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tania_gomes 's review for:
A Forgery of Fate
by Elizabeth Lim
A Forgery of Fate is a beautifully written romantic fantasy that gives Beauty and the Beast a completely fresh twist, mixing Chinese folklore, underwater kingdoms, and just the right amount of danger and magic.
This story follows Tru, an art forger doing everything she can to support her family after her father disappears at sea. She’s also hiding a powerful secret; she can paint the future. But when one of her jobs goes wrong, she ends up making a bargain with Elang, a half-dragon, half-human prince who’s been exiled from his home. What follows is an unforgettable journey through an underwater world filled with dangerous alliances, mythical sea creatures and layered politics, all the while with a slow-burn romance simmering quietly beneath it all.
Tru was such a strong protagonist. She’s clever, loyal, and knows how to stand her ground. I loved how her relationship with her sisters added warmth and heart to the story, grounding all the magic and chaos in something real. And Elang? He’s distant at first, full of secrets and quiet strength, but every little moment of care and vulnerability made me love him more. Their romance builds slowly and intentionally, with so much trust, angst, and emotional payoff. I really liked how the book handled emotional trauma and healing. Both Tru and Elang carry a lot from their pasts, but it’s not brushed aside but built in as part of their growth, their fears, and how they come to trust each other. It made their connection feel so much more layered and genuine.
The world-building really pulled me in. The underwater setting was stunning, so vivid and full of life, with phoenix demons, talking turtles and magical artifacts. Everything felt intentionally built, and the world kept expanding in ways that kept me curious and invested. The pacing worked perfectly for me, never rushed or dragging. It balanced action and quieter moments really well, and the plot had just enough twists to keep me on my toes without losing focus on the characters.
If you're into character-driven fantasy with lush, immersive settings, emotional storytelling, and a romance that makes you feel things, this one is 100% worth reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
This story follows Tru, an art forger doing everything she can to support her family after her father disappears at sea. She’s also hiding a powerful secret; she can paint the future. But when one of her jobs goes wrong, she ends up making a bargain with Elang, a half-dragon, half-human prince who’s been exiled from his home. What follows is an unforgettable journey through an underwater world filled with dangerous alliances, mythical sea creatures and layered politics, all the while with a slow-burn romance simmering quietly beneath it all.
Tru was such a strong protagonist. She’s clever, loyal, and knows how to stand her ground. I loved how her relationship with her sisters added warmth and heart to the story, grounding all the magic and chaos in something real. And Elang? He’s distant at first, full of secrets and quiet strength, but every little moment of care and vulnerability made me love him more. Their romance builds slowly and intentionally, with so much trust, angst, and emotional payoff. I really liked how the book handled emotional trauma and healing. Both Tru and Elang carry a lot from their pasts, but it’s not brushed aside but built in as part of their growth, their fears, and how they come to trust each other. It made their connection feel so much more layered and genuine.
The world-building really pulled me in. The underwater setting was stunning, so vivid and full of life, with phoenix demons, talking turtles and magical artifacts. Everything felt intentionally built, and the world kept expanding in ways that kept me curious and invested. The pacing worked perfectly for me, never rushed or dragging. It balanced action and quieter moments really well, and the plot had just enough twists to keep me on my toes without losing focus on the characters.
If you're into character-driven fantasy with lush, immersive settings, emotional storytelling, and a romance that makes you feel things, this one is 100% worth reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.