Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the audiobook for this tale in exchange for an honest review. Fable as a story has a smooth-sailing (pardon the pun) adventure tale that takes most of the twists and turns you expect in a satisfying way. The story lacks worldbuilding that at times feels important to plot development and I found myself often wanting to know more about the world itself and what that would mean for the characters and their intentions.
In terms of the audiobook, the team behind fable have picked the best person for the job. The speaker tells the story with the amount of gusto and passion hoped for, and makes the story entertaining. The only flaw with the audio presentation is that the gaps between chapters is fractionally too long, and each chapter had me glancing down to make sure that it hadn't paused itself!

The narration was perhaps slightly younger sounding than I was anticipating, but it was beautifully read. Looking forwards to listening to book two!

3 FABLE Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 0.5🌶️/5 (𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘋𝘰𝘰𝘳/𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭)

I'm not going to lie and say that I was instantly hooked because it took about 45% of the audiobook and a big possibility and internal debate of whether I should DNF before this fishy was caught. I had seen so many raving reviews by people I normally tend to like the same books of...so I PERSVEIRED...

This book is a first-person POV that follows Fable. She is a girl who has been abandoned on a remote Island in the middle of The Narrows by her father, Saint - the most powerful trader the Narrows has ever seen. He left her so she could "learn how to survive". Fable is desperate to find a way off the Island to claim what is hers (as Saint promised). She uses her skills as a dredger (which means that she can hold her breath REALLY WELL as well as scavenge items from reefs/shipwrecks) and eventually trades her way onto the Marygold where the plot unfolds.

I think that there were three aspects that made this not the best for me.
The first one is it's a first-person P.O.V., but the number of times that the word FABLE is screamed, shouted, called, repeated and just said is 57 times!!! Having the narrator constantly going "Fable" in my ears - or what felt like constantly - drove me nuts...

The second is I feel like I could probably crew on a trader ship at this point with the amount of technical knowledge and information that this book has about ships and sailing a ship. It went really into detail, too much detail. I did not need so much description on basically how shipping worked, from the sails to the anchor, to layout, to terminology.

That then leads to the third aspect. Due to the monotonous descriptions, I would find myself in a lull in the audio - at no fault to Emma Lysy (Narrator). I would zone out and be bored by just too much ship talk that I would completely not pay attention to what I was listening to... which was really detrimental because I would then zone back in and not know WHAT THE F was going on. I had to rewind chapters multiple times to find some point that I remembered listening to.

I AM SUPER happy though that I didn't give up because the last 60% of the book was wonderful! I do appreciate that Adrienne Young had clearly done a lot of research into worldbuilding, as she created a simple but rich and realistic trader network in a world with a slight hint of magic. The vibe is completely filled with adventure and if you love books about pirates this is right up your alley.

Fable was a little frustrating at times and I did get annoyed at her. However, she was alone, abandoned and unloved for 4 years while still a child. She has had a difficult life and has a tenacity to survive, so she will do anything she can to ensure she does.

The rest of the characters were really well fleshed out and I thought the relationship dynamics between everybody and the eventual "found-family" element was sweet. The back stories of each character, their motivations and reasoning were beautiful.

There is also a small hint of a love story between Fable and West (that feels a little instalovie) but it's not the main focus of the plot. The Helmsman is broody and mysterious but he really and truly cares for his crew and it shows in every action and decision he is forced to make. Their first kiss was just *chef's kiss*.

This is the second book I have read by Adrienne Young and I feel that she is an excellent storyteller! There is:
▶ Treasure seeking
▶ Adventure
▶ "Pirates"
▶ Found Family
▶ He Falls First
▶ Cliffhanger

While a boring start this made up for it in the end! I could see the world, I could smell the sea.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bolinda Audio for the Audiobook in exchange for a review.
All thoughts and feelings are my own.

A story of traders and seafarers, of a girl running towards her past and her friends running from it. A story of outcasts and surprising romance.
This book at its premise has everything I love, so I was excited to listen to the audiobook. However, sadly plot and characters fell a bit flat for me.
The writing style is great and everything is pretty straight forward and easy to follow. I was just missing some depths and more relatable, lovable (and hateable) characters. Fable and West are great, and some of the crew are intriguing with their backstories. Yet, the story doesn't give enough time to explore this and catch me as a reader.
The cliffhanger is good though, so I might even continue the dilogy at some point.
The production value of the audiobook is great, even though I found the narrator a bit unpleasant at times to listen to, and the voice didn't wholly fit the narrative.
All in all this tale of adventure and identity is pleasant enough, and if you are looking for an easy read, I'll recommend this book fully.

3/5 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @bolindaaudio for the ALC!

I really enjoyed this audio!
A beautifully written story with great characters and adventure, and dash of romance.
I can’t wait to pick up the next book!

The moment this book started it was like a movie in my head. I haven’t read a book based on sea/traders/freediver. So when I wasn’t sure how I felt about “Fable” it stayed on my bookshelf and never-ending TBR list. Until I saw its audiobook on Netgalley.

I literally devoured this book in three days and felt as if I was a part of its story not only because the author did an amazing job writing it but Narrator was spot on.


The narrator was so good that it was so enjoyable and entertaining to listen to the book. Her intonations were easy to follow and even more easy to separate from who was talking at the moment.

The idea of the plot was good. However it was a bit too thin for me. Not a lot going on. The writing is good, it's beautiful but it's not deep enough for me. The characters are lacking something and so are their relationships and their dynamics. It is a good story though and the narrator is great. I recommend it if you're looking for something simple on the sea with pirates.

As somebody who regularly uses Bolinda Audio with BorrowBox, this audiobook was amazing and I’m going to need to read book 2 like immediately!

Of course the quality of the audiobook was perfect (I don't think I've ever found a fault with Bolinda Audio books) and the book was really well paced for me. I loved the pirate setting and Fable was a flawed but great main character to follow.

I didn’t honestly even know there was going to be any romance in this book and I think it was well introduced as the relationship blossomed in tandem with the plot.

I really want to read book 2 now, but I'm gonna need the audiobook honestly because it was so good to be fully immersed into this fantasy world while on a walk!

4.5 stars, thank you to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for the ARC.

My first pirate themed book, so I was alittle apprehensive as to whether it would be my thing but Adrienne Young's book is such beautiful storytelling that I was hooked immediately, infact I loved this so much I rushed to read book 2 in the duology!
All of the main characters who come together have had a difficult upbringing and find themselves on the Marigold because of West and he is our hero, albeit with his own dark and mysterious past, but he is a hero I can get behind. Fable, is also the name of our main FMC, not just the book and she is TOUGH! She is a a young woman that has fought for her survival and earns her place besides West - they are certainly not withput their own romantic drama but it is all formed as part of the story and the plot.

Thank you NetGalley for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fable is a young girl who was abandoned on an island by her sea captain father after the death of her mother. We follow her through the book as she joins the crew of the Marigold so she can search for her father.

Fable is my favourite kind of character. A strong independent woman in a man's world.

This book is very easy to get immersed in. The descriptions are so powerful you can almost smell the sea.

Be warned this is part one of a series and it ends on a serious cliff hanger

I enjoyed this audiobook - the narration was great and kept me engaged and immersed in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this high seas adventure and was intrigued by the developing relationships. This story has plenty of action in its own right, it’s not just setting up for an epic showdown in book two which I always like in a duology - the story has a satisfying conclusion while still leaving you wanting more. Looking forward to getting the next book in the series and seeing where the story goes next.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this audio.

well that was fun! also why did i think this was a pirate book?? it’s my fault that i didn’t know it wasn’t actually pirates so i was a little disappointed to not get pirates but that’s on me being dumb. anyway, i liked it! family drama, found family dynamic and more family drama, all in a pirates of the caribbean-esque environment (basically the caribbean). it’s a fantasy book i’d recommend to new fantasy readers because it’s short, fast paced and with really short chapters too!!! we love short chapters here. i had fun but ultimately it was also just kinda meh, i’m curious to see what happens in namesake and saint but it’s not the best fantasy book of the year nor one i’m the biggest fan of. i can’t tell what made me find it meh but it was a good meh for me😭. 3.5⭐️

This is a brilliantly entertaining audio book for YA and up. Fable has a past she is running towards, West has a history he is running from. Both with secrets that could cost them much. Both beholden in someway to Saint, a trader of goods across the high sea. When Fable and West paths collide and they end up on the same trading boat will the cost be too high, and who will pray the price. I enjoyed this audio book so much; finished I can’t wait to find out more of Fable’s story. Thank you to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

A Bolinda Audiobook cannot be bad, can it? This was a fun listen. Takes you to a fantasy world and keeps you hooked. I loved Fable and her character development throughout the book. In fact, the ensemble was good too. Definitely worth a listen. I would definitely like to keep reading more of this group.

"Fable" by Adrienne Young is a captivating and exhilarating tale that immerses readers in a world of high-seas adventure, resilience, and self-discovery. And now, with the audiobook version, this remarkable journey becomes even more vivid and engaging.

Young's descriptive prose is beautifully complemented by the audiobook's ability to immerse listeners in the sounds of the sea, the creaking of ships, and the various accents that characterize the diverse cast of characters. The pacing of the audiobook maintains the excitement of the original text, seamlessly transitioning between heart-pounding action, strategic manoeuvring, and introspective moments that allow listeners to connect with Fable on a deeper level.

The audiobook's cast of characters truly comes alive through the talented narration, enhancing the emotional impact of their interactions and individual journeys. Fable's complex relationships, particularly with the enigmatic West, are made all the more compelling as their dynamics play out in spoken dialogue.

"Fable" is a must-read, or rather, a must-listen, for fans of adventure, romance, and strong heroines.

No, no, no... I did not need a cliffhanger for this one 😩

I know this book has a part 2, but why did you add a cliffhanger? The story is excellent with a plot revolving around sea merchants, and our protagonist living a life of a fugitive. The world did make sense and I liked the Gem sage part the most - a skill I would love to have myself.

The narrators did their job pretty well and the initial music at the start of the book gets you all in a sea fantasy mood. I did feel that one of the main male characters could have been developed better, as apart from his grumpy nature and introverted personality, I did not get much about him. Hoping to see more development on his part in the next book.

Thanks, @netgalley @bolindaaudio @adrienneyoungbooks for the Audiobook. I hope you guys are working on Namsake audio too 😆

Genre: #fantasy #ya

I love a pirate story from the perspective of a strong, resilient female main character and Fable didn’t disappoint. She’s been abandoned on an island as a child but determined to survive, using her skills and cunning to save herself. The road is bumpy and trust is almost impossible to come by in a world full of outlaws and rebels. The stakes are high and for Fable most of all. She’s had to hide who she is for years and with her secrets kept close to her vest, it’s difficult to find her place in the world. Fable is clever and determined, and a great narrator for her story. I enjoyed watching her go toe to toe with the unwelcoming crew of the Marigold and seeing her discovering their secrets. She’s definitely someone you’d want on your crew but Fable brings her own danger and the question is whether anyone else is willing to take her on or whether she’ll have to go it alone. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I’m officially hooked. I can’t wait to see where Fable’s story leads next.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

This was such a compelling book and one that takes no effort to get into! We meet Fable from the very beginning, who has eked out a shaky existence on an island where fighting fo survive is the only way forward. She has one goal, and that is to get off the island and find her father to join him.

That itself has all the ground for an epic plot, but couple that with a hint of romance, a likeable motley crew and a great narrator, it quickly gets addictive!

I loved Fable’s character and she was easy to like. And the cover is absolutely stunning! I loved the audiobook as a format for this book as it was narrated well and made it effortless to listen to. I had heard great things about this book before and I can fully understand why.

The setting at sea made for an interesting factor and I became invested in Fable’s story. I seemed to race through it and I’m glad there’s more in the series as it definitely warrants more follow up books!

I managed to get through this book in one sitting - it was great! The writing style is engaging, Fable is a loveable MC, and the little twists and turns along the way kept me hooked from start to finish. I shall be starting Namesake immediately :)

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for approving me for an ARC of this book. I have had this on the reading pile for a long time and was excited to get started. I also enjoyed chatting with my reading buddies Bex and Amanda as I went.

🌊Set mostly onboard the Marigold, we follow Fable as she embarks on a mission to find her father. I liked Fable and her quick thinking, there were a few occasions when she got out of a tight situation.

⚓The crew of the Marigold consists of teens, orphans and outcasts and Fable seems to fit in perfectly, even if they were reluctant to have her at the start. I enjoyed learning more about the different relationships and friendships on board the ship too.

💓The love interest took a little while to show itself but once it did I was here for it! I can’t wait to see how this develops in the second book.

⭐This was easy listening and just what I needed. I’m looking forward to reading the next book and discovering what happens next for Fable, West and Saint.