make Gaby more bearable since they actually brought out her soft side. The plot was certainly interesting and shocked me because I thought I had who the culprit was all figured out and I was utterly wrong!
June 7, 2011
I picked this up because I enjoyed Lori foster's SBC series. This was labeled as a romance book, but I would probably put it in the urban fantasy category. It had some ideas of romance with the chemistry between luther and gaby, but I wouldn't put it at the level as most romance novels carry the sexual tension. That aside, I am enjoying the books. I am reading this after finishing another fantasy book and in spite of my love of the romance and sex, this book as kept me intrigued and the tension between the characters is enough to keep you wanting more without making you feel as though it is lacking. Gaby's character is young and naive in many ways a girl her age can be, but she is also wise beyond her years in things that most people will ever be. Luther is a strong and dependable person and it sets Gaby off kilter because she has never had anyone either care for her or be attracted to her. I wasn't to sure about Morty because he was made to be this boring, almost leachy type personality, but I became fond of him the way he watched and cared for Gaby without her even realizing it. Great start to a series and I can't wait to see where the story goes next.
February 24, 2013
A new series by Lori Foster under this pseudonym in the hot new sub-genre of Urban Fantasy, a mixture of fantasy and mystery set in a city environment with a dollop of romance and supernatural elements.
Synopsis: Gabrielle Cody has lived for 21 years with pain, a God-directed goad to destroy the evil creatures inhabiting the Earth. Alone and friendless, she saw nothing in her future but more of the same. Then she meets Detective Luther Cross and senses a new evil which hasn't been selected for destruction as yet. To complicate things futher, Gaby is beginning to acquire friends, something new in her life. Luther finds Gaby fascinating and aggravating in equal measure. Prickly and foul-mouthed, innocent and clueless, Gaby is all that and more, but is she also involved in murder?
This is the first in this sub-genre that I've read and I hope the others are as good. Exciting isn't the word. Gaby reminds me quite a bit of Eve Dallas, the heroine of J. D. Robb's mysteries. Both women were abandoned and abused, trying to protect the innocent while seeking their own brands of justice. And both are damaged as well as loved by men who see the good deep inside them.
Synopsis: Gabrielle Cody has lived for 21 years with pain, a God-directed goad to destroy the evil creatures inhabiting the Earth. Alone and friendless, she saw nothing in her future but more of the same. Then she meets Detective Luther Cross and senses a new evil which hasn't been selected for destruction as yet. To complicate things futher, Gaby is beginning to acquire friends, something new in her life. Luther finds Gaby fascinating and aggravating in equal measure. Prickly and foul-mouthed, innocent and clueless, Gaby is all that and more, but is she also involved in murder?
This is the first in this sub-genre that I've read and I hope the others are as good. Exciting isn't the word. Gaby reminds me quite a bit of Eve Dallas, the heroine of J. D. Robb's mysteries. Both women were abandoned and abused, trying to protect the innocent while seeking their own brands of justice. And both are damaged as well as loved by men who see the good deep inside them.
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December 11, 2012This book launches a new series for L.L. Foster, also known as Lori Foster, romance writer. I was quite intrigued when buying the book, but I found the reality to have fallen short of the expectations. I had not read any of her books, but I recognized her name and was hopeful. Though I can't give any concrete criticisms, I'm sorry to report that this book failed to pull me in. Perhaps it was the protagonist, Gabrielle Cody, that I didn't care for. An orphan able to see the demons walking among us, Gaby is God's warrior against evil. Part ingenue, part Amazon, Gaby is a mass of contradictions that drives Detective Luther Cross crazy with frustrated desire. To me, though, she's mostly a ragamuffin with an attitude. And I like attitude, don't get me wrong, but something was lacking from this story, something that will keep me from picking up the sequel, Servant: the Acceptance (released this September). In the end, all I've really got to say is, "meh."
February 11, 2008
This reminds me a little bit of a very early Anita Blake book. The lead character is 21, tall and thin, spent her childhood in foster care, but was taken in by a priest when it became clear that she could sense true evil... and eliminate it. In this book, a gorgeous cop becomes suspicious of her because of her secretive nature and proximity to some unexplained murders. But there is a great evil, and she has to stop it. I was going to give this four stars, but settled for three because the paradox of her beyond her years wisdom, total lack of social skills, and profound innocence was just a bit hard to swallow. There should have been more 'overlap' or some way to make these extremes more believable. (Mostly, though, I spent the second half of the book trying to figure out when/if she'd ever sleep with the cop.)
July 10, 2008
Though it has little do with with the actual plot, I learned how to make out from this book. No, I have never French-kissed before, but now I know how for future writing reference. Haha.
More seriously, this book is great horror/action story. I've never read one like it, and it's full of great characters and unexpected turns. Not only are the characters great, but they develop well. Don't let the cover fool you - Gabby is far from a "seducer". She doesn't even know the meaning of the word until the end of the book.
The ending... wasn't nearly as climatic as I expected. I realize that there is another book after it and that would account for all the loose ends, but when I read books like this I expect to be feverishly turning pages near the end. This one - well, I didn't quite get to that point.
More seriously, this book is great horror/action story. I've never read one like it, and it's full of great characters and unexpected turns. Not only are the characters great, but they develop well. Don't let the cover fool you - Gabby is far from a "seducer". She doesn't even know the meaning of the word until the end of the book.
The ending... wasn't nearly as climatic as I expected. I realize that there is another book after it and that would account for all the loose ends, but when I read books like this I expect to be feverishly turning pages near the end. This one - well, I didn't quite get to that point.
March 28, 2009
My two stars reflect only my personal enjoyment of this story and isn't a critique on the writing which is fabulous. If you are a fan of Laurel K. Hamilton or similar, run to get this series--you will not be disappointed at all. This is an intriguing series with a kick-ass heroine and an empathetic hero. I'm not sure why it didn't work for me other than that I just don't like the genre--I love her work as Lori Foster so I really wanted to like this too. I just couldn't get into the whole mission-from-god thing enough to stick with it. However, I've been talking this series up to all my friends who do enjoy this kind of thing. I think anime lovers would particularly enjoy this book. I browsed book 2, and I think the series gets stronger which is good news for those who like the setup. She's one of my favorite authors, so I wish her tons of luck with this new endeavor.
August 5, 2010
I've read this book sometime ago so this review is retrospective. This book was recommended to me by a Facebook friend and so I went and bought it. After I've read it, I told my Facebook friend that I would not read any of his recommendations ever again. He then told me that LL Foster is his sister!! Of course I backpedalled furiously! I told Artie that the story telling quality was superb. Which it was! The story telling quality is a 5 out of 5. I must have said something sufficiently pacifying because he is still talking to me. If you plan on getting me a Christmas gift, buy me a duct tape for my mouth please. The reason I gave this book a one out of five is that this book has a cliffhanger ending. I don't like cliffhanger endings! This was the first and the last LL Foster aka Lori Foster book I've read and avoided LFoster since then.
March 24, 2016
This is a spectacular series it was ahead of it's time or at least at the start of the Paranormal/Urban Fantasy boom in books. If you love a great urban fantasy novel you will love this series of 3 book there is a little romance but it is more of a mystery thriller paranormal then a romance. After I read this story I started looking for more books like it and found Ilona Andres - Kate Daniels series so I would recommend this series for everyone of all ages.
This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
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