Rating: 3/5
Season of Fear by Emily Cooper is a feminist fantasy-horror novel inspired by Bavarian folklore of Germany, and a loose adaptation of The Story of the Youth Who Went Forth to Learn What Fear Was by the Brothers Grimm.
The story centers around Isle Odenwald, a teen girl who is incapable of feeling fear. Her village is ruled by an ancient being: the Saint of Fear, who protects citizens from the beasts of the Hexenwald – a monstrous, sentient forest bordering the village. In exchange for their protection, the women must worship the Saint and offer their own fear to keep it powerful. Isle fails to prove her fearfulness, and is sent to discover her fear in the Hexenwald. If she fails, the Saint will eat her sister alive.
The story touches on women’s place in a patriarchy, and finding yourself. Featuring an insane plot twist, and a lesbian love story subplot it’s sure to keep you warm and fuzzy amongst the horrors.
