Lady of Ch'iao Kuo: Warrior of the South, Southern China, A.D. 531 (The Royal Diaries)

Amazon.com

Princess Red Bird, 16-year-old daughter of the Hsien king in 6th century Southern China, has been born into a world of dispute and violence. When she is sent to a Chinese colony to be educated, she must contend with the disdainful attitudes of her hosts, who consider the Hsien to be savages, even as both the Chinese and the Hsien are at constant risk of attack from the truly savage neighboring people, the Dog Heads. In reality, the princess is a fair and wise leader, even at a young age, with a brilliant mind for military stratagems. Her leadership skills are put to the test when war breaks out and the Dog Heads begin to move in.

Prolific Newbery Honor author Laurence Yep (Dragon's Gate) contributes a remarkable tale to the Royal Diaries series. This fictionalized account of the real-life princess will introduce young readers to a long-ago land with a fascinating culture and edge-of-seat adventures, and will certainly inspire some to delve deeper into Chinese history. As in all the titles in the series, a section in the back provides context and historical background. (Ages 8 to 14) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

The Royal Diaries proudly presents two-time Newbery Honor author Laurence Yep, whose stunning diary of sixteen-year-old Lady of Ch¹iao Kuo takes readers on a remarkable adventure to Southern China in the sixth century A.D., where Ch¹iao Kuo, a born leader called Red Bird, is courageous and keenly intelligent.

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyable and Informative.......2007-01-12

I purchased this book for my children who are interested in Chinese history. I found it to be well written and engaging. While a child would need to be around nine or ten to really try reading this alone, it is still enjoyable for school age children, though parents should remember that this does contain some violence and may upset younger readers, so it would be a good idea to preview it or read along if you think your child might need to discuss some of these events.

A fantastic addition to the Royal Diary series!!!.......2005-07-16

Princess Redbird is a 15 year old princess of the Hsien tribe. The Hsiens are thought as 'savages' among all the other tribes in China. They are constantly at war and Redbird misses her father who so often cancels special occasions for his wars throughout China with his opponent 'The Dog Heads' an evil militia. The time is A.D. 531 and Redbird wants to become part of her father's royal council as her brother has. Instead, her parents set her up at the chinese colony, away from her precious home at Kingfisher Hill. Princess Redbird writes about her times at Kingfisher Hill, celebrations she's celebrated and how one day she hopes to inherit the Hsien throne. A gift that has never been casted down on a woman. Redbird lives a sleepy and lazt life until she learns that her school has set aflame with all the people inside it! Redbird must rise to the challenge and prove herself the true warrior of the south.

Long but interesting.......2005-04-05

When I first got this book I expected bamboo, chopsticks, honorable monks and all that other stereotype Chinese stuff. But I saw that life in sixth century China was not that way. The Chinese were beyond bamboo but the Hsien people to the south weren't. The Hsien who lived in Southern China at the time lived a peaceful life in the forests until the jealous Dog Heads (who I think were from India or Vietnam) came and the Chinese help them. The Hsien send their Princess Red Bird to become a liasion and makes a clever plan to defeat the Dog Head Elephants. This Clever Book-loving Princess records in Five Scrolls her life living with her Father the king and then later her brother King Little Tiger who was a royal pain like this other Chinese rich colonist girl who ends up living with Red Bird. But I think lot's of kids who love books can relate to Princess Red Bird. I hope you like it as much as I have.

Lady of Ch'iao Kuo book review.......2004-10-27

We had to read this book for class and I thought it was one of the worst books I ever read! I do not recommend it for you to read. It is very boring!

Amazing!.......2004-04-07

When I first read this book I thought, how boring, it's just a bunch of rambling about war and junk. Well I decided I'd give it another chance and I think it's fabulous. I guess that now that we are caught up in a war ourselves I can really relate to what she is saying. This book has humor, action, adventure, and really corrosponds to what is happening in the world today. I reccomend this book to everyone and encourage those of you who disliked it at first to give it a secound chance.

Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595 (The Royal Diaries)

Average customer rating:

The Royal Diaries: Nzingha
Sooooooo SHORT!!!!!
Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba
Phenomenal
An excellent new addition to the Royal Diaries!

Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595 (The Royal Diaries)
Patricia McKissack
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0439112109

Amazon.com

In 1595, Nzingha is the strong, intelligent daughter of the Ngola (leader) of the Mbundu people of Ndongo (in modern-day Angola), loyal to her people and willing to fight for them. Unfortunately, because she is a girl, her brother is the favored child, in training to become the next Ngola, even though he is whiny, stupid, and slow (according to Nzingha). But Ajala, a respected seer, believes that Nzingha is destined to be the leader of Ndongo, and begins preparing her for this future. Nzingha's father fights to keep the Portuguese from taking over their homeland, yet it is Nzingha, ultimately, who acts as the go-between for her people and the Portuguese, negotiating acceptable relations in order to keep peace and power for the Mbundu.

Based on true historical events, places, people, and customs, this novel portrays the fascinating details of a remarkable young woman's strength and courage in defending her world against subterfuge, spies, and the onslaught of the Portuguese. Historical notes, photos, illustrations, maps, the Ngola family tree, and a glossary and pronunciation guide are included for a comprehensive understanding of a complex era. Patricia McKissack is the well-respected and award-winning author of over 100 children's books and historical novels, including the Newbery Honor book The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural and Color Me Dark: The Diary of Nellie Lee Love (from the Dear America series). (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter

Customer Reviews:

The Royal Diaries: Nzingha.......2007-08-13

For both young and more mature readers, this is the story of 12-year-old Nzingha. The year is 1595, and Nzingha is the independent and intelligent daughter of the ngola of the Mbundu people. She hunts with her sisters, prepares for her coming of age ceremony, struggles for her father to notice her, and faces conflict throughout the book. This book is a great read. Fantastic for all ages. I suggest it to anyone who likes historical fiction, for it is an interesting spin on royal life, and appropriate and easy enough for the young reader, but has enough drama for the adult crowd. I wish it was longer, however, at 90 pages this is a quick read!!! Two thumbs up!!!

Sooooooo SHORT!!!!!.......2006-12-03

i read this book a few days ago and i thought i would be good after reading the first few pages. But after reading for a while, after about 90 pages, the STORY ended and went to Epilouge. The Epilouge is just talk talk talk. Very boring, and the rest of the book is all like pictures.

I might have made the book sound very bad but i would recommend it for people who want to read a liite short story. There are also some very funny lines in the book that made me laugh! haha

Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba.......2006-05-17

Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba
By Patricia C. McKissack

"I wondered what it must be like to be on a ship flying over the water to Brazil. The horror of it was beyond my understanding. Suddenly, there was noise at my door. The Pombeiros and several guards entered. 'Come with us.' Then speaking to several guards, one said, 'Hold her tight. She is a young leopard.'" (McKissack, 79)

The old saying "never judge a book by it's cover" is one truth I have never had a problem with, until I came across this one book in particular. When I first saw the Royal Diaries book "Nzignha, Warrior Queen of Matamba," I thought for sure I would have not liked it. With the front cover depicted of an African girl holding a bow and arrows, and the background that of a barren desert, I presumed the layout of the book would be anything but royal and fancy. However, little did I know, stories can sometimes be very different from one's assumption.

One out of nineteen books in the Royal Diaries series, "Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba" by Patricia C. McKissack, sets in Angola, Africa, in the year of 1595. Nzingha is an adventurous, bold thirteen-year-old girl, and second heir to the throne of Ndongo. Throughout the book, which is written in diary format, Nzingha talks about the war with Angola's bitter enemy, the Portuguese, as well as what she would do to improve the land of the Mbundu if she were Queen, though does not discuss anything too exciting in which to capture your interest. At 136 pages, the plot of "Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba" is somewhat dry and tedious, and tends to quickly move on to other subjects without a thorough explanation. I must admit however, it pleases me that the authors of the Royal Diaries series are starting to represent girls in royal families, but with cultures and backgrounds much different from that of, say, Elizabeth I or Marie Antoinette.

As an avid reader of the Royal Diaries, I am not sorry I read the book, but am rather disappointed with the complete layout of the story. Mrs. McKissack could have done a better job adding clarification and activity to the real life character of Nzingha, one of the greatest women monarchs of African history. Unless you are new to the Royal Diaries series, and are anxious to learn about the lives of various queens in history, I would not recommend reading "Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba."

Overall grade: C + (or 3)

Phenomenal.......2005-09-19

This book is my introduction to the Royal Diaries series, it has propelled me to seek out more from this line. I loved the story of a strong, independent, and determined young girl growing to become a woman in a male-dominated time. I feel this book was very informative and am truly disappointed by some of the reviews for this book. I do wish it was longer, as I found the story quite intriguing. Young Nzingha learns that not all your enemies are your enemies, with friends among the foe. I love the insight into the Mbundu people. I feel it was meant to give you a view into the people, not of the land of Angola. I will definitely be adding this one to the shelf for my daughter.

An excellent new addition to the Royal Diaries!.......2005-08-14

The year is 1595, and princess Nzingha is living a life of luxury in Angola, Africa. Her father is the respected ngola of Ndongo and many predict that he will be suceeded by his first son, Mtambi. Nzingha writes about her life in Africa as an important royal in the African Royal family. Nzingha lives an active life as she goes hunting with her friends and learns about the evil Portugese. She earns her say in court and is pretty much happy with her life, until she learns that her people are being enslaved by fiendish Portugese slave-traders. Eager to gain the leadership of Ngola and respect of all, Nzingha sets out on an important mission to save her people from the realm of the Portugese Slave-traders.

Average customer rating:

Only covers the first few seasons...
Great Book With Awsome Photos! :)
A must-have for sword-broad fans!
Speaking for myself, in terms of guilty pleasures...
A Must Have If You're A Xena Fan

Xena: Warrior Princess
Rob Weisbrot
Manufacturer: Main Street Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385491360
Release Date: 1998-01-20

Book Description

In a time of ancient gods, warlords, and kings, a land in turmoil cried out for a hero.  She was Xena, a mighty princess, forged in the heat of battle...Her courage will change the world.

The millions of fans who watch  Xena: Warrior PrincessTM every week already know that it is the hottest and hippest show on television.  But for inside information that is available nowhere else, The Official Guide to the Xenaverse is the place to turn, offering:

Over one hundred photographs in color and black and white
A complete and detailed episode guide to the first two seasons, featuring Lucy Lawless's own take on every episode
A look behind the scenes that reveals the inner workings of the show, including writers' meetings, casting sessions, filming, special-effects secrets, and much more
The intriguing story of the origin of Xena: Warrior PrincessTM
Biographies of cast and crew
Fascinating trivia and little-known facts about life in the Xenaverse

Xena: Warrior Princess (r) & (c) Universal Television Enterprises, Inc. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing, Inc.  Copyright (c) 1998 by Universal Studios Publishing Rights, a division of Universal Studios Licensing, Inc. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews:

Only covers the first few seasons..........2007-04-24

This coverage of the making and cast of the show Xena: Warrior Princess is downright hilarious. Granted, I have an odd sense of humor, but you can tell that the author went out of his way to make this as entertaining as possible. There are lots of spiffy pictures, and two sections of large, full-color photos. The cast bios are particularly interesting, in my opinion; many things you might not know about these crazy actors/actresses (ie. apparently, Ted Raimi is a fantastic swing dancer; who'd have guessed, oh, wait, I always have...never mind). There are little mini-interviews and comments scattered throughout the pages, along with amusing production anecdotes, and episode synopses in the back (paired with commentary by Lucy Lawless/Xena). My only complaint is that this book only covers the first couple seasons. Perhaps there's an upgrade version that I missed, and if not, there should be. I highly recommend this book for even the casual Xena: WP fan, and particularly the rabid ones, though if you're a rabid fan, you probably already own this...

Great Book With Awsome Photos! :).......2003-07-05

This book is great. I have the Warrior Princess Costume all ready! Lucy Lawless Looks sharp on the front cover of this book and I got this with my staff at the Joyce Warner House... I really have to say is that it has great pictures! :) <3Cheeeeeyyyyaaa!Young Xena Warrior Princess

A must-have for sword-broad fans!.......2002-04-20

What can I say? If you love Xena, you gotta have this!

Speaking for myself, in terms of guilty pleasures..........2002-04-16

....being a hardcore nutball Xena fan ranked for me - but only for a short while - among the highest!But then,now that I've embraced this pleasure wholehartedly, let's put things like this: if anyone wants to understand the ideological linings of postmodernity, understanding the Xena phenomenon provides one of the shortest roads, and if anyone wants to study XWP one has to begin gathering extra information here. I would recommend, however to order this book with Ariele Dorfman's & Armand Mattelart's _How to Read Donald Duck_, if the purpose is scholarly; if you just like Xena, order the two neverthless.

A Must Have If You're A Xena Fan.......2001-03-05

This book is basically the Bible for Xenites. With tons of color and balck and white pictures, you can't miss. There is a in-depth look at the making of the show, including the step by step process of editing, directing, prop making, costume designing, and the music that goes with the show. One littlle tibet I found particularly interesting was that they included the lyrics to the Xena theme song, both the Bulgarian words and their English counterpart. This book also includes detailed plot synoposes of each and every episode of the first through second seasons. This section has a special "Lucy's Take" with her outlook on every episode, which is neat. This book is pack full of Xena goodness (and badness, if you like the evil Xena, with tons of backround on her appreance on Hercules). This book is a must have and essential to any fans collection.

All I Need To Know I Learned From Xena: Warrior Princess

Average customer rating:

If I was a bard, this would be my bible!
pretty good
Gabrielle's scrolls......
Gabrielle's life line story in one book!
This book will not let any Xena fan put it down!

All I Need To Know I Learned From Xena: Warrior Princess
Josepha Sherman
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0671023896

Book Description

In a time of ancient gods,
warlords and kings,
a Land in turmoil
cried out for a hero.
She was XENA,
a mighty princess
forged in the heat of battle.

Xena: Warrior Princess. Gabrielle: Bard of Poteidaia. Theirs was a life of adventure. A life of romance. A life of great deeds and great battles against the forces of evil. A life of good and bad gods, of deep and lasting friendships.

In their travels, Gabrielle, Xena's bosom companion, learned much from the princess. When to keep your sword sharp and your wit sharper. When the size of Your staff does make a difference. In return, Gabrielle taught Xena the secrets of warmth, kindness, and joy.

Now, in her own recently discovered words, the Bard of Poteidaia talks of what she got from Xena and what Xena gave her, lessons about life that will ease the path for those of us battling on through the modern world.

Customer Reviews:

If I was a bard, this would be my bible!.......2003-05-20

A great edition for any true Xena fan. Read through the list of things Gabrielle has learned from her friend Xena as well as the ins and outs of living life on the road, (or the dirt track as they would say) A great read, full of good laughs and informative too.

pretty good.......2001-09-27

This was a real cute book..a must for any "hardcore nutball" Xena fan. I like the pictures and Renee O'Connor's small top ten list in the front was a big bonus...It was not a real introduction, but good nonetheless. I wouldn't spend a huge amount of money on it..but good for the price here.

Gabrielle's scrolls.............2000-01-19

Hmmmm, this book is quite good - but I believe that there are better ones out there. If you're a complete xena freak like me then, then you'll want to have it - it is amusing, especially as it is from gabby's point of view, and sometimes the author manages to nail it and you can hear gabby's voice saying the words. It's not for someone who doesn't know the programme too well. It often makes brief references to episodes and I'm not really sure how much sense it would make if you hadn't seen them. It is quite a short book, but you'll not want to put it down until you've read it. Don't buy this if you're looking for something really informative about the show. This book is a bit of fun and nothing more - like I said before - something for the die-hard fans rather than anyone else....

Gabrielle's life line story in one book!.......1999-07-29

If you want to learn everything about Gabrielle's life this is the book for you! Her stories and journeys with Xena will thrill and take you beyond the pages of her book. Every chapter has something new, and you learn many things about the way she lives with Xena, and Joxer too. Pick this book to learn more then even Xena knows about Gabrielle's life.

This book will not let any Xena fan put it down!.......1999-07-23

This book is a creative way of putting any xena fan on the journeys. It comes from Gabrielle's perspective of lessons, discoveries, friendship,and many things well taught, that she's learned on the journeys. As a Xena fan I recommend it. Though it's fairly short, It will keep you turning the pages all night long! Complete with a Introduction by Renee 'O Connor, I find it a very believable book.

May Bird, Warrior Princess: Book Three (May Bird)

Average customer rating:

May Bird, Warrior Princess: Book Three (May Bird)
Jodi Lynn Anderson
Manufacturer: Atheneum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0689869258

Book Description

At Hog Wallow Middle School, May Ellen Bird was always slightly invisible.

Then she went on a long trip to the land of the dead, where ghost towns

glowed blue in the dark dusk and spooky specters dwelled in cities on the

Dead Sea.

Back on Earth at last, May and her hairless cat, Somber Kitty, are now

famous, their faces plastered across souvenirs and sportswear that read

"May Bird Went to the Land of the Dead and All She Brought Me Was This

Lousy T-Shirt." But, finally in the spotlight, May feels more than ever

that she doesn't belong. Every night she sits by her bedroom window,

gazing at

the sky and dreaming of another place, wishing -- despite

herself -- to be back among the ghosts.

And then one night she gets her heart's desire in a way she would never

have wished for. Only the Ever After isn't anything like the world May

left

behind three years ago. The spirits have vanished, and the towns --

once full of every manner of things that go bump in the night -- are

deserted. Evil Bo Cleevil has made the Ever After as cold as his own

frigid soul, and put up a bunch of tacky malls to boot.

Now, with her friends missing and enemies all around her, May must find

her way to the edge of the universe, where night swallows the stars, where

allies are few and often have bad breath, where endings can also be

beginnings, and where the truest hero lurks in the unlikeliest of souls.

But Bo Cleevil's got one last trick up his sleeve -- one that no one on

Earth is ready for.

With the worlds of the living and the dead in the balance, will May's

courage fail her one last time? Or will she finally become the warrior she

was always meant to be?

Book Description

Whether they're fighting single-handed or shoulder-to-shoulder with others

in strict formation, warriors have given their lives to win land, cities,

and empires.

From the ferocious ancient Assryians to the fearsome Zulus, Warriors

showcases these celebrated fighters, highlighting their battles, heroisms,

weapons, and tactics. Discover how the fearless Spartans were groomed and

trained for war from birth, or how Boudicca, Britain's terrifying warrior

queen, rose up in revolt against the mighty Roman army. Learn about the

bloodthirsty Aztecs and their custom of ripping out the hearts of living

sacrificial victims, and enter the mysterious realm of the ninja, masters

of stealth and sabotage!

Here are the brutal stories of history's legendary warriors. Open these

pages and enter a thrilling and savage world...

Customer Reviews:

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2007-07-11

Along the same lines as Pirates: Most Wanted, WARRIORS takes us behind-the-scenes to discover the true lives of long-lost warriors of old.

This interactive book takes us into the lives of the Assyrians, the Spartans, Alexander and the Macedonians, the Celts, the Romans, Gladiators, the Vikings, the Samurai, the Ninja, Genghis Khan and the Mongols, Medieval Knights, the Aztecs, and the Zulus.

What's great about this book, besides the facts and figures, is its ability to truly draw you into the world that it's describing. There are posters, envelopes filled with interesting cards, pop-ups, awesome graphics, and all sorts of fun things that you can spend your time getting lost in.

This is the perfect reference book to use as a guide for that pesky book report, or just a good read that you can spend the day exploring in detail. Either way, you're sure to learn something, and how can your parents say no to that?

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

Xena Warrior Princess: Complete Illustrated Companion

Average customer rating:

Great book,but could have been more extensive
Great Book!
Depends on how picky you are...

Xena Warrior Princess: Complete Illustrated Companion
K. Stoddard Hayes
Manufacturer: Titan Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1840236221
Release Date: 2003-06-01

Book Description

Xena: Warrior Princess chronicles the life and death (and afterlife) adventures of the fierce and fearless Xena as she travels through ancient imaginary lands. Leaping onto our screens in 1995 with the now-familiar battle-cry "Yi-Yi-Yi-Yi-Yi!", the show ran for six series, and its blend of drama, humour, hard-hitting (literally!) action and a knowing modern-day sensibility helped it to achieve mainstream cultdom.

Xena: Warrior Princess: The Complete Illustrated Companion is the only comprehensive, fully-authorised guide to all six series of the groundbreaking action-adventure show, and contains a complete episode guide, plus character and behind-the-scenes information, and details of Xena fandom, all illustrated with over 150 photos, including an 8-page colour section.

Customer Reviews:

Great book,but could have been more extensive.......2007-05-19

Being that I own the Xena guide written by Robert Weisbrot,I wasn't sure what to expect from this one. What I got was a book that was not as extensive as it should have been. The individual episode summaries should have been more detailed than they were. If Weisbrot had written this one,no doubt they would have been. However,I did enjoy reading about the final four seasons,and for that I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Great Book!.......2004-01-12

Hello All,
I GOT THIS BOOK TODAY AND IT'S GREAT U KNOW...
YOUNG XENA

Depends on how picky you are..........2003-08-10

It's been two years since the series came to a close and ended it's shooting, and we finally have a complete illustrated companion to go along with it all.
With all the time we spent anticipating this book, I believe that it left a bit to be desired. The author of the book either did not do his or her homework very well or did not pay too much attention to detail when the episode guide was written. Each episode review was only three or four lines long, and there were a few mistakes on the episodes scattered throughout. IE-In One Against an Army, Gabrielle was shot by an arrow BEFORE Xena took refuge in the armory. This was actually a rather large point in the plot of the story, but the book states that Xena went to the armory and then Gabrielle was shot. For the episode "Many Happy Returns" the book explains that Xena and Gabrielle enlisted Aphrodite's help to help Genia "enjoy worldly pleasures." Weren't they trying to teach her to live her own life? You may like the episode guide better than I did if you aren't so picky, but I definitely recommend online fan written episode guides over the one in this book. They are usually more in depth and more accurate.
The rest of the book was alright. It has the genesis of Xena, a production history, an episode guide (both for the series and when Xena would guest star on Hercules), character reviews, a behind the scenes look at costumes, makeup, stunts and special effects, Xena's journeys across the globe, a Greek Mythology encyclopedia to help you keep the characters straight, and even a chapter just for the fans of the show. I've been a very avid Xena fan and collector since Xena was first on Hercules in 1994, and if you're like me then you've seen and read all of this before (not to mention having already known all of the information from having memorized every detail of every episode of the show *big grin*). It's nice to have all this in one book, but it's not anything new or exciting to those that have been fans all along. BUT it is one of those things that every xenite should have. I recommend it to all Xena fans, but with the warning of not to have your expectations set too high and the advice that almost everything (if not everything) from this book can be found online.

How Xena Changed Our Lives: True Stories by Fans for Fans

Average customer rating:

Mildly entertaining for the non-Xenite, but probably great for hardcore fans
Touching, funny and a great Xenite adventure
Greatest Xena Book
A Treasure for the True Xena fans

How Xena Changed Our Lives: True Stories by Fans for Fans

Manufacturer: ECW Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1550225006

Book Description

Xena, the warrior princess, and her loyal companion, Gabrielle, have battled the airwaves for love, peace, and forgiveness and become modern icons for fervent devotees. These stories, written by fans, describe the impact the show has had on their lives, from people they've met, relationships cultivated with other viewers, and special encounters with the stars of the show in times of need. Other stories illustrate lessons learned and achievements gained, inspired by Xena's physical strength or Gabrielle's intellect.

Customer Reviews:

Mildly entertaining for the non-Xenite, but probably great for hardcore fans.......2007-08-16

I am not now nor have I ever been a hardcore XENA fan. I enjoy the show and appreciate how important the characters of Xena and Gabrielle were -- along with Dana Scully and Buffy -- for ushering in the modern era of heroic women on television. Although XENA was never as popular as THE X-FILES nor as critically acclaimed as BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, for a host of people Xena and her constant companion Gabrielle were the archetypes of the heroic female, a character amazingly absent in the first fifty years of television. But XENA did not change my life nor the life of anyone I know. I do know that she, along with Buffy, Max Guevara, and other heroic female characters provided my daughter with examples of strong women at a time when strong women were being presented on television for the first time.

Interestingly, this was the second of two books that I have read in the past week on television fandom. I've read a fair amount about fandom, but I've never been much a part of it. I post on a couple of boards, but I'm not a great community member. None of my social life revolves around celebrating a television show, even though I'm a fairly serious student of television and much of my writing and research centers on specific series in particular or the medium as a whole in general. But I've never been to a convention for any show or to any event (apart from a TV Guide sponsored preview of an episode of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA) connected to a TV series and probably am never likely to do so. I have published essays on specific TV series and plan to write additional pieces in the future. So while I'm completely familiar with the series the fans in this book talk about, I'm really not a participant in their world.

Unfortunately, nothing in the book really makes me want to go to conventions. Much of the activity described in this book simply doesn't appeal to me. Out of sheer curiosity I have read a tiny bit of fanfic (BUFFY and BSG) but quickly quit. I found the writing to be of pretty low quality and, to be honest, a tad embarrassing. Most fanfic seems to me to be pretty bald fantasy projection and the examples I experienced fell into the category of "too much information." Nor do conventions interest me. I can't understand standing in line to get someone's autograph or wanting to exchange three or four lines of conversation with someone. I've seen a fair number of celebrities in my life, but apart from a long conversation I had once with Charlton Heston (initiated by him -- I would never have started a chat with someone just to talk with someone famous -- he was, his silly politics aside, an incredibly nice man) and a briefer one with jazz great Sonny Rollins, who asked me where he could get some decent carry out, I've never exchanged words with any celebrity. So I don't "get" why someone would get so excited because they met and talked with Renee O'Connor's mother or exchanged words with Hudson Leick in an autograph line. It is behavior that I neither admire nor envy. It is, in fact, behavior that generates a certain "ick" reaction in me. I personally like my stars exactly where they ought to be: onscreen. This not to say that I wouldn't talk to someone famous out of principle. It is to say that I'd only talk with someone I encountered during the normal course of my life (which happened with Charlton Heston), not because I sought them out at a fan convention or pestered them on a sidewalk or saw them eating in a restaurant. I just don't understand wanting to luxuriate in the presence of someone you don't know, just because you've seen them on TV.

