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For You

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DON'T LET IT RUIN YOU.

A country. A region. A hunt.

Bayarj is overrun by wightsights—humans turned monsters terrorizing citizens by night. As the death count grows, the High Table devises a plan to quell the horror.

A hunt.

Night after night, volunteers arrive at the Cultcrowder and devote their lives to killing wightsights. But be warned, it can be difficult to tell a wightsight from a human. And the High Table does not tolerate human deaths.

Muharib Ka, the soon-to-be textile empress of Country, has found herself amongst the hunters. And they quaver at her presence.

Because why would the wealthiest heir in all of Country come to a place like this?

They don’t know. And neither does Muharib.

Perhaps only the gods know.


For You is a dark fantasy novella from Mona Kabbani.
Slated for publication on August 11th, 2022, the Full Sturgeon Moon.

About the Author
Mona Kabbani is a horror fan, writer, and reviewer obsessed with psychology and the human condition. She emulates the conflict of the good versus the bad and all of the in between in her work while providing an entertainingly horrifying experience. She is a Lebanese immigrant living the American dream in New York City where much of her writing is inspired. You can follow her on Instagram @moralityinhorror for more and sign up to her mailing list on her website, moralityinhorror.com.

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2022

40 people are currently reading
1648 people want to read

About the author

Mona Kabbani

12 books428 followers
Mona Kabbani is a horror fan, writer, and reviewer obsessed with psychology and the human condition. She emulates the conflict of the good versus the bad and all of the in between in her work while providing an entertainingly horrifying experience. She is the author of The Bell Chime, which won the award for Best Horror Novella of 2020 from LoHF, Vanilla, and For You. She is a Lebanese immigrant living the dream in New York City where much of her writing is inspired. You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok @moralityinhorror for more and sign up for her mailing list on her website, www.moralityinhorror.com.

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5 stars
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87 (34%)
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56 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Brandon Baker.
Author 2 books10.4k followers
October 16, 2022
I loved it so much, the Bloodborne vibes were everything I’ve been wanting!!!
Emotional, hypnotic prose, action packed, bleak; I’m gonna be raving about this one for a while so just be prepared 😂
Profile Image for Gwendolyn Wood.
107 reviews21 followers
November 29, 2022
This novella is so unique it feels nearly impossible to define. Much of it feels other worldly. A mysterious main character that while cold to those around her feels so easy to like and root for without even knowing what her story is.

Being a novella I won’t give too much away.

But I must say Mona wrecked me in the final pages, I’m not easy to tears when reading but if you’ve ever loved an animal and lost them this book will hit you in your heart.

It’s a hero’s journey, it’s an unconventional love story… it’s fantastic. Read it.
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for SpookyCurious.
107 reviews1,448 followers
September 30, 2022
You can’t convince me Mona Kabbani isn’t going to be the next big thing in horror. For You is a dreadful fantasy filled with monstrous creatures, dynamic characters, and a setting that’s as unique as it is vivid. I love that you’re continuously kept on the cusp of figuring out what’s happening. Don't sit out on this one.
Profile Image for Chelsee Damas.
265 reviews7 followers
September 19, 2022
layers of emotions among beautiful prose

“some scholars believe modern language is bloated, weighing down communication”

Kabbani is a master when it comes to layered stories that fully embrace the human experience. The emotions that drive us. Her characters are wonderfully developed around the whys — and this story is another beautifully woven example of just that. You start out thinking this story will be one thing only to be led down another path that ties in without you even realising it.

I loved that this story addresses the true love and devotion we have with our pets. Novellas are a great way to get in a quick read—and with Kabbani, you never lose quality.

Give this book a read. Enjoy the journey that tugs at the heart strings and catches your breath.
Profile Image for Christiane Erwin.
Author 8 books24 followers
November 8, 2022
This was an unexpected read! Lyrical prose, tense action, poetic allegory. Kabbani has written a tightly-spun fairy tale that will delight fans of magical horror.
Profile Image for Ewreck82.
182 reviews6 followers
October 19, 2022
"I killed my heart in the hope of saving myself from a pain I thought unimaginable. And it has ruined me."

I'm not a very emotional reader. I consume books for the story with very little attachment even if I really enjoy it. This line though, this one wrecked me. @moralityinhorror weaved a fantastical tale so full of both heart and the blood that it circulates. Muharib Ka is a character that you want to root for from the very beginning. I'm still processing this one but I highly recommend it.

The last couple parts of this one hurt me, then the author's note absolutely destroyed me, like tears streaming down my face as I lie in bed literally sobbing. I'll admit that I'm guilty of not always taking the time to read Author's Notes. I know, I'm terrible. I think that will change after this one though. A tale full of heart was transformed into something infinitely more beautiful once I discovered the inspiration for the story.
Profile Image for charm_city_sinner.
51 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2022
In writing my reaction posts for Mona Kabbani's (@moralityinhorror) prior two works, it felt natural to write about the emotions they evoked, rather than diving into the plot.

I'm going to do that here and describe this book as akin to walking through an actual haze of dread and sadness. Kabbani did a masterful job of drawing the reader in, but keeping them at arm's length until the reveal at the end when she emotionally destroys you.

Here's the kicker though, what's really going to do you in is the author's note at the end. She provides some real world context that completely affects the way you'll process what you just read. Those of us who can relate to what she covers here will be even more overwhelmed.

This is another amazing work from an amazing author who clearly has a lot of range. Each one of her books stand tall on their own and will affect the reader in different ways.

I don't just recommend one of her books, done in a casual manner. If you don't have all of her books, get them. Get them now.
Profile Image for cosmic_truthseeker.
263 reviews37 followers
November 14, 2024
This is a fantasy story that wears its darkness on its sleeve. From the start, we get a sense of this being an unpleasant world to live in, from the darkness of the characters' surroundings to the backgrounds of the characters themselves.

I know that Bloodborne provided inspiration for this novella; it shows, but never in a way that feels lazy or plagiarised. "For You" possesses its own rules and world building, which are neatly presented without affecting flow or immersion.

The characters, for the brevity of their presence, were engaging and, overall, likeable. I appreciated the mystery behind the protagonist's presence, the truth of which was revealed as the story progressed in a satisfying manner that was well foreshadowed.

You can expect lovely prose that doesn't get too dense, making this book a treat to read. I'm sure there are metaphorical elements aplenty that I'm a little too much of a literal reader to appreciate, but despite this, I still very much enjoyed the story.

Perhaps my only criticism would be elements of pacing. The short length demanded that things happened quickly. The bonds of friendship developed by the central characters felt like they formed too quickly (although I suppose when thrust together by circumstance this can be a necessity), and the final outcome, whilst satisfying, also had a mildly jarring element that could have benefitted from a little extra development.

Perhaps my only other critique is that I wanted it to continue beyond the final line. I wanted a little more; to an extent, things didn't feel entirely resolved. But in true Bloodborne, and Souls-like, spirit, I suppose we're left to piece together what happens next for ourselves.

Even with these criticisms, however, I can't bring myself to rate this any lower than 5⭐s.
Profile Image for Kate Victoria RescueandReading.
1,892 reviews111 followers
November 26, 2022
“To you, I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other.”
- Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Alternating between darkness, beauty, love, and depression; this book was an emotional, gritty and fantastical read.

Without giving away spoilers, my fur babies are my everything, I get it! Having my own pups and rescuing countless others has been one of the greatest joys and deepest sorrows of my life. The unconditional love of a companion animal, there’s nothing like it.

“I killed my heart in the hope of saving myself from a pain I thought unimaginable. And it has ruined me.”

Muharib is a grounded character, and one many can relate to. She was compassionate and caring until life’s unfairness broke her.

The other characters and the concept of the hunt were fascinating and yet, cloaked in such mystery. There were still many questions left at the end, which leads me to hope that there’s a sequel in the works? Pretty please? I’m not ready to leave Country yet!
Profile Image for Ceyrone.
362 reviews29 followers
December 14, 2022
I am a huge fan of Mona Kabbani and will read anything and everything by this author. I love this book, the characters, the world, and the authors note at the end, I was a mess. Kabbani is a master when it comes to layered stories that fully embrace the human experience. The emotions that drive us. Muharib Ka is a character that you want to root for from the very beginning. Alternating between darkness, beauty, love, and depression; this book was an emotional, gritty and fantastical read. I wanted to know more about this world, more about the whitesights, the hunt and Muharib’s journey leading up to this story and after. I would love to get further stories set in this world.

