XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS - GENERAL FAN FICTION REVIEWS
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Reviewer can be reached at lunacy@dc.seflin.org
Last updated: 12/10/00

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

WAKE OF DARKNESS (THE) by Wakar
A very short vignette set during the episode THE RECKONING which features the missing scene just after Xena gives in to her blood lust in the cell and lashes out against Gabrielle. - 1 pg., 9/23/97
http://www.sonic.net/LightStreams/FanFiction/Wake.html

**WALL (THE) by Hobbes
While visiting with an old friend of Xena's, a heart-breaking tragedy deeply affects the warrior once again bringing to the surface the massive guilt Xena continues to struggle with and causing her to pull away from Gabrielle - rebuilding the walls the bard has so painstakingly been pulling down during the past two years. This is a well-written, emotionally gripping tale which manages to blend the playful qualities of the Xena/Gabrielle relationship with the more intense aspects of the friendship - the support and unconditional love which for the warrior has become a lifeline. One of Hobbes' best. Originally posted on the NetForum in April 1997. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENEDED! - 13 pgs., 12/11/97
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/wall.htm

WAR-LOVER (THE) by Kaiser
Rousing adventure tale that has Xena and Gabrielle traveling to the lands of the North where the Warrior Princess finds herself once again face to face with the bloody warlord who was at one time her mentor...and later one of her greatest enemies. This time the two find common ground as they are forced into battle with a threat that could potentially endanger all they hold dear. Meanwhile, Gabrielle struggles to make a connection with a lost tribe of Amazons that seem to have long forgotten their heritage. It is a struggle that will thrust the little bard into the middle of a war forcing her to make decisions that will change her forever. This is a well-written, action-packed story with solid characterizations. DO NOT MISS! - 44 pgs., 1/31/98
http://xenafan.com/fiction/content3/warlover.html

WAR OF SILENCE by Tammy
A very intense and highly emotional hurt/comfort story by a new bard. Xena is in a panic after discovering that raiders have attacked Poteidaia, kidnapping a visiting Gabrielle. The true, mystery, however, begins after the warrior finds her friend, in shock and strangely unable to tell what happened to her. Desperate for revenge, the Warrior Princess is then challenged to try to control these feelings so she can care for a bard who is suddenly very fragile and completely dependent. This story features a poignant look at the relationship between warrior and bard as they discover in each other their greatest strengths. Included with the individual chapters are WONDERFUL new poems by Tammy and well-known Xenite bard Wishes. Note: The story does include graphic violence. - 40 pgs., 9/1/97
https://ausxip.com/fanfic/warofsilence1.html
http://xenafan.com/fiction/content/warofsilence1.html

**WARLORD'S LEGACY (A) by Rachel2
This is one of my all-time favorite XWP stories - a fantastically well-written, sobbering look at the reality of war and violence. Xena and Gabrielle try to help a village Xena once decimated from getting attacked once more. Meanwhile they must deal with the hatred of the victims Xena left behind there and with the pain of a young bard having to come to terms with the realities of her hero's past. MUST READ! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! [See note under THE DEMON about Rachel2's stories] - 40 pgs., 1996.
https://ausxip.com/fanfic/warlordlegacy.html

**WARRIOR...PRINCESS...GOBBLE? SERIES by Silk - [Read in the following order]

1. **GREAT TURKEY MYSTERY (THE)
2. **GREAT TURKEY CRUSADE (THE)
3. **GREAT TURKEY EXPLOSION (THE)
4. **GREAT TURKEY STAMPEDE (THE)

WARRIOR'S FRIEND (A) by Silk
Wonderful new story by this prolific talent which tells of a time in Xena's life not often explored in fan fiction - the transitionary period just after her fateful encounter with Hercules, when she first decided to abandon her life as a warlord. Silk has her meeting a very important friend during this time - a friend that in years to come will prove among the most loyal and trusted Xena has ever had. The characterization of the warrior is particularly astute, depicting a Xena that still instinctively reacts like a warlord while consciously trying to do good. Unusual, well thought out and entertaining. NOT TO BE MISSED!! - 7 pgs., 12/10/97
https://ausxip.com/fanfic/wfriend.html

WARRIOR'S HEART (A) by Linda Tellez (aka Saahira)
An epilogue to Linda's SOLSTICE MOON which finds Xena suffering from her wounds and a god learning more about himself than he ever wanted to learn. Different and nicely written. -- 9 pgs., 8/16/98
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Chamber/7473/warriorsheart.html

WARRIOR'S LAMENT (A) by L. Fox
Emotional vignette set after the episode DEBT II - BETRAYAL which has Xena wondering about the repercussions recent events will have on her relationship with Gabrielle. - 2 pgs., 12/2/97
http://www.gabbyfan.com/fiction/lament.htm

WARRIOR'S NEW ARMOR (THE): A XENAVERSE FAERY TALE by Nene Adams
This third entry in Nene's XENAVERSE FAERY TALES series has Joxer acquiring an "invisible" armor that seems to leave most people thoroughly incapacitated...with laughter ;-) Funny tale. - 4 pgs., 3/29/98
http://www.corrieweb.com/faery/warriornew.htm

WATERFALL by Onora
A waterfall and a warrior prove more than enough inspiration for a restless bard in this almost poetic little tale. - 3 pgs., 2/11/99
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Chamber/7473/waterfall.html

**WEEK IN THE LIVES OR THE WEEK THAT WAS by Maggie and Peribear
Xena fan fiction stands out for including some of the best bards writing today and some of the best stories being produced ANYWHERE - including the commercial arena. Even among such quality offerings, every once in a while a story comes out that is a touch above the rest - a story that leaves you certain upon finishing it that you've just read something very special. This new tale brought to us by the combined talents of Maggie and Peribear is such a story. Based in spirit on the episode A DAY IN THE LIFE which many, many Xenites consider their favorite and EVERY fan senses was a unique moment in the series, Maggie and Peribear's new story follows the warrior and bard through the course of a week - charting not only their adventures, but the interactions between these two - the moments of hilarity, the easiness born of an unquestionable trust, the familiar comfort in each others presence, and most of all, the expressions of deep love and friendship. The story is structured exactly like the episode from which it gains its inspiration - as a series of vignettes occurring this time over the span of a week - each separate little stories that could stand on their own. In the first one, the theme of family is established as Xena and Gabrielle happen across an old man who mistakes the warrior for the granddaughter he once adored. It is a theme that will be carried throughout the rest of the vignettes as the two friends deal with a painful memory from Gabrielle's past, spend time with Xena's mother, survive a difficult ordeal on the road, constantly tease and prod one another - each seeking revenge for being the others source of amusement, and ultimately reaffirm the very special bond that makes them both each others family. This is one of the BEST stories I suspect we will ever see in XWP fan fiction. It could EASILY be the next episode done in the fashion that ADITL was done and I have NO doubts it would become as big of a favorite with the fans. This tale simply put is a gift from Maggie and Peribear we all need to be very grateful for. A definite MUST READ which carries my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! - 74 pgs., 7/21/97
https://ausxip.com/bards2.html#maggie&peribear
http://xenafan.com/fiction/content/aweek1.html

WHAT IF... by Hobbes
Xena and Gabrielle offer to help a town deal with some dangerous thieves only to soon discover a greater evil at work behind the thefts. With few options available to her and the evil growing stronger Xena soon realizes she may have to resort to desperate means in order to stop it - possibly sacrificing the respect of the one person who means more to her than anyone. A terrific read with a skillful combination of drama, humor and suspense. Originally posted on the NetForum in April 1997. DO NOT MISS! - 24 pgs., 12/11/97
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/whatif.htm

WHAT SOME WILL DO FOR AN APPLE by Xenrielle
Sweet story that has Gabrielle challenging the Warrior Princess to a little race and then unexpectedly winning...or perhaps not so unexpectedly ;-) Nice slice-of-life piece depicting a moment in a very special friendship. - 3 pgs., 7/6/98
http://www.ozemail.com.au/%7Exenriele/yarns/stories/for-an-apple.htm

WHATEVER IT TAKES by Rebekah
An epilogue to the episode A NECESSARY EVIL which offers an intriguing depiction of the Warrior Princess. Rebekah's Xena in this story is very much on the money I think - as true to the character as anything we've seen in either fan fiction or the TV series. The story has Gabrielle trying to understand her friend's sudden ruthlessness and Xena being painfully honest about who she is, what drives her, and what she is capable of when cornered. - 6 pgs., 5/13/97, re-released 12/3/99
http://www.caveofchoirs.org/stories/fanfic/xenaff/whatever.htm
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

WHEN DARKNESS FALLS by Marie E. Costa
A riveting vignette set just before the events in the episode THE GAUNTLET which has a stubborn Warrior Princess rebelling in the challenge and blood and darkness of war...only to feel so very empty afterwards. A solid exploration of Xena's state of mind at the time she first began wishing for more than the life of a warlord. - 2 pgs., 7/8/98
https://ausxip.com/fanfic3/whendarknessfalls.html

WHEN EVIL MEETS ITSELF by TZ
Amusing little offering that has Hope learning just how tough the life of an evil goddess can be ;-) Cute. - 1 pg., 9/17/98
http://www.fortunecity.com/village/villageplace/334/evil.html

WHEN THE SUN BEGINS TO SET by PruferBlue
Determined to make sure Ares never gets his Warrior Princess back, the goddess Discord decides to try to frame Ares for the murder of a certain blonde bard... It's a plan that will leave Gabrielle a stranger and Xena desperately struggling to get her friend back. Action-packed story with lots of satisfying angst. - 93 pgs., 12/12/98
FANFIC ART: Ciegra Story Cover
http://members.aol.com/surtees1/hurt.html

WHEN YOU CARE ENOUGH by Marie E. Costa
Set during and after the episode TIES THAT BIND, this vignette shows how the warrior and bard became closer during that trial. [Note: Sixth story on the page] - 2 pgs., 10/8/97
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/lifehapp.htm

WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT OR THE LAST SCROLL by Visitor
In her final hours the Bard of Poteidaia writes of the epic battle that finally rid the world of Dahak bringing the time of the Olympians to an end and ushering in a whole new era - less fantastic but perhaps...just as deadly. Imaginative offering by an always very original bard. - 3 pgs., 10/9/98
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/2015/lastscroll.html

WHISPERS IN THE DARK by Becky Lutzke
A moving if sometimes disturbing tale set after the events in the episode ONE AGAINST AN ARMY which has Gabrielle trying to survive a harrowing ordeal in a Persian dungeon - still holding on to the hope that Xena escaped the fire set by Persian soldiers to the barn they took refuge in back in Tripolis. Amidst the cold emptiness of that dungeon a voice in the dark reaches out to the bard, encouraging her to hold on even when all seems lost. Known for her courageous, strong depictions of Gabrielle, Deanlu once again delivers in this haunting story an admirable depiction of the bard. DO NOT MISS! - 10 pgs., 6/21/98
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Corridor/6211/whisper.html

WHISPERS OF INSANITY by Tragedy88
A tale of madness and forgiveness which follows the thoughts of a tortured mind as it seeks vengeance on a memory from the past. Tragedy's unique writing style in this adds dramatic impact to the story. Intense. -- 8 pgs., 8/22/98
http://members.tripod.com/~Trag_88/fanfic/fanfic2/insanity.html
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

**WHISTLING DOWN THE WIND by Nene Adams
Based on the short story, "O, Whistle and I'll Come to You My Lad" by E.F. Benson, this is a decidedly EERIE new offering set on a cold, rainy night that has the warrior and bard seeking shelter in a crowded in with only one room left. Despite the inn-keeper's panicky reluctance to rent them the room, the two insist, dismissing the man's concern as the usual type of superstition they've come across in the past at small villages. Only this time, it isn't superstition they'll be up against - but a very real, and very deadly evil lying in wait for that next unsuspecting victim... The story unfolds through a series of alternating scenes which very effectively build the suspense, imparting a growing trepidation on readers and characters alike. Well- written and executed, this is one to read late at night right before going to bed - preferably on a rainy night when the wind is howling. A terrific read that comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! [Part of the CHAMBER OF HORRORS SERIES] - 8 pgs., 12/18/98
http://www.corrieweb.com/chamber/whistle.htm

WHITHER THOUG GOEST by Onora
A very touching, nicely written story based on the Book of Ruth from the Bible that has Xena and Gabrielle meeting Ruth as she travels with her family to the land of their birth. The warrior and bard offer to escort them in a journey which will have the two of them thinking about their friendship...and learning to treasure it even more. - 12 pgs., 2/7/98
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Chamber/7473/whither.html

WHO WOULD BE OUR HERO NOW? by ProudWarrioress
Sensitive vignette set after the end of SACRIFICE II which finds the Warrior Princess devastated. - 2 pgs., 5/20/98
http://members.tripod.com/~ProudWarrioress/fanfic/whowouldbe.html

WHY DO YOU SUBMIT? by Alan Plessinger
Interesting fanfic piece which attempts to address Xena's frustrating tendency to let guilt get the better of her at some inopportune times. Awaiting justice in the poorly secured jail of a town she once wronged, Xena tries to convince one very angry bard to let justice run its course. Needless to say, the bard isn't about to listen. This is a particularly timely read after a viewing of the episode LOCKED UP AND TIED DOWN. - 6 pgs., 2/27/00
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/whydoyousubmit.htm

**WOMAN CALLED ALIKA (A) by M. Parnell
When you finish this story you will likely sit in stunned amazement for a while. As we have come to expect from works by M. Parnell, the writing is excellent but beyond that the depth this story brings to XWP fan fiction really raises the genre to a whole new level. This is a dark story that looks at the cruelty of the human soul and the injustices it is capable of inflicting under the guise of righteousness. As it begins, Xena is telling Gabrielle of a place near where they're traveling called The Vale - a place she never attacked during her years of pilaging - a place which to this day gives the proud warrior "the creeps." Little does Xena suspect that her destiny will bring her to The Vale and that in that place the Warrior Princess will be lost. Prepare yourself for a VERY different characterization of our heroine. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 66 pgs., 5/9/97
https://ausxip.com/fanfic/alika1.html
http://xenafan.com/fiction/content/alika1.html

WOMAN-CHILD (THE) by Cobra II
This tale has Xena and Gabrielle trying to rescue an old friend of the Warrior Princess from slavers - a young woman with mental disabilities who has always had a special place in the warrior's heart. Sensitively told, this story features well-developed characters and a rare look at the humanity which remained within Xena even during her days as a warlord. - 22 pgs., 6/16/97
http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content3/womanchild.html

WORST FEAR REALIZED by Barry Marshall
Xena and Gabrielle come across a strange obelisk that has an unusual effect on the Warrior Princess endangering their friendship and their very lives. - 9 pgs., 1/24/98
http://members.aol.com/xxlbadboy/worst.htm

**WOUND (THE) by Wishes
Fantastic new story that has this talented bard returning to her roots - once again writing a tale about the warrior and bard she first wrote about on the NetForum long ago :) This latest effort has Xena and Gabrielle dealing with a serious injury to the former warlord - an injury which leaves the two suddenly very vulnerable and facing some difficult choices. This is a mystical story that captures beautifully the two things that are at the core of what many of us like best about XWP - we get a terrific depiction of Xena the warrior - what makes her who she is - the reality of her life - her solid determination to endure against the greatest of odds. We also see the strength of that relationship between warrior and bard - what they mean to one another and what they are both willing to give up for the other. BEAUTIFUL storytelling! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 19 pgs., 12/10/97
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Chamber/7473/thewound.html
https://ausxip.com/fanfic/judy/thewound.html
[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]