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sfbookgirl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Cue the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack. I am obsessed with all things sea, pirates, and ships after reading Fable and Namesake. In case it wasn’t evident, these books go together and are best read back-to-back. The books tell the story of Fable, a seventeen-year-old girl who was dropped off on a mostly deserted island by her father after their family’s ship was destroyed during a storm. Fable wants to find her way back to her father with the hopes of finding a place on his crew. But she has to get there first…
These books are perfect for both young adult and adult readers. While it did take a bit of time for me to familiarize myself with the characters in Fable, I really enjoyed Namesake because it allowed me to spend time with Fable and her crew. The world is corrupt and dangerous, but nothing can stop Fable from achieving her dreams. The duology is perfect for those looking to get a taste of the seas from the comfort of their couch and the chance to explore a new world of trade and secrets.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Violence, and Grief
whatiskatelynreading's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Blood
leahsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I really enjoyed Fable, and Namesake was the stunning conclusion to this duology. When there’s a situation in a book that leaves me with questions, I always want to have those questions answered. And the beautiful thing about this book is that it provided all the answers. However, it had some ups and downs along the way.
One of the things that I really liked was seeing how Fable’s relationships changed with the people around her. As she has to navigate her new circumstances, she learns a lot more about her mother’s past and how that relates to her own life. This new information affects her perception of the people she’s known the longest, and how she interacts with them.
“In only a night I’d learned more about my mother than I had in my entire life. Saint wasn’t the only one with secrets, and I couldn’t help but feel betrayed.”
While I liked seeing how Fable grew up over the course of the story, I felt like West just kind of faded. He was there, but his entire role just seemed to be to step in and play savior. Every time he did something, it was without the permission of the people he was “saving,” and it usually wasn’t appreciated. Also, the romance? I still wasn’t feeling it. In the last book, it wasn’t really well-developed, and in this book, it wasn’t really built up further. Honestly, it didn’t add much to the story. I felt that it could have worked just as well if they were close friends/found family.
The writing was absolutely beautiful, and I truly enjoyed the story. There was a sense of not really knowing everything that was going on, not knowing each character’s plan, and wondering whether you could trust anyone. Part of Fable’s journey was learning who she could trust and when to trust them, and relying on her instincts as she is taken on a journey through the Narrows and into the Unnamed Sea.
“The Unnamed Sea was a thing painted in my mind by the bright colors of my mother’s stories, but like the Narrows, it was filled with cutthroat traders, devious merchants, and powerful guilds.”
I’ve been a fan of Fable (the character) since page 1 of the first book, and I enjoyed seeing her claim her power and become a strong, kick-butt woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to get it. You know I love a strong female character, but this is a prime example of how not every book needs a romance in it. I really enjoyed the book for the most part, and would still recommend it. Plus, the covers for this duology are absolutely stunning, especially when placed side by side.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Minor: Child abuse and Death of parent
kelseyholler's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Grief, and Death of parent
madamepincers's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
kloft1993's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse and Homophobia
kenziewol's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
“We were salt and sand and sea and the storm. We were made in the Narrows.”
I enjoyed this book even more than the last. I was hooked and kept telling myself just one more chapter — I ended up reading it in one sitting staying up till 3am to do so (I’ll regret this later). I feel like that’s one of the authors strong suits, she know how to keep you wanting to read the next chapter. I loved continuing Fables journey and learning more about her and her family. I love west, last book I still felt unsure but by the end of this one I loved him and their love story. Overall this was just a really enjoyable read for me and I loved the direction the author decided to take it in!
I enjoyed this book even more than the last. I was hooked and kept telling myself just one more chapter — I ended up reading it in one sitting staying up till 3am to do so (I’ll regret this later). I feel like that’s one of the authors strong suits, she know how to keep you wanting to read the next chapter. I loved continuing Fables journey and learning more about her and her family. I love west, last book I still felt unsure but by the end of this one I loved him and their love story. Overall this was just a really enjoyable read for me and I loved the direction the author decided to take it in!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, and Murder
gem114's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Sooooo satisfying!
Adventure! Love! Betrayal! Father/daughter relationships! Magic! Justice! Redemption!
Fable and Namesake have it all. I really loved this duology (are duologies my new thing in 2021?) and highly recommend it.
Adventure! Love! Betrayal! Father/daughter relationships! Magic! Justice! Redemption!
Fable and Namesake have it all. I really loved this duology (are duologies my new thing in 2021?) and highly recommend it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder