A debut fantasy romance filled with hope after heartbreak, secrets, and betrayal, as a dancer-turned-spy must decide how far she will go to secure her freedom

My protector is gone, revealed to be a monster. But I remind myself that I am not a damsel. I’m no princess bound within a tower.
I am a shadow.

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.

My thoughts:

My highly anticipated read, A Dance of Lies, not only met but vastly exceeded my expectations. Brittney Arena’s debut novel is a masterful fusion of romance, fantasy, suspense, and intrigue.

The novel’s greatest strength lies in its diverse and deeply developed cast of characters, with Vasalie standing out as truly exceptional. Despite her own perceived weaknesses, she is an intensely compelling character whose inner strength simmers beneath the surface. Haunted by a traumatic past, she doesn’t always recognize how her experiences have forged her resilience. She is a beautifully rounded character, yet clearly has room for further growth in the sequel.

Much of Vasalie’s fortitude stems from her sheer refusal to surrender, no matter the obstacle. The disability representation initially drew me to A Dance of Lies, and it delivered profoundly. As explained in the author’s note, Brittney Arena’s personal experience with chronic pain imbues Vasalie’s portrayal with authenticity. Her pain is a constant presence, yet she not only perseveres but excels.

Another standout aspect is that Vasalie is not a typical warrior on a quest to topple a kingdom. She is a dancer, coerced into using her rusty skills to infiltrate a royal gathering and spy for her king. I was initially curious about how dance would translate into compelling prose, and I was delightfully surprised. Arena writes with a fluid grace, making Vasalie’s dances flow off the page and come alive in the mind’s eye. Without being verbose, the descriptions—from the grand settings to the minute details of movement—are vividly clear.

The story itself is as solid as the prose, though the pacing leans deliberate. There is substantial world-building and espionage, which, while engaging, means the plot advances in smaller, steady increments rather than large leaps. The true, high-stakes action arrives closer to the finale.

Speaking of things that unfold gradually, the romance is a quintessential slow burn. It also features a complex love web—perhaps a triangle, or even a square—that seems to resolve by the end, though its stability in book two remains intriguing.

Overall, my feelings for A Dance of Lies are overwhelmingly positive. If you’re debating whether to read it, take this as your sign to pick it up. Brittney Arena’s debut is a gorgeously written romantasy, brimming with unique elements. While a slower read, it grips you from start to finish. The writing, characters, and romance are all damn near perfect. For any romantasy fan, A Dance of Lies absolutely belongs on your TBR.