Showing results by author "Benjamin Medrano" in All Categories

This is an omnibus collection of Ancient Ruins, Spells of Old, and Halls of Power. The collection has been revised and has several expanded scenes. I must note that this book is dark fantasy, with an emphasis on dark.

Some mysteries are shrouded by both time and wars long since past. One of these mysteries revolves around the discovery of the true nature of magic, and the High Mage who ushered in a new era of understanding. Her name was Marin, and her life's work was consumed in the writing of her research. This is Marin's story, and that of her only student, Emonael, as they completed her research. They faced many trials together, and grew to respect one another as few have ever understood, even as others sought to silence the threat she posed to their power.

Ruethwyn's life may have been destroyed, but now she's ready. With the blessing of the fey and others who she barely dares dream of, Ruethwyn's body is whole once more. Turning to the future, she sets her sight on her beloved who was stolen away by a dragon. Yet even with all her magic at her command, Ruethwyn stands little chance against such a powerful foe, so she must tread lightly.

Having successfully driven off an assault and freed captives of Kelvanis, Sistina begins fortifying to defend those she cares about from further attacks. Yet with all her power within her halls, she cannot grant those under her protection true freedom. To truly bring hope to her love, Sistina must delve into who she once was, and bring forth every scrap of magic she has to become a shining beacon of hope.

Talyn’s in over her head. Talyn is finally beginning to take control of her life in a new world. Learning that her problems aren't natural is a first step, but before she can take true measures, her life takes a turn for the worse. Cast into the depths of Castra's dungeon, she survives only on the sufferance of others. On the other hand, should she live, she will shake the very foundations of the city itself.

Xandra has reached Nocturne, the realm of the fey who’ve invaded Loth, yet it is only the first step. She’s accompanied by Jasmine, a high priestess who inspires feelings she wishes she could ignore. Now they have to find those responsible, and determine why Loth was attacked. Yet Nocturne is a dangerous place, and it will take everything Xandra has to protect Jasmine. Xandra hasn’t come this far to lay down and die, and anyone wanting to kill Jasmine will learn how she destroyed four armies in her youth.

Reconciling two divergent faiths to a single goddess is much more difficult when the conference begins with an assassination attempt. As her followers have to deal with the multiple unknown attackers which are assaulting them, Tyria finds her hands tied by divine law and her struggle to decide who she is, and who she should be. Further, the mystery of blank spots in her memories raises more questions for the goddess. Fortunately, she is not alone in her journey.

Torn from her friends, Kitania is captured by a goddess. She can only hope that her friends have survived. Torn from the sides of her friends by angelic magic, Kitania finds herself in the mortal world once more, among those who suspect she’s a demon assassin or spy. Though most of those suspicions quickly subside, she finds herself drawn into the elven court’s intrigue and is powerless to act against those who sent her there. Meanwhile, Isalla and Rose are waiting for word of their lost friend, even as they begin gathering more hints of what those who betrayed them are scheming.

Evelyn's parents have been missing for more than thirty years, and at last, Evelyn has a clue as to their fate. Investigating won't be easy, even for someone as powerful as she is, yet she won't be deterred. Her preparations have her requesting aid from those of great power and visiting ancient ruins with hidden dangers, yet all of that pales before what she will encounter.

Ruethwyn hadn't expected to risk death while attending the most renowned mage academy in the kingdom, but after surviving a dragon's attack, she hasn't been willing to back down. Though she'd nearly died due to her efforts, Ruethwyn managed to protect the lives of her friends and earn the grudging respect of some of her opponents. With most danger out of the way, Ruethwyn finds herself free to focus on finishing out the school year, and for the task beyond that.

Lilith thought moving would make her life easier. Having survived a death sentence, Lilith believed moving to Paragon City would be safer, as there she’d be one of countless superhumans. Her dreams are short-lived, however, as the plots of the sinister Dreamer and a malevolent alien intersect with her attempt to build a new life with Gina and Rachel. Unfortunately for them, Lilith isn’t willing to let the villains do as they please.

Siane has dreamed of attaining the dark queen Callai’s hand for most of her life. Callai is a mystery, and she holds many secrets, some of which involve Siane herself. Centuries ago, the goddess of light was defeated by Callai and the other demon lords, who split the world between themselves to rule. Siane grew up in the Dominion of Shadow, and from an early age she dreamed of becoming Callai’s consort. Fortune favored her, and she managed to become one of the handful of students and potential suitors of the queen who resided in the Palace of Shadow.

As the consequences of her visit to Las Vegas continue to cascade, Lilith finds herself almost alone in Paragon City, while Gina and Rachel travel to England to determine the full extent of what happened to them. With her path forward in life unclear, Lilith decides she needs to build new friendships and decide what it is she truly wishes to do.

Fallen, but not defeated. Betrayed by those she trusted, Isalla was cast down from the heavens and into the heart of the hells. Bereft of her wings, the angel was rescued by Kanae, a demoness who challenges Isalla's belief of what demons should be. She has little choice but to accept Kanae's help, with as far from her homeland as she is, and slowly she begins to understand, then even admire Kanae. Unfortunately, the forces in the shadows have not forgotten Isalla, and they are willing to target anyone close to her, no matter how highly placed they may be.

Reunited at last, Isalla, Kitania, and Rose survived the machinations of Haral, despite the odds against them. Yet, even though they were victorious, the three realize the actions of their enemies indicate they’re running short on time and must go north to unveil their opposition. Their enemies have not stood idle, however. They have begun to move more quickly. The plans they’ve set in motion are more deadly than anyone might fear, and all three worlds are in peril.

The end is nigh. With Gina and Rachel back, Lilith finds herself reminded that relationships are hard, even as she strives to move on with her life and adjusting her newfound confidence. Yet once again she finds herself without time to adjust, as Shadowmind has chosen to make her move at last. Lilith’s maker has no place in her plans for her wayward creation, and the question becomes: What will Lilith choose when faced with Shadowmind’s ultimatum?

Gina and Rachel have agreed to help Lilith's attempt to get the death sentence on her head rescinded, but they have to work carefully. Their time runs short, though. Doctor Johnson's plots advance, and other villains are infiltrating San Francisco. In the end, the question becomes what to do when Lilith's identity is discovered, and all hell breaks loose. Despite the risk of death bearing down on her, Lilith decides that she's tired of simply running away.

As she settles into life in Paragon City as a new heroine, Lilith is slowly adapting to how her life has changed. One of those changes is an invitation to speak at a renowned superhero convention in Las Vegas. Hopeful that this will be a chance to turn her reputation around, Lilith chooses to attend with Gina and Rachel.