Fable by Adrienne Young

|Synopsis|

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. 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.

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|Review|

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, so 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.