Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Fighting the Long Defeat · Author: Elvenesse · Races/Places: Elves:
Poetry · ID: 328
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-13 00:10:10
I like villanelles because they're so intricate, but this one takes it a
step further: it weaves Elrond's very life into the poem, with the line
"long years I have fought against evil's blight" being as much a refrain in
his own experience as in the poem itself. Very well done.
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Title: There And Back Again · Author: Azalais · Books/Time: The Hobbit:
Drabble · ID: 51
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-13 00:12:16
*snork* This drabble had some great interaction between Lobelia and Bilbo,
though I would have loved to ahve seen her reaction. It left me wondering:
does Bilbo consider himself or Lobelia to be the dragon? And what did
LOBELIA think he meant? Thought-provoking, but most importantly funny.
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Title: The Dragon Gem · Author: Celandine Brandybuck · Books/Time: The
Hobbit: Vignette · ID: 184
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-13 00:47:04
You know, I caught something new this time I read this story than previous
times: the name Guilin, which Cel reveals as Dissa's husband at the end, is
the same name as the boy named as one of her tormentors near the beginning.
Did this incident bond them somehow? Did it lead him to respect her? Or did
he respect her already, and it just led her to respect herself? All of these
are possible, of course. Interesting exploration of the superstitions that
might have surrounded Smaug's bones among the people of Esgaroth.
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Title: Once in a Fair Green Country · Author: Space Weavil · Books/Time: The
Silmarillion · ID: 157
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-09-13 02:47:07
Space Weavil does it again. I don’t know how, but this story is so full of
beautiful descriptions that I am amazed by the elegance and richness of it.
It feels like poetry and yet it is only a short story. I can’t help myself
to think that I want to read more of this wonderful prose.

Space Weavil is an author who writes the characters emotions so deeply and
profound that the reader truly feels their pain of missing a loved one. No
matter if they ever married or not. I love the insight in a life of a Maiar
in Valinor, the way she writes the dialogue, let Ëonwe speak for example
feel very genuine. When I read this story, I was amazed how much time passed
in this small amount of pages and words. Time truly doesn't matter for Maiar
and Valar does it? I love the way in which Space Weavil illustrates this
with the story of Finwë/Miriel/Fëanor. For elves time passes slowly and I
was pleasantly surprised how the author demonstrated this for the Maiar. Her
Olorin is incredibly well and believable written, I feel very sorry for him
and yet, I get a warm feeling that he still hopes to meet the one he truly
loves, just like how Elrond hopes to be reunited again with Celebrían.

How on earth do you pull this of Space? In one line you catch so much of
what is happening in the story, you cover so much in so less sentences and
on top of that, you also spent a lot of time in well developed characters:
both canon characters and original characters.

-----------------------------------
Title: The Other Day · Author: Space Weavil · Books/Time: Post-Ring War ·
ID: 159
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-09-13 03:14:55
Oh what a well-written story about characters you don’t see that often
written: Ents. I am amazed by how this story can both have a humorous
feeling and yet, at the same time is a true tragedy. Space Weavil plays with
words and writes great and entish dialogue. She cleverly weaves these two
genres into another making you wonder about how much we truly value nature
by for example making the ents wonder why ‘tree huggers’ come and live with
them without asking them if they can make use of the hospitality. What gave
me the shivers was how the author wrote about war and how the ents wondered
how those iron birds could drop their eggs that only spread fire. This story
makes me wonder: do we indeed run through our lives as mad (wo)men? Space
Weavil’s characters take the time to formulate their thoughts and before you
know it: a century has passed. I remember in the movies that Treebeard said:
it takes a long time to say anything in old entish, and we never say
anything unless it is worth taking a long time to say. This surely applies
to these two tree herders. I felt so sad to see that in the end they were
felled and that we nowadays do not take time to listen to nature. Who knows
if we can find a tree herder nearby?

Again I find a great story written by Space Weavil. I enjoyed the read a
lot, it has a pleasant pacing, and the story envelops to the reader in a
pleasant manner with clever and good use of the language.

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Title: Confessions in the Dark · Author: Eokat · Genres: Romance: Rohan ·
ID: 1047
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2005-09-13 04:02:12
Oh my goodness! What a delightful story with Éowyn scheming, Faramir
following his wife’s lead, but feeling very protective about his niece. Then
our couple who both have their thoughts about a pre-arranged marriage and
their cultural differences. But what better way to get each other better by
means of being locked in a dark room together? With only darkness there, the
two are rendered to the remaining senses: touch, hearing and in the end
taste. Although there is a slight reference to a dimple that one can only
see up close and personal…

Eokat shows us just a day or two at Rohan court, with storage rooms, courtly
dialogue, I loved the archaic use of language, and the diplomatic
importance. It was good to read that Imrahil did feel a bit guilty about
sending his daughter to Rohan to explore diplomatic ties between two nations
and his reaction to the forced confinement made me chuckle. I also loved
Éomer reaction to Éowyn about how to give it time to get used to each other.
A very pointed remark by a grumbling Éomer: it mirrors his longing to find a
love like that and his doubt that Lothiriel might not be the one. At the end
of the story I felt very happy that both gave into the chemistry - the lines
about the stallion and the mare are brilliantly written - that already
existed between them. For a short story, you convey so much in well-chosen
words and a neat pacing. A great story again, Eokat!

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Title: Of Elvish Equitation and Shiny Things · Author: AngelsFall · Genres:
Humor: Animals · ID: 660
Reviewer: Beethoven's 7th · 2005-09-13 06:07:02
Just started reading. Let me start with, YEAH. A story of elves as depicted
in the "Hobbit" Fun and frolicing. And now i continue reading. . .
Oh dear, how disappointing, I wanted Elrond and Glorfindel to go "shopping
for Gil-galad, but ah, what trouble will they get into instead, on i read. .
.
Oh dear oh my. A "sheeny" horse. No matter how broad the back, that won't be
an easy ride! And now on to chapter 2..
And now chapter 2 is fini. What a great tale. Such fun. Stories of elves
being ridiculous seem to be more rare than those of serious ones. But as
Tolkien showed us in "the Hobbit". they definately have their silly sides.
Thanks so much for the fun frolic.
-----------------------------------
Title: Gimli Takes a Whack · Author: Celtic Bard · Genres: Humor: Poetry ·
ID: 205
Reviewer: Beethoven's 7th · 2005-09-13 06:10:12
I am not normally a big fan of poetry, AT ALL. HOWEVER, this was fun!! I
truly enjoyed it, The rhythm fell nicely and the rhymes well done. A truly
enjoyable read. The score thrown in occasionally was fantastically done.
Added so much to the suspense of it. Poor legolas. beaten by a dwarf. Do you
think he won at any of the other battles? Perhaps you should do accounts of
those as well! Plot Chickens abound!
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Title: In Which Frodo Makes Tea · Author: MysteriousWays · Books/Time: The
Lord of The Rings: The Shire · ID: 821
Reviewer: Beethoven's 7th · 2005-09-13 06:16:02
As I re-read this story, I'm struck by the visual imagry of it. Each
movement made in this favored ritual beautifully described. His memories
brought to clear light on this eve of his departing. And how beautiful is
his memory of the first time completeing this ritual of making tea. His
initiation into a new home with bilbo! Quietly perfect. Do you think on the
quest, he thought still of that undrunk tea? the water left hanging on it's
hook? Did he despair at the thought of the Sacksville- Baggins now using
that kettle in that kitchen? Poor guy! the ring taking hold on him and now
this. . . Or, perhaps he later came back with his friends and completed the
ritual with their love and support around him. . . and it was THIS memory
that helped sustain him throuigh morder? Well, that and others.
Anyhoo.nicely done little story. Sweetly done indeed. I'd love to see more
little glimpses like this; Frodo, so often writen as overly tragic. but
here, a truer peek into his life before the ring began to take over.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Eavesdropper · Author: MysteriousWays · Genres: Humor: Children ·
ID: 867
Reviewer: Beethoven's 7th · 2005-09-13 06:17:46
Awww, now isn't that just the sweetest? But oh, the pain of growing up.
Wanting to be held in your parents arms, to feel that unconditional
safeness, but wanting the independance of maturity. On of my fondest
memories of my father, is the last time i was carried to bed after I had
fallen asleep on the couch. Waking just enough to feel that warm safeness of
his arms. Do you think frodo woke up just enough to remember? I'd like to
think he did. Twould be a shame if on this, possibly the last chance to be
held like this, he wouldn't remember it happening.
And oh i did enjoy Drogo. What a fit he is!! Do you think his trick is one
all husbands play? is there a secret plot? Your Drogo was perfectly done. Of
course the "terror of buckland"'s father would be a bit of a trouble maker
himself. Taught Frodo a few of his tricks i bet. . . Perhaps even raided The
Maggot farm a few times himself as a lad? Ahh yes. another plot chicken is
born!
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Title: Smiting Ruin · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Movie-verse · ID: 195
Reviewer: Beethoven's 7th · 2005-09-13 06:22:02
OMG, this is SO hilarious!!! I LOVE IT!! And if all of your works are as
well done as this one, you have a new faithful reader! It is rare that a
story has me ACTUALLY laughing out loud, a smile perhaps yes, but i rarely
laugh out loud. THIS had me laughing my fool head off! Here are a few of my
fave bits. .. Don't want to get in trouble, so quotes are shortened.
"Gandalf . . .headache" I can just see it! he reaches up to massage his now
aching temples. .

"Is futile flailing . . . elven customs?" WHAT A PERFECT comback for gimli!!
WONDERFUL . I wish i could be that quick with combacks!!

OOC ? out of character? perhaps. but i can STILL see them saying all they
did. Perhaps they are in character if it had been a less serious situation?
less desperate times? who knows. Fantastic.

The movies are fabulous, but YES there are SO many wonky things that drive
me NUTS. I had not really thought about the "smote his ruin" line though.
Forever now that bit in the movie will remind me of you and this story and
have me chuckling. ( as much as I do when watching pippin being superglued
to a flaming bowling ball ). It's nice to come across someone else who can
see the "weak" spots of the movie and have a good laugh at them, while still
respecting the good that was done as well.

Thanks for a great laugh!! Do it Again!!!! SOON!! The world needs more
laughter! You have done us all a wonderful service.!

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Title: And Now to Bed · Author: Marigold · Races/Places: Hobbits: Drabble ·
ID: 783
Reviewer: Beethoven's 7th · 2005-09-13 06:23:36
Oh my goodness how sad! For the first 3! Do you think that someday? when
more time has passed these three will find peace? Perhaps, one day, when
they have found estella, and diamond and have left middle earth? perhaps
you'll have to write another set of drabbles!! I love tempting people with
plot chickens (the meaner cousins of plot bunnies)
So, I was reading the sad accounts in the first three, and I'm thinking, oh
dear, what will my sam's say? (he's my fave) to my delight he has found
peace! And that bit about him waking realizing F was thinking of him!!
LOVELY. Bad me, i've not read much you've written. I look forward to
rectifying this oversight!
-----------------------------------
Title: Gathering of the Grey Company · Author: Leaward · Books/Time:
Gap-Filler: Grey Company · ID: 171
Reviewer: Beethoven's 7th · 2005-09-13 06:30:56
What a fantastic gap filler. Such tension and excitement leave one sitting
at the edge of your seat! All that effort and riding for only 30 men. And
the poor shire, now left on their own. But what a perfect set up for
'Sharkey' and his men to be able to come in and freely take over. I'd like
to think that if there were still Dunadain watching over them, it wouldn't
have become as bad as it did in the shire. It is multi-layered depth such as
this that makes for a truly fine story! (even if you didn't mention Tharon
yet, wink)

To have his companions come so readily to Aragorn's aid (even without his
knowledge) and with little explanation. says volumes to their loyalty. You
have depicted this so very well.

The poem at the beginning is so perfect for the story! was it your
inspiration? or did it just help you along? Perfect ties though! and this
bit. "I shall see him crowned or I shall die trying. " a quote of your own?
or from the book? Nicely added. Just another one of those Moments that shows
the depth of the Dunadain loyalty. The desire of them to see the king put
back on the throne.

And then Ouch, the feeling of betrayal at discovering no elves would
accompany them. Perhaps later they will hear what the elves were up to back
home and their relationship will not be harmed, (another plot chicken
hatched!)

Breathtaking! A reminder as to why you are one of my FAVORITE authors!


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Title: The Other Day · Author: Space Weavil · Books/Time: Post-Ring War ·
ID: 159
Reviewer: Beethoven's 7th · 2005-09-13 06:31:56
Oh my. How utterly depressing!!! So sad! But so well done. You condenced
centuries quite well. Of course, now i'm wanting to go hug a few trees, (oh
i do hope they don't bonk me on the head though! Adored that touch by the
way!) Great job!
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Title: Breaking the Rules (Harry Potter Exhibition Game) · Author: Bubbles ·
Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Humor · ID: 276
Reviewer: Beethoven's 7th · 2005-09-13 08:13:38
What fun this story was!! Two of my favorite books blended together in
hysterical harmony. with such fantastic attention to fun details such as the
greasy hair of both snape and Strider. And I LOVED that bit with Frodo and
the aversion to small gold things. PERFECT. Kreacher catching the snitch and
handing it to Legolas was a fantastic image. Oh and as my fave hobbit is
Sam, i was thrilled to find a line from him. So nice of him to share his
icee!! A FUN story, I'm glad I read it, it was a great way to start my day.
It TRUELY had me laughing out loud!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Moments Peace · Author: pearltook1 · Races/Places: Hobbits: War of
the Ring · ID: 973
Reviewer: Beethoven's 7th · 2005-09-13 08:28:55
A story by Pearl Took written just for little ole me! How could I NOT
nominate this wonderful little gem about my favorite (and often ignored)
hobbit, Samwise Gamgee-Gardner. And now is my chance to tell you once again
how much I adore it.

As is usual for your works, your visuals are wonderful. So many details seen
to, the placement of hands and head, etc. It all paints such a clear picture
for the reader. And it is so fantastically Sam!

And what a precious moment for him. A brief respite in a terrible journey.
What would Frodo Baggins have done without him? But who is there to comfort
the comfortor? How did he maintain the strength needed to continue giving
the support needed to Frodo. Those on high perhaps provided this small oasis
in time and place for Sam. A last precious memory to carry him through to
the end.

My biggest complaint? That you have not written more samwise gamgee stories.
I don't know why he isn't written about more. His quiet unspoken type of
heroism is often ignored by historians I suppose, both fictional and
Factual. I'm Thrilled that you took on the challenge of speaking for him
with this story though. He was after all, the best of the fellowship! ;)
*wink*

The dirt/earth comparisons added a depth which marks a great story. I could
almost feel the wet, lovely smelling soil in one hand. And in the other, a
rough dry dirt that sets teeth on edge, An odd description by on my part
perhaps. But i'm sure you get the idea. Big clappings and thankings for
creating this for me! Give that girl some crunchable birdses.
-----------------------------------
Title: An Unexpected Party · Author: Azalais · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 150
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-13 13:41:12
Ah, just the kind of heavenly reward that the good professor deserves...an
eleventy-first birthday party with his favorite fictional creations! Azalais
certainly knows her Tolkien biography, and this was a delightfully imagined
tribute. Maybe next time they'll invite Jack!
-----------------------------------
Title: When pigs do Fly · Author: Elendiari22 · Genres: Humor: Animals · ID:
975
Reviewer: Beethoven's 7th · 2005-09-13 13:52:54
Every once in a while it is just ever so fun to say. To HECK with Cannon. a
ridiculous romp through AU land is fun. I could not resist nominating this
silly story. I could see such expansions for it! Like little Theodwyn
conning the hobbits into playing dress up with her. (Merry and Pippin
dressed as damsels in distress perhaps?) Ah, but wouldn't Faramir and
Legolas get a chuckle from that one! They would be wishing for a camera (or
an artist) to capture the moment.

I just love stories that set your mind to moving on the possiblities like
this one did for me. Setting plot chickens loose everywhere!

Flying pigs that like pancakes! what fun! How on Earth were you inspired so?
I can just picture you typing away chuckling to yourself.

And here is one of my favorite things about this story. You have shown the
fun side of elves hinted at by Tolkien in "the Hobbit". Times were not
always serious and filled with the planning of wars. I do enjoy seeing them
"let down their hair" a bit. And you've done that wonderfully. In fact, they
would have been quite out of place if they hadn't joined in the oddness of
the environment. I don't know the history refered to in this story, but you
wrote it in such a way that I didn't entirely need to. Which is Wonderful
for those like me who get overwhelmed by the history, family trees and all
of that.

And how perfect that this environment is the home of Eowyn and Faramir! I
can SO see those two having such a household.

Thank you once again for the fun romp through silliness!
-----------------------------------
Title: Last Hero · Author: Joan Milligan · Races/Places: Rohan · ID: 37
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-13 14:01:30
Although a little rough round the edges here and there this is a piece so
full of passion and drama; the contrast between childhood games and
battlefield gore, the simplicity of the myths and the messy reality, is used
to great effect, as is the poignant irony of the fact that Eomer thinks his
sister dead and the Corsairs come. The song is perfect for Eomer, and the
closing lines - "Then with heart aflame and eyes beaming he threw his sword
up
and caught it and sang and cried out in mad joy in the middle of the
battlefield" - sum up this study in courage and hope rewarded.
-----------------------------------
Title: Yule in Hollin · Author: Dreamflower · Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Hobbits · ID: 1143
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-13 15:16:41
What a heartwarming Yule tale...the image of scruffy Strider tucking away a
pristine pocket handkerchief was priceless! I'd always noted the significant
dates chosen by the Catholic Tolkien for the departure of the Fellowship and
the destruction of the Ring, but never thought about the passing of the
hobbits' Yule five days out from Rivendell. A very plausible and satisfying
gapfiller.
-----------------------------------
Title: Falling Out of Love · Author: Marnie · Races/Places: Elves: Mirkwood
· ID: 1096
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-13 15:33:06
From her other stories I know that Marnie is capable of capturing Celeborn.
Anyone who recognises the name knows that he is her first love. But the
first time I read "Falling Out of Love" I was awed by how well she has also
captured Legolas. Often in fanfic (and also in my conceptions of the two
characters) I see them as having some similarities because they are Sindarin
in a primarily-Noldorin Middle-earth, but more importantly they have
overwhelming differences. And I stand by that opinion because they seem so
different in their ages and life experiences, but Marnie shows that Legolas
has depth, and that he can relate to Celeborn on a mature level, as equals.
Well done on breathing new life into two rather enigmatic characters.
-----------------------------------
Title: Light On the Way · Author: Larner · Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Romance · ID: 794
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-13 18:16:53
This story explores in a very thoughtful way the question "What is the gift
of Iluvatar?" and how does it affect the people dealing with it. With
Aragorn as the example of how to do it, it is easy to see why weaker
characters resent it.

I think the characterization of Aragorn and the way he handles his own
funeral is spot on. I especially like his interaction with his son and with
the warden of the silent street.

I like the explanation why Arwen is surviving Aragorn by only a year, which
always puzzled me when reading the books.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sun on the Water · Author: Cuthalion · Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Romance · ID: 971
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-13 18:38:32
This is a delightful little vignette. I love the vivid imagery of the fields
and the river. And this is a "swimming" lesson? It was some kind of swimming
I grant you that<g>.
I like this tender moment between Faramir and Eowyn. No duty, no friends, no
foe. Just the two of them.

Very nice.
-----------------------------------
Title: Desiring Peace · Author: Enros · Books/Time: The Hobbit: Vignette ·
ID: 279
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-13 21:51:48
I've always wondered what inspired Smeagol's grandmother to turn him out,
and if she hadn't tried harder if he would have turned out the same.
Probably, in the end. Yet I've never felt too kindly disposed toward her.
Here you paint a much more sympathetic picture than the one I've always
imagined for her, and I like it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Minuial · Author: Cheryl · Races/Places: Elves: Mirkwood · ID: 222
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-13 22:21:58
As with so many of the stories I love, it's the little things I love best
about this piece. It's not the whispering to the trees or the many physical
hints but the reference to Legolas's larger backstory. Celeduil, Alagos... I
recognise them from the unpublished drafts Cheryl has shown me, but even
without that, I think this little snippet would show me enough of Legolas's
world that I'd be longing to know more. And nice words of warning. I imagine
that this is exactly what someone in Thranduil's position (father used to
long, hard governing, about to send his sun out into the heart of the
danger) would feel and say.
-----------------------------------

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