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The World of the Narrows
Tides & Drift
A moving return to the world of Fable, these two stories dive into the bittersweet first meeting of fan favourite characters Paj and Auster, and the intrepid voyages of Willa and Koy as they forge their own path across the Narrows.
Tides
When Auster, a young member of the Roth crime family, meets a deckhand named Paj that he's been sent to rob on behalf of his infamous uncle, his world is turned upside down.Tidesis a tale of first love, heartache and breaking free, following Paj and Auster's beginnings before the events ofFableandNamesake.
Drift
After leaving the only family she's ever had on theMarigold, Willa has made a new start on a remote island carving out her own stake in the future of the Narrows. She's found an unexpected business partner in Koy and whether she likes it or not, they are suited in more ways than one. Together they plan to turn Jeval into the farthest-reaching port before the waters of the Unnamed Sea. But when the Saltblood ships docking in their newly minted harbor start bringing unsettling news, the more Willa is forced to rely on Koy, and she discovers that he's more than an opportunity to create her own destiny. He also just might be the safest harbor she's ever known.
Tides
When Auster, a young member of the Roth crime family, meets a deckhand named Paj that he's been sent to rob on behalf of his infamous uncle, his world is turned upside down.Tidesis a tale of first love, heartache and breaking free, following Paj and Auster's beginnings before the events ofFableandNamesake.
Drift
After leaving the only family she's ever had on theMarigold, Willa has made a new start on a remote island carving out her own stake in the future of the Narrows. She's found an unexpected business partner in Koy and whether she likes it or not, they are suited in more ways than one. Together they plan to turn Jeval into the farthest-reaching port before the waters of the Unnamed Sea. But when the Saltblood ships docking in their newly minted harbor start bringing unsettling news, the more Willa is forced to rely on Koy, and she discovers that he's more than an opportunity to create her own destiny. He also just might be the safest harbor she's ever known.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2024
23 people are currently reading
3,428 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Young
28books16.5kfollowersAdrienne Young is the New York Times and international bestselling author of the Sky and Sea duology, the Fable series, and Spells for Forgetting. When she’s not writing, you can find Adrienne on her yoga mat, on a walk in the woods, or planning her next travel adventure. She lives and writes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
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Instagram: @adrienneyoungbooks
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Instagram: @adrienneyoungbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
January 19, 2024
Headlines:
Two packed stories
Unlikely pairings
Dodgy dealings and risk
My favourite kinds of novellas are those set in a world I already have love for. The Fable world is just that and these two pairs of characters held the stage.
Tides took us back into the Roth family with Aus. He was born into the family, controlled and unwilling but resigned to his lot. This mafia-like family remained fascinating and unlikeable. The unlikely connection of Aus to Paj was quite lovely and we saw a slow and tangible build between these two. There was so much to love about this story and it totally got me in the feels.
Drift took us to a fledgling harbour and Willa working with Koy to build a new place for ships to come. There was a fair hand of crime, drama and killing with a tentative romance underpinning. I really liked Willa as a character, her independance and also her care for Ailee was good reading. This one finished in a place where I wanted more but thoroughly enjoyable all the same.
Thank you Titan Books for the eARC.
Two packed stories
Unlikely pairings
Dodgy dealings and risk
My favourite kinds of novellas are those set in a world I already have love for. The Fable world is just that and these two pairs of characters held the stage.
Tides took us back into the Roth family with Aus. He was born into the family, controlled and unwilling but resigned to his lot. This mafia-like family remained fascinating and unlikeable. The unlikely connection of Aus to Paj was quite lovely and we saw a slow and tangible build between these two. There was so much to love about this story and it totally got me in the feels.
Drift took us to a fledgling harbour and Willa working with Koy to build a new place for ships to come. There was a fair hand of crime, drama and killing with a tentative romance underpinning. I really liked Willa as a character, her independance and also her care for Ailee was good reading. This one finished in a place where I wanted more but thoroughly enjoyable all the same.
Thank you Titan Books for the eARC.
May 4, 2024
I can't get enough of the narrows series. These short stories were everything I needed. I definitely want to read them all again.
February 13, 2024
I don't know what I'll do without any more of these books in my life. I love the whole world, the characters, Adrienne's writing. I love love love it.
January 9, 2025
Tides—if Adrienne ever writes a book on Paj and Auster (which she definitely should), i’d read it over and over again.
Drift—when i started Fable, i never imagined seeing Koy become what he is now, and i love it for him. i also didn’t expect him to work with Willa..hehe.
these novellas were far more enjoyable than the actual duology. but with the way both end, i am desperate for more contentttt. need to know what is next for the four of them :�)
Drift—when i started Fable, i never imagined seeing Koy become what he is now, and i love it for him. i also didn’t expect him to work with Willa..hehe.
these novellas were far more enjoyable than the actual duology. but with the way both end, i am desperate for more contentttt. need to know what is next for the four of them :�)
January 1, 2025
I would die for these characters
January 11, 2024
4 Stars
If you loved the Fable series then this is a must read as it adds to two storylines that we didn't get in the original books.
The first us Tides and is about Auster (a member of the Roth family who deal in fake gems) and Paj (a deckhand from a ship that stops at the port Auster lives every 2 weeks). The story was really good and I loved getting to know their history and how their romance started. I loved both characters so this was a fun extra read for me. I did find it to be a little obvious based on what we already knew but I still loved reading it.
Drift is the story of Willa and Koy, after the events of the Fable series. This was my favourite story out of the two as I loved Willa and to see how her life continued was something that I really wanted. To be honest, I think this could have been a full book as there is so much detail and aspects that could be built upon. The ending was quite open so I do hope that we get more of Willa! This novella was filled with ups and downs, drama and suspense. I was on the edge of my seat at one point and it had me hooked from start to finish. I wish there had been a little more about Koy, or even a few chapters from his point of view though. It was interesting to be back on Jeval too but from someone's perspective other than Fables.
Adrienne Young can do no wrong in my eyes and these extra novellas definitely added to this series and made me desperate for another full book in this series! Her writing never fails to grab my attention and hold it, plus I love her characters and storylines so so much.
Overall, a great two extra novellas that all Fable lovers will enjoy!
If you loved the Fable series then this is a must read as it adds to two storylines that we didn't get in the original books.
The first us Tides and is about Auster (a member of the Roth family who deal in fake gems) and Paj (a deckhand from a ship that stops at the port Auster lives every 2 weeks). The story was really good and I loved getting to know their history and how their romance started. I loved both characters so this was a fun extra read for me. I did find it to be a little obvious based on what we already knew but I still loved reading it.
Drift is the story of Willa and Koy, after the events of the Fable series. This was my favourite story out of the two as I loved Willa and to see how her life continued was something that I really wanted. To be honest, I think this could have been a full book as there is so much detail and aspects that could be built upon. The ending was quite open so I do hope that we get more of Willa! This novella was filled with ups and downs, drama and suspense. I was on the edge of my seat at one point and it had me hooked from start to finish. I wish there had been a little more about Koy, or even a few chapters from his point of view though. It was interesting to be back on Jeval too but from someone's perspective other than Fables.
Adrienne Young can do no wrong in my eyes and these extra novellas definitely added to this series and made me desperate for another full book in this series! Her writing never fails to grab my attention and hold it, plus I love her characters and storylines so so much.
Overall, a great two extra novellas that all Fable lovers will enjoy!
April 25, 2025
“He was always so warm, no matter how cold the night. As if the sun that drenched the sea was trapped inside of him.�
“I loved him too. I knew that. This thing I felt had a hold on me. It was becoming more deeply rooted by the day. But if I said it now it would destroy me.�
“I loved him too. I knew that. This thing I felt had a hold on me. It was becoming more deeply rooted by the day. But if I said it now it would destroy me.�
July 31, 2024
I don't know why but it's always nice to come back to the Narrows. The story of Paj and Auster is brutal and I love how their story evolves in the book! ❤️
August 22, 2024
3,5⭐️
Fun read! Always happy to be back in the Narrows🌊
Fun read! Always happy to be back in the Narrows🌊
March 19, 2025
What the heck I need more 😭
July 14, 2024
Tides: 3/5⭐️
Drift: 3.5/5⭐️
Drift: 3.5/5⭐️
February 9, 2024
�
Drift is certainly the weaker of the two. The story is fairly straightforward, and the characters—while interesting—aren’t the strongest. Koy is the strong, silent type. Willa is a the headstrong, outgoing type. Together, while I’m not saying their love won’t work, they’re not the strongest cast. Story-wise, it’s interesting, if not terribly immersive. Adventure-wise, it’s a bit boring; we already know about Jeval. Sure, I was curious about what happened to Willa following her departure, and legitimizing Jeval is all well and good—it’s never going to deliver anywhere near the same sort of adventure found in the rest of the series. Romance-wise, it’s a bit of a dud. Altogether, it’s not a bad story, just fails to impress.
5.5 / 10 �
�
My favorite of the two, Tides got me from page one. Auster is a bit of the strong silent type as well, though nowhere near as stoic as Koy. Paj, on the other hand, is exactly the same. Between the two of them� well, the love story just kinda ignites. If you’ve read the full Narrows stock, you know how bad the Roth family can be, and how one has to work to get under their skin. Or not, as the case may be. Don’t make waves, don’t displease Henrik. And yet, somehow Auster and Paj work. Finding out how is the entire point. And it’s a great tale.
9 / 10 �
February 21, 2024
There has got to be more books coming right?! I will die of happiness if there is and that ending has to be a set up for more🤞🏻🤞🏻
September 14, 2024
I loved getting two new perspectives on the world of the Narrows, and I'm glad these novellas got a physical book.
Tides: Auster was my favorite of Fable's crew, so I liked seeing his POV and his romance with Paj. Overall, really enjoyable!
Drift: I liked Willa's POV, and Koy is a great character. It was nice to see how this tied into the other books, with Coen's presence, and the mention of Bryn, Ezra, and Emilia. I wish we got a little more of the romance, and it ended on an almost-cliffhanger, with the story unresolved, which was a bit frustrating. It felt more like the beginning of an unfinished novel than a complete novella. Seems like there might be another book in this world on the horizon.
Tides: Auster was my favorite of Fable's crew, so I liked seeing his POV and his romance with Paj. Overall, really enjoyable!
Drift: I liked Willa's POV, and Koy is a great character. It was nice to see how this tied into the other books, with Coen's presence, and the mention of Bryn, Ezra, and Emilia. I wish we got a little more of the romance, and it ended on an almost-cliffhanger, with the story unresolved, which was a bit frustrating. It felt more like the beginning of an unfinished novel than a complete novella. Seems like there might be another book in this world on the horizon.
September 16, 2024
I rate this three and a half stars.
It was so nice to jump back into the Narrows and the world of Fable. I enjoy novellas that expand on beloved characters and their lives following the events of the main book plots.
Tides was a cute origin story of how Auster and Paj met - though I enjoyed storyline, it felt too rushed for me.
Drift I enjoyed because I love Willa. This is the kind of novella that I want as a whole book! The ending cliff hanger was exciting; I doubt Adrienne Young will write any more on Willa’s story, but it would be amazing if we could see how her unwritten adventure unfolds.
It was so nice to jump back into the Narrows and the world of Fable. I enjoy novellas that expand on beloved characters and their lives following the events of the main book plots.
Tides was a cute origin story of how Auster and Paj met - though I enjoyed storyline, it felt too rushed for me.
Drift I enjoyed because I love Willa. This is the kind of novella that I want as a whole book! The ending cliff hanger was exciting; I doubt Adrienne Young will write any more on Willa’s story, but it would be amazing if we could see how her unwritten adventure unfolds.
June 8, 2024
When i saw this at Thalia today my heart stopped. What do you mean there had been a novella about my four favourite characters and i didn't know about it?? I feel like Adrienne Young wrote this specifically for me because jesus christ this is everything i ever wished for. I reread Fable every year for those 3 scenes of Willa and Koy and NOW THEY GOT THEIR OWN STORY. maybe there is a god
July 13, 2024
Well, if it's not obvious, I cannot get enough of this series!!! I have LOVED every book in the World of Narrows, and these two novellas are no different!!! Adrienne Young, if you would be so kind to write more in this series, it would make my heart so VERY happy!!! 5 SOLID STARS for Tides and Drift!!!
July 20, 2024
*4 stars for Tides*
*3 stars for Drift*
*3 stars for Drift*
August 15, 2024
I love novellas that provide a thorough explanation on how things came to be 🥹
September 2, 2024
(3.5 stars)
October 7, 2024
2.5/5⭐️
i didn't remember much of the background story from previous books but i kinda read it to kill the time.
i didn't remember much of the background story from previous books but i kinda read it to kill the time.
October 31, 2024
this was mad boring
February 21, 2024
I just wish it was more� 🏴☠️❤️�
April 27, 2024
Only read Tides so far. Simply cannot get enough of this world⛵️
August 31, 2024
Reading Tides was the perfect ending to my journey with the narrows crew.
I actually appreciated the last legacy more after reading this novela and I'm glad I read it before reading this.
I actually appreciated the last legacy more after reading this novela and I'm glad I read it before reading this.
October 22, 2024
I'd like it more if there was more character exploration in it.
September 29, 2024
OH MY GOSH YES!!! This is exactly what I needed!! I knew for a fact that Willa and Koy would get together and now IT'S HAPPENING PEOPLE!! IT'S HAPPENING!!! They are so cute... kinda like them more than Fable and West tbh (that's mainly cause the jury's still out on West). I love that they have their own, successful might I add, lives on Jeval. Like they are truly making their dreams come true and I couldn't be happier for them. And the fact that Willa is good mates with Koy's younger sister was so sweet too. Okay one thing I'm a little hung up on tho... are we gonna get a book for them??!!? Cause the novella very much ended on a cliff hanger and I'm worried that I'll never get to see Willa and Koy get reunited. Fingers crossed!!
Okay now I finally get to talk abt possibly my fav couple ever: Paj and Auster!!! I was expecting to get a novella abt them like present day working on West's ship, but this was so much better. I LOVED getting to read abt how their relationship started and the novella was so much better than I expected. I'm so glad that I read The Last Legacy first cause now I fully understand what Auster was running away from. Their story was perfect and I'm PRAYING that we get more of them in the book about Willa and Koy (FINGER CROSSED!!).
Okay now I finally get to talk abt possibly my fav couple ever: Paj and Auster!!! I was expecting to get a novella abt them like present day working on West's ship, but this was so much better. I LOVED getting to read abt how their relationship started and the novella was so much better than I expected. I'm so glad that I read The Last Legacy first cause now I fully understand what Auster was running away from. Their story was perfect and I'm PRAYING that we get more of them in the book about Willa and Koy (FINGER CROSSED!!).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2024
TIDES; PAJ AND AUSTER
Set before, and as the title suggests, TIDES; PAJ AND AUSTER is the story of how Paj and Auster met, fell in love, and left Bastian together. The ending is super open � you know they’re together, but not what happens between then and meeting West. Perhaps there are more short stories to come?
It’s a nice addition to understanding them better and getting another insight into the world of the Roths (hence being initially released through the author's newsletter in the lead up to ’s release.) The bare bones of the story gets told in the main duology, but it was so nice to see it told in full. They are a really sweet couple, and seeing Auster � a Roth of the underworld who doesn’t fit in � fall in love when he knows no one will approve was a super fun dynamic.
DRIFT; WILLA AND KOY
Set after THE LAST LEGACY, and following on from events in , DRIFT; WILLA AND KOY follows West's sister Willa as she tries to establish the first port on Jeval, the last island between the Narrows and the Unnamed Sea.
It is a glimpse into the life of a port, the tensions between people on the island who want to do things they way they always have and Willa and her business partner Koy's desire to establish a good reputation. There's also the sparks of attraction between Willa and Koy, a partnership with a sprinkle of something else, but both have their own opinions on how to handle the locals.
The way this novella ends very much feels like its setting up another book in this world, as there's a bunch of plot threads left open, and some potential conflict brewing for the Narrows. I have absolutely not objection (and quite a lot of wanting!) to more stories in this world.
Set before, and as the title suggests, TIDES; PAJ AND AUSTER is the story of how Paj and Auster met, fell in love, and left Bastian together. The ending is super open � you know they’re together, but not what happens between then and meeting West. Perhaps there are more short stories to come?
It’s a nice addition to understanding them better and getting another insight into the world of the Roths (hence being initially released through the author's newsletter in the lead up to ’s release.) The bare bones of the story gets told in the main duology, but it was so nice to see it told in full. They are a really sweet couple, and seeing Auster � a Roth of the underworld who doesn’t fit in � fall in love when he knows no one will approve was a super fun dynamic.
DRIFT; WILLA AND KOY
Set after THE LAST LEGACY, and following on from events in , DRIFT; WILLA AND KOY follows West's sister Willa as she tries to establish the first port on Jeval, the last island between the Narrows and the Unnamed Sea.
It is a glimpse into the life of a port, the tensions between people on the island who want to do things they way they always have and Willa and her business partner Koy's desire to establish a good reputation. There's also the sparks of attraction between Willa and Koy, a partnership with a sprinkle of something else, but both have their own opinions on how to handle the locals.
The way this novella ends very much feels like its setting up another book in this world, as there's a bunch of plot threads left open, and some potential conflict brewing for the Narrows. I have absolutely not objection (and quite a lot of wanting!) to more stories in this world.
April 5, 2024
Tides and Drift is another step into the world of the narrows, this time in form of 2 stories, one for how Paj and Auster met and fell in love despite the odds (Tides), and the other for Willa after leaving the Marigold and trying to set up a future on the island Jeval, by turning it into a port with Koy (Drift).
This book feels like a love letter both to the fans of the Fable series, while sometimes novellas or additional stories can feel like a publisher money maker, this doesn’t feel like that. This feels like a thank you the readers who fell in love and became invested in these characters, a glimpse into who they were and where they are now, from an author who made you love them in the first place. It’s a lovely companion to the series.
My favourite of the 2 was Drift just as I adored Willa and her independence and fire and the protectiveness she has over Ailee. Plot wise it’s not hugely complicated but it doesn’t need to be, I liked the romance with Koy, I liked knowing she was safe and loved and in good hands while she establishes her new life and business and defies the doubters. She’s a little fireball. Tides has more going on plot wise, with Paj meeting Auster while stealing for his uncle, the love that develops and the threat that hangs over them. The chemistry between these characters is beautifully done and it was lovely to step back with them.
Thank you NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review, I’m glad I got the chance to step back into this world with a wonderful storyteller.
This book feels like a love letter both to the fans of the Fable series, while sometimes novellas or additional stories can feel like a publisher money maker, this doesn’t feel like that. This feels like a thank you the readers who fell in love and became invested in these characters, a glimpse into who they were and where they are now, from an author who made you love them in the first place. It’s a lovely companion to the series.
My favourite of the 2 was Drift just as I adored Willa and her independence and fire and the protectiveness she has over Ailee. Plot wise it’s not hugely complicated but it doesn’t need to be, I liked the romance with Koy, I liked knowing she was safe and loved and in good hands while she establishes her new life and business and defies the doubters. She’s a little fireball. Tides has more going on plot wise, with Paj meeting Auster while stealing for his uncle, the love that develops and the threat that hangs over them. The chemistry between these characters is beautifully done and it was lovely to step back with them.
Thank you NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review, I’m glad I got the chance to step back into this world with a wonderful storyteller.
May 6, 2024
R E V I E W
Tides & Drift by Adrienne Young
☆☆☆☆
Tides
I loved this little novella. I know the concept of them as 'found family' was established within Fable and that we got a glimpse into Auster's past when the Roths were brought in to help take down Holland in Namesake, but I just don't feel we truly got to know Auster and Paj until this story. Their love was so pure and uncomplicated in a world that was anything but, and I'm so glad they were able to disentangle themselves from Bastian and find peace within the Narrows.
Drift
I wasn't a huge fan of Koy before reading this novella, but he clearly just needed time to mature and grow because, boy, am I a fan of his now. I loved gaining this insight into his and Willa's new harbour operation in Jeval, and their seamless interactions, from running the port to sharing tea, made me melt This was a subtle take on romance, with neither acknowledging the unspoken but very evident bond between them until Koy physically moves Willa in with him. I felt a little cheated when their time together was cut short in what I can only assume is a plot point preparing us for another return to the Narrows? If this is the case, then I will forgive the author for playing with my heart in this way as I excitedly await the next instalment in this series.
Tides & Drift by Adrienne Young
☆☆☆☆
Tides
I loved this little novella. I know the concept of them as 'found family' was established within Fable and that we got a glimpse into Auster's past when the Roths were brought in to help take down Holland in Namesake, but I just don't feel we truly got to know Auster and Paj until this story. Their love was so pure and uncomplicated in a world that was anything but, and I'm so glad they were able to disentangle themselves from Bastian and find peace within the Narrows.
Drift
I wasn't a huge fan of Koy before reading this novella, but he clearly just needed time to mature and grow because, boy, am I a fan of his now. I loved gaining this insight into his and Willa's new harbour operation in Jeval, and their seamless interactions, from running the port to sharing tea, made me melt This was a subtle take on romance, with neither acknowledging the unspoken but very evident bond between them until Koy physically moves Willa in with him. I felt a little cheated when their time together was cut short in what I can only assume is a plot point preparing us for another return to the Narrows? If this is the case, then I will forgive the author for playing with my heart in this way as I excitedly await the next instalment in this series.
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