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!

Elizabeth Lim can do anything. Truly. Somehow, she takes potential retellings and makes them so unique and special you forget it's supposed to be a retelling. As with other works, the world of Forgery of Fate is beautiful, luscious, and fully fleshed out. The characters tug at your heart strings. I actually read this in one sitting (I could not put it down) and I regret nothing.

Ever since I read Elizabeth Lim's debut novel, I knew she'd be an author to watch. Her latest book, "A Forgery of Fate", didn't disappoint! 4.5 (borderline 5) stars.

One of my favorite things about this book is its writing style. I love how descriptive it is! Elizabeth Lim has the ability to paint a picture with words. I felt like I was swimming through the underwater castles alongside the characters. I've read many books with pretty prose, but "A Forgery of Fate" goes beyond them with its pure escapism.

I also really like the characters! This story follows Tru, a gifted painter who agrees to spend a month with a grumpy half-dragon in his underwater castle. During that time, she has to make him a special painting with the power to dethrone the Dragon King. I love how original this premise is! I've never read a "Beauty and the Beast" retelling like it. I also love how clever and determined Tru is when it comes to protecting her friends and family. She's easy to connect with, and I think she'll appeal to readers of all ages.

I have to finish this review by talking about the romance. There's something for every romance lover! This book has secret identities, forced proximity, a marriage of convenience, he-falls-first, and a sloooow-burn relationship that takes hundreds of pages to develop. If any of those tropes are things you enjoy, I highly recommend you check out this book!

I received an ARC of the book courtesy of the publisher and Netgalley; all opinions are my own.

4 stars

Elizabeth Lim never fails to write beautiful retellings and with amazing worlds. Tru and Elang’s story was so enjoyable. I also loved the return of some of the dragons from Six Crimson Cranes. Overall, this was a great fantasy with a cute romance.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book!

Aaaahhhh another beautiful, rich, astonishing tale of true love! Thank you, Elizabeth for always being so consistent and true in your novels!

Loved this tale of a girl who loses her father and must do what she can to save her family from poverty. I admit, I struggled a bit at the beginning with the tale of the family- I struggled to get into the narrative. Even when she finds Elang, I did still wish for more moments of connection.

The last 30 pages were absolutely perfect and beautiful. I’m so glad I stuck to it to see their story through. I cried and grieved, and then felt SUCH joy. I highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

Elizabeth Lim has a way with prose. Her stories always flow well, and she does a wonderful job of *showing*, not *telling*, which I truly appreciate. The feelings of the characters aren't directly spelled out (for the most part), but are instead implied through the characters' thoughts, body language, tone, actions, etc.

This story was as captivating as each of the others I've read from Lim, and it was a very nice return to the world of the "Six Crimson Cranes" series. We get to see Seryu again, and the dragon king, and it was nice being in a world that felt at once new and familiar.

The FMC was written so incredibly well. Tru Saigas cares about her family above all, but is no perfect Mary Sue. She is brave and big-hearted, but absolutely makes mistakes, and as the reader, you can't help feeling a strong connection to her, hoping for her success. The MMC and Tru's love interest was also well-written, but it took me - and Tru - a minute to warm up to him. That was purposeful on the author's part, in fact, which is now appreciate having read through to the end. No spoilers - you'll have to see for yourself!

This book was an absolute delight, and I highly recommend to all lovers of YA fantasy, romantasy, dragons (!!), and books with strong characters, strong prose, and strong worldbuilding.

Oh my gosh. I have always loved Elizabeth Lim's books and this was no exception! This story pulled me in and did not let me go in the best way possible. I've always loved Beauty and the Beast but retellings bore me quickly for some reason. But this one was so masterfully done. Every evening when I picked it up, I had to make myself put it down. And the fact it's a standalone is both great (I got the full story) and sad because I truly came to love the scrappy Tru and the persnickety Elang so much!

I think a majority of my issues with the book boil down to preference so take it with a grain of salt because I do adore this author and will continue to read everything she writes!

After her fathers disappearance Tru supports her family with forged portraits and clever tales but after a confrontation gone wrong she finds herself face to face with the Demon Prince who wishes to use her talents of deception to help him win back his place in Court.

I very much enjoyed the characters in this I think they were refreshing and the relationships we see whether they have more time on the page or not are written in a way that you immediately feel connected to them so all the gains and losses are very much felt and it was easy to root for them to succeed. Tru is perfect and stubborn and does her best in a poor situation and that kind of resilience makes her stand on her own when tied to the Demon Prince in their rather unlikely alliance.

The plot was interesting I really enjoyed the artistic element to the retelling and I wish we spent more time with it and the how but it doesn’t affect the read either way. The conflict and political components were a bit confusing to keep track of but still interesting enough as it was the driving force for the majority of the story.

I think my biggest issue was the water element and again I know this just falls on me but there’s something about that just takes me out of it because I picture something like Shark Tale which is laughably ridiculous and I know it’s my own heads making them bleed together but it does pull me out of it a bit.

That being said this is a good read and I do love the author and absolutely recommend to all readers!

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

Sadly, this book didn’t live up to my expectations. The premise was intriguing, and I loved the idea of a protagonist who’s an art forger with the ability to paint the future and gets involved in a fake marriage with a mysterious dragon lord. That concept had a lot of potential, especially for a story inspired by Beauty and the Beast. But the execution just didn’t hit the mark for me. The magical elements were cool, but the magic system itself felt underexplained, leaving a lot of questions.

As for the relationship between Tru and Elang, it just didn’t feel convincing enough. They lacked the chemistry to make their connection compelling, and their character development fell short, making them feel a bit flat at times. On top of that, the plot was pretty predictable, which took away some of the excitement.

That said, there were still moments I enjoyed, and I appreciated the fairytale-like atmosphere the story created. While this book didn’t completely win me over, I’m still curious about Elizabeth Lim’s other works. She has a talent for creating enchanting concepts, and I’d love to see how her storytelling grows in future books.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars

I’m real sad that I didn’t like this book. The premise sounded so good, but no one really stuck out to me. In fact, I didn’t connect with any of the characters or their relationships. The mom especially rubbed me the wrong way. Something about her felt so disingenuous and not right to the story.

I also had a lot of questions about the main character’s power of painting. For example, how is she able to paint one thing so fast but others so slow? The books seems to allude that there are more than one Painters. Is this rare? Where does this magic come from? Is it only with paint or are there other artistic magic powers?

I also did not like how it was not fully explained how our protagonist is supposed to help take down the dragon king until 70% of the book was over. Had that been revealed earlier, I think I may have enjoyed it a tad bit more. It’s a lot of guessing and waiting for the explanation to come.

I’m also not convinced that the main couple is in love with each other. I felt few sparks between them. I understand that it’s a “fake marriage”, but still… I could have waited another book to see them say the L word to each other.

Overall, this was a let down for me. I hope other people enjoyed it more than I did. I don’t think this book is necessarily bad, but it wasn’t for me.

What a beautiful addition to the Legends of Lor’yan collection! This was such a whimsical and humorous story and I loved every moment of it! Tru and Elang were such an incredible couple and the continuous world building was amazing!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this amazing book! I truly enjoyed every page!