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Be Not Afraid #1
Be Not Afraid
Not yet published
Expected 20 Mar 26
Beware the fallen angels… and those who dream of damnation.
Kae Lambros hasn’t slept in months. Haunted by apocalyptic visions, hunted by terror, she’s unravelling. Then a winged stranger corners her in the dark and reveals the truth: she is the key to a sealed, ancient realm, and the fate of humanity rests on a power she unknowingly carries.
Deep below, in a city infested with locust warriors, the archangel Abaddon the Destroyer rules the Abyss with ironclad authority. Kae’s arrival is a forbidden spark in his eternal darkness, and he’s desperate to feel the heat. But when the line between love and obsession blurs, no price is too high to pay.
Captivated by the dangerous call of desire, Kae struggles with her role in a world-ending prophecy that dances between salvation and ruin—and where one wrong choice could make her the monster… or the sacrifice.
Be Not Afraid is a modern gothic romance/dark fantasy horror series that will have you in its clutches from the very first page.
Kae Lambros hasn’t slept in months. Haunted by apocalyptic visions, hunted by terror, she’s unravelling. Then a winged stranger corners her in the dark and reveals the truth: she is the key to a sealed, ancient realm, and the fate of humanity rests on a power she unknowingly carries.
Deep below, in a city infested with locust warriors, the archangel Abaddon the Destroyer rules the Abyss with ironclad authority. Kae’s arrival is a forbidden spark in his eternal darkness, and he’s desperate to feel the heat. But when the line between love and obsession blurs, no price is too high to pay.
Captivated by the dangerous call of desire, Kae struggles with her role in a world-ending prophecy that dances between salvation and ruin—and where one wrong choice could make her the monster… or the sacrifice.
Be Not Afraid is a modern gothic romance/dark fantasy horror series that will have you in its clutches from the very first page.
- GenresRomance
472 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 20, 2026
12 people are currently reading
6452 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have not been this completely sucked into a book by chapter one in a while! One of my first thoughts while reading was “This is how I speak (the FMC) and write (the author)”, which made it feel like I was reading something in my own words.
Be Not Afraid is unlike any book I’ve ever read. As someone who was raised Christian (church every Sunday, youth group every Wednesday, church camp every summer, and attended a private Christian school), I absolutely LOVED all the Biblical references. It’s obvious that the author did in depth research and tied in so many Biblical elements.
As a few other reviewers have mentioned: PLEASE read the trigger warnings before reading this book. Also, if Biblical blasphemy upsets you, this is not your kind of book.
Rae feels like a normal, 20-something girl, just living her life, when she gets wrapped up in a mess bigger than herself. Her responses to what she endures are relatable and often made me think “Yep, that’s what I would’ve done!” Whenever she made comments about not being special or enough, a little piece of my heart broke for her, so I was thrilled when she finally came into her true self and accepted her power.
I will say that as someone who has not experienced trauma, it took me until the conversion between Dusk and Jackie for it to finally click for me what was really happening with Abaddon (about 75% of the way in).
This book feels like it’s perfectly setting us up for a multi-book series, and I am HERE FOR IT! Personally, Abaddon is giving Tamlin (à la ACOTAR) vibes, and Azael is giving Rhysand (à la beginning of ACOMAF) vibes!
I can’t wait until I can get my hands on the second book, because I’m dying to know what happens next!!
Be Not Afraid is unlike any book I’ve ever read. As someone who was raised Christian (church every Sunday, youth group every Wednesday, church camp every summer, and attended a private Christian school), I absolutely LOVED all the Biblical references. It’s obvious that the author did in depth research and tied in so many Biblical elements.
As a few other reviewers have mentioned: PLEASE read the trigger warnings before reading this book. Also, if Biblical blasphemy upsets you, this is not your kind of book.
Rae feels like a normal, 20-something girl, just living her life, when she gets wrapped up in a mess bigger than herself. Her responses to what she endures are relatable and often made me think “Yep, that’s what I would’ve done!” Whenever she made comments about not being special or enough, a little piece of my heart broke for her, so I was thrilled when she finally came into her true self and accepted her power.
I will say that as someone who has not experienced trauma, it took me until the conversion between Dusk and Jackie for it to finally click for me what was really happening with Abaddon (about 75% of the way in).
This book feels like it’s perfectly setting us up for a multi-book series, and I am HERE FOR IT! Personally, Abaddon is giving Tamlin (à la ACOTAR) vibes, and Azael is giving Rhysand (à la beginning of ACOMAF) vibes!
I can’t wait until I can get my hands on the second book, because I’m dying to know what happens next!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The world is ending and I am screaming.
To start, I immediately freaked out about a blond MMC because I am a suuuucker for blond men. I love them. And then of course my freak out increases ten fold at a SECOND blond MMC? I was in absolute heaven. (Not the kind in this book because fuck all them angels except Dusk.)
The author had me, not gonna lie. I was fully and completely a certified Abbadon simp, reporting for duty. So, anyway, if you've read the book before this review, you can fully understand why I am not okay. I have never felt betrayal like this by an author before. I was ready to let my boy Dusk suffer and this is what I sacrificed him for? Unwell.
Jackie is THAT bitch and I want her to kill Michael. Permanently. I won't be elaborating on that any further, I just think she could and I want it.
I feel so seen by Kae and what she comes out of in the end. A tragedy, honestly, that someone so trusting had that stripped from her in such a shocking and violating way.
This book was way too quotable. My reader became sentient at one point and told me to chill out.
The detail was... I have no words. None. I was engrossed. Immersed. I would start reading, look up, and four hours had passed. The worldbuilding was exquisite and so easy to remember. There were no points where I was like "wait, who?" Or "hold on, how did we get here?" It all flowed so perfectly, I frequently forgot I was reading and not just watching it all unfold.
I desperately need book 2 which is a tragedy because this was an ARC, so book ONE isn't even out yet. Excuse me while I cry.
To start, I immediately freaked out about a blond MMC because I am a suuuucker for blond men. I love them. And then of course my freak out increases ten fold at a SECOND blond MMC? I was in absolute heaven. (Not the kind in this book because fuck all them angels except Dusk.)
The author had me, not gonna lie. I was fully and completely a certified Abbadon simp, reporting for duty. So, anyway, if you've read the book before this review, you can fully understand why I am not okay. I have never felt betrayal like this by an author before. I was ready to let my boy Dusk suffer and this is what I sacrificed him for? Unwell.
Jackie is THAT bitch and I want her to kill Michael. Permanently. I won't be elaborating on that any further, I just think she could and I want it.
I feel so seen by Kae and what she comes out of in the end. A tragedy, honestly, that someone so trusting had that stripped from her in such a shocking and violating way.
This book was way too quotable. My reader became sentient at one point and told me to chill out.
The detail was... I have no words. None. I was engrossed. Immersed. I would start reading, look up, and four hours had passed. The worldbuilding was exquisite and so easy to remember. There were no points where I was like "wait, who?" Or "hold on, how did we get here?" It all flowed so perfectly, I frequently forgot I was reading and not just watching it all unfold.
I desperately need book 2 which is a tragedy because this was an ARC, so book ONE isn't even out yet. Excuse me while I cry.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Be not afraid is a modern day fantasy romance (humans x angels). 5⭐️ 1🌶️.
Before reading please do take note of the trigger warnings of this book, this does touch on some very difficult topics.
I have not been this hooked to a book since ACOTAR, I couldn’t put it down (I woke up early to finish reading this- I am not a morning person). I was obsessed with the characters, our fmc’s personal struggles with her mental health, character journey and embracing herself were just beautiful. Her whit and sarcasm had me cackling.
Our MMC’s- light grey, dark grey and honestly about one shade clear of black. (I’m trying in my soul to work out if his redemption arc will ever be enough for me to forgive him). I loved the character twists for all of them, their own struggles within their society and how our FMC interacts with them.
This books take on the religious connotations of the characters was truly interesting (though if you’re not into blasphemy then this is NOT the book for you). I felt I could follow the story so easily and was tearing through the pages.
Honestly I cannot wait for the second book (begging to the higher power for an ARC copy 🥹🥹).
Thank you for letting me read this!
Be not afraid is a modern day fantasy romance (humans x angels). 5⭐️ 1🌶️.
Before reading please do take note of the trigger warnings of this book, this does touch on some very difficult topics.
I have not been this hooked to a book since ACOTAR, I couldn’t put it down (I woke up early to finish reading this- I am not a morning person). I was obsessed with the characters, our fmc’s personal struggles with her mental health, character journey and embracing herself were just beautiful. Her whit and sarcasm had me cackling.
Our MMC’s- light grey, dark grey and honestly about one shade clear of black. (I’m trying in my soul to work out if his redemption arc will ever be enough for me to forgive him). I loved the character twists for all of them, their own struggles within their society and how our FMC interacts with them.
This books take on the religious connotations of the characters was truly interesting (though if you’re not into blasphemy then this is NOT the book for you). I felt I could follow the story so easily and was tearing through the pages.
Honestly I cannot wait for the second book (begging to the higher power for an ARC copy 🥹🥹).
Thank you for letting me read this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book so thankful for the chance to read this!!
This book grabbed me from the first pages!
The FMC Kae is a young girl who has the world on her shoulders and is pretty clueless to what's going on most of the book. But she fights and doesnt give up. She grows as a character and I love that.
the MMC Abaddon lets just say such a disappointment. not the character but his behaviors. giving me Tamilin vibes iykyk
I adored Malak and the banter between him and kae.
I also love Azael so much.
there is a lot of biblical references I felt lost at some points in the book. I found some points hard to follow or understand, but I really enjoyed this very different story. its different then anything I've read before.
I cannot wait for book 2
This book grabbed me from the first pages!
The FMC Kae is a young girl who has the world on her shoulders and is pretty clueless to what's going on most of the book. But she fights and doesnt give up. She grows as a character and I love that.
the MMC Abaddon lets just say such a disappointment. not the character but his behaviors. giving me Tamilin vibes iykyk
I adored Malak and the banter between him and kae.
I also love Azael so much.
there is a lot of biblical references I felt lost at some points in the book. I found some points hard to follow or understand, but I really enjoyed this very different story. its different then anything I've read before.
I cannot wait for book 2
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given the great privilege of receiving an ARC of this book from Koja Kalos. Holy hell!!! This book changed me! I started this book hoping to like it, turns out I fell in love with it and I am holding my breath for the next book. It is so well written, you feel every emotion and feeling that the MFC feels. This was the first fantasy book with angels I have read and I need more. I’d give it 10 stars if I could. Will definitely be buying a copy for myself as well as my sister. I will definitely reread this book hands down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC. This is my voluntary, honest review. This book was the first I’ve read by this author.
This story is entrancing, from the beginning I was hooked. I’m normally not big on stories that have a base around religion, but Koja did so good with this. The retelling from a different perspective. The angst. The drama. The everything.
I did not want to put it down and I didn’t. I kept reading until suddenly I was at the end and devastated it was over.
There are so many things I want to put in here but I do not want to spoil any of it.
This story is entrancing, from the beginning I was hooked. I’m normally not big on stories that have a base around religion, but Koja did so good with this. The retelling from a different perspective. The angst. The drama. The everything.
I did not want to put it down and I didn’t. I kept reading until suddenly I was at the end and devastated it was over.
There are so many things I want to put in here but I do not want to spoil any of it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I beta read this book and OMG MARCH CAN'T COME SOON ENOUGH!! If you've ever wished for a dark fantasy romance that combines shadow daddies and banter with your religious trauma, consider this incredible novel your dreams made manifest. I am literally gnawing at the gates of my enclosure, anxiously awaiting the day this book comes out so I can have more friends to rave about it with. Please please please add this to your TBR NOW! You won't be disappointed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG!!! I beta-read this and absolutely love the banter and the direction this story takes with the whole end-of-the-world thing! Be Not Afraid checks all my boxes: dark romance, fantasy, hotties, and a sarcastic boss babe who quips back. I CAN'T wait for this to come out so I can add it to my shelf with all my favorites!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I might be biased, but I think it's a great book. 👀
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews