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!

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 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.

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!

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.