Desert of the Soul

UnderVerse #8

by Jez Cajiao

Stranded thousands of miles from their companions, Jax, Oracle and Sehran are alone, cut off from all support, and the only thing they have in plenty, are enemies.

Stranded on a hostile continent with only his companions Oracle and Sehran, Jax is facing a hard all the power of his newfound crown means nothing in a land where no one knows his name—and wouldn't care if they did. Time's running out until the enemy find him, and without his friends and his legions, what chance does he have?

He's far from home, surrounded by enemies in an unknown land, and where his own lands are now free of the taint of the dark one and his minions, Carrmor is anything but.

Sonra lies ahead, a target, a hope, a trap possibly, but when you're surrounded on all sides, well, that just means there's a hell of a lot of experience available. Jax has a choice, he could turn and run to the coast, try and find a ship and start the long, perilous journey home, or, he can start again from scratch, with the added 'fun' of a target on his back.

Monsters, mayhem and rival crowns, not to mention the daggers in the night, but let's face it, whoever said becoming emperor would be easy?

It's time for Jax to do what he does best, and give the things that hide under the bed some fresh nightmares.

This is a Dark Fantasy Epic LitRPG. Expect graphic violence, strong language, and morally complex themes. Reader discretion is advised.

Genres: Fantasy

518 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2025

Reviews

[Travis · Rating 1 out of 5]

look I love the series but this book really went off the rails. First off, half the dialogue is written in caps and too overdramatic to even be remotely believable. Also, I couldn't go more than 15 pages without some boring and unoriginal sexual innuendo between the main character and his budding harem. some innuendo is cool, great even. but if sexual innuendo and bad puns is the only way your characters can communicate then you need to have the interact less
I'm not opposed to harem books but I also don't like when the author is too much of a coward to pull the trigger on the idea.

overall the book is such a mess I can't in good conscience recommend it to anyone to read.

[GaiusPrimus · Rating 5 out of 5]

And we're back, baby!

One of my favorite LitRPG stories is back and it's better than ever.

Everything that made all the books so good and engaging before, is now ramped up even higher.

If you are into a pseudo-Roman army, with multiple races, magic and flying ships this one is for you.

Also, giant fucking scorpions!!!

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome return

A long but worthwhile wait for this one, trapped another continent away and without the usual team this gives an exciting new refresh but with the expected humour, action and Cajiao style. Now the books will come faster, and if this is a sign of the things to come a brilliant continuation of a favourite series.

[Jason W · Rating 4 out of 5]

entertaining

This is a good book to pass the time. The author often manages to write very compelling fight scenes. I give it a five and not a four because the MC really has a savior complex and although he claims to want to grow and change he continually makes made decisions. He only survives because of very thick plot armor.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

No disappointment no surprise

I don't have much to shout this book in particle, it was fine. I missed the old characters. While Jax seems on the fast track emperor I'm more interested in little mysteries. The well of magic on the home continent. Fixing the expanding desert. I will continue with this series. I hope my questions get circled back.

[Micheal Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good stuff

I especially like the parade with um important imposing figures backing him. There, it's not a spoiler. I enjoy the books. Finished it in a few days, where I had to work a good part of them.

[Mike Allmand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book as always! Jez Cajiao is a master of LitRPG genre and my Favourite author. Thankfully Jez has returned to his UnderVerse story and he has not missed a step with it. Cannot wait for number nine in October!

[Mike Fidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

magnificent!

I love seeing a character grow with time and effort, glad that the story evolved at a slower pace. Don’t want to give away any spoilers but what an ending, epic boss fight! Well done.

[SHARON WHALEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never not thrilled by his writing....

Can never go wrong with this man's stories. Always sucks me and never leaves me uninthralled. Again he shows his true colors in this book and leaves me not wanting to stop reading

[Lukas Kneeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

didn’t disappoint

I have been waiting for this and it was good. It always amazes me how much gets built up and still goes in at the end without some annoying cliff hanger.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adore this series

One of the best series of my life ❤️
Well written and can't wait for more

Main character is very human and keeps me laughing 😃

[Anthony Touchstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, I can’t wait to read more!

[Jessica Okeeffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

that was a good one

Solid addition my guy. I really enjoyed this book, the build up and finale. Well done. I really enjoy Jax

[James Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Pace

I was hooked from start to finish. Can’t wait for the next one. Hope it comes out sooner than this last one.

[Digitalsulis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get you some Lolly!!

Well, what can I say, Jez is a master of FAFO! I absolutely can't wait see what happens in the next episode!

[stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing storytelling

Great series, amazing storytelling. Jez Cajiao is a master at spinning a tale that will keep you reading and waiting for the next book.