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Msg# 5354

64 Author Reviews 9/10-9/12/2005 Posted by Ainaechoiriel September 13, 2005 - 0:24:04 Topic ID# 5354
Author: Ghettoelleth · ID: 237 · Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-09-03 13:57:00
Ghettoelleth is a very complete writer. Whatever plot bunny or story she
writes: you better buckle up and prepare for a wild ride. You most certainly
will enjoy it! Especially when she writes romance, she knows how to describe
romantic situations from both male and female perspective often in great
detail.

Ghettoelleth’s narrative is beautiful and with confidence, she writes her
story in a compelling manner, keeping firm control over her plotlines (well
sometimes exploring a subplot can be tempting as well, but she knows when to
stop). Every single line in her dialogue are true gems, they often bring out
the emotions that accompanies it. I love the way she writes her canon elves,
especially the darker ones, but her Glorfindel feels for me *the* Glorfindel
and how he is supposed to be written. Whenever you have a question about
this character: Ghettoelleth knows this character and the canon facts around
him extremely well.

Her original characters are developed with care and love, she knows them
very well and is in complete command of them, well that is, when her
characters allow her to. It feels like she knows them personally and it
shows in the natural way of Ghettoelleth’s storytelling. Overall, I am
looking forward to more stories written with her special talent. For me she
has been a pleasant discovery and I know many like and appreciate her works
as well.

Keep on writing and spoiling us with your great stories Ghettoelleth!

-----------------------------------------
Author: Leaward · ID: 222 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-09-03 14:13:24
What to say about Leaward? How can I put into words how much I admire her
firm control over grammar, her natural way of writing and the way how she
manages to weave beautiful and insightful stories with so many layers that
even after many re-reads you discover that there is so much more to it than
there was initially? What can I say when I find myself realising something
in a story, go back a few chapters and see how very cleverly she already hid
the clues there? What can I say about her handsome and very rugged rangers
that makes every ladies heart beat faster whenever they appear (especially
Valandur is my personal favourite). Now I do expect when Leaward reads the
previous lines, she will roll her eyes, sighs deeply, and mutters: there you
have Rhapsody again with her blind fascination of him. I am sorry, but as
long if he is mentioned in every story, that surely makes me a very happy
lady.

Whatever genre Leaward writes for: whether it is Romance, Gap fillers, Men
or the rugged Rangers from Eriador: she knows how to write a captivating
story with so much inspiration, you cannot help yourself to be motivated by
it in the most positive way imaginable. Leaward improves herself to such
greatness and discovering her unique voice. Following her throughout her
stories and following her journey while she discovers and exploits her
talent to the fullest… Keep writing Leaward and keep those words flowing
through your pen, I know it can be sometimes a tough ride, but it will be
worthwhile in the end.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Leaward · ID: 222 · Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-09-03 14:14:13
What to say about Leaward? How can I put into words how much I admire her
firm control over grammar, her natural way of writing and the way how she
manages to weave beautiful and insightful stories with so many layers that
even after many re-reads you discover that there is so much more to it than
there was initially? What can I say when I find myself realising something
in a story, go back a few chapters and see how very cleverly she already hid
the clues there? What can I say about her original characters you come to
love and appreciate so much? What can I say about her handsome and very
rugged rangers that makes every ladies heart beat faster whenever they
appear (especially Valandur is my personal favourite). Now I do expect when
Leaward reads the previous lines, she will roll her eyes, sighs deeply, and
mutters: there you have Rhapsody again with her blind fascination of him. I
am sorry, but as long if he is mentioned in every story, that surely makes
me a very happy lady.

Whatever genre Leaward writes for: whether it is Romance, Gap fillers, Men
or the rugged Rangers from Eriador: she knows how to write a captivating
story with so much inspiration, you cannot help yourself to be motivated by
it in the most positive way imaginable. Leaward improves herself to such
greatness and discovering her unique voice. Following her throughout her
stories and following her journey while she discovers and exploits her
talent to the fullest… Keep writing Leaward and keep those words flowing
through your pen, I know it can be sometimes a tough ride, but it will be
worthwhile in the end.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Leaward · ID: 222 · Races/Places: Men (31): General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-09-03 14:15:10
What to say about Leaward? How can I put into words how much I admire her
firm control over grammar, her natural way of writing and the way how she
manages to weave beautiful and insightful stories with so many layers that
even after many re-reads you discover that there is so much more to it than
there was initially? What can I say when I find myself realising something
in a story, go back a few chapters and see how very cleverly she already hid
the clues there? What can I say about her firm grasp of Canon regarding the
War of the Ring and the way she explores gapfilling material? What can I say
about her handsome and very rugged rangers that makes every ladies heart
beat faster whenever they appear (especially Valandur is my personal
favourite). Now I do expect when Leaward reads the previous lines, she will
roll her eyes, sighs deeply, and mutters: there you have Rhapsody again with
her blind fascination of him. I am sorry, but as long if he is mentioned in
every story, that surely makes me a very happy lady.

Whatever genre Leaward writes for: whether it is Romance, Gap fillers, Men
or the rugged Rangers from Eriador: she knows how to write a captivating
story with so much inspiration, you cannot help yourself to be motivated by
it in the most positive way imaginable. Leaward improves herself to such
greatness and discovering her unique voice. Following her throughout her
stories and following her journey while she discovers and exploits her
talent to the fullest… Keep writing Leaward and keep those words flowing
through your pen, I know it can be sometimes a tough ride, but it will be
worthwhile in the end.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Aerlinnel · ID: 280 · Races/Places: Elves (66): General
Reviewer: alysha2k3 · 2005-09-05 04:58:03
Such a grim reminder of the horror of the Kinslyings, but very realistically
portrayed. When I originally read this tale it was the second of two
chapters, one from each point of view and remarkably believable. It is easy
to gloss over the harsh reality by just refering to 'The Kinslayings', but
as in any violent act, the damage of Elven fëa and hróa is beyond mere
words. It is action and deed and therefore all too real to the participants.

We humans are too long accustomed to violence, and even mindless brutallity,
which was unthinkable to Elves as a people, so often we do not understand
the unspeakableness of the wrong of killing of our fellow men, for what ever
reason. Elves, as the example of what we COULD have been shows us how far we
have fallen from that ideal.

Thank you for this insightful story.


-----------------------------------------
Author: Marnie · ID: 245 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:49:57
Marnie has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Marnie! You
Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): Drabble
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:50:41
Dwimordene has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Dwimordene!
You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Larian Elensar · ID: 21 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:52:29
Larian Elensar has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it
would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could
come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I
love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions
more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she
writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and
tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Larian
Elensar! You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Ainaechoiriel · ID: 2 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Drabble
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:54:34
Ainaechoiriel has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would
be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Ainaechoiriel!
You Rock!! And thank you for your support of my works, and for making the
MEFAs.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · ID: 182 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142):
General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:55:30
Isabeau of Greenlea has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it
would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could
come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I
love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions
more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she
writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and
tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Isabeau
of Greenlea! You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: daw the minstrel · ID: 176 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:57:24
daw the minstrel has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it
would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could
come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I
love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions
more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she
writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and
tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, daw the
minstrel! You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Jay of Lasgalen · ID: 134 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:57:59
Jay of Lasgalen has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it
would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could
come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I
love about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions
more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she
writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and
tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Jay of
Lasgalen! You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: tyellas · ID: 155 · Books/Time: The Hobbit (22): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:58:45
Tyellas has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, tyellas! You
Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Karri · ID: 107 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 11:59:13
Karri has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Karri! You
Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: alex_cat_45 · ID: 57 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111):
General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:00:34
Alex_cat_45 has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would
be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Alex_cat_45!
You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Nilmandra · ID: 444 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111):
General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:01:00
Nilmandra has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Nilmandra! You
Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Karenator · ID: 10 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111):
General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:01:32
Karenator has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Karenator! You
Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Finch · ID: 274 · Books/Time: The Silmarillion (67): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:03:36
Finch has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Finch! You
Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Marnie · ID: 245 · Books/Time: The Silmarillion (67): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:04:42
Marnie has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Marnie! You
Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: jillian baade · ID: 9 · Books/Time: The Silmarillion (67): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:05:20
jillian baade has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would
be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, jillian baade!
You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: LKK · ID: 347 · Books/Time: The Silmarillion (67): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:06:16
LKK has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, LKK! You
Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Chathol-linn · ID: 23 · Genres: Adventure (13): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:06:55
Chathol-linn has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would
be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Chathol-linn!
You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Cassia & Siobhan · ID: 467 · Genres: Adventure (13): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:08:40
Cassia and Siobhan have given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it
would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank them. I wish I could
come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I
love about their work... but there are millions of words to read and
millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say
this: they writes like goddessess, and I adore their work. I hope they will
come back someday and write tons and tons more, because they are an
inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Cassia and Siobhan! You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Meg Thornton · ID: 183 · Genres: Alternate Universe (20): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:09:44
Meg Thornton I adore you... not the least because you helped inspire the
Scruff Factor. (G) Meg Thornton has given me SO many hours of delightful
reading that it would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I
wish I could come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically
cite what I love about her work... but there are millions of words to read
and millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say
this: she writes like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write
tons and tons more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you,
Meg Thornton! You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Theresa Green · ID: 326 · Genres: Crossovers (16): Poem
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:10:41
Theresa Green has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would
be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Theresa Green!
You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Jocelyn · ID: 203 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:11:45
Jocelyn has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Jocelyn! You
Rock!! And I miss you....
-----------------------------------------
Author: Sivan Shemesh · ID: 420 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135):
General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:13:13
Sivan Shemesh has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would
be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Sivan Shemesh!
You Rock!! And thanks for all the lovely angst....
-----------------------------------------
Author: Honesty · ID: 284 · Genres: Horror (8): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:14:45
Honesty has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Honesty! You
Rock!! And thank you for one of the largest shivers and shudders I've ever
received, reading fanfic...
-----------------------------------------
Author: Lamiel · ID: 298 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:15:17
Lamiel has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Lamiel! You
Rock!! And I love your work....
-----------------------------------------
Author: Joanna · ID: 295 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:17:03
Joanna has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Joanna! You
Rock!! *kachooo!!* (grin)
-----------------------------------------
Author: Naresha · ID: 117 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:17:45
Naresha has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Naresha! You
Rock!! (and Legolas says: ::grunt::) heh heh heh....
-----------------------------------------
Author: LOTR_lover · ID: 184 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:18:40
LOTR_Lover has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, LOTR_Lover!
You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Suzene Campos · ID: 320 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:19:24
Suzene Campos has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would
be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Suzene Campos!
You Rock!! And... can I have a drum set too??
-----------------------------------------
Author: Claudi007 · ID: 508 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:20:45
Claudi007 has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly say thanks. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about their work... but there are millions of words to read and millions
more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: Claudi
writes like a goddess, and I adore the body of work. I hope this author will
write tons and tons more, because it is an inspiration and a delight. Thank
you, Claudi007! You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:21:28
Dreamflower has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would
be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly say thanks. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about their work... but there are millions of words to read and millions
more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: this
author writes like a goddess, and I adore the body of work. I hope this
author will write tons and tons more, because it is an inspiration and a
delight. Thank you, dreamflower! You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Camilla Sandman · ID: 213 · Genres: Humor (85): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:22:24
Cammilla Sandman has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it
would be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly say thanks. I wish I could
come up with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I
love about their work... but there are millions of words to read and
millions more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say
this: this author writes like a goddess, and I adore the body of work. I
hope this author will write tons and tons more, because it is an inspiration
and a delight. Thank you, Camilla Sandman! You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: sulriel · ID: 7 · Genres: Non-Fiction (23): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:24:04
Sulriel has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly say thanks. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about their work... but there are millions of words to read and millions
more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: this
author writes like a goddess, and I adore the body of work. I hope this
author will write tons and tons more, because it is an inspiration and a
delight. Thank you, Sulriel! You Rock!! And thanks for all the excellent
horse moments...
-----------------------------------------
Author: Leaward · ID: 222 · Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:26:35
Leaward has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly say thanks. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about their work... but there are millions of words to read and millions
more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: this
author writes like a goddess, and I adore the body of work. I hope this
author will write tons and tons more, because it is an inspiration and a
delight. Thank you, Leaward! You Rock!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Genres: Romance (72): Drabble
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:27:43
Elena Tiriel has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would
be amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly say thanks. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about their work... but there are millions of words to read and millions
more to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: this
author writes like a goddess, and I adore the body of work. I hope this
author will write tons and tons more, because it is an inspiration and a
delight. Thank you, Elena Tiriel! You Rock!! And you write Celeborn
beautifully.... not to mention Thranduil....
-----------------------------------------
Author: Ithilien · ID: 224 · Races/Places: Elves (66): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:41:26
Ithilien has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Ithilien! You
Rock!! And I miss you....
-----------------------------------------
Author: Soledad · ID: 206 · Races/Places: Villains (31): General
Reviewer: jastaelf · 2005-09-05 12:45:55
Soledad has given me SO many hours of delightful reading that it would be
amazingly remiss of me to NOT publicly thank her. I wish I could come up
with a lot of detailed, wonderful words to specifically cite what I love
about her work... but there are millions of words to read and millions more
to type before the end of the season, so I will simply say this: she writes
like a goddess, and I adore her work. I hope she will write tons and tons
more, because she is an inspiration and a delight. Thank you, Soledad! You
Rock!! And I adore you... I'm glad we're friends!!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Werecat · ID: 83 · Genres: Alternate Universe (20): General
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2005-09-05 16:19:41
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.

Here in "Full Circle" you once again struck the perfect balance between
pathos and realism. Your last orc is courageous, strangely noble, seeking to
write the last pages of his people's history with his own blood. I've never
come across any treatment of Tolkien's villians quite like this. Brava!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Cuthalion · ID: 407 · Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-05 20:00:34
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.

Her work is full of details that bring life and texture to her stories, and
imagery that makes me smile and sometimes weep. But it is her characters,
and the strong sense of love she brings to them, which brings me to her
stories again and again.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Aratlithiel · ID: 231 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2005-09-06 17:32:00
The first story I ever read by Aratlithiel was "Of dwarvish ale and battle
scars", and it made me laugh out loud. The next one is nominated this year
("In the Sammath Naur"), and it made me gasp in horror and awe at the same
time before I started to cry. Aratlithiel is a writer of complex, strong
feelings, of deep darkness and blazing light. "Her" hobbits may not always
be exactly like Tolkien wrote them (her Frodo is strong and mature - very
tolkien-ish! - but he has also a quality of mischief and a hearty lust for
life I sometimes missed in the books), and her Merry and Pippin in "Duet"
are a wonder to read. Every new tale from this author has the power to
surprise me and to let me hunger for more - and that's a rare gift.
-----------------------------------------
Author: illyria-pffyffin · ID: 363 · Books/Time: Gap-Filler (58): General
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2005-09-06 17:40:22
If it were possible to compare authors to music instruments, illyria
pffyffin would probably be a harp... her language (and she's not a native
speaker!) is often piercingly beautiful (watch the poetic beauty in "Dusk
Singer") and it always touches the heart. She is a mistress of tender
relationships - whether she describes the strong, deep love between Merry
and Frodo in "Prayer" (the first tale from her I ever read) or Bilbo's
nearly helpless wish to help a grieving Frodo in "Hand in Hand". Her imagery
is exquisite, the love for "her" heroes is unerring and palpable in every
skillfully woven sentence. Every new tale from her is a pure delight.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Rabidsamfan · ID: 380 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111):
General
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2005-09-06 18:02:07
There was a time when rabidsamfan posted a drabble nearly every day; I
became used to reading one every morning with my first cup of coffee. I know
why I call her the "Mistress of Drabbles" - she is able to create true
revelations with 100 words where others (me included) need 1000 to do the
same.She has the precious ability to "nail" a character with one single
line, and her last sentences are legendary.

Her "longer" tales sometimes nearly disappear behind her art of drabbling;
"The Ringbearer and the Rose" is and will always be one of my favorite
fanfictions, and her "Errand Lad" still makes me wait (as patiently as
possible) for the next installment. Even when she frees herself from the
100-words-limit, she sets her images carefully and precisely... no sentence
too much, none to less. This power is one of the reasons that constantly
draws me back to her stories... beside the fact that she still helps me to
learn how to improve my own writing. She is a brilliant author, a
warm-hearted wordsmith and a clever and patient teacher. I'm glad to know
her work and I'm eagerly waiting for every new tale she writes.
-----------------------------------------
Author: pipkinsweetgrass · ID: 157 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142):
General
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2005-09-06 21:10:59
Not having read the first version of this story, I must say that I am
enjoying the second very much. This is probably the most positive and
uplifting "Boromir Survives" story that I have seen. I like the
characterizations very much. I even find myself caring about poor Boromir, a
character I normally ignore as much as possible. I look forward to continued
updates to this story.

Thanks.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2005-09-06 21:17:13
This has become one of my "must read" stories. Dreamflower has created a
detailed plot and well developed characters. It doesn't matter to me any
more that few of them are major players from the books. They stand very well
on their own.

The subplot with the prisoners has me constantly on edge trying to figure
out what they are going to do.

I also really like all the Big Folk in this one, and that is from a
confirmed hobbit lover.

Looking forward to the day when we are once again blessed with an update to
this tale.

Thanks.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Ruby Nye · ID: 262 · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings (111):
General
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2005-09-07 02:22:01
Ruby Nye has an astonishing gift - her tales touch the heart, they have an
emotional depth that makes me care for her heroes. "Beauty Mark" and "A
Chief's Day" are both translated on my site, and for good reason. in "Beauty
Mark" she tells a delightful, utterly convincing love story that makes my
sigh with happiness each time I re-read it (and I do that very often). In "A
Chief's Day" she even makes me feel a certain pity for Lotho (which is a
rather difficult task) and at the same time unmasks him as a greedy
creature, driving himself and the Shire into disaster. And "Rosie's Year"
manages what only Mary Borsellino's "Pretty Good Year" ever managed for me
before - to make a "Threesome" ring "true". I also should add her elegant,
warmhearted security of style, the richness of her imagery and her humour...
all of them reasons that make me love her tales since I read the first one
nearly one year ago. I'm looking forward to every new story she writes!

-----------------------------------------
Author: Jeodo Brandybuck · ID: 271 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 02:44:38
I fell in love with this author's writing style early on while reading one
of her tales. I love the way she characterizes the hobbits and the way she
mixes humor with love and understanding. I always come away from one of her
stories with a smile on my face.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 02:49:26
I feel as if I know this author's hobbits personally because she makes them
come alive when she writes. The one that springs to mind instantly is her
Fredegar Bolger. She has given him such strength and such a wonderful
personality that I feel as if he's been over to my house for a meal or two.
I love the way she fills in the gaps without leaving the canon behind. Her
hobbits are humorous, warm, intelligent and very true to character at all
times. She charms me with her writing.
-----------------------------------------
Author: pippinfan88 · ID: 331 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 02:52:54
I have favorite scenes in this author's stories that easily spring to mind.
That is how much I enjoy her writing. Her stories about pre-quest Merry and
Pippin are wonderful and full of humor and emotion. She can write drama,
canon, or humor equally well. Just at present I am enjoying a romance that
she is writing. I look forward to many more stories from this talented
writer.
-----------------------------------------
Author: SilverMoonLady · ID: 343 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 02:55:37
This wonderful author was the first person who's fiction I read that gave me
a sense of romance between the hobbits. She writes grown-up hobbits with
adult lives and loves. She is very expert at writing the small details that
flesh out a story and give it more depth.
-----------------------------------------
Author: pearltook1 · ID: 72 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 02:59:35
I am constantly surprised by this author. She makes me see things from new
angles that I had failed to consider. Even the most traditional subject
becomes an adventure in one of her stories. I have several of her saved as
favorites that I have read many times over. I think that one of the things
that makes this author's stories so entertaining is her characterizations.
She brings new insight into minor characters and she isn't afraid to tackle
a long story.
-----------------------------------------
Author: SlightlyTookish · ID: 205 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:02:27
If I want to find an entertaining Pippin story, I check to see if this
author has written anything new. I love her Pippin. She writes wonderful
humor and her stories are always well thought out. She never leaves loose
ends, but I always wish for more because I am enjoying her writing so much.
-----------------------------------------
Author: GamgeeFest · ID: 269 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:05:42
Here is an author who writes adventure in with her humor. Her stories always
include a bit of action along with the humor. Her hobbits get out and do
things and the action is well written and very entertaining. She may just be
my favorite author for Sam Gamgee stories because her Sam is humble but he
can also be a force to be reckoned with.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Auntiemeesh · ID: 395 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:07:51
Entertaining writing and very inventive at times. Can write parody or stick
to the cannon. I enjoy reading her stories and look forward to each new
posting. She does the relationships between the hobbits extremely well.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Anso the Hobbit · ID: 386 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:09:59
You can tell that this author knows her hobbits. All of her stories are
filled with friendship and humor. She writes lovely angst from time to time
too. Lots of talent.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Hai Took · ID: 396 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:11:40
The author has a wonderful way of involving the reader in her stories with
her discriptions. I never fail to be entertained by her writing.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Lindelea · ID: 27 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:16:33
I am amazed by the way this author is able to pull so many characters and so
many smaller stories together to make one exciting tale. She is a master of
the cliff hanger. She knows her cannon and her stories are always exciting.
I have nearly drown, died from pain, given up hope of finding my way home,
and been unable to reclaim my honor and my family along with her hobbits.
She puts the reader in the story by bringing the characters to life.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Llinos · ID: 25 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): Poem
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:19:30
This author brings talent and humor to her poems. She leaves me laughing
every time. She has a wonderful way with parody and the lines seem to flow
into one another seamlessly. The only problem with her poems is that there
aren't enough of them. Terrific writing!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Marigold · ID: 98 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): Drabble
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:21:41
I can't do drabbles and so I admire those who can. This author says so much
with so few words. Truly a talent. Her drabbles display a great deal of
feeling and I am always impressed and entertained.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Nickey · ID: 374 · Races/Places: Hobbits (90): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:23:49
I love the darker undercurrent in this author's work. The characters always
have a bit of angst or a longing that is beneath the surface but there is
also humor in the stories. It's tough to get this mix to work and this
author always shines.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Larner · ID: 242 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:27:43
Stunning attention to detail. Lovely discriptions. A wonderful way with
words. This author has a flare for a good, long adventure with lots of
history. Also very talented when it comes to back stories for the
characters. Knows the canon and can blend new and orginal characters
seamlessly into it as if they were always there.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Mariposa · ID: 270 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:30:03
I can never get enough of this author's stories. Lovely angst and romance
and friendship. I can see the places in her stories if I close my eyes
because the discriptions are so vivid.
-----------------------------------------
Author: pearltook1 · ID: 72 · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) (135): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:37:12
This author writes epics. Her writing takes you along for the ride and you
are never disappointed. I like her use of the major character's families in
her stories. She writes excellent angst but she doesn't over-do the
suffering. Her hobbits may be in danger but you never feel as if they are
without hope. I think this holds true to Tolkien's discription of the
hobbits and their outlook on things. Very, very talented and very
entertaining writer.
-----------------------------------------
Author: SilverMoonLady · ID: 343 · Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:41:13
This author writes about hot steamy romances with deep relationships behind
it all. Very adult and very sexy. She also gives you a wonderful storyline
and well defined characters. Brilliant!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Tom Fairbairn · ID: 371 · Genres: Adventure (13): General
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2005-09-08 03:45:29
I have never read anything like this author's fiction. His Pippin is bold,
brave, foolish, a bit naughty, and quite sexy. His stories are filled with
wonderful original characters and there is excitement in every chapter. I
love the way he writes action sequences. I see a movie in my head when I
read his stories. I won't be surprised if he publish his own novel one of
these days, excited, but not surprised.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Forodwaith · ID: 50 · Genres: Horror (8): General
Reviewer: Ainaechoiriel · 2005-09-08 11:06:38 Score: 3
Forodwaith has a distinct knack for the spooky. And one for
characterization. Not being an Aragorn fan, she made me care for him,
humanized him with his annoyance at Mallor and brought Mallor into a full
character in only a few pages. I'm impressed.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Ghettoelleth · ID: 237 · Genres: Romance (72): General
Reviewer: Alassante · 2005-09-08 16:33:11
If I had half of the eloquent writing skills that Ghettoelleth did, I might
be able to do her justice in this review. However, I do not. Therefore, I
will just do my best to express some key elements of her writing that make
her an incredible writer.

Her characterization of both original characters and canon characters is
amazing. The original characters are complete with rich and multi-layered
three-dimensional personalities. Whether you are supposed to love them or
hate them, they are never fully perfect – either perfectly bad or perfectly
good in their personality, which is true to real life to me. Her characters
are neither Gary Stu nor Mary Sue yet you do not feel as she is writing them
to force you to feel one way or another about them. They just are what they
are and you form your own opinions about them. Her canon characters are
similar. Even in her stories that have not been nominated she has taken some
characters that are evil or bad in the Silmarillion and has allowed you to
see what could have caused them to be the way they were even if you still
think they were “bad guys”. Her heroes are flawed yet you still think of
them as the hero without question. Whether she is writing a character that
is well known in the books or little known and portrayed a million ways in
the fan fiction world, she has made that character uniquely hers in her
writing style. Glorfindel has been taken to a whole new level by her
writing. As loved a character as he always was, I have only seen one other
writer write him to the level of me saying – “Yes, that is what Tolkien
would want us to feel and think about him.” Her Glorfindel is so outstanding
that I struggle writing my own Glorfindel because he is a “Ghetto Glorfindel
Wanna-Be”. And she has written an AU Caranthir so sexy and deep, no one can
touch him. It’s a good thing no one I know writes him because she would blow
them away. Even her AU Maeglin is sexy and sympathetic. Its amazing and I
just pray that she does not decide to start writing the characters I write
cause I would have to curl up in a ball and cry when she wrote circles
around me! Thankfully she has not written those characters and I am thinking
of paying her to keep that up. Hehe

As far as her writing style goes, she is fluid and graceful in Circle of
Hands to the point where you feel totally immersed in her world. You feel
what her characters feel. You see what they see, the way they see it. The
story just draws you in so much that when you come to the end of the chapter
you are heartbroken that it’s over. I have laughed and cried many times and
sometimes I have even laughed until I cried. Her command of the English
language is incredible. She does not throw out useless five-dollar words to
impress but she does not write like a high school student. Her details and
descriptions are very visual yet they are not overdone to the point of
boredom. Some writers, even professional ones, go off on a descriptive
passage and by the time they are done describing it, I have to go back and
read what they were talking about before the description. That does not
happen with Ghetto but she does not glaze over details either.

Last thing I would like to say is this writer researches every Tolkien text,
website, forum thread, etc to make sure her facts are correct. I remember
one time she told me she spent half the day researching something and I was
amazed because it was something so small in her story, it took up less than
a paragraph overall. She is not one of these that writes it and says it is
that way because she said so. But she also does not go to the canon extreme
in her AU story. She wants to make sure that Tolkien never said discussed it
before she makes it up or that he never said it was impossible before she
writes it happening, she just clarifies that she is not breaking canon.

Overall, Ghetto is an excellent writer and I think she should write original
fiction. After she finishes all of her current stories, of course.

-----------------------------------------
Author: SilverMoonLady · ID: 343 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Alassante · 2005-09-08 16:53:13
First I must admit, I do not read hobbit stories very often. In fact, I have
probably read five (not counting drabbles). Of those five, four have been
SilverMoonLady’s stories. Her writing blows me away so much that I do not
care if she was writing about mushrooms, it would be interesting and
beautiful. I began to read her writing because of drabble challenges that we
had on Open Scrolls Archive (OSA). Her drabbles ranged anywhere from cute,
funny, sexy, romantic, beautiful, dark, to poignant. It opened my eyes to
how wonderful her writing was as well. We did a little drabble challenge of
our own on LiveJournal and I challenged her to write elf smut, knowing she
was a hobbit girl. Her drabble was so beautifully erotic, I was stunned
almost speechless. And it was not dirty smut. It was romantic and beautiful
because of her elegant and graceful wording, much like a historical writer.
She will not be the next Danielle Steel but she might be the next Emily
Dickenson.

She actually wrote a drabble about a hobbit that was so hot and sexy. I was
taken aback. These creatures that previously were childlike to the point of
being non-sexy were suddenly very erotic because of a short one hundred
words. Tolkien could not do that for me in four books. Peter Jackson could
not do it in three movies. She did it in one hundred words.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Forodwaith · ID: 50 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-09 02:39:31
In the drabbles "Links" and "Ithilieh, Part II," Forodwaith accesses some
very weighty matters but never weighs down the drabbles themselves. They
don't exactly have a light feel, but they don't feel as though they can't
support their own weight. And I think some of this might come from the
resolution found in the dialogue. There's never room for much dialogue in
drabbles, but Forodwaith makes the most of what's available. Very skillful
writing and nice handling of bittersweet moments. The narrative is weighty,
but there is also light to be found.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · ID: 182 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142):
Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-09 02:43:39
Isabeau is a wonder with Imrahil and his family, but in the two drabbles
here, she proves she's also a wonder with humor. You see it in the longer
pieces, but the ability to weave that very wry sense of humor into these
drabbles is nothing short of remarkable. A lot of Isabeau's success has to
do with timing. Each drabble has a steady build to it, and Isabeau times the
moment of her humor to coincide with the moment when the reader begins to
wonder exactly what is happening. Even if the reader has an inkling as to
what is going on, the timing still adds punch to the humor and Isabeau adds
fans to the already lengthy list of admirers.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-09 02:52:02
Dwim's drabbles "Shield and Standard" and "Afterthoughts" remind me of
shells. Or a writer's outline once the rest of the story is perceived. There
is a lot happening in both drabbles, but Dwimordene pulls out only the
pertinent parts, highlighting the things that matter and leaving the rest to
the reader's imagination. It's a difficult thing to do because the question
arises as to how much is too much and what is unsaid that should be said.
But Dwimordene seems immune to those issues that confound us poor mortals,
and once again, in brilliant fashion, she manages to convey entire worlds in
just a few words. It's nothing short of amazing, and as always, I bow my
head before such amazing talent.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Ijemanja · ID: 285 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): Drabble
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-09 03:01:52
Ijemanja takes a very novel approach to the question of what Eowyn would
have encouraged her daughters to do. Usually, authors make them shield
maidens just as Eowyn was, but in the space of one short drabble, Ijemanja
declares that such action would have been cruel on Eowyn's part and explains
the reasoning behind it. And this particular reasoning is clearer and more
logical than anything I've seen in extended works about Eowyn's children.
But perhaps most remarkable of all is the fact that Ijemanja packs the
reasoning into one, short sentence: "I will not be so cruel as to bring her
up to a life she can never lead." That sentence references Eowyn's
childhood, her struggle with Wormtongue her frustration with her uncle and
her brothers, her assumption of the name Dernhelm, her falll, and even her
change of heart when she realizes she loves Faramir. There's a note of
bittersweetness in it but also acceptance, and it's the perfect line to cap
the drabble off and bring it to a very thoughtful conclusion. Excellent work
on the part of Ijemanja. I'm still amazed at the power that was crammed into
a single sentence.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-09 11:57:29
Introspection is an area that many authors like to attempt and almost as
many authors come up short. Acacea stands out as one of the few for whom
this does not apply. The stories "Restoration," "Dawn," and "Legacy" all
have a fair amount of introspection, but never does that introspection feel
forced or awkward. Acacea always manages to tie the introspection in with
something concrete. Essentially, it's given a realistic trigger, and once it
ensues, it never drowns itself. It finds depths, particularly in the story
"Dawn," but those depths are light enough for the circumstances, a prime
example being the story "Restoration." Such writing reflects a keen
awareness of people and events, so kudos to Acacea, who manages to push
Faramir into meditation but never pushes him too hard.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Aliana · ID: 208 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-09 12:03:16
Most good authors find a way to punch the reader in the end. Sometimes
that's through a twist, sometimes through a profound observation, and
sometimes with a final clue that pulls it all together. Aliana's style seems
to resemble the latter, but there's a difference between her and other
authors. Where some drop the clues slowly over time, Aliana drops most of
them in the beginning, but they're scattered amidst other observations and a
reader doesn't put them together until the very end, which is where the
punch comes in. It makes for quite a remarkable read and an even more
remarkable second reading, because on the repeat journey, a reader knows
what to look for and can see just how much was missed. Very effective
writing and a very refreshing way to get that end punch in.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Altariel · ID: 181 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-09 12:09:38
When someone mentions Altariel, I usually think of Gondor and the Steward's
family. But now I have to amend that because the story "Moss and Stone" is
about as far from Minas Tirith as you can get. Altariel deserves kudos upon
kudos for making me like Tom Bombadil. I usually tolerate him as a
character, but never has anyone made me look closely at him and understand
just how remarkable his priorities are. Or how much they probably reflect
Tolkien's own values. Insightful as always, Altariel puts everything into a
greater perspective using Gandalf's eyes, and the result is incredible.
Fantastic writing, but considering it's Altariel, it's hard to expect
anything less.
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Author: Arandil · ID: 229 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-09 12:16:06
Arandil does something a bit daring in the story "The Shadow Within."
Daring, at least, to the eyes of much of the fandom, because Arandil stays
with Thranduil's perspective for the bulk of the story and gives him reasons
(LOGICAL reasons) for his position. It creates a very balanced and very
thought-provoking read, and it marks Arandil as one of the few authors
capable of taking the other side of the story and sticking to it.
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Author: Bejai · ID: 236 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-09 12:23:46
Bejai's writing is difficult to describe. Part of the problem is that I'm
always so blown away by it that I'm rendered speechless, but another reason
might be the fact that Bejai manages to touch on nameless things. Things
that we can't really understand or feel because they don't belong to our
world. Bejai writes elves the way elves ought to be written. They're beyond
our grasp, and Bejai keeps them that way but also makes them accessible
enough that we as readers realize just how different they are. It's a
fantastic balance blended with brilliant metaphor and events, and I would
dearly love to know how Bejai pulls it off. Simply put, it's poetry, but
it's poetry on an ageless, timeless scale that brushes eternity and gives us
a glimpse of what it means to be elven.
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Author: ErinRua · ID: 267 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-09 12:29:12
One of the hardest things for an author to portray is believable character
growth, and even harder than that is the end result of character growth
while skipping all the in-between steps. And of course ErinRua is able to
make something like that look easy, which makes me not a little jealous. The
story "Turning the Page" is a look at a very old Eomer who both is and is
not the Eomer from LotR. He's changed. He's matured. And yet he's still
Eomer. The seeds of his youth have grown into something else, but it's still
recognizeable. ErinRua takes what he is, pushes it forward into old age, and
creates something both new and familiar that presents itself as the only
logical characterization of an older Eomer. As always, I bow before her
skill. Thank you, ErinRua.
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Author: faramir_boromir · ID: 340 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-09 12:35:23
Faramir_Boromir writes a very good Faramir-in-transition. Both stories in
this category are of Faramir during a major turning point (namely, the end
of Sauron, the return of the King, and the loss of his immediate family).
But faramir_boromir is tricky and while this is definitely a turning point,
Faramir's musings come in the quiet hours when one might expect thoughts to
be calmer. It's a brilliant characterization of Faramir, who is all duty
when the great changes are taking place, but afterwards, when left to his
own thoughts, he goes back over all that's happened. And faramir_boromir
makes certain that all aspects of Faramir's personality are accounted for,
both his love of books and his training to be a second son. Very full and
complete stories, both of them, and very deft touch on the part of the
author.
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Author: Gwynnyd · ID: 186 · Books/Time: Post-Ring War (142): General
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-09 12:40:48
Gwynnyd's strength in both "Bare Feet and Beer" and "In Thranduil's Halls"
seems to be an ability to capture times of change. And also the people who
change with them. There's an awkwardness about such situation, like trying
to stick a square peg in a round hole, and that awkwardness comes primarily
from perceptions of what is expected. But once those perceptions change, the
resolution feels very nice and very comfortable. Strong writing on Gwynnyd's
part, and excellent treatment of difficult subjects.
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Author: Isabeau of Greenlea <br/><br/>(Message over 64 KB, truncated)