“We Who Will Die” is a fantasy romance (romantasy) novel by author Stacia Stark, set in a Roman-inspired world ruled by ruthless vampires and centered on arena combat, vengeful gods, and forbidden love. It is the first book in her “Empire of Blood” series and has been highlighted by publishers and book boxes as a major new release, including special and tour editions.

Book overview

• The story follows Arvelle, a young woman from the dangerous Thorn district who is forced into a magically binding vow to assassinate the ancient vampire emperor in order to save her sick younger brother.

• To get close enough to the emperor, she must survive the Sundering, a brutal arena trial where only the strongest and most ruthless fighters are chosen for the emperor’s elite guard.

Setting and themes

• The world blends Roman imperial aesthetics with a vampire-led regime, featuring gladiator-style games, political conspiracies, and divine interference from vengeful gods.

• Major themes include survival, sacrifice for family, slow-burn and potentially love-triangle romance, and the tension between mortal agency and immortal power.

Stacia Stark and the series

• Stacia Stark is a bestselling fantasy romance author whose earlier “Kingdom of Lies” titles have been translated into more than 15 languages and nominated for Goodreads awards.

• “We Who Will Die” launches the “Empire of Blood” trilogy with traditional publication through major imprints and foreign editions, signaling an expanded reach for her work.