I finished this book hours ago and I am still thinking about it. We Who Will Die is set in an interesting Roman, gladiator type setting with vampires (the Emperor is a vampire), sigil marked, and mundanes. As you can imagine there is tension among the vampires and sigil marked but attempts at coexisting are at least the facade. Our FMC Arvelle is a sigil marked from a small village. She's been through some tragic things and it has made her cold and without much joy but she's doing her best despite her circumstances. She is the eldest sister keeping her family of twin brothers alive, fed, and cared for. One of her brothers needs care for his condition and someone exploits this to force Arvelle into a deadly bargain to kill the emperor. Her love for her brothers forces her to train and survive deadly gladiator style trials while having a target on her back. The danger is felt throughout and our heroine's bravery is on display many times over. Stacia Stark did such a good job writing this character. You felt her pain, hollowness, her resolve, and you hoped with her when she dared to hope. There's a second chance love story that is told beautifully through past childhood memories (I adored this) but don't get too comfortable because a second MMC will have some interactions with her that will definitely cause you to wonder how solid that romance is. I'm #teamti but even I have to admit the scene in the sands was very intriguing. There are plot twists that I didn't see coming and revelations that have me absolutely ready to continue with the next book when it is available. I couldn't put this book down and found myself wishing I had a physical copy. I was so invested in my theories and what I thought were kernels of foreshadowing, that I went back and highlighted and made notes. I would like to thank Avon|Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this free e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

I’m a big fan of Stacia’s books and writing style. So no big surprise that this was another hit for me!
I absolutely love Arvelle’s perseverance, no matter what is thrown at her. Her sassy attitude too!
Was also team Rorrik quite early on 👀😂 Dying to get to know more about his character and motivations. Really hoping another book isn’t too far away!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! I’ve been wanting to read Stacia stark and I’m so glad this was the book I dipped my toe into her work with, so freaking cool!

I had no expectations for this book. I haven’t read any of the authors previous books. I was blown away. I loved everything about it. The FMC is so relatable and likable. I enjoyed all of her relationships especially with rorrick. Hoping for more of these two in book two.

From the very first page, this book had me in a chokehold. Arvelle is a fierce, complex heroine who’s just trying to survive and protect her twin brothers—but survival takes on a whole new meaning when she’s forced into a brutal, gladiator-style competition where losing means death… not just hers, but her family’s too.

Set in a Roman-inspired world filled with ruthless vampire politics, ancient magic, dangerous trials, and mythological creatures, the stakes couldn’t be higher—or the tension hotter. Arvelle’s reluctant deal with a vampire emperor throws her into a deadly game of power, betrayal, and secrets buried deep in both blood and bone. And the slow-burn romance? Absolutely electric. I’m already spiraling over the love triangle, but let’s just say… I’m firmly in my dark and broody vampire era.

This book has everything:
🩸 Vampires
🔥 Slow burn romantasy
⚔️ Deadly trials
🩶 Power plays & political intrigue
👀 Secrets, twists, betrayals
💔 Emotional depth and character growth

Stacia Stark’s storytelling is bold, immersive, and utterly addictive. She weaves heartbreak and heat into every chapter, and by the final page, I was feral. The cliffhanger? Soul-crushing. The world-building? Rich and unique. The tension? Off the charts.

I’d give it a million stars if I could. This is the kind of book you cancel plans for. The kind that demands your full attention. The kind that lingers.

Clear your calendar—you’re going to need time to scream into the void when you finish. Book two can’t come fast enough!

I am a Stacia Stark stan. I have read multiple books from her and she always delivers. The slow-burn romance is simmering beneath everything else, but the emotional heart of the story is about survival, sacrifice, and holding on to your humanity when the world around you is falling apart.
I love a solid competition but mix in a love triangle? Sign me up all day. This was such a perfect slump busting read, but the only negative is that I have to wait for the next book! I do this to myself. This book is beautifully written, but not overly flowery—just raw and honest. I simply love Stacia Stark.

WOAH! I adored this book and need the rest of the series like I need the sun (IYKYK). Roman gladiator vibes, political intrigue, vampires, sigil magic systems, competition, bargains, mythical creatures, and so many other reasons to love this book!

The FMC is forced to make a bargain in order to save her brothers and has found herself entered into a competition she must not only survive, but win and kill the emperor. Over course a baddie like Arvelle is going to end up drawing more attention than she intended and surprising intentions of supporting characters are revealed through plot twists.

We get two MMCs who each are fighting their own demons and coming to grips with their feelings for her. I’ve got my preference on who Arvelle should end up with, but I’ll leave that up for debate in the next book.

A little steamy, a lot of action, the beginning of some found family, and a soon to be #1 series by Stacia Stark.

Thank you to Harper Collins, Avon Book, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC edition.

Thanks Stacia Stark and NetGalley for the arc!

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Stark’s work and I am very excited for this new series!

A gladiator inspired setting with vampire diaries vibes, say less! Overall, this was a great story full of hope, betrayal & some fun magic that I’m excited to explore more of.

The FMC, Arvelle makes a deal with a vampire in order to save her brothers lives. The bargain?…Kill the emperor.

This bargain throws her into a gladiator style competition in order to get close to him. There, she’s reunited with the man she once loved who left her suddenly, years prior. Bitter and cold hearted from losing so many people she loves, she pushes away anyone that tries to help or befriend her. But can an old love and renewed hope thaw Arvelle’s heart?



(Sort of) spoilers…


I’ll also add that though I’m usually not a huge fan of love triangles, I didn’t mind the ~possible~ hints we got. I think there is definitely something brewing for the next book. I’m rooting for that second chance romance between Arvelle and Teirnon personally, but I definitely see the appeal for Rorrik and can’t wait to see more of him as well.

5/5. This was a fantastic romance-fantasy. I’m a sucker for a potential love triangle, so absolutely ate this up. The relationship dynamics were chefs kiss. And there are enough secrets to keep you interested, engaged, and begging for more but it didn’t come at the expense of the story at all.

My only complaint is that I read this so early and now I have to wait for more books.

I received a free ARC and this is my honest review

Great start to a new series. Very action packed for the beginning. Classic tale of the older sibling fighting to save younger ones. World building pace was steady with a nice stream of details throughout the book. Gods, Vampires,, and magical creatures are all present in this epic fantasy. Not too sure what’s going on with the love triangle and it’s hard to know who to root for but I can’t wait to see where the story goes. I highly recommend this book

We Who Will Die





Okkkkkk this was giving Vampire Diaries meets Gladiator meets The Hunger Games!!!! Such a good mesh of all three! I also love when authors just throw you right into the action and give a back story as you go — this one made me stop for the first few chapters and be like “is this a sequel?” BUT a few chapters of confusion was perfect because we get a lil flip back and forth from present to past and then the puzzle pieces all fit. Fabulous read.

I award this one my rare 5 star rating!!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟 🌟


Thank you @netgalley for the chance to read and review this ahead of time🤩

Mark your calendars for January 20, 2026 ✏️ 🗓️

Title: We Who Will Die
Author: @staciastarkauthor
Genre: Romantasy
Release date: January 20th,2026
Rating: 5/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶

Gladiators, vampires, mythical creatures - yes! This was my first read by Stacia Stark, and I can honestly say I was utterly surprised! I read this book in one sitting, and it was gloriously delicious! It reminded me of the movie Gladiator, but with vampires, forbidden romance, a love triangle, and mythical creatures! The murder mystery kept me guessing, and boy, was I wrong! The action and adventure were incredible, and I loved all the characters, especially Rorrik! Arvelle and Tiernan's love was beautiful, and the slow burn, second chance, made my toes curl. Arvelles's growth throughout the book and the unwavering love for her brothers endeared her to me, unlike any character I've encountered before. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next installment in what I'm sure is going to be a helluva story.
.

This book is a punch to the gut; it knocks your wind out and leaves you gasping for air!

She really was not kidding in the dedication where she says it goes out to all of the older sisters.
I won’t go too deeply into my own childhood but if you were worried for the survival of yourself and your siblings when you’re still a child this good is going to hurt.

Be ready for twists, turns, action, romance, heartbreak, betrayal, and reveals the likes of you rarely see.

Frankly, I’ll read anything set in the Roman empire, but the whole fantasy system set up in this universe‘s Roman Empire is so interesting. It’s a cast system within a magic system within a political system, all of which is under a monarchy. Although maybe it would be better to call it a dictatorship through birth???
A lot of the political dynamics of the Holy Roman Empire are still at play in this novel. So, those who are sensitive to reading about fantastically dramatized events that took place in the Colosseum, i.e. slavery, fighting and torture might have difficulty reading those parts.

Overall, I am just floored by the last chapter and cannot wait for the next book!

Thank you Netgalley for the free e-Arc of this book.

I don’t think I’ve been this obsessed with gladiators since watching Russell Crowe in Gladiator back in the early 2000s. Stacia has done it again—and this time she added vampires 🥵.

Part of me is mad that it’s an ARC and I have to wait until the official release on January 20, 2026, but the other part knows this will be my most anticipated release of the year. Based on the first book, this entire series is going to be amazing.

✨Tropes:
🧛 Vampires
🔥 Slow burn
🏛️ Roman-inspired world
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
🏹 Forced proximity

Arvelle, our strong FMC, will do anything for her twin brothers. When their lives are at risk, she’s forced down a path that makes her relive the worst moment of her life.

There are gladiator-style fights/trials with magic, vampires, mythical creatures, and Roman mythology.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is an amazing read filled with an adventurous plot. The vampire twist with a bit of history is perfect. I loved it.
I love the tension between the two brothers and secretly hope she falls for R.

Oh Stacia here we go again! Once again she knocked it out of the ball park. This book was easily a 5 star read. I love the characters, the plot, the cliffhanger. It sucked me in and before I knew it I turned the last page. The FMC is relatable and real. The plot reads easy and well paced. I can’t wait for book 2!!!

⚔️
⚜️ Book Title - We Who Will Die
⚜️ Author - Stacia Stark
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Adult Fiction, Romance and Fantasy

I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.

When I saw this described as gladiators meets The Vampire Diaries, I was instantly intrigued - and it absolutely delivered on that premise. This was a highly enjoyable read with a gripping blend of action, mythology, and supernatural drama.

The plot was compelling and complemented the rich world-building beautifully. I loved the incorporation of gods, powers, and otherworldly beings. It added layers of intrigue and tension that kept me hooked. I’m really curious to see how these elements continue to unfold in future book/s.

There were a lot of characters introduced, and I’ll admit I struggled a bit to keep track of who was who at times. That’s more of a me problem than anything else, but during a reread I’ll definitely need to see a character guide. Especially to understand the gods.

I have so many theories and need answers ASAP in the next book. And, of course, I’m dying to know… is there an endgame romance? If so, who is it with? Because right now, I’m getting major Damon and Stefan vibes, and I need to know who I should emotionally commit to!

I would recommend this book to others. I will be waiting anxiously for the sequel and definitely will look for other books written by this author.

I want to say thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Note (How I rate): One is DNF. Two is got there but struggled. Three stars is a good, enjoyable read. Four is an excellent read and five is a comfort read that lingers with me for life.

Mark my words, this book will absolutely pop off once it is released!!

5 star read with a plot that has you screaming to know what happens next and feral for the two MMCs. Could I put it down? Absolutely not.

World building? Yes, I loved every second I was lost in this world ruled over by a merciless vampire emperor.

Plot? The plot is perfectly paced and filled with a murder mystery, hidden identities, gladiatoresque trials, vampires, mythical creatures, vengeful gods playing games, childhood friends to enemies to lovers, slow burn romance, a stabby FMC, morally grey smoking hot villainous older brother, and unique magic abilities!

Real life trauma? The way Stacia deals with the heavy topics of grief and addiction through the FMC is so genuine and real.

Plot twists, political intrigue and a cliffhanger had me squealing!! I am so team Rorrick! I can’t wait for him to train Velle in her magical abilities. The tension is going to sizzle.

If you're into vampires, deadly trials, slow-burn tension, and high-stakes games that feel like The Hunger Games, Trial of the Sun Queen, or The Serpent and the Wings of Night—buckle up, because this one’s for you.

Arvelle isn’t new to survival, but when her brothers' lives hang in the balance, she’s thrown into a world even deadlier than the last. Between ruthless vampire politics, dangerous mages, and hidden forces, the past won’t stay buried—and neither will her power.

Stacia Stark delivers a gripping, blood-soaked fantasy with heart, slow heat, and enough twists to keep you hooked. So get comfy, grab a snack, and clear your schedule—you’ll want to read this in one sitting.

Shoutout to Stacia, NetGalley, and Avon and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this amazing ARC.

We Who Will Die
4/5 ⭐️
We who Will Die was a smashing good read! I’ll be honest, it took me about 20% to really get into it but I think that has more to do with the mood I was in because the set up for this book is wonderful!

Arvelle is just trying to get by, day by day, and take care of her two younger brothers. But when a stranger shows up knowing far too much and holding her brothers sickness over her as leverage she has no choice but to enter the arena and do whatever it takes to survive…

I really enjoyed this book, once I got into it I was able to finish it in a day. The main FMC is compelling and her motivations clear, the side characters are a lot of fun and also very lovable, and the love interest(s?) are mysterious enough to keep you wondering what will happen.

The set up for an eventual love triangle was fun, though I did expect it. I also saw the identity of the primus coming from a mile away, so it wasn’t so shocking but still enjoyable.

Stacia Stark can do no wrong in my opinion, I Stan Stacia Stark! that being said I would have loved for it to be a bit shorter, and there were times when the pacing slowed down a lot but overall I really enjoyed this book!