A Forgery of Fate
By Elizabeth Lim
Young Adult Fantasy
A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim introduces us to the forbidden love between Truyan (Tru), an art forger that can paint the future, and Elang, a half-dragon from a mythological underwater world. In this Beauty and the Beast retelling, inspired by East Asian folklore, Lim explores finding love in unexpected places, family bonds, and holding onto hope when all seems lost.
This story is rich with character details that set it apart from other novels. Tru is funny and smart-mouthed without being too over the top. She also has an unmatched love for spicy noodles. Elang, normally cold, brooding, and calculating, is also a dedicated gardener. Some characters are less fleshed out than others, but Lim moves away from traditional Beauty and the Beast archetypes. These details give the characters life and drive their connections to one another.
In other Beauty and the Beast retellings, the main character does not get along with her other family members. In this novel, Tru has strong bonds with her mother and sisters. While those bonds are tested, her family loves and respects one another in a way that is refreshingly different.
The story blends elements of Chinese mythology, folktales, and art style into a fantasy world that will leave you asking for a sequel.
Reviewed by Sam Allen
