A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena - 2.5/5

Unfortunately, this book was boring for me. There’s nothing inherently wrong with it, but the plot felt mediocre, predictable, and at times a bit childish. The story structure, starting mid-way and moving between past and present, kept the pace up, but good pacing couldn’t save a plot I didn’t care for. The romance, especially between Vasalie and Copelan, was rushed, and the love triangle felt predictable, losing its tension. While the book attempts an old-world fantasy setting, modern references and inconsistent language often pulled me out of the immersion. Dialogue was weak, and certain elements, like the secret tunnel, were confusingly explained. I did enjoy the sections with Emilia, Vasalie’s stepmother, whose presence haunted the narrative. Overall, despite some interesting moments, the book felt rushed in parts and failed to hold my engagement.