We Who Will Die: An Epic Romantasy of Forbidden Love, Deadly Secrets, and Vampires in a High-Stakes Arena, Discover a Vividly Reimagined Ancient Rome (Empire of Blood, 1)

Instant New York Times Bestseller!
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…

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Published Dec 30, 2025

432 pages

Average rating: 7.66

178 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Book-friend
Jan 31, 2026
10/10 stars
I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the next in the series! I always love a book with a strong female main character! She is strong and flawed and relatable!
gypsy68
Feb 23, 2026
10/10 stars
Great book!!! The characters had amazing chemistry. It was a very intriguing read that kept you wanting more.
jayapapaya
Feb 11, 2026
8/10 stars
What a great book to start 2026! Definitely got me out of a reading slump and was well done. Can't wait for the next book. 8.5/10
AJBell
Feb 10, 2026
7/10 stars
Entertaining, and elaborate. Humans & Vampires. Secrets and mystery! Loved it.
Irene’s Quill
Jan 19, 2026
7/10 stars
It gives mockingjay vibes with the hierarchy of towns people with a twist of vampires & hidden genetics …

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