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The Combat Codes cover art

The Combat Codes

Written by: Alexander Darwin
Narrated by: Donald Chang
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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

What the critics say

"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

What listeners say about The Combat Codes

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SciFi MMA and great narration!

I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would. The fights are actually quite well written and probably some of my favourite parts of the story. There are some pacing issues with the story though. It felt like the book could have been separated into 2 books and given more needed plot to the first act and more time for the 3rd act to develop characters.

Narration was great!

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Story and Production

A stellar sci-fi audiobook with an incredible production.

This story is everytbing a martial artist could dream of, whether you're a practioner or a laymen, the fights sequences are masterfully described while building an engaging world and well paced story.

The audio is masterfully performed and edited to make you feel part of the world. I simply cannot recommend this story enough.

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