The Combat Codes

By: Alexander Darwin

Narrated by: Donald Chang

Length: 15 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

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.

©2023 Alexander Darwin (P)2023 Orbit

Critic reviews

"Narrator Donald Chang faces a particular challenge with this audiobook: how to produce the sound of testosterone.... Chang skillfully animates the pair at the heart of this stirring work, former champion Grievar Murray Pearson and his latest protégé, the talented but callow Cego. In addition, Chang ably handles a multitude of predominantly male characters, including Cego's fellow fighters and government officials who are hiding a big secret. Chang's distinct characters ensure smooth listening despite the complexity of the story. What results is an engaging production for fans of action and speculative fiction alike." (AudioFile)

“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

Simply awesome

If you are thinking about getting this or were on the fence just go for it. It is phenomenal. Alexander Darwin does a great job building his world and his characters. There is intrigue, friendship, overcoming of obstacles, mechs, a come out of retirement fight, a colorful memorable cast, rivalries aplenty and an immersive simulation. The action is great the overall premise is fascinating and it's a fun ride along the way.

Definitely excited for additional books in the series.

Donald Chang is a fantastic narrator and I cannot wait to listen to more of his work. He has a great variety of voices and his displays of emotion are authentic and have great depth and range.

More of all of this please and thank you!!

Can't wait to get into book 2 and am very pleased to see book 3 is on preorder!!

This needs to become a live action! Or anime!!!

This book had me repping out an extra set at the gym! Looking forward to the next book!

Highly entertaining. Leaves you wanting more!

The author creates a marvelous mystical world in perfect detail that grounds the reader with interesting characters and relationships too. Great to see there is more to come in the author’s pipeline of continuing stories - can’t wait to read what’s next!

Great book!

I loved this book and can’t wait for the rest of the series.
It takes a bit to get going, but when it does boy does it ever.

Awesome combat focused book

If you like combat sports you will probably like this book. Well written. Audiobook is done very well. Excited for the future books.

MMA fantasy

Excellent book from someone who understands fighting. Cannot wait for the sequel. Great characters and fights

Kicks Ass!

Amazing origin story that has left me eagerly waiting for the next installment!

Gritty and graphic Martial Arts epic!

Perhaps the best narrated performance I’ve listened to yet by a single voice actor. Full stop.

Not just the myriad of accents, but each character is brought to life so vividly that you will forget at times that it IS but a single voice actor. So brilliant!

I *highly* recommend this title to anyone who’s a fan of futuristic, dystopian settings populated by complex characters dealing with some political intrigue.

Oh, and fans of vividly described action-sequences. Especially them!

Ex3 : Entertaining, Engaging , Educational

if you like great stories, MMA, and BJJ, you will love this book. An Avatar-style movie version of this book would be amazing.

What bought the physical Copy

This was a great story of loyalty and combat. While it keep a good level of mystery. What will December bring? All I can say is it better be good. Book one has set a clear bar of excellence. Good job @DonaldChang

Good until we’re in UFC Academy

This is fine. I couldn’t finish it once we hit Fight School, and everything devolved into the same high school fantasy story you’ve seen before. I wonder if the big guy who’s kind of slow will be loyal. I wonder if the girl who’s good at school will be the love interest. Wonder if the chosen one will beat the bully. Stopped paying attention and just drifted away. Some cool sci-fi flashes in here but woof, hard to stay in it when I hit the cliche wall.