762 reviews for:

A Dance of Lies

Brittney Arena

3.97 AVERAGE


I did definitely liked this book, but I don't think that I loved it. First, I can see why a lot of people are saying that it is too wordy and repeated certain things unnecessarily. I feel that during editing it could have been a solid 50-100 pages shorter. For example she reminds the reader about what she has suffered almost every other page (or it felt that way). I do feel like we could have gotten a but more world-building to describe the different nations (culture, geography, clothes), the prophets (I felt like they came out of nowhere and I didn't understand if all the nations respected them?), and the tensions or alliances between the nations. At the Gathering, I imagine that there would be tensions and alliances beyond just everyone disliking the Queen? Like with that many leaders in such a small space, surely there would be some tense discussions or akward interactions? Also I was kind of confused what was happening at night, like people had private parties? Did that not cause drama?

I loved the disability rep, however I do feel that it could have been taken farther. What I loved about this was that Brittney showcased our FMCs resilience and innovation to continue to do what she loves by using the props during her performances to tell the stories despite her physical limitations. I also loved how the FMC at one point deals with jealousy for another performer for her ableness and she discusses how she never appreciated being able-bodied (that inner-monologue was really powerful). What I did kind of wish was showcasing what would be required for her to train. For example, I would imagine the amount of warm-up and cool-down that our FMC had to do would far surpass what would be required of a normal performer. Would she not have to arrive to training earlier than the other dancers to prepare? Would she need additional breaks, would she need to wrap her joints? I feel like it would have given the reader more appreciation for the lengths that people have to go to do what they love?

The last 100 pages were wild, and I absolutely loved it! I will be reading the next book!
adventurous medium-paced

I really enjoyed the second half of this book.
The first half was really hard for me to get into.
I just couldn't keep track of all the side characters, and it took too long for any action to occur in my opinion. The second half was great! The plot thickened and the characters were established. I really like the FMC, her story is well developed and she has a strong personality. I would love to learn more about her past. The second half was packed with plot twists and more romance. I will definitely read any sequels, but I hope that they aren't as slow in the beginning.
adventurous mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I was surprised by this book in the most pleasant way. The mindset and situation we find the main character in, at the beginning of the story was extremely captivating.  Her past is slowly revealed throughout the story that helps you understand why she makes the difficult choices she makes. I found that her being a dancer made her character unique and the dance scenes we're beautifully described. The world building was spectacular in my opinion. The plot kept me on my toes and the mystery kept me in suspense. The romance was a true slow burn done correctly.  The evolution of their relationship is natural and ultimately more impacting. I am looking forward to continue this series.
adventurous emotional tense medium-paced
adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous challenging mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes