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Msg# 7550
Reviews for 3 November - part 2 Posted by Rhapsody November 03, 2006 - 14:53:11 Topic ID# 7550Title: Beneath the Hollow Hill · Author: Haleth · Races: Elves:
Feanorians · ID: 314
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 12:13:35
Beautiful, evocative descriptions; every scene is vividly portrayed. I
did not know any of the Celtic traditions incorporated, but felt
intimately familiar with them by the end of the story. The author
managed a seamless blending between Irish legend and Tolkien's tales.
The entire encounter with Nuada and the Tuatha de Danaan was very well
done. I especially enjoyed Maglor's playing for the court and their
wholehearted response to the music. And as always with these stories, I
ended by grieving for Maglor, and wishing that if he could not yet
return home that he could have had the pleasure of Nuada's company.
-----------------------------------
Title: [untitled] He: Gimli fic prompt #84 · Author: Thevina Finduilas ·
Races: Dwarves · ID: 718
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-20 12:16:35
I'd never much thought about Dwarf slash. Still Gimli's letter and his
thoughts do not seem unreasonable in the face of where he will soon be
heading.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Stone's Lament · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Dwarves ·
ID: 53
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-20 12:21:59
Yes, I can easily see Gimli being both startled and envious at Legolas'
words about the stones' lamenting. It would unsettle Gimli's
preconceptions to realize the fact that an Elf--and a wood-Elf at
that--could hear the stone when he could not, as well as the fact that
the stones missed the Elves more than Dwarves. This could have been the
beginning of their friendship. Very insightful!
-----------------------------------
Title: Web of Friendship · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 932
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2006-10-20 12:22:06
This is a very sweet drabble about Elanor's time as a lady-in-waiting to
Arwen. It showcases Arwen's kindness as much as Elanor's difficulty in
fitting in with life in the Royal Court. The interactions and reactions
of Arwen, Elanor, and the other ladies-in-waiting are handled with
Gwynnyd's usual perceptiveness. Gwynnyd also, as she so often does in
her stories, lightly weaves in her extensive knowledge of mediaeval
crafts in the form of references to authentic cord-making techniques.
Nicely done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Beneath the Hollow Hill · Author: Haleth · Races: Elves:
Feanorians · ID: 314
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-20 12:24:34
A haunting melding of Middle-earth and "real life" mythology; very
interesting concept, and well-executed. I am impressed with this version
of Maglor, and his realization of what his experience means.
-----------------------------------
Title: Cacophony · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Humor: Parody · ID: 929
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2006-10-20 12:29:11
This is a hilarious alternative version of the Music of the Ainur, which
really should come with a beverage warning. Gwynnyd shows the Valar
romping through a myriad of musical and performance styles each
perfectly suited to the Vala in question. My particular favourites are
her choices for Ulmo, Varda and Nienna. And the conclusion explains,
perfectly, why Eru created Arda and put the Valar in charge. This is a
laugh-out-loud view of the music of the spheres. Excellent!
-----------------------------------
Title: Fire · Author: Aramel · Genres: Drama: Fixed-Length Ficlet Series
· ID: 172
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-20 12:29:13
An interesting concept, concerning the Three. I'd occasionally wondered
why no Ring of Earth, and this very convincingly answers that question.
I'm not up enough on the subtleties of the Silm to recognize any AU
elements, but I do like this very much. A plausible gap-filler.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hope Eternal · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn ·
ID: 930
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2006-10-20 12:40:53
In her series of Yule Mathoms, Gwynnyd runs the full gamut of emotions,
and this is a dark and bitter piece (although not without touches of
black humour) exploring the difficulties of Post-War reconciliation and
integration. How do you handle defeated enemies bred for their
quarrelsome and warlike nature who simply don't want to become farmers?
Both Aragorn's initial optimisim and Faramir's pragmatism are
heart-wrenching. And for a drabble with a high level of disturbing
violence, Gwynnyd shows her usual facility with poetic language and
allusion, with a clever reference to the reversal of beating swords into
plowshares. An excellent reminder that not everything was as
straightforward for legendary kings after victory as the bards and
minstrels would have us believe.
-----------------------------------
Title: Trivial Matters · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 839
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 13:08:14
This is a silly bit of humor, but one that is very well done. I really
enjoy it when an author can take a non-canon event and still keep the
characters true to the books. Thundera Tiger manages this flawlessly,
even with those only mentioned but not seen. The beginning is played out
perfectly - Legolas' interior dialogue grows ever more strident as he
attempts to control himself. The interaction that follows between the
ever-subtle and restrained Faramir and the boastful and outmaneuvered
king was very enjoyable. Perfect dialogue and reactions.
I loved the tiny reference to the quality of Gimli and Legolas'
relationship: only a dear friend would make so much effort to discover a
weakness and then ruthlessly exploit it!
-----------------------------------
Title: Of All the Pretty Little Horses · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor:
Gondor · ID: 736
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 13:08:29
Very funny exploitation of a possible misunderstanding. And yes, I think
Faramir was leading poor Eomer on, at least by the end. A good quality
in a brother-in-law.
-----------------------------------
Title: Bored · Author: Make It Stop · Genres: Humor: Gondor · ID: 779
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 13:08:57
I laughed out loud throughout the entire story. The characters and their
reactions were so vividly and hilariously portrayed. Weblog was a
perfect framing device for the family dinner, and I (of course!) loved
the detailed description of Faramir that he slipped in there for us. The
guard's internal efforts to deal with his boredom were spot-on.
But truly, the "conversation" between Faramir and Denethor was
absolutely inspired. Wonderful back and forth repartees. I couldn't
decide if Boromir was oblivious, or so disgusted by their nightly
descent into mind-reading that the peas were an effort to jar them back
to their surroundings.
-----------------------------------
Title: Legend · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 933
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-10-20 13:11:46
I have mixed feelings about Eowyn myself, but I'm always up for someone
else's view. I liked this vignette very much, particularly the image of
an elderly Eowyn still sleeping beside her Faramir, who was also, as she
observes, damaged by the war. Legends have little to do with flesh and
blood, and the flesh and blood progenitor of one is able to observe.
Time glosses over the fear and pain and blood, leaving only the glory
without reckoning the cost of that glory. Her last statement, about
still being willing to defend those she loves despite her advancing age,
is quintessential Eowyn, and I suspect that her grandson is, indeed,
very like her!
-----------------------------------
Title: First Impressions · Author: Bodkin · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 806
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-10-20 13:25:33
I have often wondered about how Aragorn adapted to life among his mortal
kin when he left the almost-paradise that was Rivendell. The Northern
Dunedain are so little written of that you can imagine almost anything
you like about them. In my mind, they're doing a little better than the
way Bodkin depicted them here (perhaps holing up in some of those stone
ruins the Numenoreans were so fond of building everywhere), but I can
buy into this vision as well. The comparison between Gilraen and her
serene, clean beauty and these hard-working, old before their time rural
folk brings to mind the hard, brutal and short lives of medieval
peasants versus their noble rulers.
For obvious reasons, I was rather charmed by this observation of
Aragorn's about the young Dunedain women-[There was not a single one he
would look at twice gawky, ungainly, harsh-voiced, plain girls, the
lot of them.]. The comparisons with this existence that is his
birthright and the one he was brought up in give the idea that the poor
fellow is imagining himself in Hell! But underlying the comparisons is
also his realization that this is in fact his destiny, and he needs to
learn to cope with it. You can also sense something of the dismay with
which he realizes that he is the embodiment of all these peoples' hopes.
Halbarad is so excellent in this piece, the perfect guide into Aragorn's
new world. His voice comes through true and clear. He is matter-of-fact
and honest, and the way Bodkin depicts him, you can easily imagine him
becoming one of Aragorn's friends and a trusted confidant over time. A
most enjoyable story!
-----------------------------------
Title: A bit of garden · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 901
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-10-20 13:27:57
Poor Sam! After the initial thrill of seeing Elves wore off, I can just
imagine him drifting through Rivendell a bit at loose ends. And
eventually, the lure of a neglected garden would be too much for a
gardner with time on his hands! Why do I suspect that his trespass gave
Elrond an excuse to get away from his own troubles for a while?
-----------------------------------
Title: To The Abyss · Author: Minuialeth · Times: The Great Years:
Poetry · ID: 403
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-10-20 14:22:19
This poem has a nice rhythm to it, it almost sounds like a religious
chant evoking something that is buried deep within Gandalf. It works
well to begin a battle between two maiar.
-----------------------------------
Title: Those Also Serve Who Stand and Wait · Author: Haleth · Times:
First Age and Prior · ID: 293
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 22:16:04
A pensive look at the roles of women in wartime. Being the keeper of the
hearth is indeed a critical position, but often minimized or overlooked.
Lalwen is sympathetic without being sentimental, and her relationship
with her older brother is particularly well-developed. I liked her very
much by the end of the story, and grieved that she seems locked in a
cage of loneliness that feels of her own making. This is a very good use
of a minor semi-canon character.
-----------------------------------
Title: Voices on the Wind · Author: Phyncke · Times: First Age and Prior
· ID: 112
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 22:16:50
A very thought-provoking and moving story. I have always felt that
Fingolfin's solitary ride to challenge Morgoth was a beacon of bravery
and hope - a mere Eruhini against a Vala! And he wounded Morgoth seven
times. The passage describing Fingolfin's strikes against his enemy was
especially stirring (["The first wound was for my father..."] and so on).
The ending was a strong contrast: gentle and peaceful and full of hope.
This could have been a difficult transition, but the author manages it
very well, and I was left with a feeling of satisfaction despite the
sadness of Fingolfin's ending.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Gift · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age and Prior ·
ID: 131
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 22:19:31
I finished this story with tears in my eyes. Dawn tells it with seeming
simplicity, yet powerful familial depths are explored in her usual
intimate style. The characters are distinct individuals, with moving,
believable interactions and motivations. Dawn uses flashbacks
effectively to provide backstory for the sundering of a family and
Tyelkormo's reaction.
The sibling rivalry between Tyelkormo and Curufinwe is explored deftly
as the brothers struggle for their father's approval and a young woman's
love. Dawn lays out a compelling dual perspective of this time, here and
in ["Paper"]. Terentaulė and Tyelperinquar earned my greatest sympathy.
She for being the farmer's daughter, drawn into this famous, talented
and misguided family; he as the innocent impacted by it all.
Tyelperinquar brings the one bit of bittersweet joy into it, with his
child's ability to see laughter in the snowfall, which Tyelkormo is
finally able to share. Curufinwe's ring fulfills yet another role:
intended to win his father's love, used to clear the path to his future
wife's heart, now comforting his son. A bit of foreshadowing there, too,
to the Rings of Power that Tyelperinquar will one day create. A
beautiful, pensive story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Raven Hair and Silver Eyes · Author: Ellie · Times: First Age and
Prior · ID: 174
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 22:20:53
A moving and bittersweet story from Anaire's perspective, one of the
strong "silent women" usually relegated to the background. Her PoV is
clearly and reasonably developed, although I was a bit shocked and very
saddened when she turned her back so coldly on her family after their
mistaken role in the Kinslaying. Her relationship with Nolofinwe was
beautifully elaborated, and his strong character was definitely one that
I could see challenging Morgoth to single combat.
I especially liked this lovely expression of childbearing: ["Four times
he filled me with life and four times I returned it to him in the forms
of three sons and a daughter."]
-----------------------------------
Title: Quo Vadis? · Author: Tehta · Times: First Age and Prior · ID: 86
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 22:21:41
Tehta's writing is always filled with a wry wit and humorous phrasing,
and this is no exception. She has developed a marvelous, very funny
Salgent, and manages to give him a sympathetic twist despite his
imminently unlikeable character. The impact of his music on the orcs and
his interaction with the dragon were exceptionally well-portrayed. ["It
seemed rivalries were universal."]
His acceptance to play jester at Morgoth's court was inevitable and
well-deserved on many levels. I couldn't decide at the end if I felt
pity or happiness for him.
-----------------------------------
Title: Tending · Author: Elemmire · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey Havens ·
ID: 769
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-10-20 22:58:47
This story shines. In part the is just because it is excellently
written, but in part because of the wonderful twist it has. Tender,
touching, full of love and care but not coming from the one you are sure
you are reading about as the story begins. A wonderful, wonderful piece!
-----------------------------------
Title: Midsummer's Day · Author: MysteriousWays · Times: Late Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 980
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-10-20 23:02:29
I'm yet to write a drabble and I was totally impressed with this beauty
written by MysteriousWays. It is as warm as the day it describes and it
is so wonderful to see someone giving Frodo a break from his melancoly.
The beauty of the Shire, the comfort of Bag End and the resilance of
hobbits is all here in one hundred short words.
-----------------------------------
Title: Today · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Romance: Rohan · ID: 199
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-21 00:20:21
Theodred/Boromir slash. I kind of skipped a lot, but I did like the last
line.
-----------------------------------
Title: In the Woods · Author: Werecat · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 119
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-21 00:22:40
I like this idea: that Radagast lingered, to keep a bit of magic in the
world, to succor the beasts, and to help the few Elves who remained to
depart. Very nicely done, and I like the voice of the OC narrator.
-----------------------------------
Title: In Sequent Toil · Author: IgnobleBard · Genres: Adventure · ID: 941
Reviewer: Jael · 2006-10-21 00:26:45
What intrigued me originally about this story was that it was something
different from all the Fellowship adventures and Legomances out there.
It was a real mystery thriller that seemed to understand the concept
that even in Middle-earth, time does not stand still. The inn at Bree,
now under a different inkeeper and grown shabby. Gimli, older, grown
hard of hearing. These are things one rarely sees addressed.
When I learned that this story was written for a challenge, I could see
the clever way you had taken a set of pedestrian requirements -- a map
of the USA, locked out of a hotel room, a cell phone that doesn't work
-- and translated it to Tolkien's world. Kudos for that!
In the end, I felt for Legolas. All that toil and terror he went
through, and Celeborn is just going to turn around and take the darn map
back to Aman. I enjoyed the story anyway.
-----------------------------------
Feanorians · ID: 314
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 12:13:35
Beautiful, evocative descriptions; every scene is vividly portrayed. I
did not know any of the Celtic traditions incorporated, but felt
intimately familiar with them by the end of the story. The author
managed a seamless blending between Irish legend and Tolkien's tales.
The entire encounter with Nuada and the Tuatha de Danaan was very well
done. I especially enjoyed Maglor's playing for the court and their
wholehearted response to the music. And as always with these stories, I
ended by grieving for Maglor, and wishing that if he could not yet
return home that he could have had the pleasure of Nuada's company.
-----------------------------------
Title: [untitled] He: Gimli fic prompt #84 · Author: Thevina Finduilas ·
Races: Dwarves · ID: 718
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-20 12:16:35
I'd never much thought about Dwarf slash. Still Gimli's letter and his
thoughts do not seem unreasonable in the face of where he will soon be
heading.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Stone's Lament · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Dwarves ·
ID: 53
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-20 12:21:59
Yes, I can easily see Gimli being both startled and envious at Legolas'
words about the stones' lamenting. It would unsettle Gimli's
preconceptions to realize the fact that an Elf--and a wood-Elf at
that--could hear the stone when he could not, as well as the fact that
the stones missed the Elves more than Dwarves. This could have been the
beginning of their friendship. Very insightful!
-----------------------------------
Title: Web of Friendship · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 932
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2006-10-20 12:22:06
This is a very sweet drabble about Elanor's time as a lady-in-waiting to
Arwen. It showcases Arwen's kindness as much as Elanor's difficulty in
fitting in with life in the Royal Court. The interactions and reactions
of Arwen, Elanor, and the other ladies-in-waiting are handled with
Gwynnyd's usual perceptiveness. Gwynnyd also, as she so often does in
her stories, lightly weaves in her extensive knowledge of mediaeval
crafts in the form of references to authentic cord-making techniques.
Nicely done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Beneath the Hollow Hill · Author: Haleth · Races: Elves:
Feanorians · ID: 314
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-20 12:24:34
A haunting melding of Middle-earth and "real life" mythology; very
interesting concept, and well-executed. I am impressed with this version
of Maglor, and his realization of what his experience means.
-----------------------------------
Title: Cacophony · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Humor: Parody · ID: 929
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2006-10-20 12:29:11
This is a hilarious alternative version of the Music of the Ainur, which
really should come with a beverage warning. Gwynnyd shows the Valar
romping through a myriad of musical and performance styles each
perfectly suited to the Vala in question. My particular favourites are
her choices for Ulmo, Varda and Nienna. And the conclusion explains,
perfectly, why Eru created Arda and put the Valar in charge. This is a
laugh-out-loud view of the music of the spheres. Excellent!
-----------------------------------
Title: Fire · Author: Aramel · Genres: Drama: Fixed-Length Ficlet Series
· ID: 172
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-20 12:29:13
An interesting concept, concerning the Three. I'd occasionally wondered
why no Ring of Earth, and this very convincingly answers that question.
I'm not up enough on the subtleties of the Silm to recognize any AU
elements, but I do like this very much. A plausible gap-filler.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hope Eternal · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men: Featuring Aragorn ·
ID: 930
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2006-10-20 12:40:53
In her series of Yule Mathoms, Gwynnyd runs the full gamut of emotions,
and this is a dark and bitter piece (although not without touches of
black humour) exploring the difficulties of Post-War reconciliation and
integration. How do you handle defeated enemies bred for their
quarrelsome and warlike nature who simply don't want to become farmers?
Both Aragorn's initial optimisim and Faramir's pragmatism are
heart-wrenching. And for a drabble with a high level of disturbing
violence, Gwynnyd shows her usual facility with poetic language and
allusion, with a clever reference to the reversal of beating swords into
plowshares. An excellent reminder that not everything was as
straightforward for legendary kings after victory as the bards and
minstrels would have us believe.
-----------------------------------
Title: Trivial Matters · Author: Thundera Tiger · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 839
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 13:08:14
This is a silly bit of humor, but one that is very well done. I really
enjoy it when an author can take a non-canon event and still keep the
characters true to the books. Thundera Tiger manages this flawlessly,
even with those only mentioned but not seen. The beginning is played out
perfectly - Legolas' interior dialogue grows ever more strident as he
attempts to control himself. The interaction that follows between the
ever-subtle and restrained Faramir and the boastful and outmaneuvered
king was very enjoyable. Perfect dialogue and reactions.
I loved the tiny reference to the quality of Gimli and Legolas'
relationship: only a dear friend would make so much effort to discover a
weakness and then ruthlessly exploit it!
-----------------------------------
Title: Of All the Pretty Little Horses · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor:
Gondor · ID: 736
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 13:08:29
Very funny exploitation of a possible misunderstanding. And yes, I think
Faramir was leading poor Eomer on, at least by the end. A good quality
in a brother-in-law.
-----------------------------------
Title: Bored · Author: Make It Stop · Genres: Humor: Gondor · ID: 779
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 13:08:57
I laughed out loud throughout the entire story. The characters and their
reactions were so vividly and hilariously portrayed. Weblog was a
perfect framing device for the family dinner, and I (of course!) loved
the detailed description of Faramir that he slipped in there for us. The
guard's internal efforts to deal with his boredom were spot-on.
But truly, the "conversation" between Faramir and Denethor was
absolutely inspired. Wonderful back and forth repartees. I couldn't
decide if Boromir was oblivious, or so disgusted by their nightly
descent into mind-reading that the peas were an effort to jar them back
to their surroundings.
-----------------------------------
Title: Legend · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 933
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-10-20 13:11:46
I have mixed feelings about Eowyn myself, but I'm always up for someone
else's view. I liked this vignette very much, particularly the image of
an elderly Eowyn still sleeping beside her Faramir, who was also, as she
observes, damaged by the war. Legends have little to do with flesh and
blood, and the flesh and blood progenitor of one is able to observe.
Time glosses over the fear and pain and blood, leaving only the glory
without reckoning the cost of that glory. Her last statement, about
still being willing to defend those she loves despite her advancing age,
is quintessential Eowyn, and I suspect that her grandson is, indeed,
very like her!
-----------------------------------
Title: First Impressions · Author: Bodkin · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 806
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-10-20 13:25:33
I have often wondered about how Aragorn adapted to life among his mortal
kin when he left the almost-paradise that was Rivendell. The Northern
Dunedain are so little written of that you can imagine almost anything
you like about them. In my mind, they're doing a little better than the
way Bodkin depicted them here (perhaps holing up in some of those stone
ruins the Numenoreans were so fond of building everywhere), but I can
buy into this vision as well. The comparison between Gilraen and her
serene, clean beauty and these hard-working, old before their time rural
folk brings to mind the hard, brutal and short lives of medieval
peasants versus their noble rulers.
For obvious reasons, I was rather charmed by this observation of
Aragorn's about the young Dunedain women-[There was not a single one he
would look at twice gawky, ungainly, harsh-voiced, plain girls, the
lot of them.]. The comparisons with this existence that is his
birthright and the one he was brought up in give the idea that the poor
fellow is imagining himself in Hell! But underlying the comparisons is
also his realization that this is in fact his destiny, and he needs to
learn to cope with it. You can also sense something of the dismay with
which he realizes that he is the embodiment of all these peoples' hopes.
Halbarad is so excellent in this piece, the perfect guide into Aragorn's
new world. His voice comes through true and clear. He is matter-of-fact
and honest, and the way Bodkin depicts him, you can easily imagine him
becoming one of Aragorn's friends and a trusted confidant over time. A
most enjoyable story!
-----------------------------------
Title: A bit of garden · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 901
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2006-10-20 13:27:57
Poor Sam! After the initial thrill of seeing Elves wore off, I can just
imagine him drifting through Rivendell a bit at loose ends. And
eventually, the lure of a neglected garden would be too much for a
gardner with time on his hands! Why do I suspect that his trespass gave
Elrond an excuse to get away from his own troubles for a while?
-----------------------------------
Title: To The Abyss · Author: Minuialeth · Times: The Great Years:
Poetry · ID: 403
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-10-20 14:22:19
This poem has a nice rhythm to it, it almost sounds like a religious
chant evoking something that is buried deep within Gandalf. It works
well to begin a battle between two maiar.
-----------------------------------
Title: Those Also Serve Who Stand and Wait · Author: Haleth · Times:
First Age and Prior · ID: 293
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 22:16:04
A pensive look at the roles of women in wartime. Being the keeper of the
hearth is indeed a critical position, but often minimized or overlooked.
Lalwen is sympathetic without being sentimental, and her relationship
with her older brother is particularly well-developed. I liked her very
much by the end of the story, and grieved that she seems locked in a
cage of loneliness that feels of her own making. This is a very good use
of a minor semi-canon character.
-----------------------------------
Title: Voices on the Wind · Author: Phyncke · Times: First Age and Prior
· ID: 112
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 22:16:50
A very thought-provoking and moving story. I have always felt that
Fingolfin's solitary ride to challenge Morgoth was a beacon of bravery
and hope - a mere Eruhini against a Vala! And he wounded Morgoth seven
times. The passage describing Fingolfin's strikes against his enemy was
especially stirring (["The first wound was for my father..."] and so on).
The ending was a strong contrast: gentle and peaceful and full of hope.
This could have been a difficult transition, but the author manages it
very well, and I was left with a feeling of satisfaction despite the
sadness of Fingolfin's ending.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Gift · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age and Prior ·
ID: 131
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 22:19:31
I finished this story with tears in my eyes. Dawn tells it with seeming
simplicity, yet powerful familial depths are explored in her usual
intimate style. The characters are distinct individuals, with moving,
believable interactions and motivations. Dawn uses flashbacks
effectively to provide backstory for the sundering of a family and
Tyelkormo's reaction.
The sibling rivalry between Tyelkormo and Curufinwe is explored deftly
as the brothers struggle for their father's approval and a young woman's
love. Dawn lays out a compelling dual perspective of this time, here and
in ["Paper"]. Terentaulė and Tyelperinquar earned my greatest sympathy.
She for being the farmer's daughter, drawn into this famous, talented
and misguided family; he as the innocent impacted by it all.
Tyelperinquar brings the one bit of bittersweet joy into it, with his
child's ability to see laughter in the snowfall, which Tyelkormo is
finally able to share. Curufinwe's ring fulfills yet another role:
intended to win his father's love, used to clear the path to his future
wife's heart, now comforting his son. A bit of foreshadowing there, too,
to the Rings of Power that Tyelperinquar will one day create. A
beautiful, pensive story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Raven Hair and Silver Eyes · Author: Ellie · Times: First Age and
Prior · ID: 174
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 22:20:53
A moving and bittersweet story from Anaire's perspective, one of the
strong "silent women" usually relegated to the background. Her PoV is
clearly and reasonably developed, although I was a bit shocked and very
saddened when she turned her back so coldly on her family after their
mistaken role in the Kinslaying. Her relationship with Nolofinwe was
beautifully elaborated, and his strong character was definitely one that
I could see challenging Morgoth to single combat.
I especially liked this lovely expression of childbearing: ["Four times
he filled me with life and four times I returned it to him in the forms
of three sons and a daughter."]
-----------------------------------
Title: Quo Vadis? · Author: Tehta · Times: First Age and Prior · ID: 86
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-10-20 22:21:41
Tehta's writing is always filled with a wry wit and humorous phrasing,
and this is no exception. She has developed a marvelous, very funny
Salgent, and manages to give him a sympathetic twist despite his
imminently unlikeable character. The impact of his music on the orcs and
his interaction with the dragon were exceptionally well-portrayed. ["It
seemed rivalries were universal."]
His acceptance to play jester at Morgoth's court was inevitable and
well-deserved on many levels. I couldn't decide at the end if I felt
pity or happiness for him.
-----------------------------------
Title: Tending · Author: Elemmire · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey Havens ·
ID: 769
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-10-20 22:58:47
This story shines. In part the is just because it is excellently
written, but in part because of the wonderful twist it has. Tender,
touching, full of love and care but not coming from the one you are sure
you are reading about as the story begins. A wonderful, wonderful piece!
-----------------------------------
Title: Midsummer's Day · Author: MysteriousWays · Times: Late Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 980
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-10-20 23:02:29
I'm yet to write a drabble and I was totally impressed with this beauty
written by MysteriousWays. It is as warm as the day it describes and it
is so wonderful to see someone giving Frodo a break from his melancoly.
The beauty of the Shire, the comfort of Bag End and the resilance of
hobbits is all here in one hundred short words.
-----------------------------------
Title: Today · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Romance: Rohan · ID: 199
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-21 00:20:21
Theodred/Boromir slash. I kind of skipped a lot, but I did like the last
line.
-----------------------------------
Title: In the Woods · Author: Werecat · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 119
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-10-21 00:22:40
I like this idea: that Radagast lingered, to keep a bit of magic in the
world, to succor the beasts, and to help the few Elves who remained to
depart. Very nicely done, and I like the voice of the OC narrator.
-----------------------------------
Title: In Sequent Toil · Author: IgnobleBard · Genres: Adventure · ID: 941
Reviewer: Jael · 2006-10-21 00:26:45
What intrigued me originally about this story was that it was something
different from all the Fellowship adventures and Legomances out there.
It was a real mystery thriller that seemed to understand the concept
that even in Middle-earth, time does not stand still. The inn at Bree,
now under a different inkeeper and grown shabby. Gimli, older, grown
hard of hearing. These are things one rarely sees addressed.
When I learned that this story was written for a challenge, I could see
the clever way you had taken a set of pedestrian requirements -- a map
of the USA, locked out of a hotel room, a cell phone that doesn't work
-- and translated it to Tolkien's world. Kudos for that!
In the end, I felt for Legolas. All that toil and terror he went
through, and Celeborn is just going to turn around and take the darn map
back to Aman. I enjoyed the story anyway.
-----------------------------------
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