The Swordmaster and the Strategist

Requiem for the Stars, Book 1

De: Jeremy Bai

Narrado por: Fajer Al-Kaisi

Xerxes' first mage mission is a routine inspection, so why is he fighting for his life?

Banished demons from Nightmare Cove have come for blood. 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. If Xerxes outlasts the fall of an empire, what will rise from the dust?

©2024 Jeremy Bai (P)2024 Podium Audio

A Great Story

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

Loved it

Wow Jermey does it again. I'm a big fan of his other titles and this didn't disappoint! I really enjoyed the world, characters and magic system plus the great narration. Can't wait to see whats next!

An excellent story, wonderfully performed.

I've been following Mr. Bai's works (translations and original texts) for years now, and he is fantastic. This story is great, with good character development, and the narrator does a fantastic job. can't wait for the next in the series.

Loved it, can't wait for more!

Can't wait for more!!! Deathblade, hope you can work hard on giving us more from this universe.

Only complain is that the economic structure did not make much sense to me. Like if you could explain how the mages were paid similarly/differently from the unsighted, and if mages struggle to get a home in the city, then where and how do unsighted do so?

Other than that I loved the character building that we had as the story progressed. In my opinion there were no plot armors, and the story was surreal. Thank you!

P.S. I really wonder if this series with its universe can turn into something like Star Wars or Dune. Would be awesome!