This book feels like a day at the beach, is fresh, brilliant, full of unpredictable things and, at the end of the day, I wanted to be back for more and more!!

The writing was so atmospheric that I felt the salty waters splashing, the need to hold my breath on the deep dives, the thrill of the trades and the anger of treason!

A story with a good deal of amazing characters, with complex background that enriched the story every step of the way, locations that felt so real that I put on my travel bucket list and an unexpected set of plot twist the kept me passing page after page.

A grate adventure whos only fall is not having the second book at hand!

Perfect for sea adventures, trade mysteries and underwater treasure fans!!

This book hooked me right from the beginning which does not happen often for me. I loved this story and its characters. Fable is such a strong, fierce woman and I loved her determination. I loved the world building and atmosphere. The scent and sounds of the sea jumped off the pages and became very real. Every member of the Marigold crew were guarded but so likable and West...oh West. I adored him and I am such a sucker for enemies to lovers tropes so this book was right up my alley. This was my first book by Young but it definitely won't be the last. I already have her other two books I just have to read them! I cannot wait for Namesake to continue on with Fable's journey!

I don't know what it is about Adrienne Young's writing, but she draws me in every. single. time.

Ever since Sky in the Deep, I've been hooked to her particular storytelling. She weaves her tales in such a way that leaves me tearing through the pages, and Fable was no different.

Between the unique storyline and intriguing characters, I couldn't finish soon enough (or was it too soon?). Either way, I loved the heck out of this book, and I'm so glad there's a sequel.

Specifically I'm looking forward to Namesake, but I'll also take whatever Adrienne Young comes out with next.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

God I wish I didnt have to wait for the next book! I hate cliffhangers and this book had a great one. It's most definitely git got wondering what gonna happen next in the second book.

Can we talk about the cover for this book?! I mean it is so stunning! And it's so cool how the second book is the second half of Fabled face. That's so unique. I dont think I've ever seen that before. I absolutely loved this book! At first I wasn't so sure but i kept reading and i was severely hooked on this book. I've never read Adrienne Young before and I've been dying to read her books so I'm very glad i wasn't disappointed. I felt like this book had everything fantasy, love, action, heartbreak, and great set of characters. I really liked how active the plot was in the book and the author did amazing with the world building. I forgot how much I love books, movies and etc that take place out at Sea. I got to admit though some of the terminology confused at times because I've never really been on boats. Thank God for a dictionary lol. The characters were perfectly crafted. I was constantly loving each character and all of their motivations. I can't wait to get to know more about these characters in Namesake. Oh I'm so excited!!


Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for my e-arc to read and review.

3 stars (release date 9-1-2020)

You can read all of my reviews at NerdGirlLovesBooks.

This is a good, easy YA Fantasy book about a young girl's quest to reunite with her trader father and demand her rightful place beside him and his crew. This book has it all - ships, pirates, revenge, lost treasures, intrigue, secrets, and romance.

Seventeen year old Fable has only known a life at sea. Four years ago the ship she was on with her mother and father sank, killing her mother. The next day her father left her on an island filled with cutthroats and thieves. With no money and little food, Fable learned not to trust anyone and to support herself using her unique gift to "hear" precious gems. Her goal is to get off the island and return to her father and demand her just due. Her father is a ruthless trader that has built his successful business using cunning and brutality.

Fable convinces a young trader named West to help her off the island - for a price. She soon discovers that life in the trading business is more dangerous than ever, and her father's enemy list has grown. As she tries to earn West's crew's trust, it's apparent that everyone has secrets they'd prefer not to share. As they battle storms, and other crews, Fable's "simple" mission to find her father becomes more and more complicated.

I had high hopes for this book, but the most I can muster for it is "meh". I mean, it's well-written and it's a quick and easy read, but it didn't wow me, or even make me super eager to find out what happens next. The book moves slowly and much of the story encompasses Fable's inner journey to come to terms with her grief over her mother's loss, her anger at her father's betrayal, and the potential of her new life. The "romance" was awkwardly done and seemed to come out of nowhere. The book had promise, but just didn't seem to deliver for me. The abrupt ending was predictable and didn't build much tension.

A lot of others seemed to enjoy this book, which is great. I just don't think it was for me.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an honest review.

Race to the finish this eARC in time before publication tomorrow! I don't think I would have picked "Fable" up off the shelf at the bookstore, but I'm pleasantly surprised by it. Set on the high seas, we follow Fable as she try to get back to the sailor/pirate father that abandoned her years before on a cutthroat island where it's resident's do what ever it takes to survive. When Fable gets on the wrong side of another local , she gathers every last copper she's saved and flees the island with the help of the begrudging crew of the Marigold who's captain she'd come to rely on.

The world building in Fable is strong. I felt transported to the Narrows every time I opened the book. The scene setting kept me reading, not the characters or the ploy. I didn't make strong connection with Fable, or any of the characters for that matter. I don't understand her motivations or even others. Maybe worst of all, I thought West was a 40 year old man up until the "romance" between he and Fable became obvious.

My poor reading comprehension aside, I think lots of readers will enjoy "Fable" and hungrily await the sequel due to abrupt cliffhanger.

Hot damn this book was hard to put down.... BUTTTTT WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY such a cliffhanger!?!!! I have read every book Young has written and Fable surpasses them ALL! Right from the first chapter I was completely enthralled with the story and fell hard for the tenacious Fable! I cannot wait to read Namesake!!!!!!! (seriously need it like NOW!)

The world building was a little vague and the port cities were briefly described. I had a tough time figuring out their layout and deciphering one place from another. The author decided to focus more on the characters instead of the world that they live in- but there was not a lot of that going on either. I was left wanting to know more about the reclusive Saint and who he was based on who he is now that he has lost Isolde and left Fable behind. I wanted to know how all the crew of the Marigold met and details of their adventures. I wanted to know why birds flock to Auster, what Willa did exactly to get the scar, etc... instead of the brief overview of each one did little to sooth my curiosity. There definitively could have been more fluff and details, especially since this was a relatively short novel in under 375 pages. I am hoping that next installment has all the answers I need!

I did love how Fable was able to stand on her own and came up with tricks to stay alive that others had not thought of or would think of to plunder her treasures. I liked the idea of her being a gem sooth with them calling to her. Never heard of anything like this gift in other YA books and it is always refreshing to see new concepts in mew narratives. I was iffy on the romance and it was basically unnecessary. I did like that West was blonde and not described like other high sea bandits- Tall Dark and Dreamy- instead West is Fair-haired and Mysteriously dangerous.

Overall this was 4.5 star read and I have preordered a signed copy that I cannot wait for! I would recommend this book to anyone looking for high sea adventure and intrigue.
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for allowing me early access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All expressions and opinions are strictly my own.

Adrienne Young has captured me with Fable and I’m a happy prisoner.

First, let me give a big thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday books for providing me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. I am so happy I read this one!

Second, let’s do a little break down about the book and things to know.

One: It is a new series and this it just book one, Fable.
Two: Book two, Namesake, is not out until March 2012
Three: Thankfully it’s only two books and it’ll be wrapped up in under a year! (*cue happy dance*)

On to the book review! (As always, no spoilers)

“It was love that broke us all.” Fable, Adrienne Young

The plot for Fable is a true survival and underdog story. You fight when Fable fights, you scream with her and cheer for her. I was gasping at the trials and 100% invested in her adventure from beginning to end of the novel. The pacing was slow to start but by about 50 pages in you are rolling along and speeding down the reader highway. (#cantstopwontstop)

All of the characters are well developed and have their own stories that draw you in. As is my MO, I do love some good side characters and this novel is no different. I’m fully invested in them and I hope we get more background information in book two. Just because a good background story can go a long way. West and Willa are so supportive it makes my heart hurt cuz I’m sure Adrienne Young is going to rip my heart out.

Lastly, this is book one in a series and yes, it does end of a cliff. A rather large cliff, that you end up looking over but you can’t see anything and it’s foggy and dark outside. (Aka, we have a 6month wait until closure).

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys adventure. To anyone that roots for the underdog and loves heist type things. If you like a touch of fantasy and lots of action.
If you read it let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Happy Reading!
Ash~

I wasn't sure what to expect going into Fable. I haven't read either of Adrienne Young's previous novels, but I definitely will now, because I absolutely adored this engrossing high seas adventure. The story is captivating and the intrigue surrounding Fable's past pulled me right through the book. I loved getting to know each of the characters on the Marigold (though West is my favorite!) and I thought Fable was a nuanced and layered main character. I can't wait to read Namesake!

Highly recommened to any fans of YA fantasy or pirate stories! Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book in one day, I just couldn't put it down. I love the cutthroat world the author has created. There's a great set of characters, the plot is fast-paced, the bit of magic is interesting, and the cliffhanger kills me. I can't wait to read the second installment and see these characters grow even more and untangle some of the mysteries we were left with at the end of this book.

I am so in love with this story. I enjoyed how Fable has everything yet nothing and still pushes to get what she wants. She is a strong independent woman who can make it in the world regardless of her situation. I’m a sap for romance, but I really liked the fact that the story wasn’t revolving around falling in love. The writing was lovely, and I can’t wait to read the next book to resolve my book hangover I now have thanks to Fable.

So I will admit, this book didn't really grab or hold my attention. There wasn't anything wrong with it per se, I just think it wasn't meant for me. My only real complaint is that it felt very anti-climatic all the way until the cliffhanger, which is just enough of one to keep me interested in reading book 2.

Adrienne Young has grown to be a favorite of mine. I absolutely adored Sky in the Deep and I loved Fable just as much! It is so great that Namesake will be out soon because I cannot wait for the sequel in this duology- cliffhanger anyone? This novel had everything, a strong female lead, adventure, swoony romance and as a bonus the high seas. Fable was everything you can want in a heroine- strong, courageous, inventive and resilient. She is the kind of lady that women need to read about. I hope everyone reads this and feels the magic of how engrossing the world and the characters are. This book definitely kept me up late into the night!

Why is Adrienne Young so good at what she does? No, seriously, how? Every book I've read from her is near impossible to put down, no matter what is happening. I finished half of this book in one day and did not want it to end!

Hugest of thanks to Wednesday Books for the ARC!

From the start of this book it's clear this is a work of love from the author. The amount of research that must have gone into this is astounding! I'm going to have to do some research myself because I admit I didn't know many of the ship terms. And yet, despite not knowing what it means to "reef the sails," I was still able to follow along and appreciate the beauty of this ruthless and cutthroat world. There aren't many books set out at sea and I wish there were so many more. The imagery it presents in the ocean, all its risks, and life aboard a ship--it's atmospheric writing at some of its best.

The plot isn't quite what I expected. For a high seas adventure, it is a quiet sort of book. There's no swashbuckling sword fights, no walking the planks, and certainly no pirates. Instead, it is a tale of fighting to survive, to find a place to belong after being alone for so long, and living in a world where even the slightest amount of affection can be used against you. There is enough intrigue to keep the pages turning, even if those pages are filled with slow days at sea or trading with guild members. Many of these characters keep things close to their chests, different people knowing one thing about the others or ignoring acts as a method of protecting them.

And in the middle of all this quiet scheming and mystery is our redheaded dredger, Fable. Ooh, but I do so love a girl who won't back down from anything. Fable has been shaped into a hard young woman from her experiences, but still believes in the good of people she shouldn't. After the ship carrying her family sank, taking her mother with it, Fable's father abandoned her on an island of dredgers who won't hesitate to kill you if it means an extra coin for them. He left her with a horrific scar and the promise that if she can get off, he'll give her what she is owed. Fable is a resourceful individual, terribly clever and driven in her pursuits. I really liked how her story fit into this tale and wove into the other plot lines. It seemed to be very well done and strengthened her character arc.

The back jacket of my Advance Readers Copy highlighted this as a romantic tale, but I need you all to pump the brakes on that. Anything that does happen is in the last 50 pages. And I was thrilled. Sometimes, nothing ruins a story more than making sure the romance influences every decision of the main characters. It is absolutely a delicious slow burn, even though I hesitate to call it such, since both Fable and the love interest suppress so much. Fable never even told anyone who her father was because of the danger it could put them both in, and the same goes for her and her love interest. There isn't room for caring in this ruthless world, and what does happen ... I fear it's going to make the sequel hurt me.

Yet again, Adrienne Young has hit it out of the park with her third book. I am a firm fan of hers and can't wait to dive into Namesake soon!

Fable is a beautifully written sea romp adventure. Adrienne Young truly immerses the read in her world. Her descriptions are so visceral that you feel like you’re holding your own breath underwater. This story is page-turning and perfectly paced. A novel teens will surely devour.

I'm starting to think that maybe Young's books just aren't for me. I absolutely adored Sky in the Deep, but this is the second one in a row that just fell completely flat.

I kept trying and trying and trying to get into this book, one chapter at a time, but it never held my attention. The beginning was so slow, the world building minimal, the main character was boring to me. The tone of this book is one that I just never really like anymore, that sort of dark and gritty but not quite tone that people seem to love these days. So that's just a matter of personal preference, I don't really like those books in general. Which means I can see why so many others have just loved this one, and I think many, many more readers will. Another one that just wasn't for me.

Fable is the story of a young woman, trying to do what she needs to in order to survive in a cruel and vengeful world. Having read another book by Adrienne Young, I was very excited to get a copy of this new series starter from NetGalley.

I found Fable to be a fun and fast read, with great characters and interesting plot and subplots. Fable herself is essentially your standard anti-heroine, and her cast of supporting characters are interesting and relatable.

This book does end on a cliffhanger, so be aware if you don't enjoy waiting for answers lol

I love a good pirate story! I was so excited when I found out that Adrienne Young had started on a new fantasy series with historical overtones, as I was a giant fan of her Sky in the Deep duology. (You can read my review of Sky in the Deep here!) I'll be honest, I had very high hopes for Fable, and I was not disappointed. 

Let me start by saying that I have a giant girl crush on Fable! She was so strong and spunky, while still having a soft side. Her biggest goal in this book was to go back to her father (although it was partly to get what she thought she was owed, but partly because she just wanted him to love her! *love her soft little heart*). I loved that she was talented and smart and was able to hold her own on an island filled with thieves and murderers for four years. She is an icon, and I cannot wait to see how she continues to evolve in the second book. 

Fable and West are my favorite. So much tension, so much angst. I loved it. West was a great character. He was mysterious, but not so much that you were frustrated by the lack of info. It was doled out slowly enough to keep him intriguing, which I really enjoyed. I loved the banter that Fable had with the other crew members on the Marigold, especially Willa and Auster. It made me want to go on this journey with them. I love when the friendships are just as important as the romance. 

This fantasy reads almost more as historical fiction. I really enjoy this about Young's books. There is always just the slightest hint of fantastical elements to her stories. I am a huge fan of historical fiction, so this is incredibly interesting for me. 

The only thing that knocks this book down half a star for me is that I felt like sometimes Young over-explained things. If she had kept things simple, just telling us that Fable climbed the mast of the ship, rather than which direction and what rope she grabbed and with which hand and where she placed her foot...you get the idea. If these parts had been simplified it wouldn't have taken me out of the story as much trying to figure out exactly what she was talking about. There is something to say for allowing the reader a little bit of license to use their imagination. Apart from this though, I absolutely loved this story, these characters, and this world. 

I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book in this duology, Namesake - and luckily we only have to wait until March!! 




My Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

I gave Fable 4.5 STARS! Fantastic story, world-building, and characters.

I was pumped when I was invited to review this because I LOVE adrienne young! Fable does not disappoint and leaves you begging for more. The writing and story telling are superb. I am excited to read what Adrienne has next.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Fable by Adrienne Young
Book One of the Fable series
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Publication Date: September 1, 2020
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Copy provided by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

Filled with all of the action, emotion, and lyrical writing that brought readers to Sky in the Deep, New York Times bestselling author Adrienne Young returns with Fable, the first book in this new captivating duology.

Welcome to a world made dangerous by the sea and by those who wish to profit from it. Where a young girl must find her place and her family while trying to survive in a world built for men.

As the daughter of the most powerful trader in the Narrows, the sea is the only home seventeen-year-old Fable has ever known. It’s been four years since the night she watched her mother drown during an unforgiving storm. The next day her father abandoned her on a legendary island filled with thieves and little food. To survive she must keep to herself, learn to trust no one and rely on the unique skills her mother taught her. The only thing that keeps her going is the goal of getting off the island, finding her father and demanding her rightful place beside him and his crew. To do so Fable enlists the help of a young trader named West to get her off the island and across the Narrows to her father.

