Acheron...personal reflections

Acheron

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

 

My first reaction, similar to so many other readers, is that Acheron is fabulous; a sexy, “hott” guy full of mystery, charm, sarcasm, and humor. He exudes power and commands respect. Yes, Acheron is a badass, an ultimate alpha male. You can’t help but love him. “Acheron, well…he’s just spooky”! After reading his story, I hold a deeper, a more profound love for him.  My focus grew from the physical, from an infatuation of his powers and mystery, to developing a more mature understanding of experiences that helped shape his character. I know his intimate thoughts and fears.  Therefore, I want him to heal… completely… to become whole…on every level! He’s still beautiful, charismatic, powerful, sexual; but now I know what that amazing beauty and sensuality cost and continues to cost him, how it isolates him. “There had never been a god or mortal born who could equal his physical perfection”.

The pressing question is how did he stay sane after suffering such excruciating abuse. Why does he define himself by his ability to show compassion and empathy? Now, it makes sense why he refuses to let anyone stand behind him, to be anywhere near his back. His back… is the symbol of his physical abuse, the horrific beatings, the unimaginable sexual abuse, and the emotional degradation. Continually betrayed.  No one “has his back”.

Filled with harrowing and heart-wrenching scenes, Acheron is a difficult and distressing read. However, for me, the most touching, profoundly intense scene occurs when the Weres and the Dark-Hunters show Acheron the depth of their loyalty and support as they vow to follow him into battle to rescue Tory.

“We’re going with you. (Dev)

We know what you’re planning,” Angel said, and we’re going with you.

He [Ash] was completely stunned.  And when he saw Valerius, Talon, Kyrian, Julian, Zarek, Sin, Vane, Kyl, Katra, Fang, Tabitha and Fury walking in, all he could do was scowl in confusion… Kyrian gave him a droll stare. There’s not one of us here that you haven’t put your a** on the line for—most of us more than once…and we’re here to watch your back no matter what you have planned. (Kyrian)”

OMG! *Tears flowing* I love the way Kenyon brings the characters from the preceding stories together… they came as one unit, comrades-in-arms, for Acheron!  I know them all! I’ve met them, shared their stories; their anguish, fears, triumphs, and growth.  WGYB!

“And to think he’d always thought of himself as alone. While he’d trained the Dark-Hunters and had fought with the Were-Hunters to help them, he’d never expected them to return the favor. Thanks guys. I not used to people standing at my back. (Acheron)”

Another great scene, after the battle…

“Kyrian offered him his hand. Anytime you need us, Acheron, we’re here for you. And one by one, they shook his hand and made a like declaration.”

Allegiance, respect, and yes, (love) for Acheron!

Surprisingly, my favorite character is Apollymi. Impressive! There’s nothing like a mother’s love! Apostolos (Acheron) is her beloved son. Once Apollymi learns of Acheron’s horrific suffering and his tragic death, she avenges her beloved son and leaves a bloodthirsty trail of mayhem and carnage. She slaughters and eliminates humans and gods alike, anyone remotely responsible for Acheron’s mistreatment and misery. Thus, we have the sinking, the annihilation of Atlantis; the eradication of the Atlantean pantheon, the massacre of Greek citizens, and she’s headed for Mt. Olympus, wanting more blood; specifically, to obliterate Apollo and Artemis.

image: http://www.zerochan.net/Acheron+Parthenopaeus

“And they had butchered him. Tortured him. Defiled and humiliated her son. Her precious baby. Now there would be Kalosis to pay…it would be by her hand and for the acts they’d committed against her son that they would suffer and die. No mercy. It was what they’d given Apostolos and it was what she’d return to them”. 

YUPPERZ! As a mother of a male child, I can relate! I understand completely!

Later, we see that Apollymi’s love empowers Acheron.  He willingly embraces the depth of his mother’s love. She loves and accepts him unconditionally… a crucial step for him to develop a self-love and self-worth. He is a god. He is Apostolos, Harbinger of the Telikos, the Final Fate, and beloved son of Apollymi, the Great Destroyer.

A compelling, unforgettable read. Essential for Dark-Hunter fans!