Hello, dear readers! I’m casmith76, and welcome back to The Book Haven, your trusted haven for stories that delve into the depths of perseverance, moral fortitude, and the unyielding quest to protect what’s sacred in a fractured world. Today, we’re returning to the gripping shadows of Jez Cajiao’s UnderVerse series with The Forgotten Faithful: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 2). Released in 2020, this sequel builds on the foundations laid in Brightblade, escalating the stakes in a multiverse where survival demands not just power, but principled choices and steadfast alliances. If you’re captivated by tales where protagonists rise from betrayal to rally the lost, confront cosmic evils, and forge bonds that withstand the void, The Forgotten Faithful delivers a raw, immersive chapter that underscores the timeless truth: true restoration comes through sacrifice, trust, and the courage to lead others toward a promised dawn.
Plot Overview (Spoiler-Free)
The Forgotten Faithful picks up with protagonist Jax, the everyman thrust into the perilous UnderVerse, as he navigates the aftermath of his harrowing trials. Having forged uneasy alliances and unlocked newfound abilities, Jax now faces escalating threats from rival factions, ancient horrors, and the lingering scars of his past. A mysterious wisp companion and a ragtag group of survivors join him on a quest to uncover forgotten secrets that could tip the balance in a realm teetering on collapse. Amid grinding progression—leveling skills, mastering spells, and managing resources—Jax must outmaneuver enemies who seek to exploit the chaos, all while grappling with personal revelations that challenge his sense of duty and identity. Clocking in at around 500 pages (or about 15 hours on Audible), the narrative pulses with intense combat, strategic upgrades, and pivotal decisions, blending LitRPG mechanics like quests and class evolutions with high-stakes drama. Cajiao keeps the pace relentless, expanding the UnderVerse’s scope without losing sight of Jax’s internal journey, creating a sequel that feels both expansive and intimately focused on survival’s human cost.
World-Building and Themes
Cajiao’s UnderVerse deepens into a masterfully chaotic multiverse, where shattered realms bleed into one another, birthing hybrids of magic, technology, and nightmare creatures that test every limit. Terandria’s ruins and interdimensional rifts come alive with gritty detail, from cursed arenas echoing with spectral battles to hidden enclaves harboring lost knowledge, all governed by a progression system that rewards calculated risks and ethical grit. Magical elements evolve organically—spells drawn from diverse heritages, artifacts pulsing with forbidden power—mirroring a world in flux, where complacency invites ruin. At its heart, the book explores themes of loyalty and restoration: Jax’s path underscores the duty to rebuild not just structures, but fractured trusts, emphasizing that power unchecked leads to further decay. Moral crossroads abound, as characters weigh ambition against communal good, affirming that true leadership stems from humility and sacrifice. Family—both found and forged—serves as an anchor amid turmoil, portraying alliances as sacred pacts that shield against isolation’s despair. In a dark LitRPG landscape rife with violence and swearing, Cajiao subtly champions redemption through resolve, where defending the faithful against encroaching shadows evokes a higher order that rewards those who stand firm for what’s right.
Author’s Legacy and Reception
Jez Cajiao, a resilient storyteller from the UK, has carved a niche in LitRPG and dark fantasy since ditching formal education at 11 to join his family’s catering business. After stints in bartending, welding, and overcoming health challenges during the pandemic, Cajiao turned to writing full-time, channeling his experiences into tales of underdogs triumphing over adversity. Now based in South Shields with his wife, two children, and a lively menagerie of pets, he maintains an active presence on social media, sharing updates on series like UnderVerse, Rise of Mankind, and the ongoing Arise saga—as of 2025, with book 5 in progress and a sixth planned. The Forgotten Faithful, published August 2, 2020, solidified the UnderVerse as a fan favorite for its blend of gritty action and philosophical depth, containing mature themes like violence and sexual references that add to its raw edge. Critically, it’s hailed for advancing the genre with innovative world-building and humor, often capturing military wit that resonates with readers. The series’ success has led to omnibus editions and audio adaptations, establishing Cajiao alongside indie peers for his commitment to character-driven epics that explore survival’s moral dimensions.
Personal Reflections
The Forgotten Faithful strikes a profound note as a story of reclaiming what’s been shattered, where Jax’s alliances amid betrayal mirror the call to gather the scattered and defend them with unwavering resolve. His quest through the UnderVerse’s ruins, balancing power with purpose, underscores the sanctity of stewardship—protecting companions and principles from forces that would corrupt and divide. In facing forgotten evils, Jax chooses paths of loyalty over expedience, a reminder that redemption flourishes when we sacrifice for the greater whole. Cajiao’s portrayal of a multiverse in disarray affirms the light that endures through faithful action, inspiring us to confront our own voids with courage, build communities rooted in trust, and pursue growth that uplifts rather than dominates. It’s a narrative that fortifies the spirit, urging readers to echo the faithful in standing against despair, forging legacies that illuminate even the darkest verses.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The Forgotten Faithful amplifies the UnderVerse series with visceral stakes and heartfelt growth, making it a compelling continuation for those invested in Jax’s odyssey. For fans of dark LitRPG that champions loyalty and ethical battles against the abyss, or stories where forgotten souls find their way through resolve, it’s a worthy addition that leaves you eager to press on.
Ready to rally with the faithful? Here are the links to the available formats—step back into the UnderVerse today:
Have you delved into The Forgotten Faithful? What moved you in Jax’s quest, or how does it build on Brightblade? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear and perhaps spark deeper reflections. Until next time, keep seeking stories that restore faith and guide through the forgotten paths.
casmith76
The Book Haven
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