I basically devoured this entire book in one sitting. I don't read much in the way of YA but I've slowly found myself picking more up. I always tend to like the stories, but sometimes find the writing a little juvenile. Fable did not make me feel that way. I loved the story, I loved the main character, Fable, she was definitely my favourite, and the ending left me wanting to immediately start the second book.

Fable has been left to fend for herself since she was 13, dropped on the shores of Jeval by her father. Having to make her own way in the world or starve trying, Fable used the skills her mother taught her to dredge - dredge the sea floors for gems and treasures to sell for coin. On the dangerous island of Jeval, where everyone is an enemy, Fable had no one she could trust. When another dredger comes for her life, and her coin, Fable runs to the only person she's ever felt like she could trust - West, helmsman of the Marigold. When West agrees to take her on as a passenger and bring her to the island of Ceros (where Fable is hoping to reunite with her father), the crew is unhappy. With everyone calling her a bad luck charm, Fable finds herself among people she can finally trust, even if they don't entirely trust her.

Fable was such an easy character to root for. Having been on her own for so long, it's always nice to read about a character who makes the best out of their unfortunate situation. The crew of the Marigold all have their own demons to hide, yet each end up learning to live together despite these issues. The entire world of ships and trading was fascinating to read about - cutthroat and dangerous. My only complaint was that the story read a little too closely to what I classify as typical YA - young main character has a hard life, finds a group of ragtag people to stick it out with, finds some romance, and winds up in a sticky situation. That being said, it didn't make me enjoy the book any less, and the cliffhanger at the end has me immediately reaching for the second book.

4.75