The moment Elizabeth Lim announced she’d written a reimagining of Beauty and the Beast - I was sold! This story, like her others, is so vividly described, full of folklore and fairytales that instantly transport you into a romantic world filled with magic. I was swept away from the very first page!

I loved literally everything about this story. The world building, the tension, the yearning, and the deceit. There’s witty banter, tender moments, magical paintings, and an impossible quest. Plus, Tru and Elang gave off the perfect sunshine/grumpy pairing - she’s loving and fierce, while he’s brooding and intense. I loved every single moment between them.

A Forgery of Fate is easily my favorite of Lim’s yet! I highly recommend to lovers of high-stakes plots, lyrical prose, intricate worlds, and slow burn romances. This story is sure to enchant from start to finish.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Knopf Books for Young Readers for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! I really enjoyed Elizabeth's Six Crimson Cranes and her writing and storytelling in that and this book continued that trend. Her worlds are so interesting and I love the different folk tales she wove together in this story. You'll recognize elements of Beauty and the Beast and she also ties in a Chinese folktale called the magic paintbrush. I really love the characters in this story and while some of it was predictable it was still all really enjoyable. A really fun and good read.

This book was STUNNING!! Everything I have ever wanted in a beauty and the beast retelling and more. I never wanted to put it down!! I love our MC, Tru with all my heart. She’s strong and so damn smart. So many times I asked myself how is she going to get out of this?? And every time I was so impressed. This book just cements that Elizabeth Lim is a must read author for me. Seriously, pick up this book.

Elizabeth Lim never disappoints! A Forgery of Fate is a spell-binding, wonderous novel that will have you completely captivated. The world-building is top-notch and breathtaking. The characters are fun, lovable, and relatable. I enjoyed the spin on Beauty and the Beast paired with The Little Mermaid.

Tru, the FMC, is stubborn, highly motivated, and motivated. All the best qualities a character could have; her determination to save her family is heartwarming, and the lengths she'll go to achieve her goals come at a price. Enter Elang, the MMC, a broody, mysterious, and secretly a softy. Elang is half dragon/half human with goals of his own to achieve, but when Tru comes into his circle, the tables turn. The romance is solid and reflects the Beauty and the Beast vibe perfectly.

Overall, I enjoyed A Forgery of Fate immensely and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy with the perfect blend of adventure and romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing the eARC.

Elizabeth Lim has weaved another captivating story. Set in the same world as Six Crimson Crows, the story paints a fresh Beauty and the Beast retelling. Truyan has many roles- sister, provider, painter, con artist, seer- and her latest scheme has landed her in the path of the Demon Prince. Elang is half dragon, half human. This evident by the two different halves of his face, each representing his different heritage. Elang presents Tru with a bargain: Marry him and help him over throw the dragon king, his grandfather. In exchange, he will protect her family and, maybe, find her father.

Thoughts:
I did not see the twists coming and thoroughly enjoyed the story. Tru was a great FMC, very connectable, and her strength was inspiring. Elang’s attention to detail of the things Tru likes and doesn’t like should be studied by everyone looking for a strong relationship. The slow-burn between her and Elang was chef’s kiss. I felt that the ending was a little rushed and I would have liked more romance between Elang and Tru. Overall though, this is my favorite of Elizabeth Lim's books.

Favorite Quotes:
Fortune finds those who leap.
Gray is the color of truth. The same in art as it is in life, nothing is ever as black and white as it looks.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Knopf Books for Young Readers for providing an ARC of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed it; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

For fans of fairy tales, Asian lore and seekers of that frustrating, don't know whether to kill or kiss kind of romance, this tale is for you!!!
Elizabeth Lim kicks off in the vein of Six crimson cranes, a deep, poignant tale of a young girl in search of her father, and the realms she crosses to find true love and a happy ending despite the odds beset in her way..
Tru is a bold, brash and blue haired heroine, fiesty and yet cognizant of the need to temper her feelings to achieve her true goals.. putting her to test is the elusive, enigmatic Elang and his sidekick demon Shani... talking turtles, mermen and all manner of mystical creatures frolicking in this homage to the con, the artistry and the bond that connects all the underdogs in a fairy tale!! The tale kept me hooked and I devoured it in a day.. the storyline, characters and plot are simply sublime and carry you on a whimsical journey with twists and turns to shake you out of any sense of predictability.
Elizabeth Lim, hats off to you, this story ranks among my best reads this year!! Well done!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the ARC!! This was an absolute treasure to receive!!!

Book Review: A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim
Rating: 5/5

Elizabeth Lim once again proves she’s a master of weaving rich, enchanting fantasy with A Forgery of Fate—a spellbinding tale full of magic, destiny, and fierce heroines. Set in the same stunning world as Six Crimson Cranes and Spin the Dawn, this novel brings all the beauty and tension of Lim’s previous works while carving out a story that feels wholly its own.

The story follows a protagonist torn between fate and free will, caught in a web of ancient prophecies, secrets, and forbidden magic. Lim’s signature lyrical prose is back in full force—every scene feels like stepping into a painting, from lush palace halls to mysterious forests steeped in myth. The pacing is sharp, the stakes are high, and the twists will keep you breathless.

What truly sets this novel apart is its emotional depth. Themes of identity, sacrifice, and the power of choice are interwoven seamlessly with the romance and action. And speaking of romance—expect slow-burn, swoony moments that are just as intense as the battles being fought.

Perfect for fans of: fairy tale retellings, strong female leads, magic-filled quests, and romantic fantasy
Spice Level: Mild, but emotionally charged and deeply romantic
Final Thoughts: An unforgettable journey that blends the whimsical with the profound—this is Lim at her best.

A Forgery of Fate is my first foray into Elizabeth Lim’s writing and it won’t be my last.

Truyan, our FMC, is an art forgerer. Ever since her father disappeared at sea, she been trying to keep her family afloat from homelessness and starvation. Her mother’s debts however always keep them on the brink of familial destruction, until it does. Desperate, she strikes a deal with Elang for a final “heist.”

I liked the characters. Try’s relationship with her mother felt real, you love people despite their faults and shortcomings.

The second half of the book to me didn’t maintain the same structure or consistency that the first did. I won’t give too much any but I’m still not quite sure how the setting worked once our FMC and MMC moved to the second main location. I just tried not the think about it too much.

The ending was wrapped up nicely, once again, it just didn’t feel as strong as the first third.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishers for the ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Forgery of Fate offers a captivating twist on the "Beauty and the Beast" tale, infused with Eastern folklore and set against the backdrop of a dazzling underwater world. At its heart is Tru Saigas, an art forger with a mysterious gift—what she paints eventually comes true. She’s scrappy, loyal, and willing to risk everything to protect her eccentric mother and two younger sisters.

When a ruthless debt collector threatens her family, Tru is forced into a desperate bargain with the enigmatic Dragon Lord Elang. What follows is a marriage of convenience, a curse to be broken, and a reluctant journey into the kingdom of A’landi—teeming with phoenix demons, shark mercenaries, and secrets that could shatter everything she believes.

I loved the imaginative worldbuilding, especially the inclusion of mythological creatures and the political undercurrents beneath the surface (literally). Tru is a standout heroine—flawed, brave, and full of heart—and her dynamic with Elang kept me hooked. There’s slow-burn tension, power plays, and a lot of emotional depth.

My only gripe? I found myself craving more detailed world-building in some places, especially compared to Lim’s other novels, and I wanted more time spent deepening the romantic arc between the leads.

Still, this is a beautifully told tale of fate, sacrifice, and unexpected love—and a worthy addition to the growing canon of myth-inspired fantasy.

I was so, so excited to read this book after finishing the author's previous series, Six Crimson Cranes. And that's something I should note -- it's important to at least read that series to understand more about Elang, but not a necessity to understanding the plot. Thanks to NetGalley for early access to this book!

I loved the main character, and it was really nice to see Elang again, especially with him as a main character. Tru and her family were so easy to care for, and that is one of this author's strong points. She's so good at writing family bonds.

