Quotes to come after publishing date!


Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, this review is my own opinions!

Im in fact so mentally unwell after this book it’s crazy.

Im not sure how to structure this review so I just wanna jump in-
The writing style? Literally chefs kiss✨ it gives Ava Reid vibes, (which I mean as the absolute utmost compliment) it’s so poetic while not dragging the plot or stalling. Vas’s inner monologue is pretty similar style while also still being realistic.

SPEAKING OF MY ABSOLUTE BABY VASSSSSS. Top 5 FMC ever. The representation of a chronic illness that there is no cure, explanation, or even treatment for, while the FMC dosnt victimize herself or have it be a reason to be “saved” by a man is just phenomenal. Vas does what she needs to do, just while in pain. Chronically ill people have good and bad days. There isn’t a choice in when it happens and life dosnt stop on the bad days. Vas is clearly impacted by her bad days but finds a way around it (and HUGE props on not making her “tough it out”).

This world is so interesting to me it’s wild. I want to know more about the political stances and relationships. There’s just so many characters sometimes it was tough to keep straight (this is a me issue I can’t remember names to save my LIFE).

Anton.
My baby.
My sweet boy.
That’s all.

I think it’s actually criminal to have this book not be published till June, and not to give me book 2 IMMEDIATELY.

4.5⭐

A Dance of Lies is a debut book that has everything that I love in a fantasy romance. Firstly the writing is exceptional, the way it flows across the pages is done so well and the start especially grabs your attention and keeps it throughout as we meet Vasalie and learn her heartbreaking story.

Vasalie is a compelling main character, she has been beaten, used, betrayed and broken down but this just makes her all that more stronger and determined, sometimes her decisions and the way she constantly weighs the survival against mortality doesn't make her perfect but for me makes her all that more relatable in the way she handles those certain moments and the impossible choices she has been given.

The world building is exquisite and I loved how everything is so easy to understand the descriptions are vivid in detail and just helps bring the story to life, the chronic pain rep is amazing and I loved the passion behind how dance was used throughout the story, the romance was swoon worthy at times with all the tension and angst that I love to read about.

The cast of characters with the court politics, morally grey love interests and mystical fates with the twists and turns made A Dance of Lies such an enjoyable read and though the ending took a different turn than I was expecting, I'm excited to see what comes next.

Thank you so much to publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book before publication, these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

This is a tough one to review. I was intrigued by the plot but just didn't feel connected to the characters. All of the relationships and character development felt surface-level; by the end of the story I just didn't care. Based on the ending, I assume there's going to be a second book and I just can't see myself reading it.

What I liked
The storyline was super interesting and I did enjoy the spy aspect of the plot

What I didn't like
The overly sinister villains - I am not a fan of books where the main characters never stand a chance against the villain
The lack of character depth and development - I didn't connect with a single character and none of the side characters felt fully developed

I'm bummed I didn't like this one because it sounded so interesting and I saw so many reviews raving about it. Unfortunately, it just wasn't right for me.

A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena is a compelling read that blends court intrigue, romance, and rebellion in a richly imagined world. The main character is both fierce and vulnerable, and her internal struggles felt authentic and relatable! The author does a great job building tension, and there are several twists that genuinely caught me off guard. I would say that the pacing is strong overall, though a few emotional beats and political developments could’ve used a bit more build up to really land and pack a bunch. That said, the writing is engaging, and I couldn't put it down! A solid debut and I really can't wait to read more from Brittney!

DNF @ 27%

There was nothing wrong with this book! It mostly had to do with me accepting too many ARCs at one time, and getting stressed at the time limit 😭 I had to DNF it where I was at because I wasn't quite in the mood to complete it, but the plot was very promising, and I am looking forward to picking up this book once it's published in the future :)

To begin with, I'd just like to say that Brittney Arena's prose is so beautiful! There's such a careful elegance weaved into each sentence. I could really resonate with the main character's emotions, and I also appreciate the disability representation in this novel, highlighted through the main character's struggles but still her stubborn resilience and determination. I felt myself roped into the world of 'A Dance of Lies', and can't wait to explore it further in the future when I'm in the mood, and to see how everything unfolded!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, for granting me this eARC in exchange for an honest review 💗

4.5⭐️

I loved this so much!
The writing style was beautiful and just amazing in every way!!
The concept of this reminded me a lot about Throne of Glass = FMC is in a prison and someone of the royal family calls her to do something for him - and in this book, being his dancer to gather intel.
The pacing was an 8/10, it was fast - but not too fast! - and there wasn’t really any parts where it slowed.

ALSO, great thanks to Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!

First of all, I want to thank the publishers and Netgalley for this eARC, it was a great read. Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down - every free moment I had I was drawn back into this world. It was soo refreshing to read about a gentle female character with a profession that isn't often in fantasy books - a dancer.

This story has everything I love: betrayal, secrets, political drama, morally grey love interests, high emotional stakes, strong heroine, slow burn, amazing tension, family issues, complex characters and is a real rollercoaster of emotions. Highly recommend!

I read somewhere in the reviews that Brittney Arena tells her story so well that she vividly brings what's written on the page to life, the same way Vasalie does with her dancing - and I can only agree with that. It is beautifully written, with interesting world building, and a gripping plot.

Although I enjoyed reading it, I still have to admit that some things happened to me too quickly, so they didn't seem convincing to me. But overall, I liked the story, and can't wait for the sequel.

✨ Thank you to Del Rey and Netgalley for this eARC! It was a magnificent read, *chef's kiss* truly ✨

For a debut fantasy romance, this was a fantastic read. The way it was written, some may dub it as ''purple prose'' which is my favourite style of writing. All the scenes and details were so vivid, I was fully immersed and captivated by this world from the get-go!

Dancer turned spy, we follow our FMC Vasalie, who has spent the past 2 years imprisoned and accused of committing a murder, by the King she believed cared about her. In order to be exonerated, the King offers her a deal, become a spy for him, complete his tasks and she will earn her freedom. Sounds simple enough doesn't it? Or does it?

One of the things I loved most about this story, is our FMC Vasalie. It is always so refreshing when we have a soft female character who isn't a trained/skilled warrior. Throw in to the mix her own struggles with crippling pain and dancing again after being imprisoned; in return we witness amazing character development, and see her overcome all manner of obstacles through sheer will, determination and creativity. A very well written portrayal and representation of what life is like living with a chronic condition.

Plenty of politics are involved, high stakes and intrigue. You don't know who to trust and the plot twists were plot twisting, I was constantly on the edge of my seat not knowing what will happen next. Especially the ending... I can't even remember how long it took me to process what just happened, but I really did have to sit in a dark corner and stared at a wall (for a long while).

We meet plenty of interesting secondary characters that add to the overall plot. Another bonus point I would add is the balance between romance and plot was done really well, one didn't overpower the other and they progressed in a good pace throughout the book. Some of the interactions between our FMC and MMC had me swooooooning *sigh* the slow burn, the tension and the yearning. Miss Britney Arena definitely understood the assignment.

Waiting for book 2 is going to be pure torture and book 1 isn't even out yet... I can't wait to continue this series.

I devoured this book. Seriously. I started reading and could not put it down - every spare moment I had, I was back in this world, completely hooked. A Dance of Lies is everything I want in a fantasy romance: betrayal, political tension, morally grey love interests, and a fierce heroine who's been through hell and refuses to break.

Vasalie is such a compelling main character. She’s been beaten down, imprisoned, used and yet she comes back sharper, stronger, and with fire in her veins. Her voice is raw and vulnerable, but also cunning and brave. The spy angle kept the tension so high, and every twist had me gasping. I loved that she was constantly weighing survival against morality. She's not perfect, but she feels real.

The worldbuilding? Chef’s kiss. It’s dark, lush, and full of secrets. And don’t even get me started on the royal brothers - Illian and the King of the East? That dynamic had me on edge the entire time. I never quite knew who to trust (and honestly, I still don’t, and I love that).

And oh my gods, I lived for the romance between Vasalie and the King of the East. The slow burn, the intensity, the push and pull. It gave me everything. Their chemistry leapt off the page, and I was completely obsessed.

If I had to critique anything, it’s that now I have to wait for the next book. Like… how dare Brittney leave me hanging like this?! The ending had me blinking at the page like, “You’re just gonna END it there???”

In short, if you love dark court intrigue, broken heroines who learn to reclaim their power, and a good enemies-to-lovers situation, you need to read A Dance of Lies. Soooo good. 5 stars. Give me book two yesterday.

compelling debut that combines elements of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. With a strong, multifaceted protagonist and a richly constructed world

Loved this romantasy.
The world itself was skilfully drawn, atmospheric and compelling, yet never so elaborate that it distracted from the plot. It served the story beautifully, providing a backdrop that felt lived-in but not overexplained.

Vasalie’s journey added a striking layer of realism to the narrative. Rather than taking the high road, she makes a questionable decision that many protagonists might shy away from, and the novel doesn’t flinch away from exploring the fallout. She isn’t the brooding, morally ambiguous type I usually gravitate towards, but her decisions felt grounded and human, which made her arc resonate in a different but equally powerful way.

While the writing style was generally strong, though I did notice some recurring internal thoughts that could have been trimmed.

Altogether, this was a high emotional stakes story, a well-paced romance, and political drama that was engaging. I’ll absolutely be diving into the sequel when it’s out.

I enjoyed writing, it was beautifully descriptive and the premise and world building were interesting. The fmc had such an emotional journey which I loved and I did find the storytelling through dance and beautiful way to describe her journey.
However, while the story was well structured, I didn’t feel gripped by the story as the pacing was quite slow so I found it hard to get into at some points.

I decided to DNF at 50%. The pacing was so slow! I was hooked at the beginning but when I hit the 30% mark and nothing was happening it started getting really hard to continue reading. I persisted for another 20% but at that point I was forcing myself to read it! It’s not a bad book but sadly I don’t think it was for me.
Too slow. a little repetitive at times and I couldn’t connect nor care for any of the characters! I don’t think it deserves a 2 star rating tho. So ill wound up and give it a 3 ✨

Absolutely loved this book. The political machinations and betrayal is non stop! The slow burn, the banter and relationship between Vaseliia and **** is spot on. The ending is brutal though and now I need the next book. Very much recommend.


Spice: two scenes which are heated and fade to black, one takes place in a brothel. (No parts are mentioned)

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I saw so many amazing reviews of this one before reading and it did not disappoint! There was such an amazing cast of characters, moral complexity, mystical fates, and Anton (of course). The romance and the passion for dance made this book so compelling. I found this story really unique and I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel!

Fates. Where do I even start? A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena is by far, one of my top books of 2025.

The author’s note was where I knew this book was going to be one that held a special place in my heart, no matter the rating I would later give. And I did indeed go preorder a hardback then and there. Chronic Illness rep for the win.

Vasalie Moran is now one of three comfort characters I have, and very near and dear to my heart.

I did not expect to love this book as much as I did however, going in, I feared that I’d get a little bored in the fantasy world and a book focused on a dancer. Usually, I prefer my fantasy’s to have fae, magical world systems, mythical creatures, something of the sorts. So I was weary…but fates, was I so so so very wrong to be. And Morta’s teeth, am I glad to be.

This book—when I tell you it grabbed my hand from the first page and took me RUNNING, sprinting, leaping and twirling , I truly mean it. I did not want to put it down. I wanted to forsake all of life’s duties and simply devour this entire book in one go. Alas, life did life and it took me three days—but each time I picked it up, I was immediately back in this story.

Brittney Arena tells her story so well I could SEE everything depicted on page, the same way Vasalie tells a story with her dance, this book was a dance in itself. A song as well. It was music and dance and I wanted to wrap myself up in it.

I loved the world she created, the way each word was a stroke on a canvas, a step in a dance. It was honestly refreshing, and I loved the inventions and detail of each Crown’s kingdom. I felt like I was truly a part of the Gathering, watching and taking part in each performance instead of simply reading about it. There were characters I loved, and ones I hated. And loathed. And one in particular who has the best lines and I would fight the Fate of Morta myself for them. (Well besides Vas because I would also fight anyone for her.) The political conflict, the found family, and the dialogue kept me coming back for more. The fact that Vasalie was such a genuine character, and made some hard choices and we got to actually see the consequences of such choices was so refreshing. The twists and turns certainly kept me coming back for more as well.

If you want banter that truly banters, snark and lines that will have you snort. A romantic interest with a cute pet name, and perfect lines. A FMC who truly does grow and you will be rooting for, and has allll the feminine rage, please do yourself a favour and grab a copy of this book. It’s certainly going down as a favourite of mine and I’m sad it’s not even out yet because I need MORE already… I need the whole story. Brittney Arena is certainly going to be an instant-buy author of mine now.

I will be raving about this book for days and I am feral for the next one.

4 stars
First off thank you so much to Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group and Del Rey for this e-arc I screamed when I got it!

This is my honest review of A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena. First off loved the premise of this book a dancer is accused of committing a crime and in order to be exonerated she has to infiltrate a very special six week event as a spy only to get caught in the cross hairs between two royals. Like that blurb alone and I was sold. Vasalie story is heartbreaking and seeing her used by so many just made my heart ache. Enter, King Anton and Im like yes now that is giving main love interest energy. Absolutely loved the chemistry between the FMC and MMC and cannot wait for the rest of the series. Like seriously when and where can I get the next book ASAP. All in all a masterful and well crafted romantasy Brittney Arena shows people what is to be strong and fight for not only yourself, but for the people you care for including an immortal king. Would definitely recommend this to anyone!

Absolutely adored this and that makes me so happy because I’ve struggled to find a romantasy I could enjoy for so long now. I read this in two sittings. The political tension was SO well written and twisty, I reallyyyy loved how the romance arc wasn’t entirely predictable from the start, and the worldbuilding was fantastic and immersive—just the right amount for the story. The writing was nice, although if I had to nitpick, I could’ve done with a little bit less repetition in Vasalie’s internalisation.

Speaking of Vasalie, I found it refreshingly honest to have a romantasy FMC who takes the realistic route when faced with a shitty situation and chooses the shitty, arguably cowardly route over the more heroic option, and to not have its ramifications glossed over to avoid alienating readers. This is not to say that Vasalie is a particularly selfish or morally grey character like those I usually tend to love, but her reactions and arc felt very genuine and realistic.

The dialogue and other characters were also really well-written and developed; there were some lines where I snorted out loud (Basile & Anton’s scene, I’m especially looking at you).

Overall, this was a really enjoyable fantasy read without a steep learning curve to get into the story that nonetheless delivers a twisty political plot and developed romance arc. I will absolutely be picking up the sequel.

A Dance of Lies is your next fantasy obsession! I cannot believe this is a debut novel - it was simply phenomenal! This story has it all - an incredible high-stakes plot, well-developed main and side characters, and all the tense, angsty, and swoon-worthy romantic moments.

Read if you love:
- Multiple love interests
- Political intrigue
- Fate and prophesy
- Feminine rage
- Chronic illness rep
- Found family

This story had me reading late into the night, furiously turning the pages. I could not peel myself away, and now that I’ve finished, I am aching to get my hands on the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Del Rey Books, and Random House for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I cannot speak highly enough of the hottest new upcoming release from Bloomsbury Publishing & Del Rey Publishing - A Dance of Lies. While slow to start, it is nevertheless important to set the scene for the rest of this lush, high stakes romantasy with secrets, betrayal and forbidden desires, reminiscent of the plated prisoner series - yet it stands completely on its own. While the romance captured my heart (and you will have to keep reading to the end to see which hero is the love interest), it was the fascinating characters, the beautiful world building and the intriguing plot that really captured my heart. A standout new release for 2025 - I already cannot wait for the sequel!!!