Honest review of Codex Sohrakia: The Athanasy Pact

by KM Taylor (Author) R L Davis Hays (Editor)

Updated at: 23/02/2025

Dive into the chilling world of Codex Sohrakia: The Athanasy Pact by KM Taylor and R L Davis Hays, a dark fantasy novel set in the terrifying Astrallis. Here, nightmares are tangible, beckoning souls to unspeakable torments overseen by powerful, strange gods. Driven by greed, an Acolyte of Saham’a’iel thrusts mortals into a perilous quest involving arcane magic and the terrifying Dark Lord. Meanwhile, Dravyn battles inner demons and a consuming hunger, while Saham’a’iel seeks redemption. The omnipresent Sohrn’o’rak, having access to all realms, holds the balance – will he uphold his pact or unleash chaos upon the mortal world? Prepare for a journey filled with mystery, terror, and the struggle between light and darkness.

5 / 3 ratings

Review Codex Sohrakia

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? I was completely captivated by Codex Sohrakia: The Athanasy Pact, the sequel to The Gifted Dark, and honestly, it surpassed even my high expectations. I remember finishing the first book and feeling that intoxicating blend of satisfaction and desperate longing for more – that feeling of being utterly lost in a world so vividly imagined, so intricately woven, that leaving it felt like a genuine loss. This second installment didn't just meet that craving; it amplified it tenfold.

The authors, KM Taylor and R L Davis Hays, have an undeniable talent for world-building. Astrallis, with its terrifying levels of nightmare and stunning realms of beauty and despair, feels as real as any place I've ever visited. Every location, from the breathtaking landscapes to the chilling hellscapes, is painted with such meticulous detail that you can almost smell the air, feel the temperature, and hear the whispers of the ancient gods. Returning to familiar places felt like a homecoming, while the newly introduced locations felt like discovering hidden, breathtaking secrets.

The characters are equally compelling. Dravyn's struggle with the darkness within him is heartbreaking and intensely relatable; his internal battle resonated deeply, making him a character I couldn't help but root for. And Saham’a’iel’s quest for redemption, his constant struggle against his own nature, adds such a poignant layer of complexity to the narrative. Sohrn’o’rak, with his mischievous nature and his precarious pact, is a fascinating antagonist – his actions leaving you constantly wondering what chaotic delight he’ll unleash next. The authors have a knack for creating characters with genuine depth, exploring complex philosophical themes that elevated the story far beyond typical dark fantasy tropes.

The pacing is masterful; the authors seamlessly blend moments of intense action and suspense with quieter, more reflective passages, allowing the emotional weight of the story to resonate fully. The prose itself is exquisite, rich with imagery and evocative language that perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of each scene. It's a writing style that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page, leaving you pondering its themes and characters for days.

While The Gifted Dark introduced us to this astonishing world, The Athanasy Pact delves deeper, enriching the narrative with layers of intrigue, mystery, and character development. The relationships between the characters evolve, deepening the emotional stakes and making their journeys even more engaging. The overarching themes of redemption, darkness, and the enduring power of hope are explored with nuance and sensitivity. This is not just a dark fantasy story; it's a story about the human condition, about the battles we fight within ourselves, and the choices we make in the face of overwhelming odds.

In short, Codex Sohrakia: The Athanasy Pact is a masterpiece. A five-star rating hardly does it justice. If you are looking for a dark fantasy series that will both thrill and deeply move you, look no further. This is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading, leaving you eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this magnificent saga.