A young adult adventure tale of trust, friendship, teamwork, and love, Fable will pull you along in its wake. Living life at sea with a longing to belong, Fable is on a course for disaster that she keeps at bay. It took me a bit to get into the storyline but once I did I was glad I persevered. Just when things seemed to be falling into place, Fable is met with another hurdle, one that we won’t know the solution to until a sequel, which I do hope is coming.

Be prepared heartache and determination; loss and betrayal.
I feel in love with this author after reading "The GirlThe Sea Gave Back" so I was excited to read another story set on the high seas. This is a world of cutthroats, though - a world full of thieves and liars who would like nothing more than to exploit your greatest weakness -love. Your love for your family, your love for your friends, even a significant other. It's all knowledge used to barter with your enemies. That's why Fable knows that she can't ever trust anyone with her secrets, can't ever get closer. When her father abandoned her, it has been her mission to find a way to return to him. She just needs the trader, West's help to get off the cursed island to make it happen. But not all is as it seems. Some secrets lie on the surface whole others are buried deep.
As Fable and the crew of the Marigold make their way across the Narrows secrets come to light that will change things forever for the crew and Fable. Things will never be the same in Fable's eyes again. And as the story ends we are left wondering what is in store for her next.
It's a wonderfully told story about the strength of one girl - her grit and determination in the midst of her survival. The complexity of how she chooses to see the world is interesting because she chooses to let her mother 'guide' her and not be the cold, hard person her father is. I really enjoyed the many aspects of not only Fable's character but the other crew's characters. I really am looking forward to where this story is going. I finished it in a couple hours, I was just so invested in the story. I couldn't believe it was over. Hope the next one comes out soon.

** I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. **

Fable is the story of a girl who is trying to find her place in life. After being forced to leave the island she was abandoned on, she ends up on a journey with a really interesting crew of characters. The story completely blew me away. It is so well written that I literally could feel the coral burns as I was reading. The characters are all really well done and the setting is perfect. I loved everything about this book and I look forward to the next.

An exciting action-packed adventure that was nothing like I expected. I loved Adrienne Young's first two novels, but "Fable" is something completely different and unlike almost anything out there in the world of YA today. From a twisty story - with pirates and high seas treasure hunts - to great characters, I couldn't put this book down once I started. Looking forward to writing a full review for Culturess.com.

OKAY.... so I absolutely loved this book! I have read books from Adrienne Young in the past and have loved her work, so I knew that I would most likely enjoy Fable as well. I must say that I was thoroughly impressed, Young really brought the heat in this new duology. I think that books that are mainly surrounded by a life on the sea make a really fun setting and story to tell. While I was reading I got some real Pirates of the Carribean vibes and as a lover of the movies I can say that this made me very happy. I really liked how this book set up everything very well to the point where it is going to dive right back in with the second book. Plus, it ends with a real cliffhanger, so believe me when I say that I need this next book pronto! Another thing that I liked about it is the characters. Fable is a very strong female character, who is more than capable of doing things on her own. Believe me when I say that she is no damsle in distress. Plus the Wests' crew aboard the Marigold (his ship) have such a great family dynamic, which is something that I really love in a good book.

Also, if you were a fan of To Kill a Kingdom, House of Salt and Sorrow, or just anything that Young has written, then I think that you will really enjoy this book.

First of all, this book DESTROYED me!
Like Fable is the absolute best and a pirates themed book?! YES!!
Also name one that is more badass and brave than Fable after all the things she‘s been through.
Like how is she still alive?! Because I‘m not. This story takes place in some beautiful fiktional sees and Adrienne writes a fucking beautiful setting. I felt all the time that I was right there with Fable and the crew on the ship. I also adore the character dynamics and the different representation. They feel like real people with real problems so I found myself feeling everything with them.


Do I even need to say that I need Namesake RIGHT KNOW?!? Like pls give it to me so my heart can go on (lol).

I finished this novel in one day, it was that interesting. Fable was extremely likable. Even the romance in the book was a slow build that felt organic. There are quite a few named characters in this one. but, for once i didnt have any problems remembering who was who. The author introduced each one slowly into the story and made sure they were memorable. It really helped keep the flow of the book going. Fable and the Marigolds story is one that i replayed over and over in my mind while I was attempting to fall asleep that night. you just can help but see the story in your minds eye.
My only complaint was that fact i didnt know it was the first in a series and now can't get the second book.

A creative story with a lovely cover. I enjoyed the female leads. There was a Pirates of the Caribbean-feel to the book, which I liked. The cast of characters was varied and fun to follow. and the worldbuilding was well done. Not overly crazy about the romance angle, and the ending was predictable, but this was a fun read overall.

This hit that specific "the sea is important here are some ships and merchants and sabotage" niche that's always satisfying, which I enjoyed. The worldbuilding, while simple, was well-articulated and intriguing.

I liked the exploration of the relationship between Fable and her father. It was also very easy to read and the writing style was something I was very impressed by (it sounded sophisticated/professional but still moved smoothly and evenly) even if it wasn't flashy.

However, the plot was,,, eh, the romance was,,, eh (and largely unnecessary), Fable was,,, eh (I thought she was a bit bland), and the climax was MAJORLY anticlimactic (which you really generally don't want). I also felt that ending also relied on a cliffhanger for shock value, trying to overcorrect the mildness of the climax.

Adrienne Young had done it again! This is probably my favorite book of hers! This book is set around ruthless pirates, survival, finding family and love. The beginning has our Heroine Fable struggling to get off a dangerous island where her father dumped her to make her own way. He tells her if she gets off and comes to find him, she'll get what's hers. She needs to try to get out before getting murdered by competitor dredgers and to start her story.

I have really enjoyed learning about Fable and West. Starting the island of thieves and Fay having to make her own way .. I think I liked saint to knowing all his love went to the deep with the lark was so sad . The crew of the marigold is a family with so many secrets. When west and Fay finally have their night together I couldnt help but smile ! I knew when she left the next morning something terrible would happen. Im so ready for namesake. It will be hard to wait!!

This was such a great read! I love Adrienne Young’s writing and the worlds she creates, and I think Fable might be my favorite of all.
Fable is determined, strong, and not afraid to do whatever she has to to survive. I loved her as a character (and I love her name, too), and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
The relationship between Fable and her father was devastatingly complex, and while I was initially disappointed at the outcome, I think it was perfect for furthering the plot. (I would love a prequel about Saint and Isolde).
I also loved the crew of the Marigold. Willa was another of my favorite characters, and I’m really looking forward to more scenes with her in the sequel. The relationship between West and Fable was absolutely perfect as well, interesting and sometimes heartbreaking without overshadowing the plot.
I’m so excited for the sequel; Fable has definitely joined the ranks of my favorite books of all time

Fable, the latest YA novel by Adrienne Young, starts off with the story of another abandoned daughter. While in The Girl the Sea Gave Back, the daughter was presumed dead, in Fable, the title character is left alone on a beach by a grieving father with the parting words of “come find me.” Fable is left to care, feed and fend for herself from a young age and is understandably wary of kindness from anyone-although there’s scant little to be had on the island she has called home for the last several years.

A self-hidden gem affinity makes Fable a better scavenger than most in the trade that keeps her fed, and a rival tries to take advantage of her bounty, forcing Fable to flee onto a shipping boat and off to adventure and self discovery.

Once aboard the ship, Fable finds much the same wariness towards her from the crew that she encountered on land, but through acts of service and rising to baited challenges, shows herself to be trustworthy and reliable. The crew soon warms to her, providing Fable with the first real friendships she’s encountered in her young lifetime.

Conflict arises again when the ship makes landfall and a rival ship captain looks to take revenge on Fable’s new crew mates. They band together to resolve their problems, and set out to recover a lost treasure haul that could change the fortunes of all of them.

Young’s story builds slowly, but as the action picks up you become more invested in the story and start to care for the characters as they reveal more of themselves. A jarring cliffhanger will have fans of this duology clamoring for the sequel due out next spring.

Social Justice Topics:
▪️Woman’s Rights
▪️Social Class Disparity

Fable is the perfect fantasy novel for humans that love Pirates of the Caribbean. And better yet? Fable, the protagonist, is a kick-butt female.

Four years ago, Saint—Fables father who is the most famous Trader on the seas—left her on an island of thieves, and told her once she made her way back to him she would get what was rightfully hers. From Fables perspective we get to see this fight back to her dad, and the obstacles that come in her way. This is the perfect adventure book for both males and females, and it is seriously such a fun read! I could not put it down, and when I did I was wondering what would happen to Fable next.

Thank you NetGallery for letting me read this book early. It comes out September 1st, and I cannot wait for my students to read it! And for me to read the final book in the duology, Namesake 😉 Hopefully soon!

❝ Keep your knife where you can reach it.
Never, ever owe anyone anything.
Nothing is free.
Always construct a lie from a truth.
Never, under any circumstances, reveal what or who matters to you. ❞

What the what?

Holy shit, this was phenomenal!

It was exactly what I wanted. Starting from the breathtaking cover (seriously look at that fucking cover! Hands down one of the best of 2020!), feminist YA fantasy storyline, LGBTQIA representation, badass pirates, adventure with a touch of action in the high seas and let's not forget the well-considered controlled pacing romance between West and Fable that wasn't rushed nor forced—It was damn near unputdownable!

Besides the epic adventure the author takes readers on, what I enjoyed the most was the authors writing. The author's writing has improved drastically since 'The Girl the Sea Gave Back' and dare I say, the ‘Fable’ series is her best work yet. She was able to captivate me far more with the main characters than imaginable and what led the Marigold crew to cross paths, well paced plot, remarkable supporting characters whose backstories I hope is further explored in the 'Namesake' including Fable’s parents Saint and Isolde, the strong friendships and broken families ties. And that cliffhanger though! Take notes authors because that’s how you get readers amped for the sequel.

I seriously can't remember the last time I raved so wholeheartedly for a young adult fantasy novel. I thought for a second I was in a rut but hell to the naw! ‘Fable’ resurrected me from the slump grave and I’m nearing sitting on the edge of my seat eager to get my hands on the next installment, ‘Namesake’ because it’s going to blow everything else out the water.

I am now officially blown away. I adore this book so much that I am for sure shelving it within my top favorites.

Why? It’s devastatingly atmospheric, has gorgeous writing and beautifully done characterization. I felt like I was standing on the Marigold with the smell of the sea, the wind at my back with a promise of great adventure.

Fable has been left to forge her own path, alone and unwanted. The journey this story takes her is one of finding her worth, choosing love and confidence in her own abilities, and creating a family by choice to fill the gaping holes in her past.

This has all the elements you want in a great story. A grey villain with unaccounted for motives, romance with a stone faced captain, supporting characters that bloom slowly but with purpose, and a plot full of adventure for days. There was not one moment that my attention was pulled. I took my time with this story, not quite ready for it to end.

I guess I have a thing for pirates and cannot wait for the next installment. Luckily we don’t have to wait too long but the small wait alone will be pure torture.

“A story of survival and finding your way home, Fable is a treasure map waiting to be explored.”

Cecelia Beckman, Sheaf & Ink

First we must address one of the triumphs of this book: The cover.

Kerri Resnick.

Remember that name. She’s the brilliant cover designer of Fable and the second and final book Namesake. When both books put together, side-by-side, you see the stunning full face of the main character, Fable.

You’ll notice how Resnick interwove some of the key aspects of the novel into the image of both books. There are the color differences, the darker shades in Fable (I took this as her old self), whereas the other half in Namesake is more vibrant and bright, including this golden dusting which I think adds to some of the magical elements behind Fable’s mother.

