Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Sovereign #0.5

Desert Outcast

Rate this book
The Southern Empire of Kyrdas is a rogue nation. Ruled by Emperor Sarvasa, the richest man in Serestia, they are masters of nature, magic, and advanced technology deciphered from the sacred texts of the Ancients.

For thousands of years, Kyrdas has continuously abused their power and have erected a super city for the lavish lifestyle of the elite. This created an unforgiving and hostile environment for the poor and resulted in the rise of slavemasters and mercenaries which then paved the way for the age of fighters.

Meanwhile, in the middle of another mission, Viroe stumbles upon some traders who hail from Kyrdas. They were smuggling suspicious yellow gemstones into the northern city and little did he know that his life was going to change the moment he decided to involve himself with the dangerous affairs of the empire.

This is the story of the desert outcast who will soon be the leader of the assassin council.

Meet Viroe, the desert outcast.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2021

About the author

Juddy Anderson C. Punzalan

13 books245 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
223 (71%)
4 stars
63 (20%)
3 stars
19 (6%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Arnee Denver.
30 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2021
(I responded to one of the author's social media posts and volunteered to review his upcoming book. Having said this, being chosen as a reviewer does not affect the quality of my score of my ability to properly rate his work.)

***Spoilers Ahead.***

Not too long ago, I reviewed a book called The Archon of Peace and easily fell in love with one of the main characters of the book, Viroe. My heart jumped for joy when I discovered that he is going to be the focal point for this new book and I was not disappointed. Okay, maybe I was but only because of the length of the book. It only has 9 chapters but each chapter is 30-40 pages each which is fine. The cover is very princely too which I think really gives justice for him.

I finally found the word I wanted to use, the book is written like a script! It's amazing how you can envision the entire scene just by reading lines. Takes me back to my theater days.

Edit-wise, I was too absorbed with the story that I can't recall spotting any more errors aside from two spelling mishaps which is completely forgivable. This happens to me when I write as well, typing fast can be a pain.

Overall, I feel like this prequel settle a lot of loops form book 1. It gives some characters a stronger backbone and helps appreciate Viroe through a different lens. By the way, it was written in first person, as Viroe. What more can I ask for?
Profile Image for Christine Chua.
6 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2021
Disclaimer: I have been following the author since book 1. I responded to a social media post for pre-launch reviews and I was not paid for or influenced by the author to proceed. My rating and opinion are 100% unbiased and are focused on my overall experience as a reader.

Now book 1 makes more sense. This book connects a lot of dots and it really helps you understand the scope of the story. It's amazing how there is another kingdom that was never mentioned in the first book (I think) but was already rocking the story. I love the action! I love the cover with Viroe on it! I can imagine him on the big screen, gallant, dashing, and oh my god his charm just gets me every time, I forget that I'm a mom sometimes lol

I have much respect for the author. It takes years to create something as big as this. He has tons of characters that can be overwhelming at first but tends to warm up inside your heart and becomes family. I know the author is new and the indie market is huge but I hope people give this series a shot, it's really really good.

I will give it a 4 star for the wonderful masterpiece. I would've given 5 stars but I feel like it could've been longer? Or maybe its just me.
2 reviews
March 15, 2021
My friend suggested this book to me and I was digging on it for the past few days. I haven't read any of the author's works but after finishing this one, I am now reading The Archon of Peace!

This story really is a prequel. It introduces a lot of characters and gives you a sneak peak of the kingdom and factions they belong to. I think the author may also want to add 'çoming of age' in his categories, not just fantasy.
Profile Image for Ella.
5 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2021
I'm a big fan of the Book 1 Archon of Peace but this prequel is a bomb! Again, the plot twists are insane! Definitely, definitely a must-read. This epic tale of Viroe uncovers some of the missing pieces of the puzzle I'm dying to know in book 1 and it was perfectly delivered through the perspective of this reckless assassin who soon learned his stand in the midst of warring empires, archons, and immortal witches. Another fast-paced fantasy adventure you wouldn't want to miss. Kudos again Andy for a job well done!

P.S. This book made me swish from hating to loving Viroe and realizing that it all makes sense haha
Profile Image for Jack Cruz.
4 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2021
I read the book without reading the first one so at first it didn't make any sense but when I read book 1, I realized how beautiful the references are. Please read the first book first before reading this. Nonetheless, it is a great book!
1 review
April 26, 2021
The book is not perfect but the world contained within is amazing. This story is very visual, I like how the book manages to drop detailed descriptions while still leaving enough room for people to imagine.

It would be nice to have an audiobook version. Good job.
1 review
June 7, 2021
Whoever the artist is, five stars to him too. I prefer these kinds of strong male protagonists who are not entirely stupid yet sexy. Viroe is a breath of fresh air to fantasy. He deserves a prequel of this prequel or a sequel of the prequel.
Profile Image for Bryant.
5 reviews
March 29, 2021
This is a prequel that deserves its own series. Please consider Juddy!
Profile Image for Nancy Gisaro.
3 reviews
March 30, 2021
Second book from this author. I think his momentum is building! Share his work and let other people know about this masterpiece.
1 review
April 23, 2021
Viroe is a hot prince. No questions asked
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2021
***Great Read***

This book definitely highlights Viroe's backstory. It adds more appreciation and substance to his otherwise supporting role in Book 1.
Profile Image for Ariane Desa.
2 reviews
May 27, 2021
Caught 2 spelling errors and 3 punctuation slips but nothing big that would significantly affect the flow of this amazing story. Some may actually be forgiven because of the manner of speaking. Halfway done, three for now, might change later.

It looks like Viroe is a prince?! WOW
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Raymond.
3 reviews
May 5, 2021
I need to emphasize that this book was quite an adjustment coming from book 1 which has double the page numbers but the events in this book is overwhelmingly good for a prequel.

Punzalan takes us to the Southern Empire, ruled by a mighty emperor who reminds me of Genghis Khan with a little bit of Osiris for some reason. It tackles kingdom conflict at its finest.

The book also features the assassin council and celebrates the younger years of Viroe who graces the cover as a dashing prince.

The fight scenes of this book appeals to me more because there is more physical action as supposed to the CGI-driven action scenes of the Archon of Peace but nonetheless, both books are unique in their own way.

Scandal. Agenda. Alliance. This book is a hype for the next installment

Message to the Author:
Congratulations to the author and I would like to invite you for an interview through my site.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2021
Viroe is a darling. I haven't read book 1 but I feel like he will have a very important role in the series.

The fight scenes were great and I am very excited to check out the Archon of Peace because of the hype about the Archons. I feel like this book is mostly introductory but I think the intention was well-executed.

Congratulations to Punzalan!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews
April 17, 2021
I feel like the book could have been longer but it's nice to know how the assassins came to be.
Profile Image for Tish.
1 review
April 27, 2021
I can't put my finger on the era of this book. It's a mix of medieval, modern, and post-modern.
Profile Image for Glenda Frida.
1 review
April 30, 2021
This book needs more love. I see that not many people have reviewed this so I am taking my time and properly give Viroe my love.
Profile Image for Grey.
2 reviews
May 4, 2021
The cover makes me want to lie in bed with Viroe. I am addicted with this character. One of your first fans here! I read book 1 with the Kindle Unlimited Promo back in December.
Profile Image for Dani C..
3 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2021
Wasn't as good as book 1 but maybe because it's shorter.
2 reviews
September 28, 2021
This is the first book I have ever read that I couldn’t finish as it was so badly written. Perhaps it was written in a language other than English and translated with Google?
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.