A Dance of Lies

A young dancer becomes entangled in a dangerous web of betrayal and violence in Arena’s ambitious debut. Vasalie Moran was King Illian’s “Jewel,” his most prized dancer, until she was falsely accused of murder and locked away. Two years later, he calls on her to perform at the Crowns’ Gathering, a royal summit where his two brothers will also be in attendance, and act as his spy in exchange for her freedom. Vasalie agrees, traveling to the Isle of Anell to perform while secretly navigating dangerous assignments from Illian. When he orders her to earn the trust of his charming younger brother, King Anton, and infiltrate his private circle, she finds herself in the center of a fatal power play between kings that could end her life before she gets a chance to see her freedom again. Arena successfully crafts a complicated political thriller with many moving parts though the spycraft grows frustrating as both Vasalie and the reader are kept in the dark about the purpose of her assignments for far too long. The action is also frequently interrupted by Vasalie’s melodramatic musings and overshadowed by her developing romantic connection with Anton. Still, the premise and worldbuilding feel fresh, and there’s enough substance that romantic fantasy readers will be invested. Agent: Jennifer Azantian, Azantian Literary. (June)