The Combat Codes, Alexander Darwin
The Combat Codes, Alexander Darwin
List: $31.99 | Sale: $22.40
Club: $15.99

The Combat Codes

Author: Alexander Darwin

Narrator: Donald Chang

Unabridged: 15 hr 1 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Orbit

Published: 06/13/2023


Synopsis

In a world where battle-hardened warriors determine the fate of empires, war-ravaged nations seek out a new champion in the first book of a thrilling science fantasy trilogy: "that rare book that fully satisfies me as an action fan" (Fonda Lee, author of Jade City).​

In a world long ago ravaged by war, the nations have sworn an armistice never to use weapons of mass destruction again. Instead, highly-skilled warriors known as Grievar Knights represent their nations’ interests in brutal hand-to-hand combat.

Murray Pearson was once a famed Knight until he suffered a loss that crippled his homeland — but now he’s on the hunt to discover the next champion.

In underground and ruthless combat rings, an orphaned boy called Cego is making a name for himself. Murray believes Cego has what it takes to thrive in the world's most prestigious combat academy – but first, Cego must prove himself in the vicious arenas of the underworld. And survival isn’t guaranteed.  

“A brutal and relentless science fantasy martial arts extravaganza, set in a world where the fate of nations rests on the perfect counterpunch or rear naked choke. The Combat Codes is that rare book that fully satisfies me as an action fan.” -- Fonda Lee, author of Jade City

Reviews

Goodreads review by Petrik on March 10, 2021

I have a Booktube channel now! Subscribe here: [URL not allowed] Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Fun, tense, and entertaining; The Combat Codes is an MMA-inspired sci-fi debut with heart and well-written combat scenes. “A perceived weakness is streng......more

Goodreads review by John on January 10, 2024

My complete review of The Combat Codes is published at Grimdark Magazine. The Combat Codes is the debut martial arts science fiction by Alexander Darwin in which war has been replaced by hand-to-hand combat. Originally self-published in 2015, The Combat Codes earned a finalist slot in Mark Lawrence’s......more

Goodreads review by William on June 15, 2023

Another great 2023 release! Heavy martial arts focus that brings a very unique type of immersive action to the table for this fantasy tale that has compelling characters, mysteries you are invested in solving, and smooth prose. A really great read that has left me wanting to immediately dive into th......more

Goodreads review by Jonah on October 02, 2024

This has probably the best writing of martial arts combat I’ve ever read! The characters are immediately likeable, the world is interesting, and the fights are electric. It’s tropey, but it executes the tropes it’s doing well. I wish the book had been longer, actually, to flesh out relationships bet......more

Goodreads review by Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) on July 23, 2023

4.0 Stars Video Review: [URL not allowed] I'm pleased to say that this debut fantasy lived up to the hype. I don't always connect well with combat based stories but this one worked because the fighting was so intimate and clearly described. I found it so easy to picture what I was reading.......more


Quotes

“A brutal and relentless science fantasy martial arts extravaganza, set in a world where the fate of nations rests on the perfect counterpunch or rear naked choke. The Combat Codes is that rare book that fully satisfies me as an action fan.” —Fonda Lee, author of Jade City

"This book kicks ass--literally and literarily!" —Richard Swan, author of The Justice of Kings

"The Combat Codes is a well-paced sci-fi brimming with action, brutality, thoughtfulness and heart. From ruthless underworld to storm-harried, glistening academy, every fight is clear and visceral, and I couldn’t help but be ensnared by the mystery and tension woven throughout. I can’t wait for the next chapter in Cego’s journey!"—H.M. Long, author of Hall of Smoke

"If Mike Tyson wrote a scifi novel (and could write like he threw a right hook) it would read a little like The Combat Codes. Bare-knuckle brilliance."—Jackson Ford author of The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t With Her Mind

"The Combat Codes is a perfectly balanced cocktail of high-octane action, enthralling mystery, and genuine heart. Fans of Geralt and Ciri or the Hound and Arya will adore the dynamic between Murray and Cego, and fans of badass fight scenes will find plenty to love in these pages. 

A gritty, fully-realized world sets the stage for lovable (and hateable) characters, heart-pounding action, and twists that literally had my jaw dropping. Readers won't want to miss this one!"
 —M. J. Kuhn, author of Among Thieves

"The Combat Codes is a great read for any fan of realistic martial arts fiction. The integration of a compelling sci-fi / fantasy plot and true-to-life martial arts action make for a unique story that any student of warfare is sure to enjoy."
 —Ryan Hall, UFC Fighter

"The Combat Codes was a fantastic read that takes you along the martial arts path of self-discovery. The storyline, training, fights and philosophy in the book made it highly enjoyable. Whether you are a martial artist, fan, or just an SFF reader, this book will be a lot of fun." —Kenny Florian, MMA Commentator & Ex-UFC Fighter