A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena Review (Gifted/AD)

Hello Readers,

Thank you to Bloomsbury for sending me a physical copy of A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena in exchange for an honest review. Since the official publication day this review will be spoiler-free.

Happy Publication Day

Title: A Dance of Lies
Author: Brittney Arena
Genre: Romantic Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Pages: 448
Cover Image:


Synopsis: 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.

Miniature Review
 
Brittany’s debut is a stunning blend of fantasy, romance, and emotional grit. With lyrical prose and immersive world-building, she crafts a story that’s both enchanting and deeply affecting. From the first page, I was hooked and drawn into a court of shadows, secrets, and power plays where nothing is as it seems.

The protagonist is a fierce, layered heroine whose strength lies not in magic or might, but in surviving unimaginable trauma and learning how to live again. Her journey is raw, emotional, and beautifully handled. Brittany doesn’t shy away from portraying the toll of past wounds both physical and emotional alike making the character’s resilience feel real and powerful.

While the romance is slow-burning and full of tension, this story is about much more than love. It explores trust, freedom, and self-reclamation in a world that constantly demands her submission. The chemistry sizzles, but it’s the emotional stakes that truly shine.

The political intrigue is smartly woven into the plot, keeping the tension high without overwhelming the character-driven core. Every secondary character has purpose, and the layered conflicts keep you guessing at every turn.

Brittany’s writing is lush and atmospheric, especially in her depiction of dance—which feels like both rebellion and art. It adds a haunting beauty to a story already brimming with pain, passion, and power.

This is more than a fantasy romance it’s a story of survival, identity, and strength in the face of darkness. Absolutely unforgettable.

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