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oliviabrcka's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Moderate: Sexual content and Murder
madsmcw_reads's review against another edition
- 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
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
Graphic: Confinement, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content
readwithsuzanna's review against another edition
5.0
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Trafficking, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Homophobia
leahsbooks's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Minor: Child abuse and Death of parent
melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition
- 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 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!
Moderate: Sexual content, Blood, and Murder
madamepincers's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Death, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
josephinereadsbooks's review against another edition
- 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
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Blood, and Murder
kenziewol's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
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!
Graphic: Death, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, and Murder
gem114's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Moderate: Death, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder