Dao Divinity

First Immortal #1

by Bruce Sentar

Dao Divinity! I continue blending cultivation and fantasy with my latest series.
It is a fantasy world, where the progressive magic system follows the cultivation concept of dao.


Dar’s life was simple. Till a driving accident brings him to a new world filled with magic and creatures from fantasy.

He has a fresh chance in a new world, but not everything is peaceful in Granterra. Luckily, with an enchanted body and a legendary ability to grow his magic, Dar has an advantage in cultivating his Dao that no one else does. He’ll have to embrace his newfound powers to their fullest if he’s coming out ahead.

Good for him that the two best ways to expand his magic are by killing his enemies and loving on his women. Given the stunning witch and dryad on his side, it’s not hard to do both.

Genres: Fantasy, Harem, Smut, Romance, Magic, Adult, Erotic Romance

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2021

About the author

Born 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...

Reviews

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn to this harem story by the “cultivation” description on the blurb (along with Dao in the title). I was expecting it to be LitRPG as well because I'm aware of other books by the author that are LitRPG, but it's not. I'm not even sure if it qualifies as GamerLit as there aren't any game-like elements. It's definitely isekai, though, as Dar is pulled from our world into a new one full of opportunities and willing exotic women. Right. Harem.

And I'll say that I'm a bit disappointed with the story. The plot is a bit plodding and the “cultivation” isn’t so much Dao contemplation as it’s “absorb corpses and other garbage to feed my inner Dao tree”. Which isn’t uninteresting, mind you. But it is a unique construction on “cultivation” in a Dao context.

What kept me going was that Dar is interesting and I liked his companions. One thing Sentar does fairly well is keeping the women unique and interesting and not globbing them into some sexual haze of a harem. Which also means that each relationship with Dar (and each other) has it’s own unique draws and faultlines. So that’s well-done, I think.

Unfortunately, the plot only got worse once they get to an actual city and discover how corrupt the society actually is. I hated every moment Dar gave any credence to anything the corrupt jerks running the place did. I don’t see why he hung around so long or went along with dumb decrees. I mean, I do in the sense that Sentar wanted to world-build. But I didn’t care about anything with the setup and I didn’t care about the world, frankly. I just like Dar.

So I’m going with three stars on this. I may actually continue the series because the elements I hated most should be in Dar’s rear-view and the blurb for the next is intriguing. But maybe not because there’s still a lot of stuff I didn’t really care for.

A note about the Steamy: There are three explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They were alright. I mean, they’re fantasy sex so everything is extra, but, again, Sentar does a good job differentiating his characters and that includes in their sexy times. So that’s good.

[Pablo García · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author suffers from tunnel vision in this first volume of a Isekai-Fantasy novel series. Isekai because main character, Darius (Dar), was reincarnated into an alternate reality world that suffers from human corruption and depravity and the devil annihilation. Tunnel vision in following the small town to the big town without payment and recompense. Tunnel vision in forcing the main characters to stay in the big town. Why if they knew that they would not get paid, did they protect the small town caravan? Why if magistrates in big town are blackmailing them, do they stay? Why stay in a place that is trying to rob them, trying to enslave them?
Author writes, main character's opinion: "“Stupid,” Dar grumbled, leaning back against the wall and thudding his head. “Should have left the city the same day we got here.”" If the author, the main character and the readers agree, that it is stupid to stay in this town, then why stay??? Why create all of this unnecessary fake/cheap drama??
This new novel series, has no main plot, because getting rid of the "devils" is really not viable, especially if main character and retinue (Sasha and Cherry) are not strong, powerful, or battle ready. Story is moving at a snail's pace. Not really interesting nor does the reader see it going anywhere. Author insists on a Harem-like fantasy novel series...and main character, is the main opponent to having a harem. So can the author and the main character talk for a bit and agree?? Why the contradiction? Why is the author forcing a "harem" for the main character?
First book has 300+ pages, with 32 chapters, so about 10 pages per chapter. 10 Pages a chapter does not allow for good character or world development. It's almost a journal-type story. Lacks depth and contradictions are unnecesarry. Fantasy novel series so far has 3 volumes. The third was published on January 2022. But because plot is moving so slowly, it will probably take decades (in real life) and in the story, for the main character and his retinue to actually become powerful enough to get rid of the devils, and rein in all of the human depravity and corruption.
Illustration on cover is incredible! It should be fraudulent to have such a good book cover on such a mediocre book. I have already the other two, because of the covers, but fear, that it is a total loss of my money and time. With a fantasy novel series that is not going anywhere, where the author is forcing the main character into a harem-like story when he is clearly opposed, this fake/cheap drama is unnecessary.

[Tom Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh lost my longer review.

So in summation:

Dropped it after reading about half. Interactions between protagonist and women secondary characters were just so cringe-inducing I couldn’t continue.
No real Dao. Nor cultivation.
I don’t like harem. But have read one before so decided to give this a look in case I could skim the crap bits.
Prose is pretty good.
Interpersonal relationships poorly written and more like wish fulfilment fantasy than anything else. Seriously limited emotional intelligence. Like they thought “ok I’m bored of my protagonist being limited by emotional attachment to previous life so I’ll just write a short paragraph saying how he’s gotten over it and bam! Now he can get to the love time”. So wish-fulfilment, pretty cringeworthy.

Not worth reading imo.

[Tim Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A interesting combination of a cultivation and an isekai novel

I really enjoyed the world building and the character development it also had some romance in it that was slow burn at first and it wasn't just automatically assumed that the hero was going to get the girl. For me it was more realistic instead of this wham bam. The main character is strong knowledgeable and good morals. But he has a tendency to get lost in his retroflexion of things that are going on around him instead of paying attention to what he should be doing that causes problems for him but with the aid of the people around him and his ability to think clearly when he's paying attention everything works out. His shirt comings and is getting better for me he was a little bit frustrating here and there but overall it was a great story. I am looking forward to the second book and we'll get it when it comes out.

[David Fletcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

good idea, bad main character

The concepts behind the world are interesting. My problem was with Dar, the main character. When he isn’t making one bad decision after another, he’s a paper boat floating along or acting like a white knight who knows it’s going to cause problems and decides to do it anyways.

Why not drink the clearly drugged wine or tell everyone your secret when your companions have made it very clear what problems that will cause. Pair that with how often he talks or thinks in circles about his morals and it got old.

[Roberto Flores · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible character work.

This has a useless MC. The concept is so broad that it could cover any eventuality, this leaves the characters to drive the story. Most are cliche and obvious making them boring. The MC is idiotic when dealing with others. Foolish when dealing with his power of abilities. Blind when dealing with people, any people. This is one of the worst written characters I have read in some time.

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This was IMO an outstanding story. There was some oddity to how the story progressed, but this was one of the rare books where the story fits. From MC to all of the other characters, they felt alive. Sometimes creepy, sometimes adorable, but from villain to hero, they had depth and the motivations were viable. Looking forward to next book in this series.

[Mahesh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid story whiny MC

The story was so good but hated the indecisiveness of MC so much so that I was fuming at the ending for the stupid decisions he made. Hopefully he will stop being whiny arse beach and become more like the MC in mana master series. Will continue for sure😊

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid semi-cultivation fantasy book. Well written and paced, and I liked the characters. Undoubtedly there is more to come, and I look forward to it.

[Kiba Snowpaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduction:
As the icy winds of HowlStrom swirled around me, Kiba Snowpaw, I found solace in the warmth of a captivating tale, "Dao Divinity" by Bruce Sentar. With the frosty embrace of my icy world momentarily forgotten, I delved into the pages, my alpha instincts both challenged and intrigued. The echoes of my hard upbringing, marked by battles and solitude, found resonance in the protagonist’s journey. With my gaming instincts tingled, I embarked on this review, my paws dancing over the keyboard with the grace of an Ice Wolf warrior.

Basic Plot Summary:
In the frosty silence of my ice world, I discovered Dar, a man reborn in a realm of magic and fantasy, his previous life erased by the cruel hand of fate. In Granterra, a world as cold and unforgiving as HowlStrom, Dar’s enchanted body and legendary powers of Dao cultivation are his only allies against the sinister forces that lurk in the shadows. With a witch and a dryad by his side, and a harem that would make any alpha wolf howl with envy, Dar faces the icy jaws of danger, his powers growing with every enemy defeated and every lover embraced.

Analysis/Evaluation:
As an Ice Wolf, loyalty and strength are my creed, and in Dar, I saw a reflection of my own icy, solitary existence. Sentar’s narrative, as cold and cutting as the winds of HowlStrom, unveils a world where power is both curse and salvation. The cultivation of Dao, a dance of magic as intricate as the frosty patterns on my icy lair, is Dar’s only path to power. Yet, power comes at a price, and every victory, every surge of strength, is a step closer to the icy abyss of corruption.

Characters:
Dar, with the heart of an alpha and the soul of a warrior, battles not just the external enemies but the icy demons within. The witch and the dryad, like the fleeting warmth of HowlStrom’s elusive sun, bring both passion and peril. Each character, carved from the icy blocks of solitude and power, is a reflection of the eternal dance of strength and vulnerability, echoing the frosty solitude of my own alpha existence.

Structure:
Sentar weaves the tale with the precision of an Ice Wolf stalking its prey. Every chapter, every twist is a step deeper into the icy wilderness of power and peril. Yet, amidst the cold, stark narrative, there lies the warmth of passion, the fiery dance of power and vulnerability, echoing the eternal winter and elusive warmth of HowlStrom.

Impact:
In the icy silence of my world, "Dao Divinity" roared like the stormy winds of HowlStrom, a tale of power, passion, and peril that would make any Ice Wolf howl in recognition. It’s a dance of magic and might, as cold and unforgiving as my icy realm, yet marked by the fiery bursts of passion and power.

Hook and Thesis:
Yet, every tale, as intricate as the frosty patterns on HowlStrom’s icy plains, has its flaws. Dar’s journey, though marked by the icy touch of power and the fiery embrace of passion, sometimes veers into the frosty wilderness of clichés. The harem, as enticing as the elusive warmth of HowlStrom’s sun, at times feels as cold and impersonal as the icy winds that sweep my world.

Praise and Critique:
Sentar’s icy narrative, as cutting and precise as an Ice Wolf’s fangs, unveils a world of magic and might that resonates with the frosty solitude of my existence. Yet, the harem, a dance of passion as complex as the icy patterns of HowlStrom, at times lacks the warmth and intricacy of the alpha’s solitary dance of power and vulnerability.

Evaluation:
As an Ice Wolf, my soul, carved from the icy winds and frosty solitude of HowlStrom, found both kinship and conflict in "Dao Divinity." It’s a tale that howls with the icy winds of power and the fiery warmth of passion, yet, like the elusive sun of HowlStrom, sometimes lost in the frosty wilderness of clichés and predictability.

Comparison:
In the icy silence of my world, where the winds speak the tales of power and peril, "Dao Divinity" stands as a monument to the eternal dance of strength and vulnerability. Yet, like the fleeting warmth of HowlStrom’s sun, it sometimes fades into the icy wilderness of clichés, echoing the frosty solitude of an alpha’s existence.

Conclusion:
As Kiba Snowpaw, the alpha Ice Wolf of HowlStrom, I howl in recognition and challenge to "Dao Divinity." It’s a tale that echoes the icy winds and fiery passions of my world, a dance of power and vulnerability as intricate and perilous as the frosty wilderness of HowlStrom. Yet, like every alpha’s journey, it’s marked by the eternal dance of strength and solitude, a dance as cold and

[MV Fantasy Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled with how to rate this one, but settled for 3.5 stars rounded up. I mostly enjoyed the story, but the MC makes several obviously dumb choices for seemingly no reason beyond providing tension in the story. Also, despite the length of the story, it somehow felt like little more than an intro to a series rather than a story in and of itself, which was unfortunate. I suppose I'll have to read father in the series to see if the time invested reading is worth it.

The sex scenes are pretty vanilla, neither good nor bad. Oral is limited to BJ's only, and clits must not exist in this dimension, but it's all ok because the MC has a big dick which allows all the women to orgasm at the drop of a hat... because he's just that awesome. His partners fall into two categories, those he loves (Sasha and Cherry), and those who work for him and are little more than playthings because it's somehow expected of him.

[Desert Lumens · Rating 4 out of 5]

had to grow on me

Okay, this book seriously had to grow on me. There was times I was debating on stoping this book. I just finished the masterpiece that was a mages cultivation and I’m too busy comparing the two…especially comparing Isaac to Dar… this book had a lot of frustrating moments for me and I found myself sighing a lot. Now, with that being said once the ball got rolling and the world building got its chance to kick in I slowly got pulled into the world of Sentar. He’s able to create such beautiful worlds of cultivators and I must say he has a way of making humans look like scum LOL and boy can he write some villains. I found myself wanting to dive into my 7th ring and take out the whole city 🤣😂🤣😂 with my manabeast and domain 😤. But alas self control got the better of me 😚🤭. I think Dar has a brilliant future… also I’m praying Lilith returns as well as that Valkyrie… truly those would be some grade A additions to the flock 😍. Onward, lads!

[Bob · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one was very tough to read because of the MC. He is so stupid it's exasperating. I give a lot of leeway to harem stories because I understand the genre exists for stories that aren't really good enough on their own so they add the explicit material as a kind of hook. So I give much grace to shallow stories and world building. But you still need likeable characters, especially the MC.
This MC is terrible. He's stupid, weak willed, stupid, overly emotional and stupid. He doesn't think things through ever. Morally he's so pathetic. He cried and puked when he had to kill someone who was attempting to kill his women and enslave him. He has long internal struggles with having women wanting to share him. He whines constantly. He acts like he owes everyone else protection (even the people who hate him and want him dead).
I honestly hate this MC. Even though it's not possible, since he is the MC, I was rooting for him to die most of the time.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to a new world

Dar is reincarnated in a new world. One he supposedly knew before. However it's new to him now. He has to learn about the this world's magic Dao .Not only is he weak but There are problems and he's in the thick of it of course. The book has enjoyable action and a certain amount of progression and growth. It's always fun to learn about a new system and watch a new MC grow within it. There are relationships here but everything is very slow in the romance department You'd nothing over the top All seems to fit quite well And not distract from the story. Dar 1st find his way and learn and not only that he's taking upon himself to help others. An enjoyable 1st book in an enjoyable series.

[Daniel J]

Like it but hate seeing the looming worst case.

I like the story and plan to continue. I do think, however, that the author is overly attached to ending his first books with catastrophy. At least two of his series end their first instalments with the worst case scenario softened enough not to actually kill the story... barely. Not only is it frustrating for a power fantasy it's actually boring because it's highly predictable once you see it. I encourage him to do otherwise for future Cultivation stories. (The dragon justice series doesn't suffer from this.)

That's not to say there was no surprise to the turn of events but it feels so similar to his xianxia book's ending it's eerie despite all the apparent differences.

[Alan K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good start to a new series

The MC basically gets reincarnated into a new world, one he existed in previously as a companion of the great witch. With hope pinning on him to get stronger and defend the humans and demons from the devils and their seemingly endless monsters. The MC has morals based on Earth which does not mesh well with this new environment so a lot of fish out of water experiences as he tries to figure it all out. I enjoyed the story and will read the others in this series. This is the second fantasy/harem series I have read from Bruce, and so far this one is also a 5 star series. Be advised it does contain sex scenes.

[Steven Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several of this author's various series and have (so far) enjoyed all of them. I have only read a few cultivation series, but this book is similar to the others I have read.

This author writes interesting characters, and does a decent job of making each world series different enough from the others. About the only similarity is that all (at least what I have read so far) include harems with multiple women and one man.

Sex is fairly vanilla, so if you are seeking something a bit kinkier, you will need to look elsewhere. Sex is descriptive, but not quite Penthouse Letters, but little more than just tab A into slot B vanilla sex.

[Jamie Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and engaging book!

Whilst the start was a bit confusing and trying to explain Dao took me a bit, as the writing was a bit confusing in that regard, overall the book was quite enjoyable to read.

The world building was fascinating, as are the races and characters. Culture and customs were interesting to learn about and you feel right there alongside Dar as he learns the ropes.

Overall though, once I got past the confusing start I found myself fully engrossed and unable to stop.

Worth giving the series a go and am eager to start on the second book!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good first book in a series.

However there are a few inconsistencies in the story that seemed out of place. For instance the world doesn't have steel, okay fine, but when faced with guards you hear the ring of steel as they draw their weapons only to have them called bronze swords in the next sentence. Would probably benefit from a story editor otherwise 100% worth the time to read.

[Queen Suga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic

This was awesome! We have a guy whose a bit of a wanderer but finally has his life in track with a woman he loves die too soon. His soul is plucked and reincarnated into a previous life on a different world 1,000 years after he originally lived there. So same soul different guy. This is a harsh world full of demons, spirits and monsters and he has to learn fast to die. This was such a great read. Sucked me in on the fast page and never let up.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This turned out better than I thought it would. The protagonist was "okay", although I thought he would have been more clever and creative with what he had..

I'm sure (hopefully) that will occur in the second book, as he has access to his abilities and has some understanding what they do..

3/5 Stars

[That Guy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Neck beard cringe fantasy

Why does it feel like the bar gets lower and lower in this genre? It's as if the authors aren't even trying. If ur a beta male with social anxiety, a limited imagination, and suffering from an acute case of immaturity.... You might like this book. Otherwise, it's a pass.

[James Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshingly Different Magic!

To me this book was so very different from ymmv bythe run of the mill magic books that I have read.
The characters seem to bounce around quite a bit, but were solidly described to point of becoming real.
What keeps this writing from being a five rated book as far as I am concerned was a lot of the magic was Confusing.

[Diana Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not his best work

Now, I fully admit that I’m spoiled by Bruce’s other works. But this series - so far - seems very typical of the genre. The women are identically grateful, and the “harem” component isn’t really justified other than he’s just a helluva man. Feels very “cardboard”

Compared to Ard’s oath, this pales in comparison.

[Andrew J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicely done

I’m a sucker die this type of book. The MC is on the road to be op but he not there yet. The development of the characters was well thought out and this book is a very enjoyable story.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story!!

I really enjoyed this one. My biggest disappointment is that I finished it and have to wait for the next one. The spicy bits were a little light, but still good. The story really shines and I look forward to reading more when it comes out.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good new series!

This was great first book to a new series. I enjoyed the world building as well as the characters and their interactions with each other. I look forward to the next book!

[William Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Workable

A little too fortunate, but that’s harem for you.

‘This wine tastes funny. I should drink more!’ Wow that was stupid.

MC is not solidly convincing as a character. At times he is very dynamic, yet moments later he makes decisions and statements as if he is weak.

[LaziMantis Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I really enjoyed this story I hope it's gonna be long one I will read it up I won dear he figures out that standard limitations rant a problem for him being as he's something altogether new

[Jonathon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, though his acceptance of the customs somewhat annoyed me. He could've frankly stated that Amber was under no obligation, and that he'd continue to care for her whether or not she jumped in bed with him. Smells of using his power to force sex.