I acquired a evaluate copy from the writer. This doesn’t have an effect on the contents of my evaluate and all opinions are my very own.

A Dance of Lies by Brittney Area

Mogsy’s Score: 4 of 5 stars

Style: Fantasy, Romance

Collection: E-book 1

Writer: Del Rey (June 10, 2025)

Size: 448 pages

Creator Info: Web site

The romantasy style has exploded within the final couple years, and that’s a fantastic factor as a result of it means there’s one thing for everybody. In the event you’re concerned with one thing extra sluggish burn, for instance, A Dance of Lies by Brittney Area is the type that hits all the proper notes, particularly if you happen to’re within the temper for a royal court docket drama that includes a heroine simply attempting to outlive a world that’s at all times attempting to push her down.

Vasalie Moran was as soon as a celebrated dancer and a favourite of King Illian till she fell from grace, framed for a homicide she didn’t commit. After two years spent starved and remoted in a dungeon, she thought she would by no means see the sunshine of day once more—till someday, the identical man who ordered her imprisoned presents her a deal she will be able to’t refuse: pose as a court docket entertainer and spy on his enemies at a high-stakes royal summit referred to as the Gathering, and in return, she’ll win her freedom.

Her physique weak and her spirit all however damaged, Vasalie acknowledges the cruelty behind Illian’s supply, however what selection does she have? Determined to reclaim the life she’d misplaced, our protagonist makes use of what restricted time she has earlier than the Gathering to arrange for a return to the treacherous world of court docket politics, the place her each transfer will likely be scrutinized, each on and off the dancing stage. From there, issues get messy, however in a great way. Vasalie finds herself caught between rival kings, all of the whereas navigating an sudden partnership with a brand new dance accomplice who might find yourself being one thing extra—or he would possibly simply be one other participant within the recreation.

A Dance of Lies is Brittney Area’s debut, and in sure locations, it exhibits. However whereas among the writing is a bit tough across the edges, and some plot factors really feel like ones we’ve seen earlier than, the e book nonetheless works because of its robust sense of place and a heroine you possibly can’t simply overlook. Because the protagonist, Vasalie feels genuinely formed by her trauma and incapacity, which is necessary since this was acknowledged as one of many creator’s principal objectives in her foreword. The novel unfolds with a transparent eye for character motivation and interpersonal relationships which carry issues via the extra uneven patches.

One other spotlight is the world-building. Once more, even because the plot begins veering into acquainted territory, the setting stays fascinating because of its layered political intrigue and vivid court docket drama, making a quiet form of stress all through. There’s a lived-in really feel to the world that lightly pulls you in, particularly on the subject of the refined energy performs. Vasalie matches properly into this image, being emotionally guarded, which is sensible given all that she’s been via. The story handles her painful experiences with a considerate contact, exhibiting how she retains going not as a result of she’s fearless or daring, however as a result of she possesses the tenacity to at all times discover her method again to herself. It’s fairly refreshing to see a feminine lead whose principal energy comes from her perseverance, and who stays grounded even when issues look dire.

As for the romantic components, I feel diehard followers of romantasy would possibly discover them a bit underwhelming, as they’re on the lighter aspect and undoubtedly take a backseat to the principle story. The romance subplot is a real sluggish burn, relying extra on cautious glances, lingering touches, and unstated phrases than something too overt. In that sense, it cleverly mirrors dancing itself, the actions cautious, teasing, and filled with anticipation. There’s chemistry flying throughout, but it surely’s extra playful and restrained than intense.

All in all, Brittney Area’s debut shouldn’t be an ideal e book, but it surely saved me turning the pages with its court docket intrigue and harmful setting. Whereas the prose stumbles a bit from being overwritten and among the story feels fuzzy across the edges, these have been minor points I didn’t thoughts an excessive amount of. Finally, A Dance of Lies units up a promising sequence, and I’m curious to see the place issues go subsequent.