Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: julia · 2006-07-26 23:00:46
A beautiful and very well-written story, with an excellent use of
quotes. I always enjoy HOH stories, and this one provided a new view of
how Aragorn healed Faramir. I liked the differing POV's, and the imagery
of Faramir wandering in an evil land beset with wraiths was very well
done, and actually quite scary at points.

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Title: Stolen · Author: Meril · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 46
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-26 23:29:59
This author obviously understands Galadriel's character deeply. All of
the blows that first Khamul and then Sauron deal her, the parts of her
that they are aiming for, re very central to her personality. The bit
with the hair was especially well done. It could very easily have been
used to point out vanity, but in this story it is so much more.
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Title: Recalled To Life - Alqualonde · Author: AWing · Races: Elves:
Feanorians · ID: 787
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-07-26 23:36:00
This story drew me in immediately. Seeing events unfold through
Maedhros' eyes brings out the many changes from before the first
Kinslaying to four Ages later during the time of the story. The
descriptions of the city, its people and the landscape are full and
clear without being overdone, and they never overwhelm the central
themes of repentance and forgiveness.

I thought it an excellent touch that the King and Queen bring the matter
before all their people (without warning Maedhros, mind you) - from
those killed during the Kinslaying and reborn, to those born since, and
those who came from over sea during the intervening ages. Maedhros'
rather dutiful request for forgiveness is judged by the entire community
and not by the rulers alone.

Although I have read this story several times, I am still very moved by
(and dearly love) the final scene: the connection that the
Silmarillion/Earendil's Star provides, the singing that swells up from
the gathered people, and Maedhros' grieving for his family and all they
have done. The ability to forgive even (or perhaps especially) the worst
crimes brings the beginnings of healing and hope to both sides, and I
thought AWing portrayed this believably and beautifully without making
it overly sentimental. Her writing is lyrical and flowing, and I think
this is a wonderful and creative story.
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Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-07-26 23:51:21
I originally found "The Falcon and the Star" via Anke Eissmann's
drawings, and the fact that such a superb artist would be inspired by a
specific piece of writing just drew me right over to this story. It was
marvelous reading about the events unfolding and being able to refer
back to her artwork.

This is a wonderful story, and I enjoyed it tremendously. There were
many things that I liked about it, but to list my particular favorites:
- I liked that this part of the book is explored via Aragorn's POV, and
he is shown as both an imperfect man and determined healer.
- I thought it was very in-character for Faramir to continue fighting,
AND thinking, in the vale. (The vale itself was brilliant in imagery and
conception.)
- I loved Aragorn's reflection on Faramir as a precious jewel,
especially given the meaning of Faramir's name.
- I appreciated the careful use of language and the "Tolkienesque" tone
that was set with it.
- I thought every one of the biblical quotes were apt and well-chosen.

A small thing I really enjoyed is the intro to Part One:
[To say that I was weary was to say that Arwen was pleasant to look
upon, or that Pippin was a curious hobbit. In eight short days, I had
brought the army of the Dead to Pelargir, taken the Umbari ships and
sailed them to the Harlond, where, with a force of a few thousand men of
Gondor, fifty Dunedain, two Peredhel, an Elf and a dwarf, we surprised
the assembled might of Mordor and turned the tide of battle.]

The listing of his fighting force in this way just struck me as
extremely funny, and set the tone for how much I liked this portrayal of
Aragorn and his dry wit.

The care and attention to detail that was put into this story is very
obvious. In fact, there were many excellent details that I only caught
by reading other reviews. "Unfortunately," I then had to go back and
read the story again and again. :)
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Title: The Consequences of Curiosity · Author: A L Milton · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 153
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-07-26 23:54:36
This is a wonderful and very entertaining story. The author has a gift
for writing smooth and rolling formal language. The conversation is
handled well and written clearly and concisely, I thought, and I was
never lost or confused despite the quick pace of the exchange. And the
entire exchange is so funny: Aragorn trying to make sure his Steward is
OK, curiously inquiring about the nature of the "exercise" after
Faramir's reassurances... and then getting far, far more information
than he ever wanted. His attempts to redirect the tenor of the
discussion were deftly countered by Faramir's enthusiastic wish to
reveal all concerning his and Eowyn's predilections. Or maybe he just
wanted to torment Aragorn for bringing it up in the first place. Or both...

I thought Faramir's description of his and Eowyn's "playacting" was
truly inspired: the Shieldmaiden/Scholar; the Rider and Her Obedient
Squire; the Lady Corsair and the Captured Emissary... Ah, the images
these all brought forth... I could just see Aragorn's fingers turning
white from gripping that ledger book, holding it up defensively in front
of him like a shield, and getting an increasingly desperate look in his
eye as Faramir went into more and more detail.

Really, I was laughing throughout the entire story. It packs a lot of
entertainment punch despite being so short.
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Title: Childhood Dreams · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 523
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-07-27 00:55:38
Aww, that one's really sweet. I'm familiar with those childhood dreams
(I wanted to grow up to be a boy, personally), and you've captured both
of these brothers well. I see them as teenagers or maybe in their
twenties - very full of life just bursting into the characters we see in
the Ring War. And as such, they're very believable.
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Title: Keeping an eye on the enemy · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men:
Fixed-Length Ficlets With Children · ID: 871
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 01:11:59
A charming look at the childhood antics of Faramir and Boromir. The
image of young Faramir hiding behind the lavender bush, playing Ranger,
is irresistible. And Boromir's counter-attack seems very typical of a
big brother.
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Title: Fear and Loathing in Middle Earth · Author: vladazhael · Genres:
Humor: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 407
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 01:20:06
Here's a combination that I don't think has ever been tried before - a
LOTR scene written in the style of Hunter S. Thompson. From Legolas'
POV, no less. That it works should be credited to the author's skill.
Funny in a weird way.
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Title: Trust · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama · ID: 216
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-07-27 02:04:36
Since we all freely abscond with the Professor's characters and make
them dance to their tune, it's perhaps a bit hypocritical to be
protective of the original characters that we insert into his world.
Nonetheless, I would expect someone wanting to use a character of mine
to apply for me for permission, and I would consider the matter
carefully before granting it. Dwimordene is one of the few people who
may write Andrahar any time and in any way she likes. It's really great
to have a character I'm so fond of, yet be able to read stories by
another author that hold so true to my conception of him. I never have
to worry about Andra when he's in Dwimordene's hands-and I get to read
more stories about him that I don't have to write!

This story is an expansion of a train of thought of Boromir's in my
story Discovery, in which Boromir reflects upon the turning point in his
and Andrahar's relationship, which happened after they'd been seeing
each other for six years. I had presented it as the point at which their
relationship must either die or go on to the next level, and had figured
that I would write about what brought them to that crux point some time
in the future, but Dwim beat me to it. Not that I'm sorry-as far as I'm
concerned, this is what really happened.
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Title: Great Heart · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: First Age and
Prior: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 64
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-07-27 02:12:19
Yay! A dog story! Raksha and I are both in agreement that there aren't
enough dog stories in Middle-earth. As someone who has bred dogs, I can
say the depiction of Huan's early battles is spot-on. He is truly the
niftiest dog in Tolkien's works, and I like the fact that he holds his
heart back for a worthy master, that Celegorm can command his obedience
but not his love.
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Title: 300 Horses · Author: Rous · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 631
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 02:30:07
Very clever twist on the AU theme. I wish there were a sequel or three.
The nature of the Mearas was a surprise.

Well-written drabble packing a lot into a hundred words.
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Title: Moon Friend: Tales of Isildur · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races:
Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 832
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 02:46:42
A nifty drabble series focussing on the first mortal Ring-bearer, the
mighty Numenorean, Isildur. My favorites are the first chapter, where
Isildur steals the fruit of the doomed White Tree, and the chapter where
he recalls his love for his dead brother. The moon-motif is wonderfully
handled.

Well-written and unusual drabble series.
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Title: Half a Sticky Mile · Author: SlightlyTookish · Genres: Adventure
· ID: 940
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-27 04:20:32
Two of my favorite themes are hobbits being hobbits and the relationship
between Merry and Pippin, and this fic gives me both. The love and
mutual understanding between cousins is so clearly drawn in this fic,
and eachs' strengths and weaknesses. Yet above all they are hobbit-folk,
concerned with breakfast and safety, and not wishing at all to be
involved in the doings of the mighty and great. There are so many little
flashes of humor in this fic ("Suddenly Pippin became a great deal
heavier") that we are reminded of Tolkien's writing, and the 'voice' of
this fic is true also to the characters and the genre. This is a
delightful moment in a dark hour of our beloved hobbits' adventures.
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Title: A Tisket, A Tasket · Author: grey_wonderer · Times: Late Third
Age: The Shire · ID: 570
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-27 04:38:54
There are so many things I love about this fic that I cannot list them
all. First, any story about six-year old Pippin visiting Bag End with
his elder cousin Merry is certain to melt the heart. Then throw in an
indulgent and slightly exasperated Frodo and a benevelent Bilbo and a
discussion on the facts of life, and you are guaranteed to melt into a
puddle of warm goo. Each of the characters is delightfully drawn and
true to their characters and ages, and Pippin as a little one wanting
baby stuffed rabbits from his (male) stuffed rabbit rings so true to
anyone who has dodged the "How do babies get made?" discussion with a
child. Perhaps my favorite part was how little Pippin innocently wrapped
all the older hobbits around his finger, even Merry, who acts exactly
like an older and more educated relative. And he is the one who caves
and supplies Pippin with proof that, if you make a nest and hope, you
will have baby (stuffed!) bunnies.
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Title: Sam's Voice · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 964
Reviewer: Budgielover · 2006-07-27 04:50:49
This is a sad story, for it tells us of what Frodo endures after the
Ring is destroyed and he returns to Bag End, forever changed and less
than he was before. In beautifully written prose, the author tells us of
his struggle to live, because Sam fought so hard on the Quest to keep
him alive. It is Sam's voice and Sam's will that keeps him functioning,
working towards some end. We see Sam through Frodo's eyes and feel his
gratitude and his sorrow that he cannot be as Sam remembers him. There
is little dialogue; this is a thoughtful, reflective piece, and the
thread of grief in it builds without truly offering a bright spot. Yet
it is a beautiful read, brilliantly thought-out, and offers the reader a
glimpse into Frodo's personality and heart.
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Title: After The Storm · Author: chibi_kaz · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor · ID: 773
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-07-27 05:11:05
This is an engaging Movieverse romance. Faramir, of the red-gold hair,
is noble, sympathetic, and sweetly romantic. Eowyn is supremely sensible
and practical. Rather than taking her lovers along the too typical,
angsty road to romance, Chibi makes their story fun. Faramir has a keen
sense of humor, but haphazard personal hygiene. At his behest, Eowyn
literally takes charge of domestic life in Minas Tirith. Faramir and
Eowyn's story that usually gets dripped with angst. Instead, Chibi
lavishes her lovers with sweetness.
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Title: Pride Before The Fall · Author: AmandaK · Genres: Alternate
Universe · ID: 742
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 13:21:23
Very effective AU story that builds up the Ring's possession of Boromir
bit by bit, each deed more sinister than the last, from the initial
theft and the sly prank he plays on Legolas and Gimli to the murder of
his own kin, until both Boromir and the realm he stole the Ring to save
are utterly ruined.

I get shivers reading it.
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Title: Black Hour · Author: Nesta · Times: The Great Years: Gondor · ID: 92
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 13:38:20
A slightly AU look at Faramir's judgment of Aragorn's claim to the
Kingship.

The writer uses a minimalist style that works well. She portrays Faramir
as a man who is both the proud heir of the Stewards of Gondor and a man
of reason who balances his own rights, and those of a new claimant to
the crown, against the good of the realm itself.

Good grasp of the history of Gondor, and the post-Ring War political
ramifications of a savior coming up the Anduin bearing Elendil's sword
and the king's standard.

Faramir is well-written. The writer shows, through introspection and
dialogue and actions, the Captain's high quality. The end in particular
delineates Faramir's courage very well.

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Title: Mirrors of Numenor · Author: Dostoevsky's Mouse · Races: Men:
Incomplete · ID: 242
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 15:05:20
This story has an almost lyrical quality about it, the language is
wonderful.

I really like the relationship built between Thorongil and Denethor.
Denethor is depicted as proud, somewhat arrogant, and underneath it all,
rather starved for affection and friendship, and warming to Thorongil,
perhaps in hope of getting both from one of the few men who can be said
to be his equal, at least in quality. I am not sure whether the writer
intends to make their relationship a sexual one eventually; but the idea
of a friendship, however brief, between these two [Pale mirrors of
Numenor], is fascinating. Though I wonder; if Denethor felt a need for
trust from Thorongil, and Thorongil could not of course confide all his
secrets in Denethor, was that the root of the painful anger Denethor
feels towards the returning king in the first chapter, which begins the
flashbacks that form the chapters here. The notion that Thorongil raises
in Ch. 8, that Denethor expects total trust from others, yet trusts no
one himself, is interesting. Given the idea of Thorongil and Denethor
being each other's equals and mirrors, and Thorongil's expectation that
others trust him without his revealing his own true self, we have quite
a complex interplay going on here.

I hope the writer will finish this very readable story.
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Title: It's the Thought · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Fixed-Length
Ficlets With Children · ID: 71
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 15:06:35
A bit of warmth in what must have been a rather dark time for the young,
orphaned Eomer and Eowyn - Theodred's kind regard for his little cousins
shows the perception that would have helped make him a good king.

And a glimpse of Eowyn's warrior tendancies, even as a little girl.

Lovely drabble!
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Title: A Meara for Me! · Author: Súlriel · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 893
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 15:08:06
A wonderful resource for those fanfic writers who want to use horses and
have names for them, that are appropriate for Middle-earth. The
descriptions of the individual horses are particularly charming; I feel
like I know each of the beautiful mares and stallions displayed in the
photographs.

I particularly love the photo of Fione Culima, who looks spirited and
downright cute for an animal of her size.
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Title: Preparing The Way · Author: Lady Aranel · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 284
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-07-27 15:10:14
An eloquent and beautiful tale of Legolas' loss of one of his dearest
friends, as he attends Arod during the horse's last hours. Original
situation in Tolkien fanfiction, but written with effortless, effective
prose that details the sorrow of an Elf unused to seeing death take his
friends. There is just the right amount of sentiment; and the appearance
of Legolas' mortal friends Elboron and Faramir and Aragorn reminds the
reader that Legolas is unusual among Elves for the attachments he has
dared to make.
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Title: Rest and Recreation · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 700
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-27 15:50:53
I really enjoyed this little tale of Boromir's adventures in
Imladris--which were not adventurous enough for him until his bout with
the strange blond Elf! As a pervy Dunedain fancier, I always enjoy
reading about Men who can make the fancy creatures sing for their supper.

One point, though. Swordsmen don't use their actual swords in practice
bouts. They risk death or injury that way. I know a blunt sword or
weighted stick is not very picturesque, but it would be more real, and
Boromir as a captain would certainly be very aware of this need. He
seems appropriately ignorant of a lot of Elvish history, however. No
doubt Faramir was much better informed.

I cringed at the idea of playing chess with Elrond. Eek!

Wouldn't he have met Arwen during this time? It seems to me that she
would be eager to get to know him, given that she was hoping to soon be
his queen, even if he was not interested in her. A man's man, of course.
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Title: Great Heart · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: First Age and
Prior: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 64
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-07-27 16:03:31
This is a vivid description of the puppyhood of the Great Hound Huan,
loyalest of friends. I particularly liked the red ears and their
provenance, a combination of personal memory and acknowledgement of the
great Mabinogion. Thanks!
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Title: At the Rising of the Moon · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 846
Reviewer: Madeleine · 2006-07-27 19:31:13
What I like about this light-hearted story  yes, Linda can do that also
very well - is the idea of many various Yule traditions from different
people blending together.

Less a generation ago mistletoes werent part of the Christmas tradition
here where I live and my Grandmother would have responded like Aragorn,
itemising them simply for their medical uses. Today I couldnt picture a
proper Christmas decoration without them.

In a way this warm story is an allegory for Middle-earth after the Great
War - at least the way Ive always imagined the rebuilding after the
fall of Sauron, not only in a material sense - where the different
people find together, learn from each other and exchange the good and
positive parts of their cultures.

The tale was published during the last Season, perfectly fitting, but I
can only recommend to read it straight away  as I would recommend
reading any of the authors other stories. Its a real treat all year around.

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