Is 'The Ballerinas' Worth Reading?

2026-03-12 12:00:28 103

3 Answers

Max
Max
2026-03-13 03:18:22
A friend lent me 'The Ballerinas' after I mentioned how much I adored 'Daisy Jones & The Six'—totally different vibes, but both dig into the messy, passionate lives of artists. Kapelke-Dale’s writing is sleek and evocative, though I’ll admit the pacing dragged a bit in the middle. The flashback structure works well to unravel the protagonist’s guilt, but sometimes I wished the present-day storyline had more urgency. That said, the book nails the eerie glamour of Parisian ballet schools, and the toxic dynamics between the three main characters are painfully relatable. It’s the kind of book that makes you side-eye your own friendships.

I’d recommend it if you’re in the mood for something atmospheric with a side of betrayal. It’s not a perfect book, but it’s got enough teeth to leave a mark.
Yara
Yara
2026-03-13 23:09:12
I picked up 'The Ballerinas' on a whim, drawn by the promise of a dark, glittering world behind the scenes of ballet. Rachel Kapelke-Dale crafts a story that’s part psychological thriller, part coming-of-age drama, with a backdrop of grueling discipline and artistic obsession. The way she explores the toxic friendships and cutthroat competition in the ballet world feels visceral—like you’re peeking behind the curtain at something forbidden. The protagonist’s voice is sharp and layered, though some plot twists felt a bit predictable if you’re familiar with revenge narratives. Still, the atmosphere alone makes it a compelling read, especially if you enjoy stories about the price of ambition.

What stuck with me most were the descriptions of the dancers’ bodies—aching, breaking, but always moving. It’s not just about the art; it’s about the physical toll, the way perfectionism can warp relationships. If you liked 'Black Swan' or 'The Turnout,' this’ll hit similar notes. Just don’t expect a lighthearted romp; it’s more like a slow burn with a knife hidden in its pointe shoe.
Zoe
Zoe
2026-03-15 07:27:50
I devoured 'The Ballerinas' in two sittings—it’s addictive, like watching a train wreck in slow motion. The ballet setting is just the stage (pun intended) for a deeper story about envy, regret, and the lies we tell ourselves. Delphine’s narration is raw and often uncomfortably honest, which I loved. The supporting characters could’ve been fleshed out more, but the central trio’s twisted bond is the real heart of the story. It’s not a book that’ll leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, but if you enjoy morally gray characters and lush, moody prose, it’s worth your time.
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

Reading Mr. Reed
Reading Mr. Reed
When Lacy tries to break of her forced engagement things take a treacherous turn for the worst. Things seemed to not be going as planned until a mysterious stranger swoops in to save the day. That stranger soon becomes more to her but how will their relationship work when her fiance proves to be a nuisance? *****Dylan Reed only has one interest: finding the little girl that shared the same foster home as him so that he could protect her from all the vicious wrongs of the world. He gets temporarily side tracked when he meets Lacy Black. She becomes a damsel in distress when she tries to break off her arranged marriage with a man named Brian Larson and Dylan swoops in to save her. After Lacy and Dylan's first encounter, their lives spiral out of control and the only way to get through it is together but will Dylan allow himself to love instead of giving Lacy mixed signals and will Lacy be able to follow her heart, effectively Reading Mr. Reed?Book One (The Mister Trilogy)
9.7
41 Chapters
Worth it
Worth it
When a chance encounter in a dimly lit club leads her into the orbit of Dominic Valente.The enigmatic head of New York’s most powerful crime family journalist Aria Cole knows she should walk away. But one night becomes a dangerous game of temptation and power. Dominic is as magnetic as he is merciless, and behind his tailored suits lies a man used to getting exactly what he wants. What begins as a single, reckless evening turns into a web of secrets, loyalty tests, and a passion that threatens to burn them both. As rival families circle and the law closes in, Aria must decide whether their connection is worth the peril or if loving a man like Dominic will cost her everything.
Not enough ratings
8 Chapters
He's Not Worth It
He's Not Worth It
A week before the wedding, my fiancé, Luke Graham, announced that he needed to marry his first love, Mandy Lynch, before marrying me. “It’s because her mother passed away,” he explained, “and her dying wish was to see Mandy married to a good man. I’m just fulfilling an elder’s final request. Don’t overthink it.” But the company had already planned to launch the “True Love” jewelry line on the day of our grand wedding. Impatiently, he dismissed my concerns: “It’s just a few million. Does that compare to Mandy’s love for her mother? If you’re so eager to make those millions, go find someone else to marry.” Hearing his cold and heartless words, I understood everything. Without another word, I turned and dialled my family. “Brother, help me find a new groom.”
9 Chapters
Worth Waiting For
Worth Waiting For
**Completed. This is the second book in the Baxter Brother's series. It can be read as a stand-alone novel. Almost ten years ago, Landon watched his mate be killed right before his eyes. It changed him. After being hard and controlling for years, he has finally learned how to deal with the fact that she was gone. Forever. So when he arrives in Washington, Landon is shocked to find his mate alive. And he is even more determined to convince her to give him a chance. Brooklyn Eversteen almost died ten years ago. She vividly remembers the beckoning golden eyes that saved her, but she never saw him again. Ten years later, she agrees to marry Vincent in the agreement that he will forgive the debt. But when those beckoning golden eyes return, she finds she must make an even harder decision.
9.8
35 Chapters
Worth Searching For
Worth Searching For
Mateo Morales has been missing for two months. He disappeared with no sign left behind; no hints, and no clue as to where he went and why he disappeared. Eva Morales has been searching religiously for her brother. Being a lone wolf, her family is all she has and she will do anything for her brother. When all her clues lead to Laurence Baxter, she can't help but follow the breadcrumbs, but what she discovers might be more than what she bargained for.Laurence Baxter is wild, untamed, and spontaneous. He lives the life he wants and does what he wants; it works for him. But when his PI disappears, he can't help but feel responsible and he jumps right into a long search. When Mateo's sister, Eva, shows up and Laurence discovers her as his mate, he is thrilled to be so lucky. However, this prickly woman wants nothing to do with mates, nevermind a playboy like himself.Searching for Mateo and unraveling the Morales family secrets soon turns out to be more than he bargained for and Laurence finds more answers than he was hoping to find. After his mate runs from him, he has to make a decision: chase after her and rush into danger or let her be alone like she wants.*This is the third book in the Baxter Brothers series, though it can be read as a standalone novel*
9.8
39 Chapters
The Alpha King's Mind-Reading Maid
The Alpha King's Mind-Reading Maid
What if an omega servant can hear the inner wolf of the ruthless Alpha King—when no one else can, not even the king himself? Will it be a secret that save her life… or destroy her?
10
94 Chapters

Related Questions

Who Is The Main Character In 'The Ballerinas'?

3 Answers2026-03-12 10:15:42
Delphine Lévrier is the beating heart of 'The Ballerinas', and wow, does she leave an impression. The novel orbits around her life as a dancer—first in the cutthroat world of the Paris Opera Ballet, then later when she returns after years away. What hooked me wasn’t just the glittering facade of ballet, but how the story digs into her messy, complicated relationships with her two childhood friends, Margaux and Lindsay. The way Rachel Kapelke-Dale writes about their bond—full of love, envy, and secrets—feels so visceral. It’s not just about pirouettes; it’s about how ambition warps and how the past never really stays buried. What’s fascinating is how Delphine’s narration shifts between past and present, peeling back layers of her choices. You see her younger self, desperate for validation, and the woman she becomes, still grappling with the fallout. The book’s structure mirrors ballet itself: graceful on the surface, but you can feel the muscles straining underneath. By the end, I wasn’t just rooting for her—I felt like I’d lived a piece of her life, blisters and all.

What Happens At The End Of 'The Ballerinas'?

3 Answers2026-03-12 10:42:40
The ending of 'The Ballerinas' left me utterly speechless—it’s one of those books where the threads of friendship, ambition, and betrayal knot together in a way that feels both inevitable and shocking. Without spoiling too much, the finale revolves around a long-buried secret between the three main characters—Delphine, Margaux, and Lindsay—that finally erupts during a performance. The tension built over years of rivalry and unspoken resentment culminates in a moment that’s as much about liberation as it is about loss. Delphine, who’s spent her life chasing perfection in ballet and in relationships, makes a choice that’s messy but deeply human. What struck me most was how the author, Rachel Kapelke-Dale, doesn’t tie everything up neatly. The ending reflects the reality of ballet itself: grueling, beautiful, and sometimes brutal. There’s a haunting scene where Delphine watches the younger dancers, realizing how much she’s sacrificed. It’s not a happy ending, but it’s cathartic in its honesty. The last pages left me thinking about how we define success—and whether it’s worth the price we pay.

Are There Books Similar To 'The Ballerinas'?

3 Answers2026-03-12 17:49:45
If you loved the razor-sharp drama and backstage intensity of 'The Ballerinas,' you might dive into 'The Turnout' by Megan Abbott. It’s another ballet-world novel dripping with dark ambition and twisted relationships, but Abbott’s style leans more into psychological suspense—think eerie studio mirrors and childhood rivalries that never fade. I devoured it in one sitting because it nails that same claustrophobic, glitter-and-blood vibe. For something less grim but equally obsessed with performance, 'The Girls in the Picture' by Melanie Benjamin explores early Hollywood friendships. It’s not ballet, but the tension between artistic collaboration and personal betrayal hits similarly. Bonus if you enjoy historical settings; the old-school starlet drama is chef’s kiss.

Can I Read 'The Ballerinas' Online For Free?

3 Answers2026-03-12 01:16:15
I totally get the urge to dive into 'The Ballerinas' without breaking the bank—I’ve been there! While I can’t point you to a free legal copy (piracy hurts authors, and Rachel Kapelke-Dale deserves support for her gorgeous prose), there are ways to read it affordably. Libraries often have digital loans through apps like Libby or Hoopla, and sometimes Kindle Unlimited offers free trials with the book included. If you’re tight on cash, secondhand bookstores or swap sites like PaperbackSwap might have it cheap. Honestly, the ballet world she paints is so vivid—the rivalries, the glittering pain—it’s worth the wait to read it properly. I savored my library copy over rainy weekends, and it felt like slipping into pointe shoes alongside the characters.

Why Does 'The Ballerinas' Have Mixed Reviews?

3 Answers2026-03-12 10:38:40
Reading 'The Ballerinas' was like watching a pirouette—graceful at moments, but occasionally stumbling. I adored its dark, glittering portrayal of ballet’s cutthroat world, where ambition and friendship collide. The prose shimmers with descriptions of aching feet and whispered rivalries, making it feel visceral. But I get why some readers bristled: the pacing wobbles between hypnotic and sluggish, especially in the middle act where the protagonist’s introspection dominates. The flashback structure, while atmospheric, sometimes muddles emotional stakes. Still, the brutal honesty about female ambition and aging in ballet? Absolutely riveting. It’s the kind of book that lingers, flaws and all, like pointe shoes left battered but beautiful. What really divides opinions, I think, is how it balances tragedy with melodrama. Some scenes—like a late-night confrontation in a rehearsal studio—felt electric to me, but others criticized them as overwrought. And the characters? Complex, yes, but not always likable. If you crave neat redemption arcs, this isn’t it. The ending, bittersweet and unresolved, mirrors real life’s messy pirouettes. Maybe that’s the point: ballet isn’t perfect, and neither are the women who sacrifice everything for it.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status