Blood of Hercules is a fantasy steeped in Greek mythology that follows many morally gray characters, including a character named Alexis, as she proves her worth to those on Olympus.

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I want to start by stating that I didn’t particularly enjoy this book. I always try to begin my reviews with an objective statement, so let me provide some context. Being objective in that opening paragraph was quite challenging for me. This novel suffered from a lack of characterization and world-building, contained numerous plot holes that didn’t make sense, and followed a young girl who lacked any backbone.

Critique of World-Building

I was very excited when I got my hands on this book, but I was utterly disappointed as I began reading it. I read a lot, so when I say there’s a lack of world-building, it usually doesn’t bother me. However, in this case, I really struggled to ground myself in the world. I couldn’t figure out whether this was a truly unique setting created by the author or if it was meant to be our world in the future, with an alternate history where Greek gods exist.

Ultimately, I concluded that it was probably the latter. Even then, I couldn’t immerse myself in this world. Initially, the characters genuinely care about children and believe that every child deserves a home, regardless of their circumstances. They don’t want them living on the streets. But then a monster attacks Alexis and her brother, and the police decide to blow up their trailer, leaving Alexis and her adoptive brother with no resolution. This is one plot hole that I couldn’t overlook. Given what the author established early on, this sequence of events felt unbelievable within the novel’s scope. We then meet Alexis as an adult.

Characterization Analysis

I found it very hard to like Alexis. She lacks a backbone outside of her thoughts. While her internal dialogue is fierce, she doesn’t express herself or defend herself at all, which I found disappointing. I want a female character who can be strong and outspoken, not someone who lets others walk all over her. Although I understand that her situation is sensitive, when others use their preconceived notions to undermine her, that could have been a moment for her to shine, even with her stutter. We don’t see much of her stutter, and I believe that little detail would have added depth to her characterization and shown her strength in overcoming that fear.

Furthermore, when she’s taken to the Crucible and is constantly worrying about her brother Charlie, who is still living in a cardboard box, I’m confused as to why she never mentions him. Their bond is so tight, yet she doesn’t bring him up until the very end. This inconsistency adds another plot hole that I couldn’t reconcile.

Character Dynamics

As for the other characters in this novel, there was not a single likable one among them. I found it hard to like anyone; I even wanted to like Nyx, the Echidna, but I couldn’t. She was just an annoying, overly sentimental character when she was initially portrayed as protective of Alexis.

Every other character is absurdly cruel to Alexis, which doesn’t come off as charming. Think about The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, where everyone is cruel to Jude, but Jude has a spine and a famous quote: “If I can’t be better than them, I’ll be worse than them.” Alexis, unfortunately, lacks that strength. The absence of any likable characters made it difficult for me to care about them or become emotionally invested in the story.

I eventually stopped reading at 25% and switched to the audiobook so I could power through the rest of the book. I wanted to finish it so much that I ended up listening at three times the speed. Although I tried to return to reading the physical book, I became so frustrated with the characters, storytelling, and plot that every time I picked it up, I wanted to throw it across the room. I ultimately sold it to a friend for what I paid because I disliked it so much and felt completely disappointed with every aspect.

Additionally, the supposed big reveal at the end—that she has the Blood of Hercules—isn’t much of a surprise, given that the book is titled Blood of Hercules. The title should have been different, as it doesn’t create any intrigue.

Final Thoughts

I had high hopes and expectations for Blood of Hercules, but it ultimately proved to be a complete waste of my time. I am frustrated with the editor and the publisher for not putting enough effort into improving this book because it had great potential. Unfortunately, it failed in a significant way.