Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: The Importance of Being a Hobbit · Author: Lamiel · Races:
Hobbits: War of the Ring · ID: 961
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-06 19:18:56
A very good depiction of the Fellowship at the start of their journey,
when they are still getting to know each other and the Hobbits learn
about the ways of hard travelling.

Each member is true to canon and fully-rounded. Flowing, natural
dialogue, well-handled emotions, good attention to details of
description and gestures.

Merry's ambiguous thoughts about the Ranger-watch on the Shire and his
feeling of inadequacy on the Quest are believable and well-sketched, as
is Legolas' response.

Loved Legolas and Gimli sniping at each other and Merry's mental tally
of Elf-Dwarf insults.
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Title: The Healer and the Warrior · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 140
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-06 19:20:53
A very good feeling for atmosphere and setting, with descriptions of
sights, sounds, smells, that make the story come to life. Good use of
humour. The timing of events of the WotR is a little off, so the
believability of the premise is sometimes stretched, but the plot is
gripping and entertaining regardless.

Lothíriel's characterisation is particularly wonderful: intricate,
believable, three-dimensional. The mixture between experience and
innocence is well-balanced and delightful.
But Éomer, too, is characterised well: young, fierce, courageous,
temperamental (and sexy *g*).
The rapport between them is clear to see, the air is sizzling with their
attraction for one another, in their banter, their serious conversations
and the erotic tension between them.

I like the detailed description of the Houses of Healing; the way you
write them they sound both practical and truly restful and conducive to
healing.
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Title: Peace Comes Dropping Slow · Author: Songspinner · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 224
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-06 19:38:10
Tender, intimate, moving. A long life full of love captured in just a
short scene. I like the gentle, quiet pace of the story.
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Title: Of All the Pretty Little Horses · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor:
Gondor · ID: 736
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-06 19:38:29
Hilarious misunderstanding. Even funnier because it is Faramir who talks
of the horse, not Éomer. I like the easy rapport between them.
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Title: Of Stone and Fire · Author: Werecat · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 124
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-06 19:39:22
Well-chosen words to describe and convey the contrast between Fëanor and
Gimli in their link to Galadriel. Fënor's fiery indignation, contrasted
against Gimli's stolidity, seems hilarious.
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Title: The Summons · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Times: The Great
Years: The Fellowship · ID: 254
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-06 19:39:49
Shows clearly and convincingly the shifting relationship between Aragorn
and Boromir, with all its ups and downs, and how following the
["Summons"] to Minas Tirith really is not that clear-cut and simple.
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Title: Counting the Days · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 281
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-06 19:41:04
Entertaining, despite the predictability of the outcome. The camp and
the surroundings are depicted well, as is the easy friendship between
Éomer and Éothain. Some jarring modernisms.
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Title: Fire · Author: Aramel · Genres: Drama: Fixed-Length Ficlet Series
· ID: 172
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-06 19:41:31
The last drabble is a believable, if AU-tale of the creation of the
Three Elven Rings. Celebrimbor contemplating a Ring of Earth is a
fascinating idea, and his reason for choosing a Ring of Fire in the end
- fond memories of his grandfather Fëanor - is a moving conclusion.
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Title: Tinúviel, Tinúviel · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Romance: Rohan ·
ID: 103
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-09-06 21:11:29
Normally, I hate movieverse. If I want PJ's AU, I'll watch his films
(which I love for what they are). In fanfic I look for bookverse.

This story is an exception. It is excellent...in fact, a blend of
movieverse and bookverse, because it does not indulge in the irritating
stupidity of an Aragorn who doesn't want to be king. Here, you show what
Tolkien only hinted at: how his love for Arwen and hope for the future
kept him going through even the toughest times. And you evoke the tale
of Luthien in the process, which PJ just left out altogether (grr). Your
language is beautiful.
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Title: Here You Cannot Leave Me · Author: Alassante · Genres: Drama:
Poetry · ID: 356
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-09-06 22:40:43
This is a heart rendering and beautiful poem about Arwen's grief over
Aragorn's death. Even while I re-read it now, I have goose bumps
crawling over my back and my arms. What I really love about this work is
that it is not too much in words: it might appear small at a first
glance, until you read it.

This work is short and poignant: I simply love the cadence of this poem;
every word carries so much grief and pain as if all hope is lost for her
and even her children cannot compensate for that. It is almost like
Arwen cannot speak no more because the grief chokes her, and every word
is carefully chosen and used at the right moment as a testimony to their
love and life. It feels as if you are there to see it happen and with
this Alassante really shows the scene in question to you. When I reach
the end of Alassantes work I am left with a haunting image of Arwens
demise. But Arwen leaves so much more behind than that, bound to the
mortal fate I can imagine that shortly after this she would leave to die
on the hills of Cerin Amroth. In every word you can taste the bitterness
Elrond predicted.

Besides all of this: knowing and watching your loved one die is so had
to catch in words and this author succeeded in that. Alassante: I would
love to see more poetry coming from you; this work simply speaks volumes
about your talent.
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Title: The Shield-maid's Dance of Death · Author: Marta · Times: The
Great Years: Poetry · ID: 694
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-09-06 22:53:42
When I read this poem at first, I had no idea what I had to do with the
references to a different poem, which Marta used as an inspiration. I
loved her own lines in this so-called 'filk', so I wondered... why is
she using it? But then it sank in. And the verse kept on repeating in my
head, so I read it again and suddenly it clicked. This poem simply
stands out to me because it has such a perfect fit. The visual of Eowyn
dancing and challenging the Witchking, clinging on to the thirst of
revenge and praying to die an honourable death. The simple mention of
'we' made me go like: go get him Dernhelm! There are so many details of
that moment cleverly woven into this work. It feels full of action, but
it is also very angsty, and yet it gives you hope. I love this portrayal
of one of my favourite moments of the books and it splendidly captured
in this poem!
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Title: The Oathbreakers · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 42
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-09-06 23:07:57
Very moving and spooky at the same time. My only quibble is that I don't
consider Boromir one of the faithless dead. He died redeemed, didn't he?
Or is he there as good will? Who knows with ghosts....Aragorn would feel
it this way, in any case.
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Title: The Groomsman · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Dwarves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 44
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-09-06 23:10:32
I was completely mistaken as to the ceremony involved until the end, and
the twist from comedy to sorrow. Very well done!
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Title: Preparing The Way · Author: Lady Aranel · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 284
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-09-06 23:17:33
Beautifully done. I am so glad you wrote this scene about a horse and
not about Aragorn, etc. That has been overdone. Having had to put down a
number of beloved pets, I can identify altogether with Legolas here. It
is a good touch to have Aragorn bring an elixir--the right move--and the
friendship and love between all the characters in the story are simply
and convincingly portrayed.

I don't think dealing with death is any easier for us mortals!
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Title: Lothlorien · Author: laiquendi · Genres: Drama: Poetry · ID: 925
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-09-07 00:32:01
The elves seem the most attuned to nature of Tolkien's races, so the
changing seasons provide a fitting metaphor for the history of the elves
of Lothlorien. The language is smooth and elegant, and the narrative is
easy to follow even though most of the characters are not named. (I had
not known that Celeborn left Lothlorien for Rivendell, after Galadriel's
departure). Arwen slips in at the end of the poem, the last elven
resident of the Golden Wood. It seems that both she and the fading woods
have been left forsaken.

A very effective piece of poetry!
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Title: Drabbles for Lord of the Rings · Author: Llinos · Races: Hobbits:
Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 758
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-07 01:30:45
Good summaries of the respective chapters. The best, IMO, were
["Concerning Hobbits"] and ["The Uruk-hai"]: both had a gripping,
compelling rhythm and good pacing.
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Title: The Oathbreakers · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 42
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-07 01:31:09
Very original premise, rather AU, but fascinating. Lyrical style. Strong
emotions captured in so few words.
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Title: In The Pits Of Utumno · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races: Elves ·
ID: 164
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-07 01:31:27
Good handling of suspense - it took a few moments before I grasped the
sudden wrench in perspective. The atmosphere of the first part was
especially well-handled.
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Title: I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes · Author: juno_magic · Races: Men · ID: 698
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-07 01:32:25
A highly original look on Gondor's beacons and their guardians. The
thought-provoking topic, underpinned with well-chosen biblical verses,
fits neatly into Tolkien's framework.

Good balance between outward description and introspection. Evocative
prose; the repetition of certain key phrases give the narrative a
compelling rhythm.

It shows believably how and where the contrast between the Númenórean
Exiles and the original inhabitants of Middle-earth might have
manifested itself.
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Title: Inheritance · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 524
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-07 01:36:07
Spot-on characterisation, concise and perceptive. The circumstances of
this dialogue between Gandalf and Faramir - the latter's desire to be
told how his father died and the former's reluctance - heighten the
meaning and impact of this comparison between Denethor and his son. The
drabble is very well-structured and compelling towards its incisive climax.
-----------------------------------
Title: Farewell Lullaby · Author: Armariel · Races: Hobbits: Poetry ·
ID: 719
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-09-07 02:25:13
Frodo bids farewell to baby Elanor in this sweet lullaby. He recounts
the joys that fatherhood will bring to Sam and is reassured that Sam
will be happy once he is gone. The writer employs the fanciful
vocabulary of fairy stories, sketching the marvels of a child's
imagination--["rainbow hammocks and moonbeam tents"]--but the poem has a
very melancholy undertone since Frodo will miss seeing Elanor grow and
will never have children of his own. He is also reminded of the
wholeness and innocence which were taken from him by the Quest.
["..of stainless snowfalls
ghostless dreams..."]
I enjoyed this poem; it is sweet and gentle but also sad in the context
of Frodo's leavetaking.
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Title: Shin to Toe to Thigh to Mind · Author: Talasi · Genres: Romance ·
ID: 369
Reviewer: MarzBar · 2006-09-07 06:14:39
I found this last night because I read a review and was intrigued. After
finally reading it straight through (I kept stopping to read and re-read
the poetry) I was left breathless. The quotes following reminded me so
vividly of my love who is so far away from me in Australia, I had to
quote them to him in a letter and jump up and mail the letter to him
this morning:

{Kisses my shoulder
Cradles his body
Behind mine
Shin to toe to thigh to mind
. . . . . . . . . . . .

Kisses my shoulder
Cradles his body
Behind mine

My protector, my guardian, my soul & Haldir

Shin to toe to thigh to mind
Shin to toe to thigh to mind to mine}

He protected me so well in ways I didn't understand until we were
separated by space and time. He often said, in his prosaic Aussie
fashion, "there's nothing better than bum in lap." You say it so much
better. I have been sending others to the story, just for the sheer
beauty of the poetry and the expression of unconditional love.

Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
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Title: The Fading of a Star · Author: Minuialeth · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 219
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-09-07 18:07:00
[Let it be said, at the end of time, that thy brief love withstood
eternity.] I think this line from this drabble is the most poignant one.
Erestor grieves for the loss of Arwen, who has chosen, just like Luthien
choose for the fate of men. But this line and the whole drabble says so
much more: Erestor describes the true love between Arwen and Aragon. It
is a bond for life and that will remain so strong, even beyond the rim
of Arda. Erestor knows he will live forever, but without having her near
or to look upon. As a reader you can sense that it is not easy for
Erestor that this is it is the only form of alleviation he can give at
the moment they part.

Anyway, I am rambling. What makes this drabble very heartbreaking is
that the doubt about the fate of her line is uncertain, even though he
must have seen many children from Aragorns line being raised at
Rivendell, he also had to watch them perish to a world unknown to him.

[Thus spoke Erestor, hiding the tears as he tried to imagine Arwen's
children with human voices, human hearts, human fate...]

How hard must it be to think that her children will face the same
hardships of those who lived before. The fact that he will loose someone
this close to death, shines through in every word of this beautiful
drabble. Even though this is such a short fragment of their long
kinship, which spanned many yens, this is the most significant one.
Beautifully written Minuialeth, I am always amazed how much you can tell
in just 100 words.
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Title: All Those Who Wander · Author: daw the minstrel · Races: Elves:
Featuring Mirkwood Elves · ID: 209
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-07 18:40:07
Well-drawn, nuanced relationships; the interaction between the family
members in particular is fantastic. The characters and their emotions
feel very real. You show realistically and very moving how the death of
wife and mother affected Thranduil's family.
Good use of the respective PoVs. The way of life in Mirwood is depicted
vividly and plausibly, creating a fully-rounded society. I like how the
plot and plot threads gradualy reveal themselves.
-----------------------------------
Title: Somewhere to Belong · Author: Lily · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest ·
ID: 942
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-09-07 18:40:42
Moving story, both Frodo's recollections of the death of his parents,
and his interaction with Pippin. The surroundings are described clearly
and evocatively.
-----------------------------------