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Title: A Mud Summer Night's Dream · Author: SueB · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 712
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-22 14:12:09
An enjoyable movieverse romp. Aragorn, Eomer and Faramir scout out a
particularly muddy region of Gondor, and, in the finest traditions of
fanfic, have an adventure that includes getting filthy, getting naked
(for bathing purposes), battles with orcs, and a meeting with a
long-missed friend.

Faramir and Eowyn's interaction is sweet and occasionally sassy, just
the type of fond byplay one might expect from a newly married couple.

I could have done without the swearing by Eru, as they do at least
twice, since no one swears by him in either book or movie (or by any
deity other than Elbereth), but that's a very minor flaw.

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Title: And all in evil ended be · Author: Werecat · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 122
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-22 14:47:17
Cute! I definitely can see the possibilities here. After all, if
Ungoliant got her brood, why shouldn't Morgoth have something even ookier?
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Title: Of All the Pretty Little Horses · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor:
Gondor · ID: 736
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-22 14:53:24
I saw the joke coming (only because I've dreamed up a very similar idea
myself!) but this was still really funny. I could see the look of dismay
on both of their faces as Eomer and Faramir realize what the other is
talking about - somehow I doubt very much that Faramir ever thought
Eomer would see Lothiriel like *that*.
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Title: Hair · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 321
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-22 15:57:52
This was a fun read. It seems just like Legolas to be curious and amused
at the anatomical differences of his companions, and this was well
played-out.
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Title: Chivalry · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 374
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-22 16:55:39
What a wonderful subject for a short story, or even a drabble! And in
this case, the brevity of the drabble format suits the tale perfectly.
Lovely imagery of Shadowfax as a dancing, arrogant creature who must be
courted and wooed. And of course, this drabble shows us that Gandalf is
the only one who could.

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Title: Water and Stone · Author: Erynhith · Races: Elves · ID: 673
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-22 18:14:14
I love this story. You draw such a powerful picture of the magic that is
Lothlorien, especially, of course, Galadriel. You make her a little more
familiar, but she remains majestic and awe-inspiring, because of her
great powers. You do an excellent job of giving substance to those
powers, which Tolkien himself leaves rather unknown (being viewed from
the POV of Hobbits, of course). Your OCs are well drawn and fit in
seamlessly with the canon characters.

But I must confess I am not an Elf chick. Therefore the reason I first
read this story is because Aragorn is in it as a main character. And I
am afraid that your story did not change my allegiance: I think he is
the best character in the tale. He undertakes the most, he grows the
most, he begins and ends the story. I don't think you will mind my
confession (I hope not).

I thought your sex scenes were an exemplary combination of emotion and
eroticism. All of them succeed. But my favorite is the scene where
Aragorn loses his virginity. This is not because I am so backward that I
don't enjoy M/M slash (far from it! TWO beautiful men getting it on!),
but because I so loathe the Aragorn as virgin till age 88 scenario. It
just makes me laugh, and I have made enemies throughout fanfic on this
point. In my own AU tale of his life, he undergoes quite a bit of
"education" in Rivendell, where some of the sauciest ladies enjoy
initiating young men, especially ones with beards (a novel experience
for an Elven lady).

For similar reasons, I really liked the scene between Gwirith and
Elrond. You show sex as a bond between friends; it doesn't have to be
eternal love forever a la Catholic-inspired LACE.

I liked the dog. Too often animals are used in fanfic only to be "cute."
You gave some meaning to the hound as "Man's best friend." I use the
capital M deliberately.

Now for some criticism: Your Elves whine too much. I got the point after
the first, second or third time. I think your story would be better if
you cut it some.
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Title: Following Orders · Author: EdorasLass · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 54
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-07-22 23:07:17
Sigh! This is the age old excuse people use when they are too afraid or
don't want to think. Faramir is right to be angered by this excuse.
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Title: The Burdens of Office · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 865
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-23 01:42:55
Excellent tale of a matter of state concerning the King, the Steward,
and the Prince of Ithilien, and the differing arguments made by Steward
and Prince.

The story emphasizes Aragorn's fairness and good-humored rationality,
and Faramir's thoughtfulness. The idea of Faramir's two roles coming
into conflict is inspired.


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Title: Too Many Names · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 866
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-23 01:52:54
An ingenious set of twelve demi-drabbles, each devoted to one of the
returned King's many names.

The demi-drabbles run the gamut from hope, surprise, sorrow and gentle
introspection through sensuality and dry humor and utter joy. Different
facets of Aragorn's long life are explored from varying viewpoints.

An inspired notion, carried cleverly and convincingly through its
conclusion.
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Title: A new tradition · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Dwarves: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 869
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-23 02:06:23
Brilliant, unusual little vignette about Gimli and Yule traditions, as
observed by Legolas. It's funny but fitting that Gimli ends up as a sort
of prototype of one of Santa's Elves.

Excellent usage of Norse traditions, through the names used. The
invention of the name [Eald Faeder Snaw] is an inspired bit of Old
English And the ending is perfect, and fits well into the Legolas/Gimli
canonical relationship.
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Title: The Steward's Dream · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Fixed-Length
Ficlets With Children · ID: 647
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-23 02:18:04
Interesting ficlet from Boromir's point of view. In it, he listens to
Faramir's dreams, which include the return of the King, and feels doubt
as to the place of the House of the Stewards under a King's rule.

Good exploration of Boromir's worldview in the necessarily brief text.
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Title: Homecomings · Author: Marta · Times: The Great Years: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 225
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-23 02:28:26
What a great idea for a ficlet series - a drabble for each welcome that
seven Fellowship members receive from their fathers (or, in Aragorn's
case, foster-fathers) after Sauron's fall.

All the prodigal sons' returns are written well, but two drabbles stand
out - Legolas and Gimli. I loved Gloin's horrified resignation that his
son has not only befriended an Elf, but an Elf who is the son of Gloin's
former captor. And Thranduil's memories of his own father, lost in
Mordor, and observation that his son will eventually have to leave
Middle-earth, are keenly poignant.
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Title: Homecomings · Author: Marta · Times: The Great Years: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 225
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-07-23 04:29:05
A charming glipse of the homehomings of the surviving Fellowship
members. I love the way you portray the very different reactions of the
various families and make each homecoming truly believable.
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Title: Autumn Hunter · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Romance: Fixed-length
ficlet · ID: 353
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-07-23 06:26:22
This is a most entertaining read. I love the sensuality of Celegorm's
portrayal. I love the imagery and your choice of words. The picture you
created is vivid; it flows wonderfully and of course it gives a reader a
clear hint as to what is going to happen next, when the curtain falls.
Excellent!
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Title: Shattered Twilight · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: First Age
Elves · ID: 247
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-07-23 06:43:36
This is a haunting, creepy and very adequade presentation of Maeglin's
feelings and a very interesting insight into his thoughts at the hour of
his death. It presents his darker and brighter side at the same time. I
really love how you conveyed Maeglin's love for Idril and his obsession
that made him think of her when he faced his finality. You portrayed the
destructive power of his love in the most evocative way. Very well done!
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Title: Lonely Night · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama: Remembering ·
ID: 295
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-07-23 07:04:16
This story is a realistic and cleverly written, believable and utterly
convincing portrayal of a woman who still has to deal with her past and
the pain she suffered. I always marvel at how well developed and
believable your OFC is and this short story adds a special note to the
presentation of Morwen. This is also smoothly written and insightful way
to show the range of a woman's emotions. I admire the style of your
writing and always look forward to reading more of your stories.
Wonderful work!
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Title: Gandalf's No Good, Rotten, Really Bad Day · Author: Gandalfs
apprentice · Genres: Humor: Parody · ID: 146
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-23 07:52:02
A funny and unusual AU vignette, where Gandalf is called on the carpet
by Manwe himself, after the War of the Ring, which, owing to the Grey
Wanderer's somewhat dubious decision to leave a very informative letter
to Frodo in the hands of Barliman Butterbur, turned out rather
differently from what Gandalf had hoped.

Elrond and Arwen appear as well, and are used superbly to heighten the
comedy.

The writer has a good grasp of dialogue, pacing and comedy, and of
course, of the structure of LOTR itself.

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Title: Remembrance · Author: Acacea · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 73
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-23 12:09:35
Quietly beautiful story, where Denethor remembers his meeting with,
courtship of, and married life with Finduilas, when he happens upon the
starry mantle he gave her. The description of their relationship is
excellent, shown, not told, in an understated way that I would think
could be typical of Denethor remembering a better time in his life.

The last two paragraphs absolutely floor me; as the writer brings the
reader from Denethor's memory of a better time to the realization of the
time in which he now lives, and of all he has lost and not regained, and
what lies ahead of him.

Very well done.
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Title: Lobelia's List · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 201
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-23 12:38:40
Very funny; and you captured Lobelia's character very well.
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Title: More Lembas Thoughts · Author: Rabidsamfan · Genres: Non-Fiction
· ID: 851
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-23 12:54:20
Persuasive, well-reasoned arguments, underpinned with apt references to
canon. Clear and lively style.
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Title: Such a Little Thing · Author: Ribby · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 206
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-23 12:56:28
Oh. My... Absolutely creepy and chilling, especially as the narrative
voice is so very detached. And eerily plausible. I do think the
beginning is a little undecided, but it gets better the longer it goes,
and the last paragraph is disturbing, perfect and perfectly disturbing.

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Title: The One · Author: Linda Hoyland/Raksha the Demon CoAuthors ·
Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn · ID: 852
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-23 12:58:16
Lovely story that gives brief but fitting insights into the relation
Aragorn had with the representatives of the House of Húrin. I especially
like the fact that, once again, Aragorn does honour to his childhood
name and never gives up the hope that his vision will one day come true.
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Title: Truly Exposed · Author: Marta · Races: Elves: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 689
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-07-23 12:59:31
Elegant, evocative, sensuous. I like the comparison Celeborn vs. Nenya
and how, in the end, it is Celeborn who has the tigher hold on
Galadriel's heart.
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Title: The Household Accounts · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 50
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-23 13:51:08
Oh, this is such a somber tale, heartbreaking in its simplicity!

The housekeeper is an understated, yet fascinating character. Her duty,
no less that Faramirs, or Beregonds, was the protection of the
property entrusted to her care; she has accepted and performed that duty
without flinching for so many years. We cant tell if she is happy to be
going over the household accounts with Éowyn, relieved that she will be
able to finally lay down her burden and responsibility; or proud to
demonstrate that she has performed her appointed tasks with loyalty and
care for so many years. She is cool, almost too cool and businesslike,
yet it seems as though we are able to discern just a whisper of her pain
and devotion as she describes her tally of the household's loss by the
fabric left behind. Denethor; Boromir (the imagery of his surcotte
swirling as he paces is so vivid, what a wondrous detail! Youve really
captured his restless energy in just that tiny bit!); most heartrending
of all, the unborn daughter Finduilas longed for in vain.

The line about Eowyns rough finger catching on the fabric is such an
exquisite detail that really seems to symbolize the difference between
the two women: The domestic, staying by her post, guarding hearth and
home; the frustrated warrior who abandoned her responsibilities to
follow what she saw as her own path. In the end, Eowyn has ended up in
the same place she sought to escape. Perhaps she is ready, now, to
accept these homely duties?
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Title: Music Lessons · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 55
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-07-23 13:52:16
I really enjoy stories highlighting the affection between Faramir and
Gandalf, and this is one of the best Ive found. Youve wonderfully
depicted gangly young Faramir, caught between boyish high spirits and
his responsibility as a representative of his father. His excitement and
exuberance at the idea of learning about oliphaunts, or all the wonders
Gandalf has seen, is both realistic and endearing.

Your portrayal of Gandalf, too, as finding Faramir a more satisfying
friend (and audience) than even the hobbits of the Shire is a delight as
well. I also enjoyed your depiction of Faramirs loyalty to Boromir, and
Gandalfs sly recognition that Faramir would never speak ill of his
brother, no matter what.
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