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Msg# 7620

Reviews for 17 November - part 3 Posted by Rhapsody November 17, 2006 - 14:18:02 Topic ID# 7620
Title: The Path · Author: AngieT · Races: Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 638
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 09:24:02
This is such a spooky story! Merry seemed to have found a safe haven -
but then, of course, nothing was quite as it seemed. So much symbolic
red - and people appearing - well - not quite as he would have expected.

It's a good thing the Goodbody family turned up when they did and that
they knew the stories. But I'm not surprised Merry was left with a
rather sick feeling of horror about it all. Poor Bella. I'm sure she
would much rather have opened the door to find Meriadoc Brandybuck on
the other side.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Salt-Rose · Author: Lady Aranel · Genres: Romance: Incomplete
· ID: 283
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 09:28:09
I'll warrant Aragorn was viewing Legolas and Gimli's reactions to the
dance with as much interest as the dance itself. (Or maybe not!) Legolas
certainly didn't expect THAT! Interesting that he wants to find out
more. Purely in the interest of terpsichorean research, of course.
-----------------------------------
Title: The End of All Things · Author: Ariel · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Frodo or Sam · ID: 109
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 09:35:15
Yes - better that way round. And I don't think Sam would have been able
to let go as easily as Frodo if he had been left.
-----------------------------------
Title: About Legends or Whisperings of a Ghost · Author: juno_magic ·
Races: Men · ID: 699
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 09:53:39
A horrible story - or rather, an excellent story on a horrific topic.
And one, too, that is strangely compelling and very believable.
Beruthiel's reputation for witchery and cat-familiars has a very strong
reek of spin about it and I can just see a cruel husband behind it.
Whereas kings with delusions about their own importance in the scheme of
things (Ar-Pharazon) and convinced they should have whatever they want
are not unknown at all. The thought that Beruthiel was relieved to be
allowed to die is chilling - and I like the southern legend of the queen
rescued and taken to the west.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Tracks of Time · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet Featuring Legolas or Thranduil · ID: 60
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 09:58:23
Poor Legolas - he has never before had reason to dread the turning of
the seasons. Yet every passing autumn brings closer the winter in his
heart as those he has learned to love die and leave him for an unknown
fate he cannot seek.

The sea-longing, that has for so long now been a trial, might, in the
end, prove to be a blessing as it drives him to seek solace in the west.
-----------------------------------
Title: An Exaltation of Larks · Author: Ibilover · Times: The Great
Years · ID: 178
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 10:02:42
I'm sure I reviewed this the other day - but the browser denies it, so
I'll try to remember what I said!

I do like this story. It is such fun to see Boromir and Aragorn bonding
over something so silly. Love the image of the Man of Gondor and the
scruffy Ranger sniggering over their collective nouns while Gandalf
casts up his eyes and asks 'why me?'

-----------------------------------
Title: A Spring Day At Cormallen · Author: Marigold · Races:
Cross-Cultural: With Hobbits · ID: 746
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 10:07:17
I love the simple joy in life that the hobbits display. The vision of
Pippin flying a kite on the field of Cormallen while Merry does his
running around for him and all the men look on - it is delightful. And
such a contrast to the edge of doom that hovered over them all such a
short time before.
-----------------------------------
Title: A New Kind of Courage · Author: Auntiemeesh · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Pippin or Merry · ID: 959
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 10:17:04
This is a very enjoyable story. I'm glad that Merry, in the end, was
able to accept that they had all done what they must - and had,
remarkably, managed to succeed beyond their expectations and survive to
come out the other side. Frodo's words made Merry realise at last the he
couldn't expect to control everybody else's actions - and that is
definitely a good thing! Especially considering what they still have
ahead of them.
-----------------------------------
Title: Both Beholden · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 180
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 10:31:34
Poor Boromir - I shouldn't think there are many times in his life when
he's been this much of an outsider. Treated with caution because of his
birth, perhaps, but not an alien. It's not surprising that he should
resent Aragorn, yet at the same time want to know about him. And this
collection of Dunedain is disappointingly close-mouthed.

It is fascinating to watch the dance between Boromir and Halbarad.
Halbarad's conviction that, knowing Aragorn, Boromir will give him his
support is so certain that even Boromir is half won-over. And so begins
a friendship that will not have long to endure. Unfortunately.

And I'm with Halbarad. Less rain would be preferable!
-----------------------------------
Title: Fugitive · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Drama · ID: 366
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 10:44:53
Aragorn might, once, have been eleven - but he never managed to be the
eleven year old daughter of a reigning king. The pressures on Gilraen
will be very different. I'm glad, though, that he has the sense to talk
to her and tell her as much as she can understand - and glad it was
another century or so before she finally understood all that he meant.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Road Not Taken · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Vignette · ID: 104
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 10:51:24
An omen! Ragnvald led Boromir as far as he could - and now it is up to
the Steward's son to take that step (a la Sam Gamgee) into the unknown.
He left his comfort zone in following this quest - and, in the end,
became a better man for it. It's just such a shame he had to be the
sacrifice! I love the description of the birch trees swallowing up the
Man of Gondor.
-----------------------------------
Title: What Better Companion? · Author: Space Weavil · Races: Elves ·
ID: 175
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 11:03:45
I like the way that Olorin - ancient and wise as he no doubt is - seems
rather like a child observing its first snowflake! Glorfindel is
unsettled, knowing that there is something ahead of him but not knowing
what and Olorin is taking a child-like pleasure in walking on his feet!
They make a great team - and perhaps part of Glorfindel's task
(previously unsuspected) is to teach Olorin how to deal with the
awkwardness of being incarnate. While Olorin knows enough whispers of
what is going on in Middle-earth to offer Glorfindel some reassurance.

Fun story. Interesting relationship.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fair, Strong and Cold · Author: Ellethill · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 751
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 11:11:43
I am glad that Eowyn and Faramir learned to love each other - they were
set a hard path, but one that was not at all unlikely! (And, actually,
even had they loved each other from the beginning, the adjustment they
had to make couldn't have been easy.) Although, when Eomer is
congratulating himself on his sister's happiness, I do feel a tiny
impulse to punch him on the nose - what would he do if he found she was
thoroughly miserable? I enjoyed this story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Legacy · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 299
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 12:33:04
I think, if Boromir could observe from somewhere the outcome of his
death, he would consider the results well bought and fairly paid for. To
be remembered with love and honour is a pretty good legacy.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lord of Werewolves · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 255
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 12:41:54
With help like that, it's only surprising it took the Host of the Valar
to defeat Morgoth! And that Sauron managed to carry out his
understudying role for two whole ages without tripping over his own feet.
-----------------------------------
Title: A New Year · Author: Bodkin · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond · ID: 704
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-12 14:03:17
An intricate vignette that explores the attitudes of the folk of the
Blessed Realm toward the War of the Ring, hundreds of years after
Sauron's defeat. It is the younger Elves (well, they're Elves, so
relatively younger) Legolas and Elladan and Elrohir, and the impossibly
old Olorin-recast-in-his-Gandalf-form for the occasion, who feel that
the complacent Elves of Aman, who sat out the Ring War in safety, must
be reminded of the heroism and sacrifice of the free rolk of Third Age
Middle-earth, as well as the young Elves' own children, who were born
after the Third Age ended.

The cynicism of some of the Elves is a bit sad, but it is a wonderful
moment when the Fellowship of the Ring is remembered, and the names of
Legolas and Gandalf's long gone comrades proudly spoken in everlasting
honor and love.
-----------------------------------
Title: To Ride, To Will, To Fear · Author: Ellethill · Races: Men:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 841
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-12 14:06:26
This angsty tale is a worthy edition to F/E fanfiction. In it, the
betrothed Eowyn and Faramir are ambushed by bandits, and risk all to
save each other - Eowyn hazards her honor to save Faramir's life,
Faramir risks his life to save Eowyn.

The characters, including Aragorn and Eomer, interact in various stages
of credible desperation. The writer skillfully builds up the dramatic
tension.

Especially good characterisation of Aragorn here, but all four
protagonists are well served.

-----------------------------------
Title: Distant Lands · Author: Acacea · Genres: Romance: Fixed-length
ficlet · ID: 76
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-12 14:14:28
Perfect little drabble that encompasses Gandalf's fondness for Faramir,
Aragorn's empathy, and an apparent change in Faramir's own inclination
that is not so surprising, considering that love and loyalty reign as
high in Faramir's heart as his curiosity for that which he knows less.
-----------------------------------
Title: Midwinter in Mordor · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Villains:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 872
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-12 15:40:09
Brrrr. And fee fi fo fum. The orcs' idea of midwinter jollity is
definitely not for the faint-hearted, and not very hospitable either.
But this drabble is darkly amusing, and points out that even monsters
can enjoy holiday festivity. (though you wouldn't want to be their
guests for midwinter, no indeedy)
-----------------------------------
Title: Finding the Right Words · Author: Nienor Niniel · Races: Men:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 785
Reviewer: meckinock · 2006-11-12 16:54:52
Faramir's loyalty to Gondor, his sense of duty, and his recognition of
the importance of the upcoming coronation shine through here
beautifully. Thoroughly aware that in a few short hours he will play a
leading role in what could arguably be called the most important moment
in Gondor's history, he finds himself uncharacteristically at a loss for
words. As he considers and discards various alternatives, he finds
himself in the Hall of Kings, where it is revealed that Faramir not only
doesn't yet think of himself as the Steward, he hasn't yet sat in the
Steward's chair. That was a very nice touch, and so in keeping with his
humble and unassuming nature. Then, as he finally sits in the chair of
his father for the first time, a vision gives him the answer he seeks.
It was both moving to see the line of Stewards appear to him and tense
as it became apparent that the vision would culminate in a reunion with
Denethor. I was relieved when Denethor offered his son only peace,
encouragement, and reconciliation. And the brief glimpse of Boromir and
Finduilas was a very nice touch.

