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The most anticipated story in the blockbuster Dark-Hunter series. The never-before-revealed story of the Dark-Hunter leader, Acheron. He was made human in order to escape death, but in death he was reborn a god. . .
Eleven thousand years ago a god was born. Cursed into the body of a human, Acheron spent a lifetime of shame. However, his human death unleashed an unspeakable horror that almost destroyed the earth. Then, brought back against his will, Acheron became the sole defender of mankind.
Only it was never that simple. For centuries, he has fought for our survival and hidden a past he’ll do anything to keep concealed. Until a lone woman who refuses to be intimidated by him threatens his very existence.
Now his survival, and ours, hinges on hers and old enemies reawaken and unite to kill them both.
War has never been more deadly... or more fun.
"Kenyon is the reigning queen of the vampire novel."—Barbara Vey, Publishers Weekly
“An engaging read.”—Entertainment Weekly on Devil May Cry
“Kenyon’s writing is brisk, ironic, sexy, and relentlessly imaginative. These are not your mother’s vampire novels.”—The Boston Globe on Dark Side of the Moon
In the past two years, New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon has claimed the #1 spot twelve times, and since 2004, she has placed more than 50 novels on the New York Times list. This extraordinary bestseller continues to top every genre she writes. With more than 23 million copies of her books in print in over 30 countries, her current series include: The Dark-Hunters, The League, Lords of Avalon, BAD Agency, Chronicles of Nick and Nevermore. A preeminent voice in paranormal fiction, Kenyon helped pioneer and define the current paranormal trend that has captivated the world. She lives with her husband, three sons, a menagerie of animals and a collection of swords.
June 23, 9527 BC
Acheron sat on the railing of his balcony completely drunk as he watched the elaborately dressed guests arriving for the birthday party in the palace below. His back was pressed against the building while his legs were stretched out before him in a precarious balance. He wasn’t sure how much he’d imbibed at this point.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to kill him. But if he were lucky, he might yet tumble from his perch to the rocks a hundred feet below and die horribly there.
That would definitely fuck up his brother’s birthday celebration. For the first time in weeks, he laughed at the thought of Styxx dropping dead in front of the gathered nobles and dignitaries.
It would serve them right.
“It’s my birthday too,” he shouted, knowing no one could hear him. Even if they could, they wouldn’t care.
Not even Artemis could be bothered to celebrate with him. Why? Because she was afraid someone would see her with him...
Gods forbid.
Acheron turned his head and winced as pain cut through him. He hated the fact that she alone could give him so much anguish. So careful he’d been to shield himself from the callousness of those around him. But Artemis, she cut him on a level no one else could touch.
And like everyone else, she didn’t care how much she hurt him.
Then again, he should be grateful. At least this year he wasn’t celebrating the anniversary of his birth in prison...
Or a stew.
Ever alone. Even when he was in a crowd, surrounded by people, he was alone.
Truthfully, he was tired of it. No one wanted him. The only reason his so-called family cared whether he lived or died was because if he died, their beloved Styxx died too.
“I’ve had enough.”
Even though he was only one and twenty, he was as tired as an old man. He’d lived beyond his years and wanted no more pain. No more loneliness.
It was time to end it.
The voices he heard in his head were louder now. They were calling him home...
Acheron stood up on the railing. The winds from below rushed up, over him, fanning his hair out as he stared down at the black sea. He dropped his goblet and watched as it tumbled down below, vanishing from his sight.
One step.
No pain.
Everything would end.
“It’s time,” he breathed. There was no one here to stop him this time. No Ryssa to pull him back. No father to tie him down and prevent it. No Estes to call for a physcian.
Freedom.
Closing his eyes, he let go and stepped off.
Fear and relief whipped through him. In a moment, he’d have his long sought after peace.
Suddenly, something hard struck his stomach. Acheron gasped at the pain. He opened his eyes out of reflex.
Instead of falling, he was now rising, away from the sea. The sound of the waves crashing against rocks was replaced by the heavy fluttering of giant wings. He turned to see a demon holding him.
“Let me go!” he shouted, trying to free himself.
She didn’t. Not until she’d returned him to the balcony where he’d been.
Acheron staggered back as she perched on the railing and watched him closely. She had long straight black hair that fell over skin that was marbled with white and red. Her eyes glowed in the darkness, white irises, surrounded by vivid red. Like her hair, her wings and horns were black.
“What are you doing?” he asked, his voice filled with venom.
“Akri should be more careful,” she whispered kindly. “Had Xiamara been a moment later, you would have died.”
“I wanted to die.”
She cocked her head in a gesture that reminded him of a bird. “But why, akri?” She looked over her shoulder to where the people were still arriving. “So many come to celebrate your human birth.”
“They don’t come for me.”
Xiamara frowned at him. “But you are the prince. Heir.”
He laughed bitterly. “I’m heir to shit and prince of nothing.”
“Nay. You are Apostolos, son of Apollymi. Revered by all.”
“I am Acheron, son of no one. Revered only within the confines of a bedroom.”
She stepped slowly down before him. Her wings tucked themselves around her body. “You don’t remember your birth. I understand. I was sent here by your mother with her gift for you.”
He was trying to follow her words, but his mind was too numbed by drink. The demon was insane. She must have him confused with someone else. “My mother is dead.”
“The human queen yes. But your real mother, the goddess Apollymi is alive and wishes you all of her love. I am her most faithful servant, Xiamara and I am here to protect you as I’ve protected her.”
Acheron shook his head. He was drunk. Hallucinating. Maybe he’d already died.
“Get away from me.”
The demon didn’t. Before he could escape, she placed a small orb to his heart.
Acheron screamed out as pain tore through him. Never in his life had he felt anything like this and given the tortures they’d put him through, that said much. It was like there was poisonous fire in his veins, ripping through him.
From the center of his chest where the orb rested, his skin changed from tawny to blue...
And as the pain and color unfurled through him, images and voices screamed out, piercing his eardrums. Scents assaulted his nostrils. Even his clothes burned against his skin. He fell to the ground and curled up into a ball as every sense he had was assailed.
“You are the god Apostolos. Harbinger and son of Apollymi the Destroyer. Your will is the will of the universe. You are the final fate of all...”
Acheron kept shaking his head in denial. No. It couldn’t be. “I am nothing. I am nothing.”
The demon lifted his head. “Why are you not happy? You are a god now.”
Fury rode him hard as he grabbed her. He didn’t understand his powers or anything else that was happening to him, but all the years of his life, all the degradations and horrors tore through him. Those he let travel from his mind into hers.
The demon cried out as she slung her head back. “Ni! This was not supposed to happen to you, akri. Not this...”
He grabbed her and forced her gaze to meet his. “It was bad enough when they thought me the human son of a god. Can you imagine what they’ll do to me now? Take these powers away from me.”
“I cannot. They are yours by birthright.”
Acheron fell back, banging his head against the stone floor. “No!” he shouted. “No! I don’t want this. I only want to be left alone.”
Xiamara tried to embrace him.
Acheron pushed her away. “I want nothing from you. You’ve done enough damage to me.”
“Akri – “
”Out of my sight!”
Her eyes glowed with reluctance. “Your will is my own.” The orb she’d held against him appeared as a necklace about his neck. “If you need me, akri, call and I will come.”
Acheron pressed his hand against his skull that ached and throbbed with new voices and sensations. He felt as if he were going mad and perhaps he was.
ACHERON by Sherrilyn Kenyon
© 2008, St. Martin’s Press
I don't want to put any spoilers in here. I totally loved this book, in fact, I plan on reading it again soon. I loved the love hate relationship Ash has with Artie. I cried at times, okay throughout most of the book. If you love Dark-Hunters you'll love this book. I remember the Author Goddess said that she wanted her hardbacks to be as inexpensive as possible and I think that for a 728 page book it's worth the price.
21 out of 22 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Teresa1234
Posted July 5, 2009
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I have read all the Dark Hunter series and kept on wondering when Sherrilyn Kenyon was going to write a book on the character Acheron. He is mentioned in every book and is always a mystery waiting to be solved. This book takes you through his complete past and present. In all the other books it is usually based on the present happenings, and only referred to one characters past. This book, however, takes you through Acheron's childhood, teenager, and adulthood. Bravo!! It is best to read her prior books in the Dark Hunter series to really get the entire understanding of this character. Can't wait for more books to be published!!
12 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.The book starts out with a pregnat god trying to save her childs life. She sends the child to earth to be born into a royal family. The child is born with a twin brother and their lives are tied together. Acheron is born into a awful family that abuses him and sends him off to live with a uncle that turns the child into a whore because the sight of him turns people on. He is beaten and molested over and over again. His older sister finally rescues him and tries to hide him out only to have him taken back to the bad uncle that sells his body,beats and tortures him sexually. Finally the uncle dies and he is turned out into the street by his father. Once on the street and poor the only thing he knows how to do is whore, so he becomes a prostitue to get money to live. This goes on until it is discovered by his father he is whoring for money. People think the crown prince is the whore but it's Acheron so he is thrown into prison and beaten. This pattern is repeated throught the first 300 pages of the book always the same thing over and over again. it's as if the author was stuck in a rutt and couldn't think of anything to write about. She finally introduces something new to the story which comes in the form of the greek gods apollo and his twin artemis. They turn out to be some type of vampires that drink each others (and anyone elses)blood. Artemis takes an intrest in Acheron and uses him sexually. Acheron is beaten, betrayed, and hurt by everyone he comes in contact with. Finally he gets his powers but it's sure how to use them. Then the book starts to skip informatio nand jumps from one thing to another. The story gets really bad and starts to make no sense. I have never read anything as bad as this story, it's no wonder it was in the bargin bin.
11 out of 63 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.FINALLY the story behind the man (god actually) that kept all the Dark-Hunters safe and saw the humanity in each of them. Could not put this book down and was sorry it was over so fast :(
10 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.NJYardy
Posted January 11, 2010
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I was on edge waiting for this book to come out. I actually re-read the entire series of books to prepare myself for Acheron. I picked it up the day it came out and once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I literally stayed up all night reading this book. Ms. Kenyon didn't disappoint at all. The emotional ride was crazy but you had to go on it to understand the character that is Acheron, and I ended up loving his character more because of it. This book, actually the entie series will remain in my own personal library for a long, long, long, long time.
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I enjoyed this book at the beginining and then it got that if I had to read of one more beating to Acheron, because if his sisters stupidy I was going to rip out my hair. It happened for a 1/3 of the book, I almost skipped some chapters but then it got so compelling I had to keep reading, and I was glad I did. I just wish the last third was as gripping as the middle of the book. And to those that think they are reading Literature, move on this is a Romantic Novel series, not Greek literature, so dont be silly.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Splitting the book into parts was brilliant! Acheron's past is heartbreaking and (don't worry, no spoilers!) when I didn't think it could get much worse it did. However, the story had to be told to really understand how amazing Acheron's really is. I laughed, cried, cringed and everything in between! A week later, the story is still on my mind. I've read some reviews that expressed disappointment with Tory as his true love but I think the opposite. Tory is smart, strong and intelligent and most of all gave a certain Heifer Goddess a run for her money!!! :) She really was Ash's perfect match! Excellent story! MUST READ.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.lsr5
Posted May 17, 2010
This is the best book by Sherrilyn Kenyon. It has all the elements of a great book. My heart broke every time Ash was tortured and treated lesser than a bug. His character was so profound that every emotion, every pain inflicted on him was so real. Each chapter revealed more about each character from previous Dark Hunter novels and how they all connected.
Can one go through so much and still come out winning? Can the pains and neglect from centuries long ago ever be forgiven? You'll find out more about the gods and goddesses involved with his destiny, and how all these events led to the man-god Ash turns out to be.
There are moments of laughter as well when Ash shows his compassionate side while playing basketball with the children, and how he can be a kid as well. Ash shows his softer side when he fall in love with Tory, a human who is out to find the existence of Atlantis.
Through my gasps of surprise, of feeling the pains, and all the suspense in this long novel, I wish there were more pages to read!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Vamp-LoverBO
Posted January 1, 2010
I read this book and I cried, a lot, it was that good. Sherrilyn Kenyon is an excellent author for the sad, yet completely romantic novels, adding in the perfect touch of comedy. This tale tells you so much about Acheron and really explains what the other books left out.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Atlanta
Posted February 16, 2009
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For any that have read the Dark-Hunter series, Acheron is a must read! For those that have not read the series, start of with the first book like I did and become addicted. The first book is Fantasy Lover. You can read Acheron first if you wish, but there are lots of spoilers for the plots of the other previous books. Considering that Acheron is part 22 of the series, if you count all of the short stories and excerpts, it might be best to make the books even better and read them in order. You can find the reading order at www.dailyinquisitor.com/hunter/readingorder.htm or just look up Sherrilyn Kenyon. You will never regret getting into this series!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 2, 2008
I've read all of Sherrilyn Kenyon's books, but this is by far her best novel. I couldn't stop reading Acheron. It kept me in suspense from the beginning to the end. It was great reading a book that transports you into a whole new world. I loved the book and hope to read more about Acheron really soon.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 23, 2008
I was so disappointed with this book. I understand the need to explain Ash's past in the first part; but it was too long, too depressing and too much torture detail for me. The second part wasn't much better. There wasn't much humor, Tory's character was weak and the only kicking butt Ash could do was maybe his sisters. The story left me with an empty feeling but it certainly explains alot about why Ash acts the way he does. You can't miss that. I'm still a fan though and hope to see more humor in Kenyon's next book. I sure missed it in this one. Maybe my expectations were too high.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I have read almost all the Dark Hunter books and I have to say that it was no surprise that this book was so good. It has everything I like to read, suspense, romance, history, and men you only wish really existed LOL. And if any of you have found a real one...tell me where....
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 6, 2008
Well, if you are wanting all the questions answered from what Acheron's motives are then this is the book for you.How this man ended up as compassionate and kind is a miracle after all the pain and suffering he went through. No wonder he felt so sorry for Zarek. It took me 2 days to read this book and I was very sorry to see it end. The only thing that I was hoping for was for the heroine to put a major beatdown on Artemis. Maybe in the future we can see this witch get her well deserved desserts. I cannot recommend this book enough and look forward to what comes next.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 10, 2008
Bottom line: A once original vision has been beaten to death. This book follows the same general story line as all the other Dark-Hunter books. I had hope that since Ms. Kenyon decided to write Ash's story that she would put more effort into developing a unique plot,however, that was not the case in this book. Very monotonous and predicable- I believe Ms. Kenyon's muse has abandoned her.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.LiveToReadAnotherDay
Posted February 24, 2013
This book has it all. An insight into the human psyche, man's inhumanity to man, love, betrayal, humor, action, mythology, and boy howdy some humdinger bedroom action. If you really want to know what makes "The Man" tick read this book. If you want inspirational quotes read the book. If you love a lttle demon similar to Simi read this book. Better yet - just read this book!!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 1, 2012
AWFUL, GRAPHIC, INAPPROPRIATE FOR YOUR READERS. THIS SHOULD BE ADULT READ!
