This book... I always loved Elizabeth Lim books SO much specially The Blood of Stars duology which became one of my favorite duologies ever. And with this book Elizabeth Lim cimented herself even more as one of my favorite authors. This was INCREDIBLE!!!
I just finished it so I'm still really in my feel with it but I'll try to do my best in this review.
First of all, the world building was incredible. Elizabeth Lim always kills in that department. She creates a world with so many incredible nuances and so different from what we usually read. The underwater world was specially wonderful.
A dragon love interest and the dragon being underwater just as his world? What? Never heard of anything as unique before. Dragons usually fly, don't swim. Elizabeth's mind is definitely unique!
I loved their relationship, how it progressed, from the arranged marriage only for their benefits to the banter and the slow burn.
Oh this book pulled to my heart strings. I'm so happy I read it a little bit early and totally gonna buy the physical copy 🥰

Thank you Netgalley and Hodderscape for the eARC. This is a definite 5 stars read as usual from Elizabeth Lim, I loved the world building, the characters, the twists you wouldn't see coming, the tension and slow burn. It feels like in every book Elizabeth writes, she wants to prove one thing, that love with a bit of determination will prevail above everything. We also get to see a certain green dragon that we love and I have missed him so much, I honestly hope we get a seperate book for him one day. I also promise you one thing, after this book, you will want to eat noodles. 😂
Anyways, this was an amazing read and I need the physical copy in my hands ASAP.

elizabeth lim knows how to get my attention and give me the best fantasy ride at all times !!! i have read and loved all of her previous releases and this is no different i loved it through and through. will most probably get the physical copy and reread.

4.5 stars
Content warning: grief, loss of a parent, poverty and hunger, gambling, blood and injury detail, kidnapping, battle, death, loss of a loved one

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.

I knew from the beginning of A Forgery of Fate that Elizabeth Lim had once again created another story worth sinking into. Set in the same world as her other releases, yet told by a completely different narrator, I thoroughly enjoyed embarking on a new journey with an eldest daughter not only steeped in rare magic, but prepared to do whatever it took to keep herself and her family alive. Tru's fated entanglement with the exiled half-dragon Elang opened up a bigger journey than she expected as someone stealing and forging art to merely survive. I loved how Lim weaved in the Beauty and the Beast retelling into this East-Asian setting, giving it a familiar yet refreshing take on a classic. The story continues to bolster this author's balance of dreamy world-building and gentle storytelling, where familial ties are a core focus as well as softer self-discovery along the way. Tru's time spent in the underwater kingdom as Elang's fake bride allows her space away from existing as the responsible one always looking out for her family and gives her a new sense of freedom and growth despite initially feeling the shackled weight of her bargain with her beastly husband. I appreciated the development of Tru's character throughout this journey, much as I have with Lim's other female protagonists. By the end of the novel, she is empowered by who she is and no longer has to force her way through a world that barely has time to let her move through it, rather, she is taking that beast by its horns and ensuring she shines bright enough for everyone to see. I was invested in Tru's relatable story, perhaps as an eldest daughter myself, and felt rewarded watching her bloom into something special.

The romance between Elang and Tru is slowly built, and whilst I loved the way it flowed and the revelations surrounding it, I am a touch disappointed by how little time it had to build into something sumptuous. You could sense it brewing throughout all the interactions between the pair, and I yearned for more by the end. Elang made a great impression on me during A Dragon's Promise, and I was so pleased that Lim chose to give him the role of the main male protagonist in this tale. This story could have easily been a duology, much like Six Crimson Cranes was, not only so it could give the romantic storyline more chance to breathe and flourish, but also to take away some of the rushed nature of the ending. I found this to be a similar issue with Lim's previous release where there was definitely more story that could be told and due to pacing or word count restraints, the ending came together with a rushed nature, especially after the intentionally slower building of Tru's time underwater. But this is my only real critique to take away from an otherwise enchanting story, and unlike some readers who are ready for Lim to tell something new, I continue to enjoy the stories she shares from different parts of the world set within all her books so far and hope the author returns to tell more stories from characters (keyword here: Seryu) in the future.

