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Barbarians of the Dust #3
Sarven's Oath
All I wanted was a job. Instead, I got a desert planet, a low-grade fever, and a seven-foot alien shadow I call "Stabby."
Life in the caves is simple: Don’t die of planet sickness, try to make alien lizard meat taste like chicken, and ignore the massive, golden-skinned warrior sharpening his blade in the corner.
His name is Sarven. I call him Stabby McGoldy.
He doesn’t speak English, and I don’t speak "Growl."
But he watches me. Constantly. With red eyes that are terrifyingly intense and a lack of personal space that is frankly alarming.
I’m determined to stay independent. I can fetch my own water, thank you very much. I don’t need a mate. I need a life that’s less complicated and a way off this rock.
But when our clan's only water source turns toxic, survival goes from difficult to impossible.
Suddenly, my independence isn't enough. I need a hunter who can track the source of the poison before the desert claims us all. Now Stabby is stepping out of the shadows to help, and as the heat rises, I’m starting to realize that the only thing more dangerous than the water might be falling for the alien who’s decided I’m his.
(First-contact sci-fi romance with forced proximity, survival stakes, and a possessive but devoted alien hero.)
Life in the caves is simple: Don’t die of planet sickness, try to make alien lizard meat taste like chicken, and ignore the massive, golden-skinned warrior sharpening his blade in the corner.
His name is Sarven. I call him Stabby McGoldy.
He doesn’t speak English, and I don’t speak "Growl."
But he watches me. Constantly. With red eyes that are terrifyingly intense and a lack of personal space that is frankly alarming.
I’m determined to stay independent. I can fetch my own water, thank you very much. I don’t need a mate. I need a life that’s less complicated and a way off this rock.
But when our clan's only water source turns toxic, survival goes from difficult to impossible.
Suddenly, my independence isn't enough. I need a hunter who can track the source of the poison before the desert claims us all. Now Stabby is stepping out of the shadows to help, and as the heat rises, I’m starting to realize that the only thing more dangerous than the water might be falling for the alien who’s decided I’m his.
(First-contact sci-fi romance with forced proximity, survival stakes, and a possessive but devoted alien hero.)
- GenresRomance
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2026
95 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 8, 2026
If you enjoy Ice Planet Barbarians, you’ll definitely love this series and this author. This is the second saga I’ve read from her, and I’ve devoured all of them. They’re so good and ridiculously addictive.
Even though each book follows a different couple, the world keeps expanding and getting richer, so it never feels repetitive. You don’t get bored reading the same story over and over again, which is exactly why, yes, I actually like these more than Ice Planet Barbarians.
I wish this was longer though 🥰 - can’t wait for the next book!
Even though each book follows a different couple, the world keeps expanding and getting richer, so it never feels repetitive. You don’t get bored reading the same story over and over again, which is exactly why, yes, I actually like these more than Ice Planet Barbarians.
I wish this was longer though 🥰 - can’t wait for the next book!
January 7, 2026
I feel like a peasant watching Michelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel.
I need 35 of these books yesterday. They’re sweet, funny, well paced, and interesting. This series is going to be the next big thing in alien/monster romance.
When it comes to how these men will truly be anything for their ladies, let’s just say A.G. Wilde is doing things never 👏🏻 done 👏🏻 before 👏🏻 in the alien romance genre, and I am so grateful to watch a master at work. Pardon the pun, but A.G., if you’re reading this, please do not hesitate to get ~wild~ with this. We are ready and waiting!
Counting down the days to book 4!
I need 35 of these books yesterday. They’re sweet, funny, well paced, and interesting. This series is going to be the next big thing in alien/monster romance.
When it comes to how these men will truly be anything for their ladies, let’s just say A.G. Wilde is doing things never 👏🏻 done 👏🏻 before 👏🏻 in the alien romance genre, and I am so grateful to watch a master at work. Pardon the pun, but A.G., if you’re reading this, please do not hesitate to get ~wild~ with this. We are ready and waiting!
Counting down the days to book 4!
January 8, 2026
cute couple, boring book.
January 18, 2026
Sarven is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite so far! Don’t get me wrong—I adore Rok and Tharn—but Sarven is the perfect mate in every way. Gah! This man had me in a chokehold from start to finish. I’m completely obsessed with this world and so ridiculously happy that I stumbled upon Rok’s Captive!
I am absolutely buzzing with excitement for Kol’s story! That man deserves a break after being the rock for everyone else for so long—I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him.
I am absolutely buzzing with excitement for Kol’s story! That man deserves a break after being the rock for everyone else for so long—I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him.
January 10, 2026
This was just really boring.
Read
January 7, 2026Dnf 31%. Kinda cringey. Idk.
January 9, 2026
Grumpy sunshine, IPB in desert! Loved it and can't wait for the next! (Please be Kol and Erika's book). Fun, exciting adventure, culture clashes, translator issues, alien adaptation, romance, spice, alien peen including a 🪢, and a HEA.
Series setup & backstory:
This series starts out like IPB. An abduction of many Earth women, crash landing on a desert planet that has no females of their own, & one Earth girl going for help or supplies but finding natives. That was book 1.
In book 2 another woman goes looking for the original girl who left for supplies (they're sisters) and ends up needing saving. That's how she meets Tharn'.
This is book 3 and the women have been rescued & relocated to the aliens home cave. But something is making the humans sick, and they must figure it out before they lose all of the women.
One alien is set apart from the rest. Broody, silent, hulking as he scrapes his knife in a dark corner while never taking his focus away from Mih-kay-lah.
All of the aliens long for a mate, something they never dared hope for before, is now possible- they make gifts and linger by the women while trying to appear busy. Hoping someone, anyone, will notice them. But Sarven only has eyes for one. And when their water supply is compromised, he goes with her to solve the problem. As a human scientist, Makayla thinks she can solve the issue with the water. But can she solve the issue of a 7foot alien shadow who's warm and wants to keep her safe?
This book was sweet, swoony alien goodness! Read whatever makes you happy fellow book lovers! Then tell me about it lol.
Series setup & backstory:
This series starts out like IPB. An abduction of many Earth women, crash landing on a desert planet that has no females of their own, & one Earth girl going for help or supplies but finding natives. That was book 1.
In book 2 another woman goes looking for the original girl who left for supplies (they're sisters) and ends up needing saving. That's how she meets Tharn'.
This is book 3 and the women have been rescued & relocated to the aliens home cave. But something is making the humans sick, and they must figure it out before they lose all of the women.
One alien is set apart from the rest. Broody, silent, hulking as he scrapes his knife in a dark corner while never taking his focus away from Mih-kay-lah.
All of the aliens long for a mate, something they never dared hope for before, is now possible- they make gifts and linger by the women while trying to appear busy. Hoping someone, anyone, will notice them. But Sarven only has eyes for one. And when their water supply is compromised, he goes with her to solve the problem. As a human scientist, Makayla thinks she can solve the issue with the water. But can she solve the issue of a 7foot alien shadow who's warm and wants to keep her safe?
This book was sweet, swoony alien goodness! Read whatever makes you happy fellow book lovers! Then tell me about it lol.
January 12, 2026
Another great installment but read more like a novella
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5
Romance: 😍😍😍😍 4/5
Creativity/Worldbuilding: 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎 5/5
Heat/Chemistry: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 4/5
Graphic Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5
Enjoyment/Entertainment: 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿4/5
Storyline: 📚📚📚📚📚 5/5
Alright, so I did enjoy this next installment in her series, but I felt like it was a bit rushed. Read a bit more like a novella. We didn’t get as many glimpses into the other characters this time, either, and I really enjoy those bits. World-building and overarching plot progression was still top-notch!
I felt like this was a one-sided romance a bit as well…Mikaela didn’t really do much during the courting/lead-up part of the romancing and put up quite the resistance through it all—it was definitely all effort from Sarven. Sarven’s character I absolutely loved. Thoroughly enjoy the grumpy/silent type.
I think after this story I’d love to read one about a female character who is actually open to (dare I say, looking forward to?) a relationship with one of the Drakavs. The Drakavs are so hopeful and have been missing out on even the smallest bit of female affection it would just be so nice to see some of the human females recognize this and be more inclined to connections with them.
But anyway, we’ll see what happens with Erika and Kol. Erika has been suspicious and skeptical from the start so I doubt she will be the “open, looking-forward-to-a-relationship” fmc I’m hoping for, but we’ll see how Wilde plays the dynamic out between her and Kol. I’m still looking forward to reading it even if Erika ends up being as reluctant as Mikaela :).
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5
Romance: 😍😍😍😍 4/5
Creativity/Worldbuilding: 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎 5/5
Heat/Chemistry: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 4/5
Graphic Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5
Enjoyment/Entertainment: 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿4/5
Storyline: 📚📚📚📚📚 5/5
Alright, so I did enjoy this next installment in her series, but I felt like it was a bit rushed. Read a bit more like a novella. We didn’t get as many glimpses into the other characters this time, either, and I really enjoy those bits. World-building and overarching plot progression was still top-notch!
I felt like this was a one-sided romance a bit as well…Mikaela didn’t really do much during the courting/lead-up part of the romancing and put up quite the resistance through it all—it was definitely all effort from Sarven. Sarven’s character I absolutely loved. Thoroughly enjoy the grumpy/silent type.
I think after this story I’d love to read one about a female character who is actually open to (dare I say, looking forward to?) a relationship with one of the Drakavs. The Drakavs are so hopeful and have been missing out on even the smallest bit of female affection it would just be so nice to see some of the human females recognize this and be more inclined to connections with them.
But anyway, we’ll see what happens with Erika and Kol. Erika has been suspicious and skeptical from the start so I doubt she will be the “open, looking-forward-to-a-relationship” fmc I’m hoping for, but we’ll see how Wilde plays the dynamic out between her and Kol. I’m still looking forward to reading it even if Erika ends up being as reluctant as Mikaela :).
January 18, 2026
Sarven’s Oath by A.G. Wilde
Barbarians of the Dust, Book 3
The third instalment in the Barbarians of the Dust series, although calling these Drakav aliens “barbarians” feels wildly unfair. They are anything but. Think first-contact sci-fi romance with forced proximity, survival stakes, and a possessive yet utterly devoted alien hero.
Seven feet of golden, battle-scarred deliciousness, these warriors would burn worlds to protect those they love.
This book follows FMC Mikayla, a snarky, intelligent scientist, and MMC Sarven, a brooding, scarred hunter who watches her with an intensity that makes her breath hitch. The connection between them is undeniable. Sarven is certain she is his fated mate, yet the bond has not revealed itself…yet.
When danger strikes and Mikayla and her companions fall ill, Sarven’s heightened senses detect contamination in the water supply. He sets out with a team to find the source, and Mikayla, leveraging her scientific expertise, insists on joining the expedition. Along the way, they become separated from the rest of their group and inevitably, the bond finally ignites. Sarven’s body adapts to become exactly what Mikayla needs, heightening both their strength and senses in a beautifully primal and emotional way.
My View:
This is easily my favourite book in the series so far. A.G. Wilde’s world building continues to draw me in, the landscapes, culture, and alien physiology are well imagined and easily pictured. Sarven’s Oath delivers everything I love in an alien/human romance, we have forced proximity, survival tension, fated mates, and a fiercely protective hero. I absolutely loved it.
Barbarians of the Dust, Book 3
The third instalment in the Barbarians of the Dust series, although calling these Drakav aliens “barbarians” feels wildly unfair. They are anything but. Think first-contact sci-fi romance with forced proximity, survival stakes, and a possessive yet utterly devoted alien hero.
Seven feet of golden, battle-scarred deliciousness, these warriors would burn worlds to protect those they love.
This book follows FMC Mikayla, a snarky, intelligent scientist, and MMC Sarven, a brooding, scarred hunter who watches her with an intensity that makes her breath hitch. The connection between them is undeniable. Sarven is certain she is his fated mate, yet the bond has not revealed itself…yet.
When danger strikes and Mikayla and her companions fall ill, Sarven’s heightened senses detect contamination in the water supply. He sets out with a team to find the source, and Mikayla, leveraging her scientific expertise, insists on joining the expedition. Along the way, they become separated from the rest of their group and inevitably, the bond finally ignites. Sarven’s body adapts to become exactly what Mikayla needs, heightening both their strength and senses in a beautifully primal and emotional way.
My View:
This is easily my favourite book in the series so far. A.G. Wilde’s world building continues to draw me in, the landscapes, culture, and alien physiology are well imagined and easily pictured. Sarven’s Oath delivers everything I love in an alien/human romance, we have forced proximity, survival tension, fated mates, and a fiercely protective hero. I absolutely loved it.
January 14, 2026
Came for the cornrows-on-cover, stayed for yearning alien.
A bunch of reviews on here thought they were a boring couple, but I disagree. Maybe Sarven's brand of 'looks like could kill you but is a cinnamon roll' is just a bit of me. I like em intense, and that he was.
I like that despite me entering this universe with no background information right into book three, the first paragraphs weren't just chunks of exposition. That was refreshing.
If I had to complain about anything it's that one scene where the even for classy smut, the smut just throws me out of the book for a second? Not because it's necessarily that spicy but because WHAT DO YOU MEAN BRINGING SOMEBODY BACK TO LIFE WITH SMUT? I MEAN WHAT?
That was just me, though. It was probably meant to be funny, and maybe to others it is. Idk. That's the only reason my review isn't five stars.
Stellar author though! Literally starting book one after this review because how else will I keep my sanity while waiting for the next book? Looking forward to follow the writer's journey!
A bunch of reviews on here thought they were a boring couple, but I disagree. Maybe Sarven's brand of 'looks like could kill you but is a cinnamon roll' is just a bit of me. I like em intense, and that he was.
I like that despite me entering this universe with no background information right into book three, the first paragraphs weren't just chunks of exposition. That was refreshing.
If I had to complain about anything it's that one scene where the even for classy smut, the smut just throws me out of the book for a second? Not because it's necessarily that spicy but because WHAT DO YOU MEAN BRINGING SOMEBODY BACK TO LIFE WITH SMUT? I MEAN WHAT?
That was just me, though. It was probably meant to be funny, and maybe to others it is. Idk. That's the only reason my review isn't five stars.
Stellar author though! Literally starting book one after this review because how else will I keep my sanity while waiting for the next book? Looking forward to follow the writer's journey!
Review of advance copy
Spoiler free review:
Book 3 of Barbarians of the Dust picks up with grouchy, scowl-y, Sarven and analytical scientist Mikaela. I highly recommend reading the previous 2 books so you better understand the situation these earth women find themselves in...also, because they're really freaking good!
Mikaela and Sarven find themselves cut off from the main group after they leave to investigate an unknown threat, deeper in the mountain. They are forced to tackle one challenge after another, becoming closer and closer along the way as they make their way back to camp, and figure out how to keep the group safe.
Sarven's inner monologue had me giggling more than once, and his banter with Mikaela was as hot as it was sweet. As usual, A.G. Wilde does not disappoint with this book and I'm very much looking forward to the next!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 3 of Barbarians of the Dust picks up with grouchy, scowl-y, Sarven and analytical scientist Mikaela. I highly recommend reading the previous 2 books so you better understand the situation these earth women find themselves in...also, because they're really freaking good!
Mikaela and Sarven find themselves cut off from the main group after they leave to investigate an unknown threat, deeper in the mountain. They are forced to tackle one challenge after another, becoming closer and closer along the way as they make their way back to camp, and figure out how to keep the group safe.
Sarven's inner monologue had me giggling more than once, and his banter with Mikaela was as hot as it was sweet. As usual, A.G. Wilde does not disappoint with this book and I'm very much looking forward to the next!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Sarven’s Oath is the third book of the Barbarians of the Dust series with the newest couple soon to be Mikaela and Sarven. Well she would rather it not be but circumstances will soon prove her wrong… if only those fever dreams involving a certain warrior would stop.
I enjoyed this newest addition to the storyline that was nicely written with wonderful characterizations, and filled with action, adventure, intrigue, danger, passion, and spice. Loved when Sarven and Mikaela FINALLY bonded which really kicked into high gear when the group discovers their water has been tainted and Mikaela insists on going with Sarven to the water source in the hope of finding out why.
Another dynamic read and I am looking forward to the other ladies finding their bond mates, and the stories to come.
This couple received their HEA but the threats continue for our little tribe of Drakav and humans.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this newest addition to the storyline that was nicely written with wonderful characterizations, and filled with action, adventure, intrigue, danger, passion, and spice. Loved when Sarven and Mikaela FINALLY bonded which really kicked into high gear when the group discovers their water has been tainted and Mikaela insists on going with Sarven to the water source in the hope of finding out why.
Another dynamic read and I am looking forward to the other ladies finding their bond mates, and the stories to come.
This couple received their HEA but the threats continue for our little tribe of Drakav and humans.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2026
4.5 stars
I enjoyed Mikaela and Sarven's journey to their HEA. Mikaela has grit, determination, and stubbornness that helps her motor through situations. Sarven is there with loyalty and dedication to help Mikaela when she falters. Sarven's thoughtfulness and protective ways pull Mikaela in and has her realizing this is the alien for her. Sarven has always felt a pull for Mikaela. He thinks she's beautiful, brave, stubborn, and smart. The two are a good couple. They are Tor-vakh, having each other's back forever.
This book has a good storyline, characters, humor (those one sided convos are funny, as are the chapter headings for each book), action and adventure, and love.
Another good read in this series. Can't wait for Kol's book.
I enjoyed Mikaela and Sarven's journey to their HEA. Mikaela has grit, determination, and stubbornness that helps her motor through situations. Sarven is there with loyalty and dedication to help Mikaela when she falters. Sarven's thoughtfulness and protective ways pull Mikaela in and has her realizing this is the alien for her. Sarven has always felt a pull for Mikaela. He thinks she's beautiful, brave, stubborn, and smart. The two are a good couple. They are Tor-vakh, having each other's back forever.
This book has a good storyline, characters, humor (those one sided convos are funny, as are the chapter headings for each book), action and adventure, and love.
Another good read in this series. Can't wait for Kol's book.
Read
January 12, 2026I think this was my least favourite of the series so far.
The storyline felt really original and I liked how Mikaela’s science knowledge came in useful and ended up essentially saving everyone.
I wish there was more of a build up between the characters and more of a language barrier. The blurb makes it seem as though Sarven can’t speak any English but he was fluent enough to be able to be understood in all situations. It also seemed a bit of a 180 from the previous books and how painful they found it to talk, to then using words regularly with the women.
I am excited for Kol’s book and to see where the rest of the story goes.
The storyline felt really original and I liked how Mikaela’s science knowledge came in useful and ended up essentially saving everyone.
I wish there was more of a build up between the characters and more of a language barrier. The blurb makes it seem as though Sarven can’t speak any English but he was fluent enough to be able to be understood in all situations. It also seemed a bit of a 180 from the previous books and how painful they found it to talk, to then using words regularly with the women.
I am excited for Kol’s book and to see where the rest of the story goes.
January 22, 2026
Sarven’s Oath continues to impress with its rich world-building and the way the larger story of human women stranded on a harsh, dust-filled planet with alien males keeps expanding. While the individual bonding story is engaging and filled with chemistry and intimacy, what truly stands out is how the overall plot deepens, adding twists and layers to the universe.
Each book builds on the last, making the world feel more alive and interconnected. I’m completely invested in where this is going—though it’s a little frustrating that the next book isn’t available yet. A captivating read that makes the wait worthwhile.
Each book builds on the last, making the world feel more alive and interconnected. I’m completely invested in where this is going—though it’s a little frustrating that the next book isn’t available yet. A captivating read that makes the wait worthwhile.
January 18, 2026
This was such a good book! Throughout the series so far they've all been really strong characters. I loved the strength and snark in the main female character and the strength and confidence in the main male character. The humor, the action, and just the world building in general continues to keep me wanting more! Each book in the series just has it all!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an amazing sci-fi/fated mate romance! I liked it a lot.. It has wonderful detail and suspense. Very appealing characters!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I love me a short-lived story with drama and sass my time of read when I need a break from school stuff thanks 😊 definitely reccomended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2026
Love this series!
I absolutely love these books and the characters. I find myself chuckling at the drakav. The way that these two interact is touching and adorable. I am always on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book in the series. Can't wait!
I absolutely love these books and the characters. I find myself chuckling at the drakav. The way that these two interact is touching and adorable. I am always on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book in the series. Can't wait!
January 8, 2026
Amazing Third Book
Freaking love this series. The book was sweet, funny, and sexy all rolled into one. Sarven and Mikayla are my favorite characters. I am looking forward to reading book 4. Solid 5 star book!
Freaking love this series. The book was sweet, funny, and sexy all rolled into one. Sarven and Mikayla are my favorite characters. I am looking forward to reading book 4. Solid 5 star book!
January 9, 2026
Nice read 😊
I enjoyed this greatly. I’d suggest reading the first two books to get a backstory and understanding of why the human females are on this planet and what they have to face. Other than that it was a good read.
I enjoyed this greatly. I’d suggest reading the first two books to get a backstory and understanding of why the human females are on this planet and what they have to face. Other than that it was a good read.
January 11, 2026
I love a grumpy alien
In short, this series of “matches made in dust heaven” is the best kind of escape. Spicy romance, mysterious situations, and endless hope. Sarven and Mikayla are each other’s perfect foil. Can’t wait for the next one.
In short, this series of “matches made in dust heaven” is the best kind of escape. Spicy romance, mysterious situations, and endless hope. Sarven and Mikayla are each other’s perfect foil. Can’t wait for the next one.
January 11, 2026
More Please
I have fallen in love with these huge aliens. The stories have everything. Adventure, life problems to solve and falling in love when it's the last thing you have on your mind.
I have fallen in love with these huge aliens. The stories have everything. Adventure, life problems to solve and falling in love when it's the last thing you have on your mind.
January 18, 2026
Another classic!
I adore this series so much!! Highly recomend it, its always an engaging story with a HEA
Though can I say I feel so bad for these women, they just can't catch a break 😭😭
I adore this series so much!! Highly recomend it, its always an engaging story with a HEA
Though can I say I feel so bad for these women, they just can't catch a break 😭😭
January 19, 2026
my favorite in the series so far!
The plot momentum finally picks up in the third book, and the characters become more well rounded. I enjoyed this book more than the first one but now I’m eager for the next release!
The plot momentum finally picks up in the third book, and the characters become more well rounded. I enjoyed this book more than the first one but now I’m eager for the next release!
January 24, 2026
enjoyable
A very enjoyable escape from reality as the author intended! Thank you Ms Wilde for your continued stories. They are a perfect balance of interesting characters and lovy relationships.
A very enjoyable escape from reality as the author intended! Thank you Ms Wilde for your continued stories. They are a perfect balance of interesting characters and lovy relationships.
January 8, 2026
Love this series!
I love this series! Hope that it keeps going and there will be more books! I just hate I have to wait so long for the next story!
I love this series! Hope that it keeps going and there will be more books! I just hate I have to wait so long for the next story!
January 10, 2026
These books are so cute
might-come-back-to
January 10, 202630%
January 14, 2026
Dust Barbarians glow!
Sarven. And Makayla's. Story was sweet I love each couple on this dust planet . And can't wait for the next book!
Sarven. And Makayla's. Story was sweet I love each couple on this dust planet . And can't wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews