Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Somewhere to Belong · Author: Lily · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest ·
ID: 942
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 05:07:57
Pippin is ill and staying at Bag End with Frodo and Bilbo; and in
missing his own parents reawakens Frodo's memories of his own.

Very sad, and yet thoughtful and reassuring at the same time.
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Title: Fire and Flowering · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Incomplete · ID: 58
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 05:39:03
Raksha has done so well here in examining how physical and emotional
closeness has flowered between Eowyn and Faramir. Well written and
thoughtful, and well worth the read.
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Title: For the Moon to Lead, and All the Stars to Follow · Author:
annmarwalk · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 200
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 05:42:29
Oh, Ann, how this story delights me, the story of the woman who once
loved Denethor in vain, and now finds a moment of memory fulfilled as
she finally dances with Denethor's son. Lovely indeed.
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Title: Letters in the sand · Author: Rhapsody · Races: Elves: Feanorians
· ID: 176
Reviewer: Alassante · 2006-11-18 05:45:35
This story is proof positive that Rhapsody can take a little plot bunny
and turn it into a masterpiece. Who else would see the Feanorian letters
as a story idea and craft it so skillfully? Maglors pain is evident in
every word she has written. The way he continues to draw the letters in
the sand thinking of what each letter means, avoids other elves, thinks
of the Silmaril as she that betrayed him, looks for the reason to go
on but deep down knowing he has no choice other than to continue as he
always has; alone and haunted by his past.

Why do I seek forgetfulness when my unconscious self reminds me of what
I am, forever my fathers pawn.

He is still aware of the fact that he is forever his fathers son. No
matter how much he wishes it away.

The audacity of the Valar, who set the blood of my father on fire,
became mine when I heard of Eonwës arrogant claims to what was ours.

Despite everything, he is still full of rage at the Valar. Not seeing
the full scope of things still after all this time.

I remember how her essence shortly mingled with my fëa, the force set
upon me, filling my mind with one thing as punishment. The jewels
spirit taunted me, ripped my already tenuous mind into pieces, while I
only knew one way out, to throw her far away from me.

Ive always thought of the Silmarils as having a life of their own and
this part shows that as well. And Maglor was being driven to madness by it.

Yet, I am still alive, serving as a living memory of my kin.

He doesnt see that he was spared death that his brothers were not 
instead he sees it as a punishment, which in reality it was.

Silently I beckon the tide to wash it away and I realise that I will
understand it, one day.

But this sentence shows that one spark of hope left in him  to
understand why he does the things he does.

Truly capitivating in such a short story.
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Title: Safe? · Author: Ainu Laire · Genres: Drama: Featuring Frodo or
Sam · ID: 271
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 05:48:01
Danger has a way of slipping into many places, and its possible presence
disturbs the rest of both Frodo and Aragorn. A gentle tale.
-----------------------------------
Title: Shattered Twilight · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: First Age
Elves · ID: 247
Reviewer: Alassante · 2006-11-18 06:08:23
Maeglin is such a complex character. On one hand he betrayed the elves
of Gondolin and caused countless deaths but on the other hand, he had
such a horribly life with his father, Eol. Then seeing his mother
murdered before him, falling in love with his cousin only to lose her to
a man, a lowly second born in his mind. Less tragic circumstances have
driven men to go insane and have a moment of bad judgement. Okay, really
bad judgement. And in reality, many of the elves in Middle Earth
suffered much worse so that doesnt justify his actions. This story
shows how obsessed he was with Idril, to the point of madness, much like
his father was driven to madness by a woman. You almost feel sorry for
him because he did a lot to win her affections and Morgoth wisely used
that weakness against him. Rhapsody has captured the true essense of his
demise, not his hatred for Tuor or the people of Gondolin as much as his
obsessive love for Idril.

All these memories are engraved in my mind and even now, my beautiful
Idril, you are the only thing I can think of while the wind cannot bear
my weight and the cold air encompasses my body. Death will be imminent
soon, my life is laid in ruin, and yet all I want is you.

He doesnt even see at the point of his death the error of his ways  he
just sees her.

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Title: The Summons · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Times: The Great
Years: The Fellowship · ID: 254
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-18 06:11:39
I'm still chuckling over the scene of Boromir demonstrating Thorongil's
famous sword-plays to Aragorn and gushing about Gondor's great hero,
while Gandalf is hiding his considerable amusement. The story fills the
gap that Tolkien left in terms of whether Aragorn discussed his time as
Thorongil to Boromir, and if so, when. Gandalf's Apprentice carries it
all off with sparkling prose and sympathetic characterisation - Boromir
and Aragorn are well-written here, and the writer makes the reader
keenly mourn the latter's loss all over again. (though, as G.A. and
Tolkien both characterize Boromir, it's clear that Faramir would make a
better Steward for Aragorn)
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Title: Lembas, Shmembas · Author: Rabidsamfan · Genres: Non-Fiction ·
ID: 850
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-18 06:19:45
This is a very thoroughly researched essay about those magic, nifty
Elven-crackers that helped sustain Frodo and Sam through the last legs
of their quest. The writer proposes an interesting an unusual theory
concerning the lembas wafers' effects and Galadriel's motives and
attitude in gifting the hobbits with them.

Extra points for the uniqueness of the subject matter, and the writer's
research efforts.
-----------------------------------
Title: Book Learning · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 910
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 06:23:15
A most delightful tale of uncertain newlyweds seeking knowledge on how
to "do it rightly" from books or friends. And Eowyn's final decision to
accept the instruction she receives is wonderful.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Gift of Time · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 812
Reviewer: Alassante · 2006-11-18 06:24:02

Arathorn is not a character I know much about nor have I seen a lot of
fan fiction written about him so this was a rare treat. The child of the
ranger was a great original character, rather than using the wife to get
the point across. It was especially poignant considering the fact that
Arathorn died long before Aragorn was at that age, probably not long
after this discussion took place. Not knowing his history so well I am
not sure if he would have seen Aragorn again before he died since he was
killed when Aragorn was only 3 and Rhapsody mentions he was a baby. But
the point is still there, he foolishly thinks he still has enough time
but is aware how important time is. A good thing for all of the warriors
of Middle Earth to keep in mind since their lives often ended
tragically. This little ficlet was a great way to deliver that message
but it wasnt overly heavy so you felt like you were being constantly
reminded of the moral of the story, like a public service announcement.
Rhapsody kept it light while focusing on the boy and Arathorns
awareness of how he must keep things from this child because he is too
young. But even he realizes that too young or not, he could be needed to
help in a fight. And like all boys at that age, he was ready and willing
to grow up way too fast. Arathorns graceful avoidance of the truth was
true kindness to the fallen warrior. No one needed to know the horrid
details of his death other than those who can never forget, try as they
might.

-----------------------------------
Title: A Yule Visit · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 981
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 06:29:01
Frodo has come to Crickhollow against his previous declaration to spend
what proves to be his last Yule in the Shire with Merry and Pippin, and
briefly they find the warmth they had and that they begin to realize
will soon be lost.

A most gentle tale of unspoken farewells to the past.
-----------------------------------
Title: Perspectives · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 991
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 06:40:44
Oh, but I can so see this happening, the joy and the grief and the
healing and the peaking in at beloved ones throughout Middle Earth while
traveling with Earendil.

Very thought-provoking and delightful. Finrod, Celebrimbor, and Frodo
himself show us part of Frodo's healing in Tol Eressea.
-----------------------------------
Title: Inside Out · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor: The Shire ·
ID: 636
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 06:46:07
I swear that no one can elicit a giggle from me when reading one of her
stories more than Grey Wonderer; and this one of Pippin managing to
trick Merry is indeed a delight. Most wonderful laugh, my friend.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of Flustering and Blustering · Author: Rhapsody · Races:
Cross-Cultural: With Hobbits · ID: 811
Reviewer: Alassante · 2006-11-18 06:46:53
As a non-Hobbit fancier, I rarely read Hobbit stories but Rhapsody is
one of the writers I do enjoy her Hobbits. They have a child like
quality without being childish which is a hard thing for a lot of
authors to write. Her Bilbo is truly delightful. And I enjoyed the fact
she included a young Gimli in this tale as well as Gandalf and Gloin,
two characters not often explored. Her Gandalf is very true to the
version of the movie and book prior to the Fellowship. His love of the
Hobbits is very evident throughout as well as his admiration of Bilbo.
Gloins respect for Hobbits, Bilbo in particular, is also obvious.
Gimlis curiosity about Mithril was interesting since he shows it once
again in the mines of Moria and when talking about the Mithril shirt
that Frodo received from Bilbo. This is a cute piece but I like the fact
that she shows a touch of the paranoia that would soon overtake Bilbo
where the Ring was concerned. Always present in his mind is the threat
that the Ring might be discovered and taken from him and like a
Feanorian and a Silmaril, he clings to it though it makes him slightly
crazy. Even then, he is aware that the Ring acts differently when
Gandalf is around and he thinks it means to desert him - showing the
Ring as having a mind of its own which we know it does.

-----------------------------------
Title: Arwen's Heart · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Romance · ID: 139
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 06:48:59
Had another not suggested this, I would have nominated it myself.

A beautiful look at how Arwen might indeed have come to know Aragorn and
realize she was meant to tie her fate to his, as well as the family's
concerns about what she was choosing and its implications to themselves,
their Estel, and Middle Earth itself.

The writing is rich and lyrical, and well worth the reading. The imagery
is sharp and in keeping with the Master's own writing. And I certainly
hope that I might do anywhere as well looking at this romance and its
conclusion, which is deeply spiritual in nature.
-----------------------------------
Title: Requiem · Author: Rhapsody · Times: First Age and Prior:
Incomplete · ID: 218
Reviewer: Alassante · 2006-11-18 07:07:32
Wow  this is my first time reading this whole story and I am thrilled
with the end result of her hard work on it. Rhapsodys story of the bond
between a man and his dog is wonderful. As a dog lover, Im glad to have
read this about this special animal. Sadness at his death despite his
betrayal shows some goodness still left in Celegorm despite the fact he
was at his almost lowest point, after the kidnapping of Luthian. I love
how Rhapsody implied that Luthian wasnt all good and wonderful, in fact
she was a little bit of a betrayer herself. As a complete and total Mary
Sue, Luthian always made me roll my eyes a bit as I think a lot of
people did. Perhaps it is the fact I am still firmly in the
Noldo/Feanorian camp that I see her much like Rhapsody implied she was.
She used Celegorm and took advantage of Huan. And in his final moments
even the dog realized it which while touching was almost funny  a
fitting justice for Mary Sue, to have a dog see through you too. In the
end, the sorrow of Huan after being released from the halls was very
sad. Anyone who has left their dog at the vet knows how devastating it
is for a loyal dog to be separated from their person and how their
eyes light up when they are reunited. Wonderful story and truly an
original idea. Rhapsody truly amazes me with her rabid plot bunnies
taking shape so beautifully.

-----------------------------------
Title: The Gift · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age and Prior ·
ID: 131
Reviewer: Alassante · 2006-11-18 07:32:56
I must confess that when I see any story with Celebrimbor in it, I squee
a little bit. Throw in a few of his uncles or his father and Im a happy
camper for sure. Celebrimbors history is so vague until he separates
from his father to stay with Finrods people and the details of
Curufins wife also have never been stated in HoME or the Silmarillion,
so I like it when people explore what may have been. Dawn has written a
sad tale of the parting of Curufin and his son from his wife and the
effect it had on Celegorm as well. Seeing Celebrimbor as a child, still
innocent of the crimes his family committed was nice, even though his
fate ends up being bad despite whether he was guilty of kinslaying or
not. I did enjoy the tale of brotherly competition between Curufin and
Celegorm, in fact I giggled a bit when he mentioned how their rooms had
connecting doors but they stayed locked. And both of them thought the
other one had it so much better  so true of siblings. Celegorm had the
looks and could have any elleth (except Luthian of course lol) he wanted
in Curufins eyes. Curufin had been doted on by Feanor in Celegorms
eyes. Both fell in love with the same elleth. In the end Celegorm
realizes his brothers love was more important which shows a tenderness
to Celegorm that was very endearing. The final part with the snow
falling and making both Celebrimbor and Celegorm both laugh was a
fitting end to a sweet story.
-----------------------------------
Title: Last Rites · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Drama · ID: 80
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 07:38:48
This is the second author I've seen portray Boromir as one who found his
love in another man. This was very gently portrayed and with
sensitivity. And Pippin's ability to see the truth of Imrahil's
armsmaster's love for Boromir and accept it shows that the Tooks indeed
see father than most Hobbits.
-----------------------------------
Title: Boats To Build · Author: Nancy Brooke · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 300
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2006-11-18 07:43:18
For main text matter as with subtext matter, this story just shines like
the summer sun. The writing style is smooth and polished, like a stone
which has lain long in a rushing stream and, like the same stone, it has
a natural wieght and solidity to it which anchors it so firmly in
reality that one might easily forget this is a work of fan fiction. It
actually reads like original fiction, taking on a breath of life all its
own. The writer has done her research well, in regards to knowlege of
source material, yet more importantly, at least to my mind, the writer
has done her research into the human condition. Dialogue is a strong
point in this story, and the writer has done well, giving us just enough
information so that we can easily visualize it without the cumbersome
heavy-handedness of decriptive with too much detail. Equal attention has
been given to decriptives and characterizations. It is bittersweet, yet
does not cloy, so I also have to praise this writer for the emotinal
content as well. This is an honest tale, which makes it the very best
kind to read. It was a pleasure to read through and through, and I
cannot recommend it enough.
-----------------------------------
Title: Once Upon a Memory · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 665
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2006-11-18 07:47:44
This is a lovely, gentle and poignant story filled with pathos written
by an author whose body of work speaks for itself. I loved the
characterizations, dialogue, setting and gentle humor as well as the
interaction between the characters. From prologue to end, it is an
enjoyable, warm look through a window into the memory and consciousness
of a most endearing character. The story and characters are approached
with gentle love for the source material, and attention to small details
lends this tale a very genuine feel. Her dialogue is sound, and the plot
quite realistc. I loved the idea of Ollie's Faunt. This is a small
sampling of the sweet humor the writer weilds with subtle grace. She has
her characters firmly in mind and hand, and the story arc travels well
into the adult life of Merry and Pippin, ending on a sweetly poignant
end which conveys a sense of hope. In fact, all of the emotional content
has been just excellent. The writer handles her work with a quite
discernable arc of growing talent and I feel this story is completely
worth the time it took to write and to read. It was certainly worth this
reader's time to review, and is an obvious clue as to the readability
and love interwoven in this tale, and in every story she writes.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Healer's Tale · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits · ID: 861
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 07:48:20
Oh, the look at the life of the Thain's healer as she finds herself
watching perhaps the end of the life of Peregrin Took while remembering
the beginning of her relationship with him. A fascinating see-sawing
between two eras, and the joy of knowing such a fascinating original
character. Well worth the reading.
-----------------------------------
Title: All Is Well · Author: Gryffinjack · Times: Late Third Age: The
Shire · ID: 969
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 08:02:33
When Frodo begins reading the story of the Last Alliance, Pippin dreams
of himself fighting in an army of Men against horrible creatures. But,
is it indeed but a dream?

An interesting examination of Tookish foresight.
-----------------------------------
Title: Seabird's Cry · Author: Primsong · Genres: Drama: Poetry · ID: 898
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 08:05:37
A very clever means of expressing the sea longing endured by the Prince
of Mirkwood.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Short Cut · Author: Garnet Took · Races: Hobbits: Friendship
· ID: 827
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 08:09:56
A delightful look at Pippin managing to show up his beloved cousin Merry
one day.
-----------------------------------
Title: Nothing of Note · Author: Primsong · Times: Late Third Age: The
Shire · ID: 43
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 08:12:39
I spent a series of joyful evenings reading this the first time I went
through it, and rejoiced throughout.

This is a wonderful look at how Bilbo worked himself up to adopting
Frodo, complete with a journey to the Elf Towers of the Western Marches,
stumbles through swamps, and the contrived haunting of Bag End when it
is invaded by Lotho and his friends, intent on stealing Bilbo's reported
will, not to mention visits from a group of Dwarves from Erebor,
including the memorable Grumblin, who appears intent on living up to his
name.

A marvelously well-written tale and full worthy of consideration. I've
done my best to get others reading Primsong's work, which is humorous
and full of marvelous puns. The Master himself would love this one, I think!
-----------------------------------