LUNACY'S FAN FICTION REVIEWS
Missy Good (Merwolf)
Reviewer can be reached at
Last modified: November 03 2012 12:33:02
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 Missy Good. For any other fiction by this bard please visit any of the Xena fan fiction indexes.
For reviews of the author's commercial fiction check the Reviews Of Commercial Fiction.
**BOUND by Missy Good -- [Alt]
Missy's TRIUMPHANT fourth XWP novel picks up where HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS ended. Having left Potidaea behind, Xena and Gabrielle decide to go back to the land of the forest dwellers they first met in A WARRIOR BY ANY OTHER NAME. They want to see their friend Jessan but there is something else drawing them back to those unusual people - a need now to understand the strange bond some of the forest dwellers share with each other - a connection they call the lifebond - a connection Xena and Gabrielle now know they also share but need to understand. In addition to this personal quest, the two will face new dangers as they try to help Jessan's people fight a bloodthirsty enemy and later find themselves strangely drawn to the ghosts of an ancient past - to the story of two other women who also faced incredible challenges and against the odds found a timeless love. This tale is of the same caliber as all of Missy's stories to date featuring exceptional characterizations, a captivating and well-structured plot, an incredibly romantic treatment of the Xena/Gab relationship that manages through flashbacks to even explore the earlier stages of that relationship, and the return appearance of one of the most beloved original characters in XWP fan fiction - Ares the wolf pup (Roo!! :) A Missy story is a magical experience NOT TO BE MISSED people! Note - this story is not explicit. BOUND merits my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!! [Do not miss the sequel WINTER'S ENDING, part of the JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES]. - 375 pgs., 7/29/97
FANFIC ART:
**CHAMPION by Melissa Good - [Alt]
This 16th entry in Missy's much-loved A JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES picks up the story after Xena and Gabrielle's visit to Athens. The trip home is interrupted by a forest dweller with an urgent message for the two - Lestan is dying and he needs to see Xena. What they find when they reach their old friend is a devastated community and a people in turmoil - torn between their more violent nature and the soul bonds which have formed such an integral part of their society for so long. Some of the younger forest dwellers are determined to undermine the power of the soul bonds. Certain that love only weakens warriors, they have vowed to bring back the more savage traditions of a people long devoted to the God of War. Unbeknownst to them, Ares' Chosen and her soul bond are about to show them just what love can do to warriors. Throw in a precocious toddler that is VERY much her parents' kid - and the forest dwellers are in for a much WILDER time than they ever imagined! With some of the most intense cliffhangers Missy has ever written, this tale is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. The story spotlights not only the strengths of our two heroines but the uniqueness and magic of their relationship. Moments of humor combine with moments of insight along with that trademark Merwolf mush to provide a thoroughly satisfying read. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [unfinished] - 127 pgs., 1/2002.
http://www.merwolf.com/champion1.html
**CIRCLE OF LIFE by Melissa Good -- [Alt]
Possibly more anticipated than the fourth season of XWP, comes the continuation of Missy's beloved Xena/Gab series in a story which continues the tale from FESTIVAL but is actually set after the events in the episode FAMILY AFFAIR. Still recuperating from their recent ordeal, the warrior and bard are back in Amphipolis awaiting the birth of their child and treasuring their time together as never before. With Amazons visiting and word of friends and family in trouble, however, their tranquillity is short-lived as the two, reunited once again, prepare to face whatever life throws their way. Missy's very special style is clearly in evidence as this novel opens - immediately placing the Xena/Gab relationship center stage and infusing the story with a unique blend of delightful humor, poignant drama and enchanting characterizations. If you want to treat yourself to the work of a master storyteller DO NOT MISS this story or any other of the others in the series. This gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! [See the sequel DARK COMES THE MORNING, part of the JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES] - 192 pgs., 10/25/98
FANFIC ART:
**DAR AND KERRY SERIES by Missy Good - read in the order listed below. Featuring two of the most beloved contemporary characters ever created by our bards, this series gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! - [Alt]
RELATED STORIES BY OTHER AUTHORS:
**DARK COMES THE MORNING by Melissa Good -- [Alt]
Here we go again folks on another spectacular ride into what is undoubtedly the most-loved vision of Xena and Gabrielle in this fandom as Missy picks up the story of the warrior and bard almost a year after the events in CIRCLE OF LIFE. Enjoying the new addition to their family, Xena and Gabrielle are happy seeing their daughter grow and spending time with friends and family but there's a restlessness stirring within them also as the bard finds herself craving those quiet times she used to spend with the warrior on the road, and Xena works to keep her active mind challenged. It's a restlessness that soon finds an outlet when refugees begin to arrive in Amphipolis from neighboring areas prompting Xena and her partner to go do a little investigating in a decision that will herald the return of a terrible darkness into their lives. There's a level of understanding, love and devotion in Missy's versions of these characters that adds a terrific sense of warmth and intimacy to their every interaction. Already in part one this story presents a captivating combination of gentle humor, poignant drama and suspenseful intrigue certain to intensify in the chapters ahead under the guidance of this master storyteller. Make this one a regular stop in the weeks ahead. It gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! [part of the JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES] - 553 pgs., 3/7/99
RELATED STORIES BY OTHER AUTHORS:
**DARKNESS FALLS by Melissa Good -- [Alt]
This is THE story every fanfic aficionado out there has been waiting for - Missy tackles "the rift", and folks it is indeed another incredible experience courtesy of one of the most consistent talents in our Xenaverse. This tale is particularly intense in that while set after the episode BITTER SUITE, it also CONTINUES the storyline Missy has been following throughout her novels. Indeed DARKNESS FALLS takes place after REFLECTIONS FROM THE PAST which Missy just finished. Given the incredible love, tenderness and commitment which has increasingly characterized the relationship between warrior and bard throughout Missy's novels, it is especially heart-wrenching to see that relationship in pieces at the beginning of this latest story as Xena and Gabrielle struggle to try to deal with what has happened to them and what they've done to one another. Missy changes the events which we saw on TV just a bit but other than that she plunges headlong into the trauma of the rift chronicling a much more realistic emotional journey for Xena and Gabrielle as they start on the path back to one another. This story is on the surface very different from what we're used to from this bard but beneath that surface and making its way to the top is the same magic, the same sense of gentle passion and fierce love that in Xena fanfic is classic Melissa Good. This story gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! [Do not miss the sequel LEAP OF FAITH, part of the JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES] - 239 pgs., 2/25/98
FANFIC ART: Barron Story Cover
http://www.merwolf.com/dark1.htm
http://ausxip.com/bards.html#melissa
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]
**EYE OF THE STORM by Melissa Good - [Alt]
Missy's ground breaking DAR AND KERRY SERIES continues with our two heroines busy at work as they prepare to face challenges both professional and personal. On the last legs of a two-week work trip, Kerry is laying the ground work for the latest company merger but what should be a routine procedure begins to get complicated when the young executive starts to smell some skeletons behind those unfriendly offices. Meanwhile, Dar travels to Houston to help her boss deal with a very serious and very determined new enemy - an enemy that wants a change at the top and is not past getting personal to get what he wants. Amidst this world of corporate intrigue and back stabbing, Dar and Kerry hold on to the very special magic they've found with one another, recognizing their connection as a treasured oasis in the eye of a coming storm...This story has a master storyteller doing what she does best - delivering a tale with vivid characterizations, rich descriptions and a plot which hooks you from that first paragraph. Missy continues to beautifully develop both the characters of Dar and Kerry and their relationship - presenting us in this story with two women more comfortable than ever with one another, more in love than ever, gaining strength and confidence in who they are together and apart. Strap those seat belts and prepare for a WONDERFUL new ride courtesy of one amazing writer. Missy's latest gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! - 494 pgs., 7/18/99
FANFIC ART:
**FESTIVAL by Melissa Good -- [Alt]
None of us are supposed to read this yet! ;-) Missy is on vacation. However, since it IS available and in case some of you ARE interested, I thought I'd mention that it is now available :) This is the sequel to PROMISES KEPT which finds the warrior and bard on their way to the Amazons to celebrate the Festival of Dyonisus. Missy maintains the general sense of playfulness and happiness the warrior and bard achieved in PROMISES KEPT after learning that their little family will be growing. The opening of this latest offering embodies what makes this bard's fiction so very special - a magical sense of connection and trust and love between two soulmates reveling in the simple pleasure of being together. Don't even bother reading reviews about a Melissa Good story - just go read. On the strength of part one alone it already gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! :) [Do not miss the sequel CIRCLE OF LIFE, part of the JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES] - 330 pgs., 7/30/98
FANFIC ART: Ciegra Story Cover - Not currently available on the Web
http://www.merwolf.com
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]
**FIRST SOLSTICE by Melissa Good
Our resident bard/scriptwriter took some time from her busy schedule this past Christmas to contribute this lovely little story about the grrls' first Solstice together. Seeking shelter from the elements in a quiet mountain grove, the warrior and her young companion share their meager food supply as Gabrielle reminisces about a childhood Solstice and unknowingly gives a former warlord a very unexpected gift. With her usual subtle skill, Missy captures the special magic evident even in the early days of this relationship. Reminiscent of episodes like SINS OF THE PAST and SOLSTICE CAROL, this is a refreshing visit with classic Xena and Gab. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 3 pgs., 12/27/01
http://www.merwolf.com/solstice.html
HOME FROM THE SEA by Melissa Good - [Alt]
The Merwolf gets in the "spirit" of the season with this little Halloween entry in the DAR AND KERRY SERIES that begins with our heroines shopping for costumes. Later in the day the two exchange some ghost stories including one Dar knows about the empty Vanderbilt mansion located within site of their condo. Intrigued despite herself, Kerry is drawn to the mansion when she spots movement in the supposedly abandoned upper rooms. Curiosity getting the best of her - she decides to investigate only to soon be desperately regretting doing so when it starts to look like something does indeed seem to still be inhabiting the lonely mansion... A fun if scary ride for one of our favorite uber twosomes. - 5 pgs., 10/26/99
FANFIC ART: "Home From The Sea" montage by Carla
http://209.235.56.39/sea.html
[French version: LA MAISON PRÈS DE L'OCÉAN translated by Fryda at http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Land/8379/sea.html]
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]
**HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS by Melissa Good -- [Alt]
Melissa Good is quickly proving to be one of the best things to ever happen to XWP fan fic. After reading AT A DISTANCE, I didn't think she would ever be able to top that effort but with this sequel she is well on her way to doing just that. HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS made it into my favorites list with the first chapter. The story begins where AT A DISTANCE left off, with our heroines on their way to Potidaea after receiving a summons from Gabrielle's father. Xena immediately senses her bard's unease about returning home but does not suspect the terrible secret Gabrielle is hiding - the pain which once almost silenced the stories within her and which in a moment of desperation two years before prompted a young village girl to follow a half-crazed warlord on her quest for redemption. It is a secret Xena will slowly unravel as Gabrielle once again finds herself amidst people with no tolerance for those who are different, forced to deal with a family who have never understood her, and having at last as a woman to confront what years before a child could not. For both the warrior and the bard Potidaea will be a difficult struggle but one they are determined to face together, drawing strength from their love and the incredible connection they feel even...at a distance. The exchanges between Xena and Gabrielle in this story are some of the most moving, most beautiful you could ever read - even the most minor scenes between them burrow themselves in your heart sparking a warmth that just makes you want to read this story again and again. There are no graphic scenes. It is a MUST READ and carries my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!! [Note: Make SURE to read the sequel BOUND, part of the JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES]. - 169 pgs., 7/8/97
FANFIC ART:
**HURRICANE WATCH by Melissa Good -- [Alt]
Missy gives us all a VERY nice way to end the year and begin a new one with the promise of more TERRIFIC fiction to come as she unveils the sequel to her megahit TROPICAL STORM. Returning to work after the Christmas holiday, Dar and Kerry find themselves back in their usual hectic routines with one slight change - there's a new face on the block - an old one from Dar's past hired specifically to challenge the brilliant executive and with a grudge to settle as even more incentive. Continuing the characterizations from her first contemporary uber novel, Missy immediately starts to weave here an intriguing plot certain to reveal more about her heroines' past and to test them both emotionally and professionally. Lots of atmosphere, exceptional storytelling, charming humor and a profoundly appealing vision of the love between two soulmates always ensure the quality of a Melissa Good story. Her latest gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! [See the prequels A PRESENT UNDER THE TREE and RINGING IN THE YEAR, part of the DAR AND KERRY SERIES] - 419 pgs., 12/31/98
RELATED STORIES BY OTHER AUTHORS: FAKE UPDATE - THE LOST CHAPTER by Merwulf
FANFIC ART:
**JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES (A) by Missy Good - read in the order listed below. These individual stories as a combined effort form one of the premier series in Xena fanfic - a magnificent contribution that gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! - [Alt]
AWARDS: Swollen Bud Award for "Constant Arousal In A Series" (March 23, 2000)
FANFIC ART:
**LEAP OF FAITH by Missy Good -- [Alt]
So consistent she'd probably never make it as a character in a third season episode of XWP, Missy returns with another exceptional XWP novel. Set about a month after the events in DARKNESS FALLS, the story begins with the warrior and bard recovering nicely from their recent ordeals, rejoicing in the healing their relationship is experiencing. The sense of things in fact returning back to normal becomes even more pronounce when they visit Poteidaia and once again find people in need of their help, people looking to the Warrior Princess when no other hope remains. Unbeknownst to them, trouble is stirring in other parts too, as danger envelops a dear friend. Featuring exceptional writing, masterful storytelling, Missy's endearing sense of humor, and one of the most beloved depictions of the Xena/Gab relationship in fanfic this is another treat for us all guys. A MUST READ that receives my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!! [See the sequel PROMISES KEPT, part of the JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES] - 305 pgs., 4/12/98
FANFIC ART:
**LONGEST NIGHT (THE) by Melissa Good -- [Alt]
Starting immediately where WINTER'S ENDING left off, Missy's latest novel immediately captures the heart and the imagination with the very distinctive style of storytelling that fan fiction aficionados have come to recognize as among the best the Xenaverse has to offer. Still in Amphipolis where Gabrielle has been recovering from her recent ordeal, Xena and the bard learn from some refugees of the activities of raiders in the surrounding areas. Worried for Gabrielle's family who will be traveling to Amphipolis to attend their planned joining ceremony, the two decide to head out to meet them. Despite their genuine concern, the decision reflects a growing need they've both had to return to the freedom of life on the road - the freedom to enjoy the closeness they now share and the natural world that was their only home for so long - only the beauty of that world can be deceptive, hiding dangers both natural and man-made. Missy continues in this story to look at the deepening love between these two women - exploring how this love is allowing one heart to flourish and the other to start healing at last. There's nothing quite like the feeling you get when you read a Missy story folks. This bard knows how to touch all the right buttons. Should come as no surprise to anyone who's read her previous novels that this one gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! [See the sequel REFLECTIONS FROM THE PAST, part of the JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES] - 285 pgs., 11/29/97
FANFIC ART:
**MATTER OF PRIDE (A) by Missy Good - [Alt]
Missy continues the JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES which started her out on her unlikely journey in this fandom with the fifteenth installment in this much-loved saga of the Warrior Princess and her bard. As our story commences the two are living an unusually peaceful life in Amphipolis, helping to chart the town's rapid growth, trying to keep Dori in one piece, and as always, enjoying one another. It's a quiet time destined to end all too quickly when the recent prosperity they helped to bring to Amphipolis attracts some unwelcome attention forcing the warrior and bard to once again take to the road - this time to represent the interests of their family and neighbors in a whole different arena. Along the way though, they'll revisit the usual challenges of life on the road, have opportunities to once again use those "many skills", and take the time to have one or two of those heart-to-hearts Missy has elevated to a new art form in her stories. Indisputably the most prolific fanfic writer in this fandom and possibly the Internet, Missy has honed her skills with each new novel to the point where her writing, strong to begin with, now flows with an easiness and sophistication that makes her stories a true pleasure to read. Her characters are designed with a depth and richness that makes them come alive in a way that even eclipses the live ones we see in the TV series. Still in its initial stages, this newest addition to her formidable body of work promises to entertain us, and delight us and move us through the end of the sixth season and beyond. Something DEFINITELY to look forward to. A MATTER OF PRIDE gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! - 333 pgs., 3/11/01
http://merwolf.com/pride1.html
**PRESENT UNDER THE TREE (A) by Melissa Good -- [Alt]
A wonderful Christmas surprise for the many Missy fans out there, this DELIGHTFUL follow-up to the extraordinary TROPICAL STORM finds Dar and Kerry feeling increasingly comfortable in their relationship as they enjoy the holidays and make plans for Dar's upcoming birthday party. It is a time for friends and family - for reflecting on the change their lives have taken - and perhaps even for taking more of those emotional risks...As usual Missy excels here in capturing the magic of the relationship between her two heroines. Set in Merwolf's home town, this uber series has a terrifically authentic flavor to it (and this is coming from a fellow Miamian so I KNOW ;-). Dar, Kerry and the entire supporting cast are extraordinarily well-drawn characters brought to life by some very skillful storytelling. One for the top of your MUST READ list, this Solstice gift gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! [Note: In order to avoid overtaxing the servers Missy's stories are available from lets please split our use of these guys - if your first name starts with the letters A-M use the first URL below, if it starts with N-Z use the second.] [See the sequel RINGING IN THE YEAR, part of the DAR AND KERRY SERIES] - 40 pgs., 12/25/98
FANFIC ART:
**PROMISES KEPT by Missy Good -- [Alt]
After another of her LOOOOONG absences ;-) this bard-extraordinaire returns with the sequel to LEAP OF FAITH which finds the warrior and bard getting on with their lives, making plans for both the weeks ahead...and the years they plan to spend together. For Xena this involves some final preparations for their upcoming trip to see friends and family...for the bard it means taking the first steps in turning a wish into reality. There are things about a Missy story that just seem automatic these days - solid, sensitively drawn portrayals of our two heroines, beautiful writing with rich images and lots of heartfelt exchanges, a terrific supporting cast and one of the most heart-warming depictions of the Xena/Gab relationship in fanfic. We get them all in this beauty of a tale folks...and IT gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!! [See also the sequel FESTIVAL, part of the JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES] - 430 pgs., 6/6/98
FANFIC ART: Ciegra Story Cover - Not currently available on the Web
http://www.merwolf.com
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]
**REFLECTIONS FROM THE PAST by Melissa Good -- [Alt]
Already responsible for six of the most popular, most loved XWP stories on the Net, Missy latest is a combination uber-Xena/clip show story which already looks like it will easily match the outstanding body of work bearing this writer's name. As the story begins Xena and her bard are still hibernating in Amphipolis, enjoying the peace of their home and the simple comfort of just being with one another. They decide to work on translating the ancient scrolls they found while visiting Jessan's people in BOUND. Before long they are uncovering an emotional tale, almost as passionate and poignant as their own, involving a village girl named Ardwyn and the enigmatic Viking warrior who captures her heart. All the while the story revealed in those scrolls is awakening memories in Xena and Gabrielle, memories of the times they've shared and the long road they've traveled to get to the happiness they're now blessed with. Missy's flashbacks continue to be among the best in the business, giving us insights into scenes from the TV show and filling in the time in between episodes like no other fan fiction has ever done. The uber sections in this story are also particularly well written - done in a style that is different from the rest of the novel and adds tremendously to the atmosphere of the more ancient story. In a rather angst-filled third season, this newest Missy offering is a godsend folks! What are you still doing reading this review???? GO READ THE STORY!!! It gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! [Do not miss THE LONGEST NIGHT which preceeds this story and DARKNESS FALLS which follows it, part of the JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES] 158 pgs., - 1/31/98
RELATED STORIES BY OTHER AUTHORS: LITTLE THINGS by Dave G
FANFIC ART: Barron Story Cover
http://ausxip.com/bards.html#melissa
http://www.merwolf.com/ffiction.html
[French version: REFLETS DU PASSÉ translated by Fryda at http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Studio/4243/missy.html]
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]
**RINGING IN THE YEAR by Melissa Good -- [Alt]
Missy takes a short break from her hit Xena/Gab fiction series to revisit uber darlings Dar and Kerry in a delightful little holiday tale set after A PRESENT UNDER THE TREE which has the two preparing for some New Year's fun and getting inspired in the process to plan for a future now looking a lot more promising. As usual, Merwolf gives us here a tale full of heart about two soulmates still in that giddy stage after having just discovered one another. This one will definitely help with the Dar/Kerry withdrawal until Missy turns her full attention back to them again. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [See the sequel HURRICANE WATCH, part of the DAR AND KERRY SERIES] - 9 pgs., 5/26/99
http://www.merwolf.com/ringing.html
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]
**TERRORS OF THE HIGH SEAS by Missy Good - [Alt]
Missy's beloved twosome are back and as usual - getting into trouble in this fifth novel in the DAR AND KERRY SERIES which finds them planning a nice, quiet, relaxing little vacation in the Caribbean...only things don't quite turn out as planned. Before long Kerry is playing hero and getting a clueless admirer in return, Dar is skillfully dodging a mysterious black ship intent on pursuing them, and the two are dealing with a growing mystery on their hand as they investigate rumors of piracy and realize that they may have stumbled upon a much more serious cover-up than first suspected. One of the most charming pairings in uber fandom, Dar and Kerry never take for granted the cherished connection between them as they continue to develop their relationship and strengthen it even amidst the chaos that usually surrounds them. Skillfully merging humor with equal parts mystery, drama and romance, Missy continues to deliver regular doses of some of the best fiction on the Net. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 239 pgs., 2/4/02
http://www.merwolf.com/terror1.html
**TROPICAL HIGH by Missy Good - [Alt]
After another of her trademark LONG hiatus and riding on a little tropical high of her own (cough, cough >:-) the Merwolf brings back our beloved uber twosome Dar and Kerry in a new high-tech adventure drama that as usual promises to keep us WELL satisfied in the months (and knowing Missy possibly YEARS ;-) - ahead. As the story commences the grrls are separated with Dar turning heads and trying to make the best of it at a business meeting in New York. Back in Miami, Kerry is keeping those home fires burning as she makes sure things continue to run smoothly at the office, makes plans for the Thanksgiving dinner they will be hosting for friends and family and spends a bit of time volunteering with a group of teenagers who like Dar - think she's just the coolest! ;-) With Dar looking forward to the new work she'll be doing for the military and Kerry settling into her position as vice-president, lots of challenges will await these two on the professional front while on a personal level their relationship continues to grow and strengthen, always remaining a sanctuary of love and acceptance and support against whatever life throws their way. A Missy story amounts to our very own port in the storm of life - giving us a chance to escape every day troubles and concerns by immersing ourselves in the lives of two beautifully crafted heroines, a whole slew of wonderful supporting players and a story full of heart, and humor and passion and suspense. The equation should be easy by now folks. Missy+Dar+Kerry = HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! [Part of the DAR AND KERRY SERIES] [unfinished] - 7 pgs., 4/4/00
FANFIC ART: Emese Felvegi Story Cover
http://www.merwolf.com/high1.html
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]
**TROPICAL STORM by Melissa Good -- [Alt]
Time for uber-Xena fans to rejoice as the incredibly talented Missy Good extends her gift of storytelling into the contemporary uber realm. Missy's latest is a departure from everything she's done before - a story set in modern-day Miami, centering on the lives of two strangers whose destinies bring them together amidst the turmoil of a hostile corporate takeover. Wealthy, brilliant and deadly, Dar Roberts has cultivated a well-earned reputation as one of the most efficient corporate raiders in the Information Technologies business. To her bosses she is a formidable weapon to be used in the never-ending struggle for power, control and profit. To the people employed by the companies she assimilates - the executive is a predator - cold and merciless. It is a reputation she is living up to as she prepares to decimate the work force of a recent acquisition. In charge of that work force is Kerry Stuart - a smart, young manager whose life had been going well until the recent turn of events. With dogged determination, Kerry has escaped the pressures of family to make her own way in the world - establishing a career and rising quickly within a small company - only to now have to face the prospect of those efforts being for naught as a disconcertingly beautiful blue-eyed shark strolls into her office. Missy's many strengths are quickly in evidence throughout the first parts of this story - rich descriptions that engage your every sense - multi-layered characterizations that draw you into the psyche of the characters and a story very much grounded in human emotions, human frailties and strengths along with the raw vulnerabilities that ultimately make us all seek the comfort of another soul. Working in the the Information Technologies industry herself and a fellow Miamian, Missy also imbues the story with a very realistic feel. Another outstanding offering from this bard, TS gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!! [See the follow-up A PRESENT UNDER THE TREE, part of the DAR AND KERRY SERIES] - 457 pgs., 9/30/98
RELATED STORIES BY OTHER AUTHORS:
**UNMASKED HEARTS by Missy Good - [Alt]
Merwolf treats us to a very special visit with Dar and Kerry in this look back at their first Halloween together. Set just after Kerry began working at EDS, the story has the young newcomer shopping for a costume for the upcoming office Halloween party and feeling a bit angsty about fitting in. For her part, Dar plans on avoiding the festivities as she's always done but those plans start to go awry when her new assistant gently prods her to go awakening within the executive a peculiar urge to scandalize her co-workers...and mingle a bit more with a lovely little revolutionary. One of the best in the fandoms in the use of flashbacks, Missy essentially devotes an entire story to one here giving us a delightful insight into those first stirrings of friendship and more between Dar and Kerry. Amusing and sweet, this is yet another terrific addition to one of the finest series in the fandom. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 20 pgs., 10/31/01
http://www.merwolf.com/academy/halloween/missy_unmaskedhearts.html
**WARRIOR BY ANY OTHER NAME (A) by Melissa Good -- [Alt]
Long and very well written, this story explores the themes of tolerance and friendship as Xena and Gab help a strange man-like creature and his people in their struggle to survive the fear and hatred of neighboring humans. For those of you who were fans of the TV series BEAUTY & THE BEAST, the character of Jessan will remind you of the character of Vincent! This is an alternative story but contains no graphic scenes. In its discovery stage, the relationship between Xena and Gabrielle depicted here is very sweet and at times deeply moving. DO NOT MISS the sequel AT A DISTANCE. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! [part of the JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES] - 238 pgs., 4/29/97
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**WINTER'S ENDING by Melissa Good -- [Alt]
With this bard in our folds, Xenites have to simply be the LUCKIEST fans on the Net. Yes folks...she's baaaaaaack - and as usual she's back with another EXCEPTIONAL novel. When I have to review a new work by Missy I take out my thesaurus because inevitably I find myself in need of synonyms for the word "fantastic"...soooooo, thesaurus in hand - here we go! :) As with all her novels to date, this new work is a sequel to what has gone before so if you haven't read Missy's previous novels treat yourself to the experience. In order they are A WARRIOR BY ANY OTHER NAME, AT A DISTANCE, HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS and BOUND. Set after the events in BOUND, the beginning of this novel chronicles a quiet time in the lives of the Warrior Princess and her bard. Having faced adversity, struggled with old wounds from the past and deadly enemies in their present, having finally surrendered to the love which binds their minds, their hearts and souls as one, Xena and Gabrielle have settled in Amphipolis for the Winter. With a home of their own at long last, family surrounding them and a joining to look forward to, their happiness seems assured. The Winter is hard, however, and long and before it's over warrior and bard will once again face new challenges - the first one of which arrives with a friend in trouble and young lives on the line. Missy's depiction of the Xena/Gabrielle relationship remains second to none. In this story she continues the technique she started using in BOUND, offering flashbacks of past events in the lives of Xena and Gabrielle. These are often as emotional and captivating as the greater story, adding depth to the already outstanding characterizations. There is a warm, poignant beauty to Missy's writing that just dazzles the soul. I have no doubt that even people who have never seen XWP would be hooked if they read a Missy story. Sit back and enjoy folks because we have some wonderful weeks ahead of us as this story unfolds. As with everything to date that has come from the Good keyboard - it is NOT TO BE MISSED and gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! Note: This story is not explicit. [Do not miss the sequel THE LONGEST NIGHT, part of the JOURNEY OF SOULMATES SERIES] - 491 pgs., 10/16/97
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