Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Gimli's Tale · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Dwarves · ID: 934
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-10-10 23:21:05
[My children indeed are like those things from which I formed them. My
children have the strength of the earth itself, the strength of the
foundations upon which Ea is built, the strength of the mountains that
rise into the heavens.]

I've developed quite a fondness for the Dwarves over the past several
months, and I really like the way you've incorporated their creation by
Mahal, their history and culture as found in the Canon, with some
thoughtful twists of your own. Gruff Gimli, taking his turn at
entertaining Pippin, is very lovingly portrayed. The analogy of the
rough, unassuming geode concealing mysterious, crystalline beauty within
is a perfect description of the dwarves. Very nicely done!
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Title: Gundabad · Author: Salsify · Races: Dwarves · ID: 79
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-10-11 00:00:22
[Mahal made dwarves strong to endure blows to the soul as well as to the
body.]

Your imagery and descriptive skills are wonderful; very impressive! I
felt as though I was right there with the dwarves as they fought, step
by step, to retake the heart of the mountain; and I shared their
disappointment and shock as they discovered the desecration of the site.
The explosion was a surprise to me, too; being a fan of Indiana Jones I
expected to see the stone revealed through high or low-tech trickery. I
was so disappointed when it was not! But that strengthened the power of
your tale, and gave it a bitter ring of truth, of history. Very well done.
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Title: Spirit of Fire · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Fixed-length
ficlet · ID: 196
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-10-11 02:43:25
Oh my. Talk about the hotness of Feanor indeed. Powerfully sensual, yet
not over-graphic drabble that captures the fire of Feanor, as a person,
as an artist, and as a lover, from the POV of his appreciative wife.

Excellent ficlet.
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Title: Strange meeting · Author: Nesta · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's Fall
· ID: 93
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-10-11 04:41:54
That last line is what does it to me -- imagine comparing the might of
Mordor to the S-B's. That really brings it home. This is a compelling
glimpse into the building of a relationship of Faramir and Aragorn, and
does a good bit toward building the relationship they'd need to govern
Gondor.
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Title: Blood Brothers · Author: Elana · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 149
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-10-11 04:46:08
This is most certainly a unique relationship! And it works here. Nice
job of humanizing the Haradrim.
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Title: Trust · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama · ID: 216
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-11 06:41:46
["Trust"] is a key link in the Best-Loved Son story arc, documenting a
profound shift in Boromir and Andrahar's relationship. Dwimordene writes
a superb and subtle tale that makes clear the need for this shift, where
before it had never occurred to me how dramatic it would necessarily
have been, given the separate demons that haunt both men.

She very logically draws Boromir down to Dol Amroth and sets the stage
for the confrontation. The council session gives an excellent backdrop
for the interplay between the two men and the exploration of trust in
different arenas and levels. Dwimordene did a seamless blending-in of
past issues into the narrative. I particularly loved the delving into
the Hurrhabi episode and the politics involved with Gondor not being
able to merely strike back at Harad - Dwimordene somehow made all the
convolutions fascinating. It occurred to me that this could have been
quite a test for Imrahil also, perhaps one of the first serious
incidents that he needed to deal with as a ruling prince and premiere
nobleman of the council.

There were many side bonuses for me. Seeing Imrahil/Andrahar interaction
is always wonderful (the private toast, reading one another so very
well). I enjoyed learning about the book and inscription that Imrahil
presented to Andra soon after Imri and Nimrien's wedding. But perhaps I
love most of all that this was told from Andra's perspective. The man is
one of the most honorable and astonishing characters I've ever read
about, and getting additional insight into him was a distinct pleasure.

The part that hit me hardest, though, was Boromir's revelation that ["I
tire of mistrusting all, and I dislike most of all being mistrusted."],
especially in light of future events. It made me grieve for him all over
again.
-----------------------------------
Title: Wizardry · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 179
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-11 22:10:52
I really like this glimpse into the relationship between Gandalf and
Aragorn. The quotes at the end highlight something very important for
me: That having an inherent sense of joy is a necessary part of enduring
long toils, and even being able to make right choices. Otherwise, it is
too easy for hardships to push one into despair and hopelessness.
Gandalf, once Olorin, would surely have an intimate understanding of the
healing properties of laughter. I took the title as a reflection of its
"magical power" of providing relief, and that Gandalf (as the one who
begins laughing first) has access to "wizardry" beyond his more obvious
wizard's powers.

I also think that it says something important about their respective
qualities as leaders in Middle-earth, that they can laugh at themselves
in the midst of failure, and see the absurdity of the situation they are
in. That they are able to do this together cements my impression of how
deep and supportive their friendship was. Dwimordene has fit much into a
very well-crafted double-drabble!
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Title: Fairy Tales of Middle-Earth · Author: DrummerWench · Genres:
Drama · ID: 261
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-10-11 23:27:18
The only problem I have with these enchanting tales is deciding which
one I like best. Perhaps it's the Lady in the Golden Wood, which shows
the sinister side of Lorien--perilous in its beauty, very much "Faerie."
But on the other hand, the heart warming happy ending of the Wooden Boy
is delightful. And how could I leave out the Swan?

Each tale captures the reality of the race(s) in it, from the Druadan to
the Elves of Mirkwood and the Men of Dol Amroth, incorporating Tolkien
mythology in a truly original way. It's not often you can say that in
fanfic. The tone is reminiscent of many folktales, giving a simultaneous
familiar and exotic feel to the tales. Sometimes the author answers a
long-standing question in canon (what happened to Nimrodel?), sometimes
she makes up new adventures for our favorite characters (Goldberry),
sometimes she creates new characters who fit seamlessly into Middle-earth.

The author keeps to a remarkably simple, clear language, and conveys
such a wide variety of mood and feeling, from deeply sad (as in the
King's son who mourned forever the loss of both his family and the Wood)
to joyful, to scary (the Dwarf in Moria). The prologue, setting the
context of a book created by Sam to read to his children, works perfectly.
-----------------------------------
Title: An Empty Saddle to Fill · Author: Anoriath · Races: Men: Vignette
· ID: 752
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-10-11 23:39:41
A very emotionally wrought vignette. The author's language is lush and
poetic, intensively felt. I really believed at the end that Theodred's
ghost would have avenged Eowyn, if it had proved necessary. My only
complaint would be that it is too short.
-----------------------------------
Title: Planning Ahead · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men · ID: 84
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-10-11 23:45:08
A fun tale of the first meeting between Arathorn and Gilraen (at age
five). A charming and bedazzling little creature!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Will · Author: LydiaB · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 770
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-10-12 04:19:39
Ooh, what a neat premise! I have always fancied Tolkien's conceit was
reality, and love stories that make use of this. What a neat way for
Tolkien to acquire the Red Book. But now I want to know more about how
he got it, and eventually translated it, etc.
-----------------------------------
Title: Half a Sticky Mile · Author: SlightlyTookish · Genres: Adventure
· ID: 940
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-12 06:54:03
There are a lot of things that I like about this Merry and Pippin
gap-filler, which is set in Isengard after Gandalf has come to see
Treebeard and gone off again. One thing is the credible flow of the plot
 the events are believable, the quiet moments between the cousins are
appropriate to the plot, and the exciting moments are *very* exciting.
The dialogue is also very believable, and in keeping with the characters.

What I like best about this story though, and what struck me as being
totally spot-on, were the characterisations of Merry and Pippin. For
example, it is always Merry who is first to realise approaching danger,
and he does his best to take Pippin and himself out of harms way. But
when fast reactions are necessary to get them out of a sticky situation
it is Pippin who jumps in and saves them.

Merry acts, and Pippin reacts.

The best example of this is Merry urging Pippin to run when they are
confronted by some dangerous Men, and then Pippin coming to Merrys
rescue like a shot when he is snagged by one of the Men. The image of
Pippin with the two swords and Merrys shocked incredulity at his
cousins quick defence is wonderful!


This is a thoroughly entertaining story, and it fills in the unreported
events of that night and morning in a very plausible way!


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Title: The Fords of Isen · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Adventure · ID: 41
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-12 07:05:16
An exciting ghost story, and I especially loved the unexpected
appearance of the Man of Gondor! I could easily see the grandfather
relating the tale to Elfwine, while the disapproving (but interested)
grandmother worked her loom.
-----------------------------------
Title: Appearances Can Be Deceiving · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 760
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-12 07:15:33
Bilbo is wonderful in this story. I like the way that his sense of
adventure and his Tookish curiosity is so evident even after his
retirement. The descriptions, particularly of Rivendell and its
environs, are lush and detailed. The best thing of all though is Bilbos
bravery and determination to warn Rivendell of the approaching
brigand! This is a very plausible recounting of the way that Bilbo and
Aragorn may have met, and so inspired Bilbo to write the verses
describing the Man.
-----------------------------------
Title: Years After and a Sea Between · Author: Dana · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Post-Grey Havens · ID: 39
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-12 07:22:30
I don't quite know what to say about this story, other than you must go
and read it at once. It is absolutely stunning and I had no words to say
when I first reviewed it, I was that gobsmacked.

This story is an AU and it begins after Merry and Pippin's retirement to
Gondor, and there is some slight slash content, which I would rate at a
PG-13 at most, but the story also beautifully incorporates memories of
Diamond and Estella. According to Llinos, my source for all things
English, it is not an unheard of situation by any means, especially
among the upper classes, to have both a happy marriage and a lover, the
rule being "just so the servants don't find out". For me, when it comes
to slashverse, Merry and Pippin share such a great and obvious love for
each other that I have no difficulty in believing that their wives were
content with this situation, for how could they be jealous of such a
profound love. Certainly in this story I did not disbelieve the scenario
in the slightest.

In this tale Pippin is drawn to the Sea, in the hopes of seeing Frodo
once more. Merry supports him all the way, though the idea is mad, and
with blessings and help from their friends they build a little ship and
set sail for the Undying Lands, Merry at the helm. There are glimpses of
Aragorn, Eowyn, Faramir, Legolas, Gimli and others, and lots of terrific
detail.

Whether they get there or not I will leave it up to you to find out!

The story is full of love and angst and clarity and so many other
emotions! The wording is just beautiful, and the plot quite believable.
Well done Dana!


-----------------------------------
Title: Assume, Confuse, Consume, Amuse · Author: pipkinsweetgrass ·
Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 648
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-12 07:54:22
This is a really entertaining AU, very clever and very creative! I love
the way that Boromir and Pippin pop out of nowhere to startle the
author, and then later Merry appears as well, all of them acting as her
muses. Each of them relates tales from the Quest in hopes of helping her
find the story that she wants to write.

The suggested stories themselves are wonderful as well, fit into canon,
and are related as complete tales within the framework of the AU. The
first one made me laugh out loud at the misunderstanding, especially
when supposedly innocent Pippin had no doubt whatsoever what Aragorn was
thinking and threatened to teach him a lesson for thinking such a thing
about his good friend Boromir! All of the Quest stories are wonderful,
and could stand alone as separate works. I especially like the last, in
which Boromir and Pippin have a heart-to-heart talk that brings them
both out of despair.

What really strikes me about this AU is the skill with which the
different parts are written. When writing in the present, at home with
her husband and visitors, the style of writing is completely different
than it is when Boromir, Pippin, and Merry are relating their tales.
When these characters are speaking the writing is very Tolkienesque, the
dialogue and scenarios very believable and easy to imagine having taken
place, even the very funny first incident. Pipkin loves the characters
of Boromir, Merry, and Pippin, and knows them well and this is very
evident in this wonderful story.

-----------------------------------
Title: Trust · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama · ID: 216
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-12 07:57:58
Wonderful descriptions, and a very skilful level of writing. I enjoyed
this very much!
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Title: A Humble Gift · Author: GamgeeFest · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 722
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-12 08:01:54
I enjoyed Pippin entertaining Faramir with detailed descriptions of
family geneaology very much!
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Title: In a Heartbeat · Author: Piplover · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 928
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-12 08:06:29
There are so many wonderful details in this story! The image of Pippin
selflessly protecting Aragorn is just awesome and I felt very realistic.
The reactions of the others are spot on, and I liked the scene with
Arwen very much.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Falcon's Watch · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 227
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-12 08:09:22
I liked the use of the falcon watching over the hobbits as they
travelled to Minas Tirith very much. Poor Faramir! I am so glad that
ultimately he came to understand why his father and Merry had to leave
the Shire, as Kalimas did all along.
-----------------------------------
Title: A New Kind of Courage · Author: Auntiemeesh · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 959
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-12 08:13:33
This is a wonderful glimpse into Merry's mind during one of the hardest
periods of the Quest for him, from Pippin's leavetaking through
Cormallen. Very well done and a favourite story of mine!
-----------------------------------
Title: Breath of Winter · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 101
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-12 08:17:38
I particulary liked Merry's remembered brush with Estella here - it
complimented the more dramatic parts of the story nicely.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Message and a Bottle · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 89
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-12 08:26:41
What a lovely story! I am so glad that the bottle came back to the
Shire! Bless Ulmo for helping Pippin's plan succeed!
-----------------------------------
Title: If Only · Author: Holdur · Genres: Drama: Featuring Pippin or
Merry · ID: 826
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-12 08:28:39
I loved that Boromir left Pippin the token, and eased his heart! Very
nicely done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Fair-weather Friends · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 126
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-12 08:34:08
My favourite part of this story was Estella's memories of Merry. And
though she was startled by the reality of her new husband's nightmares,
it is clear that she has the strength and love to stay by his side and
support him. I loved her declaration that she will stay by him until her
dying day and Merry's realisation that he would not lose his hearts
desire after all!
-----------------------------------