Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Dragons and Sailboats · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama:
Remembering · ID: 74
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-09 01:32:13
What I really like most about this piece is the distanced tone you
manage to give both Faramir and Aragorn, yet you don't make the piece
itself dull. They aren't falling all over each other and more
touchy-feely than you would think men and especially rulers would be.
They offer an interesting glimpse into both men's characters. Well done.
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Title: Strength of a River · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 513
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-08-09 01:46:54
This lovely story is written as a series of short scenes where Faramir
contemplates the nature of inner strength. Finduilas tells her sons that
a river is patient yet unyielding and ["...there will come a time when
the hardest stone will give way to its tirelessness. There is more to
strength than size and hardiness."] The dialogue between Faramir and his
brother and mother is written with a deft touch, as are Faramir's
childish impressions of the conversation.

I love the "fish story" about the giant, black fish that swam from
Mirkwood to the Anduin. One of the rangers tells an incredulous
audience, ["They have strange beasts there. Big, black squirrels and
big, black fish.'] I also love how the author works in Faramir's
prohobition against bloodsports, an edict which the men uphold because
of their respect for their Captain if not because they agree in
principle. Yet Faramir wisely recognizes that progress is being made, if
slowly.

Faramir's remark that he will follow the path before him until it
changes sounds very Zen-like to me. That strategy of yielding before and
redirecting the strength of others is so very characteristic of him and
it is perfecty suited to his partisan fight in Ithilien.

This is a story which is not only a lyrical joy to read but also leaves
the reader with a great deal to think about.
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Title: Boromir's Journey Home Amon Hen to Minas Tirith · Author:
majorbee · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 690
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-09 03:08:22
An energetic and ambitious movie-verse AU where Boromir survives Amon
Hen and returns to Gondor with Faramir. There's an interesting sub-plot
with Sauron's agents committing nefarious acts with the Palantir; and
it's not Faramir who ends up sharing a Pyre with Denethor.

Entertaining, especially for those who loved the movie and Sean Bean's
incarnation of Boromir.
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Title: On Being the Youngest · Author: Bodkin · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 45
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-09 03:31:24
Oh, this was just delightful. Not just any first meeting of Fellowship
members in Rivendell - there are quite a few of those stories floating
around, not to discount the sub-genre - but this really takes into
account a similarity between two of the most dissimilar members. The
whole thing reminds me of the Star trek episode where the ship escapes a
trap by cutting off all but the absolute essential power. Just like that
episode, this story shows that there are two ways to victory:
overwhelming through strength and underwhelming by evading the enemy's
attention. Hobbits seem to take the second path, and so it's perfect of
Pippin to be the one to remind Legolas of this value. Well done.
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Title: Pink Oliphaunts · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's
Fall · ID: 49
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-09 12:38:17
It's vaguely unsettling to see a child transform the carnage of Pelennor
into ["happy pink oliphaunt"]s, but I can see Elboron's thoughts here.
And I think that unsettledness works well to add to how I see this
piece. We shouldn't want to forget. Very cute little piece.
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Title: Water and Stone · Author: Erynhith · Races: Elves · ID: 673
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-08-09 14:33:19
This tale set against the backdrop of the defense by the Galadhrim of
their enclave against the return of the Shadow to Dol Guldur contains
all of the fundamentals of great story telling. Its excellent character
development, compelling plot and expansion of key elements of canon all
come together to create a unforgettable and unique environment. Great
read! It is an engaging gap-filler, non-canonical to good purpose, with
outstanding original characters who get into the readers head and
heart. It includes numerous well-known and well-loved canon characters
and interprets them strongly and accurately. Its well-handled romance,
eroticism and psychological tension that are both internally consistent
and unique to the authors interpretation of elves. It makes you sad,
makes you happy, and keeps you reading with its balance of romance,
drama and adventure. The author draws upon a solid grounding in the
legends, myth and history of Middle Earth to keep the reader firmly in
the grip of this somewhat extended (but always firmly based on the
original) magical realm--I hate to use the expression "alternate
universe" here (although technically it is) because one never forgets
the original source and each departure is carefully chosen and
consistently followed through and always leads the reader back into
Tolkien's universe. No stereotyped, over-simplified elves here but
individuals that one cares deeply about and roots forthe
characterization here makes the reader care about these people and want
to know what happens next.
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Title: Mellyn · Author: Pentangle · Genres: Drama · ID: 322
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-09 14:40:04
The first encounter between a young Estel and Legolas. Neither is what
the other expected. Legolas is a disappointment as far as princes go,
and Estel seems to be a manipulative little brat. After a series of
misunderstandings, the two find themselves in a dangerous situation
where they get a chance to get to know each other better. But it takes
more until these two get to be friends. Legolas tries for the longest
time to resist little Estel's charm, but in the end he finds his match
in stubbornness. The misunderstandings between Legolas and Estel are
hilarious. They mostly stem from their preconceived notions what the
other should be. But even as young as he is, Estel shows already the
characteristics he shows later as a grown man.
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Title: Appearances Can Be Deceiving · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 760
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-09 15:27:55
This was a really fun read. It's not the high adventure that we see in a
lot of these stories, but rather just a normal every-day romp. I also
liked the details you gave us, and the origins of Bilbo's poem.
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Title: Rejection · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 903
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-09 16:25:05
A quite intriguing look at Aragorn as we never see him, down-and-out and
unsuccessful, in a place where his looks, usually respected in a West
that respects the Numenorean phenotype, put him at a disadvantage.

I wish this drabble could be expanded into a longer piece; though it is
good on its own.

Good bits of description evoking the physical differences between this
town and the Northern lands Aragorn usually frequents. Perhaps this time
he ranged too far from his more usual habitats.
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Title: A Woodland Prince · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Drama: Fixed-Length
Ficlet Series · ID: 303
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-09 17:01:02
A carefully thought out and well-written series of drabbles that tell
the complete story of Legolas' life.
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Title: For the love of the Lord of the White Tree · Author: Tanaqui ·
Times: The Great Years: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 870
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-09 17:02:37
This is just short of poetry. An eloquent portrayal of Legolas's bond
with nature, and with his friend the king.
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Title: Castle · Author: Timmy2222 · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 256
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-09 18:14:55
This is my favorite Aragorn story of the angst genre. The villains are
real characters and fit into the author's concept of Gondorian politics
very well. The unlikely hero, Vlohiri, is a great character! I cheered
for him all the way, and absolutely adored the interactions between him
and Aragorn (the poacher).

I didn't like the helplessness you put Aragorn in sometimes--it was just
too much, and frankly I think the villains would have considered him too
valuable to be banned to the mines, muzzled, et al. But you allowed him
to have enough true moments of heroism that I didn't mind too much. The
ultimate scene in the mines is one great read!

I wasn't as interested in the Faramir-Eomer side of the story, but you
built up a lot of suspense over what they knew and didn't know, and the
craftiness of the villains in hiding it all.

The doctor is a fantastic touch. And truly I was just horrified--like in
the most spellbinding thriller--at the condition of the captured king by
that point. Cheers for Vlohiri on the roof!
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Title: Half a Sticky Mile · Author: SlightlyTookish · Genres: Adventure
· ID: 940
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-09 18:21:39
Creepy. You did a great job of characterizing the quiet courage of the
hobbits, and the pacing was solid throughout.
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Title: Imrahil's Daughter · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 183
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-09 20:09:39
What a fun little tale! Eomer's and Lothiriel's anger toward each other
is palpable, and I think that only proves that their relationship is
very hot (in more way than one!). When Eomer realized that Lothiriel
might have been trying to trap him in marriage by coming to his
chambers, I was sitting on the edge of my seat and clearly could
identify with both characters. But Lothiriel's dread and even cold
terror of her father finding out she had been anything but proper was
even more well done.
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Title: When Winter Fell · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits: Incomplete
· ID: 111
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-08-09 20:56:33
What a delightful story. I love the timeframe, young Bilbo and all. The
format of alternating journals entries is great fun and a wondful way to
see into the youth of those we've only known as oldsters. Great job!
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Title: Voices on the Wind · Author: Phyncke · Times: First Age and Prior
· ID: 112
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-08-09 21:04:27
This is one of the most tragic passages in the Silmarillion and I feel
that in many ways it encaspulates the overview of the entire saga. Your
short story is an emotional and moving close-up of this difficult loss.
I especially like how you handled his ending, his thoughts and views and
Thorondor and Turgon.
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Title: An Elf · Author: laiquendi · Races: Elves: Poetry · ID: 725
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-08-09 21:10:50
I especially like the way this work is structured - simple, yet complex,
like the Elf-himself - so that the poem itself reflects the subject.
Each simple, straightforward part combines to present a delightfully
complex whole.
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Title: The Smallest Hands · Author: Dreamflower · Times: The Great
Years: Poetry · ID: 884
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-08-09 21:12:40
Dreamflower, this is nothing short of amazing, I was goosebumped and
teary-eyed before I got halfway through.

In my mind, it touches the heart of what Tolkien wrote - of all the
grand and epic deeds, but also of the Shirefolk, the simple folk who
don't seek glory yet come forward and do well when the need arises.

Very well done. Thank you.
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Title: Fire and Flowering · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Incomplete · ID: 58
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-09 21:38:26
Raksha, this series contains some of your best writing. The elegant
language tops off the emotion and eroticism. The voice is very Faramir,
and his love for his lady shines through. You succeed at blending a
vivid physical presence with feeling and atmosphere. I enjoyed the
appearance of the children at the end.
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Title: ... and hear the song of salt and sea · Author: Cuthalion ·
Genres: Drama: The Steward's Family · ID: 98
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-08-09 21:40:53
A very melancholy and tragic take on Finduilas's end. Some might
consider it noncanonical, but I believe it is entirely legitimate for
the writer to read between the lines into what Tolkien did NOT say. It
is hard to carry off a piece that is so grim and sad, but you do a good job.
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Title: Love Me Now, Forever · Author: iorhael · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Frodo or Sam · ID: 419
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-08-09 21:52:56
What an absolutely delightful surprise. I especially love unique and/or
unusual points of view and this takes the cake in the best possible way
- especially that it is so well done. The thoughts and emotions are
wonderfully in character, in the way that Bag End is concerned for it's
appearance and what Frodo thinks about it. The despair over Frodo's
eventual departure is heartbreaking.
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Title: A Taste of Diplomacy · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 939
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-09 23:05:27
Denethor and Dwarves are quite possibly my favourite elements of
Middle-earth, and believe me, I've thought about trying to work them
into the same story. So I know how hard it is to come up with an idea
that incorporates both. I had assumed it was impossible. But here you
give us a young Denethor encountering his first dwarf. The world is
fully informed by canonical events as divergent as the marriage of
Thengel to Morwen and the re-claiming of the Lonely MOuntain to give us
a Gondor that seems perfectly situated in Tolkien's world. Even more
importantly, your Denethor is exactly as I would envision him at this
point in his life. He is serious and skeptical and responsible but still
with that spark of childlike curiosity. Your portrayal offers a fitting
answer to the question of how Boromir and Faramir could be the men they
are if Denethor was such a miserable excuse for a man, as we see in
fanfic. Yours is brilliant, human without being too soft.
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Title: Ddraigspelt  An Orc Love Poem · Author: Llinos · Genres:
Romance: Poetry · ID: 879
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-08-09 23:06:00
This poem made me stop in my tracks--the concept of an orc love poem is
so startling, and the writer does not disappoint in the execution.
Though this may be more of a lust poem than a love poem, for Nagash's
passion is more carnal than courtly (as befits an orc). His attraction
to, courtship of and mating with a female orc (the poetically-named
"Dragon's skin") makes for a fascinating piece of writing. Well done and
highly original!
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Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-08-10 00:13:49
The prologue to this story, Faramirs point of view, is startling in its
beauty. For all of those readers out that like myself who are always
mining for good Faramir this is a mother lode. What I find most moving
in the early parts of the story are the ways in which you describe
longing for old friends and loved ones: Arwen, his mother, Ecthelion,
Boromir, Halbarad, Elrond, etc. This human dimension is one of the main
reasons that I read Tolkien fanfictionthe plot, the magic, the stories,
are all there in the canon sourceswhat I miss is the development of
character and warmth. You satisfy this with the musings of your Aragorn
in the story and his reflection on others. For example, your understated
reference to Boromirs feelings for Faramir is perfect.

I really buy your description of Aragorn entering into Faramirs
headhey, my Middle Earth comes with magicI am glad yours has it too.
My pet peeve of a lot of this years crop of fanfics is the abandonment
of magic and fall into some sort of semi-historical fiction based in a
vaguely familiar medieval setting. I love the use of the Elessar to give
him power and hope. Another stunning image is Aragorn figuratively
drawing Andúril to help him face the dark spirits that have a hold on
Faramir. Faramir singing the songs of Elbereth and Eärendil is perfect
too. (Where was your head when you wrote this piece? I want to go there!)

Anyway, I loved your Aragorns reaction to Faramir as the model of the
virtues of Westernesse in the South. You really captured them both so
well and the whole Denethor characterization and the dénouement was
great. Congrats! Awesome storyone of your very best.


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Title: The Summons · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Times: The Great
Years: The Fellowship · ID: 254
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-08-10 00:48:08
It is easy for me to forget sometimes the age difference between Boromir
and Aragorn. You deftly highlight it in this story and weave in the
history of Aragorn in Gondor seamlessly. Your characterizations of both
of the men are on point. I love what a jock Boromir is in the beginning
sequencehis fascination with the sword moves and all of that, but also
that his admiration of Thorongil has a much deeper basis and is rooted
in Boromir true obsessionthe defense of Gondor against the enemy. After
just a few paragraphs the reader is overcome with affection for both of
these men. Gandalf is great as well, observing amused, but always wise.
Also, I like the fact that they are speaking Sindarin. (Thats my own
little hobby horse, of course. But I would expect that they would fall
naturally into it. I am glad to see reinforcement of canon on this
point, right down to pointing out that Frodo would have understood the
conversation if he had been listening! Attention to those little canon
points go so far to lift a story from good to excellentIm always
pleased to find this in your work.)

The poignancy of the story overall is reinforced by the early use of
humor and then the subtle move onto much more serious ground, to grief
and regret. From laughter to tears in one short story--a lot like real
life, wouldn't you say? Great work.

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