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Phrase Seven
Pierce Reston is a member of an elite unit of extreme persuasion experts. After dozens of people across the nation begin reporting 'missing time', and a series of unexplained terrifying coincidences, he's assigned to investigate. Women going missing in Prague, and a national outbreak of amnesia trigger a full-scale search. Pierce quickly learns that someone is hell bound to use a secret "key" that causes a complete loss of mental control - engineering an epidemic that will change the face of history. While investigating with Kelly Kennedy, a brand new operative, Pierce discovers something has been lost. A video. The most dangerous video on earth. Finding a link between the horrific crimes and the sinister coincidences happening around the world, Pierce and Kelly unveil a terrifying neuroscience laboratory that has chilling secrets no one should know. Finding out who is responsible might be impossible, especially when they realize there are tremendous forces that will do anything to stop them.Pierce and Kelly are forced to dig into the darkest secrets of human psychology to discover the truth.And their target is watching them.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2020
219 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 5, 2020
What a rush!
I just recently started watching The Behavior Panel on YouTube and was so impressed by Chase Hughes (my daughter is named Chaysen — we call her Chayse — so I knew he was going to be great)!! Then to find out he was expanding into fiction, I just HAD to read his book — in one sitting!! I could not put it down, and I am so glad it will be part of a series and not a stand-alone. If there is one drawback it would be Mr. Hughes doesn’t write as fast as I read, so I will be waiting with great anticipation for the next book in the series. Great job, sir, and thank you for the fantastic journey into the world of HIG!
I just recently started watching The Behavior Panel on YouTube and was so impressed by Chase Hughes (my daughter is named Chaysen — we call her Chayse — so I knew he was going to be great)!! Then to find out he was expanding into fiction, I just HAD to read his book — in one sitting!! I could not put it down, and I am so glad it will be part of a series and not a stand-alone. If there is one drawback it would be Mr. Hughes doesn’t write as fast as I read, so I will be waiting with great anticipation for the next book in the series. Great job, sir, and thank you for the fantastic journey into the world of HIG!
July 13, 2021
One of the many YouTube rabbit-holes I disappeared down during the pandemic was The Behavior Panel; four behavior and body language experts who dissect interviews and speeches from the famous and infamous and give insights into what their expressions, gestures, and posture give away about them. It's fascinating stuff. Check out the Prince Andrew stuff for starters.
One of the panel is Chase Hughes and when I learned he had written a novel -- not so subtle marketing on the Behavior Panel videos -- I had to check it out. I was a little behind the game and by the time of reading, he actually has two books out.
Pierce Resten is a seasoned member of an elite group of persuasion experts known as HIG. Kelly Kennedy is fresh from the academy and is his fresh-faced partner as they attempt to track down the cause of a mass outbreak of amnesia combined with a series of missing women and marketing experts and they soon discover that what they're dealing with is a stolen video and the lives of millions hang in the balance.
It's a fast-paced thriller that mostly sticks to the numbers but Hughes incorporates enough motifs and inspiration from his field of expertise to make it stand out from the ordinary while goodies zoom around the world in pursuit of baddies.
Ironically, where the novel falls short, though, is in the persuasion aspects themselves. We're asked to believe that there are a series of phrases that if uttered can render the listener putty in the expert's hands, that touching an elbow or a wrist while saying weird sentences with secret sub-sentences hidden within can hypnotize and brainwash within seconds. Early on, Kelly apparently leaves a letch of a man with permanent erectile dysfunction just from speaking to him. I dare say there are some kernels of truth to these seemingly outlandish claims, but ... if my eyebrow raises *this* much I wonder if Chase can decipher what I'm *really* thinking.
In the acknowledgments we learn -- or rather, it's confirmed -- that Hughes is of the Dan Brown school of storytelling, which is either a plus or a negative depending on your viewpoint, but either way, the nods in terms of the mostly short, punchy chapters, and people running around explaining the plot to each other are pretty plain to see.
But it's a fun, quick read that could easily be completed in an afternoon if you were so inclined and it does just about enough to convince the sequel onto my Reading List, although it's probably failed to persuade me to make it the next thing I read.
One of the panel is Chase Hughes and when I learned he had written a novel -- not so subtle marketing on the Behavior Panel videos -- I had to check it out. I was a little behind the game and by the time of reading, he actually has two books out.
Pierce Resten is a seasoned member of an elite group of persuasion experts known as HIG. Kelly Kennedy is fresh from the academy and is his fresh-faced partner as they attempt to track down the cause of a mass outbreak of amnesia combined with a series of missing women and marketing experts and they soon discover that what they're dealing with is a stolen video and the lives of millions hang in the balance.
It's a fast-paced thriller that mostly sticks to the numbers but Hughes incorporates enough motifs and inspiration from his field of expertise to make it stand out from the ordinary while goodies zoom around the world in pursuit of baddies.
Ironically, where the novel falls short, though, is in the persuasion aspects themselves. We're asked to believe that there are a series of phrases that if uttered can render the listener putty in the expert's hands, that touching an elbow or a wrist while saying weird sentences with secret sub-sentences hidden within can hypnotize and brainwash within seconds. Early on, Kelly apparently leaves a letch of a man with permanent erectile dysfunction just from speaking to him. I dare say there are some kernels of truth to these seemingly outlandish claims, but ... if my eyebrow raises *this* much I wonder if Chase can decipher what I'm *really* thinking.
In the acknowledgments we learn -- or rather, it's confirmed -- that Hughes is of the Dan Brown school of storytelling, which is either a plus or a negative depending on your viewpoint, but either way, the nods in terms of the mostly short, punchy chapters, and people running around explaining the plot to each other are pretty plain to see.
But it's a fun, quick read that could easily be completed in an afternoon if you were so inclined and it does just about enough to convince the sequel onto my Reading List, although it's probably failed to persuade me to make it the next thing I read.
May 8, 2021
For those who enjoy behavioral science and persuasion, this book will be nothing short of a treat. Chase's first endeavor into fictional writing was captivating and enticing. The story was fast paced, filled with twists and turns and interesting details. It is a refreshing take on the whole genre and it lives up to the hype. I can't wait to read the next installment in the series.
February 20, 2021
What an excellent book. I find it hard to believe that it's Chase Hughes' first foray into fiction. Well written, well paced, for the last half (which I did read in one sitting) I was on the edge or my seat. I'm waiting on my copy of the next book from UPS (thanks snowpacalypse '21) and as soon as I do, I'll devour it just as fast as I did this book! Can't wait to see what else you come up with Mr. Hughes!
Having read The Ellipsis Manual, 'seeing' some of these techniques being used was eye opening. I love the 'Phrase' system, and by building HIG, there's literally a whole new world to explore, characters, etc, so many stories.
Having read The Ellipsis Manual, 'seeing' some of these techniques being used was eye opening. I love the 'Phrase' system, and by building HIG, there's literally a whole new world to explore, characters, etc, so many stories.
August 4, 2021
Like others, I learned of Chase Hughes and this novel by being a Behavior Panel fan-geek. I was excited to discover Hughes had written fiction as I was sure it was going to incorporate unique devices from the standard espionage read.
While this book delivers, it does so with mediocrity, I'm afraid. I don't mind the short, high-impact chapters, a la Dan Brown, but it's clear this is a first time writer. It feels like Hughes was just trying to get a story down and buffed - a "hey, why don't I give writing a novel a shot" carefree demeanor - and didn't commit to filling in more of the story and its characters. I wanted more depth perception, like how Deidre managed a career to get her where she is today, why Kelly ever became a HIG operative, Aphid's history slowly exposed, and, of course, more of Pierce's background.
And another thing - what was that interaction between Pierce and Kelly once they're safe at the hangar? Do men only know how to write about male and female characters in highly intense situations somehow getting, to any degree, unprofessionally close to one another? Please.
I thought there were some editing issues - and no, not the purposefully convoluted wording of the operatives. My paperback copy also had a weird font that I found subliminally distracting and which, for me, took away from the seriousness of the novel.
I'm being generous with a 3 star rating because I didn't drudge through this; it was enjoyable to "hear" the body language tactics in which I've become so interested actually be incorporated into this story. I just wish this book had as much depth and detail as one of the Behavior Panel's 25-minute commentaries on a 45-second video clip.
While this book delivers, it does so with mediocrity, I'm afraid. I don't mind the short, high-impact chapters, a la Dan Brown, but it's clear this is a first time writer. It feels like Hughes was just trying to get a story down and buffed - a "hey, why don't I give writing a novel a shot" carefree demeanor - and didn't commit to filling in more of the story and its characters. I wanted more depth perception, like how Deidre managed a career to get her where she is today, why Kelly ever became a HIG operative, Aphid's history slowly exposed, and, of course, more of Pierce's background.
And another thing - what was that interaction between Pierce and Kelly once they're safe at the hangar? Do men only know how to write about male and female characters in highly intense situations somehow getting, to any degree, unprofessionally close to one another? Please.
