NOTE: I do not update these reports after they are posted so some of the links may not work after a while. If you find a broken link check the title in the alphabetical lists of alternative or general reviews at the end of this report.

MONDAY FAN FICTION REPORT - 4/19/99
[Previous report was for 4/17/99]

Hi all,

Justice House Publishing is making available for publication additional titles by some of our most popular Xenite bards. They are now taking orders for SURFACING by Paul Seely and THE WESTERN CHRONICLES by BL Miller and Vada Foster. For ordering information go to: http://www.houseofbards.com/Store/novels.htm

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

ALTERNATIVE FICTION

NANO #7: WORK AND ENERGY by Jules Mills
Jules continues her fabulous NANO SERIES with Grace and Doc enjoying some quality time after their recent ordeal with the FBI. Doc knows just the way to release some of that pent-up stress too but ends up creating, much to her delight, one very determined and sexy little monster in the process. It's a playful, peaceful, loving time for the both of them but one unlikely to last in light of a pending family visit and the resurfacing of some unpleasant figures from the past... Grace and Doc are today easily among the most popular couples in uber fanfic with the reason for that very much in evidence in these opening chapters. Jules has given their relationship a spontaneity and wit and charm that is incredibly engaging and thoroughly addictive. The more you see of these two, the more time you want to spend with them. Starting of with some devilish humor, passionate romance and the inklings of serious conflicts to come, this one is well on its way to maintaining the quality of this exceptional series. It gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! [unfinished] - 19 pgs.
http://members.tripod.com/~jules_mills/nano7p1.html
http://ausxip.com/fanfiction/n/nano7p1.html

BEYOND WORDS by Katrina
A gorgeously crafted, sensual vignette about passion and poetic inspiration ;-) Katrina uses the English language much like a gifted artist wields a brush, creating rich images with the careful selection of words and the juxtaposition of key phrases. I think this woman could probably turn a grocery list into a sensual experience. When her subjects are Xena and Gab...well...that just probably makes her task easier if no less impressive. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 2 pgs.
http://bearblue.150m.com/library2/1990s/STO/beyondwords.html

JUDGEMENT DAY by T. Novan
The latest installment in the RAISING MELOSA SERIES is an intense chapter in the lives of Xena, Gabrielle and Melosa as the Amazons pass judgement on a crime against their royal family and a future queen is tested. An excellent exploration of the family dynamics in this one. DO NOT MISS! - 4 pgs.
http://ausxip.com/fanfiction/j/judgementday.html

DARKNESS BEFORE THE DAWN by Bel-wah
Part 3 is now available. This gifted writer brings us the first part of what already feels like one SPECTACULAR uber story. Set in the present day and featuring an incredibly timely storyline, Bel_Wah's latest begins in the Big Apple as all the principals are gathering together. On one side of town, Captain Catherine Phillips rushes to grab a taxi on her way to the airport and the passenger airliner she'll be piloting on its way to Rome. Termed by some of her co-workers as "Frosty the snow-bitch" but known by others as an intelligent, no-nonsense professional, the beautiful Air Force veteran has come to a crossroads in her life. No longer fulfilled by her job, she carries a letter of resignation fully intending for the trip to Rome to be her last in the employ of Orbis Airlines. On another side of town a van also rushes to the airport carrying the Orbis crew members who will be servicing that flight. The youngest among them, Rebecca Hanson, is a dedicated flight attendant who's worked her way quickly up the ranks through hard work and determination. Looking forward to the layover in Rome, Becky nevertheless feels the nerves upon hearing she'll be working with the infamous Captain Phillips. All too soon she's meeting the woman and not under...ideal circumstances. The third group of players are the final ones to arrive - fiercely loyal to a homeland torn apart by war, the Albanian nationals board the flight to Rome under false identities, determined that before the night is over they will have set in motion a plan to force the hand of the world's greatest superpower - caring little for the fellow passengers whose lives they're about to change and fully prepared to sacrifice those lives for their desperate cause. In this latest part all hell breaks loose as the hijackers take control and plans go awry. In the grand tradition of those action-packed, emotional airport thrillers which have always been a popular draw - comes an ideal uber story with compelling, solid characterizations. Addressing a crisis we are seeing on our TV sets every day right now and coupled with a very distinct modern atmosphere, the story also offers a terrific timeliness. This one should keep us glued to those monitors in the weeks ahead. A MUST READ! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [unfinished] - 22 pgs.
http://ausxip.com/fanfiction/d/darknessbeforedawn1.html

THE BARD OF AVON by Jennifer Bracanovich
Chapters 5-6 are now available. A new entry in the popular BLOOD AND ROSES SERIES, this tale is set in 16th century England where Xena, the immortal daughter of Ares, and Gabrielle, immortal daughter of Bacchus have arrived at a little town called Stratford where Gabrielle's storytelling and poetic skills quickly impress a fellow bard there named William lately suffering from a bad case of writer's block. Unbeknownst to the two ancient partners, in London another is aware of their presence in English soil - a woman with the power of an empire in her hands and a heart lonely for the company of kindred souls. In these latest chapters Xena meets another bard while in London a hunt is planned. Injecting historical figures into the BLOOD AND ROSES canon, this story presents a fascinating premise with a nice blend of humor and drama. One to watch in the coming weeks. DO NOT MISS! [unfinished] - 4 pgs.
http://bearblue.150m.com/library2/1990s/STO/brose/bardavon.html

DARK COMES THE MORNING by Melissa Good
Part five is now available. 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. In this latest part warrior and bard make their first attempt at recruiting some help against the evil threatening them and the whole of Greece. 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! [unfinished] - 26 pgs.
http://www.merwolf.com/morning1.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-)