either i’m reading the wrong romantasies or i’m just not a romantasy girl

two years after the king framed her for murder, former court dancer vasalie is called before him again to hear a new offer: freedom in exchange for six weeks as his spy at the upcoming royal gathering. desperate to avoid a return to her cell, she agrees—but his orders quickly force her to question what she is truly willing to do for her freedom as she finds herself caught up in court politics and plots and allies herself with the king’s notorious brother.

a dance of lies claims to be a romantic fantasy about a chronically ill dancer-turned-spy, but it suffers from a common issue in romantasy: an apparent lack of interest in fantasy. with minimal changes, this could have been a generic historical romance until the last 10% or so. the storyline itself is… fine. predictable, but fine. the romance, also fine. i actually liked parts of the romance, although i can’t tell you what everyone saw in the FMC—she felt more like a blank canvas than a character. it’s just another paint-by-numbers romantasy (particularly light on the fantasy) that i won’t remember in a couple of months, which is disappointing, because how do you fumble such a great concept? this could have been AMAZING.

that leads me to my last complaint:

i appreciated the chronic illness/disability rep in a genre that seems lacking in diversity of all kinds, but as someone with a chronic illness myself, i can’t say i found vasalie particularly relatable or realistic. her chronic pain seemed to come and go when convenient for the plot, and she’s apparently able complete endless rehearsals, performances, and spy errands on pure willpower. i don’t want to criticize this aspect too much when this is the only romantasy i’ve come across with a chronically ill protagonist, but it would have been nice to see a more accurate depiction.

i will not be picking up book 2, but this book definitely has an audience and i’m sure a lot of people will love it. readers who prefer romantasy and romance to fantasy will probably appreciate some of the exact things that annoyed me, and i can see the MMC being absolutely beloved.

Lowkey my favourite part of this book was the cover. However, that doesn't mean I disliked the book. I mean, it wasn't my fave, but it wasn't completely atrocious!
I did really like Vasalie as a character, and the plot was reasonable and I was definitely into the book. I also really enjoyed the worldbuilding and writing, though it was a bit simplistic at times, there were descriptions that I enjoyed.
As I said, I liked Vasalie as a character, but the other characters felt a little one-dimensional. I think we could have spent more of the book developing relationships and establishing character traits.
To be honest, I'm getting a little tired of the same formula (especially on the romantic side). Everything is acotar. It feels like I'm reliving the same book over and over and over. Save me from this loop!!
In the second half, I was a little bored/tired until the ending, which did intrigue me. However, I lowkey guessed the plot twist. Cause tropes are reused and reused, as I read more books it becomes easier and easier to tell what is going to happen. Which isn't a problem when I'm engrossed and enjoying myself completely, but if I'm sort-of getting 3-star vibes, it takes away from the book.
Also a very nitpicky thing, but the names were kind of weird. I kept calling her Vaseline 😭 oops
(2.5 stars)

This was actually my third attempt at reading this book… and I think it’s officially time to call it. 🥺

The story just didn’t pull me in. I got about halfway through, but the pacing was so slow and lacked the kind of tension or stakes that make me want to keep turning the page. I kept waiting for something—anything—to hook me, but it never really came.

The writing wanted to be lyrical and beautiful, but for me, it didn’t quite land. Instead, it felt like it was trying too hard without actually drawing me into the story.

Also… why did I read so much about flour in just half a book? 😳 Like, genuinely. So much flour.

I don’t usually rate books I DNF, but if I had finished, this probably wouldn’t have been more than a two-star read for me. Just not for me, and that’s okay!

4.5⭐️!

I loved this so much!! I found it a bit slow to get into but once I was at about 50% I was HOOKED and I did not want to put this book down! The ending had me on the edge of my seat the whole time and I cannot wait for the next book 😍.

This is a more slow paced, political fantasy rather than a fast paced action packed one. You follow our main character infiltrating a court as a spy (against her will) and slowly uncovering secrets and who she can and can’t trust. There’s so much court politics and lying and manipulation which I forgot how much I loved in a book! It reminded me of the cruel prince in that way (like the plot wasn’t at all similar to be clear but just the vibes of being very political within the courts in this world).

There was also a slow burn romance that I really really loved 🥹 it was definitely more of a sub plot, but I think that made it even better 😌.

I also just loved our main character and how she grew throughout this book, she was so strong and slowly learned how to stand up for herself which I loved!

I would definitely recommend this, just go in understanding the kind of fantasy it is! 🩷

5 stars! What an amazing read. I was completely surprised by it, and I am now frothing at the mouth to get the second settlement of this duology.
This story follows Vasalie, a dancer for the Crown of Western Meridian. The story starts by her being released from prison, with the condition to work for the King on some shady business. Vasalie's imprisonment harms her mind and body so badly that she will forever have chronic fatigue, pain and muscle limitations. The fmc's chronic illness representation was beyond refreshing to read about, giving the ability for me to be able to understand and fully put myself in the main character's skin. I've been able to relate to her as no other fantasy book has ever allowed me to.
In terms of the plot, I was hooked from the beginning and thrown straight into the action. Political intrigue, secrets, lies and dark obsession are big themes in the book. I could not put this down! The romance, found family and heartbreak just had this book going straight to one of the best books of the year.
Brittney did such a wonderful job with this novel: beautiful writing, work building and stunning ambience. I will for sure be reading anything else this writer decides to publish.
Please pick up this book!

So, I almost did not continue with this book when I first started, struggling with the writing which I found to be distracting.. a lot of choppy, short, repetitive sentences, which I realised the author used for emphasis on emotions/thoughts but was used too much in such a short space that ended up annoying.

I am very happy I have the fault of being unable to DNF especially ARCs.. as this ended up one of the most original and meaningful reads for the year.

The plot and world building were unique, believable and there is room for more detail to come without being too much or too little for a first book.

But the most important aspect was the heroine and the very realistic depiction of both psychological and physical trauma, and how someone fights to get over both or live meaningfully and achieving their goals when they have been hurt, especially from people they trusted and loved.

Having being in certain situations I can attest that the author has written a sensitive, accurate and no doubt self-inspired account of what goes on, in a way that only a survivor can.

I have read some other reviews criticising this and that in terms of the heroine's choices or chronic illness, but I can tell you now that if you have even vaguely been through certain things, this will be looking into a mirror one way or another.

Could some things be better?

Yes.. the writing in the beginning as mentioned, and also the very detailed depictions of art and architecture.. they are very evocative but three paragraphs on each chapter for the rooms visited is a tad too much.

Also it never made much sense why, after some time, once trust was established, she did not disclose certain things that could have prevented events? I understand plot and such but seemed unecessarily out of character for her as she is generally very reasonable and mature all things considered.

4.5 stars for this, rounded up to 5 for GR.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an eARC.

My heart is broken please don’t tell me this is a stand-alone?? I need there to be a second book I need my HEA because that wasn’t it.. but I absolutely loved this book it was enthralling and captivated me from the beginning!

I was immediately drawn into this story! I loved the uniqueness of the FMC, her limitations as well as her strength, the impossible position she was in. And it was refreshing that I didn’t immediately know who would be the love interest. The romantic element came later and wasn’t front and centre while still adding layers to the story. Good world building and enough resolution at the end to leave me satisfied while still looking forward to the concluding volume. Great work from a debut author!

I have a love hate relationship with this book. As we’re all aware, the first part of a fantasy book is always well building which this author did a great job of. However it felt like there was nothing big happening in the beginning although there were simple things happening none of them would be enough to shock me the way that I would hope for a fantasy.

This book is labelled as romantasy and although it eventually became clear who the love interest would be it took a very long time to get there.

I almost DNF’d this book but decided to persevere. I feel like the story really got interesting around 70% of the way through. I’m glad I stuck with it and finished it. The last five chapters were insane with so much happening. I’m slightly annoyed by the ending, but it is a typical ending of a fantasy book that is starting a series.

I enjoyed the third section of this book more than the first two. It is much longer than it needs to be and while I often enjoy descriptive imagery there is too much for me in this book. I can appreciate the plot slowly unfolding, but this was a bit of a slog from start to finish. I almost dnf'd this one many times.
I can see fantasy readers enjoying this.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.

This book was just okay for me. It felt a bit all over the place. I was expecting an amazing life altering storyline for Vas about her redemption & overcoming her hardships. It seemed like that was overshadowed by her continuous added hardships & obstacles, as well as her lust. Obviously it was a romantasy but thats what lost me the most. Being plucked from isolation & abuse but somehow developing love interests with men she had only known for a couple of weeks just didn't make sense to me in the slightest. Due to the author's own story prior, I just expected way more power from Vas, more potential, to empower women to overcome the hardest stages in life without the assistance of a man. But if you want a constant damsel in distress romantasy, than this might be right for you.

My official review is posted here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7625946617

This is absolutely hands down a 5✨ read for me. One of my top read this year!

“I thought I was special to him. But what is a single jewel to a king who owns thousands?”

Vasalie once held the title of the King’s Jewel—his prized dancer. Now, she’s been cast aside, accused of murder, and locked away by the very man who claimed her as his own. Her time in captivity has left her body changed—chronic pain and exhaustion now a daily challenge. But King Ilian offers her a bargain: her freedom in exchange for a final performance—this time, as a spy at a royal gathering hosted by his brother, King Anton.
At the heart of this opulent and dangerous court, Vasalie begins to question everything. Who are her true allies? And can she trust the new bonds forming with members of the Eastern court—including those that stir something deeper in her?
In this beautifully written debut, the prose flows like music—evocative, lyrical, and alive with movement. The author paints dance in a way I’ve never experienced on the page: not just as art, but as language, as love, as survival. The slow-burn romance simmers with tension and desire, while the courtly intrigue keeps the stakes high.
Vasalie is a character I’ll carry with me for a long time. Her journey with chronic illness is portrayed with such care and authenticity—it’s empowering, emotional, and deeply relatable for anyone who’s had to learn how to live in a body that at times feels like it is failing you.
If you loved the lush magic of Caraval, the dark twists of The Cruel Prince, or the aching romance of ACOTAR, A Dance of Lies is one to watch. It’s the first in a duology—and I can’t until we get book 2!
A Dance of Lies is out TODAY!!!

This is a wonderful debut romantasy where a dancer, Vasalie, has to spy for the King to earn her freedom. It’s full of secrets, lies, betrayal, and of course dancing.

I was so excited to see a fantasy respresenting a chronically ill FMC who refuses to be defined by her disability. I enjoyed the other characters like her dance partner and I was never sure where it was going. And the ending?!?😱 I’m horrible at predicting plots so I never saw it coming.

There were some parts in the book that did drag a bit and the clothing and dancing descriptions were very detailed, but that comes down to personal preference.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an eARC in exchange for an honest review

A Dance of Lies a beautiful lyrically written story of a royal dancer, now a reluctant spy. Vasalie Moran is no stranger to performing. But when she's forced to serve the king who destroyed her life, the stage becomes deadly-and every step pulls her deeper into a tangled game of deception, desire, and war between
brothers.

Vasalie was framed for murder , the King's Jewel now nothing but a criminal. 2 years in the prison, weak & starved. Now she's being given a chance of freedom, dance at the Gathering and act as the King's spy. After 2 years in prison she's no longer the dancer she was before, "I'm broken". Having to learn to not only navigate around her weakened body to dance and perform, Vasalie must navigate the Courts and Crowns to figure out what it is the King wants. A rivalry between Crowned Brothers , love triangles, Tension, epic dance performances , all on an island in a glorious seaglass castle. I was immersed into the beautifully written story from the first few chapters, I was left guessing and following along feeling all the emotions. Vasalies growth and strength is so well written. The humor even amongst the tensions is everything. I loved the little banter moments between her and a special someone, had me swooning and laughing. This book is an art piece. My mind wondered to the most beautiful places.

Thank you @netgalley @delreybooks for the ARC! ✨️

Wow I LOVED this!! Vasalie was the King’s personal dancer (his “Jewel”), but then he had her framed for murder and imprisoned in darkness for 2 years. Unable to move freely, she lost her physical strength, which as a dancer was her identity. Then she’s suddenly released, but must overcome her weakness and figure out how to earn a highly competitive dancer spot at a multi-kingdom royal gathering where she will have to do the King’s nefarious bidding or go back into her cell forever.

If you think that sounds intense, just wait for the rest of the story! So much happens. Political chess games, prophecies, backstabbing, poisons, passion, and - BANTER - that hit every time. I honestly couldn’t believe how good this was! It was ✨ everything ✨ I want in a fantasy novel. Begging for book 2 already.

Thank you to Random House Publishing for the ARC!

Glittering courts, seaside castles, cautionary fables, and lyrical storytelling await in this mesmerizing new romantic read that will have you addicted to its atmospherical story and haunting mystery.

Once the favored dancer of the king in his court, circumstances shifted suddenly for Vasalie once she was framed for a wrongdoing she didn’t commit. After years locked away in the castle dungeons, she’s offered an opportunity to spy for the king during the upcoming royal gathering and a chance to gain her freedom.

This book read like an enchanted dark and dreamy fairytale. It was full of lush storytelling and poetic prose. The atmosphere of the novel mirrored the setting and rhythms of waves and dance itself. A push and pull of drama, flare, mystery and intrigue. Arena lured me away like a siren call, and I didn’t want this beautiful, addicting story to end!

From heartbreak, betrayal, and chronic illness, Vasalie’s perseverance, determination, and incredible character development were inspiring. The secondary characters were absolutely lovable too, especially one handsome character that I couldn’t help but majorly swoon over!

Now, I am desperately waiting for the next book and can’t wait to see what’s ahead for our cast of characters!!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This book is hauntingly beautiful, and so immersive you feel like you ARE Vasalie. She struggles with weakness and disability brought on by years locked away, but perseveres as much as she can in spite of it.

This kept me interested from page one, and I was really intrigued by the world, the premise, and the characters.

Vasalie, the FMC, is a dancer who has been wrongly imprisoned for 2 years, and has health issues as a result. Her king demands that she act as his woman in the inside at The Gathering, where all the royals and elite meet up to be entertained. I liked the representation of someone who has to manage invisible disabilities, as Vasalie has to manage and hide her fatigue, nausea, and weakness, as well as adjust her dance routines to be possible for her AND impress others.

I will say that this felt slow-paced for the first 2/3rds, and like it took a bit to find its way. The romance was very much a subplot, and there was a red herring or two. I didn't necessarily feel a lot of tension for awhile, so this one is a very slow burn. Vasalie meets a variety of people throughout, and each one feels pretty well-developed, so you feel for the situations that they all find themselves in.

There were moments where I felt that Vasalie could have, and should have, made very different choices. She is very wrapped up in the idea that she has to obey her king, despite the fact she claims to despise him and see through to who he really is. This evolves some, so I can forgive some of the times I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room!

The world is incredibly well-described, as is the dancing. There is no shortage of details, sometimes perhaps a bit too much, but largely, I felt like it really leant well to the overall tone of the book!

The last third really ramps up, and the twists and turns make for a really great story.

This book is breathtaking. The story, the worldbuilding, the characters, the backstory... everything is so deftly woven into this thrilling debut novel. I'm so grateful I was given this as an ARC, because I need people to read it and discuss / wait for the sequel with bated breath with me.

Vasalie has been imprisoned for two years for a murder she didn't commit by a king who knew she was innocent. When he offers her the chance to resume her previous role--as a dancer, but this time, also as a spy for him--in exchange for her vindication and freedom, Vasalie has no choice but to agree. But her body is not what it used to be, and she struggles to relearn how to dance. And she is quickly thrust into a position she never imagined, being the solo dancer and spectacle she has been ordered to be for the largest royal gathering of the Northern Kingdoms.

I feel I can't say too much more about the plot for fear of giving anything away, but rest assured, it's a tightly plotted, intricate story with political intrigue, forbidden romance, reclaiming one's past and finding your own strength, even in the darkest of places.

One of the things I feel the strongest about in regards to this book is the invisible illness representation. The author prefaces the book stating that she herself deals with multiple "invisible" ailments, and she wanted to have a heroine who similarly experienced such incongruity between bodily autonomy and limited physical ability. I also experience conditions like the author's, and I felt so seen in the beautiful depiction of Vasalie's physical and mental strength in the wake of her imprisonment and the subsequent "breaking" of her body and spirit. I often read fantasy with badass FMCs, and I've always longed to be like them, wielding a sword and my wits in battle (even if that aspect is, itself, a fantasy). With this book, seeing Vasalie dance and perform feats she never believed she was capable of, and deal with the various traumas of her past that simultaneously bolster and hinder her... it feels like healing. Even if my body may struggle to, or my mind tells me I'm incapable of recovery, having a heroine like Vasalie, and a writer like Brittney Arena dedicated to telling gorgeous stories such as this one, give me so much hope.

I truly cannot wait for the sequel. I'm so invested in this world, and know it's only going to get bigger and more intricate. And to the author, even though you'll likely not see this: thank you so much for the gift of this book. I am so, so grateful to feel like I, too, could be a badass fantasy heroine through your eyes.

SO many thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Rating: 5 stars

Review posted to StoryGraph: June 8, 2025 (https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/5f3d01a2-71f3-4089-a677-141224dd7fd1?redirect=true)
Review posted to Instagram: June 13, 2025 (https://www.instagram.com/p/DK2lBoERZex/)

DNF @ 47%

I feel like fans of Sarah J Maas will really enjoy this book, but I kept attempting to push myself through a read that ultimately will be 2.5 stars for me.

Absolutely loved this story, I loved the court intrigue and clever scheming. I could not predict the storyline and was guessing the whole way!! 5 stars!