Keeper of the Deer - Book One
by Paul Heisel
Cast out. Bound in servitude. Hunted by blood and shadow.
Rad never asked for power. But in the halls of Château Saignoral, where secrets fester and cruelty reigns, a hidden legacy awakens. As darkness coils beneath the surface and ancient forces stir, Rad must decide what he’s willing to risk to reclaim his name—and his soul.
Radcliffe von Schule was born into power—and cast out before he could claim it. Branded a bastard by his tyrannical father, Rad is condemned to a life of quiet servitude within the walls of Château Saignoral, the ancestral home he can never truly call his own.
But Château Saignoral holds more than bitter memories. Beneath its cold stone corridors and guarded towers lies a web of secrets: forbidden magic, hidden relics, and a past that refuses to stay buried. When Rad stumbles upon a strange and ancient artifact, he is drawn into a world far darker than he ever imagined—one where family is treacherous, magic is real, and survival is never guaranteed.
Haunted by what he's lost and hunted by those who would see him broken, Rad must navigate a perilous path through deception, shadow, and awakening power. Abby, the only light in his fractured world, writes to him in secret—reminding him who he is and who he might become. And Hadley, a gruff mentor with ties to less-than-honorable deeds, teaches Rad that the only way to fight the dark... may be to master it.
But in a world where even love can be used as leverage, and power is drawn in blood, Rad must answer a harrowing question:
Is freedom worth becoming the very thing he fears?
“From the very first chapter, The Servant completely pulled me in. By the end of Chapter 1, I was fully invested in Radcliffe and the compelling cast of supporting characters. Paul Heisel has created a world filled with suspense, intrigue, and wonder that’s both original and immersive. Every scene feels purposeful, and the emotional depth of the story keeps you turning pages. The writing is vivid, the pacing tight, and the plot reveals are perfectly timed. It’s rare to find a debut that feels this confident and complete. I was both blown away by the journey and the depth of the characters. By the final page, I wasn’t ready to leave—and now I’m anxiously awaiting The One Tree, the second book in the series, coming December 2025. Highly recommend to any fantasy lover, written in the style of Terry Brooks, Terry Goodkind and even J.K. Rowling, looking for something fresh, heartfelt, and unforgettable!”
Kevin S.
“The Servant is a dark and gripping beginning to the Keeper of the Deer saga. At its heart is Radcliffe von Schule, a young man cast as a servant in his own home who escapes betrayal and cruelty only to be thrust into the shadows of Ornst—a city of thieves, nobles, and hidden cults. Paul Heisel blends intimate character drama with the sweep of epic fantasy, weaving Rad’s personal struggle with rising conspiracies, ancient Librums of forbidden magic, and the burden of legacy. The novel balances grit and heart, presenting flawed yet deeply human characters in a world where every choice carries a cost. A 5/5 read for fans of Abercrombie, Lynch, and Brooks, The Servant delivers a story of survival, vengeance, and the first steps into a destiny far larger than Rad could imagine.”
Jinthu
“From the epigraphs (with an archness suggesting Jack Vance) to the epilogue (with a crypticity worthy of Gene Wolfe), "The Servant" works wonder. This is a daring account. Heisel has crafted a world all his own, at once familiar and mysterious, and undergirded by timeless themes: honor, guile, friendship, eternal relationships, mission. The reader eagerly comes to walk in the shoes of Rad and gets to feel, chapter by chapter, what that walk means and how much it will cost. Evildoers abound: the savage master of the house; the odious Wilkins; Leskare', enticing and corrupting. There also is much goodness: Hadley, a fearsome soul who becomes a true comrade; Abby, loyal and refreshing; Rosamund, bringer of solace. Heisel has offered up a propulsive saga, and one thoroughly enjoyable at every step. That warehouse scene had me on tenterhooks. Would I dare the weird grip of The Ethereal Plane? And aha! How I would savor a goblet of the Maitrasse Cru Bonnage. Cheers! Ps. "The Master Thief" (successor novel) cannot creep up on us too quickly.”
Jay S.
Welcome to Books by Paul. I’m Paul Heisel, a fantasy author passionate about building immersive worlds and unforgettable characters. Whether it’s ancient forests, lost cities, or haunted towers, my stories are filled with mystery, magic, and meaning. This store is where those worlds come to life—through books, exclusive editions, and more. Thanks for joining me on the journey. Adventure awaits.
Paul Heisel is a fantasy author with a lifelong love of storytelling, first sparked in 1979 when he discovered Dungeons & Dragons and the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Raised in Alaska and inspired by the wild landscapes of his youth, Paul began writing at thirteen and never stopped—building worlds shaped by loyalty, betrayal, and the eternal clash between light and shadow. His flagship series, Keeper of the Deer, has been nearly five decades in the making. In addition to that sprawling fantasy epic, Paul has published the An Emperor’s Fury series, Tale of the Catstaff, and a contemporary thriller, First Frontier. Paul’s writing is grounded, immersive, and driven by moral complexity. He invites readers to imagine beyond the page, to explore not only what is said but what is left unsaid. When he’s not writing, Paul works as a Principal Underwriter for the world’s leading property insurer, FM. He lives in Frisco, Texas, where he enjoys cooking, sipping Hendrick’s martinis, and listening to Alan Parsons while dreaming up new stories. Explore more at paulheisel.com or visit his official shop at books.by. Get Special Editions at https://paulhbooks.etsy.com. Also explore the world of Keeper of the Deer at Paul's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@PaulHeiselBooks. Smash evil.
Collector's Edition - Not For Sale - For Sale Only Through the Author at Etsy. https://paulhbooks.etsy.com
In a world where nature and sorcery collide, young druid apprentice Heather faces betrayal and rising darkness within the sacred groves of Druid’s Glen. As forbidden magic reawakens and old alliances falter, her courage and faith are tested in a struggle that will decide the fate of the One Tree — and the balance of life itself.