Rent: Acheron (Dark-Hunter, Book 12)

I wanted to love Sherilyn Kenyon. I did. I kept reading her Dark Hunter novels hoping for more, but gave up after 4 of them because Ms. Kenyon's writing style just didn't do it for me. Her heroines annoyed me and her heroes left me flat. I'm not saying I could do any better or that she's a bad writer; in fact, I think she's quite a good writer from a purely technical aspect, but her novels always seemed to be missing something for me. That spark, that sense of falling into a story and never wanting it to end...it just wasn't there.

However, "Acheron" landed on my reading pile by accident and I thought I'd give it a shot. Wow. From the first page, Book One grabbed me and held me in. THIS is the Sherrilyn Kenyon I'd been looking for! The characters were amazing, intense, and so alive. The pain Ash suffered was difficult to read (note to survivors of abuse : read with caution and kleenex) but it made sense in the context of the story. Even Artemis, the shallowest of all, came to life for me in this book. It was amazing, it breathed with a life of its own.

So why couldn't I give this book 4 or 5 stars? Book Two.

The minute Book Two began I felt my interest waning. Heroine Tory was slightly more interesting than some of the other nitwits I've endured in the Dark Hunter series, but she quickly seemed to fade into a wisecracking cardboard cutout, and I couldn't have cared less about her fate by the end of the book.

Finally, let's be frank: what happened to Ash? I felt as though the man (god, whatever...) I'd come to adore in Book One had vanished, replaced by another character altogether, and one that wasn't particularly attractive to boot. I don't mind him feeling insecure, having doubts about his worth (hello, god or not, his life was hell for a long, long time), or even dressing like a Goth and playing XBox; just don't throw away all the things that made Ash into the amazing center of Book One and give me a watered-down whiny punk in Book Two. Don't even get me started on the lack of fire in the love scenes between Ash and Tory. C'mon, being with a god has GOT to be more exciting than this book made it out to be.

My final vote was three stars because I think Ms. Kenyon showed her true talent in Book One. I only wish Book Two hadn't felt like a tacked-on novella thrown together from her other Dark Hunter stories. If you're a die-hard fan I'm sure you'll love this book. If not, this might be the straw that breaks the camel's back for you. It was for me. Bye-bye, Dark Hunters.

This is my first review ever, but for this book, I had to. I love Ash, and his story, by far, is the best Dark-Hunter novel. This book had everything anyone could want from a story! Sherrilyn Kenyon is an amazing author, and this book proves that! His past is a little tough, and I will admitt I may have teared up, but when you make it through, you have more respect for Ash than ever before, and a Great understanding of the dark-hunter world. Wonderful job Mrs. Kenyon, you have a die hard fan in me for the rest of your carrer!!

Having never written a review, but being an avid reader I had to write on this one. I've read all the DH series and waited anxiously for this book. Usually, when one anticipates something so much it is disappointing, but I have to say this book was so much more. His suffering was so unbearable and yet it explains so much about him. Someone said in an earlier review that he somehow lost his "alpha-ness" in part 2, but to me that really says that they don't see Ash for who he really is: his humanity inside his godhood.

This book broke my heart in so many ways, but I loved that Ash finally found what he's been looking for the whole of his existence. SK you rock. This was perfect.

Can any book live up to the huge expectations anticipated by such a global audience? The anticipation of this book, the marketing, etc, pushed the expectations so outrageously high that not everyone is going to be satisfied. How will readers react when she ENDS the series? We will all be sad, but life goes on and there will be other fabulous books to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book (though very dark in the beg)and must admit that my expectations were also high. After reading the author notes in the beginning I was somewhat prepared for a very dark beginning. It could have ended a little earlier for me and then gone into the rest of the book, but it didn't. It's not my book, it's hers.
The dark beginning certainly justifies Ash's treatment of Artemis. And as far as I'm concerned, she HAD to be involved in the story as she was in order for us to see how bad she really is. I object to the reviewer who said it should have been the "Artemis show" or something like that. She is eternally linked to Ash.
The rest of the book just smoked for me! Back to the great DH environment as well as pulling out all of the emotional stops for Ash. We now understand what he is, what he can't be, and why he is the way he is.
I am giving this 5 stars because it is well written and a very good, emotional story that pulls the reader in as it is supposed to. I'm not rating it on WHAT I WANTED IT TO BE.
Those of you who object, go write your own books, and make them the way you want to. This is the author's book, and she has without a doubt, made it her own.

Received this book Wednesday, finished it Thursday and have to keep re-reading parts of it. I absolutely loved this book!

First, let me say that as many have noted, the first part is dark and rather horrifying with the stuff that Ash went through as a human. But so many things were explained and links from other books brought together that it is a necessary read to show how he came to be the way he is and how Atlantis was destroyed.

The second part was a little short, but still a wonderful read. Thank goodness he finally found someone willing to rescue him! Tory was the one I suspected from a previous book, so it was good to see I was right. And it was great to see Nick again - both bitter and yet still willing to do his mother proud.

For those of you decrying how your "alpha male" has disappeared in the second half of the book, I suggest you go back and re-read other books in the DH series - especially "Night Embrace" and see how the confrontation between Ash and Styxx hints at the fact that Ash is still horrified by what happened to him as a young man and that his past weakens him. See him again with Styxx in "Second Chances" and how his memories hurt. Check out "A Dark Hunter Christmas" and learn how he visits pediatric wards every few months. Throughout the books it has been mentioned he loves kids - having him referee and play xbox is not that far of a stretch! If you were paying attention you wouldn't have expected him to show strength throughout his story - this was a chance to explain his weakness and shame and how he has finally found the one person who can look beyond what happened to him and help him become whole again.

I'm so looking forward to the next arc in the series, and cannot imagine how Jaden's eventual story can be as upsetting as Ash's, but there are already hints in the few times we've seen him that it isn't going to be pretty. Stryker's next - and who else but Sherrilyn Kenyon could write a romance for the character who has been the bad guy for so long. Can't wait!

I was hotly anticipating this book and it was such a let down. I agree with everyone else that the first part goes on too long and the second part seems forced and rushed.

I don't mind abuse in books, but this was just ridiculous. I don't see how Appollymi is so powerful that she can preserve Tori's virignity for Ash so he has something "pure" but she lets her son get serial rapped and abused for decades. This Ash was totally different than the Ash I loved in the earlier books. Refereeing for god's sake and building a house for humanity. Come' on. Just a little too cutesy for me. Ash is a bad a** in the rest of the books and this doesn't jive.

After Harry Potter last summer I really needed a THICK read this summer and Ms. Kenyon delivers! Acheron is throughly told - sexual abuse and child abuse is NEVER pretty nor nice and the first 450 pages were so necessary to describe the character of Acheron as we know him to be. Brilliant, Bold and simply the best read of the year!

I agree with some of the other reviewers in that the first 487 pages was way too overdeveloped. It could have been pared down and more pages lent to the 2nd half of the book. I really did not wish to read all the graphic details of his sad upbringing.

In addition, the 2nd half I agree with another reviewer in that he was having self-esteem issues that I don't recall him having that bad in the other books. I don't rank this book in my favorite DH novels but I know that everyone has different opinions. I did love Ash's love interest. Her dialogue cracked me up and how she treated Ash was very humorous. It was great to see that the DH's stood beside Ash when he needed them instead of leaving him high and dry.

Ash does show a lot of compassion in dealing with his brother Styxx after how he was treated. If I read the book again, I would only read the 2nd half.

I Loved this book! I was thrilled when I recieved it and have been waiting all summer with anticipation. It was a detail history of how Acheron came to be.... The book holds such tragedy and pain for our hero that made me cry, and kept me rooting for his happily ever ending. It's worth the ride. This book is awesome not only in length but in story as well.

Like some other people I could not finish the first part. It is very difficult to read about all of the physical and mental abuse that Ash went through for thousands of years.

Part 2 on the other hand was very enjoyable. Tory is one heck of a heroine. I enjoyed her strength of character, and how she stood up to Artemis. No suprise as to what happens to Satara. I cheered (in a manner of speaking).

I am not going into detail because you need to read the book and decide for yourself.

Overall:

Part 1 is a hard read. Have Kleenex handy. Ash's strength of character is unreal. It will give you insight into why he is the way he is.

Part 2 enjoy.

Yes I recommend this book.

I have read several of the reviews before I wrote mine. I too was excited about this book being released; I bought the book on Tuesday night and stayed up until 3 am before putting it down. While reading the first half I kept thinking, can there really be this many pages of hell that Ash went through? Finely, part two. I liked Tory and felt she made a wonderful match to Ash. I also felt that the same energy was not put into the second half as the first. I actually missed the first half, feeling that the writing was better in that section. I agree with the other reviewers that the story was rushed in the second half. Ash seemed somewhat flat, not his normal intensity that I've come to love in past books. I guess its okay. I would have given the book 3 1/2 stars if possible. I'm looking forward to the next book.

After Harry Potter last summer I really needed a THICK read this summer and Ms. Kenyon delivers! Acheron is throughly told - sexual abuse and child abuse is NEVER pretty nor nice and the first 450 pages were so necessary to describe the character of Acheron as we know him to be. Brilliant, Bold and simply the best read of the year!

I agree with some of the other reviewers in that the first 487 pages was way too overdeveloped. It could have been pared down and more pages lent to the 2nd half of the book. I really did not wish to read all the graphic details of his sad upbringing.

In addition, the 2nd half I agree with another reviewer in that he was having self-esteem issues that I don't recall him having that bad in the other books. I don't rank this book in my favorite DH novels but I know that everyone has different opinions. I did love Ash's love interest. Her dialogue cracked me up and how she treated Ash was very humorous. It was great to see that the DH's stood beside Ash when he needed them instead of leaving him high and dry.

Ash does show a lot of compassion in dealing with his brother Styxx after how he was treated. If I read the book again, I would only read the 2nd half.

I Loved this book! I was thrilled when I recieved it and have been waiting all summer with anticipation. It was a detail history of how Acheron came to be.... The book holds such tragedy and pain for our hero that made me cry, and kept me rooting for his happily ever ending. It's worth the ride. This book is awesome not only in length but in story as well.

Like some other people I could not finish the first part. It is very difficult to read about all of the physical and mental abuse that Ash went through for thousands of years.

Part 2 on the other hand was very enjoyable. Tory is one heck of a heroine. I enjoyed her strength of character, and how she stood up to Artemis. No suprise as to what happens to Satara. I cheered (in a manner of speaking).

