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Msg# 5325

37 Final Reviews 9/7/2005 Posted by Ainaechoiriel September 07, 2005 - 22:43:09 Topic ID# 5325
Title: Homeward bound · Author: Marta · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Gap-Filler · ID: 945
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-07 02:12:40
A charmingly imagined reunion between Sam and his beloved Bill...which Marta has wisely presented from Nob's wry perspective, ensuring that the sentiment never becomes cloying. Nicely done!
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Title: Travel Times in Middle-earth · Author: sulriel · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 144
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-07 03:30:04
A hobbit must ride in haste from Michel Delving to Hobbiton. But just how long will it take him to get there? As I struggled with one of my first attempts at fan fiction, I stared at Tolkien's sketchy maps and pondered the mysteries of equine speed and endurance. I figured it would be easy enough to find some Web site that showed how fast a horse runs. But how soon do they tire out? And what about ponies?

The cavalry to the rescue...aka the Middle-earth Adventure Riders Association! I well remember my surprise--and relief--at stumbling over this gem of a resource. Sulriel and company have covered all contingencies--from a day of hard riding to a plodding wagon journey, from a swift, long-limbed horse to a sturdy riding pony--and plotted routes from the Shire to Minas Tirith. A canon writer's dream come true!

As for the fic, it still languishes on my hard drive. But whenever I get back to it, it's a comfort to know that "Travel Times in Middle-earth" will be there to help. Thank you, Sulriel!


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Title: Third Line · Author: Elvenesse · Races/Places: Rohan: Drabble · ID: 331
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 07:34:39
This glimpse into Eomer's thoughts has both eloquence and poetry as it speaks of grief deferred by need.
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Title: Cousins on Watch · Author: Anso the Hobbit · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 984
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 07:42:46
In the first chapter of this short story, Merry is watching the other three at Cormallen (I do love Cormallen fics!) and in the second chapter he is the one who falls ill in Minas Tirith -- an illness made worse by all that they have gone through.

There are lovely details here -- Merry's choice of topics as he speaks to the unconscious three, the concern and care from the other members of the Fellowship -- it makes for a lovely, somehow gentle, read.
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Title: Beauty Mark · Author: Ruby Nye · Races/Places: Hobbits: Fourth Age · ID: 508
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2005-09-07 07:46:39
This is one of my favorite tales by Ruby Nye - the lovestory between Elanor Gamgee and here future husband Fastred. It is beautiful like a fairy tale and warmhearted like a family memory, and the way how Elanor falls for the "messenger" ( they meet for the first time when Fastred delivers a letter) is simply delightful. And Fastred's declaration of love made me smile and cry at the same time:

"Did you think I love you for your face, Elanor? It's a pretty face, I've never seen prettier, I never will, but one day it will be wrinkled. I love you for what lies behind that face."

Utterly, wondrously beautiful, and a Must-Read.
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Title: To Cross a River · Author: Hai Took · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 820
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 07:48:52
Oh, this story is a joy! There's plenty of humor and a sense of good comradeship as the Fellowship crosses a small river some time before Moria and suffers the consequences. I especially loved Sam glaring at the river and distrusting anything larger than a washbowl, of course. But it's all good!
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Title: Important Business · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Rivendell · ID: 1323
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 07:52:32
This look at the Council of Elrond shall have to go with my collection of takeoffs. "Pointless and irritating" discussions indeed! LoL!
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Title: Under The Lilac Bushes · Author: Dreamflower · Races/Places: Hobbits: Children · ID: 1168
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 08:03:16
Here is a delightful piece of fluff from the time when Merry and Sam are still young enough to be rooked into playing tea-party with Marigold. The reactions of the grownups are believable, and the reaction from the children is priceless!
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Title: Hobbits in 4 · Author: Isil Elensar · Races/Places: Hobbits · ID: 1195
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 08:05:16
Here are some original characters with all the interest oc's should have!
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Title: Conspirators · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races/Places: Hobbits: Pre-War of the Ring · ID: 1182
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 08:08:40
I always enjoy stories which expand on the friendship between Sam and Pippin and this one does so rather better than most. You can believe that these two are relaxed enough to start singing with each other, at least this early on in the quest, when singing comes more naturally!
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Title: Shire Reckoning · Author: Anso the Hobbit · Races/Places: Hobbits: War of the Ring · ID: 1176
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 08:20:17
When it comes to stories about Merry, you can always depend on Anso. Although this story is set at Cormallen, it also dives back through time, as Merry sorts through his memories of Frodo, Pippin and Sam as he first knew them. I love the chapter with Sam, of course. Anso writes children as if they are really children -- and catches the up-and-down enthusiasm of a mildly ill child beautifully in that part of the story. But it's all good!
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Title: Under Siege · Author: Forodwaith · Races/Places: Elves: Drabble · ID: 387
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-07 09:56:17
I wish there was more fic dealing with what happened in Rivendell after the Fellowship departed - here's one drama-filled possibility, and I'm sure Arwen would have been just as capable of picking up a bow and knowing how to use it, if pressed, as any other Elf in Rivendell. I like the steady, numbingly repetitive action against an enemy which just keeps coming, and the fact that Arwen is so focused on her task - Aragorn gets one instant for a bleak thought, no more.
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Title: Sweet Meat · Author: Ijemanja · Races/Places: Villains · ID: 1073
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 13:25:01
Oooh! Shelob comes to frightening life in this vignette, and I pity her victims!
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Title: Kindred Spirits · Author: Melina · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 1234
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-07 13:25:33
These are interesting kindred spirits. I never thought about how much Elrond and Faramir have in common. I like the calm serenity Elrond exudes. It gives the whole scene a soothing quality, which is exactly what Faramir needed at the moment. Interesting interpretation of Faramir's dreams. I like that Elrond manages to point Faramir toward the future and not to dwell on the past.

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Title: First Flower · Author: SilverWolf · Races/Places: Hobbits: Post-Ring War · ID: 657
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 13:27:14
Poor Sam! I like the way he almost gets steamed enough to backtalk Frodo when he gets teased about how long it's taking for the baby to be born.
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Title: Pawns · Author: Tialys · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Hobbits · ID: 310
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 13:28:13
This vignette, for all it's comfy setting, is actually a rather chilling look at Gandalf.
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Title: Quills and Thorns · Author: Nickey · Races/Places: Hobbits: Fourth Age · ID: 1101
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 13:33:51
Even loving parents can make mistakes, and Sam nearly makes one in this tale, but it all works out well in the end. There are marvelous details and texture in the descriptions, and best of all Hamfast feels like a child, not a cardboard cutout of one.
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Title: When One Door Closes... · Author: GamgeeFest · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): The Shire · ID: 308
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 13:37:21
Loss and renewal meet in this short piece, and even tragedy is made soft and hopeful for the future. Lovely.
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Title: In the Dark · Author: Ariel · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings · ID: 132
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 13:41:52
A truly moving piece this -- the best sort of angst, really. And I must admit that I love to see Frodo thinking about Sam in just about any story, so this tale of Frodo considering Sam's sacrifice is right up my alley.
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Title: Sam's Gift · Author: Marta · Books/Time: Gap-Filler · ID: 955
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 13:45:35
Sam got a box of earth from Galadriel, but he gave her something too, and this story explains why and what and how in a way that left me smiling and thoughtful.
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Title: The King's Commission · Author: Larner · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Post-War of the Ring · ID: 215
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-07 14:16:17
I particularly liked Ruvemir as a character and it was really interesting seeing Elessar and the hobbits through his eyes as he developed his understanding of Frodo and the Ring. The story became increasingly complex as the characters interacted - and the whole was very enjoyable.
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Title: The Healer's Gambit · Author: Melina · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 1235
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-07 14:58:06
I loved this. I am so glad to have found it. The characterisations are delightful - I love the loyalty between Aragorn and Faramir and the king's determination to heal Faramir. Taking them to Lothlorien so that Galadriel can use her power and perception to act as an intermediary is a very clever device - as well as taking the main protagonists away from Minas Tirith. Well done - this is a good well written story.
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Title: Kindred Spirits · Author: Melina · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 1234
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2005-09-07 15:06:34
I do like the idea of Faramir / Elrond interaction. They do seem to be two people who would get on well together - at least once Faramir had got over being overawed by being in the company of a legend. And that Elrond should ask Faramir to be a friend to Arwen is an immensely touching moment. A most enjoyable story.
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Title: March Frost · Author: SilverMoonLady · Books/Time: Post-Ring War · ID: 769
Reviewer: Alassante · 2005-09-07 17:51:48
Silver Moon Lady is an incredible writer with an eloquent style. This story touches on the after effects of the War of the Ring on the hobbits as well as the rest of the Fellowship. Coming from the Shire, I imagine that the hobbits would be extreme since they had lived a life of such peace and harmony. SML touches beautifully on this with this tale of the nightmares that Merry suffers after the war and how his wife handles this. Once the shire was exposed to Saruman, their innocence is gone and his wife,Estella, is a sign of that. It is very sad that Merry has nightmares but realistic as well. SML shows in a touching and impactful way how Merry was haunted by his experience with Eowyn and the Witch King. He is unable to move past that part, at least at night during his dreams. I love how she ended it with his wife growing angry at this nightmare that was tormenting her beloved husband and she shouts “Go back to whatever grave holds your rotted bones and trouble us no more!” And finally Merry sleeps peacefully for some time.

SML's writing style is beautiful and elegant, reminds me very much of a classical writer. Yet it is very easy to read and flows well.
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Title: On Cerin Amroth · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Romance: Vignette · ID: 246
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 20:44:33
Dwimordene takes what we know about the first encounters between Arwen and Aragorn and adds detail and passion in this lyrical vignette about the two lovers.
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Title: Telling the Bees · Author: Fileg · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Shire · ID: 343
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:02:50
With just the right touch of angst, this story conveys Sam's mood and thoughts as he pauses to tell the bees of Frodo's departure. There are great images here, and dialogue, although scant, which I can hear Sam saying. Very much worth the read.
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Title: The Cornfield · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Villains · ID: 530
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:07:20
There's something about a gapfiller that neatly explains a detail in book or movie that is otherwise a puzzlement that causes me instant delight. That this one spends a good deal of time on Sam's reaction to an unfamiliar crop is quite a bonus, since his observations make sense for a gardener and his concerns match his personality. Most excellent.
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Title: The Long March · Author: Tanaqui · Races/Places: Villains: Drabble · ID: 542
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:09:32
The thoughts of one of the Haradrim soldiers echo the kinds of lies which are always used to get young men to go to war in this short sobering piece.
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Title: Alas, Poor Ufthak! · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races/Places: Villains: Drabble · ID: 200
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:10:40
*snort* There's something strange about giving an Orc such a Shakespearian demise... :)
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Title: Simple Comfort · Author: Vistula the Dunadan · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Drabble · ID: 636
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:12:55
How lovely to see Sam from Aragorn's eyes! This drabble left a smile on my face -- the tea was good for comfort even now.
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Title: Faint Hope · Author: Forodwaith · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Vignette · ID: 357
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:14:14
This is sad and sweet.
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Title: Orc Sign · Author: Kit5 (aka Pippinswolf) · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Friendship · ID: 833
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:18:13
This adventure story is a rare delight. Merry, Pippin and Sam are faced with Orcs, and the lingering effects of their own traumas as they work with the Thain and the Master and the rest of the hobbits to clear the remaining orcs and ruffians from the Shire. Strong characterizations and vivid action guarantee a read that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
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Title: All Else Fades · Author: Claudia · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Hobbits · ID: 1263
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:21:26
This powerful AU sends Sam into Mordor alone, thinking that he has left Frodo dead behind him at Cirith Ungol. But Frodo is alive, and following, and the encounter between them when he catches up at last is enough to wring your heart.
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Title: The Dress Code · Author: Auntiemeesh · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 818
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:25:32
Sam's discomfort with fancy clothes in Minas Tirith, and his gradual realization that he can learn to live with them, is expounded beautifully in this short piece. I love the way he feels uncomfortable at being measured by the tailor, and sympathize most heartily!
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Title: Mind to Mind · Author: Shirebound · Genres: Alternate Universe: Post-LOTR · ID: 894
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:27:52
Shirebound has a way of bringing characters to life -- even villians profit from her attention, as she proves in this story of an encounter with Saruman on the way home. Much of the joy here comes from the "minor" characters, who are never neglected or forgotten throughout the action.
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Title: The Death of Middle-Earth · Author: BarrowWight · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Incomplete · ID: 98
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-07 21:34:53
This fascinating AU takes off from the Scouring of the Shire and follows the ambitions of a half-orc who has acquired Saruman's book and ring. It's an intriguing direction to take, especially as it brings in the barrows as well.
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Title: Grace · Author: Dwimordene · Books/Time: The Silmarillion: Drabble · ID: 242
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2005-09-07 21:36:03
This is a fascinating look at how Melian might have thought of her earthly body, and how bearing Lúthien might have changed her view. I imagine that many pregnant women undergo a major change in body image; Melian's was just more profound than most, having started out insubstantial in her Maia form. Very well done!


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