We Who Will Die
4/5 ⭐️
We who Will Die was a smashing good read! I’ll be honest, it took me about 20% to really get into it but I think that has more to do with the mood I was in because the set up for this book is wonderful!

Arvelle is just trying to get by, day by day, and take care of her two younger brothers. But when a stranger shows up knowing far too much and holding her brothers sickness over her as leverage she has no choice but to enter the arena and do whatever it takes to survive…

I really enjoyed this book, once I got into it I was able to finish it in a day. The main FMC is compelling and her motivations clear, the side characters are a lot of fun and also very lovable, and the love interest(s?) are mysterious enough to keep you wondering what will happen.

The set up for an eventual love triangle was fun, though I did expect it. I also saw the identity of the primus coming from a mile away, so it wasn’t so shocking but still enjoyable.

Stacia Stark can do no wrong in my opinion, I Stan Stacia Stark! that being said I would have loved for it to be a bit shorter, and there were times when the pacing slowed down a lot but overall I really enjoyed this book!

Stacia did it again!!

I’m deeply sad that I read this book six months before release because now I have to wait extra long to read the next book. If you like the book Bloodguard, I absolutely think you will like this one.

I honestly can’t tell if this is going to turn out to be a love triangle or a why choose, and I’m really hoping it’s going to be a why choose because I personally wouldn’t be able to pick. They’re both broody, dark, powerful in their own ways, and delectable.

There is a lot going on at every moment in time, which caused me to have some mixed emotions about this one, but I was throughly entertained the entire time.

The trials gave me everything I was looking for, and the battles were absolutely everything.

We have a fierce heroine, tension tension tension, found family, trials, and dramaaaaa.

Thank you very much to Avon, Harper Voyager, NetGalley, and Stacia Stark for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This one has Hunger Games vibes but with vampires and magic powers. Arvelle has had a hard life before being forced into a bargain with a vampire. She’s too closed off to make friends but too righteous to attack the undeserving.

The emperor is clearly the bad guy but it’s less clear what the end game is for his sons. I’m not sure which one I prefer.

The powers of the sigil marked and whatever Arvelle has stumbled upon remains somewhat of a mystery. She will hopefully become all powerful soon. An overall exciting read with lots of action.

I'm a sucker for arena/competition fantasies, so I knew I was gonna enjoy "We Who Will Die" based on the blurb. And it's a really good novel. There's romance. Action. Gore. Plot twists. Intrigue. I read somewhere that it's "Vampire Diaries meets Gladiator" & it definitely very much is so, with Arvelle's two possible love interests, Tiernon the Sweetheart & Rorrick the Sadist. But if you've ever seen VD, you'll know that people aren't just one thing. If I had two issues, its that I had trouble relating to Arvelle, she was a little too shortsighted & passive for me personally. The other is that the characters read way younger than they are (I was stunned to learn that Rorrick is in his mid-3os because he definitely gives early 20s). Overall, yet another great addition to the romantasy genre. The book ends in a way that has me salivating waiting for the sequel.

Whew! It's going to take me a bit to catch my breath!
This book stressed me out, and I loved every single minute of it!
This book is fast-paced, plot twisty goodness all the way through! Even the things I saw coming hit hard. The things I didn't see coming... holy what the heck!
Velle is independent, strong, and smart. I love how her character grows throughout the story. I love the way Ti loves and protects her .
Ohhhh, Rorrik. Let's just say I love a bad boy, and I can't wait to see where his story goes.
As always, Stacia Stark has me obsessed! From the characters to the world building, the fight scenes and the emotions, this book is amazing!

We Who Will Die is a story filled with magic and all types of mythical creatures, vampires, gods and more. This story has vengeance, mystery, suspense, secrets, killings, competition, survival, friendships, betrayal, scheming, planning, plotting and more. If I could describe this story, it would be a touch of the hunger games and gladiator. The author created a world that draws you end and keep you guessing who's behind everything. There were times when the story felt a bit slow for me but there's constant action so I kept reading to find out what would happen next. I enjoyed both Arvelle and Tiernon characters along with Micah, Neris, Lucius, Nyrant, Dietra and Orna. I know Rorrick is supposed to be the villain in the story but he's not as bad as he seems when it comes down to it. There are times he does things to protect someone close to him even if he goes about it the wrong way. I'm not sure if this story will turn into a love triangle but there is definitely something brewing between Rorrick and Arvelle even though she's in love with Tiernon. I'm not sure if this is a type of story that I would read more than once, but I do think it's a story worth reading a least once, especially if you enjoy a story full of magic, mythical creatures, vampires and power plays. It ends with a cliffhanger, and I will say that I will give the next book a read because I still have so many unanswered questions and I want to know what happens after the explosive ending.

This will be a huge Romantasy favorite in 2026. This really has it all: Vampires, Gods, Gladiators, mythical creatures, and magic!

This was fun & fast paced, with high stakes and plenty of action throughout the entire book. Arvelle is a fierce FMC that would do anything for her brothers. Both MMC’s are dark & broody, and it’s easy to root for both of them - I don’t usually like a love triangle trope, but this was well done.

After the ending, I’m excited for book 2 and what’s to come!

This is my first Stacia Stark book. She’s been in my TBR forever and I can’t believe I haven’t prioritized her stories sooner. I’ve definitely become a fan and can’t wait to read more from her.

This book grabbed my attention from page 1. The angst, the twists, games and trials, ugh so entertaining! I enjoyed that the FMC isn’t crazy overpowered and grows emotionally, physically, and in her knowledge about the politics and the world around her. The side journey through her grief was heartbreaking and some of her trauma-reactions very believable. The romance was just enough to keep the story enticing, but not the sole focus and I loved that. It gave me a little bit of everything! It was a highly entertaining and engaging story that had all the things I love in romantasy, but different enough to keep it interesting.

This will definitely be a must-read in 2026 when it releases and I will absolutely want to reread the final product and hopefully the additional books in this series (fingers-crossed we don’t have to wait too too long).

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

We Who Will Die is an action-packed romantasy following a former champion who is forced back into the arena to save her brothers. It's set in an Ancient Rome-inspired world where vicious vampires rule over sigil-magic users and mythological creatures from Roman mythology.

I knew I liked Stacia's writing from her Kingdom of Lies series, but this really solidified her as an auto-buy author for me. The world she created was so fantastical while harking back to the mythologies and legends we all know and love. Add that to the intricate characters she introduced, each with their own strengths, flaws, and motivations, and you have a story that's bound to haunt you after you finish it.

Obviously, this was a five-star read for me, and it kills me that I'm dying for book two when this hasn't even released yet! But I will say this is a world you will want to spend more time in so I'm glad this will be a series. Highly recommend!

Stasia Stark makes a powerful entrance into traditional publishing with We Who Will Die, and we were thrilled to get an ARC. As fans of her Kingdom of Lies series, our expectations were high—and this one delivered.

Set in a world inspired by Ancient Rome, the story follows Arvelle, a determined heroine doing everything she can to protect her two younger brothers. A dangerous bargain with a vampire sends her into a deadly competition, and from there, the story weaves through trials, shifting alliances, and layered secrets.

What to Expect:

Vampires & sigil-based magic
High-stakes trials
Political intrigue
Mythical creatures (griffons, centaurs, kelpies, pixies, wyverns)
A unique magic system
Ancient gods and vengeance

Spice Level: 2/5
Romance plays a subtle role, but we loved the glimpses into the past. Minimal spice appears toward the end.

Emotional Impact: 3/5
Plenty of heartbreak—especially for the main characters. It’s not a massive cliffhanger and the end, but the lingering questions are many.

World-Building: 4/5
The mix of Roman influences, fantasy creatures, and new magic systems was rich—though at times, a little overwhelming as I worked to get my head around everything.

Standouts:

Favorite Character: Rorrik (just wait 👀)

Favorite Side Character: Maeva—everything you want in a loyal friend

Favorite Quote: “I miss you more than I missed the sun.”

If this book doesn't go viral at the beginning of next year, I'm gonna crash out. 😅 I want the next book, so freaking badly.

This was right up my alley. Vampires, sigil marked individuals with powers, and, of course, the mundanes. Without being spoilery, there are government rebellions going on, gladiator style games, a murderer on the loose, Gods attempting to come back to life, a lost lover found. Possibly a new lover found? Because lets face it, she wants both of them. 😏 One man wants her without restraint; the other keeps telling himself he doesn't, but it's glaringly obvious to everyone except him.

There were also some really great plot twists. People that I thought were good turned out to be bad and vise versa!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Just WOW. This book was incredibly fast paced, action packed and an amazing plot line that never stalled. YAS STACIA (and please give me book two. I’ll read the draft for you. No? Ugh)

Stacia Stark's 'We Who Will Die' is a testament to her storytelling prowess. As an ARC reviewer, I can confidently say that the conceptual brilliance of this book is undeniable. I was completely drawn into the world and Arvelle's journey; her strength and resilience facing immense hardship are truly inspiring. The dynamic between the two incredibly appealing MMCs is a particular highlight. Especially Rorrick, the enigmatic vampire whose complex nature truly intrigues me. (I’m rooting for him!) The slow-burn romance takes its time, (to the point you don’t realize it’s happening) laying the groundwork for what I anticipate will be powerful developments in the next installment. Given that this is an early copy, I'm incredibly excited to see the full potential of this magnificent story when it officially launches on January 20, 2026!

+++I received a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review+++

My sincere thanks to #staciastarkauthor #Netgalley and #avonbooks and #harpervoyagerus the opportunity to read this Advanced eReader Copy.

This was so good! the world was so interesting, I couldn't get enough of the characters and the magic and the lore. it did absolutely give Throne of Glass vibes. Arvelle was a bodyguard forced into winning trials for a position she didn't want to get her brother help he needs. there are suspicious deaths around the trials and weird (wink wink) symbols surrounding them. but we get the addition of vampires and a very interesting magic system. I can't wait to see more of the gods and the world that this is placed in and I will holler about this every chance I get!

I just finished the ARC I received and I have to say I loved it. Arvelle’s training while struggling with her past. The brutal completions they put the applicants through. Her interactions with both of the emperors sons. The humans and vampires she meets in the completion. And the ending - makes me ready for the next one.

This is the vampire book I've been craving. The gladiator-style plot was so bloody, gory, and brutal in the best way. Almost every chapter was action packed. I struggled to put it down. There were so many twists and betrayals. And then the love triangle is basically Vampire Diaries all over again. We’ve got Rorrik, completely unhinged, radiating red flags I somehow started to root for. Normally I'm not into second chances, but Tiernon really grew on me too. The book is rich in lore, mythical creatures, and world-building. I can’t believe I have to wait for book two. I need it now.

I don't even know who I'm rooting for at this point. Is this a why choose?

2025 Book #76
Rating: 5/5
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Arena Battles, Second Chance, Hate to Lovers, Vampires
Spice: 1 (Ch 25 27)
Romance: Somewhat
Plot: Yes
Pages: 432

Ok I’m hooked and so deeply intrigued on what deeper is going on here!
This book is so ‘edge of your seat’ the entire time! I love the relationship building, twists and tragedies.

Cannot wait for the next book in the series! I’m all in!!

This was so damn enjoyable! Truthfully, it was an almost certainty that I'd like it. This book has all the things I almost always enjoy in a book:

- fantasy (obviously)
- set within ancient Rome
- slow burn (love to hate it, hate to love it!)

Arvelle was very, very well written. She experienced real growth and was very memorable. I want to be her friend. I found myself truly engaged with her progression and the world she lives in. I never found her annoying, as a lot of strong FMCs are written; I found her relatable, complex, passionate, and so badass.

I loved the magic, the politics, the world, the romance... it was so good.

I know this is only the start to what will undoubtedly be another amazing series. Stacia, once again, she solidifies herself as one of my top must read authors. I absolutely love the way she puts a story together and creates a world that feels lifelike, a world that I totally feel engrossed with, and one that makes me wish I was a part of.
#WeWhoWillDieDeluxeLimitedEdition #NetGalley

“She said that when you can’t battle evil on a grand scale, you have to chip away at it piece by piece, to protect others. And that duty belongs to everyone. You don’t get to hide from it when the stakes are this high.”

Be prepared for me to not shut up about this book for the next seven months because this book was PERFECTION. The worldbuilding was wholly unique and instantly addictive. Because tbh, who doesn’t want to read a gladiator theme book with Vampire Diaries vibes?

I can honestly say this book had it all—everything I want in a romantasy and then some. I felt so much for the FMC, Arvelle, throughout the entire book. She grew so much, despite the amount of tragedy that has happened in her life. She picked herself up, not only for herself but for her brothers and the ones she has lost.

“The rabbit thought she was saving the wolf.”

The MMCs. Yes MMCs PLURAL. Tiernan and Rorrick. So, while Tiernan is probably most people’s favorite, he wasn’t mine. He has caused a lot of pain to our FMC. And while he may have had a good excuse, it’s still unforgivable to me (at least at this point).

But Rorrick. This man gives Damon Salvatore vibes and I have so many theories when it comes to him. Is he unhinged? YES…but there’s something about him and the hidden moments shown throughout the book that makes me believe there’s so much more to him than what was just revealed in book one.

Leon was also an absolute favorite of mine, along with Maeve. Arvelle really pulls herself out of the shadows and loneliness six years after a tragic loss, and these two are part of the reason why.

Honestly, I could give this book a million stars. I can’t wait to see where this series goes.

Big thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for this ARC!

#WeWhoWillDieDeluxeLimitedEdition #NetGalley