Customer Reviews
I love this story!! It was very emotional and compelling. It's very Beauty and the Beast meets Eastern dragon lore. The MC is loveable and driven. The pacing moves quickly, especially after the first few chapters. I couldn't put it down! It was nice to return to the universe of the Six Crimson Cranes.
Loved it! Definitely recommend!
Fans of the Six Crimson Cranes books will be elated to return to Lim's fantastical world in Forgery of Fate!Truyan Saigas is a painter with the Sight- when her brush touches paper, enigmatic visions of the future unfold. But dire straits pushed her to a life of selling forgeries to make ends meet for her mother and sisters, after her father went missing at sea years ago. When she becomes entangled in a deal with the half-dragon Lord of the Westerly Seas that involves a marriage contract and a plot against the terrifying Dragon King, Tru finds herself overwhelmed by the task ahead. But with the possibility of a new future for her family and answers about her father's disappearance at stake, she has no other choice but to fulfill her end of the bargain.Pitched as a Beauty and the Beast inspired romance fantasy feels more accurate than a retelling. The themes are there, but instead of Gaston and grand library scenes, there's water demons and extra spicy noodles. Elang definitely embodies the 'Beast' character well, what with his actual heart (aka dragon pearl) being missing, but Truyan is not your typical Belle. This gives them a dynamic that's much more acidic in the banter, but making the emotional moments all the sweeter.I don't want to say too much more, because I think this story is best experienced without knowing too much going in. It's an entertaining and fast read, great for YA audiences and fans of Lim's other work!
I thoroughly enjoyed the Beauty and the Beast motifs, but also appreciated the unique plot elements. It's not an exact Beauty and the Beast retelling, so don't go in expecting it to be.I did struggle a little bit to visualize the setting at times. I don't think it was necessarily from a lack of details--the characters weren't existing on a blank canvas--rather, I think I struggled with making everything work underwater. I've read books set underwater before, so I don't know why I had an issue with it this time. It didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book, but I did have less of a clear mental picture.The characters were well done, and I loved Tru's bond with her sisters. Their mother was a bit annoying at times, but honestly, that fit with her character.I do want to make a quick side note about the fact that one of the side characters is a demon. I don't know anything about the origins of demons in Asian mythology, but in a Forgery of Fate, the character doesn't seem to have any connections to the supernatural in an overtly demonic way. Rather, it personally felt more like something that would be categorized as a fae, faerie, etc., in European folklore. Of course, use your own discernment in whether or not you'd be comfortable reading it.A Forgery of Fate works perfectly well as a standalone, though those who have read Lim's other works set in the same larger storyworld will enjoy the crossover references.Cautions: twelve swear words; moderate romance; five kisses; brief, non-graphic violence; a side character is a demon (see thoughts above)
this book made my heart grow three sizes. A FORGERY OF FATE tells the story of Truyan, a talented art forger, and the deal she makes with a dragon lord to find father, who has been lost for five years. inspired by Beauty & the Beast and other tales, this story is exactly what a fairytale should be—mystical, magical, and brimming with love that overcomes all obstacles. I absolutely adored this new fantasy by Elizabeth Lim. it was a wonderful tapestry of folklore weaved together with unique characters and twists on old tales. I loved both Tru and Elang. the characters in the novel are so unique and intriguing, while also being so incredibly lovely (most of the time). one of the must-read fantasy novels of the year. also the first edition is LOVELY.
