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Msg# 5130

Reviews Final as of 8/17/2005 part 46 Posted by Ainaechoiriel August 17, 2005 - 23:42:32 Topic ID# 5130
Title: Dragon
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3477&cid=13131> of the
North · Author: Gwynnyd
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=18
6> · Races/Places: Gondor: Pre-Quest Drabbles · ID: 395
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=395>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-08 17:55:09 Score: 1
Hm, it seems jealousy and strife were early connected to Thorongil in
Denethor's eyes.

Title: The Seeing
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=2137> Stone · Author:
Finch
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=27
4> · Races/Places: Gondor: Historical · ID: 346
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=346>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-08 17:56:12 Score: 1
Interesting perspective, and the repeating lines do hold the reader steady
as history flows all around.

Title: Offerings
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3044&cid=11813> · Author:
Raksha
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=17
8> the Demon · Races/Places: Gondor: Boromir and Faramir · ID: 322
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=322>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-08 17:56:42 Score: 2
Not sure what to think of the transposition of Gandalf's line, but I liked
Faramir's "offering"—reconnecting what had been severed to a new and
brighter future.

Title: That Tall
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=1372> Fellow Next to
Galadriel: a Short Essay About Celeborn · Author: Marnie
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=24
5> · Genres: Non-Fiction: Elves · ID: 479
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=479>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16
> · 2005-08-08 18:25:01 Score: 7
In her last note Marnie points us to Michael Martinez's essay as a less
fangirlish defence of Celeborn. While I'm sure "Celeborn Unplugged" is a
fabulous resource, I don't necessarily agree with Marnie's claim that "Tall
Fellow" is at all fangirlish. It's devoted, sure, but it's also
well-reasoned and thorough. And if she's devoted to her elf, she proves time
and time again that she has good reason to be. This essay does an amazing
amount with a small passage, the scene in Fellowwship of the Ring (primarily
books, though movies are referenced as well) where Galadriel and Celeborn
meet the Fellowship -- and then she sweeps back to include The Hobbit, The
Silmarillion, and the Unfinished Tales. And it all fits together. This was
an engaging read, and I feel better-educated for it.

Title: The Slopes of
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3921> Amon Gwareth ·
Author: Ellisande
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=26
1> · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Poetry · ID: 715
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=715>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16
> · 2005-08-08 18:31:03 Score: 2
This trilogy of poems was spookily effective. I especially loved the despair
and almost resentment you captured in the third.

Title: The <http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=1887&cid=9912>
Fourth Attempt · Author: Forodwaith
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=50
> · Books/Time: The Hobbit: Drabble · ID: 369
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=369>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16
> · 2005-08-08 19:36:17 Score: 2
This drabble did a good job of capturing the arrogant nature of Smaug. I
especially liked referring to the "thieves" as worms -- that seemed so
ironic coming from a dragon.

Title: Returning
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3484&cid=13194> from a
Wedding · Author: Tanaqui
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=40
> · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor Drabble · ID: 1379
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=1379>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16
> · 2005-08-08 19:51:56 Score: 3
This was a great drabble. You did a good job of capturing the spirit of the
missing Lothiriel, and the return to normalcy as every-day matters impinged
on melancholy. I also think you portrayed Imrahil's contemplative nature
very well; he seemed almost like Denethor without the gruffness, which
seemed very fitting for his character.

Title: I <http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=2998&cid=13766>
Pledge My Bow · Author: Cheryl
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=25
2> · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Drabble · ID: 221
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=221>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16
> · 2005-08-08 22:19:58 Score: 3
Oh, this was a neat drabble. It did a really good job of explaining some
difficulties with the way Legolas is presented at the Council of Elrond in
the movies. But I think my favourite part was at the very beginning, where
Legolas compaed the Black Speech with the chill of Mirkwood; that was done
especially well.

Title: The Problem of
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=4062> Eowyn: A Look
at Ethics and Values in Middle-earth · Author: Madgamgee
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=27
7> · Genres: Non-Fiction: Men · ID: 376
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=376>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16
> · 2005-08-09 00:45:56 Score: 5
So many stories and essays deal with this question of whether Eowyn is a
heroine or a deserter. And they can be well done. But this offers an
ambiguous answer, that she was not exclusively one or the other, but was a
bit of both. I'm not entirely sure that I agree with MadGamgee's argument at
a few points, but it at least opens me up to the possibility of those
points. And it does so in such a logical fashion that I am forced to at
least give them serious consideration. That (not whether I agree with the
author in the end) is the true sign of a good essay, at least in my book.
Very well done, MG.

Title: Here
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3349&cid=12757> sits, in
secret, blest Theology · Author: annmarwalk
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=17
7> · Races/Places: Gondor · ID: 388
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=388>
Reviewer: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16
> · 2005-08-09 00:51:52 Score: 2
This was an interesting piece. I liked how you drew the connection between
nature and ranger (which I agree would be quite strong), and how you had
Faramir give in to hope that that incident had been more than just a dream.

Title: A <http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3484&cid=13234>
mother's duty · Author: Tanaqui
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=40
> · Races/Places: Gondor: Vignette · ID: 1384
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=1384>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:20:33 Score: 2
This is a rather sad little moment between women. What a dreadful way to
view one's children, or any children. No wonder Ioreth pities Finduilas.

Title: The
<http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3483&cid=13181> Healing
Touch · Author: Werecat
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=83
> · Races/Places: Gondor: Original Characters · ID: 1312
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=1312>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:21:16 Score: 1
Once again, the cat wins the day. Sad, but sweet.

Title: Blackberries in Lossarnach <http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1419493/1/>
· Author: jen_loves_elves
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=52
> · Races/Places: Gondor: Vignette · ID: 1276
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=1276>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:21:50 Score: 3
As many Ranger stories as I've read, I'm amazed I've never come across the
classic gag of a Ranger getting himself and his companions lost. That it's
Arathorn who gets lost with his wife and has to be forced to ask for
directions just makes it even funnier. Nice to see that Gilraen has a sharp
sense of humor.

Title: Weregild <http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=121>
· Author: Kielle
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
7> · Races/Places: Gondor: Historical · ID: 1091
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=1091>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:23:02 Score: 6
I remember reading this quite some time ago, and enjoying it greatly. There
were one too many Evil!Isildur stories floating about that I'd chanced upon
before finding this one, which proved an effective cure for what ailed me.
Kielle shows us here a seduction that fits the kind of man Isildur seems to
have been: strong, commanding, loyal, imbued with a sense of pride in his
line and people. Somewhere in Greece, a king with the same qualities orders
a blind soothsayer to name the root cause of his kingdom's malady, sparing
no one, and sets in motion the tragedy that will see him wittingly and
willingly toppled from the throne. Kielle's Isildur would have liked, I
think, Oedipus.

Title: Inheritance
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3120> · Author:
Kielle
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
7> · Races/Places: Gondor: Historical · ID: 1087
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=1087>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:23:41 Score: 5
Another excellent historical fic from Kielle that highlights that nagging
problem kings always face: what to do when the legitimate heir lacks the
vision to rule. Gondor is sliding towards catastrophe, towards a pair of
weak kings, and the birth of Castamir from that same set of weak heirs.
Minalcar gives his great-grandfather hope, but one wonders what he would
have seen when at last the time came for him to look to his own heirs, and
measure them against the demands of the crown.

Title: Watcher on the
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=3999> Height ·
Author: Chris
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=25
7> · Races/Places: Gondor: Original Characters · ID: 1015
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=1015>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:24:23 Score: 3
I've never seen anyone do anything at all with the poor fellows stuck up on
the heights on beacon duty. A rather dull and barren existence it seems to
be! I loved the banter at the beginning, and the fact that the exchange of
mocking truths, that "each knowing these bone deep truths about the other -
over such inconsequentialities - was a comfort and joy to both."

Title: The Laughing
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=4456> Oliphaunt ·
Author: Aeneid
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=20
1> · Races/Places: Gondor: Original Characters · ID: 998
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=998>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:25:12 Score: 5
As good an account of the battle for Osgiliath as I've read for quite some
time. I like the fact that it's done in retrospect, and the succession of
narrators, each having seen different parts of the battle, each reacting in
his own way to Nazgűl-induced terror, exhaustion, and the loss of half of
Osgiliath, gives a sense of the total and overwhelming chaos of that retreat
across the bridge. It comes in short bursts—none of the chapters are
long—but they keep the battle manageable, in a way, by refusing to show too
much.

Title: Not Remembered <http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=1053> ·
Author: Cadiliniel
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=43
0> · Races/Places: Gondor: Drabble · ID: 992
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=992>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:25:55 Score: 2
It's good to see the stewards given their due even in the face of the return
of the king. One wonders what Aragorn makes of those who hold to the
Stewards, remembering their sacrifices.

Title: So Other Men May
<http://www.freewebs.com/aure/soothermenmayfight.htm> Fight · Author: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16
> · Races/Places: Gondor: Drabble · ID: 958
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=958>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:26:45 Score: 4
The timing on this is what I like best. Bergil gives all his good reasons
first, and then, when it seems Beregond won't be persuaded, comes out with,
"Besides, Gelmir is staying." And with that, Beregond realizes he's been
trumped by the classic card "But so and so is staying". The combination of
boyish intransigence and utter seriousness works because of that line and
the realization that follows upon it.

Title: The Girl I Kissed at the
<http://www.freewebs.com/aure/thegirlikissed.htm> Rammas · Author: Marta
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=16
> · Races/Places: Gondor: Poetry · ID: 942
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=942>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:27:34 Score: 1
I could definitely see this being popular among the soldiers in Gondor.
Especially after a few rounds in the taverns.

Title: Denethor Limericks
<http://www.berryarts.com/lizallinos/denethor.html> · Author: Llinos
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=25
> · Races/Places: Gondor: Poetry · ID: 787
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=787>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:28:10 Score: 2
Ah, the limerick. That fine poetical form responsible for some of the most
hysterical and depraved verse known to the English language. These are
clever, and they are most definitely irreverent, but delightfully, wickedly
so.

Title: Refraction
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=628> · Author:
Kielle
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=19
7> · Races/Places: Gondor: Denethor and Finduilas · ID: 750
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=750>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:29:01 Score: 5
Now this is an interesting and different take on Finduilas' death, one that
makes a lot more of her than the Appendices do. All that ambivalence and
addiction to the palantír that is read into Denethor (not wrongly, I think)
in his later years gets a new and personal layering with this story.
Denethor's voice, in all its native strength and tenacity, and its bitter
acceptance of what is, comes through beautifully, here, in both rage and
love and self-reflective, wry despair. Another fine story from Kielle, and
one that Denethor lovers are sure to enjoy.

Title: Noble <http://www.tolkienfanfiction.com/Story_Read_Head.php?STid=6>
Jewel · Author: Isabeau
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=18
2> of Greenlea · Races/Places: Gondor: Original Characters · ID: 741
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=741>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:29:44 Score: 7
You need to have at least read "Discretion" to get the most out of this
story. Otherwise, Isabeau demonstrates her skill in constructing a story
that has only OCs in it, and also shows that she can write children as well
as adults with equal facility. I particularly came to like the healer
character, Cuilast, who apparently has guts enough to give his captain a bit
of cheek and not allow himself to be intimidated by Andrahar's rather dour
and prickly manner. One imagines Andrahar needs such people in his life and
that despite his occasional irritation, rather enjoys the fact that Cuilast
isn't at all afraid of him. In the end, this is a story about recovering
from grief as much as it is about the fate of Brand, and for those wishing
Boromir didn't die, well, it's not recompense, but at least here Boromir
manages to achieve the only kind of immortality allotted to mankind.

Title: The Best Gift of All
<http://www.scribeoz.com/fanfic/story.php?no=467> · Author: Isabeau
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=18
2> of Greenlea · Races/Places: Gondor: Boromir and Faramir · ID: 739
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=739>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:30:22 Score: 4
A convincng portrait of a young and bookish Faramir, at large in the
libraries of Dol Amroth. Isabeau's Dol Amroth is always a warm and vibrant
place, populated by a lively cast of characters. Imrahil is present even in
his absence, and his wife has a voice of her own. One can see why a rather
reserved young man, with only a rather stern father and an absent older
brother would find it a refuge. The Boromr-Faramir interaction at the end
was well done.

Title: The Sky Wept
<http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=4177> Diamonds ·
Author: Elen
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=25
1> Kortirion · Races/Places: Gondor: Boromir and Faramir · ID: 710
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=reviewsBrowse&show_all=n
o&navbar_page=0&markpage=47&form_story_filter=710>
Reviewer: Dwimordene
<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/MEFA2005/index.php?page=authorDetails&form_id=8>
· 2005-08-09 01:30:50 Score: 6
Once again, Finduilas is the prophet at the birth of son, and it is rather
chilling what she foresees for Boromir, however hazy. What a way to bring a
child into the world! I definitely appreciated Denethor's
characterization—his powerlessness and anger at it strike me as right for my
favorite anal-retentive, controlling Steward. The narrator doesn't lack for
nerve, given the news she has somehow to bear to Denethor:

"How do you tell a man he's about to lose his wife and his firstborn child?
Quickly, that's how."

Fortunately, it doesn't come to that, but one can imagine that two such
births and the effort and grief expended in them, might well hasten
Finduilas' decline.


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