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Returner's Defiance #5
Returner's Defiance 5
Bran has been thrust into the Trial of Kings before he was prepared, but even without his memories, he’s still the Bran who passed it once before.
However, this time he won’t just do the trial once but twice, with the second time being even more dangerous than the first to ensure he can pull all of his companions through the trial with him.
He finds himself shackled and imprisoned by a Simone who leads the Mul Branova within the trials, but she doesn't recognize him. Can he win her over a second time?
However, this time he won’t just do the trial once but twice, with the second time being even more dangerous than the first to ensure he can pull all of his companions through the trial with him.
He finds himself shackled and imprisoned by a Simone who leads the Mul Branova within the trials, but she doesn't recognize him. Can he win her over a second time?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2025
250 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Sentar
56 books840 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 32 reviews
November 13, 2025
Well, we've reached the usual "This book is such a disappointment" point of a Bruce Sentar series, and it landed with a whimper as it failed to hold my interest.
The MC continued and escalated his streak of "I must do it all, and treat my LIs like they are babies that must be swaddled at all times" in this one. I had hopes that because many of his LIs had entered the Trial of Kings, which forces an individual to prove themselves on their own, that we would get to see the LIs function well and prove they can fly with their own wings.
Instead, we get the MC going through his own lackluster trial that was so boring I put the book down a half dozen times. And as soon as he's done, he's asking the System to let him go back and help his LIs. The system argues with him for a while, but eventually the MC forces his way back, and has to get the 4 women to "submit" (not sexually, much to his chagrin with one of them) to his leadership without having access to any memories of him. This was both tedious to read, and shows that the MC thinks his women aren't capable of handling anything on their own.
So, it looks like I am done with this series. And I've now reached the point where going into any new series Sentar creates, I can expect that I'll quit it before it's completed.
The MC continued and escalated his streak of "I must do it all, and treat my LIs like they are babies that must be swaddled at all times" in this one. I had hopes that because many of his LIs had entered the Trial of Kings, which forces an individual to prove themselves on their own, that we would get to see the LIs function well and prove they can fly with their own wings.
Instead, we get the MC going through his own lackluster trial that was so boring I put the book down a half dozen times. And as soon as he's done, he's asking the System to let him go back and help his LIs. The system argues with him for a while, but eventually the MC forces his way back, and has to get the 4 women to "submit" (not sexually, much to his chagrin with one of them) to his leadership without having access to any memories of him. This was both tedious to read, and shows that the MC thinks his women aren't capable of handling anything on their own.
So, it looks like I am done with this series. And I've now reached the point where going into any new series Sentar creates, I can expect that I'll quit it before it's completed.
November 26, 2025
Yeah, as much as I thought this was a better series than some of the author's other ones, but it lost it here. Just couldn't go the MC's stupid decisions and gave up early.
December 9, 2025
Despite a promising first half in the Trial of Kings, this novel is much like its predecessors: far too many scenes utterly devoid of interest. A few good ideas stand out, like the rubber ducks, but it's all so slow and tedious!
I'll stop there, as it's clear the author has decided to milk this potentially endless series for all it's worth.
I'll stop there, as it's clear the author has decided to milk this potentially endless series for all it's worth.
November 18, 2025
For something that had been built up for awhile, the Trial of Kings was incredibly low effort. Not only were the objectives vague and uninteresting, but Bran undermined the testing of the other candidates. So far, the rewards seem completely unremarkable (just a general stat power-up), and their necessity almost unwarranted. Also, why is the seemingly all-powerful system’s avatar written so naive and gullible? Princess Almeria ended up being a bundle of silly tropes despite previously being presented as cunning. The other major plot point for this volume involved getting an eccentric dude laid. As the dude in question is functional enough to run a business and is not in fact a cave-dwelling hermit, I felt his reaction to the subject of his desire was too extreme to be believable. This volume contributed very little to the story’s overall progression. At this point, it feels like the story has become a bit shallow, but we'll see how he handles the "tournament arc" next.
February 7, 2026
Wish More Authors Were Like This
I always enjoy Bruce's work. Even when the books are more covering a side plot it still encompasses and helps to move along the main plot.
Far too many authors in the genre write simply to fill enough words and force another book out, with Bruce's books I always feel like I'm getting a story and not just a copy and pasted plot hook with trash filler.
This book covers the King Trial which had been spoken about earlier in other books and something that was made to seem important enough that when it became the current plot I was excited to see both the trial and its outcomes and what larger effects it will have on the war and for the MC and his group.
Like
always I was not let down. The author took what could have been a boring, read a million times trial of strength and turned it into something more exciting in having them not only lose their memories but having the MC refuse to leave the Trial after completing his in an effort to help the others that went in.
For anyone that favors Simone, I'm sure you'll love seeing her from this different point of view. She can't recognize Bran but is still the same obsessive ruler of the Mul Branova leader. Except we get to see what all of that looks like from the outside as she is unable to recognize Bran for who he is and as he must attempt to win her over to submit her and the girls to some man she doesn't believe is Bran but who is claiming he is.
I always enjoy Bruce's work. Even when the books are more covering a side plot it still encompasses and helps to move along the main plot.
Far too many authors in the genre write simply to fill enough words and force another book out, with Bruce's books I always feel like I'm getting a story and not just a copy and pasted plot hook with trash filler.
This book covers the King Trial which had been spoken about earlier in other books and something that was made to seem important enough that when it became the current plot I was excited to see both the trial and its outcomes and what larger effects it will have on the war and for the MC and his group.
Like
always I was not let down. The author took what could have been a boring, read a million times trial of strength and turned it into something more exciting in having them not only lose their memories but having the MC refuse to leave the Trial after completing his in an effort to help the others that went in.
For anyone that favors Simone, I'm sure you'll love seeing her from this different point of view. She can't recognize Bran but is still the same obsessive ruler of the Mul Branova leader. Except we get to see what all of that looks like from the outside as she is unable to recognize Bran for who he is and as he must attempt to win her over to submit her and the girls to some man she doesn't believe is Bran but who is claiming he is.
January 30, 2026
4.0⭐️1🌶️. 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 is the 5th book in the series and it had a fairly even split between battle scenes and advancement of the storyline. I have learned that I get a bit bored with battle scenes, and against my nature, only skimmed through about 50 pages of battle scenes in the first 1/3 of the book. I need more human connection in my books than the battle scenes give me. That issue is on me not the author. The book is entirely plot driven with very little spice. There is a harem element to this series which is talked about here and there when they aren’t separated by war. There were more than a few advancements in the storyline that I thought, “Uhmm, there’s no way that someone, let alone a few someones, would agree to that so quickly,” but I get it. You’d add a 100 pages to a book just slowly developing the circumstances that lead to an agreement. But, all in all, I can see why this series is enjoyed by many. The series has been well written and has a great plot.
November 12, 2025
This was a great book but the startup was a bit of a slow progression because of a plot design flaw that a good editor would have caught and removed.
The rest of the book is a similar level of excellence in the story progression and character growth as well as harem growth.
The rest of the book is a similar level of excellence in the story progression and character growth as well as harem growth.
November 14, 2025
Starts slow, gets much better
I felt the first ~20% or so of the book was a bit slow and didn't hook me. Bran's challenge didn't seem too hard for a character like him, and I felt we spent a bit too much time on the characters in his trial as in my head I couldn't shake the idea that none of them mattered as they aren't real within the story world. Bran is also not a strong enough character to carry the story alone.
However, once the other characters return to the story things immediately picked up for me. This series is fun because of the way Bran and his ladies interact, I think that's one of this author's great strengths. The dynamic between Mr and Mrs. Ducky ended up being great too, hope to see a little more of them in the next book!
I felt the first ~20% or so of the book was a bit slow and didn't hook me. Bran's challenge didn't seem too hard for a character like him, and I felt we spent a bit too much time on the characters in his trial as in my head I couldn't shake the idea that none of them mattered as they aren't real within the story world. Bran is also not a strong enough character to carry the story alone.
However, once the other characters return to the story things immediately picked up for me. This series is fun because of the way Bran and his ladies interact, I think that's one of this author's great strengths. The dynamic between Mr and Mrs. Ducky ended up being great too, hope to see a little more of them in the next book!
March 9, 2026
If you ignore the first 20-25% of this I think it's fine, probably better plot wise, in the sense that it's not trying to hard to push a plot, probably a better way of saying that...It's cleaner compared to books two and three which felt that they were trying to push too many different plots together. Really not happy about the first arc with the mc and his trial, introduced characters I was hopeful would stick around the mc needs more male companionship. I liked that they tried to add more texture to the LI's with their memories being changed and the mc having to rewin their trust, I think having the mc save them all kinda defeated the goal though a little.
It's still Bruce, so writing is great, and there is too much harem sprawl.
It's still Bruce, so writing is great, and there is too much harem sprawl.
December 26, 2025
Rating 2.0 stars DNF
I made it about 20% in before I gave up. I am just glad I didn't go out and by the audiobook for this one. I don't know what happened. I liked the first 3 books. Now Bran is in the trial of kings and loses his memory. For the most part that is such a lazy trope for a writer. It is just nonstop fighting against a demon horde. I don't understand the purpose of this. I would have held on longer, but I read some other reviews that made it clear I would be upset with the rest of the story, so I decided to pull the plug.
I made it about 20% in before I gave up. I am just glad I didn't go out and by the audiobook for this one. I don't know what happened. I liked the first 3 books. Now Bran is in the trial of kings and loses his memory. For the most part that is such a lazy trope for a writer. It is just nonstop fighting against a demon horde. I don't understand the purpose of this. I would have held on longer, but I read some other reviews that made it clear I would be upset with the rest of the story, so I decided to pull the plug.
April 23, 2026
DNF at 27%
Sadly i really got tired of the plot and bombastic first person writing style.
Criticism and comments
The generously dispensed pathos is made worse by the first person view of the book.
"catching its blade with my teeth." Don't try this at home, kids! #rofl#
"holding their sword" stop that gender crap!
Make up your mind about the bl##dy gender. First it's a they than an it.
The use of the name Syssy in English literature is very unfortunate nowadays. My mind constantly tries to visualise the modern meaning #brr#..
Sadly i really got tired of the plot and bombastic first person writing style.
Criticism and comments
The generously dispensed pathos is made worse by the first person view of the book.
"catching its blade with my teeth." Don't try this at home, kids! #rofl#
"holding their sword" stop that gender crap!
Make up your mind about the bl##dy gender. First it's a they than an it.
The use of the name Syssy in English literature is very unfortunate nowadays. My mind constantly tries to visualise the modern meaning #brr#..
November 21, 2025
It's good
If you like the previous books in the series, you're going to enjoy this one. I don't know how to tell you much else without ruining the plot for you. This good fight scenes. Good characterization. You get to explore more of the world, more fun interactions. A crazy Craftsman it's a lot of fun stuff going on and hope this helps. I'm writing this review with voice to text. I apologize for any spelling or grammatical errors
If you like the previous books in the series, you're going to enjoy this one. I don't know how to tell you much else without ruining the plot for you. This good fight scenes. Good characterization. You get to explore more of the world, more fun interactions. A crazy Craftsman it's a lot of fun stuff going on and hope this helps. I'm writing this review with voice to text. I apologize for any spelling or grammatical errors
November 10, 2025
Another great one
This one contained a very small arc or the trial of kings and some lighter action/down time in the second half. I enjoyed the pacing and plot points greatly. Unfortunately not a lot happened with our MC relationships developing/spice but that doesn't need to be a major focus in every book but I do hope it doesn't go to the wayside.
This one contained a very small arc or the trial of kings and some lighter action/down time in the second half. I enjoyed the pacing and plot points greatly. Unfortunately not a lot happened with our MC relationships developing/spice but that doesn't need to be a major focus in every book but I do hope it doesn't go to the wayside.
November 12, 2025
Great scenarios used well
This book is a good time. The character work is very well done. The Trial of Kings is a great opportunity for character exploration, enough so that I wish we got more of it. The aftermath and follow up on Merlin and Circe's rivalry is also fun and interesting.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next one.
This book is a good time. The character work is very well done. The Trial of Kings is a great opportunity for character exploration, enough so that I wish we got more of it. The aftermath and follow up on Merlin and Circe's rivalry is also fun and interesting.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next one.
November 14, 2025
A great trial and epic set up
The trial itself is an amazing roller coaster of character growth. Glad he got the new waifu and hopefully the ice maiden thaws enough to try living again. I can't wait to see what sneaky moves the demon king is planning. Hope to see more shenanigans in the next novel, definitely keeping me at the edge of my seat as I wait for more.
The trial itself is an amazing roller coaster of character growth. Glad he got the new waifu and hopefully the ice maiden thaws enough to try living again. I can't wait to see what sneaky moves the demon king is planning. Hope to see more shenanigans in the next novel, definitely keeping me at the edge of my seat as I wait for more.
November 14, 2025
Another cracker
As usual with Bruce’s work, another well rounded book. As mentioned in the afterword, and something I think was done well, was not breezing through the trial of kings arc, but also moving at a reasonable pace too. Twas indeed slightly more epic than fast but it works well for that point.
Anyway good stuff and looking forward to more.
As usual with Bruce’s work, another well rounded book. As mentioned in the afterword, and something I think was done well, was not breezing through the trial of kings arc, but also moving at a reasonable pace too. Twas indeed slightly more epic than fast but it works well for that point.
Anyway good stuff and looking forward to more.
December 3, 2025
DNF at 50%. This whole series has been a three-star effort for me so far, and this one just felt entirely pointless and contrived. I wasn't fond of the direction the author chose for Bran's trial. Still, fine, but then, another bothersome interaction with Syssy and a ridiculous "secret option" reveal ... I've just had enough. This entire series is a homage to missed opportunity.
January 19, 2026
it was alright.
It’s four stars because the story is picking up but the dialogues are too wordy. Most of the world building is done through dialogue rather than historical narration of the story. I don’t like that. I get exhausted reading through their overblown conversations about the plot and events.
It’s four stars because the story is picking up but the dialogues are too wordy. Most of the world building is done through dialogue rather than historical narration of the story. I don’t like that. I get exhausted reading through their overblown conversations about the plot and events.
April 9, 2026
Harem ruins a great story
I really want to like this story. The setting and world building is very interesting. I like the MC's traits, but the harem focus is really dragging the quality. There are so many people, the book gets bogged down with drama and posturing in the relationship that does not add anything to the story that i find engaging.
I really want to like this story. The setting and world building is very interesting. I like the MC's traits, but the harem focus is really dragging the quality. There are so many people, the book gets bogged down with drama and posturing in the relationship that does not add anything to the story that i find engaging.
November 17, 2025
Exhilarating
I can’t get enough of this series! I love the fact that Sentar is able to bring so much to Bran’s story and incorporate each character in a way that really builds off one another. Another amazing read! Look forward to the next one!
I can’t get enough of this series! I love the fact that Sentar is able to bring so much to Bran’s story and incorporate each character in a way that really builds off one another. Another amazing read! Look forward to the next one!
November 19, 2025
Wow, what an awesome series!!!
Action, adventure and unique magic from beginning to end in this ever expanding world!!! The world building is ever expanding and character development is top notch as always with this ever expanding series!!! More more more!!!!
Action, adventure and unique magic from beginning to end in this ever expanding world!!! The world building is ever expanding and character development is top notch as always with this ever expanding series!!! More more more!!!!
December 8, 2025
I want more!
I love to follow Bran’s adventures, the trial of kings sure was something, now I can’t wait to see how the tournament goes and the next time Bran and Vidar get to settle their scores
I love to follow Bran’s adventures, the trial of kings sure was something, now I can’t wait to see how the tournament goes and the next time Bran and Vidar get to settle their scores
January 26, 2026
So Good!
Finally, we got to experience the Trial of Kings and it didn’t disappoint! Meeting the system was interesting, but the trials and memory loss was super cool to see play out. I love the characters and can’t wait for more to come from this series!
Finally, we got to experience the Trial of Kings and it didn’t disappoint! Meeting the system was interesting, but the trials and memory loss was super cool to see play out. I love the characters and can’t wait for more to come from this series!
November 12, 2025
Loved it
As soon as I see a new book of yours I always end up reading it way too fast. Always enjoy your stories.
As soon as I see a new book of yours I always end up reading it way too fast. Always enjoy your stories.
November 14, 2025
Go Bran go
Bran is finally making plans to take on the Demon King and the rest of his minions in the tournament he organized
Bran is finally making plans to take on the Demon King and the rest of his minions in the tournament he organized
November 14, 2025
can’t wait for the next one
good book, loved the way trial of kings went my only hope is that the next one is longer because i didn’t wanna stop reading haha
good book, loved the way trial of kings went my only hope is that the next one is longer because i didn’t wanna stop reading haha
November 16, 2025
Nothing of consequence happened in this book except at the very end with the crafter, and even that doesn't seem all that important. I was very disappointed in this one.
November 17, 2025
Cliffhanger
Book 5 is amazing. Ended on a cliffhanger. Really nice story arc. Looking forward to the rest of the series
Book 5 is amazing. Ended on a cliffhanger. Really nice story arc. Looking forward to the rest of the series
December 27, 2025
seems trials don't always go as planned but that is part of a trial.
March 3, 2026
Bruce sentar is phenomenal
He rights in a way that is easy to read and you can see the book come to life in your mind.
He rights in a way that is easy to read and you can see the book come to life in your mind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews