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Title: The Gift of Time · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 812
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-21 08:56:36
A brief but brilliant portrait of Arathorn bringing the news of a
Ranger's death to the dead man's young son. We see Arathorn's kindness
in not telling the boy the complete truth of how the man was painfully
slain by orcs, and his wisdom in the way he treats the boy not as a
child but as a boy who will one day come to fight in his father's place.

It strikes the reader all the harder when Arathorn thinks of his own
infant son, and that son growing up to be a warrior, and that the two of
them will have time to know each other, despite the perils that can
befall a Chieftain of the Dunedain.

Good story.
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Title: The Lost · Author: Altariel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 181
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-21 11:15:45


The story is part of a series about the House of the Stewards and the
House of Dol Amroth, to which several authors have contributed. And it's
one of my favorites.

Isabeau of Greenlea's "Noble Jewel" introduced Brandmir, the 11-year-old
son Boromir never knew he had. Here, in its sequel, Faramir meets his
nephew, who has been adopted by Boromir's erstwhile lover Andrahar,
Arms-master of the Swan Knights and sworn brother to Imrahil.

The story is beautifully written, unfolding like a dark, then bright
flower, with excellent characterisation of Faramir. The boy is the
unwitting catalyst for reflection not just on Boromir's death, but on
the cycle of sorrow and love, from Denethor and Finduilas to their sons,
as the echoes of tragedy that have scarred Faramir now shadow his
nascent relationship with his beloved brother's only child.

The tale of how Faramir copes with the discovery of the boy and the
memories that Brand evokes is a suspenseful family drama and a showcase
of Faramir's own quality.


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Title: A Message and a Bottle · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 89
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-21 11:28:24
Lovely story that expresses a wish probably dear to most readers' hearts
- that there be a message sent to Frodo in Aman from the friends and kin
he left behind in Middle-earth. The story is well written and not as
sentimental as it could have been in lesser hands; the hobbits deftly
characterized. I loved the description of the progress of the bottle
down the River to the Sea and West. The ending is particularly good, the
narration, tone, the weaving of the hobbits' joy with the dialogue
between Yavanna and Ulmo an inspired and excellent touch.
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Title: Iridescence · Author: Larner · Times: The Great Years: Vignette ·
ID: 121
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-21 11:35:58
This is a delightful vignette of the four hobbits finding something
unexpectedly strange and beautiful in a stranger's home in Minas Tirith.

The excited, reverent attitude of the Gondorians towards the four famous
halflings is very well written here, as is the hobbit's courteous but
unassuming response.

The writer captures the details of every day life, and the significance
of legends and the legendary as both brighten the routine of daily life,
quite well.
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Title: Fair, Strong and Cold · Author: Ellethill · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 751
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-21 11:43:09
Faramir and Eowyn's fabled romance takes an AU turn here: they do not
fall in love in the Houses of Healing; but rather are brought together
in an arranged marriage.

The writer shows the gradual thawing of the Steward and the White Lady,
from their meeting, haunted by tragedy, in the Houses, to their eventual
awakening to liking, friendship and finally, love. In lesser hands, the
story would have taken a leap into action, with some great danger to
force the couple's feelings to ignite. But the writer's path, where the
changes in Faramir and Eowyn's hearts are visible but subtle, and happen
in increments rather than all at once, is true and makes the final
payoff all the more convincing and joyful.

The author makes a worthy effort to write in a style reminiscent of
Tolkien's, which enhances the story and is all the more remarkable
considering that English is not the writer's native language.

Fans of Faramir and Eowyn, and of Romance in Middle-earth, should enjoy
this story.
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Title: Fond Memory · Author: Isil Elensar · Genres: Drama: The Steward's
Family · ID: 331
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-07-21 14:53:55
I always love it when Isil writes a Faramir who he remembers his mother
with so much love. There is a certain tenderness the author appeals on
and it is well explored herel. To me their grief has slowly grown into
missing their mother and pain is replaced by warm thoughts and feelings,
even towards their father. Gently written and the end of it came too soon!
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Title: Father and Daughter · Author: Imhiriel · Times: First Age and
Prior · ID: 943
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-21 16:06:24
There aren't enough good Galadriel stories, and this is one of them.
Though, obviously, it is also a Finarfin story. Quietly intense,
conveying the sorrow of Finarfin's position, as he prepares to leave his
only surviving child behind in Middle-earth and go back and tell his
wife of the fates of their children.


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Title: The Fords of Isen · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Adventure · ID: 41
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-22 03:12:19
I really like this story. Usually ghosts in Tolkien fanfic don't work
for me because what Tolkien told us about the ghosts not normally
lingering in Middle-earth. But I can see Rohirrim, especially rural ones
like the old couple in this story, having less than full knowledge of
those truths. More to the point, the action and horror and sense of
desperation is palpable. I love what you've done with Boromir's
battle-lust in particular. That was a nice connection to use, and it was
really effective.
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Title: A Little Thing · Author: Acacea · Times: Early Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 75
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-07-22 03:55:54
This piece was written for "The Life Aquatic" challenge on the
Tolkien_weekly community, and what an amazing response to that prompt!
It is a tiny gapfiller about the years when the Ring was lost in the
Anduin. The writing is beautifully spare, written from the point of view
of the water creatures. When I read this, I can almost see the silent,
underwater world of the river bed.

The Ring comes to rest beside a water fern. The Ring gives power to each
according to their stature; so the water fern, without mind or will, is
given long life but nothing else. I like that the wild creatures
instinctively know to stay away from the golden ring; among the many
hazards in their short lives, they sense that this glinting object is
the most perilous.

This intriguing piece is one of my favorite drabbles.

-----------------------------------
Title: A Letter Home · Author: Frodo Baggins of Bag End (Febobe) ·
Times: The Great Years: Gondor · ID: 978
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-07-22 04:25:55
Hobbits do seem to take a healthy interest in each other's doings, so I
laughed when Samwise asks the Gaffer to make certain that someone
discreet (and *not* Bessie Puddifoot) reads the letter to him.

Samwise's edits to his letter are amusing and believable. No, I don't
suppose he would be very good at spelling, and his slips into familiar
forms of address ("Strider") also make sense. It was a nice touch to
have him scratch out the unfamiliar "orc" and replace it with "goblin,"
a term with which the Gaffer is more likely familiar.

It is very much in character for Samwise to ask the healers of Gondor
for some ointment for the Gaffer's arthritis. His love and concern for
his old father are evident throughout the books; and after the War, he
would want to send a letter with news of his safety as soon as possible.

(By the way, the "cambrick" tea made me smile. My mother used to make it
for me. :-)
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Title: Promise · Author: Vana Tuivana · Genres: Romance: Poetry · ID: 643
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-07-22 05:04:00
I had never read anything by Vana Tuivana before, so this poem was a
lovely surprise. The unexpected line breaks and free use of punctuation
make the poem feel slightly off-balance and uneasy, which is appropriate
for a poem about Nerdanel and the tempermental Feanor.

[On a day
in spring (such
spring as there can be
in a place which knows no
winter)...]

The rise and fall of the action (Feanor's approach to Nerdanel, his
promises, and her acceptance of his promises) are reflected in the form
of the poem on the page. The lines lengthen, reach a peak, then dwindle
down to the final line, which consists of a single word --"sorrow."

The gift of a flower seems to be a metaphor for Feanor's passion (the
flower is pink and white, and his skin is both pale and flushed from his
strong emotions). The poem is tightly constructed so that the flower and
Feanor's promises are repeated in lines in the first, second and final
stanzas.

A beautiful piece of writing.





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Title: Swan Dance · Author: Rhapsody · Times: First Age and Prior:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 797
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-07-22 05:37:57
This is a very insightful and thought provoking drabble. You portrayed a
son of Feanor in a way fitting for each of them. This is also
beautifully written. I marveled at the elegant language of this tale.

Excellently done!
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Title: A Gift of Tears · Author: vladazhael · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 615
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-07-22 05:50:35
I find this story very powerful, full of sadness and determination. You
explored the tragedy of an elven family with gentleness, yet you gave a
reader a vivid picture, if I may say so, of emotions and the influence
of death, which is always difficult to achieve in my opinion. You did
Haldir justice bringing a portrayal of a warrior and a friend, who had
this terrible task to accomplish. Combined with a heart-wrenching
portrayal of a mourning sister, you doubled the range of emotions in
your story making it very emotive. Great job!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Fading of a Star · Author: Minuialeth · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 219
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-07-22 06:01:56
The voice you gave Erestor is like a helpless weeping. This story
described the difficulty of a relationship between an elf and a human
with all tragedy hidden behind it, not to mention that it presented the
theme in a very evocative and beautiful way. This is very poignant and
wonderfully done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Son of Finwë · Author: Minuialeth · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 193
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-07-22 06:10:23
He knew that he would not survive, yet he faced his certain death,
setting his royal blood, valor and courage on the scale. A true son of
Finwe, and you presented his thoughts in a way that brought tears to my
eyes. Splendidly done! The usage of words was elegant and very powerful.
Brava!
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Title: To The Abyss · Author: Minuialeth · Times: The Great Years:
Poetry · ID: 403
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-07-22 06:21:31
This is a very interesting, atmospheric piece of poetry and it captured
the moment very well. It flows very nicely and I'm really amazed at its
lyrical quality, knowing that English is not your first language. Very
good work!
-----------------------------------
Title: Birthday Kisses · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late Third
Age · ID: 59
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-07-22 06:51:53
This is a bittersweet little story about Faramir's sixth birthday told
from Prince Imrahil's pont of view.

Faramir's birthday celebrations are muted because of the recent death of
his mother and one can only imagine how sad and lonely the little boy
must have felt without her,as well as missing the usual festivities a
son of the Ruling Steward could expect on his birthday.

Poor Faramir has even been deprived of his mother's dog which he was
fond of as Denethor had sent her away with Prince Imrahil,unable to bear
the sight of her.I suppose we should be thankful,poor Finduilas didn't
come from a culture where pets were buried with their owners.
Denethor has however relented sufficeiently to allow Faramir a puppy
from his mother's dog's litter.

The little dog immediately licks Faramir's face, foreshadowing how he
will become a tamer of both man and beast.

Sweet though it is that boy and puppy should bond, Imrahil notes sadly
that Denethor does not show poor Faramir the affection a young child
badly needs.

It is his Father's love that Faramir requires to help him to come to
terms with the loss of Finduilas.

Sadly,we know that later events prove this is one gift Denethor remains
unwilling or unable to offer.Faramir must be content with a puppy.
-----------------------------------
Title: Letters in the sand · Author: Rhapsody · Races: Elves: Feanorians
· ID: 176
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-07-22 08:49:57
This is an amazing and original story, from the first line to the last.
It's also a very lyrical piece of prose, so fitting for Maglor. You gave
an insightful portrayal of him, describing the scars his soul possessed
and his darker side, along with the backdrop of the Valar's involvement
in his fate.

Letters can be drawn not only with a gentle stroke of a quill, or by
trailing one's fingertip in the sand, but also with a sharp draw of a
chisel, and those engraved in Maglor's soul were such cruelly written ones.

Remarkable read!
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Title: Lightly Sings the Wind · Author: Ellie · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 799
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-07-22 09:44:32
This is an excellent description of despair. It's full of sadness and
yet hope, it's very emotional and heartwarming at the same time.

Earwen's pain was palpable. She couldn't see anything, besides her loss,
even though those around her tried to convince her she was not alone in
her suffering. I love how you portrayed Finarfin. He was brave,
honorable, caring and loyal, even if he had to face the same, or maybe
even worse, tragedy and loss of his relatives and friends. His
compassion and love were compelling, and in the end fruited in such a
life changing decision.

Outstandingly done!
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Title: Shin to Toe to Thigh to Mind · Author: Talasi · Genres: Romance ·
ID: 369
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-07-22 09:59:54
The very air in this story seemed thick with tension and anticipation.
Wonderful imagery! It's so sensual and not overdone, it flowed
beautifully, and the song you've chosen was perfect for the description
of Haldir. Now I have an image of him I will never forget.

Your words invoke very strong emotions. Brava!
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Title: The Will · Author: LydiaB · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 770
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-07-22 10:40:04
Very clever, awesome and original idea! Just to think how Tolkien might
get the Red Book and how he let himself be pulled into the mysteries of
Middle Earth seemed thrilling. You created a subtle picture of how he
might come across the book, beautifully written and very thought
provoking. Brilliant!
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Title: Elves Do Skate · Author: Caporal · Genres: Humor · ID: 135
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-07-22 11:17:09
Oh Gosh! I love the dialogue between Amrod and Amras and their obvious
disbelief about what Caranthir was doing. These lines made me chuckle:
["We must," says Amrod gravely, "be thinking of different Carnistirs."

"Same one. You know. Brother of ours, about so high..." Amras raises a
hand a few inches above his own head "...no sense of humour, blushes a
lot. You must know him."

"Not," says Amrod, incredulous, "our brother Carnistir? Not
black-like-my-soul Morifinwë?"

"The very same."]

Just the visual alone, excellent! I love the dialogue in this piece and
the descriptions are equally wonderful. As the summary says: a brotherly
and fluffy ficlet. A wonderful read and I am surely on the lookout for
more stories written by Caporal.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Gift of Time · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 812
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-07-22 12:48:41
This is such a touching story. I find your portrayal of Arathorn very
complex and believable. He was a ranger, accustomed to seeing death,
pain and fear. But he was also a father, and his love for his son made
him speechless and uncertain when he had to deliver the worst, grievous
news about his fellow ranger's death.

I love the details you subtly pointed, for example the friend's sword
strapped to Arathorn's saddle and the star that burned in his pocket.
They couldn't be a comforting gift, but nonetheless, I think, they would
be the most precious legacy for the young boy, who lost his father.

Very emotive and well done in so few words. Bravo!
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Title: At the Rising of the Moon · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 846
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-22 13:15:35
A very warm and happy holiday story, permeated by hints of gentle humor,
and culminating in a rollicking ending.

The premise of Aragorn and Faramir's search for mistletoe to satisfy
Eowyn's desire for a Yule celebration in Minas Tirith is a suitable plot
device, and the writer has done her homework as far as researching
customs of Yule celebration, which makes the tale all the more credible.

There's a well-drawn original female character who soon has the King and
Steward at her mercy; and a good impression given of life among the less
exalted of Gondor.

I enjoyed the depiction of a very close friendship between King and
Steward, there's a warm sense of quasi-familial love between Aragorn and
Faramir, which works well in the scenes where they happily race horses,
and later, when Aragorn shows Faramir the proper way to cook chestnuts.

The existence of a child who is evidently Faramir's niece seems to be a
carry-over from other stories by the writer, but an author's note
explains the child's origin, and since she does not play a huge role in
the story, a reader may easily enjoy the tale on its own.

The last chapter is quite funny, with a downright brilliant title, and
should be read all the way to the end.
-----------------------------------
Title: Theme and Variations · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 784
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-22 13:49:32
In this lively tale, Faramir deals with the impact of the returned King
on high Gondorian society, most particularly in the King's aspect as an
eligible bachelor (betrothal unknown) and as the former Thorongil, an
even more eligible bachelor, especially when Faramir's pushy and
acid-tongued aunt (the older sister who Denethor couldn't stand) gets
wind of the King's unmarried status.

There are many fine moments here - such as Faramir's struggle to keep a
straight face when the fussy Chamberlain details his exasperation with a
King who insists on dressing himself and lighting the fire in the hearth
without the aid of servants, the wild rumors about the mysterious King
that flew through Minas Tirith before the Coronation, and Faramir's
P.O.V. of Arwen's arrival.

An elegant and entertaining story.


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