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54 new final reviews today.


Title: In the Greening of the Year · Author: Lindelea · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 774
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 22:00:48 Score: 4
This author has a knack for drawing suspense out of situations in
which we already know the outcome. In this tale, in which Pippin's
mother and one of Lindelea's OCs are trapped in a flood, we are
treated to the harrowing and nerve-wracking search by Pippin for his
mother, and Eglantine's determined stubbornness in taking care of
Tolly. We definitely get to see that the Took side of Pippin is not
the only place he came by his stubbornness--the Banks side
contributed as well!

Title: A Took by Any Other Name · Author: Lindelea · Genres: Drama
(includes Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 773
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 22:12:09 Score: 4
In this story, Pippin is still living in Buckland, and he and Diamond
are expecting their first child, when a serious encounter with some
roving Orcs in the Old Forest leaves him near death. The tale of his
recovery, and how it fits into his estrangement with his father, and
his position in Buckland is absorbing. And there is some marvelous
development of some minor canon characters. I do not want to give
away the lovely ending.

Title: Giving Ground · Author: Suzene Campos · Genres: Movie-verse:
Vignette · ID: 1123
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-27 22:16:24 Score: 3
Suzene Campos picks up on a target I wouldn't have found in this
argument, and exploits it well to give us a better sense of Legolas'
history and of a much more substantive relationship between Elf and
Dwarf than movie!Gimli tends to allow. I hope one day she may take on
the Legolas-Aragorn angle of the confrontation as well!

Title: All That Glisters · Author: Lindelea · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 914
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 22:16:31 Score: 5
Long and suspenseful, nearly every chapter ending in one of
Lindelea's patented cliffhangers, and filled with angst and humor
both! There are some absolutely delightful OCs in this story, and the
development of them is very well done. And she has a deft way with
some of the canon characters who seldom populate her stories, set
mostly in the Post-Quest Shire: Aragorn, Arwen, Elladan and Elrohir
are just right.
A very satisfying story, tying up a number of loose ends n the
author's universe.

Title: Foresight · Author: quirky_orthodox · Genres: Movie-verse:
Vignette · ID: 1044
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-27 22:16:57 Score: 4
Points to quirky_orthodox for doing something with movie!Haldir that
actually moved me. It's a rare thing. Giving him a personal stake in
the battle at Helm's Deep, even if by the unexplained glance into the
Mirror, gives him an interesting conflict with authority that is
satisfactorily resolved: Haldir retains his honesty and courage, and
Celeborn shows himself to be a wise enough commander to know better
than to give an order that will not be obeyed.

Title: Weakness of Men · Author: shadow975 · Genres: Movie-verse:
Vignette · ID: 1014
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-27 22:17:22 Score: 8
Rachel has a good eye and ear for navigating the uneven, sometimes
not terribly comprehensible, relationship of movie!Boromir and movie!
Aragorn. The films had their moments of brilliance with these two,
but some of those aren't obtained save through the extended scenes,
which unfortunately gives in the measure that it takes—confrontations
that made sense in the theater versions lose it when extra material
is added that, frankly, deserved the cut. Other times, the reverse is
true.

Rachel somehow manages to pull it altogethe in her psychological
pieces and turn that unevenness into something that makes sense. And
she doesn't go overboard with the angst, either, or the doubts
Aragorn has, given the portrayal of Aragorn in the movies. No
weepiness or the like, just an honest, regretful introspection from
Aragorn, who is wise enough to accept with grace the good, and own
the faults and bad judgments without allowing them to reflect a false
representation of himself or of Boromir.


Title: Chains · Author: ldhenson · Genres: Movie-verse: Vignette ·
ID: 994
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-27 22:17:42 Score: 4
Idhenson likes to jerk our chains a bit, appropriately enough. One
imagines this must be about Frodo. Or else about that scene at
Caradhras at first. But then one realizes that it's a meditation on a
different elven-wrought chain and different form of bondage: Arwen's
love for Aragorn, and Aragorn's love for Arwen, that prevents Boromir
from having the relationship he wants with Aragorn. Nicely done,
Idhenson!

Title: Fell Deeds, Awake · Author: Marta · Genres: Movie-verse:
Vignette · ID: 941
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-27 22:18:06 Score: 4
This has evolved from when I first read it, and I like the changes.
I'm still not quite sure it convinces me, but it does shed a little
more light on movie!Gimli's personality and connections with the
story of "The Hobbit". It also ties one of his more memorable
movieverse lines into this scene to give it that proper feel of
defiance, of the old 'spiro, spero': "Whether we would live to see
the afternoon was not yet certain; but we still drew breath."

Title: On Pelennor Fields · Author: Nickey · Genres: Movie-verse ·
ID: 824
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-27 22:18:34 Score: 4
I think my favorite line is this one:

"I promised to protect her, shield arm am I, and her shield is
broken. "

That makes sense as Merry's motivation to stab the Witch-king, by
referencing that visual shot of him acting, as Nickey noes, as
Éowyn's shield-arm. I also rather liked Windfola in this one, as he
took on a bit of personality here. About time, every other horse in
the Mark has a story, after all!


Title: What's Right Before You · Author: Tom Fairbairn · Genres:
Movie-verse: Vignette · ID: 756
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-27 22:18:59 Score: 4
Nicely played. It takes a certain skill to be able to move a story so
quickly forward and through so much without seeming to make a cheap
transition, but Tom Fairbairn has that skill and you don't miss any
of the briefly mentioned events. The hint at the end of Frodo's final
climb up Mt. Doom, and of the philosophy of climbing that in fact
likely informs Frodo's entire journey as the capacity for reflection
sinks away under the weight of the Ring, is well done. Good job, sir!

Title: Split Second · Author: Aralanthiriel · Genres: Movie-verse:
Vignette · ID: 662
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-27 22:19:28 Score: 3
Interesting. A little uneven to me, but there's a rightness to the
way that the Ring sinks its invisible fangs into Boromir, so that it
does take him some time to shake off that influence, and come to a
point where he realizes he is afraid of himself, and not really of
the others of the Fellowship.

Title: End Games · Author: Lyllyn · Genres: Movie-verse: Vignette ·
ID: 469
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-27 22:19:49 Score: 7
Thank you, Lyllyn, for making some sense of that encounter. Granted,
the reward for that illogic in the movie is one of my favorite dirty
looks of all time, but still... I appreciate, too, that "End Games"
tries to walk that fine line between Arwen's evident skill with a
blade in the movie, but also the fact that in the books, she simply
isn't a warrior. Here, she's untried, and Aragorn has to deal with
this as a captain would, trusting that training and the fact that
Arwen doesn't have the visceral knowledge of the terror of the
wraiths that he does will keep her moving where another, more
experienced head might let that knowledge get the better of him—as
happened to him. That "End Games" turns what I always felt was a
rather misplaced romantic line into advice about the enemy is just
gravy. Good job, Lyllyn!

Title: Celeborn's Gift · Author: Karri · Genres: Movie-verse:
Vignette · ID: 446
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-27 22:20:16 Score: 3
Fabulous! A creative, in-fic answer to the special effects that keep
our Elf topped out in arrows no matter what happens. I particularly
liked Celeborn's response to Legolas' sense of inadequate thanks:
outlive the enemy, that's the only way to thank one's benefactors.

Title: A Healer's Tale · Author: Lindelea · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Incomplete · ID: 754
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 22:20:39 Score: 5
This story features one of the best uses of flashback that I have
ever seen, with each chapter alternating between telling the story of
Pippin's healer, Woodruff (a marvelous OC) and Pippin in
the "present", suffering from a potentially fatal bout of pneumonia.
There is a lot of development of Shire society and customs, as well
as some marvelous humor, a bit of fluff, and a good deal of angst and
h/c. Even though one who has read the author's story "At the End of
His Rope" will already know the outcome, it still manages to be
suspenseful anyway. I look forward to each update!

Title: Survivor · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Movie-verse ·
ID: 324
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-27 22:20:54 Score: 3
Nice to see a story dealing with movei!Faramir's survivor's guilt. He
would certainly suffer from it, particularly if he had endured what
Raksha has him endure. I can't say I'm quite convinced of the manner
of Faramir's return, but then again, this is mostly the fault of the
movie.

Title: The Path Before Me · Author: Cheryl · Genres: Movie-verse:
Vignette · ID: 223
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-27 22:21:15 Score: 2
Not quite enough there for my satisfaction, but one imagines Aragorn
would need to come to terms with that argument more than once.

Title: Smiting Ruin · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Movie-verse ·
ID: 195
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-27 22:21:38 Score: 1
*snork* Ok, so now when is round three of the interspecies rhetoric
society going to occur?

Title: Climbing · Author: Ancalime8301 · Genres: Movie-verse:
Vignette · ID: 88
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-08-27 22:22:10 Score: 2
Given that I've now watched the full movie, it's hard to read a fic
based on the trailer that excluded much of what we now know comes
after. Still, the sense of Frodo's physical effort and the line about
dark windows were well done.

Title: Thain · Author: Lindelea · Genres: Drama (includes Angst):
Incomplete · ID: 913
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 22:23:49 Score: 3
This story alternates between telling of how Paladin became Thain and
how Bucca of the Marish helped the last refugees of the North Kingdom
to escape from Angmar. It's very deft, though I have to confess I
like the Paladin-Pippin chapters better. I am eager to learn what
happens next in both timelines.

Title: The Council of Elrond · Author: Lindelea · Genres: Crossovers:
Poetry · ID: 900
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 22:28:41 Score: 2
Brilliant, hilarious and absolutely perfect in parodying Lewis
Carroll's style! I loved the way she gave equal time to book and
movie verse without confusing them. And some lines had me laughing
out loud!

Title: And Empty Holes It Fills · Author: Lindelea · Genres: Horror ·
ID: 1183
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 22:32:03 Score: 3
Although the author is better known for her Pippin angst, she very
clearly has a good insight into Merry as well, and in this story she
explores all that the Dark has meant to him during his lifetime, and
how his cousins were what kept him anchored to the light. Very
beautiful, though chilling and melancholy, imagery!

Title: Truth · Author: Lindelea · Genres: Mystery · ID: 898
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 22:38:45 Score: 4
A wonderful story featuring Sam's son Frodo, but also concerning
Goldilocks and Pippin's son Faramir. The disparate story elements are
woven together expertly. There is a bit of mystery when young Frodo
is accused of something he didn't do; unravelling it falls to Pippin,
as Thain, and his remarkable cousin Ferdi Took. In the process, they
uncover injustice and help along the course of true love.

Title: The Ballad of Isildur and Elendil · Author: Lindelea ·
Races/Places: Gondor: Poetry · ID: 460
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-08-27 22:40:01 Score: 2
This definitely sounds like the sort of song that would have been
sung in Minas Tirith, in the days when it stood so long against the
Dark.

Title: Waiting for a King Like You · Author: Michael Martinez ·
Genres: Non-Fiction: Men · ID: 1139
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-27 22:47:16 Score: 4
This piece has a lot of interesting extrapolation on the possible
reasons for the downfall of Arnor. They seemed well-thought out, but
I think it would ahve been more helpful if I had more sources. As it
was, at some places I wans't 100% sure what was Tolkien's (either
Christopher's or JRR's) facts, and what was the author of this
essay's own extrapolation. In any event, I quite liked this vision of
the Third Age.

Title: Bringing the Sun · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: The Lord of
The Rings: Drabble · ID: 1382
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-28 00:07:28 Score: 4
This drabble captured the scene so sharploy: the bite of the snow and
the wind, Legolas's almost impervious hope and Boromir's and
Aragorn's frustration. When I read the book Legolas always felt
flippant, but this does a good job of giving this moment more depth.
Nice job taking a moment from the books and really fleshing it out. I
really enjoyed this moment between Legolas and Aragorn.

Title: Voices of the Forgotten · Author: jen_loves_elves ·
Races/Places: Gondor: Drabble · ID: 435
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-28 00:15:44 Score: 3
What I love about this drabble series is the uniquely female voices
this provides. Not necessarily feminine (at least as many people use
that term), as many of the women here were forces to be reckoned
with -- but distinctly coming from the world of women nonetheless.
Nice use of limited canon available.

Title: Deep Waters · Author: Finch · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Vignette · ID: 344
Reviewer: jillian baade · 2005-08-28 00:45:21 Score: 6
Once again Finch, you manage to show the differences and the
similiarities between mortals and elves. The use of the young boy,
sorry I forget his name, is excellent for he is like the glue that
binds the story together, bringing his father and Finrod together in
conversation in a way that would not have happened without the
child's innocent comment on male anatomy! Which brings me to the
comment that if one found an elvish skeleton there would no way to
tell it from that of a young adult mortal's would there?

I mean, the physical differences are few. This story emphasis the
cultural and spiritual differences, but at the end, both men seem to
realise they are only two living beings, each as afraid of failure
and death as the other.

Title: A net of warring duties · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Men:
Drabble · ID: 1361
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-28 02:47:53 Score: 5
Chilling! Denethor in his palantír-induced paranoia.... It is one
thing to resent Gandalf's influence on Faramir, but to accuse him of
sending the riddling dream to Boromir to get rid of him is... well,
crazy. And accusing Gandalf of megalomania? He can't accept that
anyone who is not under his direct control can also be fighting
Sauron's evil.

He is so delusional, he thinks that Boromir's greatest danger was
corruption by the wizard, not the Ring.

The final line is starkly ironic.


Title: Cruel Caradhras · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Cross-
Cultural: Drabble · ID: 1365
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-28 03:02:56 Score: 4
What an aching loneliness awaits Legolas!

You can see Legolas's dawning awareness of just how much he his
mortal friends mean to him, and just how painful their departures,
one by one, are to his loving heart. He will be haunted by their
memories.

This is heart-wrenching, and that last line, especially the "spaces
where their voices will be", just breaks my heart. *sniff* Very
perceptive, Liz...


Title: Pride · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Men: Drabble · ID: 1366
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-28 03:14:02 Score: 4
"Hind legs first and still inclined to use them"? Oh, Liz, that is so
funny! A colt that is obstreperous from before birth!

I can just feel Éomer's frustration (and pain!), yet he keeps his
eyes open and focused on his goal, and learns from the colt's dam.
I'm glad that he decides to make the best use of the colt's already-
evident skills....

Though he seems young here (otherwise Théodred's jibes wouldn't
be "gentle"), one gets the impression that Éomer recognizes a kindred
spirit.


Title: War Stories · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor · ID: 1367
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-28 03:23:44 Score: 4
Just exactly how does one raise a child to understand the difference
between truth and fiction, when the truth is so strange?

Eldarion here seems just on the cusp of recognizing that some stories
are fiction -- and some are not.

I like that unassuming Faramir has been regaling Eldarion with
stories of
Aragorn's feats, without mentioning his own. Maybe he doesn't
recognize their valor? But Aragorn will set Eldarion, and Faramir,
straight. Well done!


Title: Risk and Reward · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Drabble ·
ID: 1364
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-28 03:29:34 Score: 3
Ah, Liz, this is sweet and subtle and erotic and beautiful. I love
the imagery of the daisy, turning to the sun; their mutual attraction
is clear. And I particularly enjoyed the "homecoming to a place he
has only known in dreams." That is a perfect cap to a loving vignette!


Title: The Long March · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Villains:
Drabble · ID: 542
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-28 03:40:38 Score: 4
Ah, it is clear that "they" are not so very different from "us". The
discipline, battle-gear, banners, and propaganda are all the same.
The exhaustion, endless marching, and not knowing what lies ahead,
are also the same. And the boredom.

Until the arrows fly... and there is confusion, and fear, for a very
short moment before their training kicks in... and their contempt for
the enemy fuels their defiance.

No, they are no different at all.


Title: Good welcome they found · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: The
Silmarillion: Drabble · ID: 1371
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-28 04:09:41 Score: 4
Círdan was foresighted, but obviously did not see all of the
implications of his teaching -- though I cannot imagine him turning
away anyone who genuinely wished to learn shiplore. And given what
happened in Minhiriath and Enedwaith, it's pretty obvious that
the "planting of trees" part didn't register with this king-to-be.
*Sigh* The Númenóreans were so vain and greedy...


Title: Refuge · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Elves: Drabble · ID:
1375
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-28 04:19:17 Score: 3
This drabble is so evocative -- I can see the wild moorland and feel
the weariness of the escapees, and then the calmness that pervades
the valley, with shelter to nurture the body, water to nurture the
thirst, beauty to nurture the soul, and peacefulness to nurture the
spirit. This is beautiful writing, Liz, that touches my heart!


Title: Father-Names · Author: Finch · Books/Time: The Silmarillion:
Feanor and Sons · ID: 345
Reviewer: jillian baade · 2005-08-28 04:22:32 Score: 4
I find it fascinating that you show Maglor as a ruthless warrior,
something few people are prepared to admit he must have been, to have
survived so many battles. Killing the servant who left the boys in
the forest and his own admission that he hoping not to find the
children shows the Oath at work at it's worst too.

Best of all is the end, with Maglor able to sing again. Elrond and
Elros saved him that day, as much as he saved them.

Title: Wise Enough · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Drabble · ID: 552
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-08-28 04:29:16 Score: 5
What beautiful visions of the future of his beloved Gondor! What a
simple way to obtain what he -- no, what Gondor! -- needs; after all,
is he not a warrior, sword to protect Gondor?

I love this, Liz. You show so clearly what it is that separates the
real Faramir from most who would protect Gondor (including -- or
especially -- his father): he recognizes how a tainted victory would
irretrievably stain Gondor's future with evil. Beautifully done!

Definitely "sufficient" enough for a future leader....

Title: Garden · Author: Cheryl · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Ithilien
Drabble · ID: 220
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-28 06:54:01 Score: 4
This is a beautiful drabble. Cheryl has strongly conveyed the way
Legolas is in touch with the rhythms of nature in his slow and
peaceful planting, and his whispered words to each plant. His
affection for Faramir and Éowyn, and his appreciation of their work
in renewing Ithilien shines through, as does Faramir's appreciation
of Legolas's input. A great moment of friendship.

Title: I Pledge My Bow · Author: Cheryl · Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Drabble · ID: 221
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-28 06:54:24 Score: 3
A very nice insight into how movie!verse Legolas reacted to the
Council of Elrond and why he spoke up so quickly. Cheryl's
description of the way Frodo speaks and the "ray of sunshine" it
brings makes us feel Legolas's response is convincing and heartfelt.
Well done!

Title: The Path Before Me · Author: Cheryl · Genres: Movie-verse:
Vignette · ID: 223
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-28 07:34:27 Score: 5
This is a beautiful movie!verse vignette in which Cheryl shows us how
Aragorn moves from his doubts on the river bank to his assumption of
his role as Isildur's Heir. Aragorn's reflections on his companions
and how he uses that to understand and accept his own destiny are
well handled. His tribute to Boromir, the recognition of their
differences and similarities, and how Aragorn can do no less than
Boromir in overcoming his weakness. Although I dislike the movies
characterisation of Aragorn, I think Cheryl has done an excellent job
with the material.

Title: Challenge · Author: Cheryl · Races/Places: Rohan: Drabble ·
ID: 207
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-28 07:34:38 Score: 4
This is a lovely cousinly moment. Cheryl shows us clearly how Éomer
has the overconfidence of youth and Theódred the wisdom of greater
experience. But she also shows us how Theódred rather unfairly goads
Éomer into taking on a challenge he knows he's unlikely to succeed
at. And the moment of Éomer's disorientation after he is thrown is
handled beautifully: well done "show not tell".

Title: Not Without Hope · Author: Gwynnyd · Books/Time: Gap-Filler:
Drama · ID: 48
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-08-28 08:00:35 Score: 10
This is among the best stories I have read in this fandom and one I
have happily re-read several times. Gwynnyd effectively and
intelligently solves one of the more significant absurdities in
Aragorn's backstory. She does so in beautifully crafted prose that
plunges us deep into the world of the Dúnedain of the North.

Gwynnyd's Gilraen is truly fit to be wife of the chieftain, showing
her strength of character to do what is necessary -- even at the cost
of her own reputation -- to ensure her son has the stability and care
to ensure he grows into a loving and generous man rather than a
bitter and angry one. She is well opposed by Halbeleg -- perhaps my
favourite original character in the fandom -- and Elrond, who are
both given strong arguments and objections that Gilraen must work
hard to overcome.

Gwynnyd also paints a touching portrait of Arathorn and Gilraen's
marriage and her love for her husband. Young Aragorn is sweetly drawn
without being sickly, while Elrond's willingbess to abandon his
dignity to get down on the floor and play toy soldiers is charming
and yet clearly remains in character with the stern loremaster and
counsellor. However, I think my favourite scene is the encounter in
the garden between Halbeleg and Gilraen.

All of this is complimented by the small details of family life in
Arnor at this point, which provide a rich and satisfying background
to these strong emotions.

Title: Voices in the Wilderness · Author: Ithilwen · Books/Time: The
Silmarillion: Feanor and Sons · ID: 1018
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-28 10:42:59 Score: 3
This piece does a good job of gap-filling the various implications of
Feanor's banishment. I particularly liked Ithilwen's examinations of
how the Valar's decision would have affected Finwe's ability to rule.
That was something I hadn't thought of before.

Title: An Unexpected Party · Author: Azalais · Genres: Crossovers ·
ID: 150
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-28 10:52:49 Score: 1
Beautifully done. Very impressive, very enjoyable - the characters
shone through, including that of the Professor.

Title: Mering Market · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Gondor · ID: 238
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-08-28 11:06:14 Score: 4
This is very cleverly done. I liked seeing Denethor in his younger,
smartypants days. And this is just the sort of young man I would
think that Denethor was, in his pre-Palantir, before-bitterness, son
of the Steward days. Not the sort to go for simple basic banana-
slipping humour - he would have to have a score in there somewhere.
Good thing that Theoden is a typically casual and sporting Rohir.
Nice to see Aragorn, too - more politically ept than either.

Title: Swords Returned · Author: Leaward · Races/Places: Men: Eriador
· ID: 172
Reviewer: quirky_orthodox · 2005-08-28 11:25:06 Score: 7
When I first read this I was almost convinced that Leaward had, as
she always does, done some fantastic research and unearthed a real
cultural practice found somewhere in feudalistic societies. The fact
that I was wrong is testament both to the way in which the narrative
utterly convinces you that this would be a perfectly 'rangerly' thing
to do and also to Leaward's amazing ability to create the entire
world and culture of the Dunedain virtually from scratch.

For an author who claims she cannot write shorts this piece certainly
hits you hard and fast between the eyes. Tarkil is written as a very
realistic and inquisitive young child, I just loved the bit about 'a
neek' it seemed so natural. The way in which everyone waited to see
if the person in the first house waved was yet another wonderful
human touch. Very, very good!

Title: Home Again · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Post-Ring War · ID: 915
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2005-08-28 13:26:33 Score: 7
This is a most beautifully written tale of what our favorite lads go
through once all the dust settles in the Shire after the occupation
of Sharkey and his ruffians. The Battle of Bywater is over, and the
ruffians are shown to the borders. How do Frodo, Sam, Merry, and
Pippin go on with their lives after so much has happened? All of our
hobbits return to the Shire changed in varying degrees, and not all
for good. In one case, it's not necessarily a Traveller who is
affected. The author takes a daring step in portraying what the Four
Travellers plus another endure as they try to return to their lives.
Some get emotional support from family and friends...some do not. The
story follows each of them as they begin to pick up the pieces of
their lives and begin again. I encourage anyone who has not read this
wonderful tale, to do so; it will tug at your heartstrings--and be
sure to have handy a box of tissue!

Title: Marigold · Author: Marigold · Races/Places: Hobbits: Drabble ·
ID: 784
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2005-08-28 13:48:50 Score: 4
If any tale made me feel as if I were sitting next to the character
watching the entire story unfold, it's this one. Let me rephrase
that; through this wee tale, I almost felt as if I knew Marigold for
her whole life. The author paints one of those lovely old pictures
that I can actually "feel" and be touched from in this lovely story.
I would encourage anyone to read this wonderful tale.

Title: Promises Promises · Author: Llinos · Races/Places: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 786
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2005-08-28 14:29:10 Score: 5
I loved every single aspect of this sweet, wonderful tale! I love
stories that depict our favourite lads as children. The sky is the
limit with a child's tender heart and imagination. I got a nice laugh
out of Pippin giving Pervinca his most cherished toy boat, being
cheeky to Pearl, and dipping Pimmie's plaits into custard, but his
fervent promise was out of love for his beloved cousin. I especially
appreciated that Pippin found solace in Those who watch out for
little hobbits. ;-) Thank you for a wonderful story.

Title: Elven Song · Author: Jocelyn · Genres: Drama (includes Angst):
Elves · ID: 66
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-08-28 17:33:24 Score: 7
This is a gripping story, which took me on quite an emotional
rollercoaster ride.

I remember starting this story once before, but I could not get into
it. The prologue put me off. I'm not one for old Numenor and it
looked like it centered mostly on elves, which are not my preferred
characters.

But I gave it a second try and once past the prologue I couldn't
stop. The reactions of the characters to the tragedy that befell one
of the fellowship were very well written. I don't think they were too
extreme or out of character. They were so well written that I would
have been content if the story would be finished with chapter 3. At
first I felt cheated that the story went on. But in the end I'm glad
that everything worked out.

I liked that they all had a good look at their motives and had to
look at their behavior during the crisis.

Great job!

Title: A Walk in the Rain · Author: Ithilien · Races/Places: Elves:
Post-Ring War · ID: 104
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-08-28 18:04:30 Score: 5
This is a delightful piece. I admit I was confused at first about the
purpose of this scene (no Legolas for the first half of the story).

Arwen's insistence on doing her luncheon outside although it is
raining, struck me as strange until her conversation with Legolas
about the difference between being elvish and being mortal. I loved
the discussion about throat medication and Arwen's dawning
understanding what it is to be mortal. Legoals seems to know more
about it than Arwen, although she is mortal now.



Title: Bronwe Athan Harthad · Author: Aratlithiel · Books/Time: The
Lord of The Rings: Post-Ring War · ID: 128
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-28 18:30:56 Score: 10
This piece is beautiful. Simply beautiful... breathtakingly true to
its very core. It's probably the best thought-out exposition on the
internal torture that Frodo must have faced after the Sammath Naur.
Someone with less experience with grief might be tempted to say Frodo
was "blaming himself", but Aratlithiel clearly has a good grasp on
the emotions that come into play here.

The only fault that this piece has, if it can be called a fault, is
that it seems to switch into Aragorn's thoughts in two places. This
is certainly "allowed", but I found it a bit jarring because we were
so strongly in Frodo's head, especially at the beginning, that this
just seemed "off". Not sure how to avoid it, though.

What I really like about this piece is that it doesn't try to wrap
everything into a neat tidy package. Frodo's grief is not resolved by
the end of the story, though Aragorn (and presumably Gandalf)
understand it better and Aragorn is resolved to do whatever he can
about it. This fits very well with the tone of Lord of the Rings.
Unlike "The Hobbit", this is not some "There and Back" journey; and
as Gandalf says to Sam at Cormallen, not all the bad things are
coming undone. Thank you for not trying to provide an emotionally
satisfying but ultimately false conclusion to a scene where there's
just too much being resolved. And thank you for a very well-written
story.

Title: Unspeakable · Author: Dwimordene · Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Drabble · ID: 254
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-28 19:13:45 Score: 3
How delightfully orcsy, to delight in torment -- and for Tegrid to
realise that that "fun" was not for him, that he had more important
things to go about. And the dunadan's silence and quick thinking
seemed very in-character for that group. Well done.

Title: Brotherly Love · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Drabble · ID: 1393
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-08-28 19:16:05 Score: 3
What a cute moment in the day-to-day life of the first family of
Gondor. This is the moment in "Cup of Bitterness" that never ceases
to make me smile, and you've boiled it down to 100 words quite well.
It really does stand on its own here; very nice work.

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