SCREAMING CRYING KICKING MY FEET

I loved this book so much!!!! Just by reading the author’s note I knew I would have loved this read so much, and the portrayal of Vaselie’s disability deeply moved me, it was so brilliantly portrayed.

The rhythm of the story was also super fast-paced, especially in the second half! Loved all the twists we got and LOVED LOVED LOVED ANTON!!! A witty, sarcastic king sAY NO MORE ?!?!?

I can’t wait to read the sequel to this incredible debut, make sure to check it out!

AD/PR Thank you again to Tandem Collective Global and Bloomsbury Export for the copy!

I can't quite put into words how lucky I feel to have received an ARC for this book. It's the kind of book I've always dreamed about receiving an ARC for, and I'm very grateful to the author and publisher.

You know when you start a book and it's so clear that not only will you love it but the story and the characters will stay with you? A Dance of Lies was like that for me. The opening chapter had me hooked, and by chapter three I'd found the first quote that has stayed stuck in my mind; "But scars are powerful things, because they show your resilience. So rise from your ashes my dear. Do not crumble alongside them."

The story within this book is full of mystery, suspense, and hope. I loved all of the characters (honestly even the villains were incredible to read about), and Vasalie definitely makes my top 10 FMC's.

The world building was fantastic! And I found the story easy to follow even with a complex plot and a lot of characters.

If you liked The Cruel Prince, and A Court of Silver Flames (especially Nesta's dancing) this is the perfect book for you.

✨ Dive into a world of secrets and seduction! ✨

Just finished "Dance of Lies" by Brittany Arena, and wow, what a ride! 💃💔 This book weaves a captivating tale of forbidden love, hidden identities, and the dangerous games people play.

Arena crafts a story where every step is a delicate dance between truth and deception. The characters are complex, their motivations shrouded in mystery, and the tension is palpable. If you love a book that keeps you guessing until the very end, this one's for you!

Perfect for fans of:
* Intense romance 🔥
* Suspenseful plots 🕵️‍♀️
* Characters with hidden agendas 🎭

Questo libro è scritto in modo meraviglioso.
La costruzione del worldbuilding è coinvolgente, vivido e meticolosamente realizzato.

Vasalie Moran una volta era una ballerina alla corte di re Illian, fino a quando non l'ha incastrata per 0m1cidio. Sopravvissuta a malapena ai suoi due anni nei sotterranei, viene improvvisamente chiamata ad affrontare il suo re. Le offre un accordo: diventare la sua spia personale al raduno reale in cambio della sua libertà.

Durante la prigionia, i suoi muscoli si sono atrofizzati.
Il dolore cronico, i problemi di salute e le limitazioni non spengono lo spirito combattivo di Vasalie.
È resiliente ed intelligente e piuttosto che lasciare che la sua condizione la definisca o la sconfigga, impara ad adattarsi rifiutandosi di nasconderlo, mostrando un potere silenzioso davvero incoraggiante e stimolante.

Al Royal Gathering (dove si incontrano tutti i governanti dei regni ) incrocia le strade con alcune nuove e misteriose figure, tra cui il fratello di Illian, re Anton, e l'enigmatico Maestro di Cerimonie, Copelan.

Anton è civettuolo e affascinante; spiritoso e divertente.
Copelan è indeciso ed esasperante.
Sono il sole e la luna.
Solarità e mistero.
Due facce della stessa medaglia.
Opposti che attraggono e che ammaliano.
Ma sono alleati o sono segretamente dei villains?

Questo è stato un debutto romantasy assolutamente fantastico con la perfetta combinazione di trama, macchinazioni politiche, romanticismo e mistero.

È un viaggio di guarigione, scoperta di sé e di libertà.
Una storia perfetta per chi ha amato le dinamiche di Midas e Auren nella serie di Plated Prisoner o avrebbe voluto conoscere meglio il background di Inej di Sei di corvi.

I loved this book! The fact this is the authors debut, is just so insane to me!

Firstly, I was crying before it even started, when I read the authors note. As a chronically unwell girlie, this was absolutely the disability representation I have been craving in a fantasy novel!

A Dance of Lies is a debut romantic fantasy, with disability representation (!!), rival kings, tension for daaaays and dangerous espionage. This is a must for your 2025 TBR

Thank you Brittney Arena, Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc

I unfortunately dnf’d this book! Although I liked the premise of the book. It became too confusing with all the different characters being added throughout!

This for me was a book that gave me conflicting feelings the first two thirds were slow and not really that compelling., it felt like lots of other books in this genre. Vasalie is a character that I struggled to like, she feels incredibly selfish as the story progresses. But she is a dancer, and the dancing is described beautifully. There is a dense plot that seems to move at a snail's pace. The last third is like a different story, it moved quicker, the plot evened out and my expectations heightened, I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough! So, suffice to say I will be picking up the next in the series as my curiosity is absolutely piqued.

Rating: 4.5 stars

A Dance of Lies follows Vasalie, who has been freed from imprisonment to do a king's bidding. A dancer turned spy, she navigates the treachorous political waters of a gathering of leaders.

This was a really enjoyable debut fantasy, and I'm glad (and heartbroken) that it's not the end of Vasalie's journey. The pacing was perfect, not a lull to be found, and I really enjoyed the immersion of Brittney's writing. She paints a beautiful world and I felt myself able to vividly picture the intricate glasswork, the stunning mosaics, Vasalie's costumes.

There were several moments that were truly heartwrenching: Vasalie's remiscence of her stepmother, that she would be disappointed in what she has had to become to survive; the betrayals on all sides; and the turmoil at the end! The last fifty pages were a rollercoaster of emotion.

Vasalie is a great character and given all she's gone through at the hands of her king (Illian—entirely evil, absolutely hated him), leaving her with chronic pain, she is so strong.

As for the romance, there is a slight love triangle but...not really, without spoiling anything I'm just glad that my suspicions were proven correct. The main love interest is definitely a character and I just loved the banter. It's not overdone, in that they're able to have a normal conversation and there's moments of vulnerability, but he's very charming and cocky and she responds with excellent snark. There aren't any open door scenes but there's definitely tension which I loved.

Oh and there's a prophecy and a fate and brewing wars and all that good stuff! A great read, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

I loved this book, I was instantly intrigued by Vasalie and really felt for her as she had been through so much but that was just the start.

I loved how we found out more about her past as well as what was happening with her currently and finding out what Illian wanted her to do at the gathering. I loved the way that the palace was described so clearly and well and I could really visualise each area that was described.

I liked watching the partnership between Vasalie and Copelan grow and loved how their dances were described, I was however, getting more and more engrossed with what the ‘bigger’ plan was and what was going to happen to Vasalie at the end of it all.

I liked that she had made genuine friendships with some of the characters but I think her ‘friendship’ with King Anton was really well written and had me hooked as it you didn’t know who could be trusted and who couldn’t so it was keeping me on the edge of my seat to see whether he was a true friend or just using her.

I was not expecting the ending that we got, it was absolutely brilliant but also heartbreaking at the same time. I think this book took me through a whole range of emotions and I honestly loved reading it.

I didn't end up finishing the book.
I think the story itself is fantastic and the way it's written is brilliant!
However for me I personally struggled to keep up with the constant introductions of new characters and I found it hard to keep up with the storyline.
I highly recommend it for fantasy lovers though!

I really enjoyed the world building and characters storylines. I did find it hard at the start to connect with the story but that changed after the first few chapters. I liked the political aspect of the story. Great representation of disability and health issues.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review the eARC!

I was really looking forward to this one, but unfortunately it just didn't resonate with me as much as I'd hoped. The plot was very interesting and I really liked the premise of it. The idea of a dancer turned prisoner turned spy was great and I loved that a lot and I think a lot of other people will also be drawn in by this! Sadly, I really struggled to connect with Vasalie as our FMC, so I had a very difficult time fully investing myself in her story and the struggles she overcame, which did ultimately put a bit of a dent in my immersion. Her personality occasionally fell a little flat for me and didn't shine through as well as it could have. There were a few times I found it difficult to really put my finger on how exactly she was feeling in certain situations, we're given an insight to her thoughts, but I struggled to really connect with being able to feel what she felt.

Vasalie is a dancer who has been set up for a murder she didn't commit. She spends two years of her life in prison, until she's offered a deal from King Illian to become his spy in return for her freedom, however the condition is that she must earn a spot performing for the kings of the kingdoms in a few weeks. At this point Vasalie's journey to recovery begins.
My main issue with this premise is that it's a very short time frame for her to have recovered from her years in prison. Her condition is described as being very poor, she has severe muscle atrophy, a heart condition, she struggles to keep any food down once out of prison (so I would assume she's badly malnourished as well) and she can barely stand or walk for long periods without fainting, there would also be the lasting mental trauma she went through from the betrayal and being wrongly imprisoned for years. Yet we're led to believe that she's recovered enough from multiple chronic illnesses within a few weeks to dance and perform to a reasonably impressive level again.

I do, however, understand that this was intended to be set up as an impossible task from Illian, it did feel like he was essentially setting her up for failure and from his POV it was unexpected that she would prevail and prove him wrong. Despite the short time frame this could also be seen as a real testament to Vasalie's strength and resilience even in the face of an impossible task, which is a great show of her character.

The writing was lovely and very immersive. The writer really set the scene well with just the right amount of description that I felt I could really clearly and accurately imagine what was happening at every moment. The pacing was decent, it didn't feel overly dragged out and there was a good balance of faster paced scenes that were heavier on the movement/action, and slower scenes more focused on dialogue and Vasalie's internal thoughts.

Overall I think this is a very unique story with a beautiful world and characters that have a lot of room for growth. There's mystery, twists and turns, high stakes and romance and I think this will appeal to a lot of people even if it wasn't necessarily my cup of tea!

I absolutely loved this book. This book has helped me get out of my reading slump and although the first half of the book was less amazing, I really enjoyed this book and found myself wanting to read more and more. If there was a second book to this I would definitely read it. I absolutely loved the relationship between Vasalie and Anton I just wish there was more of this because I am left craving more! I would definitely recommend this book to romantasy fans!

Thank you to net galley, the publisher and of course Brittney Arena for allowing me to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A Dance of Lies

I was over the moon to be accepted for an eARC of this book through Netgalley, thanks you so much Bloomsbury! I've heard so many great things and I'm happy to say they lived up to every single one.

What to expect

Multiple love interests
Chronic pain rep (caused my physical trauma)
Political plots
Lots of TENSION
Found Family vibes

What I loved immediately about this book is the portrayal of the FMC Vasalie. After being the King's Jewel and dancer for so long to being imprisoned for 2 years leaving her with a chronic pain condition as well as many other physical and emotional limitations, she was still so strong. Even though I didn't always agree with her choices I thought she was so brave and admired her fight to survive. I wish she wasn't so easily forgiven, she did some truly terrible things but, I did like that she had some darkness to her.

All the characters were well written with so much depth, including many amazing side characters.

The worldbuilding was beautifully written, with lots of description, but Brittney wrote this in a way that was easy to read and understand. I did seem to gloss over some of the lore about the fates etc, but it didn't ruin the book for me. I loved how all the dancing was described in detail, so rich you could almost see the performance as you were reading.

I don't want to go into a huge amount of detail about anything as I loved the twists and turns in this and I think it's much better to go in blind like I did!

But you won't regret picking this one up! 5 stars and definitely recommend.

A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena is a beautifully written and gripping fantasy romance filled with court intrigue, betrayal and a protagonist who refuses to break, no matter how much the world tries to shatter her.

I was particularly drawn to this book because of its brilliant representation of chronic pain, which was both relatable and well-portrayed. As someone who experiences chronic pain myself, I appreciated how Vasalie’s struggles, both physical and emotional, were woven into the story in such a raw and authentic way.

Vasalie was once King Illian’s prized dancer, but when he framed her for a murder she did not commit, he locked her away in the dungeons for two years, knowing full well she was innocent. Now he offers her a deal. Spy for him at a royal gathering or be exposed as a murderer. But after years of imprisonment, starvation and abuse, Vasalie is not the same dancer she once was. With her body weakened and pain threatening to consume her, she must regain her strength and prepare for the most dangerous performance of her life.

I liked Vasalie as a character. She was strong, determined and unwilling to be controlled, even when faced with impossible choices. The court politics were filled with tension and deception, keeping me on edge as she navigated the treacherous game Illian was forcing her to play. The dance scenes were beautifully detailed, making them feel almost hypnotic, and the story’s twists kept me guessing throughout. The ending was dark and left me desperate for the next book.

If you love fantasy books with court intrigue, morally grey characters and high stakes, this is one to add to your list. I will be keeping an eye out for book two.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

This book captivated me from the very start. The author did such an amazing job creating intrigue, and wanting to find out more about Vasalie’s past life I was flying through the pages.

The characters had great depth, the world building felt well developed and I loved the mystery surrounding all the characters with little hints before revealing more detail!

I wasn’t too sure if I’d get fed reading about a dancer dancing before I started this book, but it is so well written and truly captivating. And it’s like a dance with its twists and turns that kept me flying through the pages.

I can’t wait for the sequel! I need more Anton!!!

A Dance of Lies is a spellbinding debut that effortlessly blends political intrigue, slow-burn romance, and a fierce fight for freedom—all set against the backdrop of a kingdom teetering on the edge of war. With a protagonist who is as broken as she is unbreakable, Brittney Arena delivers a gripping romantasy that hooks you from page one and refuses to let go.

Vasalie Moran is a former court dancer whose grace once captivated kings—until one of them, King Illian, framed her for murder. After two years in the darkness of his dungeons, Vasalie is offered a brutal bargain: serve as his spy at the month-long royal Gathering or remain imprisoned. What follows is a high-stakes game of deceit, survival, and power, as Vasalie walks a dangerous tightrope between loyalty and betrayal, all while haunted by a past she can’t escape.

Vasalie is a standout heroine—not because she’s invincible, but because she’s vulnerable and real. The trauma she carries, both physical and emotional, is portrayed with sensitivity and nuance. Her pain is ever-present, but so is her strength. Her journey from a shattered prisoner to a woman reclaiming her agency is incredibly moving, and her resilience is a core strength of this novel.

Arena’s writing is fluid and evocative, with moments of lyrical beauty that enhance the intensity of the story. The pacing is tight, the action scenes pulse with tension, and the emotional beats land with impact. Though the world-building leaves a bit to the imagination, the focus on character dynamics, court politics, and moral dilemmas more than makes up for it.

The romantic tension in A Dance of Lies is palpable, with a love triangle that leans more into complexity than cliché. Vasalie’s conflicting feelings are handled believably, and while some readers may find themselves torn between the love interests, it’s her internal struggle and growth that truly drive the romance. One particular character—Anton—is an absolute standout, bringing wit, charm, and depth to every scene he’s in. His charisma and banter provide the perfect counterbalance to the darker elements of the story.

What makes A Dance of Lies shine is its unpredictability. Motives are murky, alliances shift, and no one—not even the reader—is safe from betrayal. The final twist is jaw-dropping and sets the stage for an explosive sequel that I’m already desperate to get my hands on. This is a must-read for readers who crave morally grey characters, political intrigues, and heroines who fight tooth and nail for their freedom. A Dance of Lies is a stunning debut that promises even greater things to come.

I feel like this could have been a good standalone but it turns out it isn’t! It was written like a standalone up until the last few chapters, where it becomes clear the author is intending for a sequel 🫠 I didn’t love the characters or the world enough to be excited to return to it in the future, hence my rating. But I do have to admit the reading experience itself was enjoyable overall. Here’s a spoiler free breakdown below:

Vasalie is a dancer imprisoned by King Illian, freed after two years in captivity to spy for him at a royal Gathering of sorts. He framed her for a murder she didn’t commit (we don’t know why as he was apparently in love with her prior) and he uses said murder to blackmail her to do his bidding.

<i>Things I enjoyed:</i>

🔸 There was a good balance of action and romance, neither overpowering the book

🔸 The plot was well paced, and I found it intriguing and unputdownable. I simply needed to know how the story ended! Kudos to the author for keeping the reader engaged

🔸 The writing was good and there were some lovely descriptions. There was also a good attempt at world building

🔸 Unique concept - I’ve not read about a dancer in a romantasy before, and I liked that she had a disability that was not visible. I think that aspect of her character was tackled well, and was a consistent feature of the book, not just a ‘disability rep’ tick box


<i>Things that didn’t work for me:</i>

🔹 Unfortunately, despite the engaging plot I didn’t feel like I actually liked the characters at all. I just never connected to Vasalie, and I’m not sure why. There was a found family aspect to this novel too but again, I found myself not caring, despite knowing I should!

🔹 Similarly, as there are multiple love interests, the amount of character building they each get is quite shallow. I never got to root for any of them, because the FMC jumped between them so much. (Sidenote, and mild spoiler: Vasalie gets annoyed at love interest A when he stops pursuing her in favour of another but all the while I felt like she was also flirting with love interest B?! I was like girl, you’re one to talk 👀). The whole almost love triangle didn’t work for me.

🔹 Lacklustre world building - where is this novel set? I kind of imagined it as ‘The South’ in GoT but that was just off pure vibes. I wish there was more detail and imagery about the world this is set in.

🔹 Lastly, I just didn’t believe all the political intrigue and scheming. When we find out Illian’s motive for imprisoning Vasalie … I was like ‘really?’ … just didn’t seem believable. Same with some of the twists and turns towards the end. Again, I blame characterisation as some people’s motivations were just not making sense.

Overall, I guess I enjoyed this to a degree, and it may motivate me to read the subsequent books. But I’ve read better romantasy than this. The plot and the romance reminded me of [b: Throne of Glass|76703559|Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1673566495l/76703559._SY75_.jpg|11138426] by SJM (which I didn’t enjoy) because everyone is just head over heels in love with the FMC for not apparent good reason. Granted, this wasn’t as bad as ToG.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 3 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it.

The description sounded good, unfortunately I was just bored throughout. It dragged, nothing gripped me and I just didn't care about any of the characters by the end.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.