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Ard's Oath #4
Drums of War
Winter was supposed to be a time for Ard to relax and train; instead, he finds himself repairing a ruined city. The battle at Faylin has made waves, and people are starting to have expectations for Ard and, more importantly, for Gwen. The Elder Trial is set, and Ard heads back into the den of vipers that is the capital.
While his mother prepares to become an Elder and take over House Aldis, Ard is plotting and planning to ensure he doesn't get caught up in Carmilla's machinations this time around.
In the far distance, you can almost hear the drums of war warming up as the frost thaws. While Avente fights over their leadership, Garrish is preparing their invasion.
While his mother prepares to become an Elder and take over House Aldis, Ard is plotting and planning to ensure he doesn't get caught up in Carmilla's machinations this time around.
In the far distance, you can almost hear the drums of war warming up as the frost thaws. While Avente fights over their leadership, Garrish is preparing their invasion.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2024
348 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Sentar
57 books800 followersBorn and raised in the agricultural midwest, I moved every year after school even as far as Shanghai before settling down with my wife in Chicago.
I have always enjoyed Wuxia stories and became thrilled when I discovered harem stories spreading to western books. I've written down my day dreams for years as an idle hobby. Inspired by the harem genre I'm finally fleshing them out into full blown novels.
I'm excited to share my stories with you as I turn them into novels and series.
Connect with me on Facebook for updates on my latest books.
https://www.facebook.com/Bruce-Sentar...
I have always enjoyed Wuxia stories and became thrilled when I discovered harem stories spreading to western books. I've written down my day dreams for years as an idle hobby. Inspired by the harem genre I'm finally fleshing them out into full blown novels.
I'm excited to share my stories with you as I turn them into novels and series.
Connect with me on Facebook for updates on my latest books.
https://www.facebook.com/Bruce-Sentar...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 19, 2024
Wow what an awesome book in this series!!!!
Absolutely everything this author writes is impossible to put down!!! So many important e ants happened this time in the young MCs life!!! I can't wait to see what happens next!!!
Absolutely everything this author writes is impossible to put down!!! So many important e ants happened this time in the young MCs life!!! I can't wait to see what happens next!!!
April 27, 2025
Trying to catch up on this series but the author pushes out several books per year. I thought there was only one other in this series, but now I see there are two.
I liked this one much better than the previous installments as some pivotal things actually happened and there was some thread resolution (or was there?) Most of the book dealt with Court and Magic Enclave matters with a lot of political maneuvering. The world building continues to grow and there are some twists to the magic system. More sex and violence than the previous book so all the political talk did not bog the book down. My only criticism is that the main character is just to good at everything. Nothing stumps him for long and he is able to master new magic without much effort.
3 1/2 start rounded up to 4. Good enough to keep going with the series.
I liked this one much better than the previous installments as some pivotal things actually happened and there was some thread resolution (or was there?) Most of the book dealt with Court and Magic Enclave matters with a lot of political maneuvering. The world building continues to grow and there are some twists to the magic system. More sex and violence than the previous book so all the political talk did not bog the book down. My only criticism is that the main character is just to good at everything. Nothing stumps him for long and he is able to master new magic without much effort.
3 1/2 start rounded up to 4. Good enough to keep going with the series.
August 16, 2024
Arrogant, self-involved, stubborn, and sometimes stupid main character
This main character is extremely flawed and too arrogant to know it. If you make it this far, you’ll know he can’t seem to shut his mouth to save his life. The author thinks he’s funny by writing this character this way. I find it stupid and annoying. Having said that, the story material is actually pretty good.
This main character is extremely flawed and too arrogant to know it. If you make it this far, you’ll know he can’t seem to shut his mouth to save his life. The author thinks he’s funny by writing this character this way. I find it stupid and annoying. Having said that, the story material is actually pretty good.
August 14, 2024
Very disappointed with the Epilogue. A little too predictable and just poor writing. After the first princess easy death, this was inevitable. Yet she is just such a terrible and pathetic villain. Evil for the sake of being evil. Story is taking a turn for the worst. No current villain has a backstory or even a reason for their actions.
I was waiting for a true villain to appear, who is likely Freya but now that anyone can be brought back from the death, why does it even matter anymore. Martin is lame, another rotten soul, who is another king? Hecate was some evil character who just turns good. Idk what’s going to happen but it just seems like some person needs to have a goal???
I was waiting for a true villain to appear, who is likely Freya but now that anyone can be brought back from the death, why does it even matter anymore. Martin is lame, another rotten soul, who is another king? Hecate was some evil character who just turns good. Idk what’s going to happen but it just seems like some person needs to have a goal???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2024
Couldn't put it down
Another great story from Bruce Sentar! I've really enjoyed all of his books, but Ard's Oath is spectacular. I love the banter between Ard and other characters, especially his Anchors. Ard's wit has made me literally laugh out loud more than once. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
Another great story from Bruce Sentar! I've really enjoyed all of his books, but Ard's Oath is spectacular. I love the banter between Ard and other characters, especially his Anchors. Ard's wit has made me literally laugh out loud more than once. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
August 16, 2024
I've read several books by this author, but this series is my favorite. It's also the first series I read by this author, and it got me interested in reading the author's other works.
I like the characters in this book, and I especially like how the author doesn't forget the previous women in the harem. In other books, the main character focuses on the next conquest, and the previous harem members are rarely mentioned, even in passing.
I like that in Drums of War, there is no free lunch. The characters can't cast magic like Gandalf without repercussions. This is a convenient excuse for the author to have the MC posses a harem of incredibly beautiful and deadly women.
The sex is graphic - not quite Penthouse Letters, but definitely way more than fade to black. There are some BDSM but it is kept fairly light. I do like the murder bot crazy, nearly indestructible "maid" harem member. Not to be confused with the goddess "maid."
There are some slight suggestions of lesbianism, but surprisingly when the MC sleeps with that harem member and her female anchor (whom from the previous books I assumed are lovers) that we did not see a female bisexual menage de trois. A majority of the readers of these books including myself are hetero males, and a majority of hetero males have fantasies or find lesbianism erotic.
I thought Carmilla's demise too easy and was glad to see her return. I am expecting that in the next book, Carmilla will come back madder and stronger.
I like the characters in this book, and I especially like how the author doesn't forget the previous women in the harem. In other books, the main character focuses on the next conquest, and the previous harem members are rarely mentioned, even in passing.
I like that in Drums of War, there is no free lunch. The characters can't cast magic like Gandalf without repercussions. This is a convenient excuse for the author to have the MC posses a harem of incredibly beautiful and deadly women.
The sex is graphic - not quite Penthouse Letters, but definitely way more than fade to black. There are some BDSM but it is kept fairly light. I do like the murder bot crazy, nearly indestructible "maid" harem member. Not to be confused with the goddess "maid."
There are some slight suggestions of lesbianism, but surprisingly when the MC sleeps with that harem member and her female anchor (whom from the previous books I assumed are lovers) that we did not see a female bisexual menage de trois. A majority of the readers of these books including myself are hetero males, and a majority of hetero males have fantasies or find lesbianism erotic.
I thought Carmilla's demise too easy and was glad to see her return. I am expecting that in the next book, Carmilla will come back madder and stronger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2024
Fantastic
I honestly enjoyed how lacklustre Carmillas death was. She deserves it. Along with her fate at the end. I’m looking forward to Ard fighting an army and dealing with the king eventually. The length of this book was amazing. I got it lucky with free time to binge it. This is shaping into my favourite series. I love how the magic in this is so free. They aren’t locked behind spells but instead their own imaginations. Cannot wait for the next instalment in this series
I honestly enjoyed how lacklustre Carmillas death was. She deserves it. Along with her fate at the end. I’m looking forward to Ard fighting an army and dealing with the king eventually. The length of this book was amazing. I got it lucky with free time to binge it. This is shaping into my favourite series. I love how the magic in this is so free. They aren’t locked behind spells but instead their own imaginations. Cannot wait for the next instalment in this series
August 12, 2024
I almost never give 5 star reviews but Honestly feel that this series is getting better with every book. Ard is one of the best MC I have read. He is relatable and you can't help but chuckle at his quirks. The group of women around him only add to this.
5 out of 5.
5 out of 5.
August 11, 2024
Wow! Those are some big developments.
I think this was the best in the series yet! More questions were answered and it was great to see Ards growth. I loved the balance of politics and adventure and continuing to see Ards magic develop. I can't wait for #5!
I think this was the best in the series yet! More questions were answered and it was great to see Ards growth. I loved the balance of politics and adventure and continuing to see Ards magic develop. I can't wait for #5!
August 10, 2024
Man what a book
Bruce Sentar doesn’t miss, his books are fun, sexy and very entertaining. Loved this book and can’t wait for the sequel!
Bruce Sentar doesn’t miss, his books are fun, sexy and very entertaining. Loved this book and can’t wait for the sequel!
September 11, 2024
The tone is still overwhelmingly juvenile. The problem with wanting to write a witty protagonist is that when the writing falls short, he becomes a loud, self-aggrandizing tryhard that's difficult to like. I thought the book was showing signs of improvement, but the Elder Trial was a farce and such a disappointment. Everything feels so shallow and pointless that at least it's fitting that Ard trivially resolves every major conflict in the book by failing spectacularly at using his new superpower correctly.
September 18, 2024
The book is fine. Ard is grating.
A solid 3/5, if Ard could be serious for more than three lines of dialogue in a book, I'd honestly give a better review. I know saying that in book 4 of the series is kind of ironic but I'm honestly just over the character completely. I wish the Author good luck though!
A solid 3/5, if Ard could be serious for more than three lines of dialogue in a book, I'd honestly give a better review. I know saying that in book 4 of the series is kind of ironic but I'm honestly just over the character completely. I wish the Author good luck though!
October 30, 2024
Did not expect that epilogue
---Minor Spoilers---
Ard is exactly the MC I like reading about. When Maribelle faced what could be her actual death, Ard not only gave everything he had at that moment but also was about to set the world on fire if something did happen. The type of mc to save his own at the price of the world. Love that character trait from him, and I'm happy that it's making an appearance now.
As said, I really didn't expect that last epilogue scene. I started to feel bad for Carmilla, but then I thought that she would condemn anyone else to the same treatment many times over and probably has. Still, brutal, though. I had a feeling she'd come back in a way, shape, or form, considering her death seemed a little lackluster. She always has that prime antagonist thing going for her, and well, now she has another shot.
Besides that, the book is great. I got a strong "look how far we've come" feeling from the book with Selena and especially Vivi. Good book. Want more. Want to see where the story goes and how it ends up for Ard and his anchors. Can honestly say that when I started this series, I expected it to go down a completely different path. And now that I read books 1-4, without stopping, I am not even close to displeased.
---Minor Spoilers---
Ard is exactly the MC I like reading about. When Maribelle faced what could be her actual death, Ard not only gave everything he had at that moment but also was about to set the world on fire if something did happen. The type of mc to save his own at the price of the world. Love that character trait from him, and I'm happy that it's making an appearance now.
As said, I really didn't expect that last epilogue scene. I started to feel bad for Carmilla, but then I thought that she would condemn anyone else to the same treatment many times over and probably has. Still, brutal, though. I had a feeling she'd come back in a way, shape, or form, considering her death seemed a little lackluster. She always has that prime antagonist thing going for her, and well, now she has another shot.
Besides that, the book is great. I got a strong "look how far we've come" feeling from the book with Selena and especially Vivi. Good book. Want more. Want to see where the story goes and how it ends up for Ard and his anchors. Can honestly say that when I started this series, I expected it to go down a completely different path. And now that I read books 1-4, without stopping, I am not even close to displeased.
September 1, 2024
Ard continues to kick butt and take names
Enemies continue to accumulate, though some get their heads exploded. Still the battle lines internal to the kingdom are drawn, whilst barbarians attack the borders with corrupted mages. Ard continues to wreak havoc since his ideals conflict with the nobles ideal of their own importance. Meanwhile, our favorite broken maid assassin wreaks havoc of her own after becoming even more entrenched in Ard's very soulspace. Meanwhile, Martin is more than a depraved evil mage leading a country, with divine sponsors and a restored new plaything.
Looking forward to seeing what mischief Stormhaven can get up to now that she's been blessed. Meanwhile, the gods are going to war and mortals are their chess pieces. It never ends well for the chess pieces.
Enemies continue to accumulate, though some get their heads exploded. Still the battle lines internal to the kingdom are drawn, whilst barbarians attack the borders with corrupted mages. Ard continues to wreak havoc since his ideals conflict with the nobles ideal of their own importance. Meanwhile, our favorite broken maid assassin wreaks havoc of her own after becoming even more entrenched in Ard's very soulspace. Meanwhile, Martin is more than a depraved evil mage leading a country, with divine sponsors and a restored new plaything.
Looking forward to seeing what mischief Stormhaven can get up to now that she's been blessed. Meanwhile, the gods are going to war and mortals are their chess pieces. It never ends well for the chess pieces.
August 30, 2024
Another great addition to the Ard's Oath collection. This book sees Ard and his family head back to the capital as Ard completes his mage training and Gwen makes her play for the open Elder seat.
We get to see what a powerful mage Gwen is and he battle with the Princess Carmilla.
We also get to see Ard continue his ascent in power while making wise cracks along the way and ruining the common people's thoughts on what a mage should be.
We also get to see his relationship with both Sienna and his Manitcore.
Another great book and it leaves you on the cusp of some major events in the north and reintroduction to some of my favorite characters from the early books.
Can't wait for the next book.
We get to see what a powerful mage Gwen is and he battle with the Princess Carmilla.
We also get to see Ard continue his ascent in power while making wise cracks along the way and ruining the common people's thoughts on what a mage should be.
We also get to see his relationship with both Sienna and his Manitcore.
Another great book and it leaves you on the cusp of some major events in the north and reintroduction to some of my favorite characters from the early books.
Can't wait for the next book.
August 12, 2024
We rejoin Ard and his anchors dealing with the fallout of the Pirate and Mage-forged attack on the coastal city. Ard learns a new spect of magic and works to grow it as he returns to the capital to get tested before heading to war. Some new enemies crop up. Plus some for further down the line.
I enjoyed this volume and look forward to future entries. Bruce Sentar's novels do not disappoint.
I enjoyed this volume and look forward to future entries. Bruce Sentar's novels do not disappoint.
August 17, 2024
Dude!!!
I absolutely love this series and quite possibly one of the best I have read in a while. Are is back being ... We'll Add. Em, Ziri, Maribelle and the Manticore all heard back to the Capital to stir things up before heading off to war. Bloody, humour, sexy, new magic,old magic "it's got everything fencing' we'll they're swords bit work with me here, fighting, kissing. true love" More good Sir, more I say.
I absolutely love this series and quite possibly one of the best I have read in a while. Are is back being ... We'll Add. Em, Ziri, Maribelle and the Manticore all heard back to the Capital to stir things up before heading off to war. Bloody, humour, sexy, new magic,old magic "it's got everything fencing' we'll they're swords bit work with me here, fighting, kissing. true love" More good Sir, more I say.
June 13, 2025
Rough start, but improved
Alternate universe, magic, save the kingdom, OP MC, harem adult situations
Arden continues to grow in power, and manages to bond with two of his anchors. Several continuity issues at the beginning nearly made it four stars, but the writing improved enough to save the story. Some graphic scenes, but often fade-to-black. Anything else are spoilers.
Excellent editing (meaning only a few). Keeping my interest. On to book 5!
Alternate universe, magic, save the kingdom, OP MC, harem adult situations
Arden continues to grow in power, and manages to bond with two of his anchors. Several continuity issues at the beginning nearly made it four stars, but the writing improved enough to save the story. Some graphic scenes, but often fade-to-black. Anything else are spoilers.
Excellent editing (meaning only a few). Keeping my interest. On to book 5!
September 8, 2024
Snark in the park
Good story with great characters. Still a bit displeased that the "harem" is limited to the four spheres! Also, not real happy with the number of "evil" adversaries versus Ard and only one goddess (maybe two).
Still, I've invested four books into this series so now waiting for more.
Good story with great characters. Still a bit displeased that the "harem" is limited to the four spheres! Also, not real happy with the number of "evil" adversaries versus Ard and only one goddess (maybe two).
Still, I've invested four books into this series so now waiting for more.
October 14, 2024
Well done Bruce
keep pumping out this series ill be reading it and buying the audible
Sometimes you had to wear a cloak on a cold night, even if it made everyone think you were up to no good.
Literally my favorite fantasy comedy
Never give up on good banter when its not need
Hahahaahhaaaaa need KEEP ARD, ARD
keep pumping out this series ill be reading it and buying the audible
Sometimes you had to wear a cloak on a cold night, even if it made everyone think you were up to no good.
Literally my favorite fantasy comedy
Never give up on good banter when its not need
Hahahaahhaaaaa need KEEP ARD, ARD
December 30, 2024
It's good
The author continues to develop the world has a decent plot. Plenty of action. Some good intrigue, but not so much that it's boring. Nothing ever drags relationships. Move forward. There's enough setbacks that nothing ever feels like. It's just a given that the hero is going to win. Look forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommend 👍
The author continues to develop the world has a decent plot. Plenty of action. Some good intrigue, but not so much that it's boring. Nothing ever drags relationships. Move forward. There's enough setbacks that nothing ever feels like. It's just a given that the hero is going to win. Look forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommend 👍
August 12, 2024
Another top tier Book
Gotta agree with the author that Ard and Emlyn is just… chefs kiss
Honestly the series is turning into one of my all time favs character wise. It is just that damned good.
Gotta agree with the author that Ard and Emlyn is just… chefs kiss
Honestly the series is turning into one of my all time favs character wise. It is just that damned good.
August 19, 2024
wow
Talk about unexpected twists and developments.There was honestly never a dull moment in the entire story,and the author somehow managed to make every development seem authentic.
Talk about unexpected twists and developments.There was honestly never a dull moment in the entire story,and the author somehow managed to make every development seem authentic.
August 22, 2024
Dark was fun not now
I was looking forward to a growth adventure from late teen on. I grew up with norse midevil stores. I am sorry the turn came. Would have been great tale but not with lucsafer free etc. Too bad.
I was looking forward to a growth adventure from late teen on. I grew up with norse midevil stores. I am sorry the turn came. Would have been great tale but not with lucsafer free etc. Too bad.
September 11, 2024
Another great one.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's one of my favorite series. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's one of my favorite series. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
October 2, 2024
He did it again and I loved it
ARDS OATH keeps getting better and better and the magic system more dynamic and all good. This story keeps you on your toes all the way to the end and leave you wanting more, enjoy the journey it's getting better and better.
ARDS OATH keeps getting better and better and the magic system more dynamic and all good. This story keeps you on your toes all the way to the end and leave you wanting more, enjoy the journey it's getting better and better.
October 11, 2024
Very fun story
I really enjoy this series. I can't wait for the next book! The characters have all grown a ton so far but still has room to grow. The relationships are each so unique and well written. I look forward to seeing how Ard and his harem grows and changes.
I really enjoy this series. I can't wait for the next book! The characters have all grown a ton so far but still has room to grow. The relationships are each so unique and well written. I look forward to seeing how Ard and his harem grows and changes.
October 15, 2024
Ard' Oath takes a bit out of me due to how compact it is. A lot of stuff happens quickly, but it still feels like it's at a solid pace regardless, which confuses me. At the end of the day, it's a fun book that escalates the conflict to spiritual levels.
November 2, 2024
4.5 stars. Finally the story balance levels out the obnoxiousness of the MC, which has mitigated noticeably since the initial book. This one held my attention to the end, although it's getting pretty dark. I am now interested in what book 5 will have to offer.
November 16, 2024
Best yet
Despite the cover art, the main character is the star of the show. And I absolutely loved the tongue in cheek references to movies. Any more would break the mood, but this perfectly matched Ard’s mischievous personality.
Despite the cover art, the main character is the star of the show. And I absolutely loved the tongue in cheek references to movies. Any more would break the mood, but this perfectly matched Ard’s mischievous personality.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews