Reviews - A Dance of Lies | The StoryGraph

763 reviews for:

A Dance of Lies

Brittney Arena

3.97 AVERAGE

evibuzz's review against another edition

4.0

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-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: Yes

highlandbooknook's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A story of power, resilience and vulnerability.

Arena’s writing is lyrical, descriptive and immersive. With stunning world building and deeply moving storytelling. The plot is so coherent, a choreography of its own, a captivating and engulfing dance that spun you round, never knowing, as Arena tangles us in the espionage and danger.

I loved the dance scenes too, as a previous dancer it was so vivid and evocative. The way Arena shows rather than tells makes this such a gripping and visual read. It’s the perfect balance of plot and character study.

Vasalie embodies strength and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. She endures constant physical and emotional pain for a taste of freedom which is always just out of reach. And the way she uses her disability to be creative, it echoes life with chronic illness for so many.

The story carries such strength in its eclectic and electric cast of morally grey characters (my favourite to read!) that infuse brilliant banter throughout. I loved how Vasalie connects with such a range of people across this venture, learning who is friend or foe, shaping her into the phoenix like character she becomes.

And the romance puzzle, i loved how this was done (as someone who’s very fussy with romance)!

And Anton is a breath of fresh air in a MMC. Masked to the world like a masquerade. He gives Cardan from the Cruel Prince vibes. 😉

At first, the story is like looking through stained glass, an array of colour with only fragments of information. There’s political scheming, hidden identities, and slow-burn tension galore.

The way the story then unravels to reveal the underlying plot. But not entirely, for it throws you into a frantic wanting for more as the ending is only a beginning.

I was swept off my feet into this gloriously dangerous dance, and I can’t wait to return! ♡