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Title: History Becomes Legend · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men:
Steward's Sons Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 737
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-03 18:02:48 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
I'm a bit puzzled by this. None of the Rohirrim would have a problem
speaking Westron, it's just the Common Speech.
If this takes place some years after the War, I fancy that Faramir would
have learned a fair amount of Rohirric from Eowyn, so the Rider wouldn't
need to use another language anyway.
Apart from that, nice idea.
-----------------------------------
Title: Pity · Author: Elana · Times: The Great Years: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 152
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-04 10:46:17 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
An interesting approach. I'd have to take it as AU; Tolkien's Ring is
too powerful and evil to work this way, I think.
-----------------------------------
Title: Summoned · Author: Agape4Gondor · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 840
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-04 10:49:04 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
Nice to see a happy Faramir, for once! I find him a bit passive here,
though, and a bit over-grateful to Aragorn for giving him back what
belonged to him in the first place. That's only my view, though, and I'm
prejudiced.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lobelia's List · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 201
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-04 10:50:53 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
A delicious glimpse of this delicious character! Fits in very well with
the Lobelia who 'had brought a complete inventory with her and went
right through it'.
-----------------------------------
Title: Great Heart · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: First Age and
Prior: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 64
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-04 10:56:10 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
Wonderful! Allows Huan to be rally doggy, and yet tremendously
impressive - superdog in the making! I notice he has the correct Celtic
livery of white hide and red ears.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mine · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 66
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-04 11:36:54 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
(Wipes tears from laughing)
You know, you have completely spoiled me for reading anybody elses
versions of young Boromir and Faramir no one else seems to write with
such wit, and affection, and absolute truth about the behavior of young
children. Every single element of the story is perfect teething
Faramir chewing on anything within reach; Boromirs anguish over his
beloved toy companion covered with baby slobber, even the way Faramir
becomes that baby when his older brother is angry with him. Even the
tiniest detail washing Clover in lavender soap and setting her to dry
in the sun is exquisitely crafted. I adore these bitty stories, and
always greet the arrival of a new one with a whoop of delight. Thank you
for giving us such joyful recollections of our favorite brothers childhood.
-----------------------------------
Title: Legacy · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 299
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-04 13:11:44 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
What a lovely idea that M and P remembered Boromir, and with gratitude!
This really cheered me up!
-----------------------------------
Title: Birthday Kisses · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late Third
Age · ID: 59
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-04 13:15:24 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
A bit on the sentimental side, perhaps, but very sweet. Certainly no
hero who's not a dog-lover would find a place in my swooning file!
-----------------------------------
Title: Shadows of a Nameless Fear · Author: Budgielover · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 640
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2006-07-04 14:04:31 Score: 5
Admin Edit Review
The description and detail in this story are amazing and put the reader
directly into the story. Seeing Frodo's fraility juxtaposed with his
determination and strength shows how special this hobbit really is, and
the descriptions of his self-doubt and shame are spot on. Seeing the
fierce protectiveness of the rest of the Fellowship for the hobbits and
the Gondorians anger that one of them should be assualted is enough to
make one smile with pride. The action and suspense are dealt with a deft
hand and leave the reader coming back for more.
-----------------------------------
Title: Demand and You Shall Receive · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres:
Humor: Children · ID: 159
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2006-07-04 14:33:09 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
Seeing wee Pippin in a hissy fit is always a delight, especially when
you don't have to be there to deal with him. Even though he can barely
talk, he knows just enough words (and just how to wind his Aunt
Esmeralda around his little finger) to always get what he wants. Merry
is perfectly bratty and unhelpful, as any teen or tween would be, and
Frodo's frazzled nerves are a wonderful contrast to his usually cool and
calm demeanor, and his reluctant relinquishment of his coin purse to the
Took is so true to life. The best part is the flashforward to post-War
Shire, when Merry reflects on everything Pippin has used that coin purse
for over the years, and then proceeds to embarrass Pippin in front of
Diamond, recounting the story of how he acquired it - a suiting, if
late, consequence.
