Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - Namesake (Fairyloot Edition)

Was hoping for more character development for Fable because I feel like she was handed many things and directed to many decisions rather than leading her own path. But then again that's probably because I struggle accepting help. I also didn't like Fable and West's relationship because it was instant love and we didn't really learn much about West. He was super withheld. Hoping that Saint's book will answer some unanswered questions about Isolde.

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anaguana's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.75

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sarahsbooklife's review

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adventurous emotional funny tense fast-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

5.0

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oliviabrcka's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Namesake picks up right where Fable left off. Fable has been kidnapped by Zola to complete a job, and things are quickly turning out to be far more complicated than they initially seemed. Fable is now tasked with trying to play the games of experienced traders on her own; and not get killed in the process. I enjoyed the first book, and while Namesake was fine, I liked Fable better. However, I think it wrapped up Fable's story nicely and I don't regret reading it.
I did prefer Young's overall writing style in Namesake. It felt more tangible, like I could reach out and touch gems underwater. Her pacing was slower, but I see why it had to happen that way, so I am not too bothered by it.
As far as returning characters, they all stay the same. I liked the development in Fable's relationship with Saint, and I think that is one of the more powerful relationships in this duology. I was also LIVING for Koy and Willa's relationship but we didn't get to see very much of it:( The only new characters we really get are Holland and the Roths. I was pretty underwhelmed by both. I saw the "evil grandma" card coming from a mile away and we didn't get to know enough about the Roths for me to actually be invested in their part of the storyline.
The world of Fable expands to the Unnamed Sea, and more importantly, the opulent trading city of Bastian. I loved the contrast between the Narrows and Bastian. The grandeur and elegance of Bastian was so interesting, and I wish we could have explored that space more. I would be interested to see a novel in the same world as Fable, but set in the perspective of a rich girl from Bastian. That would be so fun! Namesake also delves more into the politics of the Fable universe; there is a lot less action and a lot more intrigue and political chess happening.
Namesake explores a few themes: loyalty, mourning, and tough parental relationships. Young doesn't really explore them in depth, so although I could see some readers connecting with them, I don't think everyone really will.
Namesake was worth reading and I think it wrapped up the duology nicely. I am interested to see what Adrienne Young writes next.

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