Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: julia · 2006-07-26 23:00:46
A beautiful and very well-written story, with an excellent use of
quotes. I always enjoy HOH stories, and this one provided a new view of
how Aragorn healed Faramir. I liked the differing POV's, and the imagery
of Faramir wandering in an evil land beset with wraiths was very well
done, and actually quite scary at points.

-----------------------------------
Title: Stolen · Author: Meril · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 46
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-26 23:29:59
This author obviously understands Galadriel's character deeply. All of
the blows that first Khamul and then Sauron deal her, the parts of her
that they are aiming for, re very central to her personality. The bit
with the hair was especially well done. It could very easily have been
used to point out vanity, but in this story it is so much more.
-----------------------------------
Title: Recalled To Life - Alqualonde · Author: AWing · Races: Elves:
Feanorians · ID: 787
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-07-26 23:36:00
This story drew me in immediately. Seeing events unfold through
Maedhros' eyes brings out the many changes from before the first
Kinslaying to four Ages later during the time of the story. The
descriptions of the city, its people and the landscape are full and
clear without being overdone, and they never overwhelm the central
themes of repentance and forgiveness.

I thought it an excellent touch that the King and Queen bring the matter
before all their people (without warning Maedhros, mind you) - from
those killed during the Kinslaying and reborn, to those born since, and
those who came from over sea during the intervening ages. Maedhros'
rather dutiful request for forgiveness is judged by the entire community
and not by the rulers alone.

Although I have read this story several times, I am still very moved by
(and dearly love) the final scene: the connection that the
Silmarillion/Earendil's Star provides, the singing that swells up from
the gathered people, and Maedhros' grieving for his family and all they
have done. The ability to forgive even (or perhaps especially) the worst
crimes brings the beginnings of healing and hope to both sides, and I
thought AWing portrayed this believably and beautifully without making
it overly sentimental. Her writing is lyrical and flowing, and I think
this is a wonderful and creative story.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-07-26 23:51:21
I originally found "The Falcon and the Star" via Anke Eissmann's
drawings, and the fact that such a superb artist would be inspired by a
specific piece of writing just drew me right over to this story. It was
marvelous reading about the events unfolding and being able to refer
back to her artwork.

This is a wonderful story, and I enjoyed it tremendously. There were
many things that I liked about it, but to list my particular favorites:
- I liked that this part of the book is explored via Aragorn's POV, and
he is shown as both an imperfect man and determined healer.
- I thought it was very in-character for Faramir to continue fighting,
AND thinking, in the vale. (The vale itself was brilliant in imagery and
conception.)
- I loved Aragorn's reflection on Faramir as a precious jewel,
especially given the meaning of Faramir's name.
- I appreciated the careful use of language and the "Tolkienesque" tone
that was set with it.
- I thought every one of the biblical quotes were apt and well-chosen.

A small thing I really enjoyed is the intro to Part One:
[To say that I was weary was to say that Arwen was pleasant to look
upon, or that Pippin was a curious hobbit. In eight short days, I had
brought the army of the Dead to Pelargir, taken the Umbari ships and
sailed them to the Harlond, where, with a force of a few thousand men of
Gondor, fifty Dunedain, two Peredhel, an Elf and a dwarf, we surprised
the assembled might of Mordor and turned the tide of battle.]

The listing of his fighting force in this way just struck me as
extremely funny, and set the tone for how much I liked this portrayal of
Aragorn and his dry wit.

The care and attention to detail that was put into this story is very
obvious. In fact, there were many excellent details that I only caught
by reading other reviews. "Unfortunately," I then had to go back and
read the story again and again. :)
-----------------------------------
Title: The Consequences of Curiosity · Author: A L Milton · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 153
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-07-26 23:54:36
This is a wonderful and very entertaining story. The author has a gift
for writing smooth and rolling formal language. The conversation is
handled well and written clearly and concisely, I thought, and I was
never lost or confused despite the quick pace of the exchange. And the
entire exchange is so funny: Aragorn trying to make sure his Steward is
OK, curiously inquiring about the nature of the "exercise" after
Faramir's reassurances... and then getting far, far more information
than he ever wanted. His attempts to redirect the tenor of the
discussion were deftly countered by Faramir's enthusiastic wish to
reveal all concerning his and Eowyn's predilections. Or maybe he just
wanted to torment Aragorn for bringing it up in the first place. Or both...

I thought Faramir's description of his and Eowyn's "playacting" was
truly inspired: the Shieldmaiden/Scholar; the Rider and Her Obedient
Squire; the Lady Corsair and the Captured Emissary... Ah, the images
these all brought forth... I could just see Aragorn's fingers turning
white from gripping that ledger book, holding it up defensively in front
of him like a shield, and getting an increasingly desperate look in his
eye as Faramir went into more and more detail.

Really, I was laughing throughout the entire story. It packs a lot of
entertainment punch despite being so short.
-----------------------------------
Title: Childhood Dreams · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 523
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-27 00:55:38
Aww, that one's really sweet. I'm familiar with those childhood dreams
(I wanted to grow up to be a boy, personally), and you've captured both
of these brothers well. I see them as teenagers or maybe in their
twenties - very full of life just bursting into the characters we see in
the Ring War. And as such, they're very believable.
-----------------------------------
Title: Keeping an eye on the enemy · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men:
Fixed-Length Ficlets With Children · ID: 871
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 01:11:59
A charming look at the childhood antics of Faramir and Boromir. The
image of young Faramir hiding behind the lavender bush, playing Ranger,
is irresistible. And Boromir's counter-attack seems very typical of a
big brother.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fear and Loathing in Middle Earth · Author: vladazhael · Genres:
Humor: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 407
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 01:20:06
Here's a combination that I don't think has ever been tried before - a
LOTR scene written in the style of Hunter S. Thompson. From Legolas'
POV, no less. That it works should be credited to the author's skill.
Funny in a weird way.
-----------------------------------
Title: Trust · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama · ID: 216
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-07-27 02:04:36
Since we all freely abscond with the Professor's characters and make
them dance to their tune, it's perhaps a bit hypocritical to be
protective of the original characters that we insert into his world.
Nonetheless, I would expect someone wanting to use a character of mine
to apply for me for permission, and I would consider the matter
carefully before granting it. Dwimordene is one of the few people who
may write Andrahar any time and in any way she likes. It's really great
to have a character I'm so fond of, yet be able to read stories by
another author that hold so true to my conception of him. I never have
to worry about Andra when he's in Dwimordene's hands-and I get to read
more stories about him that I don't have to write!

This story is an expansion of a train of thought of Boromir's in my
story Discovery, in which Boromir reflects upon the turning point in his
and Andrahar's relationship, which happened after they'd been seeing
each other for six years. I had presented it as the point at which their
relationship must either die or go on to the next level, and had figured
that I would write about what brought them to that crux point some time
in the future, but Dwim beat me to it. Not that I'm sorry-as far as I'm
concerned, this is what really happened.
-----------------------------------
Title: Great Heart · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: First Age and
Prior: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 64
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-07-27 02:12:19
Yay! A dog story! Raksha and I are both in agreement that there aren't
enough dog stories in Middle-earth. As someone who has bred dogs, I can
say the depiction of Huan's early battles is spot-on. He is truly the
niftiest dog in Tolkien's works, and I like the fact that he holds his
heart back for a worthy master, that Celegorm can command his obedience
but not his love.
-----------------------------------
Title: 300 Horses · Author: Rous · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 631
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 02:30:07
Very clever twist on the AU theme. I wish there were a sequel or three.
The nature of the Mearas was a surprise.

Well-written drabble packing a lot into a hundred words.
-----------------------------------
Title: Moon Friend: Tales of Isildur · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races:
Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 832
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 02:46:42
A nifty drabble series focussing on the first mortal Ring-bearer, the
mighty Numenorean, Isildur. My favorites are the first chapter, where
Isildur steals the fruit of the doomed White Tree, and the chapter where
he recalls his love for his dead brother. The moon-motif is wonderfully
handled.

Well-written and unusual drabble series.
-----------------------------------
Title: Half a Sticky Mile · Author: SlightlyTookish · Genres: Adventure
· ID: 940
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-27 04:20:32
Two of my favorite themes are hobbits being hobbits and the relationship
between Merry and Pippin, and this fic gives me both. The love and
mutual understanding between cousins is so clearly drawn in this fic,
and eachs' strengths and weaknesses. Yet above all they are hobbit-folk,
concerned with breakfast and safety, and not wishing at all to be
involved in the doings of the mighty and great. There are so many little
flashes of humor in this fic ("Suddenly Pippin became a great deal
heavier") that we are reminded of Tolkien's writing, and the 'voice' of
this fic is true also to the characters and the genre. This is a
delightful moment in a dark hour of our beloved hobbits' adventures.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Tisket, A Tasket · Author: grey_wonderer · Times: Late Third
Age: The Shire · ID: 570
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-27 04:38:54
There are so many things I love about this fic that I cannot list them
all. First, any story about six-year old Pippin visiting Bag End with
his elder cousin Merry is certain to melt the heart. Then throw in an
indulgent and slightly exasperated Frodo and a benevelent Bilbo and a
discussion on the facts of life, and you are guaranteed to melt into a
puddle of warm goo. Each of the characters is delightfully drawn and
true to their characters and ages, and Pippin as a little one wanting
baby stuffed rabbits from his (male) stuffed rabbit rings so true to
anyone who has dodged the "How do babies get made?" discussion with a
child. Perhaps my favorite part was how little Pippin innocently wrapped
all the older hobbits around his finger, even Merry, who acts exactly
like an older and more educated relative. And he is the one who caves
and supplies Pippin with proof that, if you make a nest and hope, you
will have baby (stuffed!) bunnies.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sam's Voice · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 964
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-27 04:50:49
This is a sad story, for it tells us of what Frodo endures after the
Ring is destroyed and he returns to Bag End, forever changed and less
than he was before. In beautifully written prose, the author tells us of
his struggle to live, because Sam fought so hard on the Quest to keep
him alive. It is Sam's voice and Sam's will that keeps him functioning,
working towards some end. We see Sam through Frodo's eyes and feel his
gratitude and his sorrow that he cannot be as Sam remembers him. There
is little dialogue; this is a thoughtful, reflective piece, and the
thread of grief in it builds without truly offering a bright spot. Yet
it is a beautiful read, brilliantly thought-out, and offers the reader a
glimpse into Frodo's personality and heart.
-----------------------------------
Title: After The Storm · Author: chibi_kaz · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor · ID: 773
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-07-27 05:11:05
This is an engaging Movieverse romance. Faramir, of the red-gold hair,
is noble, sympathetic, and sweetly romantic. Eowyn is supremely sensible
and practical. Rather than taking her lovers along the too typical,
angsty road to romance, Chibi makes their story fun. Faramir has a keen
sense of humor, but haphazard personal hygiene. At his behest, Eowyn
literally takes charge of domestic life in Minas Tirith. Faramir and
Eowyn's story that usually gets dripped with angst. Instead, Chibi
lavishes her lovers with sweetness.
-----------------------------------
Title: Pride Before The Fall · Author: AmandaK · Genres: Alternate
Universe · ID: 742
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 13:21:23
Very effective AU story that builds up the Ring's possession of Boromir
bit by bit, each deed more sinister than the last, from the initial
theft and the sly prank he plays on Legolas and Gimli to the murder of
his own kin, until both Boromir and the realm he stole the Ring to save
are utterly ruined.

I get shivers reading it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Black Hour · Author: Nesta · Times: The Great Years: Gondor · ID: 92
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 13:38:20
A slightly AU look at Faramir's judgment of Aragorn's claim to the
Kingship.

The writer uses a minimalist style that works well. She portrays Faramir
as a man who is both the proud heir of the Stewards of Gondor and a man
of reason who balances his own rights, and those of a new claimant to
the crown, against the good of the realm itself.

Good grasp of the history of Gondor, and the post-Ring War political
ramifications of a savior coming up the Anduin bearing Elendil's sword
and the king's standard.

Faramir is well-written. The writer shows, through introspection and
dialogue and actions, the Captain's high quality. The end in particular
delineates Faramir's courage very well.

-----------------------------------
Title: Mirrors of Numenor · Author: Dostoevsky's Mouse · Races: Men:
Incomplete · ID: 242
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 15:05:20
This story has an almost lyrical quality about it, the language is
wonderful.

I really like the relationship built between Thorongil and Denethor.
Denethor is depicted as proud, somewhat arrogant, and underneath it all,
rather starved for affection and friendship, and warming to Thorongil,
perhaps in hope of getting both from one of the few men who can be said
to be his equal, at least in quality. I am not sure whether the writer
intends to make their relationship a sexual one eventually; but the idea
of a friendship, however brief, between these two [Pale mirrors of
Numenor], is fascinating. Though I wonder; if Denethor felt a need for
trust from Thorongil, and Thorongil could not of course confide all his
secrets in Denethor, was that the root of the painful anger Denethor
feels towards the returning king in the first chapter, which begins the
flashbacks that form the chapters here. The notion that Thorongil raises
in Ch. 8, that Denethor expects total trust from others, yet trusts no
one himself, is interesting. Given the idea of Thorongil and Denethor
being each other's equals and mirrors, and Thorongil's expectation that
others trust him without his revealing his own true self, we have quite
a complex interplay going on here.

I hope the writer will finish this very readable story.
-----------------------------------
Title: It's the Thought · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Fixed-Length
Ficlets With Children · ID: 71
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 15:06:35
A bit of warmth in what must have been a rather dark time for the young,
orphaned Eomer and Eowyn - Theodred's kind regard for his little cousins
shows the perception that would have helped make him a good king.

And a glimpse of Eowyn's warrior tendancies, even as a little girl.

Lovely drabble!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Meara for Me! · Author: Súlriel · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 893
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 15:08:06
A wonderful resource for those fanfic writers who want to use horses and
have names for them, that are appropriate for Middle-earth. The
descriptions of the individual horses are particularly charming; I feel
like I know each of the beautiful mares and stallions displayed in the
photographs.

I particularly love the photo of Fione Culima, who looks spirited and
downright cute for an animal of her size.
-----------------------------------
Title: Preparing The Way · Author: Lady Aranel · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 284
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 15:10:14
An eloquent and beautiful tale of Legolas' loss of one of his dearest
friends, as he attends Arod during the horse's last hours. Original
situation in Tolkien fanfiction, but written with effortless, effective
prose that details the sorrow of an Elf unused to seeing death take his
friends. There is just the right amount of sentiment; and the appearance
of Legolas' mortal friends Elboron and Faramir and Aragorn reminds the
reader that Legolas is unusual among Elves for the attachments he has
dared to make.
-----------------------------------
Title: Rest and Recreation · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 700
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-27 15:50:53
I really enjoyed this little tale of Boromir's adventures in
Imladris--which were not adventurous enough for him until his bout with
the strange blond Elf! As a pervy Dunedain fancier, I always enjoy
reading about Men who can make the fancy creatures sing for their supper.

One point, though. Swordsmen don't use their actual swords in practice
bouts. They risk death or injury that way. I know a blunt sword or
weighted stick is not very picturesque, but it would be more real, and
Boromir as a captain would certainly be very aware of this need. He
seems appropriately ignorant of a lot of Elvish history, however. No
doubt Faramir was much better informed.

I cringed at the idea of playing chess with Elrond. Eek!

Wouldn't he have met Arwen during this time? It seems to me that she
would be eager to get to know him, given that she was hoping to soon be
his queen, even if he was not interested in her. A man's man, of course.
-----------------------------------
Title: Great Heart · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: First Age and
Prior: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 64
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-27 16:03:31
This is a vivid description of the puppyhood of the Great Hound Huan,
loyalest of friends. I particularly liked the red ears and their
provenance, a combination of personal memory and acknowledgement of the
great Mabinogion. Thanks!
-----------------------------------
Title: At the Rising of the Moon · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 846
Reviewer: Madeleine · 2006-07-27 19:31:13
What I like about this light-hearted story  yes, Linda can do that also
very well - is the idea of many various Yule traditions from different
people blending together.

Less a generation ago mistletoes werent part of the Christmas tradition
here where I live and my Grandmother would have responded like Aragorn,
itemising them simply for their medical uses. Today I couldnt picture a
proper Christmas decoration without them.

In a way this warm story is an allegory for Middle-earth after the Great
War - at least the way Ive always imagined the rebuilding after the
fall of Sauron, not only in a material sense - where the different
people find together, learn from each other and exchange the good and
positive parts of their cultures.

The tale was published during the last Season, perfectly fitting, but I
can only recommend to read it straight away  as I would recommend
reading any of the authors other stories. Its a real treat all year around.

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

Title: Relief · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama: Pre-Fellowship · ID: 518
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 19:46:23
A good evocation of the perils that Denethor's sons faced on a frequent
basis.

I would have liked to see a mention of what kind of enemy Boromir and
his men were fighting - presumably Orcs, but some kind of reference
would have heightened the realism.

I was glad to see that palantir good for something other than leading
Denethor into despair.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Little Thing · Author: Acacea · Times: Early Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 75
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 19:49:32
Interesting drabble about the Ring's danger even when buried at the
bottom of a river - the [little thing]'s influence is still powerful
enough to scare the other denizens of its watery grave.

Clever and well-written piece.
-----------------------------------
Title: Avoidance · Author: stefaniab · Genres: Romance: Incomplete · ID: 674
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 20:25:08
One of the most interesting and innovative, in terms of plot and
characterization, movieverse Faramir stories that I've seen.

Faramir, though still far removed from the bookverse original, is much
more comprehensible and likeable than PJ's movie version. In this story
he is a man of strength and courage, a seasoned warrior who actually
rode out to Osgiliath with a strategy that had a chance of winning,
rather than just flinging himself and many valuable lives into the path
of death merely to please Daddy. Interesting use of the original
character's visionary capacity as well.

The writer pays good attention to details; the bathing chambers are a
great addition to the architecture of Minas Tirith, and the details of
the geological/seismic/meteorologic reactions to the fall of Sauron and
eruption of Orodruin are very well written.

All in all, a good yarn - I anxiously await its conclusion.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inheritance · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 524
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 20:26:03
Well-written drabble that delivers an emotional punch. I'm always
pleased by fanfic that shows Faramir to be as perceptive as his father,
and share his father's stony toughness, mitigated by the compassion that
Denethor lacked, and this drabble does very well by him. Gandalf's
viewpoint is a plus.

-----------------------------------
Title: Forlorn Hope · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 301
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 20:28:33
A clever, evocative way of bringing home the hopelessness of Faramir's
mission to Osgiliath in the ROTK movie. I particularly liked the line
comparing Hope to the sound of Boromir's horn - very appropriate.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Fords of Isen · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Adventure · ID: 41
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 20:32:55
I do not normally care much for ghost stories, even if set in
Middle-earth, but this one is really outstanding.

Using the framing device of a Rohirric grandfather telling his young
grandson a story of the days of his youth, when he rode with an Eored
during and after the Ring War, a tale of battle, danger, and friendship
beyond death is splendidly woven.

The physical details of the story are wonderfully written - such as the
sound of the old grandmother's loom, the atmosphere in the old people's
house, the clash of arms and the difficulty in fighting in and around a
river, and the barnacles on the shield of a dead warrior.

I almost felt sorry for the Orcs - they must have had such a shock when
Theodred awakened to do some house-cleaning.

Theodred and Boromir are scary ghosts to their enemies, dead yet fully
physically present, and kind to the terrified young Rider who is telling
the story. I loved their conversation, old friends talking of battles,
and their full, rather ironic knowledge of their own deaths.

The bit with Boromir's problem in starting a fire is funny in a low-key
way that is typical of the touches of humor in the story.

-----------------------------------
Title: 'Til we meet again · Author: Dot · Races: Elves: Featuring
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 817
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-27 22:18:11
Good exploration of the subject of sea-longing versus staying in
Middle-earth.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Hobbit and the Man: "All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter" ·
Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 351
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-27 22:19:03
Delightful tale of the first meeting between Bilbo and Aragorn. The
characters are captured perfectly. It gives the feeling of many more
tales to tell just beyond the narrative.
-----------------------------------
Title: Elfstone · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 252
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-27 22:20:51
Very evocative and lyrical - you really capture the beauty of the
Elessar and its powers. Also a good example for Elven magic. And the
little invocation is lovely and fitting.
-----------------------------------
Title: To Learn His Letters · Author: GamgeeFest · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 977
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-27 22:22:13
Good characterisations, well-handled dialogue. I especially liked this
passage: ["He'd always loved the Bag End parlor. There was something so
stately and yet accessible about it, though why that was Fred couldn't
say. All he knew was that he needn't fear touching anything here for
fear of smudging it and that he could sit wherever he liked, even here
in the Master's favorite rocking chair."]
-----------------------------------
Title: Years After and a Sea Between · Author: Dana · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Post-Grey Havens · ID: 39
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-07-28 02:35:31
This story is just absolutely and positively stunning! I generally read
very little slash, but the slash in this is very mild, and is
overshadowed by the beautiful imagery and the gentle love. I think, even
among many of this author's stories that I enjoy, it has to remain my
very favorite.

It is an Alternate Universe story, in which, as Merry and Pippin are
nearing the end of their lives in Gondor, and Pippin finds himself
thinking more and more of Frodo. He is longing to see his dear cousin,
and he is missing him more than ever. He Tookishly decides that the
solution is to sail West in search of Frodo, and Merry goes along with
the mad idea.

With the support and blessings of their friends--Aragorn, Arwen,
Faramir, Eowyn, Gimli and most of all Legolas--the two hobbits prepare
their little boat and set sail on their greatest and riskiest Adventure.

This story is written in the author's trademark lyrical and dreamlike
style, its use of present-tense heightening the poetical turn of the
language. It makes the reader feel as though he or she is inside a dream
as well, and lends a certain immediacy to the story, as we are inside
Pippin's mind.

The ending is so very touching and so very right and so very perfect!
-----------------------------------
Title: Nothing of Note · Author: Primsong · Times: Late Third Age: The
Shire · ID: 43
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-07-28 02:35:53
I loved this story from the beginning. First of all, it is that rarity,
a Bilbo story. For some reason there are very few fics featuring Bilbo
as the main character, and as far as I know, this is the only long one.
The author has written a couple of other stories featuring him, but none
so long as this beautifully crafted and loving epic.

Taking place a year before Bilbo adopts Frodo, it begins with him
experiencing an attack of spring fever, and a longing once more for
Adventure. Not, of course, another journey with Dwarves. But a nice long
ramble all over the Shire suits his mood admirably. He has found himself
beset with unsatisfactory relatives, and wants to escape.

During his journey, the Shire is beautifully described, in a detailed
manner that really calls to mind Tolkien himself. Bilbo is soothed and
exhilarated by the scenery. He also encounters several other people,
wonderfully well done OCs, who put him in a thoughtful mood about his
future.

Chapter six, Fool's Gold, has one of the sweetest moments I have ever
encountered in a fic, involving Bilbo and a very tiny OC.

In addition, this story also contains one of the most adorable wee!Sams
it has ever been my fortune to encounter--he is sweet and shy and
enthusiastic and loving, and I could just eat him up with a spoon.

I adore this story, and highly reccommend it!
-----------------------------------
Title: Dana's Annotated Tale of Years · Author: Dana · Genres:
Non-Fiction · ID: 274
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-07-28 02:36:36
How often I have been working on a fic, and taken out my paperback copy
of The Lord of the Rings to check the date on which some important event
occurred, only to find myself squinting and trying to make out what I'm
seeing in the small print. Perhaps it is just me, and my tired old eyes,
but it can be frustrating--and embarrassing as well, if I should make a
mistake! Now I have the Tale of Years on my computer screen, where I can
make the print as large as I need it to be! Not only that, but it is
quite handy for a quick search instead of dragging the book out.

In addition to simply recording the events as Tolkien did in his own
Tale of Years, Dana has also done a few other things--she has, for
example, annotated any inconsistencies she found between the events in
the Tale of Years and information elsewhere in the Appendices. One such
inconsistency is Sam's Date of Birth, given in the Tale of Years as T.A.
2983 (S.R. 1383) this contradicts the Long-father Tree of Master
Samwise, in which Sam's DOB is given as S.R. 1380--since the text refers
to Merry being younger than Sam, it is clearly a mistake in the Tale of
Years. She has also included significant events which were *not*
recorded at all, such as the births of Merry and Pippin.

Making it even more useful, she has also included the Shire Reckoning
alongside the Gondorian dates, making the messy math unnecessary--not so
messy in the Third Age, but a distinct pain in the Fourth!

This is really a very useful tool for anyone writing LotR fic, or even
for someone who simply wants to quickly check on the date of some event.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Little Hobbit · Author: Claudia · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 680
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-28 03:14:02
I can think of no other author who departs from canon so joyously and
has managed to create so unique a 'universe' with our beloved
characters. Claudia has a special gift in writing hobbits, their
relationships with each other (as demonstrated in this fic by Frodo
taking care of his younger cousin Merry and Merry returning the care)
and their ventures into other races' worlds. Though based on "The Little
Mermaid," this story is a happier one; though Frodo does not achieve his
heart's desire, the love of his friends is strong enough to return him
to the hobbit world. (In the original "Little Mermaid," the mermaid
becomes foam on the waves when her love is not reciprocated.) Not only
is this fic a good read, it manages to engage the heart - not the
easiest of tasks to achieve in alternate universe writing.
-----------------------------------
Title: Rivendell 9 to 5 · Author: Claudio · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Incomplete · ID: 562
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-28 03:15:50
This series of stories has really grown on me as I've read them. The
premise of elves in a Middle-earth tht's really rather modern isn't one
that is naturally appealing to me, but it's hilarious in these author's
hands. And every now and then we see just enough of a hint of
Middle-earth to where it still seems like fanfic. Farse, obviously, but
there are tie-ins like how a Noldorin elf woould view Silvan culture
(and vice versa).

Here we see Elladan as the de-facto ruler of Rivendell now that Elrond
et al have sailed for Valinor. One would think that Elrohir would
mature, but he is still so... well, Elrohir as he is in all the earlier
stories. Iguana, Nintendo, and all. The stress of working in an office,
the idiocy of income taxes, the frustration with bureaucracy and the
realization that even if you are the prime minister you can't get two
bowls of soup - well, it made me smile. I look forward to more.
-----------------------------------
Title: Unspeakable · Author: White Gull · Genres: Romance: Poetry · ID: 822
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-28 03:20:14
In this poem, the author manages to achieve two things - not only
producing pleasing verse but carrying an emotional thread through it.
Written from Rosie Cotton's point of view, she allows the reader to see
through her eyes, to see Frodo's suffering through her eyes, and her
desire to see him healed. This desire does in no way lessen her love for
Sam, but we the readers come to understand Rosie wishes Frodo healed out
of love of Sam, and of Frodo. This is a romantic poem, strongly touched
with sorrow and yearning. It is as lovely in verse as it is in concept.
-----------------------------------
Title: Detour · Author: xylo · Races: Hobbits · ID: 844
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-28 03:39:59
This AU is absolutely engrossing. I read it twice again before reviewing
because it is so rich in detail and authentic in its 'voice.' The first
person perspective never faulters, and the writing is technically
brilliant. The author sprinkles just enough 'realisms' like 'traumatic
amputation' in the story to make the reader believe, but doesn't overdue
the medical terminology or alienate the reader. The description of the
'LGs' is just as a Big Person would see them. The best point of this
story is how the author manages to describe the LGs's lostness in
relation to the world they have fallen into, and how closely they cling
to each other in face of all this strangeness. We know who the LGs are,
of course, but the author's confusion and yet compassion bring us into
the story. Of special note is the format chosen for the fic - e-mail as
a story vehicle! This story is delightful in conception and execution,
and leaves the reader with the wistful hope that the LGs have found a
way to go home, together.
-----------------------------------
Title: Flotsam · Author: Salsify · Times: The Great Years: Vignette · ID: 85
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-28 03:45:59
Written from Merry's viewpoint after the destruction of Isengard, this
fic brings to light an aspect of the drowning of Orthanc that the vast
majority of us never thought about. It was a brillilant stroke to tell
this story in first person from Merry's POV - it would be him that would
ponder his discovery, and also grieve over it. His intellect would
function just as written in the fic, as would his compassionate heart.
This fic is very short, but it doesn't need to be longer. It achieves
perfectly what it sets out to do - remind us of consequences beyond the
obvious.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Pippin · Author: GamgeeFest · Races: Hobbits: Poetry · ID: 937
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-28 03:50:51
This delightful poem not only manages to retain the pacing and
foreboding of Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven," it infuses the meter with
humor and hobbit-ness. One can well understand the trepidation of the
poet upon finding a perpetually hungry Pippin at his door! This sweet
and endearing verse provides the reader not only a smile, but a nod to
the world of hobbitry at the same time.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Spring Day At Cormallen · Author: Marigold · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 746
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-28 03:57:56
The greatest joy of this fic is the absolutely faultless 'Tolkien voice'
telling the story from King Elessar's point of view. Written in first
person, Aragorn marvels over the recovery of Pippin from his slaying of
the troll and allows the reader a glimpse into the close-knit circle of
hobbits. Each hobbit's actions and reactions are perfect to the
character, and the interaction between them described with such a loving
eye that the reader understands how much the Ranger - turned - King
loves these four small people. The reader loves them through Aragorn's
eyes, and rejoices in this snippet of happy time given the readers and
hobbits both.
-----------------------------------
Title: Following Orders · Author: EdorasLass · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 54
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-28 13:01:38

A well-written, thought-provoking drabble on a subject rarely tackled in
fanfiction - Faramir's feelings towards the servants who enabled his
father to nearly burn him alive.

[Men I had known since I was a child, men I trained with or helped train
 all but one would have let me burn.]

I'm not sure that Faramir would have trained with these particular
servants - Tolkien calls them "six men of the household", which implies
that they are household servants. Yet he also has them bearing swords in
the "Pyre" chapter. Tolkien never calls them men-at-arms, only 'servants'.

I also wonder whether Faramir expresses this anger towards the servants
because it is easier than being angry at his father.

Very good work, especially in the framework of only 100 words.
-----------------------------------
Title: Teatime in Rivendell · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 373
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-28 13:04:21
Turnabout is fair play, as Legolas discovers when he meets Bilbo. A fine
drabble about a pair not often seen together in fanfic or LOTR.

And I loved the last line - very true!
-----------------------------------
Title: Claws · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 835
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-28 13:05:56
A wicked little piece about flying thieves, among whom there is neither
honor nor mercy. Very true to the character of Smaug! Bilbo was
fortunate in his cleverness and very good luck.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lay of Lord and Lady · Author: Vana Tuivana · Genres: Drama:
Poetry · ID: 629
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-28 13:06:43
Any poem this long that manages, as this one does, to hold my interest,
has my respect. The poem flows well, and I can well imagine it being
sung in later years by the survivors of Gondolin.

This line is particularly beautiful: [And he taught her the beauty of
night.]

-----------------------------------
Title: On the Fair Hill · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Late Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 946
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-28 13:16:47
This ficlet is exceptionally pretty. Lovely usage of description,
bringing to life the glory of Lothlorien's fairest hill, the visual
splendor of the unusual Elf-nurtured trees and flowers. It's like a
picture, only done in words instead of paint. Very fitting method of
conveying the sheer beauty of the Elven hill. Made me want to be there.
And the end was a particularly graceful one.
-----------------------------------

Title: But the Scent Still Lingers · Author: Imhiriel · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 947
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-28 13:31:43

A wonderful piece answering a prompt for a drabble about aging - it
combines the physical burdens of age with Ioreth's memories of a happy
occasion in her youth, and ties it in beautifully with Tolkien's Houses
of Healing scene, and Ioreth's personal reaction to the scent of athelas.

And the pairing, if only briefly, of two LOTR characters never to my
knowledge linked in this way, is inspired, and, seen through the
crucible of long, hard, years, wistful.

This one is my favorite of its talented author's nominated works, which
is saying a lot.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ships Passing · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Vignette · ID: 302
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-28 15:29:14
This is my favorite of Marta's pieces that I have so far read, and since
she is so prolific there are many more to go. The piece captures both
the personalities of the two central men, as well as a particularly
tense moment in time--the march on the Black Gate. Faramir does not know
if the West will prevail, and he has just been hit with the news of his
father's madness. He does not know if his love of Eowyn will succeed.

Of course, Faramir comes out most clearly, since it is an interior
monologue. But Halbarad--one of my very favorite characters--is
portrayed in a few deft strokes.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strange Fortunes · Author: Tehta · Times: First Age and Prior:
Incomplete · ID: 81
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-28 15:36:18
A fascinating story that reads something like the bastard child of Oscar
Wilde and Jane Austen. Funny, and bitingly clever.

I don't find much of a Tolkienesque atmosphere here, but I'm too
engrossed by the narrative to really care.

Best moments, at least for me, are Maeglin's, written here as the
Teenaged Goth Misfit in sunny Gondolin, cool, acerbic and magnetic with
hints of hidden power and passion. He's also an emotional mess under the
dark beauty - it's easy to see how he will one day facilitate the Fall
of Gondolin. His musings about Idril are funny, sad, and a little
peculiar, not to mention confused with his feelings for his murdered
mother.

The best bit is Maeglin's attempt to convey his passion for Idril by
leaving her some of his nifty and decidedly unromantic little gadgets,
anonymously. Not to mention the atrocious, but hilarious, poetry where
he finds the weirdest rhymes with her name.

I would really like to see the story continued, and finally finished,
preferably with an appearance or two by Turgon.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of All the Pretty Little Horses · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor:
Gondor · ID: 736
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-28 15:44:10
A clever and charming turnaround of the usual horse-mad Eorling cliches.
Faramir and Eomer show hidden sides of themselves; and reveal that
things are not always as they seem. Excellent command of language and a
flair for humor.
-----------------------------------
Title: Gimli's Tale · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Dwarves · ID: 934
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-28 16:12:58
This is a really cute story. It's nice to think of Gimli relating a
little piece of Dwarven history, and the way you made it applicable to
all of the races was nicely done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strange meeting · Author: Nesta · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's Fall
· ID: 93
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-28 16:13:22
This sequel to [Black Hour] is one of my favorite stories of King and
Steward.

Like [Black Hour], it proceeds on a possibly AU premise, that Faramir
did not remember being healed by Aragorn. The writer capably takes that
premise from the taut bleakness of the previous story to the pivotal
meeting between the last Ruling Steward and the King who will replace
him, and a hopeful future for them both.

Faramir and Aragorn are well-drawn here, as is the seamless progress of
their friendship. Aragorn's understanding Faramir's value and respecting
him is a welcome contrast to Denethor's poisonous treatment of his
secondborn. And Aragorn's completing Faramir's healing with words,
restoring what that had been missing in Faramir's life of late - a
compassionate liege-lord, and the knowledge that the desperate mission
to the outwalls had not lost men's lives in vain, it had helped save
Gondor - is a wonderful notion that is elegantly expressed.

I loved the metaphor of water and wine - what Aragorn gives Faramir is
as necessary as both to a thirsty man, even though Faramir had done
without for a long time.


-----------------------------------
Title: Good Neighbors · Author: daw the minstrel · Genres: Adventure ·
ID: 818
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-28 17:09:32
Again, you have managed to write a highly original story and at the same
time incorporate canonical events that are often no more than a date in
the Tale of Years, and make them come to life. Obvious dedication to
details add depth and verisimilitude to the narrative (for example all
the information on arrows or tracking). It also shows well-done research
and the ability to combine it seemingly effortless into the flow of the
story.

You worked very well with your different perspectives, allowing the
reader to know more about particular details sometimes than the current
PoV-character.

The thoughts and observations regarding the twin's dealing with their
grief was particularly poignant for its resonance with Lorellin's death.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lord of Werewolves · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 255
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-28 17:12:39
This is absolutely hilarious! You can literally hear Morgoth's mounting
despair and exasperation with his incompetent minions. The details woven
into the narrative are one funnier than the next; from Morgoth's
slippers to the ["leggy strumpet"] Thurungwethil manicuring Sauron, to
Anfauglir's nickname and need to be housebroken. And now we know exactly
why Beren and Lúthien succeeded in Tol Sirion...
-----------------------------------
Title: Paper · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races: Elves: Feanorians · ID: 492
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-28 17:46:47
Beautifully told. The family dynamics you show are extremely
well-developed in their complexity; full of conflicts and hidden
currents that are elegantly sketched, without dwelling on them overlong.
Wonderfully detailed yet restrained descriptions.
I love Curufin's observations on paper and how it relates to his life.
-----------------------------------
Title: Counterpoint, Interfolio - Scherzo · Author: Daffodil Bolger ·
Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest · ID: 617
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-28 18:03:13
The strong narrative voice is mischievous and thought-provoking,
fanciful and practical all at once. Excellent, creative use and
application of descriptions and imageries.
I liked how Pippin's thoughts ramble, meander, and circulate, and he
constantly has to bring himself back to his current line of thought.

This had me laughing for quite a long time: ["They took a cart because
Frodo said Pippin's legs were still too short to walk all that way and
Pippin probably should have been put out with that but he didn't
complain - if he complained too much, Frodo might give in and then
Pippin would _have_ to walk and he preferred the cart because he would
be awfully daft not to."]
-----------------------------------
Title: Father and Daughter · Author: Imhiriel · Times: First Age and
Prior · ID: 943
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-07-28 18:28:09
I think what I enjoy most about this story is the characterization of
Galadriel. She is so often portrayed as cold and aloof, very distant
from everyone else and in complete control of herself and her immediate
surroundings. It's interesting to see her as the
not-completely-in-control and uncertain daughter that she is here,
parting from her father for who knows how long. If ever she could let
down her guard, it would be now and with these two Elves.

I love Celeborn's quiet and sympathetic support, and that Finarfin is
able to appreciate him as a good match for his beloved daughter. The
final scene is wonderful, with Galadriel and Celeborn standing together,
their mingling hair a metaphor for the mingling of their lives - or so I
took it!

Poor Finarfin! A tough parting for any father, never knowing when or if
he'll see his daughter again, or if she too will die across the seas and
have to go through Mandos' Halls to see him again. And perhaps a
foreshadowing of the parting Galadriel and Celeborn will one day experience.

I always enjoy your writing style and characterizations, and I'm glad
you have plans to do more exploring of Finarfin and his family. He's not
looked at much by fanfic authors, but really is a strong and fascinating
character.
-----------------------------------
Title: The White Tree · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 94
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-07-28 21:44:51
How does Linda do it? She manages to grab you right into the story and
hold you there. I enjoy how her stories continue to explore the dynamic
between Aragorn and Faramir,
-----------------------------------
Title: Another Man's Cage · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres: Drama · ID: 136
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-28 21:53:53
This is a stupefyingly ambitious effort, and deserves credit for its
scope alone - some 350,000 words devoted to a year in the life of Feanor
and Nerdanel and five of their seven sons, in Valinor, back before all
the trouble began.

I would prefer some trimming, but the texture is undeniably rich and the
use of language is excellent, as is the writer's ability to portray the
daily lives of probably the most famous family in Elvenhome.

I liked the occasional interaction of the Feanorians with the Valar; and
the portrayal of Rumil was fascinating.


-----------------------------------
Title: Cacophony · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Humor: Parody · ID: 929
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-07-28 22:39:09
Holy Eru, what an amusing piece this is, particularly for both
Silmarillion and music mavens. Gwynnyd teases us with musical references
from the classics to modern pop, to avant garde music, and assigns their
performances to comically appropriate Valar and Maiar.

As might be imagined, she saves the best moment in this story for
Melkor, but to reveal what Eru wanted him to perform--as opposed to
Melkor's own, ahem, independent choices--would spoil this little ficlet.
Better you read it yourself.
-----------------------------------
Title: Recalled To Life - Alqualonde · Author: AWing · Races: Elves:
Feanorians · ID: 787
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-28 23:48:31
What I love most about this piece is the way that the long history of
the strife between the different Elvish clans is woven so subtly into
the events. I have only read the Silm a few times and so the characters
were not as vivid as they might be for some - but even so, this story
was really poignant. Forgiving for something that seems as unforgiveable
as a kinslaying is definitely a hard thing to do, and I was glad to see
that honoured.
-----------------------------------
Title: Roots and Branches · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 611
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-28 23:55:06
A nicely captured moment in Faramir's readjustment to life after the War
and without his father and brother.
-----------------------------------
Title: Blood Brothers · Author: Elana · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 149
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-29 01:13:34
An extraordinarily original story. Youve packed so much of the art,
folklore, military tradition, and cultural history of Harad into just
one hundred vivid, powerful words  the imagery of the Mumak and his
rider growing up together, sharing blood and tattoos and mothers milk,
is fabulous. Have you expanded this further? Id love to read more.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sleep Easy · Author: shirelinghpc · Genres: Drama: Poetry · ID: 992
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:20:06
I liked the repetition of that first line, it gave the poem a certain
beat, as if the line, like the river, is carrying Boromir on.
-----------------------------------
Title: Gandalf returned · Author: Rabidsamfan · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 990
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:20:33
I love the phrase [he fell birthblind]; that opening line is fantastic,
as is the idea of Gandalf seeing himself reformed, seeing the lines of
age drawn back onto new flesh as if with a quill. And how very fitting
that understanding of his unique fate should be triggered by the sight
of Narya upon his hand.
-----------------------------------
Title: Birthdays · Author: Rabidsamfan · Genres: Drama: Remembering ·
ID: 988
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:21:03
A very touching father-daughter story, of Elanor growing up and learning
the tale of her father's struggles with the memory of the past.
Rabidsamfan has always been good at getting voices to sound their age,
without any apparent effort. This slightly distant third person
perspective and straightforward, narrative style convincingly gives one
the sense of seeing the world through a very young girl's eyes, who is
opening into a new sensitivity for others. With each year, she comes a
little closer to being able to understand something of Sam's traumatic
grief, not by booklearning, but by her own care for her father. Economic
and effective, Rabidsamfan! Kudos!
-----------------------------------
Title: In a Heartbeat · Author: Piplover · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 928
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:21:46
Although the second half of the fic did not, to me, live up to the first
half, the first half is quite entertaining and amusing. I liked the
original character, Oren, and the game of getting a little relief during
the long hours of guard duty.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lothlorien · Author: laiquendi · Genres: Drama: Poetry · ID: 925
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:22:17
Lothlorien is nicely represented as the seasons turn, standing in for
the change of ages.
-----------------------------------
Title: Seabird's Cry · Author: Primsong · Genres: Drama: Poetry · ID: 898
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:22:59
I'm not familiar with concrete poetry, but the visual effect works well
with the theme and Legolas' swells like the tides he wishes to follow.
-----------------------------------
Title: Dance Lessons · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Fixed-Length
Ficlet Series · ID: 888
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:23:29
An amusing and interesting set of drabbles. Love and devotion, in their
several articulations and ends, circle about the theme of dancing.
Dancing (or refusing to dance) is no simple matter of enjoyment--it's
political, amusing, distracting, finally desireable as formal dances
give way to one that needs no tutoring between lovers. Nicely done!
-----------------------------------
Title: For Arda · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Drama: Poetry · ID: 885
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:23:58
This takes a step away from fanfiction into reflection upon it. I'm not
sure of the form (a dribble?), but it's visually interesting and allows
for a smooth delivery.
-----------------------------------

Title: If Only · Author: Holdur · Genres: Drama: Featuring Pippin or
Merry · ID: 826
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:24:31
Boromir fans should enjoy this one. Whether a dream or a friendly visit
from the afterlife, Boromir has a great dignity and his compassion is
evident. Pippin's regrets, that Frodo should have given so much, which
moves him to think of how much others had sacrificed, leads to a
confession and a sort of ghostly absolution. The in media res beginning
might not work perfectly, but for a short fic like this, as long as one
goes with it, the story should be enjoyable.
-----------------------------------
Title: Last Goodbyes Series · Author: Perelleth · Genres: Drama:
Fixed-Length Ficlet Series · ID: 814
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:25:05
It's an interesting idea, to drabble various ways of saying farewell,
whether they were recognized as such or not at the time. I think
Finrod's and Elros Tar-Minyatar's drabbles were most effective:
Finarfin's unexpected farewell strikes hard; Elros' peaceful passing is
well drawn.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Gift of Time · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 812
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:25:31
Some bloody ironic foreshadowing for those who know Arathorn's tale. One
gets a hint of the harshness of life among the Dúnedain, its
uncertainty, and the brutality of death as a Ranger that makes all time
spent with loved ones a gift.
-----------------------------------
Title: Better Than Frodo Baggins · Author: Inkling · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 809
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:25:59
Inkling gets the dynamics of bullying down very neatly, and convincingly
portrays Frodo as in essence a born diplomat, though even his easy
going, quick-witted camaraderie cannot win everyone over. Most
especially not the hobbit who feels too much his dependence on Frodo's
interventions. The rivlalry and bitterness between Frodo and the
Sackville-Baggins gets a dark, domestic twist to it, but it is all too
possible a line of explanation.
-----------------------------------
Title: The gift · Author: Jael · Genres: Drama: Elves in Later Ages ·
ID: 807
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:26:30
I had never thought of Legolas and Gilraen in the same room, so this was
interesting. There is a romance, here, but as Legolas says, the actual
bridegroom is death, whom Gilraen accepts even as it claims her. Things
develop quickly, but for its length, it does a fairly good job of trying
to establish relationships, and it doesn't dwell simply on the
sentimental, but tries to draw in a discussion of death that gives
attention to a graced mortal perspective.
-----------------------------------
Title: Where The Shadows Are · Author: Kenaz · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 776
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:27:01
I haven't read Gil-galad/Elrond slash for some time, so this was a fun
venture back to one of the earliest slash pairings to appear on the net.
There are some excellent conversational exchanges, here, that seem right
for the last meeting of two lovers, the night before the last battle.
The descriptions are sometimes overwrought, but taken as a vignette,
it's still an enjoyable fic.
-----------------------------------
Title: Board Games (Cinquain) · Author: Rous · Genres: Drama: Poetry ·
ID: 741
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:27:41
This cinquain follows the classic pattern, and between title and final
line, fits Rohan up to a point. The knight's got himself into trouble,
but can't get out of it - Rohan can hold back the tide, but cannot
defeat it alone. Another cinquain, though, and this war game might not
end with stalemate.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fallen Leaves · Author: laiquendi · Genres: Drama: Elves in Later
Ages · ID: 735
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:28:09
Over the top on angst for me, but good to see some focus on movie!Gimli
in his relation to Legolas, even in grief.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fugitive · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Drama · ID: 366
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:29:34
This was cute, particularly the classic [I skipped that year. I went
from being ten to twelve] in response to Gilraen's standard complaint
that the adults just don't understand what being eleven is like.
-----------------------------------
Title: Chivalry · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 374
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:29:50
A short, yet very nicely drawn, portrait of Shadowfax and Gandalf. I
like the way the three day pursuit is given through Shadowfax's eyes,
moving from disdain to curiosity, to finally a hearing and the
recognition, not of Gandalf's mastery, but of his fraternity. Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Earth, Water, Fire and Air · Author: Fileg · Genres: Drama:
Fixed-Length Ficlet Series · ID: 469
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:30:06
Very cleanly drawn vignettes, glimpses of moments of change, their
horizons opening out in just a hundred words each. Eowyn's is, perhaps,
the most enigmatic to me, perhaps because it isn't clear to me what she
is prepared foris this Dernhelm, or is it Eowyn? Is this the girl who
wishes to become a shieldmaiden, or the shieldmaiden awaiting her call?
-----------------------------------
Title: Relief · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama: Pre-Fellowship · ID: 518
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:30:20
Ah, a very nice use of Denethor and his eye in the sky. The battle for
Osgiliath could easily have ended in total disaster. Acacea gives us one
scenario in which it seemed almost certain that there could be no hope
for Boromir and his beleaguered men, but for the Steward's furtive
surveillence and quick action in sending relief. One can see why he
continues to use and justify the use of the palantir.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Steward and the Wizard · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 522
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:30:39
Jealousy rears its head, as Denethor observes Faramir's joy in Gandalf's
presence--a joy that never seems directed at *him*. Acacea hits the nail
right on the head.
-----------------------------------
Title: Childhood Dreams · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 523
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:30:50
An interesting conversation between brothers, and the identification,
through childhood fantasies, of Boromir and the river makes for a
slightly chilling counterpoint.
-----------------------------------
Title: Desires Of The Hroa · Author: The Last Temptation of Homer ·
Genres: Drama: First Age Elves · ID: 623
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:31:12
The forbidden and guilt that lasts the ages are economically portrayed,
here, without the encumberance of names. That Valinor spoils some with
its very perfection, while the imperfections of Arda Marred 'perfect'
others is interesting. Some grammatical flaws.
-----------------------------------
Title: Weaver · Author: Vana Tuivana · Genres: Drama: Poetry · ID: 627
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:31:25
Relentless rhythm, very sharp and quick. Vana draws you into the
weaver's world, ever oriented by the absent beloved, but it is not until
the last stanza that the poet's identity is poignantly revealed. Quite
enjoyable!
-----------------------------------
Title: Lay of Lord and Lady · Author: Vana Tuivana · Genres: Drama:
Poetry · ID: 629
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:31:45
I liked this retelling of Eol and Aredhel. Vana does a good job of
compressing the narrative, and the recurrance of motifs of light and
dark, cold and warmth lead the reader through this meeting of day and
night, lady and lord, that erupts when the two discover it is impossible
to reconcile themselves with each other.
-----------------------------------
Title: I'm Writing This With My Left Hand · Author: Vana Tuivana ·
Genres: Drama: Poetry · ID: 641
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:32:00
Simultaneously hilarious and ominous, I'm really not sure what to say of
this poem, other than: read it. There's a certain surreality, of genius
gone possibly mad, in this short, free verse poem, allegedly from
Maedhros' hand... his left hand, that is. One wonders whether one ought
nonetheless to pity what became of the rest of him, though he escaped
his bondage in Thangorodrim. I don't think I've read anything like it,
in terms of oddity, snarkiness, and foreboding, since Earmire's 'The
Vain Songs.' And I mean all that in the best possible way!
-----------------------------------
Title: Conversational, of Cousins · Author: Vana Tuivana · Genres:
Drama: Poetry · ID: 642
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:32:15
Definitely more nostalgic than the other Maedhros-centric free verse
poem; it nevertheless lives up to the promise of being slightly macabre.
On the subject of Maedhros' now severed hand, Fingon seems rather more
attached to it than does Maedhros, at least by his words, which attach
that hand to fond memories. One is hard pressed to decide whether
Maedhros is practical or in denial with regard to his own wounding,
though one suspects the latter. He seems a little too willing to discard
parts of his emotional life along with physical bits of his body.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inheritances · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: The Steward's
Family · ID: 651
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:32:32
Interesting, although I'm not sure the push at the end to get something
a little more foreboding out of this early, brief encounter wholly
works. That does seem a lot to read in. Liked the use of Jane Austen!
-----------------------------------
Title: Nothing but Dreams · Author: Unsung Heroine · Genres: Drama:
First Age Elves · ID: 659
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:32:51
Caranthir is not my favorite Feanorian, but this is an interesting
reading of him. Caught between inverse abandonments, between the mortal
woman who loved and left him and the treachery of the mortals who allied
with and then betrayed him at the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Caranthir's sanity
dangles by a thread. There's a matter-of-factness about Haleth's
appearances that underscores the unmoored quality of his judgment, which
is drowning in survivors' guilt and despairing remorse. From that eerie
mundanity of a ghost's visits to his ranting at his brother (one of his
brothers, never named), he doesn't so much struggle for perspective as
flounder about, shying away from the occasional effort to throw him a
lifeline.

Feanor's sons appeal oftentimes precisely because they are
psychologically scarred, and this is an apt depiction of that.
-----------------------------------
Title: Night Phantoms · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Remembering · ID: 696
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:33:10
This piece tries to work out what power the nightmarish past has over
Eowyn, and how Faramir might react to it. It's a bit rough.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Story of a Garden, by Frodo Baggins · Author: GamgeeFest ·
Genres: Drama: Pre-Fellowship · ID: 713
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:33:31
Very sweet, and the prose has that nice, clean feel that says "Shire" to
me. I'm not familiar with the larger story, so I can't put it in
context, but this does sound like something Sam would do, and Frodo's
efforts to, as it were, contribute, to the garden by writing the story
of its gardener seems fitting.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Humble Gift · Author: GamgeeFest · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 722
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:33:46
Gamgeefest delivers an excellent portrayal of Pippin, hale, whole,
coping with the aftermath of war and enjoying something of the peace
that has unexpectedly come. Faramir is also well drawn, the two of them
telling tales, often about Boromir, but eventually working their way to
the nightmares that afflict soldiers and the prince of Halflings who
saved Faramir's life.

The birthday customs of hobbits is put to good use by Faramir, if
inversely. It's a nice short interlude in life after the fall of Sauron.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mellyn · Author: Pentangle · Genres: Drama · ID: 322
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:34:31
Some cute humorous moments throughout; sort of a 'Life of Brian'
reversal of saviorly expectations.
-----------------------------------

Title: ... and hear the song of salt and sea · Author: Cuthalion ·
Genres: Drama: The Steward's Family · ID: 98
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:42:05
From the promising beginning through the change, never clearly
understood, to a final parting before death, Finduilas goes back through
marriage, family, and the division duty introduced into her life.
Perhaps. It's impossible to pinpoint what made the decisive change, but
the ending does not come as a surprise.
-----------------------------------
Title: Servant of the Tower · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 95
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:42:18
A rather devastating glimpse into the mind of one of Denethor's
servants. We all know the pattern: O woe is me, the horrors I had to
endure in the carrying out of my duties! And it is always true, but
sometimes it is only an excuse. The last line gives the game away -
there's no defense so desperate as self-defense when the last thing
desired is to see clearly the weakness of that defense.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Tide · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 77
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:42:40
The tides ebb and rise, and at the moment, wrath is rising for Imrahil,
to whom falls the duty to bring Faramir back from Pelennor to the aloof
Steward of Gondor.
-----------------------------------
Title: Dragons and Sailboats · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama:
Remembering · ID: 74
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:42:54
A few threads of past lives are drawn out here. I particularly liked the
mutual realization that Aragorn could no more find the boy he remembered
in Boromir than Boromir could find the Captain he remembered in Aragorn.
Things change and are lost and can't be recovered. But it seems there's
some peace to be had in speaking of them with others.
-----------------------------------
Title: Heirlooms · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Remembering · ID: 72
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:43:13
A very sweet set of matched vignettes. I remember Winfrith and the
children's toys from Alawa's story very well--it was one of my favorite
passages, so it was lovely to see that expanded on a little across the
years and two lands. Forever absent uncles find ways into the lives of
newborn nephews. Eowyn's recognition of the toy helps connect it to a
feminine genealogy, too: from Morwen to her
great-great-granddaughter-in-law (I think), and not simply through the
stories Éomer and Faramir can tell, though those, too, are a part of it.
As always, Ann's attention to the craftwork that goes into the everyday
items shows through.
-----------------------------------
Title: Benison · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Remembering · ID: 67
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:43:26
Ann writes with precision, capturing the secrets that lie hidden in the
domestic. The phrase [second-hand memories] evokes a sense of loss, of
being always given something used, something worn out that will never
quite fit the one to whom it is given. To a degree, this is true:
memories of others cannot be ours to a certain degree. The first hand
encounter with Finduilas' day book, where lies also Denethor's poetry, I
note, at last gives her a hold on the Lady of Gondor's life that is all
her own, unfiltered by the remembrances of others.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Household Accounts · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 50
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:43:45
Eowyn's discovery of the 'cast offs', almost, of the last ruling
steward's family, speaks succinctly of lives cut off, like the lengths
of cloth themselves. She'll need some time to exorcise those ghosts,
clearly.
-----------------------------------
Title: SpiderWebs · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 783
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-29 03:47:58
Growing up with two older brothers, this story resonated with me. It was
sweet indeed to see a smaller girl win her revenge from the incessent
bullying of the lads! The author's hobbit children are written so
realistically that no one could doubt she knows children well. Pippin,
though a lad and therefore an annoyance, shines in this story, and I had
to laugh at one remark which summed up the essence of young Master Took
- he never starts out to cause trouble, but he always does. The
childrens' reinactment of Bilbo's adventure with the Spiders was
delightful, and SO what young lads would play at. The ending paragraph
was very good, returning to the theme of the story and also showing us
that our hobbit-lass can be just as stubborn as the lads.
-----------------------------------
Title: Breeze · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits: War of the
Ring · ID: 974
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-29 03:56:25
This is simply an astonishing story. Written in first-person from the
viewpoint of an errant breeze, we see the last days of Frodo and Sam's
journey to the fire mountain through its insubstantial eyes. The breeze
becomes a living character in this story, full of sorrow and grief and
anger at the evil being done to two small hobbits as they strive to
achieve the impossible. It seeks to comfort the Ring-bearer and does
what it can to ease his burden, lamenting that it is only a breeze and
can do no more. Seeing Frodo and Sam in their final extremes through the
breeze's long memory of evil and heroic battles against it forces the
reader to empathize with the breeze; we feel its helplessness and
sorrow. Written almost in prose, this is a story even the Professor
would have felt honored his masterwork.
-----------------------------------
Title: Dear Diary · Author: Lily · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest · ID: 264
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-29 04:02:10
This is an amazing series of stories, detailing the pregnacy of Frodo's
mother Primula in a journal-format which both entices and charms the
reader. Each diary entry is self-contained yet builds into the main
story, a progression of events just like a pregnancy. Written in
first-person (for the most part), Primula reveals herself to be a hobbit
of wit, charm, and joy. Her gratitude for her condition, and her
absolute joy at the birth of her son are a treasure. Drogo, too, makes
appearances, seen through the eyes of a loving and sometimes exasperated
wife. Perhaps the best of all is her entries concerning the infant Frodo
- any mother would recognize the terror and joy and gratitude. I was so
moved by this story that I e-mailed the author to express my gratitude
for this story - it is one of the finest of its genre I have ever read,
and a credit to the fandom.
-----------------------------------
Title: In Stitches · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 132
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-29 04:18:31
The absolute shining joy of this story is the conversations(s) between
little Pippin-lad and his mother. A cohesive and well thought-out story,
the introduction of little details into the plot, such as Pippin's
dissatisfaction with his toys and their subsequent treatment, endear the
characters to the reader and builds in us a warm feeling. I think it's
called happiness. The relationship drawn between this little hobbit and
his mother encapsules all that is best about hobbit-folk; loving
indulgence, patience, cleverness, and the response given to love. Love
given and returned.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Change In The Weather · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits:
Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 692
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-29 04:26:14
That this author knows and loves hobbits, and our four hero-hobbits in
particular, is evident in her every word. The thought and attention
given to describing each of their personalities, to each of their
pivotal moments, shows the planning that went into this deceptively
simple fic. At the core of each hobbit's strength is the Shire, and
through each trial each hobbit undergoes, that memory and that love of
home serves to ground them. We love our hero hobbits already, but even
more after seeing them endure and triumph in these four ficlets.
-----------------------------------
Title: Cakes and Apples · Author: Ruby Nye · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 891
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-29 04:33:07
Set in the frightening and painful time immediately after the
destruction of the Ring, this is a wonderfully warming story of Merry
caring for the injured Pippin before Sam and Frodo awake from their
inforced healing sleep. The relationship drawn between Merry and Pippin,
their actions, their dialogue, shines with the love each has for the
other. Merry is worried and protective and frightened, and Pippin is
hurting and unhappy and frightened. He turns to Merry for comfort and
protection and love, as he has done all of his life. And when Pippin
wants something probably impossible to find, Merry does find it. And the
reader is included in that warm circle of love and even gifted with the
recipe for the object of Pippin's wistful longing.
-----------------------------------
Title: Stewardship · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 920
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-07-29 12:22:37
I cannot recall reading this before,so it was a nice surprise to find it
here. Gandalf must be well pleased that he is leaving Middle-earth in
such capable hands.He is a prime example of a good Steward in contrast
to Dethethor, but Gandalf's "pupils" have been well taught and will
never abandon their heritage. With men like Aragorn and Faramir, and
Hobbits like Merry and Pippin trained by him, Gandalf can afford to be
well satisfied with his work.Legolas too,will be a good Steward until
the sea calls him.
-----------------------------------
Title: The End of All Things · Author: Ariel · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Frodo or Sam · ID: 109
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2006-07-29 12:36:06
I was totally unsuspecting, totally unprepared for whose POV I was
reading. "Is it Bilbo? Is it Frodo? Who is it?"

Then, when I got to the end, I had to read it all over again.

And again.

What a terrific story. If it were longer, I could find things to tease
out of it to get you more points since length matters in this
competition (why does that sound porn-ish? *grin*). But let me say that
your story devastated me in the most gratifying way. I finished my third
read and my eyes are still all weepy, my breath quick, but pleasurably so.

This was a beautiful envisioning of the ends of two characters I love,
and one I had never imagined. Nor have I read any other fic that has
depicted it quite this way. It was perfectly plausible and felt so
"right," within the world of the source stories.

Super job, Ariel.
-----------------------------------
Title: Elfwine · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Fixed-Length Ficlet
· ID: 70
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2006-07-29 12:42:59
I loved it! Only three paragraphs and what a vivid depiction of the
royal birth to this particular couple in this particular kingdom. The
POV of the unnamed character was perfect to take a picture of this
moment.

I loved that the baby boy came out of his mothers womb so lustily, too,
as if he already had a tankard of ale in one hand and the reins of a
charger in the other. I am not worried about the future of that boy at all.
-----------------------------------
Title: For the Moon to Lead, and All the Stars to Follow · Author:
annmarwalk · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 200
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2006-07-29 12:43:42
In a short space, you set the scene and mood; a man at a social event,
gracefully doing his duty. Who is he? You do not say. An unknown woman
is watching. Is she married? Is she young? Is she old? She has been
watching him dance with every sort of partner. She was in love with the
mans father, Denethor, we learn, but Denethor did not return her love,
or, not in time. She married someone else. Who is she watching, Faramir
or Boromir? They have a habitual, amused exchange between them, him
always asking her to dance, she always declining. That sounds like
Boromir, not Faramir.

The easy, almost world-weary air of the piece changes with the flicker
of candlelight; it illuminates the dancer just as it blazes up in the
mind of the woman. Suddenly I find out that to this woman Denethor once
had been fiercely radiant, which makes me suddenly sad, thinking how he
will end up  with another sort of radiance, far more fierce. How doubly
sweet is Boromirs invitation (named at last) to lead her to the floor,
becoming for her the partner she would never be able to have.
-----------------------------------
Title: Today · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Romance: Rohan · ID: 199
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2006-07-29 12:44:02
Ann, this was just gorgeous. Smart and sensual and elegantly written,
and so real; the style of the language suited to the story to a T,
giving it a great canon feel, and you made the content itself utterly
plausible. You seem to really know people and how they behave in both
formal and more intimate interactions.

I love the way you have portrayed these two men as two men, although
they are lovers. They have hot, pleasurable sex, obviously, but its
clear that the sex reinforces and celebrates the friendship, rather than
the friendship making the sex possible. Perhaps I didnt say that
effectively& Its as though you have in this relationship depicted a
manly friendship, but elevated, perhaps idealized, to a higher yet
more profound level through the two mens sexual intimacy. Perhaps
thats what the Greeks were after in their own ideal of manly love.

Knowing how things end for these two, especially Boromirs, which is not
just physically but spiritually tortured, I was filled with happiness to
imagine them, through your story, having had the chance to enjoy such
pleasure, such real friendship, and to have such confidantes in each
other. Would that we all might be so blessed!

One question: at the end, Theodred does not tell Eowyn that he has no
future, that he and Boromir will die young. How does Theodred know this?
This puzzled me. Is there more about Theodred having premonitions or
some form of The Sight in some other story youve written? It added
extra gravity to the ending, but I was just wondering.
-----------------------------------
Title: Too Few Words · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Dwarves · ID: 311
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2006-07-29 12:44:24
["She had crafted the brazier herself, spare and elegant; its design had
been widely copied throughout Erebor.]

This line struck me; it could be compared to this story. Spare and
elegant, and, if fic writers are smart, it will be widely copied
throughout ficdom. The [fine olivewood cups lined with pewter]. Things
like that. Not too much but just the right detail to reinforce the
picture of Zei as a craftswoman, but one of great taste; an artist. In a
way, the story is written in a way that reflects the persona of its
heroine.

Another example: You went a bit further describing the difference in the
sounds of the voices of the two races, Elf and Dwarf, and it was a
wonderful melding of the poetic and the informative, yet still spare. A
Dwarfs voice, not just big or deep or nice to listen to, but, [deep
and melodious as water rushing over rock.] Just one phrase, but it
calls to mind the rock the Dwarves love and the water that formed the
glories of Aglarond, while perfectly describing the voice at the same
time. For the Elf voice, you could have said it was also melodious but
lighter, but you said, [light, soft, like wind in the trees.] It made
me hear the sound of the voice, but also captured a sense of the literal
lightness of an Elf (Legolas not sinking into the snow at Caradhras) and
the trees they loved. Even the word light, used in this way, made me
think not just of sound that falls easily on the ear, but the light
that moves through those trees as the wind moved them. You pick up
the visual notion of light immediately, as you describe Legolas
perceptible light that needed no lantern. Beautiful.

The way you handled the silent exchange between Zei and Legolas was
sensitive, nuanced. Oh, perfect, I thought. But you made it better
still, with the understated little epilogue about the drawing of their
portrait (echoing the note about her portrait of Gimli at the storys
opening). The coda was made tear-jerkingly satisfying with the addition
of the sentence from the Appendices. So elegant, spare and simple, yet
so touching. The ending was made richer still by noting that although
the King kept the drawing of the two friends and admired and cherished
it, its provenance was unknown. Its like a statement about the story
itself: if this story turned up somewhere uncredited, readers who came
across it would admire and value it, wondering where it had been found
and why it had not been included in the canon text. At least Christopher
Tolkien could have included it in the HoME, they would say.

I enthused over this story when I read it in your LJ early this spring,
but a second reading only shows it off better. You really display your
craft in this story, Ann. I can see that writing short-forms has honed
your skills so that when you write something story-length, its not as
though you padded it with superfluous *stuff*, but retained your ability
to say a lot in few words, merely limning out your tale in greater depth.
-----------------------------------
Title: Aglarond · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Dwarves: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 68
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2006-07-29 12:44:46
I had completely forgot about Gimli and Galadriel, reading Too Few
Words. Can you believe it? No wonder Zei didnt stand a chance.

This was acutely observed, Ann, the way Gimli "composed" or "painted"
with a hammer (rather than a pen or brush) applied to stone.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lobelia's List · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 201
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2006-07-29 12:45:18
Number 4 on Lobelias list was a crack-up! -- That she would decide to
use Otho as a guard, but then have second thoughts - who would check up
on HIM, then?

It just goes to show just how savvy Lobelia was. Too bad she couldnt
put her intelligence to better use!

Very witty, Ann.
-----------------------------------
Title: Thus Are Legends Born · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men:
Fixed-Length Ficlets With Children · ID: 732
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2006-07-29 12:46:12
Both Faramirs openness to the "other" in life and his considered
seriousness are contrasted well with Boromirs more sceptical,
grounded-in-reality approach in what is really a little conceit about
something two boys see by the river bank. Carefully observed!
-----------------------------------
Title: History Becomes Legend · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men:
Steward's Sons Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 737
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2006-07-29 12:46:33
I read this story in the light of your body of Boromir/Theodred stories,
for a lively connection between Rohan and Gondor is implied by the young
Rider coming to sing this elegy for Boromir, obviously an intimate
friend& the beloved companion to their Prince, the Rider said. I had
assumed the Rohirric lad had found Faramir in the noisy tavern, drowning
his sorrows, but perhaps Faramir is only learning of his brothers death
hearing the boys song? Because you have not given a precise time
reference, it is up to the reader to decide, which makes the drabble all
the more thought-provoking.

I liked, too, the way you reminded the reader that folk in the Mark
spoke a different language from the men of Gondor. I rarely remember it
when I am reading the canon text. And you brought in the notion of how
stirring and moving the singing of the horse people was famed to be.
What a lot you have packed in a little drabble!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Length of Haradric Silk · Author: annmarwalk · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor · ID: 69
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2006-07-29 12:47:00
Oh, Ann, what a charming story. Your sense of humour is always witty,
but warm, affectionate towards your characters. How you tweak Sams
cheek! Buy the silk to give to Lily Cotton  shell know what to do with
it  really! Im sure she will! Wont Rosie be pleased. (And if they
made a dress for Elanor from that fabric, Id be ecstatic.) And the bit
about his initials embroidered on his underwear  how I chortled.

But my favourite part of this fic was the description of the fabric
itself. I felt as though I could see it, touch it, feel the soft puff of
air when the shopkeeper shook it open. That she [snapped] it made me
think of a magician saying, Presto! And magical it was, such fabric. And
not wasted on a hobbit like Sam. A practical fellow, but with a strong
taste for what is high and beautiful.
-----------------------------------
Title: Kissing is Different · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 280
Reviewer: Madeleine · 2006-07-29 15:24:35
First time meeting between Éomer and Lothíriel in  surprise  the royal
stables of Minas Tirith.
A delightful and tingling vignette, one you like to read again and
again. And you are still kept wondering who is besting whom in the end.

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

Title: Sleeping Arrangements · Author: Lady Galadriel · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 312
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:34:51
The little things, that seem so inconsequential, become ominous portents
when on the road to Orodruin. Cute childhood battle of wills, bookended
by a different contest with a most reluctant victor.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Woodland Prince · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Drama: Fixed-Length
Ficlet Series · ID: 303
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:35:08
Interesting idea. I liked Pippin's drabble best, followed by Gimli's two.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lonely Night · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama: Remembering ·
ID: 295
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:35:27
It's a sad portrait of the choices women have to make, particularly in
the sex trade. I'm not familiar with the story to which it is attached,
so its impact is correspondingly lessened, but it remains a fairly bleak
little vignette.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Last Thing He Said · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama · ID: 294
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:35:42
Slices of the tale, from the eyes of (if I'm not mistaken) dog, horse,
pig, and cat. The author manages to present the story in a way that
seems right for non-human creatures. I especially adore the pig, or
whatever creature narrated chapter three, [Gossip]. I'm assuming it was
a pig due to references to snouts, grunting, and the superiority of the
narrator's kind of creature over human beings (Winston Churchill was
just slightly off in his estimation of the relative status of pigs and
people, apparently?). The voice was lovely, chatty, pushy and
self-centered--everything a pig should be, assuming it is one!

The story of Boromir's dog (again, I think) is also quite touching - her
faith in "daddy", who will come home, is that of an innocent, who cannot
understand the implications of the words spoken around her. The cat in
the final vignette had a wonderfully catty view--I liked the way pallor
became dove-like, the Houses of Healing the Blood Houses, the way down
into the city marked by the memory of women who threw shoes or water
(even in the face of fire and blood in the lower circles), and her
immediate sense that Aragorn belongs to the City, since that is the
place of Mankind, not on the fields beyond the walls.

All the perspectives were nicely done, and Aragorn's incorporation into
them is often understated to the point of being slightly doubtful. But
when we do get more of a glimpse of him, he still never overwhelms the
story--the story remains the animal's, whose focus on him may or may not
be lasting. Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Preparing The Way · Author: Lady Aranel · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 284
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:35:58
Well, this is a change! Usually we get this kind of scene with people,
but why not? There are other beings in the world whom we come to care
for, so why shouldn't Legolas mourn this one? I do wonder why this death
should hit him so hard, though, by comparison with others - but perhaps
now that he has mortal companions, death takes a new meaning for him.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Battle Of A Different Kind · Author: Katzilla · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 279
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:36:13
Good for Eowyn for taking Eomer on, even if she loses. A little too much
explanation at some points, but we know the basic equation: men fight
the battles beyond the home, women must fight the *other* kind of battle
that comes of being left behind.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Green Flash · Author: DrummerWench · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Frodo or Sam · ID: 277
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:36:32
An interesting look at Sam's sea-longing, though I found Cirdan's tale
to be somewhat disruptive. Nice use of Narya - very appropriate bit of
playing with the story.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Gift of Gold · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama:
Remembering · ID: 267
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:36:51
Sweet!
-----------------------------------
Title: Return to Me · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres: Drama: First Age
Elves · ID: 266
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:37:03
Finrod is reborn, and to the question of the meaning of his death. His
father, watching his son's body be 'repaired' and assisting him to
recover after the rejoining of spirit and body, is a father first -
there is no question his son's life is not able to be set against the
fate of the world. For Finrod, what he has been part of is worth dying for.

Some interesting descriptions and speculations about the Houses and
their unearthly, unbearable ways. The tuning fork and the healing of
Finrod's body by Namo seemed appropriately otherworldly.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fairy Tales of Middle-Earth · Author: DrummerWench · Genres:
Drama · ID: 261
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:37:19
These are delightful vignettes that captures the reader and pulls him or
her into a displaced Middle-earth: the background stories that must
surely have floated about in the oral histories of the fictional
inhabitants now have their own life. DrummerWench covers Men of Rohan,
of Gondor, the Drúedain, hobbits, elves of Rivendell and Mirkwood.
Sometimes the fairy tale empties out into an unwritten history:
Thranduil's marriage, the waking of the Balrog in Khazad-dûm, the tale
of Beorn's family and unusual shape-shifting abilities. Other times,
although we recognize characters, the story remains speculative:
Goldberry might have acted thus and so and so played a part in a tale
like "Lady in the Water." As in Tolkien's corpus, so within it: legends
and history meet and blur.

Nicely done, highly enjoyable!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Precious Gift · Author: Isil Elensar · Genres: Drama: First Age
Elves · ID: 250
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:37:33
Sweet interlude for Indis and Finwe.
-----------------------------------
Title: Master of Shadows · Author: Space Weavil · Genres: Drama · ID: 245
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:37:51
An interesting set of vignettes, detailing the fall and rise of the one
who would become Sauron's most powerful servant. Interesting history,
going all the way back to Ancalime's day, when an arrogant young
nobleman dreamed of winning his way to the throne.

Particularly interesting was the encounter with Galadriel, and her
manner of testing him, as well as responding to his attempt to rape her.
One steely woman, clearly, and his belated realization that she is the
true power in the councils of Celebrimbor and Celeborn is well played. I
also found the vignette on sloth quite intriguing. 'Pride' was very
neatly turnedhis resistance to Sauron's simple, singular command, and
eventual naming of him ('Servant') wearing away, until pride has nothing
left to offer than the lie that his service comes through his free
choice. Capitulation never sounded so proud.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Hardest Lesson · Author: mistycracraft · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 231
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:38:05
Tough lessons to learn, indeed. Nice touch about Estel wanting to keep
the mortally wounded company, even if they can't hear him.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Falcon's Watch · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 227
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:38:24
Perhaps a touch too sentimental for me, but the inability of the
Travellers to reintegrate their lives with the Shire was clearly seen in
Frodo's case. It stands to reason that in Sam's, Merry's, and Pippin's
cases, the extraordinary and horrific things they had seen would
eventually come home to drive them out again.
-----------------------------------
Title: In This Silence I Am Sinking · Author: Ghettoelleth · Genres:
Drama: General Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 222
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:38:36
Ah, theodicy! That staple of Valinorean reflection. Nicely done
confrontation between Tulkas, ever eager to extinguish evil where he
finds it and Namo, whose inscrutable domain of prophecy and death lead
him to find that there is more in the world than good alone, and
frighteningly, that a flawed world may yet be part of a greater plan.
-----------------------------------
Title: Treasures And Momentos · Author: Marigold · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 220
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:38:53
Boxing up lives after the deaths of loved ones is the real funeral, most
definitely. I did very much like the note that went with Gimli's
farewell gift - classic!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Fading of a Star · Author: Minuialeth · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 219
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:39:09
Very elven concerns at work in this drabble. I have a feeling I'm
missing background for Arwen and Erestor, however, which would make this
hit harder.
-----------------------------------
Title: Quality Time · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Drama: The Steward's
Family · ID: 205
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:39:28
An interesting and intimate portrait of Denethor with his young
children, though in point of fact it's as much about the relationship
with their nurse as it is about them. Not the most rational of
relationships, apparently: she's to be close, yet distant; he does not
understand why she expects censure, yet he also knows very well he
intimidates her and is not displeased with that, or with the rumors of
his clairvoyance that aid in that process of intimidation. She seems to
be both in and outside of the family sphere, so that we are surprised
both by what Denethor knows of her, but also what he does not know (that
she reads Sindarin, for instance).

Nice touch about reading Akallabeth to Faramir as a sort of experiment
in stimulating intellect. And while his sons may now give him peace, oh
just wait 'til thirty years down the line, Denethor...
-----------------------------------
Title: Was It For This? · Author: aervir · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 204
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:39:45
Nice use of Owen, and I liked the first paragraph--the essential
reduction of human beings in all the glory their people can heap on them
to just a damp patch of ground and an act of treachery that almost
obliterates all else that they had been.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fire · Author: Aramel · Genres: Drama: Fixed-Length Ficlet Series
· ID: 172
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:40:16
An interesting perspective on the making of Narya--here the greatest of
the three, thanks to Celebrimbor's memories of the delights of his
grandfather's forge. Fire here is not the consuming force wielded by
darkness, but the spark of life to bring hope into being.
-----------------------------------
Title: When The Days Are Warm · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: The
Steward's Family · ID: 145
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:40:34
Finduilas' promise sounds made to be broken, though in this instance,
the noble lie seems legitimate enough.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fair-weather Friends · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 126
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:40:55
Even foreseen consequences can be hard to bear.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of Stone and Fire · Author: Werecat · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 124
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:41:11
Ooh, killer last line! The right last line can really make or break a
drabble, and I love this one! The rock of Dwarven strength has nothing
to fear from the spirit of fire in its wrath. Gimli so rarely gets his
due, but when he does, it is a sweet victory. Thank you, Werecat!
-----------------------------------
Title: The End of All Things · Author: Ariel · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Frodo or Sam · ID: 109
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:41:29
A rather quiet passing on; I was not sure who was who until the end of
the fic, however, which was a bit distracting.
-----------------------------------
Title: Stigmas · Author: Robinka · Genres: Drama: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Series · ID: 105
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-07-29 01:41:47
I'm not sure how well the seven deadly sins device works, but taking on
Turin's several names is something that seems suited to drabble series.
-----------------------------------

Title: Legacy · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 299
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-07-30 21:29:41
Very nicely done, and brought tears to my eyes. It rings true, that
Merry and Pippin would think of Boromir at such a time, and how his
sacrifice in part bought them the peace they enjoyed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Those Who Challenge the Dead · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 858
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-07-30 21:32:17
Tragic in its inevitability. The author captures blind, arrogant pride
in just the few strokes of a pen.
-----------------------------------
Title: Forlorn Hope · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 301
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-07-30 21:34:05
Powerful, poetic, haunting in its use of repetition. But it could also
apply to bookverse, the scene where Denethor sends Faramir out again,
and Gandalf cautions against throwing his life away.
-----------------------------------
Title: Caws Llyffant · Author: Llinos · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest · ID: 634
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-07-30 22:00:56
Such a lovely Bilbo! My heart gave a pang when Frodo told Merry they
should go to Rivendell someday... But then the story had me
laughing--and hungry!--with all the lovely cheeses.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Price of Power · Author: Rabidsamfan · Times: The Great
Years: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 989
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-07-30 22:03:06
Chilling, a picture of the depth of Saruman's fall. Perhaps this shows
the moment his choice became irrevocable.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hewing Naught But Wood · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 825
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-07-30 22:08:26
This is wordplay at its best and "brilliantest". I dare say JRRT himself
might have enjoyed such diversion.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hair · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 321
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan · 2006-07-30 22:10:59
Oh sure, after reading this I'm going to have the song "Hair" on my mind
for the rest of the day. It does kind of fit though. This was a
wonderfully funny look at a phenomena that an Elf, I would imagine,
would not have much experience with. Body hair. And boy is he with a
hairy bunch. Between Hobbit foot hair, men with beards and Eru forbid, a
Dwarf that appears to be covered from head to toe, I'm sure it he would
be bound to question just HOW low DOES it go.

This gave me a great chuckle. Well done Gandalf's Apprentice!
-----------------------------------
Title: Ignorance Is Bliss · Author: Eggo Waffles · Genres: Humor: Parody
· ID: 754
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-07-30 22:15:44
I admit, I don't read a lot of parody, but this was laughing-out-loud
brilliant! ["This is getting tiresome& Father has apparently just beaten
you into unconsciousness yet again"] Even though it deals with what I
refuse to read in fanfic, I was able to, um, relax and enjoy it.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Groomsman · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Dwarves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 44
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-07-30 22:21:43
This was a complete and total surprise. The author led me to expect one
thing, leaving me with a punched-in-the-gut feeling at the end.
Well-written and convincingly done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Suspicion · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 791
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan · 2006-07-30 22:22:17
I loved this one when you wrote it for my birthday this year, and I love
it now in the rereading. You have captured Sam's protectiveness toward
Frodo to perfection. And his distrustful nature. I also love the fact
that you have him calling Gandalf ["the old man"]. I bet he wouldn't do
that to the wizard's face. No sir.

Sam is my favorite character and I'm very particular about how he is
written. You do him so well, I want to read more and more.
-----------------------------------
Title: Demand and You Shall Receive · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres:
Humor: Children · ID: 159
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-07-30 22:30:06
This was worth several chuckles and at least one LOL! Drawn very
realistically, with evident first-hand knowledge of small children.
Amusing, and heart-tugging all in one, for the ending bit brought tears
to my eyes. Well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Teatime in Rivendell · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 373
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan · 2006-07-30 22:49:51
Bilbo you cheeky devil you!

I just about split a seam laughing at this charming drabble.

Gandalf's Apprentice, you have outdone yourself showing our plucky
little Hobbit friend getting revenge at last for his long ago visit to
Mirkwood. And poor Legolas. I can almost picture the shocked look on his
face. Here at last he's getting a chance to meet with one of the Shire
folk and the little fellow snatches away his snack. Hopefully the Prince
of Mirkwood is a forgiving Elf and that he and Bilbo go on to form a
better understanding of one another.
-----------------------------------
Title: Work Detail · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Romance:
Fixed-length ficlet · ID: 789
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan · 2006-07-30 23:01:11
Oooh! Naughty Arwen. She sure knows how to get her man's attention
though. And such a work detail she has in mind. Very sexy, provocative
and engaging drabble. But did you have to stop right at the good part?

Well done G.A.
-----------------------------------
Title: Alas, for the dying of the trees · Author: Gandalfs apprentice ·
Races: Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 788
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan · 2006-07-30 23:08:15
This one needs a tissue warning, G.A. Very touching, very moving. I love
Gimli's grumpy attitude toward Legolas's pining. It is so very true to
character. Your description of Gimli's aging is very well done. I can
picture him quite vividly and am moved by the image. Thank you for a
sweet portrayal of this often unrepresented pair.
-----------------------------------
Title: Counting the Days · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 281
Reviewer: Madeleine · 2006-07-30 23:59:38
If you wish to read a perfectly true and absolutely hilarious dialogue
between two men, you should on no account miss this story. Just thinking
about it makes me giggle again. Imagining Éomer and his friend Éothain
taking cover behind a bolder and commenting on the  wrong  woman, puts
a silly grin on my face.

Those two are so outrages in their comments and probably not quite
politically correct, but also so classical male, that you - as a female
- really have to know and understand the opposite sex very well to be
able to create such a gemstone.

Charming and funny, as all of Lady Bluejay's one-shots.

-----------------------------------
Title: Rest and Recreation · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 700
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-31 00:07:57
I like the little snapshot youve given us of the Captain-General during
the first days of his visit to Imladris. Hes bored, restless, missing
Faramir, and feeling more that a little bit miffed at not being included
in the scouting expeditions, or even having his skill and experience
recognized at all. The easy writers way would have been to give him an
understandable dose of humility by falling before Glorfindels age and
experience; but I love how youve shown Boromir persisting for hours in
the impromptu match of skill and endurance. How heartening for Boromir
that he was able to win his hosts respect in such a manner! What a
wonderful tale he would have had to tell Faramir!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Groomsman · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Dwarves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 44
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-31 00:09:30
What a gem, and a perfect illustration of the drabblers art: A complete
story, told in exactly one hundred words, with a twist at the end. The
characterizations are spot-on: the almost-fussy, detail-oriented Gimli,
recognizing that he is the only one with the proper respect and
appreciation for the ritual; the elf, totally useless; unfamiliar with
the customs appropriate for such an occasion; and Aragorn, distraught,
overcome with emotion.

The tiny, telling detail  Gimli breathing on a buckle, and polishing it
on his own clothes - is so perfectly real. And what a killer of a final
line - absolutely unexpected, absolutely heartbreaking.
-----------------------------------
Title: Pink Oliphaunts · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's
Fall · ID: 49
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-31 00:10:50
The undercurrents of the various conversations are quite
thought-provoking here: I love the image of Beregond, down on Elborons
level, assisting the carefree child with his drawing. Faramirs arrival,
though, brings on a more somber tone, as the two campaigners consider
yet another detail of the battle, one they may not yet have pondered.
After how many years, how many hours of discussion, how many tankards of
ale, there is still something left to talk about! And how interesting
that, after a young life spent among the mightiest warriors of the Third
Age, the item now capturing the childs interest and fascination is the
near-legendary Mumak. Pity that neither Faramir nor Beregond have any
first-hand experiences with it to share with Elboron!

I love that Elboron is a child of such joy that he cannot imagine a
creature that would not be smiling; The detail of his tall uncle
towering above all other men, nearly as tall as the Mumak itself, is
lovely; surely that is how Eomer would have appeared to his nephew! And
what quiet delight Faramir and Beregond must find in a world so at peace
that the terrors of the past are now disarmed by a child's innocence.
-----------------------------------
Title: Do Not Think Me A Dream · Author: EdorasLass · Races: Men: Gondor
· ID: 40
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-31 00:12:35
What a melancholy tale, so different from your other droll and joyful
tales, but perfectly in keeping with the characters. Poor Finduilas 
she knows she is fading, as do all her loved ones surrounding her,
whether they will recognize the truth or not; but are all powerless to
speak the words that are utmost in their minds. Nanny could share with
Finduilas her vow to stay with the boys until Faramir is grown, raising
them with all the love and care a mother would lavish; Denethor could
promise to do his utmost, give his life if need be, to keep Gondor safe,
and by extension Finduilas sons, brothers, and kin. Finduilas herself
could choose to bid farewell to those who love her, passing on in grace
and peace, but instead she wanders, wraithlike, waiting for the choice
to be taken from her. What a heartwrenching story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Gondor Needs No King · Author: Ribby · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 207
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-31 00:13:37
What a marvelously chilling tale. I always enjoy reading your AU
stories; youre so otherwise mild-mannered that its a kick to see what
happens when you unleash your Dark Side. The vision of Denethor and
Boromir being too late to rescue Faramir from the pyre is gruesome and
nightmarish, just as is should be. But Boromir sitting at his fathers
feet, Ring on his finger, is even worse. And by worse I actually mean,
Oh wow.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Steward's Dream · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Fixed-Length
Ficlets With Children · ID: 647
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-31 00:14:16
I really love the way you illustrated Boromirs acceptance of the vision
of peace and stability that the return of the king would bring, and his
understanding that the House of Hurin would play a vital part in that
aspect of the restoration. Very well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Childhood Dreams · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 523
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-31 00:14:59
You always have such a deft hand in your tales of gentle, affectionate
interactions between Boromir and Faramir. The idea of Faramir wanting to
be just like his brother, but couching that desire in terms of a rivers
unceasing energy, is both heartbreaking and beautiful.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Stone's Lament · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Dwarves ·
ID: 53
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-31 00:16:13
I really love your description of Gimlis exhilaration as he approaches
the legendary, hallowed halls of Khazad-dûm. Like a proud pilgrim,
burning with fervor, he approaches the most revered sites of his people,
seeking illumination, communion with the spirits of his ancestors; only
to find that his enemy hears the voices instead, clearly and mournfully.
Youve beautifully expressed Gimlis desolation, his carefully-concealed
pain at the unwitting theft of his birthright.

(Im always awestruck at your use of language. Youve written one of the
single most beautiful lines Ive ever read: [I was silver, struck with
tuned precision and ringing with incredulity.] What an amazing
description! And so perfectly apropos for a dwarven craftsman who keeps
his deepest thoughts and words buried, treasured, safe within his soul.)
-----------------------------------
Title: Pride Before The Fall · Author: AmandaK · Genres: Alternate
Universe · ID: 742
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-31 00:17:02
What a terrifying vision of the proud captain-generals descent into
madness as he takes the Ring for his own. In his passion to return to
the city and lead his armies to victory, he does not realize how the
Ring has quickly claimed him. His intended end, the command of the
Citys defenses, justifies (in his mind) the means: killing a horse, a
young guardsman, his own father. The epilogue is enormously powerful in
its simplicity: Boromir helpless before the maker of the ring, denied
the mercy of death.

I still cant get over the horrifying image of Boromir frightening a
wild animal away from its kill, and eating the filthy remains of the
grouse even as he ran to seize command of Gondors defense. In his pride
he has no self-realization of how the ring has already begun his
destruction.
-----------------------------------
Title: Untold Tales of the Mark: The Banishment of Eomer · Author:
Katzilla · Genres: Alternate Universe: Incomplete · ID: 836
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-07-31 02:02:19
Doing Éomer this year is quite the thingbut this novel stands alone.
The ultimate use of an AU-story is to illuminate canon. This story is so
true to the darkness that had enveloped Rohan during the period of this
novel that it leaves most of the strict canon stories in the dust when
it comes to being true to the source material.

The characterization also is stunningly true to canon all the way
through, with major and minor, canon and original characters. Even
Eomers horse, Firefoot, is well developed as a character. While
uncommonly smart, brave, sensitive and loyal, Firefoot is believable to
a horse lover, with just a moderate amount of magic added. (What is a
Tolkien-based story without magic? He wouldnt have dreamed of such a
thing! One of my pet peeves with a lot of the Rohan-genre of fanfiction
these days is no magic. Except for use of canon character and place
names, many might as well be historical fiction.) This story is written
in a realistic style, but with the magic. It also has heat, sensuality,
and passion, without a sex scene in sight.

This tale is quintessentially dark and angst-ridden and certainly not
for the fainthearted (and I am not an angst-fic fan in general). Every
time I think I am getting close to limit of heart-breaking sadness and
anxiety the author throws in just the perfect amount of hope. The whole
plot hinges on a beautiful balance between the POVs of Eowyn and Éomer:
events that are occurring in Edoras with Eowyn and Grima, and Éomer in
the White Mountains.

If I had to pick one aspect that has really kept me hooked on this story
it is its pure passion and emotional depth. Loved the parts relating to
Éomer's encounter with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli (all three
carefully-crafted characters). One gets magic with Aragorn alsosome
hands-of-the-king-style healing in the White Mountains. You have to love
the authors Aragorn too!

Throughout it is Éomer's judgment and willingness to take risks that
enables hope amidst all this darkness. Loved the emotional honesty of
the authors description of Eomer's insecurity relating to what his
éored's reaction will be to him after Grima has essentially outlawed him
and to stick by him is to risk ones life and then Eomers reaction to
the reassurance that they still consider him their leader. Eowyn is
well-written as well but it is Éomer who really stands out.

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

Title: An Elf · Author: laiquendi · Races: Elves: Poetry · ID: 725
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-07-29 17:03:41
I like how this returns in the end to Legolas' identity as an elf. He
may be all these other things--loving son, skilled warrior, protector of
his people and their woodland home, and friend to the members of the
Fellowship--but in the end his destiny is shaped by his race. Very nice!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Eyes of Boromir · Author: pipkinsweetgrass · Genres: Romance:
Poetry · ID: 632
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-07-29 17:17:58
Though Tolkien says that Boromir had no interest in taking a wife,
delighting only in feats of arms, that doesn't mean that the opposite
sex was equally oblivious! In this poem, Pipkin Sweetgrass writes a
ballad about a serving maid's unrequited love for Boromir and her
despair at his death. I especially liked the description of his smell--

[...the smell of leather and of rain and air so clear.]

Mmmmm! The poem's language, form, and storyline make it sound like an
old ballad, even down to the lovesick maiden's suicide at the end. Well
done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Distant Lands · Author: Acacea · Genres: Romance: Fixed-length
ficlet · ID: 76
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-29 19:57:04
Now I wonder just why Faramir wants tales of Edoras so desperately. For
background on Eowyn, obviously, but I wonder whether Boromir might be
featuring into his desire as well. The disconnect here is touching -
Aragorn thinks Faramir will want tales of far-off lands, possibly like
Boromir might have enjoyed, but Faramir wants something much more real
and tangible. And that's a great way to look at Aragorn's relationship
to both brothers.
-----------------------------------
Title: Heirs of the Oath · Author: Elana · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 151
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-29 21:25:29
This is a poignant drabble pairing of inherited responsibilities not
just from forefathers but from men they both knew before they died. it
seemed a teensy bit odd to me that Theodred should think he would be
renewing his oath - did all Rohirric kings do this, I wonder? - but it
made for a lovely parallel.
-----------------------------------
Title: Red River · Author: Altariel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 82
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-07-30 01:58:49
This story really ripped me up the first time I read it-Raksandhar's
desire to be a lord who could truly help his people really spoke to me.
He is a powerfully drawn character, though the story itself is brief. I
felt sorry for him, and for Aragorn, who, powerful as he was,
nonetheless had to bend to political realities. Faramir is at the top of
his form here, as the man he was destined to be-the intelligent, astute
ruler, adjunct to an even greater ruler, with strengths and skills that
complement Aragorn's.

The story affected me strongly enough that I had to run right out and
write one where I could give Raksandhar the relief he needed.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Groomsman · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Dwarves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 44
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-07-30 04:16:13
The title, as intended, was misleading; and I caught my breath at the
final line. This piece is tricky to review since I don't want to ruin
the surprise at the end. Kortirion disarms the reader with Gimli's
seemingly casual monologue and then with the homely details of his work
(I love that he literally uses spit and polish to shine the buckles!).

Gimli as the champion of propriety is very believable; exiled peoples,
like the dwarves, often value the old customs as a reminder of their
identity as a people. That Gimli would observe his people's customs for
a person of another race is proof that he loves and honors Boromir.
Until I read this piece, I had never considered their relationship
(certainly, I do think that Boromir and Gimli would have understood each
other better than Boromir and Legolas).

The others have only seen Gimli's skill with an axe; that he has an
artist's eye and the careful touch of a craftsman must come as a
revelation to them. It is very characteristic of Gimli that his act of
devotion speaks more loudly than his brusque words about Aragorn and
Legolas. A thought provoking and beautifully written ficlet!
-----------------------------------
Title: By The Light of Earendil's Star · Author: Branwyn · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 83
Reviewer: Acacea · 2006-07-30 05:11:08
I loved this story from the moment it started outIt had everything that
appeals to the Faramir fan in me. A promise of angst, Ithilien, rangers,
orcs, Boromir, Denethor, the works, and it's extremely well-written.
It's descriptive yet not overdone and works just perfectly.

From the descriptions of the ambush to the descriptions of Minas Tirith
to the red flowers that Boromir attacks, every bit is beautifully
captured. The characterisations are excellent, of Faramir but of course.
And of Boromir who goes in to rescue him. And of Denethor particularly
when Faramir returns. And the OCs all of whom shine on their own.

I loved the details too. I read this a year ago, and yet those little
things stayed on in my mind - the red flowers, Denthor on the boat with
Faramir when Faramir returns, all of which contribute to the
excellentness of the fic.
-----------------------------------
Title: Pink Oliphaunts · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's
Fall · ID: 49
Reviewer: Acacea · 2006-07-30 05:21:35
I loved this. It's sweet and cheerful and happy.

There are not too many Elboron fics around, but thsi one makes up for
the shortfall so well! It presents such a pretty picture to my mind.
Little Elboron, his drawings, Faramir and Beregond!:)

I love the sweetness of the child Elboron. He has all the innocence and
curiosity that a child oif his age brought up in relatively peaceful
times would have.

And I love that Faramir gets the opportunity to observe that and to be
happy about it. I love too that when Faramir shows concern for the
oliphaunts, Elboron echoes that. He is every bit his father's son and
Faramir deserves that.

There are again, in this ficlet, the most amazing details - Elboron's
depiction of Eomer on horseback towering over an oliphaunt, the fact
that the oliphaunts are smiling cheerfully which I adored, Beregond's
help and Faramir's reassurance that the oliphuants would have found
their way back. Because I always wondered what had happened to the
oliphunt Sam and Frodo saw!

-----------------------------------
Title: Better Than Frodo Baggins · Author: Inkling · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 809
Reviewer: permilea · 2006-07-30 05:50:47
I love how you play with our minds, especially we angst-lovers, who
expect a certain OTHER Baggins to be the one running from bullies at the
outset! Of course I love the way you show us Lotho's character in little
ways -- the crushed eggs, how he cowers in the hedge, how he threatens
to tattle. The glimpses into his bitter, fearful, suspicious mind,
behavior, motives and homelife...and then to compare him to such a
charming, popular, and unscholarly Frodo (another twist against
prevalent fanon)! Wonderful story-crafting and characterization!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Hallowed Place of Both Peoples · Author: Imhiriel · Times:
Early Third Age: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 944
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-07-30 05:59:05
Your drabble inspired me to go back and read through that section of
"Unfinished Tales" and the related parts in the Appendices. I had
forgotten much of it, especially the assistance (the magical mist)
provided by the denizens of Lorien, and the foreshadowing of Rohan's
future just-in-the-nick-of-time arrival at Minas Tirith during the
battle of the Pelannor Fields. After all of this, a negative reaction
from Gondor regarding the "worthiness" of Eorl's people is particularly
poignant.

Although you note that it is likely an AU version of the events, I would
also not be surprised if there was some unhappiness in Gondor at
Cirion's actions. The Eorlings may have been long-time valued allies,
but a huge portion of the South Kingdom had just been turned over to
them. They had been a nomadic people without Gondor's Numenorean
heritage, which led to big gaps in culture and development. Many of the
proud in Gondor may have felt shamed by needing assistance from an
uncivilized and "lesser" people. And indeed, facing their own long
decline, Gondor's people may not have liked this now nearby reminder of
what they could one day descend to... (The last reflection prompted by
your reference to Faramir, and what he said about Gondor's and Rohan's
influences on each other.)

A long way of saying: I found the premise believable! And you conveyed
so much with a single scene, a few subtle inferences (eg, to Faramir)
and well-chosen descriptions.
-----------------------------------
Title: Weaver · Author: Vana Tuivana · Genres: Drama: Poetry · ID: 627
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-07-30 13:52:26
A beautiful poem about Arwen's weaving of the banner. The repeated
questions in the first line of each stanza and the rhymed couplets give
this piece the feel of an old ballad. Arwen's silent, determined weaving
becomes a metaphor for her devotion to Aragorn despite whatever the
future holds. The identity of the narrator, revealed at the end, is a
nice twist.

Arwen is a shadowy figure for much of the books, so I enjoyed this
gapfiller about her steadfast wait in the background.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sweet Woodbine · Author: Bodkin · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 864
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-07-30 14:02:57
I spent a very pleasant morning recently reading this story at the
recommendation of someone whose taste I trust. I don't get as much time
to read any more as I would like, but I'm a real sucker for Valinor
stories. Legolas' position as a son of a ruler who will in effect never
really have to let him succeed to the kingship was deftly explored-I
have often wondered how that plays out in the West.

Bodkin's Elves, who are certainly not perfect, ethereal beings, react as
one might expect to an influx of immigrants who threaten their way of
life and possibly their livelihoods (rather timely given current
circumstances in real life!). The dilemmna regarding the apportionment
of natural resources to two parties who both feel they have a right to
them is a very valid one.

The Valars' answer to the problem, the creation of a new, wooded land
beyond the Pelori fills me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I think
it would be better for all the Elves to address their issues and not
have to evade them in this way. On the other hand, it is an expression
of love towards Elves who have always been somewhat suspicious of these
extreme powers.

Legolas' romance with the daughter of a most notorious family, and the
way in her family finally resign themselves to the inevitable, is very
well depicted. I had to laugh when Thranduil, who had all along been
predicted to be an insurmountable, unreasonable object, arrived and
immediately gave his blessing to the union.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Pippin · Author: GamgeeFest · Races: Hobbits: Poetry · ID: 937
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-07-30 14:05:41
Poor Cook! Yes, Peregrin must have been a sore trial to his elders. One
can only imagine the confusion and havoc that descended upon that
[glorious quiet kitchen] as he walked through the door! The image of
young Pippin [In his breeches that were slipping] is priceless. Very funny!
-----------------------------------
Title: Following Orders · Author: EdorasLass · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 54
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-07-30 14:35:30
The "Pyre of Denethor" chapter is problematic for many readers
(including this one). Why did only one of the servants and guards who
were present defy Denethor's last orders? In this drabble, Faramir
shares our reaction of disbelief.

Edoraslass points out that these men would have known Faramir for years
and would have regarded him with at least the respect and affection due
to a comrade in arms. Though I think that Faramir would eventually be
able to forgive the guards, his initial rage is entirely believable. Not
only were they willing to murder him, but they stood by as his father
commited suicide (their duty to protect the steward does not seem to
have extended to protecting the steward from himself!)

Tolkien says that Faramir can read the hearts of men; he would easily
discern self-serving cowardice disguised as loyalty. An interesting take
on this scene from Faramir's point of view.


[Note: Suffering from caffeine deprivation, I hit the wrong button and
didn't save my review. So this is my second draft, a pale imitator of
the first draft which was smoothly eloquent and full of profound insights.]
-----------------------------------
Title: One Summer's Day · Author: Bodkin · Races: Men · ID: 765
Reviewer: Madeleine · 2006-07-30 15:07:44
I am a sucker for childhood stories of Éomer and his sister and I think
I can call this one - without exaggerating - my absolute favourite.

I feel for Éowyn, but I do not feel sorry for her. If I feel sorry for
somebody it is for Éomer, who has to deal not only with his own grief at
losing his parents but also with his little sisters overwhelming pain
and her inability to find a constructive outlet. Although he gets even
more hurt by her behaviour and is to young himself to find a solution,
he doesnt give up on her.

I think Théodens is very realistically depicted. He is the certainly
well-meaning uncle, who feels an obligation to take care of his late
sisters children, but he is also the king who doesn't have the time to
look after the siblings personally and had to give them into the care of
others.

And it makes also sense that Théodred, after all thirteen resp.
seventeen years older than his cousins and with plenty of
responsibilities towards the Mark, hasnt paid too much attention to the
children until this particular summer's day. But as soon as he finally
understands the whole extent of Éowyns despair and how badly it effects
Éomer - that the young boy has too much to shoulder entirely on his own
- he quickly comes to the conclusion that he cant wait for somebody
else to hopefully find one day access to the little girl. It speaks for
him that he is willing to take on the responsibility and that he knows
how to approach his cousin, treating her like an equal and making
certain that she feels secure. In doing so, he takes at the same time a
great burden off Éomer.

Having read this story, I can imagine Théodred having played an even
greater role in the lives of Éomer and Éowyn than Théoden had.

-----------------------------------
Title: Cakes and Apples · Author: Ruby Nye · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 891
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-07-30 15:25:28
I have just adored this lovely story from the first moment that I read
it at the Shire Kitchen Challenge. Merry and Pippin are the ultimate
HOBBITS in this story! The way Pippin longingly rhapsodizes over the
beautiful toothsome cakes of his memory, describing and lingering over
each detail of their making, and the way Merry listens, his own mind
providing the scenario in Bag End's kitchen--even correcting Pippin as
to how long the cake took to bake--is just so very hobbity! It's food
and taste and the memories of taste and smell that are so important to them.

And then we have Merry's absolute determination to provide Pippin with
just such a wonderful cake, and Legolas with his deliciously amused
connivance were just the perfect touch.

The part where Pippin breaks off the first piece and feeds it to Merry
just brings tears to my eyes--I love this display of affection between
them, and Pippin's generosity, and Merry's realization of all they have.
It's so beautiful. Sigh.

And to top it all off, the recipe for the cake is utterly delicious and
every bit as good as Pippin makes it sound in his description! I have
now made it a couple of times, and just thinking about it makes me drool
like a hobbit! If you like to bake at all, you should give it a try!
-----------------------------------
Title: The River · Author: Indigo Bunting · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 51
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-07-30 15:37:51
This has to be one of the most exciting action-adventure early Quest
stories I have read since Thundera Tigers The Ring Goes South. Its
brilliantly constructed, with a heart-stopping cliffhanger at the end of
almost every chapter. Each chapter is also from the point-of-view of a
different member of the Fellowship, and the author manages to stay in
their heads beautifully.

The plot is simple enough: while crossing a river in Hollin, Sam is
swept away--along with Legolas, who is attempting to rescue the hobbit.
The description of their plight as they are tumbled helplessly through
the water had me feeling it, each time they were ducked under once more,
each time they hit a rock. Coming ashore miles away from the rest of the
Fellowship, they are captured by ruffians. And in the meanwhile, the
Company searches for them frantically.

I will not give away any more spoilers to the plot here, but just say
that what I love best is the use that the author makes of the
friendships between the various members of the Fellowship, and how all
of them are contributing to the efforts of the whole. Each person has a
chance to shine, to show his own strength, compassion and fear. It is
brilliantly done, and I look forward eagerly to each and every update.


-----------------------------------
Title: On Being the Youngest · Author: Bodkin · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 45
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-07-30 15:44:36
This is such a lovely story: it is sweet, and yet it has the sharp snap
of cleverness as well. On the surface, it is just a very nice getting
acquainted tale between Legolas and Pippin, while they discuss something
no one would guess they have in common--the experience of being the
youngest members of their respective families.

While this author seldom writes hobbits, she has a sure handle on Pippin
Took. His wit and dry sense of humor are perfectly canon, as is his
obviously serious determination to go on the Quest, no matter what, even
though he finds the whole venture mad. And she shows beautifully how the
young hobbit fascinates his Elven companion. For it turns out that
Legolas is just as curious as any Took, and is amazed to discover just
how clever--and devious--his young companion is. One thing I found quite
funny and touching was the observation that eventually, as is the way
among mortals, Peregrin Took will one day find himself no longer the
youngest, while for Legolas it will never change, and he will forever be
surrounded by Elves who are many millenia older than he.

Legolas finds himself sort of in a little mini-conspiracy with the wily
young Took, and in the process learns a few things about himself as well.

I just adore this wonderful little moment of bonding between them, and
there is the funniest little twist at the end!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Secret Gate · Author: Elanor · Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 56
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-07-30 15:56:18
Of all the various works-in-progress that I am following, I have to say
that A Secret Gate is at the top of my list.

Set in Merrys and Pippins twilight years, the main plot revolves
around the decision they make to leave the Shire once more, and return
to the South.

Yet there is so much more to it than that. We also see, through a series
of flashbacks and memories, what their lives have been like in the
intervening years since returning from the Quest with Frodo.

This story contains one of the most brilliant and definitive
characterizations of Meriadoc the Magnificent, Master of Buckland, that
I have ever read. Merry stands forth as a hobbit every bit deserving of
the nickname his people have given him. We see less of Pippin in the
early chapters, yet from what I can tell, her depiction of him will
eventually be just as strong.

There are also a number of engaging and well-drawn OCs. I am
particularly fond of young Jamie Bucket. And then we have Merrys
children, and Sams and Pippins--as well as flashback glimpses of
Estella and Diamond, each of them with a strong enough personality to
hold his or her own with the canon characters.

Yet the other strength of this author is her power of description. Each
chapter is a perfectly polished gem of almost poetical prose, and her
settings have just as much personality as her people.

I cant say enough good things about this story.

-----------------------------------
Title: Frodo: The Next Generation · Author: Gentle Hobbit · Races:
Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 272
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-07-30 16:35:00
Lord of the Rings and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Most certainly
that is not an obvious crossover. And yet in this authors hands the
story seems not only perfectly plausible but very absorbing.

There are some mysteries here--why, and how, does the traumatized
post-Quest Frodo, escorted by Lord Elrond of Rivendell, end up on board
the Enterprise? What are the deep personal connections that have led
Jean-Luc Picard to skirt dangerously close to breaking the Prime
Directive in bringing Frodo aboard?

Most of the story deals with the efforts of Dr. Beverly Crusher,
assisted by Deanna Troi, to try and help with Frodos healing without
violating the Captains orders to keep their mysterious patient from
realizing his true location. Some of the solutions she comes up with are
extremely clever.

Each member of the Enterprise crew is shown as being very much in
character, as are Merry and Sam, who are brought aboard during the
effort to help Frodo. Frodo himself is also very well-depicted,
vulnerable and in pain, yet sharply intelligent and fiercely defending
his personal dignity.

In the end of course, Beverly is not able to help Frodo quite so much as
she had hoped--for while the story is AU in the most obvious ways, it
will leave the ending of LotR as we know it, intact and in canon. And
the connections between Frodo and Picard turn out to be both profound
and obvious once explained.
-----------------------------------
Title: Wizardry · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 179
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-30 16:48:37
The scene is well-depicted, sparkling with vivid details. I love how
laconic both Aragorn and Gandalf are characterised - I think it shows in
a very subtle yet clear way their relationship and their attitude
towards hardship and reversals.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strange Fortunes · Author: Tehta · Times: First Age and Prior:
Incomplete · ID: 81
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-30 19:04:13
This comedy of manners is a seamless melding of Middle-earth and wry
humor. You squeeze laughter out of places one would never expect to find
it, like in the description of Maeglin enjoying being thought
inscrutable--and the description, entirely drawn from Tolkien, of the
absurdly bejeweled armor. Probably there are jokes that went over my
head, as I am far from a First Age Elf chick. Have trouble telling those
Elves apart, in fact. Which is only a testament to how entertaining your
story is, because I read it all. I was a little dubious before I
started, but because I love your "Stories Spawned by Sauron" so much, I
was determined to jump in.

I think my favorite scene of all, however, is Salgant under the table
with the chicken. Loved his terrible poetry, too.

One criticism--I thought some of the talking went on too long. Shorter
would be zippier.

I hope Tuor will be in this story.before the end. And please--finish it!

Gandalfs apprentice
-----------------------------------
Title: Work Detail · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Romance:
Fixed-length ficlet · ID: 789
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-30 20:52:06
This drabble always makes me giggle so hard, not so much for anything
that the drabble says but for another scene that's implied. Oh, the
drabble is hilarious in itself, but in order for Arwen to have this
conversation with her husband someone had to tell *Arwen* that her hips
were wide, and just what that meant. I have a hard time seeing Elves
dying in childbirth, so I think the midwife would have to drop
increasingly obvious (to her) hints, and much red-facedness would ensue.
And Aragorn here - clueless, typical man, then (prematurely) joyful,
then probably pretty mischievous at the very end. Priceless!
-----------------------------------
Title: Dark Appetites · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races: Villains:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 833
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-30 21:09:00
Some villains are just too ornery to obediently perish when defeated;
and this powerful drabble shows the slow healing of one of them. The
sense of great malice equaled only by great appetite is excellently
conveyed.
-----------------------------------
Title: That Which Cannot Be Put Into Words · Author: Pearl Took · Times:
The Great Years: Vignette · ID: 230
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-07-30 21:26:34
What a lovely little story, showing so well the different kinds of
healing, appropriate to the different personalities involved. And when
"youngest" of the Fellowship meets "youngest" of Lothlorien, it is
indeed a magical moment. Written with sensitivity and richness of
detail, this is representative of the fine reading that flows from
PearlTook's imagination.
-----------------------------------

Title: Spring Rites · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Romance: Rohan · ID: 842
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:43:40
Exciting ;)! I love Lothíriel's enthusiasm, her sudden shyness and then
brave daring in accepting Éomer's hand with its glimpse of foreshadowing.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Stars Will Light Your Way · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races:
Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 705
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:46:46
The idea of Pippin's stars is truly delightful, and charmingly told.
-----------------------------------
Title: Birthday Kisses · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late Third
Age · ID: 59
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:49:47
The difficult relationship between Denethor and Faramir is depicted
through a few well-chosen words and images. The emotions in general are
handled very well, subtly yet clearly. And the dog has real personality.
-----------------------------------
Title: Changes and Constancy · Author: Lily · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 263
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2006-08-01 13:36:09
Set in post-Mt. Doom Minas Tirith, this story offers an affectionate,
smiling peek at a bit of vanity in Frodo, recovered enough to be piqued
by the sight of the on-set of grey. Pippin teases his older cousin, but
in this way makes his warm, admiring feelings towards his older cousin
plain to Frodo (and the reader) in a manner that suits the non-gushy
Ring-bearer. Pippin teases Frodo about [growing grey] and going about
with [white hair and a cane]. Frodo protests; hes not [an old
gaffer] yet!

In spite of this banter, its clear that both Pippin and the author
think Frodo looks splendid as he begins to look more his real age: a
hobbit at the end, rather than at the beginning of his youth. You write
of Frodos appearance through Pippins POV, [the grey shimmer sparkling
in Frodos hair could not be denied], and, [his cousins ebony head
was streaked with fine threads of silver]. Such descriptive language
sees beauty, not fault in those threads of grey so hard-won -- and in
the hobbit to whom the threads of silver belong.

-----------------------------------
Title: Red River · Author: Altariel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 82
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-08-01 14:18:32
This is a wonderful, understated and subtle piece of writing. All three
characters are uniquely and fully drawn, and the connections between the
trials of the Southron lord and Aragorn's past wonderfully surprising
and insightful.
-----------------------------------
Title: Peace Comes Dropping Slow · Author: Songspinner · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 224
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-08-01 14:22:06
This is a very tender scene, full of lovely details that convey a great
deal more.
-----------------------------------
Title: Earth, Water, Fire and Air · Author: Fileg · Genres: Drama:
Fixed-Length Ficlet Series · ID: 469
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-08-01 14:26:36
I remember reading this series when they were first posted, and am
pleased to renew the relationship. Each, in it's own element, perfectly
captures a moment of transformation, of becoming, but none so
successful, I think, as the last. Faramir's conversion is all the more
convincing and moving for it coming to him unlooked for.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inheritances · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: The Steward's
Family · ID: 651
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-01 15:40:49
Wonderful peek into Thorongil's thoughts as he awaits his turn to
officially greet the infant heir of the rule that is righfully his.

Thorongil's thoughts are detailed and, as we might expect in the younger
Aragorn, whimsical, questioning, occasionally rueful, and perceptive,
down to his judgment of baby Boromir's character through the child's
facial expression and body language. I loved Thorongil's hope that the
baby would one day have a wise brother whose counsel would temper his
passions.

Good use of Quenya, and also good use of Austen's quote - some beliefs
are universal in the hopes of women of high society targeting an
eligible bachelor. And excellent paraphrase of the Bible quote on Saul
and David to fit Denethor and Thorongil - the application works
exceptionally well.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Green Flash · Author: DrummerWench · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Frodo or Sam · ID: 277
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-01 15:55:40
Interesting treatment of Sam's sea-longing after Frodo's departure over
the Sea. I quite liked the dialogue between Sam and Cirdan, and the way
Cirdan seemed to have inherited Gandalf's avuncular interest in the
hobbits' welfare. The novel use of Narya works well in the story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Evenstar · Author: Mar'isu · Times: The Great Years · ID: 856
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-01 16:02:10
What I really like about this short piece (aside from the lovely
language) is its hopefulness. All too often the Elves seem to be moping
around, keening over the lost past, whereas Men are busy making the
future. Here we see Arwen preparing to join the future, as befits her
half-Elven nature.

I don't agree with your portrayal of Elrond's view of Aragorn, but
certainly it's one possible interpretation. Rather, Elrond, I think,
thought more as Arwen does here. Or else why would he have named Aragorn
"hope"? But of course there is a huge empty chasm behind the name
"Elros"--you can create what you will, since Tolkien told us nothing of
his character.

There is a typo in the nex to last paragraph. You have "or Earendil"
instead of "of Earendil."
-----------------------------------
Title: Not Fair · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Fixed-Length Ficlets
With Children · ID: 902
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-01 17:18:35
A clever look at the not insurmountable problems Eomer's son might face
as a black-haired child growing up in a traditionally golden-haired
family and society. Though at least Elfwine is, according to Tolkien's
epithet, a handsome enough fellow, and of high enough status, to have
some insulation, there will be times when the physical differences will
be made clear to him. And of course, Elfwine has a father who loves him,
as is shown here.
-----------------------------------
Title: Spring Rites · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Romance: Rohan · ID: 842
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-01 17:37:57
Good evocation of something we don't see everyday in Tolkien fanfiction
- a human fertility ritual. The writer paints a striking picture of
Rohirric celebrations, with the paint-daubed shirtless men, and the leap
over the fire. Lothiriel's reactions are a nice touch.


-----------------------------------
Title: Luck from the Ashes · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 142
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-01 20:01:56
A nice moment between Faramir and Aragorn. I loved the picture of
Aragorn and Faramir bundling up the cat and kittens and then pushing the
cart with their cloaks and the animals in it out of Rath Dinen. That
must have been a sight for the ordinary citizens ;-). I also liked the
slight uncertainty between them where Faramir first didn't know how to
take Aragorn's remark about him helping animals. But then they come to a
new understanding.
-----------------------------------
Title: Preparing The Way · Author: Lady Aranel · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 284
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-01 20:02:42
This is so sad. The hanky alert was necessary. It took me a moment to
realize that Legolas is mourning his trusted steed and not one of his
human companions. But the sentiment would be the same. I don't think he
will ever get used to having his mortal friends go where he never can
follow as far as he knows. But still he has to let them go. I loved it
that Aragorn, Faramir and Elboron are there to help him. I think his
greatest comfort was the trusting head of Elboron on his shoulder.
-----------------------------------
Title: ... and hear the song of salt and sea · Author: Cuthalion ·
Genres: Drama: The Steward's Family · ID: 98
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-02 03:43:49
An effective and haunting story, showing Finduilas' increasing isolation
and loneliness. The way she clings to little Faramir, perhaps
unknowingly clinging too much and expecting too much from so young a
child, is heartbreaking. I like the way the writer shows the slow
decline of Finduilas' spirit, from the happy bride to the lost and
depressed woman who cannot sustain herself.
-----------------------------------
Title: Up From The Ashes · Author: Elanor Gardner · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 645
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 15:18:10
This story is very close to my heart. As one who lived through Hurricane
Katrina, the dedication of this story of renewal and rebirth and
rebuilding means a lot to me.

Yet even beyond the theme, this is a wonderfully crafted story. Pippin
is so very wise in this, in his own intuitive way knowing just what
Frodo needs to help him see just how the White City can recover from
devestation, and how he can help as well. There is not a single wasted
word, as she builds the story from Pippin's own pains and aches to his
efforts at relieving Frodo, and on to the need of spreading it forth to
the City. This story just moves me to tears.
-----------------------------------
Title: Okay, NOW Panic! · Author: Boz4PM · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 907
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 15:19:23
This sequel to "Don't Panic" by the same author is perhaps even more
exciting and intriguing than the original, as it begins to cover unknown
territory.

Culture clash still abounds, as the heroine, Penny discovers just how
wide the gap is between the Elves with whom she has been staying and the
other human societies of Middle-earth, in Rohan, and especially in
Gondor. She must deal, once more, with a language gap. She must
acclimate herself to the fact that Men are not as hygeinic as Elves. And
she must deal with her growing uncertainty as to her fate in
Middle-earth. I look forward to every update of this tale.
-----------------------------------
Title: Home Again · Author: Súlriel · Times: Early Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 863
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 15:20:29
Ah, the cats of Queen Beruthiel! I do love this haughty miss, deigning
to listen to an importunate Tom, yet knowing all along how superior she
is, LOL!
-----------------------------------
Title: Fields of Gold · Author: Anso the Hobbit · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 966
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 15:25:31
This sweet and gentle story takes place when a young Merry suffers a
bout of chicken pox while visiting Pippin's family at Whitwell. An even
younger Pippin then finds himself in the unusual positiion of having to
care for his dearest older cousin. I very much love the way the small
child tries to figure out the best ways to bring comfort to his Merry,
and his confusion at Merry's continued illness. This is a lovely and
gently told story, filled with love--not only from Pippin, but also
Merry's aunt and uncle, as well as his other relatives, all of whom show
their affection and worry about him. I do believe that this is my
favorite of Anso's pre-Quest stories.
-----------------------------------
Title: Starlight at Eventide · Author: Ariel · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey
Havens · ID: 821
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 15:28:32
This is a story of marital love and romance. Not the dewy-eyed and
star-struck romance of newlyweds, but the deep love and abiding care and
protectiveness of a deeply-committed couple wed for years, and on the
verge of taking the romantic and physical side of love for granted. When
that is almost lost after Estella's illness leaves her physically
fragile, and Merry fearful of hurting or harming her, they must work to
recover it. A very insightful peice of work.
-----------------------------------
Title: The First Sip · Author: Glassadar · Races: Hobbits: Merry &
Pippin · ID: 985
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 15:29:21
The author was only five, and this is better than many fics I've seen by
writers four times her age.
-----------------------------------
Title: In Aragorn's Safekeeping · Author: Radbooks · Genres: Drama · ID: 141
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 15:30:21
This is exactly the sort of story I would never have read without the
MEFAs, simply from its summary, yet I am so glad that I did. The author
handled the story very well, by making the modern children from a time
before LotR was published, and staying close to canon in all the events.
Rebecca and Thomas are engaging OCs, and her characterization of Aragorn
in the role of foster-father was brilliant. A very gripping epic, and
worth the time to read.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Beauty of Memory · Author: pipkinsweetgrass · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 652
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 15:31:09
A very beautiful little vignette, in which Aragorn and Pippin are able
to reassure Faramir about Boromir's passing. It is so sweet in tone, as
Faramir realizes just how deep the bond between his brother and the
young hobbit went, and realizes that his brother had, indeed, left
behind a legacy in the lives of the hobbits he died to save. I
especially like the way Pippin has subconsciously adopted many of
Boromir's mannerisms. And Aragorn's role in bringing them together is
subtle and very much part of his function as healer.
-----------------------------------
Title: Crickhollow March 1420 · Author: Anso the Hobbit · Races:
Hobbits: Incomplete · ID: 194
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 15:31:56
This is an engaging WIP, dealing with the first of Merry's own
anniversary illnesses, and how he and Pippin must try to deal with it on
their own. I look forward to more of this story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Safe and Sound · Author: Anso the Hobbit · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 664
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 15:32:54
Merry h/c, this author's specialty. As he suffers a restless night after
being separated from Pippin after the palantir incident, Legolas, Gimli
and Eowyn seek to comfort him. Each of his comforters is touched by poor
Merry's distress, and impressed by his courage

Title: I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes · Author: juno_magic · Races: Men · ID: 698
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-07-31 05:07:33
An unusual and touching storybased on Psalm 121,exploring religion in
Middle- eatrth. A Beacon keeper reflects on the One, whom he is
forbidden to name.One wonders how this man's life might cahange as the
thrird age draws to its conclusion.

-----------------------------------
Title: Those Who Challenge the Dead · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 858
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-31 17:05:27
Powerful and creepy. You capture the foolishness, bravado and genuine
courage of these men, as well as their individuality. It's effective to
show Earnur before his defeat and Baldor after it. Good job
-----------------------------------
Title: Pink Oliphaunts · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's
Fall · ID: 49
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-07-31 17:29:42
This was a nice moment between father and son. Elboron with all the
wisdom of his young years feels more for the oliphants than for the rest
of the battle ;-).
-----------------------------------
Title: Evensong · Author: aranda_nz · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond · ID: 191
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-07-31 17:32:43
This is a bittersweet tale. It plays in the last years of the life of
Gimli and Aragorn. Our heroes have to learn to live with the fact that
they are not as young as they were years ago, and especially Gimli has a
hard time with it. The way Gimli denies his frailties reminds me of some
real life persons I know. Very realistic. Aragorn seems to bear it a bit
better, but he is not immune to the knowledge that he is nearing his
end. Legolas is not growing old, but his sealonging grows harder to
ignore by the day.

The characterization of the main Tolkien characters is very good and the
orginal characters also come to life. The only thing I missed was more
of an interaction between Gimli, Aragorn, Legolas and Celebrimbor,
Narvi. It seemed like their two stories were mostly unrelated. Gimli's
only role in the tale seemed to be to get the ring from Narvi. I was
expecting more of an interaction between Gimli and friends, and
Celebrimbor and Narvi after Gimli got the task by the Valar. But that
was may be just my expectation.

All in all a very enjoyable tale, which made me long for more.
-----------------------------------
Title: I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes · Author: juno_magic · Races: Men · ID: 698
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-07-31 17:42:00
In this story the reader follows a mountain-man who brings supplies up
to one of the beacon hills of Gondor. This story of the mountain-man has
a beautifully flowing rythm to it. While reading, it felt as if I was
hiking up the steep mountain trail with the main character. The words of
the prayer interspersed into the musings of the mountain-man worked very
well.
-----------------------------------
Title: Frodo: The Next Generation · Author: Gentle Hobbit · Races:
Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 272
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-07-31 17:42:45
In this crossover Dr. Beverly Crusher tries to heal Frodo. Shouldn't be
an issue for the crew of the Enterprise, right? Wrong. Beverly can deal
with the physical injuries but the most healing comes from a different
place. I like the way Picard and Frodo explore the common ground between
them, although Picard does most of the talking. And I love how the
technologically unspoiled hobbits figure out so much about the
Enterprise just by being good observers.
-----------------------------------
Title: Both Beholden · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 180
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-31 18:04:34
I had a hard time reading this at first; the descriptions here are
highly detailed, and somewhat ponderous though very rich simultaneously.
But within I found a very interesting and thoughtful consideration of
character. The parallel's drawn in portraying Halbarad's position as
'steward' and Boromir's vision of Corsairs sailing up the Anduin under
the King's banner - past or future - were truly original to my mind.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Silent Street · Author: Sophinisba Solis · Races: Hobbits:
Merry & Pippin · ID: 65
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:05:56
Well-handled emotions (and I usually wouldn't like the explicit slash
aspect), good feeling for atmosphere.
It's not clear if the AU-aspect of the House of the Stewards still
standing was a deliberate decision, but it's skillfully explored.
-----------------------------------
Title: Earth, Water, Fire and Air · Author: Fileg · Genres: Drama:
Fixed-Length Ficlet Series · ID: 469
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:09:05
Creative, well-executed premise. The parallels drawn between symbols of
the tarot and canonical facts are inventive and fitting. I find
Aragorn's and Faramir's last lines to be particularly poignant.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strength of a River · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 513
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-31 18:11:25
This is a sweet and very understated story, no less profound for its
gentleness. In that its style echoes its subject.
-----------------------------------
Title: Call yourself Thorongil · Author: Nilmandra · Times: Late Third
Age · ID: 731
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:17:01
The story nicely and vividly shows the beginning of a friendship, in a
stage were Aragorn is still young and inexperienced, and not yet
entirely self-possessed and able to mask his feelings.
-----------------------------------
Title: Both Beholden · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 180
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:17:46
Very vivid and evocative setting and atmosphere. As ever, your
characterisations are completely canonical, three-dimensional and
realistic. Despite the many inner reflections and extensive stretches of
exposition, the story doesn't feel static, non-progressing; just the
opposite: it fleshes out the plot, and makes it that much richer. The
little details of movements, gestures and sensations deftly make the
story play in the imagination.

The history of the Chieftain as Wanderer and the Rangers as the former
royal guards is very well-devised, and very plausible.

I like the contrast you show between Boromir and the others, the
exploring of the differences between the Northern and Southern Realm
despite their common origin, and how those differences affect the people
and their thinking/philosophy/way of living. Your notion of Arnor is as
ever very plausibly extrapolated from canon, and very well realised.

And I appreciate the fact that the tension between Boromir and Aragorn
is not truly resolved at the end, Halbarad acting so to speak on behalf
of his Chieftain. That it is made clear that this uncertainty and
wariness will still inform their relations in future, even if the hope
of a future understanding has been put on a more firm base because of
more knowledge about the other's point of view.
-----------------------------------
Title: You Watch To Dissociate · Author: Ghettoelleth · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 195
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-31 18:18:45
A powerfully erotic and emotionally intense drabble. In so few words you
capture all three characters--Luthien's love, Beren's possessiveness (in
a good sense), and Daeron's futile jealousy. No word is wasted in this
perfect example of the art of the drabble.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Tracks of Time · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet Featuring Legolas or Thranduil · ID: 60
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:21:22
Lovely and moving, with a lyrical, nearly dreamlike quality. I like
Legolas employing images of nature, especially of trees, to relate to
his friends - very fitting for him.
-----------------------------------
Title: Red River · Author: Altariel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 82
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:22:35
Precisely drawn descriptions of the setting and characters; exactly the
right measure between showing details and not overburden a scene with
too much information. As ever, your little hints of movements and
gestures are a well-employed and well-executed means to make the story
come alive.

Very interesting, thought-provoking subject. It shows how war forms and
informs future generations, and how difficult it is to hold to justice
in the face of victory. How both sides of a war must build - and must be
allowed to build - new foundations, new connections, to lessen the
danger of future unrest.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inheritance · Author: Primsong · Times: Late Third Age: The Shire
· ID: 310
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:23:05
Nice AU-twist! And a truly brilliant ending.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Creature Of Fire · Author: daw the minstrel · Races: Elves:
Featuring Mirkwood Elves · ID: 956
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:24:34
Fascinating picture of the Greenwood, its inhabitants and their society
and everyday life. Vivid, well-described details, good pacing, good
characterisations, in particular of the original characters.

I find Legolas' complicated relationship towards Galelas especially
well-handled, as well as the budding romance with Tuilinn. Her death
came as a terrible shock, and his grief was wonderfully presented in its
various aspects and stages (it had me in tears more than once).

I also very much enjoyed Eilian's letters.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Tea Party · Author: AngieT · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 633
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-31 18:26:10
Charming, and while Pippin is in many ways the centerpiece of this
story, Eglantine is the fulcrum about which everything turns, as she
must be in her household. I particularly liked how seriously and
straightforwardly she spoke to Pippin, never condescending and stepping
effortlessly into his world where KnittedMerry is real.
-----------------------------------
Title: In Darkness Burried Deep · Author: GamgeeFest · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 954
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:26:32
An engaging read. Well-told, all in all, despite some technical flaws.
The Old Forest and its eeriness is described very vividly.
-----------------------------------
Title: Shadow of Himself · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Post-Grey Havens · ID: 853
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:31:41
Original premise, well-told. It's a pity the story is so fast-paced and
so short. But also appropriate somehow, in keeping with Boromir's
request. His character is true to canon, despite all the changes he has
undergone. A very comforting AU-story, to have him find a new, peaceful,
happy life for himself (even if Gimli & Legolas rightly feel ambiguous).
-----------------------------------
Title: A Memorial in Four Parts · Author: Illwynd · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 702
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:35:38
The last part is my favourite, in particular the very last line, because
of its lyrical quality.

-----------------------------------
Title: A Woodland Prince · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Drama: Fixed-Length
Ficlet Series · ID: 303
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:36:15
A lovely kaleidoscope of impressions and facets (canon and original) of
Legolas, by friends, acquaintances and foes alike. The drabbles manage
to create clear images with just a few well-chosen words, not only of
Legolas, but also of the respective PoV-characters.
-----------------------------------
Title: Dragons and Sailboats · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama:
Remembering · ID: 74
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:39:38
Bittersweet story, good dialogue and introspection. I like how the talk
takes up and comes back to previous subjects.
-----------------------------------
Title: Stones · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 571
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:40:13
Once Pippin has found his hidden treasure, the story picks up pace and
becomes a wistful recollection of ["a time that had been difficult and
frightening, but was also a time shared with friends old and new in
which they had laughed and learned and become a Fellowship."] with a
very poignant ending.
The "story" of the ["pinkish stone"] was a hoot.
-----------------------------------
Title: That Which Remains Us · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama:
Remembering · ID: 749
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-31 18:43:12
Precise, intense characterisation and introspection. Detailed
descriptions. I like the fact that not all questions are answered, that
there are little details thrown in without explanation (for example
Faramir carrying wrist-knifes even inside the Citadel, or why Húrin
would appreciate Denethor's chess board).

The awkwardness of Denethor's poems and the evidence of his persistent
trying are heartbreaking.

On behalf of Marta, who was called away this week by RL commitments,
here is a brief reminder about some of the guidelines for submitting
reviews:

Please do not sign your MEFA reviews or include a heading like "MEFA
Review for (story title)." This information is automatically
displayed for every review and adding it increases the character
count for the review without adding meaningful content to the
review. While in most cases this won't increase the count enough to
affect the points awarded for the review, it is most fair to leave
headers and signatures off all reviews to avoid any possibility of
this occurring.

Also, while many of you are bracketing quotes from the story you are
reviewing as instructed on the site (thank you!), not everyone may be
aware that quotes from Tolkien, or any other books, should be
bracketed as well so that they don't add to the character count of
the review.

Thank you, and keep up all your great reviewing!

The MEFA admins

Title: Seabird's Cry · Author: Primsong · Genres: Drama: Poetry · ID: 898
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 15:38:04
This is a gorgeous poem filled with beautiful and haunting imagery that
not only delights the mind and ear, but the eye as well. It is a lovely
and poignant description of the sea-longing felt by Legolas. His angst
felt, as he denies himself the comfort of giving into it is
well-portrayed, and in the descriptions of the shore and in the cries of
the gulls, I could easily see and hear the scene as she describes it. In
addition to being lyrical, it is also very visually appealing, as the
lines of poetry are reminiscent of the waves of the sea washing up on
the shore. She accomplishes this by having the lines get successively
shorter and longer.

I love the gentle way the poem folds back in upon itself, ending in a
way that takes one back to the beginning. It is technically a brilliant
poem, fulfilling its unusual structure and form very well.
-----------------------------------
Title: Thief of Hearts: How Pippin Stole Merrys Heart · Author:
pipkinsweetgrass · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 918
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 15:40:02
I have long loved this story, which has to be among the sweetest I know
of the little!Merry meets wee!Pippin stories. The author captures
Merry's point-of-view perfectly--this is a lad with very little interest
in babies, especially babies who are too little to play with, and get
all the attention.

But his meeting with his tiny cousin soon changes that, and the last two
lines are possibly the most perfect ever on the subject.
-----------------------------------
Title: Olórë Mallë · Author: Nerdanel · Races: Elves: Poetry · ID: 892
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 15:56:22
The Book of Lost Tales is not one of JRR Tolkien's more familiar works.
I do not think that I have ever seen any fanfic placed within its
setting. But this poem is just beautiful--the language is gorgeous, rich
in tone, and very reminiscent of Tolkien's own poetry, filled with words
whose sounds are just as important as their meanings. I am very much
impressed with the way the imagery flows along--I can see only too
easily that path to the Dream-world the poet describes.

She has very well captured the spirit of Tolkien's poetry--I am put in
mind of "The Shores of Faery" from The Book of Lost Tales itself, or of
"The Man in the Moon Came Down Too Soon" and "Errantry" from The
Adventures of Tom Bombadil, or the poem which Bilbo made in the Hall of
Fire at Rivendell about Earendil.

And having it translated into Quenya was an inspired touch and added to
its authenticity.
-----------------------------------
Title: At Crickhollow · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits: Merry & Pippin ·
ID: 896
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 16:14:53
A story that begins just before the hobbits leave Crickhollow on the
Quest, and takes up again afterward--right after they return, and then
again after Frodo leaves. Woven within this is the haunting story of
earlier inhabitants of Crickhollow--Hildifons Took, who vanished without
a trace generations before, and his dear friend Marnoc. This is a story
that Pippin took to his heart as the hobbits left on their journey, and
it haunted his steps along the way. We see, when they return, how Pippin
and Merry make Crickhollow the new home of their own hearts, and how
much it means to them, to have this very special place of their own.

There is a bit of slash in this, but it's very mild.
-----------------------------------
Title: Serious Business (or, Talk About Dreams) · Author: Dana · Races:
Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 661
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 16:31:59
I absolutely, unequivocally adore this story. It happens to deal with
one of my very favorite things: post-Quest Frodo, putting aside his own
pain and grief to come to the comfort of one of his younger cousins. In
this case, Pippin, who awakens in the throes of a nightmare while
visiting Frodo in Bag End. Frodo throws off his own haunting nightmare
to offer help to his beleaguered young cousin.

In the way of hobbits, they turn to tea and food and drink, and Pippin
begins to talk--about the dreams at first, but then telling Frodo more
about his own part in the Quest, and Merry's. And Frodo's reactions and
interactions are just painfully beautiful and loving. The atmosphere is
just as it should be for such a serious late night talk, and in the end
we see once more how tightly the bonds of love between these cousins are
woven.
-----------------------------------
Title: All The Moon Could See · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits:
Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 756
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 16:36:49
Four starkly beautiful drabbles from Merry's point of view, as the moon
overlooks different occasions: waiting for the walking party to arrive
at Crickhollow; Weathertop; after the storming of Isengard; and then at
Cormallen, before Pippin awakens. Each of them is done beautifully with
an economy of words, not a one of which is wasted, but I think that my
favorite is the one at Isengard.
-----------------------------------
Title: Until After · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits: War of the Ring ·
ID: 897
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 16:38:01
This is a story of slash, but it is told very sweetly, and mildly, and
more than slash it's a story of love and desperation. From Pippin's
point of view, we see the gradual change in his and Merry's relationship
on the Quest, and how it is fueled by the fear of separation, and
sweetened by being reunited. That they loved each other was never a
doubt, but it was how they loved each other that the Quest changed. Very
thought provoking.
-----------------------------------
Title: All for the Best · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits: Merry & Pippin
· ID: 572
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 16:53:18
This is the story of how Frodo gifted Crickhollow to Merry and Pippin,
and of their moving in together, and weathering Merry's first
anniversary illness. Yet of course, there is far more to it than that,
as we see Pippin groping towards an understanding of why, really, that
it IS all for the best that he move in with Merry into the little house
in Buckland. Very beautifully and lyrically told, as with all this
author's work. The only slash in this is implied.
-----------------------------------
Title: A stranger Among us, or, Here and Back Again. · Author: Ottis413
· Times: Fourth Age and Beyond · ID: 296
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-02 16:57:09
This is an interesting tale. I like the subtle things the narrator
notices about Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith seems to fit in, but small things
make him stand out to the good observer.
-----------------------------------
Title: Always a First · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits: Fixed-Length
Ficlet series · ID: 757
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 16:58:09
A very cute little set of drabbles about first meetings: Merry and
Pippin; Frodo and Sam; Pippin and Diamond; and Estella and Merry. I love
the way we get right inside the heads of each of them as they ponder
their new acquaintances.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Price of Power · Author: Rabidsamfan · Times: The Great
Years: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 989
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 16:59:36
There are few authors who can make me like movie-verse. RabidSamFan is
one of them. This is a powerful drabble, in which one catches a glimpse
of the once noble Saruman. His spite against the trees, which seems so
senseless in the movie, here seems the only logical thing.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Way of a King · Author: Katzilla · Races: Men · ID: 847
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 16:59:57
An interesting take on Eomer as a young warrior in the years leading up
to the War.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Stars Will Light Your Way · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races:
Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 705
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:00:24
This is so sweet and beautiful; Pippin watched over by his stars forever-
I do so love her Pippin and Gandalf together. This is a wonderful little
universe.

-----------------------------------
Title: Caws Llyffant · Author: Llinos · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest · ID: 634
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:01:08
This was written for a challenge to come up with an original idiom for
Middle-earth, and then to explain it in the story. The elaborate plot is
very humorous, and the descriptions of all the different cheeses quite
made my mouth water.
-----------------------------------
Title: Gaiety in Gondor · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 563
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:01:35
Very humorous. I like Pongohil. Chuckle.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Battle Of A Different Kind · Author: Katzilla · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 279
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:02:05
An interesting confrontation between Eomer and Eowyn--as Eowyn tries to
prove her ability to ride to battle, and Eomer tries to prove to her
that she cannot. Very good brother/sister dynamic.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mine · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 66
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:02:30
I love this--it is so typical of young children, and I just adore the
character of the Nanny. You can tell this author has a good deal of
experience in observing sibling interaction.
-----------------------------------
Title: Was It For This? · Author: Alawa · Genres: Drama: Remembering ·
ID: 88
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:02:51
A very moving and touching vignette, as Aragorn recalls what he knew of
his slain father, as he visits his graveside. His reflections and
memories are beautifully conveyed, and the language very appropriate to
Middle-earth.
-----------------------------------
Title: Forlorn Hope · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 301
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:03:14
Very melancholy drabble, seems to be about Faramir's hopeless charge in
the movie.
-----------------------------------
Title: Just a Little Shove · Author: Inglor · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 798
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:04:09
A very interesting and amusing conversation between the practical
Glorfindel and wise Elrond.
-----------------------------------
Title: A new tradition · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Dwarves: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 869
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:04:37
Poor Gimli, Lord of Aglarond, suddenly has to invent a whole new Yule
tradition. A very amusing look at what might have come of interaction
between the Rohirrim and the Dwarves who came to colonize the Glittering
Caves.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hewing Naught But Wood · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 825
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:05:11
The war of words begun in "Smiting Ruin" continues here, and it is just
as hilarious. I laughed till I hurt. I do love the three hunters in a
pedantic mood--and I'll bet the old professor would have had a giggle at
this, the old philologist!
-----------------------------------
Title: Ignorance Is Bliss · Author: Eggo Waffles · Genres: Humor: Parody
· ID: 754
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:05:43
I had to chuckle at this: Faramir and Boromir plowing through thousands
of fanfics in hopes of finding out the truth about their future. Their
reactions were very funny.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Lesser and Alien Race · Author: Marta · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 683
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:06:14
A very clever little ficlet, in which the reader gets to guess at both
the time period and the pairing. I'd never really paid attention to
those parallels before. Intriguing.
-----------------------------------
Title: Seeing Stars · Author: Budgielover · Races: Hobbits: Children ·
ID: 399
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:06:45
This recipe!fic is a sequel to another recipe!fic, "Steak and
Mushrooms". In this story, Merry, still eager to impress the serving
maids at the Green Dragon, insists that he, Frodo and Pippin return.
Alas for Merry--Pippin's charm is still too much for him.
-----------------------------------

Title: The Decoy Hobbit · Author: storyfish · Races: Hobbits: War of the
Ring · ID: 257
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:07:19
This story is sort of a blend of book and movie verse, combining some of
the movie elements (Pippin as decoy) with the book--Beregond and the
troll. I really like Pippin's "voice" in this, as he never quite loses
his cheeky wit, even when he's in despair, thinking he has died.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Groomsman · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Dwarves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 44
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:07:42
An intriguing drabble with a twist at the end. I particularly love this
use of Gimli, and the comparison being made...
-----------------------------------
Title: Scattered Leaves · Author: Aratlithiel · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 110
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:08:08
This is really more poetry than story. From Frodo's POV during his
anniversary illness, we are given a detailed description of his angst
and shame, as he relives the time of his wounding. It is amazingly
intense and even lyrical, given the subject matter.
-----------------------------------
Title: Heart Calls to Heart · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits: Poetry
· ID: 803
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:08:48
Not only a very skillful use of the elements of the challenge (and
"first letter" challenges are especially difficult) but also a very
well-wrought poem, making it's meaning perfectly clear. It's a very
beautiful use of poetic language.
-----------------------------------
Title: Shoot the Moon · Author: mistycracraft · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 233
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-03 00:33:32
This is a cute little story. Estel, armed with all the logic and
imagination of a five-year old manages to baffle age-old Elrond. Shoot
the moon, indeed. I loved the hunter story and I can only agree with
Estel. If the hunter hasn't shot his prey in all the ages, than he can't
be such a great hunter. This story holds a dreamlike, enchanted quality
for me, although I can't say why.
-----------------------------------
Title: To See Justice Done · Author: Lindelea · Times: The Great Years:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 306
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-03 00:36:10
Wow! What a great story.

In this story Sam goes to King Elessar to tell him that he thinks to
sentence Beregond to death is wrong. I loved the conversation between
Sam and Strider. I could see them sitting in the tower room and Sam's
struggle to find the right words to convince Aragorn that death is not
the answer. But I could understand the sentiment from Aragorn's point of
view that exile can be worse than death. Before they can conclude their
discussion, Aragorn is called away and Sam is left, feeling he failed.

I was close to tears when I read about the struggle and desperation
Aragorn felt at having to pronounce Beregond's doom and not finding a
way out from under tradition and the laws of the land without hurting
his new kingship. The scene during the hearing had me at the edge of my
seat, although I knew the outcome. The moment Aragorn found the solution
had me cheering along with everyone else in the Hall of Kings. Waiting
with the mourners for Beregond's body was heartbreaking.

The characters in this story came alive to me and I especially liked the
way you portrayed Sam and Aragorn. They felt very real to me.

This is a gem of a story. I heartily recommend it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Little Brothers · Author: DinaLori · Races: Men · ID: 686
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-03 00:37:20
This is a nice little vignette. I like it that Pippin and Merry's antics
remind Boromir of days long gone between him and Faramir. So, Faramir
was dreaming true at that young age already. Luckily Boromir doesn't
know it ;-)
-----------------------------------
Title: Prison · Author: Radbooks · Races: Men: Vignette · ID: 794
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-03 00:38:54
This is a short scene of the moment when Eomer was thrown into the
dungeon by Grima's men. What was Eomer thinking? In a few words the
author manages to capture the essence of Eomer. And Aragorn, although
not physically there, gives hope again. I like the characterization of
Eomer. He fits my picture of him.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Arrow · Author: Silivren Tinu · Genres: Drama: Elves in Later
Ages · ID: 958
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-03 00:45:41
In this tale it seems that Legolas through carelessness shoots a friend
during a battle. It takes a while until after the battle everything is
sorted out and Legolas is cleared, but the main focus of this story is
on the consequences the actions of everyone have. I like the way the
friendship between Aragorn and Legolas is depicted in this story.
Aragorn's unwavering trust and loyalty to Legolas help the latter to
overcome the incident, although I think Legolas learned a lesson, he is
not likely to forget. The confusion of battle is very well described.
-----------------------------------
Title: Quo Vadis? · Author: Tehta · Times: First Age and Prior · ID: 86
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-03 03:28:51
Dear ol' Salgant, Gondolin's favorite sycophantic artist, gets what's
coming to him.

Well, not exactly. Because in this story, he actually behaves with
something approaching courage; and in his darkest hour, gives the
performance of his life.

Wonderfully darkish, seriocomic story. It just fits Salgant, JRRT's bery
atypical Elf, very well. And the other characters are credible in their
actions and dialogue.
-----------------------------------
Title: I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes · Author: juno_magic · Races: Men · ID: 698
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-03 04:20:05
The author tackles the provocative subject of religion in Middle-earth,
and comes up with the meditations of a mountain man whose people
pre-dated the Numenoreans in Gondor, and who secretly worships the One
with more fervor than did the characters in the book LOTR.

For the most part, this premise works very well. The character of a man
whose religious convictions are almost fanatic come to life, along with
his disdain for the corrupted religion of the Numenoreans.

The narrator's feelings for his vocation, and the heights of the
mountains as sacred ground, are skilfully and passionately conveyed.

This is an unusual Tolkien fanfic, and definitely worth the reading.
-----------------------------------
Title: Interrupted Journeys: Journeys of Discovery · Author: elliska ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 163
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 08:36:14
After the tension of the last episodes in this story - with the ghastly
Black Swan doing her worst - it is most enjoyable to have this lighter
section that concentrates on the activities of a truly delightful set of
elflings and the stresses on their unsuspecting parents! They are such a
bunch of characters. I am rather partial to Eirienil, myself. Poor kid -
not only is she sensible, but she has to survive as the only female
child in the midst of a bunch of very sparky boys, who seem determined
to learn everything from experience, rather than learning to observe and
listen to those who are wiser. Of course that makes it a lot of fun.
Legolas is clearly a quicker study than his cousin Galithil, though,
because Aradunnon's younger son appears to take after his parents and be
determined to do everything the hard way. I'm also rather fond of
Brethil, who has many good qualities and will definitely be a more
relaxing friend than Galithil! I am also enjoying the links with the
other stories - the appearance of the offspring of the rebellious
families and deploring their attitude! I have my fingers crossed for
Maidhien and Tulus - I would like to see both of them have happy
outcomes (although I suspect it is too late for Tulus, which is a shame
as his troubles are not all his fault).

This is a fascinating and very complex story - this part is, I feel
sure, lulling the reader into a false sense of happy security before the
whole situation blows up and becomes disastrous. I am so looking forward
to more!
-----------------------------------
Title: Beech Leaves · Author: Redheredh · Races: Elves: Featuring
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 165
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 09:19:35
You are just so good at working out the complications of life and life
returned. It is so obvious  when you think about it  that there would
have had to be half-way houses where the returned could recover
themselves. I love the idea that, after the War of Wrath, the reborn
started arriving and none of the Valar had given any thought to how it
would work! I suppose that's being a Power - embodied only because you
feel like it. The Gardens of Lorien might have been able to cope with
one or two returning elves, but more than that requires a system. Elven
practicality required here.

I love the description of remembered sensation and the numb tranquility
of the returned elf, coming up out of darkness into the light. His
response to the thought of being a kinslayer is revealing. He deflates
like a balloon at the mere idea  very telling. The idea that the
Moriquendi were reborn to the forest - and the elves of Aman did not
even realise it is delightful.

I had never really thought of the difficulty of babies being reborn. But
of course it must be complicated - unless their mothers died in
childbirth, I suppose, and they were reborn together. And they have no
memories to regain, so it must be like being born the first time, only
with no mother.

I loved so much about this story  the hopelessness of poor Feren, the
waking dream  the fact that the Lady was instrumental in stimulating
his memory!  the response of Círdan and Draugryn to the sight of him.
The fact that his memory came back in a blast and he realised just who
he was.

Its a beautiful story, beautifully written and I enjoyed every bit of
it, Redheredh. And I am still looking forward to finding out more about
Rostaro!

-----------------------------------
Title: The Last Yule in Halabor · Author: Soledad · Races: Men: Vignette
· ID: 166
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 09:33:10
I really enjoyed this story, Soledad  despite the fact that so many of
these characters came to unfortunate ends so soon after this last Yule.
You have built such a complex world with a whole society that works
together and is so multi-layered. You have covered the classes, the
levels of success and wisdom, and looked at such a diverse group of
people. They are neither blandly happy nor unrelievedly miserable, but
they combine to make a very believable population of a very believable
decaying small town. I really enjoyed the way you have built up a
background for them all, too, so that the town exists in relation to the
greater Gondor in its place in Middle-earth.

It is an extraordinary work in that you have done so much world-building
to construct Halabor and make it real, but it is also remarkable in that
you have created so many characters in whom the reader can invest. Not
all of them are likeable  some, in fact, are decidedly unlikeable, and
slaughter seems the best fate for them! Others, on the other hand, are
intriguing and I would have loved to see what became of them and others
are the sort of character you could come (easily) to love.

I am glad some survived the disaster, sorry that others didnt  and
find the destruction of one small town makes a very good illustration of
the effect of war on those who didnt feature in the greater picture of
the Ring war. Well-planned, well-constructed, well-written: excellent work.

-----------------------------------
Title: A Matter of Honor · Author: meckinock · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 208
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 09:52:22
You write Halbarad so brilliantly, Meckinock. The Dunedain, too. Their
society is a harsh one  hard work, subsistence economy, devotion to
duty. They are striving to uphold an honour and a history that dates
back to the days of Elros, while living in circumstances little better
than the poorest peasant farmers. Yet they are a resilient people.

I love the contrast between the dreamland of Rivendell and the reality
of life in the Angle  and Halbarads very practical realisation that it
is bad for men to hanker after the fairydust. It does make Aragorns
life seem even harder actually  because he really is torn between
Rivendell and reality. I love Eirien, by the way, and Halbarads
relationship with his wife is just great. And his mother is an
interesting character! If difficult.

As for the honour of the title  well. Trunks hidden in attics and long
lost messages. Hidden heirs and dishonoured heroes  it doesnt seem all
that likely. But poor Aragorn is in no condition to think his way
through this  not with so much hanging on it. But Im glad that
Halbarad is following him and sticking as close as a loyal lieutenant
should! Because whatever happens with the Dunlendings is not going to be
good, thats for sure. And Im sure complication is going to pile on
difficulty until something cracks. Its just a shame that a Certain
Hobbit isnt available for Gordian Knot duties.

Im looking forward to developments.

-----------------------------------
Title: History Lessons: The Third Age · Author: Nilmandra · Times:
Multi-Age: Incomplete · ID: 167
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 10:09:40
This is another brilliant piece of work, Nilmandra. I love the way you
blend current history with episodes from the past - and your
characterisation of all these people is just amazing. Elrond, Celebrian,
Glorfindel - well, they stand out as particularly remarkable, but others
- the twins, Arwen, Aragorn, among others - are wonderful, too.

But the pain the Third Age is inflicting on them! The part where the
twins are reacting to their mother's wounding is agonising - and the
failure of Nenya and Elrond's suffering in response to his parting with
Arwen is torturing the reader! Thank goodness that - somehow - Celebrian
is managing to offer him the support and understanding he needs. Between
her spiritual support and the gorgeous glorious golden Glorfindel, they
will manage to nursemaid the poor elf to the Havens and put him on the
ship. And then he will have Celebrian to help him heal - and Glorfindel
acting for him east of the sea.

I am, I confess, looking forward to Elrond reaching the shores of Aman.
He needs the relief - and so does the reader! But, on the other hand, I
am not looking forward to the end of the story - unless you feel like
carrying on into the Fourth Age to present your own version of what came
next. Excellent work, Nilmandra.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Golden Bell of Greenleaf · Author: lwarren · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond: Incomplete · ID: 168
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 11:01:57
I love this story. Poor Legolas is so incapacitated by his sea-longing 
and, despite all his friends desire to help, his greatest supporter is
Arod! And then, the passage of years affects this stalwart, and Arod has
to support Legolas through the process of choosing his successor. Such a
pretty mare, too!

I think children are among Legolass biggest helps, as well. His
relationship with Elfwine is great. I really enjoyed seeing them
together in Rohan. Then Legolas came to the rescue of Erelas  and
Caelen and Raenor and the rest of their delightful family help him
ground himself. And Arador, of course, is almost elven, in a way  and
despite the fact that he is obviously centuries younger than the elf, he
gives him the fatherly support he needs at the right moment.

In a way, Aravirs newly stirred sea-longing will probably be a help 
and build bonds with Legolas. He is certainly becoming more of a friend
and less of a captain. And Legolas might be able to use his own
experience with Nienna and his enhanced ability to make sense of the
song to help his friend. And Thranduils presence, of course, will
support him  especially since he is offering acceptance and understanding.

I love your characterisation, Linda  people and horses! And your
descriptive writing is excellent, creating lovely strong images. This is
a thoroughly enjoyable story and I am looking forward to seeing where it
goes from here.


-----------------------------------
Title: By Any Other Name · Author: GamgeeFest · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 960
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 11:50:35
I feel for young Frodo here - and the saddest thing, I think, is that he
is resigned to not being as important to his father as Frodo Baggins. It
is such a good thing that the matter came to a head here, before it
could damage the lad any more! For all he says he understands the
explanation, it is clearly a delight to him when Sam manages to say his
name.

This is a very touching story - and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Good Neighbors · Author: daw the minstrel · Genres: Adventure ·
ID: 818
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 12:30:13
One of the things I like about this story is seeing Legolas with Turgon
 and seeing poor parenting as a major cause of Turgons character
flaws. Whereas, of course, good parenting (and brothering) is an
important element of turning Legolas into the kind-hearted generous
responsible elf that he became. Protecting poor Rodda was important to
him and Im glad that he was aware that he was in over his head  and
just as glad that Thranduil, despite the possible difficulties, was
willing to put himself out for the child. And, of course, Legolass most
generous act of all was handing over his treasured arrows. Without
making a big fuss so that everyone knew.

Roddas predicament helping Elladan and Elrohir understand the need to
go home is excellent  and I love Eilians discovery that there is such
a thing as too focused on killing. And, come to that, Thranduils
apparent realisation that there are some things that transcend species.
Not to mention Legolas's good-heartedness making him shine. Or
Ithilden's heart racing at the sight of the healer's daughter.

Although, of course, seeing Thranduil invoke the forests magic is
pretty special, too. He doesn't usually let that side of him show - so,
when he does, it's spine-tingling!

Great story.

-----------------------------------
Title: A Rabbits Tale · Author: grey_wonderer · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: The Shire · ID: 982
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 13:57:48
I love Errol. If Merry would have made a rather good stuffed rabbit,
Errol would have made a very good hobbit. He has all the instincts!

Poor Pippin - it is at times like these that you can see that he is
fighting to be the grown-up hobbit who can keep pace with Merry and
Frodo, but that he still has a lot of the little Pippin under the
surface. Errol was there at just the right time to offer him the support
he needed.

I did like the way Errol handed the torch on to Merry. And I imagine he
will hand the rest of his responsibility on to Diamond when the time
comes and go into semi-retirement.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of Squirrels and Stolen Pies · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres:
Humor: Children · ID: 305
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-03 17:19:50
Pippin's ramblings are sooo funny - earnest and forthright as they seem,
they manage to tangle the adults (and the readers) all in a knot.
The use of present tense gives the story immediacy. Great use of your
PoV-character: Merry's changing moods and thoughts on the discussion and
his observations of his fellow conspirators add considerably to the humour.
-----------------------------------
Title: Gandalf's No Good, Rotten, Really Bad Day · Author: Gandalfs
apprentice · Genres: Humor: Parody · ID: 146
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-03 17:20:38
Shows in an amusing way some weaknesses in Gandalf's strategic thinking
(and/or plotholes?). You know, I never really thought about how
chock-full of dangerous secrets that letter was and how risky its
delivery. Manwë's ire is absolutely justified ;).
-----------------------------------
Title: Trivial Matters · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 839
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-03 17:21:20
I was laughing out loud even before the reason for Legolas' behaviour
was revealed. The enumeration of his achievements, with its growing
importance to him, was cleverly handled.
Of course it's difficult to find a point to this even with a magnifying
glass, but who cares?
-----------------------------------
Title: ... and hear the song of salt and sea · Author: Cuthalion ·
Genres: Drama: The Steward's Family · ID: 98
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-03 17:24:43
A story like incoming and receding waves of deceptively calm waters,
very appropriate to the subject: Beautiful to behold, but with hidden,
treacherous undercurrents telling of darkening times and the cost (and
eventual end) of happiness.
The tension increases subtly with every section set in the present until
the shocking climax. Powerful, evocative writing!
-----------------------------------
Title: In a Heartbeat · Author: Piplover · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 928
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-03 17:25:08
Engaging read, warm and witty. Good handling of dialogue and
relationships (even if it gets too sentimental for my taste from time to
time).
-----------------------------------

Dwim asked a few days ago about sudden new reviews. I have now seen the same:
today I there were quite a few reviews published that had not been there
yesterday at the same time.

Imhiriel

Imhiriel wrote:

> Dwim asked a few days ago about sudden new reviews. I have now seen the same:
> today I there were quite a few reviews published that had not been there
> yesterday at the same time.

As of the 1st of September we entered voting season. On the MEFA award
site, when you click on seasons, you can see an overview in which season
we currently are.

It says:
Voting Season
Phase begins on 2006-09-01
Phase ends on 2006-11-20

Also there you can read: "Final Reviews will be posted to the group when
they become final or at the beginning of Voting Season, whichever comes
later."

This means that as soon as they are finalised, they will be visible to
the authors. With posting reviews to this group, we are still at the
beginning of August, so it might take a bit longer before they are
posted here, but I am doing my best.

I hope this answers your question.

Rhapsody

--- In MEFAwards@yahoogroups.com, Rhapsody <rhapsody74@...> wrote:

> Also there you can read: "Final Reviews will be posted to the group

when

> they become final or at the beginning of Voting Season, whichever

comes

> later."
>
> This means that as soon as they are finalised, they will be visible

to

> the authors. With posting reviews to this group, we are still at the
> beginning of August, so it might take a bit longer before they are
> posted here, but I am doing my best.
>
> I hope this answers your question.

Yes, it does, thank you very much. I was still thinking that new
reviews would only be visible each Sunday and wondered why a final
review I had made just shortly before was already visible.

Imhiriel

Title: The Bucklander · Author: permilea · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest ·
ID: 793
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 02:16:05
An interesting take on Sam's first meeting with Frodo.
-----------------------------------
Title: A bit of garden · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 901
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 02:16:24
Sam and Elrond find they have something in common. Very plausible and cute.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lord of the Rings Limericks, Chapters One and Two · Author:
Llinos · Times: The Great Years: Poetry · ID: 759
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 02:17:19
These were hilarious! Limericks are not the easiest things to make come
out right, but the author never misses a beat. My favorites were Fatty
Bolger--natch, and Denethor, Lord Steward of Gondor, which had just the
right touch of macabre irony.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ddraigspelt  An Orc Love Poem · Author: Llinos · Genres:
Romance: Poetry · ID: 879
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 02:17:47
Somehow, I never imagined orcs having love-songs. If they did, they
would be like this.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Tenth Walker · Author: Lindelea · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 198
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 02:18:08
This is very different from most of Lindelea's stories. Bill the Pony's
point of view beginning as he joins the four hobbits and Strider in
Bree. I love his way of looking at and describing each of them, and his
uniquely ponyish notions. I hope very much to see this tale continued
on, through to the Gates of Moria, and then perhaps break new ground and
show how he got back to Bree.
-----------------------------------
Title: Claws · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 835
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 02:18:46
A very different OC tries to burgle from Smaug, and loses. An
interesting perspective, and perfectly plausible, given what we know of
dragons and of ravens.
-----------------------------------
Title: Frodo's Exciting Day Out · Author: Llinos · Genres: Humor: Parody
· ID: 829
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 02:23:12
This very funny AU examines what would have happened if the Eagles had
assisted in the Quest. We find it would have been a far shorter and more
amusing event.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hair · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 321
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 02:25:54
This really made me giggle. Poor Legolas, confronted with such very
hairy companions--I never thought before what he would make of that!
-----------------------------------
Title: Inspirare · Author: Ariel · Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 622
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 02:26:23
This author has the skill of making small moments pack a wallop. When
Frodo gifts an expectant Rosie with some baby clothes that his mother
had made, she is hit with the painful realization of just what that gift
means. Her acceptance, of both the gift and the insight it gave her, is
sad but beautiful.
-----------------------------------
Title: Cierre, Min Heorte (Turn, My Heart) · Author: SilverMoonLady ·
Races: Hobbits: Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 108
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 02:26:48
A beautiful bit of speculation about the origins and history of the
Tooks and the hobbits of the Shire, and their possible one time
connection to the Elves of the Greenwood, this follows an old song down
through the generations, from the first of the Tooks to Pippin. The song
is also very beautiful.
-----------------------------------
Title: Promise · Author: Vana Tuivana · Genres: Romance: Poetry · ID: 643
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-04 04:31:50
This is an interesting combination of poem and drabble. Good evocation
of the hopeful Feanor and the perceptive Nerdanel - one forgets, when
reading the later tragedies of their lives in the Silmarillion, that
they were once young and passionate, and this poem brings it home.

And a lovely last line, too.
-----------------------------------
Title: Finding the Right Words · Author: Nienor Niniel · Races: Men:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 785
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-04 04:35:59

Good description of the activities in the Citadel as the White City
prepares for the return of its King.

Faramir is well-written here, anxious to properly fulfill his charge,
intelligent and somewhat visionary.

I really liked the bit about Faramir not usually having trouble figuring
out what to say. And the ending is excellent.


-----------------------------------
Title: An Exchange of Views · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 931
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:05:51
Faramir appears to have difficulty distinguishing Aragorn from his
father, still. Fortunately, an encounter with his counterpart, whose
stiff-necked adherence to Arnor's ways of doing things, provides him
with enough work and frustration that he finally trusts his own judgment
and doesn't even apologize for it or expect it to be overruled.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hope Eternal · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn ·
ID: 930
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:06:22
Ploughsheds into swords--not exactly what was intended in the effort to
settle even orcs in the Fourth Age. It is good to see stories that deal
with the fate of the orcs and Gondor's policies towards them in the
Fourth Age. It's a disturbing little ficlet, for with the failure of
clemency, and no clear way forward without loosing a lot of armed,
angry, and hungry orcs on the world again, policy gives way to an
execution. Hope may spring eternal, but it's bound to be disappointed as
often as not.
-----------------------------------
Title: Moon Friend: Tales of Isildur · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races:
Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 832
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:09:08
Isildur's life in drabbles, from the rescue of Nimloth's seedling in
Armenelos to his remains' end in an Isengard bonfire. Nice use of
Shakespeare to remind us of the inconstancy of the moon, and the dangers
of becoming its devotee.
-----------------------------------
Title: To Labour and to Wait · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 838
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:09:43
Gwynnyd writes a wonderful Aragorn, as the long watches of a night in
the midst of a chase wear away. The three hunters have paused for the
night, awaiting the dawn, and as they wait, recovering from their
labors, Aragorn remembers past toils and trials.

From his rejection of the easy course of returning home to Rivendell,
where he will be welcomed and accepted to the battle for Umbar, we see
Aragorn move from a young man who finds it too easy simply to inherit
the trust and authority of the Dúnedain or to accept Elrond's
hospitality again to a young warrior who proves himself among the
Rohirrim whose ways he did not know and rises to the king's highest
trust, to a seasoned warrior who finds himself checked, morally, by his
own competence in court and on a battlefield. From there, it's
redemption in lands so far south and east, the people don't even know
what orcs are.

All the while, Aragorn is haunted by the fact of his heritage, which at
once gives him a chance to court Arwen and yet also denies them the
consummation of their love so long as he has not fulfilled Elrond's
terms: to be king of both Gondor and Arnor. Moreover, he is not certain
he will ever be able to fulfill them. Yet, rather like the piece of wood
Legolas is carving into a gift for Pippin, Aragorn isn't meant to shape
his life like others, whether those others are warriors or even kings
who simply inherit their titles from their fathers--there's that in him
that isn't meant to be anything other than Aragorn, who is more than
Isildur's heir and doesn't need a title to accomplish his duty.

It apparently also means he doesn't need to use a comb (which had me
snorting with laughter at the end) but that bit of humor doesn't manage
to undercut the point. A lovely study of my favorite character, and a
Legolas who's well written to boot! Thank you, Gwynnyd!
-----------------------------------
Title: Summoned · Author: Agape4Gondor · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 840
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:10:05
Departures seem to weight heavily on Faramir: from Ithilien, from
Boromir, and from the fate his father had in store for him. The past
remains a yoke that prevents him from matching Éowyn's anticipation -
he's still claimed by it, rather than wholly by her.
-----------------------------------
Title: The One · Author: Linda Hoyland/Raksha the Demon CoAuthors ·
Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn · ID: 852
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:10:37
Three stewards (or steward's heirs) and forty years before Aragorn finds
one to match his visions. Enjoyable vignette.
-----------------------------------
Title: Those Who Challenge the Dead · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 858
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:11:01
Two drabbles, fraught with the irony that only comes of those arrogant
enough to take on death itself and believe they can win. Well done, to
match Earnur with Baldor--they do complement each other.
-----------------------------------
Title: Too Many Names · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 866
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:11:28
I remember these--they're great fun, each half drabble a comment on one
of Aragorn's many many names. Gilraen, Arathorn, Eomer, Arwen, Bilbo,
Gandalf--many the companions and people who give them to him, or else
have cause to question them. Brief, yet always hinting at more and other
stories, these form a wonderful kaleidescope of Aragorn's personality
and history.
-----------------------------------
Title: Midwinter Rites · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 868
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:11:53
Lovely hints at worlds with their own rites and customs, as Aragorn
moves from one place to another through his long and well-travelled life.
-----------------------------------
Title: Keeping an eye on the enemy · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men:
Fixed-Length Ficlets With Children · ID: 871
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:12:16
Cute little interlude between brothers! I liked Boromir using this game
to teach Faramir a lesson in paying attention. Of course, no doubt the
opportunity to teach was hardly necessary to motivate a big brother to
sneak up on his younger sibling.
-----------------------------------
Title: Rising Hope · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 873
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:13:28
Interesting reflection on the evolution of names. 'Amandil' is a fairly
dangerous name to have as Numenor turns away from the Valar and their
friendship with the Elves. The possible symbolism behind the naming of
Isildur and Anarion is nicely drawn out.
-----------------------------------
Title: Show his quality · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 875
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:14:22
Faramir reminds me somewhat of Aragorn in RoTK, when he tells Eowyn
there is a need for valor without renown. It's a similar sort of
message--that the task that seems unimportant has in fact its own
dignity and worth. One wonders how the young recruit took this gentle
effort to save him some face.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Unbidden Stranger · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 886
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:14:47
Poor Aragorn, the one dark head in the sea of blond Rohirrim! With an
accent that isn't from Gondor, the only thing two curious children can
imagine is that he must be a Dunland spy. This fits nicely with
Aragorn's later words: [a hunted man wearies of distrust and longs for
friendship.]
-----------------------------------

Title: Man of the North · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 684
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-03 18:33:00
This drabble succeeds in capturing the moment and the mind of the King
as he contemplates the stranger before him. I appreciated his memories
of himself as a stranger in Gondor. Truly, travel broadens! Good job,
well written.
-----------------------------------
Title: Heirs of the Oath · Author: Elana · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 151
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-03 18:34:54
A beautifully done drabble pair, capturing the solemnity of the moment
as well as the emotions of the men involved.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hands of Healing · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Romance: Rohan ·
ID: 102
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-03 18:40:53
I usually don't like movieverse--I figure if I want Peter Jackson's AU,
I'll watch the films, which I love--but this vignette is quite
successful at bridging the book and the movie. It's very poetic and
romantic, capturing both Eowyn's despair and the awakening of hope. You
can see this Eowyn riding to death after she believes Aragorn to be
either riding toward death and/or to have decisively rejected her love.
-----------------------------------
Title: Little Lad Lost · Author: Citrine · Races: Hobbits: Children ·
ID: 895
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-03 19:23:52
A sweet and fluffy, but not cloying story.

Baby Pippin manages to crawl away from Bag End up and end up, in all
places, in the arms of Lobelia Sackville-Baggins.

Excellent characterisation of Lobelia, who does have a heart under all
that status-hungry greed. I particularly like her reactions at the end.
The writer handles her prickly nature quite well.

Very entertaining.
-----------------------------------
Title: Was It For This? · Author: aervir · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 204
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-03 19:29:58
A thoughtfully elegaic piece, succint and hard-hitting, on the deaths,
so close in time, of the heirs of the lords of Gondor and the Mark.
Excellent use of Wilfrid Owen's work.
-----------------------------------
Title: Making Merry · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits · ID: 663
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:21:20
This little vignette captures a magical moment for Merry Brandybuck. He
and Pippin pay a visit to the Greenwood, and join in a celebration with
the Elves. The author captures his amazed delight so beautifully, and
makes it truly an enchantment.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Gardener's Wife · Author: Vistula the Dunadan · Races:
Hobbits · ID: 720
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:21:32
An interesting look at one possibility for the absence of Bell Gamgee in
her children's later life. Well written and touching, although I found
the premise somewhat unhobbity.
-----------------------------------
Title: Suspicion · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 791
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:21:47
How very Sam. His suspicions of Strider were canon, and here they are
humorously and realistically explained. Why on earth would anyone need
all those weapons, after all?
-----------------------------------
Title: And all in evil ended be · Author: Werecat · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 122
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:22:04
So THAT explains it! I should have known they were the Spawn of Morgoth!
This was almost to true to be funny!
-----------------------------------
Title: Merry's Graduation · Author: pippinfan88 · Times: Late Third Age:
The Shire · ID: 125
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:22:18
I eagerly followed this story when it was first being posted. A bit of a
growing-up story for both Merry and Pippin--both of them learn important
lessons about friendship, and how sometimes help must come in a
different form than one envisions. There is also a bit of intrigue of
the Tookish variety. This is a very good read.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Gift of Gold · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama:
Remembering · ID: 267
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:22:37
This is such a sweet idea. A story within a story: at the wedding of
Goldilocks Gamgee to Faramir Took, her Aunt Marigold remembers a special
Yule gift, and passes it on to her neice. I love the hobbity sense of
family in this, and the love that is shown.
-----------------------------------
Title: From the Journal of Frodo Baggins · Author: MysteriousWays ·
Genres: Drama: Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 61
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:23:22
This is an interesting little peice, post-Quest Frodo in a pensive and
thoughtful mood, sad and wistful, but not especially angsty. Nicely done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lay of Lord and Lady · Author: Vana Tuivana · Genres: Drama:
Poetry · ID: 629
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:24:02
Although I am only slightly familiar with this event, the poem
immediately brought it to my mind, and I was able to follow the story.
The rhyme and scansion are very nearly perfect--an excellent job!
-----------------------------------
Title: Rest and Recreation · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 700
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:24:40
I love stories of Boromir's time in Rivendell, before he has begun to
know his companions. This one is delightful, as Boromir's frustration
and boredom lead him to challenge an unknown--to him--Elf to spar. It
turns out to be, of course, Glorfindel, mightiest of Warriors!

The bout is described with wonderful accuracy, and I could just see it
unfolding before my eyes.

And the best part was that the Ring scarcely figured in to it at all!
-----------------------------------
Title: Spring Rites · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Romance: Rohan · ID: 842
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:25:45
A very interesting connection of the Rohirric culture to that of pagan
England. I really liked the reactions of Lothiriel.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fos' Almir · Author: Bill The Pony · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey
Havens · ID: 913
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:26:10
A very different look at the possibilities of Frodo's and Sam's reunion
in the West, this had a dreamlike quality to it. In this, Sam arrives
full of doubt, and finds Frodo changed more than he expected. He is
offered his own chance at healing. There was a very mystical feel to
this story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Return Journey to the Mountain · Author: Dínossiel · Races:
Hobbits: Children · ID: 984
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:27:43
I am very impressed with this seven-year-old's knowledge of
canon--getting Merry's and Pippin's age right, and knowing who Paladin
was, for example, as well as her vivid imagination.
-----------------------------------
Title: Remember This Day Little Brother · Author: laiquendi · Genres:
Drama: Poetry · ID: 923
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:28:03
Good use of movie-verse events and of poetic conventions, especially
that of repetition. The rhyme scheme was also well thought-out.
-----------------------------------
Title: The One · Author: Linda Hoyland/Raksha the Demon CoAuthors ·
Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn · ID: 852
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:29:10
The authors account for that instant connection and knowledge that
seemed to exist between Faramir and the King whom he had never met. Very
plausible.
-----------------------------------
Title: She Cries Your Name · Author: MysteriousWays · Genres: Romance ·
ID: 710
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:29:22
In this author's AU, Frodo and his bride share a time of passion. Very
sweet, given her OC and the AU the author has created.
-----------------------------------
Title: In Stitches · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 132
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-03 20:30:01
This is so sweet. I am most especially fond of this author's Eglantine,
who is always wise and patient and loving and understanding when it
comes to her youngest child. This story is no exception.
-----------------------------------
Title: Tharbad Crossing · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races: Men:
Steward's Sons Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 253
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-08-03 20:43:10
I like that both Boromir's struggle and his strength come from his family.
-----------------------------------
Title: Was It For This? · Author: aervir · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 204
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-08-03 20:46:07
This fic illuminates very interesting comparisons I had never thought of
before. The last paragraph was very insightful in general, but this line
I loved: "Was it for this they grew tall and fair and bold ..."
-----------------------------------
Title: Too Many Names · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 866
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-03 20:54:49
I love this series. Each cluster of sentences captures each name in some
unique and meaningful way. For example, you use Estel to show Gilraen's
"I have kept no hope for myself"--and in a way that she probably indeed
felt. How impossible would Aragorn's aims have seemed to her?

I think my very favorite, though, is poor Faramir struggling with that
eccentric man's choice of name for his House. A delightful exchange
between him and Merry!

The "Stick-at-naught" is playful and, again, unexpected. And it paints a
lovely picture of the delights to come.
-----------------------------------
Title: Flotsam · Author: Salsify · Times: The Great Years: Vignette · ID: 85
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-03 21:11:26
A thoughtful and well-written vignette. Indeed, there are many innocent
victims in the tales of Middle-earth, and they seldom get much
attention--and may I say, especially from Tolkien. "Heroic romance"
doesn't usually take up such subjects. But in fact, even in the most
just war, the innocent will suffer.

Thanks for writing this.
-----------------------------------

Title: Maturity · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Fixed-Length Ficlets
With Children · ID: 899
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:15:10
Humorous, and all too plausible! Boromir shows himself to have a more
wicked sense of humor than his brother, although I suppose romantic
humiliation and the desire to avenge it would inspire him to make
certain he lets things get a lot further before moving in to tease and
torment.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fair Trade · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 900
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:16:44
Armies run on their stomachs, it is said, and Faramir shows the truth of
that adage in this drabble. It isn't mere physical sustenance that's
wanted, but a loaf of bread--newly baked and soft, rather than hard and
cold--is more than just food, it's recognition, relationship, and honor.
-----------------------------------
Title: Not Fair · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Fixed-Length Ficlets
With Children · ID: 902
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:17:10
This was sweet, and Eomer shows himself to be clever in turning his
son's 'disadvantage' into a an advantage and a compliment. It all
depends on the meaning one gives certain attributes.
-----------------------------------
Title: Rejection · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 903
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:18:39
Entirely too much sympathy for Aragorn in this ficlet, since getting a
job that serves one's needs is a concern ever on the starving student's
mind. And although a royal pedigree does help in some circles, it has to
be known, and Middle-earth doesn't exactly have affirmative action to
help a down-and-out Ranger find gainful employment in foreign lands.
-----------------------------------
Title: Unfolded · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Fixed-Length Ficlets
With Children · ID: 906
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:19:01
I love Bergil stories, and this is a very sweet one. The connection
between him and the Steward is lovely and understated, a little
side-view into Faramir's recovery after Pelennor.
-----------------------------------
Title: First Impressions · Author: Bodkin · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 806
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:20:40
Halbarad is well drawn: resilient, optimistic, teasing, confident as he
confronts a broody, melancholy young Aragorn who is suffering through
the adjustment to life among the Dúnedain. Nice understated affirmation
of his new Chieftain: [All right? ... He'll do].
-----------------------------------
Title: Finding the Right Words · Author: Nienor Niniel · Races: Men:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 785
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:21:08
I liked the visionary reconciliation of Faramir with his father that
precipitates his finding the right words to greet the new king on
coronation day.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Circle · Author: Karenator · Races: Men · ID: 778
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:21:23
I gather I'm missing some of the background for this story, but
Halbarad's interactions with his more abstracted and inexperienced son
are firmly drawn. Hurin is a dreamer, and a source of both pride and
some bafflement to Halbarad, but in the end, the importance of dreamers,
particularly the young ones, is brought home. Legacies of service and of
hope are passed from generation to the next as Hurin comes brutally of
age among Rangers, and the dead children of a long forgotten people
return to speak of [tomorrow], opening possibilities.
-----------------------------------
Title: History Becomes Legend · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men:
Steward's Sons Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 737
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:21:47
Poignant that the Rohirrim should make a song just for Boromir. Faramir
must have been deeply touched.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Standard-Bearer · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Men:
Vignette · ID: 716
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:22:11
Nice interlude, though Aragorn's gratitude seemed a touch excessive
given Halbarad's role.
-----------------------------------
Title: In the Shadow of Hope · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Men:
Vignette · ID: 715
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:22:31
Eowyn's frustrations, her sense of futility, war against the evidence of
life going on and continuing itself, even while the Army of the West
goes to battle for all their lives. But providence is not always so
indirect in demonstrating its will in the world - demanding proof that
Bema remains and that not all is hopeless, Eowyn asks for a sign.

What she gets moves her that much closer to healing.
-----------------------------------
Title: About Legends or Whisperings of a Ghost · Author: juno_magic ·
Races: Men · ID: 699
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:22:45
A very plausible rereading of the Beruthiel legend. Juno pays attention
to more than just Beruthiel and her cats, but also to her husband,
Tarannon Falastur, in order to construct a tale that could explain how
Beruthiel and her nine feline friends could have come to be so demonized.

The predatory, sadistic Tarannon is revealed to be as many other such
monsters are: carefully in control of their image, cunning in choosing
their victims, and masters of propaganda. In this tale, a woman-child
for a bride becomes the easy victim of a king who loves pain and loves
inflicting it. Power can hide the truth, and he uses it to cover it
over, until all that is left of Beruthiel, besides the legends, is her
ghost and a strange tale out of the Haradric South that suggest she
might not have been the monster legend made her.

Juno uses an interesting combination of first person narration and a
historian's persona to tell this story, blurring the line between fact
and fantasy. Very interesting, if horrific tale, Juno! For the adult
readers, if you're curious about the footnotes and details that make M-e
come alive, this is recommended.
-----------------------------------
Title: I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes · Author: juno_magic · Races: Men · ID: 698
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:23:00
Juno Magic exploits the fact that the Numenoreans are not the only
inhabitants of Gondor, but the colonists, and builds an intense and
fascinating character whose reflections on the old faith are framed by
the lowlander/highlander distinction that maps onto the
Numenorean/native distinction.

Middle-earth has had its direct encounters with the powers of the world,
who are themselves servants of the One. The whole history of Numenor is
an extended tale of a people's relationship with those powers, their
rise in faith and friendship, followed by their downfall in profanation
and violence. Juno's mountain men remember this history, contrasting it
always with their own faith, still kept and tied to the seven mountains
central to their relationship with Eru the One, whom they will name
where the Numenoreans will fall silent.

But is it a living relationship? This particular highlander lives with
doubts--for after all, he has never seen the things spoken of in the old
religious traditions. And when he doubts, then cultural discontent gains
a political dimension--had the natives risen up against the Gondorians,
who made Eru's name taboo for all but the King, might their prayers have
more meaning? Might they bring the wonders told of?

In the end, however, there are no answers--religion is not a matter of
scientific cause and effect, but a crucible, where faith and doubt
reside together, just as light and darkness do, as the mountaineer
reminds himself. The substance of faith is that he does continue to
climb the mountains and to say the prayers, whether he expects anything
to come of them or not today or the next day--he simply lives in the
hope that perhaps he will see the old pledges of eagle- and wolf-song
fulfilled.

Elegant and thoughtful, Juno!
-----------------------------------
Title: Little Brothers · Author: DinaLori · Races: Men · ID: 686
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:23:18
This book-movie blend explores the closeness of Boromir and Merry and
Pippin, and provides a foundation for it in Boromir's relationship to
Faramir. Always the protector of Faramir, and early sworn to take care
of his adoring little brother, Boromir finds an analogous relationship
between Merry and Pippin, which wakens him to take on the role of elder
brother to them both. He can't do everything an older brother would do
for a younger one for the hobbits, but he does make it his place to keep
them safe, and to teach them to keep themselves safe.
-----------------------------------
Title: Man of the North · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 684
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:23:31
Thengel's sense of fellowship with a stranger out of place opens him to
consider accepting his service, despite his looks. We rarely get stories
about Thengel, so this is an interesting glimpse into the mind of the
man who inherited a kingdom in some disarray after his father's bad
ways. Clearly, flexibility and a willingness to look beyond the surface
would serve him well as a king, and it gains him a valuable servant who
would go on to fame in Gondor.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lossarnach Yule · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Races: Men:
Gondor · ID: 677
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:23:45
This is a delightful sidebar to Isabeau's universe, and it's lovely to
see some of the Rangers on their own without Faramir present. Mablung,
Lorend, and Hethlin are assigned to the weregild patrol, that makes
rounds to see that the families of slain Ithilien Rangers are given
their due. Idren and his family are the last of the families on their
list, but things are not going nearly so well.

Poverty, greed, and politics combine to put Idren and his family in
danger of being turned out of their home and separated simply to try to
survive. Isabeau's Ranger patrol must take it upon themselves to rectify
the situation. Lorend, one of her OCs we've grown accustomed to in
previous stories, and a bit of a rascal black sheep, shows his worth in
this story, since it is he who has the bartering skills and the family
connections to bring together the community against the predations of a
greedy trader upon the helpless. It's so very nice to see a little
community action and organization, reminding us that again, central to
Tolkien's work is the importance of fellowship--or of solidarity, as
might also be said.

A lovely story, with humor thrown in to good effect; those who enjoy
stories about Gondor's common people will enjoy this one.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Steward's Dream · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Fixed-Length
Ficlets With Children · ID: 647
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:23:57
Faramir is a good one for recognizing when to give something up: Rings,
hobbits, and in this one, a too-narrow dream that reduces the hope of
renewal for Gondor to fear for his own family's place in a society where
the king has returned. In giving it up, he doesn't lose but gains a
broader hope, recognizing that change does not mean he will be without a
role to play in that brighter future.
-----------------------------------
Title: Roots and Branches · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 611
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:24:15
It's good to see the connection between Sam and Faramir continued, here.
It often doesn't seem to attract much attention. However, Raksha reminds
us that Sam has his own insight and wisdom, and that his words mean a
great deal to Faramir. Faramir's own doubts, about himself and the worst
actions of his immediate family, make for a painful journey towards
healing, but Sam sets him on the right path, in his own hobbity
metaphor, and Faramir fortunately is wise enough and open enough to be
helped along by it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inheritance · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 524
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:24:28
Acacea recalls the affinity that Tolkien gave Faramir and Denethor,
underneath their more visible differences and uses that to good effect.
Faramir interrogates Gandalf as to his father's death, showing his
likeness to him, yet also, in the end, demonstrating that gentleness
that sets him apart from his sire.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strength of a River · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 513
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:24:41
This loose set of scenes, revolving around Ithilien and Faramir's long,
patient struggle there, gets its titular image (one repeated in other
fics) from a young boy's desire to be a river. Faramir's affinity for
Anduin and the sea, and the unstoppable force of the river flowing
becomes a metaphor for his life and work and the story itself. The river
can hold many things, and the story, too, holds together these little
scenes from Faramir's life, opening out in the end onto an uncertain future.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Night in the Woods · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 511
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:24:59
Sweet vignette, as the brothers banter about elves (and whether Boromir
has actually seen some) and marriage and in the end are simply glad to
have some time to talk with each other, whatever the content.
-----------------------------------
Title: Brothers at Heart · Author: Radbooks · Races: Men: Incomplete ·
ID: 451
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:25:13
This lengthy story explores Aragorn's arrival among his own people at
age twenty and his growth into their leader. The lives of the Dúnedain
of the North are fleshed out in villages and on patrols. Halbarad's and
Aragorn's developing relationship is central to the story, and numerous
OC Dúnedain fill out their world.

The part that probably affected me the most was the fate of the bandits
in the end; nice to see Aragorn learns a little about the complexity of
people's motives.
-----------------------------------
Title: Do Not Think Me A Dream · Author: EdorasLass · Races: Men: Gondor
· ID: 40
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:25:39
A sensitive portrait of Finduilas in her decline. The Appendices of
course make her health and eventual death a matter of much speculation.
Edoraslass turns this into an image of a woman struggling with
depression without having the words for it, disturbed by dreams of her
own coming demise, victim of mood swings and exhaustion, and weighed
down by care for her loved ones, to whom she cannot explain her night
time wanderings and poor health. Denethor makes a brief appearance, but
nevertheless, gives a strong impression with just that too knowing frown
that says he can't believe her excuses, but neither can he question them.

Haunting the bedroom of her children at nights, feeling as if ill health
and duty are drawing her away from them and into the arms of Nanny, who
minds them day and even night, she makes the most of these nocturnal
visits. Touching and melancholy, it's a convincing image of Finduilas
and her family.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Oathbreakers · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 42
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:25:51
Now this was quite the surprise. I had thought Isildur might be among
the Dead, but it's a much more recent ghost that Aragorn recognizes.
This is very well done, and heart-wrenching, as Aragorn struggles
against the impulse to call out to this particular shade, desirous of
his company and perhaps some better peace than they had been able to
make with each other, but equally too afraid to speak and doom the other
to linger still instead of departing to a deserved rest.

Creative and concisewell done, Branwyn!
-----------------------------------
Title: Consolation · Author: EdorasLass · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 47
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:26:05
The toy pony rides again! It's always fun to watch elements common to a
set of writers, who are weaving together a particular version of
Middle-earth, shift back and forth between their stories. Naturally,
it's enjoyable when it's done *well*, but no fear: Edoraslass puts a
well-loved toy to good use as she draws two grieving children struggling
to comfort each other. Boromir, ten years old, and more aware of the
conversations grown-ups don't intend for children to overhear, knows
time is running out, that he and Faramir cannot continue to sleep
together for comfort after their mother's death for much longer, that
they must separate and pretend for a while that everything is all right,
until at last it finally is.

The toy pony proves the means to soothe Faramir's fears of being alone
in his room, and inspires a reciprocal offer that Boromir wisely
accepts, enabling Faramir to feel as if he, too, has something to give
his brother when everything seems so very wrong and out of control. But
they are both young children, still, and Boromir isn't quite ready to
give up the comfort of having his younger brother with him at nights,
either. It's a fitting ending and quite plausible.
-----------------------------------

Title: Pink Oliphaunts · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's
Fall · ID: 49
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:26:19
Nice to see Beregond again--poor man does not get enough fanfic. It's a
cute interlude, with a child's chalk drawings of mumakil and famous
uncles providing both amusement and a hope for a more peaceful future to
two men who've seen enough of war. Loved that Beregond isn't adverse to
joining in Elboron's work--no doubt, he's done this with Bergil before.
-----------------------------------
Title: Music Lessons · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 55
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:26:33
This was a lovely depiction of a young Faramir with Mithrandir. Both
characters are well-portrayed: Faramir sounds like a young child, though
an intelligent one for his years, set apart by temperament as well as
rank. Mithrandir sounds and looks as he ought to: old, but vigorous,
kindly, perceptive, and just a little weary the wary frustration that
others, both stewards and hobbits, treat a wandering wizard with.

The wizard's willingness to step away from matters of high statecraft or
learning in order to teach a mystified boy how to produce various bird
calls--more and better than his brother--reminds us again of
Mithrandir's fundamental focus on the need of the person who comes
before us, rather than subordinating others to some overarching project
and dismissing them if they do not clearly touch upon his own work.

His foreshadowing of Faramir's eventual career in the Rangers and the
summation of the well-mannered and kindly boy he's met with the line
that he is also superbly loyal makes for a good laugh at the end. Nicely
done!
-----------------------------------
Title: It's the Thought · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Fixed-Length
Ficlets With Children · ID: 71
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:26:51
Good foreshadowing in that last line of the drabble--last lines often
make or break these short fics, so I'm always delighted when I find one
that ends strongly. In this case, Ann shows us a brief glimpse of
Théodred's efforts to make his young cousins welcome, but then opens a
few gifts, given simply to distract and comfort them, out onto the
future when Éowyn would come to covet the freedom and honor of a warrior.
-----------------------------------
Title: The White Tree · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 94
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:27:08
This story gives us a glimpse at the early relationship of Aragorn and
Faramir. Although alike in many ways, in their gifts and leadership and
their experience of war, Aragorn's Rangerly and solitary habits and
Faramir's Oedipal legacy interfere with their efforts to befriend each
other for a time.

The first two chapters, I think, are solid; the third I think wraps
things up too quickly and with just a little too much sentiment. But
it's still an enjoyable read, and fans of these two characters should
like it.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Road Not Taken · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Vignette · ID: 104
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:27:23
Frost gets good employment in this is a well-crafted interlude that
shows the very beginning of Boromir's journey out of familiar lands and
into the wilds of the North. The description of the birch forest is
wonderful, as is the 'dialogue' with the swan that Boromir's horn allows
him and his companion. The finding of the road, buried beneath ages of
dirt marks the beginning of many discoveries for him, though he cannot
foresee them.
-----------------------------------
Title: Luck from the Ashes · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 142
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:27:37
Cat-lovers ought to like this one. Faramir and Aragorn come upon some
unlikely residents of the steward's mausoleum and take in mother and
kittens with the intention of breaking the tradition of Beruthiel (and
also ridding the city of vermin). Nice banter, cute idea, and a nice
glimpse into the early friendship of steward and king.
-----------------------------------
Title: Until the Stars Are All Alight · Author: Kenaz · Races: Men:
Featuring Aragorn · ID: 148
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:27:51
I've got my objections to one of the central devices for this fic,
however, it remains an interesting attempt to shed light on Aragorn's
coming of age in the rendering of high justice among the Rangers and his
sexual initiation, with Halbarad acting as the key to both these moments.
-----------------------------------
Title: Heirs of the Oath · Author: Elana · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 151
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:28:05
This is a very thoughtful pair of drabbles, featuring Boromir and
Theodred, Aragorn and Eomer. Legacy is the theme that binds them
together: the Oath of Cirion and Eorl has many heirs, but the heirs
themselves are not simply bound to the oath but to those who came before
them as oath-takers. Eomer, seeing that legacy broken by untimely death
of cousin and Denethor's elder son, finds in his oath-taking with
Aragorn a connection to both the history of the nations, but also to two
men who loom large in his past, and it's to the memory of his cousin and
Boromir that he finds the personal meaning of the ancient oath. Well
done, Elana!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Last Yule in Halabor · Author: Soledad · Races: Men: Vignette
· ID: 166
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:28:20
Soledad builds an entire town up, household by household, trade by
trade, brick by brick. In the twenty-four vignettes, as the citizens of
Halabor, common and noble, Old Folk and Dúnadan, Rohirric, Haradric, and
those in between, advance towards the Yule with anticipation. Hopes and
memories abound, as tragedies and joys are revisited and worked upon,
sometimes dwelt upon, and the net of relationships among the townspeople
and their lords takes form against the backdrop of Númenorean history
and that of the native Gondorian population.

The loose relationship of the stories works--it gives us an image of
life in a town already doomed to fall to an Orc attack, though no one
knows it yet. There are so many threads of lives just left loose, so
many projects and dreams that one senses will be destroyed before ever
coming to fruition--if Soledad doesn't tell us outright that this is so.
The town feels fully realized, with its share of troubles and prejudices
and the struggles to overcome them.

Beautifully done, Soledad! Absolutely recommended to anyone who wants to
read a well-constructed world.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Cloak · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 177
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:28:33
A quite fascinating story--this old nurse is most emphatically *not* the
sort of woman to sit at home by the fireside, even if she does end up
making Boromir a nice warm cloak. A spy on the front lines who bargains
trades for slaves taken by Corsairs and their knowledge as often as she
does aught else, and who seems to be beholden to a lord more northerly
than Denethor, she's a tough old bird who pretty clearly knows Boromir
inside and out.

Her efforts to tell him what he needs to know about the journey north
and the Elves he seeks fall on ears that are perhaps somewhat deaf,
though not for lack of love. A pity indeed for her that Boromir did not
return, but she's not one to drown in grief, either. She'll do her
mourning and continue on in service to the kingdom.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mirrors of Numenor · Author: Dostoevsky's Mouse · Races: Men:
Incomplete · ID: 242
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:28:47
Thorongil and Denethor together in their early days is a subject of much
fascination to this reader, as both reader and writer. Dostoyevsky's
Mouse builds a complex relationship and a Denethor whose pride and
confidence, and indeed, his leadership, are as great as his lacks: of
trust, of friendship, of fatherly affection. He and Ecthelion are
Gondor's sons--both of them hard men and stern, even handed in praise
and rebuke, save that the former is impersonal, the latter all too
personal. Denethor at this stage of his life is as desperately desirous
of his father's personal approval and warmth, and clearly this is the
one thing he is doomed to be denied.

Denethor is also clearly intelligent, clever in his words, a shrewd
young man who confronts Captain Thorongil's omissions and his neatly
crafted excuses about such silences, pointedly and clearly, yet is
confident enough, despite his mistrust, to leave his new captain's
secrets alone... for a time, at least.

Aragorn shows himself a doughty fighter and a bold counselor, as well as
a budding healer. Yet he is also properly enigmatic, hard to read, and
an object of fascination.

Fans of Aragorn and Denethor, and particularly of the two of them
together in one story, should not miss this tale, which promises to be
interesting as it continues to unfold. Write more and soon,
Dostoyevsky's Mouse! Thanks for a satisfying read!
-----------------------------------
Title: Tharbad Crossing · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races: Men:
Steward's Sons Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 253
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:28:59
Wet, wounded, and at an utter loss in terms of possessions (like his
sword, for example), Boromir clambers out of the river at Tharbad
cursing his mission as only a half-drowned traveler can. But in the end,
loyalty and memory of Faramir's hope stop the complaints and rekindle
his determination to journey north and save Gondor. Concise and
intense--very well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: That Immortal Sea · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 265
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:29:13
I like this drabble for the interesting elemet of guilt that it seems to
introduce and couple with the dream of Numenor drowning. Faramir's
dreams haunt him, but this time there is a very personal element
involved--what is he trying to wash away, as wakes up to Ithilien? What
is the real nightmare? It's an enigmatic piece, where the land itself
becomes somehow threatening.
-----------------------------------
Title: Forlorn Hope · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 301
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:29:26
Haunting and lyricial. Hope and its future are not simply denied Faramir
and his men, but must be actively renounced, rejected by those who make
the last ride out to Osgiliath. The dying of hope, in the last images of
the drabble, 'til hope at last is identified as a dead tree makes a
cynical inversion of the more usual reading of the old white tree. Very
well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Ships Passing · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Vignette · ID: 302
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:29:40
I've got my issues with this one, but I do love the idea of some form of
encounter between Faramir and Halbarad, some sense of a passing of
torches and a kinship between these two men. Marta gives us a go at
showing that connection and opens some intriguing possibilities.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lawd of Them Hills · Author: Make It Stop/Princess Faz CoAuthors
· Races: Men: Incomplete · ID: 304
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:29:54
I think I've probably ruptured something laughing over this. This beats
the bits of "Bored of the Rings" I've read; it may possibly beat
'Spaceballs' for the sheer screwball factor. It's really a pity it's not
finished yet.

The authors of this snarkfest transpose LOTR to the poverty-stricken,
poorly-developed, yet fiercely possessive denizens of a backwoods
Appalachian community that is as much a caricature of hillbillydom as
anyone could wish. Starbucks and its global exploitation scheme, with
its white-obsessed CEO Sarah Mann in the tower of I. Singh Ard have
taken the reigns of evil from Sauron, it seems, not that we're
complaining about this. Sarah Mann has a plan... or at least, she had
one back in Ohio, but Starbucks' marketing strategy has gone missing.

We all know what's coming next, don't we? In case we don't, LaTisha the
psychic is standing in for a palantir to read the cards to Denny of
Go'nder Holler. Yeah. I do hope that this parody does not remain in its
current, unfinished state, as it will undoubtedly provide hours of
hysterical laughter just when it's most needed. It's unapologetically
surreal, and that's what makes it work. Kudos!
-----------------------------------
Title: Soldier's Luck · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 309
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:30:08
Soldiers may believe in luck, but as this drabble shows, Faramir's
fortune in battle has solid planning behind it. No detail is left
unconsidered, weapons are cared for, men tested and carefully selected.
Good fortune bows to the Boy Scout's motto of being ever prepared.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Dancing Master · Author: Flick · Races: Men: Vignette · ID: 323
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-04 06:30:25
A nostalgic little vignette, as newlyweds Faramir and Éowyn find dancing
to be an unexpected memorial to Boromir, who taught them both.
-----------------------------------
Title: The King's Surgeon · Author: SurgicalSteel · Races: Men:
Incomplete · ID: 845
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-04 08:18:27
Thank the MEFAs for leading me to this story! I found it - and then
spent hours reading through all the parts I could find. Serinde is an
absolute delight - tough and resilient, but kind-hearted and skilled and
just such an all-round good character. I like her in her youth - she did
very well to survive exposure to the Poison Butterfly and find her
vocation. Her friendship with Thorongil is great - especially her
freely-expressed opinion of his healing skills and teaching. I love the
acidity of her relationship with Denethor - not a good person to cross.
Diplomacy was clearly not a word in Serinde's vocabulary, at least not
until the delightful Steward attempted training. I love her middle years
- the trip north and her discovery of the northern Dunedain and the
friendships she builds with them and in her new life.

The story is beautifully and engagingly written, too, and the characters
are developed and multi-dimensional. I can't wait to find out more about
the lives of Serinde and her friends and family.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Sight to Remember · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 703
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-04 08:23:23
I did enjoy Pippin's second excursion with the intrepid Rusty. Although
I'd be surprised if they weren't both scarred for life by this
experience. Lobelia in the bath ... ... ... The sight of that must have
been punishment enough for two young hobbits!

Rusty is a delightful character! I'd like to know what kind of adult she
became - and what she did during the Troubles. I can't imagine she would
have sat back and cowered. Perhaps her scribe would like to expand on
her adventures.

Frodo is a very clever hobbit - with excellent management skills! (He
would need to be to get round Pippin!) He offers just precisely the
right amount of gentlehobbitly approval and interest here to bend
Rusty's mother to his will! And she doesn't even realise she is being
managed. Observers could learn a lot from him! A delightful story,
Dreamflower.

-----------------------------------
Title: Raven Hair and Silver Eyes · Author: Ellie · Times: First Age and
Prior · ID: 174
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-04 08:31:50
I do feel sorry for most of the female kin of all those headstrong
Noldor. Those who remained behind were deserted without an apparent
second thought - and then left to deal with the consequences.

Poor Anaire is, of course, one of them. Nolofinwe has just a touch too
much sibling rivalry about him when it comes to his half-brother - but
he does try to keep the peace. And I can see how his father's death
would drive him to try to take revenge. After Alqualonde, too, he
doubtless felt damned and doomed and unable to turn back - and Anaire is
left to be another of those characters who lost everything they had and
was abandoned to remain alone in the Blessed Realm until one day -
possibly, hopefully - her husband and children returned from the Halls.

Grief - self-righteousness - anger - all sorts of emotions might have
carried them through the first centuries, but what then? The Blessed
Realm - especially among the Noldor - must have been a community of
abandoned wives and sweethearts. Children without fathers and parents
without sons. I wonder how it would have affected the social structure...

Sad story. I hope they found each other again. In the end. Fingers crossed.

-----------------------------------
Title: A Length of Haradric Silk · Author: annmarwalk · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor · ID: 69
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-04 08:40:45
Sam is such a practical hobbit - and determined not to move above his
station - but, in a way, this fabric represents him and indicates that
his station has moved above and beyond that of almost everyone in
Middle-earth. Gleaming above the sober, sensible goods beneath.

Some fabric is just so beautiful you have to have it. And I'm glad the
shopkeeper offered Sam just the right incentive to get him to take the
silk back to the Shire. I can just picture Rosie dressed in Haradric
silk - marvelling at the texture and the gleam of contrasting colours.

Beautiful. It catches at the imagination just as the fabric caught Sam.

-----------------------------------
Title: The Healer and the Warrior · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 140
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-04 08:50:04
When I first found your stories, Madeleine, I was inspired to fall in
love with your Eomer and Lothiriel! I love Lothiriel's single-minded
devotion to her craft and her determination not to be pressed into being
nothing but a representative of her house and then who can resist
Eomer's disregard of his own safety and his obstinacy and his refusal to
recognise the way that the healer affects him!

There is something remarkably intimate in the way that the healer and
the warrior confront each other - the quiet of the dark night and the
silence of the Halls of Healing. The shadowy corridors - the solitude.
The background conspires to make the two characters brighter and
stronger. It's no surprise that the healer manages to make a very
powerful impression on the warrior. Apart from the slap on his 'oh no,
it's nothing' wound, designed to make him pay attention to her demands,
I imagine not many would have reacted to his instinctive attack so
calmly. And then, how could she not respond to this really rather
gorgeous - if smelly - warrior. Especially after dunking him in a big
tub of hot water.

Then, the story has what I consider to be the sexiest thing of all -
it's all in their heads. Touching - for healing purposes; nudity - the
same. No romance - but boy, sexual tension floods the tale.

It's excellent writing, Madeleine and a very worthy beginning to your
story arc. Great stuff.
-----------------------------------
Title: First Anarchist · Author: Robinka · Times: First Age and Prior:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 316
Reviewer: Minuialeth · 2006-08-04 10:25:44
I always thought of Melkor as a sort of impertinent child with a twinge
of genius This drabble not only sheds light on such an important topic
as Melkors relationship with Eru but also gives us insight into what it
must have been like at the beginning before Melkor developed into the
full blown embodiment of evil. I believe that you have successfully
managed not only to give him a sort of innocence( albeit slowly fading),
but youve kept the feeling that despite everything Eru still had
control and that Melkor started like so many monsters a curious child.
It also is quite thought provoking, as Rhapsody said, because after all
Eru must have known what powers he gave to Melkor, and what character he
might grow to become. In the end, Melkor after all is necessary to
maintain balance and he certainly is a genius in his own right. This
drabble not only sparks off a lot of questions in the mind of the
reader, but it is written in such honesty and simplicity that it is
striking in its truthfulness, rendering it a very memorable piece of
work. I loved the title as well. Its a great pointer to a master mind
behind the words. Very powerful!
-----------------------------------
Title: Luck from the Ashes · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 142
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-08-04 11:17:18
Tolkien was an ailurophobe who had little good to say about cats. In
this story, fortunately, Aragorn and Faramir show more wisdom than their
creator. The tale is set in the Hallows in the autumn after the end of
the War; Aragorn and Faramir have come to plan the necessary cleanup and
repair of the gutted House of the Stewards. A few realistic details--a
worker's handcart and piles of stone and ash--create the setting.
Faramir's fear of disappointing his new king and friend is very
touching, and the dialogue shows clearly that he is still a little
uncertain in his role as steward (which is not unrealistic since he
never expected to hold the title). Faramir is able to calm the mother
cat with the same skill that he used to calm his horse when the Nazgul
attacked during the retreat from the Causeway Forts. Both he and Aragorn
show a characteristic pity for this half-starved, homeless cat and her
brood.

Faramir's reaction when he revisits the scene of his father's death is a
recurring theme in fanfic, but this is probably the first cheerful,
positive story about the event! The tale of Beruthiel and her cats is
filled with cruelty and mistrust, but Raksha clevely uses it as the
inspiration for a story about kindness and hope.

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

Title: Of Falcons and Mûmakil · Author: Lialathuveril · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 97
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-04 13:25:37
I thoroughly enjoyed this story - and perhaps the element that gave me
the greatest entertainment (perverted reader that I am) was what could
be described as 'the cheese knife incident'. Lothiriel's attempts to
defeat the bad guys through the application of excess water was good -
but Eowyn's use of the cheese knife was masterly! To reinterpret a well
known expression - those who don't eat by the cheese knife can still die
on them.

And the relationship between feisty princess and rather over-confident
king was delightful - culminating in the expected happy ending.

Good stuff - and I'm looking forward to finding out what you do to the
pair of them next!
-----------------------------------
Title: Merry Yules · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits: Fixed-Length
Ficlet series · ID: 114
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-04 13:44:00
I really enjoyed these lovely glimpses of Merry and Pippin at Yule.
Merry is an excellent big cousin - so loving and supportive of little
Pippin. Then, over the years, I loved seeing Pippin increasing in
confidence and maturity - so that the balance shifted ever so subtly
from Merry protecting Pippin to the other way round.

These two make an excellent team - and I am pleased that they had each
other (alongside their families) in constant mutual support right up to
their eventual deaths in distant Gondor.

-----------------------------------
Title: Elven Braids · Author: viggomaniac · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 808
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-04 15:25:49
You achieve a high level of angst in this short fic. Best done, I think,
is the portrait of the Orcs themselves. You've captured their mode of
speech in a very Tolkienesque fashion. They are truly scary and I was
terrified along with Aragorn. And very relieved at the arrival of the
Elven warriors!

One small point: I do think an Orc could recognize a Numenorean when he
saw one. They called them "tarks."
-----------------------------------
Title: In the Woods · Author: Werecat · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 119
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-04 15:34:04
I love this little story. It is so evocative of both Middle-earth and
the wonderful Irish tales of the Sidhe. Your portrait of Radagast is
moving and vivid. I wanted to cry along with the girl in the story as
the Fair Folk left.

One of the things I love most about your writing is its sound--and I
don't mean that I read it out loud to myself, but that I always HEAR
what is going on, because you evoke sound so clearly with words like
"whistle" and so forth. I understand that your first language is not
English, and so it is all the more remarkable. I would never know if I
hadn't been told.
-----------------------------------
Title: Desires Of The Hroa · Author: The Last Temptation of Homer ·
Genres: Drama: First Age Elves · ID: 623
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-04 15:45:22
I'm sorry this is so short. I appreciate your dilemma--how to criticize
Tolkien canon on sex and LACE in particular without using parody. In
fact, it cries out for parody, because it is itself a mockery of human
love, IMHO. The other option is high tragedy--the inevitable result of
trying to tie up in chains such unchainable desires. Thus comes Lancelot
and Guinever and all the other great "forbidden" loves.

Therefore I think you dodged the bullet by not having your character
(whoever he is) commit the ultimate sin and go for it. Maybe the lovely
maiden would have been interested. And THAT would have been a great tale.

I suppose canatics would object that I am giving myself away when I say
"human love." Well, even Tolkien said that the Elves are meant to
express a part of human nature (the higher part). I don't happen to
agree with him that sexuality is too debased to be "high" except within
the bounds of heterosexual monogamy. In fact, it is a large part of what
makes us human--sex is NOT just for procreation.
-----------------------------------
Title: Treasures And Momentos · Author: Marigold · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 220
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 15:55:27
In spite of the rather gloomy subject--a deathfic for Merry and
Pippin--it manages somehow, to be cheerful, hobbity and uplifting, all
at the same time. I like to think that this would be just how it was, no
real angst, except for those who were left bereft of their sweet
presence. We know that the last of the Fellowship are going to miss
their dear hobbits most dreadfully, but the important thing is that the
two of them are together.
-----------------------------------
Title: Tolkien's Use of Expletives · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Non-Fiction · ID: 147
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-04 15:56:53
This essay made me laugh. You have indeed done an admirable job of
cataloguing "oaths"; it ends up making Tolkien look charming and rather
childish. I suppose it's because so many of these words are out of the
mouths of Hobbits.

It reminded me of Tyellas's "Lost in the Translation," where Bilbo
confesses to Frodo that he "cleaned up" the tales of the Elves so as not
to shock the respectable.
-----------------------------------
Title: Just Us Lads · Author: pippinfan88 · Times: Late Third Age: The
Shire · ID: 291
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 16:00:12
I really like the warm and loving relationship this author depicts
between Pippin and his father. Her Paladin is a wise, warm and
afffectionate parent, who somehow always manages to make time for his
children. It is easy to see how Pippin grew up to have such an open and
generous nature with a parent like that. This little vignette of a quiet
father/son evening is very pleasant and soothing, and I like it very much.
-----------------------------------
Title: Blood Brothers · Author: Elana · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 149
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 16:02:46
A very touching drabble; it's a shame that it has to be categorized as
"villains", as it is hard to imagine this mumak-rider as actually being
a "bad guy", even though he fights on the enemy's side. It really
depicts the cost of war, and the deep bond between human and animal.
-----------------------------------
Title: Distant Lands · Author: Acacea · Genres: Romance: Fixed-length
ficlet · ID: 76
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 16:05:32
-grin-. This drabble really made me smile. At this point in time, there
is only one distant land on Faramir's mind. I do love the many things
this shows in so few words: Aragorn's wish for friendship, Gandalf's
wisdom--and how much in love Faramir is.
-----------------------------------
Title: In the Shadow of Hope · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Men:
Vignette · ID: 715
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 16:16:37
This is a well-done little interior monologue for Eowyn, as she waits in
the Houses of Healing, her thoughts in turmoil, and feeling sad and
useless. I loved the little actions--naming the herbs, the ant, the
bee--those little things that can be a distraction from unwanted
thoughts. I also loved her musings on Merry. And the last two lines were
lovely and insightful.
-----------------------------------
Title: In a Heartbeat · Author: Piplover · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 928
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 16:40:36
This is a wonderful bit of classic Pippin hurt/comfort. Pippin is
wounded, heroically saving Aragorn's life, and then is taken care of by
all his dearest friends and loved ones. But there is more than just h/c
in this. The author depicts Pippin as brave and competent and proud of
his position as a Guard of the Citadel, and it's a delight to see the
love between him and his King. I loved this story when first it was
written, and am very glad for this chance to read it again.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Heads of One Thousand Goblins: A Love Story · Author:
SickleYield · Races: Dwarves · ID: 644
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-04 17:29:25
What a rare find! It's so unusual to find a Gimli romance, much less one
in which the love is requited! This is a delightful story of Gimli in
the Fourth Age, and of the resettlement of Moria. I enjoyed it very much
indeed! This is another tale I would never have found without the MEFAs!
-----------------------------------
Title: To Ride, To Will, To Fear · Author: Ellethill · Races: Men:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 841
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-08-04 21:17:04
This is a most unusual story written in the style of an ancient epic.It
gripped me from start to finish and lingered in my mind from amongst the
many stories I read.
It tells of Eowyn's abduction and rescue,while another theme is how
Faramir wins the respect of both Aragorn and Eomer who previously had
harboured some reservations about what manner of a man he was.By the end
of the story, both come to realise his true worth and Faramir and Eowyn
realise just how much they love one another.
The language of this story has a unique beauty and poetry.
-----------------------------------
Title: Night Rain · Author: permilea · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 792
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-08-04 21:17:56
A touching little story about Frodo's joy in rain after the
Quest.Aragorn,ever the healer wants to keep him warm and dry but comes
to realise how much Frodo needs to be in the rain, after the desert of
Mordor and having no water.

I can understand something of how he feels,for when the rain comes after
a heatwave, I always want to rush out to greet it and feel it on my face
like Frodo.
We often fail to appreciate the precious gift of rain.
This story is beautifully told and heartfelt..
-----------------------------------
Title: Birnam Wood · Author: Inkling · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 917
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-08-04 22:31:34
Inkling answers the question I have wondered about myself: What if
Tolkien wrote fanfiction? If the anwer was yes, surely Birnam Wood would
(unintentional pun) have been it. This story applies Tolkien's love of
the natural world, without slavishly evoking the Professor's style, into
a number of pivotal scenes from Shakespeare's MacBeth.

Inkling moves the noise, textures, and terrors of Tolkien's Old Forest
into the Scottish Highlands of an age long past our modern times. Yet as
you read, you can tell that "Birnam Wood" is the remains of the same
forest that thousands of years ago was wandered by Tom Bombadil and some
adventurous hobbits.

The story trully evoked the atmosphere of an angry haunted forest, so
true to Tolkien that your thoughts are jarred when suddenly a strange
old woman appears. Though she fits so amazingly well into the forest now
bent on war, she still reminds us that she is one of Shakespeare's weird
sisters. MacBeth is ultimately the Bard's creation. Shakespeare
influenced Tolkien, not the other way around.
-----------------------------------
Title: Midwinter Rites · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 868
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-08-04 22:32:02
This is a touching drabble, all the more evocative as I write this on a
very hot evening in late July.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inheritance · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 524
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-08-04 22:33:39
Spare writing, as appropriate for drabbles, and a nice twist at the end.
-----------------------------------
Title: The One · Author: Linda Hoyland/Raksha the Demon CoAuthors ·
Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn · ID: 852
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-08-04 22:34:42
So often we read fanfics that show how a dying Faramir is rescued from
the dark dreams of the black breath by Aragorn, the long hoped for king
who has finally returned. But in "The One", Linda and Raksha turn the
tables on fanfic fables and on Tolkien, as well, by having Aragorn dream
of Faramir.

In their tale, Aragorn is so haunted by his youthful dream of receiving
the Steward's rod from a strange man that memory of the dream persisted
through the years as he met the Lords of Gondor. The thought that he had
a vision of Faramir practically a generation before Denethor's son was
born is quite touching.

"The One" is nicely written, tight and quick flowing, with lovely
language very much in Tolkien's style.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strange meeting · Author: Nesta · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's Fall
· ID: 93
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-08-04 22:37:03
This fine story deals with a subject about which many have
conjectured--what happened at the "true" first meeting between Aragorn
and Faramir, where the latter was awake and coherent. "Strange Meeting"
is a discussion of Gondorian politics, during which the King to be "wins
Faramir over" so that he "can win over Gondor."

One more highlight: the story begins with the seldom described
"cleansing" of the Pelennor Fields after the seige of Gondor. Nesta
makes the scene atmospheric and almost Gothic.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ignorance Is Bliss · Author: Eggo Waffles · Genres: Humor: Parody
· ID: 754
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-08-04 22:40:17
This is a clever tale, sez me who likes her Faramir red-haired and
red-bearded. (Note the use of "sez", which proves that those of us who
like red-headed Faramir can't spell.) Just kidding, but very much in
keeping with some of the themes in this cute story. "Ignorance is Bliss"
evokes the heyday of the Book Versus Film Faramir debate at its height.
But whatever 'Mir ya favor, or even if you don't care too much about any
'Mir's, you should get a kick out of "Ignorance Is Bliss."
-----------------------------------
Title: 17 Cunning Corsairs · Author: stefaniab · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 244
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-04 22:52:22
My heart is all with Lothiriel in this one. I've always wanted to be
Black Sebastian, the Terror of the Seven Seas.

It's so dull to be a Good Girl.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lord of Werewolves · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 255
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-08-04 22:57:46
The first time I read "Lord of Werewolves", I almost cried with
laughter. I love humor and parodies, especially those that take down the
"bad guys" of history and literature. "Werewolves" is a wonderful little
fic that fits this bill quite handily. It's almost the Silmarillion, as
Mel Brooks would do it.

The story was authored by Raksha, in whose hands the Darkest Lord of
them becomes a classic cartoon uber-villain, like SuperMan's Lex Luther.
As evil as he is, you gotta laugh at him. Morgoth's protege Sauron is
now a raging Metrosexual pretty boy and a hopeless failure at animal
training. Bad enough that Sauron has made a wuss out of Wolfie,
Morgoth's little pet, but surely Sauron should have housebroken the
beast before giving him proper behavioral training! Raksha turns
Thuringwethil the vampire bat into a leggy moll you'd almost expect to
have a stereotypical Brooklyn accent, even if she was originally created
by an Oxford don.

"Lord of Werewolves' is just hilarious. I hope I haven't spoiled the
story for you, lovely readers, by my review. Just go check out this
wonderful parody.
-----------------------------------
Title: Trivial Matters · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 839
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-08-04 23:16:58
Heh. I'm always a sucker for Faramir being clever, and this vignette is
a lovely example of that, as he plays both Legolas and Aragorn to
achieve his desired ends.
-----------------------------------
Title: An Empty Saddle to Fill · Author: Anoriath · Races: Men: Vignette
· ID: 752
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-08-04 23:24:22
Delightful irony in Theodred's last thoughts. The depiction of his
impromptu sparring match with Eowyn was very well done. There is an air
of suspicion and foreboding over the entire piece, though Eowyn herself,
as seen through her cousin's eyes, is a beacon of hope. Poor
Theodred-one definitely gets the idea he has some foreboding of the fate
that lies in store for him.
-----------------------------------

Title: Heirlooms · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Remembering · ID: 72
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-08-04 23:26:45
The heirlooms of the title are toy ponies which were made by Morwen
Steelsheen for baby Boromir and Theodred. As they are passed along to
new owners, the ponies become a symbol of the ties of love and kinship
between the ruling famlies of Gondor and Rohan. The unassuming heroines
of the piece are Boromir and Faramir's Nanny and Theodred's old nurse
Winfrith who have kept the old toys for all these years, though a thread
of devotion runs through the entire ficlet, starting with Morwen's
lovingly hand-made gifts. The description of the simple, soft toy made
from brown wool with a mane and tail of flax rope is wonderful--Morwen
knew exactly what a small child would love. The wonder and joy of the
two mothers, Eowyn and Lothiriel, as they gaze at their tiny sons is
described with great tenderness. The two sections of the piece are
written in close parallel, emphasizing the close ties between the two
families and also the similarities between the two new sets of parents.

A beautifully and lovingly written piece! This tale is part of the
Pony!verse stories, written by Annmarwalk and Edoraslass, which follow
the fortunes of the two stuffed ponies.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit · Author: Altariel · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 91
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-08-04 23:40:07
This is a crossover that wouldn't immediately leap to mind, though when
you read it you know that it works. Poor Rosemary-at least Gollum sang
praises of her youth and freshness to Sam...And it serves as a good
illustration of how all of nature was being oppressed by Sauron's rise.
-----------------------------------
Title: Wizardry · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 179
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-08-04 23:42:33
I love Dwimordene's Aragorn, and here he is in my favorite incarnation,
in full Strider mode. Despite the brevity of the piece, you get a good
feel for the friendship and humor in Middle-earth's most important
partnership.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sleep Easy · Author: shirelinghpc · Genres: Drama: Poetry · ID: 992
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-08-04 23:54:52
This elegy to Boromir flows along like the waters of the Anduin.
Shireling's language has a smooth, rocking cadence; and the reader is
drawn along by the forward movement of the narrative as Boromir's boat
is cast loose and he journeys down the river, past his brother, and into
legend. Very nicely done!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Last Thing He Said · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama · ID: 294
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-08-04 23:56:13
This is so sad! As a long-time dog owner, I can just see Boromir having
a four-legged friend who waits in vain for his return.
-----------------------------------
Title: Heart Calls to Heart · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits: Poetry
· ID: 803
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-08-05 00:50:06
My MEFA readings have led me to yet another wonderful poet. Though I
couldn't figure out why Lindelea didn't just write a regular English or
Italian sonnet until I noticed the acrostic "Welcome Home" running down
the page!

The iambic pentameter, the rhyme scheme, and the "turn" in the eighth
line lend this piece the feel of a sonnet, even if it doesn't exactly
follow that form. The question or conflict of the poem is Samwise's
despair at the departure of his dearest friend. Samwise says that his
heart is failing within him, but the reader senses a change in tone at
the word "hope" in the eighth line --

["Hope beyond hope, you laboured to the end"].

The actual resolution of the problem comes in the last line, when
Samwise assures himself that

["E'en, so, one day we two shall meet again."]

The formal language and the iambic pentameter give the piece a somber
feel which suits its topic. I truly enjoyed this piece!

-----------------------------------
Title: A bit of garden · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 901
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-05 05:01:00
Excellent depiction of two very different people united in the love of
tending growing things. I can definitely see Elrond as the type of Elf
who would enjoy personally tending his herb-garden, and it's a great
moment of shared interest between the humblest of the hobbits and the
gentlest of the high-Elves.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Healer and the Warrior · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 140
Reviewer: Katzilla · 2006-08-05 07:27:12
What Maddy achieved with her tales of Éomer and Lothiriel must not be
underestimated - from what has followed in her wake, one can conclude
nothing less than she has created the "perfect" Éomer and Lothiriel, and
even more, since those were virtually a blank sheet of paper, the
ultimate Dol Amroth family unit! The way she writes them changed
fanfiction, which is something to take immense pride in.

I was never much of a "romance-reader", but the way she writes those
two, with her quirky, sharp wit, always taking the turn the reader - and
Éomer! - does not expect and a sensuality that is so breathtaking I need
to fan myself while reading her stories - especially this incredible
introduction to her fanfic-world - makes me a convert.
-----------------------------------
Title: Counting the Days · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 281
Reviewer: Katzilla · 2006-08-05 07:30:49
This one is hilarious! This is such typical behaviour of boys (okay,
woman do it, too) who think they are alone! I was in stitches when Éomer
was shocked by the "false" Lothiriel and desperately trying to think of
a way out. Just his luck that in the end, it all turns out well for him.
A wonderfully witty story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hewing Naught But Wood · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 825
Reviewer: Katzilla · 2006-08-05 07:34:41
She is one of my absolute favourite writers, and with this hilarious
little scene during the Helm's Deep Battle she has done it yet again:
marvellous characterisations throughout (one can easily imagine this
scene even ending up in the movie), and as someone with a special "soft
spot" for a certain Horselord, I could easily envision the consternated
expression on Éomer's face while he tried to keep an eye on the battle
and had to listen to the three friends' discussion. Priceless!
-----------------------------------
Title: Heirlooms · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Remembering · ID: 72
Reviewer: Acacea · 2006-08-05 15:10:17
I loved this for the way it weaves together so many little threads into
one compact yet exteemly touching piece.

There is the thought of Morwen making two little ponies for two little
boys to play with, and the thought of the roles that were enivisaged for
both boys and the way it in some manner acts as a prelude to their
potenetial friendship (and more in Ann's other fics:)). Then there's
Theodred understanding the loss his cousins would have felt and trying
in his own way to help them, Eowyn's jealousy for the sword, and yet her
care of the stuffed pony, of Boromir giving the pony to Faramir and how
Faramir feels safe with it.

It is such a beautiful thought that both Elfwine and Elboron have
something of their uncles, both of whom have helped shape their fathers
and mothers into what they are.


-----------------------------------
Title: It's the Thought · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Fixed-Length
Ficlets With Children · ID: 71
Reviewer: Acacea · 2006-08-05 15:16:35
I really liked the sense of foreshadowing in this! And I love the way it
links with Heirlooms and the way in so few words, you capture so much.
It gives a fine glimpse into the future - of Eowyn's desires and her
frustrations, and of how much Eomer and deowyn love and respect
Theodred, and will miss him.

It is a beautiful piece.
-----------------------------------
Title: Benison · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Remembering · ID: 67
Reviewer: Acacea · 2006-08-05 15:19:25
This is a lovely little piece detailing out a look at Finduilas through
Eowyn's eyes. There's so much one gets to understand about Finduilas'
days as a mother, abd also as a wife. I particularly liked the bit about
the poetry!

And I loved too that Eowyn could find in this book a sketch of a small
Faramir!
-----------------------------------
Title: A New Year · Author: Bodkin · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond · ID: 704
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-05 16:38:10
I love this story. In it, Legolas, in company with Elladan, Elrohir,
Gandalf (and he is Gandalf once more in this tale) and others who have
returned to the Blessed Realm from Middle-earth, seeks to pay tribute to
his friends of the Fellowship, and to make the sheltered Elves of Aman
understand just what went on in the battle against the Shadow.

I love seeing Olorin transform himself once more into Gandalf, and
indulge himself in fireworks, and I love the byplay and teasing between
the twins and Legolas, and the politics that are so much a part of
Bodkin's universe.

But most of all, I was touched by the moment when the High King toasts
Frodo and Samwise, and by Legolas' wistful addition to that toast. It's
so clear that he will forever miss the mortal friends from whom he is
sundered until the end of days--Merry and Pippin, and Aragorn and Gimli
and Boromir, as well as Frodo and Sam.

Very beautiful and moving moment.
-----------------------------------
Title: Little Stars · Author: Space Weavil · Races: Elves: Feanorians ·
ID: 107
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-08-05 17:44:37
This is one of my favorites, both in subject and style. I have always
enjoyed your writing, and especially enjoy stories about the Sons of
Feanor and the Peredhil twins, and this is no exception. I love the
depth of tragedy and the mix of compassion that Tolkien gives us and you
use both well in this. The strength of the Eldar come through clearly in
both the love of the nanny and the hate and the strength of the vow in
both Maedhros and Maglor, as well as the pain and confusion that
Maedhros feels for his actions.
-----------------------------------
Title: Wizardry · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 179
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-08-05 19:40:03
I enjoyed this very much as I find the long friendship between Gandalf
and Aragorn interesting and wish Tolkien had told us more about it.I
just loved the image of these two laughing about their predicament in
being unable to find Gollum.It is amazing that the slippery creature
evaded the greatest in Middle- earth for so long !
-----------------------------------
Title: Avoidance · Author: stefaniab · Genres: Romance: Incomplete · ID: 674
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-08-05 19:50:58
This is a touching and enjoyable story of Faramir and Eowyn's romance in
which the author has some original and unusual ideas.I especially liked
the idea of Galadriel communicating with Faramir in his dreams.

The erruption of Mount Doom is brilliantly done, the most vivid
depiction of the event that I have ever read.

I am not a great fan of the film version of Faramir but this story has
almost won me over and I love the way the writer depicts the gradually
growing bond between these two troubled people.

There is also some humour, such as Eowyn's attendands peeping at Faramir
taking a bath in the steam room and describing his assests, naughty but
very funny.
-----------------------------------
Title: I can only manage One · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 766
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-05 20:30:38
A story that's as engaging as its young heroine. I like the concept that
Lothiriel is a sheltered innocent, and grows up as she faces the
challenges of war, peace and an arranged betrothal. It makes sense that
she has been insulated, as a Prince's only daughter and youngest child.
But the writer imbues Lothiriel with a sweet disposition, a lack of
arrogance, and a zest for life and new experience, that makes her ideal
for a warrior-King who wants a pretty little wife to care for but not a
scaredy-cat or a prude.
-----------------------------------
Title: Beneath the Hollow Hill · Author: Haleth · Races: Elves:
Feanorians · ID: 314
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-05 20:38:58
Interesting and encounter of Maglor and the Tuatha de Danaan. The writer
succeeds in evoking an atmosphere of beautiful, if fated, immortals; and
Maglor is written quite well.

Good use of color and description. I liked Nuada's final gift to Maglor,
that was an especially fine touch.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Tide · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 77
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-08-06 01:16:48
Oh, how deftly you tear out our hearts, with a mere hundred words! Ive
never known anyone who could select words as deadly and precise as
arrows, to convey your tale with such stark clarity.

Prince Imrahils controlled grief is perfectly depicted as his words,
Tolkiens words, belie his rage. Yet you have moved us far beyond what
we were given, to Imrahils frustration with his brother-in-law, his
long- simmering fury over the treatment of the less-favored son. Imrahil
is clearly near his own breaking point, but you have marvelously
conveyed how Denethors cold ivory mask reminds him of the utter need,
at this moment, for self-control, for Faramirs sake, and for Gondors.
-----------------------------------
Title: Make It One For Paladin · Author: Marta · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 48
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-08-06 01:19:23
First, a confession: even after Peter Jacksons films, I had a very
difficult time envisioning hobbits as quite real, having the same
hopes and fears or feelings of passion or anger or despair, as, say, the
Men of Gondor or Rohan. I kept thinking of them as cute and cuddly,
always happy, like Disney characters.

Your unique, powerful story made me look at hobbits in a whole new way.
What a startling twist, to take a very minor character from the scouring
of the shire, and use him to symbolize all the collaborators, or even
those who stood silent and did nothing, hoping the shadow would not fall
on their houses? Youve drawn Robins guilt and shame so well,
particularly in the vivid and somewhat shocking scene where he wraps the
rope around his neck to imagine what his kinsman felt, as he was about
to be hanged.

Id never really though about the bitterness and despair that must have
run rampant during those dark days; the last remnants of Saurons work
Thank you for reminding me that the hobbits are much more complex than
Id ever considered.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Little Thing · Author: Acacea · Times: Early Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 75
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-08-06 01:20:37
Ooh, well done! I love the idea that the danger of the ring is tangible
even to the wild creatures. They are familiar with other deadly things
in the water, and know, in their simple ways, how to avoid them, but the
insidious poison of the ring fills them with such terror that they avoid
that tiny cove no matter what.

(Oh, and the part about the river fern that does not age  oh, wow,
creepy. Cool.)
-----------------------------------
Title: Consolation · Author: EdorasLass · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 47
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-08-06 01:21:43
Im always awed by your Bitty 'Mir stories  you write those children
with such understanding and imagination, tenderness and skill, but above
all, with perfect honesty and reality; and no where else do you
demonstrate all these aspects as in Consolation. Boromirs devotion to
his younger brother, his determination to be a source of comfort to him
in spite of his own grief, is heartbreaking and wondrous to see. His
offering his own most precious possession displays a wealth of
compassion that gives us a glimpse into the man he will become: devoted
and protective of the weak and fragile, despite whatever fear and grief
he may be suffering himself.

But the tale is not at all maudlin: there is lovely humor here, as in
Faramir (at five years old) not-quite understanding the significance of
regional politics and diplomacy, and his own generous offer of his
Precious in exchange for Boromirs. Just a lovely, lovely sweet-and-sad
story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Such a Little Thing · Author: Ribby · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 206
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-08-06 01:22:36
Im so pleased that you shared this powerful backstory to Gondor Has No
King. The vision of Boromir killing Aragorn is so reminiscent of the
story of Cain and Abel, two brothers separated by greed and the cunning
spirit of evil. And the poor hobbits, terrified and trying to escape
back to the Shire! But Faramir, screaming his brothers name as the
flames consume him, is just harrowing, the stuff of nightmares. You are
an evil, evil woman. Keep it up!
-----------------------------------
Title: Birthday Kisses · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late Third
Age · ID: 59
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-08-06 01:23:40
(Ann is crying)

What a heartbreaking story! And Im not even a dog person. All the
standard angst-inducing elements are here, but the addition of a puppy
(and a particularly elegant one, at that) give this such an engaging,
original twist. How I love the name Mousie, and Faramir and Boromirs
delight when they discover the pups heritage, linking them once again
to their mother. Poor Denethor, unable to express his love for Faramir;
unable to open himself to the boys warmth and affection which is his by
right. So, so sad.
-----------------------------------

Title: Soldier's Luck · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 309
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-08-06 01:30:18
What a wonderful illustration of the difference between luck and
skill! It reminds me of the old adage: Good judgment comes from
experience, and experience comes from bad judgment. What his
superstitious troops choose to call luck is actually Faramirs
knowledge, skill, experience, and intuition all carefully woven into the
matrix of command. Just as you have woven so much that is
thought-provoking into only 100 words.
-----------------------------------
Title: Tolkien's Use of Expletives · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Non-Fiction · ID: 147
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-08-06 04:56:56
This is an interesting and well thought out essay.I hope those who read
it will take note as I hate reading fanfiction based on Lord of the
Rings using swear words as it is so false to Tolkien's vision. The
writer has compiled a list of what expressions are used and proved
without doubt that Tolkien's characters do not blaspheme or use foul
language.I turn to Tolkien's words with a sign of relief as one knows
they are free of obsenities.I only wish all fanfiction were the same.
-----------------------------------
Title: Reaping · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits: Post-Sauron's
Fall · ID: 169
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-08-06 05:05:10
This was a truly chilling and bloodcurdling story about the fate of Ted
Sandyman. It shows Frodo's character that he is the only one to treat
this villian with kindness.I heartily dislike the character in the book
but his fate here makes me pity him.
Fleeing from his own kind, Ted is found by some of the ruffians who
formerly terrorised the Shire before Frodo,Sam, Merry and Pippin
returned. These ruffians think it great fun to torture poor Ted until he
dies.
I cannot say I liked this story as such but is is compelling,well
written and deals well with the serious subject matter.

Ted's fate reminded me of what I have read about collaborrators in real
lufe wars.
-----------------------------------
Title: When The Days Are Warm · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: The
Steward's Family · ID: 145
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-08-06 05:59:08
This was just heartrending,the vision of the two young boys and the
mother who will never again see warm days.
I just love young Faramir's thoughtfulness in bringing the crocuses.

His poor mother is unlike the sturdy bulbs that can take root elsewhere
and doomed to wither and die so far from the sea she loves.

The writer captures the characters of young Boromir and Faramir perfectly.
-----------------------------------
Title: By The Light of Earendil's Star · Author: Branwyn · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 83
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-08-06 06:15:04
This is very exciting and beautifully written story.I kept wanting to
know what happened next ! I felt concerned for the brothers.Boromir is
just amazing,no wonder his men respect him !
Faramir,was badly hurt in this story and his fate had me on edge..I was
glad Boromir's cousin was still alive which made a pleasant surprise

Many chapters were moving and all,well written and enjoyable

I was relieved when Faramir was on the mend and Denethor seemed to care
though I disliked the way he treated the other men .
Atotally unique for your insight into Denethor's character.Very
refreshing and original !I like Hirluin very much,something I rarely say
about OCs !


it was so good to see them all recovering and contented.I also liked how
you brought the star into the last chapter.The puppies were ever so
cute. A well written and original story which I have enjoyed.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Standard-Bearer · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Men:
Vignette · ID: 716
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-06 07:50:30
I thought the story could have been just a little longer, but as it is,
it stands as a quietly effective portrait, through introspection, of
Aragorn's strong and capable kinsman who has answered the summons that
will kill him. Halbarad seems a quiet, salt-of-the-earth type of
Dunedain, a man who might want more, but is content with less because he
has had to be.

-----------------------------------
Title: A Battle Of A Different Kind · Author: Katzilla · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 279
Reviewer: Madeleine · 2006-08-06 12:22:06
To quote Mahatma Gandhi: There is as much bravery in keeping ones home
in good order and condition as there is in defending it against attack
from without. One is tempted to add Just less glory and public tribute.

Personally Ive never understood the appeal of a woman who resorts to
the rather primitive means of physical violence. I have no problem with
leaving that to the stronger sex. Probably because I dont consider
physical superiority  and its simply a fact that men are physically
stronger than women; just check the difference of the athletic
achievements of the two genders - necessarily as evidence of true strength.

And I think that is what Éomer is forced to prove to Éowyn in a way he
would have had preferred to avoid. He had to show her her place  as
she put it  because she overestimated her own abilities, her chances
against a foe who would not be considerate of her status as a woman or
the Kings niece like her sparring partners but who would have only one
goal, the goal to kill her. Theory and reality are two very different
sides of a coin.

Éowyn had to accept that she had to fight a battle of a different king,
a battle that demanded even more strength - true strength, the strength
of the mind and not the of body - from her than the battle of the warriors.

-----------------------------------
Title: But the Scent Still Lingers · Author: Imhiriel · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 947
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-08-06 15:26:02
What a lovely idea to portray the Aragorn's awakening of Faramir in
Houses of Healing from Ioreth's point of view. I would love to know if
he knew and remembered her from his past visits to Gondor?

How amazing that the athelas can transport the aged IOreth back to her
youful dance with Captain Thorongil!

I enjoyed this very much especially the idea that the ancient IOreth of
the books was once a lively young woman who loved dancing.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hidden on the Mountain · Author: Imhiriel · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 945
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-08-06 15:30:47
It is a delight to reread this little gem !This is just beautiful.I love
the story of the white tree I love your idea of the tree being
sentinent,something I hadn't thought of before.It is a delightful idea
to explore how the tree feels at being handled, first by Gandalf;lf and
then by Aragorn.A very original ficlet which I greatly enjoyed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of Falcons and Mûmakil · Author: Lialathuveril · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 97
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-06 21:05:02
A delightful Eomer/Lothiriel romance. There's a refreshing lightness to
it, without minimizing the occasional danger, perhaps due to the
heroine's youth and essential innocence. Though Lothiriel is an ingenue,
she is written with the strength necessary to the future Queen of the
Mark. The courtship is amusing, energetic, and at times rife with
danger. Good action scenes, such as Eomer/Faramir sparring fiercely and
the later kidnapping of Lothiriel and Eowyn. In fact, there are a lot of
good scenes, flowing smoothly together. (the chapter where Lothiriel's
six suitors are dealt with in various humorous ways is a favorite of mine)

I like the tension that begins the relationship of Lothiriel and Eomer,
it's well-handled and sustained, the courtship isn't easy and the
tension makes the eventual understanding and passion all the more fun to
read as they're developed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Discretion · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Humor · ID: 286
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-06 22:43:19
Vastly entertaining read, that much more poignant and layered because
the humour and silliness are contrasted by sad experiences and dark
history. Very good characterisations (I especially like your Celebrían)
and dialogues, well-handled relationships. The various "curses"
sprinkled cleverly throughout the narrative are hilarious as well as
highly inventive.
-----------------------------------
Title: Awaiting The Thaw · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Romance · ID: 953
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-06 22:44:06
A tale of healing and love; quiet, delicate, believable and resonating
(and funny, at times). Miriwen is a wonderful original character:
perceptive and caring, with a dry wit, knowing when to hold back and
when to give.
-----------------------------------
Title: Theme and Variations · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 784
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-06 22:45:23
Engaging style, excellent, flowing dialogue. The presentation of
relationships and interactions is superb. You show very well Faramir's
perceptiveness and fairness in judgement. I very much like that you also
show his lighter side and the instant connection between him and Aragorn.
-----------------------------------
Title: Bored · Author: Make It Stop · Genres: Humor: Gondor · ID: 779
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-06 22:45:48
Vivid narrative voice. Some devastatingly hilarious, biting lines. This
is my favourite: ["- Your scorn moves me to pity, thought Faramir. -
Your pity moves me to scorn, was the response."] The ignorance of the
others to the internal quarrel is particularly funny.

-----------------------------------
Title: Lesser Ring · Author: Larner · Genres: Adventure · ID: 184
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-06 22:48:03
Engaging tale, all in all (despite some awkward and/or incorrect
expressions): interesting story, good descriptions, skilfull build-up of
tension. The characterisations of canon characters is plausible; and the
original characters are richly detailed and realistic.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mine · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 66
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-06 22:48:55
Charming, funny and sweet. The children's behaviour and reactions are
presented utterly believable. There are many wonderful lines, but this
is may favourite: ["And be careful with his ears - he doesn't like it
when you get water in his ears."]
-----------------------------------
Title: Ignorance Is Bliss · Author: Eggo Waffles · Genres: Humor: Parody
· ID: 754
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-06 22:50:05
Hilarious parody of the films, fanon and slash
["reddish-goldish-brownish-blond"] - Bwaahaa! Love how they are able to
recognize the real scrolls ["It has lots of words. Lots. And they're all
spelled correctly."]. The fact that they are as yet ignorant of what
awaits them "in reality" gives the story unexpected depth.
-----------------------------------
Title: One Summer's Day · Author: Bodkin · Races: Men · ID: 765
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-07 03:12:19
A thoughtful, insightful vignette forging a warm relationship between
Theodred and his orphaned young cousins, the saddened Eomer and the
angry, out-of-control Eowyn.

Eowyn is particularly well written here; her anger and confusion are
palpable, as is her unanswered need for something to do to on her own
rather than needlework or resting.

The resolution is heart-warming, but flows very naturally from the
themes and ideas woven into the rest of the tale.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Price of Power · Author: Rabidsamfan · Times: The Great
Years: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 989
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:10:35
Rabidsamfan gives us a Saruman who is not completely given over to
darkness, but whose choice to destroy the copse within Isengard is the
undoing of a long relationship of cultivation and trust. He grew those
trees, taught them something of language, and now must ignore their
demand for justice and an answer in favor of giving the order that will
destroy them.

Chilling, and it does a lot to make movie!Saruman more complex than he
can appear at times.
-----------------------------------
Title: But the Scent Still Lingers · Author: Imhiriel · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 947
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:16:58
Thanks again for my birthday drabble, Imhiriel! I have a soft spot for
Ioreth, and Imhiriel feeds it. Ioreth remembering Captain Thorongil from
her youth, and the vividness of the rose-scent brought back to her by
the athelas is wonderfully nostalgic.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hidden on the Mountain · Author: Imhiriel · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 945
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:17:16
The White Tree gets a voice, remembering its removal to the
mountainside, and rejoicing in its rediscovery. A unique perspective.
-----------------------------------
Title: Healing the Healer · Author: SlightlyTookish · Times: The Great
Years: The Fellowship · ID: 935
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:17:30
The physician gets a dose of his own medicine - or rather, the hobbits'
medicine, which might well be worse!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Hours of Waiting · Author: Nesta · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor · ID: 909
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:18:07
As Nesta says, we all have our personal version of what happened during
this time frame with Faramir and Eowyn, but it is a joy to see these
[days of waiting] brought to life so beautifully.

Eowyn's anger and fear of intimacy as being too close to a cage are very
well captured (pardon the pun, as it were) in this vignette. Faramir's
intensity and his holding fast to the moments of joy and peace so that
they will have happened, whatever else may come, is very poignant, as is
the final accommodation of Dernhelm and the steward of Gondor.

Faramir and Eowyn fans should enjoy this one. Understated, yet moving
drama, played out between the lines that Tolkien gave us, but they feel
fresh. Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Tom Bombadil and the Four Travellers · Author: Dreamflower ·
Times: The Great Years: Poetry · ID: 887
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:18:32
This certainly has the feel of Bombadil about it. I cannot say it's
enjoyable (I was never that big a fan of Tom and his poetry) but that's
not to say it's not worth the read to see what Dreamflower does to
recast the original encounter in Tom-like verse.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Smallest Hands · Author: Dreamflower · Times: The Great
Years: Poetry · ID: 884
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:18:47
The moral of the story is given a song to go with it - nice rhythm!
-----------------------------------

Title: For the love of the Lord of the White Tree · Author: Tanaqui ·
Times: The Great Years: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 870
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:19:04
Legolas as an elf is able to hear so many voices that others cannot: the
trees, the land, and most especially, the sea. But it's the one voice
others can hear--Aragorn's--that holds him in Middle-earth after the
Ring is destroyed. Nicely done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Evenstar · Author: Mar'isu · Times: The Great Years · ID: 856
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:19:27
I like Arwen's sense of defiance in this story--she is offered a gentle
life in the Undying Lands where the light of evening will never fade and
seem all the brighter, yet she rejects it for the morning. It's not only
because of Aragorn, but the promise of a future, and of the healing of
the rift between Elves and Men, seen most starkly in her own family as
the difference that divided brothers. It can be so difficult to inject
Arwen with some passion other than a romantic one for Aragorn, and so it
is good to have fics like these. Well done, Mari'su!
-----------------------------------
Title: Along the Morgai · Author: Rabidsamfan · Times: The Great Years:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 849
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:19:39
Poignant and appropriate, that Frodo should find it hard to think that
no one will ever know (likely) the full tale of Sam's valor. Both the
early Sam, whom Frodo remembers slaying dragons with trowels and the
older Sam who faces down Shelob will be disconnected from each other,
permanently prevented from meeting in the minds of absent others. Only
he will be able to hold the whole of Sam's life in mind, and not for
very long probably. But it's still enough to get a smile from
Frodo--very hobbity indeed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Awake · Author: Rabidsamfan · Times: The Great Years:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 837
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:19:57
Rabidsamfan remains one of my favorite hobbit authors. She really does
get at the heart of the character and the situation, unfolding both for
the reader. Here she finds a gap in the movieverse reunion and fills it
beautifully.

Sam's sense of unreality, then of cautious wondering whether he might
not be alive after all, to his waking and finally grasping that he is
among his friends, that he is alive, and that most importantly, Frodo
is, too, is very well done.

I've always loved the scene where Sam enters, last of all the
Fellowship, and the voices just fade away as the two of them look at
each other and smile a little--no need for more. Rabidsamfan gives a
wonderful set-up for that moment.

Well done once again, RSF!
-----------------------------------
Title: Lord of the Rings Limericks, Chapters One and Two · Author:
Llinos · Times: The Great Years: Poetry · ID: 759
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:20:17
Llinos can write some pretty mean poetry--in the best sense of that
word, too. Her poems can bite and be funny at the same time. Limericks
are of course open to all sorts of mischievous poetic impulses, and
Llinos takes full advantage. Her Gimli verse had me chuckling softly.
-----------------------------------
Title: What Goes Around Comes Around · Author: Cathleen · Times: The
Great Years: The Fellowship · ID: 726
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:20:30
As the title says, the tellers of tales and mischief-makers get what's
coming to them. Especially among uninvolved bystanders, there's always
someone willing to egg somebody else on to tell the story--with an eager
audience, there are no friends too dear not to betray embarrassing
childhood anecdotes, as the entertainment of one night and a morning
prove. And it doesn't look like the nights to come will be any less
filled with lovingly recounted tales of humiliation, either. Fun!
-----------------------------------
Title: Memorabilia and Other Useful Things · Author: Illwynd · Times:
The Great Years: The Fellowship · ID: 714
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:20:49
I've never seen a story that made something out of this particular
moment and item, and I'm glad I've read this. We get a glimpse into
Pippin's personality as he lays out the treasures that he keeps close
(in addition to the spare pipe) for his friends. Memories of Bilbo, of
an old love (and possibly one still waiting for him), of a lesson
learned about the falsity of the adage that there's never too much of a
good thing, a keepsake of Lorien, and even of Boromir, which brings a
somber note to what had been a more light-hearted story. But it ends
well, and with a laugh that seems perfectly timed and suited to the
characters.

Those who enjoy Pippin and Fellowship fics should definitely read this
one--it's delightful.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Worst of All Evils · Author: Marta · Times: The Great Years:
Vignette · ID: 697
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:21:09
We've talked about this fic before, and I still think the elements don't
quite hold together, however, I like the idea of playing with that line
from ROTK, that upon learning his sister is alive, Eomer feels the cares
that come with having hope once more, and so agony is drawn out. If she
had been dead, at least he could've mourned and moved on, but now he's
back to waiting, uncertain, and suffering from sustained hope.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Shield-maid's Dance of Death · Author: Marta · Times: The
Great Years: Poetry · ID: 694
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:21:33
Eowyn's despair comes through plainly in this filk. I'm not familiar
with the original song, but the rhythm seems pretty steady. The last
stanza shows us an Eowyn who, like the Witch-king, has nothing left to
lose, and so can in some sense face him on equal footing.
-----------------------------------
Title: Elements · Author: Pearl Took · Times: The Great Years · ID: 667
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:21:47
The device of the elements, and the repetition of the first few lines
gives this story the feel of an incantation or a mantra, as Gandalf
reaquaints himself with the most basic of worldly things. His glimpse of
Valinor, his sense of being a foreigner there, of not belonging, are
answered by the Valar, who do nothing without purpose.

Indeed, as in the movie, Gandalf and Pippin sit waiting for the final
break through of the Enemy's soldiers, he will find a reason for his
straying where immortal Maiar do not belong.

Interesting story, and quite enjoyable.
-----------------------------------
Title: Holding the Line · Author: Marta · Times: The Great Years: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 581
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:21:59
Thank you for giving some substance to what has always been a gratuitous
special effect for me. I know, I know, it got the immortal line ["That
still only counts as *one*!"] and I'd hate to do without it, BUT
NEVERTHELESS...

This drabble can't quite remove the elven gymnastics, but at least it
gives the moment some gravity, as Legolas remembers the horror he felt
at learning some of the cruelties corrupted men are capable of,
remembers the corruption of elves into orcs, and turns to face the
oliphaunt if it's the last climb he ever makes.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Summons · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Times: The Great
Years: The Fellowship · ID: 254
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:22:18
Good to see Gandalf with a sense of humor, and the progression of the
relationship of Aragorn and Boromir is interesting. Boromir's fixation
on Thorongil and the summons of Elendil's heir to Minas Tirith collides
violently with Aragorn's sense of duty towards Frodo after Gandalf's
fall. Doesn't quite hang together for me, but some good character
moments nonetheless.
-----------------------------------
Title: Such an Hour · Author: SlightlyTookish · Times: The Great Years:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 237
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:23:11
An unusual perspective on the battle before the Black Gate. The
barrow-blade, once a dagger, now a sword, remembers its forging and the
long wait until it came into its present owner's small hands.

Later, when Pippin stabs the troll, the sword finds its ultimate purpose
once more in the slaughter of the Enemy's troll.
-----------------------------------
Title: Following Orders · Author: EdorasLass · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 54
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:25:25
One always wonders about the relationship between the guards who had
assisted Denethor on his final descent and Faramir, who was nearly the
innocent victim of their inability or unwillingness to refuse the
steward's orders. Excuses from the perpetrators and explanations of them
from others who had resisted (Pippin) cannot undo the betrayal Faramir
feels that people he had known and trusted all his life were prepared to
allow his father to kill him.

Rage, indeed--one wonders what would come of so dramatic and awful a
breach of all trust.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:25:39
It's difficult to write what might happen when Aragorn heals Faramir,
while Faramir lies trapped in his dreams under the Black Breath. In
dreams, anything can happen, so how to employ that strange psychic space
effectively?

Raksha opens with Faramir wandering in the wasteland of his dreams--the
valley of the shadow of death, as she uses the Psalm later, where
Aragorn must go to find him. We then move back to Aragorn's exhaustion
after the battle, to the news from Mithrandir, and the resolution to go
and attempt to heal the three heroes and heroine of Pelennor Field.

Faramir's seeking after his father, his need to find Denethor, and the
dangerous phantoms that are the legacy of a the Nazgûl's spell are well
drawn. And the journey back with Aragorn ends up giving Aragorn
something unexpected as well.

Nice job, Raksha.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Length of Haradric Silk · Author: annmarwalk · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor · ID: 69
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:25:52
Sam's fascination with a beautiful bolt of cloth, though he himself has
only the crudest and most class-conscious appreciation of fabrics and
clothing, ends with a sales pitch that is all too prophetic. No doubt,
Sam and Frodo will laugh over it once he returns to meet his bride-to-be.
-----------------------------------
Title: Black Hour · Author: Nesta · Times: The Great Years: Gondor · ID: 92
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:26:07
The time of waiting, between Faramir's healing and the coronation,
attracts ficwriters. What must he have been thinking? Feeling?

Nesta shows us a Faramir who is not entirely clear immediately that
Aragorn has made his case for claiming the throne, or that he should
acknowledge him. Imrahil and he exchange letters that could have
multiple meanings, and Faramir ponders--is his uncle subtley suggesting
Faramir must decide whether Aragorn is king, or is he aligning himself
with Aragorn as a partisan? Why doesn't Aragorn write himself?

The council is even less certain of Aragorn's claim, insisting that
Gondor under the Stewards is well enough, and that they will fight for
Faramir. The choice of Pelendur gains a new force and life in this fic,
as Faramir ponders his duty, his words of welcome when he had been so
sick that he cannot now remember how he first greeted Aragorn. It's a
convincing and plausible debate that slots neatly into the bookverse
while showing how things might have been much more dicey than one
imagines from the books.

Very nicely done, Nesta!
-----------------------------------
Title: Last Defence of the City · Author: Branwyn · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 96
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:26:23
Another short AU--this one of the Denethor Lives! Variety. And it might
have gone so--one wishes sometimes that it had.
-----------------------------------
Title: Wishing On The Stars · Author: Marigold · Times: The Great Years:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 116
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:26:48
Eglantine has only intuition and a pair of stars, but she faithfully
watches and listens to both as she waits for word of her son over the
long year of the Ring war.
-----------------------------------
Title: Iridescence · Author: Larner · Times: The Great Years: Vignette ·
ID: 121
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:27:05
Larner gives us peacocks in Middle-earth, and in Minas Tirith no less.
Lovely hobbity banter in the beginning, and tea with a noblewoman and
her children. Bergil gets a humorous mention. Very nice!
-----------------------------------
Title: Pity · Author: Elana · Times: The Great Years: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 152
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:27:21
Excellent insight into how the Ring might have made its final
appeal--Gollum and Smeagol loom large, as does Bilbo, and even Gandalf,
who together circumscribe the importance of pity and the desire for good
that is the last and greatest temptation to the truly great. I can well
believe this might be what undid Frodo in the end, as worn out and
exhausted as he was. Very well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Necessity and Desire · Author: Gwynnyd · Times: The Great Years ·
ID: 173
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:27:39
Sorry, Gwynnyd, but prepare to see what you've seen before in another
venue. [Necessity and Desire] makes a nice gapfiller, fleshing out
Aragorn's absence and also making something of the line that Elrohir and
Elladan had returned unlooked for with news he wished to hear. Drawing
into their journey the hunt for Frodo, the discovery of the passage of
wraiths downriver, and the discovery of Boromir on the final leg of his
journey, integrates a number of isolated events into a nicely coherent
whole. The humor, too, was well incorporated and appropriate throughout,
and I liked seeing Arwen in her role as canny hostess.

In terms of the theme, necessity and desire, I found it very appropriate
that the story makes that conjunction dangerous: it is, indeed, the
gateway of temptation, to present an action as necessary in such a way
that it seems to coincide with desire, and so get a readier hearing.
Aragorn's worry on that account is nicely handled, and a much more
sophisticated concern than I usually see in fanfic. Very well done on
that score.

A very enjoyable fic, those who like Fellowship stories or Aragorn, or
the twins definitely won't want to miss this one.
-----------------------------------
Title: An Exaltation of Larks · Author: Ibilover · Times: The Great
Years · ID: 178
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:27:57
Cute--really, this one comes down to the exchange between the hobbits
and the rest of the Fellowship at the end. Good comic timing.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ring Thoughts · Author: Nesta · Times: The Great Years · ID: 190
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:28:12
Oh brilliant! Giving the Ring a voice, a snarky, evil, running
commentary as it courts and woos its victims--perfect! Not a wobble in
style, and beautifully timed the whole way through.

I loved the fact that the Ring thinks of people in terms of 'flavors' or
texture--in terms of its ability to devour them, and so unique
resistances get boiled down (no pun intended) to the [aftertaste] of
Aragorn or [sour, wizardly overtones] or the gristly quality of a
Dwarf's mind. Supremely self-confident, appropriately beholden to an
underlying fear of the Fire and of [Them], the Ring spares nothing. It's
a little like Wormwood's letters to Screwtape.

Funny and yet too perfect in its insights into the minds of Boromir and
Faramir in terms of turning weaknesses on strengths, and then converting
strengths to weaknesses, [Ring Thoughts] is a wonderfully wicked tale.
Recommended reading for all fans.
-----------------------------------
Title: King's Man · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Times: The Great
Years: Vignette · ID: 197
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:28:29
The relationship of Halbarad and Aragorn has always been of interest to
me, and this fic speaks to that interest very well. Though short,
there's not a wasted word in it--Halbarad's loyalty is unswerving, and
the trust between the two men is clearly built on decades of friendship.
The little bit of banter, as Aragorn acknowledges (probably not for the
first time) his debt to Halbarad, for helping to transform an [elvish
princeling] into the Chieftain of the Dúnedain, is beautifully drawn.

It makes the foreseen end all the more heartbreaking.
-----------------------------------

Title: Drift · Author: Ribby · Times: The Great Years: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 203
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:28:43
Understated and tragic, this drabble gives us a look at the funeral boat
of Boromir, and how it came to Faramir's attention. The residents of
Gondor would have this boat, carrying so much that should not be upon
the river, given into hands that will know what to do with
it--Faramir's. But Boromir does belong to the river, as Faramir well knows.
-----------------------------------
Title: Gondor Needs No King · Author: Ribby · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 207
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:28:56
Every so often, I fantasize about writing an AU in which Boromir *does*
take the Ring (successfully, that is). This is about what I imagine
would happen (at first, at least). Which is good, since I can point to
Ribby's fic to get the plotbunny to back away--it's already written!

Nicely done! Puts the chills up the reader's back.
-----------------------------------
Title: Homecomings · Author: Marta · Times: The Great Years: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 225
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:29:22
These make a lovely set of drabbles. It's always fun to see our favorite
characters from other perspectives, and the paternal perspective gives a
sense of a long relationship, and of love that sees these men, dwarves,
elves, hobbits differently than do others.

I love Glóin's perspective, his being torn between Gimli's new friend
and the fact of Gimli's survival and the honor he has clearly brought
home with him--the last line is perfect. Ham's reunion is also
beautifully written, with another killer last line that sounds just like
the cantankerous old Gaffer. Elrond and Thranduil both take a very long
and so appropriately elven view as they welcome their sons, adoptive and
otherwise, home at last; while Pippin's and Merry's fathers both remark
the foreignness that hangs about their children, evidenced by clothes
and new height and possible injury. Bilbo seems sharp as ever in
greeting Frodo.

A wonderful collection, Marta--all Fellowship fans should enjoy these.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Remains of Power · Author: Pearl Took · Times: The Great
Years: Vignette · ID: 228
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:29:37
I haven't seen any stories about Saruman after he loses his authority to
Gandalf. Yet there is quite a lot to explore, as Saruman must attempt to
deceive the Nazgûl sent to take the hobbit he is supposedly keeping
imprisoned. Even then, he cannot be certain of his own life; the loss of
his powers leaves him vulnerable, weary, and burning with resentment and
a desire for revenge.

Well done, Pearl Took!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Recall · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Gondor · ID: 738
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-07 16:34:25
This was an interesting little story of political manuevering. It seemed
to call for knowledge of some of the author's previous work, yet not
enough to spoil the story for one unfamiliar. I very much like this Imrahil.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fire · Author: Aramel · Genres: Drama: Fixed-Length Ficlet Series
· ID: 172
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2006-08-07 16:37:28
Quite a thought-provoking drabble, Aramel! The idea that there was a
Ring of Earth--and how it came to be changed to a Ring of Fire--is an
intriguing idea. I also love the flashbacks to Celebrimbor's past.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fellowship of the Conkers · Author: Llinos · Genres: Humor · ID: 880
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-07 16:39:02
This is my favorite of this author's stories. I laughed myself sick the
first time I read it. I love the macho competitiveness between the three
cousins, Sam's smug self-assurance, and the total discomfiture of the
non-hobbit members of the Fellowship as they try and master this
esoteric game from the Shire. Most of all, I had to chuckle at poor
Boromir, who was utterly humiliated, and yet it seems had the last laugh
after all.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Parting Gift · Author: Imhiriel · Times: First Age and Prior:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 948
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2006-08-07 16:39:48
What a lovely, heartbreaking idea! I love the way that you've tied the
quote from RotK back to Elrond's past. Stories and drabbles like this
always make me wonder how Elrond and Elros thought of their foster
fathers over the years; I like to believe that they remembered them
kindly. Beautiful.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strange meeting · Author: Nesta · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's Fall
· ID: 93
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-07 16:47:44
I had skipped this story originally, since it relied upon another fic I
had not yet read. However, now that I've had the chance to read [Black
Hour], I am in a position to review this story.

I like my stewards political, sharp-witted, and with an edge to
them--not that compassion is out, but there aren't any saintly men in
Middle-earth. Nesta delivers a knock-out encounter between Faramir,
newly healed and capable of riding about to oversee the repairs of the
city, and Aragorn, ever the Ranger. This is a sharply written,
well-conceived meeting, and the attitude of the two men towards each
other is that wonderful combination of uncertainty, calculating
political interest, bemusement, and the desire for something more than
only politics between them.

Faramir has decided to admit Aragorn, but he doesn't expect his king to
show up on the road alone in Ranger guise just to talk to him. Aragorn,
for his part, is frank in admitting Gandalf's advice and role in
bringing him to this crossroads, but his interest is not reducible to a
utilitarian calculus of political power; nor, as it happens, is
Faramir's, though perhaps he had not realized it before then. Aragorn as
king can validate the horror of the retreat that weighs so heavily on
Faramir's mind as a failure; he can redeem the sacrifices of Faramir's
family with the acknowledgment that they had a role to play. And he can
recognize Faramir's service with a reward.

Faramir, for his part, can show himself worthy of the power and title
Aragorn is willing to grant him beyond the stewardship, by offering to
trade the title to Ithilien for the life of a single soldier otherwise
condemned. Aragorn's acceptance of this, but also his slightly pointed
remonstrance, asking what sort of monster Faramir took him for if he
couldn't see the justice of sparing Beregond, is also spot on.

It's a wonderful beginning to their relationship--it's not easy, yet
it's respectful, the encounter of two intelligent men, both of them
leaders who are nevertheless accustomed to lurking in the shadows to
accomplish their ends, and who are at their best when dealing with
people face to face, where they can trust their own judgment.

Excellent job, Nesta!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Tide · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 77
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:04:45
A very powerful image of Imrahil's devotion to his nephew, and his
efforts to keep his anger and contempt for Denethor in check. I think I
like this Imrahil very much indeed.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Fading of a Star · Author: Minuialeth · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 219
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:05:09
How very sad! Erestor's affection for Arwen is clear, and his grief
poignant.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ada Knows Best · Author: mistycracraft · Genres: Adventure · ID: 290
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:05:31
Interesting story of a young Estel getting himself into--and out
of--trouble. Very good depiction of his relationship to his foster brothers.
-----------------------------------
Title: Those Who Challenge the Dead · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 858
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:05:56
A very chilling pair of stories. I think Baldor's affected me most--what
a horrible fate!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Letter Home · Author: Frodo Baggins of Bag End (Febobe) ·
Times: The Great Years: Gondor · ID: 978
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:06:32
Sam tries to write a letter to his father about the Quest. It's nicely
done--a very good use of Sam's voice, but I wonder--in canon, the Gaffer
was illiterate, so I'm not sure of the purpose of Sam's letter.
-----------------------------------
Title: Desires Of The Hroa · Author: The Last Temptation of Homer ·
Genres: Drama: First Age Elves · ID: 623
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:07:36
A rather odd little ficlet, of a dead elf lusting after a maiden other
than his wife.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fair-weather Friends · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 126
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:08:04
Such a realistic scenario: for the first time, a newly-wed Estella
confronts one of her new husband's nightmares, and must decide how to
deal with it. I love how her moment of strength shines through.
-----------------------------------
Title: Music Lessons · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 55
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:08:27
This little fic of a first encounter between a young Faramir and
Mithrandir is just lovely. Gandalf is so patient and kind and indulgent
to a shy young boy, and Faramir's mixture of enthusiasm and politeness
is just perfect.
-----------------------------------
Title: Earth's Daughter · Author: Aramel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 170
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:08:50
A very lovely and plausible telling of the maiden's point of view, in
JRRT's poem "The Last Ship". I like it very much, as well as the idea of
a fic based on poetry.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Long Road Home · Author: AmandaK · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 743
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:10:24
A very interesting take on the "Boromir lives" type of AU. I like the
plausibility of his survival in this one, and the idea that Faramir kept
that survival a secret. I also like the way it all plays out in the end,
and the interaction of all the remaining Fellowship members. Nice tale!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Household Accounts · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 50
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:10:53
What a wonderful and unexpected idea for a story! Somehow, though it is
hard to imagine of the Shieldmaiden who slew the Witch-king, she did
become the chatelaine of Faramir's possessions. And yes, it would be a
sad and dreary thing to think of those mementoes of the past.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mathom · Author: Perelleth · Genres: Humor · ID: 192
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:12:42
A very cute, funny and absorbing little comedy of errors as certain
members of Elrond's household try very hard to keep certain other
members of the household from encountering thirteen dwarves, a Wizard
and a hobbit. I find all the interactions to be very plausible, in spite
of all the machinations. I really love the way both Bilbo and Gandalf
are portrayed.
-----------------------------------
Title: A thing unheard of · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Dwarves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 905
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-08 00:12:45
Excellent use of that exchange between Elrond and Gimli, back when the
Fellowship first set out. The one time when Gimli doubts whether he can
go on is on the threshold of the Door of the Dead, and though we know in
part it's his relationship to Legolas and a healthy bit of interspecies
rivalry that pushes him forward, memory of that oath must also have been
lurking.
-----------------------------------
Title: Changes and Constancy · Author: Lily · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 263
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:13:24
A very cute little vignette, in which Pippin teases Frodo about his
first grey hairs. I really liked this.
-----------------------------------
Title: For the Dwarves · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Dwarves: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 894
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-08 00:13:34
I know it's said that holidays are often hard, because bad news or
events seem to wait for them to arrive. It seems like that's a bit true
for Durin's Day the year the quest begins. Gimli's announcement, that he
wishes to go with the Company, comes as no surprise, and Glóin, to his
credit, doesn't prevent him from going, but the poor old Dwarf can't be
wholly happy with this.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Walk · Author: Kelllie · Genres: Drama: Featuring Frodo or
Sam · ID: 618
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:13:49
This fic is both clever and thought-provoking. Frodo is very much in
character in his musings here.
-----------------------------------

Title: A new tradition · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Dwarves: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 869
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-08 00:13:59
This is very sweet--Yule gets a Dwarven twist, and Gimli gets a bit of a
holiday headache for his newly created tradition. It's a different look
at Gimli, and I quite enjoyed it. I also liked seeing Legolas'
reaction--nice to know that 'Santa' will also be taken care of!
-----------------------------------
Title: [untitled] He: Gimli fic prompt #84 · Author: Thevina Finduilas ·
Races: Dwarves · ID: 718
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-08 00:14:29
Thevina gives us a dwarven romance, taking up the line that there are
few dwarf women and using it to good end. Gimli's relationship with
Vram, long-standing and intimate, poses a problem when it comes to the
quest. It's hardly satisfying to say farewell via a letter, even less so
when the stakes are so high. Lovely last line, Thev!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Tea Party · Author: AngieT · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 633
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:14:34
I love this sweet little story of an indignant Pippin and his
understanding mother, as well as Pippin's very special little guest.
It's just adorable.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Heads of One Thousand Goblins: A Love Story · Author:
SickleYield · Races: Dwarves · ID: 644
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-08 00:15:05
It's an untraditional courtship, but one I can see rather well. Poor
Gimli, and poor Wiri, both of them caught in the trammels of unrequited
love. I'm not sure that the switch at the end quite works--the pronouns
have been too consistent throughout, but nevertheless...

Gimli's isolation from other dwarves, as a result of his encounter with
Galadriel, is well portrayed, and one feels for him--well, one would if
there were any hint that he is in the least self-pitying. Desiring
recognition or not, he doesn't seem to be terribly bitter; rather he
simply seems resigned and a bit abstracted. Finding someone who can
share in his memories and value them for what they are seems to be enough.

Nicely done! I'd say this does help make up for the poor use of
movie!Gimli noted in the author's notes.
-----------------------------------
Title: Gandalf returned · Author: Rabidsamfan · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 990
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:15:20
A perfect explanation: why WAS Gandalf sent back to the top of
Caradhras, rather than directly to Lothlorien, which would have saved a
good deal of time? The author answers the question brilliantly and
plausibly.

I loved the description of Gandalf's re-imbodiment as well: I could
visualize it so easily!
-----------------------------------
Title: Too Few Words · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Dwarves · ID: 311
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-08 00:15:31
This is quite unique, and I very much enjoyed this look at the
understated courtship of Dwarves. Work forms the context, the
restoration of Gondor's gates, and the opening of Aglarond--Gimli's
animation is evident, while Zei remains a quiet presence. She has a
definite dignity, and there's no question she's attracted to Gimli, but
it is not quite enough, it seems--not when, perhaps, there's an elf in
the way, a friend who might come to dominate all other relationships.
The turn-down line is classic, and the sketch that ends up in Elessar's
private papers a poignant testimony to Zei's skill and love: that she
should draw Gimli with Legolas, the block to her own relationship,
speaks volumes of her character.
-----------------------------------
Title: Swan Dance · Author: Rhapsody · Times: First Age and Prior:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 797
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:15:51
Although I have read The Silmarillion a couple of times, I am not nearly
so familiar with its events as I am those of LotR. Nevertheless, I could
still understand and realize what the author described here.

The pride and haughtiness of the slayer, and his own regret at what he
felt compelled to do for his father's sake is very well depicted.
-----------------------------------
Title: Antiphon to Light · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Dwarves ·
ID: 155
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-08 00:16:00
Thevina continues her stellar exploration of Gimli's personality, in all
its dwarvishness, in this follow up to [The Stone's Lament.] Dwarves
seem to be a very private, secretive people in many ways, and Gimli's
need to withdraw a bit, to process things in his own mind after having
been utterly stunned by Galadriel's welcome of him and her hommage to
his people and their art, seems very much in character.

Yet he isn't gruff about it, or touchy, either--he is tolerant of
Pippin's curiosity, though he remains somewhat withdrawn, unable to
speak of his experience in a way Pippin would understand. But it doesn't
obsess either of them, and Thevina uses this interlude to draw out a
little more how Dwarves might be perceived versus Gimli's own sense of
himself and his people.

The final move puts us in a vein of thought Thevina has mined before,
but seems to be getting more and more deft in handling: the relationship
between Gimli and Legolas. This marks, to me anyway, a major advance
over earlier efforts--there's a new quiet and spareness to their
interaction, that nevertheless conveys so much without need of extensive
dialogue. You can feel these two have reached an understanding--basic,
perhaps, and they don't know each other so well that Gimli can be
confident Legolas would not take Galadriel's gift in the event of
Gimli's death, but there's a trust and respect there that doesn't need
words.

Any Legolas-Gimli fans should read this for the final segment alone, and
anyone with any interest whatsoever in Gimli or Galadriel ought to enjoy
this.
-----------------------------------
Title: Midwinter Rites · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 868
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-08 00:16:12
It's so interesting, the different customs that have been devised for
each land that Aragorn has dwelt in--each different, yet plausible for
Middle-earth, and not just an imitation of modern customs.

And of course, the last was best.
-----------------------------------
Title: Aglarond · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Dwarves: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 68
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-08 00:16:26
Nice incorporation of book quotes - the [small chip of rock and no more,
in a whole anxious day] and that Gimli [tends these glades of flowering
stone] recalls his conversation with Legolas very well. I like the
comparison of the stonewright with the poet, and the idea that the
hammer is Gimli's stylus, all of Aglarond but his way of writing a
single them: Galadriel.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Stone's Lament · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Dwarves ·
ID: 53
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-08 00:16:52
Thevina deftly captures the essence of dwarvish sentiment in this
vignette, giving Gimli a voice worthy of him. His excitement as he
approaches the ancient dwellings of the Dwarves, his slips into his
native tongue and melody, heighten the sense of anticipation.

All the more shocking, then, is Legolas' intrusion into Gimli's
homecoming with his observation of the speech of the stones--a speech
that Gimli feels he ought to hear before any elf. There's loss on more
than one level in this story, and perhaps a hint of some ground for
future relations between him and Legolas. Well done, Thevina!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Groomsman · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Dwarves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 44
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-08 00:17:18
Ok, nice play on the *groom* in groomsman--it had all the hallmarks of
an entirely other fanfic convention, so I wasn't expecting this, so it
made for a twist at the end. Very clever!
-----------------------------------
Title: Hewing Naught But Wood · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 825
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-08 06:39:36
Clever, unusual exploration of Dwarven wordplay and martial skill.
Gimli's pride as a craftsman is visible even in battle.

It was amusing to see a discussion of battle that drove Eomer to want to
be somewhere else.


-----------------------------------
Title: Cacophony · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Humor: Parody · ID: 929
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-08 06:43:10


An amusing account of the Valar's cacophonous musical forays.

I don't blame Eru for threatening Namo's maia pop band with an asteroid
if they didn't expand their repertoire - how many repitions of 'Yummy,
yummy, yummy I've got love in my tummy' could the supreme being stand,
anyway?!
-----------------------------------
Title: Nothing but Dreams · Author: Unsung Heroine · Genres: Drama:
First Age Elves · ID: 659
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-08 06:59:49
Haunting tale of Caranthir at the end of both his wits and his hope. I
am not sure whether Haleth is supposed to really be there, or a produce
of Caranthir's somewhat stressed mind, but it doesn't seem to matter.

Good job getting inside Caranthir's head.
-----------------------------------
Title: Elven Braids · Author: viggomaniac · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 808
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-08 07:04:36
Harrowing vignette with Aragorn being manhandled (and facing far worse)
by the orcs who have suddenly captured him.

I would really like to see this story expanded; but it's taut enough and
tight enough to work as a brief one-shot.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Hobbit and the Man: "All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter" ·
Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 351
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-08 07:18:12
A quietly fitting first meeting of Aragorn and Bilbo. It makes a lot of
sense that they would meet and bond over pipeweed!

Aragorn is well-written here, but Bilbo's characterisation is superb -
very hobbitish and yet distinct for his love of things beyond hobbit
ken, and his curiosity.

The last lines are wonderful.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Gardener's Wife · Author: Vistula the Dunadan · Races:
Hobbits · ID: 720
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-08 07:20:12
Well-crafted story of what could have happened to Sam's mother. The
writer captures the characters of Sam and the Gaffer quite credibly and
well. The speech patterns of the son and father seem not just hobbitish,
but quite right for those two characters.

The ending is quite lovely, with a bittersweet quality that ties the
strange threads of this story together, not so much neatly as the way,
one feels, they were meant to be.
-----------------------------------
Title: Bedtime Story · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor:
Children · ID: 355
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-08 15:43:37
This is such a delightful little story. Eldarion playing Sam at the
Prancing Pony is just too cute. So much for bedtime stories to calm down
the child. I loved the last line by Legolas ["Dont worryIll let him
practice on me first.] Now I wonder what he will let him practice...
Aragorn should be concerned ;-)
-----------------------------------
Title: The One · Author: Linda Hoyland/Raksha the Demon CoAuthors ·
Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn · ID: 852
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-08 15:48:19
Interesting idea. Faramir showing up in a vision of Aragorn. But that
would explain why Aragorn instantly trusted this stranger. That Faramir
is Denethor's son and Boromir's brother is not really a great
recommendation after Aragorn's experiences with Denethor.

I like the way how Aragorn with every new member of the stewards family
searches for the man of his vision. And every time he is disappointed
until the end.
-----------------------------------
Title: Good Neighbors · Author: daw the minstrel · Genres: Adventure ·
ID: 818
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-08 15:49:37
This is a delightful story about the elves of Mirkwood and their
interactions with the men around them. Although the story has only a few
canonical characters, the richly drawn, original characters paint a
vivid tapestry of what life in King Thranduil's kingdom is. There are
several interwoven storylines, starting with young Legolas who rescues a
mannish child out of the woods and tries to hide it with the help of his
friends,King Thranduil dealing with a greedy human merchant who attacks
the elves to get a better price for his wares, to an orc raid on a camp
of humans. Elrond's twin sons make an appearance and help Thranduil's
son Eilan (one of my favorite original characters in Daw's stories) see
how dangerous grief and self-centeredness can be for the people around.
All the story lines come together in the end and now we know why the
enchanted river is enchanted ;-) I like how the seemingly unrelated
story lines come together naturally without the reader feeling that the
connection is forced.
-----------------------------------
Title: Heirlooms · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Remembering · ID: 72
Reviewer: Madeleine · 2006-08-08 20:07:41
No doubt, these heirlooms are of a rather different kind. A lovely idea.
Im just surprised those toy horses survived nearly unscathed the
devotion and love of several children.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-08-08 22:58:29
Tolkien says that Aragorn had to "walk afar in some dark vale" to
retrieve Faramir to the world of the living; this story explores that
journey. I like how Raksha describes the dark vale as a place that is
supernatural but is also influenced by Faramir's sensations in the real
world--the thirst from his fever, the heat and smell of fires. Very nice
that it isn't the physical hardship that disturbs him; from years of
travelling in the wild, he knows how much and how long he can endure
that. He is most frightened because he cannot see the stars, Tolkien's
symbol of hope.
The disembodied voices are fittingly eerie--

["Go back, West-Man," said a thin sharp voice. "This is not your road.
The Son of Gondor is ours."]

Sad but true that the appearance of Denethor would be the one thing that
could break Faramir's spirit. Even in this other world, Aragorn and
Faramir at once recognize each other's worth. The details about their
dress are so telling--Faramir is dressed as a simple ranger, which is
how he views himself, and Aragorn is wearing the Elendilmir because he
must bring the healing powers of the king into this place. Faramir shows
a characteristic combination of resilience and humility; I loved him
asking, as he is about to keel over, if there is anything he can do to
help Aragorn!

Though I do not think that Aragorn was reluctant to become king, it does
seem reasonable that he would have doubts about his own abilities. He
says in "The Two Towers," after the breaking of the Fellowship, ["All
that I have done today has gone amiss."] The burden of leadership fell
to him after Gandalf's death, and he feels he has failed the test.
Before he can claim the kingship, he must resolve his own lingering
doubts about his fitness to be king (though when the Dead answer his
summons, that is one validation of his claim), and this story provides
an interesting exploration of that process. I especially like when
Aragorn takes Faramir's hand between his two hands ["in token of the
vows of fealty we would exchange one day."] A few of Faramir's men
watching from the hallway, showing how loyal they are to their beloved
captain, and Beregond hugging Bergil and crying---awww!

In this tale, Aragorn says, ["It was well that I had begun my kingship
with the saving of so worthy a Steward."] How true that is! And thanks
so much for sharing this wonderful tale with us.

-----------------------------------
Title: The Princess and the Horse Lord · Author: Oshun · Genres:
Romance: Incomplete · ID: 425
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-08 23:36:18
This story has a lot of potential, and I particularly liked the
characterization of Lothiriel and Eomer. Those conceptions seemed very
true to how someone might have developed if they went through in their
formative years what those two went through. The sense of destiny and a
most hasty desire to rebuild Arda in the new age were palpable and very
well told. I also liked how the three main characters (Lothiriel, Eomer,
Imrahil) all had faults and strengths. Just when I though the tale was
venturing dangerously close to Sue-land, you ssurprised me and managed
to center it again.

I did feel like the story was too personal and not political enough
especially in chapters 8-10. The marriage of the Rohirric king and the
most important born Gondorian lady would not have been a personal
choice, and I wish that Aragorn had expressed more of a political
opinion here - especially after Aragorn has just been taken off the
marriage market in Imrahil's eyes at least, those political
considerations would be even more important. However, over all I liked
the piece and will look forward to reading more when it is finished.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lord of Werewolves · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 255
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-08-08 23:53:59
Being an evil overlord isn't all it's cracked up to be, as Morgoth finds
out in this hilarious ficlet by Raksha the Demon. The lord of the
werewolves discovers to his chagrin that even giant, red-eyed, snarling
hellhounds start out as playful puppies. I laughed out loud at the image
of the poor werewolf chewing on Morgoth's boots.

[He also had one of my boots in his mouth, and a happy look in his
yellow eyes.]

Even worse, trusted lieutenant Sauron can't seem to follow the simplest
instructions and teaches young "Wolfie" to roll over instead ot to rend
and kill. As Morgoth says,
[Good help is truly hard to find.]
Some rather pointed obedience training follows for his errant evil
minion. Raksha doesn't write humor very often, but when she does, the
results are very funny.
-----------------------------------

Title: Dragons and Sailboats · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama:
Remembering · ID: 74
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-09 01:32:13
What I really like most about this piece is the distanced tone you
manage to give both Faramir and Aragorn, yet you don't make the piece
itself dull. They aren't falling all over each other and more
touchy-feely than you would think men and especially rulers would be.
They offer an interesting glimpse into both men's characters. Well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strength of a River · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 513
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-08-09 01:46:54
This lovely story is written as a series of short scenes where Faramir
contemplates the nature of inner strength. Finduilas tells her sons that
a river is patient yet unyielding and ["...there will come a time when
the hardest stone will give way to its tirelessness. There is more to
strength than size and hardiness."] The dialogue between Faramir and his
brother and mother is written with a deft touch, as are Faramir's
childish impressions of the conversation.

I love the "fish story" about the giant, black fish that swam from
Mirkwood to the Anduin. One of the rangers tells an incredulous
audience, ["They have strange beasts there. Big, black squirrels and
big, black fish.'] I also love how the author works in Faramir's
prohobition against bloodsports, an edict which the men uphold because
of their respect for their Captain if not because they agree in
principle. Yet Faramir wisely recognizes that progress is being made, if
slowly.

Faramir's remark that he will follow the path before him until it
changes sounds very Zen-like to me. That strategy of yielding before and
redirecting the strength of others is so very characteristic of him and
it is perfecty suited to his partisan fight in Ithilien.

This is a story which is not only a lyrical joy to read but also leaves
the reader with a great deal to think about.
-----------------------------------
Title: Boromir's Journey Home Amon Hen to Minas Tirith · Author:
majorbee · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 690
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-09 03:08:22
An energetic and ambitious movie-verse AU where Boromir survives Amon
Hen and returns to Gondor with Faramir. There's an interesting sub-plot
with Sauron's agents committing nefarious acts with the Palantir; and
it's not Faramir who ends up sharing a Pyre with Denethor.

Entertaining, especially for those who loved the movie and Sean Bean's
incarnation of Boromir.
-----------------------------------
Title: On Being the Youngest · Author: Bodkin · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 45
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-09 03:31:24
Oh, this was just delightful. Not just any first meeting of Fellowship
members in Rivendell - there are quite a few of those stories floating
around, not to discount the sub-genre - but this really takes into
account a similarity between two of the most dissimilar members. The
whole thing reminds me of the Star trek episode where the ship escapes a
trap by cutting off all but the absolute essential power. Just like that
episode, this story shows that there are two ways to victory:
overwhelming through strength and underwhelming by evading the enemy's
attention. Hobbits seem to take the second path, and so it's perfect of
Pippin to be the one to remind Legolas of this value. Well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Pink Oliphaunts · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's
Fall · ID: 49
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-09 12:38:17
It's vaguely unsettling to see a child transform the carnage of Pelennor
into ["happy pink oliphaunt"]s, but I can see Elboron's thoughts here.
And I think that unsettledness works well to add to how I see this
piece. We shouldn't want to forget. Very cute little piece.
-----------------------------------
Title: Water and Stone · Author: Erynhith · Races: Elves · ID: 673
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-08-09 14:33:19
This tale set against the backdrop of the defense by the Galadhrim of
their enclave against the return of the Shadow to Dol Guldur contains
all of the fundamentals of great story telling. Its excellent character
development, compelling plot and expansion of key elements of canon all
come together to create a unforgettable and unique environment. Great
read! It is an engaging gap-filler, non-canonical to good purpose, with
outstanding original characters who get into the readers head and
heart. It includes numerous well-known and well-loved canon characters
and interprets them strongly and accurately. Its well-handled romance,
eroticism and psychological tension that are both internally consistent
and unique to the authors interpretation of elves. It makes you sad,
makes you happy, and keeps you reading with its balance of romance,
drama and adventure. The author draws upon a solid grounding in the
legends, myth and history of Middle Earth to keep the reader firmly in
the grip of this somewhat extended (but always firmly based on the
original) magical realm--I hate to use the expression "alternate
universe" here (although technically it is) because one never forgets
the original source and each departure is carefully chosen and
consistently followed through and always leads the reader back into
Tolkien's universe. No stereotyped, over-simplified elves here but
individuals that one cares deeply about and roots forthe
characterization here makes the reader care about these people and want
to know what happens next.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mellyn · Author: Pentangle · Genres: Drama · ID: 322
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-09 14:40:04
The first encounter between a young Estel and Legolas. Neither is what
the other expected. Legolas is a disappointment as far as princes go,
and Estel seems to be a manipulative little brat. After a series of
misunderstandings, the two find themselves in a dangerous situation
where they get a chance to get to know each other better. But it takes
more until these two get to be friends. Legolas tries for the longest
time to resist little Estel's charm, but in the end he finds his match
in stubbornness. The misunderstandings between Legolas and Estel are
hilarious. They mostly stem from their preconceived notions what the
other should be. But even as young as he is, Estel shows already the
characteristics he shows later as a grown man.
-----------------------------------
Title: Appearances Can Be Deceiving · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 760
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-09 15:27:55
This was a really fun read. It's not the high adventure that we see in a
lot of these stories, but rather just a normal every-day romp. I also
liked the details you gave us, and the origins of Bilbo's poem.
-----------------------------------
Title: Rejection · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 903
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-09 16:25:05
A quite intriguing look at Aragorn as we never see him, down-and-out and
unsuccessful, in a place where his looks, usually respected in a West
that respects the Numenorean phenotype, put him at a disadvantage.

I wish this drabble could be expanded into a longer piece; though it is
good on its own.

Good bits of description evoking the physical differences between this
town and the Northern lands Aragorn usually frequents. Perhaps this time
he ranged too far from his more usual habitats.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Woodland Prince · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Drama: Fixed-Length
Ficlet Series · ID: 303
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-09 17:01:02
A carefully thought out and well-written series of drabbles that tell
the complete story of Legolas' life.
-----------------------------------
Title: For the love of the Lord of the White Tree · Author: Tanaqui ·
Times: The Great Years: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 870
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-09 17:02:37
This is just short of poetry. An eloquent portrayal of Legolas's bond
with nature, and with his friend the king.
-----------------------------------
Title: Castle · Author: Timmy2222 · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 256
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-09 18:14:55
This is my favorite Aragorn story of the angst genre. The villains are
real characters and fit into the author's concept of Gondorian politics
very well. The unlikely hero, Vlohiri, is a great character! I cheered
for him all the way, and absolutely adored the interactions between him
and Aragorn (the poacher).

I didn't like the helplessness you put Aragorn in sometimes--it was just
too much, and frankly I think the villains would have considered him too
valuable to be banned to the mines, muzzled, et al. But you allowed him
to have enough true moments of heroism that I didn't mind too much. The
ultimate scene in the mines is one great read!

I wasn't as interested in the Faramir-Eomer side of the story, but you
built up a lot of suspense over what they knew and didn't know, and the
craftiness of the villains in hiding it all.

The doctor is a fantastic touch. And truly I was just horrified--like in
the most spellbinding thriller--at the condition of the captured king by
that point. Cheers for Vlohiri on the roof!
-----------------------------------
Title: Half a Sticky Mile · Author: SlightlyTookish · Genres: Adventure
· ID: 940
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-09 18:21:39
Creepy. You did a great job of characterizing the quiet courage of the
hobbits, and the pacing was solid throughout.
-----------------------------------
Title: Imrahil's Daughter · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 183
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-09 20:09:39
What a fun little tale! Eomer's and Lothiriel's anger toward each other
is palpable, and I think that only proves that their relationship is
very hot (in more way than one!). When Eomer realized that Lothiriel
might have been trying to trap him in marriage by coming to his
chambers, I was sitting on the edge of my seat and clearly could
identify with both characters. But Lothiriel's dread and even cold
terror of her father finding out she had been anything but proper was
even more well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: When Winter Fell · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits: Incomplete
· ID: 111
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-08-09 20:56:33
What a delightful story. I love the timeframe, young Bilbo and all. The
format of alternating journals entries is great fun and a wondful way to
see into the youth of those we've only known as oldsters. Great job!
-----------------------------------
Title: Voices on the Wind · Author: Phyncke · Times: First Age and Prior
· ID: 112
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-08-09 21:04:27
This is one of the most tragic passages in the Silmarillion and I feel
that in many ways it encaspulates the overview of the entire saga. Your
short story is an emotional and moving close-up of this difficult loss.
I especially like how you handled his ending, his thoughts and views and
Thorondor and Turgon.
-----------------------------------
Title: An Elf · Author: laiquendi · Races: Elves: Poetry · ID: 725
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-08-09 21:10:50
I especially like the way this work is structured - simple, yet complex,
like the Elf-himself - so that the poem itself reflects the subject.
Each simple, straightforward part combines to present a delightfully
complex whole.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Smallest Hands · Author: Dreamflower · Times: The Great
Years: Poetry · ID: 884
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-08-09 21:12:40
Dreamflower, this is nothing short of amazing, I was goosebumped and
teary-eyed before I got halfway through.

In my mind, it touches the heart of what Tolkien wrote - of all the
grand and epic deeds, but also of the Shirefolk, the simple folk who
don't seek glory yet come forward and do well when the need arises.

Very well done. Thank you.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fire and Flowering · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Incomplete · ID: 58
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-09 21:38:26
Raksha, this series contains some of your best writing. The elegant
language tops off the emotion and eroticism. The voice is very Faramir,
and his love for his lady shines through. You succeed at blending a
vivid physical presence with feeling and atmosphere. I enjoyed the
appearance of the children at the end.
-----------------------------------
Title: ... and hear the song of salt and sea · Author: Cuthalion ·
Genres: Drama: The Steward's Family · ID: 98
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-09 21:40:53
A very melancholy and tragic take on Finduilas's end. Some might
consider it noncanonical, but I believe it is entirely legitimate for
the writer to read between the lines into what Tolkien did NOT say. It
is hard to carry off a piece that is so grim and sad, but you do a good job.
-----------------------------------
Title: Love Me Now, Forever · Author: iorhael · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Frodo or Sam · ID: 419
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-08-09 21:52:56
What an absolutely delightful surprise. I especially love unique and/or
unusual points of view and this takes the cake in the best possible way
- especially that it is so well done. The thoughts and emotions are
wonderfully in character, in the way that Bag End is concerned for it's
appearance and what Frodo thinks about it. The despair over Frodo's
eventual departure is heartbreaking.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Taste of Diplomacy · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 939
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-09 23:05:27
Denethor and Dwarves are quite possibly my favourite elements of
Middle-earth, and believe me, I've thought about trying to work them
into the same story. So I know how hard it is to come up with an idea
that incorporates both. I had assumed it was impossible. But here you
give us a young Denethor encountering his first dwarf. The world is
fully informed by canonical events as divergent as the marriage of
Thengel to Morwen and the re-claiming of the Lonely MOuntain to give us
a Gondor that seems perfectly situated in Tolkien's world. Even more
importantly, your Denethor is exactly as I would envision him at this
point in his life. He is serious and skeptical and responsible but still
with that spark of childlike curiosity. Your portrayal offers a fitting
answer to the question of how Boromir and Faramir could be the men they
are if Denethor was such a miserable excuse for a man, as we see in
fanfic. Yours is brilliant, human without being too soft.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ddraigspelt  An Orc Love Poem · Author: Llinos · Genres:
Romance: Poetry · ID: 879
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-08-09 23:06:00
This poem made me stop in my tracks--the concept of an orc love poem is
so startling, and the writer does not disappoint in the execution.
Though this may be more of a lust poem than a love poem, for Nagash's
passion is more carnal than courtly (as befits an orc). His attraction
to, courtship of and mating with a female orc (the poetically-named
"Dragon's skin") makes for a fascinating piece of writing. Well done and
highly original!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-08-10 00:13:49
The prologue to this story, Faramirs point of view, is startling in its
beauty. For all of those readers out that like myself who are always
mining for good Faramir this is a mother lode. What I find most moving
in the early parts of the story are the ways in which you describe
longing for old friends and loved ones: Arwen, his mother, Ecthelion,
Boromir, Halbarad, Elrond, etc. This human dimension is one of the main
reasons that I read Tolkien fanfictionthe plot, the magic, the stories,
are all there in the canon sourceswhat I miss is the development of
character and warmth. You satisfy this with the musings of your Aragorn
in the story and his reflection on others. For example, your understated
reference to Boromirs feelings for Faramir is perfect.

I really buy your description of Aragorn entering into Faramirs
headhey, my Middle Earth comes with magicI am glad yours has it too.
My pet peeve of a lot of this years crop of fanfics is the abandonment
of magic and fall into some sort of semi-historical fiction based in a
vaguely familiar medieval setting. I love the use of the Elessar to give
him power and hope. Another stunning image is Aragorn figuratively
drawing Andúril to help him face the dark spirits that have a hold on
Faramir. Faramir singing the songs of Elbereth and Eärendil is perfect
too. (Where was your head when you wrote this piece? I want to go there!)

Anyway, I loved your Aragorns reaction to Faramir as the model of the
virtues of Westernesse in the South. You really captured them both so
well and the whole Denethor characterization and the dénouement was
great. Congrats! Awesome storyone of your very best.


-----------------------------------
Title: The Summons · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Times: The Great
Years: The Fellowship · ID: 254
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-08-10 00:48:08
It is easy for me to forget sometimes the age difference between Boromir
and Aragorn. You deftly highlight it in this story and weave in the
history of Aragorn in Gondor seamlessly. Your characterizations of both
of the men are on point. I love what a jock Boromir is in the beginning
sequencehis fascination with the sword moves and all of that, but also
that his admiration of Thorongil has a much deeper basis and is rooted
in Boromir true obsessionthe defense of Gondor against the enemy. After
just a few paragraphs the reader is overcome with affection for both of
these men. Gandalf is great as well, observing amused, but always wise.
Also, I like the fact that they are speaking Sindarin. (Thats my own
little hobby horse, of course. But I would expect that they would fall
naturally into it. I am glad to see reinforcement of canon on this
point, right down to pointing out that Frodo would have understood the
conversation if he had been listening! Attention to those little canon
points go so far to lift a story from good to excellentIm always
pleased to find this in your work.)

The poignancy of the story overall is reinforced by the early use of
humor and then the subtle move onto much more serious ground, to grief
and regret. From laughter to tears in one short story--a lot like real
life, wouldn't you say? Great work.

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

Title: Alas, for the dying of the trees · Author: Gandalfs apprentice ·
Races: Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 788
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-08-10 01:07:41
Nobody hates to think about aging more than I do. Having said that, I
have to admit that this short piece relentlessly drew me into
consideration of the dreaded topic. (Perhaps I could handle it a little
better if I had Legolas around to sing me pretty songs about it. Nah. I
doubt it. I think I would be just as grumpy as Gimli.)

Love the language referenceI can relate to Gimlis sentiments on that
one as well. Some of the things I hear from the younger crowd around my
own house sure make me wish that I had never learned Spanish! Anyway, to
get back on point, I love both your characterization of Legolas and
Gimli in this story. I love the incandescent images. It is a perfect
little piece. Short is so hard to do well. I am so happy to hear that
you will be writing more on those two--Middle Earths quintessential odd
couple. I certainly intend to follow all of your upcoming Legolas and
Gimli stories.

-----------------------------------
Title: Fairy Tales of Middle-Earth · Author: DrummerWench · Genres:
Drama · ID: 261
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-10 02:42:41
These are all fantastic. They really seem to create a culture in
Middle-earth bybuilding canonical hints into full-grown folk stories.
It's a really interesting way of gap-filling.
-----------------------------------
Title: Gondor Needs No King · Author: Ribby · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 207
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-10 02:45:16
*meep* There's lots of dark little hints here, but especially the line
about ["such a pity"] that they weren't abloe to pull Faramir away in
time. It's that understatement that really got me about this drabble.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inspirare · Author: Ariel · Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 622
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-08-10 02:51:33
Ariel, this is absolutely exquisite. The subtly and nuances are
wonderfully done, the slow twist of the tone is especially well done
with the weaving of the threads from the smells, the baby, Frodo's
illness and coming back to the child. I started out, nodding and
smiling, I had the same problem with smells with both my pregnancies,
and ended up with goosebumps and tears in my eyes.

I always enjoy your work, but you've out-done yourself with this one.
-----------------------------------
Title: Swan Dance · Author: Rhapsody · Times: First Age and Prior:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 797
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-10 02:55:02
The use of the song metaphor to describe the kinslaying here was eerie.
It reminded me of the disharmony of Melkor's strain in the Great Music.
-----------------------------------
Title: 17 Cunning Corsairs · Author: stefaniab · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 244
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-10 03:09:03
Hee! All hail Lothiriel, long lost Corsair Queen. Methinks there's a
hint of Pippi Longstocking in this rendition of her. And that's all for
the good - it would take someone with that adventurous spirit to be the
queen of her own roving band of horse-lords someday. This was really
cute and fun, all the way through to the end.
-----------------------------------
Title: When The Days Are Warm · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: The
Steward's Family · ID: 145
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-10 04:05:44
A vignette of Finduilas and her two children that is sweet, cute, and
very sad. It's sad because the reader and, it seems to me, Finduilas,
know what the children do not; that she does not have longer than a year
or two to live. Boromir suspects that something is terribly wrong, and
the writer deftly captures his angry determination to make his mother
fight, to relish life, if only through leaving the stale-smelling room
and coming out into the garden. Faramir is too young to understand; a
happy little boy equally determined to share simple pleasures with the
mother he doesn't realize is ill.

The dialogue flows very naturally. Though it's hard to write children
realistically, the writer pulls it off nicely. Little Faramir's joyful,
chirping delivery of the flowers he pulled from the garden is
particularly affecting; and Boromir's mental commentary about his
brother's penchant for "great truths" is particularly funny in a wry and
understated way.

Good use of descriptive details, such as Faramir's holding [a muddy
fistful of] flowers, and the specific lavender scent of the room, help
create a very real sense of place and time.
-----------------------------------
Title: An Army of Tooks · Author: Mariole · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 831
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-10 08:27:02
This is a rousing story of Pippin's return to his home and rousing the
Tooks to fight for the Shire. It's a milestone in Pippin's development,
as the pampered baby of the Took household returns home as a tall and
brave knight and takes up his duties as the Tooks' heir and defender.

Good characterisations of Pippin's parents, too.
-----------------------------------
Title: Summoned · Author: Agape4Gondor · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 840
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-10 08:33:00
An interesting fixed-length vignette exploring Faramir's differing
feelings for Minas Tirith and Ithilien between Sauron's downfall and
Aragorn's coronation. The ending is a bit unexpected, but most of the
piece flows well and it all holds the reader's interest quite well.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Lost Hunter · Author: tuxedo_elf · Times: First Age and Prior
· ID: 721
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-10 14:06:39
This was certianly a novel idea, and you made it work for me. I'm not
sure I can fully accept a love relationship between a Vala and any of
the Eruhini, just because I'm not sure they could be fully equal. But
you built on some things from canon that made the story really synch
with the larger canon. The story tried to cover too many events too
quickly for my personal taste (which is not a comment on the story per
se, but rather my ability to enjoy *anything* written in this style) and
the fact that I enjoyed it as much as I did was a testament to the
authors skills. What details there were were very rich, and the style
fit the POV character better than I think I've ever seen.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Spring Day At Cormallen · Author: Marigold · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 746
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-10 14:19:50
This was touching. You have captured Pippin's hope, curiosity, and
incorrigibility so well here.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Letter · Author: Gryffinjack · Races: Hobbits: Post-Sauron's
Fall · ID: 955
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2006-08-10 14:49:48
Listening to the hobbits attempting to find the right way to tell their
loved ones about their duties in the war and that they are now fine was
not only charmingly hilarious but also reminded you of just what these
four friends have been through. The wounds and horrors are still there,
but in typical hobbit fashion, they find a way to make light of it all.
The final letter Paladin receives is appropriately parent-friendly. I
also greatly enjoyed seeing a caring and concerned Paladin, as most
representations of him show him as being stern toward Pippin, even after
his son is returned to him.
-----------------------------------
Title: Make It One For Paladin · Author: Marta · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 48
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2006-08-10 15:05:55
Robin is one of my favorite minor characters and it's nice to see him
take center stage in this dark and tragic look back at the Occupation of
Men in the Shire. The aftermaths as seen through his eyes are poignant
and harrowing. He's unlikely to be the only one to have those dark
thoughts, but because of his guilt he is unable to see that. His guilt
eats at him and the author does a brilliant job of bringing that to the
page.
-----------------------------------
Title: A New Kind of Courage · Author: Auntiemeesh · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 959
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2006-08-10 15:23:59
Pippin losing his memory is an interesting concept and it's well handled
here. Even as Pippin struggles to remember and understand what has
happened to him, you see how deeply he cares for Merry, doing his best
to make sure his cousin's dreams do not plague him more than they need
to. Merry's dreams are wonderfully written, as are his own care and
concern for Pippin. Some of my favorite moments were the times he spent
in the tent with Frodo and Sam, seeking comfort from their sleeping forms.
-----------------------------------
Title: Quo Vadis? · Author: Tehta · Times: First Age and Prior · ID: 86
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-10 17:36:50
Dark humour in a unique view of the Fall of Gondolin. Vivid
descriptions, original and convincing characterisation of an obscure
canon character.
-----------------------------------
Title: Cacophony · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Humor: Parody · ID: 929
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-10 22:00:34
This reminds me of that line from Douglas Adams: first, God creates the
universe. This, everyone agrees, was a pretty big mistake! Eru appears
to reap the benefits of his own ingenuity with Valar offspring that
would try the musical patience of a heavy metal band. Nice solution in
the end!
-----------------------------------
Title: At the Rising of the Moon · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 846
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-10 22:01:07
The things you do for love - or mistletoe - rather the same thing in
this story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Trivial Matters · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 839
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-10 22:01:39
Ha, cute! Yes, it's inane, but it's amusing still.
-----------------------------------
Title: Concerning Hobbit's Feet · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor:
The Shire · ID: 828
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-10 22:02:10
It seems that males everywhere have the same strange size fixation and
ways of attempting to determine it by the most unscientific and
ridiculous measures. Amusing.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hewing Naught But Wood · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 825
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-10 22:02:38
*groan!* I hear the Monty Python Argument office is taking applications
for a Middle-earth branch...
-----------------------------------
Title: Just a Little Shove · Author: Inglor · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 798
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-10 22:03:06
Ah yes, I know this debate! The little nudge becomes a little shove, and
3000 years of Middle-earth's history is altered for the price of one
man's 'accidental stumble' off a volcano ledge.
-----------------------------------
Title: Suspicion · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 791
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-10 22:03:31
Nice interlude--very plausible interaction between Sam and Frodo on the
topic of Strider.
-----------------------------------
Title: Theme and Variations · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 784
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-10 22:04:23
Not quite the piece I'd have put in the humor section, but cheerful,
hopeful--an excellent opening onto the Fourth Age and Aragorn's and
Faramir's early relationship. Lots of hints and suggestions of things to
come.

Faramir's encounters with various people who have met the redoubtable
Captain Thorongil in the past are well portrayed. Morwen's scheming
provides the bluster necessary to arouse both amusement in anticipation
of her being shown up and the essential irritation to inspire that
amusement. The old household retainer's confusion and dismay when his
new master does not meet his expectations and proceeds to take a more
personal (and unorthodox) interest in the running of his household than
Talbeth thinks proper, are comic, but one sees Aragorn's reasons for
them fairly quickly.

A nice vignette of the days before Arwen's arrival.
-----------------------------------
Title: Bored · Author: Make It Stop · Genres: Humor: Gondor · ID: 779
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-10 22:05:03
What a difference perspective makes! Cheerfully irreverant, Make_It_Stop
shows us that a quiet, affectionate family dinner, where nothing ever
happens, much to the disappointment of the terminally bored guard,
Weblog, is in fact NOTHING OF THE SORT.

While it may seem that Boromir's devouring of the peas is the only thing
worth watching, a shift to the inside of Faramir's head shows otherwise.
It's a full on mental contest to see who can see the most of the other's
secrets. Not the grand ones, but the petty ones, so the whole thing
eventually dissolves into an irritating game of 'echo' by way of proving
whose insight is clearest.

Excellent parody, from one of the writers of [Lawd of Them Hills].
-----------------------------------
Title: Ignorance Is Bliss · Author: Eggo Waffles · Genres: Humor: Parody
· ID: 754
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-10 22:05:30
I remember reading this and being grateful that someone else was as
flabbergasted by how many people see Faramir as having either red hair
or blond. Or some version of brownish-coppery-fiery-sandy. The device of
the scrolls makes for an amusing commentary on fandom tendencies where
Denethor's two sons are concerned, and Boromir's absorption in one of
the True Scrolls gets a chuckle.
-----------------------------------