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Talyn's Saga #3
Talyn: Unyielding
Success can be dangerous.
After surviving the depths of Castra's dungeon, Talyn has returned to the surface and caused a seismic change in the city. Now she has to deal with the consequences. But after her last life, she will not bow to anyone.
After surviving the depths of Castra's dungeon, Talyn has returned to the surface and caused a seismic change in the city. Now she has to deal with the consequences. But after her last life, she will not bow to anyone.
526 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2023
56 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Medrano
49 books311 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 24, 2025
This is third in a series and events in previous books are extremely important to this one. Read in order.
You know mostly what you're getting with this one. Sort of. There's more politics as Talyn has gained some high-profile attention and that has painted a target on her back for many. She's fortunate to have some high-level protection from her experiences as well, so there are lots of moving parts and room for some fun developments.
It's a good story and I like the developments, not least leaning into Talyn's kind heart that accompanies her cold pessimism. She doesn't expect much from others, but that doesn't mean she won't be as nice as they'll let her be. I particularly liked movement on the relationship front, though this is the book the harem aspect hinted at before starts to take effect. It shouldn't be a surprise with Talyn being a succubus, and I think Medrano does a good job making it at least interesting.
I think I'll stop there. It's a solid five stars with a great pace, interesting story, and characters I have enjoyed since the start.
A note about Chaste: For all the harem coalesces, the sex is behind closed doors. Intimacy is clear. We get some kissing. And a bit of innuendo and cross-talk. But there's nothing actually sexually explicit. It's a tough call, but I think it fits the chaste tag. But only barely and there's lots of wiggle room for disagreement.
You know mostly what you're getting with this one. Sort of. There's more politics as Talyn has gained some high-profile attention and that has painted a target on her back for many. She's fortunate to have some high-level protection from her experiences as well, so there are lots of moving parts and room for some fun developments.
It's a good story and I like the developments, not least leaning into Talyn's kind heart that accompanies her cold pessimism. She doesn't expect much from others, but that doesn't mean she won't be as nice as they'll let her be. I particularly liked movement on the relationship front, though this is the book the harem aspect hinted at before starts to take effect. It shouldn't be a surprise with Talyn being a succubus, and I think Medrano does a good job making it at least interesting.
I think I'll stop there. It's a solid five stars with a great pace, interesting story, and characters I have enjoyed since the start.
A note about Chaste: For all the harem coalesces, the sex is behind closed doors. Intimacy is clear. We get some kissing. And a bit of innuendo and cross-talk. But there's nothing actually sexually explicit. It's a tough call, but I think it fits the chaste tag. But only barely and there's lots of wiggle room for disagreement.
July 17, 2023
Absolutely Great
I read the entire book in one sitting and I loved it. Benjamin Medrano has always been able to make his stories invoke strong emotions from laughter to grief but he has outdone himself this time. If you haven’t tried any of his other book series I can’t help but recommend you start with this series and then read the rest you will not be disappointed at all.
I read the entire book in one sitting and I loved it. Benjamin Medrano has always been able to make his stories invoke strong emotions from laughter to grief but he has outdone himself this time. If you haven’t tried any of his other book series I can’t help but recommend you start with this series and then read the rest you will not be disappointed at all.
July 20, 2023
I'm enjoying this series. It is mainline Isekai: The protagonist dies in an accident and is reincarnated in a LitRPG world of dungeons and character classes and leveling up. Book 1 introduces Talyn (and the reader) to her new world. Book 2 takes a hard left turn, as she finds herself in circumstances that should have killed her, but instead leave her with a considerable improvement in skills, levels, wealth, and political importance. She is also left, as we discover at the end of book 2, with some benign protection from ultra-high-level beings who have taken an interest in her.
The fallout from book 2 weakens book 3. Talyn has become politically important - and she spends much of book 3 dealing with politics. Since the political scene is peripheral to the main story, this mostly translates to stretches in which Talyn is irritated and bored and has to be polite. And the ultra-powerful beings weaken Talyn's story, as it becomes apparent that serious threats to Talyn will be dismantled by a group of angry plot devices.
The best parts of the book are those with neither the political distractions or playing out of major threats that never actually have a chance. I hope book 4 focuses on those.
The fallout from book 2 weakens book 3. Talyn has become politically important - and she spends much of book 3 dealing with politics. Since the political scene is peripheral to the main story, this mostly translates to stretches in which Talyn is irritated and bored and has to be polite. And the ultra-powerful beings weaken Talyn's story, as it becomes apparent that serious threats to Talyn will be dismantled by a group of angry plot devices.
The best parts of the book are those with neither the political distractions or playing out of major threats that never actually have a chance. I hope book 4 focuses on those.
July 22, 2023
I really like Talyn and Melody, but unfortunately this story is totally spoilt by ridiculously stupid levels, in fact too much of the story was ‘over-the-top’. People at hundreds of levels is bad enough, then there are the nine hundred plus guardians getting involved, but the final straw is the introduction of Gods, especially ‘The Destroyer of Worlds’.
I think my biggest problem with the book is there are no limits, if the author wants something to happen he just comes up with new skills, classes and abilities and then piles on more and more the levels, whether it makes sense or not. Perhaps this is just my prejudice against out of control LitRPG novels or maybe this really was that bad.
I think my biggest problem with the book is there are no limits, if the author wants something to happen he just comes up with new skills, classes and abilities and then piles on more and more the levels, whether it makes sense or not. Perhaps this is just my prejudice against out of control LitRPG novels or maybe this really was that bad.
March 24, 2025
Fun Lit-RPG story.
Medrano's take on the Isekai/ becoming trapped in a game-like world continues to entertain. In this third installment Talyn becomes a much more established person in the city of Castra. Having survived, completing an almost impossible test and gaining both vast wealth and a fair number of levels gives her quite a boost. There are of fights, further leveling and the slice-of-life goodness among the plots, twist and turns of Medrano's usual smooth writing.
In all this is rapidly turning in one of favorite Lit-RPG novels and my favorite of Medrano's series overall. I'm honestly looking forward to the next book in the series.
Medrano's take on the Isekai/ becoming trapped in a game-like world continues to entertain. In this third installment Talyn becomes a much more established person in the city of Castra. Having survived, completing an almost impossible test and gaining both vast wealth and a fair number of levels gives her quite a boost. There are of fights, further leveling and the slice-of-life goodness among the plots, twist and turns of Medrano's usual smooth writing.
In all this is rapidly turning in one of favorite Lit-RPG novels and my favorite of Medrano's series overall. I'm honestly looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 25, 2023
Can't wait for the next!!!!
I've read/listened to a few of this authors book and really liked all of them. This is the third book in this saga and I enjoyed every page and wished it went on longer but all as it had to end. I didn't expect the ending and I was happy that it set up the ground work for the next. I just hope we won't have to wait to long for the next one. I recommend this book but I will say you should read the first two books before this one.
I've read/listened to a few of this authors book and really liked all of them. This is the third book in this saga and I enjoyed every page and wished it went on longer but all as it had to end. I didn't expect the ending and I was happy that it set up the ground work for the next. I just hope we won't have to wait to long for the next one. I recommend this book but I will say you should read the first two books before this one.
June 2, 2024
A very exciting and also invigorating adventure story. Also I believe this series may have the background components for a animated movie or a online multiplayer game. Although I would very much like to see it as a movie. Especially with all tec that can be used to bring the story to the big screen; think about?
I've read a lot of your books and never once have you failed to entertain! Bravo!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❗
I've read a lot of your books and never once have you failed to entertain! Bravo!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❗
July 17, 2023
always love your novels
I always love all of your novels and can’t wait to read more.
Truly looking forward to your next book.
This one was great and I like all of the interactions especially the fact that Talyn is kind to others and can’t wait to see more
I always love all of your novels and can’t wait to read more.
Truly looking forward to your next book.
This one was great and I like all of the interactions especially the fact that Talyn is kind to others and can’t wait to see more
August 4, 2023
Talyn and Melody find themselves in a pickle but find some acquaintances that will help them. Solving issues for the guilds bring rewards, station and trouble.
I loved the pages where the guardians are making an appearance. Looking forward to read the next book.
August 5, 2023
Rarely a dull moment in this book
There is rarely a dull moment in this book, as it seems like trouble, drama and chaos can't help but find its way to Talyn. Entangled in politics of all sorts, normal life is anything but, which makes for great reading.
There is rarely a dull moment in this book, as it seems like trouble, drama and chaos can't help but find its way to Talyn. Entangled in politics of all sorts, normal life is anything but, which makes for great reading.
February 26, 2025
Wonderful story crafting!
Once I started I couldn't stop. The humor was witty, the intimate moments were endearing, and hardships were heartbreaking. I want to see what happens when she completes her journey. Apotheosis over lvl 1000? I'll have to wait and see
Once I started I couldn't stop. The humor was witty, the intimate moments were endearing, and hardships were heartbreaking. I want to see what happens when she completes her journey. Apotheosis over lvl 1000? I'll have to wait and see
August 11, 2025
It keeps getting better and better
Man, the story just keeps getting better and better. I thought the first book was good and the second book was better than that... But, the storyline in the third book was incredible! I cannot wait for the fourth book!
Man, the story just keeps getting better and better. I thought the first book was good and the second book was better than that... But, the storyline in the third book was incredible! I cannot wait for the fourth book!
August 29, 2025
I very much appreciate Talyn as a character. She and her group of friends do their best to do right and be fair. She does seem to have things settle into place fairly easily, but I can forgive that considering the bumpy start. I enjoyed this. Thank you for the time and effort.
July 17, 2023
really good book
I really enjoyed this book series. I cannot wait for the next one. I’m really looking forward to what happens with that too travelers fight each other
I really enjoyed this book series. I cannot wait for the next one. I’m really looking forward to what happens with that too travelers fight each other
July 27, 2023
A great addition
So this series for me took a while to build up steam but as of book 3 they've got the ground running. A great read all around.
So this series for me took a while to build up steam but as of book 3 they've got the ground running. A great read all around.
December 10, 2023
Fun Lit-RPG story.
Medrano's take on the Isekai/ becoming trapped in a game-like world continues to entertain. In this third installment Talyn becomes a much more established person in the city of Castra. Having survived, completing an almost impossible test and gaining both vast wealth and a fair number of levels gives her quite a boost. There are of fights, further leveling and the slice-of-life goodness among the plots, twist and turns of Medrano's usual smooth writing.
In all this is rapidly turning in one of favorite Lit-RPG novels and my favorite of Medrano's series overall. I'm honestly looking forward to the next book in the series.
Medrano's take on the Isekai/ becoming trapped in a game-like world continues to entertain. In this third installment Talyn becomes a much more established person in the city of Castra. Having survived, completing an almost impossible test and gaining both vast wealth and a fair number of levels gives her quite a boost. There are of fights, further leveling and the slice-of-life goodness among the plots, twist and turns of Medrano's usual smooth writing.
In all this is rapidly turning in one of favorite Lit-RPG novels and my favorite of Medrano's series overall. I'm honestly looking forward to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews