I'm always yearning to return to Ai'long, and I trust Elizabeth Lim to enchant me once more.

This story is placed in the same world as the Six Crimson Cranes dilogy, and one of the main characters is the cousin of Seryu, the one from Dragon's Promise.

And again, it's mythology enriched with fairy tales and so much imagination. A truly great FMC that can paint the future and The High Lord of the Westerly Sea in a marriage contract that is both danger and promise. I'd say the romance is badass x grumpy, but in a way that absolutely made me root for them.

This book definitely has everything I wanted from it: sea dragons, pearls, magic, red thread, heartache, destiny. And even though I didn't like the main plot twist at first, I absolutely warmed up to it.

What can I say? I gladly succumb to the magic of Elizabeth Lim's book. And I want more!

4,5/5 stars

#AForgeryOfFate #Netgalley #Bookstagram

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Absolutely stunning!Elizabeth Lim has done it again—A Forgery of Fate is an absolutely breathtaking story that weaves magic, fate, and emotion into something truly unforgettable. From the first page, I was completely lost in this world, feeling every hope, every heartbreak, and every triumph alongside the characters.

The storytelling is rich and immersive, with stakes that feel so real. The characters are beautifully complex, their struggles deeply moving, and their journey one that lingers in your heart long after you turn the last page. There are twists that took my breath away, moments of quiet heartbreak, and scenes so powerful they made my chest ache.

This book is more than just a fantasy—it’s about resilience, love, and the choices that define us. If you want a page-turner that will leave you utterly wrecked (in the best way), A Forgery of Fate is a must-read.

4.5 stars!!

Elizabeth Lim delivers again! This was another stunning entry in the Legends of Lor’Yan series that was incredibly heartfelt, touching, and had me sobbing by the book’s end with snot running down my nose. I was a MESS. The last few chapters were a rollercoaster!! It is set in the Six Crimson Cranes universe, but can absolutely be read as a standalone. A Forgery of Fate is definitely a “trust the process” book that kept on getting better as it went on and I absolutely LOVED how everything came together in the end and upped the rating for me to a near perfect read!

Tru is a great, developed FMC! She’s independent, capable, and such a mood LMFAO. I found myself laughing at her commentary on multiple occasions. She’s just so real and relatable. The way she reacted to situations is really similar to how I would have reacted in her shoes. I really liked that she wasn’t portrayed as a damsel, going off on dangerous missions on her own and capable of fending for herself. I love her for her strong heart, not willing to give up on the people she cares for. I also really enjoyed Tru’s powers to paint the future! I thought that was so cool and magical and how it played a very significant role throughout the novel.

I really enjoyed the plot to Forgery. It was a page turner and I never found myself bored, but it truly gripped me after the big plot twist! I was so invested in the story after that. Nazayun is a returning antagonist and is just as despicable in this. I genuinely was so worried because the fate of these characters was so unknown and it doesn’t let you breathe until the very epilogue. Yes, epilogue!! I was just crying nonstop and wiping frantically at my tears because I was so anxious and stressed.

Like the other Legends of Lor’Yan books, Forgery also has talking animals and memorable side characters that leave an impression on you. My favorite this time was Kunkoi, a merman, but also Shani, a chaotic demon with a surprising amount of depth and intrigue to her! I won’t say much, but I liked what was done with her character. Apart from them, I also liked the strong sibling relationship between Tru and her two sisters. Nomi was my favorite. She was so adorable but they’re all great in their own way.

I think the romance was more on the mellow and subtle side, but still sweet and endearing nonetheless and absolutely won me over by the end. Who knew water bells and moss could make me sob?? Fans familiar with the Dragon’s Promise will remember Elang, an aloof, and mysterious half dragon with no heart. It really took me a while to warm up to Elang, but it was very intentionally done. I did feel like the slow burn was too slow at first. I had moments where Elang made me giggle here and there, but I needed more affection from him and wanted to feel more. I got really irked by Elang’s push and pull with Tru, but TRUST THE PROCESS. The ending totally changed how I felt and the way it all came together actually made the book sooo much better and fixed my problems with it! I LOVED this man by the end. Tru and Elang’s love story is truly unique and beautifully written, and only Elizabeth Lim could write something so originally hers.

PS – There’s a quick cameo towards the end that got me smiling through my tears.

It is the story of Truyan- Tru- who is the oldest sister in a family where they struggle to make ends meet and survive and the father’s disappearance at sea. Tru is a gifted artist and to make money she forges paintings and her associate sells them. But it is not her only talent as she can see the future in her painting.

First, I’d like to say that I LOVE the title, it’s just so fitting and well chosen.
I definitely got the Beauty and the Beast inspiration from the beginning and The Little Mermaid one- not at the beginning, but at some point I did see the how it was inspired from it.

Shani is iconic and so fun and I also came to love Elang.
I absolutely loved Tru and her relationship with her family and art. She is such a kind, fun, and sweet main character.
There were many plot twists that I didn’t see coming, and I quite enjoyed them!
The way the novel was written was so good that the story flowed and I did not want to put it down.

I would highly highly recommend it and would give it 5 stars.

I’m absolutely obsessed with everything about this book I sobbed I had the odd giggle ! I read it within 2days I just couldn’t put it down . The absolute heartbreaking turmoil through out this story had my heart twisting left and right! It starts with baba going missing and the rest of family scrambling to save their lives and survive by the oldest daughter forging paintings. What you don’t expect is blackmail death magic and destruction wrapped up in watching an unconventional love story unfolding in heart stopping moments of sadness and splashes of joy . An absolute 10 out of 10

Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

It was so wonderful diving back into Elizabeth Lim’s work with this gorgeous slow burn romantic fantasy!

I absolutely adored Tru and Elang, but Shani is by far my favourite of them all - what a menace!!

I highly recommend checking out this book when it is released!!

thank you very much to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!!

i will frame this review by saying i do read a number of east asian fantasies but this is my first book by Elizabeth Lim (the rest are still on the tbr), and if i had to describe this in a word, it would be 'breathtaking'. there is not a single part of this story that didn't capture my heart.

first off, Tru's family. i started reading this on the bus after work, and god, the start with her family during the good times when all they had to worry about was Fal being vain and Tru's blue hair, before everything went wrong. and when it did, i was tearing up and trying not to cry. this feeling was a little like the first ten minutes of Up.

i loved the bond between Tru and her sisters, especially Nomi. we have the painter, the fashionista (of sorts) and the tinkering bookworm. i especially enjoyed reading their dynamic, even with their mother whom i warmed up to later in the book.

i also have to comment the worldbuilding, Ai'Landi and Gangsun were so vivid they felt real, even the kingdom underwater and the realm of the merfolk and all their festivals. i want to live in it. the jostle between Nazayun and Elang was phenomonal as a political and also mystical battle.

okay, now my favourite part, the tragic romance between Tru and Elang. (being chinese i did understand the play on words with Elang's name, which could mean the second son of the family, but in this case, probably second in line for the throne, or second class compared to the other dragons. am i reaching? maybe.) the slowburn of it was intense and i loved every single moment of it!! you'd think it was them falling for each other slowly, and sure enough it seemed like it, but only Tru's end. (spoilers from here on!!) i loved the reveal of Elang being Gaari who has been friends with Tru for years.

the YEARNING simply leaps off the page. i swear. that ending and reveal that Tru IS his heavenly match and her heart houses his pearl and only one of them can live shattered me. i saw this coming but good god it hurt. the timeskip felt so worth it. i nearly died when he didn't recognise her, but thank goodness for the powet of the red string of fate.

" my heart, my home — they are yours. they always have been. "

" every word we exchanged, every glance, and every moment where i didn't have to pretend... it meant everything — to me. "

he planted her a field of waterbells, her favourite flower. i am in PAIN.

OMG, I was needing something so addictive like this.

First of all, thank you Netgalley, the author and the editor for the opportunity to read this book. I simply loved it.

It has romance, magic, DRAGONS… only things for me to love.
Before this book, I hadn’t read anything by Elizabeth Lim but now I’m super interested to try her other books.

“The only paintings he loves are yours, Lady Saigas.”

In this one we have a spark of Belle and the Beast and the Little Mermaid and honestly it was simply amazing.
Loved the main characters, Elang and Tru, and also some other ones who are presented to us throughout the book.
I hate the King of Dragons, that one I really hate.

“Were I a bit more delusional, I might have thought he’d missed me.”

I also really liked the way everything was linked. Some information could look unimportant but in the end it was linked to something big.

It also have an arranged marriage and a little enemies to lovers, for those like me loves this trope.

It was an addictive book that I’ll be recommending because I’m a really big fan of romantasy and this one made me cry and laugh.

elizabeth lim, in my opinion, is peerless in the young adult fantasy romance space. each of her books sparks such joy in me when i read them. a master at remixing old folk and fairy tales, never doing something as simple as a retelling. i loved all of the elements here. she's just the best at this.

A Forgery of Fate, the newest fantasy from Elizabeth Lim, follows the art forger Truy Saigas as she strikes a deal with a dragon lord for the safety of her family: her hand in marriage and her service as an artist.

Emoji-Aesthetic: 🐉🥮🧧🎍🌊🧜‍♀️🐢

Listen to…
🎶 Monster - dodie
🎶 Ordinary - Alex Warren
🎶 Daylight - David Kühner

I was absolutely swept away by this story. It focuses on family and sisterhood, and friendship. There is a romance, and it is a main storyline, but the focus is on love that has multiple layers.
This story ripped my heart out and then sewed it back together. The way Tru finds her strength, the way she stands up for her friends, for her family and for herself, was amazing to read.
I also really loved all of the side characters and how multidimensional they are. Mailoh has my whole heart. Oh and I want to try literally every dish that is described in this book. They all sounded delicious.
~~~
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

A Forgery of Fate - Elizabeth Lim
5⭐️

This book was a gorgeous blend of East Asian culture and the western stories I grew up with, like Beauty & The Beast, which this is a (loose!) retelling of. We see our FMC, Truyan Saigas, as she enters a deal with the mysterious Elang in order to repay her mother’s gambling debts and save her family. This deal takes them under the sea, to a watery world, where Tru must use her artistic ability to help overthrow the Dragon King 🐉

This book had absolutely everything I love in it - a marriage contract with a grumpy half dragon lord with a secretive history, a strong, protective FMC and the SLOWEST most delicious slow burn to ever slow burn. This is an epic adventure, combining themes of family, love, art and culture and I was invested from the get go📖

Elizabeth Lim does an incredible job of creating worlds, and I had to use the absolute bare minimum of my imagination to see the setting and events of this book unfold. I was transported to a vivid world of dragons and demons and merpeople and had no trouble at all seeing exactly what Lim was painting for us. The only word for what Elizabeth Lim does here is enchanting🫧🌊
•
If you’re a fantasy lover who wants to be whisked away to a new world, this is absolutely the book for you. 🐉

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Releasing June 5th 2025 🗓️

Having never have read anything by Elizabeth Lim before I can say I was pleasantly surprised. First of all how gorgeous is this cover? An amazing creative twist inspired in the story of beauty and the beast, a great heroine and a great hero.
Everything about this book was magical.

I'm in love with everything Elizabeth Lim writes.
And the bet part is every book seems to get better and better. I loved this so much!

5/5 stars 🌟

Once again, Elizabeth Lim had created yet another masterpiece, a beautiful story that whisked me away. The way she writes is so masterful and enchanting, from the vivid descriptions and the lyrical prose, everything was so tastefully done.

Truyan, the main female character, uses art forgery as a means of work to support her family, with the ability to also paint her visions. She is smart, passionate, dedicated yet always remembers to show kindness. The prince, Elang, was also such an interesting character, enigmatic and mysterious, and we slowly see him open up to Tru, which was so heartwarming to see. We see her fall in love with the beauty of the underwater world, as well as her falling for Elang. Their relationship was so beautiful and heart wrenching to read about, from the angst to the tension, it was all worth the wait.

The plot pace remained steady throughout, and there was never a dull moment whilst reading this book. This story also had elements of the beauty and the beast, but it was so much more as well. Her world building is truly mesmerising, and we see this through her creation of a whimsical underwater world, where the story mainly takes place in.

This epic fantasy deserves all the praise, and there’s no doubt that this is and will be one of my top reads of this year. Such a refreshing and magical read, would definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for providing me with this arc for an honest review.

A Forgery of Fate is a vivid and masterful Beauty and the Beast retelling combined with Eastern mythology. I’ve never read the authors works before but a few of her books are on my never ending TBR and this has given me the push to pick them up!

There were so many things I loved about this book. Our FMC, Tru, is an art forger who has the ability to paint the future who delves into a fake marriage with cursed (and grumpy cinnamon roll) dragon lord, Elang, as they join forces in his underwater kingdom to take down the Dragon King and save her father.

The standout of the story for me was the world-building, meticulously crafted and jam-packed with whimsy. What do you MEAN there are phoenix demons and talking turtles?! The setting in this was simply stunning.

Many thank you’s to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy, this will not be the last Elizabeth Lim book I read in the not too distant future.

Elizabeth Lim's work constantly captivates me and transports me to other worlds. In the early pages, I was grieving for Truyan's family, but only without revealing anything, which made me even more excited. I LOVED all of the characters and they grew on me. Truyan is unlike any other female lead in Lim's past works. What draws me to Truyan is her eagerness to provide the best for her younger sisters and family. Her family totally had me laughing and crying at the same time, and I just love how Truyan is so blunt—it makes her even more charming!

Even though I wasn't especially interested in the romance at first, I ended myself crying over Truyan's sacrifice to be with the man she loved LOL IT WAS QUITE ROMANTIC. OOH, the twists and turns are so surprising. I was assuming who the true villain was and it turned out to be wrong, and I loved it. The world-building is amazing and still ties back to the earlier books, so it feels like I'm coming home :’)

I am incredibly grateful to both NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read and review A Forgery of Fate. Being selected to explore this captivating story before its official release has been such a treat, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on it with all of you. A huge thank you to the teams at NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for their generosity and for making this advanced reading experience possible.

Elizabeth Lim... WHAT A MASTERPIECE.

I actually am speechless after reading A Forgery of Fate. That was nothing short of phenomenal. I devoured it over a weekend because I just couldn't put it down.

It consumed and continues to consume my every waking thought.

There were so many complexities in this story but the way Elizabeth Lim put words to paper, she made it so easy to understand and follow along.

It's truly been such a long time since I've felt this connected to the majority of the characters in a book. I am obsessed with Tru especially. There was just so much character development across the board.

Sometimes endings can be bittersweet but I just love how this one turned out. I couldn't ask for more if I'm being honest.

Elizabeth Lim just has such skill, each and every time I read something she has written I am simply captivated and A Forgery of Fate was no exception.

I am truly so honoured to have been able to read this ahead of the release date. This is absolutely a book that everyone should read. I have no notes, it is perfect.

4.5⭐

A Forgery of Fate was such a fun and enchanting read, I have loved all of Elizabeth Lim's books and this was another to add to just how beautiful and captivating the writing and storytelling is when you loose yourself into this authors books.

Every description from the smallest of details are so clear and easy to understand and so vivid that it completely captures your attention from the very first page and keeps you engaged throughout, I really loved Tru as a fmc and how to protect her family she finds herself entering into a fake marriage with the dragon prince to help him secure his kingdom but what entails is filled with so much heartache, destruction and despair that slowly unfolds into a really beautiful love story.

The story is so beautiful and enchanting and even though there is a romance it is also about love of family, sisterhood and friendship. I sobbed and I giggled and loved every moment I read it in 2 days I couldn't put it down, the ending completely gutted me and then healed me again. It was such a beautiful ending and one that will stay with me for a long time to come. Highly recommend!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book before publication, these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc.

It was … perfection 💞
I was so in love with Elang and the way he loved Tru so silently that no one knew 🥺

I cried so much at the end, this was just an emotional read.

I totally recommend if you’re already a fan of Elizabeth Lim 🫶🏻

I loved A Forgery Of Fate as the characters were really well described, it made me feel like I inside the book with the characters throughout. I really felt the emotions that the main characters were going through and the storyline was incredible. I loved it so much, I wanted more and was sad that the story had ended. I would definitely read more by Elizabeth Lim. I highly recommend her!

A Forgery of Fate is a breathtaking, East Asian-inspired romantic fantasy that blends mythology, artistry, and fate into a mesmerizing tale of love, sacrifice, and destiny. With lush world-building and evocative prose, Elizabeth Lim crafts a spellbinding story that will captivate fans of Beauty and the Beast.

Truyan Saigas is an unforgettable protagonist—an artist with the rare ability to paint the future, burdened by her family's struggles and the weight of her own impossible choices. Her fierce devotion to her sisters makes her instantly relatable, and her journey into the depths of the Dragon King’s realm is as thrilling as it is poignant. The underwater world Lim creates is stunningly immersive, filled with rich lore, dazzling descriptions, and an eerie sense of wonder. From grand palaces to perilous court intrigues, every setting feels alive and brimming with magic.

At the heart of the story is Tru’s slow-burning romance with the enigmatic Elang. Their dynamic is beautifully layered with longing, mystery, and heartbreak. As secrets unravel—including a shocking revelation about Elang’s true identity—their relationship takes on even greater emotional depth. The tension, the yearning, the impossible stakes—it all builds to a stunning climax that left me breathless. And the ending? Utterly devastating and yet achingly beautiful.

Beyond the romance, A Forgery of Fate is also a tale of resilience, fate, and the unbreakable ties of family. The sibling bond between Tru and her sisters is one of the novel’s strongest elements, grounding the story in deep emotional stakes. The themes of destiny and sacrifice are woven seamlessly throughout, making this a novel that lingers in your mind long after you turn the final page.

Elizabeth Lim once again proves why she’s a master of fantasy storytelling. A Forgery of Fate is a luminous, heart-wrenching tale that enchants, devastates, and ultimately leaves you longing for more. A must-read for fantasy lovers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton | for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was delighted when I was selected to ARC read "A Forgery Of Fate," having already been a huge fan of "Six Crimson Cranes" and "The Dragon's Promise."

A Forgery Of Fate begins with Tru, fighting to survive, and protect her family's future when her father goes missing at sea, presumed dead. She begins a life as a Master Forger, gifted with Sight to keep her family alive, and keep them out of the hands of the hideous Madam Yargui, due to her mother's poor choices.

A series of unfortunate events brings her to the home of the mysterious Elang, a half-dragon, half-human Prince who has been banished from his home until he finds his Heavenly Match. Tru quickly finds herself in over her head when she finds herself part of an elaborate plan to overthrow His Eternal Majesty, King Nazayun, who may hold the secret to finding Tru's father.

A Forgery Of Fate was a delightful book, bringing Six Crimson Cranes and A Dragon's Promise full circle, and will delight and captivate precious readers, and fans of Chinese mythology.

This was the first book by the author that I've had the pleasure of reading, but it definitely won't be the last!

It's a book where it feels like anything could be possible. Merfolk? Dragons? Yes! And so much more.

The story is so whimsical and woven so vividly that it's easy to picture the details that the author is trying to convey. It does have the Beauty and the Beast vibes for sure, but is also set largely underwater, so I'd agree with other reviewers saying it also is reminiscent of the little mermaid.

I loved the concept of Tru being an artist who paints visions of the future, forced into a marriage with the surly half dragon, Elang, who is mysterious and determined to keep Tru at arm's length.

This book just felt so magical and although I did guess the twist, I loved the journey so much. I couldn't put this down and was always wondering where it would go next.

Thank you to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton, Hodderscape and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

I am a sucker for a beauty and the beast retelling and this book did not disappoint. I loved the characters and world building within this novel. It was just so well written and I adored the ending… I cannot recommend this book enough! I will definitely be checking out Lim’s other novels.

I bawled my eyes out! Actually, i don’t have high hopes for this one since i dislike The Dragon Promise, but oh boy! End up i gave 5 stars to it! I’m hooked by the blurb and very curious bout the book, and i don’t regret that i requested the ARC. I think the author’s writing is very romantic, i love Tru, i love Gaari, but i love Shani the most! Her witty characters make me smile! The world building is good, we have a bit romance, and action. The idea of Beauty and The Beast retelling mix with chinese mythology is very interesting indeed.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me this arc!

A Forgery of Fate follows three sisters, but at its heart is Truyan—the one who truly inherited her mother’s gift. With the Sight, she can paint visions that inevitably come true, a secret she’s carefully guarded. But when her mother’s reckless gambling costs her sister’s freedom, Truyan is forced to reveal her abilities and flee with her family.

Their escape leads them to the enigmatic Demon Prince, who offers a deal: in exchange for his help, she must paint something for him when the time comes. As a skilled forger, Truyan is no stranger to deception, forging masterpieces to survive—but this bargain may cost her more than she ever imagined. With the fate of her lost father tied to the Demon Prince’s promises, she agrees, unknowingly setting herself on a path filled with dragons, magic, and an adventure that will reshape everything she thought she knew about fate, power, and the price of her gift.

Honestly this book was such a refreshing read, from someone who has been in a book slump with fantasy this is perfect. It kind of gives you Disney vibes but the nostalgia from the old movies and the magic. It truly is a great book and I'd recommend it to everyone.

Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the advanced copy for review!

I love the worlds Elizabeth Lim creates. The premise of her newest novel caught my eye: Beauty and the Beast but with a twist - a dragon lord and an artist? Sign me up!

Sometimes a book blurb may sound too good to be trust - but this isn't the case. A Forget of Fate delivered as promised and more. This was one of those books that wouldn't let me put it down until I finished.

Tru is our main lead - she's witty, creative, and brave. I loved the nature of her painting talent, her strong love for her family, and her fearlessness. Elang - what can I say - I've fallen in love with this grumpy 'beast' too. He's a perfect pairing to Tru, and I enjoyed following their story from start to finish.

Our cast of secondary characters are well fleshed out - Tru's family members, Elang's court and allies, as well as our villain. The pacing of the story was on point, and there were definitely moments that tugged at my heartstrings.

Can't wait for others to enjoy this as much as I did!

5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As an avid Lim fan, A Forgery of Fate did not disappoint. I loved returning to the underwater dragon world, as I felt we saw too little of it in Six Crimson Cranes!

I loved the arranged/fake marriage trope a lot as well; as the dynamic between our two main characters.

I’m not crying. You are! 😭

A Forgery of Fate is yet another masterpiece by Elizabeth Lim that I absolutely adored. I was incredibly lucky to receive an ARC of this book, and I just finished it—what a journey!

I devoured every page! The moment I found out we would be returning to the beloved Dragon Realm and the magical world of Six Crimson Cranes and Spin the Dawn, I could hardly contain my excitement.

Once again, the storytelling was flawless, and I loved meeting all the new and intriguing characters. I cried so much along the way as well...

Our heroine is simply wonderful—bold and daring yet deeply devoted to her family, always striving to protect and support them. An art forger who can paint the future.

Elang has officially become my favourite half-dragon! His love for gardening even made me want to give it a try myself.

The world-building was utterly magical—I felt as if I had travelled to the dragons’ sea realm myself. The descriptions were so vivid and immersive.

This book has everything—love, romance, action, magical creatures, curses waiting to be broken, heavenly bonds, and even an arranged marriage. How could you possibly resist reading it?

And, of course, I now have an undeniable craving for noodles! You will see why when you read this book. 😜

For those familiar with this world, there’s a delightful cameo from a beloved character. It was such a wonderful surprise!

Overall, A Forgery of Fate is a fantastic addition to Elizabeth Lim’s enchanting world.

A little mermaid X beauty and the beast retelling?? SIGN ME UP

This is my first Elizabeth Lim book and it definitely won't be the last. The world-building was absolutely incredible and the writing felt almost poetic so there was never a dull moment. One of my new fave FMCs, Truyan was marvellously selfless and her character development was an absolute joy to witness. I adored her interactions with the Prince and where this took the story, I found it a teeeeny bit predictable but it didn't detract from the story at all!

WOW! Just WOW! I absolutely loved this book.
As a kid of the 90s the Little Mermaid was my favourite film to watch so seeing this described as Little Mermaid in Asian mythology I had high expectations and it completely met and surpassed them!
I could not put this book down, every single word was devoured and loved. I need more! I need this physically on my shelf... so if the wonderful publisher sees this PLEASE!!!!! PLEASE CAN I GET A PHYSICAL COPY so I can love this again and again.

5⭐

Thank you Elizabeth Lim, Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for the ARC!

A Forgery of Fate is a Beauty and the Beast meets The Little Mermaid, East-Asian inspired romantic fantasy about Truyab Saigas, a gifted art forget, who has the unique ability to paint the futur. But when her father is lost at sea, not even magic can heal her family, or save her two younger sisters from the dangerous consequences of her mother's gambling debts.

This book was an enchanting blend of Chinese folklore and romance, offering a lush and emotionally beautiful journey beneath the waves. Part loose retelling of “Beauty and the Beast,” part epic adventure, this book uses familiar tropes with fresh creativity to create a tale that feels both timeless and unique.

The world-building and writing style stands out the most. The lyrical writing, whimsical descriptions and lush backdrop had me captivated the entire time, enhcnated by the deep lore and working of the world. The description and writing style is detailed and we'll developed, exploring different parts of the world.

Truyan is a wonderful protagonists. Her selflessness and protectiveness towards her family is incredibly relatable. Her Prince is a brooding and enigmatic character, who's very secret and mysterious at the beginning but as the plot slowly unravels, everything is worth the angst and tension. Their dynamic is tense, intriguing, and layered with the classic Beauty and the Beast charm.

The conclusion was epic and the plot seemed evenly paced throughout. The ending had my jaw dropped with all the action scenes and twists.

“Should you chance upon a dragon, be on your guard. Keep your distance, and his luck will be with you for ninety-nine years, But venture too close, and he will whisk you away into his watery kingdom, Where all your fortunes will be his.”

Beauty and the Beast but with sea dragons, Elizabeth has truly brought words to life in such an amazing way.

This was a truly magical adventure that I feel lucky to experience. Every moment felt like a breath of fresh air and I was living every moment of it, the characters felt so structured, unique, likeable and colourful, the relationships they all had with each other felt true and how everyone grew through the book was perfect.

Tru and elangs relationship was just so heartfelt that I didn't want their story to end and I want to know their future.

Some of the twists I never saw coming and normally I'm good at seeing foreshadowing.

All around this was truly a magical love story that hopefully many will enjoy for years to come.

4.5⭐️

oh my god, i had no idea this was set in the same world as Six Crimson Cranes—i was ELATEDD when i figured it out!! and why is no one talking about the fact that there’s a SERYU CAMEO. I REPEAT, a Seryu cameo!!!!!!

i enjoyed reading this so much! Elizabeth has a unique magic in her writing that really sets her books apart from others, and A Forgery of Fate is definitely my favorite work of hers!!
this book feels more young adult than Six Crimson Cranes (which was very much lower ya in my opinion!), and ahh, the romance 🥹💞 it was so delicious and devastating at the same time :’
this book was so whimsical and a really fun, adventurous read. all the characters have so much depth, and the pacing of both the plot and romance was perfect, considering everything that was happening. Tru and Elang are my favorite characters from Elizabeth’s books, and my heart goes out to them—i kept tearing up while reading the last few chapters 😭😣. oh, and if you’re a noodles lover, this book is definitely for you!! 🤣🍜 i got myself Chinese takeout two days ago because the noodle craving got out of hand 😂.

so excited to get the published copy so i can tab all my favorite moments!! and yes, please read this book!!


thank you, NetGalley, for the e-ARC! as always, this review is completely honest!

Forgery of Fates is about Tru Saigas, a con artist and art forger trying to support her family including her mother who claims to be a fortune teller. Tru has supported the family since their father disappeared at sea years ago, leaving them to fend for themselves. But Tru has a secret: she can paint the future whenever her fingers begin to tingle, and everything she paints eventually comes true. It’s through this power that she first envisions her mentor and partner in crime, who she has yet to meet.
This is a fantastic magical tale, similar to Beauty and the Beast but in a very different setting. It is magically written and absorbing and such a find that I am now going to read er previous books.

This was absolutely lush. I adored the romance, it was slow burn and oh so sweet. All the characters were complex and interesting, and the magic was like stepping into a fairytale.

Yes I can see the inspiration from Beauty & The Beast, but this is completely its own story in its own unique setting.

This is my first time reading from the author and I’ve just purchased her back catalog of books as well as preordering a physical copy of this one. Obsessed.

What an enchanting and lovely read this was! I went in with zero foreknowledge or expectations and was immediately pulled in. The heroine, Truyan, and her desire to save her family - so much so that she entered into a marriage of convenience, a pact that would both save them and help the MMC, Elang - was entirely believable.

I enjoyed the world-building immensely. Lim created an Asian-inspired mythological world filled with mythical creatures and a gorgeously rich cast of side characters. I didn’t expect the story to shift into an underwater setting, but when it did, I was fascinated by the vivid descriptions and the thought that went into crafting it!

The romance was well done. It was a slow burn, filled with plenty of pining and longing as Tru slowly came to understand more of this new world and of Elang. The dragons in this story were ancient, powerful creatures, and I found the lore surrounding them truly intriguing.

Also, the ending made me a little emotional. It was very sweet, and I was so relieved that it didn’t take the direction I feared it would! Gah, this entire story felt like a beautiful fairytale, full of intricacies, whimsy, and quirky mythical elements. I loved it so much!

If you love The Regency Faerie Tales by Olivia Atwater, Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan, or Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan, then this book is perfect for you. It’s whimsical and utterly charming, yet still compelling and full of real stakes. I enjoyed myself immensely.


Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely stunning.

This was my first book by Elizabeth Lim, and I adored every moment of it. A beauty and the beast retelling in the best way.

The MFC is a delight, struggling with the loss of her father, with her hair that marks her out as 'other' in her home. She has to look after her family, younger siblings and a mother with a gambling problem. Despite everything thrown at her, she never gives up. Along the way she literally falls into a garden of a 'demon lord' who offers to save her family - for the minor price of her marrying him.

Our MMC. Oh our MMC. As all the best ones are, he is grumpy and cold and obnoxious on the outside but inside... he's a sweetheart. A romantic who takes a simple gesture and turns it into a whole field. Who throws himself into danger time and time again to protect her, while still trying to push her away.

And when you find out why he's pushing her away... well.

Sometimes, what you need is a fantasy romance wrapped up in a hug, a delicious melody of art and food, the burn of the noodles keeping you warm. This was just a completely enjoyable read, full of fantastic characters and just enough danger to keep you motivated.

I also really enjoyed that it is a standalone (although I certainly wouldn't complain if we returned to this world). It's really nice to have a one and done story sometimes, and to have all the plot very enjoyably wrapped up.

I'm already a big fan of Lim's writing, the best book I've read so far this year was 'Her Radiant Curse' by Lim, so I knew that i'd enjoy this book. It took a while to get going, i found the start a little slow in places, taking quite a while to set up the story and characters etc. But once it got going, it was excellent. A retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but with dragons and a much better storyline in general.
I love how Lim's books weave together, each book/series is unique, yet they are set in the same worlds, and overlap in places. you find yourself spotting characters from other books, or finding out the backstory or future of a character from another one of her books while reading. it's never a massive thing, just a mention in passing, but i find it wonderful.
Just in general, i love Lim's writing, and i find her stories so compelling. highly recommended.

I enjoyed this so much more than I expected to and didn't want it to come to en end. Truyan is devastated by the disappearance of her father and is desperate to look after her mum and sisters
She meets Elang and agrees to help him in order to help her family. Little does she know the importance of this relationship.
A fantastic fantasy. Loved it.

ARC Review: A Fate Forged in Fire by Elizabeth Lim

She did it again. I absolutely loved Six Crimson Cranes and I adore this Beauty and the Beast-inspired romantasy just as much. What do you think how I felt when I realized this takes place in the same world!? I loved being back in this beautiful setting. She weaves lush fantasy with mythology, great family dynamics, and a love story to die for. This story had everything I wished for.

What is this about?
This book is about Tru, a strong, independent, and sassy FMC who can paint the future and makes a deal with a (half-)dragon prince to save her family. She must marry him and help him achieve his own goals to get what she needs for her family's survival. Suddenly, she finds herself in the midst of a conflict with the cruel dragon king in the underwater kingdom of Ai’long — a conflict whose outcome could change the future of both the mortal and immortal worlds.

Tru felt so real and relatable — and she was funny! Her loyalty made me adore her even more. Even though you might think that because she “only” paints the future, she must be weak... she was far from that. She turned the events of the book and beat an OP villain. Loved that!

Our MMC is the half-dragon prince Elang, who at first seemed cold and distant — but he was soooo much more. He cared for Tru and his court, even though he didn’t have a heart?! I loved how much he adored Tru and did everything for her.

Besides these well-written MCs, we had a lot of interesting and endearing side characters, which made the book even better!

The story started off easy to read and went from “okay” to “OMG” in less than 100 pages. I couldn’t put the book down. So much was happening, and soooo much was at stake. The plot was plotting, and the twists took me to the edge of my seat.
(PS: At one point I was out of my seat. The ending nearly shattered my heart.)

The romance was subtle, but it was sweet and heartwarming. I was totally in for Tru and Elang — their banter and chemistry were great. We had a slow burn, but there was so much yearning and tension, which made the romance even better in the end.

You’ll love this if you like:
• Beauty and the Beast retellings
• Enemies to lovers
• Yearning and slow burn
• Sassy FMCs
• He falls first (and harder)
• Marriage of convenience
• Adventure and high stakes
• Family dynamics
• Shape-shifting dragons

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim is a breathtaking, emotional triumph — and I knew it would be my new favourite just 8% in.

As a longtime fan of Elizabeth Lim, I always expect something magical when I open one of her books — but A Forgery of Fate completely exceeded those expectations. It's a stunning blend of fantasy, romance, and mystery, wrapped in Lim’s signature expressive writing style and immersive worldbuilding.

The story follows Tru, an art forger with a love of spicy noodles and a dangerous secret: she can paint the future. Then there's Elang, a cursed half-dragon who we first met briefly in A Dragon’s Promise — a quiet, brooding prince with a cup of tea always in hand. One of my few criticisms of A Dragon’s Promise was that we didn’t spend enough time in the underwater kingdom of Ai’long. Now, I understand why — Lim was saving the full reveal for this story, and experiencing the kingdom’s beauty and terror through Tru’s eyes was absolutely worth the wait.

While the book draws subtle inspiration from Beauty and the Beast, the narrative is entirely original, standing confidently on its own. The romance between Tru and Elang is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers journey that’s rich with tension and depth. Though there is technically an arranged marriage element, it’s far from the typical trope. Their bond begins as a deal — Tru needs money and protection for her family, while Elang needs a Heavenly Match to break a curse — it's purely a practical arrangement, until it isn't.

The plot is packed with action, yearning, betrayal, and magic, making this both a heartwarming and hypnotic read. And for readers who loved Six Crimson Cranes and A Dragon’s Promise, there’s an added treat: a glimpse into Seryu's life post-Shiori.

A Forgery of Fate is a beautiful, powerful addition to Elizabeth Lim’s universe. I couldn't put it down — and I already can't wait to reread it

I knew that i will love this book after The dragon's promise. I love all Elizabeth Lim's books. She has a way of creating a beautiful and captivating world and her words are like the keys to a magical underwater palace. Getting back to this book, i adored the dynamic between our heroine and the mysterious dragon and how little by little their relantionship changed and their opinion about each other. The other characters are so cute and interesting, and some of them funny. I can't wait to buy a physical copy to add it to my collection of Elyzabeth Lim books. Thank You NetGalley for the Arc.

This book was absolutely phenomenal and exceeded all of my expectations!

Normally I'm not a huge fan of retellings of things like Beauty and the Beast, I find they tend to be a bit predictable and samey in their execution. A Forgery of Fate however, was so unique in how it goes about its retelling of the story and I truly enjoyed every second that was spent reading this book!

This is the first time I've read something by Elizabeth Lim and it's safe to say I will absolutely be picking up some of her other titles after this! Her writing style is so magical and atmospheric. I was absolutely mesmerised from page one. It's so easy to picture exactly where the characters are at any point in time and how they are feeling thanks to the vivid descriptions and fantastic world building. The descriptive writing didn't feel too overwhelming, or over done either. It was just the right amount to fully immerse me in the moment, without feeling like there was an endless stream of descriptors being thrown our way.

Truyan is the eldest daughter of the Saigas family. After their father goes missing when a storm hits his ship Tru takes on the role of main provider for her family, taking care of her mother and two younger sisters. She's an artist who excels in forging the work of other artists and with the help of her friend Gaari she hones her skills to sell her forgeries at auction and keep her family afloat.

Through a twist of fate Tru bumps into Elang - our MMC - and they come to an agreement involving a fake marriage to help break Elang's curse, in return Tru's family is to be kept safe and taken care of.

Every character was so perfectly crafted, even the side characters had such distinctive personalities and voices it was so easy to tell who was talking when, and all their different feelings on towards other characters and the situations they encounter.

I was a huge fan of Shani personally! She was such a wonderful, snippy, no nonsense character and I found myself looking really forward to every interaction she'd have with Tru!

Tru and Elang were such perfect main characters, they felt so real in their behaviour and their actions made sense and were really relatable.
Tru is such a strong, independent FMC. She's so resilient and loyal, never giving up on her family - or Elang.

Elang was a wonderful, grumpy little dragon prince! He was so charming even when he wasn't trying to be and I found myself falling absolutely in love with him from the moment we meet him!

I would absolutely recommend this book if you're a fan of twists and turns, secrets and betrayal, an emotional, slow burning love full of yearning and longing, and a world full of folklore and wonder!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review the eARC!

5⭐

Thank you Elizabeth Lim, Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for the ARC!

A breathtaking romantic fantasy inspired by Beauty and the Beast about a girl who paints the future and a cursed dragon lord, bound by love and deception in a plot to bring down the gods.

This book feels extra special, offering a creative twist on an Eastern "Beauty and the Beast" retelling while introducing a fresh, vivid take on an underwater world. The journey is painted in rich, colorful strokes, featuring phoenix demons, heroic turtles, treacherous sharks, dangerous jellyfish, and a vicious Dragon King determined to destroy his own kin rather than share his empire.

Tru was an outstanding FMC. I thought she was stong, determined, and so easy to love. You couldn't help but want to root for her.

From the different magical creatures and slow-burn romance to the vivid world-building and unique magical elements, this book has everything you could ask for—including secrets, twists, and turns that will keep you hooked!

This book was pure magic and reminded me how I’ll always have a soft spot for YA fantasy.
Truyan is a con artist, specialised in forging art to make ends meet. However once criminals start attacking her and her family, she is forced to enter the undersea world, striking a deal with the Demon Prince to fight the Dragon King.

I honestly loved everything about this book. I liked how feisty our main character is, how she tries to honour the bond to her family (as well as that to the mysterious prince) and how elegant, yet effortless the writing seems. Lim has the magic touch for creating magical sentences, weaving emotions and mythology together and making the reader swoon, yet never crossing the border to cringe-land. I loved following the budding (somewhat enemies-to-lovers) romance that always seemed to be able to strike a balance between heaviness and lightness.

The story was written with powerful and colourful strokes, and I was curious to learn more about the individual characters (especially Elang, the love interest), but also the craft behind the main character’s talent.

I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, yet my heart was growing heavier with every page closer to the end.

One of my favourite YA reads in 2025!

A retelling of 'Beauty and the Beast' set in the world of 'Six Crimson Cranes'? Count me in!

This romantasy is reminiscent of 'The girl who fell beneath the sea' mixed with Disney's version of 'Beauty and the Beast'. A resourceful, brave heroine goes on an adventure for the sake of her family and meets an array of whimsical characters including a handsome dragon, a scheming demon, and a surprising amount of turtles and other sea creatures. Both the plot and the romance have twists that will keep you turning pages.

This book definitely cements Elizabeth Lim as an auto-buy author for me. Seriously, I will literally read anything she writes! As soon as I heard this being marketed as Beauty & the Beast x Six of Crows, I knew I’d love it. The writing, as always, is utterly beautiful - it immerses you into a fresh, fairytale-esque world. The blend of Chinese folklore and romance had me captivated the whole way through. I absolutely adored both main characters, especially the MMC. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this whole book - I gasped, I cried, I laughed. This was magical in every sense of the word. I genuinely can’t recommend it enough!

I loved this book. It felt like if Beauty and the Beast, the Little Mermaid, and Mulan had a baby—but it is uniquely its own story. There’s a tantalizing slow-burn romance that had me swooning, gorgeous food descriptions, writing that shimmers, and a lush, imaginative world. The story compulsively pulled me along and I can’t wait to have this on my bookshelf—recommended for absolutely everyone.

Elizabeth Lim’s novels are always laced with such wonder and magic! Her stories weave together pieces of myths and fairytales with brilliant flair and enchant readers with the most endearing and heart-wrenching romances. Every word adds to the intricate tapestry that are her tales and her prose is always rich with such evocative descriptions and deep emotions. Her writing inspires all the senses and crafts elaborate stories of the devotion her protagonists have towards their families, their homes, and their loves.

A Forgery of Fate is a masterpiece of everything that makes her previous books just as enjoyable. The creativity of this book made every page a marvel, and the romantic tension and plotting suspense will leave you enraptured and wanting more until the very last page. I loved everything about this book!

A Magical Ride Worth Crying Over

This was my first Elizabeth Lim book—and wow, it delivered. I’m seriously considering buying a physical copy when it’s released, and I hate physical books. That’s how much I enjoyed it.

The story centers on a fierce and resilient FMC trying to survive after her father's tragic death in a shipwreck. Her family is unraveling, made worse by her mother's deep gambling debts and failed fortune-telling schemes. The first few chapters immerse us in her life of poverty and paranoia. She resorts to forging art just to get by, which draws her into a corrupt judicial system—where she’s scorned and mistreated for being "half-barbarian."

But her secret magic—kept hidden for her safety—slowly becomes her greatest weapon. As the plot unfolds, her abilities become key to facing dangers both on land and beneath the sea. The beginning 20% leans heavily on somber dialogue, which is necessary for world-building but made the pacing feel a bit sluggish. That said, the arrival of a sharp-tongued, smart-ass devil injected much-needed energy, and the supporting cast added even more flavor.

The prose is stunning—especially during her painting trances. Artists will find her inner thoughts relatable, while food lovers will practically smell the dishes described. #TeamRice

One critique: the underwater world didn’t feel as richly developed as I hoped. Maybe it's because I haven’t read much fantasy lately—or skimmed a few parts—but I struggled to visualize the setting at times. Halfway through, I had to adjust my expectations: think Beauty and the Beast meets Ninja Turtles serving Ariel's dad in The Little Mermaid. Odd combo, but still enjoyable.

And the twists—oh, the twists. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, Lim dropped another bombshell. It kept me completely hooked. I suspected one particular family member might be hiding something sinister, but nope—just deeply, tragically flawed. And the ending? I bawled. No joke, I couldn’t breathe at times. Was I being dramatic? Absolutely. Do I care? Not one bit. I even showed up to work with red eyes and a puffy face.

Favorite Quotes:

“Fortune finds those who leap.”

“Joy on the feet rises to the heart. Happiness is expensive.” (Shoutout to my fellow shoe addicts.)

“It’s rude reading people’s thoughts.”
“Then you shouldn’t make them so interesting,” she replied, licking her lips. “I taste gossip, and it’s sweet.”

“They say that when a dragon dies, he gets to choose his next life. Maybe we can get noodles together soon enough.”

A Forgery of Fate is a beautifully atmospheric fairytale fantasy that blends Beauty and the Beast with The Little Mermaid, all wrapped in Elizabeth Lim’s signature lyrical style. What really set this story apart for me was the underwater setting—it had such a rich, otherworldly vibe that gave me serious Studio Ghibli feelings. Dreamy, immersive, and just the right touch of eerie.

Tru, the main character, quickly became a favorite. She’s quietly strong—not loud or flashy, but resilient, thoughtful, and fiercely loyal to her sisters. It was refreshing to follow a protagonist who doesn’t need to shout to make an impact. Her magical ability to paint glimpses of the future added a unique twist, especially as it ties into the story’s deeper themes of fate and choice.

The romance was a lovely slow burn, with tension and emotional payoff that felt earned. And the cursed dragon lord? Broody, mysterious, but layered. Their dynamic built steadily, never rushed, which made it all the more satisfying.

If you enjoy fairytale retellings that feel fresh, with stunning settings, high stakes, and a heroine you can quietly cheer for, this one’s a gem. It’s got heart, magic, and just enough darkness to keep you hooked.

Elizabeth Lim has done it again! A Forgery of Fate is an absolute gem of a book, blending fantasy, romance, and Chinese mythology into a story that left me utterly spellbound. As someone who adored Six Crimson Cranes and The Dragon’s Promise, I went into this with sky-high expectations, and somehow, Lim still managed to blow me away.

The story follows Truyan Saigas, a gifted art forger with a dangerous secret: she can paint the future. But when her father disappears at sea and her mother’s gambling debts threaten to destroy her family, Tru strikes a desperate deal with Elang, a mysterious half-dragon lord. In exchange for saving her family, she must enter a marriage contract and help him overthrow the tyrannical Dragon King. What follows is a breathtaking underwater adventure filled with political intrigue, magical creatures, and a slow-burn romance that had me screaming into my pillow.

First off, Tru is an incredible protagonist— witty, fiercely loyal, and unapologetically bold. She’s not just fighting for herself but for her sisters, and her determination makes her impossible not to root for. And then there’s Elang. Oh, Elang. Brooding, secretive, and hiding a heart of gold beneath all that dragon pride, he’s the perfect grumpy-to-soft love interest. Their dynamic is chef’s kiss

The world-building is, as always with Lim, exquisite. From the shimmering undersea palace to the treacherous court politics, every detail feels vivid and immersive.

What really got me, though, was the emotional depth. This isn’t just a fantasy adventure, it’s a story about family, sacrifice, and the lengths we go to for love. The last few chapters wrecked me, with twists I didn’t see coming and an ending so perfect I cried happy tears.

Overall, Elizabeth Lim has crafted another masterpiece, and I’m already desperate for a reread.

4.5 ⭐️

I went into this book blind and wasn’t expecting the underwater setting, but it gave me such Little Mermaid vibes - I was totally here for it. Loosely based on beauty and the beast, but with a Dragon (of half dragon in this case).

Told from the point of view of Tru, a young woman who’s father has gone missing when a storm hits his ship. To feed her family, artist Tru is forced to mimic other artists, forging their work, honing her skills to sell at auction.

Tru was really likeable, she’s tough, feisty, has plenty of snark yet she’s fiercely loyal and will do anything for her sisters and mother. I love art, so I really enjoyed the depth of the art element to the tale - which was really interesting.

The MC - Elang, is a growly, dark and brooding character - whilst I wasn’t initially drawn to him, he’s redeemed himself and grew on me ( and Tru! ) as the story progressed.

I loved the whimsical world the author created, it was my first book of hers, but won’t be my last. The writing was immersive without being too descriptive and I feel so easily into - it felt effortless.

A really unique concept and a fast paced story which I thoroughly enjoyed, and was nearly blindsided by the ending!

If you enjoy YA fantasy, with a great concept, interesting world and magic systems then pick this up!

I absolutely loved 'Six Crimson Cranes' and the 'Spin the Dawn' duology so I was looking forward to another one of Elizabeth Lim's Far Eastern-inspired fairytale retellings.

'A Forgery of Fate' is based on Beauty and the Beast but it has a lot of other elements inspired by various stories and mythologies (eg. The Magic Paintbrush). After Truyan's father dies in a shipwreck, her family is thrown into poverty, which is exacerbated by her mother's gambling problem. Truyan is a gifted artist and makes money by forging paintings to sell but she also has a secret that she's never told anyone - she has visions and can paint the future.

When a desperate financial situation forces Truyan to seek the help of the mysterious masked 'Demon Prince', he offers her a deal. He will pay off her debts and protect her family in exchange for her posing as his true love, joining him in the dragon realm and helping him to overthrown the cruel and tyrannical Dragon King. The Demon Prince is in fact a Dragon Prince called Elang - a half dragon, cursed by the Dragon King. But once she joins him in the dragon realm, she discovers there's more to Elang, and more to the story than she's been told.

This is a charming, lyrical and romantic story, filled with strange creatures, vibrant landscapes and captivating characters. Unlike, her recent duologies, this is a standalone story so everything is wrapped up nicely by the end of the book (although there are some tears along the way). Highly recommended!

I love books that read like cdramas, the world building, the lore is unmatched. And as expected Elizabeth Lim did not disappoint. Through her previous books we already got to know her magical world, she took us further into her world and I had so much fun reading about our strong female lead and all the characters generally because they are written so well, I was really sad when the book ended.

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.

I've nearly read everything Elizabeth Lim has published and can say I am a solid fan.

Her stories are always enchantingly written with many references to eastern Asia and traditions. I was so thankful to get an early copy of this book to read from Netgalley.

I have to say once I had started it I was hooked. The story follows Tru Saigas, her father lost at sea when she was younger and her mother creating debts that need paying she works hard to become an art forger recreating and selling paintings at auction with the help of her friend Gaari. After another one of her mother's debts rears up she has no choice but to strike up a deal with the demon prince to protect her family's safety.

The deal to marry him and pretend to be his heavenly match so that he can go home and break his curse. This is all a ploy on the plans to overthrow the dragon king. Her art skills are needed again and she must create a 100% accurate painting of the kind himself.

Can she pretend to be his heavenly match without being discovered? All while trying not to fall for a dragon himself?

An enchanting read that kept me hooked page by page. Elizabeth Lim knows how to craft a fantastic story and keep you gripped to the book.

Another 5 star read I would recommend to any fantasy reader.

A FORGERY OF FATE - ELIZABETH LIM

This has been an incredible month for ARC reading, and I get to add another five-star read to my list. A Forgery of Fate is an amazing fantasy standalone; I loved it so much that I'm adding all of Elizabeth Lim's novels to my priority TBR immediately.

A Forgery of Fate follows the tale of Truyan, or Tru, whose family and life have been in upheaval since the loss of her father at sea. Forced to use the only tools in her arsenal, she becomes an art forger, which inevitably leads to her meeting Elang, a half-dragon lord who has a proposition for her.

Inspired by Beauty and the Beast, their marriage of convenience brings them to a mysterious undersea realm. I adored this setting. It felt unique, beautiful and sensory; it's some of the most creative worldbuilding I've read this year.

The romance is sweet, full of yearning and slow burn, and the stakes of their marriage contract couldn't be higher. It makes for a suspenseful yet utterly gorgeous read, and I loved it in its entirety.

Thank you to Elizabeth Lim, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.

Release date: 5 June 2025

Review score: 5/5

Trigger warnings: d*ath, violence, drowning

“𝘔𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦–𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯.”

“𝘖𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘐 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥…𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨–𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦.”

Oh my god. This was such a good book!!! But the ending had me DEVASTATED. Up at 1.30am weeping.

This book was amazing and I am so grateful for being accepted to read this arc.

The characters are written so well. I adore Tru and loved seeing her grow as a character and learn to embrace her sight. I adore Elang to, and again I’m sad about the whole journey him and Tru went on. It was a wonderful journey but I wish it were different, my heart strings have been pulled. The growth between both of them and the moments where he would let his guard down for a brief second for her but would put them up again due to the ending, honestly has me crying again. I really loved Shani to, she was written so well that I felt a connection to her. The slow burn was, yeah, really a slow burn and I love it when it’s like that.

The world building was very beautiful, I enjoyed the unexpected twists and the battles really had me at the edge, I do wish there were a bit more action but I really can’t fault this book at all. I could imagine this being a movie and I wish it were. Tru’s gift being that she had the sight which was foretold through her paintings I thought was a really cool idea. I also really like that this is in the same universe as Elizabeth Lim’s other books, Six Crimson Cranes and The Dragons Promise. It was nice seeing a certain character pop up at the end, like an Easter egg!

This was a beautiful story and it will 100% be put on my shelf when it releases (I already ordered the FL edition 🤭).

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 😆

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.

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.

4.5 ⭐️
THE PLOT, THE CHARACTERS, THE ROMANCE??? AMAZING.
Seriously, I wasn't expecting to love this so much but omg it had kind of a slow start for me but then I really got into it.
This was a beauty and the beast retelling done so well!! I loved Tru and Elang's dynamic so much (and their cute banter and interactions) and the ending was PERFECT
Overall, I ate this up. Highly recommend to everyone.

*Thank you, Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC!!

So this was my very first Elizabeth Lim book and I can definitely say it will not be the last!!

I absolutely loved this story! I loved all of the folklore within the story and the characters. I feel the FMC perspective was written really well and you could physically feel the connection in the writing.

Also can we talk about the ending. I felt so empty and I was almost at a OH NO moment right at the end but it end up being okay 🤣🤣 I was ready to throw my kindle!

Also I already want more 🤣 I want to read more, will definitely be looking into reading some more of Elizabeth’s books!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced reader copy for my honest review!!

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

This really hits. A c-drama inspired beauty and the beast retelling with dragons and an underwater castle? It hit every single mark.

The relationship was fantastic; I really enjoyed the way it gradually grew from Tru’s POV, and how looking back you can see it was always there from the Prince’s POV. I could not put this down, Elizabeth Lim can’t go wrong, and if you liked her previous books, you will love this one

Once upon a time there was a girl named Tru, who lost her father to the sea. To feed her family, she became a master art forger. Until one day she met a cursed dragon prince, who needed her skills to defeat his all-powerful enemy…

Elizabeth Lim is pretty much an auto-buy for me, ever since I fell in love with Spin the Dawn years ago. Fairytales vibes, Chinese mythology elements, and beautiful romance with a side helping of angst and pining? Yes, please! So when I saw this ARC up on NetGalley I requested it immediately.

The sea gods must have been smiling on me that day, because I was approved. I tumbled head-first into a magical world, full of danger and adventure, where dragons rule the sea, turtles are warriors and handmaidens, mermaids are mighty queens and a human girl might just hold all of their destinies in the swipe of her brush.

Beware, for loyalties will be tested, and things aren’t always what they seems under the surface of the seas - nor above. What sacrifices will love, friendship and family demand?

What makes Lim’s writing so compelling is that she writes as one might draw. Her words conjure shapes and shadows, texture and mouvement, until I feel like I’m walking through a living painting. Perhaps even more so in this book, given the FMC’s particular gift! The bustling town where Tru’s family lives was so vividly depicted, I felt I’d been there. And the dreamlike quality of the underwater kingdoms made me wish I could be swept under the waves by my very own dragon.

A Forgery of Fate is out on the 5th of June and I urge you to add it to your TBR!

Another fantastic hit from Elizabeth Lim! A Forgery of Fate takes place in the same world as the Spin The Dawn + Six Crimson Crane series but is a standalone that can be read without knowing the others. Tru might be my favourite protagonist of the bunch, her family were also fantastic and well rounded. The love interest of Elang is a bit enigmatic to start with but throughout the story you'll uncover more of his story & personality and he really grows on you!

I really enjoyed the locations which were brilliantly described alongside the additional side characters from Elang's entourage who were super unique and some real favourites! Tru's magic was also pretty special with her ability of sight + painting and this was pretty refreshing to see this combination, her works in forgery was a standout.

The pacing is brilliant and you'll fly through this book so fast! Lim's writing style is always a hit for me and I always enjoy reading her works.

Thanks to Netgalley + Hodder & Stoughton for this arc.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

A Forgery of Fate is a new standalone novel from Elizabeth Lim, the author of Six Crimson Crows, Spin the Dawn and more! In this story, we follow Tru, an art forger who may be able to predict the future with her work, as she works to save her family. After her father goes missing at sea, her and her sisters are thrown into debt and poverty. Desperate for a new start, Tru agrees to a marriage contract with a dragon lord from the under the sea. That’s right, she is taken to a magical underwater dragon kingdom and tasked with finding Elang’s missing pearl-heart. There is crime, action, drama and romance along with detailed world-building.

First of all, can we appreciate how gorgeous the cover of this book is? Any time I pick up a book by Elizabeth Lim I am blown away by how beautiful the cover art is. Each of her book covers looks like a poster for a studio Ghibli movie or a fantasy C-Drama. The atmosphere of the book itself also lives up to the beauty of the cover. Tru is plunged into a mesmerising and dangerous world of legend. There are creatures, curses and fortune telling, just to name a few magical features.

Surprisingly what I loved most about this book, aside from the hints of slow-burn romance, were the food descriptions. Lim writes about food with such care and detail that it makes you desperate to grab a bowl of spicy noodles. Despite the fact that this is a fantasy book with high stakes, she takes the time to draw attention to the mundane parts of life. Once again, it reminded me of a studio Ghibli movie which has snapshots of real life and real people’s concerns.

I would recommend this book to fans of books like Daughter of the Moon Goddess, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea and A Magic Steeped in Poison. It would also appeal to fairytale fans but whilst it is compared to Beauty and the Beast (which initially put me off because there are just too many retellings) it is more like a dream or a mythological tale than a Disney movie. In my opinion, that just makes it all the better

I wanted to try reading something written by Elizabeth Lim since I’m absolutely in love with asian inspired fantasy and asian retellings. When I saw this was a standalone but still part of the same world as the rest of her books, it was the opportunity I was waiting for! And oh I’m glad I requested the arc, and super grateful I could read it before the release date.

As soon as I heard from the author that this was fake marriage with a cursed dragon lord I RAN to start reading it. Also, this being inspired by Beauty and the Beast and my favourite disney princess ever being Belle (girl I wish I had your library and your man). I expected to like A Forgery of Fate but it was even more whimsical than expected, and what I liked the most: super fairytale-esque. My favourite type of books are the ones that feel like fairytales but for adults and this one definitely scratched that part of my brain.

I loved the bond Tru had with her sisters. Something that's absolutely important for me in a book is that the characters, even the side-characters, are not just one-dimensional. Not just her sisters, but everyone felt real, they had depth, they were important for the MC and for me, the reader. I cared, and that’s why it was so special.

I can’t wait to receive the final copy and have it as a trophy on my shelves.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodderscape for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I always loved books, but it was the fairy tales and fantasy that fully made me fall in love with reading. Starting with the one that cannot be mentioned and graduating to Tolkien, it was Julliet Marillier that ultimately sealed my love for books. There is just something magical in her stories and her characters that always warmed my heart, and some of them are so dear to me that I reread them almost yearly.

Elizabeth Lim’s writing and storytelling abilities remind me a lot of Julliet, and I could hardly give a greater compliment than this.

A Forgery of Fate is a beautifully crafted underwater retelling of Beauty and the Beast, full of mystery, intrigue, friendship, high stakes and naturally, a bit of romance too. The worldbuilding is rich and <i>spicy</i>, and Elizabeth flawlessly guides us between land and underwater. I could picture every little detail in my head, from the moment I started reading until the moment I finished the book.

I adored all the characters, both main and secondary! Each one has a purpose and contributes meaningfully to the story and character development. Tru is just my type of female lead, independent yet caring, strong yet adaptable and compromising, compassionate, fierce and with a loving nature. Her power doesn’t rely on physical strength, but in emotional strength, cleverness, empathy and her other talents.

Elang fits perfectly the beast role. I loved him from the start and couldn’t have enough of his presence on the page, his character development and the chemistry between him and Tru. There are some things he does that altered my brain chemistry and will remain imprinted on my memories.
And a special mention for the title — A Forgery of Fate — absolutely brilliant and perfectly chosen.

If you haven’t read anything from Elizabeth Lim, this is your sign to do it immediately. If you already did, be sure that this is another brilliant book on Legends of Lor’Yan world.

<i><b>I would like to thank to Hodder & Stoughton | Hodderscape and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. </b>

a forgery of fate is a romantic fantasy standalone inspired by beauty and the beast in an east asian-inspired world.
it follows Truyan Saigas, a gifted art forger who has the unique ability to paint the future. one day, her father is lost at sea and there is no magic that can heal her family or save her two younger sisters from the dangerous consequences of her mother's gambling debts.
she meets Elang, a mysterious dragon lord, who offers her a deal: in exchange for a fresh start for her mother and sisters, Tru must enter a marriage contract and join him in his desolate undersea palace.
once there, Tru will have to infiltrate the tyrannical Dragon King's inner circle and paint a future so treasonous, it could upend both the mortal and immortal realms…

WHAT A READ OHMYGOD!!! i was instantly hooked into this with the beautiful writing, it’s so enchanting and it truly transports you into a magical and whimsical world. the world building was done so well and the lyrical style of writing just enhanced it!!
Tru is easily one of my all time favourite fmcs now. i loved her determination and her selflessness throughout and all i want to do is give her the biggest hug🥹🤏🏻
Elang is everything i love in a book bf🙂‍↕️ he’s broody, he’s “cold”, and he is absolutely perfect!! i loved getting to know him slowly as the romance itself developed too. the slow burn had me on the FLOOR!! and the angst and tension was just everything😩

this is my new favourite book and if you want a stunning standalone fantasy with amazing plot twists and the perfect conclusion, then please read this asap!!

thank you so much to hodder and netgalley for the arc!!

4,5 ⭐️

What a gorgeous story! I think I'd even prefer a forgery of fate to the six crimson cranes duology!

I really loved the characters:
I was so happy to come back to Ai'long, and have a story on Elang, that mysterious cousin of Seryu. He is a real grumpy MMC, very mysterious, sweet but not to sweet, full of secrets.
I also loves our FMC, Truyan "Tru", she is strong, dedicated to her family, the real mature adult girl in a broken family she wants to save.

When I saw that there was a "beauty and the beast" vibe, I signed automatically. And, this book delivers! If you like that vibe too, with a marriage of convenience and a great slow burn, then you'll love that standalone too!

I made me cry, giggle, smile, laugh. Emotionally enchanting, a real page turner.

4.5/5 ⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

I absolutely loved this book! This story gripped me right away and had incredible world building. I loved the main characters and the magic system within this fantasy and I really enjoyed reading their story.

This was the first book I have read by Elizabeth Lim and it definitely won’t be my last.

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.

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.