XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS - ALTERNATIVE FAN FICTION REVIEWS
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Reviewer can be reached at lunacy@dc.seflin.org
Last updated: 03/19/01

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

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**HEALER (THE) by Katrina
In February 1998 Katrina started a new Xena fanfic genre with the release of the first-ever Conqueror story THE STORYTELLER which to this day remains one of the finest piece of fiction available on the Web. Now with the release of chapter one of THE HEALER Katrina begins a much-anticipated and already quite promising sequel. Set some months after STORYTELLER, this new tale finds the world marveling at the subtle changes that have taken place in the realm of Xena the Conqueror as the Empress has embraced a new way of governing, a new way of dealing with her subjects. Though at times still swift and merciless, the Destroyer of Nations is also now surprisingly just - more mindful of her human resources and less ready to resort to plain cruelty. It's a change attributed in part to the crippled scribe who's become a constant presence by the ruler's side - a change welcomed by many and despised by others - a change which has exacted a toll of its own on the once heartless Conqueror for in opening herself to the love of the young woman she once sought to kill Xena has now rediscovered a long-buried heart, making herself vulnerable in the process. Fighting outside forces and inner turmoil, the Conqueror will take them on a journey to see an old friend, on a quest for redemption and healing that may prove to be the greatest challenge yet for the fierce Warrior Queen as she endeavors to heal those scars that can be seen...and the deeper ones that cannot. Katrina does a nice job in this initial chapter of recapturing the flavor of THE STORYTELLER as she summarizes the events of that earlier story and starts us all on another wonderfully emotional ride. Nicely written and benefiting from Katrina's poetic sensibilities, this is DEFINITELY one to watch in the coming weeks. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [Note: review based on a pre-screening of some additional chapters :) ] [unfinished] - 4 pgs., 12/15/99
http://whoosh.org/katrina/STO/healer/healer.html

HEALER (THE) by Tymedancer
Gut-wrenching, short story that has a healer attempting to soothe the broken heart of bard decimated by the loss of the warrior she adored. Spanning many years, this story's impact comes as much from that bard's pain as from the healer's noble dedication to the those in need of healing. A bittersweet read. - 3 pgs., 3/21/98
https://ausxip.com/fanfic2/thehealer.html

**HEART AND SOUL by Trish Kerr (Phopas)
This new effort by Phopas follows the story started in ABOUT THAT KISS and its sequel HONEYMOON and easily maintains if not surpasses the quality of those two excellent tales. HEART & SOUL is a novel - Phopas' longest story to date and absolutely glorious in every respect - WILD, funny, romantic, emotional - PERFECT! It begins immediately after the events in HONEYMOON and has Xena reluctantly putting off a vacation so she can investigate the disappearances of several maidens and the rumored desecrations at a temple of Zeus. Closer to Xena and Gabrielle than they even suspect is the very culprit they are looking for - a deadly enemy with a game plan for world domination that if successful will destroy the love between warrior and bard and eventually, their very lives. The characterizations in this story are wonderful. Immersed in a chilling "conquer the world" dementia, Phopas' villain is possibly the most evil and scary Xena and Gab have faced since Callisto. Phopas also has an incredible talent for combining the dramatic with a wit that is all her own. In this novel she injects the peculiarities of fandom into parts of the plot creating scenes that will be familiar to many a Xenite - the clueless admirer is precious and the visits to a certain commercial establishment will just have you roaring! Also pay attention to those little poems/quotes/song snipets included at the beginning of each chapter. I cannot believe how Phopas managed to find ones SO well-suited for each section. Finally, this story depicts the Xena/Gab relationship beautifully - protective and passionate with lots of love. This is a MUST READ people! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [See also the sequel VACATION IN TARTARUS] - 123 pgs., 7/14/97
https://ausxip.com/fanfic/heart&soul1.html
http://xwp-altfic.simplenet.com/hartsoul.html
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

**HEART OF A WARLORD by Patricia L. Ennis
This is one of the first alt. stories I ever read and it's a wonderful one at that. It is, in fact, a very passionate first time tale that has Xena and Gabrielle struggling to understand the feelings between them just as an Amazon warlord comes into the picture to threaten everything. Patricia is among the founding bards in the XWP alt. fiction movement and she remains among the best writers on the Net, a favorite with readers and fellow bards alike. HEART OF A WARLORD is a must read which I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! - 120 pgs., 4/12/97
http://www.obsession14.com/XenaRotica/DAx/dax.htm

**HEART OF THE MATTER by Blue
The PERFECT story for this upcoming weekend and for the romantic in us all. It begins with a bet between the goddess of love and her winged son. Aphrodite is certain that mortals aren't capable of true love and must therefore always need her and her son's spells to help them in that department. Cupid isn't as certain and to prove it he decides to show his mother a very different type of love from the one they evoke with their magic - a love that is true and complete and so strong that it will inspire generations to come. Meanwhile, a certain Warrior Princess and her bard come upon an old man struggling with a broken cart. Concerned that he would be easy prey for thieves, they invite him to travel with them for a bit. A self-described chronicler of human nature, Valentius becomes fast friends with the young bard who soon confides in him her feelings for the warrior, even showing the old man a simple little gift she hopes will reveal the love in her heart. Valentius will be with them again in a much darker time when moved by the love between these two soulmates he will vow to make sure a love like that is never forgotten. This one will tug at those heart strings so make sure to have the kleenex box well within reach folks. Blue's latest is a highly original, beautifully written, inspired piece that does a wonderful job of weaving the TV story with one of our most popular legends. A MUST READ!! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! - 7 pgs., 2/11/99
https://ausxip.com/fanfic6/heartofthematter.html

HEART OF THE WARRIOR (THE) by T. Novan
Part five in T. Novan's RAISING MELOSA SERIES, this is a gripping tale that finds the happiness Xena and Gabrielle had so recently found cruelly stripped from them as a secret from the past is revealed and the warrior finds herself having to make a choice... Heavy-hitting emotional piece. - 5 pgs., 12/30/98
https://ausxip.com/fanfic5/tn-heart.html
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

HEART OF WINTER by Psyk
Psyk joins the ranks of Xenite bards with a very entertaining, nicely written tale set in Amphipolis to which Xena has returned after learning that a very deadly and very twisted former acquaintance of hers has amassed an army with the intent of sacking the town. With Gabrielle by her side she begins calling up forces of her own, preparing for a battle even as she finds herself surrendering at long last to the bard's gentle attack on her heart. Featuring a solid mixture of action, humor and romance, Psyk's story gives the Xena/Gab partnership a very appealing intensity and dedication as they take the first steps from friendship into something more. Excellent first effort. DO NOT MISS! - 43 pgs., 4/22/99
http://xenafiction.net/scrolls/psyk_how.hts

HEART UNDISCOVERED (THE) by Tim Wellman
This is the first entry in Tim's new GABRIELLE'S SCROLLS SERIES, chronicling the bard's life beside her beloved Warrior Princess. In PARCHMENT ONE: THE HEART UNDISCOVERED, we read about Gabrielle's feelings during those first days with the enigmatic ex-warlord, how she intuitively understood this woman who was so different from her...and how she immediately lost her heart. Tim delivers here a beautifully written piece that reads almost like a poem. A nicely poignant start to a promising new series by one of our veteran talents. DO NOT MISS! - 1 pg., 10/25/98
http://timwellman.virtualave.net/

**HEART'S CHOICE by Silk
This second entry in Silk's TAPESTRY OF LIFE SERIES is a heart-wrenching tale which ties in nicely with the developments so far in the third season of XWP. Acting as a sequel to LOVE'S CHOICE, the tale has the Fates once again influencing the lives of Xena and Gabrielle - pitting their love against the fate of the world itself. An emotional read which maintains the quality of the earlier story. DO NOT MISS! [See also the sequel FATE'S CHOICE] - 13 pgs., 1/13/98
https://ausxip.com/fanfic2/heartchoice.html

HEART'S COURAGE by LZClotho
Riveting new story that finds Gabrielle in dire straits on her way to the Roman slave markets praying the Warrior Princess will reach her soon, only the warrior Gabrielle knows is no more, replaced by a stranger living ten years in the past and aided now once again by the same mysterious figure that was her right hand back then. Clotho does a nice job with the pacing here creating a great sense of suspense and impending danger in a story that explores the allure of power and that every-present darker side. DO NOT MISS! - 248 pgs., 1/18/99
http://members.xoom.com/LZClotho/alt/HeartsCourage01.html
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

HEART'S FURIES (THE) by GabTBard
Set immediately after the episode THE FURIES, this new story has Xena and the bard still traveling with Cyrene when circumstances lead to their finding an old acquaintance of Xena - a woman with unusual insight who can see what is in the hearts of the two friends despite their reluctance to admit it. The story features a very sweet, loving depiction of the Xena/Gab relationship. - 41 pgs., 2/22/98
http://members.aol.com/JDJenkins7/heartsfuries.html

HEARTS FOUND AND LOST by HeronW
A wrenching story about what could've been, this new offering is set in the world of Xena the Conqueror where the ruthless empress is observing the young dissenter she had crucified earlier as the girl struggles through her last moments. In that instant a whispered exchange offers a fleeting glimpse into one of those paths not taken, revealing the magnitude of a loss so great it will touch even the coldest of hearts. Some deeply moving moments in this one. [Note: Story contains S&M] - 8 pgs., 12/20/99
http://www.xenadom.com/hearts-found.html

**HEAT by Curiositee
Dare I admit that the title says it all here ;-) Curiositee's latest chronicles a little evening interlude for the warrior and a non-too-happy bard who can't quite figure out a way of relieving some of her...stress. Very cute, passionate light piece that will have many of you sympathizing with the bard! DO NOT MISS! - 6 pgs., 11/13/98
http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/7228/heat.htm

**HEAVEN DOWN HERE by Rebecca Hall (Storm)
This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful, well-written, moving and passionate alt. stories available in XWP fan fiction today. This first-time tale made my list of all-time favorites even before I finished reading it. It has Xena and Gabrielle traveling to one of the Amazon's border towns where Xena joins the Amazons to battle an evil warlord. Meanwhile, the warrior princess is engaged in an inner battle as well - determined not to show the growing feelings she has for a certain bard. Problem is that bard has plans of her own and to achieve these she is willing to risk it all - even her heart and soul. Rebecca achieves here one of the most fiercely passionate and tenderly romantic depictions of the Xena/Gab relationship in alt. fanfic. An exceptional read which receives my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!! [See also the epilogue WILDFIRE] - 46 pgs., 4/28/97
http://xenafan.com/fiction/content/heaven1.html
http://www.obsession14.com/XenaRotica/RHall/rebecca.htm

**HEIR TO THE THRONE by T. Novan
The RAISING MELOSA SERIES continues as the royal family prepares for Melosa to be officially declared heir to the throne. Meanwhile, the royal parents make plans for after the ceremony ;-) Cute sense of anticipation and nervousness and playfulness in this. DO NOT MISS! - 6 pgs., 4/25/99
https://ausxip.com/fanfiction/h/heirtothethrone.html
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

HELP WANTED by Lady Catherine
A very sweet first time tale which has Xena and Gabrielle allowing misunderstandings to come between them when opportunity knocks for the bard and neither is brave enough to speak what is really in their hearts. A nice love-fest for the romantic in us all. DO NOT MISS! - 41 pgs., 4/28/98
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/helpwnt.htm

**HELPFUL TRAVELERS by StarWarrior
A follow-up to StarWarrior's earlier stories WHO HAS THE RIGHT? and THE LOST WARRIOR PRINCESS, this tale has the warrior and bard encountering the young sister of the man who held Gabrielle captive weeks back - a sister desperately trying to save her brother's life...and his soul. Convinced by her bard, a reluctant Xena agrees to help as they embark on a journey that will recall horrors of the past and challenge love to once again triumph in the face of evil. This series is developing very nicely. It is well-written and features strong characterizations. Particularly nice is the very tender and loving relationship between Xena and the Gabster. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! - 28 pgs., 9/29/97
https://ausxip.com/fanfic2/helpful.html
http://xwp-altfic.simplenet.com/rie-help.txt

HER DEVOTED WARRIOR by N.L. Rockwell
This story has Xena coming face to face with Chandra - a female warrior who once promised her soul and her sword in the service of the Warrior Princess and who's psychotic obsession with Xena is now manifesting itself in a blood spree. - 131 pgs., 5/24/97
http://xwp-altfic.simplenet.com/list-mz.htm

HER HANDS by JD Jenkins
A very sensual, touching tribute to the feelings a warrior's toughened hands can create in one who loves her. Very nice. First entry in the series TALES OF THE WARRIOR PRINCESS: THE PRIVATE SCROLLS OF GABRIELLE THE BARD WHO LOVED HER. - 2 pgs., 2/4/99, re-released 8/20/00
http://members.aol.com/JDJenkins7/herhands.html

**HER GABRIELLE by Della Street
Set around the events in the episode REMEMBER NOTHING, this extremely moving what-if story is based on the premise that Xena never did return to the regular timeline and is now trying to help Gabrielle recover from years of slavery. Considering how special this episode is to many a Xenite, I suspect this story will be touching the hearts of many. The episode AND this story are personal favorites. [See also HER GABRIELLE: A RESPONSE by Rebecca Hall] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 9 pgs., 5/1/97
https://www.altfic.com//subtextfic/Xena/della/hergabrielle.htm
http://members.aol.com/QMelosa/XR2/hergab.htm

**HER GABRIELLE: A RESPONSE by Rebecca Hall
This story was written as a continuation of Della Street's HER GABRIELLE which received an outstanding review in the Fan Fiction Report for 5/1/97. Rebecca's response maintains the excellent quality of that first story and of the episode REMEMBER NOTHING on which both tales are based, giving us a piece of fiction that is equally beautiful and heart-wrenching, moving you as few stories ever will. It is set back in the world of REMEMBER NOTHING, just after the events laid out in Della's HER GABRIELLE and has Xena trying to help Gabrielle deal with the anguish and fear branded in her soul after years of slavery. Together these two stories by Della and Rebecca are among my favorite of XWP fan fiction. A MUST READ for every Xenite! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!! - 9 pgs., 5/26/97
http://www.obsession14.com/XenaRotica/RHall/hergabar.htm

**HERO WITHIN (THE) by My OSage
Offering a VERY romantic and physically intense interpretation of the Xena/Gab relationship, this story is set ten years after the two first meet at a time when their partnership has become a decidedly satisfying one firmly rooted in the love and respect for one another. Their happiness, however, is cruelly interrupted when news reach them that Lilla's daughter has been kidnapped by a group of rouge Amazons - a group led by a bitter woman with a grudge to settle and a very unhealthy interest in the Warrior Princess. Well-written, emotional story with some suspenseful moments and a terrific sense of intimacy in the Xena/Gab connection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 15 pgs., 3/6/99
http://www.sff.net/people/SapphicVoices/FanFiction/myosage10.html

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