“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
“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
“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
“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)
“Brutal and relentless. The Combat Codes is that rare book that fully satisfies me as an action fan.”
—Fonda Lee, author of Jade City
“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.”
—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 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. A fantastic reading experience.”
—Moses Ose Utomi, author of The Lies of the Ajungo
“The Combat Codes is a perfectly balanced cocktail of high-octane action, enthralling mystery, and genuine heart. A gritty, fully realized world sets the stage for lovable (and hateable) characters, heart-pounding action, and twists that literally had my jaw dropping.”
—M. J. Kuhn, author of Among Thieves
“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.”
—H. M. Long, author of Hall of Smoke