Yahoo Forum Archive

Author: Bodkin · ID: 411 · Genres: Romance [51]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 06:51:14
There are a few authors whose work always is wonderful to read, rich
with humor, pathos, and thought. Certainly this has proven true of
Bodkin. I don't think I've ever read one of her stories I've been
disappointed in, and her writing has inspired my own more than once.
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Author: Armariel · ID: 673 · Races: Hobbits [106]: Poetry
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 07:42:35
Armariel's poetry is among the most skillful and poignant I've read
anywhere. It is moving and evocative. In her poetry I find indeed
reflected my own thoughts and emotions toward these, my favorite
characters and the situations in which they found themselves.
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Author: Primsong · ID: 586 · Genres: Drama [107]: Poetry
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-18 08:07:17
Primsong's writing is exceptionally well done; and in the poem on
Legolas's sea longing it shows her marvelous skill with words to best
advantage.
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Races: Men [73]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2006-11-18 13:32:37
Elena Tiriel

Elena Tiriel is one of the finest drabblists writing in the Tolkien
fandom, and my main regret about her work is that she's not more
prolific. She always demonstrates great facility with her choice of
words, searching for and selecting the perfect expression, while her
drabbles may be considered prose poems, thanks to her musical ear, her
understanding of the importance of structure in even such short pieces,
never failing to deliver a powerful punchline, and her appreciation of
the value and impact of what is left unsaid as well as what is made
explicit.

In her series of drabbles about Isildur, she shows her delight in
obscure corners of canon, in making connections between different areas
of Tolkien's work, and in intelligent and convincng extrapolation from a
throwaway sentence or two tucked away in one of the texts.. The series
also includes two drabbles which show her particular gift for writing
from the perspective of Dark characters, making them all the more
frightening by making them unnervingly accessible.

Elena Tiriel's work is always powerful and beautufully expressed. I just
wish we saw more of it!
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Races: Villains [6]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2006-11-18 13:35:16
Elena Tiriel is one of the finest drabblists writing in the Tolkien
fandom, and my main regret about her work is that she's not more
prolific. She always demonstrates great facility with her choice of
words, searching for and selecting the perfect expression, while her
drabbles may be considered prose poems, thanks to her musical ear, her
understanding of the importance of structure in even such short pieces,
never failing to deliver a powerful punchline, and her appreciation of
the value and impact of what is left unsaid as well as what is made
explicit.

She has a particular gift for writing from the perspective of Dark
characters, making them all the more frightening by making them
unnervingly accessible. In these two drabbles, she shows her delight in
obscure corners of canon, in making connections between different areas
of Tolkien's work, and in intelligent and convincng extrapolation from a
throwaway sentence or two tucked away in one of the texts.

Elena Tiriel's work is always powerful and beautufully expressed. I just
wish we saw more of it!
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Author: Elena Tiriel · ID: 247 · Times: Early Third Age [7]:
Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2006-11-18 13:36:17
Elena Tiriel is one of the finest drabblists writing in the Tolkien
fandom, and my main regret about her work is that she's not more
prolific. She always demonstrates great facility with her choice of
words, searching for and selecting the perfect expression, while her
drabbles may be considered prose poems, thanks to her musical ear, her
understanding of the importance of structure in even such short pieces,
never failing to deliver a powerful punchline, and her appreciation of
the value and impact of what is left unsaid as well as what is made
explicit.

She has a particular gift for writing from the perspective of Dark
characters, making them all the more frightening by making them
unnervingly accessible. In this drabble, she shows her delight in
obscure corners of canon, in making connections between different areas
of Tolkien's work, and in intelligent and convincng extrapolation from a
throwaway sentence or two tucked away in one of the texts.

Elena Tiriel's work is always powerful and beautufully expressed. I just
wish we saw more of it!
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-11-18 22:59:14
Dwimordenes body of work speaks for itself. I am particularly attached
to her interpretations of Aragorn and Halbarad. This review is based
upon her story Both Beholden. 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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Author: Radbooks · ID: 428 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 00:42:50
Radbook has managed to develop stories mostly focusing on Aragorn in
which his character is well depicted and delightful, and definitely
consistent with Tolkien's own works.

Whether in her AU stories featuring Rebecca and Thomas or her more canon
tales such as "Brothers at Heart" she manages to capture attention and
interest and keep them engaged. And it's wonderful to see just what kind
of person Halbarad might have been.
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Author: Shirebound · ID: 315 · Genres: Alternate Universe [22]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 00:57:06
Shirebound's writing is always fascinating, always engaging. Her humor
is wonderful; her various scenarios of what might have happened are
thought-provoking and plausible.

I cannot recommend her writing highly enough.
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Author: Timmy2222 · ID: 628 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 01:10:00
Timmy2222 is one of the best writers of action scenes I've read yet. One
can see the darkness of Moria, and feel the anxiety of Aragorn and
Daevan as they hide from the orcs and stalk Gollum.

Characterizations are consistent with canon when appropriate; the
atmosphere is realistic; the action riveting. I much regret Timmy2222
had chosen to withdraw from writing fanfiction at this time, and hope in
time there will be a return to the genre.
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Author: Branwyn · ID: 240 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-19 08:16:29
Branwyn is a multi-talented author, one of a select few who can convey
the commonplace details of life in Gondor and Rohan in a fashion that is
not pedantic, but part of the flow of her narrative. Yet she also
presents snapshots of various times and places that touch the heart, in
varying levels of intensity. She delivers the poignancy of a fatally ill
mother's interaction with her two young sons (the younger of whom does
not realize that his mother is ill) and the meeting of a young bride
with the spirit of her husband's long-dead mother through the discovery
and examination of the latter's household items and accounts - with
sweeping emotions presented through the little details, and words, of
everyday life.

Branwyn also can deliver the dramatic wallop of Imrahil's seething anger
as he bears his wounded nephew to the father who so coldly cast him into
battle, or the situation of one of Denethor's servants, after the Ring
War, isolated and marked by his obedience to madness.

Branwyn's minimalist prose reminds me uncannily of that of famed
fantasy/SF author Ursula K. LeGuin - the mingling of the elegant, spare
prose, with the sure knowledge of the detail in the times and places she
chronicles, to present the effect she desires in each work.
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Author: Branwyn · ID: 240 · Genres: Drama [107]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-19 08:17:02
Branwyn is a multi-talented author, one of a select few who can convey
the commonplace details of life in Gondor and Rohan in a fashion that is
not pedantic, but part of the flow of her narrative. Yet she also
presents snapshots of various times and places that touch the heart, in
varying levels of intensity. She delivers the poignancy of a fatally ill
mother's interaction with her two young sons (the younger of whom does
not realize that his mother is ill) and the meeting of a young bride
with the spirit of her husband's long-dead mother through the discovery
and examination of the latter's household items and accounts - with
sweeping emotions presented through the little details, and words, of
everyday life.

Branwyn also can deliver the dramatic wallop of Imrahil's seething anger
as he bears his wounded nephew to the father who so coldly cast him into
battle, or the situation of one of Denethor's servants, after the Ring
War, isolated and marked by his obedience to madness.

Branwyn's minimalist prose reminds me uncannily of that of famed
fantasy/SF author Ursula K. LeGuin - the mingling of the elegant, spare
prose, with the sure knowledge of the detail in the times and places she
chronicles, to present the effect she desires in each work.
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Author: Branwyn · ID: 240 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-19 08:24:06
Branwyn is a multi-talented author, one of a select few who can convey
the commonplace details of life in Gondor and Rohan in a fashion that is
not pedantic, but part of the flow of her narrative. Yet she also
presents snapshots of various times and places that touch the heart, in
varying levels of intensity. She delivers the poignancy of a fatally ill
mother's interaction with her two young sons (the younger of whom does
not realize that his mother is ill) and the meeting of a young bride
with the spirit of her husband's long-dead mother through the discovery
and examination of the latter's household items and accounts - with
sweeping emotions presented through the little details, and words, of
everyday life.

Branwyn also can deliver the dramatic wallop of Imrahil's seething anger
as he bears his wounded nephew to the father who so coldly cast him into
battle, or the situation of one of Denethor's servants, after the Ring
War, isolated and marked by his obedience to madness. And there is the
subtly splendid [The Road Not Taken], a vignette marking Boromir's
departure from Rohan to paths unknown, where Branwyn's prose practically
takes off and flies with lyricism, save for the eerie sense of fate with
which she imbues the piece.

Branwyn's minimalist prose reminds me uncannily of that of famed
fantasy/SF author Ursula K. LeGuin - the mingling of the elegant, spare
prose, with the sure knowledge of the detail in the times and places she
chronicles, to present the effect she desires in each work.
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Author: Branwyn · ID: 240 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-19 08:27:43
Branwyn is a multi-talented author, one of a select few who can convey
the commonplace details of life in Gondor and Rohan in a fashion that is
not pedantic, but part of the flow of her narrative. Yet she also
presents snapshots of various times and places that touch the heart, in
varying levels of intensity. She delivers the poignancy of a fatally ill
mother's interaction with her two young sons (the younger of whom does
not realize that his mother is ill) and the meeting of a young bride
with the spirit of her husband's long-dead mother through the discovery
and examination of the latter's household items and accounts - with
sweeping emotions presented through the little details, and words, of
everyday life.