I am not going into detail because you need to read the book and decide for yourself.

Overall:

Part 1 is a hard read. Have Kleenex handy. Ash's strength of character is unreal. It will give you insight into why he is the way he is.

Part 2 enjoy.

Yes I recommend this book.

I have read several of the reviews before I wrote mine. I too was excited about this book being released; I bought the book on Tuesday night and stayed up until 3 am before putting it down. While reading the first half I kept thinking, can there really be this many pages of hell that Ash went through? Finely, part two. I liked Tory and felt she made a wonderful match to Ash. I also felt that the same energy was not put into the second half as the first. I actually missed the first half, feeling that the writing was better in that section. I agree with the other reviewers that the story was rushed in the second half. Ash seemed somewhat flat, not his normal intensity that I've come to love in past books. I guess its okay. I would have given the book 3 1/2 stars if possible. I'm looking forward to the next book.

Unlike most of the other reviews, I LOVED the beginning of the book. It gave me incredible insight into the character of Acheron. I really loved her style of writing and though most of it was filled with scenes of abuse, I think it was important make the reader FEEL his suffering. The second part of the book I found to be a bit disappointing. I felt as if it was a bit rushed. I would have liked to see Tory and Ash's relationship blossom a bit more. I feel as if Artemis and even Ryssa's relationship got more page time. I would also have liked Tory's character to have been a bit stronger and more special. I don't know, I guess I had BIG expectations for the woman that would steal Ash's heart. I also felt that the writing style in the second part was too similar to an advertisement. Mentioning Heroes and Dexter wasn't a plus for me. It just seemed to add to the cheesiness. I did like the ending. I am really glad that Nick played a part in it as well.

This had to be the best Dark Hunter Novel Ms. Kenyon has written. The detail and depth of the characters kept me on the edge of my seat. I had pre-ordered the book and when it arrived I started reading and finished it a few hours later, unable to put it down.

The brilliant descriptions made you feel like you were actually sitting and watching it all happen. The emotional aspects kept you on edge as you hoped for some happiness for the character so that the culmination just blew me away.

I love all of Sherrilyn's books and have been waiting for this one and i wasn't disappointed. ash as alway been a powerful character and very dark. With his past reveled we see why. I wanted to jump into the pages destroy them all for what was done to him (funny isn't it?). Sherrilyn really pulled you into the story. thanks

I understand that the beginning of the book had to happen. Fine. It explained a lot. Now to the present day half of the book. The Acheron I know and love is a bad a_ _, not an insecure, whiney whimp. He is the most powerful Atlantean God yet he continued to doubt himself and hope he could keep Tory safe from Artemis. It would have been really nice if Kat would have been included more in the story too. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because it's Ash and because Talon was in the story too and who doesn't love him. During Ash and Tory's first intimate moment I kept waiting for something really big to happen like a blackout or lighting storm when Ash got to that "moment". Something to add to the hugeness of the fact that he had finally found love with a woman who found pride in being with him. All the other Dark Hunter stories had really great love scenes. Why were the love scenes so boring and undetailed in Acheron? They should have been the best out of all of them. I just kept feeling like something was missing. And, I found the many, many typos incredibly annoying too. It was a disppointment and my first and hopefully only in the Dark Hunter series.

After years of reading this series and getting glimpses of the horror that Acheron went through to become who he was, and after years spent wishing for Ash's chance at happiness, the wait is finally over. And Acheron (Dark-Hunter, Book 12) is something Sherri Kenyon should be supremely proud to have written.

May contain spoilers (no startling revelations revealed, but major plot points discussed...)

The first book, at almost 500 pages, chronicles Ash's past. The first part is via his sister Rhyssa's journal and then from his own perspective. I don't think any Dark Hunter novel can quite prepare readers for the horror that was Ash's past in Atlantis and Didymos. Conceived by the union of Archon and Apollymi, Acheron was born as the Harbinger, the prophesied destroyer of the Atlantean pantheon and the world. Desperate to save her son, Apollymi had him placed in the womb of a pregnant queen.

Born a prince, Ash was prophesied to walk the earth alone, his sorrows unparalleled. He was cursed by his own aunt to be desired by every human on earth, with no powers with which to protect himself from their lust. Sold into slavery, his body was bought and sold countlessly. Ash's sister Rhyssa was his only champion, desperately trying with any ounce of power she had (and she had very few, as a woman) to save him from the cruelty of others. But even Rhyssa could not spare Ash the cruelty of his own father, who cast him aside, believing Ash to be the illegitimate result of a union between his wife and some unknown deity. Ash's silver eyes gave him away as god borne, and only intensified the horror wrought on him.

When Rhyssa leaves to become Apollo's lover and Ash is left at the mercy of his father, he meets Artemis, who he believes is his one escape from the tortures of humanity. For the first time, Ash feels genuinely wanted by someone. Naively, Ash gives his heart to Artemis, swearing never to reveal their secret relationship to anyone. But when Ash is brutally beaten in the name of Artemis, she hides in the shadows, always watching and never coming to his aid until after the fact. Ash begins to hate the woman he once considered a friend, when she uses his body and denies their relationship before the world. And when Apollo finally kills Ash while Artemis watches and Artemis revives him out of fear of Apollymi, Ash becomes forever and irrevocably tied to her through a blood bond. One that everyone believes is unbreakable...

The second part of the book takes place in present day, and Ash hears that a certain archaeologist has claimed to have discovered Atlantis. When he attends the lecture and the artifacts are genuine, Ash sets out to discredit Soteria (Tory) at great length. But Tory seeks Ash's help to translate a journal she discovered at the site, which Ash recognizes as Rhyssa's. Drawn to Tory because of her seeming immunity to his aunt's curse, Ash agrees to help her. And when Tory is hunted in order to ensure Atlantis' secrets stay buried at the bottom of the Aegian, Ash agrees to become her protector. As their intimacy grows, Ash realizes that after over 11,000 years of not trusting anyone, he risks giving his heart to a single human woman.

At over 700 pages, "Acheron" is an intricate and complex story, and at times, I truly felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest just reading it. There are a number of people who have reviewed and commented claiming to have either skimmed over the first book or skipped the entire thing completely--I suppose to "get to the goods" as it were, and find out who the heroine is. At the risk of sounding critical: I think it does the author and this beautifully written character a great disservice to ignore it. I know a lot of people don't want to read about the intimacy between Ash and Artemis, but there is no attempt on SK's part to soften Artemis' image via Ash's past. If anything, reading the first book has made me ultimately despise Artemis even more than I already have. It portrays the scope of her betrayal...and just what Ash was willing to endure for the mere illusion of her love and ultimately the sacrifices he makes to stay true to his word. If anything it makes Ash even more of a hero than the other Dark Hunter books have divulged, and I didn't think that was possible. SK never gave any illusion that Ash's past was anything less than truly horrifying, and to be honest, I'm glad she didn't cop out and gentle it. I've heard the first book described as, "Almost 400 pages of torture." And, yes, it was. Does that make it any less worth reading? No. If anything, the first book only made the second all the more satisfying.

At the end of the first book, I had cried multiple times and was feeling just plain exhausted. Sherrilyn Kenyon did not hold back. She ripped my heart out and stomped on it and at the end of book one, I felt almost forelorn and lost and helpless--just like Ash. And book two was just the revival I needed. The romance between Tory and Ash was passionate and sweet, but at the same time there was a unique understanding between both characters. It was a bond forged through narration and description that was some of the best Sherrilyn Kenyon has ever written. The scope of emotions in both books were intense and raw and painful and happy. It is so rare for me to truly become so involved in a book that I am then tangled in the written emotions and see everything so vividly, I feel like I'm there witnessing it all unravel. I was delighted and elated and sad at times, but the full effect was the same: Sherrilyn Kenyon wrote a DAMN good book.

Unlike most of the other reviews, I LOVED the beginning of the book. It gave me incredible insight into the character of Acheron. I really loved her style of writing and though most of it was filled with scenes of abuse, I think it was important make the reader FEEL his suffering. The second part of the book I found to be a bit disappointing. I felt as if it was a bit rushed. I would have liked to see Tory and Ash's relationship blossom a bit more. I feel as if Artemis and even Ryssa's relationship got more page time. I would also have liked Tory's character to have been a bit stronger and more special. I don't know, I guess I had BIG expectations for the woman that would steal Ash's heart. I also felt that the writing style in the second part was too similar to an advertisement. Mentioning Heroes and Dexter wasn't a plus for me. It just seemed to add to the cheesiness. I did like the ending. I am really glad that Nick played a part in it as well.

This had to be the best Dark Hunter Novel Ms. Kenyon has written. The detail and depth of the characters kept me on the edge of my seat. I had pre-ordered the book and when it arrived I started reading and finished it a few hours later, unable to put it down.

The brilliant descriptions made you feel like you were actually sitting and watching it all happen. The emotional aspects kept you on edge as you hoped for some happiness for the character so that the culmination just blew me away.

I love all of Sherrilyn's books and have been waiting for this one and i wasn't disappointed. ash as alway been a powerful character and very dark. With his past reveled we see why. I wanted to jump into the pages destroy them all for what was done to him (funny isn't it?). Sherrilyn really pulled you into the story. thanks

I understand that the beginning of the book had to happen. Fine. It explained a lot. Now to the present day half of the book. The Acheron I know and love is a bad a_ _, not an insecure, whiney whimp. He is the most powerful Atlantean God yet he continued to doubt himself and hope he could keep Tory safe from Artemis. It would have been really nice if Kat would have been included more in the story too. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because it's Ash and because Talon was in the story too and who doesn't love him. During Ash and Tory's first intimate moment I kept waiting for something really big to happen like a blackout or lighting storm when Ash got to that "moment". Something to add to the hugeness of the fact that he had finally found love with a woman who found pride in being with him. All the other Dark Hunter stories had really great love scenes. Why were the love scenes so boring and undetailed in Acheron? They should have been the best out of all of them. I just kept feeling like something was missing. And, I found the many, many typos incredibly annoying too. It was a disppointment and my first and hopefully only in the Dark Hunter series.

After years of reading this series and getting glimpses of the horror that Acheron went through to become who he was, and after years spent wishing for Ash's chance at happiness, the wait is finally over. And Acheron (Dark-Hunter, Book 12) is something Sherri Kenyon should be supremely proud to have written.

May contain spoilers (no startling revelations revealed, but major plot points discussed...)

The first book, at almost 500 pages, chronicles Ash's past. The first part is via his sister Rhyssa's journal and then from his own perspective. I don't think any Dark Hunter novel can quite prepare readers for the horror that was Ash's past in Atlantis and Didymos. Conceived by the union of Archon and Apollymi, Acheron was born as the Harbinger, the prophesied destroyer of the Atlantean pantheon and the world. Desperate to save her son, Apollymi had him placed in the womb of a pregnant queen.

Born a prince, Ash was prophesied to walk the earth alone, his sorrows unparalleled. He was cursed by his own aunt to be desired by every human on earth, with no powers with which to protect himself from their lust. Sold into slavery, his body was bought and sold countlessly. Ash's sister Rhyssa was his only champion, desperately trying with any ounce of power she had (and she had very few, as a woman) to save him from the cruelty of others. But even Rhyssa could not spare Ash the cruelty of his own father, who cast him aside, believing Ash to be the illegitimate result of a union between his wife and some unknown deity. Ash's silver eyes gave him away as god borne, and only intensified the horror wrought on him.

When Rhyssa leaves to become Apollo's lover and Ash is left at the mercy of his father, he meets Artemis, who he believes is his one escape from the tortures of humanity. For the first time, Ash feels genuinely wanted by someone. Naively, Ash gives his heart to Artemis, swearing never to reveal their secret relationship to anyone. But when Ash is brutally beaten in the name of Artemis, she hides in the shadows, always watching and never coming to his aid until after the fact. Ash begins to hate the woman he once considered a friend, when she uses his body and denies their relationship before the world. And when Apollo finally kills Ash while Artemis watches and Artemis revives him out of fear of Apollymi, Ash becomes forever and irrevocably tied to her through a blood bond. One that everyone believes is unbreakable...

The second part of the book takes place in present day, and Ash hears that a certain archaeologist has claimed to have discovered Atlantis. When he attends the lecture and the artifacts are genuine, Ash sets out to discredit Soteria (Tory) at great length. But Tory seeks Ash's help to translate a journal she discovered at the site, which Ash recognizes as Rhyssa's. Drawn to Tory because of her seeming immunity to his aunt's curse, Ash agrees to help her. And when Tory is hunted in order to ensure Atlantis' secrets stay buried at the bottom of the Aegian, Ash agrees to become her protector. As their intimacy grows, Ash realizes that after over 11,000 years of not trusting anyone, he risks giving his heart to a single human woman.

At over 700 pages, "Acheron" is an intricate and complex story, and at times, I truly felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest just reading it. There are a number of people who have reviewed and commented claiming to have either skimmed over the first book or skipped the entire thing completely--I suppose to "get to the goods" as it were, and find out who the heroine is. At the risk of sounding critical: I think it does the author and this beautifully written character a great disservice to ignore it. I know a lot of people don't want to read about the intimacy between Ash and Artemis, but there is no attempt on SK's part to soften Artemis' image via Ash's past. If anything, reading the first book has made me ultimately despise Artemis even more than I already have. It portrays the scope of her betrayal...and just what Ash was willing to endure for the mere illusion of her love and ultimately the sacrifices he makes to stay true to his word. If anything it makes Ash even more of a hero than the other Dark Hunter books have divulged, and I didn't think that was possible. SK never gave any illusion that Ash's past was anything less than truly horrifying, and to be honest, I'm glad she didn't cop out and gentle it. I've heard the first book described as, "Almost 400 pages of torture." And, yes, it was. Does that make it any less worth reading? No. If anything, the first book only made the second all the more satisfying.

At the end of the first book, I had cried multiple times and was feeling just plain exhausted. Sherrilyn Kenyon did not hold back. She ripped my heart out and stomped on it and at the end of book one, I felt almost forelorn and lost and helpless--just like Ash. And book two was just the revival I needed. The romance between Tory and Ash was passionate and sweet, but at the same time there was a unique understanding between both characters. It was a bond forged through narration and description that was some of the best Sherrilyn Kenyon has ever written. The scope of emotions in both books were intense and raw and painful and happy. It is so rare for me to truly become so involved in a book that I am then tangled in the written emotions and see everything so vividly, I feel like I'm there witnessing it all unravel. I was delighted and elated and sad at times, but the full effect was the same: Sherrilyn Kenyon wrote a DAMN good book.

Let me start with the fact that I've been a fan of Kenyon's since Night Pleasures first hit the shelves. I'm usually the first person in line at the bookstore to get her books. But I found after Seize the Night, that the story lines were convoluted and predictable. Her fans have been told that this book would come out for the last 4 years, and it was a long wait between crappy books *cough *Dream Hunters* cough*.

I bought Acheron yesterday morning right as the store opened, and devoured the whole 700 page book by last night. I was quite surprised. The first half of the book is the prequel to the Dark Hunters. It was amazing how many pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place after not being explained in her 15+ backlist. Click. I loved the first half. It gave a grim view of his life for the first 21 years.

The second part was extremely rushed though. Its almost like Kenyon had the first half done years in advance and just got around to the second. The story was rushed, short, and tied up with a neat little bow. Brief glimpses at Nick and Jaden (who sounds like a *new* mysterious version of Ash....only less interesting) are shown to introduce the readers to her future books, which Kenyon sets up again.

I've wondered what characters would be getting their stories after Acheron, because in the first few books its shown to be a small world. I guess that small world had a breeding season or something, because it seems like everytime one character gets a HEA, 5 others have to be introduced.

I do believe this will be my last Kenyon book. For me, it was a great ending to the series, and I got to see the HEA of everyone that mattered except Nick. Frankly though, at this rate I doubt Nick's story would be published for another 4 years.

So thank you Sherrilyn Kenyon for 6 years of books that I will re-read for years to come. But I think it's time for me to say goodbye to your future characters, as they don't hold a candle to the originals.

One thing that was never explained in the book is the Sprite seen. Why did it have such an effect on Acheron? I did love where Ash's last name is finally explained tho...that part was interesting!

This book was amazing!! It is over 700 pages and I finished in 6 hours! I just could NOT put it down. I love that we get background information on Ash. This really lets readers in on why Ash lives and acts the way he does. The second half is a present day and it too is so good!! I was so shocked with how it ended! This might be the best book in the story so far!

Great read from beginning to end, I'm so mad that I read it TOO fast, and plan on re-reading it. I CAN'T WAIT til next book.

If you came to this book for answers, Ms. Kenyon delivered 100%. After that? Meh.

Yes, you get all the gory details in the begining and you come out the other side of the first half with a wide eyed realism of human brutality in the 1st degree. Embracing what you now know from it though, makes you feel that you would gladly give up your heart and soul just to make this man whole.

But she falls short in the execution, 'she touched his hair, he hated when people touched his hair', 'she grabbed his hair, he hated when people touched his hair', 'she brushed her hand through his hair, he hated when people touched his hair'.
We get it.

There are several different actions by others that caused him emotional & physical pain that were repeated over and over again which could have been presented each in their own horrible way to show us his pain, but instead we're given his reactions *exactly* the same way every time. It's a shame that she thinks her readers are so very dull witted that they wouldn't notice her repetition.

Admittedly there were dozens of pages I skimmed through only to find myself going back to read 'just in case', so as to not miss any important information. Which I'm glad I did. For every drudge through the monotonous parts there would be one shiny nugget of information I was glad I found.

As for the second part? *sigh* The Atlantean God Apostolos, God over death, destruction & suffering, the God who would bring forth Telikos: the end of the world, was reduced to a shade of who he should have been. And his romance? Nothing more spectacular then any of the other Dark Hunters, maybe less so for all the expectations.

And I understand the need to change the cannon of the universe she created in previous books to tell this story...but in the same story? About a crucial aspect of who he was? Unforgivable.

Toward the end of the first part she reveals why his attraction from others is so strong without his god powers to counter act them, but in the second part at a pivotal moment accepts his HEA for wanting him sexually just for him because he was tired of being grabbed & groped in public when this was suppose to be countered with his powers MILLENIA ago!

Ack! I give up. I tried very hard to love this book, but in the thoughts of Apollymi, "If she rolled her eyes any further back, she'd go blind from it".

To be honest, I really wasn't looking forward to Ash's story. All the DH books before his made it crystal clear that he is tied to Artemis forever, and I was tired of looking out for plot holes and being subject to cheap plot manipulations as yet another author broke the laws of the world she created.

I was disheartened when I saw the first half was Ash's early years. The abuse was horrible but I wanted to see how Kenyon was going to write herself out of the corner, so to speak. What loophole would she find? What plot hole would she create? What plot manipulations were hidden within the first 400+ pages? I cried through much of it, but I couldn't put it down.

Imagine my delight when I discovered the truth!

All in all, beautifully written, well done, and true to the DH world. I am so glad that I did not skip "Acheron" as his story (thus far) needed to be told.

Great read from beginning to end, I'm so mad that I read it TOO fast, and plan on re-reading it. I CAN'T WAIT til next book.

If you came to this book for answers, Ms. Kenyon delivered 100%. After that? Meh.

Yes, you get all the gory details in the begining and you come out the other side of the first half with a wide eyed realism of human brutality in the 1st degree. Embracing what you now know from it though, makes you feel that you would gladly give up your heart and soul just to make this man whole.

But she falls short in the execution, 'she touched his hair, he hated when people touched his hair', 'she grabbed his hair, he hated when people touched his hair', 'she brushed her hand through his hair, he hated when people touched his hair'.
We get it.

There are several different actions by others that caused him emotional & physical pain that were repeated over and over again which could have been presented each in their own horrible way to show us his pain, but instead we're given his reactions *exactly* the same way every time. It's a shame that she thinks her readers are so very dull witted that they wouldn't notice her repetition.

Admittedly there were dozens of pages I skimmed through only to find myself going back to read 'just in case', so as to not miss any important information. Which I'm glad I did. For every drudge through the monotonous parts there would be one shiny nugget of information I was glad I found.

As for the second part? *sigh* The Atlantean God Apostolos, God over death, destruction & suffering, the God who would bring forth Telikos: the end of the world, was reduced to a shade of who he should have been. And his romance? Nothing more spectacular then any of the other Dark Hunters, maybe less so for all the expectations.

And I understand the need to change the cannon of the universe she created in previous books to tell this story...but in the same story? About a crucial aspect of who he was? Unforgivable.

Toward the end of the first part she reveals why his attraction from others is so strong without his god powers to counter act them, but in the second part at a pivotal moment accepts his HEA for wanting him sexually just for him because he was tired of being grabbed & groped in public when this was suppose to be countered with his powers MILLENIA ago!

