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.
Honestly, I was on the fence about requesting this book from NetGalley, but after reading so many fantastic reviews, I decided to give it a try. Now, I’m raring to get my hands on the second in the duology.
From the first page, your heart goes out to Fable. She’s literally abandoned on an island full of criminals by her father – it’s a true sink or swim situation. Over the course of two years, she struggles to survive and learns some hard lessons along the way. Considering all she experiences, her trust issues are valid. Without such a strong, independent, charismatic MC, I’m not sure this book would have gotten such stellar reviews, but for me, Fable and her quest make the story. With much of the setting on the open sea, it receives bonus points.
Stakes are high, and Fable is in near constant danger. When the crew of the Marigold reluctantly take her in, she discovers they harbor many secrets of their own. After a rough getting-to-know-you period, trust and relationships form – I’m a sucker for found family stories. And if anyone ever needed the support of a family, it’s this group. With the crew, West’s and Willa’s characters are well-developed, but the remaining three aren’t as clear-cut and seem interchangeable. The author could have more planned for them in the next book – I’m anxious to learn their stories.
If you’re a fan of pirates, high seas adventure, closely-guarded secrets, and feisty main characters, I highly recommend Fable. Now I need the second book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I love when books turn out to even better than expected. It sounds like you really enjoyed this one, Teri.
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Great characters and a wonderful survival story, Mae – with a wicked cliffhanger. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
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I agree. I felt like this story is very character-driven and Fable is so wonderful – you can’t help but being a willing follower of her tale ❤️
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We’re of the same mind on that one, Tessa.
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Sounds like a good one. I’m in pirate mode anyway these days.
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I thought of you when I wrote this review, Craig – thought the pirate aspect might interest you.
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Oh I can’t wait to read this one! Pluse the cover is so gorgeous!
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Isn’t it? The cover for the second book is just as stunning.
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I can just imagine!
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Fable is a great name for a character. I agree that well crafted characters make the story. Thanks for this mindful review, Teri. Hugs on the wing.
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I thought so too, Teagan. Tessa also mentioned the unusual character names in her review.
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Loved the book and obsessed with the cover!
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Absolutely – both covers are beautiful.
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I already like the sound of this character. Looks like it is filled with action, tension and adventure.
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That and so much more, Yesha. The pacing was perfect – just enough time in between all the action.
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Great review! I keep doubting if I want to read this one.. I was not a fan of her Sky in the Deep, but this one sounds good, and gets so many amazing reviews!
I might have to just give it a shot!
(www.evelynreads.com)
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This is the only book I’ve read by her, Evelyn. For some reason, Sky in the Deep didn’t grab me. I think you should give it a try.
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I just read Tessa’s review and did a double take when I popped over here. Lol. Gah, my kindle is overflowing! Yikes. But between the two of you… I can’t resist. Great review.
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I laughed when I visited her blog today, Diana, lol. We’re of the same mind on this book – very enjoyable.
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It’s lodged in my Amazon wish list. 🙂
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When you need a second book…that’s a great sign! Thanks for the review, Teri.
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It sure is – but I hate waiting!
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I’m not sure I like Fable’s father. How could he leave her like that? Now I want to read the story to find out! lol
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Right? You immediately hate the guy for abandoning his child, but things are revealed. No spoilers here, though.
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Super review, Teri. 😁
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Thanks, John!
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Amazing review Teri! I have seen only praise for that book so far!
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Thanks, Sophie! It seems to be getting a lot of positive reviews.
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Sounds like another winner. I’m not usually a pirates / swashbuckling kinda girl, but I do love a downtrodden hero story.
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Until the past few years, it wasn’t really my thing either, Jess, but then a certain author friend wrote a pirate book and I was hooked, lol. In Fable, you can’t get much more downtrodden than being abandoned by your father on an island full of criminals. Poor girl.
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Yeah, that side of it sounds right up my alley.
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Feisty characters always make things more interesting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one.
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They sure do, Staci. It’s a trait that helps her survive in this instance.
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Being abandoned on an island full of criminals is pretty tough, Teri. I do enjoy strong female characters.
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Sounds like you’d enjoy Fable, Robbie. She learned to survive the hard way after being abandoned.
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This sounds incredible and caught my eye because of my own upcoming pirate novel with a similar cover! I will definitely be looking into this, as the story sounds incredible. Thank you for sharing!
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I was approved for the ARC of the sequel, so I’m thrilled – excited to get started. Thanks for stopping by!
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