We can always rely on Melissa de la Cruz to deliver. And her new romantasy novel, Rings of Fate, is no exception! Our 2026 reading lists have officially kicked off, and THP’s book team is beyond stoked to start our year with this iconic release, which is the first book in the Curses and Crowns series!
Rings of Fate by Melissa de la Cruz follows Aren Bellamore, a barmaid who dreams of leaving her small town and exploring the world. Her dreams don’t include marriage and princes like in the fairytale books. Enter Dietan, a prince carrying a cursed magic who happens to need a bride to carry out his plans.
As Aren and Dietan travel across towns to reverse the curse, they face political tension, thievery, and terrifying monsters of lore. Oh, and feelings for each other that neither of them want to admit. Here are three of our favorite things about Melissa de la Cruz’s Rings of Fate!
Book Overview: Rings Of Fate
Content warnings: graphic violence, blood, injury, drugging, attempted assault, kidnapping, imprisonment, torture, whipping, execution, perilous situations, fire, sexual activity, drinking, mentions of war and death of family (Read at your discretion!)
Summary: She’s a barmaid who doesn’t believe in fairy tales. He’s a prince cursed to live one.
Aren Bellamore has no interest in being anyone’s princess. She’s too busy running the Raven’s Beak tavern, fending off unwanted marriage proposals, and dreaming of escape. But when a brush with death and a dangerously handsome stranger upend her life, Aren finds herself bound to a bargain that could change everything.
Prince Dietan has carried the cursed Rings of Fate—ancient weapons of devastating power—since childhood. The magic is killing him, and the enemies are closing in. To make the journey to reverse his curse, he needs a bride to hide his secrets. Aren wants freedom. Pretending to be his fiancée should give them both what they want.
But as their perilous journey pits them against political schemes, monstrous Kilandrar, and a growing attraction neither can deny, the line between make-believe and destiny begins to blur. And the fate of two kingdoms may depend on whether a cynical barmaid and a cursed prince are willing to risk their hearts.
Aren’s Stubborn Streak
Naturally, Melissa de la Cruz’s newest romantic fantasy has a strong and stubborn female main character at the helm. Aren is the foundation of her family, caring for her father and younger twin sisters. She keeps the tavern running and uses her earnings to buy quality material for her sisters’ dresses. And she has learned to develop thick skin from the many drunk patrons she serves. Aren does what she wants no matter what anyone says, especially if it’s Prince Dietan saying it. And honestly? We respect it. That’s our girl boss!
Their Chemistry
From the first encounter to the first kiss, Aren and Dietan’s romance in Rings of Fate has chemistry steeped into it! As he’s on his search for a bride, Dietan turns on all the charm for the ladies. And Aren’s seemingly unimpressed attitude does more than pique his interest. We enjoyed reading their banter and pining so much, leading up to the super tense and electrifying confession scene. Aren and Dietan stop at nothing to protect each other while simultaneously putting themselves into the most dangerous situations possible.
The Story’s Pacing
Another one of our favorite things about Rings of Fate is the pacing. We’re big Melissa de la Cruz fans at THP, and she absolutely inspires us with her storytelling. Split into four parts, this romantasy took ample time introducing the characters and romance. It created a montage of moments from the Wedding March wherever needed. Then came Aren and Dietan’s arrival to their destination and the final battle. We could connect with and simply get lost in the fantasy, which is one of the best things about reading, hands down.
Melissa de la Cruz has delivered a romantasy we couldn’t peel our eyes from with Rings of Fate! From the romantic chemistry to awe-inspiring storytelling, it was everything.
Rings of Fate by Melissa de la Cruz comes out January 6th, and you can order a copy of it here!
What do you think of Melissa de la Cruz’s new romantasy novel? Is Rings of Fate on your 2026 TBR? Let us know on Twitter! You can also find us over on Facebook and Instagram!
Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MELISSA DE LA CRUZ:
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Julie Dam
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