I really enjoyed this book. Has arena and fighting elements. Stacia stark does it again. Arvelle is a great fmc.

I'm convinced that Stacia Stark couldn't write a bad book if she tried! This was an awesome high steaks read. The games and trials were on point! Can't wait for book 2!

I’ve enjoyed Stacia Stark’s previous works, and this book felt like a fresh departure from her last series. Arvelle’s journey kept me engaged, full of twists and turns that kept me guessing. The story reminded me of The Hunger Games in a way that fans of that kind of high-stakes competition will likely appreciate.
I especially enjoyed the tension between Arvelle and the Primus, while also finding myself intrigued by his “bad boy” brother, Rorrik. Although vampires aren’t usually my favorite trope, I was drawn in by Stark’s unique approach to writing them.
As expected, the book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eager to see what happens next. While it wasn’t my favorite of her stories, it was an enjoyable read, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next installment when it’s released.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

If you're looking for a fast paced Roman inspired romantasy with realistic characters, this is the perfect book for you! We follow Arvelle who is putting everything on the line to ensure the safety of her brothers. Not only is Arvelle a skilled fighter, she is a character who has seen the best and worst in people. She is one of those female main characters that genuinely felt realistic. She makes mistakes, she's head strong, and the love she has for her brothers is what makes her such a strong and unforgettable character.

While there is a lot going on with the plot, the magic system, and the overall world building, I think the way Stark did it in a way that made it easy for readers to understand what is going on. This felt different than anything else I have read in a while. There was a rhyme or reason as to every political move or action made - especially with our two MMCs. Stark does an amazing job making to very clear to the readers that this world is dark and unforgiving. Never take advantage of the people who bring the light to your world.

The romance is messy, complex, and will leave the reader torn on who should be endgame. Arvelle's relationship with Rorrick is completely different than her one with Tiernon. I cannot wait to see how Stark plays out this love triangle in book 2!

Book 2 seriously cannot come soon enough. I will be pre-ordering as soon as it goes live!

OMG. This book was amazing! A massive thank you to Stacia Stark for the ARC of We Who Will Die. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but wow, it blew me away from start to finish.
In this enthralling new series, we're plunged into a Roman-inspired world ruled by merciless vampires. Arvelle lives a perilous life in the Thorn district, constantly battling for her and her younger brothers' survival. When faced with an unthinkable choice, she makes a magically binding vow to do the impossible: kill the emperor, an ancient vampire. This mission forces her into the Sundering, a brutal arena where only the deadliest survive to join the emperor's elite guard. There, she encounters the powerful Primus, the head of the Emperor’s guard, and finds herself tangled with the emperor's sadistic son, Rorrik, as she uncovers developing powers and a vast conspiracy.
I was completely captivated by Arvelle's journey. As an eldest daughter who practically raised my own sister and would sacrifice everything for her, I related a little too hard to Arvelle's fierce dedication. Would I make a deal with a vampire to enter a gladiatorial pit to save my sibling? Is that even a question?! I did find her a little quick to forgive and forget in certain moments (if you know, you know!), but I adored watching her slowly come back to life—making friends, allowing herself moments of happiness.
And speaking of characters, I'm already simping for the "wrong" brother (I swear my wires are crossed when it comes to red flags, but is he really bad? I have major theories!). Stacia Stark's world-building is just phenomenal; she reveals details slowly and seamlessly throughout the story, so you never feel lost or overwhelmed. The pacing is also incredible—it's action-packed, filled with suspense, heartbreak, a bit of spice and longing, some delicious slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension, and tons of heart-pounding excitement.
I am absolutely dying for book two! A solid 5-star read that fans of romantasy, vengeful gods, and breathtaking combat will devour.
Troupes: vampires, gladiators, gods, mystery, slow burn, love triangle (I hope)
Spice 2/5
Plot 5/5
Pace 5/5
Character Personality 5/5
Character Growth 5/5
Writing Style 5/5
World Building 5/5

Honestly I give this book 3 stars. I kind of feel like it’s a very generic Stacia Stark book. She has definitely improved in some areas, but others she’s remained the same. I feel like it was a little predictable and a mash up of several other books. There are also a few plot holes and I feel like her world is kind of difficult to picture as there isn’t too much world building. I feel like her plot lacked some originality and some of the characters situations/responses were repetitive. However, I did really enjoy her characters though as they held a lot more depth and history. I appreciated that there were more plot lines than her usual books and that made it more interesting too. I didn’t feel very shocked or satisfied with the ending but I will probably read book 2 for the characters. I won’t refraining from recommending this to others, but I feel like it might be a niche situation where I would.

We Who will Die by Stacia Stark
Empire of Blood #1
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (rounded up to a 5)
Spice: 1.3/5
Cursing: little
Format/Source: ebook ARC from NetGalley, AvonBooks, HarperVoyager
Genres/Tropes: slow burn romantasy, vampires, trials, morally grey
Settings: Roman inspired world
Audience: New Adult
Characters: Arvelle, Rorrik, Evren, Bran, Carrick, Gerith, Leon, Maeva, Ti, Kassia, Neris, Jorah, Albion, Axia
👍 short-med chapters, trials, character development, little cursing, storyline
👎 ended too soon

Description:
Life in the perilous Thorn district is a constant battle for Arvelle and her younger brothers. And the vampire standing on her doorstep is about to turn their world upside down.
Faced with an unthinkable choice, Arvelle makes a magically binding vow to do the impossible: kill the emperor. But first, she must enter the Sundering—an arena where only the fastest, strongest, and deadliest survive long enough to be selected for the emperor’s elite guard.
To survive the arena and complete her mission, Arvelle must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that will change everything she thought she knew about herself—and the two vampires who are deeply entwined with her destiny.

My opinion:
Stasia pens a fast-paced Roman inspired vampire novel with constant action. It gave me Hunger Games x Gladiator vibes with vampires and gods. The world building was new and interesting, but also not overwhelming. The short-med length chapters made for an easy read. The characters were written so well that I had very strong feelings (good and bad) towards them. They also grew throughout the book. I was entertained by the storyline. I truly appreciated that there was very little cursing to pollute the storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys vampire stories.
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #netgalley #vampirebooks #booktok #stasiastark
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

I really enjoyed the way this book mixed historic roman gladiators with the supernatural and fantastical. I wasn't sure how much I would like it when I started but by the end I was anxious to read the next book. I loved the variety of characters and I am glad the author did not shy away from deaths of characters.

I really wanted to enjoy it but it feels like every chapter has unnecessary filler scenes in it and there are points where the story will get interesting and then get boring within a few paragraphs. I love the concept and the characters.

This book was surprisingly addictive! My interest had already been piqued simply by the story being placed during Romanesque times. There’s something about that time period that always seems to pull good fantasies. But this story went above and beyond and also added vampires, magic welders, magical systems and romance. It was all the necessary ingredients for a fantastic story! I was pulled in pretty early and enjoyed the initial slower place the story sets as we get to know the characters, the world and some of the backstories. It was easy to get sucked in and start to feel connected to Arvelle and her brothers and then the other fellow gladials around her. The story is crafted in such a way that you will start to figure things out and then it throws another mystery at you to start to unravel which kept me interested and invested. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and am excited to see where the series goes.

There were only a couple of negatives that took this from a five star to a four star review. At times it felt like there were too many things going on with too many varying plot lines to follow, so at times, the story ended up being congested and borderline confusing. The second critique is just a personal preference, and may play out better in the coming books, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the love triangle. It actually made me quite sad to read about it every time that particular storyline came up. Perhaps it will work out well in the next book or two and I’ll like the way it resolves, but at this point, it just made me sad and I wasn’t a fan. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book and wholeheartedly recommend it, especially if you have a penchant for Roman time periods, vampires and magic wielders!

Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for this Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for my honest review.

rating: ♾️ 🌟 infinity stars
spice: 🌶 🌶 2 chili peppers

I don't give out infinity stars often. This has become my favorite book I've read in a long time. It's going to take off like wildfire when it releases. The plot had me on the edge of my seat the entire book. there were so many plot twists that I didn't predict. Sure, there were a few I could spot, but I still loved those, too. The characters were relatable & had depth. The magic system was unique & fun to learn. There was a variety of mythical creatures with unique abilities. I can't say enough how much I loved this book. I will be buying every special edition I can find.

Thank you, Avon & net galley, for the advanced copy!

highlights:
ancient greek setting
vampires
mythical creatures
unique magic system
trials and games
deadly games
betrayals
strong fmc
romantic tension
plot twists for days
class-based society

This is the first book in a while that gave me that “I can’t put this down” feeling. This book had me crying, nervous the FMC wouldn’t make it, eager to learn the truth, and suspicious of several characters – it was so good!

At a glance:
- Gladiator style games
- Vampires
- Sigil marked humans with varying degrees of powers
- Mythical creatures (wyvern, kelpie, centaurs etc.)
- Mysterious ritualistic murders
- Mid-burn romance; 1-2 peppers
- Friends to lovers
- Non-linear storytelling/flash backs
- 1st Person POV
- Warnings: addiction, grief/recovering from loss are integral themes to the story

Arvelle, the FMC, is struggling to keep her family alive and hasn’t fought in years when a vampire approaches her with a deal she can’t turn down. The vampire promises to heal her younger brother if she will assassinate the emperor. Arvelle doesn’t believe she can accomplish the task, let alone make it out alive, but she will do anything to save her dying brother. To get close to the emperor she must first survive three trials and become part of the elite guard. Like ancient Rome, the trials are used as a means of entertainment to keep the people happy and are a way to execute criminals or enemies of the empire. Arvelle struggles to hide her hatred for the emperor and his games and learns not even the vampires are all happy with the current leadership. She also struggles to control her actions and reason as the vampire she made a deal with tightens his hold on their bond. Meanwhile, bodies keep turning up with their hearts cut out. There are *a lot* of mysteries and political scheming to uncover this book!

The first half of the book was a little bit slower but still steady pace. If you enjoy games and trials a lot, it will probably move along quicker for you. Arvelle is an underdog, so there is a level of suspense that I don’t think all games and trials succeed at giving their readers. However, the second half was when I really started to get anxious for Arvelle and the situations she found herself in. The reveals became less predictable and some were really shocking. I honestly don’t know how much I trust all the characters at the end. I’m unsure where I stand on the romance. I feel very uneasy about the future of their relationship as I’m getting mixed messages from Arvelle, but I want it to work out! I think I’ll just be stewing with nerves for Arvelle and her world until book 2 comes out. I will NEED to read the next book!

Thank you to Net Galley and Avon and Harper Voyager for letting me be an ARC reader!

This book grabbed my attention from the very first few pages. I genuinely enjoyed reading it, so much so that it was hard to put down. This was my first book by Stacia Stark, and she absolutely captivated me with her storytelling.

While I’m not usually a fan of lengthy spicy scenes, the few in this book felt natural and well-balanced. Despite the open-door narrative, they never dragged on or made me think, "Okay, let’s get this over with." If you loved Throne of Glass and Fourth Wing, I believe this story is an excellent blend of the two.

One of the strongest aspects of this book was how deeply connected I felt to the main characters. Stark’s writing made it easy to immerse myself in their world. I do wish we had learned more about the magic system, though I understand that our knowledge is limited by the protagonist’s own understanding. Hopefully, future installments will expand on this.

The story beautifully explores the weight of responsibility and how the failures of others shape the main character and the growth that comes from overcoming past trauma. By the end, I was completely invested in this series and can’t wait for the next book!

Title: We Who Will Die
Author: @staciastarkauthor
Genre: Romantasy
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️🌶️🌶️
Pub Date: December 30, 2025

Sometimes a book just grabs you right away, and doesn't let go...even after it's over. This.Is.That.Book. Vampires, Sigil Marked, magic, mundanes, games, plot twists, yearning, this book had it all!! You can tell this book had Roman empire themes and I was there for it all.


If you like:
🩸Vampire Diaries x Gladiator Vibes
🩸Enemies to Lovers
🩸Forced Proximity
🩸Magical Creatures

Also, the character growth for our FMC Arvelle was just spectacular. I can't say much more, I don't want to spoil anything. Trust me when I say, it's amazing and please read it as soon as it's out!! I can't wait for book 2!!

"I miss you more than I missed the sun"

Thank you so much @netgalley and @staciastark for the advanced copy!!! I feel so blessed.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and Stacia Stark for the ARC!
This started a little slow, but once it picked up I was hooked. By the end, I was desperate for more, Book 2 can’t come soon enough!

Arvelle is such a layered FMC, fiercely protective of her brothers and still carrying the trauma from previous trials. Her strength, determination, and depth made her perspective so engaging

The love triangle was a highlight, two very different, equally compelling love interests. If you’re a Vampire Diaries fan, you’ll love this dynamic! I also adored the flashbacks, which gave a richer look at Arvelle’s past and added emotional weight.
Packed with magic, trials, vampires, mythical creatures, and dark, dreamy men, this is a must-read for fantasy romance fans

I loved this so much. A Roman Empire–inspired world with vampires, deadly politics, and a brutal arena, SOLD. Stark delivers a richly imagined world full of magic, monsters, and morally gray choices—and I loved every minute of it!!

Arvelle, is one of those rare characters you root for not because she’s overpowered or untouchable—but because she’s human. She's grieving the loss of her best friend, wrestling with abandonment from a childhood love, trapped in poverty, and forced into a deal with a vampire to protect her younger brothers, Evren and Garith. Her resilience and quiet strength as a big sister shine through and make her instantly relatable, even when the world around her turns violent and blood-soaked.

The magic system is also refreshingly unique, with a clear tier structure based on sigils—gold, silver, bronze—and a class of powerless mundanes at the bottom. The sociopolitical tension between the vampire council and the sigilmarked wardens creates a constant undercurrent of danger, making every choice feel consequential.

I love Tiernon, but there’s also something about Rorrik, the dangerous, seductive, and slightly sadistic vampire prince—that has me feral. I know Stark seems to be angling toward Tiernon, but I can't help rooting for Rorrik.

Can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Thank you to Stacia Stark, Avon Books, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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4 stars ⭐️ when they said vampire diaries mixed with gladiator vibes…absolutely. 🙂‍↕️
Stacia Stark, you did not come to play or to disappoint!!
I ate this up, was reading at times when I should’ve been sleeping because I was trying to figure out WHICH I WOULD CHOOSE, Tiernan or Rorrick? Both powerful but one is steady while the other keeps you more in your toes, and you know which one i’m leaning more towards 😋😋😋

Arvelle, our FMC, has back basically broken by carrying the weight of this family 😭 like talk abt oldest daughter lore she is trying her best to keep the family alive and afloat while battling her own demons. girl cant catch a break and the minute she’s happy, some shit has to go down😭

I am so lucky to have gotten an ARC of this book but wow does that hurt because i have to wait EVEN LONGER for book 2. I need to know what happens, I want even more tension and banter scenes, PLEASE 🫴🏼 All in all, I ate this up and excited for when the second one comes out!! (rooting for yk who 🙂‍↕️ i just need more of him😭)

The magic system is very interesting, I enjoy the sigilmarked idea where everyone's power level is displayed on their forehead. Everyone having similar powers is nice too, it makes it less confusing to deal with. Plus, vampires!! I love vampires and the way its very 'basic' vampire powers but not boring is great. Its giving very dystopian with the way class is dependent upon power which I enjoyed. The only downside to the book I found is, unfortunately, I started to get very annoyed with our FMC, Arvelle. She's presented as a badass, while she might not have much magical power she has a lot of physical prowess and battle smarts as she won their fighting competition, the Sands, 6 years prior to the book start. However, some of the decisions she made in the book do not match the smart, battle focused protagonist she is originally portrayed to be. The romance between her and the MMC felt a little forced and quick as well. Most of their character development and romance happens before the book even started. Overall, it can definitely be a fun read.

Wow!! Vampires and Ancient Greek vibes with a magic system!? I absolutely loved this book!! The twists were twisting and it had me hooked! This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I cannot wait to read more.

Gladiators, Vampires, and a unique magic system????? Count me in! I was so curious how this whole gladiator vibe was going to mesh with vampires but I knew Stacia could pull it off and boy did she ever! Absolutely LOVED this book!!! I was hooked from the first chapter and it kept me interested. The deeper we got into the book the more intriguing it became. There's so much to untangle in this story. The FMC is smart, loyal, loving, and FIERCE. She's a protector of her loved ones and people in general, including mythical creatures. Oh did I forget to mention them as well? Such a cool and unique addition to the story. You think as you are reading that you have everyone pegged but believe me, you know nothing until the last 15%. Stacia takes us on a ride for sure. There's political upheaval, blackmail, romance, found family, and murder mystery all while we are watching gladiators fight on the floor of the colosseum. I'm super excited to see where the next book takes us. I have so many questions I still need answers to. Thanks again to Stacia, Harper Voyager, and Avon for the gift of reading this one early. Definitely pick this one up when it releases at the end of this year.