Saint completely captured the hearts of readers in the Fable duology and I’m so thrilled he and Isolde received their own book! Before he was known as Saint, he was simply Elias. Elias and his helmsman Clove are young Narrows-born traders whose goal is to become licensed to trade. Isolde is Holland’s daughter, who grieved the day her father was lost at sea but never suspected foul play. Until one day, she learns the truth and strikes out from Holland to find safety in the Narrows. Isolde and Elias must work together to avoid vengeful captains, dangerous storms, and the long reach of Holland.

Since it was announced, I have been eagerly awaiting Saint and it did not disappoint!! I was extremely lucky to receive an advanced listener copy. I listened to the entire thing in a day, unable to tear myself away from this much-anticipated return to the Narrows. I love the Fable duology, the Last Legacy, Tides, and Adrienne Young in general! Both audiobook narrators were excellent and they expertly personified Isolde and Saint. 

Saint and Isolde are as inevitable as the sea crashing upon the shore. I was captivated by the adventurous beginning to their story. Saint provides a fascinating glimpse into the boy behind the man who would become one of the most influential players in the Narrows. He goes through so much character growth that is truly evident from reading Saint. And of course, we finally get to meet Isolde!! She is a fierce dredger, unwilling to let her fate be decided by others. Isolde has so much bravery and knowledge that helps her navigate the dangers of the sea. I see aspects of them both in Fable. For readers who know the end, there is definitely a touch of bittersweet melancholy woven through the pages.  

Adrienne Young’s writing is always immersive, plunging into the dark depths with Isolde and sailing the ship through violent storms with Saint. Every sense is described, along with witty dialogue, and clever plot twists. As much as I couldn’t look away from the fated love of Isolde and Saint, I also loved the side characters! I really enjoyed learning more about Clove in this book and am curious if we’ve seen the last of some of these characters. Adrienne Young wrote in some beautiful connections that readers who have read the duology will love, though Saint can be read as a standalone. I hope there are more tales from the Narrows to come! In the meantime, time for a reread of Saint…

Thank you SO much to Adrienne Young,  Macmillan Audio, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free advanced listener’s copy in exchange for an honest review.