Step into the enchanting multiverse of Ancient Dreams, where a reawakened mystic named Sistina weaves a tale of magic, love, and defiance against warring gods and kingdoms! Penned by Benjamin Medrano, this fantasy epic blends high-stakes adventure with heartfelt LGBTQ themes, offering a fresh spin on classic fantasy. From intricate world-building to diverse characters, Ancient Dreams invites readers to explore a realm where faith, identity, and power collide.
With its gripping narrative and unique protagonist—a dungeon spirit with a soul as complex as the cosmos—the series has carved a niche in the fantasy genre. Whether you’re a fan of epic battles or introspective character arcs, Ancient Dreams promises a journey that’s as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.
How Ancient Dreams Began
Benjamin Medrano, a lifelong fantasy enthusiast and tabletop RPG lover, launched Ancient Dreams in 2017 with *Ancient Ruins*. Inspired by his passion for Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder, Medrano crafted a world where a sentient dungeon, Sistina, becomes a hero. His goal? To blend traditional fantasy with underrepresented voices, particularly lesbian polyamory, creating a series that feels both familiar and groundbreaking. Medrano’s Utah roots and love for authors like Brian Jacques shaped his vivid storytelling, making Ancient Dreams a labor of love.
The Heart of Ancient Dreams
The series kicks off with *Ancient Ruins* (2017), where Sistina, a genius loci, awakens after millennia trapped in a soulgem. She rescues Princess Phynis Constella from the slaver kingdom of Kelvanis, sparking a war between elven nations and dark forces. *Spells of Old* (2017) sees Sistina fortifying her dungeon to protect her loved ones, delving into her past as a succubus named Avendrial. *Halls of Power* (2017) escalates the conflict as Phynis becomes queen of Beacon, facing the goddess Tyria’s looming threat. *Crisis of Faith* (2019), an extended epilogue, explores Tyria’s identity struggles and the reconciliation of divergent faiths.
Ancient Dreams shines through its rich themes: power dynamics between mortals and gods, the resilience of identity, and the strength found in diverse relationships. Medrano’s multiverse is a tapestry of elven kingdoms, warring deities like Medaea and Baldwin, and magical dungeons, blending LitRPG elements with old-school fantasy. The inclusion of lesbian polyamory and complex characters like Sistina—who grapples with her godlike power and human heart—sets the series apart, offering representation and depth.
Why Ancient Dreams Resonates
Ancient Dreams has captivated a dedicated fanbase for its bold exploration of LGBTQ themes within a high-fantasy framework. Readers praise Medrano’s ability to craft lifelike characters and a world where no one is purely good or evil, reflecting real-world complexity. While some critique its darker themes, like magical enslavement, the series’ hopeful tone and focus on personal growth resonate deeply. Its niche status only adds to its allure, making it a hidden gem for those seeking inclusive fantasy.
- Publication Years: 2017–2019
- Number of Books: 4 (including *Marin’s Codex*, a prequel)
- Genre: High fantasy with LitRPG elements
Grab *Ancient Ruins* and dive into Ancient Dreams’s spellbinding world of magic, love, and epic battles!