Oooh what a nice, simple fantasy novel. I didn't think the story of Fable was all that interesting and yet I flew through both Fable and Namesake like it was nothing. The writing isn't spectacular, the characters aren't that memorable and the plot has a few holes in it and could've used a little but more epicness. But maybe that's the charm of this duology, it's simple, fun, quick.

Writing style: You glide through Young's writing like it's a fresh piece of perfectly smooth butter. Yes, her descriptions could use some work. Yes, her world-building is lacking. But, boy, is her writing addictive. I couldn't put Fable and Namesake down.

Characters: Young needs to learn how to describe her characters better. I literally have no clue what people look like aside from their hair. Young keeps repeating what people's hair look like, the color, the hairdo... But I couldn't draw fanart of any of these characters even if I could properly draw something.

Story: Namesake had a far better plotline than Fable. Fable felt chaotic, like Young didn't quite know where she was going with her story. Namesake is like the big sister, who knows exactly how things work and is going to show you how it's done.
When everything came together at the end it was just perfect. I like a good conclusion. And we even got a nice happily ever after, which I usually despise, but it was perfect for this story.

I'm really glad I picked up Fable and requested Namesake on Netgalley. They're super fun young adult fantasy reads. These are the kind of books you read when you need a break from all the epic violence and blood and gore and just need something wholesome. Three and a half stars for Namesake from me.

I'd like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think Adrienne Young has become one of my new favorite authors. She's proven to be one of those authors where you can trust her writing and know that she is putting out quality stories.

If you've read Fable then this picks right up where that left off in that amazing cliffhanger. It's full of action, adventure, plot twists, and the romance between Fable and West only gets stronger. There are just enough twists and turns to keep you interested and wanting more. I loved that there were new characters introduced that just made the story even better. This duology felt like you were really there. It was authentic and felt realistic, you could be transported into her story. Also, a bad ass female lead character is always a plus!

I'm a little disappointed that this is a duology because I would love to read more of Fable.

Amazing duology!!

><em>Namesake</em> starts right where we left off in Fable - on the sea with Fable in....
I won't spoil it.

The first book was such a wonderful ride, I had high expectations for <em>Namesake</em> and it did not disappoint. I love how the first half of this book focuses on Fable and her backstory. There is so much unknown about where Fable came from, her father leaving her on the island, her mother's death. Namesake really brings these questions into the light and begs to ask the question - will we always pay for our parents' crimes?

I love love love the crew. In the first book, they really stood out to me as being solid and a family. In this sequel, there is fracturing as West takes command in not so great ways and the crew retaliate the same. I love how Willa is not afraid of Fable and they have this great conversation about how selfish Fable is, how she is commanding the whole crew threw West. And Willa is right. I love that about their relationship, Willa is not afraid of Fable and she is strong enough to point out when Fable is being... well anyway, she's a great foil character for both Fable and West and in this book, we really see it.

West and Fable of course are delicious together, but I had some reservations. West isn't in the first part of the book which is great because we get to really connect with Fable again as she figures out her new circumstances. But when West does eventually show up and there's drama, it felt a little forced? Both of them are stubborn, thinking that they know the best way to do things. And the lack of communication is astounding! ;) Yes, it's all for drama sake, but I did feel like there was a little bit too much drama between the two of them that felt a little forced. (Yes, now we know about West's past, but does that really bother you Fable? As if you didn't know what you were getting into?)

Overall, the sequel is fun and fast and makes me sad there are only two books. Don't get me wrong - this was done perfectly. Both books are well written, the action played perfectly as well as the emotional drama, I can't see it being longer than two books. However, that doesn't mean I'm not going to miss this crew and their friendship.

The ending is perfect in my opinion, the reveals playing on top of each other like well fit puzzle pieces. We see Saint and Holland and West and Fable in raw and real lights, all complicated and hungry and we still love them and loathe them at the same time.

It's a ride worth the ticket and honestly, I'll be first in line to buy both books in Hardcover when the second one releases in March. There's nothing stopping me from recommending this solid duology to you.

So what are you waiting for?

Gah! What a gem this books is! (See what I did there? If not, time to get with the program, people!)

I find myself more and more in love with everything Adrienne Young writes. She continually features strong female leads who overcome all obstacles placed in their way. And the plot is never what you expect. It's lovely to jump into a book and actually have to think a little bit (while at the same time being carried away by the story).

Namesake, the sequel to Fable, features a continuation of Fable's story as a free diver, dredger, and gem sage. As always, Young's characters are magnetic, the setting is magical, and the story is unputdownable. I'm going to stop there, I have no desire to summarize the plot for you. Just take my advice and read this series!

I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I think I enjoyed the sequel to Fable even more than the first one! So good! I love Fable and West! Adrienne Young is a marvelous world builder. I enjoy everything she writes!

I'm so glad I was able to read Fable and Namesake close together, the sequel starts immediately after the first book. It opens with Fable being kidnapped by Zola for some unknown but probably nefarious purpose. As she travels into the Unnamed Sea, we learn more about Fable's past and family and there are some twists there!

The romance between Fable and West also builds up, though they have a lot of mistrust to work through. They each do what they think is best for the people they care about, but sometimes their actions contradict each other and things get messy. They both love each other fiercely and I liked them together.

The plot was interesting but I cared more about the people, especially the Marigold crew. They're good people and the found family they have makes me happy. Even when the crew were mad at Fable and West for deciding things without their input and putting them in danger, they still helped out and watched each other's backs.

This is a satisfying conclusion to the duology, but there's the beginning of a romance at the end that I'd like to know more about. Maybe a little novella epilogue? Please :)

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

When I first started reading Fable, I felt that it very slow until near the end. That is not a problem that Namesake suffers from - the action is full on right from the first page.

The level of detail in this duology is incredible - for much of the book, I swear I could smell the sea. There are so many secrets, I never knew what was going to come next and that kept me gripped. Plus that cover is so beautiful!

I loved this book and already can't wait to read it again.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn't wait to get back to the Marigold and shipmates! This story was one of self discovery and trust. It still had action and adventure with stakes just as high. I saw the frustration in Fable and West's new relationship and watched them come to understandings that would help it last and grow.

Fable has made it off Jevali and found Saint only to be turned away. When the family from the Marigold takes her on she feels like her place is found. But their past catches up with her and a rival ship kidnaps her. But the reasons don't line up and deeper plots that revolve around Fable are exposed.

Namesake is the follow up to Fable. Following Fable's kidnapping at the end of the 1st book, we see Fable taken to Bastian. Fable fights to free herself and get back to West and the Marigold. Satisfying conclusion to the series.

I really loved the first book and I was not disappointed in Namesake. It had the characters I loved and the adventure I came to crave and expect from Adrienne Young. This is a series I will be recommending to everyone.

Namesake continues the story of Fable and her journey to find out about her past. I loved Fable, the first book of this series, so I was so excited to get a copy of Namesake early. In this book we learn a lot about Fable's mother and how Fable fits into this new world that she has found herself. She needs to figure out away to save the life she has built for herself and the boy she loves without upsetting Holland, a gem trader with secrets and a plan of her own. This was the perfect conclusion to Fable's story. It is a little more plot heavy than the first book but its still fast paced and an enjoyable read.

A fast paced story filled with betrayal, lie, love, and more. A perfect conclusion to the duology.

This book started slower than the first, despite the circumstances Fable faced. There was more focus on Fables' relationships and her coming to term with exactly who the people in her life were.

We finally got to meet the ferocious Holland and learned a lot of secrets throughout this book.

I especially liked how human West, and even Fable was. They made mistakes and they have their flaws like everyone else, but it makes for more believable characters.

I even got a bit emotional towards the end of the book!

*I received this complimentary ARC from the publisher, courtesy of NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*

This review may contain spoilers

Namesake picks up directly where Fable finishes. Fable has woken up on Zola’s ship, and must find a way to return to West and the Marigold. However, Fable is caught up in a web of games, intrigue, and secrets – everyone has their own agenda and Fable must solve the legend of midnight in order to protect those she cares for. The sequel to Fable is definitely a tale of everyone is not who them seem, and who will you trust?

Namesake continues the adventurous story of Fable and does not disappoint. It is fast-paced, adventurous with mystery and intrigue. Some plot twists you see coming, and some you don’t. Doing so, ensures that the reader is lulled into complacency before going ‘ah’. I enjoyed how Namesake continued the storyline from Fable, but also continued on and developed its own unique plot to keep the reader intrigued. I would definitely be interested in any follow-up books or spin-offs to these fabulous characters!

Wow, I loved this book! After finishing Fable and that cliffhanger ending I couldn't wait to find out how her story continued.

Namesake allowed for all those little questions I had in Fable to be answered. I was completely immersed by the story and couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved the fiercely independent character she was but with that added loyalty for those she cared for.

My only disappointment with this book was that it was the end of a beautiful duo-logy! I would love to have read more about what happened to Fable after the short term period covered by the two books.

What a perfect sequel! I really think this could have been two books with how much it had to offer. Fable is a character you can’t help but root for. She’s strong and knows what she wants and is willing to fight for it. By far some of the best books I’ve read all year.

A heart-pounding thrill ride to the Narrows and beyond. This one picks right up after book 1. It's full of delicious deception and maneuvering and twists and turns that forced me to keep reading. The crew is back, but the inner-workings of the islands and the trade are quickly becoming a bigger worry for Fable and her crew. I can honestly say I didn't see many of the twits and the last 15% left me holding my breath as I raced to the conclusion. So well done, so absolutely enjoyable.

I know this is supposed to just be 2 books, but can't we have more? I absolutely love them!

This series is one of my favorites. Its a page turner with so many plot twists, betrayal and games. Adrienne Young is becoming one of my favorite authors.

This is book 2 of Fable and the story just keeps getting better. I dont want to spoil it but its a must read especially if you loved the first book.

I was SO HYPED to be able to receive the e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review-so thank you NetGalley! I really enjoyed Fable and so I was super excited to dive into Namesake. Namesake was pretty good!!! I will be honest; I did give Fable a higher rating, but I can totally see myself re-reading this book and giving it closer to 5 stars. I loved learning more about the world (a map would be so appreciated just saying) but I think the main drawback for me was Fable and West’s relationship. I wasn’t a fan of them in the first book, but then it was more like a sidenote because it sprung out of nowhere at the end but in this book their relationship kicks up a notch in intensity and I was just not a fan. To be perfectly candid, they are pretty low-rated on my YA Fantasy couple’s list (you know, the non-existent one that just floats in my head). Their main issue was communication-which UGH I just don’t think works in books! And also, Fable struggling a little with the stereotype of falling for someone like her father (yikes/lol). I like Fable by herself and I am just not a fan of West but whatevs. To each their own! I did enjoy the politicking in this book but one of the points of conflict <spoiler> with the crew of the Marigold </spoiler> just seemed pretty contrived and like it could have been avoided if there was COMMUNICATION <spoiler> side-eying you here West </spoiler>. And that’s a personal pet peeve of mine.

HOWEVER, that being said, the characters were so flushed out and I really enjoyed getting to know everyone more, especially <spoiler> Koy!!! What a plot twist-I was lowkey rooting for him to DIE in the first book, whooooppps </spoiler>. Getting to learn more about Fable’s past and family history was also pretty awesome and without giving too much away, the name of this book is so spot-on and perfect I am a little in awe. Also, in awe (and drooling) at the covers and how amazingly they match!! A book-lover's dream come true.

The ending was great and wrapped up neatly and I will definitely be adding this bad boy to my collection!

Fable and Namesake feel less like a duology than like two halves of a whole. They read like one book that ended up split into two parts due to length, and organically meld into one story. Namesake picks up immediately after the end of Fable and continues Fable’s story. These books are a fun, distracting romp across the seas, keeping up the tension and a fast pace throughout. They are not deep literary novels, but great YA reads to get one’s mind off the real world in the current climate – I raced through both of them and if I had them at the same time, I would probably have binged the series.

Fable is pretty much your average YA heroine. Beautiful, smart, with an unusual power and in a precarious situation at the start – oh, and a heir. Fable and Namesake are not hugely inventive books or ones that avoid tropes, but to be entirely honest, for one I did not mind. I was out for entertainment, and Adrienne Young delivered. There is some character depth, but I feel like this series isn’t as strong as Young’s previous work. Much of what happens between characters is predictable, but that makes the books comforting to read in their way.

I really enjoyed reading Fable and Namesake and would recommend them to anyone looking to escape the real world for a while.

Today I am thankful for @Netgalley and having Namesake ready to read as soon as I finished Fable because we all know I am impatient!

Namesake picks right up where Fable left off. There’s more fighting and danger on the high seas! Fable is forced to once again figure out how to survive and who she can trust. There is a shocking reveal about Fable’s family, we learn more about her mother’s life and of course West and his band of misfits are back too!

Namesake is long, over 600 pages, but I fully enjoyed escaping into Fable’s world! If you loved Fable then Namesake is a MUST read! We visit new ports and meet some new villains I loved to hate.

Namesake is available March 16, 2021!! I preordered this one so we can buddy read it together!! I’ll be rereading it in March!!

Thank you @adrienneyoungbo oks @netgalley and @stmartinspress for my advanced digital copy of Namesake to review!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommend!!