Below Level 7

by David Orange

Sam Dawson, a former Army Special Forces sergeant, is grappling with the emotional scars of his last mission and an injured heart in battle. His marriage had fallen apart, leaving him on the brink of despair.

When he's about to give up, his beloved college-aged daughter pays him a surprise visit and mysteriously disappears. This emergency sets Sam on an unforgettable journey in a desperate race against time to find her. Along the way, he stumbles upon a mysterious mesa-topped mountain shrouded in secrets from American history. As he delves into the mountain's depths, he uncovers a story of betrayal and greed that ignites Sam's deep-seated sense of injustice and fury.

Meanwhile, his daughter is held hostage in the mountain's most harrowing location, Nightmare Hall. Despite the dire circumstances, she finds solace in forming a strong bond with another female captive and her unexpected love interest—a soulful being who is part human and part otherworldly, making for a truly original, intriguing character.

Fueled by his daughter's unwavering love, Sam embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue her and others from a terrifying fate. This heart-wrenching story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of love to triumph over even the most daunting challenges.

Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2024

Reviews

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Orange's Below Level 7 is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that blends suspense, redemption, and dark history into a compelling narrative. The protagonist, Sam Dawson, is a former Army Special Forces sergeant who is struggling with the failures of his past—a botched mission, a bullet wound, and the dissolution of his marriage. Seeking solace in the isolation of a northern New Mexico Indian reservation, Sam's life takes an unexpected turn when his daughter mysteriously disappears.

The novel is raw in its exploration of Sam's personal demons. His journey from a man who has resigned himself to his own self-destruction into a determined father willing to confront impossible odds is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The way Sam's vulnerabilities, anger, and guilt manifest throughout the story makes him a deeply relatable and sympathetic character. His transformation, fueled by his daughter’s disappearance, is both emotionally powerful and thrilling to witness.

The suspense in Below Level 7 is relentless. Orange does an excellent job of building tension as Sam uncovers clues about his daughter's abduction, leading him to a long-forgotten mystery involving his own wife. The dark, haunting secrets that lurk within the land and the local community add an eerie layer to the story, and the tension between Sam and the local police, who seem to be stonewalling his investigation, keeps the reader on edge. The eventual partnership between Sam and an old Indian native is unexpected, yet deeply impactful. Their alliance uncovers secrets that are not only personal to Sam but also tied to a larger historical cover-up—a brilliant twist that elevates the stakes of the entire story.

What I particularly appreciated about Below Level 7 was how it intertwined Sam’s personal quest for redemption with the uncovering of deep, buried truths about American history. The novel doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects, and its exploration of past wrongs adds a layer of depth and meaning to the fast-paced thriller.

For readers who enjoy stories about flawed, complex protagonists on a journey of self-discovery and redemption, Below Level 7 is an absolute must-read. It’s a perfect blend of heart-pounding suspense, character-driven drama, and thought-provoking historical elements. Orange has crafted a story that is as much about personal healing as it is about exposing the darkness hidden beneath the surface of the American past. The action is relentless, the stakes are high, and the resolution is both satisfying and emotionally resonant.

Highly recommended for fans of thrillers with emotional depth, suspense, and unexpected twists!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Below Level Seven by David Orange, Sam is up on the Indian reservation having one last perfect day of elk hunting before he is going to take his life, but when his daughter Carla calls and says she wants to see him like most parents, he puts the gun away and tells her to come up to the cabin. When she doesn’t arrive, Sam goes to see if he can find her, but instead finds her car with no sign of Carla. When he approaches local policeman telling them about his daughter, they tell him it’s too soon to report her missing, but basically just blows him off. Locals who heard his plight, tell him to steer clear of the mountains. They’re dangerous things up there, but they don’t know Sam his past his tenacity, but more importantly, his skill and love for his daughter. I loved this book and it was already good, but when he started uncovering the secrets And the tension hyped up, I thought this was a phenomenal story. So good so thrilling and a true testament to a father‘s love for his child. there is so much I want to say about this book just know it is a great book and if you love an action packed story about a man against nature and those that some believe don’t exist you definitely enjoy the story so so good! #BooksSprout, #TheBlindReviewer,#DavidOrange, #BelowLevel7,

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sam Dawson had to retire from the military after injuries took him out of active service. He was divorced and his daughter was normally with her mother. He went to the Jicarilla Indian Reservation to hunt elk before he commits suicide. His daughter arrives to visit him, but then she vanishes near Dulce. Sam is prepared to take the area apart to find her, but what he uncovers is completely unexpected.

I liked the plot but the book would benefit from a good editing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intense story. I do wounder if it is true or not. Some I can believe but not all. I do love Sam he is my kind of Hero. Any child in a military family, I can see them getting the same kind of support and worry that Sam has for his child. Very good story. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

a devastating crash and coming together of horrific losses, and devastating histories

bruised and brokrn men work together to attempt to bridge echoes of heartbreak and horrors beyond their own.

suspense and action filled drama.