Bards
~A~
Bards
~A~
| Azumaya
- The Eastern House by Nene Adams
Alt,
Uber, Novel, Finished
I'm a sucker for well-written fiction that deals with feudal Japan (must be all the years of Aikido...) and this is, I must say, a story par excellence in that genre. The first of an ongoing series called KWAIDAN - SUPERNATURAL TALES OF THE FLOATING WORLD, set in the fictional island of Wa, the tale begins with a dreary day for samurai Ichijo Ayumi, retainer to a rather poor daimyo. She loses the purpose of her life but is saved from further shame by a young lady in the imperial court, Fujiwara no Kimiko, a great admirer of the brusque samurai woman and, unwittingly, the cause of an even greather threat to her life and limb. The setting is imaginative, bestowing a brilliant, glittering wealth of the customs, dress code and intrigue of palace politics in a society so rigid it has no choice but to be rotten inside. Subterfuge and lust reign in a court where one snide word, one wrong alliance can mean anything from loss of mien to loss of internal organs. The language is rich, the dialogue following the intricate twists and turns of formal parlance of the feodal period, adding yet another touch of authenticity. All I can say is, for a dose of fascinating history and a rollicky exciting story, this is one of the best, most promising new series to see the light of day. |
| Black
by Gaslight by Nene Adams
ALT,
Uber, Novel (series, first part), Finished
In Victorian London, things are not looking good for Rhiannon Moore. She's reduced to live on the streets and off her body and when, on one dark and deadly night, Jack the Ripper sets his sights on her, all seems to be lost. But in the blink of an eye, Rhiannon's life is both saved and changed by one Evangeline St. Claire, a controversial figure in the upper echelons of the British societal pecking order. Being an entusiastic fan of 18th centruy literature, this is a dream come true. Sherlock Holmes with a twist, the whole gaslight series (of which this is the first part) portrays Victorian London vividly and accurately, with exciting plots and a charmingly periodical tongue. |
| Sunne
In Gold by Nene Adams
ALT,
Uber, Novel, finished
Set in a mythic, medieval Irish past, Sunne In Gold tells the tale of a knight, Cathelin O'Cameron - known as Blacksunne - (uber Xe) who has come home from the Crusades only to learn that her kingdom is in chaos. After driving her evil uncle away from her lands, she discovers a very frightened and very beautiful Muslim slave, Madrigal (Uber Gab) chained in her private chambers. Taking full advantage of the historical romance novel genre made popular by Sir Walter Scott in the early 17th Century, Nene Adams' Sunne In Gold richly blends vivid (and nicely convincing) detail of the popular vision of life in medieval times with romance and adventure. A fun read. |
| Tin
Star by Nene Adams
Uber, Finished
Yee-har!! A rootinest, shootinest, chewin-tobaccyest tale o' the wildest westest adventures ya'll ever did read in a long time! The little frontier town of Hangman's Gulch is in peril - yes, I said PERIL! What with Tex Maverick the Scourge of the Sagebrush, Rowdy Roscoe Ringo and his Hole In The Outhouse gang, and corrupt cattle baron Major Fuller Bull...just who is man enough to clean out the town? Cue Belinda Bonanza - and believe me, the name is apt - the mysterious stranger who is packing...packing everything you can possibly think of, and boy does she know how to use it. But has the tough gunslinger met her match, with the sweet, innocent ways of Miz Connie Lingus? And just how CAN a prim schoolmarm from Philadelphia tame the wild lusts of frontier life? And should a virginal Miz really be reading THOSE kinds of trashy dime store romance noveletta's anyway?? Read on, and find out!! |
| Connections
- by Advocate and Rsawest
*also found under Rsawest* Alt,
Uber, Finished, Novelette
At virtually the last minute, Attorney Claire Easton is taken away from corporate law and is given her first criminal case from Maylor and Moore. Once she reviews and hears the case the prosecutor (Claire's closest friend) has presented to the Judge, she is certain of the outcome of the trial. So when an unexpected verdict astounds everyone, Claire is resolved to find out exactly what happened. Soon the attorney finds herself at the Cornerstone Clinic, (which has a contract with the state correctional system) and in the presence of Amanda Greer and Jody Penbrook, founders of the clinic. As Amanda and Claire start to explore an attraction for each other, other lives are brought into the story to create a plot that will keep you guessing. Advocate and Rsawest have successfully intertwined relationships and events to create a story that shows just how small the world can be. http://xenafiction.net/scrolls/advocate_rsawest_connections1.hts |
| Connections:
by Advocate and Rsawest
ALT, NC17 for violence
and sexual situations, UBER, Novella, finished
The story is about a tall brunette attorney who finds herself embroiled in a drug deal gone terribly awry. She and her friend Mark, another lawyer, find themselves unable to tell the good guys from the bad guys. Amongst all the turmoil enters a psychologist/therapist who not only piques the attorney's interest but her curiosity, too. Just how does the cute blonde figure into the dark goings on she seems entangled in? While the piece doesn't quite answer all the questions put forward, the plot is well-thought out. Fast paced and filled with wit, humour, danger, drama and hurt/comfort, the reader will find this feast to be one of pure enjoyment. While in seven parts, the reader won't mind a bit because this piece is that good. Although not terribly graphic, the reader should be aware that there is nudity and sexual situations. This is a finished uber novella with a second story lead in called Crimson Snow, by Advocate. |
| Crimson
Snow (sequel to Connections) - by Advocate
Alt,
Uber, Finished, Novelette
In this sequel to "Connections", Claire has thrown herself into her new job as a prosecutor and Amanda continues her practice at the Cornerstone Clinic. When Amanda realizes that one of her patients is acting inappropriately during his sessions with her (by misinterpreting their therapist/client relationship), she has to terminate the counseling sessions. Unbeknownst to Amanda, the patient has developed a psychotic obsession with her. As the obsession grows, friends and family become a factor until we are treated to a thrilling outcome. During this engaging story, Advocate effectively shows us with humor and compromise how Amanda and Claire are learning to deal with their relationship. Including most of the same characters from "Connections", Advocate has created a riveting story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. |
| Untitled:
The Story of Me by Advocate
Alt-Uber
NC-13 Novella 158 pages - Complete
If this story is ever made into a movie, I will be first in line to see it. Funny, funny, FUNNY! Do not read this at work, everyone will want to know why you are laughing so hard, and do not ( that is if you love your keyboard ) drink while reading it. How Advocate could write a story about anger, deceit, denial, and vengeance and keep me in stitches totally escapes me. I swear... I will never be able to look at a squirrel the same way ever again. Randi knows she is being stalked, and she is bound and determined to find out who. When Mac comes into her life everything she believes will be stood on it's ear-- In Spades! This is a twisted Road Trip story that makes Hope and Crosby look like rank amateurs. How else could one writer combine references to Fahrvergnugen, Freddy Krugger, and Snow White. Don't ask--Just go read it. |
| Untitled:
The Story of Me by Advocate
Alt/
Uber Finished PG 13
Though
I love a good romance, if you don't have Xena and Gabrielle, I demand that
there also be at least some thought to the plotting, some originality
in the characterizations, and a few other personalities who
Advocate has exceeded all of these requirements and placed her ladies in a wickedly humourous situation where one of our Uber Heroines is stalked by the other, and later talked into (guess which does what to whom) to take the Road Trip From Hell across America. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles should have been this funny. All this, while telling a very satisfying and realistic love story. Not as much a departure from her stories Connections and Crimson Snow, as a free fall into insanity, Advocate charms from the first paragraphs to the last. Oh, and did I mention the talking squirrels? |
| MADAME
PRESIDENT BY T. Novan and Advocate
Alt-Uber,
261 pages, complete
I enjoyed 'Madame President' for a variety of reasons. Devlyn Marlowe is an openly gay woman who just happens to be a mother and the President of the United States in the year 2020. She is brave, dedicated and tireless. When she decides to have her biography written, she chooses her favourite writer to do it. Lauren Strayer is a talented novelist with a couple of biographies under her belt already, and puzzled by the President's proposal. But the fact that Lauren voted for Devlyn's opponent doesn't bother the President one bit. After much negotiating, Lauren accepts the job and moves into the White House. I won't ruin the plot for you but I will tell you that this large novel quickly lodged itself in my favourites list. We are taken along as silent passengers on a journey that is filled with tenderness, bravery, strength, vulnerability and integrity. We are given an intimate look at the President's family, introduced to an ugly and amorous dog, and shown that it IS possible to achieve our dreams. This story became a favourite for all the reasons above, but also because the characters (right down to a specific Secret Service Agent) are downright unforgettable. You won't regret reading this one! |
| Debts
by Alecto
Alt-Uber,
432 pages - incomplete
Some really great Uber happening here. "Debts" by Alecto is well constructed and easy to read. When Taylor Williams is sent out to work as an assistant to the reclusive Jack McDermott the last thing she expected was the most stubborn person she ever met. As she struggles to fit in with the large McDermott clan, life steals up behind her and grabs her by the heart. Though it's not finished it's definitely one to watch for. |
| It
All Began with a Trout by Alexares
Alt-Humour
( Classic - Amazons ) PG-13, 49 pages - complete
Before you read this one make sure you have a good secure hold on your funny bone! "It All Began with a Trout" by Alexiares is not your typical X&G romp, not by a long shot. Thraso is a weapons master from a distant tribe of Amazons who literally bumps into Xena and Gabrielle with hilarious results. The ending is a little blurry but hopefully this means that we can look forward to more mayhem and "Slap your neighbor". http://www.merwolf.com/academy/Alexiares_trout.html see
the sequel, "And It Continued On With A Skunk"
|
| (And)
It Continued with a Skunk by Alexiares
Alt-Humour
( Classic - Amazons ) Pg-13; 69 pages - complete
I asked for a sequel to "It Started with a Trout" and here it is... "And It continued with a Skunk" By Alexiares. More mayhem and silliness ensues when Thaleia the muse of Comedy needs a Vacation. She selects our favorite arms master "Thraso" to fill her oversize shoes. Mix in a visit to Queen Gabrielle's Amazons. Add feuding Goddesses, and a troop of fools, and a skunk. Stand back and watch the fun. http://www.merwolf.com/academy/Alexiares_skunk.html see
previous story "It All Began with a Trout"
|
| (The)
Keeper of my Soul...Always by Alex P.
Alt/PG-13/
classic x&g/ unfinished
While Xena leads some villagers on the offensive against a wannabe warlord, the Amazon Queen, needs to sort out some tribal disputes. Upon return to the preposed meeting place her lover and bard is taken by an army of slavers. Nice read so far on the "what happens next" issue. If this story continues in the same style, I would call it a must read. |
| Triptych
Home by Anima
*This story may also be found under "Classic X&G"* Uber
and Classic X&G, ALT, Short Story, Finished
I love the idea of concept stories - stories that make you want to smack your forehead with the palm of your hand and say, "Damn! That's a great idea!" What makes it even better is when the said concept is executed in a simple and beautifully elegant manner that belies the complexity of the creation. Triptych Home (and for that matter, its predecessor, Triptych Sex) is such a creation. As the title suggests, Anima takes the concept of "home" and explores it in three very different stories; it is this common thread that both binds and differentiates each separate tale. It's difficult to summarize (much less coalesce) what happens within the framework of this tripartite short story into a single sentence that will cover the numerous threads each part explores. However, each "section" - a World War II Uber, a classic X&G story, and a modern day Uber - is a complete entity in and of itself, but taken together, it becomes magnified into something quite unique and simply, well, "cool". |
| The
Rift by Anima
ALT,
Finished, Classic XWP (R-rated)
When Gabrielle and Xena struggle with trust issues, they find taking a vacation may give them the break they need to sort things out. Together with a poet and surfer, they find a peace and each other once again. For this story please go to: |
The Edge of Nowhere by Annemaart
ALT, Conqueror, Unfinished, 46 pages
Recommended by Clancy ~ December 26, 2001
This great story starts like many conqueror stories out there. Then the originality of the plot comes through. Not only has Annemaart put a new spin on what could be a traditional conqueror story she has peppered it with a great deal of humour. It is a well-written story and I have enjoyed reading the first three parts that are available at this time. It is well worth a read!
http://members.tripodnet.nl/annemaart/edge_of_nowhere_i.htm
| The
Coward by Mark Annets
Alt-Uber
Pg-14, Novel 121 pages Complete
I feel like I've just watched the pilot for a new TV show and I am sorely disappointed that it wasn't picked up by one of the networks. "The Coward" has to be the most fun I've had reading a Mystery, Action/Adventure, Buddy Story/Romance--Comedy. ( There's really no other way to describe it.) Nikki Takis spots two bouncers trying unsuccessfully to oust a nosey PI from the club she's patronizing. Impressed by the spectacle, she tries to hire the said PI when extortionists threaten her employment. The PI doesn't take her seriously until she collapses on her front step. Terri Farmer is a Jane of all trades Private Investigator, She wants for nothing and has a strong love of her own personal space. She takes what she thinks is going to be a simple Body Guarding job only to find herself nose deep in Blonde Greek/American trouble. It's not too long. It's not too short. No, it's juuuust right. http://www.merwolf.com/academy/fanfic/m/mark_annetts_tc1.html OR... |
| Crossing
Brooklyn Ferry by Anon
uber/general/short
story/finished
Quick, look for snowballs! Because I thought hell might freeze over before I would ever review a "general" and not alternative story. But damned if this piece did not prove me wrong. I started reading this story because of the title alone-it's from a Walt Whitman poem. In fact, Anon uses-quite liberally and to marvelous effect-many passages from Whitman's "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry" as well as "Leaves of Grass" in this small tale of an emotionally traumatized woman who is riding the ferry just to forget her troubles, her destination unknown even to herself. But once on board she meets a kind yet familiar stranger, someone who may turn out to be the best friend she's ever had. Whitman's lyricism really infuses this story; rather than detracting or distracting one from Anon's graceful, moving writing, his poetry seems to inspire it. It's like a dance, done with consummate skill as well as both love and empathy for the characters. |
| Finding
My Way by Mavis Applewater
Alt-Uber NC-17 ; Novel
569 pages - complete
Stephanie Grant is young, in a relationship and starting a new job as a history professor. A picture postcard of today's modern woman. The only thing that could make this less than the ideal, is the arrogant,chain-smoking slob she has to share an office with. Allison Kendell was hard core, stone cold lawyer. Life tried to make her crash and burn but she took a ninety degree turn away from the power and the money into the sedate and quiet world of a small college. She didn't want or need any complications in her existence but fate has other ideas that end up twisting her around like a cork screw. This is one of those wonderful stories that I could cheerfully crawl into and live. The characters are so full of life that they burst right off of the page/monitor. The plot is intelligent with a secondary counterpart that could easily be a delicious story all on it's own, and the love scenes are steamy and breath taking. I could go on and on, but I doubt I could do it justice. I don't just recommend you read it, I insist. |
| Autumn
Winds - Part One of "(The) Seasons Series" by Anne Azel
*This story may also be found under "(The) Seasons Series"* Alt,
Uber, Finished, Novelette
The author's special note on "The Seasons Series" reads, "This four part series deals with the quiet sort of courage that it takes to be female and/or gay in today's world." In the first of her series, Anne Azel delivers exactly what she has promised. Robbie,
an actor/director/playwright, attends her brother's funeral and is taken
off-guard when she discovers that she has a sister-in-law and a niece.
Since Robbie is the head of her prominent family, she takes it upon herself
to make a good impression for the media in regards to the unexpected
|
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Xenaverse by Mocking Bard (AKA Ariel)
(ALT) Classic XWP, (satire) short story - Finished, 10 pages
Recommended by Rocky ~ March 4, 2002
I laughed, I tittered, I even chucked a time or two and then before I knew it ...I was blowing coffee out my nose. Hilariously funny, especially if you've written anything remotely Xena_ish in your life time. Never before has virginity been used as a plot gag with such panache.
Leave your proud sensibilities at the door when you
read this wild and woolly, warped version of all things Xena. There are no sacred cows in this piece, every cliché is laid bare to it's gooey mush_filled center.
[As soon as they stopped walking, the sun set and they found themselves sitting around a campfire on their abundance of furs and blankets. Xena stared at Gabrielle with her baby_blue orbs, their azure brilliance and sapphire quality like cerulean cobalt.
Xena took Gabrielle into her arms, kissing her tenderly and stroking her long_red short_blonde hair. The bard responded to the kisses.
"Oh Xena, I love you so much, but I don’t know what to
do."
"Gabrielle, I am very experienced having about seventy_two lovers before you, but I know you won’t be jealous of that and I will teach you everything."]
...and that's just the beginning.
Warning: Do Not read while drinking hot beverages, especially if you have sensitive sinuses.
http://arielx.com/hitch.htm
| Winter
Snows - Part Two of "(The) Seasons Series" by Anne Azel
Alt,
Uber, Finished, Novelette
All is not well with our couple in the second part of "The Season Series". The story starts off with Janet and Robbie dealing with the aftermath of Janet's breast surgery while they still try to keep on top of their careers. When Janet finally decides to try and break the barriers down that has built up between Robbie and herself over the last months, Robbie suddenly leaves Janet with no explanation. Unbeknownst to Janet, Robbie's departure has to do with a secret from her past that she has harbored for years. Once the secret is revealed, Janet and Robbie can start to build their family. Robbie, who has never really had a sense of family, begins to realize what having one means, as well as the responsibility that goes along with it. Anne Azel takes us through the story by addressing serious subjects while dealing with them in sensitive, compassionate and entertaining ways. She shows us how these women overcome obstacles while keeping intact their ability to be human and female. This is an enjoyable story that will be having you pondering what could possibly be in the next part of this series. |
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Bards:
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CLASSIC ~ UBER ~ CONQUEROR ~MEL AND JANICE ~ WARLORD ~ OTHER |