As always, thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book! Unfortunately, despite loving this one from the blurb, I really did not gel with this at all.

My main issue with this book is that it’s far too overwritten, with unnecessary flowery prose making up so much of this book that it just felt exhausting to read.

One chapter could have been five if we just got to the plot and didn’t feel the need to overly describe everything.

What I will say is that this is still an impressive debut novel, the writing style just didn’t hit for me. The cover art is absolutely stunning and it’s always nice to see disability/chronic illness rep in books, particularly in the fantasy space.

3.5 rounded down.

I enjoyed the read overall, but just felt like there were a lot of flaws. The setting was neither here nor there, and I struggled to really get a vibe and immerse myself, and the characters weren't overly likeable - I struggle a lot to get involved with a story if there isn't enough characterisation or setting, and this book didn't really pull through with either for me unfortunately, I loved the blend of plot with romance, and felt like the two were really well balanced, which was great, as I do think a lot of books tend to lean too far in one direction for me.

I thought the chronic pain/disability representation was quite well done, rather than just shoehorned in,

I personally wouldn't read again, and don't feel like I want to know more from this world - it was an okay read, and I'm happy with what I managed to learn from this read.

We were delighted to interview debut author Brittney Arena for Episode Thirteen, Season Eight of the SFFRomCast, about A Dance of Lies - out very soon! You can check out our discussion with her via the links below.

A Dance of Lies is a romantasy set in a richly imagined world, with a full cast of interesting characters, twists and turns galore, and a heroine you will root for from the start!

Vasalie Moran was the Jewel of King Illian's court. She danced for him and shone for all. But then she was accused of murder and spent two long years, shackled and alone in the castle dungeons. She was freed only at a great cost - to become a spy at the Royal Gathering and feed back information of what occurred there. If she refuses or fails she will return to the dungeons but if she acquiesces her life may still be forfeit, as danger lurks from every angle at the Royal Courts.

I initially enjoyed the set up for this story, as well as figuring out who to trust or not in this vast cast of characters. This intrigue continued throughout and I did not see the twists coming ahead of time as there were many characters and all had reason to betray the other.

What I didn't appreciate about this novel was that the disability rep was something I was excited to see featured inside a fantasy novel, but elements of it only seemed to appear on occasion. Sometimes the protagonist could work through her pain and dance for long sections of time and on others she blacked out and had to be carried when her movements proved too much for her. When this was, seemed inconsistent to me but read other reviews from those who have more authority over the accuracy than I, as I'm not speaking from personal experience just my opinions on the novel.

The author's biography states she has had a challenging health journey and perhaps elements from her personal struggles were drawn into the novel. I really don't was to disrespect anyone I just wish the reader had been privy to even an explanation that disabilities are not all visible and they can fluctuate. Without this, it just seemed like it disappeared when appropriate and for the continuation of the novel.

Lovely, I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to the writer, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book.

I absolutely loved how magical and fairytale-esque (I know made up word oops) this world was! The writing was beautiful and so poetic, so many quotes I want to remember.

A Dance of Lies has to be one of my favourite books of the year. I gobbled it up in just over a day!
✨️ Fantasy romance
✨️ A dangerous bargain
✨️ Royal courts
✨️ A dancer
✨️ Spying
✨️ Chronic pain/ Disability rep
✨️ Debut author

From hilarious banter, to spice, to emotional devastation, A Dance of Lies will make you feel it all. I was completely swept up in the story of this heart-wrenching fantasy romance. I loved that there were multiple potential love interests and that you didn't know where it was going.

Vasalie was a brilliant main character. Her determination, passion, resilience, vulnerability and strength shone through. The chronic pain and disability representation was brilliant. As a disabled person with chronic pain, I felt seen right from the heartfelt author's note at the start.

The wondrous descriptions of the world were so beautiful, and those of Vasalie dancing and how she felt as she danced were completely immersive. No one has brought dance to life through words for me as Arena has.

I absolutely love the colourful cover design. Please tell me someone is producing a beautiful special edition of A Dance of Lies?

I need Book 2 now! Thank goodness that Brittney Arena has confirmed that she's already written it!

💃 Court politics. 💔 Emotional trauma. 🩰 And one woman who refuses to fall quietly.

Brittney Arena’s A Dance of Lies is the kind of debut that earns a permanent spot on your shelf. Vasalie is layered, flawed, and achingly human as she walks the knife-edge between freedom and destruction. Arena’s writing is elegant yet unflinching, never shying away from the toll trauma takes, and the ways it shapes trust, love, and identity.

The world is immersive, the prose lyrical, and the stakes oh-so-high. I devoured this in one breathless sitting and I’m still thinking about that final chapter. An emotionally charged, slow-burn spy fantasy that dances straight into your heart.

a romantasy with a disabled/chronically ill protagonist is ALL I needed to know in order to pick this up!!!

I ADORE a fantasy with a royal/court setting + political intrigue and this had all of that with a good mix of tension, romance and discussions on chronic pain. following a dancer turned spy, I adored following Vasalie's character development and found myself SO invested in the potential romance and political climate of the book.

I loved how Brittney Arena wrote about a chronic illness/disabled experience and how to have a character refuse to be defined by it (I only wish it was discussed slightly more) I did unfortunately also see the crux of the ending coming from a mileee away... however I still enjoyed it! this was so fun!

I also thought this was a standalone but after the end.... I'll patiently be awaiting a sequel announcement thank youuu

(thank you netgalley & bloomsbury for the arc)

An intense, politically driven romantasy peopled with morally grey characters and full of hard choices. This was my kind of romantasy – the fantasy plot was essential not just used as window dressing. The set up is unusual – bit like Poison Study maybe? Overall this was very enjoyable.

I honestly struggle to find the right words for this book. It tore me apart and put me back together so many times. It is just one of those books that you HAVE to read.

The characters, story and emotions are so real, honest and raw. Your emotions are at all times engaged as you devour the pages.

The story was also new and fresh, with quite a cliffhanger.

I am honestly at the edge of my seat for the next installment.

I recommend this book if you love:
🌿Court intrigue
🌿Morally grey characters
🌿Slow burn
🌿Hidden identities

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this arc

I have no idea what to do with myself. I'm heartbroken it's over.
This book immediately grabbed my attention from PAGE 1!! We were two souls in the same room, and once we made eye contact, the heat in our gaze snapped us together.

The writing was so descriptive but in the best kind of way. It's almost like it's a part of the plot, because the way Brittney writes is so lyrical and magical you can't help but be transported to the kingdom of Miridranian. The way she describes Vasalie's pain, but also passion when she dances kept me entranced. There is not a moment I wasn't enraptured and on the edge of my seat.

I loved how this felt completely different to usual standard romantic fantasies. It deviated greatly from the typical 'formula'. The female main character isn't a fighter, rather her condition restricts her from doing things by herself. Vasalie is strong willed, but her body is weak and fragile. Not only that, but her past was extremely traumatic. The way she develops from a quivering slave, to opposing her oppressor even when it costs her was inspiring.

The other characters are also deeply complex. There are characters that are TERRIFYING. There are characters that are INFURIATING. And there are characters that bury themselves so deep into your heart that you can't help but hold your breath when danger knocks on their door.

Of course, I can't review this book without talking about the romance. I'm so in love with the male main character. Their banter was EVERYTHING. It was unique and literally had me giggling at 1 AM.

"I am broken," I say.
"You are art," he says in response.

And their tension had me flipping page after page for CRUMBS and then that plot twist was so PAINFUL, I wanted to jump off a cliff (no pun intended). He makes her feel strong, but also 'saving' her when she needs it without diminishing her strength.
Thank you to Bloomsbury for this early copy.
Is it too early to ask for book 2?

Dancer, prisoner and now spy ! Suffice to say Vasily has been on a journey and now following her Kings betrayal she finds herself a pawn in a political game that just might change the fates of everyone around her . Three brothers, three Kings and yet as royalty meets to cement peace and alliances treachery and betrayal puts Vasily in more danger than she has ever felt before !
I enjoyed this book and very much lapped up the twists as the author leads us through a story of political intrigue that diverts the reader from guessing just who the romantic lead could be . My only critique is that the ending just seemed to change pace and every time I thought oh this is the last chapter with perhaps an epilogue nope here’s another chapter or four ! I was starting to think it wasn’t a series but there’s definitely a cliffhanger ending with a smidge of hope for the next book . I enjoyed the ideas here although perhaps would have liked more magic as that’s really only applies at the end. I would definitely like to read the next book and hope that the author continues to flesh out her world although if it’s villains you enjoy than this series will certainly satisfy that desire !
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts are honest and I believe fair

This was absolutely stunning. A sheer joy to read. It captured the heart of dealing with chronic pain and illnesses like it, as well as the soul of trauma and loving someone through the emotional turmoil that it brings. I haven’t loved a book this much since ACOTAR and it’ll be a long time before I get over it. Dreaming of the next one and praying it won’t be too long!

I really haven’t felt this way about a book in a long time but OMG I LOVED this! It had me hooked right from the start with Vasalie imprisoned for a crime she did not commit. I like that the romance wasn’t totally front and centre and the love interest was revealed later in the book. Plot wise, it kept me entertained throughout and all the twists and turns in the second half meant a really interesting story. Not 100% on the disability element as with all the dancing Vasalie did I was expecting more of an affect on her, but it’s nice to see representation in a book. Looking forward to continuing the series!

This book promised so much and it delivered on its promises. It drew me in from the beginning with a FMC that had suffered and even in her darkest days she hadn't fully broken, not feisty but older and more determined than other books in this genre, she rebuilds herself finding her inner strength with a desire for freedom and revenge for those that have shaped her life to this point. Clawing inch by inch through her broken life, determined not to be a plaything to those who seek to control her.

The world building, the colours, dances, places and people, it all paints a vivid picture that I could almost step into it. And I want to. The characters develop with plot twists and turns, and the book has you questioning just who they each are, and can or should they be trusted. The clever twists and turns kept me turning the pages needing to know more whilst not wanting it to end. This book is a 5 star read that I couldn't put down.

I need more…

A Dance Of Lies 🩰🍊

1. Absolutely NO WAY this is Brittney’s debut novel. I am shocked.
2. The map is absolutely STUNNING I’m already intrigued and want to visit all these places.

We’re introduced to the FMC Vasalie right at the beginning in unfortunate circumstances. She is held captive as a prisoner for King Illian, for a murder she didn’t commit. Brittney’s writing made me feel extremely emotional going into huge detail about everything, it’s as if you’re living in the shoes of Vasalie. It’s absolutely breathtaking.

Vasalie is a survivor, warrior, badass FMC, she is probably my favourite FMC that I’ve ever read. She’s been in prison for two long gruesome years untill she is summoned by Illian. He’s blackmailing Vasalie and emotionally abusing her to go undercover as a spy at The Crowns Gathering.

Before she was imprisoned she was a beautiful dancer, the kings most esteemed, the kings jewel. However after serving her time in prison because of Illian she has suffered nerve and muscle damage. She can’t flex or dance how she used to.

“My defender, my protector”

“the liar who’d promised me refuge and opulence in the comfort of his court, only to abandon me to the rats”

“My body will never be the same. I will never reclaim what I lost. I am weak, frail. I could shatter as easily as glass”

So emotional, grieving the loss of your past self and trying to adjust to the here and now. From someone who has PTSD this quote resonates with me so much, the emotion I feel and how connected I am with Vasalie, isn’t one I’ve had with a character for so long.

“He broke me, and I am too fragmented to piece myself together again”

How is Brittney capturing the emotional turmoil of PTSD so well. I’ve cried like 3 times already and only 12% in. It’s honestly incredible. Anton helps her by asking her 4 things you can see, hear, smell - I can relate to this so much, my partner uses this technique with me when I have flashbacks.

How words, touch, feel, sense can give you flashbacks. It’s so beautifully written and poetic.

She’s managed to get into the auditions on the isle of Meridian. Six weeks there forty five nights of performances. You’re on edge constantly thinking is she going to get caught? What will happen to her? And hoping and praying she won’t go back to the awful cell.

The plot just builds and builds with layers and unexpected twists throughout. We’re introduced to so many characters who we come to love and hate, we have Copelan The Master Of Revels, Laurent the Head of Staff and King Anton he’s so illusive yet charming, absolutely love the development of characters throughout the whole reading experience.

Wow I have no words other than this is absolutely incredible. Hands down the best read of the year so far and I’m so excited to see what will happen in book two.

🩰 POLITICAL INTRIGUE
🍊 FMC SURVIVOR
🩰 PTSD
🍊 ROMANTASY
🩰 ADVENTURE
🍊 MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABUSE
🩰 SLOW BURN
🍊 DISABILITY

Thank you so much Bloomsbury Publishing & Brittney Arena for the ARC via NetGalley.

Thank you @tandemcollectiveglobal and @bloomsbury_export for my gifted eARC.

The story opens with Vasalie Moran, imprisoned and seemingly without hope, until her king offers her freedom in exchange for becoming a dancer-turned-spy at the upcoming royal Gathering. What follows is a beautifully written tale filled with lyrical prose, political intrigue, and gripping power dynamics.

I was especially drawn to the complex web of court politics, which kept me engaged. The final chapters were absolutely riveting, building tension masterfully and delivering an unforgettable ending.

My only minor critique is that the book leans heavily on character development, and I found myself wishing for a bit more world-building to deepen the setting. Still, this is an impressive debut and a compelling read for fans of romantasy.

Read this if you enjoy:
🩰 love triangles
🩰 disability rep
🩰 political intrigue and royal power play

An amazing debut fantasy romance filled with hope after heartbreak, secrets, and betrayal, as a dancer-turned-spy must decide how far she will go to secure her freedom.
A super well written debut with twisty turny court politics, surreal dance scenes, plenty of potential love interests and one
HECK of an ending.

First of all thank you to netgalley and the publishers for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Well to be honest i only rated 4 stars as my reading of this was unfortunatly very interupted and stop startish. I feel if i hadnt been so interupted i may have rated higher. However having said that i really loved the FMC and i loved the disability rep.
Our fmc Vasalie is left disabled after a long imprisonment for a crime she didnt commit, when shes released she becomes a spy for a frankly very dislikable king.
She has to try and train her body so she can dance like she used to but struggles at times due to her disability.
And the ending of this book... well safe to say i definatly want to read the next book, whenever that may be since book 1 isnt even out yet lol