Benjamin Medrano Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Benjamin Medrano

If you are new to Benjamin Medrano's works, the best starting point is his debut series, Ancient Dreams, beginning with Ancient Ruins. This series introduces his trademark style: dungeon-core high fantasy, progression magic, and central lesbian romances. For readers who prefer superheroes and urban slice-of-life fiction, the best alternative starting point is Born a Queen, the first book of the Lilith's Shadow series.

The Shared Cosmology: Primal Gods and the Godsrage

While most of Medrano's series can be read independently, they share a loose cosmic connection. All of his settings are influenced by the same pantheon of Primal Gods (such as the Maker, the Mother, and the Destroyer). The most notable crossover character is Kari'Torath (also known as Kari or "The End"), the final primal deity whose role is to erase universes once their time is up. Although she and other deities make subtle appearances across different series, there is no strict overarching timeline that requires reading the series in a specific chronological sequence. Each series stands well on its own.

Ancient Dreams Series Reading Order

The Ancient Dreams series is Medrano's signature high fantasy work. It centers on Sistina, a reawakened dungeon entity, and her relationships in a war-torn world. The core narrative is a trilogy, accompanied by a prequel and an extended epilogue. The recommended reading order is to read the core trilogy first, followed by the prequel and epilogue:

1. Ancient Ruins (2017)
2. Spells of Old (2017)
3. Halls of Power (2017)
4. Marin's Codex (2018) - Prequel novel detailing background lore, best read after the core trilogy to avoid spoilers.
5. Crisis of Faith (2019) - An extended epilogue and sequel that wraps up loose threads.

Lilith's Shadow Series Reading Order

Set in the Stars & Shadows superhero universe (roughly placed in the 2030s), this series follows Lilith Carpenter, a powerful superhuman navigating a complex world of heroes, villains, and slice-of-life romance. Read this series in strict publication order:

1. Born a Queen (2017)
2. Down with the Queen (2018)
3. Queen's Move (2020)
4. Queen of Diamonds (2020)
5. Queen's Journey (2021)
6. Queen's Gambit (2021)

Eve of Destruction Series Reading Order

This progression fantasy series blends sci-fi and magic, following Evelyn Esendria Tarth as a chaos mage fighting against destiny. Follow the chronological publication order:

1. Chosen of Chaos (2021)
2. Adept of Chaos (2022)
3. Mistress of Chaos (2022)
4. Dawn of Chaos (2023)
5. Seed of Chaos (2024)

Talyn's Saga Reading Order

This series focuses on Talyn, a reincarnated succubus navigating a chaotic world alongside a goddess companion. Read them in order:

1. Rebirth (2022)
2. Descent (2022)
3. Unyielding (2023)
4. Repose (2024)

Note: The author has also released a follow-up book, Talyn: Blooming (2025), which continues her adventures.

Beesong Chronicles Reading Order

For readers looking for a cozy, slightly whimsical fantasy, this series features Joy, a giant bee transformed into a human-like apis. The reading order is:

1. Sting & Song (2019)
2. Webs & Wards (2020)
3. Hives & Heroism (2020)

Through the Fire Series Reading Order

This elven fantasy series follows the mage Ruethwyn Sylaris on a quest for rescue and restoration after a dragon attacks her home:

1. The Avatar's Flames (2018)
2. Queen of Ice (2018)
3. The Obsidian Palace (2019)
4. Obelisk of Blood (2023)

Other Fantasy Series and Standalones

Mantles of Power Series

A dark, angelic fantasy following Isalla, a betrayed angel seeking aid from the hells to stop those who stripped her of her wings:

1. Heaven's Fallen (2019)
2. Mortal Gods (2019)
3. Hell's Ascendant (2019)

Soul Bound Series

A shorter, two-part magical fantasy narrative:

1. Dusk Gate (2020)
2. Phoenix Ascendant (2022)

Standalone Novels

• Touching Divinity (2020)

What to Know Before You Start

Benjamin Medrano's books feature explicit LGBTQ+ representation, specifically centering on lesbian romance and sapphic relationships. Many of his settings incorporate elements of LitRPG (gaming-like mechanics and stats) and progression fantasy. While the series share minor deities and lore connections via the Primal Gods, you do not need to worry about complex crossover requirements; you can safely finish one series before starting another.