THURSDAY FAN FICTION REPORT - 7/16/98
[Previous report was for 7/14/98]

Hi guys,

Barron has added a couple of new fan fiction covers to his terrific collection. Available now are covers for UBERMADNESS: THE BATTLE FOR THE THIRD AGE by Bat Morda at: http://barron.simplenet.com/Content-Xena/ubermadness.html

And two new covers for Missy Good's LEAP OF FAITH at: http://barron.simplenet.com/Content-Xena/leapoffaith.html

Make sure to check out Barron's other fanfic covers at: http://barron.simplenet.com/Content-Xena/Covers.html

Half and half tonight, three new ones, three updates.

GENERAL FICTION:

TWO HEARTS, ONE SOUL by Silk
The third entry in Silk's TALES FROM THE BARD SERIES, this latest story is set at the beginning of THE QUEST and has a distraught Gabrielle telling her dead partner the moving tale of how a god's cruelty once created soulmates, dooming these to suffer the ache of separation unless reunited by fate. Like the others in the series, this newest entry cleverly incorporates fiction with mythology while spotlighting the bard's storytelling skills. Nicely written.
http://members.tripod.com/~Fruit_2/fiction/soul.html

XENA'S CHOICE by Lara Zielinsky
Part four is now available. This EXCELLENT new story starts off immediately after the events in the episode SACRIFICE II, with a desolate Xena no longer caring whether she lives or dies, dispassionately doing Ares' bidding while forcing out of her thoughts any memory of the life she led during the past three years, of the hopes a young bard dared to inspire within her. Meanwhile, a confused Gabrielle finds herself traveling from one nightmare into another as the decision she made in Britannia once again leads to awful repercussions. Trapped in a very dark place, the bard must challenge the fiercest of opponents if she hopes to ever get out - an opponent that is once again ruthlessly living up to her reputation...as the Warrior Princess. In this latest part Ares and his Chosen prepare to bring terror upon the land as Gabrielle continues trying to reach her partner. This is an intensely psychological tale revolving around very well drawn portrayals of our two heroines. It also features a strong supporting cast and a storyline that will have you anxiously awaiting that next installment. A fascinating read! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [unfinished]
http://members.aol.com/lzclotho/mainstream/xchoice1.htm

ALTERNATIVE FICTION:

AFTERMATH: THE TREE OF LIFE by XWP Fanatic
Set in the world of Xena the Conqueror we first met in the HERCULES episode ARMAGEDDON NOW, this VERY promising new story has the ruthless empress holding a contest to try to determine what "truth" is...with dire consequences for the loosers. Undaunted and despite having first-hand knowledge of the woman's cruelty, Gabrielle choses to participate, driven by this stubborn need to somehow reach the ice cold heart no one else seems capable of breaching. It marks the beginning of a difficult journey for both of them as the Conqueror finds herself intrigued by the young upstart and Gabrielle finds herself suddenly a part of the empress' life - forced to join her on a campaign against the very enemy that helped to make her into the dreaded Destroyer of Nations. Very well written, with a fascinating premise and great characterizations of the Xena and Gabrielle from that alternate world, this one has all the signs of a terrific story in the making. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [unfinished]
https://ausxip.com/fanfic3/aftermath-thetree.html

MAKE ME by Suzar
A very intense and rather unconventional look at the dynamics between Xena and Gabrielle and how these work to keep the warrior grounded amidst the violence in her life. Revolving around the fierce passions battlelust can inspire, this story has a poignant grittiness to it that will hit you right in the guts. It is likely not everyone's cup of tea but it is certainly a powerful cup at that. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [Note: story features rough language.]
https://ausxip.com/fanfic3/makeme.html

UBERMADNESS: THE BATTLE FOR THE THIRD AGE by Bat Morda
Part 5 is now available. The very talented Bat Morda returns with the long-awaited sequel to THE SEARCH FOR AMPHIPOLIS. Set one hundred years after that story, it chronicles the continuing struggle of Xena and Gabrielle's descendants against the God of War...only this time around those descendants may in fact be more than just descendants. The story begins with hacker extraordinaire Xero, deadly, beautiful and not keen on trusting people, narrowly escaping an assassination attempt. Soon she is joining forces with Rielle, a beautiful, green-eyed blonde who claims to know what is happening - but as a syscop, also happens to be a hackers worst enemy. All the while the skeptical Xero is learning more about a certain warrior of legend - and learning more about herself in the process. In this latest part a rebellious Xero continues to fight against what her dreams and her heart are beginning to tell her while danger lurks near Rielle. Bat does a wonderful job here of creating a futuristic world filled with personalities that should be familiar to many of you in the Xenaverse. Her Xero is a gritty, no-nonsense type very reminiscent of warlord Xena while Rielle embodies the best of Gabrielle - intelligent, determined, and very much ruled by her heart. Still unfinished, this story is not to be missed! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! [unfinished]
https://ausxip.com/bards2.html#bat

DENY OR EMBRACE by D. Joan Leib
Part four is now available. Intriguing story which finds the warrior and bard on a seemingly normal day enjoying the countryside when a terrifying vision brings them to a standstill. Determined to learn more about what may have sparked that vision the two decide to spend time at a nearby village where preparations for an annual ritual have come to a halt after an important part of that ritual turns up missing. Joan is doing a skillful job of building the sense of mystery in this. Solid writing in a tale with great promise. [unfinished]
http://www.englishchick.com/fic/xena/deny.htm

For those of you reading this post who are not familiar with the term alternative (alt.), it refers to ADULT stories that add a romantic element to the relationship between Xena and Gabrielle, depicting them as more than just friends.

Happy reading!

Lunacy 8-)