Book: We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark
Reviewed by plotdrunk
Rating: 5/5
I loved the Roman-inspired world of this book. It made the world feel familiar in a way that made it incredibly easy to sink into, both because the setting is recognizable and because it lends itself naturally to power struggles, spectacle, and brutality that we associate with Rome.
Both the magic system and trials were major highlights for me. I also loved our FMC Arvelle - she is fierce and highly capable but also injured, which I felt gave a refreshing balance between strength and limitation. Watching her navigate the trials with real consequences made her character feel more real and compelling.
The MMC Ti was great (totally called that he was the Primus!), but I was especially intrigued by his brother Rorrik, who became much more complex than he appeared initially. I wouldn't be surprised if he's the real good guy of the series, and I am super invested in where that twisted triangle is headed.
This book reminded me of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, and it definitely feels like the foundation of a much larger world and conflict in this series. While that made parts of this book feel like stage-setting and world-building, I really hope it will pay off as the series continues. I can't wait to see how everything unfolds, and absolutely plan to read the next book.