UBER-XENA AND ORIGINAL FICTION REVIEWS
T
Reviewer can be reached at lunacy@dc.seflin.org
Last updated:
03/19/01
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
TAKE THE WIND by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Michelle_L_Frazier.shtm.htm">Michelle L. Frazier - [Alt]
After her ship's latest raid, pirate captain Alex Savage finds herself in the unlikely role of protector when she takes in the doomed ship's cabin "boy" in the hopes of keeping Genevieve Dubois' real gender a secret. Despite the discipline of her crew, Alex knows that having a beautiful innocent female on board is not a good idea. The one thing she doesn't count on is the effect the girl will have on her...or the power of her own considerable charms on Genevieve Dubois. This is an entertaining tale in the best tradition of those action-packed pirate sagas of old. The Xena and Gabrielle archetypes fit the pirate setting to a tee. - 26 pgs., 8/16/99
FANFIC ART: a href="http://members.xoom.com/Ciegra1/TakeTheWindL.html">Ciegra Story Cover
https://www.altfic.com//subtextfic/Xena/frazier/takethewind.htm
TELL ME, GABRIELLE by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Verrath.shtm.htm">Verrath
Atop her mighty steed Argo (the bicycle ;-) and with her little partner in crime, Gabrielle, in tow, Sina the mighty Warrior Princess decides to take a detour on their way to school to once again challenge the man-eating giants of Deathbringers's Ditch...not to mention the security guard at the local quarry! Cute modern day uber with a delightful portrayal of that loyal friendship. - 5 pgs., 3/30/99
http://fan-fic.com/Verrath/tellme/tellme.htm
[German version: ERZÄHL'S MIR, GABRIELLE! translated by Verrath at http://fan-fic.com/Verrath/tellme/tellmed.htm]
TELL ME SERIES by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Verrath.shtm.htm">Verrath - read in the order listed below:
FANFIC ART:
**TENDER IS THE NIGHT by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Llachlan.shtm.htm">Kieran Llachlan Leavitt - see SILENT LEGACY
**TERROR IN THE AMAZON by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Rachel2.shtm.htm">Rachel2 - [Alt, M/J]
Rachel2's second Mel/Janice story after THE AEGIS continues the level of excellence this bard established long ago with her first forays into XWP fan fiction. WONDERFULLY original, suspenseful and emotional, this story takes the archeologist and her partner to the wilds of the Amazon where a fantastic discovery has been made. Unfortunately, one liiiiiitle problem keeps stalling things at the dig - workers are dying left and right and the natives fear a curse is at work. Amidst those challenges, stand the ones of the heart as Janice struggles against feelings she fears will only leave her broken-hearted and Mel finds herself embracing ones she's never had before. Rachel2 is known for her very careful characterizations and the thoughtful treatments she gives to the relationship between her characters. Her stories are consistently excellent reads and this one in particular is VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! [See also the sequel HOUSE ON REDMEN'S HILL] - 8/28/97
http://xwp-altfic.simplenet.com/rach-terror.txt
THESE DREAMS by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Verda.shtm.htm">Verda - [Alt]
A very nice debut from a brand new bard, this contemporary uber story begins with an exciting surprise for a young artist named Samantha when a friend informs her that she's seen "Blue Eyes" - the mysterious woman that has haunted Samantha's dreams since childhood and that has become the major subject of most of her drawings. Thrilled by the possibility that Blue Eyes might be a flesh and blood person, Samantha sets out to find her certain the woman must be her destiny. Meanwhile, in another part of town, executive Tess Richmond is busy planning the latest attack on her father's company, determined to make the man pay for his cruelty toward her and her mother. Aware that the man has hired a private investigator to look into her affairs, Tess is delighted to hear about the pretty young blonde that has been asking about her. Coming face to face at last with the young woman, the shrewd executive decides to teach her a lesson the blonde wont soon forget, never even suspecting the terrible mistake she's about to make and the fragile heart she'll decimate in the process. Verda gives us here a poignant story of revenge and misundertandings and the healing power of love. A riveting storyline that will keep you hitting that pagedown key :) DO NOT MISS! [See the sequel THE ENEMY WITHIN] - 33 pgs., 2/14/99
FANFIC ART: a href="http://members.xoom.com/calliweb/thesedreams.html">Calli Story Cover
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/thesedreams.htm
**THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Nene_Adams.shtm.htm">Nene Adams - [Alt]
The latest entry in Nene's CHAMBER OF HORRORS SERIES is a compelling, heartbreaking, shocker of a tale that will have you glued to that monitor 'til the very end so reserve the time for this one folks. Set in the 12th century convent on a remote island of the Irish coast, this is the tale of an abandoned child found by the nuns there - her emerald eyes unseeing and her small body sporting the signs of horrific abuse. With no memories of her past and under the gentle care of the sisters, the girl grows up into a beautiful young woman, independent and head-strong despite her blindness, afraid only of the monster that haunts her dreams. Aislinn's life at the convent is peaceful and uneventful until the day a stranger comes to the island - a warrior whose visit could bring the convent much-needed money and prestige, who awakens in the young woman feelings she's never had before but whose appearance also coincides with a series of bloody killings and strange sightings as the sisters become convince that something is stalking not only their sheep but also the blind girl they found so long ago. Rich in atmosphere, Nene's stories have an extraordinary power to transport the reader into another age and place. Her characterizations have an understated quality to them that let you become intimately acquainted with these characters in a very short time. Blending the supernatural with the even more terrifying darkness that sometimes dwells in the human heart, this story packs a wallop. A MUST READ for anyone who enjoys quality fiction and a truly horrifying tale. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 42 pgs., 3/15/99
http://www.corrieweb.com/chamber/nuns1.htm
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Chrysippa.shtm.htm">Chrysippa - [Alt, M/J]
An exciting adventure that has the granddaughters of Mel Pappas and Janice Covington digging in the ruins of an ancient city when they find a mysterious mirror which opens a window to the past, revealing what happened during the last days of that city. The ancient story begins with Xena and her bard responding to a distress call from an old friend of the Warrior Princess - a beautiful queen whose kingdom is on the verge of destruction both from natural forces and human greed. Undaunted, Xena and Gabrielle put into play a desperate plan to try to save the inhabitants and themselves before it's too late. All the while, the two are struggling with lingering insecurities and old wounds, loving each other and yet doubting they are worthy of that love. Well-written and origial, this is a fun read. - 3/4/98
http://xwp-altfic.simplenet.com/ThroughtheLookingGlass.txt
TIOPA KI LAKOTA by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Redhawk.shtm.htm">Redhawk - [Alt]
Set in 18th century America amidst the Lakota Indians, this new offering from Redhawk is a colorful, historical romance that begins with the birth of yet another girl-child to the proud Lakota warrior Wanbli Zi. Hoping for a son, the warrior is nevertheless assured by the tribes' shaman that the child's future will not be an ordinary one - he has seen visions and in those visions the child follows the way of the warrior. Fifteen years later the shaman's prophecy has become reality as that girl-child is well on her way to becoming an accomplished hunter and fierce warrior but before then she must face a coming of age... and a vision of her own. Redhawk is doing a nice job here of integrating the Xena canon into the native American culture of this period in history. Well written with good characterizations. - 479 pgs., 5/11/99
AWARDS: a href="http://members.spree.com/entertainment/sb_awards/index.html">Swollen Bud "All Nighter" award" (March 23, 2000)
FANFIC ART:
TIRED by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Verrath.shtm.htm">Verrath - [Alt]
I have no idea why I'm putting this story in the alt. category and I want no e-mail asking me about it so be warned ;-) It just WANTED to go in this section. It's a story about a Beamer, a Roadster, puddles of...er...hot oil and love on the road :) Featuring guest appearances from Verrath's other popular fanfic creations - Gabby from the TELL ME SERIES and a certain feline pair from THE HEART OF A LEOPARD this is probably a bit extreme even for the uber genre but just TOO cute for words :) DO NOT MISS! - 3 pgs., 5/7/99
FANFIC ART: a href="http://fan-fic.com/Verrath/artwork.htm">Verrath Story Cover
http://fan-fic.com/Verrath/other/tired.htm
[German version: GERÄDERT translation by Verrath at http://www.fan-fic.com/Verrath/other/tiredd.htm]
**TO KNOW YOU by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Raine.shtm.htm">Raine - [Alt]
Grab a BIG box of tissues before sitting down to experience this beautiful, heartwarming and gut-wrenching story of courage, determination and a very special friendship. Set in modern-day Austin, Texas, the story follows the struggle of Samantha Thomas, a gifted young artist recently diagnosed with Cancer, as she endeavors to continue her work with a design firm while fighting the effects of Cancer treatments and hiding her condition in fear that it might affect her professionally. In charge of the advertising project Samantha is assigned to, Helen Riley is not only impressed with the young artist's skills but strangely drawn to her as well - feeling a connection between them that pulls at Helen even more strongly when she begins to sense that something may not be quite right with Samantha Thomas. This is a SPLENDID hurt/comfort story with a very touching depiction of two soulmates finding one another in one of those dark hours and together, fighting to rediscover the light. A MUST READ! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [Note: story contains subtext; see the sequel TO LOVE YOU] - 56 pgs., 2/27/00
FANFIC ART: a href="http://www.dreamworker-magazine.com/fanfic/toknowyou.html">Raine Story Cover
http://www.dreamworker-magazine.com/fanfic/toknowyou.html
**TO LOVE YOU by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Raine.shtm.htm">Raine - [Alt]
In this sequel to Raine's very moving first uber TO KNOW YOU, Sam is the one providing support for her friend as Helen deals with a visit from her estranged mother and learns some disturbing news. Unfortunately, more heartache awaits the two friends as a dark spectre from the recent past comes back to haunt them possibly testing them as never before. Raine has skillfully developed the relationship between these two women into a marvelously committed and uplifting friendship that will charm you, make you laugh, make you cry and make you desperately pull for them in this new crisis. A DEFINITE must read. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 53 pgs., 2/27/00
http://www.dreamworker-magazine.com/fanfic/toloveyou.html
**TO STAND TOGETHER THROUGH THE STORM by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Sword%27n%27Quill.shtm.htm">Sword'n'Quill - [Alt]
An adventure-drama set in modern times, this EXCEPTIONAL novel is the sequel to Sword’n’Quill's THE STRANGER IN YOUR EYES which had the ancient immortal Xena at long last reuniting with her beloved bard after Gabrielle was reincarnated in another's body. Set a short while after the end of that first story, this new episode begins with a tender, peaceful interlude as warrior and bard reacquaint themselves with one another, rediscovering the love and passion and wonder of two soulmates too long denied. Soon enough though - the outside world snakes its way back into their lives as Xena is asked to assist in an investigation of a white supremacist group suspected in a growing number of disappearances. At the same time, Gabrielle reveals the real reason Hades allowed her to return to the world of the living - to make an appeal to the immortal warrior for her help in stopping an ancient God determined to reclaim his powers by plunging the world into a renewed cycle of hatred and war. There's only one way to stop the coming Armageddon...and it demands a price even Xena may not be willing to pay... Mixing moments of nostalgia with a deeply touching love story, SIZZLING romance, suspenseful action, and the charming humor ingrained in the bard's efforts at familiarizing herself with the modern world, Sword’n’Quill's latest is a captivating tale you will not want to put down 'til the very end. Beautifully written and edited, this one is a definite MUST READ! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 349 pgs., 4/17/99
FANFIC ART: a href="http://members.xoom.com/Ciegra1/ToStandR.html">Ciegra Story Cover
https://ausxip.com/fanfiction/t/tostandtogether.html
[Palm Pilot version available at a href="http://xenadocs.freeservers.com/sword.htm">XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]
TOMORROWS PAST by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/sHaYcH.shtm.htm">sHaYcH - [Alt]
Futuristic uber-Xena story that has Natasha Romanoff, a descendant of the Warrior Princess, learning about an insidious plan set in motion by an old enemy of Xena's to undo all the good that came from Xena's life. Determine to restore the legacy her ancestor gave to the world, Tasha makes a decision that will change her life forever. This story bestows a nice sense of timelessness to the romance of Xena and Gabrielle. - 12/17/97
https://ausxip.com/fanfic/tommorrows.html
**TOWARD THE SUNSET by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Della_Street.shtm.htm">Della Street - [Alt]
A new story from a favorite bard of mine who comes through BIG TIME with this WONDERFUL Uber-Xena tale set in the American West of the nineteenth century and featuring a couple of descendants of the Warrior Princess and her bard - Jess Chambers, a dangerous gunslinger with a bad reputation and Mattie Brunson, a gentle school teacher with a penchant for adventure and a liking for dark, outlaw-types ;-) Intrigued by the secretive outlaw, Mattie soon finds herself as inexplicably drawn to Jess Chambers as the outlaw is to her - only Mattie is used to listening to her heart while the gunslinger has hidden hers behind a wall the little school teacher may never be able to breach. Very well-written, this story offers us fully developed characters that although similar to Xena and Gabrielle, stand on their own merits. The depiction of the Old West is very well done with some recognizable elements thrown in from the Xena/Gab story to make it familiar. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! - 8/10/97
FANFIC ART:
**TREE GROWS IN MESOPOTAMIA (A) by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Joanna.shtm.htm">Joanna - [Alt]
We've seen uber stories set in other time periods, other countries, heck even other planets - now Joanna expands that ever-popular genre with one featuring...other species ;-) Yes this is the story of Xree and Gree - two trees in a forest (really :) brought together by fate and a fervent desire for cross pollination. It is the story also of Xree's quest for redemption as the once feared perennial now devotes herself to saving foliage and inspiring - swollen buds >:) PRICELESS does not even come close to describing this little gem - just be warned that after reading this you're gonna be thinking up plant jokes for HOURS! It's contagious I tell YOU!! This is the latest addition to a collection of sketches by this bard that really needs to be required reading for any serious fanfic reader - you wont be serious for LONG!!! ;-) VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 3 pgs., 10/20/98, 3/11/01
a href="http://cousinliz.com/fanfic/joanna_atgim.html">http://cousinliz.com/fanfic/joanna_atgim.html
**TRIAL OF CONSCIENCE by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Troubleshooter.shtm.htm">Troubleshooter - [Alt]
A SPECTACULAR debut for a new bard, this riveting uber novel is a combination legal thriller/romance set amidst the high-power world of a Louisiana Law Firm owned by one of the country's most brilliant, and fiercest legal predators. Used to making millions in the blink of an eye and with a mind that never stops, Evin Moran lives to do battle in the court room. Having established her reputation with a stunning victory in a landmark case against a chemical giant, the attorney is now the stuff of nightmares for opponents - but for one inexperienced law student and the destitute family she's representing, Evin Moran might just be their last hope. At the end of her rope on the case, Sydney Parker is thrilled and a bit star-struck when the opportunity arises to work with the renown attorney. Tentative at first and with very different styles, the two women slowly learn to appreciate one another as they recognize a bond between them growing more intense by the day. Meanwhile, the case starts to take a sinister turn when it becomes clear that the corporation they're going up against is determined to win at any cost - even that of human lives. What started as a favor for a friend, soon has turned into one of the most serious challenges Evin Moran has ever faced as she's forced to use all her legal resources and expertise to fight an elusive opponent in the legal arena, while fighting a losing battle against the feelings one spunky law student has inspired in her. Clearly familiar with both Louisiana and the legal system, Troubleshooter has done an outstanding job imbuing this story with a very realistic atmosphere. The courtroom dramas are fascinating. The two leads are very solid, compelling characters quite reminiscent of a certain warrior and bard. The supporting staff are nicely developed in their own right while very effectively enhancing the two main characterizations. A first-class writing effort, this long read is among the best we've seen in ubers this year. It gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! [unfinished] - 571 pgs., 2/27/00
FANFIC ART: a href="http://members.xoom.com/calliweb/trial.html">Calli Story Cover
https://ausxip.com/bards3.html#troubleshooter
http://www.gabbywolf1.com/fiction/toc.htm
http://www.fortunecity.com/rivendell/hobgoblin/688/fiction/toc.htm
[Palm Pilot version available at a href="http://members.xoom.com/xenadocs/troubleshooter.htm">XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]
**TROPICAL HIGH by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Missy_Good.shtm.htm">Missy Good - [Alt]
After another of her trademark LONG hiatus and riding on a little tropical high of her own
(cough, cough >:) the Merwolf brings back our beloved uber twosome Dar and Kerry in a new high-tech adventure drama that as usual promises to keep us WELL satisfied in the months (and knowing Missy possibly YEARS ;-) - ahead. As the story commences the grrls are separated with Dar turning heads and trying to make the best of it at a business meeting in New York. Back in Miami, Kerry is keeping those home fires burning as she makes sure things continue to run smoothly at the office, makes plans for the Thanksgiving dinner they will be hosting for friends and family and spends a bit of time volunteering with a group of teenagers who like Dar - think she's just the coolest! ;-) With Dar looking forward to the new work she'll be doing for the military and Kerry settling into her position as vice-president, lots of challenges will await these two on the professional front while on a personal level their relationship continues to grow and strengthen, always remaining a sanctuary of love and acceptance and support against whatever life throws their way. A Missy story amounts to our very own port in the storm of life - giving us a chance to escape every day troubles and concerns by immersing ourselves in the lives of two beautifully crafted heroines, a whole slew of wonderful supporting players and a story full of heart, and humor and passion and suspense. The equation should be easy by now folks. Missy+Dar+Kerry = HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! [Part of the DAR AND KERRY SERIES] [unfinished] - 7 pgs., 4/4/00
FANFIC ART: a href="https://ausxip.com/artwork/Emese3.htm">Emese Felvegi Story Cover
http://www.merwolf.com/high1.html
[Palm Pilot version available at a href="http://www2.50megs.com/xenadocs/merwolf.htm">XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]
**TROPICAL STORM by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Missy_Good.shtm.htm">Melissa Good - [Alt]
Time for uber-Xena fans to rejoice as the incredibly talented Missy Good extends her gift of storytelling into the contemporary uber realm. Missy's latest is a departure from everything she's done before - a story set in modern-day Miami, centering on the lives of two strangers whose destinies bring them together amidst the turmoil of a hostile corporate takeover. Wealthy, brilliant and deadly, Dar Roberts has cultivated a well-earned reputation as one of the most efficient corporate raiders in the Information Technologies business. To her bosses she is a formidable weapon to be used in the never-ending struggle for power, control and profit. To the people employed by the companies she assimilates - the executive is a predator - cold and merciless. It is a reputation she is living up to as she prepares to decimate the work force of a recent acquisition. In charge of that work force is Kerry Stuart - a smart, young manager whose life had been going well until the recent turn of events. With dogged determination, Kerry has escaped the pressures of family to make her own way in the world - establishing a career and rising quickly within a small company - only to now have to face the prospect of those efforts being for naught as a disconcertingly beautiful blue-eyed shark strolls into her office. Missy's many strengths are quickly in evidence throughout the first parts of this story - rich descriptions that engage your every sense - multi-layered characterizations that draw you into the psyche of the characters and a story very much grounded in human emotions, human frailties and strengths along with the raw vulnerabilities that ultimately make us all seek the comfort of another soul. Working in the the Information Technologies industry herself and a fellow Miamian, Missy also imbues the story with a very realistic feel. Another outstanding offering from this bard, TS gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!! [See the follow-up A PRESENT UNDER THE TREE, part of the DAR AND KERRY SERIES] - 457 pgs., 9/30/98
RELATED STORIES BY OTHER AUTHORS:
**TURKISH ENCOUNTER by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Anne_Azel.shtm.htm">Anne Azel - [Alt]
A follow-up to Anne's AMAZON ENCOUNTER this very original uber tale begins in modern day Turkey where wealthy industrialist Gunnul Dedeman is tensely awaiting the arrival of her adopted daughter's birth mother - already hating the woman her brother described as a whore and determined to keep her from hurting the Dedeman family. Jamie Miller is a young American desperate to get back the baby girl kidnapped years before by her abusive husband. Amidst the exotic crossroads where East meets West, these two very different women will meet only to discover a connection as old as time as two soulmates struggle to bridge the distances imposed by culture and lies to once again be together. Anne has crafted here a wholly absorving tale that while drawing you into the developing romance, reads also like a fascinating travel guide to this ancient land. The uber characters are well-drawn and should be intimately familiar. There are also some intriguing links to Anne's earlier story which establishes a nice mystery to be unraveled as more stories are added to the series it seems. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 49 pgs., 2/2/99
https://ausxip.com/fanfic6/turkish1.html
**TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN by a href="https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/Protek.shtm.htm">Protek - [Alt]
In a terrific new contribution to the INFINITY SERIES, Xena and Ricky accompany their friend detective Emil Holt to a police standoff where Xena hopes to talk a teenager who once worked for her into surrendering himself to the authorities. The situation soon deteriorates, however, when a well-meaning Ricky tries to help setting in motion a series of events that lead to a disoriented Xena waking up in a very different place and time - back it seems in the Ancient Greece that gave birth to her, with one fundamental difference - it is a Greece where the Destroyer of Nations still reigns - where one-time enemies are now allies, family is insignificant, and the bard Xena treasures above all else has been forced into a very different role...Protek's first chapter starts off with a BANG promising one hell of a ride and continuing a tradition of fine storytelling by this talented bard. DO NOT MISS! - 26 pgs.
http://members.spree.com/romance/dmredhawk/Two/Sides1.html
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