LUNACY'S FAN FICTION REVIEWS
Elaine Sutherland
Reviewer can be reached at
Last modified: November 03 2012 12:33:03

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

Alternative stories are designated as such with an [Alt] at the end of the title line.

This file features reviews of stories written by Elaine Sutherland. For any other fiction by this bard please visit any of the Xena fan fiction indexes.

**PAPPAS JOURNALS (THE) by Elaine Sutherland -- [Alt]
An exceptional, EXCEPTIONAL new entry in XWP fan fiction that is NOT TO BE MISSED! Written as a series of journal entries by Melinda Pappas, it covers a period of several months in the lives of Mel and Janice starting just after their discovery of Gabrielle's scrolls as depicted in the episode XENA SCROLLS. With World War II still raging around them, Mel and Janice take refuge in Athens where Mel's Uncle Stravos sets them up in a building he partly owns. The two begin work on deciphering the scrolls, reading about ancient battles even as they soon find themselves in the middle of a very modern one - the Nazi takeover of Athens. The experience will change them forever as they come face to face with the same type of evil their ancestors faced long ago - and discover in their hearts the same type of love as well... This story is going to remind you of a work of art. The technique used in telling the tale via journal entries is extremely effective. The characterizations are rich and the approach to the Mel/Janice relationship is very satisfying, showing it as a gradual development which progresses very naturally. As an added plus, depending on which Web browser you use, you may be able to view the REAL Greek letters which Elaine uses in parts of this story, adding tremendously to the general atmosphere of the work. This is a fantastic effort by an obviously talented new bard. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! [See also the sequel THE PAPPAS JOURNALS II] - 19 pgs., 9/8/97
AWARDS: "Getting Serious" Swollen Bud Award (May 1, 2000)
FANFIC ART: "Melinda Pappas" and "Janice Covington" by Barbara Maclay
http://web.archive.org/web/20010606234709/http://xwp-altfic.simplenet.com/suth-pappas.html
http://ausxip.com/fanfic/pappas.html
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

**PAPPAS JOURNALS II (THE): IN THE REICH by Elaine Sutherland -- [Alt]
This sequel to Elaine's OUTSTANDING first work THE PAPPAS JOURNALS maintains the exceptional quality of storytelling she established in that first foray into fan fiction. THE PAPPAS JOURNALS II is truly one of the most incredible, moving works of fiction I've read in a long time - commercial fiction included. ANYONE who loves reading or writing will be affected by this story which at its very core is a celebration of the written word - of the power writing can have in our lives - of how words can reach across the centuries to encourage hope and determination and strength of will. It is a story which begins where THE PAPPAS JOURNALS left off - with Mel and Janice still in Greece working on the translations of Gabrielle's ancient scrolls as World War II rages around them. With the blood of heroes running through their veins, it isn't long before they are themselves involved in the war and once again becoming intimately acquainted with the barbarity of Nazi Germany as Mel is captured and has to try to survive by finding inspiration in the efforts of a long dead bard - a bard who recognized how words can honor valor and strength and love generations before that awareness would become part of the historical record. All the while Janice is putting into play a desperate plan to try to save her beloved partner...and keep from the Nazis a revelation of such magnitude that it could rock the very foundation of the world they live in. This is writing at it's very best folks. Told like the first story as a series of journal entries, this tale is a deeply personalized look at the worst and the best humanity has to offer. Elaine's characterizations have a wonderful depth to them as does her treatment of a relationship between the leads that is firmly rooted in commitment, loyalty and the fiercest of loves. Give yourself the gift of reading and the magic of storytelling that is this piece of fan fiction. It receives my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!! - 39 pgs., 4/12/98
FANFIC ART: "Melinda Pappas" and "Janice Covington" by Barbara Maclay
http://www.altfic.com/subtextfic/Xena/elainesutherland/inthereich1.html
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

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