This whole series is excellent. Mel and Janice are complex and interesting characters and the story manages to be quite romantic without being cheesy at all. - Anonymous - Dec 15th, 2005   

The best Mel and Janice writer there is! Funny and affectionately written; the sequel "Coup De Grace" is even better ... - Mszvandelle - May-17-2006   

Vivian Darkbloom was the first Mel/Janice fanfic writer i've read, and it is my humble opinion that she is the best Mel/Janice writer out there. Her characters are very belivble and the banter between the two ladies is excellent. I would highly recommend to read this wonderful author. - Callisto - Mar-02-2008   

Absolutely loved it...brilliance at it's best. I simply loved how our beloved characters were intertwined with their descendants. Fabulous job makes me wamt more :) - Anonymous - Apr-25-2010   

I really love this story. Great job. - sassy123 - Sep-23-2010   

This story was an excellent read. Well crafted characters and settings, Darkbloom really brings life to the Mel/Janice characters. I could hardly put it down! - Empress M - Jul-13-2011   

Very well written story. Each little snippet leaves you wanting more from that moment in time. Romantic and intriguing. Good. - Lyn B - Apr-11-2011   

Beautifully written. Kept me intrigued from start to finish and craving more. - Niyah - Jan-05-2013   

Beautifully written. Kept me intrigued from start to finish and craving more. - Niyah - Jan-05-2013   

Everything this person writes is outstanding! - Anonymous - Jan 27th, 2003   

The best Janice and Mel story anywhere bar none. This is truly a wonderfully written fiction with enough humour, action, romance and the ever loveable rogue Janice for even the most ardent of fans.
Viv is a genius and I think this is going to be the last fanfiction for a long while from her. So I suggest when you read it, cherish it, then read it again.

Wonderful stuff. - Kez - Sep-24-2006   

Not just the best Mel/Janice or one of the best Xena fics, but some of the best writing online or off. Period. Beautifully written, perfect characterization and a sweeping, epic story that spans millenia, this is it. And it just gets better if you read it with Darkbloom's other Mel/Janice fic because they are all entertwined. - leavethesky - Oct-06-2006   

Darkbloom has imagined a hauntingly vivid Janice and Mel epic. Some of the best writing ever, especially if you like a bit of literature with your fanfic. This story, the whole series, will leave you bewitched by its grandeur and simplicity because as Grabrielle says, in a back story interlude, what really mattered was that she loved and was loved. Believe me, Vivian will break your heart wide open! - 3creeks - Nov-16-2006   

Vivian Darkbloom is a outstanding writer of Mel/Janice fanfiction period. It is adventure, humor, plot, magnificent characterization,etc...entc.. and of eppic standart.
You do well to read Vivian's other Mel/Janice works because they are all enterwined, creating a life story for two of the uber characters of the television show Xena: Warrior Princess
A most read!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Callisto - Mar-02-2008   

amazing!!! it made me cry, seriously you have to read this series, you won't regret it!!! - dalila - Nov-26-2008   

This story Will put you through emotional roller coaster. You will experience everything from humor to dread and back again. Unless your heart is made of stone this author will make you feel what her characters are going through. Perhaps one day Ms Darkbloom will give us another ride on the fictional roller coaster. - Anonymous - Dec-13-2008   

This is a wonderful series. If you are a Janice and Melinda fan then i urge you read "The Sercet Histories", followed by "Venezia", before you read "Coup de Grace" , You will be gripped.Ms Darkbloom draws you in and holds you. excellent read. - Jan&Mel fan - Jan-07-2009   

I finally succumed to the pull of giving a Mel and Janice story a go. I had been resisting it for years. So I stumbled on this on first and from the first words, I consumed it like I hadn't eaten in weeks. This story is so unbelievably fantastic that it has probably ruined me ever giving any other M&J story a chance. The writer has written such a rich tapestery of character with these women that I absolutly lothe to watch them go. I want to drown my self pity in a good bottle of bourbon. - Anonymous - Aug-12-2010   

this is a great m/j trilogy. Gives a really good history of Mel and Janice. Made me weep at the end. I would really like to get to know Francesca better and her life into the future. What about a sequel? - rleef - Dec-16-2010   

I absolutely love this series. The best versions of Mel and Janice out. Totally enthralling, as are all of Vivian's stories. A must read. - Niyah - Jan-06-2013   

This series is so complex. I laughed, I cried and was emotionally drained at the end. Fantastic. Thank you so much.
- Kaylis - Jan-12-2013   

Definitely the best story of Xenaverse I've ever read. - A. - Dec-14-2013   

Amazingly affecting. A rarefied world subtly evoked. Both the Xena avatar and the Gabrielle avatar run against type in crucial ways that enhance their vulnerability and thus emotional appeal. - Anonymous - May 13th, 2003   

If you are familiar with Vivian Darkbloom's work then you know that you will not be dissapointed. For those readers who never heard from this wonderful and realy talented writer this is as anny good place to get to now her writing style and who knows become addicted?
Read it you will not regret it!!!! - Callisto - Mar-02-2008   

sequel please! - Anonymous - Sep-18-2010   

Powerfully written story. I'm a fan of the writer and this story doesn't disappoint. The imagery and emotional intensity bleeds through the words. It's not the usual type of romantic story, but it's absorbing and thought provoking. I'd like to have seen a sequel to this story. - Lyn B - Jul-19-2011   

wonderfully different story.. not my delirium tremens that his me shaking.. only the anticipation of a sequel to this story.. - xtra dog - Aug-26-2011   

Well written and engaging characters. I always enjoy this author. - Anonymous - Jun-13-2017   

Subtle and well constructed. I was not long at all, but it (surprisingly) felt complete. You knew enough to guess where the story might go. I was grateful for the glimpse. - JT - Jun-16-2017   

I'm surprised that this story hasn't been rated before. Very well written, funny and cut. It's definitely worth reading. Recommended. - Lyn B - Apr-11-2011   

One of my favorites. Great job - sassy123 - Sep-24-2011   

I can only think of one word to describe this masterpiece: HILARIOUS! I spent much of it in fits of laughter and can't imagine anyone else who wouldn't find this funny. - Anonymous - Mar-14-2010   

Short and hilarious! Worth reading! - Dreaan - Aug-20-2010   

Witty and fast paced. It reminded me of a 40's film with snappy dialogue and great characters. Well written and a fun read. - Lyn B - Apr-11-2011   

very funny.. - xtra dog - Aug-26-2011   

Great story, so far, but I can only pray that unlike most unfinished stories, 10 yrs. from now I'll stillbe waiting for the end. - Anonymous - Aug-20-2010   

Perfection!!! - Raspberry Beret - Aug-26-2010   

Please Vivian - please, please, please finish this fantastic piece of writing!!! - Anonymous - Sep-17-2010   

Infamia XI now available - thanks Viv! - Anonymous - Sep-19-2010   

This fantastic tale must have an ending. Please Vivian give us one. - Anonymous - Feb-22-2011   

Like all of your work, this is spectacular. Of course, this fic has the added bonus of Gladiatrix!Gabrielle. Perfect. - leavethesky - Feb-23-2011   

Excellent story line and patience for every new piece is my weakness. - alaskafrog - Apr-07-2011   

Please Viv break with tradition & actually finish one of these Xena stories.The story is fantastic so far. - Anonymous - Apr-09-2011   

thank god there's another installment! pls Viv - we all want more - Anonymous - Apr-11-2011   

A wonderful piece of writing with well rounded characters, a really enjoyable read that presents a whole other option of what could be for the characters of X and G. - Anfor - Aug-21-2011   

This is one of the best X/G stories I have ever read! Ever since the show aired WFC, I have wanted a fic where X/G lived in that timeline. This story is the perfect answer. It's even more awesome that the politics and mindset of the people described in the story are exactly what history tells us they were. The characters are well defined, the plot is known and yet unknown, the humor is dry and witty, Xena is the most endearing rascal ever, and Gabrielle is just plain awesome. If you have not read this story yet, set aside a day and get to it! Highly recommended! - Anonymous - Mar-19-2012   

Really an amazing story. Well worth the read, and a tale I won't soon forget. One of the best "Conqueror" stories I've read yet. - Lindxena - Oct-29-2012   

Short but beautifully written. I love how much the author packs so much history, intensity and romance into the words. Very good and well worth reading. - Lyn B - Apr-11-2011   

A very cleverly structured complement to Delirium Tremens (it really is a lexicon, but works perfectly as a story). Ironic, sad, witty, oddly hopeful. Vivian Darkbloom (love that borrowed anagrammatic nom-de-plume) can WRITE. - Anonymous - May 13th, 2003   

Correction to previous rating: This is a complement to Narcileptic's Guide. Still excellent and clever. - Anonymous - May 13th, 2003   

F**king brilliant, as per usual. Darkbloom is a genius - Jade Devlin - Oct 8th, 2003   

If you are looking for witty search no more, read this wonderful story. - Callisto - Mar-02-2008   

Intelligent and original. Amazing skill with the language, almost more poetry than words. So much more than your typical 'girl meets girl' tale, this is my favorite from the three stories in the series.... Just... Wow! - Anonymous - May-02-2008   

Absolutely unique take on a story. Very meta. The fragments you get of the relationship between the two characters make it that much more raw. Awesome. - Anonymous - Sep-25-2008   

Very powerful story. She is an excellent writer who create such vivid imagery and characters in every word. Excellent. - Lyn B - Jun-04-2011   

Another fantastic series by the lovely (I'm assuming) and talented (read and you'll agree) Vivian Darkbloom, one of the best writers in the fan fiction realm. I laughed, I didn't cry, I laughed some more, I had irresistable cravings for pork rinds and Budweiser long-necks. The White Trash Series is not to be missed. And definitely look up the rest of V. Darkbloom's writings, her Mel and Janice stories are beautiful, witty, poetic, sexy as hell, heartbreaking...far and away the best of all the M and J stories. - Count Back From Ten - Nov 29th, 2005   

You just have to read this series it is absolutly cleverly funny.
Vivian Darkbloom is one of the best online bard's I've ever read, she is my favorite bard and if you read her works you'll know why. Go on read!!!!! - Callisto - Mar-02-2008   

This is hysterical! Read it! - Anonymous - Nov-24-2009   

I love this series. Vivian has such a twisted, wickedly funny sense of humor. This is a genuine uber/parody with characters taken directly from the show and warped for our amusement. My personal favorites include Cyrene, Zina's hippy mother, and Callie, the crazy ex.
There are five stories in this series (three are missing from here for some reason). They can be found on The Bard's Corner.
If you've never read this classic give it a try. Highly recommended. - Anonymous - Dec-07-2009   

First in a beautiful trilogy. A really wonderful writer. Please have a look at all three. - msprism - May-01-2007   

This wonderful story is actually the tird in the trigoly after Dellerium Tremens, A Lexicon for the Sunday Morning Sleeper. As ever Darkbloom gives the reader a good and witty story worth of your time - Callisto - Mar-02-2008   

**** SPOILER ALERT **** this was fine, but rather depressing. - kc - Aug-12-2010   

A very powerful and intense story. It's very well written, each word counts. Not a romantic, happy ending, but definitely worth reading. - Lyn B - Jun-04-2011   

this is a symphony of a series - i could feel the wanting. the love of the leads is palpable. the trilogy makes for a wonderful piece of writing. - kc - Aug-12-2010   

Your writing is like poetry, simply beautiful. - Mary - Aug-20-2010   

Excellent. A perfect ending to the stories. The writing is beautiful. - Lyn B - Jun-04-2011   

Links between Part 3&4 is missing - Anonymous - Oct-12-2006   

This series, along with its spinoffs (All the Colors of the World, etc) is some of the best reading online or anywhere. Truly astonishing! - leavethesky - Feb-27-2008   

You'll do good to read all her Mel/Janice works becouse their enterwinded, as ever this is truely astonishing.






- Callisto - Mar-02-2008   

This is an amazing Janice/Mel story, it stayed with me for days. Its a must read! - d - Aug-13-2008   

Vivian writes the sassiest, toughest and sexiest Janice ever in her Jan and Mel series of stories. I absolutely love her work but she has made me love her Janice even more! Great stuff. Do not miss! - Kez - Sep-20-2008   

A must read! - Anonymous - Dec-27-2008   

What a great story. very well written - sassy123 - Oct-22-2010   

Yeah, for Mel and Janice. Great Story. - sassy123 - Nov-27-2010   

One of my favorites. Great job - sassy123 - May-08-2011   

Wonderfull characterization, full of the kind of humor and well written banter you come to expect if you read her work.
I would recomend to also read her other Mel/Janice work becouse the stories enterwind so wonderfully you get a eppic experiance.
Go read her work and be prepaird to be blown away by this wonderful bard!!!! - Callisto - Mar-02-2008   

Love all the stories by this author! - Anonymous - Aug-13-2008   

a x&g and mel&janice story all rolled into one.. how can you not love that?? especially since it's written so well.. - xtra dog - Jun-15-2013   

All you really need to know is Vivian Darkbloom has an uncanny ability to capture her readers and make them laugh, cry and philosophise about life all within the space of five minutes.... every story is a must read, and she remains as always my favourite online bard.... - Jade Devlin - Mar 30th, 2003   

Haunting and painful, erotic and sublime--absolutely unforgettable. - Anonymous - Mar 3rd, 2005   

Devastatingly beautiful, and moving. No-one writes about love like Vivian Darkbloom.

A must read. - Kez - Sep-24-2006   

This was so beautiful it physically hurt. - msprism - May-01-2007   

Absolutly unforgettable - Callisto - Mar-02-2008   

Devastating. Absolutely devastatingly beautiful in its rendering of Mel in the city of Venice. The language eats at your heart and leaves you sighing wistfully at the end of the page. - Anonymous - Sep-24-2008   

OMG. Where to start? Gorgeously written with phenomenal scenes. You see and feel EVERYTHING. Beautiful M/J fic. I loved the depiction of a world weary Mel still tinged with that charming naivete we love. My soul ached for her. - Anonymous - Nov-27-2008   

Heart rending and soul achingly well written. Mel is so beautifully strong and tenderly fragile. So wise, but you see the price she paid for her wisdom in every scene. Venice is a painting and Vivan Darkbloom a brilliant artist. - Kerowyn - Nov-27-2008   

Poetry. Purely, wholly, utterly, devastating. The author wormed her way into my heart and just laid waste. Amazingly well written. - Anonymous - Nov-28-2008   

it is a rare gift to make another person cry from reading one's writing. to say that is is a wondrously moving story is an understatement. right now, i am desperately in need of a happy love song. - kc - Aug-12-2010   

Absolutly hillarious you gotta read the white trash/ trailer park series
Read it folks!!!!! - Callisto - Mar-02-2008