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Beesong Chronicles #2
Webs & Wards
Joy can’t get a break.
Having survived a chance encounter with a demon lordling, and made an immense sacrifice, one might expect Joy to at least have some time to rest and recover. Instead, when Joy’s friends learn what she sacrificed, they decide they’ll repay her, no matter what it takes, and they take the adventurous bee-girl on a quest to find another apis hive which can help her.
The demon lord, Alethus, isn’t resting on his laurels, however. His schemes threaten not just Seldrim, but the entire region, and his plots are squarely on a course to intersect with the unwitting group.
Some days the gods have a warped sense of humor. Joy just has to survive. Again.
Having survived a chance encounter with a demon lordling, and made an immense sacrifice, one might expect Joy to at least have some time to rest and recover. Instead, when Joy’s friends learn what she sacrificed, they decide they’ll repay her, no matter what it takes, and they take the adventurous bee-girl on a quest to find another apis hive which can help her.
The demon lord, Alethus, isn’t resting on his laurels, however. His schemes threaten not just Seldrim, but the entire region, and his plots are squarely on a course to intersect with the unwitting group.
Some days the gods have a warped sense of humor. Joy just has to survive. Again.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2020
About the author
Benjamin Medrano
50 books313 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 1, 2020
This was a fun fantasy story with heavy LitRPG and Dungeons & Dragons influences. The focus was on a mix of action, adventure, and some light humour. In terms of tone this was probably more YA in feel than regular fantasy but it was definitely not your typical YA in terms of structure. It was more LitRPG in feel in that regard!
This book was pretty much a direct continuation of the story from the first instalment. The Demon Lord that Joy and the others clashed with at the end of the first book is back causing trouble again as he sought to take possession of the second magic seal. Joy and her team stumble across their latest plot as they are out hunting for a new source of Royal Jelly for Joy in hopes of expanding her life-span.
I enjoyed the first tale a bit more than this one but think that might have been a mood thing more than a noticeable quality change. Joy is still super likeable and unique as a lead character and the other group members are an easy bunch to root for. Medrano books always have sedate pacing, and this one was no different, but the action did pick up towards the end as the Demon Lord's plans and intentions became clear.
I liked the hints of romance we got in this story. It has been slow developing but I think that is for the best. I like the group dynamics on the whole as our four main characters tend to get along pretty well. I was also a fan of learning more about the apis and felt like it was great that we got to meet a new hive and learn more about them as they dealt with becoming a species of sentience.
All in all this was an OK tale that I feel like I'd have enjoyed more if I was more in the mood for it. I'll read the third book for sure when it gets released!
Rating: 3 stars.
Audio Note: I felt like Reba Buhr did a good job with the audio. She got the tone and was good with he character voices and definitely captured the spirit of Joy as a character.
This book was pretty much a direct continuation of the story from the first instalment. The Demon Lord that Joy and the others clashed with at the end of the first book is back causing trouble again as he sought to take possession of the second magic seal. Joy and her team stumble across their latest plot as they are out hunting for a new source of Royal Jelly for Joy in hopes of expanding her life-span.
I enjoyed the first tale a bit more than this one but think that might have been a mood thing more than a noticeable quality change. Joy is still super likeable and unique as a lead character and the other group members are an easy bunch to root for. Medrano books always have sedate pacing, and this one was no different, but the action did pick up towards the end as the Demon Lord's plans and intentions became clear.
I liked the hints of romance we got in this story. It has been slow developing but I think that is for the best. I like the group dynamics on the whole as our four main characters tend to get along pretty well. I was also a fan of learning more about the apis and felt like it was great that we got to meet a new hive and learn more about them as they dealt with becoming a species of sentience.
All in all this was an OK tale that I feel like I'd have enjoyed more if I was more in the mood for it. I'll read the third book for sure when it gets released!
Rating: 3 stars.
Audio Note: I felt like Reba Buhr did a good job with the audio. She got the tone and was good with he character voices and definitely captured the spirit of Joy as a character.
December 5, 2022
This is second in a series and all the setup and inciting incident are in the first. Read it before this one.
And you know pretty much how this is going to go. I loved the progression of the adventurers, and I particularly liked them meeting one of the other Apis hives. Medrano does a good job making them distinct while still the same conceit.
Some of the plot here is linear, though with challenges that ramp up a bit (as they would for adventurers as they level). I was totally fine with the bit of predictability, particularly as Medrano seeded in the occasional twist or surprise.
I'm going to go with another five stars here, though a bit weaker than the first story for all that. I was as engaged as with the first, but wasn't as struck by the originality (for obvious reasons as it's the second of the series).
A note about Chaste: While some of her companions are in a relationship and sleep together, Joy is still as sexless as ever. So there's no shenanigans anywhere near the page. Which I consider very chaste.
And you know pretty much how this is going to go. I loved the progression of the adventurers, and I particularly liked them meeting one of the other Apis hives. Medrano does a good job making them distinct while still the same conceit.
Some of the plot here is linear, though with challenges that ramp up a bit (as they would for adventurers as they level). I was totally fine with the bit of predictability, particularly as Medrano seeded in the occasional twist or surprise.
I'm going to go with another five stars here, though a bit weaker than the first story for all that. I was as engaged as with the first, but wasn't as struck by the originality (for obvious reasons as it's the second of the series).
A note about Chaste: While some of her companions are in a relationship and sleep together, Joy is still as sexless as ever. So there's no shenanigans anywhere near the page. Which I consider very chaste.
January 18, 2020
Book two
Mistakes: I didn’t find any mistakes in this book.
Plot: After using her item that would have led to Joy turning in to a queen, to save a friend. Her friends decide to combine their wealth and get her another item.
Unfortunately for our heroines they run right in to an attack from the Dark Lands as well as giant army ants.
Characters: Joy is the reason I read these books. She is bright and cheerful even when she is being completely ruthless and cutting down her enemies.
9/10
Mistakes: I didn’t find any mistakes in this book.
Plot: After using her item that would have led to Joy turning in to a queen, to save a friend. Her friends decide to combine their wealth and get her another item.
Unfortunately for our heroines they run right in to an attack from the Dark Lands as well as giant army ants.
Characters: Joy is the reason I read these books. She is bright and cheerful even when she is being completely ruthless and cutting down her enemies.
9/10
January 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, the story was OK, but what really makes the book is 'Joy' she is such a great character.
I’m not quite so keen on the RPG references in the story and was only going to give four stars, but this book left me with a smile on my face that was still there the day after.
I’m not quite so keen on the RPG references in the story and was only going to give four stars, but this book left me with a smile on my face that was still there the day after.
February 15, 2021
A continuation of the first book, in much the same vein. Not quite as amusing as the first, now that the novelty has worn off, but still entertaining. Joy is the same cheery ray of sunshine and her endearing wonder and excitement at learning about the world drags us into her enthusiasm and makes the story, while allowing for some good world-building and making the explanations seem natural, not lectures. Her companions' reactions don't come across as quite so authentic, they seem a bit exaggerated. For example, their constant amusement at her is perhaps a bit overdone - she isn't all that funny. However the character building and interactions are definitely a major part of the series.
I also liked the way that the "dark kingdom" characters povs showed them to be just people. Some of them were even subverted from the "light" side and they have their own friendships and feelings, rather than being depicted as monsters or evil minions bent on torture and slaughter. It made it hard to dismiss them and felt more real. Although the whole second chance via resurrection aspect of this world lessens the impact of the dangers and deaths a bit.
Only a few editing errors, such as repeated use of the same word in a paragraph/sentence e.g. "It was odd to think about... which was odd." Not sure if this is an intentional part of the author's writing style, but it's a bit irritating, if minor.
Oh, and there are f/f relationships in this one, but again the focus is on the adventure, not the romance. This world seems to have an unusually high proportion of beautiful women in it.
I also liked the way that the "dark kingdom" characters povs showed them to be just people. Some of them were even subverted from the "light" side and they have their own friendships and feelings, rather than being depicted as monsters or evil minions bent on torture and slaughter. It made it hard to dismiss them and felt more real. Although the whole second chance via resurrection aspect of this world lessens the impact of the dangers and deaths a bit.
Only a few editing errors, such as repeated use of the same word in a paragraph/sentence e.g. "It was odd to think about... which was odd." Not sure if this is an intentional part of the author's writing style, but it's a bit irritating, if minor.
Oh, and there are f/f relationships in this one, but again the focus is on the adventure, not the romance. This world seems to have an unusually high proportion of beautiful women in it.
April 5, 2022
Almost as good
This book doesn't fall far from the first, but it is lacking some of the earlier enchantment.
Most of the elements feel very much like a smooth continuation of book one, and the main character is spot on. there were just two things that threw me off, Okay maybe three.
The slow start. The story starts at a standstill that seems more like a lack of inspiration or direction than any kind of craft or building tension. This inertia persists even after the characters start to move.
Fog of war? I'm sure Mr. Medrano knew where the characters were, why they were there, and what they were there for... But he often forgot to tell us. There were too many scenes where the location was unnamed, the action was unspecified, and the objective was vague. The dialog was fine, but the people delivering that dialog seemed to be standing on an empty stage, standing stock still, and just having a cute conversation. That works for sitcoms.
There is a darker tone here, and that would be fine if there were more going on to carry that weight. Had there not been the narrative confusion and the dramatic inertia the darker tone would not have landed with such a thud.
This is still a good book, and I should have been more positive in my review. I'm very fond of the Protagonist JOY the bee girl. I'm about to start book 3 as soon as I post this and that's probably the best endorsement.
This book doesn't fall far from the first, but it is lacking some of the earlier enchantment.
Most of the elements feel very much like a smooth continuation of book one, and the main character is spot on. there were just two things that threw me off, Okay maybe three.
The slow start. The story starts at a standstill that seems more like a lack of inspiration or direction than any kind of craft or building tension. This inertia persists even after the characters start to move.
Fog of war? I'm sure Mr. Medrano knew where the characters were, why they were there, and what they were there for... But he often forgot to tell us. There were too many scenes where the location was unnamed, the action was unspecified, and the objective was vague. The dialog was fine, but the people delivering that dialog seemed to be standing on an empty stage, standing stock still, and just having a cute conversation. That works for sitcoms.
There is a darker tone here, and that would be fine if there were more going on to carry that weight. Had there not been the narrative confusion and the dramatic inertia the darker tone would not have landed with such a thud.
This is still a good book, and I should have been more positive in my review. I'm very fond of the Protagonist JOY the bee girl. I'm about to start book 3 as soon as I post this and that's probably the best endorsement.
March 28, 2020
Following their adventure from the 1st book of the series, this story continues on to the adventurers' party in their quest to obtain the pure royal jelly for Joy. However, they ran into more trouble than necessary when they stumbled themselves into the Dark side's evil plan.
In this book, we were able to see developments of an unexpected relationship between Brianna and Stella, and the much anticipated possible relationship between Joy and Cora. More apis were also featured in this series, plus together with Joy, it revealed more information regarding the newest demi-human species.
Don't forget about the 'Stabstabstab' of the apis. This book was filled with more world-building, humour, adventures, character developments and battles. This had indeed raised my expectations of the 3rd book in this series. I am *hoping* to finally see Joy reaching Level20 in the 3rd book and possibly becoming a Queen herself. Now, I can only hope for the release of the 3rd book in the very near future.
In this book, we were able to see developments of an unexpected relationship between Brianna and Stella, and the much anticipated possible relationship between Joy and Cora. More apis were also featured in this series, plus together with Joy, it revealed more information regarding the newest demi-human species.
Don't forget about the 'Stabstabstab' of the apis. This book was filled with more world-building, humour, adventures, character developments and battles. This had indeed raised my expectations of the 3rd book in this series. I am *hoping* to finally see Joy reaching Level20 in the 3rd book and possibly becoming a Queen herself. Now, I can only hope for the release of the 3rd book in the very near future.
July 18, 2025
The main reason to read this series is Joy. She's such a lovely character, and I'm rooting for her to succeed!
With that said, the plot is also well done. There were several places from the enemy perspective, and it's good to see that the bad guys aren't mustache twirling caricatures.
I enjoyed the new settings, and the development of the friendships of Joy's group.
Will continue with this series.
With that said, the plot is also well done. There were several places from the enemy perspective, and it's good to see that the bad guys aren't mustache twirling caricatures.
I enjoyed the new settings, and the development of the friendships of Joy's group.
Will continue with this series.
January 14, 2020
Wonderfully fun series
Joy is such a great protagonist, learning about the world as she bounces along, occasionally feeling guilt about having to 'stabstabstab'. Benjamin Medrano writes good stuff, and this is good, good stuff. Highly recommended.
Joy is such a great protagonist, learning about the world as she bounces along, occasionally feeling guilt about having to 'stabstabstab'. Benjamin Medrano writes good stuff, and this is good, good stuff. Highly recommended.
January 15, 2020
Fun
Joy continues to learn of the world. More Apis are contacted and the Demons tries to subdue more of the world. It is still a light hearted fun read, excellent pace, and the treatment of an innocent is a delight. Enjoy.
Joy continues to learn of the world. More Apis are contacted and the Demons tries to subdue more of the world. It is still a light hearted fun read, excellent pace, and the treatment of an innocent is a delight. Enjoy.
June 6, 2023
I SOOOO love Joy!!!
I SOOOO love Joy!!! She's 💯 AWESOME!!! This series totally got even more better —more action, more depth, more connection, more adventure, more tension, more emotions… just more more more please!
I SOOOO love Joy!!! She's 💯 AWESOME!!! This series totally got even more better —more action, more depth, more connection, more adventure, more tension, more emotions… just more more more please!
January 13, 2020
I absolutely love these books
Really, can’t say much more then that. They are a great read, and so vary entertaining. You just fall in love with the main characters.
Really, can’t say much more then that. They are a great read, and so vary entertaining. You just fall in love with the main characters.
January 13, 2020
Amazing
This book was a great LITrpg and an amazing sequel the sting and song, I am so looking forward to book 3
This book was a great LITrpg and an amazing sequel the sting and song, I am so looking forward to book 3
January 22, 2020
Wonderful story
I love this story with Joy and friends as the they go through their adventures.I find I enjoy Joy view of life.
I love this story with Joy and friends as the they go through their adventures.I find I enjoy Joy view of life.
January 28, 2020
Gradebook
Great story and cannot wait for the next book in the series. Looking forward to Joy becoming a queen bee.
Great story and cannot wait for the next book in the series. Looking forward to Joy becoming a queen bee.
August 16, 2020
Brilliant
Joy would run into a fire without thinking! Amazing story once again with both sides being competent and unlucky in equal measure. Love it
Joy would run into a fire without thinking! Amazing story once again with both sides being competent and unlucky in equal measure. Love it
May 22, 2021
Okay
Overall, the story is fun and characters amusing. Very simple and light. All three “books” really equate to just one book. If food, it’d be a fast food snack.
Overall, the story is fun and characters amusing. Very simple and light. All three “books” really equate to just one book. If food, it’d be a fast food snack.
December 18, 2021
Really enjoying this series. Like the humor of Joy
May 13, 2023
Joy!
This is such a fun read. Plenty of quick action, excellent handling of an entirely new species. So much to learn!
This is such a fun read. Plenty of quick action, excellent handling of an entirely new species. So much to learn!
March 4, 2022
A good follow up to the fist book. Decent world building and character development. Joy is a joy to read about. The dialog between characters is a bit clunky at time but that is the same with all of the author's books. I am looking forward to the next installment
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews