Delaney McPhearson is still reeling from the events in Heaven's Gate six months ago. Henry and Jake are physically healing and while Laney might look fine, not all wounds are so easy to see.
At the same time, the Fallen have made themselves known across the globe. Laney is being pulled from one crisis to another.
But soon a new threat arises that requires all of her focus: Someone is targeting the people who are connected to the Fallen. And they are not distinguishing between the good and the bad.
The quest to stop the murders ranges across the Pacific and back in time to a dark period in human history when human sacrifices were commonplace.
Laney will do whatever she must to stop these people. But the question is, will that be enough?
About
The Belial Search is the seventh book in the popular Belial Series and the ninth book written by R.D. Brady. And it demonstrates why the Belial Origins wasn't the end, but only the beginning.
R.D. Brady is the bestselling author of over 60 science-based thrillers, cryptid adventure novels, and mythological conspiracy series that blend real-world science with nonstop action.
With a Ph.D. in Criminology and a professional background in counterterrorism and behavioral science, R.D. brings expert insight to her fast-paced fiction. Her stories are known for featuring fierce female leads, ancient secrets, and cutting-edge research that challenges what we think we know about science, history, and the unknown.
She is best known for the long-running Belial Series, a fan-favorite that explores archaeological mysteries and supernatural revelations—and continues with the high-stakes Belial Rebirth Arc.
R.D. is also the author of The Ancestral Code Series, starting with Hominid, a cryptid-meets-science thriller that reimagines the Bigfoot legend. Her other popular works include the A.L.I.V.E. Series, The Unwelcome Trilogy, and the latest addition, the Shadow Directive series, including Predator Dominion.
Whether it's a global genetic conspiracy, an ancient civilization buried beneath modern myths, or a killer storm trapping a wrongly accused man, R.D.'s books deliver the adrenaline, mystery, and emotional depth that fans of Michael Crichton, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, and James Rollins crave.
When not writing, R.D. teaches martial arts, runs with her dogs, and tends to her garden. Under the pen name Sadie Hobbes, she also writes sharp, fast-paced urban fantasy thrillers.
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This is a good adventure story but there are really too much political references to the current pet subjects in some areas. I really try to stay out making comments in the political arena but I have to say that I was disappointed with this instalment as it felt like either the author was trying to make a statement or she was just using the current trends to garner support for the book.
If I want to read statements about climate change and such things I can read the news. These books have so far been a really good books with quite a lot of foundation in old mythology but this one just felt like the author was trying to ride on the “popularity” of the current debates going on.
Okay now I have said my piece on that part. The book is indeed a nice adventure story and I you ignore the political stuff it is an enjoyable read. It introduces as new faction from ancient times and, although it sometimes feels more like an interlude, it does provide some loose ends that can be used for some interesting developments further on.
It is a rather short book, especially given the time taken between the books in this series. It is also a fairly light read and rather predictable. It was enjoyable but only just so. I do miss the mystery part that was present in the earlier books but then I guess now when the “cat is out of the bag” (pun intended) it is not that easy to keep up the mystery part.
A lot of the book was dedicated to the relationship between Laney and Jake and I have to say those were not my favourite parts. I would also like to see the ring bearer to kick a bit more behinds. Right now she seems to be spending a lot of her time wallowing in her own misery.
Still, as I wrote, a decent adventure story and I will definitely pick up the next book in the series.
I love this series, and each new book pulls me farther into the Belial world. I particularly enjoyed learning more about Cleo in this story; I'd love to have a Cleo of my own. Once the action starts, it never really stops. I read 83% of it in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. The characters continue to grow, each with his or her own quirks and human foibles. The story moves at a fast clip, the dialog is realistic (a high compliment from me), the plot mesmerizing, the locations fascinating, and, to top it off, the book is well edited.
I'd recommend this series to fans of action/adventure who like urban fantasy, too.
So I haven’t been able to put this series down since I started it. I love these stories with archeological finds, ancient history, lots of action! I am pausing long enough just to write this review because the editing for this was awful. The others before had some errors but this book was littered with them on top of characters’ names being messed up! For instance, a character was Maura throughout the story but near the end was referred to as Erika. I needed to write this as I am hoping someone who can fix these issues is reading and realized they did a very bad job. Seems ridiculous that these blatant errors could make it to publishing.
I have to say this was just a little bit too much. Not as much action. The triad has been sidelined. And we get a second ancient civilization and a second secret society but all these loose strings the the first group are still floating out there. I might be done because she just keeps throwing things at you and never resolves the old storylines.
What I don't like is the comp!she lack of editing. I bought these when they first came out. I thought when I downloaded them to my new kindle that they would be updated. Nope. Every page has words missing from sentences or letters off words. The stories are good but they'd be better with editing.
I am delighted to again be swept away. I was almost hesitant to read this one because I am such a cat lover and Cleo is one of my very favorite characters. Not to worry though.
Another Great Book in the series. It kept me on my toes in terms of what would happen next. I love the mix of history, religion, and mythology that she incorporates in the books. Great series to read.
I watch a lot of ancient history stuff on television and one of the things I like about these books is that the history used matches what I have learned, like Nan Madol.
One thing I did not like fully about the whole Belial series was the end of each book, or the lack thereof. The story was always well written, slowly built for an interesting finale and then the end came so abruptly one was left puzzled what the hell had just happened. In The Belial Search this is changed to some extent. Or rather it makes sense. Therefore it is clear 5 stars for me! (You can deduct 1 star if you don't like adventurous stories but then again why would you read Belial series at all is beyond me)
Also the story seems to get better and better which is really possitive thing considering there might be another three novels at least (oh I hope there will be more but we'll see!). So bring it on I say!
I absolutely love this series. I love the truth, and the way the truth is weaved into the fiction. It certainly had me wondering and thinking throughout the book. Every time I read one of these books, I want to go and do some more research and learn more. In fact, I am highly motivated to research Easter Island and some of the other places described in the book.
That said, the story moved along swimmingly. I found myself wanting to read more than I had time for, and sorry when I had to put the book down. I still relate to Laney, both about her confusion in the role of the ring bearer and in her confusion about how the people around her sometimes act. She's human. It's good to read.
The tension was enough to keep the story alive as well. I highly enjoyed the story and would recommend it to anyone.
If you are reading the series as ebooks on Kindle...which unfortunately is the only way you can read them....would have preferred iBooks....but at the end of each ebook the author does tell you what is truth about each book in detail..as in she tells you a great deal about the history of each thing she talks about in all her books and what was fiction. There are so many great things that she imparts at the end of each ebook...and I see them as the shining gems after each story.
Book 7 of the Belial series is up to the standard of the first six books. Delaney McPhearson faces a crises that will test even her powers. Someone is killing the "Fallen" and not distinguishing between the good and the bad. Who is behind this? Delaney and the Chandler team race from Maryland to the west coast, to New Mexico, and on to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean to try to prevent another ritualistic massacre. Add in some teenagers with, naturally, more energy than common sense, and you have riveting story with natural and supernatural elements.
Since the beginning of the series I couldn't put it down. I purchased more books as one ended i continued to the next. I read every free second I have of free time. It's hard to put the book down. Always wanting to know what happens next. I'm going to need serious psychiatric help when u finally end this series because I'm addicted to it. If you could write maybe 5 more book for this series, it would be greatly appreciated
I love this series as the plot line never gets boring. By this point in the series, I am quite attached to the main characters, Laney, Jake, Henry, and Jen, but it was interesting to learn more about some of the younger minor characters, Lou and Rolly especially. The Chandler Group has saved the day again, but this time, I'm left wondering what new evil is ahead.
A must read. Great story love that the author actually relates the story to facts that a 're studied. I really enjoy e d the whole series, so much action and oh I just kloved the suspense with Victoria Henry's mom. The best book I have read so far.
R.D. Brady continues to create another masterpiece with her seventh book in The Belial Series. I thoroughly enjoyed The Belial Search and am looking forward to her future books in this series.
I have enjoyed all of the books thus far in the Belial series. The historical information makes the fantasy a bit more believe able. I look forward to reading the next sequel.
With 7 novels in a series, they won't all be great. Turns out this was the mediocre one. It sort of felt like the B story in a TV series. Still entertain though.
I am now anticipating the next and the one after that. The extensive background research done to complete these books is is much appreciated by me. Thanks