A Dance of Lies is an impressive and emotional debut that blends political intrigue, slow-burn romance, and rich world building with a refreshingly unique heroine at its heart. Brittney Arena delivers a fantasy tale that quietly defies convention—and in doing so, stands out from the crowd.

At the center of the story is Vasalie, a former court dancer whose life and body have both been broken by betrayal, false imprisonment, and chronic pain. When her king forces her into espionage, she must infiltrate a court of rival kingdoms under the guise of a performer and uncover secrets that could change the fate of a continent. Vasalie isn’t a sword-wielding rebel or a chosen one destined to lead an army—she’s a disabled woman navigating trauma, pain, and politics with resilience, intelligence, and quiet strength. Her character is compelling, vulnerable, and deeply human.

What truly makes A Dance of Lies shine is its thoughtful disability representation. Inspired by Arena’s own experiences with chronic pain, Vasalie’s condition isn’t sidelined or treated as a plot device—it shapes her every action and thought, and yet never defines her entirely. Her perseverance doesn’t come from superpowers or grand magic, but from grit, vulnerability, and emotional endurance.

The courtly setting is lush with tension—alliances shift, masks are worn (sometimes literally), and every interaction carries layers of meaning. The prose is elegant, especially in how Arena writes Vasalie’s dancing. Despite the physical pain, her movements on the page are vivid, graceful, and often heart-wrenching. It’s rare to see dance written with such fluidity and emotional weight.

The romance unfolds slowly, full of longing and mistrust. There’s a tangled web of affections—possibly a love triangle (or square)—but it’s handled with care. The growing connection between Vasalie and King Anton, the charming and morally ambiguous younger brother of her king, is filled with banter, tension, and emotional nuance. He’s untrustworthy in all the best ways, and their dynamic kept me turning pages.

If there’s one caveat, it’s the pacing. The novel favors emotional and political buildup over high-stakes action, especially in the first half. But if you enjoy slow-burn intrigue with strong character development and immersive worldbuilding, it’s a rewarding experience.

A Dance of Lies is a powerful debut with heart, craft, and something to say. It's not just about espionage or forbidden romance—it’s about survival, recovery, and reclaiming agency in a world built to break you. I can’t wait to see where Brittney Arena takes us in book two.

A fantastic story, full of fantasy. Glad there was a pre warning at the beginning, I think that's a really good thing to do.
Loved the plot and characters.

Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting read with a lot of potential, but it didn’t fully land for me.

I really liked the concept—a disgraced dancer forced into a world of spies, secrets, and shifting loyalties after two years in captivity. The setup was compelling and the second half of the book definitely picked up with some great twists and reveals that I didn’t see coming.

Vasalie was a refreshing main character in some ways—more vulnerable and uncertain than a lot of fantasy heroines—which I appreciated. But the way her “disability” was handled felt inconsistent and underdeveloped. It’s a great idea in theory, but it didn’t translate effectively on the page.

The writing style also felt overly descriptive at times, especially in the first half, which made it hard to stay fully immersed. That said, I did enjoy the court politics and the slow-burn tension that built toward the end.

I’m curious enough to see where the story goes next, especially after that cliffhanger—but I’m hoping for more depth and refinement in the sequel.

I loved the premise of this and I was really excited to start reading but sadly this just didn't work for me. Overall it felt too slow and nothing was really hooking me in and pushing me to want to keep reading. So sadly I don't think this is the book for me.

This book includes:
- chronic illness rep
- dancers and a dance competition
- scheming royals

I really wanted to love this book. I was so excited to encounter a FMC with a chronic illness and a love for dance, but the story did not resonate with me for some reason. I think it is possible that there were just too many characters for me to feel like I connected with any of their stories of motivations. The book is well written and has heart, just didn't click for me exactly. I would still recommend it to my friends and fellow readers. i will probably give this book another chance in the future.

I received this ebook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Brittney Arena, and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for the opportunity to review this book. This review has been posted to GoodReads check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863 and it will be posted to my bookstagram account https://www.instagram.com/tinynightingales/ and booktok https://www.tiktok.com/@tinynightingales?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I went slightly back and forth about this novel - there are a lot of cliches, but they are done well, and ultimately I think there's more to like than not. H0wever, I was really psyched when I read the note at the beginning that there would be disability rep and I was disappointed with that element. While there's good stuff about the mental element of having a disability, I felt that the physical side of it was conveniently absent most of the time. Vasalie was able to push through pain and fatigue in a way that is just not possible (or healthy!) for most people who have a chronic condition, and so might compound that expectation and misrepresents those of us living with invisible illnesses. I was invested enough in the ending that I will read the next one, but I hope Arena ups her game on the disability rep.

I really tried with this one. I wanted to love it. I gave it time. I even sat myself down and said, “Come on, just one more chapter.” But alas, I DNFed at 25%.

The pacing is painfully slow. The story keeps circling the same emotional drama without making any progress — like trudging through molasses made of angst. The main character is stuck in a repetitive loop of inner turmoil, and the descriptions feel more like filler than world-building.

Also… what in the daddy issues am I reading?? I kept waiting for some kind of payoff or explanation, but instead, I just found myself rereading the FMC’s name as “Vaseline” every time it popped up — which, unfortunately, was often.

I wish I could say more. I wish I could say something kind. But honestly? I just couldn’t force myself to go any further. I’m sorry. This one wasn’t for me.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

Thanks to the publisher for the free copy.

A Dance of Lies has one of the cleverest plot I've ever read. I can't believe to the multitude of events that happened and, most of all, still made sense in all that caos ~ and, really, it wasn't a simple task.
Expect to face a roller coaster of emotions and happenings that will leave you screaming and shaking your head in disbelief, grief and rage.
I didn't expect to love it SO much. Not only I appreciated the characters (good and bad ones), but also the idea that you don't always need someone to protect you, because sometimes you need someone who trusts you and arms you, giving you the chance to fight for yourself.

Oh stars, A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena completely swept me off my feet - and I mean that quite literally. I went in expecting a soft glide through a dancer-centric fantasy (and I’ll admit, I was a tiny bit wary...no fae? no dragons??), but instead I got a full-blown, heart-thumping, pirouetting sprint of a story that stole my breath and didn’t give it back. And let’s just say… I didn’t walk away from this book. I danced.

From the very first page, Arena's storytelling pulses with rhythm and emotion. There’s a lyrical quality to her prose that mirrors the grace of her main character, Vasalie Moran - a dancer with so much more than just stage presence. Vasalie is now firmly cemented in my list of all-time favourite characters: fierce, flawed, full of heart, and so achingly real. And the chronic illness rep? Done with tenderness and raw honesty - it hit deep, and I adored every inch of it.

The world-building here was an unexpected delight. Each kingdom under the Crowns felt lush and distinct, like stepping into a new wing of a grand theatre. And The Gathering? Ohhh I could practically hear the music and feel the floor vibrate beneath my feet during each performance. I didn’t just read this story - I lived it. The political scheming, the found family vibes, the layered consequences to real choices...it gave the whole narrative a grounded complexity that made it impossible to put down.

And now let’s talk about the banter. THE BANTER. Actual, delightful, snort-worthy lines that had me grinning like a fool. The romantic tension was slow burn perfection (Spice Meter: 🌶️ - fade to black, but emotionally loaded), and the love interest? Swoon. Pet names? Check. Lines that made me want to throw the book and scream? Double check. There’s one character who had such electric dialogue I’d fight the gods themselves for them (but also Vas, always Vas first).

I’m already feral for book two and genuinely devastated that I have to wait. Brittney Arena has officially landed on my auto-buy list, and A Dance of Lies is a solid 5 out of 5 stars. If you’re craving something emotional, sharp, and gorgeously unique, do yourself a favour and twirl straight into this one.

4.5/5 stars

Ever since seeing the gorgeous cover, A Dance of Lies has been a very highly anticipated read for me. I am absolutely delighted that this book itself is even more incredible than the cover!

A Dance of Lies is a debut romantic fantasy featuring a dancer turned spy. After Vasalie Moran is framed for a crime she did not commit, she is offered a deal to spy in exchange for her freedom. Vasalie was such a complex and resilient FMC and she is so beautifully written. The world feels so rich and I became so invested in Vasalie's story.

I felt like this first book was a little slow paced at times but I have a feeling that things will begin to speed up in the second installment.

I really wanted to love this one. The premise had so much potential, and I was genuinely excited going in. But no matter how much I tried, I just couldn’t get into it. The pacing felt super slow, and I kept waiting for something to hook me. I think it just wasn’t the right fit for me, which is a bit disappointing.

DNF.... I really wanted to love this book. The premise sounded very good to me, however, as much as I tried, and I really did, I struggled to get into it. I just felt it was super slow, and nothing interesting enough was happening to get me hooked. I do think this is a me thing, as I generally do have issues with slower-paced books as I get distracted very easily and zone in and out if i'm not fully invested in what i'm reading.

Dancer Vasalie was once King Illian’s favorite—his Jewel of the court. Until she suddenly is falsely accused of murder and thrown into prison. Two years in the palace dungeons, chained, with no hope of release. But then, unexpectedly, Vasalie is summoned before King Illian. He has a task for her. And if she completes it successfully, she’ll earn her freedom.
Vasalie must dance at the six-week Gathering, where the different realms come together to renegotiate their trade agreements. As Illian’s assignments become darker and more difficult to accomplish, Vasalie is forced to make a choice. How far is she willing to go for her freedom? At what point do you stop choosing yourself over others?

I really enjoyed Dance of Lies. This fantasy novel is Brittney Arena’s debut, and I’ve heard a second installment is on the way. That’s great news, because the story absolutely deserves a sequel!

The worldbuilding is beautifully done. It’s not a highly magical world, filled with fantastical creatures or complex systems of magic. I appreciated that—it made it easy to get into the story quickly. There’s a strong political element, but it’s easy to follow. Everything is introduced in stages, so I never found it confusing. I found the world fascinating and would love to step into it myself.
Vasalie is an interesting main character. Brittney Arena chose to incorporate her own experience with chronic illness into the book. Vasalie continues to suffer from the aftermath of her time in the dungeons—her physical strength is no longer what it used to be. I thought this was a powerful addition. It doesn’t dominate the story but is a natural and integral part of who she is. It’s great to see more representation like this—I hope it inspires other authors too!

The story unfolds gradually, pulling you deeper into the intrigue. That makes it an enjoyable and fast-paced read. The tension builds steadily. From the beginning, you’re curious about Illian’s true motivations, and the suspense only grows. It’s skillfully constructed—almost like a thriller. There are hints and foreshadowing throughout: clear enough to let you draw your own conclusions, yet subtle enough to still surprise you when revelations come.

So yes, I would definitely recommend adding this debut to your list if you’re a fantasy lover—I’ll absolutely be reading the sequel when it is released!

I had the pleasure of reading Dance of Lies thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and Tandem Collective as a VIP guest of The Big Night In 2025.

Chalk this up as a win for the chronically ill baddies!

Vasalie flees the home of her abusive father, straight into the court of an abusive (and obsessive creepy) king where she starts a new life as a dancer. One day said creepy king frames her for a murder she didn’t commit and throws her in the dungeons for TWO SOLID YEARS. When she is allowed out her body has transformed from a strong dancer to a weakened and atrophied state. Despite this Creepy King says she must infiltrate another court by getting in as a Super Duper Dancer Girl, so Vasalie must fight against the machinations of King Creep, the deadly politics of the courts, the fear of discovery by her shitty old dad AND the chronic exhaustion and pain that is her new normal.


I loved this book. Vasalie has jumped straight to the top 10 of my FMC leaderboard because she is so complex. She is ACTUALLY morally grey, she does terrible things and good things and everything in between to survive and to cope with her trauma and it’s so painfully real. She has panic attacks that a visceral and raw, she chooses the wrong people out of a craving for belonging and comfort, she is just a delicious character.

I also loved the representation of chronic illness it seemed so authentic and didn’t have one of those over-simplified “oh she overcame it with the power of love/magic/will”.

The romance in this was also super refreshing!! It’s not obvious and it’s not straightforward. It’s as complex as the characters and the plot at large and I was EATING IT UP.

I’m dying for book two which is a tragedy because I managed to bag this before it was released so SEND PRAYERS to get me through til book two 😭

Great premise with royal intrigue and chronic pain rep I connected with, but the pacing dragged under heavy, unnecessary description. Still, the political scheming kept me interested enough to maybe keep going.

“I am broken. You are art.”

I absolutely adored A Dance of Lies this book was everything I wanted in a romantasy.
I devoured this book staying up late at night to continue reading one more chapter.

A story of a young woman who is a dancer turned spy whose only chance at freedom is to get the information the king needs.

Vasalie is such a wonderful nuanced character and I loved her character arc of learning to love herself as she is & knowing she is worth more than a “prized jewel”. At the beginning of the book we meet her when she is imprisoned in a cell and shackled so tight that she has barely been able to move resulting in a long term disability & chronic pain.
She cannot dance in the way she once did, she becomes exhausted & has muscle weakness & she requires time to rest and recover if she pushes her body too hard.

Her struggle with her pain & having to learn how her body works all over again was so real and relatable. I felt so seen. Her anger at her new limitations & her mourning the life she can no longer have was so raw and real. I felt her pain deep in my soul.
As the story continues we see her learn to accept herself as she is and realise she is not less because of her disability, she just has to adapt and achieve her goals in a different way.
Her resilience and perseverance and her determination to get her freedom meant she had to make hard choices & we see her have to also deal with the consequences of those choices & how she becomes a better person.

This story is full of political intrigue, an oh so charming MMC that has great chemistry and banter with Vasalie & who loves all of her.
We also have a great cast of side characters that become true friends with Vasalie and then there’s the men who try everything to control her, who I hated with a burning passion.

The plot is quite fast paced and we have to slowly put the pieces together to see what is truly happening so there’s lots of mystery and intrigue & the ending had me screaming! I need book 2 asap!

A superbly crafted fantasy adventure full of thrills, intrigue and adventure than you've ever seen - but in the best way possible.

R E V I E W

A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena

Advanced Reader Copy provided by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC via Netgalley

☆☆☆☆☆

As far as debut novels go, this one blew me away. As an avid fantasy reader, I can usually tell within the first few chapters what might unfold or whether I am going to click with a certain narrative voice, and let me tell you, I did not predict the ending of this book and the prose had me gripped from start to finish.

Similar to Sarah J Maas' 'Throne of Glass', A Dance of Lies begins with the female main character imprisoned, staring down the barrel of a future riddled with darkness, loneliness, and maltreatment. However, much like the protagonist in 'For She is Wrath', dancer Vasalie Moran is innocent of all charges and has been imprisoned at the behest of someone she once knew, and maybe even loved.

The story begins two years after Vasalie's incarceration when she is plucked from obscurity at the whim of the King who first imprisoned her. Broken, beaten down and bereft of all hope, Vasalie has little choice but to do as King Illian bids: perform at The Gathering, a decennial celebration where the various Crowns from across the lands convene, and act as his spy in exchange for her exoneration. But with eyes upon her at all times and increasingly disquieting orders left for her to follow, Vasalie quickly realises that Illian has alterior motives beyond espionage - he is making a play for the entire kingdom of Miridran, and he is using her to do it. With new friends in her corner, surprising allies, and a sudden determination to be more than the victim the King of the West has made her out to be, Vasalie endeavours to uncover the truth behind Illian's actions, all the while engaging in a dangerous dance with foreboding partners and menacing past acaintances.

This book was addictive, with questions aplenty, clues laid out seductively around every corner and a tantalising prospective romance, or two. A five-star read for me and now an arduous wait for the sequel!

A Dance of Lies follows Vasalie, a former dancer from King Illian’s court, who was imprisoned after he framed her for murder. He offers her a deal: become his spy at the month-long royal Gathering and he'll grant her freedom.

I absolutely love purple prose, but this story was far too overwritten. I became distracted by the writing, and found myself not taking in what was actually happening in the story. I feel like the author tried to write in a lyrical and poetic style, but it unfortunately impacted the narrative in a negative way.

I found the pacing to be very slow, and the plot was predictable. I also struggled to connect to the characters, who lacked depth and personality. I was really excited to read about a character suffering with chronic pain, but I feel like the depiction was sometimes a little unrealistic.

Overall, this book wasn’t for me. However, if you enjoy fantasy books that are low on the fantasy with very poetic prose, and don’t mind a predictable plot, you may enjoy this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for providing me with en eARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF'd at a around 30%

I was still waiting for a more fantastical element to the story that was more than political intrigue and waring kingdoms. I found it difficult to get into and didnt have an urge to keep picking it up. May be my own issue as i had expected something else.

A lot of praise for this so it clearly is a me thing.