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Title: Lobelia's List · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 201
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2006-11-23 16:31:16
This is so perfectly Lobelia! I love her obvious disdain for the
Gamgees, and I can just see her, watching Sam like a hawk to make sure
he hasn't snuck off with anything valuable.
Her self-serving worries about how to get her hands on key items are
wonderful - even Lotho isn't beyond suspicion. She's probably been
waiting and watching for years, making notes in her head about what
possessions of Bilbo's should "rightfully" be hers. Oh, how disappointed
and angry she must be when Bilbo shows up, alive and wanting his things
back!
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Title: The Roots of the Ivy · Author: Aranel Took · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Post-Grey Havens · ID: 118
Reviewer: Cuthalion · 2006-11-23 16:35:55
Maybe the premise is a little hard to swallow, but the idea of two
warriors giving each other comfort at the eve of battle is a very
believable concept, and that fact that it is Éowyn seeking comfort in
the arms of Merry doesn't change the credibility of that fact.

That fateful encounter between two who should only have been friends has
consequences, however: Éowyn conceives and gives birth to a daughter,
and she decides to send the baby - a little girl named Ivy - to the
Shire. Merry has to get used to being a father and to raise a child of
mixed races... to big and growing up too fast to be a hobbit, to small
and too "different" to be a human (and besides, born on the wrong side
of a noble bed...).

This could have been one of the stories that makes the reader's eyebrows
rise in mild disbelief, but astonishingly enough it isn't. Aranel Took
unfurls the rich tapestry of Shire life, the heroes of LOTR delightfully
in character and neatly fleshed out. Her heroine Ivy, half Buckland,
half Rohan, is utterly believable, and the tale of her life takes the
reader by the hand and leads him from chapter to chapter (and there are
more than 100 chapters...), until at the end he/ she leans back with a
satisfied sigh. Aside from Ivy there are wonderful female portraits to
find, a marvelous Rosie, a great Estella and a rather nasty Diamond (!)
- a rare treat in a fanfiction universe where heroines are much too
often neglected for the sake of a misunderstood (and most often slashy)
canon. Which of course also means that there are many (delightfully
handled) erotic scenes and a (very unexpected) lovestory for Ivy. An
extra kudos for the fabulous dialogues!

Again - those who are willing to accept the premise will enjoy this, and
very, very much. Bravo - extremely well done!
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Title: Too Few Words · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Dwarves · ID: 311
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2006-11-23 16:44:41
Oh oh oh, I love Zei. [Not One Word] was one of the very first Tolkien
fanfics I ever read, and I was so happy when this continuation of her
story appeared.
I don't often think about Dwarven romance, and I love the quiet depth of
emotion that Zei has for Gimli. She's already decided that she's not
going to travel to Minas Tirith, yet she allows him to visit her, and
lay out his proposal, so that she may have just a bit of time with him.
He is, of course, clueless, and his reaction to her refusal is utterly
perfect.

The dynamic between Zei and Legolas is wonderful as well; they seem to
understand each other perfectly. I like very much that Zei doesn't
appear to harbour any ill-will towards Legolas, and that he, in return,
realizes that she has unspoken feelings towards Gimli, but that she
doesn't wish to put them forward if she'll be unrequited.

And I love the notion of Aragorn somehow coming into possession of Zei's
sketch. He must be alive with curiousity.

Absolutely lovely.

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Title: History Becomes Legend · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men:
Steward's Sons Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 737
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2006-11-23 16:50:47
Remembering heroes in powerful, moving song seems a distinctly Rohirric
tradition to me, though I'm sure other lands did the same thing. This is
particularly touching in that the song in question is about Boromir, and
that Faramir is probably quite startled to hear such a thing. I'm sure
he had an inkling of in what high regard the Rohirrim held his brother,
but to know that such a song was written about Boromir *before* his
death must be very affecting.

I like the young Rider, too - he seems very earnest and is probably a
bit in awe at meeting Boromir's brother. It's very compassionate of him
to want to share this with Faramir.
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Title: It's the Thought · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Fixed-Length
Ficlets With Children · ID: 71
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2006-11-23 16:56:11
I love Theodred's compassion and concern for his young cousins. He knows
they need comfort, and is bent on helping in any way he can, though it
seems he's not quite sure what to do. He's probably not had much
interactions with bereaved little ones before this, has he?

Thank goodness for his nurse and her wise advice! I like how the act of
Theodred giving Eomer and Eowyn his old possessions will create a bond
between them - and though he realizes later that Eowyn would have likely
been happier with the sword, I like to think that he makes it up to her
by encouraging her in her Shieldmaiden training.

Very warm and snuggly, even with the sad undercurrent of loss at the
beginning.
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Title: Thus Are Legends Born · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men:
Fixed-Length Ficlets With Children · ID: 732
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2006-11-23 17:03:19
Eeeee, I adore solemn little Faramir! I like that dragons are apparently
the first thing to come to his mind, and I like that he very patiently
explains that [A baby dragon, whose blood is new, and hot, would glow
red and yellow] - I can just see the studious look on Faramir's face as
he says this, as if he's quoting some book from memory.

I also like the more down-to-earth explanation that Boromir gives for
what that creature might be - I somehow think that he might be rollling
his eyes a bit. It's very much in-character for both of them: Faramir
with his already-evident love of tales, Boromir with his pragmatism and
the slight hint of impatience with Faramir's flight of fancy.
-----------------------------------
Title: Necessity and Desire · Author: Gwynnyd · Times: The Great Years ·
ID: 173
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-23 17:21:36
What a great gap-filler for the evening before the council of Elrond. I
loved the characterization and interaction between Arwen and Aragorn.
Leave it to Arwen to provide a reason for Aragorn's display of mail at
the feast. Another thing I liked was the 'war-council' Aragorn held with
his brothers, the way he easily and to the dismay of his brothers came
up with plans on how to defeat Rivendell. And the last line was
priceless: [I still want to know why he was wearing my mail. ] Think
Elladan ;-).
-----------------------------------
Title: The Standard-Bearer · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races: Men:
Vignette · ID: 716
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-23 17:22:01
Halbarad's musings on the night Aragorn looks into the Palantir. I found
it sad how far removed Aragorn seems from his people and even his close
friend, but I think it is a valid point. Aragorn will be king of more
than just the Dunedain. Interesting that Halbarad thinks that Aragorn
has something of all the people he will govern in him.
-----------------------------------
Title: Until the Stars Are All Alight · Author: Kenaz · Races: Men:
Featuring Aragorn · ID: 148
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-23 17:22:46
This story is awesome. Aragorn as a young man riding with the Dunedain
and killing his first man not orc. The story is written from the pov of
Halbarad who was charged by Elladan to make a man who can be king out of
the boy. I love the way the author has with language. Although never
crude or too explicit, the pictures of the effects of death on a body
were horrifyingly vivid. Aragorn's reaction to his first killing is very
understandable. Although Halbarad's way of dealing with it might be
unusual ;-). I like the nitty gritty details of life with the Dunedain
which show up in glimpses throughout this story. A great tale.
-----------------------------------
Title: Okay, NOW Panic! · Author: Boz4PM · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 907
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-23 17:25:24
This is the sequel to Don't Panic. Penny gets a bit more comfortable in
ME, the communication block gets less, but still there are lots of
things to trip her up. I love it how it is more of the "little" things
not the big things like being in Middle-earth in the first place that
are obstacles for Penny like the different code of behavior at the Royal
Court, the way people relate to leaders. Nobody would dare to talk to
Elrond or Aragorn like she does, and she was out of line, but not as
much as the people around her think if you look at it by modern
standards. She is used to being independant and has therefore a lot of
trouble fitting in. There are countless rules nobody even thinks to
mention, and Penny has to navigate through the maze without knowing them.

I really like the development of all the characters, canon or original,
especially Halladan. The last chapters deal with the aftermath of the
war and the effect war has on soldiers. Surprisingly, for the people of
Middle-earth, this is one area where Penny has some knowledge and can
help in her limited way. But again she stands out. Females are not
supposed to know anything of this<g>.

I'm eagerly awaiting where Penny will end up. I hope it is with Halladan
;-).
-----------------------------------
Title: The Spy · Author: daw the minstrel · Races: Elves · ID: 268
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-23 17:26:28
In this nice little romp Beliond, one of Daw's original characters,
helps the ruler of a town of men to keep his rule. I love the gossiping
maids who classify the males around them after parts of their anatomy.
The original minstrel has nice legs, Beliond who takes his place has a
nice bottom. The picture of Beliond constantly trying to drag the too
short tunic down was too funny.
-----------------------------------
Title: King's Man · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Times: The Great
Years: Vignette · ID: 197
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-23 17:27:17
This is a short, intense gap-filler. Aragorn and Halbarad share one last
evening around the campfire on the way to the Path of the Dead before
Halbarad dies. Although nothing much happened the things not said
between Halbarad and Aragorn speak more. The silence shared says more
about their friendship than any more words could. Halbarad doesn't say
much and still I got a clear picture of his character. Well done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Seeing Stars · Author: Budgielover · Races: Hobbits: Children ·
ID: 399
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 20:01:22
Sometimes young men have difficulty understanding the fascination women
feel for small children; and in this case Merry and Frodo are both left
at a loss to understand why Pippin, who's only eleven, after all, gets
all the attention.

This story is fraught with humor as we see Merry and Frodo making
themselves ridiculous in the attempt to get equal time from the server
at the Dragon, and as they watch Pippin go away time after time with
treats the twerp doesn't deserve.

A good story to read when one needs a lift.
-----------------------------------
Title: Shadows of a Nameless Fear · Author: Budgielover · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 640
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 20:04:47
Frodo, recovering in Minas Tirith, is already stressed; when he heads to
the privy to be kidnapped by ruffians intent on handing the Ringbearer
over to orcs intent on revenge for the fall of Mordor and Orthanc, the
city finds itself torn apart as the hunt for Frodo and those who took him.

Filled with angst and more intense wounds and healing for all four
Hobbits. Good thing Elrond is on the premises and that Aragorn has a
palantir on hand to find Pippin.
-----------------------------------
Title: Summoned · Author: Agape4Gondor · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 840
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 20:31:27
A fascinating examination of Faramir's emotions as he visits (apparently
briefly) with his new king in Cormallen, rejoicing to be back in
Ithilien, the land he loves and that will be his own demense soon. Very
moving and poignant, with vivid imagery. One understands the loss of his
brother, the desire to see this land fulfilled, the horror at the
thought of how close he came to dying.
-----------------------------------
Title: Caws Llyffant · Author: Llinos · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest · ID: 634
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 21:00:24
Oh, dear--Frodo hadn't studied all his Sindarin, and in searching for
"frog cheese" he came home with samples of all the cheeses available.
But, NO mushrooms. And what is poor Pippin, doomed to eat only mushrooms
and bread by as a result of his mother's overconcern for his health,
going to eat?

A very humorous look at the preparations for Bilbo's hundred tenth
birthday, and Frodo's thirty-second. And sometimes we really do need to
learn idioms if we're going to do translations from other languages.
-----------------------------------
Title: Merry's Magnificent Yule · Author: Marigold · Genres: Humor: The
Shire · ID: 211
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 21:21:38
Aha--Merry gets drunk, and PIppin must suffer as a result. A hilarious
tale of a beloved missed and a cousin almost wishing he were anywhere
but at Merry's side that night.

As for Uncle Dinodas and what he THOUGHT he saw--that doesn't bear
repeating! Heh!
-----------------------------------
Title: Stones · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 571
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 21:31:07
As one who has picked up pebbles to remember places, from the piece of
ore from Virginia City, Nevada, to the red jaspar I picked up at Fort
Pritchard to the green jaspar I found in Warwick Castle, I can certainly
empathise here with Pippin and his desire to hold a tangible sign of a
specific memory in his hand.

Very, very nice, and wonderful characterizations.
-----------------------------------
Title: Bilbo's Nursery Rhyme for Merry and Pippin · Author: Llinos ·
Races: Hobbits: Poetry · ID: 882
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 21:59:55
How much Pippin and Merry must have enjoyed visiting Uncle Bilbo when
they were young, particularly when he recited this rhyme. Actually, Pip
undoubtedly loved it, while Merry must have hidden his head each time he
heard it begun. Ah, being the elder cousin could be mortifying!
-----------------------------------
Title: Frodo's Exciting Day Out · Author: Llinos · Genres: Humor: Parody
· ID: 829
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-23 23:02:48
Yes, the parody of parodies, and all most un-Tolkienly on eagle back.
And at last the ring is gone, and Landroval wants Smeagol's fishcakes.
-----------------------------------
Title: 300 Horses · Author: Rous · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 631
Reviewer: Llinos · 2006-11-23 23:09:21
It's lovely to imagine that Minas Tirith endured so long. This little
glimpse of its modernity was a bit unsettling, just as it should be.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Meara for Me! · Author: Súlriel · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 893
Reviewer: Llinos · 2006-11-24 00:36:55
I have never seen anything quite like this. It is a useful research tool
and at the same time can be read almost as a story in its own right.
Very creative!
-----------------------------------
Title: Distant Lands · Author: Acacea · Genres: Romance: Fixed-length
ficlet · ID: 76
Reviewer: Llinos · 2006-11-24 00:37:43
This drabble left me with the feeling that Faramir will be searching out
all he can about Rohan in the near future. I liked the glimpses of the
relationships between Gandalf, Aragorn and Faramir very much.
-----------------------------------
Title: Spirit of Fire · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Fixed-length
ficlet · ID: 196
Reviewer: Llinos · 2006-11-24 00:39:43
Each word chosen here is exactly right giving this drabble the feel of a
much longer story which, given the characters involved, is entirely
appropriate. The language is excellent, the imagery vivid and the
emotions skilfully conveyed. It fits perfectly into canon. A very good
drabble.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Path · Author: AngieT · Races: Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 638
Reviewer: Llinos · 2006-11-24 00:41:34
A very spooky tale, wonderfully told . Despite the subject matter it is
not over-the-top at all, which makes it very believable and so even more
chilling. Nevertheless, throughout the author manages to keep this a
very hobbity story, dark bits and all. I thought that Merry and the OC's
were well depicted here.
-----------------------------------