A huge thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for this e-arc!

4.5 🌟

This is how you do a debut fantasy novel! Wow. A Dance Of Lies has a slower buildup with some world building and lots of new names and places, but once I was about a quarter or so in, the pace picks up and I could not put it down.

What to expect:
-to fall in love with the mmc
-a patient and emotionally mature mmc
-chronic pain and disability recognition
-amazing tension and banter
-found family
-slow burn romance

Definitely recommend giving this one a read if you love page-turning fantasy in a unique kingdom by the sea, with a sweet and tension-filled, slow burn romance. This book appears to be the first in either a duology or a series and I will definitely be on the lookout for that next book announcement.

❤️ I absolutely loved A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena ❤️ Thank you @tandemcollectiveglobal and @bloomsbury_export for having me along for the ride.

Thank you @reverieandink for writing this amazing book ❤️

I can't actually put into words how lovely this book was, so read the blurb about the book as it sums it up beautifully ❤️ If you love a romantasy, you will love this book, which releases in June.

Vasalie Moran was once a dancer in King Illian’s court, until he framed her for murder. Barely surviving her two years in the dungeons, she’s suddenly called to face her king. He offers her a deal: become his spy at the six-week royal Gathering and he’ll grant her freedom.

As Illian’s orders grow bloody and dangerous, forcing her to harm and betray those around her, Vasalie discovers that the monster she serves may be aligned with a bigger monster—one far closer to home. With her world threatened, Vasalie enlists the help of Illian’s brother and greatest adversary, the infamous King of the East.

As the rivalry between brothers escalates, with Vasalie caught in the middle, the horrifying truth of her past comes to light. If she wants to survive, she must decide who to trust, who to fight for, and how much of her soul she’s willing to damn in the process.

#BBNI2025 #Bloomsbury #TandemCollectiveGlobal

“A Dance of Lies” by Brittney Arena is a debut adult fantasy novel scheduled for publication on June 10, 2025. The story follows Vasalie Moran, a former court dancer who, after being framed for murder by King Illian, endures two harrowing years in the dungeons. Upon her release, the king offers her a perilous deal: to serve as his spy during the royal Gathering in exchange for her freedom. As Vasalie navigates a treacherous web of political intrigue, she must decide whom to trust and how far she’s willing to go to secure her liberation.

Receiving an ARC of this novel from Bloomsbury Publishing, I was drawn to its promise of a complex protagonist entangled in a dangerous game of espionage and betrayal. The premise of a dancer-turned-spy caught between warring royal brothers intrigues me, especially with themes of resilience and deception at its core.

Brittney Arena’s writing is absolutely stunning—lyrical, immersive, and fast-paced. From the very first page, I was hooked, unable to put the book down. The prose flows beautifully, making every moment feel vivid and emotionally charged.

Vasalie is such a relatable and passionate protagonist. Her determination to regain her freedom resonated deeply, and I loved following her journey. Anton, on the other hand, was equally captivating—his fierce protectiveness and desire to help Vasalie, despite the risks, made him incredibly endearing. Their push-and-pull dynamic was intoxicating—forbidden, intense, and utterly delicious!

The plot kept me obsessed—one task after another, I was desperate to see how everything would unfold. The tension never let up, and the stakes continued to rise in ways that left me breathless. The world-building was equally mesmerizing—so immersive that I wished I could step into it myself. The intricate political intrigue, the dangerous court, and the richly crafted setting made it feel like a world I never wanted to leave.

The book also weaves in some of my favorite themes: forced proximity, arranged marriage, death, forbidden love, and that irresistible "touch her and die" energy. Each element was executed masterfully, adding to the novel’s depth and emotional pull.

My final thoughts: I absolutely loved this book! I was captivated and obsessed immediately. Everyone has at one point suffered with pain and being there with Vasalie as she was forced to push through all obstacles from her imprisonment to achieve her ultimate goal. It was refreshing, enlightening, and inspiration. I loved watching her overcome challenge after challenge and suffer through her moral thoughts and what stood between her freedom. Sometimes it can be viewed as selfish to put yourself first, but Vasalie didn’t have a choice. She spent the last two years suffering, locked in a cell, forced to watch her body atrophy before her eyes. But her strength resonated, and I saw myself in Vasalie. Aside from Vasalie’s strength, Anton is the hero she needed in her life and the person who would be strong for her when she wasn’t able to keep going. I love Anton, and I NEED BOOK TWO IMMEDIATELY!!
Thank you Brittney Arena, Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC.

I want to start off with the good before I get into the not so great.

The concept of this book really drew me in. I was excited to experience a fantasy world told from a main character with a disability. The overall plot peaked my interest and I like how the author writes.

Now for the bad.

This book had so much info dumping that I felt so detached from the actual story. It is a first person narrative and instead of learning through the current scene we just paragraphs upon paragraphs of random background information. I could not bring myself to care about the world building or the random rumors because it felt so cheap. I get that this is a debut novel but it feels like an editor should have cut some information out.

I also could not bring myself to care about any of the characters. They felt so one dimensional and bland. The writing was poetic but the words meant nothing. I might have enjoyed this more if I was in middle school due to the depth of the story.

Overall I would recommend this novel if you like the following:
* Information dumping
* Simple character
* Over complicated and yet unclear world building
* Romantasy that resembles ideas already published

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!

I was excited for a fresh take on a female main character in the romantasy genre with a disability rep, but despite the first person narrative, I didn't feel her pain as I expected to. The writing style wasn't my cup of tea and felt slightly choppy and disjointed, but not so terrible that I couldn't bear it. I understand this is a debut, so I won't be too tough on it. It was just ok.

I wanted to love this, but I was just so bored I DNF'd. It's a shame - this has such a STUNNING cover design and I desperately hoped I'd find a new favorite with this ARC.

From the beginning of this book I was just a little... confused. We started off super strong and a bit graphic and then ended up somewhere closer to YA than I thought but then the guy who had caused her so much abuse was the love interest after all? I don't know, maybe this book just wasn't for me or I wasn't in the right frame of mind to read it but I found all the characters a little confusing, the world building a bit unsteady and the turn around for Illian a little too unbelievable - even for fantasy. Would I read more from this author? Yes. Will I rush back for a re read? No.

Unfortunately, I ended up DNFing this book after Part 1.

What I read reminded me of Throne of Glass in its setup: a young woman pulled out of prison and given a task by a king she hates while trying to recover from her time in prison and having 2 suspected love interests, one who is helping her recover her physical strength and one who is potentially an emotional haven later on. Obviously there are differences between the two, but the initial premise feels really familiar because of these similarities.

Beyond having issues with the initial setup of A Dance of Lies, the deeper world building with gods/fates/myth/rumor was very unclear and at this point in the story didn't feel super relevant to the plot. I also felt that the interactions between characters were very surface level despite us being told otherwise (a case of telling, not showing). There is also kind of a jarring death of an animal flashback scene that feels like it should come with a trigger warning, but mostly makes sense in the context of the scene (FMC was recalling a time her abusive father punished her when she was a child). I don't remember if there were TW at the beginning of the book.

Overall, the part that I read felt kind of generic because of its similarities to things I'd read in the past and the lack of connection that I felt to the characters didn't inspire me to read any further. I don't think I would have had a bad time if I had continued, just a very middle of the road kind of time that I wouldn't have remembered much of in a couple months.

A DANCE OF LIES by Brittney Arena was a beautiful romance fantasy novel that follows the story of a dancer with a disability who is coerced after being falsely convicted of a crime she didn’t commit. To spy for her King Ilian'’s brother's court for unbeknownst reason, that slowly takes a turn as significant revelations are revealed.

Brittney’s writing and storytelling was absolutely captivating, I was completely drawn to the story from the beginning.
The way that she intertwined important topics such as disability and the impact it can have on a person's everyday life into this fantasy story was done really well as well as thought provoking for readers.

Even the dance scenes were very detailed and phenomenally expressed into words, i could picture each moment as i read from the pages

The characters were so complex and real, I felt connected to them, especially the female character Vasalie. Vasalie was such a fascinating character, I admired how her story unfolded. From the various moments we got from her suffering from chronic pain and health issues in the story. In addition, She experienced so much pain, cruelty, and trauma from her father as well as from the King. Witnessing her growth and development in the story was beautiful as her developed inner strength to hold her own.

I enjoyed the dynamic between Vasalie and Anton; the king of the East and Ilian's younger brother. The romance that developed between the two was paced really well, it never felt rushed or forced. Anton is so charming, he had me swooning. Their interactions and connection felt organic and real. I loved their banters together. You could feel the chemistry between them.

Overall, this was an incredible debut novel. I’m so proud and excited for Brittney’s journey as an author. You can tell how much care and thoughtfulness she put into this story. Her characters were everything and I’m still shocked in the best way by all of the twists and turns within the court politics that unfolded. And that ending, wow!! I can’t wait for the second book.

¡Feliz debut! Te deseo mucho éxito.




Vasalie Moran fue acusada injustamente de asesinar al asesor del rey Illian, pasando dos largos años en prisión. Cuando el rey, quien una vez fue su amigo, le ofrece la oportunidad de convertirse en su espía a cambio de su libertad, acepta sin dudar, decidida a no regresar a su celda. Su misión: infiltrarse en el reino de Antón y seguir las órdenes de Illian durante el peligroso encuentro real. Sin embargo, a medida que las órdenes del rey se vuelven cada vez más sangrientas y traicioneras, Vasalie descubre que Illian puede ser tan monstruoso como aquellos que la han perseguido. Vasalie se verá atrapada entre dos mundos y deberá decidir a quién le es leal, quién merece su confianza y cuánto de su alma está dispuesta a perdernos para sobrevivir.




Necesito saber más sobre lo de Eremis y Monranya.



Lo de las imágenes me parece interesante, ojalá en el próximo libro se vea más sobre su creación.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dance of Lies completely blew me away! Brittany Arena does an incredible job portraying trauma and disabilities in a way that feels real and deeply emotional. Vasalie’s journey—from broken and betrayed to finding her strength again—was incredibly powerful. I loved how her struggles weren’t magically erased but instead showed resilience and growth.

I truly loved this book and can't wait for the next installment in the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, I was NOT prepared for how much I’d love this. This book is such a solid mix of political scheming, romance, and complex, messy characters — all wrapped up in dense court intrigue and a healthy dose of trauma. If you love character-driven stories that simmer with tension and secrets, this one’s for you.

We follow Vasalie Moran, a dancer at King Illian’s court who spent two years rotting in a dungeon for a crime she didn’t commit. Suddenly, she’s released — and ordered to dance and spy for the king during the Royal Gathering, where all the rulers of the Syndicate kingdoms meet. At the Gathering, she crosses paths with some new, mysterious figures, including Illian’s brother, King Anton, and the enigmatic Master of Revels, Copelan.

What really stood out to me is how much this book focuses on the "after" of trauma. Vasalie lives with chronic pain and disability because of what she went through in the dungeons — but even more so, she carries deep emotional scars. The book doesn’t shy away from showing how hard it is for her to trust again, to move forward, to survive in a world that keeps trying to break her. Watching Vasalie navigate that was heartbreaking and empowering at the same time.

The other characters, especially Illian and Anton, are also super well-written. They have their own clear motivations and secrets, and while it takes a while for everything to come to light, by the end it all makes sense. I thought the character work in this book was excellent — vivid, layered, and so satisfying to follow.

Now, let’s talk about the romance. Is it a love triangle? Maybe even a square? Kinda. But it’s less about "who will she choose?" and more about the absolutely feral yearning and tension happening on every page. There’s lust, desire, obsession, grief, trust issues, betrayal — it’s messy, sometimes toxic. I loved the full spectrum of complicated emotions. And by the end, when Vasalie finally makes her choice, it just feels right.

One thing to keep in mind — this isn’t a fast-paced, action-heavy fantasy. It’s very character-driven, very court-intrigue, very much about secrets and manipulation. But the payoff is so worth it. The tension builds and builds, and the last 20%? Absolutely unhinged. Plot twists, betrayals, heartbreak — I was screaming.

I’ll be honest, I almost skipped this book because I’d seen some mixed reviews. I’m so glad I didn’t. It checked every single box for me: damaged but strong heroine, morally gray men, slow-burn angst, political games, and a romance full of tension and obsession. If you’re into deeply character-driven romantasy with a side of palace intrigue and emotional devastation — read this.

I’ve already preordered a hard copy and I cannot wait for the sequel!

I love illness representation but I hate characters that are so absorbed by their misfortunes that it taints the narrative.

Very unique and emotional. I enjoyed the dancing and always root for disability representation especially in books and fantasy where it's almost completely non existent.

A must read of 2025!!! I have a feeling this book will remain one of my Top Favorites of the year!

After being imprisoned for two years for a crime she did not commit, a dancer that was once known as the King's "Jewel", is told by this same King to become his spy to earn her freedom. But it's not as easy as it sounds, since she's no longer in dancing shape after being locked in a tight cell. However, even with the challenge, she earns a spot to entertain at the Gathering. An event that takes place for a few weeks every year hosting all dignitaries. While planning new dance routines, making new friends, and doing tasks for her King. She quickly starts to doubt who to trust/love and wonders how she can stop doing the King's bidding with her life.

Love, mystery and fantasy, This book leaves you wanting more. I need book 2!

Vasalie Moran was once a dancer in King Illian’s court, until he framed her for murder. Barely surviving her two years in the dungeons, she’s suddenly called to face her king. He offers her a deal: become his spy at the six-week royal Gathering and he’ll grant her freedom.

This was such a great romantasy and I really enjoyed reading it! I love anything that is even remotely enemies to lovers so this was right up my alley. I am excited to read more from the author in the future!

I love Anton. Had some interesting world building and mythology that I'd like to learn more about. Liked the representation of a dancer with chronic illness, and how she learns to dance again. A little too much court politics for me, or maybe just too many courts and characters to keep track of. The pacing felt a little weird at times and didn't love the first person POV. But it definitely has elements people will love and will be very popular.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Four star review for A Dance of Lies.
While I am not typically one who likes a very prosaic writing style, A Dance of Lies was a very intriguing and captivating read. I enjoyed how the author portrayed chronic illness, along with crafting a very unique story line.

Publication Date: June 10th, 2025
Author: Brittney Arena

Where do I even begin??
I am thankful to be given a chance to read this book as an arc, and I am immediately pre-ordering the physical copy! This book held me in a grasp that I haven't felt in a while. The imagery that the author used painted a perfect portrait beneath my eyelids as the world she created unfolded. The pages are filled with rich details and a world full of lore. It amazes me that the author created this unique universe. I found myself unable to put my kindle down and wanting to stay up all night.
This story is unlike anything I have read and I cannot praise it enough. I'm left gasping at the ending, one to promise an outstanding sequel to this book. Brittney Arena, you are an exquisite writer.

This book earned points for its stunning cover, but the story itself didn’t fully work for me. The disability representation was a refreshing addition to the romantasy genre, and I appreciated the political intrigue, but the execution fell flat. Vasalie’s emotions felt muted, the love triangle was unclear for too long, and the tension of the setting didn’t quite land. The slow pacing also made it hard to stay engaged. While the dance elements and vivid imagery were highlights, the way her disability was handled didn’t always sit right with me. Definitely not a bad read, just not for me.

A great romantasy. Different from anything I’ve read before, had me hooked very quickly. I really enjoyed the plot and the unique elements of the storyline.