Thank you Netgalley and Turner Publishing for an eARC in exchange for a review!

You know that rare feeling when reading a book isn’t reading a book, but being in the story? A Dance with Death swept me off my feet—right into the hauntingly beautiful world of The Pins. Although the village itself might not be glamorous, the characters, emotions and the high stakes made it sound like the most magical place in the world.

This novel follows Cassidy Bell, a girl who has already lost far too much—and isn’t ready to lose more. When her beloved older sister disappears, taken by the same force that’s haunted her life—Death itself—Cassidy is desperate. When she catches wind of even the slightest chance her sister might still be reachable, she doesn’t hesitate. That chance, however, involves breaking into the home of a demon. Rejected at the door, Cassidy doesn’t back down. She returns, breaks in, and accidentally steals something valuable. And once the demon finds out, it’s too late to undo it. In order to keep her life, she has to dance for him every evening. Not an ideal position to be in for Cassidy, but she agrees, the thought of maybe convincing him someday to reunite her with her sister. Now her mission is to dance, save her sister and—why is she suddenly growing fond of her greatest enemy?

Initially, I was attracted by the amazing graphics of the cover, but what got me to stay was the raw, heart-wretching love Cassidy Bell has for her sisters. Watching her follow her dreams of becoming a ballerina and ending up with so much more, the only negative thing I have o say about this book is that it’s way too short. I will be awaiting the sequel impatiently.

SPOILER TEASER
“We are just two wild hearts who find the calm within the other.”

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I was genuinely excited to receive an ARC of A Dance with Death. Unfortunately, the Kindle version appears to be improperly formatted, making it unreadable. The content loads horizontally, and the text is a jumbled, indistinguishable mess across the screen. I truly hope this formatting issue is resolved soon, as I'm eager to read the book and provide a thoughtful, in-depth review.

Book Review: A Dance with Death by Amanda Linsmeier

This book feels like stepping into a gothic fairytale—cursed slippers, a mansion that’s probably plotting against you, and a demon who’s terrifying but somehow charming enough that you keep rooting for him despite knowing better (yes, the red flag practically waves itself, but you still can’t help it).

Corliss Bell is a ballerina who’ll do anything to save her sister, even strike a bargain with said demon, and suddenly she’s dancing till dawn, plotting her way out, and trying to survive in a place where candlelight is the only warmth she’s likely to get. She refuses to just sit there and mope; she schemes, bargains, and makes some terrible life choices at a pace that will make you simultaneously groan and cheer. Watching her navigate cursed shoes, late-night dance marathons, and a dangerously magnetic demon is like watching a raccoon steal pizza off a porch: chaotic, questionable, and impossible not to root for.

The prose is gorgeous and moody; you can practically taste the salt in the air, hear the floorboards groan in protest at the characters’ life choices, and feel the stormy seas and haunted ballrooms around you. Does it sometimes get indulgent in its own prettiness? Sure. Do some of the emotional leaps feel sudden or a little jarring? Absolutely. But honestly, the vibe is so strong, atmospheric, and immersive that you can’t help but forgive it.

The romance is dark, messy, and absolutely not “safe.” Orrin and Corliss have chemistry that sparks off the page, you’ll find yourself laughing, groaning, and occasionally thinking, “oh no, this is a bad idea.” It’s playful, a little flirty, and just enough tension to keep things interesting over the course of the 300+ pages, without ever feeling over the top.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. A Dance with Death is set to publish on January 27, 2026, and it’s a hauntingly beautiful, occasionally indulgent, and thoroughly entertaining read for fans of dark fantasy, gothic romance, and morally complicated demons.