Grievar's Blood by Alexander Darwin
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In the world of "Grievar's Blood," single combat is more than a sport; it's the deciding factor in national disputes. Imagine settling international disagreements with a round of fisticuffs – it's like the UN but with more uppercuts. The book, featured in SFcrowsnest, introduces us to the Grievars, combatants who duke it out in arenas known as Circles. Cego, a returning character, finds himself back at the Lyceum, a combat school that makes Hogwarts look like kindergarten. He's got more on his plate than just martial arts, though. Mysterious past? Check. Missing brothers? Double check. Add to that Solara Halberd, a character with a name as sharp as her fighting skills, who's on a quest to lay her past to rest. Together, they navigate a world of shadowy politics and augmented knights. It's a bit like chess, but the pieces punch each other.