Other than the characters, the other thing I really liked was the fight scenes. They were very epic and dynamic, and I loved how Tru's painting played a role in the overall plot.

But I will say, this book was not as romantic as I had hoped. We spent so much of the story acting like Elang was just using Tru, that I really didn't see a lot of the chemistry between the two of them. Once we got to Ailong, I felt like the story was rushed and we really didn't get to see most of the world and the side characters felt a little flat. For Seryu's mom to die off-page was... strange to be honest. Maybe she died at the end of Dragon's Promise, but it really surprised me to hear that she was dead at the start of this book.

SPOILERS FOR THE ENDING
The part that makes this book really suffer for me is the ending. I just didn't get what happened, like why did Elang have to choose between being human and being a dragon? Why did he lose all his memories briefly/why did the plot make it seem like he died? Did he actually die? I just felt like it was very confusing, especially given how in Dragon's Promise, the demon-dragon was able to maintain his demonic and draconic sides after being reunited with his pearl (unless I misunderstood that?)

Overall, I enjoyed a lot about this book, but I wasn't as in love with the romance nor the ending. And at this point, I NEED a Seryu book.

I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC. This book was written so beautifully and the world building was so immersive but it was unfortunately not for me. The beginning was very slow to start for me and I pushed through because I knew there was more coming. The book felt like a different book almost once our heroine meets Elang and I loved their dynamic. Unfortunately, after they went down to his kingdom, I don’t know if it was the limited timeline or what, but things just started falling flat for me. Things felt rushed but simultaneously slow at the same time. I was able to finish because the writing was still so stirring but yes this was not the one for me but I would still recommend someone to give it a try for sure!

First I want to say thank you for this ARC.

I have been a big fan of Elizabeth Lim since I read Six Crimson Cranes which is still one of my all time favorite series. (one of the few books I own in multiple copies). I was so ecstatic to be approved for this ARC.

Pros. I loved the story, I loved the concept, and I loved the ending. This book had really good pacing, there were a lot of character arcs that I appreciated, just enough twists to keep me reading, and a wonderfully imaginative ending.
I really liked Tru, and I don't normally like most FMC's but she was surprisingly resilient in a way that resonated with me.

Cons: Elang I felt like he could have been a touch more developed because you really don't get to see him as himself. I wanted more development of the turtles, the merpeople and Shani, her ARC was abrupt and I wanted to hear more from her side of the story.

This was a great story, I am glad it was a stand alone, but I also wish it was two books haha. I wanted more. The world building was just enough without being exhausted. I am so happy I read it. I love it so much . Thank you again for allowing me to read and review the book.

My least favorite part of the last book I read by Elizabeth Lim, The Dragon’s Promise, was the whole arc set underwater in the dragon kingdom, so I was disappointed to realize that almost the entirety of this new stand alone YA fantasy was set there again, in the same world. There’s just something a bit outlandish about imagining all the characters floating down there, being attended to by turtle servants and soldiers….

That was still the case in this book and I felt myself having to suspend disbelief a bit. But thankfully, this is a better story than Dragon’s Promise! (Though there are a couple fun tie-ins to that book).

A Forgery of Fate is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, mixed with eastern legend and folktale. I enjoyed how Lim adapted the original fairytale, adding some dimension with an interesting protagonist who is a con-artist and can paint the future. Truyan’s courage and determination are ultimately driven by a deep love for her family– which makes her an admirable heroine to root for. The “beast,” a cursed dragon lord named Elang, is appropriately grumpy– but with charming hidden layers underneath a brooding surface.

I felt the resolution was clever and a testament to Tru’s intelligence, but I do wish that other aspects of the ending were drawn less ambiguously!

Sadly this book just didn’t grab as much as I hoped it would. I put it down and picked it up multiple times but I just couldn’t connect with it. Super bummed.

This beauty and the beast retelling is enchanting—I had a hard time putting it down! The characters are rich and unique, the storytelling weaves familiar beats of the fairy tale with dragons, a gifted art forger, magic, and a world under the sea. The story was fast-paced and surprising, and I had a hard time putting the book down. This was my introduction to Elizabeth Lim’s writing, and I can’t wait to read more of her work.

If you love Vin from Mistborn and Yumi and the Nightmare Painter… Forgery of Fate has those vibes. I highly recommend it.

I have been a big fan of Elizabeth Lim's work so far and this was no exception. I thought this was a very solid standalone ya fantasy book and I had such a great time reading it! The pacing worked well for me and I was engaged the whole way through. As always, Elizabeth Lim has done a great job at world building and I loved the dragon realm setting. The concept of seeing the future through art was very interesting as well! Furthermore, I loved the main character's relationship with her family and I found the romance enjoyable too. Overall, this was a wonderful story and I would definitely recommend!

Unfortunately this was a dnf for me, I'm probably going to mark it as a soft dnf in case I want to randomly go back to finish it in a few months.

I feel like the pacing was way too fast and that made it hard for me to get emotionally connected to the characters. At 70% I didn't know much about the main character besides she loves her family, and the love interest I knew from six crimson cranes, which I loved, but I feel like I didn't know enough about him to want to continue? I gave it about 20% more than I should have realistically but I was hoping it would turn around for me and it just didn't. For me it's especially not a good sign if I get to 75% and they haven't had any real like emotionally connecting scenes, I just struggled to feel like they even liked each other that late in the book so I don't know if I believe they'll end up together?

I wanted to like it because I loved SCC but it just wasn't for me and I feel like it would have worked a bit better if it had 50-100 more pages just for character development and like moments between characters and world building beyond surface level stuff? But not everything is for everyone, you may enjoy this! It's worth a try in my opinion.

A Forgery of Fate gripped me from the first chapter and did not let go. This was my first Elizabeth Lim novel, and now I cannot wait to read more of her work.

Tru’s journey was compelling and heartfelt — a girl who would do anything to protect her family, even at the cost of her own future. I loved how the magic was woven through the story: whimsical and vivid, but never overwhelming. Tru’s ability to paint the future added such a creative, emotional weight to every decision she faced.

The slow-burn romance between Tru and the dragon lord absolutely hooked me. Their chemistry built steadily, and the tension between them reminded me of The Cruel Prince — sharp, complicated, and deeply satisfying. I also enjoyed the smaller details sprinkled throughout, like the simple comfort of a good bowl of noodles. Moments like those grounded the story, even when the stakes climbed higher and higher.

Another thing I really appreciated was how the title was meaningfully woven into the plot. I love when authors do that, and here it felt especially clever and earned.

I stayed up way too late finishing this one because I just had to know what would happen.
It is rare for me to immediately want a physical copy after reading an ARC — but A Forgery of Fate is absolutely a must-have for my shelves.
A 5-star read — I highly recommend it to fans of lush magic, slow-burn romance, court intrigue, and fiercely loyal heroines.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf Books for Young Readers for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

This was so great. Tru is able to paint the future, but she's found herself in deeper than she thought to pay her mother's debts. An arranged marriage to a dragon lord could be the answer, but once she's there she realizes it's far more she bargained for.

3.5 (rounded up)

A Forgery of Fate is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a dragon twist and filled with magic, art, and lots and lots of noodles. I have previously only read Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim prior to this, and I did really enjoy it so I think I will definitely have to dive into Six Crimson Cranes next!

Tru Saigas is an art forger and con artist, forced to make ends meet after her father becomes lost at sea, what she didn’t expect was to get swept up in a contract marriage that would solve all her family’s financial problems for good. However, marriage to the half-dragon lord comes with its own set of mysteries about her father and her future, and the closer Tru gets to Elang, the more she realizes the stakes of their marriage and her heart.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one, the pacing was great and Tru as a narrator drew me in from the first page. I absolutely loved Tru and Elang’s slow-budding relationship and the bond they formed throughout the story, and the entire cast of characters were all so great. I do wish we perhaps could have gotten stronger world-building and some more backstory from Elang but otherwise this one was such a sweet (with some really heartbreaking moments) YA fantasy re-telling that I couldn’t put down!