Again, I just wasn’t loving it, and neither was I invested in it. Like I feel like some of these romantic fantasy books, especially this one, are advertised with a lot of big tropes/representation and then the execution is nothing like that, and I think that really affected my reading experience. Like I tried so hard with this but the one big thing was the writing. As my history teacher called it, this book has too much “flourey bullshit”. Like come on, give your girl a break. This book just did not breathe. Plus I don’t know if it’s a universal thing at the moment, but fantasy authors really need to go back to basics—the who, what, when, where and why— in writing a vivid and immersive story.
2.5

In all honesty, this book was a struggle for me to get through. A combination of being in a slump and the slow pace of this plot. I did think the prose was well crafted, and the stained glass palace was beautifully described.

I also liked Anton's character a lot, I just wish we'd got to know him a bit more as he only became relevant in the second half of the book.

I also didn't really like the fmc. I found her inner monologues lacking vibrancy and fun (which is part of her character I know, but it made the book less enjoyable). I do appreciate the disability representation in Vasalie, and the complexities of her character as she warred with fighting for her freedom, vs fighting for what's right.

Ultimately, the last 50 pages were a blast and had be hooked! But the rest of it not so much...

DNF at 19%
I don’t know what’s going on with me lately but this string of DNFs is unusual. I really thought this book might stick. I loved the beginning and the writing but then we moved to another castle and I just got well …bored.
I can appreciate the attempt at disability representation but I was slightly confused that she had this debilitating condition but could dance? Maybe it’s better explored later in the book. I’ll never know

I wasn’t expecting to get this caught up in A Dance of Lies, but wow!!!
This had some of the best political intrigue I’ve read in ages.
The court dynamics, betrayals, and secrets layered through every conversation had me hanging on every word I read.

Vasalie is a brilliant lead; fierce, jaded, and not afraid to get her hands dirty. “If survival was a dance, I had learned to move with the pain.” That line stuck with me. She’s the kind of character who’s been through hell and still finds a way to fight, and I loved that about her.

The start had me flying through the pages, but I’ll be honest…the pacing dipped a little in the middle. It lost some tension where I really wanted things to heat up. That said, it absolutely pulled it back for a strong, emotional ending.

The brothers-at-war plotline was full of tension, and the way Vasalie was caught between them - both emotionally and politically - had my chest tight at times. “He loved me like I was a fire, and he was already burning.” That line? Devastating in the best way.

🐍 Court politics & power plays
🐍 Enemies(ish) to reluctant allies
🐍 Morally grey love interest
🐍 Found strength / survival arc
🐍 Sibling rivalry at its deadliest
🐍 Spy/double agent tension

Solid 4 stars from me. If you love your fantasy with teeth, secrets, and a heroine who refuses to break, this one’s worth picking up.

Huge thanks to Bloomsbury ANZ and Brittney Arena for the ARC (in exchange for an honest review) and for taking a chance on me. Truly grateful to have read this ahead of release

A Dance of Lies follows Vasalie, who used to dance for king Illian before being wrongly imprisoned for 2 years. The king then creates a bargain with her, she will dance at the upcoming crowns gathering and act as a spy for him and gain access to places he cannot.

I didn't initially like Vasalie and felt like the start of the book was quite slow, and was honestly close to DNFing the book around 25 % of the way through. But then the story picked up a bit and there became so much more to it, and I was hooked from then on. I really liked all the side characters, loved the romance and really enjoyed the ending, I really can't wait for book 2!

A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena is a brand new fantasy romance following Vasalie, a prisoner wrongly-accused by her king who she used to dance for in his court. When she is suddenly called out of the dungeons to face her king, she is offered a deal: be his spy in enemy court in exchange for her freedom. This covert operation will push her to physical limits (due to her confinement disabling her) and make her question everything she knows. 

I am not a ride-or-die fantasy romance fan - it really just depends how the two genres are balanced because I am all in for fantasy but romance mmm 😶🤣 with a few exceptions. This balance is tricky to measure because I didn’t feel like fantasy OR romance took the spotlight for the most part, the focus is definitely court politics (I know that’s TECHNICALLY fantasy but you know what I mean) and scheming, but the pacing was good so I didn’t mind! I rated it 3 stars, but it would’ve been lower if not for the ending which I really enjoyed. 

I liked Vasalie and the chemistry she had with other characters, and she didn’t read like the ‘stabby fmc’ archetype that turns me off a lot of books in this genre which was a welcome relief. There were a couple of REALLY great reveals in the second half too! 

My biggest issues were that a lot of scenes were over-written - that’s not to say I disliked the prose, it was just TOO MUCH. This book is 448 pages (GR) and not nearly enough happened plot-wise to justify that many pages in my opinion. Even though the ending really picked me up, I can’t say it’s a must-read, but it might be a win for romantasy girlies don’t need OTT romance. 

I do not have a physical disability so I can’t comment on whether the representation was ‘good’ but I have seen a lot of reviewers express that it was an unrealistic representation of living with a disability, but I felt like the FMC’s limitations were clear and consistent.

This book had my attention from the moment I started reading.

A Dance of Lies follows the story of Vasalie, a coveted royal dancer and King Illians beloved "jewel". Wrongfully imprisoned for a murder she didn't commit, Vasalie is surprised to suddenly find herself with an audience with the King. In exchange for her freedom, King Illian requires Vasalie to spy on his brothers kingdom by attending the Crowns Gathering as a dancer.

Whilst in prison, Vasalie was shackled for long periods which lead to her chronic pain and physical limitations. Vasalies chronic illness was approached with respect and care giving the readers an understanding of what she experiences emotionally and physically throughout the book. I admire Vasalies strength and the authors clear message that her condition does not define her. Her dance scenes are written beautifully and I could picture Vasalies performances clearly in my mind.

This book was action packed and filled with so many plot twists and betrayals. The world building was great and easy to understand as was the information surrounding the political situation throughout the story. The side characters we were introduced to were all interesting with stories of their own, however I did question many of their motives and alliances as the story progressed. The romance was more of a sub plot which was fine with me as I was invested in Vasalie and her task at hand.

The book ends with a cliff-hanger that I am still thinking about!! I need Book 2 now!

Read if you enjoy:
- Plot Twists
- Spies
- Political Intrigue
- Broody Prince
- Dancing

Thank you so much Bloomsbury ANZ and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was intrigued by the blurb of this story, especially hearing that it was a political fantasy. Although it had a slow start, as the story progressed, I became hooked.
The FMC is a dancer forced into a position of infiltrating another court as a spy, which I’m always a fan of, and of course this forces her into a web of lies and manipulation - and leaves the audience wondering who she can really trust.
I also really enjoyed that the romance was really only a side plot to the main story, as I was invested more in our main characters personal growth. I was absolutely on the edge of my seat by the end, and need the next book ASAP!
I will definitely be adding books similar to Dance of Lies to my TBR immediately.

This was a ride an a half in a different worldly experience and I'm blown away but everything and the twists, THE PLOT TWISTS In this are amazing!

I would love to Congratulate Brittany on a phenomenal and immersive debut novel, you have done amazing work with this story and I cannot wait to see more splendid work come from you, and hopefully another stemming from this book.

Vasalie, you are a Queen in your own right. You stole my show from the beginning and I am not yet ready to let you go, and want to see more of your development and change. You have not had an easy life, you are always challenged and can never get a breathe of freedom in.

This story is slow burn, there are many males interested in Vasalie, she is a Jewell that hasn't been treasured and she's escaped a harrowing past. There's kings, a war under the surfaces, betrayal, death, unsure who to trust, dancing- a lot of imagery to engross yourself in the theatrical side of things but it's beautiful, suspenseful and heart wrenching, quite a range of emotions were felt reading this.

Dance of Lies is a stunning debut. It’s cinematic, emotional, and impossible to put down. The writing is vivid, especially during the dance scenes, and the worldbuilding is rich yet easy to follow.

Vasalie’s chronic illness is portrayed with care, adding depth without becoming a plot device. The representation overall is powerful and meaningful. Anton, the dark-haired, sarcastic prince is an instant favourite, and the entire cast is compelling. The story is full of tension, secrets, betrayal, and unexpected twists, with a cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for book two.

If you enjoy high-stakes fantasy with romance, heartache, and strong representation, this is a must-read.

There’s something special about a debut that is this fun and easy too read!! Dance of Lies pulled me in from the first page, Brittney’s writing is fluid and cinematic, especially when it comes to the dancing, it's described so perfectly that it actually felt like I was watching a live performance! The world building was also easy to follow and fleshed out without being overly complicated.

I really appreciated how chronic illness is represented, it’s never reduced to a plot device and then forgotten. It’s a part of who Vasalie is and honestly it was cool to see long lasting effects of being imprisoned rather than it being brushed aside straight away.

And also, we need to take a second to talk about ANTON. Y'all know I am powerless in the presence of a dark haired, sarcastic, and smirking prince with a questionable backstory. I'm obsessed.

The first and last 30% of the book went super quickly and I was desperate to finish work to keep reading. The middle slowed a little but not to the point that I wasn't enjoying myself. Overall I think this is a fantastic debut and would be a great read if you enjoy lighter fantasy with a bit of romance.

Bring on book 2 asap

(4.5 stars rounded up)

If I could rate this book higher I would.

I loved this. I didn’t think I would at the start but damn once I was about 15% in I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down. From about 70% onwards I was stressed. I think my heart has been absolutely taken through the coals. I don’t think I can review this without it being led by pure emotions.

This book has representation to many minority groups - and I love that. I love that this book was so loud about it.

I think I could ramble for so long about this book. But I honestly think you all need to read it for yourself. You’ll find political intrigue, kingdoms and kings against each other, secrets, plots, lives untwined with fate, prophecies, dance, love triangles, betrayal, forgiveness, and bargains. You’ll have your heart torn from your chest and stomped on.

What a book. What a ride. 10/10.

The writing is so beautiful and descriptive.

“I am little more than a husk. A corpse. A set of bones, waiting to be buried. I’m not sure my heart beats anymore. I’m not sure I want it to.”

My mind was racing the whole time, so many mysteries and such high stakes & I did not guess the plot twists… the ending is such a good cliffhanger.

I felt connected immediately to the FMC and caring about her & the side characters.


The constant betrayal in this had me on the edge of my seat biting my nails!

I devoured this and could not put it down. Thankyou to netgalley

A Dance of Lies was such a beautifully written romantasy. Everything from the character's appearances, their outfits, the dances, the palaces; was described in so much detail which really created such pretty images in your mind.

Vasalie Moran was once King Illian's prized dancer, his Jewel, but she finds herself imprisoned for two years for a crime she didn't commit. The king then pulls her out of her isolation and expects to not only dance again, but spy for him at the next gathering of all the kingdoms. If she does not, then she forfeits her life and her freedom.

Her two years in prison left her body chronically ill and struggling to do what was once was able to. I enjoyed the disability representation in this book, and how the author managed to convey the message across that you are not weak or defined by your conditions, you are strong in so many ways.

Vasalie's inner turmoil was very well written, you get to read her thought processes as she battles against what the king wants her to do while also trying to stay alive long enough to save her kingdom and enact revenge against those who destroyed her life.

I loved how the reader got to unravel the reasons behind Illian's actions at the same time Vasalie did. The plot moved really smoothly and at the perfect pace.

A Dance of Lies is filled with numerous warm and kind supporting characters, as well as ruthless and cruel ones. King Anton, another Crown introduced into the story, was probably my favourite character. His witty comebacks and flirtatious comments had me laughing multiple times.

The last 20% of the book was a great finale. So much of the reasoning behind all the character's actions was revealed and there were so many twists and betrayals and lies. I was completely shocked at one of the reveals the characters made as it changed the course of Vasalie's whole life story.

The detail put into this book is incredible as well as the complexity of the courts and their politics. This is the perfect romantasy if you love high stakes, ruthless kings, strong FMCs, witty banter and swoon worthy romance.

I really enjoyed like most of this book but the last chapter or so felt forced.
It felt like the author went "I have to have more loose ends if I want to have a second book".
There was already enough going on to warrant another book and it was just stupid.

The book was well written, full of twist and turns. It really took you along for the ride.
She made you fall in love with both potential love interests, making it hard to choose just one.

I did find some parts needlessly wordly and hard to read, but writers love to show off so its expected.

Vasalie Moran was once a favoured dancer in King Illian’s court, until she was framed for murder and locked away in the dungeons for almost two years. When her talents become needed, he offers her a deal; become his spy and he’ll grant her freedom.

As Illian’s orders grow more daring and dangerous, Vasalie is forced to harm and betray those around her, risking her alliances and new friendships in the process.

As rivalries escalate, the horrifying truth of her past comes to light and if she wants to survive, she has to learn who she can trust and how much of herself she can give up in the process.

I love a fantasy with a royal court and kingdoms with politics. Mix that in with a dancer who has a chronic disability who must must work within her own limitations to turn spy, I was hooked.

Some parts of the story are definitely predictable and I’m not sure I really felt the romance connection between the characters but I loved the politics and the betrayal which helped keep the story flowing and intriguing.

Thank you to Bloomsbury ANZ, NetGalley and the author for my copy of this book in exchange for a review

3.5 rounded up.

For me, this book had a slow start but strong finish. I struggled a bit initially to get into it and wasn’t feeling drawn to keep picking it up. Then from about 70% onwards I was hooked.

Vasalie is the King’s jewel, his favourite dancer, until he frames her for murder and imprisons her. King Illias releases her after two years and during this time her body has suffered, her life as a dancer won’t be the same. Although released from imprisonment, she isn’t free yet. Vasalie is sent by Illias to be chosen as a dancer for a royal gathering and earn her freedom by gathering information on the other kingdoms.

I love love love the disability rep. I loved that there were actually realistic consequences of being locked away. A lot of other books either don’t acknowledge these effects, or move on very quickly from it. The impacts mirrored the author’s personal experience with POTS, MCAS, EDS, dysautonomia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. I thought this was done so thoughtfully, and is such a creative way to represent disability/chronic illness, and it really connected with me and my personal experience too.

I thought the world-building was great, the political environment was explained really well. I do hope to see more of the other kingdoms in future books because this one was set mostly on one island.

There were some lovable side characters, but overall I felt that most characters were one-dimensional. They felt like they were each there just to serve a specific purpose for the FMC. I also felt that the FMC was inconsistent. A lot of the story was centred around her very strong beliefs of right and wrong, and these beliefs were a massive driver for her. Except, they weren’t.
Her whole thing is feeling so disappointed in herself for not doing enough, or doing something bad, and at many points throughout the book she talks about no matter what, even if it means her life, she will never ever do these things again…. until nearly straight after this, she goes and slits someone’s throat. It just really didn’t add up.

I was absolutely kept on my toes in regard to the love interest/s, I was actually shocked by this love triangle. I really didn’t know where things were going to end up or who to trust, and I enjoyed that. I did really enjoy the romance, my man is OBSESSED and really has a way with words.
I also loved the use of dance as a form of communication, the descriptions of touch highlighted the development of relationships and I thought that was really beautiful and unique.

𝘼 𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙞𝙚𝙨 by Brittney Arena tells the story of Vasalie; once a Royal dancer considered King Illian’s jewel, who was wrongfully imprisoned for murder. After two years imprisonment she is summoned by the King and offered a deal; attend the Crowns’ Gathering as a dancer and spy for him in exchange for her freedom.

I found Vasalie to be a really interesting main character. After being shackled for two years she has chronic pain and physical limitations and it’s good to see chronic pain and disability representation in a main character. The combination of childhood trauma and King Illian’s betrayal is a lot for Vasalie to process and it affects everything she does and every decision she makes.

I like that Vasalie wasn’t given a quick-fix, she endures the physical and emotional pain and learns to adapt when her body no longer performs like it used to. She’s imaginative, determined, strong yet also vulnerable, which made for an interesting character journey.

“𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨, 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚. 𝙎𝙤 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨, 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙧. 𝘿𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢.”

The Crowns’ Gathering was where things really stepped up a notch and the descriptions of the city of glass, its characters, clothing and buildings was vivid and immersive. The descriptions of the sea glass were so beautiful I was tempted to go beachcombing in search of some coloured glass for myself!

My favourite part of the Crowns’ Gathering was meeting King Illian’s brother, the famed King of the East, Anton Orvere. Anton is flirty with deep, sea-green eyes, which I would very much like to stare into thank you very much! Anton is the reason Vasalie learns to trust and while I loved the banter between them I also loved the honest, heartfelt moments they had.

“𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣,”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙩.”

There was a lot of information in 𝘈 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘪𝘦𝘴 to absorb, as you would expect in a story full of political intrigue, but as the story progressed the lies unravelled and it all came together in a conclusion that has me desperate to read book two!

“𝙃𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚.”

A Dance of Lies is a story of betrayal, resilience, and survival. The story follows Vasalie, a gifted dancer who is wrongly accused of murder by the very man she trusted most. After spending years imprisoned, she’s unexpectedly offered a chance at freedom but at a dangerous price.

Vasalie is a strong, resourceful, and fiercely determined FMC. Her journey to reclaim her strength and fight for her freedom is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. You will come to know the other characters and have your own feelings and opinions on each and every one of them although throughout the entire book you feel as if vasalie can’t trust anyone and it leaves you constantly on edge.

Packed with emotional twists, action, and suspense, this book pulls you into it’s story and has you desperate for more. Just when you think you have it figured out, there will be another plot twist.
The end is a heart wrenching cliffhanger that left me desperately needing book 2!!

I had a fabulous time reading this book! It was 4.5 ⭐️'s for me & I'm now just patiently waiting for the book 2

This book never lulled, I was constantly saying to myself "just one more chapter" the story really captured me. It was mixture of being character and plot driven and Brittney nailed the balance.

I actually went into this story blind, I had zero idea what it was about which I actually loved experiencing everything with no pre-conceived notions. The writing was very descriptive & poetic with lovely imagery. It felt familiar in a way that I knew what to expect but at the same time I was surprised many times (idk if that even makes sense 🙈)

The espionage/spy angle was so fun & very tension filled. Part 3 of the book I literally could not put it down & the ending!?!? Ummm I need book 2 asap x

I was constantly second guessing people's motives & I enjoy that feeling of being torn between multiple characters not knowing all the facts as a reader. Hence me constantly saying "Just one more chapter' because I needed the tea ☕️

Vas was a great FMC & I found her easy to connect to, she's is someone you constantly root for to get her happy ending. The minor characters were great & Anton's personality, charm & backstory was one of the things I loved most about this book. The ending genuinely had me gasping!!