Grievar's Blood

Contributors

By Alexander Darwin

Formats and Prices

Price

$19.99

Price

$25.99 CAD

The second book in an action-packed science fiction trilogy set on a far future world where the fate of nations is determined by battle-hardened warriors who are trained to compete in brutal single combat.

 "That rare book that fully satisfies me as an action fan." – Fonda Lee, author of Jade City on The Combat Codes


In a world where single combat determines the fate of nations, the Grievar fight in the Circles so that the rest can remain at peace. But given the stakes, things are never so simple. The Daimyo govern from the shadows and plot to gain an edge by unnaturally enhancing their Grievar Knights.

Cego and his team return to the world’s most prestigious combat school, The Lyceum. Though he'd like to focus on his martial studies, Cego feels the pull of his mysterious past and two missing brothers.

Solara Halberd, daughter of the fighting legend, embarks on her own quest to bury the past. She must utilize every lesson her father taught her to explore unknown lands where evil lurks in the shadows.

"Darwin writes violence with the rhythm and surprise of a well-executed sonnet, wedding the smooth grace of choreography with the unflinching brutality of fists breaking bone. The fights are mesmerizing, layered like fascia, twitching and flexing and propelling the story toward a conclusion that both satisfies and opens the door to the next volume." – The New York Times on The Combat Codes

  • "Both protagonists are well realized, and Darwin masterfully balances vivid fight scenes with Cego and Solara’s character growth, all while neatly setting things up for the trilogy’s conclusion. It’s a knockout."
    Publishers Weekly
  • "This exciting and ambitious sequel to The Combat Codes expands the world and excels in character development ... the precarious ending will leave readers hungry for more."
     
    Library Journal
  • "Ups the science fantasy stakes with increasing political tension, new POVs, and more complicated fight scenes that deftly reflect where the individual protagonists are in their personal journeys."
     
    Paste Magazine
  • "Darwin writes violence with the rhythm and surprise of a well-executed sonnet, wedding the smooth grace of choreography with the unflinching brutality of fists breaking bone. The fights are mesmerizing, layered like fascia, twitching and flexing and propelling the story toward a conclusion that both satisfies and opens the door to the next volume."
    New York Times on The Combat Codes
  • “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 on The Combat Codes (starred review)
  • “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
  • "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
  • "This book kicks ass--literally and literarily!" 
    Richard Swan, author of The Justice of Kings, on The Combat Codes
  • "A masterclass in action, set against a complex science fantasy world."
    Sunyi Dean, author of The Book Eaters, on The Combat Codes
  • “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 on the Combat Codes
  • "This dark tale of martial arts and ancient Codes in a fallen world will captivate readers who crave action."
    Kirkus on The Combat Codes
  • "Brimming with equal parts brutality and heart, Darwin's novel presents a world where the fate of society rests in the hands of a chosen few. This fast-paced, action-packed novel is the first of a promising trilogy that will be a big hit with fans of martial art movies and MMA fights."
    Booklist on The Combat Codes
  • "Excellent fight sequences. [Darwin's] evocative and visceral descriptions not only deliver excitement and suspense in this underdog story, they build your understanding of the characters through how they fight — in a very similar way to Hong Kong movies."
    Polygon on The Combat Codes
  • "A story filled with action, intrigue, and a heart of gold ... one of the more unique science fiction books I’ve read in quite a while."
    Lightspeed on The Combat Codes
  • "The Combat Codes delivers a knock-out start to Alexander Darwin’s science fantasy series... a no-brainer for fans of book series like The Green Bone Saga or shows and movies like Cobra Kai and Rocky."
    Winter Is Coming
  • "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."
    Grimdark Magazine
  • "An interesting mashup of sci-fi and fantasy that also reads like a love letter to martial arts."
    BiblioSanctum on The Combat Codes
  • "The Combat Codes brilliantly combines martial arts with the genres of sci-fi AND fantasy in an explosion of action and self discovery. Imagine if Rocky, Ender’s Game, and The Karate Kid were shoved into a mixer and shaken up. The Combat Codes would be close to what you’d find inside."
    FanFiAddict
  • "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
  • "A deliciously brutal, back-alley brawl of a novel. Darwin writes his story with broken teeth and bloodied fists with an authenticity that speaks volumes about his experience as a fighter. If you like action, this is a must-read."
    Jeremy Szal, author of Stormblood
  • "A refreshingly unique take on magic academy epic fantasy. The action is brutal. Fast paced and compelling.”
    Rob J. Hayes, author of Never Die
  • "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 on The Combat Codes
  • "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 & Ex-UFC Fighter

On Sale
Dec 5, 2023
Page Count
432 pages
Publisher
Orbit
ISBN-13
9780316493239

Alexander Darwin

Alexander Darwin

About the Author

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.

Learn more about this author