I‘ve wanted to read one of Elizabeth Lim‘s books for a long time now, but I never quite got around to it for some reason, at least until now. And this was definitely a good book to start with. While the story didn’t quite blow me away, it was an immersive and very enjoyable read, that kept me engaged throughout.

The blurb says it’s inspired by ’Beauty and the Beast’, but this only really applies to the romance plot, all of the world-building and plot besides it is very distinct from the original fairytale. So, while the main conceit is that the love interest has a curse that disfigures him, which can only be broken by true love, it is not the only thread pulling the plot along. Even so, the romance is still quite central to the plot, so luckily it is very enchanting and beautifully written. The romance is rather one-sided for a long time, but it manages to avoid crossing the line into frustrating territory by not having the romance be the only plot-line during these parts of the story.

Really the only part of the story that I didn’t really like was, unfortunately, the ending. It felt rushed and somewhat disjointed. The ‘twist‘ with Shani was incredibly predictable, and in a way that did affect my enjoyment of the story. It also completely ruined the emotional impact that the moment was supposed to have on the reader, cause I never bought that plot point. It was also not that clear to me how Elang survived/resurrected after the final fight?
Lastly, the fact that Elang is cured of his disfigurement (disability) at the end was entirely expected, what with this being loosely based on ‘Beauty and the Beast’, but it was kind of disappointing nonetheless. Of course Truyan fell in love while he was still disfigured, but I’d still love it if one day there was a Beauty and the Beast story that didn’t end with the Beast’s disability being magically cured.

Overall, a very enjoyable book that made me excited to read more of Elizabeth Lim's works in the future.

{ in 🇮🇹 nei commenti}

Tru, a gifted painter, uses her talent to support her family after her father’s disappearance at sea. However, she possesses another extraordinary gift: the ability to paint the future. A twist of fate leads her to an arranged marriage with Elang.

Our protagonist, Tru, is a strong, determined, selfless, and selfless individual. Her character shines throughout the book.

Elang, half human and half dragon, embodies the author’s successful blend of Chinese mythology and ‘Beauty and the Beast’. I had previously encountered him in ‘Six Crimson Cranes’ and was intrigued. However, in this book, he truly captivated me. Initially cold and calculating, Elang’s character evolves as he spends time with Tru. Above all, it was fascinating to witness the internal conflict within him, adding depth to his character.

The relationship between Tru and Elang is slow-burning, filled with tension, desire, and sweetness. The author has brought both characters to life, making them shine individually and as a couple.

As a reader who has read numerous books, I have always been captivated by the author’s delicate and evocative storytelling style. Therefore, I was confident that ‘Forgery of Fate’ would not disappoint, and it exceeded my expectations. The writing style and characters in this book are more mature and adult compared to her previous works. The reading pace is never rushed, allowing the author to delve into characters and settings, creating a magical read that explores themes of destiny, love, magic, mythology, and underwater settings.

I love reading novels by Elizabeth Lim and Forgery of Fate is no exception. I loved how this novel gripped me from the start with it's ease to fall into the storyline. The world building is full of lush descriptions and the characters are created exceptionally well. I really loved the way this story played out, it was a great read from start to finish.

I have been so looking forward to this release - and I'm so thrilled it lived up to my very high expectations. I loved every moment of this and I couldn't recommend it enough.

In this magical romantasy inspired by Beauty and the Beast, we follow Truyan Saigas, a girl who paints the future and Elang, a cursed dragon lord, who are bound together by love and deception in a plot to bring down the tyrannical dragon king 🐲👑

Oh my goodness, the way I devoured this 😭 I’m a sucker for East-Asian inspired romantasy/fantasy, and this truly did not disappoint! The writing was beautifully lyrical and the way the story and secrets unravelled was just gahh 🥹. I love a good enemies to lovers and slow burn romance, - I thought this was executed perfectly ❤️‍🔥

Upon reflection there were a number of Easter eggs throughout that hinted on what was to come, and while I predicted some of the plot twists, I was so engrossed that I missed others. Also - if you’ve read Six Crimson Cranes there’s also a lil surprise cameo 👀

Whilst I found the underwater setting to be captivating and otherworldly, I, at times, had trouble visualising it. It felt almost hazy to me, which possibly was intentional but I just wanted to be more immersed in the underwater realm 🌊 Similarly, while I adored all the main and side characters (except for Tru’s mother) I felt there was just something missing, though I honestly couldn’t pinpoint what it is.

Nonetheless, I savoured every moment of this story and can’t wait for this to be published (June 5th) so you can all check this 4.25⭐️ read out! This is definitely a book I am excited to reread - I can’t wait to see all the moments and clues I missed 🥹🤍

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for my digital ARC 💌

Elizabeth Lim is one of my favourite authors and this might be my favourite of her books. Loved the world building, loved the characters, the underwater world was beautiful, her family of characters incredible. The concept was so gorgeous I loved every page

This is a new spin on Beauty and the Beast combining elements of Chinese folklore with familiar parts of the fairytale. Tru is a master art forger. When a plan goes wrong, she has a chance encounter with ‘Demon Prince’ Elang. In return for his help to save her family, she agrees to return to travel to his underwater realm to help him lift his curse.

I thought the world building was really interesting, and I like the idea of Tru’s painting and her hidden talents. This was a brand-new take on Beauty and the Beast and unlike any others that I’ve read. The underwater setting really set it apart. However, I found the pacing quite slow. Elang was very distant, and the love story felt a bit unlikely - he did little to endear himself, and Tru felt more drawn to his uniqueness and mystery than anything. The marriage of convenience/fake dating style storyline upped the stakes, but ultimately I think this would have befitted from being a bit shorter, and moving faster, to make the story more compelling.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.

I’ve been an avid reader of Elizabeth Lim’s works and I wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to read her new book. Thank you ARC gods aka Hodder and Stoughton for granting me this gift.

A Forgery of Fate is a marriage-of-convenience between a half-dragon and an art forger to break the dragon’s curse and also to save the dragon realm from its mercurial, tyrant ruler.

Tru was a spontaneous person. She and her sisters were the responsible ones after her father was lost on his way to hunt a treasure. She sold forged art to keep her family’s stomach full. She was close to having enough money to sail her and her family to find her father when her mother’s gambling addiction caught up with them. It was right then she stumbled upon the Demon Prince, who gave her a way out to save her family.

We know everything about the Demon Prince, Elang, through Tru’s perspective. He is mostly a mystery but had a confusing way of expressing his feelings known. It was sad to see his grandfather ruining everything for him and his realm. He wanted to put an end to his tyranny but also respected him, so he had to do it in a clever way. The solution was neatly executed in the story. The good thing about Lim’s books are they are fast-paced. The action is easy flowing without dragging the scenes out.

Overall, A Forgery of Fate is a great fantasy that will sweep you through with its easy flowing prose and heartbreaking romance.
If you are looking for something in this vein, this could be your next read.

A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim

Reading this book while commuting, before bed, and in short breaks between classes made me realize how much I was enjoying it—I was completely glued to the story and the characters.

As a slow reader, I never expected to finish a 480-page book in just 11 days, but the story was irresistible. We follow Truyan Saigas, a master forger of art, trying to keep a roof over her family’s head after the tragic disappearance of her father. When her mother's gambling habits go too far, Falina and Nomi (Tru’s sisters) are put at risk of being sold.

Desperation, along with her ability to paint the future, forces her to enter a contractual marriage with the famous Demon Prince, Elang, who is a half-dragon. Elang, with the motive of overthrowing his grandfather, Nazayun, the ruler of Ai’long (the realm of dragons under water), asks Truyan to accompany him to Ai’long as his fated heavenly match. What follows is a dark war, political intrigue, betrayals, and unexpected friendships with tender romance. Does everything work out in the end? Maybe or maybe not. You have to read the book to find out. I assure you, the experience will be worth your time!

The characters were my favorite part of the book. I loved Truyan’s resilience, sense of humour, and sharpness. Her personality shone throughout the book. Now, where do I begin with Elang? I adored him! His quiet strength and small acts of love through noticing made me smile from ear to ear. The slow-burn romance was realistic and didn’t feel fake or forced.

And the best part? Both characters went through traumatic situations in their lives, and I appreciated that it was addressed and contributed to their growth. The gradual deepening and development of love, friendship, and trust were amazing. I found the side characters equally appealing and loving. All of them had distinct personalities and voices. All the characters fit together perfectly, like puzzle pieces—each distinct, yet none overshadowing or being overshadowed.

This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, which is one of the main reasons why I wanted to read this book. This is the first fairytale retelling I’ve read, and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. But I wasn’t disappointed. The plot is interesting, exciting, and beautifully touching. From action-packed fights to emotionally rich conversations, this book never left me feeling bored. The story is fast-paced, and I couldn’t help but wish it were a little slower. I wanted to understand the emotions and feelings of the characters more deeply before being thrown into another twist.

The world-building is enchanting and whimsical. While the scenic descriptions and vivid detailing were charming, I felt that they lacked consistency, which is what took away the 0.5 stars. But apart from that, this book is flawless. And I can already see it becoming a booktok and bookstagram sensation as soon as it is published.

Overall, I found this book a delight to read and would highly recommend it to everyone who loves fantasy, well-developed characters, touching romance, along with a wonderfully executed plot! It is out on June 3, so don’t forget to mark your calendars!
Rating- 4.5/5
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is a wonderful YA romantasy and retelling of the Beauty and the Beast set in the same world as the Six Crimson Cranes duology (which I adored!), full of mythical sea creatures, dragons and magic.

I really enjoyed all the characters but especially Truyan, the fmc, who is badass, caring and funny at the same time. Her ability to paint the future was what interested me at first while requesting this ARC, but I definitely stayed for the story itself. The doomed slow burn romance between her and the grumpy half dragon prince Elang was beautiful and heartbreaking and left me speechless at the end (they genuinely got me giggling and kicking my feet).

The pacing was great and I found myself really hooked while reading… I'm not ready to say goodbye to this world :(

Thank you so much NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the advance copy!

This is my first Elizabeth Lim book but it will not be my last.

A great read, - compelling storytelling, brilliant characters and beautifully crafted worlds. A perfect blend of tension, drama and romance. Tru, the main female character, is fab. She's so feisty and has a great sense of humour. I loved her family too. There are some brilliant characters in the dragon world too. It's a world I'd love to explore more of, I hope the author considers revisiting it.

A joy to read.

Firstly, I’d like to say thank you to netgalley and the publisher for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Elizabeth Lim is such a wonderful storyteller with absolutely beautiful writing. The whimsical world-building really shone through here with travelling back into Ai’long. It was great to experience even more time in Ai’long and to get to know other characters better, as well as mentions of well-loved characters from SCC! (it’s not a connected story though, can definitely be read separately but SCC is so good so I’d recommend those books anyway!)

I also love how the whimsical nature of her writing comes through in her characters too. Having talking turtles and water demons and dragons etc. being characterised so well makes the story even more fun to read and experience.

I love the sisterly bond that was depicted in this too and wish we could’ve seen more of that. But I think the fact that their bond was created so vividly in little time is also a testament to Lim’s writing and characterisation.

The plot was paced so well and I loved everything about it. There was a range of different moments within this that were all brought together nicely - emotional, shocking, romantic, intense…it had it all! I was genuinely gasping and holding my breath at different moments throughout.

I also adore the concept of this was Tru’s painting magic. I thought that was so creative and was used very well within the plot. I think it also shows how well thought out the plot was in this.

I think having this book as a stand-alone worked really well for the plot and I enjoyed having a finished story overall. The only thing I feel could have benefited from it being more than a standalone is the romance. I absolutely loved the romance and the characters together and I did think the development was done well overall. However, I maybe would have liked a few more in-depth moments of that development to really see the love building throughout. But that also just may be me being greedy and wanting more adorable moments between the two!!

overall, I loved this and would definitely recommend it!

A beautifully written story of lies and love, of one woman's determination to save her mother and sisters even if it means selling her soul to do so.

The enchanting narrative, the evocative scenery both on land and under the sea, the intrigue and plots, and the magic and trickery made this a wonderful read that I didn't want to end. Highly recommend!

Is this book getting the hype it deserves? No. Will I ever shut up about it? ALSO NO!

I was lucky enough to receive a proof copy of A Forgery of Fate on NetGalley, and I’m still thinking about it. This book was completely unexpected in the best way - rich, imaginative, and unlike anything I’ve read recently.

I adored the Chinese influence on the magic system - so beautifully written and completely original - and the story took a direction I never could have predicted. The concept of seeing the future through painting? Instantly obsessed. And the fake marriage with a dragon prince? Say less. I was in.

A stunning blend of magic, fate, and romantic tension, with a heroine you can’t help but root for. It’s a five-star read and deserves way more attention - I’ll be recommending it to anyone who’ll listen.

This was very atmospheric, it had spirited away vibes. The pacing was a bit too slow, most of the character development for the MMC came at the end. I wasn't rooting for the romance at first but once we finally understood the MMC i was obsessed with them

I adored this book so much, the world building and imagery were the strongest parts of the book and were so magical and immersive, it was easy to visualise the world and the characters, and I really enjoyed reading their story. There were a lot of twists and betrayals which added so much depth to the plot and made it so much more addictive.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - Freya, arc & monthly book box pick reviewer (athenafreyag on Instagram)

A Forgery Of Fate is a wonderful YA fantasy standalone, inspired by Asian culture and myth. It is also framed as a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I can definitely see it as one. Rich and immersive, and with a great mc, I can definitely recommend it to YA fantasy fans.

Tru has the power to paint the future, but she has hidden it from everyone. She tries to support her family financially by making art forgeries and selling them. Her mother has put the family in debt as she has desperately tried to find her husband who was lost at sea. It's up to Tru and one of her sisters to support the family and each other. I loved the sisterhood bond and how each sister was different. The family dynamics were so well written.

She comes across a lord who happens to be a half-dragon, half-human prince who is exiled from his home by his grandfather. His grandfather is the king of the dragons, and a tyrannical at that. Elang is devoted to his home and his dragons and anyone who lives in his home city. He desperately tries to protect them, and that is why he wants to dethrone his grandfather. I really liked Elang, because I found him to be very sincere, very dependable, and capable.

I liked both main characters as individual characters and together. I also enjoyed the rest of the character ensemble; each character was different and vivid and gave an extra nuance to the story.

The writing was beautiful, not too poetic for my taste, which I feared. The book has a good pace, too. We spent the beginning of the book on the ground, setting up Tru's character and motivation, and we moved to the home of the dragons in a reasonable pace.

My 4-star rating is because the plot was fairly predictable and I kept feeling like I've read something similar before. Not every book needs to be groundbreaking, though, and A Forgery Of Fate is a beautiful Asian-culture-inspired retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a wonderful prose and world. You will have a lovely time reading this book!

This has a Fairyloot SE that is sold-out, and it is also the June YA monthly pick for an American monthly book box company. I'm sure that it will be gorgeous according to the sneak peek, but I'll be skipping.

This was amazing! The descriptive language and the plot was unlike any I’ve ever read! Beautiful writing, believable characters, and an amazing story!

I still haven’t read a book by this author that I haven’t loved!!!
In this story we follow Tru an art forger who can paint the future. To keep her family safe from creditors due to her mother’s gambling; she decides to enter a marriage with a dragon prince. Elang plans to usurp the dragon king, will they be able to make everyone believe they’re in love?

I didn’t have any doubts I was going to love the writing style in this, since I’ve read a few of the author’s work so I was already familiar with it. Tru was a good MC for the most part, as well as Elang. I really enjoyed their story both as a couple and as individuals. The setting was magical and although I did see the plot twists coming I throughly enjoyed my time with this book.
Also I loved the turtles and sea creatures that took part in this story. And as much as I saw the end coming, the last few chapters hurt.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

After falling in love with the author’s writing in Six Crimson Cranes, I was really excited to hear about A Forgery of Fate. Lim always paints such luscious fantasy landscapes with her words, and this book is no different. Then add in the bonus of dragons and I’m completely won over 🤭

From the beginning, we’re pulled into a vivid story entailing Tru and her family. But when tragedy strikes and their father is lost at sea, Tru is forced to quickly grow up and become the headstrong breadwinner of the family, resorting to art cons to help them survive. Her friendship and loyalty with her sisters is such a beautiful part of the story, and I loved it just as much as the romance.

As a beauty and the beast re-imagining, there are some aspects you might find familiar, such as the FMC being forced to live with the MMC, the MMC being a “beast”, but there are also fresh, unique elements as well. Tru being an artist, and the setting of Ai’long, an underwater kingdom, made it all the more ethereal. Not to mention the drool-worthy FOOD DESCRIPTIONS. Reading about them had me craving noodles for weeks straight (no regrets)! As for the romance itself, it’s definitely slow-burn, and it a bit hard to believe Elang felt anything much towards Tru at first, due to his over-the-top prickliness, and mostly cold demeanour, but let’s just say there’s some subtle, sweet gestures and also a really nice plot twist which entirely flips everything into perspective, without giving out any spoilers.

Overall, reading this book felt like being whisked away on a wonderful fairytale adventure, filled with danger but also testing the power of family, friendship, loyalty and love. It does get emotional towards the finale, but the end left me 100% satisfied so don’t be afraid to dive into this book too!

Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton (Hodderscape) for the Netgalley ARC. This review is voluntary and all thoughts are my own.