The Combat Codes

The Combat Codes, Book 1

De: Alexander Darwin

Narrado por: Donald Chang

The Combat Codes is set in a far future world where the fate of nations is determined by single combat at the hands of famed warriors.

Perfect for fans of action-driven science fiction, martial arts stories and LitRPG novels, this debut novel, the first in a trilogy, has fans ranging from award-winning fantasy authors to trophy-winning UFC fighters!

Hundreds of years ago on a planet once ravaged by war, the nations swore an armistice never to use weapons of mass destruction again. Today, battle-hardened warriors known as Grievar Knights train to 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 nation - but now he's on the hunt to find and train the next champion.

Below, in the Underground's brutal combat rings, an orphaned boy called Cego is making a name for himself. Murray believes he has what it takes to make it in the planet's most prestigious combat school - but he has to fight his way out of the Underground first.

'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

'The Combat Codes by Alexander Darwin is a chimera blending Science Fiction and Fantasy to tell a vividly-realized tale both focused and sprawling. It's a book about warriors written by a master of the martial arts, and the mastery shows. In its pages, expect to explore power, politics, and brutal violence, but I repeat myself'
Evan Winter, author of The Rage of Dragons

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

'If Mike Tyson wrote a sci-fi novel (and could write like he threw a right hook) it would read a little like The Combat Codes. Bare-knuckle brilliance'
Jackson Ford, author of The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t with Her Mind

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

'The Combat Codes is combat as it was meant to be written: raw but elegant, a blend of the poet's wordsmithing and the martial art master's technical expertise. Better yet, it's a fun, heartfelt story about the underprivileged banding together to rise up. A fantastic reading experience'
Moses Ose Utomi, author of The Lies of Ajungo

'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

'The Combat Codes is a perfectly balanced cocktail of high-octane action, enthralling mystery, and genuine heart. Fans of Geralt and Ciri or the Hound and Arya will adore the dynamic between Murray and Cego, and fans of badass fight scenes will find plenty to love in these pages. A gritty, fully-realized world sets the stage for lovable (and hateable) characters, heart-pounding action, and twists that literally had my jaw dropping. Readers won't want to miss this one!'
M. J. Kuhn, author of Among Thieves

'The Combat Codes is a great read for any fan of realistic martial arts fiction. The integration of a compelling sci-fi / fantasy plot and true-to-life martial arts action make for a unique story that any student of warfare is sure to enjoy'
Ryan Hall, UFC Fighter©2023 Alexander Darwin (P)2023 Hachette Audio UK

A Solid Premise Held Back by Shallow Characterization

The Combat Codes is a book I did not dislike, but one that ultimately felt very mediocre to me.

The premise is strong and appealing. I like the trope of a disadvantaged boy rising through an academy system, and the foundations of a found-family story are clearly present. The book’s biggest strength is the combat. The fight scenes are detailed, technical, and easy to follow, and it is clear this is where the author excels. Readers who primarily enjoy well-described, grounded combat will likely enjoy this aspect a lot.

Where the book fell short for me was in characterization and worldbuilding. There is very little exploration of the world, and characters rarely interact unless it directly serves the plot. We also get minimal insight into the characters’ thoughts or emotions, which made it difficult for me to feel invested in them.

Some readers praise the relationships in this book, but for me they felt more implied than developed. The idea of connection is there, but the emotional depth is not. The story also stays very even throughout, with few real highs or lows, which made much of it blend together.

This is not a dark or trauma-heavy story, nor a power fantasy. It simply prioritizes action over character depth. If that balance appeals to you, this book may be a good fit. For me, it felt like a story with good bones that never fully came to life.