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Title: Call To Arms · Author: Space Weavil · Genres: Humor: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 857
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-10 22:40:44
This was certainly snicker-worthy! I love the way you flip from the
grandiose to the lower-toned ["What d'you mean he has a note from his
mum?"] I guess even nazgul have a hard time keeping subordinates in line.
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Title: Ddraigspelt  An Orc Love Poem · Author: Llinos · Genres:
Romance: Poetry · ID: 879
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-10 23:27:33
I'm not familiar with the role-playing world referenced, but this
certainly fits Tolkien's orcs! I like the little cultural cues.
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Title: Only By The Stars · Author: Rous · Genres: Romance: Poetry · ID: 740
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-11 00:48:26
In this poem, an Elf and his lover witness the creation of the sun. I
found it a little unnerving to imagine a world lit only by the stars,
yet the narrator describes a [soothing time of twilight alone]. When the
sun suddenly appears, he praises its beauty yet says that the face of
his beloved is still more fair--[You outshine every star]. A
well-written poem about an intriguing moment in the history of Tolkien's
universe.
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Title: Tolkien's Use of Expletives · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Non-Fiction · ID: 147
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-11-11 00:53:50
Dreamflower's non-fiction shows an attention to detail as well as
genuine regard for the intricate world JRRT created. This story, for
example, that examines JRRT's use of expletives in LOTR, is a wonderful
tool for those who are aiming for an "authentic" voice in their
fanfiction, one that reflects the style of the original whether out of
respect for JRRT or as a personal challenge or whatever other reason one
would choose to write in accordance with "canon".
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Title: Those Who Challenge the Dead · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 858
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-11 01:05:20
A powerful pair of drabbles. The writing is descriptive and evokes both
the commonalities and differences of these two men - very nice link
drawn between them.
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Title: Roots and Branches · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 611
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-11 01:08:08
Faramir would yet feel the pain of his family's falls from grace, but
I'm not sure about this grave self-doubt. Still, Sam's apt comparison -
using the White Tree - was nicely done.
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Title: Rising Hope · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 873
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-11 01:08:32
Oh, very subtle, although amazingly descriptive even so, and brilliantly
highlighting something I had never noticed before. Excellent references
to past, current and future are encapsulated into this single drabble,
with even more inference contained in the title.

I admit, I would have been rather lost without the author's notes (at
least at first, without the benefit of recently reading/reviewing that
section of the Akallabeth). Your discussion is a wonderful reflection on
Tolkien's thoroughness and depth when constructing his "history."
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Title: Heirs of the Oath · Author: Elana · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 151
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-11 01:08:51
This double-drabble explores an excellent perception that Aragorn and
Eomer are not only heirs to distant figures in the past, but the
recently dead also. Nice movement between two different times and places
using evocative descriptions, with Eomer as the anchor. The characters
feel very right in this piece and the parallels are aptly and deftly
drawn. The dialogue and internal thoughts are well constructed also.
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Title: Moon Friend: Tales of Isildur · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races:
Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 832
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-11 01:09:09
Clever, descriptive set of drabbles. I loved how you linked Isildur and
the moon throughout the series. Isildur's voice was portrayed clearly
and is very well-developed in such a short space; his ongoing internal
dialogues were great. Excellent tie-ins with canon references (and some
non-canon).
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Title: Starlight on Leaves · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races: Elves:
Featuring Mirkwood Elves · ID: 813
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-11 01:48:46
The author said this was a Valentine's day fic, and it is just right for
one: light, yet not silly, romantic without being schmoopy, and very
sensual. It was easy to feel Thranduil's joy in being with his wife once
more, and his irritation with his aid for the constant interruptions.
Perhaps Beraid also needs a wife, and then he would be more
understanding of marital reunions!
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Title: Conversational, of Cousins · Author: Vana Tuivana · Genres:
Drama: Poetry · ID: 642
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-11 01:50:40
I admit to not being well-acquainted with those fiery, red-haired
Feanorians, but that did not hinder my enjoyment of this extraordinary
poem which is written as a conversation between Maedhros and his rescuer
Fingon. Seemingly irrelevant remarks--Fingon recalls a moon-shaped scar
on the missing hand--steer the conversation toward memories of the two
men's close friendship and then to thoughts of revenge. The seemingly
casual conversation of these two warriors is skillfully handled--beneath
the wry bravado is a rising current of tension. I liked that Maedhros
tries to prevent any rash actions by his friend and his brothers,
foreshadowing his later role as a peacemaker among his people.
A very effective piece of writing!
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Title: Don't Panic! · Author: Boz4PM · Times: The Great Years · ID: 908
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-11-11 02:32:01
I approached this with trepidation, considering the reputation of "Mary
Sues" in LOTR fanfic. But this does not read at all like a Mary Sue
story. For one thing, Middle-earth is not at all sanitized and shiny,
but rough and real in the writing. Well done.
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Title: Okay, NOW Panic! · Author: Boz4PM · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 907
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-11-11 02:34:03
I certainly hope that RL will allow the continuation and completion of
this tale. I find myself pondering Penny's fate, wondering what her
outcome will be. From the first chapter (the most heart-rending account
of Halbarad's end that I've read) to the present dilemma, this makes for
thought-provoking and gripping reading. Exploration of timeless themes,
such as the aftereffect of war on all concerned, is well done.
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Title: Kindly Winter's Gift · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Genres:
Romance: Rohan · ID: 717
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-11 02:44:22
This is a neat piece givbing a possible sexual initiation for Theodred.
His affections for the OC Staenwine are very well-drawn, the hints of
eroticism were tantalizingly vague (but in a good way - leaving just the
right amount to the imagination), and I loved the cultural cues you give
us about the holiday of wintergamen. It really built up our picture of
Rohan. All in all a nice read.
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Title: Man of Gondor · Author: LittleHobbitGal · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 682
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-11 10:10:21
Interesting: Boromir dead, and in the Halls of Mandos is seeing his
brother's testing over the Ring--except in his dreaming, Faramir fails
and claims the Ring. It's unclear if these are visions of Faramir's, or
if this is truly an AU. I have the impression of the former. It has
appropriately, a vague and dreamlike feeling. I wish there were a bit
more of it.
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Title: Do Not Think Me A Dream · Author: EdorasLass · Races: Men: Gondor
· ID: 40
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-11 10:17:03
A very touching picture of Finduilas, unable to sleep herself, watching
over her sleeping sons, and filled with sorrow and forboding. The
description of her feelings of malaise and melancholy are realistic, and
it is so sad to realize that she only has about three more years with
her children. Very moving and bittersweet.
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Title: The Falcon and the Star · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: The
Great Years: Gondor · ID: 57
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-11 10:42:34
I love this description of the healing of Faramir. We are privileged to
be inside Aragorn's head, and to know his thoughts, as he seeks for
Faramir's spirit, and coaxes it to return. I truly love the way the
canon dialogue is skillfully interspersed through this, and how we can
understand Aragorn's own weariness that drives his words. The use of the
name of Elbereth, and of Earendil the star, as means of driving off the
deceits of the Enemy is perfect, as are all the responses of these two
Men--who have never met, and yet are no strangers to one another. And I
love the symmetry--in seeking to bring respite to Faramir, Aragorn finds
that Faramir brings it to him, renewing his hope and his own spirit.
This was brilliantly done. I could wish that there were companion
peices--I'd love to have seen this continued for the healing of Eowyn
and especially Merry--but I understand why it was not--it would have
lessened the powerful impact of this encounter. A very moving and
well-crafted story.
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Title: The Cloak · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 177
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-11 10:47:42
A fascinating exchange: it seems that Boromir's old nurse is far more
than she seems. I could have wished to know a bit more of this universe
and this backstory--for it seems very interesting. And Boromir seems
very much in character here, proud and affectionate and practical.
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Title: After the End · Author: Ottis413 · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 781
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-11 11:04:58
The grimness of the Ottis' characters simply jumps off the screen when
you read this story. Frodo's quest has failed: the Shire & Bree is
overrun. This is partly a tale about survival of those who lived through
it, but Ottis writes the story from William's perspective: a boy who is
born after the initial destruction and plague swept over Eriador. What
Ottis does so amazingly with this piece is that he sticks to William's
perspective and we as a reader get to see this world through his eyes.
His motivations and his struggle to keep on living are grandly explored.
One might think that William chooses to be the passive underdog (and I
so loathe his father, but even for him I can bring up a bit of
sympathy), but as the story unfolds to your eyes, you realise how
William put all the knowledge and information to his personal use. The
utter climax of the story is when he kills Saruman and a Nazgul: he
knows that the ringwraith can read his mind, so he thinks of the beauty
of those two while he uses the elven bow cold bloodily to get his revenge.

With satisfaction, he sees his biggest wish fulfilled: his enemys dead,
his father taken away and from his life. Instead of ending the story on
a festive note, Ottis remains true to his character and shows us the
dire consequences for the new generation which has to live in this new
world: apathetic as he is, William feels no emotion about what will
happen to his grandmother or every other creature. He just has to
survive. And this, Ottis, is a daring and gutsy move, which makes this
story truly brilliant. This was a haunting read that I still have not
shaken off completely: it lingers in your mind and asks for a re-read again.
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Title: Caws Llyffant · Author: Llinos · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest · ID: 634
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-11 11:16:11
Frodo goes shopping with a Sindarin shopping list, but what to do with
frog cheese& Just like Frodo, that made me go like huh? too. I love
this story! Not only because it has such a delightful Bilbo in it, but
also I love the way in which Llinos constructed this story, leaving me
as a reader wondering what Caws Llyffant really is. The timing of this
revelation is truly brilliant and the reader can so easily identify with
Frodos bewildered ponderings. So yes, why not buy all those delightful
cheeses! Yum. Eglantines fussing over lil Pip is touching and the
mens reaction to it was used effectively. And Lucky Pip! He gets to eat
those delightful sounding cheeses the reader does not get to eat! This
story is greatly written and was a very enticing read!
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Title: An Empty Saddle to Fill · Author: Anoriath · Races: Men: Vignette
· ID: 752
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-11 11:26:40
This vignette gave me the chills. Theodred observes everything from his
sick bed: his voice is strong and confident and he is not fooled by what
is truly going on. His observations sound true to how I perceived him
and the way he describes Éowyn is simply beautifully written. It makes
me sad that a Rohirrim like him will die at the hands of Gríma and only
his deceitful poison can bring down a man this strong! The word use is
great and gave this piece a Rohirrim feel all the way!
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Title: Passing Regrets · Author: Ariel · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest · ID: 657
Reviewer: este tangletoes · 2006-11-11 11:41:22
Passing regrets by Ariel

This is my favourite wee-Frodo story of all time. I took this wonderful
story to my heart the very first time I read it at the beginning of
2005. I have since read it several times and I love it even more now.

Ariels description of one of my favourite hobbits, Bilbo Baggins, is
very believable and well written. Even though it was a great tragedy
that Frodo lost both his loving parents, I have always loved the idea of
uncle Bilbo taking over the responsibility and the upbringing of - the
worst rascal of Buckland. I imagine that it must have been no easy thing
for Frodos foster parents, Esmeralda and Saradoc, to part with him.

It was wonderful to meet Frodos parents especially Primula, and
discover that she knew, without a doubt, that Frodo would be fond of his
uncle Bilbo. A very wise lass. The conversation between Primula and
Bilbo was very entertaining. Bilbos pangs of regret, for not having
children of his own were very real and heartfelt. I was quite moved.
Arials story made me feel all the sorrows and joys that the characters
felt. Well done Ariel!

I simply melt when I think of baby Frodo saying 'Beebo?' Its precisely
the way a baby would have difficulty in pronouncing the name. This
beautiful warm and touching story of how Bilbo first met Frodo, will
always be, for me, exactly how it happened.

There is only one complaint that I have, apart from the story being far
too short of course, and that is that it is not illustrated.

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Title: In the Shadow of Hope · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Men:
Vignette · ID: 715
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-11 14:04:01
Eowyn's frustration and disgust with her helplessness are very well done
- I love the ant and the bee and her incredulity that life is carrying
on round them when the world is about to end.
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Title: A bit of garden · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 901
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-11 14:08:18
Sam wouldn't be able to resist a bit of gardening, given half an
opportunity. I'm glad to see Elrond joining him here in a soothing activity!
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Title: In the Houses of Healing · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men ·
ID: 877
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-11 15:01:06
A most enjoyable story - I do like the amah. She is a very strong
character and very resilient. I'm missing a certain amount of back story
- but I'm intrigued enough to seek it out!
-----------------------------------