The Combat Codes Gets a Starred Review from Library Journal!

I was extremely pleased to discover the Combat Codes recently had fantastic reviews come in from both Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. It’s a bit stressful getting trade reviews, as you don’t know who the reviewer will be and whether they will “sync” with your book. But these two reviews turned out to be wonderful:

Publishers Weekly said: “Martial arts trainer Darwin skillfully deploys his expertise in this impressive debut and series launch… perfect setup for the next volume and will especially appeal to fans of Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series.”

And Kirkus said: “This dark tale of martial arts and ancient Codes in a fallen world will captivate readers who crave action.”

But I was totally floored to find out that the Combat Codes had recieved a STARRED REVIEW from Library Journal. Library Journal is the primary source of reviews and news for librarians across the US, and is distinguished in its ability to pick out upcoming hit books that the nation’s reading population will enjoy. Not only is it difficult to get a review at all from LJ, but getting a starred review is a next level badge of honor:

"As the underdog and the washed-up, Cego and Murray are remarkable characters who stay true to the codes despite others’ perversion of them, and it’s impossible not to root for the pair. This is a perfect blend of fantasy, cyberpunk, and mixed martial arts that is enhanced by flawless action sequences and ideals that are still worth fighting for. With surprising depth and touching relationships, this debut packs a punch and sets up a fascinating foundation for the rest of the series.” - Library Journal, Starred Review of The Combat Codes

I don’t expect all reviews to be positive, as every reviewer has their own tastes, however this is certainly a great start!

The Combat Codes has been acquired by Orbit Books!

It's been so hard to keep this news under wraps... I am darkin' thrilled to work with Orbit Books (Hachette Book Group) to get the COMBAT CODES out to the world! The series has been acquired by Orbit US / UK

I started Combat Codes in 2015 with the idea: what if disputes between nations were resolved with 1v1 combat instead of wars? From that seed grew the world I lived in, the characters I talked to, the story I told for so long.

When Orbit told me they wanted to expand on CC's world / characters, I was elated to jump back in. I'm already in the thick of edits, with the team at Orbit giving me support to take this to the next level. We are gonna pack a serious punch for both new & old readers.

We fight (and write) alone in the ring, but it is our friends on the outside who carry us. There are so many who have carried CC (so far!). Authors, artists, agents, bloggers, editors, podcasters, booktubers, narrators, beta readers, friends, family.

The book bloggers who gave Combat Codes a chance, especially the #SPFBO folks and Mark Lawrence who put the contest together. SPFBO really is a legendary launchpad for indie authors (whether it's getting the eyes of new readers or opening up trad publishing doors)

My agent Ed Wilson who realized CC's potential and has put up with my pestering (so far!) Hillary Sames who first championed it & my editor Bradley Englert who is now firmly holding my hand through the editing process. And the entire Orbit Books US (& UK) team - I'm so excited to work with you!

This is just the beginning though... More big news on the horizon to be kept quiet and already brewing CC sequels & side stories (after the trilogy gets proper attention). Most of all, thank you to the readers who have embraced Combat Codes (so far!) The best is yet to come.

GRIEVAR'S BLOOD: THE COMBAT CODES VOLUME TWO IS PUBLISHED!

Hello!

I’m excited to announce that the second book of the Combat Codes, Grievar’s Blood is finally here!

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 enter year two at 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.

I’m very excited for everyone to check this out, and sorry for the long wait!