Fable (Fable, #1)

by Adrienne Young

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Fable in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Fable is the start of Adrienne Young's latest series, and it is once again sure to catch the hearts and minds of the fans.

Fable is the daughter of one of the most powerful traders in the Narrows, yet that isn't enough to keep her safe. Cast away for reasons unknown, Fable has spent the last few years fending for herself on a harsh and cruel island.

Now she's going to find a way off the island, prove herself to her father, and start a new life for herself. At least, that's the plan. That's the thing about plans though, they always end up getting more complicated by the end.

“Keep your knife where you can reach it.
Never, ever owe anyone anything.
Always construct a lie from a truth.
Never, under any circumstances, reveal what or who matters to you.”

Fable is one of those stories that grabs you right from the start, and refuses to let go. In fact, it's hold is so strong that I'm literally already counting down the days until I can get my hands on Namesake, the second novel in the series.

This is a fast-paced novel, set predominantly on the sea, with strong (and fun) pirate themes all over the place. It's shockingly complex, as Fable is desperately trying to find a place for herself in this world that is anything but kind.

In a way, she did do exactly that, just by accident. It's sweet, for more than one reason, all while carrying the plot steadily onward. The secondary characters are one of the many highlights in this novel, and I found myself rooting for them just as much as I did for Fable.

At the beginning of this book, I found myself making assumptions for how it was all going to turn out. I was wrong, and I actually really love that about this book. It was unpredictable, in the best of ways. It was a thrilling tale, one that wasn't afraid to show the darker sides of humanity (the Narrows doesn't seem like a place that treats humans, of any race, gender, or age, very kindly).

The complications that come from Fable's relationships brought what was an interesting story to a whole new level. It added tension, pain, and hope all at once, while also adding layers to the entire novel. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing how all of that develops in the next book.

Speaking of, is Namesake out yet? I would really like to start reading that right about now. No? Oh, I guess we're just going to have to wait a little bit longer then. It'll be worth it, I'm sure.

Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks