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Talyn's Saga #2
Talyn: Descent
Talyn’s in over her head.
Talyn is finally beginning to take control of her life in a new world. Learning that her problems aren't natural is a first step, but before she can take true measures, her life takes a turn for the worse. Cast into the depths of Castra's dungeon, she survives only on the sufferance of others. On the other hand, should she live, she will shake the very foundations of the city itself.
Talyn is finally beginning to take control of her life in a new world. Learning that her problems aren't natural is a first step, but before she can take true measures, her life takes a turn for the worse. Cast into the depths of Castra's dungeon, she survives only on the sufferance of others. On the other hand, should she live, she will shake the very foundations of the city itself.
454 pages, Hardcover
First published November 18, 2022
62 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Medrano
48 books310 followersI was born in October, 1985. Not much of my history would likely be of interest, but I grew up primarily in Utah, a land of ultra-conservative people, and yet oddly open to Science Fiction and Fantasy.
I started trying to write in high school. That didn't go well, and I mostly lost the spark for a long time, only rarely finishing writing a story, as most of my inspiration instead went into tabletop role-playing games, like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. In the process I developed a possibly unhealthy obsession with elves and succubi. If I ever write a story without either, it's probably Science Fiction...and there are even odds that someone will body-mod themselves to look like an elf. Trying to be honest here.
My writing tends to focus on the relationships between characters, though it may not seem like it at times. The stories in the background are just that, a backdrop for the development of the characters and situation. I try to fully think them through, but it's not always the case.
Anyway, not much more to be said. I'm an oddball, and I know it. I'm also somewhat stunned at the success my work has attained thus far, and am trying not to panic over it.
I started trying to write in high school. That didn't go well, and I mostly lost the spark for a long time, only rarely finishing writing a story, as most of my inspiration instead went into tabletop role-playing games, like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. In the process I developed a possibly unhealthy obsession with elves and succubi. If I ever write a story without either, it's probably Science Fiction...and there are even odds that someone will body-mod themselves to look like an elf. Trying to be honest here.
My writing tends to focus on the relationships between characters, though it may not seem like it at times. The stories in the background are just that, a backdrop for the development of the characters and situation. I try to fully think them through, but it's not always the case.
Anyway, not much more to be said. I'm an oddball, and I know it. I'm also somewhat stunned at the success my work has attained thus far, and am trying not to panic over it.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 24, 2025
This is second in a LitRPG series that picks up right where it left off in the first. I definitely recommend reading in order.
It takes a while before the blurb things happen. Like, a quarter or so. Which isn't too long for blurb things, I don't think, but I was eagerly anticipating so it felt like longer to me. Still, I found the eventual events fascinating so I was completely engaged with the story.
I was surprised how not-like-my-expectations the blurb turned out while still being completely accurate. Talyn and Melody end up separated for lots of this story for reasons that make total sense. And I was totally good with that, too, which surprised me. I liked the chance for Melody to carry on with their goals and the stress that impelled her to branch out and get creative. And I liked Talyn's patience and good sense in who not to mouth off to. And I really liked the way things change with what Talyn learns and how she has changed when she is once again free. The world changes and I think Medrano did a great job thinking through the consequences and subsequent (complicated) events.
So this is another five stars, though again, there's a lot of minutia of living life in a gamified world. And I particularly loved developments with Melody and Talyn's relationship as they discover love and acceptance along with the trust that has always been there.
A note about Steamy: While they're apart for a lot of the story, I loved seeing their close moments. There's one scene that carries enough explicit content to count as steamy, I think, but I liked the "merely" intimate moments even more.
It takes a while before the blurb things happen. Like, a quarter or so. Which isn't too long for blurb things, I don't think, but I was eagerly anticipating so it felt like longer to me. Still, I found the eventual events fascinating so I was completely engaged with the story.
I was surprised how not-like-my-expectations the blurb turned out while still being completely accurate. Talyn and Melody end up separated for lots of this story for reasons that make total sense. And I was totally good with that, too, which surprised me. I liked the chance for Melody to carry on with their goals and the stress that impelled her to branch out and get creative. And I liked Talyn's patience and good sense in who not to mouth off to. And I really liked the way things change with what Talyn learns and how she has changed when she is once again free. The world changes and I think Medrano did a great job thinking through the consequences and subsequent (complicated) events.
So this is another five stars, though again, there's a lot of minutia of living life in a gamified world. And I particularly loved developments with Melody and Talyn's relationship as they discover love and acceptance along with the trust that has always been there.
A note about Steamy: While they're apart for a lot of the story, I loved seeing their close moments. There's one scene that carries enough explicit content to count as steamy, I think, but I liked the "merely" intimate moments even more.
November 22, 2022
possibly the best of his works yet
I have honestly reread all of this author’s books several times, just because they are that good of stories, in my opinion. However I have the say that to date, this is his best book and best series as far as pure escape from my day to day.
I have honestly reread all of this author’s books several times, just because they are that good of stories, in my opinion. However I have the say that to date, this is his best book and best series as far as pure escape from my day to day.
March 20, 2025
A Pleasant continuation of book 1 that delves further in the Dungeon. (Literally and figuratively)
Talyn continues her journey to become stronger and explore the world. Things take a turn for the disastrous when she gets trapped in the lowest section of the city's dungeon. An area where the magical pressure alone would kill her, were it not for the presence of a "friendly" dragon. Never a dull moment at least.
As usual with Medrano's writing, the story is full of women kicking ass, getting in trouble and getting themselves out of said trouble again. I'm looking forward to the next novel in the series and may even pre-order it.
Talyn continues her journey to become stronger and explore the world. Things take a turn for the disastrous when she gets trapped in the lowest section of the city's dungeon. An area where the magical pressure alone would kill her, were it not for the presence of a "friendly" dragon. Never a dull moment at least.
As usual with Medrano's writing, the story is full of women kicking ass, getting in trouble and getting themselves out of said trouble again. I'm looking forward to the next novel in the series and may even pre-order it.
January 23, 2023
Both of these books (Book 1 and 2 ) Were fairly dry reads. I feel as though someone tried to jam a game into a book and that in itself is a very difficult thing to do. The majority of both books were continual stats, levels and descriptions of abilities that the characters were NEVER use. There was absolutely no point in having PAGES AND PAGES of just stat numbers and describing abilities that have no actual weight to the story.
And up to the last 30% of the second book there was absolutely no point to these books what so ever. And by that I mean there was no depth, it was just a couple of characters wandering around, with no reason what so ever. I don't know how I made it through both books
Another strike against this book is also the fact that the relationship between both of the main characters literally came out of no where. No reason for it and 0 build up at all.
It looks like the author FORGOT to add the entirety of their build up before pointing out that the characters had been "Flirting" back and forth since the day they met???? THERE WAS NOTHING OF THE SORT.
I feel as though I wasted my time.
My hope is I will gain inspiration to come back to reread this book and give it another try one day. For now this is one that I have to step away from for a while.
And up to the last 30% of the second book there was absolutely no point to these books what so ever. And by that I mean there was no depth, it was just a couple of characters wandering around, with no reason what so ever. I don't know how I made it through both books
Another strike against this book is also the fact that the relationship between both of the main characters literally came out of no where. No reason for it and 0 build up at all.
It looks like the author FORGOT to add the entirety of their build up before pointing out that the characters had been "Flirting" back and forth since the day they met???? THERE WAS NOTHING OF THE SORT.
I feel as though I wasted my time.
My hope is I will gain inspiration to come back to reread this book and give it another try one day. For now this is one that I have to step away from for a while.
December 3, 2022
I should start by saying I’m not a great fan of LitRPG books and the endless wittering on about levels and abilities. I continued with this series because I usually like this author’s Fantasies and I found Talyn and Melody quite interesting in the previous book.
Unfortunately I had several problems with this book, to start with the author exacerbated my dislike of LitRPG books, by getting carried away with all the 'levels and abilities' especially the ridiculous guardians of the lower levels. Also he decided to separate Talyn and Melody for half the book, just when their relationship was beginning to go somewhere.
There were some interesting moments which kept me reading, but overall I couldn’t give more than two stars.
Unfortunately I had several problems with this book, to start with the author exacerbated my dislike of LitRPG books, by getting carried away with all the 'levels and abilities' especially the ridiculous guardians of the lower levels. Also he decided to separate Talyn and Melody for half the book, just when their relationship was beginning to go somewhere.
There were some interesting moments which kept me reading, but overall I couldn’t give more than two stars.
December 26, 2022
Wow I really enjoyed this book, it was really good, I loved the progression, the new characters Talyn encountered on the 99th floor, the guardians were each unique in their own way and I really enjoyed their interaction. I also loved the world created on that 99th floor, it was breathtaking in its description, not to mention the characters inhabiting the world apart from the main ones, they were also written well. It was a really enjoyable read, binged it in a stretch. I'm definitely looking foreword to the next with anticipation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2023
Talyn takes on the dungeon and finds herself facing the joker. This encounter doesn’t end well for her and dying is not optional.
Presented with the most dangerous challenge so far, Talyn needs to sacrifice her temporary freedom to a being that is so powerful that looks are being literally deadly.
As hostile the dungeon is, it also can be a place to make fateful encounters with entities that would make mighty friends or more in the future.
Presented with the most dangerous challenge so far, Talyn needs to sacrifice her temporary freedom to a being that is so powerful that looks are being literally deadly.
As hostile the dungeon is, it also can be a place to make fateful encounters with entities that would make mighty friends or more in the future.
July 18, 2023
Good book
Good LitRPG book. Talyn is a great character. Her time spent almost dying was uniquely entertaining. I look forward to her attaining the necessary levels to make good on her Word. I marked it down one star because of the grammar mistakes that a good proofreader should have caught. They threw me out of the story and I hate when that happens. Otherwise it was a great story! Definitely recommend. Now, on to the next book in the series!
Good LitRPG book. Talyn is a great character. Her time spent almost dying was uniquely entertaining. I look forward to her attaining the necessary levels to make good on her Word. I marked it down one star because of the grammar mistakes that a good proofreader should have caught. They threw me out of the story and I hate when that happens. Otherwise it was a great story! Definitely recommend. Now, on to the next book in the series!
November 22, 2022
Excellent Sequel
This story fully makes on the promise the last book set out, Talyn and Melody grow stronger, by a lot, and Talyn is the agent of change she is supposed to be. Those looking for adventure or romance will not be disappointed.
This story fully makes on the promise the last book set out, Talyn and Melody grow stronger, by a lot, and Talyn is the agent of change she is supposed to be. Those looking for adventure or romance will not be disappointed.
November 24, 2022
Cant Wait For Book 3
It was amazing seeing how Talyn dealt with the higher beings. I am positively looking forward to book 3. Sucks that we gotta wait until next year but I do believe it’ll be worth it.
It was amazing seeing how Talyn dealt with the higher beings. I am positively looking forward to book 3. Sucks that we gotta wait until next year but I do believe it’ll be worth it.
April 23, 2023
Shortly after Talyn learns she is cursed she meet the joker in the dungeon who sends her to the 99th level where the magic density in the air is enough to finish her off. Fortunately the guardians of the level find her and help her.
Nice "feelgood" story.
Nice "feelgood" story.
July 29, 2023
Oh, got me all caught up in this series
Oh, this book most definitely got me all caught up in this series for real!!! I can't wait to see where it'll go & what's gonna happen, why it does & how it's gonna finally end.
Oh, this book most definitely got me all caught up in this series for real!!! I can't wait to see where it'll go & what's gonna happen, why it does & how it's gonna finally end.
August 26, 2025
I could definitely see this being a long running series. The foundation is still built,. quite the twist involving the dunge was intriguing. While the 2 main characters discuss a relationship, discussion is minimal. I'm listening to the third now. Appreciate the offering and effort.
November 22, 2022
Wonderful
I love this story. Can't get enough of the MC and her journey to power. I'm hoping the next volume in this saga comes out as quick as this one did!
I love this story. Can't get enough of the MC and her journey to power. I'm hoping the next volume in this saga comes out as quick as this one did!
April 15, 2023
I need more WLW relationships RPGLIT in my life. Loved every second
August 7, 2025
This is becoming my favorite series so far this year
Oh man! I am really liking this story now! If you have not started the series yet, it is definitely worth the read.
Oh man! I am really liking this story now! If you have not started the series yet, it is definitely worth the read.
October 20, 2023
Another good book love the Tammy's :)
January 9, 2025
Suddenly thrown down to level100 of the dungeon, Talyn is saved by a high level void dragon who offers to save her, in return for a few months of her time as a scale polisher. That starts an amazing adventure..
Her summon, melody, is trapped in the surface and has to make ends meet until Talyn returns or dies.
Her summon, melody, is trapped in the surface and has to make ends meet until Talyn returns or dies.
July 4, 2025
Very Enjoyable
I've now read two books in this series and am eagerly looking forward to the next. Its more litrpg than I usually like but the story, characters, and world building make it engrossing and fun. If you've never read a litrpg before, I recommend starting with this one!
I've now read two books in this series and am eagerly looking forward to the next. Its more litrpg than I usually like but the story, characters, and world building make it engrossing and fun. If you've never read a litrpg before, I recommend starting with this one!
August 2, 2024
Better
I thought Talyn lacked personality in the first one. Thanks to the nature of this book however she was better able to show herself and I really liked the different guardians.
I thought Talyn lacked personality in the first one. Thanks to the nature of this book however she was better able to show herself and I really liked the different guardians.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews