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Returner's Defiance #4
Returner's Defiance 4
The Rapture has come. Nine Hell Gates erupt across the world—tearing reality apart and changing it forever.
Bran’s plans are thrown into chaos by unexpected time dilation in the vault. With far less time than he anticipated, he must rally his organizations and seize the coming tide of resources.
But Earth is stirring. Demons are awakening, ready to begin their long-planned invasion, while the Clans move forward with agendas of their own.
To survive, Bran must carve his own path through the storm—and one thing is the world is about to change.
Bran’s plans are thrown into chaos by unexpected time dilation in the vault. With far less time than he anticipated, he must rally his organizations and seize the coming tide of resources.
But Earth is stirring. Demons are awakening, ready to begin their long-planned invasion, while the Clans move forward with agendas of their own.
To survive, Bran must carve his own path through the storm—and one thing is the world is about to change.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2025
390 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Sentar
56 books794 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 53 reviews
June 11, 2025
Complete letdown
Spoiler brand get circe incase there was any doubt about that just like every other book it's brand his side girls and his new girlfriend of the moment. I don't feel the character really cares about his other "lovers" after getting them before moving on to focus on the next conquest. There is no real character development at all. O the apocalypse has happened but we are training so we can't focus on the world ending or society's rise/fall in all this the base he was building is done and it's a fort but back to brand training and always handly beating the demons. I guess I'm tired of harem novels it's too played out. But hey, maybe portal progression harem slice of life book is your thing and u don't like character and world development, then this is your book! But I think ill be passing on any future work for Mr. Sentar.
Spoiler brand get circe incase there was any doubt about that just like every other book it's brand his side girls and his new girlfriend of the moment. I don't feel the character really cares about his other "lovers" after getting them before moving on to focus on the next conquest. There is no real character development at all. O the apocalypse has happened but we are training so we can't focus on the world ending or society's rise/fall in all this the base he was building is done and it's a fort but back to brand training and always handly beating the demons. I guess I'm tired of harem novels it's too played out. But hey, maybe portal progression harem slice of life book is your thing and u don't like character and world development, then this is your book! But I think ill be passing on any future work for Mr. Sentar.
June 18, 2025
It's good
If you like the previous books in the series, you're going to like this one. If you didn't like the previous books in this series, you're not going to like this one. This book has a good continuation of the plot. So far decent fights, more characterization, more development of the plot and ongoing characters. New characters introduced. I'm trying to be helpful but I don't want to ruin the plot for you and it's not a lot. I can tell you that won't ruin the book. It's just straight up. Good, decent fights. Not nearly as much sex as last time, but there's never that much sex. Even though they hype it up a lot. I can't really think of anything else. I'm writing this review with voice to text to help the author get more readers and let more people know this is a good book. Hope this helps
If you like the previous books in the series, you're going to like this one. If you didn't like the previous books in this series, you're not going to like this one. This book has a good continuation of the plot. So far decent fights, more characterization, more development of the plot and ongoing characters. New characters introduced. I'm trying to be helpful but I don't want to ruin the plot for you and it's not a lot. I can tell you that won't ruin the book. It's just straight up. Good, decent fights. Not nearly as much sex as last time, but there's never that much sex. Even though they hype it up a lot. I can't really think of anything else. I'm writing this review with voice to text to help the author get more readers and let more people know this is a good book. Hope this helps
December 3, 2025
This book is a complete failure.
The author failed to find a sufficiently clear angle to tell the story of the global resistance against the demon world invasion. As a result, we get a choppy narrative, riddled with ellipses, a succession of scenes with no direct connection, and a great deal of pointless dialogue.
The characters' stats are completely omitted from the story, for reasons that defy explanation. It drives me crazy.
The author failed to find a sufficiently clear angle to tell the story of the global resistance against the demon world invasion. As a result, we get a choppy narrative, riddled with ellipses, a succession of scenes with no direct connection, and a great deal of pointless dialogue.
The characters' stats are completely omitted from the story, for reasons that defy explanation. It drives me crazy.
June 19, 2025
I feel like not much actually happened in this book. For something that starts right after the literal apocalypse, it sure spends a lot of time on training montages. At least it didn’t drag us through any long instance grinds.
I’m seriously over Bran constantly thinking or saying “my women.” It’s cringey and exhausting. I really wish the harem would stop expanding. It doesn’t add anything and most of the new additions feel like box-checking more than meaningful characters. Merlin continues to be way more interesting than Circe, who just isn’t bringing anything compelling to the table. Honestly the only girl Bran actually needs is Simone.
Also, the all-women clan? Disappointing.
This book felt like filler with a side of fanservice. I’ll keep reading but I’m not expecting miracles at this point.
I’m seriously over Bran constantly thinking or saying “my women.” It’s cringey and exhausting. I really wish the harem would stop expanding. It doesn’t add anything and most of the new additions feel like box-checking more than meaningful characters. Merlin continues to be way more interesting than Circe, who just isn’t bringing anything compelling to the table. Honestly the only girl Bran actually needs is Simone.
Also, the all-women clan? Disappointing.
This book felt like filler with a side of fanservice. I’ll keep reading but I’m not expecting miracles at this point.
June 23, 2025
The Good, The Bad, and The Cliffhanger
Finished RD4, and the good part is the series is just getting better. The bad is I now have a few months to wait till RD5 appears. The more or less cliffhanger ending (no spoilers here) mean I will carefully watch for the next release. That was unexpected, just like some major reveals that took place in RD4. That's maybe the best part of this whole series. Unexpected plot turns mean I have no idea how this ends. That's both good and bad, isn't it?
Finished RD4, and the good part is the series is just getting better. The bad is I now have a few months to wait till RD5 appears. The more or less cliffhanger ending (no spoilers here) mean I will carefully watch for the next release. That was unexpected, just like some major reveals that took place in RD4. That's maybe the best part of this whole series. Unexpected plot turns mean I have no idea how this ends. That's both good and bad, isn't it?
June 21, 2025
This continuation of the series was pretty darn good, but falls short of being great. Mostly because there are aspects of it that are just ok to me, and others that are kind of boring.
Officially, no new harem members were added, though Circe is on the edge of joining. But that kind of played out over the course of the entire book, and it really dragged on the story.
The conclusion was not what I expected, but maybe I should have. The MC is brutally OP compared to the rest of those with him, and he plays white knight a bit with them. But for all of his babysitting them at times, many are now in a trial they probably aren't prepared for, because he didn't prepare them for it. It shall be interesting to see how it goes.
Officially, no new harem members were added, though Circe is on the edge of joining. But that kind of played out over the course of the entire book, and it really dragged on the story.
The conclusion was not what I expected, but maybe I should have. The MC is brutally OP compared to the rest of those with him, and he plays white knight a bit with them. But for all of his babysitting them at times, many are now in a trial they probably aren't prepared for, because he didn't prepare them for it. It shall be interesting to see how it goes.
June 17, 2025
Disappointing
This may be the worst volume in this series.
The action is boring - fights either last one sentence or eight pages, and always end with "Bran smash!", usually after a poor display of combat skill. Bran's go-to moves are football blocks and tackles, during sword fights!
The romance is bad. Existing relationships are neglected, new relationships are tepid, and none of the characters love each other - it's all creepy obsession or drab duty.
There are other issues but I refuse to give this book any more of my time.
This may be the worst volume in this series.
The action is boring - fights either last one sentence or eight pages, and always end with "Bran smash!", usually after a poor display of combat skill. Bran's go-to moves are football blocks and tackles, during sword fights!
The romance is bad. Existing relationships are neglected, new relationships are tepid, and none of the characters love each other - it's all creepy obsession or drab duty.
There are other issues but I refuse to give this book any more of my time.
June 22, 2025
Continues to be (IMO) the best of the author's current series, as the MC isn't an annoying prat and there is no "Harley" equivalent in these books. Kinda saw the ending coming, but it was a good inflection point. I look forward to the next book, though apparently it's behind the next Dungeon Diving book, and that series is farther down my want-to-read list due mostly to the characters being more juvenile.
July 12, 2025
From litrpg to classic fantasy
Stats?...nah. New skills? Nope. New items, loot, numbers, any of that stuff? Nope! Interesting story telling? Yes. Good plot and pacing? Yes.
The author has taken the story in a good direction and discarded, haphazardly, much of the supporting story. To discard the thing that was Brans main goal initially makes the story hollower. Spends a bunch of his limited time doing instances for what? Nothing? No stats, no items to make him or followers stronger? Then to say he wants to keep doing the thing that doesn't seem to accomplish anything.
Nothing wrong with stats/stuff lite litrpg, it can often be better than the alternative. But to make such a drastic transition, and replace it with nothing, makes it feel hollow.
Hope the series goes well! An interesting premise and plot so far.
Stats?...nah. New skills? Nope. New items, loot, numbers, any of that stuff? Nope! Interesting story telling? Yes. Good plot and pacing? Yes.
The author has taken the story in a good direction and discarded, haphazardly, much of the supporting story. To discard the thing that was Brans main goal initially makes the story hollower. Spends a bunch of his limited time doing instances for what? Nothing? No stats, no items to make him or followers stronger? Then to say he wants to keep doing the thing that doesn't seem to accomplish anything.
Nothing wrong with stats/stuff lite litrpg, it can often be better than the alternative. But to make such a drastic transition, and replace it with nothing, makes it feel hollow.
Hope the series goes well! An interesting premise and plot so far.
January 29, 2026
4.25⭐️2🌶️. This is a post-apocalyptic fantasy with time travel, magic, demons, monsters, mythological beings, a harem and a gamer-style life (has to gain ranks, stamina, vitality, strength, skills, etc. through battles and experiences). There is extensive world building, stats system, bloodlines, and storyline. This the 4th book in the series and had a complex and thought-provoking storyline. There was a lot of storyline progress and character building within the harem. The book is entirely plot driven with very little spice. There is a harem element to this series, and is definitely talked about a lot more in this book, but the war keeps most all the shenanigans, save two instances, to only a passing mention. This series is perfect for lovers of D&D and MTG, and the like. I can see why this series is enjoyed by many.
November 22, 2025
Rating 4.0 stars
Took a while to get back into this one. I had to wait for the audiobook to come out so I was a little bit disconnected from the series at first. Started off kind of slow but I really enjoyed the way it picked up at the end. The harem element wasn't a big part of this, and that is perfectly fine. When dealing with the end of the world the focus should be on that part and not sex, though I do agree, what's the point of saving the world if you aren't going to take some time to have fun and have sex. Overall, a good addition to the story and it sort of ended with a cliffhanger (not really though), so I am looking forward to the next one when Bran deals with the trial of kings.
Took a while to get back into this one. I had to wait for the audiobook to come out so I was a little bit disconnected from the series at first. Started off kind of slow but I really enjoyed the way it picked up at the end. The harem element wasn't a big part of this, and that is perfectly fine. When dealing with the end of the world the focus should be on that part and not sex, though I do agree, what's the point of saving the world if you aren't going to take some time to have fun and have sex. Overall, a good addition to the story and it sort of ended with a cliffhanger (not really though), so I am looking forward to the next one when Bran deals with the trial of kings.
July 8, 2025
Amzn Sus GUI. Series back in track?
Am****n appears to be making it harder to rate things lower than a 5. It took me four taps just to get 4 stars.
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Well, the series is mostly back on track. I feel like the ending to the last boss battle was a little forced, but hopefully I appreciate where it's going.
In truth, it isn't fully recovered but kind of something new. It's a bit like wabisabi.
I would give a better breakdown of what I did and didn't like; however, I'm drawing a blank. I will say that I hope there isn't any more playing catch-up from our MC. The series used that card up.
Am****n appears to be making it harder to rate things lower than a 5. It took me four taps just to get 4 stars.
--------
Well, the series is mostly back on track. I feel like the ending to the last boss battle was a little forced, but hopefully I appreciate where it's going.
In truth, it isn't fully recovered but kind of something new. It's a bit like wabisabi.
I would give a better breakdown of what I did and didn't like; however, I'm drawing a blank. I will say that I hope there isn't any more playing catch-up from our MC. The series used that card up.
June 13, 2025
Outstanding and captivating, as usual
As expected of anything written by Sentar, absolutely captivating. Many authors I find myself in a lull, happy to set down the book and get some things done (or, more often than not, head to bed), but that's almost never the case with his books until I am forced to at the end.
Somehow, with each book written, they just keep getting better and better. More cohesive/focused story, more detailed descriptions, and more entertaining characters and interactions, it's clear he takes the time to keep pushing himself to be better and better.
As expected of anything written by Sentar, absolutely captivating. Many authors I find myself in a lull, happy to set down the book and get some things done (or, more often than not, head to bed), but that's almost never the case with his books until I am forced to at the end.
Somehow, with each book written, they just keep getting better and better. More cohesive/focused story, more detailed descriptions, and more entertaining characters and interactions, it's clear he takes the time to keep pushing himself to be better and better.
October 13, 2025
An interesting storyline by a master storyteller
Well written and engaging. The MC is a regressor fighting a demon invasion, along with gods from various earth pantheons, where he is a descendent of the Greek god's bloodline. Of course people being self serving, they continue to fight amongst themselves for power and position despite hordes of demons invading. And, no surprise some have aligned with demons whilst others have already been posessed by demons.
I thought that the story did get bogged down in some of the details, backstories and mystic worldbuilding.
Well written and engaging. The MC is a regressor fighting a demon invasion, along with gods from various earth pantheons, where he is a descendent of the Greek god's bloodline. Of course people being self serving, they continue to fight amongst themselves for power and position despite hordes of demons invading. And, no surprise some have aligned with demons whilst others have already been posessed by demons.
I thought that the story did get bogged down in some of the details, backstories and mystic worldbuilding.
June 12, 2025
A setup to leave one begging for more
Starts off sweetly with a nice end of the world sequence only to pick up steam with the big bad, revealing their hand and being set to take the L of a lifetime in the tournament. I can't wait to see Bran return, a literal once and future king, stronger and more devastating. Would be fun if circe became the king of shadows. Also, dragon waifu for next book? Can't wait to find out.
Starts off sweetly with a nice end of the world sequence only to pick up steam with the big bad, revealing their hand and being set to take the L of a lifetime in the tournament. I can't wait to see Bran return, a literal once and future king, stronger and more devastating. Would be fun if circe became the king of shadows. Also, dragon waifu for next book? Can't wait to find out.
June 15, 2025
DNF at 61%
An ever growing harem and hundreds of swooning eager groopies.. i am really getting tired of harem stories..
I didn't mind the endless training, but the grand standing and endless flirting was too much for me.. i am done with this series.
Criticism and comments
The ancient Greek gods in Crete are supposed not to know the ancient Gods of Egypt, their close neighbour?
By which calculation is the gate at Copenhagen closer to Crete than Egypt?
An ever growing harem and hundreds of swooning eager groopies.. i am really getting tired of harem stories..
I didn't mind the endless training, but the grand standing and endless flirting was too much for me.. i am done with this series.
Criticism and comments
The ancient Greek gods in Crete are supposed not to know the ancient Gods of Egypt, their close neighbour?
By which calculation is the gate at Copenhagen closer to Crete than Egypt?
June 18, 2025
Even better than the last one
This book is somehow a step up from the previous books in the series. I'll admit, I was a little concerned about the timeline speeding up in the previous book, but this one absolutely justifies the author's decision.
The result is a balance of romantic and practical plot with lots of interesting characters moments and plenty of plot momentum. It's a page turner and left me waiting impatiently for the next book.
This book is somehow a step up from the previous books in the series. I'll admit, I was a little concerned about the timeline speeding up in the previous book, but this one absolutely justifies the author's decision.
The result is a balance of romantic and practical plot with lots of interesting characters moments and plenty of plot momentum. It's a page turner and left me waiting impatiently for the next book.
July 14, 2025
Refined LitRPG
I don't normally review books. I just consume them. Bruce Sentar has done it again. Great work. I can empathize with the characters showing he has done a bang up job of getting me hooked. This isn't Bruce's only series in this genre. I encourage all fans of LitRPG to just read one of his stories. I can't guarantee you'll get hooked like I am, but I'd say its a safe bet. Keep 'em coming Sentar.
I don't normally review books. I just consume them. Bruce Sentar has done it again. Great work. I can empathize with the characters showing he has done a bang up job of getting me hooked. This isn't Bruce's only series in this genre. I encourage all fans of LitRPG to just read one of his stories. I can't guarantee you'll get hooked like I am, but I'd say its a safe bet. Keep 'em coming Sentar.
June 10, 2025
Maybe the best one since the first one
Don't get me wrong, this is one of my favorite series, but the last book didn't hit as hard as the previous books. That completely changed with this one. I love the way the story progressed, and the ending was amazing. I can't wait for the next one.
Don't get me wrong, this is one of my favorite series, but the last book didn't hit as hard as the previous books. That completely changed with this one. I love the way the story progressed, and the ending was amazing. I can't wait for the next one.
June 30, 2025
This authors best work to date!!!
I absolutely love the world and characters the author has brought to life in this story!!!! There is enough of a resemblance to some based on actual myths for all to enjoy but the differences are what really draws me into this story!!!! Fast paced non stop adventuring, a powerful caring MC and wonderfully detailed characters!!!
I absolutely love the world and characters the author has brought to life in this story!!!! There is enough of a resemblance to some based on actual myths for all to enjoy but the differences are what really draws me into this story!!!! Fast paced non stop adventuring, a powerful caring MC and wonderfully detailed characters!!!
January 14, 2026
Feeling the formula come through with this one, hard to not see the new girl getting focused on for this and the rest kind of turn into orbiters. It's finally the big payoff after the first three, the titular event has occurred and we are finally seeing what was built up...kind of falls flat for me, just feels like Bruce is having a bad year.
June 9, 2025
10/10
I love this series too dang much! The action? Incredible. The characters? Diverse and fun. Plot? Amazing and keeps you on your toes. I hope Bruce writes 10 or more books in this series because I’m hooked!
I love this series too dang much! The action? Incredible. The characters? Diverse and fun. Plot? Amazing and keeps you on your toes. I hope Bruce writes 10 or more books in this series because I’m hooked!
June 12, 2025
An exciting start to the apocalypse
This was a really fun and action packed read. So much stiff happened through the hook to keep it entertaining. If there was one thing I wouldnt have minded to see a couple of more times in the book it would be Bran's stats and his women's.
This was a really fun and action packed read. So much stiff happened through the hook to keep it entertaining. If there was one thing I wouldnt have minded to see a couple of more times in the book it would be Bran's stats and his women's.
June 13, 2025
Good book
It was a heck of a wildcride in that and just getting better. Each book just adds to a wonderful adventure, this book was just as good if not a touch better then the first three and I look forward to reading the next book and seeing bran kick some ass lol 😀
It was a heck of a wildcride in that and just getting better. Each book just adds to a wonderful adventure, this book was just as good if not a touch better then the first three and I look forward to reading the next book and seeing bran kick some ass lol 😀
June 28, 2025
power balance is always hard in these books about godlike titans, and this one is already shot by book three. Combat is either boring or contrived. the harem characters are pretty much interchangeable and felt brought into scenes just to remind us of their existence.
July 11, 2025
Slow start without a re-read of the prior series, but it picks up nicely and has plenty of action and entertainment. Sentar is a consistently good writer; definitely recommend this one if you've been following the series.
(Only four stars because it didn't blow my socks off or anything)
(Only four stars because it didn't blow my socks off or anything)
October 31, 2025
Good Book
It was a very good book but I would have liked to see the stats sheet at least somewhere in the ending so I know where our boys skills and stats are compared to other people.
It was a very good book but I would have liked to see the stats sheet at least somewhere in the ending so I know where our boys skills and stats are compared to other people.
January 25, 2026
So Good!
This is one of my favorite series by Bruce Sentar! He has built up the world and its system so well. The characters and story arcs are so well paced that they keep you wanting to never stop reading. I can’t wait for what’s to come with this series!
This is one of my favorite series by Bruce Sentar! He has built up the world and its system so well. The characters and story arcs are so well paced that they keep you wanting to never stop reading. I can’t wait for what’s to come with this series!
June 9, 2025
This series continues to be excellent. The world building opens up so many ways that this series could keep growing. Can’t wait for book 5!
June 9, 2025
Fantastic!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait for the next book to come out!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait for the next book to come out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews