A review by marginmuse
A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim

4.0

 

I absolutely loved A Forgery of Fate! It’s a beautifully written romantic fantasy with all the elements I adore - magic, danger, betrayal, and a cursed dragon lord. While it does lean into some familiar tropes, Elizabeth Lim weaves them together with such rich storytelling that it still feels fresh and engaging. 

Truyan Saigas is a compelling protagonist, a con artist turned reluctant heroine who can literally paint the future. Her journey from struggling to keep her family afloat to navigating the treacherous world of dragons, gods, and deception was fascinating. And while her marriage contract with the mysterious dragon lord is undeniably cliché, their dynamic is electric, with tension, secrets, and some truly heart-wrenching moments. 

One of the strongest aspects of the book is the twist - I didn’t see it coming, and it added so much depth to the story. The stakes suddenly felt much higher, making the latter half of the book even more gripping. However, my biggest critique is the pacing. The book moves quickly, and while that keeps things exciting, I sometimes wished there was more time to fully explore the world and relationships. The climax, especially, felt a little rushed when I wanted to sit in the tension just a bit longer. 

That being said, A Forgery of Fate delivers on its promises—romance, adventure, and high-stakes intrigue set in a beautifully crafted world. If you love Beauty and the Beast retellings with a fresh, magical spin, this book is definitely worth the read. I just wish it had slowed down in a few key moments! Solid 4 stars. 

✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.