Saint by Adrienne Young

Fans of the New York Times bestselling Fable series will be thrilled to read the prequel Saint, which tells the story of Saint and Isolde, Fable’s parents. As a young boy Elias made a mistake in not trusting in old legends which resulted in the death of his father. Now he has grown into a young man who is devoted to the myths of the sea, giving him the reputation of a helmsman who can navigate the worst of the storms in the Narrows and earning him the name Saint. When he meets Isolde, a young dredger and gem sage who is trying to escape her powerful mother, his faith is tested as the pair grow closer together and sail the treacherous seas.

Alternating between the perspectives of Saint and Isolde, it is easy to become immersed in the world of the Narrows, in the danger of storms and the lure of gems, as well as the growing love between Saint and Isolde, and their joy in their young daughter Fable. Young brings thrilling action and adventure to the story, but also awareness of the strengths and flaws of Saint and Isolde and the crew that they sail with.

Saint can be read as a stand-alone, and readers are sure to find themselves going on the other books, Fable, Namesake and The last legacy, all set in the wonderful world that Young has imagined. Those who have already devoured the Fable series could find themselves rereading the books as I did and enjoying the insights into Fable’s life that Saint provides.

Themes: Sailing, Diving, Family, Adventure, Romance.

Pat Pledger