Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Fair-weather Friends · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 126
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2006-08-31 23:18:55
This is a story involving trust and love. Merry and Estella are still
adjusting to life together in this story and some things, because fo the
Quest, are more difficult than others. I could really hear the
conversation taking place between the two of them in this story. The
author discribes what both are feeling equally well. She has always had
a wonderful way of writing Merry. She seems to be able to get into his
head when she tells a story and bring him to life for the reader. It is
a tender moment between husband and wife and it speaks to the strengths
of both of them. Merry was very lucky indeed to have married Estella
Bolger. The love and respect between the two Hobbits comes through in
the author's words.
-----------------------------------
Title: Legacy · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 299
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-31 23:20:36
I love the enduring effect Boromir has had on Merry and Pippin. Their
recognition of all that he suffered so that others like themselves might
live in peace that he would never know is very touching. And I think
Merry is right: assuming Boromir were present, he'd be proud of Pippin
for stepping up to the responsibilities of the Thain. Assuming he's
aware at all, no doubt he would be proud anyway, and inclined not to
have them mourn too much but go and make that toast and get on with the
business of living and tending the peace he helped to bring about.
-----------------------------------
Title: The End of All Things · Author: Ariel · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Frodo or Sam · ID: 109
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-08-31 23:23:35
"Deathfic" has such a grim sound to it, but dont be misled by this
story's subgenre. It's sad, to be sure, but so peaceful that, as one
character says, ["Perhaps I should feel grief, but I am glad for him."]

This review must be vague by necessity, as part of the story's appeal is
trying to guess who is speaking, and about whom. Right up until the end
I wasn't sure.

The story's brevity and quiet simplicity manage to be more moving and
effective than overwrought prose would be at three times the length.
Especially nice is the subtle way Ariel conveys that the narrator has
lost his sight without ever coming out and saying so.

In this gentle passing, we can truly see mortality as the gift it was
intended to be.

-----------------------------------
Title: At Last · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 238
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2006-08-31 23:26:04
A very nice set of scenes, filling in the gaps in the narrative. Merry's
confession to a silent Dernhelm of his fears of arriving too late to
help Pippin was very realistic and well done. The silence and
anticipation in his set of ficlets is well played, helping build the
tension the last line will release, even as it did (for awhile) in RoTK.
Pippin's dream of Merry coming to battle, his confusion over who might
take him, why Merry might not be with Strider, and his chatty delivery
all work very well, as does Gandalf's quoting of Eowyn's words.

Well, done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Scattered Leaves · Author: Aratlithiel · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 110
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-08-31 23:29:36
This intense, haunting, and breathtakingly lyrical prose poem captures
the delirium and agony of Frodo's anniversary illness more powerfully
than any other fanfiction on the subject I have ever read, and I've read
quite a few. The dramatic repetition of phrases, the skillfully
sustained color motif, Frodo's ironic yet plausible empathy with the
Witch King, the heart-rending insights about those he loves...all
contribute to making this a masterpiece of angst.

The dark mood and unbridled passion are balanced by a tightly controlled
structure. Aratlithiel has charted a carefully layered journey to the
depths of the abyss and a gradual return through the circles of hell to
normalcy, or at least a semblance of it, giving a cruel twist to the
cheerful model of Bilbos there-and-back-again adventure. Each stage in
the return journey is marked by the restoration of another color to
Frodo's world, as he grasps at his scattered memories like leaves in the
wind.

As always, Aratlithiel's portrayal of Frodo is wonderfully satisfying
and completely canonical. Tortured and despairing though he may be, his
courage, intelligence, and eloquence shine through nonetheless, and his
spirit remains strong and defiant to the end: [I reject the ghosts of
October and send them away soulless and weeping.]

This is one of the first of Aratlithiel's fics I read (and one of the
first she wrote!), and it will always remain among my favorites.

-----------------------------------
Title: When Winter Fell · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits: Incomplete
· ID: 111
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-08-31 23:38:15
If I didn't believe it before, this story proves beyond all doubt that
Lindelea is really a hobbit...for how else could she possibly keep
straight the intricacies of the Took family tree, and feature a cast of
characters at least half of whom are named Isen-something-or-other?

This highly intriguing and original WIP alternates between the
points-of-view of a 21-year-old Bilbo Baggins and his great-grandfather
Fortinbras Took (as a young lad) in the months leading up to the two
deadliest winters recorded in the Tale of Years: the Fell and the Long.
I love the connections between Fortinbras' journal entries and Bilbo's
experiences, down to the parallel dates, the sweltering weather, and the
ominous harvest activities.

It's great fun to see Bilbo in his callow youth...before he became the
scholarly, eccentric "Mad Baggins." This tween is, in fact, deeply
mortified by the public eccentricity of his sea-faring Uncle Isengar,
and regards reading in the library and journal writing as tedious chores
that keep him from the mischief he'd much rather be hatching with his
Took cousins.

It's wonderful how Lin can breathe life into characters through nothing
more than journal entries: young Fortinbras and his Grandfa are
well-matched opponents in a battle of wills: funny, stubborn and
intelligent. And her Isengar is a fascinating character: a mysterious,
tragic looney who may yet prove to be saner than anyone suspects. I hope
we"ll get to find out when Lin is able to continue this story!

-----------------------------------
Title: An Empty Saddle to Fill · Author: Anoriath · Races: Men: Vignette
· ID: 752
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-08-31 23:38:39
This one gave me shivers. You tell the quiet power and strenth of will
very well here, of both Eowyn and Theodred.
-----------------------------------
Title: Tolkien's Use of Expletives · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Non-Fiction · ID: 147
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-08-31 23:41:12
I enjoyed this well-researched piece for several reasons. First off, it
provides an interesting discussion of expletives, epithets, oaths, and
invocations as used in LOTR. Secondly, it's a Very Useful reference tool
for writing Tolkienesque dialogue, and now resides on my hard drive. And
finally, all the expletives lined up like that make quite a funny list!
For a real chuckle, try reading it aloud!


-----------------------------------
Title: On the Way Home · Author: Citrine · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey
Havens · ID: 649
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-08-31 23:45:46
The beauty of this story lies both in the sentiments expressed and in
the simple, graceful way Citrine expresses them. I love the small
touches, like Sam's embroidered handkerchief and the reference to the
Hunter constellation, followed by Sam's plaintive question ["Do you...do
you think the stars are the same, where Master Frodo is going?"].

This is the rare fanfic that deserves the label "Tolkienesque"--not so
much for the content, as I'm not sure Tolkien's Sam and Merry would be
quite so free with each other, even post-Quest--but rather for the style
and spirit of the story.

The style is not a slavish imitation of Tolkien's, but very much in the
same vein. Short, simple words, understated and carefully chosen, can be
far more moving and effective than elaborate prose, as the opening line
demonstrates so well: [The three travelers, bereft of the one they all
loved best, camped on the downs, knowing that the next sunset would see
them home again.]

Most importantly, the "soul" of the story is true to Tolkien...the
conclusion, in particular, captures not just the letter, but the spirit
of the master, in its ineffable mix of joy, sorrow, and wonder.



-----------------------------------
Title: Up From The Ashes · Author: Elanor Gardner · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 645
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-08-31 23:48:46
Laughter is the best medicine, they say, and who better to administer it
to Frodo than the irrepressible Pippin? His character is very well
drawn, not too silly or childish, but with his trademark cheek very much
in evidence. I loved the way he chastises Frodo for his reckless behavior!

Elanors descriptions are marvelous...the clothes hanging on the lines,
the people in the doorways, and all the other small, vivid details made
me feel like I was walking the streets of Minas Tirith right along with
Frodo and Pippin.

Some may question the relevance and suitability of fantasy literature
for adult readers, but I strongly believe that its lessons are
timeless...one of the things that strikes me over and over about
Tolkien's work is how uncannily applicable it is to contemporary events
and crises. This story, dedicated to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina,
is a superb demonstration of this principle.

-----------------------------------
Title: Night Rain · Author: permilea · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 792
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-08-31 23:51:26
This lovely, impressionistic story captures a small but telling moment
in Frodo's recovery in Minas Tirith: his reaction to a spring rainstorm.

With a light, subtle touch Permilea alludes to the Ringbearer's past
ordeal and current fragility, and conveys Aragorn's tender
protectiveness toward his friend--his worry a nice counterpoint to
Frodo's delight in the feel of rain. The closing lines poignantly recall
his heartbreaking loss of sensory memory in Mordor.

Permilea has such an evocative way with description, painting a series
of intimate, exquisite images with just a few carefully chosen words:
Frodo sitting in the courtyard doorway, the roses twining up the wall,
and the warm, gusting wind that heralds the storm.

A beautiful tale of hope and healing.

-----------------------------------
Title: The Bucklander · Author: permilea · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest ·
ID: 793
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-08-31 23:54:27
It's a testament to Permilea's talent that she can take a situation
that's been done to death--the first meeting of Frodo and Sam--and
manage to make it feel fresh.

I love the opening images of little Sam sitting nervously in the
too-large chair as he tries to imagine the wild Elven riverhobbit, and
an equally nervous Bilbo fiddling with the brass candlesnuffer. The
Gaffer is nicely portrayed too, with his grey-furred feet and popping knees.

Frodo's entrance here is just priceless--the geese, pigs, mud, racket,
and in the thick of it all the irrepressible tween, young Frodo as I
love to imagine him: warm-hearted, generous, impulsive, and, yes, wild.
My only complaint about "The Bucklander" is that it ends too soon...I
would dearly love for it to have continued with Frodo's escapades in
Hobbiton.


-----------------------------------
Title: Breeze · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits: War of the
Ring · ID: 974
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-08-31 23:58:07
I confess that when I first discovered this story, I was a bit taken
aback that the POV was that of a sentient--and weeping--breeze! In the
wrong hands, it could have been a disaster. But Illyria not only makes
this notion plausible, she makes it succeed beautifully, reminding us
that Tolkien's Arda is very much alive...if a mountain can be malicious
and the stones can remember, if a river can be personified, why not a
breeze? By story's end, it's quite clear that this is no mere sentient
breeze, but a spirit of the air...a vassal of Manwë, perhaps, sent long
ago to Middle-earth and knowing that it will, someday, return home.

In just a few gorgeously written passages, Illyria takes us from the
intimate heartbreak of the hobbits' suffering to the epic backdrop of
the greater struggle of which they are a part...and in the process,
shows us the true worth of Frodo's quiet heroism.

A lovely, deeply moving story.

-----------------------------------
Title: Revenge is a dish best served cold · Author: Lialathuveril ·
Genres: Humor · ID: 297
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-09-01 00:24:38
This story had me chuckling from the start. In real life, every society
has one food that is cringe fodder for the rest of the planet. I'm
convinced that Greeks are the only ones who truly love "octopodi."
Within the context of "Revenge," most of the citizens of Dol Amroth
would agree with Eomer's reluctance to devour a bit of that unattractive
denizen of the deep.

The theme of this story is the old adage, "the things we do for love."
Add to it the author's sense of comic timing and you have an enjoyable
fluff tale.
-----------------------------------
Title: Rest and Recreation · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 700
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-09-01 02:12:18
In this gapfiller, Boromir waits impatiently for the Fellowship to
depart from Rivendell. Restless and even a little petulant at the
enforced idlenss, he is written very much in character. I loved how you
kept the identity of the elven warrior a surprise for both the readers
and for Boromir. I was sure the elf was Legolas; I would never have
thought of writing Boromir and Glorfindel together, and it works
beautifully!

Poor Boromir, bored and overlooked, surrounded by those elves with their
strange speech and their soft looks and condescending ways. Until he
meets someone who recognizes a fellow student of the martial arts,
someone who respects him enough to fight him as an equal. I hope that he
picked up a few tricks from Glorfindel and that Glorfindel learned
something from him (if nothing else, not to underestimate strangers).
Raksha portrays the fight with enough detail to make it seem realistic,
yet she doesn't bog the narrative down in lengthy choreography.

How very true to Boromir's character that it is this open, honest
contest that brings out the best in him, both as a warrior and as a
human being.
-----------------------------------
Title: It's the Thought · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Fixed-Length
Ficlets With Children · ID: 71
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-09-01 02:49:19
It easy to forget (especially after seeing the young Theodred of the
films) that Theodred was much older than Eomer and Eowyn. In this
bittersweet glimpse of their homecoming to Edoras after their father's
death, Theodred is their adult guardian and caretaker. He puts aside his
own grief (and no doubt anger) and thinks of what he can do to help the
young orphans adjust to their new home. The old nurse is the other hero
of this piece; she had wisely saved his old toys for future children.
(And, of course, that toy pony shows up in "Heirlooms" and the other
Pony!verse stories.) It is amusing that Theodred later looks back and
sees that Eowyn already had the makings of a shieldmaiden! Theodred's
rather matter-of-fact narrative voice keeps this moving piece from ever
becoming maudlin (which is no small feat given the subject.) Very well done!


-----------------------------------
Title: Birnam Wood · Author: Inkling · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 917
Reviewer: permilea · 2006-09-01 02:49:25
A masterly mingling of Tolkien and Shakespeare, two of the greatest
writers England has produced, by an author who has proven she is no
slouch as a storyteller herself.

The author sets the atmosphere of the tale well by recounting a
childhood memory of the native Dougan, a reluctant guide to the army
Malcolm brought against MacBeth. She invokes the haunting, hostile
atmosphere of Tolkien's Old Forest well, and it settles naturally into
the gloomy, foreboding atmosphere of Shakespeare's masterpiece, MacBeth.
Why wouldn't the kindly Treebeard be tending these trees, and rescue a
lost child who perhaps reminded him of two small child-sized creatures
he knew long ago? Perhaps it was Merry and Pippin's tales of their Old
Forest that drew this shepherd to a place that needed him, even to this day.

Fitting indeed that MacBeth, who has disturbed the lands of both Men and
Trees, should find both rising against him!

Inkling's notes at the end of her chapters are a delight to read as
well, whether they are about old dances or wine-making or, as in this
case, explanations of just how she mixed Shakespeare with Tolkien.

A stunningly original tale, refreshing in its depth and scholarly
approach. A worthy addition to the LOTR canon, it deserves far more
recognition and praise than I believe it has received.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Meara for Me! · Author: Súlriel · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 893
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-09-01 07:36:16
Besides providing a wealth of useful details for any fanfic writer who
is serious about equine accuracy, this piece provides charming,
imaginative profiles of the horses. These delightful steeds have more
personality than many a two-footed character! In fact, I haven't been so
captivated by Arabian horses since reading Marguerite Henry's "King of
the Wind" as a kid! (Can I have one, Mom...pleeease?)
-----------------------------------
Title: The Return of the Shadow · Author: juno_magic · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 330
Reviewer: digdigil · 2006-09-01 13:15:46
When I first began reading this story to review, I thought that since it
was a novel-in-progress, with 20 chapters completed, I would not have a
chance to finish it. I thought I would read only the first few chapters
to get an idea of the story and how I felt about it. Well, I became
hooked during the first chapter! This intriguing story spins a great
yarn right from the beginning. It involves the reader in its plot very
cleverly, relying upon a sense of mystery in every chapter to keep the
reader involved and wanting to know more.

The two main characters are established right away, and drawn so fully
that the reader gets to know them quite well early in the story. This is
very clever, because this way, the reader is tempted to keep reading
because he/she wants to know more about these people and find out what
is going to happen to them.

A great, melancholy mood is depicted very well too, by describing the
weather in November as being rainy, cold, windy and thoroughly
miserable. This mood contributes very well to the mystery of the story
and to the sympathy that we cannot help but feel for the characters.

I would recommend this story to anyone who likes to read a good mystery
and follow along as it unravels. The authors story-telling skills are
admirable, as is her ability to establish strong, sympathetic
characters, as well as starkly realistic settings. This is a
fascinating, very interesting read that has me, for one, enthralled.

-----------------------------------
Title: I'm Writing This With My Left Hand · Author: Vana Tuivana ·
Genres: Drama: Poetry · ID: 641
Reviewer: digdigil · 2006-09-01 13:17:07
This poem is a very unusual take on the plight of Maedhros after he has
been rescued from the precipice of Thangorodrim by his cousin. The first
stanza alerts the reader right away to the fact that either Maedhros is
being very philosophical about the state of his right hand, or perhaps
he is in shock, to write about such devastation so lightly. So a sense
of mystery is established right away, making the reader curious about
Maedhros state of mind.

In the second stanza, Maedhros explains what has happened to his right
hand. If the reader does not already know what has happened to it, then
this revelation would be abrupt and shocking. I think the state of
Maedhros mind is established very cleverly here.

The third stanza creates sympathy for Maedhros when he implies that he
is feeling quite alone by the use of the phrases anyone but me and
should ever chance.

In the final stanza we are given a glimpse into the future, as Maedhros
is perhaps apologizing for his later misdeeds. He seems to be reflecting
upon his life, with his right hand perhaps a metaphor for the good
part of himself that was left behind.

I think this excellent poem is, while very short, a very clever way of
describing Maedhros thoughts about his life.


-----------------------------------
Title: About Legends or Whisperings of a Ghost · Author: juno_magic ·
Races: Men · ID: 699
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-01 17:00:52
I am impressed with this story--much darker than I usually would care to
read. I like the interweaving of the dry historical narrator with the
passionate first person story of Beruthiel herself. A very compelling
story, leaving much to think about.
-----------------------------------
Title: Raven Hair and Silver Eyes · Author: Ellie · Times: First Age and
Prior · ID: 174
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-09-01 17:10:30
This is such a unique story where you slowly peel away layer by layer to
discover so many aspects of Anaire. So slowly and well-paced Ellie
writes how Anaire came to her decision to leave her husband and let her
children go to meet their own chosen fate. At first, it seems like a
woman so deeply in love, but when you re-read it, you discover the
bitterness underneath it and also her own regret in taking part in what
happened.

[Sometimes when my husbands frustrations grew great, I would remind him
that his brilliant elder brother had failed in his seed by never
producing a daughter in spite of the six pregnancies he gave his wife. I
found that this attack on Fëanors masculinity occasionally settled my
husband when nothing else would.]

This made me wonder that if Anaire had reacted differently, as in not
acting upon the existing strife between the two brothers, what the
outcome would have been. In a way, to me, she contributed as much to the
strife with those words and finding the sign of providing both daughters
and sons to her husband as highest nobility. It isnt hardly a surprise
that her children thought they were, just like their father, above all
others and could get away with the kinslaying. But there is no turning
back now and Anaire knows this. I admire how Ellie writes her as a
strong and empowered woman who simply does walk away. A great story:
incredibly moving and heart wrenching. Ellie, thanks for sharing!
-----------------------------------
Title: Lightly Sings the Wind · Author: Ellie · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 799
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-09-01 18:19:01
Where as one should have expected that the homecoming of Finarfin after
the War of Wrath would be a glorious one& think again while reading this
short story. In clear and evocating prose, Ellie writes what matters the
most for those who remain behind when their children and spouses go to
war. What has become of them, why are they not coming back? Earwens
grief is heart wrenching, as if she expected that her precious son would
proof her that the halfblooded Teleri would be better than their Noldo
kin. To me it feels as if after all these years, suddenly all the pent
up grief and anger towards the Noldor surfaces.

[Now the cursed Noldor have slain my sons. They took them from my home,
from my arms, and led them to their deaths.]

There is no time for celebrating, but pain is oh so present in Earwens
mind and Ellie writes this so incredibly well, it simply gives you the
chills. I simply applaud you Ellie, for writing this so powerfully and
so realistic.

Even more intensely to read is how Finarfin pleads his wife to accept
that life has gone on, as much as she dislikes change, it is his love
for her, his endless support which makes Earwen accept the facts and
casulties of war in the end, even though the mothers always do suffer
the most. I am glad to see that the author does not rush towards the
end, but let her main character deal with it incredibly realistically.

[What is an elleth when her children are gone? Is she still a naneth
when there is no one to call her by that name? Am I still one?

How can my husband still want me, still claim to love me when the most
precious gifts I have given him have been taken from us?]

Simply amazing. This short story makes brilliantly use of the stages of
grief: from denial to acceptance. From empitiness to fullfillment,
acceptance and a new beginning. A most recommended read!

-----------------------------------
Title: The Importance of Being a Hobbit · Author: Lamiel · Races:
Hobbits: War of the Ring · ID: 961
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-09-01 18:35:49
This is just great. I love Merry here - his doubts are so reasonable,
and just, in truth, the kind of doubts that that intelligent, organised,
self-sufficient hobbit would display. As are his frustrations.

Moreover, I love the detail. Aragorn is just so seriously grubby - I'm
sure Arwen was afraid that she would have to insist that he be
steam-cleaned before she would consent to retire to a bedchamber with him.

Legolas's words of wisdom show his age and intelligence. And give a
great background to the elf/dwarf conflict, although I'm not sure that
Gimli has been given any choice as to his participation in the
mood-lightening. And the elf is right, too. The hobbits are needed to
give Frodo a reason to go on. Even at Parth Galen. While Sam's memories
of the Shire remind Frodo of his purpose right up to the last.

This is such a lovely story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

-----------------------------------
Title: ...and I will follow you, my Captain · Author: Robinka · Times:
The Great Years · ID: 248
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-09-01 18:43:05
Well, this is a story that surely calls for a t-shirt: Haldir lives. I
dont care what Peter Jackson did. Who wants one? What an incredible
well written piece of prose. Chilling, emotional, haunting, moving... it
feels like a roller coaster ride of emotions while reading it. The
details the author adds: the thoughts of someone who is to die and death
watching how Haldir falls and observes how the rest around him reacts to
what is happening. This is not simply re-telling the demise of Haldir
during the Battle of Helms Deep. This story is much more: it does show
you the sacrifice this noble marchwarden brings and how is death comes
at such a high cost.

[The Ranger jumped in from darkness, his rough voice calling your name.
He managed to catch you as you collapsed. The man bowed his weary head,
the sadness of losing a brother-in-arms on his face.]

This is just one of the moments that I could so clearly picture when
Robinka wrote these three lines. The warrior halts, knowing that
something important was happening. Time stands still while he watches
his Captain die only to follow suit.

["On your feet, warden, for the battle is over, and Mandos awaits."

"...and I will follow you, my Captain," I stated.

You smiled and nodded lightly.

With no more words, I stood up, picked up my weapons, and placed myself
in line with the others.

You led us out of the fortress of the Horse-lords, straight into the
naked darkness.]

A tale of loyalty, a testimony to the heroes who gave their life
willingly for a greater cause. Very smoothly and gently, the tale leads
you to the end too fast, but yet it leaves you with a satisfied feeling.
It is over and ended, just as their lives.

This story is so amazing Robinka, this piece shows your talent and
intelligent design of a great story. Now I am going to order those t-shirts.

-----------------------------------