The Codex Sohrakia Series
Codex Sohrakia: The Gifted Dark was winner of the 2024 Independent Author Awards & Outstanding Creator Awards for Best Novel in the Fantasy category.
”…Codex Sohrakia is outstanding.”
—Phantasmagoria Magazine
“A modern-day Paradise Lost.”
—Sixdoom Literary
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What happens when blind faith leads to catastrophic choices? Saham, an Eternal Seraphon, is cast out of The Realm of Light, banished for his reckless tampering with The Dark. His actions rip through reality itself, unleashing chaos. Driven by an obsessive quest for redemption, Saham drags those he loves most into a spiral of pain and destruction, forever altering their fates—and his own.
Codex Sohrakia: The Gifted Dark is a mesmerizing, haunting tale that readers describe as dreamlike, profound, and unforgettable. Crafted in an epic, poetic style, this novel sweeps you into a world of endearing characters and surreal realms that linger long after the final page. Its atmosphere and intensity draw comparisons to the eerie genius of H.P. Lovecraft and Brian Lumley, the dark imagination of Clive Barker’s Imajica, and the timeless depth of Dante’s Divine Comedy.
Dive into this captivating story in its beautifully written form—or lose yourself in the award-winning audiobook, brought to life by the mesmerizing narration of vocal virtuoso Joshua Saxon.
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In Astrallis, there exist levels of nightmare that beckon to the souls burdened with heavy hearts and low vibrations. What unspeakable torments await them, and what strange and powerful gods oversee the spirits of the dead?
The greed and determination of one of Saham’a’iel’s Acolytes sets a group of mortals on a path of mystery, arcane magic, and terror as they seek out The Dark Lord and his taboo power.
Dravyn is alone, wandering Terrasan, overwhelmed by the darkness within and his fierce hunger. Will he find salvation, or is he doomed by the Dark Essence that now drives him?
With a new outlook and an evolving understanding, will Saham’a’iel find the redemption he desires?
Sohrn’o’rak has gained access to all realms! Will he keep his covenant with Saham’a’iel, or will he bring mischief into the worlds of mortals?
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The Codex Sohrakia book series will be my universe’s philosophical and multi-dimensional foundation. Each of my other books, which will primarily be stand-alone stories, will be tied, to varying degrees, to the Codex Sohrakia series and to each other. If you want to enjoy my expanded universe, then you will want to read my other titles.
Codex Sohrakia: The Gifted Dark Awards Summary
Lots of wins in the Outstanding Creator Awards Summer 2024
Winner Best Fantasy Novel 2024 Independent Author Awards
Finalist in Fiction: Fantasy in the American Writing Awards 2024
Honorable Mention in the Next Best Read 2024 Awards
The influences for Codex Sohrakia are many and varied. I have always been fascinated by duality. The Yin and Yang, the conflicted mind, the contentions and clashes between two individuals that are either closely related or two parts of one whole. From Ichigo Kurosaki and his Hollow Soul Zangetsu to the dichotomy of Goku and Vegeta (those characters being some of my favorites). I have found that I love playing with that trope, but I wanted to toy with it in my own fashion with Saham’a’iel and Sohrn’o’rak.
The classical Renaissance arts, as well as ancient statues of Rome and Greece, all lit a fire in me long before I had the concept for Codex Sohrakia. The faces, forms, and beauty of those incredible works play a large role in the shapes, forms, and beauty of my characters.
Influences & Inspirations
The surreal and eerie works of HP Lovecraft, the wildly creative worlds and pulp adventures of Edgar Rice Burroughs, and my favorite modern author, Brian Lumley—especially the Necroscope series—inspire and color my writing in nearly every aspect. Lumley’s style has greatly influenced mine. I aspire to achieve Lumley’s superb balance, clever and poetic descriptives, character development, emotion, and world-building. The dark and macabre nature of each of these authors’ works holds endless fascination for me.
Then, there are the massive inspirations of my author friends; RL Davis Hays, author of the incredible Books of Jorthus series, and Heather & Christopher Dumbar, authors of the wonderful Morrigan’s Brood series. Jeff Doten’s Weird Worlds is excellent, too.
Early inspiration for Saham’a’iel and Sohrn’o’rak came from watching James Purefoy as Mark Antony, as well as seeing his look as portrayed on the cover of the Doctor Who radio play CD for Dracula. As the two characters took form during the creative process, they became very much their own beings, though you will certainly feel the influence of James and his particular method of expression when you read them, especially as it comes through in Sohrn’o’rak.
Many varied and intensely vivid dreams and their most bizarre imagery also played a huge part in the development, the feel, and the descriptions of Codex Sohrakia. Some details, even scene descriptions, come directly from my dreams.
Thestora’s first meeting with Anu’ver’os was taken from a dream I had of interacting with the Egyptian god Anubis. In the dream, Anubis and I were dear friends, and to this day I can feel that dream and his energy as if I was actually in his presence…as if the dream happened only yesterday. I relayed much of the description of him directly from that dream.
The Sea of Ash was also taken directly from a dream I had. Its description, the surrounding shores, and the feelings Thestora experienced down to the smallest detail were pulled almost word-for-word from my dream journal. Many small details came either directly from dreams or from that mental state in those moments upon waking, when things flash into the mind. Most of the names used in the book popped into my head in the wee hours of the morning. -KM
What Readers are Saying…
Codex Sohrakia I: The Gifted Dark Reviews
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Codex Sohrakia: The Athanasy Pact Reviews:
Soddy (Amazon: ***** Truly Awe-Inspiring Series
I read Codex Sohrakia last year and fell in love with it, Book 1 was incredible, already reviewed by me here and I couldnt wait to return to the World's and Realms created by KM Taylor.
I wondered if it would reach the dizzy heights of the first book , as always, series can be tricky and some lose their way.
The Athanasy Pact doesn't disappoint though, the Worlds that KM Taylor has created are instantly spectacular, returning to the previous Realms and creating even more stunning places, places of beauty and wonder and also places of deep despair. The writing style of the author, the pace and especially the prose is unmistakable, the deep philosophical ideas behind each character is a thing of beauty.
I have no hesitation in giving this a 5 star rating, it really does deserve more stars, dive into this truly fantastic series it will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and see where else this genius author is going to take me.____
Louise Hays (Amazon) ***** More to Love
This sequel adds layers of detail, mystery, development, and more characters to intrigue and entertain the reader. Sohrn and Saham are trying to hold on to their tenuous agreement from The Gifted Dark story, but it seems Sohrn just can't help himself when it comes to mischief. I adore all the characters in these tales and the worlds I get to visit while reading them! I highly recommend.
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Martin Rowe (Amazon) ***** A Beautiful Continuation
The second instalment of this series doesn't disappoint, joining the characters we met in the first book as the Author delves deeper into their development. The world building is again first class as the authors exquisite attention to detail pulls you into her world, living each moment with the highly relatable characters she has created. The overall theme I was hit with was a feeling of contentment, which makes you feel good and want to read on. Though, as always, there are situations evolving which left me pondering excitedly where the next instalment will take us. Highly recommended, even for those not normal dark fantasy readers like me!
Soddy (Amazon) ***** A Stunning Piece of Work
I read this a few months ago and have reread it since and will again no doubt. What an amazing read this is, grabs you from the start,throws you around and leaves you begging for more.I don't want to give away the story too much,it's all about the world building here, the characters are instantly lovable the pace is superb and the prose is just stunning.
If you like Brian Lumley,Clive Barker et al, this is for you.
I cannot speak highly enough of this book, it's a journey everyone needs to go on, it challenges your ideas of Light and Dark,Good and Bad , it's a philosophical journey as well as a great ride.
Read it,this author is going places, can't wait for the next one.
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Jake of All Trades (Amazon) ***** Surreal and Imaginative
The author has been compared to having a writing style similar to Brian Lumley and embraces and excels in that style. Her characters are unique and the obstacles they encounter and how they are afflicted by those actions to overcome those obstacles are intriguing. These characters are also never defined as good and evil and the balance in writing them is superb. Although the setting is not our reality, she weaves in familiar history and lore that helps to ease the readers into this universe. I highly recommend this and cannot wait to see the next book with these characters and this world KM Taylor has created.
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Tim Westen (Amazon) ***** Fans of Dark Fantasy Will Love This
What a fantastic new author! A must read if you are into dark fantasy. While not a reader or fan of fantasy, I still found myself drawn into the world she creates. Full of characters and beings you really have a passion for and care about. Her writing style is amazing, very poetic. I really think this series is going places. You wont be dissapointed!
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Martin Rowe (Amazon) ***** What A Wonderful Story
As a first time reader to dark fantasy I wasn't to sure what I'd make of the genre. By the time I was halfway down the page I was absolutely engrossed, all the way to the end. The poetic and rhythmic writing style that the Author possesses, coupled with her excellent descriptive approach really had me visualising the whole story, even when I didn't have the book open. What was of particular note was her ability to shape and build a plausible world in which her story is set, making it even more enjoyable. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves, or is looking to explore the world of dark fantasy, and for young adults upwards. If Amazon had a 6th star this brilliant piece of literature, which may I add reminded me of elements of Dantes 'Divine Comedy', would get it. Great job and I can't wait to see where you go with Chapter 2 (those who know, know). I'm now in the KM Taylor fan club 😁
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Matt (Amazon) ***** Fantaastic Dark and Light Fantasy
A tale as old as time. What is good, what is evil? Codex Sohrakia is a fantastic novel, beautifully written. The world building by KM Taylor is well crafted and excellently described. I found myself questioning Saham’a’iel who reads to me as a sort of god figure within the story. All power and regal. In my opinion he is the best character in the book! The Immortal Realms are an interesting concept and for anyone who likes a different sort of fantasy, this is definitely worth a read.
The themes explored within Codex Sohrakia can have a deeper meaning than just beyond the dark and the light.
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Misty Mei Stone (Amazon) ***** Amazing World of Light and Dark
This book tells a familiar tale in a whole new way. It’s sumptuous scenery and emotions roll the reader through a metaphysical and theological journey of self-discovery by giving us characters both intriguing and flawed. It is a story, a romance, a conflict asking the question: “Why are we and who are we?” within the detailed confines of a fantasy setting. The world building is descriptive and hauntingly beautiful. The characters are lovable even when they are doing things that roil your blood. Set in another world or dimension, it tells a tale of attempted redemption and love. The prose carried me along through its dark and mysterious world with little effort, but was “meaty” enough to make me want to visit this world more! I have read it twice and want to visit this Dark World again!
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Ajay (Amazon) ***** Tale of Good vs Evil
A remarkable book that defies expectations in the realm of good versus evil. Taylor's descriptive prose brings the characters and their environments to life, immersing the reader in a rich and imaginative world. The unique and imaginative characters are well-developed, and their complexity adds depth to the story. The author skillfully explores the gray areas of morality, creating a captivating and thought-provoking narrative.
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Louise E. (Amazon) ***** Fantasy at its Best
I love this book! Just when you think you have it figured out, you don't! The characters are delightful and the story is mesmerizing and thought provoking. I think I will go read it again!!
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Molly Macabre (Amazon) ***** Beautiful and Deep
Good and evil. Light and dark. It's all very black and white, kept far apart by thick lines, right? Wrong. And this book takes a deep dive into the ventures and accomplishments, trials and failures of both. The story is well-paced, constantly driving forward to reveal more of the story while giving us beautiful and flawed characters to fall in love with. The prose is intelligent and beautiful without being over-done and it is understandable. It was easy to tell that the author put their heart and soul into every page and with that came a wonderful story and enjoyable, thought-provoking tale.
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Emily (Amazon)
“…not what you are expecting.”
“Fantasy is not typically my preferred genre but I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more works from this author!”
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Lisa Swenhaugen (Amazon) ***** An intoxicating break from mundane reality
Fantasy is not everyone's genre because it's just so out there and sometimes the story kinda gets lost in all of the abstract. This is a book that anyone can enjoy because the story won't loose you. It's well written and the characters are very relatable. If you want to take a break from reality then grab a copy of Codex Sohrakia: The Gifted Dark, and experience a dark fantasy world that will challenge your perception of good and evil.
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HP Dunbar (Amazon) ***** A Must for Fans of Fantasy and Mythology
This is a fun and page-turning journey in a mythical and magical universe that is somewhat similar and yet entirely alien from our own. The characters are well developed, and I left the book wanting to learn more about them and their lives in these realms.
It's very difficult for authors to grasp the gray (as I'm sure many have used this term). There is a light and nuanced balance in interesting characters. Nobody is all good or all bad in other words. I find characters that are extremely one-sided to be quite uninteresting and yet, it's difficult for writers to grasp that idea. K.M. Taylor is an expert at this nuance and makes the world come to life and it's been a breath of fresh air to read this.
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Louise Hays (Amazon) ***** What is Good or Evil, The Age Old Question
This book tells a familiar tale in a whole new way. It’s sumptuous scenery and emotions roll the reader through a metaphysical and theological journey of self-discovery by giving us characters both intriguing and flawed. It is a story, a romance, a conflict asking the question: “Why are we and who are we?” within the detailed confines of a fantasy setting. The world building is descriptive and hauntingly beautiful. The characters are lovable even when they are doing things that roil your blood. Set in another world or dimension, it tells a tale of attempted redemption and love. The prose carried me along through its dark and mysterious world with little effort, but was “meaty” enough to make me want to visit this world more! I have read it twice and want to visit this Dark World again!