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salem_frogge's review
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
eliseswritings's review
emotional
reflective
slow-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
4.0
This is only the second novel I've ever read set in a small American town. Its not normally this Aussie's scene, nor genre. But something about the writing brought me into Wren's world. Sat me there with Wren and Jethro and Mrs. Delaney in the record keeping room. This is one of those books where I felt like I lived the character's experiences.
Its a tale of grief, a tale of grieving people finding their way, finding what comes next and of Wren growing from past hurts. I recommend it for anyone trying to process, accept, come to terms with or figure out what next? with their own grief. For readers who like characters who grow. And for its diverse cast, with sensitive anxiety, and respectful nonbinary and POC rep.
It was a journey a little longer and slower in places than I wanted, but one I was happy to take and satisfied and left at peace by the conclusion of.
Its a tale of grief, a tale of grieving people finding their way, finding what comes next and of Wren growing from past hurts. I recommend it for anyone trying to process, accept, come to terms with or figure out what next? with their own grief. For readers who like characters who grow. And for its diverse cast, with sensitive anxiety, and respectful nonbinary and POC rep.
It was a journey a little longer and slower in places than I wanted, but one I was happy to take and satisfied and left at peace by the conclusion of.
phantasmfiend's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
bookshelfmonkey's review
5.0
I can't quite explain what it was that I liked about this book— it's just the vibes.
If you're reading this book for the plot, the murder-mystery that's hinted at in the blurb, then prepare to be disappointed. I'm trying to avoid spoilers, so I'll just say that it's not a big part of the book, is isn't meant to be the focus, and that is very clear.
This is a book about losing and learning to love again. The protagonist, left reeling from the many losses they've faced in their life, must learn to trust in others, to put their faith in those around them. This development is written very well, and everything about Wren and their life felt very real.
Also, the vibes. I know I've mentioned them already, but something about this book reminded me of something else (I can't quite place it, someone please help me) and the whole thing felt kind of... nostalgic? I can't explain how this book made me feel, but it made me feel.
Cool vibes.
9/10
If you're reading this book for the plot, the murder-mystery that's hinted at in the blurb, then prepare to be disappointed. I'm trying to avoid spoilers, so I'll just say that it's not a big part of the book, is isn't meant to be the focus, and that is very clear.
This is a book about losing and learning to love again. The protagonist, left reeling from the many losses they've faced in their life, must learn to trust in others, to put their faith in those around them. This development is written very well, and everything about Wren and their life felt very real.
Also, the vibes. I know I've mentioned them already, but something about this book reminded me of something else (I can't quite place it, someone please help me) and the whole thing felt kind of... nostalgic? I can't explain how this book made me feel, but it made me feel.
Cool vibes.
9/10
em_writing's review
5.0
The Fable of Wren is the second of Sparks’ books that I’ve had the pleasure of reading (the first being their short work Daylight Chasers) and I’m happy to report that it does not disappoint.
The story follows Wren, a stubborn, reclusive enby trying to put their life back together after the death of the uncle that raised them. When their uncle’s best friend is found dead in the woods under mysterious circumstances, Wren must learn to rely on new friends and old to help bring themself and the town closure. Featuring a cinnamon roll best friend, a slightly magical secret society of bird-watchers, and storytelling from beyond the grave, this quiet, speculative mystery certainly packs a punch. But a gentle, kind punch.
Sparks’ has such an amazing way with words, painting perfect pictures of the hot humid forestry of Lousiana, the dusty quiet of the records room in a small town, and the chatter of a well-loved diner. It’s something that I can’t help but envy as a writer myself. They also capture grief and loss in an incredibly sensitive and delicate manner. These are themes that often occur in Sparks’ work, but each piece brings something new, adding an extra dimension to the conversation surrounding these topics. Fable of Wren explores the impact of death on mental health and relationships, as well as displaying the importance of finding community (or family) to help heal some of that pain. It is an incredibly tender and warm-hearted book and it deserves more stars than Goodreads and Amazon will allow me to offer.
As puzzle writer, I also love a good mystery and this book certainly appealed to me on that level as well. While the narrative and resolution to the story might not be quite what you’d expect of a classic mystery (which is why Sparks’ describes it as a quiet mystery), it was certainly fun to try and puzzle out the answers as Wren worked to uncover the killer. The Fable of Wren contains plenty of interesting tidbits to mull over between reading sessions and it was hugely satisfying to have many of my guesses proved right in the end. You always know you’ve done foreshadowing well when the sleuthy readers can see where you’re going!
Overall, this is another five star book from a brilliant indie author that I can’t help but envy. Sparks’ is a real talent and I hope you’ll give their work a try.
The story follows Wren, a stubborn, reclusive enby trying to put their life back together after the death of the uncle that raised them. When their uncle’s best friend is found dead in the woods under mysterious circumstances, Wren must learn to rely on new friends and old to help bring themself and the town closure. Featuring a cinnamon roll best friend, a slightly magical secret society of bird-watchers, and storytelling from beyond the grave, this quiet, speculative mystery certainly packs a punch. But a gentle, kind punch.
Sparks’ has such an amazing way with words, painting perfect pictures of the hot humid forestry of Lousiana, the dusty quiet of the records room in a small town, and the chatter of a well-loved diner. It’s something that I can’t help but envy as a writer myself. They also capture grief and loss in an incredibly sensitive and delicate manner. These are themes that often occur in Sparks’ work, but each piece brings something new, adding an extra dimension to the conversation surrounding these topics. Fable of Wren explores the impact of death on mental health and relationships, as well as displaying the importance of finding community (or family) to help heal some of that pain. It is an incredibly tender and warm-hearted book and it deserves more stars than Goodreads and Amazon will allow me to offer.
As puzzle writer, I also love a good mystery and this book certainly appealed to me on that level as well. While the narrative and resolution to the story might not be quite what you’d expect of a classic mystery (which is why Sparks’ describes it as a quiet mystery), it was certainly fun to try and puzzle out the answers as Wren worked to uncover the killer. The Fable of Wren contains plenty of interesting tidbits to mull over between reading sessions and it was hugely satisfying to have many of my guesses proved right in the end. You always know you’ve done foreshadowing well when the sleuthy readers can see where you’re going!
Overall, this is another five star book from a brilliant indie author that I can’t help but envy. Sparks’ is a real talent and I hope you’ll give their work a try.
tinyelfarcanist's review
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
I'm certainly not the target for this book, but that didn't detract me from enjoying the beautiful passages.
The river is an open cut in the landscape. Like a wound that keeps flowing open, never able to heal. It feeds the trees, the brambles. In turn, they give way to wildlife.
The book is heavy on birdwatching references. That's an interest I’ve never understood since it’s not a thing where I’m from. I believe people who have practiced the activity will find it nostalgic.
It also paints the curse and blessing that is living in a small town. Never enough privacy, but your neighbours are familiar enough to rely on. I’ve always lived in a city. I guess I'm too much of a "city boy" (like Jethro) to appreciate everything this book has to offer.
The Fable of Wren highlights the importance of history and record keeping. It is a love letter to those who lived before us, especially those who left a mark on our lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death, Body horror, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content
Minor: Cancer, Murder, Xenophobia, Gun violence, Medical trauma, Racism, Bullying, and Transphobia
jferrell526's review
5.0
Wren is left alone when their uncle dies. They are very much a loner. But by solving a mystery they learn to make friends. Rue Sparks sent me this galley copy. I'm very glad I got it! In reading it I found myself identifying with Wren. People are hard! Also, the community sounds a lot like mine.
This is a great book with lots to teach us all. Some people just need a little distance.
This is a great book with lots to teach us all. Some people just need a little distance.
sarah_bell's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
This was a beautiful, emotional gut-punch of a book that explores grief and human connection.
Our MC, Wren, is a spitfire, non-binary person living in small town America and reeling from the loss of their uncle - who has been a parental figure to them since they were a kid. When another person close to them passes away, they determine to investigate what happened, and are helped by newcomer to town, Jethro, despite Wren's ingrained distrust of outsiders.
I loved that the story focused on family and friendship rather than romance, as they are just as important when it comes to how we as people connect, and I think it's important for stories to explore that
Also I got definite ace/aro vibes from Wren, who states several times in the book they have no interest in dating/ relationships.
Sparks' writing style is vivid and lyrical throughout, filled with great imagery and lines that hit home. This came as no surprise, having read their short story collection The Stars Will Guide Us Back (which I also highly recommend!)
Our MC, Wren, is a spitfire, non-binary person living in small town America and reeling from the loss of their uncle - who has been a parental figure to them since they were a kid. When another person close to them passes away, they determine to investigate what happened, and are helped by newcomer to town, Jethro, despite Wren's ingrained distrust of outsiders.
I loved that the story focused on family and friendship rather than romance, as they are just as important when it comes to how we as people connect, and I think it's important for stories to explore that
Also I got definite ace/aro vibes from Wren, who states several times in the book they have no interest in dating/ relationships.
Sparks' writing style is vivid and lyrical throughout, filled with great imagery and lines that hit home. This came as no surprise, having read their short story collection The Stars Will Guide Us Back (which I also highly recommend!)