Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: The Decoy Hobbit · Author: storyfish · Races: Hobbits: War of the
Ring · ID: 257
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:07:19
This story is sort of a blend of book and movie verse, combining some of
the movie elements (Pippin as decoy) with the book--Beregond and the
troll. I really like Pippin's "voice" in this, as he never quite loses
his cheeky wit, even when he's in despair, thinking he has died.
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Title: The Groomsman · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Dwarves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 44
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:07:42
An intriguing drabble with a twist at the end. I particularly love this
use of Gimli, and the comparison being made...
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Title: Scattered Leaves · Author: Aratlithiel · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 110
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:08:08
This is really more poetry than story. From Frodo's POV during his
anniversary illness, we are given a detailed description of his angst
and shame, as he relives the time of his wounding. It is amazingly
intense and even lyrical, given the subject matter.
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Title: Heart Calls to Heart · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits: Poetry
· ID: 803
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-02 17:08:48
Not only a very skillful use of the elements of the challenge (and
"first letter" challenges are especially difficult) but also a very
well-wrought poem, making it's meaning perfectly clear. It's a very
beautiful use of poetic language.
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Title: Shoot the Moon · Author: mistycracraft · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 233
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-03 00:33:32
This is a cute little story. Estel, armed with all the logic and
imagination of a five-year old manages to baffle age-old Elrond. Shoot
the moon, indeed. I loved the hunter story and I can only agree with
Estel. If the hunter hasn't shot his prey in all the ages, than he can't
be such a great hunter. This story holds a dreamlike, enchanted quality
for me, although I can't say why.
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Title: To See Justice Done · Author: Lindelea · Times: The Great Years:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 306
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-03 00:36:10
Wow! What a great story.

In this story Sam goes to King Elessar to tell him that he thinks to
sentence Beregond to death is wrong. I loved the conversation between
Sam and Strider. I could see them sitting in the tower room and Sam's
struggle to find the right words to convince Aragorn that death is not
the answer. But I could understand the sentiment from Aragorn's point of
view that exile can be worse than death. Before they can conclude their
discussion, Aragorn is called away and Sam is left, feeling he failed.

I was close to tears when I read about the struggle and desperation
Aragorn felt at having to pronounce Beregond's doom and not finding a
way out from under tradition and the laws of the land without hurting
his new kingship. The scene during the hearing had me at the edge of my
seat, although I knew the outcome. The moment Aragorn found the solution
had me cheering along with everyone else in the Hall of Kings. Waiting
with the mourners for Beregond's body was heartbreaking.

The characters in this story came alive to me and I especially liked the
way you portrayed Sam and Aragorn. They felt very real to me.

This is a gem of a story. I heartily recommend it.
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Title: Little Brothers · Author: DinaLori · Races: Men · ID: 686
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-03 00:37:20
This is a nice little vignette. I like it that Pippin and Merry's antics
remind Boromir of days long gone between him and Faramir. So, Faramir
was dreaming true at that young age already. Luckily Boromir doesn't
know it ;-)
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Title: Prison · Author: Radbooks · Races: Men: Vignette · ID: 794
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-03 00:38:54
This is a short scene of the moment when Eomer was thrown into the
dungeon by Grima's men. What was Eomer thinking? In a few words the
author manages to capture the essence of Eomer. And Aragorn, although
not physically there, gives hope again. I like the characterization of
Eomer. He fits my picture of him.
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Title: The Arrow · Author: Silivren Tinu · Genres: Drama: Elves in Later
Ages · ID: 958
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-03 00:45:41
In this tale it seems that Legolas through carelessness shoots a friend
during a battle. It takes a while until after the battle everything is
sorted out and Legolas is cleared, but the main focus of this story is
on the consequences the actions of everyone have. I like the way the
friendship between Aragorn and Legolas is depicted in this story.
Aragorn's unwavering trust and loyalty to Legolas help the latter to
overcome the incident, although I think Legolas learned a lesson, he is
not likely to forget. The confusion of battle is very well described.
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Title: Quo Vadis? · Author: Tehta · Times: First Age and Prior · ID: 86
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-03 03:28:51
Dear ol' Salgant, Gondolin's favorite sycophantic artist, gets what's
coming to him.

Well, not exactly. Because in this story, he actually behaves with
something approaching courage; and in his darkest hour, gives the
performance of his life.

Wonderfully darkish, seriocomic story. It just fits Salgant, JRRT's bery
atypical Elf, very well. And the other characters are credible in their
actions and dialogue.
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Title: I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes · Author: juno_magic · Races: Men · ID: 698
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-03 04:20:05
The author tackles the provocative subject of religion in Middle-earth,
and comes up with the meditations of a mountain man whose people
pre-dated the Numenoreans in Gondor, and who secretly worships the One
with more fervor than did the characters in the book LOTR.

For the most part, this premise works very well. The character of a man
whose religious convictions are almost fanatic come to life, along with
his disdain for the corrupted religion of the Numenoreans.

The narrator's feelings for his vocation, and the heights of the
mountains as sacred ground, are skilfully and passionately conveyed.

This is an unusual Tolkien fanfic, and definitely worth the reading.
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Title: Interrupted Journeys: Journeys of Discovery · Author: elliska ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 163
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 08:36:14
After the tension of the last episodes in this story - with the ghastly
Black Swan doing her worst - it is most enjoyable to have this lighter
section that concentrates on the activities of a truly delightful set of
elflings and the stresses on their unsuspecting parents! They are such a
bunch of characters. I am rather partial to Eirienil, myself. Poor kid -
not only is she sensible, but she has to survive as the only female
child in the midst of a bunch of very sparky boys, who seem determined
to learn everything from experience, rather than learning to observe and
listen to those who are wiser. Of course that makes it a lot of fun.
Legolas is clearly a quicker study than his cousin Galithil, though,
because Aradunnon's younger son appears to take after his parents and be
determined to do everything the hard way. I'm also rather fond of
Brethil, who has many good qualities and will definitely be a more
relaxing friend than Galithil! I am also enjoying the links with the
other stories - the appearance of the offspring of the rebellious
families and deploring their attitude! I have my fingers crossed for
Maidhien and Tulus - I would like to see both of them have happy
outcomes (although I suspect it is too late for Tulus, which is a shame
as his troubles are not all his fault).

This is a fascinating and very complex story - this part is, I feel
sure, lulling the reader into a false sense of happy security before the
whole situation blows up and becomes disastrous. I am so looking forward
to more!
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Title: Beech Leaves · Author: Redheredh · Races: Elves: Featuring
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 165
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 09:19:35
You are just so good at working out the complications of life and life
returned. It is so obvious  when you think about it  that there would
have had to be half-way houses where the returned could recover
themselves. I love the idea that, after the War of Wrath, the reborn
started arriving and none of the Valar had given any thought to how it
would work! I suppose that's being a Power - embodied only because you
feel like it. The Gardens of Lorien might have been able to cope with
one or two returning elves, but more than that requires a system. Elven
practicality required here.

I love the description of remembered sensation and the numb tranquility
of the returned elf, coming up out of darkness into the light. His
response to the thought of being a kinslayer is revealing. He deflates
like a balloon at the mere idea  very telling. The idea that the
Moriquendi were reborn to the forest - and the elves of Aman did not
even realise it is delightful.

I had never really thought of the difficulty of babies being reborn. But
of course it must be complicated - unless their mothers died in
childbirth, I suppose, and they were reborn together. And they have no
memories to regain, so it must be like being born the first time, only
with no mother.

I loved so much about this story  the hopelessness of poor Feren, the
waking dream  the fact that the Lady was instrumental in stimulating
his memory!  the response of Círdan and Draugryn to the sight of him.
The fact that his memory came back in a blast and he realised just who
he was.

Its a beautiful story, beautifully written and I enjoyed every bit of
it, Redheredh. And I am still looking forward to finding out more about
Rostaro!

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Title: The Last Yule in Halabor · Author: Soledad · Races: Men: Vignette
· ID: 166
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 09:33:10
I really enjoyed this story, Soledad  despite the fact that so many of
these characters came to unfortunate ends so soon after this last Yule.
You have built such a complex world with a whole society that works
together and is so multi-layered. You have covered the classes, the
levels of success and wisdom, and looked at such a diverse group of
people. They are neither blandly happy nor unrelievedly miserable, but
they combine to make a very believable population of a very believable
decaying small town. I really enjoyed the way you have built up a
background for them all, too, so that the town exists in relation to the
greater Gondor in its place in Middle-earth.

It is an extraordinary work in that you have done so much world-building
to construct Halabor and make it real, but it is also remarkable in that
you have created so many characters in whom the reader can invest. Not
all of them are likeable  some, in fact, are decidedly unlikeable, and
slaughter seems the best fate for them! Others, on the other hand, are
intriguing and I would have loved to see what became of them and others
are the sort of character you could come (easily) to love.

I am glad some survived the disaster, sorry that others didnt  and
find the destruction of one small town makes a very good illustration of
the effect of war on those who didnt feature in the greater picture of
the Ring war. Well-planned, well-constructed, well-written: excellent work.

-----------------------------------
Title: A Matter of Honor · Author: meckinock · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 208
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 09:52:22
You write Halbarad so brilliantly, Meckinock. The Dunedain, too. Their
society is a harsh one  hard work, subsistence economy, devotion to
duty. They are striving to uphold an honour and a history that dates
back to the days of Elros, while living in circumstances little better
than the poorest peasant farmers. Yet they are a resilient people.

I love the contrast between the dreamland of Rivendell and the reality
of life in the Angle  and Halbarads very practical realisation that it
is bad for men to hanker after the fairydust. It does make Aragorns
life seem even harder actually  because he really is torn between
Rivendell and reality. I love Eirien, by the way, and Halbarads
relationship with his wife is just great. And his mother is an
interesting character! If difficult.

As for the honour of the title  well. Trunks hidden in attics and long
lost messages. Hidden heirs and dishonoured heroes  it doesnt seem all
that likely. But poor Aragorn is in no condition to think his way
through this  not with so much hanging on it. But Im glad that
Halbarad is following him and sticking as close as a loyal lieutenant
should! Because whatever happens with the Dunlendings is not going to be
good, thats for sure. And Im sure complication is going to pile on
difficulty until something cracks. Its just a shame that a Certain
Hobbit isnt available for Gordian Knot duties.

Im looking forward to developments.

-----------------------------------
Title: History Lessons: The Third Age · Author: Nilmandra · Times:
Multi-Age: Incomplete · ID: 167
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 10:09:40
This is another brilliant piece of work, Nilmandra. I love the way you
blend current history with episodes from the past - and your
characterisation of all these people is just amazing. Elrond, Celebrian,
Glorfindel - well, they stand out as particularly remarkable, but others
- the twins, Arwen, Aragorn, among others - are wonderful, too.

But the pain the Third Age is inflicting on them! The part where the
twins are reacting to their mother's wounding is agonising - and the
failure of Nenya and Elrond's suffering in response to his parting with
Arwen is torturing the reader! Thank goodness that - somehow - Celebrian
is managing to offer him the support and understanding he needs. Between
her spiritual support and the gorgeous glorious golden Glorfindel, they
will manage to nursemaid the poor elf to the Havens and put him on the
ship. And then he will have Celebrian to help him heal - and Glorfindel
acting for him east of the sea.

I am, I confess, looking forward to Elrond reaching the shores of Aman.
He needs the relief - and so does the reader! But, on the other hand, I
am not looking forward to the end of the story - unless you feel like
carrying on into the Fourth Age to present your own version of what came
next. Excellent work, Nilmandra.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Golden Bell of Greenleaf · Author: lwarren · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond: Incomplete · ID: 168
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 11:01:57
I love this story. Poor Legolas is so incapacitated by his sea-longing 
and, despite all his friends desire to help, his greatest supporter is
Arod! And then, the passage of years affects this stalwart, and Arod has
to support Legolas through the process of choosing his successor. Such a
pretty mare, too!

I think children are among Legolass biggest helps, as well. His
relationship with Elfwine is great. I really enjoyed seeing them
together in Rohan. Then Legolas came to the rescue of Erelas  and
Caelen and Raenor and the rest of their delightful family help him
ground himself. And Arador, of course, is almost elven, in a way  and
despite the fact that he is obviously centuries younger than the elf, he
gives him the fatherly support he needs at the right moment.

In a way, Aravirs newly stirred sea-longing will probably be a help 
and build bonds with Legolas. He is certainly becoming more of a friend
and less of a captain. And Legolas might be able to use his own
experience with Nienna and his enhanced ability to make sense of the
song to help his friend. And Thranduils presence, of course, will
support him  especially since he is offering acceptance and understanding.

I love your characterisation, Linda  people and horses! And your
descriptive writing is excellent, creating lovely strong images. This is
a thoroughly enjoyable story and I am looking forward to seeing where it
goes from here.


-----------------------------------
Title: By Any Other Name · Author: GamgeeFest · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 960
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 11:50:35
I feel for young Frodo here - and the saddest thing, I think, is that he
is resigned to not being as important to his father as Frodo Baggins. It
is such a good thing that the matter came to a head here, before it
could damage the lad any more! For all he says he understands the
explanation, it is clearly a delight to him when Sam manages to say his
name.

This is a very touching story - and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Good Neighbors · Author: daw the minstrel · Genres: Adventure ·
ID: 818
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 12:30:13
One of the things I like about this story is seeing Legolas with Turgon
 and seeing poor parenting as a major cause of Turgons character
flaws. Whereas, of course, good parenting (and brothering) is an
important element of turning Legolas into the kind-hearted generous
responsible elf that he became. Protecting poor Rodda was important to
him and Im glad that he was aware that he was in over his head  and
just as glad that Thranduil, despite the possible difficulties, was
willing to put himself out for the child. And, of course, Legolass most
generous act of all was handing over his treasured arrows. Without
making a big fuss so that everyone knew.

Roddas predicament helping Elladan and Elrohir understand the need to
go home is excellent  and I love Eilians discovery that there is such
a thing as too focused on killing. And, come to that, Thranduils
apparent realisation that there are some things that transcend species.
Not to mention Legolas's good-heartedness making him shine. Or
Ithilden's heart racing at the sight of the healer's daughter.

Although, of course, seeing Thranduil invoke the forests magic is
pretty special, too. He doesn't usually let that side of him show - so,
when he does, it's spine-tingling!

Great story.

-----------------------------------
Title: A Rabbits Tale · Author: grey_wonderer · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: The Shire · ID: 982
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-03 13:57:48
I love Errol. If Merry would have made a rather good stuffed rabbit,
Errol would have made a very good hobbit. He has all the instincts!

Poor Pippin - it is at times like these that you can see that he is
fighting to be the grown-up hobbit who can keep pace with Merry and
Frodo, but that he still has a lot of the little Pippin under the
surface. Errol was there at just the right time to offer him the support
he needed.

I did like the way Errol handed the torch on to Merry. And I imagine he
will hand the rest of his responsibility on to Diamond when the time
comes and go into semi-retirement.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of Squirrels and Stolen Pies · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres:
Humor: Children · ID: 305
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-03 17:19:50
Pippin's ramblings are sooo funny - earnest and forthright as they seem,
they manage to tangle the adults (and the readers) all in a knot.
The use of present tense gives the story immediacy. Great use of your
PoV-character: Merry's changing moods and thoughts on the discussion and
his observations of his fellow conspirators add considerably to the humour.
-----------------------------------
Title: Gandalf's No Good, Rotten, Really Bad Day · Author: Gandalfs
apprentice · Genres: Humor: Parody · ID: 146
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-03 17:20:38
Shows in an amusing way some weaknesses in Gandalf's strategic thinking
(and/or plotholes?). You know, I never really thought about how
chock-full of dangerous secrets that letter was and how risky its
delivery. Manwë's ire is absolutely justified ;).
-----------------------------------
Title: Trivial Matters · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 839
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-03 17:21:20
I was laughing out loud even before the reason for Legolas' behaviour
was revealed. The enumeration of his achievements, with its growing
importance to him, was cleverly handled.
Of course it's difficult to find a point to this even with a magnifying
glass, but who cares?
-----------------------------------
Title: ... and hear the song of salt and sea · Author: Cuthalion ·
Genres: Drama: The Steward's Family · ID: 98
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-03 17:24:43
A story like incoming and receding waves of deceptively calm waters,
very appropriate to the subject: Beautiful to behold, but with hidden,
treacherous undercurrents telling of darkening times and the cost (and
eventual end) of happiness.
The tension increases subtly with every section set in the present until
the shocking climax. Powerful, evocative writing!
-----------------------------------
Title: In a Heartbeat · Author: Piplover · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 928
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-08-03 17:25:08
Engaging read, warm and witty. Good handling of dialogue and
relationships (even if it gets too sentimental for my taste from time to
time).
-----------------------------------