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Conqueror | Ancient | Alternative | Drama | Novel - 216 pages | Finished | May-08
Honors/Awards: Perennial Favorite Award: #4 in 2008 #24 in 2009 #16 in 2010 #58 in 2011 #41 in 2012
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Reader Recommendations:
Great read! A refreshing and different story from the many ubers written right now. Hope to see a sequel in the works. - Anonymous - May-23-2008 Ok, only rarely have I seen such realism that I've had to put my head between my knees... Gladiator themes and such. This piece is masterful in both storytelling and compassion, and ultimately, love. Thanks for a wonderful piece of writing. - Dusty - May-23-2008 This has to be without a doubt, the best Conqueror fic that I have ever read! - Omega - May-23-2008 A refreshingly original Conqueror story that deviates far from the standard lonely ruler-submissive slave plot line. Now, where's the 300+ pages of the novel that you seem to have left off? :D - Anonymous - May-23-2008 for her first story, this is a very good read. Well written and interesting, a slightly different slant on a conquerer story. - Olivia - May-23-2008 Wow! Extremely well written conqueror fanfic. First rate action and dialogue. Not an awkward sentence in sight. Run, don't walk, to this story. You'll be on the edge of your seat for the entire time. - Cuddles - May-23-2008 Great, great story. I hope there will be a sequel. Gladiator Gabs and Conqueror Xena - Anonymous - May-23-2008 Thank you. I really enjoyed this story. I hope there is a sequel. - gillian - May-24-2008 EXCELLENT!!!! So great to see a new Conqueror story and this one is so engaging and well written!!!! - Anonymous - May-25-2008 What a fantastic story! We see some old faces from the world of XWP but they are not the characters you expect them to be. Gabrielle fans will be intrigued by this version of her character. She is certainly not what the fanfiction cannon usually supplies ,and it is so refreshing and believable that I want to see more about this Gabrielle. The first story from this exceptionally talented bard is dark, violent, gritty and not for everyone. But, for me that is what makes it fresh, exciting and so satisfying. This story screams sequel, and I certainly hope that we get to read one in the near future. - Kez - May-25-2008 I found this story last night and could not shut my computer off until I finished reading the story. This has become one of my favorite Conqueror/Gabrielle stories. If you love rich, deep characters, this is a must read! - searcher - May-25-2008 A very difficult, violent and graphic read, but I'd be amiss if I didn't comment on the quality. Strong writing, beautiful characterization, unapologetic. Well done to the author. If you have the stomach for it you shouldn't miss this novel. - k alexander - May-26-2008 great read. exciting - want a sequel - dktr - May-26-2008 Awesome read... but tell me theres more coming!!PUHLEEEASE!! - Saysyou - May-26-2008 **** Spoiler Alert **** This was an awesome story! Very well written for a first timer! I would very much love it if there was a sequel in the works...Too many questions left! Like...do they survive, what happens to the betrayers...Does Rome rule the world....etc, etc, etc :P PLEASE!!! - kaysy_1994 - May-27-2008 Is there a sequel is the works? I stayed up the whole night to read this excellent fic. I couldn't stop reading. Wonderfully written Spyrel. - Anonymous - May-27-2008 AWESOME!! More, please? - Anonymous - May-27-2008 Great, great story! I really hope that the author is planning a sequel to it. - Anonymous - May-29-2008 Fantastic story! Excellent! I hope there is a sequel! Thank you Spyrel. - Anonymous - May-29-2008 very good story,spyrel makes the best conqueror story ever. - ailidh - May-29-2008 loved it. nicely written piece, with great inventive insights. a sql would be appreciated. - msprism - May-30-2008 What a wonderful page turner of a story. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down until I finished. A continuation of this story would be nice. - cygirl1 - May-30-2008 Grrrreat work. Loved it. Nice twist and I would love to know what happens next! - lyneX - Jun-01-2008 Excellent story!!! I love it! I hope there is a seqel. - Anonymous - Jun-01-2008 Excellent, well-crafted, gritty and yet touching story. Loved it and shamelessly join in the clamour for a sequal. - dinasbran - Jun-03-2008 This story will become a classic. My words can not do it justice. I love your portrayl of Gab, you have given an edge to her character that is seldom explored. You have breathed new life into X&G, but manage to stay true to their core characters. I have read this story over 2x in less than a week. I would recommend this to all my fellow XWP lovers out there. You will not be disappointed with this tale. I do hope the author is going to gift us with a sequel. You just cant end it there...pretty please. - brighteyez - Jun-12-2008 OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a materpice! Please write a sequel! - Anonymous - Jun-19-2008 Great story, please write a sequel to it...don't make us wait. I loved it, thank you. - Manoli - Jun-20-2008 One of the best Conqueror story that I have ever read ! Absolutely stunning !!! A sequel... please - Anonymous - Jun-21-2008 Extremely well written. A really talented bard! I hope there is a seqel... - Anonymous - Jun-21-2008 Single-handedly the greatest Conqueror story I have ever read. Gabrielle is smashingly hot and Xena is everything we want her to be and more! I can't wait for the sequel! - Chunks - Jun-22-2008 EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT! Thank you Spyrel;-) Sequel please?! - Anonymous - Jun-23-2008 Very very good. Interesting twists and a great read. A sequel is eagerly awaited. - RhB - Jun-26-2008 Dark and violent........but extremely well written. Hope there is a sequel. - Anonymous - Jun-28-2008 Very, very good. Sometimes I forget that there are good writers out there. This reminded me. Thank you. - K - Jun-28-2008 What a fantastic read!!! Amazing. Sequel pllleeeease :-))) - Anonymous - Jun-29-2008 I read a glaring recommendation for this story at XOC on a thread for Conqueror fan fiction that was very complimentary so I had to click on it and see what all of the fuss was about. I could not stop reading it; I didn't want to! This is as close to a masterpiece of Xena fan fiction as I've read. I wish there was more and that the story didn't have to end so suddenly. If anyone is reading this review and has not read the story yet, read it now! You will not be disappointed. I have fallen in love. - areslovex - Jul-08-2008 The best thing I have read on this site, no contest. Brutal, beautiful, one of the best stories you will read whether you like alternative fiction or not. It's got something for everybody. Xena and Gabrielle are so complicated they're perfect; I wish that this could have been filmed for the show. I cannot recommend it highly enough to everyone. Spyrel, you have outdone yourself. - Elisa H. - Jul-09-2008 This is a masterpice! Thank you Spyrel! - Anonymous - Jul-11-2008 This is one of the best stories I've ever read! - Anonymous - Jul-14-2008 Wow. Just...WOW. Can't wait for the sequel! ...there IS going to be a sequel, right? - LD - Jul-15-2008 FANTASTIC! A must read! - Anonymous - Jul-16-2008 What can I say that hasn't already been said about this story...mesmerizing...it gripped my imagination and tugged at my heartstrings....indeed an epic tale, when I finished I found myself saddened that the ride was over...the characters were flawed and beautifully written , a conqueror tale that few writers ever actually 'get'. Spyrel 'gets' it. I hope she continues to write in this genre for awhile, as an avid reader I eagerly await her next story. - juls - Jul-18-2008 If this fic were a person, I would make love to it. =P - Cookies - Jul-29-2008 Thank you - excellent story! - Anonymous - Aug-01-2008 one of the best conqueror stories i have ever read. you must read it, you wont regret it. - d - Aug-03-2008 AMAZING! This was gripping, brutal, beaufiful and poetic. Spyrel captured everything about Xena The Conqueror magnifsantly. This story MUST have a sequel....for my sanity! For all our sanity I beg you! - Sai - Aug-07-2008 Absolutely amazing a must read! :) - Karrie - Aug-22-2008 Wow. . . really, just. . .wow! I can't say anything more than that. This story had me reading until the wee hours of the morning. It felt like watching an episode of Xena and I couldn't take my eyes away. Of course this screams a sequel. I wanted to scream when it ended. When I read the last line, I was like, "Is this it?" Oh my God, how I cannot wait to read another story like this from Spyrel. Out of ten stars, this story gets a hundred. Bravo!!!!!! - Meg - Sep-14-2008 That was great. Well done. Can we have a sequel pleaseeee. Pretty Pleaseeee. - Bella Taggart - Sep-16-2008 This is the third time I've read this story and it just gets richer every time. Unlike a lot of the usual conqueror stories where GX fall instantly and madly in love, this story makes you work for it and enjoy every minute while you are doing it. Fixed every single pet peeve I ever had about conqueror stories and Gabrielle is so incredibly intriguing in this I couldn't stop reading. Completely different from anything you'll have read in the genre. Highly recommended!!! - Kerowyn - Sep-17-2008 I know I praised this to the hilt last time, but I have now read it for a second time and it has now become my absolute favourite story ever in Xena fanfiction. I have been reading fanfic for 10 years and it is wonderful to see a new Bard delivering quality like this. Spyrel... any news about a sequel? - Kez - Sep-20-2008 This is an amazing read, loved every part of it and would love there to be a sequel! - xengab20 - Sep-23-2008 Unglaublich gut geschrieben! Ich bin absolut beeindrückt! Sehr gut! Thank you Spyrel! Germany - Anonymous - Sep-29-2008 Gah. Just Gah! If only they were ALL this wonderful. Perfect combination of suspense and intrigue without sacrificing character one little bit. It's everything I ever wanted to read in a Xena story and it's raised the bar on what I now expect out of a Gabrielle portrayal. Utterly delightful and amazingly well written. - Anonymous - Oct-02-2008 I have yet to find a better written or more compelling piece of fiction since this one. The portrayal of both Xena and Gabrielle are believable,complicated and wonderfully gritty. Beyond everything, this story is about the fundamental nature of our beloved characters. How despite the constraints, self imposed and otherwise, they still have the ability to free each other from the darkness. And in case you haven't figured it out yet, I love LOVE this story. Please read. You won't be disappointed and will probably be surprised. - Specks - Oct-09-2008 An extremely well woven conqueror tale where Gabrielle is a gladiator and Xena is still the destroyer of nations. Intrigue, tension and awesome characterization. Probably my fav Gabrielle yet. - Anonymous - Oct-28-2008 This is my favorite fan fiction, ever. I've read numerous tales, and I always come back to this one. The writing is superb, as is the plot and characterizations of our fav. duo. I hear there is a sequel in the works...I pray to the gods this is true, for I need a sequel! Do yourself a favor and read this. right. now. - Anonymous - Dec-09-2008 This is probably the most heart rending, amazing, and complicated portrayals of the X/G relationship yet. I don't care if you like or do not like alternative timelines, you will like this. Because in the end,its all about the characters and Spyrel does the characters more justice than any other author I have read before. I have no words for how exquisite this story really is. Pacing, characterization, writing, all absolutely perfect. Read this, you'll be doing yourself a favor. - Kerr - Feb-03-2009 This story is beautiful raw and violent, it tears into you and refuses to let go. I couldn't stop reading once I had started, I was so transfixed by everything. Please, Spyrel, will you give us a sequel? - S. Livingston - Feb-06-2009 Most excellent read on so many levels. A "what if" that acknowledges the core essence of each character. But, as it is a strong conqueror story, each character is true to what they might have been had there been a Conqueror. Very strong story. Difficult at time -- not in reading, but in the ideas and themes presented; that is, doesn't cheapen out which gives all the more to savor in the story. Lots of lovely angst and anger. I look forward to more from this writer. - Anonymous - Feb-08-2009 Please, it's going to be a year in May. I need a sequel!! - Anonymous - Mar-14-2009 Definitely one of the best Conqueror stories I've ever read. The Gabrielle character as the Gladiator "Parda" was fascinating. Excellent work. This brillant tale is screaming for a sequel. - LRT - Mar-22-2009 What am amazing piece! This is a spectacular read. - filfil - Apr-05-2009 AAAACK!!!!...WHERE'S THE SEQUEL?!?!?!?! It's been a long, long time since I've been so completely taken by a writer and her work. When I found there's no sequel I wanted to start loppin' heads!! - JC - Apr-14-2009 I agree that everyone who has read this story is in dire need of a sequel! Something this good just can't end so quickly! Sequel! Sequel! - Zelda - Apr-16-2009 Wow. A must read. - Puff - May-30-2009 le sigh. I check back about twice a month to see if a sequel has been posted. It's over a year now! I can't take it anymore. Spyrel, please put us out of our misery and give us a sequel. Please? - Anonymous - Jun-05-2009 Excellent! Don`t miss it!!! - Anonymous - Jun-18-2009 Awesome characterization. Strong writing. Absolutely amazing. A masterpice! Thank you Spyrel!!!!!!!!!! - Anonymous - Jun-25-2009 dang!!! it was amazing. is there gonna be a sequel? this story is too good to let it end here. - cell - Aug-10-2009 Awesome, awesome,awesome. Sequei plllllllease!!!! - Anonymous - Sep-02-2009 **** SPOILER ALERT **** Good story. Well written. Indeed, very diferent from what we're used to read in a conqueror storyline, that's why I still find it so strange to buy... Intriguing no sex between the main characters, purposefully, I guess, which I also found it interesting.... I loved the awy they met, The Leopard thoughts well discribed for the situation. Worth spending a little time to read this one. - Miledcast - Oct-22-2009 Awesomeness! Stupendous writing, I loved how you conveyed Xena's and Parda's struggles with emotion. Wonderful character depth throughout. Thanks for sharing your work! - Chess - Oct-27-2009 Excellent! Amaizing! Spyrel, you just made my day!!!! - Anonymous - Nov-01-2009 SEQUEL, SEQUEL, SEQUEL! please - Anonymous - Nov-10-2009 I just read this story in two nights. Add me to the list of huge fans. Tons of unasnwered questions and an amazing adaptation of Gabrielle. Truly unique and well written. I hope there's a sequel out there. Thanks so much. - J. Davis - Nov-12-2009 **** SPOILER ALERT **** I nearly cried several times, the pain was so visible, my heart shattered to pieces for Gabrielle, Love her so much, the broken yet lonely,independent,tough spitfire.... I've read thoudsands of fanfic, this is always the BEST, the FOREVER NO.1 in my heart, and always will be. Thank you so much for this unbelievable journey, Spyrel - dazzleusuck - Nov-17-2009 WOW!!! Just WOOOWWW!!!! High quality! Don`t miss it!Thank you Spyrel ;-) - Anonymous - Nov-19-2009 Top read, excellent twist on the conqueror theme. Sequeal please - Anonymous - Nov-21-2009 One of the very best stories out there. It is well structured and the language is lush. The characterization is fabulous. This is my second time reading, something I normally don't do, and it was still a riveting read. I hope this writer continues with other like stories. - Anonymous - Jan-03-2010 Absolutely amazing. Hoping against all hope that there is a sequel in the works. - Dominique - Jan-09-2010 First conqueror story I read and... Well, Simply the best. Very realistic, even brutal. What I really admire, is that there is strong friendship and even love, but it's not emphasized. You just feel it. - Aate - Jan-16-2010 This story is amazing! Quite realistic and well-written. - Anonymous - Jan-19-2010 wow. one of the best stories i have EVER read. the only thing it lacks is a sequel. - Vale - Feb-06-2010 I don't know how many times I've read this story but I always go back to it. A scene will pop into my head, then I'll remember another, and before I know it I have to read it all over again. Amazing and unforgettable - I highly recommend it. - Anonymous - Mar-23-2010 Amazing character development and storyline. Please write a sequel! - k.c - Apr-03-2010 Thank you! - Anonymous - Apr-16-2010 Absolutely Loved this book. Very well written. - Anonymous - Jun-10-2010 WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! SEQUEL!! SEQUEL!!! SEQUEL!! A MASTERPIECE OF LITERATURE!!! - Anonymous - Jun-29-2010 A really great story. Enjoyed reading it. - sassy123 - Aug-31-2010 Fantastic! The level of detail adds depth and life to the characters. This and your other work are so gripping, it's a shame there aren't more stories from you. - Anonymous - Sep-06-2010 BEST Xena story I've ever read. WOW... WOW... It's really, really, REALLY good. VEry well-written. The spice index is low, but the author turns it into the story's greatest advantage. This story was SO good. I wish to GOD there was a sequel. - Whitney D. - Sep-10-2010 Awesome! Read it! Please Spyrel give us a sequel! Pllleeesssee ;-) - Anonymous - Sep-23-2010 sequel please...what happen to them.. - leia - Oct-21-2010 Amazing read! Not usual Conqueror story - this one is more realistic and has lots of violence in it, but once you start reading, it captivates you completely. Thank you, Spyrel! I really hope to read a sequel one day. - Enverz - Oct-31-2010 Ohhhhhhh......where is the sequel??? Please Spyrel don`t let us down ;-((( - Anonymous - Nov-17-2010 This is one of the best Xena fan fics I've ever read, period!! I really really hope there's a sequel!!! - Anonymous - Nov-21-2010 Excellent story - highly recommended. - Anonymous - Dec-04-2010 Highly recommended. The gladiatrix is fantastic- so refreshing and captivating way to create Gabrielle character and Conqueror is as she's supposed to be - merciless and trusting nobody. Great story dark and violent but the world of Ceasar and Destroyer of Nations couldn't be any different.Read it! - carbon - Jan-01-2011 Ich bin wegen der Story nicht zur Arbeit gegangen, da ich erst um 6 Uhr morgens mit dem Lesen ferig war. Unglaublich gut!!! Thank you Spyrel. Hope, your girlfriend will "let you" write a sequel as soon as posible?! - Germany - Feb-09-2011 Very different take on the Conqueror story line. Very interesting and plausible. Well written and nice pacing. Nice blending of a variety of elements from the show and ff. Well Done. - Georgia - Apr-23-2011 More stories like this;especially a sequel!!! - Marsha - Jul-04-2011 Excellent! I love how Spyrel wrote historically, and acurately of ancient Geece and Rome. Great story...I highley recomend this. - mashymoo - Aug-30-2011 Amazing, complicated, and gripping. This is a rich and full story exploring the very human aspect of rulership, triumph, failure, and redemption. - Anonymous - Jan-25-2012 I do admit I was a bit reticent about a Conqueror tale where Gab was a gladiator, but boy was I glad I did! ONE OF THE BEST EVER! It really deserves all the praise it gets here, so DO NOT MISS this. And yes, a SEQUEL would be sooooooo perfect. Hope Spyrel gives us a bit more of her talented work =) - babyjune - Apr-29-2012 Read it! You are not going to waste your time! - Anonymous - Aug-05-2012 Brilliant! A must read! - Anonymous - Aug-13-2012 The violence is unrelenting. Not for the faint of heart. But, in the manner of Conqueror stories, this is probably the best. - spyce - Aug-29-2012 You rock Spyrel! Thanxs for sharing your talent with us! The sory is a 10 out of 10! - Anonymous - Aug-31-2012 Absolutely fabulous!!!!!!! - Anonymous - Jan-04-2013 An unflinching tale of the Conqueror that manages to stay true to it's origins through the surety of its characterisation. This is Xena and Gabrielle in a world of darkness, but it is Xena and Gabrielle, nonetheless. A story that poses difficult questions, but also excites, captivates. Read it. - Frankie - Jan-08-2013 I absolutely adored this tale. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire ride and it never stopped slamming you with more than you expected. Truly one of the most awesome fanfictions I've ever read. I have to say it, will there be a sequel any time soon? Pretty please? - SVRose - Mar-16-2013 nice read.. - xtra dog - May-19-2013 Excellent story - best Conqueror story I've read. I found it emotionally more realistic than most. Great ending, too. - xhk - Jun-01-2013 Really good story. Well written and good plot development. I like the fact the relationship grew gradually and realistically. One of the best conqueror stories I've read. - Hawksflight1 - Jun-12-2013 Loved this story & the authors way of writing.... But I was really let down by the abrupt ending. All that time... For no true reveal of their feelings, which is the build up I yearn for in any Xena fan fic. I'm a sucker for it. - Lisa Jane - Aug-01-2015 |