Review by Shaneek -- Escape by Belle Ami
Posted: 18 Jul 2017, 12:35
[Following is a volunteer review of "Escape" by Belle Ami.]
3 out of 4 stars
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Escape
By Belle Ami
The title of the book “Escape” says it all; this book is thrilling, exciting and captivating with a refreshing setting; based in the Middle East, mostly in Iran but inclusive of Dubai and Israel. In this fascinating novel, an Iran born spy, Cyrus, working for Israel to take down Iran, was forced in a situation that will blow his cover and rescue an attractive Oxford master student, Layla, who was kidnapped in Dubai and taken to Iran as a prisoner to be used as possible leverage against the USA.
The character of Cyrus is credible and well researched by the author. I was very impressed with how detailed she describing the role of a spy. Reading the book, I felt like I was in a James Bond movie but better. Cyrus, is cultured, educated, intelligent and very attractive. Cyrus’ character is realistic; the romance that developed between him and Layla was subtle yet classic. Watching the love bloom between these two individuals, who came from two different backgrounds, yet share the same religious heritage was beautiful to witness. Cyrus has proven to be a patient, heroic and understanding man, who grew to love Layla unconditionally and is willing to sacrifice his own life to save her and his family. His heroic and peaceful nature was mentioned throughout the novel when he made it his mission to prevent Iran from starting a world war, by exposing their nuclear plans to Israel.
Layla’s character is that of a modern day young woman who is an innocent regarding to the matter of the world of politics and love. However, during the book, Layla blossomed into a mature young woman due to her experience in Iran. In the first part of the book, she was a shy person in matters of the heart, yet she grew to become a bold woman who fell in love with Cyrus and decided to fight for what she wanted. Though an innocent person, she showed Cyrus that she was brave enough to stand up to him, and was never afraid to be honest and trusting with him.
Zamir was the first love for Layla. Zamir is a wealthy master student who Layla met at Oxford. He was described as charming, funny, intelligent and very sexually alluring, though Layla loved him, she had doubts about their future together. Layla who is not privy to the roles and behavior that will be expected of her if she married Zamir, was slightly introduced to that lifestyle when she met Zamir’s parents in Dubai. Unfortunately, she was unable to process the extent of her expectations because she and her lover, Zamir were kidnapped and taken to Iran.
Based on the style of writing the author did intensive research into the Middle East culture in terms of religion and the difference in the roles of gender in the society. In my opinion, the author showed respect to the culture, and as a reader I appreciate these details because I can visualize the setting based on the description.
Geographically, the author highlighted the different setting of the countries she mentioned in the book. She carefully and thoughtfully described Dubai and how lavish it is. She described the towns in Iran and Israel, including the market place and the type of items sold there, she even included specific buildings and tourist areas.
Despite all the great information about this book, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I was very disappointed in the last two chapters because it felt like the author was rushing the novel to come to a conclusion. In my opinion, the conclusion should have ended differently especially the last romantic scene. A romantic scene that is bringing two lovers together again should have been more momentous and epic. As a reader my expectations were not met in the final chapter given the love story between the main characters.
I believe this book would appeal to people in the age group of 20-60 based on the context and style of writing.
******
Escape
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Like Shaneek's review? Post a comment saying so!
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Escape
By Belle Ami
The title of the book “Escape” says it all; this book is thrilling, exciting and captivating with a refreshing setting; based in the Middle East, mostly in Iran but inclusive of Dubai and Israel. In this fascinating novel, an Iran born spy, Cyrus, working for Israel to take down Iran, was forced in a situation that will blow his cover and rescue an attractive Oxford master student, Layla, who was kidnapped in Dubai and taken to Iran as a prisoner to be used as possible leverage against the USA.
The character of Cyrus is credible and well researched by the author. I was very impressed with how detailed she describing the role of a spy. Reading the book, I felt like I was in a James Bond movie but better. Cyrus, is cultured, educated, intelligent and very attractive. Cyrus’ character is realistic; the romance that developed between him and Layla was subtle yet classic. Watching the love bloom between these two individuals, who came from two different backgrounds, yet share the same religious heritage was beautiful to witness. Cyrus has proven to be a patient, heroic and understanding man, who grew to love Layla unconditionally and is willing to sacrifice his own life to save her and his family. His heroic and peaceful nature was mentioned throughout the novel when he made it his mission to prevent Iran from starting a world war, by exposing their nuclear plans to Israel.
Layla’s character is that of a modern day young woman who is an innocent regarding to the matter of the world of politics and love. However, during the book, Layla blossomed into a mature young woman due to her experience in Iran. In the first part of the book, she was a shy person in matters of the heart, yet she grew to become a bold woman who fell in love with Cyrus and decided to fight for what she wanted. Though an innocent person, she showed Cyrus that she was brave enough to stand up to him, and was never afraid to be honest and trusting with him.
Zamir was the first love for Layla. Zamir is a wealthy master student who Layla met at Oxford. He was described as charming, funny, intelligent and very sexually alluring, though Layla loved him, she had doubts about their future together. Layla who is not privy to the roles and behavior that will be expected of her if she married Zamir, was slightly introduced to that lifestyle when she met Zamir’s parents in Dubai. Unfortunately, she was unable to process the extent of her expectations because she and her lover, Zamir were kidnapped and taken to Iran.
Based on the style of writing the author did intensive research into the Middle East culture in terms of religion and the difference in the roles of gender in the society. In my opinion, the author showed respect to the culture, and as a reader I appreciate these details because I can visualize the setting based on the description.
Geographically, the author highlighted the different setting of the countries she mentioned in the book. She carefully and thoughtfully described Dubai and how lavish it is. She described the towns in Iran and Israel, including the market place and the type of items sold there, she even included specific buildings and tourist areas.
Despite all the great information about this book, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I was very disappointed in the last two chapters because it felt like the author was rushing the novel to come to a conclusion. In my opinion, the conclusion should have ended differently especially the last romantic scene. A romantic scene that is bringing two lovers together again should have been more momentous and epic. As a reader my expectations were not met in the final chapter given the love story between the main characters.
I believe this book would appeal to people in the age group of 20-60 based on the context and style of writing.
******
Escape
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Like Shaneek's review? Post a comment saying so!