Your first chapter
Forge & Fable brings your audiobooks and ebooks into one local library on Android. Start with a few books you already own, then explore at your own pace.
In this guide
Join the closed beta
You’ll need a device running Android 8.0 or later. The app is in closed testing, so complete these steps in order using the same Google account:
- Join the Forge & Fable Beta Testers group.
- Open the Google Play testing page and choose Become a tester.
- Install Forge & Fable from Google Play.
If you can’t see the listing, check the account selected in each service and give newly granted access a little time to update. See beta access help for more detail.
Make yourself at home
The app has four main areas:
| Area | What it’s for |
|---|---|
| Home | Return to your next chapter and see what’s happening with your books. |
| Library | Browse your books, reading, shelves, and inbox. |
| Discover | Explore catalogue recommendations, genres, and books you might enjoy. |
| Sources | Manage providers, add custom API sources, and check their connection. |
The core library doesn’t need a Forge & Fable account. Your books’ records, progress, collections, and preferences stay on the device.
Add your first book
In Settings, choose Import local files and select files from your device. The app has readers for EPUB, PDF, and MOBI, as well as audiobook playback. Start with a file you know works and open it from your library.
Read the library guide for organising books, editing covers, and backups.
Understand discovery and sources
Catalogue discovery helps you find books and their metadata. A catalogue listing isn’t a promise that a book file is included or available to play. Forge & Fable doesn’t bundle a subscription library.
You can use local files without connecting a provider. Optional TorBox and Real-Debrid integrations use your own provider account. Custom sources describe how to search a JSON API; our custom source guide explains the format.
Take a book offline
Imported ebooks and downloaded audiobooks can be used without a connection. Streaming, discovery, metadata searches, and new downloads still need internet access. Download a book before leaving a connection behind, then check that it opens locally.
Help shape the next chapter
This is a beta, so details can change. If something doesn’t work, start with troubleshooting, then share a clear description in the tester group. The group is public, so keep personal information and credentials out of your post.
Keep exploring
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