"I killed my heart in the hope of saving myself from a pain I thought unimaginable. And it has ruined me."
138 reviews
May 24, 2024
This is one of the most beautiful pieces of literature I've ever read

In the author's note, it mentions an obsession with psychology and the human condition, which is an understatement considering the presentation, in relation to the character development that happened in some 130-odd pages. In addition to the protagonist Muharib, even the side characters were provided their due. No cannon fodder here. We learn so much about each individual life in this story, in such a short time period, and what's happening now - these lives, intersecting, under these desperate conditions, each for their own survival, and for the survival of those around them.

Don't sleep on this writer. Mona Kabbani will be your favorite author's favorite author.
Profile Image for Xtina Reads.
178 reviews30 followers
August 28, 2024
What a beautiful story that also happened to 1) save me from a book slump 2) perfect for my current hyperfixation reading medieval fantasy type stories!! I went in pretty much blind because I love doing that and the cover got me too(rad af!)

I don’t summarize books in my reviews I like to yell about how the book made me feel and LET ME TELL YOU…I loved falling into Country and meeting all the characters! This novella did a fantastic job world building for only 136 pages!! (without making my head explode or causing me to disassociate 😆) Our MFC, Muharib not only had a beautiful name but she was a bad ass with a big Albeh 🥹 (that means “heart” 😉)by the end of the book I was happy but sad it was over. I also want to mention I loved learning Arabic!!! There is a handy guide in the back of the book so you can learn it too!! Do I really have to tell you this is a 5 ⭐️ read? NO! But truly I knew it would be once I read the first few chapters. “For You” is my first Mona Kabbani book but not my last!! Wallah! (Girl had me CRYING like a lil baby reading the authors note)

This is one of the longest reviews I’ve written in a while, btw lol. I will scream about this book forever 🖤😭
Profile Image for Benny Blanco.
Author 4 books3 followers
January 15, 2023
This was absolutely a phenomenal story. I couldn't stop reading it. The sheer terror of "The Hunt" and the lore behind this world is gripping. I love the correlation to other religions and how Mona put them together into a dark fantasy world. I want more of it. Now without giving any spoilers away...the actual valid reason of the story and its heart is heartbreaking and so honest that most of us have suffered through it. All I want to say to you, Mona, is that you have crafted an amazing and one of my favorite stories I've read thus far.
Profile Image for Sheri DeNucci.
2 reviews
December 2, 2022
I absolutely loved this novella, as evidenced by the start date and finished date being on the same day. Mona Kabbani’s prose is gripping, and her world-building clearly stems from the mind of someone both boundlessly creative and meticulously attentive to details. I was blown away by the characters and how much I grew to root for them in only 150-odd pages. I can’t wait to read her next work - she is a writer to watch out for!!
Profile Image for Aeryn.
640 reviews8 followers
October 21, 2022
This is one that I would have loved to have it be longer! It is so bleak and emotional and caught me by surprise with how good it is.
Profile Image for ❅ ❣ nahla ❣ ❅.
139 reviews28 followers
June 10, 2023
A bookstagram listed this as an enjoyable horror and I found it lacking in that department, and even though it was dark, it wasn't enough for my taste and the ending was completely unexpected -and not in a good way... Until you read the author's note. But then, that doesn't make it better; it just clears the confusion you were left with to some extent.

The usage of Arabic words as names was particularly confusing. For instance, Muharib is the word used to address a male warrior in Arabic and using it to name a female character forced me to read it as a foreign word; so I could get a somewhat seamless read, but then came other Arabic words that were crucial to the story in their meaning and I thought either the author wants to use Arabic correctly or she doesn't, because doing both is a no-no.

As for the or characters who we didn't spend enough time with because it's a novella, I was left caring little for their journey and well being. Add to that how there wasn't enough world building, rationales explained -again, since it's a novella- with what I thought was mediocre writing and I ended up rounding its rating to a couple of stars.
Profile Image for Christina B..
697 reviews7 followers
October 20, 2022
Spoiler Free Novella Review

First and foremost, Mona Kabbani writes beautifully. For You is her newest psychological horror story and is a unique look at the value of a beloved companion.

What worked: I liked the characters; I was rooting for Muharib and her thrown together group of misfits immediately. The wightsights were a cool idea and très creepy. The end reveal was a good balance of heartbreaking and hopeful.

Where I struggled: There are some fantastic world building ideas here and I was completely invested, but there wasn’t enough space to fully flesh out those ideas. Because of that, the ending felt a bit disconnected from most of the story. I love a novella that leaves me wanting more, but this one felt more incomplete than I prefer.

Final thoughts: Overall, I did enjoy For You and would recommend it to horror/fantasy fans. I think some readers might feel the direction it goes is a bit of a let down, while others will absolutely love it, but either way it’s a worthwhile read.

PS-I would like to know more of the backstory of the Country, the wightsights, the hunt and Muharib’s journey leading up to this story and after. Soooo, if you could all help me harass…erm encourage @moralityinhorror to start working on a novel or maybe a series about that I’d really appreciate it.
Profile Image for Stephanie Moon.
153 reviews20 followers
Read
September 3, 2022
The synopsis intrigued me but I feel like the book didn’t live up to it. It’s mostly small talk about the hunt between characters, and not much else. No back story of why the world is in the current state it’s in. Not much description about the wightsights or much on them at all to be honest. I found a lot of it to be random and some parts to be rushed. Characters were a little dry and flat. I ended up skimming the end. These are my personal opinions. Obviously give it a try if you’re super interested, but it’s a no for me.
Profile Image for Rachel.
367 reviews13 followers
June 3, 2023
*I’m not going to give you the ‘what this book is about’ blurb – you can read that elsewhere.


1. What a unique concept! I don’t want to say too much and ruin it, but this is, at it’s core, a love story. Not at all what you normally think of when you think of a love story; it’s not written about a partner, it’s written about the most pure love of all…and you’re going to have to read it to see what love that is 😊.
2. The setting felt like some sort of medieval Middle Eastern fairytale – if G.o.T was written by the brothers Grimm and set in Lebanon. Or if Aladdin and Game of Thrones had a love child. I really enjoyed the setting, it was much different than what I typically read, and I did have to go back and read some parts a 2nd or 3rd time because some of the lore, characters, or religious aspects were things I’m not familiar with at all and had to be sure to wrap my head around so I could make sure I was getting the full effect of the storyline. The Middle East is FULL of lore, legends, and spooky stuff, I really should look into more from that region of the globe, or maybe I’ll just let awesome authors like Mona bring a bit of their culture to me via their beautiful words.
3. I sobbed like a baby. This hit me HARD, and if you know me, you’ll know why. It is such a beautiful and heartbreaking read. Even thinking back on it now has my eyes a bit wet.
Profile Image for Christine Harrold.
417 reviews45 followers
September 8, 2022
For You by Mona Kabbani is an incredibly good horror novella. It is a dark fantasy, with subtle world-building, and people are asked to make great sacrifices for “good of Country.” One way to help is to volunteer to hunt “wightsights” which are recently-human monsters, that prowl the city of Bayarj at night, savagely murdering townspeople. Five “volunteers” who are complete strangers, come together on a night of a state sanctioned hunt, to protect the townspeople from the wightsights.

Emotional yet spare, bleak and restrained, the novella keeps you guessing about the volunteers’ backstories while they hunt and fight the monsters and protect each other. Muharib is a warrior and the daughter of a great merchant, who we learn is fighting her own demons as she fights the wightsights.

Very, very well written. Heartbreaking sorrow in a desolate landscape such as Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. And like The Road, deep love and sacrifice are the motivation and the salvation.
Profile Image for Chas .
82 reviews
February 21, 2023
🖤 For You 🖤
- by: @moralityinhorror -
Rate: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 / 5
Spice: Ya Nasty / 5

`.

✨ “I’ve offered this world beings beyond other humans. Companions. Warmth. The divinity of illogical, unconditional love. My beautiful creations.” A painful croak. “No one has initiated a deal for their souls before. No one has cared enough for them. You were the first.” ✨
`.


Because this is a novella and 136pgs, I don’t want to give anything away that’s not already given. That being said, Mona Kabbani did it again and holy shit, she again did it so beautifully.
For You follows a Merchant’s daughter and her journey to serve Country against wightsights, the name given to people who have succumbed to an illness making them essentially zombielike.

I definitely recommend this book, and will forever recommend Kabbani to any fans of the dark or horror genre. You won’t walk away from this dissatisfied, but you may walk away crying a bit.
43 reviews
April 19, 2023
🖤 For You 🖤
- by: @moralityinhorror -
Rate: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 / 5
Spice: Ya Nasty / 5

`.

✨ “I’ve offered this world beings beyond other humans. Companions. Warmth. The divinity of illogical, unconditional love. My beautiful creations.” A painful croak. “No one has initiated a deal for their souls before. No one has cared enough for them. You were the first.” ✨
`.


Because this is a novella and 136pgs, I don’t want to give anything away that’s not already given. That being said, Mona Kabbani did it again and holy shit, she again did it so beautifully.
For You follows a Merchant’s daughter and her journey to serve Country against wightsights, the name given to people who have succumbed to an illness making them essentially zombielike.

I definitely recommend this book, and will forever recommend Kabbani to any fans of the dark or horror genre. You won’t walk away from this dissatisfied, but you may walk away crying a bit (lot).
Profile Image for PaperbackGhosts.
234 reviews25 followers
January 7, 2024
Mona. FREAKING. Kabbani. This woman can do no wrong in writing. I’ve loved everything of hers that I’ve read, and this was no exception. Dark fantasy. Interesting, well thought out characters. A unique world and vengeful Gods. It’s got it all. I was so intrigued by Muharib. Her past, her reasoning, everything about her. When all is revealed, I cried. I would’ve loved this as a full length novel, but it was just so perfect as it is. I wouldn’t be mad about a sequel though 😏 I also always appreciate Kabbani’s authors notes. I love reading about what brings her stories to her (this one made me cry - in the best way though 😅). If you haven’t read her books, do yourself a favor and start.

If you like dark fantasy, volatile circumstances, and dogs - this one is for you!
Profile Image for Kassandra.
372 reviews7 followers
January 1, 2025
Beautiful story about the love we share with those non human family and friends.

A story born from the love for a pet, Mona Kabbani painted a vivid picture of what some of us would do and endure for our furry companions.

This story moved me and made me hug my cat as she’s been with me through a lot. It speaks to the creativity of the author to be able to pour what one can feel from the absence of such an important part of who we are. Turning the feeling one goes through into words is everything.

Additionally, the way the ending brought the entire story into perspective is another reason why I’ll read anything Kabbani writes. She’s brilliant!

5/5 stars
Profile Image for Stefanie Duncan.
409 reviews29 followers
September 4, 2022
Muharib Ka, textile empress, finds herself amongst others for the hunt against the wightsights- humans turned monsters.
Every night volunteers arrive to fight these monsters in Bayarj and only the gods know why a wealthy heir joins this hunt.

This dystopian horror fantasy tale is fast paced and keeps you guessing on what exactly is going on. Beautiful written and I wish I could read more about this world. This is definitely a fresh story with horror and fantasy elements and the afterword by the author will make you cry. Well, it made me cry. I recently went through something similar.
Profile Image for Candy.
17 reviews
October 24, 2022
Mona has done it again! She has created a story as unique and tantalizing as her other works. In For You, you will find a dark fantasy horror with gods, monsters, gore, action, and my fave: an MC full of resilience, strength, love, sacrifice, and determination. I turned page after page, engulfed in the imagery but also eager to get to the meaning of everything. My mind went off on all kinds of tangents. Alas, it was not entirely what I had surmised, it was way better! I’d be remiss if I didn’t insist you read this book!
Profile Image for Jodie Powers.
379 reviews
December 5, 2022
3.5 rounded up. You had me at dark fantasy. I really enjoyed this creepy novella. A little dystopian, some horror, some blood and guts. I mostly like the main cast of characters. The ending, though, really caught me off guard and I don't say that often. I like the idea, in theory, but it was so far removed from anything I may have expected that it felt strange to me...it became a completely different story...a very sweet love story, at that. The author's note at the end provided a nice explanation, though. I will have to think on it some more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Eden.
216 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2023
This one was a bit more cryptic than the others but I immensely enjoyed it nonetheless. I felt like I was just along for the ride without understanding what was happening until the end but being familiar with her writing, I was content with that, and it was well worth it at the end. I'm constantly impressed by her poetic and illustrative prose. Overall another smash hit from Mona Kabbani and I can't wait for more of her work to come out bcs you can bet your ass that I'll be DEVOURING it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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