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Talyn's Saga #1
Talyn: Rebirth
Death isn't the end. Marie didn't expect to be given the opportunity to go to a new universe when she died, but when it was offered she held to the offer with all her might. Taking the name of Talyn, she was accompanied to the new world by the goddess Melody as her assistant, as she seeks out a more rewarding life for herself, no matter what challenges may stand before her. Even if the introduction of some game mechanics and a goddess to her life has unanticipated consequences. This is a slow-burn story, with more slice of life sections to it. While it is LitRPG, there are no attributes to speak of.
332 pages, Hardcover
First published January 17, 2022
174 people are currently reading
246 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 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 24, 2025
So I'm still in a mood and Medrano still has the key to it. This was interesting as it is explicitly LitRPG*. It isn't explicitly Isekai**, though I've noticed a lot of LitRPG fits (this story certainly fits, I think), if only because the portal transition gives excuse for all the relevant exposition. Marie/Talyn is a bit unique for the genre (both of them) for coming from a world that is very much like Shadowrun with fantasy races, magic, and cybernetics all thrown into a pot and set to boil. We start with her senseless death in that semi-fantasy world and meeting her celestial mediator. Who offers her a deal.
And I liked Marie and Melody's interactions from the start. Melody is compassionate, but straightforward, telling Marie how it is with no varnish on it. She also acts as an advocate for Marie from the start, helping her find options that would appeal to her. And I kind of like Melody asking to come along for the ride as Marie's companion (for a holiday from the Celestial Bureaucracy—because who wouldn't want a holiday from that job?).
So Talyn enters a world that has a creator who has odd ideas for how the world should run. Like, for example, there's a "system" in place that gives an interface for people to view their current status. Which includes class and skill selection options as they "level up". So all the people in the world are conscious of skill and class and levels and terms like power leveling and dungeon delving are actually current in every-day life. And things like level 0 onion monsters (biting your ankles) can pop up on a trail out of nowhere and the discussion is about how it sucks when they're higher level and have gas attacks rather than "what the heck is an onion doing biting my ankles?!?"
So Talyn enters play with her companion Melody and they stumble around looking for level opportunities and ways to be challenged without dying; because Talyn/Marie only gets one shot at this thing and when she dies, she goes back to the afterlife she was originally slated for. So permadeath, which I hate in a game, but kind of prefer in my stories. With this setup, the story is a lot of life-living events, though there is an overarching plot. I enjoyed all the discussions of things like "where will we live" and "what are our goals" and "who is trustworthy". But then, I'm a game system nerd and like reading game manuals for RPGs.
I'm going to give this five stars because it was engaging for what it is and it's a quality entry for that sub-sub genre. I liked both main characters and the friends that they found and the world Medrano has established. I particularly like how he's thought through some of the social consequences of having explicit and measurable leveling and skills in a world.
A note about Steamy: Talyn is a succubus, though not very adventurous on the sex side of things. But there's a scene with a courtesans (a character class because why not?) that has enough detail to trigger the steam tag. But only just barely. I particularly like the hints of developing trust with Melody and that there may one day be more there.
* LitRPG is a subgenre of GameLit and I'm not going to distinguish them except to say that LitRPG has an expectation that the players can interact with an interface that gives them information and allows selections and other game-like things. It's a growing genre for a certain flavor of nerd and has the limitations you get with a very small niche while it grows. I'm seeing some quality stories there, but most of it not so much.
** Isekai is portal fantasy that is often LitRPG as well. They don't have to be the same, but they are often in the same space. Isekai tends to have people sucked into a game world where they become players/avatars and that's a natural fit for GameLit in general and LitRPG in particular. I've seen people use all three terms interchangeably. Which makes sense as they're pretty interrelated. And to be honest, I'm not terribly certain any of my definitions hold up to scrutiny and all, so bear that in mind if you're taking my little synopsis here as gospel.
And I liked Marie and Melody's interactions from the start. Melody is compassionate, but straightforward, telling Marie how it is with no varnish on it. She also acts as an advocate for Marie from the start, helping her find options that would appeal to her. And I kind of like Melody asking to come along for the ride as Marie's companion (for a holiday from the Celestial Bureaucracy—because who wouldn't want a holiday from that job?).
So Talyn enters a world that has a creator who has odd ideas for how the world should run. Like, for example, there's a "system" in place that gives an interface for people to view their current status. Which includes class and skill selection options as they "level up". So all the people in the world are conscious of skill and class and levels and terms like power leveling and dungeon delving are actually current in every-day life. And things like level 0 onion monsters (biting your ankles) can pop up on a trail out of nowhere and the discussion is about how it sucks when they're higher level and have gas attacks rather than "what the heck is an onion doing biting my ankles?!?"
So Talyn enters play with her companion Melody and they stumble around looking for level opportunities and ways to be challenged without dying; because Talyn/Marie only gets one shot at this thing and when she dies, she goes back to the afterlife she was originally slated for. So permadeath, which I hate in a game, but kind of prefer in my stories. With this setup, the story is a lot of life-living events, though there is an overarching plot. I enjoyed all the discussions of things like "where will we live" and "what are our goals" and "who is trustworthy". But then, I'm a game system nerd and like reading game manuals for RPGs.
I'm going to give this five stars because it was engaging for what it is and it's a quality entry for that sub-sub genre. I liked both main characters and the friends that they found and the world Medrano has established. I particularly like how he's thought through some of the social consequences of having explicit and measurable leveling and skills in a world.
A note about Steamy: Talyn is a succubus, though not very adventurous on the sex side of things. But there's a scene with a courtesans (a character class because why not?) that has enough detail to trigger the steam tag. But only just barely. I particularly like the hints of developing trust with Melody and that there may one day be more there.
* LitRPG is a subgenre of GameLit and I'm not going to distinguish them except to say that LitRPG has an expectation that the players can interact with an interface that gives them information and allows selections and other game-like things. It's a growing genre for a certain flavor of nerd and has the limitations you get with a very small niche while it grows. I'm seeing some quality stories there, but most of it not so much.
** Isekai is portal fantasy that is often LitRPG as well. They don't have to be the same, but they are often in the same space. Isekai tends to have people sucked into a game world where they become players/avatars and that's a natural fit for GameLit in general and LitRPG in particular. I've seen people use all three terms interchangeably. Which makes sense as they're pretty interrelated. And to be honest, I'm not terribly certain any of my definitions hold up to scrutiny and all, so bear that in mind if you're taking my little synopsis here as gospel.
January 19, 2022
I’m not a great fan of LitRPG books as they usually involve bizarre characters just aimlessly running around killing things and constantly worrying about their level. However I really enjoyed this author’s ’Beesong’ books, so I gave this one a try.
Unfortunately Talyn wasn’t as interesting as I hoped, even with a ‘Goddess’ for a companion and was not a patch on ‘Joy’ from ’Beesong’. It didn’t help that there is very little development in the relationship between the two of them, for most of the book they were really just acquaintances.
Also a massive chunk of this book seemed to be about imparting information and presumably setting the scene for the rest of the series, but it didn’t make it a particularly interesting read. Perhaps if you are a fan of LitRPG you might find this fascinating.
Overall it wasn’t a bad read, but I was probably generous giving three stars.
Unfortunately Talyn wasn’t as interesting as I hoped, even with a ‘Goddess’ for a companion and was not a patch on ‘Joy’ from ’Beesong’. It didn’t help that there is very little development in the relationship between the two of them, for most of the book they were really just acquaintances.
Also a massive chunk of this book seemed to be about imparting information and presumably setting the scene for the rest of the series, but it didn’t make it a particularly interesting read. Perhaps if you are a fan of LitRPG you might find this fascinating.
Overall it wasn’t a bad read, but I was probably generous giving three stars.
March 6, 2022
Well written but no point
While this book was well written there was no point. So its a rebirth/reincarnation of the MC Talyn. Ummm so. There are a lot of this type of books out there but something is happening. This is slice of life for the MC and mostly boreing and unmotivated. The MC is both with no drive it seams. There is nothing special yet about her nor her story. The book sets no plot for the series and only acknowledge problems at end with nothing in sight to remedying the problems. The system is fairly non existant and the reader is left with few bits for class names and abilities. The magic is nebulous and no real idea whats available or nor what it can do. I normally like the authors works but Not sure of the second book if there is one. Just dont see the point of where this is going. Im quite disappointed
While this book was well written there was no point. So its a rebirth/reincarnation of the MC Talyn. Ummm so. There are a lot of this type of books out there but something is happening. This is slice of life for the MC and mostly boreing and unmotivated. The MC is both with no drive it seams. There is nothing special yet about her nor her story. The book sets no plot for the series and only acknowledge problems at end with nothing in sight to remedying the problems. The system is fairly non existant and the reader is left with few bits for class names and abilities. The magic is nebulous and no real idea whats available or nor what it can do. I normally like the authors works but Not sure of the second book if there is one. Just dont see the point of where this is going. Im quite disappointed
March 23, 2025
DNF at 97% I was so done with it
Isekai / LitRPG / mildly depressing
I've read much worse. This isn't some hell world or anything, but it's a lousy fantasy book.
So what the Author did here is an interesting choice, but not actually interesting to read. He made a character who is smart and independent and has moxie ect. Except that few or none of the other characters like her. It's weird because she is just as likeable as any other fictional character, more likeable than many, but as the book goes on... I like her less myself. There is nothing specifically unlikable about her, never the less she is unpopular. People feel put off or suspicious for no reason I can tell. she didn't do anything.
That's what's 'interesting' but also uncomfortable about this book is that I'm reacting to unspoken social cues that this woman is unlikable. Even though I liked her at first, I was swayed by mass opinion to like her less and there fore the whole book less. WTF? I'm not like that in real life. I'm usually friends with the oddballs and the misfits. This effect is very subtle and cleverly done, except that it kinda scuttles the whole book and why? He really seem to have done this on purpose. That takes talent and bad judgement. Dude wrote a 4 book series as a thought experiment to see how long I can stand this? I got enough real life bummers to deal with.
I use to be a big Benjamin Medrano fan. I could count on his books to be crack on a rainy day. Now I trust him less as an author to not do this crap again in another book.
-anyway...
I was counting down the pages to reading something better when the MC went back to rescue a gang of bandits who are actively trying to kill her. NOPE >eject< I was pretty over this book before that final straw.
I wish I'd known how hum-drum this book was so I could have skipped it.
Isekai / LitRPG / mildly depressing
I've read much worse. This isn't some hell world or anything, but it's a lousy fantasy book.
So what the Author did here is an interesting choice, but not actually interesting to read. He made a character who is smart and independent and has moxie ect. Except that few or none of the other characters like her. It's weird because she is just as likeable as any other fictional character, more likeable than many, but as the book goes on... I like her less myself. There is nothing specifically unlikable about her, never the less she is unpopular. People feel put off or suspicious for no reason I can tell. she didn't do anything.
That's what's 'interesting' but also uncomfortable about this book is that I'm reacting to unspoken social cues that this woman is unlikable. Even though I liked her at first, I was swayed by mass opinion to like her less and there fore the whole book less. WTF? I'm not like that in real life. I'm usually friends with the oddballs and the misfits. This effect is very subtle and cleverly done, except that it kinda scuttles the whole book and why? He really seem to have done this on purpose. That takes talent and bad judgement. Dude wrote a 4 book series as a thought experiment to see how long I can stand this? I got enough real life bummers to deal with.
I use to be a big Benjamin Medrano fan. I could count on his books to be crack on a rainy day. Now I trust him less as an author to not do this crap again in another book.
-anyway...
I was counting down the pages to reading something better when the MC went back to rescue a gang of bandits who are actively trying to kill her. NOPE >eject< I was pretty over this book before that final straw.
I wish I'd known how hum-drum this book was so I could have skipped it.
January 29, 2025
Rating: 3.5 stars.
This story bills itself as somewhat slice of life, but this is one of those cases where that's code for 'is very slow'. I like the concept, but the execution definitely could have been better. One of the problems is that despite supposedly having a skill to make that would make her more likeable, people don't seem to like Talyn at all, instead preferring to talk to Melody. This puts a damper on large parts of the story. The story isn't bad per se, but there were parts where it was struggling to hold my attention. If there is supposed to be an overarching story, it has yet to reveal itself. I will read the next book, but if it doesn't make some improvements it's unlikely I'll continue after that.
This story bills itself as somewhat slice of life, but this is one of those cases where that's code for 'is very slow'. I like the concept, but the execution definitely could have been better. One of the problems is that despite supposedly having a skill to make that would make her more likeable, people don't seem to like Talyn at all, instead preferring to talk to Melody. This puts a damper on large parts of the story. The story isn't bad per se, but there were parts where it was struggling to hold my attention. If there is supposed to be an overarching story, it has yet to reveal itself. I will read the next book, but if it doesn't make some improvements it's unlikely I'll continue after that.
September 5, 2025
I got into Talyn: Rebirth because of the narrator, Tess Irondale, and I’m glad I gave it a shot. It had a lot of what I was looking for—lesbian romance, adventure, and a solid LitRPG framework. Talyn’s journey felt personal and emotionally grounded, and the goddess companion added a nice layer of charm and tension.
The systems were a bit more present than I wanted, especially in audiobook format, but that’s more of a genre issue than a problem with the writing. LitRPG tends to lean heavily into mechanics, and while it occasionally slowed the pacing, it didn’t take away from the fun.
It was entertaining, heartfelt, and easy to get swept up in. Sometimes that’s all a story needs to be. I had a good time, and that’s what matters most.
The systems were a bit more present than I wanted, especially in audiobook format, but that’s more of a genre issue than a problem with the writing. LitRPG tends to lean heavily into mechanics, and while it occasionally slowed the pacing, it didn’t take away from the fun.
It was entertaining, heartfelt, and easy to get swept up in. Sometimes that’s all a story needs to be. I had a good time, and that’s what matters most.
March 17, 2025
A good slice-of-life LitRPG book.
Marie dies unexpectedly, but a goddess gives her the opportunity to be isekei-ed into a gameworld with the goddess herself as a tag-along. A simple concept, but done quite well. The world has game mechanics, but most of the emphasis is on characters and story rather than numbers and crunching.
In this Medrano makes it a relaxing read with cool characters going about their life, getting slowly stronger and living in a world that actually seems to work despite the game mechanics.
A good series opener, and a good means of wetting my appetite for the sequel.
Marie dies unexpectedly, but a goddess gives her the opportunity to be isekei-ed into a gameworld with the goddess herself as a tag-along. A simple concept, but done quite well. The world has game mechanics, but most of the emphasis is on characters and story rather than numbers and crunching.
In this Medrano makes it a relaxing read with cool characters going about their life, getting slowly stronger and living in a world that actually seems to work despite the game mechanics.
A good series opener, and a good means of wetting my appetite for the sequel.
July 17, 2023
Lovely book
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the premise of dying and being given a choice to go live in a new world governed by classes and levels. The species and class she takes are intriguing. I haven't read a LitRPG quite like this one. It's different but fun. I liked that it didn't constantly spit stats in your face everytime something happens in the story. Made for an easy read. The MC's tail is cute and I'm hoping she can resolve the charisma issues. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the premise of dying and being given a choice to go live in a new world governed by classes and levels. The species and class she takes are intriguing. I haven't read a LitRPG quite like this one. It's different but fun. I liked that it didn't constantly spit stats in your face everytime something happens in the story. Made for an easy read. The MC's tail is cute and I'm hoping she can resolve the charisma issues. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 23, 2025
This was definitely a set up for a series. However, there was enough action and adventure to keep my interest. I think it brought the story more to life due to listening to Tess Irondale’s narration. She did an excellent job. Thank you for this. I’m in the midst of listening to the next. I may read it at some point as well since both audio books and physically reading the book both have their merits.
January 19, 2022
Info dump start
Great middle
Bit of a cliffhanger ending
I wasn’t sure about this book because the description didn’t give me a lot, but I’ve been reading a ton of isekai/transmigration novels so I had a few assumptions going in. Not as OP as I was hoping for but the power levels weren’t surprising when I thought about the other books I’ve read by this author.
Great middle
Bit of a cliffhanger ending
I wasn’t sure about this book because the description didn’t give me a lot, but I’ve been reading a ton of isekai/transmigration novels so I had a few assumptions going in. Not as OP as I was hoping for but the power levels weren’t surprising when I thought about the other books I’ve read by this author.
January 20, 2022
A Good Start
I enjoy the author’s other works and was looking forward to the story. I found that the story was a fast read and easy read. Had some of the RPG feel, but didn’t dominate the story, more of just a side note. Looking forward to reading the next story because I didn’t get enough.
I enjoy the author’s other works and was looking forward to the story. I found that the story was a fast read and easy read. Had some of the RPG feel, but didn’t dominate the story, more of just a side note. Looking forward to reading the next story because I didn’t get enough.
January 29, 2022
An enjoyable beginning!
As you'd expect in a new series a few minor editing hiccups but nothing that take away from the story! I for none definitely enjoyed the story and can see it becoming a series I'd enjoy reading!! I enjoyed the character interactions and the more complex magic usage!!
As you'd expect in a new series a few minor editing hiccups but nothing that take away from the story! I for none definitely enjoyed the story and can see it becoming a series I'd enjoy reading!! I enjoyed the character interactions and the more complex magic usage!!
March 24, 2022
Definitely picking up the second
Following.
It started a little too slowly, I felt. Or maybe I was just in an impatient mood. But once the actual story set in I loved the characters and development. Good story. I suppose now I have to choose which of the author’s other series’s to start on while waiting for book two!
Following.
It started a little too slowly, I felt. Or maybe I was just in an impatient mood. But once the actual story set in I loved the characters and development. Good story. I suppose now I have to choose which of the author’s other series’s to start on while waiting for book two!
April 13, 2023
The MC gets a new chance for a second life in a fantasy world. The goddess at the afterlife counter offers herself as companion.
Slice of life story that takes its time... takes a lot of time and at the end i have way too many open questions. But I like the MC very much and cannot wait to see what happens to her.
Slice of life story that takes its time... takes a lot of time and at the end i have way too many open questions. But I like the MC very much and cannot wait to see what happens to her.
January 19, 2022
Best of the genre that I have read so far. A main character that is full of good and bad qualities and not overpowering. The system is well explained. I am really looking forward for more books in this series.
January 22, 2022
Good but…
I liked the book alright and I was invested in the characters and the mystery introduced later in the book. My biggest complaint is that the book doesn’t come to any kind of conclusion it just ends.
I liked the book alright and I was invested in the characters and the mystery introduced later in the book. My biggest complaint is that the book doesn’t come to any kind of conclusion it just ends.
March 26, 2022
meh
Not much to say of this, as there isn’t anything worth comment written. The entire “book” is basically an intro chapter. Nothing really happens. If food, it’s be bad gas station food.
Not much to say of this, as there isn’t anything worth comment written. The entire “book” is basically an intro chapter. Nothing really happens. If food, it’s be bad gas station food.
July 30, 2022
A disappointment
While I normally enjoy slice of life novels this one was quite dull. The characters were rather shallow and the world just didn't appeal to me. Add to that the LitRPG elements were lackluster and superfluous.
While I normally enjoy slice of life novels this one was quite dull. The characters were rather shallow and the world just didn't appeal to me. Add to that the LitRPG elements were lackluster and superfluous.
April 9, 2023
Disappointed in the beginning
This was a slow read for 220 pages, then I found it more in line with the Chaos series I read. I have moved on to the 2nd book because of the last 80 pages.
This was a slow read for 220 pages, then I found it more in line with the Chaos series I read. I have moved on to the 2nd book because of the last 80 pages.
July 26, 2023
Interesting beginning
An action-packed, entertaining story with interesting characters & riveting plot lines made for an unique & interesting start to this series. Very much anticipating what the next part of this story will bring.
An action-packed, entertaining story with interesting characters & riveting plot lines made for an unique & interesting start to this series. Very much anticipating what the next part of this story will bring.
January 17, 2022
Not bad, not good
The story was only mildly interesting. It felt like I was reading a long drawn out setup, and was left waiting for the plot to start.
The story was only mildly interesting. It felt like I was reading a long drawn out setup, and was left waiting for the plot to start.
January 20, 2022
Great book!
A great beginning to a new series by Benjamin Medrano, a good LITRPG but with little stats and game mechanics to distract from the story. Great book!
A great beginning to a new series by Benjamin Medrano, a good LITRPG but with little stats and game mechanics to distract from the story. Great book!
January 26, 2022
Awesome
I throughy enjoyed what I'm hoping is the start of a newsletter series, it sets the world and characters nicely
I throughy enjoyed what I'm hoping is the start of a newsletter series, it sets the world and characters nicely
March 4, 2022
Quirky different with great potential. Focus is on a good story and character not the litRPG mechanics and that makes it better then most of the genre.
March 19, 2022
Introducing a new world in detail. That’s probably why the main arc didn’t move forward as I would’ve liked. It definitely has potential but to confirm it, I need to read the second book.
April 24, 2022
Not what I expected from the synopsis. Couldn't finish.
July 27, 2022
What the.. ?
It just ends there?? There's no explanation??? If I wanted a Shaggy Dog story I'd watch Disney+!!! This USED to be one of my favorite writers! Used to be...
It just ends there?? There's no explanation??? If I wanted a Shaggy Dog story I'd watch Disney+!!! This USED to be one of my favorite writers! Used to be...
December 5, 2022
Quite dull tbh, and does not end so much as peters out.
Not dreadful by any means, but the weakest I've read of Medrano.
Not dreadful by any means, but the weakest I've read of Medrano.
April 22, 2023
Lukewarm Slice of Life
It implies a lot while not saying a lot of what it should and instead spending a lot of time talking about nothing of import.
It implies a lot while not saying a lot of what it should and instead spending a lot of time talking about nothing of import.
May 2, 2023
Nice start!
I'm looking forward to the next part of the series. I like Talyn, the character is very interesting to me.
I'm looking forward to the next part of the series. I like Talyn, the character is very interesting to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews