The first book in a debut, action-packed and character-driven science fiction trilogy set in a world where the fate of empires is determined by battle-hardened warriors who are trained to compete in brutal single combat. In a world long ago ravaged by war, the nations have sworn an armistice never to use weapons of mass destruction again. Instead, highly-skilled warriors known as Grievar Knights represent their nations' interests in brutal hand-to-hand combat. Murray Pearson was once a famed Knight until he suffered a loss that crippled his homeland -- but now he's on the hunt to discover the next champion. In underground and ruthless combat rings, an orphaned boy called Cego is making a name for himself. Murray believes Cego has what it takes to thrive in the world's most prestigious combat academy - but first, Cego must prove himself in the vicious arenas of the underworld. And survival isn't guaranteed. "A brutal and relentless science fantasy martial arts extravaganza, set in a world where the fate of nations rests on the perfect counterpunch or rear naked choke. The Combat Codes is that rare book that fully satisfies me as an action fan." -- Fonda Lee, author of Jade City