Okay, that was so good. I loved the story, I loved the characters, and I even enjoyed the romance, which is surprising for me. I did want the setting to be a little more flushed out, but that's a rather tiny problem. I forgot just how good Elizabeth Lim's books and writing style were before I picked this book up, but I enjoyed it so much.

If you like retellings, loveable characters, a whimsical story, and slow-burn romances, this book is for you!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's for this arc!

Thank you Random House and Netgalley for letting me read A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim! This author continues to blow me away with her stories, the imagery and sense of immersion in her books really is masterful, I recommend her to literally everyone, and this book in particular if you’re a reader who wants a standalone fantasy.

this might not be my fav Elizabeth Lim’s book, but Truyan is now my fav MC from the Legends of Lor’yan universe.

Truyan is an art forger, an eldest sibling, loves soup noodles, and that alone speaks deeply to me lol. she’s also determined, selfless, responsible, basically the exact opposite of Shiori’s personality (this isn’t a slander to Shiori, I love her too). then there’s Elang, an aloof and mysterious half-dragon who offered an arrangement that would benefit both of them if the goal is fulfilled.

this book was just as magical as the rest of Lor’yan books, this time it’s mostly from Ai’long’s perspective. i enjoyed the story, especially Truyan and Elang’s dynamics. the plot twists were layered, there’s some betrayals, but the food galore and light humor and sarcasm balanced the tension. there’s also a cameo of my second-favorite character of the Lor’yan books🥰

unfortunately for me the final action scene felt confusing and the ending felt like missing something. still had a great time reading this! since this is also Lim’s first standalone book that is completely separated from other Lor’yan books story-wise, i think she did well.

First of all, thank you so much Netgalley and Random House for an eARC of this book!

I was SO excited when I saw that Elizabeth Lim announced a new book for this year! As soon as she announced it, I put it on preorder because I enjoyed her other novels. My favorite of her novels thus far has been Six Crimson Cranes and I was really hoping this novel would be similar as it had an intriguing premise and was set in the Elizabeth Lim world (I think the only one of her books that wasn't was her When You Wish Upon A Star novel) AND it was marriage of convenience? I was BEYOND excited. Unfortunately, this just didn't quite hit the same way for me as some of her past books have.

The plot itself I think to have been very interesting. We have our FMC, Tru, who is a forger of art. We quickly learn that she has magic associated with this (I won't give spoilers) but it is due to this magic that she gets pulled into the world of dragons and falls into a marriage of convenience with a dragon prince that is half human half dragon. As I said, this plot felt very intriguing and was one that sounded right up my alley. However, I feel that it fell short for me personally because I wasn't able to connect to the characters enough.

Tru herself had so much potential. I loved learning of her personality and seeing how she cared for her dad/family but beyond that (and her love of noodles!) I struggled to connect with her. She trusted everyone she shouldn't and no one she should have. She often felt as though the story was pulling her along rather than her being an active participant which I might have enjoyed more if I felt more of a connection to Elang. For this book he was distant and cold and while he did random cute things, there wasn't enough communication for me to every truly believe they had fallen in love by the end of the story...similarly, there was very little evidence if any that Tru's family loved her. Her mother was constantly talking poorly to her, her sisters I wanted to love but they just didn't do much to be there for her let alone try to save her and by the end I was just left wanting more from the characters.

However, this was an Elizabeth Lim book and her writing is always BEAUTIFUL. I will continue reading her novels and love her story ideas.

I absolutely loved this book! Tru has made the list of my favorite female main characters. She was smart, funny, brave and strong. I also enjoyed the development of Elang and watching his grumpy and sometimes cruel demeanor be revealed as a tactic to protect Tru and just how in love with her he actually was. The world the author built was incredible and so immersive and beautiful. Although I loved the main characters, all of the characters were so well written that each of them manage to have a little peice of my heart. I was worried about the ending. I know that it does not always have to be a happy ending but after everything they went through I was really hoping for one for Tru and Elang and I'm so glad I got it. It had a bit of everything. It had romance, action, mystery, humor, drama.

DNF 30%. Just not really what I was hoping for. Too many references to demons which is a big no no for me. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lim returns to the world she created in Six Crimson Cranes where Tru, a proxy for Belle/Beauty of "Beauty and the Beast" must fake an arranged marriage with the beastly Elang, who is half-dragon and half-human. Tru has a lot of similarities to the protagonist, Shiori, from Six Crimson Cranes, her dedication to her family and a certain weakness for noodles instead of dumplings. There is slightly more of an edge to her, as Tru's only path to keeping her sisters and mother financially afloat is through art forgery. Then fate creates a lot of coincidences that has her landing into the rose bush of the so-called Demon Prince, a masked nobleman who gives her an offer she cannot turn down.

The resulting pact involves in a hot-and-cold dynamic for most of the book as they need to keep up affectionate appearances for others to believe Tru is Elang's Heavenly Match. The reader never has cause to doubt this, but Lim isn't trying too hard to lean into the unreliability, instead focusing on Tru's frustration with Elang's distance and mysterious curse. I found the switch from faking romance to true feelings to work coherently for the story although the part where it was revealed that he was disguised as her co-conspirator in forgery isn't my favorite kind of twist. But I cannot deny my personal approval of Elang shot up once I found he enchanted her robes to have pockets to keep her brushes. It's not Beast providing Belle with a library, but it is something that lends a personalized touch to the otherwise fated romance.

The pacing of the end seems to wobble, not quite sticking the landing even though the trade off has some emotional payoff. I would say overall it's much better than A Dragon's Promise, like the polished finished version of it, but still not as good as Six Crimson Cranes. Elizabeth Lim fans won't be disappointed by her usual writing quirks and strengths.

This is the first book I’ve ever read by Elizabeth Lim but it won’t be my last. This book was PHENOMENAL.

This book is a beauty and the beast retelling like you’ve never read before. The FMC is a fortune teller painter, which I thought was so unique and fun. She works to try and pay off her mother’s debt, but when that fails she accepts a marriage contract between a dragon lord. You can see the similarities between beauty and the beast and this, but this novel is still its own unique story which I love.

The overall story is so whimsical and full of yearning. And the romance is top tier. I would recommend this book to everyone!

Another brilliant and gorgeous fantasy from Elizabeth Lim! The story of Truyan, her magical gift, and the world and love it unlocks is filled with the same wit, charm, and beauty that has defined Lim's work since Spin the Dawn. Absolutely stunning from start to finish, and a must-read for any fans of Beauty and the Beast, fairy tale retellings, or just good fiction in general! Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

On one hand, this is a loose re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, full of dazzling imagery and a happily-ever-after ending. On the other hand, it's a story about a powerful man manipulating and grooming a girl almost from birth, watching her family fall onto devastatingly hard times, and then offering her a bargain she can't refuse to help save them. Elang, a half-dragon, half-human prince, is in exile from his kingdom and has to find his one true love to dispel a curse placed on him. In a variety of human guises, he cultivates Tru, a gifted artist who has visions of the future. After contributing to her desperation to save her sisters from forced sex work, he forces her into a deal: she has to marry him and help him return to his undersea world and lift his curse, and in exchange he'll protect her family. I think what happens next is supposed to be an "enemies to lovers"-type story, but it doesn't sit right with me. Elang is abusive towards Tru, whose feelings of dislike, hurt, and attraction towards him come and go. She begins to care about the people she meets in the undersea realms, and manages to complete her part of the deal, at which point she recognizes Elang has having been one of her closest friends and mentor while he was posing as human. But her reaction isn't horror, but affection and gentle ribbing, and when Elang apparently dies, she's devastated. Psychological and emotional abuse is a very real thing, and we see Elang engage in it towards Tru throughout the book, where it's presented as him being protective, conflicted, and tortured by his own circumstances. But we learn at the end of the book that while he's been cruel to Tru, he's also been grooming her mother and sisters to see him as a charming and caring husband, a wonderful son-in-law. It's a classic case of abuse, and there's no way I can read it otherwise. Do I recommend this to readers? Only those who want to read it very deeply and deconstruct it and use it to understand—or show to others—how abusers accomplish what they do.

I really loved reading this book and I can not wait for more by this author!! I flew through this book because it was that good. The author did an amazing job keeping the plot interesting without it getting boring or slow. I will be recommending this book to all of the family and friends.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story because it was so whimsical and funny! loved the retelling aspect of this book! the writing was gorgeous and I appreciated how it also connected to her other series in a subtle way!

who missed diving into a’landi? me, me, me!!!!!

that being said the rich legends of lor’yan continues to captivate and a’landi remains as vibrant as ever. we got to explore places we haven’t seen through <b> the dragon’s promise </b>. particularly liked the potentials Tru has with her “power” and how inconveniently limited it is. her power to see the future yet remain unable to alter it or predict its timing… very neat and tragic. also a small but appreciated detail was Tru’s distinction between a forger and a painter, subtle yet meaningful difference that she reiterates throughout the story. and as always, it’s not an Elizabeth Lim book if without an animal or animated companion playing a pivotal role in the plot and this one was no exception. looove how that one plays out on the plot, i think this one even more influential than just a mere sidekick.

wasn’t really big on the romance part but!!! the ending got me smiling. the people are writing shioriseryu aus as we speak.

i hope Lim continues on milking this interconnected series… though i cannot name any port kamalan/kiata/a’landi character who are relevant enough to get a sequel/prequel but i trust her judgement… surprise me…

<i>arc kindly provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

This was a really interesting retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I missed in the description that the palace was under the sea, so that took me off guard. I struggled a bit with the magic system, as well as the world where it was set. I wish there'd been more depth and more world building.

Elizabeth Lim never fails to weave breathtaking fantasy worlds, and A Forgery of Fate is no exception. Inspired by Chinese mythology and Beauty and the Beast, this romantasy delivers stunning world-building, compelling characters, and an enchanting story.

The story follows Tru, an art forager with the rare ability to paint the future. With no other choice but to accept a suspicious marriage contract with the elusive Dragon Lord, she ventures into the land of dragons to create a painting that could change the fate of her family—and the world.

Tru is a fantastic protagonist. Her devotion to her family and the weight of her responsibilities make her incredibly relatable. The Dragon Lord is brooding and enigmatic, revealing little at first, but his slow unraveling makes the payoff worth it. Their dynamic is tense, intriguing, and layered with the classic Beauty and the Beast charm.

The plot is captivating, but the world-building is the true standout—especially the mesmerizing underwater realm. The vivid descriptions of sea creatures like turtles, sharks, and jellyfish blend realism with fantasy in a way that’s truly immersive. I would have loved to see more backstory on our MMC and his family dynamics, as he still remained mysterious at the end.

The conclusion had strong K-drama/C-drama vibes that left me yearning for more. This is one of my favorite Elizabeth Lim novels and a fantastic introduction for those new to her work.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!

This book follows Tru who had to turn to a life as a con artist in the form of forging paintings to help take care of her sisters and mom. Her sisters also work, but their mother sort of turned to gambling after the Tru’s father was lost at sea while on a job. There’s no confirmation that he’s dead, but none that he’s alive either. Their mother questioned so many people for so long in search of her husband and answers and somewhere down the line that turned into gambling and deep debts.

When Tru was just a girl, her father gifted her with a paintbrush and whenever True would paint she would say magic paint brush after each painting. As Tru got older she would experience tingles and for those drawings they always came true.

The man she works for encourages her to paint her own works instead of forgery’s that she has real talent. She declines because she cannot risk the money, but when she returns home to find her mother in some VERY REAL VERY SERIOUS debt and a very tight deadline; she lets the magic happen.

Everything happens so fast and Tru is on the run from not only gangsters, but the law. This is when she stumbles into the demon prince. Who isn’t a demon prince, but a dragon lord and they make an agreement. She has to pretend to be his heavenly match and draw a specific painting for him and in turn he will make sure her family is cared for and help in the quest of answers for her father.
This book has it all: an immersive world that is just so fun to imagine, a storyline that makes you feel connected with the characters, dragons, underwater kingdom (which was totally giving me Little Mermaid vibes with some of the banter and some of the scenes that take place) the magic system that is so fascinating, and best of all; Elang can conjure pockets for her dresses. Pockets. A man after my own heart.

I rated this book five stars. Special thanks to netgalley and random house for always gracing me with these early copies of Lim’s work.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Elizabeth Lim’s “A Forgery of Fate” is 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. While it’s not necessary to read Lim’s previous “Six Crimson Crane” books, Lim uses the same world and there are brief mentions of characters from the other books if you’re interested in those little Easter eggs.

The story follows Tru Saigas, a resourceful and determined heroine who uses her extraordinary talent for art forgery to support her family after her father’s mysterious disappearance at sea. Tru’s unique ability to paint visions of the future sets her apart, and it’s this power that catches the attention of Elang, a half-dragon, half-human prince cursed by his grandfather, the cruel Dragon King. When Tru is forced into a dangerous bargain to save her family from ruin, she agrees to a fake marriage with Elang and ventures into the breathtaking underwater kingdom of A’landi. Together, they navigate palace intrigue, deadly threats, and a shared mission to break Elang’s curse. Along the way, Tru uncovers secrets about her missing father and finds herself drawn to Elang, whose gruff exterior hides a tragic and tender soul.

Lim’s world-building is a standout feature, painting a vivid and whimsical underwater realm filled with talking turtles, phoenix demons, and mesmerizing sea creatures. While the “Six Crimson Cranes” only briefly took place in the underwater realm, this realm is definitely the main focus of this book, gaining a lot more development and detail. The underwater palace of A’landi is richly detailed, evoking a sense of wonder with its magical flora, glowing corals, and vibrant characters. The dragon lore and the exploration of Elang’s curse add depth to the story; I found Elang’s curse to be very unique, especially with how his face was literally half human and half dragon.

Tru is a heroine to root for—brave, headstrong, and fiercely loyal to her family and friends. Her ability to paint the future is a fascinating twist, and her determination to uncover the truth and protect her loved ones drives much of the novel’s emotional weight. Elang, the brooding dragon prince, is equally compelling, and his gradual vulnerability adds layers to his character. Their romance, though built on a fake marriage trope, blossoms organically, with heartfelt moments that feel genuine and unforced. The book’s emotional climax, involving the Dragon King, is both heart-pounding and emotional, leading to an ending that is as beautiful as it is bittersweet.

While the book is richly imaginative, the pacing can feel uneven at times, particularly in the middle, where the plot slows to focus on character development. I did find the villain and broader world-building to be a bit underexplored, particularly in terms of the Dragon King’s motivations and the hinted presence of other gods.

Overall, “A Forgery of Fate” is Elizabeth Lim’s most captivating novel yet. With its stunning world-building, endearing characters, and heartfelt romance, this book feels like stepping into a fairytale. The relationship between Tru and Elang was my favorite part as it beautifully captures the idea of seeing beyond appearances and finding connection in unexpected places. I recommend this book for fans of Lim’s previous books and for anyone who enjoys Chinese folklore and romance.

I gobbled this book up! I love that it felt like Beauty and the Beast and referenced The Little Mermaid and Rumplestilskin. Tru was a cool character and her live fit her family was so evident. I would have liked to have seen more of Enlang’s character come out, but I get we were supposed to see him closed off. Some of it was just a little hard to understand Tru’s feelings when there wasn’t much we saw.

Either way, this was a fun read and a book I will be rereading again, recommending and looking forward to purchasing.

Thank you NetGalley for the digital eARC.

Elizabeth Lim hits it out of the park with this latest book. I devoured it in two days and that's only because I had to adult and work.
Talk about swoon worthy, C drama magic. I liked all the characters, well exactly the actions of one but redeemed at the end. The human world and the immortal worlds were described beautifully. The characters from how they looked to their personalities.
Give me all the Elizabeth Lim books please!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this egalley. All opinions are my own

I really enjoyed A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim! The world of A’landi is beautifully atmospheric, with vivid, intricate details that make it feel alive. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your mind long after you close the book, and I’d love to see more stories set in this world—it feels like there’s so much left to explore.

The story takes familiar elements of Beauty and the Beast but transforms them into something unique and much deeper. Tru, the protagonist, is such a strong and compelling character. Her journey is about defying the limitations placed on her and embracing her strength and individuality. The way Lim ties Tru’s growth to themes of identity, resilience, and breaking free from self-fulfilling prophecies adds depth to the story, making it truly memorable.

Elang, the male lead, is equally captivating. His story intertwines with Tru’s in a way that feels organic and heartfelt, and their relationship is beautifully nuanced. There’s a balance between their individual arcs and their joint connection, which makes both characters feel fully realized.

The magic system is another standout. Tru’s powers are fascinating and unlike anything I’ve seen before—they feel fresh yet perfectly at home in the setting.

This book has it all: an immersive world, a protagonist you can root for, and a story that balances heartfelt emotion with thoughtful themes. If there’s any chance of a sequel, I’m already impatiently waiting—A’landi and these characters have so much more to offer!