Xena | Alternative | Drama | Novel - 601 pages | Finished | Jul-03
Cast: Zara, Nadrah, Gabrielle, Abu, Xena, Moroccan, Badr
Fan Ratings: Overall: 8.26 (Rated 15 times) Spice Index: 8.0 (Rated 14 times)
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Teaser: After 21 months of research, L. Crystal Michallet-Romero has produced the finest FIN tale ever written! Crystal not only utilized her tremendous skills as a scholar to painstakingly research the history of the times, but she includes vast knowledge into the religious aspects of Islam, Hindu and Egyptian religions. When she promised us a roller coaster ride at the beginning of this tale, she was not kidding. The Curse of Higuchi brings out a wide range of emotions, and is filled with such depth and detail as to take your breath away. From the very first chapter, all the way to the end, I felt as if I was a part of the story. Even after I go back to re-read the story again, I come across so many details that were previously missed before. I have read every FIN story ever written, and I truly believe that COH will become the definitive tale for the continuation of X:WP. If TPTB are looking for a script for any future movies, they need not look further than COH. COH is a must read for all Xena Fans.
Reader Recommendations:
This story is a fantastic. The characters are wonderful and the plot is fantastic! This is a must read FN. - sterling - Jul 30th, 2003
What an epic story! It has a depth seldom seen in fanfic; it's simply breathtaking. - pa9 - Aug 3rd, 2003
I would soooo recommend reading this story, I called in sick to work so that I could read this story; I didn't want to stop for anything, not even the world. I settled in with snacks, drinks and a cute ælil laptop to read this .. I've laughed out loud, cried like a baby from sympathetic pain and giggled like a little girl again at some of the funnies. The research that has gone into this and keen insight into personal drives and psychology make this a very well developed character driven novel. I loved my 24 hour stint reading this, every minute was worth it. Thank you L. Crystal Michallet-Romero for furthering the FIN ending of Xena and her bard Gabrielle and providing me with a memorable day of reading and pleasure. - Cath - Oct 28th, 2003
I never wanted to read fan fic stories involving FIN or Post FIN. I saw many recommendations for this story and after looking into it, found it to be around 600 pgs. With that many pages, this story had to have some substance. I had hoped anyway. So I took a chance. Luckily, I wasn't disappointed; in fact, my socks were totally blown off. This story is simply, in a word, brilliant. I stayed awake so many nights until my eyes would betray me and close from exhaustion. The characters introduced in this tale were so rich, I couldn't wait to read their storylines in addition to following Gabrielle and Xena's. I grew to adore Zara and was so happy Gabrielle had befriended her. Once more, the author gave historical facts before each section; I actually learned about other cultures while reading this story. There is way too much to discuss in this type of arena, but do yourselves a favor and give this story a read. It truly is incredible. Fantastic job, Crystal. - Di Bauden - Mar 4th, 2004
A fantastic classical Xena fiction and one of the best post-FIN stories ever. I find myself returning to this work over and over. - Anonymous - Mar-22-2008
The best FIN I've ever read! - Anonymous - Apr-21-2008
This is script material, and an absolutely fantastic tale. I'm a Xena loyalist and I didn't think I could deal with any other character loving Gab. BUT, I fell in love with Zara and was torn between who would be best, I wanted them both to have her. It is a beautifully written story and I didn't ant it to end. Please write more about Zara, I felt so sorry for her. Her fate just broke my heart. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would like to know that things turn out ok for her. Well done, I'll be hanging on to it as one of my favorites to go back to. - Lea Ann - May-01-2009
Amazing - Bighteyez08 - Oct-08-2009
Wow. This really is the best ever post fin work. Incredibly rich and detailed story. totally addictive. Would love to see Zara's story continued. If you haven't read this, read it now there is no better fin tale out there. - Blown Away - Nov-14-2009
What a talented bard. This is an epic story well worth reading. Engaging, compelling - it will take you through a range of emotions. ****spoiler**** although, I have to say that it was very hard to read as Gabrielle became involved with another woman. My mind struggled to accept even through I could 'understand', somewhat. Thank goodness Xe/Gab came through in the end. - Anonymous - May-30-2010
Omg! This has to be just about the best Post FIN story ever written. Beautifully written. Do yourself a favor and check this one out. A masterpiece! - RCP - Aug-19-2010
This story was beautifully written. Nice characters, dialogue, setting. Great research done. And it's long! Safe to say, the writer has the right stuff. But I did not like it. And no, not because of the Islam thing. That I have no problem with. It was actually refreshing. No, due to some (for me) uncharacteristic (and at the same time very characteristic. I know, it's confusing.) portrayals of Gabrielle, basically the whole premise of the story felt... Wrong.
Again, it's not a bad story, really. But because of my own feelings on how X&G's relationship is built the story didn't work for me. I had a pit in my stomach the whole time. And I'm starting to suspect that I'm turning people away. Read it! Try it out! While not right for me, this well written story might be just right for you. - Lazy Laziel - Oct-06-2011
Have read more than once and have enjoyed it each time. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting a story that continues after the death of Xena. It is awesome! - Anonymous - Oct-06-2011
I was seorisuly at DefCon 5 until I saw this post. - POFQaANGVDRcl - Dec-11-2011
