Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: First Night · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits: War of the
Ring · ID: 400
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-11 22:31:51
This is a very angsty mood piece in Pippin's first person point of view,
set in Minas Tirith the first night of his arrival there, as he
struggles to come to terms with his loneliness for Merry, his fears for
Frodo and Sam, his guilt for his encounter with the palantir and his
homesickness for the Shire. The author really has a good voice for him
in this.
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Title: Man of the North · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 684
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-11 22:32:16
This is wonderful. I don't believe I've ever read anything before from
Thengel's point of view, and this is wonderful, tying together not only
the Numenorian ancestry of Thorongil, but also hinting at Thengel's
Gondorian wife Morwen.
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Title: Hidden Wonders · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Fixed-length
ficlet · ID: 420
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-11 22:32:35
Very nice description of a lovely domestic moment between Eowyn and
Faramir. I could imagine them after the drabble's end, ensconced upon
the couch, with Faramir reading to his bride.
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Title: Gondor Needs No King · Author: Ribby · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 207
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-11 22:32:50
A very dark and scary AU.
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Title: Teatime in Rivendell · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 373
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-11 22:33:12
This made me chuckle. I could easily imagine Bilbo wanting a chance to
repay the Elves for their lack of hospitality all those years ago.
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Title: Passing Regrets · Author: Ariel · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest · ID: 657
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-11 22:33:47
This lovely little vignette of a fauntling Frodo casting a spell of his
charm over his Uncle Bilbo is just lovely. The author describes the
child in such an appealing manner, and lingers over each of Bilbo's
delighted reactions. Bilbo's realization of what it means to love a
child as a parent does is a very nice bit of foreshadowing.
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Title: Divinity · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits · ID: 824
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-11 22:34:19
What a lovely look at the graces granted to the Ringbearer by the Valar!
I love the way each one gives his or her own particular favor and help,
and the pleasure taken in doing so! Very nicely done!
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Title: Castle · Author: Timmy2222 · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 256
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-11 22:34:43
This is a very angsty and action oriented fic, centered around Aragorn's
early reign. It's a long story, with a plot full of twists and turns,
and some very intriguing OCs, especially the character of a young boy.
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Title: The Importance of Being a Hobbit · Author: Lamiel · Races:
Hobbits: War of the Ring · ID: 961
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-11 23:40:37
This story has so many grewat elements about it, it's hard to single in
on jusgt one. I think what I likied most here was Merry's irritation. In
stories of this size and type, you usually dont see a major and
oft-loved character given a real fault. But hbere Merry is unfair to
himself and his kinsmen. I can see why Merry might feel that way. I
think we all tend to idealize those people in glamorous roles, and to
want that, and in Merry's time that would have been the warriors. I'm
glad he had Legolas there to set him straight. But this story also had
great fun, some interesting moments about the hobbits learning
swordplay, and generally good all-around Fellowship characterization. If
you like ensemble casts then this one iss a good read.
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Title: It's the Thought · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Fixed-Length
Ficlets With Children · ID: 71
Reviewer: Madeleine · 2006-08-12 00:27:38
Although it was initially not Théodreds own idea to give his old toys
to his cousins, nonetheless is was a lovely gesture. I know how hard it
can be if one suddenly is expected to part with childhood keepsakes even
though one hasnt paid any attention to them in years.

Im just wondering if Éowyns preference for more belligerent activities
had always been high in gear or if it wasnt rather a response to her
later confinement at her uncles court.

And as a true descendant of Eorl you need not just a sword but - even
more importantly - a horse to be able to fight properly.

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Title: The White Tree · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 94
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-12 00:39:36
Faramir here is a bit weepy and insecure for my personal tastes. Not
that he doesn't have cause after he's been through! Still, his reaction
to the White Tree was moving, and I'm glad Aragorn was able to
straighten everything out.
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Title: Wizardry · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 179
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-12 00:56:53
I think "Well" is an apt description. Gandalf is right in his mirth. The
situation is funny. But it takes some doing to see the comic after the
days of frustration. It is nice to see that Aragorn and Gandalf can
laugh together and not be only grim and stern. Although I think they
would prefer to strangle Gollum ;-)
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Title: Strange meeting · Author: Nesta · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's Fall
· ID: 93
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-12 00:57:48
This is a gap filler which describes the aftermath of the Battle of the
Pelennor Fields from Faramir's point of view. The amount of work to be
done and what is to be done is vividly described. The line [I try not to
remember the flies.] really brought home to me how horrible the clean up
had to be. On the fringes of the battlefield Faramir meets a stranger
who turns out to be Aragorn. I love the way their first meeting after
Aragorn went to the black gate is described. I think the
characterization of both Aragorn and Faramir is spot on. And this
discussion reveals a lot about how Aragorn plans to run his kingdom and
that he needs and wants Faramir at his side.
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Title: Tales of Life · Author: Ainu Laire · Times: Multi-Age: Incomplete
· ID: 235
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-08-12 00:58:22
This is a great series of ficlets. Little snippets out of Aragorn's
life. Together they shape the character of Aragorn. I can't really
decide which is my favorite. The one with the palantir or the last one
with Sam or the one on the Pelennor fields. I like the way Aragorn's
friendship with Halbarad is portrayed, and I think Sam's voice and
characterization in the last ficlet and the characterization of Strider
here is spot on.
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Title: Consolation · Author: EdorasLass · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 47
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-12 01:39:21
Aww, EL, this is really well done. The boys are obviously grieving, but
that doesn't overwhelm the piece. It's nice to see Boromir looking out
for Faramir and the fact that it costs him something and that he
struggles with what to do just made the story that much more touching.
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Title: For Arda · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Drama: Poetry · ID: 885
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-08-12 02:11:07
Dreamflower's tribute to the Professor's genius reminds us why we return
again and again to a world that is
[Untrammeled by the mundane and bitter...]
I love the idea that we are exploring the outer boundaries of Arda--what
a beautiful way to describe the research and creative writing and art
that have been inspired by the master storyteller. Thank you for such an
uplifting message.
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Title: Last Defence of the City · Author: Branwyn · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 96
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-08-12 03:08:39
Of all the AU scenarios we've encountered at the various challenges in
which weve participated, this seems to be one of the least presented.
It's also one of my very favorite of your drabbles. Im so proud of your
vision of Denethor, loving and compassionate of his injured son,
generous and thoughtful toward his young squire Peregrin, and fearless
and determined in his action to direct the defense of the City. Thank
you for this marvelous vision of Denethor fulfilling his destiny as Last
Ruling Steward.
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Title: The Steward and the Wizard · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 522
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-08-12 03:09:30
Oh, what a sad and bitter tale. How well youve portrayed Denethor here,
the strict and cold taskmaster who nevertheless craves his sons love.
So sad that Denethor was not able to see (and would not have agreed, had
the suggestion been made) that the unhappiness of the relationship if of
his own making. Thank goodness Faramir consciously chose not to follow
in his fathers footsteps in this matter.
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Title: Following Orders · Author: EdorasLass · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 54
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-08-12 03:10:20
In all my years of reading LOTR fanfiction, I dont think Ive ever
before come across this scene: Faramir wondering why men he had known
all his life would have allowed him to be murdered so brutally.
Edoraslass has brilliantly conveyed, without a touch of angst or pathos,
Faramirs sense of bitterness, yes, and anger. Pippins soft voice is
heard in the background, trying to explain, trying to defend those who
are not worthy, really, to be defended; yet theres still that ominous
touch of coldness, of carefully controlled fury in Faramirs voice.
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Title: Hidden Wonders · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Fixed-length
ficlet · ID: 420
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-08-12 03:34:37
I really loved this story and I am not usually a big fan of shorts--but
it was the idea of looking at the books that drew me in. Beautifully
written and well-conceived. I have a tiresomely long, defensive
"author's note" on a WIP novel of mine defending the concept that the
fact that Rohirric was not a written language would have in no way
indicated that Eomer, Eowyn, Theodred, et al., would not have been
literate. I am so glad to see someone agrees. The characterization of
both Eowyn and Faramir is great--especially in such a short piece. I
appreciate it this, as it is hard to do in longer pieces and on a short
one like this a real challenge. Just one more note/question: I read a
couple of other positive reviews on this story--am I the only one who
wants to know what that book was about? Well, perhaps that is part of
the beauty of the story--it can be about anything I want it to be about.
I chose to think that this particular book is the hidden wonder of the
story. All in all, this story is a great reading experience (that was an
unintended pun, but I guess I'll leave it!).
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Title: Until the Stars Are All Alight · Author: Kenaz · Races: Men:
Featuring Aragorn · ID: 148
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-08-12 03:51:10
This story is one of my all time favorites and certainly one of the ones
that I love the most of recent Aragorn fanfic (and there are some very
fine writers who specialize in this). This one-chapter story could by
some be characterized as slash, but it is in fact less than that and
much more. There are several layers to this one short piece. It could be
characterized an exploration of comradeship, loyalty and one of the most
moving and sensitive expositions of the relationship often referred to
as the kings man that I have read in any work of fiction. The
characterization of the very young, green Aragorn here is completely
recognizable as the same man we love so much in the book at the height
of his maturity and power. The pairing of Aragorn and Halbarad could
become routine, formulaic, or derivative, but it certainly is not here.
It is authentic, real, believable, profoundly human and humane. Other
issues taken on in the story, such as: initiation in battle, the first
time Aragorn actually kills, his transformation from rather isolated and
protected Elvish young man to a ranger and leader of men are all taken
on and developed with sensitivity. The attention to canon and insightful
usage of the same enrich the story. The pacing, organization and
evocative, poetic language have led me to return and re-read this story
multiple timesfor me the greatest recommendation for any fic. (Hey, the
title is awesome and the introductory quotation perfect.) I love it.
Read it.
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Title: The Salt-Rose · Author: Lady Aranel · Genres: Romance: Incomplete
· ID: 283
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-08-12 04:07:44
Such a lovely vignette. The eroticism is stunning and understated. The
introduction of sense of mystery and the unknown as experienced by an
Elf, in this case Legolas, when the reader is accustomed to thinking of
him as the one who is mysterious and unknowable is perfect. It is so
refreshing to see this vision turned on its head. The glance at Gimli
and the sense of Legolass implied loss of privacy is such a subtle
detail. Of course, the quote from Pablo Neruda drew me into the story in
the first place. A well-written and satisfying story that certainly has
not been done.
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Title: New beginnings · Author: Perelleth · Genres: Humor · ID: 815
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-12 08:52:51
This is an intricate story of political and familial connections being
broken, made, and remade in the aftermath of Morgoth's fall and the
sinking of Beleriand.

The writer has an excellent knowledge of Elvish history and languages,
and uses both to good effect.

A complex but entertaining tale with a few moments of real magic.
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Title: Elfwine · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Fixed-Length Ficlet
· ID: 70
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-12 11:32:56
Pale! As if he's not chopped more orcs into bits than he has dinners!
Still - he was brave to stay. Very sweet - I love his excitement and his
need to tell his sister.
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Title: Childhood Dreams · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 523
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-12 11:36:11
Ironic edge there. A river and Boromir. Well. The two came together in
the end. I like to think of Faramir and Boromir snatching moments from
their duties to have time together away from battle plans and paternal
pressures.
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