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Leaves May Fall #3
A Code of Conduct: The Mercenaries' Tale
An assassin, a horticulturist, a falconer, a thief, and a vigilante walk into a bar …
Aleah navigates a relationship with Kodi, trying to figure out how the Ranger fits into her life when childhood taught her that love isn’t safe. Calysta reconnects with her people and their sacred traditions while Leonidas and Campbell help the king unearth a treasonous plot. Through it all, Jasper does what he can to keep everyone level-headed and on task as events unfold, more dangerous and violent than any of them expected.
Leaves may fall, and mountains will crumble, but Sekha’s finest mercenaries know how to take everything in stride. At least mostly.
Aleah navigates a relationship with Kodi, trying to figure out how the Ranger fits into her life when childhood taught her that love isn’t safe. Calysta reconnects with her people and their sacred traditions while Leonidas and Campbell help the king unearth a treasonous plot. Through it all, Jasper does what he can to keep everyone level-headed and on task as events unfold, more dangerous and violent than any of them expected.
Leaves may fall, and mountains will crumble, but Sekha’s finest mercenaries know how to take everything in stride. At least mostly.
- GenresFantasy
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
18 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 23, 2026
2.5
I’m not totally sure if this added anything to the series overall… I mean, I was glad to spend more time with the mercenaries as they were my favorite part of the main series. But, as far as reading in tandem with Mountains Will Crumble? I don’t think it was all that necessary as it really didn't add much at all.
We dived deeper into the relationships (and pasts) of the mercs, and I did enjoy (some of) that. It was a bit of a change up from the main duology. But, if I’m being honest, I just don’t think that any of the characters were strong enough in the first two books to make a lasting impact on me… not one to warrant a (quite long) novella about them.
For as much as I didn’t enjoy Aleah and Kodi's story, I did enjoy Campbell and Leo’s, and I did swoon over them more than once. They are just so sweet and I love them. They definitely made reading this novella worth it.
I’m not totally sure if this added anything to the series overall… I mean, I was glad to spend more time with the mercenaries as they were my favorite part of the main series. But, as far as reading in tandem with Mountains Will Crumble? I don’t think it was all that necessary as it really didn't add much at all.
We dived deeper into the relationships (and pasts) of the mercs, and I did enjoy (some of) that. It was a bit of a change up from the main duology. But, if I’m being honest, I just don’t think that any of the characters were strong enough in the first two books to make a lasting impact on me… not one to warrant a (quite long) novella about them.
For as much as I didn’t enjoy Aleah and Kodi's story, I did enjoy Campbell and Leo’s, and I did swoon over them more than once. They are just so sweet and I love them. They definitely made reading this novella worth it.
August 7, 2023
I don't even know where to start. Thank you Carissa Hardcastle for giving us another piece from this world after the Leaves May Fall Duology has come to a close. What a perfect way to finish it off by letting your readers dive in and get to know the Mercs better. This book would be good to read in tandem with Mountains Will Crumble or last.
Each of the mercenaries are so unique and lovable. It was wonderful reading their origin stories and being able to know what happens behind the scenes after having already read Leaves May Fall and Mountain Will Crumble. I'm going to miss Jasper, Aleah and Kodi, Leonidas, Panic, and Campbell so much!
I can't wait to read what Hardcastle writes next!
Thank you to the author for the e-arc and this has been my honest opinion.
Each of the mercenaries are so unique and lovable. It was wonderful reading their origin stories and being able to know what happens behind the scenes after having already read Leaves May Fall and Mountain Will Crumble. I'm going to miss Jasper, Aleah and Kodi, Leonidas, Panic, and Campbell so much!
I can't wait to read what Hardcastle writes next!
Thank you to the author for the e-arc and this has been my honest opinion.
March 3, 2025
“Are you dirty talking my bird?”
“He hated summer. The sun burned his fair skin, its brightness was harsh against his light eyes, and the heat made him irritable. He was ready for cooler months and the heavier cloud cover and foggier mornings that typically accompanied them.” -I’ve never related to a character more 😂
This dark fantasy romance was a perfect companion sequel. We revisit beloved characters from the series and get a deeper look into the inner workings of their found family dynamic. I loved returning to the magical world the author created and getting a Panic POV chapter.
Favorite Characters: Panic, Leo, Jasper
“He hated summer. The sun burned his fair skin, its brightness was harsh against his light eyes, and the heat made him irritable. He was ready for cooler months and the heavier cloud cover and foggier mornings that typically accompanied them.” -I’ve never related to a character more 😂
This dark fantasy romance was a perfect companion sequel. We revisit beloved characters from the series and get a deeper look into the inner workings of their found family dynamic. I loved returning to the magical world the author created and getting a Panic POV chapter.
Favorite Characters: Panic, Leo, Jasper
August 26, 2024
I love this world and these characters, and getting more about the mercs was wonderful. “You and the others are the only family I ever needed. You’re the only family I claim.”
August 2, 2023
4.5 -⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
“Do you ever get tired of taking care of us all the time?”
“Oh absolutely I do,” he deadpanned. “But then I think about how dull it would be going back to being on my own, and I remind myself that all of the drama is worth it.”
“I’m not the drama…”
A Code of Conduct is an adult dark fantasy romance and companion to the sequel of Leaves May Fall duology, Mountains Will Crumble . This can be after the book or in conjunction through a tandem read breakdown, which is conveniently at the front of the book. In this story we follow the journeys of the different mercenaries on Merri’s group, as well as a certain ranger, where they uncover treasonous plots, plan assassins, seek vengeance for their loved ones, reconnect with their people, and try to hold everything together through it all.
This book was an absolute delight after finishing Mountains Will Crumble and not wanting to leave the world. Carissa created these vibrant characters that were filled with story and opportunity and to see them fleshed out more was what I needed.
Aleah and Kodi probably hit me the hardest with their feral yet incredibly romantic journey. Aleah is this spunky character we are introduced from the beginning but seeing her process her trauma added vulnerability and strength to her. Kodi is the confident ranger but the depth of his love and his acceptance just had me a pile of goo. Also…the scene we all remember from Mountains Will Crumble is on full display (check trigger warnings).
Leonidas and Campbell provided this sweet and affectionate undertone in their story as we get to explore their love We also get more time with Panic! Jasper’s backstory shines here as the origin to their gang and I loved his courage to stand up and also the friendships he built. Finally, Calysta gave us this poignancy in her journey that showed not just her love of her mercenary family but also a love with her people.
Now, this book does contain spice. I would say 3 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers with a caveat. For both couples in this story, they are already in a relationship of some capacity so spice is not a slow burn. We also have M/M and F/M. Also Aleah and Kodi have a bit of a kink in their love life which was so complimentary of their romance. I thought both were well done and worked so well for their stories.
What was he, even? Someone she was obsessed with. Some she would kill for. Someone she felt possessive of even though seeing him take his pleasure from another heated her blood in a delicious way. Someone who was hers in a way that no one ever had been.
In terms of the story, it will not make sense unless you have read Mountains Will Crumble , to be clear. Instead you get to peel back the different layers of some key moments in the book as well as get to see what these characters were up to. I felt it took a bit to catch my bearings but the pace was well done and it truly didn’t feel like a retelling - a behind the scenes with powerful stories that needed to be sold. I felt good reading them and seeing these characters and I didn’t like the ending…because it meant it was over!
Overall, if you enjoyed the duology you will enjoy this book. I loved getting to see the Mercs again and they needed their own book!
Thank you to the author for this ARC!
“Do you ever get tired of taking care of us all the time?”
“Oh absolutely I do,” he deadpanned. “But then I think about how dull it would be going back to being on my own, and I remind myself that all of the drama is worth it.”
“I’m not the drama…”
A Code of Conduct is an adult dark fantasy romance and companion to the sequel of Leaves May Fall duology, Mountains Will Crumble . This can be after the book or in conjunction through a tandem read breakdown, which is conveniently at the front of the book. In this story we follow the journeys of the different mercenaries on Merri’s group, as well as a certain ranger, where they uncover treasonous plots, plan assassins, seek vengeance for their loved ones, reconnect with their people, and try to hold everything together through it all.
This book was an absolute delight after finishing Mountains Will Crumble and not wanting to leave the world. Carissa created these vibrant characters that were filled with story and opportunity and to see them fleshed out more was what I needed.
Aleah and Kodi probably hit me the hardest with their feral yet incredibly romantic journey. Aleah is this spunky character we are introduced from the beginning but seeing her process her trauma added vulnerability and strength to her. Kodi is the confident ranger but the depth of his love and his acceptance just had me a pile of goo. Also…the scene we all remember from Mountains Will Crumble is on full display (check trigger warnings).
Leonidas and Campbell provided this sweet and affectionate undertone in their story as we get to explore their love We also get more time with Panic! Jasper’s backstory shines here as the origin to their gang and I loved his courage to stand up and also the friendships he built. Finally, Calysta gave us this poignancy in her journey that showed not just her love of her mercenary family but also a love with her people.
Now, this book does contain spice. I would say 3 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers with a caveat. For both couples in this story, they are already in a relationship of some capacity so spice is not a slow burn. We also have M/M and F/M. Also Aleah and Kodi have a bit of a kink in their love life which was so complimentary of their romance. I thought both were well done and worked so well for their stories.
What was he, even? Someone she was obsessed with. Some she would kill for. Someone she felt possessive of even though seeing him take his pleasure from another heated her blood in a delicious way. Someone who was hers in a way that no one ever had been.
In terms of the story, it will not make sense unless you have read Mountains Will Crumble , to be clear. Instead you get to peel back the different layers of some key moments in the book as well as get to see what these characters were up to. I felt it took a bit to catch my bearings but the pace was well done and it truly didn’t feel like a retelling - a behind the scenes with powerful stories that needed to be sold. I felt good reading them and seeing these characters and I didn’t like the ending…because it meant it was over!
Overall, if you enjoyed the duology you will enjoy this book. I loved getting to see the Mercs again and they needed their own book!
Thank you to the author for this ARC!
August 2, 2023
Yet ANOTHER home run from Carissa Hardcastle. I truly love this world and characters that she created. A Code of Conduct was the perfect way to add insight and detail to Mountains (book 2 of the duology). It was an absolutely fantastic read!
⚠️ WARNING ⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD
*If you haven't read Mountains Will Crumble and Leaves May Fall
My thoughts while reading:
🔪 The title is incredibly fitting
🔪 Getting some Panic POV was amazing
🔪 More insight into Kodi and Aleah's relationship, I adore them and their unconventional love
🔪 Aleah is everything, feisty and wild yet somehow such a bright bubbly light too
🔪 The details and depth of Oren and Jasper's friendship were both endearing and heartbreaking
🔪 Further explanation on how Aleah is always bringing in strays
🔪More Shiloh!
🔪 Managing to somehow still weave gut wrenching emotion into the mercs story
Out of context quotes that hit hard:
"... He is rudely respectful when I make it clear I don't want him to pry"
"We're brothers, Jaz. Always will be."
"...Calysta knew that there was nowhere else she would rather be."
⚠️ WARNING ⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD
*If you haven't read Mountains Will Crumble and Leaves May Fall
My thoughts while reading:
🔪 The title is incredibly fitting
🔪 Getting some Panic POV was amazing
🔪 More insight into Kodi and Aleah's relationship, I adore them and their unconventional love
🔪 Aleah is everything, feisty and wild yet somehow such a bright bubbly light too
🔪 The details and depth of Oren and Jasper's friendship were both endearing and heartbreaking
🔪 Further explanation on how Aleah is always bringing in strays
🔪More Shiloh!
🔪 Managing to somehow still weave gut wrenching emotion into the mercs story
Out of context quotes that hit hard:
"... He is rudely respectful when I make it clear I don't want him to pry"
"We're brothers, Jaz. Always will be."
"...Calysta knew that there was nowhere else she would rather be."
August 4, 2023
I said this already and I will say this again: Carissa is insanely talented and she outdid herself again!
Leaves and mountains will always have a special place in my heart and I love Merriam and Mollian. But I always wanted to know more about the Mercs. I understood their place in the story as side characters, but Carissa gives them so much personality I wanted to be in that group more than anything.
So even if the story felt complete after mountains and was perfection I could stop myself from craving more.
And car definitely heard our prayers or just wasn't ready to part with this world either and she delivered! This book is the perfect addition to the story including the backstories to all or Mercs and giving little drops of input to the story here and there.
The book includes a tandem reading guide and I can't wait to start a reread and actually read them together. So if you haven't started mountains yet. You should consider reading the tandem between mountains and conduct!
Leaves and mountains will always have a special place in my heart and I love Merriam and Mollian. But I always wanted to know more about the Mercs. I understood their place in the story as side characters, but Carissa gives them so much personality I wanted to be in that group more than anything.
So even if the story felt complete after mountains and was perfection I could stop myself from craving more.
And car definitely heard our prayers or just wasn't ready to part with this world either and she delivered! This book is the perfect addition to the story including the backstories to all or Mercs and giving little drops of input to the story here and there.
The book includes a tandem reading guide and I can't wait to start a reread and actually read them together. So if you haven't started mountains yet. You should consider reading the tandem between mountains and conduct!
January 18, 2024
Gosh, I’ll miss this series. I love Aleah - more, I think, than Merriam - and I think Kodi is the perfect love interest for her. I loved getting insight to how all of the mercenaries joined Jasper’s group, and I loved getting to see more of his leadership and compassion. 5/5 stars for every book in this series!
“All of you are amazing, and I wake up every day feeling lucky to have landed this little family of ours. For almost a decade, I’ve watched you dominate every single obstacle and challenge in your path. Fuzzy morals aside, you’re probably one of the most respected assassins in the country. And even with everything you’ve been through, you’re still one of the brightest sparks on this fucking planet. You love strong and hard. You’re loyal. You’re funny and feral and haven’t let yourself be jaded out of fierce friendships and a love that would honestly have me worried if you were anyone else.”
“All of you are amazing, and I wake up every day feeling lucky to have landed this little family of ours. For almost a decade, I’ve watched you dominate every single obstacle and challenge in your path. Fuzzy morals aside, you’re probably one of the most respected assassins in the country. And even with everything you’ve been through, you’re still one of the brightest sparks on this fucking planet. You love strong and hard. You’re loyal. You’re funny and feral and haven’t let yourself be jaded out of fierce friendships and a love that would honestly have me worried if you were anyone else.”
August 9, 2023
“She took a deep breath, letting herself feel the full breadth of how much she loved these people. Fear of what might come has no power against the strength of the bond she shared with the mercenaries…”
It’s all about the finest mercenaries in Sekha in this one, and it did not disappoint. Learning their back stories, seeing the inner workings of the family they’ve created, and getting their points of view of the events in Mountains Will Crumble… it was exactly what I needed. The perfect little trip back to one of my favorite fictional worlds. The mercs are top tier found family. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye after Mountains, and this little novella makes it all feel complete. Simply put, I loved it.
It’s all about the finest mercenaries in Sekha in this one, and it did not disappoint. Learning their back stories, seeing the inner workings of the family they’ve created, and getting their points of view of the events in Mountains Will Crumble… it was exactly what I needed. The perfect little trip back to one of my favorite fictional worlds. The mercs are top tier found family. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye after Mountains, and this little novella makes it all feel complete. Simply put, I loved it.
November 15, 2024
MUST DO TANDEM READ
I really believe this would be better if I did the tandem read. As it is I read MWC months and months ago so I forgot most of it which makes this book frustrating. It’s not so much a plot as interesting little asides. Which leads to chapters that literally go “this crazy horrible thing has happened we must prepare” and then the next chapter goes “now that we’ve solved the crazy horrible thing…” and it’s like what?! Also the gore sex went a little far for me.
I really believe this would be better if I did the tandem read. As it is I read MWC months and months ago so I forgot most of it which makes this book frustrating. It’s not so much a plot as interesting little asides. Which leads to chapters that literally go “this crazy horrible thing has happened we must prepare” and then the next chapter goes “now that we’ve solved the crazy horrible thing…” and it’s like what?! Also the gore sex went a little far for me.
August 4, 2023
She's done it again. Whilst I thought Mountains Will Crumble tied this story up beautifully, Carissa could obviously read our minds that we needed more of the Mercs! This dive into the back stories of our favourite found family group and the behind the scenes in MWC is just filled with humour and emotion. I thought I couldn't love these guys more but I'm honestly so glad they got their own book. It's a MUST READ for anyone who enjoyed LMF and MWC.
August 2, 2023
A Code of Conduct is the icing to the mercenary cake I didn’t know I needed! This book should either be read with or after Mountains Will Crumble as it won’t make sense if read before.
I love the world that Carissa has built and the extra time with the mercenaries she gave us while learning their backstories and how they came to be a family.
I love the world that Carissa has built and the extra time with the mercenaries she gave us while learning their backstories and how they came to be a family.
December 21, 2023
Decent little wrap-up of this world and these side characters (especially Campbell & Leo – could read an entire book about them, honestly). I’ll miss this world and hope the author decides to go back sometime to write more stories!
August 15, 2023
THIS was exactly what I needed!! The backstories about how the mercenaries got together AND more of Aleah’s and Kodi’s love story!!
September 13, 2024
Loved learning about the Mercenaries! Would definitely recommend reading it in tandem with Mountains ❤️
September 5, 2023
the perfect accompaniment to Mountains will Crumble ❤️ so happy the mercs got an extra little story ❤️
“Proud of you all. I never expected to have a family like this—so much comfort and love and talent all in one place.”
"All of you are amazing, and I wake up every day feeling lucky to have landed this little family of ours."
“Proud of you all. I never expected to have a family like this—so much comfort and love and talent all in one place.”
"All of you are amazing, and I wake up every day feeling lucky to have landed this little family of ours."
November 19, 2023
What a fun, perfect tie into one of my favorite duologies. Thank god Carissa decided to add this to the roster because I absolutely was not ready to leave this world and these characters.
A Code of Conduct is filled with dark humor, vengeance, and found family. It breaks your heart open and fills it with what it means to be loyal to someone, how our pasts can haunt and heal us, and how family doesn’t always come from a blood relation.
Absolutely read Leaves May Fall and Mountains Will Crumble before this so you can enjoy it as much as I did. I think this novella can standalone, but trust me- you want the rest of the story. Carissa Hardcastle has such a way with banter that makes me cry from laughing so hard and cry from heartbreak. This book, though short, is no exception.
The Mercenaries are at their best- Aleah being a little, wonderful violent creature, Kodi being protective and loyal, Leo and Cam being adorable all while helping the King, Calysta getting back to her roots, and Jasper trying to keep it all together. Oh- and Panic being the smartest, most beautiful bird, of course.
Add this to your TBR IMMEDIATELY.
A Code of Conduct is filled with dark humor, vengeance, and found family. It breaks your heart open and fills it with what it means to be loyal to someone, how our pasts can haunt and heal us, and how family doesn’t always come from a blood relation.
Absolutely read Leaves May Fall and Mountains Will Crumble before this so you can enjoy it as much as I did. I think this novella can standalone, but trust me- you want the rest of the story. Carissa Hardcastle has such a way with banter that makes me cry from laughing so hard and cry from heartbreak. This book, though short, is no exception.
The Mercenaries are at their best- Aleah being a little, wonderful violent creature, Kodi being protective and loyal, Leo and Cam being adorable all while helping the King, Calysta getting back to her roots, and Jasper trying to keep it all together. Oh- and Panic being the smartest, most beautiful bird, of course.
Add this to your TBR IMMEDIATELY.
August 25, 2023
A novella done beautifully. Carrissa is a mastermind and these characters are so vivid. Nope. I refuse to say goodbye to them.
September 4, 2025
Favorite series of 2025!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews