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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
5.0
Khanani has a beautiful writing style. She already proved that in the first book in this series and she proves it once more in this short prequel novella. I personally read the first book already quite some time ago, so I read this as a prequel, but I dare to say that this book gives you a great impression of the main character, the world and the setting of this story if you read it first. It's a perfect way to determine whether or not this series is something for you.
Since I already read the first book I already vaguely knew what was coming in this story. We've heard about this incident and we've seen what it caused and where it eventually leads, but it's still quite different to actually live it. For some reason this story really touched me. At some point I had the tears burning in my eyes and I was so incredibly emotionally invested.
For the biggest part the book has a depressive vibe. It's not very cheerful and the main character has to endure quite a lot. Since we're in her head, we really feel her pain, her doubts, her shame and all the other painful emotions she's dealing with. However, in the end we also get a little bit of hope, something positive.
If you read this prequel before the first book, the story prepares you for what's to come. If you already read the first book before reading this one, this prequel will be an emotional return to the beginning of the story.
Since I already read the first book I already vaguely knew what was coming in this story. We've heard about this incident and we've seen what it caused and where it eventually leads, but it's still quite different to actually live it. For some reason this story really touched me. At some point I had the tears burning in my eyes and I was so incredibly emotionally invested.
For the biggest part the book has a depressive vibe. It's not very cheerful and the main character has to endure quite a lot. Since we're in her head, we really feel her pain, her doubts, her shame and all the other painful emotions she's dealing with. However, in the end we also get a little bit of hope, something positive.
If you read this prequel before the first book, the story prepares you for what's to come. If you already read the first book before reading this one, this prequel will be an emotional return to the beginning of the story.
alyshadeshae's review against another edition
5.0
I started with this prequel short story and it's a fantastic intro into the books.
sierrakilo430's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ameserole's review against another edition
5.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm actually really happy that I started this series with the novella. It's just kind of rare for me to do that and I'm surprised at myself. That being said, I adored getting to meet Alyrra in Brambles. Her life kinds of sucks in this short book and trust me - I hated so many people. Namely her family and Valka. I'm not even sorry about it.
Now knowing how cruel the people close to her were, well I'm beyond excited to dive into this series. At first, 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.
I'm actually really happy that I started this series with the novella. It's just kind of rare for me to do that and I'm surprised at myself. That being said, I adored getting to meet Alyrra in Brambles. Her life kinds of sucks in this short book and trust me - I hated so many people. Namely her family and Valka. I'm not even sorry about it.
Now knowing how cruel the people close to her were, well I'm beyond excited to dive into this series. At first, 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.
mermaird's review against another edition
5.0
2023 review:
I decided to listen to the audiobook for my yearly Dauntless Path reread ♡ It's an amazing experience and I find the narrator chosen for Alyrra to be perfect for her character. My old review still stands for my whole feelings about this book. I'm still appalled by what Alyrra's brother and Valka had done to Alyrra, and the fact that the queen, her only adult family did nothing to stop it made me sick in the stomach.
There was a lot of trauma, but somehow Alyrra still has the strength to stand on her own. And I find that really wonderful of her
I decided to listen to the audiobook for my yearly Dauntless Path reread ♡ It's an amazing experience and I find the narrator chosen for Alyrra to be perfect for her character. My old review still stands for my whole feelings about this book. I'm still appalled by what Alyrra's brother and Valka had done to Alyrra, and the fact that the queen, her only adult family did nothing to stop it made me sick in the stomach.
There was a lot of trauma, but somehow Alyrra still has the strength to stand on her own. And I find that really wonderful of her
merricats_cuppa_tea's review against another edition
5.0
My book club is Reading Thorn for the month of November so I decided to start off with this, (Yes I am aware November is almost over it’s been a busy busy month
daniella84's review against another edition
5.0
I will happily eat up all goose girl content please and thank you
wwrlad's review
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bookishlifetime's review against another edition
5.0
Lovely little book about how Alyrra's character became to be. The writing is as sublime as Thorn and I cannot wait to read book 2!