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oliviabrcka's review
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Murder
madsmcw_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Just like Fable, Namesake started out slow for me. It took me about halfway to fully get into the book. I wasn't a huge fan about Fable being away from her newfound family on the Marigold. I obviously know why this part was super important to the story so I can respect it, I just didn't like it all that much.
SAINT. My goodness. I was so ambivalent toward him in the first book. But dang did he show up in this one. I never expected his character to have the arc that he did and I seriously loved it.
I also really enjoyed getting more into the dynamic of Fable and West. They're guarded people with parts of themselves they want to hide, but the way they learn to love one another despite is all made me happy.
Koy was an unexpected spark in this part of the story! I liked getting to know him more and seeing who he really was.
I also loved that this story ended happily. I love my endings with a nice little now and I was a little nervous I wasn't going to get that here 😅.
Overall this is a very strong duology. I loved the adventure and the intrigue and I'm really glad I took the time to read them
SAINT. My goodness. I was so ambivalent toward him in the first book. But dang did he show up in this one. I never expected his character to have the arc that he did and I seriously loved it.
I also really enjoyed getting more into the dynamic of Fable and West. They're guarded people with parts of themselves they want to hide, but the way they learn to love one another despite is all made me happy.
Koy was an unexpected spark in this part of the story! I liked getting to know him more and seeing who he really was.
I also loved that this story ended happily. I love my endings with a nice little now and I was a little nervous I wasn't going to get that here 😅.
Overall this is a very strong duology. I loved the adventure and the intrigue and I'm really glad I took the time to read them
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Confinement, Kidnapping, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content
melaniereadsbooks's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I absolutely loved Fable and was looking forward to this sequel. I can say I wasn't disappointed by it, but it also didn't meet every single expectation and hope that I had for it.
I absolutely love Adrienne Young's writing, and that didn't disappoint. I love Fable and the character growth she went through. What I didn't like was the change that happened to West's character, or how co-dependent West and Fable's relationship got.
I loved the way things when with Saint! I thought the crew of the Marigold didn't have as big of a roll in this one, and I wished they would have.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and the cover is absolutely gorgeous!
I absolutely love Adrienne Young's writing, and that didn't disappoint. I love Fable and the character growth she went through. What I didn't like was the change that happened to West's character, or how co-dependent West and Fable's relationship got.
I loved the way things when with Saint! I thought the crew of the Marigold didn't have as big of a roll in this one, and I wished they would have.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and the cover is absolutely gorgeous!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Sexual content, and Blood
kloft1993's review
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, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Child abuse and Homophobia
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