As war breaks out to destroy Abydon’s Blight, Talyn has decided to take a much-needed vacation, and to explore some of the world with her friends and lovers.
Unfortunately for Talyn, just because she wants peace and quiet doesn’t mean the world is going to give it to her. World walkers are agents of chaos on Garloth whether they like it or not, and Talyn is no exception.
Beyond which, the Guardians haven’t forgiven or forgotten the trespasses against Talyn, and they’ll brook no interference in their vengeance.
I 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.
Let's see if I remember how to write reviews*. This story follows where you'd expect except for two things. One, there are more PoV shifts, and those shifts are further removed from Talyn than usual. Two, Talyn isn't really central to the story. Like, at all.
I was a little worried that Talyn was determined to travel far from the influence of her Guardians. She has high-level people after her for various reasons, some more nefarious than others. And being out of their protective umbrella is a huge risk. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, her little jaunt doesn't really surface any of those threats.
Instead, the high-level threats are all on an alternate track only tangentially related to Talyn. Which isn't truly a bad thing as we get some developments that are at least a little interesting. But my investment is with Talyn and her growth. Which we get little of in this story.
I'm going to drop all the way down to three stars on this one. I am interested in the next (scheduled to release in a little over a month), but I do hope that we get back to the main character I've actually attached to in that one.
A note about Steamy/Chaste: The harem thing is still playing out strong. But we only get vague mentions and blushing situations. It's enough I can't really call this chaste. But not so much that I'd consider it steamy.
* I haven't read an actual book for about five months. I've been completely obsessed with web serials that don't (and can't because of policy reasons) have entries here at GoodReads. Why break that drought with this series? Is it because it's really good? Heavens no. I have no idea why I felt in the mood to revisit (and extend) Talyn. And I seriously debated just not reviewing. But I have an afternoon with nothing to do but enjoy the monsoon rain and write a review so here we are...
This book tidies up many of the story lines from the previous Talyn books. There is scope for more Talyn books (a central plot line requires her to become far more powerful than she currently is), and I will cheerfully read those books if they appear, but the story does not require them.
The book's main weakness is the repeated activity of the Guardians: Twelve deae ex machina keep walking onto the stage, rendering what anyone else in the book does almost irrelevant. So what started out as a LitRPG fantasy becomes something a lot closer to a cozy fantasy.
I liked this one quite a bit. Admittedly, I haven’t read a huge number of books with a harem aspect, so, there was a bit of trepidation going on when I started this series. While harem is not my personal preference, I felt this was tastefully handled. On the one hand, I’m eager to start the 5th, but I very much enjoyed Tess Irondale’s narration of this entire series; so there is a bit of me dragging my feet, but I will probably pick it up on kindle and read it, and await the audio version. Very well done, and I am looking forward to more of Talyn’s adventures.
All of Medrano's books are great for reading. He has an incredible way with worlds building that sucks you in. A very fascinating and engrossing story.
But be aware you will need to wait a long time between books in a series as these takes him up to a year to produce!
Book four of the Talyn's saga did not disappoint. I'm hoping book five doesn't take to long to come out. This was a good read and I recommend it. Just make sure you read the first three. I don't want to give away any spoilers so I'll just say don't make enemies out of the guardians. I'll end this by saying more soon please and thank you.
I wasn’t happy with the previous book, mainly with the way the author allowed the story to degenerate with ridiculously stupid levels and abilities. This book was much better, perhaps because it concentrated more on the characters and I was able to ignore the ridiculous LitRPG aspects of the book.
I absolutely love this series!! Every book is filled with fascinating characters, intriguing storylines, exciting adventures & captivating detours that keep me engaged & invested in everything Talyn, Melody & the entire crew & their world. Can't wait for the next one!!
I'll be honest I'm torn on this one. It's marketed as "Talyn goes on vacation" though the vacation was less than half the story. Couple that with Talyn having almost no progression despite delving and it just feels like it didn't commit in either direction. Is she delving or is she relaxing? Sorta both but not really.
I like that this book was a little more relaxed than the last one. There is still plenty of action, but if there was as much constant danger as the previous books, it would have felt a little forced to me. I also liked the perspectives of some of the other characters, both close to Talyn and some Talyn has never met.
Taken continues to be the awkward succubus that so far creates neutral to good chaos as she lives her life. I'm truly hoping this series lasts a long, long time if the author can maintain this level of quality. Its just so much fun! Enjoy!!
So enthralling and captivating. I have been captivated by this particular series from the very first book. It has provided thrills and humor and also mild interludes of intimacy. I am so anxious for the next installment in the series😘 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟❗🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❗
A really great book. I cannot wait to see what happens to the main character in the next book. I’m really looking forward to see what the author creates next.
Lots of jaw-dropping moments. Rich in humor. "WOW" is a common response. And yet the story is cruel in that it ended, making me wait for the next book. Not fair!
Good book, love these fantasy slice-of-life kind of books.
After the upheaval of the 99th floor and her return, Talyn wants to take it a little easier for a while. She plans of taking a trip to help out an orphanage and visit the parent of one of her partymembers. This go a bit off the rails as is usual for this kind of book, but no heart-pounding situations.
In all this was a relaxed read that expanded the world further and made me yet again appreciate Medrano's writing style.
I will most cereainly be returning for the fifth novel in the series.