Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Imrahil's Daughter · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 183
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-19 00:58:30
A very enjoyable sequel to The Healer and the Warrior. I dont know if
its something you mentioned in one of your stories, or if its
something I read elsewhere: the fact that all of Eomers happiness is
built on the loss of the two men he most loved and admired. In this
story I was particularly impressed by your depiction of Eomer learning
how to be a king  unsure as to how to ask Gondors aid for his
devastated country; how to comfort and encourage his severely wounded
men; how to organize the rebuilding of the kingdom of Rohan. Theoden and
Theodred would have been so proud, but certainly not surprised, of his
growing confidence and leadership skill.

I also like the way youve portrayed him as particularly clueless, in an
endearing way, about the obvious fact that Lothiriel *is* the woman for
him, from both a coolly political, and feverishly personal standpoint.
She's hit him like a ton of bricks, and he doesn't even realize it, poor
dear.

As for Lothiriel herself, I howled out loud with laughter over this:
[She didnt take any notice of his interjection but went on as if giving
a lecture on salve cooking. It never added up. If you really think
about it then it is rather unappetizing. I was always curious why people
should find something like it worth striving for. Now I know it can be
pleasant.] Shades of Hermione Grainger!
-----------------------------------
Title: Necessity and Desire · Author: Gwynnyd · Times: The Great Years ·
ID: 173
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-19 01:33:40
Excellent gap filler weaving together plot elements straight from
Tolkien and explaining how it all MUST have happened. Well written, and
carefully thought through.

I enjoyed Boromir's first sight of Elves. Surely he must have wondered
if they even existed at all.

I particularly liked the interplay between Elladan and Elrohir and their
foster brother, and your portrait of Arwen. The description of the
intimacy between her and Aragorn was very well done.

Gandalfs apprentice
-----------------------------------
Title: The Still Point · Author: stultiloquentia · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor · ID: 87
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-19 01:34:50
Evocative language, powerful emotions carry this tale of Aragorn and
Arwen's wedding night. You capture both the joy and sorrow of their
marriage. I don't myself see Arwen's becoming mortal as some sudden
thing that comes with the loss of virginity, but it is a valid
interpretation. Nice job.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Consequences of Curiosity · Author: A L Milton · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 153
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-19 01:37:11
A delightful take on "my hands are ungentle." I got a big chuckle out of it.

And frankly it's nice to see some of the kink being attributed to het
relationships! Why should slash have all the fun? Both Eowyn (off stage)
and Faramir are totally in character here.

Just one complaint: I really don't think Aragorn was as slow on the
uptake as all that.

Gandalfs apprentice
-----------------------------------
Title: Spring Rites · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Romance: Rohan · ID: 842
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-19 02:05:36
What fabulous imagery! The throbbing, primal music; the garishly painted
and oiled bodies of the dancers, the ancient rite to determine the
master of the pack  how thrilling and barbaric it must have seemed to
the gently reared princess. I cant remember many ficlets that have
packed such a sensory extravaganza into so few words. Wow.
-----------------------------------
Title: Gaiety in Gondor · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 563
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-19 02:20:02
*wipes eyes from laughing*

I remember getting such a kick out of this back at Yule, when you first
posted it, and it certainly hasnt lost any of its punch. I love the
fact that the normally staid Faramir is the one who has misinterpreted
his lieges request, with such startling (and entertaining) results.

[I could find only twenty suitably gay Gondorians; after the sad losses
of the War&]

Yes indeed, Boromirs loss was keenly felt throughout all corners of the
White City... *ducks*
-----------------------------------
Title: Stolen · Author: Meril · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 46
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-19 04:02:57
This story is not for the faint-hearted, but it is true to JRRT's
vision, and a fine piece of writing.

This is a terrifying might-have-been that describes the slow and ghastly
conquest of Galadriel and all she loved by the victorious Sauron.

Somebody go kiss Sam and Frodo, for the horrors they prevented by
getting that Ring to Orodruin. And even poor damned little Gollum played
a crucial part, if only to stop something like this.

Fearfully good story, with magnificent, searing descriptions. And very
good characterisation of Galadriel herself, holding on to her pride and
courage long after she should have broken.
-----------------------------------
Title: That Which Remains Us · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama:
Remembering · ID: 749
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-19 04:37:09
A superb, elegantly and intricately written tale of Faramir's last,
bittersweet encounter with his father, a few weeks after the coronation
of their successor in Gondor's rule.

There are so many threads in this tapestry that it's hard to summarize
how it works, but the author is a mistress of the multi-faceted,
understated, drama, so most of it does work, and quite brilliantly. (the
Denethor/Thorongil relationship is also touched upon, and delivers a
surprise at the end)

The plot device of Faramir's finding Denethor's trunk, and its contents,
is employed quite well here. When Faramir discovers those contents, he
learns that he and his father were more alike than even he realized, and
finds the root of his father's disappointment in him.

The line [rue the day that he was born] is particularly haunting, but,
as is shown, Faramir is no weakling and can bear its implications. The
curious peace he makes with his father is moving, and credible.

A must for Faramirists, and a good, thoughtful story for any LOTR fan.


-----------------------------------
Title: Last Defence of the City · Author: Branwyn · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 96
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-19 04:43:50
This Alternate Universe road is one most readers, and people of Gondor,
would wish Denethor had taken. The writer has shown Denethor as the man
he could have been, and should have been, but for the fatal combination
of his overweening pride and Sauron's palantir-borne influence, a man
strong and proud, but still graced with the humility of his office and
responsibility, a man who places his duty above his personal sorrow.

Denethor's treatment of Pippin is particularly well-written here, the
mutual interest and kindness they felt toward each other bears fruit in
Denethor's disposition - by allowing Pippin to keep his own pride in his
service as a Guard, while sending him to a place of at least temporary
safety.

And there's an implication of Denethor's ferocity in the use of the
adjective [snarling] in his orders to the servants bearing his
unconscious son, a subtle and effective touch.

The last line is particularly moving - and very appropriate.
-----------------------------------
Title: An Exaltation of Larks · Author: Ibilover · Times: The Great
Years · ID: 178
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-19 12:18:03
I love books, words and "The Lord of the Rings," and this tale gives me
the opportunity to enjoy all three. So beautifully in character, too,
for all the members of the Fellowship. I particularly appreciate the
making of a story out of wordplay, leading up to the Hobbitpile.

Just one complaint: the "aught" etc. in Aragorn's and Boromir's speech
sounds stilted.

Gandalfs apprentice
-----------------------------------
Title: Home Again · Author: Súlriel · Times: Early Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 863
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-19 12:23:08
I discovered cats and The Lord of the Rings at about the same time in my
life, and it's a delight to be able to appreciate them together. A
perfect portrait of a feline, and a beautifully wrought drabble--every
word just what it should be.

Gandalfs apprentice
-----------------------------------
Title: Fear and Loathing in Middle Earth · Author: vladazhael · Genres:
Humor: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 407
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-19 12:26:46
Hilarious! It's a challenge, telling Tolkien's tale of heroic romance
mixed with Hobbit plainness in the style of the gonzo journalist. But
you did it.

Gandalfs apprentice
-----------------------------------
Title: Gondor Needs No King · Author: Ribby · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 207
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-19 12:31:44
A remarkable drabble that sets up an entirely AU tale in 100 words. The
best chosen words are "wolfish and predatory." Your backstory is
suggested also--and the reader has to expect Boromir to soon do away
with his father, as well, with that Ring winking on his finger. Well done!

Gandalfs apprentice
-----------------------------------
Title: A Matter of Honor · Author: meckinock · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 208
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-07-19 19:54:49
I find this fic very enjoyable. At first glance, I wondered why it was
in the "Cross-Cultural" section. But then I realised that this is
actually something which plays a huge part in the story. Different
characters, humans and a hobbit, are exposed to Rivendell and the Elvish
culture, and we see how it affects them. We see that Rivendell, although
it is a beautiful place, is just a part of the world in which much is
preserved, but events outside still happen. I have rarely seen this
aspect of the book being portrayed so beautifully and true to the book
in fanfic. In the latest chapter, we also see the Dunédain interacting
with Dunlendings, and there are cultural differences that will
doubtlessly cause troubles in later chapters. I am looking forward to
seeing this fic develop!

Halbarad is a character about whom Tolkien does not tell us much, so
writers have a certain amount of freedom in portraying him. The Halbarad
whom Meckinock created is a strong character: he shows great loyalty for
Aragorn, yet chooses to ignore his orders if Aragorn endangers himself.
The portrayal of Gandalf is spot-on, too: he has the humour and
snarkyness we know from Tolkien, mixed with a great understanding for
others. The OC Dudo, a hobbit, is well-developed in his reaction to
experiencing very "un-hobbitlike" things.
-----------------------------------
Title: Come When You Are Ready · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Alternate
Universe · ID: 795
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-19 21:20:48
The build-up of tension is handled deftly, letting the reader wonder
what is going on along with Denethor. Faramir's thoughts about his
father's feet are particularly affecting and haunting, as well as
Denethor's last thoughts.

-----------------------------------
Title: That Immortal Sea · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 265
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-19 21:24:07
Evocative and chilling. The contrast between such peaceful pictures like
sheep or summer flowers and their destruction by the unstoppable waters
is particularly effective.
-----------------------------------
Title: Respite · Author: Nesta · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 750
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-19 22:44:20
A lovely snapshot of newlyweds Faramir and Eowyn in a quiet moment of
happiness.

I've read a few fanfics where Eowyn is written as chafing at the
restraints of over-proper and prim Gondorian society; so it was a
delight to read this story, where Eowyn is shown to be more concerned
with propriety than her passionate husband. It makes sense; for
Tolkien's Eowyn kept herself on a very tight rein, emotionally, until
overwhelmed by pain and longing. And Tolkien wrote her as saddened by
the physical decline of the House of Eorl, of appearances as well as
reality.

Eowyn's love for Faramir is also written as well as his more obvious
passion; she loves him completely. Her emotional hoarding of the moment
of pure joy is extremely poignant; this is a woman who is new to
happiness, and on some level seems to expect it to be taken from her.
The line about her feeling pain when separated from Faramir reinforces
the fragility and fierceness of Eowyn's love - the writer does not
forget that Eowyn is a complex character.


-----------------------------------
Title: Ring Thoughts · Author: Nesta · Times: The Great Years · ID: 190
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-19 22:47:56
Here's a storyline I haven't seen before in Tolkien fanfic - part of the
LOTR saga from the POV of the Ring of Power itself.

The writer spins a very entertaining tale. The Ring's voice is captured
well, sly and wickedly funny but utterly, ruthlessly, evil. It evaluates
the Fellowship, and picks a prospect to stalk and bedevil and finally
capture. Later, in Ithilien, it happily sets its sights on Faramir, but
finds [kid brother] less easy to ensnare than poor Boromir.

There are a few anachronisms, but they don't really affect the reader's
enjoyment of this unusual story.
-----------------------------------
Title: 17 Cunning Corsairs · Author: stefaniab · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 244
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-19 22:54:32
This is a charming ficlet which presents an endearing portrait of young
Lothiriel, a child who daydreams about Corsairs as romantic adventurers
coming to set her free from parental restraints. The story, while
cleverly incorporating the prerequisite subject matter [Seventeen
Cunning Corsairs] demanded by the challenge, highlights the child's
unusual imagination and high-spirited personality, both of which will
one day make her a fitting queen for a Horse Lord and his people.

Good descriptions; particularly of the contrast between the storied
Elven ships and the dreaded Corsair fleet. And a good ending, though not
the one for which Lothiriel had wished.

I really enjoyed this story; it's a rarity among Lord of the Rings
fanfiction and the growing subsection of Lothiriel stories.
-----------------------------------
Title: Mine · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 66
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-20 06:39:43
A wonderful little story of sibling rivalry in its most basic form,
between the sons of Denethor. Only they're not grown men competing for
their father's love, but a baby who has unwittingly stolen his big
brother's favorite toy and the distressed older brother who wants his
toy back.

Luckily, the children have a sensible nanny, from whose gentle but firm
viewpoint the tale is told.

Boromir is well-written here, he is outraged, but good-hearted and
well-taught enough not to physically harm the baby brother who is
maltreating the precious toy. His desire to cherish the toy is a
charming reflection of the nanny's own care of himself.

And of course, the way Boromir refers to his younger brother as "that
baby" when he's angry at him, seems very real as well as quite funny.


-----------------------------------
Title: The Tenth Walker · Author: Lindelea · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 198
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-20 06:50:48
This is a fine story, one I really hope will be updated and eventually
finished - the tale of the Fellowship, as seen through the eyes of Bill
The Pony. Or at least part of FOTR; though after reading what the writer
has done so far, I want to find out what happens to Bill after he and
the Fellowship part ways.

The writer seems to have a thorough understanding of ponies and their
needs and desires. The affectionate rapport that develops between Bill
and Sam is believable, especially after details of Bill's prior life
with the unpleasant Ferny emerge.

A cleverly written, engrossing story. I want more.
-----------------------------------
Title: Trust · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama · ID: 216
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-20 07:03:24
I don't think this story works quite as well as many of the writer's
other pieces; but not because of any lack of skill in the writing, but
because it is somewhat dependant on other stories for its full impact.
The story is part of a long and complicated series centering on Boromir
and the people who he loves and those he leaves behind.

The writing is excellent, the story as convoluted as that of any
real-life family, only the stakes are higher than most.

To my mind, this is a variant Tolkien universe, and one of the most
richly drawn I've seen in fanfiction. Boromir and some of the other
characters wrestle with the issue of trust, and are ensnared in the
suspicions carried and caused through and by the past.

The most poignant, sharply painful moment for me, as a reader was
Boromir's realization that he cannot tell his lover of the sorrow that
is oppressing him - the knowledge he gained (in an earlier story in the
series, not fully reiterated here) about the true cause of Finduilas'
death, not without causing death as well as sorrow.

-----------------------------------
Title: The Tracks of Time · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet Featuring Legolas or Thranduil · ID: 60
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-07-20 07:23:37
I am not a Legolas fan,but this story truly made me feel for the Elf as
he watches those around him gradually age.I think anyone past the first
flush of youth with epathise with the Silvan Elf here, babies seem to
turn overnight into teenagers,once hale and hearty adults grow frail and
old.Legolas has the problem of a child born to elderly parents or raised
by grandparents,the tragedy of seeing those he loves gradually fade and die.
It must be a bittersweet fate to be immortal and watch all around you
change and decay while you remain forever young.
Time stops in its tracks for no man ,and it says a great of Legolas'
devotion to Aragorn,Faramir, Gimli ,the Hobbits and Eowyn that he will
stay and watch them die,as all mortals must, rather than escaping to
Valinor now,while they yet live and being spared the pain of parting.
I found myself humming the song "Sunrise,Sunset" from "Fiddler on the
Roof" while reading this with its theme of swiftly flying years."Swiftly
fly the days,seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers, blossoming even as
we gaze"
As it says in the Bible"All flesh is as grass" When we see others
growing older we wonder where the years went and this ficlet captures
the feeling beautifully.
-----------------------------------
Title: Gaiety in Gondor · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 563
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-07-20 07:51:18
I have to say I hate slash and never read it, but this was so funny and
did not involve any of Tolkien's named canon characters,(one hopes that
Legolas and GImli) are "gay" here in the old fashioned sense) that I
could not help but like it and laughed out loud in several places.
Poor Aragorn,he is using the word "gay" in the way I remember in my
youth while Faramir took it in the modern sense.
Poor Aragorn having to evade the flirtatious glances of a Swan Knight !I
can just see his eyebrows being raised,while even the devoted Faramir
will not dance with any save his wife to divert Pongohil's attentions.
I could just see the dangers in my mind's eye and the characters' reactions.
Poor Faramir tries so hard to please but on this occasion he has
misunderstood Aragorn completely in adding some gaitety to the Court.
Poor Faramir,immediately thinking of his father at the mildest rebuke
from Aragorn.At least Aragorn can see the funny side !
-----------------------------------
Title: Theme and Variations · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 784
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-07-20 07:59:32
A delightful story as the good citizens of Minas Tirith speculate about
their new King's ways and past history.though I do not personally
believe that Aragorn ever had any other lady friends . I love the
relationship between Aragorn and Faramir ,the way Aragorn's ranger ways
scandalise the servants and the Hobbits reactions to Arwen.A most
enjoyable read.
-----------------------------------