4.6 (1,540 ratings)

A Drop of Blood (The Lost Kings Book 1)

Name: A Drop of Blood (The Lost Kings Book 1)
Rating: 4.6 (1540 reviews)
Author: Charlene Hartnady
ISBN: B0C5HMPJTJ

by Charlene Hartnady

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About this book

Twelve years of perpetual darkness have turned the human realm into a breeding ground for the sadistic Queen Snow. Under her tyrannical rule, humans are treated as little more than cattle for the bloodfae—vampires with a lethal edge and a hunger for subjugation. Amidst this nightmare, Thesha fights to keep the flame of rebellion alive, leading raids against the fae to save her people from a fate worse than death.

When she rescues Xander, a rugged farmer who fights with the precision of a seasoned warrior, she realizes he is the key to turning the tide. But Xander is not just a soldier; he is a man of mystery with secrets that threaten to shatter everything Thesha believes about the war. As they fight side-by-side, the tension thickens, evolving into a slow-burn romance that neither can afford, yet neither can resist.

This gripping paranormal romance offers a dark, gritty reimagining of the Snow White fairy tale. With a fierce, kick-ass heroine and the undeniable chemistry of a second-chance royal romance, the story masterfully blends high-stakes action with forbidden desire. If you are looking for a pulse-pounding, atmospheric read where the stakes are life and death, prepare to be haunted by the Lost Kings.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B0C5HMPJTJ

Reader Reviews

A Snow White retelling?!

October 5, 2025

This is an interesting twist on the Snow White fairy tale. It uses fae, humans, and Snow White has become an evil queen that curses the human lands with darkness, famine, plagues, and enslavement by the fae. Our main female character, Thesha, is a rebel who fights the fae trying to free the enslaved humans before they are taken to the Snow Queen’s realm. Xander, the main male character, is a farmer and has been captured by the fae. Thesha & her band of rebels free Xander in a raid. The rest of...

Finally, a kick-ass heroine!

January 10, 2024

I don't know how I ended up on the dark romance side of Kindle (maybe it was that time I read half of Haunting Adeline before deciding it wasn't for me), but in my slow crawl back toward books where the heroine actually has some self respect, I ran across some doozies. I hate romance books with virgins or century old fae being fated to 19 year old fae women (imagine getting married at 19, as a virgin, and living for centuries with only one man. Yikes! Live a little first! Anyway, I think I...

Storytelling is back!

February 19, 2024

I think that this is such a good beginning. Xander is more than what he seems and yet still just an enticing mystery. Our heroine Thesha it's every bit The warrior queen that Xander coins her. The chemistry is undeniable and their love is truly intimate. I can't wait to see the next book!!! My anticipation is high! ) 4 people found this helpful

This is what I was looking for

February 14, 2025

I almost didn't read this book. It didn't sound different from any of the other fantasy/romance books that I've read, but I was so wrong. This book is well-written, the world is layered and detailed, and the characters are believable. I really enjoyed the plot, most especially that there IS a plot. There are six scenes, but they don't detract from the story and they don't take over the book. The ending isn't a cliffhanger, but it does lead into the next book. I'm so glad that I found this...

Great story

July 4, 2025

Not many fae stories interest me, but this one was very well done. I just wish there was more sex throughout the book ) One person found this helpful