The Fear Protocol Saga
Day one of
the dystopia.
The Fear Protocol hands you a front-row seat to the day it happens. And on September 23, the saga continues in The Hate Machine.
The Hate Machine arrives in
Paperback · Kindle · Audiobook
The Hate Machine
The fear was only the beginning. Book two takes the fight from one household to the machinery that built the cage — the cities, the systems, and the serpent wearing them like a crown.
Arriving September 23, 2026
Preorder is open now. Newsletter subscribers still get the cover reveal and first chapter before anyone else.
Available now · Book 1 of the saga
The Fear Protocol
In a society where social credit scores dictate worth, the Newman family faces a waking nightmare when their low score lands them with a sixty-day house arrest. Trapped in their home, they're bombarded by an AI named Babble through their government-controlled "smart devices," indoctrinating them with progressive values.
As their resources dwindle, their struggle for survival takes a terrifying turn when they clash with the "Bulls of Bashan" — radicals intent on eliminating those deemed unsafe.
With pulse-pounding suspense and timely social commentary, The Fear Protocol challenges readers to confront the erosion of truth in the pursuit of societal acceptance — and what one family is willing to do to keep their humanity.
"A non-stop, bold and chilling fast-paced exposé of the future toward which our world is careening out of control."
Michael PhillipsBest-selling author of The Invisible War
Word of mouth
Readers can't put it down
Every genuine reader review we could find, from Amazon, Audible, and Goodreads — in their own words.
"Terrifyingly Real and Unputdownable"
There were nights I simply couldn't put the book down — each chapter took the fear and tension up a notch. It was genuinely frightening because it felt so plausible.
"Not so fictional"
I've read the book twice. There is so much in there, I had to read it again. I swear a blacked out SUV drove past my house numerous times since I purchased the book.
"New fear unlocked!"
I've never read a book that kept me up at night worrying about the characters and what happens next. The story is intense, sprinkled with moments of sweetness and dashes of sarcastic wit!
"Refreshing"
How refreshing to read a book that was not written by someone who hates me and wants to destroy my way of life.
"Nail Biter"
From the very first chapter, you will be hooked. I have read it twice. My friend borrowed it and read it in two days — be prepared, you might need to buy a second copy for a re-read.
"Spine-tingling, thought-provoking and riveting!"
The only thing I did not like about this book was that it ended! I found myself thinking what I would do in these situations.
"A world gone mad and a family clinging to their values"
It wasn't just a story about the Newmans. It was a story about myself. My family. Our fight. Our future. In the end I felt more motivated to stick to my guns.
"Great book about our possible future!"
Picked this book up yesterday afternoon and couldn't put it down until I got to the ending. At one chapter toward the end, I was pacing in my living room while I read it!
"Fast paced rollercoaster story with a 1000 foot drop!!"
Like a 1,000-foot rollercoaster drop — straight down, no twists, no turns, just pure, unrelenting adrenaline. A thrilling, no-nonsense ride that will leave you reeling long after it's over.
"Good luck putting this down!"
A 1984 / Brave New World esque, fast paced novel that hits all too close to home. I keep thinking this can't actually happen, right?! But Brad Newbold's incredible new dystopian novel begs me to believe otherwise.
"Thrilling!"
It seemed like a very realistic story that could possibly happen in the near future. Felt like I was watching a Hollywood blockbuster hit!
"Dang! This is scary… and funny!"
This story is written in a way that's both horrific and humorous. The author has nailed the source of what's wrong with America today. Read this book. It's not a waste of your time.
"Action packed and makes you think"
One warning: if you value your sleep you may want to only read this during the day, because every night I had to keep reading "just one more chapter."
"Great story"
Great book… kept my husband entertained on a very long flight.
"Feels Too Real for Comfort"
Ten years ago it would have felt completely outside of the realm of possibility, but now it feels like we're reading the near future.
"Absolutely loved it"
Couldn't put it down. Chapters were on the short side, which made for many "well, just one more chapter" sessions.
"A too close for comfort dystopian thriller"
I typically read sci fi and fantasy novels but thoroughly enjoyed this near-future (perhaps nearer than we think) dystopian thriller. I couldn't put it down in the last act!
"Gripping, Provocative, and Captivating"
This is one of the best works of fiction that I've ever read! Although, for a fiction book, it's hauntingly close to reality. Such a gripping page turner that you won't be able to put it down.
"Faith-based Political Thriller"
A fearfully creative thriller on the modern politics experienced in today's world — taken to a terrifyingly believable extreme on the line between fiction and possibility.
"What an awesome book — highly recommended!!!"
This was a great book that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Full of suspense and action. You won't be disappointed!
"Good read"
Good book, fast read, moves quickly. Definitely recommend reading this book.
"Looking ahead to what might be"
Very scary and timely during the times we are going through now. Once you start reading you just can't put it down.
"Excellent!"
As a history teacher, I don't read much fiction. I was concerned I might not get into it… my fears were not realized. I especially appreciated Newbold's sly wit while dealing with subject matter that is terrifying.
"Highly recommend"
The subject matter and storyline are so close to the current state of our world, it had me analyzing my surroundings. The only question I have now is… when do we get the movie???
"RELY & COMPLY. HAVE A POSTURE OF COMPLIANCE"
Read The Fear Protocol now — before it becomes a movie. Read The Fear Protocol now — before it becomes your reality. Fiction? Non-fiction? You may struggle to decide.
"Excellent read"
Thought provoking book that makes you think! Action packed book of survival that will leave you wondering about the "progress" we are making as a society.
"Great read"
All I can really say is WOW… it's not my normal genre of reading but I can honestly say, I was blown away. This was an eye opener for me for sure.
"This is an essential read, especially now."
It gave me chills, made me cry, gave me nightmares… in the best way possible. I've never wanted to get rid of all of our smart devices so quickly in my entire life. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! 10/10!!
"This book will become a movie"
I found myself not wanting to put this book down. I'm not a big reader but this one kept my attention. Give it a try!
"Couldn't put it down."
I loved that each time I started a chapter, I had to finish it to see what happened next.
"Buckle Up!"
This book is written in such a way that I felt like I was observing each scene in person. Rarely do I finish a book in two days, but I couldn't put this page turner down!
"Social Scores can happen…"
It definitely hits a bit close to home on a very realistic and scary scenario that could happen in our world. Once I began, I couldn't stop.
"The book I hated and loved at the same time"
An EXCEPTIONAL read with all too many familiar possibilities heading our way. A powerful reminder of the consequences when a society too easily sacrifices freedom for security. Buy one for a neighbor or a friend!
"Thrilling Nail bitter"
It's intense, raw, and I couldn't put it down! It's thought provoking and it left me wanting more!
"Welcome to dystopia!"
Welcome to dystopia, coming to a city near you! I don't usually read novels but this book was an exception. This book is a page turner. I'm waiting for the sequel!
"A Heart-Pounding Journey of Survival and Social Control!
Newbold's writing grabbed my attention from the start. The blend of vivid descriptions, compelling dialogue, and timely social commentary made the story both thrilling and thought-provoking.
"This Book is Addicting!"
From my granddaughter Lilly: it faces real world issues while still keeping an exciting adventurous story. The scary elements in it were absolutely perfect.
"Wild rollercoaster ride — could not put down!"
Not many books I finish in a weekend. This was one of them. You'll fall in love with each member of the family. I'm hoping for a sequel.
"Don't blame Brad Newbold if his book comes true!"
Every time I pick it up I find myself saying "just one more chapter" at least 5 times. Are you afraid of where the world is heading? This is the book for you.
"A warning of our possible future"
An excellent book that illustrates our possible future if we continue on our current course. Insightful and a great read!
"Scary good read!"
This is a fantastic, well written, and too close to reality book. I couldn't put the book down. Thought provoking and challenging.
"Wake me up from this NIGHTMARE!!!"
GRAB this book — it will keep you on the edge of your seat, while asking yourself, what would I do if I found myself in this position.
"Felt like I was immersed into the story."
This book reads like you're watching a movie. A scary movie, with a survival mindset. So good!! Definitely recommend.
"Page Turner!"
Brad Newbold is a fantastic storyteller that makes it really hard to put this book down. Readers and non-readers alike… READ THIS BOOK! You won't be disappointed!
"Fantastic book!"
Both my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed The Fear Protocol. We couldn't put it down — it's so very exciting and a bit terrifying. We will be surprised if it's not a #1 best seller!!!
"Read this book!"
It's like Brad had a Time Machine and could see what direction things were going before the rest of us. I'm not a huge reader but couldn't put this down.
"A must read!!"
We definitely need more conservative Christian fiction books like this — although I did have to keep telling myself this is a fiction book… it's not "real," but it is?!
"Contend for the faith in your family!"
It is a dark book. It is a deep book. And it is an oddly encouraging book — reading it encouraged me to contend for my family. Like any good book, there are deeper layers of meaning waiting to be discovered.
"Prophetic Insights and High-Octane Thrills"
I couldn't put down this high-octane pre-apocalyptic thriller. A narrative that echoes Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World, all while introducing a chilling Demonic Artificial Intelligence.
"…deserves TOP FICTION RELEASES on Amazon!!"
MY GAWDD! Yes… Brad is your new favorite fictional author, you are just now finding out about him! This book isn't just a read; it's an experience.
"A page turner!"
It's kind of fun to imagine what you and your family would do if you had to survive societal collapse, but this one actually hit a little too close to home. It isn't zombies — it's an over reaching government and AI run amuck.
"Emotionally Gripping Read!!"
To be honest, I don't read fiction books, so I wasn't sure what I was getting into. But once I started reading, the story sucked me right in. Very entertaining, engaging, scary (at times), tearful and… leaving you wanting MORE!
"Couldn't put it down!"
The Fear Protocol is the best read of the year. It's exciting, captivating, and thought provoking — a political climate that is just barely off the road from where we are now. I hope there is a next one!
"Great Audiobook!!"
This was a great story and terrific audiobook! Highly recommend!
Goodreads review
Loved it!! The scariness, the suspense was amazing! Definitely makes you want to plan for the future!
Goodreads review
Says a lot when I'm reading 4 books at once, and this was a landslide winner to the finish — really loved it!
Goodreads review
This is nothing like I've ever read before… full of lots of changes and turns. I am so ready to see what the author has to say next!
Goodreads review
My husband didn't understand why I was toting it room to room and leaving my phone unattended. This book will speak to Christians and non-believers alike — the social issues presented affect EVERYONE.
Goodreads review
This was a fun, albeit chilling book!
About the author
Brad Newbold
Brad Newbold grew up in a small mountain town north of Los Angeles, where open prairies and pinion pines fostered a deep curiosity about history, theology, and philosophy — spiced with an unhealthy love of pop culture.
That collision of interests propelled his debut thriller, The Fear Protocol — a novel that weaves historical and philosophical themes into modern-day suspense, exploring how the powers of our day use fear as a tool of control.
Off the page, Brad enjoys debates about reformed theology that somehow always circle back to The Goonies, Pearl Jam, and Stephen King. He lives in Middle Tennessee, where he and his wife homestead with their six children — tending gardens, catching piglets, and managing a household that never operates at an acceptable volume.
Brad on the air
Interviews
The Bryce Eddy Show
Brad joins Bryce Eddy to talk about The Fear Protocol and the world that inspired it.
Listen NowThe Matt Long Show
Texas, faith, and a front-row seat to day one of the dystopia.
Listen NowBlack and Right
A nearly two-hour deep dive into fear, freedom, and The Fear Protocol.
Listen NowFaith Radio
Brad talks with Faith Radio about the book and why the dystopia might be closer than we think.
Listen NowEndorsements
From fellow authors
"Like The Twilight Zone meets The Martian, but in an American household… both an engrossing fiction and an eerie portent of what our country could very soon become."
Matt AlvaradoIndependent filmmaker
"The apocalypse can come for us one family at a time… The Fear Protocol paints a chilling picture of a spider-web future of woke entanglement."
Jason RossCo-author, Black Autumn
"President Reagan told us that 'freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.' The Fear Protocol shows us how true this is. Read at your own risk — you might just become a prepper."
Brilyn HollyhandAuthor of One Generation Away
"If you want to know what a future Godless America looks like, read The Fear Protocol. It may be fiction, but it is coming true."
Marcus CostantinoAuthor of What's Next?
Questions, answered
FAQ
What is The Fear Protocol about?
A family put on mandatory house arrest due to their low social credit scores. Readers can expect to be mad, scared, and occasionally hopeful.
Is this really dystopian fiction?
Most dystopian fiction drops the reader in decades after the fall of a free society. Brad's question has always been: but how did it happen? The Fear Protocol is his answer — a front-row seat to day one of our dystopian future. Nearly all of the technology and freedom-limiters in the book exist right now. Today.
Will there be a sequel?
Yes — The Fear Protocol is the first book of The Fear Protocol Saga. Book two, The Hate Machine, arrives September 23, 2026, and is available for preorder on Amazon now. Newsletter subscribers get the first chapter early.
What formats is the book available in?
Paperback, Kindle, and audiobook — the audiobook is narrated by Doug Greene and produced by Beacon Audiobooks. Your local bookstore can order the paperback, and quantity discounts are available through the publisher at faithfultext.com. And the good news is you can buy several copies, so you have one in each room of your house.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Have a great ending. Have two or three exciting mini-climaxes in Act 2. Write a detailed outline and work on it until you love it. Then sit down, stop procrastinating, and write the book.