Alexander Darwin's Blog

I can't believe the Combat Codes is out today. Knowing readers, librarians and booksellers are finding a little place on their shelves for this story means so much to me. To all who have supported this decade-long journey, you know who you are and have my deepest gratitude.

Available wherever books are sold.

Alexander Darwin

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 especi...

I’m excited to unveal the new cover from the Orbit Books version of Combat Codes! Thank you to the entire art team there for putting this incredible piece together, I think it perfectly captures the “brutal and relentless science fantasy martial arts extravaganza” vibe of the story. And the new version of the book, due out on June 13th, 2023, is available for pre-order on the Hachette / Orbit site.

I’m so excited for everyone to read this. We’ve added 30,000 extra words full of worldbuilding, bre...

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 20...

I’m very excited to announce I'm now represented by Ed Wilson of Johnson & Alcock.

Ed is an agent I have admired for quite some time, and he represents several SFF authors that I’m fans of including RJ Barker, Cameron Johnston and Jackson Ford.

The following excerpt is from the acknowledgements section of Combat Codes Book Three, Blacklight Born, which was released on July 14th, 2021 (kindle and paperback)

I thought that writing a book during a pandemic, forced inside for most days, would be easier. Unfortunately, I discovered this was not the case. Not only were the troubling circumstances of the world a constant distraction, but the lack of human contact (in specific the grappling sort) seemed to stifle any creativity I could muster.

I...

I'm extremely excited to unveil the updated cover for the Combat Codes!. This new cover was created by the famed, dynamic duo: Felix Ortiz with the artwork and Shawn T. King with the design.

The old cover was... okay. I liked how it was simple and displayed some Jiu Jitsu techniques but it seemed that not many people really 'got it'. Most actually thought it was a Hunger Games rip-off (which I can't deny).

This new cover though... it's something else.

I'm so happy with how it turned out. One huge a...

I’m extremely honored to have Combat Codes chosen as a finalist is this year’s SPFBO (Self Publishing Fantasy Blog Off) contest, run by author Mark Lawrence. The contest has 10 prominent SFF blogs review 300 novel entrants. Of those 300 books, 10 finalists are chosen. Sort of like a fantasy book kumite.

I think Combat C...

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 l...

I'm excited to announce that the Combat Codes audio book is now available on Amazon , Audible and iTunes just in time for the holidays! 

I'm also releasing the entire thing for free via episodic podcast installments.

Chapters 1 and 2 are already up on iTunes , Spotify and Stitcher for free. I plan on releasing a new chapter or two per week.

The talented David Sweeney-Bear narrates, I think he does a fantastic job bringing the characters and action to life. My hope is that the audio version brings t...