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Hammer and Fist: Lextalion #1
Sledge and Claw
Lex:
I work, I sleep, I fuck. That's what I do.
My alphabet soup agency recruited me because of my unique blend of magic and innate talent, but those come with a steep price and it’s getting harder to pay with every investigation.
I never thought Knoxville would be the place that kills me, but between someone targeting me to get me fired (or start a war; could go either way), taking on a naïve new trainee, and investigating a non-human trafficking ring, it looks like I'm about to bite off more than I can chew.
The question is, can I figure out what’s going on before it all blows up in my face?
Sledge and Claw is an MM Urban Fantasy with triggers for the horrors of slave trafficking and consent issues. There also happens to be a cliffhanger ending.
I work, I sleep, I fuck. That's what I do.
My alphabet soup agency recruited me because of my unique blend of magic and innate talent, but those come with a steep price and it’s getting harder to pay with every investigation.
I never thought Knoxville would be the place that kills me, but between someone targeting me to get me fired (or start a war; could go either way), taking on a naïve new trainee, and investigating a non-human trafficking ring, it looks like I'm about to bite off more than I can chew.
The question is, can I figure out what’s going on before it all blows up in my face?
Sledge and Claw is an MM Urban Fantasy with triggers for the horrors of slave trafficking and consent issues. There also happens to be a cliffhanger ending.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2022
100 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Cody
47 books712 followersJennifer Cody lives in Small Midwestern Town, USA, aka the sticks of Kansas. She has three kids and a Beardo she loves. Her sleep schedule is weird, so messages sent at midnight usually get answered relatively promptly. She reads all kinds of mm romance and urban fantasy, but her favorites are gay-for-you, small-town romances and over the top urban fantasy romances. Her own writing doesn’t always reflect her reading preferences, but mostly it does. She writes what she wants to read and reads extensively because she’s an addict. To books, obviously. And caffeine because sleep is for other people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 30, 2022
This story is about Lex who works as a field agent (FA) for IDIA which is sort of like one of the alphabet agencies that exist in our world but he works with creatures from different dimensions. Earth is a hub for these dimensions and to pass through to another, you have to pass through Earth. IDIA keeps track of creatures on Earth and requires them to register with them to be a resident/citizen of Earth.
Lex is powerful as he is a demigod who happens to be cursed. His curse causes him to be enthralled with anyone he makes skin-to-skin contact with. In order to break the enthrallment, he either has to work it out through sex or kill the person he is enthralled with.
On one of his missions, he encounters three nymphs who were being used as sex slaves. This opens up a whole can of worms that lead to the discovery of a trafficking ring.
Due to circumstances on the initial mission, Lex ends up with an agent shadowing him. It seems someone has messed with his tracking and recording device that the agency provides field agents.
Roberts is an office agent (OA) who wants to be out on the field. She was part of the sex crime division. Initially, Lex does not like her but after some time spent together he decides to take her under his wing. He decides he will train her to be a field agent even though she is human.
They work on this case together.
Wow...there was so much to absorb in this one but I never felt loss. It was different and I liked it. You learn a lot about Lex and what he is capable of. You also learn some of his weaknesses. This is only book 1 so I expect to learn even more about Lex and everything in his world. I am also hoping to get more of him and Tor (an OA who has secrets of his own) as well as Roberts. I like the relationship she and Lex are building. Really this book just feels like it's scratching the surface of so much more to come. I found it entertaining and it kept me enthralled 😉Bring on book 2 😆
**ARC provided by author, this is my honest review.**
Lex is powerful as he is a demigod who happens to be cursed. His curse causes him to be enthralled with anyone he makes skin-to-skin contact with. In order to break the enthrallment, he either has to work it out through sex or kill the person he is enthralled with.
On one of his missions, he encounters three nymphs who were being used as sex slaves. This opens up a whole can of worms that lead to the discovery of a trafficking ring.
Due to circumstances on the initial mission, Lex ends up with an agent shadowing him. It seems someone has messed with his tracking and recording device that the agency provides field agents.
Roberts is an office agent (OA) who wants to be out on the field. She was part of the sex crime division. Initially, Lex does not like her but after some time spent together he decides to take her under his wing. He decides he will train her to be a field agent even though she is human.
They work on this case together.
Wow...there was so much to absorb in this one but I never felt loss. It was different and I liked it. You learn a lot about Lex and what he is capable of. You also learn some of his weaknesses. This is only book 1 so I expect to learn even more about Lex and everything in his world. I am also hoping to get more of him and Tor (an OA who has secrets of his own) as well as Roberts. I like the relationship she and Lex are building. Really this book just feels like it's scratching the surface of so much more to come. I found it entertaining and it kept me enthralled 😉Bring on book 2 😆
**ARC provided by author, this is my honest review.**
June 8, 2023
A paranormal agency story with portals and a heavy MIB vibe and promising reviews? Color me intrigued and I have to say, it fulfills a lot of my expectations regarding action and different species and I liked the mystery case. It even adds nice twists on some well-known concepts of that sub-genre but I have to admit I found the world building confusing: realms, planets, alternative universes, portals, treaties, mythological creatures and aliens, completely new monsters and gods. There were time when it wasn't easy to keep the overview and remember the differences between species and different planets.
Though my main issue is with the MC: I couldn't connect with him, at all. Maybe it was his nearly omnipotent status, maybe it was his right to act as judge, jury and executioner, how easy it was to get a DOA or DOD and it wasn't even alleviated by ironic coolness or over the top fun, just a matter of fact. His only weakness was his quirky curse: becoming enthralled by the person who's able to touch his skin and the only way to get that out of his system are marathon fuck sessions – that makes a romantic story line a little bit difficult and indeed the romance part comes really late and the end of the book I still wonder if it's more compulsion or attraction. However, the start of his maybe-romance with his male lover and the growing companionship with his female sidekick made Lex much more approachable.
Though my main issue is with the MC: I couldn't connect with him, at all. Maybe it was his nearly omnipotent status, maybe it was his right to act as judge, jury and executioner, how easy it was to get a DOA or DOD and it wasn't even alleviated by ironic coolness or over the top fun, just a matter of fact. His only weakness was his quirky curse: becoming enthralled by the person who's able to touch his skin and the only way to get that out of his system are marathon fuck sessions – that makes a romantic story line a little bit difficult and indeed the romance part comes really late and the end of the book I still wonder if it's more compulsion or attraction. However, the start of his maybe-romance with his male lover and the growing companionship with his female sidekick made Lex much more approachable.
March 29, 2022
Sledge and Claw is the first book in the Hammer and Fist series. This is not a romance focused book so bear that in mind when diving into the story.
One of the things I loved about this book is the world-building. It's been really good so far. A nice enough part of the story is focused in laying foundation for the series and introducing the reader to this world. It fleshed out the various creatures that inhabited this universe currently as well as the basic magical system in place. The details of Lex's job and what it entails and the organization he belongs to was expounded on as well. I loved the little touches pertaining to myths and legends. Though it did threw me off when the name Need Hawg was spelled like that instead of the usual Nidhogg / Níðhöggr.
The characters have been mostly likeable, interesting and diverse so far. I like Lex a lot. He is a pretty complex character with an intriguing and mysterious background. His curse is quite fascinating in nature and its effect has been shown and utilized nicely in the story. His ability to distinguish lies but with the side-effect of getting high on it when it gets too much is an interesting twist on an ability. I am still on the fence with Gillian though. She had a good development alongside Lex throughout the story, but I still am not totally sold on her character. I do think is she a pretty solid character overall it's just that I am not really connecting with her.
The pacing in the early sections of the story is a bit slow, but later on it flows much faster and the action ramps up. The plot is simple and easy to follow but the overall execution has been great. It does end in a cliffhanger which was has been softened a bit by the preview to the next book.
Overall, Sledge and Claw is an entertaining and I'd definitely recommend picking this up. Please do heed the warnings provided as they are there for a reason.
This would be 4.25 stars out of 5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
One of the things I loved about this book is the world-building. It's been really good so far. A nice enough part of the story is focused in laying foundation for the series and introducing the reader to this world. It fleshed out the various creatures that inhabited this universe currently as well as the basic magical system in place. The details of Lex's job and what it entails and the organization he belongs to was expounded on as well. I loved the little touches pertaining to myths and legends. Though it did threw me off when the name Need Hawg was spelled like that instead of the usual Nidhogg / Níðhöggr.
The characters have been mostly likeable, interesting and diverse so far. I like Lex a lot. He is a pretty complex character with an intriguing and mysterious background. His curse is quite fascinating in nature and its effect has been shown and utilized nicely in the story. His ability to distinguish lies but with the side-effect of getting high on it when it gets too much is an interesting twist on an ability. I am still on the fence with Gillian though. She had a good development alongside Lex throughout the story, but I still am not totally sold on her character. I do think is she a pretty solid character overall it's just that I am not really connecting with her.
The pacing in the early sections of the story is a bit slow, but later on it flows much faster and the action ramps up. The plot is simple and easy to follow but the overall execution has been great. It does end in a cliffhanger which was has been softened a bit by the preview to the next book.
Overall, Sledge and Claw is an entertaining and I'd definitely recommend picking this up. Please do heed the warnings provided as they are there for a reason.
This would be 4.25 stars out of 5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
March 23, 2022
The longer I think about this the more there is to love about it. Female partner who is driven and principled? Perfect, Roberts fits that bill. Loved her.
There were so many aspects of this that I found fascinating. The magic, Lex and his abilities, just everything. There's a lot of world building at the start but most of it is woven into a fast paced storyline so it doesn't feel like an info dump. That being said, the second half does flow faster.
Not a traditional romance but there is a character introduced that seems perfect for Lex and there are a couple of steamy scenes. 1 is with that partner and 1 at the start with someone else. The nature of Lex's curse and consent really gets the mind going and I'm really looking forward to book 2.
There is a cliffhanger but I found it mild with the look at book 2.
I read this through so quickly because I couldn't put it down and it goes into my re-read pile, no questions. I'd say this is one of my top 5 books of this year.
There were so many aspects of this that I found fascinating. The magic, Lex and his abilities, just everything. There's a lot of world building at the start but most of it is woven into a fast paced storyline so it doesn't feel like an info dump. That being said, the second half does flow faster.
Not a traditional romance but there is a character introduced that seems perfect for Lex and there are a couple of steamy scenes. 1 is with that partner and 1 at the start with someone else. The nature of Lex's curse and consent really gets the mind going and I'm really looking forward to book 2.
There is a cliffhanger but I found it mild with the look at book 2.
I read this through so quickly because I couldn't put it down and it goes into my re-read pile, no questions. I'd say this is one of my top 5 books of this year.
July 10, 2022
Read this one first so I could read the gemini one. I liked Lex and Roberts grew on me once she became a trainee. I particularly liked the passing of the dagger. The magic was cool and the different worlds. Then there was the trafficking and consent. Lex's curse is awful, I like that he has Tor, but it did feel like it had turned into an omegaverse story. Not sure I liked Sceri. After Hunter/Ranger, they do feel a bit creepy. Another one that just ends, so I did like the sneak peek of the 2nd book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
November 6, 2022I dnf'd around 14%. The first sex scene in the book had noncon and the way it was handled turned me off. It's in the blurb (which I didn't read, to be fair, but that wasn't my issue). The book has a fluff vibe and the scene was written off as no big deal--I expect noncon to be a bit darker, and to actually have some impact on the story. It was just a "wut" moment.
The book is readable and fairly well-explained for a setting with what seems like a convoluted back story, although there were some wut moments. I was interested to know more about Lex and his background, but not enough to keep going.
The book is readable and fairly well-explained for a setting with what seems like a convoluted back story, although there were some wut moments. I was interested to know more about Lex and his background, but not enough to keep going.
July 12, 2023
I have pretty mixed feelings (for book 1 and 2). For all that I enjoyed it I have a lot of complaints. It’s quite fun and has interesting world building, but Lex’s untouchably epic badassness is a bit tiresome and prevents connecting with him as a character. The level of violence is over the top, and I don’t mean in an overwhelming way, I mean it’s so much and so often it becomes meaningless almost immediately. People keep dying left and right, no mourning or processing. Others are skinned “for Justice”.
His plucky human sidekick is recognized by all, including gods, as being so interesting and will be epic in the future - but we’re told all this so I don’t really feel connected or impressed by her. Same with the love interest - I guess maybe in book 3 we’ll find out why Alex recognizes Tor as “the bigger predator” (we’re told many many times) but there’s not even a hint of why so it feels fake.
I’ll still be curious to read book 3, if only for the steamy 12/10 sex that Tor and Lex have.
His plucky human sidekick is recognized by all, including gods, as being so interesting and will be epic in the future - but we’re told all this so I don’t really feel connected or impressed by her. Same with the love interest - I guess maybe in book 3 we’ll find out why Alex recognizes Tor as “the bigger predator” (we’re told many many times) but there’s not even a hint of why so it feels fake.
I’ll still be curious to read book 3, if only for the steamy 12/10 sex that Tor and Lex have.
March 27, 2024
4.5 stars. I hesitated on buying this for a long time because of the consent issues presented in the preview. I’m glad I finally took the leap. Though I in no way agree with every single one of the main character’s actions, the complexity behind them and the parameters within which he’s forced to function kept me hooked. I’m intrigued by this world, these enforcers, and the travelers they’re charged with policing/protecting. Also love the idea of Lex starting out as a lone wolf but inadvertently building his own sort of found family along the way.
A few sexual elements to the storyline came out of left field for me, but still overall an engaging read.
A few sexual elements to the storyline came out of left field for me, but still overall an engaging read.
April 28, 2022
I like Lex, but I feel like there's a weird dissonance between the tone of the writing and the content.
Considering the topics addressed (mind the CWs), I would expect this to be a somewhat gritty read (like early Kate Daniels), but the sheer OPness of Lex and his devil-may-care attitude would be better suited for a light and fun, OTT Urban Fantasy romp, which it definitely wasn't.
I would have obviously preferred if the author had chosen to commit to the latter, but it might be that I'm just not the audience for this particular mix of tone and content.
Considering the topics addressed (mind the CWs), I would expect this to be a somewhat gritty read (like early Kate Daniels), but the sheer OPness of Lex and his devil-may-care attitude would be better suited for a light and fun, OTT Urban Fantasy romp, which it definitely wasn't.
I would have obviously preferred if the author had chosen to commit to the latter, but it might be that I'm just not the audience for this particular mix of tone and content.
March 29, 2022
This was a fantastic urban fantasy!! It’s the first story in the Hammer and Fist series. The world building was complex and so interesting that I couldn’t look away from the story!! It enraptured me! Twists and turns, nonstop action, complex characters, etc. Loved Lex, he’s a demigod with a curse. He’s the judge, jury and executioner. The secondary characters are fantastic! Overall, fantastic! The story was really well written, the pacing flowed smoothly, highly recommend. The story kept me engaged and I literally could not put it down. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
March 22, 2022
This is my first book from Jennifer Cody and I must say it was an entertaining ride, I honestly didn’t see the pages go by.
However a lot of the story is the laying of the foundation for the series which is needed to give everything a good start.
I really enjoyed the second half of the book the most because we know a good amount by then and just need to enjoy the adventure.
I wasn’t keen on Gillian at first and was kind of nervous about her role and place in the story; as she became a trainee and more thrust worthy I found I really liked her and I do believe she could be a very strong character.
Lex is as mysterious as he is transparent and I love that. I feel bad for a lot of the things happening to him because he just has to endure. He’s badass but still approachable.
And let’s be honest he’s compelling all on his own.
I really love the lore of this book though the cotton candy lies ? The different folks ? The magic ? To me it speak of a well crafted idea the author already has for where this is going and I can’t wait to see if the rest is in the same vein.
However a lot of the story is the laying of the foundation for the series which is needed to give everything a good start.
I really enjoyed the second half of the book the most because we know a good amount by then and just need to enjoy the adventure.
I wasn’t keen on Gillian at first and was kind of nervous about her role and place in the story; as she became a trainee and more thrust worthy I found I really liked her and I do believe she could be a very strong character.
Lex is as mysterious as he is transparent and I love that. I feel bad for a lot of the things happening to him because he just has to endure. He’s badass but still approachable.
And let’s be honest he’s compelling all on his own.
I really love the lore of this book though the cotton candy lies ? The different folks ? The magic ? To me it speak of a well crafted idea the author already has for where this is going and I can’t wait to see if the rest is in the same vein.
April 24, 2023
This book got me off a book slump after wading through tired paranormal stereotypes and/or cloying m/m romances.
I liked the world building mish mash which has a male demi god with a human female side kick trainee. The male demigod has a complex affliction/curse which brings a completly different take on sex and obsession and the dynamics of m/m relationships. The female human side kick is smart, sassy, and tenacious.
The plot involves chasing and killing traffickers while rescuing vulnerable non humans. Other characters are introduced later including a possible love interest which we should be meeting in Hammer and Fist 2.
I really liked an off beat quote which I will use in my work. "One of the skills I want to teach ....... is the ability to create happiness whenever, wherever, however we can, because often our days are dark and our nights long"
I liked the world building mish mash which has a male demi god with a human female side kick trainee. The male demigod has a complex affliction/curse which brings a completly different take on sex and obsession and the dynamics of m/m relationships. The female human side kick is smart, sassy, and tenacious.
The plot involves chasing and killing traffickers while rescuing vulnerable non humans. Other characters are introduced later including a possible love interest which we should be meeting in Hammer and Fist 2.
I really liked an off beat quote which I will use in my work. "One of the skills I want to teach ....... is the ability to create happiness whenever, wherever, however we can, because often our days are dark and our nights long"
May 21, 2024
I think I have read almost every book by this author. Jennifer Cody is a master when it comes to characterization and world building and can weave amazingly complex plots together.
With Sledge and Claw the reader is tossed into a hidden world on earth and the book reveals this world and the characters as it goes along instead of massive amounts of info dumping or repetition. This make the story exciting and interesting starting from the first page all the way to the cliffhanger ending.
This is an Urban Fantasy book instead of the authors more well know mm romance though there is still plenty of steam and the MC is gay.
I hope that there will be more books in this series and that more books will be written in this world with maybe some shared characters or character cameos. I am excited to start the next book and the book written already in a spin-off.
With Sledge and Claw the reader is tossed into a hidden world on earth and the book reveals this world and the characters as it goes along instead of massive amounts of info dumping or repetition. This make the story exciting and interesting starting from the first page all the way to the cliffhanger ending.
This is an Urban Fantasy book instead of the authors more well know mm romance though there is still plenty of steam and the MC is gay.
I hope that there will be more books in this series and that more books will be written in this world with maybe some shared characters or character cameos. I am excited to start the next book and the book written already in a spin-off.
May 1, 2022
Sledge and Claw is an action-driven story, not a character driven one. Which is a shame, because with a first person POV, I expected to learn to know Lex at least a little bit. He tells his feelings and thoughts in passing, like it doesn't really matter, so it's hard to have a grip on his personality, especially since there are so many contradictions: he's both a protector and a predator, he's both a team-player and totally independent, he's both friendly and fear-inspiring, he's both a victim and a perpetrator, he kills people he likes without batting an eyelash… The plot was OK, but it wasn't enough for me to really enjoy the book on a whole.
March 30, 2022
Worth More Than 5 Stars
OMG. I absolutely love Lex. This story had me hanging on every word and up way too late trying to finish it. I can not wait to get started on the next book when it comes out. This is definitely going to be a series that I re-read again and again.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.
OMG. I absolutely love Lex. This story had me hanging on every word and up way too late trying to finish it. I can not wait to get started on the next book when it comes out. This is definitely going to be a series that I re-read again and again.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.
July 26, 2023
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
The pacing was slower than I expected. And I started reading this expecting urban fantasy romance, when in reality this is almost solely urban fantasy with like... a couple of crumbs of maybe-future-romance in the last fourth of the story.
Read
May 9, 2022DNF 15%
The world-building didn't pull me in and the weird sexual encounter in very beginning with a woman and two men was just too icky for my little Ace eyes. I'm noping out of this one.
The world-building didn't pull me in and the weird sexual encounter in very beginning with a woman and two men was just too icky for my little Ace eyes. I'm noping out of this one.
May 15, 2022
Fabulous Characters, outstanding story
Rating: 4.75🌈
I love this introduction to a new author and a universe who’s fabric is exquisitely complicated, rich with the mythologies of a multitude of cultures and nations, as well as one that has the ability to expand through portals to endless worlds as the investigations require.
Jennifer Cody’s Hammer and Fist, as the Field Agent’s of the IDIA refer to themselves , is not just one series but as of now, two series. Each with a different character as a focal point.
I haven’t started on the second series, Inferno (Hammer and Fist : Geminatus #1) yet. But we meet that species here and it seems that the two intersect at a horrific mystery and investigation over the investigation into the abduction of species from their home worlds and slave trafficking.
First, Sledge and Claw. It’s fantastic. The beautifully defined characters run the gamut from human (or part human) to Fae to main one’s you need to discover in these pages.
It will start with Lextalion Farrow, FA for the IDIA, Inter-dimensional Immigration Agency. He’s the main, but not only POV. Lex is a mystery that slowly unravels . A top field agent , if not the top, for a somewhat nebulous agency. What that means exactly will be sharply defined, both by his actions and words, as he moves from one investigation to another, each pointing the way to a larger , more horrifying conspiracy of species abduction and slave trafficking.
Cody has crafted some incredibly strong, multidimensional female characters that constantly change as circumstances and relationship dynamics require. To go further would spoil a wonderful element here.
The other man, who is soon to stir things up, is such a strong personality, that you can sense that he will be a bigger player in this book as it continues. He too has secrets.
There’s Norse gods, mini gods, and a strange spelling of Nidhöggr, which I’m sure was intentional. I really liked that.
The writing was excellent, the plotting outstanding. And while I say there’s a cliffhanger, the author makes up for it by including a sneak peek at the next in the series, Brick and Brass, which lets us know exactly how that cliffhanger was resolved.
Since we don’t have a release date for book 2, that sneak peek was greatly appreciated and virtually eliminated the angst brought on by the cliffhanger.
All good.
I suspect that we are at the start of the beginning of a foundation of a found family of sorts. It has so many magnificent possibilities.
I was grateful for that sneak peek as I said for book 2. Now I need the actual release date for Brick and Brass!
If you love fantasy fiction, and the potential for new characters, new worlds, and mysteries as well as romances?
This is it! I’m highly recommending it.
Plus fabulous cover.
Now I’m off to see what the other series holds.
Hammer and Fist: Lextalion series:
🔹Sledge and Claw: Lextalion #1
🔹Brick and Brass : Lextalion #2 TBD
Same universe:
Hammer and Fist : Geminatus series:
🔹Inferno #1
Rating: 4.75🌈
I love this introduction to a new author and a universe who’s fabric is exquisitely complicated, rich with the mythologies of a multitude of cultures and nations, as well as one that has the ability to expand through portals to endless worlds as the investigations require.
Jennifer Cody’s Hammer and Fist, as the Field Agent’s of the IDIA refer to themselves , is not just one series but as of now, two series. Each with a different character as a focal point.
I haven’t started on the second series, Inferno (Hammer and Fist : Geminatus #1) yet. But we meet that species here and it seems that the two intersect at a horrific mystery and investigation over the investigation into the abduction of species from their home worlds and slave trafficking.
First, Sledge and Claw. It’s fantastic. The beautifully defined characters run the gamut from human (or part human) to Fae to main one’s you need to discover in these pages.
It will start with Lextalion Farrow, FA for the IDIA, Inter-dimensional Immigration Agency. He’s the main, but not only POV. Lex is a mystery that slowly unravels . A top field agent , if not the top, for a somewhat nebulous agency. What that means exactly will be sharply defined, both by his actions and words, as he moves from one investigation to another, each pointing the way to a larger , more horrifying conspiracy of species abduction and slave trafficking.
Cody has crafted some incredibly strong, multidimensional female characters that constantly change as circumstances and relationship dynamics require. To go further would spoil a wonderful element here.
The other man, who is soon to stir things up, is such a strong personality, that you can sense that he will be a bigger player in this book as it continues. He too has secrets.
There’s Norse gods, mini gods, and a strange spelling of Nidhöggr, which I’m sure was intentional. I really liked that.
The writing was excellent, the plotting outstanding. And while I say there’s a cliffhanger, the author makes up for it by including a sneak peek at the next in the series, Brick and Brass, which lets us know exactly how that cliffhanger was resolved.
Since we don’t have a release date for book 2, that sneak peek was greatly appreciated and virtually eliminated the angst brought on by the cliffhanger.
All good.
I suspect that we are at the start of the beginning of a foundation of a found family of sorts. It has so many magnificent possibilities.
I was grateful for that sneak peek as I said for book 2. Now I need the actual release date for Brick and Brass!
If you love fantasy fiction, and the potential for new characters, new worlds, and mysteries as well as romances?
This is it! I’m highly recommending it.
Plus fabulous cover.
Now I’m off to see what the other series holds.
Hammer and Fist: Lextalion series:
🔹Sledge and Claw: Lextalion #1
🔹Brick and Brass : Lextalion #2 TBD
Same universe:
Hammer and Fist : Geminatus series:
🔹Inferno #1
June 15, 2022
I'm not going to recap, there is simply too much. The main character, Agent Lex Farrow, is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. Layers there... like an onion! I'm sure we don't learn everything about him, but we do get some answers in this book.
The 'supporting characters' are fleshed out, fully realized, not simply tropes ('supporting' in quotes, because all these characters told their own stories through the novel). The world-building is amazing, with so many opportunities to fall down a rabbit-hole... so many creatures and worlds and realms.
You don't get a lot of backstory; the mystery/investigation just keeps on coming. Personally, I prefer stories where the author is confident in her readers to keep up, even if it means I have to wait for pay-off, rather than stories with jarring info-dumps.
This is more urban-fantasy with romance than a romance with urban-fantasy trappings.
If I had to give one negative (in an overwhelmingly positive experience, trust me), I could have used an in-world guide. I couldn't quite keep all the different species separated in my head. You arrive in media res, and you're kept running along with the characters. That's great, because the story is so compelling, you have to keep reading! But when you run into new characters of a previously-named species, you kind of go, "ack, I know I saw this before, but I don't know what that means!"
Note 1: The cliffhanger isn't so bad. Threads are left hanging, sure. no "oh man, is he dead? he's not dead, is he?" or "rocks fall, everyone... dies? WHAT?" It's just the first book of a series, with an appropriate end-point. Story's gotta end somewhere, as sad as that is.
Note 2: There is a side-story or spinoff, "Inferno." You should read the chapters beyond the end of this first book before you go into "Inferno." I started with Inferno first, and did a lot of side-eying. My bad.
The 'supporting characters' are fleshed out, fully realized, not simply tropes ('supporting' in quotes, because all these characters told their own stories through the novel). The world-building is amazing, with so many opportunities to fall down a rabbit-hole... so many creatures and worlds and realms.
You don't get a lot of backstory; the mystery/investigation just keeps on coming. Personally, I prefer stories where the author is confident in her readers to keep up, even if it means I have to wait for pay-off, rather than stories with jarring info-dumps.
This is more urban-fantasy with romance than a romance with urban-fantasy trappings.
If I had to give one negative (in an overwhelmingly positive experience, trust me), I could have used an in-world guide. I couldn't quite keep all the different species separated in my head. You arrive in media res, and you're kept running along with the characters. That's great, because the story is so compelling, you have to keep reading! But when you run into new characters of a previously-named species, you kind of go, "ack, I know I saw this before, but I don't know what that means!"
Note 1: The cliffhanger isn't so bad. Threads are left hanging, sure. no "oh man, is he dead? he's not dead, is he?" or "rocks fall, everyone... dies? WHAT?" It's just the first book of a series, with an appropriate end-point. Story's gotta end somewhere, as sad as that is.
Note 2: There is a side-story or spinoff, "Inferno." You should read the chapters beyond the end of this first book before you go into "Inferno." I started with Inferno first, and did a lot of side-eying. My bad.
March 29, 2022
Overall, I enjoyed the book, even though this first paragraph sounded a bit divided. The writing is stellar, as always, the plot is unique, the characters are interesting in a myriad of different ways, but this one is “dark” in a way that I responded to unexpectedly. It wasn’t bad, just a different take on a trope that might not feel the same way as when you’ve read it in other works. It also ends on a soft cliffhanger – soft because you can kinda see past the cliffhanger if you read the previews after the story ends.
With that being said… this author always creates an entertaining book. Lex is an interesting dude, standing on the border of hero and antihero, who has some unique characteristics and carries some serious baggage and a devastating curse. There really isn’t another MC in this book as far as a romance goes, but there is an indication there might be one as the story continues to progress into future books. There are some side characters with huge personalities who shine in the book and have potential to become even greater as they grow. Lots of paranormal action, snark, family roll-your-eyes drama, and a variety of situations from dark to funny, will keep you engaged.
I think this series is going to be easier to review when complete, rather than looking at a small part of the whole, but the first book definitely shows the potential for the series to be stellar.
With that being said… this author always creates an entertaining book. Lex is an interesting dude, standing on the border of hero and antihero, who has some unique characteristics and carries some serious baggage and a devastating curse. There really isn’t another MC in this book as far as a romance goes, but there is an indication there might be one as the story continues to progress into future books. There are some side characters with huge personalities who shine in the book and have potential to become even greater as they grow. Lots of paranormal action, snark, family roll-your-eyes drama, and a variety of situations from dark to funny, will keep you engaged.
I think this series is going to be easier to review when complete, rather than looking at a small part of the whole, but the first book definitely shows the potential for the series to be stellar.
March 30, 2022
So we have Lex being sent to Knoxville to investigate a possible trafficking situation. When Lex takes care of the first issue, he's quickly thrust into another and someone doesn't want him to succeed. With his recording crystal constantly being turned off, an aggressive human female barging in on his private time and being bound to people he'd rather not; Lex is burning the candle on both ends. He barely has time to eat and sleep with all the issues that keep getting thrown at him. Along the way he's collecting people and making a family of his own. Will Lex be able to solve the trafficking case before someone gets him killed? And who's the hottie with the nerd glasses that he's attracted to and a little scared of, all at the same time?
This is another 5 star book by Jennifer. It hits the floor running and doesn't let up even at the cliffhanger. Lex is a likeable guy, even if he doesn't want to be and that's all because of Jennifer's great writing skills. I want to read more of Lex and the family he's making. The world building is really good and the characters are fully fleshed out. You'll either like them or hate them but you'll definitely feel like you know them when the book is over. I'm thoroughly convinced that there's nothing Jennifer can't write. She even got me to like a book about threesomes and I don't usually like anything more than one couple in a book. I highly recommend this book and all of the others that Jennifer has put out.
This is another 5 star book by Jennifer. It hits the floor running and doesn't let up even at the cliffhanger. Lex is a likeable guy, even if he doesn't want to be and that's all because of Jennifer's great writing skills. I want to read more of Lex and the family he's making. The world building is really good and the characters are fully fleshed out. You'll either like them or hate them but you'll definitely feel like you know them when the book is over. I'm thoroughly convinced that there's nothing Jennifer can't write. She even got me to like a book about threesomes and I don't usually like anything more than one couple in a book. I highly recommend this book and all of the others that Jennifer has put out.
July 13, 2023
dnf around chapter 8-9. Honestly, main character reads a bit like a Marty Stue and that's boring. The woman-sidekick came out of nowhere and basically, he takes her on as partner for no real reason. After her appearance in the book, the book reads like an MF, tbh. Yeah there was that one gross MM scene (again for what reason, it brought nothing to the story), but even then, the sidekick woman was in it, just watching. Wtf. The MC spends time assuring the reader he's not into women, but then he keeps flirting with that woman (I already forgot her name, very bland character). Parades naked around her, and describes in detail how they would have sex. Hard pass. Author, you wanna write MF, just write MF, please don't waste time of readers like me who want to read MM.
And that's not even touching the plot, which was hazy at best. MC goes around arresting, questioning and killing random people and there didn't seem to be any clear direction of where it was going, at all. I can't say what this book was supposed to be. Just random scenes put together, no real suspence or romance or anything of substance. Granted, maybe things get more interesting later, but imo, if I'm bored 8 chapters in, I doubt it'll be suddenly amazing after chapter 9.
And that's not even touching the plot, which was hazy at best. MC goes around arresting, questioning and killing random people and there didn't seem to be any clear direction of where it was going, at all. I can't say what this book was supposed to be. Just random scenes put together, no real suspence or romance or anything of substance. Granted, maybe things get more interesting later, but imo, if I'm bored 8 chapters in, I doubt it'll be suddenly amazing after chapter 9.
May 10, 2024
4.3 stars - Huh, though I didn't know what to expect, this wasn't it.
I have to note that the beginning might not be for everyone, as it involves a one-night-stand with voyeurism. And there is a lot of dubious consent in this series, mostly as part of a curse.
There is no romance, the badass MC is surprisingly honest and vulnerable with his trainee and handler, and their job is mostly swift justice - often in the form of lovely slaughter of mostly evil people.
Sooo, lovely violence and bloodlust + interesting and not stereotypical characters + interesting worldbuilding with lots of realms and types of creatures/species + an interesting plot.
A lovely read, I can't wait for more!
___
I've read all four published Hammer and Fist books and first I have to mention that the original series and the spin-off series do feel different because of the different powers/magic and the setting. The Lextalion series is a bit more controversial and will appeal to fewer readers just because of the sexual aspects. And I don't recommend reading only Geminatus, as you will miss vital information about the world building if you don't read the first Lextalion instalment before starting the spin-off.
So far I adore both series, I love the variety of species and magics, the violence and grey morals, and the completely over-powered badass MCs.
I have to note that the beginning might not be for everyone, as it involves a one-night-stand with voyeurism. And there is a lot of dubious consent in this series, mostly as part of a curse.
There is no romance, the badass MC is surprisingly honest and vulnerable with his trainee and handler, and their job is mostly swift justice - often in the form of lovely slaughter of mostly evil people.
Sooo, lovely violence and bloodlust + interesting and not stereotypical characters + interesting worldbuilding with lots of realms and types of creatures/species + an interesting plot.
A lovely read, I can't wait for more!
___
I've read all four published Hammer and Fist books and first I have to mention that the original series and the spin-off series do feel different because of the different powers/magic and the setting. The Lextalion series is a bit more controversial and will appeal to fewer readers just because of the sexual aspects. And I don't recommend reading only Geminatus, as you will miss vital information about the world building if you don't read the first Lextalion instalment before starting the spin-off.
So far I adore both series, I love the variety of species and magics, the violence and grey morals, and the completely over-powered badass MCs.
April 17, 2022
Super special agent
Rating: 3.75
This one was kinda weird for me to rate. Loved the story and characters but there isn't much for the m/m relationship building in this book.
Lex is a top field agent but with his curse is causes him so issues that he tries to work out with the help of his handler. On a tough case he ends up taking a probe field agent under his wing. Lex this makes a decision to use his curse to his benefit.
As I mentioned the characters in this story I loved. They each had funny sides to their personalities. I do feel alot of the book was focused on the case and Lexs curse. But i think it need alittle bit more backstory included on the characters, especially Lex since the curse was such a big focus.
The addition of the side characters including Tor, his handler and his probe, Roberts all added to the story. I thought it was interesting that Roberts was more of the main characters in the book than any potential love interest.
Not a bad book but an not you typical layout for a m/m book.
Rating: 3.75
This one was kinda weird for me to rate. Loved the story and characters but there isn't much for the m/m relationship building in this book.
Lex is a top field agent but with his curse is causes him so issues that he tries to work out with the help of his handler. On a tough case he ends up taking a probe field agent under his wing. Lex this makes a decision to use his curse to his benefit.
As I mentioned the characters in this story I loved. They each had funny sides to their personalities. I do feel alot of the book was focused on the case and Lexs curse. But i think it need alittle bit more backstory included on the characters, especially Lex since the curse was such a big focus.
The addition of the side characters including Tor, his handler and his probe, Roberts all added to the story. I thought it was interesting that Roberts was more of the main characters in the book than any potential love interest.
Not a bad book but an not you typical layout for a m/m book.
June 2, 2023
This urban fantasy story was totally action-packed and a complete blast to read.
For the first probably seventy-five percent of the book, there wasn't the remotest hint of romance, with it instead being more of an assassin mentor and (female) trainee tale.
But then there was a choice to be made in order to complete a mission and the spark of romance took hold and slowly grew until the cliff-hangery finale.
I didn't mind the ending at all, however, it's been over a year since this story came out, so I have to ask...
WHERE IS THE SECOND BOOK IN THIS SERIES???
From a pure action and excitement perspective, the story was spot on for what I was looking for.
I'd rate it at around 4.5 stars, rounding down largely because, 14 months later, I'd expect the next book to be out and available for loyal readers to continue their journey in this universe.
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April 17, 2022
I was warned
As always, this was an imminently readable book. I knew going in that there would be a cliffhanger and as a rule, I don't read a series until it's completed. I am forever scarred (by degrees) by an author who promised a third book in a series that 8 years out has yet to be published.* Still, Cody is a skillful writer who has yet to disappoint so I decided to do something I haven't done in a long time -- trust.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have enjoyed other books by this author. You will be hooked after the first few pages.
I discovered this author rather late in the game but have already burned through 2 series and a couple of titles published under her pseudonym. If you are trusting, trust that the 5 star rating is well deserved. Read her other series as well. You won't be disappointed.
*For the record, the unmentioned author has published several books since while never completing the 3rd book in the above-referenced series. 😒
As always, this was an imminently readable book. I knew going in that there would be a cliffhanger and as a rule, I don't read a series until it's completed. I am forever scarred (by degrees) by an author who promised a third book in a series that 8 years out has yet to be published.* Still, Cody is a skillful writer who has yet to disappoint so I decided to do something I haven't done in a long time -- trust.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have enjoyed other books by this author. You will be hooked after the first few pages.
I discovered this author rather late in the game but have already burned through 2 series and a couple of titles published under her pseudonym. If you are trusting, trust that the 5 star rating is well deserved. Read her other series as well. You won't be disappointed.
*For the record, the unmentioned author has published several books since while never completing the 3rd book in the above-referenced series. 😒
April 11, 2025
This book is nothing like I was expecting (I've only read the Murder Spree's books so far), but I loved it! It took me a little while to figure out what was going on as we are fed bits about Lex as the story unfolds rather than a huge info dump at the beginning. This I think, actually made the story better as I was very curious about his origins and more importantly, his curse and a lot was gradually explained at the story unfolded. Cody has built a very detailed world with great characters and an intriguing plot. Lex is a complex character with a lot of flaws, but at heart he's a really good guy and tries to do the right thing. His partner, trainee Gillian Roberts is a whole lot of sass and the baddies are truly despicable. Side characters add a lot of humour - I love Berry! There are some very steamy scenes, but this is NOT a romance, it's an urban fantasy with the potential for romance in book 2 and I can't wait to read it.
May 22, 2025
Oh wow, it took me forever to finally pick this up—mostly because I was convinced it was going to be something totally different. I thought I was signing up for a moody, edgy UF book with an antihero. But no. What I got instead? Absolute chaotic brilliance.
I love love love this book.
The way it’s written creates a fascinating dissonance with the content. The tone is lighthearted, yet the story is packed with gore and violence—people die left and right and somehow it never feels heavy or gratuitous. It’s weirdly fun? I know that sounds unhinged, but trust me, it works. Normally, that’s not my thing, but somehow it works perfectly here. It adds to the whole vibe of Lex’s badassery and really emphasizes that he’s not human.
Sure, there are a few plot points that had me side-eyeing the page like, “Okay, but... why though?” but I didn’t find them distracting. On the contrary, those little gaps actually pulled me in deeper. I wanted to know more. I needed the answers.
I love love love this book.
The way it’s written creates a fascinating dissonance with the content. The tone is lighthearted, yet the story is packed with gore and violence—people die left and right and somehow it never feels heavy or gratuitous. It’s weirdly fun? I know that sounds unhinged, but trust me, it works. Normally, that’s not my thing, but somehow it works perfectly here. It adds to the whole vibe of Lex’s badassery and really emphasizes that he’s not human.
Sure, there are a few plot points that had me side-eyeing the page like, “Okay, but... why though?” but I didn’t find them distracting. On the contrary, those little gaps actually pulled me in deeper. I wanted to know more. I needed the answers.
March 29, 2022
Urban Fantasy is not a romance…But there is some romance included- it’s just not the reason for the story. The story itself is. And it’s a good one. Anyone who has read Jennifer Cody before knows she’s the Queen of world building and she definitely delivers with this one. A lot of unique to this story information is thrown out but it does get explained as the story unfolds. Just gotta go with the flow and enjoy the ride to get there. And it’s a pretty awesome ride.
I won’t repeat the blurb, but I will say this story is phenomenal and unique and definitely worth the time it takes to read. There’s so much to unpack but it really just brings the story together perfectly. The characters, including side characters, are really fleshed out, and some their characteristics are just a … “I’ve never even heard of that before!” level of one of a kind.
All the stars and then some for this book and i can’t wait for the next one. And the one after that.
I won’t repeat the blurb, but I will say this story is phenomenal and unique and definitely worth the time it takes to read. There’s so much to unpack but it really just brings the story together perfectly. The characters, including side characters, are really fleshed out, and some their characteristics are just a … “I’ve never even heard of that before!” level of one of a kind.
All the stars and then some for this book and i can’t wait for the next one. And the one after that.
March 31, 2022
This book is a bit different from the other books by this author. It's urban fantasy rather than mm romance, but the intricate world-building and complicated plots that I love are still there.
At the beginning of the book, I found Lex to be a less-sympathetic character than the protagonists from her other books. He's jaded, magically cursed in a way that impacts his life and very focused on his job. He seems locked into some sort of grey-ish semi-groundhog day sort of existence.
The introduction of his new trainee seems to knock him off his treadmill of wash, rinse, repeat. And this is where the story gets rolling. By the end of the book, I was rooting for Lex, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
At the beginning of the book, I found Lex to be a less-sympathetic character than the protagonists from her other books. He's jaded, magically cursed in a way that impacts his life and very focused on his job. He seems locked into some sort of grey-ish semi-groundhog day sort of existence.
The introduction of his new trainee seems to knock him off his treadmill of wash, rinse, repeat. And this is where the story gets rolling. By the end of the book, I was rooting for Lex, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
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