The Latest Word From BlackDaemon:

On 29 October 2005, we lost one of the most well-known and well-loved authors in our community, LJ Maas.

I think I've read every story she ever posted to the web, and dropped her an email or two, but I never met LJ Maas and I never got a chance to thank her in person for the times she made me think, made my cry, turned me on, or made me laugh. To those who knew her and loved her well, let me say that what little I knew of her, and what little I gleaned of her through her writing, I can only imagine that she made you feel the same.

Her work lives on through all of us, because every time we read one of her stories, we take a piece of her with us. There is no doubt she will be missed.

May we never forget what she shared with us.

Earlier this year, Maas was admitted into the Academy's Hall of Fame for "None So Blind" and her incredible Conqueror series. In her honor, both the Mysterious Reviewer and I would like to contribute reviews of her work. For those of us in the ether, reading her work is the best way to salute her, and thank her for what she's given us.

I honestly don't remember which one of LJ Maas' stories I read first. It might have been "Tumbleweed Fever," or maybe "Meridio's Daughter," or it could have been "Journey's End". What I do know is that Maas was one of those authors who took the core characters of Xena and Gabrielle in her "Queen" series - or their uber counterparts in "Tumbleweed Fever" and "Prairie Fire" - and through her talented interpretation, gave the characters new life and new paths that were challenging and engrossing, not to mention sexy as hell.

One of her best stories, hands down, is "Rebecca's Cove". This is one of the few books I've read (and re-read) that makes me laugh out loud. To this day, I think of this story whenever I see an elderly man dressed like a sports coach, or see an older woman who's talking to someone who isn't there, and every single time I see even a snippet of a Spanish soap opera. What happens when you meet the woman the stars say you're destined to be with forever, and you can't stand her?

Four blades. This is a hard one to find, so you may have to buy, beg, borrow, or steal a copy, but do whatever it takes to read it. It's worth the extra effort.

The Mysterious Reviewer has this to say about another of Maas' signature works, "Meridio's Daughter".

Meridio's Daughter by L J Maas
Uber Alt
Rated: R

Tessa Nikolaidis was close to attaining her goal. She had worked hard, proving herself more worthy than anyone else in a tough, male dominated world. It had taken her years but she had won his trust and in fact was now the Karê, his right hand. Soon, perhaps within the year she would attain her goal. Everything was going her way. Then the unthinkable happened. Then Meridio’s daughter came home from college in the United States, and Tessa’s world was turned upside down.

Rating: 4.4
Pages: 231
Detractors: Some typos and minor grammatical errors.
Recommendation: Oh, yes. This is another story I read on a recent trip. I only had time to load the two before I had to catch a plane. This story is definitely worth the read, as is everything L J wrote.

MORE REVIEWS

From the Mysterious Reviewer:

Paradise Springs by Bard of New Mexico
Uber/Alt
Rated: PG

Ryan’s sister Sarah arrives at her place in New Mexico. The two are planning some serious camping to get away from it all. A little exploration of some ruins, recommended by Ryan’s friend Dirk, and some lazy camping seem just the thing. The ruins are interesting but a bit unnerving and they are more than ready to leave them well before they had planned. Then the adventure begins.

Rating:
Pages: 15
Recommendation: Interesting story.
Detractors: A bit disjointed and far too short. Couldn’t really get into it. Felt like I was an outsider eavesdropping instead of being drawn in. Didn’t really “get to know” the main characters. This is still and interesting concept for a story and far too short. This would make a great book length story; solving the mystery.

House Shopping by Anne Laughlin

Uber/Alt
Rated: G

Allison Mitchell is content with her life as a realtor though there has been no romance in her life since a disastrous earlier relationship. Then she looks up to see Peg studying the ads in her window and the reluctance she had been feeling for new relations vanished. This is a rather predictable but very pleasant story.

Rating: 4
Pages: 19
Detractors: None
Recommendation: A feel good story, short but enjoyable.

Surprise! by Bard of Meta
Classic/Alt
Rated: PG

Xena is acting strangely, but whenever Gabrielle tries to question her, she puts on the innocent act, which only convinces her bard that she is up to something.

Rating: 3.0
Pages: 23
Recommendation: Nice little short about to of my favorite characters.
Detractors: Minor grammar and syntax errors

And from BlackDaemon:

Connections by Blayne Cooper
Uber/Alt, Rated R.

Blayne Cooper (aka Advocate) is best known for her Hall of Fame collaborative works with T. Novan: "Madam President" and "First Lady" have to be two of the most widely read stories in our little corner of women's fiction, and if you've never read them, go buy them immediately. But back in the last century, before those works graced most of our bookshelves, Cooper gave us the Xippy Award Winning "Connections" and its sequel, "Crimson Snow".

Cooper has an amazing gift for finding the perfect words to describe the trepidation of new relationships, the little fits and starts of words and emotion from people just getting to know one another, the tiny details that convey what it means to fall in love.

In "Connections," we meet Claire Easton, an experienced corporate lawyer who finds herself growing jaded from the wheelings and dealings behind the scenes. Enter one Amanda Greer, a psychologist and single mother with a sensitive soul but a strong will. Of course, sparks fly, but soon, Claire and Amanda are challenged by outside forces that try to pull them in different directions. "Crimson Snow" brings them new and darker challenges, in the shape of a would-be suitor of Amanda's who refuses to take no for an answer, and a face from Amanda's past who wants to break up her happy home.

While these stories lack the polish of Cooper’s later work, and while the plots tie up rather conveniently, they are still wonderful afternoon reads. Add 'em to your list.

Three Blades each.

Reflected Passion by Aurelia
Uber/Alt, Rated R.

This story was a breath of fresh air, and took me somewhere I never expected to go. It's a simple love story, between a young woman who's never known real love, and an aristocrat who has given up on love for the sake of her sanity – though she hasn’t sacrificed her libido - but somehow, their paths cross. I don't want to spoil the "how", because that's where the fresh air comes in, but I will say that I've never before come across this particular idea. Sure, that's clear as mud, so you had better go read for yourself!

Three Blades.

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Previously Posted Reviews