XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS - XENA THE CONQUEROR FAN FICTION REVIEWS
Reviewer can be reached at lunacy@dc.seflin.org
Last updated: 02/15/01

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

This is a combined file of both general and alternative fan fiction reviews. The alternative stories are designated as such with an [Alt] at the end of the title line.

Definition of Xena The Conqueror fiction

ANTONIUS SITUATION (THE) by CJ Wells - [Alt]
In this sequel to the stories EMBRACE and FREEDOM, the Conqueror takes the first step toward some semblance of normality in her new life with Gabrielle when she frees the young slave. Together, the two start off on a long and difficult road toward healing that will have Xena struggling to keep her darker impulses in check and Gabrielle fighting to overcome her fears as she sets out to help the woman she loves emerge from behind those walls around her heart. Meanwhile, enemies of the empire will challenge the Conqueror forcing Xena to once again taste the savageness of war and calling attention to the young woman who's quickly becoming the Conqueror's one vulnerable spot. The story features some very emotional moments as it continues a fascinating treatment of the relationship between these two women. If you enjoyed the earlier stories make sure to put this one on your list. [See the sequel DARPHUS' REVENGE] - 22 pgs., 2/27/00
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/antoniussituation.htm

BREACHING BARRIERS by C. Paradee -- [Alt]
Gripping new Conqueror story that has the feared empress suspecting that all is not as it should be in her realm. Determine to personally investigate any threats to the empire, the Conqueror decides to go among the people in search of dissenters and traitors. Meanwhile, in a small village a young healer named Gabrielle works hard to try to survive under the Conqueror's harsh regime, even risking death by maintaining a secret herb garden so she can have something to treat the sick with after Xena's soldiers come around for their usual tribute. It is while tending to that garden one night that her life is forever altered when she's discovered by none other than the Conqueror herself. Intrigued by the young healer, Xena decides to delay the usual punishment of death so she can look into the girl's claims of corruption among the soldiers. Thus begins an unusual friendship as the Conqueror finds herself loosing her heart at a time when she might just be loosing her empire and Gabrielle discovers the love of a lifetime in an enemy she once feared above all others. Featuring a nice depiction of the relationship and a suspenseful plot, this is an engrossing read. DO NOT MISS! - 95 pgs., 2/21/99
FANFIC ART: C Paradee Story Cover
http://www.storycorner.org/cparadee/Conq1.htm
[French version: LA BRÈCHE translated by Nathalie at http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Land/8379/tradsbis.html]

**COMPLICATIONS by Gin -- [Alt]
Gin continues the captivating tale she began in NEGOTIATIONS with a very promising new sequel that finds the Conqueror and the Queen of the Amazons now very happy trying to make a life for themselves in a world filled with responsibilities, and dangers and reputations to maintain. First up will be the challenge of a separation as Xena is called away to resolve problems in Chin and the young queen must try to deal with her loneliness amidst dangers that are much too close to home. Gin continues here imbuing the relationship between Conqueror and Queen with a wonderful mixture of tenderness, love and fierce passion. She crafts a well-written tale that includes a strong cast of supporting characters, some very surprising twists and some intriguing problems for our heroines to overcome. A worthy entry in the fascinating conqueror genre. DO NOT MISS! [See the sequel INVITATIONS] - 287 pgs., 11/17/98
FANFIC ART: "Conqueror Of The Known World" by Barbara Maclay
https://ausxip.com/fanfiction/c/compl1.html

1. **JOURNEY'S END - [Alt]
2. **PETAL OF THE ROSE (THE) - [Alt]

**CONQUEROR'S STONE (THE) by DJWP -- [Alt]
One of our most gifted bards returns with her first foray into the world of Xena the Conqueror. Proving once again her skill at delivering some of the most original fanfic in this fandom, DJ brings us a clever twist on the Conqueror canon which begins with the Conqueror immersed in her typical brand of sadistic cruelty as she prepares her evening's entertainment but the Xena that awakens the next morning is a very different woman. With memories of having gone to sleep the night before with her beloved bard in her arms, Xena is utterly confused when she finds herself in a castle she does not recognize, surrounded by strangers all hailing her as the ruler of the known world - and no bard in sight. A harsher truth awaits her when she eventually comes face to face with her partner once again and has to accept the reality of what her life has been like in this alternate world - a life in which deadly enemies are her advisors, trusted friends are now her enemies, and the love of her life has become one of her many victims. Poignant and riveting, this is a very imaginative storyline with good use of the many recuring characters from the series and an intelligent, heroic portrayal of the Warrior Princess. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 91 pgs., 5/26/99
http://members.xoom.com/poorldl/SOWP/Fanfic/STONE1.html
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

DARPHUS' REVENGE by C.J. Wells - [Alt]
CJ continues her Conqueror saga in this sequel to the THE ANTONIUS SITUATION which has the reality of who the Conqueror is and what her life is like testing the blossoming relationship between her and Gabrielle as never before. Aware that the Conqueror almost killed her friend Bahri and sensing that Xena's life will forever be immersed in darkness while she continues to revel in violence and revenge, Gabrielle tries to change the warrior without any initial success but in the process she embarks on a new life for herself that may ultimately motivate the Conqueror to reevaluate her own life. CJ does a good job here of bringing in an important part of Xena canon with the introduction of the Amazons into the equation. She also develops the characters further as Gabrielle finds a new sense of confidence and Xena confronts a will almost as stubborn as her own. Another entertaining entry in the series. - 29 pgs., 3/26/00
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/darphus.htm

**THE EMBRACE and FREEDOM by C.J. Wells - [Alt]
These two Conqueror tales recount the same story, told first from Gabrielle's point of view and later Xena's. It's a compelling story, at times troubling, at times deeply poignant, of two very different souls drawn together and yet kept apart by the insecurities and fears and harshness learned in a world where the struggle for survival can harden one's heart and the quest for power can require one's humanity in tribute. As the story begins, Gabrielle has been living in the Conqueror's castle for a while now, suffering mistreatment, abuse and humiliation in a situation growing more puzzling by the day. Resigned to her life as the Conqueror's slave, Gabrielle has learned to deal with the mistreatment. What is more confusing are her feelings for the Conqueror and the Conqueror's own mystifying behavior toward her - showing gentleness one moment and brutality the next, at times revealing vulnerability only to erase that in an instant with the Destroyer's traditional mask of coldness. What the young slave doesn't suspect is the tumultuous battle raging within the Conqueror's soul as Gabrielle's gentle presence is slowly tearing down walls put there by an indomitable will long determined to hurt and destroy others before they could get past those walls. It's a battle for the heart of a woman who long ago forgot how to love - a battle for the soul of a Conqueror immersed in darkness, responding despite itself to a spirit whose nobility even darkness cannot dim. CJ has based her stories on others that have recently appeared offering a very dark portrayal of the Conqueror. This type of Xena fanfic is heavily psychological in nature exploring the psyche of a character used to expressing her power and control by hurting others who is suddenly having to deal with a newly awakened conscience and the human being responsible for that change. Moreover, it's a character study as well of a young woman who somehow manages to keep her humanity despite the savagery of the world around her - in the process helping to change that world. CJ takes the story to a very satisfying conclusion that validates the struggle these characters go through. EMBRACE and FREEDOM offer an occasionally unsettling but very moving and ultimately reaffirming look at what our heroine's lives might have been under different circumstances. DO NOT MISS! [Note: The stories both include and refer to instances of physical abuse. See the sequel THE ANTONIUS SITUATION] - 11 pgs., 10 pgs., 1/29/00.
AWARDS: "Constant Arousal" Swollen Bud Award (June 15, 2000)
EMBRACE - http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/theembrace.htm
FREEDOM - http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/freedom.htm

**FALL (THE) by C Paradee - [Alt]
Intent on capturing the rebel leader who managed to escape her dungeons, the Conqueror leads the search only to soon find herself badly injured, betrayed by one of her own, with her empire at stake and dependent on the one person she never thought would offer her aid...the very rebel she was hunting. In the weeks to come, the distrustful empress will slowly recover from one fall only to experience an even more intense one - falling for a young woman she once hoped to destroy and learning along the way that the greatest victory of all is a conquest of the heart. C Paradee does a very nice job here developing the relationship at a gradual pace, imbuing it with an increasing sense of trust and respect. Solid writing and a compelling plot keeps you glued to the screen. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 58 pgs., 10/23/00
http://www.storycorner.org/cparadee/Fall.htm

55-WORD XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS FAN FICTION - [Alt and Gen]
A clever on-going exercise in Xena fanfic, this series consists of stories told in 55 words. Ranging from traditional Xena yarns to ubers, general and alternative forays, funny and serious tales, the entries in the series make use of every word resulting in stories that run the gamut from cute to surprisingly thought-provoking. A fun new development in Xena fanfic DO NOT MISS!
http://www.forevaxena.com/fanfictiondelights/fanfic/fanfic.html

**FREEDOM - see THE EMBRACE by C.J. Wells - [Alt]

**HANGING GARDENS (THE) by XWP Fanatic -- [Alt]
The second episode in the SEVEN WONDERS SERIES after Fanatic's extraordinary AFTERMATH: THE THREE OF LIFE this sequel continues the story of Xena the Conqueror and her lovely consort, Gabrielle, Queen of the Amazons as they travel to exotic Babylon home of one of the wonders of the Ancient World, the majestic Hanging Gardens. There to celebrate the anniversary of King Nebuharin's reign, Conqueror and queen begin to suspect the intentions of the crafty Babylonian ruler the minute they spot a Roman flag among the ships in the harbor. Joining the other rulers also invited to the festivities they soon learn of Nebuharin's plans for the historic gathering - only there are other plans afoot as well...ones which may endanger the Conqueror, her queen and the still fragile happiness they have found together. Fanatic continues here the very solid characterizations she established in the first story as she develops the relationship between a very dangerous, very driven, very smart Conqueror who is nevertheless pitifully ignorant when it comes to affairs of the heart, and a stubborn Amazon queen with a gentle soul, a wisdom that is often beyond her years and a keen understanding of those affairs of the heart. Establishing in the first few chapters what promises to be one heck of murder mystery, this tale surrounds the Xena/Gab romance with a terrific sense of suspense and intrigue. A MUST READ that comes VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! - 279 pgs., 3/6/99
FANFIC ART: Ciegra Story Cover
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~theconqueror/thg1.htm
https://ausxip.com/fanfiction/t/thehanginggarden1.html

**HEALER (THE) by Katrina - [Alt]
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

HEARTS LOST AND FOUND by HeronW - [Alt]
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

**HOME AGAIN by Planet-solin - [Alt]
The SPECTACULAR sequel to IF...THIS HAD BEEN THE BEGINNING picks up the story where the first one left off, with the Conqueror on her way to fight the Horde forces in the North, while back in Corinth Gabrielle spends time learning about her partner's government. These are lessons that will serve her well in the weeks ahead when, too lonely to stay in the palace without the Empress, she decides to pay a visit to Poteidaia. The fateful trip will unleash a series of events that will have the young bard making a heartbreaking choice between her past and her present and will have her embarking on a new adventure into Amazon territory where a new future awaits her. Meanwhile, Xena will be tying up several loose ends, dealing with enemies both outside and within her empire, all the while looking forward to a reunion with her bard. When ultimately that reunion is delayed, it is a VERY determined Conqueror who will go looking for the blonde storyteller, intent on destroying whoever has kept Gabrielle from her and about to realize just how much trouble the young woman can get into. Planet-solin gives us here an absolutely MARVELOUS re-working of the Xena/Gabrielle story we fist saw in the TV series, expertly weaving in many of the same major elements of the story but massaging them to better fit the Conqueror timeline and to develop further the captivating relationship between warrior and bard depicted here. These are two of the best characterizations of Xena the Conqueror and Gabrielle the bard I've ever seen. Planet-solin makes Xena a very appealing character despite the Conqueror's brutality - a warrior but also a woman in transition, rediscovering her humanity and reaching out toward an emotion she never thought she needed. Gabrielle is delightful - smart, sometimes foolishly brave, insightful and with that penchant for trouble that was an endearing hallmark of the character as she was first conceived in the TV series. This story DEFINITELY proves that sequels CAN be every bit as good as the original stories they're based on. Put it at the top of your MUST READ list folks - it gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! [See the sequel SURRENDER] - 72 pgs., 6/18/00
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/homeagain.htm

**I, CONQUEROR by Sword'n'Quill - [Alt]
One of the most talented writers in Xena fanfic brings us her own version of the Conqueror in a SPECTACULAR story guaranteed to keep you on the edge of that computer chair. It begins innocently enough in the familiar world of Xena and Gabrielle as the two settle down in each others arms for a night's rest but in the morning things are very different for the young bard when she wakes alone to face a terrifying new reality - a reality without her beloved warrior where all of Greece and most of the known world are held in the grip of a ruthless Conqueror. It's a reality that has come to pass through the interference of a foe Gabrielle knows only to well. Charged with a mission to try to return time to its normal course, the bard will work to evade that foe but one confrontation she will not be able to avoid for her mission, her life and the fate of the world itself depends on it. The bard knows she must come face to face with the Conqueror and upon doing so she must then somehow find a way to reach the soulmate buried beneath those cold, royal trappings. SwordnQuil delivers here a masterful effort with first class writing, compelling characterizations and a gripping storyline. Her Conqueror is absolutely riveting - a NO-nonsense, brilliant, DEADLY warrior long-used to hiding even the barest hint of vulnerability. Her Gabrielle is gutsy and determined with a nobility that touches even the most jaded of souls and a staunch belief in her warrior that remains despite the extremes the Conqueror goes to test it. The Conqueror genre just keeps getting better and better guys :) VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 129 pgs., 2/9/00
https://ausxip.com/fanfiction/i/i_conqueror.html

**IF...THIS HAD BEEN THE BEGINNING by Planet-solin - [Alt]
Nothing satisfies that fanfic addiction quite like a good Conqueror tale and guys - this one is FABULOUS! In a departure from the more traditional Conqueror tales which usually have Xena and Gabrielle in an adversarial role following the canon established by the ARMAGEDDON Hercules episode that introduced this alternate reality, Planet-solin's story has the two becoming unlikely friends early on. An independent young woman determined to make her own way in the world, Gabrielle has cultivated a strong reputation as a talented storyteller traveling the countryside and earning the respect even of the Conqueror's own troops. Despite the relative peace the Conqueror's rule has enforced, however, life on the road can be a very dangerous place as the bard comes to learn one fateful day when she draws the attention of several ruffians. To her great relief, a stranger saves the day - a tall, beautiful warrior with eyes like blue steel whom Gabrielle is immediately drawn to and with whom she soon finds herself sharing frank opinions about the ruler of the land and the state of affairs in the Conqueror's realm. Having saved the girl while on her way to visit some of her troops, the Conqueror is both intrigued and unsettled by the young bard, knowing she should be outraged by some of the things Gabrielle is saying but feeling instead utterly charmed and surprisingly challenged by the insightful arguments. Reluctant to see any harm come to the young woman the Conqueror shadows her as Gabrielle goes on her way but in the days and weeks to come their paths will cross again as they continue to seek one another out - sensing a connection that transcends the impossibilities of a friendship between them and drawing the attention of those waiting to exploit whatever vulnerability surfaces in the life of the feared Destroyer of Nations. Planet-solin has drawn here two of the most compelling characterizations of Xena and Gabrielle in the alternate Conqueror time line I've ever come across. The Conqueror here is not a monster. She's an incredibly focused, driven warrior who's survived and built an empire by cultivating a fearsome reputation but underneath that cold exterior remains a yearning for the one thing power and wealth and victory have never brought her - a true friend. Gabrielle is an independent spirit with uncanny insight despite her innocence and an admirable drive to pursue her dreams no matter the odds. The relationship these two nurture is electric and sweet, funny and poignant, passionate and decidedly romantic. The first part of a planned trilogy, this tale establishes an engrossing premise guaranteed to keep you reading 'til the WEEEEEE hours if you start it late so plan accordingly :) A MUST READ, this gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! [See the sequel HOME AGAIN] - 80 pgs., 6/13/00
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/ifthishadbeen.htm

**JOURNEY'S END by L.J. Maas
Marking L.J's first forays into the Conqueror genre, this FANTASTIC new story offers a twist on the traditional Conqueror tale presenting us with an older version of the Destroyer of Nations than we're used to seeing. In her mid-forties, L.J.'s Conqueror is a ruler who's now grown weary of the intensity and violence of her younger days. Still a remarkable beauty and still capable of the ruthlessness that carved out her empire, Xena is nevertheless now a warrior in transition - a woman who's learned that no amount of conquest or riches will fill the emptiness within. It is with little enthusiasm then that she prepares to inspect the batch of slaves offered by one of her governors, knowing she must choose one as the customary gift she usually accepts but now seldom uses...only this time a pair of frightened green eyes literally takes her breath away, awakening a compassion and protectiveness within the Conqueror she hasn't felt in years. In the days and weeks to come the feared Empress will find herself going out of her way to avoid frightening her young slave. Struggling against her own rougher edges and the pitiful submissiveness that has allowed Gabrielle of Poteidaia to survive years of servitude, Xena will work to return the dignity long stolen from the young woman, discovering in the process that the heart of a slave may just be the greatest treasure she ever wins. LJ is crafting here a truly exceptional tale, beautifully written, with poignant characterizations that both contrast and complement one another. The Xena and Gabrielle she presents us with here are on the surface very different women but they share a loneliness that comes from the extreme circumstances of their lives and a mutual empathy that gives them a unique insight into one another. Immediately compelling, this latest contribution to the popular Conqueror genre is certain to make it even MORE so. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [See the sequel THE PETAL OF THE ROSE] - 200 pgs., 7/21/00
FANFIC ART: