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58 new reviews finalized today!


Title: The Council of Elrond · Author: Lindelea · Genres: Crossovers:
Poetry · ID: 900
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-08-25 22:28:59 Score: 3
Oh, this is fun. I'd found a Council of Elrond in the style of
Hiawatha once, and I'm going to have to put your Lewis Carroll
version next to it, so that whenever I reach that part of the book I
can chortle in joy. I particularly enjoyed the exchange between Bilbo
and Elrond!

Title: Back to the Valley · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races/Places:
Elves · ID: 590
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2005-08-25 23:36:14 Score: 4
This is a powerful, chilling story that nevertheless brings forth a
smile. The contrast between the silliness of the Tra-la-la song and
the prisoner's condition and torment is sharply and effectively
written. The poor prisoner has lost freedom and identity and will
ultimately lose his life, either when Barad-dur falls or before, but
he still has his integrity and he still can escape the torture by the
use of that seemingly simple, silly song.

Title: When All Lights Pass · Author: Werecat · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Pre-LOTR · ID: 349
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-25 23:46:30 Score: 3
The paws of the king heal once again. I rather liked Radagast's means
of handling Hithwen. It recalls Gandalf's way of dealing with Beorn,
when he and the Dwarves and Bilbo were passing through. Very clever
of him, and he would know where else in the world to find royalty
that might perhaps be able to heal a wraith-wounded boy.

Title: Tides of Time · Author: Werecat · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Post-LOTR · ID: 368
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-25 23:46:57 Score: 7
Werecat strikes again, and combines two of our favorite stories,
linking them up through a legendary sword and a well-loved wizard. At
the same time, she continues one of the themes of Tolkien's world:
that all things have their ending, that nothing lasts forever within
the world, and that time rules. As Werecat writes of the broken and
forgotten city of Minas Tirith, deserted in its age:

"Where the Dark Lord had failed, omnipotent Time succeeded. But such
is the way of the world."

There's something incredibly poignant and sad in that, but it's also
the lesson of mortality that Tolkien wanted his work to bear witness
to: death is a reality, and forgetfulness is death. But even so, in
that very oblivion, the stories are continued, the immortality of
mortals goes on in the many-times-great-grandchildren who never know
their forebears names, and in the transmutation of the great stories
for each generation. Well, well done, Werecat!


Title: Love Me and Despair · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Elves · ID: 645
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-25 23:47:58 Score: 9
This reminds me of Kate Bolin's stellar AU, in which Galadriel claims
the Ring. As in Kate's story, EdorasLass finds the moment where
something other could reasonably have happened and exploits it. I
think she rightly paints the image of a Dark Queen who uses her very
radiance as a weapon, who invades the minds that trusted her and
twists them when she can, appealing to their own desires in such a
way that they undermine their very strengths and twist them. Those
who retain enough of themselves to try to resist are brutally
eliminated.

Sam, in the "real" world of LOTR, once said that Galadriel was like
the rock in the river that you could break yourself against, though
she'd not be to blame for it. Here we see that adamantine quality
turned to blameworthy purposes; she shines like a diamond, and is as
hard as one as well, as Merry and Pippin perceive. In the last verse,
as we see Galadriel from the inside, EdorasLass leaves us with the
deliciously ironic last line that I think shows the real perversion
and opportunity of that temptation before the Mirror: "If not for
Frodo, she would have diminished, and gone into the West. She would
still be Galadriel." Dead on, EdorasLass! Brilliant!


Title: Not to Beg Any Boon · Author: Flick · Genres: Alternate
Universe · ID: 859
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-25 23:48:20 Score: 2
Hm. I liked the OCs, but the "slightly" part of the "slightly AU"
shows. It's interesting, but not quite compelling for me, although
very well-written and with some memorable moments.

Title: The Bitter Taste of Immortality · Author: Eowynangel · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Elves · ID: 1203
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-25 23:48:44 Score: 3
Bitter indeed, but unlike some who decide to kill Arwen off so as to
have Aragorn paired with whomever, Eowynangel finds the opportune
moment where Arwen might well have chosen otherwise, leaving Aragorn
free to marry another. It seems to have been a bitter choice for
Arwen indeed.

Title: Life in the Angle · Author: Leaward · Genres: Romance · ID: 181
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-08-26 05:48:50 Score: 10
Life in the Angle.. where shall I start. It is a fantastic story
written by Leaward. The story has every ingredient that makes it an
outstanding piece of fictional work: a good main plot, with many tiny
plotlines that in their own unique way add to the whole. Her pacing
and writing is excellent, which makes it an enjoyable read.

Leaward writes a good and believable character development of her two
characters: Poppi and Tarkil. Both have to find their own way in
their joined life together in a new world after the War of The Ring.
One of the underlying themes is how new beginnings can cause old
traditions or the things you know well (for example Tithiniel's
clinging to how it always has been regarding bloodlines and in her
own sheltered world), can be slightly adapted to improve what once
was. I do feel for Poppi how she has to adjust into this new world, a
language and her personal changes. She came out incredibly strong and
became the solid support of the brave Ranger Tarkil. Tarkil has his
own development, being confronted with himself mainly and the things
he did in the past come back to haunt it. The way Leaward writes his
learning curve is simply amazing. The author not only writes strong
main original characters, but also her minor characters are written
carefully, without them interfering too much.

The story has more gems: Leaward pictures a lively Dunedan community
and it shows that she has done a lot of research on this topic. The
addition of elves *wink* in this splendid tale is well done and
extremely enjoyable.

I know this story has a special meaning for Leaward as well, for her
it became a learning experience as well and all I can say: Bravo
Leaward! And thank you for writing this amazing story.


Title: Ambush in Ithilien · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres: Drama
(includes Angst): Gondor Drabble · ID: 204
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-26 05:57:53 Score: 6
This is a beautifully constructed drabble providing an elegant
connection between the events of two battles separated by more than a
thousand years. The sense of being poised on the edge of battle is
palpable, and it seems very in character for Faramir to make
connections with the past even as he prepares for the immediate
action. One thing I have discovered about Elena Tiriel's drabbles is
that there is always at least one outstanding phrase in each of them.
In this drabble, it is "the sanguine horde crowd heedlessly": there
are so many shades of meaning in sanguine that all fit perfectly in
this context. Well done!

Title: A Long, Unexpected Drabble · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres:
Humor: Metafic · ID: 193
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-26 05:58:05 Score: 5
This was both a very clever way of including all the many "required"
elements in the drabble challenge, and a very amusing paean to the
art (and struggle) of the drabblist. Ah, we have all stubbornly
chased down a place to cut that last extraneous word. But I think
what I like most about this drabble is the way that, even in a
metafic, Elena Tiriel has captured some of the traits that naturally
seem to creep into drabbles (well, mine at least), such as
alliteration, compressed grammar and a tendency to poetical words
that would never appear in my prose.

Title: Alas, Poor Ufthak! · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races/Places:
Villains: Drabble · ID: 200
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-26 05:58:16 Score: 4
Although I'm not sure she'd thank me for saying so, Elena Tiriel has
a distinct talent for channelling the dark side of Tolkien, which is
well displayed in this drabble. The behaviour and taunting of the
orcs is extremely convincing. Part of the humour of this drabble also
arises from the juxtaposition of the Shakespearean misquote with a
very good ear for Orcish dialogue. A neat little snapshot of Orc-
minded talk and behaviour.

Title: A Long Awaited Party · Author: Gwynnyd · Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: General Drabble · ID: 1298
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:18:49 Score: 2
This is a festive vignette that captures the voices of the hobbits
very nicely. I especially enjoyed the mention of "squibs and crackers
from Dale"; a nice tie-in with the obscure canon about toy markets of
Dale...

Title: Isildur's Inheritance · Author: Gwynnyd · Books/Time: The Lord
of The Rings · ID: 1299
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:19:08 Score: 3
Very chilling! What an insidiously smooth transition from "a final
bulwark against marauding Nazgûl" to such horrifying visions of power
and glory! And the subtle sexual undertones are just scary... Poor
Aragorn! I'm glad he realized how dangerous his situation and his
reaction were, before it was too late.


Title: Beauty in the Light · Author: Gwynnyd · Races/Places: Dwarves:
Drabble · ID: 1300
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:19:38 Score: 3
I really enjoy this vignette of a Dwarven smith, and the hints of a
lover in the smith's actions. The description makes the inside of a
hot, stuffy, noisy forge seem like a sensual lover's retreat. You've
captured the voice of the Dwarf very well, something that few people
ever try -- especially in a drabble!


Title: Children of Aulë, Children of Men · Author: Gwynnyd ·
Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Drabble · ID: 1301
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:19:56 Score: 3
I like this wry look at the contrasts in attitudes between the
generations, not to mention the races. But every race is enchanted by
friendly, open-minded children; and the father's glimpse of the
future seems hopeful to me -- his son will not feel like an exile.


Title: On Watch in Moria · Author: Gwynnyd · Races/Places: Cross-
Cultural: Drabble · ID: 1302
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:20:33 Score: 3
What a tense situation! You make the darkness sound so oppressive,
and Aragorn has been abandoned by everyone else in the Fellowship,
one by one. It's fortunate that he is so accustomed to self-
sufficiency. I like that you associate Gandalf with "the staff that
lit their way"... so perceptive!


Title: Two Views for a Stranger · Author: Gwynnyd · Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Drabble · ID: 1303
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:20:53 Score: 3
Oh, a very interesting cultural juxtaposition... Boromir's
frustration seems to be coming to a boil; it almost seems like he is
ready to return home in defeat and despair. He sees a "curséd autumn
wilderness", whereas the Elves see "home", and want to see whether he
is a threat to it -- a good thing, since he is behaving strangely in
their eyes.


Title: In Thranduil's Halls · Author: Gwynnyd · Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Vignette · ID: 1304
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:21:10 Score: 4
Nice progression from the greetings of the trees and the familiarity
of coming home, to the slight misalignment with the customary
position of his hands, to the unease of the sea calling, and the
tension with the friendships that held him to Middle-earth for a
while. He had been in Mirkwood long enough to leave an imprint on the
rock, but his time there was ending.... Well done!


Title: The Weaving is the Easy Part · Author: Gwynnyd · Races/Places:
Elves: Drabble · ID: 1305
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:21:29 Score: 4
I really like the rich terminology of craft that you, er, weave
throughout the drabble, and the parallels between the process of
creating the banner and the process of re-creating the kingdom.
(Though, I have to admit that I laugh at the idea of pristine Arwen
standing there in a messy apron, dying the wool black -- somehow,
that image does not compute!) A thoroughly lovely use of both
language and imagery!


Title: Morgul Vale · Author: Gwynnyd · Races/Places: Men: Drabble ·
ID: 1306
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:22:17 Score: 6
This is an extremely perceptive view of an extraordinarily evil
environment. You have taken Tolkien's words about the Morgul Vale --
which are rather easy to overlook -- and painted them into an image
that, unfortunately, is hard to clean out of my mind.... It is a
tribute to Aragorn's courage, and his respect for Mithrandir, that he
would agree to reconnoiter such an evil place. I love your use of
language, particularly "Fear clung like ground fog" and "Miasma
wafted up"... You have described such a creepy place that I get
shivers whenever I think of it! This is the stuff that induces some
seriously nasty nightmares.... Very well done, Gwynnyd!


Title: "They are courteous, if they break their silence." · Author:
Gwynnyd · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Humor · ID: 575
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:22:42 Score: 4
Oh, bwahahahahaha! This is so funny! I particularly
enjoyed "Dagor...?" versus dagger, a wry bit of unwitting (to the
characters) word-play.... The sons of Elrond must have had some very
strange ideas about Gimli, after that moment of misunderstanding… I'm
glad that they decided to find Legolas and check out the story with
him, though it might be funnier if they were left in a confused
state…. Very original vignette!


Title: The Healing Touch · Author: Werecat · Races/Places: Gondor:
Original Characters · ID: 1312
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:23:19 Score: 2
This is an interesting vignette with an unexpected twist at the end.
It is easy to think of how comforting a cat's purring is -- and
having a cat comfort the dying is a great idea. I enjoyed reading
this.


Title: Important Business · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Books/Time: The
Lord of The Rings: Rivendell · ID: 1323
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:23:38 Score: 6
Oh, bwahahahahahaha! I really enjoyed this, Jay! What a creative
idea -- the extremely important, pompous, and oh-so-deadly-serious
Council of Elrond, from the point of view of an extremely important,
pompous, and oh-so-deadly-serious cat who is grumpy because those
awful creatures are rudely interrupting her beauty sleep! I love that
she thinks of Elrond as "her elf", who is so gentle and mannerly
compared to those loud, heathen outsiders. And such shocking
language! This vignette left me with a very big, silly grin,
especially after reading that the Council and pointless and
irritating! Very nicely done!


Title: First Words · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races/Places: Elves:
Imladris · ID: 1324
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:24:49 Score: 6
This is a funny and sweet vignette of everyday family life,
competitive parents and all. I especially liked the cameo by
Glorfindel, who probably realizes that he doesn't have much chance of
getting them to say his name, but is so comfortable within the family
circle that he can tease Elrond and Celebrían at will. I loved that
when Elladan and Elrohir spoke, it was clear and obvious who they
were referring to -- they weren't just babbling, and they weren't
mimicking any adult! (And I liked that they made their displeasure at
being separated known....) But I don't know why Elrond is so
disbelieving -- "êl" means "star", so it's a fitting thing for Elven
babies to say first!


Title: Legacy of the Blessed · Author: Dwimordene · Races/Places:
Rohan: Drabble · ID: 1351
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:25:25 Score: 3
How optimistic! The Ring War may put an end to hostilities between
the two peoples, but it takes present-day heroes to recognize that
possibility when the past has been so conflicted. The dialog seems
right, and I especially enjoyed the reference to Cirion and Eorl.
P.S. "Eorl" and 2nd "Éowyn" misspelled - see note 36 of "C&E"
in "Unfinished Tales".


Title: To Shield a Shield-maiden · Author: Marta · Races/Places:
Rohan: Drabble · ID: 964
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:26:54 Score: 6
This is so poignant! I had never thought of what a difficult position
Gríma's evil placed Théodred in, how desperately Théodred must have
wanted to protect Éowyn (and his own position with his father), but
how certainly he knew that Rohan depended upon him to survive. What a
truly honorable man!

It illustrates how vulnerable Rohan was (despite the ferocity of its
Riders), how devastating Théodred's death was, and how the courage of
those who stepped up to fill his shoes turned around truly impossible
odds against Rohan...

And the ending "... or so the ancient bards say." is perfect, since
Rohan is a classic bardic society. Very nice work!


Title: Call on the Wind · Author: Marta · Races/Places: Rohan:
Drabble · ID: 935
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:27:13 Score: 3
This is emotional. You show what made Boromir unique -- his brashness
and courage, per Éomer's slightly amused view. The middle part is
filled with terrible portents, and we the readers, knowing what will
happen, are saddened by them. Then, the last part seems to end
hopefully, but it is tenuous.

(Typos: cousin "throught"; & "it it" defies)


Title: Forsaken Kin · Author: Meril · Books/Time: The Silmarillion:
Drabble · ID: 483
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:27:39 Score: 4
Oh, this is so chilling... The sympathy that Finarfin shows for
Eärwen shines through here; how devastated she must have been to
arrive at Alqualondë after such unthinkable acts of brutality. He was
an extraordinary Elf to forsake the pursuit and return; this drabble
gives a very plausible explanation for one of his motives. A moment
that I have never seen written about before -- very nicely done,
Meril!


Title: He Stands Not Alone · Author: Azalais · Races/Places: Cross-
Cultural: Drabble · ID: 147
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:28:13 Score: 8
Oh, now this is so chilling. You start with an obviously dire warning
from Gandalf, then use a phrase like "forever entombed in darkness",
which is claustrophobia-inducing. It is clear that everyone is
fleeing for their lives... and I shivered in fear.

Then you use a phrase like "Something about the shape of the air
behind me"... Azalais, that is such a beautiful turn of phrase!
Reading it was a revelation, like seeing a whole new side of Elven
senses, and understanding them for the first time! It was
breathtaking....

Then, without even thinking about it, the Elf rescues the Dwarf,
despite his fear of being trapped as the orcs arrive... and after
they can pause a bit, the Dwarf thanks him in his typically laconic
Dwarf fashion... Somehow, I can envision Legolas really beginning to
see Gimli as a person here (albeit perhaps a very annoying one) and
know now that a friendship can develop. Excellent work, Azalais! (And
both the title and the quote are favorites of mine...)


Title: The Sundering Seas · Author: Elana · Races/Places: Elves:
Drabble · ID: 303
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:28:36 Score: 5
This is beautiful and poignant, Elana. I have attempted to write a
drabble on this topic myself, and I think you captured the pathos
extremely well. You really showed the irony of Celebrían being
rescued, but not saved... and Elrond's anguish at not being able to
heal his beloved wife. His fear that she won't make it to Aman is
palpable, as is the finality of their being parted by the aptly named
Sundering Seas. Very sad, very lovely and loving writing, and it
shows a sense of reluctant acceptance that befits Elrond!


Title: Heirlooms · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Humor: Drabble · ID: 402
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:29:05 Score: 2
What *was* Tolkien thinking? I'm glad you made his weird decision
funny. The last line is so solemn and pretentious! Very funny,
Gwynnyd!
(BTW "Elrohir" is misspelled.)

Title: The Heirs of Isildur · Author: Marta · Genres: Humor: Drabble
· ID: 24
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:29:26 Score: 6
Bwahahahaha! Well, you know how it is with those mortals... they just
keep begetting and begetting, till an Elven loremaster can't even
keep track... (but I bet a Hobbit could!). This simply hilarious,
Marta! And it really arouses my sympathy for poor, beleaguered Elrond
(translation: I am ***so*** not a morning person myself!).

What a graphic depiction of the difference in the numbers of
generations between mortals and immortals! I can see why Elrond would
be so befuddled at the crack of dawn... and the reaction of Arador is
so quintessentially six-year-oldish, stomping feet and all! Well
done, Marta!


Title: The Protocol of Princes · Author: maranya14 · Genres: Humor:
Drabble · ID: 26
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:29:46 Score: 5
LOLOL! Two hunky guys out, sitting in the sun (it would be, except
for the oak tree), wasting time, and joking around... What could be
better?

Éomer seems to be enjoying mock-lording... And Faramir is clearly
planning mutiny... On one hand, Éomer is an excellent warrior and
will be highly vigilant for any form of attack; but, on the other
hand, Faramir is an Ithilien Ranger, accomplished in stealth... and
obviously, they can both wield words with ease....

I wonder who is going to end up getting beaned?


Title: The Muster of Rohan · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Humor: Drabble
· ID: 281
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:30:25 Score: 4
Very amusing! These poor Rohirrim warriors, so fearless in battle, so
clueless in marriage. In sympathy with Hildwyn, I can only imagine
that it would be extremely difficult to create a convincing appliqué
of a galloping horse -- assuming, that is, that you are not Elvish,
and therefore capable of extraordinary works of beauty and
perfection. *snicker*

Guys will be guys.... even Riders of the Mark!


Title: Not Permitted · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Humor: Drabble · ID:
545
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:31:11 Score: 6
Bwahahahahaha! Hilarious, Liz! I guess there would be all sorts of
interesting... complications... if Boromir had lived!

I love that you've rolled so much characterization into such a short
work: Boromir the warrior, planning the battle tactics meticulously
and looking forward to captaining six companies, Éomer the hunk
(although you left that out!), leading the cavalry charge fearlessly
as always, Aragorn the reigning monarch, calling upon his extensive
travels as a much younger man, and Faramir -- dear Faramir, the
accomplished warrior AND handsome loremaster AND military/political
strategist and guerrilla-fighter, one-upping his big brother, and
grinning madly, I'll warrant.

I wonder if this caused a civil war?


Title: Command Performance · Author: Vistula the Dunadan · Genres:
Humor: Drabble · ID: 641
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:31:57 Score: 4
Well, it could have been worse... it might have started "There once
was a maid from Nantucket...". No? Oh, well -- Denethor might
actually have enjoyed that a bit more....

This is terribly funny, in a way that I'm not sure Denethor could
possibly fathom. Finduilas has to work awfully hard to make that man-
child sit still, pay attention, and stop whining... We can certainly
tell who is accustomed to dealing with wayward children here....

Nice work, Vistula! *grin*


Title: Olorin I was in my Youth In the West that is Forgotten ·
Author: Azalais · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Drabble · ID: 25
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:32:14 Score: 10
Azalais, I adore drabbles, and this is truly one of my all-time
favorites. When the MEFA nomination season started, I searched hard
for this one, vaguely remembering the content but not who wrote it or
when... and was happy to see that Dwimordene had already nominated
it. For forgetful me to remember the beauty of something I read so
many months after seeing it, is a tribute to how much my heart was
touched by your words.

Your descriptions are extraordinary, precise yet concise ("Peregrin's
plaintive tones"). I can *feel* Gandalf's aching and fatigue, the
pall of ageing on him, and sympathize with the misery shared by the
others in the Fellowship.

Yet it is the memories of Valinor that soar to extraordinary
heights... your description is breathtaking; you actually made me sad
that I cannot be a Vala, "alive in endless Music"! And your "not
bound in weary bone" is a wonderful phrase, so clearly showing the
extremeness of the contrast between Gandalf's reality in his free-
floating Maiar form and his Middle-earthbound one...

Also, your indications that the memory, though bright, was very brief
and soon forgotten struck me as terribly sad... You made me empathize
with Gandalf even more than I had before reading your drabble... it
moved me that much. And the ending is perfect: Gandalf, losing the
comfort of his memory, has to comfort himself as best he can in a
miserable setting in Middle-earth, by lighting up his mundane pipe,
and placate naïve Pippin. It is good that he has that comfort now,
but the contrast with what he had in Aman is poignant.

Extremely well done, Azalais! This drabble is an inspiration to me,
as a writer as well as a reader. Thank you for sharing it with us!


Title: My Hero · Author: Vistula the Dunadan · Races/Places: Hobbits:
Post-Ring War Drabble · ID: 640
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:32:43 Score: 5
LOL! What an amazing hero Sam is to his beloved Rosie... yet she
probably doesn't have a real clue as to the heroic role he had in
saving Middle-earth from overwhelming evil. And he's just as glad to
keep her in the dark, so she can believe than when terrible monsters
come into her kitchen, her Sam will dispose of them to protect her.

The everyday spiders must seem awfully minuscule to Sam! (And, being
a good gardener, I don't think he would kill any spider unless they
bothered Rosie or the children...) A lovely vignette, Vistula! Shows
Sam can wield a broom as well as a spade, or even a sword....


Title: Faithful companion · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Elves:
Drabble · ID: 1348
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 06:33:43 Score: 5
Ah, I just love Beleg's fondness of, and appreciation for, fine-
quality instruments of his trade. With a Kitchenaid mixer, I can
create masterpieces of baking or candy-making. With Belthronding and
Beleg's finely-honed reflexes, he can be an extraordinarily skilled --
and deadly -- warrior. His "quick, customary caress of thanks" is
like a prayer of thanks -- a very Elven sentiment. But I am really
saddened when I think of what's going to happen... Really touching
drabble, Liz! You get to the heart of being an expert in one's
trade...


Title: Promises to Keep · Author: Leaward · Races/Places: Men:
Eriador · ID: 169
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-26 07:11:47 Score: 10
Promises to keep. Isn't that what Tolkien wrote about, if you get
down to the kernel of it all? Love and death and duty, all with
honor? And how life goes on in spite of all the problems? It's the
generations that tie his sagas together.

With this first long work in her connected series about the Northern
Dunedain, Leaward address real life issues in Middle-earth. What *is*
the difference between love and lust, what does a promise mean –
really? Does the intent make a difference or only the words.

Her young OMC Ranger Tarkil is very much a product of his world,
honest, and noble, and very handsome. Easy to love in spite of his
failings. His lack of confidence in his own ability make you want to
slap some sense into him, while his stubborn devotion make you want
to hug him and fix him a warm cup of tea – until his irrepressible
and irresponsible temper gets him in trouble yet again, that
infamous `Sons of Beleg' temper.

And what about that Bad!Rascal, Tarkil's big brother Haldon – how can
sweet Poppi resist? I'd say she went after the wrong brother, -
but... is there really a female, available or otherwise, who would
want to know – really – that Haldon was `taken'?

The first rule of writing is to tell a good story, and Leaward does
that in full measure with this delicious mix of tangled emotions and
feelings, confusing that spark in the eye with that tingling up from
between your legs... and questions on cultural differences and duty, -
with this story and continuing throughout her series. Thanks for the
great reading Leaward!


Title: While the Ring Went South... · Author: Thundera Tiger ·
Books/Time: Gap-Filler · ID: 33
Reviewer: digdigil · 2005-08-26 08:19:58 Score: 10
This is a very humourous look at the members of the Fellowship. Each
character is unique, and has his own funny side. They are extremely
well drawn. The situations are very funny within the pacing of the
story, which moves along slowly, yet in perfect time in order to
recount the hilarious adventures that the Fellowship members find
themselves in. Exciting adventures take place also, along with the
funny stuff. The reader is always left on tenterhooks wondering what
is going to happen next. The way that the Fellowship members interact
with each other is unique, and while they are in agreement with
Tolkien canon, they play off of each other very well in this story,
in a way that is unique to the author. There are situations within
this story that also carry quite a lot of sentiment. In spite of the
comedic qualities, one is drawn into feeling quite sympathetic with
the long-suffering Aragorn, the frazzled Gandalf, the long-suffering
hobbits, who do not have enough food to eat, and must trudge on
despite being much smaller and weaker than the others, the beleagured
Boromir, upon whose shoulders rest the welfare of an entire country
and he knows it and is distracted by that as well as the Ring, and
even Legolas and Gimli, who, while being completely self-absorbed and
possibly a danger to the Fellowship, are obviously struggling with
their animosity for each other while in a completely new situation
and having to come terms with that as well as learn to get along
together. I don't know when I've had such a good read as this.

Title: Trust to Hope · Author: Novedhelion · Genres: Romance · ID:
1294
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-26 09:58:14 Score: 1
I really enjoyed this spin on Eomer and Lothiriel. Good story.

Title: Sand and Flame · Author: Tehta · Genres: Romance: Elves · ID:
1130
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-26 10:06:21 Score: 3
This is such a delightful reinterpretation of Cinderella. Poor Indis,
being cast as the wicked stepmother - though Feanor might agree! I
love Nerdanel's practicality and common sense, too. Shame she and
Feanor didn't manage happy ever after - but then there would be no
more stories, so maybe it's just as well. Most enjoyable!

Title: Thunder Sings · Author: Ellisande · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Poetry · ID: 404
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-26 10:06:49 Score: 3
This sounds like the Beruthiel I imagine—proud, defiant, mistress of
her own destiny (if she could be), and as absolute in her judgments
as she is in her condemnation of vice. I'm no judge of poetical form,
but this came nicely off my tongue reading it, so I'm inclined to
think the author's done quite well with the sonnet.

Title: A Betrothal and Wedding · Author: Isil Elensar · Genres:
Romance: Elves · ID: 1198
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-26 10:12:08 Score: 2
Sweet. I love picturing little Artanis listening to her own parents'
description of their meeting and marriage - and dreaming of her own
future. Shame this happiness cannot last!

Title: What Thou Lovest Well · Author: LadyAranel · Books/Time: Post-
Ring War: Incomplete · ID: 458
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-26 12:19:58 Score: 7
It was a pleasure to reacquaint myself with this story, and I hope
Lady Aranel's muse will return to it soon and allow her to complete
it. As always, she provides a skilful portrait of Legolas, carefully
delineating his involvement with the Steward's family, showing us how
he enriches life in Ithilien, and yet hinting delicately at his odd
detachment and melancholy. The description of Faramir and Legolas in
the courtyard -- day and night -- is very powerful, and their teasing
of Éowyn amusing. The scenes with Elboron are also, capturing the
child's voice and fears effectively, while Lady Aranel leaves us with
tantalising mysteries regarding Éowyn that I hope we will see
resolved. I also very much like the way Lady Aranel chronicles the
details of post-War life in Ithilien. Please let us see the rest of
this story!

Title: No Other Choice · Author: LadyAranel · Races/Places: Cross-
Cultural: Drabble · ID: 456
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-26 12:20:11 Score: 3
This begins with an entertaining vision of an enraged Thranduil and
ends with an unlikely and touching alliance as the two fathers
resolve to do what they can to protect their sons as well as the
wider Quest. Another skilfully wrought piece by Lady Aranel exploring
elf-dwarf relationships.

Title: Ties That Bind · Author: LadyAranel · Books/Time: Gap-Filler:
Drabble · ID: 457
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-26 12:20:22 Score: 4
In this drabble, Lady Aranel cleverly shows us Legolas's pain by
initially having him project his own feelings on to the other members
of the Fellowship. She makes Legolas's feelings at the loss of
Gandalf evident through her subtle description of the alteration in
his voice, as well as making clear his strength to go on with the
present task in his response to Aragorn. A nicely characterised
moment.

Title: Best Laid Plans · Author: Lamiel · Genres: Humor · ID: 455
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-26 12:27:35 Score: 4
This is a lovely chaotic romp of a story. What with robes and
circlets and cakes and disguised Bergil and Legolas flattening Gimli -
it is just fun from start to finish. Loved it. And as for Gimli's
suggestion of cutting down Legolas's oak tree to discover his
friend's age - even on paper that caused an intake of breath. I think
he might be tormented for that for some time!

Title: Of Elvish Equitation and Shiny Things · Author: AngelsFall ·
Genres: Humor: Animals · ID: 660
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-26 12:30:53 Score: 1
What an evil trick to play on your king. Good to see them having fun!

Title: Lothíriel - Book 1 · Author: juno_magic · Genres: Alternate
Universe · ID: 1159
Reviewer: digdigil · 2005-08-26 16:06:26 Score: 9

This story takes you on a journey with a modern girl named Lothiriel,
which starts in Germany, but takes her to Middle Earth! She becomes
one of the Fellowship of the Ring as a tenth walker, and a messenger
between Gondor and Dol Amroth. It is beautifully written, not only in
the way the narrative is told, but also in the characterizations of
the various fellowship members. We see them in a different way than
they are presented in both the books and the films, but completely
true to life, and the way that we would see them also, if we were
Lothiriel, looking at them, as she is, through modern eyes. The
reader is completely drawn in, in an empathetic way, to this
character, and follows her, every step of the way, along her journey.
We cry with her, we laugh with her, and joyously, we love with her.
We also share her pain when she is hurt. Some of Tolkien's peripheral
characters are gloriously realized in this story, such as Glorfindel.
I dare anyone to read this characterization of Glorfindel and not see
him as an Eldar of the Elves, set apart from all others. He is a
creature out of fantasy, to be sure, and yet a completely believable
person. The prose is beautiful. It is extremely moving. This story is
highly recommended for anyone who loves a good, long book to curl up
with.

Title: Morgoth's Notebook · Author: Arandil · Genres: Humor: Metafic
· ID: 123
Reviewer: digdigil · 2005-08-26 16:11:40 Score: 3
This is a very funny story. To have it be from Morgoth's point of
view is very unique. His view on the other characters in this story
are completely hilarious, and it is a good characterization of
Morgoth himself as well, as it shows his megalomania to quite good
effect. I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who is
interested in having a good laugh!

Title: The Quest · Author: Isil Elensar · Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings · ID: 437
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-08-26 17:22:22 Score: 10
The Quest is a story that I love a lot. Its depth is truly amazing.
It tells the story of a young woman who cannot remember her past, but
is well aware that her roots are in Rohan. Her world changes
drastically when Isil's character arrives in Lorien.

There she falls in love with Orophin, but nothing is as simple as it
seems. Isil writes a heartfelt story where a young woman falls for an
elf, whose protective brothers keep a close eye on their little
brother's new love. Isil carefully writes the impact of the romance
between an elf and a mortal woman, and the grief it brings for
Orophin who is left behind. For both characters, it is a learning
curve. I can imagine that an author wants to keep it to a simple
romance, but Isil sticks to the development of her original character
and forces her to move on to the next phase of the young woman's
life. You can truly feel how hard it is for the female character to
do this, especially when another puzzle is added to the mix. A
decision is made and it is not the easiest one. What I admire about
this character is the strength of her. In that respect Isil
establishes a strong character, despite that there isn't that much
known of the character's background. Combine this with the excellent
narrative style and eye for detail, for me Lorien came alive through
her words. Isil's portrayal of the canon characters feel very
natural. I like the differences between the Marchwarden brothers and
their position in the family. Theoden and Theodred are cleverly
written as well, the way they act and speak give you a good idea how
many years before the War of the Ring this takes place.

Moving and challenging: this is a great story with many layers to
read!


Title: Strawberry Fields · Author: MysteriousWays · Books/Time: Post-
Ring War: Romance · ID: 870
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-08-26 17:35:57 Score: 6
Strawberry fields is such a touching story. I cannot help to feel
very happy to see Frodo in the arms of a caring hobbit lass. The love
for each other is so tangible, but as some stories go, there is also
darkness in it. Even Frodo cannot shake off the shadow that still has
a hold over his soul. That part is so incredibly chilling, but
Linwe's response is so tender as a believable opposite. Mysterious
Ways carefully balances playfulness with the bitterness that still
haunts Frodo, and she does it in such a great way that it reads very
natural. And what makes the story more hobbity then a raid of…
strawberries!

Title: Denial · Author: MysteriousWays · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Drabble · ID: 871
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-08-26 17:40:59 Score: 3
I am always amazed how much emotion Mysterious Ways can put into her
writings. In this drabble we experience Frodo's very emotional
reaction to Gandalf's fall into the depths of Moria. Every time when
I read it, a chill runs down my spine. In that respect the author has
achieved her goal... in just hundred words... A magnificent drabble
Mysterious Ways!

Title: A mother's duty · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Gondor:
Vignette · ID: 1384
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-26 17:47:10 Score: 6
Oh, Liz, this is such a chilling drabble! I would expect that going
to a midwife would normally be a joyous thing, but the reason for
Finduilas' desire to please her lord with sons is depressing. There
is a certain fatalism about her wish, and the dynamics between her
and Ioreth are fascinating -- Ioreth was about to turn her away, when
she thought that the knowledge that Finduilas wanted was not fitting,
in her mind.

Finduilas knows her duty well -- to produce enough sons so that there
will always be an heir, even after some go to war and die. That is
just so disgusting to those of us who are not raised in a society on
a constant war basis. *Sigh* Finduilas is truly doing her best here
in an extremely difficult situation... Your drabble evokes my
sympathy for her!


Title: Reason in Madness · Author: Niennanir · Genres: Romance:
Incomplete · ID: 950
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-08-26 17:54:45 Score: 4
The sequel to a tangled web started with a captivating prologue, a
signal to fasten your seatbelts to be taken along another amazing
journey written by Niennanir. She has grown into her writing and it
clearly shows. Sharp witted dialogue, the pacing, and tone of the
story is excellent. I cannot wait to see where this tale will lead
the reader too. Don't let the reader wait too long Niennanir!

Title: A Tangled Web · Author: Niennanir · Genres: Romance: Rivendell
· ID: 947
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-08-26 17:56:54 Score: 3
A tangled web is a great and well-written story. With humour, great
dialogue, plot twists, and lovable characterisations, Niennanir makes
you want to read on to see how it ends. Her characters come tolive
with the display of their emotions. You actually feel a bit deprived
when the story ends. A great story Niennanir!

***end