An eastern slant on Beauty and the Beast but Beauty is a clairvoyant artist and the Beast is half dragon, half human and cursed to find his absent heart !
Tru has spent the last five years since her father was lost at sea doing whatever it takes to look after her family . She has transformed herself into well if honest a con artist selling counterfeit paintings but things get worse when her mother’s gambling debts get out of control and her young sister is the payment demanded ! Tru is desperate and finds herself making a bargain with a Dragon Lord who wants her to help him using her prophetic gift to end his cruel grandfather . There’s just one teeny problem and that’s the fact that to fulfill her side of the deal Tru will have to go deep into the depths of the sea to a land of beauty, strangeness and danger !
Wow this was a captivating story with twists and its own unique whimsy . The creatures we meet are in turns both a delight and yet scary . Jellyfish and sharks are perhaps the least unusual but giant turtles and mermaids plus a water demon just took this to another level . The romance was slow and built up so beautifully but best of all the sheer heart of this book revolved around Tru and her persistence . Favourite moments include family and their growth but also ahem pockets and trust me it will make sense when you read the book . If I had a niggle it would just be that at times I struggled to visualise living underwater and just how fabrics would behave but that’s minor . I very much enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author

A Forgery of Fate is a beautifully written romantic fantasy that gives Beauty and the Beast a completely fresh twist, mixing Chinese folklore, underwater kingdoms, and just the right amount of danger and magic.

This story follows Tru, an art forger doing everything she can to support her family after her father disappears at sea. She’s also hiding a powerful secret; she can paint the future. But when one of her jobs goes wrong, she ends up making a bargain with Elang, a half-dragon, half-human prince who’s been exiled from his home. What follows is an unforgettable journey through an underwater world filled with dangerous alliances, mythical sea creatures and layered politics, all the while with a slow-burn romance simmering quietly beneath it all.

Tru was such a strong protagonist. She’s clever, loyal, and knows how to stand her ground. I loved how her relationship with her sisters added warmth and heart to the story, grounding all the magic and chaos in something real. And Elang? He’s distant at first, full of secrets and quiet strength, but every little moment of care and vulnerability made me love him more. Their romance builds slowly and intentionally, with so much trust, angst, and emotional payoff. I really liked how the book handled emotional trauma and healing. Both Tru and Elang carry a lot from their pasts, but it’s not brushed aside but built in as part of their growth, their fears, and how they come to trust each other. It made their connection feel so much more layered and genuine.

The world-building really pulled me in. The underwater setting was stunning, so vivid and full of life, with phoenix demons, talking turtles and magical artifacts. Everything felt intentionally built, and the world kept expanding in ways that kept me curious and invested. The pacing worked perfectly for me, never rushed or dragging. It balanced action and quieter moments really well, and the plot had just enough twists to keep me on my toes without losing focus on the characters.
If you're into character-driven fantasy with lush, immersive settings, emotional storytelling, and a romance that makes you feel things, this one is 100% worth reading.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Elizabeth Lim never misses for me—and A Forgery of Fate is no exception. I really enjoyed this one, and while I might be a little biased because the main character is a painter, I do think this is one of her best works yet. It carries all the hallmarks of Lim’s writing: high-stakes adventure, vibrant mythology, near-death scrapes, and characters you can’t help but root for. What made this one stand out was that it managed to tell an expansive, layered story while still wrapping up satisfyingly in a standalone format. In fact, I think stretching this across multiple books might have diluted the strength of its core.

The world-building is lush and imaginative, with an underwater realm that felt otherworldly, though occasionally difficult to visualise in full. Still, the artistry of the setting complements Tru’s own magical abilities and creative perspective so well. I loved watching her navigate her growing powers and complex decisions while staying true to herself. The romance is thoughtful and touching, with moments that quietly shine rather than overwhelm the narrative.

That said, the ending felt just a bit too neat for me—I wouldn't have minded a touch more ambiguity or bittersweetness, especially considering the darker moments earlier in the story. But it still left me satisfied, which is rare for a standalone fantasy.

One small note: I was quite confused by the change in cover art style. The same artist has worked on Lim’s books before, but the shift in style here (reminiscent of those used on Wesley Chu’s books) felt a bit jarring, especially for readers familiar with the rest of this universe. It might be thematically linked to Tru’s artistic talent, but I do miss the visual continuity.

Overall, A Forgery of Fate was a beautifully crafted standalone with a lovely mix of romance, myth, and magic. I’ll always pick up whatever Elizabeth Lim writes—and this book only strengthened that loyalty.

Soft dnf at 35%
Now, it is a soft dnf because I'm actually really enjoying the story line but it's just a little too YA for me at the moment with the talking servant turtles 🐢
I am a mood reader and want to give this story my full attention. So I've put it down for now.

A FORGERY OF FATE is a lush, romantic tale of a painter trying to end a curse and remove a tyrant.

I really liked the focus on painting as the weapon of choice here. It takes a while for the book to explain how this works but that only adds the magic of it. You know somehow ink and paper can topple a god but not how, and I kept reading wanting to find out how it was going to play out. The finale is an epic clash that is also quite heart breaking at times.

Of all Elizabeth Lim's books, this felt the most romantic. There are romantic threads in those books, but I wouldn't call them romantasies. This one, however, certainly is. Elang and Tru's relationship is as central to the plot as his plans to topple his grandfather. The fact that it's a standalone probably helps as everything - rebellion and romance - has to get wrapped up by the end, meaning the complete arc of the relationship is seen without needing to wait for the next book.

I really liked the dynamics between Tru and her sisters. They don't get on perfectly, but they also don't hate each other. They exist in that much more realistic middle ground of having plenty of frictions but also being willing to go to extreme lengths for one another. I just wish the plot had allowed a bit more time with them.

This is set in the same world as SIX CRIMSON CRANES, but can be read without knowledge of that book. It's been long enough that I've forgotten the exact details of that story and wouldn't have known it was linked without the author mentioning a brief cameo at the end. It was nice to not need to remember details, just enjoy a story of an underwater world, curses, and painting magic!

Elizabeth Lim has done it again—another breathtaking romantasy is here!
Romantasy lovers—if marriage-of-convenience, curses, and Beauty and the Beast retellings are your thing, you need this book in your life!

A Forgery of Fate is a fresh, enchanting spin on Beauty and the Beast, packed with twists, magic, and stunning world-building.
Lim’s signature lyrical writing weaves everything together beautifully, making it a joy to sink into.

Let’s talk characters—because Lim never misses when it comes to crafting ones that feel real and make you care.
Tru is a brilliant painter with a sharp mind and unwavering strength. Her bond with her sisters adds another layer to the story, making their connection just as captivating as the main plot.

And then there’s Elang, the enigmatic half-dragon prince.
He starts off cold, distant, and brooding, but as the layers peel back, you see the truth behind his icy demeanor. The depth of his character took me by surprise, and I couldn’t help but ache for him.

Now, the romance ? Slow-burn to the extreme, but oh, was it worth it!
Every moment built the tension until that long-awaited confession, making it all the more satisfying.
The chemistry between Tru and Elang is everything—intense, heartfelt, and completely immersive!

Set in the same universe as The Dragon’s Promise, this book gives us an even deeper dive into the underwater kingdom, with plenty of fun Easter eggs for returning readers.
One minor hiccup for me was that some scenes underwater were a bit tricky to visualize, leaving me struggling to fully picture the setting at times.

Overall, this was an emotional rollercoaster of an adventure!
I was hooked from the first page, flew through it in a weekend, and absolutely fell apart during those final chapters.
Elizabeth Lim knows exactly how to craft a story that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page!!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: death, blood, abandonment, body horror, bullying, brief mention of child abuse and death of a parent

This novel is set in the same world as her previous work (Six Crimson Cranes series) and also it's somewhat related to characters in The Dragon's Promise. But I don't think you would have to read all the other books to enjoy this one and to not be confused.
I never found myself bored with this book. The romance was not mega in your face all the time, it was a subtle plotline.
There's sea dragons, heartache, magic, the red thread theory! If you don't know the red thread theory it is East Asian folklore beliefs about 2 people who are destined to meet and be together. It's also known as the Red String of Fate.

You can most definitely read this as a standalone!
4 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Hodderscape for the ARC!

Tru, an art forger who has a unique ability to paint the future, joined hands with the cursed dragon lord, Elang, in order to save her family. She have to enter a contract marriage and join him on his dangerous mission of overthrowing and ending the tyrannical reign of the Dragon King, Nazayun.

Set in the same dragon realm that appeared in the Six Crimson Cranes duology, this underwater retelling of Beauty and the Beast is a perfect book for romantasy lovers and, of course, readers who want more of the world Elizabeth Lim built in the first duology.

I appreciate the fact that, although set in the same world/realm, Elizabeth Lim offered a different and fresh take on A Forgery of Fate. Her world-building is still immaculate and stunning on every page, and her characters, in how they overcome all the troubles and challenges they experienced, are just so relatable. I feel so bad for young Tru and Elang, and then the hatred I felt for Nazayun as I was reading. These concepts are what I liked about Elizabeth Lim’s writing. She will wow you with her world-building and then will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions to make you feel for what her characters feel.

Tru and Elang are remarkable characters on their own. And their growing dynamics throughout the story are so subtle as not to overshadow the main plot of the book, but Elang’s yearning, though?! Absolutely fantastic. It wasn’t an easy journey for the two of them, but the ending doesn’t feel like a convenient ending for me this time. I’d say it’s just done right.

P.S. Now I want a Seryu book 😆

Tru Saigas will do anything to keep her family safe. And that includes a marriage of convenienc, potentially dangerous, to a half half human half dragon.

Her unique ability to paint the future might the reason why Elang makes a contract to marry her, but is that the only reason? Once in the underwater world full of magic and mythical creatures, Tru comes face to face with danger but nothing will get in the way of reuniting her family.

In Tru, we have a a sassy, determined and confident heroine. in Elang we have a mysterious half-dragon Prince, who has been cursed by the dragon king

I enjoyed the way the story unfolded with lots of different elements and characters. The underwater world was full of magic and new things, although sometimes I found it a bit hard to visualize it. There were some nice twists along the way which kept the book engaging. It is a slow burn and I felt like I wanted more romantic interaction between Tru and Elang.
Overall, I think this a good read for those looking to read a slow-burn Eastern-inspired fantasy.

This book was pure magic. It takes the heart of Beauty and the Beast and gives it a totally fresh spin—with Chinese folklore, underwater kingdoms, and some seriously cool mythical creatures. It’s one of those stories that feels both classic and completely new all at once.

The writing is absolutely beautiful its lyrical, vivid, and full of life. The underwater world is stunning and packed with detail: phoenix demons, brave turtles, deadly sea creatures, and a Dragon King who’s as terrifying as he is unforgettable. Every part of the world feels alive and thoughtfully built, and I loved how the story kept expanding into new places and layers.

Truyan is a fantastic main character. She’s brave, protective, and deeply loyal to her family. I really loved how her connection to art played a role in the story. Her love interest (who I won’t spoil!) starts out mysterious and brooding, but the way his story unfolds is so worth the wait. Their relationship is full of tension, longing, and emotional depth it hit all the right Beauty and the Beast notes without ever feeling overdone.

The pacing was spot on, with just the right mix of action, romance, and plot twists. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t put it down. And that ending? Absolutely jaw-dropping in the best way.

If you're into fantasy with rich world-building, emotional storytelling, and a slow-burn romance that actually delivers, this one’s for you. It’s everything I love in a fantasy and more and I’m still thinking about it long after finishing.

3.5 stars

A Forgery of Fate is an immersive and atmospheric read. I flew through the story because it kept me wanting to know what happened next. Elizabeth Lim's gorgeous imagery and prose aligned with the setting perfectly, and it meant that I was able to clearly picture what was happening.

I felt that the romance didn't quite work for me. There seemed to be more of a reliance on telling rather than showing the main characters' feelings blossom. However, it was certainly a slow burn progression, which I love!

This was my first book by Elizabeth Lim, and I am very interested in reading more. Overall, I had a good time with this beautiful story.

ARC review

Before reading this book I binged the "Six Crimson Cranes" series and I was looking forward to going back to that magic world.

I received an advance reader copy of the book from Hodder & Stoughton (via Netgalley).
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

"A Forgery of Fate" is a romantic fantasy inspired by Beauty and the Beast.
Tru is a girl that can paint the future and Elang is a cursed dragon lord that needs her help.

I think that the best way of describing this book is magical.
The writing is beautiful, the characters are well developed and it have the feel of a fairytale.

From the beginning I liked Tru, but Elang was such a mystery.
There is a slow burn romance that kept me wanting for more, but the small things he did for her were swoon worthy.
Part of the book takes place underwater and there are many magical creatures that made the story interesting.

With this book it was confirmed for me that Elizabeth Lim can write beautiful stories.
If you read any of her other books you will surely enjoy this one too.

I absolutely loved this young adult romantasy. I have come to expect nothing less than ethereal perfection in Elizabeth Lim's stories and this book does not fall short. Set in the same world as Six Crimson Cranes and yet no less exciting or beautiful, A Forgery of Fate is a tale of love that at first glance seems complex and mysterious, and by the end of the story it is so easy for the reader to be deeply invested in the main couple.

Another truly fantastic story from Elizabeth Lim and my favourite yet! I loved to see characters from Six Crimson Cranes in this story - including the infamous Elang, a dragon lord in need of a wife. I can't resist a marriage of convenience story and this one was really well crafted. The change in relationship between Tru and Elang over the duration of the story, where there are high stakes and plenty of secrets to be revealed, was wonderfully written. It wasn't a smooth journey, particularly with prickly Elang involved, but it was very romantic. The romance of it all was well incorporated into the overall plot, which moved along at a good pace and kept me hooked throughout. There are plenty of different elements to draw you into this story and some interesting characters, too, beyond Tru and Elang. I look forward to Elizabeth Lim's next story!

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

⤷ 4✩

Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with this E-ARC via NetGalley

This was a very entertaining read. It builds forward on the same world as books like Six Crimson Cranes, making it feel familiar, while you definitely do not need to read these books to understand this world.

The characters are interesting, the romance cute, but the plotline is sometimes a bit confusing, because of the many types of magic. Overall a great experience!

I really enjoyed reading Six Crimson Cranes earlier this year, so I was looking forward to this one. Once again, the magic and the folklore are key elements in the story. I loved the strong character of Tru who resembles Shiori in many ways - she'll plunge straight into a perilous adventure to help her family. All in all, it was an enjoyable read, but I still think that Six Crimson Crane is my favourite out of the two.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC. This review is also available on Goodreads.