Ack! I give up. I tried very hard to love this book, but in the thoughts of Apollymi, "If she rolled her eyes any further back, she'd go blind from it".

To be honest, I really wasn't looking forward to Ash's story. All the DH books before his made it crystal clear that he is tied to Artemis forever, and I was tired of looking out for plot holes and being subject to cheap plot manipulations as yet another author broke the laws of the world she created.

I was disheartened when I saw the first half was Ash's early years. The abuse was horrible but I wanted to see how Kenyon was going to write herself out of the corner, so to speak. What loophole would she find? What plot hole would she create? What plot manipulations were hidden within the first 400+ pages? I cried through much of it, but I couldn't put it down.

Imagine my delight when I discovered the truth!

All in all, beautifully written, well done, and true to the DH world. I am so glad that I did not skip "Acheron" as his story (thus far) needed to be told.

Let me start with the fact that I've been a fan of Kenyon's since Night Pleasures first hit the shelves. I'm usually the first person in line at the bookstore to get her books. But I found after Seize the Night, that the story lines were convoluted and predictable. Her fans have been told that this book would come out for the last 4 years, and it was a long wait between crappy books *cough *Dream Hunters* cough*.

I bought Acheron yesterday morning right as the store opened, and devoured the whole 700 page book by last night. I was quite surprised. The first half of the book is the prequel to the Dark Hunters. It was amazing how many pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place after not being explained in her 15+ backlist. Click. I loved the first half. It gave a grim view of his life for the first 21 years.

The second part was extremely rushed though. Its almost like Kenyon had the first half done years in advance and just got around to the second. The story was rushed, short, and tied up with a neat little bow. Brief glimpses at Nick and Jaden (who sounds like a *new* mysterious version of Ash....only less interesting) are shown to introduce the readers to her future books, which Kenyon sets up again.

I've wondered what characters would be getting their stories after Acheron, because in the first few books its shown to be a small world. I guess that small world had a breeding season or something, because it seems like everytime one character gets a HEA, 5 others have to be introduced.

I do believe this will be my last Kenyon book. For me, it was a great ending to the series, and I got to see the HEA of everyone that mattered except Nick. Frankly though, at this rate I doubt Nick's story would be published for another 4 years.

So thank you Sherrilyn Kenyon for 6 years of books that I will re-read for years to come. But I think it's time for me to say goodbye to your future characters, as they don't hold a candle to the originals.

One thing that was never explained in the book is the Sprite seen. Why did it have such an effect on Acheron? I did love where Ash's last name is finally explained tho...that part was interesting!

This book was amazing!! It is over 700 pages and I finished in 6 hours! I just could NOT put it down. I love that we get background information on Ash. This really lets readers in on why Ash lives and acts the way he does. The second half is a present day and it too is so good!! I was so shocked with how it ended! This might be the best book in the story so far!

I don't know about the rest of you but for those who followed the Dark Hunter series, you pretty much got drawn into the character known as Ash (Acheron). Not only was he drop dead stunningly gorgeous, but he was powerful, strong, wounded, the ultimate fate, etc. etc. What girl could not get caught up in him?

The book finally gives what a lot of us wanted for Ash, a strong HEA, one that can balance him out, and help overcome all of the tragedy in his life. Not only Did she have to overcome his past but also his present, and be prepared to do so in the future. We all know Artie isn't going to let it go that easily.

Even though the first part of the book was necessary for us to understand how horrifying his past once, I think it went on a little too much so my only complaint is that it left little time for Ash's and his HEA and made the ending a little rushed.

All and all, if you are a fan of the Dark Hunter series and of Ash, you will enjoy this book. Some of it is tough to get through because you never really knew how horrible his past once and the new signs of Ash that you will see will either have your giggling (ladder and walking anyone?) you butts off or loving him even more.

I would have given this 5 stars if there was more story to him and his HEA.

OMG OMG OMG, I loved this book. Granted the first half (more than half if you want to be technical) was very hard to read. Not because of the Sherri or her writing style (which rocked as usual), but it was so depressing. I knew Ash had a bad life but to have it spelled out like out...WOW. By the time I got to the second part of his book, all I wanted to do was just hug the man...er, God. And the second half...yay!!!! But as was said by some of the lucky few who got to read it early, to fully appreciate the love story, you had to read the things written in the beginning. Aside from the fact that Ash had a horrible human life and I wish the second part was longer, I'm giving this 5 stars. I feel it definitely deserves the best of reviews and highly recommend this book to everyone who loves SK, or have never read her...though its not the book I'd tell you start with. It took me a little less than 8 hrs to read from start to finish and it was worth every second!

I love the Dark Hunter Series that goes without saying and I can usually stand anything that has to do with this series good and bad, but give me a break do I need all the gory details of pain and abuse. More than half the book is filled with these vivid descriptions. While I think Ash's background is necessary, it could have been done in just as graphic a manner but using less space,while devoting more to the present and his love story. I think Kenyon used the book to purge her own demons and for her it probably achieved its purpose. I just wish she thought more of her readers and Ash to tell his story with a little less vengeance. Having said that and having given the book 3 (wish I could have given the first part 3 and the second 4 1/2)no one who loves this series should miss reading this book even if it means skimming the first 450 pages.

Wow - After waiting years for Ash's story, I really thought Ash's book would just blow all her other Dark Hunter Books out of the water. It was just... OK ... Not bad, not great, just OK! I really didn't enjoy the 400+ pages of the "back drop" story. Yes, we need to know what he went through, but come on 400+ pages of abuse and torture, NO THANKS.

Ash and Tory's story was good, however the end seemed rushed. I wasn't sure if I would like her as his heroine but I really did, she Rocks! I would rather have had more story of Ash & Tory and less of the past. I also, wanted more interaction with the New Orleans Dark Hunters (both current and ex) and at least some dialogue with Katra since she and Tory are friends.

I got this book early and stayed up all night reading it. I've have had a chance to re-read some of it thinking that I had missed something and still I'm a little sad that it didn't light my fire like Devil May Cry did. Ash will continue to be a favorite though.

I'm not so sure this book in hardback is worth the money, with the exception of Nick's presence, it was the only reason why I did't give it less stars....

I'd rate this *4.5 stars* if I could. The only reason I'm not giving the 5 stars is b/c I had a very tough time even reading the 1st half. It was just too graphic and depressing, I skimmed through it and went on to the next part. I went back again after I finished and truly read the 1st half, knowing what to expect, and it was still tough.

I understand that we as readers need to see Ash's past to understand his present, but I would have liked more details about him and Tory, less about the past torture.

The 2nd half was terrific; loved seeing past DH's again and finding out more about Ash's personal life. Definite sense of closure on his story; The poor guy definitely deserved his happy ending.

I don't know about the rest of you but for those who followed the Dark Hunter series, you pretty much got drawn into the character known as Ash (Acheron). Not only was he drop dead stunningly gorgeous, but he was powerful, strong, wounded, the ultimate fate, etc. etc. What girl could not get caught up in him?

The book finally gives what a lot of us wanted for Ash, a strong HEA, one that can balance him out, and help overcome all of the tragedy in his life. Not only Did she have to overcome his past but also his present, and be prepared to do so in the future. We all know Artie isn't going to let it go that easily.

Even though the first part of the book was necessary for us to understand how horrifying his past once, I think it went on a little too much so my only complaint is that it left little time for Ash's and his HEA and made the ending a little rushed.

All and all, if you are a fan of the Dark Hunter series and of Ash, you will enjoy this book. Some of it is tough to get through because you never really knew how horrible his past once and the new signs of Ash that you will see will either have your giggling (ladder and walking anyone?) you butts off or loving him even more.

I would have given this 5 stars if there was more story to him and his HEA.

OMG OMG OMG, I loved this book. Granted the first half (more than half if you want to be technical) was very hard to read. Not because of the Sherri or her writing style (which rocked as usual), but it was so depressing. I knew Ash had a bad life but to have it spelled out like out...WOW. By the time I got to the second part of his book, all I wanted to do was just hug the man...er, God. And the second half...yay!!!! But as was said by some of the lucky few who got to read it early, to fully appreciate the love story, you had to read the things written in the beginning. Aside from the fact that Ash had a horrible human life and I wish the second part was longer, I'm giving this 5 stars. I feel it definitely deserves the best of reviews and highly recommend this book to everyone who loves SK, or have never read her...though its not the book I'd tell you start with. It took me a little less than 8 hrs to read from start to finish and it was worth every second!

I love the Dark Hunter Series that goes without saying and I can usually stand anything that has to do with this series good and bad, but give me a break do I need all the gory details of pain and abuse. More than half the book is filled with these vivid descriptions. While I think Ash's background is necessary, it could have been done in just as graphic a manner but using less space,while devoting more to the present and his love story. I think Kenyon used the book to purge her own demons and for her it probably achieved its purpose. I just wish she thought more of her readers and Ash to tell his story with a little less vengeance. Having said that and having given the book 3 (wish I could have given the first part 3 and the second 4 1/2)no one who loves this series should miss reading this book even if it means skimming the first 450 pages.

Wow - After waiting years for Ash's story, I really thought Ash's book would just blow all her other Dark Hunter Books out of the water. It was just... OK ... Not bad, not great, just OK! I really didn't enjoy the 400+ pages of the "back drop" story. Yes, we need to know what he went through, but come on 400+ pages of abuse and torture, NO THANKS.

Ash and Tory's story was good, however the end seemed rushed. I wasn't sure if I would like her as his heroine but I really did, she Rocks! I would rather have had more story of Ash & Tory and less of the past. I also, wanted more interaction with the New Orleans Dark Hunters (both current and ex) and at least some dialogue with Katra since she and Tory are friends.

I got this book early and stayed up all night reading it. I've have had a chance to re-read some of it thinking that I had missed something and still I'm a little sad that it didn't light my fire like Devil May Cry did. Ash will continue to be a favorite though.

I'm not so sure this book in hardback is worth the money, with the exception of Nick's presence, it was the only reason why I did't give it less stars....

I'd rate this *4.5 stars* if I could. The only reason I'm not giving the 5 stars is b/c I had a very tough time even reading the 1st half. It was just too graphic and depressing, I skimmed through it and went on to the next part. I went back again after I finished and truly read the 1st half, knowing what to expect, and it was still tough.

I understand that we as readers need to see Ash's past to understand his present, but I would have liked more details about him and Tory, less about the past torture.

The 2nd half was terrific; loved seeing past DH's again and finding out more about Ash's personal life. Definite sense of closure on his story; The poor guy definitely deserved his happy ending.