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Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy

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How far would you go to possess the unholy? In this supernatural thriller, the boundaries between men and monsters blur as power and greed collide with forces beyond comprehension. What begins as a pursuit of the world’s most precious relics spirals into a war between the ruthless elite and the dark prophets of Satan himself. With every step deeper into the unknown, ambition fuels destruction, and those who believe they control their own fate soon realize—they were never in control at all.

As the will of men clashes with the temptations of the abyss, the institutions that claim to lead us are exposed for what they truly pawns in a game older than time. Those who seek to harness evil for their own gain will learn a harrowing truth—no one steals from the Devil and lives to tell about it.

This is not just a story. It is a warning. One that will haunt you long after the final page.

Because believers believe.

Believers is a darkly atmospheric supernatural thriller. If you like ancient mysteries, epic battles between good and evil, and the search for forbidden knowledge, then you’ll love Christiano Maki’s immersive and haunting tale of faith, ambition, and deadly secrets.

Buy Believers to confront forces beyond imagination today!

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2025

19 people are currently reading
17 people want to read

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Christiano Maki

1 book3 followers

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Sachin Karnik.
Author 2 books6 followers
October 30, 2025
Some stories whisper from the shadows; Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy calls you into them.

Christiano Maki’s newest supernatural thriller delivers a chilling blend of mystery, danger, and ancient secrets. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world where faith meets fear, and the hunt for sacred relics becomes a race against the unholy.

The story follows those who dare to chase forbidden artifacts—objects pulsing with mysterious power. As the hunt intensifies, it’s not just about relics anymore but about who or what truly controls fate. I loved how Maki keeps the tension high without leaning too heavily into religion; the focus is on human obsession, greed, and the unsettling realization that some doors, once opened, can never be closed again.

The writing is sharp, cinematic, and layered with atmosphere. Every chapter builds a sense of eerie anticipation—like something is waiting just beyond the next page. The supernatural details are smartly woven in, never overdone, giving the story a grounded yet haunting tone.

For readers who enjoy thrillers with dark intrigue, moral tension, and supernatural twists, this book is worth every moment. It’s a reminder that the real danger often lies not in what’s unholy—but in what we choose to believe.

⭐ 4/5 Stars — A compelling, mysterious, and beautifully written supernatural thriller.

📖 ARC provided by iRead Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Samantha Rodriguez.
229 reviews6 followers
November 1, 2025
Thank you to Christiano Maki and iRead Books Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy is a supernatural thriller filled with mystery and suspense, that explores the dark side of human nature when presented with temptation and power.

This book is quite different from anything I believe I have ever read, and it is really one of those books that reminds me I need to step outside of my "book norms" more often...every time I do I ALWAYS enjoy what I find. This book revolves around human greed, secret organizations, and the search for forbidden ancient relics, which turns into a supernatural war involving the servants of Satan, himself. This was my first book by this author, and yeah...I am definitely a fan.

This was seriously spooky. I don't mean in the cutesy, fun "spooky season," way. This book seriously had me spooked. It felt like you could legitimately feel the evil in this story. I applaud the author's writing style for being able to achieve this through the written word. Maki is able to take control of your imagination and manufacture these horrors inside your head with deep psychological impact. One of the things I really enjoyed about this book is that it isn't about "monsters" in the typical sense, but more about the monster inside of us all, and how that monster is revealed when the line between faith and obsession disappears. This book is a controlled descent into madness, and I was absolutely hooked all the way to the end.
Profile Image for Gina  Rae Mitchell.
1,357 reviews98 followers
October 13, 2025
This book surprised me in all the best ways. Maki writes with intensity, creating an atmosphere thick with dread and moral ambiguity. His background in global culture and faith clearly shines through; you can feel the layered influences in every description, from sacred relics to secret organizations.

The plot weaves mystery and horror seamlessly—one moment you’re questioning humanity’s motives, the next you’re immersed in supernatural forces beyond comprehension. I appreciated that while the story contains elements of horror, it never relies on cheap scares. Instead, it’s psychological and deeply reflective, making you wonder where devotion ends and obsession begins.

The pacing stays taut, and the prose is almost cinematic. There’s a sense of grandeur and fatalism running beneath the action that reminded me of epic cautionary tales. I especially enjoyed the philosophical undercurrent: this isn’t just a battle between good and evil—it’s about the human hunger for control in a world ruled by unseen powers.

Learn more about the book & author on my website, https://ginaraemitchell.com/believers

While there are moments where the dialogue could have been tightened, the story’s ambition and scope more than make up for it. Believers is immersive, unsettling, and thought-provoking—a bold debut from an author who clearly writes with purpose.
Profile Image for HAALIM.
17 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2025
Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy is a dark, atmospheric supernatural thriller about power, temptation and the price of belief.

How far would you go to possess the unholy?
When greed and faith collide, the line between men and monsters disappears. What begins as a search for a sacred relic spirals into a war between the ruthless elite and the dark prophets of Satan himself.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dark, layered and deeply unsettling.

Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy is not your typical supernatural thriller. It’s a chilling mix of faith, greed and power where the line between the divine and the damned fades with every page.

The story pulled me in from the start and never let go. It’s atmospheric, mysterious and at times, genuinely terrifying, not because of jump scares, but because of how real the evil feels. I loved how the author explored belief and temptation through different characters each facing their own version of darkness.

It’s the kind of book that makes you question who’s really in control?the people chasing power? or the force they’re trying to command?
And theending? It lingers!

If you like ancient mysteries, epic battles between good and evil and the search for forbidden knowledge, then you’ll love Christiano Maki’s immersive and haunting tale of faith, ambition and deadly secrets!
Profile Image for Atul Sharma.
267 reviews7 followers
October 31, 2025
“Sometimes the things we seek most are the ones that consume us.”

🍷 There’s something unsettling about this book — not because of ghosts or monsters, but because of how deeply it probes human desire. Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy isn’t your typical relic-hunt thriller. It’s a descent into faith, greed, and the madness that follows when people start believing power can be owned.

🍷 Maki builds a world that feels eerily familiar — desert winds, hidden sects, and men who’d sacrifice everything for something they barely understand. The story follows a chase for an ancient relic rumored to hold unimaginable force.

🍷But somewhere along the way, the line between faith and obsession disappears. The hunt becomes less about what’s found, and more about what’s lost — morality, sanity, and maybe even the soul.

🍷What stood out most is how quietly the horror unfolds. There are no cheap shocks here — just a slow corrosion of belief, an unraveling of men who once thought they were righteous. It’s part thriller, part moral fable, wrapped in haunting imagery and an almost cinematic stillness.

🍷By the time you reach the end, you realize the book was never about “the unholy” out there — it was about the unholy within us all.

If belief itself became a weapon — would you still dare to hold it?
Profile Image for Therearenobadbooks.
1,921 reviews101 followers
August 28, 2025
Top things I like about this novel: pure evil (this takes me back to Damion, Exorcist, always related to religion makes it even more evil, then I waited to see more in recent times, there was Constantine I loved and The Ring (not religious) Now, I wanted to see this book as a TV show.. All the scenes with the child Dhelia are absolutely terrifying and the deaths are dark... I am a fan of Michael Critchon's writing style, almost like a journalist jumping from character to character, but still giving us one or two main ones. Jim is not the hero; he is human and flawed, and I couldn't stop reading to see what his choices would be regarding the evil artifact. Would you sacrifice all for power and greed? DO you really believe you can steal from the devil and get away with it?
The end: as a reader who loves pure evil, I accept that there must be a hint that we pure humans cannot destroy or get rid of it. This may make you think this is an open ending (which I love) or that the author will offer us more. I think it's a standalone and a warning, which makes the novel even creepier, a great choice for the cover.
Profile Image for Matthew Burton.
373 reviews10 followers
October 13, 2025
Some books don’t just tell a story—they drag you into the shadows and dare you to follow. Believers: Servants of Satan is one of those rare reads that blurs the line between faith and fear, where the devout are tested and the damned whisper from the dark.

There’s one scene in particular that branded itself into my mind—the confrontation in the abandoned chapel, where prayer becomes a weapon and silence is more terrifying than any scream. It’s the moment where belief teeters on the edge of madness, and you can almost feel the walls closing in.

This is a story of obsession, of hunting what should never be found, and of the terrible cost of belief when it collides with something unholy. Every page drips with tension, building a sense of dread that settles into your bones. You can’t look away, and yet you almost wish you could.

I was hooked, unnerved, and utterly captivated. This isn’t just a hunt—it’s a controlled descent into a maddening hellscape.
391 reviews7 followers
October 16, 2025
Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy by Christiano Maki is an engrossing supernatural thriller which keeps the readers hooked till the end. This dark atmosphere reading takes the readers to ancient mysteries and epic battles between good and evil. The story starts when the boundaries between men and monsters blur as power and greed collide. What begins as a pursuit of the world’s most precious relics spirals into a war between the ruthless elite and the dark prophets of Satan himself.

The author's rich prose makes everything vivid. The writing style is unique and flawless. Such a terrifying and captivating read. This is a rare read about faith and haunting deadly secrets.

This book will make us question everything we believe. The magic and mystery make it a page-turner. This book will haunt you long even after the last page. Overall, I loved this book and would strongly recommend it to all.
Profile Image for Harsh Tyagi.
938 reviews21 followers
October 27, 2025
This brilliant book takes us into a world where the sacred and the profane intertwine. A group of ambitious men set out to uncover and possess relics of unimaginable power, only to awaken something ancient and malevolent. Something beginning as a quest for divine artifacts turns into a confrontation with forces far beyond human control. As greed drives them deeper into darkness, the hunters become the hunted. The lines between salvation and damnation dissolve.

This book is an intoxicating blend of theology and horror. It's full of high-stakes adventure. With an cinematic intensity, the writing immerses the readers in a world heavy with shadows and whispers of the damned. The story is about the monsters born within men when faith becomes obsession. The story's stunning atmosphere beautiful and terrifying. It draws from biblical lore and occult mysteries, along with the human hunger for power. It’s dark and it's bold. The story dares to question what belief truly costs.
Profile Image for Country Mama.
1,452 reviews66 followers
October 31, 2025
Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy by Christiano Maki is a supernatural thriller about ancient secrets and mysteries. The author tells us about a race with the characters to find the long hidden artifacts from another race. I loved how this story was a telling of good and evil. There are people wanting to have the most unique and rare artifact known to man. Jim is our MC who is not really an evil man, he is a normal human being who just makes bad decisions sometimes. He wants power like most people and is willing to do anything to get there. He is caught up in greed like most human beings and people and steals from the most evil being ever, Satan himself. The writing is really well written by the author and I was engaged from the very beginning of the story where we hear about the backstory of Satan in history and the planet Jahanman. I loved that beginning! The author really knows how to write a good and evil story! I hope they write more books soon!
Profile Image for Nessa’s Book Reviews.
1,427 reviews67 followers
October 12, 2025
Well… that escalated quickly.

Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy starts like a classic relic hunting adventure and then swan dives straight into the abyss. What begins as a quest for power turns into a full blown supernatural showdown between humanity’s darkest ambitions and something far older (and far less merciful) than we can comprehend.

It’s gritty, atmospheric, and soaked in the kind of tension that makes you question everything: faith, control, and who’s really pulling the strings. I loved how it twisted familiar good vs evil tropes into something raw and unsettling. The writing cinematic, and the ending? Let’s just say… sleep was not an option that night.

If you enjoy dark thrillers with theological teeth (think Dan Brown meets The Exorcist) you’ll be hooked.
Because believers believe… even when they really, really shouldn’t.
Profile Image for Kylee Smith.
150 reviews11 followers
October 18, 2025
*4.5
This book had me hooked right from the start!

In Believers, you’re not following a person, you’re following a historical artifact. As it passes from one person to another, the perspective shifts to whoever is closest to it. The artifact, known as the Miftah, is a necklace once belonging to Iblis, a prophet of Satan. As you might expect, it’s an object steeped in evil, and once it’s unearthed, chaos quickly follows everyone who comes into contact with it.

This book is full of my favorite horror tropes such as demonic possession, good vs. evil, a creepy child, and obviously an evil artifact. I really enjoyed how it tied these classic elements to greed and obsession, showing how far people will go in their pursuit of power and recognition.

This review truly does not do this book justice. If you love supernatural thrillers that weave history and horror together, this one’s a must read.

Thanks to ireadbooktours and the author for a review copy!
Profile Image for Anjali Sharma.
969 reviews59 followers
October 19, 2025
Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy is a dark, atmospheric supernatural thriller that completely pulls you in from the very first page. The story dives deep into the clash between men and monsters, faith and greed, and the haunting realization that no one is ever truly in control when they dare to play with forces beyond comprehension.

I loved how immersive the narrative was. The writing is gripping and layered with mystery, keeping me on edge. I also loved the way the book worked not only as a thrilling story but also as a chilling warning that lingers long after you finish reading.

If you enjoy stories filled with ancient relics, forbidden knowledge, and the eternal fight between light and darkness, this is a must-read. Believers is the kind of book that grips you tightly, refuses to let go, and leaves you haunted in the best possible way.
Profile Image for Kay RW.
41 reviews4 followers
October 30, 2025
Reading Believers:The Hunt for the Unholy feels less like turning pages and more like descending a staircase into darkness. Every chapter hums with unease, every revelation heavier than the last. It’s a story of faith, corruption, and the terrifying cost of belief.

What begins as a tale of ancient secrets and moral conflict quickly unravels into something far more primal—a confrontation with the shadows inside us. The familiar struggle between good and evil isn’t just reimagined here; it’s stripped bare, raw and human.

The writing itself is hypnotic—lush, deliberate, and unnervingly vivid. You don’t so much read it as sink into it. The dread builds slowly until it’s all around you, thick as smoke.

By the time you realize the story has its claws in you, it’s too late. It holds you captive, refusing to let you escape its grip.
893 reviews27 followers
October 23, 2025
Supernatural. Dark. Atmospheric. Filled with ethical dilemmas, with internal and external conflicts.
The book is filled with desperation. With fear. With betrayal. With greed. With faith. With tension. With sadness. With hope.
The book makes you think and does so in borderline uncomfortable ways - especially when it comes to traditional organized religion. At least it made me stop and think more than once. The book is suspenseful, philosophical, gripping, and emotional. And really complex, if you think more about it.
Profile Image for Leanne.
2,170 reviews43 followers
August 28, 2025
Too be honest I was a bit hesitant about reading this book because it is different from the norm but once I settled into the story it truly is masterful storytelling. It's unique and special and at first I found it a little confusing but it wasn't long before I felt fully invested. The magic and mystery had me eagerly awaiting the bang which came with a surprising crash. I felt haunted by this book and I am still thinking about it days later after reading the last page.
Profile Image for bubbleswrapherbooks.
65 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2025
though i’m not usually a fan of supernatural thrillers, believers: the hunt for the unholy by christiano maki surprised me in the best way. it’s dark, gripping, and filled with tension that keeps you turning the pages. the story dives deep into power, faith, and the terrifying cost of ambition, blurring the line between men and monsters. i enjoyed reading this so much and definitely recommend it to anyone who loves haunting, mysterious stories that make you think long after the final page. 🔥⛓️
16.7k reviews155 followers
April 16, 2025
A great supernatural tale which will leave you wondering if you should believe or not. Humans and monster fight for control and things will not be easy to survive as the monsters get closer. See just where it will all lead
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and loved where they were taking us
Profile Image for Michelle Godard-Richer.
Author 15 books467 followers
October 30, 2025
This is an amazing book for horror fans of books with spiritual tie-ins, dangerous quests, and supernatural elements. The author does a great job of building tension, giving the sense that at anytime something horrible is about to happen. I also loved the portrayal of good vs evil, and the thought provoking nature of the story and how it ended.
Profile Image for Jill Jemmett.
2,108 reviews44 followers
December 31, 2025
This was an intense supernatural thriller. It explored ideas of religion, good versus evil, and greed. There were some chilling scenes that make this book perfect for spooky season. This is a book that you won’t soon forget!

Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy is a creepy thriller!
6,167 reviews
October 24, 2025
Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy is a great debut for the author, Christiano Maki. I found that his talent as a master storyteller shined through all throughout this book. To be honest, I was not sure if this would a tale for me at first, but that quickly changed. The writing style was unique to me, which was refreshing to read something different. It did take me a few chapters to get used to it and understand what was going one. Once I caught on, I was hooked. I did not want to put it down. What a roller coaster ride adventure I was on. It was far from predictable and it was fun trying to figure out what could possibly happen next from scene to scene. I loved the good vs evil theme to it and the fight and will to survive. For me, it was a great way to spend a day inside during a rainy day.

I am going to give Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy four and a half stars. I believe that readers who enjoy books from the genres of mystery, horror, suspense, and supernatural will no doubt enjoy this one. It is definitely worth a read and not to be missed. I would be interested in reading more by Christiano Maki in the future to see what journey they will take their readers and fans on next.

I received a copy of Christiano Maki's Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kara (Books.and.salt).
593 reviews46 followers
October 29, 2025
Holy crap, y'all!! This book is an absolutely wild ride! From ancient relics to hidden societies, this deeply psychological novel dives into the fight between good and evil. It's clear that there are powers at work in this story that are completely beyond comprehension.

Well written and almost cinematic in presentation, Believers is a fantastic read for horror and philosophy fans.
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