If you haven’t read Six Crimson Cranes or Spin the Dawn, chances are you’ve seen them trending on BookTok, admired their gorgeously illustrated covers, or had a friend rave about the tender romance and high-stakes magic inside. These bestsellers didn’t just enchant readers, they helped define a new wave of Asian-inspired fantasy in Young Adult (YA) literature, alongside the works of fellow authors like Sue Lynn Tan and Axie Oh.

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At the centre of it all is Elizabeth Lim, a Chinese-American author who brings rich world-building, lyrical prose, and fiercely creative heroines to every page. A Juilliard-trained composer with a degree from Harvard in music and East Asian studies, Lim didn’t always dream of being an author (her teacher once told her she had “too much voice” in her essays)—but she couldn’t shake off the writing bug. She began her career writing Disney's Twisted Tales series (Reflection, So This Is Love) before breaking out with Spin the Dawn (2019), a Mulan-meets-Project-Runway adventure that established her as a force in the genre. Since then, her books have topped New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists, captivating readers with tales that weave mythology, magic, and emotion into unforgettable journeys.

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Her latest novel, A Forgery of Fate, is set in the same universe as Six Crimson Cranes but stands alone as a story of love, sacrifice, and power. “It’s Beauty and the Beast, but underwater—with dragons and a marriage of convenience,” she describes. There’s also a magical painting, a nod to a Chinese folktale she grew up with, and a strong thread of sisterhood running through it all.

Now, Lim is bringing her magic to Singapore for the first time, meeting fans in person for a book event this August. But before that, she sat down with ELLE for a chat about creative heroines, cultural representation, and why romance hits different when it’s a slow burn.

For readers new to your work, how would you pitch A Forgery of Fate?

I’d call it an underwater Beauty and the Beast with dragons and a marriage of convenience. The beast is actually half-dragon inspired by Chinese mythology, and the story is set almost entirely underwater. It also takes inspiration from The Little Mermaid and a Chinese folktale called The Magic Paintbrush. The main character, Tru, is a painter—everything she paints can influence the future.

You often write heroines who are artistic—tailors, musicians, and now a painter. What draws you to these creative characters?

My background is in music, so I relate to characters who pursue a craft. My grandmother was a seamstress, and my aunt was a painter. Watching them growing up had a big impact on me. Writing about their passion was a way to honour them.

What would your magical talent be if you could choose one?

I love the idea of painting the future or sewing magical dresses, but I’d probably go with something more practical like healing people.

How has your own identity as an Asian-American shaped the stories you tell?

I don’t always write characters based directly on myself, but growing up Asian-American meant navigating a lot of in-between spaces. Am I more Asian or more American? That tension was always there. I was lucky—I grew up in a traditional Chinese family and spent many summers in Asia. However, it wasn’t something I saw reflected in books growing up. That’s why I started writing the stories I wanted to read.

Romance is a big part of your books. What’s your secret to writing chemistry that feels real?

I love a good slow burn. There’s the initial spark, but it’s really about two people spending time together, learning about each other, and finding little habits or quirks endearing. Especially when they go through something dramatic like fighting a villain or escaping danger together. That shared experience really bonds them.

Why do you think there’s such a strong wave of interest in Asian-inspired YA fantasy right now?

I think it's because it was missing for so long. When I was younger, my parents would bring me to bookstores in Asia just to find stories we couldn’t find in the US. Now, more readers—Asian and non-Asian alike—are hungry for mythology and folklore from different cultures. There’s a curiosity and growing sense of representation.

Are there easter eggs for fans of Six Crimson Cranes in A Forgery of Fate?

Yes! It’s set in the same universe. I won’t spoil anything, but if you know the world, you’ll definitely catch a few familiar things.

What do you hope young women take away from reading this book?

That love isn’t just romantic—it’s also about sisters, family, and deep friendships. Tru has two younger sisters, and writing their bond was really meaningful for me, especially as a mum of three daughters. I want readers to see that love comes in many forms, and even in a fantasy world with dragons and magic, those real emotions still matter most.

"A Forgery of Fate" is available online and Kinokuniya. Singapore fans can meet Lim in person at her upcoming book launch on Saturday, 16 August, 3pm – 4pm, at Kinokuniya, Takashimaya S.C. Level 4. Follow this link for full details.