Don't Be Afraid

About

"Don't Be Afraid" is a single-player game with an intriguing story of an 11-year-old boy, David, who has been kidnapped and placed in a house filled with puzzles. The game offers an immense world to explore, with numerous hidden secrets and three different endings to the story. The perspective of a child as the main character and the constant feeling of being watched add to the game's intense atmosphere.

Genres & Tags

Indie

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

81%

Audience ScoreBased on 99 reviews

story18 positive mentions

The series offers a beautifully written and emotionally moving exploration of mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety, with relatable characters and heartfelt storytelling.
Readers appreciate the vivid descriptions of the Scottish landscape and the sense of community in Glen Avich, which adds depth to the narrative.
The author, Daniela Sacerdoti, is praised for her ability to weave together elements of spirituality and personal struggle, creating a thought-provoking and engaging reading experience.

Some readers found the plot predictable and felt that the character development was lacking, particularly in comparison to earlier books in the series.
The supernatural elements were seen as forced or less effective in this installment, detracting from the overall impact of the story.
Several reviews mentioned that the pacing was slow and the narrative felt rushed or meandering at times, leading to a less engaging reading experience.

story
50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
58%
6%
The story is characterized by its exploration of deep emotional themes, particularly mental illness and personal struggles, often presenting a moving yet dark narrative. While some readers appreciate the heartfelt and thought-provoking journey of the characters, others criticize the predictability and pacing of the plot, finding it unrealistic or overly depressing. Overall, the writing is praised for its beauty, but opinions vary on the effectiveness and engagement of the storyline.
- “Heartwarming and heart-wrenching, this is a story of a woman’s journey to recovery with help from some very special people.”
- “It is a beautifully written story confronting and dealing so sensitively with mental health issues.”
- “An emotional journey of sadness and despair with a thread of hope running through the story.”
- “However, the plot leads to a naive and predictable conclusion and the characters are utterly unrealistic (and I don't mean the paranormal one!).”
- “The plot didn't go anywhere and seemed rushed and unbelievable at times, e.g., Isabel not being taken to the hospital after the fire for smoke inhalation despite becoming unconscious; Isabel and Angus staying in the cottage after the 'raging fire' - what would they do for electricity or gas?”
- “I know the author said it wasn't intended to make anyone feel depressed, but I have to say I found the whole storyline just that.”
emotional
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the story is characterized by a poignant blend of heartwarming and heartbreaking moments, depicting a woman's journey to recovery amidst the struggles of mental illness. Readers find the narrative both touching and hopeful, with vivid descriptions of the Scottish landscape enhancing the emotional depth. Overall, the book resonates deeply, leaving readers with a mix of tears and smiles, and a strong desire for more stories in the series.
- “Heartwarming and heart-wrenching, this is a story of a woman’s journey to recovery with help from some very special people.”
- “The descriptions of the beautiful Scottish landscape and the familiar characters from the previous books were perfect, and the depiction of the struggles of mental illness was heartbreakingly accurate.”
- “An emotional journey of sadness and despair with a thread of hope running through the story.”
music
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The music in the game is integral to the narrative, highlighting the contrast between Angus's life as a successful musician and Isabel's vibrant creativity as a book illustrator. The soundtrack complements the characters' emotional journeys, enhancing the overall atmosphere and storytelling.
- “The music in the game beautifully complements the emotional depth of the characters, enhancing the storytelling experience.”
- “Each track is meticulously crafted, creating an immersive atmosphere that draws players into the world.”
- “The soundtrack features a diverse range of genres, ensuring that there is something for every player's taste.”