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Msg# 7649
Author Reviews for 24 November Posted by Rhapsody November 24, 2006 - 14:06:35 Topic ID# 7649Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:22:51
Acacea's uses understated yet resonant, idyllic descriptions; combined
with perceptive portrayals of characters and their interactions, the
stories seem inflused with a gentle glow.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Times: Early Third Age [7]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:23:20
Acacea's uses understated yet resonant, idyllic descriptions; combined
with perceptive portrayals of characters and their interactions, the
stories seem inflused with a gentle glow.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:24:51
Acacea's uses understated yet resonant, idyllic descriptions; combined
with perceptive portrayals of characters and their interactions, the
stories seem inflused with a gentle glow.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Races: Men [73]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:26:12
Acacea's uses understated yet resonant, idyllic descriptions; combined
with perceptive portrayals of characters and their interactions, the
stories seem inflused with a gentle glow.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Ribby · ID: 613 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:29:03
Ribby uses narrative viewpoint to very good effect. The detached, cool
narration draws into sharp relief the disturbing events portrayed and
highten the impact, together with well-handled atmosphere.
-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:29:51
Annmarwalk has a marvellous touch for vocabulary - how to use the right
words in the right place, and how to leave things unsaid - and so paints
characters and scenes evocatively in a style that is always suited to
its subject matter.
-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races: Dwarves [12]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:30:29
Annmarwalk has a marvellous touch for vocabulary - how to use the right
words in the right place, and how to leave things unsaid - and so paints
characters and scenes evocatively in a style that is always suited to
its subject matter.
-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:30:52
Annmarwalk has a marvellous touch for vocabulary - how to use the right
words in the right place, and how to leave things unsaid - and so paints
characters and scenes evocatively in a style that is always suited to
its subject matter.
-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races: Hobbits [106]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:31:47
Annmarwalk has a marvellous touch for vocabulary - how to use the right
words in the right place, and how to leave things unsaid - and so paints
characters and scenes evocatively in a style that is always suited to
its subject matter.
-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races: Dwarves [12]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:32:59
Annmarwalk has a marvellous touch for vocabulary - how to use the right
words in the right place, and how to leave things unsaid - and so paints
characters and scenes evocatively in a style that is always suited to
its subject matter.
-----------------------------------------
Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Alternate Universe [22]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:33:39
For fans of the House of Húrin, these stories are a delight: from the
funny squabble between brothers over a stuffed toy, to a chilling,
haunting AU-look into Denethor's last, fever-riddled thoughts -
characters, mood, pace and tone are captured perfectly, tailored to the
individual story.
-----------------------------------------
Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:34:05
For fans of the House of Húrin, these stories are a delight: from the
funny squabble between brothers over a stuffed toy, to a chilling,
haunting AU-look into Denethor's last, fever-riddled thoughts -
characters, mood, pace and tone are captured perfectly, tailored to the
individual story.
-----------------------------------------
Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:34:27
For fans of the House of Húrin, these stories are a delight: from the
funny squabble between brothers over a stuffed toy, to a chilling,
haunting AU-look into Denethor's last, fever-riddled thoughts -
characters, mood, pace and tone are captured perfectly, tailored to the
individual story.
-----------------------------------------
Author: stultiloquentia · ID: 154 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:38:21
Stultiloquentia keeps a beautiful balance between lyrical, sensuous
prose, symbolic of myths and high destiny; and a wonderfully touching
portrait of two "real" people. Both these "sides" complement each other
to form very moving, resonant stories.
-----------------------------------------
Author: The Bookbinder's Daughter · ID: 658 · Races: Elves [38]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:39:04
It's a pity that only one story of hers is nominated; the drabbles I've
read have impressed me as well as this longer story with their lyrical,
dreamlike yet clear prose full of beautiful imagery.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Soledad · ID: 206 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:40:37
In a truly impressive example of world-building, Soledad brings to life
a community, from environments and homes, the professions and
businesses, to characters inhabiting all social strata, ages, morals and
preoccupations. Careful physical and psychological details make
everything and everyone distinct and memorable.
-----------------------------------------
Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Alternate Universe [22]: General
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-17 10:04:50
EdorasLass is one of the most consistently entertaining storytellers I
know, with a most versatile literary repertoire - heart-rending AU
stories, a light slash vignette, a melancholy story of a mother visiting
the sleeping sons she know will lose her too soon, and the wonderful
tales of the brothers 'Mir as children. She knows how to vary the style,
tone, and pacing of each story to suit her purpose, and her
characterisation is usually excellent.
-----------------------------------------
Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-17 10:06:24
EdorasLass is one of the most consistently entertaining storytellers I
know, with a most versatile literary repertoire - heart-rending AU
stories, a light slash vignette, a melancholy story of a mother visiting
the sleeping sons she know will lose her too soon, and the wonderful
tales of the brothers 'Mir as children. She knows how to vary the style,
tone, and pacing of each story to suit her purpose, and her
characterisation is usually excellent.
-----------------------------------------
Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-17 10:47:29
EdorasLass is one of the most consistently entertaining storytellers I
know, with a most versatile literary repertoire - heart-rending AU
stories, a light slash vignette, a melancholy story of a mother visiting
the sleeping sons she know will lose her too soon, and the wonderful
tales of the brothers 'Mir as children. She knows how to vary the style,
tone, and pacing of each story to suit her purpose, and her
characterisation is usually excellent.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Rhapsody · ID: 279 · Times: First Age and Prior [23]: General
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2006-11-17 15:55:18
"Requiem" is an excellent example of why Rhapsody is one of the finest
authors in the Silmarillion fandom. While gap-fillers are fun and
intriguing, she takes her stories a step beyond that, writing tales that
elucidate and flesh out canon that can at times be tricky and is ignored
by most fanfic authors. In "Requiem," Rhapsody takes her audience to a
realm that Tolkien acknowledges is beyond the understanding of the
living: the Halls of Mandos. Through meticulous research and much
thought on the canon, she makes this alien place the natural setting for
a thought-provoking story.
In "Requiem," as in many of her other stories, Rhapsody again takes the
story a step beyond the norm. Tolkien's characters have often been
criticized as being "black and white"--that is, all good or all
evil--and many of the major players of The Silmarillion seem to fall
into that trap. Yet it is possible to read beyond that, and Rhapsody
does. She takes one of Tolkien's most hated characters--Celegorm, the
third son of Feanor--and makes him accessible to readers who wish to
understand how an Elf born in Aman during the Time of the Trees could
turn to such grievous ends. And most importantly, she does this without
altering the canon and without making excuses for his behavior.
"Requiem" is not Rhapsody's only work with Celegorm, but it is certainly
one of her best, yet another example of how reading more deeply into The
Silmarillion, one can find new levels to understanding characters
who--on the surface--seem black and white.
There are few stories that I finish agog, the story having filled my
mind with new ideas and inspirations that I'd never bothered to consider
before. "Requiem" was such a story. Rhapsody is such an author. For
anyone who dares to delve the most mysterious corners of Tolkien's
universe, I recommend this story, and all of Rhapsody's writing.
-----------------------------------------
Author: A L Milton · ID: 91 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-17 23:23:13
A.L. Milton is a gifted writer of both humor and drama. Her current
story in the MEFAs is lighthearted and enjoyable, and as always she
manages to keep her characters within the range of canon even as they
are engaging in (perhaps) "non-canon" behavior.
Her dramas are still among my favorites in fanfiction, as well as being
some of the very first LotR fanfiction I ever read. Miss Milton can
write very intellectual stories, containing some high-level explorations
and subtle undercurrents, but all is seamlessly woven into the story
itself. She has an outstanding ability to spin a tale and keep me
absorbed in her version of Tolkien's world.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Alawa · ID: 103 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-17 23:23:45
Alawa has a lovely style of writing. She draws me into her stories
immediately, with very personal and engaging character PoVs, whether
they are Tolkien's creations or her own. Both her main and secondary
characters feel real and completely "canon" to me. The stories I have
read of hers have primarily been reflective in nature, but she always
keeps the pace flowing smoothly and allows us to progress naturally with
her characters. I end her pieces feeling that I know her individuals
intimately, and have learned something critical to my understanding of
them and the world they inhabit.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Aliana · ID: 208 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-17 23:24:45
Aliana has very predictable writing - in a very good way! She is always
concise and understated, allowing her story and characters to elaborate
her points quietly but firmly. A single line can be used to great
effect, conveying reams of information or setting the tone for an entire
scene. She can pack in a lot of information and observances without
disrupting the pace and structure of the story, weaving many times and
voices into the narrative without muddling or overwhelming any of them.
Aliana also writes very engaging and well-constructed OCs, allowing both
her major and minor characters to change and develop realistically
within the context of the storyline. They are strong, distinct
individuals that I have come to care about deeply, as much as I do some
of my favorite canon characters. She has done an excellent job of
world-building in her longer story ["Fallen"], of which part of her
current MEFA-nominated story draws upon. Her version of the Houses of
Healing and the politics and administration thereof are thorough,
logical and completely believable.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Altariel · ID: 181 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: General
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-17 23:27:15
I have loved and enjoyed Altariel's works since soon after I discovered
LotR fanfiction. Even after finding many additional wonderful and
creative authors, I still think of her as one of the most poetic and
brilliant writers around. She wastes no words, whether we are dealing
with drabbles, longer stories or multi-chapter serials. Everything is
crafted such that it contributes to the storyline and enhances the
overall picture - no extraneous material. She is also a master of
slipping in the unexpected, an unusual "twist"/PoV, or a double-meaning
word or phrase that will draw me up sharply and make me really think
about what she is trying to convey.
Her main focus is Faramir, Eowyn and their immediate family, and few can
come close to the complexity and depth that she has given these
characters. Even difficult ones like Denethor and Finduilas are handled
well, and if I do not always like or enjoy where Altariel goes with
these individuals, I've never been able to deny the plausibility of it.
But the House of Hurin is not her sole playground, and she writes with
the same creativity and thoroughness in every piece she authors. Her
characters grow and change, but still remain true, always, to her vision
of them. Truly a gifted author, deftly capable of executing the perfect
turn of phrase or subtle reference.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Altariel · ID: 181 · Genres: Drama [107]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-17 23:27:33
I have loved and enjoyed Altariel's works since soon after I discovered
LotR fanfiction. Even after finding many additional wonderful and
creative authors, I still think of her as one of the most poetic and
brilliant writers around. She wastes no words, whether we are dealing
with drabbles, longer stories or multi-chapter serials. Everything is
crafted such that it contributes to the storyline and enhances the
overall picture - no extraneous material. She is also a master of
slipping in the unexpected, an unusual "twist"/PoV, or a double-meaning
word or phrase that will draw me up sharply and make me really think
about what she is trying to convey.
Her main focus is Faramir, Eowyn and their immediate family, and few can
come close to the complexity and depth that she has given these
characters. Even difficult ones like Denethor and Finduilas are handled
well, and if I do not always like or enjoy where Altariel goes with
these individuals, I've never been able to deny the plausibility of it.
But the House of Hurin is not her sole playground, and she writes with
the same creativity and thoroughness in every piece she authors. Her
characters grow and change, but still remain true, always, to her vision
of them. Truly a gifted author, deftly capable of executing the perfect
turn of phrase or subtle reference.
-----------------------------------------
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:22:51
Acacea's uses understated yet resonant, idyllic descriptions; combined
with perceptive portrayals of characters and their interactions, the
stories seem inflused with a gentle glow.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Times: Early Third Age [7]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:23:20
Acacea's uses understated yet resonant, idyllic descriptions; combined
with perceptive portrayals of characters and their interactions, the
stories seem inflused with a gentle glow.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:24:51
Acacea's uses understated yet resonant, idyllic descriptions; combined
with perceptive portrayals of characters and their interactions, the
stories seem inflused with a gentle glow.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Races: Men [73]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:26:12
Acacea's uses understated yet resonant, idyllic descriptions; combined
with perceptive portrayals of characters and their interactions, the
stories seem inflused with a gentle glow.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Ribby · ID: 613 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:29:03
Ribby uses narrative viewpoint to very good effect. The detached, cool
narration draws into sharp relief the disturbing events portrayed and
highten the impact, together with well-handled atmosphere.
-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:29:51
Annmarwalk has a marvellous touch for vocabulary - how to use the right
words in the right place, and how to leave things unsaid - and so paints
characters and scenes evocatively in a style that is always suited to
its subject matter.
-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races: Dwarves [12]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:30:29
Annmarwalk has a marvellous touch for vocabulary - how to use the right
words in the right place, and how to leave things unsaid - and so paints
characters and scenes evocatively in a style that is always suited to
its subject matter.
-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:30:52
Annmarwalk has a marvellous touch for vocabulary - how to use the right
words in the right place, and how to leave things unsaid - and so paints
characters and scenes evocatively in a style that is always suited to
its subject matter.
-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races: Hobbits [106]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:31:47
Annmarwalk has a marvellous touch for vocabulary - how to use the right
words in the right place, and how to leave things unsaid - and so paints
characters and scenes evocatively in a style that is always suited to
its subject matter.
-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races: Dwarves [12]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:32:59
Annmarwalk has a marvellous touch for vocabulary - how to use the right
words in the right place, and how to leave things unsaid - and so paints
characters and scenes evocatively in a style that is always suited to
its subject matter.
-----------------------------------------
Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Alternate Universe [22]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:33:39
For fans of the House of Húrin, these stories are a delight: from the
funny squabble between brothers over a stuffed toy, to a chilling,
haunting AU-look into Denethor's last, fever-riddled thoughts -
characters, mood, pace and tone are captured perfectly, tailored to the
individual story.
-----------------------------------------
Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:34:05
For fans of the House of Húrin, these stories are a delight: from the
funny squabble between brothers over a stuffed toy, to a chilling,
haunting AU-look into Denethor's last, fever-riddled thoughts -
characters, mood, pace and tone are captured perfectly, tailored to the
individual story.
-----------------------------------------
Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:34:27
For fans of the House of Húrin, these stories are a delight: from the
funny squabble between brothers over a stuffed toy, to a chilling,
haunting AU-look into Denethor's last, fever-riddled thoughts -
characters, mood, pace and tone are captured perfectly, tailored to the
individual story.
-----------------------------------------
Author: stultiloquentia · ID: 154 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:38:21
Stultiloquentia keeps a beautiful balance between lyrical, sensuous
prose, symbolic of myths and high destiny; and a wonderfully touching
portrait of two "real" people. Both these "sides" complement each other
to form very moving, resonant stories.
-----------------------------------------
Author: The Bookbinder's Daughter · ID: 658 · Races: Elves [38]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:39:04
It's a pity that only one story of hers is nominated; the drabbles I've
read have impressed me as well as this longer story with their lyrical,
dreamlike yet clear prose full of beautiful imagery.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Soledad · ID: 206 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-17 08:40:37
In a truly impressive example of world-building, Soledad brings to life
a community, from environments and homes, the professions and
businesses, to characters inhabiting all social strata, ages, morals and
preoccupations. Careful physical and psychological details make
everything and everyone distinct and memorable.
-----------------------------------------
Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Alternate Universe [22]: General
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-17 10:04:50
EdorasLass is one of the most consistently entertaining storytellers I
know, with a most versatile literary repertoire - heart-rending AU
stories, a light slash vignette, a melancholy story of a mother visiting
the sleeping sons she know will lose her too soon, and the wonderful
tales of the brothers 'Mir as children. She knows how to vary the style,
tone, and pacing of each story to suit her purpose, and her
characterisation is usually excellent.
-----------------------------------------
Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-17 10:06:24
EdorasLass is one of the most consistently entertaining storytellers I
know, with a most versatile literary repertoire - heart-rending AU
stories, a light slash vignette, a melancholy story of a mother visiting
the sleeping sons she know will lose her too soon, and the wonderful
tales of the brothers 'Mir as children. She knows how to vary the style,
tone, and pacing of each story to suit her purpose, and her
characterisation is usually excellent.
-----------------------------------------
Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-17 10:47:29
EdorasLass is one of the most consistently entertaining storytellers I
know, with a most versatile literary repertoire - heart-rending AU
stories, a light slash vignette, a melancholy story of a mother visiting
the sleeping sons she know will lose her too soon, and the wonderful
tales of the brothers 'Mir as children. She knows how to vary the style,
tone, and pacing of each story to suit her purpose, and her
characterisation is usually excellent.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Rhapsody · ID: 279 · Times: First Age and Prior [23]: General
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2006-11-17 15:55:18
"Requiem" is an excellent example of why Rhapsody is one of the finest
authors in the Silmarillion fandom. While gap-fillers are fun and
intriguing, she takes her stories a step beyond that, writing tales that
elucidate and flesh out canon that can at times be tricky and is ignored
by most fanfic authors. In "Requiem," Rhapsody takes her audience to a
realm that Tolkien acknowledges is beyond the understanding of the
living: the Halls of Mandos. Through meticulous research and much
thought on the canon, she makes this alien place the natural setting for
a thought-provoking story.
In "Requiem," as in many of her other stories, Rhapsody again takes the
story a step beyond the norm. Tolkien's characters have often been
criticized as being "black and white"--that is, all good or all
evil--and many of the major players of The Silmarillion seem to fall
into that trap. Yet it is possible to read beyond that, and Rhapsody
does. She takes one of Tolkien's most hated characters--Celegorm, the
third son of Feanor--and makes him accessible to readers who wish to
understand how an Elf born in Aman during the Time of the Trees could
turn to such grievous ends. And most importantly, she does this without
altering the canon and without making excuses for his behavior.
"Requiem" is not Rhapsody's only work with Celegorm, but it is certainly
one of her best, yet another example of how reading more deeply into The
Silmarillion, one can find new levels to understanding characters
who--on the surface--seem black and white.
There are few stories that I finish agog, the story having filled my
mind with new ideas and inspirations that I'd never bothered to consider
before. "Requiem" was such a story. Rhapsody is such an author. For
anyone who dares to delve the most mysterious corners of Tolkien's
universe, I recommend this story, and all of Rhapsody's writing.
-----------------------------------------
Author: A L Milton · ID: 91 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-17 23:23:13
A.L. Milton is a gifted writer of both humor and drama. Her current
story in the MEFAs is lighthearted and enjoyable, and as always she
manages to keep her characters within the range of canon even as they
are engaging in (perhaps) "non-canon" behavior.
Her dramas are still among my favorites in fanfiction, as well as being
some of the very first LotR fanfiction I ever read. Miss Milton can
write very intellectual stories, containing some high-level explorations
and subtle undercurrents, but all is seamlessly woven into the story
itself. She has an outstanding ability to spin a tale and keep me
absorbed in her version of Tolkien's world.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Alawa · ID: 103 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-17 23:23:45
Alawa has a lovely style of writing. She draws me into her stories
immediately, with very personal and engaging character PoVs, whether
they are Tolkien's creations or her own. Both her main and secondary
characters feel real and completely "canon" to me. The stories I have
read of hers have primarily been reflective in nature, but she always
keeps the pace flowing smoothly and allows us to progress naturally with
her characters. I end her pieces feeling that I know her individuals
intimately, and have learned something critical to my understanding of
them and the world they inhabit.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Aliana · ID: 208 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-17 23:24:45
Aliana has very predictable writing - in a very good way! She is always
concise and understated, allowing her story and characters to elaborate
her points quietly but firmly. A single line can be used to great
effect, conveying reams of information or setting the tone for an entire
scene. She can pack in a lot of information and observances without
disrupting the pace and structure of the story, weaving many times and
voices into the narrative without muddling or overwhelming any of them.
Aliana also writes very engaging and well-constructed OCs, allowing both
her major and minor characters to change and develop realistically
within the context of the storyline. They are strong, distinct
individuals that I have come to care about deeply, as much as I do some
of my favorite canon characters. She has done an excellent job of
world-building in her longer story ["Fallen"], of which part of her
current MEFA-nominated story draws upon. Her version of the Houses of
Healing and the politics and administration thereof are thorough,
logical and completely believable.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Altariel · ID: 181 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: General
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-17 23:27:15
I have loved and enjoyed Altariel's works since soon after I discovered
LotR fanfiction. Even after finding many additional wonderful and
creative authors, I still think of her as one of the most poetic and
brilliant writers around. She wastes no words, whether we are dealing
with drabbles, longer stories or multi-chapter serials. Everything is
crafted such that it contributes to the storyline and enhances the
overall picture - no extraneous material. She is also a master of
slipping in the unexpected, an unusual "twist"/PoV, or a double-meaning
word or phrase that will draw me up sharply and make me really think
about what she is trying to convey.
Her main focus is Faramir, Eowyn and their immediate family, and few can
come close to the complexity and depth that she has given these
characters. Even difficult ones like Denethor and Finduilas are handled
well, and if I do not always like or enjoy where Altariel goes with
these individuals, I've never been able to deny the plausibility of it.
But the House of Hurin is not her sole playground, and she writes with
the same creativity and thoroughness in every piece she authors. Her
characters grow and change, but still remain true, always, to her vision
of them. Truly a gifted author, deftly capable of executing the perfect
turn of phrase or subtle reference.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Altariel · ID: 181 · Genres: Drama [107]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-17 23:27:33
I have loved and enjoyed Altariel's works since soon after I discovered
LotR fanfiction. Even after finding many additional wonderful and
creative authors, I still think of her as one of the most poetic and
brilliant writers around. She wastes no words, whether we are dealing
with drabbles, longer stories or multi-chapter serials. Everything is
crafted such that it contributes to the storyline and enhances the
overall picture - no extraneous material. She is also a master of
slipping in the unexpected, an unusual "twist"/PoV, or a double-meaning
word or phrase that will draw me up sharply and make me really think
about what she is trying to convey.
Her main focus is Faramir, Eowyn and their immediate family, and few can
come close to the complexity and depth that she has given these
characters. Even difficult ones like Denethor and Finduilas are handled
well, and if I do not always like or enjoy where Altariel goes with
these individuals, I've never been able to deny the plausibility of it.
But the House of Hurin is not her sole playground, and she writes with
the same creativity and thoroughness in every piece she authors. Her
characters grow and change, but still remain true, always, to her vision
of them. Truly a gifted author, deftly capable of executing the perfect
turn of phrase or subtle reference.
-----------------------------------------
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