I would give this book a million stars if I could. I knew it was going to be a five star read very early on and I was obsessed with it. I love several other books by Stacia Stark and was so excited to receive this as an ARC to read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Stacia for an advanced copy of this book.

We who will die is brutal, compelling and full of vengeful betrayals. The arena is no place for soft hearts or soft bodies. The emperor has no qualms using the people for amusement which leads to vicious, bloody fights to the death. God forbid you make a friend or an ally, any softness will be exposed and exploited in this book. It's a game with no mercy, no breaks and heart break galore. No one is safe. I can't wait to see how Arvelle manages to mess something else up in the following books. The ending was absolutely wild and the betrayals that played out made me feral because you never saw them coming. I expect nothing but bangers from Stacia and she hasn't let me down yet.

This is probably going to be the next big booktok book. The setting was really unique and interesting and pulled me in from the very beginning. I've been wanting to read a book by her for so long and I finally got a chance!

Yooooooo, this was so good?!?!?

Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the ARC. This is the first book of Stacia Stark's that I've read. And as an eldest daughter, from the dedication page I knew I was going to be in for a ride. At about 60% I slowly had a realization and stopped and had to check if this was a standalone or the first book of a series: and of course it's the latter, and at some point I simply have to stop subjecting myself to this torture, but here we are.

By now in the fantasy world, a combat trial/contest/etc situation is not the most original framing. Neither is the general setup of, Arvelle is a former champion and she's out of shape, jaded by the past, had a trash mother, and has younger siblings who need her to take care of. However! It was done so compellingly in We Who Will Die.

I will also say that some of the minor major revelations were pretty strongly hinted at/obviously telegraphed but that didn't take away from my enjoyment. The side characters were interesting, the book was well paced throughout (although the last 15% truly had all the wheels falling off the wagon), the world building was well done through a mix of exposition and unfolding as we go along, and I enjoyed the weaving in of a few themes about grief and addiction and general life trauma. Also, the tension between Arvelle and the Primus and between Arvelle and Rorrik, and how the Primus and Rorrik loathe each other... chef's kiss. Almost makes me not hate love triangles. There's so much hinted at and underlying the interactions, some of which gets revealed and some of which I'm praying that we get more of in the future.

The most minor quibble ... This is the second book in the past month that I've read where we get to see loud explosions onomatopoeia'd with multiple BOOM!s in capslock italics exclamation point, and I honestly can't justify why I loathe it but I do??

Anyway. The easiest five stars in a while, can't wait for more.

I would give this book a million stars if I could. I knew it was going to be a five star read very early on and I was obsessed with it. This is the first book I've read by Stacia and I was really impressed and will be looking into her other books as well!

I really enjoyed We Who Will Die. The world building was simple enough to follow, but complex enough to keep you interested. I can't wait to see how these relationships continue to develop.

This is a fantasy book with vampires—need I say more?
It kicks off strong and never lets up. At the heart of the story is the Primus, a mysterious figure connected to the fmc hidden past, and heart. Then there’s Rorrik, the emperor’s son—morally grey and compelling—who always seems to orbit the FMC, whether she wants him to or not.

As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed about both characters, deepening the intrigue. The setting is rich with conspiracies, shifting alliances, and blurred lines between good and evil. At its core is a fierce, complex female lead who must protect her loved ones while holding on to her humanity.

The arena scenes evoke the brutal grandeur of a Roman coliseum—gritty, intense, and unforgettable.

By the end, you're left with burning questions and an insatiable need for more. A love triangle that makes you really want to say why choose. One that is as epic as The Vampire Diaries.

Overall, I really liked this book - a departure from other books I've read by this author, but still enjoyed. Fun fact - I had recently started re-watching Spartacus tv series, so I really felt immersed in "the sands of the arena." With this being a trilogy, I know I have to be patient, but I have so many questions. I feel like some of the twists had lots of clues, so they didn't feel very "twisty" but I'm okay with that because I don't like having to annotate when I read - it's entertainment for me. I like how the MFC Arvelle developed. She had a lot of going on (grief, responsibilities as a "parent" to her brothers, young love betrayal, injury, different type of betrayal, etc) that she was on autopilot/couldn't afford feelings and friendships beyond her brothers. However, she seems to have a good group of side characters to help her going forward. I won't talk much about the MMC at this time... spoilers :) Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the opportunity. Can't wait to read more!

There's only one thing Arvelle must do. Kill the emperor. Simple right? Oh and stay alive.

This story had it all. Roman-empire inspired world, vampires and it was action packed. Just when you think you can relax you are sorely mistaken because your heart will surly be pounding again.

I liked Arvelle and felt bad for her and the horrible hand she was dealt with in life. My only issue is I felt she was portrayed as weak at times. I thought she trained with Leon a lot even before this, but I guess it had been sometime since she trained.

Tiernon was amazing! Sweet and tender with Arvelle when he needed to be, but fierce and tough when he needed to be as well. There is no denying they love each other. I loved their back story and the heartache Arvelle went through broke my heart for her.

Rorrik. Sigh, oh Rorrik. I loved him and we barely got any of him. What can I say, I am a sucker for the brooding mean ones. I really wish we got more of him and I wish we got more of him and Arvelle interacting.

My only complaint is I found the writing to be choppy at times. Almost as if things were unfinished or skimmed over. The bottom line is, this was a fun, fast paced read with a little spice and new found friendships. I can't wait for book 2 already.

*Thank you Netgalley, Stacia Stark, Avon, and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I was so lucky to get an ARC of We Who Will Die—I’m such a Stacia Stark fan and this book was so good. I couldn’t put it down. There’s a rivalry between two brothers (who’s the real villain?!), epic magic, and Velle is a total badass. I was waiting for the twist and when it hit… omg. How am I supposed to wait for the next one?!

Obsessed.

I think the next big trend in fantasy is going to be Roman inspired and I'm absolutely here for it.

I miss you more than I missed the sun.

From the first page, I was hooked.

World-building? Immaculate. The seamless blending of gods, vampires, sigils and mythical creatures into one cohesive world was done beautifully. I'm an absolute sucker for deadly trials and these were god-tier. Avrelle kept me entirely on my toes because you don't know what she's going to do, only that she's mostly likely doing it to protect someone.

The romance storyline is definitely interesting. I don't want to get into any spoilers but I see a love triangle coming down the works. I already know what team I'm on. I need to know more about their backgrounds because I have questions.

The political intrigue - yes please. Multiple times I was flabbergasted upon learning new information because I just didn't see it coming. I don't trust anyone now.

I cannot wait for book 2.

Thank you to Stacia Stark, NetGalley and HarperCollins for this eArc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Oh my goodness, I absolutely adored this book. The opening pages immediately drew me in, and the entire story left me exhilarated, eagerly turning each page to see what came next. The two vampire love interests are utterly captivating, though I already know which team I'm on. Read it and you won't be disappointed - I already know how agonizing the wait for book two will be.

What truly captivates me is Stark's masterful handling of the romantic triangle. The Primus, hiding beneath his armor as someone from Arvelle's shattered past, creates delicious emotional complexity that had my heart racing. Meanwhile, Rorrik - the emperor's "sadistic son" - promises the kind of morally ambiguous allure that makes readers question their own romantic preferences. The chemistry between these characters crackles with such intensity that I found myself physically leaning into the pages.

The arena setting of the Sundering evokes the brutal grandeur of gladiatorial combat while serving as a crucible for character development. Stark doesn't merely describe action - she makes readers feel the weight of each sword stroke, the burn of exhaustion, the desperation driving Arvelle forward. I experienced genuine anxiety for her survival, despite knowing logically that protagonists typically endure.

Most remarkably, the conspiracy elements kept me constantly off-balance, generating that addictive need to uncover truth that defines the best page-turners. Stark plants revelations that recontextualize everything readers think they understand, creating a reading experience that rewards attention while still surprising at every turn.

This is fantasy that understands its own indulgences - the slow burn romance, the morally complex antiheroes, the high-stakes political intrigue and executes them with such skill that even cynical reviewers find themselves swept away. I'm already dreading the inevitable book hangover and the torturous wait for the sequel.

4⭐️
2🌶️

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyage for a copy of this e-arc.

Stacia Stark quickly become one of my automatic authors after reading her Kingdom of Lies series. I was intrigued by the Gladiator meets Vampire Diaries concept.

We have a world mixed with mundanes, vampires, and fae. Hierarchies and power is everything. Six years ago, Arvelle won the local challenge all are expected to compete in. It didn’t come without heartache though. She seem to lose everything in one night: her best friend, her love, and almost her younger brother. Her mother never truly acting like a mother, it became on her to raise her twin brothers and just survive. One day, a vampire turns up at her home with an offer that she is forced to take: enter the Sundering, survive, and kill the emperor and in return, her brother will be healed. She knows it’s a suicide mission but will do anything to save her brother.

While gold sigiled and supposed to be powerful, Arvelle’s powers never truly came through. So, when she enters the Sundering, she has to rely on more than just power. Along the way she meets new friends and enemies, while also gaining the lear of the Primus, leader of the guard. There’s something about him that’s familiar but deadly. On top of it, the Emperor’s son, Rorrik seems to have his eye on her as well, but for what, she doesn’t know.

This was a fun read. We have a new and unique fantasy world to dive into. We learn about a lot of lore of the world and those who roam it. We have secret rebellions, hidden identities, the beginnings of a love triangle that makes you contemplate which team you are on. Personally, I think it’s easy to be team Rorrik because he’s dark and mysterious but I am still team Ti I think 😍

One aspect I saw though, is the concept is Gladiator meets Vampire Diaries right? It almost feels like though that I’m reading Vampire Diaries when it comes to the romance. Like, to a T. It actually makes me hope she changes it up and goes completely different direction than expected.

The spice 🌶️ is slow burn and both intense and romantic in their various scenes. Stacia always knows how to put good spice into her stories that increase over the series ❤️

It doesn’t end on a particular cliffhanger but obviously there are still lots of open questions come the end. Can’t believe this doesn’t come out until next year so it’ll mean even MORE time to wait for book 2!! 😝 thankful for the arc but it’s one hard thing about it! lol 😂

AGH I NEED MORE!!! That cliffhanger?!! I need to know what’s going to happen! This book was awesome I absolutely love Stacia’s writing and diving into a brand new world with her was as fantastic as I hoped it would be. Am I entering my vampire era?!! I can’t wait for moreeeee!

An absolutely amazing book and enjoyable read! Completely hooked from the beginning. Vampires, Ancient Rome, unique magic..literally everything you could want in a good book. I love Stacia’s style of writing—engaging, bold and imaginative. She is the queen of romantacy. Arvelle is an amazing FMC with lots of character growth. Loved the vampire diaries meets gladiator vibes of the book. I cannot wait for book two! Thank you for the ARC copy!!

Thank you, NetGalley, Stacia Stark, Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC copy of this book!

Where to start? This book was fun and felt different from everything else out right now. It's Vampires meets Gladiator with a unique magic system, magical beasts, and a dash of romance. Without giving away too much, I really enjoyed the characters and felt the FMC, Arvelle, went through a lot of growth throughout the story. There is quite a bit of world building, and I did get a little lost in the details, but it was so worth it. There were some twists and turns that I did not expect. The ending leaves me itching to read book 2 and hopefully getting to know Rorrick a little better.

I was lucky enough to snag an ARC of We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark, and let me just say—this book is a masterpiece! I’m still reeling from the experience, and I’m thrilled to share why this fantasy epic deserves every one of its five stars on Goodreads.

From the first page, Stark’s world-building swept me away. The realm of Tharion is so vivid, crumbling citadels, cursed forests, and a sky crackling with forbidden magic, that I felt like I was walking its paths alongside the characters. The story follows Elyse, a fierce yet deeply human warrior-priestess, as she grapples with a prophecy that could unravel everything she’s fought for. Stark’s prose is a perfect blend of lush and sharp, painting scenes that linger in your mind while keeping the pace relentless. Elyse is an unforgettable protagonist, her blend of courage, doubt, and quiet vulnerability made me ache for her every step of the way. Her dynamic with Rune, the enigmatic mercenary with secrets of his own, is electric, with a slow-burn romance that had me holding my breath for every stolen glance.

The supporting cast is just as compelling, from the cunning mage Soren to Elyse’s fiercely loyal sister, Lila. Every character feels alive, with motives that clash and intertwine in ways that kept me guessing. The plot is a rollercoaster of betrayals, battles, and gut-wrenching sacrifices, with twists I didn’t see coming (that scene in the Ashen Vale? I’m still recovering!). The magic system, tied to ancient relics and blood oaths, is intricate yet intuitive, adding depth without overwhelming. What really sealed the five-star rating for me was how Stark wove themes of hope, loss, and redemption into the story, it’s the kind of book that leaves you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page. The deluxe edition’s extra content, like the annotated maps and Stark’s notes on Tharion’s lore, made this feel like a love letter to fantasy fans.

No cons to report here, this book hit every mark for me. We Who Will Die is a triumph of storytelling, heart, and world-building. Stacia Stark has crafted something truly special, and I’m already counting down to her next release. Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC this is one I’ll be shouting about to every fantasy reader I know!

A truly breath-taking book. This is a book that doesn't just TELL us a story about a world filled with vampires, enhanced, and humans fighting to survive. No, this book TRANSPORTS us into that world so we feel the sand, the brutality, the hope and the hopelessness, of those forced to battle each other. And it lets us fall in love with the woman who, against the odds, still retains a level of love and caring for her fellow beings while battling her own demons - real and imagined.

Giving this book a 5-star rating is a bit insulting to the book and the author. The story is phenomenal. And it's not done yet.

This book was better than I expected! Arvelle is a FMC who is strong and will do anything for those she loves- including becoming a gladiator in trials she is unlikely to survive. The side characters are great and MMCs are broody. You will have to pick a team, maybe not in this book, but it’s coming. (Think Team Edward and Jacob, but with vampires that don’t sparkle and are more like Rhysand). There is only one right team to join, but I won’t spoil it 😜. There are vampires, Gods, and magical creatures like griffins. The magic system is different and interesting. I look forward to seeing how Arvelle’s power progresses. This book has all the feels-I enjoyed the banter and then was fighting off tears at one point. I am grateful I was able to read an advanced copy of the book, but now have to wait even longer for book two. I really hope the books release quickly because I have a feeling book two will be even better.

This book pulled me in right away and didn’t let go. It’s dark, emotional, and full of that slow-building tension I love in fantasy — especially when you can feel the storm coming but don’t know exactly when it’ll break.

The world is harsh and really well written, but what kept me turning the pages was the main character. She’s tough and guarded, but you can tell there’s so much going on underneath. Watching her figure things out — about herself, her past, and the people around her — was one of the strongest parts of the story.

There are two male main characters, and while both have their moments, I found myself way more drawn to the morally gray one. I won’t name names to avoid spoilers, but if you’re the type of reader who likes brooding, dangerous, emotionally complicated characters… yeah, you’ll probably get attached like I did.

If you’re into darker romantasy with high stakes, slow burn, and emotionally layered characters, I highly recommend giving this one a shot.