Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Jewels · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Romance:
Fixed-length ficlet · ID: 790
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-11-10 15:41:04
Oh dear - a rather unfortunate turn of events. Now that I read it like
that, Gandalf really was not very careful. I guess he became too used to
the fact that things were always working out for him in the end for some
reason. Poor Arwen, though!
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Title: A Hallowed Place of Both Peoples · Author: Imhiriel · Times:
Early Third Age: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 944
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-11-10 15:44:20
This is a very interesting idea. I had not thought of such suspicions as
a reason for the removal of the Tomb, but it might really have been like
this. I like Eorl's reaction!
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Title: But the Scent Still Lingers · Author: Imhiriel · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 947
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-11-10 15:46:09
Great idea, and beautiful imagery! I had always taken Ioreth's remark as
her simply remembering her youth, but it could really have been like this.
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Title: Threshold · Author: Mechtild · Genres: Romance: Incomplete · ID: 823
Reviewer: Ariel · 2006-11-10 16:08:35
I had to make sure that I got a review in for this story, even if I
could review no other one on the site.

I was first given Threashold as a story that a friend didn't feel
comfortable enough with to approve. She wanted my opinion, and while I
could see something of what she was objecting to, I could also see that
what she was having difficulty with was not a pivotal part of the story.
I thanked my friend and very gratefully offered to accept Mechtild's
story - and her enthusiastic friendship.

While I was only one of several people who have helped Mechtild with
feedback, she followed our advice about the item that I thought was
giving my previous friend trouble. It was indeed a little thing and
easily tweaked. The result has been a rich and believable story, full of
moments that make you remember feelings you once had and ache with the
memories of paths not taken. It is a mature story, not simply because of
the erotica (which is some of the best I have read) but because of the
greater subject matter; love and the responsible choices of adulthood,
and how what answers one isn't always the answer for the other. Few
fanfics explore such intricate and complex topics and even fewer do it
with the skill and sensitivity that Mechtild does. It is a rewarding,
engaging story that intrigues and doesn't, as SO many fanfics do, 'get
it wrong'. For all its fantasy aspect, Tolkien's story was always very
true to human nature, at least with the characters he went into detail
about. So often, fanfics present characters' reactions or situations
that just aren't believable, simply to get them into the place the
author wanted (usually, the sack). Mechtild's Threashold works for every
action and line in the story and the result is a refreshingly credible
and angsty het fic. It's a story I gladly point to when people bring out
the refrain 'there is no good het' - as if it is functionally impossible
to write it. Mechtild eloquently proves that assumption wrong.
-----------------------------------
Title: To The King! · Author: Ithil-Valon · Times: Multi-Age: Incomplete
· ID: 848
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-11-10 16:18:29
An enjoyable story which evolved from a very moving insight into Éomer's
thoughts and feelings about becoming king into an adventure story with
plots and villains that threaten not only Éomer, but other of the canon
characters as well. I like Éowyn's character in this story, as well as
some insight into the internal workings at Meduseld and Rohirrim
culture. I'm looking forward to see this story develop until its ending!
-----------------------------------
Title: Unspeakable · Author: White Gull · Genres: Romance: Poetry · ID: 822
Reviewer: Ariel · 2006-11-10 16:23:27
Oh, this one has angst you can eat up with a spoon. As with all of White
Gull's poetry, this one is unpretentious and honest, but also clearly
and brilliantly shows the agony Frodo lived with during his last days. I
think it is a very common desire for Frodo fans to want to ease his pain
somehow, give him love from someone. While I prefer to see Rosie with
Sam, I can buy her giving comfort and love to Frodo more than I can
having Sam do it. This poem explores that very rare pairing in a tender
and endearing way that doesn't explicitly cuckold Sam, which is the main
problem I have had with this pairing (though neither can I see Sam being
unfaithful to Rosie with his master. He's just not the unfaithful type).

I often wonder what it is about White Gull's poetry that I like so very
much. I have read her prose, and while I find it quite skilled, it has
never 'hit' me as her poetry does. Her style (in poetry) is simple and
actually quite unsophisticated - but I think that is where her strength
lies. It's poetry that speaks right to the heart and uses a rhythmic
form that more 'sophisticated' poets probably don't have the skill to
master. Her style is honest with no pretense and really punches its
points. I think it takes real skill to do what she does and I respect
the heck out of that, partly because I haven't got that kind of skill,
but mostly because few others do either. ;)
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Title: Kissing is Different · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 280
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-11-10 16:28:23
An enjoyable Eomer/Lothiriel scenario. I appreciate the twist at the end
very much - good to see Eomer tricked without him realising it.
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Title: Drift · Author: Ribby · Times: The Great Years: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 203
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-10 16:28:47
This is so sad, but also really beautiful and inclusive. This idea of
simple creatures helping Boromir along his way is original and
thought-provoking.
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Title: All Those Who Wander · Author: daw the minstrel · Races: Elves:
Featuring Mirkwood Elves · ID: 209
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-10 16:31:05
This story is heartwarming. Little Legolas has his whole family wrapped
around his finger. I love the description of family life with all the
original characters, most notably, Ithilden and Eilian, Legolas' older
brothers. Thranduil, as father of his three sons who are all distinctly
different, is a joy to see handling his children and his job as king.
All of them grieve about losing Lorellin, but it shows differently in
each of them, according to their characters or age. Well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: In the Service of the King · Author: grey_wonderer · Times: The
Great Years: Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 138
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-10 16:33:01
Leave it to Pippin to find out what the people of Minas Tirith really
need ;-). Pippin really has a knack for getting into trouble. Pippin, as
the youngest of the hobbits, has a special affinity for children. No
wonder that he goes off with the little ones. I loved the glimpse into
Boromir's escapades and the life of everyday people in the city. The
lack of playspace for children in a big city is very real, and I think
the trouble the boys get in from all the adults is spot on, having
encountered this myself as a kid in a big city.
-----------------------------------
Title: After The Storm · Author: chibi_kaz · Times: The Great Years:
Gondor · ID: 773
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-10 16:33:39
Since this is movie verse and the movies dind't have much to say about
Faramir and Eowyn the author had a lot of leeway to fill in the gaps. I
really like the interaction between the two protagonists. Both scarred
from their experiences and therefore unsure how to proceed and whether
to trust their own feelings. I love that you have Faramir give Eowyn
free reign to set the house of the Kings and the house of the Stewards
to rights and so giving her the feeling really to contribute to the
restoration effort.
-----------------------------------
Title: Chance Encounter · Author: Dreamflower · Times: The Great Years:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 187
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-10 16:34:09
This is such a nice hobbity story, although it plays in Minas Tirith.
The interactions between the hobbits ring true. They are in Minas Tirith
but they are more concerned with their own private affairs than with
what is going on around them. Pippin gets a chance to shine and to show
his cousins that he is grown up, although he is still missing a few
years to his majority.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Lasting Peace · Author: SueB · Genres: Drama · ID: 711
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-10 16:35:31
In this adventure all hope for peace seems to fail. On both sides are
enough people with ill feelings towards another and even the
kings/leaders are not free to do as they wish, but have to listen to
their councilors. In the end it turns out well, but there are still some
people who don't agree.

Lord Tuornen is a prime example of a person who does not want to change
his views. He re-interprets every proof he gets and turns it around to
fit his own agenda, although it becomes ludicrous in the end. I like it
that he cannot be changed because I know a lot of people in real life
who are just like that.

Faramir's ordeal is horrible. I like his reasons for not giving in and I
found the scenes when he finally is rescued and safe very moving.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lesser Ring · Author: Larner · Genres: Adventure · ID: 184
Reviewer: Nienor Niniel · 2006-11-10 16:54:18
This is quite an unusual fic. It depicts two visits to Harad, which is
formed after the Ancient Egyptian cultures. The insights into the
post-war Gondorian court are well thought out, and the meeting of two
different cultures is shown in detail.

I do not recall reading another story before that details how Sauron
gained an influence on the Haradrim, and the way Larner explains this is
very inventive and true to the spirit of the books, without displaying
all Haradrim as simple villains.

I like the way Aragorn is characterised: he has adapted to being King,
yet he has kept his compassion towards others.

A very recommendable fic!
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Title: Banished · Author: shirelinghpc · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor · ID: 993
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-10 17:35:18
Well - you can't blame Legolas really. Devious hobbits - I'm not
surprised they tried this, but Aragorn really should have known better.
Hopefully Legolas will soften enough to make the grovelling apology a
private matter. At least - it won't matter if the hobbits are
embarrassed - but the King? Faramir makes a good go-between.
-----------------------------------
Title: Butterflies and Caterpillars · Author: Radbooks · Times: Late
Third Age · ID: 258
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-10 17:35:41
Little Estel and the magic of the butterfly. I love the description of
the little boy here. I can picture him sitting on the branch feet
dangling and then nearly falling off because he got scared.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Night in the Woods · Author: Acacea · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 511
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-10 17:36:09
What a lovely little story. There are so few stories of Boromir and
Faramir sharing an uneventful watch, aside from the elves& I love the
friendly banter between the two brothers and Faramirs prophetic quip
about the elven queen. Little did he know ;-).
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Title: A Shirt for Legolas · Author: Lady Aranel · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet Featuring Legolas or Thranduil · ID: 285
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-10 18:52:08
So touching! I love the loving big brother - and what better than the
work of your little sister's hands to remind you of your reason for
striving?
-----------------------------------
Title: Return to Rivendell · Author: Acacea · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 521
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-10 18:54:36
Poor Elrond. Frost is touching his heart and the end draws near. You
can't help but feel for him - and the end of an era.
-----------------------------------
Title: A New Age · Author: Marta · Races: Elves: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Featuring Legolas or Thranduil · ID: 685
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-10 18:56:22
It's the beginning of the end - admit it or not. I'm glad to see
Thranduil and Celeborn together - but Thranduil wears blinkers.
-----------------------------------
Title: Redemption of Meriadoc · Author: aelfgifuemma · Races: Hobbits:
Incomplete · ID: 915
Reviewer: Ariel · 2006-11-10 18:56:39
I am not sure I should be reviewing this because of my role as beta for
this story, but as my name isn't listed as author, I guess I can.

As a continuation of an often over the top and decidedly maligned
storyline, the Redemption of Meriadoc is unfortunately often tarred with
the same brush as its predecessor, The Ring Around the Merry was. But it
is a decidedly better story than the previous work.

Every author improves with time, but I don't think I've ever worked with
an author who improved as much as did Emma. RATM had something of a
plot, but one had the impression that it was being made up as it went
along. There was a strong central theme, but it had so much angst that
many readers (including, I must confess, myself) got cases of angst
fatigue. Too much angst with no logical reason just doesn't make for
good storytelling. ROM, on the other hand, has a distinct plot and
doesn't waver from it, nor wander off in search of pockets of angst. The
drama comes from good story telling and characterizations that, while
unlike the ones Tolkien wrote, are credible enough in light of what Emma
has put her characters with.

It also has something that RATM strangely did have, and I feel this is
one of Emma's strengths; it is a page turner. I would challenge anyone
to pick up one of Emma's stories and then not put it down, even if you
did hate yourself in the morning for doing so. :p She knows how to write
an engaging tale, I will give her that.

Though unfinished, ROM has the makings of an excellent adventure story
and I encourage people to read it... and for Emma to finish it!


-----------------------------------
Title: Somewhere to Belong · Author: Lily · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest ·
ID: 942
Reviewer: Ariel · 2006-11-10 18:57:48
I have watched this author mature for a very long time and it continues
to amaze me the grasp this non-native English speaker has of a language
not her own. This story details the thoughts a very canon-Frodo has
towards his coming to have a place to call home after a tumultuous youth
spent in Buckland. Her characters are believable and empathetic and the
actions are believable as well. I remembered being surprised at how
mature and well thought out this story is, especially knowing what a
relatively young (to me at least) writer Lily is. This story is a very
neat glimpse of a rapidly emerging talent's talent. Definitely worth a read.
-----------------------------------
Title: If Only · Author: Holdur · Genres: Drama: Featuring Pippin or
Merry · ID: 826
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-10 19:37:53
Touching last tribute to Boromir.
-----------------------------------
Title: Last Goodbyes Series · Author: Perelleth · Genres: Drama:
Fixed-Length Ficlet Series · ID: 814
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-10 19:57:08
I'm afraid tht my knowledge of the HOME drafts and even parts of the
Silmarillion are a little inadequate for me to grasp the full
intensities of all of these last goodbyes. But the ones I did understand
were all poignant in their onw ways. Some, like the boasting contest in
Dorthonion, were gently funny (that one really had me giggling -
greeting Cirdan's ambassadors in Quenya? What a faux pas!), others like
Elrond's and Elros's last partings were happy in a haunting way, others
were heart-breakingly sad. And even without the Middle-earth connection,
the situations make use of emotional situations that transcend Tolkien's
world . A very well-written set of last partings.
-----------------------------------
Title: He walks among the greenèd bowers · Author: Dwimordene · Genres:
Drama: Poetry · ID: 669
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-10 22:28:01
It is really hard to know just what can be said about such a beautiful
poem. I am sure that Eomer did have thoughts similar to this, when peace
allowed him enough time for his head to stop spinning. In fact, the only
other Ring War-era characters that I can think of who would have a
similar experience is Faramir. (And Eowyn, obviously, but her traumas
are similar to Eomer's.) It seems like at this point that the races of
Middle-earth would have been used to battles but not so much to
full-blown wars of the kind that would claim the lives of every member
of your family in just a few short months.

Here, Dwim gives Eomer a reflective voice and lets him pose the
oh-so-difficult question of "why them and not me". In the end there
really isn't an answer, and that is truly hard to live with because it
makes the world seem that much more out of control. Middle-earth not
having the developed religions that we do, I doubt Eomer would be
thinking in terms of the theodicy problem, but he would certainly wonder
in psychological terms, and maybe even wonder why the heck he had fought
so hard if his sacrifices did not protect Theoden and Theodred (and even
Eowyn, who at the end survives but I think is scarred by war in a way
Eomer would rather have avoided)?

As I said there aren't really any answers to be had, but Eomer's asking
of that question has a suitably haunting quality that makes the loss
seem palpably so -- even a little too real for this reader's comfort.
-----------------------------------