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.