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Bog Standard Isekai #5
Warbound
No battle plan survives first contact with witches.Armies have risen, the great machines of war are prepared, and the battle beasts are straining at their
leashes. Despite Arcaena’s every attempt to prevent it, the full might of three kingdoms have gathered
at her borders. From all outward appearances, Brin is finally on the stronger side.
But no [Witch] should ever be underestimated, and an ancient [Witch Queen] with her back against the
wall is more dangerous still. While fighting in the army, Brin will feel the pain of curses and poisons even
more than the strength of ravenous undead, fearsome monsters, and trained human soldiers. Arcaena
has had centuries to steep her nation in her power, and every inch of land will resist them. Worse still,
the world’s strongest warrior, Lothar the [Paladin], will do everything he can to undermine the war from
the inside while the soldiers are fighting enemies on the front.
Brin and his Lance will need all the power they’ve won or gathered if they want to survive amid the
clashing armies. As knights-at-arms, they have many privileges and powers, but an equal amount
responsibilities. Bound by duty, and bound by honor, and most of all, warbound.
leashes. Despite Arcaena’s every attempt to prevent it, the full might of three kingdoms have gathered
at her borders. From all outward appearances, Brin is finally on the stronger side.
But no [Witch] should ever be underestimated, and an ancient [Witch Queen] with her back against the
wall is more dangerous still. While fighting in the army, Brin will feel the pain of curses and poisons even
more than the strength of ravenous undead, fearsome monsters, and trained human soldiers. Arcaena
has had centuries to steep her nation in her power, and every inch of land will resist them. Worse still,
the world’s strongest warrior, Lothar the [Paladin], will do everything he can to undermine the war from
the inside while the soldiers are fighting enemies on the front.
Brin and his Lance will need all the power they’ve won or gathered if they want to survive amid the
clashing armies. As knights-at-arms, they have many privileges and powers, but an equal amount
responsibilities. Bound by duty, and bound by honor, and most of all, warbound.
703 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 31, 2026
The main story is starting to get a little diluted with wartime politics... that are never fully explained.
There were parts that deserved a re-read, like the battle with Zaff the undead level 70. But at other times, I came close to dropping the book; e.g. when Brin's alter ego took over.
My biggest problem is that the book seemed to be heading for a resolution with the witch-queen but ended in a way that left any sort of series culmination a forlorn hope.
There were parts that deserved a re-read, like the battle with Zaff the undead level 70. But at other times, I came close to dropping the book; e.g. when Brin's alter ego took over.
My biggest problem is that the book seemed to be heading for a resolution with the witch-queen but ended in a way that left any sort of series culmination a forlorn hope.
August 28, 2026
DNF at 60%
I bounced off Warbound hard and I’m not sure if that’s the book or just me.
The first four books were great and clicked. Slow burn, weird glass/illusion stuff, the found-family Lance, the swamp-to-knighthood grind — it all felt distinctive even when the plot was taking its time. Book 5 is the war book. Armies, logistics, curses, the Witch Queen with her back to the wall, Brin and his Lance operating as actual knights-at-arms. On paper that should have been the payoff. Instead I kept putting it down.
Getting back into the groove after a break was a slog. The flow that used to pull me along just wasn’t there. A lot of the page count sits in the machinery of the campaign and the responsibilities that come with being warbound: duty, honour, the unit, the lance. That knight-and-lance focus is the part that started feeling flat rather than tense. Battles and waiting, supply issues, the weight of the class and the title — I get that it’s the point of this volume, but it stopped being enjoyable. I wasn’t invested in the next engagement the way I used to be invested in the next weird skill or conversation.
Maybe it’s just the wrong book at the wrong time. I just decided 60% was enough. Not angry, not hate-reading — just not having fun anymore and not curious enough to push through the rest. Might pick it up again later. Right now I’m done.
I bounced off Warbound hard and I’m not sure if that’s the book or just me.
The first four books were great and clicked. Slow burn, weird glass/illusion stuff, the found-family Lance, the swamp-to-knighthood grind — it all felt distinctive even when the plot was taking its time. Book 5 is the war book. Armies, logistics, curses, the Witch Queen with her back to the wall, Brin and his Lance operating as actual knights-at-arms. On paper that should have been the payoff. Instead I kept putting it down.
Getting back into the groove after a break was a slog. The flow that used to pull me along just wasn’t there. A lot of the page count sits in the machinery of the campaign and the responsibilities that come with being warbound: duty, honour, the unit, the lance. That knight-and-lance focus is the part that started feeling flat rather than tense. Battles and waiting, supply issues, the weight of the class and the title — I get that it’s the point of this volume, but it stopped being enjoyable. I wasn’t invested in the next engagement the way I used to be invested in the next weird skill or conversation.
Maybe it’s just the wrong book at the wrong time. I just decided 60% was enough. Not angry, not hate-reading — just not having fun anymore and not curious enough to push through the rest. Might pick it up again later. Right now I’m done.
August 20, 2026
It's been a large genre shift from the horror/mystery angles of the early books, but it's transitioned elegantly to high fantasy military fiction in this one.
Did Not Finish
August 29, 2026The spark of enjoyment is gone and I can't say how or why. I simply couldn't get into it and kept putting it down to look for something else to read.
August 25, 2026
Rating 4.0 stars
I am conflicted with this series. I really enjoy it but I haven't like the last 2 books as much as the previous 3. I miss Hog. I miss Brin being around his friends. In the first 3 books, I knew what Brin's goals were. They made sense. Even if I wouldn't have made the same decisions as Brin, I at least understood the reason for his actions.
In the last couple of books that is missing. Brin and Hog separated. Brin is now in a knight lance and is heading to war. This was not something I saw coming in the first 3 books and it was a jarring switch in tone. Don't get me wrong, Brin is still Brin and I enjoy reading about him. But what is his goal? He seems to be doing a lot of things just because Lumina told him to. Where does Brin see himself going in the future? I don't think he even knows. That lack is noticed. In this one he made a class choice that I don't think he really wanted, but he did it because he felt it would be the best thing to help with his mission and Lumina's plan. I am not sure how I feel about that. I wouldn't have made that decision.
I am conflicted with this series. I really enjoy it but I haven't like the last 2 books as much as the previous 3. I miss Hog. I miss Brin being around his friends. In the first 3 books, I knew what Brin's goals were. They made sense. Even if I wouldn't have made the same decisions as Brin, I at least understood the reason for his actions.
In the last couple of books that is missing. Brin and Hog separated. Brin is now in a knight lance and is heading to war. This was not something I saw coming in the first 3 books and it was a jarring switch in tone. Don't get me wrong, Brin is still Brin and I enjoy reading about him. But what is his goal? He seems to be doing a lot of things just because Lumina told him to. Where does Brin see himself going in the future? I don't think he even knows. That lack is noticed. In this one he made a class choice that I don't think he really wanted, but he did it because he felt it would be the best thing to help with his mission and Lumina's plan. I am not sure how I feel about that. I wouldn't have made that decision.
September 2, 2026
I want to like this book more than I actually do. While the main plot, and all the character are as high quality as the rest of the series, the secondary aspects of the book are rough.
This whole book is about a war between a large coalition of nations fighting against a nation ruled by one of the most powerful people to ever exist in this world, and we know barely anything about anyone involved. This was the perfect time to introduce and explain a lot of power players in this world, and to explain what each nation and its people are like. And there are plenty of scenes that feel like they are building up to something like that but then end just before it happens. It leads to an awkward feeling towards the end of the book as large things are happening, but it feels hollow because you don't know any of the characters involved.
This isn't that large of a problem, but it creates a constant low level feeling throughout the book of "why should I care?" even when massive world-shaking things are happening.
This doesn't extend to the main plot following Brin and his Lance though. That is still well written and enjoyable. Even the returning characters that didn't get much page time in the previous book are fun, even if their scenes are far too short.
This whole book is about a war between a large coalition of nations fighting against a nation ruled by one of the most powerful people to ever exist in this world, and we know barely anything about anyone involved. This was the perfect time to introduce and explain a lot of power players in this world, and to explain what each nation and its people are like. And there are plenty of scenes that feel like they are building up to something like that but then end just before it happens. It leads to an awkward feeling towards the end of the book as large things are happening, but it feels hollow because you don't know any of the characters involved.
This isn't that large of a problem, but it creates a constant low level feeling throughout the book of "why should I care?" even when massive world-shaking things are happening.
This doesn't extend to the main plot following Brin and his Lance though. That is still well written and enjoyable. Even the returning characters that didn't get much page time in the previous book are fun, even if their scenes are far too short.
Review of advance copy
Book 5 currently completed and available on Royal Road at https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/695....
Enjoyed this series surprisingly much, considering I'm not entirely sure exactly what it is in them I'm connecting with. The humour is a lot of puns, the main character is less a character with say, self-reflection or an internal monologue, but rather a vessel to be propelled through a series of levelling-up exercises and incidents. I haven't actually fallen in love with any of the side characters either. But altogether as a whole, it's genuine mindless fun, and I'm reading for the vibes - it's essentially slice of life, and even though I can't tell you what the overarching plot line is, it has a really upbeat tone in spite of the shitty events happening and you never really have to worry about unpleasantly realistic reality interfering in your book-character's madcap adventures.
Book six is currently being posted a chapter at a time onto RR, I've made it to its current end but I'll probably wait until it's finished to read the rest of it as a chunk - it feels like it's better binged, for me at least. Good times, anyway.
Enjoyed this series surprisingly much, considering I'm not entirely sure exactly what it is in them I'm connecting with. The humour is a lot of puns, the main character is less a character with say, self-reflection or an internal monologue, but rather a vessel to be propelled through a series of levelling-up exercises and incidents. I haven't actually fallen in love with any of the side characters either. But altogether as a whole, it's genuine mindless fun, and I'm reading for the vibes - it's essentially slice of life, and even though I can't tell you what the overarching plot line is, it has a really upbeat tone in spite of the shitty events happening and you never really have to worry about unpleasantly realistic reality interfering in your book-character's madcap adventures.
Book six is currently being posted a chapter at a time onto RR, I've made it to its current end but I'll probably wait until it's finished to read the rest of it as a chunk - it feels like it's better binged, for me at least. Good times, anyway.
Review of advance copy
I read this book on royalroad.com so I guess it counts as an ARC maybe? Doesn’t matter.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s meant to be a war book and that’s what we get. From epic battles to the unbearable waiting in between to dealing with the logistics of supply shortages. I’m not gonna spoil anything but there was a lot to love in this one. Brin choosing a questionable new class really racks up the tension from the very beginning and allows for some truly heartbreaking moments later on. It also allows for one of the most fun and epic action scenes I’ve read in a long time. The larger plot also moves forward quite a bit in this book. I was actually surprised by how much plot development we got for the land of witches. I really didn’t expect it. For those who need to know, we do get to catch up briefly with a few old favourites from the previous books but since it is a war, our Lance of misfit knights are still the main side characters and many of them get a fair bit more character development which I enjoyed quite a lot. All in all, it was a very well done book.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s meant to be a war book and that’s what we get. From epic battles to the unbearable waiting in between to dealing with the logistics of supply shortages. I’m not gonna spoil anything but there was a lot to love in this one. Brin choosing a questionable new class really racks up the tension from the very beginning and allows for some truly heartbreaking moments later on. It also allows for one of the most fun and epic action scenes I’ve read in a long time. The larger plot also moves forward quite a bit in this book. I was actually surprised by how much plot development we got for the land of witches. I really didn’t expect it. For those who need to know, we do get to catch up briefly with a few old favourites from the previous books but since it is a war, our Lance of misfit knights are still the main side characters and many of them get a fair bit more character development which I enjoyed quite a lot. All in all, it was a very well done book.
August 25, 2026
Really good book. Probably more of a 4.5 star. The reasons it isn't 5 is because I have some minor quibbles about the end and I wasn't a fan of his class. Or maybe I'm not a big fan of the Wyrd. Basically I thought his class didn't really live up to the hype but that could be my taste in wanting something more bombastic. He did pull out all the stops in one great scene though! As for the rest of the book it's the conclusion of the war arc and it has all the fighting, but also character work, you could want. I am interested to see where it goes from here since this was such a climax in the story. I'm hopeful we get to see more old characters. I like the Lance but I don't thing that's really where Brin belongs!
August 26, 2026
👍
I wish there’d been more of Davi and Zilly, given how much the story revolved around them in the earlier books. I feel there is still much resolution to be had with them that would have fit well in this book rather than a later one. However, I could not bring myself to dock a star. The book never had me bored and I found that it always managed to keep me entertained; plus, I loved the interesting approach to insanity that miles has provided. As someone who has read many litrpgs and regular books, that is something that was both intriguing and emotionally captivating. I loved it! I’d love to see more. I will be reading ahead on royal road, as the next book is due nearly a whole year from now :(
Hope this helped!
I wish there’d been more of Davi and Zilly, given how much the story revolved around them in the earlier books. I feel there is still much resolution to be had with them that would have fit well in this book rather than a later one. However, I could not bring myself to dock a star. The book never had me bored and I found that it always managed to keep me entertained; plus, I loved the interesting approach to insanity that miles has provided. As someone who has read many litrpgs and regular books, that is something that was both intriguing and emotionally captivating. I loved it! I’d love to see more. I will be reading ahead on royal road, as the next book is due nearly a whole year from now :(
Hope this helped!
August 24, 2026
Any criticisms that I had about how Book 2 was too fast-paced in how it handled its war would fall flat here. Book 5 does it incredibly well and it shows great growth for Miles English as a writer.
Though Book 3 is still my personal favourite for its character-focused work and great antagonist and world-building, Book 5 is honestly just as great and builds on all of it while handling a war.
In a significant way, Book 4 (which I also greatly enjoyed with its new cast of characters) is an intermediary novel, Book 5 felt like the true successor to Book 3.
Now on to Book 6, which is still in its web serial form alone.
Though Book 3 is still my personal favourite for its character-focused work and great antagonist and world-building, Book 5 is honestly just as great and builds on all of it while handling a war.
In a significant way, Book 4 (which I also greatly enjoyed with its new cast of characters) is an intermediary novel, Book 5 felt like the true successor to Book 3.
Now on to Book 6, which is still in its web serial form alone.
August 18, 2026
Title: Redefines what "bog standard" means
Content Ratings: Language – PG13; Violence – PG13; Other – PG13
I've suspected it for a while, but clearly "bog standard" no longer means plain, ordinary, or run-of-the-mill like I thought it did. It means excellent, epic, or superior. In other words, this was a fantastic addition to a fantastic series. Can't wait for more. I saw in the author's announcement e-mail "put me down for another five". Done! I'm expecting at least five more and will be eagerly awaiting each release.
Content Ratings: Language – PG13; Violence – PG13; Other – PG13
I've suspected it for a while, but clearly "bog standard" no longer means plain, ordinary, or run-of-the-mill like I thought it did. It means excellent, epic, or superior. In other words, this was a fantastic addition to a fantastic series. Can't wait for more. I saw in the author's announcement e-mail "put me down for another five". Done! I'm expecting at least five more and will be eagerly awaiting each release.
August 19, 2026
Bog Standard Isekai always amazes me with how it's able to weave in the themes of magic and witchcraft in new and interesting ways. All of the other books talked about the war and had hard fought battles but this felt like a book where the main character went to war in its glory and horror. The ending had a neat set of twists that felt emotionally deep and set up for new fun arcs to come.
What would I say to my past self before reading? Clear your calendar for a bit. It's going to be a fun read.
What would I say to my past self before reading? Clear your calendar for a bit. It's going to be a fun read.
August 27, 2026
I loved it! Though I may just be high on the excelent ending of the war haha. It was so emotional and the high of a lot of threads tieing up qas so good! The outro of book 4 was a bit of a downer but I am so happy that Brin basically never let it bring him down. It was even a whole plot wnd at the climax of the war and I feel so proud haha. You are you regardless of whatever XD And I love Lothar and Brin and everything at the end. So good! And also sad. But good!
August 20, 2026
Excellent Stuff
This series was a very sickening story. Little boys are tortured and brainwashed by Witches. Our guy gets put in one of these situations and takes over a child who has given up. Even though he was twenty something, two powerhouses agree to be his parents as they are centuries old. Fantastic read
This series was a very sickening story. Little boys are tortured and brainwashed by Witches. Our guy gets put in one of these situations and takes over a child who has given up. Even though he was twenty something, two powerhouses agree to be his parents as they are centuries old. Fantastic read
August 22, 2026
Amazing
I loved this book so much. Everything was written perfectly. It caused a lot of anguish for me especially with Brin and Alberthol, it felt like we were losing Brin and that hurt. But it was exciting, hoping for his return but trying to accept Aberthol. My only request, please let Brin pick another class that isn’t so…wyrd!
I loved this book so much. Everything was written perfectly. It caused a lot of anguish for me especially with Brin and Alberthol, it felt like we were losing Brin and that hurt. But it was exciting, hoping for his return but trying to accept Aberthol. My only request, please let Brin pick another class that isn’t so…wyrd!
August 25, 2026
Fond of this, and it was fun to pick up, but some small spark is missing for me. I think a linear strength progression for exponential effort keeps things reasonable, but I like it when stuff is chaotic. Learning about the witch queen was interesting, but I really want to see more of the Wyrd and the lexicon
Review of advance copy
I liked this one A LOT. Small unit war stuff with progression fantasy. Absolutely top series for me. Finished first 4 books in less than 2 weeks, read this one on royal road in about 2 days, and now I'm probably on the Patreon for the foreseeable future. 10/10 series for me.
Review of advance copy
4.5/5
I read this one on RoyalRoad. It is rare to see a progression fantasy series maintain its edge this far in. Usually, the quality dips by book two, but Bog Isekai #5 stays sharp. The writing is as engaging as it was at the start
I read this one on RoyalRoad. It is rare to see a progression fantasy series maintain its edge this far in. Usually, the quality dips by book two, but Bog Isekai #5 stays sharp. The writing is as engaging as it was at the start
August 21, 2026
Absolutely brilliant
I love this series. This book in particular has been a high point, with a very satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend.
Excellent audiobook narration as well.
I love this series. This book in particular has been a high point, with a very satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend.
Excellent audiobook narration as well.
August 22, 2026
Great stuff
This book is such a strong continuation to an already amazing story. Very rarely do Litrpg stories get better with ever entry but I can say for sure that this book is better than all previous entries.
This book is such a strong continuation to an already amazing story. Very rarely do Litrpg stories get better with ever entry but I can say for sure that this book is better than all previous entries.
August 26, 2026
Another great bog standard adventure
A little disappointed that there wasn't more on a certain archmage overcoming a curse. But overall a good read in the series. Maybe felt a little short.
A little disappointed that there wasn't more on a certain archmage overcoming a curse. But overall a good read in the series. Maybe felt a little short.
August 30, 2026
Here's to waiting another year!
Great ending! I can't wait for the Tower! Waiting a year will kill me. Truly a gem of a series i stumbled on, not like all the AI trash spam books Amazon keeps allowing.
Great ending! I can't wait for the Tower! Waiting a year will kill me. Truly a gem of a series i stumbled on, not like all the AI trash spam books Amazon keeps allowing.
September 1, 2026
Volume 5: HurryUpAndWaitbound
A tale of two parts: the very uninteresting one and the megabattle with schemes within schemes, some closures, and some table-setting for the future.
2.5 stars rounded up
A tale of two parts: the very uninteresting one and the megabattle with schemes within schemes, some closures, and some table-setting for the future.
2.5 stars rounded up
Review of advance copy
A
August 20, 2026
Love it
The whole series is awesome and very amusing to me. These books are on my reread list and definitely keepers.
The whole series is awesome and very amusing to me. These books are on my reread list and definitely keepers.
August 26, 2026
Love it
I just love it. Read it if you haven't. Enjoy it while you do. This book is simply fantastic to read.
I just love it. Read it if you haven't. Enjoy it while you do. This book is simply fantastic to read.
September 1, 2026
More
This honestly could be the end, but its open enough for more that we know is coming. What a ride.
This honestly could be the end, but its open enough for more that we know is coming. What a ride.
September 2, 2026
A solid edition to the series. It felt good to see Brynn really coming into his own as a powerhouse.
September 2, 2026
I had forgotten how annoying the audiobook narrator was, hamming it up and seems to be mocking the concept of litrpg.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews