Rings of Fate

Curses and Crowns #1

by Melissa de la Cruz

Every barmaid dreams of a prince. Aren just didn’t expect hers to be cursed, arrogant, and bleeding magical ruin all over her tavern floor.

Aren Bellamore has no use for fairy tales—especially the kind that come stomping through her door with royal blood and a death sentence. She’s spent her life slinging ale, fending off drunks, and dreaming of escape. Not romance. Not crowns. Just more.

Prince Dietan is everything she never wanted: brooding, entitled, and bound to the Rings of Fate—ancient magical relics that were never meant to touch human flesh. Now they’re killing him. Slowly. Spectacularly. And when Aren accidentally triggers one, she gets tied to the curse, too.

If he dies, so does the kingdom. If she walks away, she’ll take the magic—and half the realm—down with her.

Their only hope? Each other.

Forced into an uneasy alliance, Aren and Dietan must unravel a mystery buried in legend, outwit a power-hungry usurper, and survive magic that’s turning against them both. And somewhere between dodging assassins and sharing too many fireside glances, Aren starts to wonder if her “more” might include the one thing she swore she didn’t want…

A prince. A curse. And a fate far more dangerous than falling in love.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Adult, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, High Fantasy

400 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication January 6, 2026

About the author

Melissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat.

Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.

She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.

Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).

She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.

Reviews

[Liana Gold]

BOTM pick! She’s a barmaid and he’s the prince living in a fairytale, oh we know how that goes wink wink. From blurred lines, perilous journey, the magic is killing him and she’s going to save him.

[Maven Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Rings of Fate by Melissa de la Cruz

Rings of Fate by Melissa de la Cruz is an enchanting romantasy about a witty barmaid and a cursed prince who agree to a pretend engagement to survive deadly magic and tangled political schemes in a vividly imagined fantasy world. From the smoky warmth of the Raven’s Beak tavern to the perilous landscapes where ancient magic pulses and danger lurks, this story wraps you in a romance that feels both tender and thrilling.

From the moment I met Aren Bellamore, I was drawn to her rugged humor and fierce independence, a heroine who refuses to bow to expectation even when fate pushes hard against her will. Aren’s voice felt so alive to me: sharp, resilient, and deeply human even amid swordplay and curses. Prince Dietan, bound to the destructive Rings of Fate and increasingly worn by their magic, is both vulnerable and magnetic, his struggle to save himself and his kingdom giving real emotional weight to his banter with Aren. Their chemistry simmered with sparks that surprised me again and again as they journeyed through political treachery, ancient threats like the monstrous Kilandrar, and moments where danger brought them closer. The pacing is lively, and the fantasy elements are rich without overwhelming the growing connection between these two very different souls. Some scenes made me laugh aloud, others softened my chest with longing, and all of them made me root for Aren’s freedom and Dietan’s redemption. Fans of Princess Bride vibes with a modern romantasy twist will find themselves enchanted by this tale’s blend of danger, heart, and wit.

I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 because its emotional core and clever dialogue carried me through the story with genuine joy, even as the worldbuilding and stakes kept me turning pages. The relationship felt grounded, the fantasy felt imaginative, and Aren’s growth is something I will remember long after finishing. If you love characters whose journeys teach them about courage, belonging, and the surprising forms that love can take, this book offers a generous and satisfying experience.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the physical ARC of this from the publisher and I flew through it. Abigail Owen's blurb for this book is "The Princess Bride for the romantasy era." Enough said for me. I enjoy Melissa de la Cruz and I enjoyed this book as well. This is adult romantasy. We have a prince who needs a bride so their countries will be allies. He settles on Aren, a barmaid, but it is all a ruse. He has a secret that is killing him and he needs Aren's help. She wants out of her small town life and agrees to go with the prince. They both know it could be a dangerous adventure but they do not realize just how dangerous it will be. Prince Dietan tries to get Aren to turn back multiple times when things get really bad, but she is in it for the long haul. They have fun enemies to lovers banter, and of course they fall in love while on their journey. This is the first book in a series and I am excited to continue the story with the next book.

-My plan could get us all killed, but isn't it better to die trying to do the right thing than live the rest of our lives in terror.

[Mella aka Maron]

DNF at 31%

Thank you to Entangled and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book early. Unfortunately, this was not a book for me. All of the below is my own opinion.

There is a line in the summary, “And when Aren accidentally triggers [a Ring], she gets tied to the curse too. If he dies, so does the Kingdom. If she walks away, she will take the magic - and half the realm - with her.” At 31% into this book… this plot point has NOT happened yet. ☠️ Maybe it’s worded incorrectly and this never literally happens? I’m very frustrated about this and think it’s misleading… but if it’s in your summary, it needs to happen before 1/3 of the book!

This book was pitched as The Princess Bride meets Wheel of Time. There are VERY small details that are a tiny bit similar to both of these books but ultimately, I don’t think the comparisons measure up. There is a tiny bit of sass similar to The Princess Bride and it’s a sort-of gender bent version of the romance, but if you come looking for the hilarity and ingenuity the Princess Bride gives… you’ll be disappointed. As for WoT… it’s a lot to fill Robert Jordan’s shoes. There are certain plot points that kind of line up to WoT (an evil villain who controls creatures who attack people and the chosen one male who can’t control magic) - but the world-building is severely lacking and the magic system is now where near as cool.

The characters are very… bland in my opinion. We have the typical snarky female with a self-assured, kind of pompous prince. I’ve seen it done so many times, I’m just tired of it. Neither one brings any new elements to romantasy. I’m just bored with them. Their “banter” is typical and just… there.

He likes her immediately, says he’s “never met any girl like her” the moment he lays eyes on her. She says he’s so tall that he “makes her feel so womanly looking up at him.” No thank you. 🙂‍↔️

The writing style is surprisingly… stark? It’s not beautiful prose; it doesn’t enhance the experience of reading. It is a means to an end and that saddens me. This is the first book I’ve read by de la Cruz and I’m not excited to read more. (Unfortunately I have another ARC of hers. 😭)

I hope that others will like this book more than I do. I am deeply saddened that I did not like this as I thought I would with the comp titles. If you want a book that’s much more akin to The Princess Bride (and has a sassy female dragon, a cinnamon roll monk, and a feisty female who is not boring), try The Knight of the Trove by Holly Rose.

[Faeofashandpayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rings of Fate by Melissa De La Cruz was such a fun, banter-filled, adorable romantic fantasy adventure.

From the very first chapter I was hooked on our FMC, Aren. She’s fiercely loyal, does everything in her power to protect the people she loves, and somehow still manages to attract some very unwanted attention. She is peak feisty barmaid energy and I loved her immediately.

Dietan, our MMC, comes across as the classic arrogant, devastatingly handsome prince… but beneath that exterior he’s just a man trying to right past mistakes and keep his people safe. And yes, I ate that up.

The adventure itself was such a good time, and the tension between Aren and Dietan? Exactly what you want from a slow burn. While this isn’t a spicy read, the romance scenes we do get are incredibly satisfying. It’s mostly angst, longing, and tension for the majority of the book—and honestly, that made it even better.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and would absolutely read more from this world.

✨ Perfect for readers who love:
• Unique magic systems
• Slow burn romance
• Tension & angst
• A feisty barmaid FMC
• An arrogant prince MMC
• Secrets, lies & adventure

This one’s for you 💫

Thank you so much to Michael Joseph for the proof copy of this amazing book—I’ll cherish it forever.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Barmaid who doesn't believe in fairytales and a Prince who's cursed by it...what can go wrong?

I loved this new start of a fantasy series by Melissa de le Cruz so much. It was fun, fast paced and delivered my catnip: magic, angsty characters and a fate that will not be denied. If you enjoy complex characters, a lot of humor in a setting that has me longonging to visit and more then get ready for the first book in the Curses and Crown series, Rings of Fate.

Melissa de le Cruz is a talented storyteller who is a master at keeping the story moving, giving readers characters that just brim with life within the pages and a story that completely captivated me all the way to the end. If you haven't checked out any of her books (she has several YA series and others) then I highly recommend you check her backlist out. This is truly an author who could teach a master class on writing such compelling books with complexly layered characters in fantastical worlds.

I was gifted the book ARC from Red Tower books and I give this a 5/5 and highly recommened.

[Cyd’s Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.0 stars.

I quite enjoyed this, it’s an easy engaging read. I was abit thrown off in the beginning about quite how big a roll marriage or the mirage of marriage would take, it does keep things intimate and unified though giving our characters a clear reason to follow through on this alliance.

The world building is good and I really do wonder if there’ll be another book because the ending made me feel like it’s not over and I’d absolutely be happy to continue the story. This is a lil spicy but it’s definitely a more plot focused read. I wish we got more of the side characters as I liked them on page and thought they would bring more to the table if I’m being honest.

[Mary S]

Prepare yourself for a fantasy romance that will sweep you off your feet! This captivating tale is bursting with emotion, laced with danger, and filled with characters you won’t forget.

From the very first page, this book took my breath away! Melissa de la Cruz has once again crafted a literary jewel that is nothing short of dazzling and completely addictive. She transports us to a vividly imagined world brimming with peril and adventure. Every nook and cranny in this book is utterly captivating. Each scene crackles with intensity that you simply can’t ignore.

This thrilling journey is only just beginning, and I can hardly contain my excitement for the next installment in the series!

Many thanks to the publisher and the fabulous Melissa de la Cruz for the advanced reader copy.

[Abbi Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the opportunity to read an ARC of this book and I’m so glad I did. This book got me out of my reading slump and I can’t wait till more of this series comes out!

I will be buying the published version when it comes out 1/6/2026!

[Amy Weston · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This was a fun and easy to read fantasy following a barmaid helping a prince on his quest. The story was refreshing, despite following a traditional style plot it managed to feel unlike anything I've read lately. I also really enjoyed having a less stereotypical fmc, a barmaid who was confident and not particularly feminine.

For the most part the book was fast paced but into the second half of the book there were some parts that I think could have been cut out to make for a more gripping story, but also some of the ending felt a little rushed.

Overall I had a really fun time reading Rings of Fate and would recommend it.

Thank you Penguin Michael Joseph for the early proof copy of this book.

[Sandra's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ARC REVIEW ✨️
This adult romantasy was fun and fast-paced! This epic journey begins with prince Dietan traveling through towns looking for a bride, but not really! He's bound by ancient magic the rings of Fate, and they're slowly killing him. He travels to find a way to get them removed! Aren, the barmaid from Ravens Beak, agrees to a fake engagement to travel to the waste land for the prince . The characters are unforgettable. The world build is unique but common in ways. You'll enjoy the journey, the politics, and the banter! Stalking kilandrar made me mad every time they made an appearance . I truly loved this enchanting journey with the with the prince and the barmaid.
Thank you, Melissa De La Cruz, and Entangled Publishing for the physical ARC I really enjoyed reading in exchange for my opinion!

[claire ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad…but definitely took me a while to get through. I think I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the plot at times didn’t flow smoothly with all the traveling they did. It dragged at first but then seemed a little rushed the last 100 or so pages—like a lot happened in those pages lol. I did enjoy that we got both POVs of Aren and Dietan though!

*I received a physical arc that was sent to the bookstore I work at :)*

[Jirinka (sony08) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. Good, fast paced story with likable characters. Slightly too lo g in places hence four stars, but a well thought out story.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Medieval alternative world fantasy, fairytale-esq humour and romance, where magical artefacts are the difference between winning a war and losing it. Unfortunately here Prince Dietan stole the artefacts as a child and would really, really like to give them back. But can’t. If only he can gain some self-confidence that wouldn’t matter. As war looms maybe strangely Dietan goes on a tour to find a bride. Aren a small village barmaid doesn’t see it, but just needs to realise she has so much to offer. The Prince and herself. Let the fairytale play out.. Thank you to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Sophie.K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok so I have LITERALLY just finished this book…the last 30% was so much better than the first part of the book, I have to admit I nearly DNF as I just found the beginning of the book so all over the place and jumpy and just very, very random. There didn’t seem to be a lot of character introduction or development and it was more just like oh yes these people are now in love! I think it would’ve been great if the side characters would’ve had some more page time too, Dietans mates seemed fun and also Arens sisters, would have been nice to get to know their relationship a bit more too. HOWEVER, I am very glad I stuck with this book because like I said, it got a lot better towards the end it was just a shame it was such a slog to get there! 3.5 stars from me, I would like to read book 2 if there is going to be one where we can hopefully get some more character development and back story.

[rachel x]

"Princess Bride meets The Wheel of Time, in an epic romantasy where a sharp-tongued barmaid and an infuriatingly handsome prince agree to a fake engagement to stop a deadly magical power.

i haven't loved de la cruz in the past but i love the sound of this one!

[Wendy LeGrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

The trope of Romantasy, or romantic fantasy, is a relatively new one for me and Rings of Fate by Melissa De La Cruz was a delightful addition to my rapidly growing library of titles I have thoroughly enjoyed.

I at once felt a kinship with Aren of Evandale. She was a loyal daughter running the Raven’s Beak tavern for her ailing father and mothering over her younger twin sisters. She was all about putting others first and seeing to everyone’s needs before her own. This is not the life she imagined for herself, but these are the cards she was dealt and she’s bound and determined to find suitable husbands for her sisters so that she can finally get out from under the tavern and explore a life of her own. How fortuitous that the crown prince of Loegria has come to her small village looking for a wife.

Prince Dietan of Loegria has indeed come to the small village of Evandale, but seeking a wife is only a cover for what he has planned. And when Aren stumbles upon what his true intentions are, she’s dragged into something she never would have imagined in all her lifetimes.

Armed with her wits, a plethora of herbs and spices and her trusty skillet, Aren embarks on a fantastical journey with Dietan in what seems like an impossible mission: a way to save the kingdom from an impending war with forces that seem impossible to beat, unless Dietan can retrieve and harness the power of the Rings of Fate.

This story really drew me in. I was very invested in the journey right along with Aren and Dietan. For someone who kept claiming she was just a barmaid, Aren sure did save Dietan’s life a lot! But he saved hers in return and I loved how well they worked together and kept each other going on their long and dangerous journey. What I loved the most was how Aren never treated Dietan like he was a prince. She initially treated him like he was an annoying younger brother, and as the journey continued, they were like an old married couple who bickered constantly.

There were so many characters that endeared themselves in my heart and like all stories that include danger, war, and dark forces, the loss of some hurt my heart. The last 20ish percent of the story had my heart in my throat, hoping and praying the good forces would prevail over the evil. I finished the story with a huge smile on my face, and excited to see what is in store next for Aren and Dietan!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely swept me away from the very first chapter. Melissa de la Cruz has created a dazzling, addictive fantasy that I am already calling my new favorite of hers. The world is vivid, dangerous, and utterly enthralling, from the smoky corners of the Raven’s Beak tavern to the dark magic radiating from the cursed Rings of Fate. Every scene crackles with tension and heart.

Aren Bellamore is a phenomenal heroine: fierce, grounded, and brimming with grit, refusing to let anyone dictate her life. Prince Dietan, weighed down by a curse that is slowly killing him, is the perfect match, mysterious, noble, and aching with the burden he carries. Their fake engagement, their perilous journey, the political traps closing around them, and the monstrous Kilandrar stalking their path all build into a story that is impossible to put down. And the chemistry between them? Electric, undeniable, and beautifully paced.

This is fantasy romance at its most compelling, rich in emotion, sharp with danger, and filled with unforgettable characters.

Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy!

[❤️Tina❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this we have:
✨️Dual Pov
✨️A Cursed Prince
✨️A Grumpy Barmaid
✨️A Fake Engagement
✨️Slow Burn

Aren had me laughing out loud! From the very beginning she had me hooked, her loyalty to those she loves is unmatched. She's fiesty, sassy, sarcastic and armed with a skillet.

Deitan gives off arrogant Prince vibes, he's handsome and he knows it. Underneath it all though he's hiding a secret and trauma. He's trying to make up for his past mistakes.

This was a real slow burn, the fake engagement was a main plot points throughout but there was minimal spice, it's more focused on their journey across kingdoms. There was tension and angst, a little miscommunication which was a little annoying but luckily not too much of it so it didn't take away from their story and how they are drawn to each other amongst all the battles they face.

“𝗜𝗳 𝗜’𝗱 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝗽, 𝗜 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿.”

I enjoyed this story but I feel like the ending definitely left room for more from this world too.

Thank you so much to Michael Joseph for the copy of this for my honest review 🫶

[Amy Longhurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

aren had me from the start. she’s carrying the weight of her family, holding everything together, and doing it all without complaint even when it clearly costs her. watching her step outside that role and into something far bigger was so satisfying, especially alongside dietan.

their journey was easily my favourite part. aren downplays herself constantly, yet somehow she’s always the one pulling him back from the edge. their relationship never feels unbalanced. she challenges him, calls him out, and refuses to put him on a pedestal just because of who he is. the way their trust grows feels earned, and their banter made them feel real in a way i didn’t expect. by the end, they had that quiet, steady partnership that just works.

the side characters surprised me with how attached i became to them, which made the harder moments sting that much more. the final portion of the book had me genuinely stressed in the best way. i closed the book already missing these characters and needing to know where aren and dietan’s story goes next.

this one completely pulled me in, and i’ll be picking up the next book the second it’s available!!!!

thank you so much for the e-arc penguin michael joseph!!!

[Blair Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first experience ever with Melissa de la Cruz ever was her Blue Blood series. Since then I have loved her. When I saw that she had Rings of Fate coming it was mandatory reading for me. I did find out after that people were tying it Princess Bride. Now I did always like the movie, but I could live without it. Don’t crucify me… But in the end a curse…fake engagement between a barmaid and a prince…sign me up. Over all I liked the story. I liked the worldbuilding and I thought the characters were solid. I liked Aren. I thought she was overall a great character and I think her character development was great. I also think that Prince Dietan trying to protect her by getting her to leave was great but in the end they both worked together really well.
I am excited to see where this goes next! I can’t wait to do a reread through audio next!

Thank you to Entanged and Red Tower for the complementary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jaylynn Schubauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. What a wild ride of a journey. This book is full of action, adventure, banter, secrets, magic, and funny moments. While it did feel a little long and repetitive at times, it was still a good story.

I really liked the relationship between Aren and Dietan. I love a good fake relationship because you know real feelings always come out. I love that Aren was able to hold her own on the journey and that she was the one to save him. She uses her intelligence to her advantage and comes up with some great plans. I liked that Dietan wasn’t your typical Prince and that he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He did whatever he could to protect Aren. The banter between these two kept the book interesting for me. It is a very slow burn but it’s worth it.

Thank you to Red Tower for a copy of this arc.

[Hilary McNeill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up late into the night finishing this - one, because I had too much coffee on Christmas but mostly because I got hooked into the story! I was so honored to receive a physical ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I can see why Melissa de la Cruz said this is her favorite novel she has written! The banter and relationship between Aren and Dietan is great! The story did not go where I thought it would - I cannot wait to see where their story goes in the next books!

I absolutely devoured this book! Aren is so relatable - eldest daughter syndrome alert! Dietan is the playboy prince with a secret. They agree to a fake engagement out of necessity and embark on a wild journey with the fate of the kingdoms at stake. I really enjoyed being on the journey with Aren and Dietan and seeing their motivations. I love that Aren is strong yet vulnerable.

If you’re a fan of fake relationships, headstrong FMCs, and lots of banter, look no further! Add Rings of Fate to your TBR today!

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rings of Fate delivers humor, intrigue, and an epic journey as a barmaid and a crowned prince team up to save two kingdoms. The writing was entertaining and engaging, though a few sections felt a bit redundant. That said, the final portion of the book truly shines, with a faster pace that kept me invested until the end. Readers should note there is some mild spice and occasional language, but these moments are easy to skim without losing important details. Overall, a fun and enjoyable ARC read.

[Stacey Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC by the author. I loved the unique world and the banter. The story swiftly pulled me in and kept me intrigued. The story closed out without a deliberate cliffhanger, I’m still aching to know what happens next.

[Molly Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the eArc!

Aren and Dietan strike a deal to help both of them and it takes them on quite the adventure! I found this book to be fast paced and loved the banter between Aren and Dietan!

My only issue with the storyline was the back tracking the author had to do to explain a few things that happened in previous chapters. That got confusing- hence the 4 star rating.

Overall a great read! I can’t wait for book 2!

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rings of Fate opens the magical Curses and Crowns romantasy series by Melissa de la Cruz. Aren is a humble barmaid, Dietan a prince bound to the Rings. When they set out in search of a way to free him, they fake an engagement, only to find very real feelings complicating matters along the way.

An evil usurper returns to threaten Dietan’s kingdom, and the only force capable of stopping him is the power of the Rings of Fate. Bound to Dietan since childhood, the Rings have long been an unavoidable part of his life, but with war looming, what was once endured becomes untenable. Dietan and Aren set out across the kingdom in search of a way to remove the Rings without killing him, so that their power can be returned to its rightful wielder and the realm saved in the process.

The author’s worldbuilding hooked me from the very beginning, from its streets to medieval-style taverns full of raucous drunks, carriage rides, and inn rooms. De la Cruz lays the foundation so subtly that I was transported each time I picked this up. The political and cultural details are as strong as the physical setting. It’s a remarkably tangible fantasy world.

Aren and Dietan are characters who are quite well-formed and relatable. Neither is perfect, and their communication skills could be better. There were moments I grew frustrated with them, Aren in particular. She is confident at the beginning of the story, but becomes inconsistent as her vulnerability grows. While that shift is realistic, the swing between the two felt overemphasized at times, though not enough to ruin the tale. It was enjoyable to watch their attraction to one another grow, even as it made the danger more complicated.

Melissa de la Cruz writes in a style that is clean, accessible, and quietly controlled, with a strong emphasis on forward motion over flourish. The sentences prioritize clarity, conveying events and emotions without ornamental language. The third-person narration, following Aren and Dietan, pays close attention to public moments, logistics, and consequences rather than extended inner monologue, which keeps the pacing brisk. Major developments arrive efficiently, and the prose carries a lightly traditional, storybook cadence that suits the premise without feeling archaic or overly stylized.

Rings of Fate is a strong beginning to a new romantasy series. Readers are gently guided into the story, which moves at a steady pace and quickly becomes easy to sink into. I’m very much looking forward to what comes next. Readers who enjoy both fantasy and romance will find this an engaging read, though it will work best for those over eighteen due to the adult nature of some scenes.

Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓🤓— A compelling start to a promising series, with binding magic, growing danger, and complicated hearts.

Let's Discuss: Would you want power like the Rings of Fate if it came at a personal cost you couldn’t escape?

I read a digital copy made available by Entangled Publishing, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I will not let him break up with me in front of this entire town before we are even fake-married.”

I devoured this book in one night: sleep was sacrificed willingly and without regret. If something is even whispered to have Princess Bride vibes, I am legally obligated to read it. Melissa de la Cruz has crafted a romantasy that is clever, charming, and just self-aware enough to know when to wink at the reader ✨

We follow Aren: a gloriously feisty barmaid with a razor-sharp tongue, chronic eldest-daughter syndrome, and a truly impressive ability to underestimate her own worth. And then there’s Dietan: a prince who made one truly spectacular bad decision in his youth (sir, why are princes like this) and is now racing to fix it before war breaks out. The best part? He actually does things. Gets dirty. Takes responsibility. We love growth. We love effort 👏

From the smoky chaos of the Raven’s Beak tavern to the deeply ominous, absolutely-not-good vibes of the cursed Rings of Fate, this world is vivid, dangerous and ridiculously immersive. The pacing snaps along, the magic intrigues without overwhelming and every chapter practically dares you to put the book down (spoiler: you won’t). I laughed out loud. I clutched my chest. I muttered, oh COME ON just kiss already more than once 😩

Aren is peak “don’t test me” energy, balancing competence, insecurity and top-tier sarcasm. Dietan proves that accountability, humility and competence are extremely hot, actually. Their fake relationship is trope perfection: banter ✔️ denial ✔️ yearning ✔️ emotional damage ✔️ You know the feelings are coming out. They know it. Everyone knows it. And yet: delicious agony 🔥

This is a slow burn heavy on angst, longing and tension rather than spice and honestly? Chef’s kiss 👌 The restraint makes every romantic moment hit harder and feel earned. Add in action, adventure, secrets, magic, and genuinely funny moments, and you get a romantasy that is thrilling, tender, and wildly entertaining.

Thank you so much to @authormelissadelacruz @redtowerbooks @entangledpublishing for gifting me this physical ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rings of Fate by Melissa de la Cruz
(Curses & Crowns, #1)
eARC read via NetGalley
Rating: 4 star (3.75 star rounded up)

A well-written romantasy that follows Aren, a witty barmaid, and Dietan, a Prince who is seeking to undo a mistake he made in his youth to protect his country from the evil forces seeking to start a war.

For Dietan to accomplish his goal, he accepts his families wish for him to seek a wife, and under this ruse, Dietan parades across various towns and cities searching for his wife eventually stumbling onto Aren, the witty barmaid who does not fall for his Princely charms or title who longs for freedom and peace. After a few unexpected events, the Prince and Aren agree to a pretend engagement to aid in the Princes mission as well as a step closer to the freedom and wish to travel that Aren has craved for.

The plot was fast paced (someparts perhaps a little too fast paced again contributing towards the rating) with enough world-building and information to understand what was going on, it is very much a romantasy read. I must admit, the miscommunication trope during this read did frustrate me a lil bit and mainly the reason why I rated this as a 3.75 star, however, it was made up by the pace of the plot and the characters. I loved Aren, I found her to be relatable, especially as she is very much both elder sister and mother figure to her two younger sisters. Although not shy and meek, Aren has low self-esteem and does not see her own value. However, she has a sharp-witty tongue perfect for keeping a certain Prince in check. I found Dietan to be lovely as well and just as witty, he gives off a roguish cheeky charm.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend to other readers & I cannot wait for the second book.

[Haylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a decent romantasy novel for someone dedicated to the genre.
I’m a bookseller and received an ARC from my job. I try to read different genres to recommend titles to customers. While my rating isn’t remarkably high, it’s coming from someone who doesn’t read romantasies.
That being said, the story was very digestible, I easily read it in three sittings. I chuckled at a few moments, and found myself interested in the world building. If you are interested in romantacies and are fond of the fake dating trope, I can’t think of a reason this wouldn’t be for you.
Dietan (ML) carried the story narratively while I found Aren (FL) to be too generic to become attached to. She was described to be the “strong independent woman” type but her actions didn’t represent this well (a very common lack of show vs. tell), and it got worse throughout the story as her character’s main trait became her attraction to Dietan. While I found the dual perspectives to be refreshing at times, I was definitely more engaged when reading Dietan’s chapters. Aren felt like an accessory to his story. However, I did find Dietan’s main conflict to be repetitive, he learned the same lesson a few times. This could be intentional to his character, but I got bored of it. Phrases akin to “he could feel the rings humming in his back” became somewhat grating by the end of the book, it was just a bit clunky.
Overall, nothing too offensive and I certainly didn’t have a bad time reading, but I don’t have reason to read it again. Considered raising this rating to a four because I do believe that avid romantasy readers would enjoy this book, but I personally felt too apathetic about it to go higher than a three.