Elizabeth Lim returns with another breathtaking tale that weaves together the threads of fate, forbidden love, and mythological grandeur in A Forgery of Fate. This standalone fantasy romance, inspired by Beauty and the Beast, plunges readers into the underwater realm of Ai’long, where gods walk among mortals and love might be the most dangerous magic of all.
The Canvas of Character: Truyan’s Journey from Con Artist to Legend
At the heart of this sweeping narrative stands Truyan “Tru” Saigas, a gifted art forger whose unique ability to paint the future becomes both her greatest asset and most perilous burden. Lim crafts Tru with remarkable nuance—she’s neither helpless nor flawlessly heroic. Instead, she’s a young woman driven by fierce love for her family, willing to sacrifice everything to protect her mother and two younger sisters after their father’s mysterious disappearance at sea.
Tru’s character development unfolds like one of her own paintings, each layer revealing new depths. Her progression from desperate con artist to reluctant bride to willing participant in divine rebellion feels organic and earned. Lim particularly excels at showing how Tru’s artistic vision becomes a form of power that even gods fear, turning her perceived weakness into her greatest strength.
The supporting cast breathes with equal vitality. Falina and Nomi, Tru’s sisters, aren’t merely plot devices but fully realized individuals with their own hopes, fears, and personalities. Falina’s protective nature and Nomi’s intellectual curiosity create a believable family dynamic that anchors the story’s more fantastical elements.
The Dragon’s Curse: Elang as Both Beast and Prince
Elangui Ta’ginan Yuwong, lord of the Westerly Seas, presents one of Lim’s most complex romantic leads to date. As a half-dragon cursed to live without his pearl—his heart—Elang embodies the perfect tragic hero. His dual nature, literally split between human and dragon features, serves as a brilliant metaphor for his internal struggle between duty and desire, manipulation and genuine affection.
Lim skillfully navigates the revelation that Elang has been masquerading as Gaari, Tru’s longtime friend and business partner. This twist could have felt like a betrayal of both character and reader, but instead becomes a poignant exploration of identity and the masks we wear to protect ourselves. The author demonstrates remarkable restraint in not immediately forgiving Elang’s deception, allowing Tru’s anger and hurt to simmer realistically throughout their forced marriage and eventual cooperation.
A World Painted in Myth and Wonder
The worldbuilding in A Forgery of Fate showcases Lim’s growth as a fantasy author. Ai’long feels authentically lived-in, from the political machinations of the dragon court to the simple joy of turtle races in underwater gardens. The author draws heavily from East Asian mythology, particularly Chinese dragon lore, but weaves these elements into something distinctly her own.
The magic system, centered around Tru’s prophetic painting abilities and the legendary Scroll of Oblivion, operates with clear rules that create genuine tension. When Tru discovers she must paint King Nazayun with perfect accuracy to send him into oblivion, the stakes feel both personal and cosmic. The scroll itself—made from eversnow bark soaked in tears and dried by hellfire—exemplifies Lim’s gift for creating magical objects that feel ancient and powerful.
Romance Beneath the Waves
The romantic elements burn with slow, deliberate intensity. Lim understands that the best fantasy romances grow from mutual respect and shared struggle rather than instant attraction. Tru and Elang’s relationship evolves from distrust through partnership to genuine love, each stage feeling necessary and hard-won.
The Beauty and the Beast inspiration never feels heavy-handed. Instead, Lim uses the familiar framework to explore themes of perception, truth, and the courage required to love someone despite their flaws. The underwater setting adds layers of metaphor—Tru must literally learn to breathe in Elang’s world, just as she must emotionally adapt to a life far removed from everything she’s known.
Mythology Meets Political Intrigue
Where A Forgery of Fate truly distinguishes itself is in its treatment of divine politics. King Nazayun isn’t merely an evil overlord but a complex figure whose fear and paranoia have transformed him from beloved ruler to tyrant. The prophecy of the Eight and a Half Immortals adds weight to every interaction, making even casual conversations feel charged with destiny.
Lim demonstrates particular skill in portraying how absolute power corrupts absolutely. Nazayun’s transformation from protector to oppressor feels tragically believable, and his relationship with Elang—grandson, rival, and prophesied doom—crackles with familial tension and cosmic significance.
Artistic Merit and Minor Brushstrokes
The prose flows with lyrical beauty, particularly in scenes where Tru paints her visions. Lim’s background as a composer shines through in her rhythmic language and careful attention to sensory details. Descriptions of underwater palaces and dragon transformations feel both fantastical and grounded.
However, the pacing occasionally stumbles in the middle third, where court politics slow the momentum built in the opening chapters. Some secondary characters, particularly among the dragon court, feel underdeveloped compared to the rich main cast. The resolution, while satisfying, arrives with perhaps too much convenience—several plot threads tie together almost too neatly.
The magic system, while innovative, sometimes lacks the consistent limitations that create genuine tension. Tru’s visions come when the plot requires them, and the rules governing the Scroll of Oblivion shift subtly to accommodate story needs.
Connection to Lim’s Literary Legacy
Readers familiar with Lim’s previous works will recognize her signature blend of mythology, romance, and female empowerment, though A Forgery of Fate stands confidently alone. Unlike the Six Crimson Cranes series with its focus on transformation and sacrifice, or the Blood of Stars duology’s tale of magical tailoring, this novel explores themes of artistic creation and divine rebellion.
The writing style shows Lim’s continued evolution as a storyteller. Where Her Radiant Curse sometimes felt rushed in its character development, A Forgery of Fate allows relationships to breathe and develop naturally. The author’s growing confidence in handling complex political plots is evident throughout.
Final Verdict: A Masterpiece with Minor Flaws
A Forgery of Fate succeeds brilliantly as both a standalone fantasy and a romantic epic. Lim has crafted a world where art becomes activism, love conquers curses, and even gods must face the consequences of their choices. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its emotional authenticity—despite the fantastical setting, the relationships feel genuinely human.
The book stumbles occasionally under the weight of its ambitions, and some plot conveniences strain believability. Yet these minor issues pale beside the novel’s considerable achievements: memorable characters, stunning worldbuilding, and a love story that feels both epic and intimate.
For readers seeking fantasy romance that respects both its mythological roots and its characters’ agency, A Forgery of Fate delivers an experience as immersive as Ai’long’s enchanted waters. Lim has painted another winner.
If You Loved This Book, Try These Similar Reads
For fans of mythology-based fantasy romance:
- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
- The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
- The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
For similar East Asian-inspired fantasy:
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
- Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao
- The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
For other Beauty and the Beast retellings:
- A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
- Hunted by Meagan Spooner
- Beauty by Robin McKinley
Other works by Elizabeth Lim:
- Six Crimson Cranes (perfect starting point for new readers)
- Spin the Dawn (for those who enjoyed the artistic magic system)
- Her Radiant Curse (companion to the Six Crimson Cranes series)