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Be Not Afraid – Book I: A Spiritual Thriller About Faith, Fear, and the Battle Between Light and Darkness
A Spiritual Thriller About Faith, Fear, and the Battle Between Light and Darkness
At 3 a.m., the bells rang — but no one was there.
When a young Jesuit priest, Michał of Ustroń, is sent by the Vatican to investigate a series of unexplained possessions in 19th-century Europe, he expects hysteria, illness, or superstition.
What he finds is something far worse.
The same prayers whispered by different mouths.
The same voice speaking through different bodies.
And a fear that spreads faster than reason.
From forgotten Polish villages to haunted Bavarian castles, Michał is drawn into a hidden battle where faith is tested, silence becomes dangerous, and every prayer carries a price. As the line between mental illness and true possession begins to blur, one question refuses to leave
What if evil does not scream — but listens?
Be Not Afraid is a dark spiritual thriller inspired by real exorcism accounts, blending historical fiction, psychological tension, and theological depth.
For readers who loved The Exorcist, The Rite, and The Silent Patient, this haunting story explores guilt, sacrifice, and the terrifying possibility that God’s voice can be drowned out — if no one dares to listen.
Book One of the Be Not Afraid trilogy.
At 3 a.m., the bells rang — but no one was there.
When a young Jesuit priest, Michał of Ustroń, is sent by the Vatican to investigate a series of unexplained possessions in 19th-century Europe, he expects hysteria, illness, or superstition.
What he finds is something far worse.
The same prayers whispered by different mouths.
The same voice speaking through different bodies.
And a fear that spreads faster than reason.
From forgotten Polish villages to haunted Bavarian castles, Michał is drawn into a hidden battle where faith is tested, silence becomes dangerous, and every prayer carries a price. As the line between mental illness and true possession begins to blur, one question refuses to leave
What if evil does not scream — but listens?
Be Not Afraid is a dark spiritual thriller inspired by real exorcism accounts, blending historical fiction, psychological tension, and theological depth.
For readers who loved The Exorcist, The Rite, and The Silent Patient, this haunting story explores guilt, sacrifice, and the terrifying possibility that God’s voice can be drowned out — if no one dares to listen.
Book One of the Be Not Afraid trilogy.
481 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2025
1 person is currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Vasyl Kazmirchuk
4 books20 followersVasyl Kazmirchuk writes thrillers that don’t feel like fiction.
His stories explore faith, artificial intelligence, freedom, and the fragile line between control and chaos.
He writes about the questions people avoid — and the systems we trust too easily.
These are not just thrillers.
They are warnings.
If even one reader closes a book and sees the world differently, the story has done its job.
His stories explore faith, artificial intelligence, freedom, and the fragile line between control and chaos.
He writes about the questions people avoid — and the systems we trust too easily.
These are not just thrillers.
They are warnings.
If even one reader closes a book and sees the world differently, the story has done its job.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 26, 2026
‘Be Not Afraid – Book I: A Spiritual Thriller About Faith, Fear, and the Battle Between Light and Darkness’ by Vasyl Kazmirchuk is a spine-chilling and deeply profound journey into the heart of spiritual warfare that left me breathless from the very first page. It has been a long time since I've read a book that so masterfully blends historical fiction, psychological drama, and spiritual thriller elements into one captivating narrative, and I'm thrilled I discovered Kazmirchuk's debut work.
The novel follows Michał of Ustroń, a young Jesuit priest dispatched by the Vatican to investigate mysterious possessions across 19th-century Europe. From the haunted castles of Bavaria to the forgotten villages of Poland, Michał confronts a darkness that doesn't announce itself with roars but rather creeps in through whispers—quiet, insidious, and terrifying. Kazmirchuk, who is himself a family physician, brings an authentic understanding of both the human psyche and spiritual matters to this gripping tale, and it shows in every carefully crafted page.
I was already at the start of the novel very nervous and frightened by the contents of the book, and I feel that is exactly what an excellent horror book should be like. Also, the topic in question is so close to home where my work is concerned as a Catholic Consecrated Virgin in a very superstitious area in the world. Often at times I fear for the sanity of some of my ‘on the brink’ senior students because of the awful company they invariably get involved in during their tenure at school; it takes a lot of forbearance and perseverance not to mention clear thinking on my part to make sure that what I am seeing in their behavioural changes are actually psychotic in nature rather than so called spiritual or demonic. It also takes a lot of courage to stand up to such situations, which is probably what made the reading of this novel even more terrifying and realistic for me – I wanted to hide under my bed while reading this book!
What struck me most profoundly about this book ‘Be Not Afraid’ is how Kazmirchuk explores the border between fear and faith with such nuance and depth. This isn't just a horror story about demonic possession but as it were, it's a meditation on how evil infiltrates through the smallest cracks in our hearts, through the thoughts we choose not to question, through the silence we maintain when we should speak. The author himself has stated that he wrote this book to explore how darkness sometimes reveals the deepest light, and that philosophy permeates every chapter.
The character of Michał is beautifully rendered—vulnerable yet courageous, questioning yet faithful. I found myself rooting for him at every turn as he faced spiritual battles that tested not just his faith but his very understanding of good and evil. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, and the historical setting of 19th-century Europe is rendered with meticulous attention to detail that made me feel transported to another time and place entirely. And 19th century Europe is my favourite time period to read such horror stories in, gives me the old Bram Stoker ‘Dracula’ vibes and I so love that horror classic too!
Kazmirchuk's prose is hauntingly beautiful and disturbingly alluring. His descriptions of the possessed, the exorcisms, and the spiritual warfare are both disturbing and thought-provoking, leaving an emotional aftertaste that lingered with me for days after finishing the book. The narrative made me reflect deeply on the nature of faith, the reality of spiritual battles, and the importance of staying vigilant in our daily lives. But of course, I am a practical person, not given in much to terror in general and believe that most demonic possessions can be handled well when psychology and psychiatric help are put into force – but these days, people especially Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha individuals are really acting creepy when they claim they have been influenced by demonic powers etc., then at those times, I really feel the need to gulp down some water and pretend that my heart did not just skipped a few beats!
The pacing is impeccable of this novel. Kazmirchuk knows exactly when to build tension and when to provide moments of reflection. The exorcism scenes are gripping without being gratuitous, and the theological discussions are profound without being preachy. For readers who loved ‘The Exorcist’ or ‘The Rite’, this book will feel like a kindred spirit—but it carves out its own unique territory with its historical setting and its emphasis on the psychological and emotional dimensions of spiritual possession.
But what I particularly appreciate is how Kazmirchuk doesn't provide easy answers. The book acknowledges that some darkness is supernatural while other darkness is simply the weight of ordinary life becoming too heavy—depression, despair, hopelessness – very realistic. This dual understanding of darkness makes the novel feel incredibly relevant to contemporary readers even while being set in the 1800s.
The author's background as a physician brings an interesting dimension to the narrative as well. There's a scientific curiosity alongside the spiritual inquiry that makes the book feel balanced and credible. Kazmirchuk treats both faith and reason with respect, never dismissing either perspective, and this strengthens the story considerably.
‘Be Not Afraid – Book I’ therefore is more than just a thriller or horror book - it's a profound exploration of the human condition, the nature of evil, and the power of faith to overcome darkness. Vasyl Kazmirchuk has crafted a masterpiece that will stay with readers long after the final prayer is said. The fact that this is Book I means there's more to come, and I absolutely cannot wait to dive into Book II to continue this remarkable spiritual journey.
Book I in the Be Not Afraid series gets a resounding 5 stars from me. Kazmirchuk has proven himself to be an exceptional storyteller with a gift for blending the supernatural with the deeply human. I salute his courage in tackling such complex themes and his skill in bringing them to life so vividly.
If you're looking for a book that will challenge your thinking, test your faith (or lack thereof), and keep you turning pages late into the night, grab your copy of ‘Be Not Afraid’ today. You won't regret it!
I hope to read more of Kazmirchuk's work very soon—and I'm already adding Book II to my must-read list!
The novel follows Michał of Ustroń, a young Jesuit priest dispatched by the Vatican to investigate mysterious possessions across 19th-century Europe. From the haunted castles of Bavaria to the forgotten villages of Poland, Michał confronts a darkness that doesn't announce itself with roars but rather creeps in through whispers—quiet, insidious, and terrifying. Kazmirchuk, who is himself a family physician, brings an authentic understanding of both the human psyche and spiritual matters to this gripping tale, and it shows in every carefully crafted page.
I was already at the start of the novel very nervous and frightened by the contents of the book, and I feel that is exactly what an excellent horror book should be like. Also, the topic in question is so close to home where my work is concerned as a Catholic Consecrated Virgin in a very superstitious area in the world. Often at times I fear for the sanity of some of my ‘on the brink’ senior students because of the awful company they invariably get involved in during their tenure at school; it takes a lot of forbearance and perseverance not to mention clear thinking on my part to make sure that what I am seeing in their behavioural changes are actually psychotic in nature rather than so called spiritual or demonic. It also takes a lot of courage to stand up to such situations, which is probably what made the reading of this novel even more terrifying and realistic for me – I wanted to hide under my bed while reading this book!
What struck me most profoundly about this book ‘Be Not Afraid’ is how Kazmirchuk explores the border between fear and faith with such nuance and depth. This isn't just a horror story about demonic possession but as it were, it's a meditation on how evil infiltrates through the smallest cracks in our hearts, through the thoughts we choose not to question, through the silence we maintain when we should speak. The author himself has stated that he wrote this book to explore how darkness sometimes reveals the deepest light, and that philosophy permeates every chapter.
The character of Michał is beautifully rendered—vulnerable yet courageous, questioning yet faithful. I found myself rooting for him at every turn as he faced spiritual battles that tested not just his faith but his very understanding of good and evil. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, and the historical setting of 19th-century Europe is rendered with meticulous attention to detail that made me feel transported to another time and place entirely. And 19th century Europe is my favourite time period to read such horror stories in, gives me the old Bram Stoker ‘Dracula’ vibes and I so love that horror classic too!
Kazmirchuk's prose is hauntingly beautiful and disturbingly alluring. His descriptions of the possessed, the exorcisms, and the spiritual warfare are both disturbing and thought-provoking, leaving an emotional aftertaste that lingered with me for days after finishing the book. The narrative made me reflect deeply on the nature of faith, the reality of spiritual battles, and the importance of staying vigilant in our daily lives. But of course, I am a practical person, not given in much to terror in general and believe that most demonic possessions can be handled well when psychology and psychiatric help are put into force – but these days, people especially Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha individuals are really acting creepy when they claim they have been influenced by demonic powers etc., then at those times, I really feel the need to gulp down some water and pretend that my heart did not just skipped a few beats!
The pacing is impeccable of this novel. Kazmirchuk knows exactly when to build tension and when to provide moments of reflection. The exorcism scenes are gripping without being gratuitous, and the theological discussions are profound without being preachy. For readers who loved ‘The Exorcist’ or ‘The Rite’, this book will feel like a kindred spirit—but it carves out its own unique territory with its historical setting and its emphasis on the psychological and emotional dimensions of spiritual possession.
But what I particularly appreciate is how Kazmirchuk doesn't provide easy answers. The book acknowledges that some darkness is supernatural while other darkness is simply the weight of ordinary life becoming too heavy—depression, despair, hopelessness – very realistic. This dual understanding of darkness makes the novel feel incredibly relevant to contemporary readers even while being set in the 1800s.
The author's background as a physician brings an interesting dimension to the narrative as well. There's a scientific curiosity alongside the spiritual inquiry that makes the book feel balanced and credible. Kazmirchuk treats both faith and reason with respect, never dismissing either perspective, and this strengthens the story considerably.
‘Be Not Afraid – Book I’ therefore is more than just a thriller or horror book - it's a profound exploration of the human condition, the nature of evil, and the power of faith to overcome darkness. Vasyl Kazmirchuk has crafted a masterpiece that will stay with readers long after the final prayer is said. The fact that this is Book I means there's more to come, and I absolutely cannot wait to dive into Book II to continue this remarkable spiritual journey.
Book I in the Be Not Afraid series gets a resounding 5 stars from me. Kazmirchuk has proven himself to be an exceptional storyteller with a gift for blending the supernatural with the deeply human. I salute his courage in tackling such complex themes and his skill in bringing them to life so vividly.
If you're looking for a book that will challenge your thinking, test your faith (or lack thereof), and keep you turning pages late into the night, grab your copy of ‘Be Not Afraid’ today. You won't regret it!
I hope to read more of Kazmirchuk's work very soon—and I'm already adding Book II to my must-read list!
November 13, 2025
A deep and intense read. The author combines elements of spiritual thriller, historical fiction, and psychological drama with confidence and purpose.
The story raises profound questions about faith, fear, and the fragile boundary between light and darkness. It’s both unsettling and thought-provoking, leaving an emotional aftertaste that stays long after reading.
The story raises profound questions about faith, fear, and the fragile boundary between light and darkness. It’s both unsettling and thought-provoking, leaving an emotional aftertaste that stays long after reading.
October 16, 2025
A haunting and beautifully written story that blends faith, fear, and the unknown.
The historical and spiritual atmosphere felt so real that I could almost hear the silence between the prayers.
Perfect for readers who enjoy deep, thought-provoking fiction.
The historical and spiritual atmosphere felt so real that I could almost hear the silence between the prayers.
Perfect for readers who enjoy deep, thought-provoking fiction.
November 1, 2025
This book is smart, thought provoking, and meaningful. The story follows a young Priest through a time period of extreme exorcism. It was written so well that the subject matter taught life lessons and made you see the importance of where a person stands in faith. It was truly a story to be read. How important TODAY is and how quickly evil can whisper in a heart was told meaningfully through a story. I cannot wait to crack open book 2!
November 7, 2025
A haunting and thought-provoking read.
Beautifully written, with a deep spiritual message that lingers long after you turn the last page. The atmosphere is dark yet full of light — an unforgettable journey through faith, fear, and redemption.
Beautifully written, with a deep spiritual message that lingers long after you turn the last page. The atmosphere is dark yet full of light — an unforgettable journey through faith, fear, and redemption.
Read
January 27, 2026I wrote this book to explore the border between fear and faith — and how darkness sometimes reveals the deepest light.
Writing it was a journey through both theology and human emotion. I hope readers will find something true inside.
Writing it was a journey through both theology and human emotion. I hope readers will find something true inside.
December 20, 2025
I enjoyed living inside this book… for this is what it felt like; the atmosphere is so immersive- as a reader, one feels welcomed and safe- despite the subject matter being potentially an eerie one.
A dozen or so of beautiful illustrations helped to create the mood also, so I hope that the author will have more illustrations within the further volumes. Additionally, Vasyl has a rare talent to convey an intense and fluent picture with just a few words, for instance, entire village is described like so:
“Dogs barked, children hid behind skirts, old men watched from under hats with suspicion”.
Vasyl brings both God and Evil so close to home- right into your kitchen or bedroom; he shows us the seeds of both inside of one’s family member – the latter cannot be ignored when they are that close.
The pages brim with beautiful wise thoughts and expressions, and really I wasn’t sure which are the quotes from the Bible and which ones are author’s interpretations, but does it really matter, if they ring true ?
Here are some of my favorite ones:
“Confess what you hate then turn it into honor.
The Lord is not in a hurry. Evil is.
Your heart must be stronger than your tongue.
The first sign of the end is not war, not famine—it is the chill of the heart.
The Word of God slices the dark—but only when a clean heart speaks it.”
A some point I thought that may be the author was being way too simplistic? I mean, “ the sins” that allowed the evil enter characters’ hearts seemed far less grave and complex than what we see in abundance in the lives of people we know, and within our own lives.
But then I mused that such a stance might have been deliberate, for the author could show one aspect of human behaviour with clarity, and drive the point home with ease, if this is all he was focusing on in that instance, whilst the real life is often such a chaotic muddle, one sometimes feels he cannot even begin to make sense of it.
Before I’ve read this book, my idea of “exorcist” was some dark and dangerous creature, but Vasyl demystified this for me; the best professionals of this sort are humble and kindly humans, and actually, I am not quiet sure.. but it is just possible, that the author invites us all to become exorcists within our lives. Its simple, right..? Hope, faith and love…and also- no truth without mercy.
A dozen or so of beautiful illustrations helped to create the mood also, so I hope that the author will have more illustrations within the further volumes. Additionally, Vasyl has a rare talent to convey an intense and fluent picture with just a few words, for instance, entire village is described like so:
“Dogs barked, children hid behind skirts, old men watched from under hats with suspicion”.
Vasyl brings both God and Evil so close to home- right into your kitchen or bedroom; he shows us the seeds of both inside of one’s family member – the latter cannot be ignored when they are that close.
The pages brim with beautiful wise thoughts and expressions, and really I wasn’t sure which are the quotes from the Bible and which ones are author’s interpretations, but does it really matter, if they ring true ?
Here are some of my favorite ones:
“Confess what you hate then turn it into honor.
The Lord is not in a hurry. Evil is.
Your heart must be stronger than your tongue.
The first sign of the end is not war, not famine—it is the chill of the heart.
The Word of God slices the dark—but only when a clean heart speaks it.”
A some point I thought that may be the author was being way too simplistic? I mean, “ the sins” that allowed the evil enter characters’ hearts seemed far less grave and complex than what we see in abundance in the lives of people we know, and within our own lives.
But then I mused that such a stance might have been deliberate, for the author could show one aspect of human behaviour with clarity, and drive the point home with ease, if this is all he was focusing on in that instance, whilst the real life is often such a chaotic muddle, one sometimes feels he cannot even begin to make sense of it.
Before I’ve read this book, my idea of “exorcist” was some dark and dangerous creature, but Vasyl demystified this for me; the best professionals of this sort are humble and kindly humans, and actually, I am not quiet sure.. but it is just possible, that the author invites us all to become exorcists within our lives. Its simple, right..? Hope, faith and love…and also- no truth without mercy.
November 16, 2025
"When they set out, the wind perched on their backs without noise."
A thrilling and disturbing book. It has the sense of a world embattled, a set of dispatches from an unknown yet historical front. The tale has certainly perched on my shoulders, and won't be brushed off.
A thrilling and disturbing book. It has the sense of a world embattled, a set of dispatches from an unknown yet historical front. The tale has certainly perched on my shoulders, and won't be brushed off.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews