The Combat Codes has been a decade in the making. Since I first drafted the concept, I’ve moved across coasts, started a family, watched the world change drastically and myself along with it.
But the seed of The Combat Codes, the sprout of an idea that has grown in me for ten years, has remained the same. A world where martial artists fight in single combat for the glory of their nations, where students attend sprawling academies to learn a variety of combat techniques, where friendship and loyalty are constantly put to the test—my childlike fascination with this idea has remained steadfast.
But I would never have had the opportunity to work for a decade on a single idea without fortune, luck, and support. We fight (and write) alone in the ring, but it is those on the outside who carry us. There are so many who have carried The Combat Codes. Authors, artists, agents, bloggers, editors, podcasters, booktubers, narrators, beta readers, friends, family.
I’d like to thank my entire family for their unending support. Katie for listening to my many impromptu (and inopportune) brainstorms. My girls, Natalie and Jane and even little Claire, for showing me what true creativity looks like every day. Mom and Dad, I appreciate both of you for instilling in me a drive to read and learn. And thank you to Mike and Kathy for the many celebratory cakes and hugs at each milestone.
To my wonderful agent, Ed Wilson, who realized my potential and put up with my pestering (so far!). To Hillary Sames, who first championed the book when she was at Orbit, and my editor, Bradley Englert, who firmly held my hand through the entire process. And thank you to the entire superstar team at Orbit Books—editing, art, design, marketing, PR, production.
Finally, I’d like to give thanks to those in the Brazilian jiu jitsu and martial arts communities who have supported The Combat Codes so enthusiastically along the way. You were the spark that lit the fire and have continued to provide me with inspiration in my training and writing every day.
Alexander Darwin, 2022, Boston