To Dance with Death
The Heartrending Conclusion to the Sunday Times bestselling Romantasy
Will be published approx. on 13. August 2026
Book
Hardback
400 pages
978-1-5266-8148-5 (ISBN)
Description
In the heart-thumping, epic conclusion to the duology that began with A Dance of Lies, Vasalie must journey to the realms of the dead to restore the memories of her beloved prince and stop a mounting war.
Once a spy for the ruthless King Illian, Vasalie sacrificed herself to kill him and prevent a prophesied war.
But Illian's brother, Anton - the king she allied with and had only just begun to love - struck a deal with the goddess of the underworld, to bring Vasalie back. The cost: his compassion, his memories of her, and all the events of the past six weeks.
Now stripped of the truth, Anton believes his friends betrayed him and accepts an offer from the goddess to rule the kingdom of the dead. But with the realm he leaves behind on the brink of civil war, and her cruel father threatening to invade, Vasalie realizes only Anton can reunite a fractured realm.
To save her world and the man she was coming to love, Vasalie journeys to the underworld and reclaim him... though the Anton she finds is arrogant, debauched, hopeless. To restore him, she'll have to restore his memories - even if it means sacrificing her own heart.
Once a spy for the ruthless King Illian, Vasalie sacrificed herself to kill him and prevent a prophesied war.
But Illian's brother, Anton - the king she allied with and had only just begun to love - struck a deal with the goddess of the underworld, to bring Vasalie back. The cost: his compassion, his memories of her, and all the events of the past six weeks.
Now stripped of the truth, Anton believes his friends betrayed him and accepts an offer from the goddess to rule the kingdom of the dead. But with the realm he leaves behind on the brink of civil war, and her cruel father threatening to invade, Vasalie realizes only Anton can reunite a fractured realm.
To save her world and the man she was coming to love, Vasalie journeys to the underworld and reclaim him... though the Anton she finds is arrogant, debauched, hopeless. To restore him, she'll have to restore his memories - even if it means sacrificing her own heart.
Reviews / Votes
Arena's A Dance of Lies is a mesmerizing debut of intricate plotlines, sizzling romance, and treacherous alliances, deftly choreographed with rich, evocative language into a tale as hauntingly exquisite as one of Vasalie's dances. A breathtaking new favorite! -- Lyra Selene, #1 Sunday Times Bestselling author of A Feather So Black As beautiful and sharp as the edge of shattered glass, this twisting tale of intrigue, romance, and resilience grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go -- K. M. Enright, Sunday Times bestselling author of Mistress of Lies A breathtaking debut! Dance of Lies is beautifully written and filled with intrigue, with an incredible protagonist who is both vulnerable and resilient. Romantic, heartrending, and riveting - prepare to be swept away by this captivating fantasy -- Sue Lynn Tan, Sunday Times bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess. A stunningly elegant story of grit, passion, and determination that will sweep you up with its magic, keep you on your toes with twists, and leave you breathless for more. A glittering fantasy debut you don't want to miss! -- Kalyn Josephson, author of This Dark Descent Beautifully written with immersive world building, a gripping plot and heart-pounding danger around every turn, A Dance of Lies will keep readers wholly entranced from start to finish. It's a dark, opulent jewel of a debut that's sure to sparkle fiercely in the adult fantasy world. Arena crafted a well choreographed dance of deception, where one wrong move could cost the determined Vasalie it all. A slow-burn romantic fantasy you don't want to miss from a wonderful new talent-I'm excited to see what comes next! -- Kerri Maniscalco, #1 NYT bestselling author of Throne of Secrets Arena has created a propulsive, twisting story, filled with tension and intrigue, and a scintillating romance that will keep you on your toes. A Dance of Lies is a sharp, glittering and dangerous debut not to be missed -- Kalie Cassidy, author of In the Veins of the DrowningMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Illustrations
b/w map (double-page spread); b/w title and section page illustration
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 153 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-5266-8148-5 (9781526681485)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
With a background in design, art direction, and marketing, it wasn't until Brittney Arena's health took a nosedive that she developed a fierce love for reading and writing. This became not only a method of coping, but a way to travel and experience new worlds from home. In addition to telling stories, she mentors for Author Mentor Match, and runs an Instagram with over 18,000 followers (@reverieandink) where she discusses all things reading, craft, and illness/disability.