Acheron: The Dark-Hunter World: Book 15: A Dark-Hunter Novel, Volume 11 [Paperback]

**** I have written this review in the expectation that readers will not have begun the series with this book. While the novel can stand alone those flashes of Ash you encounter throughout the series culminate to and enhance this tale. On the off-chance that you are starting here: Acheron heads the Dark-Hunters, warriors who have sold their souls to Artemis for one final act of revenge, he has been protecting and guiding them in previous books and has always been an extremely cagey character. ****

Heartbreaking from the very beginning, Acheron's tale does not disappoint. The first 470-or-so pages focus on what made Acheron who he is. It was devastating in parts and heart-wrenching in others. Kenyon had fused all of the Dark-Hunter catalysts from previous novels and magnified them to shattering effect here. Acheron's past holds elements of Valerius, Zarek, Kyrian and so many others; those torturous moments that made them succumb to Artemis and her Dark Hunter lures. We are bluntly shown why Acheron stands for these men - he has endured as they endured.

Much of Ash's past is viewed through the eyes of his sister, Ryssa, who has written detailed diary entries about her brother and her futile efforts at easing the cruelty he suffers. Later Acheron's voice joins that of Ryssa and the descriptions become more difficult to bear. This part of the book depicts the first 21 years of Ash's human life and how he suffered for being born different, for having swirling eyes. Kenyon's attention to detail throughout this first section is admirable.

Initially I found myself tempted to skip the grit here, having read other reviews that told me what to expect. I will admit to a tendency to skip over details once I get the gist of what's happening. Unable to do this I was entranced and engrossed by descriptions of horror and surrvival. Had I given into temptation and skipped to the second half of the book I would have glossed over some excellent characterisation; explanations of what made the man.

The second half of the book brings us into the present and is much more in keeping with its predecessors. Ash has always been the mysterious lurker, the elusive driving force of the Dark Hunters, but he has continuously been elevated above his warriors. Kenyon writes the final 400 pages as she wrote the very best of the DH series, Ash becomes real - as Val, Vane and Talon were real. We finally learn how he became entwined with Artemis and why Apollymi is banished - why the world will end if she is ever released.

Tory, the heroine, is Ash's perfect match down to her love of history and her need for speed. She has committed herself to finding Atlantis and clearing her family name, Ash has committed himself to stopping her. In her first meeting with our hero she is humiliated by him but the discovery of one of Ryssa's diaries indelibly links her to him as he becomes her protector. I found her to be likeable, feisty and funny. As a fan of the series I had worried that there would be no faultless complement to the enigmatic Acheron but my fears were slain

Again, as a fan, I was apprehensive as to whether Kenyon would be able pull this off. Some of her more recent DH offerings have been disappointing to say the least (and I try not to think about the extremely superficial Dream-Hunter spin-offs) but Acheron has confirmed, to me at least, that the Dark Goddess is back on form. If you have stuck with the series, through good and bad, you will not be disappointed by what, let's face it, we have all been waiting for since the moment we first encountered Acheron. This is truly a must read.

Quote Author's note to the reader:
"I want to warn you that the first half of this book is very different from the previous ones. Ash's human life is grim and it's harsh. I promised you the whole sordid truth of it, and that's exactly what I've written. I've pulled no punches.

Part One:

And with that I considered myself warned for an emotional rocky road ahead of me. Is Part One of Acheron grim? Yes. Does it speak of gruesome acts? Most definitely! Is it sometimes difficult to read? You bet. Despite, or perhaps because of it, Part One packed a punch with a sledge hammer and without a shadow of a doubt Ash stirred my emotions unlike anything I've read lately. Seeing him grow up through the eyes of Ryssa I cried for him, I ached for him to be hold in love, and I got angry for him. Everything that happens makes me say this is not a story for the faint of heart but for those who are well acquainted with the Dark-Hunter stories knew that his back story wasn't going to be pretty.

From the events leading up to his birth, to the moment he barters with Artemis outlining the Dark-Hunter's rules and every event in between I was mesmerized by what was put in front of me. How resilient can de soul be, before it becomes jaded and hollow? I loved to see Ash through Ryssa eyes but when we go to the point of view of Ash himself at a certain moment in the story I was swallowed whole by his personality. Ryssa is an intense character but Ash made my emotions soar in empathy for him. I would say every character is intense, Apollymi, Styxx, their human father the King, Estes, Artemis, everyone got a rise out of me, whether this was good or bad. Every dark trade known to human nature is portrayed in Acheron's past which makes the acts of kindness and love shine like a phoenix flame in contrast.

