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2.5 stars
I‘m puzzled as to why Fable is so hyped, especially seeing that it was published only last year. Don’t get me wrong, the book isn’t bad per se, but if I had to describe it in one word, it would be weak.
The plot is lackluster, the characters are one-dimensional with the exception of Saintwho is well written and Fable who isn’t. The latter being so stupid it hurts and had me nodding to what Willa and Saint say to /about her. Sometimes her being stupid is for plot convenience, like when she first exposes herself as a gem sage in public, and that was even more frustrating to read than when she was just being obtuse.
The other characters are so shallow that I always forgot that Paj and Hamish are different crew members. The obligatory romance between West and Fable was also weak with them not having any chemistry. In regard to the character’s dynamics with Fable I was reminded a lot of To Kill a Kingdom (also the setting, obviously), but Fable was, again much weaker.
The pacing was also off and other reviewers aren’t wrong, it feels like nothing happens. I personally didn’t mind the slow start and felt that more happened in the first half than in the second. In the second half, moreover, nothing unexpected happenswell, nothing unexpected happens at all, this book religiously follows the same story beats every YA book I’ve read in the last years does and I wish that there had been just more. I easily could have closed the book after Fable’s reunion with Saint and known exactly how it ends, except for the cliffhanger.
Speaking of cliffhangers, I hate them. If an author commits the cardinal sin of including one, I will almost always round off my rating. This one in particular didn’t even make sense to me..
Also, what’s up with everyone swooning about the cover? It’s so incredibly basic.
I‘m puzzled as to why Fable is so hyped, especially seeing that it was published only last year. Don’t get me wrong, the book isn’t bad per se, but if I had to describe it in one word, it would be weak.
The plot is lackluster, the characters are one-dimensional with the exception of Saint
Spoiler
“I can’t decide if I like you or if I think you’re stupid.” She laughed.”Now I know you’re stupid.“Spoiler
“you weren't made for this world, Fable.”The other characters are so shallow that I always forgot that Paj and Hamish are different crew members. The obligatory romance between West and Fable was also weak with them not having any chemistry. In regard to the character’s dynamics with Fable I was reminded a lot of To Kill a Kingdom (also the setting, obviously), but Fable was, again much weaker.
The pacing was also off and other reviewers aren’t wrong, it feels like nothing happens. I personally didn’t mind the slow start and felt that more happened in the first half than in the second. In the second half, moreover, nothing unexpected happens
Speaking of cliffhangers, I hate them. If an author commits the cardinal sin of including one, I will almost always round off my rating. This one in particular didn’t even make sense to me.