Cover Image: Brambles

Brambles

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. I think it was a great addition to the story!

Was this review helpful?

A lovely addition to the Thorn literary world!

I didn’t really learn anything from this that I didn’t already know from Thorn, that being said it was nice interesting to see a story alluded to and mention in Thorn in more detail and I enjoyed it!

Was this review helpful?

This is supposed to be a prequel to Thorn from what I gather. I haven't read thorn but after this I think I'm definitely picking it up. I'm very intrigued!

Alyrra is so loveable! Things were rough for her in this book, her mother is cruel and her brother, the heir, is the worst. I hate him. I really need to pick up the series so I can get some more answers.

Was this review helpful?

This was a short prequel to Thorn! I liked how it set up events to the first novel! I thought the short story was very well-written! Thus, it was an excellent addition to the Thorn series!

Was this review helpful?

A great little prequel novella, it was good and added depth and insight into the original story Thorn.

Was this review helpful?

No complaints it is what it says it is a short story that has Definitely peeked my interest further for Thorn. Especially the end with the wind.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a fantastic story! I loved reading it, of being in this world again, but man, did it enrage me, of how she was treated, even though she was the princess. I mean, this story was mentioned in Thorn, but yeah, it was hard to read it as it was playing out.

This whole situation was just horrible! She did it to protect her budding friend, and she did tell the truth. The thing was, that the truth put the daughter of a powerful person in a bad light-a daughter that Alyrra's brother is interested in. So yeah, it goes incredibly poorly!

I honestly was raging throughout this book, that she was so awful to Alyrra and her friend, and they were treated so awfully and unfairly! And knowing what she does to her in Thorn, yeah, she was pretty despicable, as was her mom and brother!

The only thing that kept me going through this read, was that I've already read Thorn, I know it's going to work out in the best way in the end. She has a hard time throughout this story, and through Thorn, but she's going to find happiness, and I'm so glad!

This was a fantastic read, and I can't wait for more in this world!

Was this review helpful?

This is a fun and compelling prequel to Thorn, a quick 40-page read that helps us understand how Alyrra gets to where she does at the beginning of Thorn.

I was surprised how much Khanani managed to pack into such a short piece of fiction. It feels like a fairly complete backstory for the series despite its brevity.
Alyrra’s role in her family and in her community explains a lot about who she is and sets the stage for her further adventures in the series.

Despite the fact that this is a prequel, I recommend reading Thorn first and then coming back to this. I truly think it’s a better experience to get Alyrra’s past once you’ve come to know her in greater detail in the present.

Was this review helpful?

After really enjoying Thorn, I was excited to see that the author had released a prequel in a short story format.
Reading Thorn is definitely <b>not</b> a pre-requisite for Brambles, but this prequel did a really good job of setting up the story and key relationships for Thorn. I loved delving back in with Alyrra as I really do enjoy her character due to her calm and caring nature. The story answered all of the questions that I had regarding the state of her familial relationships.

A great prequel that has got me even more excited to pick up The Theft of Sunlight!

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my giddy aunt. I do like a good novella. Particularly one that introduces a new character or world that I fall in love with. Brambles did that with a strong, compassionate young heroine and a hint of magic on the winds. It's a prequel to Intisar Khanani's multi-starred fantasy series Thorn which I am SO excited to read now.

Was this review helpful?

It was ok. I didn't like it or hate it but probably would recommend because it didn't leave an impression

Was this review helpful?

At the time I requested this, I hadn't realized it was a prequel of a work I'd never read. It was an easy read, and not bad, but not good either. It didn't connect with me enough for me to want to read the other books, but I don't know if this would be worth it for readers who have already read the rest and want to spend a little more time with the characters. Overall, I feel neutral about it.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this book and typically I don’t read novellas before a series but I liked how it introduced the reader to the world and the characters and now feel invested in the story. Short and easy read

Was this review helpful?

This was the novella I was searching for!! WOW! I just sat down and read this and now I am off to read Thorn ASAP and book two! I need them all. I loved how this weaved a story of a girl who just wanted to do the right thing. With a touch of magic and a crazy family I am going to devour this series ASAP!

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this short story! I have yet to read THORN, but I am definitely more incentivized to do so. This was extremely magical and fun to read. Usually, I'm not the biggest fan of short-stories/novellas, but this one was really a hit for me!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you so much for allowing me to read and review your titles.
I do appreciate it and continue to review books that I get the chance to read.
Thanks again!

Was this review helpful?

I wasn't really a fan of this prequel. The antagonists are so cartoonishly evil it was hard to enjoy the story.

Was this review helpful?

With a sweet protagonist and her cruel bother against her, this short story is a fun and engrossing read, all be it a quick one, that sets up up for the book Thorn, or rounds it off nicely if you have read thorn first. Allyra is a good person and the world and it’s people are cruel. This is a fast read and a good introduction that leaves you ready to read more!!

Was this review helpful?

I received a digital arc from netgalley in exchange for a review. An enjoyable introduction to the novel!

Was this review helpful?

3/5 Stars
This novella/short story was a great prequel to Thorn! I enjoyed seeing all the characters prior to the first novel. It helped the reader gain more insight. The only problem I had with it is that it was short and not much happened. But overall, I would recommend!

Was this review helpful?