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richardbruce's review
I enjoyed Monas "The Bell Chime". However this was a touch too descriptive for my personal taste. Great story but every line seemed scrutanised over. Mona Kabbani is super talented and most will love this writing style! I will read her next. Great story and concept all the same.
zac_hyde99's review
5.0
Two things I don't normally do: read books by lesser known author's (something I need to do more), and write reviews for books I've read. This book is an exception to both.
I have been following Mona on social media for a while now, and despite the endless praise I saw her debut novella getting I never got around to reading it (another thing I intent to change in the very near future). Vanilla is a masterfully crafted story, that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat from the prologue until the very last page. When I read it was a love story, I wasn't sure it was going to be for me; but Vanilla is a raw love story in the most unconventional of ways. It blew my socks off and surpassed every expectation I had, it plays on every emotion possible. It's premise was perfectly executed, it felt truly original and is unlike anything I've ever read.
Both this novel, and author deserve recognition on an international level, and I look forward to going back to read the Bell Chime. Thank you for an exceptional read.
I have been following Mona on social media for a while now, and despite the endless praise I saw her debut novella getting I never got around to reading it (another thing I intent to change in the very near future). Vanilla is a masterfully crafted story, that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat from the prologue until the very last page. When I read it was a love story, I wasn't sure it was going to be for me; but Vanilla is a raw love story in the most unconventional of ways. It blew my socks off and surpassed every expectation I had, it plays on every emotion possible. It's premise was perfectly executed, it felt truly original and is unlike anything I've ever read.
Both this novel, and author deserve recognition on an international level, and I look forward to going back to read the Bell Chime. Thank you for an exceptional read.
michaelrgoodwin's review
4.0
A slow burn that blisters you in the end, VANILLA is a gripping psychological horror story that keeps you guessing.
The depictions of isolation, loneliness, affection and restrained aggression are all painfully accurate in this quasi-vampire story. There are moments of innocence and moments of pure savagery, and reminders that some of the worst monsters in the world are not monsters at all. They're human.
An impressive second showing by Kabbani, and definitely recommended.
The depictions of isolation, loneliness, affection and restrained aggression are all painfully accurate in this quasi-vampire story. There are moments of innocence and moments of pure savagery, and reminders that some of the worst monsters in the world are not monsters at all. They're human.
An impressive second showing by Kabbani, and definitely recommended.
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