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Title: A Very Dark, Very Wet, and Very Miserable Morning · Author: Thundera
Tiger · Genres: Humor · ID: 592
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-14 03:10:13
I've always had a thing for black humor, and this wickedly funny fic fits
the bill nicely. I could easily imagine it as a Monty Python skit,
especially when a seagull goes paddling through the corridors of evil...

And loved Abunai's mantra: "Bats were good. Bats were normal. Bats were
safe."

-----------------------------------
Title: And Now to Bed · Author: Marigold · Races/Places: Hobbits: Drabble ·
ID: 783
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-14 04:06:29
I haven't read many drabbles, but this lovely series gave me a better
appreciation for the form. The length was perfectly suited to the subject
matter...brief, vivid glimpses of the hobbits' sleeping habits, both pre-
and post-Quest. Especially moving was the image of Merry sleeping with his
sword at the ready and his bed against the wall. And I loved the idea of Sam
waking when Frodo thinks of him over Sea.
-----------------------------------
Title: In the Hands of the King · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Gondor Drabble · ID: 22
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-09-14 05:30:42
Ah, in this drabble, Gwynnyd gives us a wonderfully moving insight into the
moment of reunion between Beregond and Bergil after the Siege of Minas
Tirith. Beregond’s concern for his son is finely drawn in the details of his
careful inspection. Bergil’s fear and confusion over his honourable and
admirable’s father’s apparently shameful behaviour is clear. The dialogue is
natural and convincing. And there is such hope in the final line: that the
king, in a Gondor at peace at last, will bring mercy as well as justice.
-----------------------------------
Title: Two Views for a Stranger · Author: Gwynnyd · Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Drabble · ID: 1303
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-09-14 05:31:01
These two interlinked drabbles do exactly what a cross-cultural ficlet
should: cleverly expresses the mutual incomprehension of two cultures.
Gwynnyd clearly shows the Gondorian’s weariness, frustration and jumpiness
so near to his goal. The wariness and puzzlement on the part of the Elves is
also vividly drawn. One looks forward to them putting Boromir out of his
misery soon! There are also some nice hints in here about Boromir’s (and
Faramir’s) eventual fates. Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Heirlooms · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Humor: Drabble · ID: 402
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-09-14 05:31:19
This is a wonderfully funny drabble in which Gwynnyd again finds a way to
answer the question: what /was/ Tolkien thinking in having Aragorn wander
around with a broken sword? Yet, alongside the humour -- and through it --
she gives us a sense of Aragorn coming to terms with his new knowledge about
his lineage. The unfamiliarity and weight of the ring give us a sense of how
weighed down he is by such changes in his life, while one senses his
somewhat joking response to being given a broken sword is an attempt to
deflect and lighten the impact of that burden. Beautifully done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Envinyatar · Author: Starlight · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Grey Company
· ID: 520
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 16:03:21
What a lovely glimpse into the hearts and hopes of the other Rangers as they
sail up the Anduin. I particularly like the unfurling of Aragorn's standard.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sunstar · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Final
Partings · ID: 705
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 16:12:30
This is a story I can never read without weeping. It captures the pain and
grief and compulsion Sam must be feeling after Rosie is gone, and combines
it with insights which sting and soothe at the same time. it is not a
comfortable story, but it wouldn't be right if it were. And the end is
perfect.
-----------------------------------
Title: The King's Summons · Author: Tanaqui · Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gondor · ID: 1392
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 16:15:41
What a delightful snippet! And what a charming side of Legolas, too, seen
from Beregond's point of view.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Party Next Door · Author: Acacea · Books/Time: The Hobbit · ID:
1255
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 16:21:01
*snicker* I think the most telling thing about Bilbo's curious neighbor in
this is his assertion that you shouldn't ought to have a party for a lot of
strangers without inviting the neighbors in! And the wistful description of
the seedy cakes too. This really is a delightful discovery, and I'm glad I
took the chance to read it.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Sting · Author: tyellas · Books/Time: The Hobbit: Vignette · ID:
600
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 16:28:39
As little as I know about the Silmarillion, I could still follow this story
along -- and I thoroughly enjoyed the description of how the act of creating
calmed Maeglin down and brought out his better side. Thank you.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Room of Tears · Author: Elendiari22 · Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Gondor · ID: 759
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 16:31:38
This story still gives me the shivers, but in a good way. And the
interaction between Eowyn and Pippin is a delight, in spite of the somber
theme.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Walk In The Woods · Author: Anso the Hobbit · Genres: Adventure ·
ID: 1179
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 16:37:31
Pippin's rare good sense comes to the fore in a crisis, especially when
Merry can't be sensible for him in this delightful short story. But I admit
I'd love to see the other side of it -- what are the adults going to do when
the two lads don't show up where they're meant to be on time?
-----------------------------------
Title: Some Nameless Place · Author: Budgielover · Genres: Adventure: Long
Form · ID: 875
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 16:42:42
Reading this is a bit like watching a truly excellent juggler adding balls
-- and bananas, and apples, and watermelons -- to the act. You just know
that something unlikely is going to go wrong, and in the most entertaining
way possible, too!

Truly strong Fellowship stories, where no character gets lost in the
shuffle, are rare, but Budgielover specializes in them. Each person has a
distinct voice in all her stories, and the characterizations are so strong
that it's easy to forget that the things she writes about are not always "in
the book."
-----------------------------------
Title: The Care and Feeding of Young Hobbits · Author: James Walkswithwind ·
Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 1252
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 16:49:01
Oh, help! *falls off chair*

I really enjoyed this -- and I shan't give it away in the review because it
would be a shame to do so, but oh, I was laughing as I finished. But I must
praise the dialogue -- I could just hear it, all of it, and it was perfect!

Thank you!
-----------------------------------
Title: Olorin I was in my Youth In the West that is Forgotten · Author:
Azalais · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Drabble · ID: 25
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-14 16:51:19
Ooh, very interesting! It's always nice to see characters given a more
fallible side, and grumpy Gandalf is a good way to portray him. It's nice to
think that this brief memory gave him a little bit of comfort. It certainly
gave me more insight to his character.
-----------------------------------
Title: Quarantined · Author: Shirebound · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Pre-LOTR · ID: 877
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 16:54:18
"Quarantined" is one of those alternate universe stories that is so
satisfying that you sometimes wish it actually went that way. (Ah, but
that's what we write fanfic for, yes?) The things I most truly love about it
are the way that the friendship between Bilbo and Gandalf is portrayed, and
the way that the friendship between Aragorn and a young Frodo is drawn from
a rough beginning into a gentle joy.

Shirebound specializes in hurt/comfort which is heavily on the comfort side
of the scale, and this story shows her at her best.
-----------------------------------
Title: Not So Long a Time · Author: Gravity · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 815
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 17:30:17
I remember reading this when it was first posted, and I stand by my
statement then that it needs a three-handkerchief warning. *sniffle* The
repeating theme of "eight years is not so long a time" carries through for
joy and for grief, and the insights into the friendship between Merry and
Pippin are the kind which engrave themselves onto your heart.
-----------------------------------
Title: Keeping Secrets · Author: Hai Took · Genres: Drama (includes Angst):
Gapfiller · ID: 853
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 17:36:00
I always like a story which gives us an insight into a "minor" character,
and this one does a very good job of showing the conflicts which fell on
Fatty. As one of the conspirators he knows far more than is safe to say, and
without any news to confirm the safety of the Travellers, his interview with
the Master of Buckland was no doubt just as uncomfortable as it is portrayed
here.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Last Fight · Author: Nickey · Genres: Horror · ID: 1006
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 17:44:47
Marvelous descriptions here elicit both dread and and a glimmer of hope, as
we see Merry's thoughts and struggles on the barrow-down. I'm always pleased
to find a writer who has a vocabulary and isn't afraid to use it!
-----------------------------------
Title: Aragorn: The Owner's Guide and Maintenance Manual · Author: Theresa
Green · Genres: Humor: Aragorn · ID: 1154
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 17:50:05
The only thing this owner's manual fails to provide is a manufacturer's
address so I can order an ARAGORN of my own. Other than that, it's perfect.
The troubleshooting section in particular is enough to have my neighbors
wondering where the manical laughter is coming from... although you'd think
they'd know by now!
-----------------------------------
Title: He Stands Not Alone · Author: Azalais · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Drabble · ID: 147
Reviewer: elfqueen2003 · 2005-09-14 18:31:11
"The others followed; but Gimli had to be
dragged away by Legolas: in spite of the peril
he lingered by Balin's tomb with <blockquote>his head
bowed." </blockquote>FoTR, The Bridge of Khazad-Dum. Oh,
and Gandalf's opening line is a direct lift
from that chapter.


I read and reread the books I can't believe I misssed or forgot this. Stupid
movies make you forget what is in the books after awhile.

-----------------------------------
Title: While the Ring Went South... · Author: Thundera Tiger · Books/Time:
Gap-Filler · ID: 33
Reviewer: elfqueen2003 · 2005-09-14 18:31:27
I really enjoyed this story a strong condender for gap filler also very
funny
-----------------------------------
Title: Believe Me · Author: pearltook1 · Races/Places: Hobbits: Merry &
Pippin · ID: 878
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2005-09-14 18:35:42
I've pondered the idea of a hobbit running away from home, however with no
interest in writing about it. I think that this author has brought out the
best of what could happen, along with the not-so-good. I like how she
portrays that there are hobbit children with questionable behaviour...not
all hobbit children are wee angels. I imagine them behaving as any
"man"-child who must learn manners and how to properly socialize. I
absolutely love the family that takes in Pippin...how they take him under
their wings and all the while surprised that Pippin knows how to work! I
find it hard to believe in some stories that Pippin never worked a day in
his life....after all, he is a farmer's son. Pearl did a wonderful job with
this, conveying misunderstandings and hurt feelings from a child's point of
view. Well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Spellbound · Author: Shirebound · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings ·
ID: 880
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2005-09-14 18:48:41
What a delight to read! I had been waiting a LONG time for someone to write
a story filling in the nooks and crannies with the hobbits' encounter with
the Barrow-Wights. Full of suspense from the start, shirebound explores the
mind(s) of the Wights, the evil that has slept for ages and now is wakened
by the lure of pure evil...the Ring. She takes the reader into the thoughts
and reasoning of the spirits. The author expounds on minute details the
wonderful Professor Tolkien left "undone", giving her account of how the
fog, the Wights, and the Ring ensnare Frodo and his friends into the trap.
Evil certainly does attract evil. LOL, shirebound keeps the reader
"ensnared" from the first paragraph! I thought this was a very well written
story, extremely interesting. Thanks for a great story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Heart’s Desire · Author: Nickey · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Romance
· ID: 1029
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-14 19:32:56
I haven't read the prequel and that might count for my confusion in parts. I
didn't quite get the connection between Merry and Frodo or let's say, how
far they went.

A warm, compassionate description of Merry's grief over Frodo sailing to the
Undying lands. I like the vivid imagery of Merry recalling his encounter
with Galadriel and him watching Pippin. Merry is really thinking too much. I
like the dreamlike quality of his erotic encounter with Pippin.

Nicely done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Survivor · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Movie-verse · ID: 324
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-14 20:00:40
This story answers some of the questions I had after watching ROTK. How come
Faramir alone survives the charge on Osgiliath and comes back seemingly
unharrassed by Orcs, half-dead, being dragged behind his horse. Poor
Faramir. This experience with the Orcs should ensure he has nightmares for
the rest of his life.

I like that in the end seeing Eowyn gives him the nudge he needed to turn to
the future again and stop feeling useless.
-----------------------------------
Title: Smiting Ruin · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Movie-verse · ID: 195
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-14 20:14:05
Nice play with words. I really looked at the phrase "smote his ruin" for the
first time and looked up the word smote to make sure I didn't get it
wrong<g>. You are right. That phrase doesn't make sense. I loved the debate
about the meaning for the phrase. I don't think it was OOC for movieverse in
light of some other scenes.
-----------------------------------
Title: 'Peering in the water as the dark eve fell, I caught him, Gollum.' ·
Author: Avon · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Drabble · ID: 19
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2005-09-14 20:26:41
Powerful use of varied senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch. Good bit of
foreshadowing--what the Ring has made him, and what the Ring could do to any
who tried to claim It.
-----------------------------------
Title: The White City · Author: Forodwaith · Genres: Drama (includes Angst):
Gondor Drabble · ID: 21
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2005-09-14 20:27:04
I, too, love Beregond and Bergil. How they have captured my imagination,
even with their short time "onstage". This is a nice gap-filler, showing one
reason why Bergil might have stayed.
-----------------------------------
Title: In the Hands of the King · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Gondor Drabble · ID: 22
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2005-09-14 20:27:32
"little more so than after a day in the fields"--rings so true! Children are
so hard on clothes... Ah, how I love Bergil and Beregond, and you have done
them justice here.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Prince of Golden Flowers · Author: Avon · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Drabble · ID: 18
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2005-09-14 20:28:03
Beautifully done. Lovely imagery, tying the golden flower to the golden Elf
lord. I'm glad that we have the hope of his return.
-----------------------------------
Title: While We Dwelt in Fear · Author: pearltook1 · Books/Time: The Lord of
The Rings: The Shire · ID: 632
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2005-09-14 20:30:02
What a breathtaking story! PearlTook has taken canon events and a casual
mention of "fairy blood" rumoured amongst the Tooks and woven a tapestry of
incredible colour and emotion. By establishing a connexion between Esmeralda
and Pippin, we see events both on the Quest and back home in the Shire
simultaneously, as they unfold, though to some characters it is madness and
to others a dream. Some might label the story "AU" but I think Pearl has
worked all the elements together so skilfully that it really could fit into
canon as written, without apology. This is a roller-coaster of a story,
keeping the reader on the edge of the chair, wringing tears at some points,
and at the end, leaving the desire for more. MEWD, Pearl.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Travelling Mouse of Númenor · Author: Berzerker Prime · Genres:
Humor: Children · ID: 674
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 20:36:53
Oh, rapture! Oh, bliss! Storytelling Sam and singing Faramir and all in the
same ficlet! This was a joy to read from the very beginning, and if I began
to list all the bits I enjoyed I'd soon go over the quote limit. But the
description of Faramir's opinion on just what would be the appropriate place
to discuss things with Eomer would be high on the list. And the children!
Oh, yes, indeedy, this is definitely going into my collection of favorite
fics! Thank you!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Errand Lad · Author: Rabidsamfan · Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Incomplete · ID: 884
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2005-09-14 20:38:03
This is one of my favourite stories, fond as I am of Beregond and Bergil,
and I do hope RSF will find time and motivation (and inspiration, if need
be) to finish it!

The story follows Bergil in the days following the King's return. He has
been assigned to watch over four distinguished visitors to the White
City--the hobbits. He performs his duties admirably well for one of his
age--and he sounds very much his age, with a few odd turns here and there,
not at all out of character for one who has been through fire and siege and
horror while still of tender years. It is interesting to see the hobbits
through his eyes, and I am hoping the story will continue through Beregond's
reprieve. Speaking of Beregond--his relationship with his son is beautifully
written. The story is full of the wonderful details RSF is so gifted at
sprinkling here and there, to give the story the feeling of reality;
dialogue is realistic, and moments of humour alternate with heart-tugging.
Very well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: "They have a Cave Troll" · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Humor: Drabble ·
ID: 572
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 20:40:40
Now that's just silly.

*wanders off, snickering*
-----------------------------------
Title: Galadriel's Lay · Author: Llinos · Genres: Humor: Poetry · ID: 763
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 20:45:02
Oh, good heavens! This is pure silliness. An immortal elf queen with
menopausal malaise, and annoying elf-lords all around is beyond my wildest
imagination, but oh, I'm glad you thought of it!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Matter of Time · Author: Shirebound · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural
· ID: 514
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 22:06:04
I think what I love best about this story is Merry's conversation with
Gandalf at the end. It's so very hobbity!
-----------------------------------
Title: On Watch in Moria · Author: Gwynnyd · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Drabble · ID: 1302
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 22:09:10
While Aragorn watches, and listens, the others sleep, and it is in the
description of the Fellowship that this drabble shows its quality.
-----------------------------------
Title: Reflections in the Dark · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Post-War of the Ring · ID: 1315
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 22:19:35
This powerful piece puts Gimli in a position to truly think about his
friendship with Legolas. Set years after the quest, it also includes a cameo
from Bergil, which I truly appreciated.

One of the nice things about this story is that it doesn't assume that
friendship has made the relationship between Elf and Dwarf one of sweetness
and light. They still rub up against each other sometimes and in various
ways. I loved the idea that Gimli can take delight in irritating Legolas,
but only because he thinks of the Elf as a friend.

Very well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hope · Author: Marta · Races/Places: Elves: Drabble · ID: 946
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2005-09-14 22:23:17
Interesting. It almost makes you wonder if Glorfindel is at the edge of the
miasma of fear and despair cast by the Nazgul.
-----------------------------------

--Ainaechoiriel
MEFA Admin and Founder

"This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves," Elrond said, "for
it is Windows-compatible, and freeware at that." --H.F.

<http://gabrielle.sytes.net/mefa> http://gabrielle.sytes.net/mefa The
Middle-Earth Fanfiction Awards

Blog: <http://www.ainaechoiriel.blogspot.com/>
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