I received a copy of this book via Netgalley.

I am sad to say that I really didn't care for it all that much. Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger, and this book picks right up from that point. <i>Fable</i> was a fascinating book, driven by survival. <i>Namesake</i>, sadly, doesn't have the same drive. Instead, it's focused on solving mysteries. Some of them were very easy to solve for anyone with a careful eye for what they read. What was more frustrating though, for a long-time reader of fantasy fiction, was the absolute failure of world-building.

The entire story takes place in a relatively small area--the Unnamed Sea, the trading city Bastian, and the Narrows (a loosely governed waterway). This must be a small portion of the world that Young created, but that's never addressed. Instead, we're left with seeing a small portion of a world that has no interior logic and doesn't attempt to create interior logic. The idea that the sea is called the "Unnamed Sea" indicates that other seas do have names, but we never hear of them. Traders are focused on the gem trade, and movement of staples like grain are rarely addressed. Gems are retrieved from coral reefs. (In reality, gems are mined from earthen mines.) The divers that retrieve these gems are called "delvers," and they can apparently hold their breath for an unrealistic amount of time. (Admittedly, real pearl divers train themselves to do something similar, but that's never mentioned here.) There is magic in this world, but only a little. A small group of people are considered "gem sages"--they can sense and identify the nature of various stones and gems.

I'm happy to read fantasy fiction. I've been reading it for longer than the target audience of this book has been alive. (I'm 44 as of writing this review.) As a long-time reader of fantasy fiction, I expect some kind of internal consistency in the world-building. We readers don't have to see everything. For instance, we don't have to have a detour of an oat farm to recognize that oats exist. But the world that Young presents is so unrealistic that I would have really liked to take a tour of an oat farm if only to recognize that agriculture actually occurred in this world.

I don't think I would have minded these problems so much if this had been packaged as one book. I didn't care all that much about the inconsistent worldbuilding in book 1, in part because I knew there was a book 2, and the story was not complete. The pace of book 1 was so fast that I didn't really question anything. However, having months off between books gave me a chance to think, and this book was not helped by that.

Some readers may enjoy this book, but I don't recommend it for anyone familiar with fantasy worldbuilding.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Adrienne Young could write a 500 page book that is just descriptions of water and I would still thank her profusely for it.

I was obsessed with Fable, and that obsession carries on with a burning passion in Namesake. The conclusion to this sea-faring duology resumes almost immediately after the last cliffhanger. The unclaimed daughter of the biggest gem-trader in the Narrows, Fable is kidnapped by someone who holds that knowledge and intends to use it. First, for her ability as a gem sage dredger by pulling in a huge cache of gems in two days. Second, as leverage in getting his name cleared to trade in Bastian once more. All the while, Fable is struggling with the betrayal of someone she once thought dead, and desperately wondering if her father or the crew of the Marigold and her beloved West are coming to get her ... if they even know where she is.

Without a doubt, this book has solidified for me that Adrienne Young writes beautiful, wonderful stories full of so much heart and adventure. I am always so impressed and fulfilled whenever I finish one of her books, and I've read all four. There is just something so soothing and simple about her writing that makes me look at my own stories and want to toss them out. Every description, every thought and piece of dialogue written shares exactly what the reader needs to know to create a crisp image in their head. The Fable duo is definitely my favourite of her work, and that is because it is an absolute delight from start to finish and so satisfying.

This second book was as swashbuckling and sea-worthy as the first. It is so easy to picture and follow along with, and I had half a mind to throw on the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack while reading. I was surprised by how twisty this story was. Not once did I guess how this would all unfold, and things got steadily bleak for Fable and her crew. Holland, the notorious and ridiculously successful gem trader in Bastian, was an excellent addition to the cast. She is charming and confident and you absolutely love to hate her. Her conniving was the source of most of Fable's pain in this book, as their connection is one that brings up some serious implications. And for a story centred around trading, Holland's grand scheme had some danger to it.

Fable is a character left somewhat adrift by her parents. Her mother died several years ago, and her father abandoned her on that godforsaken island to fend for herself. And when she found him in the first book, he was not kind or proud in the way she'd hoped. The role that both parents played in this story was so touching. She is shaped by both of them, and each had a strong influence on the story that worked really well. And of course, there is the family she found with the Marigold, the love she has with West.

Bring on the next book from Adrienne. My body is ready.

This was a lovely follow up to Fable.

It picks up almost immediately after that book ends, which is appreciated after that cliffhanger. And it ends pretty much perfectly, exactly as I wanted it to end.

I just think this is such a fun little duology that satisfies my need for a pirate tale. I almost want to go start singing some sea shanties now just for the heck of it.

I think if you liked the first book then you will be so very pleased with how this book plays out.

This book was a really good companion/ending to Fable. It answered questions as Fable was left with a cliff hanger.. If you enjoy Fantasy and enjoyed fable you will enjoy this one.

I loved Fable and enjoyed the finale/sequel quite a bit.

Namesake explored Fable’s family a lot more and I think it led to her having to make choices about her future/destiny. I loved how it began and ended and really everything between, but I kind of wished this was a trilogy, which isn’t something I normally say. I feel like so much happened in book two and I would’ve loved to have it stretched out so I could spend more time in the various stages/settings as Fable’s journey led her all around the Narrows.

So much was revealed about Fable and all of it felt so surprising. I loved that characters we kind of didn’t get to see much of in book one made more appearances in book two. Since this is a duology, the best part about those is that you don’t have to wait forever for conclusions, so I’m definitely satisfied at the end of the day with this story and I loved the adventure. I highly recommend this one!

I was ridiculously excited to get a chance to read Namesake, the second half of Adrienne Young’s Fable duology (especially since she left her readers hanging at the end of Fable!), and I’m so, so glad that it met all my expectations! 😀

It is amazingly easy to get caught up and swept away in Young’s writing. I’ve never sailed (let alone on a pirate-like ship), but reading this story made me feel as if I was there (without getting wet or seasick — yay!). And her evocative writing made me almost feel my chest pinch along with her characters as they dredged the depths for gems. Absolutely wonderful!

I’d probably have to give this a PG-13 rating, mostly for some violence and treachery and a bit of not-exactly-chaste romance. But I’d definitely give it five out of five stars for a book I would read again (and maybe even again…)!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this novel for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my very own! 🙂

Unfortunately this one didn't work for me. I think it's possible it was more me and the timing of reading it than the book. I think most readers will enjoy this one as a companion to Fable.

The cover is just as gorgeous as the first one and will be quite captivating during the marketing campaign and bookstagram posts!

Adventure, Excitement, Intrigue. Namesake completes the Fable duology and does not disappoint. Fable is thrust into another adventure on the high seas, where she uncovers some long held secrets.

Adrienne Young continues to add unique adventurous stories to the YA fantasy genre and Fable's story might have been the best yet. From the first pages of Fable to the last page of Namesake I was completely immersed in this water logged world; filled to the brim with danger and hope. The characters are so full of personality that they step off the page. Read Fable now so that you can read Namesake on it's release date. Thank you Netgalley and Adrienne Young for an early look at Namesake. I loved it.

This was the PERFECT end to Fable! It was so fast-paced and heart-pounding that I didn't want to put it down. I just had to see what would happen to Fable next, how she would get out of her situation and save herself. And this book did not disappoint! I would gladly read more from this world if the author decided to expand it and write more! Highly recommend all fans of Fable grab this book on release day.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC copy of Namesake. After I finished Fable, I immediately started reading Namesake. It picks up pretty much right where Fable left off and doesn't spend too much time on catch-up, which I enjoyed. I don't think I've read a book about pirates since I was a child and I was immersed in the story right from the first page. Adrienne Young did a fantastic job with world-building in both books in the Fable series, and I would easily read more books set in The Narrows and The Unnamed Sea. As far as character development goes, I would have liked to see a bit more depth and development, but as it is a novel written for younger audiences, I wasn't surprised that it lacked a little bit there. Overall, Namesake was a solid 4-star read for me, and I have already been recommending this series to others to pick up.

I REALLY LIKE THIS. I think that Namesake may be better than its predecessor, Fable, and I really enjoyed Fable as well!

Fable goes through a whole bunch of stuff. There's some twists and turns and lots that I didn't see coming. Fun new characters are introduced. Ships are really important and so is the ocean. There were a handful of understated, emotional scenes but I may have liked to see a few more to amp up the *drama*.

If you liked Fable, you'll be happy with the direction that Young takes in Namesake.

First off I did like the world building and getting to more about Fable and her mother, but for the rest of the book not so much. If there wasn't a romance between Fable and West I think this book be a lot better. West just became irksome to the whole plot and I felt like he weighed down everybody. I also hoping we'd get to learn more about the Marigold's crew, but alas no. But a good thing is this is a duology and end it like one and there was no loose ends.

This was such a wonderful conclusion to the Fable duology!!! I was so nervous to see what happened after that cliffhanger of Fable. I loved being back at sea with West and the fierce Fable!!! I absolutely adore them so flippin' much. I can't get enough of West and his big protective heart.

I will say this was a little slower than Fable and it took me a little bit to get into at first. I enjoyed that it wasn't crazy stessful but maybe would have preferred a few more intense moments. Plus I wish we could have gotten more West and Fable adorable moments. Although, I CHERISHED the ones we got!!! 😍😍 *Clutches heart and swoons*

I enjoyed this story so much and the writing is so beautiful! It made me feel like I was a dredger hunting for gems! The precious family/friends moments were so sweet too!!! The love story is one that just grabs your heart and has you rooting for them big time! Absolutely recommend this duology if you love sea adventures with a great crew of friends and wonderful slowburn romance!! All the characters are fantastic!

<b> "We were salt and sand and sea and storm. We were made in the Narrows." </b>

Traitor. Fighter. Survivor. Namesake is packed with action, betrayal, deception, secrets, and risk. Fable has finally found home with the boy she loves. But it's short-lived. Will Fable be able to regain her freedom again? Or will she be trapped in a powerful gem traders scheme? Saint & Fable's relationship tugged on my mama heartstrings. Like tears silently sliding down my cheeks. Never being so terrified of anything in my life. Truth. Feel like I've barely slept since the night you were born. Truth. Their relationship was probably my favorite part of the entire book. I adore West and Fable! With about 20% left, I was nervous HOW it was all going to play out. The ending events were intense! The epilogue was SUPER *sighs dreamily*. I did feel the distance between the OTP and I want more sweet and swoony, West and Fable scenes! Namesake is a story of restitution. A story of family and friends. Adrienne Young's duology is perfect for lovers of the sea.

🎶 song: Sea of Lovers by Christina Perri 🎶

Thank you Wednesday Books for an advanced copy! 🤟🏼

After reading Fable, I rushed to see if this was available - and luckily, I was approved for it.

This series holds such a special place in my heart. I love the characters and world - there's no where like it. I am a big Adrienne Young fan, so this was a welcome treat.

Thank you Wednesday Books and Netgalley for the gifted ARC.

Namesake was such a highly anticipated read for me and I was a bit worried it wouldn’t live up to my expectations. I shouldn’t have been concerned though. It picks up right where Fable leaves off and the adventure really never stops. There are so many twists and turns, so every time I thought I had it nailed down, something would throw me off!!

Namesake has the same beautiful and descriptive writing as Fable. It makes you feel like you are aboard The Marigold or wandering through the port cities. I loved how this book plays around with the family we are born into vs. the families we choose for ourselves.

I'm sad this duology has come to an end, but I look forward to many rereads in the future and whatever comes next from Adrienne Young.

Namesake is the second in a duology (first is fable)
Didn't like it as much as the first book but overall a perfect companion story that wraps up great.

Duologies are rare in YA, more authors opting to go for at least a trilogy. However, Fable and Namesake worked well as a duology, and to stretch it out to three books would not have worked.

Everything that the author painstakingly set up in Fable finally comes to fruition in Namesake. Lots more tension involving many more characters was definitely present here. It almost felt like a chess game at times. The emotions were riding high as well-- the desperation and fear you feel from West is palpable, and you can't help but root for a happy ending for both him and Fable.

The biggest strength of the story I would say is the setting. The Narrows and its people come alive in these two books, and like visiting a place in real life, reading all about this one changes you. The side characters are also very well done: you learn more about each one as you go and they matter just as much to you as the MCs.

Adrienne Young's writing style has an understated elegance about it, definitely something I enjoy, and I'm sure others will, too.

Thanks to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for providing a free e-arc to review.

I didn't like this instalment as much as the first one. I expected further character development, and if anything, the characters regressed. I didn't find them likeable or believable. Disappointing.