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Be Not Afraid
a fast-paced blaze through Hell...
Deadbeat Trent Cain can't catch a break. Life's been one disaster after another, rent's always due, and he's always late. Even his band doesn't want anything to do with him anymore and playing the guitar was the one joy he had left in life.
When he takes a shortcut home through the park at 3AM, he walks right into another five angels waiting to greet him. Unfortunately, despite their proclamations of be not afraid, they mean him harm. His only hope is another angel wielding a lead pipe, but there’s something familiar about this one...
Deadbeat Trent Cain can't catch a break. Life's been one disaster after another, rent's always due, and he's always late. Even his band doesn't want anything to do with him anymore and playing the guitar was the one joy he had left in life.
When he takes a shortcut home through the park at 3AM, he walks right into another five angels waiting to greet him. Unfortunately, despite their proclamations of be not afraid, they mean him harm. His only hope is another angel wielding a lead pipe, but there’s something familiar about this one...
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
11 people want to read
About the author
S. Jean
12 books31 followersS. Jean (she/they) is a queer sci-fi & fantasy author writing whatever strikes their fancy at any given moment. When not writing or dreaming of what to write, they can be found dabbling in game dev and drawing!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 2, 2025
disclaimer: i got this ARC in exchange for an honest review. thank you to the author!
warnings for discussion of a sexual assault parallel, violence, gore, a Lot of body horror, electrocution, and references to sex/drugs/alcohol
okay so i ate this up in a couple of hours this morning, i had to sit around waiting for laundry to finish and remembered i had it waiting for me. sincerely did not want to put my phone down until i was done. super fun and i loooved the route s. jean took with making seraphs so...weird and terrible
this isn't usually something i say about SA/SA parallel scenes, but i do think the surrounding discussion of the assault was handled very well. it didn't feel like shock value or anything, which i don't see very often, so i was very glad for that
if you like horrible angels and body horror stuff, highly recommend it! again, thank you to s. jean for the ARC <3 good luck with publishing and i'm sure i'll be reading more of your work!
warnings for discussion of a sexual assault parallel, violence, gore, a Lot of body horror, electrocution, and references to sex/drugs/alcohol
okay so i ate this up in a couple of hours this morning, i had to sit around waiting for laundry to finish and remembered i had it waiting for me. sincerely did not want to put my phone down until i was done. super fun and i loooved the route s. jean took with making seraphs so...weird and terrible
this isn't usually something i say about SA/SA parallel scenes, but i do think the surrounding discussion of the assault was handled very well. it didn't feel like shock value or anything, which i don't see very often, so i was very glad for that
if you like horrible angels and body horror stuff, highly recommend it! again, thank you to s. jean for the ARC <3 good luck with publishing and i'm sure i'll be reading more of your work!
December 18, 2025
This was WILD and I loved it so much! Fast-paced, utterly unhinged, and ultimately surprisingly sweet.
The seraphs are SO f*cked up and it's excellent. I do love angel mythology, especially when they're incomprehensible horrors. Some of the descriptions are exceptionally gruesome, making for a really visceral and immersive reading experience. This is a really fast read, but I connected to Trent and Seth in a snap, and was rooting for them until the very last page.
I've loved every one of S. Jean's books that I've read, but this one might be my new favorite.
The seraphs are SO f*cked up and it's excellent. I do love angel mythology, especially when they're incomprehensible horrors. Some of the descriptions are exceptionally gruesome, making for a really visceral and immersive reading experience. This is a really fast read, but I connected to Trent and Seth in a snap, and was rooting for them until the very last page.
I've loved every one of S. Jean's books that I've read, but this one might be my new favorite.
October 17, 2025
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review. This review doesn't contain any spoilers.
This is the third book I've read from queer writer S. Jean this very year. The first one was the coming-of-age drama Errant Wings and the second one was the space adventure Wherever the Stars Call. Both of them have been great contenders for my favorite book in their respective genres.
S. Jean stuck gold once again with Be Not Afraid, a horror novella this time. We have the usual suspects of S. Jean's writing present: a cast of queer, funny, awkward yet relatable protagonists; prose about lifeforms and objects larger than life that gives enough details to the reader, but not too much to overwhelm; thrilling action that makes you blood run cold and worry if the heroes are gonna survive.
I would usually go into much more detail and directly talk about the events in the book and why I love the protagonists, but I think it would genuinely be better if you read this yourself. (Plus, I don't think spoiling the book in an ARC review is exactly appropriate lmao)
S. Jean is an amazing writer and once I get paperbacks of his books, they will sit proudly on my small bookshelf next to Stephen King's books.
This is the third book I've read from queer writer S. Jean this very year. The first one was the coming-of-age drama Errant Wings and the second one was the space adventure Wherever the Stars Call. Both of them have been great contenders for my favorite book in their respective genres.
S. Jean stuck gold once again with Be Not Afraid, a horror novella this time. We have the usual suspects of S. Jean's writing present: a cast of queer, funny, awkward yet relatable protagonists; prose about lifeforms and objects larger than life that gives enough details to the reader, but not too much to overwhelm; thrilling action that makes you blood run cold and worry if the heroes are gonna survive.
I would usually go into much more detail and directly talk about the events in the book and why I love the protagonists, but I think it would genuinely be better if you read this yourself. (Plus, I don't think spoiling the book in an ARC review is exactly appropriate lmao)
S. Jean is an amazing writer and once I get paperbacks of his books, they will sit proudly on my small bookshelf next to Stephen King's books.
December 9, 2025
Immersive, fast-paced and memorable.
Trent and Seth grew on me very quickly. By the elevator scene (iykyk) I found myself rooting for both of them.
The setting and the parallel worlds are vivid and rich, perfect for readers who enjoy the pulsing world of the upside down in Stranger Things.
I particularly enjoyed the depiction of goodness in Seth as someone who’s not “quite” an angel, and the idea that goodness can be a choice and is closer to the quasi-human.
The budding romance is sugary sweet and I enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed the visceral gory horror.
A perfect read for the colder season; reminiscent of a small town abandoned building horror with a strong touch of the paranormal and a good dose of giddy flirting, with a satisfying ending for our mains!
Trent and Seth grew on me very quickly. By the elevator scene (iykyk) I found myself rooting for both of them.
The setting and the parallel worlds are vivid and rich, perfect for readers who enjoy the pulsing world of the upside down in Stranger Things.
I particularly enjoyed the depiction of goodness in Seth as someone who’s not “quite” an angel, and the idea that goodness can be a choice and is closer to the quasi-human.
The budding romance is sugary sweet and I enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed the visceral gory horror.
A perfect read for the colder season; reminiscent of a small town abandoned building horror with a strong touch of the paranormal and a good dose of giddy flirting, with a satisfying ending for our mains!
September 4, 2025
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
Another incredible story from S. Jean. I opened this up to read last night and it had me hooked the whole time. I could not put it down until I found out what would happen to Trent and his angel with the lead pipe... and the terrifying ones following them.
S. Jean writes fantasy and horror so, so well. The pacing kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and the depictions of angels here are equal parts fascinating and horrifying.
Additionally, as a cat caretaker (of an orange cat too, as it so happens), the parts with Scotty hit me hard. She is wonderful.
Another incredible story from S. Jean. I opened this up to read last night and it had me hooked the whole time. I could not put it down until I found out what would happen to Trent and his angel with the lead pipe... and the terrifying ones following them.
S. Jean writes fantasy and horror so, so well. The pacing kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and the depictions of angels here are equal parts fascinating and horrifying.
Additionally, as a cat caretaker (of an orange cat too, as it so happens), the parts with Scotty hit me hard. She is wonderful.
October 10, 2025
This novella is short and sweet with a neat, epic plot. The art is also fantastic. The gore is just graphic enough without trying too hard. Most of the story takes place in one day, so try to read in one sitting! HEA, no spice.
October 9, 2025
I like S. Jean’s writing, so I didn’t mind much the horror tag of this story and joined the ARC team. Which, in hindsight, wasn’t a bad experience, so if you’re easily horror-triggered like me, you can totally read this book! Mind you, some graphic descriptions could put you off (they did to me), but nothing alarming enough to stop you from reading. Or, at least, that was my experience! Always check yourself and the content warning! Be safe!
This protagonist was the vivid definition of “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Apart from that, everything that can go wrong, goes worse. Which I usually find pretty funny. Even in these circumstances.
What perturbed me the most, and with which I personally disagree, is the angel’s imagery here. I can totally understand the vibe, but I couldn’t grasp it through the reading. Maybe a better introduction from the character or the in-universe perspective could have helped me stand in the same place, but so far, it didn’t click to me. My mind kept trying to turn those angels into demons so it could be more fitting with my mental balance.
No matter that, it didn’t disturb my experience much. It was just something I noticed every time they appeared. (Actually, they’re kinda nightmare worthy, I just didn’t give them that much attention because I know myself D-D)
I liked the parallel worlds, and the isolated feeling translated very well to me. I’m not sure what the other low angels will do now without this pretty one, but I can’t be bothered.
It’s pretty action-packed and you’re always jumping on your seat (especially if you’re so easily jumpy like me). Short, as nightmares should be. And with my favorite of all time: a happy ending.
So, I totally can read something like this again, no sweat, if at the end happy endings are waiting for me. (But they won’t be my main source of reading time, because I pretty much love my pain-free season.)
This protagonist was the vivid definition of “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Apart from that, everything that can go wrong, goes worse. Which I usually find pretty funny. Even in these circumstances.
What perturbed me the most, and with which I personally disagree, is the angel’s imagery here. I can totally understand the vibe, but I couldn’t grasp it through the reading. Maybe a better introduction from the character or the in-universe perspective could have helped me stand in the same place, but so far, it didn’t click to me. My mind kept trying to turn those angels into demons so it could be more fitting with my mental balance.
No matter that, it didn’t disturb my experience much. It was just something I noticed every time they appeared. (Actually, they’re kinda nightmare worthy, I just didn’t give them that much attention because I know myself D-D)
I liked the parallel worlds, and the isolated feeling translated very well to me. I’m not sure what the other low angels will do now without this pretty one, but I can’t be bothered.
It’s pretty action-packed and you’re always jumping on your seat (especially if you’re so easily jumpy like me). Short, as nightmares should be. And with my favorite of all time: a happy ending.
So, I totally can read something like this again, no sweat, if at the end happy endings are waiting for me. (But they won’t be my main source of reading time, because I pretty much love my pain-free season.)
September 10, 2025
I received an ARC copy of Be Not Afraid & was glad for it!
Trent is a loser trapped in a cycle of burned bridges, drinking, and fights he mostly doesn't remember. He doesn't have a support network, prospects, or any luck aside from a guitar pic he wears around his neck. I never figured out why he judged it lucky because my dude is down and out. When he makes a reckless decision to take a shortcut home through a dark park at 3 a.m. after getting 86'd from another bar, you can't help but wonder if he wants something bad to happen.
Probably not as bad as what does, though. This story is fast-paced, fun, wild, and relentlessly (weirdly) sweet in a blood-soaked and biblically-accurate manner. Trent's run afoul of some angels, and I don't want to talk too much about them; the author took familiar mythical figures and tweaked them in a novel way you should discover for yourself. All I will say is that he finds himself in a creepy alternate reality that vibed Matrix to me more than anything.
Trent isn't brave or a hero. He isn't a scumbag coward, either, ready to put self-preservation above anything else. He's humble, human, and likable. And scared, which, yeah, rough night. When he's at his lowest, it's the thought that his cat needs him to make it home that gets him back on his feet, and if that doesn't strike you as wonderful, there's no saving you.
There are a lot of thrills for such a short book, and I was on the edge of my seat to the very end. Waiting to find out if I would get a real HEA or just crossed-fingers and cause to hope.
Not even a little bit country, but hella rock and roll.
Trent is a loser trapped in a cycle of burned bridges, drinking, and fights he mostly doesn't remember. He doesn't have a support network, prospects, or any luck aside from a guitar pic he wears around his neck. I never figured out why he judged it lucky because my dude is down and out. When he makes a reckless decision to take a shortcut home through a dark park at 3 a.m. after getting 86'd from another bar, you can't help but wonder if he wants something bad to happen.
Probably not as bad as what does, though. This story is fast-paced, fun, wild, and relentlessly (weirdly) sweet in a blood-soaked and biblically-accurate manner. Trent's run afoul of some angels, and I don't want to talk too much about them; the author took familiar mythical figures and tweaked them in a novel way you should discover for yourself. All I will say is that he finds himself in a creepy alternate reality that vibed Matrix to me more than anything.
Trent isn't brave or a hero. He isn't a scumbag coward, either, ready to put self-preservation above anything else. He's humble, human, and likable. And scared, which, yeah, rough night. When he's at his lowest, it's the thought that his cat needs him to make it home that gets him back on his feet, and if that doesn't strike you as wonderful, there's no saving you.
There are a lot of thrills for such a short book, and I was on the edge of my seat to the very end. Waiting to find out if I would get a real HEA or just crossed-fingers and cause to hope.
Not even a little bit country, but hella rock and roll.
October 22, 2025
I got an eARC from the author and could not be more delighted about it. All opinions here are my own and not affected by that.
Be Not Afraid is SO good! It's exactly what it says on the tin: weird gay gory chaos. Trent's dedication to his cat is so heartwarming and my favorite thing about him. I read this over a few days of work lunches and was nearly late getting back to work one more than one occasion because I didn't want to put it down.
Highly recommend it to anyone who thinks the blurb sounds fun! It's very clear about what the story is, and it absolutely DELIVERS. 10/10 would read again and am also preordering the paperback.
Be Not Afraid is SO good! It's exactly what it says on the tin: weird gay gory chaos. Trent's dedication to his cat is so heartwarming and my favorite thing about him. I read this over a few days of work lunches and was nearly late getting back to work one more than one occasion because I didn't want to put it down.
Highly recommend it to anyone who thinks the blurb sounds fun! It's very clear about what the story is, and it absolutely DELIVERS. 10/10 would read again and am also preordering the paperback.
December 2, 2025
Be Not Afraid is action-packed, intense, and creepy - just what you'd expect from "angels" you met and who kidnapped you at 3am in a park telling you "Be Not Afraid"
The eeriness of Hell, and how the whole worldbuilding was done, is absolutely delicious. S. Jean is amazing with both tragic characters and heartfelt emotions, as well as fast-paced action and uncanny settings.
Even the angel with the lead pipe (who's my favorite and wonderful) has some creepy moments - moments that truly portray how different his and Trent's worlds and lives are.
I was lucky enough to have read a beta version of Be Not Afraid.
The eeriness of Hell, and how the whole worldbuilding was done, is absolutely delicious. S. Jean is amazing with both tragic characters and heartfelt emotions, as well as fast-paced action and uncanny settings.
Even the angel with the lead pipe (who's my favorite and wonderful) has some creepy moments - moments that truly portray how different his and Trent's worlds and lives are.
I was lucky enough to have read a beta version of Be Not Afraid.
December 17, 2025
Wonderful book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews