BadAss week: Mona’s favorite Badass is…
Post Written by Doll Mona Leigh
Ya Gotta Love a Man Who Knows He’s Bad
(….but doesn’t care)
There are so many wonderful tough guys in fiction that at first I was going crazy trying to pick one to write about. For instance, one of my all-time favorites is Ranger from Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. Unlike a lot of you, I’m not a Morelli fan. At. All. But I lurves me some Ranger for many different reasons—not the least of which is the way he always rescues Stephanie, gives her anything she needs or wants, and never asks anything in return. Nor does he take her for granted. Not to mention, he’s gorgeous and dangerous. (sigh)
Then there’s Eric Northman from Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series. Now, don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about—Gracious Plenty, indeed. Plus, he can wear pink spandex and still be hot and studly. There are also Barrons, Bones, Curran, Dimitri, the entire Black Dagger Brotherhood, all the Dark-Hunters, and a slew of others too numerous to mention, but the one who really captures my heart is none other than…..(drumroll please)……—or Ash as he’s known to those who love him.
Yes, I’m talking about Ash of the Dark-Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I mean, c’mon, what’s not to love about a six-foot-eight-inch god with swirling silver eyes and long black hair with a bright red streak in the front, who walks like a seductive predator? The opaque black Oakley sunglasses, the long black coat covering that amazing bod, black tees (usually sporting the name of a heavy metal band), black leather pants, and cherry-red Doc Martens boots with skull and crossbone buckles going up each side are enough to fog up my glasses, yet that description alone would make most people cross the street to avoid him.
Of course, his natural god appearance is even scarier. His skin is marbled blue, he has two black horns, black claws and lips, and his eyes are yellow-orange encircled by red. He is the Talimosin, the Destroyer’s Harbinger, the Final Fate, and a single word from him can destroy the gods and the world. Despite having such immense power, he’s gentle and caring. He loves Simi like a daughter (a young Charonte demon who also doubles as his tattoo), and spoils her with a limitless credit card so she can buy whatever sparklies her heart desires. (All together now……aahhh)
Due to the horrendous acts committed against him by humans and gods when he was mortal, he has every reason in the world to wipe out the universe. The atrocities he suffered would have killed a normal child, and yet he chooses to protect mankind. It’s because he was so abused, maimed, and tortured that he wants no one else to suffer the way he did.
Keeping his godhood a secret is of paramount importance, so no one other than Tory (his new wife and newly created god) and a few other gods know what he is, but keeping his human past a secret is even more important. As strong and powerful as he is, the shame of what was done to him guides many of his actions.
You can see why I have such a tender spot in my heart for Ash. He’s a survivor, leader, husband, and protector. Through a complicated, damnable, twist of fate, he also fathered a daughter with Artemis—the bitch goddess as Simi calls her. Soon he and Tory will welcome their first child, and I know he’ll move heaven and earth to protect them from his ever-growing list of enemies.
And that, my friends, is the measure of a true badass hero—he can totally destroy the universe, but instead, chooses to protect it. You gotta love a man with that much restraint and compassion.
I probably shouldn’t say this, but I honestly hope no one makes a movie about him, because in my mind, there’s no way any actor could measure up to his role. And oh, by the way, if you aren’t familiar with him, start with the first book in the series, Fantasy Lover. Now that you know who he is, you’ll be more apt to notice all the wonderful things he does. (….long, protracted sigh….)
I havent read any Sherrilyn Kenyon yet but you've certainly made me want to go pick them up next time I go to the bookstore!
I love Dimitri. Definitely a bad ass.
<3 Acheron! Fantastic post Mona;)
Excellent post Mona! Acheron sounds like a real badass :) Maybe I'll have to pick up these books, if my TBR pile ever gets any smaller :)
I love they way everyone talks about him in all the books leading up to his. He leads by example and gives sound advice.
But when you read his book, be prepared to have your heart ripped out. The horrible things he lived through, and finally died from, will make you look at every child differently. It'll make you want to hug your kids.
Sherrilyn has an incredible talent and wields it masterfully with Acheron.
Acheron!!!!!! One of my definite bad ass favorites!
Awesome post Mona!
You should have seen how fast I jumped to this post LOL, I love Acheron is and probably will be my all time fave character of all time.
OMG his book ripped my hearts to shreads and then some I am in the midst of doing a reread of the Dark Hunters and even though I know what will happen I will have the same reaction.
I haven't read this series yet but great post!
Acheron is my favorite badass hero ever! I'm so, SO in love with him! *-* too bad he's not real, but, damn, am I looking!!!!!! LOL My hardcover copy of his book is my biggest treasure (literally and metaphorically :p).
You listed quite a few of my favorites XD Even though I read Archeron when I was in the middle of a semester and don't remember all that well I do remember that Ash was like the badass of all badasses. Now I must add Archeron to my list of books to reread.
I read Ms. Kenyon many years ago, but not since – will have to check them out again. Thank you for sharing today.
I agree with you Ash is beautiful, right now I´m waiting next Dark Hunter book only for a peek of Ash baby.
But my favorite is John Matthew from BDB *swoons*.
I've read a few of Sherrilyn Kenyon's books but I haven't meet Acheron yet and let me tell you… now I'm dying to know him!
Wonderful choice! Thanks!
Alexandra
I have not read any of Ms. Kenyon's books but will have to try them out. Thanks for sharing with us.
This post definitely got me excited about all my faves!! There is nothing quite like falling in love with a baddie the first time you read their story!! *sigh*
Oh my god! I have to read these books. I have been wondering about them for a long time, now I need to read them.
This series looks so good!
Fantastic post!! No matter how many books and series I read Acheron is always at the top. He is just the be all and end all (literally). His book made me cry so hard. There are no words to describe the love I feel for this guy. lol.
one of my friends is in love with these books, i read the first and didnt love it. but she made me read ash's book and i really liked him and simi! one day i will read them all
I've got some of Sherrilyn's books in my TBR pile – they're getting move to the top!
I just wanted to tell you that I bought this book today at walmart because of your little article. It is a BIG paperback! I'm excited to start!
How can you not love Ash?! I haven't even gotten to his book yet and I love him.
I read Dark Hunter a years ago, and stop at book #4. I don't know why I do that, but after read this post, I will continue it. I always wondered why people love Acheron, and now I know the reason :).. He's tortured, abused at his past when he become human but still protect mankind? Now that bad-ass man with a big heart :)
Great post, haven't read this series yet, but now I must move it up on my TBR list!!!