Yahoo Forum Archive
This is an archive of the MEFA Yahoo Group, which was shut down by Yahoo in 2019. The archive can be sorted by month and by topic ID. You can use your browser to search by keyword within the month or topic you have open.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | - | - | - | 182 | 1042 | 655 | 89 | 25 | 263 | 362 | 316 | 285 |
| 2005 | 189 | 56 | 107 | 538 | 347 | 446 | 97 | 276 | 194 | 358 | 565 | 136 |
| 2006 | 231 | 66 | 27 | 76 | 117 | 139 | 127 | 56 | 67 | 66 | 159 | 79 |
| 2007 | 20 | 25 | 7 | - | 29 | 72 | 99 | 143 | 3 | 185 | 83 | 103 |
| 2008 | 56 | 13 | 3 | 54 | 240 | 141 | 274 | 77 | 51 | 60 | 90 | 106 |
| 2009 | 28 | 3 | - | 39 | 194 | 101 | 72 | 27 | 22 | 15 | 36 | 24 |
| 2010 | 67 | - | 1 | 4 | 103 | 138 | 129 | 32 | 13 | 16 | 3 | 30 |
| 2011 | 1 | - | 17 | 2 | 6 | 25 | 90 | 61 | 32 | 7 | 5 | 8 |
| 2012 | 30 | - | - | - | 8 | 122 | 76 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2013 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2014 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 2 |
| 2015 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2016 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2017 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2018 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2019 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
Msg# 7529
Reviews for 28 October - part 1 Posted by Rhapsody October 28, 2006 - 14:37:34 Topic ID# 7529Title: Starlight at Eventide · Author: Ariel · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey
Havens · ID: 821
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-10-14 02:17:45
Once again, Ariel has crafted a tale of thought-provoking, graceful
prose, psychological depth and heartfelt emotion. This is a very
"grown-up" and satisfying love story that tackles challenging subjects
seldom addressed in fanfic: the cooling and rekindling of marital ardor,
the trauma of breastfeeding failure (one of the most heartbreaking
scenes in the story), a fascinating examination of gender dynamics, the
portrayal of strong, complex female characters and friendships, and a
truly steamy sex scene featuring (gasp) a married couple! Though even
here the treatment is far from conventional... poetic, philosophical
musings are interspersed with the hot stuff. There are lovely insights
into all of the canon characters, as this line demonstrates: [Talking
always helped Pippin to see matters more clearly, but Merry's waters ran
deeper and flowed more quietly.]
Different authors bring different qualities to fanfiction, and the
wisdom and maturity of Ariel's writing are always a pleasure to encounter.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inspirare · Author: Ariel · Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 622
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-10-14 02:22:05
What a delicate and nuanced little piece! And true to canon in its
restraint and subtlety, with what remains unspoken as important as what
is said. Frodo's tragic lack of family is a recurring theme in Ariel's
stories, and this is a lovely, poignant addition to them.
-----------------------------------
Title: Divinity · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits · ID: 824
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 05:44:29
A lovely and unique story written with the richness that I expect from
this author.
-----------------------------------
Title: In Stitches · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 132
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 05:52:16
A very sweet story! I like glimpses like this into the family lives of
our hobbits.
-----------------------------------
Title: Thief of Hearts: How Pippin Stole Merrys Heart · Author:
pipkinsweetgrass · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 918
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 06:06:24
This is such a gorgeous little story. Merry's attitude, prior to
actually meeting baby Pippin, is described in just the way a young lad
would think. I love his thoughts throughout this tale! Eight-year-old
lads that can actually *do* things (and it is clear that Merry has no
doubt that he is a very special eight-year-old lad) are much better than
silly little babies!
His subsequent captivation is written very credibly, and I absolutely
love the last two lines. Pippin is indeed his, and though he doesn't
know it yet, he will be loved by Pippin just as dearly.
-----------------------------------
Title: Seeing Stars · Author: Budgielover · Races: Hobbits: Children ·
ID: 399
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 06:25:28
Oh, I love this story! I loved the first one, Steak and Mushrooms and
this is a perfect follow-up to that tale. Merry is in perfect
Brandybuckish character here, and I really liked his logical reasoning
for going back to the Green Dragon hoping to this time actually catch
the eye of the serving lasses there. Frodo and Pippin are very well
written too, and the relationship between the three of them is so
already comfortable and established that it is easy to see why years
later Merry and Pippin will unhesitatingly follow Frodo into danger.
I loved the scene at the Dragon, especially the bit where Pippin
mentions how pleased his mum would be to see his sisters trained as
serving wenches. That line was priceless! It wont be long before
Merrys quicksilver mind (a very fitting reference that Budgielover
often applies to Merry) figures out that the attraction that lasses have
for sweet little Pippin could be useful instead of frustrating!
-----------------------------------
Title: Little Lad Lost · Author: Citrine · Races: Hobbits: Children ·
ID: 895
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 06:27:22
The thing that I like best about this tale is that little Pippin is
actually able to touch hard-hearted Lobelia. A very nice story!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Tea Party · Author: AngieT · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 633
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 06:51:36
This is a special story to me, as I count KnittedMerry as one of my
personal friends, which is quite an honour! He is also quite fond of
AngieT, and doubtless that is why he has allowed her to write about him!
I must say that she has captured him perfectly, as he *is* quite
Magnificent, does tend to suffer from the occasional knittedheadache,
and is a wealth of good advice. I have no trouble believing it when
Eglantine expects him to begin speaking to her, as he does talk to
Llinos, whom he allows to live in his house, to me, and to Angie when he
sees her. (I think that he is a little sweet on her!)
One of the things that I like best about this story is Eglantines
naturalness in immersing herself in her childrens imaginary worlds. She
doesnt come off as being condescending at all. She is clearly a most
wonderful and special mother, and it is no wonder that Pippin is the
sweet good-hearted soul that he is. She is loving and caring, and will
do all in her power to make things right for her little son. I must say
that this is one of my favourite portrayals of Eglantine in fanfics.
I also love her little parlour, a haven for herself and her children. I
know that when her children are grown they will remember special times
in that room with their mum for the rest of their lives.
This story is a wonderful depiction of happy family life in the Took
household and I reread it often. There is nothing forced about it, it
flows perfectly, the descriptions are excellent and the dialogue just right!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Bath-time Song · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 133
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 07:03:54
An excellent story! I love this explanation of how Pippin came to learn
Bilbos Bath Song. The descriptions of the bath itself, the splashing,
the bubbles, Bilbo rinsing Pippin with water from the jug, are
effortlessly interwoven with the song, and the scene reads just as
realistically as if I were there watching unnoticed from the corner.
I also like Bilbos recollections of Frodo and Merry as little bathers,
particularly his description of Merry. Down to business with a will and
then out! Very in character!
When little Pippin is mopping the floor I had a flash-forward to that
night in Crickhollow, when Merry instructs Pippin to mop up before he
can have supper. I love that Pippins childish enthusiasm for some
things never left him. He and Bilbo have quite a bit in common, and I
liked seeing that explored so well here.
-----------------------------------
Title: To Climb a Tree · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits: Children ·
ID: 646
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 07:17:38
This is a very exciting story! The descriptions of the river and Merrys
danger were very well written.
I think that my favourite aspect of this story is how Merry goes from
being the one trying to help Pippin, to being saved by Pippin himself. I
like that glimpse of their relationship very much Pippin, as the
younger, is generally quite willing to be cared for by Merry, probably
in part because he knows that it gives Merry pleasure and peace of mind,
but when the need arises he is more than capable of asserting himself
and reversing their roles. And Merry gives into him here, largely again
out of desire to protect Pippin. I think that Pippin is quite aware that
this need to keep his younger cousin safe is what will incite Merry to
move, even more perhaps than Pippins instruction and reassurance. And
so Merry is saved.
An exciting story, but one that also has some interesting psychological
glimpses into Merry and Pippin and their relationship.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sisters · Author: grey_wonderer · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 182
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 07:28:49
I really enjoyed the indignities heaped upon Pippin by his older
sisters. I imagine that when he was young he was lugged about as if he
were their own little living doll (as I did to my own baby brother!) and
then things just got worse for the poor lad as the years went by!
I especially liked the ending, when all the lasses in the house were
fussing over him!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Sight to Remember · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 703
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 07:32:28
Oh my, what a prank! I just can't imagine! Rusty is a very likable OC
and a perfect friend for Pippin. In particular I liked the way that
Frodo influenced the ladies choice of material!
-----------------------------------
Title: To Learn His Letters · Author: GamgeeFest · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 977
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 07:55:37
This is a really good story, and I really enjoyed it! It was wonderful
to get such a fine glimpse of Halfred, a character that I havent seen
much in fanfiction. I like him very much. I think that he shares his
tenaciousness with Sam; Halfred applied it to enable Sam to learn his
letters, and Sam applied it to get Frodo to Mount Doom.
I found everything about this to be plausible and logical, which
increased my enjoyment. An excellent and well thought out explanation as
to the whys and wherefores of the stubborn Gaffer allowing Bilbo to
teach Sam his letters!
-----------------------------------
Title: All The Moon Could See · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits:
Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 756
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 08:03:21
Such lovely imagery in so few words. I love them all, but my favourite
is at Isengard.
-----------------------------------
Title: Always a First · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits: Fixed-Length
Ficlet series · ID: 757
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 08:06:42
These are lovely! I like the way they are tied together, and yet so very
different.
-----------------------------------
Title: Drabbles for Lord of the Rings · Author: Llinos · Races: Hobbits:
Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 758
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 08:45:45
These are just amazing. I love to write drabbles myself, and know just
how hard it can be to write a good one, but to write drabbles in verse,
and have them be so spot on perfect just seems impossible to me. And yet
Llinos manages to do just that.
They are each executed in a rhyming style that is completely appropriate
to the Chapter or bit of Prologue to which they belong. Each one sums up
its subject clearly and concisely and with just the right word choices
to enable us to actually *see* what is being described. And they each
serve a different purpose I think.
For example, the way that I perceive them [3. Of the Ordering of the
Shire] is written as though it is a learning rhyme, to teach hobbit
children understand how the Shire is set out. [The Return of The King -
Chapter 8 The Scouring of the Shire] is a remembering rhyme, one that
the reader could imagine being sung in the inns for years afterward.
My particular favourite is [The Two Towers - Chapter 3 - The Uruk-hai].
It is so stirring! There is such a sense of breathlessness, and motion,
and imperativeness, and the entire chapter is summed up without a word
wasted. It progresses in such a thrilling way, catching up the reader
with first a real sense of grim danger, then bleak despair, on to a stir
of hope, then rising to a crescendo of triumph when the Rohirrim attack,
finally ending on a note of quiet accomplishment, and yet still leaving
us with the feeling that their safe haven is not completely safe. Its
an amazing drabble, and an amazing poem, all in one!
I am no scholar when it comes to poetry, but I know what I like, and I
like these very much!
-----------------------------------
Title: House and Home · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 637
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 08:58:08
A very funny story! Merry's machinations to coerce Frodo into buying
just the right property are wonderfully devious and Pippin is the
perfect helper! I admire their dedication to their plan, to do anything
they must to help Frodo and be at his side.
The closeness and love between all three cousins is very obvious in this
tale.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Yule Visit · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 981
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 09:13:53
This is such a bittersweet story. There is the pleasure of Frodo joining
Merry and Pippin for Yule, but all three know, in different ways, that
the purpose of the visit is not what it seems. All three characters ring
true.
I particularly liked this: [Pippin glanced at Merry; there were two
faint lines between his brows and his eyes were closed tight, as if he
had a headache.] This line says so much about their relationship; about
Merry, about Pippin, and about Frodo.
-----------------------------------
Title: Serious Business (or, Talk About Dreams) · Author: Dana · Races:
Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 661
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 09:36:21
Frodo learning about the deeds of his cousins is one of my favourite
types of stories. This is no exception and it is beautifully told.
There are so many bits here that stir my imagination, especially
Pippins revelation that he often thinks in great detail about what
would have occurred if they had been taken to Isengard, and that Merry
had been so weary and distracted when Pippin awoke at Cormallen that he
didnt realise at first that he was taking to Pippin. And his words
about what Merry went through were so poignant.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inspirare · Author: Ariel · Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 622
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 09:51:41
A very bittersweet story. The bit that I loved the most was when Rosie
protested that the baby clothes should be kept in Frodos family and he
answered [ Yes. ]
-----------------------------------
Title: The Short Cut · Author: Garnet Took · Races: Hobbits: Friendship
· ID: 827
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 09:58:54
Poor Merry, so sure of himself! I loved Pippin's thought that [There
were things even a foolhardy soul like himself didnt do, and one of
those was telling Merry Brandybuck he was wrong.] I loved when Pippin
finally put his foot down and Merry meekly admitted he was lost!
-----------------------------------
Title: Hobbit Lessons · Author: Citrine · Races: Hobbits: Friendship ·
ID: 729
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 10:02:25
A really enjoyable Fellowship story! I especially liked Boromir in this,
after the hobbits of course!
-----------------------------------
Title: Once Upon a Memory · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 665
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 10:33:49
You have a real knack for writing the cousins together, including Bilbo.
Hattie is a wonderful OC. My absolute favourite part of the story is
when she mistakes Frodo, Merry and Pippin for brothers; [Hattie spoke
softly to Merry, Is he your little brother? Without a moments
hesitation, Merry answered, Yes. ]
She makes the same assumption about Frodo and he does not correct her
either. That was superb, and touching too, really showing the love these
three have for each other. And I *love* the name of the pub!
-----------------------------------
Title: A bit of garden · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 901
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 10:37:57
I loved the image of Sam and Elrond working side by side in Rivendell's
gardens.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lobelia's List · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 201
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 10:39:44
What a perfect list! I laughed out loud at this!
-----------------------------------
Havens · ID: 821
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-10-14 02:17:45
Once again, Ariel has crafted a tale of thought-provoking, graceful
prose, psychological depth and heartfelt emotion. This is a very
"grown-up" and satisfying love story that tackles challenging subjects
seldom addressed in fanfic: the cooling and rekindling of marital ardor,
the trauma of breastfeeding failure (one of the most heartbreaking
scenes in the story), a fascinating examination of gender dynamics, the
portrayal of strong, complex female characters and friendships, and a
truly steamy sex scene featuring (gasp) a married couple! Though even
here the treatment is far from conventional... poetic, philosophical
musings are interspersed with the hot stuff. There are lovely insights
into all of the canon characters, as this line demonstrates: [Talking
always helped Pippin to see matters more clearly, but Merry's waters ran
deeper and flowed more quietly.]
Different authors bring different qualities to fanfiction, and the
wisdom and maturity of Ariel's writing are always a pleasure to encounter.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inspirare · Author: Ariel · Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 622
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-10-14 02:22:05
What a delicate and nuanced little piece! And true to canon in its
restraint and subtlety, with what remains unspoken as important as what
is said. Frodo's tragic lack of family is a recurring theme in Ariel's
stories, and this is a lovely, poignant addition to them.
-----------------------------------
Title: Divinity · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits · ID: 824
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 05:44:29
A lovely and unique story written with the richness that I expect from
this author.
-----------------------------------
Title: In Stitches · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 132
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 05:52:16
A very sweet story! I like glimpses like this into the family lives of
our hobbits.
-----------------------------------
Title: Thief of Hearts: How Pippin Stole Merrys Heart · Author:
pipkinsweetgrass · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 918
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 06:06:24
This is such a gorgeous little story. Merry's attitude, prior to
actually meeting baby Pippin, is described in just the way a young lad
would think. I love his thoughts throughout this tale! Eight-year-old
lads that can actually *do* things (and it is clear that Merry has no
doubt that he is a very special eight-year-old lad) are much better than
silly little babies!
His subsequent captivation is written very credibly, and I absolutely
love the last two lines. Pippin is indeed his, and though he doesn't
know it yet, he will be loved by Pippin just as dearly.
-----------------------------------
Title: Seeing Stars · Author: Budgielover · Races: Hobbits: Children ·
ID: 399
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 06:25:28
Oh, I love this story! I loved the first one, Steak and Mushrooms and
this is a perfect follow-up to that tale. Merry is in perfect
Brandybuckish character here, and I really liked his logical reasoning
for going back to the Green Dragon hoping to this time actually catch
the eye of the serving lasses there. Frodo and Pippin are very well
written too, and the relationship between the three of them is so
already comfortable and established that it is easy to see why years
later Merry and Pippin will unhesitatingly follow Frodo into danger.
I loved the scene at the Dragon, especially the bit where Pippin
mentions how pleased his mum would be to see his sisters trained as
serving wenches. That line was priceless! It wont be long before
Merrys quicksilver mind (a very fitting reference that Budgielover
often applies to Merry) figures out that the attraction that lasses have
for sweet little Pippin could be useful instead of frustrating!
-----------------------------------
Title: Little Lad Lost · Author: Citrine · Races: Hobbits: Children ·
ID: 895
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 06:27:22
The thing that I like best about this tale is that little Pippin is
actually able to touch hard-hearted Lobelia. A very nice story!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Tea Party · Author: AngieT · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 633
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 06:51:36
This is a special story to me, as I count KnittedMerry as one of my
personal friends, which is quite an honour! He is also quite fond of
AngieT, and doubtless that is why he has allowed her to write about him!
I must say that she has captured him perfectly, as he *is* quite
Magnificent, does tend to suffer from the occasional knittedheadache,
and is a wealth of good advice. I have no trouble believing it when
Eglantine expects him to begin speaking to her, as he does talk to
Llinos, whom he allows to live in his house, to me, and to Angie when he
sees her. (I think that he is a little sweet on her!)
One of the things that I like best about this story is Eglantines
naturalness in immersing herself in her childrens imaginary worlds. She
doesnt come off as being condescending at all. She is clearly a most
wonderful and special mother, and it is no wonder that Pippin is the
sweet good-hearted soul that he is. She is loving and caring, and will
do all in her power to make things right for her little son. I must say
that this is one of my favourite portrayals of Eglantine in fanfics.
I also love her little parlour, a haven for herself and her children. I
know that when her children are grown they will remember special times
in that room with their mum for the rest of their lives.
This story is a wonderful depiction of happy family life in the Took
household and I reread it often. There is nothing forced about it, it
flows perfectly, the descriptions are excellent and the dialogue just right!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Bath-time Song · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 133
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 07:03:54
An excellent story! I love this explanation of how Pippin came to learn
Bilbos Bath Song. The descriptions of the bath itself, the splashing,
the bubbles, Bilbo rinsing Pippin with water from the jug, are
effortlessly interwoven with the song, and the scene reads just as
realistically as if I were there watching unnoticed from the corner.
I also like Bilbos recollections of Frodo and Merry as little bathers,
particularly his description of Merry. Down to business with a will and
then out! Very in character!
When little Pippin is mopping the floor I had a flash-forward to that
night in Crickhollow, when Merry instructs Pippin to mop up before he
can have supper. I love that Pippins childish enthusiasm for some
things never left him. He and Bilbo have quite a bit in common, and I
liked seeing that explored so well here.
-----------------------------------
Title: To Climb a Tree · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits: Children ·
ID: 646
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 07:17:38
This is a very exciting story! The descriptions of the river and Merrys
danger were very well written.
I think that my favourite aspect of this story is how Merry goes from
being the one trying to help Pippin, to being saved by Pippin himself. I
like that glimpse of their relationship very much Pippin, as the
younger, is generally quite willing to be cared for by Merry, probably
in part because he knows that it gives Merry pleasure and peace of mind,
but when the need arises he is more than capable of asserting himself
and reversing their roles. And Merry gives into him here, largely again
out of desire to protect Pippin. I think that Pippin is quite aware that
this need to keep his younger cousin safe is what will incite Merry to
move, even more perhaps than Pippins instruction and reassurance. And
so Merry is saved.
An exciting story, but one that also has some interesting psychological
glimpses into Merry and Pippin and their relationship.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sisters · Author: grey_wonderer · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 182
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 07:28:49
I really enjoyed the indignities heaped upon Pippin by his older
sisters. I imagine that when he was young he was lugged about as if he
were their own little living doll (as I did to my own baby brother!) and
then things just got worse for the poor lad as the years went by!
I especially liked the ending, when all the lasses in the house were
fussing over him!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Sight to Remember · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 703
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 07:32:28
Oh my, what a prank! I just can't imagine! Rusty is a very likable OC
and a perfect friend for Pippin. In particular I liked the way that
Frodo influenced the ladies choice of material!
-----------------------------------
Title: To Learn His Letters · Author: GamgeeFest · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 977
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 07:55:37
This is a really good story, and I really enjoyed it! It was wonderful
to get such a fine glimpse of Halfred, a character that I havent seen
much in fanfiction. I like him very much. I think that he shares his
tenaciousness with Sam; Halfred applied it to enable Sam to learn his
letters, and Sam applied it to get Frodo to Mount Doom.
I found everything about this to be plausible and logical, which
increased my enjoyment. An excellent and well thought out explanation as
to the whys and wherefores of the stubborn Gaffer allowing Bilbo to
teach Sam his letters!
-----------------------------------
Title: All The Moon Could See · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits:
Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 756
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 08:03:21
Such lovely imagery in so few words. I love them all, but my favourite
is at Isengard.
-----------------------------------
Title: Always a First · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits: Fixed-Length
Ficlet series · ID: 757
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 08:06:42
These are lovely! I like the way they are tied together, and yet so very
different.
-----------------------------------
Title: Drabbles for Lord of the Rings · Author: Llinos · Races: Hobbits:
Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 758
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 08:45:45
These are just amazing. I love to write drabbles myself, and know just
how hard it can be to write a good one, but to write drabbles in verse,
and have them be so spot on perfect just seems impossible to me. And yet
Llinos manages to do just that.
They are each executed in a rhyming style that is completely appropriate
to the Chapter or bit of Prologue to which they belong. Each one sums up
its subject clearly and concisely and with just the right word choices
to enable us to actually *see* what is being described. And they each
serve a different purpose I think.
For example, the way that I perceive them [3. Of the Ordering of the
Shire] is written as though it is a learning rhyme, to teach hobbit
children understand how the Shire is set out. [The Return of The King -
Chapter 8 The Scouring of the Shire] is a remembering rhyme, one that
the reader could imagine being sung in the inns for years afterward.
My particular favourite is [The Two Towers - Chapter 3 - The Uruk-hai].
It is so stirring! There is such a sense of breathlessness, and motion,
and imperativeness, and the entire chapter is summed up without a word
wasted. It progresses in such a thrilling way, catching up the reader
with first a real sense of grim danger, then bleak despair, on to a stir
of hope, then rising to a crescendo of triumph when the Rohirrim attack,
finally ending on a note of quiet accomplishment, and yet still leaving
us with the feeling that their safe haven is not completely safe. Its
an amazing drabble, and an amazing poem, all in one!
I am no scholar when it comes to poetry, but I know what I like, and I
like these very much!
-----------------------------------
Title: House and Home · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 637
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 08:58:08
A very funny story! Merry's machinations to coerce Frodo into buying
just the right property are wonderfully devious and Pippin is the
perfect helper! I admire their dedication to their plan, to do anything
they must to help Frodo and be at his side.
The closeness and love between all three cousins is very obvious in this
tale.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Yule Visit · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 981
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 09:13:53
This is such a bittersweet story. There is the pleasure of Frodo joining
Merry and Pippin for Yule, but all three know, in different ways, that
the purpose of the visit is not what it seems. All three characters ring
true.
I particularly liked this: [Pippin glanced at Merry; there were two
faint lines between his brows and his eyes were closed tight, as if he
had a headache.] This line says so much about their relationship; about
Merry, about Pippin, and about Frodo.
-----------------------------------
Title: Serious Business (or, Talk About Dreams) · Author: Dana · Races:
Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 661
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 09:36:21
Frodo learning about the deeds of his cousins is one of my favourite
types of stories. This is no exception and it is beautifully told.
There are so many bits here that stir my imagination, especially
Pippins revelation that he often thinks in great detail about what
would have occurred if they had been taken to Isengard, and that Merry
had been so weary and distracted when Pippin awoke at Cormallen that he
didnt realise at first that he was taking to Pippin. And his words
about what Merry went through were so poignant.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inspirare · Author: Ariel · Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 622
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 09:51:41
A very bittersweet story. The bit that I loved the most was when Rosie
protested that the baby clothes should be kept in Frodos family and he
answered [ Yes. ]
-----------------------------------
Title: The Short Cut · Author: Garnet Took · Races: Hobbits: Friendship
· ID: 827
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 09:58:54
Poor Merry, so sure of himself! I loved Pippin's thought that [There
were things even a foolhardy soul like himself didnt do, and one of
those was telling Merry Brandybuck he was wrong.] I loved when Pippin
finally put his foot down and Merry meekly admitted he was lost!
-----------------------------------
Title: Hobbit Lessons · Author: Citrine · Races: Hobbits: Friendship ·
ID: 729
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 10:02:25
A really enjoyable Fellowship story! I especially liked Boromir in this,
after the hobbits of course!
-----------------------------------
Title: Once Upon a Memory · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 665
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 10:33:49
You have a real knack for writing the cousins together, including Bilbo.
Hattie is a wonderful OC. My absolute favourite part of the story is
when she mistakes Frodo, Merry and Pippin for brothers; [Hattie spoke
softly to Merry, Is he your little brother? Without a moments
hesitation, Merry answered, Yes. ]
She makes the same assumption about Frodo and he does not correct her
either. That was superb, and touching too, really showing the love these
three have for each other. And I *love* the name of the pub!
-----------------------------------
Title: A bit of garden · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 901
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 10:37:57
I loved the image of Sam and Elrond working side by side in Rivendell's
gardens.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lobelia's List · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 201
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-10-14 10:39:44
What a perfect list! I laughed out loud at this!
-----------------------------------
If you have any questions about the archive, or would like to report a technical problem, please contact Aranel (former MEFA Tech Support and current Keeper of the Archive) at araneltook@mefawards.org or at the MEFA Archive group..