Brick and Brass

Hammer and Fist: Lextalion #2

by Jennifer Cody

Of course waking up from a coma wouldn’t come easy for me; thankfully I have friends willing to fuck me back to life. Once I’m on my feet again, playing catch up on the trafficking case makes me want to eviscerate someone. I hate that I’ve lost precious time hunting down Dominus, but I’m awake now and ready for action. With weird things happening to the portals, an Ethensian hopping realms when he shouldn’t be able to, and trying to figure out how to end the blood hex I’m under, I feel like I’m drowning in tasks and making no progress.

I want to end Dominus and put Knoxville behind me; instead, I get a one-off accidental prophecy taking me straight to a battlefield I didn’t even know existed.

Brick and Brass is a 65k MM Urban Fantasy. This is the second in the series and not a stand alone. Content horror descriptions and gore, public sex and sex magic outside of the romantic subplot.

Genres: M M Romance, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Mystery, Magic

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 2023

About the author

Jennifer 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.

Reviews

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

What even??? I just don't know how to classify this series. It's sci-fi, paranormal, it's got everything and I love it.
Like book 1, there is a ton of action and also some steamy times with Tor. Their relationship has really grown and developed over this book.
Brick and Brass ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, and I just cannot wait to find out what happens.
I adore Roberts! She is growing as an agent and is fairly put through it. Her platonic relationship with Lex is just lovely.
It's one that probably will need a re-read to soak up all the details - there are a lot!

[Nicole van Dongen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer is soooooooo mean!!!! Another cliffhanger if you're worried about it. Not quite as bad as the first, but still a lot left happening. I really loved that we got some of Robert's perspective, especially since she seems to be getting more involvement in the magical plot. I just want to squeeze Tor and keep him in my pocket. I absolutely love that Lex's monsters want to keep him too. There's so much happening in this book it's a lot to take in during a single read. I really love this series, and am glad we are getting a Ranger/Hunter book soon! Jennifer don't make us wait so long for the next one!!!!

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bodies dropping left and right

This was over way too soon! So much is left up in the air. There are a lot of different threads that are converging with Lex at the center, and I can't wait to see what the fallout will be once he gets his hands on his prey. I highly recommend reading the previous book first.

[DLB2572 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I absolutely love this series. I have been waiting for this book and I was not disappointed. I highly doubt reading this.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Ravi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 ***

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Writing and plot saves it from the frustrations of cliffhangers

Rating: 4.75🌈

If this wasn’t such an exciting and exceedingly well written story, I’d be taking a smidge of rating points away for sheer frustration with Cody over that ending and the fact it’s probably going to be a while before we get around to finding out what happens next.

Yes, no surprise, it’s cliffhanger time again!

This whole universe is so weird and crazy that I have to look back at my notes to remember how things and Cody’s other books fit in with these stories. It’s like a madhatter’s 10, 000 pieces puzzle but cut out into insane shapes.

Thankfully, Cody gives us a recap why Lex is in a coma but mentally aware as the book opens. I had to dig through my memories about the last book for all the events as they happened, complicated as they were by a immense cast of characters, worlds accessible by portals, gods, dragons, aliens, slavers, you name it. Tied together by murders, mysteries, hellacious plots galore and the agents like Lex that work for The Inter-dimensional Immigration Agency—IDIA, the government agency that enforces the laws that govern non-humans on Earth.

So we pick up after that nasty explosion and the search is still on for Dominus, the being/person behind all the slave trafficking/inter dimensional world kidnappings and plain old horrifically bizarre goings on. His identity is unknown, as is why he’s able to make himself disappear into obscurity without a trace.

Cody has to address the blood hexes that tie a Geminatus to him so they’re unable to return to their homeland, as well as Lex being in thrall to Tor, an agent of the IDIA. A huge element itself.

But the author addresses each subject, separating them so they can have the impact and narrative development they deserve, while simultaneously being a fluid piece of the total story fabric. That’s quite the gift.

Tor and Lex especially, as it’s not just Lex that’s feeling the emotional attachment and passions of the bond between them. It’s the monsters he carries within him. And they have different opinions about Tor and the way he should fit into their lives. What a sexually dynamic and hot area of this book and one that adds to my frustration because the cliffhanger cuts short so much of the relationship follow up here , big stuff that’s waiting to happen.

Same for the Geminatus aspect. The “twin” Geminatus born on Earth get a chance to meet a Geminatus born on the planet, and it’s oddly very different and disturbing for both. This is such a huge element that it’s going to be explored in the second of the Geminatus books in the Hammer and Fist:Geminatus series.

That leaves this story with Lex’s character’s greater expansion into his background, current status, and interpersonal mingling of the beings within himself. It’s also the growth of his and Tor’s own dynamic as they search out what the curse means emotionally.

And finally, it’s the biggest threat and storyline. Who’s Dominus? Where are they? What are their plans and how does Lex stop them?

It’s mind boggling how much is dumped into this book and how well it all fits together.

The ending is shocking. There’s a character death, and then a several consecutive dramatic events that lead to one unbelievable cliffhanger.

Then an author’s note that the next book up is the second in the Geminatus series! Noooooo.

So how one goes about reading a series and they feel about multiple cliffhangers, should let a reader decide what they want to do about reading the series. Read them as then release acknowledging that there will be cliffhangers and a good amount of time between stories or wait and binge.

But one thing is for certain. This is a must read. However it’s resolved, whatever tragedy consequences or happy turns of events, however unlikely, it’s a great convoluted epic tale of worlds, gods, monsters and love.

A fabulous story.

One I’m highly recommending no matter how frustrating that ending still makes me.

Read each series in order. It won’t make any sense if you don’t.

Hammer and Fist Series
- [x] Sledge and Claw (Hammer and Fist: Lextalion Book 1)
- [x] Brick and Brass (Hammer and Fist: Lextalion Book 2)
- [x] Inferno (Hammer and Fist: Geminatus Book 1)
- [ ] Gale (Hammer and Fist: Geminatus Book 2) July 2023

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I optimistically decided on my own that this series was a duology. Of course, this meant I got to about 85% through the book and panicked because I could tell the major storylines were nowhere close to complete. Ultimately, this is a solid middle book of a trilogy (at the very least) that makes lots of progress on multiple external and internal conflicts. There is not a full ending, and another slight cliffhanger might be involved, even if one less dramatic than how the previous book ended.

From the opening scenes, Cody does not shy away from taking advantage of the full implications of how magic is used in this world, immediately reminding readers that this is urban fantasy with a romance subplot, not a paranormal romance (even when it is sexy). Lex frequently makes his loyalties clear, which means dealing with multiple personal issues as “side quests” to the main goal of tracking down the main villain in charge of a trafficking ring. However, Lex might have a definite goal, but that doesn’t mean he has a straightforward path, and those side quests might frustrate some readers. I had a blast exploring this overall worldbuilding and discovering the multiple ways the various storylines intersected, even including a fun overlap with the companion series (Hammer and Fist: Geminatus).

Lex’s primary loyalty may belong to the Inter-Dimensional Immigration Agency (IDIA), but it’s convenient that his two closest companions also work for IDIA. Roberts is an excellent foil as Lex’s field agent trainee, and I appreciate that she enthusiastically follows Lex’s lead while never hesitating to remind him that his way might not end up being her right way. Lex’s declaration in the previous book that Tor is the scarier monster also shines through here as the nontraditional romance builds between these men develops further. Lex’s character development is very much entwined with the relationship arc, and Cody takes advantage of this facet of the story to fully explore Lex’s multifaceted nonhuman heritage while simultaneously flipping a trope often seen in other areas of “M/M romance.”

I’m not mad that this book isn’t the conclusion of Lex’s story because that means more is sure to come in the future. Just like I re-read Sledge & Claw a few weeks ago to prepare for this book, I already look forward to revisiting this fun and twisty tale at least once more.

Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.

[Scatteredashes · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don't like cliffhangers, then I highly recommend waiting until the entire series is out and then binging it (because once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down). Jennifer Cody writes incredibly detailed and smart stories. I can't even imagine how she puts together the plot lines and keeps things in the works until BAM you're hit with an OMG moment that ties it all together! It's crazy in all the best ways and I absolutely love these characters so of course I picked this up and devoured it. It was helpful having the recap at the very beginning just because there are so many pieces of the puzzle and I definitely needed the refresh. If I had the time, I would've reread Sledge and Claw. If you haven't picked up Inferno yet, I highly recommend reading the series side by side. They don't overlap too much but it was a lot of fun to see Ranger/Hunter's scene from Lex's POV. This entire series is a wild ride and I am here for it all! The world building is insane and the characters amazingly complex and nuanced. It was so good watching Lex and Roberts' relationship is evolving. Even though it's a trainer/trainee situation Roberts is 100% coming into her own. We also see more of a development between Tor and Lex. Tor is a really interesting character and I can't wait to see how that all turns out. And that's just the tip of the iceberg between all the action of the investigation!

This series is truly unique and special! I cannot wait for Gale to release which is the next in Hunter/Ranger's story. It'll help tide me over until the next one of Hammer and Fist is released! A little taste of the IDIA until we're able to return to where this one ends.

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received from the author for an honest review.

This is the continuing story of Lex and his team trying to take down Dominus. Lex has lost time and he's working overtime to make up for it. He's thralled to an associate that maybe he shouldn't be and has secrets of his own but he's not upset about it. In fact he may just be falling in love for real. He has an trainee that's growing faster than he expected and is getting surprises of her own. The team take some losses due to Dominus's evil. Lex comes into possession of something that Dominus really wants and things start to go crazy. New strange/interesting characters are introduced into this book. I really liked the cameo of Hunter/Ranger in this book. I like their connection much better than the Scerie geminatus. The chemistry between all the characters in this tight nit group is well written and you can feel it's genuine. You can feel that Lex and Tor are getting emotionally closer. It's interesting to read a character as badass as Lex is afraid of Tor. I didn't really like the way Scerie is not endearing herself to those that are trying to help her but maybe there's a reason. I hope Lex breaks his bond to her soon. I really like this series so far and I'm anxious to see where the author takes us in the next book.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Cody never fails to blow me away with her world-building, imagination and incredible storytelling, she is firmly one of my favourite authors.

I reread Sledge and Claw immediately before picking up Brick and Brass and I'm glad I did because as well as being just as fabulous the second time around, I had forgotten so much and I definitely needed the reminders. Brick and Brass carries on from where Sledge and Claw left off, well 27 days after the explosion at the end of book 1.

I loved returning to the world of Lextalion and the IDIA - the Inter-dimensional Immigration Agency, along with his trainee Gillian Roberts and Tor (especially Tor) as well as the other characters we met during the course of Lex's investigation.

Once again I was taken on one hell of a ride and could not put this book down, my only complaint is it wasn't long enough, I need more! Lex is still investigating the trafficking and slaver circles but things are getting even more dangerous for Lex and his team as they start to take down the bad guys behind the crimes.

Lex is also trying to break the tie between the Geminatus and himself, as well as deal with his feelings and thrall with Tor, train Roberts and now a prophecy that may or may not be important.

There is violence, sex, murder, magic, death, portals, aliens, demons and every other being you can imagine and some you can't, humour and so much more in this novel. I don't want to say much because I don't want to give anything away that would ruin the trip you are going to take. It ends in another cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the next book.

[Bookreader87(Amanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

This book continues exactly where book 1 left off. Lex was put in a coma after taking care of the bomb that was meant to kill Abe's family. He has been out for a while and the only person able to bring him back is the Bogatyr.

When Lex awakes his thrall to Tor is still very much in place. Though he is wondering if his feelings for Tor are more than what the thrall entails. It seems the monsters inside him also want Tor too which is not usual for Lex when he is under a thrall.

Lex's trainee Gillian is still very much a badass and he is not the only species to notice. As her training continues she is given gifts from those who find her interesting. One of the gifts is from a dragon from an unknown planet. The problem is that the same dragon gave their gift to the very man they are hunting.

These books are so interesting with all the different species going on and all the different attributes they have. Let's not forget the different realms. There is not a moment where I was bored. I have so many words but I can't seem to get them out. All I can say is I can't wait for the next one.

[Fredicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

My God that was a good book. This is the second series I’ve read from Jennifer Cody, and so far they do not disappoint. I take that back. I am disappointed. I am upset that the rest of the series is not finished. And God knows how long I’m gonna have to wait for another book. The shame.
In all seriousness, Cody‘s world building is fantastic. She’s able to take you into this fantastical world without over-explaining and bombarding the reader with to much detail. It allows the reader to immerse selves in the book without feeling like you ended up in lecture, you did not sign up for.
Lex is a fantastic main character. I particularly love how devoted he is to those that he calls his own. But my favorite part about this book is the side characters. I am a firm believer. In the fact that side characters can make or break a book. And boy do I love the side characters.
Somehow, it almost feels like Lex is the side character of Roberts life story. It’s kind of like the main story is about how Roberts becomes this bad ass agent, but it’s told from Lex’s point of view. If you could imagine, Harry Potter was written from Ron’s perspective I absolutely love it. It’s a whole genre/writing style/book style, honestly I don’t even know what you would call it, but I need more of it.

[Joslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

lots of fun

Cody really does know how to tell a story and tell it well. She keeps you engaged and fully vested in her characters…
However, I have a complaint: The only complaint I have ever had in any of Cody’s stories that I’ve read is in this series - when Lex is helping someone, claims he’s “holding them in his fist”, and literally punches right through their personal domain to grab them without their permission in order to demonstrate his “fist holding them up”. He’s someone who has a very real problem with unsolicited contact so why would he do this to people he wants to aid and think this will calm them? That’s an act of aggression no matter your cultural background, even if I can’t vouch for fictitious species’ cultural norms, having your body suddenly physically restrained against your will is not a comfortable feeling, especially considering the context. Every time he does this, some part of me rejects it and the Lex character for doing it. I’m pretty sure that’s not the intent.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible!
You need to read this series without doubt. Lex is an amazing character and all the cast that acompanies him is wonderful too. One of the things I love more is his inhumanity. He has his set of morals and definitely it`s not common. He almost seems human and then something happens and you realize again he`s a monster.
Seeing how Lex confronts his thrall with Tor and the little bits of Malice and Darkness we see is great, and Tor and Lex seem to work very well and to speak to each other, something not so common in tales or real life.
Tor is great, but in this installment he is not the focus, Roberts is and he is really surprising, you want a hero? She is one. She is amazing in her own way and we see through Lex eyes, and he`s, well, Lextalion...
The worldbuilding is strong, the wording great, the story original, basically I loved it.
This ends in a cliffhanger and I hate the author a little for it, but you need to read this, really.

[Cheryl_cajun]

Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Oh snap so much to unpack here: Unresponsive Lex' body is gets the Bogatyr treatment, which Roberts is being utterly fixate on. Lex can't even tell if it's just the thrall or is not shameful.  Well A human as agent Roberts should've seen the writing on the walls before taking IDIA as a fist and Hammer.  Oh fabulous job, blessed by The Morrigan and Tyung.  Roberts is lucking out or is she really. Aww, Hunter has skills where dragons are concerned, even if Lex can't believe it. Scerie is a bkt of snob towards Ranger/Hunter, I mean how was he to know what is proper for a Geminatus?  Oh Tor is about to be an unhappy omega, because just how far did the monsters inside take it.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh crap

Ok, I like to do reviews as soon as possible but with this book…I’m not sure I’ll do it justice.
Obviously you need to have read Sledge & Claw book 1 before reading this. It picks up pretty much at Lex’s first experiences after the events of book 1 (dang, it’s hard not to do spoilers). Book 2 offers more Lex and Reynolds training, more Lex and Tor gettin’ busy, more everything. Including some tough loses. What it doesn’t include is the ending of the story. (That’s what book 3 will be for.) There is a ton of new places and characters introduced. (They finally get to portal!) And more getting drunk on lies. And…now I’m giving away the story. Ahem, just go read the book, yeah? Ok.

5 out of 5. 2 thumbs up. Go read it!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! There's so much action, gore, and sex that you're not going to be able to stop reading. While trying to hunt down Dominus and bring him to justice, Lex finds himself mated to Tor and is thinking that maybe it isn't just the thrall after all. In the meantime, a couple of gods take a liking to Roberts, and blesses her with some new abilities. In order to stop Lex from getting too close, Dominus tries to take out those closest to him. However, it looks like Lex and his team are getting closer to foiling whatever plans Dominus has brewed up. Definitely a must read. I can't wait for the next installment.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The relationships in this series get more and more complex, like six degrees of the tesseract. As twisted in thier situations as they are, I could not put this book down. I sometimes think Cody puts thier characters in the most impossible situations just to see how they are going to get out of them. Tor, as the most dangerous one, is my absolute favorite. This is surely a very discombobulated review but I don't think I can say much without major spoilers. But I am on pins and needles for what is going to happen next.
Do not read this book as a stand alone. It is very much a middle of the story.

[Cheezie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so excited to see this was out that I reread book 1 in 2 days to get myself back in the groove. Imagine my disappointment at having to wade through 15 chapters of lunches, meetings, okay sex and info dumps before we rejoined the Dominus plot.

By the time the book got started my patience was at an end! The first chapter is good but then very little happens! We are introduced to Ranger/Hunter in a sequence that makes no sense and merely succeeds as a plug for a spinoff series. Lex constantly describes Tor as the “toughest monster in the room” but we never SEE it. Overall too many info dumps, too much talking and not enough action.

:(

[Cee Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome. It’s hard for me to even pinpoint favorite parts. The writing in general is fantastic, and the story just keeps you sucked in from beginning to end. I love the characters, especially since each of them have their own unexpected traits. The story just keeps building and building, and then when it gets to the end, it’s one of those cliffhangers that make you kind of mad at the author for not putting the whole series out at once because you just can’t wait to see what comes next.
Just read it, you’ll see.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep coming back for more



This book is very entertaining, and I look forward to reading the next book in this series. All characters (main and minor) are intriguing and contributed a lot the the plot and storyline. I truly appreciate that the story is filled with mystery, action, and fun. There's an actual story with a bit of sexytime, and not the other way around. Yes, it ends on a. Cliffhanger but it didn't take away the joy from reading this book; it only made me look forward to the book in this series.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little slow at the beginning recapping bits of book one to get everyone up to speed, but then it took off. It's steamy, but this is still not really a romance - it's getting there. It's definitely an action, adventure urban fantasy with excellent world building and great characters. The story continues directly on from Book 1 and is pretty much full on from start to finish. There are highs, lows and some laughs. We get more Tor which is fabulous and we get to meet the Bogatyr finally. There was so much going on, I will definitely re-read at some point. 4.75*

[kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brick and Brass is the second book in the Hammer and Fist: Lextalion series. It starts where Sledge and Claw left off.
We are back into this very complex world Jennifer Cody has created so brilliantly!
There is so much action that you will be turning page after page eager to see what is happening.
There are new realms, new challenges for Lex, new skills for Roberts and so much more.
It ends in a cliffhanger that leaves you eager for the next installment.
I devoured this book!

[Celine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arghhhhh the suspense till the next book! Looking forward to book 3 and seeing the relationship grow between Roberts and Lex, the courtship of Tor and Lex but also the subsidiary characters (new family members that Lex has gathered) and the upcoming conflicts predicted in book 2. Jennifer created a world where I totally got submersed in whilst reading. Steamy times, action and more questions asked then answered.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful continuation of the series

I love this world, it's filled with
amazing world building and intriguing characters.
There's plenty of fast paced action, danger and drama.
Lex and Tor's relationship continues to slowly develop and we also get more insight into Lex's origins.
We also see Robert's gifted with some special abilities.
I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book, racing towards the end and I'm on pins and needles waiting for the ending.

[Liz Prosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing and frustrating!

Yes! He is alive! I know I though he had to be but come on the bomb was on top of him. But he’s a god and still kicking. Unfortunately many others do die in this book one of which makes me so sad/mad. This book is action packed and unfortunately I can’t go into any of that without spoiling it for others. I will just say that as cliffhangers go this series is killing me! I love it and hate it all at once, but love it more.

[Amanda Quarles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brick and Brass

I've been waiting a while for this book to release. I absolutely loved book one and this second book was just as good. I loved getting their pov of meeting Ranger/Hunter, whose second book I've been wanting to read just as badly. Lex and Tor are perfect for one another. I also love Robert's character development. Can't wait for book 3.

[Fernanda Fatio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things I like in my books:
Smart characters ✔️
Working partners that are not romantically involved neither want to ✔️
Romantic/sexual partner does not lose brain cells over the relationship ✔️
Powerful characters who knows and are confident in their powers and the limits of it ✔️

On a secondary note, can we all agree on who the bad guy is?

[Anastasiia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly, I liked this one a bit less than the first book. I think the main issue for me was that it felt a bit like filler—there wasn't much forward plot movement. It's still action-packed, with plenty of fights, mystery, and chaos, but come on... at the pace they're going, they'll never catch the bad guy.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brick and Brass is the second book in the Hammer and Fist: Lextalion series. It starts where Sledge and Claw left off. I love Lex, he is such a complex character. There is a lot going on in this book. Jennifer has such an amazing imagination and brings the world and story she created life in the best way. I love all the characters in the series even the side characters are well developed. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.