We were having a discussion on Dom's thread about the Dark-Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon... Jenn asked if you needed to read them in order, because there are A LOT of them, and I told her that I liked Acheron best, which is one of the most recent publications... There are officially like 24 "books" in the series, but if you take a look at the below list, you will see that some of them were actually short-stories or in anthologies... I am going to make my suggestions for the order to read them in here... But the official listing I pilfered from somewhere else...

1. Fantasy Lover, (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2002)
(I've read it, you shouldn't miss it as it IS the start of the series!)

2. "The Beginning", also in the back of Sins of the Night, (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2002)
(This short story gives some great background. I think that Sins of the Night was the first book that I read in the series, so this short story was helpful and made me wanting to read the rest of the series)

3. Dragonswan, reprinted singly by Berkley (2005) (ISBN 0515140791)
(I didn't read this, I couldn't find it.)

4. Night Pleasures, (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2002)
(This one was great, I would read this right after Fantasy Lover!)

5. Night Embrace, (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2003) (ISBN 0-31298-482-0)
(I liked this one too, I would read it right after Night Pleasures!)

6. "Phantom Lover", in the anthology Midnight Pleasures (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2003) (ISBN 0-31298-762-5)
(Did not read, didn't feel that I lost anything.)

7. Dance With The Devil, (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2003) (ISBN 0-31298-483-9)
(One of my favorites, I would read after Night Embrace!!)

8. "A Dark-Hunter Christmas", also in the back of Dance with the Devil (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2003)
(Can't recall this one, probably read it if it was in the back of Dance with the Devil.)

9. Kiss of the Night, (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2004)
(Read after Dance with the Devil.)

10. Night Play, (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2004)
(Read after Kiss of the Night.)

11. "Winter Born", in the anthology Stroke of Midnight (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2004) (ISBN 0-31299-876-7)
(Did not read, didn't feel that I lost anything.)

12. Seize the Night, (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2005)
(Read after Night Play.)

13. Sins of the Night, (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2005) (ISBN 0-31293-432-7)
(Read after Seize the Night.)

14. "Second Chances", in Exclusive Dark-Hunter Collectible Booklet (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2005), free giveaway. Will be included in the upcoming Dark-Hunter Companion!
(Did not read, didn't feel that I lost anything.)

15. Unleash the Night, (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2005) (ISBN 0-31293-433-5)
(Read after Sins of the Night.)

16. Dark Side of the Moon,(St. Martin's Press, 2006, reprinted by St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2007)
(Read after Unleash the Night.)

17. "A Hard Day's Night-Searcher", in the anthology My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding (St. Martin's Griffin, 2006) (ISBN 0-31234-360-4)
(Did not read, didn't feel that I lost anything.)

18. "Until Death We Do Part", in the anthology Love At First Bite (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2006) (ISBN 0-31234-929-7)
(Did not read, didn't feel that I lost anything.)

19. Fear the Darkness, free e-book (St. Martin's Press, 2007)
(Did not read, didn't feel that I lost anything.)

20. The Dream-Hunter, (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2007)
(Did not read, same mythology, different aspect, will read eventually.)

21. Devil May Cry (St. Martin's Press, 2007) (ISBN 0-31236-950-6)
(Another favorite! Read after Dark Side of the Moon.)

22. Upon The Midnight Clear, (St. Martin's Paperback, 2007) (ISBN 0-31294-705-4)
(Did not read, same mythology, different aspect, will read eventually.)

23. The Dark-Hunter Companion, (St. Martins Paperback, 2007) (ISBN 0312363435)

24. Dream Chaser,(St. Martin's Paperback, 2008)
(ISBN 0-312-93882-9)
(Did not read, same mythology, different aspect, will read eventually.)

This is the list that I read off of, before Acheron came out... The numbering is a little different that what I am seeing on Goodreads, but this list helped me to keep it all straight!

There is also a brand new one that just came out that I have on hold at the library called One Silent Night...

WOAH! April, you are amazing!! Thank you!

Awesome, I have read all the same ones as you except I also read The Dream-Hunter, Upon the Midnight Clear, and Dream Chaser. I have been reading this series for about 4 or 5 years now and just always pick up the new book when I see it at the grocery store or wal-mart, they seem to always carry these books.

Whoa, thanks April! I had them in order on my "shelf", but I must've clicked a button or something a few days ago by accident, cuz now they're all out of sync. :( Thanks so much for this.

Ok, so I'm breezing through this series, and I'm looooving it so far. I'm still super curious about Ash, though. Who is he? What is he? Learning about him in little pieces of each book is not helping sate my curiosity! hahaha I remember somewhere (can't remember the thread now and too lazy to look) that Acheron's book was super long because it explains everything?? Is that true April? or anyone who's read the book?

P.S. My feelings about Artemis mirror Simi's. Grrrr!

Originally posted this on the manga thread, but it really belongs here:

http://www.darkhuntersmanga.com

I read the first and got the 5th and 10th ones in the series from the library. I'm going to try to hoard them until I can get the ones in between. Loved the first. Can't wait to read the rest. Thanks April.

I just checked at my library and they have Dragonswan at my library! :)

Ok, so I looove this series, and I'm one book away from Ash's book. Soooo excited.

***Spoilers***

I kinda want to know what's going to happen with Nick, though. I know he regrets what he's done and would never steal Kyrian's daughter, but he still hates Ash, and that's just sad. Also, will Fang and Aimee ever get together?? It's so unfair for their families to keep them apart.

April wrote," Dragonswan, reprinted singly by Berkley (2005) (ISBN 0515140791)
(I didn't read this, I couldn't find it.)"

For those of you who would like to read Dragonswan I just realized the story is included in the anthology Tapestry which features works by Lynn Kurland, Madeline Hunter, and Karen Marie Moning. It's cheaper to buy the Anthology (on Ebay at least) rather than the 80 page book that just sports the Dragonswan story plus you can view other authors works in the anthology.

So I'm going to try to write more here to encourage more discussions of this series. It won't be in order and I may not get all of it typed in today, but, hopefully, I will in the next couple of days.

***Spoilers for Dark Side of the Moon*****
So loving this series. Loved how Leo was in charge of an Inquirer type newspaper. So appropriate. Also, like Susan and Ravyn's relationship and how it grew. Totally thought the allergies were funny.

Main thing I'm wondering here is whether or not the fact that Acheron controls Nick's soul will have any meaning in Nick's future. What did he see exactly in that mirror. So upset about Nick's attitude and dessertion. I really liked him. Also, I thought Acheron asked Savitar to train Nick because Ash couldn't handle being with Nick not the other way around.

Wondered why Ravyn and Susan didn't complete the mating ceremony by getting bonded to each other. Kind of upset me. Also, wondering if it really means they can have children. I'm afraid somthing will happen to one of them. Loved how Susan brought Ravyn's family back to their senses. Would also like to learn more about Susan's Sensei.

*****Spoilers for Unleash the Night *****
This book was one of my favorites of the series thus far. Wren was intersting and loved how Maggie drew him out of his shell. So if Bill Laurens (Selena's husband ) is Wren's lawyer what ties does he have and how long has he been aware of the Paranormal world around him (if at all)? Seems like some part of the story is missing here. Of course since Acheron bought Selena a building I guess Bill would have to know something or he'd probably wonder what was going on between Ash and Selena. Wonder if we'll see more of Selena's business if he future. Loved Nick's present to Wren and Maggie. Too bad Maggie couldn't go back in time to see her mom one last time.

Glad Kenyon included a glossary in the back of this book. Things were getting a little confusing.

***Spoilers for Sins of the Night****
You gotta love the names Kenyon comes up with for her characters. I'm sure she had fun thinking up a name that she could use with double-entendres like Danger. Too funny. Liked seeing a female Dark-Hunter. The love story between her and Alexion was great. Laughed at the scene with the Movie Troy. Fun that Simi now has a sister. I was hoping that Simi's sister would somehow make Alexion able to become human again. I had hoped somehow her attaching to Alexion would magically fix whatever went awry with his death/reincarnation.

Lisarenee wrote: "***Spoilers for Sins of the Night****
You gotta love the names Kenyon comes up with for her characters. "

Are they as good as the BDB names??? ;)

***Spoilers for Seize the Night****
Loved Tabitha in this book. She made me want to go out and take some self defense classes.LOL Was kind of hoping something would happen between her and Ash. Valerius seemed so wrong but ended up so right for her. Loved how protective he was of her yet not in a really possesive way. Talk about someone being totally misjudged. I am hopeful that all his problems with Julian, Kyrian, and Zarek can eventually be resolved. He's such a sweetie. Can't believe what happened between Simi and Nick. Poor Nick. He lost everything in one fell swoop - mom, best friend, and life (although that was his own fault).

****Spoilers for Night Play****

Oh my goodness! Vane is sooooooo Yummy! (Don't tell my hubby I said so. LOL)This is one guy, er wolf, who makes you go Yum. Didn't think a werewolf was going to be able to hold his own in the Dark-Hunter world (romantically speaking), but Vane defitely does. Loved this story. Bride and Vane are such a great couple. Loved the fact that Bride's dad was a veterinarian with the nick name of the Neuter King. Too funny and so appropriate (being a vet that is not the Neuter King). Bride didn't stand a chance against Vane's charms.

Jenn wrote, "Are they as good as the BDB names??? ;)"

Good question. I think some of them are pretty darn close. Some are fairly normal names, but others aren't such as Vane, Fury, Danger, etc. I think the fun names came as an after thought later in the series.

***Spoilers for Kiss of the Night****

Okay, so if you've read my thread you know this is one of my favorite Dark-Hunter books. It totally had me crying (and I don't usually do that). Maybe it's because I'm a mom that the whole "I may not get to know my baby" thing totally got me. I have to admit my hormones totally did a number on me during and after I had kids. Can't watch the scary movies any more for whatever reason (which I totally hate because I used to watch them all). Thankfully, I can still read the books. Also, the thought of losing your loved ones at such an early age also got me as well. 27 is way too early to die. Such a heart wrenching book. Yes, Kenyon knows how to tug at my heart strings.

Thought the whole "real" dream was interesting. What an awful way to trick two people into conceiving a child. I totally thought Cassandra was a goner after she drank Wulf's blood. I like how Kenyon creates such a wide variety of Love stories in this series and it doesn't seem to feel repetitious. She always seems to reinvent it.

Loved the rating scale which hinged on what they wouldn't toss a man out of bed for. Too funny.
Milk Man - attractive in an unusual way and you'd let them take a glass of milk to bed
Cracker - one step up from Milk Man (obviously they could eat crackers in their beds)
Cookies - being Gods and could eat cookies in your bed (Why are Cookies higher than Crackers? I'm not sure. Maybe because they have the potential of attracting ants into the bed?????)
Powdered Donut - Which is messy, and violates your perpetual diet mentality and begs a woman to bite into it
I love this scale. LOL

***Spoilers for Dance with the Devil*****

Astrid was great in this book. Talk about going in search of the truth. She was very persistant and to tell you the truth I doubt I would have been. Zarek's story is so tragic. Never like hearing about child abuse. To feel like such an outsider your whole existence? Just awful. Zarek had so many layers to him. Hope we see more of his character developement in the future. Loved how Kenyon worked The Little Prince into the story.

***Spoilers for Night Embrace***

This is the book I accidentally read out of order. I didn't get too far before I realized it, but couldn't put it down after I'd started. Sunshine was great. I loved how she acted like it was no big deal if Talon left after what she thought was a one night stand and how it drove Talon crazy. The Snoopy Pez dispensor was funny. Does anyone else kind of wonder if she really ruined his clothes accidentally? Maybe she subconsciously did it on purpose? LOL Totally didn't see Grandma being a Goddess coming. Loved the pet alligators.

I enjoy all of these books and can't wait for Bad Moon Rising on August 4th. I'm ready for another installment!

I'm still chugging away at these books. I'm so excited that I'm finally going to begin Acheron. I hope he's still my favorite Dark-Hunter after reading the book. I don't even care that he occassinally turns blue! The Dream-Hunter series is the next group I'll hit when I'm done with Dark-Hunters. Maybe I'll be eagerly waiting the arrival of Bad Moon Rising on August 4th with you. I'm sure I'll probably have read all the other books by then. I am so glad August is my B-Day month because there are so many books that I want that are coming out in August and September.

I personally don't like Dream Hunters as well as Dark Hunters, I don't know why...it us what it is.

Acheron was my favorite book and he is my all time fav Dark Hunter.

***Spoilers for Night Pleasures***

Thought it so funny that Amanda and Kyrian were literally cuffed together when they first met. Thought it was funny that Kyrian heard Amanda call him a "yummy leather guy". Liked how we got to see Julian and Grace again. Loved how Kyrian showed up at Amanda's work and made Cliff look like the idiot that he was. Don't you wish everyone who's been unjustly dumped could get such sweet revenge? LOL

***Spoilers for Fantasy Lover***

After reading the first chapter on Amazon I knew I had to read this book. The book was quite different from what I expected. How funny to have a guy trapped in a book with his soul purpose to do whatever a woman wants? Kenyon has an awesome imagination. Loved that Grace was a therapist. The ending was a little rushed and crazy. The description of the Gods made me laugh as well as some of the romantic scenes but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Yippy! I'm up to date now. :)

***Spoilers for Devil may Cry****

I am so upset to hear that Nick and Tabitha's sister Tia were supposed to get married and have 12 kids! I am still waiting to find out what will happen to Nick! How horrible. I went back to see just exactly what Ash had said to Nick and here it is:
"You're dead to me, Gautier. If I were you I'd kill myself to save me from the trouble of doing it later."
So sad!

I still can't believe Artemis didn't tell Ash he had a daughter. Now even I dislike Artemis. I hope Ash doesn't end up with Artemis for good. He deserves happiness and I can't see her making him happy.

Although I liked the romance between Kat and Sin by the end of the book the two things that I listed above totally outshadowed the romance. I did like Sins name and the double-entendre about how Kat's body was made for Sin. It cracked me up.

***Spoiler for Archeron***

I love Ash! I had a hard time reading the first part of the book and was heartbroken. I also was sad to hear Kenyon suffered child abuse as a child as well. I'm so glad they both got their happy endings. I hate Artemis! I now understand why Ash got so bent out of shape about Simi. I'm worried about Nick. Kenyon don't let him get involved with Artemis. I keep hoping Nick and Ash will make up. So many quotable things in here. I'll have to see if I can find some of them and list them. Tory was perfect for Ash. Loved how she put Artemis in her place. Did I mention I hate Artemis????? So much loss and unnecessary pain. I can't believe Artemis treated Ash that way and believed she loved him. She loved the thought of him maybe but not him. How can anyone hold something like that against Ash? I know there are cruel people out there who probably would, but I still can't believe it. My heart is still in knots about the whole situation. Still wondering how they're going to get the rest of the Dark-Hunters souls back. I'm sure Kenyon's got something up her sleeve. Since Artemis won't be sharing blood with Ash anymore does that mean that she doesn't have the power to create any more Dark-Hunters????

How does Nick get himself into these situations? I kept hoping that somehow Ash could have one of the Weres go back in time and stop Ash from uttering those awful words that condemned Nick. I guess it's not going to happen. Since things didn't turn out the way they were supposed to why would it hurt? Couldn't everything have realligned properly again? Also, if Nick no longer has contact with Stryker can he eat from Artemis?

Did I mention Ash sang to Tory. **Swoon** I love Ash!

*** Favorite quotes from Acheron***

So I will try to list some of my favorite quotes. I am no Jayne so please bear with me.

"Just because you can doesn't mean you should." (kind of a mantra more than a quote)

"Sometimes things have to go wrong in order to go right." (Could this be a hint as to what's to come in the next book since only one Dark-Hunter knew this one?))

"No one can ever make you feel inferior without your permission, Tory. Don't give it to them. Realize that it's their own insecurities that make them attack you and others. They're so unhappy with themselves that the only way they can feel better is by making everyone as unhappy as they are. Don't let those people steal your day, baby. You hold your head high and know that you have the one thing they can never take away from you......My love. Your mother's love and the love of your family and true friends. Your own self-respect and sense of purpose......They told George Lucas that he was a fool for making Star Wars-they used to even call it Lucas' Folly. Did he Listen? No. And if he'd listened to them you wouldn't have had your favorite movie made and think of how many would never have heard the phrase "May the Force be With You"." (Okay, I probably could have stopped this quote sooner but I love Star Wars!) Said by Tory's Dad to Tory.

Quote by Sherrilyn Kenyon. "It takes a lot of strength and courage to trust a stranger when you've been harmed by the very people who were supposed to protect you. But the one thing I've learned is that it can be done. That all of us are worthy and that we all matter."

***Spoilers for Dragonswan***

Channon (Shannon with C) is a History Professor at the University of Virginia who is interested in a Tapestry that is located in a museum. The history of the tapestry is unknown and Channon has been interested in it since she was a little child. While accessing the Tapestry she is approached by Sebastian Kattalakis-who is part dragon. As the story unfolds a matching Mating ruin/tattoo appears on each of their hands signifying the Fates have declared them Mates. Now Sebastion who is from a time that predates Englands existence must convince Channon to complete the mating ritual. This one was a short, sweet, and fun read.

Lisarenee wrote: "Since Artemis won't be sharing blood with Ash anymore does that mean that she doesn't have the power to create any more Dark-Hunters????"

My understanding is that she'll still retain those powers, like once it's been given, it can't be taken back?? Hmmm...I'll have to think about this some more. Maybe there are hints somewhere in the books with other gods?

The part that gets me is that supposedly now no other Dark-Hunters can go free?! Grrrr! In the immortal words of Simi, I want to barbecue the heifer-goddess. LOL

Lisarenee wrote: "****Spoilers for Night Play****

Oh my goodness! Vane is sooooooo Yummy! (Don't tell my hubby I said so. LOL)This is one guy, er wolf, who makes you go Yum. Didn't think a werewolf was going to b..."

This is one of my faves. Right up there with Ash and Talon.

Who else is excited for Bad Moon Rising tomorrow?! *SQUEE!!*

Can't wait but still got a few of the Dream-Hunter books to read. I wonder where the best/cheapest place to buy it would be? Amazon will take too long.

Borders gives 30% off new release hard covers.

May have to go to the mall in search of Bad Moon Rising - there's a Borders there. Thanks. :)

You're welcome!

***Spoilers for Dream-Hunter***

Liked the book but was sad none of the regular characters showed up until the end. Also, sometimes the time frames between books throws me off a little. Granted I read this one out of sequence, but this book seems like it should have come before Zarek's book. Since they're sending M'Adoc to Alaska to help Zarek. The songs that Geary was singing while trying to leave the underworld were funny as was the reaction of the gorgons.Wondered what exactly Kat did to Geary to give her a surge of powers. They said Geary had a little Atlantean blood in her so was it an underlying power (given Kat spoke in Atlantean) or did Kat give her a temporary share of her own powers?

Was it worth the hardcover price or can it wait for paperback?

Ruth, Didn't get Bad Moon Rising yet. Ended up ordering it from Amazon after all. I wanted to get the Black Dagger Brotherhood Insider's Guide as well so ended up going with Amazon to get free shipping and the price was a dollar cheaper as well. Border's didn't have any of the BDB books in stock. Unbelievable. I still have 4 books left to read in Dark-Hunter/Dream-Hunter series. So I figured I wouldn't get to Bad Moon Rising until next week anyway. Dom Bought BMR and is currently reading it. I can't wait to hear what she thinks.

Well, DUH! I didn't read your spoiler because for some reason I thought you were reviewing BMR. Geez...I shouldn't be allowed near a computer before I've had my 4th 44oz ice tea of the day.

I'm not at all surprised about BDB being out of stock. I will go into my local B&N and there were be several copies of each book, then go in a week later and they are gone. Also, I went to a used book store and the owner showed me to the PNR section which was walls and shelfs of books, except one whole shelf was empty. She said that JR WARD would go there if they could keep her in stock.

I have so many books here to read already that I hesitate spending the extra $$$ for hardcover BMR.

It was TOTALLY worth it for Lover Avenged, though. I love those Brothers.

Oh, just got this....

http://www.bordersmedia.com/coup/coupon4...

40% off at Borders! Good until 8/9/09

Yup, yup. Love those Borders coupons. I have a B&N membership, and they were offering a member's 40% off special, too. Combine that with the $25 gift card I've been saving for just this occasion, and BMR ended up being Free.99 LOL

I'm a B&N member. How do you get the 40%?

I reserved it at my local store ahead of time. It was part of a promotion they were running. I got the message in my inbox when it came up for pre-order.

***Spoilers for Upon the Midnight Clear***

Loved the interacton between Leta and Aidan at the beginning of the book. Interesting twist on what most people would assume would be a charmed life. I have to admit, however, I thought it strange that Leta, who supposedly beaten Pain/Dolor in a previous fight, wasn't more active in the overtaking of him this time. She seemed to be less in control than even Aidan. Didn't seem right since she was the God. I also thought the whole death of Letta by Zeus was strange. It did seem she was just doing her job and it wasn't her fault Dolor had died yet didn't (very confusing). Does that mean Dolor will fall in love int the future? Is that what Kenyon is saving him for?
I guess I'll just have to wait and see. Again I was missing the Dark-Hunter characters I've come to know and love in this book.

***Spoilers for One Silent Night***

I loved this one. Finally back to the Dark-Hunters. I agree with you Ruth I so enjoy the Dark-Hunters to Dream-Hunters. So I'm hoping that Nick and Ash makeup. Looks like Ash is there but what in the world is keeping Nick from it? He keeps spying and missing what he once had and could have again if he just let go. Confusion for me...Ash had said at one time Nick was to have 10 or 12 children. How could he if he was Malachai who are only allowed one child? I can't wait to read Bad Moon Rising.

I haven't gotten BMR yet. I will try to hold out until paperback, and with the TBR pile I have, it shouldn't be hard to do.

Thanks for all your Dark Hunter reviews. It's fun to get your input-insight.

Lisarenee wrote: "***Spoilers for One Silent Night***

I loved this one. Finally back to the Dark-Hunters. I agree with you Ruth I so enjoy the Dark-Hunters to Dream-Hunters. So I'm hoping that Nick and Ash makeup..."

I think Nick is going to be very angry at Ash for quite some time, but I believe he is starting to recognize that Ash is not the only one to blame. It was Daimons that killed his mother, not Ash.

As for Nick having children, if I'm remembering this properly, the fight with War unlocked his powers, but before that Nick was human?? If that's true, then he could've lived out his life as a human, never tapping into his powers as Malachai.

Uniquely Moi wrote: "I haven't gotten BMR yet. I will try to hold out until paperback, and with the TBR pile I have, it shouldn't be hard to do.

Thanks for all your Dark Hunter reviews. It's fun to get your input-in..."

Ditto. Love the reviews.

Has anyone else heard about the Extraordinary League series? I just got an e-mail from B&N about pre-ordering the first two books in the series.

The first is , Born of Night but it looks as though it's a reprint because, according to the website, it was first published in 1996.

The second is Born of Fire (The League, #2)

The third is Born of Ice

I wasn't sure if anyone read the series or was aware of a resurrection, a la L.J. Smith and the Vampire Diaries series. I haven't been able to find any credible info beyond the B&N website.

Dominique wrote: "Lisarenee wrote: "***Spoilers for One Silent Night***

As for Nick having children, if I'm remembering this properly, the fight with War unlocked his powers, but before that Nick was human??"

How do we know he doesn't already have a brood out there running around? He was quite...promiscuous...there, wasn't he? Does it say the kids will come after he gets his powers? Can you imagine if he had gotten Simi in the family way? ROFL