The Power of Fear

Peter Moertl is an Austrian author whose debut novel, The Power of Fear, blends epic fantasy, science fiction, and Buddhist philosophy into a transformative journey through fear, death, and rebirth. A longtime educator and global speaker, Peter has trained thousands across Europe, Asia, and the Americas in meditation, personal growth, and ancient wisdom.

He co-authored I Am Loved, now published in Russian (AST), Ukrainian, and soon in Taiwan and Hebrew. He is also the co-founder of AKM, Pink Diamond, Gold Club, and Brilliant Minds Meditate. Fluent in Swedish, Peter has lived in Japan, South Africa, India, Nepal, and Sweden, and is now building a home in Sedona, Arizona, where he teaches regularly at the Sedona College of International Management (SCIM).

The Power of Fear was written in just six months through meditative practice and daily contemplation. Peter is now seeking U.S. representation for this emotionally resonant and intellectually bold novel—the first volume in a speculative trilogy that reimagines fear, desire, and the cycles of existence.

The power of fear

The Power of Fear is an epic and introspective tale of interconnected lives spanning lifetimes and realms. It explores the meaning and power of fear as a force that binds and transforms individuals, worlds, and existence itself. Through its four central characters—Vilarik, Arnika, Walter, and Veronika—the novel weaves a narrative that transcends time and space, delving into the nature of reality, perception, and the infinite cycles of existence.

Peter’s first book, "I Am Loved", has been translated into three languages.
It was published in Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan.

"I am Loved"

reviews

Mariana Savitska
Russian translator

Dive into a Feast for the Mind and Soul! Reading this book is like indulging in an irresistible all-you-can-eat buffet—once you start, you simply can’t stop...

The Power of Fear is not a book readers finish and forget. It’s the kind of story that lingers—layered, haunting, and profoundly human. With each return, it reveals new truths and deeper meaning, much like life itself...

Joey Yang
Beta-reader for Chinese audience

Maryna Gotovkina
Ukranian translator

The book is quite therapeutic, I'd say (even caught an idea, that it could be a manual for a reading club for some audiences). Very rich in adjectives, some words don't have ...

Eva Balzer
German translator

Maryna Shchepanyak
Russian proof-reading

The Power of Fear is a very unusual book. Rooted in what would be called esoteric or spiritual fiction, it goes new innovative ways by mixing...

This excerpt from the book absolutely blew my mind when I first heard it a few months ago. And more than anything in the world, I wanted two things: to read it myself and to give others a chance to discover it as soon as possible...

The Power of Fear is not a book readers finish and forget. It’s the kind of story that lingers—layered, haunting, and profoundly human. With each return, it reveals new truths and deeper meaning, much like life itself.

This novel tackles timeless themes with striking emotional clarity: grief and loss, the dangers of blind devotion, the redemptive power of love and friendship, and the universal quest for meaning. It dares to confront humanity’s greatest suffering—yet offers a powerful, sincere hope that transformation is always possible. And as a reader, you don’t just believe it—you know it’s true.

Translating The Power of Fear has been an extraordinary experience. I’m thrilled to introduce Vilarik, Walter, Arnika, and the rest of these unforgettable characters to readers around the world—and to share a story that speaks to the heart in any language.

Mariana Savitska

The book is quite therapeutic, I'd say (even caught an idea, that it could be a manual for a reading club for some audiences). Very rich in adjectives, some words don't have equivalents in Ukrainian (making it even more fun to "make up" words).

Reading needs time and space )

Overall impression is deep and transformative (I'll leave "fabulous", "mind-blowing" and "life-changing" for NY Times reviews)

Maryna Gotovkina

Dive into a Feast for the Mind and Soul!

Reading this book is like indulging in an irresistible all-you-can-eat buffet—once you start, you simply can’t stop. I devoured its nearly 300 pages in one sitting, eight hours straight, unable to tear myself away.

Your mind will wander through vividly crafted worlds, laughing, crying, and cheering for the characters. At times, it will challenge you to reflect deeply on life itself.

If you, like me, wrestle with life’s big questions and yearn for profound answers, this book was written for you.

A story that feeds your soul—and leaves you hungry for more.

Joey Yang

The Power of Fear is a very unusual book. Rooted in what would be called esoteric or spiritual fiction, it goes new innovative ways by mixing invigorating mythical worlds with mirrors of our own lives.

It is beautifully written and captivating with the most unusual plot twists. It does not just tell stories but carries fundamental wisdom that will change how you look on the world and yourself. It is in the best sense truly transformative and a unique masterpiece

Eva Balzer

This excerpt from the book absolutely blew my mind when I first heard it a few months ago. And more than anything in the world, I wanted two things: to read it myself and to give others a chance to discover it as soon as possible.
And now here it is — right in front of me. Pinch me, this can’t be real! I honestly tried to proofread the text, but I caught myself not actually checking it — I was just reading, unable to stop. No, I didn’t read those two sections. I devoured them.

I’ve read many books in my life. Some left a mark on my heart, some changed my life and deepened my understanding of the world. But this one!!!

Its words weave into patterns of phrasing with the elegant grace of dancers performing the intricate choreography of a genius. The descriptions of whimsical worlds and their inhabitants are so vivid, detailed, and lifelike that it feels as if you’re seeing them with your own eyes — and experiencing inhuman trials and moments of triumph right alongside the characters.

Proofreading continues. I’m waiting for the next sections more eagerly than a child waits for their birthday!

maryna shchepanyak