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Returner's Defiance #3
Returner's Defiance 3
Bran returns to Vein City to find Gloria jealous that he came back with Nyx and Circe. While trying to solve that, Vincent becomes even pushier about entering the Vault.
When going to open it, Bran discovers that this life has changed yet again. For whatever reason, they had gotten perrilously close to cracking the Vault on their own and drawing all the future heroes of the First Demon War in a demonic trap.
It's up to Bran to make sure they all make it out alive while reaping as much reward as he can from the Vault.
When going to open it, Bran discovers that this life has changed yet again. For whatever reason, they had gotten perrilously close to cracking the Vault on their own and drawing all the future heroes of the First Demon War in a demonic trap.
It's up to Bran to make sure they all make it out alive while reaping as much reward as he can from the Vault.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2025
551 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Sentar
50 books776 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 62 reviews
February 12, 2025
Just lazy
I completely understand advancing time occasionally in a book; however, with that being said, losing over a year of prep time in such an awful way is just lazy writing. It’s clear the author didn’t really have anything to keep going so he just dropped this to fast forward to the war.
Almost the entire book was a single dungeon! We’re not even going to touch the cringe that is the recurring “historical” figures that keep popping up.
The MC went from being cold, calculating, and methodical to just fumbling along. His fighting style has devolved to smash it hard and spit on it.
I really wanted to like this, but it was such a huge disappointment. Almost nothing in the actual story was advanced, well advanced in a meaningful way. The timeline just lost over a year from what was established because the author got lazy.
I already stopped reading the Ards Oath series, because I genuinely hate that character, and sadly I am wondering if this one is going to be a drop as well at this rate.
I completely understand advancing time occasionally in a book; however, with that being said, losing over a year of prep time in such an awful way is just lazy writing. It’s clear the author didn’t really have anything to keep going so he just dropped this to fast forward to the war.
Almost the entire book was a single dungeon! We’re not even going to touch the cringe that is the recurring “historical” figures that keep popping up.
The MC went from being cold, calculating, and methodical to just fumbling along. His fighting style has devolved to smash it hard and spit on it.
I really wanted to like this, but it was such a huge disappointment. Almost nothing in the actual story was advanced, well advanced in a meaningful way. The timeline just lost over a year from what was established because the author got lazy.
I already stopped reading the Ards Oath series, because I genuinely hate that character, and sadly I am wondering if this one is going to be a drop as well at this rate.
February 12, 2025
Regression books only work if you remember the reason why you went back. This has lost the plot. It is now just greed and possession. This was a terrible way to segway into the next phase. Filler at its worst.
February 13, 2025
Fun but messy
This book is noticeably less consistently paced than the previous two. The first few days include more detail, then week's and months pass with many interesting events but without many details. Honestly, it feels like the author wanted to rush us to the war.
At the same time, the romantic aspect is definitely weaker. There are setups for future relationships, but none get particular focus. At the same time, the current romances are sidelined to keep the pace fast.
Beyond that, it's still a fun story with good action and intriguing character setups. The world building is still interesting and we can look forward to the payoffs in the next book.
This book is noticeably less consistently paced than the previous two. The first few days include more detail, then week's and months pass with many interesting events but without many details. Honestly, it feels like the author wanted to rush us to the war.
At the same time, the romantic aspect is definitely weaker. There are setups for future relationships, but none get particular focus. At the same time, the current romances are sidelined to keep the pace fast.
Beyond that, it's still a fun story with good action and intriguing character setups. The world building is still interesting and we can look forward to the payoffs in the next book.
February 9, 2025
The time skip was annoying, feeling like a lot of opportunity was lost, but I understand Sentar wanted to move the story along since there's a bunch of wars he has to get through.
That aside, most of the book was in an instance and I'm more interested in the stuff outside instances, so I didn't enjoy this one as much.
That aside, most of the book was in an instance and I'm more interested in the stuff outside instances, so I didn't enjoy this one as much.
March 26, 2025
Just a lot more of the same. It really felt like it had run out of steam.
February 12, 2025
Better than a lot of the author's recent stuff, but not a "must-read" page-turner of a story. It got read before I finished the latest of the Ard books (which I have had in my library much longer) so Bran is definitely the less obnoxious MC.
That's not a high bar to pass though, so all I can say about this is if the story so far has interested you, this is more of that. I'm just not sure that "more of that" is enough to keep me engaged. It occurs to me that a lot of authors use harem elements to cover for MC flaws, and that is not always done well.
I've already largely dropped a few authors that I've read for a while, and this author is skating close to joining them. Or maybe I'm just in a bad mood today; time will tell.
That's not a high bar to pass though, so all I can say about this is if the story so far has interested you, this is more of that. I'm just not sure that "more of that" is enough to keep me engaged. It occurs to me that a lot of authors use harem elements to cover for MC flaws, and that is not always done well.
I've already largely dropped a few authors that I've read for a while, and this author is skating close to joining them. Or maybe I'm just in a bad mood today; time will tell.
March 9, 2025
Every single 5 star review was written by a bot, including the ones written by humans
August 27, 2025
Ok, i can be convinced of the idea that demons came up with the bright idea 'hey, let's seal away 1000 or so demon souls into a vault, and just keep them there for 1000s of years until one day, hopefully, someone will come along and open it up and go through the trials so the demons can possess them. Oh and hopefully it won't just be one greedy dude entering the vault, but 100s of people so many demons can get a body to possess.' I mean, that sounds preposterous, especially since it's already been explained that demons are wandering the earth already, capturing potentially strong people and possessing them, without the need for all this vault business, but whatever. Let's go with it, it makes for good story, and we have to fast forward to D-Day of the Rapture somehow, otherwise it will take many more books to get there. That said, God is Bran a bonehead in this story. He knows what's in the vault, he knows the dangers, and he's going in with a small army of initiates who were instrumental to winning the first Demon War in his past life. So does he warn them at all about what to expect? Naw. Let's just let them do their own thing, and good luck not getting possessed. Like 95% of the people that entered that vault at the same time as Bran, he didn't even see again until the end, when they already could've been possessed, and many were. Dammit Bran, you did dick all to help those people, despite knowing what was coming. Even your own associates, you only managed to save them from possession one and all by fucking accident cause surprise surprise, they have a skill to summon you to their soul to fight for them, and you just so happened to have nothing better going on at the time so you noticed their plight.
Geez, admittedly, Bran realizes his poor planning, and whatnot after the fact, but i expect better from the guy who trying to save the world and has had brilliant strategies in the past. How infuriating. I MEAN SERIOUSLY, he just lets all these integral players walk into a demon infested vault with not one damn word of warning. Does he even want to win the Demon War? 'Sure let me open that shit for you. There you go. Have fun.'
Now there's 2 weeks left until Rapture. i better be reading about how Bran is sticking freshly cooked pizzas and bags of chips and 2Ls of Coke and cases of beer and tons of other shit into his storage ring prior to the Rapture next book or i'll be mad, cause i need to hear that shit.
Geez, admittedly, Bran realizes his poor planning, and whatnot after the fact, but i expect better from the guy who trying to save the world and has had brilliant strategies in the past. How infuriating. I MEAN SERIOUSLY, he just lets all these integral players walk into a demon infested vault with not one damn word of warning. Does he even want to win the Demon War? 'Sure let me open that shit for you. There you go. Have fun.'
Now there's 2 weeks left until Rapture. i better be reading about how Bran is sticking freshly cooked pizzas and bags of chips and 2Ls of Coke and cases of beer and tons of other shit into his storage ring prior to the Rapture next book or i'll be mad, cause i need to hear that shit.
July 1, 2025
Rating 3.5 stars
Not as good as the previous 2 books. Mainly because Bran did a couple of things I thought were questionable right from the start. Overall, I still enjoy the series and it seems like the next book is the start of the apocalypse so it will be interesting to see how things change from there.
Not as good as the previous 2 books. Mainly because Bran did a couple of things I thought were questionable right from the start. Overall, I still enjoy the series and it seems like the next book is the start of the apocalypse so it will be interesting to see how things change from there.
February 28, 2025
I have really loved the previous books but this was a slight let down. I still enjoyed it but it didn't blow me away as much as the previous books in the series. The time in the instance seemed to be a little too understated and the Da Vinci character seemed to be a missed opportunity for Sentar, maybe we will see him in the future.
The ending was very good but I am concerned that Bran may be becoming to strong to fast and have a hard time meeting any resistance in the future. The demon general interaction and concept was very cool and created a unique challenge for Bran that mere strength could not necessary solve.
I have enjoyed the addition of the Merlin character and hope that we get to see her take a larger role and see more of what she can bring to the book in both a strength and alternative to the current ladies in his group.
I am wondering the value in skipping to the Rapture instead of utilizing more of the prep time. We will definitely see how this plays out.
The ending was very good but I am concerned that Bran may be becoming to strong to fast and have a hard time meeting any resistance in the future. The demon general interaction and concept was very cool and created a unique challenge for Bran that mere strength could not necessary solve.
I have enjoyed the addition of the Merlin character and hope that we get to see her take a larger role and see more of what she can bring to the book in both a strength and alternative to the current ladies in his group.
I am wondering the value in skipping to the Rapture instead of utilizing more of the prep time. We will definitely see how this plays out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2025
Every now and then, Bruce Sentar writes a bad book. This is the case with this third installment of Returner's Defiance. I think the book was poorly prepared, written without a plan, as the events unfold in such a chaotic fashion. The main plot of this book is a bit out of step with the first two. (The progression of Bran's powers, admittedly too rapid in the first two volumes, suffers a severe setback here.)
The author also gets bogged down by a multitude of secondary characters who weigh down the story, and by point-of-view changes that aren't always relevant.
Above all, a lot of unfinished business doesn't move forward an inch in this third volume, from which the previously well-used stats progressively disappear. The only thing that really moves forward is time, which allows the author to end this trilogy very artificially.
However, I will read the next one, and I'm pretty sure it will be a good one.
The author also gets bogged down by a multitude of secondary characters who weigh down the story, and by point-of-view changes that aren't always relevant.
Above all, a lot of unfinished business doesn't move forward an inch in this third volume, from which the previously well-used stats progressively disappear. The only thing that really moves forward is time, which allows the author to end this trilogy very artificially.
However, I will read the next one, and I'm pretty sure it will be a good one.
November 3, 2025
Im disappointed.
The last book already left a bitter taste as the Mc went in with the plan to be secretive and ended up spilling all his secrets, including class and abilities to everyone.
This time the Mc went into a trap with the purpose of saving humans and stealing resources. Once again he had no plan and trapped inside and played for a fool for large parts.
It seems that neither the Mc has a plan what he’s doing nor the author how he wants his book to play out. It wasn’t even really exciting. Worst part is that afterwards the author makes it seem like the Mc has accomplished something great.
I‘ve lost interest in the series and the author. This is the second series from Sentar I‘ve tried and both roughly went the same way. First book great, second book worse than the first and third book onwards just poor writing.
The last book already left a bitter taste as the Mc went in with the plan to be secretive and ended up spilling all his secrets, including class and abilities to everyone.
This time the Mc went into a trap with the purpose of saving humans and stealing resources. Once again he had no plan and trapped inside and played for a fool for large parts.
It seems that neither the Mc has a plan what he’s doing nor the author how he wants his book to play out. It wasn’t even really exciting. Worst part is that afterwards the author makes it seem like the Mc has accomplished something great.
I‘ve lost interest in the series and the author. This is the second series from Sentar I‘ve tried and both roughly went the same way. First book great, second book worse than the first and third book onwards just poor writing.
February 17, 2025
An improvement over the previous two books, but it still feels more like a missed opportunity of realizing a pretty solid premise. The whole series lacks planning and editing. The former would allow you to write a sequence of sensible events, and the latter would allow you to go back and revise your sequence of nonsensical events. Unfortunately, this series has neither, so we are left with an often baffling narrative that requires bizarre and unexplained actions by characters for things like, I don't know, a year-long time-skip that would otherwise require another two or three books to span.
February 17, 2025
This book was a strong if somewhat predictable 3rd book to this series. I do have some concerns going forward with it.
The MC tends to do way too much on his own. He'll take his harem with him often enough, but then separates from them and goes off to be OP. It makes his harem/party members feel like bit players instead of fully active participants. I'd like to see them be more up front in some of the battles, instead of just providing minor support.
No new members are added to the harem, though there is some that should become one some day.
The MC tends to do way too much on his own. He'll take his harem with him often enough, but then separates from them and goes off to be OP. It makes his harem/party members feel like bit players instead of fully active participants. I'd like to see them be more up front in some of the battles, instead of just providing minor support.
No new members are added to the harem, though there is some that should become one some day.
February 24, 2025
Bran rounds out the harem with Circe and Merlin, more shenanigans, lots of demon slaying, a dragon raccoon (A DRACOON!), and so on. If you've read any other Sentar you'll know that this author consistently delivers (except endings). This was another fun romp with Bran and the gang and after some reflection I appreciated fast-forwarding to the apocalypse. The Cult of Bran is a little weird though but hopefully it gets tempered by some members that have less of a savior complex.
4/5 solid litrpg joint
4/5 solid litrpg joint
March 30, 2025
The story in this book is another long side quest. The plot is okay if nothing to write home about. A lot of the story felt very contrived.
For once, the harem doesn't increase. There are also less sex scenes.
Criticism and comments
I hated the story line about Myra, Kyra and Lyra. As Bran could have used the skills on literally everyone, they felt wasted. Instead of using them on trusted people with the highest potential and motivations he just gifted them to mere servants who never did any fighting in their lives..
For once, the harem doesn't increase. There are also less sex scenes.
Criticism and comments
I hated the story line about Myra, Kyra and Lyra. As Bran could have used the skills on literally everyone, they felt wasted. Instead of using them on trusted people with the highest potential and motivations he just gifted them to mere servants who never did any fighting in their lives..
May 26, 2025
A proper apocalypse returner story
I came into this series expecting simple silly returnee edginess. I left chomping on the bit craving book 4 and the start of the war finally! Truly a master stroke of fun, murder and badass characters. Do wonder, though, is there a hidden big bad that followed Bran to the past and has been trying to play a chess game and failing because of the lack of knowledge? Certainly feels that way, and I can't wait to see this hidden bad guy finally reveal themselves.
I came into this series expecting simple silly returnee edginess. I left chomping on the bit craving book 4 and the start of the war finally! Truly a master stroke of fun, murder and badass characters. Do wonder, though, is there a hidden big bad that followed Bran to the past and has been trying to play a chess game and failing because of the lack of knowledge? Certainly feels that way, and I can't wait to see this hidden bad guy finally reveal themselves.
February 10, 2025
Another great one!
Not as much happened in this one plot wise, but that's fine, what we lost in progression (I say that in terms of the reader not the story, because we did skip a lot of time and that needed to happen) we gained in some very interesting characters that I hope stick around, Especially Da Vinci because they're banter back and forth was hilarious. I look forward to the next book.
Not as much happened in this one plot wise, but that's fine, what we lost in progression (I say that in terms of the reader not the story, because we did skip a lot of time and that needed to happen) we gained in some very interesting characters that I hope stick around, Especially Da Vinci because they're banter back and forth was hilarious. I look forward to the next book.
February 16, 2025
This volume focuses on Vincent's Vault and the ramifications of it. Bran does Bran things. Gloria does mafia things. Some that cause some problems and maybe made me like her a bit less. But it reminded me that this is not a White Knight story. This is a story about fighting and preparing for multiple future conflicts on a global scale.
I am still enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next entry.
I am still enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next entry.
February 10, 2025
Masterpiece
Bruce Sentar does character development like no one els, not only does he hit you with breathtaking plot lines and action, but he gives you these complex and unique characters that feel like they have minds of their own all while tying it into a lovely harem of awesomeness.
Bruce Sentar does character development like no one els, not only does he hit you with breathtaking plot lines and action, but he gives you these complex and unique characters that feel like they have minds of their own all while tying it into a lovely harem of awesomeness.
February 11, 2025
Another home run by Bruce sentar
What can I say if you have read the previous books you know the quality of this author.
Had some great Easter egg in there ("some bratty angel"), haha.
The whole thing is picking up and getting closer to the Demon war, which is going to be epic. Can't wait for the next one
What can I say if you have read the previous books you know the quality of this author.
Had some great Easter egg in there ("some bratty angel"), haha.
The whole thing is picking up and getting closer to the Demon war, which is going to be epic. Can't wait for the next one
February 14, 2025
Another amazing book
I really love this series, and every book is an excellent read. It's hard to say whether this or Dungeon diving series are my favorite because honestly every series he writes has something I love. I highly recommend both, and all of the other series if you haven't read them yet.
I really love this series, and every book is an excellent read. It's hard to say whether this or Dungeon diving series are my favorite because honestly every series he writes has something I love. I highly recommend both, and all of the other series if you haven't read them yet.
February 17, 2025
Going strong. Dungeon diving while a demon apocalypse looms
The MC and his team enter a false dungeon that has been corrupted in the demons favor. Still they face tough monsters, make new allies as well as enemies. Friends turn and then the truth comes out.
The story has many plot lines and was an interesting read.
The MC and his team enter a false dungeon that has been corrupted in the demons favor. Still they face tough monsters, make new allies as well as enemies. Friends turn and then the truth comes out.
The story has many plot lines and was an interesting read.
March 26, 2025
Great series. Great book.
This is a wonderful addition to the series and lots of progress is made. There are some new allies and some new twists. I can't wait to see what's next for Bran and the crew. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series like the Ard's Oath Mr. Sentar also writes. Looking forward to the next installment.
This is a wonderful addition to the series and lots of progress is made. There are some new allies and some new twists. I can't wait to see what's next for Bran and the crew. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series like the Ard's Oath Mr. Sentar also writes. Looking forward to the next installment.
May 26, 2025
A Top Series!
The pacing has been top notch with the build up to the Rapture and seeing Bran expand is influence all coming to the end of Book 3. I’m super excited to see how the demon invasion will take place now! Overall, I love the characters and story so far and can’t wait for more from the series!
The pacing has been top notch with the build up to the Rapture and seeing Bran expand is influence all coming to the end of Book 3. I’m super excited to see how the demon invasion will take place now! Overall, I love the characters and story so far and can’t wait for more from the series!
February 9, 2025
absolutely incredible series!
I can’t get enough of these books! Love the mix in with Greek mythology, a system, and a “reincarnation” story along with a badass MC. Don’t think I could ask for more even if I wanted too!
I can’t get enough of these books! Love the mix in with Greek mythology, a system, and a “reincarnation” story along with a badass MC. Don’t think I could ask for more even if I wanted too!
February 9, 2025
As always, a fun read
This wasn't the direction I was expecting this book to go, but it was still a fun read. I would have liked to have seen more of the buildup pre apocalypse, but can imagine that would have dragged the series on. I can't wait for book 4 though!!
This wasn't the direction I was expecting this book to go, but it was still a fun read. I would have liked to have seen more of the buildup pre apocalypse, but can imagine that would have dragged the series on. I can't wait for book 4 though!!
February 13, 2025
So So Very Awesome
I just love this series. This book had tons of action and a lot exciting battles. I wanted to see more of the relationship with the girls, but maybe next time. This is such a cool story, I can’t wait for book 4.
I just love this series. This book had tons of action and a lot exciting battles. I wanted to see more of the relationship with the girls, but maybe next time. This is such a cool story, I can’t wait for book 4.
February 21, 2025
Awesome!!!
An absolute joy to read!!! Fantastic world building and characters development and growth was exceptional!!! A crazy apocalypse story with a very unique situation!!! I love the blending of legends!!!
An absolute joy to read!!! Fantastic world building and characters development and growth was exceptional!!! A crazy apocalypse story with a very unique situation!!! I love the blending of legends!!!
March 8, 2025
Another great one.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book and series are definitely worth checking out.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book and series are definitely worth checking out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews