From the very first page, A Dance of Lies transports you into a world so richly crafted, that you can't help but be captivated. Brittany Arena's descriptive writing was beautiful, creating vivid, immersive settings that brought the world to life for me. It’s a place I wanted to get lost in and was completely swept away by.

The FMC, Vasalie, is one of the most refreshing female protagonists I’ve come across in the last few years. She's vulnerable, tormented, and haunted by her past, yet possesses a quiet strength and resilience. Unlike other fantasy heroines who train to be warriors, Vasalie grows in her own unique way, showing not only courage but kindness. She’s someone you can truly relate to, making her one of my favourite FMCs in years. Plus the added aspect of her being a dancer is one I feel I've rarely seen. On top of this, I was OBSESSED with the romance in this book. The slow-burn relationship is subtly developed, with the love interest’s character built so intricately that I wasn't sure exactly where it was going. I found myself rooting for them more because of the uncertainty, and their chemistry is undeniable. It’s a romance that feels real, not forced.

Not only are the FMC & MMC wonderful to read but the side characters in this book are just as important as the main ones. Each of them is given depth and their own story, making every moment spent with them feel meaningful. You come to care for them just as much as Vasalie, which adds so much richness to the overall story.

The focus of the plot isn’t on physical battles but on the political intrigue and cruelty behind the leaders who control the impending war, which I really loved. This made the story even more gripping and the twists and turns really kept me on the edge of my seat. By the time the book reached the end, I was breathless and desperate to know what happened next.

I can confidently say that A Dance of Lies is my favourite read of 2025 so far. It’s a story full of heart, unexpected twists, and characters you’ll truly care about. I can’t wait for others to read it and to see where the next part of the story takes us!

Thankful for the opportunity to read the ARC on NetGalley of ‘A Dance of Lies’ by Brittney Arena.

This book had me in a vice grip from the beginning. It’s a fantasy debut full of intrigue, romance, and deception. Vasalie Moran, a former court dancer turned reluctant spy - I mean more what could you want from. FMC. I loved the plot- watching the a royal’s play a dangerous game of trust.

The slow-burn romance and unexpected twists keep you hooked, and Arena’s writing brings real emotional depth, especially in Vasalie’s struggles.

This is serious romantasy goals! It gave off Tahereh Mafi vibes back in the Shattered Days, but in a lush fantasy Kingdom instead, with a woman who’s been captured for so long that she’s become chronically ill/has chronic pain. I think that aspect is what really kept me going through the book, wanting to see how she tackled having disability in a fantastical world, and the author pulled it off really well. The love interest was not my favorite but I still think this will be a big hit for people who love romance and darker heroes.

A Dance of Lies throws us straight into the action with Vasalie Moran trapped in a prison cell-but not all cages have bars. When she’s finally offered freedom, it comes with strings attached and plenty of political scheming.

Tropes and themes I loved:
✨ Disability rep
✨ Love Triangle
✨ Hidden Identities
✨ Royals & Court Politics
✨ Dancing queen😉
✨ Fated lovers
✨ Power plays & intrigue

This book is all about the characters-their growth, their choices, and the way they shape the story. I was hooked, constantly wanting to pick it back up. While I would’ve loved more world-building, the strong character focus worked for me personally.

The writing? Absolutely stunning-like prose, every word carefully woven. Vasalie was written in such a way that you couldn’t help but root for her from page one. And reading the author’s note, seeing how deeply personal this disability rep was, made it hit even harder.

And that ending? What a ride. The final twists hit hard, though I almost wish some had been saved for the next book for a more balanced buildup. Still, Arena knows how to land a finale, and I’m already itching to see how this duology wraps up.

I easily think this will be one of my favorite books of this year.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh my gosh this is absolutely my new favorite book? I am obsessed?! Everything was pure perfection! Thank you Netgalley for the eARC, this was absolutely STUNNING!

A Dance of Lies throws us straight into the action with Vasalie Moran trapped in a prison cell-but not all cages have bars. When she’s finally offered freedom, it comes with strings attached and plenty of political scheming.

If you love:
✨ Disability rep
✨ Love Triangle
✨ Hidden Identities
✨ Royals & Court Politics
✨ Dancing queen😉
✨ Fated lovers
✨ Power plays & intrigue

This book is all about the characters-their growth, their choices, and the way they shape the story. I was hooked, constantly wanting to pick it back up. While I would’ve loved more world-building, the strong character focus worked for me personally.

The writing? Absolutely stunning-like prose, every word carefully woven. Vasalie was written in such a way that you couldn’t help but root for her from page one. And reading the author’s note, seeing how deeply personal this disability rep was, made it hit even harder.

And that ending? What a ride. The final twists hit hard, though I almost wish some had been saved for the next book for a more balanced buildup. Still, Arena knows how to land a finale, and I’m already itching to see how this duology wraps up.

I easily think this will be one of my favorite books of this year.

I loved the amount of intimate detail and thought put into the way the main character deals with her trauma.

The story is really interesting but I am getting more and more distracted by the execution of the exposition. The MC is constantly pausing to tell the audience backstory and context. It’s all very interesting and well thought out, but would feel much more natural either as flashback sections/chapters told in the author’s intimate narrative style, or as a prologue. Unfortunately the way it was done was just too distracting and awkward for me that’s ultimately why it ended up as a DNF for me.

Also I love the dialogue, it really shines but I need more of it! Lean into your storytelling strengths!

A Dance of Lies follows Vasalie, a former dancer turned spy in service of one of the three kings. As part of her mission, she infiltrates a diplomatic gathering as a dancer. The story really starts to develop during the gathering, involving a lot of political tension and secret schemes. The plot is intriguing and easy to follow. Vasalie is not a extremely powerful/intelligent FMC, which was refreshing. Indeed, she has some health issues that play an important role in the story. Most of her actions/thoughts seemed natural, but there were certain parts where her character suddently shifted. I know she is traumatized, but still... And what a speedy recovery she had for a trauma that led to all that permament physical limitations.
The pacing is my major complain. This book is not overly long, but there are some slow parts, where not much happens. For instance, the dance scenes, specially during training. While they were important for the reader to better relate with Vasalie's physical issues, there was many of them. On the other hand, the political tension and the characters motivations were intriguing and deserved more attention. But I suppose that will be further explored in the next book.
Despite some negative points, I liked this book and will definetly read the sequel. Overall, it was a strong debut.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

In A Dance of Lies, Brittney Arena pulls readers into a thrilling world filled with intrigue, betrayal, and the fight for truth, all wrapped up in the vibrant world of dance. Our main character, Vasalie, is the King’s Jewel—a top performer—until one day she’s wrongly accused of a crime and thrown into the dungeon. She’s faced with a tough choice: remain in captivity or become the King’s spy, going undercover as a performer at the King’s Gathering.

Arena does a fantastic job of capturing the intensity of Vasalie’s struggles, both physically and mentally. The tension between doing what feels safe and doing what’s right creates some gripping moments that kept me turning pages. I really enjoyed Vasalie's journey as she navigates not only her own conflicts but also the tricky dynamics of a royal rivalry.

4.8 / 5.0

A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena is a beautifully written story of triumph, love, and sacrifice. The writing is so evocative and poignant, I could see every sweep of movement and breath of emotion these characters preformed. The lore of the world and detail to setting is well crafted. Arena is a master of suspense and devoted to her vision for the main character. I am eager to see where this goes in the next book and hopeful that this gets featured in special edition print runs.

Also, this cover… just breathtaking.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to this ARC.

3,75 ⭐

I really enjoyed this book, the characters were well developed and the plot was great in my opinion. I can see a lot of potential in the series! My favorite characters were definitely the secondary ones, both Copelan and Laurent were so interesting and so well written that I was almost more interested in them than Vasalie.

My only concern was the length, I feel like it was way longer than it could have been, but it was really a nice read.

Why that rating? I feel like both Vasalie and Anton had so many more things they could have done that I feel like this book was a sort of preview. The finale definitely made up for it in part!

I gave this book 2.8 stars. The beginning really sucked me in and I was loving it. Now I’m not sure how to feel about it. The concept was great, just needed more structure it was all over the place. I didn’t really like the writing in the sense the author seemed to use things wrong or was trying to sound overly poetic when it didn’t fit. Love the title and cover though!

I struggled with this book, which really upset me because I wanted to enjoy it so much more than I did. For a starter, the cover is gorgeous, and the plot sounded intriguing, not to mention the promise of a disabled main character.

It's just a shame I liked so few characters. Mostly the kingdom of the east. Although even they annoyed me, in how easily they forgave and trusted. Our main character is constantly described as weak, broken, scarred and yet everyone is instantly obsessed with her. Everyone trusts her, for no reason. I wanted to like her a lot more than I did, and as the book progressed, my view on her did slowly change, as I realised just how young she had been when she first became the jewel, and what she had escaped from. I'm still not 100% a fan, but she did get better.

As other people mentioned in other reviews, the pacing is a little skewed, it takes a long time to get going and then races to the finish. I actually enjoyed the world building, the gods and their stories, but there were a lot of times that I had to force myself to keep reading, to try and convince myself I cared and not cringe at every couple of pages.

But! But but but but!

That ending. That twist. That set up for the next book! It was... oh, chef kiss. I cannot express how excited I am for the second book, and I really really want to read it.

This almost feels like a prequel, setting everything up and the next book will be the real feast, the meat of the series.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review of the book~

A Dance of Lies first introduces us to Vasalie Moran in a prison cell, with no end in sight. However when she is finally given a chance at freedom, we quickly learn not all cells are made up of walls and bars.

If you love
✨ Disability Representation
✨ Royals and Courts
✨Dancing Queens (not literally)
✨Political Scheming
✨Fated Lovers

A Dance of Lies is heavily focussed on the character building and development throughout the book, introducing us to several clear characters which help progress the story along. However, given the huge focus on character building it does mean that at times there is a lack of plot progression, there were times where I did have to put the book down to give myself a break, although every time I put the book down I did find myself wanting to know what happened next and found myself reading it again in no time.

The FMC is a headstrong and independent woman, who can think quickly on her feet given the circumstances she is dealt with. Her character development throughout the book, is one of the driving points to the story.

The MMC’s are each individual and equally engaging, however they can sometimes fall into a stereotypically trope.

The only disappointing part of this book is the lack of world building with the god/dess. I wanted to learn more about the goddess of death and as soon as we are introduced to her character the book ends.

Overall, the book the book delivers on what it promises and leaves you with a cliffhanger (yes I know) desperately wanting to know more.

Thank you NetGalley for the free eARC

I DNF’d this book at the 64% mark. The beginning was interesting, but then it fell flat for me. We know nothing about the characters and even the main character just has the same inner monologue over and over again. No relationships or connections felt real or had any depth. And it was so obvious that Anton wasn’t a bad person, that it annoyed me that Vasalie would still run back to Illian. Like if she would’ve just told Anton everything from the beginning everything would’ve been solved. I hope this book finds the right audience, but unfortunately I am not one of those people.

A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena is a captivating blend of court politics, intrigue, and deception, all set against the dazzling backdrop of a world where dance is both an art form and a weapon. At the heart of it all is Vasalie, the King’s Jewel—until she’s falsely accused of a crime and thrown into the dungeon. Given a chance at freedom, she must choose between captivity or becoming the King’s spy, performing at the King’s Gathering while uncovering secrets that could change the kingdom forever.

Arena masterfully balances high-stakes political maneuvering with Vasalie’s deeply personal struggles. Her worldbuilding is rich and immersive, with each kingdom painted in vivid detail, and the depiction of the glass palace in particular is breathtaking. I also appreciated the nuanced representation of disability—woven seamlessly into the story rather than feeling like an afterthought.

The relationships in this book stand out, too. While the romance is compelling, I loved that friendships were given just as much weight. That said, I wish some of the female characters had a bit more agency in the first half of the book. However, with the way things wrapped up, I have no doubt the sequel will give them the spotlight they deserve.

There are moments where the pacing stumbles—a few sections felt overly drawn out with detailed descriptions, and the sheer number of characters can be overwhelming at times. A guide or map would have been helpful. The prophecy, while intriguing, could have been integrated more smoothly from the start rather than feeling like an afterthought.

But let’s talk about that ending—what a ride! The final twists hit hard, though I almost wish some had been saved for the next book to allow for a more balanced buildup. Still, Arena knows how to deliver a satisfying climax, and she leaves just enough loose ends to keep me eager for the conclusion to this duology.

Despite a few pacing hiccups, A Dance of Lies is an exciting, vividly crafted read full of mystery, betrayal, and stunning imagery.

In A Dance of Lies, Brittney Arena pulls readers into a thrilling world filled with intrigue, betrayal, and the fight for truth, all wrapped up in the vibrant world of dance. Our main character, Vasalie, is the King’s Jewel—a top performer—until one day she’s wrongly accused of a crime and thrown into the dungeon. She’s faced with a tough choice: remain in captivity or become the King’s spy, going undercover as a performer at the King’s Gathering.

Arena does a fantastic job of capturing the intensity of Vasalie’s struggles, both physically and mentally. The tension between doing what feels safe and doing what’s right creates some gripping moments that kept me turning pages. I really enjoyed Vasalie's journey as she navigates not only her own conflicts but also the tricky dynamics of a royal rivalry.

That said, the story does hit a few bumps. There are times when it drags on a bit too long with detailed descriptions, which led me to skim through some sections. A bit more editing could really help keep the pace lively. Plus, the cast of characters can feel overwhelming at times; a character guide or a map would have been super helpful for keeping tabs on who’s who and how they all relate.

The prophecy aspect of the story is another piece that I think could use more attention. While it pops up throughout the book, I felt like it could have been introduced more effectively in the early chapters. A bit more context from the start would have really tied everything together when it comes to the story's climax.

But let me tell you, the ending packed quite a punch! It’s full of surprises that truly made the read worthwhile. Brittney knows how to build up to a climax that leaves you wanting more, and I loved how it wrapped everything up with a bang.

Overall, A Dance of Lies is a fun read filled with vivid imagery, complex characters, and an imaginative plot. Despite its few quirks, I really enjoyed my time with this book, and it definitely has me looking forward to what Brittney Arena has in store for us next. Get ready to dive into a world where every dance takes you deeper into mystery and excitement!

There were so many things about this book (the cover included) that intrigued me so much, and I’m pleased to report that it almost entirely lived up to my internal hype. The plot was engaging and the layers of scheming and intrigue were well-woven together. It’s been a rough couple months for me and I haven’t had a huge amount of reading capacity, but this book was engaging and clear enough that I could get lost in it easily. In some ways it conformed to a lot of the genre’s tropes, but it also subverted enough of them just enough that I wasn’t able to read between all the lines and predict all the plot points, which I appreciated a lot. Also, having read the book, I’m even more impressed by the way the cover art captures the plot, so good job whoever the cover artist was. You did a really good job.

I think I only have two complaints. One, I wish the disability rep had been pushed just a step farther. As someone who deals with chronic pain myself, I could see a lot of my own journey in Vasalie. There were times, however, when her pain and symptoms seemed to temporarily disappear for the sake of plot. It’d have been so cool to see more of the impact her pain had on her life—such as the daily calculations of how much strength and energy you have to complete the tasks at hand. Two, I wish the romance had been developed a little bit more. There were a few beats that didn’t make a lot of sense to me, and I would have liked a bit more of a peak into the main male lead’s thought to better understand what attracted him to the female lead.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read, and I’m glad I had a chance to give it a try. Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and DelRey for providing me with an e-arc of A Dance of Lies in exchange for an honest review.

“I am a wildfire, and I intend to burn.”

If I didn’t have adult responsibilities, I could’ve finished this book in one sitting. I absolutely devoured this and didn’t want to put it down for a second. From the very beginning, I was entranced. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and held my breath through so many plot twists I didn’t see coming. The amount of times I had to put this book down and wipe away tears…these characters truly burrowed their way into my heart.

This book is beautifully written. The world building in this is absolutely stunning and so unique, I kept thinking to myself I’ve never read anything quite like this. I could picture each scene so vividly in my mind, could feel the pure emotion pouring through the each page.

I immediately fell in love with our FMC, Vasalie—a dancer who was unjustly imprisoned and now endures chronic pain as a result. Yet, she refuses to let this stop her, finding ways to adapt to her changed body. She is resilient, strong, and powerful in her own right. As someone who deals with chronic illness, I felt I could relate so closely to Vasalie.

I felt the romance was second to the plot - the deception, court scheming and betrayal took a front seat, with romance woven intricately and effortlessly in. The slow burn was masterfully crafted, making the wait completely worthwhile. The romance felt so genuine, it was like a breath of fresh air. The banter between the characters had me kicking my feet and smiling so much my cheeks hurt. Also, some of those dance scenes?! I didn’t know I needed that in a romantasy novel until now.

The ending had me screaming, crying, gasping and crying again. I could go on and on about how much I loved this but all I will say is please do yourself a favour, and pre-order this. You won't regret it.

I would also like to mention that the cover is STUNNING and I cannot wait to get my hands on a hardback copy.

4⭐️ - This book started off feeling more like a regency-mystery rather than the fantasy I was expecting, and honestly, it was such a fun surprise! The world building at the beginning was a bit slow but it really set the scene and allowed the world to develop naturally. Once the action picked up, I couldn’t put it down. For a debut novel, this was absolutely fantastic! The pacing, the atmosphere, and especially the banter between the main characters made it an absolute joy to read.

“And yet he laid that sword between us.” These subtle moments had me grinning from ear to ear! ❣️

But, can we talk about that ending?! How dare she leave us hanging like that; I need book two NOW 😱 If you love a slow-burn build, witty banter, and a twisty ending, this is definitely the book to read!

A special thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for my first ever ARC!! ✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Dance of Lies by Brittany Arena starts off a bit slow, and I’ll admit I wasn’t totally sold on the FMC at first. The beginning felt like it took its time to get going, and I struggled to connect with her initially. She kept making frustrating decisions that made me beyond annoyed, but I understood what the author was doing. However, around 60%, everything shifts. The pace picks up dramatically, and the twists and turns kept me hooked. I couldn’t stop reading and each chapter kept getting better and better! I was kept on my toes, unable to predict what was going to happen next. Though the start was a little rocky for me, I was glad I stuck with it—definitely a fun read by the end! Would recommend if you’re patient for the payoff.
I am anxiously waiting to see where the author takes us next.