Yahoo Forum Archive

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Title: Legacy of the Blessed . Author: Dwimordene . Races/Places: Rohan:
Drabble . ID: 1351
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 03:23:33
Definitely a bold move for Eomer. I'm in agreement with Eowyn: the court is
not going to be happy about this. But it's a heroic move, too, and it shows
that Eomer has grown quite a bit since his first and somewhat awkward
meeting with a certain Ranger, elf, and dwarf. I don't know how well his
plan will work, but I'm glad he's willing to give it a try.
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Title: Challenge . Author: Cheryl . Races/Places: Rohan: Drabble . ID: 207
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 03:24:29
I loved the humor in this double drabble. I saw it coming before it arrived,
but it was still fun. I very much like this characterization of Theodred,
too. He serves as the voice of warning, but he also allows Eomer to learn
from experience. The upshot is that he gets to laugh at Eomer in the
process, and he strikes me as someone who would make a good foil and a good
friend for an impetuous cousin.
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Title: To Shield a Shield-maiden . Author: Marta . Races/Places: Rohan:
Drabble . ID: 964
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 03:25:04
Theodred's wisdom in this drabble was impressive, and I think he's right to
an extent. Acting now would be foolish, and he's needed elsewhere. And he's
definitely right about courage. It sometimes takes more to step down than to
confront, though I almost wish he had said something, given what was to
come. Thank goodness he decided to teach Eowyn the use of the sword.
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Title: The Road to Isengard . Author: Marta . Races/Places: Rohan: Drabble .
ID: 1326
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 03:25:26
Summary drabbles seem to be more difficult to write than others, probably
because it's difficult to give a meaningful summary in a hundred words. But
Marta does a good job with this one, focusing on the important parts of the
journey, and shifting between the grief of those burying the dead and the
mystery of the trees while the dwarf talks about caves. It was definitely an
uncertain road, and I think that's captured well in this drabble.
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Title: To Reconcile . Author: ErinRua . Races/Places: Rohan: Drabble . ID:
336
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 03:26:26
I liked the contrast between the beginning and the end of this drabble.
There's a note of worry and fear at first, but it changes to joy with a
much-changed Eowyn. And I love the way that this depicts Eomer. Healing
might not be his, but he can still appreciate it and be happy. The words
used in the end, "warm, alive," were also brilliant offsets to the phrases
about devouring shadows and silences in the start of this drabble. Nice
contrasts all around.
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Title: His Own Wisdom . Author: Nessime . Races/Places: Rohan: Drabble . ID:
493
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 03:27:09
This was a great drabble for Hama, and I love the way it used Aragorn's
words about each man having something too dear to trust to another. The idea
that this something for Hama might be Eomer (or the kingdom of Rohan itself)
is brilliant, and it explains quite a bit of his behavior in both allowing
Gandalf's staff and in fetching Eomer from the dungeons. I loved the last
lines about it all being worth it to hear the thunder.
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Title: Metamorphosis . Author: Dwimordene . Races/Places: Rohan: Drabble .
ID: 239
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 03:39:40
I loved the thought that pity from both Aragorn and Eomer would serve as a
catalyst for Dernhelm, but even more than that, I loved the reasoning behind
this idea and the way Eowyn accounts them brothers in this because of their
pride. Perhaps most of all, though, I loved the way that their likeness was
carried over into the creation of Dernhelm, who was like and yet not like
Eowyn. The idea of Dernhelm being an extension of Eowyn's cage was
brilliant, and it contained some wonderfully grim notions about this
extension being a serviceable vessel to carry her to her demise. I had never
thought of it in quite those terms, and I'll have to think about that a bit
more. I'm really intrigued by the idea.
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Title: Third Line . Author: Elvenesse . Races/Places: Rohan: Drabble . ID:
331
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 03:41:33
Definitely a very dark drabble, but given the circumstances, the darkness is
certainly warranted. I like the title and how it ties in with the last line.
The thought that Rohan's Third Line could begin and end with Eomer is
sobering, and I love the lines about those putting aside grief for action
and how they might not have the chance to grieve even in the end. This
drabble expresses a lot of the despair and hopelessness that must have been
present in those marching to the Morannon, and it brings to life just how
dark those days were, even with the return of the King. Good job.
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Title: Folly . Author: Forodwaith . Races/Places: Rohan: Drabble . ID: 366
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 03:45:57
The title might be called "Folly," but there is some very insightful
dialogue between Eowyn and Elfhelm in this drabble. And while the action
they pursue is certainly one of madness, they couch it in words of wisdom,
which might be even worse. Even so, I love the way Elfhelm sees Eowyn as one
who is close to death in battle even though she has never seen it. And I
like the idea that her eyes are not defiant but empty. Definitely a chilling
picture. Even more chilling is the fact that Elfhelm openly acknowledges
that they will face the end alone but then declares that a leader must hide
this knowledge. Those words put a new spin on everything Theoden says to his
men later before they charge the Pelennor.
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Title: Call on the Wind . Author: Marta . Races/Places: Rohan: Drabble . ID:
935
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 03:52:19
I've read drabbles, poems, and stories that focus on people in Gondor
hearing Boromir's horn, so it's refreshing to see something that focuses on
Eomer. I like the fact that danger seems to threaten from the north but
Boromir's horn sounds from the east. It's an interesting bit of foreboding,
because hope and danger will eventually both come strongest from the east.
The imagery is also good, from the dwarven axe splitting a sapling to the
flame of hope flickering in the wind but not going out.
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Title: The Blood of Kings . Author: Chris . Races/Places: Rohan . ID: 225
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 03:56:39
My favorite moment in this story was when Theoden described to Eomer how
Eomund won his respect. That was a great retelling, and I can see a lot of
his father has been passed on to Eomer. The final hint to Theoden about
Theodwyn beating him anyway was priceless. And I enjoyed Theoden's
characterization. His concern for Eomer was very touching, and I loved the
way he went about solving it. Trust the Rohirrim to turn to their horses.
Great vignette!
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Title: Morwen and Eredh . Author: Chris . Races/Places: Rohan: Romance . ID:
1059
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 03:57:28
I enjoyed how this snapshot seemed to encompass an entire world. It's an
ordinary life, but it's made extraordinary by what the people who live it
had to endure in order to gain it. And that comes through very clearly in
the narrative, particularly the last lines that detail the past. It serves
as a stark contrast to the very simple and very content present. Nicely
written.
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Title: Boar and Steward . Author: thevina_finduilas . Races/Places: Rohan:
Original Characters . ID: 564
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 03:58:15
Intriguing. I really like the stories that take past events and weave them
into...well, I guess none of it is "present," but in any case, I like the
stories that make a connection between ancient days and more recent days.
Such as this one. And not only did it find a link to the past but it created
links to other things. Long-walker is a good name for someone who also goes
by Strider, and the idea of Boar and Mouse as a game is adapted from
numerous other similar games and works very well for the Rohirrim, who were
probably familiar with both animals.
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Title: The Clasp Undone . Author: DragonLady7 . Races/Places: Rohan . ID:
691
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 03:59:28
Good gapfiller! I very much enjoyed the part where Eomer forced Wormtongue
out of the prison by banging his head against the door. I suspect he hurt
himself more than he hurt Grima, but it was a great idea and it probably did
wonders for his morale. It also showed him that he wasn't completely
powerless, which is something he needed to know over the next few days. It
became very dark and there was a very real feeling of desperation until Hama
showed up in the end with news that Gandalf had returned. Great
characterization, and I love the way that the various threads of canon all
wove together in the end.
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Title: All That Was Beauitiful . Author: Citrine . Races/Places: Rohan:
Vignette . ID: 1270
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:00:21
Definitely a creepy little story, and filled with so many classic allusions
that I'm not sure where to begin. I loved the irony in Grima thinking of
Eomer as a young serpent when he's the one standing in the shadows offering,
of all fruits, an apple to Eowyn. As for that apple, she did end up taking
it, which was a nice little bit of foreshadowing even if Eomer did bound to
her resuce. But he seemed to come a little too late, which is another great
bit of foreshadowing. Fascinating account of Eowyn's first meeting with
Wormtongue. I'll confess that I felt a bit dirty afterwards. And I fought
down more than one shiver.
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Title: We Who Remain . Author: Elvenesse . Races/Places: Rohan: Original
Characters . ID: 719
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:03:19
Very sobering reminder that war comes with a price, and both the victorious
and the defeated have to pay it. Part of what makes this story so powerful
is the narrative. It's written in a very matter-of-fact tone, but the things
it describes are anything but. It's almost as if the narrator is trying to
convince both herself and her readers that she is strong. But then she talks
about the nights and how she cries when she no longer has to be strong. And
with that glimpse into a world she's been struggling to hide, the entire
story hits home. Wonderfully told, and written with a very delicate touch.
Such a touch was needed, and it was done perfectly.
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Title: Defense Enough . Author: Nessime . Races/Places: Rohan: Vignette .
ID: 492
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:04:08
The title is a great tribute to the account of this battle as it's found in
the Unfinished Tales. Though they were ultimately pushed back, their defense
was just enough to hold Saruman's forces and allow Theoden to reach the
safety of Helm's Deep. The vignette read as a very neat little summary of
the aftermath of the first attack at the Fords of Isen, and the build on
Grimbold's feelings about Elfhelm's plan to abandon the Fords was well done.
I loved Erkenbrand's counsel to stand together, too, which is what they did
in the end, though they were following slightly different strategies. Good
summation of events.
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Title: Rekindled . Author: Kielle . Races/Places: Rohan: Vignette . ID: 1089
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:05:17
Wonderfully bittersweet. The sense of loss is palpable, and I love the anger
that Frealaf turns on his kinswoman when he realizes that she's brought the
women and children with her. But there's also reluctant joy, which seems to
be a persistent theme for this vignette. Great tone throughout, and the
final words as the fire is rekindled carried just enough hope to make the
ending a very satisfying one. Nicely done.
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Title: Sulnur . Author: sulriel . Races/Places: Rohan: Original Characters .
ID: 145
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:06:46
I've read quite a few Rohirrim stories where the twist in the end is that
the woman/lover is a horse. Because of that, I'm usually pretty good at
spotting this plot device early on, but for some reason, this story kept me
ignorant a paragraph or two longer than it should have, and I think that's
due to the skill of the writer. The focus of the narrative is not on the
horse but rather on the one coming to choose her, and by keeping the focus
there, Sulriel was able to keep my focus there, too.

As for the rest, the imagery is powerful, particularly in the first part
when horse and rider are described. The charge on the Pelennor Fields was
vivid without being graphic. All in all, skillfully written and a wonderful
tribute to the bond between horse and rider.
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Title: Translation . Author: marastar . Races/Places: Rohan: Romance . ID:
988
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:07:24
This is a very simple story, but sometimes love is best told with the simple
methods. The reunion between Eowyn and Faramir is quiet, and there's a
strange degree of innocence to it. It's as though these two people, who have
lived through horrendous trials and wars, are now somewhat uncertain about
how to love. And given their respective backgrounds, I find that very
appropriate. Beautifully told.
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Title: Marriage of Souls . Author: ErinRua . Races/Places: Rohan . ID: 334
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:08:12
I love the way this vignette hints and hints but never fully reveals until
the end. I guessed what was happening, but I still had to go back and reread
the story once I was certain. It sheds an entirely new light on Eomer, and I
love the care he devotes to his selection process as well as the way he is
remembered as someone who both sees and knows. I also loved the way that the
competition was described. She's very sure of herself, and I think that
trait will fit well with Lothiriel and with the Rohirrim. Very crafty little
vignette.
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Title: Abrecan . Author: Rhapsody . Races/Places: Rohan: Original Characters
. ID: 433
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:08:42
Aragorn certainly seems to have met his match here! I thoroughly enjoyed
this story. Anyone who can put Aragorn in his place gets a kudos from me.
Not that I have anything against Aragorn. It's just refreshing to see him
taken down from time to time in such a plausible manner. And it's always
entertaining for me to see stubborn people (and horses) butt heads from time
to time. Such encounters produce either the most bitter enemies or the most
loyal friends, and this seems to have resulted in the latter. Well told.
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Title: To Hope's End . Author: ErinRua . Races/Places: Rohan: Vignette . ID:
335
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:10:41
This vignette was charged with emotions. The one that comes to mind first
was a sense of desperation. The need to do as much as possible before the
end. To somehow regain lost courage and honor. But there was also grief and
grim resignation, and beyond that, a kind of fey hope, particularly when the
rains came and the Rider thought that he might fall upon fertile ground.
That was powerful, and it resonated well with Tolkien's words as the entire
host of Rohan cried "Death." Brutal little vignette. I liked it very much.
-----------------------------------
Title: Last Hero . Author: Joan Milligan . Races/Places: Rohan . ID: 37
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:11:05
I love the juxtaposition of desperate action to an Eomer who seems
very...quiet. Maybe reflective would be a better word. Either way, it's a
brilliant contrast, and it's enhanced with the contrast of the heroes Eomer
used to dream about and the reality he's facing now. The games are over now,
the heroes are fallen, and Eowyn is dead (or so Eomer thinks at this point).
I love the way Eomer keeps going back to childhood when things were simpler.
But what I like best about this vignette is the end, when it seems that
heroes aren't gone after all. Very active introspection that seems to hit
upon a perfect balance.
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Title: Among the Fields of Green . Author: ErinRua . Races/Places: Rohan:
Vignette . ID: 280
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:13:12
The opening lines caught me so quickly in this vignette, and I was lost to
the story after that. I love Efhelm's focus on the simple things that
Theodred can no longer do, up to and including the act of living itself. The
memory of Theodred's death was brilliantly told, and I love the tragic
thought of the group waiting for Eomer, who never came. In fact, the idea
that neither friend nor foe showed up until the second attack is
heart-wrenching. It's like they were left alone, some trivial thing to be
forgotten by even their enemies, and that's depressing. It's a very pointed
reminder of what was happening in Rohan at the time and of just how far the
treachery of Wormtongue had extended. Love the mention that Eomer himself
was nearly lost, and given that Elfhelm and Grimbold were beside Theodred as
he fell, nearly all of Rohan's captains could have been wiped out with a
single blow. Great look at the precipice upon which events dangled, and
wonderful feeling of despair and foreboding throughout.
-----------------------------------
Title: Night and Fog . Author: Azalais . Races/Places: Rohan: Original
Characters . ID: 670
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:14:57
Dark and chilling! Horror is always difficult to convey through words alone.
It's much easier if you have access to a soundtrack and some fancy camera
work. But Azalais does a remarkable job in this story of bringing to life
the terror of the Nazgul, and I think a big part of that success is due to
allusions. There are a few powerful ones throughout the story, including the
title itself, but the one that stood out in my mind was that of a wildfire
driving all the creatures before it. I've seen the power of a wildfire and
the havoc it can cause, so envisioning a similarly desperate flight before
darkness instead of flames gave me some very chilling images. And the
narrator's own observations about something coming and how it kept coming
were a brilliant build in the suspense. Approaching evil is sometimes just
as frightening as evil that's already here. Beautiful mood work, and
excellent writing in describing a very difficult scene.
-----------------------------------
Title: Justice . Author: Dwimordene . Races/Places: Rohan: Vignette . ID:
244
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:21:00
The Rider in Eomer might want things to be simple, but I think the King he
is quickly becoming settled on a very just sentence for a very complicated
problem. This really is a tricky question, and I'm still undecided as to
whether or not Eowyn (and Elfhelm, too) are heroes or deserters. Or fellow
conspirators, in Elfhelm's case. I like the idea that Elfhelm was already
someone Eowyn could turn to when Eomer wasn't around or when Eomer couldn't
see what was happening. I've always been a bit curious about Elfhelm, and I
love his characterization here. He's calm and assured, but he's also a man
under a great deal of pressure. He's willing to own up to his actions and
accept their consequences, but he doesn't necessarily regret the actions
themselves. He's shrewd enough to see things for what they are, but he's
bold enough to act on that knowledge. This is someone I would want in
command, and thank goodness Eomer decides to keep him around. Fascinating
conversation between the two, and great insight into what Eowyn faced those
last few days at Dunharrow.
-----------------------------------
Title: The End of Hope . Author: ErinRua . Races/Places: Rohan: Vignette .
ID: 289
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:32:18
I've seen several stories address the reaction of the Riders after they
learned that Eowyn rode with them, but this is one of the few I've found
that addresses what the people at Dunharrow felt when they found that Eowyn
had left them. It feels like a final blow, to know the Lady saw no hope in
victory and was now gone. The slow degeneration of our unnamed OC was
wonderfully written, and I shivered at the mood that seemed to encompass the
entire camp. No one sang and no one told stories. It felt very much like
Faramir and Eowyn perched atop the walls of the Houses of Healing where they
waited for a stroke of doom. And then that stroke came, and it was an
amazing release in the tension. Great work with moods and also with the
narrative in setting those moods.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hero . Author: Tiana Luthien . Races/Places: Rohan: Vignette . ID:
594
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger . 2005-09-19 04:43:17
Powerful little story. I was not quite prepared for how powerful it would
be, actually, and I'm still reeling. I loved Eomer's words to Ingild. Eomer
isn't a philosopher. None of the Rohirrim really are. But they understand
life in ways that some philosophers never do, and his words about courage
and fear were fascinating. In fact, his entire portrayal was fascinating. I
loved his almost dark humor at the beginning, his weariness, his loss of
hope, his ability to keep fighting, his demand to know what in the world a
boy like Ingild was doing in the dungeons in the first place, the fact that
he had watched Ingild and now trusted him with Firefoot, all of it! But most
of all, I loved how Ingild applied his words as he hurried back out. This
line, in particular, caught my attention: "He knew fear yet he rode
willingly into battle. He had no hope, yet still he fought." Timed as it was
to come in during a point of great realization, it summarized the entire
spirit of Rohan, especially during the days of Wormtongue. Excellent story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Night and Day . Author: Marta . Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Post-War of the Ring . ID: 953
Reviewer: Tanaqui . 2005-09-19 06:24:05
In this ficlet, Marta gives us an excellent insight into Gimli's thoughts.
She does a good job of capturing Gimli's Dwarven pride, steadfastness and
passion, but also shows us clearly how he has matured in understanding and
tolerance of others in the time since his first encounter with Eomer (and
early sniping with Legolas). Although the cross-cultural elements in this
drabble are most strongly delineated from the Dwarven side, and I would have
preferred to see more of a sense of the Rohirric reaction to Dwarves and
Elves, what we do see here is extremely well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: In Memoriam . Author: Marta . Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Ithilien
Drabble . ID: 949
Reviewer: Tanaqui . 2005-09-19 07:01:10
Beregond and Bergil are most often associated with Faramir, and with being
able to see the younger brother's worth when his primary strengths are
overshadowed in the minds of others by the martial and easily admired
qualities more clearly owned by Boromir. In this drabble, Marta shows us a
Beregond who values Boromir as well as Faramir -- and who can appreciate
that Boromir, too, possessed some measure of the qualities Beregond so
admires in Faramir. This drabble also provides a touching portrait of how
Beregond guides and educates his son in proper Gondorian values, and gives
us an insight into how Bergil became the engaging character we readers like
so much. All in all, this pieces provides exceptionally strong writing of
character.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Lover's Melancholy . Author: Ezra's Persian Kitty . Genres:
Romance: Rivendell . ID: 616
Reviewer: Tanaqui . 2005-09-19 07:35:10
In this story, Ezra's Persian Kitty managed to impress me in several ways.
The writing is deceptively simple and stripped down, yet the meaning
conveyed is deep and complex: I am reminded of Ursula Le Guin. Despite the
"plain" language, the descriptions are vivid and concrete, evoking the
scenes clearly, and the metaphors and imagery are well constructed and well
expressed. Moreover, two characters about whom we know little are fleshed
out convincingly. Most impressive of all, the erotic scenes are subtle, have
emotional resonance, and are strongly characterised, so that they could only
be written about these two characters -- always a mark of well-written
erotica in my mind. I read very little slash normally, but I would read a
great deal more if it were all of this quality.

-----------------------------------
Title: Songs of Sorrow . Author: Elen Kortirion . Races/Places: Elves:
Drabble . ID: 711
Reviewer: Marta . 2005-09-19 14:25:59
There is something beautiful in the sorrow of these songs. I think it comes
from the counterpoint between what we would expect each of the sins'
drabbles to contain, and what they actually do. There is certainly lust, but
the "lust" drabble is of a lust for blood, for flesh. That keeps it fresh.
Also I love the fact that you've made Haldir a Noldo. The movies just scream
for that (and that haughty pride is there in the books, though perhaps not
obviously). I've done it in one of my pieces, and was glad to see what
someone else would make of that idea.
-----------------------------------
Title: During a journey in the dark... . Author: Thundera Tiger .
Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings: Incomplete . ID: 1254
Reviewer: Marta . 2005-09-19 14:28:42
A worthy successor to "While the Ring Went South...". Like the original, the
characterisations are true and the siauations are fresh, but the piece still
stays faithful to canon. That's more tricky to do in a this time frame where
there's more canon to integrate. I can't wait to see more of what Thundera
does with this piece, and eagerly await its completion. Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Out of All Knowledge . Author: Budgielover . Books/Time: The Lord of
The Rings: Rivendell . ID: 178
Reviewer: Marta . 2005-09-19 14:38:30
This is one of those must-reads for people who love hobbits and/or
gapfillers. The terror that the Four Travellers and Bilbo feel is palable,
and the rest of the Rivendell cast (especially Aragorn) are well drawn as
well.
-----------------------------------
Title: Nothing in Haste . Author: Gwynnyd . Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Rivendell . ID: 407
Reviewer: Marta . 2005-09-19 17:59:41
This is a simply fantastic vignette -- probably one of my favourite of
Gwynnyd's pieces (which is saying something, since Gilraen is nowhere to be
seen :-P) We start out with a normal afternoon. Things are not exactly going
well in the north, but they are not going particularly horrible, either. The
laziness of a Rivendell afternoon is well captured through things like the
fact that this is very much "personal" time free from all interruptions so
in a sense timeless, and little hints like the breeze and the scent of
honeysuckle. And then Arwen arrives. Gwynnyd's description of Arwen is
probably the best physical description of the character that I have ever
read. I think this is because it tells us more than just about Arwen; we get
a glimpse at just how Elrond the father might have seen his daughter, and
what form her happiness might have taken. And the backstory of Celebrian,
and Elroned's pain at realising he will not be able to take Arwen to
Valinor, were both very well done. All in all this was a nice read, doing
justice to all three characters in a moment that I would imagine isn't that
easy to write.
-----------------------------------
Title: Details . Author: Tanaqui . Races/Places: Elves: Drabble . ID: 534
Reviewer: Marta . 2005-09-19 18:18:02
I have to admit, I laughed out loud when Arwen cries "You, you, you!" at her
grandmother. Here they are, quite possibly the two most noble elves (or
half-elves', in Arwen's case) left in Middle-earth, the wise and the
daughter of the wise, and they can't seem to understand them. And then
finally Arwen gets so frustrated; it reminded me of a toddler stomping his
foot, to tell you the truth. But the drabble has a more serious point and
it's a scene that never occurred to me. What must Galadriel have thought?
Because if the elessar was given back to Galadriel by Arwen I can't imagine
Galadriel not asking. Good job combining the serious and the light-hearted,
even hilarious, in this one.
-----------------------------------
Title: Interrupted Journeys: Part One - New Journeys . Author: elliska .
Genres: Drama (includes Angst): Mirkwood . ID: 1309
Reviewer: Ghettoelleth . 2005-09-19 19:02:43
As I've said in earlier reviews, Ellisk is one of my favorite people and her
stories in the Journey's series are amazing. Ellisk is a person with a kind
and generous spirit and no where is that spirit more tellingly present than
in her treatment of the fine characters in her "Journeys" stories. I am in
awe each time I read these stories of how she managed to render such a well
balanced, equitable portrayal of this family of the great Greenwood forest.
Even the characters she had nothing to go on with are rendered so full
bodied and real. There is not a single false or misplaced ego in the entire
cast and I can not imagine my ever having pictured them any other way.

In the first installment of the the tales you are treated with an amazing
frist glimpse into Ellisk's ability to use language to artfully and
adequately ellicit response from the reader. It is amazing how she takes an
OC, brother to King Amroth of Lorien, and creates this character that we are
all readily preparing to loath and see as the antagonist to a degree, at
least in this part of the story. But then, just when you're perfectly
comfortable blaming this character for all the woes undergone by our hero,
Ellisk pulls the rug out from under us. In two brief lines, "His amusement
turned to astonishment as Amglaur spooned both venison and mushrooms onto
his plate. Granted, he had enjoyed the mushrooms and had probably eaten them
with some relish but it had been over three millennia since anyone had fed
him." The lines are mostly about Thranduil's reaction and contain no
dialogue and yet are so well crafted and placed within the fic that I did a
complete 180 in the brief time it took me to read that and suddenly, I was
Amglaur's biggest cheerleader. How the heck did that happen? Talent, that is
real talent.
-----------------------------------
Title: Bitter as Willow . Author: Nickey . Races/Places: Villains . ID: 801
Reviewer: sulriel . 2005-09-19 19:19:58
Delightfully delicious and terrifying. I can't say I've ever read from the
point of view of a villainous tree before, and I just love your Old Man
Willow. I think it's often harder to get into some*thing* else's head than
it is to write a humanish character. You captured the nuances of degenerate
plant-life well.
-----------------------------------
Title: Real Men Wear Jewelry . Author: Mouse . Genres: Humor . ID: 488
Reviewer: Ghettoelleth . 2005-09-19 19:43:30
OH yes! Alassante told me she was going to nominate this and I'm so very
glad she did. I have to say that this is one of my all time favorite pieces
of satire in the entire fandom and any other for that matter. Unlike more
prolific cousins, this hysterically funny send off of the men of the
Silmarillion in no way ridicules or in any other way detracts either from
the author, nor the work itself. Rather it allows the characters to come
alive and give voice to their "feelings" while hanging out together one day
at the valinor gymnasium. It always manages to stay respectful and at no
point does it resort to potty humor to maintain the level of sophisticated
humor.

I have mentioned that in this fandom there are several authors who, if fate
be not unkind, are not long for this structured and safe environment of
fanfic writing. Mouse is one of those writers. All you have to do is pick up
any one of her fics and read a line or two and it becomes blazingly obvious
that Mouse does not belong here. I fully expect to see her out in the real
world, published and on her way to mainstream popularity within the next few
years. She is just too good to be kept hidden away within a fandom.
-----------------------------------
Title: Interlude . Author: JeannieMac . Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings:
Rivendell . ID: 429
Reviewer: Marta . 2005-09-19 23:33:59
The author claims that this is more of a "character sketch" than a story,
and I can see what she's saying. The character of Arwen has always been a
bit boring to me, but Jeannie breathes new life into her. Her hopes, her
fears, and most especially her frustrations seemed very real. Yet beyond
that there is plot in there, pulling all the events in Rivendell together
quite nicely.
-----------------------------------
Title: To Let Go . Author: Meril . Races/Places: Elves: Drabble . ID: 487
Reviewer: Marta . 2005-09-19 23:37:01
Oh, simply beautiful. This combines Celeborn's wisdom and his love for
Galadriel (one of the few things in his world that remains unchanged!) to
give a glimpse into an untold moment. Thanks, Meril!
-----------------------------------


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