The newest book from Adrienne Young is a beautiful adventure. While I thought the book could have ended quite a number of times to give us an exciting sequel, the true ending is an absolute jaw dropper and I will be scratching my eyes out for the sequel next year.
4.5/5 stars.

I would like to thank Wednesday Books for providing a digital galley thru Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fable by Adrienne Young welcomes readers to a cruel world full of dangerous sea adventures where a young girl strives to survive and find her father.

The story follows Fable who was abandoned by her successful trader father after losing the Lark and her mother. She worked as a dredger, people who finds precious stones and ore under the sea. To get off the island filled with criminals, she saved every copper she had from selling pyre. When she paid a young trader named West for a passage off the island, she realized that treacherous storms were not the only things she had to conquer to survive.

Describing how good this book was a little difficult for me because there were really good things that I like and there were also things I wish there were more. Plotwise, the story doesn't have much intense and heart stopping scenes. It did not revolve around being the chosen hero, magic, or saving the world. It was focused on the life and struggles of a young girl in a world of cruelty and rivalries in power. That being said, the plot was slow-paces. Despite all that, I just could not stop myself from turning another page. The writing was brilliant. The author did a great job telling a story that evoked fear and sympathy for the main character.

The world building and fantasy elements were very little. I was not even sure if this book was supposed to be fantasy since the only magic, if it were even really one, was Fable's affinity to gemstones. For the characters, the main character was the only one who was really fleshed out. Fable's greatest strength was her courage. I also like how she used her wits to survive. However, other characters felt a little bland. Maybe we could see more of their developments on the second book.

It was also worth to mention that there were some LGBT rep included. The slow-burn romance did not feel forced and it was also in the latter part of the book.

Overall, Fable is a gripping story. I cannot wait for the sequel, and I know a lot of unanswered questions would be given satisfying answers.

4/5 stars!

I loved Fable, both the book and the character. I'm so excited it's a duology and both books will be released closer together than most sequels usually are.

I wanted to like this so much, truly. A novel about pirates - basically - should be easier to like, but everything moves so slowly that it's difficult to engage with from the beginning. I had higher hopes - I loved Sky in the Deep - but this was a bit of a disappointment.

Fable takes a reader on such a great adventure it reminds me a of bit trying to prove oneself such as in the Daughter of the Pirate King mixed with crew as family of the Six of Crows. I will be impatiently waiting for the next book.

I was provided with an electronic ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Fable, by author Adrienne Young, is the beginning of a new series by the author. 4 years ago, after a storm wrecked her former ship called the Lark, killing all but three of the crew, Fable was left on Jeval by her father Saint to find her own way. The Island of Jeval is an infamous Island of thieves and cut throats who are forced to scrap hulls and dive the sea to find gems to exchange for food. Fable was trained by her own mother to be a dredger; a diver who searches for precious stones in the sea. She has a bit of a secret as well which I'm not spoiling. All she wants is to escape Jeval and find her father to prove that she's worthy.


Fable has learned valuable lessons along the way. Keep your knife where you can reach it. Never, ever owe anyone anything. Nothing is free. Always construct lies from a truth. And, never, under any circumstances reveal what or who matters to you. Over the past several years, there has been one constant in Fable's life. Captain West and the crew of the Marigold which include Hamish, Willa, Paj, and Auster. She could always count on West to pay a fair price for the gems that she's collected even with everyone watching her closely.


When Fable gets in a bit of trouble with a very dangerous man, she runs straight for West hoping that he will take her aboard as they travel to their next destination. What Fable ends up finding is more than just passage. With the help of a motley crew with trust issues and enemies galore, Fable gains a family willing to take murderous risks, all the while not sure of her own raw emotions. The only thing that keeps her going is the goal of finding her father and demanding her rightful place beside him and his crew. Young weaves secrets, darkness, haunting moments, romance, dangerous seas, and essentially glorified pirates all in one.


Be warned, the book ends on a cliff-hanger. But, since this is a duology, readers can, if they want, wait until both books have been released and therefore you can immediately find out what happens to Fable, West, Saint, and the rest of the Marigold crew. I think one of the most interesting questions is what is going to happen between Saint and Fable since she basically did exactly what he asked of her before all hell breaks loose in the end.

Wow! I loved this. FABLE has made its way on to my favorites-list for the year. It gripped me from page one. To be completely transparent it had me from the cover. I absolutely love Young’s writing style. It just flows so easily and makes the story that much more enjoyable. In Fable, just as in her other books, she has created such a bad-ass and strong female main character, as well some other amazing characters that just swept me away. My favorite aspect of this book was the scenery and descriptions of the sea. I love a book that has the sea as it’s setting and this one just takes the cake. And that ending! Really looking forward to book 2.

A huge thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Oh. My. Gosh. This was such a good book! Young just has such a way with world-building, you really feel like you’re there alongside the character experiencing what they are. There were times I could so vividly picture the scenes in this book.

This wasn’t super action-packed, but I loved the pacing of the book. The story flowed nicely and the world was so brutal, it was crazy to watch everything unfold.

I can’t wait to read the next book and I’m so glad it’s not a long wait!

Fable is the newest book from Adrienne Young, and I think she's getting better with each book. Although I loved her first two books, this one is even better.

Fable is a young woman who lives alone on a harsh island in the Narrows. Abandoned there by her father four years earlier, she eakes out an existence by diving for gems in coral reefs. She's fighting to get off the brutal island, and when she has a chance, she takes it, joining the crew of a young man named West. Fable wants to find her father, the most successful (and feared) trader in the Narrows, and demand her inheritance from him.

This book is so gripping and absorbing. I really felt like I was in the story. Young's writing evokes the island, the sea, life on a ship. The setting felt so real, and I was completely caught up in the story. Fable is a great character. She's really well drawn. She's equal parts tough, desperate, and smart, and her story is captivating.

It's great to see a writer getting better with each book, and I can't wait to read the sequel.

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.