Xena Warrior Princess: Complete Illustrated Companion

Xena: Warrior Princess

by K. Stoddard Hayes

Xena: Warrior Princess chronicles the life and death (and afterlife) adventures of the fierce and fearless Xena as she travels through ancient imaginary lands. Leaping onto our screens in 1995 with the now-familiar battle-cry "Yi-Yi-Yi-Yi-Yi!", the show ran for six series, and its blend of drama, humour, hard-hitting (literally!) action and a knowing modern-day sensibility helped it to achieve mainstream cultdom. Xena: Warrior Princess: The Complete Illustrated Companion is the only comprehensive, fully-authorised guide to all six series of the groundbreaking action-adventure show, and contains a complete episode guide, plus character and behind-the-scenes information, and details of Xena fandom, all illustrated with over 150 photos, including an 8-page colour section.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2003

Reviews

[Bridgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have basically read the whole book, other than the synopses for season 6 (which I am about to start watching, but it might take awhile to get through). I enjoyed the essays at the end of the book; it really fleshed out the book and gave it more substance. I feel like I understand the characters and the filming better now. It's fun to read the synopses before each episode (I don't mind spoilers) and to know what to look for in each episode.

[Elspeth Rushbrook · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a way of talking about the entire show, as I have spent six weeks watching as many seasons. It won't be a surprise that a story about pushing the boundaries of friendship, beliefs and walking your own path would appeal to me, given what I write myself (and other things I've reviewed). I was less sure about the relentless action and increasing horror, and that the fun and the seriousness separated from season 3, so you had very silly episodes and then pretty harsh ones, rather than the synthesis which originally made the show so engaging. I admired the sweep of themes, but the show often grated too.

This book isn't the best quality production-wise and it gives skimpy episode overviews which are often unmeritedly self congratulatory. I'd hoped for more discussion on those themes and understanding of what was intended.

I was never sure if the producers were on the side of peace and love or kicking ass for justice.

I was disappointed ultimately with the show's portrayal of the central relationship, which must be one of the most powerful pairings I can think of, yet the producers said some frustrating things about it not being a romantic love.

I would gladly enter into a discussion on the topic.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I got this companion I was worried about how they could fit the whole Xena show in a bit over 200 pages (seeing how the other official guide has the same number of pages but covers only 3 seasons). But this guide definitely did it and did it well.

I loved that they had a summary for each episode of the whole show (including all the disclaimers and Herc episodes in which Xena and Gabby are in too!) There is a lot of "behind the scenes" information as well (it covers everything, casting, editing, special effects and stunts, etc.) My favorite part however was a character summary that included snippets of interviews with most of the main but most of the recurring cast as well. There's over 150 pictures as well, some in color some black and white but still gorgeous. And there is a small glossary at the end about Greek mythology as well.

Overall this is just a great book to have if you're a fan, I definitely recommend it.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of background and character information. Loved it.