Publisher's Synopsis
In the kingdom of Nocturne, a place where darkness reigns even during the day and shadows seem to have a life of their own, fear is not only a feeling-it's a force. For centuries, the people of Nocturne have lived under the rule of the enigmatic Lord Fear, a mysterious figure whose power over the realm's nightmares has kept the land in a constant state of unease. The people are afraid to sleep, for it's said that whatever they dream becomes a twisted reality. But there are whispers-whispers of a time when fear might be defeated and the curse on Nocturne broken.
Arden Vance, a young and rebellious woman with an extraordinary ability to see the monsters that live in the dark corners of the world, has always felt a strange connection to the realm of fear. Born with the gift (or curse) to witness creatures from the dreamworld, Arden is both fascinated and terrified of the things that hide in the shadows. But when her best friend, Cassian, disappears without a trace one fateful night, leaving only a cryptic message behind, Arden is forced to confront the very fears that haunt her.
Desperate to find Cassian and uncover the truth behind his disappearance, Arden embarks on a journey into the heart of Nocturne, guided only by the chilling message that reads: Are you afraid? The trail leads her deep into the twisted dreamscape, where reality bends, and the monsters from her nightmares come to life. Along the way, Arden encounters other lost souls-those who have been trapped in the realm of fear for years, their minds twisted by the horrors they've faced.
With each step, Arden begins to unravel the dark history of Lord Fear's rule, learning that his reign is not one of mere terror-it is a carefully constructed web of manipulation, control, and magic that draws power from the fear of the people. But the deeper she dives, the more she realizes that the key to breaking the curse lies not in confronting the monsters in the shadows, but in facing the deepest fears within herself.
As Arden's connection to the world of dreams grows stronger, she discovers that her own past is tied to the very forces that hold Nocturne in a grip of terror. To save her friend and her kingdom, Arden must face the ultimate question: Are you afraid?
Are You Afraid is a spine-chilling fantasy adventure that blends mystery, magic, and self-discovery. It's a story about confronting the darkness within and the fear that controls us all-and finding the courage to stand against it. In a world where fear is both a weapon and a prison, Arden must decide whether she can conquer the shadows before they consume her.
