Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black

  

Summary from Goodreads

Vanessa doesn’t believe that her sister is a runaway. She wouldn’t leave her family behind without saying a word. The only way Vanessa can discover the truth behind her mysterious disappearance is to follow in Margaret’s footsteps, but to do so she risks her sanity and maybe even her life . . .

Vanessa Adler is one of the talented few to get a place at the acclaimed New York Ballet Academy. Between backbreaking rehearsals for the school’s production of The Firebird she desperately tries to find out what happened to her sister before she vanished. There are rumors that the pressure of performing the lead role, the same role Vanessa is now rehearsing for, drove her mad. Other girls have gone missing too. Can the role be cursed? Vanessa’s new relationship with leading-man Zep only seems to complicate things further. What is he hiding from her and can she really trust him?

Black Swan meets Gossip Girl in this thrilling first book in a new series. Sexy, sinister and full of secrets, readers will be hooked on Dance of Shadows from the first page. Look out for the sequel in 2014.

My Review

I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with Dance of Shadows - I loved the super intriguing beginning and I adored the action packed end section. But the middle of the book was a bit of a repetitive drag to be completely honest. I think the book could of quite possibly have been cut back approximately 50 pages. 

I would of loved to give main character Vanessa a good shake, don't get me wrong - I liked her, I just wished she wouldn't of been so trusting of of people who were quite clearly out to get her. 

Black's writing is haunting and the descriptors of the dancing itself are absolutely stunning and even managed to give me chills! I was interested, intrigued, shocked and riveted to most parts of this dark, dangerous book. I love the creep factor that surrounds this everything and I'm really glad it wasn't over done. 

Vanessa Adler is accepted into an elite ballet academy - but it's not about the dancing for Vanessa! She seeks her missing sister, Margaret - who mysteriously disappeared from the same academy! But Vanessa all too soon finds out that all isn't what it seems at the creepy academy or it's strange staff. 

Vanessa bags the lead role in the Firebird performance - which is very rare for a first year. The dance tutor Josef has another reason for picking Vanessa for the coveted part though and it's not good.....

The end section is wonderful and I really liked how everything clicked into place - I really was on the edge of my seat! The actual ending itself is awesome, I'm quite pleased with how it left off and I'm excited to read the next book! (I actually think this could of been a strong stand alone novel).

All in all Dance of Shadows is a captivating, dangerous read that I think will appeal to a wide audience! The only downside for me was the boring middle section!

3/5 Stars

*Special thanks to Bloomsbury for the review copy*

Carly :)