After the storm that sank her father's ship, The Lark, and cost her mother her life, Fable was abandoned by her father, Saint, on the island of Jeval, the infamous island of thieves. She has spent the past four years using her skills as a dredger to earn enough coppers to afford passage back to Ceros, so she can confront her father and make him fulfill his promise to her. Pursuant to Saint's rules, she has kept hidden the fact that she is Saint's daughter, as that knowledge could be used against both her and him in the battle between the sea traders for control of the trade in the Narrows. She has also had to be careful not to attract too much attention because on an island of thieves, everyone is fair game, and she has already been a victim too many times. However, after being brutally attacked, she has been forced to try to seek passage on The Marigold, the trading ship whose helmsman, West, has been purchasing the pyre that she has been collecting from the seabed. West does not want Fable on board, and his small crew especially does not want an extra passenger, but West has his own reasons for why he cannot turn down her request, although he has no intention of making the journey a pleasant one for Fable. It does not take Fable long to realize that The Marigold and its crews are not what they seem and that she may have traded one form of danger for another, especially when the inevitable meeting with Saint finally occurs.

This book has plenty of action and intrigue, as well as dealing with issues of class, wealth, ethnicity, and relationships. The characters are well-developed, especially Fable, who has an inner strength and stubbornness that serves her well. The story has some pretty good surprises. This is the first book in a two-book series, and it sets up the second book quite well.

I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Readers seeking a tale that promises intrigue and adventure will enjoy reading this book. Fable is a girl cast adrift, seeking a port to call “home.” Home’s not necessarily a place, but a sense of belonging that’s long been lost to her.

Along the way, readers are introduced to a cast of characters with their own troubled backstories, who like Fable, are working towards finding a similar sense of peace, acceptance and belonging.

The story is visual: This island world of guilds, dredgers, gem sages and waterside strays competing for trade and custom readily captures the reader’s attention from beginning to end. One fault a reader might experience is the occasional lapse of nautical terminology used onboard. The other is the cliffhanger ending!

Regardless, this is a story I would readily revisit in anticipation of its sequel.

This book was SO GOOD.

I loved everything about it? The setting was so atmospheric, but also, the world building made me feel like I was actually a part of all the events that were happening.

It gave me such PotC feels, and honestly, still can't figure out why because the plots were so different, but this was such a fun read.

Some of my favorite parts included how complex the characters were (they were so flushed out and real with flaws that made them believable) and the general concept of the 'found family' (something that continues to be at the top of my favorite ya tropes).

Honestly, my favorite part would have to be the complex relationship between Fable and her father. It was so well done, I found myself waiting with bated breath for the next interaction! Their last scene together in this book really did me in, and if there is any reason you should read this book, it should be for this alone!

The relationship's big moment did feel a *little* sudden, especially for how truly big the moment was, but I still found myself enjoying it and it didn't take away from the parts of the book that I truly loved.

Adrienne Young is an absolute brilliant mind, and I cannot rave about this book enough. I should probably process this a little more and write a more coherent review later, but I just needed to scream about how much I loved this book.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for sending me this book on netgalley ❤

So I will start of by saying that l loved this book! It was such an interesting story of survival and adventure on the high seas. Well paced and very well written. The writing was so beautiful that I wish I would have written down more quotes. But I was too busy sailing through this in just a few days. The characters were beautifully flawed. I love when characters are complex with no clear line of good or bad.
So..⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars for me and I really can't wait for the sequel Namesake releasing next year.

Thank you netgalley and wednesdaybooks for allowing me to read a copy

I passed by this book several times in NetGalley before I finally clicked on it. Something about the cover just kept calling to me. When I realized it was one of the most requested books I finally decided to request it for myself. Oh. Em. Gee. This book was phenomenal and I even whined when it was over. I need the next book now! I felt like I was part of their crew and I could almost smell the salty air as a read. Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the approval. I cannot wait for book #2!!

This book had a slow start but really came into its own about 30% of the way in. It was an interesting and fast-paced read that moved with the pace of the ships they ride on. My main critique is that it all felt very straightforward - both major plot points and small surprises were pretty easy to see coming. I think that in the next book as we (hopefully) see more of the world outside of the few port cities this book was limited to, we can also learn more about the world, the guilds, and have the plot become deeper and more intriguing. Overall a great start to a series that I will definitely continue to read!

This book is absolutely incredible. The settings, characters, plots- all of it is amazing.

Fable is the first book I've read from Adrienne Young, and I'll definitely be hunting down the others now. It begins with Fable, a seventeen-year-old dredger on the treacherous island of Jeval. She spends her days diving and mining for jewels in the coral outside the island, biding her time until she can make her way home to her father and demand her rightful place as a dredger on his ship. Fable has a plan, but when things suddenly change she finds herself aboard the Marigold with a trader named West. Together, alongside the Marigold's small crew, must navigate the Narrows and the dangerous ports within if Fable is ever going to get home.

Let's start with the plot, because I want to give away as little detail as possible. I loved it. While some twists were easily called, others were complete the surprises. There wasn't one or two large twists that made the novel, but rather a ton of smaller moments that made me catch my breath and cross my fingers. The book is fast paced, but it fits this type of novel. As cliche as it sounds, it feels like you're sailing alongside Fable. There are smooth moments and choppy moments and you never know quite what's going to happen. Sometimes all you can do is hold on and ride out the storm. And it's wonderful. The book ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, and I'm already ready for the next book. Seriously. I need it now. Please.

The characters are all so wonderfully developed. Fable herself is strong-willed to a fault. She pushes and pushes and will not back down. It's a great trait when going 50ft underwater to dredge for gems, not so much when she's trying to remain unnoticed. West is aloof and commanding, but so empathetic to those he meets, despite living in a world that demands cruelty. Willa is an absolute gem (please appreciate my pun). She is the heart of the ship, and the warmth in the cold water. She adds a needed balance to the book, while still having her own unique desires (which I'm not telling you. That would be a spoiler.). Hamish, Auster, and Paj may have smaller roles, but they're not only necessary, they're welcome. They add depth where the book would otherwise feel flat. Saint is, well, Saint. You'll have to read the book to find out more about him.

I'm also here for the lgbtq+ representation in the book. While I wish it could have been more prevalent for the sake of representation, they way the representation takes place within the context of the novel itself is well done. Anything more would have been out of character and jarring.

The settings are incredibly well done. I usually find myself hoping for a map in every arc I read, but I didn't need one in this book. I was able to form a mental map of where everything was, and each port and portion of the sea is described with such stunning detail that the image appears in your mind as if you were watching a movie. Young describes shops so well that you can picture the items on the shelves, you can see the streets in a city, and I could probably walk through the Marigold with my eyes closed. It's that good.

Read Fable when it comes out. Unless you hate books that include boats and the sea, you'll love this book. It's incredibly, and I cannot wait to read the rest of Fable's story.

Not enough stars!

If you’ve read Adrienne Young’s books then you’ll know what kind of worlds she creates. With her words she transforms you into the scenes and you feel like you’re experiencing everything right along with them. I fell in love with the cover and I knew I would love the story. Honestly, I didn’t read the blurb til I finished the book.

Fable was abandoned by her father four years ago. She makes it her goal to somehow escape the island he left her at and find him in order to get what she’s owed. What she didn’t plan on was falling into a crew of throwaways and eventually becoming one of them.

I adored this book and couldn’t put it down. It’s been a long time since I felt like this while reading. There’s a very slow burn romance, which was written perfectly, which I was hoping for. There’s a sense of family, which made this story magnificent. To see these guys working together and willing to risk their lives for each other, it’s a beautiful thing.

I can't wait for book two!

This is definitely in my top 10 of 2020.

The story opens with Fable trapped on the island of Jeval, diving for jewels to earn a living. It’s a cruel island not kind to girls or underdogs. She’s just trying to stay alive, to survive long enough to get the hell off the island and find her father.

“You weren’t made for this world, Fable. You want to prove me wrong? Get yourself off this island.”

Fable was smart and strong in a world that was built by men and left little room for women to survive let alone be successful in. I mean I’m just saying I would’ve been dead in the water. She never gives up hope though and while she may have to do some unsavory things to survive, it’s a dog eat dog world and someone would do way worse to her. I admired her strength and the ability she had to pick herself back up, find the next best option and continue on her journey to find happiness.

The crew of the Marigold was so full of secrets. Stuffed the brim that they’re slight overflowing and falling apart by the time Fable shows up. I kind of knew where the story was going with them as a whole but I loved learning about each member of the crew and adored each in their own way. They were their own family and would do anything to protect each other. It’s the kind of family you’re jealous to not be apart of or spend your life searching the seas for.

There is a lovely slow-burn romance that we’ve come to expect from Young. It’s such a slow-burn you start to wonder if you’re actually making it up in your head as you read. I’m here to tell you that you’re not and that it’s worth the wait.

Fable wasn’t a story of epic adventure with a clear cut destination or plan of action. It was very much a journey driven by Fable herself to find love, happiness and a purpose. You’re never quite certain where the story is going but you’re so in love with the characters and their development or the struggles their facing that you’re sucked in from the first page and horrified by the cliffhanger you’re left with.

Adrienne Young never fails to create a story full of magic, love and family. They’re always character driven with an amazing plot that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Fable is no exception and it’ll be interesting to see her take on a duology versus a standalone.

Thank you so much for Netgalley allowing me to read this book early. It is one of my most anticipated reads of the year! Fable is amazing. I felt all of her pain with her father and her on the island. I anticipated the ending, but not how West factored into it. I love how their characters developed together and I can't wait to read the sequel. Adrienne is a fantastic author. 4 stars out of 5.

Fable Fable Fable
Oh my goodness will I ever not talk about this book??
I have some how managed to get all of my friends that usually read ARC's to request and read this because no way could I just sit here till September and not talk about how much I love Fable.

So if any of my friends read this, just know I will make you read Fable.

Okay now to my next point, this book, these characters, the world building, and flow of the story - it was all done so beautifully. Adrienne Young absolutely out did herself with this story (but I mean everything she writes is perfect)

Fable is such an absolute delight as an MC. She's had to learn things the hard way and she is still learning but she fits the setting of the world perfectly. I also love that character wise Adrienne Young gave all the characters - even side ones- their own proper role. No one falls into the background and in fact they each have their own stories to tell. The relationship between Fable and Saint is also something that I loved. It hurts don't get me wrong but this father/daughter relationship is one that is raw and difficult and requires forgiveness which seriously tugs are your heartstrings.

Characters like West, Willa, and the rest of the crew were also so wonderfully written. Their dynamic really pulls you in and you can't help but love this band of sea misfits. This first book sets a perfect foundation for the second one because we'll already be going in loving these characters and understanding their actions when facing what is to come.

The world building and writing was also very easy to visualize as a reader, and as someone who is terrified of the ocean I didn't get the creeps once! (yay me!) I really felt like the entire time I was reading this the Pirates of the Caribbean theme song was playing in my head haha

This story is one that I will make everyone I know read. I've always been a lover of Adrienne Youngs writing but these surpassed anything I could have imagined.

A full 5 stars from me!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC prior to publication for an honest review.

I will say up front that I am a fan of Adrienne Young. I fell in love with Sky in the Deep when it came out and enjoyed the companion The Girl the Sea Gave Back as well.

Some quick looks:

Plot – I won’t elaborate on what the polit IS as that’s what the summary blurb is for. I can see many people approaching this book thinking “pirates” but do note that the summary says traders. That said, it’s still a very cut-throat world (but within the realm of YA) and if you love pirate-themes you will still enjoy Fable. As far as plots go, it’s not overly complex, and I didn’t find anything too unexpected. That didn’t bother me, as I see this as being more of a journey book, and I find satisfaction in more of the subtle shifts of the characters while go through the plot – whether predicted or unpredicted. There is definitely more to come in the sequel Namesake of which little has been revealed.

Themes – The biggest theme revolves around found-family.

Pacing – I could see this being a bit slow for some, but it’s steady. Overall, it’s “medium” for pacing, but there are parts where things are moving but relatively little is happening. It’s a quick, straightforward read.

Characters – We have Fable, a crew of five, and 1-3 characters that serve antagonistic-type roles to various degrees. There is a very small dose of romance, but it does not drive the plot. POV is first-person from Fable’s perspective.

Rep – To avoid any spoilers, just know there is some LGBTQ+ rep, which I was pleasantly happy/surprised with. It’s not a major thread, but it’s present.

The Sum-up (aka: tl;dr):

Fable is a well-paced story about found family that takes place in a cut-throat world of sea traders. There is nothing overly complicated, so the story is better suited for those looking for a fun, quick, and entertaining read; however, there are a few hidden subtleties that can serve as food for thought for those wanting a little more meaning. If you enjoy Adrienne Young’s previous books, you will most likely enjoy Fable.

The story starts a bit slow and boring; then moves to confusing with lots of boat techniques and terminology; and eventually becomes interesting and captivating, leaving you on a cliffhanger wanted to read the sequel NOW!
The first half had me mostly confused and thinking "They are going into the what now? They are climbing into the what now? They are doing what now? Say whaaaaat (but not in a good sassy way)??" "Huuuh?". Instead of a world map (if that were to be included in the final version) in the book, there should be a Marigold map, explaining all the different sections of the ship.
But once I got past all that (and finally somewhat got the hang of all those terms), I really started to fall in love with the story. For comparison, the first half took me about 5 days and I read the second half in 1 day. Once you get hooked, there is no stopping.

There are quite a few parts that are, to some extent, predictable. But that doesn't detract from the quality of the story. Sure the love interest is entirely obvious, but you keep rooting for them until it actually happens. And there are enough plots twists and character twists to keep you reeled in.

The characters are complex enough that they hold your interest and your sympathy. There are no real annoying characters, yet enough mysterious ones. It does feel like you don't really know anything about them or their previous lives. You get some snippets of their pasts here and there, just enough to make you want to know more about who those misfits are and how they all fit together. So while there are still enough things not explained, I'm hoping we will get more details about all of that in the sequel.

The plot is actually something I definitely did not see coming! It leaves you on a huge cliff hanger and how are we supposed to wait until March 2021??

I feel like the second half of the book redeemed the confusing first half, which is why I'm still giving it 4 stars.

"Fable" by Adrienne Young is an adventurous tale that takes place on the high seas. It tells the story of Fable, a young girl who was abandonded by her father to survive on an island of cut throats. If she is to survive, she must find a way to live in this extremely dangerous environment and seek passage across the sea to regain her rightful place alongside her father who is a successful trader. Fable will need to learn new skills and rely on herself in order to make the journey and carve a place for herself in this world of danger, deceit and sometimes love.

I loved this book! Author Adrienne Young pulls readers in through her expert use of imagery and beautiful descriptions of the sea. From the very beginning of the book, the writing makes readers feel as if they are sailing on the ocean alongside the characters. The book also features a stellar cast of characters, each unique and interesting in their own way. The main character Fable is relatable, kind and strong. She is someone that readers will cheer for time and time again!

Blogger's Note: Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Filled with action and adventure, betrayal and love, family and enemy, Ms. Young weaves a novel that has you wanting for more. Secrets become your best friend, for if anyone knows your weakness, it can be used against you. It is survival of the fittest and the cleverest. Thieving and bargaining is a way of life and trust no one. Fable has left to fend for herself after her mother drowns and her father sends her away. But Fable plans on reuniting with her father, but it is not the reunion she was hoping for. Fable has abilities that if found out could spell disaster for her. Bargaining her way onto a ship, she travels with a crew lead by West, who is more than he appears, carrying secrets of his own. A battle of will between the two since West is used to giving orders and Fable is used to doing things on her own. However, the two will have to work together along with the rest of the crew to deal with enemies who would like to see them sink. This novel ends on a cliff hanger and looking forward to the next one!
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was PERFECTION! I swear, with each and every book that Adrienne writes my adoration for her just grows and grows. Her books speak to my soul. Wow.

Fable was everything I ever dreamed it (and she) would be. This book was gripping, magical, and completely masterful... chock full of adventure, thrill, and insanely beautiful imagery the tale woven throughout these pages is one you won't want to miss! I felt like I was on the seas with this diverse crew of misfits!

For those of you who don't know, Fable was abandoned by her father on a small isolated island as a young girl. Her sole goal for four years since then has been to survive and save up enough coin by dredging for gems to pay for a way back to her father, the most powerful trader in the Narrows, and carve a place for herself within his crew.

As the story unfolds there is a beautifully spun tale of found family, love, heartbreak, secrets, and betrayal. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat while simultaneously have you wanting to dive into the crystal clear waters alongside Fable. As always, one of my favorite things about Adrienne Young is that her books tend to focus a lot on inner growth and it gives this story in particular an extra little *something. I promise you, you won't be disappointed!

Huge thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an e-arc of this beautiful book in exchange for an honest review.

Side note: Before I was approved for this e-arc I had already preordered Fable because, *heart eyes! However, after finishing, I will be running to preorder Namesake and counting down the minutes I can hold these both these lyrically written dreams in my hand!

This is a great first half of a duology! Fable is a great main character, as she is a tough, yet caring, person in a world where it's dangerous- to the point of deadly- to care about anyone other than yourself. The crew of the Marigold are also great characters once they open up more to Fable and thus, the readers. In the story, Fable does everything she can to get off the island she was deserted on to find her father, and she learns things she never knew about herself, others, and the world she lives in along the way. It takes a little bit to get into the story and to get to know the characters, but it's well worth it to keep reading. I can't wait to read the next book!

OH-kay..

When I started this, I resolved fairly quickly to give it only 3 stars, but it boosted its grade as the story unfolded and the characters started to grow on me. It starts kinda slow, it's predictable in places, and characters are at first largely unimpressive and uninspiring. Also, there's a lot about deep sea free-diving and the breathing prep that goes into diving, and any time I think about controlling my breathing I start hyperventilating (anyone else? just me? okay), which made it physically uncomfortable to read this book at times...but that's obviously a personal problem that has no bearing on the overall quality of the book.

The world of the Narrows, once you start to understand it, is actually quite intriguing; it's piratical yet all legitimate, and people seem to be trying to make a mostly honest living, even if there's a very rough, cutthroat underbelly to all operations. If you have an interest in sailing at all, this is going to be a fun world for you. There's also a whole sector of the world that is introduced nominally but not explored by our characters; I have a feeling we'll see it later in the series, and I'm curious about how the culture and economics will compare to life in the Narrows.

About a third of the way into the book, I went from "Guess I should read some more of that not-pirate book" to "Boy I should really check up on those guys.," and by the end, I was in full-on "Just one more chapter" mode. You learn to like the crew of the <i>Marigold</i> slowly, just like Fable herself does, and by the end of the book, you really do love them.

The heroine, Fable, is one of those frustrating, impulsive, stubbornly self-reliant but lacking in far-sightedness females that crop up in most YA lit these days (honestly, does no one consider the long-term consequences of their actions any more?); unlike some characters I've met, though, she seems to learn from her mistakes. She's humbled, repeatedly, often mortifyingly, but she handles it and gets bigger because of it, instead of becoming bitter and making the same mistakes again and again.
I also really like the relationship Adrienne has crafted between Fable and Saint. We all know heroines with daddy issues (yawn), and there are the characters whose hatred of their fathers is so blind and intense it colors literally every interaction with every male ever to the point where you can't even read the story because they're just. so. angry. !!. and I find no growth or compulsion to care in that. Fable's relationship with her father is complex, and varied, and deep. She loves him so dearly, she hates him for who he is and what he's done to her; she wants his approval, she wants to best him just to spite him; she wants him to be safe, she wants him dead. It's a terribly human dynamic, and their scenes together actually brought tears to my eyes once or twice. That, more than the slow burn romance, is what has me eagerly awaiting book two in this saga.

And, yes, there's a slow burn. I give you twenty pages to spot the love interest, and that's generous. Still, you know you love it.

The supporting characters are multi-faceted, not as well-developed as they could be (again, we'll probably get to know them more as the series continues), but all likable.

I didn't note the "Fable #1" series cue attached to the title of this book when I started, so I hit the cliff-hanger at the end so hard that I was already tumbling through empty space before I realized my feet weren't on the ground anymore. Definitely one of those "Wait. That's the END?!" moments.
Well played, Ms. Young. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

**I received an eGalley of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you, NetGalley!

“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.”


“That bastard was leaving me again.”
It was a bookish love from the very first sentence.

Fable is the book I didn’t know I needed. This book is so bloody good. Fable has a little bit of everything I could wish for in a book. A little bit of murder, a little bit a stealing, a little bit of gay love rep, a little bit of diversity... Ya know, all the good stuff.

I adored everything about this story. The plot is so clever and interesting. The characters are so well written.. The dialogue is engaging. The story is exciting and fun. Fable is a strong, determined 17 year old, that I want to be best friends with. Honestly, I loved her from the opening sentence. If you enjoy a sarcastic, intelligent, and strong-willed heroine, READ THIS BOOK. You won’t regret it. You’ll be drawn in and captivated just like I was.

Seriously, I couldn’t put this one down. I had to finish it. Now I just wish I had the Namesake arc waiting for me to pick up. I’m going to be silently dying after that cliffhanger until I get my hands on Namesake.

I give Fable by Adrienne Young 5/5 stars!!

All of my thanks to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what a beautiful book. I mean, look at that cover. But also, this book was simply amazing. I find I really liked Adrienne Young’s writing. This was the first book of her’s I’ve read, but I may just have to read more now. I’ve said this before, but I LOVE books about pirates/sailors on the high seas. When I first about this book, and saw the cover, I was instantly intrigued.

I’ve noticed a theme in these types of books. Seems like the main female characters in pirate stories need to be red heads! Not that I mind haha, I enjoy reading about fiery red heads. But in addition to Fable, the leads in Seafire, Daughter of the Pirate King, and To Kill a Kingdom all seem to have red hair, so I’m definitely picking up on a theme here!

Fable, our main character, isn’t necessarily your typical badass female lead. She’s definitely scrappy, as she’s had to survive on a dangerous island alone for four years, but I wouldn’t compare her to Alosa from Daughter of the Pirate King, as she isn’t portrayed as being sneaky and good with a blade (your typical badassery). She can take care of herself, but she’s much better as part of a crew, which I enjoyed. I feel like a lot of main characters we see in YA novels are a bit of loners. While they have people around them, they usually have this extraordinary, unseen before power. (Queue SJM female leads.) I really liked Fable’s character because of this. The one thing she was really searching for in life was to belong to something, not to use all her power to achieve a goal.

A large part of the story is Fable wanting to reconnect with her father, and their estranged relationship was an interesting dynamic. At some parts you wanted him to be the villain, but he didn’t exactly come across that way. In the end, I just ended up feeling sorry for him. Although Fable mentioned never seeing him again towards the end of the book, I wouldn’t mind if he popped again in the sequel, maybe in a bit of a redeeming role.

I would say the one thing that was really missing from Fable (not missing as in a bad way, just different from other “pirate” stories) was that there wasn’t a big fight scene. Probably the biggest fight scene was in the beginning with Koy. I will say I am interested to see if we’ll see more of Koy in the second book.

The main issue I had with this book was Fable’s relationship with West. I didn’t really feel any connection/chemistry between them in the beginning at all. Then boom, she suddenly starting noticing him in that way. I would have liked for Young to explore that connection a bit early on so their relationship seemed a bit more organic. There wasn’t enough of a slow burn for me, you know. Also, I kind of wished they wouldn’t have gotten together until the second book, but, looking at how Young ended this first book, I understand why she did that.

Overall, I absolutely loved Fable. It was (almost) everything I had hoped for when I first heard about it. I would give it a rating of 4.5/5 ⭐. If your a fan of Seafire, To Kill a Kingdom, or Dark Shores, I definitely recommend you check out Fable. It is expected to be published on September 1st, so keep a lookout for it!