Acheron (Dark-Hunter, Book 12)

I could not put this book down. I loved it, if you where not in love with him before you should be now. Great Book you have to read it.

This is the "topper" of the Kenyon Dark-HUnter series. Fans had been waiting with "bated breath" for Acheron's story to arrive and it did not dissappoint ! The "heart and soul" character of the Dark HUnters is truly alive and well in Kenyon's 12th book of the series. The book is an extensive 728 page epic of Acheron's life ,or "lives", which was absolutely necessary in order to bring to life this , her most enigmatic and intriguing character, in a very realistic and impacting way. It is jammed packed w/ Kenyon's usual outsatnding level of human drama, hip humor,witty banter, classical history, pop-culture and steamy sensuality factor. A true winner ! If you have been a Dark HUnter devotee and have harbored a serious crush on "Ash", you cannot miss this read, for it truly is the culminating masterpiece of her series (although NOT the last book) Sit back or "lie back" and enjoy !

I have been waiting for Ash's story since the beginning of the Darkhunter series and THIS is what I get? Seriously, the pages and pages of abuse were soooo not necessary - a few chapters would have been enough but almost 400 pages? With all his regal bearing (even with abuse and neglect) the second part where he lamely falls in love the minute he sees Tori? Come on, with all his history how could you expect us to believe it would be that easy! I'm really sorry I read this because it has ruined any chance of me reading any more of Kenyon's books in the future!

This book is probably the best book I've read in a couple of years. I could tell the quality right from the start. It got so intense, which was necessary to understand our hero, that I would sometimes have to put it down and read something else. But I always came back. This book puts this author above so many others. I'm glad she didn't skimp and gave us 600 plus pages. And so glad it's not the cliche vampire paranormal stuff. A great read even though it's a chick book,(giggle.)

I found the first half of Ash's story wonderfully graphic and detailed, filling in the background of all his interesting quirks noticed throughout the other Dark Hunter books. It is in the second half that I had the most trouble in terms of the romance and his passivity/uncertainty.

I was surprised that Kenyon chose Tory as his love interest. I am still not buying into the relationship because it seemed rushed and a little on the adolescent side. However, lines such as, "Please don't pull my hair," from Ash as he and Tory make love, tear through you, especially given the information imparted in the book's first half because we now know why he does not like people standing behind him or touching him or looking at his eyes.

I was also a little disappointed that Ash seems to have lost some of his swagger. The concert scene, for me, was rather unnecessary and weak. However, I am willing to go with it because this is Kenyon's story to tell and this is her way of telling us what this character has to deal with. We are glimpsing him at his most unguarded and anyone is bound to be vulnerable in that state. Kenyon does a great job of showing that swagger when he is around his Dark-Hunters and others, nevertheless.

Kenyon accomplishes quite a bit with this book. She provides enough to keep the Dark Hunter series (complete with peripheral characters) going on, particularly with Jaden, Stryker, Styxx, Urian, Savitar, Nick, Apollymi, and yes, Artemis (sigh). I like the way Kenyon also gives a nod to the Dark Hunters who were finding an "out" through their true loves joining them in immortality because it is theme in her books that was becoming worn out and tired. What I like about Ash's romance, is that we know Artemis will not take this lying down and she will be a thorn in his side for a long, long, time. I'm not a fan of the goddess, but the path of true love should also not be easy.

Overall, this is a great book. Ash's story has been a long time coming and Kenyon takes her series to the next level.