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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A riveting re-telling of the classical 'Beauty and the Beast' intertwined with Japanese folklore and symbology. A Forgery of Fate takes readers into the realm of Ai'Long; a cavernous underwater Kingdom, ruled by Dragons and merfolk. Truyan Saigas finds herself betrothed to the enigmatic Elang'anmi after she falls into his precious garden, claiming her as his own. The half-human, half-dragon's heart does not beat, and he requires Tru's forgery skills to paint a vision of the future, to overthrow the Dragon King. However, demons and a tirade of deception threatens to ruin their bargain; and love begins to blossom even without the treasured pearl.
Elizabeth Lim has yet failed to impress me with her enchanting world-building. Weaving mythical beings, with deities, and the enigmatic prophesisation through The Sight; the narrative was palatable and creative in every essence. Not to mention the binaries of characters crafted for our protagonist that truly do resemble the Beauty and the Beast vibes.
Elizabeth Lim has yet failed to impress me with her enchanting world-building. Weaving mythical beings, with deities, and the enigmatic prophesisation through The Sight; the narrative was palatable and creative in every essence. Not to mention the binaries of characters crafted for our protagonist that truly do resemble the Beauty and the Beast vibes.
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
When I saw this, with its beautiful cover and pages, by Elizabeth Lim, I knew I had to pick this up. I love the Legends of Lor'yan; each book addition to the series is amazing and spellbinding. However, I didn't even know who Elang was when I started reading this, so I had to dig through The Dragon's Promise. When I did find him, I was left with more questions. How did Elang lose his pearl? I'm so confused! And what was the curse about anyway? I just have a lot of questions.
This was really slow-burn, though, which I did enjoy.
I can't wait for the next Legend of Lor'yan!
This was really slow-burn, though, which I did enjoy.
I can't wait for the next Legend of Lor'yan!
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This entire book was wonderful! I loved all the characters and while this was a beauty and the beast retelling it was different enough I wasn't sure how the story would end. I did love the small nods they gave to the original story like flowers being an important part of the story. This book was absolutely beautiful ❤️
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
yes, yes, yes.
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm not sure about you, but I can usually tell when a book I'm reading is going to be five stars. It begins with the opening chapter, which I typically read and then set the book aside for a few hours. If I finish the chapter and want to read more, it's a good sign. If I keep thinking about that chapter in between reading sessions, it's another good sign. More than that, though, a five-star book gives you a little frisson of something. I don't know if it is joy, excitement, or anticipation, but it is a feeling that stays with you after finishing a reading session. It makes it difficult to fall asleep and distracts you from other tasks if you read during the day. It's not tangible, but it is there all the same.
A FORGERY OF FATE by Elizabeth Lim met all of these criteria and had me doing what I haven't done in a long time, which is read well past my normal bedtime. It wasn't a conscious decision. I literally lost track of time while reading it. I love it when that happens!
Ms. Lim talks about her inspiration for A FORGERY OF FATE being the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, and yes, there are the generic similarities to call it a retelling. However, I never felt like I was reading a retelling of that classic tale. The mystical world of Ai'long and even the crowded city of Gangsun are as different from medieval France as you can get. Truyan Saigas is no victim, and she certainly holds her own in any situation. She is no damsel in distress and finds herself in the role of protector. As for Alung, he is less beast than some heroes and more focused on protecting his people than wooing the girl.
A FORGERY OF FATE is a magical story. I don't say that because it contains magic, which it does. I say that because it is the type of novel that makes you feel young again. It reminds you of what it feels like to fall in love the first time, especially if you don't expect it. You feel all the hope and possibility of youth. If you are young and reading it, I imagine it gives you the motivation you need to keep hoping and believing in all the possibilities ahead of you. When the real world feels like it is burning down around you, A FORGERY OF FATE is a welcome respite, one that gives you a little extra zest for life to allow you to face that real world again as well as the strength to keep on trying to make it a better place.
A FORGERY OF FATE by Elizabeth Lim met all of these criteria and had me doing what I haven't done in a long time, which is read well past my normal bedtime. It wasn't a conscious decision. I literally lost track of time while reading it. I love it when that happens!
Ms. Lim talks about her inspiration for A FORGERY OF FATE being the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, and yes, there are the generic similarities to call it a retelling. However, I never felt like I was reading a retelling of that classic tale. The mystical world of Ai'long and even the crowded city of Gangsun are as different from medieval France as you can get. Truyan Saigas is no victim, and she certainly holds her own in any situation. She is no damsel in distress and finds herself in the role of protector. As for Alung, he is less beast than some heroes and more focused on protecting his people than wooing the girl.
A FORGERY OF FATE is a magical story. I don't say that because it contains magic, which it does. I say that because it is the type of novel that makes you feel young again. It reminds you of what it feels like to fall in love the first time, especially if you don't expect it. You feel all the hope and possibility of youth. If you are young and reading it, I imagine it gives you the motivation you need to keep hoping and believing in all the possibilities ahead of you. When the real world feels like it is burning down around you, A FORGERY OF FATE is a welcome respite, one that gives you a little extra zest for life to allow you to face that real world again as well as the strength to keep on trying to make it a better place.
