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Talio's Codex: A M/M Fantasy Legal Thriller
Is love worth destroying his reputation?
Ten years ago, the theft of his codex destroyed Talio Rossa’s career as a magistrate in the four cities. But when his ex-wife—finally willing to forgive finding him in bed with a man—presents him a long-shot legal case, he has the chance to get his career back on track.
While fighting to rejoin the legal community, Talio uncovers a conspiracy so big it threatens the origins of the four cities themselves. Their prosperity is only thanks to their connection by magical floating waterways and the brilliance of their legal system, now regarded as near scripture.
To save his career, Talio must work with both the one who doomed his marriage and the hooded, heretical man who sets his heart aflame but is determined to plead guilty to a murder he didn't commit. To stand a chance of winning the case, saving his career and the man of his dreams, Talio will have to uncover an explosive secret destined to blow the legal system apart.
Find out what happens in Talio’s Codex by J. Alexander Cohen!
Fantasy / Thriller / Legal / Adventure / Gay / LGBT
Adult
Ten years ago, the theft of his codex destroyed Talio Rossa’s career as a magistrate in the four cities. But when his ex-wife—finally willing to forgive finding him in bed with a man—presents him a long-shot legal case, he has the chance to get his career back on track.
While fighting to rejoin the legal community, Talio uncovers a conspiracy so big it threatens the origins of the four cities themselves. Their prosperity is only thanks to their connection by magical floating waterways and the brilliance of their legal system, now regarded as near scripture.
To save his career, Talio must work with both the one who doomed his marriage and the hooded, heretical man who sets his heart aflame but is determined to plead guilty to a murder he didn't commit. To stand a chance of winning the case, saving his career and the man of his dreams, Talio will have to uncover an explosive secret destined to blow the legal system apart.
Find out what happens in Talio’s Codex by J. Alexander Cohen!
Fantasy / Thriller / Legal / Adventure / Gay / LGBT
Adult
344 pages, Paperback
Published July 16, 2024
5 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 14, 2025
Talio's a disgraced magistrate -- disgraced because his codex, his personal copy of his city's laws and criminal sentences, was stolen, and stolen while he was enjoying an assignation with another man. Also, he was married to a woman at the time. For ten years, he's been scratching out a living as a scavenger looking for particles of merinite, a substance something like a combination of gold, precious stones, and rare earth. And then his ex-wife, Gawani, turns up, asking him to defend a man named Pazli against a murder charge. The sort-of catch is that Pazli is an Incarnite, a member of a religion regarded with distaste and hostility by the majority. And the case against him, while circumstantial, looks damning.
On the other hand, this might be Talio's chance to rejoin his profession, and Gawani insists that Pazli is innocent and only Talio is a good enough advocate to save him from hanging.
Talio gets Pazli acquitted, which isn't much of a spoiler since it happens so early; in fact, you might spend most of the book thinking the murder in question is a MacGuffin, as the narrative follows the ups and downs of their eventual joint law practice and with it Talio's moral failings and moral and emotional growth. There's also an overarching political and historical question, left unresolved at the end. It's not exactly a cliffhanger, but I will be happy if it turns out to have been a promise of more to come.
There's a love triangle, too, which is resolved, in a way I found deeply satisfying.
Sometimes the pace slackens a bit, and I sort of want to protect "Talio's Codex" from any reader not interested in the legal worldbuilding and legal theory on which the book's plot and character development depend. This is a cerebral novel; at the same time I flinch from calling it that, because I was so engaged not only by Talio and Pazli and Cale but also by the secondary characters, notably the innkeeper Vinne, who has, as Talio remarks, secrets even from himself; Gawani; and the nonbinary young person Honell, who precipitates maybe Talio's most significant reassessment of his own outlook on the world.
I wouldn't call "Talio's Codex" 100% successful in every respect, but I found it so sheerly unusual and fascinating that I can't ding any stars. I really, really hope there's more in this universe and with these people.
On the other hand, this might be Talio's chance to rejoin his profession, and Gawani insists that Pazli is innocent and only Talio is a good enough advocate to save him from hanging.
Talio gets Pazli acquitted, which isn't much of a spoiler since it happens so early; in fact, you might spend most of the book thinking the murder in question is a MacGuffin, as the narrative follows the ups and downs of their eventual joint law practice and with it Talio's moral failings and moral and emotional growth. There's also an overarching political and historical question, left unresolved at the end. It's not exactly a cliffhanger, but I will be happy if it turns out to have been a promise of more to come.
There's a love triangle, too, which is resolved, in a way I found deeply satisfying.
Sometimes the pace slackens a bit, and I sort of want to protect "Talio's Codex" from any reader not interested in the legal worldbuilding and legal theory on which the book's plot and character development depend. This is a cerebral novel; at the same time I flinch from calling it that, because I was so engaged not only by Talio and Pazli and Cale but also by the secondary characters, notably the innkeeper Vinne, who has, as Talio remarks, secrets even from himself; Gawani; and the nonbinary young person Honell, who precipitates maybe Talio's most significant reassessment of his own outlook on the world.
I wouldn't call "Talio's Codex" 100% successful in every respect, but I found it so sheerly unusual and fascinating that I can't ding any stars. I really, really hope there's more in this universe and with these people.
July 1, 2024
“It was easy to pull a trick when you cared more for your reputation than the person whose life would be forever affected by the hearing.”
Legal fantasy thriller is the subgenre of fantasy I didn’t know I needed. Talio’s Codex is a novel that encapsulates the tid-bits about worldbuilding that I love so much: legal systems, legislation and reform in a post-war society, religious tension and bureaucracy (tiresome bureaucracy as another reviewer so eloquently phrased it). They are the parts that I love to create but don’t get to feature in my own writing and I was so glad to read about them in Talio’s Codex. I simply loved nerding-out about this fictional legal system and my mind was whirring with questions. The world-building of Merin is certainly my favourite aspect of this novel and unravels elegantly throughout the novel.
Merin is richly detailed but so are the characters who inhabit it. I found our protagonist, Talio, to be most curious. I would often question his ethics but simultaneously be eagerly awaiting the next ‘trick’ he would pull in the court room. He is certainly a lawyer through and through; his initial incredulity at implausible causes of action or hopeless client instructions (“No, no, no, no!” Talio threw up his hands. The government will not change an entire organizational system to benefit one person. One person!”) followed by a begrudging ‘well, maybe…?’ had me laughing out loud. His return from exile and subsequent journey to reintegrate into his old life is a satisfying journey.
Many thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC.
Legal fantasy thriller is the subgenre of fantasy I didn’t know I needed. Talio’s Codex is a novel that encapsulates the tid-bits about worldbuilding that I love so much: legal systems, legislation and reform in a post-war society, religious tension and bureaucracy (tiresome bureaucracy as another reviewer so eloquently phrased it). They are the parts that I love to create but don’t get to feature in my own writing and I was so glad to read about them in Talio’s Codex. I simply loved nerding-out about this fictional legal system and my mind was whirring with questions. The world-building of Merin is certainly my favourite aspect of this novel and unravels elegantly throughout the novel.
Merin is richly detailed but so are the characters who inhabit it. I found our protagonist, Talio, to be most curious. I would often question his ethics but simultaneously be eagerly awaiting the next ‘trick’ he would pull in the court room. He is certainly a lawyer through and through; his initial incredulity at implausible causes of action or hopeless client instructions (“No, no, no, no!” Talio threw up his hands. The government will not change an entire organizational system to benefit one person. One person!”) followed by a begrudging ‘well, maybe…?’ had me laughing out loud. His return from exile and subsequent journey to reintegrate into his old life is a satisfying journey.
Many thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC.
June 30, 2024
This was a beautiful book. Despite some of the darker themes (oppression, homophobia, etc.) there were some lovely moments of hope.
Talio is a complex character, returning from disgrace to try to become an advocate, taking on cases of a religious minority who are oppressed by the majority. By doing this, he discovers a conspiracy, which includes his own disgrace from ten years earlier.
What follows is a confrontation of Talio's own beliefs about justice, the law, homosexuality, gender, and rights. This is a really good book, and one I would definitely recommend.
Talio is a complex character, returning from disgrace to try to become an advocate, taking on cases of a religious minority who are oppressed by the majority. By doing this, he discovers a conspiracy, which includes his own disgrace from ten years earlier.
What follows is a confrontation of Talio's own beliefs about justice, the law, homosexuality, gender, and rights. This is a really good book, and one I would definitely recommend.
July 29, 2024
*I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
HIGHLIGHTS
~roads of running water…in the sky!
~very mysterious sentencing guidelines
~remember to wash your fingers
I don’t think it would be completely inaccurate to call Talio’s Codex something of a procedural drama set in a (low-magic) fantasy setting; we’re following the titular Talio as he rejoins the legal sphere after a decade away (and a serious disgrace). There is a case, then some more cases, and the forming of a small law firm; Talio and his business partner are also invited to join a committee that makes recommendations for potential new laws. But it seemed to me that the vast majority of the page-time went to Talio’s developing or renewed relationships, which is why I’d call it more drama than procedural. I found that disappointing, but it’s not an objectively good or bad thing, just a matter of personal taste. Other readers will probably be grateful not to be completely drowned in legal minutiae!
Alas, that’s kind of what I was here for – I wanted meticulous, detailed worldbuilding, and I very much wanted to see what another world’s legal system might look like. But the worldbuilding (with a few exceptions) is simplistic almost to the point of insult, and the only difference between the Western justice system and Talio’s is that Talio’s is too new – and too pre-Industrial – to have all the laws we do. (See the sub-plot wherein this society is only just starting to see the need for copyright and patents.)
Let’s start with the world: a queen – who seems to be the latest in a line of queens – rules over four cities. Each city is known for a different attribute; people from this city are more compassionate, from this city colder and more closed-off, etc. They are linked by the skyways, magical rivers in the sky along which special ships can sail (more or less). In fact, this society has a lot of water around, because they worship a water goddess who requires ritual handwashing when entering and leaving most buildings or private residences. There used to be mages, but what exactly the mages were or did is unclear; at some point, they all went mad or bad or something and were locked out of society by a magical barrier. This period of history was overseen by someone called, I kid you not, the Sleepy Queen.
This epithet is never explained.
Enter the Incarnites; a fringe religion that instead worships a fire god. Their very existence makes most people uneasy at best, not least because Incarnites cover their entire bodies with orange robes, meaning you can never see an Incarnite, or tell them apart. Incarnites aren’t quite persecuted, but they’re definitely oppressed and discriminated against in every way, every chance non-Incarnites get.
This discrimination is one of the biggest themes/focuses of the book, but I still don’t know what Incarnites actually believe, except that they can’t be romantically or sexually involved with non-Incarnites. I have no idea what the central tenets of their faith are, and I really don’t know how they practice, either, aside from wearing the robes. Vespers is involved, but what that term means in this setting is not explained; does that mean sessions of group prayer? No clue.
So worldbuilding wise, this didn’t please me.
How about characters? Talio…did not appeal to me in the beginning, and I liked him less and less as the book went on. I got so tired of him obsessing over the looks of every vaguely pretty man he saw, and I found it unbelievable how he only started asking questions about the system he lived in NOW, not ten years ago when he was ruined because he…lost a book. Specifically, his copy of the laws and punishments of the legal system he worked in. (This is also never really explained: even Talio questions WHY losing the book was such a big deal, eventually, and we never get an answer. Why does it matter? Okay, there’s a Big Secret in the books, kiiiiind of. But nobody knows that, so why does everyone shun him for risking its exposure? Insert shrug here.) He’s not a terrible person, and he even undergoes some growth, but absolutely nothing about him held my interest. That, combined with my not liking him as a person – he can’t wrap his head around nonbinary people, and he tricks Pazli into sleeping with him – didn’t make for a great reading experience.
‘The man of his dreams’, aka Pazli, was interesting but annoying. He was so prickly, and while yes, sometimes Talio really was being insulting without realising it…most of the time Pazli was snapping at genuine good-faith efforts to connect. We get it, you hate everyone who’s not an Incarnite! Enough already! Like Talio, he learns and evolves some over the course of the book, and honestly, it probably would have been a more interesting book if it had been written from HIS perspective – what with the tug-of-war he was going through between his religion and his desire for Talio, and his trying to make a space for himself within the legal system – the first Incarnite to ever do so.
The Big Conspiracy was a letdown, particularly in how it was handled handled – – it was all so obvious, and then THE MOST DRAMATIC climax ever, and I just could not.
Writing like this certainly didn’t help;
…If, after anal sex, it feels like your guts are being ripped out, that’s – not a good thing??? That sounds agonising, but in context it’s not meant to be, so – what???
The end of the judicial season is something Talio is dreading, but the spring thaw is generally considered something to look forward to, so what am I supposed to take away from this?
And please do not even get me STARTED on how all the magistrates and so on ‘rap their fingers’ on their tables and desks – not their knuckles, not gavels, their FINGERS. Which I can only assume means they’re…tapping their fingertips on the table??? With feeling??? But even so, using your fingers instead of your knuckles is going to make almost no sound, certainly not enough to quiet an excited courtroom. This was not a one-off; that phrase, rap/rapped/rapping their fingers, was used CONSTANTLY. It made no sense, I don’t know what Cohen was thinking, and I can’t believe none of the beta-readers brought it up. ???
All in all, this was a chore to read. Potentially interesting for anyone who likes stories about oppressed minorities in fantasy settings, I guess? But a fantastical legal thriller this is not, and I wasn’t impressed with what it is.
HIGHLIGHTS
~roads of running water…in the sky!
~very mysterious sentencing guidelines
~remember to wash your fingers
I don’t think it would be completely inaccurate to call Talio’s Codex something of a procedural drama set in a (low-magic) fantasy setting; we’re following the titular Talio as he rejoins the legal sphere after a decade away (and a serious disgrace). There is a case, then some more cases, and the forming of a small law firm; Talio and his business partner are also invited to join a committee that makes recommendations for potential new laws. But it seemed to me that the vast majority of the page-time went to Talio’s developing or renewed relationships, which is why I’d call it more drama than procedural. I found that disappointing, but it’s not an objectively good or bad thing, just a matter of personal taste. Other readers will probably be grateful not to be completely drowned in legal minutiae!
Alas, that’s kind of what I was here for – I wanted meticulous, detailed worldbuilding, and I very much wanted to see what another world’s legal system might look like. But the worldbuilding (with a few exceptions) is simplistic almost to the point of insult, and the only difference between the Western justice system and Talio’s is that Talio’s is too new – and too pre-Industrial – to have all the laws we do. (See the sub-plot wherein this society is only just starting to see the need for copyright and patents.)
Let’s start with the world: a queen – who seems to be the latest in a line of queens – rules over four cities. Each city is known for a different attribute; people from this city are more compassionate, from this city colder and more closed-off, etc. They are linked by the skyways, magical rivers in the sky along which special ships can sail (more or less). In fact, this society has a lot of water around, because they worship a water goddess who requires ritual handwashing when entering and leaving most buildings or private residences. There used to be mages, but what exactly the mages were or did is unclear; at some point, they all went mad or bad or something and were locked out of society by a magical barrier. This period of history was overseen by someone called, I kid you not, the Sleepy Queen.
This epithet is never explained.
Enter the Incarnites; a fringe religion that instead worships a fire god. Their very existence makes most people uneasy at best, not least because Incarnites cover their entire bodies with orange robes, meaning you can never see an Incarnite, or tell them apart. Incarnites aren’t quite persecuted, but they’re definitely oppressed and discriminated against in every way, every chance non-Incarnites get.
This discrimination is one of the biggest themes/focuses of the book, but I still don’t know what Incarnites actually believe, except that they can’t be romantically or sexually involved with non-Incarnites. I have no idea what the central tenets of their faith are, and I really don’t know how they practice, either, aside from wearing the robes. Vespers is involved, but what that term means in this setting is not explained; does that mean sessions of group prayer? No clue.
So worldbuilding wise, this didn’t please me.
How about characters? Talio…did not appeal to me in the beginning, and I liked him less and less as the book went on. I got so tired of him obsessing over the looks of every vaguely pretty man he saw, and I found it unbelievable how he only started asking questions about the system he lived in NOW, not ten years ago when he was ruined because he…lost a book. Specifically, his copy of the laws and punishments of the legal system he worked in. (This is also never really explained: even Talio questions WHY losing the book was such a big deal, eventually, and we never get an answer. Why does it matter? Okay, there’s a Big Secret in the books, kiiiiind of. But nobody knows that, so why does everyone shun him for risking its exposure? Insert shrug here.) He’s not a terrible person, and he even undergoes some growth, but absolutely nothing about him held my interest. That, combined with my not liking him as a person – he can’t wrap his head around nonbinary people, and he tricks Pazli into sleeping with him – didn’t make for a great reading experience.
‘The man of his dreams’, aka Pazli, was interesting but annoying. He was so prickly, and while yes, sometimes Talio really was being insulting without realising it…most of the time Pazli was snapping at genuine good-faith efforts to connect. We get it, you hate everyone who’s not an Incarnite! Enough already! Like Talio, he learns and evolves some over the course of the book, and honestly, it probably would have been a more interesting book if it had been written from HIS perspective – what with the tug-of-war he was going through between his religion and his desire for Talio, and his trying to make a space for himself within the legal system – the first Incarnite to ever do so.
The Big Conspiracy was a letdown, particularly in how it was handled handled – – it was all so obvious, and then THE MOST DRAMATIC climax ever, and I just could not.
Writing like this certainly didn’t help;
As he pulled out, it was as if he were taking Talio’s guts with him.
…If, after anal sex, it feels like your guts are being ripped out, that’s – not a good thing??? That sounds agonising, but in context it’s not meant to be, so – what???
Talio felt the end of the judicial season approaching like the spring thaw; they were running out of time.
The end of the judicial season is something Talio is dreading, but the spring thaw is generally considered something to look forward to, so what am I supposed to take away from this?
And please do not even get me STARTED on how all the magistrates and so on ‘rap their fingers’ on their tables and desks – not their knuckles, not gavels, their FINGERS. Which I can only assume means they’re…tapping their fingertips on the table??? With feeling??? But even so, using your fingers instead of your knuckles is going to make almost no sound, certainly not enough to quiet an excited courtroom. This was not a one-off; that phrase, rap/rapped/rapping their fingers, was used CONSTANTLY. It made no sense, I don’t know what Cohen was thinking, and I can’t believe none of the beta-readers brought it up. ???
All in all, this was a chore to read. Potentially interesting for anyone who likes stories about oppressed minorities in fantasy settings, I guess? But a fantastical legal thriller this is not, and I wasn’t impressed with what it is.
July 8, 2024
"You can tell what a society values by what it encourages. And what it discourages."
This was beautifully written. The characters were all perfectly imperfect and I found myself caring more for them because of it. Talio's growth as he begins to see the world of law from a different perspective was gradual and frustrating (in a good way) at times as a reader, even when his heart was in the right place. I believe that this helps open the doors to important conversations that are happening and need to continue to happen in our own society today.
A story of love, right vs. wrong, and opposing beliefs vs. oppression, Cohen was able to create a world and a legal system that was it's own but not so far from reality that it confused the reader. The twist and turns as the cast of characters work to enact changes in their world kept me wondering where the story was going to go next. I wish that there had been more exploration of the groups that are at play here. I also wish to have seen certain relationships expanded on, as well as felt certain losses a bit deeper. However, I ultimately really enjoyed the story.
I would love to see the changes that Talio and his friends could bring to Merin in future stories, but perhaps thats the tragic beauty of it all. They may work to enact changes that won't come until after their time. All we can do is appreciate their push for progress and continue the work.
Thank you to J. Alexander Cohen, Space Wizard Science Fantasy and NetGalley for this ARC. I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was beautifully written. The characters were all perfectly imperfect and I found myself caring more for them because of it. Talio's growth as he begins to see the world of law from a different perspective was gradual and frustrating (in a good way) at times as a reader, even when his heart was in the right place. I believe that this helps open the doors to important conversations that are happening and need to continue to happen in our own society today.
A story of love, right vs. wrong, and opposing beliefs vs. oppression, Cohen was able to create a world and a legal system that was it's own but not so far from reality that it confused the reader. The twist and turns as the cast of characters work to enact changes in their world kept me wondering where the story was going to go next. I wish that there had been more exploration of the groups that are at play here. I also wish to have seen certain relationships expanded on, as well as felt certain losses a bit deeper. However, I ultimately really enjoyed the story.
I would love to see the changes that Talio and his friends could bring to Merin in future stories, but perhaps thats the tragic beauty of it all. They may work to enact changes that won't come until after their time. All we can do is appreciate their push for progress and continue the work.
Thank you to J. Alexander Cohen, Space Wizard Science Fantasy and NetGalley for this ARC. I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 7, 2024
I got this book as a reward for backing Space Wizard Fantasy's Backerkit campaign, and since I'm always a sucker for queer fantasy, I didn't even hesitate before choosing this as one of the rewards.
The book revolves around Talio Rossa, who was once a Magistrate but who now dowses for Merinite, a mineral (I assume) with magical properties. He lost his codex, the book containing the list of laws and sentencing guidelines for the kingdom, and the same night he was caught by his wife having sex with a man, so you know, dumpster fire all around. Later, Talio suspects that the man was sent to him to steal his codex, and someone had also informed his wife, but he has no way of proving his suppositions and he has been disgraced anyway.
His ex-wife comes to find him and to seek his help in defending a man called Pazli Mecombe, an incarnite. Talio and the people of the kingdom he belongs to worship Felle, the goddess of water, but the incarnites worship Sif, the god of fire. They're treated as outcasts and looked upon with suspicion by most people, something that's not helped by the fact that incarnites cover themselves head to toe in saffron robes, leaving only their hands exposed. They aren't allowed to expose any other part of their body.
Talio is sceptical, but his wife is also a lawyer, and she offers him a chance to reclaim his legal career as an advocate. Talio jumps at the chance and defends Pazli successfully. He also meets the man who seduced him and stole his codex and learns that he was hired by parties unknown to do so. The man, Cale, is now a public prosecutor and Talio and he are on opposite sides in the Pazli case.
Though he wins the case, he's denied a chance to become an advocate for conduct unbecoming by the ethics review committee and hence he has to take on more cases and try and win more cases to win points in an alternate system for 'wayward advocates'. He comes into more contact with the incarnites and starts seeing them as people even as an attraction starts simmering between him and Pazli. Talio wants to help the incarnites and to get his career back, but he also wants Pazli and to make up his mind about Cale who seems to be in love with him.
But in the course of his career, he comes across hints of a conspiracy so far reaching that it threatens to undermine the entire legal system and halt progress for centuries to come, one which may even be linked to the suspicious death of Scodel, the author of their legal system.
Pazli, who has trained as an advocate and Cale, who wants to make up for his past mistake, are both helping him, but even then, Talio may have bitten off a lot more than he can chew.
What I loved about this book, apart from the queerness of it all, are the characters, the prose and the world. I'm not a fan of in-your-face worldbuilding, but this was very nicely done. We get the feeling of a rich culture, a well-developed world with a system of government, laws and religion. The plight of the incarnites is very similar to how many marginalised groups are treated in our own world. The characters of Talio, Cale, Pazli, Emara, Talio and Pazli's partner in their law firm, Gawani, his ex-wife are all well realised characters. The prose was smooth and flowing and the descriptions vivid and evocative.
I don't want to spoil too much, but though the plot was dragging at times, it never gets boring, and I liked how it moved and built with the tension ramping up as we got further into the conspiracy and investigations.
What I didn't like was the love triangle, like I almost always hate them, and I really couldn't see the purpose here. Personally, I would have liked a why choose if there are more than one person vying for the MC's hand. Even so, it's a minor complaint and one very personal to me, which is why I still give the book 5 stars.
If you like queer fantasy romances with more plot than romance, flawed but real characters and an engaging plot, you would love this book.
I’ve a feeling I’ll be writing fanfiction where all three end up together. I hope the author won’t mind.
The book revolves around Talio Rossa, who was once a Magistrate but who now dowses for Merinite, a mineral (I assume) with magical properties. He lost his codex, the book containing the list of laws and sentencing guidelines for the kingdom, and the same night he was caught by his wife having sex with a man, so you know, dumpster fire all around. Later, Talio suspects that the man was sent to him to steal his codex, and someone had also informed his wife, but he has no way of proving his suppositions and he has been disgraced anyway.
His ex-wife comes to find him and to seek his help in defending a man called Pazli Mecombe, an incarnite. Talio and the people of the kingdom he belongs to worship Felle, the goddess of water, but the incarnites worship Sif, the god of fire. They're treated as outcasts and looked upon with suspicion by most people, something that's not helped by the fact that incarnites cover themselves head to toe in saffron robes, leaving only their hands exposed. They aren't allowed to expose any other part of their body.
Talio is sceptical, but his wife is also a lawyer, and she offers him a chance to reclaim his legal career as an advocate. Talio jumps at the chance and defends Pazli successfully. He also meets the man who seduced him and stole his codex and learns that he was hired by parties unknown to do so. The man, Cale, is now a public prosecutor and Talio and he are on opposite sides in the Pazli case.
Though he wins the case, he's denied a chance to become an advocate for conduct unbecoming by the ethics review committee and hence he has to take on more cases and try and win more cases to win points in an alternate system for 'wayward advocates'. He comes into more contact with the incarnites and starts seeing them as people even as an attraction starts simmering between him and Pazli. Talio wants to help the incarnites and to get his career back, but he also wants Pazli and to make up his mind about Cale who seems to be in love with him.
But in the course of his career, he comes across hints of a conspiracy so far reaching that it threatens to undermine the entire legal system and halt progress for centuries to come, one which may even be linked to the suspicious death of Scodel, the author of their legal system.
Pazli, who has trained as an advocate and Cale, who wants to make up for his past mistake, are both helping him, but even then, Talio may have bitten off a lot more than he can chew.
What I loved about this book, apart from the queerness of it all, are the characters, the prose and the world. I'm not a fan of in-your-face worldbuilding, but this was very nicely done. We get the feeling of a rich culture, a well-developed world with a system of government, laws and religion. The plight of the incarnites is very similar to how many marginalised groups are treated in our own world. The characters of Talio, Cale, Pazli, Emara, Talio and Pazli's partner in their law firm, Gawani, his ex-wife are all well realised characters. The prose was smooth and flowing and the descriptions vivid and evocative.
I don't want to spoil too much, but though the plot was dragging at times, it never gets boring, and I liked how it moved and built with the tension ramping up as we got further into the conspiracy and investigations.
What I didn't like was the love triangle, like I almost always hate them, and I really couldn't see the purpose here. Personally, I would have liked a why choose if there are more than one person vying for the MC's hand. Even so, it's a minor complaint and one very personal to me, which is why I still give the book 5 stars.
If you like queer fantasy romances with more plot than romance, flawed but real characters and an engaging plot, you would love this book.
I’ve a feeling I’ll be writing fanfiction where all three end up together. I hope the author won’t mind.
November 2, 2024
The world building was good until the wheels fell off.
As a law nerd, this absolutely had me at "m/m fantasy legal thriller." It was ambitious in all it planned and developed, but maybe too ambitious. So many great ideas were presented that went nowhere, like the Impassable Forest and whether anything had or could survive their despite the legends. A great deal of time is spent on the religious practices in worshipping Felle or Sif and the lands are ruled by a Queen, yet it is Scodel who seems the most powerful ideal in the lands making misogyny prevelant in this fantasy world when it doesn't really make sense, especially when we learn of Amina's part in writing the laws of the lands. I don't really get that choice, but I may be missing the point the author was trying to make. I think, though, that there were points lost in the attempt to get everything into this story that the author wanted. The non binary gender issue was such a focus that went nowhere, unless the point was to mirror how binary gender still is in the eyes of most in our reality. I think transgenderism was mentioned or alluded to, but not in a really meaningful way, just one of many throwaway realizations Talio has on his return to Nuciferia to represent Pazli.
Talio, as a character, I have mixed feelings for. This story is all from his perspective and he is a flawed character and narrator. He is pretty terrible at relationships, though, which is not good because too much of this story focuses on his previous relationship with his ex-wife, Gawani, the man he got caught with 10 years ago, Cale, resulting in the end of Talio's marriage and his magistrate career and Pazli, the Incarnite whom Talio is brought in to defend against a murder charge. Personally, I'm still rooting for Vinne, the innkeeper who rented Talio rooms for his affairs 10 years ago and gave him shelter upon his return to Nuciferia. But also glad Vinne will maybe find happiness with someone better than Talio, which I hope Cale will too and wish Pazli could as well because I think Talio is just a bad partner for a relationship.
Spoiler: Talio picks Pazli, which is a romance I don't really feel was romantic. I maybe 60% get how they came together as anything other than work partners. I think I would be more on board with it if Talio had converted to an Incarnite. It was so obvious throughout that he wanted to be seen as more than his scar and hiding in the hood would have just made sense, but I guess he is too vain to ever consider joining the religion his beloved new man is so devoutly committed to. Talio loves how devoted Pazli is to his faith and Talio seems a bit faithless himself despite going through all the motions to worship Felle, but Talio won't become an Incarnite even as he wishes to crusade for their cause and rights?
The romance and mystery of the story had flaws built into it throughout, but they could have all been taken care of if the ending had been given the attention so many details in the beginning got. The last chapter or two just went wild and rushed to an ending that was so at odds with the pace and detail of the rest of the story. I don't like the ending, but I also feel like it never would have ended at the pace it started with so I'm just conflicted about how I ultimately feel and this it's all just disappointing to have made it all the way through.
As a law nerd, this absolutely had me at "m/m fantasy legal thriller." It was ambitious in all it planned and developed, but maybe too ambitious. So many great ideas were presented that went nowhere, like the Impassable Forest and whether anything had or could survive their despite the legends. A great deal of time is spent on the religious practices in worshipping Felle or Sif and the lands are ruled by a Queen, yet it is Scodel who seems the most powerful ideal in the lands making misogyny prevelant in this fantasy world when it doesn't really make sense, especially when we learn of Amina's part in writing the laws of the lands. I don't really get that choice, but I may be missing the point the author was trying to make. I think, though, that there were points lost in the attempt to get everything into this story that the author wanted. The non binary gender issue was such a focus that went nowhere, unless the point was to mirror how binary gender still is in the eyes of most in our reality. I think transgenderism was mentioned or alluded to, but not in a really meaningful way, just one of many throwaway realizations Talio has on his return to Nuciferia to represent Pazli.
Talio, as a character, I have mixed feelings for. This story is all from his perspective and he is a flawed character and narrator. He is pretty terrible at relationships, though, which is not good because too much of this story focuses on his previous relationship with his ex-wife, Gawani, the man he got caught with 10 years ago, Cale, resulting in the end of Talio's marriage and his magistrate career and Pazli, the Incarnite whom Talio is brought in to defend against a murder charge. Personally, I'm still rooting for Vinne, the innkeeper who rented Talio rooms for his affairs 10 years ago and gave him shelter upon his return to Nuciferia. But also glad Vinne will maybe find happiness with someone better than Talio, which I hope Cale will too and wish Pazli could as well because I think Talio is just a bad partner for a relationship.
Spoiler: Talio picks Pazli, which is a romance I don't really feel was romantic. I maybe 60% get how they came together as anything other than work partners. I think I would be more on board with it if Talio had converted to an Incarnite. It was so obvious throughout that he wanted to be seen as more than his scar and hiding in the hood would have just made sense, but I guess he is too vain to ever consider joining the religion his beloved new man is so devoutly committed to. Talio loves how devoted Pazli is to his faith and Talio seems a bit faithless himself despite going through all the motions to worship Felle, but Talio won't become an Incarnite even as he wishes to crusade for their cause and rights?
The romance and mystery of the story had flaws built into it throughout, but they could have all been taken care of if the ending had been given the attention so many details in the beginning got. The last chapter or two just went wild and rushed to an ending that was so at odds with the pace and detail of the rest of the story. I don't like the ending, but I also feel like it never would have ended at the pace it started with so I'm just conflicted about how I ultimately feel and this it's all just disappointing to have made it all the way through.
July 16, 2024
Just finished a fascinating new fantasy by a very promising author. Talio’s Codex was a first for me – a legal fantasy. That is, a legal thriller set in a fantasy world.
It starts with Talio Rossa, a merintie scavenger in a world that went through a traumatic war fifty years before the opening of the story. Merinite is a magical substance that can create water out of thin air, and is used to power the skyways – the rivers of water that fly through the sky to connect the four cities above the Impassable Forest, the devastated center of the old kingdom that’s now basically a preserve for monsters.
The sudden arrival of his ex-wife, Gawani – whom he’d last seen when she caught him with another man – sets off a series of events that leads him back to the capital city, Nuciferia. Talio was a magistrate there – basically a judge – before the scandal and his loss of his codex cost him his job and his reputation.
Now he has an unexpected chance at redemption – if he can bring himself to defend an Incarnite named Pazli – a member of a strange new sect who keep themselves constantly covered in cloaks and show only their hands, and who – unlike most Nuciferians who worship the water goddess Felle, instead follow the god of fire, Sif.
And when he runs into the man who ruined his life, Talio is forced to confront many things about himself – and his society – that are deeply disturbing.
Cohen sets up a fascinating world here. While sometimes light on descriptive details, Nuciferian society is fascinating. There are deep crosscurrents at work here dealing with human identity, religion, dignity and true belief. Talio has to navigate his own biases and desires, a shadowy conspiracy that disgraced him once and seems determined to do so again, and a culture that’s so unlike his own that it initially makes him shrink back in disgust.
All the while, he’s balanced between two men – Cale Faro, the still-handsome man and now prosecutor who ruined his life, and Pazli Mecomb, the mysterious and very closeted Incarnite who draws him in like a moth to a flame. And in the background, a mystery arises to be solved around the still-young legal system for the Four Cities.
I loved the cases Talio takes on, and what they illuminated about his society. The young legal system still hasn’t grappled with patent law and the theft of ideas, and a good chunk of the book also deals with a case about non-binary identity and some of the many reasons people choose to put on the Incarnite cloak.
My one (very small) beef with this story? It follows the recent trend of using a single narrator – in third person, this time. Mostly this is not an issue, but there were a few times when events had to be relayed to Talio that I wish I had been able to see through a primary character.
Talio’s character arc is masterfully done, as he starts to reclaim his life and it takes him in unexpected directions and challenges some of his most deeply-held beliefs, and the few sex scenes, though not overly graphic, are deeply intimate, moving, and integral to the plot.
This is a well-written, fast-paced legal fantasy thriller with unexpected twists and turns that passes one of my most important tests for a great story – it’s unlike anything I have ever read before. Highly recommended.
It starts with Talio Rossa, a merintie scavenger in a world that went through a traumatic war fifty years before the opening of the story. Merinite is a magical substance that can create water out of thin air, and is used to power the skyways – the rivers of water that fly through the sky to connect the four cities above the Impassable Forest, the devastated center of the old kingdom that’s now basically a preserve for monsters.
The sudden arrival of his ex-wife, Gawani – whom he’d last seen when she caught him with another man – sets off a series of events that leads him back to the capital city, Nuciferia. Talio was a magistrate there – basically a judge – before the scandal and his loss of his codex cost him his job and his reputation.
Now he has an unexpected chance at redemption – if he can bring himself to defend an Incarnite named Pazli – a member of a strange new sect who keep themselves constantly covered in cloaks and show only their hands, and who – unlike most Nuciferians who worship the water goddess Felle, instead follow the god of fire, Sif.
And when he runs into the man who ruined his life, Talio is forced to confront many things about himself – and his society – that are deeply disturbing.
Cohen sets up a fascinating world here. While sometimes light on descriptive details, Nuciferian society is fascinating. There are deep crosscurrents at work here dealing with human identity, religion, dignity and true belief. Talio has to navigate his own biases and desires, a shadowy conspiracy that disgraced him once and seems determined to do so again, and a culture that’s so unlike his own that it initially makes him shrink back in disgust.
All the while, he’s balanced between two men – Cale Faro, the still-handsome man and now prosecutor who ruined his life, and Pazli Mecomb, the mysterious and very closeted Incarnite who draws him in like a moth to a flame. And in the background, a mystery arises to be solved around the still-young legal system for the Four Cities.
I loved the cases Talio takes on, and what they illuminated about his society. The young legal system still hasn’t grappled with patent law and the theft of ideas, and a good chunk of the book also deals with a case about non-binary identity and some of the many reasons people choose to put on the Incarnite cloak.
My one (very small) beef with this story? It follows the recent trend of using a single narrator – in third person, this time. Mostly this is not an issue, but there were a few times when events had to be relayed to Talio that I wish I had been able to see through a primary character.
Talio’s character arc is masterfully done, as he starts to reclaim his life and it takes him in unexpected directions and challenges some of his most deeply-held beliefs, and the few sex scenes, though not overly graphic, are deeply intimate, moving, and integral to the plot.
This is a well-written, fast-paced legal fantasy thriller with unexpected twists and turns that passes one of my most important tests for a great story – it’s unlike anything I have ever read before. Highly recommended.
June 14, 2024
Thank you to J. Alexander Cohen, Space Wizard Science Fantasy and NetGalley for this ARC.
Talio's codex had many excellent aspects, but unfortunately those were pretty much neglected.
The first third of the book is near perfection. It shows character, sets the stakes and does some intriguing worldbuilding. (A lot of telling instead of showing throughout the book, but I could look past that). The first third had me completely hooked, but unfortunately, the middle muddle failed to meet those promises.
First of all, I was disappointed by the fact that this book is essentially not fantasy. The only fantasy element was that the story takes place in a fictional location. Also, I think there was some magical mineral. And some flying transportation system, but that's it. The worldbuilding focuses completely on the legal system and social aspects such as religion whereas every other aspect of worldbuilding is completely forgotten.
The main problem, however, was that the book focused on all the aspects that I did not care about. The legal system is extremely fleshed out and accurate and talking and pining about law takes up almost all of this novel. (bring your thesaurus). And that would be fine had the book not been marketed as primarily fantasy.
Then to the romance. It had a great premise, I got what the author was going for, but the delivery failed. The characters seemed to hate each other all through the book and the ending seemed really forced because character- and relationship growth were very much neglected underfleshed, and made Talio appear downright unlikable.
There was some interesting court room drama. And the social commentary (on institutional racism, flawed legal systems, homophobia, etc.) was killer. And the last 20% of the book were, like the beginning, near perfection. It solved mysteries I didn't even know needed solving and wrapped up every open thread very satisfyingly. Only it would've been a lot more satisfying if the middle part of the book had gotten me invested in any of that instead of the constant law talk. With this book, the beginning and ending absolutely salvaged the novel from 'bad' to 'decent'.
Ultimately, I think my problem with this book was that I, as a person reading it for the fantasy and the lgbt+ romance, was absolutely not the target audience. This book is for those with immense interest and understanding of law. And who also like very low fantasy and sudden bursts of smut.
Talio's codex had many excellent aspects, but unfortunately those were pretty much neglected.
The first third of the book is near perfection. It shows character, sets the stakes and does some intriguing worldbuilding. (A lot of telling instead of showing throughout the book, but I could look past that). The first third had me completely hooked, but unfortunately, the middle muddle failed to meet those promises.
First of all, I was disappointed by the fact that this book is essentially not fantasy. The only fantasy element was that the story takes place in a fictional location. Also, I think there was some magical mineral. And some flying transportation system, but that's it. The worldbuilding focuses completely on the legal system and social aspects such as religion whereas every other aspect of worldbuilding is completely forgotten.
The main problem, however, was that the book focused on all the aspects that I did not care about. The legal system is extremely fleshed out and accurate and talking and pining about law takes up almost all of this novel. (bring your thesaurus). And that would be fine had the book not been marketed as primarily fantasy.
Then to the romance. It had a great premise, I got what the author was going for, but the delivery failed. The characters seemed to hate each other all through the book and the ending seemed really forced because character- and relationship growth were very much neglected underfleshed, and made Talio appear downright unlikable.
There was some interesting court room drama. And the social commentary (on institutional racism, flawed legal systems, homophobia, etc.) was killer. And the last 20% of the book were, like the beginning, near perfection. It solved mysteries I didn't even know needed solving and wrapped up every open thread very satisfyingly. Only it would've been a lot more satisfying if the middle part of the book had gotten me invested in any of that instead of the constant law talk. With this book, the beginning and ending absolutely salvaged the novel from 'bad' to 'decent'.
Ultimately, I think my problem with this book was that I, as a person reading it for the fantasy and the lgbt+ romance, was absolutely not the target audience. This book is for those with immense interest and understanding of law. And who also like very low fantasy and sudden bursts of smut.
September 12, 2024
Today, I am reviewing the fantasy novel Talio's Codex by J. Alexander Cohen. Our protagonist, Talio Rossa, is a former magistrate for the country of Merin, which is divided into four main cities. An incident occurred ten years ago that saw him abandon his profession and go into exile, but a request from his ex-wife brings him back...only to find himself immersed in a conspiracy that goes far deeper than he thought possible.
CONTENT ADVISORY: This novel contains M/M sex scenes.
I give this book a 4.5/5. Here is my breakdown.
Characters: 5/5. Cohen knows how to put the reader into the characters' world, that is clear. Talio is a very human, flawed character that grows as the novel progresses. The supporting characters fulfill their functions well, and, contrary to what another reviewer has posited, they are certainly NOT cardboard cutouts. Each has their own motivations, and, like any good mystery, the twists and revelations feel genuine to each.
Plot/Storyline: 4.5/5. I love myself a good courtroom drama, and adding fantasy and magic to the mix just makes it better. Like any good detective story, the main character and associates have things to figure out; unlike many of them, this one has big social implications as well, as Talio takes up the cause of the oppressed Incarnates (a religious sect frowned upon by the rest of society). The world of Merin interacts with issues in the real world as well, including agender individuals and their rights. I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
Flow: 4.5/5. This book flows very well. I never found myself bored or confused. The text compels and demands the reader continue, and I found myself devouring pages as I got deeper in.
Spelling/Grammar: 5/5. I don't recall any significant editing errors. Everything seemed well-put together, the formatting was nice, and it was a pleasure to read.
Overall: 4.5/5.The world of Talio's Codex is a world populated by real people. Cohen has spent time and effort crafting this world and it shows. I had a great time during my read; I actually went back to the Amazon page to see if there was a sequel (there's not, yet). Well done, Mr. Cohen! Thank you for the opportunity. As an aside, I love the cover art. Who's your artist?
Find Talio's Codex on Amazon.
If you liked my review, check out my books over at my main site: www.jasonpatrickcrawford.com/bookstor...
Thanks as always, and keep reading!
CONTENT ADVISORY: This novel contains M/M sex scenes.
I give this book a 4.5/5. Here is my breakdown.
Characters: 5/5. Cohen knows how to put the reader into the characters' world, that is clear. Talio is a very human, flawed character that grows as the novel progresses. The supporting characters fulfill their functions well, and, contrary to what another reviewer has posited, they are certainly NOT cardboard cutouts. Each has their own motivations, and, like any good mystery, the twists and revelations feel genuine to each.
Plot/Storyline: 4.5/5. I love myself a good courtroom drama, and adding fantasy and magic to the mix just makes it better. Like any good detective story, the main character and associates have things to figure out; unlike many of them, this one has big social implications as well, as Talio takes up the cause of the oppressed Incarnates (a religious sect frowned upon by the rest of society). The world of Merin interacts with issues in the real world as well, including agender individuals and their rights. I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
Flow: 4.5/5. This book flows very well. I never found myself bored or confused. The text compels and demands the reader continue, and I found myself devouring pages as I got deeper in.
Spelling/Grammar: 5/5. I don't recall any significant editing errors. Everything seemed well-put together, the formatting was nice, and it was a pleasure to read.
Overall: 4.5/5.The world of Talio's Codex is a world populated by real people. Cohen has spent time and effort crafting this world and it shows. I had a great time during my read; I actually went back to the Amazon page to see if there was a sequel (there's not, yet). Well done, Mr. Cohen! Thank you for the opportunity. As an aside, I love the cover art. Who's your artist?
Find Talio's Codex on Amazon.
If you liked my review, check out my books over at my main site: www.jasonpatrickcrawford.com/bookstor...
Thanks as always, and keep reading!
June 26, 2024
When I heard 'gay fantasy lawyers,' obviously I leapt at a chance to snatch an ARC. Talio's Codex gave me everything I hoped for, along with a couple things I didn't know to expect.
Exiled and disgraced, the protagonist has been sleepwalking through life for the last decade. When he's handed a chance to revive his legal career, he plunges eagerly back into the courtroom battles and cutthroat professional politics. Some of his old colleagues are more hostile than makes sense, given the fact that what got him kicked out wasn't mal in se. He has a narrow window in which to win his license back by proving his worth - while his enemies push back - and that ought to be his only agenda.
'Ought to be,' I say, because Talio is incapable of making smart choices. He can barely manage to want to. Some of his nail-biting risk-taking is prompted by altruism, I'll give him that, but he also has an insatiable thirst for a W and a frankly suicidal sense of curiosity. This man has never met a conspiracy he didn't want to infiltrate or a criminal he didn't want to partner with in pursuit of a dodgy legal gambit. He will make you sick to your stomach with anxiety nonstop right up to the startling twist at the end.
Talio's Codex has one of my favorite tropes, which is a wildly fantastical setting constrained by tiresome bureaucracy. Yes, there are rivers in the sky and people sail on them with magical boats; perfect fodder for a dispute over intellectual property! It also does an excellent job of playing up the duality of the rule of law. The way a judicial system can be the foundation of civilized coexistence or nothing more than a means by which the people who know how to exploit the rules codify the law of the jungle. The only difference is the sincerity of the folks with access, and I can get behind Talio's relentless need to try to make his world the first one, not the second, whatever the risk to himself. Although I will die on the hill that he chose the wrong guy.
If you want to know if you agree, you have to read it. Fun, fast-paced fantasy legal thriller (and where has that phrase been all my life?!) I definitely recommend.
Exiled and disgraced, the protagonist has been sleepwalking through life for the last decade. When he's handed a chance to revive his legal career, he plunges eagerly back into the courtroom battles and cutthroat professional politics. Some of his old colleagues are more hostile than makes sense, given the fact that what got him kicked out wasn't mal in se. He has a narrow window in which to win his license back by proving his worth - while his enemies push back - and that ought to be his only agenda.
'Ought to be,' I say, because Talio is incapable of making smart choices. He can barely manage to want to. Some of his nail-biting risk-taking is prompted by altruism, I'll give him that, but he also has an insatiable thirst for a W and a frankly suicidal sense of curiosity. This man has never met a conspiracy he didn't want to infiltrate or a criminal he didn't want to partner with in pursuit of a dodgy legal gambit. He will make you sick to your stomach with anxiety nonstop right up to the startling twist at the end.
Talio's Codex has one of my favorite tropes, which is a wildly fantastical setting constrained by tiresome bureaucracy. Yes, there are rivers in the sky and people sail on them with magical boats; perfect fodder for a dispute over intellectual property! It also does an excellent job of playing up the duality of the rule of law. The way a judicial system can be the foundation of civilized coexistence or nothing more than a means by which the people who know how to exploit the rules codify the law of the jungle. The only difference is the sincerity of the folks with access, and I can get behind Talio's relentless need to try to make his world the first one, not the second, whatever the risk to himself. Although I will die on the hill that he chose the wrong guy.
If you want to know if you agree, you have to read it. Fun, fast-paced fantasy legal thriller (and where has that phrase been all my life?!) I definitely recommend.
November 17, 2025
I read a copy of this book as a judge for the SSBA (Small Speculative Book Awards). This review is a reflection of my opinion and not directly of the book's performance in the competition.
This is a really complicated book to write my thoughts on, because it's doing a lot of things I wanted to love. It has legal drama and government conspiracies and critique of bureaucracy and conservatism. It has imperfect characters struggling against the weight of a homophobic society that rejects them. It also, frustratingly, really struggles with pulling off the nuance it's portraying.
I will admit I was unconvinced by the romance, which tells you that the main character is into the love interests rather than showing him treating them with any respect that warrants care in return. The book will tell us that he's had a shift in his outlook, and then he'll do or say something similar to - or worse than - the last thing he did which justifiably hurt everyone around him. If you like a flawed character, Talio is there for you, but for a plotline about learning from his mistakes he still makes wayyyy too many mistakes for my tastes.
There's so much cool stuff going on in this book and I felt so frequently like it shied away from the things I was most interested in. That was a shame, but the little details I was invested in kept me going. There were also a handful of small continuity errors, which was a shame because the copyediting seemed otherwise very tight.
I wanted to like this so badly and I think I just...didn't. There's so much interesting stuff here, though, so if you think it sounds like your thing, I'd encourage you to check it out.
This is a really complicated book to write my thoughts on, because it's doing a lot of things I wanted to love. It has legal drama and government conspiracies and critique of bureaucracy and conservatism. It has imperfect characters struggling against the weight of a homophobic society that rejects them. It also, frustratingly, really struggles with pulling off the nuance it's portraying.
I will admit I was unconvinced by the romance, which tells you that the main character is into the love interests rather than showing him treating them with any respect that warrants care in return. The book will tell us that he's had a shift in his outlook, and then he'll do or say something similar to - or worse than - the last thing he did which justifiably hurt everyone around him. If you like a flawed character, Talio is there for you, but for a plotline about learning from his mistakes he still makes wayyyy too many mistakes for my tastes.
There's so much cool stuff going on in this book and I felt so frequently like it shied away from the things I was most interested in. That was a shame, but the little details I was invested in kept me going. There were also a handful of small continuity errors, which was a shame because the copyediting seemed otherwise very tight.
I wanted to like this so badly and I think I just...didn't. There's so much interesting stuff here, though, so if you think it sounds like your thing, I'd encourage you to check it out.
July 17, 2024
Talios Codex was not what I was expecting. As the author states in the foreword, there is an unambiguous Happily Ever After, which was needed after the roller coaster of emotions I was put on. It is not a light read, with a lot of heavy subjects, and complete world building. J, has done a fantastic job of dropping you into the story, and allowing you to naturally discover the world he has built.
The way Talio's character evolves throughout the story is truly captivating, as he navigates through personal obstacles and societal expectations. The reader is taken on a journey as Talio rediscovers himself and confronts his own beliefs, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of who he is.
The sex scenes in the book are tastefully written, adding an extra layer of intimacy and emotion to the story without overshadowing the plot. They serve as a crucial element in Talio's development and are seamlessly integrated into the narrative.
Overall, "Talio's character arc is masterfully done", and combined with the unexpected twists and turns, this legal fantasy thriller is a must-read for anyone looking for a unique and gripping story. It's a refreshing and original take on the MM genre, and I cannot recommend it enough.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The way Talio's character evolves throughout the story is truly captivating, as he navigates through personal obstacles and societal expectations. The reader is taken on a journey as Talio rediscovers himself and confronts his own beliefs, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of who he is.
The sex scenes in the book are tastefully written, adding an extra layer of intimacy and emotion to the story without overshadowing the plot. They serve as a crucial element in Talio's development and are seamlessly integrated into the narrative.
Overall, "Talio's character arc is masterfully done", and combined with the unexpected twists and turns, this legal fantasy thriller is a must-read for anyone looking for a unique and gripping story. It's a refreshing and original take on the MM genre, and I cannot recommend it enough.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2025
This story, steeped in law courts, briefs and cases, is ideal for those whose work or interests touch upon how laws are implemented.
Talio is fighting discrimination … within himself, society, and the law system. He takes on a case as a favour to his ex-wife, then finds himself falling for the man whose religion won’t even allow for Talio to see his face.
There are so many layers of discrimination here … Talio fights society with indifference for the scars on his face that scare children; he uses secrecy to defend his preference for male bed partners; he fights in the courts for his clients who simply want the freedoms and religious rights of other citizens; and he fights the persecution of an unjust law system.
The writing was good, all the way through. Cohen has laid his layers carefully, unveiling the moving parts in a careful manner. His style of writing matched the mood of the story, careful and controlled; but I would have loved to see an exclamation mark at some point.
In the end, this book wasn’t for me, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to someone who loves the procedure involved in courtroom dramas.
Talio is fighting discrimination … within himself, society, and the law system. He takes on a case as a favour to his ex-wife, then finds himself falling for the man whose religion won’t even allow for Talio to see his face.
There are so many layers of discrimination here … Talio fights society with indifference for the scars on his face that scare children; he uses secrecy to defend his preference for male bed partners; he fights in the courts for his clients who simply want the freedoms and religious rights of other citizens; and he fights the persecution of an unjust law system.
The writing was good, all the way through. Cohen has laid his layers carefully, unveiling the moving parts in a careful manner. His style of writing matched the mood of the story, careful and controlled; but I would have loved to see an exclamation mark at some point.
In the end, this book wasn’t for me, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to someone who loves the procedure involved in courtroom dramas.
June 11, 2024
This book was a solid 4 to 4.5 stars for me. It's not necessarily something I want to read again, which mostly keeps it out of 5-star status, but it's well worth reading. The worldbuilding was creative and was presented without huge info dumps; the characters were engaging and kept me guessing; the dialogue was fluid; the plot was complex but held my interest... really, as I said, a solid win.
For me, the one thing that didn't work—and it was a major plot point—was the emphasis on religion. I think religion is kinda stupid, in general, and the world would be far better off without it—and nothing in this story convinced me that that wasn't true in the story world as well.
That said, if you like queer fantasy, this book will probably make you very happy. Oh, and—unlike in so many m/m romances I read lately—it did NOT end with the MCs wanting baybees, so definite bonus points for that!
My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
For me, the one thing that didn't work—and it was a major plot point—was the emphasis on religion. I think religion is kinda stupid, in general, and the world would be far better off without it—and nothing in this story convinced me that that wasn't true in the story world as well.
That said, if you like queer fantasy, this book will probably make you very happy. Oh, and—unlike in so many m/m romances I read lately—it did NOT end with the MCs wanting baybees, so definite bonus points for that!
My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
August 1, 2024
I requested this book because I was drawn by the premise of fantasy legal thriller, and in that respect I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed the courtoom scenes, and although the world building wasn't developed all that much, I thought it was enough. I enjoyed the different relationships Talio has with the other characters and his own character growth. I liked how all the mysteries were wrapped up, the last plot twist genuinely surprised me.
What I found most fascinating was the development of this society and its laws, and the discussion about their influence in said society. The themes of oppression, religion, queerness, and gender were handled with nuance. I'm not sure how I feel about the romance plot line, but I did like the conflict it posed for the main character. All in all, this was an enjoyable read!
Thank you to J. Alexander Cohen, Space Wizard Science Fantasy and NetGalley for this ARC. I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest opinio
What I found most fascinating was the development of this society and its laws, and the discussion about their influence in said society. The themes of oppression, religion, queerness, and gender were handled with nuance. I'm not sure how I feel about the romance plot line, but I did like the conflict it posed for the main character. All in all, this was an enjoyable read!
Thank you to J. Alexander Cohen, Space Wizard Science Fantasy and NetGalley for this ARC. I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest opinio
November 22, 2024
The first chapter was boring, NGL. But I stepped away and came back to it, because sometimes I just am in the wrong mood. I have a 3 episode or 3 chapter rule, to any book. After the first chapter, the pace slowly grew, and the characters also grew on me. I love all the things this novel works through, mystery, racism/bigotry, very slow burn romance (which I love) and characters that warm your spirit as you get to know them better. Compassion, sorrow, kindness and intensity encapsulates each character.
The world is an original, fantastic one as well. Fully formed and intricate, but familiar in the humanity within it. I am looking forward to the second book! This is a world where any story with any characters could thrive.
Talios has one of the most realistic love triangles I've seen before. He has to make a choice, and the ending is dramatic. Besides that, there is drama, action, thrills and a parade of emotions. Give this novel a try, it will likely not disappoint.
The world is an original, fantastic one as well. Fully formed and intricate, but familiar in the humanity within it. I am looking forward to the second book! This is a world where any story with any characters could thrive.
Talios has one of the most realistic love triangles I've seen before. He has to make a choice, and the ending is dramatic. Besides that, there is drama, action, thrills and a parade of emotions. Give this novel a try, it will likely not disappoint.
May 23, 2025
What a story, what an adventure.
this is a strange well read book. it's not easy to read, not because of harrowing content but it is an amazing mix of genres.
Talio the disgraced magistrate is lured back to civilisation by his ex wife while he cheated on with another man.
and so the story unfolds, a bit of romance, growing affection, unfolding truths that are hard to grapple, two opposing beliefs learning to coexist and even more. its like reading a Dan Brown book, with gay love, set in a strange land with strange gods.
built around a complex, challenging legal system, thalio and pasli along with a mitch match of individuals uncover the great experiment. along the way there is no shortage of surprises.
the third man in the wheel I feel sorry for...but maybe book 2. the end also was a tiny bit disappointing. I wonder what others thought..
Well worth the read.. discover it and enjoy.
this is a strange well read book. it's not easy to read, not because of harrowing content but it is an amazing mix of genres.
Talio the disgraced magistrate is lured back to civilisation by his ex wife while he cheated on with another man.
and so the story unfolds, a bit of romance, growing affection, unfolding truths that are hard to grapple, two opposing beliefs learning to coexist and even more. its like reading a Dan Brown book, with gay love, set in a strange land with strange gods.
built around a complex, challenging legal system, thalio and pasli along with a mitch match of individuals uncover the great experiment. along the way there is no shortage of surprises.
the third man in the wheel I feel sorry for...but maybe book 2. the end also was a tiny bit disappointing. I wonder what others thought..
Well worth the read.. discover it and enjoy.
June 9, 2024
I feel like this quote from Talio's Codex represents this book perfectly:
"What would it be like to wake up to Cale every morning, to caress his olive skin whenever he wished? The legal conversations would be scintillating."
I would call this book a romantic mystery... but it is not a light-weight cute romance. Religion, stereotypes, theft, betrayal, murder, political machinations... every thing seems to come between Talio and his potential partners, the hooded Pazli that he must never look at and the beautiful Cale with a questionable past.
Talio himself is a flawed character, that gets himself into trouble with socially intolerant comments on a regular basis. But he reaches out and tries to learn from / adjust his understanding each time. The tone of the is heavily influenced by Talio's obsession with law. If you enjoy court dramas, I think you might really enjoy this book.
"What would it be like to wake up to Cale every morning, to caress his olive skin whenever he wished? The legal conversations would be scintillating."
I would call this book a romantic mystery... but it is not a light-weight cute romance. Religion, stereotypes, theft, betrayal, murder, political machinations... every thing seems to come between Talio and his potential partners, the hooded Pazli that he must never look at and the beautiful Cale with a questionable past.
Talio himself is a flawed character, that gets himself into trouble with socially intolerant comments on a regular basis. But he reaches out and tries to learn from / adjust his understanding each time. The tone of the is heavily influenced by Talio's obsession with law. If you enjoy court dramas, I think you might really enjoy this book.
July 16, 2024
Talio’s Codex is about a disgraced magistrate (judge), Talio, who is brought back to his former home to defend a member of a separate religious order (the Incarnites). Incarnites are identified due to hiding all their physical features (even from spouses).
This is an original story, and good worldbuilding (though the water magic seems a bit unconnected, other than to allow some plot items to evolve). The author weaves in many interlocking themes of humanity and discrimination: religious, gender, and sexuality. I didn’t find Talio a particularly sympathetic character (and there was a bit too much explicit sex for me) but these deficiencies made him relatable. He is trying to recover from past mistakes, be more comfortable with who he is, while facing issues which affect him directly in the story.
This is an original story, and good worldbuilding (though the water magic seems a bit unconnected, other than to allow some plot items to evolve). The author weaves in many interlocking themes of humanity and discrimination: religious, gender, and sexuality. I didn’t find Talio a particularly sympathetic character (and there was a bit too much explicit sex for me) but these deficiencies made him relatable. He is trying to recover from past mistakes, be more comfortable with who he is, while facing issues which affect him directly in the story.
July 26, 2024
This was an exceptionally written book. I thoroughly enjoyed it so much. Pazli kept throwing me for a loop lol. In a good way though. I figured some things out throughout the story but I have to admit I did not see the ending coming. She totally blindsided me. Such a well written story. I love that the story never really....slowed down...for lack of a better term at the moment. Everything just flowed into the next. There was always something to discover or figure out. Just very well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2024
The Talio's Codex is a good read full of simpathetic morally gray characters and interesting world building.
The characters over power the plot a bit as the author tries to give the reader insight into the characher development. This does not bother me I still liked the plot well enough. The story gives insight into relevant social issues, religion, gender, sexual identity, gender eqality and many other things that we face every day in our own lifes.
The only thing that I would have liked more of was world building, but I expect that will be solved in later books.
The characters over power the plot a bit as the author tries to give the reader insight into the characher development. This does not bother me I still liked the plot well enough. The story gives insight into relevant social issues, religion, gender, sexual identity, gender eqality and many other things that we face every day in our own lifes.
The only thing that I would have liked more of was world building, but I expect that will be solved in later books.
September 30, 2024
Having read the author's previous book, BEAR LIKE ME, a sort of satire and at the same time exploration of Bear culture, I was curious about this one, as it seemed very different.
It is. Legal fantasy thriller is apt, with a distinctly original world and culture on display.
And of course the rough/romance aspects were also appealing.
Highly recommended. :)
It is. Legal fantasy thriller is apt, with a distinctly original world and culture on display.
And of course the rough/romance aspects were also appealing.
Highly recommended. :)
June 26, 2025
3.5
An interesting story with flawed, well-drawn characters. The diverse secondary characters were also well-developed. Perhaps a bit too much emphasis on legal procedures, but I appreciated the social commentary on discrimination, opposition, and repression.
The love triangle was resolved in a way that felt satisfying and well handled.
An interesting story with flawed, well-drawn characters. The diverse secondary characters were also well-developed. Perhaps a bit too much emphasis on legal procedures, but I appreciated the social commentary on discrimination, opposition, and repression.
The love triangle was resolved in a way that felt satisfying and well handled.
August 21, 2025
A very well-written book with great relationships and an intriguing story. There are hints of a deeper world as well, and while this story wraps up well, there's space to have some more tales in this world. The religious aspects are particularly intriguing, especially set against the courtroom drama that takes up most of the book. Definitely recommend giving this a read.
November 22, 2024
Incredible. You can feel the authors passion through the words. I highly recommend reading!
June 28, 2025
DNF around 65% in. It was aggressively ok, just didn't care about the cases or main characters.
Read
July 2, 2025This is a Small Spec Book Awards nominee!
October 30, 2024
The sex in this book was *hot*. The characterization was good—stronger for the protagonist than his love interest. The pacing was a little odd and left very little time for a denouement. Overall, a good read. Always happy to find a SFF or historical M/M romance by a man.
July 22, 2024
4.5 stars. A fascinating complex world with intriguing characters and plenty of unexpected plot twists. Talio and the people around him were really beautifully imperfect and striving to make things better. The older religious beliefs weren't overpowering, although Scodel's legal system was becoming a fairly scary religion in itself. I really appreciate that I couldn't guess a lot of the story while it was happening. I'd have loved to know what would happen later although if they managed to reform the system that would take more than their lifetimes.
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