Another nice detail are the eyes. In the Fable edition you can see the shadow of a ship and in Namesake a gemstone. Both editions, although a complete image of Fable, they are, in essence, two different characters. Which to me makes perfect sense as the young woman Fable begins as in book one, will be someone entirely different in the final novel.

Cover designers have the daunting task of giving readers a visual depiction of what they are about to read. A single image, a picture that entices and ensnares readers to ultimately read the book. I think Resnick and her team accomplished this task and more.

Now to the Story
Adrienne Young’s nautical world building and lore is what drives this story. Brimming with a cutthroat ruthlessness, a culture built on and cultivating violence, it is no wonder Fable is leery in making friends. Regardless of what she had to do to stay alive, Fable always lives by her father’s rules. Drilled into her from a young age, trusting no one being the first.

And speaking of relationships, Fable and her father have a rather complicated one. Out of all the characters I was most intrigued by the dynamic between these two from the start. You have this nefarious father, abandoning his child, disfiguring her with no explanation (just asking for her to trust him), while never publicly admitting Fable as his child. It’s incredible that Fable stops at nothing to find her way back to her father after all the physical and emotion abuse she suffers because of him.

Even though Saint refuses to acknowledge Fable as his own, he keeps his one promise to her mother. Promising he would always keep her safe. Which is laughable in how he deserted her on an island at fourteen. This interesting love/hate relationship plays out from beginning to end seamlessly. And it has me wondering, will it be possible for these two to ever come together with a meaningful relationship in the end.

Young beautifully weaves into her narrative the found family trope. After her abandonment, Fable is left to fend for herself. No one to trust. No one to love. Her loneliness so much part of her it feels like a second skin, impenetrable even by those who would mean her no harm. Yet, Fable’s journey towards home is not a lost one. Though predictable, she finds her true family, those she would call her friends and her crew.

While the world building was a strong component of the novel, there were a few aspects of Fable that gave me pause. The pacing throughout the novel was off. I didn’t feel that even pulse of the story that seeps into your veins intoxicating and sweet, unable to resist the current that makes a story unputdownable. The first four chapters alone were rather slow, with nothing much going on. This sluggish pacing was distracting, even with those action packed scenes, sprinkled throughout like a thruway with no speed limit, it kept me from fully enjoying the story.

Moreover, Young is no stranger to writing fierce and strong female protagonists. Her debut novel alone has a bold warrior Eelyn who resonates perfectly of those female characters readers appreciate and adore. Whereas,with Fable, although portrayed as hard and strong, there were a number of instances that contradicted that tough exterior of a young woman trying to survive.

With a romance that came out of nowhere (and felt rather forced), a climax that is short lived, Fable has its moments in short bursts, lacking the richness in scope seen in Young’s previous works.



Happy Reading ̴ Cece

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of Fable in exchange for an honest review! A book about a strong female protagonist, ships/crews and the sea?? I AM HERE FOR IT.

I rated this 4.75 stars but with Goodreads you can only do whole number so that rounds to five.

First, let’s just state the obvious: the cover is AMAZING. Usually I don’t like book covers with people on them because they can come across as a bit cheesy, but this cover was so incredibly well done-especially the reflection of a ship in her eyes! I also really appreciated that the girl on the cover matches Fable’s description (nothing irritates me more than when the models on the cover look nothing like how the character is described). Now, on to the content of the book! I could definitely tell this was an ARC because there was a smattering of typos and sentences that just didn’t make sense, but overall, the book was so well-written and beautifully flushed out. It (in my not professional opinion) probably just needs one or two more read-throughs by the editor to polish off the edges.

I really really LOVEDDD the main character, Fable. This book gave me All the Stars and Teeth and Scavenge the Stars vibes, with Fable falling a little more closely to Amaya from Scavenge the Stars than Amora from All the Stars and Teeth. Fable was a tough gal who did what she needed to survive but was not as vicious and blood thirsty as I found Amora (which made her a bit more likeable-sorry! I get easily intimidated!!). I was a little perplexed why she held Saint in so much esteem when he literally DUMPED her on an island like yesterday’s trash, but SHRUG who am I to judge a girl's complex relationship with her father? But I did really appreciate Fable picking apart her feelings and attitude towards her dad and the author taking the time to examine those feelings. It made that particular plot point feel more real and gritty than just throwing up your hands and crying “it’s just complicated!”.

The world-building was amazing and I love that we got to visit so many different places with Fable: the island Jeval, two port towns, and of course, the sea! The sky bridges in Ceros were SO COOL and reminded me of Eelong from Pendragon. The concept of Gem Mages was also really interesting. The politics of the Narrows and the Unnamed Sea were explained really well but it would have been nice to have a map (I always want a map haha).

HOWEVER, did anyone else feel that the romance portion of the book just came out of left field??? I guess re-reading the description they hint at it a little bit, but I felt like a natural build-up was missing. I'm no doctor, but this was totally a case of insta-love.

The only other thing I had an issue with was how often she would open her mouth, laugh, curse etc. under-water when she was diving. It’s like she thought she could breathe underwater with how much air she was wasting. Maybe once would have been fine, but literally every scene she is under water she is wasting air left and right. I’m not a diver, so who knows, maybe this is normal??? But it seeeeems like common sense is saying it’s not.

ANYWAY, really everything else about this book was AMAZING!! The cliff-hanger at the end had me SHOOK let me tell you. I am really excited to get my hands on the next book (sadly it will be a while since this one isn’t even out yet 🙁).

I was already a fan of Young's 'The Girl the Sea Gave Back', and I honestly went into Fable knowing NOTHING about the book. The cover was gorgeous, the author was one I enjoyed and a book about a girl trying to find her father are the things that hooked me pre-reading.

Post reading - this book is a must read! Fable - much like the character in the book- is strong, resilient, and scrappy. Young takes a world that is commonly visited (pirates) and turns it on its head, immersing us in a world were thievery, lies, and deception keep you alive. Fable, left on an island with nothing but a scar from her father at the age of 14, is thrust into a world where men dominate - and being honest about who you are could legitimately get you killed. For a several years she scrapes by, making her money on a talent for 'hearing' gems that not many possess, trading gems for coin until she is able to buy passage to find her father on one of the most cutthroat islands in their seas. As Fable boards the Marigold, she forms friendships she didn't know she needed, and a sense of family that she yearned so badly for.

With a cast of characters that are both loath-able and lovable, it creates complex and layered relationships throughout. Sometimes at odds with each other, sometimes in each other's good graces. Though her newfound crew commits horrible acts, Fable knows they are good people at heart - sometimes giving her more kindness than she deserved.

One of the things that made FABLE so unique for me was the grittiness of the story, yet it wasn't something that I would be nervous exposing students to. The novel is very heavily character driven but there is enough action to continue to propel the story forward - scattered throughout with an array of climaxes, both minute and propelling - all that serve a purpose. Young has once again taken her story telling to another level and used every scene and statement to push forward Fable's story.

The start of this duo is a high octane kick off, with a cliffhanger that I slightly expected but was entirely unprepared for. This book will keep you reading far past your bedtime! Great for people who enjoy dark/grim tales!

I have adored all of Adrienne Young's books and this one was simply a fantastic read. This book has a heroine, pirates, treasure and secrets. Fable is a strong female character who relies on her cleverness to succeed. There is a slow burn romance with enemies to lovers throughout the story, which I always love! Adrienne Young has done a wonderful job with her world-building. You are able to understand the setting without there being a large dump of information in the beginning. There are high tension scenes and several plot twist that surprised me. The ending left me wanting more and I can't wait for the second book.