Review: 4.5 stars

Ironically this is my first book by Elizabeth Lim despite owning ALL her books in special editions *judging myself here* And also, this was a nudge from Deaa (readingful.escape) to pick up and read.

Tru is a con artist whose expertise lies in forging art which she sells in order to support her two sisters and mum when her father vanished in the sea 5 years ago. However, Tru has a secret: she has the sight in which when her hands tingle, whatever she paints will come true in the future. In order to desperately save her sister from being sold off due to her mother’s gambling debt, she unexpectedly stumbles into the home of the enigmatic half dragon/half human lord, Elang who saves her and her family in exchange for a marriage of convenience and the task of helping him break the curse he was inflicted with by the dragon king, his grandfather and another task…

I really like the creative spin that the author added to this Beauty and the Beast retelling in the underwater world. The worldbuilding is lush with turtles, merfolk, sharks and dragons thrown in. The pacing started off slow with the introduction of the characters and picked up after the marriage when Tru enters Ai’long, the underwater realm. The culture in play with a nod to noodles and spice has some flair of East Asian with a hint of South Asian-ness to it. The writing flows and it’s easy to get lost in the story - I finished the book within 24 hours of reading it.

Tru is such a determined and strong heroine. She grew up bullied for being different due to her mixed heritage and yet she doesn’t let it pull her down. As the eldest, the pressure to support her family is high and she does her best to do so. Elang appears very cold and heartless at first, always rejecting Tru’s friendship and overtures…However, with every little interaction they have, Tru can’t help but wonder if Elang was hiding something from her and finds herself slowly falling for him. Their heartfelt moments and banter were sweet with some silliness thrown in between.
I love the subtle twists that the author adds to the plot and all the puzzle pieces start falling into place as the story comes together. I was on tenterhooks the last 10% of the book - that ending though?!! I wanted MOREE!

I enjoyed this read immensely and will probably have to backtrack to read the author’s other books…This book can also be read as a standalone even though it takes place in the same world as the Six of Cranes duology.

Big shoutout to Penguin Teen Canada for the eARC…absolutely no regrets picking this one up.

A Forgery of Fate is Elizabeth Lim's newest fairy-tale retelling, and like all of her other books, which I've read and loved, this one is full of enough twists and turns to make it so much more than a straight retelling. Yes, A Forgery of Fate shares some things in common with Beauty and the Beast (the missing father, a beast, and a curse), but instead of a bookworm like Belle, Tru is a incredibly gifted painter who is also blessed with the Sight. This talent and skill, used in art forgery, is what keeps her family from starving, but it also earns Tru unwanted attention and sets her story in motion.

I absolutely loved Tru's time spent in Ai'Long. The underwater descriptions were so gorgeously written, it was easy to picture what Tru was seeing. Readers of Lim's other books will enjoy the nods to her other stories, as I did. A certain character popping up at the end was so unexpectedly delightful, it makes me to go back and reread her other books. Speaking of characters, A Forgery of Fate had such a well-rounded cast that I would love a spin-off about any of them.

I flew through this book, and I enjoyed that it was a standalone, so we were able to see Tru's story from start to end without having to wait to see how it all plays out. This book is must read for fans of fairy-tales, lush world-building, magic, romance, and dragons. But, be warned. This book will make you hungry for noodles!

Thank you to Random House for providing me with a copy!

Tru forges art to make ends meet after her Father is lost at sea and her mother gambles everything away. When things escalate and she needs a lot of money very quickly, Tru gets drawn into a plot to overthrow the Dragon King in this gripping and beautiful fantasy.

The romance was sweet and the plot perfectly paced. I really adored this book!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review

A FORGERY OF FATE is a dramatic YA fantasy perfect for younger YA fans that want a strong-hearted heroine like Mulan and a dangerous water world teaming with magical mermaids, talking turtle soldiers, and a gorgon/Ursula- type Dragon King.
Although the novel fashions itself after Beauty and Beast, with a young heroine marrying a mysterious/brooding hulk to save her (obnoxious) mother, (extraneous) two sisters, and possibly missing father (think THE COURTING OF BRISTOL KEATS), it's the shape-shifting, sus water demon Shani that stole my heart. In fact it's her character's arc that gets me to tear up towards the end! She's got the slithery and disappearing qualities of Mushu but is much more devious. Lastly, I hope there is a sequel/spin-off with Queen Haidi and her stories.

Thank you Random House Children's and NetGalley for this exciting read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and the wonderfully talented Elizabeth Lim for granting me the opportunity to read into A Forgery of Fate ahead of its official release on June 3, 2025.
This enchanting tale swept me away into a world where art and destiny intertwine beneath the waves.

Summary:

Truyan Saigas, affectionately known as Tru, never imagined she'd become a con artist. Yet, after her father's mysterious disappearance at sea, she takes on the mantle of family protector, using her exceptional talent for art forgery and her unique ability to paint the future to support her mother and two younger sisters. When her mother's gambling debts attract dangerous attention, Tru finds herself in a perilous situation.

Enter Elang, a brooding and enigmatic dragon lord. He offers Tru a marriage contract that promises a fresh start for her family and elusive answers about her father's fate. The catch? She must join him in his desolate undersea palace and assist in a daring plot to infiltrate the tyrannical Dragon King's inner circle. Together, they embark on a treacherous journey that could upheave both mortal and immortal realms.

Tropes

- Beauty and the Beast Retelling

- Marriage of Convenience

- He Falls First

- Slow Burn Romance

- Yearning

- Unique Magical Abilities

- Underwater World-Building

- Complex Characters

- Mythological Creatures

- Talking Animals

Review:

From the moment I opened A Forgery of Fate, I was captivated by Elizabeth Lim's lyrical prose and the mesmerizing blend of Chinese folklore and romance. The underwater realm is depicted with such vivid detail that I felt as though I was swimming alongside Tru, exploring Yonsar's underwater palace and encountering mythical sea creatures. Lim's storytelling prowess shines brilliantly, crafting a world that is both enchanting and immersive.

Tru is a protagonist who resonated deeply with me. Her unwavering selflessness and fierce protectiveness toward her family are incredibly relatable. Her journey is one of resilience, courage, and discovery, making her a character I couldn't help but root for. Elang, the brooding dragon lord, is shrouded in mystery and secrets. His enigmatic nature had me intrigued from the start, and as the plot unraveled, the layers of his character were revealed in a way that made all the angst and tension worthwhile.

Their dynamic is a masterclass in slow-burn romance. The yearning, the tension, the gradual build-up of trust and affection—all of it is executed flawlessly. Each interaction between Tru and Elang is charged with emotion, making their evolving relationship feel authentic and deeply satisfying. The classic Beauty and the Beast charm is woven throughout their story, adding a timeless quality to their romance.

The narrative is well-paced, seamlessly blending action, intrigue, and introspection. The conclusion is nothing short of epic, with twists and action scenes that left me breathless. Elizabeth Lim has a gift for crafting endings that are both satisfying and thought-provoking, and A Forgery of Fate is no exception.

In conclusion, A Forgery of Fate is a luminous gem in the young adult fantasy genre. Elizabeth Lim has once again demonstrated her unparalleled talent for blending myth, magic, and romance into a tapestry that captivates and enchants. This novel has undoubtedly secured a place among my favorites, and I eagerly anticipate delving into more of Lim's mesmerizing worlds.

Lim’s writing is lovely and compelling as always avid fans of her previous work will love seeing the tie ins in this stand alone novel. Personally, I didn’t connect with certain elements, but it was a matter of preference rather than quality.

I absolutely loved A Forgery of Fate! It’s a beautifully written romantic fantasy with all the elements I adore - magic, danger, betrayal, and a cursed dragon lord. While it does lean into some familiar tropes, Elizabeth Lim weaves them together with such rich storytelling that it still feels fresh and engaging.

Truyan Saigas is a compelling protagonist, a con artist turned reluctant heroine who can literally paint the future. Her journey from struggling to keep her family afloat to navigating the treacherous world of dragons, gods, and deception was fascinating. And while her marriage contract with the mysterious dragon lord is undeniably cliché, their dynamic is electric, with tension, secrets, and some truly heart-wrenching moments.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is the twist - I didn’t see it coming, and it added so much depth to the story. The stakes suddenly felt much higher, making the latter half of the book even more gripping. However, my biggest critique is the pacing. The book moves quickly, and while that keeps things exciting, I sometimes wished there was more time to fully explore the world and relationships. The climax, especially, felt a little rushed when I wanted to sit in the tension just a bit longer.

That being said, A Forgery of Fate delivers on its promises - romance, adventure, and high-stakes intrigue set in a beautifully crafted world. If you love Beauty and the Beast retellings with a fresh, magical spin, this book is definitely worth the read. I just wish it had slowed down in a few key moments! Solid 4 stars.

✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Netgalley ARC

A Forgery of Fate takes place in the same stunning world I loved from the Six Crimson Cranes series.

I was excited to see some familiar characters in this book! I even went back to The Dragon’s Promise (SCC #2) and reread a few sections to refresh my memory. A Forgery of Fate is a standalone, but I definitely think it hits harder having read Six Crimson Cranes.

Truyan is my favorite of Elizabeth Lim’s lead characters so far. I love her blue hair and spicy noodle obsession. She’s funny, smart, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones.

I loved the romance and friendships developed in this book. They were so sweet and pure.

I hope Lim continues writing books in this beautiful world she’s created! There are still a few characters whose storylines I’d love to explore.

I loved just about everything in this novel.

The setting was gorgeous and very well detailed. I could see the vivid colors and the world on land and in the ocean. Most of the characters were well developed. I wish I had gotten a little bit more from her mother and The Dragon King. I could feel the tension and slow burn between Tru and Elang. I also wish they had more time together, since he was away a lot. This novel is loosely based on Beauty and The Beast, but with its own spin. I understand the exchange of marriage and finding her father between her and Elang, but I felt the storyline of her father being captured was weak. It was more focused on Elangs mission. I loved the way she described Tru's moments of her drawing and the description of those moments. The climax at the end was very satisfying with the defeat of The Dragon King. Also, the conclusion of Tru and Elang at the end was very unique and I loved it so much. The writing was beautiful, and I am excited to read more of her books. For me it was a solid 4/5!

I always enjoy reading Elizabeth Lim’s books. She is wonderful at write magical worlds and having great romance. Highly recommend.

I have enjoyed most of Elizabeth Lim's books, so I was excited to receive an e-arc for this book. I like that Lim returns to the familiar world that she built, but the reader need not have read her previous books to love this one.

A Forgery of Fate, as the author describes it, is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with other fairytales and myths tied in. I found the story engrossing and enjoyable, even if a little predictable in places (I predicted one big "reveal" before its time). The characters are multi-faceted, with a few being a bit morally gray, but the story really comes together by the end. I think that teens looking for a dragon lore love story would appreciate this novel. Thank you publishers and Netgalley for the free e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

After Tru Saigas lost her father to the sea, she becomes an art forger to support her family. When her mother's gambling debts put Tru and her two sisters in danger, she agrees to wed a mysterious Dragon Prince named Elang. Elang is a half human and half dragon in exile who is interested in Tru because she has a secret ability to paint the future. Elang thinks that Tru can help him break the curse on him and aid him in his mission to depose his evil dragon grandpa. Tru agrees under the condition that her mom and sisters are protected, educated and compensated with wealth for her involvement in his plan. She joins him in A'landi, the underwater land of the dragons, and faces a lot of danger and betrayal. Throughout the story, their relationship develops and there is great banter and yearning between the characters. The action sequences are exciting and the world building is great. The storyline has aspects of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale.

This is my favorite Elizabeth Lim so far. This is a standalone novel, but it is set in the same world as her other books: Her Radiant Curse and Six Crimson Cranes and features characters first mentioned in The Dragon's Promise.

A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim is a stand-alone fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a perfect blend of Asian mythology.

This novel focuses around Truyan “Tru” Saigas, a forgery artist trying to collect enough money to pay off her mother’s gambling debts and keep a roof over her sisters heads, while still reeling from her father’s disappearance 5 years before.

When Tru is unable to pay back the debts, she is forced to marry Elang, the Demon Prince, to help save her family from harm under one condition. She uses her power of Sight to help defeat the Dragon King. When Elang mentions that he may know her father’s whereabouts, Tru knows she has no other choice. While pretending to be happily married to Elang, Tru tries to focus on her powers and master a precise painting of the Dragon King. But, could it be she starts to see Elang differently than the cold-hearted beast he comes off as? Will she believe in herself enough to help save those she cares about?

I am a big fan of retellings and anything with mythology always piques my interest and this book did not disappoint! It was so well written, has a strong female heroine, and simple but beautiful world-building. Tru is such a strong and engaging character and I loved seeing Elang’s development alongside Tru. The twists and emotional journey this book take you though is worth it. If you’re a fan of Beauty and the Beast styled romance with a high-stakes plot, you’ll enjoy this exciting fantasy book. I would recommend this book to mostly YA readers but also great for adults.

I am never let down by Elizabeth Lim.

A Forgery of Fate is a very fun retelling of Beauty and Beast. I loved watching the relationship between Tru and Elang develop. It was also fun to return to the dragon realm and see some familiar characters.

I am definitely purchasing a copy when this one comes out!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC of A Forgery of Fate!! I enjoyed this story, the worldbuilding was incredibly descriptive and fantastical, and the plot was engaging and immersive. Amazing read

A story of friendship, deception, love, family, and faith. Though coined as a beauty and the beast story with an Asian spin (which it is), this is truly a story of friendship that grows into love.

Tru is an art forger fighting to save her mom and sisters from life on the streets - or worse- by selling her paintings with the help of a simple street conman acting as her dealer and mentor. When one of her paintings catches the eye of the demon prince, Elang, Tru gets swept into a whirlwind of a con that leads her to new and dangerous worlds. The demon prince is rude and cold, but Tru’s wit and banter makes their exchanges lively despite Elang’s best efforts to keep her at bay.

I adored this story and the characters. The pacing is fast and the story was captivating. Though this is technically based on a love story, the plot doesn’t suffer for it. I highly recommend for anyone that wants a fun fantasy fairytale.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC copy of this book! I loved it and couldn’t stop reading!

Thank you Netgalley and Random House for the eARC of this novel!

This book blends the story of beauty and the beast together with Asian mythology and I loved it. This book is lighthearted at times, but the conflict definitely has stakes. Reading this was a magical experience. I felt a bit like a child reading a fairytale for the first time.

The magic system, the imagery, the characters: I loved everything!

The Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim absolutely swept me away! The gorgeous world-building, magical atmosphere, and characters I instantly fell for made this impossible to put down. Tru is the kind of fierce, determined heroine I adore, and the romance? Pure slow burn perfection. Elizabeth Lim’s writing is simply beautiful, heartfelt and enchanting from start to finish. Highly recommend for fantasy and fairy tale lovers!

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

*Spoilers*

At this point, anything that Tran Nguyen will illustrate I will be reading.
I adored Spin the Dawn/Unravel the Dusk and A Forgery of Fate was equally as enchanting and enjoyable!

A Beauty and the Beast retelling with banter, forced proximity, fake dating/marriage, he falls first, and all my favorite tropes. I wished there was more spice, (but I also didn't realize this was YA until I finished). I loved the story, I loved the characters, this was such a fun read.
My only complaint is that I wish we had more romance between Elangi and Truyan. I felt like the transition from enemies to lovers for Elang was quite abrupt with him ruining a lot of the tender moments between the two of them and being hot and cold towards Tru. However, I still loved this book and loved the interactions between our two main characters. The lore was amazing and so thorough, and the dynamics between the Saigas family were so accurate and so real. Each of the members of Elang's court were relatable and had depth, and Shani had a beautiful and fantastic character arc over the entire book.

There is much to love here and I highly recommend this novel to all!