Themes

Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas delves into themes of identity, power dynamics, and survival. Identity forms a central theme as Alexis Hert undergoes a journey of self-realization. Alexis evolves from a marginalized orphan to a formidable member of the Spartan elite. This evolution underscores her internal conflict with her Chthonic Spartan heritage as the offspring of Hades and Persephone, and the burden of her divine duties.

Power dynamics appear within Spartan society’s rigid structure, confronting Alexis with the realities of a patriarchal order. She navigates this environment, maneuvering through manipulation and gender norms. Her endurance at the Academy represents her battle against societal limitations and her potential to challenge imposed expectations.

Themes of trauma and resilience emerge as Alexis confronts her past’s scars. The narrative unfolds in a world of violence and deceit, where survival depends on fragile alliances amid constant betrayal.

Setting

In Blood of Hercules, Jasmine Mas sets the Spartan War Academy as a mythological battleground. The academy acts as a crucible for characters like Alexis Hert, turning them into warriors. It is described as a place “where the heroes are villains and classrooms battlegrounds.” The narrative emphasizes life-threatening trials, notably the initiation test called the Crucible. This test acts as a rite of passage, distinguishing the weak from those with potential for greatness. Students face ancient beings and Titans, fostering a competitive and tense atmosphere. This setting challenges Alexis's resilience and ingenuity, forcing her to confront her lineage and strength in an environment where power and survival are deeply connected.

Mythological influence

In Blood of Hercules, Jasmine Mas offers a reinterpretation of Greek mythology with contemporary elements. Alexis Hert, a modern descendant of Hercules, challenges traditional perceptions by portraying Hercules as a flawed yet relatable young figure. Alexis embodies characteristics that contrast the conventional image, such as vulnerability. Mas incorporates Chthonic elements, focusing on the darker aspects of mythology associated with death, and contrasts them with Olympian myths of life and light. This contrasts the struggle between good and evil, and light and dark. Mas combines ancient myths with settings like the Spartan War Academy. Characters such as Achilles and Kharon appear as mentors, adding complexity and tension to Alexis's journey through a world nearing apocalyptic chaos.

Quick facts

• Blood of Hercules is a modern, gender-bent retelling of the Hercules myth featuring a strong female protagonist who happens to be the reincarnation of Hercules.

• Protagonist Alexis Hert discovers her divine parentage as the daughter of Hades and Persephone through a blood test. 

• Author Jasmine Mas has a degree in ancient Greco-Roman studies and was influenced by the Disney movie Hercules and Rick Riordan’s works.

• Blood of Hercules is set in the Spartan War Academy, a training ground for immortals in a world dominated by Titans after a catastrophic collapse in 2050.

• Blood of Hercules became an immediate bestseller, notably ranking at #2 on the Sunday Times list, and was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award.

• Themes in the novel include identity, resilience, and survival against restrictive societal norms prevalent in Spartan society.

• Alexis Hert, portrayed as a humorous and sarcastic 19-year-old math prodigy, uses humor to cope with trauma, reflecting Mas's own experiences.

• Alexis bonds uniquely with a wise-cracking snake named Nyx, reflecting her supernatural ability to communicate with creatures.

• Characters from Greek mythology, such as Achilles and Patroclus, act as ruthless mentors who significantly shape the narrative.

• Blood of Hercules contains elements of dark fantasy, romance, political intrigue, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers relationships.

• The first installment in Mas's Villains of Lore series, Blood of Hercules ends with a cliffhanger.

About the author

Jasmine Mas is a New York Times bestselling author of fantasy romance novels set in dark, magical worlds and driven by strong, complex women. A former lawyer, Mas holds a degree in ancient Greco-Roman classical studies from Georgetown University. She made her publishing debut in 2022 with the Cruel Shifterverse series. Her subsequent Villains of Lore series, launching with Blood of Hercules (2024), incorporates Greek mythology, a subject of fascination since her childhood. Her books have been translated into 20 languages. She lives in Florida with her husband and cat named Boo.