Fable for the End of the World

by Ava Reid
Fable for the End of the World cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £15.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 1438
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781804953808
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-03-04
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 4

In a society dominated by the all-powerful corporation Caerus, debt is a tool of control, and the impoverished are forced into a brutal, livestreamed spectacle known as the Lamb’s Gauntlet. Inesa, a resourceful young woman living in a half-sunken town, finds herself thrust into this deadly game when her mother offers her as a sacrifice. With the help of her hunter brother, Inesa must navigate the apocalyptic wasteland to survive. Meanwhile, Melinoë, a highly trained assassin known for her cold brutality, is haunted by her past and seeks redemption in this game she cannot afford to lose. As Mel pursues Inesa, both begin to question their roles and the possibility of love amidst the chaos. Set against a backdrop of survival and sacrifice, this dystopian romance explores themes of love, redemption, and the human spirit. The novel blends elements of survival horror and emotional depth, creating a gripping narrative that challenges the characters' perceptions of themselves and the world around them.

Reviews
Common Sense Media · 2025-10-06
chilling 3.50

This novel is chilling and unsettling, painting a future that feels all too possible. The world-building is well-executed, making the story feel immersive and realistic.

Common Sense Media's reviewer found this novel to be chilling and unsettling, effectively portraying a future that feels disturbingly plausible. The world-building is a highlight, creating an immersive and realistic setting that draws the reader in. The story's exploration of global warming and its consequences is both timely and impactful. While the narrative can be intense, it serves as a powerful commentary on current societal issues, making it a compelling read for those interested in thought-provoking fiction.

Quick quotes

    This novel is chilling, it's unsettling, and it paints a future that is not so improbable based on our own experiences with global warming.

    The world-building is well-executed, making the story feel immersive and realistic.

    The story's exploration of global warming and its consequences is both timely and impactful.

Carina Books Blog · Carina · 2025-05-24
disappointing 2.50

They initially liked the writing but found the characters annoying and the plot disappointing. They expected more from the book and felt let down by the execution.

Carina starts off liking the writing style but quickly grows frustrated with the characters, finding them annoying and unappealing. They mention that the plot did not live up to their expectations, and they felt that the book lacked the depth and engagement they were hoping for. Despite some initial promise, they found the overall experience disappointing and wished for a more satisfying narrative. They suggest that the book could have benefited from more developed characters and a stronger plot.

Quick quotes

    I liked the writing at first, but then it got too annoying and I grew to dislike the characters, so, yeah.

    I wanted more from this book. Fable for the End of the World had potential but fell short in execution.

    The characters were unappealing and the plot was underwhelming, making it a disappointing read.

Kathleen Haagenson · Kathleen Haagenson · 2025-05-09
heartfelt 4.50

This story is poignant and heartfelt, with moments of hope woven throughout. The characters and their journeys are deeply explored, making it a compelling read.

Kathleen Haagenson found this book to be a deeply moving experience. She appreciated the poignant and heartfelt storytelling, which balances moments of hope with the harsh realities of the dystopian setting. The characters are well-crafted, and their emotional journeys resonate strongly. The ending, in particular, leaves a lasting impact, blending tragedy with a sense of hope. Haagenson also noted the skillful way Reid handles themes of survival and sacrifice, making the story both engaging and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Fable for the End of the World is a poignant, heartfelt story with bits of hope sprinkled throughout.

    Not only did Reid craft a compelling narrative, but she also delved deep into the emotional landscapes of her characters.

    The ending for me was really good, however this was marketed as a standalone but I ...

A Short Book Lover · 2025-03-14
beautiful 4.00

This is a heart-wrenchingly beautiful and raw story that delves into themes of climate change, capitalism, and exploitation. The narrative is powerful and thought-provoking.

The reviewer from A Short Book Lover found this book to be a heart-wrenchingly beautiful and raw exploration of pressing societal issues. They praised the narrative's ability to tackle themes like climate change, capitalism, and exploitation with depth and sensitivity. The story's emotional impact is significant, and the reviewer appreciated the way it challenges readers to reflect on these critical topics. The raw and unflinching portrayal of a dystopian future makes it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    Fable For the End of the World is a heart-wrenchingly beautiful and raw story that examines climate change, capitalism, commodification, and exploitation.

    The narrative is powerful and thought-provoking, delving into the complexities of human nature and societal structures.

    The raw and unflinching portrayal of a dystopian future makes it a standout read.

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