Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Serious Business (or, Talk About Dreams) · Author: Dana · Races:
Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 661
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2006-05-18 14:29:52 Score: 6

This is a wonderful tale defining the relationship between Pippin and
Frodo. The remnants of the Quest will stay with all the Fellowship for
the rest of their lives and affect each one of them in a unique way.
Pippin is the youngest and that adds a bit more vulnerability to his
situation, but he clearly demonstrates the ability to bear his burden of
memories as well as the rest. He displays an unselfish wish to protect
his beloved cousin from knowing the full extent of what he suffered
after he and Merry were captured by the orcs. This tale explores the
very close and endearing relationship of these two cousins. Frodo also
wants to protect Pippin. The love and sharing of the hobbit culture as a
whole shines through in this story!
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Title: Welcome to Rivendell Mr. Anderson · Author: Snodgrass and Winkle
· Races: Cross-Cultural: Incomplete · ID: 662
Reviewer: Jaffee Leeds · 2006-05-18 18:08:42 Score: 6

Snodgrass and Winkle have taken the worn out storyline of a girl falls
into ME and turned it into a master piece. The first story by the
authors, the story is true to the books while taking liecense to include
two of the most real FOC's in LOTR fan fiction history.

I started reading the story one night and couldn't stop til I had read
all forty chapters while begging for an up date as soon as they could
write it. Action, humor, sorrow and honor fill every chapter and they
bring each of Tolkien's characters to real vivid life. If any story ever
deserved an award for exllence this one does. The huge fan base of the
story would no doubt agree with me. Read it and you will never be sorry.
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Title: Strange meeting · Author: Nesta · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's Fall
· ID: 93
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2006-05-20 20:35:23 Score: 2

A very enjoyable short story and an interesting idea to have Faramir and
Aragorn meet before the coronation to discuss the whole idea of Aragorn
taking over Gondor. Nicely done!
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Title: Hearth and Home · Author: Molly Littlefoot · Races: Hobbits · ID: 730
Reviewer: Vistula the Dunadan · 2006-05-27 03:06:47 Score: 7

I LOVE this story, and not so much for what it says but for what it
shows the reader. It captures the essence of Hobbit life and indeed the
life of any society that has known a lifetime of peace and freedom from
strife. The author does a splendid job of illustrating every day Hobbit
life and this image only heightens the fact that we as omniscient
readers know that very shortly this peaceful existence will be shattered
by the machines of war. Molly, the Hobbit goodwife, caught up in the
hustle and bustle of her preparations for winter, is only barely aware
that something more is coming. Like her kindred, she can't even fathom
what a year will bring to her home and family.

I enjoy the interaction between Molly and both her husband and children,
as well as her family's relationship with their Dunadan friend.

Kudos to you, for writing such a wonderfully engaging tale!!
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Title: Metamorphosis · Author: wenont · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Incomplete · ID: 672
Reviewer: Elentari2 · 2006-05-30 15:07:42 Score: 5

I am following this story (and the author) for quite a bit, and am still
to tire of it. I know few people who can weave so masterfully two
completely alien atmospheres such as the quietly dignified (with epic
savage fury underneath) of Tolkien's Elves and Middle-earth to a
post-apocaliptic cyberpunk cyborg warrior. Add in war techniques,
hi-tech gadgets, philosophy and the age-old interpersonal relationships
dynamic and you have a very interesting mix. Wenont's a word witch, and
I love her for it. Hell of a storytelling, love.
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Title: Ignorance Is Bliss · Author: Eggo Waffles · Genres: Humor: Parody
· ID: 754
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-06-04 03:24:16 Score: 4

This is a hilarious story about Faramir's hair colour and what the film
and fan fiction writers have done to him.Faramir tries to find out what
he truly looks like only to be faced with thousands of stories in the
Minas Tirith library.Helped by Boromir, he goes though them all until he
finds the only genuine scroll.This is one of the funniest stories I have
read in a long time from a very gifted and talented young writer,who
specialises in humour and parody.
-----------------------------------
Title: Beleg and Túrin · Author: Raihon · Genres: Romance · ID: 755
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-06-04 06:10:02 Score: 10

The style of writing in this piece is simple and fits perfectly with
this story, which is lovely, sad, but not without hope. The tale itself
is a believable rendering, from Beleg's point of view, of the story
Beleg and Túrin. The author has been able to take a familiar story, add
new elements to it and to simultaneously stay extremely close to the
versions in Unfinished Tales and The Silmarillion. The addition of a
whole subplot adds new and fresh detail and subsequently raises it a
whole new level of pathos, without making it at all grim. Not an easy
task to take on, but it succeeds in this instance. Talk about filling
gaps: this is definitely an imaginative and natural way to do that,
while adding whole new reality and futher emotional layers in the
development of the tale. The characters, as developed here, are canon
consistent. The author characterizes ths story, in the
summary/introduction which she has written, as perhaps the closest
Tolkien ever came to telling of a love story between two men. Talk about
the whole rolling around in his grave questionbut this time around,
after reading this version, I would have tell the professor that I am
sorry but he put all the openings there himself in the originals. While
I had never read the tale of Beleg and Túrin in quite this way, I will
never again be able to read it without thinking of how perfectly this
rendition fits within the confines of it. The heartbreaking, bittersweet
love story and its tragic denouement does, however, not leave one
wanting to run off and shoot oneself in the head, but actually is
satisfying and emotionally fulfilling.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strange meeting · Author: Nesta · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's Fall
· ID: 93
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-06-08 16:25:44 Score: 10

Great story. I first read Nestas prequel Black Hour and then a
discriminating reader tipped me that this one existed as well. There are
so many things I liked about it. I have not read a better description of
the aftermath of the Battle of the Pelennor Fields (detailed and grim,
without being disgustingly graphic). Also loved the careful exposition
of what Faramir would have been doing between March and May. The
characterizations of Faramir and Aragorn are on point. In particular,
the character of Faramir is not static in this piece. The author
presents him in such a way that the reader is able to see his thought
processes, sense his openness and finally completely understand the
development in how he looks at everything that has happened in those
dramatic days and what the return of king can mean in the person of this
stranger--subtle, but detailed. His progress from suspicion and
skepticism to relief and admiration fits perfectly with the character of
Faramir. One reads and is completely drawn into the relationship that
will build between the two of them. The authors ability to tell such a
serious story with just the right touches of light humor drives me mad
with envy! Did I say the dialogue is priceless? The dialogue is real,
humorous and fits the characters she has drawn. This is an awesome
accomplishment
-----------------------------------
Title: Arwen's Heart · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Romance · ID: 139
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-06-09 00:05:33 Score: 6

A thought provoking and deeply moving insight into Arwen's relationship
with Aragorn and how she gradually came to love him.The final chapters
are some of the most moving I have ever read anywhere including
published literature.
Arwen has gradually grown on me from something of a cypher to a
remarkable,strong and amazing person, a fitting Quuen indeed for the
King of Gondor and Arnor.
I defy anyone to read Faramir's thoughts on death and Arwen's eventual
acceptance without a tear in their eye.
I was also deeply impressed by the insights into Elrond and Galadriel
and the reasons why they had to leave Middle earth.
This story truly brings Arwen to life and gives an insight into matters
that Tolkien only hints at.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Rose in the Fisted Glove · Author: Jael · · ID: 805
Reviewer: Elentari2 · 2006-06-09 00:06:07 Score: 3

Oh, dear, but you managed to make it credible and very real. I adore
Galion, he is so pragmatic and loyal. That line about him crying for
Thranduil was pure gold. Thranduil, too, was extremely spot on. 'my
memory is very long' was absolutely priceless. Thank you, thank you for
sharing. I was completely blown away.

-----------------------------------
Title: First Impressions · Author: Bodkin · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 806
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-06-09 00:14:27 Score: 6

A delightful little story which shows young Aragorn's reactions to the
Rangers when he first goes to live with them. After his upbringing in
the luxery and shelter of Rivendell,life with his own people is
something of a shock to him.He is cold,wet and miserable after falling
in a puddle, finds the accomodation very basic and hates the food.
Halbarad attempts to cheer him and makes him eat,as a pretty girl has
promised him the time of day if her stew is accepted.
As Aragorn talks to Halbarad, he gradually comes to accept that this
will be his life in future and these are his people.
A nice mixture of quiet humour and more serious themes.
-----------------------------------
Title: The gift · Author: Jael · Genres: Drama: Elves in Later Ages ·
ID: 807
Reviewer: Elentari2 · 2006-06-09 00:25:12 Score: 7

You made the old "immortal doomed love for mortal" plot more than
somewhat convincingly - you made a piece of art. I do so love the things
that happen between the lines, barely hinted at, whilst on the surface
perfectly ordinary things are happening. It seems plausible to me that
with so many strong, wise and noble people about, these affairs should
be private. I also loved Legolas' intimate connection with his father,
and the echoes of Elond's spech at Gilraen's deathbed that would come at
Aragorn's foreseen death in the movie (forgot if it appears in the books
also). Neither of the lovers had it easy, but i side with Gilraen in
thinking he may yet recover. Surely not EVERY elf died at breaking his
heart, or pined away for eternity? Both his mentally chanting his
lineage at a difficult time and his lone singing at her future tomb was
precious. Thanks so much for sharing!

-----------------------------------
Title: In Aragorn's Safekeeping · Author: Radbooks · Genres: Drama · ID: 141
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-06-09 00:44:29 Score: 8

This is a genre of story, I usually avoid like the plague,yet this one
bowled me over as it was so well written. I actually came to truly like
and care about the two young people flung into Middle earth.
The main strength of this story, though, is the writers use of language
and her wonderful portrayal of Aragorn and his struggles to do the right
thing and become the leader he is born to be,even when it means making
tough decisions.
Apart from the two modern characters, whom Aragorn comes to look on as
his children, the story stays close to canon,apart from a character
surving whom Tolkien kills off.
All the characters are vividly portrayed and I especially liked how
Elladan and Elrohir are seen as grave Elven lords and not silly pranksters.
Other highlights are the vivid depiction of how the teenage girl OC has
to deal with being surrounded by men and be cared for when injured, and
her discomfort and isolation.
I also liked the way Faramir is portrayed in his gradual acceptance of
Aragorn and his charges.
-----------------------------------
Title: After The Storm · Author: chibi_kaz · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor · ID: 773
Reviewer: Ellethill · 2006-06-09 09:38:21 Score: 8

This story fills wonderfully the great gaps left in the movies, rounding
up the changes made there to herd them as much as possible towards book
canon. The initial motivations of the characters are well set up,
emphasizing the previously mentioned changes, and the first exchange of
lines between the characters is wonderful - the gist of the canonical
conversation from the Houses of Healing, yet still new and original.
Actually, their entire interaction is wonderful, and seems to flow
freely and naturally. Such images like Eowyn and Faramir aiding each
other in breaking bread and cutting meat at meals, and him twirling her
about when the sign came that the Ring had been destroyed (an impulsive
and refreshing gesture) were very sweet; him speaking to her of
defensive plans and asking for her aid in making ready the House of the
King was a strike of genius that would bring them closer. Their
interactions with the other people of the City were easy as well, as was
their coming together in the end (with just the right amount of anxious
worry). I very much enjoyed reading it!
-----------------------------------
Title: Finding the Right Words · Author: Nienor Niniel · Races: Men:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 785
Reviewer: Ellethill · 2006-06-09 09:39:14 Score: 8

This gap filler was wonderfully written. Until I came across it I had
never thought about how Faramir decided what he would say to his King
before all his people, nor that finding the right words to say could
have been a problem. But, by reading this, the importance and delicate
nature of those first words became clear to me, and I was surprised by
the logic of it  his arguments for discarding the greetings he
considered were well thought of. I really liked the mood you managed to
convey, the hustle and bustle of the workers and the giddiness of the
people of the City as opposed to Faramirs calmness; the reason for that
calm, how he had indeed waited for the coming of the King his entire
life, and how his part of the waiting was over when he woke in the
Houses of Healing. I also liked the way you handled his vision, how it
took some time before Faramir even realized he was experiencing one, how
even that was calm and reassuring; the moment when he thought to catch a
glance of his mother and brother was very sweet, and made better by the
fact that he only descried some of their physical traits. Good job!
-----------------------------------
Title: Reconciliation · Author: Willow_41z · Genres: Romance: Incomplete
· ID: 802
Reviewer: Ellethill · 2006-06-09 09:42:27 Score: 9

First of all, I like your idea of beginning with the definition for the
word reconcile  it basically sets up the layout of your story,
because Lothiriel has to struggle with all four of these meanings by the
end of it. Secondly, I am very impressed with the way in which you
relayed the court atmosphere, the way the noble women relate to each
other and to the queen, their duties, the attitude of the people towards
their new queen (implied here and there in little realistic tid-bits),
and especially the way Lothirel feels about all things: the people, her
new station, her homesickness, her lord husband (their relationship is
wonderfully constructed - careful, tentative, awkward, but moving on
towards friendship and easiness, perhaps getting there in the end). I
like the fact that she isnt so much resentful, but lost, in a way, that
she has accepted the changes in her life even if she isnt fond of them.
I think you perfectly captured her mood, and the subtle way her attitude
towards her new home alters, beginning with her drive to make herself
useful and then even get involved in the life of a lady of the court
seeking to help her. All in all, a wonderful read!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Acceptable Sacrifice · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 775
Reviewer: Ellethill · 2006-06-09 10:25:50 Score: 9

I very much loved all the attention to detail I found in this story, in
all the traditions and formalities mentioned, the symptoms of Frodos
ailments and his slow recovery, both physical and emotional. When I read
this, each chapter implied at least one discovery  I have to admit I
had thought of the journey to Mordor and Mount Doom and all of Sams and
Frodos privations and physical difficulties in only general lines, only
now coming to see the real consequences of those many weeks; your story
takes away every single doubt anyone might have ever had about Frodos
sailing West (or at least it definitely should). I think you portrayed
the characters very true to book canon, their interactions were
beautiful and touching, and all the original characters introduced were
well-built and rang true to the age and their stations. There was this
logic in all their actions and their thoughts that grounded everything
in reality, their feelings had incredible depth, and were very moving.
The language and the style were beautiful, the entire story was
beautiful, and heartbreaking, and intense, and just lovely. Saying
thank you very much for writing this' doesnt even cover it! (and it
probably sounds silly) Again, a fantastic story, incredibly written!
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Title: Castle · Author: Timmy2222 · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 256
Reviewer: viggomaniac · 2006-06-09 23:19:38 Score: 3

Top-notch story with an incredible plot. The troubles Aragorn encounters
are realistically portrayed and the original characters, especially
Vlohiri, are well thought out. Compelling reading, and a story I still
occasionally re-read.
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Title: Concerning Hobbit's Feet · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor:
The Shire · ID: 828
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2006-06-10 03:24:36 Score: 4

GW truly is a wizard when it comes to getting the hobbits into
embarrassing, yet humorous, situations and this story proves no
different. The story is made all the more humorous because the hobbits'
personalities are so perfectly portrayed: Pippin is persistent yet
evasive, Merry is pompous and indignant, and Frodo is subtly devious.
But none of that compares to Fatty, who makes the ultimate cameo
appearance. A hilarious, and surprisingly revealing, story.
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Title: Fire and Flowering · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Incomplete · ID: 58
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-06-12 14:10:34 Score: 2

I don't usually go for erotic fiction of any kind, but if any of it in
the Tolkien fanfic world is worth reading this has to be at the head of
the list. It's tastefully done, with a lot of tenderness and meaning
mixed in with the sex.
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Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-06-12 14:12:02 Score: 3

This has to be the best story yet by one of the best Tolkien fanfic
authors around. It's very original while being entirely faithful to the
spirit of the book, and it gives a riveting account of Faramir's
spiritual journey.

Anke Eissmann has chosen to illustrate this story. I don't think there
can be a stronger recommendation than that.
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Title: Lord of Werewolves · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 255
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-06-12 14:22:14 Score: 3

This has to be the funniest Tolkien fanfic ever! All the more brilliant
because Sauron, not to mention Morgoth, are the last people one would
normally think of as funny.

I laughed till I cried. I laughed till I almost literally Rolled on the
Floor.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Hours of Waiting · Author: Nesta · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor · ID: 909
Reviewer: Ellethill · 2006-06-12 22:23:23 Score: 10

I am amazed at how well you described Eowyns state of mind and flight
of feeling! It is perfectly in tune with what I had always imagined she
would feel, exactly how I understood the days she spent in the Houses of
Healing. Its wonderful to read the suddenness of her thoughts, her
determination to feel miserable and despairing while all the while
fighting whatever light and easy thoughts come to her while in the
presence of Faramir; her surprise and even anger when realizing that,
yes, there is some good in the world, some reason to smile and to
remember the good times; the ever present contradictions in her.

The mood of the story was just right as well - the feel of the warm sun
that felt altogether useless to her, the cries of birds, the flowering
of trees, all the normal signs of Spring that only served to make the
coming end clearer to her  the things that Faramir chose to cling to
and remember instead, a conscious choice, for he had his troubles also,
but fought to put them aside  and you showed that so wonderfully! You
have got all the characters perfectly, even the Warden, whom I rarely
feel is portrayed like I imagined him  you got him perfectly, his
attitude, his words, what Eowyn thinks of him; and you wonderfully
captured Faramirs little hints, his efforts to come closer to the White
Lady and even to turn her mind away from the dreadful things outside the
healers realm.

I love the fact that you referred to the smallest things in the talks
between Faramir and Eowyn, while all the while giving them so much
meaning  robins, larks and swifts, remaking the City through the tongue
of Rohan, it was beautiful! And this is the first ever story I read
where Faramirs decision to leave the Houses comes from before the
destruction of the Ring, and not as a consequence of it  I loved this
idea, and also the words that came after, and Eowyns answer to them.
The ending was beautiful, the metaphor spoke of many things  how life
goes on, how the past was gone but the future was soon to come, how yet
another couple would take flight.

This was phenomenally written! I take my hat off to you!
-----------------------------------
Title: The White Tree · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 94
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-06-13 09:17:10 Score: 5

I have mixed feelings about this one, mainly because I belong to the
tough-Faramir school of thought. Here he's a bit of a softie, though
with a lot of convincing touches like his grief for Boromir, and his
outrage at seeing the old White Tree dug up. Aragorn's doubts are well
portrayed, though, and the characterisation of Gandalf is excellent. I
much prefer the old gruff, quick-tempered Gandalf to the rather stately
and formal one we get towards the end of FoTR.

I love some of the background details, like the huge bed (the mind
boggles!) and Denethor's uncomfortable chair.
-----------------------------------