VERY DISAPPOINTED.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.GeekGhost
Posted November 1, 2011
Let me start off and say that I'm a big fan of Kenyon's work; I first started reading her novels when I was 19 and I have to admit there wasn't a novel I couldn't finish within 24 hours of purchase. Acheron was no exception, the first half of the book broke my heart over his injustices and the second half made me smile at the playful banter between Ash and Tory. You know those novels that you can pick up whenever you're bored and even though you've read it a hundred times, the hero and heroine still never fail to capture your heart and make you smile? Well I can't say this is one of them. To start off the gut wrenching story about Ash's past made me ache for him, but like so many other reviewers have said Ryssa could not be more naive I can't believe that after all the things Styxx and his father did to Ash she would still assume they'd listen to her and leave him alone. Like so many others I did find that it was repetitive, and as I was rereading it I found myself skimming the pages and skipping to part two. For part two I'll start off by saying that I've read several reviews that complain about Tory's blandness. I personally don't think she was too bland, but i do think that she was one dimensional, with a 'perfect-goody-two-shoes' complex; she hardly seemed real. From the book I gather she's a witty, super genius professor, who's an amazing cook, perfect OCD housekeeper that is fiercely protective of her family; Oh not to mention she can eat whatever she wants and not get fat. Her personal conquest of redeeming her family name is unselfish and adds to her being 'perfect'. It seemed the only purpose for her was to show Ash there was still good in the world, and before anyone says something, I do understand that it's the point of the story. But dang it was just too predictable! The only twist I guess I didn't see coming was how Ash's godhood was revealed. Sprite? A all powerful god who can't get drunk off of beer can't drink two twenty-four ounce bottles of Sprite? This novel was great the first time around,but it's not something I can reread over and over again like I generally do with my favorite books. I won't go as far as to say it was a waste of a novel, but I do think that Kenyon has spread herself a bit thin keeping up with her great series.
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.AlwaysLearning65
Posted August 2, 2011
I read this book a few months ago and it has taken me this long to write a review. This book is broken down into two parts. The first part is Acheron's young life, from his birth to adulthood. The second part is his meeting his Love/Mate (I don't want to mention who it is for anyone that has yet to read the book). The first part: The most disturbing part about this is all the abuse Acheron suffered. Every kind of abuse imaginable he endured and I mean by EVERYONE in his life, except his Sister (I don't want to give away her fate so I won't go into that detail). The second part: I love that he met his Love. But, again I am disturbed by the fact that the first thing she does upon officially meeting him is to throw a hammer at him. This seems not to faze him. Overall: I think the Author threw everything out there (abuse wise) and expects us, the readers, to believe that Acheron came away from this relatively unscathed. Yes, he does have his "quirks", but after all he has endured in his life, Acheron should be a stark raving lunatic and not the character we know and love. I gave this book three stars, only because of the overall abuse.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 23, 2011
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Born of Gods but raised by human parents he was born and disowned and despised by his own family Acheron struggles to fight for his place in the world. Kenyon has written many stories of Dark-hunters but this one takes the cake of greatness finally tapping into the story of the leader of Dark-hunters. The story follows Acheron from his birth to meeting and falling for Artemis and then to be despised until he ends up in New Orleans in the current century and time. Tory is a archeologist growing up in a greek household she grew to love ancient things and its history, meeting Acheron grows her interest further but there are some underlying things that may keep these two from finding the one thing they really need.... each other. Kenyon writes the long awaited tale of Acheron about who he is and what he's all about, its a romantic and also heart-breaking story but it all comes to a heart-warming and sweet end when he meets Tory. A definite keeper in my personal library.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
The most anticipated story in the blockbuster Dark-Hunter series. The never-before-revealed story of the Dark-Hunter leader, Acheron. He was made human in order to escape death, but in death he was reborn a god. . .
Eleven thousand years ago a god was born. Cursed into the body of a human, Acheron spent a lifetime of shame. However, his human death unleashed an unspeakable horror that almost destroyed the earth. Then, brought back against his...