The Belial Recruit

Belial #4

by R.D. Brady

Lou thought she had lost everything important to her.
She didn't realize there was one thing left for her to lose. . .
Her life.

Life has not been easy for fifteen-year old Lou Thomas. In the last few years, her once happy family has been whittled down to just herself and her unreliable older sister Charlotte. It's been a daily struggle to make it through.

And it's about to get worse.

Because Lou's abilities - enhanced strength, speed, and healing - have just awakened. While Lou may not understand what is happening to her, another group does. And they won't let anyone get in the way of gathering their new recruit.

Jennifer Witt, though, is determined to keep that from happening. She sees herself in the tough teenager and will do whatever is necessary to keep her safe. But how can you keep someone safe when they insist on running into danger?
____________________________________
About
Recruit is the first novella in the Belial Series. The first three books of the Belial Series are also available on Amazon. And check R.D.'s website for information on upcoming works. (desperateforagoodbook.com)

Genres: Fantasy, Thriller, Paranormal, Mystery, Science Fiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2014

About the author

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.

📬 Subscribe at rdbradybooks.com to get exclusive extras, free novellas, and first looks at upcoming books.

Reviews

[Per Gunnar · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this would truly have been the fourth “real” book in The Belial Series then I would have been a wee bit disappointed. However it is not. Well, it is the fourth book but it is not the fourth book that the author originally intended. While writing what was expected to become the fourth book, The Belial Children, the author thought that it became too long but did not want to just remove material so she took out part of the story and published it as a shorter novella in between book three and, what has now become, book five.

Recruit is a nice entertaining story about a young girl that, as the book blurb states, is about to discover that she is special, that she has special powers and that, unfortunately, that means that she has become the target of some very nasty individuals. The story itself is perhaps nothing special. It is well enough written but rather straightforward and quite predictable. Still enjoyable to read though. Then, I have always liked these stories were someone is introduced to the fact that there are things that go bump in the night.

Given that this novella was originally part of The Belial Children one has to assume that the main character, Lou, will play some part in The Belial Children as well and I would be surprised if the bad guy is not present as well. Having read this “interlude” am now quite looking forward to read The Belial Children.

[A.B. Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. Fast paced.

[Annette Mordec · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story changes.....

For a change Laney was hardly mentioned in the story, which is good. Reading about others was good instead of constant whining, why me, it can't be me.
For archeological theme, none was mentioned, and book held little of my interest. Nut I understand long series like this have to take a break from main storyline once in a while. One thing I'm not sure I like. Way too many characters are being introduced. I get the final battle but does any army know every soldiers name and do they all live together? Hoping story picks up in next book.

[Saille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for a very short read

I won't write any spoilers, but this is sure to tie up a few loose ends (which I'm sure will later unravel) and give further glimpses into some of the other characters, as well as hopefully introduce some new characters. A real treat!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good addition to the series. It was nice to have the focus be on different characters, though I would have liked a little more of the relationship between Jen and Henry. I hope we get to see more of Lou and Rolly.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the series. Needs better proof-reading done though.

[Connie Becerra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good short story. Great introduction to a character for the next book in this series.

[Ellie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Belial Recruit

This book rates a five because it continues a great adventure. The collection of characters widens as do the story threads. I can't wait to continue this saga.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

New fave author

Ms Brady is fast becoming a new favourite author. I am loving the Belial series and the mangling of history, psychology and criminology.

[Diane Demetriou · Rating 5 out of 5]

The History in this series is what keeps my interest. Especially the giants with the red hair in the southwest. There have been discoveries of these in caves in Nevada

[Sandy L Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good

I like this series very much. It is a fantasy book. It is book four in this series. It includes angels and demons. Good against evil

[Kimberly Maines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mini story

Great mini story that helps explain the next big book in the series. I like how you are letting the other two main characters get together.

[Priscilla Del Gesso · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

[Grw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this novella is classed as the fourth book in the series this would more accurately be numbered as 3.5 as despite the story being good in it's own way, it's clearly not a complete installment. To be fair, the author does state this in the "about" section at the end, stating that this is little more than over flow from what was intended as the fourth book, but is now the fifth.

Anyway, this is still a nice installment filling in some of the detail on the entire set up, and even some background on past and future characters. It could, however, do without quite so much catch up material, as it is doubtful that anyone would read this without reading the first three.

Still all in all this is a very nice, and well written, set up for the fifth book, but little more than that.

[Mary Lou Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little different from the others, but I enjoyed the new character introduced in the book and was glad to see Jen in a more dominant role. The only problem, and why I didn't rate it five stars, is that it needed another round of editing to correct the grammatical mistakes. The two predominant errors are missing words in sentences and misuse of homonyms. I'd love for the errors to be fixed in a future update of this book; then I could reread the book without distraction.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a side story for the original Belial series. So I wouldn't really count it as book #4. The story focused on a new character name Lou, but also included some of the other characters from the original series.
I couldn't really enjoy this book;some of the subject matter was too overwhelming for me to read. I become very disturb when children or teenagers abused and hurt. There were a few chapters in this book that I skipped. Not my cup of tea.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a novella that took the focus off of Laney which was good. Kid genius, Danny, identifies a potential Fallen and Jen is sent to investigate the young girl, Lou. To save other children being taken, Lou agrees to go undercover with the Fallen.

This was a quick but still action packed story.

[John G. Conlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, but not quite as good as the previous three.

The first three books of the Belial Series were awesome. Although the fourth book was well written, I did not like it as much as the previous books. I felt that it was a bit slow moving and that it did not contain as much action. However, I am looking forward to reading the last book of R.D. Brady's wonderful series.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't care for this installment. It strayed too far from what made the other books enjoyable (e.g. history). It read like a TV movie cop show. Granted, I suspect this was done to makes us care about the "Lou" character and advance the story. I just wish it was done differently. I hope the next book gets back to what made me like this series.

[Priscilla Del Gesso · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

[Barbara T Scroggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Treasure

I have yet to be disappointed with any of the books in this series. Well written, fascinating plot, and great characters. You will not be disappointed with any R.D. Brady novel. Good stuff!!

[Toni L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW I guess I am reading these books to fast.
But, you have to keep reading when you start
because it is so good. But only 2 more to go and the
series will be done. BUMMER. But its on my Kindle
so next year I can reread it.
Would highly recommend the series to anyone.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

Maybe I'm just getting bored but this seemed like fill in until we could get to something more exciting. However I will be buying the next book. Hopefully it will be like the first two.

[John Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great in the series

This was a short novella that seemed to fit pretty well in the scheme of things. The scenes depicted were fairly intense and believable which made me not want to put the book down. Great job.

[Kat (Ginger Bibliophile on YouTube) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too shabby. It wasn't as interesting as some of the others with their exotic locales and cool historical facts, but I did like the action and character building. I'm curious what's going to happen with all the new recruits now.

[Laura Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one

I really liked how the story came together and tied the last of the books all into one great story, even if it wasn't supposed to be...

[Wanderess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, just like all the other books in the Belial series. It kept me riveted until the end.

[Melissa McQuade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, repetitive

Don't understand why authors feel the need to repeat the previous story over and over. It's a serial. Read the previous books...

[frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where is the next one?

I love this series and am on bated breath for the next one. My only complaint is the books length. I read this in an evening. Wish it were twice as long.

[Heidi Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

great!

Quick read. But great as always! At first I was going to skip this one, but I am glad I didn't.