INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Following the Hello Sunshine Book Club pick Fable, New York Times bestselling author Adrienne Young returns with Namesake, a captivating conclusion to the duology, filled with action, emotion, and lyrical writing. Trader. Fighter. Survivor. With the Marigold ship free of her father, Fable and its crew were set to start over. That freedom is short-lived when … father, Fable and its crew were set to start over. That freedom is short-lived when she becomes a pawn in a notorious thug’s scheme. In order to get to her intended destination she must help him to secure a partnership with Holland, a powerful gem trader who is more than she seems.
As Fable descends deeper into a world of betrayal and deception, she learns that the secrets her mother took to her grave are now putting the people Fable cares about in danger. If Fable is going to save them then she must risk everything, including the boy she loves and the home she has finally found.
more
It was so nice to hit the seas again with Fable et al in Namesake. To say I loved this book is a major understatement. From the flawed characters finding home in each other to the amazing world-building to the life and death stakes, I was totally swept away by the current of this story (pun intended, so not sorry.) And of course, there was more time than ever diving for gorgeous, singing jewels. Was also delighted to see Clove finally make an appearance!
I loved this continuation of Fable and her journey. There was adventure and deals being made all throughout the book. Some of the characters from “Fable” also returned whom I was excited to see again. I thought this ending to the duology was great!
The end of Fable saw Fable and her newfound family freeing their ship the Marigold from being indebted to Fable’s father Saint—a notorious trader in the Narrows—and ready to start fresh on their own. However, before they can do so, Fable is kidnapped to a fate left unknown.
Namesake begins right away where things left off. Fable finds herself being taken to the port city of Bastian, where she comes face-to-face with the indomitable gem trader Holland. Holland is much more than she seems, and her scheme to use Fable as a pawn to gain more power will force Fable to confront secrets that died along with her mother all those years ago.
I appreciated that Namesake picks up right away, and I think it’s a testament to my love of Fable that I knew exactly where things stood and what was happening that I didn’t need to go back and refresh my memory.
The two stories really go hand-in-hand. You could probably enjoy Fable without reading Namesake but the reverse would definitely not be true.
Whereas the first book dealt a lot with Fable and her relationship (or lack thereof) with her father, I think it’s extremely fitting that we would get more about her mother this time around. It all kind of comes full circle, and you can also see that in how Fable’s life unfolds very similar to her mother’s yet still remains her own journey.
Despite the Marigold being Fable’s new found-family, she still kind of sits on those relationships very precariously, knowing they could be taken away from her at any minute, and this partially stems, I think, from the loss of her mother. Losing someone so important to you at such a young age leaves its mark. So by uncovering these new facets of Isolde’s life, Fable can kind of have a reckoning.
I do wish that the character of Holland was fleshed out a little bit more. I would have liked to have seen more reasons for her motivations, and basically learned more about her life before she decided to become this power-hungry gem trader. She’s a bit of a stock character with so much potential. I understand the reasons why there’s not more focus, because this is Fable’s story through and through, but I certainly wouldn’t mind a short story about Holland’s past somewhere down the line from Adrienne Young.
Also, as much as I enjoyed this book and its predecessor, many of the twists landed pretty softly. I wasn’t thrown or surprised, instead I was content that things worked out pretty much the way I had them pegged to, but I will say Adrienne Young has a wonderful way of keeping the story going and pulling the readers in page after page. Just when I thought we would get to a place and stay there for a bit, things would turn and we would be off in another direction. There’s very little down time, but the moments—mainly some wonderful ones between Fable and West—that were more contemplative were made all the more important because of the time they took to develop.
Overall, I’ve really enjoyed this duology and, as I said, I certainly wouldn’t mind getting a few short stories here and there from other characters’ points of view. Adrienne Young has a reader for life in me, and I cannot wait to see where she takes us next.
The action continues right where left off, and the momentum picks up from there. Instead of starting anew with her found family, Fable is taken by a thug and used as a pawn in his scheming. She does what needs to be done so she can leave and reunite with the crew of the , but reality isn’t always easy or straightforward.
As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent her captor isn’t the only one with hidden plans, and the multiple twists and revelations force Fable to face some truths about not only herself, but those closest to her as well—one of them being West (whom I adore).
I said it before, but it bears repeating: I love this ensemble of characters. Fable is a protagonist you want to root for. She’s incredibly resilient, skilled, independent, and crafty; she’ll do whatever it takes to ensure she and those she loves come out the other side. There’s more to every single character than meets the eye, and peeling back those layers and discovering their motivations was so fun.
As with the first book, the author’s storytelling ability transported me to the Narrows. I live in the desert, but I swear I could smell salty sea air and feel the rocking of a ship beneath my feet. This, combined with the diverse and intriguing cast, made this one a winner.
This part of the duology was especially interesting because so much is uncovered about Fable’s blood family. I’ll be the first in line to do some shameless begging for a prequel on her parents.
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪ if you love immersive stories with adventure, strong characters, romance, and strong familial—blood and found—bonds.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley. This review and my opinions are provided honestly and voluntarily.
‘Namesake,’ book two of the Fable duology from Adrienne Young, picks up with Fable in Zola’s hands.. headed for the dire straits of the Unnamed Sea.
Having successfully freed the Marigold from Saint, Fable and its crew had big plans for their autonomy. Unfortunately, others have different ideas of their own for her. Though there’s a familiar face aboard Zola’s ship, it seems clear she’s been betrayed.
Caught in the middle of multiple schemes, she’s the common denominator in all of them. In order to get home and save those who mean the most to her, Fable must agree to work with Holland.. a vicious woman who runs the Unnamed Sea’s gem trade.
If you loved the first book, the second is even better. The story hits the ground running, as things are already out of hand and Fable isn’t sure what her future holds. She’s surrounded by people she doesn’t trust, many of whom look at her like they’d rather kill her than co-exist beside her.
I liked that as the story opened, as a reader.. I felt off-balance myself. There’s an adjustment period that we get to experience along with Fable as she’s trying to get her bearings and read her situation. She knows she’s in trouble, what remains to be seen is how much.. and what the results of that are going to be.
She’s still a fighter though and she doesn’t whine or complain about what’s happening. Rather, she spends her time trying to observe as much as possible and plot a way out.. be that through escape or leverage. Honestly, she’s exactly the kind of female protagonist that I don’t think we get enough of.
Sure, she makes mistakes and gets herself in deeper sometimes, but she never stops trying. Every time life throws her a complication, she grits her teeth and gets to problem solving. There’s no assumption that she’s defeated, no polite resignation. She strategizes and tries again.
The story builds continuously throughout, as the circumstances spin further and further out of control. Eventually, there’s so much potential for things to go wrong, that you just know something is going to and you find yourself trying to decide what you could let go of if given the choice, while hoping to keep it all.
As for the cast of characters, we do get to see more of her father. He’s so closed up in the first book that I was really curious about him. West is still amazing, as is Auster.. and though I still feel like all of these characters could benefit from a lot more detail, it was wonderful to finally get the Auster/Paj origin story.
Now I’m just sad that it was only a duology.. because I desperately want a book three or a bunch of side novels for the supporting cast. Something, anything! I just need more!
Anyway, plenty of action and drama.. lots of familial intrigue.. and some suspense. ‘Namesake’ is a choppy ride on an angry sea and I loved every minute of it.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
Namesake is the sequel to the young adult fantasy Fable by Adrienne Young. In the second part of the Fable duology we find the main character kidnapped and conscripted into diving for her enemy, Zola. She is doubly betrayed when she finds family friend Clove willingly working for Zola as his navigator.
Fable will do anything to survive Zola’s demands so that she can work her way back to West and the Marigold. But everyone has hidden agendas and Fable finds herself making deals and signing contracts that put her in direct conflict with family, friends and West. At the center of it all is Fable’s desire to reconnect with her father the enigmatic fleet captain, Saint.
Adrienne Young continues to delight me with her beautiful novels. Fable is a fantastic main character that is strong without being wildly unrealistic and her ability to read stones is a subtle magic in a YA genre crowded with “the chosen one” trope. I highly recommend this duology for fantasy fans of all ages especially anyone that enjoys seafaring adventures and families lost and found.
5 stars
My copy of Namesake by Adrienne Young was provided by NetGalley and the publisher for review purposes
Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
Namesake is the perfect conclusion of the duology Fable by Adrienne Young. I loved Namesake more than Fable. I loved the complex relationship between Fable and her father, Saint.
We were salt and sand and sea and storm.
We were made in the Narrows.
Namesake stars with Fable being on the board of Luna and she are surrounded by enemies and she can’t trust anyone. She also discovered that someone betrayed her and her father or seems like that. Being Kidnapped is a test of survival for Fable and now she had to find a way to escape from this boat and to go back to West and to the crew of Marigold. She found a way to survive and to protect the people she loves. I n this book, Fable found out secrets about her mother Isolde, and her mother’s family.
“Fable, I love you,” he breathed, still staring at my feet.” I don’t want to do any of this without you.
The relationship between West and Fable evolve and they fought for their relationship and to stay together. They worked as a team and they were willing to sacrifice for each other. I loved their relationship and how much West was willing to sacrifice to protect Fable and to be with her.
Namesake by Adrienne Young is a book full of secrets adventure, twists, friendship, family, and love. I loved that Fable and Saint had an honest discussion. I loved the relationship between Fable, West, and the crew of Marigold. I loved Namesake and I recommend to everyone this duology.
Namesake is an epic conclusion to the Fable duology! A story of courage, sacrifice, love, betrayal, and adventure, Namesake picks up where Fable left off, and there is so much intrigue, maneuvering, action, and unexpected twists and turns that I found it difficult to put the book down.
Young’s skill in creating an immersive, atmospheric, and captivating setting is masterful. From the first lines, I was pulled into the story, and the author’s lyrical writing and use of vivid imagery and figurative language amazed me. The dialogue was smart, the descriptions made me feel like I was in the setting, and the story came to life as I read the words on the page.
The crew of The Marigold is another highlight of the story. Their presence, influence, and participation in many of the events that unfold prove invaluable. In this book, there is a bit more conflict among the crew. They can’t always be on the same page, and it’s interesting to see how they each deal with having differences of opinion. Ultimately, they prove that they will always fight for and support each other, even when they disagree.
We also learn a bit more about some of the crews’ pasts, which I liked. It’s interesting to see how events and people from their past helped to define them. Also, people from The Marigold and Fable’s past come into play in this book and add to the intricate layers of betrayal, greed, and societal maneuvering. It’s a story with secrets upon secrets and revelations that affect everyone and change everything.
This is particularly true with Fable, who has a complicated relationship with many people in the story. She is a complicated person herself, and the more Fable learns about her mother, Saint, and the past, the more complicated her relationships become. The Marigold is the only place where Fable truly feels like she belongs. The crew accepts her and has embraced her as part of their team and their family. This is particularly poignant, as Fable feels rejected by her blood relatives.
I find her relationship with Saint particularly intriguing, as they’re so different yet so similar. They don’t see eye to eye on much, and they have a lot of baggage. Even though Saint has treated Fable terribly, she never gives up on him. It was interesting to see what happened between father and daughter.
Another relationship that is explored more in Namesake is the romance between Fable and West. It’s a harsh and brutal world, and I love that Fable and West try to eke out a little happiness for themselves. We learn so much more about West in Namesake, which really explains a lot about his stoicism, loyalty, and feelings about himself. There is a dark side to West that he must reconcile, and throughout the story, we see his more vulnerable side and his true feelings for Fable.
I loved everything about this book – the swashbuckling adventure, the immersive setting, the layers upon layers of characterization and plot, the plethora of interesting relationships, the quick and captivating pacing, and the amazing imagery. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I have to admit Fable was a bit better than Namesake but I love Adrienne’s writing so 5 stars it is.
Namesake is full of adventure and surprises. The whole gang is back with a vengeance. What I didn’t like so much, was that Fable looked like a naive and innocent girl, that couldn’t believe that people around her can betray someone. She was strong and determined at times, but her self doubt was out of control at some points.
West and Saint were the best as usual, of course. Yes, I did like Saint in the first book too.
All in all, I loved this duology A LOT.
I received an Arc via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Fable will learn some shocking information. If you read the last book you know she was left a bit stranded. Well that does not go well for her, and it gets worse. She might have to sell her soul to save something she loves. There is so much in the balance and she has no idea of what’s being played.
Fable has grown up a lot since the first book. She’s not so soft in this book, good thing too because she needs to be. It was coming at Fable trying take her down all through the book. If they didn’t want to own her, they wanted to use her, lie to her and manipulate her. The past was not the truth she thought it was, oh the lies !
West, he is not the man he appeared to be. I still struggle with the relationship. I never did get where it grew from but it’s there and strong. He revealed himself more and what is shown isn’t pretty. I’m still on the fence on him, he reads a bit obsessive to me. We’ll see
I really enjoyed this book much more than book 1. In that book I struggled believing in these characters.This one was more evolved. The action was intense, and believable. The struggles were heartbreaking and the moments of joy heartwarming. I look forward for the next book in the series
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review
Namesake by Adrienne Young was an excellent ending to the Fable duolgy. However, I will say I wouldn’t be opposed to another book that follows up with the characters a couple years or so from now.
Namesake began where Fable left off. You need to read Fable first, and I recommend reading the two books back to back because you’re not going to want to stop. As always, I loved Young’s writing; it was very easy to immerse myself in the adventure.
And what an adventure it was! Stormy seas (literal and figurative) raged, secrets were revealed left and right, plots were uncovered and thwarted while new schemes were plotted. Namesake was chock-full of action.
Again, I would love revisiting these characters and this world further down the road, so fingers crossed.
Basically anything Adrienne Young writes I will read. I’m ready for whatever comes next.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***
Helmsman. Dredger. Trader. Orphan. Father. Daughter.
This was my most hotly anticipated book (sequel) for 2021, and I have been fortunate enough to be able to read it now. Thank you Netgally and St. Martin’s Press! This second part of this duet DOES NOT disappoint. I absolutely LOVED it.
Adrienne Young’s writing will transport you out to the high seas into the treacherous world of trade.
Ready to start anew with West and the crew of the Marigold, Fable’s quest is short-lived. She becomes a pawn in things much bigger than herself. The root of these issues stem from her mother, Isolde, and the secrets she kept..Fable delivers daring, sweeping moves to save those she loves, even at the sacrifice of herself. She is the heroine this world needs.
We were salt and sand and sea and storm.
Namesake by Adrienne Young is the followup, and second in the trilogy, to Fable in the same-named series. This book is one word: amazing!
I absolutely loved every moment of Fable, and this second book did not disappoint. It lived up to everything its predecessor created.
This book starts immediately where the previous finishing upon that tall and windy place called a cliffhanger. Here, Fable wakes up on Zola’s ship after being kidnapped. Without spoiling the plot for the reader, we see all of the questions and surprises from the previous book answered within this story, and the author adds in plenty of new twists and turns to keep the reader entertained, enthralled, and begging for more.
I love Fable so much. She is smart, independent (yet her need for acceptance, family, love, and a home to be a part of is still present, fiery, and brave. She is imperfect, but yet strives to make things right. I enjoyed following along as she, West, the crew of the Marigold, Koy, Clove, and Saint create a wonderfully stunning story.
There were times I cheered, times my heart raced in fear and stress, and times I smiled to see heartwarming moments spring out when I least expected them. I loved the surprises, and I love how the author was able to create a visually stunning atmosphere to bring us all to the equally impressive and perfect ending.
I do not know how the third book could ever be better then this one, but somehow I know it will be, and I cannot wait to find out!
An awesome fantasy, action packed, historical fiction all-in-one superstar of a novel.
5/5 stars enthusiastically
Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for this awesome ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, and Instagram accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/16/21.
Fable is one of my favorite books of 2020 and Namesake is an adequate sequel. It picks up right where book one left off, full of high-sea action, adventure and antics. It steers into shocking and unexpected plot twists; definitely a page turner. I was not a fan of Young’s previous works but her writing style and story telling has significantly evolved. I’m very impressed with the strong willed, stubborn and multi faceted characters. This is an engaging, uniquely vivid fantasy that I highly recommend. Thank you to #NetGalley for granting me an eARC. This is an honest review, and all opinions are my own.
That first day on the Marigold came rushing back to me, standing in the passageway with my hand pressed to the crest on the door. I had been a stranger in that place , but I’d come to belong there. And now everything within me ached for it. A flash of heat lit beneath my skin, the sting of tears gathering in my eyes. Because I’d been a fool. I’d let myself believe, even if it was just for a moment, that I was safe. That I’d found a home and a family. And in the time it took to draw a single breath, it was all torn away.
We begin where ‘Fable’ leaves off—our daring heroine being taken by Zola and Clove, a previous Lark mate whose ‘betrayal’ was unfathomable, and forced to become a dredger to the Luna where the crew is journeying to the Unnamed Sea empty handed. That freedom that she once experienced when the Marigold was free of her father, Saint, is short-lived when she becomes a pawn in a notorious thug’s scheme. In order to get to her intended destination she must help him to secure a partnership with Holland, a powerful gem trader who is more than she seems. Barreling through betrayal, deception, and the secrets that her mother, Isolde, kept well guarded years prior to her death, Fable must risk everything including the boy she loves and the home she has finally found.
As we follow Fable through the emotional journey back home I have come to realize that the first appearances can deceive many and when the story unfolds, as the reader we get a better understanding and insight of the prominent standout characters that include Saint, Zola, Clove and Koy. And that could’ve only happened with the remarkable writing style of the author who, like I stated in my ‘Fable’ review, improved drastically since ‘The Girl the Sea Gave Back’. She was able to shed light upon our crew, make the characters so perfectly crafted and authentically vivid—aiding the story to latch on to you and never let you go.
Now keep in mind as much as I rant and rave about this brilliant followup, there is another other side of the coin. There was a lot of build up with Zola and his ship, the Luna, heading to the Unnamed Seas to make amends with Holland. It was short and abrupt when they landed, and left a lot of questions unanswered in regards to the relations to Zola, the bounty on his head and Fable’s mother. I would have loved to have had more insight on his relationship with Isolde and what led her to leave his ship prior to meeting Saint.
Be that as it may, the high expectations I had for ‘Namesake’ were formed, met and thoroughly exceeded. From the absolutely stunning cover (she’s a beauty!) to the epic conclusion of this YA fantasy, the novel’s impact resonates long after you finish it and will be an instant re-read in the very near future.