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24 final reviews today

Title: Before the Call to Muster · Author: Lindelea · Books/Time: Gap-
Filler: Drabble · ID: 461
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2005-09-02 06:55:55 Score: 4
I love "moments in time" in the lives of our favorite hobbits, and
this is a very lovely depiction of one of the millions they shared.
This wonderful author has the sweet gift of putting all that needs to
be said into the "moment"; no more, and no less. Either of each would
put the tale off balance. Merry and Pippin were both effected by the
wars, yet really don't address the issue with one another--and yet
it's what makes this wee tale so lovely. A very enjoyable read!

Title: At the Sammath Naur · Author: Aratlithiel · Books/Time: Gap-
Filler: Drama · ID: 126
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2005-09-02 09:19:34 Score: 6
This tale was the second of Aratlithiels' I ever translated into
german, and it took me a great amount of blood, sweat and tears - to
be able and keep up with her glorious richness of language and use of
words, and the enormous complexity of this astonishing piece. The
reader witnesses Frodo in the Sammath Naur, finally succumbing under
the influence of the ring and claiming the treasure of the enemy for
himself. His thoughts, the depth of his suffering and agony are
described with an impact that leaves you breathless and shaken, and
the sheer power of this story will always make it one of my all-time-
favorites.

Title: Bronwe Athan Harthad · Author: Aratlithiel · Books/Time: The
Lord of The Rings: Post-Ring War · ID: 128
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2005-09-02 09:25:33 Score: 6
I guess it has been - for many readers - a deep mystery if Frodo
succeeded in the Sammath Naur or if he failed. Aratlithiel has
answered this question in two of her tales in a completely satisfying
way, and this is one of them. I remember sitting there reading about
Frodo's despair, emptiness and grief in Minas Tirith and suddenly
understanding that he "fought the goog fight" (and won it) by saving
Gollum's life in the Emyn Muil instead of allowing Sam to kill the
slimy creature. Her explanation, heartbreakingly beautiful set in a
conversation between Frodo, Aragorn and Gandalf, has influenced every
single of my own post-quest Frodo-tales ever since, for she is right,
and this is truth, carved in stone. Thank you, Aratlithiel!

Title: Green Seas · Author: Kielle · Races/Places: Gondor: Vignette ·
ID: 453
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-02 13:04:54 Score: 4
This story has some very enjoyable and interesting interactions
between the Dol Amroth crew and Theoden, of all people, when they
were all kids. Theoden seems a bit old for when he left Rohan
(perhaps I'm mis-remembering), but htat niggle aside, I found all the
characterisations to contain hints of the adults they will all
become -- a real bonus when writing children. Well done.

Title: A Healer's Tale · Author: Lindelea · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Incomplete · ID: 754
Reviewer: pearltook1 · 2005-09-02 13:43:01 Score: 7
This is a marvelous story. It beautifully entwines past and current
time (current to the story) events relating a life and death moment
in Pippin's life with past moments with him and other Tooks as seen
from the perspective of the healer, Woodruff Took. This has involved
carefully working in material from an already posted story which has
been done with great skill.

I am enjoying this story also because it has scenes of a kinder, more
loving Paladin Took than this author's stories normally show. All of
the author's characters are beautifully done and well filled out with
good distinction between adult and child hobbits. Her main character,
an OC named Woodruff, is a wonderful character whom we have watched
grow in this tale from a frightened teen to a capable and respected
healer in the Took community.

This story is a joy to read.

Title: By All The Signs · Author: Tialys · Books/Time: Post-Ring War
· ID: 757
Reviewer: pearltook1 · 2005-09-02 14:03:12 Score: 5
This is such an amazing and creative story! Tolkien always said that
Middle-earth is our earth at an earlier time and so it makes perfect
sense that an archeological dig could find the grave markers of Merry
and Pippin. I also love the notion that hobbits are still among us.

I love the realistic touch of having the Men who are heading the
expedition not believe the historian they have called upon for expert
information on their find. They laugh him off as a story teller when
he knows the truth of their find.

A wonderful whimsical story.

Title: All's Fair · Author: Inkling · Races/Places: Hobbits: Pre-War
of the Ring · ID: 1113
Reviewer: Leaward · 2005-09-02 16:55:32 Score: 10
Inkling has a fresh, strong approach to her story-telling weaving
fact from real life with the threads Tolkien provided us to create a
wonderful tapestry of hobbit life and how Frodo ended up being
adopted by Bilbo, and of his first experience with love.

From her snippets of love poems that Frodo writes to her detail on
the dances that the hobbits dance, All's Fair is an entrancing tale
of love and heartbreak along the lines of Cyrano de Bergerac. And the
providing of links to the read would have an idea of the type of
music was inspired, it added an extra dimension to the story.

I loved that not all the hobbits were pleasant natured -- Hortensia
reminded me a great deal of Lobelia Sackville-Baggins -- a wonderful
reminder that even the Professor knew that there were irritating
people about.

I would love to clip in several quotes but I know I would go over the
limit: *"Promise me you'll take me on your adventures, someone has to
protect you from goblins"* ... Merry's promise certainly came back to
haunt them both. And the irony of Frodo discovering he did not have
to raid Farmer Maggot's farm after all those years because he owned
his own was priceless.

Oh, and the twins, Otto and Orlando. *snicker* not Vigo and Orlando?
Somehow I can see a hobbit named Vigo or Orlando. Frodo, Bilbo, Vigo,
Orlando. Yup, that works.

And your ending was just right -- not sappy, not maudlin, Frodo all
grown up and ready to start on his own adventure, looking forward,
not back. Well done, Inkling.

Title: Foolish Hobbit · Author: Tialys · Books/Time: Gap-Filler:
Hobbits · ID: 120
Reviewer: Leaward · 2005-09-02 17:01:45 Score: 3
This is a lovely vignette of what happened after Sam left Frodo's the
night Gandalf returned and set them upon their path to Rivendell. It
is a well written piece that gives an insight to Frodo's reaction,
and Gandalf's and keeps each character in-character which is what I
love from reading fanfic. Well done, Tialys.

Title: After All · Author: jastaelf · Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Post-Ring War · ID: 100
Reviewer: Leaward · 2005-09-02 17:33:19 Score: 6
Jasta-elf has written a bitter-sweet story following Legolas his
first Yule in the West away from his father, and has tenderly, and at
times humorously, foreseen his longing for home. The interspering of
the arrow-sounds between the conversation worked brilliantly,
allowing the reader to understand Legolas' emotions, while the actual
presentation of the 'surprise' was neither maudlin nor overdone. And
I love that I now have an excuse should someone accuse me of talking
to myself as I often do. I shall simply say I was hoping to find
decent conversation. A beautifully written piece. Thanks, Jasta-Elf.

Title: Full Circle · Author: Werecat · Races/Places: Villains: Orcs ·
ID: 348
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2005-09-02 17:36:11 Score: 10
Werecat, you never cease to amaze me! While so many authors are
rehashing old scenes or inventing increasingly bizarre new scenes
with familiar characters (I confess to being one of those), you
continually delight us with unique, offbeat characters in unusual
situations that always, always, ring perfectly true.

It started with the orc bard, the first of your stories that I ever
read, which amazed me, not only with its stunning originality, but
also its poignancy. Then came the "angsty teenage orc" and his
fateful and lucky encounter with the wishful Mary-Sue -- how many
wishes did you make come true with that tale! I stll giggle at the
perfection of it, both in characterization and the clever way in
which you turned a fanfic convention upside down.

Here in "Full Circle" you once again struck the perfect balance
between pathos and realism. Your last orc reminds me of the stories
I've read of Japanese soldiers, hidden for years in mountain
hideouts, coming forward in their last days to surrender; but, rather
than feeling dishonored as those warriors did, your last orc is
courageous, strangely noble, seeking to write the last pages of his
people's history with his own blood. The parallels to the elves, and
the last orc's description of a prophetic dream of white sails, is
just heartbreaking. And to have Radagast, who loves all creatures,
even the very least lovable, carrying that blood into the west is an
absolutely staggering vision.


Beasts, they've called us, he heard the orc whisper in his mind. We
were once Elves, I've heard.

Title: Sand-castles when the tide is flowing · Author: Tanaqui ·
Races/Places: Gondor: Pre-Quest Drabbles · ID: 549
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-02 18:39:24 Score: 6
Your description of Faramir's sandcastle reminded me of nothing so
much as Orthanc ("a single, shapely tower outside a plain, wide
wall"). That seems fitting, given how the tower of Isengard was I
think originally built by the Numenoreans. It is unassuming and
simple, but also strong enough to withstand the pride. Boromir's on
the other hand is trying to recapture what he thinks is the glory of
Gondor, but he doesn't seem to understand exactly what that glory is:
it's architecturally magnificent ("many lofty turrets") but it's just
not strong enough to survive. And perseverance seems to be the true
legacy of Gondor. All in all, this was a nice drabble, capturing both
a functional father-sons relationship and hints at the men both
Boromir and Faramir will become.

Title: How It All Got Started · Author: Dreamflower · Races/Places:
Hobbits: Pre-War of the Ring · ID: 1169
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-09-02 18:50:37 Score: 3

I found this to be a lovely little conversation, and what a
delightful, comfortable voice you've given Sam. I truely enjoyed it.
Indeed, they didn't expect how it would have turned out, but that
seems to be the way life works sometimes. Well done.

Title: Nine Riders · Author: Rabidsamfan · Races/Places: Villains:
Drabble · ID: 791
Reviewer: LOTR_lover · 2005-09-02 19:04:24 Score: 5
What marvelous insight! Each drabble a wholly different personality,
with wonderful touches that set each Nazgul apart. The one who raised
their horses only to see the Bruinen take them, the one who loves to
fly despite the slight inconveniences, the one who hates elves
(brrr!), and the Witch King himself, not quite as sure as he had been
when Eowyn stands before him. You did such a fine job of taking a
(really!) faceless group and giving them each individuality. This is
a fine read.

Title: Birthday Present · Author: Lindelea · Races/Places: Hobbits:
Pre-War of the Ring · ID: 462
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-09-02 19:07:58 Score: 4


LOL! about poor slender Frodo and his misbehaving curls. I imagine
that must have a most trying day and you have done a wonderful job in
portraying it. I love how astute Merry is in understanding Sam's
dilemma and his wonderful solution. I wondered about the turn of plot
to the well until (of course) I read on, - an excellent twist and a
delightful ending. - I especially love Bilbo's note to Merry.

Title: Thread of Fate · Author: Forodwaith · Genres: Romance:
Rivendell · ID: 15
Reviewer: Leaward · 2005-09-02 20:03:36 Score: 3
Arwen actually making the banner that Halbarad brings to Aragorn is a
story I've never seen investigated, and the idea that Forodwaith has
put forward, that she must invest herself into its making the way she
has, even providing the hair for the cloth, is an intriguing one. A
lovely short story, and vrey well told, Forodwaith.

Title: The Terror of Buckland · Author: Inkling · Races/Places:
Hobbits: Pre-War of the Ring · ID: 687
Reviewer: sulriel · 2005-09-02 20:40:05 Score: 3
I'm sure that as strong as Frodo grew to be that he certainly had
a 'creative' childhood. I love the opening with the bull, and the
pranks, but this story certainly takes a sobering turn with the
river. I especially appreciate your research and attention to canon.

Title: Elves and Potatoes · Author: Celandine Brandybuck ·
Races/Places: Hobbits · ID: 185
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan · 2005-09-02 20:51:40 Score: 7
This is a very well-written tale! I generally love young Sam tales,
and this one is no exception. I really enjoyed the detailed
descriptions of Bag End's gardens, the plants and their care. It's
obvious, Celadine, that you are either a gardener of great repute
yourself or horticultural researcher extraordinaire.

I really felt for Sam and his dilemma when Bilbo – assuming he can
read – sends him into Bag End for a particular gardening book. You
made the frustration real. And how nice of Frodo to both come to the
rescue and set about to change Sam's unlettered state by mentioning
the fact to Bilbo. And being a book lover myself, I couldn't imagine
a more magical moment than receiving a first treasured book.

I've always liked the Gaffer's line from Fellowship about cabbages
and potatoes suiting the likes of him and Sam better than Elves and
dragons. This story is a great take on that viewpoint.

Title: 110 · Author: Aeneid · Races/Places: Men · ID: 59
Reviewer: Anoriath · 2005-09-02 21:00:55 Score: 5
There is a certain madness that happens when you become separated too
long from like beings, that sense that reality is consensual and you
could float away without the grounding of your fellow men. I think
that Aeneid captures this very well in the free-floating mix of prose
and verse, internal rambling thoughts and solid sensations.

The piece has a wonderful mix of feelings in its emotional tone. The
fluttering from one moment to another creates a unique tension of
humor and pathos and pit of the stomach fear.

Title: Under The Lilac Bushes · Author: Dreamflower · Races/Places:
Hobbits: Children · ID: 1168
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan · 2005-09-02 21:30:29 Score: 4
*snerk* Sam and Merry roped into a little girls tea party! Mwahahaha…
how rich! I can just picture big brother Sam and how embarrassed he
would be to have his friend find him. Good thing Merry is a good
sport. I thought I'd laugh myself silly at the eavesdropping adults
too. It is so sweet of Gandalf to take pity on grumbling bellies and
to feed the poor starving little Hobbit lads. Cute story!!

Title: Bedazzled · Author: Beethoven's 7th · Races/Places: Hobbits:
Drabble · ID: 976
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan · 2005-09-02 21:35:15 Score: 1
This is a great drabble with a bit of a surprise ending. I enjoyed
the vivid description.

Title: Butterfly · Author: Melilot Hill · Races/Places: Hobbits:
Merry & Pippin · ID: 828
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan · 2005-09-02 21:40:11 Score: 2
Oh, poor Pippin! I'm so glad the butterfly was okay. It's so easy to
see the guilt on Pip's face and to imagine the joy he must have felt
when the butterfly flew away. Sweet double drabble.

Title: The Courtship of Samwise Gamgee · Author: Lindelea ·
Races/Places: Hobbits: Poetry · ID: 463
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan · 2005-09-02 21:50:17 Score: 3
This is a great little ditty and it is easy for me to imagine Merry
and Pippin writing it...on a tablecloth none-the-less. The notations
to the curator at the mathom house in Michael Delving are priceless.
Poetic license indeed! Well done Lindelea!

Title: Happy Birthday Professor · Author: Llinos · Races/Places:
Hobbits: Poetry · ID: 762
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan · 2005-09-02 21:55:57 Score: 3
Delightful tribute to the Professor, my dear Llinos! Although I can't
help but chuckle over Merry and Pippin's little ditty, it is Sam's
sweet verses that really says it all. Talk about the best mathom of
all - a wonderful world where we all can play.

Title: A conspiracy forged · Author: Marta · Races/Places: Hobbits:
Pre-War of the Ring · ID: 585
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan · 2005-09-02 22:16:10 Score: 4
Excellent version of Bilbo's party from another point of view. I feel
so bad for Pippin, having to miss a party he was specifically invited
to *and* having the disappointment of getting a gift he couldn't
appreciate quite yet. The story of the pipe was great! I'm glad Merry
got it back for him and was able to explain to him the significance.
Great lead in to the ultimate conspiracy that the two of them would
eventually forge to watch Frodo.

**end***