Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins and Ava Reid for this ARC.

Fable for the End of the World will have you at the edge of your seat, just like the rest of the viewers watching the Inesa and Melinoë’s gauntlet day in and day out. Never in my wildest dreams could I have predicted anything that happened in this book. I absolutely loved it and all of the intense emotional moments it had. I found myself glued to the story, unable to pull away. You’ll love Fable for the End of the World if you love enemies to lovers, post apocalyptic settings, and unpredictable endings.

Another great book by Ava Reid. I found that as with all her other books I've read, she does and excellent job setting the scene and pulling the reader into the setting - her writing is very atmospheric. I'm very nostalgic for the dystopian YA era this books pulls from and I feel like it did so beautifully. It was referential and familiar without being a rip off. I find Ava Ried's books to generally be a cut above, yet they tend to somehow never give me exactly, exaaaactly the pay off I want. I'm always left wanting 5-10% more, idk how else to explain it. However, this book has many strengths it does deliver on and is well worth the read - recommend!!

3.75 stars rounded up to 4!

Warnings for: child abuse, mentions of past sexual abuse (very vague in text), wild animal death, capitalism/corporatism

Some spoilers ahead!

After sitting with my thoughts for a while, I feel like I finally have a handle on my feelings for Fable.

While there are some elements that really worked for me — such as the prose, messaging, some of the world building, and the characters on their own — I think overall the story needed more time to develop. The romance between main characters Inesa and Melinoë (both who I think should've been older than 17 based on their experiences and voices) feels rushed; while I know that trauma bonding contributes to their feelings, ten or so days didn't feel long enough to go from predator/prey to lovers. While reading, I fully expected that somehow the 13 day deadline would be pushed out to give them both time to develop feelings. Instead it felt a little bit like instalove to me, especially with their declarations of love towards the end of the book.

Because this was inspired by, and comp'd to, The Ancient Texts (Hunger Games), I had certain expectations going in with regards to the romance, world building, and the state of the characters' world at the end of the book — namely that somehow the entire corrupt system would be shattered by the end, or that at least cracks would have formed. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.

For me the climax was a bit of a let down. It felt rushed, over and done with in just a handful of pages, and it seemed like the author was leading to a bigger connection to Esopus Creek than what the connection ended up being. I'd accidentally seen a non-spoiler review of the book before reading that said the ending was "hopeful." I assumed that meant both characters managed to evade their persuers, and the story would end with them deciding what to do next. So after the Gauntlet was over, I kept waiting for that hopeful ending, running through all the possibilities of dramatic escapes and a system falling from the inside. The ending was a sad gut punch for me personally.

Despite all this, I felt compelled to keep reading, driven by a need to know what would happen next. I'm hoping the longer I sit with Fable, the more I'll be able to overlook my issues with it; I did genuinely enjoy reading it in the moment, and really enjoyed these characters! I would recommend this one to fans of the OG YA dystopian novels who don't mind ambiguous or non-HEA endings.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free digital ARC for my honest review!

Fable is part Hunger Games, part Running Man (the movie, haven't read the book), very small part Dollhouse (tv series), and is very much a sapphic tribute to/inspired by the YA dystopias of 10-15 years ago. It doesn't really do anything too groundbreaking, but it's fun to read the author's take on what a near-future dystopia would look like based on the world today. If you're not into the YA dystopian setting, this book is not going to change that, but if you have some fond nostalgia in your heart for that era of (mostly mediocre, let's be honest) YA history, there's a lot to enjoy and appreciate here.

This is a beautifully written book with wonderful reflections on society today, but perhaps it simply isn't the book for me - I might not be a dystopian girl and it's rather dark.

I haven't read any of Ava's other books, but many of my friends adored A Study in Drowning. Right before I started reading this, I read the summary. I have to say that I was wary of the Hunger Games influence. I've read books before that say they are influenced by other books but seem to copy them more than be influenced by them. I loved Ava's authors note explaining her inspiration for this book. And what I absolutely adored was that I could see the inspiration from the Hunger Games although this book and world were entirely its own. The gauntlet, the angels, the streaming, the water. Wow! What a perfect example of inspiration without copying.
The world was oddly scary to me, perhaps because of the real life overlaps I can see and commentary on a lot of issues going on today. Ava makes a wonderful commentary on the world that could be - land animals in a drowning world - as well as a lot of the bad things on the internet such as a woman's perception and how streaming can make us forget our humanity.
As for the characters, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about them. Their mother is horrific - but why? I feel like I'm supposed to feel the sibling bond, but I just don't. I am told of it, but I do not feel it. Inesa is honestly a bit hard to root for in my opinion - most of her survival was dependent on her brother. What the angels go through is absolutely horrible, but I'm not sure how I feel about a kind of robot love interest.

Ava is undeniably a wonderful writer, and I love how unique this world is. This novel is darker than anticipated, particularly due to it's commentary on today's world. While I had trouble connecting with the characters, I think there's a lot people can learn from this book!

Bleak and lovely, Fable for the End of the World surprised me in all of the best ways.

Dystopian has never been my preferred genre, but a book pitched as the sapphic Hunger Games meets The Last of Us had me intrigued. To top it off, Ava Reid is one of my favorite authors. Her prose is always excellent, her sense of setting immaculate, and her use of romance as a pivotal part of her storytelling is simply to die for. That said, I was still very skeptical going into this novel. Lady Macbeth and I didn't see eye to eye, and I've been steadily outgrowing YA as a whole for the better part of a year and a half now. I should have known that Reid wouldn't let me down though.

At its core, Fable is a story about hope. More specifically, it's a story about the way that hope has the ability to change and save us. Inesa and Melinoë couldn't come from more different worlds. One is human to a fault (though there really is no such thing as being at fault for being human), and the other has been modified until she's more machine than girl. Or so she thinks.

The unlikely alliance between these two, as well as their budding romance, was so tender. I love Big Time Yearners and despite the life-or-death circumstances that our Lamb and our Angel found themselves in, they still managed to want the other badly. Some of my favorite scenes between them were the ones that were, in Mel's words, terribly domestic. I think some people might call into question how insta-lovey the relationship between them was, but in the context of everything that happens in Fable, as well as who Mel and Inesa are at their cores, it makes sense to me.

Romance aside, this book had some really interesting things to say about society's consumption of suffering, capitalism, and what it means to survive. These are the parts of dystopian novels that I do like, even if they happen to hold a mirror up to our own reality. Reid doesn't pull any punches when it comes to describing this brutal--yet very familiar--world. Echoes of New Amsterdam are everywhere within the current political climate of America and that was a very harrowing realization. Of course, Fable is bellied by an undercurrent of hope: hope that Inesa and Mel will get their happy ending, hope that the world can be changed, hope that people have not completely forsaken one another.

It's that hope that makes it a truly beautiful gem of a book. I can't wait for it to make its way into the world soon.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a review in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Wow. I am honestly stunned by this book it was so good.

Fable for the End of the World captivated me within the first chapter, and it did a nice job of explaining the dystopian terms in the beginning. I enjoyed the plot, and just kept wanting to continue reading no matter what. I think the ending was a good point to leave off but one that still left you wanting more. There's not a whole lot to say in terms of things I didn't enjoy because there wasn't much, but I think the last chapter was a lot of skimming over everything that had happened since then, however it was really well written! Maybe just not something for me, and I'm not sure how others feel. Overall, this was great and I'm so glad I got to read it! Ava Reids work is truly romantically devastating.

Thank you netgalley and HarperCollins for the arc!

Wow wow wow. ARC Review- Thank you NetGalley & Harper Collins!
What an incredible standalone YA dystopian romance novel. I felt like I was back in my teens reading books like the Hunger Games again for the first time.


“It’s a privilege, really, to desire, to imagine, to believe”

This book is an ode to the hunger games world, with the author explaining in the prologue that she was heavily influenced by the hunger games throughout her life and when writing this story. The book does not really take elements or ideas from the book but reminds me of how I felt the first time I read the hunger games.

This story was gripping, fast paced, and very well written. I can’t wait for it to be released!

Ava Reid's writing carves out a space of its own in the legendary dystopian subgenre. Fable for the End of the world is an incredibly atmospheric commentary on society and the issues we face, particularly women, in a way that touches on the aspects of the genre we're familiar with while still maintaining its own fresh perspective. I absolutely enjoyed this and can't wait to see what's next!

Thank you to Ava Reid’s team for always sending me ARCs. Forever grateful.

This one was a hard one to rate. The influence of the hunger games was seen everywhere and I do wonder if some readers will think that it strayed too close to Suzanne Collins’ books.

This books follows Inesa, the sacrificial lamb, and Mel, the predator angel - in a world based on credits, climate change, and survival.

the beginning was a slow start for me, not because it was slow or bad, but because it was so painfully real. This dystopian world created is so close it hurts. The rain and the flooding felt like it was happening in real time around me.

Some thoughts:
I think what makes this a bit different from THG is that I could 100% see this happening, and in our near future. Towards the end of the book, Mel walks out exactly how the world got to where it was and I really just saw how we were living in this world. What’s crazy to me is Ava Reid wrote this before the hurricanes this year, before the election, but it’s somehow all in the pages of this book.

What I struggled with a bit was the believability of the romance. Could you really fall in love with someone with such big differences that you truly despise? Just because you understand that survival was the reason why? I see it, I do, but I struggle with it. It’s so unrealistic what brought them together it almost works because you know it’ll never work - kinda reminded me of songbird and snake romance wise.

Overall - WOW. I love being brought bake to my dystopian roots. I felt so many things including heartbreak. A sapphic hunger games? Sure I’ll read it again and again.

Woooooow Ava Reid. This was absolutely incredible, definitely my favourite of her books so far and probably the most 'marketable'. The dystopian society we're exploring here was explained to us perfectly, no obvious info-dumping but we got everything we needed.

The romance and the yearning here....I was dead. It's so painful and impossible and I loved every moment.

Ava Reid's A Fable At The End of The World is a good dystopian novel that is heavily influenced by the Hunger Games. I thought the dystopian elements were closely related to current events with the climate concerns, the excessive consumerism, and the disparity in wealth. This coupled with the talks of robot dogs and billionaire companies controlling the laws made it a lot less dystopian and more of a warning for future generations. The characters were not as developed as I would have expected but they were likeable and understandable as to their motivations. The world building could use a little more work as it was not as fully developed as I expected. The basics were described in little increments but the overall picture was missing something. The plot was interesting and kept me excited to read it. The romance element seemed a little rushed but it was a crucial part of the plot. I enjoy the story but wish it were more vast and fleshed out.
Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books, and HarperCollins publishing for the advanced copy. The opinions are my own.

A Fable for the End of the Worlds begins with an author letter where Ava Reid explains how the book is an ode and tribute to the young adult dystopian genre, especially Suzanne Collin’s The Hunger Games. I’m happy to say that this tribute was incredibly well done and something that respectfully and powerfully stands out amongst the genre.

I would say the number one thing a book in the dystopian genre has to do is critique society whether it be culturally or politically and Fable for the End of the World definitely does that. Ava Reid has a way of sprinkling in societal commentary throughout her fictional works that’s apparent but doesn’t scream in the readers face in all caps and this one was no different. I especially loved her insights about capitalism, perception of women, and violence in media.

As always the prose is beautiful and her characters as well. The story of Mel and Inesa individually is incredibly impactful. I found Mel’s history as an assassin and essentially a prop in the gauntlet to be especially poignant. Mel and Inessa’s romance together is the tragic heart of the story. Although I must say there is still hope in the end for them which is something I need when finishing a book in order to feel properly fulfilled.

This is definitely something that enjoyers of the Hungers Games should also read. Also anyone who enjoys prominent societal commentary in their fiction should also check this out. My one caveat for anyone wanting to read is this is young adult and reads as young adult so anyone who is expecting something that is labeled young adult but reads older this is not that book.

Also a special thank you to HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid is a captivating, beautifully written novel that blends lyrical prose with a deeply immersive world. Reid’s exploration of grief, survival, and the impact of storytelling is profound, and her characters feel incredibly real, each with their own complex emotional journey. The lush, atmospheric worldbuilding adds to the book's haunting and evocative nature, making it a must-read for fans of literary fantasy. A stunning, thought-provoking tale that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

*review will be posted on IG 1-week prior to release*

3.75

Fable for the End of the World is a fun, fresh take on the classic young adult dystopian vibes of the 2010s. It might not reach The Hunger Games level, but it kept me hooked and gave me that nostalgic feel I’d been craving.

Ava Reid’s talent for atmosphere shines through here, creating a world that’s easy to get lost in. That said, I did miss her usual lyrical writing style—it’s there in parts, but not as much as I hoped.

I did find myself questioning some of the character motivations at times. Their decisions didn’t always feel fully fleshed out, which occasionally pulled me out of the story as I tried to figure out any real purpose to them beyond furthering the plot.

Despite those flaws, this book filled a gap I’ve been missing for a while and explored its themes in a really interesting way. If you go into it expecting a unique world rather than a completely groundbreaking story, I think you’ll really enjoy it.

This is one of the more enjoyable plots of Ava Reid’s recent novels. Is it basically just a sapphic Hunger Games? Yeah. But done differently enough that it feels fresh. One thing she does exceptionally well is create very vivid worlds. Something she has an opportunity to work on is the way her relationships develop. All of her books that I have read so far have the same plot where the couple meets, have maybe 2 conversations before suddenly they’re all they can think of and they’re madly in love. I need a little more development in these characters relationships with one another. Other than that, this was very entertaining! Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collin’s for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. My Goodreads review has already been published!

Fable for the End of the World is a YA sapphic dystopian romance novel that explores many important themes ranging from climate change to feminism.

Ava Reid did an amazing job with the world building and while reading I felt like I was physically in the world. I felt that the plot was very interesting and had me intrigued throughout the book. However, the romance felt rushed towards the end which is a shame because I really did like their dynamic!

I loved this book and can’t wait to read more from this author and have the physical book on my shelf!

This book is both a love letter to all of the YA dystopia that came before and something new with a statement to make all on its own.

Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid is a hauntingly lyrical tale that intertwines myth, magic, and humanity’s resilience in the face of destruction. Reid’s masterful prose and richly imagined world create an unforgettable story that feels both timeless and urgent. Perfect for readers who crave dark, thought-provoking fantasy with a touch of hope.

A Sapphic Romance, dystopian, hunger games inspired standalone written by Ava Reid?! SIGN ME UP!

Seriously, this book NEEDS to be on everyone's TBR.

Ava spins a world so vividly and weaves her commentary into her work so brilliantly, I couldn't put this book down.

This enemies to lovers dystopian love story is something I will be thinking about for a very long time.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins Children's for sending me this eARC for review.