Free Download: We Who Will Die (Empire of Blood #1) by Stacia Stark

"In a city ruled by blood, only the deadliest survive the arena."

In We Who Will Die, Stacia Stark introduces readers to the perilous Thorn district, where survival is a daily battle for Arvelle and her younger brothers. The "atmosphere" of the novel is gritty, dark, and filled with tension. The world is ruled by an ancient vampire emperor, a creature created by a god, whose power is as absolute as it is terrifying. When Arvelle is faced with an unthinkable choice to protect her family, she makes a magically binding vow: she will do the impossible and kill the emperor. But to get close enough to strike, she must first survive the Sundering—a brutal arena designed to test the limits of strength and magic.

The narrative is a masterclass in the "enemies-to-lovers" trope, woven into a high-stakes political conspiracy. To navigate the emperor's court, Arvelle must form an uneasy alliance with the Primus—the powerful protector of the emperor who also happens to be the man who once shattered her heart. Adding to the complexity is the emperor’s sadistic son, Rorrik, who holds the key to the mysterious, forbidden powers Arvelle is beginning to develop. The chemistry is electric, and the moral ambiguity of the characters keeps the reader guessing at every turn. Stacia Stark expertly balances heart-pounding combat scenes with moments of raw emotional vulnerability.

What makes We Who Will Die a standout in the 2026 fantasy landscape is its intricate world-building and the sheer stakes of Arvelle’s mission. It explores themes of sacrifice, the corruption of power, and the lengths one will go to protect their "found family." Fans of Carissa Broadbent and Rebecca Yarros will find much to love in this series starter. The prose is evocative and fast-paced, leading to a climax that promises to change everything Arvelle thought she knew about her destiny. This book is an essential read for anyone who craves a story where the romance is as sharp as a blade and the magic comes with a deadly price.

What Will You Learn From This Book?

We Who Will Die offers a compelling look at survival and hidden power:

• Navigating Toxic Power Structures: Understand the social and political dynamics of a society ruled by immortal elites and how to survive within them.

• The Weight of Sacrifice: Explore the heavy emotional and physical toll of making life-altering vows to protect the ones you love.

• The Complexity of Revenge: Observe how the quest for justice can lead to unexpected alliances and the blurring of moral lines.

• Developing Inner Strength: Learn about Arvelle’s journey as she embraces her latent magical abilities in a world that would execute her for them.

"I didn't enter the arena to win. I entered to burn the whole empire down." — Arvelle

Note: This PDF is provided for educational and review purposes only. We encourage you to buy the original hardcopy to support the author.