Yahoo Forum Archive

Author: Primsong · ID: 586 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-20 22:03:30
No one has as strong a handle on Bilbo Baggins than does Primsong. Her
humor and her imagination has served to spark my own, and I love the
humor she displays. Even her chapter titles can evoke humor.

I only regret in this one we are looking at the darkness of what MIGHT
have been had Bilbo's envelope not come into Frodo's hands.
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Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-20 22:36:26
Dreamflower's writing in the story "A Merry Old Inn" is most unusual,
much following Tolkien's own writing style in much of The Hobbit. It's a
departure from her usual writing, but a worthy one. Certainly she has,
as usually is true, to capture my imagination and empathize with Bilbo
as he enjoys a night spent perhaps a bit too merry.
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Author: Isil Elensar · ID: 287 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-20 23:40:49
I always can count on on a few things when it comes down to Isils
works. It doesnt matter if a day has been rough, all I need is to pull
up a story written by Isil and I can put it down after I read it with a
happy and fuzzy feeling. Imagine my amazement that she gifted me a story
shortly before I went through the same life changing moment as her Indis
in a Precious Gift.

But Isil has more talents up her sleeve. First of all she is a great
Romance writer and within this genre she can write her canon characters
(either Legolas or the Ambarussa) from sparkling original characters who
just so seamlessly fit into Tolkiens world. This is simply a feat that
not many writers can pull off, but Isil just does it with remarkable
ease. Her narrative in every work makes the world she paints for you as
if you stepped into the scenario, making you feel part of the story as
well. From the First age to the Fourth Age: Isil simply loves to write
her stories in every time period. Just be aware that she loves to see
almost every character to have a happy conclusion.

This year I noticed a change in her writing and after years of telling
me she couldnt write angst, she know includes it, quite successfully if
I may add, into her works (which is sometimes balanced out with romance
& fluff which undoubtly comes from her muse) of which I know she
recently worked on or has finished. And fluff aplenty in her moving
takes on the young Faramir and Boromir stories: the society of Minas
Tirith looks very tangible through their voices in her stories. Isil:
thank you for sharing your works with us!
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Author: Lady Bluejay · ID: 632 · Genres: Romance [51]: General
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-11-21 10:41:39



I have to admit that while I do read some/most of LadyBJ's work, I
haven't been as loyal a fan, overall, as I should be.

I enjoy her insightful characterizations woven through with subtle humor
and her somewhat light-heated overview that hints at the deeper, darker
real-life issues at stake. Her plot elements are layered and consistent,
not leaving unfinished trailing threads or gapping unexplained holes.

She also has a wonderful talent of interplay with words - in her
dialogue - of having her characters say just enough without saying too
much; both in terms of speaking to each other and to the readers.
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Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Races: Hobbits [106]: General
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-11-21 11:36:39
IIRC, I 'discovered' Dreamflower during the MEFA's - can't remember
which year - and she's another one who makes me *head in hands* because
"I don't read Hobbits" .. well, except for ... LOL!

She has an extraordinary attention to detail, not only in her
description, but in the layers of canon, backstory and characterization
that makes all of her works a delight to read.
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Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-11-21 11:40:23
IIRC, I 'discovered' Dreamflower during the MEFA's - can't remember
which year - and she's another one who makes me *head in hands* because
"I don't read Hobbits" .. well, except for ... LOL!

She has an extraordinary attention to detail, not only in her
description, but in the layers of canon, backstory and characterization
that makes all of her works a delight to read.

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Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Genres: Adventure [10]: General
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-11-21 11:41:22
IIRC, I 'discovered' Dreamflower during the MEFA's - can't remember
which year - and she's another one who makes me *head in hands* because
"I don't read Hobbits" .. well, except for ... LOL!

She has an extraordinary attention to detail, not only in her
description, but in the layers of canon, backstory and characterization
that makes all of her works a delight to read.

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Author: DrummerWench · ID: 626 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-11-21 11:47:02
DW is a wonderfully talented author. I especially enjoy how she weaves
JRRT's basics in new ways through typical, and more often atypical,
tales - taking familiar stories and putting them in other and different,
yet still familiar, formats.
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Author: Jael · ID: 685 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-11-21 12:14:02
While I always enjoy reading Elves, I have my own (very) strong thoughts
and impressions of not just individuals, but cultural and racial
elements. Jael is one whose writing meshs so very well with what I
already have in my head and so I flow smoothly along with her writing.

I appreciate that she has a talent to give just the right balance of
description and introspection so that the reader experiences the full
flavor of the story without being bogged down or pulled off in other
directions. That, in combination with her deep characterizations, always
make her stories a satisfying read.
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Author: Sazziel · ID: 695 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: General
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-11-21 12:20:06
Sazziel presents a view of Eldarion that, while it isn't often seen in
this genre, is also completely in character, and I find that refreshing.
She has a talent of characterization, but that fades view of her
elaborate and extensive plotting. She has a wonderful, realistic grasp
of political machinations that is often not seen in novelizations and I
like that she doesn't soften the blows in the conflicts of her stories.
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Author: mitasova · ID: 45 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2006-11-21 12:26:03
What I most appreciate about Mitasova's writing is the smooth flow of
emotion, how she convey's the strength and depth of the love and the
pain and the joy without bogging down and getting maudlin. Keep up the
good work!
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Author: A L Milton · ID: 91 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-21 14:43:00
A L Milton has a unique voice that brings a quiet humor into all of her
stories. I think this was the first actual laugh-out-loud piece I've
read by her, but there is a quiet refinement in her stories
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Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-21 14:43:53
When I think of Acacea's writing the word "Gondor" comes to mind very
quickly, because she can write the brothers 'Mir so affectively. She has
done angst from time to time, but mostly she writes the normal everyday
moments of family life, and it really has a nice relaxed quality to it.
There are some fine explorations of Gondorians among this year's
writings, but she also shows her depth as a writer by writing varied
races and time frames. A truly versatile author indeed, and all with a
light touch that makes it feel very natural.
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Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Genres: Drama [107]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-21 14:44:13
When I think of Acacea's writing the word "Gondor" comes to mind very
quickly, because she can write the brothers 'Mir so affectively. She has
done angst from time to time, but mostly she writes the normal everyday
moments of family life, and it really has a nice relaxed quality to it.
There are some fine explorations of Gondorians among this year's
writings, but she also shows her depth as a writer by writing varied
races and time frames. A truly versatile author indeed, and all with a
light touch that makes it feel very natural.
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Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Genres: Romance [51]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-21 14:44:45
When I think of Acacea's writing the word "Gondor" comes to mind very
quickly, because she can write the brothers 'Mir so affectively. She has
done angst from time to time, but mostly she writes the normal everyday
moments of family life, and it really has a nice relaxed quality to it.
There are some fine explorations of Gondorians among this year's
writings, but she also shows her depth as a writer by writing varied
races and time frames. A truly versatile author indeed, and all with a
light touch that makes it feel very natural.
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Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Genres: Romance [51]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-21 14:44:58
When I think of Acacea's writing the word "Gondor" comes to mind very
quickly, because she can write the brothers 'Mir so affectively. She has
done angst from time to time, but mostly she writes the normal everyday
moments of family life, and it really has a nice relaxed quality to it.
There are some fine explorations of Gondorians among this year's
writings, but she also shows her depth as a writer by writing varied
races and time frames. A truly versatile author indeed, and all with a
light touch that makes it feel very natural.
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Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Races: Elves [38]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-21 14:45:44
When I think of Acacea's writing the word "Gondor" comes to mind very
quickly, because she can write the brothers 'Mir so affectively. She has
done angst from time to time, but mostly she writes the normal everyday
moments of family life, and it really has a nice relaxed quality to it.
There are some fine explorations of Gondorians among this year's
writings, but she also shows her depth as a writer by writing varied
races and time frames. A truly versatile author indeed, and all with a
light touch that makes it feel very natural.
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Author: Acacea · ID: 196 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-21 14:47:15
When I think of Acacea's writing the word "Gondor" comes to mind very
quickly, because she can write the brothers 'Mir so affectively. She has
done angst from time to time, but mostly she writes the normal everyday
moments of family life, and it really has a nice relaxed quality to it.
There are some fine explorations of Gondorians among this year's
writings, but she also shows her depth as a writer by writing varied
races and time frames. A truly versatile author indeed, and all with a
light touch that makes it feel very natural.
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Author: Branwyn · ID: 240 · Genres: Adventure [10]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-21 14:56:35
Branwyn is one of those authors that has really captured my heart, and I
mean that in both senses. Her stories always captivate me and affect me
in one way or another (I like to think in the way that was intended!),
but they also seem to have captured my own heart and experiences in the
events she has happen to her characters. I often find myself reading her
work and thinking to myself "Gee, that has happened to me!" That takes
an insight into human character that not everyone possesses, and I don't
think her writing would be so affective without it.

Anyone who has read her in the past should not be surprised to find that
she writes Boromir and Faramir in a three-dimensional and faceted way.
Her shorter pieces only hint at a depth that seems to underrun all of
her stories, yet they do not rely on each other so much that knowledge
of all is necessary to understand one.

