Review by Vicky London
Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon is the long-awaited story of the leader of the Dark Hunters. Acheron is a character who has always been shrouded in mystery and Kenyon finally reveals all. At a whopping 728 pages she leaves no stone unturned. Over 300 pages are dedicated to Acheron’s life growing up in a royal family. Acheron is the son of the Atlantean gods, Archon and Apollymi. As an infant, his mother hides him with a human family to save his life for it has been foretold by the fates that Acheron will cause the destruction of the Atlantean pantheon. Apollymi, the goddess of destruction risked her own freedom to ensure her son’s safety. Unable to risk watching over him for fear of his discovery by the other gods, Apollymi doesn’t know that Acheron suffers terribly at the hands of his human family.
Acheron’s life is one of cruelty and hatred. His family nearly destroys him but for the fact that his life is tied with that of his human twin Styxx. The only bright spot in his life is his sister Ryssa who narrates a good portion of the book’s beginning. She does her best to help him but is ultimately unsuccessful in shielding him from their father and brother’s brutality. As a young man he meets the goddess Artemis and begins a fateful relationship with her that will lead Acheron to his ultimate destiny.
The second part of the book begins with the creation of the Dark-Hunters and then leaps forward to present day Nashville where we meet Dr. Soteria “Tory” Kafieri. Tory’s parents have left her a legacy of Atlantis and her archeology research has convinced her that the fabled island is real. The proof she has found has attracted the attention of not only Acheron but the minions of Artemis who will kill to keep the secret of Atlantis. Acheron has more to lose than anyone, if the tale of his shame filled past is revealed he will lose the respect of the those he values most. As he tries to prevent the truth from coming out and keep Tory alive, he discovers love and acceptance in an unlikely woman who will give him what he has searched for over 11,000 years to experience.
Acheron was a very satisfying story. All the answers and mysteries surrounding Ash have been revealed and this god with a vulnerable heart finally finds his true love. Although it needed to be a substantial tale, the first part of the book could have benefited from some judicious editing. The repeated abuse is horrifying for a reason, but after numerous repeated incidents, it loses the impact. Other than that I think it was a really great book and Kenyon always manages to creatively make her way around the barriers and rules she has set up in her world of demons, god and goddesses even when it seems quite impossible. She also lays the groundwork for future books moving the newest Dark Hunter Nick’s story forward. If you’re a fan of the series this is definitely a book you will not want to miss out on.
Popularity: 13% [?]
Reader Ratings - Click On A Star to Rate This Book:
(19 votes, average: 4.79 out of 5)
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August 28th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Finally, the poor guy is happy! It took me three days to read this book and I loved it. Although I found the first half of the book a little dragged out and there were a few plot holes, I was happy with the ending, especially the foreshadowing of a possible new couple in the works. I can’t wait for the next book to see how it turns out.
Ash is my favorite character in the series and to see what kind of life he led before becoming the leader of the DH’s was very eyeopening. We get to see what made him the god he is.
November 14th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
I love this book. I read it over and over. Ash has been so great to the other DH. Finally he finds his one. I love Tory, she is so cool and she really put Ash in his place. This is so far one of the greatest DH’ book yet.
August 8th, 2009 at 3:56 am
i wonder if ash and tory make an appearance in any of sherry’s upcoming novels…
August 14th, 2009 at 11:31 am
This book really explained a lot about what made him the way he is. It also made me REALLLLY not like Artemis because it explained why he feels the way he does about her.
August 9th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
Ash has always been my favourite character, like he is for many readers. Yes, I always fall in love with the main character, but Ash will always hold a special place in my heart. I was so glad to learn more about him and his past. Now I know exactly why we should hate Artem*s. Simi has always been entertaining, but I thought she was even more so in Acheron.
I just about died laughing when Tory was giving a presentation and the Ash started asking her questions. And then she went to Julian for some help and OF COURSE he called Ash. The hammer, that is all I have to say about that, the hammer!!