# Blood of Hercules

By Jasmine Mas · Villains of Lore, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/blood-of-hercules-2f2e7cd4/

Alexis Hert has learned to keep her head down in a world ruled by immortal Spartan families. That gets harder at the Spartan War Academy, where she has to earn a place among them through a set of deadly trials. Achilles and Patro are the gladiators charged with training her.

## What makes it funny?

Alexis finds a friend in a talking snake named Nyx and tries to make her promise she won’t kill anyone. Nyx has very little patience for oaths. She’d like Alexis to stop talking so they can go to sleep.

### The comedy at work

Mas gives figures from Greek myth the language and habits of people who might have to get through a school day. Kharon runs a training circuit that includes a swim through the River Styx. The Underworld is a maximum-security prison.

### Try this if…

The academy and its punishing trials will suit readers who like their romantasy under pressure. If the draw is Greek myth, expect recognizable figures in new jobs and dialogue with contemporary slang.

### Good to know

The book includes foster-parent abuse and violence. HarperVoyager describes the romance as “why choose,” with multiple love interests.

## What to expect

- Genre: Fantasy · Romance
- On the shelf: Mythic fantasy · Romantasy
- Kind of humor: Banter · Dry wit
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Audience: Adult
- Format: Novel
- Published: 2024

## A few distinguishing details

- A talking snake with reservations about swearing off murder
- The River Styx as part of a training circuit

## Sources & further reading

- Publisher: [Harlequin ebook page](https://harlequin.com/products/blood-of-hercules)
- Publisher: [HarperVoyager paperback page](https://www.harperreach.com/products/blood-of-hercules-villains-of-lore-book-1-jasmine-mas-9780008744465)
- Review: [Hudson Warm's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette review (print clipping)](https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/007cabd8-b4a9-4b94-880a-6ffd8035b53c/Minicucci_ReviewClips_PPG_2025.pdf)
- Reading sample: [Opening chapter preview](https://www.everand.com/book/948868112/Blood-of-Hercules)