Not only does Go Quest Young Man prominently feature the series' least effective and most unpopular character (the ratings fall for episodes featuring him, which should have told someone something) but its most powerful draw, the friendship between the two leading characters, is virtually ignored.

In fact the novel seems designed to be as unappealing to dyed-in-the-wool Xenites as possible. The wretched Joxer's name appears virtually everywhere, while Xena and Gabrielle are kept apart for all but 28 pages - and Gabrielle is presented for much of the time as a bitchy brat with pms!

I hope the next book shows a closer acquaintance with the series and some appreciation of its true strengths. It has a devoted, long-term audience, but this offering is not likely to satisfy many of them.

Inga