Season of Fear — dark fantasy novel by Ava Reid
Reid: Season of Fear is a dark fantasy novel set in a Bavarian-folklore-inspired village where fear is demanded as protection from a monstrous forest. Ilse, who cannot feel fear, enters the Hexenwald to save her sister, in a story described as a feminist fairytale with a lesbian romance.
At a glance
- Bavarian folklore-inspired dark fantasy in a village bordered by a monster-filled forest.
- Ilse cannot feel fear, a difference that puts her sister at risk and drives the story.
- The listing describes a feminist fairytale with a lesbian romance and themes of self-acceptance.
Pros and cons
Pros
- A clear central conflict links Ilse’s unusual inability to feel fear with her sister’s safety.
- The folklore setting and dangerous forest give the story a distinctly eerie fairytale premise.
- At 352 pages, the listed print length offers a substantial standalone reading experience.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Solstice Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 9 April 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 352 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1398535826 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1398535824 |
| Dimensions | 13 x 2.1 x 19.8 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 250 g |
What to know before buying
- The supplied product details list publication on 9 April 2026. Confirm the edition and publication timing if buying before that date.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers looking for dark fantasy shaped by folklore and fairytale horror.
- Readers interested in a story centred on a lesbian romance, gender inequality and accepting difference.
- Fans of plots where a protagonist enters a dangerous forest to protect someone close to her.
Less suited to
- Readers who prefer lighter fantasy without frightening, monstrous or blood-red-horror imagery.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
57% 57% - 4 stars
30% 30% - 3 stars
13% 13% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
0% 0%
Aggregate ratings lean positive, with most ratings in the four- and five-star categories and a smaller three-star share. That is a cautiously favourable signal for the novel, but the supplied information contains no written feedback to explain readers’ reactions or assess particular elements such as the romance, pacing or horror.
Frequently asked questions
What is Season of Fear about?
Ilse lives in a village that relies on a frightening Saint for protection from the Hexenwald. Unable to feel fear, she enters the forest after the Saint threatens her sister.
What kind of fantasy is Season of Fear?
The listing describes it as dark fantasy and a feminist fairytale inspired by Bavarian folklore, with a lesbian romance.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 352 pages.
What language is this edition?
The product details list the language as English.
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