First, I think if you are going to read this book you should first read Acheron even if you'd previously read it. I read Acheron when it came out and while I remembered the general story, there were major things that happened in Styxx that I would not have remembered. 
 I do remember from reading Acheron the feeling of dislike I had for Styxx though primarily it was Styxx's mother, father and uncle who I despised. There were, however, a few moment in Acheron that I absolutely hated Styxx and when I heard that Kenyon had put a book out called Styxx I wanted to read it because I wasn't entirely sure I could read about one of the enemies of her Dark-Hunter series. 
 The funny thing that unlike Stryker's book, Styxx isn't a tale about an enemy. Instead, Kenyon shows us how one sided perceptions can be completely off and the often times when we lash out with such misconceptions it hurts those who are just as guiltless as those we see as the victim of abuse and hatred. 
 In Acheron, we learn about Ash's (the leader of the Dark-Hunters) horrific past. It is clear to reader as the move through the series that Ash has lead a very hard life and is compassion for characters that have been betrayed or character like Zarek who were badly abused makes us not only recognize the similar emotions in Ash but indicate just how hard of a life he had. 
 Upon reading Ash's book, you discover the true horrors. You believe his sister Ryssa loved him and that the rest of Ash's birth family were monsters. For the most part this is all true. 
 And while I've read that some readers see Styxx now and someone who clearly rose above more than Ash had to. Styxx's life, much like his brothers, is horrific and in most cases Styxx endured much more than Ash had to simply because he was mortal. 
 Styxx's story is not for the faint of heart. It is emotional and horrific. The thing is that no matter how bad it was for Styxx he was rarely struck with the inclination to harm others. There were moments when he protected himself which didn't bode well for Ash and then there were times when we find out Ash isn't as perfect as his story leads you to believe. 
 Ash has a journey in this book that most would think ended with his own book. The things is, as twins, Styxx and Ash's journey back from the horror can't be over until they can come to terms with the past, each other's part and innocence in it and the part their sister played in their dramatic hatred of one another. 
 Part of me, like so many other readers, wants to hate Ryssa of her part in Styxx's pain but part of me wonders if had Ryssa known the full truth of everything going on if she's been a champion to both her brothers? 
 While Styxx is filled with horrific violence both sexual and physical; it is a beautiful story at it's core of the perseverance of goodness and love. Styxx could have endured his pain and humiliation by inflicting it on others but instead chose to search for the few people who truly loved him; giving his love and loyalty fiercely and eternally. 
 I have loved many of this series but few of the books have I given a 5 star rating. This is one of the best books I've read in the series and like Ash's book you will need tissues when you are reading. 
 I have to add that some of my favorite lines in the entire book were the Deviled Ham moment and when Simi called Styxx akri-copy. I have always adored Simi and her birthday celebration with Styxx was so adorable.