Elizabeth Lim returns to the world of fantasy with A Forgery of Fate, a standalone novel that weaves together art, magic, and mythology in a tale that feels both intimately human and grandly epic. As a follow-up to her acclaimed Six Crimson Cranes duology, Lim demonstrates her continued mastery of Asian-inspired fantasy while exploring fresh themes of artistic power, family sacrifice, and the courage required to challenge gods.
The Artist’s Dilemma: A Portrait of Desperation and Talent
A Forgery of Fate introduces us to Truyan “Tru” Saigas, a gifted art forger whose magical ability to paint glimpses of the future becomes both her greatest asset and her most dangerous burden. Five years after her father’s mysterious disappearance at sea, Tru supports her family through illegal art forgeries, navigating the grimy underworld of Gangsun while dodging both criminals and authorities.
Lim excels in crafting Tru as a protagonist who embodies the classic “reluctant hero” archetype while maintaining her own distinct voice. Tru’s relationship with her art feels authentic—she approaches painting with both pragmatic necessity and genuine passion, creating forgeries that blur the line between deception and creation. Her visions of the future manifest through her brushwork in ways that feel both mystical and grounded in artistic process.
The author’s decision to center the story around an artist proves particularly effective. Tru’s struggles with her craft mirror the book’s broader themes about authenticity, identity, and the power of creation to reshape reality. When she discovers her prophetic paintings always come true, the weight of artistic responsibility becomes a compelling metaphor for how our choices shape the future.
A Dragon Prince in Disguise: The Complexity of Elang
The romantic centerpiece of the novel revolves around Elang, a half-dragon prince who initially appears to Tru disguised as an elderly art dealer named Gaari. This revelation—that someone she’s known and trusted for years has been living a fundamental lie—creates genuine emotional stakes that elevate the romance beyond simple attraction.
Lim handles the “deception romance” trope with nuance, acknowledging the real hurt and betrayal Tru feels while gradually revealing the desperate circumstances that drove Elang’s choices. His dual nature, both literally (half-human, half-dragon) and figuratively (protector and deceiver), makes him a compelling love interest who grows throughout the narrative.
The author particularly shines in depicting Elang’s internal conflict between his mission to overthrow his grandfather, the tyrannical Dragon King Nazayun, and his growing genuine feelings for Tru. His struggle with maintaining his magical disguise serves as an effective metaphor for the exhausting nature of living a lie, even one born from necessity.
Underwater Realms and Political Intrigue
The worldbuilding in A Forgery of Fate draws heavily from East Asian mythology, particularly Chinese dragon lore, while creating something distinctly Lim’s own. The underwater realm of Ai’long feels both magical and politically complex, populated by merfolk, talking turtles, and dragons bound by rigid hierarchies.
Lim’s depiction of the Dragon King Nazayun as a tyrannical ruler who maintains power through fear and manipulation provides effective political commentary without becoming heavy-handed. The underwater court dynamics, complete with spies, shifting alliances, and careful protocol, create a rich backdrop for the central conflict.
However, the pacing occasionally suffers under the weight of exposition required to establish this complex world. The middle section, where Tru navigates court intrigue in Yonsar Palace, sometimes feels bogged down by political maneuvering at the expense of character development and romantic tension.
The Power of Family and Sacrifice
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of family bonds. Tru’s relationship with her sisters Falina and Nomi, and their collective efforts to care for their gambling-addicted mother, feels authentic and emotionally resonant. Lim avoids the trap of making family obligations feel burdensome; instead, these relationships provide both motivation and strength for Tru’s character.
The author particularly excels in depicting the different ways the sisters cope with their father’s loss and their reduced circumstances. Falina’s romantic optimism, Nomi’s pragmatic intelligence, and Tru’s protective instincts create distinct personalities that serve the plot while feeling like real family dynamics.
The revelation that Tru’s father has been imprisoned in Ai’long adds personal stakes to the political rebellion, though this plot thread occasionally feels convenient rather than organic to the larger narrative.
Artistic Magic and Visual Storytelling
Lim’s background in film composition serves her well in creating vivid, cinematic scenes throughout the novel. The magical system based on artistic vision feels fresh and well-integrated into the plot. The concept of the Scroll of Oblivion—a mystical canvas that can erase whatever is painted upon it from existence—provides both an ultimate weapon and a fascinating exploration of art’s power to reshape reality.
The scenes where Tru experiences prophetic visions while painting are particularly well-crafted, blending the meditative aspects of artistic creation with the urgent tension of unwanted glimpses into a potentially terrible future. Lim effectively captures both the compulsive nature of artistic inspiration and the horror of seeing disasters before they occur.
Themes of Truth, Identity, and Redemption
Beneath its romantic and political plots, A Forgery of Fate explores deeper questions about authenticity and identity. Nearly every major character struggles with questions of who they really are versus who they pretend to be. Tru forges art while hiding her prophetic abilities; Elang disguises his true nature; even Tru’s mother conceals her own magical heritage and adventurous past.
The novel suggests that while deception can be born from necessity or love, true relationships require eventual honesty. The strongest emotional moments arise when characters choose vulnerability over safety, truth over convenience.
Romantic Development: Slow Burn with Genuine Chemistry
The romance between Tru and Elang develops with satisfying complexity. Their relationship as Tru and “Gaari” provides genuine foundation for their eventual romantic connection, while the revelation of Elang’s deception creates authentic conflict that must be worked through rather than simply overlooked.
Lim avoids the common fantasy romance pitfall of instalove by building their relationship on shared interests, mutual respect, and genuine compatibility. Their conversations about art, their collaborative schemes, and their gradual emotional intimacy feel earned rather than manufactured.
The tension between Tru’s human vulnerability and Elang’s dragon power creates interesting dynamics without falling into problematic power imbalance territory. Both characters make sacrifices for each other, and both have agency in their relationship choices.
Combat, Magic, and Climactic Confrontation
The final confrontation with the Dragon King showcases Lim’s ability to craft high-stakes action sequences that remain true to character. Rather than relying solely on magical combat, the climax depends on Tru’s artistic abilities, Elang’s strategic thinking, and their combined willingness to sacrifice for each other and the greater good.
The magic system reaches its full potential in these scenes, with painted visions becoming reality and art literally reshaping the world. The concept of using the Scroll of Oblivion to erase a god from existence provides both spectacular magical action and thematic resonance about the power of creation and destruction.
Areas for Improvement
While A Forgery of Fate succeeds on many levels, it occasionally struggles with pacing and focus. The middle section in Ai’long sometimes prioritizes political intrigue over character development, and certain plot threads—particularly involving secondary characters like the demon Shanizhun—feel underdeveloped.
The novel also occasionally relies too heavily on coincidence and convenient revelations to advance the plot. While these moments don’t derail the story, they sometimes undermine the careful character work that forms the novel’s foundation.
Some readers may find the ending somewhat rushed, with major conflicts resolved perhaps too neatly given their established complexity. The transformation of antagonists and the restoration of order in Ai’long happen with surprising speed after the climactic battle.
Comparison to Lim’s Previous Works and Similar Novels
Readers familiar with Lim’s Six Crimson Cranes series will recognize her signature blend of Asian-inspired mythology, family loyalty, and magical romance, though A Forgery of Fate feels more grounded and less whimsical than her previous works. The darker tone and more complex political elements show Lim’s growth as a writer while maintaining the emotional core that makes her work compelling.
Fans of similar fantasy romance will find much to appreciate here, particularly readers who enjoyed:
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon for its dragon mythology and political intrigue
- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller for its blend of mythology and romance
- The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden for its folkloric elements and family themes
- The Poppy War trilogy by R.F. Kuang for its Asian-inspired worldbuilding and complex morality
- Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo for its magic system and romantic elements
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to YA Fantasy
A Forgery of Fate stands as a solid entry in Elizabeth Lim’s growing bibliography and the broader YA fantasy genre. While it occasionally stumbles in pacing and plot convenience, its strengths—compelling characters, rich worldbuilding, meaningful themes, and satisfying romance—far outweigh its weaknesses.
Lim continues to demonstrate her ability to craft fantasy that feels both familiar and fresh, drawing on mythological traditions while creating something distinctly her own. The novel’s exploration of art, truth, and the courage required to challenge unjust authority resonates beyond its fantastical elements.
For readers seeking fantasy romance with substance, complex characters navigating family obligations, and magical systems rooted in creative expression, A Forgery of Fate delivers a satisfying reading experience that lingers in the imagination long after the final page.
The novel succeeds particularly well for readers who appreciate character-driven fantasy, slow-burn romance, and stories that examine the cost of both deception and truth. While it may not reach the heights of genre classics, it provides exactly what many readers seek: an escape into a world where love, art, and determination can quite literally reshape reality.
Recommended Similar Reads
For readers who enjoyed A Forgery of Fate, consider these comparable novels:
- The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow – Features magical books, portal fantasy, and family secrets
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune – Offers found family themes and magical romance
- The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison – Provides court intrigue and political fantasy with heart
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – Explores magical artistry and romantic tension
- The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow – Combines sisterhood, magic, and fighting oppressive systems
