A great hard hitting visceral tale. Dystopian in the extreme but so much better for that. Not dystopian but very real is the way the women are treat within the society and this is something that really hit home and will stay with me. A great story though.

I'm so thankful to have been able to read this book. A unique premise coupled with the mythology of my own culture made me interested in the first place, and by no means have I been disappointed. All the characters were well-written, the story beats kept me interested from start to finish. I've been putting off writing this review for some reason and I cannot recall all the details, but the things I remember make me want to read it again. Despite being inspired by Bavarian folklore, this book is neither a textbook disguised as a novel nor a reimagining of an existing story like most Greek mythology books these days are.
Rather, it uses the overall feeling created by the setting straight out of one of Grimms' fairy tales and mythological creatures some of which are rarely seen in fantasy books to its advantage to make this magical world believable. In similar novels, the characters can sometimes feel out of place, as if they have experiences they couldn't have gotten from the environment they live in. The author of this novel does not make this mistake. Everything feels organic. The characters - yes, including the main character! - are likeable, the mysteries of this world are intriguing. I was invested in the story almost immediately and I loved the fact that the forest was going to be the main location for the story to take place. It just fit so perfectly with the horror genre and with the German vibe the author was going for. She made it shine even more by making the forest a living entity that interacts with the characters.
The only thing I wasn't so sure about was the concept of Ilse having no fear. How does one define "having no fear"? Sure, the word "fear" wasn't used when referring to Ilse's feelings, but aren't words like "angst", "worry" or "dread" all related to "fear" in some sense? Ilse worries a lot throughout the book. About her sister, about not being able to sacrifice her fear to the God, about losing the people she cared about. At one point, she even says that she's a coward. She may not experience the fear to be physically hurt or even die, but she definitely fears for her loved ones. It's hard to leave out a crucial emotion like fear, I guess, and I feel like writing it any other way would have hurt the story, so I won't complain any further.

All in all: A fantastic book! I wouldn't complain about a sequel.

I enjoyed this exciting novel which is inspired by Bavarian folklore. The novel is set in a German rural village which has been terrorised by horrific monsters that live within the dark forests on the edge of the village. For centuries the women of the village have prevented the monsters taking over their homes by allowing their fear to be seen and heard loudly as they scream into the forest holding the monsters at bay

We meet young girl Lise who knows that she’s different and separate from her mother and sister in that she alone does not feel fear .
Otherness and difference is covered in this book where the narrator is the only woman in her village that does not feel fear. Lise sets out on a journey to the middle of the forest to try and protect her family.

The first time I read this book, I found the first couple of couple of pages so terrifying that I had to put it aside. I wasn’t really in the mood. I’ve picked up again to give it another go now. And I’m glad I did It’s actually not as frightened as I thought it was going to be and it blends magic and reality well

This novel reminds me a bit of the Twilight series with its teenage protagonists and focus on adventure. There is a cute lesbian love story in the middle of the book as it turns out that not only is she different in terms of her lack of fear she is also different her sexuality
I don’t read a lot of novels of this sort but I did enjoy this one. It’s fresh fast paced and very atmospheric. The author has a clear easily read writing style and I think the novel might be better placed in the young adult section the library
I read an early copy of the novel in on NetGalley UK in return for an unbiased review. But is published in the UK on the 30th of September 2025 by Simon and Schuster UK.
This review will appear on NetGalley UK, StoryGraph, Goodreads, and my book blog bionicSarahS books.wordpress.com after publication it will also appear on Amazon and UK and Waterstones

A young woman must enter the monstrous Hexenwald forest to find her fear and save her sister. A modern Grimm fairytale, with unique worldbuilding and a feminist twist. While the characters are interesting they lack emotional depth or nuance to their struggles, and the central romance is heavy handed. The plot is clever but overall the book struggles with pacing. Not one for me.

Emily Cooper’s Season of Fear is a gorgeously unsettling debut that wraps folk horror, gothic atmosphere, and a deeply personal coming-of-age story into one haunting package. Set in a village where fear is both currency and sacrament, this novel grips you with its eerie premise and doesn’t let go—even after the final, chilling page.

Ilse Odenwald is an outsider in her own home. In a community where women cultivate terror to feed an ancient Saint—a being that, in turn, shields them from the horrors of the Hexenwald forest—Ilse’s inability to feel fear marks her as defective. Worse, when the Saint discovers her secret, it issues an ultimatum: Learn to fear, or watch your sister be devoured. What follows is a desperate, nightmarish journey into the heart of the Hexenwald, where Ilse must confront not only the forest’s monstrous inhabitants but the darker truths lurking beneath her village’s rituals.

Cooper’s worldbuilding is exquisite, blending fairy-tale dread with visceral horror. The village’s devotion to fear is both fascinating and grotesque, a twisted mirror of religious fervour and survivalist pragmatism. The Hexenwald itself is a character—a place of whispering leaves, half-seen horrors, and a suffocating sense of being watched. Every description drips with atmosphere, making the setting feel alive and hungry.

Ilse is a compelling protagonist, her struggle for belonging tangled with questions of faith, duty, and selfhood. Her quest to manufacture fear—something others take for granted—forces her into increasingly dire choices, and Cooper doesn’t shy away from the story’s grim stakes. The supporting cast, from Ilse’s devout sister to the village’s secretive elders, adds layers of tension and ambiguity. Is the Saint a protector or a predator? Are the village’s traditions sacred or sacrificial? The answers unfold with slow, creeping dread.

Fans of The Year of the Witching and The Bear and the Nightingale will adore this book’s blend of folkloric horror and feminist defiance. But Season of Fear carves its own path, offering a fresh take on monster myths and the things we worship to survive.

3.5⭐️. Season of Fear felt like a modern Grimm fairytale, with a strong feminist undertone and lots of fantastical, horror elements. Ilse lives in Heulensee, a town where women (because the men argue that fear was a woman’s gift) serve the Saint of Fear by feeding it their terror. In return, the Saint protects them from the monsters living in the adjoining forest, Hexenwald. However, Ilse cannot feel fear, a fact that’s left her feeling isolated and lonely with her sister, Dorothea, as her one close companion. When the Saint discovers Ilse’s lack of fear, he threatens Dorothea and she has to embark on a journey through the forest to find her fear and save her sister.

There was a lot I liked about this book - it was well written, descriptive and created an interesting and unique world. I liked that the emphasis was on Ilse’s relationship with her sister and I also really enjoyed the way her friendship developed with Hans, her brother in law, who journeys with her into Hexenwald. I think if you like the style of Alix E.Harrow and Kat Dunn, you would probably enjoy this book.

That being said, there were some elements that brought the rating down for me, which were:
- Without giving away any spoilers, some of the magic (particularly the aspects you learn more about in the second half of the book) felt underdeveloped and it therefore fell a bit flat for me.
- The main romantic relationship also felt underdeveloped and I think the book would’ve been stronger without it, if it had instead just focused on the familial relationships.
- For some reason, which I can’t quite pinpoint, I never fully connected with the characters, which meant the book lacked emotional impact for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this book.

I finished this in ONE SITTING , just wow !
What may orginally seem like just a horror, this book is so so so much more!!! We follow Ilse, who is born without fear in a town that feeds their fear to an ancient saint on the rite of their 18th birthdays, something that only the women follow as they are the ones that battle with the most fear. By feeding the saint, it protects their village from the monsters of the hexenwald, a forest of horror and monsters that can tear their flesh and kill them with ease. But on the night of her rite, the saint notices her lack of fear, giving her an ultimatum. She must find her fear in 30 days or it devours her sister!!
From the get go I was invested in the story, the horrific details in the prologue felt straight out of a horror movie. The descriptions were brutal yet poetic and set the initial tone for the book. What I wasn’t expecting was to fall in love with the characters we are introduced to as the book progresses. There is found family elements, a blossoming side plot of a sapphic relationship and honestly some incredibly powerful scenes of the women that battle their fear throughout the book. The epilogue and ending had me emotional and it’s safe to say Emily cooper is incredible at building characters that you can fall for! This was such an incredible and unique read that had some amazing twists and just was such an amazing reading experience!
Thank you to Simon and schuster and netgalley for this early E-arc copy !!

Arc review ✨

So thrilled writing this review! This was a great read and I absolutely needed a win right now as I’ve been on a DNF streak a lot lately and not much seems to keep my attention, but this book was filled with female rage and I loved it. Right out of the gate, introducing us to the horror going on in this little village had me hooked.

We follow Ilse, a young girl who cannot feel fear when fear is the only thing needed, found that to be a unique spin. I was fully invested in all the characters throughout as each are introduced. I absolutely loved the found family vibe. The mystery of what the heck is going on and the journey she took to try and save her sister was written well. Every twist and turn had me on the edge of my seat. I ate this up for sure, finished it in a little over a day.

Will absolutely read more from this author and look forward to purchasing the beautiful edition from
Goldsboro!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for a review!

Ilse Odenwald is not like the other women in her village. She cannot feel fear. But in Heulensee, women’s terror is revered, commodified and demanded. Ilse must venture into the world beyond the village in order to discover what she needs to do next.

Season of Fear is a dark fantasy, with elements of horror mixed into what feels like an old fairytale. It’s creepy and gorgeous, much like the setting. It feels too simplistic to try to break this down into tropes.

The story around Ilse’s otherness, and the way she fits (or doesn’t, as the case may be) into her home and family is so well written that I cried more than once while reading. This had me thinking about gender roles, my relationship with my mother, and the burden and strength of defiance.

There is romance in this story, and while it’s certainly not the main plot, it’s present and maybe one of my favourite parts.

The references to Bavarian folklore help make this story feel haunting, and set the tone perfectly.

On reaching the end, I felt disappointed that it was over- this isn’t a criticism of the pacing or length of the book, which was actually great. I just really didn’t want to leave the characters.

I’d recommend this if you love:

Darker fantasy

Folklore & fairytales

Sapphic romance

Found family

Creepy, haunting horror

Forests, monsters and rituals

Disappointing and confusing. This book wants to be The Year of the Witching very badly but trips up on its own convoluted plot, leaving the reader scratching their head at the end. I’m also very tired of most plot relevant things in YA books happening within the characters’ own lifetime, especially if it involves immortal beings like gods.

Points for a nice brother in law character though, that’s rare.

HOLY SHIT THIS BOOK!!! my jaw in on the floor!

season of fear is non stop from the very beginning. the plot constantly has something happen -- you're whizzed from one thing to the next with no time to come up for air in between. i struggled to put this book down at the end of the night so i could sleep (i just wanted to keep going!).

this book opens with a scene straight from a horror book/movie/whatever. the opening scene is so captivating and sets the tone perfectly for what's to come. when it's ilse's turn to take the "rite", she fails. the saint of fear then threatens ilse, where she then decides to take matters into her own hands. a large portion of this book takes place in a forest. as with any great forest, this one's filled with horrific creatures determined to cause as much pain and suffering as possible.

from the get-go, i adored ilse. she was a captivating and intriguing main character. i liked how she wasn't fragile but actually very strong and determined. i was weary about hans at first, because all the men in this book were depicted as selfish and greedy, however he became my favourite character swiftly. i hoped so hard that nothing would harm his kind soul.

as the pair make their way into the forest, we meet ash (an absolutely wonderful woman) and her brother. they team up with ilse and hans on their mission to save the women of heulensee.

the romance in this book is minimal but it does play a large role. i found it so cute to read. it is a sapphic romance, which i found very fitting for this particular story.

the plot twist towards the end!! i genuinely didn't see that coming! (what an oblivious queen). there was just so much that happened in such a short space of time but nothing felt rushed. i will say though, that the ending (while happy and wholesome) made me really sad. i may or may not have shed a tear. or two. maybe five. i wasn't counting.

thank you so much for the chance to read this early! this is easily my new favourite book.

Season of Fear by Emily Cooper is a dark and atmospheric tale set in the haunting village of Heulensee, where fear is not just a feeling but a force of nature. In this village, the people’s only protection from the horrors lurking in the monstrous Hexenwald forest is the Saint of Fear, an ancient entity that demands the women and girls of the village offer up their terror in exchange for safety.

Ilse Odenwald, however, is born without the ability to feel fear. This makes her an outcast in a place where fearfulness is revered as a virtue. As much as she tries, she cannot summon the dread that the Saint demands. When the Saint learns of Ilse's lack of fear, it threatens to devour her sister, Thea, unless Ilse can find a way to experience fear.

In a desperate bid to save Thea, Ilse ventures into the terrifying Hexenwald, hoping that its monsters will finally evoke the fear she so desperately lacks. What follows is a tense, action-packed journey into the heart of darkness, where Ilse uncovers secrets far darker than she could have ever imagined—and discovers that fear is just one of many powerful forces at play.

Cooper's writing is haunting and immersive, drawing readers into a world where the line between fear and desire, safety and danger, is constantly shifting. The book skillfully blends elements of horror with romance, creating a compelling and emotionally charged narrative. The dynamic between Ilse and her sister Thea adds depth to the story, highlighting the bonds of family and the lengths one will go to protect those they love.

What sets Season of Fear apart is its thought-provoking take on gender inequality. The story explores how fear is manipulated and used as a tool of control, particularly for women, and the impact this has on their agency. Cooper cleverly weaves this theme into a tale filled with mystery and suspense, making it both a thrilling and meaningful read.

The twist at the end is gasp-worthy, adding an unexpected layer of complexity to the plot and leaving readers eagerly turning pages until the very end. Season of Fear is a perfect blend of horror, romance, and social commentary, making it an unforgettable read for fans of dark fantasy and psychological thrills.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Season of Fear is an exquisitely captivating tale steeped in darkness, evocative of the timeless Grimm fairy tales. The author masterfully explores themes of female resilience, sacrifice, community, folklore, the complexity of love, and the profound bonds of chosen family.

From its opening pages, the story unfolds with a chillingly original concept: young women must surrender their fear to a saint. This eerie concept sets the tone for an utterly gripping narrative, and the premise is executed with such precision that I was captivated right from the start.

I devoured this book in a single day, compelled by its incredible twists and turns. Every moment was an irresistible pull, and stepping away was excruciating. The plot is an adrenaline-fueled ride, blending action, the unearthing of deeply buried truths, and emotional depths that connect you so deeply with the characters.

I recommend Season of Fear to anyone who loves their fantasy unique and laced with a touch of horror. It’s an unforgettable tale that you won't want to miss.

Such an incredible story! The characters are absolutely amazing, and their development from beginning to end is absolutely perfect. This is one of those stories that makes you proud to be a woman, and what we can achieve!

It broke my heart, it mended me, it broke me again. It made my laugh and made me cry! Just the perfect book!

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for approving me to read this story, I’m rating it 3.75 stars rounded to 4.

This story was quite unexpected, it was dark and cruel with secrets that slowly unraveled causing chaos. Our FMC came across an outcast of sorts, not fitting in and not sharing the same fear as her neighbours and family.

My heart goes out to the FMC, she was so courageous and stubborn with the best intentions. The ending feels quite bitter sweet, but there’s a sort of justice in it that is also satisfying.

This book is hauntingly beautiful, and it is easily my new favourite book. I fear nothing shall ever surpass how I feel about this book. It has everything that I need, and all I desire is to read and reread this book for the rest of eternity. If I were to die with this book in my hands, I would be at my happiest, I am in love with this book. If I ever, ever shut up about this, then something is terribly wrong.

Emily Cooper has woven an intricate web of complex, unique characters, characters whom I deeply love and care about. Characters who live in such a peculiar world.

Fear is survival in Heulensee, the force that protects the village - women offer up their fear to the Saint of Fear, and the village is protected from the monsters of the forest. The Saint of Fear came to protect Heulensee from the horrors of the Hexenwald forest …. Or did it? Monstrous things emerge from the forest when the sky turns red, and the Saint of Fear demands that women and girls offer up their fear to it - in return, it will save Heulensee. But first, it will feast on their fear.

This book is a brilliant exploration of the sacrifices of women and girls, and the world that moulds them. Heulensee is accustomed to sacrificing them, their fates interwoven with a beast. But Ilse Odenwald is not afraid.

This is also a fantastic examination of the importance of self - self acceptance, self exploration. Emily’s writing is masterful, and this is a debut that I cannot wait for everyone to read, devour, and love.

This book has a space in my head rent free. I will never shut up about it.

Ilse believes she is human with a fatal flaw. She is not. This a story of self discovery and found family. Threats from a false deity give rise to questions around why only the girls and women in her village are targeted with a terrible responsibility, where the power really sits, and who Ilse really is. It is a dark and bloody journey where Ilse uncovers the truth about her life and the roles of those closest to her. The betrayal, the love and the secret loyalty. The mid third of this story is really well told. The beginning is a little confusing which will hopefully get rounded out during edits and the ending drags a little. All fixable. Some of the metaphors don't make sense but again very fixable. It's a pretty quick read - finished over a couple of days. There are some ideas in here, themes which I feel are really important and when reading I was thinking how good this would be for teenagers and young adults. I could see the influences from other recent franchises - not a criticism as the themes and ideas fit well but some of them are a little too obvious in how they are presented, too clear of a nod - unless that was the intention? Overall very enjoyable. I cared about all the characters and adored the relationship between Ilse and Hans. In its current state I'm giving it 3 stars but I suspect it will be a 4 when finished.

This is a book about love. I cannot explain how beautiful this story is, Ilse trying to rescue her sister and women of her village from the Saint of Fear. The prose is wonderful, a fairytale we have never read but can become completely immersed in. After a few pages I knew I was completely in love with this story. The romance is gentle and heart warming. The friendships formed are what I want for everyone in the world not just the characters in the book. It’s fast paced and enchanting in a dark rich tapestry of words.
I would give it 6 stars if I could.

This was a beautiful read, it really felt like Ilse was neurodiverse and that resonated with me and I suppose in the end, she was - in also loved that the end showed us what happened in the future! Something i wish more authors did

A chilling, thrilling story of a girl born without fear and a world where fear is literal currency to keep the village she lives in safe.

In order to save her sister's life, she is forced to enter a cursed wood.

This was a powerful narrative of the power - and lack - women possess. The female characters in this book are denied their agency by the men, scorned for the very thing that keeps them all safe.

Our main character goes on a journey of discovery and along the way makes a little family of her own - Hans was too sweet for this cruel world.

It has everything you could want, magic, a fantastic world of saints and god like beasts, going to the ends of the world for those you love and the sweetest f/f romance you ever did see.

The ending while very bittersweet was also fulfilling, a great book all round.