I thought there were some editing issues - and no, not the purposefully convoluted wording of the operatives. My paperback copy also had a weird font that I found subliminally distracting and which, for me, took away from the seriousness of the novel.
I'm being generous with a 3 star rating because I didn't drudge through this; it was enjoyable to "hear" the body language tactics in which I've become so interested actually be incorporated into this story. I just wish this book had as much depth and detail as one of the Behavior Panel's 25-minute commentaries on a 45-second video clip.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2024
I actually struggled to get through this book. I normally love all kinds of books - genres, audiences, you name it… - but this book was just written so poorly. There was an extreme lack of complex sentence structure. I had no desire to know or care about any of the characters. The plot was choppy. I was so bored, I could barely finish it - I did though, because I hoped there would be a redeeming twist or something. There was not.
December 27, 2024
Chase Hughes is well known in Behavior Arts circles and is a member of the YouTube channel The Behavior Pannel. He has written several non-fiction books on Behavior Arts and this is his first foray into fiction. Normally, I'm wary of non-fiction writers moving into fiction and vice versa. It is a rough change and the skill set for one does not work well for the other. But in an interview I saw, Hughes said learning to write fiction was the hardest thing he ever did.
He did an OK job for a first time author. Writing a thriller in a kind of scenario he knows well is a plus. His editor did a good job with ensuring a good story that did not become overburdened in any sense. There was a great mix of storytelling involving both description and dialogue. My only criticism is that I just didn't care that much about the primary characters. Nor was I partidularly moved when one of the bad guys got wasted. No cheering audience here for either good or bad events in the book.
Am I going to read the next book in the series? I'm not sure. I'm not really feeling a pull. Nor do I feel a push against it. Time will tell. It did not charm me like Grisham nor J.D. Robb nor Robert Ludlum. But it didn't turn me off either, like JK Rowling's A Casual Vacancy. But her Cormoran Strike novels are a hit for me. Somewhat the same genre, Strike and Reston.
He did an OK job for a first time author. Writing a thriller in a kind of scenario he knows well is a plus. His editor did a good job with ensuring a good story that did not become overburdened in any sense. There was a great mix of storytelling involving both description and dialogue. My only criticism is that I just didn't care that much about the primary characters. Nor was I partidularly moved when one of the bad guys got wasted. No cheering audience here for either good or bad events in the book.
Am I going to read the next book in the series? I'm not sure. I'm not really feeling a pull. Nor do I feel a push against it. Time will tell. It did not charm me like Grisham nor J.D. Robb nor Robert Ludlum. But it didn't turn me off either, like JK Rowling's A Casual Vacancy. But her Cormoran Strike novels are a hit for me. Somewhat the same genre, Strike and Reston.
May 17, 2025
A thrilling exploration of the mind’s vulnerabilities and the battle for control.
Phrase Seven catapults readers into a world of psychological warfare, and a race against time to save millions of people across the globe. Pierce Reston – alongside the sharp and determined newcomer Kelly – must confront an unprecedented threat: a secret weapon capable of erasing freewill itself.
With fully fleshed-out characters and a plot that had me gripped, Phrase Seven doesn’t just entertain – it is thought-provoking. This novel explores the chilling ease with which human psychology can be manipulated, leaving me reflecting on the real-world implications of influence and control.
Hughes crafts an electrifying blend of suspense and intellect, delivering pulse-pounding action and a concept unlike anything I’ve encountered before. As I turned the pages, the tension tightened, pulling me from location to location, to a nail-biting conclusion.
I look forward to reading the next Pierce Reston book, The Belgrade Archer. And if I could, I’d sit down with Pierce himself to pore over the maps and research he has accumulated in his personal investigation into a different kind of horror.
Phrase Seven catapults readers into a world of psychological warfare, and a race against time to save millions of people across the globe. Pierce Reston – alongside the sharp and determined newcomer Kelly – must confront an unprecedented threat: a secret weapon capable of erasing freewill itself.
With fully fleshed-out characters and a plot that had me gripped, Phrase Seven doesn’t just entertain – it is thought-provoking. This novel explores the chilling ease with which human psychology can be manipulated, leaving me reflecting on the real-world implications of influence and control.
Hughes crafts an electrifying blend of suspense and intellect, delivering pulse-pounding action and a concept unlike anything I’ve encountered before. As I turned the pages, the tension tightened, pulling me from location to location, to a nail-biting conclusion.
I look forward to reading the next Pierce Reston book, The Belgrade Archer. And if I could, I’d sit down with Pierce himself to pore over the maps and research he has accumulated in his personal investigation into a different kind of horror.
July 29, 2023
I liked the premise of the story and read it quickly. It's fast-paced and full of action. I thought the characters needed more development, for example, it would have been great to have emotional anchor-points for the main character. At what moment did he realize that his late wife was immune to his influence methods? How did he find out she died? There could have been a lot more development around the main character and his mentor as well; at the climax moment with the mentor I had nearly forgotten who he was. The female lead character is extraordinary, but we don't learn much about her either. "Phrase Seven," the actual phrase, is left to your imagination with not even a hint of the contents. You will have to read Chases Hughes' Elypsis Manual if you want to get an idea about what kind phrase it might be.
January 1, 2022
As one of the world leaders on persuasion and influence, and a no. 1 best selling non fiction author on the topic, Chase Hughes has woven a fictional story so full of vivid detail and accuracy that it feels like he's giving away secrets of the trade. It's a quick, gripping read that feels like you're watching a good block buster thriller. There are one or two obvious typos and some parts I thought could use a better editor, but the plot will keep you hooked regardless. I've already started the next in the series!
August 31, 2023
Phase Seven is about a covert agency called HIG, whose roots go back 1000s of years. It's kind of like a secret society and their operatives are highly trained and skilled in mind control techniques. Pierce and Kelly are the main characters. There were at least three major cases going on in this book and the author bounced around from one to the other. The mind control part is interesting; the book was somewhat interesting because of the mind control aspect. The story/stories need work. A quick read.
October 19, 2025
It's an ok book for what it is, though I've read far better books in the genre. However, what I found ironic was the author's note at the end on how he strived to get all the details perfectly, like places in Prague etc. and yet, probably all the Czech phrases used in the book were wrong, so wrong that when you read them and do speak Czech, you just cringe. No Czech person would ever speak like that. :)
Nothing to spoil the experience for the usual, non-Czech speaking reader, but I just found this hilarious, also given the author's background. :)
Nothing to spoil the experience for the usual, non-Czech speaking reader, but I just found this hilarious, also given the author's background. :)
January 1, 2022
This book wasn't really my style, but I adore Chase Hughes and wanted to see what his fiction writing was all about. I think this book would be well received by readers of Dan Brown and other more action-oriented writers. The story is gripping and interesting and the characters add a flavour to the mix that was enjoyable.
For those who are more into the classics and literature, I'd say to pass.
Any reader of nonfiction, check out Chase Hughe's Nonfiction books. They're great!
For those who are more into the classics and literature, I'd say to pass.
Any reader of nonfiction, check out Chase Hughe's Nonfiction books. They're great!
January 10, 2022
I really enjoyed Chase Hughes’ first fiction novel. I became aware of it through “The Behavior Panel” on YouTube. Fast passed with clearly labeled, short chapters. The novel captures but could use a bit more character development. I want to know more about Deirdra, Jennifer, and Kelly. I definitely want to know more about Deidra. The last scene with Kelly and Pierce was a bit out of nowhere feeling. Overall, a well-done effort.
June 21, 2022
While the plot is excellent and compelling, this is very clearly a first attempt at a novel. The characters are 2D and the overall story is lacking in detail. I had to stop my editor brain from wanting to correct many areas. I wish we had more overall depth, but Chase Hughes' expertise in behavioral analysis shines through (although I craved more), and I will move on to the next book in the series for the continuation of the story.
August 13, 2023
Compelling and Fascinating Beginning to Satisfying End
This is an unexpected ride into the undercover world of espionage using persuasive suggestions and the power of the brain to the same lethal effect as any high-powered weapon. Look forward to reading more of these Pierce Reston novels, with Author Chase Hughes' voice narrating Pierce's voice, as Harrison Ford is forever Jack Ryan as I read Clancy. Think it's gonna be a great series.
This is an unexpected ride into the undercover world of espionage using persuasive suggestions and the power of the brain to the same lethal effect as any high-powered weapon. Look forward to reading more of these Pierce Reston novels, with Author Chase Hughes' voice narrating Pierce's voice, as Harrison Ford is forever Jack Ryan as I read Clancy. Think it's gonna be a great series.
June 12, 2022
This is a five based on my personal interests. In terms of fast-paced thrillers that I've read, it was really enjoyable and left me wanting more so the five rating is in that sphere.
The first novel has one job, and it fulfilled it perfectly, as I bought the second book immediately after completing this.
Love reading but I can't wait to see this on the screen.
The first novel has one job, and it fulfilled it perfectly, as I bought the second book immediately after completing this.
Love reading but I can't wait to see this on the screen.
December 17, 2022
Wow, Just Wow!
This book is SO good I managed to complete it using my phone.
I'm old so reading on a digital device is not a strong skill for me.
I enthusiastically have read each digital sentence and I've also shared how good the writing and the story is with friends!
I'm looking forward to each and every book from Chase Hughes!
So well done Mr. Hughes!
This book is SO good I managed to complete it using my phone.
I'm old so reading on a digital device is not a strong skill for me.
I enthusiastically have read each digital sentence and I've also shared how good the writing and the story is with friends!
I'm looking forward to each and every book from Chase Hughes!
So well done Mr. Hughes!
May 6, 2023
Read It Practically In One Sitting
This book is a fast moving and riveting espionage and psychological thriller. I so enjoyed the weaving of mine control elements, touching on MK Ultra and neurolinguistic programming. Impressive writing that sucked me in from the first page. Can’t wait to read Book 2.
This book is a fast moving and riveting espionage and psychological thriller. I so enjoyed the weaving of mine control elements, touching on MK Ultra and neurolinguistic programming. Impressive writing that sucked me in from the first page. Can’t wait to read Book 2.
May 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this novel. For me, it was a new take on an old story - the damaged hero who is forced to face his past in order to save the day, with words as his weapons. And actual with weapons. Chase Hughes is body language and behaviour expert, which brings an authenticity to his story that many wouldn’t be able to create so convincingly. I give this one a solid 4 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 12, 2025
3.5 stars. I really did love this book, but it wasn’t my genre which limited the love I could give Phrase Seven. I wanted more explanations of the phrases and I wanted Pierce to end up with Kelly in the end. Maybe it wouldn’t be realistic, but look at the chemistry. Towards the end of the book, it was so thrilling and I was on a literal adventure. This book was great.
October 26, 2020
Great Book
Can’t wait to read the second book. Wow. One of those midnight but I have to read the next chapter books. If you love espionage or know about MK Ultra this will fascinate you. Also Chase and three others have a body language video on youtube called the Behavior Panel.
Can’t wait to read the second book. Wow. One of those midnight but I have to read the next chapter books. If you love espionage or know about MK Ultra this will fascinate you. Also Chase and three others have a body language video on youtube called the Behavior Panel.
February 18, 2021
Love love love this book... big fan of Chase's non fiction work so thought I would give this a go. The lay out of the book is a little strange, but it made it a lot easier to read.. the pace of the book is great and the story gripping.. look forward to the next instalment.
August 9, 2022
Quick paced easy read
One of those books that leaves you feeling a little more unsettled then before you read it. If any of the contents is even marginally true…
Would recommend, indubitably.
One of those books that leaves you feeling a little more unsettled then before you read it. If any of the contents is even marginally true…
Would recommend, indubitably.
February 12, 2023
Good First Novel
I believe this is Chase Hughes’s first novel and it was an enjoyable read. I would have liked a little more character development and seemed to end abruptly. I have a few books in the queue but will come back for the follow up book, which is also in the queue.
I believe this is Chase Hughes’s first novel and it was an enjoyable read. I would have liked a little more character development and seemed to end abruptly. I have a few books in the queue but will come back for the follow up book, which is also in the queue.
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August 11, 2024Gripping, Exciting, Suspenseful Thriller
Delighted to read this after waiting so long to have time for it. I enjoyed each character, well thought out kept me reading in a sitting, thinking perfect for my long train ride. I didn't want to put it down. I honestly read this totally in Chase's voice. What reading pleasure.
Thank You Chase, keep writing please.
Delighted to read this after waiting so long to have time for it. I enjoyed each character, well thought out kept me reading in a sitting, thinking perfect for my long train ride. I didn't want to put it down. I honestly read this totally in Chase's voice. What reading pleasure.
Thank You Chase, keep writing please.
April 10, 2025
I first heard Chase Hughes on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, and added his first book to my want-to-read list. After reading the cover, and then the first chapter or so, I wondered if I would enjoy this book. But once I accepted the premise of great manipulation through words, I really enjoyed the story. I’ve already quickly moved to reading the next book. The premise also reminded me of Robert Heinlein’s concept of applied psychology as explored in several stories, including “If This Goes On—“.
February 1, 2021
Loved the detail as well as the focus on human psychology and frailty. Look forward to the author's future works, a great first novel in fiction!
February 14, 2021
Hair raising and fast paced. I couldn't put it down. I love his stories and writing style. I always finish wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews