Yahoo Forum Archive

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, "Ainaechoiriel" <mefaadmin@e...>
wrote:> Thank you so much for taking over for me while I was busy
dealing with > family business and grieving for my brother-in-law and
my sister in losing > him. I'm still quite busy and getting down
about gas prices which means I

Thank you Aina, I'm glad I was able to help out. I think most things
are settled right now, for the most part.

We had a question about the banner contest that I wasn't able to
answer - and I'm ashamed to say, I've lost the email. -

I think the excessive quotes are under control, that was the main
issue that came up and I handled it as best as I could - it needs to
be on the list for p-m discussion. I've been browsing back though and
found a few more that I'll be correcting in the next day or so, and
I'm watching the new ones now as they come in.

otherwise, I think we are in pretty good shape. I'll continue with
the new member and password stuff if you want everything else back. I
never figured out how you were posting the reviews with the links in
them.

Glad to have you back.

Sulriel

99 Final Reviews Yesterday! It's good to see the numbers coming back
up.

Title: Devil of Kindness � Author: Nancy Brooke � Books/Time: Gap-
Filler: Drabble � ID: 685
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-08-31 21:49:18 Score: 3
It's interesting that you claim that Gandalf's true study was
shadows, not light. Because in several places the books say that his
area of study was fire, but when you look at his deeds shadows make
sense, too. I especially like how you animated the different lands of
Middle-earth.

Title: Halbarad � Author: Fileg � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Grey
Company � ID: 341
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-08-31 21:49:40 Score: 8
Halbarad has his say at a very important crossroads in his life. Of
course, given it's Halbarad he says less than 500 words -- but what a
500 words they are! Fileg certainly packs a lot into this piece:
Halbarad's and all of the Grey Company's fealty to Aragorn, realised
in Halbarad's statement that there is no way Aragorn will travel the
Paths of the Dead alone; his status as Aragorn's "brother" among men,
realised by his place riding beside Aragorn and Elrohir (Aragorn's
Elven foster-brother), and the fey quality that surrounds it all. The
connection Fileg creates between Halbarad and the Dead underscores
(to me at least) the state of Arnor as a kingless kingdom being in
many ways dead, and the kinship between the Gondorians and dunedain
of the North that many among both groups might prefer to ignore. But
it's there nonetheless. However, I think the thing about this that
really touched me was the way Halbarad never descends into maudlin
but keeps his very pragmatic outlook. Statements like "I was one of
them, just a little warmer... though not much, and not for long"
accomplish this beautifully. Very, very well done, Fileg.

Title: Midnight at Bag End � Author: jodancingtree � Races/Places:
Hobbits: Post-Ring War � ID: 749
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-08-31 21:49:57 Score: 3
This piece was a very nice examination of Frodo's reasons for leaving
the Shire, and his reasons for leaving. The inner torment is there,
but it doesn't overshadow all, which I thought was a nice change. I
also liked the relationship between Frodo and Rosie hinted at here;
it reminded me of pleasant frolics through Jodancingtree's longer
pieces.

Title: Rosie's Year � Author: Ruby Nye � Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): The Shire � ID: 795
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-08-31 22:36:48 Score: 8
This story is absolutely wonderful! I love how Ruby has taken what is
written in canon about the Scouring of the Shire and has woven the
tale of Rosie's Year around it. I love the intensity of emotions that
she portrays in those who were left behind, and shows how they suffer
to hold the home front.

Rose is often a "forgotten" character in fan fiction (particularly
slash fiction) unless being used as a negative foil between Sam and
Frodo. I love seeing her in this very strong role. No frail and
fainting flower here!!

I've always loved the relationship that Ruby shows in her fics
between Frodo, Sam and Rosie, and this tale is no different. Her
triangle of love, passion and devotion between these three very
strong characters is palpable and believable. I have never been one
to enjoy fics where there is tension between Frodo and Rosie, much
preferring a loving relationship between the two hobbits at the
center of Sam's world. Ruby has never disappointed!

This is an excellent piece. Kudos and well done!!

Title: Duty � Author: Dwimordene � Races/Places: Gondor: Drabble �
ID: 240
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-08-31 22:53:52 Score: 3
This is such a powerful drabble, giving a firm view into what Boromir
may have been thinking at this particular point in the journey.
Thinking only of the salvation of Gondor, like any warrior he chooses
the path he sees best. I'm so glad that Dwim shows us that he is
indeed regretful of the choice he will soon make.

Well done! And all in only 100 words.

Title: Changes � Author: Dwimordene � Races/Places: Hobbits: Post-
Ring War Drabble � ID: 231
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-08-31 22:59:32 Score: 4
This is sweet, sweet, sweet!!

I love the happy images mixed with just a hint of melancholy. But the
pleasant definitely outweighs the sad. The images of Sam as "blushing
mayor" and little Pippin in love are heart warming and definitely
show that although the Shire is fraught with change, not all those
changes are bad.

It's great seeing things from Merry's point of view too. This is not
a perspective that is seen often enough. Well done!

Title: The Colors of Passing � Author: Larner � Genres: Drama
(includes Angst): Gapfiller � ID: 789
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-08-31 23:12:17 Score: 5
I really enjoyed this Larner, as I enjoy all of your pieces. It
clutched at my heart, making me want to weep with grief over Frodo's
hopelessness, and then for joy with his eventual steps toward healing.

I am *always* caught up in your imagery and in the emotions you are
able to portray. Your use of color and the intensity you create
through it is remarkable. You are a master weaver, tying each part of
this vignette together first with vivid images of Frodo's torment in
the "red" section, then his despair in the "white" section, and
finally his acceptance and healing in the "blue."

Most excellently done!

Title: For Eyes to See as Can � Author: Larner � Books/Time: The Lord
of The Rings: The Shire � ID: 176
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-08-31 23:24:04 Score: 6
This piece, as well as the companion piece "Filled With Light as With
Water," is an example of Gap filler at it's best! Larner brings her
characters, particularly Sam, to life with her excellent use of voice
and characterization that keeps you in the story at all times.

I love seeing tales told from Sam's point of view and this one is no
exception! She brings him to life with an emotion and intensity that
I haven't often seen in fan fiction. Even with a fresh and
different "view" of Frodo's final journey, I feel that Larner stays
true to Canon. The premise is believable and enjoyable in a
bittersweet way.

Very well done!! This story and its companion piece are
definitely "keepers" in my personal fan fiction collection.

Title: No Rival � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble �
ID: 544
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-08-31 23:34:11 Score: 3
Excellent double drabble! It's great to see both these very strong
women through one another's eyes. I suspect they both *would* have
been quite anxious over meeting each other, and you've portrayed that
apprehension and their ultimate acceptance with grace and style. It
is easy to imagine them becoming friends.

Title: Chasing and Burg'ling � Author: Marta � Races/Places: Hobbits:
Post-Ring War Drabble � ID: 580
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-08-31 23:51:53 Score: 2
This drabble is a wonderful chuckle! I love the Gaffer and you've
brought his voice and spirit to life. "Burgling dragons" *snerk* How
can you not love that image? And the Gaffer's obsession with
his 'taters is priceless.

A fun read! Well done.

Title: Aragorn: The Owner's Guide and Maintenance Manual � Author:
Theresa Green � Genres: Humor: Aragorn � ID: 1154
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon � 2005-08-31 23:55:20 Score: 3
Bwha-ha-haaaaaa! This is one of the best of Theresa Green's
delightful LOTR Owner's Guide And Maintenance Manuals. She's caught
Movie-Aragorn very well; and yes, several repeated shampoos of a
chloroformed model would probably be necessary.

Title: And the Halfling Forth Shall Stand � Author: Shirebound �
Races/Places: Hobbits: War of the Ring � ID: 511
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-08-31 23:57:36 Score: 3
This is quite an interesting take on the statement "And the Halfling
Forth Shall Stand." Who *would* have taken the ring if Frodo had
died? I like how Frodo reasons through the possible choices and
justifies why one or the other of his companions would make a
successful ringbearer. Great insight into each of his three friends.

Title: A Gift � Author: Forodwaith � Races/Places: Hobbits: Drabble �
ID: 370
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-01 00:00:34 Score: 3
This is an extremely adorible view of Pippin as a child. I can feel
his joy and excitement at receiving such a special mathom. Being a
younger child of the family, and a tomboy, I can sympathize with
Pippin in getting "less than satisfactory" gifts while growing up -
since I often got girly things when I'd have preferred a sword.

Well done!

Title: Spoons � Author: LKK � Races/Places: Hobbits: Drabble � ID: 644
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-01 00:01:22 Score: 4
Oh goodness! Don't you just love a person who seizes what she is due -
even if it belongs to someone else. Ah, poor Lobelia - to be so
motivated by greed and an overdeveloped sense of being wronged as to
throw away the love of family. I'd laugh, if she didn't remind me of
a particular member of my OWN family. But Lobelia did change in the
end, and that gives hope to us all doesn't it?

I love the image of her malformed umbrella!

Title: Elements of the Resistance � Author: Marta � Races/Places:
Hobbits: Drabble � ID: 939
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-01 00:07:23 Score: 4
This is a chillingly wonderful series of drabbles centered around an
often forgotten hobbit character in LotR. I feel a great deal of
sympathy, respect and admiration for Fatty as he is portrayed here
through the use of five elements. Earth and Fire both made me cringe.
I could feel his pain, his desperation, his despair.

Hard - emotionally - to read in places, but well worth it! I'm amazed
at how much Marta has managed to say in such a small number of words.

Title: The Council of Elrond in the Style of Hiawatha � Author:
Theresa Green � Genres: Crossovers: Poetry � ID: 559
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon � 2005-09-01 00:17:53 Score: 3
(with apologies to Longfellow and Nokomis)

Snork! Who the heck is Hiawatha? And who cares?! This is a hilarious
treatment of the wonderful Council of Elrond; presumably the one in
the book. Very, very funny. Loved the bit about Elrond's unhappy
contemplation of his very scruffy future son-in-law.

Title: Duet � Author: Aratlithiel � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gap-
Filler � ID: 886
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-01 07:27:22 Score: 5
This is probably one of the tales that influenced me most concerning
my view on Merry and Pippin. Where Tolkien writes them (mostly) as
relatively carefree, happy characters, Aratlithiel gives them depth
and bone-deep feelings, and their bitter, angry sorrow at the loss of
Frodo Baggins is palpable enough to hurt. She also manages to portray
them as very different persons - different in their very unique way
to handle their grief and their unanswered questions. Masterly
thought out and written, and absolutely worth every single re-read.

Title: A Pint of Trouble � Author: Mariposa � Books/Time: The Lord of
The Rings: The Shire � ID: 890
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-01 07:37:52 Score: 7
I discovered Mariposa and her tales about one year ago, and I was
immediately thrilled by her security of style and her art of
storytelling. This is an easy, humorous, warmhearted piece about the
adventures of a (more or less) grown up Frodo, a rather mischievous
Merry and a cute and rather "exhausting" Pip (no wonder for a toddler
at that age...). They plan to visit a pub (without any permission, of
course), and Little Pip learns words he never knew before - and
repeats them in the worst of moments...

""Pint!" he shouts gleefully, eager to show off his new word. "Pint,
pint, pint pint pint! Mama Papa Puh Pim Bicca Mee Fro pint!" Frodo
spills his mug of punch all over the table just as Paladin drops a
saucer onto the floor."

Oy vey. *giggles* I can only highly recommend this wonderfully
hilarious tale to everyone who enjoys well-written childhood-tales of
our famous hobbit heroes. Go and read!


Title: The Ringbearer and the Rose � Author: Rabidsamfan �
Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Post-Ring War � ID: 891
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-01 07:48:24 Score: 8
The first thing I read from this author were her wonderful drabbles.
But this tale will always have a very special place in my heart.

Sam is not only the sturdy hero, but a suffering person with
astonishing, painful depth, and the roles are (for once) different,
for it is Frodo who takes the role to comfort his servant and friend
and to give him strength. An additional "plus" is the way rabidsamfan
handles Rosie: a clever, strong, loving woman with a big heart and
natural wisdom, willingly playing a part in the plans of Master
Baggins to help her beloved gardener. And never - never ever! - have
I seen such an awesome, lyrical, overwhelmingly beautiful description
of how the Lady Galadriel's gift starts to work its blessing on the
Shire:

"And then a strange movement caught his eye. Dandelion leaves
creeping out over the grass. Frodo stared past Rosie's shoulder,
frozen with the realization that he was watching a flower push its
way out of the ground. "Rose?" he said, "look."

"No, you look," she said, her voice hoarse with awe."

Utterly, utterly glorious. If you have missed this yet, you should
run and read.




Title: Coming Home � Author: SilverMoonLady � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Romance � ID: 1071
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-01 07:53:47 Score: 4
I remember how surprised (and impressed!) I was when I heard that
this was one of the author's first pieces of fanfiction. It is an
astonishingly detailed tale of Merry's and Pippin's adventures in the
Shire after the Ring War, and also a painful, highly convincing
summary of what happened to their home during the hard times when
they were gone. Included is a heartwarming, gently erotic love-
story... a delight to read!

Title: A Chief's Day � Author: Ruby Nye � Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: The Shire � ID: 892
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-01 07:58:39 Score: 4
This was one of the very first tales by Ruby Nye I translated into
german and put on my site - a merciless gaze at a weak character that
brought suffering and despair over the Shire simply by being greedy,
weak and thoughtless. The story is one of the (very few) portraits of
Lotho Sackville I can accept and support, and it is frightening and
very well done at the same time. Brace yourself and read!

Title: Mind to Mind � Author: Shirebound � Genres: Alternate
Universe: Post-LOTR � ID: 894
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-01 08:05:29 Score: 6
The concept of this tale by a well-known and well-loved author of
fanfiction is absolutely thrilling (and even more or less supported
by the Professor himself). What if the ring gave Frodo the
possibilities to share the dreams of those who also wore the rings of
power Sauron helped to forge?

The basic idea is only the beginning of a wonderfully crafted tale,
with corageous hobbits, a friendly, strong Celeborn (thank you thank
you thank you!), two very remarkable portraits of Arwen's twin
brothers, an evil villain (rather unusual for those who know
shirebound's gentle talel, but absolutely convincing and pitch-dark)
and chapter after chapter of a thrilling story you can't stop reading
as soon as you have started to read. Absolutely BRAVO!

Title: Light out of Darkness � Author: Shirebound � Books/Time: Post-
Ring War: Gap-Filler � ID: 895
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-01 08:08:56 Score: 3
Shirebounds tale are like a good cask of wine... getting better and
better with age (both of author and tales). This delightful
collection of scenes takes the basic theme of "light" and spins a
handful of shining scenes with Frodo and the various members of the
Fellowship around it. Utterly wonderful!

Title: Cradling � Author: Nickey � Races/Places: Hobbits: Merry &
Pippin � ID: 1100
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-01 13:31:53 Score: 3
This is an interesting story and did a good job of characterising
both Merry and Pippin dindividually, and giving a look at their
relationship. The comma splices could have been used more effectively
to capture the tense state of things if they had been used more
sparingly. Nevertheless, it was a good read.

Title: Welcoming the Lady � Author: Marta � Genres: Romance: Vignette
� ID: 967
Reviewer: Tanaqui � 2005-09-01 13:33:36 Score: 4
Marta paints a charming picture in this ficlet about �owyn settling
into her new life in Ithilien. We feel �owyn's wonder at the beauties
of her new homeland, but also Faramir's delight in sharing them with
her � and perhaps also his wonder and pleasure that she is there at
all! Marta also gives us a moment in which �owyn ponders her fate and
realises she has no regrets. Delightful.

Title: To Water the Dust � Author: Eruanna � Books/Time: Gap-Filler:
Hobbits � ID: 77
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-01 13:58:19 Score: 8
I think what I like most about this very short piece is that I had to
sit and think just who the narrator was. Of course, there doesn't
always have to be one, but for me I enjoy a story more if I can place
one (personal quirk, no slight intended on authors who write in the
omniscient.) At first I thought it might be the spirit of the Land of
Mordor itself, perhaps recalling Legolas's statement that the rocks
of Hollin "cry out" to him if one is to take that statement
literally, but then the author refers to different physical things in
Mordor in the third person. I finally settled that it would probably
be the PTB -- Ulmo or perhaps Yavanna or even Eru Iluvatar. In either
case, it was a very interesting revelation when I started to think
that Mordor was still part of Middle-earth, even if it was corrupted.
I can imagine Yavanna just waiting for Sauron to be vanquished so she
can come in and help heal its physical wounds so that it will become
a green land once again. That's my somewhat idyllic vision, anyway.
Really, this was a very enjoyable piece. You captured well the fact
that there were very few coincidences on the Quest.

Title: Love and Healing � Author: pippinfan88 � Books/Time: The Lord
of The Rings: Hobbits � ID: 1035
Reviewer: Bodkin � 2005-09-01 14:05:37 Score: 4
This is such an amusing tale - I can just see a little girl falling
for the hobbits. I think Pippin is a touch irritated that Merry is
the centre of her attention, even though he doesn't want her to turn
her eyes on him. She's much better off with Bergil. On the other
hand, the honey-nut pastries are clearly better off in Merry's care!
(Although Sam does need to eat enough to learn how to make them.)

Title: Tongues of Gondor � Author: Marta � Genres: Non-Fiction: Men �
ID: 963
Reviewer: Tanaqui � 2005-09-01 14:06:54 Score: 6
Marta has gathered together some useful quotes on the languages that
might be spoken in Gondor or by Gondorians from the canon sources
(those published during Tolkien's lifetime and with his full
approval), and made some interesting observations and deductions. I
don't always agree entirely with her conclusions, particulary in the
sections on Adunaic and the language of Rohan, and I would very much
like to see this article extended to take in some of the materials on
languages in essays in the History of Middle-earth series and
from "Letters". However, I think this essay provides an excellent
practical starting point for anyone writing fanfic set in Gondor.

Title: Under the Lonely Mountain Cold � Author: Marta � Races/Places:
Villains: Poetry � ID: 965
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:12:34 Score: 4
Leave it to the dwarves to turn the death of their murderer and
exiler into a drinking song. It makes sense, though. Tolkien tells us
that dwarves have long memories, but they wouldn't want to poison
their reclaimed home with thoughts of their long exile and the dragon
that caused it. So instead, they make it a source of merriment and
turn Smaug's death into a drinking song. Sounds good to me.

Title: Sauron � Author: Joan Milligan � Races/Places: Villains:
Poetry � ID: 442
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:13:11 Score: 6
I've decided that Joan Milligan has an absolute gift for closing
lines, because as with the poem "Melkor," the final lines in this
were the best part. It's chilling to listen to Sauron brush off the
possibility of his own demise in light of what he's accomplished. For
him, death is an acceptable trade-off for the destruction of Numenor,
and that's a bit frightening. I also really liked the lines about
evil or freedom of heart. There's an interesting connection between
the two that is hinted at throughout the poem but never openly
discussed. It's probably more effective that way, too. Fantastic
ideas, and great look at Sauron on the day of Numenor's destruction.

Title: Melkor � Author: Joan Milligan � Races/Places: Villains:
Poetry � ID: 440
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:13:33 Score: 3
When I read the end of this poem, I couldn't help but be reminded of
Milton and various other religious writers who had a philosophical
slant to their work. The idea of needing darkness for light and light
for darkness is a fascinating one for me, and Melkor's right.
Iluvatar never names him as evil but rather as part of the greater
song. Fascinating insight.

Title: Prince of Pride � Author: Marta � Races/Places: Villains:
Poetry � ID: 577
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:14:12 Score: 3
I really like this poem. It's very simple on the surface, but it
encompasses so much of the early Silmarillion and hints at so much
more. The allusions come fast and furious, and I can easily see
Manwe, with his far-sight, using them to convince Varda that her
place is with him.

Title: Death Doth Come � Author: Marta � Races/Places: Villains:
Poetry � ID: 936
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:14:55 Score: 6
For what it's worth, I think it's a brilliant rework of the original.
The second stanza (ie: the altered original) feels a bit more sing-
song to me, and I like that. More like it could be chanted or half-
sung, and that makes the scene in the Barrow easier to imagine. I was
intrigued by the relacement of water for stars and stone for gold. It
gave it more of a graveyard feel, which was good. And as for the
first stanza, I loved the last line: "And on this day it calls for
you." It fit so nicely and felt so natural there, but it was also
chilling, especially with phrases like "darkness, deaf and blind"
preceding it. Well written. I think it could pass for canon.

Title: Alas, Poor Ufthak! � Author: Elena Tiriel � Races/Places:
Villains: Drabble � ID: 200
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:22:15 Score: 3
Alas indeed! Funny thing, though; the orcs don't seem too upset about
losing one of their number. Perhaps "alas" isn't quite the right word
to use. But in all seriousness, I liked how callous the orcs were
toward Ufthak. It became a big joke to them, and that feels very in
character with orcs. Nicely done.

Title: Roast Mutton � Author: Marta � Races/Places: Villains: Drabble
� ID: 1362
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:22:37 Score: 3
Brilliant synopsis of Bilbo's encounter with a bunch of trolls.
Certainly much shorter than the original, yet it still managed to
convey the humor, the miserable conditions, and confusion that
Tolkien wrote about. To see that contained within a drabble is fairly
remarkable. Good job.

Title: Triumph Incarnate � Author: Elena Tiriel � Races/Places:
Villains: Drabble � ID: 198
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:24:05 Score: 4
I'll freely admit upfront that Sauron's gloating gave me chills. He's
far too clever for his own good, in my opinion, and his gloating here
was just...creepy. This drabble really did make him feel like triumph
incarnate, and that spooked me. The utter disaster of losing Numenor
became that much more significant for me thanks to seeing just how
happy Sauron was about it. Very well done drabble!

Title: The Men of the South � Author: Dwimordene � Races/Places:
Villains: Drabble � ID: 233
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:24:41 Score: 4
I'm very thankful to wonderful authors like Dwimordene who decided to
write about the view from the other side of the war. This drabble
hints that circumstances were desperate all around as a father gives
up his son as a means of payment. Definitely a sobering thought, and
it makes one pause while reading about the glorious victory on the
Pelennor Fields. Someone really ought to write a song for the dead of
the defeated. Right now, we only have a song for the dead of the
victorious.

Title: Orc's Best Friend � Author: Forodwaith � Races/Places:
Villains: Drabble � ID: 384
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:27:13 Score: 5
I like this drabble! Dissension in the ranks seems to be a wide-
spread problem among the forces of evil, and I love the fact that
it's so wide-spread as to include the Wargs. I also liked the
contrast between the Wargs and Orcs as far as the stars were
concerned, and how the Wargs even watched for certain constellations.
I must admit to feeling a bit of sympathy to the Warg that was
kicked, and I hope her cubs DO feed on Orc-flesh one of these days.
Of course, the Orcs would probably return the favor, and the cycle
would continue. One of the big Bosses might want to look into this in
the future.

Title: October Quickenings � Author: Budgielover � Races/Places:
Hobbits: Post-Ring War � ID: 676
Reviewer: Bodkin � 2005-09-01 14:30:47 Score: 3
Courage. Just about sums up Frodo. The courage to face the unfaceable
and endure as long as he must. But Sam now - his courage is
different. He has the strength that will start again and rebuild a
world torn down. The two of them together - lovely. This is a
delightful story.

Title: The Long March � Author: Tanaqui � Races/Places: Villains:
Drabble � ID: 542
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:31:38 Score: 5
What lies and threats indeed. I wonder what kind of PR campaign
Sauron had running in Harad and Khand. Saruman obviously had
effective propoganda among the Dunlendings, and I can only imagine
what Sauron, once the sly Annatar, had in place on his end. This
particular man seems to be convinced of Gondor's evils, and it's
definitely a sorrowing thought. How many on both sides were decieved?
And how far did the deception stretch? And was there perhaps a grain
of truth to it in some instances? That's when the thoughts start to
get dangerous.

Title: Nine Riders � Author: Rabidsamfan � Races/Places: Villains:
Drabble � ID: 791
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:32:55 Score: 7
This was a VERY interesting drabble. For as dark as some of the
Nazgul were, there others of a decidedly humorous mindset. Nazgul #3,
for example, with his "I'm flying" made me laugh. I almost expected
him to next say, "I can see my house!" #1's ponderings on
Glorfindel's grammar made me smile, too. But there were some I found
to be most intriguing. #5, for example, seemed to have philosophical
leanings, and #8 was apparently obsessed with horses. Strange Nazgul,
both of them. #4 and #2 I found to be the most disturbing, though. #4
seemed to be fixated on the destruction of the elves, and his idea of
teaching them something in return gave me shivers. But #2 (whom I am
going to assume is Khamul because Khamul has always fascinated me)
was probably the most dangerous because he remembered victories, he
remembered defeats, and he learned from them. That's never a good
thing, especially if you're one of the good guys. Great drabble, and
great personalities!

Title: Return to Rivendell � Author: Shirebound � Races/Places:
Hobbits: Post-Ring War � ID: 1115
Reviewer: Bodkin � 2005-09-01 14:38:28 Score: 3
My very favourite part is when Pippin's suggestion leads to the four
hobbits flying with the Great Eagles. Such a beautiful moment.
Although Bilbo's gold run runs it close. I love the feeling of
hopefulness here - it leaves the story at a good moment, with a
promise for the future.

Title: The Cornfield � Author: Tanaqui � Races/Places: Villains � ID:
530
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:43:23 Score: 3
It all makes so much sense now! I wasn't particularly jolted by this
scene in the movies, but the more I think about it, the more out-of-
place it feels. Thank you for clueing the rest of us in as to why
there was corn in the Shire. Should have known it would be the work
of the Sackville-Bagginses.

Title: Giving Gifts � Author: Dwimordene � Races/Places: Villains �
ID: 241
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:44:03 Score: 4
I love stories that look at the other side of the war, and I really
like the honor shown among the Haradrim. It feels so solid and so
real, and it's offset nicely with little things, like soap to force
tears or the everyday task of braiding another's hair. The Haradrim
feel like a complete culture here, with beliefs, failings, fears, and
conviction. They're definitely a formidable people, and I wouldn't
want to run into this boy when he grows up and decides to offer his
own gifts.

Title: Servant of Elbereth � Author: Beethoven's 7th � Races/Places:
Villains � ID: 796
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:44:40 Score: 4
Fascinating. Tolkien has tales of elves who seemed to tread on the
darker side of life as well as elves who ended up Houseless because
of it. But we never get to hear if this holds true for any orcs, and
I like this orc's curiosity about something that's always drawn him.
It's not a complete change of heart, necessarily, but it's a glimmer
of light that he has to follow, and he changes along the way.
Interesting idea.

Title: The Sand Circle � Author: A L Milton � Races/Places: Villains
� ID: 49
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:45:28 Score: 5
The characters in this were so sharp and vivid. Kuon, especially,
impressed me. With no speaking role, she somehow managed to keep
stealing the spotlight, as was probably her right. I loved her pride
and her haughtiness. The other two characters also make a very strong
presence, and the tale that Anguo shared drew me in and kept me
there. I loved this glimpse into one of the southern cultures, and I
love their theory on the oliphaunts and how they came to be among
them. Brilliant story telling.

Title: Red Fire, Black Blood � Author: just_sphinx � Races/Places:
Villains � ID: 1121
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:45:57 Score: 4
Morgoth definitely has some fascinating thoughts about Maedhros, but
strangely enough, I found his initial thoughts about the Valar and
the Eldar to be even more interesting than the rest of the story. I
like his charge of passiveness, and I especially like Morgoth's claim
that he created nothing that did not already exist. That says a lot
about the elves and the orcs, and it's something I wish was further
explored. Good insights, even so.

Title: Gift of Rule � Author: Lyllyn � Races/Places: Villains: Nazgul
� ID: 470
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:46:29 Score: 3
I really enjoy Second Age stories of Sauron because I love to see him
as Annatar. It's like temptation personified, and if done correctly
(as it is here) it's very powerful. This story shows us just how the
road to hell was paved, and it's almost painful to watch. Poor man.
Well done.

Title: Once � Author: Meril � Races/Places: Villains: Nazgul � ID: 485
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:46:58 Score: 4
There's a powerful sense of...I hesitate to use the word nostalgia,
but I don't know that I'm going to find anything closer. Lost
history, maybe, but that doesn't really fit, either. In any case, I
like the feeling of something gone that will never come again.
Something that's lost to the past and feels almost as though it
happened to another man in another life. It's very sobering, and we
can almost feel the Witch-king's fall as he raises his sword. Great
mood work.

Title: Sweet Meat � Author: Ijemanja � Races/Places: Villains � ID:
1073
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:49:06 Score: 6
Waiting villains scare me. The bad guys who are willing to bide their
time and have enough patience to let the heroes become complacent
are, in my opinion, the most dangerous villains of all. And that can
be seen here with Shelob. I love the way her hunger is painted and
how she's almost desperate for something nourishing. But even then,
she doesn't go out of her way to hunt. She goes as far as she needs
to and then she relents. It's a slow building of both strength and
tension, and it doesn't bode well for the men who might now be
wandering her pass. The combination of patience and a growing hunter
(which reminds me of Ungoliant) could be deadly, and I loved the
foreboding last lines. Good writing.

Title: This Too Shall Pass � Author: Isabeau of Greenlea �
Races/Places: Villains: Nazgul � ID: 742
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:49:46 Score: 5
*snort* You gotta love dark humor, and this story is filled with it.
Yes, the Dark Lord now has his Ring and all of Middle-earth is about
to go to the dogs, but getting the Ring this way...it's hilarious.
That scene was a major tripping point for me when I went to go see
The Two Towers, and this is the best parody take-off from it that
I've read yet. Poor fell beast. I suspect this was a bit more
traumatic than, say, passing a kidney stone. At least kidney stones
don't contain a measure of Sauron's former power. Brilliantly done!

Title: Wish upon a star � Author: Werecat � Races/Places: Villains:
Orcs � ID: 194
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:50:43 Score: 3
*snort* If wishes were fishes, I suppose that Gollum would be very
happy and that many Orcs would have many Mary Sues. I liked the humor
in this, and I liked the fact that an Orc got his wish granted. You
don't see that very often, and it was a nice play on the
typical "girl in Middle-earth" story.

Title: Full Circle � Author: Werecat � Races/Places: Villains: Orcs �
ID: 348
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:52:10 Score: 3
I like the idea of an orc going out with honor and glory. It's a
strange idea, but it fits this story very well. And I like the idea
that Radagast was the one who discovered the full story behind this
orc. He's an ambiguous character, but his sympathetic nature makes
him a prime candidate for this task. Good choice on the part of
Werecat and good writing.

Title: One Dark Day in Lugb�rz � Author: Starlight � Races/Places:
Villains: Orcs � ID: 521
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:52:50 Score: 5
Fascinating character insight into Grishnakh. I'd always wondered how
he came to know so much about the Precious. Giving him a role as one
of Gollum's captors was a stroke of brilliance on Starlight's part,
and of course, I'm ecstatic any time the Mouth of Sauron makes an
appearance in a fic. The interrogation session was very well written.
It's a wonder that the bad guys got anything done, actually; there's
so much mistrust among all of them. Skilled writing and very good
perspective work to fill in the blanks about Grishnakh.

Title: Enmities � Author: AmandaK � Races/Places: Villains: Orcs �
ID: 561
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:53:26 Score: 5
Great alternatve viewpoint! The perspective of a mother on a war is
always a fascinating one, but to incorporate this into the
perspective of an orc with pups was inspired. She's very much an orc,
but she's also very much a mother, and the two different roles mesh
nicely together, which is definitely a tribute to the author. I can't
imagine just how difficult this piece must have been to pull off. I
loved her feelings of regret towards her children, and I liked the
appearance of a man toward the end and the confusion that followed.
Tight perspective, good introspection, and very well written.

Title: Strange Bedfellows � Author: Dwimordene � Races/Places:
Villains: Orcs � ID: 250
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 14:56:55 Score: 6
Rarely do orcs get this much characterization. I loved the way that
Grishnakh's ambitious nature in canon was expanded here in his
conversation with Ugluk, who in turn became something that reminded
me of a soldier out of the Light Brigade: he knew his place was not
to question why but rather to do and die. Their conversation was
surprisingly sophisticated for orcs, but it definitely worked and was
a brilliant way to expand upon the dispute between the orcs as to
which direction they should go. And kudos to Ugluk for recognizing
the value of cannon fodder. He's not entirely unimaginative, as
Grishnakh might suppose, and he's willing to allow for maggots if it
will keep his own skin around longer. Good vignette.

Title: For Love of Creation � Author: Andreth � Races/Places:
Villains � ID: 92
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 15:04:56 Score: 7
Fascinating journey through Sauron's thoughts, and I really like the
idea that above all else, he loved to create. It's a drive that most
of the human race shares, and I enjoyed seeing it teased into
something bigger here. The comparison with Feanor and Morgoth was
also good, particularly the reluctance with which Sauron committed
his power to the Ring. I was very intrigued with the idea that Sauron
still considers accepting a pardon from the Valar. He's a complex
villain, and I can see him thinking about things like that from time
to time. I also loved the way he thought about Aule and the
difference between the way Aule and Morgoth handed out praise. Even
more than that, I loved the fact that Sauron understood why the
praise was empty when it came from Morgoth. In fact, the depth of
Sauron's understanding of his actions and the perspective he gives
them fascinated me throughout. Definitely some intriguing insight.
Thank you!

Title: Bitter as Willow � Author: Nickey � Races/Places: Villains �
ID: 801
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 15:06:29 Score: 7
Creepy! This is a villain who has the patience and the power to wait
until his foes have forgotten that they wronged him. And I think
that's perhaps the most dangerous villain, because over time, he
becomes just another tree by the wayside. And at that moment, he can
exact whatever vengeance he deems appropriate. I love his focus on
Merry as a Brandybuck, and also on Frodo, whose mother was a
Brandybuck. There's intelligence here that recognizes enemies and is
willing to lull them into a sense of security before the strike. I
think what chills me most is his patience, though. I like the idea
that all the wrongs in Ages past are just a turning of a season away
from Old Man Willow. The last lines are particularly unsettling as he
warns that he can still wait. Brilliant perspective work.

Title: Birthday Present � Author: Lindelea � Races/Places: Hobbits:
Pre-War of the Ring � ID: 462
Reviewer: Bodkin � 2005-09-01 15:10:56 Score: 4
This is just such a lovely story - with so many threads twisting
together. Poor Sam and his father's resistance to literacy, leading
into the 'Well Incident', Bilbo's gift to Rorimac, the presence of
those trying to loot from Bag End, Frodo's grief and his love of
Merry - and finally Bilbo's recognition of the scholar, adventurer
and artist inside Merry. And all from Merry's own mouth - which makes
it doubly touching. Delightful.

Title: Cursed Queen of Angmar � Author: khazar_khum � Races/Places:
Villains: Nazgul � ID: 450
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 15:16:11 Score: 8
This is, without a doubt, the most imaginative, innovative, and
creative thing I've ever seen done with the Witch-king of Angmar. The
entire history of the Nazgul was all but reinvented, and a good
portion of the history of Sauron, Numenor, and the Kingdom of Arnor
was completely restructured, too. But the amazing thing was that it
was restructured in a way that still fit in canon bounds. It's
nothing short of brilliant. I have to admit that the reinterpretation
of history was my favorite part, but I loved the main story, too.
Ariashal was one of the most vibrant and real OCs that I've ever come
across. And while not exactly an OC, Herumor was essentially created
from scratch and was a fantastic character in his own right. I
quickly became a big fan of Adzuphel, too. To tell the truth, the
entire cast won me over, and by the end, I was in complete agreement
with the Witch-king that the elves were haughty, arrogant fools. It
was a very unusual experience for me, and I wish there were more
stories out there like this one. Brilliant writing!

Title: Shadowsong � Author: Ellisande � Races/Places: Villains:
Nazgul � ID: 714
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 15:17:56 Score: 7
This was good. Very, very good. It's difficult to portray a character
like the Lord of the Nazgul because he's so different from us. A
wraith would not have the same perspective, senses, or thoughts that
a man or a woman would have. And yet, through some brilliant imagery
and fantastic metaphor, this story grants us a glimpse of what goes
on inside the mind of a Ring-wraith. It's a very chilling look, and I
think part of what makes it so chilling is that the Witch-king has a
sense of what he's lost and accepts it as a fair exchange. I really
like the fact that this story started off with the Nazgul thinking
that he might have once loved the sunrise. It had an almost wistful
sound to it, but by the time the story concluded, that wistfulness
had vanished and there was nothing but power and night. Great
characterization, and excellent work on handling the thoughts of a
Nazgul. That was no easy task.

Title: The Last Stand � Author: Soledad � Races/Places: Villains:
Orcs � ID: 76
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-01 15:24:31 Score: 7
The brilliant thing about this fic is that it is so very thoroughly
Orcish. The perspective is tightly written, and the reader sees the
world through...well, dark tinted glasses, I guess. It's hard to
describe, actually, but by the time you're through with the fic,
you're so heavily immersed in the world of the Orcs yourself that you
almost understand them. Which is a frightening, in my opinion. I
loved how this story blended canon with the author's own imagination,
making the world of the Orcs larger and more detailed than it's ever
been. And I loved all the different personalities that the Orcs had.
This isn't just a single-minded, blood-thirsty group of savages who
operate under a hive mind. This is a complex body of warriors,
jostling for position and making life and death choices under adverse
conditions. It's a fascinating journey, and I like to think that a
part of Ugluk somehow survived the Rohirrim's attack. Very good story.

Title: Marigold � Author: Marigold � Races/Places: Hobbits: Drabble �
ID: 784
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-01 17:40:00 Score: 2
These are beautiful. Very ordinary, every-day moments from the live
of a hobbit-lass who is no more than a name in canon -- yet she takes
on a personality all her own. Very much a hobbit, and very much a
Gamgee.

Title: Abrecan � Author: Rhapsody � Races/Places: Rohan: Original
Characters � ID: 433
Reviewer: Isil Elensar � 2005-09-01 17:54:13 Score: 4
I remember when you were writing this story, and all the fun you had
with it. It is light-hearted, very fun to read, and just goes to show
that our dear Lord Aragorn isn't as infallible as he's sometimes made
out to be. I especially like the banter between Thengel, Morwen, and
Eofara as they watch the hapless Thorongil try to master Abrecan.

It was a pleasure to read this little story, and I would definitely
love to see more stories of Rohan coming from you!

Title: One of The Lads � Author: Dreamflower � Races/Places: Cross-
Cultural: Vignette � ID: 980
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 17:58:55 Score: 2
This an interesting vignette into Aragorn's assessment of the
hobbits. Nicely written, interest observations by Aragorn to each of
the hobbits' character that still keeps them in-character. Well done,
Dreamflower.

Title: The Black Ribbon � Author: Rhapsody � Races/Places: Hobbits �
ID: 767
Reviewer: Isil Elensar � 2005-09-01 18:00:42 Score: 3
A hobbity story filled with plenty of family interaction. We get to
see just how the Brandybucks would handle the overflow of the
Brandywine River, and we get all sorts of antics from inside Brandy
Hall. And through the seriousness of the situation, you've kept it
light and rather enjoyable. I know how much you like to write hobbits
(now, *grin*), so keep at it!

Title: A Chance Conversation � Author: Songspinner � Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Vignette � ID: 804
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 18:05:38 Score: 5
I love finding these stories -- for me a hidden gem since I don't
normally read hobbit stories. A Chance Conversation is a truly lovely
vignette. A conversation between Merry and Landroval and Songspinner
has wonderfully shown the Eagle and kept him in character which must
have been extremely difficult to do. I like how Landroval explains
the traits of a falcon and Merry equates it to "Peregrine."

Wonderfully written, engaging in tone and story. I'm so happy to have
found it. Thanks, Songspinner!

Title: Dance of Terrible Grace � Author: Adina ATL � Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Vignette � ID: 57
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 18:28:45 Score: 4
This was a really interesting read -- a totally different perspective
on Legolas than anything I've seen before. I like that he has a 'dark
side' like this -- after what he and his people have endured in
Mirkwood, it is in character but so different from those 'tra
lalalala-lalley' type elves that are normally shown. And it also
explains why the shift towards friendship with Gimli -- a shared
enemy often binds two disparate, desperate peoples. Well told, Adina
ATL.

Title: Grasping at Moonbeams Glistening � Author: Werecat �
Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Post-War of the Ring � ID: 363
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 18:49:27 Score: 6
Werecat's strong writing has made Grasping at Moonbeams Glistening
come alive. You feel Nanwen's exhaustion, her hunger, her despair in
what must have an incredibly difficult place to be -- the Houses of
Healing during the war on the Pelennor fields. To admit your
exhaustion, to lie down, when all around you is pain and suffering
must have been extremely difficult to do and Werecat has given us an
idea of what healers, even today's healers, give for their patients.
And then Nanwen spots a bright patch in the middle, an unusual sight
for Gondor -- an elf. I love how Werecat has woven the title from
Luthien's Lay into her story and it all winds together in a
wonderfully told tale. Well done, Werecat!

Title: Out of Stone � Author: LadyAranel � Races/Places: Cross-
Cultural: Post-War of the Ring � ID: 315
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 18:58:19 Score: 4
Ah, what a lovely story of Gloin's acceptance of his son's friendship
with an elf -- and the son of 'that' elf too! Such hidden symbols --
the closed hand/open hand on the chest in greeting are such wonderful
detail that grabbed me. I like that Gloin had to work his way to
accepting Legolas, that it wasn't an automatic acceptance -- old
enmities are hard to forget. Beautifully written, Lady Aranel. I
thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Thank you!

Title: The Mark of a... Warrior? � Author: Ariel � Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Humor � ID: 133
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 19:07:43 Score: 4
Oh, this one had me laughing out loud, quite literally. It is a story
I can fully appreciate being the only female in a houseful of men.
Yes, Ariel, I think this probably would have happened at some point
on their journey. And I love how the hobbit has the last, um, laugh.
And that the elf has the wisdom, and humour to appreciate it. And the
icing on the cake? Mithrandir's reaction. Hobbits, indeed! A lovely
entry for the Humour section. Very very well done!

Title: Of Elves and Dwarves and Late Night Philosophy � Author:
Thundera Tiger � Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Humor � ID: 199
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 19:17:40 Score: 6
Oh my. Hilarity mixed with deep philosophical discussion! I love how
Aragorn can sense Gimli's about to speak, and how Legolas baits
him. "What makes you think the first warg was a he?" Indeed! I love
that type of logic and I often wished I could argue like that! The
banter between them and how Aragorn keeps track of who is winning
each point is priceless. And the inevitable drawing in of Aragorn.
Yet his arguments are so reasonable -- what else could we expect from
Elessar King. And everytime I think it is getting into this deep
conversation then ... three ... two .. one ... out comes another gem.
Well done, Thundera Tiger.

Title: Breaking the Rules (Harry Potter Exhibition Game) � Author:
Bubbles � Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Humor � ID: 276
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 19:21:14 Score: 4
I confess. I'm a Canuck! Raised with Hockey -- Gretzky, Howe,
Lindros, Hull. So the idea of putting the Lord of the Rings
characters on skates and in a rink was an absolute 'must see.' And
Bubbles has done it with exquisite irreverence. Another excellent
entry in the Humour category -- and the pictures of the characters
were absolutely sublime! You do not even have to be a Lord of the
Rings fan to see the humour in this. Game on!

Title: Captain of Gondor � Author: Sandy K � Races/Places: Cross-
Cultural: Humor � ID: 809
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 19:29:13 Score: 5
This is a lovely tale of Boromir becoming acquainted with the hobbits
in Rivendell but I am not sure it belongs in the humour section but
perhaps in the cross-cultural general. Sandy K has kept Boromir as a
lordly man, something too many people are willing to forget -- as the
Steward's son he would have a regal quality that has been reduced by
too many. And the hobbits are all equally in character. I especially
like the scene where Pippin is reciting his genealogy and Boromir
leans back in rather stunned amazement. It's a very well-told story
and I'm pleased to have found it.

Title: Chicken or the Egg? � Author: Gershwhen � Races/Places: Cross-
Cultural: Humor � ID: 1220
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 19:33:56 Score: 4
Definitely from the frying pan into the fire is where he's landed!
Legolas having to explain exactly what 'begetting' is to Pippin is
priceless and had me laughing out loud -- my husband checked to make
sure I was all right! It's not overplayed, just subtly implied and it
works the better for it. This is a lovely glimpse into what would
have definitely been an uncomfortable conversation for Pippin, poor
thing. Very well told, Gershwhen.

Title: Artist's Appreciation � Author: sulriel � Genres: Romance:
Incomplete � ID: 146
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 20:48:58 Score: 6
A young female elf distracted and entranced by a certain silver
haired Elven lord. Hmm, has all the markings of a Mary Sue yet this
story is avoiding the usual trappings. Lhende is an interesting elf
in that she actually hits her head -- is clumsy. How unusual, and
interesting. The description of the 'dance' Celeborn does as he
practices reminds me very much of the kata's I used to do in karate --
very rhythmic and dancelike -- until you speed them up and unleash
the ferocity. Just the right amount of description to get us
interested, good strong verbs. Interesting characters. So tell me ...
what comes next? and when?

Considering this started as a challenge from Marnie, you simply MUST
finish this story. Do not leave us hanging, Sulriel. And a little
steamy sex wouldn't hurt ;)

Title: One Day in Ithilien � Author: jen_loves_elves � Books/Time:
Post-Ring War � ID: 744
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-01 20:55:43 Score: 1
This is a cute interlude about daily life in Ithilien. Poor Faramir,
indeed!

Title: Spoons � Author: LKK � Races/Places: Hobbits: Drabble � ID: 644
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-01 21:05:13 Score: 3
Methinks there's shades of Gollum here! "That candle stick should
have been mine... it OUGHT to be mine, it is mine" and so on. Very
perceptive, and a nice way to make more of Lobelia than a common
thief (which is what I thought when I first read "A Long-Expected
Party"). This was a really enjoyable drabble.

Title: Seedlings � Author: Beethoven's 7th � Genres: Humor: Hobbits �
ID: 905
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 21:11:07 Score: 3
Lovely patient Sam. Having to watch his master digging up his prized
daffodils -- chunked up piece going flying, indeed. I'm afraid I am
more of a Frodo type gardener than Sam -- who is welcome to plant
daffodils, or snapdragons, in my garden anyday. Nicely told, good
active language, and a nice 'hobbity' style to it. Well done,
Beethoven's 7th.

Title: The Arial Object � Author: Beethoven's 7th � Races/Places:
Hobbits: Children � ID: 972
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 21:13:38 Score: 3
A very good description of movement, Beethoven's 7th, something I
often struggle with. I could not, for the life of me, figure out what
it was until the last paragraph and then it was one of those smack-
yourself-in-the-forehead moments. The 'Aha! So that's what it was'
statements followed. Nicely done.

Title: Bedazzled � Author: Beethoven's 7th � Races/Places: Hobbits:
Drabble � ID: 976
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 21:15:17 Score: 2
This is a lovely drabble filled with poetry-like prose. Very nicely
done both in describing the children and the fireworks. Well done,
Beethoven's 7th.

Title: Another Name � Author: Elana � Races/Places: Men: Drabble �
ID: 296
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 21:23:09 Score: 2
Strider in Bree ... and his view of things. I like this, it keeps
that mysterious air that he and the other Rangers had set up.
Longshanks for long leagues. But that's neither east nor west as
folks say. ;) A lovely drabble, thanks, Elana.

Title: A Father's Choice � Author: Elana � Races/Places: Gondor:
Drabble � ID: 298
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 21:24:58 Score: 3
Bergil's desire to stay in Minas Tirith -- that is something I had
not really pondered much. I wonder if he asked or he was told. And
from the father's point of view how hard it must have been to let/see
him stay, thinking they faced their doom. Nicely done!

Title: The Sundering Seas � Author: Elana � Races/Places: Elves:
Drabble � ID: 303
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 22:22:01 Score: 2
Absolutely delightful. A lovely look at Elrond knowing he has to let
Celebrian go. At least there is hope, he will get to see her again.

Title: Ambush in Ithilien � Author: Elena Tiriel � Genres: Drama
(includes Angst): Gondor Drabble � ID: 204
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 22:26:55 Score: 3
Under all the weight of the LOTR we forget that battles had been
fought for generations on those lands.It was interesting to realize
that this took place hundreds of years before. Oh, and I found the
author's note as interesting as the drabble! I love research like
that!

Title: Silver and Gold � Author: Elena Tiriel � Genres: Romance:
Drabble � ID: 196
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 22:30:14 Score: 3
Akk, *clutches heart* Lovely, Elena! Both for Galadriel's description
of what Celeborn was to everyone else compared to how he could be
with her, and Celeborn's description of seeing Galadriel as glacial
magnificence of Taniquetil where he saw the fires of Orodruin. What a
magnificence insight. Beautifully done.

Title: Earth and Sky � Author: Elena Tiriel � Races/Places: Cross-
Cultural: Drabble � ID: 201
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 22:33:17 Score: 3
Here's one of those gems that I mentioned before. I love that you can
take a single line and write a scene around it. Wonderfully done --
and it shows the change between Legolas and Gimli and how the
acceptance of a former enemy became a friend. Lovely, Elena Tiriel!

Title: Kingly Gifts � Author: Dreamflower � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Friendship � ID: 831
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 22:40:18 Score: 2
I really like this story of how Merry and Pippin are rewarded by
Eomer and Aragorn. It fills in those gaps left by the Professor. A
thoroughly enjoyable and well-told tale. Thanks, Dreamflower,
for 'painting on spot left bare.'

Title: The Stubborness of Tooks � Author: Dreamflower � Genres:
Humor: Hobbits � ID: 918
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 22:48:57 Score: 3
Pink rabbits, eh? Hmm, that sounds an awful lot like pink elephants
although in the Thain's defence he was ill, not drunk. It must be
hard to go against someone who is used to power but I think that we
know where the power in that family is despite what he thinks. Lovely
story, Dreamflower.

Title: In Which Frodo Makes Tea � Author: MysteriousWays �
Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: The Shire � ID: 821
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-01 22:58:49 Score: 5
What a wonderfully introspective look from Frodo's point of view. The
last time I pump the water, the last time I make the tea. From the
number of times I have moved, I know I have had similar thoughts but
I wonder just how deeply Frodo thought them. While he knew he
wouldn't be returning to Bag End, did he wonder at that stage if he
would ever return to the Shire itself? Did he realize just how long
his journey would be? A lovely look into this moment, Mysterious
Ways. Well told, and an enjoyable read.

Title: The Shadow of an Image � Author: Finch � Genres: Crossovers �
ID: 732
Reviewer: Dwimordene � 2005-09-01 23:42:24 Score: 5
Great way of drawing all these personalities together, through the
Atlantis myth that is so central to Tolkien's mythology. Although I
am much more the Platonist than the Aristotelian, I nevertheless
loved the way Maglor characterizes the two, Plato the transcendent
desirer, Aristotle the curious lover of the world. Put so, it makes
sense that Maglor would be attracted and find a kindred soul in
Aristotle, perhaps in a sense a true inheritor. Wonderful use of
elven song and connection back to Orpheus, too, and all around, just
an interesting, unusual piece of fiction.

Title: The Council of Elrond in the Style of Hiawatha � Author:
Theresa Green � Genres: Crossovers: Poetry � ID: 559
Reviewer: Dwimordene � 2005-09-01 23:43:24 Score: 3
Oi, I'm not much with poetry, and I only know Hiawatha from the old
Disney cartoon. This was... in some sense indescribable, but told
with Theresa Green's usual eye for the sublimely ridiculous. Gl�in's
comments were priceless. More a pastiche or parody than a crossover,
though.

Title: The One and True Dark Lord � Author: Werecat � Genres:
Crossovers � ID: 358
Reviewer: Dwimordene � 2005-09-01 23:44:01 Score: 3
An interesting meeting of dark minds, although really, Voldemort is
way out of his league, which I suppose is part of the amusement of
this story. It's very nearly unsporting to get them in a cage match:
hands down, Morgoth would win. I'd not want to be Voldemort the next
time he encountered Melkor.

Title: Dusk-singer � Author: illyria-pffyffin � Books/Time: Gap-
Filler � ID: 702
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-02 05:24:35 Score: 6
Every time I read one of her amazing tales, I'm again stunned and
awed by the skill of a non-native speaker to use a foreign language.
This author is an enormously gifted storyteller, and "Dusk-Singer" is
no exception. Frodo's feelings as he stumbles along the way to
Rivendell after being attacked by the Nazg�l, his spirit wandering
off into the spooky darkness of another world, is masterfully told,
full of pain, deep love for the character and understanding. And the
end, when Glorfindel's appearance seems to promise salvation, is
wondrously beautiful and moves to tears. This is fanfiction as it
should be - exploring the untold and keeping deepest respect for the
original source. Brava!

Title: Memory of Ents � Author: Rabidsamfan � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Friendship � ID: 800
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-02 05:34:06 Score: 4
This little story is an interesting view on the restoration of the
Shire. Pippin, Merry and Sam are collecting saplings to replace all
the lost trees, and the two cousins tell Sam about their meeting with
the Ents.Sensitively told, with gentle humor and more than a hint of
more serious feelings underneath the surface, "Memory of Ents" is a
beautiful, excellent gap-filler, worth every new read.

Title: The Errand Lad � Author: Rabidsamfan � Books/Time: The Lord of
The Rings: Incomplete � ID: 884
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-02 05:38:57 Score: 4
This is one of the rare handful of tales I'm eagerly waiting for to
be finished. Bergil, son of Beregond, is on duty to serve the King's
guests, the hobbits. His very "boyish" view of things, mixed with a
surprising, simple wisdom, are perfectly caught and beautifully told,
and the encounters with the hobbits are a pure delight to read,
especially his rapidly growing friendship with Sam. One of
rabidsamfan's best longer pieces, and may it be finished - SOON!

Title: In Bree � Author: Rabidsamfan � Books/Time: Gap-Filler:
Drabble � ID: 1345
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-02 05:40:51 Score: 2
Ah - simply beautiful! Frodo's deep sense of responsibilty is
enormously touching, and his love for his cousins is very palpable.
Wonderful little piece from the "Mistress of Drabbles"!

Title: Packing for Crickhollow � Author: Rabidsamfan � Genres: Drama
(includes Angst): Drabble � ID: 1344
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-02 05:45:31 Score: 3
Asa person with a fierce love for books I can totally understand
Frodo's feelings here. It must have been incredibly bitter to leave
his "treasures" behind, and the insecurity and dawning fear of the
master of Bag End are masterfully caught and presented.

Title: Nine Riders � Author: Rabidsamfan � Races/Places: Villains:
Drabble � ID: 791
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-02 05:55:03 Score: 6
The ability of the author to give each of the Ring Wraith in "his"
own drabble a strong personality is absolutely stunning. F.E. we have
a king who originally only sought for healing, we have a dedicated
elf-killer, a fell-beast-pilot (no, really!), a scholar, a sailor and
a horse-tamer, and the last drabble gives us a surprising (and rather
hilarious) insight in the thoughts of the Witch King facing �owyn in
his last fight:

"But as she stands before me, holding her sword as high as if the
terror of my presence does not touch her, I must consider. Was there
an adjective in that prophecy or not? Was it the noun that mattered?
Capital M, or small?"

Ahhh... 'twas the spelling that led to his doom! *snickers*. But they
are all wonderful, another proof of the author's well-known skills.



**end***

24 final reviews today

Title: Before the Call to Muster � Author: Lindelea � Books/Time: Gap-
Filler: Drabble � ID: 461
Reviewer: pippinfan88 � 2005-09-02 06:55:55 Score: 4
I love "moments in time" in the lives of our favorite hobbits, and
this is a very lovely depiction of one of the millions they shared.
This wonderful author has the sweet gift of putting all that needs to
be said into the "moment"; no more, and no less. Either of each would
put the tale off balance. Merry and Pippin were both effected by the
wars, yet really don't address the issue with one another--and yet
it's what makes this wee tale so lovely. A very enjoyable read!

Title: At the Sammath Naur � Author: Aratlithiel � Books/Time: Gap-
Filler: Drama � ID: 126
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-02 09:19:34 Score: 6
This tale was the second of Aratlithiels' I ever translated into
german, and it took me a great amount of blood, sweat and tears - to
be able and keep up with her glorious richness of language and use of
words, and the enormous complexity of this astonishing piece. The
reader witnesses Frodo in the Sammath Naur, finally succumbing under
the influence of the ring and claiming the treasure of the enemy for
himself. His thoughts, the depth of his suffering and agony are
described with an impact that leaves you breathless and shaken, and
the sheer power of this story will always make it one of my all-time-
favorites.

Title: Bronwe Athan Harthad � Author: Aratlithiel � Books/Time: The
Lord of The Rings: Post-Ring War � ID: 128
Reviewer: Cuthalion � 2005-09-02 09:25:33 Score: 6
I guess it has been - for many readers - a deep mystery if Frodo
succeeded in the Sammath Naur or if he failed. Aratlithiel has
answered this question in two of her tales in a completely satisfying
way, and this is one of them. I remember sitting there reading about
Frodo's despair, emptiness and grief in Minas Tirith and suddenly
understanding that he "fought the goog fight" (and won it) by saving
Gollum's life in the Emyn Muil instead of allowing Sam to kill the
slimy creature. Her explanation, heartbreakingly beautiful set in a
conversation between Frodo, Aragorn and Gandalf, has influenced every
single of my own post-quest Frodo-tales ever since, for she is right,
and this is truth, carved in stone. Thank you, Aratlithiel!

Title: Green Seas � Author: Kielle � Races/Places: Gondor: Vignette �
ID: 453
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-02 13:04:54 Score: 4
This story has some very enjoyable and interesting interactions
between the Dol Amroth crew and Theoden, of all people, when they
were all kids. Theoden seems a bit old for when he left Rohan
(perhaps I'm mis-remembering), but htat niggle aside, I found all the
characterisations to contain hints of the adults they will all
become -- a real bonus when writing children. Well done.

Title: A Healer's Tale � Author: Lindelea � Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Incomplete � ID: 754
Reviewer: pearltook1 � 2005-09-02 13:43:01 Score: 7
This is a marvelous story. It beautifully entwines past and current
time (current to the story) events relating a life and death moment
in Pippin's life with past moments with him and other Tooks as seen
from the perspective of the healer, Woodruff Took. This has involved
carefully working in material from an already posted story which has
been done with great skill.

I am enjoying this story also because it has scenes of a kinder, more
loving Paladin Took than this author's stories normally show. All of
the author's characters are beautifully done and well filled out with
good distinction between adult and child hobbits. Her main character,
an OC named Woodruff, is a wonderful character whom we have watched
grow in this tale from a frightened teen to a capable and respected
healer in the Took community.

This story is a joy to read.

Title: By All The Signs � Author: Tialys � Books/Time: Post-Ring War
� ID: 757
Reviewer: pearltook1 � 2005-09-02 14:03:12 Score: 5
This is such an amazing and creative story! Tolkien always said that
Middle-earth is our earth at an earlier time and so it makes perfect
sense that an archeological dig could find the grave markers of Merry
and Pippin. I also love the notion that hobbits are still among us.

I love the realistic touch of having the Men who are heading the
expedition not believe the historian they have called upon for expert
information on their find. They laugh him off as a story teller when
he knows the truth of their find.

A wonderful whimsical story.

Title: All's Fair � Author: Inkling � Races/Places: Hobbits: Pre-War
of the Ring � ID: 1113
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-02 16:55:32 Score: 10
Inkling has a fresh, strong approach to her story-telling weaving
fact from real life with the threads Tolkien provided us to create a
wonderful tapestry of hobbit life and how Frodo ended up being
adopted by Bilbo, and of his first experience with love.

From her snippets of love poems that Frodo writes to her detail on
the dances that the hobbits dance, All's Fair is an entrancing tale
of love and heartbreak along the lines of Cyrano de Bergerac. And the
providing of links to the read would have an idea of the type of
music was inspired, it added an extra dimension to the story.

I loved that not all the hobbits were pleasant natured -- Hortensia
reminded me a great deal of Lobelia Sackville-Baggins -- a wonderful
reminder that even the Professor knew that there were irritating
people about.

I would love to clip in several quotes but I know I would go over the
limit: *"Promise me you'll take me on your adventures, someone has to
protect you from goblins"* ... Merry's promise certainly came back to
haunt them both. And the irony of Frodo discovering he did not have
to raid Farmer Maggot's farm after all those years because he owned
his own was priceless.

Oh, and the twins, Otto and Orlando. *snicker* not Vigo and Orlando?
Somehow I can see a hobbit named Vigo or Orlando. Frodo, Bilbo, Vigo,
Orlando. Yup, that works.

And your ending was just right -- not sappy, not maudlin, Frodo all
grown up and ready to start on his own adventure, looking forward,
not back. Well done, Inkling.

Title: Foolish Hobbit � Author: Tialys � Books/Time: Gap-Filler:
Hobbits � ID: 120
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-02 17:01:45 Score: 3
This is a lovely vignette of what happened after Sam left Frodo's the
night Gandalf returned and set them upon their path to Rivendell. It
is a well written piece that gives an insight to Frodo's reaction,
and Gandalf's and keeps each character in-character which is what I
love from reading fanfic. Well done, Tialys.

Title: After All � Author: jastaelf � Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Post-Ring War � ID: 100
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-02 17:33:19 Score: 6
Jasta-elf has written a bitter-sweet story following Legolas his
first Yule in the West away from his father, and has tenderly, and at
times humorously, foreseen his longing for home. The interspering of
the arrow-sounds between the conversation worked brilliantly,
allowing the reader to understand Legolas' emotions, while the actual
presentation of the 'surprise' was neither maudlin nor overdone. And
I love that I now have an excuse should someone accuse me of talking
to myself as I often do. I shall simply say I was hoping to find
decent conversation. A beautifully written piece. Thanks, Jasta-Elf.

Title: Full Circle � Author: Werecat � Races/Places: Villains: Orcs �
ID: 348
Reviewer: annmarwalk � 2005-09-02 17:36:11 Score: 10
Werecat, you never cease to amaze me! While so many authors are
rehashing old scenes or inventing increasingly bizarre new scenes
with familiar characters (I confess to being one of those), you
continually delight us with unique, offbeat characters in unusual
situations that always, always, ring perfectly true.

It started with the orc bard, the first of your stories that I ever
read, which amazed me, not only with its stunning originality, but
also its poignancy. Then came the "angsty teenage orc" and his
fateful and lucky encounter with the wishful Mary-Sue -- how many
wishes did you make come true with that tale! I stll giggle at the
perfection of it, both in characterization and the clever way in
which you turned a fanfic convention upside down.

Here in "Full Circle" you once again struck the perfect balance
between pathos and realism. Your last orc reminds me of the stories
I've read of Japanese soldiers, hidden for years in mountain
hideouts, coming forward in their last days to surrender; but, rather
than feeling dishonored as those warriors did, your last orc is
courageous, strangely noble, seeking to write the last pages of his
people's history with his own blood. The parallels to the elves, and
the last orc's description of a prophetic dream of white sails, is
just heartbreaking. And to have Radagast, who loves all creatures,
even the very least lovable, carrying that blood into the west is an
absolutely staggering vision.


Beasts, they've called us, he heard the orc whisper in his mind. We
were once Elves, I've heard.

Title: Sand-castles when the tide is flowing � Author: Tanaqui �
Races/Places: Gondor: Pre-Quest Drabbles � ID: 549
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-02 18:39:24 Score: 6
Your description of Faramir's sandcastle reminded me of nothing so
much as Orthanc ("a single, shapely tower outside a plain, wide
wall"). That seems fitting, given how the tower of Isengard was I
think originally built by the Numenoreans. It is unassuming and
simple, but also strong enough to withstand the pride. Boromir's on
the other hand is trying to recapture what he thinks is the glory of
Gondor, but he doesn't seem to understand exactly what that glory is:
it's architecturally magnificent ("many lofty turrets") but it's just
not strong enough to survive. And perseverance seems to be the true
legacy of Gondor. All in all, this was a nice drabble, capturing both
a functional father-sons relationship and hints at the men both
Boromir and Faramir will become.

Title: How It All Got Started � Author: Dreamflower � Races/Places:
Hobbits: Pre-War of the Ring � ID: 1169
Reviewer: sulriel � 2005-09-02 18:50:37 Score: 3

I found this to be a lovely little conversation, and what a
delightful, comfortable voice you've given Sam. I truely enjoyed it.
Indeed, they didn't expect how it would have turned out, but that
seems to be the way life works sometimes. Well done.

Title: Nine Riders � Author: Rabidsamfan � Races/Places: Villains:
Drabble � ID: 791
Reviewer: LOTR_lover � 2005-09-02 19:04:24 Score: 5
What marvelous insight! Each drabble a wholly different personality,
with wonderful touches that set each Nazgul apart. The one who raised
their horses only to see the Bruinen take them, the one who loves to
fly despite the slight inconveniences, the one who hates elves
(brrr!), and the Witch King himself, not quite as sure as he had been
when Eowyn stands before him. You did such a fine job of taking a
(really!) faceless group and giving them each individuality. This is
a fine read.

Title: Birthday Present � Author: Lindelea � Races/Places: Hobbits:
Pre-War of the Ring � ID: 462
Reviewer: sulriel � 2005-09-02 19:07:58 Score: 4


LOL! about poor slender Frodo and his misbehaving curls. I imagine
that must have a most trying day and you have done a wonderful job in
portraying it. I love how astute Merry is in understanding Sam's
dilemma and his wonderful solution. I wondered about the turn of plot
to the well until (of course) I read on, - an excellent twist and a
delightful ending. - I especially love Bilbo's note to Merry.

Title: Thread of Fate � Author: Forodwaith � Genres: Romance:
Rivendell � ID: 15
Reviewer: Leaward � 2005-09-02 20:03:36 Score: 3
Arwen actually making the banner that Halbarad brings to Aragorn is a
story I've never seen investigated, and the idea that Forodwaith has
put forward, that she must invest herself into its making the way she
has, even providing the hair for the cloth, is an intriguing one. A
lovely short story, and vrey well told, Forodwaith.

Title: The Terror of Buckland � Author: Inkling � Races/Places:
Hobbits: Pre-War of the Ring � ID: 687
Reviewer: sulriel � 2005-09-02 20:40:05 Score: 3
I'm sure that as strong as Frodo grew to be that he certainly had
a 'creative' childhood. I love the opening with the bull, and the
pranks, but this story certainly takes a sobering turn with the
river. I especially appreciate your research and attention to canon.

Title: Elves and Potatoes � Author: Celandine Brandybuck �
Races/Places: Hobbits � ID: 185
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 20:51:40 Score: 7
This is a very well-written tale! I generally love young Sam tales,
and this one is no exception. I really enjoyed the detailed
descriptions of Bag End's gardens, the plants and their care. It's
obvious, Celadine, that you are either a gardener of great repute
yourself or horticultural researcher extraordinaire.

I really felt for Sam and his dilemma when Bilbo � assuming he can
read � sends him into Bag End for a particular gardening book. You
made the frustration real. And how nice of Frodo to both come to the
rescue and set about to change Sam's unlettered state by mentioning
the fact to Bilbo. And being a book lover myself, I couldn't imagine
a more magical moment than receiving a first treasured book.

I've always liked the Gaffer's line from Fellowship about cabbages
and potatoes suiting the likes of him and Sam better than Elves and
dragons. This story is a great take on that viewpoint.

Title: 110 � Author: Aeneid � Races/Places: Men � ID: 59
Reviewer: Anoriath � 2005-09-02 21:00:55 Score: 5
There is a certain madness that happens when you become separated too
long from like beings, that sense that reality is consensual and you
could float away without the grounding of your fellow men. I think
that Aeneid captures this very well in the free-floating mix of prose
and verse, internal rambling thoughts and solid sensations.

The piece has a wonderful mix of feelings in its emotional tone. The
fluttering from one moment to another creates a unique tension of
humor and pathos and pit of the stomach fear.

Title: Under The Lilac Bushes � Author: Dreamflower � Races/Places:
Hobbits: Children � ID: 1168
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 21:30:29 Score: 4
*snerk* Sam and Merry roped into a little girls tea party! Mwahahaha�
how rich! I can just picture big brother Sam and how embarrassed he
would be to have his friend find him. Good thing Merry is a good
sport. I thought I'd laugh myself silly at the eavesdropping adults
too. It is so sweet of Gandalf to take pity on grumbling bellies and
to feed the poor starving little Hobbit lads. Cute story!!

Title: Bedazzled � Author: Beethoven's 7th � Races/Places: Hobbits:
Drabble � ID: 976
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 21:35:15 Score: 1
This is a great drabble with a bit of a surprise ending. I enjoyed
the vivid description.

Title: Butterfly � Author: Melilot Hill � Races/Places: Hobbits:
Merry & Pippin � ID: 828
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 21:40:11 Score: 2
Oh, poor Pippin! I'm so glad the butterfly was okay. It's so easy to
see the guilt on Pip's face and to imagine the joy he must have felt
when the butterfly flew away. Sweet double drabble.

Title: The Courtship of Samwise Gamgee � Author: Lindelea �
Races/Places: Hobbits: Poetry � ID: 463
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 21:50:17 Score: 3
This is a great little ditty and it is easy for me to imagine Merry
and Pippin writing it...on a tablecloth none-the-less. The notations
to the curator at the mathom house in Michael Delving are priceless.
Poetic license indeed! Well done Lindelea!

Title: Happy Birthday Professor � Author: Llinos � Races/Places:
Hobbits: Poetry � ID: 762
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 21:55:57 Score: 3
Delightful tribute to the Professor, my dear Llinos! Although I can't
help but chuckle over Merry and Pippin's little ditty, it is Sam's
sweet verses that really says it all. Talk about the best mathom of
all - a wonderful world where we all can play.

Title: A conspiracy forged � Author: Marta � Races/Places: Hobbits:
Pre-War of the Ring � ID: 585
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 22:16:10 Score: 4
Excellent version of Bilbo's party from another point of view. I feel
so bad for Pippin, having to miss a party he was specifically invited
to *and* having the disappointment of getting a gift he couldn't
appreciate quite yet. The story of the pipe was great! I'm glad Merry
got it back for him and was able to explain to him the significance.
Great lead in to the ultimate conspiracy that the two of them would
eventually forge to watch Frodo.

**end***

> Thank you Aina, I'm glad I was able to help out. I think most things
> are settled right now, for the most part.

At this point, I don't know what I'd do without you! The funeral is
over and my schedule is back to normal. But this whole boyfriend
thing... I'm getting a promise ring from him soon. We had to buy one
online because Walmart and Target seem to think everyone has size 7
fingers. So, why haven't I done any MEFA things after work today?
Because I was with him. We're thinking that if we do get engaged (and
it certainly seems like we will) we may get married in the spring. Or
in September. Wouldn't that be a problem with Voting Season next
year? ;-)

>
> We had a question about the banner contest that I wasn't able to
> answer - and I'm ashamed to say, I've lost the email. -

I'll look through and see if I can't find it.

> I think the excessive quotes are under control, that was the main
> issue that came up and I handled it as best as I could - it needs to
> be on the list for p-m discussion. I've been browsing back though and
> found a few more that I'll be correcting in the next day or so, and
> I'm watching the new ones now as they come in.

Okay, thanks.

> otherwise, I think we are in pretty good shape. I'll continue with
> the new member and password stuff if you want everything else back. I
> never figured out how you were posting the reviews with the links in
> them.

I'll try to get back to posting them. How about I do it tomorrow
(Saturday) and see if that gets me back on track.

And I want to make a post about banners. I need to do some counts and
see what we need. We need quite a bit more. I've got a lot of
pictures for them. 1000 or so actually. I've sifted through 500 of
them to choose and formatted them to the right size for the banners.
But they still need titles and such. Don't know if I'll make it.

--Ainae
staying up a bit later today to try and get back into the swing of
things at least a little.

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, <aelfwina@c...> wrote:

> Well, as hard as I've been trying, I expect that the next little

while is going to seriously impair my ability to review. The power
and cable will probably be out for a few days, starting sometime this
afternoon or evening. Even if all goes well, and it's only out for a
short time, we are supposed to go out of town the following week, and
I don't think I will have much in the way of internet access. If the
damage is bad enough to keep us from going, then I expect it will also
be bad enough to keep me from doing much in the way of reviewing. And
there won't be many days left afterward.

>
> So, I apologize in advance to all the wonderful authors of wonderful

stories that it doesn't look like I will get to. 8-(

>
> Ah, well...
>
> Dreamflower
> (Barbara)

Anyone heard from her since the hurricane, flooding and fire and such?
I've read a bit of the news and it's just awful down there. People
starving and going without water....

I hope she is okay.

--Ainae

On 3 Sep 2005, at 02:07, ainaechoiriel wrote:

> --- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, <aelfwina@c...> wrote:
> > Well, as hard as I've been trying, I expect that the next little
> while is going to seriously impair my ability to review.� The power
> and cable will probably be out for a few days, starting sometime this
> afternoon or evening.� Even if all goes well, and it's only out for a
> short time, we are supposed to go out of town the following week, and
> I don't think I will have much in the way of internet access.� If the
> damage is bad enough to keep us from going, then I expect it will also
> be bad enough to keep me from doing much in the way of reviewing.� And
> there won't be many days left afterward.
> >
> > So, I apologize in advance to all the wonderful authors of wonderful
> stories that it doesn't look like I will get to. 8-(
> >
> > Ah, well...
> >
> > Dreamflower
> > (Barbara)
>
>
> Anyone heard from her since the hurricane, flooding and fire and such?
> I've read a bit of the news and it's just awful down there.� People
> starving and going without water....
>
> I hope she is okay.
>
> --Ainae
>

Someone posted to stories_of_arda yesterday saying they had heard from
her.

Marta
*****
Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I couldn't find a previous question, so if anyone has questions, ask
away!

Here's a breakdown of our present banners, by category and abreviated
award title.

Men
Numenor: 1
Kings: 1
Stewards: 1
Elves
Lorien: 1
Imladris: 3
Grey Havens: 2
Hobbits
Master: 1
Thain: 1
Mayor: 1
Dwarves
Khazad-Dum: 3
Erebor: 3
Aglarond: 2
Villains:
Sauron: 1
Balrog: 1
Wolves: 1
Cross-Cultural
L & G: 4
G & B: 3
M & E: 2
Gondor
Minas Tirith: 2
Osgiliath: 1
Dol Amroth: 2
Rohan
Edoras: 1
Helm's Deep: 0
Dunharrow: 1
Humor
None
Adventure
Black Gate: 3
Pelennor Fields: 2
Helm's Deep: 1 (And I just realized we have 2 Helm's Deep Awards.
Oops.)
Drama
Turin: 0
Frodo: 1
Faramir: 0
Romance
None
Horror
Paths of the Dead: 1
Shelob's Lair: 1
Dead Marshes: 10
Mystery
Palantiri: 1
Barrow-wight: 1
Pukelmen: 1
Crossover
Troy: 1
Van Helsing: 1
X-Men: 2
Alternate Universe
Boromir: 1
Tenth: 1
Faramir: 2
Movie-verse
Asfaloth: 2
Elves at HD: 2
Scouring: 1
Non-Fiction
Library: 2
Archives: 1
Scrolls: 1
Silmarillion
Ainu...: 1
Vala...: 1
Akallabeth: 1
The Hobbit
Shire: 1
Mirkwood: 1
Lonely Mtn: 1
Lord of the Rings
None
Post-Ring War
None
Gap-Filler
Gap: 3
Crack: 1
Chasm: 1

As you can see, we really need some more banners. Especially in
categories and awards with none or only 1. Not much of a contest when
there's only one choice. They really aren't hard to make, so put on
your creativity hats and make some banners!

--Ainaechoiriel

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Marta Layton <melayton@g...> wrote:

>
> On 3 Sep 2005, at 02:07, ainaechoiriel wrote:
>
> > --- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, <aelfwina@c...> wrote:
>>> Well, as hard as I've been trying, I expect that the next
>>> little while is going to seriously impair my ability to review.
>>> The power and cable will probably be out for a few days, starting
>>> sometime this afternoon or evening. Even if all goes well, and
>>> it's only out for a short time, we are supposed to go out of town
>>> the following week, and I don't think I will have much in the way
>>> of internet access. If the damage is bad enough to keep us from
>>> going, then I expect it will also be bad enough to keep me from
>>> doing much in the way of reviewing. And there won't be many days
>>> left afterward.
>>>
>>> So, I apologize in advance to all the wonderful authors of
>>> wonderful stories that it doesn't look like I will get to. 8-(
>>>
>>> Ah, well...
>>>
>>> Dreamflower
>>> (Barbara)
>>
>> Anyone heard from her since the hurricane, flooding and fire and
>> such? I've read a bit of the news and it's just awful down there.
>> People starving and going without water....
>>
>> I hope she is okay.
>>
> Someone posted to stories_of_arda yesterday saying they had heard
> from her.

I am sorry, but this someone was wiped out last night to post it here
as well or to figure out a crosspost yahoogroups style.

Here is the message from Stories of Arda

From: "rhapsody_the_bard" <rhapsody74@gmail.com>
Date: Fri Sep 2, 2005 8:42 pm
Subject: Re: MEFA Awards / Community Spirit

--- In stories_of_arda@yahoogroups.com, "rhapsody_the_bard"
<rhapsody74@g...> wrote:

--- In stories_of_arda@yahoogroups.com, "Leaward" <leaward_l@y...> wrote:
> It's September 1st, which means we're in the home stretch. Of over
> 1200 stories nominated for the Middle Earth Fanfiction Awards, and
< 515 members of MEFA, we have 2900 final reviews in. Sounds good,
> doesn't it?
>
> Except that more than 64 percent of those reviews have been written
> by just six people. Less than 10 percent of the registered members
> have yet to cast a vote by submitting a review.

Thank you for posting this Leaward. Lately I have been reading new
stories, new authors, but also been re-reading stories ... and I still
enjoy them a lot, they bring this huge smile on my face and I hope I
get all the reviews posted on time. It feels like getting
re-acquainted with them again.

Also in the light of the community spirit, I just heard that
Dreamflower (and family) is safe and sound in the Biloxi Regional
Hospital. Since Marigold's mom was with her, Marigold assumes she is
ok as well.

I am incredibly relieved and I gather that many more would appreciate
this little note as well.

Rhapsody
(back to lurking)
--- End forwarded message ---

Rhapsody

-- "ainaechoiriel" <mefaadmin@earthlink.net> wrote:

>> Adventure
>> Black Gate: 3
>> Pelennor Fields: 2
>> Helm's Deep: 1 (And I just realized we have 2 Helm's Deep Awards.
>> Oops.)

Yeah, but this one is actually "_Battle_ of Helm's Deep" and the award under Rohan is just "Helm's Deep." I think there's enough of a difference to let it go.

>> As you can see, we really need some more banners. Especially in
>> categories and awards with none or only 1. Not much of a contest when
>> there's only one choice. They really aren't hard to make, so put on
>> your creativity hats and make some banners!

*nods vigorously* Seriously, people. Some of those awards with only 1 choice available aren't much to look at. And I should know because some of them are mine. ;) We really need other options.
On another note, I'm glad to hear that Dreamflower is okay!
Thundera
----------------------------------
Insanity is just a state of mind.
Hawkeye�M*A*S*H
----------------------------------


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

<snip>

> > Someone posted to stories_of_arda yesterday saying they had heard
> > from her [Dreamflower].
>
> I am sorry, but this someone was wiped out last night to post it here
> as well or to figure out a crosspost yahoogroups style.
>
> Here is the message from Stories of Arda
>

<snip>

Thanks, Rhapsody. I was too tired last night to go and find the exact
message or verify who had said it.

Marta


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, "ainaechoiriel" <mefaadmin@e...>
wrote:> Because I was with him. We're thinking that if we do get
engaged (and > it certainly seems like we will) we may get married in
the spring. Or > in September. Wouldn't that be a problem with Voting
Season next > year? ;-)>


Wonderful news!!

(and I'm certain it could be scheduled around the MEFAs!! <G>)

Sulriel

On 3 Sep 2005, at 11:28, sulriel wrote:

> --- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, "ainaechoiriel" <mefaadmin@e...>
> wrote:> Because I was with him.� We're thinking that if we do get
> engaged (and > it certainly seems like we will) we may get married in
> the spring. Or > in September.� Wouldn't that be a problem with Voting
> Season next > year? ;-)>
>
>
> Wonderful news!!
>
> (and I'm certain it could be scheduled around the MEFAs!! <G>)
>
> Sulriel
>

I'm reminded of the words of J R R Tolkien in his foreword to my copy
of FOTR:

"Those who had asked for more information about hobbits eventually got
it, but they had to wait a long time; for the composition of _The Lord
of the Rings_ went on at intervals during the years 1936 to 1949, a
period in which I had many duties that I did not neglect, and many
other interests as a learner and teacher that often absorbed me."

The MEFAs can be planned around your needs. If we know the date far
enough in advance, we can schedule things so voting season (or at least
the end of it) doesn't fall right before your wedding or on your
honeymoon, when you will have far more important things to spend your
time on. This is a hobby, after all. No one wants it to interfere with
your ability to enjoy your wedding(!), really. If you can't commit the
necessary time we'll deal with that.

If your wedding falls at a crucial point in the awards, we just need to
have plenty of people ready to help and with the necessary access or
authority to do what needs doing. The key thing is knowing what our
needs are going to be and when people are needed, so we know how to
allocate responsibilities. If we know about something like this in
advance, I'm sure we can handle it.

Not that your wedding is something to be "handled". Congratulations!
But I think you know what I mean.

Marta


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Marta Layton <melayton@g...> wrote:

>
> On 3 Sep 2005, at 11:28, sulriel wrote:
>
>> --- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, "ainaechoiriel" <mefaadmin@e...>
>> wrote:> Because I was with him. We're thinking that if we do get
>> engaged (and it certainly seems like we will) we may get
>> married in the spring. Or in September. Wouldn't that be a
>> problem with Voting Season next > year? ;-)>

Wow I missed this! Congrats Ainea! August is a great month as well.

> Not that your wedding is something to be "handled". Congratulations!
> But I think you know what I mean.

*chuckle* Marriage, as I know from experience, is something that is
incredibly hard to handle, even if the love remains so strong after so
many years (emotions, hormones and such ;) ), so I won't even go there ;)

Rhapsody
(is on a reviewing-spree)

74 Final Reviews today!

-----------------------------------
Title: Fairer Than Most � Author: SlightlyTookish � Races/Places: Hobbits:
War of the Ring � ID: 69
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 22:27:02
This is great! The banter between the cousins reminds me of the kind of
picking and poking that my cousins and I have done over the years. They are
at once teasing and loving. I also liked the serious turn the conversation
took in the middle, but was glad to see it turn back to humor in the end.

The capper, though for me was Sam's line to Aragorn: "No Sir, sometimes
they're even worse." It gave me a grand little chuckle.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mae Govannen � Author: Azalais � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble �
ID: 148
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 22:44:47
Very nice view of Glorfindel through the eyes of Aragorn. I suspect he would
have been a very welcome visitor at that point - Aragorn, in spite of his
Dunadan heritage had to be running on empty by then. Hard to imagine how our
favorite ranger would have faired if he'd have been forced to fight the
Wraiths again.
-----------------------------------
Title: Beyond the Door � Author: ErinRua � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble �
ID: 283
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 22:52:23
Oooh, what eerie foreshadowing on Halbarad's part. I love Aragorn's attempt
at comfort, and Halbarad's confident statement: "I shall fear nothing, lord,
while you lead us." It is great that he sees comfort in the fact that his
possible death will bring about the return of the white tree and all it
stands for.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ties That Bind � Author: LadyAranel � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble
� ID: 457
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 22:59:27
What a heart breaking drabble. Legolas and Aragorn knew Gandalf much longer
than any of the other members of the fellowship and it is so easy to forget,
as they minister to the needs of the others, that they too would feel
intense grief at Gandalf's fall. But unfortunately, at this time of the
quest, they don't have the luxury to indulge that sadness. I like it that
Aragorn acknowledges Legolas's hurting and offers some small comfort.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Step in The Dark � Author: SilverMoonLady � Books/Time: Gap-Filler:
Drabble � ID: 1221
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 23:03:09
Chilling! This made me a shiver. Poor Merry, to be that filled with the
darkness. Despair makes one do crazy things, I'm glad Legolas was there to
call him back to the light.
-----------------------------------
Title: In Bree � Author: Rabidsamfan � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble � ID:
1345
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 23:07:41
Nicely done. The comparison that Frodo makes to their sleeping in the barrow
is very poignant. I love Frodo's tenderness toward Merry at the end. Great
use of 100 words.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fellowship � Author: Gwynnyd � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drama � ID:
396
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 23:13:22
This is an interesting take on how Legolas came to join the fellowship -
though bringing an archer along definitely makes sense. I like how you've
portrayed Aragorn's ire at the size of the group and his lacking as an
archer.
-----------------------------------
Title: Links � Author: Forodwaith � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General
Drabble � ID: 23
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 23:19:48
Beautifully sad. It's good to see Frodo pay tribute to Boromir and to
acknowledge that the two of them were indeed bound together by the ring.
Perhaps, as Frodo wonders if Boromir is finally free of the Ring, he is also
wondering if it will take death to free him as well.
-----------------------------------
Title: Blossoms � Author: ErinRua � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General
Drabble � ID: 287
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 23:25:37
This is beautiful. Who else, but Legolas, would beable to see the joy of
impending fatherhood in Aragorn's eyes. As the queen blooms, so too does the
city...what a lovely analogy.
-----------------------------------
Title: Aragorn Himself Waits for a Sign � Author: Gwynnyd � Books/Time:
Post-Ring War: General Drabble � ID: 392
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan � 2005-09-02 23:28:12
How very sad. It would have been so difficult for Aragorn to wait, not
knowing if Arwen would be his at last. It would have been a hollow victory
to win the kingship and not his heart's desire. I can easily see him using
any means at his disposal to see if she would come.
-----------------------------------
Title: Guarding the Shire � Author: Shirebound � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gap-Filler � ID: 513
Reviewer: Bodkin � 2005-09-03 04:42:16
I love Merry, the thinking, analytical hobbit. He shines as the hobbit for
his time - when the Shire becomes aware of and has to deal with the outside
world. Good general, too.
-----------------------------------
Title: Who Will Care? � Author: faramir_boromir � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor � ID: 612
Reviewer: Bodkin � 2005-09-03 04:49:01
The chaos in the library is so symbolic of the end of Denethor's reign - and
Faramir's calm order indicative of a new world where different peoples and
customs again have meaning. Faramir is just the kind of man to know that
what he does may never be seen by any - yet do it anyway. Great Faramir.
-----------------------------------
Title: Servant of Elbereth � Author: Beethoven's 7th � Races/Places:
Villains � ID: 796
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 08:18:42
Servant of Elbereth is a gem of a story. I love Beethoven�s 7th perspective
coming from an orc, who feels very non-essential in the events surrounding
the battle around the One Ring. I like how Beethoven�s 7th takes her time to
unfold the story, very delicately and at the same time gives us a different
perspective on how Sam and Misterfrodo managed to go on during their final
miles to destroy that trinket. It is a short story, but there is so many in
it, that it gives you the idea that it is much longer then it actually is.
As for our main character, Hahrvye, I see a change in him throughout the
tale. Deep down, in my humble opinion, Hahrvye, is still elven enough to
crave for redemption, want to fight for what is good in this world. It is
incredibly touching to read that before he dies, I think, he remembers who
he once was and whom he once loved: Varda, the lady who loved the elves so
much and guided them with her stars. To me Hahrvye, though marred � just
like Arda herself-, becomes an elf again.

Now, once you finished reading the story, you really have to read it again
and you will read it from a different perspective. It makes you wonder if
instead of his own inner drive, Varda has guided him all along to follow the
halflings and shows him the way to return to the light. This detail alone
makes this story outstanding, this besides a good command of the language, a
good story writing technique. A incredible story Beethoven�s 7th, I can only
hope to see more if this incredibly well written work coming from you!

-----------------------------------
Title: And Now to Bed � Author: Marigold � Races/Places: Hobbits: Drabble �
ID: 783
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 08:31:57
This is so incredibly... cute. A great drabble series from Marigold, in
these four drabbles she reflects the changes all of our four hobbits have
gone through during the war of the Ring. Especially Sam's drabble was very
touching. Great work Marigold!!
-----------------------------------
Title: Bedazzled � Author: Beethoven's 7th � Races/Places: Hobbits: Drabble
� ID: 976
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 08:32:40
I am going to be honest here: I love fireworks, so forgive my ramblings.
What I like about this little drabble is how Beethoven�s 7th describes in
just 100 words the magical effect fireworks can have over you. And not just
standard fireworks, no the very best: Gandalf�s fireworks! No wonder every
hobbit there is in awe, no matter which age. The author writes almost
poetry, words carefully chosen and balanced, she conveys this special moment
on the evening of Bilbo�s birthday. A lovely drabble! Thank you Beethoven's
7th for drabbling this!
-----------------------------------
Title: Marigold � Author: Marigold � Races/Places: Hobbits: Drabble � ID:
784
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 08:39:17
What a great drabble series! Marigold gives us readers a great insight on
Tolkien's Marigold so down to earth, always taking care of others and very
hobbity. A youthfull hobbitlass, yet so incredibly productive. What I also
liked about this drabble series is the way the author gave it form and I am
very curious how Marigold's song actually goes. Yet again, great work
Marigold! There is so much in there in less then 400 words.
-----------------------------------
Title: Elements of the Resistance � Author: Marta � Races/Places: Hobbits:
Drabble � ID: 939
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 08:47:17
A nice drabble series, although it isn't very clear that it is about Fatty.
But I assume that was the intent of the author in the first place. The
elements are nicely woven into the words and add a pinch of the grimmness
regarding the war to it, it almost kills the hobbity feeling. A good thing
the lads came back.
-----------------------------------
Title: Second Watch � Author: Gwynnyd � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble �
ID: 410
Reviewer: Tanaqui � 2005-09-03 08:50:36
Gwynnyd has captured well the commonality of experience between Pippin and
Boromir in this short moment. We really feel Pippin�s discomfort and
homesickness in the descriptive details she has managed to cram into this
piece. We are also able to deduce so much about Boromir�s mood and feelings
from not only his heartfelt agreement at the end but from the way Gwynnyd
describes how he keeps watch. This is a very well constructed piece.
-----------------------------------
Title: Aragorn Himself Waits for a Sign � Author: Gwynnyd � Books/Time:
Post-Ring War: General Drabble � ID: 392
Reviewer: Tanaqui � 2005-09-03 08:50:49
I like several things about this drabble. One is the way Gwynnyd conveys
that technology -- and power itself -- is intrinsically neither good nor
bad. It is only the uses we put it to. Another is how Aragorn still has a
care for politics and duty, even though he has personal concerns. But mostly
I like the way Gwynnyd subtly shows us Aragorn�s real fear: not that Elrond
will not bestow his daughter now that Aragorn has achieved his goal, but
that, while �all is well in Gondor�, all may not be well elsewhere in the
world, and that there may be loss and sorrow in Rivendell as well as in the
south.
-----------------------------------
Title: Morgul Vale � Author: Gwynnyd � Races/Places: Men: Drabble � ID: 1306
Reviewer: Tanaqui � 2005-09-03 08:50:52
This drabble is a good gap-filler for a throwaway line from Aragorn: it does
a fine job of explaining his motivations and feelings for �treading the
flowers of Morgul Vale�. However, what I most like here is Gwynnyd�s use of
language: words such as �miasma� are perfectly chosen, while the combination
of adjectives Aragorn uses to describe the qualities he will need lend
greater power to each other through their union. A well-executed piece.
------------------------------------
Title: Spoons � Author: LKK � Races/Places: Hobbits: Drabble � ID: 644
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 08:51:14
Fantastic LKK!! This one made me laugh. A very striking characterisation of
Lobelia and that last line regarding the umbrella... Excellent! Very daring
of Frodo to ask her what is in there the first place, it shows also a bit of
character growth of Frodo. I hope you one day will write a follow up on what
will happen next. A great drabble that makes the reader want to read more.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Taint of Guilt Lingering � Author: Vistula the Dunadan �
Races/Places: Hobbits: Drabble � ID: 635
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 08:56:37
What an eerie drabble... wow. Vistula gives the reader in just 100 words how
Sam tries to resist the One Ring. It lures you, tempt you where ever it sees
the opportunity to do so and even our brave Sam finds it hard to resist. A
great portrayal of the One Ring Vistula! In this drabble you let the reader
feel the immense power of it and write it as the second character in this
excellent drabble. Great work!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Gift � Author: Forodwaith � Races/Places: Hobbits: Drabble � ID:
370
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:01:39
An incredibly cute drabble featuring little Pippin. And just not a gift, but
an incredibly gift coming from Bilbo Baggin's, who still remembers what a
wee!Pippin needs. Very cute and very hobbity! Well done Forodwaith, I really
love this one!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Step in The Dark � Author: SilverMoonLady � Books/Time: Gap-Filler:
Drabble � ID: 1221
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:11:19
A dark and most dangerous part of Lord of the Rings this most certainly is!
What an awesome drabble. In just hundred words, Silvermoonlady write a very
chilling moment that keeps me on the edge of my seat. Again, I mutter
silently: more..

I love the author�s take on Merry�s experience when they walk the dangerous
path through Moria and I am very relieved when that certain elf hand stops
Merry in time before he falls down. A missing moment in Tolkien�s story
itself, but a astounding gap filler. A drabble is just hundred words, but
Silvermoonlady gives you an experience that feels like it is ten times more.
As a reader, I wonder how you managed to do that. A great piece of writing
Silvermoonlady, your drabble has been an experience in itself!

-----------------------------------
Title: No Rival � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble � ID:
544
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:13:46
A very nice drabble Tanaqui. I love the way how you approach this from both
perspectives and feelings. You capture much in so less words: a great job!
-----------------------------------
Title: Before the Call to Muster � Author: Lindelea � Books/Time:
Gap-Filler: Drabble � ID: 461
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:17:16
A breathtaking drabble with so many in it. Lindelea touches upon the
relationship between our favourite halflings with so much care and love:
that clearly shows through the eyes of Pippin. Both periannath have grown up
so fast and that is another detail Lindelea captures in this very refined
drabble.
-----------------------------------
Title: Second Watch � Author: Gwynnyd � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble �
ID: 410
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:19:03
Very touching Gwynnyd, I love the comparison between Pippin and Boromir
regarding what they have wanted to hear from both their fathers. Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Master of the House � Author: Vistula the Dunadan � Books/Time:
Gap-Filler: Drabble � ID: 639
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:21:19
Sam goes where he wants to be, even when it means he has to disobey Elrond,
who in his wisdom, surely understand why Sam feels this need.

A nice drabble Vistula!
-----------------------------------
Title: Ties That Bind � Author: LadyAranel � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble
� ID: 457
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:28:26
What a very beautiful drabble that says so much in so many words. I can only
assume that every reader is deeply moved between this little conversation
between Aragorn and Legolas. Lady Aranel gives both characters so much depth
in the dialogue she writes, in this she also tells us so much what just
happened, connecting her drabble to the greater story Tolkien wrote.

Lady Aranel�s drabble gives me the feeling that this comes from the
professor himself, the way she chooses her words to reflect on Gandalf�s
fall. A gap filling moment that needed to be written. Just stunning Lady
Aranel, I enjoyed this drabble a lot!

-----------------------------------
Title: Devil of Kindness � Author: Nancy Brooke � Books/Time: Gap-Filler:
Drabble � ID: 685
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:33:57
Nancy! What an amazing drabble, it leaves me wonder how much feelings you
can pour in just hundred words. Gandalf's regret is incredibly tangible and
in this drabble you give your reader the chills. In this drabble (I read it
more then once and I am still amazed that it is just hundred words, it feels
so much more) you give the author insight in Gandalf's motive to bring down
Sauron once and for all! Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: In Bree � Author: Rabidsamfan � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble � ID:
1345
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:37:01
A very insightful drabble into Frodo's world, a bit of foreshadowing of what
is to come... it makes you wonder how much Frodo already knew. It is
peaceful and yet angsty. A great piece of prose Rabidsamfan!
-----------------------------------
Title: Steel and Flame � Author: Flick � Genres: Romance: Poetry � ID: 736
Reviewer: annmarwalk � 2005-09-03 09:37:20
I read this vilanelle just before going to bed last night; the words "fire
and steel" haunted my dreams. How I wish I could remember the dreams
themselves, in addition to the words!

Your words "When first your lover I became/ your heat the temper of my soul
did try" perfectly illustrate the contrast between cool, taciturn Strider
and the fiery Boromir, Of course Boromir would be a sore trial to Strider in
so many ways: potential rival for leadership of the Fellowship; potential
rival for rule of Gondor, even potential rival for the friendship and
affection of the hobbits. That the two were able to transfigure the heat of
rivalry to the heat of passion is very elegantly expressed here.

(There are so many gorgeous, gorgeous lines and imagery; and I know I'm not
supposed to quote them all, but each time I reread I am left breathless. The
very last :"I did not think that you could die" is heartrending, a perfect
expression of Aragorn's, and our, shock and desolation. Oh, my.)
-----------------------------------
Title: Boys to Men � Author: ErinRua � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble � ID:
286
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:38:49
A very touching father-son moment of two minor characters. Beautifully
drabbled Erinrua!
-----------------------------------
Title: Mae Govannen � Author: Azalais � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble �
ID: 148
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:41:10
A great drabble about a great Noldo lord! Thumbs up Azalais, this was very
enjoyable!
-----------------------------------
Title: Beyond the Door � Author: ErinRua � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble �
ID: 283
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:43:51
A very touching drabble between two of my favourite rangers. I love the way
Erinrua pictures Halbarad here, his determination to follow his chieftain to
whatever end. A great drabble Erinrua!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Test � Author: Forodwaith � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble � ID:
385
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:46:47
What a great exploration of what might have happened to Arwen if she indeed
would have taken the ring. This is a very thoughtprovoking material, I can
imagine how a fellow author can be inspired by your amazing drabble. A great
job Forodwaith!
-----------------------------------
Title: Going to Rohan � Author: Gwynnyd � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble �
ID: 401
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:50:32
Oh what a wonderful drabble! Gwynnyd writes a desperate dunadan ranger who
tries to understand a stubborn stallion. I guess the young ranger mustn't
have been that experienced with horses if Roheryn teases him so much. I love
the desperation of your OC Gwynnyd and your very spirited picture of the
stallion. Thank you for writing this, I thoroughly enjoyed it (and I think
every other horseperson as well)!
-----------------------------------
Title: Bed Time, Part 2 � Author: Blackbirdsong � Books/Time: Gap-Filler:
Drabble � ID: 1248
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:54:43
I like this drabble series a lot. Blackbirdsong writes the four drabbles in
such a clever manner, that they really belong together and yet can be read
seperately. I like the author's characterisation, they are very strong,
Tolkienlike and on top of all: very hobbity! The author has a gift of
writing very compelling dialogue that is very enjoyable to read. A great
series of Drabbles Blackbirdsong, thank you for sharing them with us!
-----------------------------------
Title: At the Witch King's Feet � Author: Lindelea � Books/Time: Gap-Filler:
Drabble � ID: 459
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:57:42
A very chilling drabble written by Lindelea. The way how she portray's
Merry's despair and courage to do what must be done... I love the way how
the author captures the budding friendship between �owyn and Merry. Great
drabbling Lindelea!
-----------------------------------
Title: Charity � Author: Dwimordene � Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble � ID:
234
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 09:59:41
Very well drabbled, I liked the comparisons between two great men who met
their fate too soon. Great job Dwimordene.
-----------------------------------
Title: What Thou Lovest Well � Author: LadyAranel � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Incomplete � ID: 458
Reviewer: Bodkin � 2005-09-03 10:35:07
This is beautifully written and the characterisation is a delight. Write
more. Please.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Lesson on Hobbits � Author: Budgielover � Books/Time: The Lord of
The Rings: Incomplete � ID: 177
Reviewer: Bodkin � 2005-09-03 10:57:54
I loved the way Gimli became a hot water bottle for Merry and Pippin - and
his bemusement about becoming an honorary hobbit. He seemed to find it
rather easier to understand than Legolas did. The battle and the bath were
beautifully done and I'm sure Boromir and Legolas have developed a much
better grasp of life with hobbits. I look forward to more.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Party Next Door � Author: Acacea � Books/Time: The Hobbit � ID:
1255
Reviewer: annmarwalk � 2005-09-03 11:04:22
How on earth did I miss this? Must be because it's hobbit-centric, of
course; not a Man anywhere in sight! And full of dwarves, too! I'm not much
for dwarves, generally, though Gimli is a nice enough sort...

...but this is just too funny! You've got the voice of the nosy, snooty
neighbor down just perfectly, with her (or maybe his? males can be nosy,
too!) constant harping on the respectability, and wealth, of the Baggins
family, and the shadiness of the Tooks. We've probably all had neighbors
who've taken a bit too much interest in our goings-on (or, by my point in
life, actually been one of those neighbors, myself.) But this is just
wonderfully,perfectly realistic with all the color and detail of the
visitors, and the aromas wafting over the fence, and the many many excuses
to be outside...very enjoyable! even without any Men.
-----------------------------------
Title: Cormallen � Author: Mariposa � Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings:
Incomplete � ID: 807
Reviewer: Bodkin � 2005-09-03 11:31:12
This is a delightful rendition of those dreadful days while Pippin was
struggling to recover from injury. I like the healer - and Legolas and
Gimli. There is a very realistic, yet caring feel to the way this is
expressed and I like the style. What it needs now is to be finished!
-----------------------------------
Title: During a journey in the dark... � Author: Thundera Tiger �
Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Incomplete � ID: 1254
Reviewer: Bodkin � 2005-09-03 11:42:50
I just love the interpretation that you put on events. And the
characterisation. And just generally the whole thing. You succeed in make
the story so exciting! I think you have a particular talent for describing
battle, too. There's only one problem with the story - it really needs to be
finished!
-----------------------------------
Title: Greenery � Author: Forodwaith � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor �
ID: 14
Reviewer: quirky_orthodox � 2005-09-03 11:44:24
I just want you to know how much I enjoyed this story. You must have put in
a lot of research to get all those plant names and technical terms straight.
I really appreciate it when a writer makes a real effort. I also liked how
you addressed quite a few very deep issues without breaking the rhythm or
mood of the story. Thanks!
-----------------------------------
Title: Campd�m and Lufian � Author: Drake/Eokat CoAuthors � Genres: Romance:
Rohan � ID: 1039
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 11:44:53
Campd�m and Lufian is a captivating story that covers the romance between
two married original characters written from both the male and female
perspective. You can feel that, as a reader, in every word, gesture, and
touch written. You can feel the difference between them and also, in some
way, how separate both worlds are because of something that the Rohirrim had
to deal with for so many centuries: orcs and warfare. This story is
refreshing in such a way, that it doesn�t deal with the standard Rohan
characters and yet both authors give you that genuine Rohirrim feel.

Halig is a very sturdy warrior that tries to do his utmost best, the authors
do capture his doubt between home, and duty very well and I sincerely hope
that once the War of the Ring is over, Halig can enjoy his family more.
Rowen�s worries about the future mirror�s the feeling the Rohirrim woman
must have felt: when does this end, when can we serve our proud men the food
they deserve and when can we enjoy our husband more then the short reprieves
they are granted. It most certainly is the same fate every soldier�s wife
face every day. It must be incredibly hard for Rowen to face hardships
alone, but the role in the community has in this story makes sure she never
will feel alone. I loved the banter between the women a lot. I hope both
author�s will continue to write more about this lovely couple: this short
story most certainly leaves you wanting for more!

A job well done Eokat and Drake!

-----------------------------------
Title: By the Light of Earendil's Star � Author: Branwyn � Genres: Drama
(includes Angst): Incomplete � ID: 173
Reviewer: Bodkin � 2005-09-03 11:45:35
Beautifully plotted, written and characterised. Your additional characters
are delightful, too - and deserve more page time. I liked seeing a less
manic Denethor, who was able to be multi-dimensional. All in all, this is a
very good story and I'm looking forward to more of your work.
-----------------------------------
Title: Guilt � Author: Eokat � Genres: Drama (includes Angst) � ID: 1046
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 12:04:03
Guilt is a story that touched me deeply. Eokat takes me as a reader with her
words, description�s into �omer�s world that in this short story is clouded
by worry, fear and a huge guilt regarding the love of his life: Lothiriel.
You can see how �omer slowly grows into the role of his life: that of a
father. I like the moments of which Eokat chose to write the flashbacks:
those are most certainly the key moments of every single mother and father
to be.

There are so many fabulous lines, words or moments that made the story very
special: from the moment where �omer swells from pride himself when
Lothiriel starts to show, or the flashback where he worries if he indeed
doesn�t hurt his beautiful life when they make love, or the moment where
Lothiriel muses that another child would be great as well. The thought only
makes �omer wonder if he ever is able to go through this guilt trail again.
In that respect, Eokat shows her extraordinary writing talent: she brings
the story to full circle in the most natural way, without forcing the
characters or plot over all. I do have to admit that I hope for a sequel
where Eokat writes about Lothiriel�s experience of becoming a mother. But,
let�s be honest: this is about the birth of a newborn father who has gone
through an ordeal most fathers has faced. In that respect: this is a
excellent story Eokat and thank you for writing it.

-----------------------------------
Title: Ugly Beautiful � Author: MagicalRachel � Genres: Drama (includes
Angst) � ID: 1343
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 12:12:34
What a beautiful vignette on how �owyn sees herself before all the good in
the world enters her life. I love the way how Magical Rachel gets into
�owyn's head and brings out everything that �owyn deeply fears: that golden
cage. I know Magical Rachel doesn't use that word, but she shows the reader
exactly how it feels. In this respect, I bow to Magical Rachel not to use
those words Tolkien used, but tells us what that would mean to �owyn, even
before she falls for Aragorn. After I read this dramatic prose, I felt very
happy that I know �owyn will find her true love and will be admired for her
beauty and heroic deeds. This gap-filling vignette is a perfect portrayal on
how �owyn was before she went through all the ordeals to come. The author
apologises for making it to short, but her piece proves that you don�t need
long-winded sentences to get down to the bottom of the story.

Magical Rachel: I truly hope to see more of these vignettes or stories
coming from you, this one is truly a gem.

-----------------------------------
Title: To Live Another Day � Author: Kasmi Kassim � Genres: Drama (includes
Angst) � ID: 1052
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 12:21:34
Kasmi Kassim writes this vignette in such beautiful style, the dialogue
between Legolas and Aragorn is deeply moving. Friends help you to see your
path, friends stand by you in the hour of need. Legolas is such an elf, who
is gentle but direct at the same moment. Legolas gives Aragorn that purpose,
that answer and such a key moment.

Kasmi Kassim: what an incredibly thought provoking vignette is this. Thank
you for writing and sharing it with us!

-----------------------------------
Title: Gr�ma Goldentongue � Author: Lackwit � Genres: Drama (includes Angst)
� ID: 625
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 12:46:33
Gr�ma Goldentongue is a great story written by Lackwit, the author writes a
very lively picture how Gr�ma once was before Saruman influenced him. I like
how Lackwit explores Gr�ma's background, which gives us as a reader a great
insight on his character. I love �owyn as well in this story, it is so great
to see her so carefree and full of joy here. I cannot help to think what
would have happened if his father listened more to his Gondorian woman and
how more balanced, Gr�ma might have turned out instead.

Lackwit's story telling reads as poetry, the manner how the author puts her
excellent narrative style in full use in this story is stunning. Especially
the comparison between �owyn's beauty and the Golden Hall was very poetic
written. What I also appreciate about this story is how Lackwit touches upon
Rohirrim culture and how exceptional a Rohirrim princess is. What makes me
wonder though, and the author gives you plenty of room to make that decision
for yourself, is how much Theodred might have realised how easy Gr�ma can be
persuaded. Will there be a sequel written where Gr�ma Goldentongue changes
into Gr�ma Wormtongue? It would make it more complete.

A great short story Lackwit, with plenty of foreshadowing and drama!

-----------------------------------
Title: Beast of Burden � Author: Werecat � Genres: Drama (includes Angst) �
ID: 118
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 12:57:50
What an incredibly sad story and such a brave horse. Written from an unusual
perspective, but very enjoyable.
-----------------------------------
Title: Long Leagues for Little Legs � Author: Fadagaski � Books/Time:
Gap-Filler � ID: 628
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 13:10:13
What a delightful little tale where Samwise gets to the root of everything
so quickly, leaving Boromir very surprised. I love how Fadagaski writes both
characters from such different backgrounds, with genuine dialogue of which
Tolkien most certainly would have approved off. And I love the title for
this short story a lot, it covers so much what it is actually about. Besides
this all, Fadagaski gives Boromir somewhat more humanity and makes me wish
that this part was included in the book itself.

An excellent gap filler Fadagaski!

-----------------------------------
Title: First Meeting � Author: Forodwaith � Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Drabble � ID: 364
Reviewer: Tanaqui � 2005-09-03 13:10:51
Ah, this is magnificent drabble. Celeborn and Galadriel cannot have been
happy about the possibility of Arwen making Luthien�s choice and I�m sure
would have questioned Aragorn�s intentions and resolve, to make sure he was
very clear what he was asking -- and that he was not doing so lightly. I
like the strength Forodwaith gives to Aragorn, to respond to the challenge
of the concerned grandparents. The final line -- �I would hold it [her life]
close as my own.�-- is a wonderful expression of Aragorn�s devotion and
understanding of the precious nature of a mortal life.
-----------------------------------
Title: Just in Case � Author: Marnie � Books/Time: Gap-Filler � ID: 477
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 13:37:48
Celeborn being tempted by the One Ring, what an intriguing plot bunny
Marnie! I love the way how you explore the elven racial difference between
Galadriel and Celeborn, especially how the deceiving Annatar spins it (I
admit it, that alone makes it great to let a bodily shaped Sauron play a
role in your story alone). Oh how hard it must have been to see a Sinda
being ruled over a Noldo (in this case both Galadriel �nd Celebrimbor and
depending on what you do follow as a canon fact, Celeborn can either be a
Noldo or a Vanyar as well), no wonder this is one Celeborn�s weakest spots.
What I also like is the alluring effect of the Silmarils on Thingol and how
the One ring might blind sight Galadriel or him. Sauron still manages to sow
seeds of lies and mistrust, as his master Morgoth did before and even years
later, it is still so visible in Celeborn�s thoughts. In a way I am glad
that nature keeps his feet firm on the ground, but yet, as Galadriel said in
the prologue of the movies: you can be so easily deceived and betrayed by
that treacherous jewel (like the Master himself).

A beautiful story Marnie, it has so many layers, so many little plot bunnies
that might be worth exploring further. You leave so much up to the reader�s
imagination and yet you establish a very humanlike elf named Celeborn who
can be just as easily corrupted by the Dark Lord himself.

-----------------------------------
Title: All Else Fades � Author: Claudia � Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings:
Hobbits � ID: 1263
Reviewer: Tanaqui � 2005-09-03 13:53:49
This is an insightful movie!verse AU in which Claudia explores Sam�s
thoughts as he treks across Mordor, believing Frodo has perished and he must
complete the quest. I like the way Claudia has shown Sam�s understanding of
Frodo�s torment and why Frodo empathised with Gollum. Sam�s fear that, with
the Ring destroyed, Frodo would have become as empty and driven as �Stinker�
is strongly conveyed. And the �attack� sequence is well conceived. There
were some very minor stylistic issues that troubled me, but they didn�t
detract from an excellent story.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Arial Object � Author: Beethoven's 7th � Races/Places: Hobbits:
Children � ID: 972
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 14:28:16
A very wee and lovable story on how Pippin views the toy he loves so much. I
am captivated by the way, how Beethoven's 7th manages to describe a toy as a
yo-yo in such detail and activity... truly amazing. Once you can spare the
time you have to tell me how you pull this off. Besides the incredibly
narrative, I loved the ending as well. It is so incredibly hobbity and so
wee!Pippin: stopping immediately when mom tells elevensies is ready. Now how
more hobbity can it get like that? *grin* I like the way how you write
Pippin as a child, so incredibly carefree.

Another great story Beethoven's 7th, you always leave me wondering how much
more beautiful stories you have hidden ;)

-----------------------------------
Title: Of Snowhobbits and Cold Chills � Author: Garnet Took � Races/Places:
Hobbits: Children � ID: 1190
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 14:35:33
Oh my! This is such a great story! I know how Pippin must have felt like in
the snow. Poor Pip and the ordeal he has to face with that bully. I really
loved Merry and Saradoc! Little Pippin might be young, but is so much more a
grown up as that bully. I like the way how you write the character
development here for all characters involved. Merry learns that he can�t
protect Pip forever, but will always try, Pippin who learns to bark and hey:
it does get him somewhere and that Berilac learns that bullying little ones
will fire back at him sooner or later. A great and insightful story on
Hobbit children Garnet! Even after reading it again, I am yet again amazed
by this story.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Falcon for the Nightingale � Author: Enismirdal � Books/Time: The
Silmarillion: First Age � ID: 63
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 15:58:43
I am always on the look out for great Maglor stories, when I discovered
Enismirdal�s �A Falcon for the Nightingale� I was swept away immediately by
her amazing writing style. I admit I never actively read stories that
features the other elven minstrel, but after a few lines I knew I had to
keep on reading.

I especially loved this line: �It was then that Maglor began to realise that
his fate was not to flee this life, but to remain.� This is such an
insightful line ... so is truly heartbreaking. Another part that is so
incredibly impressive is the moment when Daeron finds Maglor at the spot
where the Noldo cast the Silmaril into the sea. What follows after that in
ways of dialogue and narrative style makes my heart almost skip a few beats.
How will Maglor react, does Daeron know what he�s doing? Enismirdal builds
up to some great tension here.

Enismirdal writes so diligently and passionate about these two great
minstrels, that they are unique by themselves, not only in their histories
and life experiences, but also in their own unique talents. I am so happy to
see that both can offer each other comfort through friendship and redemption
offered to the one that needs it so badly. The tie in with Daeron�s personal
experience and to see it back into his efforts to reach out to Maglor is so
incredibly written that a happy sigh escapes me when Daeron finally
convinces Maglor to return home, into the West.

What a great story, such great story writing, so many emotions, feelings
poured in these words. I am glad that I discovered this story. Thank you for
writing this Enismirda!

-----------------------------------
Title: Shadow � Author: Celebsul � Books/Time: The Silmarillion: First Age �
ID: 775
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 16:05:16
What an amazing story from an orginal perspective. I can only guess that it
is either a Vanyar or Noldo fighting here, that never has set foot on the
shores of Beleriand. I like the way you pour so much meaning into your
words, which makes it an incredibly read. A great story Celebsul!
-----------------------------------
Title: Growing � Author: Anso the Hobbit � Races/Places: Hobbits: Children �
ID: 1178
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 16:15:41
What a delightfull, fuzzy wee!Merry story. I am amazed by the way how you
crawl into wee!Merry's head, portraying his fears so incredibly well.
Esmeralda surely has a hand full there. I love Frodo gives Merry the
encouragement and support he needs at that age. I love how you touch upon
Merry's resolve to be there for Pippin as well. Thank you for writing this
incredibly well written story Anso!


-----------------------------------
Title: One of The Lads � Author: Dreamflower � Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Vignette � ID: 980
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 16:28:32
What an incredible observation by Aragorn. It makes me smile that even after
so many of keeping watch over the Halflings by his very own rangers, the
four hobbits can surprise the chieftain himself. I personally think tireless
forages is merely an understatement of Merry's and Pip's role, immediately I
had to think of how they have seated themselves on Orthanc stones, welcoming
the rest of the fellowship after they fought so hard at Helms Deep! But I
disgress, forgive me.

Dreamflower, you have written an amazing story in which you write the
cultural differences between the varied races within the Fellowship and you
show us, through the eyes of Aragorn, how important the four hobbits were to
the the others and the important role they have played in the War of the
Ring.

And these two lines Dreamflower: �They simply treated them all like large
hobbits. And it was rather nice, if sometimes disconcerting.�' Excellent!!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Chance Conversation � Author: Songspinner � Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Vignette � ID: 804
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 16:36:30
What a great story from Songspinner! I love the talk between Meriadoc and
Landroval and I had to chuckle when Merry started to talk to the great eagle
about Pippin and how he was named. It pains me to see Merry so restless, but
it gives me a good feeling that this little chat with an impressive eagle
gives Merry an idea what to do next and how important Merry is to the
others.

Songspinner writes a beautiful vignette, with captivating dialogue,
excellent characterisation: it surely keeps the reader enthralled from the
first word to the last!
-----------------------------------
Title: The trouble with Jam � Author: grey_wonderer � Genres: Humor:
Children � ID: 882
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 16:54:42
Oh my goodness, what a great story featuring a very determined and
resourceful little Pippin. I especially admire the way Grey Wonderer writes
so incredibly well from a 6 year old Hobbit lad. Every thought, every action
reminds the reader how he/she was around that age. I also like the two
Bagginses in this beautiful tale, so very much in character, especially the
final part made me burst into laughter. All the trouble an danger Pippin has
put him through himself, just to be stopped by not being able to open the
jar himself. It might take him some years before he can do it himself, but
his Tummy must have roared immensly.

A wonderful wee!Pippin tale Grey Wonder, thank you for writing this!
-----------------------------------
Title: Triumph Incarnate � Author: Elena Tiriel � Races/Places: Villains:
Drabble � ID: 198
Reviewer: quirky_orthodox � 2005-09-03 17:05:58
Wow, for a drabble that certainly packed a punch. I don't normally read
pieces this short but I went wandering out of my category and found a gem. I
loved the use of repetition and the cold calculation, the pace felt slow
enough to immerse you even though it was such a brief scene and I adored the
climax - great stuff!
-----------------------------------
Title: "The Story of Poor, Unfortunate, Toffin" � Author: grey_wonderer �
Genres: Humor: Children � ID: 764
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 17:20:10
Oh, what an incredibly humorous story told by Grey Wonderer. There is so
much to say about this little tale. First, I love the way how Grey Wonderer
writes about family dynamics between the four (yes I know that Sam isn�t
family, but well, he can be regarded as one after the ordeal they�ve gone
through), between every hobbit there is a special bond with the other and
Grey Wonderer does an amazing job with it. Isn�t it amazing to read
(accompanied with many chuckles) how Merry�s prank slowly starts to work
against him, but even wee!Pippin can�t see the harm of it? I can imagine
that Saradoc was livid!

Second: I like the story build-up, hopping back and forth at key moments are
cleverly chosen and most certainly add to the humorous take of Grey Wonderer
on �killer chickens.� It makes the reader wanting to know what happens next,
especially when Pippin decides to tell what happened to Merry when his
father found out.

Third: yet again, I am simply in awe how Grey Wonderer writes accordingly to
the age of the hobbits. Little Pippin sounds and acts like a child in a
flash back and Merry also remains very true to his age in the way Grey
Wonderer writes him.

The dialogue is sharp and witty written, the pacing is excellent and very
active: it keeps on drawing the attention of the reader to the story. Even
that the Hobbits are so far away in Gondor, the re-telling of this tale to
Sam gives the characters a feeling of being home again.

Grey Wonderer: you are an amazing writer and every story I read coming from
your hand truly amaze me! Thank you for writing them.

-----------------------------------
Title: The Eavesdropper � Author: MysteriousWays � Genres: Humor: Children �
ID: 867
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 17:24:56
Oh it's so incredible to read this story again. I love the way how
Mysterious Ways gives us insight in Frodo's childhood with such loving
parents. It is so incredibly caring and loving how the three interact with
each other, it really makes you feel sorry if you know that Frodo's parents
will be taken away from him. To me it feels that Mysterious Ways wanted to
give this family this tender moment and writes it with so much love and
care: an amazing story Mysterious Ways and a great read!


-----------------------------------
Title: The Best Brew in Buckland � Author: Marta � Books/Time: The Lord of
The Rings: Incomplete � ID: 934
Reviewer: Tanaqui � 2005-09-03 17:38:30
I know that Marta has plans to rework this story, but there�s much to admire
here already. She handles scenes with half a dozen characters with aplomb,
making sure the reader never loses sight of where everyone is and what
they�re doing, even if they�re not the principal actors at that moment. Much
of the interplay and dialogue between the characters is well drawn and very
entertaining. Minor characters, such as Faramir�s cousins, are nicely
handled. The use of many songs gives the piece a strong �Tolkienesque� feel.
And I admire the shift of mood from frivolous to serious and moving in the
last posted chapter. Pippin shines strongly here, and Faramir �letting his
hair down� and loosening up as he gets more drunk is well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hobbits � Author: Marta � Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings:
Incomplete � ID: 944
Reviewer: Tanaqui � 2005-09-03 17:38:53
As a �research geek� myself, I am delighted to see Marta is making the canon
information about Hobbits more easily accessible to both fanfic writers and
interested readers. I know how much hard work goes into working through the
texts and organising information into thematic sections. I applaud Marta�s
efforts in producing such a useful resource, and look forward to seeing
further additions to the work and its eventual completion.
-----------------------------------
Title: Playtime � Author: Naresha � Genres: Humor: Children � ID: 651
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 17:39:07
Oh Elfling fuzziness! We absolutely can't have enough of that. Naresha write
a very humorous and loving vignette in which Erestor tries to baby sit a
very active set of twins, while Glorfindel tries not to end up with them.
The famous Balrog slayer being floored by an elfling. Priceless Naresha! I
had to pick myself up from the floor � from laughter.

Uncle Fin and Wes or unky Findel??? How on earth .... lovely nicks Naresha.
*grin* If the little peredhel are already such an handful as elflings... try
to imagine them as grown up elves.. oh, perish that thought. The same goes
for a tied up Glorfindel. *ahem*

Oh this is such an enjoyable read, I love the way how Naresha plays with
words, especially regarding the elflings and gives us a pretty good idea
what Glorfindels true nightmare might look like. A great read Naresha, you
have a flair of writing elflings, maybe you can write a manual how to baby
sit a twin of them? *winks*

-----------------------------------
Title: Seedlings � Author: Beethoven's 7th � Genres: Humor: Hobbits � ID:
905
Reviewer: Rhapsody � 2005-09-03 18:15:23
Seedlings is a story I love a lot. In this beautiful story, Beethoven�s 7th
tells us how special the relationship between Samwise and Frodo is. I cannot
help to think that Samwise doesn�t want to stop Frodo from causing such a
disastrous trail through his precious garden en yet he feels so honoured
that Frodo shows such interest in his very love and life. The image of Sam
hovering around his little babies � beautiful. With the right words
Beethoven�s 7th show the reader how much Sam loves everything that grows:
especially in the Shire. Of course, we already knew that, but to read it
this way� very touching. And Frodo who still very much lives in his own
world. I could imagine how Sam wanted to be careful around his fragile
friend. The story also shows the research and knowledge the author herself
has of gardening and it feels like she had to rescue her precious flowers on
many occasions from a very enthusiastic helper. Beethoven�s 7th remains very
true to Tolkien�s characterisation of Samwise and Frodo in this story, the
way she writes the dialogue is truly fitting for a lazy afternoon in the
Shire.

Now before other readers think this fits better in drama: it actually really
belongs in this category. The manner of writing is light and very hobbity.
Beethoven�s 7th writes a very attractive and active story (story technique
wise), that keeps the reader enthralled with an excellent pacing. Your
command of the language is excellent, as always Beethoven�s 7th!

-----------------------------------
Title: Reflections from the Paradise of Elves � Author: Bodkin � Genres:
Drama (includes Angst): Incomplete � ID: 1329
Reviewer: Jay of Lasgalen � 2005-09-03 18:49:51
Late as usual - sorry, Bodkin! My favourite fanfic characters are Elladan
and Elrohir, but so very few people write them well. I count you among the
few, and love the banter between the twins and Legolas that always shines in
these tales. Scattered through the humour are glimpses of the closeness
between E2, the pain of their past, and the memories they all have of those
they have lost.

Great stories, and I hope there will be many more.
-----------------------------------
Title: Goldfinch and Nightingale � Author: Nrink � Races/Places: Gondor:
Pre-Quest Drabbles � ID: 504
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-03 22:33:14
How sad! You have captured childish delight at a new sitewell here in the
character of Ivriniel -- but Finduilas's fondness and preference for the sea
is heart-breaking, given how we know later events turn out.

(end)


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thank you, Sulriel, Marta and Rhapsody!

I've been single for quite a long time wondering when I'd find my
husband. My pastor told me years ago to write down a list of
qualities I'd want. Rob fits all but one of them, really. And he
loves me. I'm still waiting to make sure my heart is on the same page
as every clue in my head. We were at an adoption information meeting
on Thursday and it just brought us that much closer to a time of
engagement. We've spent the evening looking at wedding rings on the
internet. Incidentally, men's wedding rings are harder to find.
Though cheaper mostly. We're looking to incorporate sapphire(s) with
the diamonds. His birthstone is sapphire, mine diamond, and blue will
be one of the colors of our ceremony (Yep, already planning some
wedding details even though we're not 100% on the engagement plan
yet.). We thought of it when we went looking for a promise ring.
Here's a picture of that one, if you're interested.

http://i20.ebayimg.com/01/i/04/d2/05/60_1.JPG

And about the MEFA schedule (to keep this even a little on-topic), we
were looking at September but that adoption meeting made us thing
Spring might be better. We have to be married a year before we can
even apply (at least with that agency). Our children may be waiting
for us already...

Actually, they probably are as I plan on adopting "older" children.

Anyway, back to the schedule, February was the month we met so we're
considering February which wouldn't be in the way of the MEFA's at
all. September though....right at the end of 'em! I had thought of
April (because we don't want it to be too cold or too hot) and that
would be the start of them, but I think with the new site, someone
else could manage that while I'm away. Thanks to Anthony!

--Ainaechoiriel

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, "rhapsody_the_bard"
<rhapsody74@g...> wrote:

> --- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Marta Layton <melayton@g...> wrote:
> >
> > On 3 Sep 2005, at 11:28, sulriel wrote:
> >
> >> --- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, "ainaechoiriel" <mefaadmin@e...>
> >> wrote:> Because I was with him. We're thinking that if we do get
> >> engaged (and it certainly seems like we will) we may get
> >> married in the spring. Or in September. Wouldn't that be a
> >> problem with Voting Season next > year? ;-)>
>
> Wow I missed this! Congrats Ainea! August is a great month as well.
>
> > Not that your wedding is something to be "handled". Congratulations!
> > But I think you know what I mean.
>
> *chuckle* Marriage, as I know from experience, is something that is
> incredibly hard to handle, even if the love remains so strong after so
> many years (emotions, hormones and such ;) ), so I won't even go

there ;)

>
> Rhapsody
> (is on a reviewing-spree)

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, "rhapsody_the_bard"
<rhapsody74@g...> wrote:

> --- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Marta Layton <melayton@g...> wrote:
> >
> > On 3 Sep 2005, at 02:07, ainaechoiriel wrote:

> Also in the light of the community spirit, I just heard that
> Dreamflower (and family) is safe and sound in the Biloxi Regional
> Hospital. Since Marigold's mom was with her, Marigold assumes she is
> ok as well.
>
> I am incredibly relieved and I gather that many more would appreciate
> this little note as well.

Oh, that is good to hear. Thanks for letting us know!

--Ainaechoiriel

-----------------------------------
Title: A Good Custom � Author: Tanaqui � Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Drabble � ID: 1380
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel � 2005-09-04 19:47:29
What a delightful vignette! Faramir gets a Hobbit cultural lesson, and also
a birthday gift from Pippin. He reacts in his usual courteous way - then is
surprised by the perceptiveness and suitability of the gift... I'm sure he
didn't expect that from Pippin!

-----------------------------------
Title: Sight � Author: Aeneid � Races/Places: Gondor: Original Characters �
ID: 374
Reviewer: obsidianj � 2005-09-04 19:54:21
I'm a big fan of plasticchevy's The Captan and the King. This scene brings
Boromir and Gil back the way I remember them.
Great visualization of Boromir's handicap. I like the contrast between his
mood in the beginning, when he is lost to his surroundings and the
difference, when Gil gets him out of his world. His way of "seeing" with his
hands and picking up on Gil's reactions without really seeing her. Finally
we get to see what his eyes look like. I always wondered what was left of
his eyes.
-----------------------------------
Title: Downfall � Author: Forodwaith � Races/Places: Men � ID: 354
Reviewer: Anoriath � 2005-09-04 19:55:06
Oh my. Such powerful emotions and imagines in such a short space. LOL! I'd
love to say more and add to the score of this review, for you certainly
deserve more. But, words seem to just cheapen the emotion you evoke in this
drabble.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mother and Son � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General
Drabble � ID: 1381
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel � 2005-09-04 20:11:18
Ah, Liz, this gave me goose bumps! Elrond always seemed so self-possessed
and calm -- but now he's facing a reunion with his mother... and it's as if
he's a little boy again, wanting to please her. I loved his nervousness, and
am saddened by his regret that his children didn't accompany him. The ending
is endearing, but what I especially like is the imagery, like: "the sea as
it frets against the stones"... how evocative!

-----------------------------------
Title: Fathers and Sons, Cousins and Brothers � Author: Tanaqui �
Races/Places: Men: Drabble � ID: 1383
Reviewer: Anoriath � 2005-09-04 20:13:07
The quiet emotional reversal in this drabble is delightful. It accomplishes
such hard work with such minimal effort. In one exchange, I hear the voice
of loving father and son, a young Eomer's bereavement and hope, the fierce
loyalty of Rohirrim kin, and an echo of my favorite theme of Tolkien's...
What better thing can come of loss and grief than the determination to love
and hope in the face despair.
-----------------------------------
Title: Gr�ma's Giftgiving � Author: Alawa � Races/Places: Men: Poetry � ID:
502
Reviewer: Anoriath � 2005-09-04 20:15:40
*snork* I'd love to say more.. but... just... *ewwwwwww!*
-----------------------------------
Title: Bringing the Sun � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Drabble � ID: 1382
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel � 2005-09-04 20:21:00
Okay, I admit it: I have walked through snow with people who stayed on top,
while I sank to my calves with every single step. It's da*n annoying.

The weariness and drudgery of Aragorn and Boromir's work here comes through
very clearly; and for dauntless Boromir to give up, both of them must have
been weary indeed. But Legolas's news gives them new heart.... I like how it
is clear how much Aragorn appreciates his Elven friend.

-----------------------------------
Title: Fathers and Sons, Cousins and Brothers � Author: Tanaqui �
Races/Places: Men: Drabble � ID: 1383
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel � 2005-09-04 20:37:51
*Sigh* "for a little while"... that's what Th�oden said to Merry, and we
know how long that lasted. We know this relationship will last longer, but
end the same... Sorry for getting maudlin... Young �omer's eagerness to
please Th�odred is charming -- but probably Th�odred didn't notice that at
the time! Th�oden comes off as being extremely wise here (and perhaps a bit
foresighted?), and Th�odred is appropriate chastened. Two extremely
honorable men, both lives taken by the forces of evil. *Sigh*

-----------------------------------
Title: Legacies � Author: Tanaqui � Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Drabble �
ID: 1385
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel � 2005-09-04 20:44:12
I'd blink in surprise, too! It must have been a shock for Faramir to learn
that Pippin was competent, and that his brother had taught the halflings...
but Faramir's response was gracious. Never underestimate an opponent,
indeed... a lesson that Boromir re-iterated in absentia.

-----------------------------------
Title: Renewed Acquaintance � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Drabble � ID: 548
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel � 2005-09-04 20:58:00
Very interesting... Boromir has treated Aragorn with (his father's)
mistrust, yet at the end Aragorn is so impressed by his fellow warrior that
he wishes he had had more time to get to know him... hinting at great honor
on the part of both men.

-----------------------------------

Title: Seeds of Old Trees � Author: Marnie � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Aman
� ID: 478
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-04 21:32:31

The hardest thing about reviewing Marnie's "Seeds of Old Trees" is deciding
which thing to praise first. There's the metaphysical and philosophical
discussions on topics as varied as the redeemability of orcs, whether fading
is a gift or a curse, the nature of duty to one's loved ones versus more
political duties. There are politics in all there glory, between both the
Ennorim (elves of Middle-earth, those come more recently to Aman) and
Amanyar (elves who are longer-term residents of Aman). Then there's the
sweeping historical narratives, mainly in Celeborn's thoughts. And
gut-wrenching depictions of all the people Celeborn must forgive, and his
struggle with his desires to forgive (or not forgive, in the case of
Celebrimbor).

But I think my favourite aspect of this superb story was how the plot always
kept my mind jumping. As I have said in another review, I have read a lot of
stories about the ring-bearers' arrival to Valinor. This story has a similar
premise in a lot of ways, so the first time I read it I expected the
dock-side reuniting of Celeborn and Galadriel (similar to that of Celebrian
and Elrond), followed by a series of trials that they would face together.
Of course this makes so much more sense! And at every turn I expect Celeborn
to reunite with Galadriel, but there is one detour after another. Of course
the details are the real story.

Combine this with Marnie's natural gift for spinning a rich and very
enjoyable yarn, and her skill at making the tale relevant to those with
limited First Age exposure such as myself, and I can heartily recommend this
story to anyone with even a passing familiarity with the Silmarillion who
loves good drama.
-----------------------------------
Title: Dragon of the North � Author: Gwynnyd � Races/Places: Gondor:
Pre-Quest Drabbles � ID: 395
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-04 21:34:54
I think the thing I love so much about this one is that Denethor is just so
thoroughly Denethor. Not gentle by any means -- political. Conniving,
almost, but not in a bad way. He sees Aragorn as a mercenary of sorts, and
all of Thengel's words aren't enough to change his opinion. And he thinks he
has his father cornered (or at least that he knows his father's mind), but
he is of course surprised at the end. Also very Aragorn through and through,
so calm and controlled but all of his words are true. Of course, I've come
to expect nothing less from Gwynnyd.

And, since I am by no means above flinging nuzgul in a review, may I beg for
some treatment of that meeting between Aragorn and Bard? Even a drable. I
really want to see it now. :-)
-----------------------------------
Title: Interment � Author: Forodwaith � Races/Places: Gondor: Pre-Quest
Drabbles � ID: 379
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-04 21:36:08
This was very poignantly told. Denethor's grief is only hinted at, but it is
there in the marks his grip leaves in Boromir's and Faramir's tunics. This
is the controlled steward who Pippin encounters at the beginning of Return
of the King (book) before the palantir conquers him. And the fact tht he
thought of the foolishness of the sea tells me that he valued his legacy,
what he would leave behind besides his body. This was very well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: An Unexpected Party � Author: Azalais � Genres: Crossovers � ID: 150
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-04 21:38:05
This paints a very convincing picture of a possible dream visition the
professor might have had. I really like the idea that his creation became
friends of a sort.
-----------------------------------
Title: A New Age � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor
Drabble � ID: 1387
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel � 2005-09-04 21:38:51
So, Eldarion is experiencing a glimpse of the mortality of less-blessed Men?
I'm sure that, though he may not live as long as Aragorn, with his Elven
blood he will still live longer than the average non-D�nadan... and will
outlive his own steward, maybe more than once. But it is always difficult
for a younger generation to imagine how they are going to be able to fill
their parents' shoes... especially those of a monarch.

-----------------------------------
Title: Aragorn Himself Waits for a Sign � Author: Gwynnyd � Books/Time:
Post-Ring War: General Drabble � ID: 392
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-04 21:40:25
Good use of the palantir. I can see Aragorn being tempted to do this, and
his growing frustration at no news is something that most of us can relate
to in one way or another.
-----------------------------------
Title: Beyond Reach � Author: Elvenesse � Books/Time: The Silmarillion:
Drabble � ID: 327
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-04 21:41:06
Elwing's logic here would be very twisted and illogical -- in the minds of
anyone else, in any other situation. The best way to be a good mother is to
leave your children behind? But it makes sense here, and that's a credit to
Elvenesse's skill as a writer.
-----------------------------------
Title: Patrimony � Author: Dwimordene � Races/Places: Gondor: Pre-Quest
Drabbles � ID: 247
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-04 21:48:34
We rarely get to see an imperial Faramir, but this drabble shows us one --
in a form. There is the intellectual curiosity that is so characteristic of
him, but here it isn't merely intellectual. Good to know that will be
tempered with age.

The line that caught my attention this time (as opposed to when I first read
it at the birthday cards forum at HASA) is how the river (Anduin) runs
through all the lands Denethor has just named. That reminded me oddly of
ancient Egypt, how the Nile was the lifeblood of the land. Interesting and
fitting -- though quite possibly unintended -- given Tolkien's comments in
the Letters about the crown of the kings resembling the crown of the
pharaohs of Egypt.

All in all this is a good drabble. It's different than what we often see,
but it works.
-----------------------------------
Title: And There Make a Garden � Author: Tanaqui � Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Drabble � ID: 1388
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel � 2005-09-04 22:17:48
Ah, and if anyone can get passionate about planning a garden, it would be a
forest Elf like Legolas! As usual, I love the reference to an obscure part
of canon (which you did not cite! A drabble without a quotation?
Blasphemous!)

I love the image of Legolas pacing the room, while Faramir is puzzling over
just what in the world this strange fellow is going on about... It is so
perfectly in-character for Faramir to wonder if he is being tested by the
King! Also, I really do believe that Faramir would be a map-lover; the image
of the marked-up map is spot on. I almost wish you had shared Faramir's
pleasure when he realized what a tremendous gift Legolas was bestowing on
him and his bride...

-----------------------------------
Title: Now in silence, now in speech � Author: Tanaqui � Genres: Romance:
Drabble � ID: 1389
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel � 2005-09-04 22:50:57
A long family tradition of ancient lore sure comes in handy when you want to
recount long romantic tales for your sweetheart and wife! This is just so
quintessentially Faramirish, the loremaster and lover as well as warrior and
Steward. I really like your synopses of Tolkien's greatest love stories of
all time, especially "precious jewels ... no match for her bright eyes". (I
imagine that he will later transport �owyn with his skill, as well... nice
turn of phrase.)

And "sweet duplicity" is a perfect way to end this drabble!

-----------------------------------
Title: Wandering in the Wild � Author: Tanaqui � Genres: Romance: Drabble �
ID: 1391
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel � 2005-09-04 23:08:34
I always wondered what it would be like to watch a planet in the night sky,
knowing that it was your living father, grandfather, or (in Aragorn's case)
distant ancestor. It seems comfort him.

The Ranger life is incredibly difficult... I can see that one would become
very sensitive to the seasons, and the different (but almost always
uncomfortable) forms of weather associated with each -- and would have
favorites and least-favorites.

But this drabble ends on such a beautiful and loving reminiscence, that the
difficulties must seem somewhat lighter to Aragorn. And I love that you
start with Gil-Estel, and end with Evenstar -- very nice, Liz!

-----------------------------------
Title: Where the Stars Are Strange � Author: Dwimordene � Races/Places: Men
� ID: 255
Reviewer: Anoriath � 2005-09-04 23:10:58
Ah.

I've read Dwimordene's writing off and on but, truth to be told, had been
avoiding this piece.

Why? You may well ask. Perhaps it initially was because I tend to read
fanfic for its escapist qualities and delving into the existential after a
day's work seemed a little more than my weary mind could handle. But, then
again, upon further examination, perhaps not, as the questions she raises in
other pieces have their own depth to them. I certainly enjoyed them
thoroughly, day's work behind me or no.

But, there it was, on the list of MEFA stories with the tantalizing Mithril
commendation and so, the girding of loins began and I braved the link with a
mere cup of thin, dry wine to fortify me. Alas, that I should have read the
tale contained within with so little warning! I knew not what awaited me.

It began with the deep and true characterization of Aragorn, brave Ranger of
the North and lover of the elusive Evenstar. Only then did I know that I
beheld my greatest fears. For, I found that, in pondering this work by the
author Dwim, I soon began to channel my inner Gollum.

For, we hatess her. Yess, we do, preciousss.

Nassty Dwim, who paintses beautiful and stark pictureses of the desssert
through cruel, hard Ranger's desspair, loneliness and longingss. We know
longingses, yess we do, preciousss! Longingsss to write storiesss to match
the emotional depth of this piecesses.

She hurtsss us, she doess!

And she doessn't stop there, doess she preciousss? Oh no, cruel, hard Dwim
with her dialogue of interwined pretext and subtextsess. The ebb and flowss
of tension of when the surface matchesess the depthss and when they play the
game... The balanceses of action and internal dialogue! The perfect,
sssatisfying ending! Cruel, cruel Dwim! No mercy for poor Anoriath, no.

*Gollum!*



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks everyone for your concern and good thoughts!

My Mom *was* safe with Dreamflower, I managed to get through on Dreamflower's cell phone last night. They were not at the hospital after all though, they rode out the storm at the house and Mr Dreamflower was at the hospital working.

The house was flooded, and nearly all of the trees in the front were blown down, but luckily none landed on the house. One hit the fence and blocked their truck in the driveway for a few days until a neighbour helped Dreamflower move it.

They have undrinkable running water for washing now, but probably no power or regular phone till the end of the week or longer, and once the charge is gone on the cell phone they will be out of touch again. They have some bottled drinking water, and Dreamflower said that they had enough food to last a while, but I don't know for how long.

My Mom's 13 floor apartment building sustained major damage from the wave to the first two floors, and they told me that it was tilted, and would probably have to be condemed. They are doubtful that anyone will even be allowed back inside to get any belongings, sigh. But at least they are all right, that is all that matters!

Coneygoil, aka Nina the Powerwriter, is all right as well, though I don't have any details about her situation...

Thank you all again!

Hugs,

Mari

>> >
>> > On 3 Sep 2005, at 02:07, ainaechoiriel wrote:
>
>> Also in the light of the community spirit, I just heard that
>> Dreamflower (and family) is safe and sound in the Biloxi Regional
>> Hospital. Since Marigold's mom was with her, Marigold assumes she is
>> ok as well.
>>
>> I am incredibly relieved and I gather that many more would appreciate
>> this little note as well.
>
>
>Oh, that is good to hear. �Thanks for letting us know!
>
>--Ainaechoiriel
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

--
Marigold's Red Book
http://marigold.tolkienshire.com

Marigold's Recommendations Page
http://www.geocities.com/marigoldsrecommendations/

Marigold's Live Journal
http://www.livejournal.com/users/marigoldg/

Tales of The Red Book
http://www.livejournal.com/users/talesofredbook/




There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty forever beyond its reach.

>
>Sam, in Mordor, RoTK

When an Outlook PST gets to be too big, say nearing 1G, problems happen. Outlook becomes terribly slow, the PST may break altogether and become corrupt. And your computer can slow to a crawl. Especially if that PST is also maxing out your hard drive partition.

And that's what happening to me. You see I have a spambait address. An address that exists for the purpose of buying things and signing up for things online, knowing that I'll get spammed as a result. Thus, that address gets a LOT of e-mail. More than ainae@... and the Henneth_Annun group. And that's saying something.

Anyway, on Friday, I took Outlook offline so I could delete a lot of the 13000 e-mails I had for that address, stretching back over 2 years. I took it back online Saturday night. And kept working. Hey, I've got it down to 11000! But Outlook is still hanging up. I'm going to try and get more of those gone soon, or at least moved elsewhere so my main PST can have some room to move around in.

So patience, please. I'm still dealing with a boyfriend-nearly-fiance (which surprising takes up a lot of time without you noticing it), a house that needs cleaning, a sister that needs loving and comforting, and one of 6 of my computers that is maxed out at 100% CPU processes--the one that handles my lotr-related e-mail among other things.

Thanks, and I'll keep you all posted on the boyfriend-nearly-fiance part. If/when the time comes, anyone here who wants to come to the wedding, can!

--Ainae

I've already mentioned this at the staff list a few weeks ago, but
thought I'd mention it here so people know.

I am flying out to San Diego tomorrow morning to interview for a job. I
will be back Thursday night but probably will not check email until
Friday morning.

Marta
*****
The problem with the French is that they dont have a word for
"entrepreneur" - George W. Bush

We haven't been posting Final Author Reviews to this group until now. So, this first time, it will take a couple posts. There are 280 as of this evening.

Author: amebrindra · ID: 138 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: Legorfilinde · 2005-06-19 21:05:32


It has been said that some writers torture their characters and some torture their readers. Amebrindra certainly falls into the latter category. The intensity of her emotional writing sweeps you up into the drama of her characters' lives and before you even realize what has happened, you feel their pain, their agony, their love, their joy and their deepest, darkest hidden thoughts. She has the ability to make her characters come alive with a reality that is staggering. They seem so real in fact that you might believe they lived right next door and that you have known them all your life. Her very talented, imaginative and creative writing gives you insight into the thoughts, emotions and personality of each player in her story; even minor characters are vibrant and memorable. The story she weaves is addictive. She will make you cry and leave you begging for more. If you have not read anything Amebrindra has written, you must make it a point to read one of her stories; or better yet, her complete story arc. You will not be disappointed. What are you waiting for? Go read...
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Author: tyellas · ID: 155 · Races/Places: Elves (66): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 15:53:32
Tyellas has a real skill for world-building that I have only seen even approached by one other writer: Zimraphel. And that's a good thing because she writes the First and Second Age, where realistic world-building is so important. What's more than that, though, I have yet to see Tyellas try to write a genre where she has not completely blown me away. I laugh until it hurts at her humour, sit up straight and take notice at her drama, am aroused by her moments of romance.

The thing that truly astounds me, though, is that when I read about a certain character I come away knowing about much more than that particular character. Take "Magweth Pengolod" for instance. Soup makes a comment about how the apprentice down the street (who we never meet) is often beaten by his master, though Aelfwine never beats Soup. In this brief comment Tyellas conveys an incredible amount about the relationship between Numenorean apprentices and their masters. (I gather that Aelfwine and Soup are a little abnormal in this respect, because of Aelfwine's age and lameness.) For these reasons and many others, I always find Tyellas' works incredibly absorbing and always a good read.
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Author: tyellas · ID: 155 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 16:00:04
Tyellas has a real skill for world-building that I have only seen even approached by one other writer: Zimraphel. And that's a good thing because she writes the First and Second Age, where realistic world-building is so important. What's more than that, though, I have yet to see Tyellas try to write a genre where she has not completely blown me away. I laugh until it hurts at her humour, sit up straight and take notice at her drama, am aroused by her moments of romance.

The thing that truly astounds me, though, is that when I read about a certain character I come away knowing about much more than that particular character. Take "Magweth Pengolod" for instance. Soup makes a comment about how the apprentice down the street (who we never meet) is often beaten by his master, though Aelfwine never beats Soup. In this brief comment Tyellas conveys an incredible amount about the relationship between Numenorean apprentices and their masters. (I gather that Aelfwine and Soup are a little abnormal in this respect, because of Aelfwine's age and lameness.) For these reasons and many others, I always find Tyellas' works incredibly absorbing and always a good read.
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Author: tyellas · ID: 155 · Books/Time: The Silmarillion (67): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 16:08:56
Tyellas has a real skill for world-building that I have only seen even approached by one other writer: Zimraphel. And that's a good thing because she writes the First and Second Age, where realistic world-building is so important. What's more than that, though, I have yet to see Tyellas try to write a genre where she has not completely blown me away. I laugh until it hurts at her humour, sit up straight and take notice at her drama, am aroused by her moments of romance.

The thing that truly astounds me, though, is that when I read about a certain character I come away knowing about much more than that particular character. Take "Magweth Pengolod" for instance. Soup makes a comment about how the apprentice down the street (who we never meet) is often beaten by his master, though Aelfwine never beats Soup. In this brief comment Tyellas conveys an incredible amount about the relationship between Numenorean apprentices and their masters. (I gather that Aelfwine and Soup are a little abnormal in this respect, because of Aelfwine's age and lameness.) For these reasons and many others, I always find Tyellas' works incredibly absorbing and always a good read.
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Author: tyellas · ID: 155 · Genres: Non-Fiction (23): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 16:11:27
Tyellas has a real skill for world-building that I have only seen even approached by one other writer: Zimraphel. And that's a good thing because she writes the First and Second Age, where realistic world-building is so important. What's more than that, though, I have yet to see Tyellas try to write a genre where she has not completely blown me away. I laugh until it hurts at her humour, sit up straight and take notice at her drama, am aroused by her moments of romance.

The thing that truly astounds me, though, is that when I read about a certain character I come away knowing about much more than that particular character. Take "Magweth Pengolod" for instance. Soup makes a comment about how the apprentice down the street (who we never meet) is often beaten by his master, though Aelfwine never beats Soup. In this brief comment Tyellas conveys an incredible amount about the relationship between Numenorean apprentices and their masters. (I gather that Aelfwine and Soup are a little abnormal in this respect, because of Aelfwine's age and lameness.) For these reasons and many others, I always find Tyellas' works incredibly absorbing and always a good read.
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Author: tyellas · ID: 155 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 16:14:53
Tyellas has a real skill for world-building that I have only seen even approached by one other writer: Zimraphel. And that's a good thing because she writes the First and Second Age, where realistic world-building is so important. What's more than that, though, I have yet to see Tyellas try to write a genre where she has not completely blown me away. I laugh until it hurts at her humour, sit up straight and take notice at her drama, am aroused by her moments of romance.

The thing that truly astounds me, though, is that when I read about a certain character I come away knowing about much more than that particular character. Take "Magweth Pengolod" for instance. Soup makes a comment about how the apprentice down the street (who we never meet) is often beaten by his master, though Aelfwine never beats Soup. In this brief comment Tyellas conveys an incredible amount about the relationship between Numenorean apprentices and their masters. (I gather that Aelfwine and Soup are a little abnormal in this respect, because of Aelfwine's age and lameness.) For these reasons and many others, I always find Tyellas' works incredibly absorbing and always a good read.
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Author: AngelsFall · ID: 353 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 18:50:54
I think "Of Elvish Equitation and the High King's Horse" is the first piece I've read by this author (I may have read one other, but I think I may be confusing AngelsFall and AngelQueen). She has a strong sense of style and comedic timing, and I am left wanting to go find more of her stuff.
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Author: Tom Fairbairn · ID: 371 · Genres: Adventure (13): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 19:14:19
Tom Fairbairn does a particularly good job of portraying how non-hobbits relate to hobbits. He's one of those authors who I would like to read more of his stories.
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Author: Tom Fairbairn · ID: 371 · Genres: Movie-verse (21): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 19:18:55
Tom Fairbairn does a particularly good job of portraying how non-hobbits relate to hobbits. He's one of those authors who I would like to read more of his stories.
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Author: AngieT · ID: 458 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 19:59:30
AngieT is good at telling the quieter moments with hobbits. Her pieces are not quite fluff, but also far from angst. Most especially I like her skilla t characterisation, especially hobbits. Based on the two examples I have read here. I would say that I like her Merry best of all.
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Author: AngieT · ID: 458 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 20:04:23
AngieT is good at telling the quieter moments with hobbits. Her pieces are not quite fluff, but also far from angst. Most especially I like her skilla t characterisation, especially hobbits. Based on the two examples I have read here. I would say that I like her Merry best of all.
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Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 21:24:14
There are many authors out there whose drabbles I admire. But Ann often takes my breath away because she rarely writes anything else. When I read a drabble, for example, about Gwynnyd's Aragorn, I am able to read Gwynnyd's longer stories about him to fill in a few of the grey spaces around the edge of the moment she has painted. The drabble can stand on its own without knowing the other works, but it suddenly becomes fuller. What amazes me about Ann is that she has almost as rich a world, without these longer pieces to draw from! This is a truly spectacular gift, and she uses it to good effect. I always look forward to seeing her drabble stories updated.
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Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races/Places: Gondor (79): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 21:25:45
There are many authors out there whose drabbles I admire. But Ann often takes my breath away because she rarely writes anything else. When I read a drabble, for example, about Gwynnyd's Aragorn, I am able to read Gwynnyd's longer stories about him to fill in a few of the grey spaces around the edge of the moment she has painted. The drabble can stand on its own without knowing the other works, but it suddenly becomes fuller. What amazes me about Ann is that she has almost as rich a world, without these longer pieces to draw from! This is a truly spectacular gift, and she uses it to good effect. I always look forward to seeing her drabble stories updated.
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Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111): Drabble
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 21:28:42
There are many authors out there whose drabbles I admire. But Ann often takes my breath away because she rarely writes anything else. When I read a drabble, for example, about Gwynnyd's Aragorn, I am able to read Gwynnyd's longer stories about him to fill in a few of the grey spaces around the edge of the moment she has painted. The drabble can stand on its own without knowing the other works, but it suddenly becomes fuller. What amazes me about Ann is that she has almost as rich a world, without these longer pieces to draw from! This is a truly spectacular gift, and she uses it to good effect. I always look forward to seeing her drabble stories updated.
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Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races/Places: Gondor (79): Drabble
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 21:37:17
There are many authors out there whose drabbles I admire. But Ann often takes my breath away because she rarely writes anything else. When I read a drabble, for example, about Gwynnyd's Aragorn, I am able to read Gwynnyd's longer stories about him to fill in a few of the grey spaces around the edge of the moment she has painted. The drabble can stand on its own without knowing the other works, but it suddenly becomes fuller. What amazes me about Ann is that she has almost as rich a world, without these longer pieces to draw from! This is a truly spectacular gift, and she uses it to good effect. I always look forward to seeing her drabble stories updated.
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Author: Anoriath · ID: 354 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-04 18:41:56
Anoriath is good at writing gap-fillers. In her works I see glimpses of her characters (original and canonical) going about relatively mundane day-to-day business, and I like what I have read by her.
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Author: Anoriath · ID: 354 · Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-04 18:43:15
Anoriath is good at writing gap-fillers. In her works I see glimpses of her characters (original and canonical) going about relatively mundane day-to-day business, and I like what I have read by her.
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Author: Anoriath · ID: 354 · Races/Places: Men (31): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-04 18:45:42
Anoriath is good at writing gap-fillers. In her works I see glimpses of her characters (original and canonical) going about relatively mundane day-to-day business, and I like what I have read by her.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Races/Places: Men (31): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:27:52
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Races/Places: Elves (66): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:28:51
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:29:52
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Genres: Movie-verse (21): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:31:12
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:32:07
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:33:07
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:34:32
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:36:27
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:37:18
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 23:32:25
There are many authors out there whose drabbles I admire. But Ann often takes my breath away because she rarely writes anything else. When I read a drabble, for example, about Gwynnyd's Aragorn, I am able to read Gwynnyd's longer stories about him to fill in a few of the grey spaces around the edge of the moment she has painted. The drabble can stand on its own without knowing the other works, but it suddenly becomes fuller. What amazes me about Ann is that she has almost as rich a world, without these longer pieces to draw from! This is a truly spectacular gift, and she uses it to good effect. I always look forward to seeing her drabble stories updated.
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Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Genres: Romance (72): Drabble
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 23:34:14
There are many authors out there whose drabbles I admire. But Ann often takes my breath away because she rarely writes anything else. When I read a drabble, for example, about Gwynnyd's Aragorn, I am able to read Gwynnyd's longer stories about him to fill in a few of the grey spaces around the edge of the moment she has painted. The drabble can stand on its own without knowing the other works, but it suddenly becomes fuller. What amazes me about Ann is that she has almost as rich a world, without these longer pieces to draw from! This is a truly spectacular gift, and she uses it to good effect. I always look forward to seeing her drabble stories updated.
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Author: thevina_finduilas · ID: 87 · Races/Places: Rohan (37): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-09 02:09:06
Thevina Finduilas has a real sense of humour in her stories. They're not humour, but there's usually a sense of humour (or perhaps just a strong sense of humanity) in all of her stories. It's not as wry as the humour I love in Thundera's story, but it's great fun. Beyond that, she probably writes the best characterisation of dwarves, and consistently, of any other author I have read.
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Author: thevina_finduilas · ID: 87 · Races/Places: Gondor (79): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-09 02:09:55
Thevina Finduilas has a real sense of humour in her stories. They're not humour, but there's usually a sense of humour (or perhaps just a strong sense of humanity) in all of her stories. It's not as wry as the humour I love in Thundera's story, but it's great fun. Beyond that, she probably writes the best characterisation of dwarves, and consistently, of any other author I have read.
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Author: thevina_finduilas · ID: 87 · Races/Places: Dwarves (13): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-09 02:10:51
Thevina Finduilas has a real sense of humour in her stories. They're not humour, but there's usually a sense of humour (or perhaps just a strong sense of humanity) in all of her stories. It's not as wry as the humour I love in Thundera's story, but it's great fun. Beyond that, she probably writes the best characterisation of dwarves, and consistently, of any other author I have read.
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Author: thevina_finduilas · ID: 87 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-09 02:13:11
Thevina Finduilas has a real sense of humour in her stories. They're not humour, but there's usually a sense of humour (or perhaps just a strong sense of humanity) in all of her stories. It's not as wry as the humour I love in Thundera's story, but it's great fun. Beyond that, she probably writes the best characterisation of dwarves, and consistently, of any other author I have read.
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Author: thevina_finduilas · ID: 87 · Genres: Humor (85): Poem
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-09 02:13:58
Thevina Finduilas has a real sense of humour in her stories. They're not humour, but there's usually a sense of humour (or perhaps just a strong sense of humanity) in all of her stories. It's not as wry as the humour I love in Thundera's story, but it's great fun. Beyond that, she probably writes the best characterisation of dwarves, and consistently, of any other author I have read.
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Author: thevina_finduilas · ID: 87 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-09 02:15:04
Thevina Finduilas has a real sense of humour in her stories. They're not humour, but there's usually a sense of humour (or perhaps just a strong sense of humanity) in all of her stories. It's not as wry as the humour I love in Thundera's story, but it's great fun. Beyond that, she probably writes the best characterisation of dwarves, and consistently, of any other author I have read.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Sivan Shemesh · 2005-07-10 08:37:30
This story forever remain in my heart as my mind, as god, you have so much powerful in your writing, and you make me cry.

It is damn good writing, as I love your story.

Sivan Shemesh
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Drabble
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2005-07-13 16:48:00
This is great - everything a drabble should be: simple, clear, detailing a simple event, and creating a world and ideas much larger than that. I liked the ending especially, how the author includes Elrond's concern without his ever voicing it.
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): Drabble
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2005-07-13 16:49:39
This is very nice. I can really see Merry taking a moment out from the party for a little quiet reflection, seeing first the somber and then the joyful, with a little chuckle for his friends.
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Races/Places: Villains (31): Drabble
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2005-07-13 16:53:57
Wow! This is terrrific ... I continue to be awed by those who can make so little out of so much; not just the 100 word form, but these tiny textual nuggets as well. From that brief mention the author has created an entire world, an entire people who give praise to Sauron, are subject to taxes and conscription. By giving us this glimpse of the enemy, the author has created something noble and surprising.
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:31:04

Elena Tiriel has a unique voice, greatly under-appreciated and greatly underused. Her work is fun and quirky, - sometimes subtle, sometimes not, but always insightful. Her drama is tender, her humor pointed and her horror conveys delicious shivers up the spine. I would love to see more of her work, an author with her skill always leaves readers, especially this reader, hungry for more.
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:32:38

Elena Tiriel has a unique voice, greatly under-appreciated and greatly underused. Her work is fun and quirky, - sometimes subtle, sometimes not, but always insightful. Her drama is tender, her humor pointed and her horror conveys delicious shivers up the spine. I would love to see more of her work, an author with her skill always leaves readers, especially this reader, hungry for more.
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:33:22

Elena Tiriel has a unique voice, greatly under-appreciated and greatly underused. Her work is fun and quirky, - sometimes subtle, sometimes not, but always insightful. Her drama is tender, her humor pointed and her horror conveys delicious shivers up the spine. I would love to see more of her work, an author with her skill always leaves readers, especially this reader, hungry for more.
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Races/Places: Gondor (79): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:33:24

Elena Tiriel has a unique voice, greatly under-appreciated and greatly underused. Her work is fun and quirky, - sometimes subtle, sometimes not, but always insightful. Her drama is tender, her humor pointed and her horror conveys delicious shivers up the spine. I would love to see more of her work, an author with her skill always leaves readers, especially this reader, hungry for more.
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Races/Places: Villains (31): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:34:19

Elena Tiriel has a unique voice, greatly under-appreciated and greatly underused. Her work is fun and quirky, - sometimes subtle, sometimes not, but always insightful. Her drama is tender, her humor pointed and her horror conveys delicious shivers up the spine. I would love to see more of her work, an author with her skill always leaves readers, especially this reader, hungry for more.
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Author: Marnie · ID: 245 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:51:31
Marnie's Battle of the Golden Wood was the novel length work that hooked me on fanfiction. Surfing endless pages of - in my opinion, less than excellent works - I had almost lost hope of finding the quality reading I was looking for when I stumbled on her Celeborn. Her dedication to her work shows through in her consistency and attention to detail. Her skill is greatest in the depth of her brilliant characterization of individuals and races alike, and in her cleverly woven subplots that make the 'big picture' complete by the end of the story.
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Author: Marnie · ID: 245 · Genres: Crossovers (16): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:52:45
Marnie's Battle of the Golden Wood was the novel length work that hooked me on fanfiction. Surfing endless pages of - in my opinion, less than excellent works - I had almost lost hope of finding the quality reading I was looking for when I stumbled on her Celeborn. Her dedication to her work shows through in her consistency and attention to detail. Her skill is greatest in the depth of her brilliant characterization of individuals and races alike, and in her cleverly woven subplots that make the 'big picture' complete by the end of the story.
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Author: Marnie · ID: 245 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:53:56
Marnie's Battle of the Golden Wood was the novel length work that hooked me on fanfiction. Surfing endless pages of - in my opinion, less than excellent works - I had almost lost hope of finding the quality reading I was looking for when I stumbled on her Celeborn. Her dedication to her work shows through in her consistency and attention to detail. Her skill is greatest in the depth of her brilliant characterization of individuals and races alike, and in her cleverly woven subplots that make the 'big picture' complete by the end of the story.
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Author: Minuialeth · ID: 427 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:58:54
Minuialeth conveys extraordinary depth of insight in her writing, the
emotion and the underlying psychological trauma and conflict come
through strongly. I imagine that many readers, looking for fluff, will
pass this by - at their own great loss. I haven't read many writers,
either in fanfiction or professional, who convey so much complexity
through simplicity.

Minuialeth, - it's only my opinion, so take it for what it's worth,
but I believe you have a real gift. I am dismayed that this hasn't
been finished. I hope it means that you are working on other projects.
I strongly encourage you to continue writing, and especially continue
to pursue education in writing. Stay in touch, I miss hearing from
you. Sulriel.

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Author: Leaward · ID: 222 · Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 15:22:12
Leaward - ahh... ...what to say about Leaward? Little did I imagine, when I first encouraged her, what I would be unleashing. <ducking!> <I mean that in the BEST possible way!> From those first tentative steps - the mind-dulling, brick-wall pounding arguments about passive voice and the importance of the varying depths of detail, personal style versus learned skill, all that talk about knowing the rules before you break them. Am I claiming too much? I hope not, I certainly was not the only one involved, and my nudges this way or that certainly are no reflection or claim on her natural ability and her persistence in improving her skill, to the point that I depend on her critique in my own works. This is, of course, about her, not about me, but please indulge my perspective. It's been a fabulous whirlwind of a journey with no end in sight.

For what I've seen, the growth over the last couple of years - we all have some level of natural ability, creativity and the flow of thoughts into words, Leaward has taken those gifts and worked her happy ...ahh. .. 'tail' off in self-improvement. The study, the books, the classes - a lifetime of learning continues. ... imagine a smith in the armory, pouring the molten steel into the mold, but that's only the first step. The strength comes from the work, the endless folding and pounding and refolding. The strength of dedication in how Leaward has molded her work is clear for all to see in her stand-alones as well as in her series of Dunadan fan-fictions. The characterization is strong and consistent, her heroes are flawed and human in ways that we can identify with, we care about them and what they face. Her subplots are important to the main, the details and description well-used, not only as flavor, but as plotting. Even in a series of fan fictions featuring original characters, her canon is fanatically, dare I say "Historically" accurate, from both a real world and a Middle-earth perspective. While it's easy to join the crowd in reading each new chapter she posts online, I fear I'll have to break a few noses with my elbow in order to be first in line when she comes to town for a book-signing. Should she choose to go that route I have no doubt she'll be successful. -Sulriel (proud to be basking in the shadow!)
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Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Races/Places: Gondor (79): General
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2005-07-24 16:30:23
This was a wonderfully full story, from the details of gondorian life pre-war and more recently, that the soldier's family experienced loss similarly to the Steward's. A few inflated turns of phrase were a little distracting
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Author: Leaward · ID: 222 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-29 21:37:33
Leaward - ahh... ...what to say about Leaward? Little did I imagine, when I first encouraged her, what I would be unleashing. <ducking!> <I mean that in the BEST possible way!> From those first tentative steps - the mind-dulling, brick-wall pounding arguments about passive voice and the importance of the varying depths of detail, personal style versus learned skill, all that talk about knowing the rules before you break them. Am I claiming too much? I hope not, I certainly was not the only one involved, and my nudges this way or that certainly are no reflection or claim on her natural ability and her persistence in improving her skill, to the point that I depend on her critique in my own works. This is, of course, about her, not about me, but please indulge my perspective. It's been a fabulous whirlwind of a journey with no end in sight.

For what I've seen, the growth over the last couple of years - we all have some level of natural ability, creativity and the flow of thoughts into words, Leaward has taken those gifts and worked her happy ...ahh. .. 'tail' off in self-improvement. The study, the books, the classes - a lifetime of learning continues. ... imagine a smith in the armory, pouring the molten steel into the mold, but that's only the first step. The strength comes from the work, the endless folding and pounding and refolding. The strength of dedication in how Leaward has molded her work is clear for all to see in her stand-alones as well as in her series of Dunadan fan-fictions. The characterization is strong and consistent, her heroes are flawed and human in ways that we can identify with, we care about them and what they face. Her subplots are important to the main, the details and description well-used, not only as flavor, but as plotting. Even in a series of fan fictions featuring original characters, her canon is fanatically, dare I say "Historically" accurate, from both a real world and a Middle-earth perspective. While it's easy to join the crowd in reading each new chapter she posts online, I fear I'll have to break a few noses with my elbow in order to be first in line when she comes to town for a book-signing. Should she choose to go that route I have no doubt she'll be successful. -Sulriel (proud to be basking in the shadow!)
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Author: Leaward · ID: 222 · Races/Places: Men (31): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-29 21:38:22
Leaward - ahh... ...what to say about Leaward? Little did I imagine, when I first encouraged her, what I would be unleashing. <ducking!> <I mean that in the BEST possible way!> From those first tentative steps - the mind-dulling, brick-wall pounding arguments about passive voice and the importance of the varying depths of detail, personal style versus learned skill, all that talk about knowing the rules before you break them. Am I claiming too much? I hope not, I certainly was not the only one involved, and my nudges this way or that certainly are no reflection or claim on her natural ability and her persistence in improving her skill, to the point that I depend on her critique in my own works. This is, of course, about her, not about me, but please indulge my perspective. It's been a fabulous whirlwind of a journey with no end in sight.

For what I've seen, the growth over the last couple of years - we all have some level of natural ability, creativity and the flow of thoughts into words, Leaward has taken those gifts and worked her happy ...ahh. .. 'tail' off in self-improvement. The study, the books, the classes - a lifetime of learning continues. ... imagine a smith in the armory, pouring the molten steel into the mold, but that's only the first step. The strength comes from the work, the endless folding and pounding and refolding. The strength of dedication in how Leaward has molded her work is clear for all to see in her stand-alones as well as in her series of Dunadan fan-fictions. The characterization is strong and consistent, her heroes are flawed and human in ways that we can identify with, we care about them and what they face. Her subplots are important to the main, the details and description well-used, not only as flavor, but as plotting. Even in a series of fan fictions featuring original characters, her canon is fanatically, dare I say "Historically" accurate, from both a real world and a Middle-earth perspective. While it's easy to join the crowd in reading each new chapter she posts online, I fear I'll have to break a few noses with my elbow in order to be first in line when she comes to town for a book-signing. Should she choose to go that route I have no doubt she'll be successful. -Sulriel (proud to be basking in the shadow!)
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Author: Nickey · ID: 374 · Genres: Horror (8): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 13:49:53
Party of what makes Nickey's stories so good is an ability to blend things that initially don't seem to fit together. For example, the blending of Merry's capture at the hands of the orcs and the freakshow in the Shire. The two start out with nothing to do with the other (or so it seems) but by the time the fic is done, they've become a single story with enough similarities to thoroughly unnerve a reader. The same thing happens in "The Last Fight." Two stories, both dark, come together to make something bigger and darker. And by coupling these entertwining tales with powerful imagery, Nickey creates a very strong sense of darkness and danger. In turn, that firmly sets the mood (which is essential for any horror story) and gives the reader things to think about afterwards. Very effective storytelling technique.
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Author: Honesty · ID: 284 · Genres: Horror (8): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 14:05:12
Honesty does something very dangerous in this horror story and gets away with it while pulling off spectacular results. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure how this was accomplished, and I'd pay gold to know. But however it came about, the sheer amount of visceral, gut-wrenching imagery actually helps the story rather than detracting from it. I think part of the reason is that it becomes the subject of a defining moment for both Legolas and Gimli in the third chapter. And it serves as a very sharp contrast to Legolas's face and eyes in both chapter 2 and 3. It also seems to intensify the psychological strain in the first chapter by acting as a visual comparison. In any case, Honesty was absolutely brilliant in how all the imagery was used and did an amazing job of pulling a creating a very poignant story out of a very dire and graphic situation.
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Author: Mercat · ID: 225 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 17:15:24
Mercat keeps the writing very light in "Prelude," and it's the perfect touch when working with hobbits and elves. Both are often served best by lighter writing, though for different reasons, and it works very well when they're put together. Mercat also does a very good perspective change a little over halfway through. It fit well with the scene break, and offered readers a chance to see Frodo from Legolas's perspective. Very smooth pacing keeps the tone of this story peaceful and soothing, and it's a great mirror for Rivendell itself. Good narrative work.
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Author: LadyAranel · ID: 151 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 17:26:30
Lady Aranel does an amazing job with perspective work in the story "Out of Stone." Gloin was the perfect viewpoint for this tale because the friendship between Legolas and Gimli would come as such a shock to him. The other members of the Fellowship had seen it develop and anyone else (with the possible exception of Thranduil) wouldn't understand just how deep the estrangement between elves and dwarves went. But Gloin does know and this is all very new to him, which gives the friendship itself a very fresh perspective that Lady Aranel capitalizes on well.
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Author: Lamiel · ID: 298 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 17:33:54
I think one of Lamiel's best achievements in this story is pacing. That includes pacing of the narrative as well as pacing of plot developments, in particular the formation of a friendship between Legolas and Gimli. The way these things play off one another, adding tension here or a semblence of peace there, is remarkable, and Lamiel's ability to balance everything that goes on, both with Moria and with a certain elf and dwarf, is nothing short of amazing. It doesn't hurt that characterization is also fantastic.
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 18:20:57
Dwimordene's strength in this drabble is her ability to make it point to something else. Drabbles are difficult to work with because they're so short, but if you can get them to allude to a bigger tale (or to many bigger tales) they become more effective. And Dwim does that very well, referencing dwarven reticence to reveal their own ways to outsiders as well as all the events in the Fellowship leading up to Gandalf's death. Dwim accesses a backstory for the drabble that makes it a capstone rather than forcing it to support all of its own weight.
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 18:26:50
Elena Tiriel does a great job of framing book quotes with introspective drabbles. They add a fullness to the story and offer insight into things that Tolkien only lightly brushed, sometimes providing backstory and sometimes providing moments of realization. It's a great addition to canon, and these drabbles are kept light enough that they fit neatly into whatever is happening within the books. But they're also serious enough to carry the weight of the tale. Very deft touch by the author.
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 18:34:26
One of Tanaqui's greatest abilities in drabbling is to capture flashes of insight or realization on the part of various characters. "And There Make a Garden" and "Legacies" are good examples of this. But what I like best about Tanaqui's drabbles is the poetry and how phrases become metaphors for many different things. "Brothers-in-Arms" is probably my favorite because of this, followed closely by "Cruel Caradhras." The ability to pack so much meaning into so few words is remarkable, and I can only shake my head in awe at that ability.
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Author: Lindelea · ID: 27 · Genres: Mystery (6): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 19:45:38
With her mystery story, Lindelea does something that all good mystery writers do: she drops clues ahead of time in such a way that you dont' always see them until you reach the end. It's a difficult thing to do because you have to have a solid outline of the plot, the twist, the characters and the mystery itself so that you can drop seemingly innocuous clues along the way and have them prove relevant later. But Lindelea pulls it off, and by the end of the story, it feels very complete and most of the loose ends have been tied together.
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Author: Dragon · ID: 360 · Genres: Mystery (6): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 19:54:37
Dragon does a fantastic job of writing imagery in the story "Chasing a Song." The setting is so fleshed out that it's almost a charater in its own right, and Dragon uses the setting to hint at things to come. For example, I liked the blood red cliffs that were described as Elrohir was chasing after Maglor. In fact, red was used several times in connection with Maglor, and it became a very subtle and effective way of characterizing an unknown watcher.
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Author: Honesty · ID: 284 · Races/Places: Dwarves (13): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 20:09:53
Honesty laid a host of backstory in the course of this tale, and it's this backstory that really drovethe action because it provided the foundation for the conflict. The differences in culture and customs between evles and dwarves were fascinating, and along with great characterization of both Narvi and Celebrimbor, it made for a very complete story. As an added bonus, Honesty managed to weave the backstory into the plot in such a way that it never became boring or bogged down. And that's difficult to do.
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Author: Erin's Daughter · ID: 366 · Races/Places: Dwarves (13): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 20:16:23
One of the most amazing things that Erin's Daughter does in this piece is characterization, specifically the characterization of a sword. The blade becomes a personality in the mind of the dwarf, and it's such a forceful personality that I can no longer think of it as just a blade. This, in turn, turns some powerful character strokes on our dwarven smith who is so attuned to his work that he can see things that no one else will ever see.
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Author: thevina_finduilas · ID: 87 · Races/Places: Dwarves (13): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 20:20:20
First person always makes me nervous. You're so firmly entrenched in someone else's head that it's very easy to do something that might be taken out of character. That said, I was blown away by this depiction of Gimli after the fall of the Morannon, and it's due to Thevina's amazing ability to paint a picture of a lost, desperate, battle-weary dwarf from the inside. The reader becomes completely immersed in Gimli's psyche, and his rambling thoughts tell us exactly how tired he is. We see only what he sees and only what he feels, and somehow in the midst of all this, Thevina manages to give the readers a very complete picture of what is happening. This is a great example of how first person should be done.
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Races/Places: Dwarves (13): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-05 02:50:33
Tanaqui's use of contrasts in the drabble "From the Eastern Force" makes it unusually powerful. The contrasts of grim faces but true hearts, short-reach but heavy blows, and rock-hard but capable of grief tell a lot about the dwawrves, but also a lot about the elves who are watching them and what they value in allies. Very good double characterization with a single blow.
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Races/Places: Dwarves (13): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-05 02:53:10
Dwim's attention to details (for example, the marching of the ranks as they file out of Khazad-dum) gives this drabble a slow, steady pace that is not unlike the dwarves themselves. It's really a great way to establish the tone through narrative pacing, and when Thrain finally comes to make his speech, the reader feels as though the dwarves are ready to move on, even if their hearts are still in Khazad-dum.
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Author: Celandine Brandybuck · ID: 243 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-08 02:06:20
One of the things that I love most about Celandine as an author is her amazing ability to bring cultures to life. You find it in both "Sheathing Sting" and "The Dragon Gem." Little things that really make a society special are created or expanded upon in both stories, and it's fascinating to see how a society's values shape its people and their attitudes. You get a better sense of the characters, particularly the OCs, when the culture is properly defined, and Celandine does this extremely well.
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Author: daw the minstrel · ID: 176 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-08 02:11:01
One of Daw's greatest talents lies in her ability to draw together several different plot threads and weave them into a larger story arc. What makes this so powerful is the character development that goes in the various threads, and this development is pounded home once the threads join together again in the end and everyone realizes what everyone else has been through and just how much they've all grown. Beyond that, the action sequences and the tension are all very good, and Daw has a gift for making the OCs fully realized characters in their own right that can stand on their own or enhance canon characters, whatever is required. And that's quite a talent!
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Author: JMac · ID: 383 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-08 02:16:09
JMac does something truly remarkable in "The Unexpected Homecoming." He successfully builds an epilogue to "The Hobbit" that feels so natural it's difficult to believe that it isn't part of canon. It's an expansion of what Tolkien gave us, taken to a very logical extreme that I can buy whole-heartedly. "The Hobbit" only hints at just how different Bilbo was when he returns home, and while LotR gives us a bit more, it's not the focus of the story. That's why I'm glad for authors like JMac, who can work with the little given to make a fitting conclusion that satisfies just as much as the canon conclusion.
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Author: Regina · ID: 104 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-08 02:20:45
I really love what Regina's done with the two little vignettes. She's established an OFC who is quirky, loveable, and an amazing match for Legolas. I suppose it helps that this OFC is too old for any serious romantic interest, but even so, I consider it an amazing achievement. And I love the way the two of them play with their relationship. Regina's writing covers the beginning and the end, but there are enough hints of the middle to let the imagination run wild. Brilliant character design. Thank you for such a treat!
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Author: jen_loves_elves · ID: 52 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-08 02:28:52
Voice can be extremely difficult, so when it's done perfectly, it's one of those things that really shocks you. An author who can get a narrative voice down and make it work is an author deserving of respect, so I humbly bow before Jen's greatness, because the voice of the thrush was flawless. Everything was taken into account: the age of the thrush; the fact that he's a bird; the different priorities of animals, dwarves, men, elves, and hobbits; etc. The humor woven into the thrush's voice was also perfect and made the story light enough to be fun but not so light that it couldn't be taken as a plausible account from the view of a bird. It takes a talented author to pull that off.
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Author: LadyAranel · ID: 151 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 21:42:47
I said it last year, and I'll say it again, ... Lady Aranel is my favorite author that never finishes things. <TIC> - except for maybe BarrowWight, but he's only ever started one fanfiction and I can poke him with a sharp stick when I see him several times a year, Lady Aranel is too far away for such persuasion, so I guess I'll just have to do the best I can here. So, here's to you, Lady Aranel, except for my relations, about the only fan-ficcer whose works in progress I will read. - Keep up the good work, a chapter at a time ... I am holding out hope, but not holding my breath, that you will eventually finish some of these chapter works. You have a special talent of emotion and introspection that puts you in touch with the inner workings of your readers in a way that few authors are able to do.

Lady Aranel’s works, all her works from her drabbles to her longer (although unfinished <pout>) fanfictions are carefully, painstakingly thought out and crafted word by word. Every nuance is thought through before it’s written, and rethought and rewritten time and again until it’s perfect.

Her settings are rich and detailed, every background filled in ‘just enough’ to settle the reader into the flavor of the scene without overloading them with detail, and ‘just enough’ to give the characters what they need to move the readers along with the story. Not just the sights, but the scent and sounds, the texture of bare Elven skin are woven in delicious, provocative detail that keeps the reader coming back for more.




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Author: LadyAranel · ID: 151 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 21:43:23
I said it last year, and I'll say it again, ... Lady Aranel is my favorite author that never finishes things. <TIC> - except for maybe BarrowWight, but he's only ever started one fanfiction and I can poke him with a sharp stick when I see him several times a year, Lady Aranel is too far away for such persuasion, so I guess I'll just have to do the best I can here. So, here's to you, Lady Aranel, except for my relations, about the only fan-ficcer whose works in progress I will read. - Keep up the good work, a chapter at a time ... I am holding out hope, but not holding my breath, that you will eventually finish some of these chapter works. You have a special talent of emotion and introspection that puts you in touch with the inner workings of your readers in a way that few authors are able to do.

Lady Aranel’s works, all her works from her drabbles to her longer (although unfinished <pout>) fanfictions are carefully, painstakingly thought out and crafted word by word. Every nuance is thought through before it’s written, and rethought and rewritten time and again until it’s perfect.

Her settings are rich and detailed, every background filled in ‘just enough’ to settle the reader into the flavor of the scene without overloading them with detail, and ‘just enough’ to give the characters what they need to move the readers along with the story. Not just the sights, but the scent and sounds, the texture of bare Elven skin are woven in delicious, provocative detail that keeps the reader coming back for more.




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Author: LadyAranel · ID: 151 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 21:43:24
I said it last year, and I'll say it again, ... Lady Aranel is my favorite author that never finishes things. <TIC> - except for maybe BarrowWight, but he's only ever started one fanfiction and I can poke him with a sharp stick when I see him several times a year, Lady Aranel is too far away for such persuasion, so I guess I'll just have to do the best I can here. So, here's to you, Lady Aranel, except for my relations, about the only fan-ficcer whose works in progress I will read. - Keep up the good work, a chapter at a time ... I am holding out hope, but not holding my breath, that you will eventually finish some of these chapter works. You have a special talent of emotion and introspection that puts you in touch with the inner workings of your readers in a way that few authors are able to do.

Lady Aranel’s works, all her works from her drabbles to her longer (although unfinished <pout>) fanfictions are carefully, painstakingly thought out and crafted word by word. Every nuance is thought through before it’s written, and rethought and rewritten time and again until it’s perfect.

Her settings are rich and detailed, every background filled in ‘just enough’ to settle the reader into the flavor of the scene without overloading them with detail, and ‘just enough’ to give the characters what they need to move the readers along with the story. Not just the sights, but the scent and sounds, the texture of bare Elven skin are woven in delicious, provocative detail that keeps the reader coming back for more.




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Author: LadyAranel · ID: 151 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 21:44:49
I said it last year, and I'll say it again, ... Lady Aranel is my favorite author that never finishes things. <TIC> - except for maybe BarrowWight, but he's only ever started one fanfiction and I can poke him with a sharp stick when I see him several times a year, Lady Aranel is too far away for such persuasion, so I guess I'll just have to do the best I can here. So, here's to you, Lady Aranel, except for my relations, about the only fan-ficcer whose works in progress I will read. - Keep up the good work, a chapter at a time ... I am holding out hope, but not holding my breath, that you will eventually finish some of these chapter works. You have a special talent of emotion and introspection that puts you in touch with the inner workings of your readers in a way that few authors are able to do.

Lady Aranel’s works, all her works from her drabbles to her longer (although unfinished <pout>) fanfictions are carefully, painstakingly thought out and crafted word by word. Every nuance is thought through before it’s written, and rethought and rewritten time and again until it’s perfect.

Her settings are rich and detailed, every background filled in ‘just enough’ to settle the reader into the flavor of the scene without overloading them with detail, and ‘just enough’ to give the characters what they need to move the readers along with the story. Not just the sights, but the scent and sounds, the texture of bare Elven skin are woven in delicious, provocative detail that keeps the reader coming back for more.




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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Genres: Romance (72): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 21:50:23
Elena Tiriel has a unique voice, greatly under-appreciated and greatly
underused. Her work is fun and quirky, - sometimes subtle, sometimes not,
but always insightful. Her drama is tender, her humor pointed and her
horror conveys delicious shivers up the spine. I would love to see more of
her work, an author with her skill always leaves readers, especially this
reader, hungry for more.
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Author: Lindelea · ID: 27 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 22:02:17
Lindelea is a caring and dedicated author, whose love of Hobbits and her love of her work shines through in her fascinating details and carefully woven plots and twisting subplots. Working within Tolkien’s Middle-earth, she’s crafted an elaborate world within a world with her extended hobbit families – both their pasts and their futures in the Shire she’s built, so carefully crafted alongside Tolkien’s. Keep up the good work Lindelea – I’ll try to be a better fan in the future and be more consistent with my reading and reviews.
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Author: Lindelea · ID: 27 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 22:02:39
Lindelea is a caring and dedicated author, whose love of Hobbits and her love of her work shines through in her fascinating details and carefully woven plots and twisting subplots. Working within Tolkien’s Middle-earth, she’s crafted an elaborate world within a world with her extended hobbit families – both their pasts and their futures in the Shire she’s built, so carefully crafted alongside Tolkien’s. Keep up the good work Lindelea – I’ll try to be a better fan in the future and be more consistent with my reading and reviews.
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Author: Lindelea · ID: 27 · Genres: Horror (8): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 22:02:39
Lindelea is a caring and dedicated author, whose love of Hobbits and her love of her work shines through in her fascinating details and carefully woven plots and twisting subplots. Working within Tolkien’s Middle-earth, she’s crafted an elaborate world within a world with her extended hobbit families – both their pasts and their futures in the Shire she’s built, so carefully crafted alongside Tolkien’s. Keep up the good work Lindelea – I’ll try to be a better fan in the future and be more consistent with my reading and reviews.
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Races/Places: Elves (66): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-11 02:12:07
Tanaqui shows some remarkable versatility in this drabbles, hinting at part of a story in "Faithful Companion," telling almost the entire tale in "Refuge," and pulling off some powerful characterization and fascinating backstory with "Details." All in a mere 100 words. I think the trick might lie in Tanaqui's ability to brush the details enough to create a clear picture but not so much that the reader has no room to fill in the blanks. And Tanaqui isn't afraid to let some things go unstated, which takes a great deal of courage on the part of an author. Very nice drabbles.
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Author: Gwynnyd · ID: 186 · Races/Places: Elves (66): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-11 02:17:05
Gwynnyd has pulled off something neat here: a characterization of Arwen that puts her on equal footing with Aragorn without forcing her into the role of Arwen: Warrior Princess. Some fantastic imagery definitely helped, as did the contrasts within the narrative itself. Gwynnyd wove a drabble as tightly as Arwen might have, foiling light and dark, <br/><br/>(Message over 64 KB, truncated)

Title: The Hands that Heal · Author: Jeodo Brandybuck · Races/Places: Hobbits: Merry & Pippin · ID: 797
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 02:38:48
I loved watching Merry and Pippin both scheming carefully to rebuild the other's interest in life. And, what's more, both doing it so skilfully that the other doesn't suspect that this is a mutual support society. The shadows and mists were creepily ominous and the advent of spring brightness and summer warmth cast them off delightfully. I really enjoyed this.
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Title: Swords Returned · Author: Leaward · Races/Places: Men: Eriador · ID: 172
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-05 02:56:22
“Swords Returned” is a moving look at a child’s first glimpse of the hardness of the world…the realization that there is worse news than a broken mug, and graver danger than a spooked horse. Equally poignant is Beleg’s silent grief over the loss of childhood innocence that must come from such knowledge.

It’s interesting that Leaward has managed to instill a story with a happy ending—there was no sword returned, after all—with such poignancy and foreshadowing of sorrow to come…knowing what we do of the Rangers’ perilous lives, it seems inevitable that someone will be inheriting a sword that he would much rather not.

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Title: The King's Summons · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor · ID: 1392
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-05 03:09:53
Oh, I love this, Liz! Poor Beregond! Although there is clearly a familiarity and a history between them, the first thing he does is incur a scowl from Legolas for scaring off the wildlife -- such a city slicker! Then, as soon as he delivers part of the message, Legolas runs off -- the confounded Elf won't stay still to hear the rest! (I can just imagine Beregond sharing some of Gimli's fabled annoyance with Legolas at that point.) My favorite point is the "most un-elven whoop" -- that is brilliant! Then, Beregond is left in Legolas' dust.... LOL! So funny!

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Title: Earth · Author: Jeodo Brandybuck · Races/Places: Hobbits: Pre-War of the Ring · ID: 320
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 03:12:30
I enjoyed reading about all the shenanigans at the festival - particularly the well-greased tug-of-war team. The way they all worked as a team to get Sam his cider-press was great. And I appreciated Freddy's realisation that accumulating cash without resorting to family wealth was a difficult endeavour!
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Title: Brotherly Love · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Drabble · ID: 1393
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-05 03:23:50
Ah, the poor nanny is already no match for the strength and speed -- and the
lack of concern for protocol -- of a five-year-old! I can just see her,
struggling to maintain control over the whirlwind.

It is clear that she had developed a strong attachment to Boromir, which tinges
this reminiscence with sadness. The phrase "restless blur of rich velvets" says
so much -- his child-like activity, his wealth and station, and the encroaching
fuzziness of distant memories. The last line is touching and terribly sad,
knowing what we and she do.

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Title: New Home · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Ithilien Drabble · ID: 20
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-05 03:43:07
It looks like the building of the Emyn Arnen headquarters is well under way, if Beregond's captain's quarters are ready. But beyond being captain, Beregond is also a father -- and boy, is Bergil a kid, hoping that the school isn't yet established! LOL! But Beregond's concerns are allayed when Bergil finds another boy, and decides to run around with him rather than tipping him on his head. A nice capsule of a parent's concerns when moving to a new town, and I like the hopeful -- and relieved -- ending.

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Title: Gathering of the Grey Company · Author: Leaward · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Grey Company · ID: 171
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-05 04:54:37
This is a powerful story, somber in tone and urgent in pace, its style perfectly suited to the scene it depicts.

It’s nice to see Halbarad get some attention; he has always struck me as one of those unsung heroes who quietly did his duty and died in the process…the typical lot of a standard-bearer. His steadfast courage and nobility are most clearly seen near the story’s conclusion, as he shakes off a flicker of doubt: “There is no place for such thoughts. I shall see him crowned or I shall die trying.”

Leaward’s research and knowledge of canon infuses her writing here, even when not overt. An excellent gapfiller.

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Title: Ad Sum · Author: Dwimordene · Races/Places: Gondor: Original Characters · ID: 693
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2005-09-05 07:29:42
I am reading this the Monday after Katrina and would like to thank you, Dwim, for giving us a woman of such beauty and dignity for such a task. That she performs this necessary duty with such compassion gives me hope those in our own age who will be doing the same, today. I bless them in the name of your charwoman, and all others through history who have had to do set their hands to this as well.

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Title: Mae Govannen · Author: Azalais · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble · ID: 148
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 08:43:31
This lovely piece catches Aragorn's thoughts at the Ford in language which echoes Tolkien's poetry and formality. It sounds like Aragorn, not some cut-rate twenty-first century subsititute. Excellent.
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Title: Replacements · Author: Meril · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General Drabble · ID: 486
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 08:47:43
A view of Arwen from a very different angle, this drabble has Lothirel considering the changes in her new Queen's life. Like all the best drabbles, it has me seeing with a new eye, and suddently interested in possibilities I'd never considered.
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Title: Foreign Customs · Author: Elvenesse · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor Drabble · ID: 329
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 08:50:20
The vivid image of the birth waters flooding Arwen's skirt gives this drabble power to match Aragorn's stubborness in staying with his wife.
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Title: Trust · Author: Leah Beth · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: The Shire · ID: 1228
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 08:55:32
Oh, I do like this. You've got some wonderful details in there, about things like Rosie's reading ability and the way that Mrs. Cotton is reacting to the news. And such a strong, confident Rosie! I'm glad I found this lovely gapfiller.
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Title: Sam's Lament · Author: shirelinghpc · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Poetry · ID: 1117
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 09:27:03
Oh, I do like this. This poem has a Sam who is sorrowful, but who also accepts the need for Frodo to go across the sea to be healed.
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Title: Rules for writing Arda Immortals · Author: Philosopher at Large · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 1149
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 09:32:02
Silly, but fun. This list of admonitions reminds me somewhat of Rudyard Kipling's "If."
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Title: Pippin's Patent Remedies · Author: Llinos/Melilot Hill CoAuthors · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 1164
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 09:38:43
This enjoyable story has crossed my path before, and I enjoyed it then, too. I think that Pippin's remedy for a headache, in the first chapter, might actually work. But the remedy for a broken heart... Ah, no, I agree with Gimli. The cure is worse than the disease!
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Title: What the Red Book May Hold · Author: MagicalRachel · Genres: Movie-verse: Vignette · ID: 1347
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 09:44:41
Aww... This is lovely and angsty and sweet, too, neatly turning the movie ending to something nearer the book.
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Title: Silence In The Night · Author: Piplover (aka Pipfan) · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Post-Ring War · ID: 812
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 09:54:40
Merry, after a nightmare, is sure that Pippin is dead, and Pippin must come to help him, and in so doing rediscovers a joy in music which he had thought tainted forever by that interlude with Denethor.

This is a beautiful piece, where both Merry and Pippin feel in character and where the other members of the Fellowship are nearby, even if they're not central to the action. And I particularly liked Pippin's thoughts as he stands sentry duty.

<blockquote>"Once, before all the horrible things in the world had decided to introduce themselves to him on a first name basis, he would have found it easy to distract himself. "</blockquote>
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Title: Purple Prose · Author: Aratlithiel · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 977
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 10:01:27
This humorous story has the four Travellers discussing the er... accuracy of the dialogue in the Red Book. It's quite rude, but great fun and as a bonus it has a marvellous Rosie to come in and discomfort them!
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Title: Disturber of the Peace · Author: Marta · Genres: Movie-verse: Vignette · ID: 937
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 10:03:49
This is a nice look at the movie version of Gandalf's entry into the Shire from his point of view. I get the feeling he's rather pleased with being a "disturber of the peace"!
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Title: Wine, Women, Song... and Gimli · Author: Suzene Campos · Genres: Humor: Elves · ID: 528
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 10:31:51
This is very amusing. I enjoyed seeing Gimli swept off his feet by Legolas's sister - and I enjoyed even more seeing Thranduil's relief as his son declared the dwarf was his brother. But best of all was Thranduil's response to Marade's telling point - either way, Gimli is now a son to the Elvenking. Most enjoyable.
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Title: Rites Of Passage · Author: Willow-wode · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Incomplete · ID: 700
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 10:32:54
I've been following this story with great interest, and am eagerly awaiting any new installments which might appear. One of its many virtues (besides the heat of certain installments) is a carefully thought out society for the Shire. Bilbo shines here, being the one adult with the background to understand just what the complications are from the choices which were made before Frodo was even born. But it is the rest of the hobbits, taken from the leaves of the family trees and breathed into magnificent life, who give this richly drawn tale much of its power.
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Title: Important Choices · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 879
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 10:34:33
Merry is such a dandy! Pippin's advice is so amusing from a natural born scruff. But a natural born scruff with three older sisters! That hobbit has hidden depths. Love it.
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Title: Wagers In Rivendell · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 1233
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 10:37:00
Poor Legolas. Centuries of being an elven warrior has not prepared him for exposure to hobbits. Especially not Pippin. And he has the joy of knowing that the elven part of the audience really will remember the incident for ever. These are all so good: they have the inevitability of a good fairytale.

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Title: The Mark of a... Warrior? · Author: Ariel · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Humor · ID: 133
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 10:42:52
Oh dear! You have observed far too many men! (True though. And most amusing.)
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Title: The Barrenness of Stone · Author: Lyllyn · Books/Time: The Silmarillion: Gondolin · ID: 468
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-09-05 10:45:46
In this piece, Lyllyn makes us feel strongly the tension between Sindar and Noldor: between those who take pleasure in things of nature and those who delight in things of craft. She also makes good use of the complex matrix of writings about Gondolin and the eagles -- I was fascinated to learn Morgoth tried to torture them for the secret of flight -- and presents an engaging portrait of both Thorondor and Glorfindel. The child’s voice was well captured, giving us a mixture of pride, defiance and bravery coupled with longing and inexperience.
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Title: Mistress Gilraen · Author: AfterEver · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural · ID: 65
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 10:49:33
Poor Gilraen. It was a brave offer to make in order to safeguard her son. But doubtless a relief (in spite of the embarrassment of rejection) to find it was out of place. It must have been very hard for her to understand the motivation of a race working to totally different priorities. I like both your Gilraen and your Elrond - and between them they do a good parenting job of their son.
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Title: A Chance Conversation · Author: Songspinner · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Vignette · ID: 804
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 10:57:13
This is a lovely story. Landroval is a very impressive conversationalist - and remarkably wise on the subject of fledglings. His words - that there are many ways to fly - are very perceptive and his insight into young Peregrin's personality seems to be - well - eagle-eyed.
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Title: While the Ring Went South... · Author: Thundera Tiger · Books/Time: Gap-Filler · ID: 33
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:45:47
There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. TT has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

Now to the specifics. One of my favourite lines and moments in the tale is this, toward the end:

""How deep will you sink in this snow?" Legolas asked curiously, speaking as though this was an abstract concept to be studied at leisure."

OK, so, how Elven is THAT??? (grin) And the concept of Galadriel enjoying deconstructing all the disparate members of the Fellowship... I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples.

Thank you, TT, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: The Day After · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Post-War of the Ring · ID: 197
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:38:24
There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. Thundera Tiger has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

Now to the specifics. Thundera Tiger always writes gorgeously, but this particular tale twisted my gut (in a good way!) and just about broke my heart. Getting inside Gimli's head is not something I've had much chance to do myself.... so it was interesting to journey there with her. His observations of Legolas are like field notes from an anthropologist... but one who has come to love his subjects. One of my favourite lines and moments in the tale is this, the very last:

"Sensing my gaze, he turns to me, and the first rays of the sun reflect upon immortal eyes that are weary and pained. "It will be a trying day, my friend," he murmurs. "Already the very minutes seem long."

And I turn my head away so that he will not see my tears."

GAH, that is brilliant...

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples.

Thank you, Thundera Tiger, for this lovely and memorable piece of work!
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Title: Celeborn's Choice · Author: alex_cat_45 · Books/Time: The Silmarillion: Second Age · ID: 1002
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:54:34
This tale strikes me as both lovely and terribly sad.... The characterizations here are lovely. Alex has a great eye for such details, and she uses language skillfully...

The concept of Celeborn captivated by both of these lovely Noldor is engaging, and I loved the bit at the end where he prays every night for those two things.... *sob!*

Thank you, Alex, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: The Sweetest Harvest · Author: alex_cat_45 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Elves · ID: 1001
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:55:57
Ai, what a sweet tale... I can just picture the whole scene, the sweetness of it, the picture of each Elf as Elrond considers how and why he loves them.... a sweet harvest indeed! Thank you for this tale!
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Title: The Paths of the Dead · Author: alex_cat_45 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Grey Company · ID: 999
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:57:09
This is one of those stories that sticks in the mind, that just kind of stays with you and walks around with you for a while. And gives you good shivers. I have to admit it made me cry too....

Thanks, Alex. Lovely piece of work....
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Title: Tangled Web · Author: daw the minstrel · Books/Time: The Hobbit · ID: 151
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:00:21
daw, please forgive me for cutting and pasting.... I wanted to make sure I got everything reviewed if I could possibly do so....

I love all your stories, as I hope you know, and this is no exception. My favourite line: (or one of them anyway):

And then Legolas could contain himself no longer. He leaned into his brother’s arms and wept and knew that, in his embrace, Eilian too was crying.

Why my favourite? Because by then I was sobbing too... :-) Thank you for this wonderful story and for all your stories!!
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Title: The Tide of Times · Author: daw the minstrel · Books/Time: The Hobbit · ID: 681
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:04:16
daw, please forgive me for cutting and pasting.... I wanted to make sure I got everything reviewed if I could possibly do so.... I love all your stories, as I hope you know, and this is no exception. My favourite line: (or one of them anyway):

The child was ready for this moment, Thranduil thought in amused dismay, but he was not sure he was.

Why my favourite? Because I'm a mother with a son who has come of age, and I have memories like this all the time....

The whole coming of age sequence was just stunningly lovely. Thank you!! :-) Thank you for this wonderful story and for all your stories!!
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Title: A Question of Duty · Author: daw the minstrel · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Elves · ID: 152
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:10:51
There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. But the part that sticks out is the confrontation in the final chapter, between Beliond and Legolas over the letter to Thranduil and whether Legolas should go. SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: Spring Awakenings · Author: daw the minstrel · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Elves · ID: 153
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:21:27
Here I am cutting and pasting again.... There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. But the part that sticks out is the whole part about the celebration of Eilian and Celuwen's binding. Poor Solith, whottagit.... heh... SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: Glorious Summer · Author: daw the minstrel · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Mirkwood · ID: 154
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:26:04
Cutting and pasting away, here we go again.... There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. But the part that sticks out for me is the tension in the patrol scenes, as Legolas tries to work out the difficulties of life as a warrior. Losing his temper, being afraid, trying to stay calm, to keep everything moving and keep people safe... OH! And the part where Celuwen's family was in danger... OMG that was so tense and excellent.... but I'm glad everyone was mostly all right. SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: Tolkien and the Problem of Characterisation: Eowyn and Arwen · Author: Fionnabhair Nic Aillil · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 351
Reviewer: ponypetter · 2005-09-05 13:26:07
This was a wonderfully frank treatment of women and characterization in Tolkien's work. As one who actually read the appendices out of order (by flipping through the maps and appendices when I got to a slow point in the story), I actually read Arwen's foregrounding just after she was introduced. As I reached the end, her marriage to Aragorn was more thoroughly explained to me, and at the time, I accepted it as believable.

My reaction had I not read the appendices early would have probably been something along the lines of: "What?!" I had never truly considered the ridiculously sparse attention Arwen recieves in the novel proper. However, her treatment and character in fanfiction tends to be far more developed (in my experience), and this adds to my ability to forget that while Tolkien's work may have given her some history, it gives her little or no personality. Who is she? Why exactly does she love Aragorn? These questions are only answered in the reader's (or fanfic writer's) imagination.
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Title: The Warrior · Author: daw the minstrel · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Mirkwood · ID: 155
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:27:28
Here I am cutting and pasting again.... There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. But the parts that stick out for me are the battle scenes. I know how hard those are to write.... and you did SUCH a good job! SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: Sacrifice Under Shadow · Author: daw the minstrel · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Mirkwood · ID: 1319
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:30:44
Here I am cutting and pasting again.... There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. But the most riveting part was Legolas and Eilian in the cave, with Eilian's condition making him docile and obedient, and Legolas worrying over that... so lovely and yet so harrowing, and SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: A Spring of Joy · Author: daw the minstrel · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Mirkwood · ID: 1320
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:35:18
Here I am cutting and pasting again.... There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. But the part that sticks out is loss of a beloved one... what can one say about the story in which the adorable Sinnarn DIES!?!??? Oh Gods.... I know these things have to happen, but sheesh.... this one hurt, and I would imagine it was tough to write as well. But it is SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: Time's Turnings · Author: daw the minstrel · Races/Places: Elves: Mirkwood · ID: 156
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:37:07
Here I am cutting and pasting again.... There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. But the part that gets me the most is that prat Tinar... I always giggle at the part where he is bragging about his wife loving to do things for him like mending his leggings, and Eilian says she loves to sew them shut.... LOL!!!! SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: Creature of Fire · Author: daw the minstrel · Races/Places: Elves: Mirkwood · ID: 1218
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:40:08
Cutting and pasting, here we go again.... There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year. But I adore daw's work....

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. this story has so many things to recommend it: seeing a canon situation from a new perspective (Smaug etc), excellent writing and characterization as always--and a tragic Legomance that we could have seen coming if we'd paid attention, but OH GOD it still hurts to see it.... Legolas's grief is so realistic, so perfectly sad and realistic, that it is not possible to read through this tale at any point without crying. But that's a GOOD thing! SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work! And for ALL your stuff!!!
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Title: The Last Stand · Author: Soledad · Races/Places: Villains: Orcs · ID: 76
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:48:57
There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. Soledad is one of the few writers I know who could carry off a story like this. She has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... the conceptual things she brings out are thought-provoking and strong, and it is really quite scary to consider how close the Elves and the Uruks/Orcs are.... seeing familiar beloved canon characters through a new lens is also a strong point of this tale. Eomer and Ugluk duking it out toward the end is a fascinating study...

I could go on forever. But the part that sticks out is this in the challenge fight:

“but a challenge is a matter of honour, Éothain. It cannot go unanswered.”

Just wonderful.... so Eomer, and so like Ugluk to issue such a thing. Thank you, soledad, for this riveting piece of work!
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Title: Opening Doors · Author: Adina ATL · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural · ID: 359
Reviewer: ponypetter · 2005-09-05 13:50:36
It is wonderful how little snippets of backstory for Narvi's character are wound into this piece. That Narvi and Celebrimbor speak so frankly with one another and bicker shows that they have been working together for a while, and seem to have an understanding between them. Their conversation over dinner shows that they have come to know each other in a work environment. Like most of us, they come to realize they do not know as much *about* each other as they think.
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Title: Home Cooking Hobbit-Stlye · Author: Budgielover · Races/Places: Hobbits: War of the Ring · ID: 175
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-09-05 14:02:02
This is a cute one. One of several pieces the author has written focusing on the time Frodo was recovering in Rivendell, this one is charmingly short and the point well taken. A sweet read.
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Title: Once in a Fair Green Country · Author: Space Weavil · Books/Time: The Silmarillion · ID: 157
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-09-05 14:08:30
I don't usually read stuff that doesn't have hobbits in it, but I adore romances, especially unrequited ones. I always like to play matchmaker with the fellowship, but, apparently unlike most of the fans, I prefer to find them a nice girl. ;) I guess because that's the type of relationship that I can relate to and, if the author is skilled enough, I can be drawn into the story. That's the real fun of fiction for me, and here SW has done just that very delightfully with this story.

She presents Olorin so realistically - he is a Maia, but he is also an innocent, smitten by love for the very first time. You feel for him and understand perfectly the ache of one who loves and yet can't. Space Weavil so skillfully weaves her tale that it twists the heart without you even being aware that you are reading a story - you ARE with them; Elrond and Gandalf in ME and Olorin, the whisper of spirit, falling in love and yet unable to speak. It is a delightful story and one that is deserving of as much praise as it can get.
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Title: Cursed Queen of Angmar · Author: khazar_khum · Races/Places: Villains: Nazgul · ID: 450
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-09-05 14:51:00
Finally, a moment to review this story!

When fanfic writers look down at original female characters and complain that they simply can't be written in such a way that makes them interesting, I haughtily direct them to this story. I've always believed that any character or situation can be written well, as long as the author has the skill, and those who say it can't be done are lacking either talent or drive. This fic is one that proves me right. And brilliantly.

It is a wonderful example of a well defined original character, clearly developed environment/setting and the believable presentation of a canon character. The author truly makes the Witch King come alive and, if possible, makes him sexy! She also takes care and pays attention to detail so that the story is well edited and clear with few annoying typos. There are no lines that make my inner editor want to fix them and that is SOOO refreshing.

My only criticism is about this story's ending. The last few chapters seemed to take a long time to be published and it felt like the author wasn't sure what else to do with her characters. It felt like she had gotten tired of the whole thing and was quickly tying up her looser ends so that she could call it finished. I was left wanting to know how Ariashal ended her days, how her children fared and how she died. It seemed the author had been building up to some last confrontation between Sauron and the Witch King - one canon suggests he lost, but at the end decided she just didn't want to finish it. I can't fault her for that. It is just fanfiction; by its definition, an inconsequential hobby, but I couldn't deny wanting more. I hope she does go on to write original fiction. If this work is an example of what she can do for the heck of it, I'd definitely read something she wrote professionally.

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Title: The Hound Of The Bagginses · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 766
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-09-05 15:02:48
I haven't read nearly as much of this author's work as I would like and will undoubtedly read more, but I wanted to give her credit for this cute little piece. When I read it, it was desperately in need of a beta, but the cleverness and humor of the story came clearly through anyway. This is a classical fanfic - amateur, but so full of love and enthusiasm that it's infectious - and a very amusing read too. Thank you Grey Wonderer!
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Title: All's Fair · Author: Inkling · Races/Places: Hobbits: Pre-War of the Ring · ID: 1113
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-09-05 15:18:15
Oh, I have to review this one.

I am not sure if I like this story as much as I liked 'Terror of Buckland', but like that previous story, this one has a wealth of great, well rounded and believable characters that really fill out the story. I really loved Frodo in it, disliked but pitied Hyacinth, really despised Hortensia and wanted to knock Coronel's teeth down his throat. What a jerk! The author draws these emotions from me very organically, from the telling of the tale and not with affected, contrived situations. She's also incorporated information she knows about dancing and slips the idea of the waltz into Shire life very convincingly. She may think that such details are only interesting to her, but I definitely appreciated the depth and realism that it lent to the story. It isn't that I find the history of dance all that interesting, but because there IS a real history there, it adds another, deeper layer to her story. In a small way, it's a strong framework over which to build the story. I desperately wish MORE fanfic authors did this! The axiom 'write what you know' is so often completely ignored by fanficcers (and many fantasy/scifi writers, actually) and I can't think of anything that adds more depth and/or interest to a story!

If you enjoy meaningful prequest fics that have some 'meat' to the story and yet still result in a character that you can see 'book Frodo' developing into someday, then consider reading this fic.

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Title: One Breath · Author: M. Sebasky · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Vignette · ID: 472
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-09-05 15:28:57
I liked this little piece when I first read it and will enjoy reviewing it here. Masterfully written, impact driven and even sensual, I found this work more memorable than most of the 'elf fics' I read. I don't know if this review is going to win you anything, but when someone writes as well as you can, the next step is to go and get your stuff out there. You've practiced enough. You can write. Now, go do it.
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Title: The Courtship of Samwise Gamgee · Author: Lindelea · Races/Places: Hobbits: Poetry · ID: 463
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-05 17:42:50
The many-talented Lindelea never ceases to amaze me…not only is she a terrific (and prolific) storyteller and an impeccable wordsmith, but she composes lovely songs too! It’s enough to make a person feel downright inadequate…

This particular song is delightful…but be forewarned if you click on the music link. Lin has said that the tune is an “ear-worm”…it will burrow into your brain and refuse to leave. In fact, I can hear it now!

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Title: The Ballad of Isildur and Elendil · Author: Lindelea · Races/Places: Gondor: Poetry · ID: 460
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-05 17:46:20
Very interesting idea...the lullaby of a country under the Shadow. One would hope the lullabies became happier in later years!

If you liked this song, be sure to check out Lin’s entire “Shire Songbook.” The songs are all wonderful, and so very *right* for hobbits!



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Title: The trouble with Jam · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 882
Reviewer: pearltook1 · 2005-09-05 18:32:44
A joy! A pleasure! What could be better than little Pippin on a quest? This story will ring true to everyone who remembers being a child, and even more so to we short adults. Little Pippin is clever in his quest to obtain a jar of jam from the fith shelf of the overhead cupboards in the kitchen of Brandy Hall. A servant thinks he has out smarted the lad, Bilbo thinks he has sent the lad off without a hassle, Merry and Freddy might ruin everything - but don't. And the ending is sublime! A wonderfully well written story.
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Title: Payment Put Off · Author: pippinfan88 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: War of the Ring · ID: 1038
Reviewer: pearltook1 · 2005-09-05 19:24:05
A touch of the Silmarillion in this story of a decision that Pippin has to make. This is a matter touched upon by other authors, but this story handles it better than many. What would bring about a change of mind in Peregrin Took as he faces the grey curtain of death?
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Title: Before I Go To Sleep · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Romance · ID: 869
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 19:57:58
Cuthalion is one of the rare authors who can create an original character -- even a love interest! -- and make you as interested in following the story about that character as you are in the characters you came to the fanfic for. And she combines this with the ability to write scenes that sizzle off the screen.

Lily, a midwife and healer, is a strong lady, and one whose love for Frodo gives her the understanding of when to hold on to him, and when to let him go. Powerful, and at times frightening, this story follows her from her youngest days and first glimpses of the Master of Bag End, through the horror of the times when the Shire was under Lotho's direction and Saruman's thumb, through the love and pain of Frodo's return and his next departure, and on to a lonely tower many years later.

Go on... read...
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Title: Sun on the Water · Author: Cuthalion · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Romance · ID: 971
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 20:04:03
Ah... Here are Faramir and Eowyn, free at last from terror and fear, and able to tease each other -- and love each other -- with a passion and joy that soothes the soul. I love this brief vignette, I truly do.
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Title: Fear no more · Author: Cuthalion · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gap-Filler · ID: 970
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 20:10:06
Professor Tolkien seemed to gift his favorite characters with visions, and here Cuthalion gifts one of my favorite characters, Faramir, with a powerful dream, one which is not only a message of loss, but a consolation and an assurance of healing.

As always, Cuthalion's strength lies in imagery that stays with you long after you've stopped reading.

<blockquote><i>And the bird rose from her hands, and its wings and body were of a flawless white, and it gave the cry of its kind, sharp and clear. It moved in circles, once, twice… then turned away and sailed on the wind, fast and weightless and triumphant.</i>
</blockquote>
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Title: To keep you from harm · Author: Cuthalion · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drama · ID: 912
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 20:13:55
Boromir, knowing of Faramir's dream, but seeing the way that Denethor disregards its importance, finds a way to try to use his father's love for him to fulfill his brother's needs.

I have to love this one, in part because it was written for me, but also because it takes a question I've had for a long time and expands on it with such grace and eloquence that I doubt I'll ever find a story which does so quite as well.
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Title: Making of Boys · Author: Dwimordene · Races/Places: Gondor: Houses of Healing · ID: 237
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 20:23:49
This story outlines the preparations of the Houses of Healing before the siege of Minas Tirith, told from Ioreth's point of view as she watches the boys who are being trained to run errands and perhaps, attempt to defend themselves at the last with daggers. It's a powerful, sober piece; well thought out in its details and drawing on ideas from sources which are (thank you!) cited at the end of the tale.

Well worth the read!
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Title: The Forest of Mirkwood · Author: Arandil · Genres: Crossovers: Poetry · ID: 121
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:41:08
*snork* An amusing blend of pastisches, though not quite a crossover.
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Title: An Unexpected Party · Author: Azalais · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 150
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:41:36
You can't help but love this story. If there's so much as a flicker of love for Tolkien's Middle-earth in the reader, this story will appeal on probably all possible levels. One always hesitates to write Tolkien himself as a character—I suppose we're all far too well-acquainted with the unhappy ways in which we can foul up the representation of our favorite characters to want to risk it with Tolkien himself, but Azalais pulls it off. She also manages to incorporate, in slightly altered form, several lines or snippets of lines from the books as Tolkien's actual thoughts—and it works! It doesn't feel stale, although the nostalgia factor is certainly ratcheted up quite a bit, thanks to the context. The atmosphere is just wonderful.

One of the things that makes this story feel right is that the Fellowship, despite being "real" for this time and space, are nevertheless fictional characters, and they themselves know this in a way. They have a sense of themselves as the subjects of stories—stories that Tolkien wrote, and which other fanwriters are writing (great quasi-slashy moment there, Az! That aside was terrific and tastefully done). Their gratitude, then, is all the sweeter, as if they've come to thank their father, without becoming themselves infantalized or rendered less than solid. Although I'm not sure I'd call this a crossover, "An Unexpected Party" is beautifully done. Thanks, Az!

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Title: Palantír · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Crossovers: Poetry · ID: 546
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:42:02
This is more like a filk to me, minus the obligatory musical accompaniment. It's a lovely adaptation, very chilling despite the imagery of flame and heat. Reading this, one imagines "Mirror" was made to be adapted to a palantir's point of view, with Denethor the inverse young woman.
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Title: Songs of Sorrow · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races/Places: Elves: Drabble · ID: 711
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-05 23:42:17
This is a stunning, emotionally powerful, and gripping series of vignettes, ranging from the First Age through the Fourth. Very nicely written!
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Title: Jerusalem · Author: Amarie · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 658
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:42:54
Ok, now *this* is a crossover, and a fairly daring one given the importance of the Gospel narrative to so many. I've read one other fic that puts Maglor and Christ in contact, which also had the end result of forgiveness and Maglor's death. The circumstances differ, however, in this story, as we get a much more intimate and detailed fictional account of one person's redemption through his association with Christ. Maglor the Martyr is one I hadn't really expected to see written, but I suppose it does fit in its way—the crown that goes with the gift of mortality he's been given.
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Title: The Queen and her Pussycats Went to Sea · Author: Fileg · Genres: Crossovers: Poetry · ID: 726
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:43:28
Oi, yes, this is a bizarre mix of child-like poetic narration and one of Middle-earth's more unpleasant characters, at least by reputation. Well done, and you'll be swaying along as you recite it, you will, oh you'll be swaying along, yes you will...
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Title: Water and Flame · Author: Marta · Genres: Crossovers: Poetry · ID: 966
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:43:55
Ooh, very apt! Denethor's bitter vision is chillingly articulated in this poem. It certainly fits the form of Frost's short verse, and Marta daringly expands to a second verse that fits very well stylistically. Again, I'd say this is more a filk than a crossover, but it's not like I'm complaining of the work itself: very well done!
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Title: Gimli and Boromir Strike Back · Author: Boromir Defender · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 1069
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:44:22
Amusing, with some interesting fourth wall breaches (deliberately, although some felt a bit shaky).
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Title: Magnetic Force · Author: Marnie · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 1097
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:44:59
This was a weird trip—and a wonderful one. The parapsychologist who finds out it really is real... and there's a price on that knowledge in the world she had left to find (unexpectedly, beyond all imagining) Elfland. Marnie even manages to make English fit the Elves by using Tolkien's linguist's background to good end. And of course, it would be Celeborn who would greet our intrepid journalist. The journey under the hill and the terror and wrenching loss of returning from it—that works beautifully. The journalist device feels a bit more unstable to me, although as a "tactical" device, allowing for certain ways of telling the story you couldn't manage as easily otherwise, it works well enough. In any case, another well done story from Marnie!
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Title: Voices of the Forgotten · Author: jen_loves_elves · Races/Places: Gondor: Drabble · ID: 435
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-06 00:11:31
I really enjoyed this series, especially the distinct voices each anonymous woman had. Very nicely written!
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Title: Truth Be Told · Author: pearltook1 · Races/Places: Gondor · ID: 852
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-06 00:30:17
Poor Faramir. That must have been one hard story to hear. The character I always feel for is Beregond, though. He, in a way, is the one who risked the most - and had the longest to worry about the consequences. And the non-characters I feel for are the door warden and Denethor's servants - who were only doing their jobs when they were killed. I like Pippin's adoption of Faramir because he is Boromir's brother.
-----------------------------------

End

We haven't been posting Final Author Reviews to this group until now. So, this first time, it will take a couple posts. There are 280 as of this morning.

Author: amebrindra · ID: 138 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: Legorfilinde · 2005-06-19 21:05:32


It has been said that some writers torture their characters and some torture their readers. Amebrindra certainly falls into the latter category. The intensity of her emotional writing sweeps you up into the drama of her characters' lives and before you even realize what has happened, you feel their pain, their agony, their love, their joy and their deepest, darkest hidden thoughts. She has the ability to make her characters come alive with a reality that is staggering. They seem so real in fact that you might believe they lived right next door and that you have known them all your life. Her very talented, imaginative and creative writing gives you insight into the thoughts, emotions and personality of each player in her story; even minor characters are vibrant and memorable. The story she weaves is addictive. She will make you cry and leave you begging for more. If you have not read anything Amebrindra has written, you must make it a point to read one of her stories; or better yet, her complete story arc. You will not be disappointed. What are you waiting for? Go read...
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Author: tyellas · ID: 155 · Races/Places: Elves (66): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 15:53:32
Tyellas has a real skill for world-building that I have only seen even approached by one other writer: Zimraphel. And that's a good thing because she writes the First and Second Age, where realistic world-building is so important. What's more than that, though, I have yet to see Tyellas try to write a genre where she has not completely blown me away. I laugh until it hurts at her humour, sit up straight and take notice at her drama, am aroused by her moments of romance.

The thing that truly astounds me, though, is that when I read about a certain character I come away knowing about much more than that particular character. Take "Magweth Pengolod" for instance. Soup makes a comment about how the apprentice down the street (who we never meet) is often beaten by his master, though Aelfwine never beats Soup. In this brief comment Tyellas conveys an incredible amount about the relationship between Numenorean apprentices and their masters. (I gather that Aelfwine and Soup are a little abnormal in this respect, because of Aelfwine's age and lameness.) For these reasons and many others, I always find Tyellas' works incredibly absorbing and always a good read.
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Author: tyellas · ID: 155 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 16:00:04
Tyellas has a real skill for world-building that I have only seen even approached by one other writer: Zimraphel. And that's a good thing because she writes the First and Second Age, where realistic world-building is so important. What's more than that, though, I have yet to see Tyellas try to write a genre where she has not completely blown me away. I laugh until it hurts at her humour, sit up straight and take notice at her drama, am aroused by her moments of romance.

The thing that truly astounds me, though, is that when I read about a certain character I come away knowing about much more than that particular character. Take "Magweth Pengolod" for instance. Soup makes a comment about how the apprentice down the street (who we never meet) is often beaten by his master, though Aelfwine never beats Soup. In this brief comment Tyellas conveys an incredible amount about the relationship between Numenorean apprentices and their masters. (I gather that Aelfwine and Soup are a little abnormal in this respect, because of Aelfwine's age and lameness.) For these reasons and many others, I always find Tyellas' works incredibly absorbing and always a good read.
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Author: tyellas · ID: 155 · Books/Time: The Silmarillion (67): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 16:08:56
Tyellas has a real skill for world-building that I have only seen even approached by one other writer: Zimraphel. And that's a good thing because she writes the First and Second Age, where realistic world-building is so important. What's more than that, though, I have yet to see Tyellas try to write a genre where she has not completely blown me away. I laugh until it hurts at her humour, sit up straight and take notice at her drama, am aroused by her moments of romance.

The thing that truly astounds me, though, is that when I read about a certain character I come away knowing about much more than that particular character. Take "Magweth Pengolod" for instance. Soup makes a comment about how the apprentice down the street (who we never meet) is often beaten by his master, though Aelfwine never beats Soup. In this brief comment Tyellas conveys an incredible amount about the relationship between Numenorean apprentices and their masters. (I gather that Aelfwine and Soup are a little abnormal in this respect, because of Aelfwine's age and lameness.) For these reasons and many others, I always find Tyellas' works incredibly absorbing and always a good read.
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Author: tyellas · ID: 155 · Genres: Non-Fiction (23): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 16:11:27
Tyellas has a real skill for world-building that I have only seen even approached by one other writer: Zimraphel. And that's a good thing because she writes the First and Second Age, where realistic world-building is so important. What's more than that, though, I have yet to see Tyellas try to write a genre where she has not completely blown me away. I laugh until it hurts at her humour, sit up straight and take notice at her drama, am aroused by her moments of romance.

The thing that truly astounds me, though, is that when I read about a certain character I come away knowing about much more than that particular character. Take "Magweth Pengolod" for instance. Soup makes a comment about how the apprentice down the street (who we never meet) is often beaten by his master, though Aelfwine never beats Soup. In this brief comment Tyellas conveys an incredible amount about the relationship between Numenorean apprentices and their masters. (I gather that Aelfwine and Soup are a little abnormal in this respect, because of Aelfwine's age and lameness.) For these reasons and many others, I always find Tyellas' works incredibly absorbing and always a good read.
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Author: tyellas · ID: 155 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 16:14:53
Tyellas has a real skill for world-building that I have only seen even approached by one other writer: Zimraphel. And that's a good thing because she writes the First and Second Age, where realistic world-building is so important. What's more than that, though, I have yet to see Tyellas try to write a genre where she has not completely blown me away. I laugh until it hurts at her humour, sit up straight and take notice at her drama, am aroused by her moments of romance.

The thing that truly astounds me, though, is that when I read about a certain character I come away knowing about much more than that particular character. Take "Magweth Pengolod" for instance. Soup makes a comment about how the apprentice down the street (who we never meet) is often beaten by his master, though Aelfwine never beats Soup. In this brief comment Tyellas conveys an incredible amount about the relationship between Numenorean apprentices and their masters. (I gather that Aelfwine and Soup are a little abnormal in this respect, because of Aelfwine's age and lameness.) For these reasons and many others, I always find Tyellas' works incredibly absorbing and always a good read.
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Author: AngelsFall · ID: 353 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 18:50:54
I think "Of Elvish Equitation and the High King's Horse" is the first piece I've read by this author (I may have read one other, but I think I may be confusing AngelsFall and AngelQueen). She has a strong sense of style and comedic timing, and I am left wanting to go find more of her stuff.
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Author: Tom Fairbairn · ID: 371 · Genres: Adventure (13): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 19:14:19
Tom Fairbairn does a particularly good job of portraying how non-hobbits relate to hobbits. He's one of those authors who I would like to read more of his stories.
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Author: Tom Fairbairn · ID: 371 · Genres: Movie-verse (21): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 19:18:55
Tom Fairbairn does a particularly good job of portraying how non-hobbits relate to hobbits. He's one of those authors who I would like to read more of his stories.
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Author: AngieT · ID: 458 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 19:59:30
AngieT is good at telling the quieter moments with hobbits. Her pieces are not quite fluff, but also far from angst. Most especially I like her skilla t characterisation, especially hobbits. Based on the two examples I have read here. I would say that I like her Merry best of all.
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Author: AngieT · ID: 458 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 20:04:23
AngieT is good at telling the quieter moments with hobbits. Her pieces are not quite fluff, but also far from angst. Most especially I like her skilla t characterisation, especially hobbits. Based on the two examples I have read here. I would say that I like her Merry best of all.
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Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 21:24:14
There are many authors out there whose drabbles I admire. But Ann often takes my breath away because she rarely writes anything else. When I read a drabble, for example, about Gwynnyd's Aragorn, I am able to read Gwynnyd's longer stories about him to fill in a few of the grey spaces around the edge of the moment she has painted. The drabble can stand on its own without knowing the other works, but it suddenly becomes fuller. What amazes me about Ann is that she has almost as rich a world, without these longer pieces to draw from! This is a truly spectacular gift, and she uses it to good effect. I always look forward to seeing her drabble stories updated.
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Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races/Places: Gondor (79): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 21:25:45
There are many authors out there whose drabbles I admire. But Ann often takes my breath away because she rarely writes anything else. When I read a drabble, for example, about Gwynnyd's Aragorn, I am able to read Gwynnyd's longer stories about him to fill in a few of the grey spaces around the edge of the moment she has painted. The drabble can stand on its own without knowing the other works, but it suddenly becomes fuller. What amazes me about Ann is that she has almost as rich a world, without these longer pieces to draw from! This is a truly spectacular gift, and she uses it to good effect. I always look forward to seeing her drabble stories updated.
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Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111): Drabble
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 21:28:42
There are many authors out there whose drabbles I admire. But Ann often takes my breath away because she rarely writes anything else. When I read a drabble, for example, about Gwynnyd's Aragorn, I am able to read Gwynnyd's longer stories about him to fill in a few of the grey spaces around the edge of the moment she has painted. The drabble can stand on its own without knowing the other works, but it suddenly becomes fuller. What amazes me about Ann is that she has almost as rich a world, without these longer pieces to draw from! This is a truly spectacular gift, and she uses it to good effect. I always look forward to seeing her drabble stories updated.
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Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races/Places: Gondor (79): Drabble
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-03 21:37:17
There are many authors out there whose drabbles I admire. But Ann often takes my breath away because she rarely writes anything else. When I read a drabble, for example, about Gwynnyd's Aragorn, I am able to read Gwynnyd's longer stories about him to fill in a few of the grey spaces around the edge of the moment she has painted. The drabble can stand on its own without knowing the other works, but it suddenly becomes fuller. What amazes me about Ann is that she has almost as rich a world, without these longer pieces to draw from! This is a truly spectacular gift, and she uses it to good effect. I always look forward to seeing her drabble stories updated.
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Author: Anoriath · ID: 354 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-04 18:41:56
Anoriath is good at writing gap-fillers. In her works I see glimpses of her characters (original and canonical) going about relatively mundane day-to-day business, and I like what I have read by her.
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Author: Anoriath · ID: 354 · Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-04 18:43:15
Anoriath is good at writing gap-fillers. In her works I see glimpses of her characters (original and canonical) going about relatively mundane day-to-day business, and I like what I have read by her.
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Author: Anoriath · ID: 354 · Races/Places: Men (31): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-04 18:45:42
Anoriath is good at writing gap-fillers. In her works I see glimpses of her characters (original and canonical) going about relatively mundane day-to-day business, and I like what I have read by her.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Races/Places: Men (31): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:27:52
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Races/Places: Elves (66): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:28:51
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:29:52
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Genres: Movie-verse (21): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:31:12
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:32:07
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:33:07
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:34:32
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:36:27
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 21:37:18
Thundera has a real skill for writing those underdeveloped corners of canon. Northern Dúnedain Rangers. Dwarves. Animals. Elves in Mordor. Basically anything that Tolkien hinted at. She has a sense of humour that she brings to everyday life that "fills the corners" (to borrow a hobbity phrase) without overwhelming her stories, and it never, never seems inappropriate. I am yet to find a story of hers that I wasn't glad I read. Keep up the good work, Thundera! I'm always interested in reading more of your stuff.
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Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 23:32:25
There are many authors out there whose drabbles I admire. But Ann often takes my breath away because she rarely writes anything else. When I read a drabble, for example, about Gwynnyd's Aragorn, I am able to read Gwynnyd's longer stories about him to fill in a few of the grey spaces around the edge of the moment she has painted. The drabble can stand on its own without knowing the other works, but it suddenly becomes fuller. What amazes me about Ann is that she has almost as rich a world, without these longer pieces to draw from! This is a truly spectacular gift, and she uses it to good effect. I always look forward to seeing her drabble stories updated.
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Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Genres: Romance (72): Drabble
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-08 23:34:14
There are many authors out there whose drabbles I admire. But Ann often takes my breath away because she rarely writes anything else. When I read a drabble, for example, about Gwynnyd's Aragorn, I am able to read Gwynnyd's longer stories about him to fill in a few of the grey spaces around the edge of the moment she has painted. The drabble can stand on its own without knowing the other works, but it suddenly becomes fuller. What amazes me about Ann is that she has almost as rich a world, without these longer pieces to draw from! This is a truly spectacular gift, and she uses it to good effect. I always look forward to seeing her drabble stories updated.
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Author: thevina_finduilas · ID: 87 · Races/Places: Rohan (37): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-09 02:09:06
Thevina Finduilas has a real sense of humour in her stories. They're not humour, but there's usually a sense of humour (or perhaps just a strong sense of humanity) in all of her stories. It's not as wry as the humour I love in Thundera's story, but it's great fun. Beyond that, she probably writes the best characterisation of dwarves, and consistently, of any other author I have read.
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Author: thevina_finduilas · ID: 87 · Races/Places: Gondor (79): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-09 02:09:55
Thevina Finduilas has a real sense of humour in her stories. They're not humour, but there's usually a sense of humour (or perhaps just a strong sense of humanity) in all of her stories. It's not as wry as the humour I love in Thundera's story, but it's great fun. Beyond that, she probably writes the best characterisation of dwarves, and consistently, of any other author I have read.
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Author: thevina_finduilas · ID: 87 · Races/Places: Dwarves (13): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-09 02:10:51
Thevina Finduilas has a real sense of humour in her stories. They're not humour, but there's usually a sense of humour (or perhaps just a strong sense of humanity) in all of her stories. It's not as wry as the humour I love in Thundera's story, but it's great fun. Beyond that, she probably writes the best characterisation of dwarves, and consistently, of any other author I have read.
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Author: thevina_finduilas · ID: 87 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-09 02:13:11
Thevina Finduilas has a real sense of humour in her stories. They're not humour, but there's usually a sense of humour (or perhaps just a strong sense of humanity) in all of her stories. It's not as wry as the humour I love in Thundera's story, but it's great fun. Beyond that, she probably writes the best characterisation of dwarves, and consistently, of any other author I have read.
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Author: thevina_finduilas · ID: 87 · Genres: Humor (85): Poem
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-09 02:13:58
Thevina Finduilas has a real sense of humour in her stories. They're not humour, but there's usually a sense of humour (or perhaps just a strong sense of humanity) in all of her stories. It's not as wry as the humour I love in Thundera's story, but it's great fun. Beyond that, she probably writes the best characterisation of dwarves, and consistently, of any other author I have read.
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Author: thevina_finduilas · ID: 87 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-07-09 02:15:04
Thevina Finduilas has a real sense of humour in her stories. They're not humour, but there's usually a sense of humour (or perhaps just a strong sense of humanity) in all of her stories. It's not as wry as the humour I love in Thundera's story, but it's great fun. Beyond that, she probably writes the best characterisation of dwarves, and consistently, of any other author I have read.
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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Sivan Shemesh · 2005-07-10 08:37:30
This story forever remain in my heart as my mind, as god, you have so much powerful in your writing, and you make me cry.

It is damn good writing, as I love your story.

Sivan Shemesh
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Drabble
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2005-07-13 16:48:00
This is great - everything a drabble should be: simple, clear, detailing a simple event, and creating a world and ideas much larger than that. I liked the ending especially, how the author includes Elrond's concern without his ever voicing it.
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): Drabble
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2005-07-13 16:49:39
This is very nice. I can really see Merry taking a moment out from the party for a little quiet reflection, seeing first the somber and then the joyful, with a little chuckle for his friends.
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Races/Places: Villains (31): Drabble
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2005-07-13 16:53:57
Wow! This is terrrific ... I continue to be awed by those who can make so little out of so much; not just the 100 word form, but these tiny textual nuggets as well. From that brief mention the author has created an entire world, an entire people who give praise to Sauron, are subject to taxes and conscription. By giving us this glimpse of the enemy, the author has created something noble and surprising.
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:31:04

Elena Tiriel has a unique voice, greatly under-appreciated and greatly underused. Her work is fun and quirky, - sometimes subtle, sometimes not, but always insightful. Her drama is tender, her humor pointed and her horror conveys delicious shivers up the spine. I would love to see more of her work, an author with her skill always leaves readers, especially this reader, hungry for more.
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:32:38

Elena Tiriel has a unique voice, greatly under-appreciated and greatly underused. Her work is fun and quirky, - sometimes subtle, sometimes not, but always insightful. Her drama is tender, her humor pointed and her horror conveys delicious shivers up the spine. I would love to see more of her work, an author with her skill always leaves readers, especially this reader, hungry for more.
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:33:22

Elena Tiriel has a unique voice, greatly under-appreciated and greatly underused. Her work is fun and quirky, - sometimes subtle, sometimes not, but always insightful. Her drama is tender, her humor pointed and her horror conveys delicious shivers up the spine. I would love to see more of her work, an author with her skill always leaves readers, especially this reader, hungry for more.
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Races/Places: Gondor (79): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:33:24

Elena Tiriel has a unique voice, greatly under-appreciated and greatly underused. Her work is fun and quirky, - sometimes subtle, sometimes not, but always insightful. Her drama is tender, her humor pointed and her horror conveys delicious shivers up the spine. I would love to see more of her work, an author with her skill always leaves readers, especially this reader, hungry for more.
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Races/Places: Villains (31): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:34:19

Elena Tiriel has a unique voice, greatly under-appreciated and greatly underused. Her work is fun and quirky, - sometimes subtle, sometimes not, but always insightful. Her drama is tender, her humor pointed and her horror conveys delicious shivers up the spine. I would love to see more of her work, an author with her skill always leaves readers, especially this reader, hungry for more.
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Author: Marnie · ID: 245 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:51:31
Marnie's Battle of the Golden Wood was the novel length work that hooked me on fanfiction. Surfing endless pages of - in my opinion, less than excellent works - I had almost lost hope of finding the quality reading I was looking for when I stumbled on her Celeborn. Her dedication to her work shows through in her consistency and attention to detail. Her skill is greatest in the depth of her brilliant characterization of individuals and races alike, and in her cleverly woven subplots that make the 'big picture' complete by the end of the story.
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Author: Marnie · ID: 245 · Genres: Crossovers (16): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:52:45
Marnie's Battle of the Golden Wood was the novel length work that hooked me on fanfiction. Surfing endless pages of - in my opinion, less than excellent works - I had almost lost hope of finding the quality reading I was looking for when I stumbled on her Celeborn. Her dedication to her work shows through in her consistency and attention to detail. Her skill is greatest in the depth of her brilliant characterization of individuals and races alike, and in her cleverly woven subplots that make the 'big picture' complete by the end of the story.
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Author: Marnie · ID: 245 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:53:56
Marnie's Battle of the Golden Wood was the novel length work that hooked me on fanfiction. Surfing endless pages of - in my opinion, less than excellent works - I had almost lost hope of finding the quality reading I was looking for when I stumbled on her Celeborn. Her dedication to her work shows through in her consistency and attention to detail. Her skill is greatest in the depth of her brilliant characterization of individuals and races alike, and in her cleverly woven subplots that make the 'big picture' complete by the end of the story.
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Author: Minuialeth · ID: 427 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 13:58:54
Minuialeth conveys extraordinary depth of insight in her writing, the
emotion and the underlying psychological trauma and conflict come
through strongly. I imagine that many readers, looking for fluff, will
pass this by - at their own great loss. I haven't read many writers,
either in fanfiction or professional, who convey so much complexity
through simplicity.

Minuialeth, - it's only my opinion, so take it for what it's worth,
but I believe you have a real gift. I am dismayed that this hasn't
been finished. I hope it means that you are working on other projects.
I strongly encourage you to continue writing, and especially continue
to pursue education in writing. Stay in touch, I miss hearing from
you. Sulriel.

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Author: Leaward · ID: 222 · Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-21 15:22:12
Leaward - ahh... ...what to say about Leaward? Little did I imagine, when I first encouraged her, what I would be unleashing. <ducking!> <I mean that in the BEST possible way!> From those first tentative steps - the mind-dulling, brick-wall pounding arguments about passive voice and the importance of the varying depths of detail, personal style versus learned skill, all that talk about knowing the rules before you break them. Am I claiming too much? I hope not, I certainly was not the only one involved, and my nudges this way or that certainly are no reflection or claim on her natural ability and her persistence in improving her skill, to the point that I depend on her critique in my own works. This is, of course, about her, not about me, but please indulge my perspective. It's been a fabulous whirlwind of a journey with no end in sight.

For what I've seen, the growth over the last couple of years - we all have some level of natural ability, creativity and the flow of thoughts into words, Leaward has taken those gifts and worked her happy ...ahh. .. 'tail' off in self-improvement. The study, the books, the classes - a lifetime of learning continues. ... imagine a smith in the armory, pouring the molten steel into the mold, but that's only the first step. The strength comes from the work, the endless folding and pounding and refolding. The strength of dedication in how Leaward has molded her work is clear for all to see in her stand-alones as well as in her series of Dunadan fan-fictions. The characterization is strong and consistent, her heroes are flawed and human in ways that we can identify with, we care about them and what they face. Her subplots are important to the main, the details and description well-used, not only as flavor, but as plotting. Even in a series of fan fictions featuring original characters, her canon is fanatically, dare I say "Historically" accurate, from both a real world and a Middle-earth perspective. While it's easy to join the crowd in reading each new chapter she posts online, I fear I'll have to break a few noses with my elbow in order to be first in line when she comes to town for a book-signing. Should she choose to go that route I have no doubt she'll be successful. -Sulriel (proud to be basking in the shadow!)
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Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Races/Places: Gondor (79): General
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2005-07-24 16:30:23
This was a wonderfully full story, from the details of gondorian life pre-war and more recently, that the soldier's family experienced loss similarly to the Steward's. A few inflated turns of phrase were a little distracting
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Author: Leaward · ID: 222 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-29 21:37:33
Leaward - ahh... ...what to say about Leaward? Little did I imagine, when I first encouraged her, what I would be unleashing. <ducking!> <I mean that in the BEST possible way!> From those first tentative steps - the mind-dulling, brick-wall pounding arguments about passive voice and the importance of the varying depths of detail, personal style versus learned skill, all that talk about knowing the rules before you break them. Am I claiming too much? I hope not, I certainly was not the only one involved, and my nudges this way or that certainly are no reflection or claim on her natural ability and her persistence in improving her skill, to the point that I depend on her critique in my own works. This is, of course, about her, not about me, but please indulge my perspective. It's been a fabulous whirlwind of a journey with no end in sight.

For what I've seen, the growth over the last couple of years - we all have some level of natural ability, creativity and the flow of thoughts into words, Leaward has taken those gifts and worked her happy ...ahh. .. 'tail' off in self-improvement. The study, the books, the classes - a lifetime of learning continues. ... imagine a smith in the armory, pouring the molten steel into the mold, but that's only the first step. The strength comes from the work, the endless folding and pounding and refolding. The strength of dedication in how Leaward has molded her work is clear for all to see in her stand-alones as well as in her series of Dunadan fan-fictions. The characterization is strong and consistent, her heroes are flawed and human in ways that we can identify with, we care about them and what they face. Her subplots are important to the main, the details and description well-used, not only as flavor, but as plotting. Even in a series of fan fictions featuring original characters, her canon is fanatically, dare I say "Historically" accurate, from both a real world and a Middle-earth perspective. While it's easy to join the crowd in reading each new chapter she posts online, I fear I'll have to break a few noses with my elbow in order to be first in line when she comes to town for a book-signing. Should she choose to go that route I have no doubt she'll be successful. -Sulriel (proud to be basking in the shadow!)
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Author: Leaward · ID: 222 · Races/Places: Men (31): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-07-29 21:38:22
Leaward - ahh... ...what to say about Leaward? Little did I imagine, when I first encouraged her, what I would be unleashing. <ducking!> <I mean that in the BEST possible way!> From those first tentative steps - the mind-dulling, brick-wall pounding arguments about passive voice and the importance of the varying depths of detail, personal style versus learned skill, all that talk about knowing the rules before you break them. Am I claiming too much? I hope not, I certainly was not the only one involved, and my nudges this way or that certainly are no reflection or claim on her natural ability and her persistence in improving her skill, to the point that I depend on her critique in my own works. This is, of course, about her, not about me, but please indulge my perspective. It's been a fabulous whirlwind of a journey with no end in sight.

For what I've seen, the growth over the last couple of years - we all have some level of natural ability, creativity and the flow of thoughts into words, Leaward has taken those gifts and worked her happy ...ahh. .. 'tail' off in self-improvement. The study, the books, the classes - a lifetime of learning continues. ... imagine a smith in the armory, pouring the molten steel into the mold, but that's only the first step. The strength comes from the work, the endless folding and pounding and refolding. The strength of dedication in how Leaward has molded her work is clear for all to see in her stand-alones as well as in her series of Dunadan fan-fictions. The characterization is strong and consistent, her heroes are flawed and human in ways that we can identify with, we care about them and what they face. Her subplots are important to the main, the details and description well-used, not only as flavor, but as plotting. Even in a series of fan fictions featuring original characters, her canon is fanatically, dare I say "Historically" accurate, from both a real world and a Middle-earth perspective. While it's easy to join the crowd in reading each new chapter she posts online, I fear I'll have to break a few noses with my elbow in order to be first in line when she comes to town for a book-signing. Should she choose to go that route I have no doubt she'll be successful. -Sulriel (proud to be basking in the shadow!)
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Author: Nickey · ID: 374 · Genres: Horror (8): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 13:49:53
Party of what makes Nickey's stories so good is an ability to blend things that initially don't seem to fit together. For example, the blending of Merry's capture at the hands of the orcs and the freakshow in the Shire. The two start out with nothing to do with the other (or so it seems) but by the time the fic is done, they've become a single story with enough similarities to thoroughly unnerve a reader. The same thing happens in "The Last Fight." Two stories, both dark, come together to make something bigger and darker. And by coupling these entertwining tales with powerful imagery, Nickey creates a very strong sense of darkness and danger. In turn, that firmly sets the mood (which is essential for any horror story) and gives the reader things to think about afterwards. Very effective storytelling technique.
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Author: Honesty · ID: 284 · Genres: Horror (8): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 14:05:12
Honesty does something very dangerous in this horror story and gets away with it while pulling off spectacular results. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure how this was accomplished, and I'd pay gold to know. But however it came about, the sheer amount of visceral, gut-wrenching imagery actually helps the story rather than detracting from it. I think part of the reason is that it becomes the subject of a defining moment for both Legolas and Gimli in the third chapter. And it serves as a very sharp contrast to Legolas's face and eyes in both chapter 2 and 3. It also seems to intensify the psychological strain in the first chapter by acting as a visual comparison. In any case, Honesty was absolutely brilliant in how all the imagery was used and did an amazing job of pulling a creating a very poignant story out of a very dire and graphic situation.
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Author: Mercat · ID: 225 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 17:15:24
Mercat keeps the writing very light in "Prelude," and it's the perfect touch when working with hobbits and elves. Both are often served best by lighter writing, though for different reasons, and it works very well when they're put together. Mercat also does a very good perspective change a little over halfway through. It fit well with the scene break, and offered readers a chance to see Frodo from Legolas's perspective. Very smooth pacing keeps the tone of this story peaceful and soothing, and it's a great mirror for Rivendell itself. Good narrative work.
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Author: LadyAranel · ID: 151 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 17:26:30
Lady Aranel does an amazing job with perspective work in the story "Out of Stone." Gloin was the perfect viewpoint for this tale because the friendship between Legolas and Gimli would come as such a shock to him. The other members of the Fellowship had seen it develop and anyone else (with the possible exception of Thranduil) wouldn't understand just how deep the estrangement between elves and dwarves went. But Gloin does know and this is all very new to him, which gives the friendship itself a very fresh perspective that Lady Aranel capitalizes on well.
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Author: Lamiel · ID: 298 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 17:33:54
I think one of Lamiel's best achievements in this story is pacing. That includes pacing of the narrative as well as pacing of plot developments, in particular the formation of a friendship between Legolas and Gimli. The way these things play off one another, adding tension here or a semblence of peace there, is remarkable, and Lamiel's ability to balance everything that goes on, both with Moria and with a certain elf and dwarf, is nothing short of amazing. It doesn't hurt that characterization is also fantastic.
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 18:20:57
Dwimordene's strength in this drabble is her ability to make it point to something else. Drabbles are difficult to work with because they're so short, but if you can get them to allude to a bigger tale (or to many bigger tales) they become more effective. And Dwim does that very well, referencing dwarven reticence to reveal their own ways to outsiders as well as all the events in the Fellowship leading up to Gandalf's death. Dwim accesses a backstory for the drabble that makes it a capstone rather than forcing it to support all of its own weight.
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 18:26:50
Elena Tiriel does a great job of framing book quotes with introspective drabbles. They add a fullness to the story and offer insight into things that Tolkien only lightly brushed, sometimes providing backstory and sometimes providing moments of realization. It's a great addition to canon, and these drabbles are kept light enough that they fit neatly into whatever is happening within the books. But they're also serious enough to carry the weight of the tale. Very deft touch by the author.
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 18:34:26
One of Tanaqui's greatest abilities in drabbling is to capture flashes of insight or realization on the part of various characters. "And There Make a Garden" and "Legacies" are good examples of this. But what I like best about Tanaqui's drabbles is the poetry and how phrases become metaphors for many different things. "Brothers-in-Arms" is probably my favorite because of this, followed closely by "Cruel Caradhras." The ability to pack so much meaning into so few words is remarkable, and I can only shake my head in awe at that ability.
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Author: Lindelea · ID: 27 · Genres: Mystery (6): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 19:45:38
With her mystery story, Lindelea does something that all good mystery writers do: she drops clues ahead of time in such a way that you dont' always see them until you reach the end. It's a difficult thing to do because you have to have a solid outline of the plot, the twist, the characters and the mystery itself so that you can drop seemingly innocuous clues along the way and have them prove relevant later. But Lindelea pulls it off, and by the end of the story, it feels very complete and most of the loose ends have been tied together.
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Author: Dragon · ID: 360 · Genres: Mystery (6): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 19:54:37
Dragon does a fantastic job of writing imagery in the story "Chasing a Song." The setting is so fleshed out that it's almost a charater in its own right, and Dragon uses the setting to hint at things to come. For example, I liked the blood red cliffs that were described as Elrohir was chasing after Maglor. In fact, red was used several times in connection with Maglor, and it became a very subtle and effective way of characterizing an unknown watcher.
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Author: Honesty · ID: 284 · Races/Places: Dwarves (13): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 20:09:53
Honesty laid a host of backstory in the course of this tale, and it's this backstory that really drovethe action because it provided the foundation for the conflict. The differences in culture and customs between evles and dwarves were fascinating, and along with great characterization of both Narvi and Celebrimbor, it made for a very complete story. As an added bonus, Honesty managed to weave the backstory into the plot in such a way that it never became boring or bogged down. And that's difficult to do.
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Author: Erin's Daughter · ID: 366 · Races/Places: Dwarves (13): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 20:16:23
One of the most amazing things that Erin's Daughter does in this piece is characterization, specifically the characterization of a sword. The blade becomes a personality in the mind of the dwarf, and it's such a forceful personality that I can no longer think of it as just a blade. This, in turn, turns some powerful character strokes on our dwarven smith who is so attuned to his work that he can see things that no one else will ever see.
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Author: thevina_finduilas · ID: 87 · Races/Places: Dwarves (13): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-04 20:20:20
First person always makes me nervous. You're so firmly entrenched in someone else's head that it's very easy to do something that might be taken out of character. That said, I was blown away by this depiction of Gimli after the fall of the Morannon, and it's due to Thevina's amazing ability to paint a picture of a lost, desperate, battle-weary dwarf from the inside. The reader becomes completely immersed in Gimli's psyche, and his rambling thoughts tell us exactly how tired he is. We see only what he sees and only what he feels, and somehow in the midst of all this, Thevina manages to give the readers a very complete picture of what is happening. This is a great example of how first person should be done.
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Races/Places: Dwarves (13): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-05 02:50:33
Tanaqui's use of contrasts in the drabble "From the Eastern Force" makes it unusually powerful. The contrasts of grim faces but true hearts, short-reach but heavy blows, and rock-hard but capable of grief tell a lot about the dwawrves, but also a lot about the elves who are watching them and what they value in allies. Very good double characterization with a single blow.
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Races/Places: Dwarves (13): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-05 02:53:10
Dwim's attention to details (for example, the marching of the ranks as they file out of Khazad-dum) gives this drabble a slow, steady pace that is not unlike the dwarves themselves. It's really a great way to establish the tone through narrative pacing, and when Thrain finally comes to make his speech, the reader feels as though the dwarves are ready to move on, even if their hearts are still in Khazad-dum.
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Author: Celandine Brandybuck · ID: 243 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-08 02:06:20
One of the things that I love most about Celandine as an author is her amazing ability to bring cultures to life. You find it in both "Sheathing Sting" and "The Dragon Gem." Little things that really make a society special are created or expanded upon in both stories, and it's fascinating to see how a society's values shape its people and their attitudes. You get a better sense of the characters, particularly the OCs, when the culture is properly defined, and Celandine does this extremely well.
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Author: daw the minstrel · ID: 176 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-08 02:11:01
One of Daw's greatest talents lies in her ability to draw together several different plot threads and weave them into a larger story arc. What makes this so powerful is the character development that goes in the various threads, and this development is pounded home once the threads join together again in the end and everyone realizes what everyone else has been through and just how much they've all grown. Beyond that, the action sequences and the tension are all very good, and Daw has a gift for making the OCs fully realized characters in their own right that can stand on their own or enhance canon characters, whatever is required. And that's quite a talent!
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Author: JMac · ID: 383 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-08 02:16:09
JMac does something truly remarkable in "The Unexpected Homecoming." He successfully builds an epilogue to "The Hobbit" that feels so natural it's difficult to believe that it isn't part of canon. It's an expansion of what Tolkien gave us, taken to a very logical extreme that I can buy whole-heartedly. "The Hobbit" only hints at just how different Bilbo was when he returns home, and while LotR gives us a bit more, it's not the focus of the story. That's why I'm glad for authors like JMac, who can work with the little given to make a fitting conclusion that satisfies just as much as the canon conclusion.
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Author: Regina · ID: 104 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-08 02:20:45
I really love what Regina's done with the two little vignettes. She's established an OFC who is quirky, loveable, and an amazing match for Legolas. I suppose it helps that this OFC is too old for any serious romantic interest, but even so, I consider it an amazing achievement. And I love the way the two of them play with their relationship. Regina's writing covers the beginning and the end, but there are enough hints of the middle to let the imagination run wild. Brilliant character design. Thank you for such a treat!
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Author: jen_loves_elves · ID: 52 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-08 02:28:52
Voice can be extremely difficult, so when it's done perfectly, it's one of those things that really shocks you. An author who can get a narrative voice down and make it work is an author deserving of respect, so I humbly bow before Jen's greatness, because the voice of the thrush was flawless. Everything was taken into account: the age of the thrush; the fact that he's a bird; the different priorities of animals, dwarves, men, elves, and hobbits; etc. The humor woven into the thrush's voice was also perfect and made the story light enough to be fun but not so light that it couldn't be taken as a plausible account from the view of a bird. It takes a talented author to pull that off.
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Author: LadyAranel · ID: 151 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 21:42:47
I said it last year, and I'll say it again, ... Lady Aranel is my favorite author that never finishes things. <TIC> - except for maybe BarrowWight, but he's only ever started one fanfiction and I can poke him with a sharp stick when I see him several times a year, Lady Aranel is too far away for such persuasion, so I guess I'll just have to do the best I can here. So, here's to you, Lady Aranel, except for my relations, about the only fan-ficcer whose works in progress I will read. - Keep up the good work, a chapter at a time ... I am holding out hope, but not holding my breath, that you will eventually finish some of these chapter works. You have a special talent of emotion and introspection that puts you in touch with the inner workings of your readers in a way that few authors are able to do.

Lady Aranel’s works, all her works from her drabbles to her longer (although unfinished <pout>) fanfictions are carefully, painstakingly thought out and crafted word by word. Every nuance is thought through before it’s written, and rethought and rewritten time and again until it’s perfect.

Her settings are rich and detailed, every background filled in ‘just enough’ to settle the reader into the flavor of the scene without overloading them with detail, and ‘just enough’ to give the characters what they need to move the readers along with the story. Not just the sights, but the scent and sounds, the texture of bare Elven skin are woven in delicious, provocative detail that keeps the reader coming back for more.




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Author: LadyAranel · ID: 151 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 21:43:23
I said it last year, and I'll say it again, ... Lady Aranel is my favorite author that never finishes things. <TIC> - except for maybe BarrowWight, but he's only ever started one fanfiction and I can poke him with a sharp stick when I see him several times a year, Lady Aranel is too far away for such persuasion, so I guess I'll just have to do the best I can here. So, here's to you, Lady Aranel, except for my relations, about the only fan-ficcer whose works in progress I will read. - Keep up the good work, a chapter at a time ... I am holding out hope, but not holding my breath, that you will eventually finish some of these chapter works. You have a special talent of emotion and introspection that puts you in touch with the inner workings of your readers in a way that few authors are able to do.

Lady Aranel’s works, all her works from her drabbles to her longer (although unfinished <pout>) fanfictions are carefully, painstakingly thought out and crafted word by word. Every nuance is thought through before it’s written, and rethought and rewritten time and again until it’s perfect.

Her settings are rich and detailed, every background filled in ‘just enough’ to settle the reader into the flavor of the scene without overloading them with detail, and ‘just enough’ to give the characters what they need to move the readers along with the story. Not just the sights, but the scent and sounds, the texture of bare Elven skin are woven in delicious, provocative detail that keeps the reader coming back for more.




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Author: LadyAranel · ID: 151 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 21:43:24
I said it last year, and I'll say it again, ... Lady Aranel is my favorite author that never finishes things. <TIC> - except for maybe BarrowWight, but he's only ever started one fanfiction and I can poke him with a sharp stick when I see him several times a year, Lady Aranel is too far away for such persuasion, so I guess I'll just have to do the best I can here. So, here's to you, Lady Aranel, except for my relations, about the only fan-ficcer whose works in progress I will read. - Keep up the good work, a chapter at a time ... I am holding out hope, but not holding my breath, that you will eventually finish some of these chapter works. You have a special talent of emotion and introspection that puts you in touch with the inner workings of your readers in a way that few authors are able to do.

Lady Aranel’s works, all her works from her drabbles to her longer (although unfinished <pout>) fanfictions are carefully, painstakingly thought out and crafted word by word. Every nuance is thought through before it’s written, and rethought and rewritten time and again until it’s perfect.

Her settings are rich and detailed, every background filled in ‘just enough’ to settle the reader into the flavor of the scene without overloading them with detail, and ‘just enough’ to give the characters what they need to move the readers along with the story. Not just the sights, but the scent and sounds, the texture of bare Elven skin are woven in delicious, provocative detail that keeps the reader coming back for more.




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Author: LadyAranel · ID: 151 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 21:44:49
I said it last year, and I'll say it again, ... Lady Aranel is my favorite author that never finishes things. <TIC> - except for maybe BarrowWight, but he's only ever started one fanfiction and I can poke him with a sharp stick when I see him several times a year, Lady Aranel is too far away for such persuasion, so I guess I'll just have to do the best I can here. So, here's to you, Lady Aranel, except for my relations, about the only fan-ficcer whose works in progress I will read. - Keep up the good work, a chapter at a time ... I am holding out hope, but not holding my breath, that you will eventually finish some of these chapter works. You have a special talent of emotion and introspection that puts you in touch with the inner workings of your readers in a way that few authors are able to do.

Lady Aranel’s works, all her works from her drabbles to her longer (although unfinished <pout>) fanfictions are carefully, painstakingly thought out and crafted word by word. Every nuance is thought through before it’s written, and rethought and rewritten time and again until it’s perfect.

Her settings are rich and detailed, every background filled in ‘just enough’ to settle the reader into the flavor of the scene without overloading them with detail, and ‘just enough’ to give the characters what they need to move the readers along with the story. Not just the sights, but the scent and sounds, the texture of bare Elven skin are woven in delicious, provocative detail that keeps the reader coming back for more.




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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Genres: Romance (72): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 21:50:23
Elena Tiriel has a unique voice, greatly under-appreciated and greatly
underused. Her work is fun and quirky, - sometimes subtle, sometimes not,
but always insightful. Her drama is tender, her humor pointed and her
horror conveys delicious shivers up the spine. I would love to see more of
her work, an author with her skill always leaves readers, especially this
reader, hungry for more.
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Author: Lindelea · ID: 27 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 22:02:17
Lindelea is a caring and dedicated author, whose love of Hobbits and her love of her work shines through in her fascinating details and carefully woven plots and twisting subplots. Working within Tolkien’s Middle-earth, she’s crafted an elaborate world within a world with her extended hobbit families – both their pasts and their futures in the Shire she’s built, so carefully crafted alongside Tolkien’s. Keep up the good work Lindelea – I’ll try to be a better fan in the future and be more consistent with my reading and reviews.
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Author: Lindelea · ID: 27 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Drabble
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 22:02:39
Lindelea is a caring and dedicated author, whose love of Hobbits and her love of her work shines through in her fascinating details and carefully woven plots and twisting subplots. Working within Tolkien’s Middle-earth, she’s crafted an elaborate world within a world with her extended hobbit families – both their pasts and their futures in the Shire she’s built, so carefully crafted alongside Tolkien’s. Keep up the good work Lindelea – I’ll try to be a better fan in the future and be more consistent with my reading and reviews.
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Author: Lindelea · ID: 27 · Genres: Horror (8): General
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-10 22:02:39
Lindelea is a caring and dedicated author, whose love of Hobbits and her love of her work shines through in her fascinating details and carefully woven plots and twisting subplots. Working within Tolkien’s Middle-earth, she’s crafted an elaborate world within a world with her extended hobbit families – both their pasts and their futures in the Shire she’s built, so carefully crafted alongside Tolkien’s. Keep up the good work Lindelea – I’ll try to be a better fan in the future and be more consistent with my reading and reviews.
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Races/Places: Elves (66): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-11 02:12:07
Tanaqui shows some remarkable versatility in this drabbles, hinting at part of a story in "Faithful Companion," telling almost the entire tale in "Refuge," and pulling off some powerful characterization and fascinating backstory with "Details." All in a mere 100 words. I think the trick might lie in Tanaqui's ability to brush the details enough to create a clear picture but not so much that the reader has no room to fill in the blanks. And Tanaqui isn't afraid to let some things go unstated, which takes a great deal of courage on the part of an author. Very nice drabbles.
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Author: Gwynnyd · ID: 186 · Races/Places: Elves (66): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-11 02:17:05
Gwynnyd has pulled off something neat here: a characterization of Arwen that puts her on equal footing with Aragorn without forcing her into the role of Arwen: Warrior Princess. Some fantastic imagery definitely helped, as did the contrasts within the narrative itself. Gwynnyd wove a drabble as tightly as Arwen might have, foiling light and dark, <br/><br/>(Message over 64 KB, truncated)

Author: Honesty · ID: 284 · Genres: Horror (8): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-30 22:34:47

Honesty tends to go a little off the beaten track when portraying Gimli and Legolas. Her Gimli voice is absolutely beautiful, whether it's a slash piece with Éomer or his gravest of voices as he keeps watch over Legolas in "Time and Times and Half a Time"—she does right by that Dwarf, as few others do. She knows how to portray grief, yet she can also make you laugh, and she's not afraid to push the boundaries of canon if the story warrants it. Fortunately, she does it well, and the reader is well rewarded by her efforts.
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Author: Vistula the Dunadan · ID: 193 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-30 23:53:10
Vistula is very talented at packing in emotions and making allusions to other things. As in "Master of the House." The drabble itself is short and soon over, but the emotions contained in it are very real, and Vistula makes reference to Elrond's past as a way of further increasing the drabble's power and linking to canon event. And Sam's defiance even this early in the game is an excellent way to foreshadow his behavior at the Council, so kudos to the multi-talented Vistula!
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-31 00:00:13
Dwimordene is perhaps at her best when she is catching a moment. The moment may be long or short, it doesn't seem to matter. Just as long as it is a significant moment, and that talent comes through in this drabble, "Charity." It's amazing how much ground Dwim can cover with just a few sentences, and those few sentences by their very brevity seem to convey that they're from the mind rather than from the mouth. It's a moment wound up in the aftermath of a terrible day, and Dwim keeps it that way. No further than today, indeed.
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Author: Gwynnyd · ID: 186 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-31 00:07:53
In reading drabbles, I've decided one of the keys to a good one is a very good final line. Both Gwynnyd's "Going to Rohan" and "Second Watch" have beautiful concluding lines, particularly the latter, and they add quite a bit to the overall feel of the drabble. But then, Gwynnyd tends to keep drabbles lively anyway. There's always motion of some kind involved, and this becomes a great asset because Gwynnyd using that motion to give the illusion that more is happening and that the length of the drabble doesn't really matter. Very effeictve writing technique, and it certainly makes the drabbles more entertaining.
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Author: ErinRua · ID: 267 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-31 00:13:54
One of ErinRua's biggest strengths is her ability to portray and characterize the Rohirrim, but in "Beyond the Door" and "Boys to Men." ErinRua proves that she can also do other men, such as Rangers and Citadel Guards. And just as she does with the Rohirrim, she manages to give the Rangers and the Guards a culture of sorts by working through a few representative individuals. The nobility in Halbarad during his drabble speaks very highly of the rest of the Rangers while the indecisiveness in Beregond was, I suspect, very typical of people in Minas Tirith during those times. My hat is off to ErinRua, who can make generalizations stick and work with canon characters.
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Author: Anoriath · ID: 354 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-31 17:17:05
Anoriath's talent in this gapfiller category seems to be an ability to bring out underlying emotions. Or at least make a reader very aware of what the underlying emotions are. For example, in the story "For the Common Man," it's very obvious what has happened and the tension among the men Imrahil questions is clear, but it's still beneath the surface. It's never directly stated. "The Days Now Are Short" takes a different approach in that it brings out the underlying emotions from the books and makes them the focus, but it's all tied to the same idea of unstated emotions, both profound or humorous. And it takes a talented author to use such things convincingly.
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Author: Aratlithiel · ID: 231 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-31 17:26:49
I'm at a bit of a loss as to what can be said about Aratlithiel and the fantastic piece "At the Sammath Naur." It's been a long time since I've read something so broad, so encompassing, so profound, and yet also so short. Perhaps it was the brevity that really took me aback. Aratlithiel has staged this story in a moment, and all of the action, emotions, and thoughts are compacted down into this one moment. It's short enough to read like a moment. It moves quickly enough to be contained within a moment. But the sheer breadth of this story still floors me. Aratlithiel draws on prior events, future events, current events, and somehow weaves them all together into a single, eternal, bewildering moment. And in the midst of all this, Aratlithiel crafts a skilled narrative that ensures it all makes sense. Clearly a wealth of thought has been put into this story, and clearly it was written at the hands of a very talented author. The biggest problem is that it's so good I'm left speechless and can't give a proper author review. But all the essentials of vignette writing are there as well as a stunning interpretation of a very powerful moment within the books. I humbly bow before Aratlithiel's talent.
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Author: ErinRua · ID: 267 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-31 17:34:35
Whenever ErinRua gets hold of contrasts, amazing things happen. Simply put, she takes writing to new heights. This is an author who knows how to strike balances and then keep the reader painfully poised on the edge of greatness before striking the final blow. She works slowly in building to a climax, whether emotional or action-oriented, and as she builds, she characterizes in simple, almost understated ways that blend so well into the narrative that before a reader realizes it, they've been introduced to an entire world, complete with quirks, strengths, faults, and backstory. And then ErinRua finds a balance and holds it. It reminds me of nothing so much as music, actually, when a suspension is caught and held until the final resolution. It creates a yearning sensation, and when the end comes, it's that much more fulfilling. I wish I could paint contrasts as beautifully as ErinRua does. For her, it seems effortless and I can only shake my head in the face of such tremendous talent.
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Author: Aeneid · ID: 201 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111): Poem
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-31 17:36:55
If there were a category for Boromir writers, Aeneid's name would be among the topmost of a very short list of writers who write him well—more than well, spectacularly so, able to encompass in unflinching terms both his strength and his weakness without seeming clumsy about it. She has a very distinct voice as a writer—her unrhymed poetry has its own unique feel, and defies easy classification as she goes for the heart of her chosen character and his circumstances, while her prose has a lovely, ironic edge to it that hints at other, darker things. Whether she has recourse to out and out allegory (the "good-bad son of Gondor" with his "tissue thin" soul where temptation is concerned) or puts him in a prosaic context among other characters (or both), Boromir shines, and illuminates all the rest with him.
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Author: Aeneid · ID: 201 · Races/Places: Men (31): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-31 17:37:27
If there were a category for Boromir writers, Aeneid's name would be among the topmost of a very short list of writers who write him well—more than well, spectacularly so, able to encompass in unflinching terms both his strength and his weakness without seeming clumsy about it. She has a very distinct voice as a writer—her unrhymed poetry has its own unique feel, and defies easy classification as she goes for the heart of her chosen character and his circumstances, while her prose has a lovely, ironic edge to it that hints at other, darker things. Whether she has recourse to out and out allegory (the "good-bad son of Gondor" with his "tissue thin" soul where temptation is concerned) or puts him in a prosaic context among other characters (or both), Boromir shines, and illuminates all the rest with him.
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Author: illyria-pffyffin · ID: 363 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-31 17:46:32
The beauty in Illyria-Pffyffin's writing lies in subtlety, particularly between the characters. This is an author who likes to approach issues from the side, whatever those issues might be. In "Prayer," she used Legolas as a means of reaching out to Merry, and the point/counter-point in their discussion was filled with layers. In "Hand in Hand," it was Bilbo who sidled up to Frodo at the end, and the two of them danced around the issue of grief until Frodo finally broke down. But perhaps the best example of subtlety was found in "Dusk-singer." The symbolism and metaphor inherent within the nightingale painted subtle layers in Frodo's mind, and the story took on a dream-like quality as the layers shifted and changed. It's subtlety that seems to be the common element in all three of these stories, and it makes for intriguing, poignant fics. Beautiful writing from a very talented author. Thank you for sharing this with us.
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Author: Azalais · ID: 187 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111): Drabble
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-31 17:51:24
As a drabbler, Azalais of necessity finds the moments that will sustain such a short exposition. They're not always the ones you'd imagine, either—she can give us the clash of Gandalf's memories of being in his natural, unembodied state with his present conditions, and also the return of Bilbo and its effects on the astonished denizens of Hobbiton, and we don't miss the other however many words might be spent upon those moments. She's great at framing, at isolating an event or an image and then making it evoke the rest without actually writing it.
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Author: Azalais · ID: 187 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Drabble
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-31 17:52:23
As a drabbler, Azalais of necessity finds the moments that will sustain such a short exposition. They're not always the ones you'd imagine, either—she can give us the clash of Gandalf's memories of being in his natural, unembodied state with his present conditions, and also the return of Bilbo and its effects on the astonished denizens of Hobbiton, and we don't miss the other however many words might be spent upon those moments. She's great at framing, at isolating an event or an image and then making it evoke the rest without actually writing it.
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Author: Azalais · ID: 187 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): Drabble
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-31 17:52:52
As a drabbler, Azalais of necessity finds the moments that will sustain such a short exposition. They're not always the ones you'd imagine, either—she can give us the clash of Gandalf's memories of being in his natural, unembodied state with his present conditions, and also the return of Bilbo and its effects on the astonished denizens of Hobbiton, and we don't miss the other however many words might be spent upon those moments. She's great at framing, at isolating an event or an image and then making it evoke the rest without actually writing it.
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Author: Marnie · ID: 245 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-31 17:53:38
Whenever anyone wants to read a good, insightful Celeborn story (or a good, insightful story about almost any elf) I point them to Marnie. I now realize that those wanting good, insightful gapfillers concerning unknown or under used moments should also be pointed to Marnie, because she is a master of those, too. Most of her stories are things that can fit neatly into canon, either expanding Tolkien's universe or simply making a space for themselves somewhere in between Ages. But the story in this category, "Just In Case," is something that wedges itself into the Lothlorien chapters so tightly that I'm now going to have a hard time believe it's not part of canon. Marnie has found the perfect what-if opportunity, expanded upon it, and proven yet again that Celeborn is an elf to be reckoned with. Her characterization is, as always, flawless. Her pacing is superb. And her flashback feels anything but forced or contrived. This is the work of a truly accomplished author who understands Celeborn and also the idea of gap-filler better than almost anyone.
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Author: Citrine · ID: 300 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-31 17:53:41
Citrine has one of the best hobbit voices I've read; I don't have any trouble whatsoever integrating her Merry and Pippin, for example, into the silent places of the original story. She really does have a great handle on their voices, and indeed, on a number of voices. Her Sméagol, just after the murder of Déagol, is dead to rights, I think, and displays a very nuanced understanding of how guilt and the Ring operate psychologically and morally. But more than that, her stories encompass the essence of the Fellowship, and of the 'lesson' of LOTR, if we may ascribe one to it: it is friendship that must be opposed to fear, not strength or individuality or anything of that sort, and we see that in her stories.
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Author: Citrine · ID: 300 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-31 17:54:36
Citrine has one of the best hobbit voices I've read; I don't have any trouble whatsoever integrating her Merry and Pippin, for example, into the silent places of the original story. She really does have a great handle on their voices, and indeed, on a number of voices. Her Sméagol, just after the murder of Déagol, is dead to rights, I think, and displays a very nuanced understanding of how guilt and the Ring operate psychologically and morally. But more than that, her stories encompass the essence of the Fellowship, and of the 'lesson' of LOTR, if we may ascribe one to it: it is friendship that must be opposed to fear, not strength or individuality or anything of that sort, and we see that in her stories.
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Author: SilverMoonLady · ID: 343 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-31 18:02:21
I've come to the conclusion that SilverMoon Lady's gift is layered hobbits. By layered I mean intricate, subtle, nuanced characters who are definitely hobbits but who are also clearly the travelers who were able to bear a Ring of Power and destroy it. SilverMoon Lady is one of the few authors who takes the time to push her hobbits until they show that spark of courage and character they all have. She gives them depth, and then she gives them turning points in which to exercise that depth. It certainly doesn't hurt that she's an excellent author who is brilliant at both narrative and dialogue. Those two talents, coupled with her fantastic characterizations, are enough to make her not only one of my favorite hobbit authors but also one of my favorite authors period.
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Author: Tialys · ID: 230 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-31 18:08:51
Tialys's strength in the story "Foolish Hobbit" stems primarily from the dialogue. The setting and narrative are certainly good. I can't deny that. But it's the dialogue that really establishes the characters. Tialys keeps each word, each phrase, and each sentiment true to whoever has voiced it. Gandalf is Gandalf. Frodo is Frodo. They could not trade words. You could not switch their roles. Tialys, through means I have yet to fathom, somehow captured exactly how they spoke and how they would frame their thoughts. And through their words, Tialys created the atmosphere that made the story an absolute delight. It's light. The true sense of urgency has yet to hit and Gandalf still doesn't know about Saruman's ambitions. But it's not too light. Tialys keeps everything in context. And that, combined with the dialogue itself, marks Tialys as a very accomplished author.
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Author: Zimraphel · ID: 339 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-31 18:14:38
There are gap-fillers that tie together loose ends. There are gap-fillers that bridge the space between disconnected scenes. There are gap-fillers that fill what-if holes. And then there are gap-fillers like the one Zimraphel has chosen to write: reinterpretations. Those are perhaps the most difficult of all, because the readers have to be convinced that the reinterpretation is valid. And I can think of few authors better equipped to answer that kind of a challenge. Zimraphel's stories usually have a slightly different feel to them. They're edgier and more likely to take a different perspective on events. But "Making Verses" surpasses them all with a fantastic reexamination of a scene I thought I understood. I realize now that I was wrong, and Zimraphel's skill in the narrative has completely convinced me that THIS is the way the scene goes. Zimraphel addresses each comment, puts it in context, and then adds a very persuasive inner dialogue and fantastic characterizations to make it all fit. It's above and beyond her usual standard of excellence (which is high anyway) and I would even go so far as to say this is probably my favorite Zimraphel story so far based on sheer novelty alone. Brilliant gap-filler/reinterpretation.
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Author: Joan Milligan · ID: 190 · Races/Places: Villains (31): Poem
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-01 14:18:25
Joan's brilliance in the poems "Melkor" and "Sauron" is the ability to portray them at their extreme. Melkor makes a far more intriguing and sympathetic character than I would have imagined, and Sauron is almost a polar opposite to that, rejoicing in Numenor's fall even if it means his own ruin. By playing these two against each other, Joan manages to cover both ends of the spectrum as well as everything in between. She gives the villains depth and breadth, and I don't think I'll ever view them the same way again.
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Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Races/Places: Villains (31): Poem
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-01 14:20:11
One of Marta's greatest strengths is variety, and no where is that as clear as it is here in the villians poetry category. Her three poems are all well written, they're all enjoyable, but they're all very different. Marta does mimicry, a drinking song, and a heartfelt plea, all in different styles and all with different tones. It's amazing, actually, that a person could be so talented in so many ways.
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Author: Forodwaith · ID: 50 · Races/Places: Villains (31): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-01 14:26:57
The Wargs get so very little screentime, and it's rare when we see something from their side of the story. So I'm grateful to Forodwaith and this little drabble that hints at a world I would love to see explored in greater detail. But it's the author's ability to hint only and never fully reveal that really whets my appetite.
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Races/Places: Villains (31): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-01 14:30:43
Most of the time, when someone decides to tell the story from the point of view of the Haradrim, it's told with a sympathetic voice and with great suffering and hardship. Most of the time, the one from Harad is even coereced into Sauron's service. But Tanaqui takes a decidedly different approach here, and I'm very grateful to that. Tanaqui tells the story of a proud man who is anxious to fight for his country and to right the wrongs he believes have been committed against his people. It's an eerie echo of what Gondor and Rohan believe, which makes me wonder how much of what either side believes is really true...
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Author: Rabidsamfan · ID: 380 · Races/Places: Villains (31): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-01 14:37:15
Rabidsamfan pulls off one of the most fascinating drabble series that I've ever found, and as a bonus, it's about the Nazgul. The differences in their personalities were brilliant, and it was these differences that really made the drabble series come alive. Rabidsamfan manages to create nine very distinct and very unique personalities in the space of 100 words each, and not only are the personalities distinct, but the moods that accompany each one are distinct. Some are sorrowful. Some are insightful. Some are humorous. Some are dark. But each one manages to be chilling, also, and Rabidsamfan uses this thread to bind them all together. Excellent writing, and thank you for such a great look at the Ring-wraiths.
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Races/Places: Villains (31): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-01 14:59:53
Dwim's power in working with villains (and in working with underused and underappreciated characters in general) is to give them fullness. She gives the Haradrim purpose, culture, tradition, and richness while she gives the orcs ingenuity, strategy, and shrewdness. Villains are sometimes severely lacking in character development, but Dwim makes up for it by showing us a world beyond the good and how it functions. And she does it as if there should be no question as to its existence, simply laying it out in such a way that we all nod and believe.
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Author: Andreth · ID: 216 · Races/Places: Villains (31): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-01 15:04:21
Delving into the mind of evil is always a tricky prospect at best. It becomes even trickier when that delving involves giving evil depth, vision, and understanding. But Andreth does just that, and pulls it off so casually that it's made me green with envy. In fact, Andreth gives Sauron more presence and more darkness because of the increased understanding. A villain who's out for blood simply because he likes blood is dangerous, but a villain who's out for blood fully aware of what it will cost, why it might be frowned upon, and what the end result will be is downright horrifying, even if that villain expresses a hint of regret. Stunning writing from Andreth! Never has Sauron been quite so powerful.
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Author: Nickey · ID: 374 · Races/Places: Villains (31): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-01 15:09:14
Nickey's strong point in "Bitter as Willow" is the crafting of a timeless villain. Sauron and Morgoth are both timeless in their own right and Tolkien certainly did a good job with them, but here's a villain who is not only timeless but still. Quiet. Easily forgotten after a few generations. And Nickey somehow manages to bring him to life, even as he's waiting. That's not an easy thing for an author to do. Authors tend to work best with active characters who move and strike and retreat. But Nickey doesn't take the easy out. Instead, the focus stays firmly with Old Man Willow, and he stays right where he is, silent and waiting. As a result, the mood of the story reflects creeping evil and is perhaps one of the most unnerving things I've read recently. Kudos to Nickey for a very difficult story that feels effortless.
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Author: khazar_khum · ID: 13 · Races/Places: Villains (31): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-01 15:15:19
In one deft stroke, Khazar-Khum manages to turn the conceptions of the fanon world on their head and paint a picture of the Nazgul unlike any I've ever seen before. There have been a few instances where one or two Nazgul will appear sympathetic, but nothing like this. I've yet to come across anything quite this ambitious or innovative. And what makes it even more remarkable is that Khazar manages to cram it all into canon. It fits. It has the feel of something that is new and untried simply because this is such a novel approach, but it still fits. Khazar ties it in neatly with numerous early Third Age events, and the retelling of the fall of Numenor as well as Sauron's capture was brilliant. Beyond that, the plot itself was intriguing, and Khazar does a fantastic job in exploring Ring lore in addition to what it means to be a Nazgul and what they have given up in exchange for their new forms. Hats off to Khazar for ground-breaking originality and for having the guts to forward with something this daring.
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Author: Ellisande · ID: 261 · Races/Places: Villains (31): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-01 15:23:08
I have really come to respect Ellisande's ability to use metaphor and symbolism as a means of describing things that have no easy description. But in the story "Shadowsong," Ellisande takes this ability even further and uses it to describe something that was lost as a means of contrast. "Shadowsong" contains a lot of remembering for a certain Nazgul. He remembers what he had, what he valued, and what he thinks he once knew. And at some point, Ellisande conveys the fact that it's all changed now. The change itself is something of a mystery and the result of the change is not entirely clear, but the fact that simple things are now gone and that beautiful things have been willingly exchanged in return for darkness is chilling. And of course Ellisande compliments this all with a stunning narrative that reads more like a poem than a vignette, so in the end, we're left feeling as though something very precious has been lost and something very dangerous has arisen to takes its place. Powerful writing, as I've quickly come to expect.
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Author: Soledad · ID: 206 · Races/Places: Villains (31): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-01 15:28:34
Soledad's brilliance in "The Last Stand" lies in characterization. And by characterization, I don't mean characterization of the Orcs only. I mean of the entire society. Soledad brings to light insights and aspects of the Orcs that I would have never imagined, but never once do the Orcs become anything other than Orcs. They're still hungry for men, they're still bothered by the light, and they're still obsessed with war. But they're also more than that. Soledad gives them a culture and an ordered heirarchy that, albeit brutal, is far more sophisticated than anything their enemies are willing to credit them with. And Soledad isn't afraid to weave canon events in, either, which ties it even closer to Tolkien's original work and makes it harder to view the Orcs any differently. Great skills as an author, and great choice of subject in which to showcase those skills.
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Author: Werecat · ID: 83 · Races/Places: Villains (31): General
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2005-09-02 17:41:10
Werecat, you never cease to amaze me! While so many authors are rehashing old scenes or inventing increasingly bizarre new scenes with familiar characters (I confess to being one of those), you continually delight us with unique, offbeat characters in unusual situations that always, always, ring perfectly true.

It started with the orc bard, the first of your stories that I ever read, which amazed me, not only with its stunning originality, but also its poignancy. Now here is the "angsty teenage orc" and his fateful and lucky encounter with the wishful Mary-Sue -- how many wishes did you make come true with that tale! I stll giggle at the perfection of it, both in characterization and the clever way in which you turned a fanfic convention upside down.

You are absolutely unique in originality, color, and style; and I look forward to read all your tales, in whatever fandom or genre, for years to come.
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Author: Werecat · ID: 83 · Genres: Romance (72): Poem
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2005-09-02 17:48:40
Werecat, you never cease to amaze me! While so many authors are rehashing old scenes or inventing increasingly bizarre new scenes with familiar characters (I confess to being one of those), you continually delight us with unique, offbeat characters in unusual situations that always, always, ring perfectly true.

In this piece, you've captured Gimli and his yearning for beauty, as personified by Galadriel, just exquisitely. Gimli is a creature of few words, so how very insightful of you to imagine that he would find haiku the perfect means by which to express his feelings!
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Author: Werecat · ID: 83 · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): General
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2005-09-02 17:54:55
Werecat, you never cease to amaze me! While so many authors are rehashing old scenes or inventing increasingly bizarre new scenes with familiar characters (I confess to being one of those), you continually delight us with unique, offbeat characters in unusual situations that always, always, ring perfectly true.

In “Death, I Call Thee”, I’m amazed at the way in which you use colorful, energetic prose to emphasize each creature’s unique reason to be at that place and time, each one facing their doom. You've given each race a distinct personality, and shown the nobility of each, even if their nobility is not something we would normally accept or understand.
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Author: Werecat · ID: 83 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2005-09-02 19:30:33
Werecat, you never cease to amaze me! While so many authors are rehashing old scenes or inventing increasingly bizarre new scenes with familiar characters (I confess to being one of those), you continually delight us with unique, offbeat characters in unusual situations that always, always, ring perfectly true.

The cleverly wrought parallels between Radagast and Saint Francis of Assisi,and the imaginative setting in an Irish abbey lift this tale far, far above what we are accustomed to seeing in fanfic.
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Author: Drake/Eokat CoAuthors · ID: 440 · Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-09-03 11:48:27
Drake and Eokat make an awesome team together. I know that writing with a co-author myself, styles can vary between the authors. But when it comes down to Eokat and Drake: there isn't a slightest hint about style differences. I know both authors share a special love for Rohan and the Rohirrim, I most certainly hope both will team up more and spoil us with many well written stories like their Campdóm and Lufian.

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Author: Ghettoelleth · ID: 237 · Genres: Romance (72): Incomplete
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-09-03 13:57:00
Ghettoelleth is a very complete writer. Whatever plot bunny or story she writes: you better buckle up and prepare for a wild ride. You most certainly will enjoy it! Especially when she writes romance, she knows how to describe romantic situations from both male and female perspective often in great detail.

Ghettoelleth’s narrative is beautiful and with confidence, she writes her story in a compelling manner, keeping firm control over her plotlines (well sometimes exploring a subplot can be tempting as well, but she knows when to stop). Every single line in her dialogue are true gems, they often bring out the emotions that accompanies it. I love the way she writes her canon elves, especially the darker ones, but her Glorfindel feels for me *the* Glorfindel and how he is supposed to be written. Whenever you have a question about this character: Ghettoelleth knows this character and the canon facts around him extremely well.

Her original characters are developed with care and love, she knows them very well and is in complete command of them, well that is, when her characters allow her to. It feels like she knows them personally and it shows in the natural way of Ghettoelleth’s storytelling. Overall, I am looking forward to more stories written with her special talent. For me she has been a pleasant discovery and I know many like and appreciate her works as well.

Keep on writing and spoiling us with your great stories Ghettoelleth!

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Author: Leaward · ID: 222 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-09-03 14:13:24
What to say about Leaward? How can I put into words how much I admire her firm control over grammar, her natural way of writing and the way how she manages to weave beautiful and insightful stories with so many layers that even after many re-reads you discover that there is so much more to it than there was initially? What can I say when I find myself realising something in a story, go back a few chapters and see how very cleverly she already hid the clues there? What can I say about her handsome and very rugged rangers that makes every ladies heart beat faster whenever they appear (especially Valandur is my personal favourite). Now I do expect when Leaward reads the previous lines, she will roll her eyes, sighs deeply, and mutters: there you have Rhapsody again with her blind fascination of him. I am sorry, but as long if he is mentioned in every story, that surely makes me a very happy lady.

Whatever genre Leaward writes for: whether it is Romance, Gap fillers, Men or the rugged Rangers from Eriador: she knows how to write a captivating story with so much inspiration, you cannot help yourself to be motivated by it in the most positive way imaginable. Leaward improves herself to such greatness and discovering her unique voice. Following her throughout her stories and following her journey while she discovers and exploits her talent to the fullest… Keep writing Leaward and keep those words flowing through your pen, I know it can be sometimes a tough ride, but it will be worthwhile in the end.

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Author: Leaward · ID: 222 · Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-09-03 14:14:13
What to say about Leaward? How can I put into words how much I admire her firm control over grammar, her natural way of writing and the way how she manages to weave beautiful and insightful stories with so many layers that even after many re-reads you discover that there is so much more to it than there was initially? What can I say when I find myself realising something in a story, go back a few chapters and see how very cleverly she already hid the clues there? What can I say about her original characters you come to love and appreciate so much? What can I say about her handsome and very rugged rangers that makes every ladies heart beat faster whenever they appear (especially Valandur is my personal favourite). Now I do expect when Leaward reads the previous lines, she will roll her eyes, sighs deeply, and mutters: there you have Rhapsody again with her blind fascination of him. I am sorry, but as long if he is mentioned in every story, that surely makes me a very happy lady.

Whatever genre Leaward writes for: whether it is Romance, Gap fillers, Men or the rugged Rangers from Eriador: she knows how to write a captivating story with so much inspiration, you cannot help yourself to be motivated by it in the most positive way imaginable. Leaward improves herself to such greatness and discovering her unique voice. Following her throughout her stories and following her journey while she discovers and exploits her talent to the fullest… Keep writing Leaward and keep those words flowing through your pen, I know it can be sometimes a tough ride, but it will be worthwhile in the end.

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Author: Leaward · ID: 222 · Races/Places: Men (31): General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-09-03 14:15:10
What to say about Leaward? How can I put into words how much I admire her firm control over grammar, her natural way of writing and the way how she manages to weave beautiful and insightful stories with so many layers that even after many re-reads you discover that there is so much more to it than there was initially? What can I say when I find myself realising something in a story, go back a few chapters and see how very cleverly she already hid the clues there? What can I say about her firm grasp of Canon regarding the War of the Ring and the way she explores gapfilling material? What can I say about her handsome and very rugged rangers that makes every ladies heart beat faster whenever they appear (especially Valandur is my personal favourite). Now I do expect when Leaward reads the previous lines, she will roll her eyes, sighs deeply, and mutters: there you have Rhapsody again with her blind fascination of him. I am sorry, but as long if he is mentioned in every story, that surely makes me a very happy lady.

Whatever genre Leaward writes for: whether it is Romance, Gap fillers, Men or the rugged Rangers from Eriador: she knows how to write a captivating story with so much inspiration, you cannot help yourself to be motivated by it in the most positive way imaginable. Leaward improves herself to such greatness and discovering her unique voice. Following her throughout her stories and following her journey while she discovers and exploits her talent to the fullest… Keep writing Leaward and keep those words flowing through your pen, I know it can be sometimes a tough ride, but it will be worthwhile in the end.

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Author: Aerlinnel · ID: 280 · Races/Places: Elves (66): General
Reviewer: alysha2k3 · 2005-09-05 04:58:03
Such a grim reminder of the horror of the Kinslyings, but very realistically portrayed. When I originally read this tale it was the second of two chapters, one from each point of view and remarkably believable. It is easy to gloss over the harsh reality by just refering to 'The Kinslayings', but as in any violent act, the damage of Elven fëa and hróa is beyond mere words. It is action and deed and therefore all too real to the participants.

We humans are too long accustomed to violence, and even mindless brutallity, which was unthinkable to Elves as a people, so often we do not understand the unspeakableness of the wrong of killing of our fellow men, for what ever reason. Elves, as the example of what we COULD have been shows us how far we have fallen from that ideal.

Thank you for this insightful story.

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Author: Thundera Tiger · ID: 86 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:49:06
Thundera Tiger has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Thundera Tiger! You Rock!!
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Author: Marnie · ID: 245 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:49:57
Marnie has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Marnie! You Rock!!
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): Drabble
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:50:41
Dwimordene has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Dwimordene! You Rock!!
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Author: Larian Elensar · ID: 21 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:52:29
Larian Elensar has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Larian Elensar! You Rock!!
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Author: Ainaechoiriel · ID: 2 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Drabble
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:54:34
Ainaechoiriel has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Ainaechoiriel! You Rock!! And thank you for your support of my works, and for making the MEFAs.
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Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · ID: 182 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Incomplete
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:55:30
Isabeau of Greenlea has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Isabeau of Greenlea! You Rock!!
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Author: daw the minstrel · ID: 176 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:57:24
daw the minstrel has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, daw the minstrel! You Rock!!
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Author: Jay of Lasgalen · ID: 134 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:57:59
Jay of Lasgalen has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Jay of Lasgalen! You Rock!!
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Author: tyellas · ID: 155 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:58:45
Tyellas has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, tyellas! You Rock!!
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Author: Karri · ID: 107 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:59:13
Karri has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Karri! You Rock!!
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Author: alex_cat_45 · ID: 57 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:00:34
Alex_cat_45 has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Alex_cat_45! You Rock!!
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Author: Nilmandra · ID: 444 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:01:00
Nilmandra has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Nilmandra! You Rock!!
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Author: Karenator · ID: 10 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:01:32
Karenator has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Karenator! You Rock!!
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Author: Finch · ID: 274 · Books/Time: The Silmarillion (67): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:03:36
Finch has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Finch! You Rock!!
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Author: Marnie · ID: 245 · Books/Time: The Silmarillion (67): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:04:42
Marnie has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Marnie! You Rock!!
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Author: jillian baade · ID: 9 · Books/Time: The Silmarillion (67): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:05:20
jillian baade has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, jillian baade! You Rock!!
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Author: LKK · ID: 347 · Books/Time: The Silmarillion (67): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:06:16
LKK has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, LKK! You Rock!!
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Author: Chathol-linn · ID: 23 · Genres: Adventure (13): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:06:55
Chathol-linn has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Chathol-linn! You Rock!!
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Author: Cassia & Siobhan · ID: 467 · Genres: Adventure (13): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:08:40
Cassia and Siobhan have given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank them. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about their work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: they writes like goddessess, and I adore their work. I hope they will come back someday and write tons and tons more, because they are an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Cassia and Siobhan! You Rock!!
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Author: Meg Thornton · ID: 183 · Genres: Alternate Universe (20): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:09:44
Meg Thornton I adore you... not the least because you helped inspire the Scruff Factor. (G) Meg Thornton has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Meg Thornton! You Rock!!
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Author: Theresa Green · ID: 326 · Genres: Crossovers (16): Poem
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:10:41
Theresa Green has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Theresa Green! You Rock!!
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Author: Jocelyn · ID: 203 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:11:45
Jocelyn has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Jocelyn! You Rock!! And I miss you....
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Author: Sivan Shemesh · ID: 420 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): Incomplete
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:13:13
Sivan Shemesh has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Sivan Shemesh! You Rock!! And thanks for all the lovely angst....
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Author: Honesty · ID: 284 · Genres: Horror (8): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:14:45
Honesty has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Honesty! You Rock!! And thank you for one of the largest shivers and shudders I've ever received, reading fanfic...
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Author: Lamiel · ID: 298 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:15:17
Lamiel has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Lamiel! You Rock!! And I love your work....
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Author: Joanna · ID: 295 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:17:03
Joanna has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Joanna! You Rock!! *kachooo!!* (grin)
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Author: Naresha · ID: 117 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:17:45
Naresha has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Naresha! You Rock!! (and Legolas says: ::grunt::) heh heh heh....
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Author: LOTR_lover · ID: 184 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:18:40
LOTR_Lover has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, LOTR_Lover! You Rock!!
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Author: Suzene Campos · ID: 320 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:19:24
Suzene Campos has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Suzene Campos! You Rock!! And... can I have a drum set too??
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Author: Claudi007 · ID: 508 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:20:45
Claudi007 has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly say thanks. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about their work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: Claudi writes like a goddess, and I adore the body of work. I hope this author will write tons and tons more, because it is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Claudi007! You Rock!!
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Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:21:28
Dreamflower has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly say thanks. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about their work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: this author writes like a goddess, and I adore the body of work. I hope this author will write tons and tons more, because it is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, dreamflower! You Rock!!
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Author: Camilla Sandman · ID: 213 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:22:24
Cammilla Sandman has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly say thanks. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about their work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: this author writes like a goddess, and I adore the body of work. I hope this author will write tons and tons more, because it is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Camilla Sandman! You Rock!!
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Author: sulriel · ID: 7 · Genres: Non-Fiction (23): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:24:04
Sulriel has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly say thanks. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about their work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: this author writes like a goddess, and I adore the body of work. I hope this author will write tons and tons more, because it is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Sulriel! You Rock!! And thanks for all the excellent horse moments...
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Author: Leaward · ID: 222 · Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:26:35
Leaward has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly say thanks. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about their work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: this author writes like a goddess, and I adore the body of work. I hope this author will write tons and tons more, because it is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Leaward! You Rock!!
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Genres: Romance (72): Drabble
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:27:43
Elena Tiriel has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly say thanks. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about their work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: this author writes like a goddess, and I adore the body of work. I hope this author will write tons and tons more, because it is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Elena Tiriel! You Rock!! And you write Celeborn beautifully.... not to mention Thranduil....
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Author: Ithilien · ID: 224 · Races/Places: Elves (66): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:41:26
Ithilien has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Ithilien! You Rock!! And I miss you....
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Author: Soledad · ID: 206 · Races/Places: Villains (31): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:45:55
Soledad has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I l<br/><br/>(Message over 64 KB, truncated)

Author: Bodkin =C2=B7 ID: 411 =C2=B7 Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Gener=
al
Reviewer: Leaward =C2=B7 2005-08-16 13:19:22=09 =09 =09 =09 =09 =09 =09 =09=
=09 =09 =09 =09 =09

Bodkin has a style that tells an entire story with layered characters and s=
tory using a minimum of words. It is refreshing to read, and I often tell m=
yself that I need to study her ability to do that and learn it myself. She =
remains true to her canon characters and keeps 'in-character' while staying=
true to the flavour of Tolkien's world and style.


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Author: Citrine =C2=B7 ID: 300 =C2=B7 Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135):=
General
Reviewer: Lindelea =C2=B7 2005-08-18 10:23:50
How I enjoy Citrine's stories! This author writes the sort of detail-rich-y=
et-never-tiresome scenes that give her work the sense of "realness" that I =
am always seeking after when I read. The stories balance between darkness a=
nd light, heaviness and humor--flashes of humor shine like sparks set again=
st dark background, keeping a serious story from miring in hopelessness. Ve=
ry deft at achieving a swirl of emotions: one moment you are smiling at a h=
obbity moment, the next brings tears to your eyes, and the next line brings=
a chuckle.

I can always count on this author for a "good read".
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Author: Dana =C2=B7 ID: 264 =C2=B7 Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): Dr=
abble
Reviewer: Lindelea =C2=B7 2005-08-18 10:32:07
Dana has a wonderful gift for creating atmosphere and for getting inside th=
e heads of her characters, showing feelings more than just thoughts. When r=
eading one of her stories I often find myself settling into it just as I mi=
ght into a tub of steaming water--and enjoying it just as much!
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Author: Dana =C2=B7 ID: 264 =C2=B7 Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Lindelea =C2=B7 2005-08-18 11:09:49
"Lightness" is a very nice picture of Merry waiting hopeful-hopelessly for =
Pippin to awaken at Cormallen. The words going through his head ring true; =
he is caught in regret and memory and even futility... and it is fitting th=
at Pippin wakens, just at the right moment, to lead him out of his dark tho=
ughts.
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Author: Lindelea =C2=B7 ID: 27 =C2=B7 Genres: Mystery (6): General
Reviewer: sulriel =C2=B7 2005-08-19 19:40:18
Lindelea is a caring and dedicated author, whose love of Hobbits and her lo=
ve of her work shines through in her fascinating details and carefully wove=
n plots and twisting subplots. Working within Tolkien=E2=80=99s Middle-eart=
h, she=E2=80=99s crafted an elaborate world within a world with her extende=
d hobbit families =E2=80=93 both their pasts and their futures in the Shire=
she=E2=80=99s built, so carefully crafted alongside Tolkien=E2=80=99s. Kee=
p up the good work Lindelea =E2=80=93 I=E2=80=99ll try to be a better fan i=
n the future and be more consistent with my reading and reviews.
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Author: Marnie =C2=B7 ID: 245 =C2=B7 Books/Time: The Silmarillion (67): Gen=
eral
Reviewer: sulriel =C2=B7 2005-08-19 21:23:21
Marnie's Battle of the Golden Wood was the novel length work that hooked me=
on fanfiction. Surfing endless pages of - in my opinion, less than excelle=
nt works - I had almost lost hope of finding the quality reading I was look=
ing for when I stumbled on her Celeborn. Her dedication to her work shows t=
hrough in her consistency and attention to detail. Her skill is greatest in=
the depth of her brilliant characterization of individuals and races alike=
, and in her cleverly woven subplots that make the 'big picture' complete b=
y the end of the story.
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Author: Karri =C2=B7 ID: 107 =C2=B7 Genres: Movie-verse (21): General
Reviewer: sulriel =C2=B7 2005-08-21 10:06:09
I am delighted to discover Karri through the MEFAwards this reading season.=
She displays wonderful talent and emotion with her writing and I believe t=
hat she greatly enriches the fandom with her work. I will be watching and h=
ope to be reading more of her in the future.
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Author: Karri =C2=B7 ID: 107 =C2=B7 Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): G=
eneral
Reviewer: sulriel =C2=B7 2005-08-21 10:07:17
I am delighted to discover Karri through the MEFAwards this reading season.=
She displays wonderful talent and emotion with her writing and I believe t=
hat she greatly enriches the fandom with her work. I will be watching and h=
ope to be reading more of her in the future.
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Author: Isil Elensar =C2=B7 ID: 287 =C2=B7 Books/Time: The Silmarillion (67=
): General
Reviewer: Rhapsody =C2=B7 2005-08-21 14:32:01
When I think of Isil Elensar, my first thoughts are: eye for detail and a s=
tunning narrative. Over the year I have read many stories of her and the mo=
re she writes, the more she improves in a natural way. Reading her stories =
is being taken on an adventure with her, whether it is with Legolas, her ho=
bbits or her fabulous orginal characters. It is always a good read. Taking =
her time, she explores the thoughts and actions of her chosen characters, m=
aking them more lovable and you truly feel for them with whatever path they=
have to choose. Isil is a great author that improves herself with grace an=
d eagerness.

Isil=E2=80=99s explorations of her Silmarillion stories are always a ride. =
She clearly knows in which time period she writes, but dares to write gap f=
illing stories.

Within a year, Isil has made incredibly progress and I am certain that she =
will only get better. Great work Isil! Keep on sharing your stories.

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Author: Isil Elensar =C2=B7 ID: 287 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Rohan (37): Genera=
l
Reviewer: Rhapsody =C2=B7 2005-08-21 14:35:37
When I think of Isil Elensar, my first thoughts are: eye for detail and a s=
tunning narrative. Over the year I have read many stories of her and the mo=
re she writes, the more she improves in a natural way. Reading her stories =
is being taken on an adventure with her, whether it is with canon character=
s or her fabulous orginal characters. It is always a good read. Taking her =
time, she explores the thoughts and actions of her chosen characters, makin=
g them more lovable and you truly feel for them with whatever path they hav=
e to choose. Isil is a great author that improves herself with grace and ea=
gerness.

Isil has a special spot in her heart for Rohan characters, even though ever=
ything is pretty much set in stone with Rohirrim canon characters, she yet =
manages to find an unique angle to write about.

Within a year, Isil has made incredibly progress and I am certain that she =
will only get better. Great work Isil! Keep on sharing your stories.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Isil Elensar =C2=B7 ID: 287 =C2=B7 Books/Time: The Lord of The Ring=
s (111): General
Reviewer: Rhapsody =C2=B7 2005-08-21 14:36:39
When I think of Isil Elensar, my first thoughts are: eye for detail and a s=
tunning narrative. Over the year I have read many stories of her and the mo=
re she writes, the more she improves in a natural way. Reading her stories =
is being taken on an adventure with her, whether it is with canon character=
s or her fabulous orginal characters. It is always a good read. Taking her =
time, she explores the thoughts and actions of her chosen characters, makin=
g them more lovable and you truly feel for them with whatever path they hav=
e to choose. Isil is a great author that improves herself with grace and ea=
gerness.

Isil knows her Lord of the Rings and that shows. With care and eye for deta=
il, she spins a beautiful tale that leaves you craving for more.

Within a year, Isil has made incredibly progress and I am certain that she =
will only get better. Great work Isil! Keep on sharing your stories.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Isil Elensar =C2=B7 ID: 287 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Hobbits (90): Gene=
ral
Reviewer: Rhapsody =C2=B7 2005-08-21 14:38:13
When I think of Isil Elensar, my first thoughts are: eye for detail and a s=
tunning narrative. Over the year I have read many stories of her and the mo=
re she writes, the more she improves in a natural way. Reading her stories =
is being taken on an adventure with her, whether it is with canon character=
s or her fabulous orginal characters. It is always a good read. Taking her =
time, she explores the thoughts and actions of her chosen characters, makin=
g them more lovable and you truly feel for them with whatever path they hav=
e to choose. Isil is a great author that improves herself with grace and ea=
gerness.

When she writes stories about hobbits, I am always amazed how she manages t=
o bring on a tinge of romance and yet gives you that hobbity feeling.

Within a year, Isil has made incredibly progress and I am certain that she =
will only get better. Great work Isil! Keep on sharing your stories.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Isil Elensar =C2=B7 ID: 287 =C2=B7 Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (=
135): General
Reviewer: Rhapsody =C2=B7 2005-08-21 14:43:27
When I think of Isil Elensar, my first thoughts are: eye for detail and a s=
tunning narrative. Over the year I have read many stories of her and the mo=
re she writes, the more she improves in a natural way. Reading her stories =
is being taken on an adventure with her, whether it is with canon character=
s or her fabulous original characters. It is always a good read. Taking her=
time, she explores the thoughts and actions of her chosen characters, maki=
ng them more lovable and you truly feel for them with whatever path they ha=
ve to choose. Even if it is by means of dramatic changes in the stories. Is=
il is a great author that improves herself with grace and eagerness.

Within a year, Isil has made incredibly progress and I am certain that she =
will only get better. Great work Isil! Keep on sharing your stories.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Isil Elensar =C2=B7 ID: 287 =C2=B7 Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: Rhapsody =C2=B7 2005-08-21 14:44:35
When I think of Isil Elensar, my first thoughts are: eye for detail and a s=
tunning narrative. Over the year I have read many stories of her and the mo=
re she writes, the more she improves in a natural way. Reading her stories =
is being taken on an adventure with her, whether it is with canon character=
s or her fabulous original characters. It is always a good read. Taking her=
time, she explores the thoughts and actions of her chosen characters, maki=
ng them more lovable and you truly feel for them with whatever path they ha=
ve to choose. Isil is a great author that improves herself with grace and e=
agerness.

Romance and Isil, those two things go together very well. Sometimes her mus=
e let her write very detailed information about clothes, surroundings=E2=80=
=A6 but also feelings and passion.

Within a year, Isil has made incredibly progress and I am certain that she =
will only get better. Great work Isil! Keep on sharing your stories.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Isil Elensar =C2=B7 ID: 287 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Elves (66): Genera=
l
Reviewer: Rhapsody =C2=B7 2005-08-21 14:45:18
When I think of Isil Elensar, my first thoughts are: eye for detail and a s=
tunning narrative. Over the year I have read many stories of her and the mo=
re she writes, the more she improves in a natural way. Reading her stories =
is being taken on an adventure with her, whether it is with canon character=
s or her fabulous original characters. It is always a good read. Taking her=
time, she explores the thoughts and actions of her chosen characters, maki=
ng them more lovable and you truly feel for them with whatever path they ha=
ve to choose. Isil is a great author that improves herself with grace and e=
agerness.

Isil knows her elves and that shows. When she writes a story that takes eit=
her place in an elven realm or with an elven character: she has her own opi=
nion to share and writes it masterfully. Combine that with a tinge of roman=
ce and you are guaranteed of a good story!

Within a year, Isil has made incredibly progress and I am certain that she =
will only get better. Great work Isil! Keep on sharing your stories.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Minuialeth =C2=B7 ID: 427 =C2=B7 Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (13=
5): General
Reviewer: Rhapsody =C2=B7 2005-08-21 14:56:46
Minuialeth is an author with such an incredibly talent, with so many words,=
she conveys her stories so strongly. She has a natural way of writing that=
is captivating. Taking her time with writing her tales, she weaves many st=
ory layers that truly baffle you. Remaining true to her own writing style, =
reading Minuialeth=E2=80=99s stories stand out for me. They are gems that, =
in my humble opinion, should not be overlooked. I hope to see more coming f=
rom her and it is hard to imagine that with the level she writes now, she s=
till considers that she needs improvement. Which is of course a natural way=
of thinking for every writer. Keep up the good work!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Alawa =C2=B7 ID: 103 =C2=B7 Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Drabbl=
e
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 17:28:08
Alawa is one of those authors who takes brevity as a challenge and rises to=
the occasion. Whether it's a drabble or a poem, a vignette or a gap-filler=
, she has an unerring sense of where the heart of the matter lies and of di=
splaying it with an elegance and sharpness that don't take away from the ot=
her essential quality of her writing: polyvalent resonance. Despite the bre=
vity, or perhaps because of it, words and phrases signify in multiple direc=
tions, and they vibrate, resonate with the multiple connections they make, =
all of which contributes to the experience of reading the work. A poet need=
s this quality desperately, and Alawa has it in spades. Short pieces deserv=
e second and even third readings; Alawa's "Dandelion Clocks" is one of the =
trickier fanfics I've read, for all it's a mere one hundred words, and her =
Gr=C3=ADma doesn't need a sonnet to squick. Just give him a haiku and the c=
hill that's imparted is out of proportion to the length, unless we postulat=
e an inverse relationship of word count to impact. When it comes to romanti=
c poems, Alawa shows that spareness of verse can convey as much as a dozen =
longer fics, and is twice as suggestive of necessity.

In closing, Alawa is one of the few fanfic poets who can make me sit up and=
take notice, who can get through to even me with a stanza. I don't know ho=
w she does it, and I'm not equipped to do a more detailed analysis of what =
exactly makes her work turn, but whatever it is, it rarely fails to entice =
me onward.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Alawa =C2=B7 ID: 103 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Men (31): Poem
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 17:28:48
Alawa is one of those authors who takes brevity as a challenge and rises to=
the occasion. Whether it's a drabble or a poem, a vignette or a gap-filler=
, she has an unerring sense of where the heart of the matter lies and of di=
splaying it with an elegance and sharpness that don't take away from the ot=
her essential quality of her writing: polyvalent resonance. Despite the bre=
vity, or perhaps because of it, words and phrases signify in multiple direc=
tions, and they vibrate, resonate with the multiple connections they make, =
all of which contributes to the experience of reading the work. A poet need=
s this quality desperately, and Alawa has it in spades. Short pieces deserv=
e second and even third readings; Alawa's "Dandelion Clocks" is one of the =
trickier fanfics I've read, for all it's a mere one hundred words, and her =
Gr=C3=ADma doesn't need a sonnet to squick. Just give him a haiku and the c=
hill that's imparted is out of proportion to the length, unless we postulat=
e an inverse relationship of word count to impact. When it comes to romanti=
c poems, Alawa shows that spareness of verse can convey as much as a dozen =
longer fics, and is twice as suggestive of necessity.

In closing, Alawa is one of the few fanfic poets who can make me sit up and=
take notice, who can get through to even me with a stanza. I don't know ho=
w she does it, and I'm not equipped to do a more detailed analysis of what =
exactly makes her work turn, but whatever it is, it rarely fails to entice =
me onward.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Alawa =C2=B7 ID: 103 =C2=B7 Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111)=
: Poem
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 17:29:32
Alawa is one of those authors who takes brevity as a challenge and rises to=
the occasion. Whether it's a drabble or a poem, a vignette or a gap-filler=
, she has an unerring sense of where the heart of the matter lies and of di=
splaying it with an elegance and sharpness that don't take away from the ot=
her essential quality of her writing: polyvalent resonance. Despite the bre=
vity, or perhaps because of it, words and phrases signify in multiple direc=
tions, and they vibrate, resonate with the multiple connections they make, =
all of which contributes to the experience of reading the work. A poet need=
s this quality desperately, and Alawa has it in spades. Short pieces deserv=
e second and even third readings; Alawa's "Dandelion Clocks" is one of the =
trickier fanfics I've read, for all it's a mere one hundred words, and her =
Gr=C3=ADma doesn't need a sonnet to squick. Just give him a haiku and the c=
hill that's imparted is out of proportion to the length, unless we postulat=
e an inverse relationship of word count to impact. When it comes to romanti=
c poems, Alawa shows that spareness of verse can convey as much as a dozen =
longer fics, and is twice as suggestive of necessity.

In closing, Alawa is one of the few fanfic poets who can make me sit up and=
take notice, who can get through to even me with a stanza. I don't know ho=
w she does it, and I'm not equipped to do a more detailed analysis of what =
exactly makes her work turn, but whatever it is, it rarely fails to entice =
me onward.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Alawa =C2=B7 ID: 103 =C2=B7 Genres: Romance (72): Poem
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 17:30:06
Alawa is one of those authors who takes brevity as a challenge and rises to=
the occasion. Whether it's a drabble or a poem, a vignette or a gap-filler=
, she has an unerring sense of where the heart of the matter lies and of di=
splaying it with an elegance and sharpness that don't take away from the ot=
her essential quality of her writing: polyvalent resonance. Despite the bre=
vity, or perhaps because of it, words and phrases signify in multiple direc=
tions, and they vibrate, resonate with the multiple connections they make, =
all of which contributes to the experience of reading the work. A poet need=
s this quality desperately, and Alawa has it in spades. Short pieces deserv=
e second and even third readings; Alawa's "Dandelion Clocks" is one of the =
trickier fanfics I've read, for all it's a mere one hundred words, and her =
Gr=C3=ADma doesn't need a sonnet to squick. Just give him a haiku and the c=
hill that's imparted is out of proportion to the length, unless we postulat=
e an inverse relationship of word count to impact. When it comes to romanti=
c poems, Alawa shows that spareness of verse can convey as much as a dozen =
longer fics, and is twice as suggestive of necessity.

In closing, Alawa is one of the few fanfic poets who can make me sit up and=
take notice, who can get through to even me with a stanza. I don't know ho=
w she does it, and I'm not equipped to do a more detailed analysis of what =
exactly makes her work turn, but whatever it is, it rarely fails to entice =
me onward.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Alawa =C2=B7 ID: 103 =C2=B7 Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): G=
eneral
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 17:30:36
Alawa has a particular talent when it comes to working with Aragorn and Bil=
bo, either together or separately. I'm very particular when it comes to Ara=
gorn fics=E2=80=94being a dyed-in-the-wool Aragorn groupie, I have my own v=
ery definite notions about his characterization and the will to write if I =
don't like what I'm reading or am simply unimpressed when it comes to Arago=
rn as he appears in the fandom. Alawa is one of the few who writes him in s=
uch a way that I never bat an eye; I just relax and enjoy the ride, and am =
never disappointed. She's managed to get inside the inside-ever-outside exp=
erience of a Ranger who would be king, who has the pedigree and the will an=
d ability to survive the rigors of a courtly existence, but who is at home =
among the lowest of the low, having been there himself as a Ranger. That te=
nsion is often missed by other writers, or overplayed, but Alawa hits it ev=
ery single time when it's called for, as we see in her stories involving ot=
her Rangers, be they OC or Arathorn and his relationship with Gilraen.

Undoubtedly, this is what makes her Bilbo so wonderfully alive, particularl=
y when she has him interact with Aragorn. These two characters are both con=
summately insiders in their own societies, but also absolutely outsiders at=
the same time. No wonder they're drawn to each other. They get it, and eac=
h other, and so they can relax around each other. Bilbo, however, never los=
es his hobbity down-to-earthness; his wisdom and outsider's eye are not the=
same as Aragorn's, so there's never collapse of one character into the oth=
er, either.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Alawa =C2=B7 ID: 103 =C2=B7 Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 17:31:07
Alawa has a particular talent when it comes to working with Aragorn and Bil=
bo, either together or separately. I'm very particular when it comes to Ara=
gorn fics=E2=80=94being a dyed-in-the-wool Aragorn groupie, I have my own v=
ery definite notions about his characterization and the will to write if I =
don't like what I'm reading or am simply unimpressed when it comes to Arago=
rn as he appears in the fandom. Alawa is one of the few who writes him in s=
uch a way that I never bat an eye; I just relax and enjoy the ride, and am =
never disappointed. She's managed to get inside the inside-ever-outside exp=
erience of a Ranger who would be king, who has the pedigree and the will an=
d ability to survive the rigors of a courtly existence, but who is at home =
among the lowest of the low, having been there himself as a Ranger. That te=
nsion is often missed by other writers, or overplayed, but Alawa hits it ev=
ery single time when it's called for, as we see in her stories involving ot=
her Rangers, be they OC or Arathorn and his relationship with Gilraen.

Undoubtedly, this is what makes her Bilbo so wonderfully alive, particularl=
y when she has him interact with Aragorn. These two characters are both con=
summately insiders in their own societies, but also absolutely outsiders at=
the same time. No wonder they're drawn to each other. They get it, and eac=
h other, and so they can relax around each other. Bilbo, however, never los=
es his hobbity down-to-earthness; his wisdom and outsider's eye are not the=
same as Aragorn's, so there's never collapse of one character into the oth=
er, either.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Ellisande =C2=B7 ID: 261 =C2=B7 Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (=
111): Poem
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 20:27:32
I hadn't read anything by Ellisande prior to these awards that I could reme=
mber, and I'm sure I would because as piece after piece went by, I grew mor=
e and more impressed by her poetry and began to look for her name as I went=
through category after category. She, along with Alawa and fileg, is one o=
f the few fanfic authors who strikes me as being genuinely a poet, someone =
whose entry into Tolkien's world comes through the vehicle of poetry.

Not only does Ellisande write stunning verse in her own right, but she exce=
ls as a filker, taking over Dies Irae and adapting it brilliantly to LOTR, =
or creating a fourth verse for Boromir's funeral lament (twice!) that felt =
as though it could've been (should've been!) among the verses sung if only =
Gimli were a poet. She gives Denethor a believably poetic voice and also ca=
ptures Finduilas, both from LOTR and the Silm=E2=80=94quite the accomplishm=
ent. She's obviously a fan of the Stewards of Gondor, so those interested i=
n that family should certainly take a look at her work.

Diversity doesn't seem to trouble Ellisande: she writes in whatever form st=
rikes her fancy, it seems, from triolets to haikus to villanelles to experi=
mental mixes of styles, which helps keep things lively for readers. She man=
ages to capture the emotional heart of things, but she can also use the poe=
try to tell a story, which takes some work. Many of us find poetry difficul=
t to deal with; I certainly am not a poetry buff. All the more should reade=
rs give Ellisande a try, for her lyricism and elegance.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Ellisande =C2=B7 ID: 261 =C2=B7 Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135=
): Poem
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 20:28:09
I hadn't read anything by Ellisande prior to these awards that I could reme=
mber, and I'm sure I would because as piece after piece went by, I grew mor=
e and more impressed by her poetry and began to look for her name as I went=
through category after category. She, along with Alawa and fileg, is one o=
f the few fanfic authors who strikes me as being genuinely a poet, someone =
whose entry into Tolkien's world comes through the vehicle of poetry.

Not only does Ellisande write stunning verse in her own right, but she exce=
ls as a filker, taking over Dies Irae and adapting it brilliantly to LOTR, =
or creating a fourth verse for Boromir's funeral lament (twice!) that felt =
as though it could've been (should've been!) among the verses sung if only =
Gimli were a poet. She gives Denethor a believably poetic voice and also ca=
ptures Finduilas, both from LOTR and the Silm=E2=80=94quite the accomplishm=
ent. She's obviously a fan of the Stewards of Gondor, so those interested i=
n that family should certainly take a look at her work.

Diversity doesn't seem to trouble Ellisande: she writes in whatever form st=
rikes her fancy, it seems, from triolets to haikus to villanelles to experi=
mental mixes of styles, which helps keep things lively for readers. She man=
ages to capture the emotional heart of things, but she can also use the poe=
try to tell a story, which takes some work. Many of us find poetry difficul=
t to deal with; I certainly am not a poetry buff. All the more should reade=
rs give Ellisande a try, for her lyricism and elegance.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Ellisande =C2=B7 ID: 261 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Men (31): Poem
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 20:28:43
I hadn't read anything by Ellisande prior to these awards that I could reme=
mber, and I'm sure I would because as piece after piece went by, I grew mor=
e and more impressed by her poetry and began to look for her name as I went=
through category after category. She, along with Alawa and fileg, is one o=
f the few fanfic authors who strikes me as being genuinely a poet, someone =
whose entry into Tolkien's world comes through the vehicle of poetry.

Not only does Ellisande write stunning verse in her own right, but she exce=
ls as a filker, taking over Dies Irae and adapting it brilliantly to LOTR, =
or creating a fourth verse for Boromir's funeral lament (twice!) that felt =
as though it could've been (should've been!) among the verses sung if only =
Gimli were a poet. She gives Denethor a believably poetic voice and also ca=
ptures Finduilas, both from LOTR and the Silm=E2=80=94quite the accomplishm=
ent. She's obviously a fan of the Stewards of Gondor, so those interested i=
n that family should certainly take a look at her work.

Diversity doesn't seem to trouble Ellisande: she writes in whatever form st=
rikes her fancy, it seems, from triolets to haikus to villanelles to experi=
mental mixes of styles, which helps keep things lively for readers. She man=
ages to capture the emotional heart of things, but she can also use the poe=
try to tell a story, which takes some work. Many of us find poetry difficul=
t to deal with; I certainly am not a poetry buff. All the more should reade=
rs give Ellisande a try, for her lyricism and elegance.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Ellisande =C2=B7 ID: 261 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Gondor (79): Poem
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 20:29:23
I hadn't read anything by Ellisande prior to these awards that I could reme=
mber, and I'm sure I would because as piece after piece went by, I grew mor=
e and more impressed by her poetry and began to look for her name as I went=
through category after category. She, along with Alawa and fileg, is one o=
f the few fanfic authors who strikes me as being genuinely a poet, someone =
whose entry into Tolkien's world comes through the vehicle of poetry.

Not only does Ellisande write stunning verse in her own right, but she exce=
ls as a filker, taking over Dies Irae and adapting it brilliantly to LOTR, =
or creating a fourth verse for Boromir's funeral lament (twice!) that felt =
as though it could've been (should've been!) among the verses sung if only =
Gimli were a poet. She gives Denethor a believably poetic voice and also ca=
ptures Finduilas, both from LOTR and the Silm=E2=80=94quite the accomplishm=
ent. She's obviously a fan of the Stewards of Gondor, so those interested i=
n that family should certainly take a look at her work.

Diversity doesn't seem to trouble Ellisande: she writes in whatever form st=
rikes her fancy, it seems, from triolets to haikus to villanelles to experi=
mental mixes of styles, which helps keep things lively for readers. She man=
ages to capture the emotional heart of things, but she can also use the poe=
try to tell a story, which takes some work. Many of us find poetry difficul=
t to deal with; I certainly am not a poetry buff. All the more should reade=
rs give Ellisande a try, for her lyricism and elegance.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Altariel =C2=B7 ID: 181 =C2=B7 Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135)=
: Drabble
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 21:26:36
Like several of my favorite authors, Altariel has a gift for making brevity=
an advantage. She was the original brevity queen insofar as my fanfic read=
ing was concerned=E2=80=94ironically, since one of the first things I read =
of hers was "A Game of Chess"=E2=80=94no short fic, that!

But Altariel really is the master of the concise turn of phrase. I love the=
subtlety of her work, the absolute precision she strives for and often att=
ains, and the symmetry that governs the flow of many of her works. The drab=
ble form suits her very well, and she's given us some of the most gorgeous =
drabble sets I've ever read=E2=80=94series which have an incredible breadth=
in terms of the settings and possibilities covered and explored, but that =
aren't simply shallow evocations either. They are thematically powerful, ex=
ploring hope, despair, love, and the long links that tradition forms over g=
enerations and which help support the aforementioned themes.

At the same time, she's able to access obscure corners of Tolkien's world a=
nd make them feel full, alive, and significant in just one hundred words: I=
think particularly of her drabble on Malbeth in "Gloria Mundi". It doesn't=
get that much more obscure, yet she evokes a whole life, in its rise and f=
all, pride and folly, wisdom and fading; Malbeth acquires gravity and a per=
sonality and function far beyond what Tolkien gave him. And of course, no o=
ne writes Faramir like Altariel writes him, and in her AU drabble series ab=
out him and =C3=89owyn, she hits several major possibilities for the two of=
them in her characteristically understated yet forceful style. The cumulat=
ive effect of these individual drabbles is staggering and should do much to=
convince any skeptics that a drabble can be an effective form of fanfic.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Altariel =C2=B7 ID: 181 =C2=B7 Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (1=
11): Drabble
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 21:27:21
Like several of my favorite authors, Altariel has a gift for making brevity=
an advantage. She was the original brevity queen insofar as my fanfic read=
ing was concerned=E2=80=94ironically, since one of the first things I read =
of hers was "A Game of Chess"=E2=80=94no short fic, that!

But Altariel really is the master of the concise turn of phrase. I love the=
subtlety of her work, the absolute precision she strives for and often att=
ains, and the symmetry that governs the flow of many of her works. The drab=
ble form suits her very well, and she's given us some of the most gorgeous =
drabble sets I've ever read=E2=80=94series which have an incredible breadth=
in terms of the settings and possibilities covered and explored, but that =
aren't simply shallow evocations either. They are thematically powerful, ex=
ploring hope, despair, love, and the long links that tradition forms over g=
enerations and which help support the aforementioned themes.

At the same time, she's able to access obscure corners of Tolkien's world a=
nd make them feel full, alive, and significant in just one hundred words: I=
think particularly of her drabble on Malbeth in "Gloria Mundi". It doesn't=
get that much more obscure, yet she evokes a whole life, in its rise and f=
all, pride and folly, wisdom and fading; Malbeth acquires gravity and a per=
sonality and function far beyond what Tolkien gave him. And of course, no o=
ne writes Faramir like Altariel writes him, and in her AU drabble series ab=
out him and =C3=89owyn, she hits several major possibilities for the two of=
them in her characteristically understated yet forceful style. The cumulat=
ive effect of these individual drabbles is staggering and should do much to=
convince any skeptics that a drabble can be an effective form of fanfic.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Altariel =C2=B7 ID: 181 =C2=B7 Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (1=
11): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 21:27:39
Once again, Altariel shows us what you can do with the right words, even if=
there aren't a lot of them, and she tackles some tough moments: a ritual o=
ath of allegiance that might've occurred between the written lines, the nex=
t war after the War of the Rings, and the life of T=C3=BArin focusing on hi=
s final choice of death. Despite their brevity, these fics have gravity=E2=
=80=94Altariel excels at giving her fics weight. Fluff you will not find, b=
ut thoughtful reflection and works tight as a wire are her specialty, and s=
he doesn't shy away from heavy, potentially painful topics.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Altariel =C2=B7 ID: 181 =C2=B7 Books/Time: The Silmarillion (67): G=
eneral
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 21:28:11
Once again, Altariel shows us what you can do with the right words, even if=
there aren't a lot of them, and she tackles some tough moments: a ritual o=
ath of allegiance that might've occurred between the written lines, the nex=
t war after the War of the Rings, and the life of T=C3=BArin focusing on hi=
s final choice of death. Despite their brevity, these fics have gravity=E2=
=80=94Altariel excels at giving her fics weight. Fluff you will not find, b=
ut thoughtful reflection and works tight as a wire are her specialty, and s=
he doesn't shy away from heavy, potentially painful topics.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Altariel =C2=B7 ID: 181 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Gondor (79): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 21:28:39
Once again, Altariel shows us what you can do with the right words, even if=
there aren't a lot of them, and she tackles some tough moments: a ritual o=
ath of allegiance that might've occurred between the written lines, the nex=
t war after the War of the Rings, and the life of T=C3=BArin focusing on hi=
s final choice of death. Despite their brevity, these fics have gravity=E2=
=80=94Altariel excels at giving her fics weight. Fluff you will not find, b=
ut thoughtful reflection and works tight as a wire are her specialty, and s=
he doesn't shy away from heavy, potentially painful topics.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Isabeau of Greenlea =C2=B7 ID: 182 =C2=B7 Books/Time: Post-Ring War=
(142): Drabble
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 21:29:21
Isabeau doesn't usually do "short", or at least, that's not her reputation =
after "Captain My Captain", to say nothing of a few fairly lengthy WiPs sti=
ll out there. But she can, and when it comes to the Dol Amroth crew, there'=
s no one better at capturing, in a few lines, the mischief, the humor, the =
familial interplays, than Isabeau. Her drabbles are an excellent example of=
this phenomenon: they are witty, romantic comedies that have their timing =
down pat and which make the most of their one hundred words. Delightful, fo=
cusing on the human relations rather than the political ones, Isabeau's ski=
ll shines through in them.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Isabeau of Greenlea =C2=B7 ID: 182 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Gondor (79)=
: General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-23 21:31:02
Original characters are Isabeau's strong suit. She has no trouble populatin=
g her fics with them, or even taking them on in the first person for fifty-=
three chapters. They have a depth that is often lacking, even in canon char=
acters=E2=80=94they are emotionally multi-faceted, even when one or two par=
ticular moods predominate (for example, Andrahar is certainly more or less =
given to cantankerous irrascability and proud distance, yet over the course=
of Isabeau's writings we've seen him as believably relaxed, amused, in lov=
e, gentle, paternal, enraged, sarcastic, and despairing, and it never feels=
false or forced).

Her characters are diverse: young children such as Brand or L=C3=BAthien th=
e instrument-maker's daughter, feel like children, yet are distinctly diffe=
rent from each other; the cynets of Dol Amroth are believable and well-defi=
ned (I include them as originals because they are only names in an appendix=
only) at various stages of their lives, from childhood through adolescence=
through adulthood; her healer character Cuilast is a delightfully irrevere=
nt personality; Andrahar, as I've said already, is emotionally complex almo=
st in spite of himself and certainly can't be mistaken for any other voice.=
Readers who want well-done interactions between canonical characters and o=
riginal ones should give Isabeau's work a try.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Forodwaith =C2=B7 ID: 50 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Villains (31): Drabbl=
e
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:29:38
Forodwaith's gift seems to be drabbles this year. She doesn't waste a word,=
and manages to find those moments that lend themselves to being expressed =
and shown in a short space. Unlike some other drabblists I admire, Forodwai=
th seems more consistently to capture an image for me=E2=80=94several drabb=
les are strongly visual or tactile, and if they aren't necessarily thematic=
, their lyricism and descriptiveness show a different facet of the form. Fo=
rodwaith is good at capturing characters, too, in her drabbles, which I fin=
d tricky. Either the space isn't large enough, or else the short space arti=
ficially intensifies the description, leading to preciosity often times; no=
t with Forodwaith. Writing a diverse range of characters, both canonical an=
d original, Forodwaith's drabbles rarely feel stale and have a vigor all th=
eir own.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Forodwaith =C2=B7 ID: 50 =C2=B7 Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Dr=
abble
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:30:31
Forodwaith's gift seems to be drabbles this year. She doesn't waste a word,=
and manages to find those moments that lend themselves to being expressed =
and shown in a short space. Unlike some other drabblists I admire, Forodwai=
th seems more consistently to capture an image for me=E2=80=94several drabb=
les are strongly visual or tactile, and if they aren't necessarily thematic=
, their lyricism and descriptiveness show a different facet of the form. Fo=
rodwaith is good at capturing characters, too, in her drabbles, which I fin=
d tricky. Either the space isn't large enough, or else the short space arti=
ficially intensifies the description, leading to preciosity often times; no=
t with Forodwaith. Writing a diverse range of characters, both canonical an=
d original, Forodwaith's drabbles rarely feel stale and have a vigor all th=
eir own.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Forodwaith =C2=B7 ID: 50 =C2=B7 Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Ge=
neral
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:30:58
Forodwaith has a particular interest in Arwen, and it shows in her sure han=
d in writing her. As artisan and as teacher, or even as healer in some shor=
ter pieces and drabbles, Arwen acquires a depth and personality she never h=
ad in the books, testimony to Forodwaith's skill in taking rather bare outl=
ines and filling them in. Forodwaith does well to bring out the urgency of =
Arwen's relationship with Aragorn, the interweaving of the struggle against=
the Darkness and desire. But she can also write the calmer moments, when v=
ictory has been attained, and show Arwen as bridging not just a cultual but=
a class gap with style and grace that to me show the hope of the new Age.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Forodwaith =C2=B7 ID: 50 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Dwarves (13): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:31:39
It's hard to write Dwarves, I find, but Forodwaith seems to have no trouble=
with them. She captures that stubbornness and sense of place in the world =
beautifully, while avoiding the more comic or exaggerated extremes of Dwarv=
en characterization that we see in "The Hobbit". She successfully creates a=
n atmosphere and a sense of history and ancientry, of love of the works of =
their hands for them that feels believably LOTR without sacrificing "The Ho=
bbit", either.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Forodwaith =C2=B7 ID: 50 =C2=B7 Genres: Horror (8): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:32:13
Forodwaith doesn't forget the first rule of horror writing: be willing to k=
ill someone. Poor Mallor was doomed from the get go, but his death was not =
in vain: it most definitely was horrific, even while avoiding unnecessarily=
graphic descriptions. Forodwaith can really bring out the tension and fear=
.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Forodwaith =C2=B7 ID: 50 =C2=B7 Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (=
111): Drabble
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:32:52
Forodwaith's gift seems to be drabbles this year. She doesn't waste a word,=
and manages to find those moments that lend themselves to being expressed =
and shown in a short space. Unlike some other drabblists I admire, Forodwai=
th seems more consistently to capture an image for me=E2=80=94several drabb=
les are strongly visual or tactile, and if they aren't necessarily thematic=
, their lyricism and descriptiveness show a different facet of the form. Fo=
rodwaith is good at capturing characters, too, in her drabbles, which I fin=
d tricky. Either the space isn't large enough, or else the short space arti=
ficially intensifies the description, leading to preciosity often times; no=
t with Forodwaith. Writing a diverse range of characters, both canonical an=
d original, Forodwaith's drabbles rarely feel stale and have a vigor all th=
eir own.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Forodwaith =C2=B7 ID: 50 =C2=B7 Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): Drabbl=
e
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:35:04
Forodwaith's gift seems to be drabbles this year. She doesn't waste a word,=
and manages to find those moments that lend themselves to being expressed =
and shown in a short space. Unlike some other drabblists I admire, Forodwai=
th seems more consistently to capture an image for me=E2=80=94several drabb=
les are strongly visual or tactile, and if they aren't necessarily thematic=
, their lyricism and descriptiveness show a different facet of the form. Fo=
rodwaith is good at capturing characters, too, in her drabbles, which I fin=
d tricky. Either the space isn't large enough, or else the short space arti=
ficially intensifies the description, leading to preciosity often times; no=
t with Forodwaith. Writing a diverse range of characters, both canonical an=
d original, Forodwaith's drabbles rarely feel stale and have a vigor all th=
eir own.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Lindelea =C2=B7 ID: 27 =C2=B7 Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:35:56
Lindelea is probably my favorite writer of hobbits. Her Merry and Pippin, i=
n particular, never cross over into the dreaded ickle sweetness that I've t=
oo often seen. They are close, they are the best of friends, but they are n=
ot children and their friendship, in all its courage and mischief, is never=
allowed to slide over into caricature or emotional hyperbole. This makes h=
er gap-fillers with these two a pleasure to read from beginning to end. The=
re's a sharpness and a particular quasi-euphemistic lightness to her dialog=
ue that fits the characters and helps open them and the canonical scenes to=
either side of her fics to us.

Likewise with her stories of the hobbits and the Shire after the war, she g=
rounds them in their native but transformed soil and in so doing, leads us =
to see everything differently without asking us to sacrifice our hand-hold =
on the characters.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Lindelea =C2=B7 ID: 27 =C2=B7 Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Gene=
ral
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:36:38
Lindelea is probably my favorite writer of hobbits. Her Merry and Pippin, i=
n particular, never cross over into the dreaded ickle sweetness that I've t=
oo often seen. They are close, they are the best of friends, but they are n=
ot children and their friendship, in all its courage and mischief, is never=
allowed to slide over into caricature or emotional hyperbole. This makes h=
er gap-fillers with these two a pleasure to read from beginning to end. The=
re's a sharpness and a particular quasi-euphemistic lightness to her dialog=
ue that fits the characters and helps open them and the canonical scenes to=
either side of her fics to us.

Likewise with her stories of the hobbits and the Shire after the war, she g=
rounds them in their native but transformed soil and in so doing, leads us =
to see everything differently without asking us to sacrifice our hand-hold =
on the characters.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Aliana =C2=B7 ID: 208 =C2=B7 Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Gener=
al
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:37:18
Aliana is another author who excels at writing original characters, and isn=
't afraid to write a fic entirely populated by them to get at the sideviews=
of Middle-earth. Atmosphere is something one notices immediately in her wo=
rk: she can really set the tone and stay with it, so that it stains or tint=
s the entire story. There's no unevenness=E2=80=94she writes with great con=
fidence, and does very well to capture the anxiety and dread of Gondor at i=
ts most desperate hour. She also captures very well that transition from th=
e Third Age to the Fourth Age, the move from a magical to a mundane world. =
Aliana is also one of those author's with the enviable talent of being able=
to string together scenes without describing every detail. She's not a rea=
list in that sense=E2=80=94things hold together in the plot because the plo=
t fits the interior life of the characters often times, I think. It allows =
her to shorten the story and intensify the focus on whatever issue or emoti=
on she's trying to bring forward, but without doing a disservice to the con=
tinuinty of the plot.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Aliana =C2=B7 ID: 208 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Gondor (79): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:37:51
Aliana is another author who excels at writing original characters, and isn=
't afraid to write a fic entirely populated by them to get at the sideviews=
of Middle-earth. Atmosphere is something one notices immediately in her wo=
rk: she can really set the tone and stay with it, so that it stains or tint=
s the entire story. There's no unevenness=E2=80=94she writes with great con=
fidence, and does very well to capture the anxiety and dread of Gondor at i=
ts most desperate hour. She also captures very well that transition from th=
e Third Age to the Fourth Age, the move from a magical to a mundane world. =
Aliana is also one of those author's with the enviable talent of being able=
to string together scenes without describing every detail. She's not a rea=
list in that sense=E2=80=94things hold together in the plot because the plo=
t fits the interior life of the characters often times, I think. It allows =
her to shorten the story and intensify the focus on whatever issue or emoti=
on she's trying to bring forward, but without doing a disservice to the con=
tinuinty of the plot.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Thundera Tiger =C2=B7 ID: 86 =C2=B7 Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142)=
: General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:39:18
Just as when she's writing gap-fillers, Thundera looks to fill in the massi=
ve blank space that is the Fourth Age, whether it's within spitting distanc=
e of the Ring War, or the ultimate end of the Fellowship. Legolas and Gimli=
are her focus very often, even as they are during the Third Age fics, but =
there's always plenty going on to keep us from feeling caught in a world re=
duced to the Elf and Dwarf.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Thundera Tiger =C2=B7 ID: 86 =C2=B7 Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): Ge=
neral
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:39:59
As I've said before, Thundera Tiger was the first author I'd read who had t=
he ambition and ability to write a major gap-filler that wasn't afraid to l=
inger, to stay with the Fellowship over an extended period of time. She was=
, from the very beginning, an excellent ensemble writer, and especially whe=
n that ensemble is the Fellowship. I'd go so far as to say that gap-filling=
the Fellowship is Thundera's specialty, the fictional space where she real=
ly shines and is able to let her talents as a humorist, dramatist, and acti=
on-writer play freely. In fact, she doesn't so fill gaps, unless we're talk=
ing gaps the size of the one in Rohan; Thundera's work (much of it, at any =
rate) is nothing if not grand in scope.

Like many authors, she's a character writer=E2=80=94it's the interpersonal =
that drives things, and perhaps that's a part of why she's a great gap-fill=
er. With a basic structure given, she can focus on those interpersonal rela=
tionships to her heart's content, and she makes sure that each character ge=
ts his (or her) due.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Kielle =C2=B7 ID: 197 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Gondor (79): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:42:06
Kielle's other fanfictional habit is finding the obscure, "historical" char=
acters of Middle-earth and expanding them into personalities, rather than c=
hronological entities. Whether in Gondor or in Rohan, she goes where much o=
f fandom does not, and she has the skill and flare for drama and intrigue t=
o make the "dead" history of Middle-earth come alive. She does an especial =
service to the underwritten and often simply *un*written women of Middle-ea=
rth by finding space for their points of view. But as she deals with aristo=
cracy (the only people who make it into the history books) she wisely doesn=
't make them too sentimental, taken as a whole. They are emphatically not "=
nice" people=E2=80=94they're nobility, and they know it, and they are portr=
ayed appropriately. Even in her less "historical" fics, when she takes on D=
enethor, she holds that line and insists on his fundamental "cussedness", a=
s it were. In that, I think Kielle gets it right where many do not, and I g=
reatly appreciate that in her work.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Kielle =C2=B7 ID: 197 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Rohan (37): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:42:45
Rohan seems to have a particular soft spot for Kielle, who shows her abilit=
y to develop characters quickly and with confidence, whether they are child=
ren, adults, or adolescents. She's a solid dramatist who knows how to const=
ruct a scene and bring out a theme.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Kielle =C2=B7 ID: 197 =C2=B7 Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:43:22
What's wonderful about Kielle's work is her willingness to get downright vi=
cious with the canon when it's warranted. There are authors who like to sho=
ck, and I'm not automatically against that, but Kielle knows how to make th=
at sense of shock stick and how to give it a thoughtful dimension that you =
can't just ignore.

Whether it's metafic or her unerring ability to find the particular point o=
f view that forces you to reconsider what you thought you knew, Kielle goes=
straight for the jugular. Sometimes she leaves you laughing, other times s=
he leaves you chilled, and sometimes she speaks to that frustrated reader i=
n you who was just dying to see point X made painfully clear. She's not afr=
aid to tackle subject matter that is, to say the least, unstable and hard t=
o handle=E2=80=94the metaphysical and moral implications of elven reproduct=
ion in all its gendered ugliness hidden behind a fair exterior, for example=
, or fandom clich=C3=A9s or the precise nature of Galadriel's penance and g=
uilt. She'll exploit the innocent for the sake of the perverse if it opens =
a new view of a particular canonical scene and she'll do it with style.

One may not always find Kielle's work appealing for its conclusions, but it=
's worth the read every time.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Kielle =C2=B7 ID: 197 =C2=B7 Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): =
General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:44:07
What's wonderful about Kielle's work is her willingness to get downright vi=
cious with the canon when it's warranted. There are authors who like to sho=
ck, and I'm not automatically against that, but Kielle knows how to make th=
at sense of shock stick and how to give it a thoughtful dimension that you =
can't just ignore.

Whether it's metafic or her unerring ability to find the particular point o=
f view that forces you to reconsider what you thought you knew, Kielle goes=
straight for the jugular. Sometimes she leaves you laughing, other times s=
he leaves you chilled, and sometimes she speaks to that frustrated reader i=
n you who was just dying to see point X made painfully clear. She's not afr=
aid to tackle subject matter that is, to say the least, unstable and hard t=
o handle=E2=80=94the metaphysical and moral implications of elven reproduct=
ion in all its gendered ugliness hidden behind a fair exterior, for example=
, or fandom clich=C3=A9s or the precise nature of Galadriel's penance and g=
uilt. She'll exploit the innocent for the sake of the perverse if it opens =
a new view of a particular canonical scene and she'll do it with style.

One may not always find Kielle's work appealing for its conclusions, but it=
's worth the read every time.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Kielle =C2=B7 ID: 197 =C2=B7 Books/Time: The Silmarillion (67): Gen=
eral
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 01:44:51
What's wonderful about Kielle's work is her willingness to get downright vi=
cious with the canon when it's warranted. There are authors who like to sho=
ck, and I'm not automatically against that, but Kielle knows how to make th=
at sense of shock stick and how to give it a thoughtful dimension that you =
can't just ignore.

Whether it's metafic or her unerring ability to find the particular point o=
f view that forces you to reconsider what you thought you knew, Kielle goes=
straight for the jugular. Sometimes she leaves you laughing, other times s=
he leaves you chilled, and sometimes she speaks to that frustrated reader i=
n you who was just dying to see point X made painfully clear. She's not afr=
aid to tackle subject matter that is, to say the least, unstable and hard t=
o handle=E2=80=94the metaphysical and moral implications of elven reproduct=
ion in all its gendered ugliness hidden behind a fair exterior, for example=
, or fandom clich=C3=A9s or the precise nature of Galadriel's penance and g=
uilt. She'll exploit the innocent for the sake of the perverse if it opens =
a new view of a particular canonical scene and she'll do it with style.

One may not always find Kielle's work appealing for its conclusions, but it=
's worth the read every time.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Tehta =C2=B7 ID: 185 =C2=B7 Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 13:46:09
Tehta's humor ranges from long, drawn out explorations of the hysterically =
suggestive lines that Tolkien actually wrote; to novella romances that are =
played straight up, as it were; to filking bad canonical songs and renderin=
g them even more outrageously awful; to giving canonical events that off-be=
at, in-canon humorous interpretation. She manages to make it all seem fresh=
, and her own commentary and footnotes just add to the humor.

Although her humor is pointed, it's not cutting or cynical, and it never de=
pends on cheap shots (almost never=E2=80=94that Orc-slaying Ditty will live=
in infamy) that diminish the characters. If at times, due to the slashy na=
ture of some of Tehta's humor, one finds the moralism a bit thick, the auth=
or's notes and extracts almost immediately overthrow that impression and, a=
s noted, just serve to make the serious bits funny/-ier. Nevertheless, in t=
heir own right, I appreciate the moralizing bits=E2=80=94not possible to ge=
t wholly away from them in the stories she tells, and she recognizes this.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Tehta =C2=B7 ID: 185 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Elves (66): General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 13:46:54
Although Tehta often writes humor, she shows she can do the heavy, angsty f=
ics, too, and do them well. She keeps us at a necessary distance from the c=
haracter's brooding, but paints an unrelenting image of bleak hopelessness =
kept at bay by a variety of masks.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Werecat =C2=B7 ID: 83 =C2=B7 Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Gener=
al
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 14:21:53
Werecat's stories are scattered across so many categories, I can't find a w=
ay to group them terribly effectively to review her as an author within eve=
n a few genres. However, if there are two common motifs running through Wer=
ecat's writing I would name the following: reveresal of expectation and unu=
sual viewpoints. Werecat excels at finding space for points of view one nor=
mally wouldn't consider or use: her frequent use of animal narrators, or an=
imal characters to bring out some aspect of Middle-earth's denizens and the=
mes. She gravitates towards such figures as the obscure Tevildo, Lord of Ca=
ts; Radagast; and Ber=C3=BAthiel. If there's a cat to be found anywhere in =
Middle-earth, Werecat will find it and integrate it into a story. If she wr=
ites horses, it has to be horses who aren't those normally written about (t=
he warhorses); if she writes mounts, she will go for the fell beasts rather=
than the more usual and attractive steeds.

And in terms of reversing expectations, her Orcs are always more complicate=
d than they are in canon and bring out morally frightening points: the exti=
nction of the Orcs as a form of genocide, for example. Her fell beasts desi=
re to be loved, in their own way; and her Ber=C3=BAthiel is a genuinely sym=
pathetic character, in contrast to what one would expect. Werecat is unques=
tionably one of the more unique voices in the fandom.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Werecat =C2=B7 ID: 83 =C2=B7 Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): =
General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 14:22:35
Werecat's stories are scattered across so many categories, I can't find a w=
ay to group them terribly effectively to review her as an author within eve=
n a few genres. However, if there are two common motifs running through Wer=
ecat's writing I would name the following: reveresal of expectation and unu=
sual viewpoints. Werecat excels at finding space for points of view one nor=
mally wouldn't consider or use: her frequent use of animal narrators, or an=
imal characters to bring out some aspect of Middle-earth's denizens and the=
mes. She gravitates towards such figures as the obscure Tevildo, Lord of Ca=
ts; Radagast; and Ber=C3=BAthiel. If there's a cat to be found anywhere in =
Middle-earth, Werecat will find it and integrate it into a story. If she wr=
ites horses, it has to be horses who aren't those normally written about (t=
he warhorses); if she writes mounts, she will go for the fell beasts rather=
than the more usual and attractive steeds.

And in terms of reversing expectations, her Orcs are always more complicate=
d than they are in canon and bring out morally frightening points: the exti=
nction of the Orcs as a form of genocide, for example. Her fell beasts desi=
re to be loved, in their own way; and her Ber=C3=BAthiel is a genuinely sym=
pathetic character, in contrast to what one would expect. Werecat is unques=
tionably one of the more unique voices in the fandom.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Adina ATL =C2=B7 ID: 198 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Cross-Cultural (80): =
General
Reviewer: Dwimordene =C2=B7 2005-08-24 14:27:42
Adina ATL has given us a very unique cross-cultural vision in her Elf-Dwarf=
interactions. Whether it's Narvi, Celebrimbor, and Galadriel or Legolas an=
d Gimli, she pushes fandom expectations, occasionally going toe to toe with=
certain well-loved fandom characterizations. But she doesn't do it arbitra=
rily; she finds the right places and supports for her stories, and so is ab=
le to weave in the more unusual elements seemingly effortlessly. Her evocat=
ions of Dwarven culture are particularly well done.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Cassia & Siobhan =C2=B7 ID: 467 =C2=B7 Genres: Adventure (13): Gene=
ral
Reviewer: Ainaechoiriel =C2=B7 2005-08-24 16:59:38 Score: 5
I didn't get to read as much of this duo's stories this year, but the one I=
did was just as good as the first. These two never fail to deliver enterta=
inment and yes, torture, for those like me who admit they like stories of i=
t. But they can do more than that, as this story showed. They can build ano=
ther culture, make it seem real, put an unusual look on life in slavery and=
what it might be like to tend to oliphants. They did this with believabili=
ty and wit. Don't let their "entertainment value" fool you. These two can r=
eally write. And they are always a lot of fun to read.
-----------------------------------------
Author: elanor_of_aquitania =C2=B7 ID: 69 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Gondor (79):=
Poem
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger =C2=B7 2005-08-25 01:45:00
One of my favorite poems from Tolkien is "The Lay of the Children of Hurin,=
" and the reason I like it so much has to do with the structure. In many pl=
aces, the poem can be read as several different poems because of the way he=
breaks up the lines, and Elanor does a brilliant rendition of that in the =
poems "Wait for me - Eowyn" and "Beregond's Prayer." The breaks also do a g=
ood job of drawing out emotions, which is needed as these are both emotiona=
lly charged poems. And that's another thing that Elanor does so well. Tappi=
ng emotions can sometimes be difficult, but Elanor makes it look easy and d=
raws the reader into both poems so quickly that it's never noticed how deep=
the emotions have become until the end is reached and the reader is left r=
eeling. That's the mark of a good poet.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Elen Kortirion =C2=B7 ID: 251 =C2=B7 Races/Places: Gondor (79): Poe=
m
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger =C2=B7 2005-08-25 01:51:05
Elen Kortirion does a brilliant job with metaphor in the poem "Forlorn Hope=
." This metaphor is bright and vibrant, creating pictures, sounds, and emot=
ions in<br/><br/>(Message over 64 KB, truncated)

Help! Mathematical succour required by the one who cannot add worth beans!

This morning, I was pleased to see 3,285 Final Reviews available to be
read, according to the "Read Reviews" screen.

When I went to my own page, via "Read Reviews by Reviewer" in order to
work on a tentative review a bit, I saw "There have been 5178 Final
Reviews written for the 2005 MEFAwards."

I thought at first that the difference must be coming from the Final
Author reviews, but even I know that 25 reviews per page x 12 pages
is... uh, less than 2,000. By a more than fair number, even. And even
if I were wrong about that, the "Read Author reviews" screen says
there are 280 final author reviews.

What gives? What's pushing the final review count up like that? Do we
really have 2,000 non-finalized reviews being counted under "Final
Reviews" on the "Read Reviews by Reviewer" pages?

Thank you,

Dwim, the mathematically incompetent

-- "dwimmer_laik" <dwimmer_laik@yahoo.com> wrote:

>> This morning, I was pleased to see 3,285 Final Reviews available to
>> be read, according to the "Read Reviews" screen.

My screen tells me that there are now 3,286. ;)

>> When I went to my own page, via "Read Reviews by Reviewer" in order
>> to work on a tentative review a bit, I saw "There have been 5178
>> Final Reviews written for the 2005 MEFAwards."

<snip>

>> What gives? What's pushing the final review count up like that? Do
>> we really have 2,000 non-finalized reviews being counted
>> under "Final Reviews" on the "Read Reviews by Reviewer" pages?

Being the curious cat that I am, I had to check this out for myself. It's telling me that there are 5211 reviews out there when I have it set on myself as a reviewer but if I go to "All Reviewers" or anyone else, it goes back to telling me that there are 3286 final reviews. So best guess says that you're right. When it's set on me under "Read Reviews by Reviewer," then I see not only my final reviews but also draft and tentative reviews. My guess is that since it doesn't just display final reviews for my default, it's also tallying more than just the final reviews for everybody else.

I haven't seen the code for myself, though, so that's just a guess based on the little I do know of programming. But even so, it's fun to go in and look at over 5000 reviews.

Thundera Tiger

----------------------------------
Insanity is just a state of mind.
Hawkeye�M*A*S*H
----------------------------------

:-) Or maybe the vote count went up because bunches of
us realized two things over the weekend:

1) voting season ends at the end of September, and
2) A holiday weekend is the perfect time for
reviewing....

I'm sorry I haven't reviewed before now; I did try
very hard to make up for that this weekend. RL has
been horrific of late: job changes, life changes, a
couple of heart-rending, way too close and desperately
sad deaths... I'm so sorry I haven't kept up!

Thanks to all who have reviewed my work; I am humbly
grateful for your kind words! And I will do my best,
over the next couple weeks, to do as much as I can....
I wish I could review everything, because there are
some extremely lovely, wonderful works up this year,
deserving of every word we can give them. But I don't
know what I shall have the proper time.... *blush*

Cheers all around,
Jasta




______________________________________________________
Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.
http://store.yahoo.com/redcross-donate3/

On the 'Browse By Reviewer' page, when you're looking at your own
reviews, it shows all, including draft, and the query that does the
counting uses the same review status portion, but looks for all
reviews.

Once you switch to looking at another reviewer, or by all reviewers,
the count goes back to final, though.

Here's the 'latest', direct from the database, but it's already out of
date.

3296 final reviews
1123 tentative reviews
I won't mention draft, because some folks are using them as
placeholders for stories they're not reviewing, but there might be
another 1-200 of them that are legit.

1206 stories have tentative or final reviews, out of 1226 stories that
are not withdrawn.

That means that there are still 20 stories out there that don't have
reviews.

1178 stories have final reviews.

37 draft, 11 tentative and 285 final author reviews. I don't know if
the drafts are probable to change to real votes or not.

I've added an option to only show the stories with zero final reviews.
I'll send it to Ainae tonight. It'll show up in the status filter on
the Browse Stories page when she updates.

Anthony

-----------------------------------
Title: Elements of Ithilien · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Gondor: Drabble · ID: 536
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-06 02:04:44
Ah, Liz, this series is just extraordinary. In the first one, 'Earth', Faramir is in such intimate contact with the soil that we, the readers, can smell it and feel it on our hands. Yet Faramir chooses to momentarily note the beauty of the waving fronds and the iridescent beetle wing – the nature lover shines through! Yet the warrior is acutely aware that this might be his last living moment.

'Air' shows him in the throes of battle – yet the Darkness from Mordor makes it difficult to even breathe. I had always thought of Sauron's Darkness as being oppressive psychologically, yet you show it as a physical handicap – a very different idea, and completely appropriate.

'Fire' is my favorite, I think. I love Faramir watching the sparks travel toward the stars – and "ever-present embers high above" is such a beautiful metaphor. And on fireless nights, he watches the constellations, remembering their stories from ancient lore – and takes hope and strength to persevere from them.

In 'Water', I love how you relate the roar of water at their refuge in Henneth-Annûn to Faramir's recurrent prophetic dream of the downfall of Númenor, another connection that I had never made. It is so in-character for Faramir to realize that succumbing to the Ring's lure would cause a downfall for Gondor – a thought as chilling as the icy water.

Ah, 'Spirit' has such joyful, lyrical, and hopeful images of a restored Gondor, burgeoning with new life. I especially love the image of a bright necklace of new hearths and homes along the hills of Emyn Arnen. And Faramir has found a new home in the arms of the woman he loves…

After reading this series, I feel enriched and infused with joy for the exquisiteness of your works of word-art, Liz. Your drabbles truly inspire me. Thank you for sharing them with us all!

-----------------------------------
Title: His Own Wisdom · Author: Nessime · Races/Places: Rohan: Drabble · ID: 493
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-06 03:07:39
Ah, Nessime, I really like this! You do a lovely job of weaving canon into
fascinating vignettes. Háma is steadfast in his duty as doorwarden, and very
observant of the weapons being laid at the door (must be a "guy" thing LOL!).

But I love how you've interpreted Tolkien's words here, and allowed Háma to
apply them to himself. Yes, indeed, he holds something (or rather, someone) very dear -- and he is very clear about who deserves his loyalty and protection and who does not. The phrase "Worm-eaten directives" is absolutely brilliant! And I love the humorous punch at the end, when Háma is vindicated in a loudly dramatic fashion. Very nice scene!

-----------------------------------
Title: Quarantined · Author: Shirebound · Genres: Alternate Universe: Pre-LOTR · ID: 877
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-06 13:57:25
This is a very sweet version of the Shire and the occasional passing Ranger - I love Frodo's relationship with Estel and Bilbo. I enjoyed reading this and its sequels.
-----------------------------------
Title: Alchemy · Author: Branwyn · Books/Time: The Silmarillion: Poetry · ID: 168
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-06 14:21:17
This is a stunning piece of work - I am always in awe of people who can write free verse, without any of the frameworks of rhyme and meter helpfully laid down for "traditional" forms, be they sonnet or triolet or whatever, and yet make that verse feel structured and controlled, with the satisfying "rightness" which in a more traditional form comes from the pre-determined rhymescheme or rhythm falling into place. Here the sense of structure comes from the use of repetition with variation ("before there was glass, there was.."), but there's also a dynamic, a sense of moving towards a goal, as we wait to see how the glass will come from the elemental ingredients.

The whole *idea* of the alchemy, a blend of craft-with-magic, seems very fitting for Arda, and the use of the ingredients that would be found along the seashore is just right for an Elf of Valinor (albeit not a Teler!) Each ingredient seemed to foreshadow something about the Feanorians' doom as well - "scoured and sifted" their future hardships, "deep-drowned" the fate of Maglor's Silmaril, "empty houses,
holding the distant echo of Eldamar" their exile from Valinor, and as for fire - well, the burning of the ships at Losgar, the Dagor Bragollach, Maedhros's end, take your pick! (It's entirely possible, of course, that the author didn't consciously intend any of these. But I think that's a mark of most good poetry - images are used which open up the reader's mind to possibilities sometimes richer than even the author could set out to list).

There are many effective uses of imagery, alliteration and so on - "scoured and sifted", "deep-drowned grasses", and the beautiful description of the seashells as "cups of bone". Although the last verse speaks of "smoothing" and "soft words" there is an air of menace about the last two verses which seems entirely apt for Feanor, for the palantiri, and of course for the Silmarils, which are never mentioned in the poem but which, given its subject, are I think ever-present in the subtext.

The fact that this was all accomplished in exactly 100 words as a birthday drabble makes it, I think, all the more awesome. I was very very jealous at the time both of the recipient and of the author's skill, and still am on both counts!
-----------------------------------
Title: Unspeakable · Author: Dwimordene · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Drabble · ID: 254
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-06 14:26:07
Ewwww. The title says it all, really. Brutally effective and horrible.
-----------------------------------
Title: Religion · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) · ID: 248
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-06 14:26:46
Dwim writes fabulous Aragorn and Halbarad, and I liked the awkwardness that lay between them here and the reasons for it - names matter. Nice use of the constellations. The encounter with the wights is creepy, and Halbarad's moment of foresight is terribly poignant.

-----------------------------------
Title: Mering Market · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Gondor · ID: 238
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-06 14:27:07
I do like fics which acknowledge and use the fact that Tolkien filled Middle-earth with different languages as well as cultures. Dwim has great fun here playing with the different linguistic and literary traditions of Rohan and Gondor - and using them neatly to illustrate the relationships between Theoden, Aragorn (who is both Thorongil and Aelric as diplomacy demands) and Denethor, who as usual turns out to have more sides to his character, and to know a good deal more about other people, than he likes to let on.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mathesis · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Gondor Drabble · ID: 532
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-06 14:27:35
'Mathesis' was a revelation to me; a take on Denethor (who's something of a mystery to me) which, like many of Dwim's character studies, made such perfect sense that I always have to remind myself now that it's Dwim!verse rather than canon. The love of accuracy, precision, patterning; a genuine emotion and yet a reductive one, as music, for example, becomes "third, whole, sixth, ninth" and, apparently, nothing more. Nicely dismissive, at the end, of Mithrandir, Faramir's enthusiasm for him, and his subject - the messy, subjective, annoyingly human one of history - all in one go. Lovely work.
-----------------------------------
Title: Love's Labours · Author: Alawa · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) · ID: 71
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-06 14:41:03
Not enough LoTR fanfic deals with the concerns of the women of Middle-earth - not the high-profile heroines but those whose business is home and hearth and healing under, sometimes, the most emotionally draining of circumstances - and Alawa fills a gap beautifully here. Gilraen's strong and loving relationship with her husband is evoked with affection and humour as well as moments of deftly handled eroticism, as is the awakening relationship with her new-born son - I particularly like the "one slightly unfocused, but oddly familiar, grey eye", and also the comparison of the weariness and bruising of childbirth with Arathorn's regular travails in the wild!

There's poignancy, inevitably, given what we know of the fate of both parents; it's particularly sad to see Arathorn happily contemplating the prospect of more children, a Spare, perhaps daughters; but as the final line neatly reminds us, this is ultimately a piece about Hope.

There are little reminders throughout both parts of the piece of who this baby is to be - the cradle, Gilraen's musings on the need to postpone desire for duty, Arathorn's thoughts to his son as Isildur's Heir - and yet it is also absolutely universal, new parents adoringly contemplating their baby. Delicate without ever being over-sentimental, evocative and descriptive, it's a lovely little diptych.
-----------------------------------
Title: Creature of Fire · Author: daw the minstrel · Races/Places: Elves: Mirkwood · ID: 1218
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-06 19:19:33
This is the heartbreaking story of how Legolas lost the love of his life and explains why he appears unmarried during the Lord of the Rings. Legolas's love interest is an OFC, an elf. The reader doesn't really get to know her before she dies in an accident, but her character is well described. The reader feels there would be much more to learn about her if there would be more time.

The whole story is from Legolas point of view and the reader goes with him through the stages of shock and mindnumbing grief before, with the help of his family and friends, he can start to heal.

Legolas and his father Thranduil are the only canonical characters in this tale. There are a host of original characters the reader gets to know and love easily. All characters are fleshed out well and feel like they belong into Tolkien's world.
-----------------------------------
Title: Kingly Gifts · Author: Dreamflower · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Friendship · ID: 831
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 21:42:37
I do love Cormallen fics. This one gives us much about the preparations which Aragorn and Eomer made as the days passed and fills in many gaps.

I particularly like it that Dreamflower has explained, in logical ways, things like the speed at which Pippin heals and the way that Sam awakens in a grove of trees, rather than under cover. I also like some of the small pieces we see about the other members of the Fellowship, Faramir and Eowyn.
-----------------------------------
Title: Swords Returned · Author: Leaward · Races/Places: Men: Eriador · ID: 172
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 21:46:27
This is an interesting glimpse into the lives of the Ranger's families through the long years of protecting without praise. I like the idea of the swords being handed down, and of the understanding that dawns on the boys as they realize what it means.
-----------------------------------
Title: Forgotten Casualty · Author: Thundera Tiger · Books/Time: Gap-Filler · ID: 591
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 21:50:16
This gapfiller sets one of the Nazgul (Khamul, the Easterling) against the fox which observed the hobbits as they left the Shire. The horror of the fox, as it is made into prey, and the unexpected insight into the Nazgul's discomfort at being so far from Mordor make for good, if chilling reading.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Destined Reckoning · Author: Gaslight · Genres: Movie-verse · ID: 391
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:00:37
This is a fascinating what if -- Lurtz and Boromir encountering each other before the Council of Elrond. It begins with Boromir still drained by his encounter with the Shadow and trying to consider the dream and the verse, and continues with an insight into Lurtz' ambitions which gives him depth and interest that the movie couldn't offer. A nice blend of both universes. Well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Naming · Author: just_sphinx · Races/Places: Gondor: Drabble · ID: 518
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:03:03
Who but Aragorn would have so many choices before him when it comes to considering posterity? A good insight into why he chose what he did.
-----------------------------------
Title: Death Awakening · Author: Luna · Races/Places: Gondor: Drabble · ID: 647
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:06:41
An interesting take on the scene in the film!
-----------------------------------
Title: In Defense of Denethor: A Closer Look at Peter Jackson’s Misrepresentation · Author: Cadiliniel · Genres: Non-Fiction: Men · ID: 991
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:14:25
This is an excellent essay. It not only manages to catch most of my own complaints about the changes to Denethor's character (and Gandalf's!), it also articulated things I hadn't yet considered.
-----------------------------------
Title: Anticipation · Author: LOTR_lover · Genres: Humor: Elves · ID: 1092
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:16:11
Poor Glorfindel. It's a good thing that Elves live long enough to make up for lost time!
-----------------------------------
Title: Reunion at Cormallen · Author: Shirebound · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Post-Ring War · ID: 1116
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:23:17
This is an old favorite of mine, and I loved having the excuse to read it again. During the weeks at Cormallen, Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin and Aragorn take a chance to go to the cave behind the falls of Henneth Annun. And try the wine...

Marvelous dialogue, deft characterization, a bit of hurt/comfort and to top it all off, a delightful poem from Pippin about all of Aragorn's names make this a story to read again and again.
-----------------------------------
Title: Counting · Author: Piplover (aka Pipfan) · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): War of the Ring · ID: 1162
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:28:19
I think that Piplover must have made up the counting rhyme that gets turned on its head by Pippin's distress in this story about a rainy morning in Minas Tirith. I've never heard it before, and yet it sounds like something from the Shire. Which makes the twisted version all the more of a creeping horror, of course. The echoes of the quest will take a long time to die away.
-----------------------------------
Title: Go to Sleep · Author: Piplover (aka Pipfan) · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Post-Ring War · ID: 1136
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:33:40
When Pippin falls ill on the ride to Edoras, all of the Companions, and Arwen, seek to help him, but it is a vision of Boromir which helps him begin to heal.

A strong sense of character carries this fic, along with some glimmers of humor that leaven the tension. I particularly liked Pippin's reaction to the notion of riding with Arwen!
-----------------------------------
Title: Ernil I Pheriannath · Author: Marigold · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 1174
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:35:33
This small story left me laughing out loud, as Merry helps Pippin understand just why he's being called "Prince of the Halflings."
-----------------------------------
Title: Parting Gifts · Author: White Gull · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): The Shire · ID: 1212
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:39:16
Ah! This brief encounter between an Elf and some hobbits left a smile on my face. There are some beautiful implications here of a story left untold, which will be fun to ruminate upon.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Journey of the Lady's Phial · Author: Claudia · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Hobbits · ID: 1278
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:45:27
For Frodo, and for Sam, the light of Galadriel's gift was a piece of hope in the darkness, and here in these vignettes Claudia takes each crucial moment when the star glass made a difference and expands on what we already know, weaving new details deftly in to the story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Selfless Love · Author: FrodoBaggins_88 · Genres: Romance: Vignette · ID: 1342
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:47:30
Here is a Frodo I haven't often seen -- one who sees the good qualities that Rosie has and still graciously steps back to make way for Sam. And interesting take!
Poor Glorfindel. It's a good thing that Elves live long enough to make up for lost time!
-----------------------------------
Title: Reunion at Cormallen · Author: Shirebound · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Post-Ring War · ID: 1116
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:23:17
This is an old favorite of mine, and I loved having the excuse to read it again. During the weeks at Cormallen, Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin and Aragorn take a chance to go to the cave behind the falls of Henneth Annun. And try the wine...

Marvelous dialogue, deft characterization, a bit of hurt/comfort and to top it all off, a delightful poem from Pippin about all of Aragorn's names make this a story to read again and again.
-----------------------------------
Title: Counting · Author: Piplover (aka Pipfan) · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): War of the Ring · ID: 1162
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:28:19
I think that Piplover must have made up the counting rhyme that gets turned on its head by Pippin's distress in this story about a rainy morning in Minas Tirith. I've never heard it before, and yet it sounds like something from the Shire. Which makes the twisted version all the more of a creeping horror, of course. The echoes of the quest will take a long time to die away.
-----------------------------------
Title: Go to Sleep · Author: Piplover (aka Pipfan) · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Post-Ring War · ID: 1136
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:33:40
When Pippin falls ill on the ride to Edoras, all of the Companions, and Arwen, seek to help him, but it is a vision of Boromir which helps him begin to heal.

A strong sense of character carries this fic, along with some glimmers of humor that leaven the tension. I particularly liked Pippin's reaction to the notion of riding with Arwen!
-----------------------------------
Title: Ernil I Pheriannath · Author: Marigold · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 1174
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:35:33
This small story left me laughing out loud, as Merry helps Pippin understand just why he's being called "Prince of the Halflings."
-----------------------------------
Title: Parting Gifts · Author: White Gull · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): The Shire · ID: 1212
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:39:16
Ah! This brief encounter between an Elf and some hobbits left a smile on my face. There are some beautiful implications here of a story left untold, which will be fun to ruminate upon.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Journey of the Lady's Phial · Author: Claudia · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Hobbits · ID: 1278
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:45:27
For Frodo, and for Sam, the light of Galadriel's gift was a piece of hope in the darkness, and here in these vignettes Claudia takes each crucial moment when the star glass made a difference and expands on what we already know, weaving new details deftly in to the story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Selfless Love · Author: FrodoBaggins_88 · Genres: Romance: Vignette · ID: 1342
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-06 23:47:30
Here is a Frodo I haven't often seen -- one who sees the good qualities that Rosie has and still graciously steps back to make way for Sam. And interesting take!

End

5 Final Author Reviews Today

-----------------------------------------
Author: Aratlithiel · ID: 231 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2005-09-06 17:32:00
The first story I ever read by Aratlithiel was "Of dwarvish ale and battle scars", and it made me laugh out loud. The next one is nominated this year ("In the Sammath Naur"), and it made me gasp in horror and awe at the same time before I started to cry. Aratlithiel is a writer of complex, strong feelings, of deep darkness and blazing light. "Her" hobbits may not always be exactly like Tolkien wrote them (her Frodo is strong and mature - very tolkien-ish! - but he has also a quality of mischief and a hearty lust for life I sometimes missed in the books), and her Merry and Pippin in "Duet" are a wonder to read. Every new tale from this author has the power to surprise me and to let me hunger for more - and that's a rare gift.
-----------------------------------------
Author: illyria-pffyffin · ID: 363 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2005-09-06 17:40:22
If it were possible to compare authors to music instruments, illyria pffyffin would probably be a harp... her language (and she's not a native speaker!) is often piercingly beautiful (watch the poetic beauty in "Dusk Singer") and it always touches the heart. She is a mistress of tender relationships - whether she describes the strong, deep love between Merry and Frodo in "Prayer" (the first tale from her I ever read) or Bilbo's nearly helpless wish to help a grieving Frodo in "Hand in Hand". Her imagery is exquisite, the love for "her" heroes is unerring and palpable in every skillfully woven sentence. Every new tale from her is a pure delight.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Rabidsamfan · ID: 380 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111): General
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2005-09-06 18:02:07
There was a time when rabidsamfan posted a drabble nearly every day; I became used to reading one every morning with my first cup of coffee. I know why I call her the "Mistress of Drabbles" - she is able to create true revelations with 100 words where others (me included) need 1000 to do the same.She has the precious ability to "nail" a character with one single line, and her last sentences are legendary.

Her "longer" tales sometimes nearly disappear behind her art of drabbling; "The Ringbearer and the Rose" is and will always be one of my favorite fanfictions, and her "Errand Lad" still makes me wait (as patiently as possible) for the next installment. Even when she frees herself from the 100-words-limit, she sets her images carefully and precisely... no sentence too much, none to less. This power is one of the reasons that constantly draws me back to her stories... beside the fact that she still helps me to learn how to improve my own writing. She is a brilliant author, a warm-hearted wordsmith and a clever and patient teacher. I'm glad to know her work and I'm eagerly waiting for every new tale she writes.
-----------------------------------------
Author: pipkinsweetgrass · ID: 157 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Incomplete
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2005-09-06 21:10:59
Not having read the first version of this story, I must say that I am enjoying the second very much. This is probably the most positive and uplifting "Boromir Survives" story that I have seen. I like the characterizations very much. I even find myself caring about poor Boromir, a character I normally ignore as much as possible. I look forward to continued updates to this story.

Thanks.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Incomplete
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2005-09-06 21:17:13
This has become one of my "must read" stories. Dreamflower has created a detailed plot and well developed characters. It doesn't matter to me any more that few of them are major players from the books. They stand very well on their own.

The subplot with the prisoners has me constantly on edge trying to figure out what they are going to do.

I also really like all the Big Folk in this one, and that is from a confirmed hobbit lover.

Looking forward to the day when we are once again blessed with an update to this tale.

Thanks.


-----------------------------------------

End

Hi. <sheepishly peeking around a corner>

I don't know if it was something I did wrong, or what, but the two reviews I did were not meant to be author reviews. I thought I did them just like my story reviews. Now I'm confused. Do I have to change this? Can it be changed? I am a total computer inept. I'm afraid to touch anything now. I'm afraid I'll screw it up again. I was planning on doing some more reviews today, but now I'm unsure of myself.

Help, please. <slipping back into my little corner>

Garnet Took.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Now I really feel like the dullest tool in the shed. I see that I hit the author review button instead of the story review button. Can this be fixed? I'll afraid to mess with it. I'll just have to make sure I'm awake from now on when I review.

Thanks.

Garnet Took.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Title: Homeward bound · Author: Marta · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gap-Filler · ID: 945
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-07 02:12:40
A charmingly imagined reunion between Sam and his beloved Bill...which Marta has wisely presented from Nob's wry perspective, ensuring that the sentiment never becomes cloying. Nicely done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Travel Times in Middle-earth · Author: sulriel · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 144
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-07 03:30:04
A hobbit must ride in haste from Michel Delving to Hobbiton. But just how long will it take him to get there? As I struggled with one of my first attempts at fan fiction, I stared at Tolkien's sketchy maps and pondered the mysteries of equine speed and endurance. I figured it would be easy enough to find some Web site that showed how fast a horse runs. But how soon do they tire out? And what about ponies?

The cavalry to the rescue...aka the Middle-earth Adventure Riders Association! I well remember my surprise--and relief--at stumbling over this gem of a resource. Sulriel and company have covered all contingencies--from a day of hard riding to a plodding wagon journey, from a swift, long-limbed horse to a sturdy riding pony--and plotted routes from the Shire to Minas Tirith. A canon writer's dream come true!

As for the fic, it still languishes on my hard drive. But whenever I get back to it, it's a comfort to know that "Travel Times in Middle-earth" will be there to help. Thank you, Sulriel!


-----------------------------------
Title: Third Line · Author: Elvenesse · Races/Places: Rohan: Drabble · ID: 331
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 07:34:39
This glimpse into Eomer's thoughts has both eloquence and poetry as it speaks of grief deferred by need.
-----------------------------------
Title: Cousins on Watch · Author: Anso the Hobbit · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 984
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 07:42:46
In the first chapter of this short story, Merry is watching the other three at Cormallen (I do love Cormallen fics!) and in the second chapter he is the one who falls ill in Minas Tirith -- an illness made worse by all that they have gone through.

There are lovely details here -- Merry's choice of topics as he speaks to the unconscious three, the concern and care from the other members of the Fellowship -- it makes for a lovely, somehow gentle, read.
-----------------------------------
Title: Beauty Mark · Author: Ruby Nye · Races/Places: Hobbits: Fourth Age · ID: 508
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2005-09-07 07:46:39
This is one of my favorite tales by Ruby Nye - the lovestory between Elanor Gamgee and here future husband Fastred. It is beautiful like a fairy tale and warmhearted like a family memory, and the way how Elanor falls for the "messenger" ( they meet for the first time when Fastred delivers a letter) is simply delightful. And Fastred's declaration of love made me smile and cry at the same time:

"Did you think I love you for your face, Elanor? It's a pretty face, I've never seen prettier, I never will, but one day it will be wrinkled. I love you for what lies behind that face."

Utterly, wondrously beautiful, and a Must-Read.
-----------------------------------
Title: To Cross a River · Author: Hai Took · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 820
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 07:48:52
Oh, this story is a joy! There's plenty of humor and a sense of good comradeship as the Fellowship crosses a small river some time before Moria and suffers the consequences. I especially loved Sam glaring at the river and distrusting anything larger than a washbowl, of course. But it's all good!
-----------------------------------
Title: Important Business · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Rivendell · ID: 1323
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 07:52:32
This look at the Council of Elrond shall have to go with my collection of takeoffs. "Pointless and irritating" discussions indeed! LoL!
-----------------------------------
Title: Under The Lilac Bushes · Author: Dreamflower · Races/Places: Hobbits: Children · ID: 1168
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 08:03:16
Here is a delightful piece of fluff from the time when Merry and Sam are still young enough to be rooked into playing tea-party with Marigold. The reactions of the grownups are believable, and the reaction from the children is priceless!
-----------------------------------
Title: Hobbits in 4 · Author: Isil Elensar · Races/Places: Hobbits · ID: 1195
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 08:05:16
Here are some original characters with all the interest oc's should have!
-----------------------------------
Title: Conspirators · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races/Places: Hobbits: Pre-War of the Ring · ID: 1182
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 08:08:40
I always enjoy stories which expand on the friendship between Sam and Pippin and this one does so rather better than most. You can believe that these two are relaxed enough to start singing with each other, at least this early on in the quest, when singing comes more naturally!
-----------------------------------
Title: Shire Reckoning · Author: Anso the Hobbit · Races/Places: Hobbits: War of the Ring · ID: 1176
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 08:20:17
When it comes to stories about Merry, you can always depend on Anso. Although this story is set at Cormallen, it also dives back through time, as Merry sorts through his memories of Frodo, Pippin and Sam as he first knew them. I love the chapter with Sam, of course. Anso writes children as if they are really children -- and catches the up-and-down enthusiasm of a mildly ill child beautifully in that part of the story. But it's all good!
-----------------------------------
Title: Under Siege · Author: Forodwaith · Races/Places: Elves: Drabble · ID: 387
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-07 09:56:17
I wish there was more fic dealing with what happened in Rivendell after the Fellowship departed - here's one drama-filled possibility, and I'm sure Arwen would have been just as capable of picking up a bow and knowing how to use it, if pressed, as any other Elf in Rivendell. I like the steady, numbingly repetitive action against an enemy which just keeps coming, and the fact that Arwen is so focused on her task - Aragorn gets one instant for a bleak thought, no more.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sweet Meat · Author: Ijemanja · Races/Places: Villains · ID: 1073
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 13:25:01
Oooh! Shelob comes to frightening life in this vignette, and I pity her victims!
-----------------------------------
Title: Kindred Spirits · Author: Melina · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 1234
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-07 13:25:33
These are interesting kindred spirits. I never thought about how much Elrond and Faramir have in common. I like the calm serenity Elrond exudes. It gives the whole scene a soothing quality, which is exactly what Faramir needed at the moment. Interesting interpretation of Faramir's dreams. I like that Elrond manages to point Faramir toward the future and not to dwell on the past.

-----------------------------------
Title: First Flower · Author: SilverWolf · Races/Places: Hobbits: Post-Ring War · ID: 657
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 13:27:14
Poor Sam! I like the way he almost gets steamed enough to backtalk Frodo when he gets teased about how long it's taking for the baby to be born.
-----------------------------------
Title: Pawns · Author: Tialys · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Hobbits · ID: 310
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 13:28:13
This vignette, for all it's comfy setting, is actually a rather chilling look at Gandalf.
-----------------------------------
Title: Quills and Thorns · Author: Nickey · Races/Places: Hobbits: Fourth Age · ID: 1101
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 13:33:51
Even loving parents can make mistakes, and Sam nearly makes one in this tale, but it all works out well in the end. There are marvelous details and texture in the descriptions, and best of all Hamfast feels like a child, not a cardboard cutout of one.
-----------------------------------
Title: When One Door Closes... · Author: GamgeeFest · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): The Shire · ID: 308
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 13:37:21
Loss and renewal meet in this short piece, and even tragedy is made soft and hopeful for the future. Lovely.
-----------------------------------
Title: In the Dark · Author: Ariel · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings · ID: 132
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 13:41:52
A truly moving piece this -- the best sort of angst, really. And I must admit that I love to see Frodo thinking about Sam in just about any story, so this tale of Frodo considering Sam's sacrifice is right up my alley.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sam's Gift · Author: Marta · Books/Time: Gap-Filler · ID: 955
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 13:45:35
Sam got a box of earth from Galadriel, but he gave her something too, and this story explains why and what and how in a way that left me smiling and thoughtful.
-----------------------------------
Title: The King's Commission · Author: Larner · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Post-War of the Ring · ID: 215
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-07 14:16:17
I particularly liked Ruvemir as a character and it was really interesting seeing Elessar and the hobbits through his eyes as he developed his understanding of Frodo and the Ring. The story became increasingly complex as the characters interacted - and the whole was very enjoyable.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Healer's Gambit · Author: Melina · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 1235
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-07 14:58:06
I loved this. I am so glad to have found it. The characterisations are delightful - I love the loyalty between Aragorn and Faramir and the king's determination to heal Faramir. Taking them to Lothlorien so that Galadriel can use her power and perception to act as an intermediary is a very clever device - as well as taking the main protagonists away from Minas Tirith. Well done - this is a good well written story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Kindred Spirits · Author: Melina · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 1234
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-07 15:06:34
I do like the idea of Faramir / Elrond interaction. They do seem to be two people who would get on well together - at least once Faramir had got over being overawed by being in the company of a legend. And that Elrond should ask Faramir to be a friend to Arwen is an immensely touching moment. A most enjoyable story.
-----------------------------------
Title: March Frost · Author: SilverMoonLady · Books/Time: Post-Ring War · ID: 769
Reviewer: Alassante · 2005-09-07 17:51:48
Silver Moon Lady is an incredible writer with an eloquent style. This story touches on the after effects of the War of the Ring on the hobbits as well as the rest of the Fellowship. Coming from the Shire, I imagine that the hobbits would be extreme since they had lived a life of such peace and harmony. SML touches beautifully on this with this tale of the nightmares that Merry suffers after the war and how his wife handles this. Once the shire was exposed to Saruman, their innocence is gone and his wife,Estella, is a sign of that. It is very sad that Merry has nightmares but realistic as well. SML shows in a touching and impactful way how Merry was haunted by his experience with Eowyn and the Witch King. He is unable to move past that part, at least at night during his dreams. I love how she ended it with his wife growing angry at this nightmare that was tormenting her beloved husband and she shouts “Go back to whatever grave holds your rotted bones and trouble us no more!” And finally Merry sleeps peacefully for some time.

SML's writing style is beautiful and elegant, reminds me very much of a classical writer. Yet it is very easy to read and flows well.
-----------------------------------
Title: On Cerin Amroth · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Romance: Vignette · ID: 246
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 20:44:33
Dwimordene takes what we know about the first encounters between Arwen and Aragorn and adds detail and passion in this lyrical vignette about the two lovers.
-----------------------------------
Title: Telling the Bees · Author: Fileg · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Shire · ID: 343
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:02:50
With just the right touch of angst, this story conveys Sam's mood and thoughts as he pauses to tell the bees of Frodo's departure. There are great images here, and dialogue, although scant, which I can hear Sam saying. Very much worth the read.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Cornfield · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Villains · ID: 530
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:07:20
There's something about a gapfiller that neatly explains a detail in book or movie that is otherwise a puzzlement that causes me instant delight. That this one spends a good deal of time on Sam's reaction to an unfamiliar crop is quite a bonus, since his observations make sense for a gardener and his concerns match his personality. Most excellent.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Long March · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Villains: Drabble · ID: 542
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:09:32
The thoughts of one of the Haradrim soldiers echo the kinds of lies which are always used to get young men to go to war in this short sobering piece.
-----------------------------------
Title: Alas, Poor Ufthak! · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races/Places: Villains: Drabble · ID: 200
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:10:40
*snort* There's something strange about giving an Orc such a Shakespearian demise... :)
-----------------------------------
Title: Simple Comfort · Author: Vistula the Dunadan · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Drabble · ID: 636
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:12:55
How lovely to see Sam from Aragorn's eyes! This drabble left a smile on my face -- the tea was good for comfort even now.
-----------------------------------
Title: Faint Hope · Author: Forodwaith · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Vignette · ID: 357
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:14:14
This is sad and sweet.
-----------------------------------
Title: Orc Sign · Author: Kit5 (aka Pippinswolf) · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Friendship · ID: 833
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:18:13
This adventure story is a rare delight. Merry, Pippin and Sam are faced with Orcs, and the lingering effects of their own traumas as they work with the Thain and the Master and the rest of the hobbits to clear the remaining orcs and ruffians from the Shire. Strong characterizations and vivid action guarantee a read that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
-----------------------------------
Title: All Else Fades · Author: Claudia · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Hobbits · ID: 1263
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:21:26
This powerful AU sends Sam into Mordor alone, thinking that he has left Frodo dead behind him at Cirith Ungol. But Frodo is alive, and following, and the encounter between them when he catches up at last is enough to wring your heart.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Dress Code · Author: Auntiemeesh · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 818
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:25:32
Sam's discomfort with fancy clothes in Minas Tirith, and his gradual realization that he can learn to live with them, is expounded beautifully in this short piece. I love the way he feels uncomfortable at being measured by the tailor, and sympathize most heartily!
-----------------------------------
Title: Mind to Mind · Author: Shirebound · Genres: Alternate Universe: Post-LOTR · ID: 894
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:27:52
Shirebound has a way of bringing characters to life -- even villians profit from her attention, as she proves in this story of an encounter with Saruman on the way home. Much of the joy here comes from the "minor" characters, who are never neglected or forgotten throughout the action.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Death of Middle-Earth · Author: BarrowWight · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Incomplete · ID: 98
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:34:53
This fascinating AU takes off from the Scouring of the Shire and follows the ambitions of a half-orc who has acquired Saruman's book and ring. It's an intriguing direction to take, especially as it brings in the barrows as well.
-----------------------------------
Title: Grace · Author: Dwimordene · Books/Time: The Silmarillion: Drabble · ID: 242
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-07 21:36:03
This is a fascinating look at how Melian might have thought of her earthly body, and how bearing Lúthien might have changed her view. I imagine that many pregnant women undergo a major change in body image; Melian's was just more profound than most, having started out insubstantial in her Maia form. Very well done!


End

Author: Ruby Nye · ID: 262 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111): General
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2005-09-07 02:22:01
Ruby Nye has an astonishing gift - her tales touch the heart, they have an emotional depth that makes me care for her heroes. "Beauty Mark" and "A Chief's Day" are both translated on my site, and for good reason. in "Beauty Mark" she tells a delightful, utterly convincing love story that makes my sigh with happiness each time I re-read it (and I do that very often). In "A Chief's Day" she even makes me feel a certain pity for Lotho (which is a rather difficult task) and at the same time unmasks him as a greedy creature, driving himself and the Shire into disaster. And "Rosie's Year" manages what only Mary Borsellino's "Pretty Good Year" ever managed for me before - to make a "Threesome" ring "true". I also should add her elegant, warmhearted security of style, the richness of her imagery and her humour... all of them reasons that make me love her tales since I read the first one nearly one year ago. I'm looking forward to every new story she writes!

-----------------------------------------

End

I understand doing way less reviews than I thought I would. I do blame it all on my boyfriend. Yep. And now we're even busiers, planning our upcoming event... (It's not official yet.)

So who knows if I'll even get to read a few drabbles!

--Ainae

-----Original Message-----
From: Sharon Henderson <jastaelf@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sep 6, 2005 6:15 PM
To: MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MEFAwards] Re: I Can't Add....

:-) Or maybe the vote count went up because bunches of
us realized two things over the weekend:

1) voting season ends at the end of September, and
2) A holiday weekend is the perfect time for
reviewing....

I'm sorry I haven't reviewed before now; I did try
very hard to make up for that this weekend. RL has
been horrific of late: job changes, life changes, a
couple of heart-rending, way too close and desperately
sad deaths... I'm so sorry I haven't kept up!

Thanks to all who have reviewed my work; I am humbly
grateful for your kind words! And I will do my best,
over the next couple weeks, to do as much as I can....
I wish I could review everything, because there are
some extremely lovely, wonderful works up this year,
deserving of every word we can give them. But I don't
know what I shall have the proper time.... *blush*

Cheers all around,
Jasta




______________________________________________________
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Title: A Meeting in the Woods · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Pre-War of the Ring · ID: 1313
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-08 02:08:35
I love the way Primula responds to Elladan. The wariness - the rabbit in the headlights reaction - the goose-walking-over-the-grave reaction to his moment of foresight - and, of course, her desperate wish to be reassured that he really was there and it really did happen.

This is an absolutely delightful episode - a hobbit whose decisions affect the fate of the world. Just as well Elladan's words get her to look again at Drogo. . .
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Title: A Mid-Year's Walking Trip · Author: GamgeeFest · Races/Places: Hobbits: Children · ID: 1238
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-08 02:20:14
This is a most enjoyable story. I love the relationships between Frodo, Merry, Pippin and Sam - especially Sam's cunning plan for controlling Pippin, which frustrates Merry no end! There are some interesting sidelines on social class, too, and the frustration of trying to have Sam as a friend rather than an employee or social inferior - dealing with which is undoubtedly a good growing experience for Merry. Good fun.
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Title: We Will Follow · Author: pippinfan88 · Races/Places: Hobbits · ID: 1250
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-08 02:33:33
Poor Frodo. I'm not sure he entirely grasped the politics of it all. And I think that, despite being grown up, he would probably rather have been involved in the pay off with Merry and Pippin. I like Pervinca - she's a good character. Good story.
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Title: Ho, Ho! My Lads · Author: Dreamflower/Marigold CoAuthors · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Pre-War of the Ring · ID: 1170
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-08 03:21:45
Little Pippin, on a sugar high, detailing every single second of the process of making honey cakes - while wondering why he needed to use WATER to wash hands he had licked perfectly clean! What a vision. And, in the meantime, a group of hobbits and dwarves devote serious time to eating. I love the spying hobbit lads - and the sound of the gifts - and Frodo's awareness-from-experience. This is a very feel-good story.
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Title: For the Common Man · Author: Anoriath · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: War of the Ring · ID: 661
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-08 07:47:35
A hilarious look at the aftermath of the battle. I guess a rooster can bring cheer in more than one way to weary soldiers.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lightness · Author: Dana · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Hobbits · ID: 1230
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-08 07:52:02
<i>"You can trust a Brandybuck to know when to say too much," </i> says Pippin in this story, but it isn't too much at all. It's just right. Especially the way that Merry's angst and self-blame transform once Pippin finally does waken and they are together.
-----------------------------------
Title: In the Keeping of the King · Author: Shirebound · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drama · ID: 1107
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-08 08:01:56
Hooray for Cormallen fics! This is another old favorite of mine, and I love it for the way that the hobbits keep reverting to light-hearted teasing when their emotions get too strong. Aragorn and Gandalf are well drawn here too, concerned, but willing to enjoy the gentle joys of healing laughter along with their charges.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Battle of Bywater · Author: Lulleny · Races/Places: Hobbits: Post-Ring War · ID: 1093
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-08 08:24:17
This is the best story I've ever found about the Battle of Bywater, and about the grief Frodo feels for a Shire which has been changed. It catches the tension between the hobbits like Merry who are ready to use force, and Frodo, who doesn't want to stoop too low, as well as the hotheads who might go too far. The interchange between Sam and Frodo, when Frodo insists on giving Sting to Sam is priceless.
-----------------------------------
Title: Intertwined · Author: Karri · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings · ID: 105
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-08 09:05:00
Ah, this is the joy of the MEFAs -- finding stories I'd never have encountered otherwise. In Hollin, Sam asks Legolas about a woven bracelet of hair, and Legolas explains it to him, Merry and Pippin in a story that left me laughing and touched. Not only are the hobbits done well, but Legolas -- so often just a sober cipher -- is fully realized here. His loving laughter at the hobbits' plain desire to be included reminds me of Bilbo's first meeting with the Elves of Rivendell, and the joy that the older race is capable of. Wonderful!
-----------------------------------
Title: Weapons Against The Enemy · Author: Nancy Brooke · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Rivendell · ID: 631
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-08 09:13:33
Glorfindel shines in this meeting of elf and hobbit. I thoroughly enjoyed his considerations of how best to spend a peaceful evening, and enjoyed his discombobulation at Sam's cranky recognition as well. Once the two make peace the story turns thoughtful, but never loses its charm.
-----------------------------------
Title: Reunion · Author: Vistula the Dunadan · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Ithilien Drabble · ID: 634
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-08 09:15:42
This drabble definitely counts as a plotbunny waiting to bite. More! More!
-----------------------------------
Title: Caught Between a Hammer and an Anvil · Author: BookHobbit · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): War of the Ring · ID: 814
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-08 10:12:41
In Pippin's eyes, the battle in Moria is confusing and catastrophic, but this story makes a compelling sense of the terror through vivid descriptions and a strong sense of Pippin as a character.

I particularly liked the words running through Pippin's head when he thought Frodo and Merry were dead. And this "Pippin threw a glance behind him and nearly tripped in shock - orcs were running toward them, and others of their kind were pouring from the roof as if they were in a corrupt hourglass."
-----------------------------------
Title: In the Wild · Author: Forodwaith · Genres: Horror · ID: 304
Reviewer: Ainaechoiriel · 2005-09-08 11:04:06 Score: 3
A well-written, spooky story that cleverly put two minute mentions in Tolkien together. The return on the wraiths and Aragorn's setting out to the Wild. Add that to his sense that he'd met them before and this story fits perfectly. The OC, Mallor, was well-drawn, had personality and I felt his tragic demise. Well done throughout.

-----------------------------------
Title: Lost and Found · Author: Bodkin · Books/Time: Post-Ring War · ID: 1253
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-08 11:08:22
This exposition, from a mother's point of view, does a fine job of uncovering the changes, both good and bad, in Pippin after the Quest. It's interesting how she compares the changes in Pippin to what has changed Frodo as well -- her description of Frodo as "boiled and bleached" brought a smile unwilling to my lips, for how hobbity it sounded in spite of the soberness of the topic.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Rainstorm · Author: Easterlily · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Incomplete · ID: 1262
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-08 11:42:47
This work in progress teases us with hints of a mystery surrounding the death of Frodo's parents. Poor Frodo is too traumatized to talk about it, even if he could remember many years later, but the story begins to unfold in flashback.

Begins... that's the operative word here... *waits impatiently*
-----------------------------------
Title: The Hound Of The Bagginses · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 766
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-08 11:56:08
Oh, rapture, oh bliss! It isn't often that someone has the skill to parody two fandoms at once, but in this story both Sherlock Holmes and the Shire are skewed delightfully. Pippin takes place as a clueless Watson to Merry's Holmes, who is willing to go to great effort (with Lobelia!) to find out the truth!

I'll be grinning for a week!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Healer's Gambit · Author: Melina · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 1235
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-08 14:23:31
This is a nice story about the aftermath of the war on a personal level for the main characters. I love the warm friendship developing between Aragorn/Faramir and Eowyn/Arwen.

I especially like the scene with Eowyn learning Elvish and Arwen helping her.

Getting Faramir out of the city and to Lorien to help him cope with the past was a smart move on Aragorn's part. Faramir and his dreams. I like the start of the story where we were thrown into the middle of one of his nightmares with nightmarish descriptions.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit · Author: Alawa · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Gapfiller · ID: 9
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-08 14:25:42
What a delightful gapfiller. Although the gap is a rather large one. We know next to nothing about Aragorn's early years with the rangers. I was surprised to see that the young ranger in this story was Aragorn. At first I thought it was about the Ithilien rangers, probably because of the title of this story.

The author manages to paint an Aragorn, the youngest of this group of rangers, who is still unsure of himself and inexperienced, but is already showing signs of his strong leadership qualities. The reader can already see that he knows how to use herbs for healing and cooking. I got the feeling that the smell of his stew was more dangerous than the fire for cooking ever was going to be<g>.
-----------------------------------
Title: Swan Flight · Author: AmandaK · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Gondor · ID: 84
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-08 15:34:42
That was some flight. I can see Denethor's panic and temper when he realizes what Boromir is doing and why. I liked the beginning when Imrahil was nearly the only one in the dark.
-----------------------------------
Title: Dandelion Clocks · Author: Alawa · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor Drabble · ID: 17
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-08 16:20:50
Lovely, poignant use of the imagery of the ephemeral flower, full of bleakness in the last line.
-----------------------------------
Title: Travellers' Tales · Author: Alawa · Books/Time: The Hobbit · ID: 75
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-08 16:22:32
A great character study of Bilbo which captures so much about him - impatience, wanderlust, nostalgia, fussiness, love of food and drink and friendship - in a little space. The "challenge words" are woven in quite naturally to the heart of the story, and Bilbo's switch of mood at the arrival of his old friend Aragorn brings a vignette which began in depressing greyness to a heartwarming conclusion.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Betrothal and Wedding · Author: Isil Elensar · Genres: Romance: Elves · ID: 1198
Reviewer: LOTR_lover · 2005-09-08 21:53:25
Cute story about happy times in the lives of Finarfin, his wife Earwen and Artanis. Even the most powerful elves need a respite from angst and drama. Good use of elven wedding customs, and the frame gives the perfect excuse for Earwen to reminisce. Nice foreshadowing at the end, too.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Weaving is the Easy Part · Author: Gwynnyd · Races/Places: Elves: Drabble · ID: 1305
Reviewer: LOTR_lover · 2005-09-08 22:00:20
Lovely, poetic language. Imagine the effort Arwen made in sewing that banner for Aragorn and Gondor! Just the thought -- she's using her own hair as thread, tying the jewels in place just so. It's amazing that you can express Arwen's devotion, determination and effort in so few words!
-----------------------------------
Title: Optics II · Author: Dwimordene · Races/Places: Elves: Drabble · ID: 1186
Reviewer: LOTR_lover · 2005-09-08 22:06:03
Lovely, very mysterious and elvish. The singer as soothsayer indeed -- how better to remember the mother she will never see again. Very evocative with a minimum of words.
-----------------------------------
Title: Refuge · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Elves: Drabble · ID: 1375
Reviewer: LOTR_lover · 2005-09-08 22:10:36
Ah, a sense of homecoming and peace to give refuge to the war-torn and weary. The riven dell, home of waterfalls and the very image of the nightingale herself. Lovely and poetic and evocative indeed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Three for the Elven-lords · Author: Marta · Races/Places: Elves: Drabble · ID: 961
Reviewer: LOTR_lover · 2005-09-08 22:14:37
Solid and steadfast, an anchor that grounds Galadriel in Middle-earth's own version of reality and away from the edge of doom itself: Celeborn. Here indeed is a perfectly complementary couple. Marta, your Celeborn is always a delight.
-----------------------------------
Title: Under Siege · Author: Forodwaith · Races/Places: Elves: Drabble · ID: 387
Reviewer: LOTR_lover · 2005-09-08 22:19:57
I love to read about what the elven realms were facing while the story concentrated on Gondor, Rohan and the rest of the world of men. We know a bit about what battles Mirkwood and Lothlorien were fighting, but nothing at all about Rivendell. This is a lovely glimpse into what other things Arwen may have been doing besides sewing that banner.
-----------------------------------

End

Author: Jeodo Brandybuck · ID: 271 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 02:44:38
I fell in love with this author's writing style early on while reading one of her tales. I love the way she characterizes the hobbits and the way she mixes humor with love and understanding. I always come away from one of her stories with a smile on my face.
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Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 02:49:26
I feel as if I know this author's hobbits personally because she makes them come alive when she writes. The one that springs to mind instantly is her Fredegar Bolger. She has given him such strength and such a wonderful personality that I feel as if he's been over to my house for a meal or two. I love the way she fills in the gaps without leaving the canon behind. Her hobbits are humorous, warm, intelligent and very true to character at all times. She charms me with her writing.
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Author: pippinfan88 · ID: 331 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 02:52:54
I have favorite scenes in this author's stories that easily spring to mind. That is how much I enjoy her writing. Her stories about pre-quest Merry and Pippin are wonderful and full of humor and emotion. She can write drama, canon, or humor equally well. Just at present I am enjoying a romance that she is writing. I look forward to many more stories from this talented writer.
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Author: SilverMoonLady · ID: 343 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 02:55:37
This wonderful author was the first person who's fiction I read that gave me a sense of romance between the hobbits. She writes grown-up hobbits with adult lives and loves. She is very expert at writing the small details that flesh out a story and give it more depth.
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Author: pearltook1 · ID: 72 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 02:59:35
I am constantly surprised by this author. She makes me see things from new angles that I had failed to consider. Even the most traditional subject becomes an adventure in one of her stories. I have several of her saved as favorites that I have read many times over. I think that one of the things that makes this author's stories so entertaining is her characterizations. She brings new insight into minor characters and she isn't afraid to tackle a long story.
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Author: SlightlyTookish · ID: 205 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:02:27
If I want to find an entertaining Pippin story, I check to see if this author has written anything new. I love her Pippin. She writes wonderful humor and her stories are always well thought out. She never leaves loose ends, but I always wish for more because I am enjoying her writing so much.
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Author: GamgeeFest · ID: 269 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:05:42
Here is an author who writes adventure in with her humor. Her stories always include a bit of action along with the humor. Her hobbits get out and do things and the action is well written and very entertaining. She may just be my favorite author for Sam Gamgee stories because her Sam is humble but he can also be a force to be reckoned with.
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Author: Auntiemeesh · ID: 395 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:07:51
Entertaining writing and very inventive at times. Can write parody or stick to the cannon. I enjoy reading her stories and look forward to each new posting. She does the relationships between the hobbits extremely well.
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Author: Anso the Hobbit · ID: 386 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:09:59
You can tell that this author knows her hobbits. All of her stories are filled with friendship and humor. She writes lovely angst from time to time too. Lots of talent.
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Author: Hai Took · ID: 396 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:11:40
The author has a wonderful way of involving the reader in her stories with her discriptions. I never fail to be entertained by her writing.
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Author: Lindelea · ID: 27 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:16:33
I am amazed by the way this author is able to pull so many characters and so many smaller stories together to make one exciting tale. She is a master of the cliff hanger. She knows her cannon and her stories are always exciting. I have nearly drown, died from pain, given up hope of finding my way home, and been unable to reclaim my honor and my family along with her hobbits. She puts the reader in the story by bringing the characters to life.
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Author: Llinos · ID: 25 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): Poem
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:19:30
This author brings talent and humor to her poems. She leaves me laughing every time. She has a wonderful way with parody and the lines seem to flow into one another seamlessly. The only problem with her poems is that there aren't enough of them. Terrific writing!
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Author: Marigold · ID: 98 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): Drabble
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:21:41
I can't do drabbles and so I admire those who can. This author says so much with so few words. Truly a talent. Her drabbles display a great deal of feeling and I am always impressed and entertained.
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Author: Nickey · ID: 374 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:23:49
I love the darker undercurrent in this author's work. The characters always have a bit of angst or a longing that is beneath the surface but there is also humor in the stories. It's tough to get this mix to work and this author always shines.
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Author: Larner · ID: 242 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:27:43
Stunning attention to detail. Lovely discriptions. A wonderful way with words. This author has a flare for a good, long adventure with lots of history. Also very talented when it comes to back stories for the characters. Knows the canon and can blend new and orginal characters seamlessly into it as if they were always there.
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Author: Mariposa · ID: 270 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:30:03
I can never get enough of this author's stories. Lovely angst and romance and friendship. I can see the places in her stories if I close my eyes because the discriptions are so vivid.
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Author: pearltook1 · ID: 72 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:37:12
This author writes epics. Her writing takes you along for the ride and you are never disappointed. I like her use of the major character's families in her stories. She writes excellent angst but she doesn't over-do the suffering. Her hobbits may be in danger but you never feel as if they are without hope. I think this holds true to Tolkien's discription of the hobbits and their outlook on things. Very, very talented and very entertaining writer.
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Author: SilverMoonLady · ID: 343 · Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:41:13
This author writes about hot steamy romances with deep relationships behind it all. Very adult and very sexy. She also gives you a wonderful storyline and well defined characters. Brilliant!
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Author: Tom Fairbairn · ID: 371 · Genres: Adventure (13): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:45:29
I have never read anything like this author's fiction. His Pippin is bold, brave, foolish, a bit naughty, and quite sexy. His stories are filled with wonderful original characters and there is excitement in every chapter. I love the way he writes action sequences. I see a movie in my head when I read his stories. I won't be surprised if he publish his own novel one of these days, excited, but not surprised.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Forodwaith · ID: 50 · Genres: Horror (8): General
Reviewer: Ainaechoiriel · 2005-09-08 11:06:38 Score: 3
Forodwaith has a distinct knack for the spooky. And one for characterization. Not being an Aragorn fan, she made me care for him, humanized him with his annoyance at Mallor and brought Mallor into a full character in only a few pages. I'm impressed.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Ghettoelleth · ID: 237 · Genres: Romance (72): Incomplete
Reviewer: Alassante · 2005-09-08 16:33:11
If I had half of the eloquent writing skills that Ghettoelleth did, I might be able to do her justice in this review. However, I do not. Therefore, I will just do my best to express some key elements of her writing that make her an incredible writer.

Her characterization of both original characters and canon characters is amazing. The original characters are complete with rich and multi-layered three-dimensional personalities. Whether you are supposed to love them or hate them, they are never fully perfect – either perfectly bad or perfectly good in their personality, which is true to real life to me. Her characters are neither Gary Stu nor Mary Sue yet you do not feel as she is writing them to force you to feel one way or another about them. They just are what they are and you form your own opinions about them. Her canon characters are similar. Even in her stories that have not been nominated she has taken some characters that are evil or bad in the Silmarillion and has allowed you to see what could have caused them to be the way they were even if you still think they were “bad guys”. Her heroes are flawed yet you still think of them as the hero without question. Whether she is writing a character that is well known in the books or little known and portrayed a million ways in the fan fiction world, she has made that character uniquely hers in her writing style. Glorfindel has been taken to a whole new level by her writing. As loved a character as he always was, I have only seen one other writer write him to the level of me saying – “Yes, that is what Tolkien would want us to feel and think about him.” Her Glorfindel is so outstanding that I struggle writing my own Glorfindel because he is a “Ghetto Glorfindel Wanna-Be”. And she has written an AU Caranthir so sexy and deep, no one can touch him. It’s a good thing no one I know writes him because she would blow them away. Even her AU Maeglin is sexy and sympathetic. Its amazing and I just pray that she does not decide to start writing the characters I write cause I would have to curl up in a ball and cry when she wrote circles around me! Thankfully she has not written those characters and I am thinking of paying her to keep that up. Hehe

As far as her writing style goes, she is fluid and graceful in Circle of Hands to the point where you feel totally immersed in her world. You feel what her characters feel. You see what they see, the way they see it. The story just draws you in so much that when you come to the end of the chapter you are heartbroken that it’s over. I have laughed and cried many times and sometimes I have even laughed until I cried. Her command of the English language is incredible. She does not throw out useless five-dollar words to impress but she does not write like a high school student. Her details and descriptions are very visual yet they are not overdone to the point of boredom. Some writers, even professional ones, go off on a descriptive passage and by the time they are done describing it, I have to go back and read what they were talking about before the description. That does not happen with Ghetto but she does not glaze over details either.

Last thing I would like to say is this writer researches every Tolkien text, website, forum thread, etc to make sure her facts are correct. I remember one time she told me she spent half the day researching something and I was amazed because it was something so small in her story, it took up less than a paragraph overall. She is not one of these that writes it and says it is that way because she said so. But she also does not go to the canon extreme in her AU story. She wants to make sure that Tolkien never said discussed it before she makes it up or that he never said it was impossible before she writes it happening, she just clarifies that she is not breaking canon.

Overall, Ghetto is an excellent writer and I think she should write original fiction. After she finishes all of her current stories, of course.

-----------------------------------------
Author: SilverMoonLady · ID: 343 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Alassante · 2005-09-08 16:53:13
First I must admit, I do not read hobbit stories very often. In fact, I have probably read five (not counting drabbles). Of those five, four have been SilverMoonLady’s stories. Her writing blows me away so much that I do not care if she was writing about mushrooms, it would be interesting and beautiful. I began to read her writing because of drabble challenges that we had on Open Scrolls Archive (OSA). Her drabbles ranged anywhere from cute, funny, sexy, romantic, beautiful, dark, to poignant. It opened my eyes to how wonderful her writing was as well. We did a little drabble challenge of our own on LiveJournal and I challenged her to write elf smut, knowing she was a hobbit girl. Her drabble was so beautifully erotic, I was stunned almost speechless. And it was not dirty smut. It was romantic and beautiful because of her elegant and graceful wording, much like a historical writer. She will not be the next Danielle Steel but she might be the next Emily Dickenson.

She actually wrote a drabble about a hobbit that was so hot and sexy. I was taken aback. These creatures that previously were childlike to the point of being non-sexy were suddenly very erotic because of a short one hundred words. Tolkien could not do that for me in four books. Peter Jackson could not do it in three movies. She did it in one hundred words.

-----------------------------------------

End

Hello all. Missed me? I'm sure you have as I've hardly been around in the
last few months. I'm sorry for that. I created the MEFAs and ran them last
year and planned to do so this year. Real life is sometimes funny that way.
Just so it's clear, I'll state my reasons. For one, I finally found a man
I'm likely to marry. It's funny how having someone else makes you spend so
much time away from a computer. But it id. We'd find ourselves talking
until very late in the evening and e-mails would go unread. And then there
was the death of my brother-in-law, which really messed with my scheduule
and ability to think straight. I'm very grateful for Sulriel and Marta
stepping in for me there.

Thirdly, I got in trouble at work for doing too much non-work. I would get
SO much done at work more than I would at home. I could control all my home
computers from work, run the group, the MEFA2005 site, reply to personal
e-mails, glean through my spam for the more legitimate mail, work on my
paper mail (from the house), surf the internet, read stories, etc.... This
spring I had actually started to feel guilty about how much non-work I was
doing there. Well, it was finally noticed and I was properly chastised.
Now I do a lot less other stuff (though, honestly, I haven't stopped
completely). Reading stories can be done because I can copy them to Word.
It could be just any other document on my desktop. Reading a bunch of
non-work e-mails though is far less surrepticious and more likely to cause
me to get chastised quite properly again. This it's 9 hours less I can keep
up with the MEFAs.

And now, that boyfriend has turned into a fiance an we are planning a
wedding to take place in March, just 6 months from now. As you might
imagine, I'm quite busy and only going to get busier. This was decided on
Monday and on Tuesday I felt like I'd been hit by a truck. Stress tightened
up the muscles of my neck so that I could barely move my head.

Since it does not seem that I can regain the administrative availability
that I used to have, I've decided to delagate more authority to Marta and
Sulriel. Marta will be the Deputy Administrator of this group while Sulriel
will be Deputy Administrator of the MEFA2005 site. Both have a lot of
authority now, but one is more task-oriented and suited to the mechanics of
the site, and the other has more time to devote to this group.

I will still be around and may pipe up when Marta sends me word of important
decisions. I'll still try to post all the reviews every night and even try
to post one of my reviews now and then. I'll be around when I have time to
be, but alas, there comes a time when RealLife wins out over even a beloved
part of fandom.

--Ainaechoiriel
MEFA Admin and Founder

"This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves," Elrond said, "for
it is Windows-compatible, and freeware at that." --H.F.

<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/mefa> http://gabrielle.sytes.net/mefa The
Middle-Earth Fanfiction Awards

Blog: <http://www.ainaechoiriel.blogspot.com/>
http://www.ainaechoiriel.blogspot.com



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Title: Chains � Author: ldhenson � Genres: Movie-verse: Vignette � ID: 994
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-09 01:21:45
This is a great story, using the device of the chain for Frodo's ring and
using it to give a penetrating look into Boromir's mind. His fears and hopes
seemed very "on" for him.
-----------------------------------
Title: Childhood Ends � Author: Marnie � Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Post-War of the Ring � ID: 474
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-09 01:22:32
Marnie is best known of course for writing Elves, but here she shows that
she is also perfectly up to the challenge of writing the other half of the
mortality problem. What would Gondor's place as the "elf-friends" have
medant in a time where the Elves are dying in a sense? She looks at this and
at the same time points out something I had never considered: nothing says
that Isildur's heirs stopped being raised in Rivendell. People who like
relations between elves and mortals, and who like 9interesting extrapolation
on bits and bobs of canon, will enjoy this.
-----------------------------------
Title: Children of Aul�, Children of Men � Author: Gwynnyd � Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Drabble � ID: 1301
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-09 01:23:36
Good job capturing a potential first meeting between dwarves and
Numenoreans. You showed how the excitement of youth can overcome bias quite
well.

-----------------------------------
Title: Civitas Mundi � Author: Dwimordene � Genres: Drama (includes Angst):
Drabble � ID: 56
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-09 01:24:45
I think what I really like about this set of drabbles is how they breathe
new life into old relationships. They seem to be ones that canon gives us a
lot of background for how the two should have related, and that fanfic
writers (at least myself) love to speculate about. but Dwim has twisted
those relationships not completely beyond relationship, but just the right
amount to make me look at them anew. Add to this the rich details... I'm
amazed it's only 500 words, quite frankly. Very well done, Dwim.


-----------------------------------
Title: Comes the Dawn � Author: Ithilwen � Books/Time: The Silmarillion:
Feanor and Sons � ID: 418
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-09 01:25:10
Fascinating speculation on the conditions under which Maedhros might have
finally been released from Mandos -- and how he would reconcile himself wiht
his brother.


-----------------------------------
Title: Cool Waters � Author: DragonLady7 � Races/Places: Elves: First Age �
ID: 692
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-09 01:25:54
This piece does a first-rate job at looking at twhat might have been
Glorfindel's thoughts during the siege of Gondolin. The confusion and the
terror of it all (and the odd bit of hope that surged up from time to time)
was especially well done.


-----------------------------------
Title: Cruel Caradhras � Author: Tanaqui � Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Drabble � ID: 1365
Reviewer: Marta � 2005-09-09 01:26:27
First things first - thank you for giving Legolas his moment of insecurity.
Sort of like post-Strider!Aragorn, Legolas is often portrayed as seeming to
know everything's going to come out alright. But here he seems to not be so
sure the Fellowship will survive. Which brings me to the second thing I
really liked. I'm sure that the Sindarin/Sylvan culture of Mirkwood and even
the flavor of the trees themselves is a different sort of beauty than what
he might have found in Valinor, but I really think it is the fierce flame he
sees in mortals that he likes so much. (It's eventually Aragorn's death that
sets him free to sail West, after all.) And nice job on showing the type fo
cold that did affect him -- that was an effective parallel. All in all a
very nice drabble.


-----------------------------------
Title: Seasong � Author: Azalais � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General
Drabble � ID: 149
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 01:56:48
Ah, Gimli, you old rascal. But I love the deeper understanding behind the
dwarf's prodding. He realizes that he will not always be around and that
Legolas is going to need someone once he's gone. Someone that won't leave
him the way everyone else has. Kudos for an insightful dwarf, and kudos to
Legolas, also, for taking the hint and going with it.
-----------------------------------
Title: For Everything There Is A Season � Author: Isabeau of Greenlea �
Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General Drabble � ID: 31
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 01:57:36
Speaking as one myself, I don't think there's anything quite as powerful as
a sister who decides that her brothers are in need of suitable matches. It
seems as though the brothers sense this, too. I love the appeal to their
father and the looks of horror.
-----------------------------------
Title: Blossoms � Author: ErinRua � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General
Drabble � ID: 287
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 01:58:07
I love the sense of renewal that I get from this drabble. It feels as though
things are building, and the idea of Aragorn's line continuing fits
perfectly with Legolas's effort in the gardens. It's definitely a season of
change, and it all flows together very well in this drabble. Great writing.
-----------------------------------
Title: Aragorn Himself Waits for a Sign � Author: Gwynnyd � Books/Time:
Post-Ring War: General Drabble � ID: 392
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 01:58:46
Nice gapfiller. I like the sense of waiting that we get, and I think it very
appropriate that even thought the palantir is just a tool, Aragorn still
can't receive good tidings from something that was once used for great evil.
At least, not the tidings that he's looking for. But the fact that all is
well in Gondor should tell him something...
-----------------------------------
Title: Lesson Learned: Spring Flood, 1433 � Author: Dreamflower �
Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General Drabble � ID: 1112
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 01:59:51
Merry proves himself to be a very wise hobbit indeed. I like the way he's
progressed over the years, from learning the need for a plan to learning
that plans won't always work to learning that there are things for which you
can't plan at all. I think one of the biggest steps you can take on the road
to wisdom is to realize just how very little you actually know, and if
anyone were to figure that out, it would be Merry.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Long Awaited Party � Author: Gwynnyd � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
General Drabble � ID: 1298
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:00:20
I really love the idea that the hobbits would more or less repeat Bilbo's
111 birthday in honor of Aragorn's 111 birthday. With any luck, nobody will
be disappearing this time around. Though with these hobbits, I suppose
anything is possible.
-----------------------------------
Title: Remembrance � Author: Ainaechoiriel � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor Drabble � ID: 108
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:02:41
I've often thought about Legolas remembering after everyone else is gone.
The last death (Gimli's) would be particularly hard on him. I liked the
phrase that remembrance is his destiny. It's an interesting phrase and seems
to imply that he will live more in the past than in the present or the
future. Definitely a sobering thought. Good emotional work.
-----------------------------------
Title: Afterthoughts � Author: Dwimordene � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor Drabble � ID: 230
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:03:04
Oops. Well, better late than never, I suppose. But a "thank you" is in order
for the characterization of Faramir, who almost never fails to see the
bigger picture. And in that, I guess that Boromir WAS fortunate. He died
honorably, and his last words were heard. That says something, even if
Elrond was in possession of his charm at the time.
-----------------------------------
Title: Foreign Customs � Author: Elvenesse � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor Drabble � ID: 329
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:04:11
I like the idea that birth is something that Arwen and Aragorn are going to
do together. At least, as together as it can be done given the fact that
Arwen will probably do most of the work. But their decision is almost
certainly a foreign concept to the midwives, and I hand out kudos to Aragorn
for defying them. Go Ranger.
-----------------------------------
Title: A New Age � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor
Drabble � ID: 1387
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:05:00
Time must seem liked such a strange thing to Eldarion. He's inherited a fair
amount of elven blood, but even man's world moves slowly for him because his
parents are so long-lived. Elboron's appointment seems to throw some of it
into perspective, and I like Eldarion's quiet realization that things are
moving forward and that he will be part of that movement. Very light
introspection, but very fitting.
-----------------------------------
Title: Dandelion Clocks � Author: Alawa � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor
Drabble � ID: 17
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:05:29
Beautiful and moving. I love the imagery of the dandelion clocks and the
flowers. It almost read like a poem in places. But the final paragraph, as
Arwen watches the stem return to the ground through a veil, was particularly
moving. It's like she's seeing the closing moments of a cycle that will
repeat itself eventually. I just hope she can understand that. Good drabble.
-----------------------------------
Title: As Though to Breathe Were Life � Author: mir_noldoris � Books/Time:
Post-Ring War: Gondor Drabble � ID: 257
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:05:52
I think drabbles lend themselves to the world of thoughts. Their length
demands that things be shorter than usual, and thoughts tend to go this way.
This particular drabble is a brilliant example of that, and I like the
almost rambling nature of Aragorn's musings. There is a semblence of order,
as one might expect from this particular king, but there is also a somewhat
wandering air. I really liked that.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fireside Reflections � Author: Gwynnyd � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor Drabble � ID: 400
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:06:24
I'm often fascinated by the characters of Faramir and Eomer and how very
different they are. This is a great little piece that examines some of those
differences. Eomer sees war and the glory and the company of other soldiers,
while Faramir sees the greenery that war protects and the prosperity that
comes with peace. Very different perspectives, and both are very fixed in
their views, as this drabble shows. Great job.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Refuge for the Weary � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor Drabble � ID: 547
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:06:49
I hadn't really thought of how Elros might provide a connection between
Faramir and Elrond. Well, aside from the ties to Numenorean blood. But the
shared grief of losing a brother in a distant land and then hearing about it
later is a fascinating tie between the two, and I suspect that Elrond will
provide a much needed refuge for Faramir's weary heart. I would dearly love
to hear the discussion that might result from this query, but perhaps it's
best left to the imagination.
-----------------------------------
Title: Returning from a Wedding � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Gondor Drabble � ID: 1379
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:07:12
The empty chairs left behind are among the hardest things to deal with when
a family member leaves home, and I like the way Imrahil focuses on that in
this drabble. I also like the fact that it is a child who restores the mood,
and Imrahil's solution is both touching and practical. Great writing about
family, and great mood work in such a short piece.
-----------------------------------
Title: Good Stone � Author: ErinRua � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor
Drabble � ID: 721
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:07:32
I love the light-hearted feel of this drabble. It's in a time of peace and
prosperity, and that's definitely reflected in the writing, particularly in
the banter between Legolas and Gimli. I also like the idea of the two
cooperating to augment both the stone and the gardens. It's good to see them
working together, because I think that's what makes Minas Tirith (and
Gondor) great.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mother and Son � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General
Drabble � ID: 1381
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:08:59
Reunions are always difficult to paint, and the brevity of a drabble makes
it even more difficult. But I think Tanaqui did a great job with this one by
focusing on Elrond and his role while leaving unstated most of the reunion
itself. The simple line from Elrond about not misremembering the years is
enough and points our imaginations in the right direction. Well written.
-----------------------------------
Title: Tales of Old Wives � Author: Lindelea � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
General Drabble � ID: 927
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:09:29
These drabbles are so delicately written. I love the little clues that let
us know which hobbit each drabble is talking about. And I like the hint that
all three of them still remember darkness and that all three of them are
changed because of it. They're still hobbits and they have recovered, but
they haven't forgotten, even after all these years. Great imagery and great
desscriptive work. Very touching.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Greater Gift � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
General Drabble � ID: 540
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:10:01
So often in Tolkien's work are good deeds rewarded with betrayal, and
because of this, it's very refreshing to see Galadriel finding a reward in
her refusal of the Ring. After overcoming the ambition that led her to
Middle-earth in the first place, I think it's appropriate that something
good come of it. And even more appropriate that she share it with the hobbit
who tempted her.
-----------------------------------
Title: Replacements � Author: Meril � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General
Drabble � ID: 486
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:10:21
I love first meetings, and I really like this meeting between Arwen and
Lothiriel. The depth of understanding that Lothiriel has and her skills in
observation are remarkable, and I suspect she'll be a welcome friend to
Arwen. It's interesting that Lothiriel would admire what Arwen has forsaken
considering that she'll have to do some forsaking of her own in the near
future, too.
-----------------------------------
Title: In Memoriam � Author: Marta � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Ithilien
Drabble � ID: 949
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:11:49
Boromir is in desperate need of good press, so my hat goes off to Marta for
this beautiful tribute. Gondor, and Minas Tirith in particular, were such a
large part of Boromir's makeup. It's very fitting to tie their success to
his. Both teetered on the brink, but neither truly fell, and in the end,
both were redeemed. Great memorial drabble.
-----------------------------------
Title: New Home � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Ithilien
Drabble � ID: 20
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:12:22
What I like most about this drabble is that nothing earth-shattering or
dramatic happens, but the meaning is deep and profound. Sometimes it's the
little things that illustrate the big things, and the idea that Bergil can
now go off to look at a bird's nest instead of running errands for healers
who are trying to save dying soldiers is evidence of enormous change. But
it's handled simply and quietly here, and I think that's the way it should
be.
-----------------------------------
Title: Reunion � Author: Vistula the Dunadan � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Ithilien Drabble � ID: 634
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:12:42
How very like a hobbit to dance around even diplomatic references to an
unpleasant past. They're so good about moving on and taking the next step,
and kudos to Faramir for being able to follow Sam's lead and do the same.
-----------------------------------
Title: Garden � Author: Cheryl � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Ithilien Drabble
� ID: 220
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:13:17
There's something very quiet, almost reverent, about this drabble, and I
like that feel. Legolas's devotion to his work is nice to see, and here
again, I like the very quiet way his connection to plants is handled. It's
not overplayed at all but rather done very simply, and Faramir's simple
thanks speaks volumes.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Return � Author: Elana � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Ithilien
Drabble � ID: 295
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:13:38
I like the quick moment of flashback for Faramir. The darkness and
uncertainty of the times he remembers serves as a good contrast for the joy
he feels in sharing this place with Eowyn.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ithilien, Part II � Author: Forodwaith � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Ithilien Drabble � ID: 380
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:14:33
I like the idea of Arwen being the one to broach the idea of elves in
Ithilien to Faramir. I think the assumption is that Aragorn was the one to
grant them that right, but this feels a bit more natural. Arwen would
probably appreciate having some of her kin nearby during her struggle to
adjust to a radically different life. I liked Arwen's references to Hollin,
too. They carried an elven feeling of timelessness.
-----------------------------------
Title: Garden Secrets � Author: Gwynnyd � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Ithilien Drabble � ID: 573
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:15:02
I knew Eowyn had too much spunk in her to leave it entirely behind. I really
like the things this drabble implies, such as the fact that Faramir still
goes stalking around Ithilien and the fact that Eowyn still keeps her sword
skills honed. It says quite a bit about them both and how deeply entrenched
they became in their habits during the War of the Ring.
-----------------------------------
Title: Seeing � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor Drabble
� ID: 1356
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:17:46
Sometimes, the present is the best place to be. I loved this drabble, and I
loved the wisdom that Imrahil displays. It's not a crime to dream the little
dreams. I often feel that they're more important than the big dreams, and if
Imrahil is content, I count that as a life well lived. I like the way he
compares his own visions to that of his family, which he considers both a
curse and a blessing. Good play with both extremes and contrasts. I really
enjoyed it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Links � Author: Forodwaith � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General
Drabble � ID: 23
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:36:06
Very touching little drabble. There's a great feeling of resolution and
closure to it. I love the idea that Frodo was wise enough to forgive Boromir
and also to recognize that he and Boromir were both overcome by the same
thing. After all, who would know better than Frodo what Boromir had gone
through? And I get the sense that even though Frodo is relinquishing the
chain, he's still feeling bound by it. The bittersweetness is a nice touch
and very much in keeping with the general feel of Tolkien's world. Nothing
is every truly without price. Good insight.
-----------------------------------
Title: Just A Bit Of Chop � Author: Isabeau of Greenlea � Books/Time:
Post-Ring War: General Drabble � ID: 30
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:44:02
Absolutely brilliant! And hilarious, too. I sensed where this was going
before it got there, but when Eomer lost his lunch over the side of the
boat, it still had me in stitches. And I loved how casual Imrahil's sons
were about the whole thing. Poor Eomer. He's definitely in over his head
here, and that might become a literal problem if he's not careful. I sense
that Elphir, Erchirion, and Amrothos would not be above cooling off their
future in-law. Who knew Lothiriel had such protective brothers? Excellent
drabble, and wonderful comedic timing.
-----------------------------------
Title: Shield and Standard � Author: Dwimordene � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor Drabble � ID: 695
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:47:53
I wonder if Aragorn underestimated these two women. Eowyn, in particular,
underwent a fairly dramatic change by the time Arwen showed up. Still, it
makes for some brilliant imagery in this drabble. I love the idea of turning
one into Shield and the other into Standard. I hope I'm right in assuming
that Eowyn is the former and Arwen the latter. The characteristics seem to
match up best that way. I like the fact that both take the intiative in
speaking. I can see that in them, and it makes me laugh. They're very
different, but they also share a lot of similarities.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Voice of Experience � Author: Ijemanja � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Ithilien Drabble � ID: 415
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 02:54:56
I was very impressed by this drabble. First of all, I love the way Faramir
was characterized, which is remarkable as he doesn't even appear in the
drabble. But leaving this decision up to Eowyn speaks volumes of his wisdom.
And as for Eowyn herself, this is definitely the voice of experience
talking. She's grown and she's gained some intersting insight. I don't think
I've ever seen a drabble or story in which she forbids her daughter to learn
the sword. I don't know that it's entirely wise, but I keep going back to
Eowyn's fear of confinement, which outweighed her fear of death. And though
the sword might save her daughter (Ithilien is on the eastern border, after
all) I wonder if Eowyn sees this as a better fate than growing up having the
skills to wage war but always being held back. Fascinating take on the
situation.
-----------------------------------
Title: Farewell � Author: Elana � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Vignette � ID:
302
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:06:02
Given his heritage, I always felt there was probably more keeping Legolas in
Middle-earth than just his mortal friends. This is a good exploration of
that, and I love the moment of choice, when he hears both the trees and the
Sea. Leave it to Gimli to provide the final impetus for departare. Great
imagery, and the emotions were drawn out well.
-----------------------------------
Title: Kingly Gifts � Author: Dreamflower � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Friendship � ID: 831
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:06:36
I hadn't given much thought to how Pippin and Merry were knighted. Or to
what preparation was arranged for the song sung later. But this story takes
care of my shortcomings nicely, including not only the activities in
Ithilien but also those back in Minas Tirith. I love the level of detail
that was achieved and how these "kingly gifts" ended up involving everyone
and everything.
-----------------------------------
Title: Dawn � Author: Acacea � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor � ID: 251
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:08:54
This is definitely one of the better ways to handle a Faramir introspection
piece. I love the way his retreat across the Pelennor is contrasted to the
battle he�s currently fighting and how Eowyn can make such a difference. Her
presence highlights just how dark his world became during the War of the
Ring, and his frame of mind has changed so much it�s almost as though he�s a
different person. The despair in his heart the first time around was
painful, and I love the section on his guilt and how his mind insisted there
must be sins because there was no other explanation for his father�s
actions. Wonderful story that completely and utterly avoids the trap of
turning into a Faramir pity wallow. The contrasts and the hope at the end
make all the difference.
-----------------------------------
Title: Legacy � Author: Acacea � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor � ID: 282
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:10:26
Out of all the characters in LotR, Faramir seems to wander down memory lane
most often. And he always seems to visit the same memories. Or the same
types of memories. But thankfully, this story is different. It�s still
Faramir and it�s on the subject of Boromir, Denethor, and the blue cloak --
which is familiar ground -- yet this story has an original feel to it.
Perhaps it�s Boromir�s association with the blue cloak and the inclusion of
Imrahil. Perhaps it�s the way this cloak is given new meaning and depth
through the course of the tale. Perhaps it�s a combination of several
elements, but however it was done, this story feels fresh and new. I love
the characterization of Faramir, and I love the idea that Boromir saved the
cloak and kept it a secret from even his brother, only asking for help when
there was no other option. Very well written story, and thank you for
breathing life into a tale that is sometimes over-told.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Road to Edoras � Author: Dreamflower � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Incomplete � ID: 872
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:12:02
This story boasts a very thorough and a very complete job on
characterization. You can see the shifts and changes in personalities and
also in the way that those personalities interact. The dynamic between
hobbits, men, elf, and dwarf is not set but rather something that adapts to
the needs of their environment and also to the fact that they're getting to
know each other better. And that's the mark of a good characterizer, which
is essential in this story as so much of it is driven by the characters.
Great OCs who are able to stand as equals with the canon characters.
-----------------------------------
Title: Stealth and Grace � Author: Anastasia � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor � ID: 802
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:13:25
Elven trickery, indeed! I'd also call it that, no matter what Legolas
claims. Merry's certainly right, but kudos to him for giving in and helping
anyway. I can see dancing as being something that would interesting a hobbit
like Pippin, and I can see him wanting to do it both for himself and to gain
the respect of others. Fun story that made me smile a lot!
-----------------------------------
Title: Neither Have I Wings To Fly � Author: Dreamflower � Books/Time:
Post-Ring War: Friendship � ID: 985
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:14:31
This was a brilliant use of a symbol that is very bittersweet in Tolkien's
world. The Sea can be hope and home, but it can also be heartache and
yearning. It looks as though Merry gets to experience the latter. Great
tie-in with canon, and I like the addition of Frodo's unease with the
Brandywine. That was a great concept and I wonder why it hasn't been used
more often in fanfiction. It feels so natural and fits so nicely into canon,
but rarely have I seen the pain of his parents' death affect Frodo's
feelings about the river. Beautiful writing. Very tender and very
bittersweet, which is how most endings in Tolkien are.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Mist of Tears and Weariness � Author: Dreamflower � Books/Time:
Post-Ring War: Friendship � ID: 981
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:15:12
I really like the sense of helplessness found in both Aragorn and Merry.
They've done all they can, but they wish to do more. And it's really only in
Gandalf that this helplessness disappears. As always, the old wizard comes
when most needed, and this time he comes bringing hope. He can't promise all
will be well, but he can lend strength to hope, and for Merry, that seems to
be enough. Very touching moment, and very well written.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lost and Found � Author: Bodkin � Books/Time: Post-Ring War � ID:
1253
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:15:54
Brilliant story about just how much Pippin changed. And who would know
better than his own mother? I like the idea of her wishing she had kept him
safe and sheltered in the Shire and also of how his change had shocked her
at first. But I really liked how Eglantine was able to adapt to her son's
needs and see what things might be best for him. There was some nice
characterization for Frodo, too, and I enjoyed the fact that he had a
"Tookish" look to him. I also enjoyed the fact that Merry kept Eglantine
posted on what was happening with Pippin. Once a conspirator, always a
conspirator. Nice characterization all around, and very nice extrapolation
of an older, wiser Pippin from his mother's perspective.
-----------------------------------
Title: Departing � Author: Celandine Brandybuck � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Final Partings � ID: 183
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:16:28
I really liked this portrayal of the days following Aragorn's death. The
grief was clearly there, but it had a very mature feel to it. A feeling of
acceptance. I like the way that the various moments were portrayed more or
less as snapshots, though they seemed to cover more time than that in each
of the segments. Arwen's passing was probably my favorite part. I love the
idea that the elves were still there but that they left Arwen alone in her
grief. Even Elladan and Elrohir. And it makes sense that most of them would
sail with Legolas and Gimli.
-----------------------------------
Title: Touche � Author: DragonLady7 � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Vignette �
ID: 229
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:17:03
Fun! This story had a brisk, tight feel to it, which works well with its
subject. I can see Faramir and Eomer talking each other into the idea of
fencing in order to sort their differences. Good pacing, and thank you for
keeping it evenly matched.
-----------------------------------
Title: I Will Know Suffering � Author: Andy Longwood � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Aman � ID: 704
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:17:28
I like the ideas presented here that great love must be accompanied by great
sorrow. And I love the way that the narrator changes over the course of the
story, at first acting very naive towards any who come from the Hither Lands
but eventually becoming curious and more sympathetic. Good character
progression.
-----------------------------------
Title: In Plain Sight � Author: Aratlithiel � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gap-Filler � ID: 885
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:17:56
Ah, the problems of cross-cultural communication. On all levels. From hobbit
to man, from man to wizard, from wizard to hobbit, the list goes on. This
was a hilarious story, and by the end, I was feeling sorry for almost all
the participants, though I think Aragorn got my final sympathy vote when he
was struggling very hard to stay on his feet despite the fact that someone
could "knock him over with a feather." Of course, the sight involved would
have done similar things to anyone, but that's another matter. Brilliant
story telling and wonderful sense of humor!
-----------------------------------
Title: Borne to Me By the Sea � Author: AngelQueen � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Aman � ID: 1258
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:18:33
This story seems to convey two very conflicting messages: patience and
restlessness. The patience comes from the fact that Galadriel goes to watch
for Celeborn day after day after day, but she seems to be growing restless,
too. It's an interesting combination, and I think it's a very valid
characterization of Galadriel. I also like the fact that only her brothers,
Celebrian, and Elrond seem to understand what she's doing. It highlights the
differences between the elves who have struggled in Middle-earth and those
who have not.
-----------------------------------
Title: Knitting � Author: AngieT � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Friendship �
ID: 1225
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:18:54
I think I was just as startled as Merry when he came across Frodo knitting,
and the story behind this was even more startling. But it also felt very
natural, and kudos to their aunt for coming up with a way to keep Frodo
indoors and out of trouble. Highly ingenius, and it certainly worked. Beyond
that, it was absolutely hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing for a while.
Great story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Renewal � Author: Bodkin � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gap-Filler �
ID: 883
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:19:32
I liked the insightfulness of this story. Arda has clearly changed both
Celeborn and Thranduil, and I doubt they will be content to go over the Sea
and sing songs about days of yore. But if anything, Arda has taught them to
adapt, so in the end, I suspect they will find a way to compromise.

The bits of humor thrown into this story were also appreciated. I loved the
thought that Celebrian had taught Elrohir and Elladan how to know when
Celeborn and Galadriel were fighting. Very amusing.
-----------------------------------
Title: A City of Scarlet Flowers � Author: annmarwalk � Books/Time:
Post-Ring War: Gondor � ID: 390
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:19:57
Most cultures find a way for everyone, rich and poor, to honor the fallen,
and I love the way Minas Tirith goes about this. Legolas said they needed
more flowers, and I like the thought that the soldiers who died managed to
not only preserve their country but also inspire the people to bring plants
back into the city.
-----------------------------------
Title: Pipes After Supper � Author: Ariel � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Aman
� ID: 134
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:20:59
I love the way the dialogue meanders in this story. It's very much what I
would expect from Sam and Frodo relaxing after a big dinner. And I love the
way they've both more or less resumed their old roles. It's feels familiar
and comforting. In fact, the entire story feels familiar and comforting,
which is part of its charm. Great peak into Sam and Frodo after all is said
and done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Remembrance � Author: Ancalime8301 � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gap-Filler � ID: 90
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:22:18
There's something very haunting about this tale. It might be that part of it
resonates so clearly with me. I've often been driven to writing when life
becomes too much to handle, but the desperation described in Frodo takes
this obsession to new heights. I can only imagine what he must have been
going through to push him so hard and so fast. It's made worse by the idea
of "well-meaning" help. That's sometimes the hardest thing of all. You know
the other person is trying, but they really can't do anything. Yet you're
almost obligated to accept their offerings because even the hope of help
might be better than no help, except that it's not and then you feel even
worse. Very vivdly told, and very effective in accessing things to which
readers can relate.
-----------------------------------
Title: Maps and Legends � Author: Anso the Hobbit � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Shire � ID: 1191
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:22:41
Frodo and Bilbo are right. Merry is probably the one most able to appreciate
that map. After all, it was Merry who spent much of his time looking at maps
in Rivendell, it was Merry who organized the conspiracy, and it was Merry
who had the courage to disobey Theoden and ride with the Rohirrim. The
Magnificent, indeed. He would appreciate a dwarven map and the tale of
adventure that accompanies it.
-----------------------------------
Title: While There's Breath � Author: Lindelea � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Shire � ID: 1277
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:25:29
Lindelea usually weaves her story into larger events, making an epic within
an epic, but this story was a departure from that norm, proving that
Lindelea can do both the novels and the stand-alones. It was a powerful
story, containing all the emotion Lindelea usually creates but given in a
shorter space, which made it more intense. I loved Pippin's persistence. He
showed so much of that in the books, and it continued here. And even when he
was tiring and others were arriving, he kept at it, stubborn and loyal as a
Took should be. Great story. Tightly written and very intense.
-----------------------------------
Title: Alterations � Author: Eledhwen � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor �
ID: 260
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:26:06
The final chapters of RotK sometimes feel more like a beginning than an end,
and this story was a great exploration of that. Certainly it�s an end for
some, and the parts with Elrond, Galadriel, and Gandalf reflected that.
Frodo, too, to an extent. Their time is over. But for the rest, they�re just
getting started, and I enjoyed watching them make their plans and anticipate
what the coming years would bring. The adjustments each is making show how
much they�ve all changed. And also how much they�ve stayed the same. Great
viewpoints, and it was refreshing to see each Fellowship member get the
attention they deserve.
-----------------------------------
Title: Butterbur and the King � Author: Eledhwen � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Vignette � ID: 261
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:27:20
Two things really stood out to me in this story, though there are a host of
amazing things I could comment on. But first and foremost, the narrative:
Butterbur's voice was perfect. It had that rambling, bumpkin feel to it, but
when it came to his inn and manning his staff, he was all business. It's an
odd sort of combination, and it was pulled off very effectively here.
Brilliant mirror to canon.

The second thing I loved about this story was the humor. It's a wry humor
for the most part that seems to lurk in the background and then pop up for a
moment before fading away again. The question of Arnor's location and
Butterbur's return to this question in the end were good examples, and it
added a quirky, simple feel to the whole thing. Very skillfully crafted.
-----------------------------------
Title: Farewell � Author: Forodwaith � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Final
Partings � ID: 362
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:27:43
Radagast intrigues me, and there's no mention of him leaving Middle-earth,
which intrigues me even more. Because of that, I loved this conversation
between Gandalf and Radagast. It's short and soon over, but it explains so
much. These are the last of the Istari that came over, and now they're
parting, too. Radagast using Gandalf's own words against him was an inspired
touch, and I think his decision is the right one, even if he is laboring
forever.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sunstar � Author: illyria-pffyffin � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Final
Partings � ID: 705
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:28:06
So that's how Sam got across the Sea. I liked the idea that it wasn't an
instant decision for him. It was something he had to think about for a
while. And I loved his appreciation for all the little things in life,
especially for things that Rosie would say in the morning. But what really
got to me was the idea that Frodo viewed such things a priceless because he
didn't have them. That was powerful. Frodo himself, even if it wasn't really
Frodo, was great in this story, and I love the way he made certain that Sam
knew the decision was always his. Great story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Light On the Way � Author: Larner � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Romance � ID: 794
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:29:36
This story boasts some interesting contrasts in style. There's a very
timeless feel to much of it, particularly the parts where Aragorn reunites
with friends already gone, but in other parts (primarily the parts with
Eldarion) it becomes much more familiar and moves at a faster pace. Which I
find appropriate, given the subject matter. It was a time of many changes
and transitions, and the narrative reflects that.
-----------------------------------
Title: Namarie, Elessar � Author: Joanna � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Final
Partings � ID: 746
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:31:16
I really enjoyed this look into Arwen at the time of Aragorn's death. And I
loved how her thoughts turned to Gilraen, who had gone on to raise a child
even after Arathorn's death. That's an interesting comparison to make, and I
wonder if Arwen could have done the same. I'd like to think so, because she
impressed me with her strength throughout this story. Another character that
impressed me was Eldarion. He was a very strong figure in the few scenes he
had, and I loved his understanding and his acceptance of his mother's
leaving. There's quite a bit of wisdom in that man, and I saw in him echoes
of both parents.
-----------------------------------
Title: Greenery � Author: Forodwaith � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor �
ID: 14
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:32:32
Brilliant portrayal of both an OC and of Arwen, too. Based on this, I
suspect that she would make a very strange queen. But at the same time, a
very good one. I especially liked the way Helin tried to describe her smile.
The word "wild" was excellent, especially since it was accompanied by
something so homelike as good smells from the kitchen. It seemed to
encompass the idea that elves are more or less walking contradictions, but
it also gave that idea substance and imagery. I also like the small comments
about culture, particularly the notion about the healers and the nobility
pretending that the other didn't exist. That brought a smile to my face.
-----------------------------------
Title: What Thou Lovest Well � Author: LadyAranel � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Incomplete � ID: 458
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:32:56
In just two short chapters, Lady Aranel manages to convey a very deep, very
vibrant level of friendship between Faramir and Legolas as well as Eowyn and
Legolas. If the story is going to build itself upon that foundation, then
it's on very good footing. I'm anxious to read more.
-----------------------------------
Title: Orc Sign � Author: Kit5 (aka Pippinswolf) � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Friendship � ID: 833
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:33:37
I love the way that the Brandybucks and the Tooks were handled in this
story. They were much more militaristic than the average hobbit, but even
they had some trouble understanding all of what Merry and Pippin endured on
the Quest. This was nothing if not a learning experience for all of them,
and I think that many now understand a great deal more than they wanted to.
Good character growth for everyone, and thank you for giving everyone the
attention they deserve.
-----------------------------------
Title: In Thranduil's Halls � Author: Gwynnyd � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Vignette � ID: 1304
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:35:32
So often it's the tangible things that turn our minds to strange paths. Such
as Legolas finding the shape of his hands in the rock ledge and then using
that to examine his sea-longing. Great use of metaphors, and I love the
reasoning behind his decision to tarry.
-----------------------------------
Title: Who Will Care? � Author: faramir_boromir � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor � ID: 612
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:36:44
Brilliant little vignette! Faramir has clearly mantled the responsibilities
of a Steward, and he has a very interesting perspective on the whole thing.
Of course, given his words in Ithilien (and those words were a great way to
start this story off) I should have expected nothing less. In both peace and
war, the realm must be cared for. Legolas has already noted its neglect in
the garden areas, but thankfully, Faramir is well equipped to do something
about its library. And once he sorts out why he's doing this, I think he
begins to enjoy it. I love his reasons for beginning the task, and I love
the titles he comes across and his method of organization. All very Faramir,
and I would like to visit this library once he's finished. It would make for
a fantastic experience.
-----------------------------------
Title: Concerning Ladders � Author: grey_wonderer � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Friendship � ID: 926
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:37:56
The thing that impressed me most about this story was the dialogue. It's
brilliant. The first conversation between Merry and Pippin was especially
good, complete with Merry's exasperation and Pippin's hopeful expectation of
help. The give and take between the two rang clearly as a conversation
between old friends who know one another all too well . I also like the fact
that it was Pippin who ended up on the roof. Of all the hobbits, he seemed
the least bothered by heights during the Quest, so I wasn't too surprised to
find him up on the roof. I wondered what he was doing and suspected Merry
had missed something important, but at least it was all set right in the
end.
-----------------------------------
Title: Telling the Bees � Author: Fileg � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Shire �
ID: 343
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:38:27
I hadn't heard of that superstition before, but I'm grateful that Fileg
chose to work it into a story. I think it fits very nicely into the world of
Middle-earth, with its giant eagles, sentient horses, and curious foxes. And
I can't imagine a person better equipped to talk to the bees than Samwise
Gamgee. I really like the idea that telling them might have given him
strength to go forward and tell Rosie, who might have already known, in any
case. This story also has the feel of a much wiser Sam than the one who set
out on the Quest. The narrative voice seems to hover between rustic gardener
and future mayor, and I find that very appropriate. Nicely done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hardiness � Author: Forodwaith � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Shire �
ID: 372
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:39:26
There was plenty of potential here for a dark, dreary story, but thankfully,
Forodwaith didn't let it come to that. In fact, this was a brilliant story
of hope, and I loved the bits of humor that were tossed in, particularly the
last concerning the lobelia. That made me laugh. And I was grinning as wide
as Sam was when the part about the roses came up. Very nice tone throughout
the story. And nice perspective voice, too. This was Sam in his element,
which was something we never saw during the Quest, and he immediately
settled down and got to work. I was surprised at how very practical he was
about everything. Granted that he was always a practical hobbit, but it came
through even more so here in his own garden. Good characterization.
-----------------------------------
Title: Valour Without Renown � Author: Forodwaith � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Incomplete � ID: 737
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:40:20
I think what I like best about this story is the fact that it takes its
time. The plot unfolds slowly, adding connections here and tying in with
canon there. It's never too slow. The pace is excellent. But with each new
chapter, another layer is added, such as the identity of Elfled's father or
other details that make previous chapters more enriching. Very nice
narrative construction, and clearly well outlined.
-----------------------------------
Title: In The Shadow of His Blade � Author: pipkinsweetgrass � Books/Time:
Post-Ring War: Gondor � ID: 803
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:43:24
Only a hobbit would greet Boromir like that. Interesting account of a
memorial that surely existed somewhere in Tolkien's universe. I like the
fact that it was framed as one of Bergil's memories. That was a good way to
tie it all together.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Long Defeat � Author: Perelleth � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Aman
� ID: 1213
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:44:04
There was so much power put into this story. Celeborn's grief was all but
tangible, and his thoughts were heart-breaking as he considered the road
that Galadriel took and the road that he took. I have to agree. His defeat
was far more devastating than hers, and his road was the longer one. But the
end satisfied me, and I like the idea that his efforts are not without
fruit. Great story, and great closure for Celeborn.
-----------------------------------
Title: Requiem for Boromir � Author: maranya14 � Books/Time: Post-Ring War �
ID: 6
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:44:59
This was a beautiful requiem. Very moving, and very appropriate. I found a
great deal of closure, and it always seemed to come from the right people.
For example, I found it particularly appropriate that Faramir would finish
the wind song that Aragorn and Legolas started. As Captain of the Rangers in
Ithilien, he was probably well acquainted with that wind. I like the phrase
"darkling wind," and I like how this wind sees Boromir far away in the west,
which concludes the song on a message of hope. And I think it very
appropriate that Imrahil and Gandalf, the two who held Minas Tirith together
after Denethor's fall, would counsel Faramir in his grief over his brother.
A beautiful wrap-up all around, and wonderful handling of a delicate
subject.
-----------------------------------
Title: As the Magnet Finds Iron � Author: Nessime � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War � ID: 491
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:45:21
There are so many characters in Tolkien's work that it's sometimes easy to
forget about the smaller people who never found names in canon. This story
does a wonderful job of bringing those people to life and showing how they
cope with the losses they experienced. Sometimes the best tales are the
small and simple stories about moving on. I'm grateful to this story for
reminding me of that.
-----------------------------------
Title: At Last � Author: Mariposa � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Shire � ID:
808
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:45:53
Great intensity! The emotions in these two drabbles were powerful and
heartfelt, and I think they were made even more so by the fact that it took
time to release them. The happened after the initial shock and only when the
reality began to set in, and that makes them feel more profound. More real.
And I loved the different way in which Merry and Pippin went home, one with
tears and one with laughter. It's essentially the same thing in this case,
but the different ways of expressing it say so much about these two hobbits.
Nicely done!
-----------------------------------
Title: As Good As You � Author: pearltook1 � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Shire � ID: 854
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:47:08
First of all, I have to commend Pearltook for not turning this into an angst
fest. There was opportunity for that, but the story never turned that way.
Instead, it stayed focused upon life, death, and how to deal with both.
While not exactly a hopeful, upbeat story, it was certainly not a sad,
depressing wallow. It found balance and it stuck to that balance, which is
perhaps the best way to do a story of passing like this one. Well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Offerings � Author: Lyllyn � Books/Time: Post-Ring War � ID: 27
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:47:40
This little story packed quite a bit of punch. I enjoyed the idea that the
burden of battle was bittersweet. She carries the stain of what happened and
what she's endured, but she feels as though she might be escaping. But what
I liked best was that when she woke, she discovered she hadn't really
escaped after all. Her spirit was still damaged. Very deft touch on a
difficult topic, because Eowyn's decision to ride is a problematic one. I
like that she sees her healing as something that might atone for her
disobedience.
-----------------------------------
Title: That Which Remains � Author: mir_noldoris � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Final Partings � ID: 1025
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:48:31
I love the way that this story shows the price of victory. Everyone has lost
something, and for some, it is something they will never be able to have
again. I think my favorite parts were those focusing on Elladan and Elrohir,
and how they seemed to be caught in the middle without ever really belonging
there. That struck a very somber tone. But I also loved the moment between
Celeborn and Gimli, when the dwarf offers to return the strands of hair.
Celeborn had some fantastic introspection, and I love the idea that if he
had loved less he would have dared more. Great thought coming from Celeborn,
and brilliant writing all around.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Horn-Cry of Buckland � Author: Lulleny � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Shire � ID: 467
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:48:56
There was a very bittersweet feel to this story. Certainly it was cheerful
enough in places, and it began and ended on a happy note. But in the middle,
underlying all the preparations and the ride, was a sense that not
everything was as the characters wished it to be. And that came out well
toward the end. The Travelers might have gone home, but home had changed and
so had they. Very insightful look at Pippin and Merry many years after the
Quest.
-----------------------------------
Title: Bearer of Bad Tidings � Author: LOTR_lover � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Aman � ID: 12
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:49:17
I would not have wanted to be in Elrond's shoes for this meeting with
Celebrian. But I appreciated what Galadriel had to say on this being a
beginning as well as an end. Good advice, and I'm glad to see that Elrond is
wise enough to take it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Truth and Consequences � Author: Mariposa � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Shire � ID: 837
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:50:29
Here's an aspect to the story that I'd always wondered about but never had
the courage to tackle myself. I'm glad Mariposa did. How DID Sam, Merry, and
Pippin react to their fame? And I think Mariposa gives a fascinating answer.
They're a bit uneasy at the thought, but more than that, they have problems
getting through the tales themselves. And I think that says a lot about them
and also about how the Shire has helped them move so far away from those
experiences that they have problems reliving them. Interesting perspective.
-----------------------------------
Title: All Hallows' Day � Author: Marnie � Books/Time: Post-Ring War � ID:
317
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:51:15
Definitely more upbeat than your usual ghost story. And let me say thank you
to Marnie for looking after all the elves who didn't cross the Sea on that
first trip. She's managed to find another one and bring him home. Celeborn's
involvement is both expected and appropriate, and I love the fact that this
story is told from the perspective of a sailor who was certain that he was
going to die. His descriptions of things for which he has no words were
brilliant. They made it seem more spectacular than it would have been if it
had been told from a different perspective. This tale started out dark, but
it definitely ended on a good note. Elmo has his golden eyes back, and I
absolutely loved the tidbit about St. Elmo's fire heralding the end of the
storm. Very appropriate for this particular story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Dreme � Author: Singe � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Aman � ID: 858
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:54:01
Fascinating trip through the land of Frodo's dreams. I love the way things
seemed to shift, and how nothing was ever really quite there. It changed.
And Frodo couldn't quite identify with any of it until he found Celebrian.
It felt so much like a dream that I had to keep reminding myself that Frodo
actually did go to the Undying Lands. And I loved the bits of humor that
cropped up, such as Bilbo redecorating to keep out the Sackville-Bagginses,
or Elrond emphasizing that Celebrian was HIS wife. There was almost a
whimsical feel to the whole thing until the end, in which it all seemed to
come together. Nicely done.
-----------------------------------
Title: All I Ever Wanted � Author: pippinfan88 � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Friendship � ID: 844
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:54:18
And a new twist in hobbit courtship is born. I always thought there was
something fishy about just how many of them are married... But seriously,
this was a fun little story, and I enjoyed the fact that both Merry and
Estella seemed to be testing each other. Despite being drunk.
-----------------------------------
Title: Coming Home � Author: SilverMoonLady � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Romance � ID: 1071
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:55:13
The thing I appreciate most about SilverMoonLady's writing is the fact that
while she keeps the hobbits light and cheerful on the surface, she also
gives them the depths that they showed in LotR. And in the case of this
story, those depths are dark. For all of them. This story is filled with
layers upon layers, and the idea that there are still ill-intentioned
hobbits roaming around is brilliant. I don't think I've ever seen them
portrayed this prominent or this dark before, but it certainly explains how
things could have become so bad while the Travelers were away. Great story
with wonderful complexity and fully realized characters from each of the
hobbits.
-----------------------------------
Title: Memory of Ents � Author: Rabidsamfan � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Friendship � ID: 800
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:55:39
The last line of this story is what really pulls it all together. You can
see it coming, but when it hits, it's so quiet and so simple that it becomes
very powerful. I also liked the quick notes of characterization, such as
Pippin's eventual boredom and the fact that Merry and Sam indulge this
primarily because it's been so long since they've seen that side of him.
That was a great statement on how much they've all changed and how they're
trying to find themselves again after their adventure.
-----------------------------------
Title: Light out of Darkness � Author: Shirebound � Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Gap-Filler � ID: 895
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:56:19
The remarkable thing about this story was that it plunged straight into very
weighty issues and stayed there, even when it turned to lighter matters.
There's a sense that no matter what Frodo is doing, something bigger is
going on. I think this was best realized by the very last line, where
Gandalf considers hobbits and light but casually comments on the imminent
theft of Frodo's fork. Aside from weighty matters, though, this was also a
journey of hope. The difference is obvious. Frodo begins the story crying
out for Sam but toward the end is able to feel the peace in Galadriel's
song. Very nice character development, and good interaction from all who
come into contact with Frodo.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sing Me Home � Author: Shirebound � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Aman �
ID: 516
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:56:49
There are quite a few stories that focus on Frodo's healing once he gets to
Tol Eressea, but so few focus on the journey itself. And the journey, I
suspect, was half the battle. I like the idea that it was a fight to get
Frodo to leave Middle-earth behind. It's a great concept, and the use of
Arwen's gift was brilliant. Characterizations were good all around, and when
Sam popped in for the end, there was a good sense of closure. Well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Guarding the Shire � Author: Shirebound � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gap-Filler � ID: 513
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:57:39
So Gandalf explains a part of the mystery to Aragorn and Merry. I like the
idea that he didn't know himself why the Shire was so important. It feels a
lot like his decision to trust Frodo to carry the Ring to Rivendell, and
then to Mount Doom after that. And I also like the idea that Merry would be
concerned with what is going on back in the Shire. Based on what he did in
canon, he would be the one to pick up on something like that, especially
after Aragorn confessed unease to finding pipe-weed at Isengard. It also
feels appropriate that he would confront this worry away from the other
hobbits, so as not to burden them. Nice characterizations all around.
-----------------------------------
Title: Blood Ties � Author: Pipspebble � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Friendship � ID: 834
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:58:05
We see a bit of Sam's reaction to Frodo's departure and also a hint of how
he moves beyond it, but we see very little from Merry and Pippin aside from
song as they ride away. This story completes the tale nicely, telling why
they were singing and how that song eventually became tears after enough
prodding and time had passed. Very tenderly done and written with a light
touch that was very appropriate for the hobbits.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Masters of Buckland Have Always Been Romantic � Author: Saoirse �
Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Shire � ID: 624
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:58:23
Ah, the romantic Masters of Buckland. You know, I can see this about Merry.
And about the Brandybucks in general. A collection of hobbits who manage to
live on the wrong side of the river and right next to the Old Forest without
losing their minds probably spend a good amount of time on diversions, and
what better diversion is there than romance? Fun story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Tall Tales � Author: Pipwise Brandygin � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Shire � ID: 1153
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 03:58:51
I love the way this story laid down links to the past. It mentioned Pippin's
own childhood, his parents, his experiences on the Quest, and it finally
ended with a fantastic imitation of Treebeard that made me laugh. But the
way it anchored itself to previous events made it feel very entwined with
Tolkien's canon, as though it was something from the appendices that's been
overlooked until now.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Last Time � Author: SoundOfHorns � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Final Partings � ID: 1118
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 04:00:39
Merry's grief was clear and biting in this piece. I don't think I've ever
seen a story that made him quite this sorrowful, but the build up to the
sorrow made it believable. I love the way that he and Aragorn are having
more or less the same conversation, but they seem to be talking about
entirely different things. And I love Aragorn's grief after Merry goes, too,
and his fear of a death without hobbits. Very touching.
-----------------------------------
Title: Dolor Meus � Author: Werecat � Books/Time: Post-Ring War � ID: 897
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 04:01:27
I'm not a fan of the Feanorians, but Maglor has always intrigued me a bit.
Radagast, on the other hand, is someone that I wish appeared in fanfiction
more often. I find it strangely appropriate that he would be the one to
fetch Maglor home. He worked with things that could be renewed, and that's
something that Maglor is being offered here. Good mix of modern era and
Tolkien, too. I like the idea that Maglor's first songs were wild and
heathen-sounding. I imagine that laments for the First Age and everything
he's endured wouldn't go over well, even though the language could not be
understood.
-----------------------------------
Title: The King's Summons � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor � ID: 1392
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 04:01:47
This story made me smile. I enjoyed the line about Beregond always being a
city guard, but more than that, I enjoyed the roundabout way he used to tell
Legolas the good news. It made it much more fun for both of them, and I
think it was also a good way of getting back at Legolas for his annoyance.
Nice counterpoint.
-----------------------------------
Title: War Stories � Author: Tanaqui � Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor �
ID: 1367
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 04:02:39
I get the sense that Aragorn's words are meant for more than just Eldarion.
Faramir's hesitation seems to indicate that he needs to hear words like
this. And Aragorn is right. It takes courage to keep a city safe, and
Faramir has courage enough of that kind to spare.
-----------------------------------
Title: By All The Signs � Author: Tialys � Books/Time: Post-Ring War � ID:
757
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger � 2005-09-09 04:03:03
This is a fun little story. I liked the mix of modern and ancient, and I
liked the description of Reggie's big boots. He would probably be more
comfortable without them. And I am very much taken with the idea that not
all the history is lost, though the race of men seems to have forgotten
quite a bit. But trust hobbits to keep records of everything and everyone
they might be related to. Good, swift pace, and nice conclusion.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Other Day � Author: Space Weavil � Books/Time: Post-Ring War �
ID: 159<br/><br/>(Message over 64 KB, truncated)