Yahoo Forum Archive

Author: Aramel · ID: 227 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:25:25 Score: 3
Aramel's stories always feel fresh to me. They take a commonly
misunderstood part of canon, or one that people haven't thought to
explore at all, and turn it around. Her pieces stay with me for a while
after I've read them, and I find myself turning them over in my head
wondering how her interpretation would affect other parts of the canon.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Branwyn · ID: 240 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:26:12 Score: 10
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.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:26:36 Score: 2
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.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Poetry
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:26:57 Score: 2
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.
-----------------------------------------
Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Fixed-Length
Ficlet
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:28:48 Score: 10
Edoras Lass is another one of those authors that has developed a
compelling subworld around the canonical facts we know about Gondor and
Rohan. There are customs and cultural expectations that seem reasonable
even though Tolkien never specified them, and they enrich the
characters' lives and the corners of canon that Tolkien never filled in.
Her original character Nanny is a good example. In "Mine" we see her
patience and unfaltering commonsensical wisdom when it comes to dealing
with a child as difficult as Boromir must have been. And in "Quality
Time" there's a glimpse of her dealing with the equally difficult man
Denethor. She's a compelling character and provides a unique window into
Denethor's world.

But then there are the canonical characters. Her characterizations are
always convincing but feel fresh. She adds to and builds on what Tolkien
told us, but in a way that feels true to Middle-earth. Nowhere is this
better illustrated than in the way Faramir reacts to his father's
infirmity in "Come When You Are Ready". The nauseating physical details
are only too clearly told, but the way Faramir deals with them is so
in-character! He does not flinch, does not shy away, but he is not
untouched by the gore. And Denethor as well is touchingly portrayed:
bound by duty to his family and to Gondor, cunning in the way he tries
to piece together the mystery.

EL is a great author if you like one-shots and shorts that develop the
canon in a convincing way but aren't afraid to add on. Her stories are
refreshingly fresh yet still feel Tolkienesque.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Forodwaith · ID: 50 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:42:13 Score: 3
Forodwaith seems to have really gotten into Arwen's mindset. In all of
her stories about that character Arwen comes off exactly as I imagine
her: wise but not completely above doubt. It's a hard mindset to write
but I think Forodwaith pulls it off. She's certainly enhanced my
appreciation of what was always a somewhat enigmatic character.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Gandalfs apprentice · ID: 175 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:42:47 Score: 4
Gandalfs Apprentice can always make me lap with the matter-of-fact
streak she brings to her humor. I can just see her characters with a
very deadpan expression on their faces as they deliver the lines she
gives them. Even in her more serious works, the slightly funny quality
is still under the surface. You just know that her characters thoroughly
enjoy life, and that makes for a fun read.
-----------------------------------------
Author: grey_wonderer · ID: 62 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:43:21 Score: 4
Grey Wonderer has a way of writing Pippin especially but all the hobbits
that is simply hilarious. Pippin is so honest and forthright in the
questions he asks, but those questions are more than a bit embarrassing.
He takes his time getting to the point but keeps pushing. Really, it's
brilliantly true to life and laugh-out-loud hilarious throughout. I've
only found the time to read a few of the stories but I'm going to try to
read more after the awards are over.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Gwynnyd · ID: 186 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:44:07 Score: 10
I'll admit that before I first read Gwynnyd's fiction I did not feel
that deeply for Aragorn. He always seemed a bit boring, I guess because
we never see him going through any sort of growth in the corpus of Lord
of the Rings. The material's there, but it's buried. However, through
discussions with Gwynnyd and through reading her stories, I have begun
to see more of the gaps that ferment into story nuzguls for her.

Gwynnyd's stories range from the events surrounding Arathorn's death and
Aragorn's moving to Rivendell, through his reign as king of Gondor. In
all of these different situations she is very aware of the real-world
historical precedents that faced similar situations and uses these
models to good use. Of course Aragorn and Gilraen both living in
Rivendell would be a tip-off to Aragorn's identity. But I did not even
think that this was a difficulty that needs to be explained until I
started reading Gwynnyd's fiction.

The best thing about her plots is that they do not *add* to Tolkien in a
way that feels artificial. Instead, reading one of her stories is like
going on an archaeological dig and discovering what was already there,
just waiting to be unearthed. Reading one of her pieces is always a treat.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Imhiriel · ID: 702 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Fixed-Length
Ficlet
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:44:45 Score: 4
Imhiriel brings such a sense of humanity to the earlier ages. (Not in
making the elves mortal, but in making the drama and the angst
approachable for this modern reader). And her prose is always beautiful
and displays a passion for finding just the right word to communicate an
emotion that I think Tolkien would approve of. This is especially
important in shorter pieces like drabbles, and it makes for a read that
really appeals to my inner language geek.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Lindelea · ID: 27 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:45:29 Score: 2
Lindelea is good at keeping a long tale interesting over several
chapters. Her hobbits are relaxing and fun, and I enjoy what I've read
of hers.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Llinos · ID: 25 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Poetry
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:46:36 Score: 2
Llinoss subtle and witty style is evident in both her poetry and prose.
Shes an author I consistently enjoy reading.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Marigold · ID: 98 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:47:05 Score: 9
Marigold has such a special way of writing hobbits. Somehow ordinary
moments of life leap off the page when she writes about them. She writes
the major characters well and I'm sure a lot of readers have enjoyed her
for that, but what has really captivated me about her writing is the way
she handles the mothers and sisters of the major characters.

What stands out among this year's writing is the way she presents
Pippin's mother worrying over him. That piece not only reflected her
missing Pippin but the situation in Tookland with the resistance of
Sharkey's men. And that's another of Marigold's talents. She definitely
knows the canon about hobbits better than anyone else I know, but she
doesn't allow it to overwhelm the piece. Then she adds her own
invention, the idea of Gandalf giving Pippin two special stars, and the
result is a situation that almost feels like something Tolkien would
have written. At a minimum I'm sure he approved.

Mari is an author who never fails to satisfy, and whose pieces have just
the right balance of light and dark to portray hobbits as Tolkien meant
them. Not frivolous children, but curiously resistant to despair.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Rabidsamfan · ID: 380 · Times: The Great Years [56]:
Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:47:47 Score: 3
As always, RSF writes hobbits in a way that makes them feel real. In
both her stories and her essays she extrapolates from what Tolkien wrote
to create a tale or essay that feels genuine.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:48:20 Score: 10
Tanaqui is a long-time friend and beta reader, so it feels a bit odd to
be reviewing not something that she wrote but how she functions as an
author. I hold her writing abilities in the highest regard and always
like to read what she has written in the Tolkien fandom because she has
a knowledge of canon that transcends individual facts. Of course, once
you try to jump from facts that Tolkien explicitly wrote to broader
worldviews about how a culture would have operated you enter the realm
of interpretation. And I have not agreed with every assertion Tanaqui
has made, but I have been able to accept her inventions as something
Tolkien would have approved of; they are very much in the spirit and
letter of his Middle-earth.

Tanaqui uses an exquisite amount of physical detail in her works,
without her pieces feeling like an infodump. That's what I remember when
I think about her, how rich the world she creates is. She once joked
that in a drabble we are allowed seven words for a title, one hundred
for the body of the text -- and three thousand for the requisite
footnotes and forenotes documenting the historical precedents, canon
sources, and the thoughts that led up to the drabble. That really
summarizes her approach to writing in general: not that she uses too
many footnotes(!) but that for every bit she puts in, there's much more
going on below the surface. I'm not sure how much she'll appreciate a
comparison to movieverse, but her writing really does remind me of
WETA's dedication to crafting props that were works of art, even if they
barely made it on to screen or not at all. It creates a very rich
backdrop for her stories, and this reader loves it.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Rabidsamfan · ID: 380 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-29 15:51:35 Score: 3
As always, RSF writes hobbits in a way that makes them feel real. In
both her stories and her essays she extrapolates from what Tolkien wrote
to create a tale or essay that feels genuine.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-11-29 16:58:01 Score: 5
Marta writes beautifully, and has a range to be envied in terms of
characters and genre. Her short story of Boromir's naming is a good
example: she writes sympathetically and well of both Aragorn and
Denethor, a real challenge. Her knowledge of canon shines.

I would also note that she has made a remarkable contribution to
fanfiction not only as a writer, but as a commentator and critic of the
work of others. I always pay special attention to Marta's comments on my
own and others' work, because she is so perceptive. Her critical
intelligence infuses her own work as well.


-----------------------------------------
Author: Shirebound · ID: 315 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2006-11-29 22:09:27 Score: 3
Shirebound was one of the first Tolkien fanfiction authors I ever read.I
am so glad that I did,as her stories are always inspiring,heartwarming
and uplifting and always leave the reader with a comfortable glow.
Shirebound's first love is the Hobbitts but she also writes a wonderful
Aragorn,depicting my favourite chararter as I imagine him.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Vistula the Dunadan · ID: 193 · Races: Hobbits [106]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-29 23:06:09 Score: 5
Vistula writes very dramatic stories, and ones that capture imagination
and emotions. She is one of the few who write occasional slash stories I
will read because they are either tastefully and considerately done, or
they are intentionally satirical and well-wrought. Her pacing is
excellent, her images intense, her characterizations not only consistent
with canon but also imaginative.

She is capable of effectively writing drama as well as humor, vignettes
and slightly longer tales. And her true depth of love for Samwise Gamgee
is marvelous.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Agape4Gondor · ID: 688 · Races: Men [73]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-29 23:36:46 Score: 3
Agape writes marvelous fiction about the House of Hurin and its
denizens. I find her work sometimes AU, but consistent with the
characters we know; and her OCs are well presented and sympathetic.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 00:34:36 Score: 10
Raksha is equally at home in a number of genres--writing drama that is
moving without being maudlin, romance that is sexy and sophisticated,
and humor that is beverage-snorting funny. Her work always shows a
painstaking attention to craft. Though her diction and structure vary by
piece, they are always perfectly suited to the subject matter. Details
of canon are carefully researched, down to the choice of a particular word.

Though she will swear up and down that she cant write poetry, her short
piece Seeker of Shadow reads like a poem. The language is rhythmic,
beautiful, and more than a little disturbing, which is very appropriate
for the tale of Eol and Aredhel.

Anyone who reads Rakshas work will quickly notice a certain *fondness*
for Faramir, but she writes with great insight about a wide range of
characters. Her characterization of Boromir in Rest and Recreation is
affectionate but also realistic. His flaws are evident along with his
more admirable traits. In her fics about Eol and Huan the Hound, she
skillfully takes the viewpoints of obscure characters. She writes Eowyn
very believably, showing a woman who is contented with her married life
but hasnt been lost her sharp edges. Rakshas respect for Tolkiens
characters, as he wrote them, is combined with an understanding of human
nature; the result is very credible characterization that does not
violate Tolkiens worldview. She also catches the feel of his writing,
which is often poetic in style and is ultimately optimistic.

All of her strengths come together in The Falcon and the Star, a
gapfiller about Aragorns healing of Faramir in the Houses of Healing,
and the piece is in agreement with Tolkiens own work in style, theme,
and tenor. Not only is this story beautifully written, but it has a
great deal of heart. I do not think Tolkien would be displeased if he
read it.


-----------------------------------------
Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Times: First Age and Prior [23]:
Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 00:40:01 Score: 10
Raksha is equally at home in a number of genres--writing drama that is
moving without being maudlin, romance that is sexy and sophisticated,
and humor that is beverage-snorting funny. Her work always shows a
painstaking attention to craft. Though her diction and structure vary by
piece, they are always perfectly suited to the subject matter. Details
of canon are carefully researched, down to the choice of a particular word.

Though she will swear up and down that she cant write poetry, her short
piece Seeker of Shadow reads like a poem. The language is rhythmic,
beautiful, and more than a little disturbing, which is very appropriate
for the tale of Eol and Aredhel.

Anyone who reads Rakshas work will quickly notice a certain *fondness*
for Faramir, but she writes with great insight about a wide range of
characters. Her characterization of Boromir in Rest and Recreation is
affectionate but also realistic. His flaws are evident along with his
more admirable traits. In her fics about Eol and Huan the Hound, she
skillfully takes the viewpoints of obscure characters. She writes Eowyn
very believably, showing a woman who is contented with her married life
but hasnt been lost her sharp edges. Rakshas respect for Tolkiens
characters, as he wrote them, is combined with an understanding of human
nature; the result is very credible characterization that does not
violate Tolkiens worldview. She also catches the feel of his writing,
which is often poetic in style and is ultimately optimistic.

All of her strengths come together in The Falcon and the Star, a
gapfiller about Aragorns healing of Faramir in the Houses of Healing,
and the piece is in agreement with Tolkiens own work in style, theme,
and tenor. Not only is this story beautifully written, but it has a
great deal of heart. I do not think Tolkien would be displeased if he
read it.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]:
General
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 00:41:03 Score: 10
Raksha is equally at home in a number of genres--writing drama that is
moving without being maudlin, romance that is sexy and sophisticated,
and humor that is beverage-snorting funny. Her work always shows a
painstaking attention to craft. Though her diction and structure vary by
piece, they are always perfectly suited to the subject matter. Details
of canon are carefully researched, down to the choice of a particular word.

Though she will swear up and down that she cant write poetry, her short
piece Seeker of Shadow reads like a poem. The language is rhythmic,
beautiful, and more than a little disturbing, which is very appropriate
for the tale of Eol and Aredhel.

Anyone who reads Rakshas work will quickly notice a certain *fondness*
for Faramir, but she writes with great insight about a wide range of
characters. Her characterization of Boromir in Rest and Recreation is
affectionate but also realistic. His flaws are evident along with his
more admirable traits. In her fics about Eol and Huan the Hound, she
skillfully takes the viewpoints of obscure characters. She writes Eowyn
very believably, showing a woman who is contented with her married life
but hasnt been lost her sharp edges. Rakshas respect for Tolkiens
characters, as he wrote them, is combined with an understanding of human
nature; the result is very credible characterization that does not
violate Tolkiens worldview. She also catches the feel of his writing,
which is often poetic in style and is ultimately optimistic.

All of her strengths come together in The Falcon and the Star, a
gapfiller about Aragorns healing of Faramir in the Houses of Healing,
and the piece is in agreement with Tolkiens own work in style, theme,
and tenor. Not only is this story beautifully written, but it has a
great deal of heart. I do not think Tolkien would be displeased if he
read it.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Races: Cross-Cultural [28]:
Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 00:42:33 Score: 10
Raksha is equally at home in a number of genres--writing drama that is
moving without being maudlin, romance that is sexy and sophisticated,
and humor that is beverage-snorting funny. Her work always shows a
painstaking attention to craft. Though her diction and structure vary by
piece, they are always perfectly suited to the subject matter. Details
of canon are carefully researched, down to the choice of a particular word.

Though she will swear up and down that she cant write poetry, her short
piece Seeker of Shadow reads like a poem. The language is rhythmic,
beautiful, and more than a little disturbing, which is very appropriate
for the tale of Eol and Aredhel.

Anyone who reads Rakshas work will quickly notice a certain *fondness*
for Faramir, but she writes with great insight about a wide range of
characters. Her characterization of Boromir in Rest and Recreation is
affectionate but also realistic. His flaws are evident along with his
more admirable traits. In her fics about Eol and Huan the Hound, she
skillfully takes the viewpoints of obscure characters. She writes Eowyn
very believably, showing a woman who is contented with her married life
but hasnt been lost her sharp edges. Rakshas respect for Tolkiens
characters, as he wrote them, is combined with an understanding of human
nature; the result is very credible characterization that does not
violate Tolkiens worldview. She also catches the feel of his writing,
which is often poetic in style and is ultimately optimistic.

All of her strengths come together in The Falcon and the Star, a
gapfiller about Aragorns healing of Faramir in the Houses of Healing,
and the piece is in agreement with Tolkiens own work in style, theme,
and tenor. Not only is this story beautifully written, but it has a
great deal of heart. I do not think Tolkien would be displeased if he
read it.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Genres: Romance [51]: Fixed-Length
Ficlet
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 00:43:00 Score: 10
Raksha is equally at home in a number of genres--writing drama that is
moving without being maudlin, romance that is sexy and sophisticated,
and humor that is beverage-snorting funny. Her work always shows a
painstaking attention to craft. Though her diction and structure vary by
piece, they are always perfectly suited to the subject matter. Details
of canon are carefully researched, down to the choice of a particular word.

Though she will swear up and down that she cant write poetry, her short
piece Seeker of Shadow reads like a poem. The language is rhythmic,
beautiful, and more than a little disturbing, which is very appropriate
for the tale of Eol and Aredhel.

Anyone who reads Rakshas work will quickly notice a certain *fondness*
for Faramir, but she writes with great insight about a wide range of
characters. Her characterization of Boromir in Rest and Recreation is
affectionate but also realistic. His flaws are evident along with his
more admirable traits. In her fics about Eol and Huan the Hound, she
skillfully takes the viewpoints of obscure characters. She writes Eowyn
very believably, showing a woman who is contented with her married life
but hasnt been lost her sharp edges. Rakshas respect for Tolkiens
characters, as he wrote them, is combined with an understanding of human
nature; the result is very credible characterization that does not
violate Tolkiens worldview. She also catches the feel of his writing,
which is often poetic in style and is ultimately optimistic.

All of her strengths come together in The Falcon and the Star, a
gapfiller about Aragorns healing of Faramir in the Houses of Healing,
and the piece is in agreement with Tolkiens own work in style, theme,
and tenor. Not only is this story beautifully written, but it has a
great deal of heart. I do not think Tolkien would be displeased if he
read it.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Genres: Romance [51]: General
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 00:43:20 Score: 10
Raksha is equally at home in a number of genres--writing drama that is
moving without being maudlin, romance that is sexy and sophisticated,
and humor that is beverage-snorting funny. Her work always shows a
painstaking attention to craft. Though her diction and structure vary by
piece, they are always perfectly suited to the subject matter. Details
of canon are carefully researched, down to the choice of a particular word.

Though she will swear up and down that she cant write poetry, her short
piece Seeker of Shadow reads like a poem. The language is rhythmic,
beautiful, and more than a little disturbing, which is very appropriate
for the tale of Eol and Aredhel.

Anyone who reads Rakshas work will quickly notice a certain *fondness*
for Faramir, but she writes with great insight about a wide range of
characters. Her characterization of Boromir in Rest and Recreation is
affectionate but also realistic. His flaws are evident along with his
more admirable traits. In her fics about Eol and Huan the Hound, she
skillfully takes the viewpoints of obscure characters. She writes Eowyn
very believably, showing a woman who is contented with her married life
but hasnt been lost her sharp edges. Rakshas respect for Tolkiens
characters, as he wrote them, is combined with an understanding of human
nature; the result is very credible characterization that does not
violate Tolkiens worldview. She also catches the feel of his writing,
which is often poetic in style and is ultimately optimistic.

All of her strengths come together in The Falcon and the Star, a
gapfiller about Aragorns healing of Faramir in the Houses of Healing,
and the piece is in agreement with Tolkiens own work in style, theme,
and tenor. Not only is this story beautifully written, but it has a
great deal of heart. I do not think Tolkien would be displeased if he
read it.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 00:45:13 Score: 10
Raksha is equally at home in a number of genres--writing drama that is
moving without being maudlin, romance that is sexy and sophisticated,
and humor that is beverage-snorting funny. Her work always shows a
painstaking attention to craft. Though her diction and structure vary by
piece, they are always perfectly suited to the subject matter. Details
of canon are carefully researched, down to the choice of a particular word.

Though she will swear up and down that she cant write poetry, her short
piece Seeker of Shadow reads like a poem. The language is rhythmic,
beautiful, and more than a little disturbing, which is very appropriate
for the tale of Eol and Aredhel.

Anyone who reads Rakshas work will quickly notice a certain *fondness*
for Faramir, but she writes with great insight about a wide range of
characters. Her characterization of Boromir in Rest and Recreation is
affectionate but also realistic. His flaws are evident along with his
more admirable traits. In her fics about Eol and Huan the Hound, she
skillfully takes the viewpoints of obscure characters. She writes Eowyn
very believably, showing a woman who is contented with her married life
but hasnt been lost her sharp edges. Rakshas respect for Tolkiens
characters, as he wrote them, is combined with an understanding of human
nature; the result is very credible characterization that does not
violate Tolkiens worldview. She also catches the feel of his writing,
which is often poetic in style and is ultimately optimistic.

All of her strengths come together in The Falcon and the Star, a
gapfiller about Aragorns healing of Faramir in the Houses of Healing,
and the piece is in agreement with Tolkiens own work in style, theme,
and tenor. Not only is this story beautifully written, but it has a
great deal of heart. I do not think Tolkien would be displeased if he
read it.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 00:46:05 Score: 10
Raksha is equally at home in a number of genres--writing drama that is
moving without being maudlin, romance that is sexy and sophisticated,
and humor that is beverage-snorting funny. Her work always shows a
painstaking attention to craft. Though her diction and structure vary by
piece, they are always perfectly suited to the subject matter. Details
of canon are carefully researched, down to the choice of a particular word.

Though she will swear up and down that she cant write poetry, her short
piece Seeker of Shadow reads like a poem. The language is rhythmic,
beautiful, and more than a little disturbing, which is very appropriate
for the tale of Eol and Aredhel.

Anyone who reads Rakshas work will quickly notice a certain *fondness*
for Faramir, but she writes with great insight about a wide range of
characters. Her characterization of Boromir in Rest and Recreation is
affectionate but also realistic. His flaws are evident along with his
more admirable traits. In her fics about Eol and Huan the Hound, she
skillfully takes the viewpoints of obscure characters. She writes Eowyn
very believably, showing a woman who is contented with her married life
but hasnt been lost her sharp edges. Rakshas respect for Tolkiens
characters, as he wrote them, is combined with an understanding of human
nature; the result is very credible characterization that does not
violate Tolkiens worldview. She also catches the feel of his writing,
which is often poetic in style and is ultimately optimistic.

All of her strengths come together in The Falcon and the Star, a
gapfiller about Aragorns healing of Faramir in the Houses of Healing,
and the piece is in agreement with Tolkiens own work in style, theme,
and tenor. Not only is this story beautifully written, but it has a
great deal of heart. I do not think Tolkien would be displeased if he
read it.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-30 01:29:18 Score: 4
Marta usually employs a somber approach to Tolkien fanfiction, so it is
a delightful surprise, as well as an indication of her range as an
author, to see her flavor a tale with a bit of light, romantic mischief;
as in "Hidden Wonders", or the artistic sensuality of "Spirit of Fire".
She is also one of the most skilled drabblists in the ranks of Tolkien
fanfictioneers; able to pack a powerful emotional punch or capture a
Tolkien Moment in a snapshot, all in 100 words. And her longer pieces
are sophisticated and perceptive.

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Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Races: Cross-Cultural [28]: General
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-30 01:31:18 Score: 3
Though Marta devotes a good portion of her writing time to the men of
Gondor; she branches out to the other beings of Middle-earth with equal
skill, painting pictures of Tolkien's varied characters, often in a
minimum of words, with subtlety and grace.
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Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Races: Elves [38]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-30 01:31:49 Score: 4
Marta usually employs a somber approach to Tolkien fanfiction, so it is
a delightful surprise, as well as an indication of her range as an
author, to see her flavor a tale with a bit of light, romantic mischief;
as in "Hidden Wonders", or the artistic sensuality of "Spirit of Fire".
She is also one of the most skilled drabblists in the ranks of Tolkien
fanfictioneers; able to pack a powerful emotional punch or capture a
Tolkien Moment in a snapshot, all in 100 words. And her longer pieces
are sophisticated and perceptive.

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Author: Branwyn · ID: 240 · Races: Men [73]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-30 01:44:10 Score: 10
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: Llinos · ID: 25 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Poetry
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2006-11-30 02:13:53 Score: 5
There are a handful of authors that when I read their name beside a
title, I know it's going to be a good story (or poem), and of good
quality. Llinos is one of those authors. As I have said in another
review, Llinos makes it all look so easy, although I'm sure there was
some practice that got her to where she is today. But I think
ninety-nine percent of it is just pure, natural talent. She weaves her
stories and her poems with brilliant humour, riveting drama, and
nail-biting suspense. She has written a couple of stories that will
always be part of my list of all-time favourites. Looking forward to
more this coming year.
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Author: pipkinsweetgrass · ID: 157 · Genres: Romance [51]: Poetry
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2006-11-30 02:38:22 Score: 5
Poetry is yet another brilliant facet of the wonderfully talented
Pipkinsweetgrass. In all of her tales, she has a lovely way of making
Boromir come to life for me. Before I met this author, Boromir was just
another character who bit the dust, to me. Not any more. Pipkin has done
a remarkable job with bringing him to life, allowing me to see inside
his heart and soul--and whom better to write about his heart and soul
than someone who revels in his persona? Her love for the character
Boromir is displayed in all of her tales. Her stories contain just the
right measure of humour, drama, and angst. Nothing is over the top or
out of place. I always enjoy reading stories written by Pipkin!
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Author: Lindelea · ID: 27 · Races: Hobbits [106]: General
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2006-11-30 02:52:06 Score: 3
Impeccable. To me, that word is synonymous with Lindelea. Her narrative
and diction are perfect, She uses humour as deftly as Aragorn wields his
sword. Someday when "real life" lets up, I would love nothing better
than to just browse through this author's library of stories.
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Author: Linda Hoyland · ID: 527 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-30 05:09:08 Score: 3
Linda Hoyland's stories of Aragorn and Faramir are full of a great deal
of love between the two Men as well as angst. She often adds in touches
from British royal traditions, additions which enhance the feelings of
reality in her tales. It's always a pleasure reading a new tale she's
written.
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Author: Linda Hoyland · ID: 527 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-30 05:09:35 Score: 3
Linda Hoyland's stories of Aragorn and Faramir are full of a great deal
of love between the two Men as well as angst. She often adds in touches
from British royal traditions, additions which enhance the feelings of
reality in her tales. It's always a pleasure reading a new tale she's
written.
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Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Alternate Universe [22]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 06:30:43 Score: 3
EdorasLass has a real talent for writing engaging stories. I have only
recently discovered her PonyVerse and am just enchanted with the way she
has captured young Boromir and Faramir.
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Author: Bodkin · ID: 411 · Genres: Drama [107]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 06:35:12 Score: 2
Bodkin has a way of infusing everything that she writes with an amazing
amount of detail, whether it be a drabble or an epic. Her stories and
characters draw the reader in every time.
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Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 06:38:18 Score: 3
EdorasLass has a real talent for writing engaging stories. I have only
recently discovered her PonyVerse and am just enchanted with the way she
has captured young Boromir and Faramir.
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Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 06:39:55 Score: 3
EdorasLass has a real talent for writing engaging stories. I have only
recently discovered her PonyVerse and am just enchanted with the way she
has captured young Boromir and Faramir.
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Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 06:40:40 Score: 2
EdorasLass has a real talent for writing engaging stories. I have only
recently discovered her PonyVerse and am just enchanted with the way she
has captured Boromir and Faramir.
-----------------------------------------
Author: EdorasLass · ID: 299 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Fixed-Length
Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 06:42:02 Score: 1
EdorasLass has a real talent for writing engaging stories no matter the
length.
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Author: iorhael · ID: 641 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 06:46:36 Score: 2
Iorhael always writes with such rich language and her stories are
stunningly haunting and beautiful.
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Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · ID: 182 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 06:49:11 Score: 2
Isabeau writes with realism and believabilty. Her characters are always
well written and her plotting engaging.
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Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · ID: 182 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 06:50:16 Score: 2
Isabeau writes with realism and believabilty. Her characters are always
well written and her plotting engaging.
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Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · ID: 182 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond
[31]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 06:50:41 Score: 2
Isabeau writes with realism and believabilty. Her characters are always
well written and her plotting engaging.
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Author: Inkling · ID: 283 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 06:52:14 Score: 2
Inkling is a skilful writer. She has a very enjoyable style and is
especially adept at capturing the emotions of her characters.
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Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Races: Cross-Cultural [28]:
Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:00:55 Score: 2
Raksha is a dab hand at writing stories that never fail to satisfy,
whatever the genre or style.
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Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]:
General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:01:55 Score: 2
Raksha is a dab hand at writing stories that never fail to satisfy,
whatever the genre or style.
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