We Who Will Die

In this fast-paced and complex series-launching romantasy, Stark (Kingdom of Lies) plunges readers into a world where human magic users battle vampires for resources, power, and control. Magic user Arvelle Dacien’s victory in the violent Sands tournament should have set her up for life, but her uncle stole her winnings and now she struggles to care for herself and her brothers, one of whom has a lung condition, in the impoverished district of Fog’s Edge. Then she’s approached by the vampire Bran with an offer to save her brother and ease their financial hardship; all she has to do in exchange is survive the Sundering, a gladiator-style competition, and kill the emperor. Desperate, Arvelle agrees. Entering training, she learns that the Primus, the leader of the emperor’s elite cohort, is her former lover, the vampire Tiernon. Feelings reignite but are complicated by the fierce competition, a botched assassination attempt, and the surprising connection Arvelle makes with the emperor’s vampire son, Rorrik. While the harsh, ancient Rome–flavored worldbuilding fascinates and the slow-simmering vampiric love triangle keeps the pages flying, it can be a bit of a struggle to sort through the whirlwind of characters and mythical elements. Still, readers who like their romantasies action-packed will find plenty to enjoy. (Jan.)