A stunning debut that weaves together heartbreak, betrayal, and the deadly elegance of court intrigue. A Dance of Lies follows Vasalie, once King Illian’s prized jewel—a beloved palace dancer betrayed and framed for murder by the very man meant to protect her. Now, she’s dragged back to the royal court as both performer and reluctant pawn in a dangerous political game. Every step she takes is a risk, with power plays and emotional betrayals lurking at every turn. She trusted the wrong King, will she make the same mistake again?

The story captured my attention from the very first page, and I found it difficult to put down. This isn’t a typical romantasy. There are multiple potential love interests introduced, but it’s not clear who the FMC will end up with until nearly three-quarters into the book. It’s a deeply slow burn, laced with quiet, simmering tension that builds.

That ending, though 😵‍💫 I’m still recovering. Needless to say, I’ll be counting down the days until the sequel; never mind that it hasn’t even been announced yet. Brittney Arena, please have mercy. 👀💔📚

Tropes:

🩰☠︎🥂 Espionage

⚔️ Court intrigue

👑 A king obsessed
♿ Chronic illness rep

💕 Enemies-to-allies
🔥 Slow burn

💔 Betrayal and revenge

A huge thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for providing an advanced copy of the book for review consideration. As always, all opinions are my own.

A Dance of Lies is about a girl who used to be a dancer, and is recruited/forced into being a spy at a political gathering, while having physical limitations that preclude her from being at her best. She struggles through the quagmire of political intrigue while battling her own physical and emotional demons.

This book had a very interesting premise in that the author specifically states at the beginning that she wanted to create an fmc who lived with chronic pain and physical limitations, as opposed to other romantasy fmcs who were strong/magical/kick-ass. I applaud this ambition and thought it was executed well throughout the book. The downside I saw was that Vas's physical issues contributed to low self-esteem which caused her to make some poor choices, and those, while contributing to the plot, were frustrating to read and slowed down the pacing.

In terms of world building and character development, I felt that the story got a pass on the world building, since the majority of the book took place on a neutral island. However, there were characters I wish we saw more of, and I hope to see more of them in the second book. This first book really focused on Vas's personal struggles, but there is so much potential in the side characters that would really liven everything up.

The story slogged a bit in the middle, and then rushed into a not-quite-denouement at the very end to set up for the second book. I will be reading the second book, mostly hoping to see more from the side cast.

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.

This book was a bit of a rollercoaster, but not in a good way. There were times when it was exciting, and I had a hard time putting it down. Then it would be so dull and boring, or the character would do something so frustrating, I had to put it down and not pick it back up for a while. Because of these ups and downs, I had a really hard time rating it.

Vasalie is a dancer turned prisoner turned spy. She's spent the past two years locked up for a crime she didn't commit, which has left her physically disabled. Still, she's given the opportunity to clear her name if she turns spy for the King who knowingly imprisoned her. He has leverage, and he's not afraid to use it. At the Gathering, Vasalie has to use her skills to get close to those around her so King Illian can accomplish his goals.

I found Vasalie so frustrating. I couldn't connect with her, and sometimes her doubts about some characters but not others really made me want to scream. I think the problem was that I could see where the plot was going, and it was obvious to me when someone was genuine or was acting, and it wasn't obvious to Vasalie. There is a slight moment of a love triangle, which I tend to not like. I also really didn't like the trope used at the end of the book. I wanted the disability representation to be slightly better. Mostly, Vasalie just had to "push through it," and that just isn't how disability tends to work.

Like I said, this was a complicated one for me. I liked some aspects. I enjoyed parts, and then I would get bored. I think many romantasy lovers will enjoy this one. I'm not sure how people will like the ending.

A Dance Of Lies by Brittany Arena : Such a great fantasy read. Amazing world building inside and outside, such feeling and heart with the FMC. I will be rereading this again and again. I feel like I can relate to this FMC. The heat seeking in this top tier. You yearn for more & its out of reach. I can't wait to read more by this author. Thanks to netgally & the publisher of this novel.

Lush and mesmerizing, A Dance of Lies is everything I hoped it would be. I love when characters are put into dangerous situations and are forced to make terrible decisions. I love a good spy plot line, especially when the person you are spying for is evil and you are forced to work against people you like and respect. The middle of the story I was a little confused, mainly because I couldn’t figure out who the love interest was supposed to be. The story seemed to be going in too many directions but by the end it’s all straightened out. The political intrigue was fascinating and the ending was INTENSE. There is an excellently well crafted villain, and the main character Vasalie is similarly well rounded and so easy to root for. I am not chronically ill or disabled, but I thought the author drawing on her own experience made Vasalie’s journey and experience very realistic. This was a beautifully written, classic romantic fantasy and I need book two now!

When I started reading A Dance of Lies, I did not have huge expectations. Now that I've finished it, I'm surprised by how much I liked it.
The story starts when Vasalie, a skilled dancer, is released from prison, where she had been wrongly accused of murder. Yet she is allowed to leave for a particular reason, to spy on the biggest event of the year, where all the Kings and Queens of the realm are regrouped on one island. Her goal is clear: to work as a dancer and collect information. If she succeeds, she will gain freedom, but if she fails, she will go back to her cell. Yet the stakes are a lot higher than she imagines, because while she thought she had escaped her past, she will come nose to nose with it and will have to face it all over again.

This book did an excellent job of representing disability in romantasy. I really liked how the author constantly reminded us of the limitations on Vasalie's body rather than simply mentioning it once.
For a debut novel, the writing style was not bad. I did think that it contained a bit too many details for my liking; I found that some were unnecessary to the story development. Yet sometimes, as someone who doesn't dance, I had a hard time understanding the way certain performances were described.

After the first 30% of the book, I was completely absorbed by the story. It did take a long time for the reader to understand who to root for, and even what was real from rumored, but for me, that was exactly the strong point of the book. I could have never seen in a million years where it was going and how it would end. The author takes you through so many roads, and manages to confuse the reader through the constant hesitation of the main character, which adds a lot of tension to the story.

So if you love fast-paced fantasy, with kingdoms fighting for power, betrayals, and a lot of plot twists, you're going to like this as much as I did.

Now I have only one thing to say: GIVE ME BOOK TWO (please)!

In this book we have a dancer who is blackmailed into spying by her king. But… she starts questioning if she really wants to bend to his every whim or take takings into her own hands. It was a very interesting premise, and I really enjoyed this book.
I kind of struggled to get into the story at the beginning of this book because I was mostly just a bit confused, but at about 30%, bam it clicked, and I was hooked.
Honestly, the thing that made me like this book was the characters, and Anton and his personality carried the whole book on his back. Wooo! So naturally the ending killed me because why.

I will be waiting for book 2 (I feel like I’m saying this way too often lately)

4.5. Rounded up. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.
---
A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena (@reverieandink)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ | 🔥

“But I remind myself that I am not a damsel. I’m no princess bound within a tower.”

Happy belated publication day to this breathtaking debut novel! I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of A Dance of Lies back in February and have anxiously awaited its publication and the arrival of the final copy I pre-ordered from @quailridgebooks. Supporting this wonderful indie also meant that my copy came signed by Brittney Arena and included a stunning art print by @spookgeist. Also, a moment for this cover by @jasonchuangart! It is the perfect cover to pair with this beautifully written story.✨

“But scars are powerful things, because they show your resilience.”

In a world full of struggles for power, a dancer named Vasalie fights to survive after being framed for murder and stripped of her strength. The representation of chronic illness and disability in the story was well done and refreshing to see depicted. Vasalie faced abuse and adversity, but did not allow it to define her. She is resilient, creative, and strong. I devoured Arena’s story. The vivid world-building, emotional tension, and twisty plot sucked me in and didn’t let go.

“Dear heart, I beg. Please grow cold.”

A Dance of Lies does include darker chapters. These, I think, are necessary to the story and add weight to the emotional impact of witnessing Vasalie work to reclaim power as she navigates fraught decisions and fight through her circumstances. The end had me reeling and I eagerly await the second half of this duology.

Thank you to @delreybooks and the author for the opportunity to read an eARC; all opinions my own.

PS: How beautiful is this art piece a family friend commissioned as a wedding gift for my husband and me?

-
Publisher Content Warnings: emotional abuse, physical abuse, alcoholism, PTSD, panic attacks, trauma, violence against children, graphic death, chronic illness, disability and sexism

🏷️:
#adanceoflies #brittanyarena #fantasyromance #slowburnbooks #bloomsbury

Dance of Lies Book Review

Highlights
🩰 Dancing & espionage
👑 Disability rep
🩰 Revenge
👑 Prophecies
🩰 Enemies to Lovers
👑 Dark romantasy
🩰 Hidden identity

CWs: emotional and physical abuse, alcoholism, PTSD, panic attacks, trauma, violence against children, sexual themes, graphic death, chronic illness, disability, sexism

The dark adult fantasy, Dance of Lies, follows Vasalie (Vas), a heroine grappling with her physical decline after wrongful imprisonment. While the author lives with several chronic illnesses, including POTS, MECFS, MCAS, EDS, Lyme, and dysautonomia, Vas’s struggle isn’t about illness per se, but about reclaiming her body and life after it has been systematically broken down due to the cruelty of her king and former employer.

There’s a lot going on here: espionage, revenge, love, lust, blackmail, royalty, evil kings and fathers, enemies-to-lovers, prophecies, survival, dancing, and deception. It took about a third of the book before I had a strong grasp on the many characters and moving pieces, but once I settled in, I was fully invested.

Fair warning: this is not a light read. There’s an immense amount of past and current abuse and violence, so please check the content warnings carefully. The ending was a bit traumatic and ambiguous for my taste, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

🏷️: #NetGalley #ADanceOfLies #Romantasy #FriendstoLovers #DisabilityRepresentation

As someone who lives with a chronic illness that limits my abilities, I feel the need to defend the reviewers saying bad things about the ‘disabled’ part.

The FMC, Vasalie, isn’t born with a disability she ends up with chronic issues AFTER something happens that is out of her control. I relate to this so much that it brought me to tears. I haven’t seen this portrayed in many books I’ve read, and it was so beautifully done.

“A broken toy has no worth” completely shattered me. I’ve often felt this way and to see how Vasalie grows through her journey and not in a linear way was so inspiring to me.

Vasalie is not the ‘perfect’ FMC, but she’s someone you can relate to as she makes right and wrong decisions throughout the story.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
An addictive whirlwind of secrets, seduction, and betrayal

“A Dance of Lies” by Britney is the kind of book that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go — a twisty, high-stakes story that had me gasping, swooning, and questioning everyone’s motives until the very end.

Britney delivers a richly imagined world where court politics are as dangerous as daggers, and the characters? They’re layered, morally grey, and impossible not to obsess over. The chemistry crackles, the betrayals cut deep, and the pacing never lets up. Every chapter ends like a gasp — just one more, just one more… until it’s 2 a.m. and your heart is racing.

What I loved most is how A Dance of Lies balances emotional depth with razor-sharp plot. It’s fantasy, but it feels real. The lies are clever, the romance burns slow and hot, and the final twist? BRUTAL in the best way.

Fans of Throne of Glass, Red Queen, or The Shadows Between Us will feel right at home — but Britney’s voice is utterly her own.

Can’t wait for the next book. I need answers. And revenge.

I had no idea what to expect going into this book, but I loved it! The writing style grabbed me right away. The character growth was amazing, watching the characters evolve throughout the story was so satisfying. i enjoyed the twists and turns and the ending!! I can’t wait for book 2!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
5⭐️

A dazzling fantasy debut with political intrigue, dark romance, and a heroine who refuses to break.

Dance of Lies is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. With its razor-sharp court politics, emotionally complex relationships, and a fierce heroine at its heart, this fantasy romance is perfect for fans of The Plated Prisoner series, in my opinion.

Vasalie is a dancer-turned-spy forced into a deadly game after fleeing her abusive past and being imprisoned for a crime she didn’t commit. As she navigates court performances and brutal power struggles, she uncovers layers of manipulation and betrayal that challenge everything she thought she knew. Her dynamic with the possessive King Ilian is dark and twisted, but the story really shines through her evolving bond with the Master of Ceremonies, Copelan, and her unexpected alliance with Ilian’s charming younger brother, Anton.

With rich character development, high-stakes drama, and a heroine who battles chronic pain and trauma with strength and resilience, this is an unforgettable read. A must-buy for romantasy lovers looking for depth, empowerment, and a plot packed with explosive twists.

“The King’s Jewel, they called me. But that girl was someone else entirely. And like a mirage in a desert, I question if she ever existed at all.”

A debut story full of action, secrets and intrigue.

Vasalie Moran, ‘The King’s Jewel’, having suffered confinement for 2 years, is told to become a spy for King Illian, in exchange for her freedom. But as the plots of various kingdoms come to light and unravel, things are much darker than they seem.

The premise of this story really interested me, as I enjoy a political fantasy. Some parts of this story really grabbed me and I felt thrown into the world, but other times, the pace and dialogue felt off. I enjoyed this different take on a FMC, as she’s not an instant ‘badass’, but struggles with her confidence and physical strength.

Struggling to cope with the tasks Illian sets for her, Vasalie enlists the help of the King of the East, Anton, Iillian’s younger brother. Tensions and sparks fly.

“He makes me feel bare - of clothes, of skin, of bones. Like I’m as transparent as his glass, and he’s searching for the components that bind me together.”

I somewhat enjoyed the romance and chemistry between Vasalie and Anton, but there seemed to be something missing, I was always hoping for a little more. Whilst parts of the ending were expected, I did enjoy how the ending has set things in motion for book 2.

“‘Something is happening, Miss Moran. Can’t you feel it?’ Anton says. ‘It’s like a current under the island, slowly sifting the sand from beneath our feet.’”

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC.

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for this ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.5 🌶️

Tropes:
-Political intrigue
-Dancer/spy
-Prophecy

The story starts with Vasalie, the former prized dancer of king Illian who has been kept in a dungeon for 2 years after being accused of a crime she didn't commit. The king strikes a deal with her; in exchange of her freedom she is asked to become his spy at the upcoming Gathering of kingdoms. The time in the dungeons left her disabled and scarred and so her journey to recover whatever she can - her mobility, her freedom, her life - starts.

I finished the book a minute ago and my jaw is on the floor. This book is filled with tension, angst, obsession; I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster. And those last chapters ooff; kept me on edge, I had to know how everything unfolded.

I enjoyed the writing style - Beautiful imagery, the descriptions are really evocative- the journey our protagonists go through, the twists and turns. This is such a solid debut novel.

Vasalie is a great character and her gradual growth and courage was amazing. From puppet to willing participant; the way she found her courage, what motivated and moved her, the way she found dancing as a means to not only survive but liberate herself in a harsh world. I enjoyed her inner monologue and her complexities.

"I dont remember my mother, but there was something about the smell of her gowns back then, familiar like a lullaby I knew by heart."

"I liked how dancing made me feel, but passion didn't come until later. And even then, it was born from a selfish desire. I was building myself up so that I might feel strong."

Illian, on the other hand, makes a very compelling villain; the full scope of his intentions towards Vasalie are a mistery but we know there is obsession and restraint.

And then we have two possible LI: Copelan and Anton, one the master reveler and eventual dance partner. The other, king Illian's younger brother. Both have their faults, both have their charms, both contribute to the plot in meaningful ways.

However, there were some key plot points that I felt happened because the author just decided they needed to go from Point A to Point B and were treated superficially *SPOILER AHEAD* The way they got rid of Estienne was kind of forced and then you don't just get to appoint rulers after a damning 5 minute speech. In short, all the ways Illian tried to get rid of his brothers. *END OF SPOILER* and I think it detracts from the whole of it.

Despite this, I greatly enjoyed the book, and read the last third in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. So, if you want to read about court intrigue, scheming and more scheming and tension that can be cut with a knife, look no more.

Thank you so much for the chance to read A Dance of Lies! This is a book I've been eager to read since it was announced!

This book was a slower read, one you want to really sink into and enjoy. The writing was beautiful, and the story was told very well. I could imagine the prison, castle, dances and people. I really loved Vasalie and watching her learn to accept her body after years of being broken in a prison. This book was heavy on characters, the vibes and the political intrigue. There is romance but not a lot of it and the story is more based in plot and character. I felt like it had a great balance and honestly, after all the romantasy I've read lately it was really great to read something focused more on the story and world.

Brittney Arena did a great job of bringing the reader into this world and its politics. I wasn't sure what would happen, and I am very interested to read more. I was a touch hesitate at first just because knowing the story was not a fantasy with dragons, fae and the like I wondered if it would feel like a fantasy read. It did 100%. The character dialog was great, and the descriptions were beautiful rendered.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
5/5 stars.
This book is fantastic! ACOTAR meets Throne of Glass meets Plated Prisoner but no spice. High stakes fantasy. There is so much I love about this book; the fact that not everything goes perfectly for the FMC, the fact that she has to learn to love herself just as she is, all of the character growth, the side characters, the twists and turns, the entire plot, the writing, basically just the entire thing. I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 2!!! I literally have nothing negative to say about it. Highly recommend.

This book was packed with royal court politics, scheming, and plenty of tension.

Firstly, I’d like to say that it was really refreshing to see a disabled female protagonist, something rarely explored in fantasy, where magical healing often erases such realities. Instead, the story allowed her to experience both the emotional and physical challenges of her disability, portraying a more authentic and gradual journey of healing after her trauma.

That said, I do wish her disability had been explored more in the latter half of the book. It felt somewhat forgotten by the end, and I would have loved deeper insight into how it continued to affect her emotionally and physically.

Vasalie is a vulnerable character, shaped by the weight of her past, and this story unfolds as a beautifully woven tale of healing, introspection, and learning to trust again. While the romantic elements were subtle, I found myself most invested in Vasalie and her personal journey.

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this arc in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻

Rating: 3.5⭐ (rounded down)

This was one of those books that left me conflicted. I’m still sorting through my thoughts, but overall… it was okay. I went in with high hopes, especially for the disability rep in a fantasy setting,
The premise is strong: Vasalie, once the king’s prized dancer, is framed for murder and thrown into a dungeon for two years. She’s offered her freedom if she agrees to spy at a royal gathering — only problem is, she’s no longer in shape to dance… or so we’re told. The issue? Her “disability” is inconsistently portrayed. Despite being described as too weak to perform, she somehow manages to do most things just fine, and by the end of the book, her condition is barely mentioned again.
the representation in the story felt underdeveloped, more like a plot device than a meaningful part of her journey.

I enjoyed Vasalie’s character overall. She didn’t have the confident, sassy vibe a lot of romantasy heroines do — instead, she was more vulnerable, a little unsure of herself, and that made her feel more grounded and different.

The writing was hit or miss for me. The beginning leaned heavily into flowery, overwritten prose that didn’t always add much, but things smoothed out as the story went on. The pacing, however, was uneven — after all the buildup, the climax and resolution felt rushed and less detailed compared to the rich, immersive opening chapters.

Then there’s Anton. I was rooting for him from the beginning — he gave off classic misunderstood, morally gray love interest energy .But we had to suffer through the whole Copeland detour first, and I honestly didn’t get the point of that.

And Morta… wow, what a missed opportunity. Her arc felt like it was building toward something huge and divine — but when that moment finally arrived, it fizzled. She was treated like just another supporting character, and all the potential weight and symbolism disappeared.

Still, there were things I genuinely liked: the mystery, the atmosphere, and the slow burn. Even when I wasn’t sure where it was going, I stayed intrigued. And that one twist near the end? Definitely got a gasp out of me.

So yes, the book had a lot of promise — and I respect what it set out to do. But inconsistent representation, uneven pacing, and a few emotional misses made it fall short for me.

Epic debut fantasy romance book!
You will find romance, fantasy, amazing world building; high stakes, enemies to lovers, betrayal, prophecies, dancing, off page, mentions of sexual abuse.
We follow our FMC Vasalie who was a dancer for the king, who is framed and put in Jail.
Our MMC Anton.
I feel the author may have benefited from a little more research on those who suffer from disabilities and it would have raised the rating. The disability seems to get forgotten later in the book.