Brambles are only 40 pages but so much has happened in these few pages! It's crazy how Intisar Khanani can write such an amazing story with just a few pages. This is a prequel to her Thorn. I had a blast reading and learning about stuff that happened before the main story. I have a soft spot for stories set before main stories, it's just great fun to see how the characters end up where the story starts. This story is about being brave to how consequences and choices are important. Overall this is a story that's worth the read! Learn more about this fantasy world and the wonderful characters!

<i>ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. </i>

Brambles was such a beautiful read, even though it's like literally only 40 pages long! I recently finished reading Thorn and I'm enamoured by the world that this story has created! I love the author's writing style, and I love how Khanani manages to create this immersive experience with her words! I also absolutely adore Alyrra - she is not a regular protagonist, in that she is more passive than not, but there is just something so endearing about her that you root for her anyway. And it was nice to get to finally see the story that, in some way, was the catalyst to the events of Thorn! Onto Theft of Sunlight then!

I loved this so much, such an entertaining short story, an absolutely fantastic prequel to Thorn , so glad I was given the chance to read this novella. My only criticism is I’m sad to leave this world again an can only wait for more beautiful stories by Intisar

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Loved reading this short story! It was the prefect prequel to Intisar Khanani's Thorn! After reading Thorn, I was excited to read Brambles and it completely lived up to my expectations.

This lovely short story works well as an intro into the world of Adania and the catalyst that sets Thorn in to motion. It also serves as a great deeper look in to the incident and personality of Alyrra if you have already read Thorn and Theft of Sunlight. I don't know that a lot of "new" information is revealed, but it is always great to learn more about the shaping of a beloved character and to journey back to a wonderful world as you await the next book in the series!

This part of her life was already reviewed in Thorn, but Brambles goes into details of why Alyssa is the way she is, and also her her first meeting with Wind.

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This was a wonderful continuation of Intisar's previous book, Thorn. It was impossible not to fall back into this world and love all the characters once again. I would love to live in her stories forever!

Interesting premise. Likable/hated characters. Cool plot. I would recommend this story to others. Some spots I found that didn't hold my attention, but overall, I still liked it.

A lovely little story about how Alyrra's character was formed. The writing was as sublime as Thorn and I cannot wait to get to the second book!

I have to admit I haven't read Thorn yet and thought it may be interesting to read the back story of the book before the main plot. I won't know if I made the right choice until I've read Thorn.

What I can say is that this is set up Thorn in a really strong position for me. At just over 40 pages Brambles is a really quick read. It provides us the reader a taste of what's to come and what our MC is like as a person. Which is actually quite likeable, if not lacking in confidence.

I enjoyed the introduction to all the characters and the set up is has given with its world-building. I feel I know a little of what to expect in Thorn but it hasn't given away any of what may become in the main book.

I'd 100% recommend reading this and don't currently see any negatives to reading Brambles before Thorn.

I've yet to start this series, but after reading this novella it's one I've had to add to my TBR as soon as possible. I really enjoyed getting to know our protagonist, Alyrra, she's a well rounded protagonist who has strong moral values and one in which I was instantly drawn too. She's everything you'd want in a princess, but not in this kingdom. In this kingdom, it pays to be cruel. Although this is only a novella, we still get to experience hints and snippets into the world Khanani has created and I'm eager to explore more. Overall, this was a great introduction to a wonderful fantasy adventure!

I read this after being offered it for review via Netgalley and did not realise initially that it was a short prequel.

It was a quick and easy read but just as I was getting interested in the character, the book ended. Readers of the later book may find it interesting but I am tempted to suggest that this backstory was unnecessary and if I am honest, relatively forgettable. It reminded me of when I write stories for my creative writing course and the tutor usually tells me (correctly) to scrap the early sections as superfluous.

A super charming short story that gives wonderful context for Thorns (which I loved!) I'm happy we got to see more about Alyrra's interaction with the supernatural and where she found her voice!

I got this ARC of the short story "Brambles" by Intisar Khanani by Netgalley, for an honest review.

"Brambles" is set before "Thorn" and by that is book 0.5 in the series.
I wanted to read "Thorn" for some time but never got around it. But "Brambles" deffently got me want to read it now. It has the dysfunctional family, drama and some mean unfair people in it, so I'm sold.

Brambles gives a depiction of the events that lead to Valka's exile to her father's estates and, eventually, the events of Thorn. I, personally, am not the biggest fan of novellas, but I decided to give this one a try since I did enjoy the first book so much. For reference, I gave Thorn five stars. I liked the further insight this novella gave to Valka and Alyrra's relationship. I think it provided interesting context. I think the novella did a good job at enhancing Thorn, while not being necessary to understanding the events of the main novel.

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Brambles is the story of what exactly happened that fateful day between Princess Alyrra and a former friend that caused so many problems for her in Thorn. This novella is a prequel to Thorn, and though you can read it before it carries a lot of weight if you read it afterwards because of the knowledge of how it all worked out.

Khanani has created a main character who is undervalued for the traits that she possesses, and is unable to see her own self worth. Readers get to see where Alyrra comes from and how the abuse started in these powerful moments where her character shines and reveals the tarnished souls of those who have surrounded her throughout her life, as well as those who begin to see her potential.

I highly recommend this companion to Thorn, and recommend it for high school classrooms. Note: if you are recommending this book to students, there is assault, abuse, and neglect. It is not graphic, but the hurt is acknowledged head on and it's not avoided. It makes for a powerful story, one that many will connect with, but the trigger warnings are always helpful for our kids!

I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

An emotional introduction to Alyrra's childhood and how one decision set her up for the events in Thorn. The characters are well developed and thought out, the world is rich and enticing. Perfect for reading either before or after reading Thorn.

In Thorn we meet Alyrra and Valka and we learn that at some point in their past Alyrra 'betrayed' Valka to save a servant. This is that story of what happened and the start of Alyrra's family turning their backs on Alyrra, her mother's verbal abuse and her brother's physical abuse. It's not all bad news though, Alyrra's kindness shines throughout and her friendship with the servants begins. For a novella this really packed a punch and added more information to the background of Thorn. I can't wait to read The Theft of Sunlight.

A cute little novella by a seriously underrated author. Ms. Khanani reminds me of Shannon Hale, so if you loved any of her books, you will enjoy these! I read Thorn by the same author, and it was instalove, and this novella did not disappoint! Very enjoyable short story and looking forward to more from this author

To be transparent, I have not read Thorn yet. But this is suppose to be a prequel so I felt this was a good place to start. As it was! I love this authors writing style and pacing. Even when there wasn't any magic or anything like that going on, it still felt very old fairytale-esque. It kept me engaged through the whole thing and finished it in one sitting! The ending definitely captures your attention and will have you wanting to pick up Thorn. However, what I will say is that I think people who have already read Thorn will probably get more out of this prequel more than someone like me, who has not. That being said, I found this very enjoyable and will be picking up Thorn.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!