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The Combat Codes Saga #1
The Combat Codes
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 "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.
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.
419 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2021
773 people are currently reading
14.8k people want to read
About the author
Alexander Darwin
7Ìýbooks247ÌýfollowersAlexander Darwin is an author living near Boston with his wife and three daughters. Outside of writing, he teaches and trains martial arts (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu). He’s inspired by old-school Hong Kong action flicks, jRPGs, underdog stories and bibimbap bowls.
Outside of writing fiction, Alexander has written for publications such as Rolling Stone Magazine and SF Signal. His latest piece - "The Lost Diary of Anthony Bourdain" - was a featured piece in Rolling Stone’s January 2022 issue.
Outside of writing fiction, Alexander has written for publications such as Rolling Stone Magazine and SF Signal. His latest piece - "The Lost Diary of Anthony Bourdain" - was a featured piece in Rolling Stone’s January 2022 issue.
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March 10, 2021
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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.
I’ve been waiting to post this review for a while now, but after hearing there will be a new updated cover art for the series done by the incredible Felix Ortiz, I knew it would better for me to wait for its reveal first before posting this review. I mean, look at that! I loved the distinctive quality of the cover art; it reminded me of Star Wars poster. The Combat Codes is the first book in the The Combat Codes Saga trilogy by Alexander Darwin. This is a debut that’s currently a finalist in this year’s SPFBO (Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off), and I think it deserves its spot as a finalist there for its quality. Personally speaking, though, I have to admit that I’m a bit surprised that some readers classified this as fantasy; I think it’s a sci-fi/dystopia novel with a little fantasy element, and it’s a really great one.
The story in The Combat Codes takes place in a world where single combat determines the fate of nations, the Combat Codes guide the Grievar to fight so that the rest can remain at peace. We have two main characters to follow in this book. The first one is Cego, a 13 years old Grievar boy with a mysterious past that’s forced to fight his way out of the slave Circles and enter the world’s most prestigious combat school. The other main character is Murray, a retired Grievar Knight who currently scouts for talents to be enlisted into Lyceum for better and elite training. The main story itself isn’t nothing too surprising; if you’ve read plenty of coming-of-age SFF books, you will most likely know how the story goes from point A to B. However, just because a story is predictable doesn’t mean that it’s a bad thing; it all always comes down to execution. I found Darwin’s storytelling of this predictable story to be engaging, and the revelations contained in the narrative made me excited for the next book.
I highly enjoyed reading Cego’s character development. The Combat Codes have been forgotten by many Grievar and fighters of the world, but Cego never stops doing his best to uphold the Combat Codes, even when he doesn’t fully remember his past or understand himself. Also, the relationship that Cego built with Murray and the friends—Dozer, Weep, and Knees—he met along the way was well-written. Friendship, mentorship, and standing for what’s right are prominent themes in the story, and I enjoyed reading about them. As I said, it’s a predictable story, even the bully, the villains, and their actions were predictable from their first appearances, but I can’t help but found myself turning the pages. There’s just something about waiting to see bullies receiving retributions that I can’t ever get enough of. However, I do think that the side characters needed more characterizations and focus. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that the next book in the series will fix this.
Actions and hand-to-hand combat are very integral in this book. I started reading The Combat Codes expecting there will be a lot of action scenes, and I’m not disappointed by this. Darwin has delivered detailed hand-to-hand combats with a rhythm that flows really well. The combats and the blow by blow traded between fighters were both vivid and impactful. If you’re a fan of martial arts, or maybe Cradle series by Will Wight, I have a good feeling that you’re going to have a blast reading this book. It also helps that the world-building and history of the world enhanced the believability of the combats and stakes contained in them. Plus, Darwin’s prose was accessible, and each epigraph at the beginning of each chapter helped established the importance of Combat Codes in the world.
I do, however, want to address one more time that I don’t think of The Combat Codes as a fantasy novel. Almost everything in the world-building relies on technologies, and if anything, the closest comparison I can think of when it comes to the world-building is Red Rising by Pierce Brown or The Hunger Games (with martial arts) by Suzanne Collins. The class distinction and treatment between Purelight and Lacklight, for example, are very reminiscent of the Gold and Red in Red Rising. I have other reasons for this assessment, but I’m afraid that’s diving too deep into spoiler territory. This, of course, doesn’t mean that I’m dismissing the quality of the book; I enjoyed it after all. This is just me disagreeing with the fantasy genre classification.
I doubt The Combat Codes will revolutionize the genre. But if you’re looking for a fast-paced familiar, charming, tense, and engaging escapism novel with heart and great hand-to-hand combat scenes, this is a no-brainer. I highly enjoyed reading this debut, and I’m so looking forward to continuing to the sequel, Grievar’s Blood.
You can order the book from: |
You can find and the rest of my reviews at
Special thanks to my Patrons on for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Edward, Estefani, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Shaad, Summer, Zoe.
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 strength, and a flaunted strength is weakness.�
I’ve been waiting to post this review for a while now, but after hearing there will be a new updated cover art for the series done by the incredible Felix Ortiz, I knew it would better for me to wait for its reveal first before posting this review. I mean, look at that! I loved the distinctive quality of the cover art; it reminded me of Star Wars poster. The Combat Codes is the first book in the The Combat Codes Saga trilogy by Alexander Darwin. This is a debut that’s currently a finalist in this year’s SPFBO (Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off), and I think it deserves its spot as a finalist there for its quality. Personally speaking, though, I have to admit that I’m a bit surprised that some readers classified this as fantasy; I think it’s a sci-fi/dystopia novel with a little fantasy element, and it’s a really great one.
“We fight neither to inflict pain nor to prolong suffering. We fight neither to mollify anger nor to satisfy vendetta. We fight neither to accumulate wealth nor to promote social standing. We fight so that the rest shall not have to.�
The story in The Combat Codes takes place in a world where single combat determines the fate of nations, the Combat Codes guide the Grievar to fight so that the rest can remain at peace. We have two main characters to follow in this book. The first one is Cego, a 13 years old Grievar boy with a mysterious past that’s forced to fight his way out of the slave Circles and enter the world’s most prestigious combat school. The other main character is Murray, a retired Grievar Knight who currently scouts for talents to be enlisted into Lyceum for better and elite training. The main story itself isn’t nothing too surprising; if you’ve read plenty of coming-of-age SFF books, you will most likely know how the story goes from point A to B. However, just because a story is predictable doesn’t mean that it’s a bad thing; it all always comes down to execution. I found Darwin’s storytelling of this predictable story to be engaging, and the revelations contained in the narrative made me excited for the next book.
“A Grievar shall become neither arrogant in victory nor broken in defeat; this is the path to complacency. A Grievar’s opponent is their greatest teacher; one learns more walking the path of defeat than they do on the road to victory. Such a balanced spirit will give a Grievar the continued purpose to strive for combat mastery.�
I highly enjoyed reading Cego’s character development. The Combat Codes have been forgotten by many Grievar and fighters of the world, but Cego never stops doing his best to uphold the Combat Codes, even when he doesn’t fully remember his past or understand himself. Also, the relationship that Cego built with Murray and the friends—Dozer, Weep, and Knees—he met along the way was well-written. Friendship, mentorship, and standing for what’s right are prominent themes in the story, and I enjoyed reading about them. As I said, it’s a predictable story, even the bully, the villains, and their actions were predictable from their first appearances, but I can’t help but found myself turning the pages. There’s just something about waiting to see bullies receiving retributions that I can’t ever get enough of. However, I do think that the side characters needed more characterizations and focus. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that the next book in the series will fix this.
“A Grievar shall not accumulate land, wealth, servants, or worldly possessions beyond what is necessary for survival. In the act of relinquishing all but dedication to martial prowess, a Grievar will become unburdened, free to attack and defend without hesitation.�
Actions and hand-to-hand combat are very integral in this book. I started reading The Combat Codes expecting there will be a lot of action scenes, and I’m not disappointed by this. Darwin has delivered detailed hand-to-hand combats with a rhythm that flows really well. The combats and the blow by blow traded between fighters were both vivid and impactful. If you’re a fan of martial arts, or maybe Cradle series by Will Wight, I have a good feeling that you’re going to have a blast reading this book. It also helps that the world-building and history of the world enhanced the believability of the combats and stakes contained in them. Plus, Darwin’s prose was accessible, and each epigraph at the beginning of each chapter helped established the importance of Combat Codes in the world.
“A Grievar must fully commit to the present moment. Weighed down by events of the past or too feather-footed in anticipation of the future, a Grievar will be unable to find the rhythm of combat. A wave rolling to shore and receding to sea knows neither purpose nor path; it has no awareness of time passing. So must it be with a Grievar’s every breath; rolling like a wave and fully in the present. Passage Three, Twenty-Seventh Precept of the Combat Codes�
I do, however, want to address one more time that I don’t think of The Combat Codes as a fantasy novel. Almost everything in the world-building relies on technologies, and if anything, the closest comparison I can think of when it comes to the world-building is Red Rising by Pierce Brown or The Hunger Games (with martial arts) by Suzanne Collins. The class distinction and treatment between Purelight and Lacklight, for example, are very reminiscent of the Gold and Red in Red Rising. I have other reasons for this assessment, but I’m afraid that’s diving too deep into spoiler territory. This, of course, doesn’t mean that I’m dismissing the quality of the book; I enjoyed it after all. This is just me disagreeing with the fantasy genre classification.
“Anger is like a boiling pot of water. Useful if you can keep the boil steady, but if turned too hot, it will overflow and become useless.�
I doubt The Combat Codes will revolutionize the genre. But if you’re looking for a fast-paced familiar, charming, tense, and engaging escapism novel with heart and great hand-to-hand combat scenes, this is a no-brainer. I highly enjoyed reading this debut, and I’m so looking forward to continuing to the sequel, Grievar’s Blood.
You can order the book from: |
You can find and the rest of my reviews at
Special thanks to my Patrons on for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Edward, Estefani, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Shaad, Summer, Zoe.
January 10, 2024
My complete review of The Combat Codes is published at .
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 sixth Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO6). Darwin’s entire Combat Code trilogy has since been acquired by Orbit Books, which has released an updated version of The Combat Codes with an additional thirty thousand words to expand the character development and worldbuilding.
The premise for The Combat Codes is that, in a world decimated by war, countries have vowed never again to use weapons of mass destruction. Instead, they have agreed to solve international conflicts using unarmed combat, where skilled fighters known as Grievar Knights represent the various national interests. Science fiction elements are incorporated throughout the book, mostly as technology meant to enhance fighters� performance.
The Combat Codes is built around the relationship between Murray Pearson, a retired Knight who suffered a devastating loss that hurt his homeland, and Cego, a diamond-in-the-rough boy who shows much promise fighting in underground arenas. Murray takes Cego under his wing, believing him to be the next great champion.
Alexander Darwin is a master at writing fight scenes. It may seem natural to compare The Combat Codes to Fonda Lee’s martial arts-infused Jade City. Both Alexander Darwin and Fonda Lee are accomplished martial arts masters who write well-choreographed, cinematic fight scenes. However, martial arts are just one component of Jade City, whereas they serve as nearly the sole focus of The Combat Codes.
The plot of The Combat Codes drags for much of the book, until a major plot twist is revealed at around the 80% mark. Until that point, The Combat Codes feels much like reading a sci-fi version of The Karate Kid, with Murray playing Mr. Miyagi as sensei and Cego serving as his pupil, Daniel. A large amount of page time is devoted to the mental and philosophical aspects of martial arts, going beyond physical strength. There is also much discussion on the proper role of technology in training and competition.
The Combat Codes adopts many of the standard training school tropes found in young adult literature: dealing with bullies, testing the limits of friendship, overcoming obstacles, etc. The rather small-scale fights between trainees become quite repetitive. I feel bad in making this criticism, knowing that the author just added thirty thousand words to the book, but the story really could be tightened up to improve pacing and eliminate repetitive scenes. I also found myself hoping for a much grittier read with higher stakes conflicts. Another problem with the story is its rather meager female representation.
The Combat Codes is manna from heaven for martial arts enthusiasts, who will enjoy the breathtakingly realistic fight scenes and philosophical discussions on the importance of martial arts. However, grimdark readers will be left wanting both higher-stakes conflicts and more grit from this debut novel.
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 sixth Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO6). Darwin’s entire Combat Code trilogy has since been acquired by Orbit Books, which has released an updated version of The Combat Codes with an additional thirty thousand words to expand the character development and worldbuilding.
The premise for The Combat Codes is that, in a world decimated by war, countries have vowed never again to use weapons of mass destruction. Instead, they have agreed to solve international conflicts using unarmed combat, where skilled fighters known as Grievar Knights represent the various national interests. Science fiction elements are incorporated throughout the book, mostly as technology meant to enhance fighters� performance.
The Combat Codes is built around the relationship between Murray Pearson, a retired Knight who suffered a devastating loss that hurt his homeland, and Cego, a diamond-in-the-rough boy who shows much promise fighting in underground arenas. Murray takes Cego under his wing, believing him to be the next great champion.
Alexander Darwin is a master at writing fight scenes. It may seem natural to compare The Combat Codes to Fonda Lee’s martial arts-infused Jade City. Both Alexander Darwin and Fonda Lee are accomplished martial arts masters who write well-choreographed, cinematic fight scenes. However, martial arts are just one component of Jade City, whereas they serve as nearly the sole focus of The Combat Codes.
The plot of The Combat Codes drags for much of the book, until a major plot twist is revealed at around the 80% mark. Until that point, The Combat Codes feels much like reading a sci-fi version of The Karate Kid, with Murray playing Mr. Miyagi as sensei and Cego serving as his pupil, Daniel. A large amount of page time is devoted to the mental and philosophical aspects of martial arts, going beyond physical strength. There is also much discussion on the proper role of technology in training and competition.
The Combat Codes adopts many of the standard training school tropes found in young adult literature: dealing with bullies, testing the limits of friendship, overcoming obstacles, etc. The rather small-scale fights between trainees become quite repetitive. I feel bad in making this criticism, knowing that the author just added thirty thousand words to the book, but the story really could be tightened up to improve pacing and eliminate repetitive scenes. I also found myself hoping for a much grittier read with higher stakes conflicts. Another problem with the story is its rather meager female representation.
The Combat Codes is manna from heaven for martial arts enthusiasts, who will enjoy the breathtakingly realistic fight scenes and philosophical discussions on the importance of martial arts. However, grimdark readers will be left wanting both higher-stakes conflicts and more grit from this debut novel.
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 the sequel. The training school elements and the last 200 pages were particularly brilliant.
October 2, 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 between characters introduced past the halfway mark. This was addictive and fun as hell. Highly recommend for anyone who wants an action packed story that blends sci fi, fantasy, academia and martial arts
July 23, 2023
4.0 Stars
Video Review:
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.
I am also a huge fan of the school settings which was another bonus point for this novel. The story was engaging with the narrative moving at a good, but even pace.
I really enjoyed this novel and am excited for the next volume. I would recommend this novel this one to fantasy stories looking for a fresh fun engaging narrative.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Video Review:
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.
I am also a huge fan of the school settings which was another bonus point for this novel. The story was engaging with the narrative moving at a good, but even pace.
I really enjoyed this novel and am excited for the next volume. I would recommend this novel this one to fantasy stories looking for a fresh fun engaging narrative.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
June 29, 2023
HOW WAS THIS SO GOOD!?
Okay, I am pretty confident that this is a “right book, right timing� case because I never expected to enjoy this book this much. I absolutely consumed this book!
So what did I love? Firstly, the setting feels super fresh and exciting. We are set in a futuristic, almost sci-fi setting, where conflicts are dealt with through duels � not massive wars. SUCH A COOL IDEA! Secondly, I am a huge fan of a good underdog story and the mentor trope, and this book has both of those tropes. There is just something so satisfying about seeing an underdog overcome seemingly impossible situations. Thirdly, this book is just plain addictive. The pacing is spot on, and you will constantly be rewarded as a reader as you flip through the pages.
Now, I am reasonably sure I would have given this book a lower rating if I had read this book at a different stage in my life. There are many training sequences, and some of the side characters aren’t fleshed out that well. However, I have been nearing a reading slump for a while, and this was precisely what I needed. The Combat Codes is a refreshing, unique, fun and fast-paced novel that hooks you with its brilliant characters and plot twists.
I loved this book, and it was just what I needed.
4.5 / 5 stars
Okay, I am pretty confident that this is a “right book, right timing� case because I never expected to enjoy this book this much. I absolutely consumed this book!
So what did I love? Firstly, the setting feels super fresh and exciting. We are set in a futuristic, almost sci-fi setting, where conflicts are dealt with through duels � not massive wars. SUCH A COOL IDEA! Secondly, I am a huge fan of a good underdog story and the mentor trope, and this book has both of those tropes. There is just something so satisfying about seeing an underdog overcome seemingly impossible situations. Thirdly, this book is just plain addictive. The pacing is spot on, and you will constantly be rewarded as a reader as you flip through the pages.
Now, I am reasonably sure I would have given this book a lower rating if I had read this book at a different stage in my life. There are many training sequences, and some of the side characters aren’t fleshed out that well. However, I have been nearing a reading slump for a while, and this was precisely what I needed. The Combat Codes is a refreshing, unique, fun and fast-paced novel that hooks you with its brilliant characters and plot twists.
I loved this book, and it was just what I needed.
4.5 / 5 stars
August 14, 2023
This is a really great start to a fantasy series, if you are into martial arts (well even if you’re not) it’s an incredibly interesting bonus to this story. Going into it I thought "aw man, what if there's just constant cliché fight scenes where there doesn’t need to be" but the author handled it in a way where I wanted more and wanted to know more. There's a actually a scifi gladiator spin to it, I don’t know man, I just thought it was super unique.
It follows a rags to riches trope, aÌýyoung martial artist with a mysterious past who must fight his way into the world's most prestigious combat academy while he makes and has to rely on his new friends. So it also has a school setting trope as well. I was really surprised by this, I enjoyed it so much. I recommend this one to anyone who might be bored with the often times medieval chosen one kind of fantasy. They did recently reveal book 2 cover and that title and artwork has me super sus for what’s to come.
It follows a rags to riches trope, aÌýyoung martial artist with a mysterious past who must fight his way into the world's most prestigious combat academy while he makes and has to rely on his new friends. So it also has a school setting trope as well. I was really surprised by this, I enjoyed it so much. I recommend this one to anyone who might be bored with the often times medieval chosen one kind of fantasy. They did recently reveal book 2 cover and that title and artwork has me super sus for what’s to come.
June 3, 2023
Check out my video here!
I am very thankful to have been given an ARC copy from NetGalley and my review will be 100% honest. I am so excited that this was my first ARC and love getting this opportunity.
I am giving this a 4.5 to 5.0 rating. There were things I loved and some things I did not, but overall I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to continue with the other books.
“We fight so the rest shall not have to.�
This book is about a world where problems are solved by fighting. Martial Arts style fighting. No weapons just hand to hand single combat fighting. This is how the nations solve their problems with one another. This type of fighting is done instead of using weapons of mass destruction, because the world this book is set in, is an advanced technology world.
If a nation’s fighter loses the fight then it is possible that they could have just lost a city or some territory. The stakes are high for these fighters and only a certain type of person is bred to be these fighters. These people are called Grievars and they can become Grievar Knights if they go through the training school and pass. Starting from a young age these Grievars are trained to fight and live for the fight. They are representing their nations and cannot lose.
Murray, one the main characters, was once a knight who won all his fights until he finally lost a fight that caused a huge loss to his nation. Murray now is a Scout and he searches for Grievars who have the potential to go to Lyceum (the school) to train to become a Knight. It is during this scouting that Murray discovers that Cego is different.
Cego is an orphaned boy who is trying to survive this underworld where the fights are weeding out the weak from the strong. I tend to enjoy books where in the beginning the main character is trying to survive this vicious lifestyle and they must become stronger in order to survive. I always enjoy the training scenes. (similar to the books of Night Angel and Rage of Dragons.) I especially enjoyed these beginning scenes because Cego was already a good fighter—he was better than the other boys he was training with—he had already had another master before he came to the underworld. I enjoyed him being this underdog who really was never weak to begin with.
The rest of the book mainly follows Cego, but there are still some scenes with Murray. And this book is action packed. There is constantly a fight taking place. Stakes are always high and you can sense that there is something malicious going on behind the scenes.
This book constantly had my attention and I enjoyed the characters in this book. The author does well in having characters you love and characters you hate that will make your blood pressure rise when you hear them talk. There were a lot of good fight scenes in this book. It was hard for me to picture a lot of these fight scenes because I am not familiar with martial arts fighting. But this did not affect my enjoyment of the scenes.
The other complaint I had was it was hard to picture the world as well. I never really felt like the world and technology was fully described. I understand the world is technologically advanced but I wasn’t really sure what all that entailed or how it was pictured in this world.
The pacing in this book was great, until the end. The end felt abrupt and didn’t flow as well as the rest of the book. There was a spot a few chapters toward the end of the book where it could have ended on a revelation (cliffhanger moment) but it didn’t and instead the book kept going while not even addressing the revelation and time passed in a huge chunk.. it was a little disjointed.
Things I loved: the pacing, characters, flux tattoos (these were so cool!), the fights, the school and the trials. I loved a lot about this book and I would give this a recommendation if you like classic martial arts fighting in a sci-fi world.
I am very thankful to have been given an ARC copy from NetGalley and my review will be 100% honest. I am so excited that this was my first ARC and love getting this opportunity.
I am giving this a 4.5 to 5.0 rating. There were things I loved and some things I did not, but overall I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to continue with the other books.
“We fight so the rest shall not have to.�
This book is about a world where problems are solved by fighting. Martial Arts style fighting. No weapons just hand to hand single combat fighting. This is how the nations solve their problems with one another. This type of fighting is done instead of using weapons of mass destruction, because the world this book is set in, is an advanced technology world.
If a nation’s fighter loses the fight then it is possible that they could have just lost a city or some territory. The stakes are high for these fighters and only a certain type of person is bred to be these fighters. These people are called Grievars and they can become Grievar Knights if they go through the training school and pass. Starting from a young age these Grievars are trained to fight and live for the fight. They are representing their nations and cannot lose.
Murray, one the main characters, was once a knight who won all his fights until he finally lost a fight that caused a huge loss to his nation. Murray now is a Scout and he searches for Grievars who have the potential to go to Lyceum (the school) to train to become a Knight. It is during this scouting that Murray discovers that Cego is different.
Cego is an orphaned boy who is trying to survive this underworld where the fights are weeding out the weak from the strong. I tend to enjoy books where in the beginning the main character is trying to survive this vicious lifestyle and they must become stronger in order to survive. I always enjoy the training scenes. (similar to the books of Night Angel and Rage of Dragons.) I especially enjoyed these beginning scenes because Cego was already a good fighter—he was better than the other boys he was training with—he had already had another master before he came to the underworld. I enjoyed him being this underdog who really was never weak to begin with.
The rest of the book mainly follows Cego, but there are still some scenes with Murray. And this book is action packed. There is constantly a fight taking place. Stakes are always high and you can sense that there is something malicious going on behind the scenes.
This book constantly had my attention and I enjoyed the characters in this book. The author does well in having characters you love and characters you hate that will make your blood pressure rise when you hear them talk. There were a lot of good fight scenes in this book. It was hard for me to picture a lot of these fight scenes because I am not familiar with martial arts fighting. But this did not affect my enjoyment of the scenes.
The other complaint I had was it was hard to picture the world as well. I never really felt like the world and technology was fully described. I understand the world is technologically advanced but I wasn’t really sure what all that entailed or how it was pictured in this world.
The pacing in this book was great, until the end. The end felt abrupt and didn’t flow as well as the rest of the book. There was a spot a few chapters toward the end of the book where it could have ended on a revelation (cliffhanger moment) but it didn’t and instead the book kept going while not even addressing the revelation and time passed in a huge chunk.. it was a little disjointed.
Things I loved: the pacing, characters, flux tattoos (these were so cool!), the fights, the school and the trials. I loved a lot about this book and I would give this a recommendation if you like classic martial arts fighting in a sci-fi world.
November 6, 2023
This was great! Such a cool idea. Very "anime" (settling wars with single combat as opposed to all-out-wars), which I love. Can't wait to see where this series goes next.
Read
October 26, 2020I haven't read this book, yet, but it's a finalist in this year's Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off, so it must be good!
See the finalist board here:
See the finalist board here:
October 7, 2023
This story was not one I had expected to love but so glad I did.
I really enjoyed the world building in this. I loved the way it blended fantasy with sci-fi. And I thought the idea of fighting over all of our disputes was very interesting.
I found the younger pov much more interesting then the retired greivar night. But I still appreciated both.
There's a lot of combat in this book and I mean a lot. But I did appreciate that the combat scenes were incredibly well written and although often they were also short. So I didn't feel like I got bored in them.
I struggled a bit with the characters in this one. And I think the second half is stronger then the first half. But overall I had such a great time with it and can't wait to pick up book two!!
My full thoughts here
Fantasy School Reading Vlog | Are Books With Magical Schools Just Better?
I really enjoyed the world building in this. I loved the way it blended fantasy with sci-fi. And I thought the idea of fighting over all of our disputes was very interesting.
I found the younger pov much more interesting then the retired greivar night. But I still appreciated both.
There's a lot of combat in this book and I mean a lot. But I did appreciate that the combat scenes were incredibly well written and although often they were also short. So I didn't feel like I got bored in them.
I struggled a bit with the characters in this one. And I think the second half is stronger then the first half. But overall I had such a great time with it and can't wait to pick up book two!!
My full thoughts here
Fantasy School Reading Vlog | Are Books With Magical Schools Just Better?
November 27, 2020
Combat Codes
*I read this as it's one of this year's #SPFBO finalists and I'm a judge*
This book is a surprise for me as I really didn't know what I'd think of it when I started. It's a book which is super heavy on fighting, especially Jiu Jitsu inspired fights, and that's not something I'd typically say appeals to me, but man the characters and plot drew me in and even the fight scenes I really enjoyed in the end too.
Cego is our main character and he's a young boy off the streets. He's a character with fight bred into his soul and he has lived all of his life to date with a solid belief in following the Combat Codes to become the best Griever. *He fights so they don't have to*.
His past is a little unclear at first and we learn more about that as we follow him, but I enjoyed the gradual flashbacks and fleshing out of his storyline.
Murray is out other main character, he's a Scout who is supposed to hunt for new talent to be tested and out through the tests to get into elite training. He's a former Griever Knight yet he's becoming disillusioned with the state of his word and the leadership, until he sees Cego.
The magic of this world is a subtle part of it as it's kind of a combination of magic and science. This is clearly a very futuristic world with all the food coming in dehydrated forms and technology far-advanced, but there are some magic-like parts which are the Wisps (balls of light which seem to appear around fights and to certain individuals) and the Circles (a kind of stone/metal-infused blend of science and magic which cause the fighters to go through various neurological effects and emotions).
I really felt like the science and magic combined well here and felt like a natural fit for this world as a whole. It seemed like it was a world which was harsh but also pretty interesting and one I could see existing in some form.
The feudal, war-like culture and honor-based society certainly reminded me of Eastern ideals, but the author specifically cited Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as his inspiration and I found that fascinating. It's obvious the author knows the sport well and takes huge inspiration from this, and it came off as very genuine and relatable even to someone like me who is fairly clueless about the sport.
In the end I think the subtle nuances of some of the characters and the world in general sold this to me. The plot I found a little predictable at times, and some of the gender stereotyping was not the best (although I note the author tried to flip biases this wasn't done as well as I think it could have been), I still highly recommend this even if it's not your usual flavour. It has a dystopian society feeling and I read the entire book in just one day, mostly one session, so it's highly digestible! 4.25*s from me so 8.5/10 overall :)
*I read this as it's one of this year's #SPFBO finalists and I'm a judge*
This book is a surprise for me as I really didn't know what I'd think of it when I started. It's a book which is super heavy on fighting, especially Jiu Jitsu inspired fights, and that's not something I'd typically say appeals to me, but man the characters and plot drew me in and even the fight scenes I really enjoyed in the end too.
Cego is our main character and he's a young boy off the streets. He's a character with fight bred into his soul and he has lived all of his life to date with a solid belief in following the Combat Codes to become the best Griever. *He fights so they don't have to*.
His past is a little unclear at first and we learn more about that as we follow him, but I enjoyed the gradual flashbacks and fleshing out of his storyline.
Murray is out other main character, he's a Scout who is supposed to hunt for new talent to be tested and out through the tests to get into elite training. He's a former Griever Knight yet he's becoming disillusioned with the state of his word and the leadership, until he sees Cego.
The magic of this world is a subtle part of it as it's kind of a combination of magic and science. This is clearly a very futuristic world with all the food coming in dehydrated forms and technology far-advanced, but there are some magic-like parts which are the Wisps (balls of light which seem to appear around fights and to certain individuals) and the Circles (a kind of stone/metal-infused blend of science and magic which cause the fighters to go through various neurological effects and emotions).
I really felt like the science and magic combined well here and felt like a natural fit for this world as a whole. It seemed like it was a world which was harsh but also pretty interesting and one I could see existing in some form.
The feudal, war-like culture and honor-based society certainly reminded me of Eastern ideals, but the author specifically cited Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as his inspiration and I found that fascinating. It's obvious the author knows the sport well and takes huge inspiration from this, and it came off as very genuine and relatable even to someone like me who is fairly clueless about the sport.
In the end I think the subtle nuances of some of the characters and the world in general sold this to me. The plot I found a little predictable at times, and some of the gender stereotyping was not the best (although I note the author tried to flip biases this wasn't done as well as I think it could have been), I still highly recommend this even if it's not your usual flavour. It has a dystopian society feeling and I read the entire book in just one day, mostly one session, so it's highly digestible! 4.25*s from me so 8.5/10 overall :)
June 12, 2023
ARC review. Impressive debut blending martial arts, fantasy and sci-fi, with a well plotted story, compelling main characters and rich lore, which I always enjoy. As someone who does Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I applaud the author for a realistic portrayal of hand to hand combat while capturing and somehow articulating the essence and beauty of the martial art itself. Surprisingly strong in themes while being an action packed story, I was left feeling a blend of Ender’s Game and Rocky - which is pretty cool if you ask me.
June 23, 2023
Red Rising meets The Karate Kid in this fun, page-turning, addictive sci-fi adventure. Darwin has visceral prose, an eye for action and a pace that grips you as strong as any kimura.
July 19, 2023
The combat training felt interminable. This book wasn’t for me, but if you like MMA and a whole lot of overused fantasy tropes you might enjoy it. Since this was the first book, and I knew that there was no possibility that I would read a second one, I skimmed to the end, which is a cliffhanger. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. 2.5 stars
January 6, 2024
A guy with the last name of Darwin wrote a story about the survival of the fittest. About fighters being bred for that purpose and trained from childhood to fight in one on one fights. No weapons. No armor. Bare handed martial arts until the opponent is disabled or dead. Yikes.
But is it good? It is better than most of versions of this story.
Things I liked:
Our hero. His mentors. Some of his friends. The inclusion of not just physical training but mental training too. The Combat Codes. (What can I say? I'm Lawful Good. I love honor codes.)
Things I had mixed feelings about:
The fights. The world building. Some of the plot choices (nothing illogical or weird but not to my taste.)
Things I didn't like but also didn't hate:
The bad guys (kind of 2D). The oliarches (typical). The reason they fight.
Will I read the next book in this series? I don't know but I have 9 weeks to decide. That's how long the wait time at my library is.
But is it good? It is better than most of versions of this story.
Things I liked:
Our hero. His mentors. Some of his friends. The inclusion of not just physical training but mental training too. The Combat Codes. (What can I say? I'm Lawful Good. I love honor codes.)
Things I had mixed feelings about:
The fights. The world building. Some of the plot choices (nothing illogical or weird but not to my taste.)
Things I didn't like but also didn't hate:
The bad guys (kind of 2D). The oliarches (typical). The reason they fight.
Will I read the next book in this series? I don't know but I have 9 weeks to decide. That's how long the wait time at my library is.
March 30, 2023
Disclaimer: ARC provided by the Negalley in exchange for honest and fair review
“We fight neither to inflict pain nor to prolong suffering. We fight neither to mollify anger nor to satisfy vendetta. We fight neither to accumulate wealth nor to promote social standing. We fight so that the rest shall not have to.�.
The Combat Codes at its core is a martial arts based mentor/mentee storyline with some modern day Mr. Miyagi vibes. As a long time Karate Kid fan I’m 150% down for anything which brings me back to the nostalgic feelings I got the first time I watched that movie. :)
Our mentor is Murray a former Grievar Champion now turned scout who is on his yearly mission to go out and find new talent and bring them back to the Lyceum where their abilities will be tested and if they pass they will be granted admission into the school where they will being their 6 year process of becoming elite grievar warriors.
As for our mentee, that is Cego, an orphan boy who was taken from his home and is forced to fight in the underground Circle battles to improve his social standing while patrons place bets and cheer for blood. Like any sleazy underground racket there are of course traps in place to keep the slaves such as Cego from escaping but he has a few tricks of his own. One such trick not only initially fooled Murray but also his current master.
The author pitches the book as if Harry Potter went to Hogwarts to learn MMA instead of Magic and I think that is what led to some reviews criticizing the book. I personally get why he makes the reference and I do think it makes sense however I think it gives readers the impression the book is more Fantasy based then what it actually is. I personally think the story is more of a blend of both Fantasy and Sci-Fi rather than one or the other as some reviewers have called out. All in all I think the mashup worked and it grabbed a hold of me like a rear naked choke and refused to let go until I finished the story.
After reading the Combat Codes I can clearly see why this book was not only an SPFBO 6 finalist but also why Orbit decided to pick this series up. One of the biggest strengths to this book is the author's authentic background in martial arts. As someone who has been studying and competing in martial arts tournaments since the age of 5 I can wholeheartedly say this book has some of the best fight scenes I have ever read. MMA fans will be drawn in by Darwin’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu background as it really brings each fight sequence to life in a way that you feel like you’re ringside watching the action unfold. It’s fast paced, gritty and most importantly brutality authentic to what someone might experience in the underground fight scene that still goes on to this day all around the world.
Honestly my only gripe with this book is the new cover, it feels very Mortal Kombat-esque, whereas the original cover in my honest opinion fits the plot better and gives the reader a quick glimpse into the soul of the book. I get Orbit was going for more of a Fantasy meets martial arts vibe with the dragon on the cover but it really doesn’t fit and I hope one of the boutique company’s gets the rights to do a special edition cough The Broken Binding cough of this book and either brings back the original cover or something closer aligned too it. Not only is this going to be an instant buy the moment I can get access to a hardcover but I’m also going to be first in line to sign up for an arc for both book 2 and 3 if Netgalley offers them.
“We fight neither to inflict pain nor to prolong suffering. We fight neither to mollify anger nor to satisfy vendetta. We fight neither to accumulate wealth nor to promote social standing. We fight so that the rest shall not have to.�.
The Combat Codes at its core is a martial arts based mentor/mentee storyline with some modern day Mr. Miyagi vibes. As a long time Karate Kid fan I’m 150% down for anything which brings me back to the nostalgic feelings I got the first time I watched that movie. :)
Our mentor is Murray a former Grievar Champion now turned scout who is on his yearly mission to go out and find new talent and bring them back to the Lyceum where their abilities will be tested and if they pass they will be granted admission into the school where they will being their 6 year process of becoming elite grievar warriors.
As for our mentee, that is Cego, an orphan boy who was taken from his home and is forced to fight in the underground Circle battles to improve his social standing while patrons place bets and cheer for blood. Like any sleazy underground racket there are of course traps in place to keep the slaves such as Cego from escaping but he has a few tricks of his own. One such trick not only initially fooled Murray but also his current master.
The author pitches the book as if Harry Potter went to Hogwarts to learn MMA instead of Magic and I think that is what led to some reviews criticizing the book. I personally get why he makes the reference and I do think it makes sense however I think it gives readers the impression the book is more Fantasy based then what it actually is. I personally think the story is more of a blend of both Fantasy and Sci-Fi rather than one or the other as some reviewers have called out. All in all I think the mashup worked and it grabbed a hold of me like a rear naked choke and refused to let go until I finished the story.
After reading the Combat Codes I can clearly see why this book was not only an SPFBO 6 finalist but also why Orbit decided to pick this series up. One of the biggest strengths to this book is the author's authentic background in martial arts. As someone who has been studying and competing in martial arts tournaments since the age of 5 I can wholeheartedly say this book has some of the best fight scenes I have ever read. MMA fans will be drawn in by Darwin’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu background as it really brings each fight sequence to life in a way that you feel like you’re ringside watching the action unfold. It’s fast paced, gritty and most importantly brutality authentic to what someone might experience in the underground fight scene that still goes on to this day all around the world.
Honestly my only gripe with this book is the new cover, it feels very Mortal Kombat-esque, whereas the original cover in my honest opinion fits the plot better and gives the reader a quick glimpse into the soul of the book. I get Orbit was going for more of a Fantasy meets martial arts vibe with the dragon on the cover but it really doesn’t fit and I hope one of the boutique company’s gets the rights to do a special edition cough The Broken Binding cough of this book and either brings back the original cover or something closer aligned too it. Not only is this going to be an instant buy the moment I can get access to a hardcover but I’m also going to be first in line to sign up for an arc for both book 2 and 3 if Netgalley offers them.
February 21, 2023
This book kicks ass - literally and literarily!
Read
February 20, 2024I freaking LOVED this! RTC
Read
May 2, 2023A refreshingly unique take on magic academy epic fantasy.
What if the problems of the world were all solved in a cage? Whether they be wars for territory, or legal squabbles over a stolen purse, every problem is solved by a cage match fought between competitors who are born and raised to fight and die within the magical circles.
Combat Codes follows Cego, a young boy with the spirit to fight, as he earns his spot in the academy, trains, makes friends, and fights his battles in and out of the ring. The book has fairly low stakes, but the set up for the future is there, and I feel the next books will only get more epic.
It's clear the author knows his stuff about fighting. The action is brutal and bloody and somehow manages to be both technical and fast paced and compelling. Really impressively done.
What if the problems of the world were all solved in a cage? Whether they be wars for territory, or legal squabbles over a stolen purse, every problem is solved by a cage match fought between competitors who are born and raised to fight and die within the magical circles.
Combat Codes follows Cego, a young boy with the spirit to fight, as he earns his spot in the academy, trains, makes friends, and fights his battles in and out of the ring. The book has fairly low stakes, but the set up for the future is there, and I feel the next books will only get more epic.
It's clear the author knows his stuff about fighting. The action is brutal and bloody and somehow manages to be both technical and fast paced and compelling. Really impressively done.
July 9, 2020
“We fight, so the rest shall not have to.�
The Combat Codes is set in a dystopian society where one-on-one, MMA style combat replaced war. It blends fantasy, sci-fi, cyberpunk, martial arts, and more.
Murray Pearson, a former Grievar champion, works as a scout. While looking for potential recruits in the slave circles, he spots an adolescent boy, Cego, with remarkable martial skills and honorable attitude. He introduces him to the Lyceum where promising teenagers learn martial techniques and compete with each other.
There’s much more to the story, but revealing it would spoil things for you. The book plays with the tropes (magic school, chosen one, master/apprentice) and while it doesn’t spin them around, it avoids obvious twists. It contains plenty of well-written and well-choreographed hand to hand battles. Some of them are brutal and graphic, but never gratuitously.
The fights take place in circles made of “alloys� that influence fighters in unique ways (for example, auralite makes you want to please the crows and rubellium rises anger). A great and well-executed concept. The government uses neurotech to enhance their fighters, but their machinations may run even deeper. I would say Darwin succeeded at connecting Cego’s journey of self-discovery with a much more complex plot of interplanetary politics and balance of power.
Despite young age, Cego acts like a wise adult with plenty of life-experience. He’s competent, honorable, and acceptably special. His teammates/enemies play well-known roles present in most magic/fight school setting (a bully, a mannered nobleman, good-natured bag of muscles, etc.). Most of them are memorable and well-rounded (it’s impossible to dislike Dozer or Abel); only Shiar, the bully, suffers from a profound lack of depth. He’s, basically, a caricature of a mean and arrogant douchebag.
I applaud Darwin’s approach to structuring scenes - Cego’s plans often end in a disaster, and it keeps things exciting. He faces all possible adversities (physical and emotional injuries, terrifying discoveries, a threat to him and those close to him), and reacts accordingly to get out of a jam. It also means the story ends in a cliffhanger, but not of the type that would make you furious. Quite the opposite.
“We fight neither to inflict pain nor prolong suffering. We fight neither to mollify anger nor to satisfy vendetta. We fight neither to accumulate wealth nor to promote social standing. We fight so that the rest shall not have to.�
The Combat Codes draws abundantly from martial arts movies and it embraces both awesome and cheesy staples of the genre. I had great fun reading it and found it exciting throughout. A must for fans of well-paced and mindful martial arts stories.
The Combat Codes is set in a dystopian society where one-on-one, MMA style combat replaced war. It blends fantasy, sci-fi, cyberpunk, martial arts, and more.
Murray Pearson, a former Grievar champion, works as a scout. While looking for potential recruits in the slave circles, he spots an adolescent boy, Cego, with remarkable martial skills and honorable attitude. He introduces him to the Lyceum where promising teenagers learn martial techniques and compete with each other.
There’s much more to the story, but revealing it would spoil things for you. The book plays with the tropes (magic school, chosen one, master/apprentice) and while it doesn’t spin them around, it avoids obvious twists. It contains plenty of well-written and well-choreographed hand to hand battles. Some of them are brutal and graphic, but never gratuitously.
The fights take place in circles made of “alloys� that influence fighters in unique ways (for example, auralite makes you want to please the crows and rubellium rises anger). A great and well-executed concept. The government uses neurotech to enhance their fighters, but their machinations may run even deeper. I would say Darwin succeeded at connecting Cego’s journey of self-discovery with a much more complex plot of interplanetary politics and balance of power.
Despite young age, Cego acts like a wise adult with plenty of life-experience. He’s competent, honorable, and acceptably special. His teammates/enemies play well-known roles present in most magic/fight school setting (a bully, a mannered nobleman, good-natured bag of muscles, etc.). Most of them are memorable and well-rounded (it’s impossible to dislike Dozer or Abel); only Shiar, the bully, suffers from a profound lack of depth. He’s, basically, a caricature of a mean and arrogant douchebag.
I applaud Darwin’s approach to structuring scenes - Cego’s plans often end in a disaster, and it keeps things exciting. He faces all possible adversities (physical and emotional injuries, terrifying discoveries, a threat to him and those close to him), and reacts accordingly to get out of a jam. It also means the story ends in a cliffhanger, but not of the type that would make you furious. Quite the opposite.
“We fight neither to inflict pain nor prolong suffering. We fight neither to mollify anger nor to satisfy vendetta. We fight neither to accumulate wealth nor to promote social standing. We fight so that the rest shall not have to.�
The Combat Codes draws abundantly from martial arts movies and it embraces both awesome and cheesy staples of the genre. I had great fun reading it and found it exciting throughout. A must for fans of well-paced and mindful martial arts stories.
February 9, 2021
Here are a few things you can expect from this book :
A martial arts inspired gem;
Excellent and raw fighting sequences;
Master and apprentice vibes;
Incredible military academy; and
Friendships and family.
On to the full review�
I started reading The Combat Codes on January 1st and it was such a great book to start my reading year off with! I LOVE martial arts in all of its forms so to see such a great Jiu Jitsu inspired SFF novel was super cool.
My experience reading The Combat Codes was one of nostalgia, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was such fun! Every time a pointer was given or a stance adjusted I knew what the Cego was feeling, it was a bit of a trip down memory lane for me to be honest. I remember having my hips wobbled and being told to get good and get strong or I would blow away like a leaf in the wind and that my stance wasn’t balanced, my arm was to low, firm taps to my elbows and wrists showing the weak points in my blocks! So this book hit a few great memories I have of Karate and MMA.
“We fight, so the rest shall not have to.�
And man do they fight! This book has some of the finest hand to hand combat I have read, you can totally see Darwin’s in depth knowledge and love of the art in his writing. It is like when you read John Gwynne’s books and you feel so many things in his writing because he has such a vast knowledge of battles and such due to his reenactments and such. So, yeah Darwin knows his shit!
I really loved the characters in this book, they were so well crafted. Cego and Murray are brilliant in their own rights but not only that, Darwin has created a world of fabulous characters even the ones that are not massive parts of the plot. They each add something different, they all had something they learnt from their own history that was imparted in someway onto our main characters. Each character, big or small, had a clear and distinguishable personality.
Another thing I really enjoyed in this book was the unraveling of Cego’s past, he is pretty mysterious at first and it was a joy to learn more about the role he has to play and where he has come from.
I think while this books world definitely feels more sci-fi in nature with it technological advancements but one of its keys components, the alloys, were so magical in my eyes. There were like a magic system in their own science-like way. Though, I don’t plan to say much in resect of these because they are such a joy to learn about.
There is quite a lot to this story, it has so many elements and little twists and it is enjoyable. Though, it did feel uneven at times. Yet the plot never stopped moving, it was always progressing and it was so fun to keep moving forward with such incredible characters but I sometimes felt like I lacked direction overall. Each section had its own direction but I felt the overall plot was slightly uneven.
The Combat Codes is an entertaining story, and its character are some of my favourite to read. Darwin has created a fascinating world and I will definitely be reading book two.
THE RANKS:
BUY THE HARDBACK | BUY THE PAPERBACK | BUY THE EBOOK | LIBRARY RENTAL OR SALE PURCHASE
BUY THE PAPERBACK! This is an easy one for me, I read this on Kindle through my Kindle Unlimited subscription and will very soon be purchasing the PB of this book with its brand new amazing COVER!
A martial arts inspired gem;
Excellent and raw fighting sequences;
Master and apprentice vibes;
Incredible military academy; and
Friendships and family.
On to the full review�
I started reading The Combat Codes on January 1st and it was such a great book to start my reading year off with! I LOVE martial arts in all of its forms so to see such a great Jiu Jitsu inspired SFF novel was super cool.
My experience reading The Combat Codes was one of nostalgia, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was such fun! Every time a pointer was given or a stance adjusted I knew what the Cego was feeling, it was a bit of a trip down memory lane for me to be honest. I remember having my hips wobbled and being told to get good and get strong or I would blow away like a leaf in the wind and that my stance wasn’t balanced, my arm was to low, firm taps to my elbows and wrists showing the weak points in my blocks! So this book hit a few great memories I have of Karate and MMA.
“We fight, so the rest shall not have to.�
And man do they fight! This book has some of the finest hand to hand combat I have read, you can totally see Darwin’s in depth knowledge and love of the art in his writing. It is like when you read John Gwynne’s books and you feel so many things in his writing because he has such a vast knowledge of battles and such due to his reenactments and such. So, yeah Darwin knows his shit!
I really loved the characters in this book, they were so well crafted. Cego and Murray are brilliant in their own rights but not only that, Darwin has created a world of fabulous characters even the ones that are not massive parts of the plot. They each add something different, they all had something they learnt from their own history that was imparted in someway onto our main characters. Each character, big or small, had a clear and distinguishable personality.
Another thing I really enjoyed in this book was the unraveling of Cego’s past, he is pretty mysterious at first and it was a joy to learn more about the role he has to play and where he has come from.
I think while this books world definitely feels more sci-fi in nature with it technological advancements but one of its keys components, the alloys, were so magical in my eyes. There were like a magic system in their own science-like way. Though, I don’t plan to say much in resect of these because they are such a joy to learn about.
There is quite a lot to this story, it has so many elements and little twists and it is enjoyable. Though, it did feel uneven at times. Yet the plot never stopped moving, it was always progressing and it was so fun to keep moving forward with such incredible characters but I sometimes felt like I lacked direction overall. Each section had its own direction but I felt the overall plot was slightly uneven.
The Combat Codes is an entertaining story, and its character are some of my favourite to read. Darwin has created a fascinating world and I will definitely be reading book two.
THE RANKS:
BUY THE HARDBACK | BUY THE PAPERBACK | BUY THE EBOOK | LIBRARY RENTAL OR SALE PURCHASE
BUY THE PAPERBACK! This is an easy one for me, I read this on Kindle through my Kindle Unlimited subscription and will very soon be purchasing the PB of this book with its brand new amazing COVER!
June 15, 2023
Combat Codes is a fun, immersive, and exciting genre mashup of martial arts, science fiction, and magic-school fantasy. The story is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into powerful corporations that settle their grievances by hiring Combatants to engage in single combat. (“We fight so that the rest shall not have to.�) There is no use for large-scale military battles when the fate of trade routes and border expansions rests on the fighting prowess of a lone warrior. The high stakes create tension and excitement with each showdown, and Darwin’s commitment to writing realistic fighting styles had me engaged throughout the story. The combat scenes are expertly choreographed � a certain highlight of the book � as well as a nicely budding father/son, mentor/student relationship between its two leads.
Cego is a young, blind, gifted fighter that is trying to make a name for himself in the streets. His disability is overshadowed by his rare martial arts talent, allowing him to understand his environment at an elevated level. He reminded me of a teenage Daredevil as his extraordinary skills helped him rise to meet the challenges of his handicap. Cego eventually encounters Murray, an ex-Combatant who runs freelance jobs to make ends meet, and Murray quickly realizes the potential in this protégé. But Cego’s past hides many far-reaching secrets that will present a heap of trouble for Murray, and the world at large.
The dichotomy of Cego’s innocence combined with Murray’s stoicism and brute tactics make them an interesting pair. Both are unwavering and determined in their actions, and it was easy to root for them. While their bond and the ensuing battle scenes are well-written and imaginative, there’s much more to Combat Codes than what lies on the surface. There are various thought-provoking themes the story presents, including the morality of a corporate-controlled system, and the personal costs of war.
Overall, Combat Codes is an entertaining science fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of martial arts, a dystopian setting, and interesting world-building. It sets the table for the sequel in many exciting ways, and luckily we won’t have to wait too long for it to drop.
Cego is a young, blind, gifted fighter that is trying to make a name for himself in the streets. His disability is overshadowed by his rare martial arts talent, allowing him to understand his environment at an elevated level. He reminded me of a teenage Daredevil as his extraordinary skills helped him rise to meet the challenges of his handicap. Cego eventually encounters Murray, an ex-Combatant who runs freelance jobs to make ends meet, and Murray quickly realizes the potential in this protégé. But Cego’s past hides many far-reaching secrets that will present a heap of trouble for Murray, and the world at large.
The dichotomy of Cego’s innocence combined with Murray’s stoicism and brute tactics make them an interesting pair. Both are unwavering and determined in their actions, and it was easy to root for them. While their bond and the ensuing battle scenes are well-written and imaginative, there’s much more to Combat Codes than what lies on the surface. There are various thought-provoking themes the story presents, including the morality of a corporate-controlled system, and the personal costs of war.
Overall, Combat Codes is an entertaining science fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of martial arts, a dystopian setting, and interesting world-building. It sets the table for the sequel in many exciting ways, and luckily we won’t have to wait too long for it to drop.
October 28, 2020
4.5
Tremendous debut from Alexander Darwin. Best written hand to hand combat in all of the genre with original world building and a fast paced mysterious plot. He took legit Martial arts and made it the real magic of this world and it works. Will definitely be reading book two!
Tremendous debut from Alexander Darwin. Best written hand to hand combat in all of the genre with original world building and a fast paced mysterious plot. He took legit Martial arts and made it the real magic of this world and it works. Will definitely be reading book two!
April 20, 2021
Review to be posted on The Fantasy Hive for SPFBO 6
February 4, 2021
Rating: 7.5/10
Thanks to the author for a listening copy of The Combat Codes for review consideration. This did not influence my thoughts or opinions.
We fight neither to inflict pain nor to prolong suffering. We fight neither to mollify anger nor to satisfy vendetta. We fight neither to accumulate wealth nor to promote social standing. We fight so that the rest shall not have to.
The Combat Codes is a love letter to martial arts with a dystopian sci-fi Ushiro Geri to the solar plexus. Darwin has written a splendid debut that takes a handful of tropes we see across SFF and breathes new life into them. I can definitely see why he is a SPFBO finalist with this entry.
You know, indies have come a long way in recent years and you have to wonder why they still don’t get the attention they deserve. We used to think the cover art game just wasn’t there, but you can’t say that anymore. I MEAN LOOK AT THAT COVER BY THE WONDERFUL FELIX ORTIZ. I can definitely attest to the fact that it isn’t the writing, so I guess it has to do with marketing or social media. The masses just aren’t there for most, so it is up to competitions like SPFBO and the book bloggers of the world to help boost these fantastic titles up as much as possible.
What Darwin excels at with this novel is hand-to-hand combat. I mean, my goodness, every single fight is calculated; measured to the Nth degree with precision. You feel the impact of each hit, taste the blood and sweat from the combatants, and see just how brutal this world is. Cego is a very intriguing character, much like Ender Wiggin, as he is calm and calculated rather than bullheaded. Though the end results aren’t always there, he is constantly learning from his mistakes while balancing out risk vs reward. I quite enjoyed seeing his progression, as well as the bit of backstory the author chose to reveal.
The only drawbacks came with some of the secondary characters. Many felt very surface and I hope that with the continuation of the series, they get a little more light shined on them. They are a little tropey as you can expect from most of your “magical school / coming of age� type stories, but Darwin doesn’t take a cliff dive into painting the same arcs we’ve seen time and time again. I also want to see the world fleshed out a little more; maybe broaden the landscape a bit and allow for more exploration.
This a story I believe will resonate with fans of, say, Harry Potter, Ender’s Game, Red Rising and maybe Will Wight’s ‘Cradle� series. It is a very enjoyable debut and I look forward to Book 2 (and its snazzy new cover).
Thanks to the author for a listening copy of The Combat Codes for review consideration. This did not influence my thoughts or opinions.
We fight neither to inflict pain nor to prolong suffering. We fight neither to mollify anger nor to satisfy vendetta. We fight neither to accumulate wealth nor to promote social standing. We fight so that the rest shall not have to.
The Combat Codes is a love letter to martial arts with a dystopian sci-fi Ushiro Geri to the solar plexus. Darwin has written a splendid debut that takes a handful of tropes we see across SFF and breathes new life into them. I can definitely see why he is a SPFBO finalist with this entry.
You know, indies have come a long way in recent years and you have to wonder why they still don’t get the attention they deserve. We used to think the cover art game just wasn’t there, but you can’t say that anymore. I MEAN LOOK AT THAT COVER BY THE WONDERFUL FELIX ORTIZ. I can definitely attest to the fact that it isn’t the writing, so I guess it has to do with marketing or social media. The masses just aren’t there for most, so it is up to competitions like SPFBO and the book bloggers of the world to help boost these fantastic titles up as much as possible.
What Darwin excels at with this novel is hand-to-hand combat. I mean, my goodness, every single fight is calculated; measured to the Nth degree with precision. You feel the impact of each hit, taste the blood and sweat from the combatants, and see just how brutal this world is. Cego is a very intriguing character, much like Ender Wiggin, as he is calm and calculated rather than bullheaded. Though the end results aren’t always there, he is constantly learning from his mistakes while balancing out risk vs reward. I quite enjoyed seeing his progression, as well as the bit of backstory the author chose to reveal.
The only drawbacks came with some of the secondary characters. Many felt very surface and I hope that with the continuation of the series, they get a little more light shined on them. They are a little tropey as you can expect from most of your “magical school / coming of age� type stories, but Darwin doesn’t take a cliff dive into painting the same arcs we’ve seen time and time again. I also want to see the world fleshed out a little more; maybe broaden the landscape a bit and allow for more exploration.
This a story I believe will resonate with fans of, say, Harry Potter, Ender’s Game, Red Rising and maybe Will Wight’s ‘Cradle� series. It is a very enjoyable debut and I look forward to Book 2 (and its snazzy new cover).
February 22, 2024
My Rating: 4/5
Full Youtube review:
Welcome back friends to another exciting day in the life of a fantasy reader! I think this book will hit hard (pun intended) if you enjoy fighting and martial arts.
The Combat Codes is a book that, although having serious topics such as what the purpose of a person should be, and how to live in an honorable manner, it is surprising easy to read.
Character Development: 5/5
I enjoyed learning about our main character Cego and all of the difficulties he has faced in order to become the person he is now. I also really liked his never-give-up attitude and the way he treated others with respect. The side characters being Murray, Dozer, Knees and Sol were my favorite amongst the many, and they really stuck together like team. It's nice to be able to read about comradery that lasts even through the more difficult areas of life.
Fantastical Elements:3/5
Perhaps I though this would have crazy combat techniques or world-shattering magic. It didnt. Actually, it didnt have any of that at all. It was just a group of guys and gals training themselves to be the strongest they physically could. It's refreshing to be honest.
Story: 4/5
I thought the first half of the book was a tad slow. A lot of build up to get into the prestigious fighting academy the Lyceum. After our main character gets there, the story does pick up and we really see the author shine at this point.
Enjoyment: 4/5
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think this is a series that's worth your time and, if you're like me and you like a good fight here and there, then you'll surely like this book. Thanks for reading so far friends, I'll see you on the next one.
Full Youtube review:
Welcome back friends to another exciting day in the life of a fantasy reader! I think this book will hit hard (pun intended) if you enjoy fighting and martial arts.
The Combat Codes is a book that, although having serious topics such as what the purpose of a person should be, and how to live in an honorable manner, it is surprising easy to read.
Character Development: 5/5
I enjoyed learning about our main character Cego and all of the difficulties he has faced in order to become the person he is now. I also really liked his never-give-up attitude and the way he treated others with respect. The side characters being Murray, Dozer, Knees and Sol were my favorite amongst the many, and they really stuck together like team. It's nice to be able to read about comradery that lasts even through the more difficult areas of life.
Fantastical Elements:3/5
Perhaps I though this would have crazy combat techniques or world-shattering magic. It didnt. Actually, it didnt have any of that at all. It was just a group of guys and gals training themselves to be the strongest they physically could. It's refreshing to be honest.
Story: 4/5
I thought the first half of the book was a tad slow. A lot of build up to get into the prestigious fighting academy the Lyceum. After our main character gets there, the story does pick up and we really see the author shine at this point.
Enjoyment: 4/5
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think this is a series that's worth your time and, if you're like me and you like a good fight here and there, then you'll surely like this book. Thanks for reading so far friends, I'll see you on the next one.
June 1, 2023
3.5-4
What a wild ride! Combat Codes steps into the circle and throws punches in the first few chapters, dropping us into a world where political grievances, territorial disputes, and everything else are decided not with armies, but with brutal one on one matches between fighters called Grievar.
Darwin's experience in martial arts is a foundational piece of this story, and the attention to detail and the realistic portrayal of combat is incredibly focused. I will say that there were some moments where I felt like the technical detail took away from the story a little, which simply comes down to me not having the same foundational knowledge and experience as the author or other readers who come from a martial arts background.
At the onset, I was expecting the story to be told primarily from the point of view of Murray, a former Grievar hero who ended his career on a negative note. Murray does play a major role in the story, but the primary focus is on the young man he takes under his wing, Cego.
Because of this, the first book takes more of a coming of age vibe than I was expecting. While I enjoyed Cego and the motley crew he slowly gathers throughout the story, there was a lot of "schoolyard bully" aspect to his journey that I did grow a bit tired of. The characterization of many of the side antagonists felt a bit shallow and frustrating. And there were a few times when motives were muddy or convenient.
That being said, Cego's character and the motley crew of characters around him I quite enjoyed. The reveals that Darwin drops in the end of the book really bring everything full circle and were well done.
Definitely a solid read for anyone who is looking for a fast-paced, action heavy coming of age story with heartwarming characters, found family themes, and great ending reveals.
What a wild ride! Combat Codes steps into the circle and throws punches in the first few chapters, dropping us into a world where political grievances, territorial disputes, and everything else are decided not with armies, but with brutal one on one matches between fighters called Grievar.
Darwin's experience in martial arts is a foundational piece of this story, and the attention to detail and the realistic portrayal of combat is incredibly focused. I will say that there were some moments where I felt like the technical detail took away from the story a little, which simply comes down to me not having the same foundational knowledge and experience as the author or other readers who come from a martial arts background.
At the onset, I was expecting the story to be told primarily from the point of view of Murray, a former Grievar hero who ended his career on a negative note. Murray does play a major role in the story, but the primary focus is on the young man he takes under his wing, Cego.
Because of this, the first book takes more of a coming of age vibe than I was expecting. While I enjoyed Cego and the motley crew he slowly gathers throughout the story, there was a lot of "schoolyard bully" aspect to his journey that I did grow a bit tired of. The characterization of many of the side antagonists felt a bit shallow and frustrating. And there were a few times when motives were muddy or convenient.
That being said, Cego's character and the motley crew of characters around him I quite enjoyed. The reveals that Darwin drops in the end of the book really bring everything full circle and were well done.
Definitely a solid read for anyone who is looking for a fast-paced, action heavy coming of age story with heartwarming characters, found family themes, and great ending reveals.
March 2, 2023
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!
June 20, 2023
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum
An interesting mashup of sci-fi and fantasy that also reads like a love letter to martial arts, The Combat Codes by Alexander Darwin whisks readers off to a war-ravaged world where fighting is life and life is a fight—that is, if you are a Grievar Knight.
After a war which nearly brought them all to ruin, the nations of the world decided on an armistice. Rather than launching full-scale invasions and weapons of mass destruction, they would select the most elite warriors as their champions to represent them in a system which replaces traditional warfare with single hand-to-hand combat. These are the Grievars, who live by the code to fight so that the rest shall not have to.
For Murray, who was a legend amongst the Grievar Knights until a devastating loss knocked him out of commission, his new role as a recruiter meant that he must scout out the most promising young fighters to train in the Lyceum, a premiere combat school. In one of the many no-holds-barred underground fight clubs, Murray believes he has found his champion in a 13-year-old slave named Cego after he witnesses the boy emerge victorious in a vicious bout against a much stronger opponent. But Cego has a troubled past and may have his own reasons for taking Murray’s offer other than the opportunity to study at the prestigious Lyceum.
If you like action in your SFF, then this is the book for you. Darwin, a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, brings his martial arts knowledge as well as his love for old-school action movies to this first volume of The Combat Codes saga. I have to say, it stands out amidst other fantasy warrior school novels for its hyper realistic and believable descriptions of the fight scenes, which play out like an MMA match in your mind. As someone who has trained in martial arts, recognizing many of the moves and submissions as they were being described on the page, it wasn’t difficult to become completely immersed (and there a few times I even winced in sympathy for some of the characters). Even if you aren’t a martial arts enthusiast, it’s easy to get sucked in because the author is so good at keeping the blow-by-blows engaging and the details are never overbearing.
Another reason not to worry is that, despite the heavy martial arts content, at the heart of The Combat Codes is very much a character-centric tale. I enjoyed reading about Cego’s journey, and his determination to unravel his mysterious past made it even more intriguing. He can’t remember much about his life before the Lyceum like how he ended up in the underground as a slave, but even in the face of hardships and obstacles, he never stops doing the right thing. He believes strongly in the Grievar’s Combat Codes and strives to live by them, protecting the weaker boys from bullies even if it means taking on all the ridicule and violence by himself. To those who help and support him, he is also a fiercely loyal friend.
If there is one weaker aspect of this novel though, I think it’s the world-building. Sometimes the setting feels like fantasy, sometimes it feels like sci-fi—in the end, it’s probably a bit of both. Still, trying to picture the world of The Combat Codes felt a bit like trying to see through smudged glasses. Part of this may be due to the limited scope we are proffered, as for the most part of the story takes place within the narrow confines of the Lyceum and is focused on Grievar culture. While advanced technology is frequently mentioned and every now and then we get glimpses of the dystopia that is the outside world, the overall picture is still fuzzy, and it is my hope that we’ll see the later books in this series expand upon the world-building aspect.
Speaking of which, I’m looking forward to picking up the sequel, Grievar’s Blood. All in all, The Combat Codes was a cracking good read, delivering an entertaining if not groundbreaking experience. This first book has set us up for some big things, and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.
An interesting mashup of sci-fi and fantasy that also reads like a love letter to martial arts, The Combat Codes by Alexander Darwin whisks readers off to a war-ravaged world where fighting is life and life is a fight—that is, if you are a Grievar Knight.
After a war which nearly brought them all to ruin, the nations of the world decided on an armistice. Rather than launching full-scale invasions and weapons of mass destruction, they would select the most elite warriors as their champions to represent them in a system which replaces traditional warfare with single hand-to-hand combat. These are the Grievars, who live by the code to fight so that the rest shall not have to.
For Murray, who was a legend amongst the Grievar Knights until a devastating loss knocked him out of commission, his new role as a recruiter meant that he must scout out the most promising young fighters to train in the Lyceum, a premiere combat school. In one of the many no-holds-barred underground fight clubs, Murray believes he has found his champion in a 13-year-old slave named Cego after he witnesses the boy emerge victorious in a vicious bout against a much stronger opponent. But Cego has a troubled past and may have his own reasons for taking Murray’s offer other than the opportunity to study at the prestigious Lyceum.
If you like action in your SFF, then this is the book for you. Darwin, a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, brings his martial arts knowledge as well as his love for old-school action movies to this first volume of The Combat Codes saga. I have to say, it stands out amidst other fantasy warrior school novels for its hyper realistic and believable descriptions of the fight scenes, which play out like an MMA match in your mind. As someone who has trained in martial arts, recognizing many of the moves and submissions as they were being described on the page, it wasn’t difficult to become completely immersed (and there a few times I even winced in sympathy for some of the characters). Even if you aren’t a martial arts enthusiast, it’s easy to get sucked in because the author is so good at keeping the blow-by-blows engaging and the details are never overbearing.
Another reason not to worry is that, despite the heavy martial arts content, at the heart of The Combat Codes is very much a character-centric tale. I enjoyed reading about Cego’s journey, and his determination to unravel his mysterious past made it even more intriguing. He can’t remember much about his life before the Lyceum like how he ended up in the underground as a slave, but even in the face of hardships and obstacles, he never stops doing the right thing. He believes strongly in the Grievar’s Combat Codes and strives to live by them, protecting the weaker boys from bullies even if it means taking on all the ridicule and violence by himself. To those who help and support him, he is also a fiercely loyal friend.
If there is one weaker aspect of this novel though, I think it’s the world-building. Sometimes the setting feels like fantasy, sometimes it feels like sci-fi—in the end, it’s probably a bit of both. Still, trying to picture the world of The Combat Codes felt a bit like trying to see through smudged glasses. Part of this may be due to the limited scope we are proffered, as for the most part of the story takes place within the narrow confines of the Lyceum and is focused on Grievar culture. While advanced technology is frequently mentioned and every now and then we get glimpses of the dystopia that is the outside world, the overall picture is still fuzzy, and it is my hope that we’ll see the later books in this series expand upon the world-building aspect.
Speaking of which, I’m looking forward to picking up the sequel, Grievar’s Blood. All in all, The Combat Codes was a cracking good read, delivering an entertaining if not groundbreaking experience. This first book has set us up for some big things, and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.
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