Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Discretion · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Humor · ID: 286
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 08:14:16
This is one of the most hilarious stories I've read here, and certainly
got my own mind turning, trying to think of phrases they might possibly
have been using. I found it most stimulating, to the point I was
inspired to add my own story to the saga.

Bodkin's inventiveness and sense of fun in this story is well, well
worth the read, and I still enjoy revisiting it at times.
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Title: The River · Author: Indigo Bunting · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 51
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 08:14:43
I'd wished to nominate this myself, but found another had beaten me to it.

A most worthy tale, and extraordinarily well told, of an interruption to
the quest when Sam and Legolas find themselves swept away from the rest
of the Fellowship by a flooded river, then captured by agents from
Mordor. Have been following this for months and intend to see it through
to its conclusion.

Language usage is perfect, characters marvelously realized, the courage
of Sam beyond belief and therefore perfectly in keeping with what we
know of his nature. A truly stunning story, and one well worth
following. Hope she updates SOON!
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Title: A Length of Haradric Silk · Author: annmarwalk · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor · ID: 69
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 08:15:16
Another of Ann's short treasures, in which Sam, walking through the
markets of Minas Tirith finds the perfect fabric to take home to his
Rosie, and from which she makes her wedding dress (in my version, at least).

To say so much in so few words is quite a gift, and the imagery of this
short vignette is very fine and moving. And it says a good deal of the
wishes Sam is now finally able to face and look forward to fulfilling.

A beautiful short scene.
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Title: Tolkien's Use of Expletives · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Non-Fiction · ID: 147
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2006-11-18 17:33:30
Heavens to Betsy, and, [Great glory and splendour]! What a gratifying
treat to read your essay. I came here trying to find out who you were.
It's rather late in the day to read your fic for reviewing, Dreamflower,
but I couldn't resist opening your essay when I saw it's title.

Inappropriate use of language in Tolkien fic is one of my pet peeves,
whether the author is using vocabulary that is alien to Tolkien because
it is out of place, time, character, or literary mood. I mean, I'll
still read a story that grabs me emotionally, even if the author insists
on putting modern expletives in the mouths of the characters, or uses
words Tolkien would *never* have used in the narrative voice. But I
still cringe reading dialogue littered with phrases more appropriate to
"Bridget Jones Diary", or a late-twentieth-century northern California
group therapy session, than Tolkien's sub-creation. Each time, it yanks
me out of the story, sending me into time-out for head-shakings and
tut-tutting's, which stop the flow of the reading.

But you say it better:

["By making use of the words he used, or, if using words or phrases not
on the above list, attempting to keep the flavor of the expressions he
used, one may keep a little closer to the style and spirit of JRRT himself.

And it will help to keep ones readers from being jolted out of Arda and
being unexpectedly dropped back into our own world."]

*standing ovation*

Thank you for a thoroughly enjoying little essay, and a helpful one,
too, since you provided that handy-dandy annotated list.






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Title: A Whisper From Across the Sea · Author: Gryffinjack · Races:
Hobbits: Post-Grey Havens · ID: 223
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2006-11-18 20:38:38
A very original tale about Frodo making his (and Bilbo's) home in the
Undying Lands, which the author depicts in a most beautiful way. It goes
forward in how much Frodo misses his cousins and dearest friend that he
left behind in Middle-earth and his thoughts are continually with them.
He sends a breath of good wishes upon a steady breeze going in thier
direction...and how each recipient encounters that breeze and good wish
is amazingly written by the author. As I read this lovely story, I
imagined an autumn leaf turning and twisting in a sweet and gentle
breeze, drifing and drifting over the sea with the wind until it reached
the shores of Middle-earth, over the towers, over the borders of the
Shire and then Buckland, finally ending up in Crickhollow, of all
places, lol. I think the author was very creative and original, at
least, I've never read anything of the like before this one. I very much
enjoyed reading this story from beginning to end, and I know anyone else
who reads this special tale will enjoy it, too.
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Title: If I Had It All Again To Do · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond: The Shire · ID: 226
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2006-11-18 20:43:26
A brillinantly written and poignant tale of the last days of not only
the Shire, but of hobbits as we know and love them. The author creates a
main character that we watch hug his family for the last time, leaving
the home in which he grew up and then abandon his roots permanently. He
goes off to make his own way in life diguised as someone other than a
hobbit and marrying and raising a family who would never know the truth
of their lineage. This wonderful and most gifted author has a way of
getting into the psyche of her characters--no matter what plot she is
writing--and draws the reader in as well, which I find truly amazing.
When you read this story, keep the tissues handy--you'll need them!
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Title: The Stories of Our People · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond · ID: 292
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2006-11-18 21:20:26
This story gives a delightful little peek into how the Lord Of The Rings
epic came into being. This isn't a parody or a caricature story, but a
very tastefully and well done recounting of how the author imagined the
Professor had come to create our favourite characters as we know and
love them. It begins with the poor Professor is taking a well desrved
nap when a young lad comes up and makes his discovery of the Man. In
introducing the Professor into the tale, lying upon the grass and
napping against a tree trunk is akin to hobbits and nature; very
comfortable with one another. Neither of the original-character hobbits
are our beloved young lads that we've come to know and love so much, as
they are an unfathomable amount of generations past--"modern", if you
will, but just as charming and hobbity and Shire-like as Pippin, Merry,
Sam, or Frodo. The author mentioned trunks...I wonder if they're the
same trunks that have been an integral part of another set of amusing
o.c. characters and tales she has created. I would love to see her
expound upon *that* one! I have enjoyed each and every tale Pearl Took
has written--I am never disappointed, and neither will anyone who takes
the time to read her wonderful and exciting tales. Loved this story from
beginning to end!
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Title: A Bad Day Gone Good · Author: MysteriousWays · Genres: Humor: The
Shire · ID: 229
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2006-11-18 21:23:49
This is a very sweet and well-written story about Jolly Cotton and a
wonderful adventure the author takes him on. I absolutely love the
backstory she gives on how he obtained his nickname. She goes into
excellent detail of the relationships with his brothers and sister, and
his parents. By the time she finished with just the backstory, I really
like her young Nibs aka Jolly. When we meet him having his "bad day", it
really is one for the poor lad. Then in the midst of a rainstorm, he
meets up with a Dwarf, which was not unheard of during that time.
Hobbits and Dwarves were well acquainted, though not overly friendly due
to the East-West Road that went through the Shire. I found it a very
enjoyable read--a very delightful story!
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Title: The Remains of Power · Author: Pearl Took · Times: The Great
Years: Vignette · ID: 228
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2006-11-18 21:28:19
Yet another brilliant tale from this author! This story goes deep into
the psyche of Saruman after the downfall of Isengard. Pearl Took has a
gift for psychological thrillers; when you read this story, you get the
feeling that you are definitely in the mind of Saruman who is thinking
these thoughts. Pearl Took is so good at getting inside the head of her
characters--and seeing Saruman's thoughts from the perspective of this
author is almost creepy, lol! Excellent story!
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Title: Discretion · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Humor · ID: 286
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-18 21:57:08
Fascinating and cleverly written story of the consequences over several
millenia of a Dwarvish joke played on the sons of Elrond. I particularly
enjoyed the relationship between the twins and Glorfindel here; and
those amusing secrets of Glorfindel's childhood.
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Title: Frodo's Exciting Day Out · Author: Llinos · Genres: Humor: Parody
· ID: 829
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-11-18 21:59:09
Frodo has quite a day in this hilarious riff on the age-old question,
why didn't Gandalf just get the Eagles to drop the Ring in the fire?
It's been quite a while since a story had me laughing out loud as much
as this one did.

Freely mixing book- and film-verse, Llinos covers pretty much all of
LOTR at a break-neck pace that reminds me of some of the
Shakespeare-in-20-minutes productions I've seen. Highlights include a
myopic Legolas, a seven-foot Gimli, a makeover for Wormtongue, a
palantír stuck on repeat, Merry and Pippin mangling the name of Andúril
Flame of the West, Frodo giving Gollum grammar lessons, and Landroval
devouring Shelob while humming [there were kegs, kegs, of great big
hairy legs, in the Quartermaster's Stores...]. I could go on, but best
just to read it yourself!


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Title: Both Beholden · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 180
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-11-18 22:40:45
I find absolutely irresistible Dwimordenes characterizations in this
short story of both Boromir and Halbarad as well as the knowledge of
Aragorn that is given to the reader through Boromirs observations of
Halbarad. The motivation and the setup is flawless. Boromir may not be
as eloquent as his father or brother, but he certainly knows how to
think and his loyalty and principles are clear. Halbarad, of course, is
Halbarad, very much as Dwimordene has painted him before, and as I have
come to accept him. I havent written of Halbarad but if I ever do,
whether he shades a bit differently in superficial attributes or not, he
will certainly be unable to escape from the imprint of Dwimordenes
portrayal of him here and in other stories. This is a classic,
in-character Halbarad for me.

The use of references to near or ancient history in the telling of this
tale are beautiful layered throughout the text adding depth. I loved
Boromirs dream/vision and his musing on what Faramir might have thought
of it. Also, I found Halbarads ability to discern that something had
happened completely convincing. The description of the other Rangers and
the physical environment are exquisite. My attention is absolutely
riveted from beginning to end in this story, which breaks all the
popular rules of fiction writingin theory nothing happens here. In
actuality the story ends in a total different space from where it
started. We begin in a dark place and end with a glowing flash of hope.
Perfect piece of work. My favorite lines are those of Halbarad:

[&you do not know Aragorn, and no tale I could tell would bring you
closer knowledge of him. &. "I do know him. And this I will say, for
what peace it may give you: knowing him, and knowing what I know of you,
I have no doubt that when the choice comes, you will stand with him,
Steward of Gondor."]

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Title: Assume, Confuse, Consume, Amuse · Author: pipkinsweetgrass ·
Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 648
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2006-11-18 23:03:08
I remember laughing my butt off at the very end of this fantastic voyage
into PipkinSweetgrass's WILD imagination, lol. Yes, she *is* guilty as
charged--for writing utter insanity, wonderful insanity--such brilliant
insanity! I've personally met Pipkin, and she is every bit
self-charachterised here in this tale and her wonderful husband
Beornomir--what you see is what you get.

I laughed til I cried when I read the first tale, "Amuse" with Aragorn
on the receiving end of Pippin and Boromir's little experiment. Pipkin
lets the reader assume something rotten is going on when really her
Boromir and Pippin are completly innocent. I wanted to try that afore
mentioned "experiment" on Lord Denethor when I read what he did to
Boromir's toy soldier in "Confuse". I thought the relationship she
developed between Boromir and Aragorn was great. I got teary-eyed when I
read "Consume", feeling the great weight of guilt upon the shoulders of
young Pippin, a weight he carried while in Lothlorien after Gandalf's
death. There is some beautiful interaction between Pippin, Merry,
Boromir and Aragorn in there.

Pipkin is an amazing author who has created other wonderful stories from
her heart and soul that completely take in the reader from the very
start. This story grabbed me from the first word and I enjoyed reading
every bit. A most excellent story to read!
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Title: The Circle · Author: Karenator · Races: Men · ID: 778
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-18 23:23:55
Skillfully written story about the passage of children into men,
maturity, and of course, Rangers fighting Orcs. The characterisation of
Halbarad and his son Hurin, and their relationship, is really a treat to
read.
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Title: All The Moon Could See · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits:
Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 756
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 23:54:39
Four moments of uncertainty Merry faces, each in its own drabble. Well
done, strong imagery. Well, well worth the read.
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Title: In a Tent Somewhere Near Whitwell or The Truth About Merry ·
Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor: The Shire · ID: 472
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 00:21:58
Didn't I say NO ONE can make me giggle as much as Grey Wonderer does?
Oh, this is hilarious, as hilarious as only a rain-soaked pair of
Hobbits who decide sensibly to shed their wet garments so as to get some
sleep in their dry blankets and then get found by Pippin could be! I
never stopped laughing out loud as I read this story, from the point of
Frodo patiently putting up with Merry's incessant complaints to the
ending where it's suggested that the interest the sheep are showing in
Pippin might possibly be more than one would expect....

Beautiful humor to this one.
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Title: The Age of Men · Author: Marta · Races: Cross-Cultural: With
Hobbits · ID: 401
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 00:27:42
A very wonderful moment of introspection on the part of Treebeard.
Lovely thoughts here, and love the respect shown to our Aragorn.
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Title: Oasis · Author: Radbooks · Times: Late Third Age · ID: 259
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 00:29:33
Loved seeing the moment of Aragorn in Harad. Very wonderful!
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Title: What Goes Around · Author: GamgeeFest · Genres: Humor: Children ·
ID: 188
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 00:50:48
The old curse goes, "May your children be JUST like you." And here we
find that for Merry and Pippin, the apples fail to fall far from the
trees. As for Pippin's story of the treats and the marbles and the
pudding and the Aunt's dress....

Worthwhile giggle.
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Title: Healed · Author: Shirebound · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 117
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 00:54:09
A fascinating AU look at how the healing for the Ringbearers might have
occurred, and very wonderfully told. The premise is very interesting,
and the healing the Hobbits offer Elrond and Celebrian as they find
literally new lives on Tol Eressea is most individual.
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Title: Necessity and Desire · Author: Gwynnyd · Times: The Great Years ·
ID: 173
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 01:06:10
A wonderful look at the relationships between Aragorn, Arwen, and the
twins. This is a well written story of what was going on behind the
scenes in Rivendell from before the waking of Frodo to the Council of
Elrond. Characterizations are well done, and the story is engaging.
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Title: Return to Rivendell · Author: Acacea · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 521
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 01:12:05
A wonderful vignette, a look at Imladris as the spell of the Elven ring
fades.
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Title: But the Scent Still Lingers · Author: Imhiriel · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 947
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 01:15:31
One of the best looks at Aragorn from another's point of view in drabble
forms I've read. Ioreth here shows a depth of memory one doesn't expect
just reading the book.
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Title: 17 Cunning Corsairs · Author: stefaniab · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 244
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 01:27:17
Another nice example of the Days of Yule stories.
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Title: In Darkness Burried Deep · Author: GamgeeFest · Genres: Drama:
Pre-Fellowship · ID: 954
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 01:33:48
Young Frodo feels compelled to prove his courage by entering the Old
Forest, and learns just how antagonistic it is toward those who walk on
two legs; while his family in Brandy Hall are terrified they might not
find him in time.

The story is well written and characterizations are compelling. Filled
with angst and overwhelming love focused on our beloved Frodo. I
couldn't wait when first reading it for the next chapter to be posted.
-----------------------------------