Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: A Circlet of Orange Flowers · Author: LKK · Genres: Humor: Elves ·
ID: 1027
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:30:37
Never ever give Thranduil reason for offense. His revenge was beautiful,
simple, and very sweet. I loved it. I think I liked this story's prequel
more, but this is a very good tale in its own right. Of course Thranduil
would suggest the flowers in the furthest garden in the tallest tree...
-----------------------------------
Title: "The Story of Poor, Unfortunate, Toffin" · Author: grey_wonderer ·
Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 764
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:31:13
Great story. I was chuckling through the whole thing, but there was one line
toward the end that really made me laugh. When Merry seems to think the
story is winding to a close and Pippin decides to tack on the ending, I love
Pippin's response when Merry warns that Pippin is less than at his best in
the latter section. The words "I'll risk it" say so much about Pippin's
character and his need to tell the FULL story. Great transitions between
flashbacks and the present, too. All around, very well written.
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Title: Serious Trouble · Author: Karenator · Genres: Humor: Children · ID:
216
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:33:07
For a story in the humor category, there's a surprising amount of drama and
action in this. And yet, it still manages to retain a humorous tone. Not
everything is light and fluffy. There's danger and conflict. But something
about the way that Daeron tells the story really amuses me. His tone is very
wry, and it's laced with an undercurrent of almost satcastic optimism, if
such a thing exists. In any case, I was laughing out loud in some parts and
smiling at others, even though things became decidedly dark. Brilliant
contrast in moods, and maintaining Daeron's characterization and personality
throughout really held this story together. While not outright humor, there
was humor of a more refined nature aplenty, and it made for a very
satisfying tale. Well done.
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Title: Dragons or Ribbons · Author: Joanna · Genres: Humor: Children · ID:
443
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:34:24
Riotiously funny. The seriousness with which Gliriel approachs Legolas is
hilarious, and I love the running mental commentary Legolas provides at each
step. The humor is offset nicely by the more serious tones in the elf's
occasional flashbacks, but I think what really makes this story work is that
it never pretends to be more than it is: a brilliant encounter between
Aragorn's very young but very serious daughter and Aragorn's much older and
typically unruffled elven friend. And on those merits alone, it's great
success. Beyond that, Gliriel is wonderfully established, Legolas has some
great characterization, and even Aragorn, Arwen, and Gimli make the most of
their cameos. Well written all around.
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Title: Wagers In Rivendell · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor: Hobbits
· ID: 1233
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:34:47
There's something wickedly fun about forcing Legolas off balance, and
really, who could do it better than Pippin? I love the way this story starts
off so innocently. It makes the big splash all the more enjoyable, and the
closing lines about graceful things ties in nicely with the opening
observations.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sneezes and Sword Fights · Author: Joanna · Genres: Humor: Aragorn ·
ID: 747
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:35:27
I loved this story's predecessor, and I like this one just as much. It's
zany and fun, and I felt so bad for both Legolas and Aragorn by the end.
Mostly for Legolas, but he did go a little overboard before things were
through. But what goes around comes around, and it's nice to see him trading
places with Aragorn in the end. Very fun tale!
-----------------------------------
Title: The trouble with Jam · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor:
Children · ID: 882
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:35:58
Very fun! I love the way that Pippin's success was delayed over and over
again, and I loved the various levels of success that other people had in
keeping Pippin from HIS success. The timing on this piece was brilliant, and
the conclusion, with Frodo's confused words about jar lids and hammers (he
really should have put the two together) capping it off nicely. (No pun
intended. Honest!)
-----------------------------------
Title: Debbie Does the Two Towers · Author: Gypsie Rose · Genres: Humor ·
ID: 896
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:36:16
Oh, the cliches! They fall fast and furious, don't they? And I think Debbie
has assumed more roles than she ever did in the first installment. And as
before, she's wonderfully annoying! Almost too good, actually.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Travelling Mouse of Númenor · Author: Berzerker Prime · Genres:
Humor: Children · ID: 674
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:37:34
Fun! Definitely one of the most entertaining things I've read recently. The
entire idea behind it (Sam taking the children aside and forming a "refuge"
of sorts) is inspired and I love the way that Faramir happens upon this
refuge. I suspect he'll need to be more quick-witted in the future if he's
going to escape Eomer. But going back to the focus of the story, the song
Faramir sings is brilliant. I was laughing out loud the moment I figured out
where the song was going. The contrasting tone at the end (when Sam speaks
of home) offsets the rest of the story beautifully, and I enjoyed the end,
with Sam and Faramir deciding they were still in need of refuge. Very well
done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Purple Prose · Author: Aratlithiel · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 977
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:38:10
This explains so much. I always did think Frodo sounded a bit formal. Now we
learn that he was really trying to hard an unusually foul mouth. Hilarious!
I loved the way Pippin kept beating around the bush at the beginning. It
wasn't hard to catch on to what he was saying, but I loved the way he kept
drawing it out. And I felt very sorry for poor Sam. If Pippin and Merry are
right, Sam was probably treated to quite a bit of foul language all the way
through Mordor. I love the fact that Faramir felt compelled to share HIS
version of their first meeting with Merry. But possibly the best moment of
this entire story is the quick flash to Rosie standing outside the door
snickering to herself at the very end. Absolutely priceless.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ailurophobia · Author: Werecat · Genres: Humor: Animals · ID: 115
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:41:44
Very imaginative! There's something absurdly hilarious about the fact that
Morgoth is allergic to cats. And having lived with cats myself, I can attest
to the fact that they get into almsot everything, and whatever they can't
get into, their fur finds a way in. It's really quite remarkable. Poor
Morgoth. But humor was offset nicely by a very dark end that gave me chills.
How the mighty have fallen! Well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Flowers in His hair · Author: LKK · Genres: Humor: Elves · ID: 1028
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:41:58
*snort* Thranduil truly is a sly devil, isn't he? Brilliant little tale. I
love the idea that Thranduil overheard the discussion about his "feminine"
flowers and I love even more his very quick revenge. Definitely someone you
want to keep on your good side.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hobbits: An Owner's Guide and Maintenance Manual · Author: Theresa
Green · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 1158
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:42:28
I like all of the Owner's Guide and Maintenance series, but this is one of
the best. I think it's how random it is as times. For example, the Mauna Loa
tourist office and its Absolute Evil department for disposal of gold rings
is hilarious and appears almost as a sidenote. The entire Owner's Guide is
filled with little references like that that make me snicker. I really like
the Troubleshooting guide, too, as well as the Gollum model that keeps
escaping the Mk 1 Legolas. Great stuff all around. Very funny.
-----------------------------------
Title: Starlight, Starbright · Author: Mariposa · Genres: Humor: Hobbits ·
ID: 309
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:43:00
I really like the idea of comparing various constellations, and I like even
more the idea that the hobbits might have one that would be "naughty." Great
little moment of Fellowship humor.
-----------------------------------
Title: Entitlement · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Humor: Metafic · ID: 537
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:43:34
Great fun. Poor Faramir, who appears to have been dragged into the whole
mess very much against his will. But definite kudos to the fact that he is
DARK haired. That's bothered me for a while. But the most brilliant part of
this fic was Legolas and Faramir snapping "No" together in response to the
suggestion that perhaps they were VERY good friends in Ithilien. I laughed
hard at that one.
-----------------------------------
Title: Aragorn: The Owner's Guide and Maintenance Manual · Author: Theresa
Green · Genres: Humor: Aragorn · ID: 1154
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:43:57
The Owner's Guide series is brilliant. There's really no other way to put
it. Imaginative, original, hilarious, and filled with thousands of
shout-outs to the books, movies, and even to the actors making the movies
(such as Viggo carrying his sword around with him). I really loved the
problem/solution part about Aragorn not glittering but still being gold.
That made me laugh. And I think I'll have to purchase an Aragorn unit if
only so Halbarad can invite 30 scruffy blokes around plus a pair of twin
units that I would dearly love to get my hands on.
-----------------------------------
Title: Under the Umbrella · Author: Mysterious Jedi · Genres: Humor: Hobbits
· ID: 1194
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:44:10
I liked the narrative tone in this one. It reminded me of the tone in The
Hobbit, but perhaps a bit more distant than that. Poor Pippin. He really
ought to know better than to cross Lobelia.
-----------------------------------
Title: GimlI: The Owner's Guide and Maintenance Manual · Author: Theresa
Green · Genres: Humor · ID: 1157
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:45:23
The thing that really made me laugh with this piece was the line about Gimli
being from a long line of pyromaniacs. While it's true, the way it just
appeared as something useful about Gimli was absolutely hilarious. The "My
Little Arod" was also quite good. Loved the warning about making certain
that Gimli and Legolas were set in the same mode. I can see a host of
problems resulting otherwise.
-----------------------------------
Title: Under the Bed · Author: Piplover (aka Pipfan) · Genres: Humor:
Hobbits · ID: 1192
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:45:54
Sam winds up in more conspiracies than just about anyone else in the book.
Still, his role as Pippin's conspirator at the end of this made me laugh,
and I love the tale of the Walarog. I can see that being something Frodo and
Merry would invent. It's just close enough to some of Bilbo's tales that it
would appeal to both of them. And they certainly had it coming to them in
the end.
-----------------------------------
Title: Wine, Women, Song... and Gimli · Author: Suzene Campos · Genres:
Humor: Elves · ID: 528
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:46:45
Poor, poor Gimli. And I must extend my sympathies to Thranduil as well. Poor
guy. Both Marade and Legolas seem to have it in for everyone tonight, though
Marade is doing her damage through wit while Legolas is just a bit too
jovial. The humor in this story came primarily from awkwardness in the
relationships, and while that can be immensely entertaining, it' can also be
very difficult to do. But it was pulled off flawlessly here. The story never
quite loses that edge of unease that comes from having a dwarf stuck in the
middle of a group of over-merry elves. Thranduil draining his glass at the
end was testament to that. I love that final clincher: there is a dwarf now
attached to Thranduil's family tree. As I said before, poor guy! Very fun
story! Loved the humor.
-----------------------------------
Title: Beleg's Doom: or, Most Definitely Not The Lay Of Turin · Author:
Tehta · Genres: Humor: Metafic · ID: 42
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:47:53
Am I horribly geeky if I admit that I got the reference to the esses? If
that's so, though, than I'm also happily geeky because it made me laugh so
hard I had to stop reading for a while. Wow, that was funny. The almost
rambling pace of the narrative, complete with interjections and side
commentary, was perfect for this story, and the innuendo that never quite
crossed the line but sure wandered along it for a while made me laugh all
over again. I actually liked best the part about Beren and Thingol where
Beleg reveales it was all a sarcastic misunderstanding and that Thingol was
always joking about stealing Silmarils. I don't think I've laughed quite
this hard in a long time.
-----------------------------------
Title: Comfort Me Not With Cookies · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor · ID: 290
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:48:52
What's very sad is that I've read stories like this that were NOT written as
a parody. Well, the Umbari Cruise Lines might be a bit of a stretch, but
other than that, this was a bit too accurate for my own comfort. Funny,
certainly, but spooky, too. Still, I wouldn't pass up one of the lembas
cookies. They sound as though they were a big hit with everyone.
-----------------------------------
Title: Pippin's Patent Remedies · Author: Llinos/Melilot Hill CoAuthors ·
Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID: 1164
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:49:09
I think I liked the second part of this story best. Gimli was so very
patient, and I loved the endless "trust me" he kept getting from Pippin. Had
I been there, I'd have bailed long before he finally did. Kudos to the dwarf
for sticking with it!
-----------------------------------
Title: Real Men Wear Jewelry · Author: Mouse · Genres: Humor · ID: 488
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:49:45
It never fails to amaze me just how many characters make an appearance in
these stories. Or how they align themselves with other characters. Loved the
man-hating society with Maeglin, Gwindor, and Daeron as well as the
balrog-slaying bachelors with Ecthelion and Glorfindel. Celeborn's rant
about Galadriel was brilliant and I felt like cheering by its end, though I
kept wondering when Finarfin would step in. But perhaps my favorite moment
was when Gil-galad's strange origins were brought up. That was hilarious.
Great story and great cameos! They all worked brilliantly.
-----------------------------------
Title: Legacy · Author: Elana · Races/Places: Dwarves · ID: 300
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-22 01:49:57
This last line sent chills down my space. So much wreckless hate! But that
sort of manipulative thought seems very Dwarvish - not a side we normally
see or care to dwell on, but Dwarvish nonetheless.
-----------------------------------
Title: Awakening To Sleep · Author: Piplover (aka Pipfan) · Genres: Humor:
Hobbits · ID: 819
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:50:30
Speaking as someone who tends to have extreme reactions to medication, this
story had me rolling. I've done just about all of that, and I think the best
part about it (for my friends, not for me) is the aftermath when they tell
me exactly how bizarre I was. But it's also nice to hear about how befuddled
they were, too, and half the fun in this story is watching Aragorn, Gimli,
Legolas, and Merry deal with the strange twists that Pippin's mind insists
on taking. Great writing. I loved how elements from the Quest were pulled
in.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ernil I Pheriannath · Author: Marigold · Genres: Humor: Hobbits · ID:
1174
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:50:52
Cute! Trust Merry to point out something that should have been fairly
obvious to Pippin. And trust Pippin not to see it even when it's staring him
in the face. I love the casual way Merry finally explains what's so funny,
and I love even more Pippin's reaction to it. Good missing scene.
-----------------------------------
Title: Passwords · Author: White Gull · Genres: Humor · ID: 1210
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:52:34
This must have been hidden in the extended edition of the books. A shame,
too, because it had me laughing very hard. Loved the idea that Legolas's
virginity could render Pippin speechless, and I loved even more the elf's
warning to Aragorn. Poor Frodo, too, with his magical passwords. I wonder if
he could offer pointers...
-----------------------------------
Title: Night Course in Pet Care · Author: Werecat · Genres: Humor: Animals ·
ID: 360
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:53:04
I really enjoyed the dark humor in this. The tone felt perfect to me, and I
loved the characterization of cats as neither good nor evil. Tricksters is a
very good way of describing them. The Witch-king is a perceptive one, isn't
he? And he handled this cat well. Much better than Morgoth did, but then,
Morgoth was allergic. That might have contributed to the problem. In any
case, I think the Witch-king has the right idea. Leave them to their ways
and respect them, but otherwise, ignore them. If you're going to live with
cats and be an evil fiend, that's the way to do it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Shire: Beginnings · Author: Lindelea · Genres: Adventure: Long Form ·
ID: 703
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-22 01:57:57
Lindelea said at some point that she was concerned that the hobbits in this
piece came across as simplistic. I can see where this might come from, but I
don't think it's really something she needs to be worried about. These are
definitely characters that live in the wilderness, in a less civilised time,
but there's a quality in them that cannot be easily subdued. Those readers
interested in stories that lay the groundwork for the races we see in "The
Lord of the Rings" won't be disappointed with this long but always enjoyable
fic.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Proper Course of Action · Author: Aliana · Genres: Humor · ID: 78
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 01:58:25
What I absolutely love about this story is how matter-of-fact everyone is as
they go about discussing ways to get rid of Denethor. Poor Aragorn. I really
began to feel sorry for him toward the end. His "grim foreboding expression"
didn't seem to count for much by the time his companions were through. I
loved Legolas's suggestion that someone could seduce Denethor, and I loved
the way this suggestion came back to bite him when Gimli decided that the
role of seducer could fall to the elf himself. Halbarad's brilliant line
about seduction being hard to render in free verse capped that avenue well,
and it just went downhill from there for the poor future Vice-Prime-Acting
Chancellor, or whatever it was that Legolas came up with. Aragorn's outburst
at the end was brilliant, though I wonder if there might not have been some
merit to either assassination and election. Still, Aragorn probably knows
what he's doing, even if the alternatives would be more fun. Hilarious
story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Legolas: The Owner's Guide and Maintenance Manual · Author: Theresa
Green · Genres: Humor: Elves · ID: 1193
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 02:03:07
I love the Owner's Guide series, and the Legolas Owner's Guide is one of my
favorites thanks to a single phrase: "The Quiver of Infinite Arrows." I
think I hurt something from laughing at that. Beyond that, there were some
other really good jabs at the movies, such as the tea tray, as well as the
books, such as sending Legolas and Gimli off to the Undying Lands via the
Yellow Pages. Very entertaining and with brilliant subtlety as far as
innuendo went. Loved it!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Official Fanfiction University of Middle-earth · Author: Camilla
Sandman · Genres: Humor: Metafic · ID: 180
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 02:13:23
I seriously doubt that there's anyone in the fandom who has NOT heard of
Miss Cam's absolutely brilliant Middle-earth Fanfiction Academy. If there
is, then I pity them. It is one of the most inspired pieces of writing
around. It is well beyond hilarious, and it twists so many different
cliches, foibles, and gags together that I am amazed it all works. But it
does work, and it works well. One of my favorite elements is Long Table
Elrond. Poor guy. That particular grammar faux pas is a big pet peeve of
mine, and when it entered the story, I nearly hurt something laughing. Along
similar lines, I absolutely loved Grammar Boot Camp. I think Dwimordene
makes a brilliant drill sergeant. And of course there's the Urple Bandits,
Morgoth and Sauron, Elrond's insistene on NINE Fellowship members, and so
on. If I listed everything I loved, I'd be here all day. Suffice to say that
the story is among the best humor/parody/metafics ever written.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Scruff Factor · Author: jastaelf · Genres: Humor: Aragorn · ID:
293
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 02:14:33
This story is wonderfully irreverent without ever going too far over the
parody line. It might cross the line from time to time (a certain
conversation between Elladan, Elrohir, and Gloin comes to mind) and
Elrohir's claim that he remembers Aragorn's ancestors best by their smell
surprised a very unelegant snort out of me. But it also stays just close
enough to canon borders that the characters feel true and the more
ridiculous humor is wonderfully accented by well-placed ties to
plausibility. Pacing is another great thing about this, the best example
being Elladan's challenge shouted to Legolas during which a variety of
people stopped and asked essentially the same thing. Great way to draw out a
moment.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Confused Elf · Author: Kenaz · Genres: Humor: Metafic · ID: 187
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 02:20:52
The first time I read this fic, a single line caught my attention:

"Haldir! What a pleasant surprise! I heard you died!"

And after that, I lost it. The rest of the fic went by in a blur because I
was laughing so hard. Poor Haldir. And poor Celeborn. When Celeborn started
describing how heroic Haldir's death had been and how moving it was through
Galadriel's mirror, I think I may have hurt something with all my guffawing.
The image of poor Haldir sitting there through all this with an absolutely
bewildered look on his face sealed the deal. And then they pull out the book
to discuss a certain Mirkwood prince, the idea of "surfing," and the fact
that Lothlorien wasn't at Helm's Deep in the first place. That was something
that bothered me about the films, actually, and for a story to poke fun at
it like this made me very happy indeed. And then for Celeborn to stick
firmly to the notion that Haldir is dead, explaining that you shouldn't
trust everything you read especially if it was written by a hobbit...I think
I lost it all over again at that point. Let me just say poor Haldir again. I
think that sums things up very nicely.
-----------------------------------
Title: Blood and Warm Blankets · Author: Kielle · Genres: Humor: Metafic ·
ID: 451
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 02:27:55
Faramir's opening line is one of the best opening lines of any fic I've ever
heard. And it proves to be prophetic, too, as it DOES all end in sex. Or so
we're led to believe. Regardless of what happens, though, the discussion
between Faramir and Eomer about cliches of slash writing is one of my
favorite discussions of all time. All the classics are in there, as well as
the classic pairings. I very much enjoyed watching both characters react to
the idea of being paired with different people (Faramir and Boromir, for
instance). And in the end, when they both give in to what seems like the
inevitable (especially since no one would believe that nothing scandalous
did happen) I found myself clutching my sides. Beautiful pacing, great
dialogue, and absolutely hilarious.
-----------------------------------
Title: Best Laid Plans · Author: Lamiel · Genres: Humor · ID: 455
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 02:36:23
Hilarious story! I wondered how Bergil the Wannabe-Easterling would fit into
the tale by the end, and when I finally caught on to his role, I had to stop
because I was laughing so hard. I loved Aragorn, too. He was so thoroughly
outmaneuvered by just about everyone, and I loved the fact that just about
everyone knew all the details of the surprise party while he had been left
completely in the dark. And I have newfound respect for Gimli as a master
manipulator. I knew he was shrewd before, but this took his abilities to new
heights. He nearly convinced Legolas to leave the Council Room, and he
certainly played Aragorn like an old, familiar instrument. Crazy and zany
with great action. Love the way all the threads wove together in the end!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Last Elf Standing · Author: Suzene Campos · Genres: Humor: Elves
· ID: 1124
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 02:38:42
I'm having trouble writing a review for this because I'm guffawing too much.
I remember reading this story when it was first posted, and I was all but
rolling on the floor clutching my sides then. Things have not improved much
this time around. As OOC as it might be, both Thranduil and Elrond have very
good points in their arguments, and I think that's part of what makes it so
funny. The opening letter, in particular, still gets me. What in the world
were Elrond and Cirdan thinking when they "counseled" Isildur to throw away
the Ring? I have to admit that I'm with Thranduil on this one. And I cracked
up at the thought of Oropher threatening Elrond with the Barrel Song. No,
Elrond really doesn't want to know, does he? But what really got me was how
canon events suddenly became the result of this feud, eg) Smaug and the
Enchanted River and the advice to Thorin about exploring Mirkwood. Elrond
got off some good punches with all of those. But in the end, it's Thranduil
all the way. Kudos for a hilarious and well-balanced story that lets my
favorite elven king get in the last word!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Eagle Silmarillion · Author: Tehta · Genres: Humor: Animals · ID:
554
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2005-09-22 02:43:36
There was something about Thorondor in this story...he wasn't dottering,
exactly, but one got the sense that he was an older bird. There was
something of a rambling feel to his dialogue, and I thoroughly enjoyed it,
as well as the names he gave everyone. The Magpie One, indeed! That was
hilarious, and I liked the Breathing One, too. Here the elves have grand,
glorious names for the Valar, and the eagles are able to mangle it into
something like the "Breathing One." Priceless! But even more than that, I
loved the idea that Glorfindel wasn't supposed to die during the escape of
Gondolin. Thorondor was supposed to catch him but didn't arrive in time.
Yes, gravity can be tricky indeed! He reminds of certain group of Rohirrim
who charged in just as Minas Tirith's gates came crashing down. Talk about
your close rescues. It's just as well that Elwing became a swan. I wouldn't
have trusted her rescue to Thorondor, no matter how much he might have
enjoyed a tricky, wet grab.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Very Model of a Warden of Lothlorien · Author: Kenaz · Genres:
Humor: Poetry · ID: 614
Reviewer: Inkling · 2005-09-22 03:22:47
This witty verse continues a time-honored tradition of LOTR riffs on Gilbert
and Sullivan’s Modern Major-General song...a rather, er, specialized genre
that includes John Osborne's erudite "I am the very model of a mediaeval
Anglian," sung by Theoden, and Sara Quill's tribute to "The Bagenders"
featuring Aragorn, that very model of a modern Ranger-General. Kenaz's
version makes a worthy member of this exclusive club, as Haldir delivers his
tongue-twisting lines in perfectly timed meter and the cheerfully inane
Galadhrim chorus chimes in on cue. Great fun!


-----------------------------------
Title: The Wisdom of Friendship · Author: Finch · Races/Places:
Cross-Cultural: Vignette · ID: 734
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-22 10:22:10
Very interesting story. I especially liked how you delved into the meaning
of names, everything from Beor to Nom and whether those names fit; that felt
very Tolkienesque, and I think if any character would think about such
things it would be Finrod.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mary Mordor Sue · Author: Meg Thornton · Genres: Alternate Universe ·
ID: 7
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-22 13:11:56
Oooh, this one was scary in how evil it was. It made sense, and presenting
it in such a minimalist fashion just makes it more obvious how truly evil
the protagonist was. Way to turn the standard OFC-falls-into-Middle-earth
scenario on its head, and give us something truly original as a result.
-----------------------------------
Title: Beyond This World · Author: Thundera Tiger · Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Final Partings · ID: 32
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 13:29:03
This remains one of my very favorite gap-fillers in the universe of LOTR fan
fiction. When I first read Beyond This World, the hair almost raised on the
back of my neck, both for the beauty and heart-felt poignancy of the story,
and because it oddly seemed to dovetail exactly with one of my own stories,
picking up where my tale left off. Most of all, however, Thundera has
wrenched the heartstrings with rare clarity and purpose, not angst for
angst's sake, but a true telling of what might have been, and an oddly
beautiful if tragic ending. It pleases me now to salute this story as one of
fan fiction's treasures.
-----------------------------------
Title: Land of Light and Shadows · Author: Thundera Tiger · Books/Time:
Post-Ring War: Incomplete · ID: 1202
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 13:38:17
This story, in my mind, transcends mere fan fiction. The scope, the breadth,
the Byzantine complexity of this novel has fascinated me since I read its
first pages over 3 years ago. Here Thundera's gift for storytelling is
revealed in one of the richest plots I have ever read, in fandom or printed
fiction, and her characters and cultures fairly leap off the page. Without
ever seeming forced or contrived, she brings most of our favorite Tolkien
cast into play, and makes it work magnificently. Plus I *believe* in her
vision of Harad, as she so deftly and deeply fills in the vast gaps that
Tolkien left us to imagine, and the gritty realisim of our beloved
characters' struggles holds me to every word. She has stepped beyond the
ordinary bounds of fan fiction with this tale, and I pray time and
circumstance will permit her to bring it to the majestic finish I know she
can achieve.
-----------------------------------
Title: Earth and Sky · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Drabble · ID: 201
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-22 13:46:26
Isn't it extraordinary how exactly the same moment of book-time can breed
such different drabbles? I particularly like "his rock-solid heart bleeds
blood as red as mine".
-----------------------------------
Title: In the Keeping of the King · Author: Shirebound · Books/Time:
Gap-Filler: Drama · ID: 1107
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 13:47:01
Many people write hobbits, but sometimes it seems only a few capture them as
Tolkien intended. In this heart-felt tale, Shirebound reaches deep into the
hobbits' hopes and fears, and brings us so close to the friendship of Frodo,
Sam, Merry and Pippin that our own hearts are wrung with empathy. Yet she
does so in such a way that the dignity of the characters is preserved as
artfully as Tolkien himself. Our beloved hobbit heroes are not rendered into
children, but remain simple young men who have survived unthinkable
experiences, who have gone to the brink of despair and returned, but not
unchanged. Tolkien wrote his hobbits as quaint little Victorian country folk
... and in this story, they seem very much like the country boys of his day
who went away to WWI and returned very different men. In short, this is a
beautiful story of friendship confirmed in the aftermath of war, and the
support of the human folk such as Gandalf and Aragorn is sympathetically
drawn, and again, leaving the hobbits their dignity. A story I would highly
recommend to hobbit lovers the world over.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ambush in Ithilien · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Gondor Drabble · ID: 204
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-22 13:52:41
Faramir shares Elena Tiriel's love of history to good effect here. I
particularly like "Gondor staggered, but did not fall" - I suspect not only
the longbows are creaking under the strain, and Faramir needs to call on all
the reassurance history can give him.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Long, Unexpected Drabble · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres: Humor:
Metafic · ID: 193
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-22 13:54:14
Hee. Haven't all of us who share this particular "impractical obsession"
just been there. Love the entirely apposite ending!
-----------------------------------
Title: Sing Me Home · Author: Shirebound · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Aman ·
ID: 516
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 13:58:03
Elegant, heartwarming without being saccharine, poignant without being
cloying, this is a lovely look at Frodo's departure to the Blessed Realm.
Shirebound has a wonderful gift for plumbing the nature of Tolkien's hobbit
characters, and for retaining their sturdiness and common-ness, even as they
are revealed to be extraordinary, as Frodo most certainly is. The
friendships of the Four Hobbits is beautifully and touchingly drawn, and I
must salute the author for the steady competance and wonderful artistry with
which she tells this tale.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fellowship · Author: Gwynnyd · Books/Time: Gap-Filler: Drama · ID:
396
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-22 13:58:58
Lovely character-glimpses here, of both Aragorn and Legolas. I like the
juxtaposition of Aragorn's indignant words and his lousy shots, and his
devious bringing of the argument round to the need for Legolas to go - for
fellowship, I suspect, at least as much as for the Elf's skill with the bow.
-----------------------------------
Title: "They are courteous, if they break their silence." · Author: Gwynnyd
· Races/Places: Cross-Cultural: Humor · ID: 575
Reviewer: Azalais · 2005-09-22 14:02:30
Lovely piece of cross-purposed, cross-cultural humour - I like the pun on
"dagor" and Elladan and Elrohir's attempts to remain courteous despite their
bewilderment. I'd love to hear what Legolas had to say.
-----------------------------------
Title: One Breath · Author: M. Sebasky · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural:
Vignette · ID: 472
Reviewer: Marta · 2005-09-22 14:04:29
What I really like about this piece is the way you jump time frames so
effectively. We just get snippets of Arwen's memories, erotic and dramatic
and everything in between. That seemed very in keeping with her state at
this time: her thoughts disjointed by her grief. But each of those moments
was very, very well done. You created a full picture of the parts of Arwen's
life you chose to portray.
-----------------------------------
Title: Out of Doubt · Author: Nessime · Genres: Drama (includes Angst): War
of the Ring · ID: 494
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 14:11:11
Strong, stern, unbending yet passionate - this is Eomer as I have always
viewed him. Nessime shows us keenly the direness of the moment Eomer faces,
the certainty of death that grips him and also the undimmed courage that
fires his heart. I especially loved the strength of his fondness for
Theodred, the almost Shakespearean pathos of his silent cry, "Oh, Théodred!
How I would that the kingly standard that ripples e'en now in the wind had
passed into your steady hands. You were the king who should have been, yet
fate's cruel fortune has placed me in your stead." Nessime weaves a bitterly
beautiful tapestry of despair and detirmination, grief and pride, that
shapes Eomer in one of his most defining moments, and at the turning of the
battle's tide.
-----------------------------------
Title: Defense Enough · Author: Nessime · Races/Places: Rohan: Vignette ·
ID: 492
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 14:14:27
A powerful look at an obscure yet important moment in the LOTR history, and
a terrific glimpse of an otherwise minor character. Once again Nessime
captures the staunch courage of the Rohirrim, even in the face of impossible
odds, and leaves the reader somehow feeling a lift of heart, even knowing
the dread battle that will come. Grimbold shines in this moment, and his
courage and detirmination is well-told in this fine vignette.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Machine That Changed the World · Author: Altariel · Genres: Drama
(includes Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 80
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-09-22 14:16:49
An excellent exploration of the benefits and drawbacks to the invention of
the printing press. I adored the hapless inventor-prince Amrothos, a
marvelous OC. And Aragorn's last line was priceless! LOL!
-----------------------------------
Title: Butterbur and the King · Author: Eledhwen · Books/Time: Post-Ring
War: Vignette · ID: 261
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-22 14:24:44
This was cute and so Barliman Butterbur. Poor Barliman, his embarrassment as
he recognized Strider. But practical man he is, he enjoyed the opportunity
to make good business. I could see him trying to work out where Arnor is and
constantly forgetting about it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sam's Gift · Author: Marta · Books/Time: Gap-Filler · ID: 955
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 14:31:05
What a thoroughly unique and charming bit of character examination! Marta
perfectly captures Sam's ever-pragmatic voice, and with it weaves a glimpse
of Galadriel that we don't often see. I find it a marvelous turn that in
giving her gift of the mallorn sead to Sam, she discovers that Sam has given
her hope, in return. Hope that there is life beyond the Quest, beyond the
Rings, tomorrows that will be planted and take root and thrive under
countless suns yet to be. For truly even her long sight must long for peace,
and we see this in her wistful mention of a day when she might rise as a
simple gardner, herself. A wonderful parallel between two highly disseparate
characters.
-----------------------------------
Title: Women's Work · Author: JediShampoo · Genres: Drama (includes Angst):
Fourth Age · ID: 430
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-09-22 14:33:02
Most of the stories I have read about Faramir/Eowyn after their marriage are
either sweet fluff or pure angst. This one, however is both sweet and
serious, humorous and sad, and very realistic in depicting Eowyn's anger and
the resolution of it. Eowyn is intelligent, and her jealousy is not that of
some harpy, but the usual hormone driven sort any pregnant women suffers.
Very well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Passages · Author: Flick · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Vignette · ID:
352
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-22 14:33:29
This is a touching look at the passage to the beyond of the members of the
Fellowhisp from Legolas's point of view. He and Gimli are really the last.
Although this is a short piece, each member of the fellowship comes alive in
the few words that can be dedicated to them, starting with Boromir. Gandalf
gets short shrift, but the episode with the Hobbits is so in character.

Well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Natural History · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 112
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-09-22 14:34:28
Lovely. I like the idea of Faramir as a grandfather.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ashes and the Flame · Author: Ariel · Genres: Drama (includes Angst):
Fourth Age · ID: 677
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-09-22 14:38:54
A bit of AU speculation about what if Frodo had left a child? Aragorn is so
wonderfully in character in this. His grief and his missing Frodo are
palpable, and his joy in realizing that Frodo's blood was not gone after all
is lovely.
-----------------------------------
Title: Paths for the Dead · Author: James Walkswithwind · Genres: Drama
(includes Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 758
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-09-22 14:43:13
Poor Pippin; he'd never realized being dead could be such a complicated
business. A very interesting fable, reminiscent of "Leaf by Niggle" and also
of CS Lewis' "Last Battle".
-----------------------------------
Title: Stock and Stone · Author: Marta · Races/Places: Dwarves · ID: 608
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 14:44:56
What a charming and interesting look at an unexpected meeting of cultures. I
don't think may writers bother to look at the differences between Dwarves
and Men, prefering instead to examine the gaps between Dwarves and Elves,
but this meeting of a young Dwarf woman and a Dunadain man is thoroughly
enjoyable. She first silently scoffs at his youth, but it is the youth of
both young people that allows the reader to comfortably follow the tale.
Here the different races are not divided by their differences, but rather
bound by mutual curiosity and easy friendship. I would actually like to see
more of such an unusual friendship - not romance, I don't think, but just
friendship of two people both born of good stock and good stone.
-----------------------------------
Title: Watery Grave · Author: Ijemanja · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Vignette
· ID: 1074
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-22 14:47:53
This is a well written story about Arwen's last days in Lothlorien. I found
the encounter with Goldberry strange, but it fits within the story.
Goldberry helps Arwen cope with her fears and her loneliness in a somehow
insubstantial way. She feels just like the Goldberry in the books.
-----------------------------------
Title: Not So Long a Time · Author: Gravity · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 815
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-09-22 14:50:52
This story is a heart-breaker. So true, so sad, so painfully beautiful. The
love just shines in this one, as does the sorrow. Be warned, you *will* cry.
-----------------------------------
Title: Without His Lifelong Friend · Author: Lindalëriel · Genres: Drama
(includes Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 836
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-09-22 14:55:03
And here is another lovely account of Merry's and Pippin's last days. I love
the imagery here, and the way Merry is reunited with his loved ones, and
Pippin's firm confidence that he will soon be there as well.
-----------------------------------
Title: Brown Spirit · Author: Werecat · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings:
Poetry · ID: 367
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 14:56:38
From the first time I read it, this story lingered in my mind like the deep
tang of good red wine, sweet and bitter blended so perfectly that the heart
weeps for its beauty. I think Tolkien would approve of the blending of one
of Christianities most beloved saints with one of his own most powerful
characters. Somehow there is a tragic sense of the fitting, that lost,
tormented Maglor would find his last mortal refuge here, where the ancient
Latin tongue could sing of mourning and loss and redemption. Poetry in every
word, this remains one of my favorite pieces, and I salute its beauty with a
lump in my throat.
-----------------------------------
Title: When All Lights Pass · Author: Werecat · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Pre-LOTR · ID: 349
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 15:05:08
What rare brilliance Werecat has for finding the unusual, the untold, the
unexpected! This unlikely yet compelling glimpse of another sort of King
unfolds with delicious atmosphere that drew me in from the very beginning,
and held me to follow each turn in the tale. She writes with a delightful
poety and elegance that often rings of the Master himself, so that her story
feels whispered from a time long past, the sort of myth that might exist in
quiet villages amongst England's hills. An artful weaving of Tolkien's own
myth with her original touch, this tale is a true joy to read, and the
ending is utterly perfect.
-----------------------------------
Title: Estella's Opinion · Author: Ruby Nye · Genres: Drama (includes
Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 1106
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2005-09-22 15:06:03
I do so like this Merry, so gallant, so sweet, so much in love, and so much
in pain, and this Estella, so brave and so clever and so much in pain. That
they'd have a misunderstanding was clear from the first, as they talked to
each other but didn't hear. The ending was just lovely.
-----------------------------------
Title: Something Wicked This Way Comes · Author: Werecat · Genres: Horror ·
ID: 130
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 15:10:28
Wow. From the first word I was drawn into shadow and despair, filth and
darkness. What a rare gift for the macabre Werecat has, and what a grimly
deft hand she employs, drawing each stark and scary line with a knife point,
and tantalising the reader's spine with chills. Not a story one wants to
read in the dark, and yet chillingly compelling. It is with relief that I
read the ending, and found our narrator at least gained a return to the
world of the living.
-----------------------------------
Title: Nine Lives · Author: Werecat · Genres: Drama (includes Angst) · ID:
97
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 15:18:53
Absolutely brilliant. Werecat takes Tolkien's myth and weaves it into the
fabric of tales that seem both legend and truth. From the gaps of Tolkien's
stories she has drawn rare fullness, and in Queen Berúthiel she creates a
myth wholly her own, yet magnificently complimenting the majestic myth
Tolkien created. This story reads with the poetry and resonance of ancient
tales one might hear told in distant villages and around forgotten
firesides. Berúthiel is drawn with rare sympathy, and yet one is left
guessing how much is honest fear or malicious intent. That ambiguity of her
character, and the mystery of her cats, lends this tale wonderful depth and
poetry.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Problem of Eowyn: A Look at Ethics and Values in Middle-earth ·
Author: Madgamgee · Genres: Non-Fiction: Men · ID: 376
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-09-22 15:22:17
I remember being extremely impressed on reading this essay when it was first
posted at HASA, and it’s a pleasure to have a chance to review it at the
MEFAs. By examining the textual background against which Tolkien was
creating his own legendarium, Madgamgee casts light on how Eowyn’s actions
might be perceived in the context of Middle-earth, and gives us a deeper
understanding of this character and her motivations.

The complexities of the comitatus, how it might apply in Middle-earth, and
how Eowyn might interpret it are elucidated with a clarity that is
refreshing in an article with such a scholarly bent. While I am unconvinced
by Madgamgee’s contention that the duties laid on Éowyn by Theoden are
unclear, I do not think the strength of the argument rests on this section
of the essay, but is made sufficiently strongly in this discussion of the
comitatus in the second half.

The notion of competing duties to be fulfilled -- especially in the context
of “following orders” which may be immoral -- and the penalties for
oathbreaking are strong themes throughout Tolkien’s work. (It is interesting
that, in the parallels between Eowyn and Faramir, Madgamgee does not note
that Faramir also disobeyed a less-than-explicit order from a commanding
officer who is also his father figure.) I very much appreciated the new
insights this essay gave me into the character dynamics of both the Rohirric
and Gondorian ruling families, and would like to acknowledge the great
influence it has had on my own writing.

-----------------------------------
Title: Moriquendi: The Gendered Other in Tolkien Fanfiction · Author:
adn_heming · Genres: Non-Fiction: Elves · ID: 58
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2005-09-22 15:22:43
In this essay, adn_heming has taken on the challenge of presenting some
extremely interesting but very complex ideas about fanfiction portrayals of
Light and Dark Elves. I think it’s a shame that the style of this essay is
rather opaque in places, and I would have liked to see the author rise to
the challenge of presenting the same material in “layperson’s terms”. Many
people without training in these areas of the social sciences might struggle
to grasp its full meaning, or might give up on it early on. This would be a
great pity, as I believe the majority of fanfic writers would benefit from
questioning their own characterisations in the light of these observations.

Also, while I found the discussion fascinating, I’m not entirely sure I
agree with the conclusion that these portrayals are entirely due to an
unconscious (colonialist and gender-based) justification of the superiority
of Light and Dark Elves. I would be very interested to see what the author
would make of applying the same concepts and analysis to Men. There are lots
of stories about the “High Men” -- the Numenoreans of Gondor -- which seem
to me to place Boromir in a similar role to Celeborn (as having inferior
“culture” to the Northern Dúnedain personified by Aragorn), Denethor in a
similar role to Thranduil (as the hysterical and weak parent), and Faramir
in a similar role to Legolas (as the submissive child and often the subject
of hurt/comfort fics). I’m left wondering how the colonial and gender
perspectives the author sees in fanfic portrayals of Light and Dark Elves
would apply to fanfic about High, Middle and Dark Men.

Nevertheless, I found this to be an extremely thought-provoking essay, and I
am grateful that adn_heming has shared these insights with us.

-----------------------------------
Title: Winter Encounters · Author: jastaelf · Races/Places: Elves: Mirkwood
· ID: 294
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 15:26:48
A charming and thoughtful look at how two very different fathers might have
reacted to their sons' disappearance on the great Ring Quest. I enjoyed the
characterisations, Gloin sturdy and gruff but kindly, and especially I
enjoyed this depiction of Thranduil. He is as I have always imagined the
father of Legolas to be: stern and rather military, but also loving and of a
good heart, to have raised such a sunny, golden son. I liked the stilted yet
earnest way Gloin and Thranduil fumbled for common ground, seeking accord
between them for the sake of their wayward sons. Touching and endearing, I
found this a pleasant read.
-----------------------------------
Title: After All · Author: jastaelf · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings:
Post-Ring War · ID: 100
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 15:35:37
What a delight this tale is! Jasta employs the perfect blend of angst and
humor, in just the right balance, and manages to both tug the heartstings
and tickle the funny bone all at once. Gimli seems perfectly in character,
gruff yet lovable, and even his fond needling of Legolas brings a smile.
Legolas is endearingly miserable when we first meet him - and as someone who
is teaching herself archery, I can utterly empathise with the
splintered-arrow business, although Legolas' is on account of driving too
many arrows into the same hole, not missing! Jasta very deftly avoids the
maudlin, even in this tale of homesickness and woe, and yet still brings a
swarm, squishy feeling to the reader. Legolas' longing for his absent father
is handled with gentle affection and warmth, but we are allowed to smile a
little along the way, and so enter with whole hearts into the joy of Yule
that follows. A more perfect ending I can't imagine!
-----------------------------------
Title: On Cerin Amroth · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Romance: Vignette ·
ID: 246
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 15:44:20
How did I miss this tale before? Dwim, you brought tears to my eyes with the
sheer beauty of this vignette. So smoothly and perfectly have you blended
your voice with the Professor's that I can barely see the seams. The poetry,
the silken romance of every word, is something that should be sung to the
mellow notes of a lute and spoken by the light of a warm, golden hearth. A
more lovely look at Aragorn and Arwen, a more telling window to one of the
most unsung but pivotal moments in their lives, I cannot imagine. Here you
have brought a timeless love story to shimmering life as Tolkien himself
never did. I salute the beauty of your thought.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Desperate Race · Author: Budgielover · Books/Time: The Lord of The
Rings: Rivendell · ID: 675
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2005-09-22 15:45:23
This is a nice gapfiller. I always wanted to know what Aragorn and the
hobbits would do after Frodo crossed the Ford and fell. I loved Aragorn's
interaction with the hobbits. Although they travelled together for so long
old resentments flare up. The hobbits stick together and Aragorn gets the
brunt of Pippin's desperation. A nice moment for Merry when he takes charge
of the situation.
-----------------------------------
Title: Making of Boys · Author: Dwimordene · Races/Places: Gondor: Houses of
Healing · ID: 237
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 15:52:30
From the first time I read this, I was struck by the simply lyricism of
Ioreth's thought. Here is a side to the Seige that one does not think of,
the simpler view, the grim cost, the terrible risks for the ordinary, unsung
folk who stood ready to support the battle to come. It is also nice to see
the earthy goodness of Ioreth that lives beneath the commoner's chatter
Tolkien gives her, and the practicality we know must guide her in her work.
Lastly, it is Ioreth's bittersweet observations of the lads in her care that
give this tale its heart, the grim realities they face, and her own
detirmination to see that whatever the end, they will face it doing the best
of their ability. "- although those who have not swords may still die upon
them, not all those who die by swords needs must die as lions." A more
perfect final line I cannot imagine.
-----------------------------------
Title: Where the Stars Are Strange · Author: Dwimordene · Races/Places: Men
· ID: 255
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 16:03:24
A long time ago, or so it seems now, I found this magnificent tale. Of all
attempts by writers to peer into the blank places Tolkien left us in
Aragorn's early days, this remains perhaps the most compelling I have ever
seen. Once again Dwim's rare gift for making Tolkien's world her own, yet
without sacrificing a single jot of Tolkien's myth, has created a tale that
I dearly hope will remain a high mark in LOTR fan fiction. Indirkan is such
a richly-drawn OC, and Dwim does a masterful job of drawing the vast
cultural differences between this son of Harad and Aragorn/Khordan. For this
is a tale of character, of strength and understanding in a day long before
Hope came to Gondor, and the Dark Lord's reign might be overthrown. There is
a gentle dignity in the way in which Indirkan and Aragorn come to trust one
another, and the final chapter to their tale is sighingly perfect. After
many long roads, both men found their way to Hope, and to peace and accord.
-----------------------------------
Title: Justice · Author: Dwimordene · Races/Places: Rohan: Vignette · ID:
244
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 16:17:03
A strong and thoughtful look at Eomer in what had to have been one of his
most difficult moments. To face and judge the result of his sister's actions
could have been no easy task, for she was at once both hero and deserter.
Well told, and a good resolution for Elfhelm, as well.
-----------------------------------
Title: Night and Fog · Author: Azalais · Races/Places: Rohan: Original
Characters · ID: 670
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 16:29:13
Brrr! Now this is a tale I would not have looked for, but oh, is it
wonderfully done! I love the storyteller's voice, the sense of days long
past and yet chillingly unforgotten. Azalais does a splendid job of bringing
the terror a young observer would have felt to clear and awful life. A real
Stephen King touch to it all that gripped me to the very end, leaning
towards the unseen narrator just to get scared a little more! Very well done
and most unique.
-----------------------------------
Title: An Unexpected Party · Author: Azalais · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 150
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 16:38:11
This is the absolute utmost in crossover enjoyment! Yes, I am sure the
premise of Tolkien meeting his own characters in "real life" has been done
before, but seldom if ever with such engaging charm. Azalais makes it all
seem so very real, and perfectly captures the endearing if slightly
befuddled train of the Professor's thoughts and subsequent actions. LOL,
loved the hobbits nearly bursting buttons to join him, and Aragorn's "cool"
demeanor, and Gandalf having "a word" with the inkeeper - LOL! Oh, the
delightful tumult of the characters coming on stage - what a joy to read.
And Tolkien's reactions remain so marvelously British, the stuffy, adorable,
dear old granddad. One likes to suppose that somewhere, somehow, the
Professor did at last enjoy just such an evening, and many many others just
like it. Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Bitter Gift · Author: Avon · Races/Places: Cross-Cultural · ID: 47
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 16:43:37
Bittersweet, poignant, and yet never cloying, this is one of the nicest
Elrond-young-Estel interactions I have ever read. There is a gentle
sincerity and truth to this ficlet, a sensitivity that brings the reader
near and rings of the hard truths Elrond doubtless had to wrestle. Avon
handles Estel's hard questions with realism that gives no pat endings, no
easy answers, but nonetheless leaves the reader with Elrond's own sense of
hope, and the knowledge that a child's world has just broadened, and not all
for the bad.
-----------------------------------
Title: In Plain Sight · Author: Aratlithiel · Books/Time: Post-Ring War:
Gap-Filler · ID: 885
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 16:58:22
Okay ... THIS needs a beverage warning. Perhaps several. Multiple warnings,
in fact. Reminders in case the reader is stuffing objects into their mouth
to avoid howling with laughter and disturbing the neighbors. Aratlithiel
achieves almost slapstick timing with the rattle of reparte, the darts of
wordplay, and the ker-THUD that ends each scene to permit the next. Tongue
stuffed firmly in cheek, she manages to turn the usual convention of Frodo's
post-war recovery delightfuly on its ear, and yet still retain the original
'voices' of the characters. I can "hear" each one speak, accents and all,
and they remain singularly in ... well, in character! I found so many
delightful moments - starting with Sam hustling the *king* out the door -
that I can't begin to recount them all, but this is an absolute joy to read,
and a hilarious departure from the "norm" of LOTR fan fiction, particularly
when dealing with this point in LOTR time. What a romp for the reader, and
yet done with clear respect and affection for Tolkien's world. Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: At the Sammath Naur · Author: Aratlithiel · Books/Time: Gap-Filler:
Drama · ID: 126
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 17:04:43
Aratlithiel achieves a terrible poetry with this vignette, a rare and
wrenching look at Frodo's most pivotal moment. How grim, how marvelous that
she brings us fully within the tumult of Frodo's mind, the torment of the
Ring, the utter exhaustion of his long struggle, the towering, terrible
clarity in the moment he claims the Ring, and the end, so bitter and final
and welcome. Though this moment has been addressed in fan fiction before, I
don't think I have seen it done with such haunting lyricism or such poetic
perfection. I am left drained and heartsick at the end, and only knowledge
of Frodo's ultimate fate keeps me from the threat of tears. Powerfully,
beautifully told.
-----------------------------------
Title: Moss and Stone · Author: Altariel · Books/Time: Post-Ring War: Final
Partings · ID: 560
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 17:27:53
This ... I adored from the first reading. A more perfect meeting of Gandalf
and Bombil would be hard to conceive. Bombadil has never been a favorite of
mine, but here he is something special, something timeless. He is all the
untouched beauty of the world that lives on, no matter the strifes of Men,
and yet despite his remove he hears and remembers the blackened scars of
war, even beyond his borders. It seems he is reminding Gandalf, too, that
life endures, the world goes on, new beginnings await the new age to come,
whether it be in fox kits or new kings. Lovely, lovely vignette that
beautifully fills a small, obscure gap to perfection.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Flowers of the Forest · Author: Altariel · Books/Time: The Lord
of The Rings: Gondor · ID: 2
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 17:32:59
Oh, this brought tears to my eyes, even now on my nth reading! I know the
song from which the title is drawn, and it plays in my head each time I
read. The imagery of this ficlet is simply beautiful, each color and moment
etched in strokes of perfection. I loved Faramir thoughtfully riding the
paths of memory, then returning home to the lights of Ithilien - and the
shadows of yet new war. And the ending - ah! There the spear drives home,
for indeed, now it is the sons who must fight. Beautifully, poignantly done.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Machine That Changed the World · Author: Altariel · Genres: Drama
(includes Angst): Fourth Age · ID: 80
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 17:38:58
Absolutely delightful! What an unusual, unique and enexpected tale - and
oddly, it fits very nicely into Tolkien's universe. :-) It requires no leap
of imagination for me to suppose that, in the affluence and prosperity of
the Kingdom Restored, inventions such as a printing press would come to be.
The play of characters, descriptions, and even Aragorn's cool, studied
reactions are a delight to read. Indeed, such a device would change many
things. Well told!
-----------------------------------
Title: Flame of the West · Author: Altariel · Races/Places: Gondor: Vignette
· ID: 1
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 17:43:41
I don't remember when I first read this vignette, but it remains one of the
most elegant, thoughtful, poignant character studies between Faramir and
Aragorn that I have read. The author artfully balances the strength and
sternness of warriors, of men, with the precarious seasons of the heart. One
is drawn to Faramir's sparsly-worded passion, simply for the fact that his
act is so supremely unadorned, but rather he lets action and oaths speak his
heart for him. As beautiful is Aragorn's silent understanding of what is
being offered, and his gentle acceptance of the same. A beautiful peace,
gently noble in its tone and a true gift to readers.
-----------------------------------
Title: His Last Words · Author: Amarie · Books/Time: The Lord of The Rings ·
ID: 85
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 17:48:36
A frightening, wrenching examination of Boromir's torment, and the madness
into which we know he slowly sank. There is a chillingly almost
schizophrenic quality to his "voice", in that he cannot differentiate
clearly between what is real and waht is madness. He knows something is
wrong, but not how deeply wrong, nor can he ward away the implacable descent
on which the Ring has sent him. Truly one gains a sense of how divided and
torn he must have been, a virtual prisoner within his own mind, and his mind
no longer his own.
-----------------------------------
Title: Jerusalem · Author: Amarie · Genres: Crossovers · ID: 658
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 17:58:05
From the first time I read this, I found this story to be one of the most
daring and powerful pieces in LOTR fan fiction. Seldom does a writer so
powerfully embrace faith, or dare weave Tolkien's myth with the Christianity
in which his vision was born. This image of a lost soul finding Truth at
last is told with unflinching passion and stark poetry, and never fails to
touch my heart.
-----------------------------------
Title: Shadow · Author: Celebsul · Books/Time: The Silmarillion: First Age ·
ID: 775
Reviewer: ErinRua · 2005-09-22 18:07:18
Chilling, somber, this is a rare look at the struggles of the early Ages and
the great War that so changed the world. The viewpoint of the elven warrior
is starkly told, from the terrible magnificence of the Valar in their great
wrath to the stunted ugliness of the orcs, and also those Men coerced to
serve Shadow. This brings home even more powerfully when the warrior sees
battle's end, and that victory can render even righteous victors as
destroyers. Compelling and chilling at once, a story well told.
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