Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: The Hands that Heal · Author: Jeodo Brandybuck · Races/Places: Hobbits: Merry & Pippin · ID: 797
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 02:38:48
I loved watching Merry and Pippin both scheming carefully to rebuild the other's interest in life. And, what's more, both doing it so skilfully that the other doesn't suspect that this is a mutual support society. The shadows and mists were creepily ominous and the advent of spring brightness and summer warmth cast them off delightfully. I really enjoyed this.
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Title: Swords Returned · Author: Leaward · Races/Places: Men: Eriador · ID: 172
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-05 02:56:22
“Swords Returned” is a moving look at a child’s first glimpse of the hardness of the world…the realization that there is worse news than a broken mug, and graver danger than a spooked horse. Equally poignant is Beleg’s silent grief over the loss of childhood innocence that must come from such knowledge.

It’s interesting that Leaward has managed to instill a story with a happy ending—there was no sword returned, after all—with such poignancy and foreshadowing of sorrow to come…knowing what we do of the Rangers’ perilous lives, it seems inevitable that someone will be inheriting a sword that he would much rather not.

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Title: The King's Summons · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor · ID: 1392
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-05 03:09:53
Oh, I love this, Liz! Poor Beregond! Although there is clearly a familiarity and a history between them, the first thing he does is incur a scowl from Legolas for scaring off the wildlife -- such a city slicker! Then, as soon as he delivers part of the message, Legolas runs off -- the confounded Elf won't stay still to hear the rest! (I can just imagine Beregond sharing some of Gimli's fabled annoyance with Legolas at that point.) My favorite point is the "most un-elven whoop" -- that is brilliant! Then, Beregond is left in Legolas' dust.... LOL! So funny!

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Title: Earth · Author: Jeodo Brandybuck · Races/Places: Hobbits: Pre-War of the Ring · ID: 320
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 03:12:30
I enjoyed reading about all the shenanigans at the festival - particularly the well-greased tug-of-war team. The way they all worked as a team to get Sam his cider-press was great. And I appreciated Freddy's realisation that accumulating cash without resorting to family wealth was a difficult endeavour!
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Title: Brotherly Love · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Drabble · ID: 1393
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-05 03:23:50
Ah, the poor nanny is already no match for the strength and speed -- and the
lack of concern for protocol -- of a five-year-old! I can just see her,
struggling to maintain control over the whirlwind.

It is clear that she had developed a strong attachment to Boromir, which tinges
this reminiscence with sadness. The phrase "restless blur of rich velvets" says
so much -- his child-like activity, his wealth and station, and the encroaching
fuzziness of distant memories. The last line is touching and terribly sad,
knowing what we and she do.

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Title: New Home · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Ithilien Drabble · ID: 20
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-05 03:43:07
It looks like the building of the Emyn Arnen headquarters is well under way, if Beregond's captain's quarters are ready. But beyond being captain, Beregond is also a father -- and boy, is Bergil a kid, hoping that the school isn't yet established! LOL! But Beregond's concerns are allayed when Bergil finds another boy, and decides to run around with him rather than tipping him on his head. A nice capsule of a parent's concerns when moving to a new town, and I like the hopeful -- and relieved -- ending.

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Title: Gathering of the Grey Company · Author: Leaward · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Grey Company · ID: 171
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-05 04:54:37
This is a powerful story, somber in tone and urgent in pace, its style perfectly suited to the scene it depicts.

It’s nice to see Halbarad get some attention; he has always struck me as one of those unsung heroes who quietly did his duty and died in the process…the typical lot of a standard-bearer. His steadfast courage and nobility are most clearly seen near the story’s conclusion, as he shakes off a flicker of doubt: “There is no place for such thoughts. I shall see him crowned or I shall die trying.”

Leaward’s research and knowledge of canon infuses her writing here, even when not overt. An excellent gapfiller.

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Title: Ad Sum · Author: Dwimordene · Races/Places: Gondor: Original Characters · ID: 693
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2005-09-05 07:29:42
I am reading this the Monday after Katrina and would like to thank you, Dwim, for giving us a woman of such beauty and dignity for such a task. That she performs this necessary duty with such compassion gives me hope those in our own age who will be doing the same, today. I bless them in the name of your charwoman, and all others through history who have had to do set their hands to this as well.

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Title: Mae Govannen · Author: Azalais · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drabble · ID: 148
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 08:43:31
This lovely piece catches Aragorn's thoughts at the Ford in language which echoes Tolkien's poetry and formality. It sounds like Aragorn, not some cut-rate twenty-first century subsititute. Excellent.
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Title: Replacements · Author: Meril · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: General Drabble · ID: 486
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 08:47:43
A view of Arwen from a very different angle, this drabble has Lothirel considering the changes in her new Queen's life. Like all the best drabbles, it has me seeing with a new eye, and suddently interested in possibilities I'd never considered.
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Title: Foreign Customs · Author: Elvenesse · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gondor Drabble · ID: 329
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 08:50:20
The vivid image of the birth waters flooding Arwen's skirt gives this drabble power to match Aragorn's stubborness in staying with his wife.
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Title: Trust · Author: Leah Beth · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: The Shire · ID: 1228
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 08:55:32
Oh, I do like this. You've got some wonderful details in there, about things like Rosie's reading ability and the way that Mrs. Cotton is reacting to the news. And such a strong, confident Rosie! I'm glad I found this lovely gapfiller.
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Title: Sam's Lament · Author: shirelinghpc · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Poetry · ID: 1117
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 09:27:03
Oh, I do like this. This poem has a Sam who is sorrowful, but who also accepts the need for Frodo to go across the sea to be healed.
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Title: Rules for writing Arda Immortals · Author: Philosopher at Large · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 1149
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 09:32:02
Silly, but fun. This list of admonitions reminds me somewhat of Rudyard Kipling's "If."
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Title: Pippin's Patent Remedies · Author: Llinos/Melilot Hill CoAuthors · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 1164
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 09:38:43
This enjoyable story has crossed my path before, and I enjoyed it then, too. I think that Pippin's remedy for a headache, in the first chapter, might actually work. But the remedy for a broken heart... Ah, no, I agree with Gimli. The cure is worse than the disease!
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Title: What the Red Book May Hold · Author: MagicalRachel · Genres: Movie-verse: Vignette · ID: 1347
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 09:44:41
Aww... This is lovely and angsty and sweet, too, neatly turning the movie ending to something nearer the book.
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Title: Silence In The Night · Author: Piplover (aka Pipfan) · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Post-Ring War · ID: 812
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 09:54:40
Merry, after a nightmare, is sure that Pippin is dead, and Pippin must come to help him, and in so doing rediscovers a joy in music which he had thought tainted forever by that interlude with Denethor.

This is a beautiful piece, where both Merry and Pippin feel in character and where the other members of the Fellowship are nearby, even if they're not central to the action. And I particularly liked Pippin's thoughts as he stands sentry duty.

<blockquote>"Once, before all the horrible things in the world had decided to introduce themselves to him on a first name basis, he would have found it easy to distract himself. "</blockquote>
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Title: Purple Prose · Author: Aratlithiel · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 977
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 10:01:27
This humorous story has the four Travellers discussing the er... accuracy of the dialogue in the Red Book. It's quite rude, but great fun and as a bonus it has a marvellous Rosie to come in and discomfort them!
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Title: Disturber of the Peace · Author: Marta · Genres: Movie-verse: Vignette · ID: 937
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 10:03:49
This is a nice look at the movie version of Gandalf's entry into the Shire from his point of view. I get the feeling he's rather pleased with being a "disturber of the peace"!
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Title: Wine, Women, Song... and Gimli · Author: Suzene Campos · Genres: Humor: Elves · ID: 528
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 10:31:51
This is very amusing. I enjoyed seeing Gimli swept off his feet by Legolas's sister - and I enjoyed even more seeing Thranduil's relief as his son declared the dwarf was his brother. But best of all was Thranduil's response to Marade's telling point - either way, Gimli is now a son to the Elvenking. Most enjoyable.
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Title: Rites Of Passage · Author: Willow-wode · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Incomplete · ID: 700
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 10:32:54
I've been following this story with great interest, and am eagerly awaiting any new installments which might appear. One of its many virtues (besides the heat of certain installments) is a carefully thought out society for the Shire. Bilbo shines here, being the one adult with the background to understand just what the complications are from the choices which were made before Frodo was even born. But it is the rest of the hobbits, taken from the leaves of the family trees and breathed into magnificent life, who give this richly drawn tale much of its power.
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Title: Important Choices · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 879
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 10:34:33
Merry is such a dandy! Pippin's advice is so amusing from a natural born scruff. But a natural born scruff with three older sisters! That hobbit has hidden depths. Love it.
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Title: Wagers In Rivendell · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 1233
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 10:37:00
Poor Legolas. Centuries of being an elven warrior has not prepared him for exposure to hobbits. Especially not Pippin. And he has the joy of knowing that the elven part of the audience really will remember the incident for ever. These are all so good: they have the inevitability of a good fairytale.

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Title: The Mark of a... Warrior? · Author: Ariel · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Humor · ID: 133
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 10:42:52
Oh dear! You have observed far too many men! (True though. And most amusing.)
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Title: The Barrenness of Stone · Author: Lyllyn · Books/Time: The Silmarillion: Gondolin · ID: 468
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-09-05 10:45:46
In this piece, Lyllyn makes us feel strongly the tension between Sindar and Noldor: between those who take pleasure in things of nature and those who delight in things of craft. She also makes good use of the complex matrix of writings about Gondolin and the eagles -- I was fascinated to learn Morgoth tried to torture them for the secret of flight -- and presents an engaging portrait of both Thorondor and Glorfindel. The child’s voice was well captured, giving us a mixture of pride, defiance and bravery coupled with longing and inexperience.
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Title: Mistress Gilraen · Author: AfterEver · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural · ID: 65
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 10:49:33
Poor Gilraen. It was a brave offer to make in order to safeguard her son. But doubtless a relief (in spite of the embarrassment of rejection) to find it was out of place. It must have been very hard for her to understand the motivation of a race working to totally different priorities. I like both your Gilraen and your Elrond - and between them they do a good parenting job of their son.
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Title: A Chance Conversation · Author: Songspinner · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Vignette · ID: 804
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-05 10:57:13
This is a lovely story. Landroval is a very impressive conversationalist - and remarkably wise on the subject of fledglings. His words - that there are many ways to fly - are very perceptive and his insight into young Peregrin's personality seems to be - well - eagle-eyed.
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Title: While the Ring Went South... · Author: Thundera Tiger · Books/Time: Gap-Filler · ID: 33
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:45:47
There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. TT has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

Now to the specifics. One of my favourite lines and moments in the tale is this, toward the end:

""How deep will you sink in this snow?" Legolas asked curiously, speaking as though this was an abstract concept to be studied at leisure."

OK, so, how Elven is THAT??? (grin) And the concept of Galadriel enjoying deconstructing all the disparate members of the Fellowship... I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples.

Thank you, TT, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: The Day After · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Post-War of the Ring · ID: 197
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:38:24
There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. Thundera Tiger has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

Now to the specifics. Thundera Tiger always writes gorgeously, but this particular tale twisted my gut (in a good way!) and just about broke my heart. Getting inside Gimli's head is not something I've had much chance to do myself.... so it was interesting to journey there with her. His observations of Legolas are like field notes from an anthropologist... but one who has come to love his subjects. One of my favourite lines and moments in the tale is this, the very last:

"Sensing my gaze, he turns to me, and the first rays of the sun reflect upon immortal eyes that are weary and pained. "It will be a trying day, my friend," he murmurs. "Already the very minutes seem long."

And I turn my head away so that he will not see my tears."

GAH, that is brilliant...

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples.

Thank you, Thundera Tiger, for this lovely and memorable piece of work!
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Title: Celeborn's Choice · Author: alex_cat_45 · Books/Time: The Silmarillion: Second Age · ID: 1002
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:54:34
This tale strikes me as both lovely and terribly sad.... The characterizations here are lovely. Alex has a great eye for such details, and she uses language skillfully...

The concept of Celeborn captivated by both of these lovely Noldor is engaging, and I loved the bit at the end where he prays every night for those two things.... *sob!*

Thank you, Alex, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: The Sweetest Harvest · Author: alex_cat_45 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Elves · ID: 1001
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:55:57
Ai, what a sweet tale... I can just picture the whole scene, the sweetness of it, the picture of each Elf as Elrond considers how and why he loves them.... a sweet harvest indeed! Thank you for this tale!
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Title: The Paths of the Dead · Author: alex_cat_45 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Grey Company · ID: 999
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:57:09
This is one of those stories that sticks in the mind, that just kind of stays with you and walks around with you for a while. And gives you good shivers. I have to admit it made me cry too....

Thanks, Alex. Lovely piece of work....
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Title: Tangled Web · Author: daw the minstrel · Books/Time: The Hobbit · ID: 151
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:00:21
daw, please forgive me for cutting and pasting.... I wanted to make sure I got everything reviewed if I could possibly do so....

I love all your stories, as I hope you know, and this is no exception. My favourite line: (or one of them anyway):

And then Legolas could contain himself no longer. He leaned into his brother’s arms and wept and knew that, in his embrace, Eilian too was crying.

Why my favourite? Because by then I was sobbing too... :-) Thank you for this wonderful story and for all your stories!!
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Title: The Tide of Times · Author: daw the minstrel · Books/Time: The Hobbit · ID: 681
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:04:16
daw, please forgive me for cutting and pasting.... I wanted to make sure I got everything reviewed if I could possibly do so.... I love all your stories, as I hope you know, and this is no exception. My favourite line: (or one of them anyway):

The child was ready for this moment, Thranduil thought in amused dismay, but he was not sure he was.

Why my favourite? Because I'm a mother with a son who has come of age, and I have memories like this all the time....

The whole coming of age sequence was just stunningly lovely. Thank you!! :-) Thank you for this wonderful story and for all your stories!!
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Title: A Question of Duty · Author: daw the minstrel · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Elves · ID: 152
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:10:51
There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. But the part that sticks out is the confrontation in the final chapter, between Beliond and Legolas over the letter to Thranduil and whether Legolas should go. SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: Spring Awakenings · Author: daw the minstrel · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Elves · ID: 153
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:21:27
Here I am cutting and pasting again.... There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. But the part that sticks out is the whole part about the celebration of Eilian and Celuwen's binding. Poor Solith, whottagit.... heh... SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: Glorious Summer · Author: daw the minstrel · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Mirkwood · ID: 154
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:26:04
Cutting and pasting away, here we go again.... There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. But the part that sticks out for me is the tension in the patrol scenes, as Legolas tries to work out the difficulties of life as a warrior. Losing his temper, being afraid, trying to stay calm, to keep everything moving and keep people safe... OH! And the part where Celuwen's family was in danger... OMG that was so tense and excellent.... but I'm glad everyone was mostly all right. SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: Tolkien and the Problem of Characterisation: Eowyn and Arwen · Author: Fionnabhair Nic Aillil · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 351
Reviewer: ponypetter · 2005-09-05 13:26:07
This was a wonderfully frank treatment of women and characterization in Tolkien's work. As one who actually read the appendices out of order (by flipping through the maps and appendices when I got to a slow point in the story), I actually read Arwen's foregrounding just after she was introduced. As I reached the end, her marriage to Aragorn was more thoroughly explained to me, and at the time, I accepted it as believable.

My reaction had I not read the appendices early would have probably been something along the lines of: "What?!" I had never truly considered the ridiculously sparse attention Arwen recieves in the novel proper. However, her treatment and character in fanfiction tends to be far more developed (in my experience), and this adds to my ability to forget that while Tolkien's work may have given her some history, it gives her little or no personality. Who is she? Why exactly does she love Aragorn? These questions are only answered in the reader's (or fanfic writer's) imagination.
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Title: The Warrior · Author: daw the minstrel · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Mirkwood · ID: 155
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:27:28
Here I am cutting and pasting again.... There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. But the parts that stick out for me are the battle scenes. I know how hard those are to write.... and you did SUCH a good job! SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: Sacrifice Under Shadow · Author: daw the minstrel · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Mirkwood · ID: 1319
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:30:44
Here I am cutting and pasting again.... There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. But the most riveting part was Legolas and Eilian in the cave, with Eilian's condition making him docile and obedient, and Legolas worrying over that... so lovely and yet so harrowing, and SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: A Spring of Joy · Author: daw the minstrel · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Mirkwood · ID: 1320
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:35:18
Here I am cutting and pasting again.... There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. But the part that sticks out is loss of a beloved one... what can one say about the story in which the adorable Sinnarn DIES!?!??? Oh Gods.... I know these things have to happen, but sheesh.... this one hurt, and I would imagine it was tough to write as well. But it is SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: Time's Turnings · Author: daw the minstrel · Races/Places: Elves: Mirkwood · ID: 156
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:37:07
Here I am cutting and pasting again.... There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. But the part that gets me the most is that prat Tinar... I always giggle at the part where he is bragging about his wife loving to do things for him like mending his leggings, and Eilian says she loves to sew them shut.... LOL!!!! SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work!
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Title: Creature of Fire · Author: daw the minstrel · Races/Places: Elves: Mirkwood · ID: 1218
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:40:08
Cutting and pasting, here we go again.... There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year. But I adore daw's work....

The characterizations here are brilliant. daw has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... there are no dull thunks in my head when I read her works, no "this doesn't ring true", because she takes (in my mind anyway!) a great deal of time and hard work to craft her stories. Elves are proper Elves, Men are proper Men, Hobbitses are Hobbity, Dwarves are Dwarven... and it all comes together as a lovely whole.

I could go on forever. There are so many sparkling examples. this story has so many things to recommend it: seeing a canon situation from a new perspective (Smaug etc), excellent writing and characterization as always--and a tragic Legomance that we could have seen coming if we'd paid attention, but OH GOD it still hurts to see it.... Legolas's grief is so realistic, so perfectly sad and realistic, that it is not possible to read through this tale at any point without crying. But that's a GOOD thing! SO well written... and my thanks for creating a suite of OCs that I love as much as Tolkien's originals, for their own sake as well as for the simple fact that they are true to Tolkien! (grin)

Thank you, daw, for this lovely piece of work! And for ALL your stuff!!!
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Title: The Last Stand · Author: Soledad · Races/Places: Villains: Orcs · ID: 76
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 13:48:57
There is always just something refreshing and brilliant about this story for me. I have gone back and read, then re-read, this tale many times. And yes, I will say this about many of the stories that have been nominated this year.

The characterizations here are brilliant. Soledad is one of the few writers I know who could carry off a story like this. She has a great eye for such details, and she uses language so beautifully... the conceptual things she brings out are thought-provoking and strong, and it is really quite scary to consider how close the Elves and the Uruks/Orcs are.... seeing familiar beloved canon characters through a new lens is also a strong point of this tale. Eomer and Ugluk duking it out toward the end is a fascinating study...

I could go on forever. But the part that sticks out is this in the challenge fight:

“but a challenge is a matter of honour, Éothain. It cannot go unanswered.”

Just wonderful.... so Eomer, and so like Ugluk to issue such a thing. Thank you, soledad, for this riveting piece of work!
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Title: Opening Doors · Author: Adina ATL · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural · ID: 359
Reviewer: ponypetter · 2005-09-05 13:50:36
It is wonderful how little snippets of backstory for Narvi's character are wound into this piece. That Narvi and Celebrimbor speak so frankly with one another and bicker shows that they have been working together for a while, and seem to have an understanding between them. Their conversation over dinner shows that they have come to know each other in a work environment. Like most of us, they come to realize they do not know as much *about* each other as they think.
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Title: Home Cooking Hobbit-Stlye · Author: Budgielover · Races/Places: Hobbits: War of the Ring · ID: 175
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-09-05 14:02:02
This is a cute one. One of several pieces the author has written focusing on the time Frodo was recovering in Rivendell, this one is charmingly short and the point well taken. A sweet read.
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Title: Once in a Fair Green Country · Author: Space Weavil · Books/Time: The Silmarillion · ID: 157
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-09-05 14:08:30
I don't usually read stuff that doesn't have hobbits in it, but I adore romances, especially unrequited ones. I always like to play matchmaker with the fellowship, but, apparently unlike most of the fans, I prefer to find them a nice girl. ;) I guess because that's the type of relationship that I can relate to and, if the author is skilled enough, I can be drawn into the story. That's the real fun of fiction for me, and here SW has done just that very delightfully with this story.

She presents Olorin so realistically - he is a Maia, but he is also an innocent, smitten by love for the very first time. You feel for him and understand perfectly the ache of one who loves and yet can't. Space Weavil so skillfully weaves her tale that it twists the heart without you even being aware that you are reading a story - you ARE with them; Elrond and Gandalf in ME and Olorin, the whisper of spirit, falling in love and yet unable to speak. It is a delightful story and one that is deserving of as much praise as it can get.
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Title: Cursed Queen of Angmar · Author: khazar_khum · Races/Places: Villains: Nazgul · ID: 450
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-09-05 14:51:00
Finally, a moment to review this story!

When fanfic writers look down at original female characters and complain that they simply can't be written in such a way that makes them interesting, I haughtily direct them to this story. I've always believed that any character or situation can be written well, as long as the author has the skill, and those who say it can't be done are lacking either talent or drive. This fic is one that proves me right. And brilliantly.

It is a wonderful example of a well defined original character, clearly developed environment/setting and the believable presentation of a canon character. The author truly makes the Witch King come alive and, if possible, makes him sexy! She also takes care and pays attention to detail so that the story is well edited and clear with few annoying typos. There are no lines that make my inner editor want to fix them and that is SOOO refreshing.

My only criticism is about this story's ending. The last few chapters seemed to take a long time to be published and it felt like the author wasn't sure what else to do with her characters. It felt like she had gotten tired of the whole thing and was quickly tying up her looser ends so that she could call it finished. I was left wanting to know how Ariashal ended her days, how her children fared and how she died. It seemed the author had been building up to some last confrontation between Sauron and the Witch King - one canon suggests he lost, but at the end decided she just didn't want to finish it. I can't fault her for that. It is just fanfiction; by its definition, an inconsequential hobby, but I couldn't deny wanting more. I hope she does go on to write original fiction. If this work is an example of what she can do for the heck of it, I'd definitely read something she wrote professionally.

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Title: The Hound Of The Bagginses · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 766
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-09-05 15:02:48
I haven't read nearly as much of this author's work as I would like and will undoubtedly read more, but I wanted to give her credit for this cute little piece. When I read it, it was desperately in need of a beta, but the cleverness and humor of the story came clearly through anyway. This is a classical fanfic - amateur, but so full of love and enthusiasm that it's infectious - and a very amusing read too. Thank you Grey Wonderer!
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Title: All's Fair · Author: Inkling · Races/Places: Hobbits: Pre-War of the Ring · ID: 1113
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-09-05 15:18:15
Oh, I have to review this one.

I am not sure if I like this story as much as I liked 'Terror of Buckland', but like that previous story, this one has a wealth of great, well rounded and believable characters that really fill out the story. I really loved Frodo in it, disliked but pitied Hyacinth, really despised Hortensia and wanted to knock Coronel's teeth down his throat. What a jerk! The author draws these emotions from me very organically, from the telling of the tale and not with affected, contrived situations. She's also incorporated information she knows about dancing and slips the idea of the waltz into Shire life very convincingly. She may think that such details are only interesting to her, but I definitely appreciated the depth and realism that it lent to the story. It isn't that I find the history of dance all that interesting, but because there IS a real history there, it adds another, deeper layer to her story. In a small way, it's a strong framework over which to build the story. I desperately wish MORE fanfic authors did this! The axiom 'write what you know' is so often completely ignored by fanficcers (and many fantasy/scifi writers, actually) and I can't think of anything that adds more depth and/or interest to a story!

If you enjoy meaningful prequest fics that have some 'meat' to the story and yet still result in a character that you can see 'book Frodo' developing into someday, then consider reading this fic.

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Title: One Breath · Author: M. Sebasky · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Vignette · ID: 472
Reviewer: Ariel · 2005-09-05 15:28:57
I liked this little piece when I first read it and will enjoy reviewing it here. Masterfully written, impact driven and even sensual, I found this work more memorable than most of the 'elf fics' I read. I don't know if this review is going to win you anything, but when someone writes as well as you can, the next step is to go and get your stuff out there. You've practiced enough. You can write. Now, go do it.
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Title: The Courtship of Samwise Gamgee · Author: Lindelea · Races/Places: Hobbits: Poetry · ID: 463
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-05 17:42:50
The many-talented Lindelea never ceases to amaze me…not only is she a terrific (and prolific) storyteller and an impeccable wordsmith, but she composes lovely songs too! It’s enough to make a person feel downright inadequate…

This particular song is delightful…but be forewarned if you click on the music link. Lin has said that the tune is an “ear-worm”…it will burrow into your brain and refuse to leave. In fact, I can hear it now!

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Title: The Ballad of Isildur and Elendil · Author: Lindelea · Races/Places: Gondor: Poetry · ID: 460
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-05 17:46:20
Very interesting idea...the lullaby of a country under the Shadow. One would hope the lullabies became happier in later years!

If you liked this song, be sure to check out Lin’s entire “Shire Songbook.” The songs are all wonderful, and so very *right* for hobbits!



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Title: The trouble with Jam · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 882
Reviewer: pearltook1 · 2005-09-05 18:32:44
A joy! A pleasure! What could be better than little Pippin on a quest? This story will ring true to everyone who remembers being a child, and even more so to we short adults. Little Pippin is clever in his quest to obtain a jar of jam from the fith shelf of the overhead cupboards in the kitchen of Brandy Hall. A servant thinks he has out smarted the lad, Bilbo thinks he has sent the lad off without a hassle, Merry and Freddy might ruin everything - but don't. And the ending is sublime! A wonderfully well written story.
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Title: Payment Put Off · Author: pippinfan88 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: War of the Ring · ID: 1038
Reviewer: pearltook1 · 2005-09-05 19:24:05
A touch of the Silmarillion in this story of a decision that Pippin has to make. This is a matter touched upon by other authors, but this story handles it better than many. What would bring about a change of mind in Peregrin Took as he faces the grey curtain of death?
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Title: Before I Go To Sleep · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Romance · ID: 869
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 19:57:58
Cuthalion is one of the rare authors who can create an original character -- even a love interest! -- and make you as interested in following the story about that character as you are in the characters you came to the fanfic for. And she combines this with the ability to write scenes that sizzle off the screen.

Lily, a midwife and healer, is a strong lady, and one whose love for Frodo gives her the understanding of when to hold on to him, and when to let him go. Powerful, and at times frightening, this story follows her from her youngest days and first glimpses of the Master of Bag End, through the horror of the times when the Shire was under Lotho's direction and Saruman's thumb, through the love and pain of Frodo's return and his next departure, and on to a lonely tower many years later.

Go on... read...
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Title: Sun on the Water · Author: Cuthalion · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Romance · ID: 971
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 20:04:03
Ah... Here are Faramir and Eowyn, free at last from terror and fear, and able to tease each other -- and love each other -- with a passion and joy that soothes the soul. I love this brief vignette, I truly do.
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Title: Fear no more · Author: Cuthalion · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gap-Filler · ID: 970
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 20:10:06
Professor Tolkien seemed to gift his favorite characters with visions, and here Cuthalion gifts one of my favorite characters, Faramir, with a powerful dream, one which is not only a message of loss, but a consolation and an assurance of healing.

As always, Cuthalion's strength lies in imagery that stays with you long after you've stopped reading.

<blockquote><i>And the bird rose from her hands, and its wings and body were of a flawless white, and it gave the cry of its kind, sharp and clear. It moved in circles, once, twice… then turned away and sailed on the wind, fast and weightless and triumphant.</i>
</blockquote>
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Title: To keep you from harm · Author: Cuthalion · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drama · ID: 912
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 20:13:55
Boromir, knowing of Faramir's dream, but seeing the way that Denethor disregards its importance, finds a way to try to use his father's love for him to fulfill his brother's needs.

I have to love this one, in part because it was written for me, but also because it takes a question I've had for a long time and expands on it with such grace and eloquence that I doubt I'll ever find a story which does so quite as well.
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Title: Making of Boys · Author: Dwimordene · Races/Places: Gondor: Houses of Healing · ID: 237
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 20:23:49
This story outlines the preparations of the Houses of Healing before the siege of Minas Tirith, told from Ioreth's point of view as she watches the boys who are being trained to run errands and perhaps, attempt to defend themselves at the last with daggers. It's a powerful, sober piece; well thought out in its details and drawing on ideas from sources which are (thank you!) cited at the end of the tale.

Well worth the read!
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Title: The Forest of Mirkwood · Author: Arandil · Genres: Crossovers: Poetry · ID: 121
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:41:08
*snork* An amusing blend of pastisches, though not quite a crossover.
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Title: An Unexpected Party · Author: Azalais · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 150
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:41:36
You can't help but love this story. If there's so much as a flicker of love for Tolkien's Middle-earth in the reader, this story will appeal on probably all possible levels. One always hesitates to write Tolkien himself as a character—I suppose we're all far too well-acquainted with the unhappy ways in which we can foul up the representation of our favorite characters to want to risk it with Tolkien himself, but Azalais pulls it off. She also manages to incorporate, in slightly altered form, several lines or snippets of lines from the books as Tolkien's actual thoughts—and it works! It doesn't feel stale, although the nostalgia factor is certainly ratcheted up quite a bit, thanks to the context. The atmosphere is just wonderful.

One of the things that makes this story feel right is that the Fellowship, despite being "real" for this time and space, are nevertheless fictional characters, and they themselves know this in a way. They have a sense of themselves as the subjects of stories—stories that Tolkien wrote, and which other fanwriters are writing (great quasi-slashy moment there, Az! That aside was terrific and tastefully done). Their gratitude, then, is all the sweeter, as if they've come to thank their father, without becoming themselves infantalized or rendered less than solid. Although I'm not sure I'd call this a crossover, "An Unexpected Party" is beautifully done. Thanks, Az!

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Title: Palantír · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Crossovers: Poetry · ID: 546
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:42:02
This is more like a filk to me, minus the obligatory musical accompaniment. It's a lovely adaptation, very chilling despite the imagery of flame and heat. Reading this, one imagines "Mirror" was made to be adapted to a palantir's point of view, with Denethor the inverse young woman.
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Title: Songs of Sorrow · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races/Places: Elves: Drabble · ID: 711
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-05 23:42:17
This is a stunning, emotionally powerful, and gripping series of vignettes, ranging from the First Age through the Fourth. Very nicely written!
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Title: Jerusalem · Author: Amarie · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 658
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:42:54
Ok, now *this* is a crossover, and a fairly daring one given the importance of the Gospel narrative to so many. I've read one other fic that puts Maglor and Christ in contact, which also had the end result of forgiveness and Maglor's death. The circumstances differ, however, in this story, as we get a much more intimate and detailed fictional account of one person's redemption through his association with Christ. Maglor the Martyr is one I hadn't really expected to see written, but I suppose it does fit in its way—the crown that goes with the gift of mortality he's been given.
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Title: The Queen and her Pussycats Went to Sea · Author: Fileg · Genres: Crossovers: Poetry · ID: 726
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:43:28
Oi, yes, this is a bizarre mix of child-like poetic narration and one of Middle-earth's more unpleasant characters, at least by reputation. Well done, and you'll be swaying along as you recite it, you will, oh you'll be swaying along, yes you will...
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Title: Water and Flame · Author: Marta · Genres: Crossovers: Poetry · ID: 966
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:43:55
Ooh, very apt! Denethor's bitter vision is chillingly articulated in this poem. It certainly fits the form of Frost's short verse, and Marta daringly expands to a second verse that fits very well stylistically. Again, I'd say this is more a filk than a crossover, but it's not like I'm complaining of the work itself: very well done!
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Title: Gimli and Boromir Strike Back · Author: Boromir Defender · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 1069
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:44:22
Amusing, with some interesting fourth wall breaches (deliberately, although some felt a bit shaky).
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Title: Magnetic Force · Author: Marnie · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 1097
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2005-09-05 23:44:59
This was a weird trip—and a wonderful one. The parapsychologist who finds out it really is real... and there's a price on that knowledge in the world she had left to find (unexpectedly, beyond all imagining) Elfland. Marnie even manages to make English fit the Elves by using Tolkien's linguist's background to good end. And of course, it would be Celeborn who would greet our intrepid journalist. The journey under the hill and the terror and wrenching loss of returning from it—that works beautifully. The journalist device feels a bit more unstable to me, although as a "tactical" device, allowing for certain ways of telling the story you couldn't manage as easily otherwise, it works well enough. In any case, another well done story from Marnie!
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Title: Voices of the Forgotten · Author: jen_loves_elves · Races/Places: Gondor: Drabble · ID: 435
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-06 00:11:31
I really enjoyed this series, especially the distinct voices each anonymous woman had. Very nicely written!
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Title: Truth Be Told · Author: pearltook1 · Races/Places: Gondor · ID: 852
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-06 00:30:17
Poor Faramir. That must have been one hard story to hear. The character I always feel for is Beregond, though. He, in a way, is the one who risked the most - and had the longest to worry about the consequences. And the non-characters I feel for are the door warden and Denethor's servants - who were only doing their jobs when they were killed. I like Pippin's adoption of Faramir because he is Boromir's brother.
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End