A Dance With Death

The Three Bells #1

by Amanda Linsmeier

He laces his fingers into my hair and gently tugs me in, his powerful hand threaded into the wet strands. I whimper, from fear more so than pain. It doesn’t hurt. But each word is enunciated as he warns, “Do. Not. Ever. Steal. From. Me. Again.”

Corliss Bell would do anything to bring her older sister, Aven, back to life. She’d give up her dreams of being a professional ballerina. She’d resign herself to never leaving the small seaside town of The Pins. Hell, she’d even make a deal with a demon. After all, demons are masters of death.

When a town mystic tells Corliss there’s a demon living nearby who may be the key in returning Aven to life, she’s emboldened by the idea of getting her beloved sister back. Corliss sneaks into the demon’s dilapidated mansion to beg for his help. But instead of finding him, she discovers a pair of enchanted red ballet slippers and steals them. Under the strange, obsessive spell of the stolen shoes, Corliss is hailed as a prodigy and welcomed onto the stage of the prestigious Red Clover dance hall to rapturous applause. However, Corliss starts having unsettling nightmares and hearing voices. And she’s fairly certain someone—or something—is watching her.

The demon comes to reclaim what is his but finds Corliss and the slippers hopelessly intertwined. He imprisons her in his mansion, forcing her to dance for him every evening as punishment for stealing. Far from a helpless captive, Corliss begins working out a plan to bring Aven back to life, as soon as she can convince the demon—Orrin—to help her. But first, she has to prove that she’s not just some common thief. As she slowly realizes she may not hate Orrin nearly as much as she pretends to, she finds herself diving deeper into his strange, dark world.

Hauntingly beautiful, with lush prose and a vividly creepy atmosphere, A Dance With Death is a compulsively juicy read that will wind its way into your psyche. Part horror, part magic—this is the gothic love story you didn't know you were missing.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Dark Romance, Gothic, Demons, Young Adult

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication January 27, 2026

About the author

Amanda Linsmeier has been a book nerd as long as she can remember, and it was that great love of reading—especially R.L. Stine novels and fairytales—that eventually brought her to writing her own stories. In high school, she won the senior class vote for “Most Romantic Girl”, a title she’s still ridiculously pleased with. She feels most joyful when writing, scream-singing her favorite songs, playing in the water, and laughing with her beloved family. She lives in a magical place with a man who smells like maple syrup and woodsmoke, their wonderfully wild children, a dog, and an assortment of half-feral cats.

Reviews

[molly lou (be back soon!)]

˖⊱ 𝑷𝒓𝒆-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 ⟢
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎⤿ Me reading an arc with plenty of time before the publication date? I feel like I have my life together 😧.

[Amanda Linsmeier]

Hello, readers!

As ARCs are starting to trickle out, I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts about A DANCE WITH DEATH ahead of its release (I'll be slipping away from GR for now & leaving you to your space!). From the start, I had the *best* time writing it, and it gave me joy like no other story I've written before or since. There are some heavier themes within it, of course, but I shamelessly admit I leaned into indulgence, writing in all the things I could think of that would delight me. A dark enemies to lovers storyline. A hint of horror. Some steamy scenes. Themes of sisterhood. A mouthy, openly bi, sexually-experienced, tattooed ballerina. A first person present POV. A rather tortured hot villain who is far more bark than bite. A diverse & magical town with grit around the edges. Romance that made my author heart flutter. Prose that dipped between simple and poetic-- a story that feels, to me, easy to sink into. A book that I lose myself in every time I reread it. It's not perfect, but it's mine.

Or it was. And now, it's yours.

Corliss and Orrin leapt off the page for me from the beginning, and in the hardest points of my career while waiting for this book to be picked up by a publisher-- a long, agonizing couple of years-- I would sometimes envision Corliss & the others standing behind me, urging me not to give up hope. My characters may not ever be as real to you as they are to me, and this story may not delight anyone as much as it does me, but one can hope 🖤 I hope readers who are meant to find it will. I hope in it you will find magic and romance.

There is a note in the book about "but why ballet?" as well as some details about historical elements (and why I purposefully included some inaccuracies). Content guidelines can be accessed on my website, but your fellow reviewers will likely have insight into that as well.

Once more, thank you dear readers, for picking up this book. Having it be published is a dream come true, and you are a huge part of that dream.

[⋆. 𐙚 ˚ Adriana ⋆. 𐙚 ˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this free ARC! ❤️

I had really high expectations for this book, after all, the story seemed very original and interesting. As a huge fan of the Swan Lake, I loved the ballet aspect that was promised in this book + fantasy setting with a demon? I needed to read this. And my expectations were met, this book was amazing and the author is incredibly talented! 🥰

The story was well written, it wasn’t hard to understand and the characters were amazing. Their emotions were portrayed accurately and in a way where I felt their emotions mixing with my own, the description of grief was heartbreaking and I loved the character development of both the FMC (how she gradually got more confident with her dancing) and also the MMC who had learned how to feel emotions again. Slowly, but surely. I liked that the romance aspect wasn’t overdone, there wasn’t an excessive amount of smut and there wasn’t any insta lust. The relationship the main characters shared was raw, complex and gradual. The plot was fun, the story kept me intrigued and interested throughout the whole book as well 🤗❤️

The plot twists of this story weren’t really ones I expected so I was always surprised in a good way, eager to read more. I really enjoyed them!

The ending was something I didn’t expect as well, I expected something different, but I loved how the author decided to end the book and I loved the epilogue! I’m really excited for the second book and I would love to get my hands on an arc again! 😍😍

This was a great read, I definitely recommend it 🥰

[Bianca M Schwarz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a romance, especially a dark one, but this one also has some magic woven in and lovely artwork on every page, making it a delectable treat of a book.
Set in The Pins, a village by the sea where magic is part of the everyday, A Dance With Death is about love and grief and to what lengths humans will go for love and to avoid the pain of grief. The central character Corliss, one of three sisters, goes on a quest for her older sister and inadvertently stumbles into her own love story with the brooding demon Orrin. These two have chemistry that occasionally ventures into steamy and I’m completely there for it. A scary villain rounds out a colorful cast of characters, all fleshed out and written beautifully by the talented Ms. Linsmeier.
The atmosphere, the story and the poetic prose combine deliciously to make this one my favorite reads of the year so far.

[Carissa Park · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was enjoyable to read, but not one I’d buy and put on my personal shelf - does that make sense to anyone?
Leans heavier on the romance side than heavy plot. I prefer a bit more plot/world-building with a dash of romance myself. I didn’t have to force myself to read it; it went down easily. But it didn’t occupy much of my thoughts outside of the time I was reading it. I didn’t fall in love with either MMC or FMC, but wasn’t annoyed by them either. The FMC could’ve been a little tougher IMO. A unique concept with the dancing for sure. Not mad I read it.

[☾Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC!

This book had so many elements I adore: enemies to lovers, a gothic atmosphere & demons.

The story begins with a young ballet dancer who attempts to strike a deal with a demon to bring back someone she loves. I really enjoyed the focus on ballet and dancing (and the magic woven into it). It felt so creative and was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The middle section felt slow for me, and I sometimes struggled to fully grasp the world and the magic system, even after finishing the book. I liked the Beauty and the Beast-inspired touches and the overall concept, but the shift in the characters’ dynamic from true enemies to suddenly much kinder interactions happened so suddenly and that shift wasn’t really addressed afterward.

Since the book leans more into the romance than the plot or world-building, some transitions felt a little abrupt. I didn’t completely connect with the characters, and although the FMC and MMC had good chemistry in parts, it occasionally felt rushed or not necessary believable.

That said, it was an entertaining read overall.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC Review Edition: 📖

Linsmeier created a hauntingly beautiful, gothic fairytale that pulsated with raw emotions and painful beauty. It’s an intriguing storytelling of an exploration of devastating grief, vulnerability, transformation, and love. It’s an emotionally charged rollercoaster, relentlessly throwing you into whirlwinds of sorrow, heartbreak, hope and despair.

This is not a story of sorrow & despair, but one of grief being the language of devotion, where despair & longing are the rhythms to which the characters dance to along the pages, heartbreak is the melody, and love is the driving force behind their relentless pursuit of redemption through ruin, even if it means unraveling themselves in the process. Ugh, my heart. This was a great read, I loved it. 😣

Giddy Review Time: 🤭

This novel was written so beautifully! The storyline, the characters, the trauma, the depth? Everything blended together so seamlessly and beautifully.

The storyline gave me tiny vibes of Beauty & the Beast which I absolutely adored, since it’s my favorite story of all time. 💛

The characters? The names and back stories of each person was so sorrowful but tenderly written. 🥺

The FMC - Corliss, such a beautiful name, I fell in love with how she presented herself, how her morals and deep devotion to her love for others shined through in everything she did. Her despair, her longing, her dedication, the rawness of her anguish and torment, it was so palpable and visceral. She became the embodiment of sacrifice, her devotion and fervent love etched into every choice she made. 💔

The MMC sat so right with me—in ways I didn’t even know I needed 🤭.

Orrin was absolutely delectable, layered in all the best ways. His calculating nature fed perfectly into the banter between him and the FMC—it gave enemies to lovers with precision and passion. The way he was described? Chilling at first, almost too real. 😭

But as the story unfolded, his guarded personality unraveled into something tender, vulnerable, and devastatingly sweet . Chef’s kiss. I lowkey wish the story was longer, but that might just be my addiction to slow-burn chaos talking. 😫

UGH!!! SO GOOD! I literally read this in 8 hours at work, I COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN! Amazing read! Absolutely loved it! So deep, raw, authentic and beautiful all at the same time!!

Every emotion hit like a sucker punch to the gut—raw, unfiltered, and deeply felt. The plot? Seamless. The side characters? They didn’t just support the story—they fed it, like tending to a fire that never stopped burning. 🔥

There’s trauma, grief, suspense, vulnerability, magic, and a love so intense it feels like a curse. It’s the kind of book that leaves you wrecked, haunted, and somehow still wanting more. Which I already said .. I NEED MORE OF THIS. 🥵

I’m literally gonna buy the book when it comes out, I don’t care if I already read it. I’m gonna do it again.

[Keshe Chow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atmospheric, swoony, and unputdownable, this dark fairytale retelling is about loss and love, revenge and redemption, and the desperate measures one woman will take to save her sister. Corliss and Orrin’s chemistry—framed by a haunting setting and beautiful prose—absolutely crackles off the page. An incredible first foray into adult fantasy!

[tiana ♡]

pre-read notes:
ARC received for this! Look at that descriptionnn, please let this be as amazing as I think it’ll be 🤞🤭

[Jacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Turner Publishing for an eARC of A Dance With Death!

As the air gets chillier, I find myself looking for this exact vibe of a book. Dark, eerie, and romantic in a gothic way. I cannot overstate how much I enjoyed this. The hints of horror and suspense throughout this book made it stand out! The author’s writing style was a treat— I found it so easy to picture every scene. The slow burn between Corliss and Orrin was perfect. The revenge plot had me on the edge of my seat. The final dance was incredible. I read this while on a very special trip and found myself reaching for it at every spare moment! The Bell sisters and Orrin were so special, and I cannot wait to read the next novel.

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC of this book.

A Dance with Death begins with promise — the opening chapters are rich in atmosphere, particularly in the way smells, tastes, and textures are described. The sensory writing around food and scent is excellent, pulling you straight into the world. Unfortunately, that evocative language fades as the story progresses, giving way to long stretches of dialogue and events that feel less vividly drawn.

The pacing takes a while to settle, and while the premise is intriguing, the execution feels uneven. The main character, Corliss “Bell”, veers between naivety and bursts of feistiness that don’t quite ring true, making it hard to connect with her or understand her motivations. Her relationship with the “beast” figure—who literally calls himself that at one point—leans heavily into Beauty and the Beast parallels, but without much emotional payoff. She appears to fall for him mainly because he’s attractive and might be able to bring her sister back, which didn’t feel convincing or particularly romantic.

I also found it unclear who this book is aimed at. The tone and style initially suggest a YA audience, but the presence of a few spicy scenes pushes it toward adult fantasy. It doesn’t fully commit to either, which leaves it feeling a little unanchored.

The dance element, while central to the premise, didn’t resonate with me—I struggled with the terminology and couldn’t quite visualise or feel the passion behind it. That said, readers with a love of dance might find those sections more engaging.

Overall, A Dance with Death has a good concept and some lovely descriptive writing early on, but it feels like it needed more space to breathe and develop. Oddly enough, I found myself thinking this might have worked better as two books rather than one compressed story. Sadly, by the end, I wasn’t invested in the characters or the romance. Not one for me, but fans of dance-themed fantasy may still find something to enjoy.

[Denna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this just wasn’t for me. Don’t get me wrong - the book wasn’t bad, but I didn’t love it and, honestly, in a few months I’ll probably barely remember anything about it.

I liked the author’s writing style, but personally I didn’t feel any chemistry between the characters. They were fine, yet I didn’t see the relationship development and, to be honest, I’m not even sure how it happened. While some scenes were nice, I never fully connected with the characters all the way to the last page, and there wasn’t a single moment that truly made my jaw drop.

This book simply wasn’t for me - though I do believe many readers will enjoy it. Dance references aren’t really my thing, and I also tend to prefer dual POV, which may have played a role. I found myself missing Orrin’s perspective, and it didn’t help that we meet the MMC fairly late in the book - if I remember correctly, we don’t even learn his name until nearly a third of the way in.

To sum it up, this was a good book - good enough that I don’t regret reading it, but not strong enough to make me want to reread it or continue with the series.

[Madeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

With touches of Beauty of the Beast, the Nutcracker, and Labyrinth, this was a very entertaining world to enter into. Corliss, a woman whose family has faced great past and present loss, navigates ongoing losses, the realization of a deferred dream, and stumbles into the reality of demons in her very real world. This novel starts so strong in introducing us to Corliss and her sisters. I enjoyed their interactions with each other and the obvious love and care they had for each other especially in the middle of loss. The ballet elements were very well done and added such a strength to Corliss' character throughout the story. Corliss was also an enjoyable FMC to follow and I loved the elements that made her unique, including her tattoos and the stories they told. The only two drawbacks for me was that the confrontation with the main antagonist felt very rushed in comparison to the rest of the book. Second, the ending, the way it was written, it felt like there was three epilogues instead of a clear ending to the story. It seems like this might be the first book in the series and I would love to return to the world. Thanks to the author and NetGalley for an eARC of this novel!

[elise ❋ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the read! It had a main character combo that I couldn’t resist. A ballerina and a demon.

The synopsis drew me in, but this one was hard to finish and it unfortunately did not meet my expectations. The first half of the book became boringly mechanical. Though the writing was good, the flow was awkward. The boringly mechanical and repetitive first half could have given room to flesh out the supporting cast or even Orrin. I feel like I barely know him. The dancing sequences were blurry at best, and as a former dancer, I wish more effort was put into them rather than a bundle of poses, positions, and half baked movement.

The ending was rushed and written in a such a way that I feel Linsmeier did not put much thought into the trauma left from the climax.

In sum, it was a great synopsis with great potential that it did not meet. Two stars ⭐️⭐️

[Megan Cowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ (but rounded up!)

I love a good love ballad but I felt there was so much that could have been added to this story. Specifically when it came to the connect between Corliss and Orrin. They had a very Stockholm Syndrome “love” (if you could call it love)

When Corliss’ sister goes missing, presumed dead, she goes into a demons home where she steals magical dancing shoes. The demon who they belonged to stole her, and she was taking to live in his mansion. She was made to dance for him every night.

They didn’t really have a lot of conversation or connection, except for Corliss to act out, Orrin to get angry, and for the dancing every night. So I’m just slightly confused how they could’ve fallen in love with no real interaction between the two of them.

Plot 3.5/5 ⭐️
Spice 2/5 🌶️

[kate.reads.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t normally something I would choose, but as it was an ARC I gave it a go.

Some of my highlights;

“Before the world goes black, it’s the strangest thing—I almost think I catch him whisper: I’m sorry…”

“Orrin. Demon. I war with myself. But he’s not a demon, not the way I thought.”

“I try not to want him, try not to wish his lips were back on mine. I fail.”

This book exceeded my expectations, I fell in love with the characters and loved the fast paced story line. I gave this 5 stars as I enjoyed every single page, I had a good time while reading it and couldn’t wait to see what happened next.

The world building isn’t huge, just enough information to visualise the current place the characters are. Same with character development, you do get bits of characters history but just enough that’s relevant to the story line. Which really added to the fast paced plot rather than spending pages and pages describing the world and the past.

I loved the interaction between the 3 bell sisters. A tight sisterhood who would do anything for each other. I didn’t realise that each book would be about a sister, but I’m keen to learn more about the others.

The names of all the characters are so gorgeous, the side characters also come to life.

Now onto Corliss and Orrin. Again, this was face paced but the forced proximity created tension and yearning. Half way through, I was almost in tears at how much emotion I was experiencing for both the characters, a turning point for their relationship and seeing the other side of Orrin that is hinted to be there.

The ending was great, as I said before I didn’t realise Corliss’s story would be wrapped up by the end so I kept waiting for something bad to happen in the last couple of chapters but it was kind of refreshing to have a happy ending after one book.

Can’t wait to read #2.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Turner publishing for allowing me to read this early in exchange for an honest review! Here goes…

A Dance with Death was simply beautiful and so atmospheric. At first, it did seem a little slow and I was worried this book wouldn’t be for me, but I’m glad I continued to read on because this was a pleasant surprise!

The magic element mixed in with ballet was simply stunning and I really enjoyed how this was implemented, especially at the end when we begin to learn just what the red slippers mean. I actually smiled in appreciation when Corliss finally discovered how the slippers worked in terms of magic and what they can do. It was a really nice moment towards the end where I thought “this is such a great idea” and the way it was written as Corliss was dancing was so beautiful.

I loved the growing relationship between Corliss and Orrin throughout the story, but I did expect him to be a little meaner going by the “dark fairytale” aspect (that seems weird to say, that I expected a character to be more horrible🫣) But I understand of course this was no fairytale and the various elements that do make it on the dark side: trauma, gore, murder etc. This did not put me off the book in any way, simply a small misjudgement on my part.

The writing was really well done and very descriptive, more so at the beginning (hence I felt the pace was maybe a tinyyy bit too slow) and sets a gothic scene throughout.

As I read more I was desperate to find out the answers and naively thought I knew where the story would be taking us, but it turns out I was wrong, which made me happy as I was so sure I was expecting a broken heart at the end🤣😭

Overall I really enjoyed this one and feel this deserves a lot of love!

[Andi]

What. What. What? There is a 'Red Shoes' inspired story coming out?

*adds to the to-read pile*

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got to ARC this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The book wasn't necessarily bad; it just wasn't giving everything it COULD HAVE given. It really would have benefitted from being a bit longer to help make the relationships feel stronger and more earned not just with Corliss but with the reader as well. I'll save what I did like for the end of my review.

A prologue taking place a few months before where we could meet Darius and see Aven happy and healthy in her relationship would make her feel more flushed out as a character. You sympathize with her as someone who lost her family, but don't feel connected to her beyond that. Another character who I will not name unfortunately dies and it could have been a more emotional moment had they had more/better interactions with Corliss. The relationship between Corliss and Orrin would have felt more real if it hadn't felt like everything turned on a dime. There wasn't a whole lot of hesitation once they flipped the script even though there wasn't a lot of attraction mentioned beforehand. There are other things that I wish the author had spent more time on, but those are the three biggest hitters. The whole book would have been more enjoyable if things a had more time to endear you to the characters, settings, and storyline.

The world-building was meh. It took me a minute to understand what kind of world they were living in and even with finishing the book it isn't very clear. Which isn't hugely important because outside of the town they're in there isn't really need for the wider picture of what the world is like. I would have liked to know a bit more to make the setting feel more real, but I would have been just as happy with the information given if needs had been met in different areas. The magic also would have been nice to get more concrete information on. It felt more like whatever was convenient was mentioned when it was needed. There wasn't a whole lot of set up and pay off with the magic. Once something wasn't needed it wasn't brought up again.

I normally love a spicy scene, but they felt very much out of place here. I didn't care much about the relationship, so I found myself skimming through any spicy scene that came up. Not just the spicy scenes, but the cute, fluffy scenes too. They weren't poorly written as far as spicy scenes go, just unnecessary and put in to cater to spicy readers instead of adding to the story value.

That being said, it wasn't all bad. Corliss does have past lovers, one of which was a woman. I do love that bit of queer representation as someone who is part of the community. The "take down" scene was really enjoyable; I liked that a lot. Corliss' love for her sisters was handled very well in my opinion. Though I couldn't connect to her sisters as much as I wanted, the love she had for them could be felt. Orrin is definitely a hunk and a half.

This story had the potential to be so much more and the first 50-60% was engaging. The lack of connection and expansion is what really held it back from being great. This isn't something I would choose to read again, but I do think there are people that would enjoy it. I will chalk part of it up to my personal taste. I prefer a slow burn over several books, but it can be done in one book if handled correctly. This was more of a medium burn in my opinion, but I have liked a lot of fast burn books in the past. It just needs to feel real to me and this didn't.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I started A Dance With Death, I was completely entranced. Amanda Linsmeier has crafted a spellbinding dark fantasy that feels both timeless and fresh—a haunting fairy tale wrapped in shadows and desire.

Corliss Bell’s journey is heartbreakingly beautiful. Her fierce love for her sister, the risk she takes in making a deal with a demon, and her growing, complicated bond with Orrin make for a narrative that’s as emotionally gripping as it is magical. The characters feel real and flawed, their struggles resonant and raw.

The story was beautifully written and very accessible, making it easy to get lost in the world Amanda Linsmeier created. What stood out most to me was how authentically the characters’ emotions were portrayed. I didn’t just read about their feelings—I felt them alongside the characters. The description of grief, in particular, was heartbreakingly real and moving, capturing the rawness and complexity of loss in a way that stayed with me long after I finished the book.

One of the things I truly loved was the character development throughout the story. The female main character’s journey was especially compelling. Watching her gradually grow more confident in her dancing felt so satisfying and natural. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but a slow, steady build that reflected her inner strength and resilience. On the other hand, the male main character’s arc was equally touching—his struggle to reconnect with his emotions and rediscover how to feel was portrayed with sensitivity and depth. His growth added a beautiful balance to the story, showing that healing often happens in small, subtle steps.

The romance between the two leads was one of my favorite parts. I appreciated that it wasn’t overdone or rushed. There was no insta-lust or excessive smut, which sometimes can feel forced or distracting. Instead, their relationship developed slowly and organically, layered with complexity and emotional nuance. It was raw and honest, with moments of tenderness and tension that kept me invested. This was a romance that felt real—not perfect, but deeply human.

The plot itself was engaging and kept me hooked from beginning to end. The mix of dark romance with magical elements gave the story a unique flavor that made it stand out. Plus, the beautiful artwork sprinkled throughout the book was a lovely bonus, adding to the immersive experience and making it feel like a true feast for the senses.

Overall, A Dance With Death was a rich, emotional journey that combined magical fantasy, heartfelt romance, and deep explorations of grief and healing. I’m a sucker for dark romance, and this book delivered all that and more. If you’re looking for a story that moves you, keeps you intrigued, and leaves you thinking about its characters long after the last page, this is definitely one to pick up.

[Anika · Rating 3 out of 5]

After her sister's death, Corliss, a young woman and dancer, tries to enlist the help of a supposed demon to save her sister. Instead, however, she finds ballet shoes that exude a strange power. She steals the shoes and is intoxicated by their effect, by the way they allow her to dance. But soon after, the demon whose shoes she stole appears and kidnaps her. She is to dance for him as punishment. Night after night. But the more time she spends with the demon, the more Corliss realizes that he may be the key to saving her sister after all. And that he is not the relentless monster he appeared to be.

A Dance with Death is a dark story set in 1870. I immediately got Beauty and the Beast vibes with the gothic setting, and I really liked the dark atmosphere of the mansion and the headstrong master of the house.

Corliss is a tough and independent young woman who doesn't come across as overly so and acts appropriately mature for her age (which I really liked!).
Orrin, the gloomy master of the house, was the best part of the story for me. Shaped by his past and reluctantly fascinated by Corliss, he is not only grumpy and broody at the beginning, but truly an a*hole, but he thaws later on and the two can no longer deny their mutual and rather reluctant attraction and later feelings.
Unfortunately, this is also where I find the biggest drawback (slight spoiler!): At the beginning, Orrin was really angry and harsh, and he made Corliss feel that anger very clearly. However, after an incident, his behavior suddenly changes abruptly. This and the ensuing instalust unfortunately didn't feel entirely plausible, which is why the relationship between the two felt a bit flat to me. I would have liked to see a little more development here.

The story has so many great aspects. The writing style is very beautiful, the story reads smoothly, the setting is interesting, and the magic and otherness in the city create a nice atmosphere. Unfortunately, the pacing was not ideal in some places and gets faster and faster as the story progresses. The beginning (1/3 of the book) in particular was a little too long-winded for me. It took a while (too long) for the story to pick up speed.

A Dance with Death is light entertainment for fans of gothic, demons, and Beauty and the Beast.

Many thanks to the team at Linsmeier, Turner Publishing Company, and NetGalley for the free review copy.

[Lindsey Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dance With Death does a great job of mixing dark fantasy, romance, and sorrow. It is emotionally resonant, often beautiful, and immersive. Its strengths lie in the setting, the mood, and the emotional drive of its protagonist. Where it might lose readers is in pacing and in managing expectations around how quickly relationships evolve.

For me, this is a satisfying read for those who want something more gothic, intense, and romantic. It offers more than just romance: grief, sacrifice, horror elements, moral ambiguity, and a protagonist who is willing to be imperfect, desperate, and brave.

It took me a little while to settle into A Dance With Death, but once it clicked — I was completely hooked. This book grabbed hold of me and didn’t let go until the very last page.

At first, I wasn’t sure where it was going. The pacing starts off slower as the story builds — but trust me, that patience pays off. Once Corliss enters the demon’s mansion and the mystery deepens, the atmosphere becomes magnetic. It was impossible to put down. I found myself completely immersed in this dark, gothic world that felt both eerie and beautiful at the same time.

Amanda Linsmeier has a gift for creating mood. The writing is lush and haunting, with the perfect balance of romance, suspense, and emotional depth. Corliss is such a compelling main character — stubborn, flawed, grieving, and full of determination. Her love for her sister drives the story in a way that feels deeply human and relatable, even amidst all the magic and supernatural danger.

And then there’s Orrin. The slow shift in his character, and the complex relationship that unfolds between him and Corliss, was one of my favorite aspects. It's not your typical romance — it’s darker, messier, and more emotionally layered, which made it all the more satisfying.

I also loved the magical touches — the enchanted red slippers, the eerie dancing, the haunted mansion. It felt like a dark fairy tale with real stakes and genuine heart.

If you’re into romantic fantasy with a gothic edge — the kind that creeps under your skin and stays there — this is definitely one to pick up. I already know I’ll be thinking about this one for a while - and absolutely cannot WAIT for the next book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Keylight Books and Turner Publishing for allowing me to read this book early!

[Hannah’s Library📖💖✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, Publisher and Amanda for letting me have a ARC to read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️

The cover and description of this ARC is what tempted me to apply for it and I was so excited when I got approved!

This book did NOT disappoint in the slightest. It was everything I wanted and so much more.

The writing was amazing, the story captivating, the plot twists were not expected at all!

At first, I wasn’t sure what era the book was set in, we did learn after a good few chapters but it did leave me wondering, I’m guessing maybe that was intended?

The first 15-20% was a bit slow however it did hold my interest and picked up not long after. The story was building at as I said above it was definitely captivating for me.

A Dance With Death is a dark, gory, gothic fairytale with a slow-burn enemies-to-allies-to-lovers book and it was the perfect book for the changing of weather as we enter into the dark, gloomy autumn nights.

I loved the love letter to ballet, it was beautifully woven into the story.

The relationship between the FMC Corliss and the MMC Orrin, I feel like I wanted just a little bit more from/for and wish we’d seen a bit more of their love story especially after the events that unfolded at the end of their mission.

The core love story of this book was between Corliss and her sisters, Aven and Sélie which I believe made this a beautiful read. The story of a woman who was do anything at all to save and protect her sisters, even if that meant giving her own life to do just that was devastating heart tugging, especially as an older sister myself who would definitely do the same.

I loved the ending and it’s definitely left me grasping for more to see what is going to happen next, especially with that unopened letter.

I cannot wait for Book 2 and I’m hoping there might be an ARC for it🤞🏻🤞🏻

It’s an ARC so I’m sure it will be different when it’s released: I did send this to my kindle, there was lovely artwork on some of the pages to break up some chapters. Unfortunately, these did not sit right on the page. They did work on my phone kindle. But, as I’ve said, it’s more than likely just the ARC copies and will be fixed properly for release on ebooks.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: A Dance with Death by Amanda Linsmeier

This book feels like stepping into a gothic fairytale; cursed slippers, a mansion that’s probably plotting against you, and a demon who’s terrifying but somehow charming enough that you keep rooting for him despite knowing better (yes, the red flag practically waves itself, but you still can’t help it).

Corliss Bell is a ballerina who’ll do anything to save her sister, even strike a bargain with said demon, and suddenly she’s dancing till dawn, plotting her way out, and trying to survive in a place where candlelight is the only warmth she’s likely to get. She refuses to just sit there and mope; she schemes, bargains, and makes some terrible life choices at a pace that will make you simultaneously groan and cheer. Watching her navigate cursed shoes, late-night dance marathons, and a dangerously magnetic demon is like watching a raccoon steal pizza off a porch: chaotic, questionable, and impossible not to root for.

The prose is gorgeous and moody; you can practically taste the salt in the air, hear the floorboards groan in protest at the characters’ life choices, and feel the stormy seas and haunted ballrooms around you. Does it sometimes get indulgent in its own prettiness? Sure. Do some of the emotional leaps feel sudden or a little jarring? Absolutely. But honestly, the vibe is so strong, atmospheric, and immersive that you can’t help but forgive it.

The romance is dark, messy, and absolutely not “safe.” Orrin and Corliss have chemistry that sparks off the page; you’ll find yourself laughing, groaning, and occasionally thinking, “oh no, this is a bad idea.” It’s playful, a little flirty, and just enough tension to keep things interesting over the course of the 300+ pages, without ever feeling over the top.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. A Dance with Death is set to publish on January 27, 2026, and it’s a hauntingly beautiful, occasionally indulgent, and thoroughly entertaining read for fans of dark fantasy, gothic romance, and morally complicated demons.

[Why Choose Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to barter with literal demons for the chance to haul your sister back from beyond the grave—this is your weird, dark, gothic fairytale in a nutshell. Grim, beautiful, and unapologetically twisted, it demands to be read in the kind of lighting that gives you just enough pause to check under your bed later. Our FMC is Corliss Bell she is a dancer whose grace is matched only by her stubborn loyalty. When her sister’s life is on the line, she doesn’t bail—she bargains. Our MMC Orrin is equal parts possessive, brooding, and begrudgingly protective. He wasn’t looking for a roommate, but Corliss crashes right through the front door, slippers and all. Corliss's world is already fractured when her older sister, Aven, dies. Grief-stricken and desperate, she sneaks into the decrepit mansion of a local demon, hoping for help. Instead, she swipes a pair of enchanted red ballet slippers and, suddenly, becomes a dancing prodigy. But the magic of the slippers comes with a catch. The demon, Orrin, returns to reclaim them and ends up imprisoning Corliss in his mansion. Her punishment? Nightly dance performances, whether she wants to or not. She isn't a passive captive, though. Her goal is simple: convince the demon to help resurrect her sister, but first, she has to prove she’s not a thief, then wrestle with the unexpected pull she feels toward him. Every night of compelled performance, every whispered bargain, tightens the bond between Corliss and Orrin. She’s navigating grief, guilt, enchantment, all while dancing for her life in a mansion that feels both prison and home. A Dance with Death is not some dainty fairy tale, it’s a gothic collision of grief, magic, and bargain-with-a-demon levels of desperation. Corliss isn’t playing the damsel; she’s bartering in firelight, and every pirouette comes with a price. It’s haunting, unsettling, and surprisingly tender in places you didn’t expect it to be. If you want your romance with sharp edges, broken hearts, and a style that lingers after the last page, this one’s for you.

[Zea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC copy!

This book has a strong and mouthy female main character, something so refreshing to see. It's about Corliss, a grief-stricken dancer who stole red ballet slippers from a demon. The narrative focuses on the romance between the two main characters rather the plot. It is magical, dark, and charged with emotions.

One of the central themes here is grief. However, the story keeps describing what grief is, but it doesn’t quite capture how it consumes the protagonist. The moment she acquires the slippers, everything shifts so quickly that I couldn’t read her character clearly anymore. She seemed kind at times, yet her dialogue came off as rude. I’m torn between calling her complex or inconsistent. Her thought process also felt unclear. I couldn’t understand how someone who didn’t believe in magic would blindly go to such lengths without even knowing if it could save her sister. A proof of the demon’s power early on might have made her choices feel more convincing. Certain plot points also came across as a little too convenient.

The side characters also did not feel vivid. Some served a purpose, then disappeared from the narrative. The pacing was quite slow, with scenes that could have been more condensed or merged. At times, the writing didn’t fully capture the feel of 1870, though it didn’t detract from the reading experience. On the other hand, the ending was satisfying and tied the narrative together well.

It speaks for artists who are so passionate about their craft they would die for it. It carries a melancholia that speaks to me. Overall, this makes for a solid palate cleanser if you can’t decide between a cozy romance or a dark fantasy. The setting is atmospheric, with vivid coastal and forest scenery, while the themes remain rooted in death. If you enjoy both genres, this book is worth picking up. It's such an approachable and satisfying read.

[Kelly Moolenaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️ 2/5 🌶️
''There’s humanness about the expression that draws silence into my mouth in the place of words.''
(English below)

Ik heb enorm genoten van dit boek. Een verhaal vol magie en liefde, maar ook verdriet om verlies van dierbare. Let wel op als dit een trigger voor je is.
Het is een Belle en het Beest verhaal, wat ik maar al te goed kan waarderen. Er komt ballet in voor, maar als ballet-leek is het goed te volgen.
Het leest makkelijk en je hoeft je niet te vervelen, maar in het begin was het wat zoeken naar de verbinding tussen karakters, hoe zit de familie in elkaar? De schrijfster laat je hier wat meer raden, later wordt dit pas meer duidelijk.
Het eind deel van het verhaal had iets uitgebreider gemogen van mij. Wat meer details over de demonen. Het voelde wat te kort.
Je krijgt een goede band met de karakters en voelt met ze mee, goed geschreven.
Het eind laat een voldaan gevoel achter, wat fijn is al je het boek sluit.
Ik raad dit boek zeker aan. Voor de fantasie-romantiek lezers van 18 jaar en ouder. (ivm seksuele scenes)

I really enjoyed this book. A story full of magic and love, but also sadness over the loss of loved ones. Please be aware if this is a trigger for you.
It's a Beauty and the Beast story, which I can appreciate all too well. There's ballet in it, but as a ballet novice, it's easy to follow.
It's an easy read and you won't get bored, but at the beginning, it took some figuring out to connect the characters, how the family fits together. The author makes you guess a bit here; it only becomes clearer later.
I thot the ending of the story could have been a bit more extensive. A few more details about the demons. It felt a bit too short.
You develop a good connection with the characters and empathize with them; it's well-written.
The ending leaves you feeling satisfied, which is nice when you close the book.
I definitely recommend this book. For fantasy romance readers aged 18 and over. (regarding sexual scenes)

[Mackenzie Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dance with Death is one of those books that sweeps you up so completely, you forget the world around you. Corliss and Orrin’s chemistry is nothing short of magnetic—soft, steady, and filled with that quiet kind of yearning that builds until you’re utterly undone. Their connection feels timeless, the kind of romance that lingers long after you close the book.

It strikes me as the perfect blend of Beauty and the Beast and The Red Shoes—darkly romantic, hauntingly beautiful, and threaded with danger at every turn. The stakes are high and the tension palpable, but Amanda Linsmeier never lets the chaos take over. Instead, she guides you through it with intention, every moment balanced between fear and hope, heartbreak and devotion.

What makes this story stand out even more is how Linsmeier weaves the darker themes with grace. There’s a weight to every choice Corliss makes, and yet, a lightness in how she’s written—a resilience that makes her shine. The danger never overshadows her humanity. Orrin, too, feels layered and complex, his tenderness hidden beneath rough edges and old wounds. Together, they create a dynamic that feels both fragile and powerful, like watching two storms collide and settle into calm.

Her writing style is a dream. It ebbs and flows in this almost lyrical rhythm, each sentence crafted with care. Her descriptions of characters are so vivid and intimate that it’s easy to lose yourself inside them—to imagine, to feel, to ache right alongside them. It’s immersive without ever being overdone, the perfect marriage of prose and emotion.

✨ Would I recommend? Without hesitation. If you love fairy tale retellings spun through a darker, more poetic lens—where love and danger dance hand in hand—this one deserves a spot on your shelf.

#adancewithdeath #amandalinsmeier #bookreview #darkfairytaleretelling #fantasyromance #beautyandthebeastretelling #theredshoes #bookstagramreview #lyricalwriting #romancebooks

[Cheyenne K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: A Dance with the Devil by Amanda Linsmeier

A Dance with the Devil is a haunting, beautifully written dark fairytale — a story that blends horror, love, and grief in a way that feels both gothic and heartbreakingly human.

From the very first pages, I was drawn to its eerie, almost hollow atmosphere. There’s something ghostly and melancholic about the world Linsmeier creates — as if every shadow hides a memory, every whispered word carries a secret. The setting feels like an abandoned theatre where tragedy and beauty dance side by side.

Corliss, the protagonist, is one of those female characters you can truly relate to — flawed, emotional, and strong in her own quiet way. I loved that she’s not perfect; she makes mistakes, she aches, she feels deeply. Her desperation to bring her sister back, her strange connection to the demon Orrin, and the way their relationship slowly shifts from hostility to something dangerously intimate — all of it kept me glued to the pages. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is dark, tense, and filled with that delicious kind of melodrama that makes your heart twist.

The writing itself is lush and atmospheric — full of sensory detail and slow-burning tension. That said, the first part of the book does move a little slowly; it lingers on mood and description more than plot. But once the story finds its rhythm, it becomes hypnotic. The emotional weight, the gothic romance, and the moral grayness make it feel like a dance you can’t quite look away from, even when it hurts.

This is not a light read — it’s heavy with loss, temptation, and the blurred line between love and damnation. But that’s exactly what I loved about it. It’s tragic, beautiful, and a little bit terrifying — like all the best dark fairytales are.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A heavy, haunting tale of love, guilt, and the seductive power of darkness. It lingers long after the final page.

[Kieryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me obsessed from the description. This book captivated me from the moment I read the first page. This book is so beautifully written, the was the author is with her words had me hanging off of them. I had so many thoughts about this book from the get go and they surpassed everything I had thought.

This book is about our main character Corliss who is the middle child to two sisters. when she losses her older sister she will do anything she can to get her back, she even gives up her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina in hopes of finding a way to bring her back. So when the town mystic tells her about the supposed demon living in town she has hope that he could help her. She sneaks into the mansion in hopes of finding him and beg him to help her. Instead she finds red ballet slippers that seem to almost call to her, so she takes them. Her life gets entangled with the demons and so on top of trying to get him to help her she has to dance for him every evening as a punishment for stealing.

The love story between Corliss and Orrin is such a sweet love completely contrasting to the start of the book. They had a grip on my heart from the moment they met. I finished this book in one day, i could not bring myself to put it down. The plot of this book was so captivating, I was loving every minute of it. It reminded me a bit of Beauty and the Beast along with Barbie and the pink shoes.

I am so so excited for the next two books in this series. I will be binging them as soon as I can get my hands on them. I am very excited to see where the author goes with this series, but I have no doubt that it will be amazing.

Thank you so much to Turner Publishing Company, Amanda Linsmeier, as well as NetGalley for this arc! This was such a fun and exciting read that had me hanging on every word, laughing, crying and smiling throughout.