But her father’s rivalries and the dangers of his trading enterprise have only multiplied since she last saw him and Fable soon finds that West isn't who he seems. Together, they will have to survive more than the treacherous storms that haunt the Narrows if they're going to stay alive.

Fable takes you on a spectacular journey filled with romance, intrigue and adventure.

What I Liked:

It has certainly been a while since I reviewed a book. But there was no way I wasn't going to write a review for Fable. I've been reading - no, savoring - Fable for months. This book was exactly what I needed to pull me out of a deep reading slump. This novel is full of high risks, adventure, friendship, found family, and a swoony slow-burn romance.

Fable is the daughter of a powerful trader (Saint), who abandoned her on a dangerous island just hours after her mother drowned during a storm at sea. Surviving on this treacherous island hasn't been easy, but Fable has been honing her skills as a deep-sea dredger to collect precious stones and gems to trade for money, so she can get off the island. But circumstances can change at the turn of the tide, and Fable finds herself in a desperate situation to get off the island. With the reluctant help of a trader, West, Fable gets off the island, and she is determined to find her father and demand her rightful place on his ship.

I had a feeling that I would love this book before I picked it up because the summary is so intriguing, but I also had read other books by Adrienne Young and I was expecting another excellent story. Young absolutely delivered on this. This story gave me Pirates of the Caribbean vibes in the summary, and I definitely got that feeling as I was reading. The atmosphere is exciting, but also eerie/threatening/dangerous, in a sense. I love the undercurrent of danger that runs through the story, and ratchets up at the climax. One thing Young does so well is building that tension throughout the story.

From the first page, I really liked Fable. She is a heroine that is easy to like and relate to (even if you aren't in a situation like she is - most of us aren't!). She is such a strong young woman who has been put in an incredibly difficult do-or-die situation for most of her life. She is so resilient - but she isn't perfect. Her own mistakes lead her to scrambling off the island, which leads to more problems. Fable "enters" this story as a clever, tough, determined individual, but she becomes even more so as the story progresses. She opens her heart to the strangers of the Marigold, which could be a big mistake. In doing so, she finds a family that she has never had, even when her parents were in her life.

You won't just fall in love with Fable - you'll love West, and the rest of the Marigold crew. West is such a mysterious character with so many layers of backstory and tragedy. I am terribly fond of characters who aren't who they seem, and who don't trust anyone, and who have had to make awful decisions in the past. Both West and Fable are this type of character. The other members of the crew are mistrustful of Fable at first - especially Willa - and with good reason.

There is slow-burn, sweet romance in this book, and I love it so much. I shipped this couple from their initial interaction of the book, and I want them to get a happy ending so badly. There is also another romance between secondary characters which I loved.

The ending of this book is a pretty intense cliffhanger, so be prepared to be screaming for book two when you get to the last page. I personally hate cliffhangers and I appreciate the heads-up, so that I can binge-read the series when it is published, but I read this book so early (back in January) and had no idea about the cliffhanger. The good thing is, Namesake publishes in March!

Fable is one of those stories that lingers in my mind, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. I am so happy that the book has lived up to its predecessors and the hype, and I can't wait to read the conclusion to the series.

What I Did Not Like:

Like I said, I personally don't like cliffhangers. Even in a series, I love it when the author wraps up each book, but perhaps the "big picture" plot hasn't been quite wrapped up, or something like that. I understand the need to "hook" the reader, but cliffhangers are so mean (especially when a series gets cancelled or more books are never published, for whatever reason!). As far as cliffhangers go, this is a pretty intense one, so it's a great type of cliffhanger but readers are going to be upset that Namesake isn't available yet. Hang in there!

Would I Recommend It:

I absolutely would recommend this book - especially as someone who has been in a months-long reading slump. If you're looking for action/adventure with a slow-burn romance in the background, this is a great book to read. It has crossover appeal so I would say that adults, young adults, and maybe even upper middle grade readers could read and love this book.

Rating:

5 stars. I will read anything Adrienne Young writes. Fable has cemented that. I can't wait to read Namesake!