Review: Blacklight Born by Alexander Darwin
Blurb:
The Grievar War has engulfed the Empire of Kiroth and Silas the Slayer has given voice to his warrior kin, igniting a revolution within a people once bound by a thousand years of servitude.
Cego is released into a war-torn world where the lines between shadow and light are blurred. He must decide which path to follow: one of his brother's righteous rebellion or the one that leads to the family he's finally found.
Once famed knight, Murray Pearson, leads a group of Lyceum students on an adventure across Kiroth to follow the path of combat mastery. But Murray seeks something more on this long road. Redemption.
In this explosive conclusion to the Combat Codes Saga, the truth will be revealed and one final question must be answered as they step back into the Circle:
What is the cost of losing the fight?
The Combat Codes Trilogy
The Combat Codes
Grievar's Blood
Blacklight Born
Review:
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.”
