UBER-XENA AND ORIGINAL FICTION REVIEWS
P-Q
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.
The file includes reviews of both uber-Xena and/or original fiction. It is a combined file of general and alternative stories. The alternative titles are designated as such with an [Alt] at the end of the title line.
Also, several of the uber stories deal with the characters of Mel Pappas and Janice Covington featured in the episode THE XENA SCROLLS. Mel/Janice stories are designated as such with a [M/J] at the end of the title line. You can also find them listed separately in the Mel/Janice Fan Fiction Reviews
**PAPPAS JOURNALS II (THE): IN THE REICH by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Elaine_Sutherland.shtm.htm">Elaine Sutherland - [Alt, M/J]
This sequel to Elaine's OUTSTANDING first work THE PAPPAS JOURNALS maintains the exceptional quality of storytelling she established in that first foray into fan fiction. THE PAPPAS JOURNALS II is truly one of the most incredible, moving works of fiction I've read in a long time - commercial fiction included. ANYONE who loves reading or writing will be affected by this story which at its very core is a celebration of the written word - of the power writing can have in our lives - of how words can reach across the centuries to encourage hope and determination and strength of will. It is a story which begins where THE PAPPAS JOURNALS left off - with Mel and Janice still in Greece working on the translations of Gabrielle's ancient scrolls as World War II rages around them. With the blood of heroes running through their veins, it isn't long before they are themselves involved in the war and once again becoming intimately acquainted with the barbarity of Nazi Germany as Mel is captured and has to try to survive by finding inspiration in the efforts of a long dead bard - a bard who recognized how words can honor valor and strength and love generations before that awareness would become part of the historical record. All the while Janice is putting into play a desperate plan to try to save her beloved partner...and keep from the Nazis a revelation of such magnitude that it could rock the very foundation of the world they live in. This is writing at it's very best folks. Told like the first story as a series of journal entries, this tale is a deeply personalized look at the worst and the best humanity has to offer. Elaine's characterizations have a wonderful depth to them as does her treatment of a relationship between the leads that is firmly rooted in commitment, loyalty and the fiercest of loves. Give yourself the gift of reading and the magic of storytelling that is this piece of fan fiction. It receives my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!! - 4/12/98
FANFIC ART: a href="http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Bungalow/2591/index.html#Journals">"Melinda Pappas" and "Janice Covington" by Barbara Maclay
https://www.altfic.com//subtextfic/Xena/elainesutherland/inthereich1.html
[Palm Pilot version available at a href="http://members.xoom.com/xenadocs/sutherland.htm">XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]
**PARTY (THE) by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Bat_Morda.shtm.htm">Bat Morda - [Alt, M/J]
The Flying Mammal returns and she returns IN STYLE with a story that will knock your socks off...as well as anything else you might be wearing while trying to read this distinctly stimulating new offering ;-) Once again featuring Bat's favorite uber-duo, the tale has Janice and Mel arriving separately at a costume party which soon turns into en erotic challenge for the two as they struggle through the evening trying to resist the temptation of one another. This is foreplay at its most masterful in a sexy, romantic piece grounded in love. Having set the standard for the depictions of Janice and Mel in alt. fiction, Bat continues to add depth and charm to these two popular descendants of the Warrior Princess and bard. A highly entertaining, skillfully written addition to fanfic that is a MUST READ! VERY HIGLY RECOMMENDED! - 3/26/98
FANFIC ART:
**PAST THE POINT by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Sharon_Bowers.shtm.htm">Sharon Bowers - [Alt]
In May 1998 Xena fanfic readers got their first glimpse of what went on to become one of the finest stories in the genre and one of the most popular uber titles by far - Sharon Bower's incredible LUCIFER RISING. In one of the most anxiously anticipated fanfic sequels Sharon now continues the story of the stunningly beautiful ex-DEA agent, Jude Lucien, and her gutsy partner, reporter Liz Gardener. The story opens with a playful moment of relaxation as the two enjoy a day off testing their baseball skills with friends. It's a deceptively peaceful time which gives little indication of the life and death struggle the two women recently went through or the emotional challenges they've been facing since. Those challenges, however, remain very much in the thoughts of both women as they strive to overcome old demons and lingering fears in hopes of continuing to build the shared future they so desperately want. It's a future they're gonna have to fight for because Jude Lucien has made many enemies, including one that knows her very well and may not be quite ready to let bygones be bygones...Jude Lucien and Liz Gardener are two of the most thoroughly well-developed and engaging characters you will ever come across in fiction. Recalling elements of the warrior and bard, the two heroines are unique in their own right with strong personalities and an intense, deeply passionate relationship. Building on that relationship, Sharon now offers us the beginning of what promises to be yet another intense rollercoaster ride. One for the MUST READ list folks. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [unfinished] - 34 pgs., 4/2/99, re-released 10/19/99 and 1/28/00
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Workshop/6715/Point1.htm
**PERSISTENCE OF MEMORY by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Paul_Seely.shtm.htm">Paul Seely and a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Jennifer_Garza.shtm.htm">Jennifer Garza - [Alt]
This is the highly anticipated sequel to one of the best uber-Xena stories available on the Net, SURFACING. Featuring one VERY deadly encounter between a trained killer and the men assigned to protect its quarry, the opening sequence is a gripping combination of suspense, action, intrigue and pathos - set in sharp contrast to the scenes which follow as we see Diana and Charlie enjoying domestic life. The months of tranquillity, however, have not affected the ex-agent's razor-sharp senses which soon enough are warning her that the peace she's been enjoying may just be coming to an end. The story maintains the great contemporary feel of SURFACING and gives the relationship between Diana and Charlie an easiness and a level of comfort that reveals their love even in the smallest of gestures. - 1/29/98
FANFIC ART: a href="http://members.xoom.com/Ciegra1/PersistenceR.html">Ciegra Story Cover
https://ausxip.com/fanfiction/m/memory1.html
PERSONALS (THE) by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Bongo_Bear.shtm.htm">Bongo Bear - [Alt, M/J]
*Priceless* is the word that comes to mind about this brief new offering from a VERY clever bard ;-) Janice and Mel translate some ancient personal adds a certain warrior and bard posted over the years... Adorable! - 10/1/97
http://xwp-altfic.simplenet.com/bongo-personals.txt
PHOENIX AND THE FLAME (THE) by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/PatR.shtm.htm">PatR - [Alt, M/J]
This is a long Mel/Janice story that has the archeologist traveling to New Orleans where Mel is trying to decide what to do with the house she's inherited from her uncle. Amidst the familiar setting, Mel finds herself sharing some painful memories - memories of feeling different, feeling rejected, feeling lost and finding only cruelty in those around her. The revelation opens the way for a new intimacy between the two friends just as some of those old ghosts come back to haunt the beautiful Southerner. This story features a very different interpretation of the Mel character and a nice depiction of the relationship. A great read! - 1/15/98
a href="http://www.sonic.net/LightStreams/AAfanfic/phoenix.html">http://www.sonic.net/LightStreams/AAfanfic/phoenix.html
**PHOENIX SAGA by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Nene_Adams.shtm.htm">Nene Adams - [Alt] - [Read in the order listed below]
PILLOW TALK by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Verrath.shtm.htm">Verrath
Another charming new entry in the TELL ME SERIES which has Sina and Gabby pondering the meaning of good and evil during a sleep-over. Deceptively innocent, the conversation is telling of the girls' mindsets and their tremendous devotion to one another. Sweet. - 4 pgs., 4/22/99
http://fan-fic.com/Verrath/tellme/pillow.htm
[German version: BETTGEFLÜSTER translated by Verrath at http://www.fan-fic.com/Verrath/tellme/pillowd.htm]
PLAY TIME by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/WrshpXena.shtm.htm">WrshpXena (Tiggster) - [Alt, M/J]
Mel and Janice spend a little quality time together after a hard day's work, melting all sorts of things in the process ;-) Playfully sizzling. - 6 pgs., 2/24/99
http://TiggsXenaPage.simplenet.com/PlayTime.html
PLAYGROUND OF THE PAST by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/BikerBard.shtm.htm">BikerBard
This delightful contemporary uber story follows a fourth grade loner on her first day at a new school as she observes the interactions of the kids during recess and finds herself drawn to a blonde little chatterbox perhaps too brave for her own good. A terrific retelling of the first meeting between two old souls under not too different circumstances. Nicely written tale guaranteed to put a grin on your face. DO NOT MISS! - 3 pgs., 1/17/99
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Chamber/7473/playground.html
**PLUG AND PLUNGE by Nit and Wit (aka a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/TZ.shtm.htm">TZ and a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Silk.shtm.htm">Silk) - [Alt]
This new offering could have gone in the general fiction section. There really is NO reason why this couldn't have gone in the general fiction area. It's just an innocent little uber story about a master plumber and a client in need of her services. Still, knowing "Nit and Wit" all too well, there's just SOMETHING about this tale that got me suspicious so I thought I'd play it safe and include it under my alt. section. One cautionary note - for some reason that plumbing section of the hardware store is gonna seem much more...interesting after...er...plunging into this story A MUST READ likely to wet your appetite for some plumbing advice ;-) DO NOT MISS! - 9 pgs., 2/24/99
http://www.fortunecity.com/village/villageplace/334/plug-and-plunge.html
**PRESENT UNDER THE TREE (A) by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Missy_Good.shtm.htm">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:
**PRIZE (THE) by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Wishes.shtm.htm">Wishes - [M/J]
Wishes has become known for producing among other things some exceptional Mel/Janice stories. This newest one is very likely her best one to date! I haven't had this much fun reading a story in a long time! It is a FANTASTIC blend of those good old fashion WWII war/spy movies with a horror motif and of course - Mel and Janice!! Just be warned that you may not have any nails left at the end of this tale! The story has our intrepid archeologist and her tall, blue-eyed partner accepting a mission, with Janice posing as one of Hitler's deadliest interrogators, that will take them into Nazi-controlled Transylvania where rumors abound of a deadly, new German secret weapon. It is a mission that will bring them face to face with horrors both ancient and new and which once again will reinforce the link between them and a warrior and bard long-dead. The story is chock full of action and intrigue but it is the loyalty between the two friends, their love and concern for one another that stands out. A GREAT read that comes VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Note: The story contains subtext. - 11/23/97
https://ausxip.com/fanfic/judy/theprize.html
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/prize1.htm
PROMISE ME by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Liltrain.shtm.htm">Liltrain - [Alt]
A very emotional uber tale about two of our most painful social ills, child abuse and domestic violence, Liltrain's latest is set in the present day where two soulmates find their love challenged by a brutal cycle of violence. Having survived a childhood filled with pain, betrayals and fear, Jamie Myers is shattered when the one person who's helped her forget those memories suddenly brings them back in a moment of thoughtless anger. Unaware of Jamie's past history with abuse but having seen her share of violence growing up, Kris Grier is horrified when she finds herself suddenly revisiting that violence. In the days ahead the two will recall the wonder of their first meeting, the excitement and nervousness of their courtship, the bliss of their developing relationship and the agony of those childhood years as they work their way back to one another and try to break the cycle of violence now threatening the most precious love each has ever known. Liltrain serves us here with a very poignant story that vividly portrays the lifelong effects of exposing children to abuse and violence. The leads are developed through a series of flashbacks into two very human characters who recognize the obstacles placed in their path by hellish childhoods and yet find the strength to deal with these head on. The story is well-written, effective in its approach and ultimately reaffirming. DO NOT MISS! - 16 pgs., 9/4/00
http://tiggsxenapage.com/XenaVerse/LilTrain/PromiseMe.htm
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