While I enjoyed the writing style of the author, I feel the plot needed a little work. Most of the characters were not like able or someone to root for because they were all so catty and did not have any redeeming qualities. Overall, the lead up to the accident at the end was a let down, due to the fact that it was all over a tripped shoelace. I was expecting a much more horrible thing to have happened due to the lead up. I feels the synopsis of the book was a bit misleading.

I was hesitant to pick up this book and I was correct in thinking it probably wasn't for me. Nobody is likable in this story other than one old lady who Delphine ignores unless she needs something from her. To have reached the heights they have reached, maybe narcissism is a necessity, but it's not enjoyable to read about selfish Delphine, who only remembers her obligations when she needs to do so for her own benefit. All the men in this story are made out to be misogynist buffoons, charming and suave until their true colors are revealed to the women. The writing is good but the subject matter is not for me.

Intriguing psychological thriller that explores aspects of female friendship and competition. The characters are interesting to follow throughout the twists and turns of the story.

I was drawn to this title because of my background in theatre. I enjoyed this one but I felt it was predictable at times. But that could have just because I’ve been on a thriller kick? Definitely still worth the read!

This started as a book between three young girls, Delphine, Margaux, and Lindsay. It constantly alludes to an event that occurred with Lindsay, but it takes way too long to find out what the event was. Delphine is a ballerina-turned-choreographer and clearly makes a lot of bad decisions.

There is a lot of filler in this book and a lot of time-jumping around. It does get hard to follow at times, mostly because the stories that take place in the past have any bearing on what is going on in the present.

Delphine was not a likeable character. I'm not sure if she was written that way or just came across that way, but I feel like we were supposed to emphasize with her... and I didn't. At all. She seemed selfish and immature. Also, she didn't seem that self-aware. Her relationships all fall apart and the common denominator is her.

Overall, this book seemed a bit long and rambling, but I did want to keep reading to find out what happens.

I could not stop reading this book to save my life! I don’t know what it is but I was so intrigued by the storylines and the characters. The author writes with a captivating pace that had me wanting to know more and more and more. The character arcs are brilliantly written. I would classify this as women’s fiction rather than mystery/thriller but I’m definitely putting her on my list of auto buy authors simply for her writing style. Absolutely loved it all!!!

Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I want to start my review by saying that I know nothing about ballet, and I loved this book! Everything was described in an easy-to-understand manner without being over descriptive.

I enjoyed that it was a dual time one story, but I really did not like Lindsay in the “present day” timeline. She acted so entitled and was super annoying. How we, I was dying to know what the secret was Margot and Delphine kept from Lindsay all those years. I was surprised when I found out as well.

I felt this story was very much a nudge for feminism and against the patriarchy, but it didn’t bother me in the slightest. Also, be aware of a trigger warning for abortion.

Overall, if the few things above do not offend or trigger you, then I do recommend this one.

I really struggled with this story and the book itself. I thought I was getting myself into a thriller, and expected some kind of adult version of “Dare Me” (which I haven’t read, but have seen). I wouldn’t really label this book as a thriller at all. It felt more adult fiction (with YA flashbacks), but was full of most trigger warnings imaginable (sexual assault, abuse, murder, to just name a few).

All of the characters are immensely unlikeable and it’s impossible to root for anyone in the mess of story. The thing that kept me reading was this promise of some horrid thing two of the main characters did to the third some 20ish years ago. But the reveal is underwhelming, and at that point there’s already some other major plot point working to wiggle its way into the story.

The ending of the book felt like the author didn’t know how to end her story after the climax, so settled on wrapping it in a perfect bow. I honestly hated it - the ending, not the book. But the book, I disliked.

I struggled to get through this one, because I was curious to see where the story was going, but not curious enough to constantly want to know what happened. The book jumped to the past and worked its way forward while also maintaining a story in the present day. Not all of the past stories had any impact on what happened in the present day (the one of Delphine at the airport? Why did we need that?).

Delphine was not a likeable character at all. She was self-absorbed and only interested in herself, and then was left wondering why her relationships fell apart. Perhaps this was the result of the world of a ballerina, perhaps this was what it took to be a successful ballerina. I don't know, but it was hard to like the main character. To be honest, I kind of wanted Lindsay's story! This book seemed long but it was only 300-ish pages. Not a lot of action and very slow moving, which is fine if there is character development occuring. In this case, there wasn't.

If you've ever been to the ballet, you've most likely been captivated by the poise, the control, and the movements of the dancers. But behind the grace and beauty on stage, there's a very different world - one that author Rachel Kapelke-Dale explores in The Ballerinas...

Full review published on NightsAndWeekends.com - and aired on Shelf Discovery

This book had promise but failed to capture my attention. There were fleeting moments of interest and inteigue, but for the most part I found myself indifferent.

The Ballerinas is an interesting read about friendship among 3 ballerinas in Paris. The book was engaging from the beginning to the end.

Sadly, this book did not work for me The first 30% of this book had SO much potential, but not much happened after to keep my interest. I just could not connect with any of the characters because there were not any redeeming qualities that made me root for anyone. The book did not feel very thrilling due to it being very slow. The plot was also confusing and I could not decide what exactly the point of the book was. The writing was fine, but I felt as though the time jumps did not have a complete purpose and instead made it very hard to follow.

I could not finish because I kept seeking more than the author willing herself to give. Sorry. The premise sounded good, but the execution left more to desire.

I didn't finish this book. I wanted to love it so much because it's about the Paris Opera but the setup is too long. We know there is a crime but more than 30% into the book I still don't have any clue what is happening or where the story is going. I might read the book again and will update this review. I might actually love it... I'm hoping I do! 3 stars because I imagine it's a good one... provided I finish it. Again, I'll update my review when / if I finish.

The Ballerinas, a debut novel from Rachel Kapelke-Dale, offers an inside look at the all-consuming life of a ballerina. The story centers around three girls who became fast friends at a prestigious ballet school in Paris and eventually earned their places in the ballet company. Despite their friendship, there is also an underlying competition to earn the best roles. To what lengths will each go? Each one also struggles to "be seen" as a person outside their stage presence. It was interesting to get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of ballet and the many hours of grueling training and sacrifices made. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy to read and review.

The Ballerinas is a story told by three women who have their dreams, passions, friendships, angsts, and love all tied up in an excruciating life of dancing. When the ballerinas are on the stage they are gorgeous, what has to be done for them to seem so beautiful is the difficult and hard part which is told in detail in this story. The book is interesting but not really what I was expecting, however, it does provide the reader with good entertainment.
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

This was my first book by this author, It was pretty enjoyable. I would give this book a 3.5 star rating! It was a pretty Quick and easy read!

Character-driven, slow burning, and realistic, The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale is a novel--part drama, part women's fiction--that delves into the competitive, disciplined, and often excruciating lifestyle of the professional dancer. Fans of the ballet will enjoy this one.

A powerful story of friendship, love, life and second chances. About pursuing your dreams, no matter what the cost or the consequences might be. About living, loving, forgiving and growing up.