Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Invasion of the 'Sues · Author: The Last Temptation of Homer ·
Genres: Romance: Incomplete · ID: 626
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-04 15:48:14
While the story itself is exactly what the title implies, and with all
the baggage that goes along with it, I have to confess I was led along
for several chapters by the Author's Notes, which were filled with a wry
and self-deprecating humor I could not help but admire for their sheer
nerve.
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Title: Such an Hour · Author: SlightlyTookish · Times: The Great Years:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 237
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2006-11-04 15:55:51
This is a wonderful pair of drabbles from SlightlyTookish telling the
tale of Pippin's sword, from its forging in Arnor, through it's long
rest in the barrow to its passing into Pippin's hands and its subsequent
role in the Battle of the Morannon. Rich vocabulary, strong rhythms and
effective parallelism combine to create a highly poetic piece with a
very Tolkienesque sense of the meeting of history, myth and the everyman
courage of hobbits. I am particularly impressed by the symmetry both
between the two drabbles within them in the use of contrasting and
complementary phrases. Beautiful work!
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Title: What Better Companion? · Author: Space Weavil · Races: Elves ·
ID: 175
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-04 16:17:51
What really struck me about this story is its pacing. This sory has a
relaxed pace that I can only really described in musical terms: it
reminds me of nothing so much as the musical tempo of adagio. It is so
slow that it seems natural, yet at the same time it does not seem to
linger -- it feels very much like a peace set in Valinor, between an
immortal demigod and a just-reborn elf in a land of complete peace would
have to be. Perfect for the Undying Lands.

Yet for all of that I feel like, after having read this story, that I
know so much more about the character. Olorin does not seek out
Glorfindel to convey a message from the Valar, or out of any great sense
of destiny: just because he wants to learn from Glorfindel. I can see
this spirit very easily becoming the wizard who makes hobbits his area
of expertise when he comes to Middle-earth. He is still powerful and
wise in his way, but also very earthy. As for Glorfindel, it seemed very
in tune with the character we see in Lord of the Rings that he would
find relief in that his sacrifice was not in vain. And I loved seeing
that he still had doubts -- it made him so much more approachable.

This is really a very nice read, telling us a lot in a short number of
words without seeming at all rushed. I highly recommend it.
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Title: The First Age of the Sun: Triumph · Author: Inglor · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Incomplete · ID: 215
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-11-04 17:48:51
This story is one of the greatest 'what ifs' a die-hard fan of The
Silmarillion can imagine. The possibility of a romantic relationship
between Luthien and Finrod evokes so many questions. I think Inglor has
taken on an awesome task, having chosen such an option for an alternate
universe tale. Simply, hats off!

I love the premise, the characterizations and a gentle pace, in which
the plot unfolds. Being a Sindar fan, I'm especially drawn to this story
and I can only say: Thank you! and I hope to see more chapters.
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Title: A Precious Gift · Author: Isil Elensar · Genres: Drama: First Age
Elves · ID: 250
Reviewer: Robinka · 2006-11-04 18:16:55
This is such a sweet, gently written and touching take on the birth of
Fingolfin. A good portrayal of his parents and a nicely captured moment
of the life of the House of Finwe. Very well done!
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Title: Champions: Out of the Past · Author: LadyDeb1970 · Times:
Multi-Age: Incomplete · ID: 687
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-04 19:49:24
This is a very unusual "Boromir lives AU". In this, Boromir is rescued
by some mysterious female deity, and transported to the modern world,
where he makes the acquaintance of three young women: a med student and
two police officers. There are some rough edges around the prose, but
the plot is intriguing enough to make me want to finish it.
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Title: Respite · Author: Nesta · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 750
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-04 19:57:18
A very lovely moment between newlyweds Faramir and Eowyn. The author
calls it fluff, but there is a good deal of thoughtful insight. I loved
this observation by Eowyn:

[" She remembered all the childhood stories which ended with the easy
assurance of heroes and heroines who lived happily ever after, and never
explained what changes and struggles and years of patient adjustment
went to the making of that ever after, or the stings that lurked
sometimes in the honey. And they lived together through the years, and
loved and quarrelled and hurt and forgave each other and were as happy
as they well could be? That was the story grown up, the story that was
never told but only lived."]

Very wise and true. This is a couple very much in love. Delightful.

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Title: House of Reeds · Author: The Bookbinder's Daughter · Races: Elves
· ID: 660
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-04 20:10:25
Goldberry and Glorindel--not a pairing I would ever have thought of. Yet
told in this author's dreamlike style, it works very well.
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Title: Respite · Author: Nesta · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 750
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-04 20:23:32
What a delicious and loving story. To see Faramir so relaxed and happy
in Eowyn's company - and an Eowyn who is mature enough to know that
there is more to love than passion and who looks forward to years of
quarreling and making-up with her beloved is just so delightful. I love
the way it is written, too - the story flows beautfully.
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Title: Black Hour · Author: Nesta · Times: The Great Years: Gondor · ID: 92
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-04 20:35:46
The musings of a very courageous man. Aragorn might have been returning
with the army, but I think he would still have had difficulty
establishing himself as king without the unstinting support offered him
by Faramir. And Faramir's honesty was perhaps why he was fated to be the
Steward when the king returned.

Very readable and very enjoyable.
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Title: Strange meeting · Author: Nesta · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's Fall
· ID: 93
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-04 20:50:50
Mithrandir is SO RIGHT. Earning Faramir's loyalty is vital, really, to
the re-establishment of the kingship. And I reckon Aragorn did a pretty
good job of it. The princedom - Ithilien - and Beregond's life, but,
more than that, the way Aragorn spoke to him and his understanding. His
recognition that Faramir's desperate holding of the fords won them the
chance to take the victory is great.

Love it. Excellent meeting, excellent conversation - the start of a long
partnership.
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Title: He walks among the greenèd bowers · Author: Dwimordene · Genres:
Drama: Poetry · ID: 669
Reviewer: Jael · 2006-11-04 21:05:10
[Why these three gone, and not this one
Who walks among the greenèd bowers?
Why 'scaped he hale of all our sons?]

Oh my! That was simply lovely! The sentiment struck me right in the
solar plexis. Thank you!
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Title: The Hours of Waiting · Author: Nesta · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor · ID: 909
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-04 21:05:49
A difficult time to build a relationship - but the intensity of the time
must have influenced the emotions of the pair. I love the robin - and
Faramir's intense inspection of the apple blossom. And Eowyn's
realisation that he believed that everything that was happening scream
'last'. The simplicity of their meetings is remarkably moving.
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Title: Relief · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama: Pre-Fellowship · ID: 518
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-04 22:45:32
What a brilliant scenario! Boromir was perfectly in character, and the
battle was intense, the action clear. I was not surprised at the arrival
of the relief--thinking of Faramir's foresight. That it could be
attributed to something else entirely was chilling. And yet, Denethor
had to have had some good results to continue relying on it...A really
clever twist.
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Title: Return to Me · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres: Drama: First Age
Elves · ID: 266
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-04 23:09:36
This is a very impressive piece of work! I sometimes find fic about the
Elves of Valinor to portray them as somewhat cold and emotionless. This
story does the opposite, and we see Arafinwe as a loving father, going
through the torment of seeing his firstborn re-born. The description of
Namo, and the means of healing was fascinating. And the reunion between
father and son all it should be. And I loved Findarato's admission that
he would die again if need be, and the contrast between Arafinwe and
Feanor. Very beautifully done!
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Title: Fond Memory · Author: Isil Elensar · Genres: Drama: The Steward's
Family · ID: 331
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-04 23:15:58
What a lovely moment in time! I very much enjoy stories that explore the
bond of brotherhood between Faramir and Boromir. The author captures
both their personalities very well, Faramir seeking solace in books, and
Boromir in physical activity. And while it is clear that Faramir often
yields to his older brother's preferences, it is also just as clear that
Boromir is perfectly willing to yield to Faramir's, especially on this
occasion. And, for some reason, I like to imagine that the story of the
dragon might just be the story of Smaug...
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Title: Fëanorian Fates Drabble Series · Author: Alassante · Times: First
Age and Prior: Incomplete · ID: 214
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-04 23:18:30
This is a unique drabble series. It kicks off (but I remember it being
written in a different order) with Alassante's portrayal of Eru's
thoughts written as a lament. Something to this part, something unique
calls out to you, stirs you deeply. The first read made me shiver, but
the times I read it again (even this evening); small things arose to the
surface. It is not only the pacing, the words, but also the content, the
visual the author paints for us. First, we observe through Eru's eyes
what Aqualonde looks like and what just happened. Slowly, together with
the All father, realisation sinks in and it becomes clear that Eru cares
for all his children and he creates the Maiar Tilion, to be their guide
in, for his children, uncertain road to travel. The ending is so
incredibly beautiful, despite what will happen, it carries some hope for
all:

[Hearken to me, turn your fëar, and lift up your pain to me,
Lay before me your lament.]
Then we are introduced to Fëanor's final moments. Everything is in
there: his life, pains, loves and demise in just 200 words. The visual
details presented here combined with the three Silmarils, three voices.
The manner Fëanor hallows them and his slow downfall (we sometimes
forget that this alone happened throughout ages) that is just superb!

But oh, then the next in this series presents us the demise of Celegorm
and personally I think his reasoning is spot on. Boy, I do sympathise
with him and the remaining brothers. Just the fact that someone would
show off something that has been a family heirloom, created with so much
love, blood, sweat and tears and walking around with it so incredibly...
arrogant. It makes me almost rip away the jewel myself (but then again,
I am very fond of Celegorm, so I might be a bit prejudiced). While I
read this I could more then ever understand why Celegorm spoke so
heatedly about getting them back every time.

A part in this drabble is so thought provoking:
[Its beauty ignites the fire of desire, which surges in my fëa. The
ethereal flame seduces me to once again commit the unforgivable
assassination of a fellow kinsman.]

This makes me wonder about the very being of a Silmaril itself, it feels
very likely to me that the jewel is corrupted and that shines through
here. Is that not the utter purpose of Melkor? That he wants the elves
to kill their kin? His corruption reaches far, further than I thought.
So, what Celegorm sees as a mistress, tickling his desire, makes me
think Melkor knew exactly what Celegorm desired the most. Besides those
shiney's of course.

But then there is Curufin, his drabble is filled with such chilling imagery:

[They lay entwined, assassin embracing avenger, blades buried to the
hilt still.]

or

[Caranthir, swarthiest jewel of Finwë, drifted on crimson currents, and
weeping, I watch the light of Arda abandoning his eyes of onyx.]

What I really like is Curufin's perspective in this part, trying to find
his brothers and then Elwing's actions, words... just wow Alassante!

The final drabble is a piece I was involved in myself for a bit and
Alassante did a good job with this one. Is it not heart wrenching for
Nerdanel to go through such an experience like this? And this is just
the beginning... *shiver* The way Alassante writes about the
consequences of a motherly (or parental) bond is well explored in this
double drabble. This experience, what exactly goes through Nerdanel...
it is so strongly written. Fëanor is not longer around to share the
anguish, so it feels like she gets the double load of it that well. Also
her love for every one of her children shines through, it must have been
such an incredible difficult decision not to go with them. This last one
is such an emotional piece of work, I hope she survives it.

Every piece in this series have a certain grace and beautiful flow in
the style. Alassante creates with every part a vivid world for us and
gives us insight in one of the most private moments of the members of
this family.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sisters · Author: grey_wonderer · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 182
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-11-05 00:43:32
This is a very cute story. I like the way it shows how brothers and
sisters are. They fight like cats and dogs, but when something bad
happens to one of them, or someone outside the family messes with them,
the siblings band together. I find this story so believable. The ending
is especially sweet. Being the youngest, and the only boy, can have its
advantages.
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Title: That Which Remains Us · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama:
Remembering · ID: 749
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-05 00:51:20
I think one of my favourite things about Dwimordene's writing (and it
really is hard to settle on even a short list!) is the sense of
historicity that she brings to Middle-earth. Tolkien tells us that "Lord
of the Rings" was a translation of a historical memoir of the Ring War;
Dwim takes that conceit and runs with it, giving us family heirlooms
both canonical and original, and draws a wonderfully convincing
psychological portrait of Gondor's last two ruling stewards through the
way they dealt with said possessions.

There is a quiet grief here as one would expect even a heroic captain to
feel after his great personal losses. I really liked the fact that it
took an order from his king to get Faramir to deal with this. I have a
similar chest that I still have not completely sorted through, and so I
can definitely understand Faramir's reluctance. Yet this is not the
overwhelming angst that a clumsier writer might have given the
situation. Faramir fingers the spines of books, makes a move or two on
the chess board that he and his father will never use again -- and moves
on. He is used to being (by necessity) a man of action with a backbone
as mithril, not prone to over-sentimentality, and that shows through
here so well. Yet at the same time he is not unfeeling, and as he writes
that last verse I can see an unshed tear gleaming in his eye. What a
fine line to walk!

This story has inspired me with a story nuzgul that has gripped me the
way that "Lord of the Rings" inspired me when I first read it. I'm
honestly not sure what higher complement I can give a story, and I
really can't recommend this story highly enough. Very, VERY well done, Dwim.
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Title: A Bath-time Song · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 133
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-11-05 00:58:31
This is a very sweet moment between Bilbo and Pippin. I like the
descriptions of the different approaches Frodo, Merry and Pippin have to
their baths. It was nice that Pippin had a kinred spirit who also
enjoyed splashing in a bathtub full of hot water and lots of bubbles.
Pippin's efforts to help clean up the mess at the end was a nice touch.
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Title: A Sight to Remember · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 703
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-11-05 01:55:48
Very amusing. The sight of a naked Lobelia would be enough to do
permanent damage to both one's eyes and mental health. All I can say is
this is what happens when good pranks go bad.
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Title: Thief of Hearts: How Pippin Stole Merrys Heart · Author:
pipkinsweetgrass · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 918
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-11-05 02:13:12
This one definitely has the "Ah" factor going for it. A nice take on the
first meeting of the two dear cousins.
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Title: Another Man's Cage · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres: Drama · ID: 136
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-05 02:17:03
This is fascinating--Feanor's family before the Oath, still not
overtaken by that madness that drove them across the Sea. I had never
before thought of them as young children. I like the author's style. She
has a very skillful and firm grasp on first-person POV, making it very
intimate. Well done.
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Title: In Stitches · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 132
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-11-05 02:41:39
Poor, bored Pippin. And clever Eglantine, teaching him something that
not only passis the time but is useful, too.
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Title: Merry Yules · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits: Fixed-Length
Ficlet series · ID: 114
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-11-05 03:09:28
Very nice, and ensightful, glimpses into one special night and how it
played out at different stages in Merry and Pippin's lives.
-----------------------------------