An utterly beautiful and unputdownable adventure from start to finish!

This book was the perfect escape from all of the horrible events currently happening in the world. It was like a fantasy come to life right before my eyes on the pages as I was read. I found myself utterly enchanted and plopped right into an adventure! I found myself amongst pirates traveling upon ships across vast unchartered seas, and exploring different islands.

This was a wonderfully woven story filled with excitement and danger, and there was certainly never a dull moment. This story was about survival, love, friendship, exploration, adventure, love, and trust. So many wonderful things packed into one amazing tale. Talk about epic!

And the best part? The main character, Fable! She’s a strong, fierce, kick ass female lead that will have you rooting and cheering her on throughout the entirety of the story. Her fiery heart and determined spirit is definitely something to be admired, and I immediately wanted to befriend her as soon as being introduced to her in the story.

The story starts off with an introduction to Fable and her current situation. We are given a glimpse into the world in which she is living and trying to survive, and the way in which the author brings this world to life is incredible. The world is mysterious, and I found myself eager to explore more of it with each flip of the page and unlock all of its secrets.

We are also introduced to Fable’s friend West, and other characters, the more the story moves along. All of the characters are each fascinating and unique in their own right, and it was interesting learning about each and every one of them.

There is a romance in the story, but it doesn’t take away from the action or plot of the story. It is not extremely heavy on the romance, so if you are looking for more adventure and less romance, then this is the perfect read for you.

There was just so much to love about this book! I loved journeying with Fable during each and every heart stopping moment of this book. This story is filled with action, humor, mystery, secrets, and so much more.

I highly recommend this book to any and all readers in need of an adventurous read and an escape from the world for a while. Look no further because this is the perfect book for you!

I have always wanted to travel the High Seas, to live life as a pirate and explore more of the island worlds; and in this story I got to live out my dream. This is a wonderful tale of survival, friendship, love, trust and adventure. The characters are memorable and Fable is a strong female lead that will leave the reader cheering her one at every turn.

The opening of the story introduces the reader to Fable, her current situation, the world in which she is living and surviving in, and it all comes to life in beautiful detail and breathtaking scenes. I immediately found myself attached to Fable and wanting not only to be her friend but to help her along the way. West and other characters that she meets along the way are interesting and unique. I love learning about the secrets in this mysterious world; secrets after all, keep you safe. There is a tiny bit of romance in this story (and I am sure more in book two) but this story really is about Fable and her coming of age on the high seas. Fable learning life ad people are not always what they seem. The author takes the time to really develop these characters and this world to the point where I was lost inside the pages. I couldn’t get enough of any aspect.

There is action, mystery, secrets, humor, heart stopping moments and so much more. Get ready for the ride of your life and grab this story now! This is book one in a duet so be aware that you will become addicted and need the next book soon, LOL. I highly recommend this story to all readers looking for the ultimate adventure. I was blessed to receive an ARC via NetGalley, Wednesday Books and St. Martin’s Press and this is my honest review. This is an instant one click author and a “don’t want to miss” story!

***** (I have also pre-ordered the hardback for my collection)*****

I will be positing this review on release day (September 1st, 2020), on the following sites as well as recommending this story in many Facebook groups. My posts will consist of my review and/or option of the book, the links to buy and any graphics I can find to share:
Amazon, Bookbub, Goodreads, Kobo, BN, Google books and any other retailer website it is available on.
My blog/bookstagram page: https://www.instagram.com/elysian_fields_reader/
My twitter book focused page: https://mobile.twitter.com/ElysianFieldsRe
My personal Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/elysian.fields.520
In Facebook groups that are YA focused or with readers who enjoy YA stories.
I have already posted on the sites that have allowed early posting: Goodreads, Bookbub, BN, and Google Books

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This book follows the titular character, Fable, who is the secret daughter of a prominent trader stranded on an island of thieves, and her adventures when she joins/crashes a young group of traders.

I was completely wrapped up in this world! This setting of pirate-like, seafaring traders and deep diving dredgers was masterfully done, as I felt the slight danger creeping in around the edges and the uncertainty formed by such intense secrecy. The suspense and furtiveness of the characters permeated the story and helped to create a convincing atmosphere.

While I enjoyed the characters, I was less convinced of the different relationships between them. However, I would read the next book to learn more about them.

An exciting novel that really drew me in because I am a sucker for an adventure on the high seas. And the world building did not disappoint! I am hoping for greater character development in the next book.

Well, I'm bummed. I love the other books I've read by this author. Sky in the Deep is still one of my favorite books, the character relationships. While there is a romance the book, for me, was more about family relationships, and understanding that the two tribes weren't all that different. The characters were my favorite part, even though I loved the Viking setting of it. And that's why I'm sad. I didn't care about these characters. I didn't care what their motives were, I didn't care what their pasts were, I just didn't care. None of them were really all that interesting to me, and I didn't feel much of a connection to any of them at all.

The setting was, fine, but not as interesting as it could have been. But the romance is where I just couldn't get on board. They had absolutely no chemistry. I don't even know how old he's supposed to be.

This book just lacked something to keep me invested in much of the plot and most of the characters.

A gritty adventure story story about the family you are born to and the family that you make, Fable kept me entertained and anxious to see what would happen. I wanted more information on the connection Fable has with the gemstones because I found it to be interesting.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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.

She had no choice, she needed to become a survivor in a dangerous world where the sea and the profits to be made were part of the moral compass of the times. Fable survived a violent storm at sea, the death of her mother and the abandonment of her powerful father and now she is powerful in her own right, strong, self-reliant and determined to confront her father, once again.

FABLE by Adrienne Young is a powerful tale of a girl’s coming of age, her strength and her determination to confront the man who left her behind. Did he do it to keep her safe? To create a strong and independent person? To learn who she can trust? Was there more than Fable could imagine?

Strong characters, adventure, and an atmosphere that is rich in details. Feel the seas roll, sense the smell of the shore, the darkness of the times and the emotions of a young woman on the hunt, willing to risk everything for answers and to prove her own worth. Little did Fable know what she would discover, or what treachery would befall her.

Absolutely engrossing reading. I was transported to another time, another place and a world I could never have survived in myself! Excellent reading with an edginess that is razor taut!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Wednesday Books! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Thanks to NetGalley for my uncorrected ARC

Adrienne Young takes us on this adventurous ride over the seas where the world is very dangerous, truths are to be kept to yourself , trust is a risky thing that might have your life at stakes. The story follows Fable the MC who is abandoned as a young girl from her ship which is her home and her entire life. She sets off journey to escape the island and face the one person who she knew has all the answers to her questions.

Let me tell you that I went in thinking that it’s a fantasy(totally on me), so it took me by surprise that it’s YA fiction that has an interesting concept overall. I guess the title Fable might be the why I mistook the entire thing not that it matters but I was expecting magical elements to pop up. There are mention of sea demons here and there which further confused me and I still have questions which I am hopeful will be answered in the next part

Coming to the actual plot line, it’s unmistakably a very captivating premise but it does have some flaws in my opinion, somethings as you read doesn’t make sense or very vaguely justified. It’s hard to explain without giving away spoilers but like I said I am hopeful that we will find more about that in the next book

The write is something I really enjoyed, I even felt bad that I wasn’t well aware of Navel terminology and how navel traces operated in general. The story flows effortlessly without any hitches and I had no idea what was going to happen until the very end, the author did a great job in maintaining a steady tempo that makes you anxious waiting for the story to unfold

Now coming to the characters I wasn’t blown away by the MC’s in all honesty, the Ship- Marigold’s crew has decent characters but none of them memorable. However I was very intrigued by Saint’s character, I feel like there is a lot more to him than what we saw in this book and I wanted to know more of his story.

The story is fast paced, adventurous and is totally a binge read kind of plot with slow burn romance. Overall it’s an enjoyable read and I will surely continue the duology

3.75 stars

Adrienne Young has done it again! Fable is an amazing read. Pirates, adventures and family drama, what more could you want? Oh, and did I mention major cliffhanger? I cannot wait to get my hands on Namesake.

Can we all take a moment to applaud Adrienne Young’s ability to write books that connect with you on a deeper level? She did it with Sky in the Deep, and now she has done it again with Fable. Young’s characters feel real. Their struggles become your struggles; their pain is your pain. When I read Sky and the Deep, Eelyn’s love for her brother and her pain at losing him resonated with me. In Fable, Fable’s complicated relationship with her dad tugged on my heartstrings. I don’t know how Young manages to write books that resonate with me so deeply, but she does. It must be magic.

One of my favorite things about Fable is how atmospheric it is. The details in Fable are incredible. You truly feel as if you’re diving in the ocean with Fable, seeing all of the beautiful, vast depths of the sea. You’ll feel as if you’re on a ship sailing out on the sea, wind in her hair, salt in the air, long after you close the book.

I could go on and on about the setting and the characters (don’t tempt me), but instead, I encourage you to pick this book up yourself and read it. Fable is a story full of adventure, grit, bravery, healing, and found family. It’s about survival. If you’re a fan of pirates, tough heroines, and the found family trope, then you’ll love this book.

This book was a book that I didn't realize I needed. I absolutely loved the characters, the storyline, even the cliffhanger....and I hate cliffhangers. I stayed up way past my bedtime to devour the last half of the book.

Fable is left on Jeval, by her father, as young girl. She has to learn to survive on her own and vows to get off the island to go find her father to get what is rightly hers. In the process, she ends up on Marigold, and the crew seems to be carrying their own secrets.

This book is action packed and full of characters you will fall in love with.

Wow. This book was absolutely incredible. The world was well developed and intense with a touch of magic. Fable is such an excellent character who relied on her wit and brain to survive. West - swoon. The crew stole my heart and did not let go. I was hooked from the opening line and had a hard time not reading until the wee hours of the morning every night. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Full review coming on my blog closer to pub date.

When I saw that Netgalley had Fable available to read for seventy-two hours I immediately snatched it up! I had heard good things about it and the cover is stunning! So I was dying to read it! I am super happy to report that I absolutely LOVED Fable !

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

Fable is an action-packed, fun-filled, exciting adventure set on the high seas! There’s traders, rivalry, treasure, and seafaring exploits! Fable follows the titular character four years after she was abandoned on an island by her successful trader father. This island is not paradise . . . Fable is left on a dangerous island full of men who will attack and steal from her whenever the chance arrives. Fable spends four years fighting against the odds and using her resourcefulness to survive. After working hard as a dredger (basically someone who dives for gems and treasure) she finally saves up enough coin to pay for passage off the island. But of course, nothing is ever easy for Fable and she must run for her life. To escape the island, Fable joins up with the crew of the Marigold. West, Willa, Hamish, Paj, and Auster are less than welcoming and there’s definitely more going on than meets the eye.

Fable is one of my new favorite characters. She is so strong, resourceful, and independent. No matter what life throws her way, Fable always gets back up. She is a fighter. I love how courageous and strong she is. This story is all about Fable finding herself and I loved being a part of her journey.

I also loved the entire crew of the Marigold. They are not the nicest to Fable when she arrives, but I totally understand it. Every single one of them (including Fable) is guarding and hiding something. They all have a reason to keep their secrets close. I love how the relationships develop. The dynamic between each of them is so well done. The crew of the Marigold is already family, but I love seeing Fable become a part of this. They are such a great found family for her! The romance is a little insta-lovey and totally obvious from the beginning, but it didn’t bother me. I actually loved it!! I can’t wait for the relationship to be explored more in the next book.

The world, setting, and adventures at sea were also amazing. It was all so immersive. I loved visiting the different port cities and exploring different parts of the sea. Even just the day to day life on the ship was exciting. One of my favorite parts is the scenes where Fable is diving. The imagery and scenery is beautiful and the way Fable senses the gemstones is so cool! And *that* scene where she dives in Tempest Snare is the best!

Fable ends with a giant cliffhanger that has me dying for more! I did see part of the cliffhanger coming, but there was more than I expected and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

Fable will be released September 1st, 2020 by Wednesday Books!

Fable took me under and I'm still trying to break the surface to catch my breath.

Fable is a fantastic lead character. She's smart, head strong, determined, fierce, and tough, but at the end of the day she just wants a place to belong which is very easy to relate to. She was an absolute force that drove this story and I loved being inside her head!

West. I can't even think his name without wanting to sigh in a big, dumb, dreamy way like I'm a Disney princess or something. West is steadfast, challenging, stubborn, conflicted (oh, sweet confliction!) and deliciously frustrating. He keeps Fable at arm's length for a reason and when that reveal hits, it just blows the story wide open and changes their dynamic moving forward. My need for chapters in his POV makes me want to ugly cry!

Fable and West are amazing on their own, but together?! Holy potatoes! That heart-racing, pulse-pounding, palm sweating, emotional give and take that tip toes the line of indifference and simmers with just the right amount of heat and angst that I truly live for when reading. Their first significant moment happened in such a way that I was delirious with how right it felt. I literally got goosebumps while reading it. Heck! I'm getting goosebumps right now just writing about it. There is a line in there from West that foreshadows this big moment and after reading that one line I remember thinking, "Oh! He needs to do it this way!" and he FREAKING! DOES! Nobody touch me! I'm dizzy with anticipation for what comes next!

