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The Lost Kings #1
A Drop of Blood
I should’ve known better than to trust a stranger.
Twelve years ago, our realm was thrust into perpetual darkness. The fae kings abandoned their posts and left us to her . Snow is our self-proclaimed queen and an evil dictator. Once a human herself, she’s turned into something else. Something vile. She hates humans. Perhaps we remind her too much of what she once was. Now all she seeks is to see us in camps to be bred like cattle. Used as food, slaves, and even as sport. Most of the fae are only too happy to oblige her in her mad quest to subdue us. She wants us cowed.
But there are those of us who won’t bow. Who refuse to break. We are few, but we are taking back our kingdom one squalid village at a time.
And then a new force emerges. We rescue him on one of our raids. Xander is a farmer who got himself captured by the fae scum. Destined for one of the slave camps or worse. It quickly becomes apparent that he is strong and can fight like no other farmer I have ever met. He is also a natural leader who would serve our purpose well. If only I could convince him to join the rebellion. To lay down his hoe and pick up a sword instead.
The more time I spend with him, the more the lines become blurred. I can’t afford to fall in love, not when there is so much on the line. Not when one mistake can cost the lives of many. Then I learn something about Xander that chills me to my very core. He isn’t who he says he is. I want to believe him when he says that he hasn’t been deceiving us. I want to more than anything…but I know better than to trust blindly.
The Lost Kings is very loosely based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, only the seven are not dwarfs but fae kings, and Snow White is very much the evil villain. Each book will have a HEA and will be based on a different king. For lovers of paranormal & fantasy romance, this is a series filled with magic, adventure, and delicious tension. Note that there are scenes meant for mature audiences.
Twelve years ago, our realm was thrust into perpetual darkness. The fae kings abandoned their posts and left us to her . Snow is our self-proclaimed queen and an evil dictator. Once a human herself, she’s turned into something else. Something vile. She hates humans. Perhaps we remind her too much of what she once was. Now all she seeks is to see us in camps to be bred like cattle. Used as food, slaves, and even as sport. Most of the fae are only too happy to oblige her in her mad quest to subdue us. She wants us cowed.
But there are those of us who won’t bow. Who refuse to break. We are few, but we are taking back our kingdom one squalid village at a time.
And then a new force emerges. We rescue him on one of our raids. Xander is a farmer who got himself captured by the fae scum. Destined for one of the slave camps or worse. It quickly becomes apparent that he is strong and can fight like no other farmer I have ever met. He is also a natural leader who would serve our purpose well. If only I could convince him to join the rebellion. To lay down his hoe and pick up a sword instead.
The more time I spend with him, the more the lines become blurred. I can’t afford to fall in love, not when there is so much on the line. Not when one mistake can cost the lives of many. Then I learn something about Xander that chills me to my very core. He isn’t who he says he is. I want to believe him when he says that he hasn’t been deceiving us. I want to more than anything…but I know better than to trust blindly.
The Lost Kings is very loosely based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, only the seven are not dwarfs but fae kings, and Snow White is very much the evil villain. Each book will have a HEA and will be based on a different king. For lovers of paranormal & fantasy romance, this is a series filled with magic, adventure, and delicious tension. Note that there are scenes meant for mature audiences.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2023
1167 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
About the author
Charlene Hartnady
113 books1,704 followersCharlene lives on an acre in the country with her husband, three children and an array of pets including a snake.
In her spare time you can usually find her typing away franticly on the computer completely lost in worlds of her making. She is an avid believer that it is the small things that truly matter like the feeling you get when you start reading a new book or a particularly beautiful sunset.
Charlene likes to write bite stories her readers can sink their teeth into. Sign up for her latest release newsletter for more information http://mad.ly/signups/96708/join
In her spare time you can usually find her typing away franticly on the computer completely lost in worlds of her making. She is an avid believer that it is the small things that truly matter like the feeling you get when you start reading a new book or a particularly beautiful sunset.
Charlene likes to write bite stories her readers can sink their teeth into. Sign up for her latest release newsletter for more information http://mad.ly/signups/96708/join
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 22, 2024
This had such potential but it was predictable and weak.
February 17, 2025
A Drop of Blood is the first exciting book in The Lost Kings series. I was a bit apprehensive starting this book as I love all her other work but this is a little different than the others it is more of a Snow White retelling. I should have known that I would enjoy it even though I started cautiously.
There is action and drama, right at the start and it is full of paranormal goodness. They are Kings, but they don't know it. Evil has been cast amongst them with magic, Elves and more. The story would not be complete without a sassy, headstrong female.
Charlene has woven a captivating, tangled web of lies, suspense, drama and love. The characters are to die for, and each have their own voice in this series. I love that we get their POV because it makes them more real.
There are witty moments and humour that will have you laughing out loud.
There is action and drama, right at the start and it is full of paranormal goodness. They are Kings, but they don't know it. Evil has been cast amongst them with magic, Elves and more. The story would not be complete without a sassy, headstrong female.
Charlene has woven a captivating, tangled web of lies, suspense, drama and love. The characters are to die for, and each have their own voice in this series. I love that we get their POV because it makes them more real.
There are witty moments and humour that will have you laughing out loud.
December 31, 2024
Wow! Charlene Hartnady does it again with A Drop of Blood! This book sucked me in (pun intended) from the very beginning and didn’t let go. It’s the perfect blend of steamy romance, thrilling tension, and fascinating world-building.
The vampire king is everything you want in a brooding alpha—dark, intense, and oh-so-irresistible. And the heroine? She’s no pushover! Her strength and determination had me rooting for her the entire time. The sparks between these two? Let’s just say, you’ll need a fan nearby because things get HOT. 🔥
The vampire court politics added a nice layer of intrigue to the story, and the action scenes kept the pace moving. I loved how Hartnady builds a world that feels fresh yet familiar, giving us just enough details to keep us hooked while leaving room for the imagination.
If you love paranormal romance with sizzling chemistry, an alpha male to die for, and a strong heroine who keeps him on his toes, A Drop of Blood is definitely for you. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series!
The vampire king is everything you want in a brooding alpha—dark, intense, and oh-so-irresistible. And the heroine? She’s no pushover! Her strength and determination had me rooting for her the entire time. The sparks between these two? Let’s just say, you’ll need a fan nearby because things get HOT. 🔥
The vampire court politics added a nice layer of intrigue to the story, and the action scenes kept the pace moving. I loved how Hartnady builds a world that feels fresh yet familiar, giving us just enough details to keep us hooked while leaving room for the imagination.
If you love paranormal romance with sizzling chemistry, an alpha male to die for, and a strong heroine who keeps him on his toes, A Drop of Blood is definitely for you. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series!
July 23, 2023
Wonderful first book in this simply terrific series, you’ll love every moment
This was the first book in the series and I guarantee that you will love the characters and the scenario which is so well written it is simply impossible to put the book down until you reach the end of it.
The world has been thrown into total chaos and the self-proclaimed Queen Snow is confining people camps where they ae being served up as food as and when they are required to serve the appetites of the blood fae which are simply vampires with pointed ears.
This has been happening until a small group begin to stand up and fight back and they find a human that is a farmer that has been being held as a prisoner but he has bowed to no ono one and he is like the knights of old, they simply have to convince him to stand with them so that they can battle against Snow and her minions.
Xander it seems has secrets of his own and now that they know these they are surprised and they are still determined to stand up against Snow this is a simply wonderful read, I am sure that you will look forward to the next book as anxiously as myself.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
This was the first book in the series and I guarantee that you will love the characters and the scenario which is so well written it is simply impossible to put the book down until you reach the end of it.
The world has been thrown into total chaos and the self-proclaimed Queen Snow is confining people camps where they ae being served up as food as and when they are required to serve the appetites of the blood fae which are simply vampires with pointed ears.
This has been happening until a small group begin to stand up and fight back and they find a human that is a farmer that has been being held as a prisoner but he has bowed to no ono one and he is like the knights of old, they simply have to convince him to stand with them so that they can battle against Snow and her minions.
Xander it seems has secrets of his own and now that they know these they are surprised and they are still determined to stand up against Snow this is a simply wonderful read, I am sure that you will look forward to the next book as anxiously as myself.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
July 21, 2023
A Drop of Blood🩸
A new and exciting series by this author that sets up a paranormal world, where Snow is the evil villain😳
Thesha along with some other humans have been training to attack fae wherever and whenever they can. When they attack a fae group and are ambushed, an unlikely ally who’s been taken prisoner steps in to help them fight.
Xander is a farmer and has been taken prisoner by the fae. He wants to return to his home as he has people who rely on him. Unfortunately, a creature attacks Xander and Thesha takes him to their camp to help him after accidentally almost killing him😳 Unfortunately, not everything is as it seems and Xander holds a secret which could destroy the attraction between him and Thesha permanently😢
A great story and a wonderful start to the Lost Kings series❣️That ending has me chomping at the bit to find out more and has me eagerly awaiting the next book. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
A new and exciting series by this author that sets up a paranormal world, where Snow is the evil villain😳
Thesha along with some other humans have been training to attack fae wherever and whenever they can. When they attack a fae group and are ambushed, an unlikely ally who’s been taken prisoner steps in to help them fight.
Xander is a farmer and has been taken prisoner by the fae. He wants to return to his home as he has people who rely on him. Unfortunately, a creature attacks Xander and Thesha takes him to their camp to help him after accidentally almost killing him😳 Unfortunately, not everything is as it seems and Xander holds a secret which could destroy the attraction between him and Thesha permanently😢
A great story and a wonderful start to the Lost Kings series❣️That ending has me chomping at the bit to find out more and has me eagerly awaiting the next book. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
July 29, 2023
This book is absolutely fabulous! The world the author creates is so interesting and mysterious. Throughout the whole book you know there is more to the story and you cant wait to find out what it is. In this world, the humans are fair game for the evil Fae. They are hunted, killed, and forced into slavery. Thesha is a very tough young woman who is fighting back with her group. The men dont really think its a womans place to fight, but Thesha does what she wants. During a battle they meet a farmer who was abducted by the fae. The farmer, Xander, is much kinder than the other men Thesha is used to being around. This book has lots of danger, twists and turns, good guys who are really bad and vice versa and lots of steamy scenes! I cant wait for the next book in the series!!!
July 24, 2023
Such a fantastic start to a new exciting series! I read this book in one sitting and it kept me totally captivated! A world that has become divided by humans and Fae by Queen Snow. Thesha is fighting for the humans when she falls for Xander who is a simple farmer who was captured. These two go through a lot and have quite a few surprises. This was such an intriguing and interesting read that held my attention from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down! Absolutely loved it and can’t wait for more of what seems like is going to be a very exciting series! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book
August 2, 2023
I love this new series by Charlene Hartnady! It was sooooooo good! This story can be viewed as a retelling of the story of Snow White but for me it was more of a overlay to the story that Charlene told! I absolutely loved these characters! Their world is in a state of constant war. Xander and Thelsa are both warriors but in very different ways. Thelsa and Xander both have been shaped by their pasts but it is their presents that could prove to be a problem for the chemistry that brews between them!
I absolutely love the story line! The steam is just the right amount! I a, waiting with baited breath for the next story!
I absolutely love the story line! The steam is just the right amount! I a, waiting with baited breath for the next story!
July 26, 2024
A Drop Of Blood #1 07/24/2024
Xander is just a farmer and has been captured by the fae to fight in the pits of work in the mines. But if he gets the chance to escape he will soon it happens some racer come to take on the fae and take what they can. That’s when he sees her Thesha she is a warrior fighting the fae. Her horse get hurt in the fight and none of her rebel brother will help to save her horse but Xander stays to help. Then he is hurt on the way back to the rebels camp. But again he fights to save Thesha when the fae attacks and captures him and Thesha. So enjoy this good read and see what happens!!
Xander is just a farmer and has been captured by the fae to fight in the pits of work in the mines. But if he gets the chance to escape he will soon it happens some racer come to take on the fae and take what they can. That’s when he sees her Thesha she is a warrior fighting the fae. Her horse get hurt in the fight and none of her rebel brother will help to save her horse but Xander stays to help. Then he is hurt on the way back to the rebels camp. But again he fights to save Thesha when the fae attacks and captures him and Thesha. So enjoy this good read and see what happens!!
August 14, 2023
Hopefully it gets better
I have enjoyed books from this author in the past, but this book just failed to capture my attention. I always make it a habit to finish any book I start so I pushed through this one. Even with the action throughout this book, it was still a slow read. In the end I started speed reading just to get through it. You only gasp the plot until the end and that still doesn't entice me to read the next book. I gave it3 stars because I know the author is a good writer, just didn't quite hit the target with this one.
I have enjoyed books from this author in the past, but this book just failed to capture my attention. I always make it a habit to finish any book I start so I pushed through this one. Even with the action throughout this book, it was still a slow read. In the end I started speed reading just to get through it. You only gasp the plot until the end and that still doesn't entice me to read the next book. I gave it3 stars because I know the author is a good writer, just didn't quite hit the target with this one.
August 14, 2025
An entertaining start!
What I liked:
*Captivating story
*Great and likeable MCs, fierce and strong FMC.
*Good balance between the story and spicy scenes.
What I believe could have been better::
*World building. Could have benefited from a bit more background and depth.
*Less predictability. There were a few twists but in some instances some of those twists were not that surprising.
Overall, it is a fun first book with plenty of action, some steam and an a really engaging story. I am intrigued enough to give the second book a try. Enjoy!
What I liked:
*Captivating story
*Great and likeable MCs, fierce and strong FMC.
*Good balance between the story and spicy scenes.
What I believe could have been better::
*World building. Could have benefited from a bit more background and depth.
*Less predictability. There were a few twists but in some instances some of those twists were not that surprising.
Overall, it is a fun first book with plenty of action, some steam and an a really engaging story. I am intrigued enough to give the second book a try. Enjoy!
July 25, 2023
Absolutely fantastic start to a new series!
The world building was top tier and the story was great. I loved the fairy tale links and the character development.
Not going to lie, I was surprised the hero and heroine were both human.
The plot twists I didn’t see coming which was great, as I read a lot it’s unusual for me to be surprised.
Overall I loved it and can’t wait for the next instalment.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
The world building was top tier and the story was great. I loved the fairy tale links and the character development.
Not going to lie, I was surprised the hero and heroine were both human.
The plot twists I didn’t see coming which was great, as I read a lot it’s unusual for me to be surprised.
Overall I loved it and can’t wait for the next instalment.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
July 30, 2023
Wow! Get ready for a fantastic story by Charlene Hartnady! It's going to leave you breathless and a little bit overwhelmed! The storytelling in this book is astounding! I'm in love with this book and I can tell that this is going to be a jaw dropping series and I can't wait for the rest of the books in this series! I read an advanced copy of this book but I loved it so much that I had tp purchase a copy too!
April 25, 2024
Fabulous Introduction To The Series
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to continuing it. The main protagonists are immensely likable. I did find the plot rather predictable, except for the story of Snow, which was extremely well done and tied things together nicely.
The world building was also great. I could picture in my mind's eye exactly what was described. I definitely recommend this series so far.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to continuing it. The main protagonists are immensely likable. I did find the plot rather predictable, except for the story of Snow, which was extremely well done and tied things together nicely.
The world building was also great. I could picture in my mind's eye exactly what was described. I definitely recommend this series so far.
November 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐
Three stars = meets expectations. I liked this book and will continue on with the next in The Lost Kings series. Thesha is a smart, brave female character whom falls for the strong and sexy farmer. Twisting the Snow White fairytale into the villainous Snow queen was unexpected, though you will only hear about her. She (Snow) doesn't have any dialog in this book. Maybe the next? We'll see.
Three stars = meets expectations. I liked this book and will continue on with the next in The Lost Kings series. Thesha is a smart, brave female character whom falls for the strong and sexy farmer. Twisting the Snow White fairytale into the villainous Snow queen was unexpected, though you will only hear about her. She (Snow) doesn't have any dialog in this book. Maybe the next? We'll see.
August 4, 2023
Wonderful
I have read all of her books and series and just when I think that she can't come up with another one here it is. Storyline great, characters great, world building great, side characters great . Having to wait until February of 2024 for book 2---- horrible.lol. please write faster.
I have read all of her books and series and just when I think that she can't come up with another one here it is. Storyline great, characters great, world building great, side characters great . Having to wait until February of 2024 for book 2---- horrible.lol. please write faster.
September 4, 2023
great twist in the fae king story
Great book. It was a bit off rhythm in the beginning but then settled out to hold my interest and want more. It is an interesting story line that crosses far with human and a classic fairy tale. Good characters, ones you will love and supprt and those you won’t like very much! Great start to a new series!
Great book. It was a bit off rhythm in the beginning but then settled out to hold my interest and want more. It is an interesting story line that crosses far with human and a classic fairy tale. Good characters, ones you will love and supprt and those you won’t like very much! Great start to a new series!
September 22, 2025
Spell binding!
I did not think that I would enjoy a book about the fae, and I didn't find out it was about them until towards the left after I was already hooked! It's quite good and I am pulling for Xander and Thesha, to find the rest of the Lost Kings so they can restore the kingdoms. It was really interesting that the queen sounds very much like the fairy tale of Snow White.
I did not think that I would enjoy a book about the fae, and I didn't find out it was about them until towards the left after I was already hooked! It's quite good and I am pulling for Xander and Thesha, to find the rest of the Lost Kings so they can restore the kingdoms. It was really interesting that the queen sounds very much like the fairy tale of Snow White.
July 28, 2023
Great read
Loved this story. Nice spin on a snow white retelling. I loved both fmc and mmc. If you love action, a good plot, romance, and fantasy then this book is for you. Highly recommend. I need the next book now please.
Loved this story. Nice spin on a snow white retelling. I loved both fmc and mmc. If you love action, a good plot, romance, and fantasy then this book is for you. Highly recommend. I need the next book now please.
July 29, 2023
Some grammatical spelling errors. Overall story was good..Olivia’s are the newest hated OW…the big reveal happened in last 2 chapters and then done, off to next book..Thesha and Xander’s story feels unfinished but next book is Maya and a dragon…
August 1, 2023
Really good. It is a new series. Different I quite like it. Really interesting and makes me feel the emotions of the characters. If you can do that it is a good book.
I recieved a copy for a honest review
I recieved a copy for a honest review
August 5, 2023
What more could you want
Thesha and Xander is easily one of my favorite reads from Charlene. This series is going to blow you out of the water. They had suspense, romance, and spice. I can’t wait to find out what’s next… just know that you won’t be able to put this book down.
Thesha and Xander is easily one of my favorite reads from Charlene. This series is going to blow you out of the water. They had suspense, romance, and spice. I can’t wait to find out what’s next… just know that you won’t be able to put this book down.
September 27, 2023
Amazing World Building
A Drop of Blood is book 1 of Charlene Hartnady's newest series The Lost Kings. The world building is truly amazing. The storyline is a twist in Snow White but told in a completely new twist. I can't wait to see what is next in the series.
A Drop of Blood is book 1 of Charlene Hartnady's newest series The Lost Kings. The world building is truly amazing. The storyline is a twist in Snow White but told in a completely new twist. I can't wait to see what is next in the series.
February 8, 2024
Just 1 drop of blood
I am aHarrnady fan. And again she doesn't disappoint! The lost Kings is a great building story. Of the Snow queen Xander and Thesha . Strong female character. You never know where the story is leading but great to follow!
I am aHarrnady fan. And again she doesn't disappoint! The lost Kings is a great building story. Of the Snow queen Xander and Thesha . Strong female character. You never know where the story is leading but great to follow!
February 29, 2024
Loved it!!!
Wow love your books, always a twist somewhere you had me thinking something totally different. Amazing twist though and so the story starts to unravel..love it!!
Big fan as always Winzie19 💕🤗💯.
Wow love your books, always a twist somewhere you had me thinking something totally different. Amazing twist though and so the story starts to unravel..love it!!
Big fan as always Winzie19 💕🤗💯.
October 15, 2024
Amazing
I always love and enjoy Charlene Hartnady's books this series is no different can't wait to read the other books. Please don't ever give up writing as they put me into every book as I read.
Amazing author.
Thank you
I always love and enjoy Charlene Hartnady's books this series is no different can't wait to read the other books. Please don't ever give up writing as they put me into every book as I read.
Amazing author.
Thank you
January 14, 2025
Dnf copying other classic stories and weaving it into yours and finding out half way through is infuriating . Why do authors do this. It’s worse then Hollywood and their remakes. Be original or don’t write anything at all
January 18, 2025
Couldn't put it down!
I found the 3rd book first. It was wonderful! I had questions about how things started, so I got books 1 & 2. Book 4 isn't out yet but I can't wait to read it.
Series has action, suspense, drama and romance.
I found the 3rd book first. It was wonderful! I had questions about how things started, so I got books 1 & 2. Book 4 isn't out yet but I can't wait to read it.
Series has action, suspense, drama and romance.
February 10, 2025
A Drop of Blood
I know from this first book this series will be epic. I knew eventually Xander's true origin would come to light. The traitor couldn't have been anyone else but the perv and his cronies
I know from this first book this series will be epic. I knew eventually Xander's true origin would come to light. The traitor couldn't have been anyone else but the perv and his cronies
July 27, 2023
Good read
Ms Hartnady knows how to weave a tale. A different take on the fairy tale. Full of adventure that has only just begun. Also there are dragons!!
Ms Hartnady knows how to weave a tale. A different take on the fairy tale. Full of adventure that has only just begun. Also there are dragons!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews