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Title: Great Heart · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: First Age and
Prior: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 64
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-09-14 00:05:26
This charming ficlet was an influence of my decesion to finally read the
book it is based on ! I am not a dog person,preferring cats, but who
could not love Huan,the mighty hound of Valinor with his touching
devotion to Luthien?

This story is a unique glimpse into Huan's early life as the smallest of
his litter. Maybe his own fight to survive amongst his larger siblings
is what draws him towards Luthien who is in need of protection?

I feel I can almost see Huan and his littermates in this vividly written
fictet.

I like the idea that Orome should tell him that a great destiny lies ahead.

Huan reminds me here of Gellert, a famous hound in British history.

Huan's killing of the snake foretells his later part in defeating the
forces of evil.
Very well written and highly recommended to all animal lovers as well as
Tolkien devotees.
-----------------------------------
Title: Rest and Recreation · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 700
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-09-14 00:14:27
I often wondered just how well Boromir would have fitted in at
Rivendell.He must have felt like a fish out of water,for unlike his
brother he had no love of Elven lore.To his credit, he tries very hard
to fit in but fears to be driven mad at the languid air of the place

As a soldier, he must have jumped at the chance to spar with an Elf . He
severely underestimates the slender,golden haired warrior though.

The author springs a nice surprise on the reader ,when the warrior turns
out not to be Legolas but Glorfindel.

Boromir is in for a shock as the seemingly fragile Elf bests him easily
and only after a day of hard fighting just he manage to match Glorfindel.

BOromir rests happy that night and has found a new friend as well as a
newfound respect for the Eldar.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Recall · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Gondor · ID: 738
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-09-14 00:20:52
I love this story, and not just because Isabeau has made Imrahil my
current favorite among all the individuals of Middle-earth. It is a
well-written and satisfying follow-up to Altariels [Red River], and
as usual includes myriad references to other stories and characters in
the particular universe that the two authors share. These references add
depth and continuity for their long-time readers, and the
interconnectedness is one of my personal favorite things about their
writings, but it can make the story difficult to follow for new readers
who lack the background.

Learning the situation surrounding Andrahars death and the reasons for
Gondor going to war in Harad only underscore the councils obstinacy.
Already Gondorians are dying because of policies that they are refusing
to change, and yet they cling to what has become, with time, a
vindictive and oppressive tariff structure. Instead of loudly
proclaiming their fallen from the Ring War they would do better to visit
the families of more recent veterans. And why werent more of those
council members fighting in Harad themselves? So the revelation of the
entire situation only accentuates the unfairness, the pettiness of many
of Gondors nobility.

Enter Imrahil, both diplomat and warrior. To his credit, the death of
his oath-brother - someone he had spent the majority of his life with -
has not hardened his heart to Harads plight. Instead he comes back into
the council ready to do whatever it takes to bring justice about for
Andrahars former people. The manner in which he does it had me laughing
and cheering, and I especially enjoyed Aragorn and Faramirs reaction 
I could well believe that, for a moment, they actually regretted asking
Imrahil to come to Minas Tirith&

It was a bittersweet ending, between the sadness of Imrahil
acknowledging his mortality (although he has another nine years to go at
this point), and the resurfacing of his pirate nature and lessening of
his grief. I like to think that he was comforted to meet Raksandhar at
the very end. It speaks to how hard Andrahars death hit him that he has
not only been grieving for two years now, but that it took something
outside of his family and home in Dol Amroth to finally begin bringing
him out of it. I also loved the glimpse of Brand in his prime, and of
Arwen needing reassurance as to the Gift of Men. A wonderful story!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Lost · Author: Altariel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 181
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-09-14 00:23:56
On the surface, this story is about Faramir learning of and connecting
with his dead brother's bastard son. Interwoven with this are many
allusions and foreshadowings to the over-arcing universe that Altariel
and Isabeau jointly write in. As such, the many layers will only be
appreciated when the other stories containing these characters are read
in conjunction with this one. However, much of this story stands on its
own as a character study of Faramir and his still-evolving understanding
of his relationship with his father. Altariel always writes a wonderful
Faramir and this is no exception. He is - as-ever - fascinating, complex
and angsty, and he maintains his overriding sense honor and loyalty
despite receiving a great shock.

My first thought in reading the story premise is that Faramir would be
overjoyed to have this reminder of his brother, yet as the story unfolds
Altariel made me feel that it was inevitable for Faramir to respond to
Brand as he does. Although at first I was frustrated by Faramir's
reaction, I came to understand that although they felt they were doing
things for the best, the folk of Dol Amroth were also indulging in their
own motives, and indeed in a sense "stealing" Brand from Faramir, as he
mentions over the chess game with Amrothos. Faramirs initially
possessive response to Brand is not right, but is a believable legacy
from his father.

Some parts that I particularly loved: The focus on Faramirs hands and
ring in the second meeting with Brand in the library, connecting with
mannerisms that Altariel established in previous tales and that look
forward to some events in her [A Game of Chess]. The reflections of
Faramir about how he is and ever will be Denethors son, and that he
still grieves for him despite their difficult relationship and
Denethors horrible ending, and how Faramir is coming to terms with
this. (This is another foreshadowing to AGoC, and makes me think of
Faramirs fiery confrontation with Imrahil in that story and the
subsequent change to their relationship.) The powerful and comforting
vision that allows Faramir to accept Brand as true family, realizing how
Boromir would have reacted to discovering his son. I also loved and
appreciated that Eowyn was part of the story, albeit in the background,
and the glimpse of we get of her generous heart in her letter to Faramir
at the end.
-----------------------------------
Title: Assume, Confuse, Consume, Amuse · Author: pipkinsweetgrass ·
Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 648
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-09-14 02:00:14
I don't normally like these kinds of stories, but this one is truly a
jewel. I could read it over many times--in fact I have.

The short stories contained in the longer one are just wonderful, and
the enteraction between the characters of her imagination, Pipkin and
Beornomir are so much fun.

I think my favorite story was the one about how Faramir got his name.

The last scene of the piece was so funny I laughed out loud. That really
was a nightmare. Mary Sue Legomances, oh my.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sacrafice · Author: laiquendi · Races: Elves: Poetry · ID: 924
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-09-14 02:09:46
Laiquendi describes one of the more intense scenes of "The Two Towers"
movie--the elves and men fighting side by side at Helm's Deep in the
rain. Good job with the rhyme scheme, and the image of the [starless,
rain filled sky] is striking. Nicely done!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Roots of the Ivy · Author: Aranel Took · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Post-Grey Havens · ID: 118
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-09-14 02:21:07
This is a very interesting story. I had wondered if there were any
stories that dealt with the possibility that Merry and Eowyn could have
had a one time encounter that led to a child, then I found this story.

There are a lot of interesting twists and turns in the plot, and the
author does manage to deal with issues of such things as the diffirent
rates of maturation between hobbits and men.

At first I found the Pippin/Ivy relationship a little hard to get used
to, but once I got into the story, I kind of enjoyed it. I do hate
Diamond in this story. She's evil.

All in all, a very good story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Healed · Author: Shirebound · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 117
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-09-14 02:26:03
This is a very sweet story. I liked it that all the hobbits got to sail
West. The brand new start for them is wonderful, and their futures are
interesting. Truly and "Ah" enspiring story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Years After and a Sea Between · Author: Dana · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Post-Grey Havens · ID: 39
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-09-14 02:32:02
The idea of Merry and Pippin sailing a ship to try to travel West is
fascinating. The truly intriguing thing about this was the unanswered
question, "did they make it?"
-----------------------------------
Title: Dragons and Sailboats · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama:
Remembering · ID: 74
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-09-14 10:04:46
A touching little story which I enjoyed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fair-weather Friends · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 126
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-09-14 18:20:32
This is a short but sweet story. It is a clear illistration of the deep
commitment that Merry, Sam, and Pippin's wives had to have for their
battle-scarred husbands.
-----------------------------------
Title: Treasures And Momentos · Author: Marigold · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 220
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-09-14 18:37:29
This is one of those lovely bittersweet stories. The thought that they
died so close together is comforting in its own way. Neither one could
have been happy without the other.

The gifts they left were so purfect for each recipient. I especially
like the gift left for Aragorn.

This is one of those stories that could use a hanky warning, especially
for those of us who cry at the drop of a hat.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Humble Gift · Author: GamgeeFest · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 722
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-09-14 19:13:04
This is a wonderful story that clearly shows the love and understanding
between Faramir and Pippin. They both give so much to each other and
gain so much from their friendship.
-----------------------------------
Title: Both Beholden · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 180
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-09-14 19:46:45
Interesting gapfiller of a relationship we all might have liked to have
seen - Boromir and Halbarad, drawn together in a Dunedain scouting
mission from Imladris before the Fellowship set out together.

Boromir and Halbarad are cautious and veiled, circumspect in word, and
quietly testing each other, both seeking to learn the other's opinion of
Aragorn, Boromir on behalf of the southern realm that he knows Aragorn
will claim, and Halbarad to see at whose side Boromir will stand when
that claim is made - Denethor's or Aragorn's.

The parallels between Boromir and Halbarad are fascinating; both in
positions to inherit the guardianship, if not the rule, of Aragorn's
patrimony.

When the silence between the two cautious men breaks, fascinating truths
and hopes and a curious faith come to light.

Dwimordene, as ever, is a master at writing dialogue of a politically
sensitive nature. This story is well worth reading!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Falcon's Watch · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 227
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-09-14 20:24:05
This story is a hard one for me to take. I love it, but it still bothers
me on some levels. I'm sad that Faramir was never able to truly
understand his father while he yet lived. I hate it that Pippin never
got the chance to reconcile with his son. I am glad that Faramir was
finally able to put his bitterness behind him. I find it hard to picture
any child of Peregrin Took being bitter for long.

Kalimas is a really nice counterpoint to Faramir. He's so like his
dad--a planner and a clear-thinking hobbit.

The Falcon is fantesic. I knew it had to be connected directly to
Pippin. How many falcons with noticable limp would be following a group
of grieving hobbits? Difinitely a message from the departed.

This really is a good story. It looks at things differently than most,
and that's a good thing.
-----------------------------------
Title: Servant of the Tower · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 95
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-14 23:15:04
I've often wondered how those servants must have felt, ordered to help
Denethor commit suicide and murder. This rings true--he dare not
disobey, but perhaps wine will help him forget.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Darkened Heart · Author: Beethoven's 7th · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 774
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-14 23:16:49
Yes, pride was definitely the chink in Boromir's armor. And a moment
well chosen for it to manifest.
-----------------------------------
Title: Love Me Now, Forever · Author: iorhael · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Frodo or Sam · ID: 419
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-14 23:19:44
It's very interesting to think of the POV of Bag End itself, how it must
have felt, abandoned by its master. Blend of movie and book-verse, I
found myself briefly confused, but it was very touchingly written.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit · Author: Altariel · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 91
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-09-14 23:23:52
A *most* unexpected, yet logical, crossover! Poor rabbits, to fall to
Gollum's strong fingers. But at least they provided Frodo and Sam with
nourishment.
-----------------------------------
Title: Tom Bombadil and the Four Travellers · Author: Dreamflower ·
Times: The Great Years: Poetry · ID: 887
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-09-14 23:30:35
A delightfully rollicking ballad, written very much in the style of
Tolkien's own Bombadil songs. I don't know how the writer came up with
it, but I'll happily have a go at whatever she's been drinking, or
reading, for inspiration.
-----------------------------------
Title: House of Reeds · Author: The Bookbinder's Daughter · Races: Elves
· ID: 660
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-09-15 00:23:06
It seems fitting somehow that these two would get to know each other in
this way. They are too great and strong to do what love demanded at the
expense of fate, and in the end they had tasks that needed doing that
weren't compatible together. But what a love! You sold me, at least.
-----------------------------------
Title: Call yourself Thorongil · Author: Nilmandra · Times: Late Third
Age · ID: 731
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-09-15 00:32:46
You're Gandalf here is simply so delightfully Gandalfy. It reminds me in
a vague way of how he treats with Bilbo at the beginning of "The
Hobbit". I also liked your explanation of the name Thorongil, and the
use of the elessar legend. It's a really neatly-woven story; I enjoyed it.
-----------------------------------
Title: Rising Hope · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 873
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-09-15 00:44:07
This drabble is a must-read for anyone who likes stories about Numenor.
it plays on the idea that as thhe faithful became more and more
persecuted politically the names of Amandil's family became more
cautious. I had never thought of it, but it works here. I can just see
the broad smile on Amandil's face as he realizes how clever he has been
with a name that will not raise suspicions unduly but is still true to
his heritage. And the symbolism toward the end was fantastic. Really, a
very nice metaphor for the times these characters were living in.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Hallowed Place of Both Peoples · Author: Imhiriel · Times:
Early Third Age: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 944
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-09-15 00:52:27
I had actually forgotten that this wonderful drabble was written for my
birthday. Which makes it all the more touching for me personally but I
think it really speaks to anyone who likes to think about the deeper
issues of Middle-earth.

Just what would have the Rohirrim thought about Gondor's removing of
Elendil's grave. I think from the Gondorian perspective it makes sense
to have this treasured monument at the heart of the land they personally
protected, but from someone else's it really could have seemed
insulting! And I think Imhiriel has really nailed the way that
Gondorians did think about this [uncultured] race, so even if their
motives were good in this particular case Eorl had good reason to feel
the way he did.

Add to that the simply spectacular physical details like ["merely some
lonely alfirin stirred in a fitful breeze"] and it creates quite a word
picture in such a short space. I could really see this scene playing out
so easily! Maybe the Gondorians are falling away a bit from their
appointed role as guardians of the lore of the West -- in which case
being people of the twilight is no insult, but means they are the
beginning of a new age for men.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fair Trade · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 900
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-09-15 01:04:17
I remember the discussions on solar ovens, food transport lines, and the
associated canon ponderables that would be involved with equipping the
Ithilien rangers. It is so nice to read someone who takes a practical
view and a realist approach to Gondor. But those world-building details
are not even the true point of this drabble. Tanaqui has given us a
Faramir who values the respect of those around him and their devotion to
Gondor more than his own material comfort, and that character shines
through marvellously here. Nice glimpse of daily life.
-----------------------------------