Just like West who runs a tight ship, as does Adrienne herself with stellar character development, story telling, and pacing. The story unfolded seamlessly and vividly. I was never lost. The characters - big or small, main or secondary, good or bad - were fleshed out with purpose and no one was there for the sake of being one-dimensional to fill in the gaps. It was never bogged down with too much of one thing - the balance was perfect. I couldn't read fast enough, but tried to savor every lyrical word all the same.

The sequel titled Namesake will be out 5 days before my birthday on March 16, 2021. It could not be a better early birthday present at this point. Have you ever read a book and instantly thought "this was meant for me"? It happens very few and far between. Sure, you enjoyed it, but did you live it? Did you feel it? That is Fable for me.

I can not wait for this book to be out in the world. If you read anything this year, make it this one and be prepared for a new obsession!

A wonderful tale of intrigue, mystery, feats of derring-do, friendship, and just the barest touch of romance. I could not have loved this book more.

Fable is left at a young age by her father to fend for herself on a rough patch of land surrounded by seas and inhabited by the roughest of men, and women. His ship had perished in a storm, her mother along with it, and he leaves her there 'for her own good'. She manages to survive, if not exactly thrive, with one goal; to save enough money from diving for gems to pay for passage back to the shores where her father lives.

Along the way she encounters friends, foes, learns she inherited an 'ability' from her mother, and adventures galore. But it all comes at a final cost, as this novel ends on a wild cliffhanger meant to entice you to read the next novel in the series.

It worked. I am waiting on tenterhooks for the next installment, and you will too!

ALL THE STARS

You know that feeling you get when you see a cover or read the synopsis of a book and you just know you are going to love it. It has been so long since I have experienced that feeling, but Fable did just that. I knew the moment I saw that cover, I was going to love this book so much. And guess what, I did love it. 10/10 would recommend.

Speaking of cover, HOLY HECK it is beautiful! I just can’t stop staring at it. I can already tell, I am going to need several copies of this book. If anyone gets any news of special editions of this book, let me know. I need them all.

Fable has absolutely been one of the best books of 2020 for me. One of the things I love most about Adrienne Young’s books is that she is so good at telling a story. From start to finish, I am instantly invested in the storyline and characters and Fable was no different. I found myself caring for Fable and West instantly, but also the rest of the Marigold crew. Each crew member was interesting and I loved getting little snippets of their backstories. I look forward to learning more in Namesake.

If I had an actual issue with this book, its that I wish it was longer. I suddenly found myself 75% into the book and I was sad it was almost over. I had to stop reading a few times after that to get myself ready for the end. Because I don’t have Namesake to read after this. (hint hint) And with the way Fable ended, I need it asap! So fingers crossed the publishing gods love me because this wait will surely kill me.

Do yourselves a favor and read this book! Adrienne Young has created a magical book and I need everyone to feel what I feel.

Thank you, publishers, for an e-arc!

I was recently given the opportunity to read and review Fable by NetGalley and publisher, St. Martin’s Press – Wednesday Books. It was one of those books that I could not help but speed right through!

The setting and world building of this book is unique. Throughout the entire book, Fable is either in the sea, on a ship, or in a potentially dangerous small town. The author does a nice job in creating the imagery of diving into the ocean and it made me long to be at the beach. There is something so mystifying and thrilling to live your life and survive by diving into the great blue. It was clear that the ocean was not only Fable’s occupation (diving for items to trade), but a place that she is extremely comfortable in visiting and diving deep into.

Fable is a well-developed and three-dimensional character. Her emotions range from sad and lonely to fierce and angry. She shows cleverness, and yet can show some naivety at the same time. We learn how she came to be, what her mission is, and what happens when things don’t go according to her plan. Resourcefulness, bravery, and standing up for what she wants are other great characteristics that make Fable a very likable character. At the same time, some of the secondary characters did fall a little flat and at times it was hard to distinguish one versus the other.

The plot kept me entranced throughout most of the book. Though there were times when I questioned where the suspense was, which slowed down the plot, but there were also moments where I couldn’t put the book down. I did appreciate the seamless flow of Fable remembering her traumatizing past and floating back to the present. It’s something the author did very well and created a more enjoyable read.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Fable, despite some of its slower plot points and some underdeveloped secondary characters, and I look forward to continuing Fable’s story in the book’s sequel! I would highly recommend this read to those who enjoy young adult books that features a young woman, who lives at and around the sea, and is trying to obtain what she deserves.

First of all, thank you to the publishers for the early digital copy.
I requested this galley because I figured I would like it, but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I read it in two days but could've easily had it done it one. It's a fun read. The action doesn't seem to stop, and it's not the same kind of action scenes over and over again. The characters, especially Fable, really fit with the plot. Right away I was invested in Fable. She's a strong young woman, but still fallible and a little naïve at times. I love side characters. The author wrote compelling minor characters that I also cared about. They were built up with subtle back story and actions that allowed for their mysteriousness to be a prominent fixture as the story went along. There's also a strong plot. That's usually the most important part of a novel, but with how the author wrote the other elements I think I would've enjoyed any plot she came up with. I will be anxiously awaiting the sequel. I also recommend this book to everyone, especially to those who like an action packed adventure.

3.5 stars

Fable tells the story of Fable, a girl who has been abandoned by her father on an island of thieves and we follow her journey in getting off the island and hunting down her father by joining the crew of the Marigold with a mysterious trader.

What I liked:
-I really enjoyed the setting of this book, i always love books set around the sea/on ships and it really came across like the author knew what she was talking about. The descriptions of a thunderstorm felt so real and atmospheric (that is a very specific example!)
-I liked watching Fable grow as a character and discover her own agency. I also liked watching her grow to be part of the crew and feel like she belonged.
-the plot was interesting and I couldn't see which direction it was going, which kept me engaged and intriugued.

What I didn't like:
-THE COMPLETELY UNECCESSARY ROMANCE, i usually don't mind romance in books but this one seriously came out of nowhere with no buildup and it felt like it was there because the main characters in a YA book just HAVE to be together. I was honestly more invested in the relationship between two of the side characters. And the male love interest after one kiss randomly pronounced he had loved her from the beginning??? WHYYYY
-at least give me some buildup/chemistry
-I struggled to connect to the characters and I think this was my main issue (aside from the romance) they just felt like very generic characters and didn't have a lot of personality, the side characters didn't feel very fleshed out - they honestly felt interchangable (especially the crew of the marigold).

In conclusion if you like books set around the sea with a typical YA feisty heroine you will probably love this book!!

Oh my god. This book, y’all. THIS BOOK. It’s almost midnight and I’ve been sitting here all night reading because I just couldn’t stop. I loved everything about Fable. The plot, characters (West ♥️), villains, everything. Plus, who can resist pirates? After that cliff hanger ending, I need Namesake now!!

**Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader's copy of Fable by Adrienne Young through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this opportunity!

Fable by Adrienne Young is the first of two books in the Namesake duology. It is a young adult fantasy novel set in a seafaring world, and tells the story of a teenage girl named Fable who is just trying to survive and get by. Fable is set to be published on September 1st, 2020. I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads.


Here's the 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.

Kari was the one who alerted me to the existence of this book. Adrienne Young is one of her autobuy authors after all. However, I read the summary and found myself intrigued. I knew I was going to have to pick up this book for myself to read and that's why I requested it. I was super excited when I got approved for the title.

Fable had a really interesting concept. I liked the premise of a girl left behind in dangerous territory and being forced to fend for herself and having to fight for what she's owed. Fable really stood out as a main character. I really admired her and what she achieved over the course of the novel. I was also really intrigued by her history and her abilities. I really wanted her to succeed and I very much sympathized with her as a character.

Outside of Fable, I felt that most of the cast of side characters were well developed. You learn a lot about her father and how he is a flawed person but also not someone completely without emotions. He's an interesting figure and I'm curious about how he'll play into the sequel. You also learn a lot about West, who is definitely a fascinating character. He has a lot of depth, only some of which has been explored, and I feel like a lot of people will be calling him their book boyfriend.

The setting in this book was amazing. You could really picture the various areas that the book took place. There were areas of the city that when described made me crinkle my nose. Then later when they encountered a dangerous patch of the sea, I was nervous for the characters and their ability to safely traverse it. Adrienne Young did a really good job at world building, but based on what I've read before, I think world building is a particular strength of hers.

There was a romance in this book, and while I won't spoil it too much. I loved how it complemented the story. It didn't take over or derail the plot; it accentuated it. I also loved how slow burn it was. There was really good development of it over the course of the novel.

The weird thing about Fable was how it seemed like not much happened in the book, but a lot did happen. It swept you along like a current, and through each event at a good pace. By the end, I had to take some time to process that there were moments of action and excitement. I know this kind of sounds like a bad thing, but honestly I really enjoyed how this book was written.
In the end, it ended with a cliffhanger and so now I desperately need the second one.

For all these reasons and more, I highly suggest that you pick up Fable, when it comes out on September 1st.