But I confess the part of this story that captivated me the most was
Faramir's ease and intimate familiarity with the city and its Citadel
and the glimpses we got of not only his own careful planning but the
busy preparations going on behind the scenes as the city prepares for
the upcoming festivities. So often we don't think about the thought that
goes into pulling off a big event without a hitch. It made me smile to
think of Faramir supervising getting the crown out of storage and making
sure it was cleaned up and brought to the appropriate place and guarded
until the moment came for it to be placed on the King's head. And I
laughed at the image of every nook and cranny being stuffed with tables
and chairs for the post-coronation feast!

A wonderful story, Nienor, and I hope you write more featuring Faramir
and Aragorn.
-----------------------------------
Title: Beneath the Hollow Hill · Author: Haleth · Races: Elves:
Feanorians · ID: 314
Reviewer: Perelleth · 2006-11-12 18:16:42
This is a haunting tale mixing Middle-earth´s most famed wanderer with
the legend of the Tuatha nd their single-handed former king Nuada.
Tolkien's imaginarium drew from the existent wealth of folk lore and
legends from different northern people in his attempt at creating a
mythology for England, and he did it so well that many parts of his
tales and characters fit perfectly into north european legendaria
without effort .

Maglor fits with the Tuatha as if he were one of them, or rather as if
they were the Atani when first Felagund met them in the forests of east
Beleriand.

And the writing does more than justice to the setting. The words and
imagery fit perfectly with the atmosphere, the picture of Maglor weaving
his music and the the Tuatha dancing in different measures as they
picked this or that thread of the music had a magic flavour that could
only be described as eerie. And also, as MAglor was caught in the throes
of his own music, and carried away by guilt and remorse and pain and
loss, one can read echoes of FInrod's lethal confrontation with Sauron...

A wonderful, magical vignette, Haleth.Somehow I had misssed it and it
was a welcome surprise. COngratulations.
-----------------------------------
Title: Finding the Right Words · Author: Nienor Niniel · Races: Men:
Post-Sauron's Fall · ID: 785
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 18:27:47
Faramir, as much as success in battle, is the reason Aragorn became
king. His decision willingly to hand the throne to Isildur's heir is a
very brave - and honourable one. And you are right - there must have
been so much work to do in order to make it possible (and at such a
difficult time, too!) And, to my mind, perhaps the wisest thing Aragorn
did at this time was to bind Faramir to him in love and loyalty.

And trust Faramir to brood over doing the thing eloquently! He is right,
though - those words will become part of history. I'm glad Faramir had
faith in those assembling the feast - and that he was able at last to
sit in the black chair as the last ruling Steward. His vision was
definitely comforting and I am so pleased that Denethor was able to
express his pride in his son. Not to mention that Finduilas and Boromir
managed a quick visit!

Most enjoyable tale.
-----------------------------------
Title: Fairy Tales of Middle-Earth · Author: DrummerWench · Genres:
Drama · ID: 261
Reviewer: Perelleth · 2006-11-12 18:29:06
We know that Tolkien drank on existent sources of north european fairy
tales and folk lore and mythology in his attempt at creating a mythology
for England, so it is no surprise that well known fairy tales ( which do
exist as well in more distant cultures) fit so perfectly in Middle-earth
settings.

The idea is wondrous, and the result is perfect. The tone is absolutely
fairy tale-esque. The language and the characters are perfectly chosen.
I love them all, from the loving Druedain couple in cloak ties, to the
origin of the Beornids or the Wooden boy. I also loved particularly The
Golden Wood, and of course Spiderweb. It seems to me that you have
managed to undercover the actual substance of Tolkien's work, in a way
that makes it even closer to me. Very good job.
-----------------------------------
Title: In a Heartbeat · Author: Piplover · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 928
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-12 18:33:19
I enjoyed that! I suspect that there won't be any outdoor councils for a
while, though. And only Aragorn's deep affection for his hobbit
companions must have made it possible for him to endure the whispering
and giggling! But Pippin was so courageous to leap without question to
Aragorn's rescue - and I loved Arwen and Pippin's response to her. It
would help him understand Gimli's devotion to Galadriel.

Good thing Pippin is on the mend. Now he's eating, it won't take long!
-----------------------------------
Title: Arwen's Heart · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Romance · ID: 139
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-11-12 18:42:07
What a joy this story is! I read it at Stories of Arda as it was posted,
and just re-read most of it again, promising myself that when I have
more leisure, I will got back yet again to linger self-indulgently.
Bodkin's wonderful blend of humor and drama and her vivid prose make
this tale come alive. The characters are wonderful, and their
interactions detailed and loving.

I don't find the interweavings of exact quotes from Tolkien very
convincing, however. "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen" is in a very
different style of heroic romance, which does not meld well with the
novelist's art. Couldn't you recast these scenes in your own words? As
it is, it pulls me out of the story, and instead of living breathing
beings I see before me stock figures from the Appendix.

This is not meant to put Tolkien down--not at all--but simply to point
out a different style of storytelling. I don't think they blend
successfully.

Aside from that, my only complaint about this lovely story is the end.
Sorry, but it rings so false! Please, can't you leave it to the reader
to decide? That's as Tolkien left it, too--and in that he is more real
than your tale. Yes, it's a fantasy, but this is taking fairy tale
endings a bit far. Not only do they LIVE happily ever after, but they
DIE happily ever after too.
-----------------------------------