For seventeen-year-old Fable, the daughter of the most powerful trader in the Narrows, the sea is the only home she 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.

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. Fable takes you on a spectacular journey filled with romance, intrigue, and adventure.

Goodreads

Title: Fable

Series: Fable, Book One

Author: Adrienne Young

Published on September 1st, 2020 by Wednesday Books

Format: Hardcover, 357 pages

Genre / Themes: Adventure | Fantasy

REVIEW

Young’s at it again with another epic adventure story, full of dubious characters and a beautifully crafted world. I’m honestly glad I waited to read it … because that CLIFF-HANGER is KILLING ME!

Following Fable’s constant fight for survival was so intense, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. She’s constantly facing threats, whether it be from other pirates eager to take her spoils or from the elements of the sea. It’s such an engaging story, flowing beautiful from one scene to the next.

The main cast of characters are absolutely fantastic. Morally ambiguous and full of secrets, the crew of the Marigold are full of interesting personalities and hidden talents. Though it takes a while for them to trust Fable, their slow building friendships really brought the story to life. I really wanted to know more about the crew and their own backstories, but I think this was done deliberately. The story is told through Fable’s point of view, so it makes sense that we don’t get to know everything.

The strong women in this novel are fantastic; I love a good fantasy novel where the women don’t need everyone to save them. Willa and Fable are treated as equals on the ship, judged by their abilities rather than their sex. Also, Willa’s just the best character ever.

The slow-burn romance between Fable and West was interesting and didn’t take over the story (thank gosh). As much as I loved watching these two lust after one another, the romance abruptly grows REALLY INTENSE at the end. There was just no build up to me, making the connection feel awkward.

Young’s YA fantasy duology was definitely a ride! My emotions were all over the place when reading this novel, feeling so much for the crew of the Marigold. Give me the sequel!

I recommend this if you enjoy: diversity and LGBTQ+ representation; slow-burn romance; adventure stories; books about pirates and the sea; morally ambiguous characters.

 

 

 

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