This is a short prequel-of-sorts to Thorn, which was Intisar Khanani’s debut novel, and it perfectly sets up a well-rounded story. The protagonist, Alyrra, has a strong sense of morality and is generous, kind, and good to the servants in her palace despite being subject to cruelty herself. I immediately felt committed to Alyrra’s development and wanted to see how she would overcome the need to be cruel in this kingdom. Easy to read, with just hints of the political intrigue and fairytale elements and world-building needed to commit to this fictional universe; absolutely recommend to anyone wanting to test the waters before Thorn or anyone who wishes to dive into the characters and the world more after reading it.

An amazing story.
When I received this book, I thought it was the first one, but this is a prequel. I guess there’s no problem, and I really liked this book. as I found Alyrra to be a well rounded protagonist who has strong moral values. For such a short read, I felt drawn to her as a character and wanted her to escape her brother's wrath. I could also see the early formation of loyalty and friendship between Alyrra and her servants. She's kind, and honest and good. Everything you should want in a princess, but not in this kingdom. In this kingdom, it pays to be cruel. I hated so many people. Namely her family and Valka. I'm not even sorry about it.
I thought she was going to be somewhat like her mother and be constantly underestimated. In some ways, she is and was. Yet, after meeting her mother - I just don't want her to be like her. She was cruel and definitely favored her brother more. Even if he is supposed to be the heir to the throne, he is a little shit that needs to be destroyed.
I can't wait for Alyrra to prove everyone wrong and continually surprise them. After that forest scene, I have so many questions and now I have to dive into these books and figure it all out.

Having read Thorn earlier this year, and in reading Brambles I found myself longing for the world that Khanani has built.
If you are looking to dive into Khanani's Dauntless Path series I would definitely recommend reading 'Brambles' before picking up 'Thorn'. I feel like it really sets the background of the conflict between Alyrra and her family which makes it easier to dive into the first novel.

But even if you have read Thorn already, I enjoyed this short story, it made me realize how much differently my brain had constructed the scene in which Alyrra reveals Valka, and allows for an interesting insight in how we construct a story by the information that is given to us and how much that can change what we think has happened.

This ARC was provided for review, but in no way affects the following impartial and unbiased review:
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4*
A very short introduction to Thorn, and beautifully written and clarifying. Give us some context about her brother, Valka and the Wind sprite. However, it is still disappointing how it is necessary to read this short story before reading Thorn, because without it, Thorn is very confusing and incomplete.

Thank you to NetGalley, Purple Monkey Press, and Intisar Khanani for sending me the ARC of Brambles in exchange for an honest review.

Brambles was a great peek into the world of the kingdom of Adania and Intisar Khanani's Dauntless Path series. I enjoyed getting to know Princess Alyrra just a little bit and seeing the drama, intrigue, and hardship that is taking place. Also, a peek into the magic system leaves me wanting more.

I wish more authors would write a little peek into the story like this so you can decide whether you're interested before starting a new in-depth fantasy series. My interest is definitely peaked and I'll be looking forward to diving into the Dauntless Path series with Thorn and The Theft of Sunlight.

This is a prequel novella for Khanani's Dauntless Path series.
I haven't read Thorn yet (although I do own a copy) but after reading this novella it's made me even more eager.

We follow Princess Alyrra who lives quite a lonely existence in the palace as she often has to deal with her elder brother and his intended, Valka's, cruel pranks. They are never towards her as such, but she seems to be the only one who lives with the guilt of what they do.

However, on one such occasion Alyrra can no longer keep quiet, and he actions change her fate forever.

I loved Alyrra & can't want to see more of her so I'm really excited to see how her actions affect her and her family in Thorn.

I had the first book in this series for a while now but I never took the time to read it. So when I saw the author came out with a prequel, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to dive into this series. It also helped that we were buddy-reading it.

Brambles was a pretty quick read that follows Princess Alyrra and we see in a few pages how her family treats her and that she's still trying to help a servant when she can. I loved seeing her standing up for someone else against her brother and Valka who were cruel and deserved to be punished. I don't know what will happen next but I'm curious to find out. I only hope that Alyrra will be able to stand up for herself next.

<i>(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)

Full disclosure. I beta read this story a while back for Intisar along with a few other readers. So I already read this story before I got it for review. This is why you'll find my name in the acknowledgments. Though I am not at all proud of that. Nope. 

So now you know that going into this review. Brambles is the prequel story to Thorn. It tells us why Alyrra is so despised at court but loved by the servants. I think it does that well. Its clear in the story that her mother and her brother don't much seem to be good family to Alyrra before everything happens, and as such the change after the disgrace feels very realistic. It shows the start to the physical abuse that Alyrra has to endure from her brother. But I think he was already on the borderline of emotional abuse before that. 

It is certainly a great short story to pick up after you have read Thorn to get a little bit of extra background on Alyrra and her life before Thorn. It helps to fill in the little pieces of what happened before.

Brambles by Intisar Khanani is a novella in the Dauntless Path series that fans of the first story, Thorn, will want to read. This short story gives an in-depth look into the events that take place before the first story begins. If you are impatiently waiting to read the next instalment in the series, this book will definitely whisk you back to Adania.

Although, this story is a mere 40 pages, quite a lot is packed into this one. It is a must-read for those who have read the first book. If you have yet to try this series, there is enough detail in this little novella to get a feel for the beautiful writing and intriguing world that Khanani has created. Some extra context surrounding Princess Alyrra’s relationships with her family and friends is given in the book that sets the tone for Thorn. Also, it is a really nice flashback for those needing a little refresher before reading the second book.

❀ A BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN STORY

The novella, Brambles, by Intisar Khanani is a beautifully written story that introduces the reader to the Dauntless Path series. It also makes some interesting connections for those already familiar with the story. If you enjoy YA fantasy, this is one series to try.

What a lovely prequel to Thorn! I was immediately intrigued when I found out there was a prequel; I absolutely loved Thorn and was so excited when I found out it was to become a series. Never did I believe there would be a precursor diving into the initial "fall" of Alyrra. It was a nice segue into Thorn, illustrating the cruelties even more so of her brother and Valka. I feel even worse for Alyrra, but on the same note, it feels good to know a more specific history in regards to Alyrra's mother and brother's seemingly unwarranted disdain.

BOOK REVIEW: Brambkes by @booksbyintisar

4 stars

I loved Thorn and so I was so glad to get this advanced ebook of this novella. Brambles shows us Princess Alyrra as a younger girl and the events that lead her to the start of Thorn. Although rather short, I really enjoyed this little glimpse into her childhood and the nastiness of her family and others around her. It was also nice to see her first interaction with wind and the context behind it.
I cannot wait to read the second book in the series!

Please note that I was #gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.

Bramble By Intisar Khanani is amazing!!! Its the back story of Alyrra who is twelve years old and it feels like night and day from seeing her Brother Edlyna and Valka. There is mischievous things that go on especially when the two pair up. Prank happen by chance. Her Mother has the backing of Valka's Father Lord Daerlin to try and keep Edlyna's throne. Lord Daerlin is also a very powerful influential man. Someone you don't want to cross. Maybe a marriage would be in the works? Would most likely cement an alliance. Throw Alyrra in the mix things happen.

The Arc was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I am so pleased to get a chance to review it. Will come out December 07/2020.

Charming little Novella showing us the events leading to the fallout between Valka and Alyrra. We know from Thorn that Valka stole a gem and was called out by Alyrra but this shows a more vivid picture of her cruelty especially when she gangs up with Alyrra’s brother the Prince. The sense of entitlement and pettiness is astounding, and not as pronounced in Thorn which is why she felt a little flat in that book.

This story also gives a lot of insight into the family dynamics and why Alyrra is so often mistreated. I didn’t get it at first and couldn’t understand the mother’s attitude or anyone else for that matter. I also loved the first introduction of “The Wind” and how it saved Alyrra from her brother. Definitely a cute story and one I would recommend if you’ve read Thorn.

Firstly, thank you to Intisar Khanani, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review Brambles in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

I read and fell in love with Thorn, a retelling if the Goose Girl earlier this year, so was eager to get my hands and eyes on Brambles!

Brambles is a prequel to Thorn, that provides the details of Alyra’s life prior to Thorn and why she fell foul of her family and the kingdom.

It is a very short, but satisfying story of the whys and what’s that were implied at the start of Thorn and I would definitely encourage reading it before you read Thorn. I read the two back to front, but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment and despite my recommendation, would recommend this to you if you’ve already read Thorn.

The story provides more detail and richness of storytelling that brings Alyra’s world alive and is a great prequel that I really, really enjoyed.

I was approved and then wasn't given the option to download the ebook. However, I love Intisar Khanani's writing after reading "Thorn", so I will definitely be picking this up soon! I did really want to read this, but there the ebook was unavailable here.

Such a fan of Intisar Khanani's work and of the Dauntless Series Universe. Was excited to get even more backstory from this lovely novella!!

I haven't read Thorn yet but this novella definitely convinced me to read it! I loved everything about it and I want to know more about the plot and the world building. The writing was really good and Alyrra is such a nice character. Will definitely read Thorn soon.

I ended up liking this novella and I hope to read more books from the author in the future. This was a great sequel to Thorn and I hope to see more books in the series in the future.

I rather liked this very short story, but less then the others author's books I've read so far.
It read much more like a prologue than a short story, it lacked flesh and characterization, not a hit for me, a shame...

A quick novella that describes the unfortunate upbringing of young Alyrra. My heart bled for her mistreatment and I want to slap her brother and mother for it! In this she gathers the courage to protect those who can’t protect themselves and has a strong foundation for fighting for what’s right. This story makes me so damn proud of her!