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Jeremy Bai
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The Swordmaster and the Strategist (Requiem for the Stars Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Jeremy Bai (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 26 ratings
Xerxes' first mage mission is a routine inspection, so why is he fighting for his life? Banished demons from the Nightmare Cove have come for blood, and as allies die horrific deaths around him, Xerxes has no choice but to grip his sword and call on his meager magic to stay alive. When he receives an opportunity to train at one of the most prestigious mage schools in the empire, Xerxes jumps at the chance to learn how to defeat the demons. But will it be enough? Is it too little too late?

An empire that spans the stars is cracking at the edges as a Golden Age comes to an end. Cultists hide in plain sight while mages and generals alike vie for superiority and spin secrets. As a Dark Age looms, the only way for a young combat mage to survive is to keep getting stronger. Falling in love could prove little more than a fatal distraction. The shifting tides of friendship might offer strength--or become a deadly weakness. And if Xerxes outlasts the fall of an empire, what will rise from the dust?
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  1. Book 1 of 1
    Requiem for the Stars
  2. Print length
    870 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    September 17, 2024
  6. File size
    3.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D9WPFTGV
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wraithmarked Creative, LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 17, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 870 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1955252768
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 1 ‏ : ‎ Requiem for the Stars
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 26 ratings

About the author

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Jeremy Bai

Jeremy Bai

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Jeremy Bai grew up in San Diego reading things like Barsoom, Redwall, Shannara, Riftwar, and Foundation. His first published work came in 1995 in the form of a cyberpunk noir story about a digital bounty hunter. Later, he became obsessed with wuxia, especially the works of Jin Yong and Gu Long. He lived in China for eight years, where he made a name for himself translating under the moniker Deathblade. Now he's back in Southern California, trying to be a parent while simultaneously writing sci-fi and fantasy epics. His favorite foods are SoCal rolled tacos and Chongqing hotpot, and his favorite drinks are black coffee, IPAs, and whiskey.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
26 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's narrative compelling, with one describing it as an epic beginning to a monumental journey. Moreover, the world-building receives positive feedback, with one customer noting its unique setting. Additionally, customers appreciate the depth of the story, with one mentioning its thorough exploration and deep lore.

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5 customers mention "World building"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the world-building in the book, with one noting its unique and exciting set-pieces.

"...I’m glad I did. I liked the storyline, world building and deeper mysteries involved with this novel. The pacing and evolving storyline were great...." Read more

"The prose is excellently woven, the world building sufficiently unique and thoroughly explored, and the overall narrative is compelling enough to..." Read more

"Interesting world. Unfortunately I just could find any interest in the main character and the pacing seemed off. Not a bad book. Just not for me." Read more

"...That was great! Super unique setting, great world building, very nice fights, cool enemies, simple but versatile and powerful magic system...." Read more

4 customers mention "Narrative quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the narrative of the book, with one customer describing it as an epic beginning to a monumental journey with great pacing and evolving storyline.

"...I’m glad I did. I liked the storyline, world building and deeper mysteries involved with this novel. The pacing and evolving storyline were great...." Read more

"...sufficiently unique and thoroughly explored, and the overall narrative is compelling enough to mark this well worth reading...." Read more

"...and the inevitable loss that comes from war, in this epic beginning to a monumental journey." Read more

"Awesome!! Can’t wait for more!..." Read more

3 customers mention "Depth"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the depth of the book, with one noting its thorough exploration and another highlighting its deep lore and mysteries.

"...I liked the storyline, world building and deeper mysteries involved with this novel. The pacing and evolving storyline were great...." Read more

"...excellently woven, the world building sufficiently unique and thoroughly explored, and the overall narrative is compelling enough to mark this well..." Read more

"A rich world, full of vivid characters, deep lore, and exciting set-pieces...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • A'Cha Nell
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Start!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    As soon as DB said that his new novel was out, I immediately bought the audiobook. I’m glad I did. I liked the storyline, world building and deeper mysteries involved with this novel. The pacing and evolving storyline were great. The main characters were young, although technically adults, so I was expecting more hijinks instead of serious and life threatening crises. While there is some lighthearted humor, this is a serious novel. I enjoyed the journey but it may trigger some ptsd moments with the loss of comrades. I didn’t like the teenage angst and immaturity of the mc. It was like watching a train wreck about to happen and not being able to stop it. With all the death and dying of main / secondary characters, I wasn’t sure if I was going to continue with the series but when I got to the end of book one, I couldn’t stop thinking about where the story was headed. I’m pretty sure I’m going to get the next one, not because I’m a fan of Death Blade, the WW translator, but because I’m a nascent fan of Jeremy Bai, the author. Happy reading ✌🏾
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  • Mal Ware
    5.0 out of 5 stars compelling, well-woven
    Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The prose is excellently woven, the world building sufficiently unique and thoroughly explored, and the overall narrative is compelling enough to mark this well worth reading. Extremely promising!!

    This first book was tastefully done. A true burst of quality. I’m definitely interested to see where this goes from here.

    I do have some misgivings but I’m rating this for its intended audience. The more grating moments are an understandable oversight, brief, and can be easily ignored.

    Not a fan of some absolutely juvenile bits of drama, attempts at exploring character growth, and “romance” that pop up. Considering the age of the characters here and the likely demographic this was written for that isn’t entirely awful.. but it’s close. I suspect this might have been less of a mismatch if the author more consistently explored them as the mid to late teenagers they’re supposed to be.
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  • Tyler Rhone
    4.0 out of 5 stars Has potential
    Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Not a really likeable MC at the end of the day, but there was some growth towards the end. Looking forward to seeing how he acts completely removed from the school setting
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  • Chandler
    5.0 out of 5 stars A rich world, full of vivid characters, deep lore, and exciting set-pieces.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    As best friends and skilled mages, Xerxes and Gandash, rise in the military ranks of a multi-world theocracy, they discover fundamental differences in themselves. Despite growing apart, they remain united in principle as two of the most promising and powerful figures poised to stand against a growing threat to the empire. They are: The Swordmaster and the Strategist. Along his travels, Xerxes finds comradery, love, and the inevitable loss that comes from war, in this epic beginning to a monumental journey.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Customer 2022
    3.0 out of 5 stars dnf
    Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting world. Unfortunately I just could find any interest in the main character and the pacing seemed off. Not a bad book. Just not for me.
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  • Andrew
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!! Can’t wait for more!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I read maybe 40 chapters on Royal Road way back, and I’m so glad I finally got to finish this book! That was great! Super unique setting, great world building, very nice fights, cool enemies, simple but versatile and powerful magic system. Fun characters that make it easy to get invested. Real stakes. Superb!
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Andrew Franklin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great start to a new series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The book is well paced, fun, sad, happy, and a whole lot of other things overall worth the read, so give it a try.
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