Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Ship and Shore · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 867
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-11 18:38:06
This is a really neat series of moments. Each of them deals with a
moment of cross-cultural meeting, and shows how that might have played
out in only a very few words without seeming rushed. A very neat way of
viewing these interactions.
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Title: A Letter Unwritten · Author: Bill The Pony · Races: Hobbits: War
of the Ring · ID: 855
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2006-11-11 18:45:49
Bill the Pony has written a lot of stories which have too a high a
rating for these awards, so here's a short sample of one of her great
strengths -- her Sam-voice.

It's hard to write a convincing Sam-voice. His accent confounds many a
writer, and so do his attitudes, shaped as they are by both Bilbo and
the Gaffer. But Bill the Pony treads the dangerous ground with
confidence, delivering a Sam who is believable within the context of
canon even in a short monologue like this one.
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Title: Detour · Author: xylo · Races: Hobbits · ID: 844
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2006-11-11 18:47:23
A quiet weekend on duty at a small hospital turns interesting when a
pair of very unusual (and very small) patients turn up.

This is the kind of story which lets you see the characters from a
completely new point of view, in this case a modern one, and still keeps
them very much themselves.

And besides, it makes me laugh!
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Title: Bad Step · Author: Mariole · Races: Hobbits: Incomplete · ID: 786
Reviewer: Rabidsamfan · 2006-11-11 19:05:32
First a disclaimer -- Mariole began this story for me to read while I
was recovering from surgery, and I'd asked for Samfic. There's not
enough Sam hurt/comfort in the world, so I'll take even poorly done
stuff, but with this story I feel like I've hit the jackpot.

Mariole is one of the best describers in the fandom. Her mastery of
details is exquisite, and it's on magnificent display in this story.
Still a WIP, "Bad Step" reads like ... oh, Prince Valiant used to in the
Sunday funnies. Each small increment pushes the story forward and
usually leaves you at a cliffhanger of action or emotion. The words
paint a vivid picture, with a bonus of texture, taste, smell and sound
to bring you right into Sam's predicament at first and Frodo's heart
when he realizes that Sam is missing.

As a bonus, Mariole brings back her marvelous minor characters,
including some who appeared in "Devoted". She's populated the Shire with
individuals, not cardboard creations, and taken the hobbits we know
better, like the Gaffer and Ted Sandyman, and parsed their personalities
perfectly.

All in all a marvelous read!
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Title: Fair Trade · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 900
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-11 19:38:34
Faramir is a born leader of men. Maybe not in quite such a stirring way
as his brother, but he certainly knows how to inspire loyalty! Good tale.
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Title: Arwen's Heart · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Romance · ID: 139
Reviewer: Perelleth · 2006-11-11 19:40:29
Someone had to tell Arwen's tale, and you do more than justice to her.
There is no need for epic incidents, daring rides into the wild or more
heroic deeds than those she made while leading her life, being the Star
of her people, supporting her family through desperate moments,
understanding and following her heart and meeting the most difficult
fate for an Elf, that of leaving Arda and passing beyond the circles of
the way.

There are many things that I love in this tale, from structure to pacing
to wording, but there are four moments that stand out more clearly:

The conversation between Arwen and Gilraen, after Aragorn has declared
himself to tArwen. Thre is such compassion between both women, each
trying to step into the other's shoes, and such wisdom shared that it is
very poignant, and rarely, if ever seen. A mother, and the
daughter-in-law to be who is almost 3000 year old sharing a deep
understanding of each other, the losses they are confronting and the
difficult times that are still before them.

Cerin Amroth. That is a delightful, most beautifully written recreation
of The Moment. Also a very wise depiction of the attraction the Second
born had over the Elves, even in their short lives.

Aragorn's passing and Arwen's choice. Again compassion, in the way each
take care of the feelings and emotions of thsoe surrounding them, Gimli,
GLorfindel, the twins... the pain, the hopes anhe final decisions are
perfectly depicted, moving, but never desperate or overly anguished.

And the elegant paradox of the Epilogue, which is a very clever loop
that leaves us with a happy smile.

Throughout this long tale, the Arwen who sits and sews and watches from
afar comes out as the steady, powerful heroine Tolkien meant.
-----------------------------------
Title: Divinity · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits · ID: 824
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-11 19:46:18
Very touching. I can seen the Valar watching and sending whatever
support they were permitted to offer.
-----------------------------------
Title: Boats To Build · Author: Nancy Brooke · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 300
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-11 19:52:22
I find this a delightful story - one asking a rather arrogant young
Boromie (and who isn't arrogant at fourteen!) to take on board some
lessons that he really isn't prepared to accept. I love Adrahil - he is
so wise and so intelligent. I just hope Boromir is paying more than
lip-service to the words he is uttering, that is all! Excellent story.
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Title: The Secret of Dog Lake · Author: Karenator · Races: Elves · ID: 819
Reviewer: Perelleth · 2006-11-11 19:52:52
You have such a talent for scary, horror stories it is always a delight
to read them. And this one was wonderful also because of the setting.
The tale telling punctuated by the elflings' interruptions and the
adults warnings is priceless. I love Elrond's despair, and Haldir's
hesitating improvisations and sudden twists to the story, with Elladan
and Elrohir totally ignorant of what is going on over their heads.

And then, the fact that the children are more interested in the animals
(Was the man mean to the horses, what was the dog's name?) than in the
people is a nice, so realistic touch! A wonderful memory of good times
in Lorien for both families, for sure.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Creature Of Fire · Author: daw the minstrel · Races: Elves:
Featuring Mirkwood Elves · ID: 956
Reviewer: Perelleth · 2006-11-11 20:07:36
This tale was an emotional roller coaster. we not only get to see
LEgolas falling in love and losing her almost at the same time, but also
the terrible canon moment of Smaug's descent into Laketown and Erebor,
and the ensuing catastrophic effects, and the tension of having LEgolas
trapped under the ruins of a house, with his corpse bride and Galelas,
of all people, to the long trek to Tuilinn's settlement, the opression
of the burial and the heavy weight of mourning such a loss, not a
relative, not a long time friend but the other part of his soul, lost
and found in such a short space of time.

The description of the mess caused by the dragon is perfect, to me, and
I remember that I was most shocked particularly by the sight of the
burnt, bereft dwarves lost in the middle of the forest and fleeing their
home. I found that detail very poignant.

There is much Beliond here, and much growing for LEgolas, as he slowly
comes out from the cloud of grief to see his world changed in his own
perception, for now he has a greater measure of understanding towards
those around him who have experienced worse losses than his: Thranduil,
Beliond, Annael´s naneth... I particularly loved how he acknowledges the
steady, loving presence of Alfirin in his life.

And there is the side arc of the relationship between Galelas and
Legolas, and Galelas and Eilian, which is very interesting. This is a
powerful tale, Daw, I'd say one of your best, (although I have trouble
choosing)
-----------------------------------
Title: Call yourself Thorongil · Author: Nilmandra · Times: Late Third
Age · ID: 731
Reviewer: Perelleth · 2006-11-11 20:14:27
Gandalf is perfect here. An old, tired traveler but also a wise,
mysterious mover of things and wills. Thankfully Aragorn had an elvish
upbringing, so he has not much trouble in following the mood of his
companion. I also think that Gandalf adn ragorn's meeting helped set the
path for the future king of Gondor, and I loved Aragorn's fine sense of
humour in the end, regarding the new name. Also the longing at the
mention of his home and at seeing the pack sent by Cook, the tiredness
that seeps through his very voice, and the clear signs of the hard life
he led, all is there, as it should be.

IT is a lovely bit of gapfilling, the kind I cherish, with eveyone so
deeply in characer and all those meaningful chance meetings in the
forests of Middle earth. A true treasure.
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Title: To Ride, To Will, To Fear · Author: Ellethill · Races: Men:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 841
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-11 20:42:38
I like this story - both the subject matter and the rhythm of the
writing. Faramir shows the dogged courage I would expect of him - while
Eowyn has the gallant courage of the Shield Maiden. Eomer, too - angry
and defensive, while Aragorn is more balanced. It's a very stupid bunch
of villains who would come up against them all - a group of lackwits who
would deserve all they got!

And I'm glad that, in the end, Faramir received medical aid and that he
and Eowyn were able to spend time together. The establishment of a
tradition that owed its origins to a rather more terrifying incident is
- I suppose - romantic!


-----------------------------------
Title: Appearances Can Be Deceiving · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 760
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-11 20:55:16
This vignette chronicles Bilbo's first direct encounter with Aragorn.

Excellent use of Aragorn's facade as a wayworn Ranger. To a hobbit who
had never known him, he would seem dangerous if spied from a distance,
especially if the tall Ranger with the wicked-looking knife hadn't
bathed in awhile, as is the case here.

Good characterisation of Bilbo; his love of nature and courage, his
determination to warn the Elves of a dangerous-looking stranger, even
though it meant he had to miss three meals in his haste!

And a great tie-in with Bilbo's famous [All that is gold does not
glitter] verse.

Very entertaining as well as credible.


-----------------------------------
Title: [untitled] He: Gimli fic prompt #84 · Author: Thevina Finduilas ·
Races: Dwarves · ID: 718
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-11 22:15:30
This is such a delightfully yummy little piece. I really like the way
you worked in the "true names" that the dwarves keep hidden; sharing
that really would be a sign of intimacy. And the ending? So dwarven,
that Gimli couldn't figure out a way to say the sentimental thing he
wanted to and so just concludes that they both will have to survive the
war. Simply perfect!
-----------------------------------
Title: A new tradition · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Dwarves: Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 869
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-11 22:27:22
It should no longer surprise me that in every aspect of Tanaqui's
writing where it is possible, the details are not just convincing but
actually canonical. So here with the names of Mahal's helper. Little
details like that just make the piece seem so much more connected to
Tolkien's world. I see them in the same light as some of the props Weta
made for the movies: wonderful craftsmanship, and if they do their job
properly, unnoticed by the reader; they just seem naturally part of the
landscape. But those details would surely be missed if absent!

I completely accept Tanaqui's idea that the young children of dwarves
and Eorlingas would play together. Aglarond is basically part of Helm's
Deep if Eomer and Gimli can get there during the battle in TTT, and I
imagine there would be enough minor scuffles in the areas around
Isengard for years that many families would spend time protected in
Helm's Deep. This drabble takes that situation and gives us a very
natural-feeling moment where Gimli has to deal with the problems created
by his hasty answer - very entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Winter Fell and Silent · Author: Jael · Races: Elves:
Featuring Mirkwood Elves · ID: 957
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-11 23:54:28
Interesting explanation for the repetition in "Legolas Greenleaf" in
Galadriel's prophecy about what would happened if he passed south. I had
made up my mind that Galadrielw was simply translating his name. But
your answer is so much more interesting. It provides a nice glimpse into
Legolas on the cusp of manhood - well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Sea Calls Us Home · Author: laiquendi · Races: Elves: Poetry
· ID: 724
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-11 23:58:08
Nice summary of the situation when the elves left Middle-earth at the
end of the Third Age.
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Title: At Last · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 238
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-11-12 00:12:10
So much said in so few words. This captures the deepest feelings of both
hobbits and shows that love that binds them together so tightly. And the
Took Sight gets mentioned, which is always a plus in my book.
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Title: Consequences of a Fall · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 221
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-11-12 00:23:42
I love this story! It has it all; sweet, sick Pippin, caring and
remorseful Frodo, concerned and protective Merry. It also has the single
scariest hobbit character since the Sackville-Bagginses themselve. This
story held my attention completely for the entire time it took to post.
Wonderful.
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Title: Instinct · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort
· ID: 965
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-11-12 00:53:19
It is nice to see a story where Pippin is the caregiver. They do exist,
but are rather rare.

The twists and turns this story takes are so believable. One never knows
how thing will turn out, even if he's just going for a walk in the woods.

Pippin wanting to find a healer to give Merry a tonic was so sweet. It
is sad that he understands that kind of healing so well, but it's
because of that that they still had him with them.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Merry Old Inn · Author: Dreamflower · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 881
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-11-12 01:21:50
A charming little fic, the first I've seen written in the narrative
style of "The Hobbit," and a clever idea to use the Pony itself as the
inspiration for the "merry old inn" of Frodo's song. I liked the
hobbit's-eye-view of Bree, with a cobbler's shop seen as a curiosity.

Oh, and nice use of expletives, Dreamflower!

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Title: Drabbles for Lord of the Rings · Author: Llinos · Races: Hobbits:
Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 758
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-11-12 02:17:58
These drabble-verses are not only a technically impressive achievement,
but they deftly capture the essence of their respective Prologue
sections or chapters. The last two are my favorites: "The Uruk-hai" has
a driving urgency fueled by the internal rhymes and alliteration, while
"The Scouring of the Shire" is a stirring account of the Battle of
Bywater that I can easily imagine hobbits singing around the fire.


-----------------------------------
Title: Dragons and Sailboats · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama:
Remembering · ID: 74
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-12 02:25:06
What a sad but tranquil story! Aragorn and Faramir discuss young
Boromir's love for Captain Thorongil and his later grief and resentment
at his mysterious disappearance. Aragorn's awareness of the changes in
the landscape since his last visit to this spot and his awareness of the
river rushing past give the writing a very autumnal mood. The
description of the river bank, where Faramir and Aragorn meet, is lush
and vivid.

I love that both brothers were cleverer than either Gandalf or Aragorn
gave them credit for.

[Boromir said turnip soup and Thorongil were completely unrelated and if
Mithrandir was going to speak in riddles, hed really rather not speak
to him.]

I like how this line echoes Eowyn's proud remark to Faramir in "Return
of the King"--"I do not wish to play at riddles!" Maybe Boromir and
Eowyn wouldn't have made such a bad couple after all. And in this fic,
young Boromir says that if there must be a princess, at least she should
be able to ride; otherwise, she would be quite boring!

Thanks for sharing a fascinating conversation between Aragorn and Faramir!

-----------------------------------
Title: Seabird's Cry · Author: Primsong · Genres: Drama: Poetry · ID: 898
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-12 03:07:50
Primsong explores Legolas' conflicted feelings about the sea in a
wave-shaped poem. Legolas yearns for the sea, yet he realizes that his
duty still lies in MiddleEarth, where he must labor to repair the
damages of the War.

[In loneliness and longing, I am
No longer content in leaf and bud]

The images of nature are sharp and poetic, as Primsong draws the
changing light and color and texture of the ocean. The poem is full of
restless movement--wheeling seabirds, surging waves, and the beating of
Legolas' troubled heart. The presentation of the text in a wave-shape
adds to the feeling of vacillation (the shape also reminded me of the
rise and fall of a heartbeat, but I don't think that was the poet's
intention).

I enjoyed this poem very much. The language is strong but graceful, and
it skillfully evokes Legolas' disquietude.
-----------------------------------
Title: Interrupted Journeys: Journeys of Discovery · Author: elliska ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 163
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-12 03:35:07
This is more like a little series of stories, dealing with Legolas'
childhood. They are nice little examples of lessons learned. Little
Legolas has quite an extensive family of cousins and relatives, with
whom to play and get in trouble. But what I really enjoyed were the
little stories within the story, about hobbits and Ents--very nice bit
of speculation!
-----------------------------------