Helpful Score: 14
I'm not going to go into a lot of plot detail because its been explained before, but I will warn you this, you have to have read at least 80% of the other books in the series in order to know whats going on. As it was I still couldn't remember half of the old plot details from books I've read in the past. If you've read any of the Dark Hunter Series before this you know that Stryker is the evil leader of the Daimons who once partnered with Apollomyi to destroy the human race and is now trying to become the ruler of the world. Son of Apollo but cursed to walk in the darkness like his Daimon brethren he is at the end of his desire to live. He summons War, a demon that does in fact cause War to break out, to kill both Acheron and Nick Gautier, two of his nemesis. In the meantime his ex-wife the equally evil Zephyra is asked by Artemis to kill him but he cons her into living with him for two weeks so he can win her back.
The romance was lukewarm, the character of Stryker as a loving man seemed forced to me. Zephyra, the love interest was mean and cold, which should be a perfect match for Stryker the king of evil, but unfortunately she just seemed like a whiny, ungrateful brat. She also introduces several new characters and plot twists that just add more confusion to an already weird plot. I'm starting to have a hard time keeping up with all of the otherworldly beings and their powers and weird names they have, but maybe I'm just slow. Oh and did I mention that the book is only 310 pages long, which would usually take me a little while to read but it looks like she increased the size of the typeface and spacing to make the book seem longer then it actually is. In total it took me three hours to read, which makes me want my money back. I used to love the Dark Hunters but this book seemed like a forced effort to produce more novels rather than something that took time and heart to write. If this was the first book in a new series I wouldn't have even made the effort to finish the first half of the book. This may be my last Sherrilyn Kenyon novel, but being the stupid person that I am I'm sure I'll buy and read the next crap she produces. If you want to try a new paranormal series that is pretty interesting I would try Kresley Cole's "Immortals After Dark" series.
The romance was lukewarm, the character of Stryker as a loving man seemed forced to me. Zephyra, the love interest was mean and cold, which should be a perfect match for Stryker the king of evil, but unfortunately she just seemed like a whiny, ungrateful brat. She also introduces several new characters and plot twists that just add more confusion to an already weird plot. I'm starting to have a hard time keeping up with all of the otherworldly beings and their powers and weird names they have, but maybe I'm just slow. Oh and did I mention that the book is only 310 pages long, which would usually take me a little while to read but it looks like she increased the size of the typeface and spacing to make the book seem longer then it actually is. In total it took me three hours to read, which makes me want my money back. I used to love the Dark Hunters but this book seemed like a forced effort to produce more novels rather than something that took time and heart to write. If this was the first book in a new series I wouldn't have even made the effort to finish the first half of the book. This may be my last Sherrilyn Kenyon novel, but being the stupid person that I am I'm sure I'll buy and read the next crap she produces. If you want to try a new paranormal series that is pretty interesting I would try Kresley Cole's "Immortals After Dark" series.
Helpful Score: 12
I've read all of Sherrilyn Kenyon's novels, and by far, this is one of the worst. When it first arrived I noticed it was much shorter than most of the Dark-Hunter series novels. Plus the font is much larger, so it truly was a quick read. I don't understand why Kenyon is now trying to make Stryker into a hero. I can't help but wonder if she's just trying to put out as many books as possible. If you haven't read all of the Dark-Hunter series books (or you aren't a die hard fan) I say skip this one--she has plenty of other books out there that are much better.
Helpful Score: 6
While this book in the series isn't one of my favorites...let's face it, Archeron was amazing and will be a hard installment in the series to top. I think Styker's story was important to tell in the overall scheme of the series. I especially like the psychology that is threaded through the series, ie.family and friends. This book in the series will tide me over until the next one is released, I much prefer reading about the Dark Hunters and not the bad guys, but sometimes it's important to see the world from the other point of view.
Helpful Score: 5
Not my favorite in the DH series by a long shot, but I think it was a story that needed to be told in order to get to later DH books (and really, how is Sherrilyn Kenyon ever going to top Acheron?) This story probably didn't need its own book. It could have just as easily been interspersed throughout other stories. But Once Silent Night was a cool twist because you rarely see books where the hero is also a villain. Even though you know Stryker is a complete jerk from reading the other books, by the end you understand his motives and you find yourself rooting for him as well as Ash (though I really did not care for his wife at all, who was just downright cruel). I think this will make him a more effective "bad guy" in future Dark-Hunter books. Im also now excited to see what future is in store for Nick.
Helpful Score: 4
The book had less pages with larger text. I understand why it came out after Acheron. I don't know about you, but I needed a breather. I also needed some kind of an ARC or 2 into new DH characters - a slight change in the storyline direction. The DH series was getting kinda crazy with everyone knowing everyone and everyone finding true love & life mates. (don't get me wrong, I LOVED every minute of it, loved every DH book, but it seemed like the potential storyline was nearing the end of a run) I mean, with Acheron I felt as if the DH series could have ended with that book- It was spectacular. I would have been saddened but content if the DH series was ended.
BUT I really wanted more, but not more of the same ol' same ol'. I wanted the DH's to continue and was super excited to find One Silent Night.
Unlike many other reviewers I liked this book. A lot. I was actually looking forward to hearing about Stryker and his past. I was also looking forward to finding out why he was such a baddie and what kind of woman is attracted to him and why. (I mean the 'bad' guys have lives too.) SK writes a great story. More ARCs were introduced into the DH story lines, newer darker characters-Jared, Davyn and Medea. And well, Nick's story was a spectacular surprise- one that I didn't see it coming and I don't think it was hinted at in other books.
Loved the plot twists and the trio's truce- which did satisfy my need for a DH continuation, an potential evolution of the entire DH story line. Whoot! As I said before, Acheron could have been the finale - a series closing book. One Silent Night leads in with so many arcs that it is possible for me to want to pick up another DH book and not worry about it being more of the same. New faces, new plots, new twists are sure to be plentiful in the upcoming books by SK.
If I didn't read this book, I think I would miss out in the future books to come- meaning that there are a lot of small details and key elements and a lot of insider bits that make reading all of SK books so much fun.
On the down side... The book was really, really short. Unless you are a fan it really is not worth the money compared to all the other books by SK. If I was new to SK & her Dark Hunters I would have been less then pleased with this book and quite possibly may not read anything else by her. I really would have liked to see SK put a bit more into the Striker story- see it evolve into more. But as an Arc book, it does it's job.
I suggest that if you haven't read much or any of the Dark Hunter/Dream Hunters series that this NOT be the first book you read. But for all you Dark Hunter fans- it's a must read- There are some sparkling gems and some diamonds in the rough in this story.
BUT I really wanted more, but not more of the same ol' same ol'. I wanted the DH's to continue and was super excited to find One Silent Night.
Unlike many other reviewers I liked this book. A lot. I was actually looking forward to hearing about Stryker and his past. I was also looking forward to finding out why he was such a baddie and what kind of woman is attracted to him and why. (I mean the 'bad' guys have lives too.) SK writes a great story. More ARCs were introduced into the DH story lines, newer darker characters-Jared, Davyn and Medea. And well, Nick's story was a spectacular surprise- one that I didn't see it coming and I don't think it was hinted at in other books.
Loved the plot twists and the trio's truce- which did satisfy my need for a DH continuation, an potential evolution of the entire DH story line. Whoot! As I said before, Acheron could have been the finale - a series closing book. One Silent Night leads in with so many arcs that it is possible for me to want to pick up another DH book and not worry about it being more of the same. New faces, new plots, new twists are sure to be plentiful in the upcoming books by SK.
If I didn't read this book, I think I would miss out in the future books to come- meaning that there are a lot of small details and key elements and a lot of insider bits that make reading all of SK books so much fun.
On the down side... The book was really, really short. Unless you are a fan it really is not worth the money compared to all the other books by SK. If I was new to SK & her Dark Hunters I would have been less then pleased with this book and quite possibly may not read anything else by her. I really would have liked to see SK put a bit more into the Striker story- see it evolve into more. But as an Arc book, it does it's job.
I suggest that if you haven't read much or any of the Dark Hunter/Dream Hunters series that this NOT be the first book you read. But for all you Dark Hunter fans- it's a must read- There are some sparkling gems and some diamonds in the rough in this story.
Helpful Score: 3
The only book to confuse me out of the entire series. You get a few bombshells dropped on you and left hanging. Stryker is still a "bad guy", you just get to see into his heart in this book. Zephyra is way more evil than Stryker, in my opinion. I enjoyed Davyn and Medea. I was thrown a bit with the timeline between this book and Acheron. Maybe I'm just slow, but it took me a bit to realize that the events in this book took place during Ash's book(there was just not mention of them), and clear up that confusion I had. Anyway, while I liked the book, it's not one of the better ones in the series. I do feel that it's a necessary read if you are a follower of the series as it seems as if the events and information that you find out in this book are leading the series in a new direction. I can't wait to find out what happens next and I'm also curious as to what is between Savitar and Apollymi. Interesting...
Helpful Score: 2
I knew it would be a hard act to follow Acheron, but I was somewhat disappointed in Stryker's story. It was nice to see some "niceness" but the book was shallow, covering a lot of items in a short period of time.
If you did not read all of the series or don't remember all the players, it could be confusing.
I still enjoyed the book but have mixed feelings - we'll see what the next installment brings!!!
If you did not read all of the series or don't remember all the players, it could be confusing.
I still enjoyed the book but have mixed feelings - we'll see what the next installment brings!!!
Helpful Score: 2
I didn't enjoy this as much as the other books in the series. I think Ms. Kenyon had more ground to cover so the detail and characters seemed lacking. Still a fun read and being a series, a necessary component. You can't really skip it so I hope you enjoy it more than I did!
Helpful Score: 1
very good
Helpful Score: 1
good book, love the dark-hunters..
Helpful Score: 1
Great read! I always enjoy reading Kenyon's novels in the Dark Hunter series. She has romance, action, good v. evil, with just the right amount of steaminess! She does not disappoint!
Helpful Score: 1
I actually put this book down twice (in one day) not really caring what became of him. But each time I picked it up again, mainly just to finish it.
I wanted to hate Stryker because he's Acheron's enemy and the antagonist in this series. What a sad life he'd led, betrayed left and right by those who should have loved him. It's amazing how human these Gods and demigods really are.
This was a great book and it will definitely take a coveted spot on my keeper shelf.
I wanted to hate Stryker because he's Acheron's enemy and the antagonist in this series. What a sad life he'd led, betrayed left and right by those who should have loved him. It's amazing how human these Gods and demigods really are.
This was a great book and it will definitely take a coveted spot on my keeper shelf.
Helpful Score: 1
Oh, what can I say that hasn't already been said. :). Very short with large type, in and of itself this story is almost not worth reading. The whole "bad guys need love too" thing didn't really work for me. Kenyon has been de-villainizing the Daimons for a while now (they're not all bad!) and this furthers that premise. However, if you are following the series, there were several ideas introduced here that are surely going to be part of future stories. You won't want to miss them, and this is a quick read.
Helpful Score: 1
One Silent Night was better than I expected. As I feel that Kenyon can no longer write a good romance, I was not suprised at the lack of chemistry between Stryker and Zephyra. The storyline wasn't too bad and it was nice seeing Ash again.
Helpful Score: 1
Another wonderful addition to the Dark-Hunter series. If you haven't read this series, you really should. Lots of that dark, sarcastic humor that Kenyon is known for. Lots of hunky lead characters. Lots of twists. A truely awesome series that will monopolize your time, from the moment you start book 1.
Helpful Score: 1
As said in other reviews, the book was smaller with larger text. But I can understand wanting to put this one out on the tailcoats of Acheron. While it had a Christmas style title, there was only one mention in the book on its purpose (to attack on Christmas day) that idea wasn't expounded upon. I think the book should wave at the title in a better form as that. The anti-hero was humanized in a affectinate way, but his relationship with the ex evolved too rapidly and wasn't as smooth at I would have hoped. But in the positive, more arcs are introduced, and a few character relationships and developments are progressing ir: Nick, elusive Jared, Davyn, Medea and a tenuous truce with a big trio. I would have liked to see her hold onto this one a little while longer to see it evolve into a little more. But it was an easy read (2hr elasped) and I walked away interested in the new developments. Give it a try.
Helpful Score: 1
OK--so I haven't brought myself to even start Acheron yet...but this was a fairly underwhelming effort. In one of the typical DH books this would about qualify for a secondary plot but to me this did not rate a book of its own. Short, notably larger print in an effort of make the book seem longer perhaps(?). I didn't care for any of the characters save Ash, Simi and Nick. The story was fairly lame as well for a stand alone book.
I am a follower of this series and have vested quite a bit of time in it so I will keep going but I don't drop whatever I'm reading when I buy a new Kenyon book. I really hate that.
I am a follower of this series and have vested quite a bit of time in it so I will keep going but I don't drop whatever I'm reading when I buy a new Kenyon book. I really hate that.
Katherine S. (kathyk519) -
Helpful Score: 1
After reading the reviews for this book, I decided to read it to get it over with since the consensus was that it was a 'turning point' book, but not that good. The story is a turning point in the Dark Hunter realm. However, I thought that it was a good story in and of itself. I have been fascinated by Stryker throughout the series with his unique moral and warrior code. It was great not only finding out more about him, his interactions with both his ex-wife and Appollymi, but it gave you a much better understanding of the Daimons. IMHO I think that the future books are going to be more exciting since the plot that was laid down in this book is going to open up more possibilities in the Dark Hunter war with the Daimons. I also look forward to reading more about what happens between Nick & Acheron, as well finding out more about Savitar.
This book gave me a whole new look at stryker...good book
loved it.....
I am such a Die Hard Fan of this series and was truly disappointed with the plot. No being a writer I could and would have developed the story line much differently. not sure what Sherilyn was trying to do with the characters here and they do deserve so much more consideration that she gave them with this story line. Zephyra, is such a spoiled person and given to temper tantrums that I was totally bored with er character. Stryker and Zephyra are made for each other, but the strengths of the characters are better when they are looked at separately placed together Stryker loses his evil self and become more like a love starved little boy looking for love from his mother. Stop!!!. Why take a nicely developed character and make him into a wimp???? This book was so disappointing on many levels. Not one of her better pieces.
I think Ashlea B was a little too critical about this book! Everyone has a good and bad side! Sherrilyn Kenyon was NOT trying to make Stryker out to be a hero so to say. She was simply showing both sides of Stryker! This book was amazing just like all the other Dark Hunter books!
Please if you love the series, do NOT skip this one! I personally hate Stryker, and after reading this book I do see him in a new light, but I do not love him like I do most of the other guys!! Stryker is the way he is for reasons unknown to us until you read this book!!
Please if you love the series, do NOT skip this one! I personally hate Stryker, and after reading this book I do see him in a new light, but I do not love him like I do most of the other guys!! Stryker is the way he is for reasons unknown to us until you read this book!!
wonderful, so much better than i actually thought that it was going to be
I really enjoyed this book. It gives you the insight to why Styker is the stinker he is. I read this book because of all the negativity in the reviews. I needed to know for myself if the people didn't misunderstand or overlooked what made the character the way he was.
I am glad to say that I believe they did.
I am glad to say that I believe they did.
ehhhhhhhhh, it was okay, not one of my favorites by her.
Love this series.....great book. Answers questions I had and makes me wish for more.
I really didn't like this one. It was kind of anticlimactic and boring. Why the hell set up a happy ending for the enemy of the hero's...makes no sense to me at all. At least he is a likable villain. The story plot is progressing though, so that's ok.
Crystal W. (Greeneyedgoddess) - , reviewed One Silent Night (Dark-Hunter, Bk 17) on + 41 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book. Yes it was short and you're seeing the "nice" side of Stryker but I liked it!
As always, great story. Shows where this series is going next & can't wait.
quick easy read with some humor; Styker's story
ONE SILENT NIGHT
Synopsis
Sherrilyn Kenyon continues her bestselling DARK-HUNTER series with ONE SILENT NIGHT. In the 17th installment, the vampire Stryker is determined to wipe out the Dark-Hunters. When Strykers tempestuous ex-wife, Zephyra, returns for a showdown, his big plans are thrown off course. Kenyons paranormal romances are published in over 30 countries, with more than 15 million of her books in print.
Publisher's Note
The adopted brother of the legendary Dark-Hunter Acheron, Stryker prepares to lead an army of demons and vampires against the entire human race, preparing to annihilate the Dark-Hunters, but his plans go badly awry thanks to the arrival of his shrewish and angry ex-wife, Zephyra. Original.
Synopsis
Sherrilyn Kenyon continues her bestselling DARK-HUNTER series with ONE SILENT NIGHT. In the 17th installment, the vampire Stryker is determined to wipe out the Dark-Hunters. When Strykers tempestuous ex-wife, Zephyra, returns for a showdown, his big plans are thrown off course. Kenyons paranormal romances are published in over 30 countries, with more than 15 million of her books in print.
Publisher's Note
The adopted brother of the legendary Dark-Hunter Acheron, Stryker prepares to lead an army of demons and vampires against the entire human race, preparing to annihilate the Dark-Hunters, but his plans go badly awry thanks to the arrival of his shrewish and angry ex-wife, Zephyra. Original.
I never once in the whole Dark Hunter experiance felt a kind feeling for Stryker... I think this book was a waste of my time, and wish that Sherrilyn would of put her pen to paper and wrote about someone else... one of the female Dark Hunters even!!!! I gotta have this one for the collection, but I still wonder why!!!!
This is one of my favorites...I just liked it
I can say is that we can see a whole new side of Stryker, and know who is real weakness is. I am making a very short review cause I don't want to say any spoilers cause I can there is a lot that's happening and that's all I am saying Great story, I was hesitant to read this one after reading all the other books and seeing how nasty Stryker is and then reading this I have a whole new opinion of him.
Diana C. (princessdiana34691) reviewed One Silent Night (Dark-Hunter, Bk 17) on + 361 more book reviews
awesome series!
Quick read, larger print than usual. Stryker's story.
