On the HahaFiction shelf
Blood of Hercules
by Jasmine Mas
Villains of Lore · Book 1 · 2024
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.
From the publisher’s blurb
“the sarcastically funny, dark fantasy romance reimagining of Hercules”Read the full description at Canary Street Press
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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.
A few distinguishing details
- A talking snake with reservations about swearing off murder
- The River Styx as part of a training circuit
More funny mythic fantasy
Sources & further reading
- Harlequin ebook page
Publisher
- HarperVoyager paperback page
Publisher
- Hudson Warm's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette review (print clipping)
Review
- Opening chapter preview
Reading sample
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