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Blacklight Born

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What to expect

The final book in an action-packed science fiction trilogy set on a far-future world where the fate of nations is determined by single combat: "that rare book that fully satisfies me as an action fan." (Fonda Lee, author of Jade City)

The Grievar War has engulfed the Empire of Kiroth and Silas the Slayer has given voice to his warrior kin, igniting a revolution within a people once bound by a thousand years of servitude.

Cego is released into a war-torn world where the lines between shadow and light are blurred. He must decide which path to follow: one of his brother's righteous rebellion or the one that leads to the family he's finally found.

Once famed knight, Murray Pearson, leads a group of Lyceum students on an adventure across Kiroth to follow the path of combat mastery. But Murray seeks something more on this long road. Redemption.

In this explosive conclusion to the Combat Codes Saga, the truth will be revealed and one final question must be answered as they step back into the Circle: 
What is the cost of losing the fight?  

Critics Review

"As soon as someone throws a punch, the book shines. 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

“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) 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
“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 on The Combat Codes
"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 on The Combat Codes
Author Alexander Darwin
Narrator Donald Chang
Series The Combat Codes
Duration 12 hours and 32 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781668644539
Format Audiobook
Publisher Hachette Audio
Genre Adventure fiction, Science fiction, Science fiction: cyberpunk / biopunk
Availability US

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