I devoured this book. It made me cry and healed me in ways I didn’t realize I needed to be healed. Thank you Stacia Stark!

Arvelle has survived betrayal after betrayal after surviving the brutal mandatory Sands. now she only cares about keeping her brothers alive, making enough money to get the next healing option that one of the twins will need. All the potions suddenly disappear and a powerful vampire makes her a deal she has no choice but to agree. In exchange for killing a powerful politician her sick brother will be healed but first she must get close enough to him and to do that she must step foot back into the one place she said she never would. The Arena.

Once Arvelle arrives she has another stipulation to her bargain. She cannot tell the Primus. The mysterious leader of the Emperor’s guard who never takes off his helmet. After training begins people start going missing. The power dynamics between marked ones ,Vampires -and humans a vast divide. It’s more evident than ever that Arvelle is very behind on her training. The Primus takes an interest and so does the Emperors oldest son Rorrik, the cold, cunning, monster of an heir.

Arvelle must make it passed the 3 challenges to become a novice and complete her task while fighting her feelings for the Primus and trying to stay alive.

This is a spoiler free review. This intriguing book had me hooked from the very beginning and didn’t let go…not even at the end. Gladiators, vampires and a unique magic system? Yes, you want to read this book right now. If this book isn’t viral next year, i will personally riot.

The characters are relatable and flawed. The plot gently cupped my cheeks with both hands and forced me to keep reading it well beyond my bedtime. There were so many twists and turns. Ones I truly hoped WOULD come and ones I didn’t see coming – like at all. The relationships are so complex, and nothing is easily won. Not victory, not even love. I’ll admit that I might have been rooting for the wrong MMC, but that’s on me. I have a love/hate relationship with love triangles, but I was here for this one. The slow burn was smoldering… right to ash. So painfully good.

The trials are stress-inducing nightmare material and there are surprising villains and unlikely heroes around every corner. There’s nothing typical about this book, except the angst that Stacia is known for. It has all my favorite tropes, including brother/sibling rivalry. I couldn’t get enough of them – every time they’re in a room together I’m holding my breath.

Check your trigger warnings and mind your mental health. Addiction is difficult for me, but it’s done with compassion, and takes a fresh look at what the family goes through, and I appreciate that. Nothing in this book is gratuitous, including the spice. It’s a solid 5 star read, all the way around…except the ending gets 1 star bc it hurt my soul.

I loved this book and want to thank Stacia Stark, NetGalley, and HarperCollins for this eArc gem and my voluntary and honest review. I’m going to be singing it’s praises all the way til book 2!!!!!!

We Who Will Die starts out with a scrappy woman using her fighting skills to make a living and support her sick family member while they live in the slums.

...Wait, haven't I read this plot before?

Fortunately for this book, it does take a few twists and turns along the way. Arvelle is forced into a tournament with the end goal of an assassination - in exchange, her brother's debilitating medical condition will be cured. Simple enough, except the assassination target is the Emperor, the most powerful, cruel, and well guarded vampire around. And Arvelle is woefully unprepared.

This book suffers from Too Much. There are so many competing plotlines that at times it's difficult to tell which one is actually important. Arvelle needs to win the tournament to gain the opportunity to assassinate the Emperor and cure her brothers, but then there's the mysterious Vampire who decides she needs to train with him in order to survive, and the OTHER mysterious good looking and terribly mean vampire who takes an interest in her, oh but also someone is running around murdering tournament participants and we have to figure out who it is, and then there's the class warfare that is conveniently popping up during tournament events, and the OTHER plot against the emperor by someone else that needs to be stopped, and also two of the tournament fighters want revenge on her for years past and...

I'm not trying to say that a book should have just one thing going on, because that's not it. It just felt like the all-important "I need to save my brothers" plotline just kind of disappeared in the midst of everything else going on. And of course, this ends in a cliffhanger. It's worth a read for sure, I'd just recommend waiting until the next book comes out so more can be resolved.

Thank you to publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This is such a great book. With gladiator war games, rebelling against the government and resurrecting gods, there is a lot of action going on. The stakes are pretty high. Our MFC Arvelle takes care of her brothers and does what she needs to do to take care of them. There are two MMCs, Rorrick ( a cinnamon roll) and Tiernon ( morally grey villain), who are the sons of the emperor.
Can’t wait to see where this story goes and can’t wait for book 2.

4.5 🌟

No surprise that Stacia Stark has done it again.

Vampires meet Gladiators was a world I didn't know I was missing.

The tension between characters was spot on and I think the complex relationships are relatable for many.
"Do you truly believe people are just one thing? Entirely good or entirely evil? Is it really just that simple to you?"

There are so many moments of characters trying to choose the lesser of two evils, while navigating guilt and grief, and trying to make the world a better place under a tyrant who only cares for more powert.

I will absolutely be waiting for book 2.

It’s like Spartacus, but with vampires and a separate race of people with their own unique magic system. Solid storyline with little to no lag, complex interpersonal relationships (plenty of emotional baggage), political intrigue, and a little bit of spice. In other words, it’s pretty much perfect.
Even if you aren’t a hardcore fantasy fan, We Who Will Die is well worth the read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon books for the opportunity to read this book!

Gladiators meets The Vampire Diaries in the best way possible.

We Who Will Die completely hooked me—this is the kind of book that has you clutching your Kindle at 2 a.m. The story ends on a small cliffhanger (nothing soul-destroying), but enough to make you reread the last few pages just to soak it all in. And the idea that my two favorite characters might be forced into very close proximity next book? Obsessed.
The romance? Absolute perfection. If you love slow burn and angst, this book delivers. There’s definite chemistry between Tiernon and Arvelle, but the banter and tension between Arvelle and Rorrik? Pure enemies-to-potential-lovers gold. I also loved how the author threaded in moments from Velle’s past—showing her PTSD and how her journey shaped who she is now. It added so much emotional weight to the story.
And the twist? OH. MY. GOD. I did not see it coming—and once it hit, I could not put this book down. If We Who Will Die isn’t a bestseller next year, I will personally riot.
This is the ultimate slow-burn romantasy in a Roman empire-inspired world—Stacia blended gods, vampires, sigils, mundanes, and mythical creatures into one of the most seamless, immersive fantasy settings I’ve read in a while.

If you crave enemies-to-lovers tension, twisty plots, and a world you can sink your teeth into, We Who Will Die belongs on your TBR. Immediately.

Thank you to Stacia Stark, NetGalley, and HarperCollins for this eArc and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

We Who Will Die is the first book in a new series. Having loved her previous series, I was so happy to receive the eARC for this! And wow did it deliver!! 5 stars!! This book has been described as Vampire Diaries meets Gladiator, meets Greek/Roman mythology, which I agree fits the vibes. The plot centers on Arvelle, our FMC, who has to compete in trials in order to protect her family. Within this there are other overarching plots about the empire, meddling Gods, and those in power vs those who want to fight for the good of all people. This book was SO good! I loved the writing style and world building. I felt like it was appropriate given it's the first book in the series and also needs to set the foundation for this Roman-inspired world. I thought the magic system vs vampire dynamic was different from fantasy books I've read recently-which was really refreshing!! The pace and plot were on point-it kept me hooked and wow the ending?! I liked how the romance was there but also with other characters and plot points added in by the end so that you were left somewhat questioning where things might go in the next book. I seriously can't wait until the next book! Hopefully it comes out soon!

4.25 stars on StoryGraph

This was an interesting start to a new series by Stacia Stark!

“We Who Will Die” takes and twists Roman/Greek mythology and the trial trope into a new book that feels like a fresh take on both ideas. The world building is intriguing in this one, and clearly setting up to be a bigger deal in the next book. Unlike other books that feature trials, those aren’t the heart of this book. They move the story along but the plot happens largely outside the trials themselves which was a nice change.

Our main cast took a minute to assemble, and it did slow things down a bit. The beginning of the book drops you into what feels like the second part of the story and you jump back and forth between flashbacks and the present to learn more about what is going on. I found that to be a bit confusing for a bit, but once things fell into place the book really picked up! I think the second book will probably earn a higher score from me now that we’re moving forward with the full story.

The romance in this one was sweet, but interesting. I feel like there might be something else going on here with our couple, I’ll be interested in seeing what happens in the next one…

I’ll pick up the next book in the series for sure, especially after that ending!

Ok Vampire Diaries meets Ancient Rome, this book had my attention! I love Stacia Stark and this book didn’t disappoint! We meet Arvelle, who is just trying to keep her family alive and is thrust into gladiator style trials in order to keep them safe…by agreeing to kill the Emperor. Throw in two brooding vampire brothers, ancient gods, magic, murder and a whole load of fast paced high stakes events and you’ve got a very addictive book! I really enjoyed this, I loved Velle and I love the fact that I am just going to say I’m not going to comment on the males in this… I cannot wait to see where this goes! Thank you Avon Books for this eARC!

“I don’t want to be your friend, Velle. I want to be your everything.”

-Gladiator trials, ancient vampires, and a Roman-inspired world
-Strong, impulsive heroine with everything to lose
-Two mysterious, dangerous vampire love interests
-Found family, magical powers, and deadly arena combat
-Slow-burn romance with a high-stakes plot
-Fans of Carissa Broadbent and Rebecca Yarros, this one’s for you
-The ending? Absolutely wild. Book two can’t come fast enough

Love love loved this book! Couldn't put it down!

I loved this. The story took such turns. This is trials, competition, mystery, tension, banter, and romance. I feel like so much action was packed into the story. Gladiators mixed with fantasy and vampires is so much fun! This isn’t a true dual-timeline but there are aspects of it told in flashbacks so that you get the whole background story. I think/hope there is competing love interests. Our FMC is so impulsive she sometimes puts herself in a bad position but she beats herself up so thoroughly for it I didn’t hold it against her like I usually do. I really enjoyed and would highly recommend!

We Who Will Die follows Arvelle, who is a sigilmarked woman in a Roman-inspired fantasy world. She is stuck between two hot vampires and a hard place (needing to take down the empire, obviously…).

I really enjoyed the world that Clark introduced to us. It was a little confusing at first, but I expect that of any fantasy. In this world, individuals fight in the Sands and then move onto the Sundering to try and get into the Emperor’s guard. I’ve read quite a few games-style books lately, and I’m here for it.

As for the romance, I didn’t feel like it was a focal point of the story. While still present, I felt that Arvelle’s priorities were more about saving her brothers and surviving, which I really appreciated.

If book 2 was already out, I’d immediately move on just to see what happens!! The ending was crazy. I’m totally hooked. This author has quite a few other novels on KU, and I’m definitely going to be picking them up this year to tide me over.

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!</i>

Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books!

I have no words, I am absolutely dying to get my hands on the next one. Stacia Stark is a fantastic author. This book drew me in and was so vivid and immersive! She is an author who is not afraid to do what needs to be done in her writing to benefit the story and characters' growth. Which can be quite a lot on my heart. But the best stories are always filled with everything from joy and rage to heartbreak and love. 
Stacia’s character growth was astounding, and the pacing was perfect. There was constant motion and conversations that kept the story rolling and made it hard to put the book down. 
Arvelle was such a great character, I had so much hope for her from the beginning. She is such a strong FMC, I absolutely loved watching her grow and heal from her past.
And her little group of found family was so endearing and such great additions to the story. Plus, with two MMCs I really didn’t know who I was rooting for more.
And the world build was immersive enough to draw you in without being overwhelming.
There is nothing I love more than Ancient Greek and Roman histories, so having this book feel so much like that was such a delight. Besides, what else could you want when there are vampires, gods, cults and mythological creatures!

I will be counting the days until the next book is out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing for giving me a copy of this book, and I’ll just say I loved it! If you are a Stacia Stark reader, you’ll love it – and I really hope this is a HUGE romantasy hit with the Roman Empire trope – this is Gladiator meets Vampire Diaries and it seriously works! I loved the FMC Arvelle, she is kick-booty and brings all the action. This book is fast paced, so be prepared to catch your breath as you make your way through it. Overall, FIVE HUGE STARS and one of my favorite reads so far this year!

Review: We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark

First, I’d like to thank Stacia Stark for adding me to her street team and allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC and for NetGalley putting it at my fingertips.

Overall Reaction:
I just finished and… I simultaneously need the sequel and to re-read it immediately. This book was actually more than I hoped and feared it would be.

Tropes:
🧛🏻‍♂️Vampires
🔥Slow burn
🏛️Roman inspired world
😈Enemies to lovers
👥Forced proximity

Characters & Arcs:
Arvelle’s journey was heartbreaking and tense and empowering. Seeing her motivation and drive through all she faces was incredible. When Maeva said, “look at everything you’ve achieved while being a shell of a person. Imagine what you could do if you let yourself heal” I had full body chills.

Plot & Payoff:
The twists landed, the emotions hit, and the ending was brutal!! I wish I could have picked the sequel up immediately! There were moments I audibly reacted for the audience I didn’t have. I reacted dramatically to empty rooms. I gasped so hard my chest hurt.

Themes Reflected:
Looking back, the way the book explored power, love, sacrifice, and trust with yourself and others really resonated with me. It wasn’t just a fantasy—it was a mirror held to trauma, healing, and survival.

Favorite Moment/Quote:
“It takes strength to mourn. It’s… it’s easier to wrap yourself in numb apathy and refuse to think of the people you lost, but that does them a disservice. The pain doesn’t go away, it just lingers, waiting until you have no choice but to acknowledge it. But by then, it’s grown teeth and claws, and it will shred your entire life apart if you let it.” — it stuck with me because there is no one in this world who hasn’t experienced some sort of loss. Grief is something people struggle with sometimes forever! There is no timeline for healing grief or when it ebbs and flows. And there is no right way to grieve, but you have to feel the feelings. You have to work through it or it’s going to work through you.

Final Thoughts:
I am so, so intrigued by where this series will go. The ending to this book just has the BEST set up for the sequel and I am going to be foaming at the mouth for book two unfortunately.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Would you recommend? Hell yes. This book is set to release in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK on December 18, 2025 and in the US January 20, 2026. I’ve had this preordered since April and after finishing the ARC, I am SO glad I did. Go preorder. Quicker.

Stacia Stark is one of my absolute favorite authors, so it feels betraying to write what I am about to write.

This was not my favorite book. HOWEVER, I know that many other people will LOVE this book. The book is well written, and made me cry several times, but the reason I am not in love with this book is because I sense that who I think is the MMC, will no longer be the MMC, and that will CRUSH MY SOUL. (And I don’t like having my soul crushed and being depressed for days on end…)

This book was a conglomeration of many of my favorite stories from the past years. I got vibes from the following:
-Vampire Diaries
-Hunger Games
-Daughter of the Drowned Empire
-Throne of Glass
-and of course..The Kingdom of Lies (There were a lot of similarities between the KOL series and this one..)

Tropes will you find in this book:
-Trials
-Slow Burn
-Forced Proximity
-Hidden Identities

All in all, if you like having your soul crushed, you will probably love this first book in a new Triology. Here’s to hoping my MMC stays the MMC for the other two books!

Thank you to Stacia Stark & team and HarperCollins for sending me an advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I think my head imploded from how great this was! The Roman Empire with a magical system is so intriguing, This novel was everything I needed: angst, political intrigue, a badass heroine, and even tender moments that made me cry. This book is now MY romance empire that I will rave about to everyone.

This was so good?? After the last "roman empire based romantasy" that I read that was a massive failure, I went in to this with low expectations. And it took my expectations, threw them into the fighting pit, with lion and eviscerated them. I cannot wait for this book to come out and for the world to experience it.

Holy crap! This book sucked me in soo fast. It gave me Hunger Games & Throne of Glass vibes with gladiators and vampires. So many great fantasy themes meld perfectly together. I am so looking forward to the rest!