Stacia Stark done it again... I couldn't put this book down.. Vampire Dairies meet Gladiator..betrayals..spice..death..secrets..trials..friendships..powers..Gods..brothers wanting the same girl..Arvelle has to enter these deadly trials when she takes a blood vow with a vampire to save her brothers..let's just say it's adventure with alot of secrets and finding out the truth...
My favorite quote:

"I missed you more than I missed the sun

This book had plenty of action, fun and was fast paced. Stark included vampires, Gods, mythical creatures, gladiators and many more interesting characters. The pacing was great and there were a few plot lines woven together in this story. Arvelle is a strong female character that is dynamic and continually grows throughout the story. Arvelle takes a blood bond with a vampire to kill the emperor to save her brothers from death by vampires. Arvelle must win the challenges set by the emperor to become one of his guards, so that she can get close enough to kill him. Will Arvelle survive this challenge, keep her promise to kill the emperor and save her brothers? I recommend this book for anyone that loves fantasy and romance. Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins Publishing for the ARC in Exchange for an honest review.

Wow. This was extremely good and unexpected. I read this start to finish in one sitting. This gives dystopian hunger games vibes, but with a twist on Greek mythology and it's own pantheon. I really, really enjoyed this.

I fully enjoy this read. I finished it rather quickly, found myself not being able to stop at “just one more chapter” because I couldn’t wait to see what happens next. It was the type of read where you speed read because you can’t resist but are left
sooooo sad for it to end.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow, where do I even begin? I was completely glued to this book from the very first page! The world-building is so immersive that I felt like I was living alongside the characters. The backstory between the female main character (FMC) and the male main character (MMC) is beautifully crafted, and their childhood connection had me rooting for them with every turn of the page.

But then, the plot thickens! The introduction of the brother aspect added a delicious layer of complexity that left me torn. I found myself strangely drawn to the "bad guy" too, which is a testament to the author’s skill in creating multi-dimensional characters. That line about him not leaving without her—wow, it hit me right in the feels! I’m trying to keep this vague to avoid spoilers, but let’s just say I’m definitely one of those readers who can’t help but root for the bad boy!

What I love most about this author is her ability to keep me invested in her stories. Each book feels fresh and unique, yet still resonates with the themes I adore from her previous works. The concepts in this book are different but still fit perfectly within the same universe as some of my all-time favorites.

I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment in this series! The reveal of the FMC’s ability was such a surprise, and I can already tell that this storyline is going to develop into something truly special. I have a feeling this is going to be one of my all-time favorite FMCs. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you up at night, this is it! Highly recommend! 📚✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️- chapters: 25 & 27

Reasons to love this book:
✔️ The Vampire Diaries + The Gladiator vibes
✔️ Found Family
✔️ Rebuilding broken bonds
✔️ Overcoming trauma/PTSD
✔️ Vicious battle trials
✔️ Magical System
✔️ Vampires, magical creatures and vengeful Gods
✔️ Strong Female Characters
✔️ Action packed

⚠️ This is a dark, fantasy romance. There are triggers that might be bothersome. Please check the authors page for list.

“I can hear your heart racing. Don’t fear me, Arvelle. I’m . . . I’m a predator now. And it excites me.”

“He looks up at me, and I can’t deny the sight of him on his knees . . . “Do you feel powerful in this moment, darling?””

“The rabbit thought she was saving the wolf….”

“I missed you more than I miss the sun….”

I was instantly drawn into this dark and vicious world Stacia Stark created. The action starts right away when our main female character, Arvelle, has to make a deal with a cruel vampire to keep her brother alive.
Her character is likable and relatable. I enjoyed the believable PTSD that she endures due to her tragic past and the impact it has had on her life and relationships. I loved that we saw her character fight to overcome her trauma and build new relationships and rebuild old ones.
The main male character, Tiernon, is okay. This is just me. I’m the problem. He’s a lovable, typical golden retriever. My issue with golden retrievers is that they aren’t ready to burn the world down for those they love. Not like my morally grey men. Not like his brother, Rorrik.
Team Rorrik!! *swoon*
I know there is a Stefan & Damon vibe going on. But Rorrik is giving me more Klaus vibes and I’ve always loved Klaus 💕

There are way too side characters to list that I LOVED!

As the book drew closer to the end, the story and some loose ends were wrapped up quickly, which made the ending feel rushed. It did end in a cliffhanger, and that is not my issue. It just felt too meh. Which is why it’s 4 stars.

I can’t wait for the second book.

Thank you, Avon Books, HarperVoyager, & NetGalley for my gifted ARC. My opinion is my own 💕

I was so excited to get into this book and it did not disappoint. I tore through this book so fast because the story was paced well. It was full of twists and turns and I found myself constantly being surprised, even when I thought I had caught on to things. I really loved the integration of Roman elements/gladiator style competition intertwined with vampires, an interesting magic system, and mythical creatures. The magic system in this book is very unique and I feel as though we have only scratched the surface.

I truly enjoyed Arvelle and the first person pov she provided. She is strong willed and resilient, while in the midst of dealing with grief and being the sole caretaker of her brothers. This book did introduce quite a few side characters and I am intrigued to see more of their backstories as the series goes on. I felt that there was a good mix of romance and plot, the tension and banter are *chefs kiss*.

This book is an ode to all older sisters, and does them justice. I hope to see more of the world, magic system, and gods in book two! Thank you Netgalley, Avon, and Stacia Stark for an advanced copy of this book!

A world filled with new magic, political intrigue, and some truly morally grey men who are--dare I say--kind of swoonworthy.

We Who Will Die caught my attention at the first teaser, and I couldn't wait for its release. So when I got the opportunity to read an e-ARC, I immediately jumped on it.

Stacia Stark's newest book delves into the world of Senthara, a Roman-esque city complete with a colosseum where gladians fight to the death (or occasionally first blood) for a chance at not just winning money, but also the opportunity to be part of the Praesidium Guard tasked with protecting the emperor. The world is run by vampires and sigil-marked--humans blessed with magic that is evidenced by the sigils on their foreheads that represent the strength of the individual's magic through both color (bronze, silver, or gold) and size.

Our main character, Arvelle finds herself thrust into the trials of the Sundering and tasked with killing the emperor--or else her younger brothers will suffer at the hands of the vampires currently caring for them. Little does she know that this is just the beginning of a bigger plot that will change her life forever. She also isn't expecting to come face-to-face with her first love, Tiernon, who left her without a word six years prior. Nor is she anticipating catching the attention of the Emperor's eldest son, Rorrik. With her sigil-marked powers suddenly awakening in unexpected and unheard of ways and secrets being revealed at every turn, Arvelle must do everything she can to not only save her brothers, but save herself as well. And did I mention that Arvelle is really bad at keeping a low profile? For a girl who wants nothing more than to live in quiet peace with her brothers, she's doing a spectacular job of ensuring she's not easily forgotten.

After listening to my first Stacia Stark book, This Vicious Dream, I was super excited to be able to read another as I loved her style of writing. I was so interested in a story with vampires and gladiators, that sounded right up my alley! Add in morally-gray characters and a slow burn and I absolutely couldn't wait to start reading.

I really liked the FMC Arvelle and I felt like she was a super relatable and realistic character. Her determination to protect those that she loves and courage throughout the novel was very admirable and I loved reading about her character development. Arvelle struggles with grief from losing a close friend before the current storyline, and seeing her work through her grief while still being in dangerous and action-packed situations felt very real and raw.

There was so much intrigue in regards to the plot and the gladiator-type games that Arvelle must participate in that I was hooked throughout the novel. The only reason that I gave this 4 stars as opposed to 5 was because there were times that I felt as though the plot was too complex and I did find myself confused at times. However it was generally quite good and fun to read!

There was actually less romance in this book than I initially though there would be going into it, but I definitely got the vibe that this is the type of series where book one builds the foundation of the romance and the remaining series focuses more of it and the spice increases as you go.

All in all, this was my second Stacia Stark read and I really enjoyed this one and will definitely be on the lookout for book two when it comes out.

We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark - A Trope-Tastic Gladiator-Vampire Smash-Up
If Vampire Diaries and Gladiator hooked up in a dark alley, We Who Will Die would be their gloriously chaotic lovechild. Stacia Stark delivers a world dripping with grit and magic, blending mundanes (magicless folks), vampires, sigil-marked magic users, and mystical beasts into a setting that’s as brutal as it is immersive. And let’s be real—I’m here for the toxic, red-flag brother every single time. The sensible, “let’s make good choices” brother? Hard pass. Give me the chaos king who’s probably got a dagger hidden in his smirk because I will let him bite me any day of the week.
Arvelle, our gladiator FMC, is a noble-hearted badass who’s easy to root for. She’s been dodging the arena’s blood-soaked sands for six years, haunted by her best friend’s death, but gets dragged back into the fight by a devil’s bargain: complete three brutal trials and assassinate the emperor to save her sick younger brother. The stakes? Sky-high. The vibes? Both second chance and enemies-to-lovers-adjacent tension with a side of found-family warmth. Stark nails the action scenes and I couldn’t put my Kindle down.
Pacing is this book’s secret weapon; it’s a relentless page-turner that doesn’t let you breathe. My only gripe? The January release means I’m stuck pining for my toxic fave’s next move. Stark’s world-building is rich, the character dynamics are chef’s kiss, and the plot twists keep you guessing. This is a 5-star read for fans of high-stakes romantasy with a gladiator edge. Huge thanks to HarperCollins for the ARC, but now I’m counting down the days until I can scream about that cliffhanger with everyone else.

5 ⭐️
1.5 🌶️

Wow! If this book isn’t the next big romantic fantasy series in 2026, I’ll be shocked! A big thank you to NetGalley, Stacia Stark, and Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC.

This story is set in an Ancient Rome inspired fantasy setting where there are magic wielder(with sigils), vampire rulers, and magical creatures. The vampires are the ruling class and while there are other magical beings with great power, they are subjugated by the vampires. The vampires are trying to take over more and more land and power. Back at home, they’re making their citizens compete in Colosseum gladiator type games to the death.

This story follows Velle, who is a sigil magic wielder, and the journey she takes to protect those she loves at all costs. That journey includes her competing in the Colosseum-esque games, plotting murder, and being in love, with a lot of baggage.

There are arguably two main MMCs in this book, Ti and Rorrik (brother vampires). A real golden boy vs. bad boy dynamic. It’s not exactly a love triangle, but definitely gives off some of those vibes. Not going to spoil anything more there, but it’ll have you foaming at the mouth for more.

I absolutely gobbled this book up and already want book two. Can’t wait to see this book get all the hype it will deserve. Incredibly fun fantasy read!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the ARC. Vampires and magic set in a ruthless land. This book has so many twists and turns you may get dizzy. This is a very well written fantasy, romance. Arvelle brings the FMC badassery and Tiernon is a good combo of dark vampire and cinnamon roll. But wait there also is Rorrick with his shadow daddy vibes. While the book is long it didn't feel like it. So much happened and the pacing kept me coming back for more. The only time I slowed down reading was in the final quarter of the book where the stakes were very high. I wanted to know what would happen but it was so tense. Imagine watching a movie with hands over your eyes but peeking through the fingers. I need the second book yesterday.

Y'all. I adored this new world!! Roman influence with the vibes of vampire diaries? Absolutely yes! The challenges were fun with just the right amount of violence and gore. The cast of characters is huge and I am both terrified of losing any of them while also loving getting to know them.
Arvelle is a great FMC who has already come a long way with development and I am excited to continue to watch her grow as the world opens in front of her.

The fact I have to wait until release and then after for book 2 is criminal! Tiernon has my heart and I don’t care what anyone says. I was addicted from chapter one and I didn’t want to put this book down. Stacia did it again! If you like Gladiators but throw in The Vampire Diaries then you’ll eat this up! Rorrik and Tiernon 100% give Damon and Stephan vibes but with a twist. I can’t wait to read more of their story and Arvelle is a totally badass!

This book literally has it all, if you love Vampire, Mythical creatures, mundanes and a fast paced / high stakes Romantasy then this will be perfect for you. Not to mention, TWO broody, dark MMCs who will quite literally burn the world down for the FMC.

ARC Review: We Who Will Die
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

If you’re craving a book that delivers a fierce, high-stakes survival story with gladiator-style trials, broody vampires, slow-burn tension, and a splash of forbidden romance, We Who Will Die checks every box—then adds a few more you didn’t know you needed.

From the gritty desperation of the Thorn district to the lethal elegance of the emperor’s court, Stacia Stark crafts a world that’s as brutal as it is addictive. Arvelle is a heroine you can’t help but root for—fierce, clever, and willing to make impossible choices to protect her brothers. The magically binding vow to kill an ancient vampire emperor? Insane. The decision to enter a death match to get close enough? Even worse. But every page ratchets up the tension in the best way possible.

The slow-burn romance sizzles in the background, with just enough angst, history, and emotional depth to leave you aching for more. The Primus is all intensity and mystery, while Rorrik—the emperor’s sadistic son—manages to steal scenes with unpredictable energy and a hint of something more beneath the surface. The push-pull dynamic and unclear loyalties between all three characters will have romantasy lovers hooked.

With plot twists, emerging magical powers, and a growing conspiracy that could shatter everything Arvelle thought she knew, this book doesn’t just set the stage—it explodes it.

I have so many questions after that ending and can’t wait to see how everything unravels next. Highly recommend!!

Thank you to @staciastarkauthor for sending me an ARC to review!

I'm an avid Stacia Stark reader and was incredibly thankful to have been given an opportunity to read this ARC. This book at it all: trials, vampires, friendship, character growth, etc. The plot is plotting! Can't wait for the next in this series.

This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time!! Stacia is a phenomenal writer and an auto buy author for me so I knew this one would be a hit! I was absolutely hooked from the beginning. I loved the trials, the character growth, the friendships and the creatures.

The gladiator vibes, vampires and magic was fantastic but the characters? Even better! I was invested in the MCs and even cared what happened with the side characters. This was an emotional rollercoaster and I could feel what the characters were going through.

I’m on the fence with which MC I’m leaning towards but I love the options moving into book 2!

This book has a very interesting plot line. We have sigilmarked, which are basically humans who depending on their power level have a different sigil (bronze, silver, gold), and we have vampires, who run the kingdom. The vampire emperor has a decree, where every citizen must fight in the sands after a certain age. Our main female character is the winner of the sands from 6 years ago, and she has two twin brothers, one who is chronically ill from a mine explosion. Our main FMC is blackmailed into joining the gladians to get close so she can kill the emperor, and in return he will heal her one brother. I really liked the plot, however I felt like I was missing a lot of world building as I still feel like we can delve deeper into the gods, and sigilborn powers, and vampires etc. The FMC doesn't really develop any friendships with anyone until the end of the book, so I felt like we missed out on a lot of scenes of her with other people. But I also can't figure out who the love interest is? But it is a very interesting book and I look forward to seeing where book two leads us.

We who will die involves everything to do with gladiators/arena/games but also throw in a tonne of mystery, vampires, allure, a conflicted fmc and a hidden quest and you have a CHUNKY book that is rich in its character, sprinklings of mythical creatures and the bloodbath of the arena.
Arvelle won the sands years before, where she lost her best friend and was awarded the riches of her win to help heal her brother who has lung sickness from being caught in a mine explosion. But her uncle steals her winnings, and so Arvelle must do odd jobs/bodyguard to make the coin to get tonics to keep her brother from death.
She is given an ultimatum though, go back to the sands and arena and find a way to kill the Vampire Caesar who is as powerful as he is cruel, and her brother will be healed permanently. Reluctantly she enters into a bond with a conniving empire and suddenly is back into the gladiator games.
I feel like Arvelle's pride was her downfall in some ways, and she really had to be taught a few lessons in humility, to accept help and hold her own against her powerful competitors.
Throw in two dangerously alluring vampire brothers, sons to Caesar and its a delicious blend of action, danger, romance and intrigue.
I really really enjoyed this, but I am begging please NO LOVE TRIANGLE! :)

I received this e-arc as a member of Stacia Stark's Street team.

Fantastic. Simply fantastic. There was no world in which I wasn't going to love a gladiator meets vampire diaries romantasy, but it really was a fantastic read.

I can't wait to see what Stacia does next in this universe because I am INVESTED