In A Forgery of Fate, Elizabeth Lim sweeps us into the whimsical, dangerous depths of A’landi. An underwater world teeming with magic, curses, and mythical creatures.
Summary (spoiler free!)
Tru Saigas, a talented art forger and reluctant con artist, has spent her life trying to keep her dysfunctional family afloat after the mysterious disappearance of her father.
But Tru harbors a secret even her closest allies don’t know: when her fingertips tingle, she can paint the future.
When her mother’s gambling debt spirals out of control, Tru is faced with a terrifying ultimatum: pay off the ruthless Madam Yargui by midnight or lose her sisters.
On the run and desperate, she stumbles into a deal with Elang, the cold and calculating Dragon Lord of the sea, who offers to pay her family's debts… if Tru agrees to a marriage of convenience and joins him in A’landi.
What follows is a heart-racing tale of survival, secrets, and slow-burn romance. Tru’s journey takes her deep beneath the ocean, into the world of phoenix demons, cursed relics, and a Dragon King willing to destroy his own kin for power.
But beneath Elang’s harsh exterior, Tru discovers layers of sorrow, strength, and sacrifice—and a love she never saw coming.
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Review
5 Stars | Fantasy | Eastern Mythology | Romance | YA
I can confidently say this is my favorite Elizabeth Lim novel yet and that’s saying something. If Belle was an art forger who could paint the future and Beast was a cursed half-dragon seeking revenge instead of redemption, this would be that story. But it’s also so much more.
The Beauty and the Beast inspiration is subtle but strong, woven through the emotional core of the story without overpowering it. Instead of a dusty castle and enchanted objects, we have an enchanting undersea kingdom and a reluctant bride whose paintbrush holds the power to alter fate.
And let’s talk about that world-building.
Lim is a master!
From jellyfish forests and shark-infested waters to ancient turtle guardians and shimmering underwater palaces, the world of A’landi is so richly imagined you’ll wish you could visit!
The visual, lyrical prose makes each scene feel like a painting in motion and it’s all anchored by two beautifully complicated characters!
Tru is one of my favorite heroines in a long time. Fiercely loyal, resourceful, and emotionally complex, she’s exactly the kind of protagonist you want at the helm of a high-stakes fantasy. Her moral compass doesn’t always point due north (she’s a con artist, after all), but that makes her feel real. Her love for her sisters, her reluctant acceptance of her power, and her gradual understanding of her feelings for Elang are all compelling and deeply satisfying.
Elang, meanwhile, is dark, wounded, and emotionally repressed in the most delicious way. He doesn’t want his heart back he wants revenge against the grandfather who cursed him. And yet, in Tru, he finds the one person who might just teach him how to hope again. Their chemistry is a perfect slow burn! Tense, aching, and swoon-worthy.
Final Thoughts:
If you love:
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Eastern mythology
- Lush, lyrical writing
- Underwater realms
- Art magic & prophecies
- Slow-burn fantasy romance
…then A Forgery of Fate is your next favorite read. It had me fully hooked from page one, and I never wanted to come up for air. It’s whimsical, emotional, and immersive in all the best ways!
Tru is a heroine you want to root for. Fierce, flawed, and full of heart, she’s willing to risk everything for her family, even if it means marrying a monster.
Elang is the kind of slow-burn hero fantasy readers crave! Guarded, gruff, protective, and quietly yearning. The chemistry between them simmers beneath every tense glance and reluctant moment of trust.
While there’s action, intrigue, and mythology galore, it’s the emotional depth that makes this story unforgettable. It’s about healing, finding power in vulnerability, and learning that love (real, transformative love) requires risk.
Let me know if you've read it or if it's on your TBR and drop your favorite magical underwater book recs in the comments!
If you are new to Elizabeth Lim's books here are some other ones you should add to your TBR! Her books are perfect for fantasy fans who love lush world-building, mythology, and strong heroines!
Six Crimson Cranes
A cursed princess. A dragon companion. A tale of sacrifice and sisterhood.
Shiori, the only princess of Kiata, hides forbidden magic until she’s cursed and her six brothers are turned into cranes. To break the curse, she must stay silent and uncover a hidden conspiracy in her kingdom.
The Dragon's Promise
The breathtaking sequel to Six Crimson Cranes.
Shiori sets out to return a cursed dragon pearl and faces trials that will test her magic, her heart, and her fate deep in the heart of the dragon realm and beyond.
Spin the Dawn – The Blood of Stars #1
A magical Project Runway meets Mulan.
Maia Tamarin disguises herself as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor but when she's tasked with sewing the dresses of the sun, moon, and stars, her journey turns into an epic quest full of danger, romance, and myth.
Unravel the Dusk-The Blood of Stars #2
The fate of the empire and Maia’s heart hangs by a thread.
Maia must fight back against an evil that threatens to consume her from within while trying to save her kingdom and those she loves. A high-stakes conclusion to the duology.
Her Radiant Curse
A standalone prequel to Six Crimson Cranes.
Two sisters. One cursed to be a monster. When fate divides them, one must embrace her curse to protect her sister, unleashing a saga of devotion, sacrifice, and redemption in a magical Eastern-inspired world.
Final Thoughts
A Forgery of Fate is a lush, imaginative fantasy that blends magic, myth, and slow burn romance into a story that’s as thrilling as it is heartfelt.
Tru’s journey from desperate con artist to royal conspirator is filled with high stakes, dangerous secrets, and tender moments that explore loyalty, sacrifice, and the power of choosing your own path.
With vivid world-building, an undersea setting that feels both eerie and enchanting, and a heroine you can’t help but root for this is a must read for sure!
I received an ARC but all opinions are my own!