But what did surprise me about this year's readings from her is just how
many different genres she can write. I knew she wrote drama and
reminiscing in a way I thoroughly enjoyed, and "Pink Oliphaunts" and
"The Household Accounts" did not disappoint on this grounds, but the
pacing and horror that kept me on the edge of my seat through "The Fords
of Isen"... just wow. And the sensuous detail, penchant for historical
accuracy, and compelling (and in-character) erotica in "Book
Learning"... shall not go too far into that for a PG review, but suffice
it to say that romance is not beyond the scope of her talent. This is an
author that continues to surprise me in pleasant ways.
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Author: Dawn Felagund · ID: 602 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-21 14:58:14
I discovered Dawn last year, when she just started to share her fan fic
epic AMC with her livejournal friends. I had no idea what to expect from
such a story title, but I started to read and soon this story became my
treat to end a long workweek or a mere escape from other activities what
I normally would seek in a good fantasy novel. As I reviewed this piece,
we exchanged ideas, views, and experiences. It almost felt like a sort
of homecoming and throughout posting AMC to her livejournal, Dawn became
a good friend.

Dawns writing is exquisite, thought provoking and exciting at the same
time. Often you hear how good writers can paint a picture with their
words for their readers: Dawn has a natural talent for it. Even though
AMC might feel like a family epic, in her words and layers underneath,
you can feel the drama underneath it. She writes her characters
according to the age they represent, weaving in canon details in them,
but those factoids do not dominate the work itself. It often surprises
me that she gets commentary of fabricating fanon, while the base of her
writing comes from the works of Tolkien himself. Another thing Dawn is
quite good at is showing the reader the tragedy of the House of Finwë by
writing her material between Black and White: even the good characters
are flawed in her works, which gives them a very human feeling. This
especially shines through in Return to me, where the loyalty and love
for a child makes even one of the mightiest Elven Lords doubt his course
of actions. I am glad that I discovered Dawn's works!
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Author: Dawn Felagund · ID: 602 · Times: First Age and Prior [23]: General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-21 14:58:58
The Silm and HOME are filled with so many details about the First Age
and their events that it is sometimes very confusing to keep track of
what happened when and where. Even more the works leave plenty of room
to write gap-fillers, but the challenge is to keep it as close to
Tolkien as possible while using the professors themes and ideas as
well. This is not always that easy because there is a lot to remember
let alone to interpret: but leave it up to Dawn to work this out in her
works. The Gift is full of symbolism and events that took place during
this Era, and with her excellent writing skills, Dawn gives us a
Felak-verse story. She leaves it in between what she truly thinks of her
characters during these Eras by solely exploring their motives and
reasons to why they performed their deeds or not. I do think her story
AMC is a great example of this because it covers so many facets of
events, which took place before the First Age started. This all is
presented to us with a breathtaking narrative of events and
surroundings, in Return to me for example this is an important aspect
in the story to explore the motives of both Elves. Dawns skill in world
building in every work she writes is shining through in different
gradations: she simply knows how to find a good balance with that. Dawn
is a great all-round First Age writer and with every work she shares
with us, comes a new bit of insight in Tolkiens ideas.
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Author: Dawn Felagund · ID: 602 · Races: Elves [38]: General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-21 14:59:30
Dawn knows how to write the Fëanorians incredibly well. In her work
Paper, she shows us the family dynamics between the siblings, but also
how a well-known character evaluates (with pride & attitude fitting to
that House) his own role in it. Paper is in that respect an excellent
character piece, but is crafted so cleverly that you as a reader can
decide for himself or herself what is real and what not. The Gift or
Salt on the other hand shows us the sacrifices they brought in order
to fulfil their sworn Oath. In Paper Dawn uses such a clever writing
technique to make the story full circle and I think every reader will
have their own thoughts about it, thusly encouraging a lively debate
between the reader and writer. But back to the Fëanorians: I think Dawn
does an awesome job in exploring in her works how they stood out from
the other Elven races, but instead of showing their cruelties, Dawn
shows the readers in which they excelled in and what contributions they
had to the Valinorean society of which we actually know so little about,
well besides LACE that is. Dawn has her favourite Fëanorian, but I do
think she can write every member of this house convincingly (although as
Dawn sometimes admitted, they can be elusive too!), by most often
treating the Fëanorian fans to great character pieces. Thank you Dawn!
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Author: daw the minstrel · ID: 176 · Genres: Adventure [10]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-21 15:03:45
Usually elflings irritate me but not daw's. Young Legolas resonates
emotionally and Mirkwood is convincingly connected to what Tolkien tells
us in "The Hobbit". It's a world I find myself accepting, and her
stories always sweep me up in what's happening.
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Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Genres: Adventure [10]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-21 15:05:17
Dreamflower writes hobbits well, keeping them light and cute but still
giving them depth. Her writing develops relationships that seem to fit
into the canon nicely.
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Author: Nilmandra · ID: 444 · Genres: Adventure [10]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-21 15:11:50
Nilmandra does a good job of writing Aragorn throughout his life. His
reactions are age-appropriate in all her stories, but connected to one
character.
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