Prophecy of Darkness

Xena: Warrior Princess

by Stella Howard, S.D. Perry

Traveling the countryside, Xena and Gabrielle encounter a twelve-year-old seer with a startling prophecy. She warns them about a mage whose well-intentioned spell will lead to disaster. The spell will unleash Cerberus, the fearsome guardian of Hades' gates. The mage seeks relief for those who suffer in the underworld. But his spell will set free many evildoers - as well as Cerberus himself - to terrorize the earth.

Xena and Gabrielle must help the seer break the spell - before all Hades breaks loose.

But more danger awaits. Because according to the prophecy, one of them will not return...

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Tv

218 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 1997

Reviews

[Georgi Velkov · Rating 4 out of 5]

While some problems were clear - Argos, Chakra, everything else about this book felt quite enjoyable to me. It genuinely felt like a true Xena story, and I quite enjoyed the interactions between Xena, Gabrielle, and Alesandra. Telius was crazy but at least he saw he was wrong at the end. When Xena almost killed Cerberus because she thought he'd killed Gabrielle - I think that was the moment this book truly impressed me. Even if it was toward the end. It felt authentic, genuine, and true to what the TV show is about - the love between Xena and Gabrielle.

[Josh Weil · Rating 3 out of 5]

An even easier read than the Ru Emerson books, this story starts off feeling lacking in comparison but eventually finds it's own comfort and strengths, leaving heavier into the mystical aspects of the world and weaving a story that feels more like a list episode than a novel in the world. An enjoyable ride, with storytelling that reminds me of Tom Clancy's Patriot Games (in its narrative style) as the action nears its ultimate climax.

[Troy Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a brisk little journey tale. Written for a YA level. Would be very comfortable having young fans of the show Xena read this. It's a simple story, simpler than I prefer for a mass market paperback. Shares the same continuity problems the other Xena branded books in this series do (the background "bible" provided to the writers of these books must not have gotten updated as the TV series progressed). But, aside from Gabrielle having prophetic powers, the chakram being called a chakra, and Argo the horse misnamed as Argos, this story rang true.

[Scott Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably my favourite of the four Xena novels so far. I think Stella Howard does a good job at crafting a suspenseful little story. I'm still disappointed with errors like calling the chakram a "chakra" and calling Argo "Argos". I guess I've been spoiled by the Star Trek novels which the Powers That Be have kept a tight hold on over the years. Errors like those would never show up in a Trek novel.

The other thing that bothered me about this novel was the inclusion of some historical anachronisms like bound books and oil paintings on canvas. Nevertheless, this was a quick and entertaining read unlike the last three novels in the series.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was annoying to pick up on the errors, such as Argo being referred to as a boy and the chakram being called a chakra. I’m not sure who was in charge of these books being made but you’d think that stuff would be checked. Also, the whole Hades thing was weird because in the show Xena is very familiar with Hell and Hades as a god, which in this book it all seems to be mysterious and mythical to her.

I’d say it’s more like fanfiction than an actual thing to happen in the show, however. This was cute enough, and easy to read though. More Xena is never a bad thing in my book!

[Ugne · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5✨
Imagine seeing a house on fire, you can smell the burning and you want to look away but then suddenly it reminds you of a camping trip as a child, and you are there roasting marshmallows, enjoying the fire warming up your face and it's peaceful. That's how I felt about this book, it's not good, it's not exactly accurate to the source material but man it brought me back to the days I used to play the game and watch the TV show.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up at a used bookstore...just a whim. It was a quick read, but really entertaining. I really enjoyed it and will keeping my eyes open for more.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story. It was a pretty simple storyline, but enjoyable. My only real issue was with the inconsistencies between the elements of the show and how they were used in the book. Argo is Argos in this book and the chakram is called a chakra. Easy enough to read over and correct them in my mind.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

YEAH! I just read this almost as a joke, but it was great. It's like watching an episode of Xena, only more detailed and sweeter. An easy, fun, well-written read.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

As dippy as a mid-level Xena episode, it's hard to hate this too much. Written for a younger audience than some media tie ins ... or maybe just a dumber one.

[Gabriel Mero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xena and Gabrielle must protect a young seer from angry villagers and must stop the gates of Hades from unleashing the Cerberus on Earth! A light and fun read, very good!