Picture a Utah storyteller who weaves enchanting tales of lesbian fantasy and sci-fi—meet Benjamin Medrano! Born in Sacramento in 1985, this imaginative author has crafted worlds filled with elves, succubi, and powerful heroines that captivate readers. With a knack for blending dark themes with heartfelt romance, Medrano’s stories are as thrilling as a Pathfinder campaign.
From second grade, Medrano devoured fantasy and sci-fi, inspired by Brian Jacques’ soaring tales. This passion for storytelling, paired with a love for tabletop roleplaying games, fuels their richly detailed narratives. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this unique fantasy author!
The Making of Benjamin Medrano
Born in Sacramento, California, Benjamin Medrano moved to Utah as a young child, where their earliest memories took root. The youngest of several siblings, Medrano grew up in a supportive family that nurtured their creative hobbies despite the occasional sibling torment. Utah’s conservative yet fantasy-friendly culture shaped their love for genres that let imaginations run wild. By high school, Medrano dabbled in writing, but tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder stole much of their creative spark initially.
It wasn’t until later that Medrano decided to craft the stories they couldn’t find—lesbian-focused fantasy with deep, complex characters. This leap into authorship was driven by a desire to fill a gap in the genre, blending their gaming-inspired world-building with a focus on relationships and darker themes.
Benjamin Medrano’s Unforgettable Stories
Medrano’s bibliography shines with series like Ancient Dreams, Lilith’s Shadow, and Beesong Chronicles. Their debut, Ancient Ruins (Ancient Dreams #1), introduces Sistina, a reawakened dungeon entity who becomes a beacon of hope in a war-torn fantasy world. This dark fantasy lesbian romance blends LitRPG elements with vivid world-building, showcasing Medrano’s knack for intricate plots.
In Born a Queen (Lilith’s Shadow #1), readers meet Lilith Carpenter, a socially awkward superhuman navigating a world of heroes and villains. The series mixes superhero drama with slice-of-life romance, earning praise for its relatable protagonist. Meanwhile, Beesong Chronicles delights with Joy, a giant bee turned human-like apis, offering a whimsical yet heartfelt take on transformation and community. Medrano’s style—rich with character-driven narratives, darker undertones, and a touch of gaming flair—sets them apart in the fantasy genre.
Recent works like Talyn: Blooming (2025) continue to push boundaries, with Talyn, a reincarnated succubus, exploring a chaotic world alongside a goddess companion. Medrano’s stories often feature strong female leads, diverse relationships, and a balance of action and emotion, making them a haven for readers seeking inclusive fantasy.
Why Benjamin Medrano Matters
Benjamin Medrano’s impact lies in their ability to carve a niche for lesbian fiction within high fantasy and sci-fi. By centering queer relationships and complex female characters, they’ve built a loyal following among readers craving diverse representation. Their gaming-inspired worlds, filled with dungeons, dragons, and magical systems, resonate with fans of Pathfinder and RPGs, while their focus on character relationships adds emotional depth.
Medrano’s work also highlights the power of indie publishing, with their self-published series gaining traction on platforms like Amazon and Audible. Their stories offer hope and empowerment, showing that even in dark fantasy, love and resilience can shine. As they continue to write, Medrano’s influence grows, inspiring new voices in inclusive fantasy.
- Born: October 1985, Sacramento, California
- Key Works: Ancient Ruins, Born a Queen, Beesong Chronicles, Talyn: Blooming
- Hobbies: Tabletop roleplaying games (Pathfinder), computer strategy games, RPGs like Final Fantasy VII
Ready to explore magical worlds with fierce heroines? Grab Ancient Ruins or Born a Queen and dive into Benjamin Medrano’s spellbinding fantasy today!