-----------------------------------
Title: Cloves and Kisses · Author: Bill The Pony · Races: Hobbits:
Pre-Quest · ID: 912
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2006-07-04 14:45:40 Score: 4
Admin Edit Review
An unusual family tradition gets Sam in over his head with the lasses of
Hobbiton and Bywater. Marigold is delightfully diabolical, luring her
unsuspecting brother to his fate, which Sam finds both embarrassing and
titillating at once. Written from Sam's point of view, the reader is
kept as in the dark as he is and feel his ire, frustration, and desire
as he does. A true delight from beginning to end, that leaves the reader
wanting more but perfectly satisified with the conclusion.
-----------------------------------
Title: Relief · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama: Pre-Fellowship · ID: 518
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-04 23:32:04 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
Please accept my apologies! I know that youre a wonderful writer of
description and introspection; few writers do such a great job of
getting inside Faramirs head. But Id forgotten what a outstanding
action writer you are the first paragraph here is absolutely
magnificent. Youve evoked all the sight and sound of battle, the
necessity for quick wits and reflexes, and all with the tang of the
Professors own way with words. Well done!
Speaking of way with words , the way youve interwoven the two meanings
of the word relief is masterful Boromirs almost breathless,
tangible relief and joy at his brothers arrival, and the relief of the
Stewards servants, even as they must take on faith the word that all
will be well at the battle front, that the Relief will arrive in good time.
-----------------------------------
Title: Shadow of Himself · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Post-Grey Havens · ID: 853
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-04 23:33:51 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
What a unique take on the Boromir!Lives genre, moving and painful but
oh, so very plausible. This man is no ones son, and has created a life
for himself entirely by his own skill, wit, and hard work, a life filled
with love and contentment, laughing children and the earned respect of
his peers. The appearance of Legolas and Gimli, after twenty years,
threatens the stability of Erandirs family; I love the way youve taken
the road less traveled and chosen to have the Man of Gondor choose his
new life, meaningful and familiar, over the uncertainty of a return to
the old. For his new family has so much more to lose than his former
family would gain.
That teasing last line is masterful how much does Erandir remember,
despite what he has said? Tender and bittersweet as well. Wonderfully done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Up From The Ashes · Author: Elanor Gardner · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 645
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-04 23:35:22 Score: 8
Admin Edit Review
First of all, your descriptive skills are extraordinary I felt as
though I were right there with Frodo and Pippin, feeling the warm sun on
my back, tasting the baklava-like pastries, laughing at the girl chasing
her hen down the cobbled lane. Children playing noisily, laundry hanging
from upper stories of narrow houses, the scent of delicious, spicy food
wafting out open windows what a feast for the senses!
In a way, your wonderful story is like the story itself just as Frodo
and Pip wander the city, seeing beauty at every turn, at each twist in
your tale theres another gorgeous detail. The old woman sweeping the
floor with herbs and salt, to both banish evil and ensure a beautiful
scent, and the image of the ashes being carefully collected and used to
enrich the gardens of the city were particularly vivid. Your depiction
of the heartwarming ceremony of the re-opening of the bookshop,
symbolizing to Frodo and Pip the rebirth of the city, made me laugh with
delight. Thank you so much for such a lovely, uplifting story.
-----------------------------------
Title: [untitled] He: Gimli fic prompt #84 · Author: Thevina Finduilas ·
Races: Dwarves · ID: 718
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-04 23:36:52 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
Your use of language is extraordinary that whole first paragraph just
comes perfectly to life, with Gimlis hesitation to smoke in front of
the fastidious elves, his ruminations on the perceived difference
between Old Toby and Longbottom Leaf, the comforting, familiar scent.
Lovely!
Its also quite lovely the way you describe another comforting familiar
scent, leading us seamlessly to Gimlis loneliness and longing for his
companion. Who could have imagined that a subtle description of dwarvish
sex could be so unexpectedly erotic and tender? [fingers with jeweled
bands; deep, warm laughter; a long, plaited beard that trailed down his
abdomen to Gimli's most hidden parts.]
You are the only woman on this earth who could write this, and make it
so wondrously believable. Youve given us a new, vivid image of Gimli,
completely unlike what weve seen anywhere before.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Summons · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Times: The Great
Years: The Fellowship · ID: 254
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-05 08:29:27 Score: 5
Admin Edit Review
This is an interesting angle on two questions: what Boromir thought
about Aragorn on their journey, and what might have happened if they'd
turned up at MT together.
Of course Boromir would admire Aragorn's prowess, but whether he'd so
readily accept his claim to be top dog in Gondor is another question.
Boromir may respect Aragorn to an extent, but he never seems to be
particularly friendly to him ITB, either before or after the visit to
Lórien. Boromir has been raised as the heir to the Ruling Stewardship
and I don't think he'd relinquish that prospect at all easily. I think
it was very lucky for Aragorn that Boromir was killed off when he was.
Also, what part does the Ring pay in all this, I wonder?
-----------------------------------
Title: The Importance of Being a Hobbit · Author: Lamiel · Races:
Hobbits: War of the Ring · ID: 961
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-07-06 06:32:28 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
A delightful story about the Fellowship and how each member is needed if
the Quest is to succeed.I especially enjoyed the scene where Merry talks
to Aragorn and reflects how such a fearsome warrior can be so kindly to
him and feels somewhat inadequate.
-----------------------------------
Title: Evenstar · Author: Mar'isu · Times: The Great Years · ID: 856
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-06 13:27:48 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
I think that's beautiful and captures the spirit of the book very well
indeed. I was fascinated by the idea of Elrond seeing Elros in Aragorn.
Talk about skipping a generation!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-07-08 04:12:04 Score: 10
Admin Edit Review
I have read many stories set in the Houses of Healing when Faramir is
healed by Aragorn, but this one is far the best, the cream of the crop
by a long margin.
The writer sticks close to Tolkien's version and yet creates her own
unique and highly original version of the events.I love her use of
poetic and Tolkien like language.
It is told almost entirely in the first person from Aragorn's point of
view as he fights to overcome his extreme tiredness and heal the injured
Faramir and the others who need him.
We also catch a glimpse of Faramir's tortured mind as,assailed by
visions sent by the Dark Lord, he struggles through a barren rocky
landscape.
There are some stunning and touching scenes in this story, especially
when Aragorn finally clasps the injured Faramir in the dream world and
realises he has found a priceless jewel, the best Gondor has to offer.
The would be king is impressed and amazed by Faramir's
courage,intelligence and determination. This writer does not see Faramir
as a passive victim, but one who struggles, and with Aragorn's
help,survives against overwhelming odds.
Through saving Faramir, Aragorn also finds himself, the King he is meant
to be and he gains confidence that he will fulfil his destiny as the
heir of Elendil.
The story is full of lovely touches, such as the phantom Denethor trying
to confuse Faramir and Faramir's cleverness in overcoming him, the power
of the Elessar stone, and Aragorn's recognition of a kidred spirit, he
will need beside him in the future.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mellyn · Author: Pentangle · Genres: Drama · ID: 322
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-07-08 05:49:11 Score: 4
Admin Edit Review
A sweet and touching little Estel story about how the boy wins the heart
of Legolas and they become friends. I like the fact that Estel is an
active character here,as in so many stories he is a passive victim
needing help.Here, Legolas is the one in need of aid and the child
Aragorn rises to the occasion and gains a new friend,for Legolas was
wary before of befriending humans.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strike While the Iron is Hot · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres:
Humor: The Shire · ID: 234
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2006-07-10 13:39:44 Score: 5
Admin Edit Review
It's a war of pranks and no alliance can be trusted. Pippin gets to
shine here, in all his nonsensical wonder, and Freddy, after a summer of
playing one hobbit against another, finally gets what's coming to him.
The final prank is classic and is bound to go down in the books of
pranks past. Not everyone is fooled; Frodo uses his rascally skills to
see through the charade, and Saradoc guesses who the real culprit is.
The introduction to the story is timeless, almost like a documentary,
and the brief list of the various pranks played toward the end had me in
fits.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of Squirrels and Stolen Pies · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres:
Humor: Children · ID: 305
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2006-07-10 13:55:38 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
Pippin's enjoying a lovely day watching squirrels when Merry and the
older lads of Brandy Hall run past him and gift him with a pie. The only
thing is, the pie is stolen! Pippin's conversation with the pursuing
hobbits attempting to catch the culprits is the most hilarious thing.
While the other lads are hiding, worrying that Pippin might give them up
(except Merry, who knows Pippin well enough to know he won't say a
word), Pippin commences to confuse the daylights out of the pie theft
victims simply by being Pippin. He even manages to make the victims feel
guilty for trying to get their pie back! Merry steps in a just the right
moment to make sure that everyone gets away scot free, but Pippin is the
real hero here - and he doesn't even know it!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-10 23:42:00 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
I've read this through three times now because there was so much
beautiful stuff. Your Aragorn is so very strong. You certainly know your
appendices, but you've not just given us dry facts, you've used them to
weave a very three-dimensional Aragorn that is very canonical but also
leaps off the pages. His fears, his own ghosts from his past - very well
done. I also love your "dark vale".As someone who has struggled with
grief and depression and emotional exhaustion, I can tell you that the
metaphor of an endless wasteland was a very apt one and worked very well.
And the imagery here! The use of song especially, and the power of the
name, it all felt very, very Tolkienesque. All in all, very well done.
You've moved me, and that's not often done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mine · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 66
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-11 13:46:15 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
This is a sweet story, but it could concern any pair of little kids. I
don't see anything Midle-Earthy about it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Second Son · Author: Nesta · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond: Gondor
· ID: 843
Reviewer: Raihon · 2006-07-11 15:58:01 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
Great plot moment: Faramir's recognition and poignant memories of the
dead man hits like a punch to the gut. The "breaking the cycle" part
reflects Faramir's personality well.
-----------------------------------
Steward's Sons Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 737
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-03 18:02:48 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
I'm a bit puzzled by this. None of the Rohirrim would have a problem
speaking Westron, it's just the Common Speech.
If this takes place some years after the War, I fancy that Faramir would
have learned a fair amount of Rohirric from Eowyn, so the Rider wouldn't
need to use another language anyway.
Apart from that, nice idea.
-----------------------------------
Title: Pity · Author: Elana · Times: The Great Years: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 152
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-04 10:46:17 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
An interesting approach. I'd have to take it as AU; Tolkien's Ring is
too powerful and evil to work this way, I think.
-----------------------------------
Title: Summoned · Author: Agape4Gondor · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 840
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-04 10:49:04 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
Nice to see a happy Faramir, for once! I find him a bit passive here,
though, and a bit over-grateful to Aragorn for giving him back what
belonged to him in the first place. That's only my view, though, and I'm
prejudiced.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lobelia's List · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 201
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-04 10:50:53 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
A delicious glimpse of this delicious character! Fits in very well with
the Lobelia who 'had brought a complete inventory with her and went
right through it'.
-----------------------------------
Title: Great Heart · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: First Age and
Prior: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 64
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-04 10:56:10 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
Wonderful! Allows Huan to be rally doggy, and yet tremendously
impressive - superdog in the making! I notice he has the correct Celtic
livery of white hide and red ears.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mine · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 66
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-04 11:36:54 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
(Wipes tears from laughing)
You know, you have completely spoiled me for reading anybody elses
versions of young Boromir and Faramir no one else seems to write with
such wit, and affection, and absolute truth about the behavior of young
children. Every single element of the story is perfect teething
Faramir chewing on anything within reach; Boromirs anguish over his
beloved toy companion covered with baby slobber, even the way Faramir
becomes that baby when his older brother is angry with him. Even the
tiniest detail washing Clover in lavender soap and setting her to dry
in the sun is exquisitely crafted. I adore these bitty stories, and
always greet the arrival of a new one with a whoop of delight. Thank you
for giving us such joyful recollections of our favorite brothers childhood.
-----------------------------------
Title: Legacy · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 299
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-04 13:11:44 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
What a lovely idea that M and P remembered Boromir, and with gratitude!
This really cheered me up!
-----------------------------------
Title: Birthday Kisses · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late Third
Age · ID: 59
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-04 13:15:24 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
A bit on the sentimental side, perhaps, but very sweet. Certainly no
hero who's not a dog-lover would find a place in my swooning file!
-----------------------------------
Title: Shadows of a Nameless Fear · Author: Budgielover · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 640
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2006-07-04 14:04:31 Score: 5
Admin Edit Review
The description and detail in this story are amazing and put the reader
directly into the story. Seeing Frodo's fraility juxtaposed with his
determination and strength shows how special this hobbit really is, and
the descriptions of his self-doubt and shame are spot on. Seeing the
fierce protectiveness of the rest of the Fellowship for the hobbits and
the Gondorians anger that one of them should be assualted is enough to
make one smile with pride. The action and suspense are dealt with a deft
hand and leave the reader coming back for more.
-----------------------------------
Title: Demand and You Shall Receive · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres:
Humor: Children · ID: 159
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2006-07-04 14:33:09 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
Seeing wee Pippin in a hissy fit is always a delight, especially when
you don't have to be there to deal with him. Even though he can barely
talk, he knows just enough words (and just how to wind his Aunt
Esmeralda around his little finger) to always get what he wants. Merry
is perfectly bratty and unhelpful, as any teen or tween would be, and
Frodo's frazzled nerves are a wonderful contrast to his usually cool and
calm demeanor, and his reluctant relinquishment of his coin purse to the
Took is so true to life. The best part is the flashforward to post-War
Shire, when Merry reflects on everything Pippin has used that coin purse
for over the years, and then proceeds to embarrass Pippin in front of
Diamond, recounting the story of how he acquired it - a suiting, if
late, consequence.
-----------------------------------
Title: Cloves and Kisses · Author: Bill The Pony · Races: Hobbits:
Pre-Quest · ID: 912
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2006-07-04 14:45:40 Score: 4
Admin Edit Review
An unusual family tradition gets Sam in over his head with the lasses of
Hobbiton and Bywater. Marigold is delightfully diabolical, luring her
unsuspecting brother to his fate, which Sam finds both embarrassing and
titillating at once. Written from Sam's point of view, the reader is
kept as in the dark as he is and feel his ire, frustration, and desire
as he does. A true delight from beginning to end, that leaves the reader
wanting more but perfectly satisified with the conclusion.
-----------------------------------
Title: Relief · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama: Pre-Fellowship · ID: 518
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-04 23:32:04 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
Please accept my apologies! I know that youre a wonderful writer of
description and introspection; few writers do such a great job of
getting inside Faramirs head. But Id forgotten what a outstanding
action writer you are the first paragraph here is absolutely
magnificent. Youve evoked all the sight and sound of battle, the
necessity for quick wits and reflexes, and all with the tang of the
Professors own way with words. Well done!
Speaking of way with words , the way youve interwoven the two meanings
of the word relief is masterful Boromirs almost breathless,
tangible relief and joy at his brothers arrival, and the relief of the
Stewards servants, even as they must take on faith the word that all
will be well at the battle front, that the Relief will arrive in good time.
-----------------------------------
Title: Shadow of Himself · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Post-Grey Havens · ID: 853
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-04 23:33:51 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
What a unique take on the Boromir!Lives genre, moving and painful but
oh, so very plausible. This man is no ones son, and has created a life
for himself entirely by his own skill, wit, and hard work, a life filled
with love and contentment, laughing children and the earned respect of
his peers. The appearance of Legolas and Gimli, after twenty years,
threatens the stability of Erandirs family; I love the way youve taken
the road less traveled and chosen to have the Man of Gondor choose his
new life, meaningful and familiar, over the uncertainty of a return to
the old. For his new family has so much more to lose than his former
family would gain.
That teasing last line is masterful how much does Erandir remember,
despite what he has said? Tender and bittersweet as well. Wonderfully done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Up From The Ashes · Author: Elanor Gardner · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 645
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-04 23:35:22 Score: 8
Admin Edit Review
First of all, your descriptive skills are extraordinary I felt as
though I were right there with Frodo and Pippin, feeling the warm sun on
my back, tasting the baklava-like pastries, laughing at the girl chasing
her hen down the cobbled lane. Children playing noisily, laundry hanging
from upper stories of narrow houses, the scent of delicious, spicy food
wafting out open windows what a feast for the senses!
In a way, your wonderful story is like the story itself just as Frodo
and Pip wander the city, seeing beauty at every turn, at each twist in
your tale theres another gorgeous detail. The old woman sweeping the
floor with herbs and salt, to both banish evil and ensure a beautiful
scent, and the image of the ashes being carefully collected and used to
enrich the gardens of the city were particularly vivid. Your depiction
of the heartwarming ceremony of the re-opening of the bookshop,
symbolizing to Frodo and Pip the rebirth of the city, made me laugh with
delight. Thank you so much for such a lovely, uplifting story.
-----------------------------------
Title: [untitled] He: Gimli fic prompt #84 · Author: Thevina Finduilas ·
Races: Dwarves · ID: 718
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-04 23:36:52 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
Your use of language is extraordinary that whole first paragraph just
comes perfectly to life, with Gimlis hesitation to smoke in front of
the fastidious elves, his ruminations on the perceived difference
between Old Toby and Longbottom Leaf, the comforting, familiar scent.
Lovely!
Its also quite lovely the way you describe another comforting familiar
scent, leading us seamlessly to Gimlis loneliness and longing for his
companion. Who could have imagined that a subtle description of dwarvish
sex could be so unexpectedly erotic and tender? [fingers with jeweled
bands; deep, warm laughter; a long, plaited beard that trailed down his
abdomen to Gimli's most hidden parts.]
You are the only woman on this earth who could write this, and make it
so wondrously believable. Youve given us a new, vivid image of Gimli,
completely unlike what weve seen anywhere before.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Summons · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Times: The Great
Years: The Fellowship · ID: 254
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-05 08:29:27 Score: 5
Admin Edit Review
This is an interesting angle on two questions: what Boromir thought
about Aragorn on their journey, and what might have happened if they'd
turned up at MT together.
Of course Boromir would admire Aragorn's prowess, but whether he'd so
readily accept his claim to be top dog in Gondor is another question.
Boromir may respect Aragorn to an extent, but he never seems to be
particularly friendly to him ITB, either before or after the visit to
Lórien. Boromir has been raised as the heir to the Ruling Stewardship
and I don't think he'd relinquish that prospect at all easily. I think
it was very lucky for Aragorn that Boromir was killed off when he was.
Also, what part does the Ring pay in all this, I wonder?
-----------------------------------
Title: The Importance of Being a Hobbit · Author: Lamiel · Races:
Hobbits: War of the Ring · ID: 961
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-07-06 06:32:28 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
A delightful story about the Fellowship and how each member is needed if
the Quest is to succeed.I especially enjoyed the scene where Merry talks
to Aragorn and reflects how such a fearsome warrior can be so kindly to
him and feels somewhat inadequate.
-----------------------------------
Title: Evenstar · Author: Mar'isu · Times: The Great Years · ID: 856
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-06 13:27:48 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
I think that's beautiful and captures the spirit of the book very well
indeed. I was fascinated by the idea of Elrond seeing Elros in Aragorn.
Talk about skipping a generation!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-07-08 04:12:04 Score: 10
Admin Edit Review
I have read many stories set in the Houses of Healing when Faramir is
healed by Aragorn, but this one is far the best, the cream of the crop
by a long margin.
The writer sticks close to Tolkien's version and yet creates her own
unique and highly original version of the events.I love her use of
poetic and Tolkien like language.
It is told almost entirely in the first person from Aragorn's point of
view as he fights to overcome his extreme tiredness and heal the injured
Faramir and the others who need him.
We also catch a glimpse of Faramir's tortured mind as,assailed by
visions sent by the Dark Lord, he struggles through a barren rocky
landscape.
There are some stunning and touching scenes in this story, especially
when Aragorn finally clasps the injured Faramir in the dream world and
realises he has found a priceless jewel, the best Gondor has to offer.
The would be king is impressed and amazed by Faramir's
courage,intelligence and determination. This writer does not see Faramir
as a passive victim, but one who struggles, and with Aragorn's
help,survives against overwhelming odds.
Through saving Faramir, Aragorn also finds himself, the King he is meant
to be and he gains confidence that he will fulfil his destiny as the
heir of Elendil.
The story is full of lovely touches, such as the phantom Denethor trying
to confuse Faramir and Faramir's cleverness in overcoming him, the power
of the Elessar stone, and Aragorn's recognition of a kidred spirit, he
will need beside him in the future.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mellyn · Author: Pentangle · Genres: Drama · ID: 322
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-07-08 05:49:11 Score: 4
Admin Edit Review
A sweet and touching little Estel story about how the boy wins the heart
of Legolas and they become friends. I like the fact that Estel is an
active character here,as in so many stories he is a passive victim
needing help.Here, Legolas is the one in need of aid and the child
Aragorn rises to the occasion and gains a new friend,for Legolas was
wary before of befriending humans.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strike While the Iron is Hot · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres:
Humor: The Shire · ID: 234
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2006-07-10 13:39:44 Score: 5
Admin Edit Review
It's a war of pranks and no alliance can be trusted. Pippin gets to
shine here, in all his nonsensical wonder, and Freddy, after a summer of
playing one hobbit against another, finally gets what's coming to him.
The final prank is classic and is bound to go down in the books of
pranks past. Not everyone is fooled; Frodo uses his rascally skills to
see through the charade, and Saradoc guesses who the real culprit is.
The introduction to the story is timeless, almost like a documentary,
and the brief list of the various pranks played toward the end had me in
fits.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of Squirrels and Stolen Pies · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres:
Humor: Children · ID: 305
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2006-07-10 13:55:38 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
Pippin's enjoying a lovely day watching squirrels when Merry and the
older lads of Brandy Hall run past him and gift him with a pie. The only
thing is, the pie is stolen! Pippin's conversation with the pursuing
hobbits attempting to catch the culprits is the most hilarious thing.
While the other lads are hiding, worrying that Pippin might give them up
(except Merry, who knows Pippin well enough to know he won't say a
word), Pippin commences to confuse the daylights out of the pie theft
victims simply by being Pippin. He even manages to make the victims feel
guilty for trying to get their pie back! Merry steps in a just the right
moment to make sure that everyone gets away scot free, but Pippin is the
real hero here - and he doesn't even know it!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-10 23:42:00 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
I've read this through three times now because there was so much
beautiful stuff. Your Aragorn is so very strong. You certainly know your
appendices, but you've not just given us dry facts, you've used them to
weave a very three-dimensional Aragorn that is very canonical but also
leaps off the pages. His fears, his own ghosts from his past - very well
done. I also love your "dark vale".As someone who has struggled with
grief and depression and emotional exhaustion, I can tell you that the
metaphor of an endless wasteland was a very apt one and worked very well.
And the imagery here! The use of song especially, and the power of the
name, it all felt very, very Tolkienesque. All in all, very well done.
You've moved me, and that's not often done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mine · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 66
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-11 13:46:15 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
This is a sweet story, but it could concern any pair of little kids. I
don't see anything Midle-Earthy about it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Second Son · Author: Nesta · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond: Gondor
· ID: 843
Reviewer: Raihon · 2006-07-11 15:58:01 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
Great plot moment: Faramir's recognition and poignant memories of the
dead man hits like a punch to the gut. The "breaking the cycle" part
reflects Faramir's personality well.
-----------------------------------
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