Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Ring and the Crown | 2014 | Melissa De La Cruz | Buy |
| 2 | The Lily and the Cross | 2017 | Melissa De La Cruz | Buy |
The Ring and the Crown is set in an alternate 1901 where the British Empire expanded through magic rather than just military might. The Franco-British Empire dominates, and young women at court must navigate a world of arranged marriages, forbidden love, and magical secrets.
Melissa De La Cruz weaves together multiple storylines following characters from different social stations. Some seek power, others seek freedom, and all must contend with a society where magic can elevate or destroy.
The duology combines historical fiction elements with fantasy, creating a world that feels both familiar and strange. Court intrigue drives the plot as characters discover that nothing at the imperial court is quite what it seems.