But this is why we read books, to understand and to be exposed to things that are not a normal part of our lives. I'm not a celebrity chaser, but perhaps it is good to read the remarks of people who are in order to understand why they do. Most of us don't read fanfic, so it can be good to read about people who do or people who write it. Most of us don't go to conventions, but reading about the experiences of people who do will expand our horizons a bit. In short, you can learn about the behavior of others by reading this.

The people who will most enjoy this are, however, those who are a part of the XENA fandom. This book truly is created with them in mind.

I did find it interesting to read that the opinions of many others meshed with many of my own to the series. For instance, I found both the second musical episode of XENA and the absolutely horrendous "Married with Fishsticks," which might be the single worst episode that I have seen of any show ever made (it makes the notoriously awful "Beer Bad" of BUFFY look like CITIZEN KANE). I did get a kick out of reading the "subtext" opinions. Here is the truth about the "subtext": the show wanted to tease the fans with the possibility without making it an actuality. They could easily have made it definitive in one direction or another, but they deliberately chose not to. But there is no question that it is the most passionate friendship between two women that we've ever seen on TV. And whether they were physically intimate (I suspect they were not, given Xena's closing line in the episode where Michael Hurst's reporter character bluntly asked them whether they were lovers -- Xena starts to answer but gets out only the one "Technically . . . " before technical difficulties cut off her reply, but the only thing that makes sense would be something like, "Technically no, but we love each other." But even that could be a tease. Truth is, they didn't want to tell us.) or not, they obviously and truly loved one another. I've never quite understood (along with other things that I don't understand) why we had to nail down the kind of physical relationship they had.

So, I'm not sure what kind of recommendation to make here. Casual fans of the show should probably pass. Rabid fans will enjoy it. 'Tweeners like me could either take it or leave it. I needed to read it for something I'm writing, but not many can claim that need. The only other consideration is that there are shockingly few decent books on XENA. There are virtually no serious guides to the show and no critical discussions in book form apart from essays in a couple of books. Speaking objectively, I think XENA was almost as important in creating the new heroic woman on TV as BUFFY (Buffy came first in movie form, but Xena was first on TV, but most subsequent female heroes were based more on Buffy), but the number of critical works on BUFFY is staggering, while next to nothing has been released on XENA. Among TV critics and historians of TV and scholars, XENA has yet to get its due. So, in the absence of other books on XENA, this is one of the few books with which we are left.

Touching, funny and a great Xenite adventure.......2004-03-25

Now, first, I promise I'm not just giving this book 5 stars because Nikki is a good pal of mine, nor because I have a segment in it (Forget Eden, Give Me Adrienne).
Nikki Stafford has passion for the books she writes/edits. From her first book "Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor: Warrior Stars of Xena" to this one, Nikki never fails to grasp the fandom. "Warrior Stars" to this day is the best compainion book for "Xena." "How Xena Changed Our Lives" was created when Nikki had trouble getting fans to write for "Trekkers: True Stories by Fans for Fans" and it was suggested to her to make a "Xena" book. Though the "Trekker" book has some great stories, "How Xena Changed Our Lives" has all the passion. People can finally read WHY a tv series can change a person's life. Whether it helps you out of a rut, is the cause for meeting new people or inspires you to volunteer, this book captures the heart of Xenites. There are stories that will make you laugh, ones that will make you jealous, and ones that will truly make you cry. An Xenite will love this book, and I recommend it for non-Xenites as well (especially if you know a Xenite) as an invation into our world.

Greatest Xena Book.......2002-12-07

Read it if you love TV.

Sarah

A Treasure for the True Xena fans.......2002-11-27

I perchased this book, and was pleasantly surpised by how much I enjoyed it. Of course this book isn't stricktly for fans of the Xenaverse. It has some wonderful stories from the fans on how the show changed thier lives. Some are funny, some are very touching and personal. Xena was a show that transcended it's cheezy mythology setting, and introduced the world to two characters (brilliantly played by Lucy Lawless & Renee O'Connor) that broke so many new grounds with the journey they took us on. This book celebrates the effect it had on the fans, and does so wonderfully.

Warrior Princess: The Erotic Fantasy Photography of Michael Alan Grapin

Average customer rating:

An erotic journey through the imagination
Beautiful, well designed book

Warrior Princess: The Erotic Fantasy Photography of Michael Alan Grapin
Michael, Alan Grapin
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Erotic Photography | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The author mentions that the inspiration for this particular book came from the Fantasy Genre within popular culture. The images are inspired by the classic Fantasy Illustrations of such luminaries as Frank Frazetta, Boris Vallejo and Clyde Caldwell; Comic Books, such as Vampirella and Wonder Woman; Television shows like Xena Warrior Princess; And the proliferation of historic and fantasy reenactment groups. It helps that the author is an avid collector of prop weapons and armor. He's even acquired actual film used props from movies like First Knight, TV shows like Xena Warrior Princess and many reproductions from the likes of the Fellowship of the Ring series...many of these props are worn and weilded by the models in the book. In addition to the Warrior Princesses and Comic Book Heroines, you may find several characters that inhabit the worlds of fantasy. A Faerie, a vampire or two, sucubi, dancing girls, concubines and slave girls...many creatures to tickle your imagination. Warning: This book is intended for mature audiences.

Customer Reviews:

An erotic journey through the imagination.......2006-07-14

Take a journey into the magical fantasies of Michael Grapin's photo imagination. It is easy to enter his theatrical, erotic world of costumed lovely ladies. A must have for any fan of fun erotica.

Beautiful, well designed book.......2006-07-07

I love this book, the pictures are beautiful in quality and style. I love the creativity that Michael has shown in his photography. The depth and beauty of his pictures is breathtaking.

A must have for all fans of erotic art.

Further Adventures of Xena: Warrior Princess (Xena: Warrior Princess (Berkley))

Average customer rating:

The first collection of Xena short stories...
short xena stories
Good post-Xena series collection.
Not Just for Xenites Anymore
Xceptional

Further Adventures of Xena: Warrior Princess (Xena: Warrior Princess (Berkley))
Martin Harry Greenberg
Manufacturer: Ace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Xena | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0441008526
Release Date: 2001-08-29

Book Description

The ultimate collection for Xena-philes, with new, original stories by bestselling authors Jennifer Roberson * Josepha Sherman * Diane Duane * series screenwriter Melissa Good * and Greg Cox * Esther Friesner * Jody Lynn Nye * Jaye Cameron * David Bischoff * and many others.AUTHORBIO:

Customer Reviews:

The first collection of Xena short stories..........2004-12-07

17 stories by some of the most well known (and not so well known) authors, all set in the Xena universe. Adventures, Gods, magic and wrestling. Most of the stories are good, but you can tell that many of the authors didn't work together. One story says the City of Thebes was long gone, while another said it still existed. And in one story, about the battle of Salamis, Xena CARES about what the Greek Gods think about her. When did Xena care about what ANY God thought about?
So while this might be the first collection, it will also be the last.

short xena stories.......2003-01-25

this is a very good book, i couldn't put it down. there are lots of short stories in this book, so it doesn't get boring. if you are new to the xena paperbacks, this is the book to get you started.

Good post-Xena series collection........2002-05-11

Whether you liked (cough, cough) the final episode or not; you will love to regain your enjoyment for Xena and Gabrielle in this
collection of short stories. Pretty good. Also: "Damsel in the Rough" by Ann M. Tempesta and "Tropical Storm" by Melissa Good--authors who know how to produce a gutsy warrior babe!

Not Just for Xenites Anymore.......2001-11-19

Like many Xenites, I bought this book to read the work of fanfiction bard and series screenplay writer Missy Good, and I wasn't disappointed: Missy's stellar final story in the anthology made it worth the money.
However, I was thrilled to discover that the person picking the anthology entries and the writers submitting the stories were just as spot-on, dead center in their portrayal of Xena and Gabrielle as the best screenwriters and fanfiction bards out there. With the possible exception of the lengthy story involving Joxer (can't recall the name right now), every story gave wonderful new yet insightful glimpses of the characters we know and love. Further, for readers of all types of sword and sorcery fantasy, this book offers believable plotting and emotionally engaging characters.
This is a book that every Xena fan should own and one to pass on to non-Xenites. Spread the word-- this one's not just for Xenites.

Xceptional.......2001-09-17

I wasn't ready to let the series go yet. Thankfully Gabby and Xena lived on in this collection of short stories. Any and all XWP fans will love this book!!!

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