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Title: Mine · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 66
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-12 04:25:21
Young Boromir throws a fit when his baby brother tries to teeth on his
beloved toy horse. The story is written from the loving but amused
viewpoint of their Nanny.

The portrayal of the children is hilariously accurate. Boromir treats
the stuffed horse as a person with its own feelings, and he is
extravagantly possessive toward his favorite toy. Nanny shows patience
and the wisdom borne of long experience as she saves the pony and
reassures Boromir. Baby Faramir is easily distracted by another toy; he
will happily teeth on whatever he can get his hands on. I laughed when
Boromir scornfully refers to his little brother as [that baby], as if he
is much more than a baby himself. I loved Boromir's insistence that the
pony be washed in a certain way and his concern that Nanny would not do
it right.

This tale is part of Edoraslass and Annmarwalk's funny and sweet
Pony!verse, which is centered around two toy ponies that were made by
Morwen Steelsheen and are passed down through the generations.

Few people write child characters as well as Edoraslass. She writes them
with affection and great understanding. This is a very warm and funny fic.
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Title: Elfwine · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Fixed-Length Ficlet
· ID: 70
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-12 05:15:49
This drabble is full of small but telling details. Against his people's
custom, Eomer steadfastly stays with his wife during the labor, and then
he sends the fastest riders to take the news to his sister in Ithilien.
After so much sorrow in Rohan, the birth of an heir is an occasion for
unrestrained joy,and the anonymous narrator clearly shares in the
happiness of her king. Eomer's boisterous cheer after the strain of long
waiting seems very believable. How relieved he must be! Ann imagines a
Rohirric custom where the people of the household [gather laughing in
the stableyard to wet the baby's head,] in a christening of sorts!

I love the strong sense of Rohirric culture in this drabble, and I love
the glimpse of happy, new father Eomer.
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Title: The Gardener's Wife · Author: Vistula the Dunadan · Races:
Hobbits · ID: 720
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-12 05:35:56
This really made me feel for the Gaffer. I see Shire culture, with its
more modern economy and its love matches, to be prone to just this type
of social climbing. It's so sad the way the Gaffer got burned, but it
certainly makes sense of some of his relationship to Sam. Really
inventive tale, here.
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Title: Sisters · Author: grey_wonderer · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 182
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-12 06:14:23
I can really identify with Pippin here, his reactions are in some way
universal but still very hobbity. A neat little look at the trials of
growing up.
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Title: Master of Shadows · Author: Space Weavil · Genres: Drama · ID: 245
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 06:14:59
Morindur is not the most sympathetic of characters (odd, that!) but I
can't help but feel sorry for him - to an extent, anyway. He refuses to
admit to setbacks - although his way of dealing with any opposition is
... not pleasant. I wonder if an age or so as a Ringwraith was good for
his humility - probably not. Eerily good looks at his - er - progress!
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Title: Instinct · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort
· ID: 965
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 06:20:10
Merry was very brave in protecting Pippin - while the younger cousin was
very dogged in getting aid for the elder. But I hope the pair of them
learnt that getting between a mother and her babies can be dangerous.
They wouldn't want to try that again with a bear!
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Title: The Oathbreakers · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 42
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 06:22:43
I think Boromir might well be his own worst critic. He expected a lot of
himself - and pride comes into play again. Still - would he have refused
to fight in his last battle for Gondor just because he was dead?
Probably not. I'm glad Aragorn had the wisdom to release him.
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Title: Merry's Graduation · Author: pippinfan88 · Times: Late Third Age:
The Shire · ID: 125
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 06:27:16
Any story you feel like writing where Ferumbras gets his comeuppance
would be welcome! Mud. Falling in streams. Broken limbs. Getting himself
in some sticky situation where only the kind-heartedness of some
despised servant will help him survive. For if ever a hobbit deserved a
bit of torment, he's the one! He is an unpleasant and arrogant excuse
for a hobbit.

While poor Degger is a good-hearted lad. I'm glad Paladin has let him
know that he values Degger and won't give up on him, no matter what.
Merry will make a good supporter for him, too. I enjoyed the different
viewpoint of this story.

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Title: Spirit of Fire · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Fixed-length
ficlet · ID: 196
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 06:29:27
I feel sorry for Nerdanel - she is one of those characters who seems to
be left with very little and the rest of Arda to mourn. But at least she
had this! Very passionate!
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Title: Inspirare · Author: Ariel · Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 622
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 06:35:36
Rosie has so much practical hobbit wisdom - I love her silent conspiracy
with Frodo to shield Sam from the knowledge that Frodo is weakening. And
I suspect her strength and bond to the natural things of life were a
great support to Frodo. The sense of smell thing, too - so true!
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Title: Elemental Spirits · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits:
Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 693
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 06:39:16
These four hobbits fit the elements so well as you have described them
here! I love Pippin as the power of water - and Frodo as air, but then
Sam just is the productive generosity of the earth. I can see the fire
in Merry, too - so it is very hard to decide which one I like best. So I
won't! They are all excellent.
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Title: Shoot the Moon · Author: mistycracraft · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 233
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 06:42:56
Such a sweet look at the relationship between Elrond and Estel. It must
have been remarkable to be told that one of the stars in the sky was a
ship sailed by your foster father's own father - and be able to believe
it was more than a story. It puts a whole different perspective to
astronomy!
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Title: Frodo: The Next Generation · Author: Gentle Hobbit · Races:
Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 272
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2006-11-12 07:13:57
I just read all 19 chapters of this in one sitting, and the first word
that came to my mind was "fascinating".

I really enjoyed this story. The author obviously knows both worlds
quite well. she did a great job of being true to all the characters.

I would love to know the answer to the mystery of why things seemed
closer to the movies than to the books, but I guess that is open for
speculation.

A very well done crossover, even if my favorite character was
conspicuous by his absence.
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Title: Beneath the Hollow Hill · Author: Haleth · Races: Elves:
Feanorians · ID: 314
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 07:33:46
I enjoyed this moment when two worlds touched - both sad, both doomed,
both scarcely real, but able for a brief while to collide. Poor Maglor -
in some ways, his fate seems cruellest of all. It's a shame he and Nuada
couldn't spend more time together - they seem to share an understanding.
I am glad Nuada gave him the harp - music, perhaps, offers the elf the
greatest consolation. Perhaps the only consolation he can take until the
end of days.
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Title: Thief of Hearts: How Pippin Stole Merrys Heart · Author:
pipkinsweetgrass · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 918
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 07:38:35
Ahh! Such determined resistance to the idea of a little Took who would
steal away all Merry's admirers and leave him no-one's favourite lad -
and all it took was a look from a pair of green eyes and a little ear
like a sea-shell and soft little baby feet and that Pippin had his big
cousin just exactly where he wanted him! And why would Merry want any
substitutes when he can have this baby!
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Title: The Price of Power · Author: Rabidsamfan · Times: The Great
Years: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 989
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 07:40:06
Saruman doesn't realise the price he is paying even now. He still think
it is for others to pay for what he wants. Sucker!
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Title: Athelas · Author: Waltraute · Times: The Great Years: Gondor ·
ID: 243
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 07:47:03
Bergil is such a courageous child to face that horror for Faramir - and
the Steward is doubly in debt to Beregond's family for his life. And
thank goodness for the Mumbler - he might not have been entirely sane,
but it was his wisdom that provided what Aragorn needed. Must have been
Meant!
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Title: Breath of Winter · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 101
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 08:11:55
I like the way the past and present are twined together - and that Merry
and Pippin take on the responsibility of caring for Frodo, who now needs
their help. And of course Sam would join in - for Frodo. A hobbit huddle
is probably the very best thing they could do for him right now - I'm
sure Aragorn will be impressed when he returns.

And I'm sure Merry and Pippin's mothers would love to have been able to
keep them on the homeward side of the tulip bed. But good for
Middle-earth that they didn't manage it!
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Title: By The Light of Earendil's Star · Author: Branwyn · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 83
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 08:24:55
This is such an exciting story - I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. And I
must confess to a real liking for Eldahil. I would like to learn more
about him! And Hirluin, too, is a delightful character.

As if Boromir wouldn't strain every nerve (including those of the
readers) to retrieve his brother from disaster! It was such a relief
when they reached safety - even if they suffered damage along the way.
Loved the epilogue, too - and the suggestion that there could be further
episodes in the adventures of Boromir and Eldahil
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Title: Divinity · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits · ID: 824
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-11-12 08:32:15
This is a wonderful story: beautifully written, highly creative,
thought-provoking, and emotionally stirring. All of the Valar are well
presented, but it is Manwë's anguished conversation with Iluvatar that
moves me most, touching on themes of deep importance to Tolkien--the
idea that the Second-born's gift of free will means that they will
outgrow "the gods" and find their own way.

["But look closer at them, for in their choices and their deeds, you
shall see Me."]

Not until all seems lost at the Cracks of Doom does Manwë fully
understand the meaning of these words, when [the designs of Iluvatar
were laid open in their coruscating, purifying brilliance.]

A stunning work of fanfiction!

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Title: The Courtship of Peregrin Took · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres:
Romance · ID: 275
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 08:40:41
I was very glad when Sapphira disappeared off the scene, leaving it
clear for Pippin to fall for her sister. And it's probably a good thing
that Diamond is as strong-willed and obstinate as the lad courting her -
she'll need that strength of character to keep the relationship equal!
That said, it was a relief when they finally got past the
misunderstandings to become engaged! (Although a dozen children is a bit
excessive, I would think!)
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Title: Was It For This? · Author: aervir · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 204
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 08:44:47
I think the fatuous sunbeams had a point, though. A worthy sacrifice
from both of them - and a handing on of the torch. Little is useless in
Tolkien - and the courage of Theodred and Boromir are golden threads
leading to the eventual success against evil.
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Title: Awake · Author: Rabidsamfan · Times: The Great Years:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 837
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 08:57:37
I love the idea that Sam's whole notion of what constitutes pain has
been irrevocably changed by his experience on Mount Doom. It just would,
wouldn't it? Nothing could compare to it. And that the heady scent of
flowers is one of the things he most notices as he rouses - and the song
in the beat of Legolas's heart. Although I do hope that eventually men,
dwarves, elves and hobbits end up in the same place.

A very happy reunion.
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Title: Alas, for the dying of the trees · Author: Gandalfs apprentice ·
Races: Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 788
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 09:00:02
No gain without some small loss. Elven laments are just something Gimli
will have to put up with!
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Title: Tharbad Crossing · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races: Men:
Steward's Sons Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 253
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 09:03:13
Boromir has such determination and obstinacy! (But I've always felt that
this is a most unlikely quest on which Denethor sent his son - still,
maybe he thought he knew something nobody else did!) Hardly surprising
the Ring was able to use Boromir's ferocious need to save Gondor against
him.
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