Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Frodo Lad: First Yule · Author: Mews1945 · Races: Hobbits:
Pre-Quest · ID: 830
Reviewer: SlightlyTookish · 2006-10-07 17:01:21
This is a wonderful cousin story. It is Frodo's first Yule as Bilbo's
heir, and his first Yule away from Brandy Hall and Merry. The extended
family gathers at the Great Smials, and Frodo has the opportunity to get
to know Pippin better. Mews does a great job of showing how each cousin
sizes the other up. We get a lovely glimpse of Merry wondering where he
stands in this new relationship Frodo is forming with their young
cousin, and Pippin is very much his loving self, wanting to be friends
with everyone. It is a very happy, peaceful holiday story, and you get
the feeling after finishing it that these cousins will always be
wonderful friends, which of course they are!
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Title: All for the Best · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits: Merry & Pippin
· ID: 572
Reviewer: SlightlyTookish · 2006-10-07 17:01:39
In this story we see how Merry and Pippin come to live at Crickhollow.
What I enjoyed most about it is that Pippin's parents understand (or at
least try to understand) why their son needs to move across the Shire so
soon after he's finally come home. I also love seeing Pippin look after
Merry, who needs it - and Pippin I think, needs to help just as much.
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Title: Merry Yules · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits: Fixed-Length
Ficlet series · ID: 114
Reviewer: SlightlyTookish · 2006-10-07 17:01:54
This is one of my absolute favorite stories by Marigold. I love the
concept, of seeing a glimpse of every Yule shared by Merry and Pippin,
the good and the bad. From illnesses to drunken nights to Yule somewhere
in strange lands while on the Quest to happier memories, everything is
represented here so vividly, a feat when you consider that each scene is
exactly two hundred words long. My favorite scenes are the one where we
learn that Pippin, after a long illness, was able to dance with his
mother, which was very touching, and of course the naked Yule scene,
which was hilarious!
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Title: Wishing On The Stars · Author: Marigold · Times: The Great Years:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 116
Reviewer: SlightlyTookish · 2006-10-07 17:02:14
I love stories in which Pippin has a close, loving relationship with his
parents. The one depicted here by Marigold is so rewarding. I love that
Eglantine is so tied to her son that she manages to maintain a
connection with him even when he is far away on the Quest, and I love
that Paladin does not quite understand it, but is willing to support his
wife and offer her comfort when she senses that something terrible has
befallen Pippin. Through this we can infer that the Tooks are a happy,
loving family and understand how difficult a choice it must have been
for Pippin to leave them without a word. Eglantine's voice here is so
clear and distinct, and she is so obviously a wonderful mother. The last
scene brings tears to my eyes every time I read it. I'm so grateful also
that Marigold wrote this story for me, on my birthday, and in my
Star-verse! It makes the tears easier to bear!
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Title: Healed · Author: Shirebound · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 117
Reviewer: SlightlyTookish · 2006-10-07 17:03:24
This is my absolute favorite story by Shirebound. I love seeing ALL the
hobbits reunited in the West, and as children too. Seeing them grow up
together amidst the care and love of the elves and Gandalf is such a
treat. One of my favorite aspects of this story is the depiction of each
hobbit's special gift: for example, Pippin's gift is that of song. That
they have the opportunity to explore these gifts is so wonderful to
witness, as is Celebrian's healing as she looks after the hobbits. I
also really enjoyed seeing each hobbit come ashore and be greeted by
familiar, friendly faces and immediately become part of the family. I
turn to this story whenever I need a smile and it never fails to make me
happy.
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Title: Changes and Constancy · Author: Lily · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 263
Reviewer: SlightlyTookish · 2006-10-07 17:03:40
This is such a fun story, and one that I bothered Lily to write for some
time. I love cousin stories that feature bantering, and I really like
the depiction of Frodo and Pippin here. Poor Frodo, now with grey in his
hair and feeling a little wounded at the prospect, being teased by
Pippin. I love light-hearted and fun Post-quest moments, and this story
is no exception. Frodo manages to hold his own with Pippin's teasing and
takes it in stride, and it is obvious that the two cousins love each
other very much. It's wonderful to see them happy and laughing after all
they have gone through...and even after Frodo discovers the first signs
of age!
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Title: Dear Diary · Author: Lily · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest · ID: 264
Reviewer: SlightlyTookish · 2006-10-07 17:03:53
This is the story that not only made me think about Drogo and Primula,
but also care about them. This is a lovely story about a happy family
awaiting for the arrival of their son, and also their first few months
with their new baby. It is a very poingnant story as well, because Lily
writes Drogo and Primula as being so happy, and of course we know what
happens to them. Frodo is a very sweet baby here, and I love the moments
he has with his parents as well as Primula's minute obervations of him.
A very sweet tale!
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Title: defining a circle shape through points · Author: Dana · Races:
Hobbits: Merry & Pippin · ID: 569
Reviewer: SlightlyTookish · 2006-10-07 17:04:07
My favorite thing about this story is how we see the progression of
Merry and Pippin's relationship as they progress along the Quest.The
imagery is so vivid you can feel it. The vignette at Bregalad's house
remains my favorite, because I love it when Pippin comforts Merry and
keeps him from worrying too much. You can feel Merry's worry and sadness
here, and also Pippin's determination to help.
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Title: A Tisket, A Tasket · Author: grey_wonderer · Times: Late Third
Age: The Shire · ID: 570
Reviewer: SlightlyTookish · 2006-10-07 17:04:22
This is classic Grey Wonderer fare, full of humorous situations and very
witty lines. While on a visit to Bag End young Pippin decides to build a
nest for Errol, his stuffed rabbit, to have babies. Already disapproving
of Pippin's attachment to the toy, Merry soon grows irritated with his
cousin's determination to help Errol have a baby. Errol has grown to be
a major character on his own, and it is always terrific to see him make
an appearance! I won't give away the results of Pippin's little
experiment but I will say that this is a wonderful cousin story that
displays each hobbit's unique personality as well as the close
relationship between Frodo, Merry and Pippin, and Bilbo as well. The
voices and personalities of the characters are so distinct, and GW
depicts them not only in a humorous way, but also in one that explores
the depth of love they have for each other.
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Title: Stones · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 571
Reviewer: SlightlyTookish · 2006-10-07 17:04:38
This is a very sweet story! I love how Marigold ties in a small event
from the early part of the Quest to the present, which occurs several
years later when Merry and Pippin are retracing Bilbo's steps on a new
adventure. Without giving anything away, I do love how Pippin has "the
luck of the Tooks" and manages to succeed on his new quest, despite
Merry's complaints and initial lack of understanding. The idea that
memories are tied to things is something I believe in, and it's very
sweet how Pippin explains this to Merry. They are both so in character
here, and I especially like the last glimpse we have of Merry, when he
finally gives in to his Took side!
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Title: Strength of a River · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 513
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-10-07 17:39:38
Lyrically written exploration of Faramir's connection to Ithilien, with
a wonderful sense of the flow of time, and a lovely glimpse into the
relationship of Finduilas and her two young sons.
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Title: Blood Brothers · Author: Elana · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 149
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-10-07 17:57:44
Wonderful ficlet focussing on the bond between a mumak and its handler,
they are not just agents of Sauron here, but a man and a great beast,
bound by culture, ritual and understanding.


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Title: History Lessons: The Third Age · Author: Nilmandra · Times:
Multi-Age: Incomplete · ID: 167
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-10-08 00:54:51
In this story we see the War of the Rings from Elrond's pov. The author
skillfully weaves flashbacks and remembrances of Elrond to earlier
events into the story. We see pivotal events in the lives of all the
members of Elrond's family through his eyes. But I like especially that
I get to see the impact on Elrond. What did it mean to him to have to
let Celebrian sail, what did that to his children. How did he come to
terms (or not) with Arwen going her own way and losing her to Aragorn,
who he sees as a son of his heart. I never really thought about what it
would mean that the elven rings would be shorn of their power in the
wake of destroying the One Ring. I think the description of the effects
on all the ring bearers is excellent and heartbreaking. I just hope
Elrond finds healing and peace in Valinor.
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Title: Water and Stone · Author: Erynhith · Races: Elves · ID: 673
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-10-08 00:55:50
This is a heartbreaking story which leads its characters from light into
the deepest darkness and despair back to the light. I had tears in my
eyes reading about the plight of Celinn and Gwirith, and Aragorn.
Luckily all ends well. I think Celinn will be an even better Captain
because of his experiences. And Aragorn as well got an important lesson
about leadership.

I liked the way you describe the differences between the elves and
Aragorn, the man. I use him as an example and not the filth of men who
committed the crimes. The elves are all kind of etheral, while Aragorn
has an earthly practicality. His idea to give the little puppy to Celinn
was ingenious. Aragorn grows up during the time of this fic. I think you
managed to clearly show how he changes from the boy barely into manhood
with his idealistic outlook to leadership into the man only a short year
later who learned that even if you intend to do good evil may come of it.
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Title: Theme and Variations · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 784
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-10-08 00:56:22
I love the lightheartedness of this little story. Faramir's aunts are
priceles. Poor Faramir, having to listen to all the gossip. Jane Austin,
indeed. That fussy old servant is hilarious. I can see him being more
concerned about propriety than the new King. Being used to Denethor,
Aragorn is quite something different. A great, little tale.
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Title: Thranduil's begetting day · Author: daw the minstrel · Genres:
Humor · ID: 287
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-10-08 00:56:53
This story is hilarious. I have read it before, but reading it again
makes it even better. I have still tears in my eyes. Daw's cast of
original characters carry most of the story. But since they are old
friends from her other stories, they don't need much of an introduction.
Thranduil gets an unforgettable begetting day, although, it is not quite
what his daughter-in-law had planned. It is a great comedy of errors and
misunderstandings but with a light touch. The humor is just right and
never too silly.
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Title: Trust · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama · ID: 216
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-10-08 00:57:39
In this story Boromir grapples with the consequences of a discovery he
made about his parents marriage and what it means for himself. His
emotional world is turned upside down, and he questions his trust in
people around him and their trust in him.

In this richly woven tapestry of a tale, the meaning of trust is
explored on several levels, the political arena and the personal
relationships. The tension between Boromir and Andrahar is bittersweet
and very touching.

This story is part of a series of stories where Boromir and Andrahar, an
OC from Isabeau's stories, are lovers. I think it helps to get more out
of the story if the reader knows the other stories. At least I think the
impact of Boromir's dilemma is bigger if the reader knows more about
Andrahar and his background.
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Title: Reaping · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits: Post-Sauron's
Fall · ID: 169
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-10-08 02:26:08
This is such a sad interlude. I had never thought about what happened to
Ted after the Scouring, and this is a fitting pay-back for him. But it's
nice tht it also brought about a sense of redemption. Ted was a fool and
a bit proud and not innocent, but he wasn't a monster either, and you
captured that well.
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Title: Safe? · Author: Ainu Laire · Genres: Drama: Featuring Frodo or
Sam · ID: 271
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-10-08 13:52:26
I like the switching viewpoints between Frodo and Aragorn, their
questions and thoughts and how they each see and feel about Lorien.

Aragorn's dream was well done, slipping smoothly into the dream world so
that at first the reader questions but then comes to realize we are in a
nightmare and the shocking awakening.

and I like your resolution a lot. it's hard to think of Lorien not being
completely safe, but I think you (and Aragorn) were right - in those
days, there was no place that could be considered completely safe.


-----------------------------------
Title: When The Days Are Warm · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: The
Steward's Family · ID: 145
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-10-08 13:56:14
I don't often read young Boromir and Faramir, but I found this engaging.
Your young men were well drawn, I think, but I also enjoyed the layers,
the irony and the depths of foreshadowing that was woven in.
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Title: By The Light of Earendil's Star · Author: Branwyn · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 83
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-10-08 14:02:11
You had me hooked on this one with the orcish opening and I have
followed along. As always, you've woven an interesting and thoughtful
adventure.
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Title: Servant of the Tower · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 95
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-10-08 14:04:51
This is a wonderfully painful and emotional view of someone in a
difficult situation. Indeed, it begs the question, "what would *you*
have done?" There is no easy answer. Well done.
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Title: Moon Friend: Tales of Isildur · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races:
Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 832
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-10-08 14:14:03
As always, you have such a talent with drabbles, and it shines through
here in extraordinary fashion. It always amazes me, the specific,
pointed intensity, how you manage to convey so much emotion, such a full
picture with so few words. I especially like this drabble of such an
important time in history.
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Title: Bedtime Story · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor:
Children · ID: 355
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-10-08 14:22:17
Very cute view of the homelife of the King and Queen and little
Eldarion. It must have been exciting for him, growing up, to hear the
tales of the adventures of his father, a king, but also a true 'hero of
old'.

and of course, I can well see Legolas telling the Gollum story, and I'm
sure leaving out his part of the tale.
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Title: Passing Regrets · Author: Ariel · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest · ID: 657
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-10-08 15:05:59
I'm not a parent but have actually had an experience similar to Bilbo's,
and it's magical. You captured it here and gave us a reason why Bilbo
would have singled out Frodo as his heir. Nice forecasting of things to
come, for both of them -- I can easily see Frodo growing into the
character we see in LOTR.
-----------------------------------