Empire of Blood · #1

We Who Will Die

Stacia Stark

5.0 / 10
1 rating

From the bestselling author of the Kingdom of Lies series comes a slow-burn romantasy set in a Roman-inspired world ruled by merciless vampires. Filled with breathtaking combat, vengeful gods, and magical creatures, We Who Will Die is the epic first installment in an enthralling new series perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Jasmine Mas, and Rebecca Yarros.

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, an ancient vampire created by the god Umbros. 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.

She quickly draws the ire of the Primus, the powerful figure charged with protecting the emperor. But the vampire under the armor is the last person Arvelle expects to encounter in the emperor’s court.

With her brothers’ lives in the balance, Arvelle has no choice but to ally with the man who once shattered her heart… and with the emperor’s sadistic son, Rorrik—two vampires whose motives are impossible to pin down. Rorrik holds the key to understanding the powers Arvelle is developing—abilities that would put a price on her head if discovered by the emperor.

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…

Published
December 30, 2025
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Author

Stacia Stark

Stacia Stark is a writer whose vivid worlds and richly layered characters transport readers into realms where danger, magic, and complex emotions collide. Known for her ability to blend elements of fantasy and romance with thrilling suspense, Stacia’s stories captivate those who crave a mix of heart-pounding action and deep, soul-stirring relationships. Born in New Zealand, Stacia spent many years living across the globe, drawing inspiration from the cultures and experiences she encountered along the way. This diverse background infuses her writing with a unique perspective, grounding her fantastical worlds in the complexity of real emotions…