Yahoo Forum Archive
This is an archive of the MEFA Yahoo Group, which was shut down by Yahoo in 2019. The archive can be sorted by month and by topic ID. You can use your browser to search by keyword within the month or topic you have open.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2004 | - | - | - | 182 | 1042 | 655 | 89 | 25 | 263 | 362 | 316 | 285 |
2005 | 189 | 56 | 107 | 538 | 347 | 446 | 97 | 276 | 194 | 358 | 565 | 136 |
2006 | 231 | 66 | 27 | 76 | 117 | 139 | 127 | 56 | 67 | 66 | 159 | 79 |
2007 | 20 | 25 | 7 | - | 29 | 72 | 99 | 143 | 3 | 185 | 83 | 103 |
2008 | 56 | 13 | 3 | 54 | 240 | 141 | 274 | 77 | 51 | 60 | 90 | 106 |
2009 | 28 | 3 | - | 39 | 194 | 101 | 72 | 27 | 22 | 15 | 36 | 24 |
2010 | 67 | - | 1 | 4 | 103 | 138 | 129 | 32 | 13 | 16 | 3 | 30 |
2011 | 1 | - | 17 | 2 | 6 | 25 | 90 | 61 | 32 | 7 | 5 | 8 |
2012 | 30 | - | - | - | 8 | 122 | 76 | - | - | - | - | - |
2013 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
2014 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 2 |
2015 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
2016 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
2017 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
2018 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
2019 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
Title: Legend · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 933
Reviewer: Raihon · 2006-07-11 16:02:43 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
Tightly written yet very expressive; an interesting reflection on the
differences between "then" and "now" in Eowyn's life. Though it is very
short, it really piles on a lot of layers in a way that works very well.
-----------------------------------
Title: Red River · Author: Altariel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 82
Reviewer: Raihon · 2006-07-11 16:16:19 Score: 4
Admin Edit Review
This is a gem of a short story with rich characterizations, tight
writing, and an interesting point. It's remarkable to be able to reveal
so much about the politics of Gondor, and to give a whole outsider
perspective on the events on the Pelennor, in so few words. I wonder why
it's in first person, though, since the author doesn't really use
Aragorn's inner voice to let us in on what he's thinking, except that
the Haradrim is so young. I really want to know what Aragorn is thinking
as he's being told this story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Last Rites · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Drama · ID: 80
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-13 00:45:12 Score: 7
Admin Edit Review
An intriguing setting, in time and place; it makes for a very intense
mood and helps to underscore the poignancy of the moment. The characters
and their relationships are as ever extremely well drawn, no matter if
they be canon or original characters; the dialogues are superb.
You deftly weave allusions and well-established facts from your other
stories (and others from the "Unabeauverse") into this one, so it
becomes even more layered, although you give enough information so it
could stand alone.
I particularly like how you describe Andrahar's mood and its
consequences for himself and others in the course of the narrative. It
is intriguing that in his grief, he should so firmly believe in the
Valar or the Sacred Fire when most of the time, he seems to be of such a
practical bent.
I believe my favourite parts were Andrahar's talk with Pippin and
Imrahil in the last chapter. I was continually blinking back tears. And
at the lines ["Yes. He was my lad."] and ["I should have liked to have
seen his sons."], they were falling in earnest.
-----------------------------------
Title: Rest and Recreation · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 700
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-13 00:47:33 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
Nice gapfiller, with good characterisations. Vivid description of the
fight. The humour of Boromir's (mis-)perceptions is used to great
effect. Wonderfully apt, ironic title.
-----------------------------------
Title: Man of the North · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 684
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-13 00:48:38 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
I like how Thengel thinks about the parallels between him and this
stranger, and how he has the heart and graciousness to give, too, what
he received in his turn. The comparisons and contrast are woven subtly
in to the narrative, without feeling forced.
-----------------------------------
Title: Aglarond · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Dwarves: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 68
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-13 00:49:17 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
I like how you used the vocabulary of poetry to describe another thing
of beauty: something done with artistry and love.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Last Yule in Halabor · Author: Soledad · Races: Men: Vignette
· ID: 166
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-13 00:50:51 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
Lovely detailed vignettes, each one full of life and depth and feeling.
I love how different they all are, and how exactly you describe the life
and work of those people. I'm impressed by the amount of research you
must have made, and which you so deftly wove into the story.
I admit I became sadder and sadder as the tales went on - just when I
got to know the people and began to care for quite a few of them, it
ended with those short sentences telling of death and grief and loss for
most of them. Perhaps it made the reality of the moments you described
all the more poignant and meaningful.
And I really appreciated that you didn't pull your punches when it came
to showing the bad moments of a life, the evil, petty, uncaring people;
as well as good moments and generous, affectionate, loving people.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sixteen Singing Eagles · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 678
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-13 00:52:42 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
You give each of the Eagles a distinct personality, yet despite their
ability to speak they always keep the typical behaviour and mannerisms
of birds of prey. Good use of humour.
-----------------------------------
Title: Revenge is a dish best served cold · Author: Lialathuveril ·
Genres: Humor · ID: 297
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-13 08:31:48 Score: 4
Admin Edit Review
I really laughed out loud at this, especially about Eomer finding the
sea creature in his bath, and about Imrahil not eating the octopus
himself. I always thought this octopus-in-its-own-ink was a disgusting
dish, but it's just the sort of thing that Dol Amroth, which must be in
a more or less Mediterranean latitude, would go for. I wonder if it was
served at Eomer and Lothiriel's wedding feast? And if so, who ate it?
-----------------------------------
Title: Fellowship of the Conkers · Author: Llinos · Genres: Humor · ID: 880
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-13 08:32:33 Score: 4
Admin Edit Review
A hilarious idea. The thought of Boromir and Aragorn solemnly facing up
to each other with conkers is absolutely delicious. Also the way the
hobbits use this humble game to cut Boromir down to size.
Only criticism - it goes on rather too long. Once the joke's been made,
it doesn't gain all that much by repetition.
Sadly, conkers doesn't seem to be much played in our part of the world
any more. The Health and Safety executive, that enemy of everything that
makes life worth living, has put the freezers on it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sums, Showers, and Scones · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits:
Pre-Quest · ID: 890
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 13:55:15 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
This was a pretty little vignette. Each character took on his assigned
role very well - Frodo always patient, Sam class-conscious and
weather-wise, Merry jolly and practical, Pippin enthusiastic and
mercurial - but showed us no more than their caricaturistic selves.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Taste of Diplomacy · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 939
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 14:09:45 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
The author accomplishes a very insightful balancing act in this story,
portraying Denethor on the cusp between boy- and manhood and showing both.
-----------------------------------
Title: Midwinter Rites · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 868
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 14:13:33 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
This is a lovely story, but ultimately disapointing, I'm sorry to say.
In each instance of remembrance, Tanaqui invents wonderfully unique and
appropriate rituals and adds a terrific note of Aragorn's practice of
them, but in the last resorts to fun but cliche activites that speak
more to snow than winter and the coming of a new year.
-----------------------------------
Title: Swan Dance · Author: Rhapsody · Times: First Age and Prior:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 797
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 14:18:56 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
The detached voice of the narrator creates a truly compelling work,
here. I found it both intriguing and frightening that he would
contemplate the grace of his motions, the sound of his sword, that his
victim is sliced or carved not simply killed, and that on his sword the
blood of the dead is mingling as he fought.
-----------------------------------
Title: Man of Gondor · Author: LittleHobbitGal · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 682
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 14:38:52 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
These are very interesting images - the rows upon rows of sleeping
souls, arranged so that those one knows are near, and Boromir still so
attached to life and to his brother that he cannot rest. But the kicker
is the ending - Mandos is so perfectly aloof and yet comforting, and
then he gives exactly the comfort that is needed. Very nice.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Hallowed Place of Both Peoples · Author: Imhiriel · Times:
Early Third Age: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 944
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 14:41:22 Score: 3
I always appreciate a drabble that sounds unrushed, not crammed into
form, and this is a lovely example. The language is formal, and
economical, but full, and brings this wonderfully regal character to life.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Letter Home · Author: Frodo Baggins of Bag End (Febobe) ·
Times: The Great Years: Gondor · ID: 978
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 14:44:14 Score: 1
I found this much too long and self-conscious.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ring Thoughts · Author: Nesta · Times: The Great Years · ID: 190
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 17:41:44 Score: 1
This was an interesting idea, but written too informally for me.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Consequences of Curiosity · Author: A L Milton · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 153
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-15 11:18:56 Score: 4
Oh, how I laughed out loud at this. Poor Aragorn, trying to be a good
friend without meaning to pry; Faramir, practically dying to gloat over
the delights of married life. I dont suppose Aragorn will look at many
things in the same way again. The Lady Corsair and the Captured
Emissary, indeed! I dont think I could look Faramir and Eowyn in the
eye again, either. Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Evenstar · Author: Mar'isu · Times: The Great Years · ID: 856
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-15 21:08:17 Score: 4
I found this a bit confusing, but then Elves have never been my forte. I
was intrigued by the premise, what a great subject, and interested in
the connection between Elros and Aragorn but confused by Arwen's bravado
in the face of death: "For we will all die, in time. Long or short, our
lives end." It was my understanding that she needn't die, actually, and
that most of her kin don't.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Stone's Lament · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Dwarves ·
ID: 53
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-15 21:17:42 Score: 5
This is a wonderful story - I particularly like those works that tease
open a little crack in the tale for us all to take a better look at and
this is a great example. The writer really catches Gimli's voice - not
the slightly clownish voice on film but the noble tones of the text,
with a couple of particularly notable examples - "light as leather" and
"I was silver ..." Only one moment clanked where it should have rung
"His words turned my world upside down." This is a pivotal moment,
depicted too jargonistically to my reading. Everything else was perfect.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strength of a River · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 513
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-16 10:41:53 Score: 5
A wistful tale, full of longing and nostalgia. I love the imagery of the
Rangers of Ithilien, taking their wary leisure by the river, recalling
the grace and beauty of Ithilien of days past. They speak of happy
memories of their own youth, or stories told to them as children, and
recent moments of fleeting enjoyment in the White City; but they do not
speak of the Shadow, and how they have pledged their lives in the
defense of their land Faramirs bittersweet memory of childhood
conversation with his mother and brother is a lovely element, reminding
us of she who was the source of Faramirs quiet strength.
-----------------------------------
Title: Threshold · Author: Mechtild · Genres: Romance: Incomplete · ID: 823
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-16 10:50:57 Score: 10
More, so much more, than a lush romance, this rich and satisfying tale
is full of color and scent, sight and sound, exquisite descriptions and
warm, unexpected characterizations.
Your descriptions of Frodo and Rosamundas amorous encounters are rich
and languourous. This is erotica at its very finest: full of tenderness
and passion, vividly idealized yet also honest and realistic. Well done!
It probably would not surprise you to find that my very favorite chapter
was actually The Hay-Cut. I have long wanted to write a story around
hay-cutting time; the luscious scent of new-mown hay; sunkissed,
muscular bodies, gleaming with sweat, all in rhythm; but what you have
here is more lively and vivid than anything I could have done. This
gorgeous description made me stop and gasp: [Step and swing, step and
swing, they advanced, keeping a steady rhythm, muscle sliding under
summer shirting. They moved across a field like a line of country
dancers, but their partner was the grass. It bent before their blades
and fell with a sigh like lasses. And lasses watched. And sighed, too.].
Thank you so much for writing a scene thats simmered and shimmered in
my imagination for so long!
Lastly, thank you for such an original and ingenious characterization of
Bilbo. You really made us feel his wistful envy of Frodo, his
recollections of his youth when he, too, had 'a way with the lasses',
and pangs of regret as he realizes that Frodo is now grown. Bilbos
recollection of giving Frodo his evening massage, and the sudden
realization that he would no longer have that pleasure, brought tears to
my eyes.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-16 10:52:47 Score: 10
On the very day that I had finally voiced out loud my fears that our
fandom was in decline, in terms of story quality, originality, and
attention to detail, I discovered this tale; and now my faith in the
fandom, its incredibly gifted and generous writers, has been restored.
The Falcon and the Star is a perfect example of a gap-filler: youve
taken a scene that Professor Tolkien chose to dismiss in few words, and
brought it to life with both extraordinary tenderness and vivid detail.
I could smell the reek, the acrid mist, of that dark land where Faramir
wandered alone. The imagery of Faramirs being continually attacked by
demons out of legend and finally being tempted by his greatest desire is
extraordinary.
The familiar quotations youve used to open each chapter are very well
chosen; I couldnt help imagining a vision of Faramir, being borne up
as on wings of eagles, by Aragorn's tireless loving care for a man he
had not yet met, but recognized instinctively and immediately by faith.
Thank you for all the care and love youve lavished on this tale. Im so
glad that you did not ever lose faith in it; and Im very grateful that
the fruits of your vision appeared as a blessing to me just at the
moment when I most needed it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Last Rites · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Drama · ID: 80
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-16 19:21:05 Score: 3
This is a very interesting and thoughtful exploration of an event - in
this case Boromir's death - the events and feelings that lead up to it,
and the inevitable reexamination of those things after. Very well and
thoughtfully played out.
-----------------------------------
Gondor · ID: 933
Reviewer: Raihon · 2006-07-11 16:02:43 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
Tightly written yet very expressive; an interesting reflection on the
differences between "then" and "now" in Eowyn's life. Though it is very
short, it really piles on a lot of layers in a way that works very well.
-----------------------------------
Title: Red River · Author: Altariel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 82
Reviewer: Raihon · 2006-07-11 16:16:19 Score: 4
Admin Edit Review
This is a gem of a short story with rich characterizations, tight
writing, and an interesting point. It's remarkable to be able to reveal
so much about the politics of Gondor, and to give a whole outsider
perspective on the events on the Pelennor, in so few words. I wonder why
it's in first person, though, since the author doesn't really use
Aragorn's inner voice to let us in on what he's thinking, except that
the Haradrim is so young. I really want to know what Aragorn is thinking
as he's being told this story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Last Rites · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Drama · ID: 80
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-13 00:45:12 Score: 7
Admin Edit Review
An intriguing setting, in time and place; it makes for a very intense
mood and helps to underscore the poignancy of the moment. The characters
and their relationships are as ever extremely well drawn, no matter if
they be canon or original characters; the dialogues are superb.
You deftly weave allusions and well-established facts from your other
stories (and others from the "Unabeauverse") into this one, so it
becomes even more layered, although you give enough information so it
could stand alone.
I particularly like how you describe Andrahar's mood and its
consequences for himself and others in the course of the narrative. It
is intriguing that in his grief, he should so firmly believe in the
Valar or the Sacred Fire when most of the time, he seems to be of such a
practical bent.
I believe my favourite parts were Andrahar's talk with Pippin and
Imrahil in the last chapter. I was continually blinking back tears. And
at the lines ["Yes. He was my lad."] and ["I should have liked to have
seen his sons."], they were falling in earnest.
-----------------------------------
Title: Rest and Recreation · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 700
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-13 00:47:33 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
Nice gapfiller, with good characterisations. Vivid description of the
fight. The humour of Boromir's (mis-)perceptions is used to great
effect. Wonderfully apt, ironic title.
-----------------------------------
Title: Man of the North · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 684
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-13 00:48:38 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
I like how Thengel thinks about the parallels between him and this
stranger, and how he has the heart and graciousness to give, too, what
he received in his turn. The comparisons and contrast are woven subtly
in to the narrative, without feeling forced.
-----------------------------------
Title: Aglarond · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Dwarves: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 68
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-13 00:49:17 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
I like how you used the vocabulary of poetry to describe another thing
of beauty: something done with artistry and love.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Last Yule in Halabor · Author: Soledad · Races: Men: Vignette
· ID: 166
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-13 00:50:51 Score: 6
Admin Edit Review
Lovely detailed vignettes, each one full of life and depth and feeling.
I love how different they all are, and how exactly you describe the life
and work of those people. I'm impressed by the amount of research you
must have made, and which you so deftly wove into the story.
I admit I became sadder and sadder as the tales went on - just when I
got to know the people and began to care for quite a few of them, it
ended with those short sentences telling of death and grief and loss for
most of them. Perhaps it made the reality of the moments you described
all the more poignant and meaningful.
And I really appreciated that you didn't pull your punches when it came
to showing the bad moments of a life, the evil, petty, uncaring people;
as well as good moments and generous, affectionate, loving people.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sixteen Singing Eagles · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 678
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-13 00:52:42 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
You give each of the Eagles a distinct personality, yet despite their
ability to speak they always keep the typical behaviour and mannerisms
of birds of prey. Good use of humour.
-----------------------------------
Title: Revenge is a dish best served cold · Author: Lialathuveril ·
Genres: Humor · ID: 297
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-13 08:31:48 Score: 4
Admin Edit Review
I really laughed out loud at this, especially about Eomer finding the
sea creature in his bath, and about Imrahil not eating the octopus
himself. I always thought this octopus-in-its-own-ink was a disgusting
dish, but it's just the sort of thing that Dol Amroth, which must be in
a more or less Mediterranean latitude, would go for. I wonder if it was
served at Eomer and Lothiriel's wedding feast? And if so, who ate it?
-----------------------------------
Title: Fellowship of the Conkers · Author: Llinos · Genres: Humor · ID: 880
Reviewer: Nesta · 2006-07-13 08:32:33 Score: 4
Admin Edit Review
A hilarious idea. The thought of Boromir and Aragorn solemnly facing up
to each other with conkers is absolutely delicious. Also the way the
hobbits use this humble game to cut Boromir down to size.
Only criticism - it goes on rather too long. Once the joke's been made,
it doesn't gain all that much by repetition.
Sadly, conkers doesn't seem to be much played in our part of the world
any more. The Health and Safety executive, that enemy of everything that
makes life worth living, has put the freezers on it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sums, Showers, and Scones · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits:
Pre-Quest · ID: 890
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 13:55:15 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
This was a pretty little vignette. Each character took on his assigned
role very well - Frodo always patient, Sam class-conscious and
weather-wise, Merry jolly and practical, Pippin enthusiastic and
mercurial - but showed us no more than their caricaturistic selves.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Taste of Diplomacy · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 939
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 14:09:45 Score: 2
Admin Edit Review
The author accomplishes a very insightful balancing act in this story,
portraying Denethor on the cusp between boy- and manhood and showing both.
-----------------------------------
Title: Midwinter Rites · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 868
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 14:13:33 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
This is a lovely story, but ultimately disapointing, I'm sorry to say.
In each instance of remembrance, Tanaqui invents wonderfully unique and
appropriate rituals and adds a terrific note of Aragorn's practice of
them, but in the last resorts to fun but cliche activites that speak
more to snow than winter and the coming of a new year.
-----------------------------------
Title: Swan Dance · Author: Rhapsody · Times: First Age and Prior:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 797
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 14:18:56 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
The detached voice of the narrator creates a truly compelling work,
here. I found it both intriguing and frightening that he would
contemplate the grace of his motions, the sound of his sword, that his
victim is sliced or carved not simply killed, and that on his sword the
blood of the dead is mingling as he fought.
-----------------------------------
Title: Man of Gondor · Author: LittleHobbitGal · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 682
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 14:38:52 Score: 3
Admin Edit Review
These are very interesting images - the rows upon rows of sleeping
souls, arranged so that those one knows are near, and Boromir still so
attached to life and to his brother that he cannot rest. But the kicker
is the ending - Mandos is so perfectly aloof and yet comforting, and
then he gives exactly the comfort that is needed. Very nice.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Hallowed Place of Both Peoples · Author: Imhiriel · Times:
Early Third Age: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 944
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 14:41:22 Score: 3
I always appreciate a drabble that sounds unrushed, not crammed into
form, and this is a lovely example. The language is formal, and
economical, but full, and brings this wonderfully regal character to life.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Letter Home · Author: Frodo Baggins of Bag End (Febobe) ·
Times: The Great Years: Gondor · ID: 978
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 14:44:14 Score: 1
I found this much too long and self-conscious.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ring Thoughts · Author: Nesta · Times: The Great Years · ID: 190
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-14 17:41:44 Score: 1
This was an interesting idea, but written too informally for me.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Consequences of Curiosity · Author: A L Milton · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 153
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-15 11:18:56 Score: 4
Oh, how I laughed out loud at this. Poor Aragorn, trying to be a good
friend without meaning to pry; Faramir, practically dying to gloat over
the delights of married life. I dont suppose Aragorn will look at many
things in the same way again. The Lady Corsair and the Captured
Emissary, indeed! I dont think I could look Faramir and Eowyn in the
eye again, either. Well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Evenstar · Author: Mar'isu · Times: The Great Years · ID: 856
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-15 21:08:17 Score: 4
I found this a bit confusing, but then Elves have never been my forte. I
was intrigued by the premise, what a great subject, and interested in
the connection between Elros and Aragorn but confused by Arwen's bravado
in the face of death: "For we will all die, in time. Long or short, our
lives end." It was my understanding that she needn't die, actually, and
that most of her kin don't.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Stone's Lament · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Dwarves ·
ID: 53
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-15 21:17:42 Score: 5
This is a wonderful story - I particularly like those works that tease
open a little crack in the tale for us all to take a better look at and
this is a great example. The writer really catches Gimli's voice - not
the slightly clownish voice on film but the noble tones of the text,
with a couple of particularly notable examples - "light as leather" and
"I was silver ..." Only one moment clanked where it should have rung
"His words turned my world upside down." This is a pivotal moment,
depicted too jargonistically to my reading. Everything else was perfect.
-----------------------------------
Title: Strength of a River · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 513
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-16 10:41:53 Score: 5
A wistful tale, full of longing and nostalgia. I love the imagery of the
Rangers of Ithilien, taking their wary leisure by the river, recalling
the grace and beauty of Ithilien of days past. They speak of happy
memories of their own youth, or stories told to them as children, and
recent moments of fleeting enjoyment in the White City; but they do not
speak of the Shadow, and how they have pledged their lives in the
defense of their land Faramirs bittersweet memory of childhood
conversation with his mother and brother is a lovely element, reminding
us of she who was the source of Faramirs quiet strength.
-----------------------------------
Title: Threshold · Author: Mechtild · Genres: Romance: Incomplete · ID: 823
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-16 10:50:57 Score: 10
More, so much more, than a lush romance, this rich and satisfying tale
is full of color and scent, sight and sound, exquisite descriptions and
warm, unexpected characterizations.
Your descriptions of Frodo and Rosamundas amorous encounters are rich
and languourous. This is erotica at its very finest: full of tenderness
and passion, vividly idealized yet also honest and realistic. Well done!
It probably would not surprise you to find that my very favorite chapter
was actually The Hay-Cut. I have long wanted to write a story around
hay-cutting time; the luscious scent of new-mown hay; sunkissed,
muscular bodies, gleaming with sweat, all in rhythm; but what you have
here is more lively and vivid than anything I could have done. This
gorgeous description made me stop and gasp: [Step and swing, step and
swing, they advanced, keeping a steady rhythm, muscle sliding under
summer shirting. They moved across a field like a line of country
dancers, but their partner was the grass. It bent before their blades
and fell with a sigh like lasses. And lasses watched. And sighed, too.].
Thank you so much for writing a scene thats simmered and shimmered in
my imagination for so long!
Lastly, thank you for such an original and ingenious characterization of
Bilbo. You really made us feel his wistful envy of Frodo, his
recollections of his youth when he, too, had 'a way with the lasses',
and pangs of regret as he realizes that Frodo is now grown. Bilbos
recollection of giving Frodo his evening massage, and the sudden
realization that he would no longer have that pleasure, brought tears to
my eyes.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-16 10:52:47 Score: 10
On the very day that I had finally voiced out loud my fears that our
fandom was in decline, in terms of story quality, originality, and
attention to detail, I discovered this tale; and now my faith in the
fandom, its incredibly gifted and generous writers, has been restored.
The Falcon and the Star is a perfect example of a gap-filler: youve
taken a scene that Professor Tolkien chose to dismiss in few words, and
brought it to life with both extraordinary tenderness and vivid detail.
I could smell the reek, the acrid mist, of that dark land where Faramir
wandered alone. The imagery of Faramirs being continually attacked by
demons out of legend and finally being tempted by his greatest desire is
extraordinary.
The familiar quotations youve used to open each chapter are very well
chosen; I couldnt help imagining a vision of Faramir, being borne up
as on wings of eagles, by Aragorn's tireless loving care for a man he
had not yet met, but recognized instinctively and immediately by faith.
Thank you for all the care and love youve lavished on this tale. Im so
glad that you did not ever lose faith in it; and Im very grateful that
the fruits of your vision appeared as a blessing to me just at the
moment when I most needed it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Last Rites · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Drama · ID: 80
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-07-16 19:21:05 Score: 3
This is a very interesting and thoughtful exploration of an event - in
this case Boromir's death - the events and feelings that lead up to it,
and the inevitable reexamination of those things after. Very well and
thoughtfully played out.
-----------------------------------
If you have any questions about the archive, or would like to report a technical problem, please contact Aranel (former MEFA Tech Support and current Keeper of the Archive) at araneltook@mefawards.org or at the MEFA Archive group..