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Title: Gandalf's No Good, Rotten, Really Bad Day · Author: Gandalfs
apprentice · Genres: Humor: Parody · ID: 146
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-09-05 12:33:43
This story is hysterical and consummately well-written. It is certainly
AU, but uses hard-core canon knowledge in the most effective way
imaginable to make its points. There are layers and layers to the humor,
not only does the author dig out the weaknesses in the logic of the
original, but it takes well-aimed pokes at movie verse as well. There
were many points in this where I was laughing until my sides hurtI
cannot tell you why Arwens snuffling at the thought of poor dead
Aragorn is so funny, but it is. Manwë gets the last lineas, of course,
he shouldand it is a winner! This is no lightly tossed off piece of
slapstick or simple comedic relief at the end of a long day of writers
block, but an erudite, witty, and carefully crafted work and oh so
funny. It compiles a long list of errors, mistakes of judgment,
negligence, and just plain stupidities committed by the
oh-so-well-meaning Gandalf, who this reader thinks of as so wise and
nearly infallible, until all of Middle Earth is crumbling under the
collective weight of them. Poor Gandalf himself is then left trying to
explain to a less than pleased Manwë what he might have been thinking! I
have a secret file on my computer of lines of fanfic that I wish I had
written and a good number of them come from this piece. Just goes to
show you that even the greatest writer can always profit from a good
editor. (Sorry JRRT, if it doesn't feel fair that first she steals your
work and then nit-picks it to death!)
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Title: He walks among the greenèd bowers · Author: Dwimordene · Genres:
Drama: Poetry · ID: 669
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-09-05 15:36:11
This poem is amazing in its simplicity and depth. While I read this I
can see Eomer walking between the burial mounds of Rohan while the
simbelmyne guide him on his way while dancing on the wind. Dwim, you
give Eomer's grief so much depth in this piece. It clearly shows that it
will take a while before his pain of those he lost will lessen, but he
also knows that he has a clear purpose and a his heritage to defend as
the sole survivor of his line:

['Tis for him to see them sung:
The price to pay, to be that one,
To bear the cost of living won.]

This ballad - rightly named- itself flows gracefully and makes you want
to read it again. The choice of words is not overdone, but it portrays
the mood of the character perfectly.
-----------------------------------
Title: Better Than Frodo Baggins · Author: Inkling · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 809
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-05 17:32:22
Gives believable insight into Lotho's feelings about Frodo, his envy of
his easygoing manners and shame at his own reluctant admiration. How his
upbringing in a household of resentment, greed and anger could have
influenced his attitude. His desire to ["show them all"] one day that he
is better than Frodo give a very convincing explanation for his later
doings.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Healer's Tale · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits · ID: 861
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-05 17:33:11
Fits neatly into your universe, with excellent characterisations of all
of the large cast, finely-tuned relationships, and nicely-detailed
descriptions that make the settings and people truly come to life,
including some fitting "hobbity" traditions. The dialogues flow
smoothly, each character's voice is distinct.

Your picture of the Shire society is consistent, plausible and
well-structured, and you show it through your characters, instead of
having to resort to too much background information - show, not tell,
indeed.

I did sometimes wonder if the two plot threads didn't distract from each
other, particularly as they constantly alternate, but I was so caught up
in both that it mostly merely increased the suspense.
-----------------------------------
Title: Beleg and Túrin · Author: Raihon · Genres: Romance · ID: 755
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-05 17:33:51
Shows how Beleg got tragically, hopelessly tangled in Túrin's doom,
drawn like a moth to a flame. Túrin's characterisation, true to form, is
prideful, self-centred, obstinate, short-tempered. I find the ending too
abrupt.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lightly Sings the Wind · Author: Ellie · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 799
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-05 17:34:49
Finarfin's and Eärwen's grief at the loss of their sons brings the story
of fighting, exile and wars to a very personal level, evocative and
affecting (although I do have reservations about how very melodramatic
and self-indulgent she is for so long before she finally looks further
than her own feelings).
-----------------------------------
Title: Trust · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama · ID: 216
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-05 17:36:23
Excellent characterisations; emotions and relationships are depicted
vividly and believably, the strength of mind, honesty and courage of
both protagonists are clearly drawn. An interesting and well-handled
plot, with clever allusions to other stories of the "Unabeauverse".

The issue at stake - trust and surrendering control - is tastefully
handled, avoiding clichés and truly exploring what it means to the
characters with their respective backgrounds and problems. It's not only
about their personal relationship, but it actually encompasses other
matters as well: politics, military, the relationships with Denethor,
Imrahil and Faramir.

I like the fact that it starts more as a diversionary tactic, but then
segues into a true exploration of where the relationship stands and
where it could/should go from there. And that not all issues are
resolved, that still Boromir holds back things, but is more or less
reconciled to it.

Framing the story with the PoV of the general populace was an
interesting touch.
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Title: The Gardener's Wife · Author: Vistula the Dunadan · Races:
Hobbits · ID: 720
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-05 17:37:01
Intriguing premise. I can't quite believe it, especially that no gossip
would have come to Sam's ears, but the characterisations and emotions
ring true, especially the Gaffer's.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Salt-Rose · Author: Lady Aranel · Genres: Romance: Incomplete
· ID: 283
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-09-05 19:09:17
This is a beautifully sensual and erotic piece. I very much appreciate
stories that avoid hard-core sex but evoke all the senses in an erotic
way. I could see these dancers before my eyes and hear the beat of the
music. Probably their first time performing in Minas Tirith? A very good
move on the part of King Elessar. No doubt he is the only one who has
seen them before. I like to imagine the Fourth Age as one of great
flowering of culture and science in Middle-earth, and that the King's
Peace meant that Gondor would benefit from the cultures of other
lands--just as the Romans did in their day. Without Sauron, the best
part of culture can flourish! (I'm not sure the professor was so
optimistic, but I am!)

But above all, this must be a stunning experience for Legolas the Wood
Elf. Are you planning to continue the tale? Does he find out more about
the Haradrim? How?

A question: is it appropriate for the audience to applaud? I don't know
when that became a custom.
-----------------------------------
Title: Bilbo's Nursery Rhyme for Merry and Pippin · Author: Llinos ·
Races: Hobbits: Poetry · ID: 882
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-05 22:09:34
This is just adorable--it actually has the real sound of the sort of
nursery song that children love to play along to! I could easily see
Bilbo bouncing baby Pippin on his knee, with Merry at his side, as they
proclaimed this little rhyme! I especially liked he device of the
emphasized words, for little Pippin to shout out along with the rest. A
really cute poem, and done very well technically also--it scans
perfectly--not a bit of straining to it!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Whisper From Across the Sea · Author: Gryffinjack · Races:
Hobbits: Post-Grey Havens · ID: 223
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-05 22:59:31
I feel rather sheepish reviewing a story in which I had a hand as beta,
but truly, I did not need to do a lot to this one. This is a very
unusual story, one filled with description--almost poetic. There is no
dialogue, though there is a plot of sorts: Frodo, across the Sundering
Seas, senses that all is not well with those he loves, and he sends a
message of love and hope, borne upon a breeze to the Shire, where his
cousins are grappling with a difficult time. This story is absolutely
filled with faith and hope and the sure knowledge that time and distance
are no barrier to love.
-----------------------------------
Title: SpiderWebs · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 783
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-05 23:07:53
I just love this little childhood story. Although Merry and Pippin play
a part--especially Pippin, who serves as a catalyst and a foil--the
story is not about them, but about little cousin Celandine. She is very
tired of being left out of the lads' games by her older brothers and
cousins, and so when she gets the chance, she takes her revenge in a
very apt and original way. I love the dignified way she accepts her
punishment when her misdeed is discovered. This is a delightfully funny
and touching little story!
-----------------------------------
Title: The One · Author: Linda Hoyland/Raksha the Demon CoAuthors ·
Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn · ID: 852
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-09-06 01:48:28
Both authors are to be commended for this exceptional story. It is
beautifully written and develops an interesting idea--that just as
Aragorn was destined to be king, Faramir was destined to be his Steward.

The writing is smooth, well-paced, and poetic, reminiscent of Tolkien's
own style. The language is carefully chosen to be archaic (as is proper
for one of Tolkien's Gondorians) without being obtrusive or heavy.

It is plausible that Aragorn would have had prophetic dreams; his mother
Gilraen and his grandmother Ivorwen both had the gift of foresight. In
this story, Aragorn dreams of the face of the stranger who will one day
be his Steward. When Aragorn does finally meet Faramir, his recognition
that this is the stranger from the dreams is yet another way in which
Faramir confirms Aragorn's right to the kingship (the theme of Faramir's
confirmation of the rightful king is also explored in Raksha's story
"The Falcon and the Star").

Aragorn's introspection is perfectly in character. We know that he is
well-schooled in patience, but one has to feel for him as he suffers
disappointment after disappointment over the years.

Thanks to Raksha and Linda for sharing this tale, and I look forward to
reading further works from their combined pens!

-----------------------------------
Title: The Letter · Author: Gryffinjack · Races: Hobbits: Post-Sauron's
Fall · ID: 955
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-06 01:56:06
It always seemed to me very plausible that once the War of the Ring was
ended, the hobbits would have written letters to their families, to let
them know that they were alive, and would come home when they could. It
was likely that due to the Troubles in the Shire, with the Post being
stopped, that the letters probably would not be delivered--yet there is
nothing to say for certain that perhaps one did make it through. The
author postulates such a letter arriving at the Great Smials from
Pippin. The reactions of Paladin and Eglantine to the news is very sad
and yet heartwarming. How greatful they are to know their son is alive,
and yet how frightened to know the situation he'll be returning to. Very
well thought out.
-----------------------------------
Title: All Is Well · Author: Gryffinjack · Times: Late Third Age: The
Shire · ID: 969
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-06 01:59:40
This is the author's first LotR fanfic, and I really enjoyed it
immensely--and not just because it was written for me! The author very
sweetly portrayed the visit of a young Pippin to Bag End, and the
consequences of a dream--a dream that he later finds coming true, many
years after. I thought the concept very clever, and it was also very
well executed. It's a really sweet story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Necessity and Desire · Author: Gwynnyd · Times: The Great Years ·
ID: 173
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-09-06 15:32:03
This story is the very epitome of a gap filler, weaving together plot
elements straight from Tolkien and explaining how it all MUST have
happened. Well written, and carefully thought through, crafting a whole
tale out of bits and pieces from the master.

I enjoyed Boromir's first sight of Elves. I can certainly identify with
him here! Surely he must have wondered if they even existed at all.

I particularly liked the interplay between Elladan and Elrohir and their
foster brother, and your portrait of Arwen. The relationship between
them all is warm and easy. I loved the flashback to the scene in the
past: the description of the intimacy between her and Aragorn was very
well done--she is clearly very much in love with her Man, and a whole,
vital person in her own right.

The interchange about politics adds elements to the story that again
must have been there but Frodo wouldn't have known about it, so it
didn't make it into the Red Book.
-----------------------------------
Title: Nothing but Dreams · Author: Unsung Heroine · Genres: Drama:
First Age Elves · ID: 659
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2006-09-06 17:00:31
What a beautiful story! The comparison that you draw between Caranthir's
relationship with Haleth and later with Ulfang is intriguing; something
of which I'd never thought before. In fact, I hadn't really given much
thought to what must have gone through Caranthir's mind after the
betrayal of Ulfang at all, but you really brought this to life here. The
scene between Caranthir and his brother, where he asks why he was warned
about Haleth and not Ulfang, is breathtakingly moving!

I do have a question: Which brother is caring for Caranthir? Is there a
reason why you withhold his name? (Personally, I was picturing Maglor,
given the references to Maedhros' capture and my own personal idea of
Maglor as his primary caretaker at this time.) But I had a bit of
trouble fully immersing myself into these scenes because I wasn't sure
which brother to picture!)

Your version of Haleth's ghost is stunning, especially the description
at the end of a person with warm arms and no shadows; the contrast
between these aspects gives the ghost an otherworldly feel that
transcends the ordinary idea of a "ghost" as a cold, vaporous being.

I wonder if Caranthir felt that his realm in Thargelion would be his
home forever because he was born in Aman, in a deathless land? When you
write this line, it really got me thinking (and kicking aside plotbunnies).

I am captivated by the mood in this piece, which is handled so well and
so consistently that I continue to have this melancholy/creepy vibe,
even a quarter-hour after reading the story.

You've done a lovely job with this, Atanwende!
~Dawn
-----------------------------------
Title: Conversational, of Cousins · Author: Vana Tuivana · Genres:
Drama: Poetry · ID: 642
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2006-09-06 17:01:37
I remember one of the first things I wondered after reading The
Silmarillion was whether Fingon managed to take Maedhros's hand or
whether it was left on the mountain. Or maybe tumbled down into the
abyss? I even asked my husband what he thought. "You're morbid," he told
me. At least I know I'm not alone in this. ;)

This is a fascinating poem, Vana. With few words and in poetic form, you
bring to life one of the most discussed and written-about friendships in
a fresh and touching way, expressing the depth of history that they
share and, hence, the difficulty of the task that Fingon was called to do.

(And I *loved* the line about Ambarrussa!)

I am not much on poetry because it usually goes over my head, honestly,
but I really enjoyed this one and recommend it highly. Lovely job!
-----------------------------------
Title: Written in the Starlight · Author: Rhapsody/Robinka CoAuthors ·
Times: First Age and Prior: Incomplete · ID: 402
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2006-09-06 17:02:11
I printed chapter one of this story to read on my lunch break. I read
chapter two (and wrote this review) while I am supposed to be
researching warrants. Oops.... ;)

I wanted to tell you both how much I am enjoying this story. It has been
on my reading list for a long time, and when I made my MEFA wish list,
it was one of the first that I brought to work to read. I am going to
mention some of the things that I like best and apologize for
incoherence (because I really need to get back to researching those
warrants).

-The dialogue of this piece really impresses me. It feels genuine for a
Silmfic without being overly pompous or feeling like a cheap imitation
of Tolkien's style. I have written enough stories to know how hard this
is to do. The conversations between Gwindor and Beleg flow naturally;
the interactions between the Feanorions feel appropriately tense and
also made me laugh in places. The conversation between Melian and
Thingol shows their love for each other and also an overlying
strangeness from her, appropriate for a Maia.

-In Chapter One, the use of the weather as a backdrop for the scene is
superb. The lightning flashes, the thunder and rain all underscore the
tension and action in the scene. As I was reading it, the descriptions
let me see the scene as though I was watching a movie. When Turin awoke
and grabbed Beleg's arm, it was such a simple motion but was made to
have an impact by the use of light and sound; again, I felt like I could
see the scene in a movie. As I think back on it now, I can still picture
it...wonderful!

-In Chapter Two, I love the interactions of the Feanorions. Each brother
is given a personality all his own, all in short time. (Hey, it took me
a novel to do that with just four of them! I am impressed!) Their
interactions feel realistic and are at once tension-filled and sometimes
subtley comic.

-The detail about battle strategies and geography in this chapter is
great, lending it an authenticity without being overwhelming to a reader
who hasn't memorized The Silmarillion and Foster's Atlas of Middle-earth.

-And I have to say: Maglor! What a wonderful Maglor! I am so tired
(Rhapsy knows this) of reading pansy!Maglor in stories, as though he who
ruled the Noldor in Maedhros' absence, held what might have been the
most dangerous realm in Beleriand, and killed Uldor really spends every
other moment gazing into space and composing laments to his
oath-burdened and broken heart. Your Maglor has an edginess and power
yet does not stray from what we know of him from canon. I *love* the
part where he rebukes his brothers for thinking him "only" a singer. I
love the subtle (and not-so-sublte) ways that he governs, persuades, and
supports his brothers...and gets his way!

This was (believe it or not) my first story focused around Beleg and
Turin that I've read. I can't wait to read more of it. If I didn't have
off from work tomorrow, I might finish it today, but as it is, I really
need to finish those warrants.... ;)

My congratulations to both of you for a captivating and well-written
story. I foresee many pleasant lunch breaks to come!
-----------------------------------
Title: Elves Do Skate · Author: Caporal · Genres: Humor · ID: 135
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2006-09-06 17:03:01
Hi, Caporal,
What a delightful little piece! I wasn't sure what to expect from such a
title but haven't read Silmarillion humor in a while and so went for it.
(Never mind that I'm a sucker for the Feanorions!) You handle the
dialogue between the twins exceptionally well; it reads like a real
conversation between brothers: close and comfortable without being
overly sentimental and very funny without being farsical.

This was my favorite bit:

["We must," says Amrod gravely, "be thinking of different Carnistirs."

"Same one. You know. Brother of ours, about so high..." Amras raises a
hand a few inches above his own head "...no sense of humour, blushes a
lot. You must know him."

"Not," says Amrod, incredulous, "our brother Carnistir? Not
black-like-my-soul Morifinwë?"]

Truly a welcome diversion!
-----------------------------------
Title: Lightly Sings the Wind · Author: Ellie · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 799
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2006-09-06 17:03:26
Hi, Ellie,
I've read this before but of course I have to commit to MEFA
officialness how beautiful of a story that you have here. What struck me
at my first reading and continues to impress me now is that you do not
shy away from what Earwen is honestly feeling: her grief, yes, but also
her resentment toward her people and her husband. At times, she seems
selfish--almost shamefully so--but it feels *real.* I can imagine these
emotions surfacing in a mother who has lost not one but all of her
children, in one way or another. So few authors are willing to tackle
what went on in Aman after the Noldor left and the certain grief that
those left behind must have felt, and you do a commendable job of
bringing this oft-neglected angle to life.

And of course, as a fellow Finarfinatic, I love your Arafinwe. He is at
once gentle and also strong, as I firmly believe he must have been. And
he's really hott too, for the record. ;) In other words, he's completely
in-character and very well written.
-----------------------------------
Title: Teatime in Rivendell · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 373
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-06 19:00:15
He-he! Nice bit of turnaround. Good timing and dialogue. The little
scene is depicted very vividly.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Hallowed Place of Both Peoples · Author: Imhiriel · Times:
Early Third Age: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 944
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-09-06 19:06:48
An interesting take on the beginning of Rohan. Surely the Rohirrim faced
just such suspicions. It was to Cirion's credit that he moved forward
anyway. A stunning setting for this drabble.
-----------------------------------
Title: On the Fair Hill · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Late Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 946
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-09-06 19:09:19
I am a sucker for Aragorn and Arwen romance, but this is better than
most, because of the focus on the beauty of the scene. The kiss gains
more meaning thereby.
-----------------------------------
Title: Too Few Words · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Dwarves · ID: 311
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-06 19:11:12
Lovely descriptions, of both setting and characters. Flowing language:
The story is told like a saga, which fits Dwarvish culture, I think. I
like this dignified, restrained Dwarf-woman, somehow she reminded of a
Geisha, because she seems so conscious of all her expressions, words and
movements (and because of the tea).
-----------------------------------