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.

We Who Will Die -- Stacia Stark hit it out of the park with this non-stop banger! Games and trials, plot twists galore, friends to lovers to enemies to lovers! What a ride! There were moments in this book where I felt like I knew what would happen, and then BOOM, a plot twist I never saw coming! Nothing brings me more joy while reading a book than being so shocked I have to lay the book down and take deep breaths.
The themes of loss, grief, a sister fiercely trying to protect her brothers, loyalty, and the loss of those thought to be loyal were incredibly depicted in this book. I also thoroughly enjoyed the ties to mythology!
Cliff hanger? YES! I will be foaming at the mouth when the next book hits! 5 STARS!

In order to protect her brothers, Arvelle makes a magically binding vow to kill the vampire Emperor. She must fight for her life in the Sundering, an arena fit for only the strongest warriors. She comes in contact with a ghost from her past, and must face adversity at every turn.

Read if you love:
*** Second chance romance
*** Vampires vs humans with powers
*** Strong FMC
*** Power struggle/politics

A Roman inspired world with vampires, mythical creatures, and lots of action and sexiness? Yes please! This was an exciting start of a new series. The world building was easy to follow but intricate at the same time. And the sort of love triangle? Loveddddddd it. Am I wrong for wanting her with the bad Emperor’s son?! Rorrik was hotttt.

Thoroughly enjoyed it! Can’t wait for Book 2!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

Excellent!
We Who Will Die was a unique fantasy romance that blended Classical Mythology and dystopian romance into a beautiful story. I loved the mystery, intrigue, found family, and second chance romance. The world building and mythology was expertly crafted, and the plot kept me captivated the entire time. I did get a little lost with all of the details, but cannot wait to re-read and explore even more depths to this fantastic story!

✦ Your next paranormal romantasy obsession ✦

𝑊𝑒 𝑊ℎ𝑜 𝑊𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑒
by Stacia Stark

Not yet published ✦ Expected 20 Jan 26
ARC: @netgalley
Available to request on NetGalley!

Book 1 ✦ Empire of Blood trilogy
432 pages

𝘝𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘎𝘭𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳
𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯
𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘷𝘰𝘸𝘴
𝘝𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦/𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘦/𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘥

Infinity stars! I devoured this book. This book is going to be in my top ten of the year. It was freaking fantastic. I couldn’t put it down. This is my 9th book read by this author. She is an auto-buy for me. I am currently reading another one of your books as well, This Vicious Dream.

This first installment of a new enthralling trilogy is high romantasy at its finest set in a roman-inspired world with power hungry royals and vengeful gods. Arvelle is our FMC who barely gets by trying to support her two younger brothers on her own. A vampire shows up on her doorstep with the promise to save one of her brothers who is really sick if she gains access to the emperor to kill him. She must endure deadly gladiator style competitions to earn a spot in the elite guard and gain access to the evil emperor.

The slow burn romance is just so good. There are two powerful vampire brothers (the emperor’s sons) and we learn more about them and their intentions as the story progresses. And to be honest, there is still more to figure out. Hurry up book 2!!

One brother, Tiernon, is the cinnamon roll MMC who grew up with her and was her first. Their romance is friends-to-lover-to-dislike/confusion-to-allies-to-lovers…. whoa, that’s a mouthful.

The older brother, Rorrik, is our broody morally grey villain MMC. I am really intrigued with his character, and I know that there is more behind the broodiness. Tiernon is probably the safe bet right now, but I’m team Rorrik all the way.

I cannot wait to see where this story goes and find out more about the mind-speak abilities, the mythical creatures, her growing powers and these two delicious brothers. I’m 100% invested.

Thank you @netgalley, @staciastarkauthor, @Avonbooks and @HarperVoyagerUS for a #gifted early copy of this book!

This book completely swept me off my feet!

We begin our adventure meeting the FMC, Arvelle. She’s a badass and has won arena games in the past, but is now trying to lay low and just get by and care for her family. Unfortunately for her, fate has other plans. The story really kicks off with Arvelle being blackmailed into a high-stakes, gladiator-style competition where the price of failure isn’t just her life, it’s her brother’s too.

From the start, I loved the pacing and the characters, and seeing Arvelle learn more and more about her powers and what makes her unique. She had so much growth in this book, I can’t wait to see what comes next for her! The book does end on somewhat of a cliffhanger, and I can't tell if I'm supposed to be Team Rorrik or Team Ti - but right now I'm leaning toward Team Rorrik, he's dark and broody and mysterious, everything i want in a book boyfriend!

Vampire Diaries meets Gladiator is the perfect comp for this absolutely devourable read. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of We Who Will Die at Apollycon (thank you, Avon & Stacia!!!), and I legitimately could not put it down. I’ve already re-read it since and it’s still my top read of the year.

Arvelle might be one of my favorite heroines in recent memory—a true tribute to eldest daughters everywhere. She’s fierce, emotionally complex, and unapologetically sharp. Watching her walls come down (emotionally and physically—her gladiator training arc is particularly well done) was incredibly satisfying. She’s giving Katniss, but with sharper teeth.

The first-person POV is a standout. It adds tension, emotional intimacy, and makes every twist land with impact. Plus, it keeps the MMCs delightfully mysterious as we try to decode their motives right alongside Arvelle. And the flashbacks to her childhood? Gorgeous and heartbreaking.

Plot-wise, the pacing is near-perfect. Arvelle’s three trials anchor most of the story, but we’re treated to layers of suspense, political intrigue, and a twisty mystery reminiscent of early Throne of Glass. Also, the banter? Absolutely top-tier. Sharp, funny, and perfectly timed.

Stacia’s worldbuilding blends vampire lore with Romanesque grit in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. Sigilmarked magic, cursed sunlight, political machinations, gladiator battles—it’s all here, and it works. I especially loved the inclusion of magical creatures (“maginari”) and am crossing my fingers for more in book two.

Bottom line:
If you’re into fierce heroines, delicious tension, found family, high-stakes trials, vampires with a twist, and some of the best banter you’ve read in a while—We Who Will Die is for you. I’m already counting down the days to book two.

I love Stacia Stark and will read anything she writes. I thoroughly enjoyed her new series We Who Will Die, and will recommend to any romantasy reader. Thanks NetGalley!!!

This book was fantastic! I loved the fantasy elements! I am so excited to pick up the physical book on release day!

What an AMAZING novel! I was entirely captivated by reading this novel- an incredibly romantic and suspenseful page-turner!

I loved how Tiernan’s and Arvelle’s relationship from the past was told whenever Arvelle was reminded of something- it made it easier to understand her, while also allowing us to glimpse how different Tiernan was during their childhood. But in terms of romantic interest, my money’s on Rorrick! Can’t wait for the sequel, and the book hasn’t even been release yet. *sigh*

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Get ready for a book that will be a top romantasy of 2026. We Who Will Die contains vampires, romance, political intrigue, magical creatures, and a unique magic system that will keep you turning the page.

Arvelle is a sigilmarked magic user who is unable to access her magic. Tasked with keeping her brothers alive and healthy, she is coerced into competing in the Sundering, which is a gladiator battle that allows those to survive to serve the vampire king. Arvelle is a strong and relatable FMC. She deals with loss and grief while still being a badass gladiator.

The magic system is unique and keeps me wanting to know more. There are three types of magic users in this story: mundanes (magic-less), vampires, and the sigilmarked. Vampires can either be born or turned and have super strength, speed, and some mind powers of different levels. The sigilmarked are all born with the power of their sigil and their power level is relative to the size and color of their sigil (bronze, silver, or gold). I love that we get to learn about the magic as the FMC shows and discovers it.

You should read this book if you like:
🫦 Possessive MMCs
🩸 Vampires
🏰 Love Triangles
✨ Found Families
🐉 Magical Creatures
💖 Childhood Friends to Lovers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!!!!!!

Where do I even begin?!? Stacia Stark has done it again. Thank you SO much for the ARC Avon and Harper Voyager. She is absolutely an auto buy author for me. Her world building skills, and story telling skills are next level.

Honestly, no one does romantasy quite like her. This was engaging the entire time. Between the backstories, riveting side characters, hot jealous vampires, betrayal around every corner, secrets and a fast paced plot I could not put this down.

There was A LOT of information in this book, so I'll definitely need to do a re read to catch everything. Some of the transitions between scenes were a bit choppy at times but overall I think this was excellent because it sort of kept the plot going. There wasn't a lot of extra fluff thrown into the story but I liked that.

The worst part of this book is knowing it doesn't officially release until January of 2026 and that I'm going to have to wait so long for book 2! I'm going to be absolutely feral waiting to get my hands on it!

The way I ate this book up, I'm pretty sure I ate the plate too.. You need to read this book ASAP, It's one of my top reads and honestly can't believe I finished it.

I can't even review much of anything without spoiling something. It's so incredible. I had such a fun time reading this.

Let me just say, read this and you won't be disappointed. It's a huge hit. Gladiator meets romantasy with delicious vampires and a thrilling, suspenseful, masterful plot.

I loved the quick pace but it's a full story with so much excitement. I lived in the pages and didn't want to come out. I couldn't put it down.

You'll want to read as soon as it drops. Such a fun ride and adventure with tons of twists and turns. Stacia does it again with KoL's level of storytelling.

And although not the worst cliff, it drops off with so many questions I need answered. I can't wait to see how the story unfolds in the next books!

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.9/5)

We Who Will Die is the dark, seductive, blood-soaked romantasy that’s about to explode across BookTok and dominate 2026. Stacia Stark has done it again, delivering a world that is as vicious as it is enrapturing, with a story that grabs hold and refuses to let go.
This book blends everything I love in the genre: a brutal gladiatorial tournament, ancient gods, an emperor with terrifying agendas, political power plays, forbidden love, and an emotional undercurrent that hits hard. The world is alive with magic and myth—not just vampires, but creatures pulled from myths, legends and nightmares, adding rich texture to an already cutthroat setting.
The main character Arvelle, is an absolute force—layered with grief, grit, and that kind of raw determination that makes you ache for her. She’s strong, but not invincible. Scarred, but still standing. And watching her navigate grief, guilt, deadly trials, devastating choices, and a tangled web of loyalties is a ride I’d gladly take again.
And the surprise love triangle? Utter perfection. Tense, emotional, full of history and heartbreak without ever feeling forced. Both love interests are compelling in their own right, (I'm rooting for Rorrick, sorry not sorry! Swoon 🤤) each representing different kinds of power, pain, and passion.
The magic system is fresh, fascinating, and grounded in a world that feels fully realized. The layers of hierarchy, mythology, and politics make this feel epic without ever becoming overwhelming.

It’s giving:
💀 Deadly trials with real consequences

💘 A love triangle with fangs

🐉 Mythological creatures & brutal worldbuilding

🧿 A unique magic system that evolves with the characters

🩸 Vampires done right—complex, dangerous, addictive (and addicted in some cases)

💔 Themes of trauma, death, gore, addiction, grief, sacrifice, and resilience

If you’re looking for the book that will define the romantasy genre next year—this is it. It has the emotional pull of The Vampire Diaries, the brutality and high stakes of Gladiator meets The Hunger Games, and the myth-rich atmosphere that fantasy readers crave.
Stark doesn’t just write stories—she builds empires. And I, for one, will follow her anywhere.

🫶🏻 – Ali
OnceUponMidlife.com

I received an early copy of this book from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank You!

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

YUP. THAT’LL DO IT. The next big romantasy book—100%. Gladiators & Vampires & Mythical Creatures & some serious plot twists…this book had it all.

FMC Arvelle has a TON of character growth through this book. There are times when she made me angry, sad, hopeful. This also had a ton of drama and I was living for it lol.

Certain side characters were a lot of fun and made the story that much more enjoyable. The villain…I don’t know…am I okay…because I loved himmmmmmmm.

It doesn’t end on crazy cliff hanger, but it will definitely leave you with unanswered questions and plenty of theories. DON’T SLEEP ON THIS ONE WHEN IT RELEASES.