Author: Elizabeth Lim
Genre: Fantasy
Series: N/A
Publication: June 3, 2024, 483 pages
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Truyan Saigas didn't choose to become a con artist, but after her father is lost at sea, it’s up to her to support her mother and two younger sisters. A gifted art forger, Tru has the unique ability to paint the future, but even such magic is not enough to put her family back together again, or stave off the gangsters demanding payment in blood for her mother’s gambling debts.
Left with few options, Tru agrees to a marriage contract with a mysterious dragon lord. He offers a fresh start for her mother and sisters and elusive answers about her father's disappearance, but in exchange, she must join him in his desolate undersea palace. And she must assist him in a plot to infiltrate the tyrannical Dragon King's inner circle, painting a future so treasonous, it could upend both the mortal and immortal realms. . . .
MY THOUGHTS
If you’ve ever read my reviews, you know I’m always on the lookout for an amazing and memorable Asian Fantasy. While the market is overflowing with them, I hadn’t truly found one that stuck with me...until I read A Forgery of Fate. What first piqued my interest was discovering that it’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling, one of my all-time favorites.
Within the first few chapters, I knew I was reading something special. Truyan Saigas, our heroine, makes her living as a painter by forging artwork from famous artists. With her father missing and her mother battling a gambling addiction, Tru does whatever it takes to provide for herself and her two younger sisters. Just when things start to look up, the local gang comes calling to collect her mother’s debts. With little time to repay them, Tru strikes a desperate deal with the Demon (Dragon) Prince: pretend to be his wife for a month and help him overthrow his grandfather. In return, Tru and her family will receive unimaginable wealth and protection until their mission is complete.
Tru is a fantastic heroine; brave, loyal, kind, and full of heart. She’s not only the kind of character you root for, but one you can truly relate to. The Dragon Prince, Elang, is a standout male lead. He initially gives off that brooding, insufferable charm we all know and love; one moment he’s driving you mad, the next he’s making you swoon. The slow-burn chemistry between Tru and the Prince is delicious, full of tension that will give you butterflies. It gave me Pride and Prejudice vibes in the best way.
The worldbuilding is easy to follow yet refreshingly unique. I especially loved that the dragon realm is set underwater. The Beauty and the Beast elements were beautifully woven in, with familiar moments acting like Easter eggs for fans of the classic tale. At the same time, the author added her own unique spin, making it feel both nostalgic and entirely new. It was a breath of fresh air. I've read many Beauty and the Beast retellings over the year, and this is by far the best one I've ever read. Whether intentional or not, the underwater kingdom and cursed aspect also gave me The Little Mermaid vibes, another favorite of mine!
Every year, there’s one book that completely surprises me—a hidden gem that exceeds all my expectations. A Forgery of Fate is that book for me this year. It’s everything I didn’t know I wanted, and I adored every moment. This was my first book by Elizabeth Lim, and it definitely won’t be my last. Her writing is magical, flowing effortlessly and pulling me deep into the story. It made me feel—which, to me, is hallmark of a truly great book.
I highly recommend A Forgery of Fate. This is one you don’t want to miss!
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