DNF @ 25%

The premises of this book were interesting, especially with disability rep, but after few chapters I struggled with the story. The worldbuilding was surface-level, the characters flat and the writing style didn't convey any emotion, only apathy. After what she went through, I expected Vasalie to be more fierce, strong, rebellious. Alas, we get none of this. It's a pity because I was looking forward to read this book.
I hope other readers will enjoy it more than me.

2.5 stars! i liked it but maybe it’s high time i accept that i’m just not a pure romantasy reader.

my main issue i think was that i’m all for an enemies to lovers arc and it’s my favorite trope in the world for romance subplots but mc gave me the ick with how much she was pining over someone who didn’t even want her??

i appreciate what the author was trying to do with the representation though!

More romance than fantasy, but still enjoyed it! I wish the mc had a little more depth to her but I can't wait for book 2!

Interesting premise but it wrapped up quite quickly and a lot of new information at once. Wish the prophecy stuff was through the book a bit more to sort of forewarn it.

I love the premise of A DANCE OF LIES and adore the inclusion of a disabled FMC in romantasy, a genre I usually find lack in representation generally. The prose itself was lovely and the book well written as a rule, but I found that character work lacked enough depth to really draw me in.

dnf at 21%

1⭐

Guys, I tried. I really did.
I tried to give it my usual 25% before dnfing, but this was like reading a textbook. I wanted to repeatedly bash my head against the wall.
I could not finish this book to save my life.

I may just be the minority on this, but nothing about it stood out to me.
The plot was boring and slowwwwwwww
Every character just annoyed me, nothing seemed realistically written.
It PAINS me to dnf so many books this year, but I made a resolution to myself that if I wasn’t vibing with the book (with the exception of hate reads) that I would dnf that thing to next thursday.
I only want to read books I’ll actually find WORTH the time and effort I’m putting into it. And as a slow reader that is a LOT of time.
Safe to say this book didn’t make the worth my time cut, so now I say bye bye and promptly forget everything abt it 👋😊

If you enjoyed books like The Ever King and The Bridge Kingdom – I think you will like A Dance of Lies.

The story follows Vasalie, a dancer with a secret who has been in a dark dungeon cell for the last two years. The king framed her for a murder she did not commit, and she is offered a deal to spy for him in exchange for her freedom. What brought this down from a 4 to 3 star read for me was one of the first decisions Vasalie makes as a spy. It might be petty, but I couldn’t bring myself to like her as a character after that. I see the appeal in this type of Romantasy, and I keep trying it, but the genre is not for me.

Thank you, NetGalley and Del Rey, for an early copy in exchange for this honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Inklore, Del Rey, Random House Worlds, and Random House Publishing Group for this advanced copy. You can pick up A Dance of Lies on June 10, 2025.

Brittney Arena crafted a fantastic premise for this book with a dancer turned spy who's also battling a chronic illness/disability. I love the inclusion of a disabled protagonist, and I do think this book can find the right audience upon release. Unfortunately, this book wasn't quite for me. I got about 14% in and wasn't compelled to pick it up and keep reading. I think the main character has the potential to grow, but we're also starting with a poor foundation. I feel like she's telling us about the things that happened to her instead of showing us who she is and how she came to be here. Not to mention what her motivations are for the future.

Perhaps I'll pick this up again in the future, but for now, it's a soft DNF.

First off, Brittney Arena, I love you and I want to give you the biggest Bear Hug!!

This book contains a chronically ill rep, and while I cannot relate to EDS I can absolutely relate to the POTSie life.

Vasalie Moran has not had an easy life so far. She fled her home, became the King's favourite dancer and was framed for murder. 2 years o prison have taken their toll on her body. Despite all, she is forced to dance for the most prestigious festival of all and in order to win her freedom, she will have to push through her pain and morals.

This book has touched me in a way, no book has managed to so far! The descriptions are lovely and grand, while Vasalie's pain can be felt through the pages of this book. She might be frail in body, but her soul seems to be made of steel. Driven by revenge and a yearning for freedom, this woman pushes through all the stereotypes and it made me wish I could be as strong as her. I cannot wait for Book 2 to be in my hands, and that really says something since this book isn't even out yet!

This is definitely in my top 10 for 2025, if not for all my life!!

A huge thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing, Brittney Arena and Tandem Collective Global for the physical copy of this grand book in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars

This was a lovely whimsical read. Such stunning writing! The world building and how everything was described was so beautiful and a joy to read. A key part of this story is our FMC Vasalie being a dancer, and I loved how her performances were used as lore for this world.

I thought that Vasalie’s strength both emotionally and physically, despite her physical impairment, was empowering and a joy to read. I know that the author based Vasalie on her own lived experience with disability, and I know so many people with appreciate and enjoy this representation.

This book has an abundance of political and royal intrigue, so if you love that you will love this story. Vasalie’s mission as a dancer turned spy is very high stakes and this together with the court politics kept me really engaged with the plot as everything unfolded.

I didn’t actually know who the MMC was until about half way through the book which I LOVED! I love when something keeps me guessing, especially if it’s multiple love interests. And talking of the MMC, I really loved him - he had so much rizz but as the book progresses you start to see his softer side and the truth about who he really is at his core.

I wouldn’t say this book is spicy, but the tension and yearning and flirting was all that was needed and it was done really well - there’s one particular scene where Vasalie goes undercover in a brothel which I enjoyed…I won’t say any more!

I did guess something that happens toward the end, however I did NOT guess the actual ending and how everything ties up which ripped my heart out with a savage cliffhanger! This is the first book in a duology so I will for sure be reading book 2.

The reason this didn’t get the full 5 stars was the ending. To me it felt a bit rushed, with a lot of stuff happening and very quickly. A character came into play who had been mentioned on multiple occasions throughout the book, but I was still left a little confused about their involvement and their relationship to another character. I know this will be the main plot point of book 2 though so we will get that explained!

A Dance of Lies is Brittney Arena’s fantasy debut. I admire the way this story was inspired by the author’s own chronic illnesses.

Vasalie has escaped from her abusive father and is taking back control of her life - or so she thinks… at just 13 years old she runs away and becomes a dancer, desperate to escape her fate she becomes a treasured jewel in King Ilian’s court…. Unfortunately she is wrongfully accused of a crime & locked away for the next two years. She is able to win back her freedom through agreeing to become a spy for the king & going back to dancing & providing entertainment to the kingdom.

This one has a bit of a love triangle and is absolutely a slow burn. There’s a lot of trauma that the FMC is processing specifically involving her “stepmother” who tried to escape from her father with her.

This book has some great character development & side characters along with pretty easy to follow world building and a unique political system. I would have enjoyed more romance, but perhaps the sequel will give us that satisfaction.

I would recommend this to romantasy lovers who enjoy books focused more on the fantasy aspect and character development!

Thanks so much to Del Rey and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I am SPEECHLESS. I genuinely believed it's gonna be just a solid four star read during the first 40%. And then everything changed IN A HEARTBEAT. So many things were happening, so many intrigues were brewing and so many characters coming into play like chess figures. I- I still can't fully comprehend everything that happened in those last chapters, like, WHAT?? Oh and the plot twists?? Absolutely mind blowing. I mean, that ending was NOT what I expected. At all. But my favourite part was Vasalie and her character development. The way she embraced that fire inside her was simply a *chef's kiss*. Her finally coming to terms with the fact that she's not broken even made me tear up a little bit. That girl deserves a hug. And I need the next book.

This was a pretty good debut! Our MC Vaselie is a dancer with a disability after being framed for murder and thrown in a dungeon for two years. When she’s forced to become a spy at a royal gathering for the same king who betrayed her, she’s severely tested both mentally and physically. I thought she had great growth throughout the story - she was strong, determined, and willing to own up to her mistakes.

The Fates and prophecy storylines were interesting as was the political intrigue. There were some great twists I didn’t see coming and the ending left me wanting more. The romance is very much slow burn and is in more of a developmental stage in this book, but I really liked the MMC and I’m definitely intrigued to see where it goes.

Thank you to Random House/Del Rey and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“Your story is not a kind one,” Brigitte says, kneading my hands softly between her own. “But though you’ve suffered your own fire, child, you won’t always smell of smoke. And yes, it may have burned you,” she tells me, and I lift my gaze. “But scars are powerful things, because they show your resilience. So rise from your ashes, my dear. Do not crumble alongside them.”

I was exited to read this book! The book follows a dancer named Vasalie who has become a spy. I really liked that it was not immediately clear who the romantic interest was and that there was disability rep in it. I also liked that it has a court setting with royals. The setting and dances were very nicely described so I could imagine it well.

The ending was interesting and I am curious to see how this will develop in the next book. dws going to I can't wait to read the next book!

I would recommend this book for romantasy fans!

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for this ARC!

I am absolutely floored that Brittney Arena is a debut author. Her writing is so unique and unlike anything I have ever read. I loved her lyrical writing and intricate details that really brought both her characters and story to life. If you ever need a true example of a slow burn romance THIS IS IT. The twists and turns were unexpected and beautifully calculated.

I am so excited for readers to read this book in just a few weeks. And I will be recommending it to everyone I know.

Thank you to NetGalley and DelRey for the early eARC. I am so excited for what is to come.

How do I even begin to describe how it felt reading A Dance of Lies?

It was… Exhilarating. Breathtaking. Astonishing. Vivacious. Gripping. Heart-wrenching. Utterly Triumphant.

And still those words aren’t enough to encompass the whole of how I felt. How I still feel.

I have been blown away by this gorgeously written tale. I cannot believe it’s Brittany Arena’s debut! Talk about making an epic, unforgettable entrance! For this book is one that will be imprinted on my very soul for all time.

Our heroine Vasalie was the prized dancer in King Illian’s court, until he framed her for murder and threw her in a prison cell. Two years pass, Vasalie becomes a shell of her former self, but bait in the form of a future is dangled in front of her as Illian promises her freedom in exchange for becoming his spy at a Royal Gathering that will feature his brothers. Faced with a decision, Vasalie must decide whether to aid in the atrocious deeds for a chance of freedom or turn for help from Ilian’s rakish, rivaling brother, Anton the King of the East.

To describe Vasalie is to describe a heroine who is full of power, not one of magic or brawn, but strength in her spirit.For Vasalie is resilience. She is determination. She is resolve. She is heart. Illian tries to break her, but her spirit forges on. While her body may never fully recover from the strife it suffered for years, it’s a pain Vasalie learns to live with, learns to adapt from. Her physical limits do not equate to a less valuable living. She may initially see herself as broken but we witness her as anything but broken. We witness her rise like a phoenix, determined to take the reins of her life once more. She blossoms as beautifully as she dances, and she is truly, truly a work of art. A vision of a heroine, a heart of a warrior without sword, Vasalie is a protagonist for the ages.

The romance in this book takes an unanticipated course. I don’t want to give anything away, but let me just say that the way to love had more than route and I initially walked the wrong path along with Vasalie. It’s a path riddled with chemistry until that chemistry shifted into something far less desirable. On paper one may think taking this route far too much a detour from the right path, but considering what Vasalie has just come out of– a hell hole that depleted her body, mind, and soul– I think establishing this route first allows her time to grow, to get to know herself once more, and to learn to look for the right things in love, which goes beyond a physical connection. It makes the next path worth it.

And there is more than just romantic connections at play. Connection is a cornerstone in Vasalie’s character development. She connects with a variety of people across this venture, and must assess who is friend or foe, and must determine if she is capable of overthrowing friend at a chance for a free life. I loved how these different points in connections with the cast of characters aid in both softening and sharpening Vasalie. Ilia is a man she thought cared for her, and in turn, she cared deeply for him. Feeling protected and respected by him, especially as he never crossed any physical boundaries. She trusted him. Trust paid in dust as he throws her in a cell for a crime he knows she did not commit. This hardens her and creates an abyss of mistrust for anyone who gets close. But then she meets the people she is forced to target for Illian’s nefarious plans. And she sees, no she feels, goodness she’s not felt in years. She slowly but surely learns to trust. Then there’s Illian’s rival and brother, who Vasalie is tasked to spy on, King Anton. This connection is paramount to all the rest in Vasalie’s rebirth of life. I don’t want say too much, so instead let me describe this incredible character that is Anton.

Anton is a refreshing breath of air in character. He is the antithesis of cold, broody male leads. He is light and laughter. He has the endless charm (and reputation) of a historical romance rake. He possesses a vanity and mysterious allure that rivals the likes of Howl Pendragon. His playfulness is made from both mischief and mask. And his composure never slips, he skips with merriment. The question becomes, how much of this is mere disguise? For beneath his public persona he is also perceptive, kind, comfort, and determined to right wrongs. In him, there just may be salvation.

A Dance of Lies carries strength in its eclectic and electric cast of characters, in its awe-inspiring world-building, and its deeply moving storytelling. There are twists that come along the way that had me gasping out loud. My heart is still beating wildly, wondering what does this mean?! I need more, I need more! Alas, more will have to wait until the second installment. Until then I will safeguard this story in my heart and revel in its dazzling beauty.

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for this advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily. And I leave infinite stars.

A Dance of Lies is the first in a series by debut author, Brittney Arena. It follows Vasalie, who has been wrongly imprisoned by her king that she was once close to. Vasalie's story is one of strength and perseverance, the story has numerous twists and unique world building, and plenty of yearning.

Could this book be 50-100 pages less? Yes. Could this book be 50-100 pages more? Also, yes. Unfortunately, this is the slowest of slow burns, without anything rewarding at the end. I desperately wanted more from our MMC. Hopefully we will see much more in the subsequent books. I do feel this should be marketed as a fantasy. There is minimal romance in this, with only one somewhat explicit scene (honestly, mild).

Thank you to the publishers for this ARC!

3.75 ⭐️but I'm rounding this up and giving a 4⭐️ because I really enjoyed this more than I expected. There wasn't a much of a different with other books but the lore, the political and royal intrigue, and the overall vibe? It was interesting. The book gives major Egyptian/Middle Eastern court fantasy energy — and it's not a romantasy but enough romance and mythology with a sprinkle of sci-fi. The premise was unique which makes to bump this a higher rating and even though some plot points were predictable, I still got caught off guard near the end which I appreciated.

The pacing, though… extremely slow in the beginning. I was honestly tempted to DNF at one point. The story doesn't exactly unfold evenly — some parts drag while others move too fast. That said, once it picked up, it was really good. But I do wish the author had trimmed down some of the slower sections at the start and used that space to build more depth into the characters and more plots especially during the climax — it felt like there was room to really explore their motivations and expand some of most obvious questions in the climax more evenly.

Character-wise, I loved the distinct personalities. Some were fantastic, others I couldn’t stand. But they had their own voice and presence, even if I didn’t vibe with all of them.

Since Vasalie is a dancer, there was alot of descriptive elements of it. I skimmed most of it — not because it was badly written, but because I personally couldn’t visualize it. That’s on me. Still, I get why it mattered: Vasalie seemed most alive when she danced. That’s when she actually had some control.

As for Vasalie herself — she was... okay. I didn’t dislike her, but she often felt like she was reacting to things instead of doing things. It makes sense, given everything happening around her, but I found myself wishing she’d stand her ground more, show a bit more fire which she did at the end. I hope we get to see more of her emotions in the next book.

There were definitely some flaws — awkward scenes, overly descriptive passages, and repetitive internal monologues. Also, the chemistry with one of the love interests felt rushed and forced. There’s some love triangle energy, but it’s kind of obvious who she’ll end up with, so I wasn’t too bothered.

I did like the ending. It was satisfying, the reveals were mostly solid (though some motives didn’t fully add up), and I was left curious — particularly about the MMC and how he’ll evolve after that ending. That curiosity alone might be why I’d pick up the sequel. I initially thought it was a standalone but it is not, so, I'm genuinely looking forward how it splayed out evenly.

Not perfect, but definitely enjoyable.

3,75/5 stars

This was a good first book of the series. I enjoyed it a lot and my jaw dropped during the final chapters. I also couldn't believe this was the debut novel, it was written so well and the pacing was good in my opinion. Now I really want to know how the story continues from here.

I loved how Vasalie was described. It's always refreshing to read about someone who has some kind of chronic illness/disability and how it affects their daily life. Vasalie was also an interesting FMC, being turned to a spy from a dancer (the dancer part made me intrigued because it's something I've always liked). I also liked how there were a few different possible love interests. The court intrigue/politics were also well written.

Highly recommend this one!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.

This had very little to offer for the fantasy/romantasy genre. The politics were very generic and unoriginal, as was the world building. The disability rep was nice to see, but it seemed more like a cop out than trying to show actual rep due to the fact that the character was able to overcome her disability because she “tuned it out” or focused hard. It was never really addressed the way it should’ve been. The prose was nice as well, but the flowery writing seemed to try to distract from the lack of substance.