I really enjoyed this adventurous book! Namesake is the 2nd book (so read Fable first!) in a duology by Adrienne Young. The main character, Fable, is a gem sage, able to sense and feel varying vibrations from different gem stones. The advantages are that she makes a great dredger, able to find desirable hidden gems in the reefs and to discern fake gems from genuine. These same advantages put her at risk for those who wish to silence her or use her abilities for their own gain. After being rejected by her father to crew on one of his ships, Fable is welcomed back to crew on the Marigold. While making preparations in town, Fable is kidnapped and forced to crew on the enemy’s ship and the adventures continue. Author Young includes vivid details about sailing ships and the feeling of being immersed in the sea, feeling the currents, and dredging valuable gems to trade in this swashbuckling adventure!
Thank you to #NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review!

The sequel and finale of this duology was a lot of fun and I would def. recommend it!
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I really liked *Fable* - and *Namesake* was even better. The segue from book 1 to 2 was a bit bumpy for me but over time the novel found its groove and the suspense was great. And the resolution: chef's kiss.

Fable is an amazing character, strong, kick-ass. And her crew is one of the best found families that I’ve read recently.

Normally I prefer a deeper plot and a bit more worldbuilding than this but Young hooked me with her characters. They’re not all gloss but have edges and dark pasts, they can act selfishly and call each other out on it.
I love how Young can tell so much with little gestures and facial expressions.

⁠The next novels of Young are already on my TBR.

I enjoyed this book but didn’t think it had the same joy and wonder and worldbuilding of the first book which was disappointing.

I was so excited to see where Fable went on her journey. This book gave a really satisfying arc to Fable's journey and is a quick and fun read. Definit4ely a book you can read in one sitting.

We pick up right where Fable left off. I would recommend reading the back to back to get the full story and experience!

Fable is being held captive on the Luna. She separated from Will and the crew, her home on the Marigold. What exactly does Zola what with her? Being a gem sage and Saint's daughter puts a target on her back. Could he want her as leverage against Saint? Also, why is her father right hand, Clove sailing on the Luna?

Fable doesn't know it, but she will discover more about her family, their history, and the stakes of trading in the Narrows and Bastian. It fast moving, action packed, and full of schemes. Fable is daring, creative, and willing to fight for everything and everyone she loves.

If you want closure to Fable, then pick it up ASAP. The pacing will have you on the end of your seat. (I had to reread a few scenes to fully understand what was happening) There were a few instances that need more details and seem to jump from point A to F without any explanation. Overall, it was good. Not as good as Fable, but good!

Huge thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Fable was one of my favorite reads from last year so I was totally thrilled to get my hands on an advanced copy of Namesake. I absolutely love this world Adrienne Young has created. This duology is an exciting, action-packed, and fun-filled adventure set on the high seas. There’s ships, traders, rivalries, treasure, and all kinds of sea-faring exploits! Fable ended with a big cliffhanger and Namesake picks up immediately after these events.

Fable ended with the titular character stuck in a very precarious position. We pick up as Fable must figure out what to do next. I have to be honest and say that Namesake did not go in the direction I thought it would. I knew it would deal with Fable’s current status and eventual trip to meet Holland. I just didn’t expect the actual events that occurred. That being said, I really enjoyed the plot of Namesake. It felt a lot faster paced than Fable and went in directions I didn’t necessarily expect. Namesake is a fast-paced story that

I loved being back with the crew of The Marigold. I truly feel like I am a part of the crew . . . which is ok in fictional worlds because I am TERRIFIED of the ocean in real life. I will continue to live vicariously through the crew of The Marigold! One of my favorite parts of Namesake is that we get to know more about the past of some of the members of the crew. I liked discovering what led each of them to this crew. And of course, we get more of our favorite helmsman, West. I loved seeing him and Fable interact more in this book. I will say that some of West’s actions did make him a bit unlikeable at times. I see where he’s coming from, but sometimes I just wanted to slap him!

We meet several new characters this time around . . . Clove, Holland, the Roths . . . and get to know some old characters even more. I especially loved the development of Fable and Saint’s relationship. Their dynamic added so much to the story. Fable’s relationship with her father is the driving force behind the start of this series so it’s nice to see it explored more.

(Small, very unimportant spoiler) I also totally loved getting to know Koy more. I never expected I’d say that after the events of Fable, but dang I actually am glad he was a part of this story!

I do wish that Fable and Namesake were actually only one combined book. It felt like the two stories would have worked better as one continuous plot. Fable had more world-building and Namesake felt more fast paced. It works as a duology, I just think it would work better as one long standalone novel.

Overall, this was a fun read that brought me back into this stunning world that I can’t get enough of. It’s exciting and full of high stakes adventure. I loved how the story was wrapped up! Namesake has an absolutely beautiful conclusion to a beautiful story. I’ll miss exploring this world, but I am so glad to have read Fable’s story.

Also, I will never stop talking about how gorgeous the covers for these books are!! Seriously gorgeous! I can’t wait to see both books next to each other on my shelves!

FABLE IS SET TO BE RELEASED MARCH 16TH BY WEDNESDAY BOOKS.
MAKE SURE TO PREORDER YOUR COPY NOW!!

If you loved Fable, this book will NOT disappoint. Young dives deeper into more of Fable's parents and who Zola was to her mother. This duology is fast paced and is perfect for anyone who's ready for an adventure on the open sea.

<i>That I'd loved him with the same fire that I'd hated him.</i>

I feel like I keep coming back to this thought with <em>Fable</em> and subsequently, <em>Namesake</em>. And it's all centered around Saint. While I am disappointed and sorry to say that my number one issues with <em>Fable</em> are not resolved in <em>Namesake</em>, I have to admit that the father/daughter story resonated with me. There's a lot about Adrienne Young's writing that pulls you in like a tide, gripping you in its current and refuses to let go. I don't imagine this is a story that will leave me any time soon.

<i>We will always have something to lose.</i>

<em>Namesake </em>picks up in the precise moment that <em>Fable</em> leaves off, with our main character snatched away by Zola and his men. Her desperation to escape is only hardened by the perceived betrayal she feels at realizing the ship's Navigator is none other than her father's second-hand from her childhood, Clove.

Suddenly, Fable is left to believe that one of two men will come for her: her father or her lover.

This entire piece was fascinating to me. Simply parsing out the motivations for Saint and West was thoroughly engaging. I won't include any spoilers, but let's just say that I was right on both counts. Knowing the cores of these characters thus far, it's a very simple and short path to determine what their goals are. Though both were predictable to me, one was certainly more enticing than the other.

This is the moment, of course, that I admit I remain thoroughly upset that we do not get more time inside West's head. Yet, I still adore him to my very soul.

<i>Like I was holding my breath, afraid...</i>

I'm honestly no longer sure what I love <em>most</em> about West. But I find my heart jumping for joy every single time his character appears. He's such a harsh character, one who seems certain of the worst at every turn. I wouldn't say he's quite prepared for it. Rather, I find West merely always ready to take the punches and put up a good fight.

This character, quite simply, is driven by love.

He's consistent about it, too. It doesn't matter which love of his we're talking about, that love takes up his entire being and influences every one of his decisions. There's something truly gut-wrenching about it. As a result, I find myself thrown into a whirlpool of emotions every time he makes a decision. His own life is chaotic, every choice put before him a result of that storm.

What's most ironic about West is the fact that he remains shrouded in mystery, yet the more you get to know him you can clearly tell he wears his heart on his sleeve. I absolutely <em>love</em> this about him. My heart breaks and sores with him at every twist and turn. I breathe for him.

<i>...somehow I'd known deep down that he would come for me.</i>

I remain eternally frustrated by Saint's motivations. I understand them, of course, but they could have been so much better. What really struck me about <em>Namesake</em> and Saint's role in this story has less to do with Saint, himself, and more to do with his daughter. While reading the first book, my biggest frustration behind his characterization was the simple fact that nothing aside from his own ambition resulted as the excuse for his behavior toward Fable. I still think the book would have been better had there been.

That said, Saint is conniving. His decisions are calculated, all perfectly tailored to play the long game of increasing his power. You'll likely remember power was a very central theme in the first book. This theme remains in <em>Namesake</em>, but in a different way. Instead of the kind of power most picture in these cases, that of influence and money, <em>Namesake</em> calls attention to a different sort of power; emotional.

This theme is permeated in every thought and choice of this story. It's there in West but, more importantly, it's there in Fable.

Despite his unfailing abandonment of her, <em>Fable</em> cannot let go of her father. He deserts her, he uses her, and yet when his life is threatened, Fable is willing to give up everything to save it. And sure, there are minor moments in which love for her homeland seeps through, but the crux of this story is the power that love holds over us.

<i>...you and I have cursed ourselves...</i>

There's a natural path forward for stories like this one. I don't think any reader, really, will be surprised with how the conflict created by yet another with power resolves itself in this book. As you learn who these characters are, their decisions never really shock you. Yet, it's always a little shocking when you realize how strongly you're able to feel for the characters. There are pieces of us that create power struggles we will never truly overcome.

Love, more than anything else, will tie us down so long as it holds us in its grasp.

It's a wonderful curse, but a curse nonetheless. And I think it hits us in many different ways. Whether it is because of a familial connection, a romantic inclination, or a kinship based on shared experiences it gives and takes power at every turn. Young captured these elements more perfectly than I could ever have anticipated. We see it from Fable, to West, to Saint, and even to Koy; I can't say I ever imagined that last one cropping up, but bravo.

<i>You're Jevali.</i>

There's one final piece to this story that follows you through it. It's another that I caught onto early and ties directly into the book's title. You'll see the pieces fit together as you read, but the important piece to remember about this novel are those connections. They build over time and never quite release. Each moment, each <em>person</em> has an impact. And you'll be forever captured in that embrace.

Namesake </em>is an impressive novel. More than anything, I find my reverence for it tied to the expert connections built between a central theme and the novel's characters. The hold of these emotions is visceral in every which way. Quite frankly, I don't know how anyone could leave this series not having been captured by it. And perhaps I simply connect with these central ideas more than most. Perhaps the character emotion is so real for me because I've felt it myself.

Whatever it is, I'm caught forever within the swirls of this current.

<em>I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</em>

With Fable ending on an big cliffhanger, I was super excited to be able read this advance reader copy of Namesake.

I don't know where to begin this.... I really really really enjoyed this book. Fable first was caught up in a secret plan of one person and then an second person, and then she made her own secret plan. And let's say everything came together at the end. :D

I think I am little annoyed at West though, and I think he was a bit over-protected, and definitely didn't respect to his other crewmates. But i did like Koy, and thought his and Fable's relationship/plot line was really neat. enemies to friends :) I also loved that we got to learned about Fable's mom, Isolde.

I think as an whole this series reminded me as Pirates of Caribbean and Moana. Five Stars, and I will recommend this series to anyone who want adventure and high stakes at sea.

Namesake is the second and final installment of the Fable duology. And I found it to be a better novel than the first. Namesake takes off there Fable left off so Namesake can’t be read as a standalone.

After freeing the ship Marigold, Fable, West, and the rest of the crew are ready to start anew. But that plan is sidelined when Zola, an infamous pirate hijacks Fable and forces her to arrange a deal with Holland, a rich and powerful gem trader. As the story unfolds, we learn that not everyone is who you think they are. That deals and promises made can be broken.

A masterful pirate fantasy. The author, Adrienne Young has adeptly crafted a rich cast of characters. You can just visualize each character’s looks, expressions, and personalities. Young’s Plot execution is seamless. Transitions are smooth and flows nicely through each chapter. You won’t want the story to end.

Namesake is a stunning young adult fantasy that is sure to capture the hearts of those readers that enjoy action, adventure, romance and sea faring goodness. Five spectacular stars.

I received a digital ARC from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

This review will appear on my blog, Goodreads, and social media outlets on February 20, 2021. Reviews will post to retail sites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble on release/publication day.

"It was one long series of tragically beautiful knots that bound us together." -Namesake

I devoured and adored Adrienne Young's Sky in the Deep, but I was still worried that this duo wouldn't live up to the hype...But, again! I blew through these in a day each! Young has written another emotional adventure with a forbidden romance full of tension and heartbreak. Aside from romance though, she has a knack for writing "tragically beautiful" family dramas that mature the story from just another YA fantasy. It's a delightfully twisty YA fantasy tale! And what a great setting! Her world building is these books is a level above what she's previously written.

Namesake in particular picks up after a cliffhanger in Fable, and pulls through the reader through some serious tension for sooo long before giving away the twists! While I had some guesses about the plot twists in this one, I did NOT guess them entirely or correctly, so this was a fun roller coaster of a read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for a copy of Namesake in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for this free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Namesake is the conclusion in this Fable duology, and lets just it did not disappoint!

Fable and the crew of the Marigold are free from Saint, but are quickly swept up in a deal that could leave them far worse. Together they set sail to find the mother of all gems something so rare that none save one have seen it. Can Fable find the gem before its too late?

This picks up immediately after the events of the first novel. The Marigold and Fable are out from under Saint and are tying to figure out what to do next. After being approached by a powerful woman Fable and the crew of the Marigold are put between a rock and hard place forcing them to make hard decision and to take risks and discover what they are willing to do for the ones they love. This story is fast paced and just as exciting as the first and makes for a well rounded conclusion to this duology!

Usually going into the second book in a trilogy, I'm prepared to enjoy it much less than the first. However, with Namesake, it just made me love Fable even more!

Snatched from West and the rest of the Marigold crew, Fable finds herself caught in the middle of a scheme headed by one of her greatest enemies. Forced to dredge for him in order to gain enough gold to secure an alliance with Holland, notorious leader and gem trader in the Unnamed Sea, Fable finds herself surrounded by some faces she hoped she'd never see again, and some she thought were long since dead. She must trust her instincts in order to come out of this alive, and return to West and the crew that had started to become family.

It's really difficult to review this without spoiling anything. I'll just say, if you liked the first book, you'll love the second! I'm so thankful to St. Martin's Press and Wednesday Books for the chance to read this one pre-release! Fable continues to grow into a strong, independent young woman, who knows what she wants and trusts in her heart to lead her in the right direction. I'm excited to see where her journey takes her next!

This was a great continuation of the previous book. As usual for Adrienne Young, the writing is well done and beautiful and the character is a strong female and I really appreciate seeing that in books. The plot was well done and I enjoyed reading all the events that took place.

While I enjoyed it, I wouldn't say its a new favorite, though I'm not quite sure why.

Namesake is a decent sequel and does its job of wrapping up the loose ends, but that’s all it does. It pains me to admit I found this dull and underwhelming compared to Fable. A lot of the elements that made the predecessor so magical were missing and it really affected my enjoyment.

Namesake picks up almost immediately after the end of Fable. It’s very rare that we get a sequel released so soon after the first book, which was not only really appreciated by necessary in this case. Unfortunately, it took me quite a while to get back into the story and I failed to feel as engaged as early on as I did with Fable.

My biggest issue with Namesake was that it felt flat and tedious. Many of the aspects that made Fable sparkle were missing or subdued. This book is more focused on Fable and her personal growth/relationships, and so the crew of the Marigold are sadly absent for a majority of the time. Most of the story felt very contrived. While it did an excellent job of wrapping up loose ends introduced at the end of Fable, I couldn’t help but wonder if the story would have been better served by simply adding another 100 pages to the first and keeping it a standalone instead.

As a self-proclaimed Adrienne Young stan, nothing made me sadder than realizing Namesake simply does not stand up to Fable. The magic of the first book failed to translate into this sequel thus was underwhelming.

Admittedly, my expectations for Namesake were sky-high after being blown away by Fable, and while I think this was a good read unfortunately it fell short of everything I had hoped for. I think some key things that I loved so much about Fable, the camaraderie of the Marigold crew was a HUGE one and it was severely lacking in this one. I really missed that. I think I was also a bit disappointed with some of the unanswered questions still lingering by the end. What really drove Isode away from her home and made it something not worthy of mention to her daughter? The full who/what/why of gem sagery in general would have been nice to be explored as well. And ultimately the Fable West love story just fell flat to me in this one. They felt disconnected so much in Namesake and to me I really felt like maybe their story was just a retelling of Saint and Isode's in a lot of ways which gave it a bittersweet taste. I get it but I can't say I ended up thrilled about it. I think one thing that really helped Fable feel so magical was even in the face of danger and the unknown, there was still a sense of wonder and joy throughout, whether it was from finding your chosen family or the exquisite beauty of the sea and Fable's gift. The mood was so dour in Namesake, we only really got glimpses of that here and it took the wind out of my sails a bit.

That all being said, I did like how the end addressed the relationship between Fable and Saint. It felt fitting. I loved the visceral feelings of connection Fable had with Isode. You really felt her presence along with Fable at times and that brought back the wondrous feelings missed in other parts. I was glad to get some of Auster and Paj's backstory. All in all I enjoyed this story and I am happy to have read the conclusion, I wish I would have managed my expectations a bit going in though.

Namesake is the second book in a duology. The books should be read in order to fully enjoy the story. The writing is lyrical, the descriptions are lush and vivid. Fable wakes up disoriented on a strange ship, in enemy hands. The ensuing events completely change her perceptions, From her place in her father's life and heart to her trust in her friends, both old and new, all of her beliefs are challenged and upended. Along the way, Fable must find the strength to become her own person and choose the life that suits her best. Fable is exceptionally relatable and the way the challenges she faces reshape her view of herself and her world felt authentic. I would recommend this series to readers young and old.

After that cliffhanger from the first book FABLE, I couldn't wait to read the sequel. I savored the first book, but I devoured this one. And yes, it was even better (if that's possible) than the first book.

NAMESAKE begins right where FABLE leaves off - with Fable being kidnapped by Zola in search of a rare gem. As they sail into the Unnamed Sea, Fable's history and family secrets unfold and make me love the characters even more.

I swear I could smell the salt air as I was reading about Fable & West on the Marigold. The characters, the imagery, the mystery, and the romance - I was hooked from the first page all the way to the last. I wasn't sure how AY was going to reconcile Fable's complicated relationship with her father, Saint, but it couldn't have ended any better (except not to end at all).

eARC provided by Netgalley. Some spoilers ahead.

I'm SO happy that I read Fable immediately before this, because the plot twist at the end of Fable made me immediately dive into Namesake, which is a credit to the overall plot. Overall, I enjoyed Namesake even more than Fable, but I do feel like there were still some parts where the plot moved a bit too slowly and was clouded in extensive descriptions of boat mechanizations that weren't always relevant to the plot. The narrative was definitely far stronger in Namesake, but I still felt like the duology was essentially a book and a half stretched over two books with a slow start. I still really enjoyed the duology overall and plan to buy the books, though!

I received an arc of this book by the publisher, via netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are truthful and my own.
I first read Fable as a physical arc many months ago, so I was ecstatic to be offered an e-arc of Namesake, the conclusion to this duology by author Adrienne Young.
Having never read any of Ms. Young’s previous books, I was surprised with how quickly her writing style appealed to me. She’s able to tell her stories in a minimal and simplistic way, while still being able to engage and keep the readers interest. An impressive feat indeed!
With Fable, and now with Namesake, I was quickly pulled into the story. Since Fable ended on a cliffhanger, Namesake picks up right at that point. We’re introduced to new characters like Saint’s (Fable’s Father) former crew mate and best friend Clove, and Holland, the most powerful trader in the Unnamed Sea. We also get to finally understand what Zola wants from Fable and get a brief glimpse of the kind of man he is.
I enjoyed revisiting beloved characters like Saint, and the crew of the Marigold, of course. But what really surprised me, was seeing Koy again! He’s another Jevali dredger and Fable’s arch nemesis (sorta speak), from the first book, Fable.
Namesake was definitely more of an intense book than Fable was - filled with sabotage, betrayals, scheming and treasure hunting.
And let’s not forget about the romantic relationships aboard the Marigold, which adds an emotional depth to these well loved characters. But it was the relationship between Fable and Saint that gave me what I was looking for....the final piece of the puzzle that answers the obvious question of ”why?”, that satisfied my need for understanding.
All in all, Namesake is a beautifully written conclusion, to a story of characters I’ve come to love getting to know. I enjoyed this book so much that my hope is that the Author will revisit this World and one day take us all back to the Narrows for more adventures and mayhem!