What do you think?
Rate this book
Escaping Gravity
Rayden, an engineer at a private space company, yearns for the stars, but his heart condition stopped him and unfortunately, his life short of his dream. In his final moments four voices came from out of nowhere to scan him.
Yet he has been given a second chance. Waking up in the body of a young baron in the far-flung future, Rayden can’t help but reach for the stars. Though it’s not going to be that easy, since he’s practically a prisoner in his own home.
Getting off-planet is all he can think about, and he’ll fight with every last ounce of grit he has to escape. Though his journey is off to a bumpy start, with a military technician and an unknown alien that everyone else seems terrified of, he’s out of options. He can nearly taste freedom as he runs from his own barony and nothing and no one is going to stop him.
Yet he has been given a second chance. Waking up in the body of a young baron in the far-flung future, Rayden can’t help but reach for the stars. Though it’s not going to be that easy, since he’s practically a prisoner in his own home.
Getting off-planet is all he can think about, and he’ll fight with every last ounce of grit he has to escape. Though his journey is off to a bumpy start, with a military technician and an unknown alien that everyone else seems terrified of, he’s out of options. He can nearly taste freedom as he runs from his own barony and nothing and no one is going to stop him.
521 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2026
143 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Sentar
52 books819 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...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 10, 2026
if this were from a new author, I don’t think anyone would read it.
Mc is a blushing Boy Scout, with very little character growth throughout the whole story. He’s not very interesting and doesn’t fit the mercenary captain role well. I could not find anything likable about him, he’s not funny or charming or particularly skilled at anything. He’s intelligent in the way a space engineer is, but that doesn’t really make him a likable person. According to the story he is handsome and apparently has a large dong, which I guess is all that’s needed to be a haremlit MC these days. The whole bit about his past life and his old medical condition feel pasted on and unnecessary.the reason for the is not really addressed in this book and serve no real purpose other than to give the body the mc inherits a reason to not be a door mat to his parents.
Most side characters or kind of dull. Lily is the only character that sees actual growth and is fun to read. Triade had potential to be a good villain, but there is very little insight into what’s going on in her head, which is kind of frustrating. She ends up being just this crazy lady who I could never really take seriously.
The story is just okay and I am interested in seeing what happens next, but I cannot say I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to know more. The world has potential but could have used more fleshing out. I found myself not really caring about many of the mysteries that were introduced.
I’ll probably ready the next book because I usually enjoy the author’s works. Maybe it requires a few more books in the series to make it worthwhile, but I also feel like even in a series, each book should be able to support itself in carrying the story forward, especially the first in a series.
Spice is almost non existent. There is half a spice scene and the implications of it sour the mood immediately after. No romance to speak of and if you’re here for the harem aspect, it might be best to wait for more of the series to release because it doesn’t exist in this book.
At the end of the day it is a mid tier space fantasy with nothing really to set it apart from any other space fantasy, but the series as a whole may turn out better than this single part.
Mc is a blushing Boy Scout, with very little character growth throughout the whole story. He’s not very interesting and doesn’t fit the mercenary captain role well. I could not find anything likable about him, he’s not funny or charming or particularly skilled at anything. He’s intelligent in the way a space engineer is, but that doesn’t really make him a likable person. According to the story he is handsome and apparently has a large dong, which I guess is all that’s needed to be a haremlit MC these days. The whole bit about his past life and his old medical condition feel pasted on and unnecessary.the reason for the is not really addressed in this book and serve no real purpose other than to give the body the mc inherits a reason to not be a door mat to his parents.
Most side characters or kind of dull. Lily is the only character that sees actual growth and is fun to read. Triade had potential to be a good villain, but there is very little insight into what’s going on in her head, which is kind of frustrating. She ends up being just this crazy lady who I could never really take seriously.
The story is just okay and I am interested in seeing what happens next, but I cannot say I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to know more. The world has potential but could have used more fleshing out. I found myself not really caring about many of the mysteries that were introduced.
I’ll probably ready the next book because I usually enjoy the author’s works. Maybe it requires a few more books in the series to make it worthwhile, but I also feel like even in a series, each book should be able to support itself in carrying the story forward, especially the first in a series.
Spice is almost non existent. There is half a spice scene and the implications of it sour the mood immediately after. No romance to speak of and if you’re here for the harem aspect, it might be best to wait for more of the series to release because it doesn’t exist in this book.
At the end of the day it is a mid tier space fantasy with nothing really to set it apart from any other space fantasy, but the series as a whole may turn out better than this single part.
March 11, 2026
Bruce Sentar does it again!!
Out of this world first book!! (Pun intended). Before this series, my favorite book 1 of any of Bruce’s series was probably Ard’s Oath book 1. Loved that book 1 and the depth between Ard and Emlyn was outstanding. Made you feel all the feels. I am now positive that this (Escaping Gravity) is my new favorite book 1. I love the slow-burn romance and the growth of Rayden and Lily through the book. Rayden may not know everything now, but I look forward to his growth. The side characters and potential future love interests were well thought out and had bearing on the overall story without having to memorize 100 different characters. The setting was great and plenty of action going on too. I really need Bruce to write this one next but alas, I must wait. 10/10 book that will leave you wanting more!
Also, wish I could comment on other people’s reviews cause I’m calling out Hector Santiago’s review of 3/5 stars. Stop trying to act like a Wall Street Journal book critic. You’re acting like we all didn’t just read the same master class book. Not sure if you were actually paying attention when you read, or just skimmed the book.
Either way! Congrats to Bruce on an outstanding book 1. Can’t wait to read the next 10-15 books in this series!
Out of this world first book!! (Pun intended). Before this series, my favorite book 1 of any of Bruce’s series was probably Ard’s Oath book 1. Loved that book 1 and the depth between Ard and Emlyn was outstanding. Made you feel all the feels. I am now positive that this (Escaping Gravity) is my new favorite book 1. I love the slow-burn romance and the growth of Rayden and Lily through the book. Rayden may not know everything now, but I look forward to his growth. The side characters and potential future love interests were well thought out and had bearing on the overall story without having to memorize 100 different characters. The setting was great and plenty of action going on too. I really need Bruce to write this one next but alas, I must wait. 10/10 book that will leave you wanting more!
Also, wish I could comment on other people’s reviews cause I’m calling out Hector Santiago’s review of 3/5 stars. Stop trying to act like a Wall Street Journal book critic. You’re acting like we all didn’t just read the same master class book. Not sure if you were actually paying attention when you read, or just skimmed the book.
Either way! Congrats to Bruce on an outstanding book 1. Can’t wait to read the next 10-15 books in this series!
March 11, 2026
That was close... sort of.
I like to have Alexa read to me. (No shade on narrators or audible. It just helps me to have the same voice reading to me. And I'm poor. LOL.) So while I was listening, for some reason I thought the book was going to end soon after the facility. I was ready to leave a low star review (relatively) because I would have regreted reading the book even if only until the next.
I don't read fiction to regret it soon after. So when it happens, it's an automatic negative review. But then, as the story progressed beyond that it slowly won me back to 3.5 stars. And then the last like 80 pages swept it right back up to a 5.
Well done. And I'm excited for the future of the series.
PS- I have heard it said that "the only difference between a happy ending and a sad one is where you end the story [in time]."
I vehemently disagree with that. I can easily find an ending with the MC's death happy (or perhaps bitter sweet) or one where the guy gets the girl sad. To think it so simple is to think life and therefore stories about it is simple and unidimensional.
I like to have Alexa read to me. (No shade on narrators or audible. It just helps me to have the same voice reading to me. And I'm poor. LOL.) So while I was listening, for some reason I thought the book was going to end soon after the facility. I was ready to leave a low star review (relatively) because I would have regreted reading the book even if only until the next.
I don't read fiction to regret it soon after. So when it happens, it's an automatic negative review. But then, as the story progressed beyond that it slowly won me back to 3.5 stars. And then the last like 80 pages swept it right back up to a 5.
Well done. And I'm excited for the future of the series.
PS- I have heard it said that "the only difference between a happy ending and a sad one is where you end the story [in time]."
I vehemently disagree with that. I can easily find an ending with the MC's death happy (or perhaps bitter sweet) or one where the guy gets the girl sad. To think it so simple is to think life and therefore stories about it is simple and unidimensional.
March 10, 2026
A space opera from Bruce?!
I absolutely love it, Bruce always starts his series with a bang and this is second only to Returner's Defiance in epicness. Hopefully we can maintain this momentum through the next few books. I enjoyed the multiple povs through out and it wasn't to jarring switching constantly. I also appreciate the super slow burn, it's going make the spice all the better and it makes sense with our story. I'm interested to see what Bruce has in-store for after sex intimacy since he stated he wants way more of that and I'm all for it. Back to the story itself, its feels properly epic and is most definitely a space opera, even if not labeled as such. We have all the right ingredients for an epic tail I hope with last many books and only get more convoluted along the way!
I absolutely love it, Bruce always starts his series with a bang and this is second only to Returner's Defiance in epicness. Hopefully we can maintain this momentum through the next few books. I enjoyed the multiple povs through out and it wasn't to jarring switching constantly. I also appreciate the super slow burn, it's going make the spice all the better and it makes sense with our story. I'm interested to see what Bruce has in-store for after sex intimacy since he stated he wants way more of that and I'm all for it. Back to the story itself, its feels properly epic and is most definitely a space opera, even if not labeled as such. We have all the right ingredients for an epic tail I hope with last many books and only get more convoluted along the way!
Did not finish
March 15, 2026So I made it about 9 percent of the way in. (DNF @ 9%) I think maybe I'm going senile in my old age, but I couldn't follow along. So he's running away from home, and somehow winds up on some kind of salvage mission with a 4-armed green ape guy as his main companion? WTF?
Now, maybe it's just me, but OPAQUE means you can't see thru it and REFLECTIVE means mirror like... so neither word implies he could actually see her face? Also, the Fresnel effect suggests the visor should be more reflective at sharp angles. I'm just so confused.
I spotted a blush on her cheeks when I saw through her visor again, only at a sharp angle was it opaque; otherwise, it remained reflective.
Now, maybe it's just me, but OPAQUE means you can't see thru it and REFLECTIVE means mirror like... so neither word implies he could actually see her face? Also, the Fresnel effect suggests the visor should be more reflective at sharp angles. I'm just so confused.
March 10, 2026
Starts slow, then hold on…
Read a number of books by this author, so simply picked this up expecting the normal fast start and interesting world building. Instead, it was entirely different from any other series by this author. Story started with a little twist, then a slow turn to get going. By chapter four or five, book only paused for food. Not sure how the intro ties into story by the end, but genuinely looking forward to about ten or so more books in series to find out. Simply outstanding bit of story.
Read a number of books by this author, so simply picked this up expecting the normal fast start and interesting world building. Instead, it was entirely different from any other series by this author. Story started with a little twist, then a slow turn to get going. By chapter four or five, book only paused for food. Not sure how the intro ties into story by the end, but genuinely looking forward to about ten or so more books in series to find out. Simply outstanding bit of story.
March 12, 2026
DNF. Not for me. I liked many of the author's early works, but these last few series aren't working for me.
The entire premise was a struggle for me. It felt like a jumble of ideas that were never worked into a sensible narrative. The MC starts out as a scientist of some flavour with a heart condition, then we are suddenly in the body of a young gigolo being pimped out by his parents, to finding the conveniently abandoned spaceship, to the MC embracing his murderhobo with very little provocation.
The entire premise was a struggle for me. It felt like a jumble of ideas that were never worked into a sensible narrative. The MC starts out as a scientist of some flavour with a heart condition, then we are suddenly in the body of a young gigolo being pimped out by his parents, to finding the conveniently abandoned spaceship, to the MC embracing his murderhobo with very little provocation.
March 15, 2026
It's Dune mixed with...Farscape? And it's utterly wonderful..It's a complete departure from Bruce's typical style, way less erotic content, but more will come...and I'm all here for it. I'm excited to see where the series goes.
The MC isn't OP, there's a strong plot, the LI's are multidimensional without being quirky, there are multiple male characters, there's a sense of progression and the MC seeks to improve himself. I just wish there was more of it as this was like a prologue to a space opera, setting up something bigger.
The MC isn't OP, there's a strong plot, the LI's are multidimensional without being quirky, there are multiple male characters, there's a sense of progression and the MC seeks to improve himself. I just wish there was more of it as this was like a prologue to a space opera, setting up something bigger.
Read
March 10, 2026Yet another AMAZING start to a series.
I knew I made a mistake. I had promised myself after AO1 that I would wait until there was at least a second book before I started another Bruce series. Now I will have to wait for 3 months to get another dose!!. Great start, just enough mysteries, just enough hints, just enough background without getting bogged down. An incredibly good start!
I knew I made a mistake. I had promised myself after AO1 that I would wait until there was at least a second book before I started another Bruce series. Now I will have to wait for 3 months to get another dose!!. Great start, just enough mysteries, just enough hints, just enough background without getting bogged down. An incredibly good start!
March 9, 2026
loved it
Yet another Bruce series to stare at the calendar waiting for another month to read the latest the first day it comes out.
Was definitely wondering what route a space series would take and I absolutely loved it, the world building as always is superb and can’t wait to read more.
Yet another Bruce series to stare at the calendar waiting for another month to read the latest the first day it comes out.
Was definitely wondering what route a space series would take and I absolutely loved it, the world building as always is superb and can’t wait to read more.
March 11, 2026
eager for book 2
Although I did not enjoy the beginning of the story, finding the time jump glossing over I would have enjoyed reading, I assume became wrapped up in the story. I love the side characters, and the fact that not every beautiful woman is destined for the harem. I am eagerly awaiting book 2.
Although I did not enjoy the beginning of the story, finding the time jump glossing over I would have enjoyed reading, I assume became wrapped up in the story. I love the side characters, and the fact that not every beautiful woman is destined for the harem. I am eagerly awaiting book 2.
March 11, 2026
An absolute BANGER
This story starts out relatively benign and then the plot cranks up to 11 before the action follows and the suspense can be cut with a bloody beam weapon. Bruce has definitely outdone himself with this one. Flavors of Faracape, Star Trek and just the barest hint of eldritch horror mix to make a truly wonderful universe of fun. Can't wait for volume 2
This story starts out relatively benign and then the plot cranks up to 11 before the action follows and the suspense can be cut with a bloody beam weapon. Bruce has definitely outdone himself with this one. Flavors of Faracape, Star Trek and just the barest hint of eldritch horror mix to make a truly wonderful universe of fun. Can't wait for volume 2
March 12, 2026
I was severely disappointed when the MC was captured, tortured, and forced indoctrination... having experienced indoctrination for real, this triggered me. So I'm leaving this for anyone else as a trigger warning.
That aside, it was a good story and would have otherwise received 5 stars. Lily is best girl.
That aside, it was a good story and would have otherwise received 5 stars. Lily is best girl.
March 10, 2026
easily the authors best work to date
I have to say, man was I blown away going through this book. I’ve read most of bruces work and I have to say, this first book has set expectations high and blown all his other books out of the water. Really looking forward to the sequel now.
I have to say, man was I blown away going through this book. I’ve read most of bruces work and I have to say, this first book has set expectations high and blown all his other books out of the water. Really looking forward to the sequel now.
March 10, 2026
Instant Classic
Bruce does it again. Great new series with a ton of potential. Lots of options for a slow burn story and some instant gratification arcs. Very much like Firefly with a lot more political drama. I am very much looking forward to more of this series!!!
Bruce does it again. Great new series with a ton of potential. Lots of options for a slow burn story and some instant gratification arcs. Very much like Firefly with a lot more political drama. I am very much looking forward to more of this series!!!
March 12, 2026
Good one
This is a great start to a new series. Writing is tight. The universe was interesting and the character development was excellent. Definitely looking forward to the next one.
This is a great start to a new series. Writing is tight. The universe was interesting and the character development was excellent. Definitely looking forward to the next one.
March 13, 2026
Another awesome series
I hope others enjoy this series so it can continue. I have every series Bruce has produced and this one hits the right spots. Slow build, unexpected turns, lots of action and adventure..
I hope others enjoy this series so it can continue. I have every series Bruce has produced and this one hits the right spots. Slow build, unexpected turns, lots of action and adventure..
March 14, 2026
Great Start
Great Sci-fi story! Love the twists on classic fantasy races and new ones. The story went in some very fun directions and I love the character development that Bruce was able to get competed in this book. Can’t wait for book 2!!!
Great Sci-fi story! Love the twists on classic fantasy races and new ones. The story went in some very fun directions and I love the character development that Bruce was able to get competed in this book. Can’t wait for book 2!!!
March 14, 2026
Good book
Oh my freaking lord what to say,damn that was one hell of a first book. I definitely look forward to the next book,but this was definitely a good start to a really top notch series. Always look forward to reading your books keep up the good work 👏 🙌
Oh my freaking lord what to say,damn that was one hell of a first book. I definitely look forward to the next book,but this was definitely a good start to a really top notch series. Always look forward to reading your books keep up the good work 👏 🙌
March 14, 2026
Por lejos el peor inicio de saga que he leido de Bruce Sentar. El libro es malo. Y si se sigue la trayectoria que los libros de cada saga de este autor son siempre los mejores, ni me quiero imaginar que tan malos van a ser los siguientes.
March 9, 2026
Fantastic!!!!
The only fault of a first entry to a new series like this is that I can’t immediately get the next one.
The only fault of a first entry to a new series like this is that I can’t immediately get the next one.
March 12, 2026
Great Read
It's well paced. Interesting plot. A good read! It is a good change of pace from other series.
Just do not give up Dungeon Diving.
It's well paced. Interesting plot. A good read! It is a good change of pace from other series.
Just do not give up Dungeon Diving.
March 13, 2026
Great
Very good new entry in a setting. Loved all the characters and can't wait to read the sequel. Lily rely did be Lilith lol.
Very good new entry in a setting. Loved all the characters and can't wait to read the sequel. Lily rely did be Lilith lol.
March 13, 2026
Great start
This feels like it will be a fun series, the characters are just weird enough to keep us reading. Hope the next installment comes out soon.
This feels like it will be a fun series, the characters are just weird enough to keep us reading. Hope the next installment comes out soon.
March 13, 2026
Very good book
This is a fine fantasy harem adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Lily. I anxiously await the author's next novel.
This is a fine fantasy harem adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Lily. I anxiously await the author's next novel.
March 13, 2026
Great new series
Love the new series. Always fast paced and enjoyable reads. Strongly recommend the new series for fans for the author.
Love the new series. Always fast paced and enjoyable reads. Strongly recommend the new series for fans for the author.
March 13, 2026
Another great read
Another great read from Bruce Sentar. Lily is a powerful character with frightening capabilities. I can't wait for the next book.
Another great read from Bruce Sentar. Lily is a powerful character with frightening capabilities. I can't wait for the next book.
March 13, 2026
Really good!
By far one of the best books Bruce Sentar has put out. Would recommend to anyone who has a sci fi addiction
By far one of the best books Bruce Sentar has put out. Would recommend to anyone who has a sci fi addiction
March 14, 2026
Fanfreakingtastic!
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!
March 15, 2026
I am looking forward to see what is next
I like the balance between tension and comrade amongst the crew , could be A team, firefly, dark matter with careful balancing
I like the balance between tension and comrade amongst the crew , could be A team, firefly, dark matter with careful balancing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews