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up from yesterday! 65 new final reviews today.
Title: Night Course in Pet Care · Author: Werecat · Genres: Humor:
Animals · ID: 360
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-08-26 22:15:50 Score: 5
Oh, I have to review this one! I must confess to grinning through
this story. It has an expertly handled comedy, wry but never off key
or forced, as comedy so often feels in fanfic. I wouldn't call it a
laugh out loud piece, but the little tale builds up well and
believably, is just the right length (have been reading things lately
that would have been much improved with half the verbage) and is
memorable enough to warrant a second read for this contest. Now I
will have to read through the rest of your list - there are a few
here I haven't read!
Title: Wish upon a star · Author: Werecat · Races/Places: Villains:
Orcs · ID: 194
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-08-26 22:21:05 Score: 2
Oh, this thing is twisted! I read this with horrified fascination and
while I don't hate Mary Sues nearly as much as everyone else
supposedly does, I am not crying for this one's end. A definitely
creepy fic. Well done!
Title: Wandering in the Wild · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance:
Drabble · ID: 1391
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-26 23:18:21 Score: 3
This drabble has a lot of gritty details. The description of all the
different types of rain, and all of Aragorn's reasons for hating
certain types of reasons -- very vivid. But then that last line
shines a warm light on his whole thing. I have to tell you, I had a
ridiculously goofy smile across my face at that point.
Title: Safe in My Arms · Author: Elendiari22 · Genres: Drama
(includes Angst): War of the Ring · ID: 907
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 00:00:14 Score: 1
A sweet retelling of Pippin's search for Merry, and its aftermath,
after the battle on the Pelennor. Very true to canon!
Title: Stay Here With Me · Author: Marigold · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): War of the Ring · ID: 1173
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 00:06:56 Score: 3
Merry agonizes over Pippin at Cormallen, as he waits for him to
either recover or die. A very angsty little ficlet, but the sweet
love and the genuine bond between the cousins is clear, and Pippin's
knowledge that Merry could not go on without him is what finally
anchors him to life. Gandalf is wise and comforting in this, as
always.
Title: Freak Show · Author: Nickey · Genres: Horror · ID: 862
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 00:11:48 Score: 5
This is a brilliant piece--creepy and atmospheric and full of
foreshadowing, heavy on the shadows. The idea of a "freak show" in
the Shire, and of what it truly implies, and Merry's strong and
unexpected reaction is all very original. Yet underneath the
frightening parts, we see the strong love and affection of the
friends for one another, that will carry them through when that
frightening future arrives.
The symbolism and imagery are outstanding and memorable--I remember
how impressed I was on the first reading of it.
Title: Boys to Men · Author: ErinRua · Books/Time: Gap-Filler:
Drabble · ID: 286
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-27 00:54:14 Score: 1
Interesting reflection on just why Beregond allowed Bergil to stay in
the White City.
Title: A Mist of Tears and Weariness · Author: Dreamflower ·
Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Friendship · ID: 981
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 01:13:13 Score: 2
It's good to see Gandalf offering comfort to Merry - he brings a lot
of conviction with him. But someone who, it seems to me, could do
with a bit of this bolstering is poor old Strider. He has the weight
of the world on his shoulders!
Title: Knitting · Author: AngieT · Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Friendship · ID: 1225
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 01:23:43 Score: 2
What could motivate Frodo to relearn the skill more than doing
something for Pippin.
Frodo in a frock is something to imagine! Although the one I feel
sorry for is his poor old auntie. She had to do something to squash
the irrepressible lad!
Title: Clasps and Links · Author: Songspinner · Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Friendship · ID: 1222
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 01:25:02 Score: 1
Very touching. I love Merry / Eowyn stories. And concerned Eomer.
Title: To Cross a River · Author: Hai Took · Books/Time: The Lord of
The Rings: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 820
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 01:39:45 Score: 2
So Pippin will happily throw himself in any body of water if he
thinks it will gain him sympathy and extra rest, huh? But at least
Frodo is onto him! Fun.
Title: Namesake · Author: Ruby Nye · Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Post-Ring War · ID: 271
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 01:49:06 Score: 4
This is such a lovely story from Farry's point of view, that picks
out so many details of the affectionate relationship between two
people whose lives keep them apart. Faramir is lovingly depicted -
and I can quite see how Farry would immediately treat him as a
favourite uncle. I hope they all get to meet again - but can see them
regretting that it is not likely to be often or soon.
Title: Reunion at Cormallen · Author: Shirebound · Books/Time: The
Lord of The Rings: Post-Ring War · ID: 1116
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 01:52:44 Score: 1
I love Sam's humour - he is usually so sober. But threatening Mr
Frodo! He has gained in confidence.
Title: Brothers-in-arms · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Cross-
Cultural: Drabble · ID: 1349
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-27 02:40:43 Score: 8
Oh, dear, Liz, you really know how to make a normally unsentimental
adult like me get tears in her eyes.... This drabble grabs my heart
from the first two lines, so parallel in form and matched in drama.
The metaphor of the chance-dropped pebble is beautifully visual, but
also very apt: were it not for the Rohirrim becoming staunch allies
and fulfilling the Oath of Eorl repeatedly, Gondor might well not
have existed long enough to oppose Sauron at the end of the Third
Age. Faramir, with his family's long tradition of ancient lore, seems
to have understood this and truly valued their contribution.
Yet what a poignant and unhappy trade for some: land for sons.... My
heart goes out to Folcwine, who might have preferred to go and fight
himself -- but sent both his oldest sons instead, in high hopes that
they would return safely. What a bitter victory that was for him! No
weregild can ever assuage the grief of a parent losing his beloved
children....
The ending is extremely powerful: they are united in death, and the
two allies are united in their grief for them. *sniff*
Title: Nothing to fear but fear itself · Author: Tanaqui · Genres:
Romance: Drabble · ID: 1350
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-27 02:50:25 Score: 4
Poor Faramir! He is having such a difficult time grappling with his
feelings... the line "guard against past hurts with scarce-
acknowledged dreams" is tremendously poignant -- with his history of
a father who withheld his favor, how could he allow himself to show
vulnerability to another? That is the unfortunate legacy that his
dead father left him.
But I love that it is his dead brother that gave him the courage to
proceed. Such a hopeful ending!
Title: Defiance · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: The Silmarillion:
Drabble · ID: 1355
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-27 03:00:07 Score: 5
This is one of those moments in the Silmarillion that left me almost
too depressed to continue reading. Never was the valor of a group of
men so tested... and none returned alive. "Crushed beneath the weight
of hewed hands" is such a compelling image, and so gruesome. And we
know the fates of the family that he worries for, and they are
horrific.
This is one of those epic stories that is optimistic about the fate
of entire peoples, but crushingly pessimistic for any of the people
involved.
Title: Seeing · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor
Drabble · ID: 1356
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-27 03:12:01 Score: 5
While his family may have big visions of major events like Númenor
falling, Imrahil looks around and sees that his sons and a nephew
survived the Ring War, have made loving marriages and are giving him
grandchildren....
It takes a certain age and wisdom to be able to reflect on your life
and see what contentment has come in it; and that wisdom is sharpened
by having gone through such a horrendous war.
Imrahil survives, he's wise, he's content, he has a loving family and
a sense of humor... What more could one want out of life?
Title: From the Eastern Force · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places:
Dwarves: Drabble · ID: 539
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-27 03:20:31 Score: 4
What a sad, touching, and sympathetic view of the dwarves at the
Nirnaeth Arnoediad. Warriors of the Elves and Men, who may not
believe that they have much in common with Dwarves, can empathize
with the grief of losing their lord.
The description of the Dwarves leaving shows the dignity of their
behavior as the Silmarillion did, but gives me a more personal
feeling of loss than Tolkien did. Very evocative.
Title: The Full Tragedy of the Kinslaying · Author: Cirdan ·
Books/Time: The Silmarillion: Feanor and Sons · ID: 1268
Reviewer: jillian baade · 2005-08-27 03:36:37 Score: 4
It is so sad, yet so fitting that Maglor bought the other elves the
luxury of time. I guess it's his way of trying to atone for his
family's sins. Good for you Maglor, I always liked you for a reason.
Cirdan, the thing that touched me is that Maglor has clearly lost his
tenous grip on sanity, yet his song is as powerful as ever, maybe
more so if he could make Maia weep. Well done indeed.
Title: A Good Match · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Drabble ·
ID: 1358
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-27 03:42:08 Score: 6
Oh, I just love this! There's such a contrast between the in-control,
concerned older brother -- and warrior and King -- quizzing his
beloved younger sister as to whether she will be happy in a match
with such a grave Man of Gondor (especially after she has been
unhappy for so long)... and the breathless male who loses his place
in the conversation, distracted in the presence of such a wondrous
beauty...
And Éowyn laughs! Sisters can be so mean.... LOL!
The brevity and outright eagerness of the last line are absolutely
perfect! (And I bet that Éomer would never have believed in the
existence of love at first sight....)
Title: What can be saved · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: The
Silmarillion: Drabble · ID: 1360
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-27 03:51:53 Score: 5
You just drop your readers smack dab in the middle of a dangerous
storm complete with raging wind, broken ship, and worry that they
will never see their companion ships again.
In other words, a fight for survival.
But the nightmare vision of Númenor being drowned is even worse, and
so stark that it haunts Isildur even with eyes open... what a vivid
image!
And then, he finds a bit of calm -- the scion of Nimloth has
survived, and it gives him new hope that a tiny bit of Númenor can
endure. Liz, this is a beautifully-written drabble about an
incredibly wrenching experience. Very powerful!
Title: A Very Dark, Very Wet, and Very Miserable Morning · Author:
Thundera Tiger · Genres: Humor · ID: 592
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 05:44:04 Score: 2
Ah, the trials and tribulations of life as a henchman. Villians just
have so much to put up with, and dealing with upper management can be
such a pain--literally. *snicker*
Title: A Matter of Time · Author: Shirebound · Races/Places: Cross-
Cultural · ID: 514
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 07:32:58 Score: 2
I love thoughtful Merry - one who believes in the power of knowledge.
And trusts Pippin, of course. And pairing him with Elrond just makes
this for me. Most enjoyable.
Title: Creatures of Habit · Author: pipkinsweetgrass · Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 811
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 07:39:48 Score: 3
I love Boromir / hobbit stories - and the relationship here between
the man of Gondor and Pippin is delightful. The habit of Boromir-
watching led to some interesting customs and the thought of Pippin
declaring himself Boromir's big brother was, I think, the sweetest of
all. And I like to think of Pippin remembering Boromir each night at
sunset.
Title: A Flower for My Mother · Author: Lindalëriel · Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 841
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 07:44:29 Score: 4
This is a very touching story on so many levels. The budding
relationship between Legolas and Pippin is sweet and the affection
Pippin shows for his mother and his desire to preserve the beauty of
the flower for her shows both his youth and his generosity. The
conclusion that the flower is not principally preserved in its image
but in Pippin's heart says a lot about elves and hobbits. Good story.
Title: The Dare · Author: Dreamflower · Races/Places: Hobbits: Pippin
· ID: 778
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 08:04:57 Score: 4
Clovis Banks - the hobbit who makes Lotho Sackville-Baggins look a
decent chap. And Cado. Who, if taken away at birth, might have been
all right. I suppose the only surprise is how they managed to survive
Merry's wrath as long as they did. I am being complimentary when I
say what a truly nasty story about truly nasty hobbits. Who do,
finally, get their comeuppance.
Title: The Wedding Table · Author: grey_wonderer · Races/Places:
Hobbits: Pippin · ID: 790
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 08:09:09 Score: 3
Yet another of your truly delicious stories. How do you manage to
turn out so many? And at least this instance of Merry and Pippin
chaos turned out to have a most convenient outcome! And I think
Pippin has quite forgiven Merry now he has allowed Diamond's presence
to distract him. Another amusing episode - may you write many more.
Title: It Takes A Took · Author: Dreamflower · Races/Places: Hobbits:
Pippin · ID: 823
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 08:11:45 Score: 3
I enjoyed the tale of Pippin and the lovely healer's apprentice. I
can't think of a better qualified hobbit to become his bride, either.
Perhaps she will manage to keep him in one piece - for a while. I
love the Shire you have created and the relationships within it and
look forward to reading a lot more about all the characters.
Title: Fever Dreams · Author: Gwynnyd · Races/Places: Gondor: Houses
of Healing · ID: 397
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-27 08:37:31 Score: 8
This is a superb piece about my two favourite characters from one of
my favourite authors in the fandom. I love the mixture of future
hope, present fatalism and courage in the face of despair which
Gwynnyd gives to Faramir at the start of story. This is entirely in
character and deeply moving. Pippin's concern, love and pity for
Faramir shines throughout strongly, particularly in the descriptions
of his small gestures of support and help for Faramir, as does his
sense of humour at points. The repeated motifs of the dream
of "Gondor renewed" are used well throughout the story, and convey
Faramir's fragmented thought patterns and gradual understanding
effectively. Pippin breaks the difficult news of Denethor's death
with sensitivity, and we are left with a heartbreaking conclusion in
which Faramir is unsure why he weeps, and we as readers feel both his
sorrow and joy mingled together. In short, this is a beautifully
crafted story, with wonderful phrasing and imagery throughout.
Title: Toy Story · Author: Gwynnyd · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Vignette · ID: 411
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-27 09:19:54 Score: 10
Gwynnyd picks up the brief mention in "Not Without Hope" of the toy
soldiers carved by Elladan and Elrohir, and uses them to weave a
subtle story about Aragorn's response to learning about his lineage.
Through this clever device, she has the perfect medium to explore
Aragorn's heritage.
It's entirely convincing both that Aragorn would have strong if
confused memories of the toy he played with as a child, and that
Elrohir would have so carefully kept the model of Arathorn he found
necessary to confiscate. Watching Aragorn's reaction through
Elrohir's eyes allows Gwynnyd to explore the full possible range of
reactions Aragorn might have to the news, and reflect on them through
Elrohir's wisdom and experience, rather than inappropriately giving
insights to Aragorn that he wouldn't possess at that age. I also love
tge sly in-joke on Gwynnyd's part when Elrohir tells Aragorn to "Go
practice in the woods or go down to the Hall of Fire and introduce
yourself to the household": little does he realise he is sending
Aragorn off to fall in love with his sister!
However, I think what I like most in this piece is the light touch
Gwynnyd shows in bringing out the brotherly affection and teasing,
along with the wry humour of both Elrohir and Aragorn in what could
otherwise have been an overly-sentimental moment. Yet she doesn't
neglect the very real turbulence of emotions that Aragorn must have
experienced at Elrond's revelation.
Title: Boar and Steward · Author: thevina_finduilas · Races/Places:
Rohan: Original Characters · ID: 564
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 09:30:10 Score: 3
I like it! Strider coming out of the woods to tempt the girl into
discovering more about her people's history - the mere idea of
history being found in unexpected places. I like the red-headed girl
and her brother, too. But, in a way, the star is the open wind-swept
plains of Rohan.
Title: Truth · Author: Lindelea · Genres: Mystery · ID: 898
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 10:04:49 Score: 5
Another excellent story. I can just see Sam and Rosie having doubts
about the propriety of Faramir and Goldi's relationship. And being
remarkably difficult to shift on the subject. And I've said it before
and will say it again - Ferdi is my favourite hobbit! He is such a
star - and deserves all the good things that come his way in these
later years to make up for the suffering of his earlier ones. I like
the way the truth was tricked out of Ned - and the Thain's kindness
to the Sandymans (no-one's favourite family). Good story
Title: Marriage of Souls · Author: ErinRua · Races/Places: Rohan ·
ID: 334
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 12:54:19 Score: 1
What could be more important to the King of Rohan than the choice of
a horse? Beautifully written.
Title: Warmth for the White Lady · Author: Anoriath · Genres:
Romance: Vignette · ID: 995
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 13:31:01 Score: 2
Lovely. Faramir is so adorable in his tentative approach to Eowyn.
And Bergil is seriously sweet. The blue mantle has a life of its own,
too.
Title: Blood and Warm Blankets · Author: Kielle · Genres: Humor:
Metafic · ID: 451
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-27 13:41:27 Score: 3
I know there are some completely believable slash pairings out there.
However, there are a lot out there. That just aren't. This piece does
great justice to exposing the follies therein, while providing an
entertaining conversation between Faramir and Eomer in their own
right.
Title: Bound by Difference · Author: just_sphinx · Races/Places:
Elves: First Age · ID: 1119
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-27 13:42:20 Score: 4
Now that kindler!gentler!Denethor has become something of a sub-
genre, it makes sense that people would try to make sense of
(arguably) Middle-earth's other best-known good-bad boy. This storyh
does a good job of characterising Feanor indirectly -- through
Nerdanel and Galadriel. It's a fascinating portrait, if a bit
unnerving. Hey, I'm by no means a silm-atic, but even I made it to
the end. Well done.
Title: Watcher on the Height · Author: Chris · Races/Places: Gondor:
Original Characters · ID: 1015
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-27 13:43:02 Score: 4
This is a great yarn, examining the unique frame of mind that would
lead someone to serve at such a lonely outpost (or perhaps that such
a soldier would have to develop to survive it). I particularly liked
the blending of Rohirric and Gondorian traits: these were certainly
Gondorians, but Gondorians of the north, with some carry-overs from
being so close to Rohan like the oral transmission of tales. Nice use
of believable OCs.
Title: War Stories · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor · ID: 1367
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-27 13:44:58 Score: 3
I think my favourite part of this ficlet is the way Eldarion is
described in such detail. He's so vivid, and that makes the scene
also feel very vivid. Also, there's the interaction between Faramir
and Aragorn (indirectly, but it's there): Aragorn's re-affirming of
Faramir's courage, and thus of Gondor as a whole, was a delightful
change from what I often see.
Title: The Heirs of Isildur · Author: Marta · Genres: Humor: Drabble
· ID: 24
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-27 14:01:47 Score: 5
In this drabble about the issues facing an immortal fostering the
mortal children of his brother's line, Marta has created a scene
which is both very funny and very insightful. The irritation of
young "whassisname" is very vividly drawn, while she gives just the
right touch of confusion to the newly awoken Elrond. Of course, it
doesn't help that all those chieftains have such similar names….
There is also sadness in Elrond's recollection of Aravir's fate: in
the use of just three names, Marta has shown us the weight of the
generations of Men that Elrond has witnessed.
Title: To Shield a Shield-maiden · Author: Marta · Races/Places:
Rohan: Drabble · ID: 964
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-27 14:42:00 Score: 5
Ah, this is a wonderful drabble about the difficult line that those
closest to the throne had to walk when Gríma began to extend his evil
influence over Théoden. This drabble not only gives me insight into
how Théodred must have felt, but also helps me understand Éomer's
emotions and actions after Théodred's death, when grief meant he was
no longer able to exercise the same restraint. It is also beautifully
phrased, and the echoes of a number of well-known quotes that
resonate with the reader and add richness and depth to its meaning.
Title: Gimli and Boromir Strike Back · Author: Boromir Defender ·
Genres: Crossovers · ID: 1069
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 14:48:05 Score: 4
Well, I give the first Sue points for originality. I don't think I've
ever seen a Sue so persistently call upon the powers of Odin before.
That was definitely a surprise. What did the Norse gods ever do to
get pulled into this crazy mess? Or the Greek gods, for that matter?
Good thing Boromir and Gimli are there to straighten things out, and
thank heavens that Denethor and Faramir can keep their heads on
straight, too. Fun parody. I enjoyed Luthien's presence.
Title: A Gift for Frodo · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Crossovers ·
ID: 909
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 14:48:39 Score: 4
I kept expecting someone to start whistling while I was reading this
story. I grew up on old reruns of Lassie, so this brought back quite
a few memories. Loved Frodo's complete confusion during the dream,
and I loved even more that Lassie found him in a well. She's always
finding people in wells. You'd think that someone would catch on once
in a while. Ah well. Fun story!
Title: Jerusalem · Author: Amarie · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 658
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 14:49:41 Score: 4
I'm always a little uneasy when Tolkien's world and theology start
mixing. One usually ends up being sacrificed to the other, and both
are too dear to me to allow for that. But this story managed to merge
the two while still respecting both, and for that, I thank Amarie.
Definitely an interesting take on many issues, and if anyone out of
the Silmarillion needed a chance like this, I suspect it would be
this particular elf.
Title: An Unexpected Party · Author: Azalais · Genres: Crossovers ·
ID: 150
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 14:51:08 Score: 5
Great fun! I loved the good Professor's confusion as each of the
characters were introduced. Aragorn's introduction, particularly, had
some fabulous imagery to back it up, but I think I actually liked
Gandalf's entry best as he manages to block the entire door. How very
like a wizard to make an entrance. I loves the ties to a certain
chapter in The Hobbit that bares an identical name, right down to
Gimli's deep bow and the fact that he hung a green hood on a peg.
Brilliant touch! Wonderful idea and great tribute to the Professor
for his eleventy-first birthday. Loved it!
Title: The Shadow of an Image · Author: Finch · Genres: Crossovers ·
ID: 732
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 14:51:34 Score: 5
Brilliant! Wonderful story, and I very much enjoyed the use of works
from both Plato and Aristotle. Maglor is among the most intriguing of
the Silmarillion's vast cast of characters, and I think he would make
a very interesting conversationalist in the company of Aristotle. The
idea of various types of wisdom and knowledge, as well as the
different ways in which wisdom and knowledge are acquired, was
definitely of interest to me, and I liked the conclusion, in which it
seemed that both Maglor and Aristotle truly did see. Great stuff.
Title: The Hound Of The Bagginses · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres:
Crossovers · ID: 766
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 14:58:00 Score: 6
Great combination of characters and tales! I loved Peregrin's
astonishment at some of the very "elementary" observations that Merry
was making, and I loved the reactions of Frodo and Sam as they wonder
what in the world Merry is doing with the Took. He proves himself in
the end, but in the beginning, it's hilarious. I think the altered
personalities fit both worlds very well. There were enough ties to
LotR and to "The Hound of the Baskervilles" to make it very
entertaining, and I loved seeing where things diverged and where they
came together. Great writing, too, and a wonderful sense of humor.
Loved it!
Title: Magnetic Force · Author: Marnie · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 1097
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 14:58:52 Score: 6
I remember reading this story when it was first posted, and I loved
it then. I think I love it even more now. I enjoy the almost
scientific method Jasmine uses to examine her own madness once she
finds herself in Rivendell, and I love the explanation for Tolkien,
the Red Book, and everything else. I think Tolkien's world fits in
very well with the world of the Fortean Times, particularly as it's
described here. But most of all, I love the last section in which
Jasmine decides that Tolkien was wrong and the old tales were right:
elves taint the soul. The very ending had that bittersweet longing
about it that seems to haunt almost every elf important enough to
attain canon significance, and I like the way it's translated here to
fit with Jasmine's mortal limitations. Great story.
Title: The One and True Dark Lord · Author: Werecat · Genres:
Crossovers · ID: 358
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:05:06 Score: 6
Poor Morgoth. Poor Voldemort. I can't imagine those two trapped
together in the Void for long. Good thing Voldemort was there on a
temporary basis this time. Loved the discussion between the two, and
I laughed at the thought that Morgoth might have been a Muggle. I
also loved how Morgoth/Melkor handled things from his end. He's
definitely a foe to be reckoned with. And while I don't want to seem
unfairly biased toward the LotR universe, Morgoth does have far more
experience than Voldemort. I suspect he'll be proven right in the
end. And then they'll have all of eternity to practice snubbing one
another. Great story, and kudos for giving both Morgoth and Voldemort
the credit they deserve.
Title: Equinoxium · Author: Lisette · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 83
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:10:56 Score: 8
I was a fairly big fan of both Buffy and Angel, but the funny thing
about it is that I never actually liked Buffy as a character. I liked
most of the other characters (Angel, Spike, and Oz were particular
favorites) but not Buffy herself. I think it had something to do with
the way light and dark were constantly at war in the other three.
Buffy never really had that until the seventh season, but the great
thing about this story is that it takes the idea of balance between
good and evil and expands it into a giant epic that works
surprisingly well in the LotR world. I actually like the way this
closes out Buffy's season seven more than the actual ending for
season seven, and as for tying it into Tolkien's world, themes of
light and dark battling it out are prevalant and they were made to
match the almost contradictory role of the Slayer very well.
Brilliant adaptation and merging of two worlds! Loved the way that
balance was achieved in the end, and even more than that, I loved the
continuation of one of the main themes from both Buffy and Angel: in
the end, all you have is yourself.
Title: Where Now the Rider? · Author: Marta · Genres: Crossovers:
Poetry · ID: 968
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:13:09 Score: 3
If anybody in Middle-earth were given to composing sweeping, rallying
national anthems, it would be the Rohirrim. They practically did it
already in "Where now the horse and the rider?" and the adaptation
fits really well. Good choice of people and song for the adaptation.
Title: The Forest of Mirkwood · Author: Arandil · Genres: Crossovers:
Poetry · ID: 121
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:13:48 Score: 2
Great fun! Oh, this was priceless, particularly the part about
possibly sharing the king's son. That was great. Loved all the
slightly altered words and the Seuss rhythm. Good job.
Title: The Queen and her Pussycats Went to Sea · Author: Fileg ·
Genres: Crossovers: Poetry · ID: 726
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:15:27 Score: 4
You know, I could see this as becoming sort of a bizarre children's
nursery rhyme in Gondor. It definitely has a nonsensical Lear feel to
it, but it's got enough of a Mother Goose feel, too, that it could
pass itself off as a nursery rhyme. That's rather frightening,
actually. I wonder if Boromir grew up reciting poems about a pea-
green boat. Good writing! It's certainly made me both smile and think.
Title: Palantír · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Crossovers: Poetry · ID:
546
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:16:53 Score: 4
Dark and moody with some brilliant imagery. I'm not as familiar with
Plath as I am with some poets, but from what little I remember or her
work, this is very much in keeping with her style, from the choice of
perspective to the style of narration. I particularly like the idea
of burning a bright hope within the Palantir and then seeing the
failing West rising like a flame day by day. Wonderful stuff.
Title: Water and Flame · Author: Marta · Genres: Crossovers: Poetry ·
ID: 966
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:24:17 Score: 6
I really like the Frost's poem "Fire and Ice," and I think that this
poem does a wonderful job of capturing much of the imagery and also
much of the message behind Frost's creation. First of all, there are
the contrasting images of water and flame at work, and water, as with
fire in Frost's work, goes to work first. Numenor is taken by the
Sea. But there's also the fire, and there are some Numenoreans who
are destined to perish twice, as Frost puts it. And on the second go-
around, they run into fire in Orodruin. It's a brilliant way to
literally illustrate some of the things that Frost was talking about.
Good job with the content, and also kudos for sticking to form. It
was done very well.
Title: The Council of Elrond · Author: Lindelea · Genres: Crossovers:
Poetry · ID: 900
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:29:57 Score: 6
This poem was brilliant. I loved the way it adhered to form and
style. It stuck so close to a few of Lewis Carroll's poems that it
couldn't help but be hilarious, and I can imagine this thing making
itself right at home in Wonderland. And the periodic interjections
from various characters about the chapter dragging itself on had me
laughing throughout the entire thing. I loved the discussion between
Gandalf and Elrond about how unclear the dwarves were being, and I
loved the fact that the Council thanked Elrond for encouraging Bilbo
to be brief about his tale. Gandalf showed why he was accounted one
of the Wise by denying Elrond a song to finish the thing off with.
Great writing, great style, and wonderful humor. I loved it!
Title: The Council of Elrond in the Style of Hiawatha · Author:
Theresa Green · Genres: Crossovers: Poetry · ID: 559
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:38:16 Score: 6
I'm almost certain that this poem made me hurt something while
laughing. It was absolutely hilarious! I nearly choked when I came
across the title of "Aragorn the Unwashed," though "Bombadil the
Hippy" was pretty good, too. Poor Longfellow. And poor Tolkien. I did
cheer on Frodo's efforts to dump the Ring off on somebody. They were
noble, albeit futile. Gandalf's trick of getting Frodo read a
parchment aloud and thus doom himself was brilliant. Kudos to the
wizard for getting the whole thing over with before it got any
further out of hand. Although, had this REALLY been a collaboration
between Longfellow adn Tolkien, I suspect the section dedicated to
the Council of Elrond would have been as long as that particular
chapter in FotR is. Heaven help us all.
Title: Roast Mutton · Author: Marta · Races/Places: Villains: Drabble
· ID: 1362
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 16:38:12 Score: 1
Cute little summary of the chapter "Roast Mutton" in The Hobbit; very
droll--I especially loved the last line.
Title: Once · Author: Meril · Races/Places: Villains: Nazgul · ID: 485
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 16:47:31 Score: 2
Chilling and inevitable, a man who takes a ring of power has doomed
himself to shrinking away to nothing...Very well done.
Title: Pipes After Supper · Author: Ariel · Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Aman · ID: 134
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-27 17:01:25 Score: 2
this work presents a beautiful little picture of Sam and Frodo, I
enjoyed your detailed descriptions and characterizations.
Title: Old Angband · Author: Arandil · Genres: Humor: Poetry · ID: 124
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-27 17:04:34 Score: 1
Very funny, well done point of view and a good turn on an old song.
Title: Beyond Reach · Author: Elvenesse · Books/Time: The
Silmarillion: Drabble · ID: 327
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-27 17:20:21 Score: 1
Thank you for this heartbreaking moment that Elwing must have thought
would be her last.
Title: Guarding Gondor · Author: emn1936 · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Gondor · ID: 278
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-27 17:25:41 Score: 2
Well done. I enjoyed this little bit of the Fourth Age. A bit of the
King and Queen, but with the husband and wife as well. Lovely writing.
Title: Triumph Incarnate · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races/Places:
Villains: Drabble · ID: 198
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-27 17:26:09 Score: 4
Once again, Elena Tiriel writes magnificently about the darker
characters in Arda and their motivations. His elaboration of the
crimes of the Númenoreans under his direction is chilling. And one of
the most impressive things about this drabble is her subtle use of
capitalisation and lack of capitalisation to indicate Sauron's
arrogance and self-importance.
Title: There and Back Again · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Drabble · ID: 202
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-27 17:26:29 Score: 3
Hmm, I suspect Frodo was only fascinated by memoirs with a happy
outcome.... The Book of Mazarbul made rather grim reading. I love the
way Elena Tiriel has shown us Balin's unrest and desire even in the
middle of contentment. It's also impressive that we don't realise
exactly which moment we're in until the last line. A very nicely
constructed piece.
Title: A Long Tradition of Ancient Lore · Author: Elena Tiriel ·
Races/Places: Gondor: Pre-Quest Drabbles · ID: 206
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-27 17:28:02 Score: 4
Great to see a non-studious small Faramir -- a rarity in the fandom! -
- and a kindly yet still wily Denethor using underhand tactics
tempting his son into taking an interest in dull history. Also, given
we know Faramir is Tolkien's alter ego and given Tolkien had an
obsession with dragons as a child himself, this is a nice parallel! A
nicely constructed scene handled primarily through dialogue.
**end**
Title: Night Course in Pet Care · Author: Werecat · Genres: Humor:
Animals · ID: 360
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-08-26 22:15:50 Score: 5
Oh, I have to review this one! I must confess to grinning through
this story. It has an expertly handled comedy, wry but never off key
or forced, as comedy so often feels in fanfic. I wouldn't call it a
laugh out loud piece, but the little tale builds up well and
believably, is just the right length (have been reading things lately
that would have been much improved with half the verbage) and is
memorable enough to warrant a second read for this contest. Now I
will have to read through the rest of your list - there are a few
here I haven't read!
Title: Wish upon a star · Author: Werecat · Races/Places: Villains:
Orcs · ID: 194
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-08-26 22:21:05 Score: 2
Oh, this thing is twisted! I read this with horrified fascination and
while I don't hate Mary Sues nearly as much as everyone else
supposedly does, I am not crying for this one's end. A definitely
creepy fic. Well done!
Title: Wandering in the Wild · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance:
Drabble · ID: 1391
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-26 23:18:21 Score: 3
This drabble has a lot of gritty details. The description of all the
different types of rain, and all of Aragorn's reasons for hating
certain types of reasons -- very vivid. But then that last line
shines a warm light on his whole thing. I have to tell you, I had a
ridiculously goofy smile across my face at that point.
Title: Safe in My Arms · Author: Elendiari22 · Genres: Drama
(includes Angst): War of the Ring · ID: 907
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 00:00:14 Score: 1
A sweet retelling of Pippin's search for Merry, and its aftermath,
after the battle on the Pelennor. Very true to canon!
Title: Stay Here With Me · Author: Marigold · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): War of the Ring · ID: 1173
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 00:06:56 Score: 3
Merry agonizes over Pippin at Cormallen, as he waits for him to
either recover or die. A very angsty little ficlet, but the sweet
love and the genuine bond between the cousins is clear, and Pippin's
knowledge that Merry could not go on without him is what finally
anchors him to life. Gandalf is wise and comforting in this, as
always.
Title: Freak Show · Author: Nickey · Genres: Horror · ID: 862
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 00:11:48 Score: 5
This is a brilliant piece--creepy and atmospheric and full of
foreshadowing, heavy on the shadows. The idea of a "freak show" in
the Shire, and of what it truly implies, and Merry's strong and
unexpected reaction is all very original. Yet underneath the
frightening parts, we see the strong love and affection of the
friends for one another, that will carry them through when that
frightening future arrives.
The symbolism and imagery are outstanding and memorable--I remember
how impressed I was on the first reading of it.
Title: Boys to Men · Author: ErinRua · Books/Time: Gap-Filler:
Drabble · ID: 286
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-27 00:54:14 Score: 1
Interesting reflection on just why Beregond allowed Bergil to stay in
the White City.
Title: A Mist of Tears and Weariness · Author: Dreamflower ·
Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Friendship · ID: 981
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 01:13:13 Score: 2
It's good to see Gandalf offering comfort to Merry - he brings a lot
of conviction with him. But someone who, it seems to me, could do
with a bit of this bolstering is poor old Strider. He has the weight
of the world on his shoulders!
Title: Knitting · Author: AngieT · Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Friendship · ID: 1225
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 01:23:43 Score: 2
What could motivate Frodo to relearn the skill more than doing
something for Pippin.
Frodo in a frock is something to imagine! Although the one I feel
sorry for is his poor old auntie. She had to do something to squash
the irrepressible lad!
Title: Clasps and Links · Author: Songspinner · Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Friendship · ID: 1222
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 01:25:02 Score: 1
Very touching. I love Merry / Eowyn stories. And concerned Eomer.
Title: To Cross a River · Author: Hai Took · Books/Time: The Lord of
The Rings: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 820
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 01:39:45 Score: 2
So Pippin will happily throw himself in any body of water if he
thinks it will gain him sympathy and extra rest, huh? But at least
Frodo is onto him! Fun.
Title: Namesake · Author: Ruby Nye · Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Post-Ring War · ID: 271
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 01:49:06 Score: 4
This is such a lovely story from Farry's point of view, that picks
out so many details of the affectionate relationship between two
people whose lives keep them apart. Faramir is lovingly depicted -
and I can quite see how Farry would immediately treat him as a
favourite uncle. I hope they all get to meet again - but can see them
regretting that it is not likely to be often or soon.
Title: Reunion at Cormallen · Author: Shirebound · Books/Time: The
Lord of The Rings: Post-Ring War · ID: 1116
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 01:52:44 Score: 1
I love Sam's humour - he is usually so sober. But threatening Mr
Frodo! He has gained in confidence.
Title: Brothers-in-arms · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Cross-
Cultural: Drabble · ID: 1349
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-27 02:40:43 Score: 8
Oh, dear, Liz, you really know how to make a normally unsentimental
adult like me get tears in her eyes.... This drabble grabs my heart
from the first two lines, so parallel in form and matched in drama.
The metaphor of the chance-dropped pebble is beautifully visual, but
also very apt: were it not for the Rohirrim becoming staunch allies
and fulfilling the Oath of Eorl repeatedly, Gondor might well not
have existed long enough to oppose Sauron at the end of the Third
Age. Faramir, with his family's long tradition of ancient lore, seems
to have understood this and truly valued their contribution.
Yet what a poignant and unhappy trade for some: land for sons.... My
heart goes out to Folcwine, who might have preferred to go and fight
himself -- but sent both his oldest sons instead, in high hopes that
they would return safely. What a bitter victory that was for him! No
weregild can ever assuage the grief of a parent losing his beloved
children....
The ending is extremely powerful: they are united in death, and the
two allies are united in their grief for them. *sniff*
Title: Nothing to fear but fear itself · Author: Tanaqui · Genres:
Romance: Drabble · ID: 1350
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-27 02:50:25 Score: 4
Poor Faramir! He is having such a difficult time grappling with his
feelings... the line "guard against past hurts with scarce-
acknowledged dreams" is tremendously poignant -- with his history of
a father who withheld his favor, how could he allow himself to show
vulnerability to another? That is the unfortunate legacy that his
dead father left him.
But I love that it is his dead brother that gave him the courage to
proceed. Such a hopeful ending!
Title: Defiance · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: The Silmarillion:
Drabble · ID: 1355
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-27 03:00:07 Score: 5
This is one of those moments in the Silmarillion that left me almost
too depressed to continue reading. Never was the valor of a group of
men so tested... and none returned alive. "Crushed beneath the weight
of hewed hands" is such a compelling image, and so gruesome. And we
know the fates of the family that he worries for, and they are
horrific.
This is one of those epic stories that is optimistic about the fate
of entire peoples, but crushingly pessimistic for any of the people
involved.
Title: Seeing · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor
Drabble · ID: 1356
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-27 03:12:01 Score: 5
While his family may have big visions of major events like Númenor
falling, Imrahil looks around and sees that his sons and a nephew
survived the Ring War, have made loving marriages and are giving him
grandchildren....
It takes a certain age and wisdom to be able to reflect on your life
and see what contentment has come in it; and that wisdom is sharpened
by having gone through such a horrendous war.
Imrahil survives, he's wise, he's content, he has a loving family and
a sense of humor... What more could one want out of life?
Title: From the Eastern Force · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places:
Dwarves: Drabble · ID: 539
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-27 03:20:31 Score: 4
What a sad, touching, and sympathetic view of the dwarves at the
Nirnaeth Arnoediad. Warriors of the Elves and Men, who may not
believe that they have much in common with Dwarves, can empathize
with the grief of losing their lord.
The description of the Dwarves leaving shows the dignity of their
behavior as the Silmarillion did, but gives me a more personal
feeling of loss than Tolkien did. Very evocative.
Title: The Full Tragedy of the Kinslaying · Author: Cirdan ·
Books/Time: The Silmarillion: Feanor and Sons · ID: 1268
Reviewer: jillian baade · 2005-08-27 03:36:37 Score: 4
It is so sad, yet so fitting that Maglor bought the other elves the
luxury of time. I guess it's his way of trying to atone for his
family's sins. Good for you Maglor, I always liked you for a reason.
Cirdan, the thing that touched me is that Maglor has clearly lost his
tenous grip on sanity, yet his song is as powerful as ever, maybe
more so if he could make Maia weep. Well done indeed.
Title: A Good Match · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Drabble ·
ID: 1358
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-27 03:42:08 Score: 6
Oh, I just love this! There's such a contrast between the in-control,
concerned older brother -- and warrior and King -- quizzing his
beloved younger sister as to whether she will be happy in a match
with such a grave Man of Gondor (especially after she has been
unhappy for so long)... and the breathless male who loses his place
in the conversation, distracted in the presence of such a wondrous
beauty...
And Éowyn laughs! Sisters can be so mean.... LOL!
The brevity and outright eagerness of the last line are absolutely
perfect! (And I bet that Éomer would never have believed in the
existence of love at first sight....)
Title: What can be saved · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: The
Silmarillion: Drabble · ID: 1360
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-27 03:51:53 Score: 5
You just drop your readers smack dab in the middle of a dangerous
storm complete with raging wind, broken ship, and worry that they
will never see their companion ships again.
In other words, a fight for survival.
But the nightmare vision of Númenor being drowned is even worse, and
so stark that it haunts Isildur even with eyes open... what a vivid
image!
And then, he finds a bit of calm -- the scion of Nimloth has
survived, and it gives him new hope that a tiny bit of Númenor can
endure. Liz, this is a beautifully-written drabble about an
incredibly wrenching experience. Very powerful!
Title: A Very Dark, Very Wet, and Very Miserable Morning · Author:
Thundera Tiger · Genres: Humor · ID: 592
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 05:44:04 Score: 2
Ah, the trials and tribulations of life as a henchman. Villians just
have so much to put up with, and dealing with upper management can be
such a pain--literally. *snicker*
Title: A Matter of Time · Author: Shirebound · Races/Places: Cross-
Cultural · ID: 514
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 07:32:58 Score: 2
I love thoughtful Merry - one who believes in the power of knowledge.
And trusts Pippin, of course. And pairing him with Elrond just makes
this for me. Most enjoyable.
Title: Creatures of Habit · Author: pipkinsweetgrass · Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 811
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 07:39:48 Score: 3
I love Boromir / hobbit stories - and the relationship here between
the man of Gondor and Pippin is delightful. The habit of Boromir-
watching led to some interesting customs and the thought of Pippin
declaring himself Boromir's big brother was, I think, the sweetest of
all. And I like to think of Pippin remembering Boromir each night at
sunset.
Title: A Flower for My Mother · Author: Lindalëriel · Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 841
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 07:44:29 Score: 4
This is a very touching story on so many levels. The budding
relationship between Legolas and Pippin is sweet and the affection
Pippin shows for his mother and his desire to preserve the beauty of
the flower for her shows both his youth and his generosity. The
conclusion that the flower is not principally preserved in its image
but in Pippin's heart says a lot about elves and hobbits. Good story.
Title: The Dare · Author: Dreamflower · Races/Places: Hobbits: Pippin
· ID: 778
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 08:04:57 Score: 4
Clovis Banks - the hobbit who makes Lotho Sackville-Baggins look a
decent chap. And Cado. Who, if taken away at birth, might have been
all right. I suppose the only surprise is how they managed to survive
Merry's wrath as long as they did. I am being complimentary when I
say what a truly nasty story about truly nasty hobbits. Who do,
finally, get their comeuppance.
Title: The Wedding Table · Author: grey_wonderer · Races/Places:
Hobbits: Pippin · ID: 790
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 08:09:09 Score: 3
Yet another of your truly delicious stories. How do you manage to
turn out so many? And at least this instance of Merry and Pippin
chaos turned out to have a most convenient outcome! And I think
Pippin has quite forgiven Merry now he has allowed Diamond's presence
to distract him. Another amusing episode - may you write many more.
Title: It Takes A Took · Author: Dreamflower · Races/Places: Hobbits:
Pippin · ID: 823
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 08:11:45 Score: 3
I enjoyed the tale of Pippin and the lovely healer's apprentice. I
can't think of a better qualified hobbit to become his bride, either.
Perhaps she will manage to keep him in one piece - for a while. I
love the Shire you have created and the relationships within it and
look forward to reading a lot more about all the characters.
Title: Fever Dreams · Author: Gwynnyd · Races/Places: Gondor: Houses
of Healing · ID: 397
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-27 08:37:31 Score: 8
This is a superb piece about my two favourite characters from one of
my favourite authors in the fandom. I love the mixture of future
hope, present fatalism and courage in the face of despair which
Gwynnyd gives to Faramir at the start of story. This is entirely in
character and deeply moving. Pippin's concern, love and pity for
Faramir shines throughout strongly, particularly in the descriptions
of his small gestures of support and help for Faramir, as does his
sense of humour at points. The repeated motifs of the dream
of "Gondor renewed" are used well throughout the story, and convey
Faramir's fragmented thought patterns and gradual understanding
effectively. Pippin breaks the difficult news of Denethor's death
with sensitivity, and we are left with a heartbreaking conclusion in
which Faramir is unsure why he weeps, and we as readers feel both his
sorrow and joy mingled together. In short, this is a beautifully
crafted story, with wonderful phrasing and imagery throughout.
Title: Toy Story · Author: Gwynnyd · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Vignette · ID: 411
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-27 09:19:54 Score: 10
Gwynnyd picks up the brief mention in "Not Without Hope" of the toy
soldiers carved by Elladan and Elrohir, and uses them to weave a
subtle story about Aragorn's response to learning about his lineage.
Through this clever device, she has the perfect medium to explore
Aragorn's heritage.
It's entirely convincing both that Aragorn would have strong if
confused memories of the toy he played with as a child, and that
Elrohir would have so carefully kept the model of Arathorn he found
necessary to confiscate. Watching Aragorn's reaction through
Elrohir's eyes allows Gwynnyd to explore the full possible range of
reactions Aragorn might have to the news, and reflect on them through
Elrohir's wisdom and experience, rather than inappropriately giving
insights to Aragorn that he wouldn't possess at that age. I also love
tge sly in-joke on Gwynnyd's part when Elrohir tells Aragorn to "Go
practice in the woods or go down to the Hall of Fire and introduce
yourself to the household": little does he realise he is sending
Aragorn off to fall in love with his sister!
However, I think what I like most in this piece is the light touch
Gwynnyd shows in bringing out the brotherly affection and teasing,
along with the wry humour of both Elrohir and Aragorn in what could
otherwise have been an overly-sentimental moment. Yet she doesn't
neglect the very real turbulence of emotions that Aragorn must have
experienced at Elrond's revelation.
Title: Boar and Steward · Author: thevina_finduilas · Races/Places:
Rohan: Original Characters · ID: 564
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 09:30:10 Score: 3
I like it! Strider coming out of the woods to tempt the girl into
discovering more about her people's history - the mere idea of
history being found in unexpected places. I like the red-headed girl
and her brother, too. But, in a way, the star is the open wind-swept
plains of Rohan.
Title: Truth · Author: Lindelea · Genres: Mystery · ID: 898
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 10:04:49 Score: 5
Another excellent story. I can just see Sam and Rosie having doubts
about the propriety of Faramir and Goldi's relationship. And being
remarkably difficult to shift on the subject. And I've said it before
and will say it again - Ferdi is my favourite hobbit! He is such a
star - and deserves all the good things that come his way in these
later years to make up for the suffering of his earlier ones. I like
the way the truth was tricked out of Ned - and the Thain's kindness
to the Sandymans (no-one's favourite family). Good story
Title: Marriage of Souls · Author: ErinRua · Races/Places: Rohan ·
ID: 334
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 12:54:19 Score: 1
What could be more important to the King of Rohan than the choice of
a horse? Beautifully written.
Title: Warmth for the White Lady · Author: Anoriath · Genres:
Romance: Vignette · ID: 995
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-27 13:31:01 Score: 2
Lovely. Faramir is so adorable in his tentative approach to Eowyn.
And Bergil is seriously sweet. The blue mantle has a life of its own,
too.
Title: Blood and Warm Blankets · Author: Kielle · Genres: Humor:
Metafic · ID: 451
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-27 13:41:27 Score: 3
I know there are some completely believable slash pairings out there.
However, there are a lot out there. That just aren't. This piece does
great justice to exposing the follies therein, while providing an
entertaining conversation between Faramir and Eomer in their own
right.
Title: Bound by Difference · Author: just_sphinx · Races/Places:
Elves: First Age · ID: 1119
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-27 13:42:20 Score: 4
Now that kindler!gentler!Denethor has become something of a sub-
genre, it makes sense that people would try to make sense of
(arguably) Middle-earth's other best-known good-bad boy. This storyh
does a good job of characterising Feanor indirectly -- through
Nerdanel and Galadriel. It's a fascinating portrait, if a bit
unnerving. Hey, I'm by no means a silm-atic, but even I made it to
the end. Well done.
Title: Watcher on the Height · Author: Chris · Races/Places: Gondor:
Original Characters · ID: 1015
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-27 13:43:02 Score: 4
This is a great yarn, examining the unique frame of mind that would
lead someone to serve at such a lonely outpost (or perhaps that such
a soldier would have to develop to survive it). I particularly liked
the blending of Rohirric and Gondorian traits: these were certainly
Gondorians, but Gondorians of the north, with some carry-overs from
being so close to Rohan like the oral transmission of tales. Nice use
of believable OCs.
Title: War Stories · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor · ID: 1367
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-27 13:44:58 Score: 3
I think my favourite part of this ficlet is the way Eldarion is
described in such detail. He's so vivid, and that makes the scene
also feel very vivid. Also, there's the interaction between Faramir
and Aragorn (indirectly, but it's there): Aragorn's re-affirming of
Faramir's courage, and thus of Gondor as a whole, was a delightful
change from what I often see.
Title: The Heirs of Isildur · Author: Marta · Genres: Humor: Drabble
· ID: 24
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-27 14:01:47 Score: 5
In this drabble about the issues facing an immortal fostering the
mortal children of his brother's line, Marta has created a scene
which is both very funny and very insightful. The irritation of
young "whassisname" is very vividly drawn, while she gives just the
right touch of confusion to the newly awoken Elrond. Of course, it
doesn't help that all those chieftains have such similar names….
There is also sadness in Elrond's recollection of Aravir's fate: in
the use of just three names, Marta has shown us the weight of the
generations of Men that Elrond has witnessed.
Title: To Shield a Shield-maiden · Author: Marta · Races/Places:
Rohan: Drabble · ID: 964
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-27 14:42:00 Score: 5
Ah, this is a wonderful drabble about the difficult line that those
closest to the throne had to walk when Gríma began to extend his evil
influence over Théoden. This drabble not only gives me insight into
how Théodred must have felt, but also helps me understand Éomer's
emotions and actions after Théodred's death, when grief meant he was
no longer able to exercise the same restraint. It is also beautifully
phrased, and the echoes of a number of well-known quotes that
resonate with the reader and add richness and depth to its meaning.
Title: Gimli and Boromir Strike Back · Author: Boromir Defender ·
Genres: Crossovers · ID: 1069
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 14:48:05 Score: 4
Well, I give the first Sue points for originality. I don't think I've
ever seen a Sue so persistently call upon the powers of Odin before.
That was definitely a surprise. What did the Norse gods ever do to
get pulled into this crazy mess? Or the Greek gods, for that matter?
Good thing Boromir and Gimli are there to straighten things out, and
thank heavens that Denethor and Faramir can keep their heads on
straight, too. Fun parody. I enjoyed Luthien's presence.
Title: A Gift for Frodo · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Crossovers ·
ID: 909
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 14:48:39 Score: 4
I kept expecting someone to start whistling while I was reading this
story. I grew up on old reruns of Lassie, so this brought back quite
a few memories. Loved Frodo's complete confusion during the dream,
and I loved even more that Lassie found him in a well. She's always
finding people in wells. You'd think that someone would catch on once
in a while. Ah well. Fun story!
Title: Jerusalem · Author: Amarie · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 658
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 14:49:41 Score: 4
I'm always a little uneasy when Tolkien's world and theology start
mixing. One usually ends up being sacrificed to the other, and both
are too dear to me to allow for that. But this story managed to merge
the two while still respecting both, and for that, I thank Amarie.
Definitely an interesting take on many issues, and if anyone out of
the Silmarillion needed a chance like this, I suspect it would be
this particular elf.
Title: An Unexpected Party · Author: Azalais · Genres: Crossovers ·
ID: 150
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 14:51:08 Score: 5
Great fun! I loved the good Professor's confusion as each of the
characters were introduced. Aragorn's introduction, particularly, had
some fabulous imagery to back it up, but I think I actually liked
Gandalf's entry best as he manages to block the entire door. How very
like a wizard to make an entrance. I loves the ties to a certain
chapter in The Hobbit that bares an identical name, right down to
Gimli's deep bow and the fact that he hung a green hood on a peg.
Brilliant touch! Wonderful idea and great tribute to the Professor
for his eleventy-first birthday. Loved it!
Title: The Shadow of an Image · Author: Finch · Genres: Crossovers ·
ID: 732
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 14:51:34 Score: 5
Brilliant! Wonderful story, and I very much enjoyed the use of works
from both Plato and Aristotle. Maglor is among the most intriguing of
the Silmarillion's vast cast of characters, and I think he would make
a very interesting conversationalist in the company of Aristotle. The
idea of various types of wisdom and knowledge, as well as the
different ways in which wisdom and knowledge are acquired, was
definitely of interest to me, and I liked the conclusion, in which it
seemed that both Maglor and Aristotle truly did see. Great stuff.
Title: The Hound Of The Bagginses · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres:
Crossovers · ID: 766
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 14:58:00 Score: 6
Great combination of characters and tales! I loved Peregrin's
astonishment at some of the very "elementary" observations that Merry
was making, and I loved the reactions of Frodo and Sam as they wonder
what in the world Merry is doing with the Took. He proves himself in
the end, but in the beginning, it's hilarious. I think the altered
personalities fit both worlds very well. There were enough ties to
LotR and to "The Hound of the Baskervilles" to make it very
entertaining, and I loved seeing where things diverged and where they
came together. Great writing, too, and a wonderful sense of humor.
Loved it!
Title: Magnetic Force · Author: Marnie · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 1097
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 14:58:52 Score: 6
I remember reading this story when it was first posted, and I loved
it then. I think I love it even more now. I enjoy the almost
scientific method Jasmine uses to examine her own madness once she
finds herself in Rivendell, and I love the explanation for Tolkien,
the Red Book, and everything else. I think Tolkien's world fits in
very well with the world of the Fortean Times, particularly as it's
described here. But most of all, I love the last section in which
Jasmine decides that Tolkien was wrong and the old tales were right:
elves taint the soul. The very ending had that bittersweet longing
about it that seems to haunt almost every elf important enough to
attain canon significance, and I like the way it's translated here to
fit with Jasmine's mortal limitations. Great story.
Title: The One and True Dark Lord · Author: Werecat · Genres:
Crossovers · ID: 358
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:05:06 Score: 6
Poor Morgoth. Poor Voldemort. I can't imagine those two trapped
together in the Void for long. Good thing Voldemort was there on a
temporary basis this time. Loved the discussion between the two, and
I laughed at the thought that Morgoth might have been a Muggle. I
also loved how Morgoth/Melkor handled things from his end. He's
definitely a foe to be reckoned with. And while I don't want to seem
unfairly biased toward the LotR universe, Morgoth does have far more
experience than Voldemort. I suspect he'll be proven right in the
end. And then they'll have all of eternity to practice snubbing one
another. Great story, and kudos for giving both Morgoth and Voldemort
the credit they deserve.
Title: Equinoxium · Author: Lisette · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 83
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:10:56 Score: 8
I was a fairly big fan of both Buffy and Angel, but the funny thing
about it is that I never actually liked Buffy as a character. I liked
most of the other characters (Angel, Spike, and Oz were particular
favorites) but not Buffy herself. I think it had something to do with
the way light and dark were constantly at war in the other three.
Buffy never really had that until the seventh season, but the great
thing about this story is that it takes the idea of balance between
good and evil and expands it into a giant epic that works
surprisingly well in the LotR world. I actually like the way this
closes out Buffy's season seven more than the actual ending for
season seven, and as for tying it into Tolkien's world, themes of
light and dark battling it out are prevalant and they were made to
match the almost contradictory role of the Slayer very well.
Brilliant adaptation and merging of two worlds! Loved the way that
balance was achieved in the end, and even more than that, I loved the
continuation of one of the main themes from both Buffy and Angel: in
the end, all you have is yourself.
Title: Where Now the Rider? · Author: Marta · Genres: Crossovers:
Poetry · ID: 968
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:13:09 Score: 3
If anybody in Middle-earth were given to composing sweeping, rallying
national anthems, it would be the Rohirrim. They practically did it
already in "Where now the horse and the rider?" and the adaptation
fits really well. Good choice of people and song for the adaptation.
Title: The Forest of Mirkwood · Author: Arandil · Genres: Crossovers:
Poetry · ID: 121
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:13:48 Score: 2
Great fun! Oh, this was priceless, particularly the part about
possibly sharing the king's son. That was great. Loved all the
slightly altered words and the Seuss rhythm. Good job.
Title: The Queen and her Pussycats Went to Sea · Author: Fileg ·
Genres: Crossovers: Poetry · ID: 726
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:15:27 Score: 4
You know, I could see this as becoming sort of a bizarre children's
nursery rhyme in Gondor. It definitely has a nonsensical Lear feel to
it, but it's got enough of a Mother Goose feel, too, that it could
pass itself off as a nursery rhyme. That's rather frightening,
actually. I wonder if Boromir grew up reciting poems about a pea-
green boat. Good writing! It's certainly made me both smile and think.
Title: Palantír · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Crossovers: Poetry · ID:
546
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:16:53 Score: 4
Dark and moody with some brilliant imagery. I'm not as familiar with
Plath as I am with some poets, but from what little I remember or her
work, this is very much in keeping with her style, from the choice of
perspective to the style of narration. I particularly like the idea
of burning a bright hope within the Palantir and then seeing the
failing West rising like a flame day by day. Wonderful stuff.
Title: Water and Flame · Author: Marta · Genres: Crossovers: Poetry ·
ID: 966
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:24:17 Score: 6
I really like the Frost's poem "Fire and Ice," and I think that this
poem does a wonderful job of capturing much of the imagery and also
much of the message behind Frost's creation. First of all, there are
the contrasting images of water and flame at work, and water, as with
fire in Frost's work, goes to work first. Numenor is taken by the
Sea. But there's also the fire, and there are some Numenoreans who
are destined to perish twice, as Frost puts it. And on the second go-
around, they run into fire in Orodruin. It's a brilliant way to
literally illustrate some of the things that Frost was talking about.
Good job with the content, and also kudos for sticking to form. It
was done very well.
Title: The Council of Elrond · Author: Lindelea · Genres: Crossovers:
Poetry · ID: 900
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:29:57 Score: 6
This poem was brilliant. I loved the way it adhered to form and
style. It stuck so close to a few of Lewis Carroll's poems that it
couldn't help but be hilarious, and I can imagine this thing making
itself right at home in Wonderland. And the periodic interjections
from various characters about the chapter dragging itself on had me
laughing throughout the entire thing. I loved the discussion between
Gandalf and Elrond about how unclear the dwarves were being, and I
loved the fact that the Council thanked Elrond for encouraging Bilbo
to be brief about his tale. Gandalf showed why he was accounted one
of the Wise by denying Elrond a song to finish the thing off with.
Great writing, great style, and wonderful humor. I loved it!
Title: The Council of Elrond in the Style of Hiawatha · Author:
Theresa Green · Genres: Crossovers: Poetry · ID: 559
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-08-27 15:38:16 Score: 6
I'm almost certain that this poem made me hurt something while
laughing. It was absolutely hilarious! I nearly choked when I came
across the title of "Aragorn the Unwashed," though "Bombadil the
Hippy" was pretty good, too. Poor Longfellow. And poor Tolkien. I did
cheer on Frodo's efforts to dump the Ring off on somebody. They were
noble, albeit futile. Gandalf's trick of getting Frodo read a
parchment aloud and thus doom himself was brilliant. Kudos to the
wizard for getting the whole thing over with before it got any
further out of hand. Although, had this REALLY been a collaboration
between Longfellow adn Tolkien, I suspect the section dedicated to
the Council of Elrond would have been as long as that particular
chapter in FotR is. Heaven help us all.
Title: Roast Mutton · Author: Marta · Races/Places: Villains: Drabble
· ID: 1362
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 16:38:12 Score: 1
Cute little summary of the chapter "Roast Mutton" in The Hobbit; very
droll--I especially loved the last line.
Title: Once · Author: Meril · Races/Places: Villains: Nazgul · ID: 485
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 16:47:31 Score: 2
Chilling and inevitable, a man who takes a ring of power has doomed
himself to shrinking away to nothing...Very well done.
Title: Pipes After Supper · Author: Ariel · Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Aman · ID: 134
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-27 17:01:25 Score: 2
this work presents a beautiful little picture of Sam and Frodo, I
enjoyed your detailed descriptions and characterizations.
Title: Old Angband · Author: Arandil · Genres: Humor: Poetry · ID: 124
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-27 17:04:34 Score: 1
Very funny, well done point of view and a good turn on an old song.
Title: Beyond Reach · Author: Elvenesse · Books/Time: The
Silmarillion: Drabble · ID: 327
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-27 17:20:21 Score: 1
Thank you for this heartbreaking moment that Elwing must have thought
would be her last.
Title: Guarding Gondor · Author: emn1936 · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Gondor · ID: 278
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-08-27 17:25:41 Score: 2
Well done. I enjoyed this little bit of the Fourth Age. A bit of the
King and Queen, but with the husband and wife as well. Lovely writing.
Title: Triumph Incarnate · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races/Places:
Villains: Drabble · ID: 198
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-27 17:26:09 Score: 4
Once again, Elena Tiriel writes magnificently about the darker
characters in Arda and their motivations. His elaboration of the
crimes of the Númenoreans under his direction is chilling. And one of
the most impressive things about this drabble is her subtle use of
capitalisation and lack of capitalisation to indicate Sauron's
arrogance and self-importance.
Title: There and Back Again · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Drabble · ID: 202
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-27 17:26:29 Score: 3
Hmm, I suspect Frodo was only fascinated by memoirs with a happy
outcome.... The Book of Mazarbul made rather grim reading. I love the
way Elena Tiriel has shown us Balin's unrest and desire even in the
middle of contentment. It's also impressive that we don't realise
exactly which moment we're in until the last line. A very nicely
constructed piece.
Title: A Long Tradition of Ancient Lore · Author: Elena Tiriel ·
Races/Places: Gondor: Pre-Quest Drabbles · ID: 206
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-27 17:28:02 Score: 4
Great to see a non-studious small Faramir -- a rarity in the fandom! -
- and a kindly yet still wily Denethor using underhand tactics
tempting his son into taking an interest in dull history. Also, given
we know Faramir is Tolkien's alter ego and given Tolkien had an
obsession with dragons as a child himself, this is a nice parallel! A
nicely constructed scene handled primarily through dialogue.
**end**
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