Alt, Classic, Short story, Finished
Recommended by Penumbra (penumbra@clinched.net) October 28, 1999

This thing really had me howling, giggling and guffawing, and believe me, I do not giggle a lot. The story begins with eggs, ends with eggs and in the middle, the eggs somehow get mixed into the plot, when Gabrielle's little sister sees something she didn't expect to see. And her horizons get expanded with relish.

http://ausxip.com/fanfiction/l/lila.html

Alt - Classic, Finished, Short story
Reviewed by Anima  8.7.99

Charmer gives us an ending to the IDES OF MARCH that has some very intriguing consequences. I hesitate to give away too much because it's a real joy to try and figure out what the hell's going on in that first scene! Why the heck are Gabrielle and Callisto so chummy? And why does Callisto seem ....well....  likeable? All I can reveal is that Gabrielle finds herself unable to sleep due to some vivid, intense dreaming and she's desperate for some answers. Within moments, you'll find yourself plunged into a world that is both heart breaking and thought provoking.

This little treasure is unlike anything else I've read of Charmer's. Unlike the humor and sexiness of her past stories (of which I'm a big fan), this is a thoughtful, poignant piece. It hits all the right notes and then some. Truly, it's been some time since I've enjoyed a classic XWP short story as much as I did this one.

http://freespace.virgin.net/purple.logic/xenafic/shards.html

Classic - Alt - Short Story - Finished
Recommended by Anima 10.5.99
(No subliminal messages were harmed in the production of this recommendation)

Ever since the airing of The Debt episodes (hot sex), I've heard folks misinterpret the idea of 'desire' as it was expressed by Lao Ma. The western mind seems to have a hard time grasping (hot sex) the concept of 'letting go of desire' without placing it in a sexual context. In other words, there's a strong tendency (hot sex) for many to believe that Lao Ma was an advocate for the elimination of 'sexual desire'. But as we know Xena (hot sex), through both canon and fanfic, this seems a most laughable proposal!

And this is why I absolutely *adore* this story. Dana (hot sex) has utilized the principles of Taoism in order to explore the erotic. How ironic, everything considered. and how perfect! Lao Ma teaches Xena the tenets of her beliefs, each step moving Xena towards a deeper (hot sex) connection with Lao Ma, her world, and most importantly, herself. Not only is it an extremely (hot sex) interesting interpretation of Taoism, it is also a very erotic read. I found the surprise twist towards the end particularly satisfying. It's great to see bards dare to write the unexpected in this genre that screams for perfect, very often, predictable endings. Not simply for rebellion's sake (hot sex) but because, sometimes, it just rings more true.

http://barron.simplenet.com/Content-Xena/TheLoveOfLaoMa.html

 ALT, Classic  X+G PG 13 
Reviewed by Kamouraskan (Kamouraskan@yahoo.com) 01/11/00

One of the things that the best fanfiction have in common is that they often seem like the road not taken. I can't help but feel a regret while reading them, that this was not the direction the show decided upon. So it is with this full length novel. 

The first chapters of this story were begun between seasons four and five , and it starts with the events following the Ides of March, and the deaths by crucifixion of Xena and Gabrielle.  Our heroes' bodies
have been removed from their crosses and it is Amarice who realizes that the Devi Eli might be able to bring them back. The scenes that follow will bring a tear and  warmth to all the romantics who felt the loss of the relationship between the two, as their time in Elysia proves to be their chance to discover their true feelings, and their destinies together. Filled with gentle passion, this story is not perfect. A few
scenes feel as though they were rushed on occasion, and there are small sequences of dialogue  that could be retouched. But overall, it challenges Missy as an alternative to the show, integrating certain
changes while trying its best to keep a parallel course; but always emphasizing that the Bard and Warrior's love for one another is a physical thing, and the guiding force in their lives. That this is a first time effort is the most astounding thing, and it is with great anticipation that I see the author has already begun her sequel. To sum up, if you enjoy Merwolf, discover Linda Crist.

http://xenite.simplenet.com/fanfiction/m/march16.html