Sherrilyn Kenyon puts it all out there for us to read in the first part of Acheron's epic journey and I for one am thankful for this story. In every dark and light facet of it, Ash his story cannot be read and not stir your every emotion. It speaks of his origin in both attitude and quirks to his character and I feel I've got to know him in all the ways that is important. After Part One I was more than ready for Part Two and his HEA! And wondering what kind of woman would be able to bring down the walls surrounding his heart.

Acheron is probably bound to captivate you in the most unlikely of ways as his story unfolds.

Part Two:

Part One was steeped with so much life altering events it was a shock to get back to the present and pick up on everything Sherrilyn Kenyon is renowned for. Her calling card of barbed comments intertwined with acerbic humor and fast paced dialogues was present from page one and it starts off with a verbal bang as Ash meets his heroine. I got that giddy feeling riding my stomach again, something I hadn't felt in quite a while regarding this series.

The feelings between Tory and Ash are one that carefully blossoms. It is a slow dance that is both tender as it is sensual. Though the physical heat is present it is the heart that carefully cast tendrils of trust towards one another that endeared me. I was enamored to witness this as I eagerly indulged myself to succumb to the compulsion to read on and way beyond the midnight hour. Tory is in search for Atlantis but most of all to restore her father's reputation. She is serious, but with a spunky attitude and I enjoyed her chemistry with Ash. Now that we got to know where Ash is coming from more things make sense. He is intrigued by Tory but at the same time doubts ride his conscience. They have a magnetic pull and at the same time they can irk each other. Conflicts, choices and the heart that needs to make decisions as the past catches up is what Part Two is all about.

Of course some of the most beloved Dark-Hunters make an appearance and I immediately went head over heels for each and every one as the witty banter was there again. I got a wave of old Dark-Hunter vibe that I couldn't get enough of. A moment between Tory and her friends in Tabitha's shop was hilarious. But then again, Tabitha and her unique view on matters always managed to bring a grin to my face.

As I closed Acheron's book I felt that the weakest thing in Part Two was the plot, it fell to the background as the story focused on the journey of Ash and Tory which could have been even more deepened if there would have been more pages. I didn't get the sense of closure with the plotlines that were set up in previous novels. It is rather pushed forward, making me wonder what lies ahead and if certain characters/plotlines will be further more explored. Now I am only looking with more eagerness towards the release of One Silent Night!

Throughout the complete novel we get to witness more of Acheron "the man/God" than Acheron "the Dark-Hunter leader". It was different from what I expected yet it was an utterly satisfying read. This is Acheron's book and he took center stage in a formidable way from cover to cover, sating all my wants for him.

Let a new ARC begin with One Silent Night! I'm more than ready...

quote:
friend of Tory to Ash
"I've never had a man pick me up before and not grunt like he's dying. I'm in heaven. Marry me, Ash, please!"
"I would say yes, but I come with more baggage than even samsonite can cover."

4,5 stars

reviewed by Leontine
Courtesy of Realms On Our Bookshelves

After all of the build up, and such a long wait, I must admit to being worried that this book wouldn't live up to my expectations, but once having started I couldn't put it down.

As has been said in reviews elsewhere, the first part (Acheron's backstory) is quite harrowing in places, but necessary to explain how he's become who he is today. It very nicely pulls together all of the snippets that have been referred to in the DH books in the series to date, fully explaining his human life, how he came into his godhood, the destruction of Atlantis, and his relationship with Artemis (initially, had some empathy for her, but this soon disappeared as the story progressed!).

Once you get into the second part (current day), there's a return to the more light-hearted approach from the previous DH books. The intial meetings with his heroine (won't say who it is for those who don't know yet!) are excellent. It's very amusing to see her dealing with him in such a way so different to everyone else in his life!

My only criticisms would be that he seemed slightly too "normal" when compared to the dark & mysterious Acheron we've known previously, but then, we've only ever seen him for short periods in the other DH stories. Also, the second part could have done with being a little bit longer (it is quite a bit shorter than part 1).

That being said, it was well worth the wait, and when you get your hands on it, you definitely need to aside a good few hours, as once you've picked it up, you won't be able to put it down. I did manage to have a break in between parts 1 & 2, but each part really does warrant being read in it's entirety in one sitting!

The good news is, that whilst Ash has now got his HEA, I definitely don't think that this is the last we're going to see of him :-)

I would imagine he's going to play quite a major part in Stryker's book in a few months time - looking forward to that one!