Styxx (Dark-Hunter #23) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

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?

Sam's Review

The basis of the story is the comparison of what happen in Acherons story. We get to see what happened to Styxx and the real truth behind what everyone else saw as a spoiled, rich prince. Basically everything you read in Acherons book is thrown to the wind. Now don’t get me wrong this was one the most amazing books I have ever read but at the same time the most horrific book I have ever read. There is more rape in this book than I could have ever imagined, so I must forewarn all future readers that this book is not for the faint hearted. It gutted me reading the pain and suffering Styxx went through to get his HEA. Sadly Styxx suffered more pain and torture through the book and only had a very small handful of happy. 
Styxx was one the most admirable hero’s I have read in a long time. His bravery succeeded anyone I have ever read about. And although he was a brave warrior, he was the most gently soul and timid man. He gave his heart utterly and truly to those he loved and asked of nothing in return. 

Beth was awesome. This woman won me over simply by being able to overlook all of Styxx scars, wounds and insecurities and loving him for the man he was regardless of what she found out about him. Sadly Beth and Styxx only get a small handful of moments together but SK has made them so very precious to the reader. 

There is so much depth in this story that it’s almost impossible to talk about portions of the story without revealing the story, and that is something that I want the readers to experience for themselves. But know that this is the other side of the story, the side where we find out that the grass is most certainly not greener on the other side. Its the story of a love that literally goes beyond the ages to finally find its self. 

In comparison to Acherons book, this was a lot more horrific and not so much happy. I can’t get past the amount of rape and torture Styxx went through. And when you finally think he has had enough, he gets gang raped again. Acheron was painted to be an arrogant dick in this book, but if you have read his story then it all plateaus its self out in understanding, so I do recommend reading both books.
Not sure what is next for Kenyon, but I still love this series and won’t stop reading it. Put aside the sadness from this book and everything else readers are getting the knickers in a knot for and you can truly appreciate the beauty in the writing. No faults what’s so ever.
Five out five for its brilliance, for Styxx and for Beth