
Narrator: Fred Berman
Length: 31 hours 8 minutes
Published by St. Martin's Press on September 3, 2013
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 836

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Just when you thought doomsday was over...
Centuries ago Acheron saved the human race by imprisoning an ancient evil bent on absolute destruction. Now that evil has been unleashed and it is out for revenge.
As the twin to Acheron, Styxx hasn’t always been on his brother’s side. They’ve spent more centuries going at each other’s throats than protecting their backs. Now Styxx has a chance to prove his loyalty to his brother, but only if he’s willing to trade his life and future for Acheron’s.
The Atlantean goddess of Wrath and Misery, Bethany was born to right wrongs. But it was never a task she relished. Until now. She owes Acheron a debt that she vows to repay, no matter what it takes. He will join their fellow gods in hell and nothing is going to stop her.
But things are never what they seem, and Acheron is no longer the last of his line. Styxx and Acheron must put aside their past and learn to trust each other or more will suffer.
Yet it’s hard to risk your own life for someone who once tried to take yours, even when it's your own twin, and when loyalties are skewed and no one can be trusted, not even yourself, how do you find a way back from the darkness that wants to consume the entire world? One that wants to start by devouring your very soul?
I’m in search of my heart. If anyone finds it let me know. Styxx tore it out and now I don’t know where it went. The space still aches when I think of what he went through. I went into this book with doubts that I would like this character no matter what. But how could you not want to pull him out of the book and hide him from what, I don’t even think you can call what he was living a life. Bethany and Galen are the only calming, safe presences in his life and even Bethany holds a secret. For awhile I was a little perturbed at her for not protecting him better, but I guess a person can’t be everywhere and know everything, not even gods.
Styxx is believed to be the heir of Didymos and is expected to behave as such under any circumstances. Despite his father’s resentment, despite the terrors he is put through by his uncle, despite the war he must fight, and I can go on and on. Standing up under such pressure is impossible, but Styxx does it. Through it all he holds out the hope that someday, he and his brother will have the love that they shared before separated.
Styxx meets Bethany during the lowest time in his life. She is his miracle, the one thing that makes him feel human and lovable. She tries her best to protect him, I guess. Her blindness during her human form hinders her somewhat from recognizing her Hector. She is portrayed as a formidable goddess, but I saw those little streaks of compassion and caring even in her goddess form.
This book tore me up like no book has since Acheron. In fact, there were times when I wanted to slap Acheron in this book and going in I NEVER would have expected that. Sherrilyn Kenyon makes you feel so strongly for this character that it will leave you aching for him weeks later. Amazing job.
I felt that the narrator did a pretty good job. I would get the phrase “Styxx of Didymos” stuck in my head in his voice after listening, and I would repeat it over and over again. The pain during the narration was raw in his voice. It was very well done.
Read for: Fun
Challenge: 2013 E-book Challenge & 2013 Audiobook Challenge