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Title: Imrahil's Daughter · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 183
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-19 18:47:01
The author continues her Eomer/Lothiriel story begun in "The Healer and
the Warrior" with the two of them beginning to realize their true
feelings for one another. Yet Lothiriel continues to baffle the young
king with her detached and analytical way of looking at things. It seems
a betrothal is inevitable.
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Title: Voices on the Wind · Author: Phyncke · Times: First Age and Prior
· ID: 112
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-19 18:52:41
A very vivid and intense description of Fingolfin's last battle with
Morgoth, told in his POV. Very well-crafted!
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Title: Grey Havens · Author: Space Weavil · Races: Elves · ID: 708
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-19 19:23:00
A very intriguing story. Well written in a combination of first and
third person, we learn why neither Cirdan nor Gil-galad ever wed. The
idea of all three of the persons involved sacrificing their own wishes
for the benefit of others is very Tolkienesque.
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Title: Making Merry · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits · ID: 663
Reviewer: Inkling · 2006-11-19 20:58:15
This vividly imagined story explores what is, for me, a fascinating
element of "The Hobbit": the magic of the Wood Elves. Merry's
miraculously replenished cup and plate, and singing words he should not
know, recall Mirkwood's enchanted stream, the white hind and fawn that
lure the dwarves to disaster, the fairy circles that vanish when
approached. Seen nowhere in LOTR, this is a quite different magic than
that of the High Elves--more overt and tangible, it is firmly rooted in
Middle-earth, its memory surviving into the Age of Man as pagan rite and
medieval fairy tale.

Merry is perceptive, and detached, enough to sense what the later tales
knew: that there is a dark side to faerie. As with the forbidden feast
that casts Thorin and company into an enchanted sleep, he--and we--are
reminded that "magick" can be perilous to mortals...or, as Merry puts
it, [too real to be borne].

But then the moment passes, and the story's opening line [Merry threw
himself out of the circle of dancers] joyously comes full circle as he
[threw himself full into that other world.] Thanks to Marigold, we can
go with him!


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Title: Boromir's Song · Author: Rhiannon Merdon · Times: The Great
Years: The Fellowship · ID: 695
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2006-11-19 21:05:05
The word poigant was invented to describe such as this story. I found it
well-written, with wonderful emotional content and a lyrical quality
that left me feeling haunted. I like the subject matter, as well. It is
subtextually true to source material in matters of spirituality, and
gives us a peek into Frodo's feelings of loss for Boromir as well as his
feelings of failure. I particularly liked her Bilbo, and the story is
resolved in a manner most fitting the spiritual themes of the source
material. I almost wish it had been a part of Tolkien's work. Almost
mythic, the story is written with great care for the craft, and is
beautifully worded. The descriptive and narrative style is sound, as is
grammer. It is a weel thought out piece bound to inspire. This is story
that can break your heart, and heal you all at once. In short, a very
satisfying read.
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Title: Call yourself Thorongil · Author: Nilmandra · Times: Late Third
Age · ID: 731
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-19 21:15:56
And so Gandalf moves another piece on the gameboard of Middle-earth just
like a chess Master plans his moves and counter-moves far ahead of when
they will actually be played. I love the way that he guides and
suggests, not just Aragorn in this story, but all those that he feels
can aid in the fight against Sauron - and rightly, he never demands, he
lets the individuals make up their own minds. This story is a wonderful
example of that, of his Stewardship.

I really enjoyed this story, and the details were marvellous. Aragorn
and Gandalf were both written superbly.

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Title: Planning Ahead · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men · ID: 84
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-19 21:31:45
This was just charming! Gilraen was so well written, perfect for her
age; she has the foresight to know that she will marry this man, but is
still innocent enough that she understands only that he will love her
and give her a ring.

Arathorn is sceptical but I will bet that the child's declaration will
make him keep his eye on her as she matures, and perhaps that scrutiny
is what makes him actually fall in love with her, thus fulfilling the
prophecy.

I liked this a lot!
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Title: Second Son · Author: Nesta · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond: Gondor
· ID: 843
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-19 21:33:32
The story takes the fanon convention of Faramir as the perfect father of
wonderful offspring and twists it, giving him a prickly, brilliant,
independant-minded second son who Faramir has trouble reaching. How
Faramir copes with the familiar pattern of Steward family dystunction
from a father's perspective makes for a great reading experience for
anyone interested in family dynamics as well as Faramir.
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Title: The Way of a King · Author: Katzilla · Races: Men · ID: 847
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-19 21:39:49
These glimpses of young Eomer were very enjoyable and made me much more
interested in his character than I was before. I enjoyed Eowyn in this too!
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Title: Come When You Are Ready · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Alternate
Universe · ID: 795
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-19 21:44:37
I have to say... I was very intrigued by the title of this piece.
Reading the summary I kind of guessed what it would be about, but oh
wow. What an amazing story! And such an incredibly bunny. Denethor
survives his desperate tumble just barely and wanders between the living
and death. The author does an awesome job in writing this confusion: the
search for Faramir and how Denethor hears his wife singing. But Denethor
doesn't realise that he is dying, maybe because he is delusional from
the pain and his worry regarding Faramir is just so beautifully written.
Honestly, I have a hard time labelling this as AU since the author gives
this story such an authentic feel. Shivers ran down my spine when I read
this:
[He will come when he is ready, Finduilas says him. Do not be
impatient, my son.]

It is just so striking that at the end Denethor says almost the same
thing about Faramir, not realising that his son has found a love worth
remaining for. A part of me feels glad that Éowyn at least got to know
her father in law, but not the way one would have thought off. The small
touches upon Théoden, his fierce reaction to having Thorongil at his
side gives this story a special and unique feeling. What I also like
about this piece is that it reads so smoothly: the author does not shy
showing the condition of Denethor (mental and physical), but not too
overdone and with a fitting narrative. This is a great work Edoraslass!
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Title: Heralded By Storms · Author: SilverMoonLady · Genres: Romance:
Incomplete · ID: 128
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-19 21:58:55
This is such an amazing romance. In this story, she embarks on a
wonderful journey to tell the tale how Saradoc and Esmeralda (Merrys
parents) fell in love. But as I read along, I noted the links to her
other works which gave me the chills: partly I know what is to come
since I can connect the stories, so I reached for a tissue or two.

The story starts with an outstanding narrative of a storm approaching
and with a few lines, Sil gives us a vivid picture of what is going on:
I feel as if I am watching it happening in front of my nose. Saradocs
character in this piece is amazingly written, I just cannot help to fall
for him a bit too and sometimes I find myself thinking that Esmeralda,
for once, should just kiss him. It is such a treat to read how a
romances develops just under your nose, but what I do appreciate so much
is how Sil takes out these two relatively minor characters and give them
such a flesh out character. The dialogue Sil writes feel so natural and
fitting in Tolkiens Shire, which also comes along with the gossip,
social interaction, and matchmaking. Saradoc is my personal hero now,
with his morals and manners especially after reading this bit:

[I am not easily parted from friends, Esmeralda, regardless of loose
tongues or misfortunes mark. While it may be true that your fathers
uncertain state of mind is known, so is the tragedy that caused it& And
it is his gift for song that is most remembered, at least among those
whose opinions have any weight. If others have failed to see that, it is
no fault of yours. Indeed, I would count myself unworthy and no true
gentlehobbit if such a small thing turned me from my chosen path.]

We could use more gentlehobbits like this in the world! I hope more will
follow soon Sil; this is such a great romance!
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Title: The Circle · Author: Karenator · Races: Men · ID: 778
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-19 22:08:26
This was a really good story and I enjoyed it a lot. Hurin is a very
interesting character and I really liked the way that Halbarad both
looked out for him and still let him do what he had to do. What a
difficult situation to be in, watching and helping your young son to
become a warrior, forced to kill or be killed.

The descriptions in this were just wonderful, and so were all of the
characterisations. The ghostly bit was wonderfully eerie, and this line:
[A giggle wafted on the wind. Tomorrow, whispered in return.] actually
gave me an honest-to-goodness chill up my spine! I'd love to find out
more about that!
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Title: That Which Remains Us · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama:
Remembering · ID: 749
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-19 22:21:40
Ai, poor Faramir who has to sort out the belongings of his father for
the new regime in the city. What I so like about this piece is how the
protagonist of this story goes through such a development and Dwim does
not hesitate to confront Faramir with pain and memories. At the end you
can sense that Faramir understands why his father seemingly seemed to
clear out the room, but still kept his own memories of his loved ones.
It left me wondering if the mantle of Finduilas was one of those things
Faramir kept for himself for comfort. Oh and lock-picking Faramir, being
taught in that skill by Damrod was a great touch upon Faramirs previous
role.

Besides that this is a great character piece, I love the way how Dwim
describes the room for us, Denethors habits and above all: his love for
Finduilas and the manner how the Shadow of the East affected them both.
I think that this fact gives the reader another insight on Denethor, who
sadly enough is most often seen as just evil, reading that so many
factors in his life made him the man he became. This makes this story a
beautiful layered story with poetry in it. Did you write that yourself
Dwim? I like the way how a poet mused about his own work, considering
the appropriate style, striking through words and a firm dosage of
self-reflection: simply marvellous.
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Title: At Last · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 238
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-19 22:43:22
SlightlyTookish takes a part from RotK and gives us the perspectives of
Pippin and Merry during the ride of the Rohirrim and the siege of the
White City. What I like about this ficlets is how the author writes
about their companions, especially the part with Gandalf is subtly
written. When Pippin says that Merry will come, I wondered for a moment
how he could have know that, but Gandalf reaction fills in that thought
incredibly well. What a great moment ST! Not the Palantir, but something
else, what a way to work in the Took heritage! I love the vivid
descriptions of the battle encampment, the moment when the riders will
storm towards the Pelennor fields and the faith Merry has in Dernhelm
that with him: he will be reunited with Pippin. And ah that brave little
Took! The crow of the rooster, the courage this little hobbit is
showing, and everyone knows what epic fight will follow. Neither of the
hobbits gives the reader a sense of despair, on the contrary! It is
their heroism that shows through here! What also stands out in this
piece is the natural flow in the events and how the author reflects the
time has passed. It doesnt feel forced at all, ST just picks out the
perfect moment to get back at either Pippin or Merry. I am glad that I
found this work: while I was reading it, I immediately wanted to pull
out the books to read that part again. This is an amazing work ST!
Thanks for sharing!
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Title: Such an Hour · Author: SlightlyTookish · Times: The Great Years:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 237
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 23:27:39
Definitely the hour has come for a blade of Arnor, designed to destroy
the creatures of the Enemy. Pippin's blade bites deep!

A wonderful short ficlet, and full of vivid imagery.
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Title: The Stone's Lament · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Dwarves ·
ID: 53
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 23:35:58
This short story took me totally by surprise, and a marvelous surprise
it was. Indeed it was as much a surprise for me as it was for Gimli to
realize a wood elf also heard the tales told by the stones of Eregion.

Here, then, is a most plausible start for the growth of the friendship
Gimli and Legolas come to know in the end--well told and in beautiful,
moving language.
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Title: A Change In The Weather · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits:
Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 692
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 23:42:28
Each Hobbit is associated with a season and a particular feature of the
weather of that season, each shown during part of the quest. It is sad
that the joy usually known by Frodo with the wind, the love of Sam for
summer's warmth, of Merry's pleasure taken in contemplating snow, and
Pippin's appreciation of rain has come to endurance.

Lovely imagery in an economy of words.
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Title: I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes · Author: juno_magic · Races: Men · ID: 698
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-19 23:59:02
JRRT made a deliberate decision to leave an organized religion out of
his Middle-earth, based on his own deeply held beliefs. Yet at the same
time, there were hints of a true religion at the heart of his world.
This unusual fic explores that, as well as exploring a theme that could
only be explored in Middle-earth: for Elves, for some Men, belief in the
Valar and in Eru was not a matter of faith at all--it was history. Elves
had met the Valar, and the Valar and Maia had known Iluvatar. But for
the Men who had never known the West, nor had any Elven ancestry, faith
was possible. They alone could believe without knowledge, they alone
could worship a religion and a God in the way we think of
worshipping--out of pure faith. The author's OC is a wonderful example
of this, and his deep faith in the beliefs of his family in spite of
everything, is uplifting and touching. I found the use of that Psalm as
woven into the text of the story very appropriate. An excellent and
thought-provoking story.
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Title: Last Rites · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Drama · ID: 80
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-20 00:00:55
I was quite drawn into this story, eager to read on to each new
conversation. I especially liked Pippin seeking out Andrahar (a
wonderfully fleshed out OC) - he approaches him without fear, as many a
brave warrior would not, seeing in him a person that needs comfort. That
Pippin went out of his way to try to bring him that was very hobbity.
Their conversation reveals just how much Pippin has matured on this
journey, while still staying true to his nature. I found him to be
wonderfully in character here.

This is a very well written story, and a most interesting and compelling
universe.
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Title: A Tisket, A Tasket · Author: grey_wonderer · Times: Late Third
Age: The Shire · ID: 570
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-20 00:01:32
Aha! Pippin's beloved stuffed rabbit Errol is again the focus of
concern, and I can't think of a creature more longsuffering in my life!

As always with GW's stories, delightful and laugh-provoking.
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Title: The Recall · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Gondor · ID: 738
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-20 01:03:14
A well thought out tale of political manouverings. Imrahil simply shone
in this, from his dashing late entrance to his conversation with Arwen
at story's end.
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Title: Lossarnach Yule · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Races: Men:
Gondor · ID: 677
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-20 01:09:00
I liked this very much.Though almost every character is an OC, aside
from a couple of minor canon characters and mentions of Faramir and
Boromir, they are so well written that I felt that I knew them as well
as some major canon characters.

The basic plot is a familiar one, it is the resolution that is a
delight; the coming together of everyone to assist this worthy family in
need. The details are excellent, and the story is very engaging.
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Title: The Road Not Taken · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: Vignette · ID: 104
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-20 01:14:42
Excellent descriptions, they really set the scene. And the call of the
swan just as Boromir started along the path to his destiny was very well
done.
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Title: In the Mind's Eye · Author: Garnet Took · Races: Hobbits:
Incomplete · ID: 144
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-20 01:18:12
A fascinating look at the development of Pippin's prescience. And I
certainly can see my own vision of Paladin Took's changes in character
once he realized he was doomed to become Thain reflected here.
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Title: Remembrance · Author: Acacea · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 73
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-20 01:19:52
I found this story very, very moving. A hard man, but one with memories
of love lost, who hides from his grief but finds a moment of brief comfort.
-----------------------------------