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The Ones We Fear
We always want to protect the ones we love. They don’t always need it.
15 year old Alex loves football, hates school, and is confused by girls.
There’s one particular girl he’s drawn to, but Janet is the school weirdo, living on the edge of Deerborn with her mum in a ramshackle house.
When a child goes missing, the accusing fingers of the Deerborn villagers fall on Janet and her mother. Rumours have swirled for years about the strange and disturbing things they do behind closed doors.
Alex doesn’t believe the accusations and is desperate to protect Janet, to make sure she’s safe.
But Alex doesn’t know who Janet really is. Alex doesn’t know what Janet is capable of.
15 year old Alex loves football, hates school, and is confused by girls.
There’s one particular girl he’s drawn to, but Janet is the school weirdo, living on the edge of Deerborn with her mum in a ramshackle house.
When a child goes missing, the accusing fingers of the Deerborn villagers fall on Janet and her mother. Rumours have swirled for years about the strange and disturbing things they do behind closed doors.
Alex doesn’t believe the accusations and is desperate to protect Janet, to make sure she’s safe.
But Alex doesn’t know who Janet really is. Alex doesn’t know what Janet is capable of.
306 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 14, 2026
A refined and all too real horror of how what is perceived as different, suddenly becomes to be feared. The reader gets a firsthand look at this dangerous and too actual herd mentality through the eyes of Alex, a 15 year old who is trying to navigate life as best as he can. Whilst he might look like your typical teenager, what sets him apart is his acute empathy and open mindedness, that will eventually allow him to see beyond the norm, and open himself to realities he never thought possible.
I loved this story and its execution; without shouting or gore the author so effectively conveyed how history repeats itself over and over without fail, and how powerful and yet frail the human mind really is. It made me reflect on how humans find it difficult to understand and accept a more authentic and appropriate way of life, just because it’s not the one that is lived by the majority. Why is it that people always have to target others based on their choices or appearance and lifestyle, just because they’re different from theirs? These are some of the themes you’ll find elegantly written and explored by the author through the story of Alex, Janet and their small town.
Although this is what might be called quiet horror, don’t be fooled as it is chilling nonetheless, particularly the ending. I still feel the chills thinking about it. Be careful what you wish for, because by crying wolf, it might eventually come.
If you love books that highlight who the real monsters are, and how easy it is to become a target, I highly recommend this one.
Thanks to SRL Publishing for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
I loved this story and its execution; without shouting or gore the author so effectively conveyed how history repeats itself over and over without fail, and how powerful and yet frail the human mind really is. It made me reflect on how humans find it difficult to understand and accept a more authentic and appropriate way of life, just because it’s not the one that is lived by the majority. Why is it that people always have to target others based on their choices or appearance and lifestyle, just because they’re different from theirs? These are some of the themes you’ll find elegantly written and explored by the author through the story of Alex, Janet and their small town.
Although this is what might be called quiet horror, don’t be fooled as it is chilling nonetheless, particularly the ending. I still feel the chills thinking about it. Be careful what you wish for, because by crying wolf, it might eventually come.
If you love books that highlight who the real monsters are, and how easy it is to become a target, I highly recommend this one.
Thanks to SRL Publishing for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
May 1, 2026
‘The Ones We Fear’ is my second Robert Welbourne book and it was another SUPER easy read, with the always very welcome bonus of nice short chapters (we love) 🙌
Whilst it is a horror novel, I would personally categorise it specifically as ‘witchy’, which I’d say is a genre in itself! There are some great horror moments (no spoilers but I’ll just say “the petrol” 😱) but ‘The Ones We Fear’ really has the magical, witchy vibes down. The setting is something Welbourne did a particularly good job of painting for me - I often struggle with imaging settings but I was right there in Deerborn, feeling whimsical and magical, but also a little bit unsettled at times 👻
The protagonists are 15 years old so I did struggle to fully connect with them, but I enjoyed how the confused teenage brain of our MMC, Alex, really came across and I felt very strong protective-big-sister type emotions for the FMC, Janet 🖤 Also loved Mrs Willerby - what a sassy, otherworldly legend.
Witchy fans will love ‘The Ones We Fear’, especially if you’re partial to YA vibes and a splash of small-town horror!
Whilst it is a horror novel, I would personally categorise it specifically as ‘witchy’, which I’d say is a genre in itself! There are some great horror moments (no spoilers but I’ll just say “the petrol” 😱) but ‘The Ones We Fear’ really has the magical, witchy vibes down. The setting is something Welbourne did a particularly good job of painting for me - I often struggle with imaging settings but I was right there in Deerborn, feeling whimsical and magical, but also a little bit unsettled at times 👻
The protagonists are 15 years old so I did struggle to fully connect with them, but I enjoyed how the confused teenage brain of our MMC, Alex, really came across and I felt very strong protective-big-sister type emotions for the FMC, Janet 🖤 Also loved Mrs Willerby - what a sassy, otherworldly legend.
Witchy fans will love ‘The Ones We Fear’, especially if you’re partial to YA vibes and a splash of small-town horror!
May 15, 2026
Amazing! This had me intrigued from the first chapter I needed to know if Alex was going to stand up for Janet! I really enjoyed the witchcraft element and this gave me vibes I've been missing since reading Weyward! The ending has made me THAT annoying reader nagging for a sequel! Bonus chapter?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2026
A chilling debut out at the end of April, The Ones We Fear dives into the harsh reality of school hierarchies, where standing up for the outsider can quickly make you the next target.
When Alex chooses to befriend Janet, the girl everyone else has turned against, it sets off a chain of events that spirals fast. A child goes missing, rumors take hold, and suspicion turns ugly. As Janet slowly lets Alex into her world, the truth that emerges is darker and more complicated than anyone expects, forcing him to question where his loyalty really lies.
The first half is more character-driven, taking its time to build the social dynamics before everything shifts in the second half. While the slower start had me unsure, the darker turn and strong ending more than made up for it.
A great pick if you enjoy slow-burn, character-led horror that leaves you feeling unsettled long after the final page.
When Alex chooses to befriend Janet, the girl everyone else has turned against, it sets off a chain of events that spirals fast. A child goes missing, rumors take hold, and suspicion turns ugly. As Janet slowly lets Alex into her world, the truth that emerges is darker and more complicated than anyone expects, forcing him to question where his loyalty really lies.
The first half is more character-driven, taking its time to build the social dynamics before everything shifts in the second half. While the slower start had me unsure, the darker turn and strong ending more than made up for it.
A great pick if you enjoy slow-burn, character-led horror that leaves you feeling unsettled long after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The story follows a fifteen-year-old Alex, who is just a regular teenager. He finds himself increasingly confused by and yet attracted to the school’s ‘weirdo’ Janet, whom everyone seems to hate and pick on. Janet is being bullied by the school kids due to the rumours and whispers around town that she and her mum are dangerous, weird, and potentially engaging in witchcraft. Alex is torn between wanting to understand Janet and deciding whether he should stand up for her whilst others continue to target her. Then, suddenly, a local boy goes missing, someone who is related to the students who bully Janet the most. The townspeople’s suspicions regarding Janet and her mum intensify, believing that they are responsible for the boy’s disappearance. Alex, however, doesn’t believe the accusations, and he is forced to choose whether to uncover the truth and defend them or side with the townspeople, who want Janet and her mother gone.
As a signature of Welbourn’s writing, this is a very character-driven story. The reader spends a lot of time inside Alex’s thoughts as he navigates each situation, his feelings toward Janet, his relationships with other students, the dynamics within his own family, and his fears. Alex faces constant internal conflict, whether to follow the crowd, accept what everyone else believes, or trust Janet and her mother. Although the book is set in a small English town, the atmosphere is rather eerie and unsettling, with subtle paranormal elements and a gothic vibe. The writing maintains suspense through dark and tense moments that keep you on edge. It’s not a fast paced book, but that slowness is what helps to build a rich, moody, and at times deeply unsettling atmosphere. The blend of the paranormal with the sprinkles of everyday reality of a small English town, and the life of a teenager who plays Xbox and loves football, however, makes the story feel grounded in reality and very relatable.
My only real criticism about this book is the ending. It felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped, offering very little closure for both the story and the characters. Throughout the book, the tension through writing builds toward what seems to be like a major reveal, but the conclusion of the story landed a bit flat. It feels like something important was missing, and in my opinion, the story needed something a little bit more when it came to the ending.
Overall, it is a very addictive paranormal debut from Welbourn. It’s quite different from his previous work, yet the writing, suspense, character driven focus are exceptional, especially considering how challenging it can be to write in a new genre. Finishing The Ones We Fear genuinely made me want to dive into all my paranormal, witchy, dark academia, and mystery books.
As a signature of Welbourn’s writing, this is a very character-driven story. The reader spends a lot of time inside Alex’s thoughts as he navigates each situation, his feelings toward Janet, his relationships with other students, the dynamics within his own family, and his fears. Alex faces constant internal conflict, whether to follow the crowd, accept what everyone else believes, or trust Janet and her mother. Although the book is set in a small English town, the atmosphere is rather eerie and unsettling, with subtle paranormal elements and a gothic vibe. The writing maintains suspense through dark and tense moments that keep you on edge. It’s not a fast paced book, but that slowness is what helps to build a rich, moody, and at times deeply unsettling atmosphere. The blend of the paranormal with the sprinkles of everyday reality of a small English town, and the life of a teenager who plays Xbox and loves football, however, makes the story feel grounded in reality and very relatable.
My only real criticism about this book is the ending. It felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped, offering very little closure for both the story and the characters. Throughout the book, the tension through writing builds toward what seems to be like a major reveal, but the conclusion of the story landed a bit flat. It feels like something important was missing, and in my opinion, the story needed something a little bit more when it came to the ending.
Overall, it is a very addictive paranormal debut from Welbourn. It’s quite different from his previous work, yet the writing, suspense, character driven focus are exceptional, especially considering how challenging it can be to write in a new genre. Finishing The Ones We Fear genuinely made me want to dive into all my paranormal, witchy, dark academia, and mystery books.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book centres around Alex, a 15-year-old who hates school, loves football, and is confused by girls.
Janet is the school “weirdo” and lives on the edge of town with her mum. For years, there have been rumours about the strange and disturbing things they may or may not get up to behind closed doors.
When Alex sees Janet being bullied, he steps in and ends up joining her in detention. Wanting to protect her, he gradually develops an obsession with her.
Janet is perceived as dirty and unkempt, so when she invites Alex to walk home with her, he’s surprised to see that as they reach her property, a ramshackle house, she suddenly appears clean and smartly dressed.
So we join them where Janet’s mum hasn’t paid rent on time, for the first time. It turns out the land they live on is owned by Alex’s dad’s boss, Mr Sullivan. He orders Alex’s dad to evict Janet and her mum, and despite the family living on the land for 500 years, and this is the first time she has missed a payment, theres no reason for this, and in turn, Alex’s dad refuses - and loses his job as a result.
Not long after, Mr Sullivan’s five-year-old son goes missing. Janet and her mum are immediately blamed. Alex doesn’t believe the accusations, but he also doesn’t truly know who Janet is - or what she might be capable of.
This premise really caught my attention, and I went in with high expectations. It started off well, albeit a little slowly. At times, it felt repetitive, and just when it seemed to be building towards something, it didn’t quite deliver.
I’m still not entirely sure where the story was going, or if it reached a clear conclusion. I wouldn’t say it was boring - I did want to keep reading - but overall, it felt a little flat and underwhelming by the end.
Janet is the school “weirdo” and lives on the edge of town with her mum. For years, there have been rumours about the strange and disturbing things they may or may not get up to behind closed doors.
When Alex sees Janet being bullied, he steps in and ends up joining her in detention. Wanting to protect her, he gradually develops an obsession with her.
Janet is perceived as dirty and unkempt, so when she invites Alex to walk home with her, he’s surprised to see that as they reach her property, a ramshackle house, she suddenly appears clean and smartly dressed.
So we join them where Janet’s mum hasn’t paid rent on time, for the first time. It turns out the land they live on is owned by Alex’s dad’s boss, Mr Sullivan. He orders Alex’s dad to evict Janet and her mum, and despite the family living on the land for 500 years, and this is the first time she has missed a payment, theres no reason for this, and in turn, Alex’s dad refuses - and loses his job as a result.
Not long after, Mr Sullivan’s five-year-old son goes missing. Janet and her mum are immediately blamed. Alex doesn’t believe the accusations, but he also doesn’t truly know who Janet is - or what she might be capable of.
This premise really caught my attention, and I went in with high expectations. It started off well, albeit a little slowly. At times, it felt repetitive, and just when it seemed to be building towards something, it didn’t quite deliver.
I’m still not entirely sure where the story was going, or if it reached a clear conclusion. I wouldn’t say it was boring - I did want to keep reading - but overall, it felt a little flat and underwhelming by the end.
April 20, 2026
4.5 Stars- The Ones We Fear is one of those quietly chilling reads that really creeps up on you.
It’s not super fast or slow, more slice-of-life, but that’s what makes it feel so real. You’re following Alex, a teenage boy just trying to figure himself out, school, girls, fitting in… and then everything shifts when he starts liking someone the town has already decided is “a wierdo.”
What really stood out to me is how quickly people judge. How easily a group can turn, label someone, and almost demonise them. There’s a clear thread back to historical witch trials, that same fear and mob mentality, just in a modern setting.
It genuinely made me stop for a minute and think… I hope I’m kind and thoughtful, and not just one of the crowd.
It’s quite dark and emotional, but not heavy in a draining way. More in a ...this feels a bit too real...kind of way. The writing is descriptive, and I found myself just needing to keep reading.
A slow burn that really makes you think. Quietly unsettling and very human
It’s not super fast or slow, more slice-of-life, but that’s what makes it feel so real. You’re following Alex, a teenage boy just trying to figure himself out, school, girls, fitting in… and then everything shifts when he starts liking someone the town has already decided is “a wierdo.”
What really stood out to me is how quickly people judge. How easily a group can turn, label someone, and almost demonise them. There’s a clear thread back to historical witch trials, that same fear and mob mentality, just in a modern setting.
It genuinely made me stop for a minute and think… I hope I’m kind and thoughtful, and not just one of the crowd.
It’s quite dark and emotional, but not heavy in a draining way. More in a ...this feels a bit too real...kind of way. The writing is descriptive, and I found myself just needing to keep reading.
A slow burn that really makes you think. Quietly unsettling and very human
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Ones We Fear is an atmospheric thriller that begins with a more slow burn character led narrative. The pacing really is everything here as welbourn builds the suspense with layered revelations & that hidden undercurrent of fear that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The characters are complex for high-school aged people, being flawed & difficult to make sense of. Our main character is written with such depth that their internal conflicts are just as compelling as the external ones they face.
Welbourn has written this novel in a clear evocative style with descriptive detail. Occasionally it turns dark but it really suits the storyline.
Overall this is an unsettling, thought-provoking read that will suit readers who enjoy a slower paced thriller thats more character driven rather than fast paced action.
Thank you to Novel Tours, SRL Publishing & he author for a copy of the book.
The characters are complex for high-school aged people, being flawed & difficult to make sense of. Our main character is written with such depth that their internal conflicts are just as compelling as the external ones they face.
Welbourn has written this novel in a clear evocative style with descriptive detail. Occasionally it turns dark but it really suits the storyline.
Overall this is an unsettling, thought-provoking read that will suit readers who enjoy a slower paced thriller thats more character driven rather than fast paced action.
Thank you to Novel Tours, SRL Publishing & he author for a copy of the book.
April 28, 2026
The Ones We Fear is a tense, unsettling little thriller that sinks its claws in quietly. Set in the insular village of Deerborn, the story follows 15‑year‑old Alex, a football obsessed, school averse, and hopelessly drawn to Janet, the girl everyone else whispers about. When a child goes missing, the town turns feral, and the rumours around Janet and her mother flare into full‑blown suspicion.
What I loved most is the slow, creeping dread. The book plays beautifully with that classic small‑town paranoia: the way fear spreads, the way people decide who the “monster” is long before they know the truth.
And Janet… let’s just say the tension around who she really is makes the final act hit harder than expected.
Fantastic moody and atmospheric read that really dig get under my skin and had me staring at the ceiling when I turned the final page.
What I loved most is the slow, creeping dread. The book plays beautifully with that classic small‑town paranoia: the way fear spreads, the way people decide who the “monster” is long before they know the truth.
And Janet… let’s just say the tension around who she really is makes the final act hit harder than expected.
Fantastic moody and atmospheric read that really dig get under my skin and had me staring at the ceiling when I turned the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved the eerie, ethereal and dream-like quality of how this story was told. It was like a modern gothic horror.
Despite the rumours and whisperings about Janet and her mum, Alex can’t help but fall under her spell and be both scared and fascinated by her at the same time.
The horror aspect is subtle, with a growing atmosphere of suspension, dread and unease. Everything builds towards the final few chapters where we learn the truth about Janet and her mum at the same time as Alex.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of Janet’s ancient family house and the surrounding woods that seem to come to life and be both welcoming and dangerous at once.
I couldn’t help rooting for Janet and Alex and feeling their anger towards the school (and grown up) bullies! The ending was brilliant!
Despite the rumours and whisperings about Janet and her mum, Alex can’t help but fall under her spell and be both scared and fascinated by her at the same time.
The horror aspect is subtle, with a growing atmosphere of suspension, dread and unease. Everything builds towards the final few chapters where we learn the truth about Janet and her mum at the same time as Alex.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of Janet’s ancient family house and the surrounding woods that seem to come to life and be both welcoming and dangerous at once.
I couldn’t help rooting for Janet and Alex and feeling their anger towards the school (and grown up) bullies! The ending was brilliant!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I recieved this as an arc from the publisher and I am very grateful.
The premise of the book is what intrigued me and made me want to read this. Normally I love a horror book, however, this fell a little flat.
The first half of the book was definitely character driven but felt a little boring at times. There were moments where I thought it was going to get more intense but it built up a bit and just stopped.
The last 30 or so pages I did enjoy. It felt a little more intense, and a little more plot driven. The ending however did nothing for me.
Overall i was bored throughout which was a shame since I was looking forward to this.
The premise of the book is what intrigued me and made me want to read this. Normally I love a horror book, however, this fell a little flat.
The first half of the book was definitely character driven but felt a little boring at times. There were moments where I thought it was going to get more intense but it built up a bit and just stopped.
The last 30 or so pages I did enjoy. It felt a little more intense, and a little more plot driven. The ending however did nothing for me.
Overall i was bored throughout which was a shame since I was looking forward to this.
April 18, 2026
thank you SRL publishing for the ARC.
i absolutely loved this book. it was fast paced and so engaging i was hooked from the beginning. a witch story executed amazingly. i actually wish the book was longer so we learned more!
i absolutely loved this book. it was fast paced and so engaging i was hooked from the beginning. a witch story executed amazingly. i actually wish the book was longer so we learned more!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I absolutely loved this book! It's a coming of age story with a supernatural feel. It tackles sensitive issues such as playground bullying and child abduction. Some of the bullying scenes were hard to read but are sadly all too realistic. The friendship between Alex and Janet is beautifully written and is a wonderful portrayal of first love. Reading the school scenes I found myself transported back to my high school days and in my head the book is in fact played out at my old school. It's also a story of herd mentality and how a small community can be influenced by one powerful man. This book is emotional, desperate, shocking and beautiful - all in one. I had no hesitation in awarding this book 5 stars, it's brilliant.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I really enjoyed this read, it builds slowly, allowing for character development, Alex was endearing in his need to protect Janet against some of his peers, at times I didn’t know who was worse the children or adults! Some of who’s actions were awful!
It really made me think about the morals of society and how some people can be judged just because of their ‘status’ or how they look. I rooted for Janet all the way through.
It really made me think about the morals of society and how some people can be judged just because of their ‘status’ or how they look. I rooted for Janet all the way through.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Ones We Fear was a gripping, immersive story. It felt tense and foreboding from the very start. It's an interesting story which explores how events can unravel when we fear what we don't understand.
Janet and her mother are outcasts in the small village of Deerborn as were the generations that came before them. Rumours are spread but no one really understands the family. This leads to bullying and humiliation which comes in different forms from the village's residents and Janet's school peers.
Small actions escalate and become stepping stones to dire consequences. Along with Janet, the book focuses on Alex who is inexplicably drawn to Janet. I really liked his character. He's brave and protective but yet his reactions also seemed fitting and realistic for a teenage boy.
I found this an atmospheric, compelling read.
Janet and her mother are outcasts in the small village of Deerborn as were the generations that came before them. Rumours are spread but no one really understands the family. This leads to bullying and humiliation which comes in different forms from the village's residents and Janet's school peers.
Small actions escalate and become stepping stones to dire consequences. Along with Janet, the book focuses on Alex who is inexplicably drawn to Janet. I really liked his character. He's brave and protective but yet his reactions also seemed fitting and realistic for a teenage boy.
I found this an atmospheric, compelling read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews