The Combat Codes

The first book in a debut, action-packed and character-driven science fiction trilogy set in a world where the fate of empires  is determined by battle-hardened warriors who are trained to compete in brutal single combat.



"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



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



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



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



"A book about warriors written by a master of the martial arts, and the mastery shows." – Evan Winter, author of The Rage of Dragons



"Bare-knuckle brilliance." – Jackson Ford, author of The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t with Her Mind

  Alexander Darwin is a second generation Vietnamese-Jewish-American author living in 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.
"With surprising depth and touching relationships, this debut packs a punch and sets up a fascinating foundation for the rest of the series. Great for fans of Will Wight."-Library Journal (starred review)
"Darwin skillfully deploys his expertise in this impressive debut and series launch ... {He's} adept at making blow-by-blow descriptions of bouts vivid and engaging. This is a perfect setup for the next volume and will especially appeal to fans of Pierce Brown's Red Rising series."-Publishers Weekly "This dark tale of martial arts and ancient Codes in a fallen world will captivate readers who crave action."-Kirkus "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 scifi novel (and could write like he threw a right hook) it would read a little like The Combat Codes. Bare-knuckle brilliance."-Jackson Ford author of The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t With Her Mind "The Combat Codes is 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 t