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Danse Macabre
Not yet published
Expected 5 Jan 27Win a free print copy of this book!
21 days and 10:17:02
5 copies available
U.S. only
At an elite summer conservatory, Rora finds vanished dancers, a dead clocktower, and a cursed society where ballet roles are lived. To survive, she must face the truth or lose herself.
- GenresYoung AdultGothic
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 5, 2027
About the author
Morgan Shamy
8 books412 followersUnlock the FREE exclusive DANSE MACABRE soundtrack here: https://www.morganshamy.com/about-4 🩰🎶
Morgan Shamy is a former ballerina turned YA dark fantasy author. A classically trained dancer and accomplished pianist, she has performed on world-class stages—including Carnegie Hall—and devoted nearly two decades to teaching ballet and piano, guiding students to scholarships at elite schools nationwide.
After her three-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer, Morgan turned to writing as both a creative escape and a lifeline, eventually building a successful career as an author.
Her breakout gothic thriller, The Stricken, hit #1 on Amazon in hardcover, remained in Barnes & Noble’s Top 10 Dark Fantasy rankings for over three consecutive months, and was featured as a “Most Anticipated Read.” Her success earned her a coveted cover feature in Publishers Weekly, along with nominations for both the Whitney Award and the Reading the West Book Award.
Her latest novel, Danse Macabre, sold at auction to Entangled Publishing’s Mayhem Books, where it’s already generating early buzz for its eerie blend of dark academia, ballet lore, and supernatural mystery—complete with original music composed exclusively for the story.
Morgan lives in Salt Lake City with her X-Games gold-medalist husband and their four children.
Representation: Marisa Corvisiero at Corvisiero Literary
Sign up for her newsletter: http://morgan-shamy-ya-fantasy-author...
You can also find her on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgan_shamy
X: https://x.com/MorganShamy
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/morgan_shamy/
Morgan Shamy is a former ballerina turned YA dark fantasy author. A classically trained dancer and accomplished pianist, she has performed on world-class stages—including Carnegie Hall—and devoted nearly two decades to teaching ballet and piano, guiding students to scholarships at elite schools nationwide.
After her three-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer, Morgan turned to writing as both a creative escape and a lifeline, eventually building a successful career as an author.
Her breakout gothic thriller, The Stricken, hit #1 on Amazon in hardcover, remained in Barnes & Noble’s Top 10 Dark Fantasy rankings for over three consecutive months, and was featured as a “Most Anticipated Read.” Her success earned her a coveted cover feature in Publishers Weekly, along with nominations for both the Whitney Award and the Reading the West Book Award.
Her latest novel, Danse Macabre, sold at auction to Entangled Publishing’s Mayhem Books, where it’s already generating early buzz for its eerie blend of dark academia, ballet lore, and supernatural mystery—complete with original music composed exclusively for the story.
Morgan lives in Salt Lake City with her X-Games gold-medalist husband and their four children.
Representation: Marisa Corvisiero at Corvisiero Literary
Sign up for her newsletter: http://morgan-shamy-ya-fantasy-author...
You can also find her on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgan_shamy
X: https://x.com/MorganShamy
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/morgan_shamy/
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: shouldnt contain spoilers I tried to not give anything away but give it the review it deserves
WHERE do I begin?? Omg this book from the very FIRST PAGE! I was immediately sucked in. The prelude alone had me needing this book injected in my veins.
Danse Macabre follows the story of 17 year old Rora who's entire world is ballet. She gets accepted into a summer program at an elite ballet conservatory thinking this will set up her future only to find out the conservatory has more dark secrets than she can count. Missing dancers and a dead clocktower doesnt even scratch the surface of the darkness hidden behind a secret ballet conservatory.
When she meets Dross the secrets start unraveling faster than she can dance.
When she learns her best friend is tied to the curse on the conservatory she rushes to uncover the truth, save the people she loves and set people she loves more free.
This story gave me Once Upon a Time vibes but with ballet. And I LOVED IT. I couldn't put this book down.
Review: shouldnt contain spoilers I tried to not give anything away but give it the review it deserves
WHERE do I begin?? Omg this book from the very FIRST PAGE! I was immediately sucked in. The prelude alone had me needing this book injected in my veins.
Danse Macabre follows the story of 17 year old Rora who's entire world is ballet. She gets accepted into a summer program at an elite ballet conservatory thinking this will set up her future only to find out the conservatory has more dark secrets than she can count. Missing dancers and a dead clocktower doesnt even scratch the surface of the darkness hidden behind a secret ballet conservatory.
When she meets Dross the secrets start unraveling faster than she can dance.
When she learns her best friend is tied to the curse on the conservatory she rushes to uncover the truth, save the people she loves and set people she loves more free.
This story gave me Once Upon a Time vibes but with ballet. And I LOVED IT. I couldn't put this book down.
Review of advance copy
As a former ballerina, this book felt like it was written just for me. The idea of beloved ballet characters here in the real world is absolutely magical, and Morgan Shamy brought that premise to life with so much heart, beauty, and imagination.
Every page captured the elegance, discipline, and wonder of ballet while weaving in an enchanting story that kept me completely captivated. The characters felt vivid and real, and seeing them navigate our world was equal parts whimsical, emotional, and unforgettable.
What I loved most was how the story reminded me why I fell in love with ballet in the first place. It celebrates not only the artistry and grace of dance but also the courage, hope, and resilience that lie at the heart of every great ballet. The descriptions were so rich that I could practically see the choreography unfolding before me.
This is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Whether you’re a dancer, a lover of fairy tales, or simply someone who enjoys beautifully crafted fantasy, this story is an absolute treasure. I couldn’t recommend it more highly, and I already can’t wait to read it again!!!
Every page captured the elegance, discipline, and wonder of ballet while weaving in an enchanting story that kept me completely captivated. The characters felt vivid and real, and seeing them navigate our world was equal parts whimsical, emotional, and unforgettable.
What I loved most was how the story reminded me why I fell in love with ballet in the first place. It celebrates not only the artistry and grace of dance but also the courage, hope, and resilience that lie at the heart of every great ballet. The descriptions were so rich that I could practically see the choreography unfolding before me.
This is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Whether you’re a dancer, a lover of fairy tales, or simply someone who enjoys beautifully crafted fantasy, this story is an absolute treasure. I couldn’t recommend it more highly, and I already can’t wait to read it again!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve been lucky to read a couple different versions of this book. I read it way back in 2011 when an agent first picked it up. Then later again just before it sold to Entangled. The book was something incredibly special back then--but it’s beyond incredible now. To see how it’s grown and come even more alive since then has been incredible to watch and I’m so excited for this to be out in the world. This book is one of those books that will stand the test of time. I’ve never read anything like it. The world is so intricate and the characters are so haunting. And DROSS. There aren’t words to describe how much I’m obsessed with this character. I’m praying there’s character art. I’ve read all of the author’s books, but honestly none of them compare to this one. I really hope this book gets the attention it deserves because people will be swept away. I guess I don’t want to give too much away. Only that I’ve already pre-ordered the special hardback edition and Jan 5 can’t come fast enough!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What I sent the author:
"What in the world is going on? I need answers so badly."
"Every time I think I might have an idea what is going on..."
"Holy shit! That was insane and incredible! Your writing is addictive. I already want to reread it!"
I love this book so much! There is something to say about a mystery that you cannot predict or solve until the reveals start happening and you're still left confused. What I loved is how Rory, our protagonist, was right there alongside us, in the dark. We learned as she learned, and the moment she started figuring out what was going on, my jaw was on the floor with her!
Now, trying to explain this book without spoilers is near impossible. There is so much going on and you will be confused, but hang in there, it will make sense and once it does, you will want to reread it just to see if you can find the signs before the reveals.
"What in the world is going on? I need answers so badly."
"Every time I think I might have an idea what is going on..."
"Holy shit! That was insane and incredible! Your writing is addictive. I already want to reread it!"
I love this book so much! There is something to say about a mystery that you cannot predict or solve until the reveals start happening and you're still left confused. What I loved is how Rory, our protagonist, was right there alongside us, in the dark. We learned as she learned, and the moment she started figuring out what was going on, my jaw was on the floor with her!
Now, trying to explain this book without spoilers is near impossible. There is so much going on and you will be confused, but hang in there, it will make sense and once it does, you will want to reread it just to see if you can find the signs before the reveals.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review to come.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews