Review: Fable - Adrienne Young

Fable by Adrienne Young
Series: Fable #1
My rating: {★★★★☆}

YA Fantasy
Published September 1st 2020 by Wednesday Books

Source: Review copy via NetGalley

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

I'm not sure if it's because Young's books so far have been standalones or if I was totally oblivious? But Fable is the first in a duology, which for some reason I didn't actually realise until I was on the last page of this book!!! So therefore I'm putting it out there for everyone. FIRST IN A DUOLOGY.

ANYWAYS! THIS BOOK. This is the sort of sea-faring, pirate-y, swashbuckling adventure I never knew I wanted!

Fable, the main and titular character was the sort of character that really drew me into a story, and her past, her experiences and her personality both despite her past but also because of it, made her someone I could both root for and admire.

The world building and story telling I found completely immersive; I could FEEL the boat moving under my feet, I could SMELL the salt and I was holding my breath every time there was a tense moment.

I enjoyed all of the characters and wanted to know so much more about everyone - even the supporting cast! Found family is always a soft spot of mine and the crew of the Marigold is definitely found family.

My only gripe with the book was the romance. Unfortunately I've never been a big fan of Young's romances and to be honest the book didn't need romance. Strong friendships and a sense of belonging were all I ever needed to fall for this one. I guess we'll see where the arc goes in the second book?

Anyone looking for a dark and gritty adventure on the high seas should definitely put this one on the TBR.