Picture an American storyteller who spun a dystopian Wild West into existence, blending sharpshooting heroines with futuristic flair—meet Lyndsay Ely! Based in Boston, this geek and foodie burst onto the young adult fiction scene with her 2018 debut, Gunslinger Girl, a genre-bending tale that hooked readers with its gritty charm. Ely’s knack for crafting bold characters and immersive worlds didn’t stop there—she ventured into video game lore with Overwatch: Deadlock Rebels, proving her storytelling prowess knows no bounds.
With a love for futuristic Westerns and a flair for challenging societal norms, Ely’s work resonates with readers craving adventure and rebellion. Her stories aren’t just page-turners; they’re a wild ride through worlds where survival, identity, and loyalty collide.
The Making of Lyndsay Ely
Born with a creative spark, Lyndsay Ely initially dreamed of becoming a comic book artist, only to discover her true talent lay in words, not sketches. Growing up, she was captivated by genre-blending stories like Brisco County, Jr. and Cowboy Bebop, which fueled her passion for futuristic Westerns. This love for mixing classic Western grit with sci-fi twists shaped her unique voice. After years of writing and refining her craft, Ely landed her big break when her agent connected her with a publisher, leading to her debut novel and a chance to dive into the Overwatch universe.
Now calling Boston home, Ely’s life as a self-proclaimed geek and foodie shines through in her work. From extra-crispy bacon to chocolatey cakes, her characters’ quirks reflect her own vibrant personality, making her stories feel alive and relatable.
Lyndsay Ely’s Unforgettable Stories
Ely’s debut, Gunslinger Girl (2018), introduced Serendipity 'Pity' Jones, a sharpshooting teen navigating a fractured, post-Civil War America. This dystopian Western, praised as a cross between Katniss Everdeen and Annie Oakley, explores themes of freedom and identity in a lawless city called Cessation. Readers lauded its vivid world-building and Pity’s fierce spirit, earning it a 3.68 Goodreads rating from over 3,000 reviews.
In 2021, Ely expanded her repertoire with Overwatch: Deadlock Rebels, a young adult novel delving into the origins of the Deadlock Gang in Blizzard’s Overwatch universe. Centered on Elizabeth Caledonia Ashe and Jesse McCree, the story weaves high-octane heists with themes of loyalty and chosen family. Ely’s ability to capture the characters’ iconic mannerisms thrilled fans, adding depth to the game’s lore while maintaining her signature action-packed style.
Looking ahead, Ely’s upcoming novel, The Lost Reliquary (October 2025), promises a thrilling fantasy adventure. Following Lys, a warrior plotting to kill a goddess for her freedom, this book showcases Ely’s versatility in tackling new genres while keeping her focus on complex, rebellious heroines. Her writing blends cinematic action with emotional depth, making each story a standout.
Why Lyndsay Ely Matters
Lyndsay Ely’s impact lies in her ability to breathe life into genre-bending narratives that challenge conventions. Her strong female protagonists, like Pity and Ashe, resonate with young readers, offering role models who defy expectations in male-dominated settings. By blending Western grit with dystopian and sci-fi elements, Ely carves a unique niche in young adult fiction, inspiring writers and fans to embrace bold, unconventional storytelling.
Her work in Overwatch: Deadlock Rebels also bridges literature and gaming, bringing rich narratives to a new audience. As Ely continues to explore diverse genres, her growing body of work cements her as a rising star whose stories spark imagination and courage.
- Key Works: Gunslinger Girl (2018), Overwatch: Deadlock Rebels (2021), The Lost Reliquary (2025)
- Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
- Fun Fact: Ely’s love for crispy bacon inspired a scene in Deadlock Rebels!
Snag Gunslinger Girl or Overwatch: Deadlock Rebels and dive into Lyndsay Ely’s thrilling, genre-bending worlds today!