XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS - ALTERNATIVE FAN FICTION REVIEWS
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Reviewer can be reached at lunacy@dc.seflin.org
Last updated: 03/16/01

Please make sure to read the EXPLANATORY NOTES before reading these reviews.

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BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME by Katelin B.
Heart-wrenching new vignette which VERY cleverly marries Xena fanfic with the Celine Dion song whose title it shares. Set in the latter years of Gabrielle's life, it chronicles the moment just after she bids her longtime partner goodbye... one final time. Kleenex alert and very much worth the read. DO NOT MISS! - 2 pgs., 4/8/98
http://members.tripod.com/~Katelin_B/because.html

**BEDSACKS by Emperor Penguin
I originally read this little tale many months ago and it has remained a personal favorite since then. It is a slice-of-life story that has the warrior and bard shopping for...bedsacks :) This is a DELIGHTFUL offering that without being explicit, clearly reveals the tenderness, love and passion in the Xena/Gab relationship. NOT TO BE MISSED! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 9 pgs., 11/16/97
http://www.obsession14.com/XenaRotica/EPenguin/bedsacks.htm

**BEDTIME FOR WARRIORS AND BARDS by L.N. James
This is what happens when romantic alt. bards try to tell a bedtime story...or are in a naughty mood ;-) L.N. latest contribution is a short little vignette about how warriors and bards like to make sure each other is...safe >:) This is priceless guys - DO NOT MISS! Oh and make sure to stay safe! - 1 pg., 5/2/98
http://www.squonk.net/users/lnjames/bedtime.txt

BEEN THAT, DONE HER by MaryE
Mischievous little offering set amidst the repeating day in the episode BEEN THERE, DONE THAT which has the Warrior Princess recognizing some definite advantages to reliving a day over and over again. Nicely written and very cute! DO NOT MISS! - 7 pgs., 2/18/99
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/beenthat.htm

**BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, REVISITED by Catherine M. Wilson
One of our veteran bards returns with a wonderful new story that reveals what we didn't see during the episode BEEN THERE, DONE THAT as the repeating day has some very unexpected consequences for Xena, affording her the opportunity to at last learn the truth about the bard's feelings for her but leaving her with a guilty conscience and some unforseen regrets in the process. Catherine does a really nice job here outlining Xena's feelings and thoughts as the warrior struggles to deal with emotions she has little experience with. Though more subtly drawn, Gabrielle's characterization is also well-crafted showing an underlying consistency in her own feelings for her partner despite the different circumstances we see her in. A terrific read, this one comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 17 pgs., 3/18/99
http://www.tsoft.com/~cmwilson/Stories/BTDTRevisited.html

BEFORE DAWN by Texena
Sweet little story that has Xena taking refuge in a cave with her bard so she can let Gabrielle in on a long-kept secret. - 5 pgs., 8/17/97
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/dawn.htm

BEFORE MY EYES by Bel-wah
The latest entry in the GABRIELLE'S SCROLLS SERIES Bel-Wah's latest reads very much like a clip show with the Bard of Poteidaia remembering her times with Xena as she prepares for the ultimate sacrifice. Nice writing featuring some poignant moments - 5 pgs., 12/3/98
https://ausxip.com/fanfic5/beforemyeyes.html

**BEGINNINGS by Dr. Bob
This story is the first publicly released by one of my favorite XWP bards. In his writing, Dr. Bob follows the development of the Xena/Gabrielle relationship as it deepens over time. In this, his first story, Xena and Gabby help Wylan, an old friend of the Warrior Princess, battle bandits who've been raiding the town he and his children have made their home. Wylan, meanwhile, quickly becomes aware of the very strong feelings between his friend and the bard and makes it his business to try to get Xena to confront these. Dr. Bob's writing is excellent and his stories only get better. Hopefully we'll see more of his fiction publicly available soon. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! [The story is continued in THE SPRING FESTIVAL]. - 72 pgs., 4/97
https://ausxip.com/fanfic/beginnings.html
http://xenafan.com/fiction/content/beginnings.html

BEGINNINGS by GabTBard
Set after THE QUEST, this story has Xena and the bard reminiscing about the days after Gabrielle's ill-fated marriage to Perdicus and how that event along with Callisto's reappearance precipitated their acceptance finally of the feelings between them. Nicely written. - 8 pgs., 5/5/98
http://www.sff.net/people/SapphicVoices/fanfiction/beginnings.html

BEHIND COLD EYES by Warrior Rep
An action-packed and VERY passionate sequel to Warrior Rep's THE WRATH OF THE GODS, this story has Xena and Gabrielle gaining an unlikely ally in the fight against Velaska - a proud warrior from the past who was once also a victim of the cold-hearted goddess. Stormy days will just NEVER be the same after reading this story! ;-) Very nice! - 21 pgs., 8/6/97
https://ausxip.com/fanfic/behind.html

**BEHIND EVERY GOOD WARRIOR by T. Novan
Part 45 in the RAISING MELOSA SERIES finds the Warrior Princess still in prison but the Amazon Queen revealing a steely resolve in the efforts to free her consort. Nice showing for Gabrielle and her Amazons in this one. DO NOT MISS! - 6 pgs., 6/20/99
https://ausxip.com/fanfiction/b/behindevery.html
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

**BEHOLD A PALE HORSE by Karen Surtees
A sequel of sorts to Surtees' first story THAT ROAD ONCE TRODDEN, this new tale begins with the Amazons seeking shelter in Artermis' temple from a vicious storm raging outside. When nature's fury is over their relief is short-lived, shattered by the site of their young queen and her warrior protector near death amidst the ruins of the village - their presence on Amazon land and their condition, a mystery which only time will reveal. Fast-pased and riveting this is, an engrossing read. DO NOT MISS! - 36 pgs., 6/10/98
FANFIC ART: Ciegra Story Cover
http://members.aol.com/surtees1/behold.html
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

BELOVED ENEMY by L. Fox
L. Fox continues the story begun in CAGE OF ELYSIS and A BARD'S FAITH with this new effort which begins with a very happy Xena and Gabrielle making plans for the bard to visit her family. That happiness will soon be destroyed, however, when Xena suddenly finds herself without her bard and without hope - determined only to bring her pain to an end, even if in so doing she has to destroy friend and foe. [See the follow-up story ALL IN A YEAR'S WORK: SPRING] - 48 pgs., 5/18/97
http://www.gabbyfan.com/fiction/beloved.htm

BEST FRIEND by Katelin B.
Sweetly passionate first time story that has Xena and Gabrielle finally giving in to the feelings they've been having for one another after the warrior is injured. - 9 pgs., 12/25/97
http://members.tripod.com/~Katelin_B/bestfriend.html
[French version: MA MEILLEURE AMIE translated by Fanfan at http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Land/8379/amie.html]

BEST FRIENDS, BETTER ENEMIES by Katrina Pint
A very intense, dark story that has Xena and the bard on their way to answer a summons when Gabrielle discovers an ancient sword lying on an empty field. Their lives will never be the same again as the friend Xena loves is replaced by one of the greatest evils the world has ever known - an evil determined to recapture ultimate power...and willing to destroy the Warrior Princess in order to do it. This story is poignant in its depiction of a Xena determined to try to save her bard even after experiencing first-hand the horror Gabrielle becomes capable of. [Note: the story contains references to sexual violence] - 83 pgs., 3/26/98
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Corridor/8606/best/bfch1-2.html
http://www.iserv.net/~scottc/fanfic.html

**BEST GIFT (THE) by Susan A. Rice
Actually written by MomBard's daughter Sue, this heartwarming Solstice tale opens with Gabrielle in a rather melancholy mood - content to simply listen outside of Cyrene's inn as her partner spends time with her family. It's a situation that doesn't last for long as a certain Warrior Princess goes in search of her missing bard determined to show her just what she means to her and what she's come to mean to the rest of her family. Sue handles the characterizations here beautifully, portraying Gabrielle as a very sensitive young woman deeply touched by the overwhelming devotion she feels for her partner and the sense of belonging Xena and her family are inspiring in her. The warrior for her part is playful and loving and happy for once. Really nice combination in a little gem of a story that is indeed a gift. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [See the sequel THE BEST GIFT 2: THE GIFT OF LOVE] - 6 pgs., 2/7/00
http://xenafiction.net/scrolls/mombard_tbg.hts

**BEST GIFT 2 (THE): THE GIFT OF LOVE by Susan A. Rice
In this sequel to her first holiday offering, THE BEST GIFT, Susan turns the tables a bit as this time, 26 years later, it's the Warrior Princess that is feeling a little melancholy remembering her life with her bard when said bard entices her back into the warmth of a family gathering and then convinces her to open up those Solstice presents a little early ;-) Sweet story with a reaffirming, loving portrayal of a relationship which just seems to be getting stronger with time. DO NOT MISS! - 4 pgs., 12/10/00
https://ausxip.com/fanfic12/bestgift2.html

BEST LAID PLANS (THE) by Whosays
VERY, VERY funny little alt. tale that has Xena's jealous streak spoiling some "plans" she and Gabby have made. Hold on to that funny bone!! - 4 pgs., 4/11/97
http://xwp-altfic.simplenet.com/whosays2.txt

BET (THE) by sHaYch
VERY sweet story with both humor and romance that has Xena and Gabrielle agreeing to help the Amazons and the Centaurs try to form an alliance with a separate band of Amazons. A party soon sets out for the once-thought-lost city of Themiscrya with Gabrielle in the lead as Queen of her Amazons. Well-known to this other Amazon tribe and hated by them, Xena knows she will not be welcomed at Themiscrya but reluctant to let her bard go alone she accompanies the party anyway in a role she knows the other Amazons will accept...as Gabrielle's slave. - 28 pgs., 7/6/97
FANFIC ART: Ciegra Story Cover
http://www.geocities.com/shaych3/thebet.htm

BETRAYAL (THE) by Danielle
Gripping tale that has Xena once again placing walls around her heart and pushing Gabrielle away in the process. Separated the two will come face to face with some deadly enemies from Xena's past - a flesh and bone adversary who intends to torture the warrior before killing her, and a mysterious figure who recognizes in the bard, Xena's greatest weakness. Haunting story which ultimately celebrates the healing power of love. - 32 pgs., 12/96
http://xenafan.com/fiction/content/betrayal.htm

BETWEEN BYGONES by Tendre
This very talented bard returns with a sequel to her extraordinary masterpiece ASUNDER. As the story begins Xena and Gabrielle have just finished spending time with their families when they hear that the famous Lake Iri'ni Festival, held every five years, is getting underway nearby. For the bard it sounds simply like an opportunity to have some fun and relax - for Xena it means something altogether different as she remembers the Siege of Thessalonica which took place the last time the festival was held - one of the Warrior Princess' most infamous and bloody campaigns. Needing to try to atone somehow for the many lives she took during that time, Xena then heads for the Temple of Graves while Gabrielle goes on ahead to the festival - each hoping their separation wont be for long but attoning wont be easy for the former Destroyer of Nations who'll find herself soon experiencing something she's never experienced before, powerless to prevent the involvement of her beloved bard. Tendre's unique mixture of humor and drama always make her fiction something to look forward to. Featuring QUITE a twist, this one should be keeping us entertained in the weeks ahead. DO NOT MISS! [Note: story is available in both general and alternative versions.] [unfinished] - 17 pgs., 10/6/98
http://members.aol.com/Sunscri/BBP.html

BETWEEN THE ANVIL AND THE HAMMER by members of the CFXS mailing list
Amusing beginning to this new story set in Amazonia which has a disappointed Gabrielle getting tough with her Amazons when it seems they're becoming a tad too lazy. - 3 pgs., 1/30/99
http://homepages.infoseek.com/~cfxs/challenge.html

BETWEEN THE COVERS by TZ - see FRAGMENTS

BEWARE THE GREEN-EYED MONSTER by Lawlsfan
The fourth entry in the FOIBLES AND FOLLIES SERIES has the warrior and bard experiencing some difficulties with their love life when friends and strangers demand a bit of...attention ;-) Xena and Gab are at their most flirtatious here in a story that will tickle your funny bone and have you feeling a bit sympathetic for these love birds. - 11 pgs., 2/7/00
http://www.xenaeyes.com/Green-Eyed.html

**BEYOND AND FOREVER by Pallas
Heart-WRENCHING does not even BEGIN to describe this superb new hurt/comfort story from a very talented writer who is establishing a reputation for dealing with both the joys and agonies relationships can bring. This latest tale exemplifies that as few others in Xena fanfic have done to date - depicting a love for the ages between two soulmates willing to battle anyone or anything to be together but ultimately vulnerable to the cruel realities of human frailty. It is a tale of two lovers preparing to say goodbye - and two hearts that never will. Stock up on the kleenex before tackling this one but by all means do tackle it. There's nothing better in fanfic than stories which elicit emotion and this one does it in droves! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 16 pgs., 9/18/98
AWARDS: "The Quickie" Swollen Bud Award (Aug. 15, 2000)
http://www.geocities.com/shaych3/beyond.htm

BEYOND MELOSA'S SHADOW by My OSage
Xena and Gabrielle meet Kierra - partner of Melosa at the time of the Queen's death who despite still grieving Gabrielle's predecessor, finds herself hoping a certain Warrior Princess might fill the emptiness in her heart. One slight catch though - there's a little bard who has her own plans for the warrior. Lots of drama in a nicely written offering. [Due to technical difficulties this story may not be visible in some Web browsers. If you only get a colorful background when you go to the site try saving the HTML file and then viewing that file using a text editor or word processor - you'll see the story in there. The Netscape browser in particular has problems displaying the site so if you have Internet Explorer available on your system try that.] - 25 pgs., 10/14/98
http://members.aol.com/XWPBard/shadow.html

BEYOND PRICE by A.L. Dunham
This is hurt/comfort tale firmly rooted in the devotion warrior and bard have for one another. It begins with a desperate Gabrielle making an insane pact with the God of War so he'll cure a gravely ill Xena. Soon after the bard realizes that she may not be able to fulfill her part of the bargain but keeping Xena alive is one thing she is determined to do - even if she has to change the terms of that bargain... An engrossing love story that will keep you hitting that page-down key. DO NOT MISS!! [See the CAMPFIRE CHAT SERIES for other tales in the series] - 73 pgs., 9/6/98.
http://www.geocities.com/~rensnce/stories.htm

BEYOND SEX by Della Street
This little entry in Della's TIMEWASTERS SERIES attempts to explain just what TPTB mean when they claim that Xena and Gab's relationship has gone beyond sex. That grin is gonna be plastered on your face for a while after this one ;-) DO NOT MISS! - 2 pgs., 1/26/99
https://www.altfic.com//subtextfic/Xena/della/beyondsex.htm
[French version: AU DELÀ DU SEXE translated by Gabby Bate at http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Land/8379/beyondsex.html]

**BEYOND WORDS by Katrina
A gorgeously crafted, sensual vignette about passion and poetic inspiration ;-) Katrina uses the English language much like a gifted artist wields a brush, creating rich images with the careful selection of words and the juxtaposition of key phrases. I think this woman could probably turn a grocery list into a sensual experience. When her subjects are Xena and Gab...well...that just probably makes her task easier if no less impressive. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 2 pgs., 4/19/99
http://whoosh.org/katrina/STO/beyondwords.html

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