Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Desires Of The Hroa · Author: The Last Temptation of Homer ·
Genres: Drama: First Age Elves · ID: 623
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-12 22:18:01
Interesting interpretation and twisting of some lines from LACE. THings
are much simpler on paper than in real life!
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Title: First Impressions · Author: Bodkin · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 806
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-08-12 23:23:06
An unusual take on Aragorn's return to his people, but perhaps closer to
the truth than what many of us would like to imagine it to be like. The
differences between Rivendell and the life of the Dunédain must be grave
indeed, and to know that a destiny forced him to leave his old,
comfortable life and go to a strange place must be difficult to accept
for such a young man.

I like the fact that Aragorn learns something during the fic, but yet
isn't suddenly content with his situation. We can guess that he has a
long, difficult way before him, which is just realistic.

I also like Halbarad having an appearance: I have a soft spot for him,
and it is good to see him play an important role for Aragorn.
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Title: At Crickhollow · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits: Merry &
Pippin · ID: 241
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-13 02:24:39
Maybe, as a bachelor settling into my first place away from home, I have
a special affinity for what Merry and Pippin are experiencing here. But
it certainly did resonate! What you describe feels so perfectly natural.
It's lovely to imagine Merry and Pippin enjoying these simple pleasures.
Still yearning for adventure a bit, perhaps, but for the moment
definitely at peace.
-----------------------------------
Title: Breath of Winter · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 101
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-08-13 12:06:40
I already enjoyed this story a lot when I first read it. It explores the
friendship between Frodo, Merry and Pippin by retelling a moment from
their youth and tying it in with a moment that could have happened on
the Ring Quest.

I like that the age difference between Merry and Pippin comes into play:
too often are those two seen as a pair of exchangable providers of comic
relief. And I also like that we get a feeling of what Frodo's
relationship to his younger cousins might have been. Sam is not left out
either, although he did not share the others' earlier adventure.

All in all, this is an enjoyable fic which explores the friendship
between the Hobbits and fits well into canon.
-----------------------------------
Title: Tolkien's Use of Expletives · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Non-Fiction · ID: 147
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-08-13 12:36:25
This is quite useful writing resource. Fanon has developed a lot of
exclamations that have to canonical foundation whatsoever, and I am
always startled on seeing something as "Valar!", "Béma!", or worse, if
writing this here is allowed, "Eru's balls!"

The list also shows clearly that such expressions are more likely to be
used by hobbits than by any other species. In fact, we see no mention
that any Man ever uses any except "Alas!" In fanfic, the picture often
is quite different.

It is good that Dreamflower has undertaken the work of compiling this
list of Middle-earth swearwords. I, for one, will make use of it if I
should ever write a story in which the character have to express their
feelings in a somewhat stronger manner than usual. Many of the Hobbit
exclamations are fairly unusual in today's speech, so it is good to have
them all together in a handy list.
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Title: The Fords of Isen · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Adventure · ID: 41
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-08-13 13:33:55
A great ghost story! I've always liked the idea that Boromir and
Theodred were good friends-it makes sense, given that they were both
warriors, heirs of their respective countries and of an age to each
other. A very tragic symmetry, that Rohan and Gondor both lost their
heirs on the same day. It's nice to think that Boromir would be able to
come once more and aid his old friend in battle. The business with his
continual dripping of water and the oyster shells growing on his shield
was sort of gruesomely funny.
-----------------------------------
Title: Little Lad Lost · Author: Citrine · Races: Hobbits: Children ·
ID: 895
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-13 14:02:32
Poor Lobelia. Her actions were clearly wrong, but at the time I can see
her motivations. Good for Frodo being able to use her need for
respectability to right things in the end, though.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hewing Naught But Wood · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 825
Reviewer: Madeleine · 2006-08-13 18:11:45
Reading this baffling piece of work I could imagine myself put into
Éomers position: a slight sense of unreality, wishing to be elsewhere
but not daring to leave them on their own, fearing what they would be
able to do if they were left without proper supervision.

But the most remarkable about this story: as hilarious as the argument
between Gimli, Legolas and  surprisingly  Aragorn is, Thundera Tiger
never made fools of the characters.

This is one of the stories one enjoys reading again once in a while.

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Title: The Secret of Dog Lake · Author: Karenator · Races: Elves · ID: 819
Reviewer: LydiaB · 2006-08-13 20:21:14
I've often thought about writing a ghost story set in Tolkien's world,
so your summary particularly caught my eye, and I'm very glad it did.
This story was so full of charm. It's lovely to see Haldir's softer
side. Speaking as someone who gets a bit fed up of him being portrayed
as arrogant, I was really impressed with how you brought out his humor
and affability. The ghost story was well-constructed, and I found myself
getting the shivers there at the end. I think I was as sucked into it
and as keen in my attention as the twins!
-----------------------------------
Title: Strength of a River · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 513
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-13 23:27:19
I know a boy who lost his mother at about the same age Faramir lost his,
so fics like these where he does have some memories of Finduilas have a
very special place in my heart. And it's true, it's amazing the
capability a young child has to retain memories. I think Faramir would
have remembered some things beven if he didn't realize he knew them
until something in later life brought them up.

But this story is much more than a sappy memorial to Finduilas. It is a
tale of Faramir's hidden strength. He really is likie a river: quiet,
persistent, but with the ability to crumble mountains given the time.
And the use of that memory to give him strength at a critical canonical
moment is what really tied this piece together, at least for me.
-----------------------------------
Title: Imrahil's Daughter · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 183
Reviewer: julia · 2006-08-14 00:42:20
If they had a category for the story with "The Hottest Kiss in Middle
Earth" this one would win. I think it's one of the best, most sensual
without being icky, kissing scenes I have read in all of fanfic. And the
rest of the story is just as good. I like the way you write Eomer and
Lothiriel, both together and apart, and you also do a good job with
establishing the characters of Lothi's brothers.
-----------------------------------
Title: Midwinter Rites · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 868
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-14 04:00:57
This is simply lovely. All the different holiday festivities that
Aragorn would have experienced. I loved the details you worked in,
especially in the snippet about Rohan. As an unmarried captain of
obviously noble birth (how could it not be obvious when you're fostered
by elves), he really would have to be careful not to encourage any of
the daughters to think he might marry them. And the idea of a special
private drink in Harad seemed particularly symbolic in desert Harad. But
the one that *really* got me was the very un-kingly image of Aragorn
hurling snowballs. In the North, no less. I usually think of them in
Gondor, but that image of father and son in Arnor was perfect.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Tide · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 77
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-14 04:04:08
I can feel Imrahil's anger throughout here. You did a very good job of
capturing not only the emotion but the reason behind the emotion, not
easy to do in such a short form. I especially liked youruse of the
phrase ["cold ivory mask"].
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Title: With Bow and Blade · Author: Lady Aranel · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet Featuring Legolas or Thranduil · ID: 282
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-08-14 08:21:29
A skillful vignette blending Legolas and Thranduil's viewpoints of
battles fought on the same day in different places, linked by a moment
of vision.

I particularly liked Legolas' sudden comprehension of the fatigue that
he has never before felt.


-----------------------------------
Title: In Stitches · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 132
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-14 11:25:22
I do like the image of a bored Pippin learning to knit. And that
knitting is a secret vice of assorted males of the Shire. (They probably
gather on dark nights in hidden holes to talk about cable stitch and
Fair Isle. I can just imagine them sneaking out, claiming to be off to
the Green Dragon, when really they're all excited about being introduced
to the skills needed to knit Guernseys.)

And, really, I can't think of a better occupation for Pippin than
knitting. Keeps him in one place while his hands are busy. And he can
make things for his friends and family. And it gives himself something
to do when he is confined to his bed - which must be something for which
his mother can be really thankful. A lovely story.

-----------------------------------
Title: Revenge is a dish best served cold · Author: Lialathuveril ·
Genres: Humor · ID: 297
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-14 11:30:07
I do love the Princes of Dol Amroth! And, as goes without saying, the
King of Rohan. Amrothos / Eomer, Eomer / Amrothos. What potential for
brother-in-law rivalries and teasing! Lothiriel might end up wondering
what she has started in allowing these two to get to know each other.

Eomer - forcing himself to chew on octopus, because he was in love with
Lothiriel and wanted to impress her family was just so likely! As was
Eomer remembering the torture and getting his own back. I think Eomer
might have won the encounter - sheep's eyes and a vile hangover must
have made it hard for Amrothos to keep the contents of his stomach
inside him.

I wonder what Amrothos will do in return. Somehow, I can't see him just
leaving it. I think you have set up a relationship with tremendous
potential for ever-greater provocation. Very entertaining!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Humble Gift · Author: GamgeeFest · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 722
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-08-14 11:32:40
What a way for an heirloom to enter a family.

Faramir is lovely - thoughtful, intelligent, considerate - all the
characteristics that shine out of him as far as I am concerned. Pippin
is shrewd and loving and a lot more mature than he often appears! And I
just love the way they interact. And the server, too. Apparently
concentrating on her task, whilst at the same time she is picking up
every word and nuance of behaviour from the other two in the room.

Pippin is very good at evading topics he doesn't want to elaborate - but
he does it so well that only a diplomat of Faramir's skill would notice.

And the gift is lovely. The story is a delight.

-----------------------------------
Title: To Tell a Tale · Author: Anso the
Hobbit/Beruthiel/Bodkin/Dreamflower/Elendiari22/Jay of
Lasgalen/Lindelea/Pearl Took/pipkinsweetgrass/Rabidsamfan/Shirebound
CoAuthors · Races: Cross-Cultural: Incomplete · ID: 973
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-14 13:10:40
An entertaining set of vignettes! Even Pippin will bow to the power of a
good story, and as the other characters--members of the Fellowship or
else more recent friends made in Minas Tirith--go in and out of the
sickroom, they never fail to come bearing tales, or else to listen when
one's told. I liked that inversion with Faramir--one would expect him to
be the one telling the story, given his artistic predilections and
general captainly instincts when it comes to caring for his men, but
then, too, he knows how to listen very well.

Bergil's tale--or rather, the [lead] had me laughing. Huzzah of tales of
transvestite valor--one might almost think that superstition or fortune
was getting its own back with Aragorn for being a bit too clever. Nice
transposition of the movie!Merry-and-Pippin's firework story to Bilbo
and Adelgrim, and I loved Ioreth's constant presence and designation of
her charges as 'lambs' (despite all evidence to the contrary). Fitting
that she should have the last word (thus far), where we find that habit
goes back a long way, and that she should bring Boromir in by proxy to
bring Pippin some cheer. Nice to see, too, that Boromir had other
talents, also artistic, that simply went unknown once his war-years began.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Taste of Diplomacy · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 939
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-14 13:11:08
An interesting interlude in the life of a young and precocious, if still
awkward, Denethor. His question about Morwen's choice of Thengel, [But
why him...?], suggests either a child's disinterest in the whole matter
of love or else a prefiguration of adult disaffection that would
eventually take its toll. His sense of always managing to do something
not quite right and being frustrated--by errant wisps of hair, by being
always worried about being late, by making the wrong impression--seemed
appropriate for a youth of his station, and it was satisfying to see him
succeed in some measure, after a few mistakes, with the Dwarf Favik. A
little diplomatic success does a lot to bolster his confidence.
-----------------------------------
Title: Pride Goeth... · Author: Marigold · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 936
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-14 13:11:34
Heh heh, nice turn about! The starting out of the Fellowship has a
couple of hasty actions--oaths and announcements are both warned
against. But at least Gimli's swearing, whether or not it broke him in
the end, wouldn't give away their location. Boromir's horn call is
another story, and the hobbits rightly pick up on the incongruity of the
need for secrecy and that sound off. Who knows who heard it? Very well
played set of misperceptions, Marigold.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Choices of Spirits · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 927
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-14 13:12:05
The difficulties of Elf-Man unions are illustrated in this fic, and it's
almost banal in some sense--Caranthir just keeps assuming that there's
still time. When Haleth dies, it's a shock--what happened to tomorrow?
Interesting solution to the separate fates problem.
-----------------------------------
Title: Stewardship · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 920
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-14 13:12:19
Very nice portrait of an afternoon in Emyn Arnen. Gandalf is always a
difficult character to write, but this short drabble picks up on one of
my favorite Gandalf lines and shows the passing of his work to other
worthy hands.
-----------------------------------
Title: Such loveliness in living thing · Author: Tanaqui · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 904
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-14 13:12:37
*snork!* Great last line, Tanaqui. I like the mystery that Arwen
presents, and Bilbo's description of the testimony of the twins about
their sister. His reading of Aragorn's words--a besotted lover who will
always of course see more virtues in his beloved than actually
exist--was a perfect set up for the finale.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ship and Shore · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 867
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-14 13:12:50
These were each quite lovely, and I particularly liked the one from the
perspective of one of the Forodrim--an ambivalent legacy, that meeting
with Arvedui and his people. The Teleri artist's appreciation of the
tragic and bloody irony of the Noldor who followed Fëanor is well drawn.
I wasn't quite sure I could identify the speaker in [Foresight], but the
Man-Elf relationship in the final drabble was very convincing.
-----------------------------------
Title: Night Rain · Author: permilea · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 792
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-14 13:13:05
This evokes that line in ROTK, where Sam wishes for nothing more than
sunlight and clean water. Frodo's memory, consumed by the Ring, seems
slow to return, but it fits nicely that it should be recalled when the
rain finally comes. Good evocation of atmosphere.
-----------------------------------