Branwyn also can deliver the dramatic wallop of Imrahil's seething anger
as he bears his wounded nephew to the father who so coldly cast him into
battle, or the situation of one of Denethor's servants, after the Ring
War, isolated and marked by his obedience to madness. She can also write
a magnificent AU Denethor, who chooses his Stewardly duty over the
despair that claims him in ROTK. And there are streaks of humor in some
of her work; Branwyn has a masterful sense of when and how to wield
humor, as well as drama.

Branwyn's minimalist prose reminds me uncannily of that of famed
fantasy/SF author Ursula K. LeGuin - the mingling of the elegant, spare
prose, with the sure knowledge of the detail in the times and places she
chronicles, to present the effect she desires in each work.
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Author: Nilmandra · ID: 444 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-19 14:12:20
Nilmandra has managed to cover three Ages fo Middle-earth from the
viewpoint of Elrond's family. But it isn't the many world-changing
events, but rather the emotions, personal interactions and growth and
change of the characters, that are at the heart of her writing.
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Author: Primsong · ID: 586 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-19 14:13:46
Her Bilbo is one of the most accurately captured I've ever read. He
shines with curiosity, mischief, love of adventures, and yet never loses
his "hobbityness" and generous, caring heart.
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Author: AmandaK · ID: 321 · Genres: Alternate Universe [22]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-19 14:15:08
I admire her eye for the details of nature that come through in her
writing. Her landscapes and forests are so vivid, one can almost smell
the rain, feel the moss under one's feet. And all that without
diminshing the tension and suspense of her gripping plots.
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Author: Nesta · ID: 595 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-19 14:16:31
Nesta has captured Faramir's many facets extremely well: he is not only
the gentle one who wins over the ["wild shieldmaiden of the North"], but
also an astute politician, sharp, keenly intelligent, dedicated to his
land and his people.
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Author: Nesta · ID: 595 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2006-11-19 14:17:55
Nesta has captured Faramir's many facets extremely well: he is not only
the gentle one who wins over the ["wild shieldmaiden of the North"], but
also an astute politician, sharp, keenly intelligent, dedicated to his
land and his people.
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Races: Dwarves [12]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 23:45:06
The courage of Gimli as he faces his fear in entering the Paths of the
Dead has always impressed me. And indeed friendship and the love of the
Lord of the White Tree led him that day.

Lovely drabble.
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Author: Lindelea · ID: 27 · Races: Hobbits [106]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-19 23:56:14
Revenge can be sweet at times, particularly for the little thought of
younger sister.

A delightful tale of Celandine's frustrations and her final vengeance on
her brother and cousins. But then, Lindelea's stories are ALWAYS
delightful to read.
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Author: grey_wonderer · ID: 62 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-20 00:04:29
Few authors are as consistently able to bring laughter as is Grey
Wonderer. Her stories are consistently delightful and humorous; and her
love of Pippin and her ability to bring out his innocence and often
weird thought processes are priceless.

When I need a good laugh, it is to Grey Wonderer's stories I tend to
turn, and I thank her for the many chuckles and sometimes intense
laughter she has brought me. Thank you very much, my friend.
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Author: Bodkin · ID: 411 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-20 00:10:10
Bodkin has the ability to be thoughtful and humorous, poignant and
joyful all within the same story. But in her thoughts on how others have
private laughs at Elladan and Elrohir's lack of appreciation for what
they are REALLY saying in the Dwarf tongue she is downright wicked! Her
ability to spark my own imagination I find most pleasurable, and it was
with distinct delight that I managed to, in my own collection, to add
just one more individual to those who understand just what the phrases
taught to Elrond's sons by impish young Dwarves actually mean.

Thank you indeed for giving my imagination such a workout in this story,
Bodkin my friend.
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Author: Shirebound · ID: 315 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-20 01:31:46
Shirebound is able to integrate her own visions of how things might have
gone in Middle Earth without losing the integrity of the characters we
have come to love and know so very well. Whether it is pathos or humor,
one is able to find joy there always, and a good deal of comforting for
our beloved Hobbits.

It's always a pleasure reading another of her stories.
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Author: Indigo Bunting · ID: 590 · Races: Cross-Cultural [28]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-20 21:58:45
Indigo Bunting certainly isn't as prolific a writer as are many, but
what is written is superbly well done. Characterization is consistent
with canon for canon figures, and well delineated for OCs. Action is
realistic and riveting. And I so home we get more stories.
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