Styxx

By far my favorite DH/SK novel, arguably 1 of my favorite books ever. I love Styxx, both the book and the character and Bethany/bathymaas too, and his mentor Galen. Before reading this, Acheron was my favorite in the series but after... Idk if I can even read Acheron again or at least i'd have to skip over the parts discussing his brother.

This book, and the book, "Archeron" by the same author, is about pain, torture, and humiliation. In addition, the story of Archeron and Styxx is in no way consistent. I hardly recognize Styxx and Archeron in this book. No where did the previous, Archeron book describe Styxx and suffering anything. He was the doted upon twin while Archeron suffered unbelievable torture and humiliation. I cannot remember Archeron ever getting to play and laugh with Ryssa while Styxx had to be isolated and continually punished unfairly. Styxx was always the selfish, favored son, while Archeron was despised. Ryssa is portrayed differently here as well. She sought to protect Archeron, but she was never the spoiled, selfish, unfair sister. I wonder if she is trying to attract the Masochistic crowd. If so, warn me first! I will certainly keep reading her novels, but I am less of a fan now.

Once you read Acheron...you will want more! This book reveals the lesson that don't know what struggles a person is going through. The villian in Acheron is shown to be a human being worthy of compassion and understanding in this novel. A story to show that suffering is universal and everyone is fighting some kind of battle. The villian in your story is also the victim in their own story. Nobody escapes life and its lessons, often hard, used to shape and teach things that can only be learned through tough circumstances. Everyone you encounter in deserves kindness. I wish more people understood this. Another life changing read.