The pacing of this book is so smooth and well constructed that it took me three sittings to get through half of it.

I just love Lim's writing style when it comes to their narratives.

Tru as a protagonist is the ultimate strongsuit of the title. She has a lot of passion and is a well-rounded character.

I think the only things I found lacking were the moments that connect this title to be inspired by Beauty and the Beast- I wonder if it had distanced itself a little farther from symbols and narrative storybeats in the beginning that I wouldn't have minded as much.

It's a definite will reccomend for fans of YA and the teens of my branch!

⭐ Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Elizabeth Lim is truly one of my favorite authors, and this is only the third book of hers that I’ve read. Her writing is exquisite—especially in this book. Prose? Beautiful. Character building? Perfect. Plot? So unique. World-building? Absolutely magical. There is hardly anything to dislike about this book. I enjoyed every minute of it!

Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney Princess story, so imagine my joy when I saw that this was a Beauty and the Beast reimagining. I had such high hopes for this book, and it delivered 100%! While reading, you can definitely see the Beauty and the Beast inspiration, but the world and plot remain uniquely original. And if that wasn’t enough, there are also elements from The Little Mermaid—except the underwater realm that Lim created is even better. Lim blends these two iconic tales into an East Asian–inspired fantasy that is truly breathtaking.

Plot Overview:
Truyan Saigas is a gifted art forger with the rare, magical ability to paint the future. After her father vanishes at sea, she becomes the sole provider for her family due to her mother’s irresponsible habits and gambling debts. Things become life-or-death for Tru and her family when fate seemingly intervenes– in the form of a half-dragon?
In a desperate bid to save her family and uncover the truth about her father’s disappearance, Tru agrees to a marriage contract with this mysterious and cursed half-dragon. She moves to his undersea palace and becomes entangled in a treacherous plot to infiltrate the Dragon King’s court. Her task? To paint a future so dangerous it could reshape the fate of both the mortal and immortal realms.
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. Fans of fairy-tale reimaginings and epic fantasies won’t be disappointed—this book is pure magic!

Elizabeth Lim does not miss!! I think this is my favorite out of all her books! We follow Tru and Elang as they navigate the deal they made. The deal? If Tru can paint Elang’s grandfather as perfect as life her family will be set for life. However he’s a dragon prince so in order to get close to her grandfather they have to be married and go to his realm since he’s also exiled till he finds a wife! I truly loved every moment of this books. When Tru finally finds her Baba I started crying and did not stop crying till the end. Such an amazing book!

A cursed half dragon ✔️
A art forger ✔️
Hints of Beauty and the Beast ✔️

Overall enjoyed this story, and the world Lim has created. Will definitely be recommending to friends.

I loved this story. It was breathtakingly magical. The character of Tru is so fun and interesting. I really enjoyed her journey, how she gets roped into a marriage of convenience due to her nefarious activities as a con artist and forger.

The realm under the sea is so vivid and beautifully depicted. The way the author is able to create such a flow and vibrancy to the world is a delight. The story of Tru and Elang was full of tension and secrets. I couldn't stop reading.

What wasn't there to love about this book? the description catches your attention and it did not disappoint.
The world building, romance, characters, and the plot were a chefs kiss.
The descriptions were engaging, descriptive, vivid, and truly made the book so much fun to read.
It's definitely giving beauty and the beast vibes and retelling with some twists in-between.
I also adored the various species throughout the book for the side characters! They were a delight to get to know as well.

I will definitely be recommending this book! I hope to see it on the shelves soon and fingers crossed I can get a copy.

You can definitely pick up on the Beauty and the Beast theme here, yet it doesn't feel derivative at all. An incredible amount of world-building without sacrificing character building or plot.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Forgery of Fate is a Beauty and the Beast inspired fantasy romance. The heroine Tru is an art forger who is able to paint the future. While the hero, Elang is half-human and half -dragon, who starts off with a grumpy personality. In order for Tru to save her family from debt, she agrees to marry Elang and help him break his curse.

The book itself is truly one of a kind. From the world to the magic systems, it was different and very refreshing to read.

I loved the relationship between Elang and Tru, throughout the book you could definitely feel the Beauty and the Beast vibes, while still being incredibly original.

The one downside for me was i struggled a lot with visualizing the world that Elizabeth Lim created. While there was world building and descriptions, i just couldn’t get a clear image in my head.

Overall a 3.5 star read!

I thought this was a great book…has plenty of beauty and the beast vibes. The main character was great and just grew as the book went on. Has a little bit of romance but not enough to overwhelm.

So many wonderful romance books have been coming out. I think I have found my genre when it comes romance books which is wonderful because I have tried so hard to like the genre but most books never made a positive impact. This was a great read.

Although the premise of the book was interesting, the character and the plot never truly drew me in. It felt very cliche but it was still an enjoyable read.

This was an amazing book! I love the world and the characters. But most of all I love the writing! This author can write so well! I was up all night reading this multiple nights. I loved every second of it

I just finished reading an ARC of A Forgery Of Fate by @elimpix (out 06/03!) and it was soo amazing!❣️✨ And how pretty is this one's cover?😍
It's a loose Beauty and the Beast retelling with a lot of Asian mythology perfectly blended into the story and with amazing characters!

After her merchant father disappeared at sea, Truyan Saigas has done a lot of things to keep fer family afloat - and that includes forging some famous paintings. While her mother might like to claim that she can see the future, it's Tru who actually has the ability to paint the future - and she has tried her best to hide it, even from her own family. But, when her mother's gambling debts bring gangsters and danger right to their doorstep, Tru makes a last ditch effort to paint a masterpiece that might help her and this leads her down a path that she never would have expected.
She ends up meeting a cursed half-dragon who offers his help but only if she enters into a temporary marriage contract with him. And Elang isn't seeking a solution to his curse but he's plotting to overthrow his grandmother and he needs Tru's help with that!

Elizabeth Lim's writing in this one was just as beautiful as her previous books! I think it was a very refreshing take on the Beauty and the Beast story with vibrant world building and interesting characters! I loved getting to see the underwater world of A'landi but the characters of Tru and Elang were definitely the highlights in this one. Both of them had prickly exteriors but were willing to do a lot for the people/things they cared about! I loved the slowburn romance between them along with Tru's sassiness and bravery. There were a few twists here and there but the plot was pretty solid and amazing too!

Overall, this was a fantastic read and if you're looking for a unique Beauty and the Beast retelling with an underwater setting, dragons and amazing characters - I'd definitely recommend this one!❣️✨

A Beauty & the Beast retelling with an Eastern twist, a Forgery of Fate is a romantic fantasy about an art foger that can paint her future, and a cursed half-dragon lord bound by fate.

Kind of like how Tru (our FMC) paints with her magic paintbrush, Elizabeth Lim must have a magic pen because this book was PURE magic.. from the moment I picked it up, I was completely immersed.

The world-building was was so beautifully done, very vivid and capitivating. The story takes place in Gangsun (on land) and Ai'long (underwater dragon realm.)

I was on an emotional roller coaster throughout, and a big part of it had to do with Truyan (Tru, FMC.) Her determination to save her Baba, protect her family, and those she loved, really resounded with me as someone who is extremely close with their family. She was smart, witty, and strong. All the things I loved in a FMC.

I highly highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Eastern mythology or Beauty and the Beast retellings, or just if you're a fan of romantic fantasies. You won't regreit it.

Also- TURTLES. TURTLES!!

I just love Elizabeth Lim’s writing and storytelling, everyone of her books just transport you to a different world. I’m so thankful to have gotten an arc from NetGalley. I also love how she ties her books all into the same world.
I really enjoyed the characters of this book a lot. The plot was very interesting I really loved it.

I enjoyed this story and the twist it puts on Beauty and the Beast. I love how the character grew into her own. The mom while going through things really irked me! Ughhh. But overall this was a great read

I received a copy bought NetGalley for review.


I love Elizabeth Lim's works, and was super excited to read this one. And I absolutely loved it, I ugly cried at the end.

Truyan Saigas is doing what she can to hold her family together since her father disappeared 5 years ago when his ship went down. Her mother is constantly getting into debt, and she has her two younger sisters to look out for.
She's become something of a very talented art forger, and has been using her skills to keep her family afloat. If she's caught it's a decade of imprisonment.
She can also use her painting skills to predict the future, but tries not to think about it, the consequences aren't worth it. She wants nothing more than to make enough money to try to find her missing father.

With the help of her friend Garri, they have a good system worked out, he has sway with the imperial auction houses, and helps her works get to the right buyer, for a cut of course.
But she runs into some trouble and ends up in a deal where she's married to the infamous "Demon Prince" when she climbs a courtyard wall chasing one of her works as it blows away. The prince part happens to be real, but while he's not a demon, he is a exiled Dragon prince under a curse, and he needs to convince the Dragon King he's found his heavenly match in order to return to his realm.

He's missing his pearl, his soul and he's been cursed. Elang has some major problems to overcome.

In exchange for a lot of wealth, Tru agrees to a fake marriage with Elang and will journey with him into the world of the great seas, as the Lady of the Western Seas- bride to the Dragon prince.

Not everything is as it seems, and Elang is hiding many secrets. And Tru will find herself much closer to the Dragon than she could ever imagine.

This was a lovely story, I really enjoyed this one so much.

The heroine of this book might have a magic paintbrush, but Elizabeth Lim must have a magic pen because “A Forgery of Fate” is pure magic.

It has everything—battles between good and evil, magic, dragons, a curse, fake marriage, art forgery, noodles, turtles, heart wrenching moments, gut busting moments, and kicking-your-feet-in-the-air moments.

Elizabeth Lim blends Eastern mythology with a Beauty & the Beast tale in another perfect book. Her writing style is always impeccable but she really takes it to another level in “A Forgery of Fate.” Her word choices elevated the already incredible story and made it an even more enchanting read.

A Forgery of Fate is a masterpiece of mystery and intrigue, a slow-burn romance and breathtaking storytelling based heavily around mythology that gives this story it's own unique flavor.

The moment I picked up A Forgery of Fate, I KNEW it was going to be the one for me. Dragons? Check. Mystical powers? Check. A love that breaks the bounds of mortal and immortal and claws at the hands of death? You got it!

And I read it!

Tru, a fierce and strong-willed character (who is also a bit morally gray in the best way!) is determined to both secure a future for her family and find out the mystery behind her father's disappearance. Made human by her desires and guarded nature, we see Tru bloom throughout this book but still keep her thorns. Her creativity and cleverness shines through even when she is in the capture of insurmountable odds paired with her iron will to save those she cares for makes her a special character in my heart. Her motivation to repair her broken family will always tug on my heart strings. ✨🎨

Meanwhile the Dragon Lord, Elang, has his own motivations which are both noble and insightful into her true character beneath his cold mask. A dragon forged from deception, he is not unwilling to use it himself. He will leave you reeling in both shock and awe at the depths of which he is willing to go for both revenge and love. 🐉📖

While the pacing is never slow, there are so many jaw-dropping revelations within each plot point that it takes a minute to puzzle it all out! I did especially enjoy the subtile foreshadowing of both the secret reveals and the ending. Lim's build-up of tension and yearning that spills over and pulls back at the most inopportune times was as tear-inducing as it was frustrating but worked in tandem with the well balanced moments of tenderness and care. 💙

A romantic fantasy inspired by Beauty and the Beast, this book creates a masterful retelling with a blend of intricate world-building based around elements of mythology that draw you into a world of intrigue and carefully painted (wink) characters that perfectly portray personal growth, empathy, ingenuity and strength of character. This book is a definite re-read and will be something I reach for.

What I Loved:
✨ A morally gray, strong-willed, and brilliant heroine! Tru, my love!
🐉 A brooding, complex dragon lord with secrets galore and no compunction to share them.
🎨 A world dripping with complex mythology that can be overwhelming but magical!
💙 A romance full of tension, betrayals and surprising emotional growth.
📜 A plot that keeps you hooked!


A Tiny Wish:
💖 A little more spacing between world building and reveals! They were all incredibly intriguing in their own right! I just had a little trouble comprehending the entire world at once when things keep popping up (maybe it's just me! I read this in the middle of the night!)

Elizabeth Lim sends us back to the wolrd of Six Crimson Cranes in this Beauty and the Beast retelling. Tru and Elang’s slow burn fantastical journey grabbed me from page one. I loved revisiting a favorite character from the Six Crimson Cranes world. I know I am not the only one who hopes his story is next. I do wish the world building of Elang’s unwanted kingdom had been a bit more detailed. I had a hard time visualizing it. And the ending/epilogue fell a bit flat for me. Possibly because I wanted more or Elang and Tru’s story or just more details. I love Elizabeth Lim’s writing and would recommend her stories to anyone. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity the read and review this book.