Reviews

Vanilla by Mona Kabbani

iveelain's review against another edition

4.0

There was something that existed in Mona’s “The Bell Chime” that I liked, but it never grew to fruition for me. This book, however, had that thing and more. This book was well-developed, engaging, and in many ways a tender look at love despite the concrete backdrop of a life imprisoned.

Looking at the world through Vanilla’s eyes reminded me of a life I once lived. Genuinely loved her character development. I am looking forward to reading more of Mona’s books in the future.

missbeccadawn's review against another edition

3.0

Vanilla is a sick child, saved by the man she calls Daddy and raised in a concrete room safe from the threats of outside with its creatures.

“The worst monsters are the ones invisible to you.”

Mostly I felt confused reading this book. Maybe I'm not smart enough to get the meanings of certain things, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was reading this at the surface level and missing the depths. This hindered my enjoyment substantially, though it doesn't dissuade from the excellent writing. It is a little slow and repetitive at times; I forgive these flaws because when it's right, the book is very atmospheric and burns slowly. The concept is very strong here, a more unique take on a story that's been done before, even if I didn't love the execution.

“Dying is pain.”

I think it could be a great book for some, though for me it just didn't resonate as strongly. I'd give it 2.5 rounded up.

paperbackghosts's review against another edition

4.0

I love Mona Kabbani. Her stories are so unique and her style is flawless. This book was so strange, uncomfortable and surprising, in the best possible way. The way everything unfolds for Vanilla (and Tiffany) was unexpected, exciting and upsetting. Some of the scenes were delightfully brutal and I really enjoyed the story overall.

d_kilian's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

jyan's review

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

avery_havilliard's review

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

micbres's review against another edition

challenging dark sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes

2.75

adaxial's review

dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.5

tamz83's review

dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

dragongurrl's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Beautifully done! So sad to have it come to an end….never would’ve expected it to end this way….

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Gore, and Blood

Minor: Child death, Sexual harassment, and Cursing