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This review is a little more involved for me, than most. I am a long time fan of the Dark-Hunter and Dream-Hunter series, by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Some might think this would dispose me to be lenient in my evaluation, fawning with my opinions. However, the opposite would prove to be true; I find that I have such high expectations for Ms. Kenyon鈥檚 books, at this point, that there was a better certainty that I would be disappointed. Truly, how could an author possibly deliver on all the anticipation that she has been building for readers such as me, since the introduction of this saga back in 2002, with Fantasy Lover? Serendipity strikes, though, and Ms. Kenyon not only delivers, she surpasses expectations, leaving them in the dust.
Devotees of this series know that Ms. Kenyon can create heroes, villains and anti-heroes that readers cannot help but fall for, cheer for, even when the man of the hour may be the villain of the piece. She is also skilled at taking characters, such as Nick Gautier, and carving out places in our hearts for him, then turning him, so we are not sure if we should cheer him on, or wish him ill, but we just can鈥檛; he is too deeply entrenched in our hearts at this point. Her characters have heart; they have souls; they have dark, cutting edge humor that carries them through some of the darkest places a soul would ever have to travel. The roll call of characters is impressive at this point; the readers of Acheron need to know their Dark-Hunter history, and reviewing a play list before picking up the book might not be a bad idea (unless, of course, you鈥檙e a geek gyrl like me, in which case these people are like fictional family members, already.)
Acheron, son of Atlantean gods, born into a human body and cursed by the Fates, attracts readers like no other member of Ms. Kenyon鈥檚 cast of players. He struts upon her stage with a feral grace; he is Gothic, grim, and forbidding. Hades, he is downright scary; scarier than most of the villains by a margin so great a new form of measurement might need to be invented. But Ash is also the most heart wrenchingly vulnerable person in this world of damaged souls. This is hinted at in prior books in the series; his loneliness while surrounded by other cursed hunters is legendary. The secrets surrounding Ash are more tightly held than the whereabouts of Jimmy Hoffa鈥檚 final resting place or the real special blend of eleven secret herbs and spices. Until now. In this book that bears his name and his emblem, we learn so much about his history, and what forged the God we know in the current timeline of the series.
Ms Kenyon addresses the pressing questions surrounding the relationship between Ash and Artemis, or as Simi calls her, the Heifer Goddess. We learn how and why Ash is such an irresistible, sexy beast. And the learning is not easy; it is a dark, twisted tale of abuse, degradation and despair. The first half of this book is darker than any previous Dark-Hunter or Dream-Hunter novel. The series is known for its blending of tension, sensuality, sharp dialog and humor. This is not absent from Acheron; but the first portion of this story is harsh, so readers must be prepared. Ms. Kenyon deals with issues of mental, emotional, verbal and physical abuse skillfully, but openly and honestly. This honest, but respectful handling of such a terrible subject helps raise this story from the realm of everyday fantasy to literature. Brain candy books are enjoyable, and can certainly get high marks, and are necessary parts of the fictional world. But 鈥渓iterature鈥� asks difficult questions; does not flinch from ugly truths, and reflects our own truths back to us. Ms. Kenyon has achieved literary standing with Acheron. She offers a light and a lesson to those who have suffered from abuses of their own, in their real lives. You can endure; you can triumph; you are worthy of love, no matter what someone else has forced upon you in your past. In the words of Acheron, she also brings home a crucial lesson about power, manipulation and relationships: 鈥渏ust because you can doesn鈥檛 mean you should, and sometimes some things have to go wrong in order to go right.鈥� A powerful lesson brought to you by a paranormal fantasy romance.
The second half of this novel brings the reader to present day, in the every day, human world. For a time, anyway. Do not fear; we visit Kalosis, Katoteros, and Olympus before this world tour of torture and redemption is done.
Humor returns in the form of Xiamara, or as most know her, Ash鈥檚 demon daughter, Simi. She still craves QVC shopping; ice cream with hot sauce; takes orders from Ash a little too literally; color codes her horns to her clothes; and protects her akri, as she calls Ash, with a devotion that is endearing and a little terrifying. Also, the ex-hunters who make appearances in this book enter into the same quick witted banter with Ash that all of the prior books are renowned for including. Especially rewarding for long time fans are encounters with Julian and Talon. The heroine, Tory, is a delight to get to know through, as well. She is spunky, stands 6鈥�1鈥欌€�, has a keen appreciation for all things Greek (the older the better); she stands up to Ash, his moods, and she swings a mean hammer. Saying anything else would be telling鈥�.
This book really is a powerhouse of a read. The only cautionary comment would have to be that if you have not read the prior books, this may not be the best place to begin. The relationships and histories between the characters are critical to a full understanding, and a finer flavoring of this story. With Acheron, Ms. Kenyon proves once again that she truly is the Author Goddess, spinning tales that sweep you up into a world of dark desires, darker passions, and the enduring strength of the heart and the soul. Truly, this book is the total package; it even tells you how everything ends.
I can鈥檛 wait to see where Ms. Kenyon takes us when we read Stryker and Jaden鈥檚 stories, the next two installments. One Silent Night is currently scheduled for a November 4, 2008 release. For myself, based on my experience with Acheron, when it comes out, November 4th will be a silent, but satisfying night for this Kenyon Minion.
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