Lyndsay Ely Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Overwatch Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Lyndsay Ely is an American author of young adult fiction books popularly known for her 2018 debut novel Gunslinger Girl. She’s also contributed to the second novel in the Overwatch series, Deadlock Rebels, published in 2021. She lives in Boston.
Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely unveils the gripping tale of Serendipity Jones, affectionately known as Pity, who is thrust into the harsh realities of a dystopian Western world. Born into an environment where her value is diminished to merely a tool for re-population, Pity’s life takes a dramatic turn as she decides to flee the clutches of her abusive father, who plans to sell her to ensure her compliance in this grim future.

The escape, however, is only the beginning of Pity’s trials. While on the run, a distressing incident leaves her vulnerable until fate intervenes in the form of a group that rescues her. This group offers her a chance at recovery and a new place to call home. In this unfamiliar setting, Pity quickly leverages her exceptional marksmanship to secure her position within the community, projecting an image of a formidable sharpshooter.

Despite her initial success, Pity’s confidence is shaken as she faces real pressure, revealing her struggles with performance anxiety that jeopardizes her status within the group. Her predicament takes a more complex turn as she is selected to play a pivotal role beside a man destined for leadership, placing her at the heart of the community’s political aspirations and brewing unrest.

As tensions escalate and loyalties are tested, Pity finds herself at the center of a rebellion against the community’s leadership. The challenge of discerning friend from foe in a place teeming with hidden agendas and potential betrayals adds to the palpable tension of her situation. Pity’s journey becomes a balancing act of survival, loyalty, and self-discovery as she navigates the murky waters of political intrigue and personal redemption.

The narrative is laced with a complex romance that intricately ties into the story’s climax, adding depth and tension to the plot. Max emerges as a pivotal character whose actions significantly impact the storyline, serving both as a catalyst for chaos within the community and as the unexpected savior of Serendipity Pity Jones, the protagonist. His dual role adds layers to the narrative, intertwining with the larger conflicts and themes of the book.

The novel also unveils the mesmerizing and dangerous world of Theatre Vespertine, transcending the conventional boundaries of entertainment. It’s depicted as an intoxicating blend of performance and reality, where the thrill of the show becomes a metaphor for the survival games played in the city of Cessation. Ely skillfully uses the theatre to mirror the societal dynamics outside its walls, highlighting the delicate balance between chaos and order necessary for the city’s survival amidst political scheming, secret alliances, and the ever-present threat of uprising.

Ely’s portrayal of a dystopian Wild West setting challenges readers to reconsider notions of value, sacrifice, and survival. In this harsh landscape, where economic desperation drives people to extremes, trading one’s freedom or loved ones becomes a grim reality. Pity’s refusal to be traded for her family’s well-being sets her on a dangerous path, leading her to the enigmatic city of Cessation under Moreau’s dominion.

Fin, Pity’s steadfast ally and best friend, epitomizes loyalty and resourcefulness. His mechanical skills and truck possession initially offer a glimmer of hope for their escape. However, as plans go awry, Pity finds herself navigating the treacherous terrains of Cessation, a city that tests her limits and forces her to confront her fears and desires.

Through Gunslinger Girl, Ely crafts a vividly imagined world where the lines between performance and reality blur, personal and political battles intertwine, and characters must navigate the complexities of power, identity, and belonging. The novel invites readers into a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to fight for one’s place in a world that relentlessly tries to define you, all while offering a riveting tale of adventure, resistance, and the quest for self-determination.

Overwatch: Deadlock Rebels by Lyndsay Ely delves into the backstory of Elizabeth Caledonia Ashe, charting her evolution from a disaffected heiress to the formidable leader of the Deadlock Gang within the expansive lore of the Overwatch universe. Ely’s narrative enriches Ashe’s character, offering fans and newcomers a deeper insight into her motivations, relationships, and the events that shaped her into a critical figure in the game’s lore.

Set in a post-omnic crisis world, the novel explores the societal fractures and individual traumas left in the wake of the conflict. Ashe’s story is a testament to resilience and ambition as she navigates a rebuilding world yet leaves many behind. Her journey is marked by encounters with characters as vibrant as complex, from a troublemaking love interest reminiscent of Gilmore Girls’ narrative dynamics to allies and adversaries that populate the fringes of this reformed society.

Introducing characters such as the enigmatic Jesse McCree adds layers to the Overwatch narrative, providing a glimpse into his relationship with Ashe and the slow burn of their eventual parting. Ely skillfully crafts a cast that includes diverse personalities, from a cunning gamer to a seasoned hoverbike racer, each adding depth and color to the story.

Ely’s storytelling is a blend of action, emotion, and sci-fi intrigue, with a pace miming the adrenaline of heist sequences and the strategic depth of the Overwatch universe. The narrative is imbued with references that will delight fans of the franchise, drawing parallels to other works in the genre while maintaining its unique charm. Ashe’s internal conflict and loyalty to her makeshift family offer a compelling look into the heart of a character who straddles the line between hero and antagonist.

Overwatch: Deadlock Rebels stands out as a significant addition to the Overwatch extended universe and as a standalone story that captures the essence of a sci-fi western adventure. Ely’s ability to weave a tale of ambition, betrayal, and camaraderie within the framework of a beloved game franchise showcases her storytelling prowess. This novel is a must-read for fans eager to dive deeper into the lore of Overwatch and those who appreciate a well-crafted story that balances the thrill of adventure with the nuances of character development.