Yahoo Forum Archive

Within a week we grew from 17 author reviews to 295 currently (simply
wow!), so I will start to post the author review check ballot as well.

Author: Gandalfs apprentice · ID: 175 · Genres: Drama [107]:
Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-08-16 05:08:25
I loved this unusual drabble told from the point of view of Shadowfax.
The noble steed is not happy at first to be ridden, but what horse can
resist Gandalf who charms the noble stallion and eventually hails him as
his brother.
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Author: Lady Bluejay · ID: 632 · Genres: Romance [51]: General
Reviewer: Inglor · 2006-08-17 04:17:52
I started reading LBJ on a whim. I normally stay in Sil territory but
decided to spread my wings a little. I was not dissapointed. Once I read
Kissing is Different, I was hooked and ravenously consumed every thing
she has written. I enjoy her style and easy technique. I will go so far
as to say it is LBJ's characterization of Eomer and especially Lotheriel
are how I now personify them. As far as I am concerned she has done for
Eomer and Lotheriel (Lotheriel especially) what Marnie and Finch have
done for Celeborn and Finrod.
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Author: Bodkin · ID: 411 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: General
Reviewer: Inglor · 2006-08-17 04:38:29
Where to begin? Another author I stumbled onto, I originally started
reading her "Returned to Valinor" fics by accident. The attention to
detail and "realism", if I can use that term refering to anything in
Fantasy, is what sucked me into Bodkin's writing. I found it intriguing
how easily she rooted the elves to nature in a most logical and yet
unimagined (by me) way. Her writing has an elegance that few writers
that I have read can match. She is in my personal pantheon of FF writer's.

The subtle and not so subtle complexities between characters is worth
paying for. And she gives this Sil geek plenty of First Age characters
in Legolas centered fics (fics which I normally avoid in the same
fashion I avoid statistics problems).

She deals with the issue of rehousing in a way that is usually avoided,
delving deep into not only how the rehoused are recieved but how the
rehoused deal with being alive again.

If she could accept payment, I would.
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Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-08-19 15:11:36
Nobody, but nobody, writes little Boromir and Faramir with such wit,
affection, and absolute truth as Edoraslass! Its quite clear she has
many years of experience in working with young children; she understands
their sometimes convoluted thought processes, their delights and fears
and interesting way with language.

In terms of her bitties, Boromir and Faramir, Edoraslass demonstrates
tremendous insight, working backwards from the adult characters we know
and love to show us how their childhoods shaped them. Boromir is adored,
indulged, yet learns quickly to accept and protect his younger brother
(even while sometimes outraged by his actions). Faramir is,
interestingly, not drawn as overly shy or withdrawn, just developing at
his own pace (while listening carefully and absorbing everything). The
clashes between the two youngsters are splendid and vivid and very, very
true to life; but the strength of their devotion to each other is always
shining through.

Another delightful aspect of Edoraslasss writing is her incredible
attention to detail. Every element in a story, whether it be a stuffed
pony, a leather belt pouch, or a second course at a banquet, is
described perfectly, without the description being intrusive to the
story- its as if each item has its own embedded history, which we
absorb just by the fact that the item is there.

Dialogue  did I mention her skill with dialog? Some of the
conversations between the bitties just make me laugh out loud for joy 
theyre the kinds of things my own children would have said, only better

In addition to the expert characterization of the bitties, the Nanny
herself is quite well drawn. Throughout Edoraslasss full body of Bitty
stories (posted at Stories of Arda as Under My Wing) we get small
hints of Nannys own story, and how she came to develop the wealth of
humor, understanding, and skill that will enable her to raise those boys
to become the men we love. Professionally, Nanny is strong without being
overbearing, loving without being overly indulgent; personally, she is
just a bit shy of her citadel co-workers, nervous of life in the City,
and a bit intimidated by the fearsome Denethor. The manner in which she
conquers her fears and earns her lords respect is both realistic and
inspiring.

(Im submitting this review under the Humor category because, well,
life with children is mostly humor, with moments of drama and adventure.
Though sometimes child-rearing does seem like an Alternate Universe, too.)


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Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-08-19 15:38:17
Im always a bit stunned by how effortlessly you seem to change from the
author of the lighthearted Bitty stories, to the woman who coolly gives
us both the horrific NotQuiteDead!Denethor of Come When You Are Ready
and NotAltogetherAlive!Finduilas of Do Not Think Me A Dream. Its
quite indicative of your skill and imagination that you so deftly take
on these personas, intuit their tales with compassion and grace, and
pass them on to us.

All your writing is a feast to read, but your erotica is sublime 
subtle, understated, yet conveying such heat and passion that it takes
my breath away. Even your drabbles, such as Following Orders, are
startlingly original, precise, and pack a wallop either by
characterization, or dialogue, or just the awesomeness of your premise.

The original or unexplored canon characters youve given us - Theodred,
Imriel, Randir, Nanny  are living, breathing, people with full lives
that existed outside the story. Their lives will continue when the story
is done, even if we are not there to see it. Does this make sense? Let
me try it another way: its not as if they are minor characters, plucked
out of nowhere to exist for a few hundred words on a page. They are real
people, taking time out of their busy lives to talk to us. Thank you for
finding them so we could meet and hear them.
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Author: Branwyn · ID: 240 · Genres: Adventure [10]: General
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2006-08-19 19:01:00
Id like to commend Branwyn for her characterization of Denethor in the
stories By the Light of Ëarendils Star and Last Defense of the City.

Far from the cartoonish madman of the film, her Denethor is a loving and
compassionate father who has felt himself forced to present a powerful,
controlled persona to his people. Every parent reading Ëarendil can
empathize with his despair when he believes Faramir to be dead; share
his elation and, moments later, worry when he discovers his child alive,
but severely wounded.

Last Defense of the City presents a powerful vision of
Denethor-who-might-have been, firm in his commitment to his duties as
Steward, and resolute in his defense of the City of Kings.
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Author: Ruby Nye · ID: 262 · Races: Hobbits [106]: General
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-19 20:52:35
I don't read all that much of Ruby Nye's work, since a good deal of it
is rated NC-17, but I always appreciate it when she writes something
which is G or PG. Her hobbits are so cheerful and hobbity, and care
about one another so much. She never makes the mistake of making hobbits
too "human".
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Author: Dawn Felagund · ID: 602 · Races: Elves [38]: General
Reviewer: digdigil · 2006-08-22 14:11:20
This delightful, unusual story is remarkable on several levels.

First, the author has brilliantly told the story of a complicated family
and their highly, exquisitely complicated, sometimes abrasive
relationships encapsulated within one characters thoughts and memories
as he goes shopping for paper on which to write. The authors skill in
setting up the conflict in this story is remarkable.

The thought progression as the protagonist walks and shops, reflecting
upon the relationships he has with his family membersreminiscing about
the dramatic disagreements that seem to fuel their daily livesis very
cleverly done. The characterizations shown here are excellent. The
author uses wonderful imagery to create the mood and illustrate the
protagonists thoughts. All of the descriptive details are beautiful in
this story. From the visualizations of people and places, to the flights
of fancy of the main character, the author is able to involve the reader
completely in the story.

There is an unexpected surprise at the end, which is a pure delight to
discover, when our hero skips along the street smelling his fresh paper,
and then bumps into a surprise characterthe maiden who distracts the
protagonist and causes him to drop his precious paper in the dirt.

This remarkably funny and whimsical story was a sheer delight to read,
being both humorous and wistful at the same time. It would brighten
anyones day, with its brilliant descriptions, wonderful imagery and
imaginative characterizations.




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Author: Anso the Hobbit · ID: 386 · Races: Hobbits [106]: General
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-24 23:25:53
Anso specializes in Merry h/c. She has a deep understanding of Meriadoc
Brandybuck, and clearly loves him very much. She also has a sure handle
on his relationships with Pippin and Frodo. I especially love her
pre-Quest fics, in which young Merry is still learning who he is. Her
Esmeralda is a delight, warm and gracious, and Saradoc is an excellent
father. What appeals to me most about her stories is how much they are
about family love--they are very warm and caring!

What makes her work even more amazing is that English is not her first
language!
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Author: Bodkin · ID: 411 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: General
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-24 23:35:34
There are only a few Elf writers whom I regularly read, and Bodkin is at
the top of my short list. She has a very sure grasp of her Elves, and
does not allow herself to lose sight of the fact that they *are* Elves.
And yet at the same time she makes them very personable and accessible.
I love the "politics" of Valinor in the Fourth Age which she has
developed, and her OCs are as interesting to read as her canon
characters. When she occasionally ventures away from Elves, she does
well also--I especially like her take on Pippin, for example, and she
has written about young Eowyn and Eomer as well.

But it is Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir who seem to have her heart, and
it shows.
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Author: Elanor · ID: 591 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-24 23:38:49
Elanor's "A Secret Gate" is only the second of two stories that I know
of by her, the other being a story of Merry in the Houses of Healing
called "Left Behind". But though she is not prolific, her stories are
incredibly rich in detail. Each and every chapter is like a jewel in a
perfect setting. She is very good with characterization--her characters
are strong and full of life. She has a sure grasp of canon characters,
and her OCs are strong enough to stand with them without being
overwhelmed. And her powers of description border on the poetic. It is
clear from reading her work how deeply she loves and respects
Middle-earth and its creator.
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Author: Dana · ID: 264 · Genres: Alternate Universe [22]: General
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-24 23:39:46
I really love Dana's writing. Her style is her greatest strength. She
writes in an intensely personal present-tense, which lends a very vivid
and visceral immediacy to the emotions of the point-of-view character.
In addition to that, her attention to all the sensory details gives each
story a lyrical, almost poetical sound. And yet at the same time there
is also something rather dreamlike about it--especially the shorter
stories which take place at night. Although she writes a lot of
slash--the more graphic of which I do not read--her stories are a good
deal more about love and faith than they are about lust. I do wish she
would write more in the G or PG range, but she is venturing into longer
fics, which is encouraging.
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Author: Primsong · ID: 586 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-24 23:47:13
There are not many authors who specialize in stories about Bilbo, but
Primsong does so delightfully. She makes him come alive--one can easily
see in him both his Tookish and his Baggins sides--both very well
balanced. He loves his adventure, but he also loves his comfort. He is
very much "canon" Bilbo! This comes across not only in her nominated
stories, but in her WIP, "Stone of Erebor", which deals with Bilbo's
second visit to the Lonely Mountain. She has a delightful light style,
and a very dry sense of humor. I really enjoy her work, and wish there
were more of it!
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Author: Mews1945 · ID: 592 · Races: Hobbits [106]: General
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-08-24 23:50:49
Mews1945 writes a lovely Frodo. Even as a young Frodo, he has a certain
wisdom and dignity that is beautiful to behold. Her style is gentle and
warm and poetic, rich in the kinds of details that bring a scene to
life. There is a sort of luminous quality to her prose. I very much
enjoy her stories!
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Author: MysteriousWays · ID: 382 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2006-10-21 14:40:04
I truly feel that humor is one of MysteriousWays stong areas. She has a
clever mind and a quick wit that results in those unique ways of looking
at life in a way that makes others laugh out loud. She has two humor
stories nominated this year and they are both gems. Her humor also peeks
out in some of her other stories (not necessarily the ones nominated
this year) and sets the reader laughing merrily, lightening up the more
serious tone of some of her stories.

MysteriousWays is just an overall good writer and I wish she could come
back to Marigold's Challenges, at least from time to time as her real
life allows.
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Author: Ghettoelleth · ID: 237 · Genres: Drama [107]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-10-24 14:10:45
Ghettoelleth has this unique approach to writing her drabbles, in just
merely hundred words she manages to pack so much detail and
storytelling, but still keeps it to an utter pleasant read for the
reader. Whether it is a sensual portrayal of a canon pairing to Valar
debating about something crucial [(although not nominated, but oi your
Maeglin drabbles are so good)], G writes it in such a manner that it
completely makes sense to you as a reader. The dry words of the
professor are turned into a special work with so much joy and love for
writing & Tolkien. Even more, all of her drabbles I read, carry this
evocative, and thought provoking power. I lost track of the many moments
where I finished reading a drabble and thought: well how about that!
Most often followed with... how do you do that in 100 words!

Her writing technique of drabbles in this respect excellent, with flow
and grace in wording, which gives us well fleshed out characters in
these specific works.
But as for writing drama, I know G can lift out those often overlooked
details and give them a spin, a different angle, making you even
sympathise with the antagonist in the story. This is simply the mark of
a great writer. Needless to say G, I am going to miss the way you give
'your' Valar a voice. You have a new journey ahead of you, so yes I will
miss you.
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Author: Ghettoelleth · ID: 237 · Times: First Age and Prior [23]: General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-10-24 14:33:55
A part of me is sad with the knowledge that Ghettoelleth's work [House
of Finwë] will not be finished. G has a great command of the
Silmarillion and the adjacent works of Tolkien, there is not much she
doesn't know, but the challenge is though to bring those characters to
life and make the reader sympathise with them. But also, in this case
she remained within the word limit of a fixed length work. In all of
this G succeeds with effort. She skilfully gives us for just a moment an
insight in the characters minds, in this case their final moments,
which are incredibly intense and/or action packed. I often wondered if
there was not something G could not write, but indeed she can! The Valar
have her love the most, followed by the Fëanorians (Caranthir
specifically) but then it has to be said that she simply loves
everything in Tolkiens universe.

G is to be praised to bring the events of this age - but also beyond -
in a simple and comprehendible manner. On top of that within her works
she lays the foundations of great storytelling and magnificent character
building. Nothing is what it seems, and sometimes things are simpler
than one thinks. So it isn't always the case that Tolkien is written
easier, but she simply brings a new dimension to the fandom. Her choice
of words, especially when it comes down to limited word usage, is simply
brilliant: why spend a lot of words while just simply one can cover it
all? Brava G! Good luck on your new journey!
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Author: Bodkin · ID: 411 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-11-11 00:57:33
Bodkin is one of those authors who brings a chuckle, often one I didn't
see coming, through a deft touch and sure sense of timing, real-sounding
dialogue and well-drawn characters.
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Author: Bodkin · ID: 411 · Races: Cross-Cultural [28]: General
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-11-11 01:00:08
Bodkin writes hobbits and elves conversing in a way that puts the
spotlight on their common characteristics, without ever losing sight of
their differences. Excellent characterisations, realistic dialogue, good
description that pulls the reader into the scene.
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Author: Budgielover · ID: 241 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-11-11 01:03:37
I find Budgielover's stories difficult to read: Often I come to the end
of a chapter and realise I've been holding my breath since somewhere
close to the first line. Her characters are nicely drawn and
distinguished, her descriptions put the reader into the scene, and the
action scenes are breathtaking, or should I say breath-holding?
Characteristic is her leaving a character in a tight spot and then
turning attention to another character, ratcheting up the drama and
tension very effectively.
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Author: Auntiemeesh · ID: 395 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-11-11 01:06:29
This author's stories have been few, lately, but always "choice"--of
superior quality, I mean. Good characterisation, wonderful description,
skilled at showing what's going on inside a character's mind while
keeping the story moving.
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Author: Cuthalion · ID: 407 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-11-11 01:08:51
I am astonished whenever I read one of Cuthalion's stories to think that
English is not her first language. Skilful description, real-sounding
dialogue.
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Author: Inkling · ID: 283 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-11-11 01:11:32
Inkling is another of those authors whose name I watch for. I'd like to
see more from her pen. Or keyboard. Or whatever. I especially like her
characterisation of Frodo.
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Author: Lady Galadriel · ID: 638 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-11-11 01:14:52
Lady Galadriel writes, if I may say so, with a sensitivity and skill
beyond her years. I look forward to reading more from this author in future.
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Author: GamgeeFest · ID: 269 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-11-11 01:18:35
Gamgeefest has an evident love and respect for hobbits, writing adults
as adults and children, definitely, as children! I have only just been
introduced to this author's stories, and look forward to reading more.
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