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The Combat Codes Saga #3
Blacklight Born
The Grievar War has engulfed the Empire of Kiroth. Silas the Slayer has given voice and violence to his warrior kin, providing them a reason to rise up after 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 side to fight for: with his brother's righteous rebellion or beside the family he has finally found.
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.
Blacklight Born is the explosive conclusion to the Combat Codes Saga, a story where all must seek a final truth as they step back into the Circle. Why do we fight?
Cego is released into a war-torn world where the lines between shadow and light are blurred. He must decide which side to fight for: with his brother's righteous rebellion or beside the family he has finally found.
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.
Blacklight Born is the explosive conclusion to the Combat Codes Saga, a story where all must seek a final truth as they step back into the Circle. Why do we fight?
Unknown Binding
First published July 14, 2021
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About the author
Alexander Darwin
6 books249 followersAlexander Darwin is an author living near Boston with his wife and three daughters. Outside of writing, he teaches and trains martial arts (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu). He’s inspired by old-school Hong Kong action flicks, jRPGs, underdog stories and bibimbap bowls.
Outside of writing fiction, Alexander has written for publications such as Rolling Stone Magazine and SF Signal. His latest piece - "The Lost Diary of Anthony Bourdain" - was a featured piece in Rolling Stone’s January 2022 issue.
Outside of writing fiction, Alexander has written for publications such as Rolling Stone Magazine and SF Signal. His latest piece - "The Lost Diary of Anthony Bourdain" - was a featured piece in Rolling Stone’s January 2022 issue.
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July 6, 2021
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
To my own bafflement, I finally finished reading a series for the first time this year.
Yes, I’m shocked at this revelation myself. I used to be a binge reader, and I used to be a reader focused on finishing a series before moving on to something else. But lately, with so many new books/series I want to read, it’s hard for me to stay put. But, for the second half of this year, I’m determined to finish more series I’ve started; Blacklight Born by Alexander Darwin is the first kill. Also, I would like to first mention that the cover art and design of this trilogy are striking and distinctive. Kudos to Felix Ortiz and Shawn T. King.
Blacklight Born is the third and final book in The Combat Codes Saga by Alexander Darwin; an MMA inspired sci-fi trilogy I’ve enjoyed. What started as a very straightforward underdog story has definitely changed now. Whether it works for the readers or not, Darwin is an author that’s not afraid to try something different with his books. Admittedly, there were some storytelling structure decisions made by Darwin that didn’t click with me. The first half of Blacklight Born is told almost exclusively through Murray’s perspective, and this section was one of the great parts of the novel. However, there’s repercussion from the previous installment that made the longevity of Murray’s section slightly backfired on me, and that’s Murray’s flashback and my disconnection with Cego.
It’s not that I have problems with Murray’s flashback, but the constant back and forth between the past and present in every Murray’s chapter didn’t seem to add anything for me other than narrative disjointed. But Murray’s flashback and the present story itself were good on their own, so there’s that. As for Cego, Cego was the main character of The Combat Codes, and he still played a role in Grievar’s Blood. But his appearance in Grievar’s Blood was so minimal in comparison; the second book of this trilogy was more about Sol and The Slayer. By the time the story in Blacklight Born shifted to Cego as the main character again, I must say that I’ve lost quite a lot of interest in his character due to being separated from his POV longer than I preferred. I personally think that The Slayer was more intriguing, and I wish we have more POV from him after reading his story in Grievar’s Blood.
As for the actions, the high quality of the combat sequence is something that Darwin maintained throughout the trilogy. Darwin knows his martial arts, and the accessible prose enhanced the quality of the flow and immersion in the fight scenes. Throughout the trilogy, there has been a lot of buildup leading to the final confrontations that occurred in the last few chapters of this novel. And the battle did live up to the expectations; Darwin delivered the most climactic setting in the entire trilogy. However, the conclusion of this final battle itself was, in my opinion, incredibly anti-climactic. I totally expected more out of the climax sequences, and I do believe that the ending could’ve used one or two more chapters for it to feel more satisfying.
Overall, despite having some mixed feelings towards this novel, I do believe that Blacklight Born was a good conclusion to The Combat Codes Saga, a series about friendship, identity, and redemption. I have faith that Darwin’s next series will be superior to The Combat Codes Saga, and I’ll be looking forward to it.
Series review:
The Combat Codes: 4/5 stars
Grievar's Blood: 4/5 stars
Blacklight Born: 3/5 stars
The Combat Codes Saga: 11/15 stars
You can pre-order the book from: Amazon UK | Amazon US
The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Dylan, Edward, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Jennifer, Joie, Luis, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Sarah, Sarah, Seth, Shaad, Summer, Wendy, Wick, Zoe.
To my own bafflement, I finally finished reading a series for the first time this year.
Yes, I’m shocked at this revelation myself. I used to be a binge reader, and I used to be a reader focused on finishing a series before moving on to something else. But lately, with so many new books/series I want to read, it’s hard for me to stay put. But, for the second half of this year, I’m determined to finish more series I’ve started; Blacklight Born by Alexander Darwin is the first kill. Also, I would like to first mention that the cover art and design of this trilogy are striking and distinctive. Kudos to Felix Ortiz and Shawn T. King.
“We’ve got to move forward… Some days are good, some bad. Doesn’t matter; we keep moving forward. Sometimes, though, we need to take one step backwards to fix what’s wrong. Sometimes, what’s weighing us down needs fixing before we can move forward again.”
Blacklight Born is the third and final book in The Combat Codes Saga by Alexander Darwin; an MMA inspired sci-fi trilogy I’ve enjoyed. What started as a very straightforward underdog story has definitely changed now. Whether it works for the readers or not, Darwin is an author that’s not afraid to try something different with his books. Admittedly, there were some storytelling structure decisions made by Darwin that didn’t click with me. The first half of Blacklight Born is told almost exclusively through Murray’s perspective, and this section was one of the great parts of the novel. However, there’s repercussion from the previous installment that made the longevity of Murray’s section slightly backfired on me, and that’s Murray’s flashback and my disconnection with Cego.
“Sometimes, we need to pick our fights. Sometimes, the fight isn’t the one in front of us.”
It’s not that I have problems with Murray’s flashback, but the constant back and forth between the past and present in every Murray’s chapter didn’t seem to add anything for me other than narrative disjointed. But Murray’s flashback and the present story itself were good on their own, so there’s that. As for Cego, Cego was the main character of The Combat Codes, and he still played a role in Grievar’s Blood. But his appearance in Grievar’s Blood was so minimal in comparison; the second book of this trilogy was more about Sol and The Slayer. By the time the story in Blacklight Born shifted to Cego as the main character again, I must say that I’ve lost quite a lot of interest in his character due to being separated from his POV longer than I preferred. I personally think that The Slayer was more intriguing, and I wish we have more POV from him after reading his story in Grievar’s Blood.
“There are many middling Grievar who blame others for their failures. These Grievar are blind to their own weakness, they cannot see their failures as fault of their own, and so they are forever confined to mediocrity.”
As for the actions, the high quality of the combat sequence is something that Darwin maintained throughout the trilogy. Darwin knows his martial arts, and the accessible prose enhanced the quality of the flow and immersion in the fight scenes. Throughout the trilogy, there has been a lot of buildup leading to the final confrontations that occurred in the last few chapters of this novel. And the battle did live up to the expectations; Darwin delivered the most climactic setting in the entire trilogy. However, the conclusion of this final battle itself was, in my opinion, incredibly anti-climactic. I totally expected more out of the climax sequences, and I do believe that the ending could’ve used one or two more chapters for it to feel more satisfying.
“A musician in training may believe there only to be seven notes on their lyre, and an apprentice painter might only see twelve central colors. But the masters see beyond that, they can decipher the myriad of mixtures to produce harmonious melodies and glorious artworks. Each Grievar has only four limbs and a head, and yet using these appendages in combination, an infinite number of techniques are at a master’s disposal.”
Overall, despite having some mixed feelings towards this novel, I do believe that Blacklight Born was a good conclusion to The Combat Codes Saga, a series about friendship, identity, and redemption. I have faith that Darwin’s next series will be superior to The Combat Codes Saga, and I’ll be looking forward to it.
“Though one often returns to the past to learn from mistakes, they must remain feather-footed there. Treading too heavily in memories, dredging up either joy or regret, will only serve to impede the path of progression.”
Series review:
The Combat Codes: 4/5 stars
Grievar's Blood: 4/5 stars
Blacklight Born: 3/5 stars
The Combat Codes Saga: 11/15 stars
You can pre-order the book from: Amazon UK | Amazon US
The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Dylan, Edward, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Jennifer, Joie, Luis, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Sarah, Sarah, Seth, Shaad, Summer, Wendy, Wick, Zoe.
November 30, 2024
3.5 Stars
This was an easy and enjoyable conclusion to this action driven fantasy. I wish the characters were more memorable because I found them to be a touch flat.
Still I have a soft spot for these close up combat stories and overall had an enjoyable time with it. As a conclusion, it was good, even though it was a bit predictable. While not a new personal favourite, it was generally an engaging story that kept me pretty entertained. If you are interested in this trilogy, you will want to start back at the beginning with The Combat Codes
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This was an easy and enjoyable conclusion to this action driven fantasy. I wish the characters were more memorable because I found them to be a touch flat.
Still I have a soft spot for these close up combat stories and overall had an enjoyable time with it. As a conclusion, it was good, even though it was a bit predictable. While not a new personal favourite, it was generally an engaging story that kept me pretty entertained. If you are interested in this trilogy, you will want to start back at the beginning with The Combat Codes
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
July 14, 2021
4.5/5
Detailed action sequences, Steady pacing and some unpredictable twists at the end makes Blacklight Born the best entry in this series
First of all huge thanks to the author for sending me an E-ARC of this book. It was one of my most anticipated book this year and it goes without saying that this review is my unbiased opinion.
Quick Summary: Blacklight Born, the final entry in the The Combat Codes Saga takes place some time after the events of Grievar's Blood as Murray leads the remaining members of The Whelps (Knees, Dozer and Brynn) for the Pilgrimage but with an ulterior motive, to find Cego.
WHAT WORKED FOR ME IN THIS BOOK:
Murray: That man is MVP. His internal conflicts, his actions and his strong belief in The Codes were written wonderfully. Without a doubt, my favourite character of this series.
The writing: It was simple and easily accessible.
The pacing: It was steady and never felt too rushed despite this book being just under 400. I also loved the time jump in the beginning of this book as it made me curious to find out what happened at the time and i also liked how the author provided that information steadily as the story progressed.
Action sequences: Like the previous entries in this series, vividly detailed action sequences is one of the strongest aspect of this book. I could follow the fights like I was actually there.
Answers: Every questions I had after finishing those previous entries were answered in this book like... What's Shimo's deal ? Why Cego lost some fights even though he had like a decade of hardship training and so on.
I also loved all the characters interactions took place in this book... Cego & Sol, Murray & Cego, Murray & Sol, The Whelps & The Flux and so on. It was beautiful to see all the characters coming together again.
WHAT DIDN'T WORKED FOR ME IN THIS BOOK:
Even though all the questions were answered and every character arcs were tied up neatly I kinda felt that the ending was slightly anticlimactic. Maybe because I expected a straight up final battle or I don't know... i expected more.
FINAL WORD:
This page turning action fantasy novel is a satisfying conclusion to The Combat Codes Saga and best entry in this series IMO.
Detailed action sequences, Steady pacing and some unpredictable twists at the end makes Blacklight Born the best entry in this series
First of all huge thanks to the author for sending me an E-ARC of this book. It was one of my most anticipated book this year and it goes without saying that this review is my unbiased opinion.
Quick Summary: Blacklight Born, the final entry in the The Combat Codes Saga takes place some time after the events of Grievar's Blood as Murray leads the remaining members of The Whelps (Knees, Dozer and Brynn) for the Pilgrimage but with an ulterior motive, to find Cego.
WHAT WORKED FOR ME IN THIS BOOK:
Murray: That man is MVP. His internal conflicts, his actions and his strong belief in The Codes were written wonderfully. Without a doubt, my favourite character of this series.
The writing: It was simple and easily accessible.
The pacing: It was steady and never felt too rushed despite this book being just under 400. I also loved the time jump in the beginning of this book as it made me curious to find out what happened at the time and i also liked how the author provided that information steadily as the story progressed.
Action sequences: Like the previous entries in this series, vividly detailed action sequences is one of the strongest aspect of this book. I could follow the fights like I was actually there.
Answers: Every questions I had after finishing those previous entries were answered in this book like... What's Shimo's deal ? Why Cego lost some fights even though he had like a decade of hardship training and so on.
I also loved all the characters interactions took place in this book... Cego & Sol, Murray & Cego, Murray & Sol, The Whelps & The Flux and so on. It was beautiful to see all the characters coming together again.
WHAT DIDN'T WORKED FOR ME IN THIS BOOK:
Even though all the questions were answered and every character arcs were tied up neatly I kinda felt that the ending was slightly anticlimactic. Maybe because I expected a straight up final battle or I don't know... i expected more.
FINAL WORD:
This page turning action fantasy novel is a satisfying conclusion to The Combat Codes Saga and best entry in this series IMO.
April 11, 2021
Writing the final installment of a trilogy is tough! I put an ample dose of pressure on myself to properly tie up character and narrative arcs while also setting the pace / action that readers loved in the previous two books. And I believe I succeeded. I feel this third installment is the best of the three, and I can't wait to step back into the Circle with you all.
My sincere appreciation to all the readers that have made it to the third book, I owe it all to you guys!
My sincere appreciation to all the readers that have made it to the third book, I owe it all to you guys!
December 16, 2024
Blacklight Born is the third and final volume in Alexander Darwin’s Combat Codes trilogy, following up on his debut novel, The Combat Codes, and its sequel, Grievar’s Blood. The Combat Codes series is set in a post-apocalyptic universe where standard warfare has been superseded by one-on-one combat between trained martial arts fighters known as Grievar Knights who fight as representatives of their respective countries. Owing to the magnitude of their responsibilities, Griever Knights receive the highest levels of specialized schooling in martial arts.
The lead protagonist of the Combat Codes trilogy is Cego, a diamond-in-the-rough boy who is discovered by a retired Grievar Knight, Murray Pearson. Recognizing Cego’s tremendous potential, Murray takes on personal mentorship of the boy, training him to become the next champion fighter for their country of Ezo.
Murray himself becomes the focus in much of Blacklight Born, especially during the first part of the book. As much as I enjoyed getting to know Murray better, Cego’s absence did interrupt the flow of the overarching story of the trilogy. Cego returns to center stage in the latter part of the book, a more mature presence but still having plenty of secrets.
It’s a joy to see how much Alexander Darwin has grown as a writer over the course of his Combat Codes series. Blacklight Born has a restrained nuance missing from the earlier volumes of the series, especially The Combat Codes. Unfortunately, the pacing of Blacklight Born suffers as a result, along with its focus on Murray during the first part of the book. Compounding this problem, once the story finally takes off, I felt that it finishes too abruptly.
Alexander Darwin continues to excel in his action scenes, which have a cinematic feel on par with Fonda Lee’s Jade City. Both Alexander Darwin and Fonda Lee are accomplished martial artists who draw on that experience to write very realistic, well-choreographed fight scenes. Darwin and Lee also have a shared passion for rocs, the enormous birds that are the focus of Fonda Lee’s Untethered Sky and also play an important role in Blacklight Born.
The lead protagonist of the Combat Codes trilogy is Cego, a diamond-in-the-rough boy who is discovered by a retired Grievar Knight, Murray Pearson. Recognizing Cego’s tremendous potential, Murray takes on personal mentorship of the boy, training him to become the next champion fighter for their country of Ezo.
Murray himself becomes the focus in much of Blacklight Born, especially during the first part of the book. As much as I enjoyed getting to know Murray better, Cego’s absence did interrupt the flow of the overarching story of the trilogy. Cego returns to center stage in the latter part of the book, a more mature presence but still having plenty of secrets.
It’s a joy to see how much Alexander Darwin has grown as a writer over the course of his Combat Codes series. Blacklight Born has a restrained nuance missing from the earlier volumes of the series, especially The Combat Codes. Unfortunately, the pacing of Blacklight Born suffers as a result, along with its focus on Murray during the first part of the book. Compounding this problem, once the story finally takes off, I felt that it finishes too abruptly.
Alexander Darwin continues to excel in his action scenes, which have a cinematic feel on par with Fonda Lee’s Jade City. Both Alexander Darwin and Fonda Lee are accomplished martial artists who draw on that experience to write very realistic, well-choreographed fight scenes. Darwin and Lee also have a shared passion for rocs, the enormous birds that are the focus of Fonda Lee’s Untethered Sky and also play an important role in Blacklight Born.
July 30, 2021
3.5
A thrilling end to one of the more unique trilogies I've read. I thought the conclusion was fitting and action was relentless. My only complaint is the narrative structure over book 2 and 3 now that I have the entire story. I feel like Cego having limited exposure in book 2 as a POV hurt the story a bit in book 3 as I had become more attached to other characters. Also the split of this final installment felt like it was hindered by the flashbacks of part 1. It made part 2 feel like a whole other book to me. With that said the overall story, world and characters were really good and the emotional moments towards the end did make their impact. Glad to have read this and lived a while in this world. Oss!
A thrilling end to one of the more unique trilogies I've read. I thought the conclusion was fitting and action was relentless. My only complaint is the narrative structure over book 2 and 3 now that I have the entire story. I feel like Cego having limited exposure in book 2 as a POV hurt the story a bit in book 3 as I had become more attached to other characters. Also the split of this final installment felt like it was hindered by the flashbacks of part 1. It made part 2 feel like a whole other book to me. With that said the overall story, world and characters were really good and the emotional moments towards the end did make their impact. Glad to have read this and lived a while in this world. Oss!
January 6, 2025
The series was gifted to me by the author and Orbit.
3.5 ⭐️
Ughhhhhh a disappointing ending to a series that I adored.
Books 1 and 2 of The Combat Codes exceeded my expectations. A world where war no longer exists instead governments and people of power have fighters, or Grievars, that 1v1 for resources. “We fight so that others do not have to.”
There are fighting schools that focus on training the next generation of Grievar. The highlight of the series is when it takes place at the Lyceum (the school). Cego is such a fun character to read about. You’re rooting for him for the first page. All for him to take such a backseat in this book. I couldn’t connect with him in this one as well as I did in the first 2 books.
The ending, while exciting and with a cinematic flare, just fell short. There were some very interesting concept and twists that were introduced that if developed probably could have been more shocking instead it just left me confused at best. This is a series that I wish was longer, with either the books being longer or there being a 4th book in the series I think could have really improved the issues that I see. I also felt like this book relied too heavily on dialogue instead of developing the characters or world with prose.
Books 1 and 2 were so fantastic, this just felt like a rushed conclusion that left me confused instead of satisfied.
3.5 ⭐️
Ughhhhhh a disappointing ending to a series that I adored.
Books 1 and 2 of The Combat Codes exceeded my expectations. A world where war no longer exists instead governments and people of power have fighters, or Grievars, that 1v1 for resources. “We fight so that others do not have to.”
There are fighting schools that focus on training the next generation of Grievar. The highlight of the series is when it takes place at the Lyceum (the school). Cego is such a fun character to read about. You’re rooting for him for the first page. All for him to take such a backseat in this book. I couldn’t connect with him in this one as well as I did in the first 2 books.
The ending, while exciting and with a cinematic flare, just fell short. There were some very interesting concept and twists that were introduced that if developed probably could have been more shocking instead it just left me confused at best. This is a series that I wish was longer, with either the books being longer or there being a 4th book in the series I think could have really improved the issues that I see. I also felt like this book relied too heavily on dialogue instead of developing the characters or world with prose.
Books 1 and 2 were so fantastic, this just felt like a rushed conclusion that left me confused instead of satisfied.
December 17, 2021
The Combat Codes Saga smudges the fantasy/sci-fi line with some really neat and creative in-world tech to support the MMA style justice system that the society uses to settle disputes with not only one another but other countries, making this one of the most unique and the most fun series I have read and finished in the last couple years. The fact that its from new and upcoming author just makes it doubly impressive.
In this final book Blacklight Born we return with Murray’s pov, which is told in a kind of flashback and present-time combo.
During the flashback portions, Murray is searching for Sam, Cego’s younger brother.
And in present time, Murray and the whelps (Cego’s friends and teammates) are preparing for a placement trial, with a side-quest mission of rescuing Cego. But this rescue is not from prison where we left him in the last book but from Silas (the Slayer) whom Cego has joined as right-hand man to leader of the resistance.
We also return to Cego, who was conspicuously absent from a large portion of the last book.
This is a Cego who is quite a bit different from the strong and loyal fighter we grew to love. The combination of all he has learned and his experiences in prison, have him floundering, unsure of who his is or his place in the world.
The book has some great ideas- we learn more about how the rings work and other tech, politics, and that not all the Daimyos are cut from the same cloth, even if they seem a little unemotional at first glance.
Some of the story is told in a jump-forward-fill-in-the-blanks, kind of style to make room for the plot to develop for the rest. This isn’t my favourite choice for moving a story along, especially with characters that are off-screen for large amounts of time, as I feel it strengthens that disconnect, when we are needing to reconnect.
But I do appreciate that the author was not afraid to take some chances as he did in his previous book. Now, seeing the story as a whole I almost felt we needed one more book to tie everything together properly. Giving us time and space to have the opportunity to be a part of those moments that shaped these characters to whom they became in this final story.
Something that doesn’t change over the course of these books is its heart. The friendships, the sacrifice and perseverance, and especially learning to believe in and accept yourself – the good and the bad.
Or the fights. Just Wow.
That end fight and everything around the way it played-out was freaking awesome! There is no denying that Alexander Darwin knows how to write a fight that has you perched on the edge of your seat.
I will be looking forward to see what Alexander Darwin brings us in future novels.
Other notes-
I like the direction this took with the brothers, and how their time growing-up together came full-circle to become the resolution of their conflict.
Also Sam, I won't go into details but that whole realization when Cego gets to see him again, as an adult.
3.5 I am rounding up for enjoyment (and for that nicely done moment to do with Sam).
Huge thank you goes out to Alexander Darwin for the review copy!
In this final book Blacklight Born we return with Murray’s pov, which is told in a kind of flashback and present-time combo.
During the flashback portions, Murray is searching for Sam, Cego’s younger brother.
And in present time, Murray and the whelps (Cego’s friends and teammates) are preparing for a placement trial, with a side-quest mission of rescuing Cego. But this rescue is not from prison where we left him in the last book but from Silas (the Slayer) whom Cego has joined as right-hand man to leader of the resistance.
We also return to Cego, who was conspicuously absent from a large portion of the last book.
This is a Cego who is quite a bit different from the strong and loyal fighter we grew to love. The combination of all he has learned and his experiences in prison, have him floundering, unsure of who his is or his place in the world.
The book has some great ideas- we learn more about how the rings work and other tech, politics, and that not all the Daimyos are cut from the same cloth, even if they seem a little unemotional at first glance.
Some of the story is told in a jump-forward-fill-in-the-blanks, kind of style to make room for the plot to develop for the rest. This isn’t my favourite choice for moving a story along, especially with characters that are off-screen for large amounts of time, as I feel it strengthens that disconnect, when we are needing to reconnect.
But I do appreciate that the author was not afraid to take some chances as he did in his previous book. Now, seeing the story as a whole I almost felt we needed one more book to tie everything together properly. Giving us time and space to have the opportunity to be a part of those moments that shaped these characters to whom they became in this final story.
Something that doesn’t change over the course of these books is its heart. The friendships, the sacrifice and perseverance, and especially learning to believe in and accept yourself – the good and the bad.
Or the fights. Just Wow.
That end fight and everything around the way it played-out was freaking awesome! There is no denying that Alexander Darwin knows how to write a fight that has you perched on the edge of your seat.
I will be looking forward to see what Alexander Darwin brings us in future novels.
Other notes-
I like the direction this took with the brothers, and how their time growing-up together came full-circle to become the resolution of their conflict.
Also Sam, I won't go into details but that whole realization when Cego gets to see him again, as an adult.
3.5 I am rounding up for enjoyment (and for that nicely done moment to do with Sam).
Huge thank you goes out to Alexander Darwin for the review copy!
August 12, 2025
Alexander Darwin closes out The Combat Codes trilogy with Blacklight Born, and it’s a worthy finale. It has everything fans of the series enjoyed - martial arts duels, high-stakes politics, and sibling drama.
We’re back in a world where nations settle disputes via one-on-one combat. The story flips between Murray Pearson’s perspective and Cego’s, who’s fresh from prison and now running with his long-lost brother Silas, aka the Slayer. Murray is determined to save Cego from the hyper-violent, morally murky path Silas is leading him down. He’s also preparing his young fighters for placement trials.
Cego, on the other hand, changed a lot. His time in prison, painful discoveries about his past, and Silas’s mentorship has left him questioning his identity and purpose. The shift is bold, and Darwin doesn’t shy away from showing how trauma can reshape a person. It’s good, but also make Cego harder to root for.
Darwin’s fight scenes are the standout. The final battle is absolutely jaw-dropping, and if you’re listening to the audiobook, it’s hard not to shadowbox. I liked how the worldbuilding expanded - we got more tech, more political nuance, and more insights into Daimyos.
Where Blacklight Born stumbles is pacing. The book packs enough plot for two novels, and the "jump-forward-then-explain" structure sometimes makes the story feel rushed. Big developments, especially around Cego’s return to the Lyceum and certain political consequences, happen so quickly you might get whiplash. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it leaves a few dangling threads.
Still, the trilogy ends on a high note. It’s action-packed, heartfelt, and unafraid to mix big moral questions with bone-crunching fight choreography. If you’ve been along for the ride since The Combat Codes, chances are you’ll find this conclusion satisfying and bittersweet.
We’re back in a world where nations settle disputes via one-on-one combat. The story flips between Murray Pearson’s perspective and Cego’s, who’s fresh from prison and now running with his long-lost brother Silas, aka the Slayer. Murray is determined to save Cego from the hyper-violent, morally murky path Silas is leading him down. He’s also preparing his young fighters for placement trials.
Cego, on the other hand, changed a lot. His time in prison, painful discoveries about his past, and Silas’s mentorship has left him questioning his identity and purpose. The shift is bold, and Darwin doesn’t shy away from showing how trauma can reshape a person. It’s good, but also make Cego harder to root for.
Darwin’s fight scenes are the standout. The final battle is absolutely jaw-dropping, and if you’re listening to the audiobook, it’s hard not to shadowbox. I liked how the worldbuilding expanded - we got more tech, more political nuance, and more insights into Daimyos.
Where Blacklight Born stumbles is pacing. The book packs enough plot for two novels, and the "jump-forward-then-explain" structure sometimes makes the story feel rushed. Big developments, especially around Cego’s return to the Lyceum and certain political consequences, happen so quickly you might get whiplash. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it leaves a few dangling threads.
Still, the trilogy ends on a high note. It’s action-packed, heartfelt, and unafraid to mix big moral questions with bone-crunching fight choreography. If you’ve been along for the ride since The Combat Codes, chances are you’ll find this conclusion satisfying and bittersweet.
July 24, 2021
Decent end to a decent series. The ending fell a bit flat to me, I had hoped that we would have a clearer resolution of not just individual story arcs but also the wider societal conflict. I do have to give the authors credit for the nuance that he gave to the conflict. There were good and bad people on both sides and neither side was wholly right.
Overall the series was a bit shallow but it was still an entertaining trilogy.
Overall the series was a bit shallow but it was still an entertaining trilogy.
June 20, 2021
https://undertheradarsffbooks.com/202...
We have reached the concluding volume of the Combat Code series and it packs one final punch with an epic final volume. All the questions I had entering this installment were answered and some twists I did not see coming. Besides the action and friendships, Blacklight Born is a story of personal fear, sacrifices, and how to overcome them. The sins of the past come up quiet a bit in this book and that can be the most difficult enemy to defeat. How will our character prevail? If you are currently reading this series, I promise you will find out. This will be a spoiler free review, but I will be touch on events that have happened in the previous two novels.
The story begins with Murray and the members of the Whelps going on a Pilgrimage, but Murray has a different goal in mind of finding Cego and returning him home. When we last left Cego he was in the fighting pits under punishment of death facing the goliath with defeat all but certainty. Despite all odds, Cego was victorious in the arena and is rescued by the Slayer, whom turns out to be one of Cego’s brothers he has been looking for. This is the initial set up for the book and the story really goes into hyperdrive in Part 2. All of the different factions converge as we learn about the deadly sins of the past from all parties including the shocking beginnings of the Cradle.
As I have stated in my previous reviews of Combat Codes and Grievar’s Blood that Alexander Darwin is an expert at writing hand to hand combat scenes and fighting techniques use by our main characters. This was a given I knew entering this book, but what I didn’t expect to find was the way the story converged throughout the novel. The worldbuilding, character motivations, and sci-fi like technology all came together for the wonderful climax. Great care was put into completing this series and I hope the author will revisit this world at a later point in his publishing career.
One thing I should also mention about this book is there are a good portion of chapters that have flashback sections and these gave me a much better understanding our main cast, especially Murray. Every faction will have their view of the world at large and what part they wish to play in its preservation or destruction. One thing is for certain, the Codes will be followed to the bitter end. Don’t sleep on this great series by an author on the rise as it is one adventure I will never forget!
Cheers!
We have reached the concluding volume of the Combat Code series and it packs one final punch with an epic final volume. All the questions I had entering this installment were answered and some twists I did not see coming. Besides the action and friendships, Blacklight Born is a story of personal fear, sacrifices, and how to overcome them. The sins of the past come up quiet a bit in this book and that can be the most difficult enemy to defeat. How will our character prevail? If you are currently reading this series, I promise you will find out. This will be a spoiler free review, but I will be touch on events that have happened in the previous two novels.
The story begins with Murray and the members of the Whelps going on a Pilgrimage, but Murray has a different goal in mind of finding Cego and returning him home. When we last left Cego he was in the fighting pits under punishment of death facing the goliath with defeat all but certainty. Despite all odds, Cego was victorious in the arena and is rescued by the Slayer, whom turns out to be one of Cego’s brothers he has been looking for. This is the initial set up for the book and the story really goes into hyperdrive in Part 2. All of the different factions converge as we learn about the deadly sins of the past from all parties including the shocking beginnings of the Cradle.
As I have stated in my previous reviews of Combat Codes and Grievar’s Blood that Alexander Darwin is an expert at writing hand to hand combat scenes and fighting techniques use by our main characters. This was a given I knew entering this book, but what I didn’t expect to find was the way the story converged throughout the novel. The worldbuilding, character motivations, and sci-fi like technology all came together for the wonderful climax. Great care was put into completing this series and I hope the author will revisit this world at a later point in his publishing career.
One thing I should also mention about this book is there are a good portion of chapters that have flashback sections and these gave me a much better understanding our main cast, especially Murray. Every faction will have their view of the world at large and what part they wish to play in its preservation or destruction. One thing is for certain, the Codes will be followed to the bitter end. Don’t sleep on this great series by an author on the rise as it is one adventure I will never forget!
Cheers!
June 10, 2021
When I received the ARC for Blacklight Born, I have to admit that my expectations were high. The first book was fun, and the second book broke the dam and launched the story sprawling out like a wave crashing throughout a grungy world that I couldn't get enough of. Book three had some shoes to fill...and it did.
Blacklight Born is an explosive ending to an epic series. A triumph of storytelling. There is so much to love. Hand-to-hand combat with mechs. Deeper relationships with found family. And MOAR CHOCOBO! If you can't tell, I adore this world. The setting, the races, the creatures, the magic, it comes together in a whirlwind of storytelling that leaves you just as winded as the Grievars.
And that ending! I felt like I was watching a blockbuster film, gripping the edge of my seat and wincing with each painful moment. It was exactly what I wanted—most of what I expected—but with twists that made the whole scene a hundred times more powerful.
If it's not clear, I had so much fun with this book, with this entire series. Highly recommended!
Blacklight Born is an explosive ending to an epic series. A triumph of storytelling. There is so much to love. Hand-to-hand combat with mechs. Deeper relationships with found family. And MOAR CHOCOBO! If you can't tell, I adore this world. The setting, the races, the creatures, the magic, it comes together in a whirlwind of storytelling that leaves you just as winded as the Grievars.
And that ending! I felt like I was watching a blockbuster film, gripping the edge of my seat and wincing with each painful moment. It was exactly what I wanted—most of what I expected—but with twists that made the whole scene a hundred times more powerful.
If it's not clear, I had so much fun with this book, with this entire series. Highly recommended!
May 25, 2021
The final installment answers most of the questions opened in the previous books, some in a very unexpected manner. It thus offers a more coherent narrative, after the somewhat disparate story lines in Grievar's Blood.
The story starts with a strong focus on Murray and the remaining Whelps, before Cego becomes main PoV again. This proves to be a good choice, as it helps show the changes and fallout brought about in book 2.
The story starts with a strong focus on Murray and the remaining Whelps, before Cego becomes main PoV again. This proves to be a good choice, as it helps show the changes and fallout brought about in book 2.
December 14, 2024
TL;DR: A fantastic start and finish with a muddy middle. The ending was also… unexpected.
Source: NetGalley, thank you so much to the publisher. I also purchased my own copy.
Plot: This one wraps up the trilogy in a way that I didn’t see coming. I’m not entirely sure how to feel about it either.
Characters: A bit all over the place for some and others were great. A mix bag here.
Setting: Again, this was all over the place. I was so happy to be out of the school only to return so I’m not wild about that.
Fantasy: There is very little to nothing explained in the ‘magic’ or fantasy of the world here. It gets weirder in fact, but it still manages to work.
Thoughts:
Oh gosh I’m on the fence with this one y’all. I loved the second book in this series and genuinely thought the first book had a lot of promise with a strong start. But this third one I got whiplash in. I can’t give up much a summary here but there is a time jump from the end of book two to the beginning of this book, a time jump I feel like we needed more from.
The first thing we see is what seems to be a realm in chaos. The rebellion Grievar and Grunts are causing trouble, and it seems to be profound. The Whelps are on a traditional travelling voyage, fighting tribes and groups across the land to work themselves up to a large fight between representatives and other students. Along the way we’re told (more than we truly see) how things have changed and we get the feeling things are tense in the world.
More things happen and all the sudden we’re back in the school setting from book one and things are… calm? The Whelps are participating in life as if nothing is happening. All the tension and worries of the first quarter are gone and the book slows as we follow everyone through the school (which by the way has had a complete restructuring of leadership we didn’t see but were told). All this leads to a confrontation that again, completely undercuts any tension we were built and found in the first quarter. And the ending? I liked it… but I’m confused on why this was the goal, and even if this was good? I didn’t know that was the goal, was that what we wanted?
I could feel a very strong inspiration in the end of this from Harry Potter. The return to school, the fighting the system from within the school, and the final showdowns, it felt very much like those same hallmarks in the HP series. Those tropes and tools are not a bad thing, but when this feels and screams that inspo so much? I don’t know what to think. I enjoyed a lot of this! But the structure and pacing, it was weird and felt poorly put together. I’ll continue to read Alexander Darwin and I’d read more in this series! But this final book? I’m not crazy about it.
P.S. I’m still confused on the Flux tattoos. I feel like I remember them saying in the scene they were removed that they didn’t know that was even an option. But then NO ONE says anything about it when they go back to school? They seemed to have quite a few? Listen as someone with quite a few tattoos I’m 100% positive my friends and family would immediately be like “Where did your tatts go?” if I mysteriously showed up completely clean of them.
Source: NetGalley, thank you so much to the publisher. I also purchased my own copy.
Plot: This one wraps up the trilogy in a way that I didn’t see coming. I’m not entirely sure how to feel about it either.
Characters: A bit all over the place for some and others were great. A mix bag here.
Setting: Again, this was all over the place. I was so happy to be out of the school only to return so I’m not wild about that.
Fantasy: There is very little to nothing explained in the ‘magic’ or fantasy of the world here. It gets weirder in fact, but it still manages to work.
Thoughts:
Oh gosh I’m on the fence with this one y’all. I loved the second book in this series and genuinely thought the first book had a lot of promise with a strong start. But this third one I got whiplash in. I can’t give up much a summary here but there is a time jump from the end of book two to the beginning of this book, a time jump I feel like we needed more from.
The first thing we see is what seems to be a realm in chaos. The rebellion Grievar and Grunts are causing trouble, and it seems to be profound. The Whelps are on a traditional travelling voyage, fighting tribes and groups across the land to work themselves up to a large fight between representatives and other students. Along the way we’re told (more than we truly see) how things have changed and we get the feeling things are tense in the world.
More things happen and all the sudden we’re back in the school setting from book one and things are… calm? The Whelps are participating in life as if nothing is happening. All the tension and worries of the first quarter are gone and the book slows as we follow everyone through the school (which by the way has had a complete restructuring of leadership we didn’t see but were told). All this leads to a confrontation that again, completely undercuts any tension we were built and found in the first quarter. And the ending? I liked it… but I’m confused on why this was the goal, and even if this was good? I didn’t know that was the goal, was that what we wanted?
I could feel a very strong inspiration in the end of this from Harry Potter. The return to school, the fighting the system from within the school, and the final showdowns, it felt very much like those same hallmarks in the HP series. Those tropes and tools are not a bad thing, but when this feels and screams that inspo so much? I don’t know what to think. I enjoyed a lot of this! But the structure and pacing, it was weird and felt poorly put together. I’ll continue to read Alexander Darwin and I’d read more in this series! But this final book? I’m not crazy about it.
P.S. I’m still confused on the Flux tattoos. I feel like I remember them saying in the scene they were removed that they didn’t know that was even an option. But then NO ONE says anything about it when they go back to school? They seemed to have quite a few? Listen as someone with quite a few tattoos I’m 100% positive my friends and family would immediately be like “Where did your tatts go?” if I mysteriously showed up completely clean of them.
August 4, 2021
Blacklight Born is a mixed bag with some high points, but it is average for the most part.
The book is basically two parts - one from Murray's POV and one from Cego's POV. Both these sections suffer from pacing issues. If it weren't the third book in the trilogy, I doubt I would have been enthused to read it cover to cover.
The portion with Murray is better with some good emotional beats. But this section is overly complicated, with flashbacks inter-mixing with the main plot. I am not a huge fan of using flashbacks as a story telling device, except where it actually adds to the plot and not to provide some cheap thrills/anticipation. And the flashbacks interspersed between the main story don't really add to the first section since its relevance is in the second part. A linear approach would have been much better. Probably, the best part is that I didn't see the ending coming.
Cego's section has some unexplained portions with lots of handwaving involved. Cego suddenly has a change of heart, he is allowed back in etc. This feels rushed and jarring.
Making the Slayer totally evil is also not that great in terms of story telling. It becomes insultingly easy for us (and Cego) to not root for Slayer. I think the author missed a trick here by not making the Slayer more sympathetic. I would have loved to see a morally gray character (any rational human being) lead a worthy cause. I didn't like how a soulless badass suddenly becomes a long lost character when it is convenient. Why didn't this person reveal it earlier? It would have avoided all chaos.
Overall, I found Blacklight Born disappointing, especially after the first two decent entries in the trilogy.
The book is basically two parts - one from Murray's POV and one from Cego's POV. Both these sections suffer from pacing issues. If it weren't the third book in the trilogy, I doubt I would have been enthused to read it cover to cover.
The portion with Murray is better with some good emotional beats. But this section is overly complicated, with flashbacks inter-mixing with the main plot. I am not a huge fan of using flashbacks as a story telling device, except where it actually adds to the plot and not to provide some cheap thrills/anticipation. And the flashbacks interspersed between the main story don't really add to the first section since its relevance is in the second part. A linear approach would have been much better. Probably, the best part is that I didn't see the ending coming.
Cego's section has some unexplained portions with lots of handwaving involved. Cego suddenly has a change of heart, he is allowed back in etc. This feels rushed and jarring.
Making the Slayer totally evil is also not that great in terms of story telling. It becomes insultingly easy for us (and Cego) to not root for Slayer. I think the author missed a trick here by not making the Slayer more sympathetic. I would have loved to see a morally gray character (any rational human being) lead a worthy cause. I didn't like how a soulless badass suddenly becomes a long lost character when it is convenient. Why didn't this person reveal it earlier? It would have avoided all chaos.
Overall, I found Blacklight Born disappointing, especially after the first two decent entries in the trilogy.
August 2, 2021
I'll keep this short and sweet and spoiler-free.
This is an exciting climax to the action-packed Combat Codes series. Darwin makes a lot of bold choices with this entry, and I think they pay off. It must say something about this series that I blazed through the entire trilogy in barely over a week.
I enjoyed the fact that this was separated into two distinct sections: the first half of the book detailing how the crew deals with the fallout of book 2's ending, and then the second half showing how they deal with the fallout of part one's ending. While the series has always bounced around between a few different POVs, I actually really liked switching it up for this book and having the first half stick with pretty much just a single character. It really helped established a sense of place as they traveled and also raised the stakes of the mission, since we were not seeing anything else from the other side's perspective. We were just as in the dark about what was going on as the characters, and I found it very engaging and effective.
At first, I was dubious about the second half of the story, given that part one ends in a really wild way and then we kind of slow things down considerably and reset in a way. I didn't fully understand how or why the characters ended up where they did, but we gradually start to piece things together and get some stuff explained. It all hurtles toward a truly cool and epic finish, with a ton of big reveals that were being set up all the way from book 1 that I honestly did not see coming.
This book is filled with dark, bleak moments, but it's also a story about perseverance and hope and the love and support of a found family.
This is an exciting climax to the action-packed Combat Codes series. Darwin makes a lot of bold choices with this entry, and I think they pay off. It must say something about this series that I blazed through the entire trilogy in barely over a week.
I enjoyed the fact that this was separated into two distinct sections: the first half of the book detailing how the crew deals with the fallout of book 2's ending, and then the second half showing how they deal with the fallout of part one's ending. While the series has always bounced around between a few different POVs, I actually really liked switching it up for this book and having the first half stick with pretty much just a single character. It really helped established a sense of place as they traveled and also raised the stakes of the mission, since we were not seeing anything else from the other side's perspective. We were just as in the dark about what was going on as the characters, and I found it very engaging and effective.
At first, I was dubious about the second half of the story, given that part one ends in a really wild way and then we kind of slow things down considerably and reset in a way. I didn't fully understand how or why the characters ended up where they did, but we gradually start to piece things together and get some stuff explained. It all hurtles toward a truly cool and epic finish, with a ton of big reveals that were being set up all the way from book 1 that I honestly did not see coming.
This book is filled with dark, bleak moments, but it's also a story about perseverance and hope and the love and support of a found family.
July 30, 2021
This was....odd. We get some answers. Have some epic fight scenes. We get...development. Plot twist galore. But.....it all comes out of left field. Some does not make sense. Some things in the ending are just....strange. Not explained. I do not feel like it really was an ending. Shoot, some of the biggest reveals this book are "we don't have time I'll explain later" and then dropped. I mean. This book has everything it needs to be 5 stars. Everything. It just..... isn't. It falls flat because of its structure, because it relies on new developments that seem to come out of nowhere and does not explain itself well at all. Also, the first half of the book was just a pain to read.
July 1, 2021
'Blacklight Born' is the third and final book in Alexander Darwin's 'The Combat Codes' trilogy, and was a great finish to the series.
Split into two parts, the first part focuses on Murray Pearson and the Whelps - Dozer, Knees and Brynn - as they travel on a Pilgrimage, a Grievar tradition that involves fighting challenges across the nation. But Murray has another reason for joining the Whelps on their pilgrimage, he's searching for his protége Cego.
Mostly following Murray's point of view, it works very well. Punctuated with flashbacks, these glimpses catch us up on the back story of what has been going on in between books, adding depth to story, the world building, and the character development, especially for Murray, as he drags himself from a drunken despair after losing Cego at the end of the previous book, 'Grievar's Blood', before waking from his stupor and realising that he has a promise to keep, one which he can't keep if he's feeling sorry for himself at the bottom of a bottle.
The second part of the book switches the POV to Cego, now reunited with the Whelps, and returns to the classrooms of the Lyceum. As with the first part, this change works very well, as we get a sense of what Cego has gone through mentally, as well as physically, and how his relationships with the Whelps has changed. We also see how the Lyceum has changed whilst he and the Whelps have been away, with the toady Callen Albright now in charge. It all builds up to a brutal final confrontation with Cego's brother, Silas the Slayer, leader of the Flux rebellion, of which he was briefly a part of, in a winner takes all fight.
It's a crescendo of a finish, one that it has been building up to over the course of the series, and Alexander Darwin pulls it off, sticking the landing! Filled with memorable and believable characters, in an expansive dystopian sci-fi world full of different races, beliefs and creatures, with spectacular authentically described brutal fight sequences (Darwin is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt after all!), it keeps you fully engaged with a slow burn as we catch up with the timeline, but once it nears the end is full of twists and turns, unrelenting and exciting. 'Blacklight Born', as well as 'The Combat Codes' trilogy as a whole, has been an epic read. Questions were answered, and threads were tied up, but by the end, it still leaves you wanting more.
A satisfying ending to a great series that is very much recommended reading.
Note: I did receive an e-ARC edition of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Split into two parts, the first part focuses on Murray Pearson and the Whelps - Dozer, Knees and Brynn - as they travel on a Pilgrimage, a Grievar tradition that involves fighting challenges across the nation. But Murray has another reason for joining the Whelps on their pilgrimage, he's searching for his protége Cego.
Mostly following Murray's point of view, it works very well. Punctuated with flashbacks, these glimpses catch us up on the back story of what has been going on in between books, adding depth to story, the world building, and the character development, especially for Murray, as he drags himself from a drunken despair after losing Cego at the end of the previous book, 'Grievar's Blood', before waking from his stupor and realising that he has a promise to keep, one which he can't keep if he's feeling sorry for himself at the bottom of a bottle.
The second part of the book switches the POV to Cego, now reunited with the Whelps, and returns to the classrooms of the Lyceum. As with the first part, this change works very well, as we get a sense of what Cego has gone through mentally, as well as physically, and how his relationships with the Whelps has changed. We also see how the Lyceum has changed whilst he and the Whelps have been away, with the toady Callen Albright now in charge. It all builds up to a brutal final confrontation with Cego's brother, Silas the Slayer, leader of the Flux rebellion, of which he was briefly a part of, in a winner takes all fight.
It's a crescendo of a finish, one that it has been building up to over the course of the series, and Alexander Darwin pulls it off, sticking the landing! Filled with memorable and believable characters, in an expansive dystopian sci-fi world full of different races, beliefs and creatures, with spectacular authentically described brutal fight sequences (Darwin is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt after all!), it keeps you fully engaged with a slow burn as we catch up with the timeline, but once it nears the end is full of twists and turns, unrelenting and exciting. 'Blacklight Born', as well as 'The Combat Codes' trilogy as a whole, has been an epic read. Questions were answered, and threads were tied up, but by the end, it still leaves you wanting more.
A satisfying ending to a great series that is very much recommended reading.
Note: I did receive an e-ARC edition of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2021
First I have to say that as with all great books the worst thing about this one is that it ended. In the Combat Codes trilogy Darwin has built a fascinating world with a host of rich characters that you can't help but want to know more about and unfortunately the trilogy can only focus on so many of them at once.
That being said, Blacklight Born delivers an excellent and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy closing up most of the loose ends quite neatly and continuing to deliver the spectacularly written fight scenes that are Darwin's trademark. If you enjoyed the first two you will definitely enjoy the conclusion, but it will leave you hoping for a 'Tales From the Lyceum" anthology or something of that nature that gives us a deeper dive into the history of the world that Darwin has built.
That being said, Blacklight Born delivers an excellent and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy closing up most of the loose ends quite neatly and continuing to deliver the spectacularly written fight scenes that are Darwin's trademark. If you enjoyed the first two you will definitely enjoy the conclusion, but it will leave you hoping for a 'Tales From the Lyceum" anthology or something of that nature that gives us a deeper dive into the history of the world that Darwin has built.
August 3, 2025
The Combat Codes trilogy comes to a very rushed and convenient end in "Blacklight Born". This book has a lot of issues. The plot is messy, full of narrative holes and unresolved story beats. The conclusion feels unearned and rushed. Worse still, when closing the book after reading the final chapters, I felt that the story hadn't really concluded at all and that the fate of the world and its characters was still unresolved.
Still, for some reason, I enjoyed my time with this book. I liked spending time with the characters. I enjoyed the action and climactic third act. But like an enjoyable over the top Hollywood action film, this book is mostly enjoyable on a visceral level, not an intellectual one.
⭐⭐⭐
🔹6.0/10🔹
Still, for some reason, I enjoyed my time with this book. I liked spending time with the characters. I enjoyed the action and climactic third act. But like an enjoyable over the top Hollywood action film, this book is mostly enjoyable on a visceral level, not an intellectual one.
⭐⭐⭐
🔹6.0/10🔹
March 9, 2025
I had a good time reading this book, the final in the COMBAT CODES trilogy.
Darwin does not disappoint with the fighting scenes, as the author continues to be a master at writing details of matches.
I don’t want to spoil anything, so to keep this vague I will say that I thought many of the characters actions and motives felt out of place in this book. And the plot unnecessarily chaotic at different points. Also, writing-wise there were too many uses of the same plot devices to move the story along.
Overall, though, it is a good read. Lots of action and emotion - highly entertaining and unique. The last third of the book is full of interesting reveals and plot twists, and I was happy with the ending overall.
Darwin does not disappoint with the fighting scenes, as the author continues to be a master at writing details of matches.
I don’t want to spoil anything, so to keep this vague I will say that I thought many of the characters actions and motives felt out of place in this book. And the plot unnecessarily chaotic at different points. Also, writing-wise there were too many uses of the same plot devices to move the story along.
Overall, though, it is a good read. Lots of action and emotion - highly entertaining and unique. The last third of the book is full of interesting reveals and plot twists, and I was happy with the ending overall.
July 27, 2021
Blacklight Born, like the two books before it, stands strong and unique in a sea of derivative books. I've never read better unarmed martial combat in any book, and the world and characters shaped around that combat are a joy.
While each book in The Combat Codes is individually excellent, I kinda wish they fit together as a trilogy a little better. The amount of story Darwin compresses into these three books is just not enough, at times. I wanted more, and not just because the writing and characters are excellent. Certain connections or choices or character fallouts don't have time to be given proper weight, before the plot moves on. This is especially true of the latter half of Blacklight Born.
Complaints about the series' pacing aside, The Combat Codes are a unique fantasy/sci-fi mashup unlike anything else out there. This is a world I want to revisit, with characters I'd love to have champion a Harry Potter-length school series. The story pulls very few punches. A must-read.
While each book in The Combat Codes is individually excellent, I kinda wish they fit together as a trilogy a little better. The amount of story Darwin compresses into these three books is just not enough, at times. I wanted more, and not just because the writing and characters are excellent. Certain connections or choices or character fallouts don't have time to be given proper weight, before the plot moves on. This is especially true of the latter half of Blacklight Born.
Complaints about the series' pacing aside, The Combat Codes are a unique fantasy/sci-fi mashup unlike anything else out there. This is a world I want to revisit, with characters I'd love to have champion a Harry Potter-length school series. The story pulls very few punches. A must-read.
August 5, 2021
An incredible ending to a truly awesome and unique series - this needs to be a movie or TV show. If you are a fan of MMA or martial arts this is a must, but even if you just love great worldbuilding and a fun cast of characters in a book chalk full of action, read Combat Codes.
September 22, 2021
Amazing read
The final books finshed strong with a lot of sad moments, but also well described fights and hope that things will end well. It had been a nice time reading these books. Thanks for the work, Alexander and I will keep an eye on what you will bring on the future books.
The final books finshed strong with a lot of sad moments, but also well described fights and hope that things will end well. It had been a nice time reading these books. Thanks for the work, Alexander and I will keep an eye on what you will bring on the future books.
July 21, 2021
If you made it to this review, it’s because you liked the first two books and want to know if you should continue reading. I think the answer is definitely yes as it ties up a lot of loose ends and gives you closure.
That being said, while I enjoyed Blacklight Born, I did not enjoy it quite as much as I enjoyed the first two books (which were two of my favourite books of the past two years).
I think it’s because the concept behind the books wasn’t as new to me after three books, and because I was looking for another unwinnable fight akin to the one with the Goliath and I didn’t find one, because Cego had proven in the previous book that he could beat the unbeatable.
That being said the story is good, and the author continues to write amazingly detailed action sequences.
I recommend the book and the series and I look forward to reading more from the author.
That being said, while I enjoyed Blacklight Born, I did not enjoy it quite as much as I enjoyed the first two books (which were two of my favourite books of the past two years).
I think it’s because the concept behind the books wasn’t as new to me after three books, and because I was looking for another unwinnable fight akin to the one with the Goliath and I didn’t find one, because Cego had proven in the previous book that he could beat the unbeatable.
That being said the story is good, and the author continues to write amazingly detailed action sequences.
I recommend the book and the series and I look forward to reading more from the author.
March 28, 2025
This review was originally posted on SFFINSIDERS.COM
The Combat Codes Saga concludes with Blacklight Born, an electrifying and heartfelt finale that solidifies this series as one of the most unique blends of sci-fi and fantasy I’ve read in years. From the very first book, Alexander Darwin masterfully blurred genre lines with creative in-world tech and an MMA-inspired justice system that governs society. Now, with the trilogy’s conclusion, he delivers an unforgettable story packed with action, emotion, and a deep exploration of identity and loyalty.
I absolutely loved the first two books, and the third didn’t disappoint. The reunion of Murray and the Whelps felt like coming home—bringing the team back together to face Silas and the Flux was exactly the kind of high-stakes setup I’d hoped for. The ending left me satisfied (and yes, a little emotional).
“The fight’s not always the one in front of us. But doesn’t mean I like the way we need to go about it.”
Cego’s journey is particularly compelling. After being absent for much of the previous book, he returns as a changed man—haunted by his experiences and grappling with his identity. Gone is the strong, loyal fighter we once knew. Instead, we see a man questioning who he is and where he belongs, adding a layer of emotional depth to the story.
“Try to control it all, and all control will be lost to you.”
Darwin’s willingness to take risks with his narrative continues to impress. I love how he tackled the themes of friendship, sacrifice, perseverance, and the journey toward self-acceptance, flaws and all—that has kept me so invested in the series.
And of course, the fights. I can’t stress this enough: Darwin’s fight scenes remain some of the best I’ve ever read. The final battle alone left me speechless. It’s gripping, cinematic, and will have you perched on the edge of your seat.
The resolution of the brothers’ storyline was one of the most fulfilling aspects of the book. Watching the relationship between Cego and Sam come full circle—shaped by their shared past and the men they’ve become—was deeply satisfying. Cego’s reunion with Sam was one of those emotional aha moments that will live rent-free in my mind for years to come.
“A true master is one who never loses the beginner’s mind. Passage Four, Eighth Precept of the Combat Codes”
Blacklight Born is an epic conclusion to a truly one-of-a-kind series. While the story’s ambitious scope occasionally left me wishing for more time with certain characters, the emotional payoffs and thrilling action more than made up for it. Alexander Darwin has crafted a saga that stands out not just for its unique premise, but for its heart and humanity.
If you’re looking for a genre-defying series with top-notch fight scenes, rich world-building, and characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page, the Combat Codes Saga is an absolute must-read.
“Power makes demons of those who rule, and hunger makes savages of those who serve.”
The Combat Codes Saga concludes with Blacklight Born, an electrifying and heartfelt finale that solidifies this series as one of the most unique blends of sci-fi and fantasy I’ve read in years. From the very first book, Alexander Darwin masterfully blurred genre lines with creative in-world tech and an MMA-inspired justice system that governs society. Now, with the trilogy’s conclusion, he delivers an unforgettable story packed with action, emotion, and a deep exploration of identity and loyalty.
I absolutely loved the first two books, and the third didn’t disappoint. The reunion of Murray and the Whelps felt like coming home—bringing the team back together to face Silas and the Flux was exactly the kind of high-stakes setup I’d hoped for. The ending left me satisfied (and yes, a little emotional).
“The fight’s not always the one in front of us. But doesn’t mean I like the way we need to go about it.”
Cego’s journey is particularly compelling. After being absent for much of the previous book, he returns as a changed man—haunted by his experiences and grappling with his identity. Gone is the strong, loyal fighter we once knew. Instead, we see a man questioning who he is and where he belongs, adding a layer of emotional depth to the story.
“Try to control it all, and all control will be lost to you.”
Darwin’s willingness to take risks with his narrative continues to impress. I love how he tackled the themes of friendship, sacrifice, perseverance, and the journey toward self-acceptance, flaws and all—that has kept me so invested in the series.
And of course, the fights. I can’t stress this enough: Darwin’s fight scenes remain some of the best I’ve ever read. The final battle alone left me speechless. It’s gripping, cinematic, and will have you perched on the edge of your seat.
The resolution of the brothers’ storyline was one of the most fulfilling aspects of the book. Watching the relationship between Cego and Sam come full circle—shaped by their shared past and the men they’ve become—was deeply satisfying. Cego’s reunion with Sam was one of those emotional aha moments that will live rent-free in my mind for years to come.
“A true master is one who never loses the beginner’s mind. Passage Four, Eighth Precept of the Combat Codes”
Blacklight Born is an epic conclusion to a truly one-of-a-kind series. While the story’s ambitious scope occasionally left me wishing for more time with certain characters, the emotional payoffs and thrilling action more than made up for it. Alexander Darwin has crafted a saga that stands out not just for its unique premise, but for its heart and humanity.
If you’re looking for a genre-defying series with top-notch fight scenes, rich world-building, and characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page, the Combat Codes Saga is an absolute must-read.
“Power makes demons of those who rule, and hunger makes savages of those who serve.”
July 14, 2021
A fantastic read that manages to feel real even though it takes place in a fantasy and sci-fi univers. If you love the Philip K. Dick's Blade runner universe, but want your fighting scenes to be as close to real life mixed martial arts this is the book for you.
September 23, 2024
What a stunning conclusion to the Combat Codes trilogy!
Blacklight Born picks up after a small time jump following book 2. Cego is now working with his brother Silas to overthrow the Daimyo, and Murray has taken the Whelps on a Pilgrimage for combat training, with the secret mission of finding and freeing Cego from Silas's control. Will the Whelps be able to save Cego? Will the Daimyo ever be overthrow? These questions and more are answered in this action packed finale to the "Combat Codes"!
I'm happy to say that this conclusion did not disappoint. We follow Cego's journey to determine what side of the war he's on as he questions what he really wants. As with book 2, many of the chapters are from different character's points of view, so the reader gets to see what everyone is thinking at moments of high tension. I enjoyed how everything wrapped up, as well as some twists I did not see coming near the end! There is so much emotion packed into this novel-devastation, shock, friendship, along with many others. The author did a great job of keeping the characters true to themselves and I was very fond of the intense friendship between the Whelps.
A few things confused me-how easily Cego changed sides, the fact that Silas seemed a lot more evil in this novel (in the last novel I was sure he was a good guy, but all of a sudden we see a completely different side of him), and I wanted a bit more about the state of the world in the epilogue. These things ultimately led me to rating the book 4/5 stars, but still, I enjoyed the series as a whole and would highly recommend to fantasy readers.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Orbit Books for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Blacklight Born picks up after a small time jump following book 2. Cego is now working with his brother Silas to overthrow the Daimyo, and Murray has taken the Whelps on a Pilgrimage for combat training, with the secret mission of finding and freeing Cego from Silas's control. Will the Whelps be able to save Cego? Will the Daimyo ever be overthrow? These questions and more are answered in this action packed finale to the "Combat Codes"!
I'm happy to say that this conclusion did not disappoint. We follow Cego's journey to determine what side of the war he's on as he questions what he really wants. As with book 2, many of the chapters are from different character's points of view, so the reader gets to see what everyone is thinking at moments of high tension. I enjoyed how everything wrapped up, as well as some twists I did not see coming near the end! There is so much emotion packed into this novel-devastation, shock, friendship, along with many others. The author did a great job of keeping the characters true to themselves and I was very fond of the intense friendship between the Whelps.
A few things confused me-how easily Cego changed sides, the fact that Silas seemed a lot more evil in this novel (in the last novel I was sure he was a good guy, but all of a sudden we see a completely different side of him), and I wanted a bit more about the state of the world in the epilogue. These things ultimately led me to rating the book 4/5 stars, but still, I enjoyed the series as a whole and would highly recommend to fantasy readers.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Orbit Books for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2024
Sadly, I couldn't get into 'Blacklight Born'. With the previous two books, it took me a while to get there, but once I was in, I was in, and that would happen at roughly the 100 page mark.
The style of the narrative is quite different, and that may have contributed to it not fully working for me. We return to Murray as a narrator, the main one this time, and his chapters are split between past and present. Often when I see this structure there is a meaning behind it: timelines intersect, the character reflects upon some segments, but here, nothing of the sort. It reads like a split linear narrative and it just added confusion instead of interesting context.
There were also time jumps which in and off themselves wouldn't be a negative, but during this time characters make decisions that go unexplained. For example, Cego changes his mind between one camp to another in what is a revolution. That's huge, and is barely addressed. We don't know his thought process, only the action that led to it.
I also thought that the author stayed at a safe distance from introducing any greyness to the characters, even though it could have brought some fascinating developments, especially in the case of the brothers. Instead the story went into a predictable direction, where the only excitement was added by the action scenes. Though there was an unexpected reveal towards the end, it didn't make up in my opinion for the lack of twists and tension.
Naturally I wish the momentum extended towards the end, oh well...
The style of the narrative is quite different, and that may have contributed to it not fully working for me. We return to Murray as a narrator, the main one this time, and his chapters are split between past and present. Often when I see this structure there is a meaning behind it: timelines intersect, the character reflects upon some segments, but here, nothing of the sort. It reads like a split linear narrative and it just added confusion instead of interesting context.
There were also time jumps which in and off themselves wouldn't be a negative, but during this time characters make decisions that go unexplained. For example, Cego changes his mind between one camp to another in what is a revolution. That's huge, and is barely addressed. We don't know his thought process, only the action that led to it.
I also thought that the author stayed at a safe distance from introducing any greyness to the characters, even though it could have brought some fascinating developments, especially in the case of the brothers. Instead the story went into a predictable direction, where the only excitement was added by the action scenes. Though there was an unexpected reveal towards the end, it didn't make up in my opinion for the lack of twists and tension.
Naturally I wish the momentum extended towards the end, oh well...
September 28, 2021
A satisfying conclusion.
The ending of s series I'd always bittersweet. The characters that you've come to know and love are saying goodbye, but this story finishes on a good note. Challenges overcome, family reunited, and corruption cleansed. I'll miss my Greivar friends, but I'm glad they will live on in happy memory. Oh and as a bonus, lots of choco...rocs... ;).
The ending of s series I'd always bittersweet. The characters that you've come to know and love are saying goodbye, but this story finishes on a good note. Challenges overcome, family reunited, and corruption cleansed. I'll miss my Greivar friends, but I'm glad they will live on in happy memory. Oh and as a bonus, lots of choco...rocs... ;).
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