House of the Rising Son

Hunter Legends #25.5

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Now released for the first time as a standalone e-story, House of the Rising Son, previously published in the Dark Bites story collection from #1 New York Times bestselling author, Sherrilyn Kenyon.The eldest son in a family of three boys, Aricles had no desire to be a soldier, even though his fighting skills were among the best in the world. He was more than content on his small Atlantean farm, living a quiet, uneventful life. But when his brother is determined to don a soldier’s uniform, Aricles joins him with a promise to their father to bring his brother home in one piece. What he never counts on is how much their new lives will forever change them, or what the risk of a forbidden love will ultimately cost him.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Audiobook, Mythology, Adult

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2014

About the author

Official Author site
Official Nevermore site
Official Deadman's Cross site
Official Chronicles of Nick site
Official Silent Swans site
Official Hunter Legends site
Official Witch of Endor site
Official Lords of Avalon site
Official Facebook site

New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn

Fan Run International Sites:

Argentinian FB Page 

Fans de Sherrilyn Kenyon en Columbia 

Fans de Sherrilyn Kenyon en Chile 

Filipino Fans on FB 

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Italy/Italian 

Portugal 

Soy Fans de Sherrilyn Kenyon 

Dark-Hunter Spain 

Spanish

Reviews

[Sophia Triad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aricles (human) and Bathymaas (Atlantean goddess)

If you have read Styxx, you will already know that Styxx and Beth are soulmates.
If you haven't read Styxx, it does not matter because this book is a standalone story.
This is basically how Styxx and Bethany met in a previous life as Aricles and Bathymaas, the Atlantean goddess of all justice
....and how Aricles/Styxx swore that he will always find Bethany/Bathymas in other lifetimes.

It is a sad sad story. When you read it you will realise that no matter how many lifetimes will pass; Bethany/Bathymas repeats the same mistakes and Apollo is still an @sshole.

Trigger: Yes, AGAIN Styxx/Aricles did not avoid being raped by Apollo

[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that was fucking depressing!

[Vashti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before Styxx and Bethany,there was Aricles and Bathymaas,still my heart broke.

[Aly is so frigging bored · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea why I do this to myself..

[Atousa Karimi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely hate Apolo! I've never encountered a more revolting,  abhorrent and vile creature like him!
No amount of pain and torture is enough for that bastard! I hope he'll have a most painful end. I believe Styxx's story is the saddest story of all.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this one to be a great introduction to the past. This dark hunter romance will set the pages aflame. I loved it.

[Tash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read something you really LOVED but HATED the way it ended? Well, this is one of those for me. OMG, Aricles has got to be the most PERFECT warrior/famer out there and if anyone deserved a "happily-ever-after" ending, it was definitely him!!! I loved how he stepped up and took care of his Dad, his brothers and their farm when it was needed. I loved how always tried to do the right thing. I loved the patience he had with Bathymaas. I mean, what is there NOT to love about Ari. This was such a cute read and I'll be picking up Styxx book REAL soon.

[Laura..devouring books like crumpets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aricles AKA Styxx from a previous life's story.....

Knew this one would pull on the heartstrings after having Beth and Styxx's story, their past life was bound to have the feels....

I was curios about the souls meeting before and the book didn't disappoint... brilliant

[Megzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aricles and Bathymaas story before they were reborn as Styxx and Bethany.

It should be read before Styxx but it isn't necessary.

I finally understood why Apollo was delivered as he was to Apollymi.

[Annie Al Saher · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3,5 ☆☆☆
Příjemná novelka , ale vzhledem k tomu , jaký bookorgasm mi přinesl Styxx to bylo celkem slabé.
Dodatek: nenávidím Apollóna , i když už to všichni ví, tak ho opravdu hodně nenávidím. . Asi nejvíc ze vsech postav z celé série. Tak.. jsem moc ráda za jeho skvělý konec ve Styxxovi , který si taaak zasloužil.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apollo is a real SOB!

[Alice4170 🌙 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 ⭐️

[Chera · Rating 5 out of 5]

House of the Rising Son is a short back story to Styxx. Before Styxx and Bethany, there was Aricles and Bathymaas. This short story was also in the anthology Dark Bites. Aricles is a simple farmer, wanting only to work the land and provide for his father and two brothers in ancient times; he wishes to stay out of the wars between the gods and their pantheons. The goddess Bathymaas and her general arrive at the farm looking for Aricles brother to offer him as spot in her personal guard but mistake Aricles for his twin. When the offer is made for both, they go to war; Aricles goes to protect his brothers back. Bathymaas’ guard soon becomes invincible and in doing so anger the other gods; Aricles in particular angers Apollo and Apollo wants revenge.

[Elayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book in the totally wrong place/order I've had some things explained to me about Styxx's book. Having said that I could have missed this book altogether as it was irrelevant at this time! I wasn't greatly impressed by it, it seemed a bit naive compared to what I call "the big books"! I've given a four star rating because I do admire the author. This book once again proves Apollo to be an arrogant, perverted evil character, who likes to cause animosity and grief to others!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little snippet in the Dark-Hunter series. It's a small window into the bigger whole. I won't give spoilers but this ties into the later books and helps explain how some things were set into motion. Mrs. Kenyon's writing style draws you in as if an old friend is telling you a story. So comfortable and familiar. Can't say enough good things about this story.

[Nalini Tiwari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I screwed up the reading order and read this after Styxx. But it still broke my heart especially as I saw similarities with their love life. It answered a few things about Sttxx's book like how Bethany liked to fish and Styxx being such an excellent fighter.

Loved this!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all of Sherrilyns books I loved this story. It gave me more insght into some of the characters we have already met through other books and CON series.

[Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice back story on Styx and Bethany.

Glad it was written it adds more depth to Styx and his life.

[Kelsey Goldstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a recent addition to the Dark-Hunter Series and it appears to be intended as a sort of prequel, much like Fantasy Lover. I was very happy to locate it in a Kindle collection of Kenyon's short stories; it made for a quick purchase while I was on vacation and had just finished re-reading Fantasy Lover. One of my greatest complaints back when I first began reading Kenyon's works was how difficult it was to track down a lot of the short stories. Not only did I have to find the anthology, but it was really annoying for a poor student like myself to have to purchase all of these books when, chances are, I would have little to no interest in the other short stories contained in the anthology. The Dark Bites collection is brilliant! I can't believe it took until somewhat recently for this to come out! There was some wonkiness in FantasticFiction.com and where this particular short story fits in, but, like I mentioned, it seems to be a prequel. Having read it, I am not entirely certain where it stands and how it meshes with the rest of the series. Chronologically, it is clearly the earliest of the books; other than that, I'm not so sure. The story started out interesting (even if I am a bit confused about the whole premise behind the necessity of the special task force of warriors from different nations) I initially liked Bathymaas and her stoic nature. As I read on, however, I lost a little bit of respect (I don't think this is the right word, but I am going for it) for Ari. He was too childlike. I get that he's young and inexperienced on so many levels, but I don't think that's a good enough excuse. Whereas I liked this childlike naiveté in the early Bathymaas, it was a touch to overdone in Ari. I just didn't find him up to the same quality of Kenyon's other male leads. I think my biggest issue with the story was the dialogue; it felt a bit too awkward. It was formal, but in a stilted way rather than elegant. It was mixed in with some word choices that were far too modern (i.e. "Sweetie"). I love books that transport me to another world, but the dialogue in this particular story took me out of that escape. This was probably my least favorite of Kenyon's books. I'm waiting to see where it fits into the grand scheme...maybe I'll like it more if I can understand/appreciate her character choices.

[Amy Softa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short story included in the Dark Bites anthology and is the origin story for Styxx and Beth. This story is the origin of how their two souls met and fell in love. If you have not read Styxx you will be fine as this doesn’t give anything away. If you have read Styxx then this is a sad but interesting read to learn about how their love started. Warning, this does not end well but then again it is not the end of their story. The HEA comes in Styxx’s book.

It wasn’t a very long listen but it took me a bit to figure out that it was a prequel to Styxx’s book. I thought it was interesting but have to confess that I’m simply not that into reading about sex/romance anymore. I blame menopause. Whatever the reason I found myself losing interest once the characters started hooking up. If you are a fan of the series though you will want to add this one to your list as it will add to the broader overall scope of the world. Just be prepared for heartbreak.

[Lita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was exceptionally good. Set way, way, way back in 12,ooo BC it takes place before the Dark Hunters, during the Chthonian wars. Bathymaas, Egyptian goddess of justice creates a band of warriors to fight against the Greek gods and calls them her Eperon. She has no heart and no emotions qualifying her to determine what is just because her decisions cannot be clouded by emotion. Among the warriors is a Atlantean farmer who doesn't want to be a warrior but agrees reluctantly. The two of them are drawn to each other and eventually she discovers emotions as she falls in love with him and he with her. Alas their love is forbidden and the gods, long jealous of Bathymaas role as goddess of justice, seek to discredit and destroy her. Using trickery most foul, they succeed. This does not have a HEA ending, but rather ends with hope and a chance for a better future.

[Janshea (Tobborah C.) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story gives us the origins for Styxx and Bethany whom you read about in Styxx, book 22.

It was a good read and is like the whipped cream topping on your dessert. The origin story mirrors the completion story in Styxx and while not needed, you don’t need whipped cream, it definitely enhances the Dark Hunter world and feed the appetite of the reader who wants to know it all. It answers questions left from previous books and also leaves you with an even bigger ‘awww how sweet’ feeling about Aricles/Styxx and Bathymaas/Bethany.

[Elle Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is like one of the only books that doesn't have a HEA...but I can deal (another one is Where Angels Fear to Tread, Fear the Darkness...etc. But all of these stories introduce characters or concepts for the most part without any romance even mentioned). So I'm SO VERY GLAD that it came AFTER Styxx so you know everything works out. And in any form I love Aricles/Styxx & Bathymaas/Bet'anya...and of course I love that they got their ending finally! <3

[Isel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just want to know if Aricles is Styxx.
That's like a Phoenix, right? The cover sure looks like it.
Honestly, that could probably make me forgive... Well, more like at least like him as his own character after everything he did to Acheron. I always wondered how Kenyon was going to fix his fudged up character.
He was happy for such a short amount of time. I mean happy without having to keep it a secret 🤧

[Angel Padillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Styxx, I know that House of the Rising Sun ultimately had a happy ending, just not in this story. It was nice getting their back story, but I was left we some questions regarding Galus, Aricles twin. He bore so many similarities to Styxx’s mentor, but there is an 3000 year gap. I hope that eventually get an explanation.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a little unfair how many negative reviews this got because it was sad. This came out after Styxx, how does one not realize it was not going to be a happy ending as it is the prequel to Styxx & Bethany.

I loved it. Laughter, tears, some smiles. I enjoyed being able to read what started it and how the heart became whole.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very enjoyable short read.
The history between these two is bitter sweet and never changed, even the place they met and their courtship.
Styxx/Aricles was the same person in both books. He was humble and put family above all else.
It was a very sad ending but you know it’s not really the end of their story.
I loved these two so much..

[Marthea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Świetne uzupełnienie historii Styxxa i Bethany -smutne, ale nie mogło być niestety inne - dobrze, że Styxxa przeczytałam wcześniej 😀 Nie sposób nie pokochać tego faceta - choć po lekturze wcześniejszych tomów nie wydawało się to możliwe 💙💙💙 I choć to tylko fikcja, jednocześnie nie sposób nie trzymać kciuków i mieć nadziei na marny i baaaardzo bolesny koniec Apollo 😛

[grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this prior to styxx, and let me tell you, i finished both books in the matter of like 12 hours. i liked this book until it ended ((basically)) with both of them dying and like this entire story didn’t just happen. oof this, along with good ol styxx, made my eyes swollen and gave me a headache... rip anyone who reads this honestly, but it still is a great book

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, tragic love story typical of the Kenyon brand. The goddess of justice and a simple farm boy who is chosen to be one of her personal guard and champion fall in love ... but it's the gods, and a Kenyon story, so things don't go particularly well for them.
Cameos by Arti, Apollo and Nick's pal Caleb feature.