Yahoo Forum Archive

Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:02:17 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: Marta · ID: 16 · Races: Cross-Cultural [28]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:16:50 Score: 3
I am always impressed at how lush and lyrical Marta's stories and
drabbles can be, or how stark and angsty. The language is always
beautiful. She also unfailingly chooses thoughtful topics and writes her
characters in perfect voice!
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Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:17:48 Score: 3
I am always impressed at how lush and lyrical Marta's stories and
drabbles can be, or how stark and angsty. The language is always
beautiful. She also unfailingly chooses thoughtful topics and writes her
characters in perfect voice!
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Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Races: Elves [38]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:18:49 Score: 3
I am always impressed at how lush and lyrical Marta's stories and
drabbles can be, or how stark and angsty. The language is always
beautiful. She also unfailingly chooses thoughtful topics and writes her
characters in perfect voice!
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Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:19:16 Score: 3
I am always impressed at how lush and lyrical Marta's stories and
drabbles can be, or how stark and angsty. The language is always
beautiful. She also unfailingly chooses thoughtful topics and writes her
characters in perfect voice!
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Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Times: First Age and Prior [23]: Fixed-Length
Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:20:32 Score: 3
I am always impressed at how lush and lyrical Marta's stories and
drabbles can be, or how stark and angsty. The language is always
beautiful. She also unfailingly chooses thoughtful topics and writes her
characters in perfect voice!
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Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: Fixed-Length
Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:20:56 Score: 3
I am always impressed at how lush and lyrical Marta's stories and
drabbles can be, or how stark and angsty. The language is always
beautiful. She also unfailingly chooses thoughtful topics and writes her
characters in perfect voice!
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Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:21:30 Score: 3
I am always impressed at how lush and lyrical Marta's stories and
drabbles can be, or how stark and angsty. The language is always
beautiful. She also unfailingly chooses thoughtful topics and writes her
characters in perfect voice!
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Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:21:52 Score: 3
I am always impressed at how lush and lyrical Marta's stories and
drabbles can be, or how stark and angsty. The language is always
beautiful. She also unfailingly chooses thoughtful topics and writes her
characters in perfect voice!
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Author: Thevina Finduilas · ID: 87 · Races: Cross-Cultural [28]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:35:30 Score: 4
Thevina is a very engaging author, exceptionally skilled at writing
Gimli, and dwarves in general. She has an almost intuitive grasp of
Dwarven culture that is fascinating. But she also writes spot-on
characterisations of her other characters as well and I particularly
like her depictions of Pippin. Her plots are intriguing and
thought-provoking. I discovered this talented author through the MEFA's
and I am so glad that I did!
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Genres: Drama [107]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:39:34 Score: 2
Tanaqui has an ability to capture a readers attention and draw them
into whatever genre and style she turns her hand to.
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Races: Cross-Cultural [28]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:49:15 Score: 2
Tanaqui has an ability to capture a readers attention and draw them
into whatever genre and style she turns her hand to.
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Races: Dwarves [12]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:49:54 Score: 2
Tanaqui has an ability to capture a readers attention and draw them
into whatever genre and style she turns her hand to.
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Races: Hobbits [106]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 07:50:26 Score: 2
Tanaqui has an ability to capture a readers attention and draw them
into whatever genre and style she turns her hand to.
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Author: Bodkin · ID: 411 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: General
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-30 08:21:34 Score: 5
Bodkin can, through the conversations of Legolas, Elladan, and Elrohir,
do so much to inspire and entertain as well as to provoke thought. There
are few I can think of who can reach such depth while appearing merely
lighthearted at first.

In the story of the new year one sees a full range of emotions--boredom,
frustration, planning and determination, concern, and honor, all very
well portrayed. As for the ending and Gandalf's final firework in honor
of Frodo Baggins....

As for Sweet Woodbine--to celebrate the growing love for Elerrina and
the great responsibility Legolas handles is a joy.

Truly a delight to read Bodkin's work at any time; and in these stories
it's even more true.
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Races: Men [73]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Larner · 2006-11-30 08:42:33 Score: 2
Tanaqui's drabbles are masterful, as we look and Men and Elves and the
world they inhabited together.
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Races: Villains [6]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 08:49:24 Score: 2
Tanaqui has the ability to write even the most gruesome subject matter
in such a matter-of-fact way that it is even more chilling!
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]:
Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 08:50:48 Score: 2
Tanaqui has an ability to capture a readers attention and draw them
into whatever genre and style she turns her hand to.
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Author: Tanaqui · ID: 40 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 08:51:27 Score: 2
Tanaqui has an ability to capture a readers attention and draw them
into whatever genre and style she turns her hand to.
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Author: Salsify · ID: 314 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 08:55:09 Score: 2
Salsify has a gift for coming up with inventive plots, and the ability
to really get into the heads of her characters.
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Author: The Bookbinder's Daughter · ID: 658 · Races: Elves [38]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 09:07:44 Score: 3
The Bookbinder's Daughter is a very creative and skilful author. Her use
of language is just stunning and she has a real gift of detail. She is
able to paint a picture with her words that defies their intentional
brevity.
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Author: Lily · ID: 629 · Races: Hobbits [106]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 09:10:44 Score: 1
Lily knows her hobbits very well and her stories are a joy to read.
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Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Races: Hobbits [106]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 09:12:05 Score: 3
I am always impressed at how lush and lyrical Marta's stories and
drabbles can be, or how stark and angsty. The language is always
beautiful. She also unfailingly chooses thoughtful topics and writes her
characters in perfect voice!
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Author: Nancy Brooke · ID: 105 · Races: Men [73]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 09:17:52 Score: 2
Nancy Brooke is always able to use just the right words to get her point
across, never overwriting.
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Author: SlightlyTookish · ID: 205 · Races: Hobbits [106]: Fixed-Length
Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 09:21:56 Score: 3
What makes Slightly Tookish's stories so enjoyable for me is the
strength of the relationships. Her Merry and Pippin, and Pippin and
Gandalf especially. The love between these characters, between their
families, and between the Fellowship, is always depicted very clearly
and is present in every story no matter the genre!

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Author: SlightlyTookish · ID: 205 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 09:22:20 Score: 3
What makes Slightly Tookish's stories so enjoyable for me is the
strength of the relationships. Her Merry and Pippin, and Pippin and
Gandalf especially. The love between these characters, between their
families, and between the Fellowship, is always depicted very clearly
and is present in every story no matter the genre!

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Author: SlightlyTookish · ID: 205 · Times: The Great Years [56]:
Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 09:22:48 Score: 3
What makes Slightly Tookish's stories so enjoyable for me is the
strength of the relationships. Her Merry and Pippin, and Pippin and
Gandalf especially. The love between these characters, between their
families, and between the Fellowship, is always depicted very clearly
and is present in every story no matter the genre!

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Author: Linda Hoyland/Raksha the Demon CoAuthors · ID: 691 · Races: Men
[73]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 09:25:08 Score: 2
This team writes very well together. There is no hint of where one
author ends and the other begins.
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Author: Linda Hoyland · ID: 527 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 09:26:56 Score: 2
Linda Hoyland really knows how to tell an enjoyable story! She has
Aragorn and Faramir down pat, and all of her other characters come to life.
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Author: Linda Hoyland · ID: 527 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 09:28:32 Score: 1
Linda Hoyland fills her characters with a compassion that makes them
come to life.
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Author: Nesta · ID: 595 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 09:31:56 Score: 2
Nesta has a knack for making her characters come to life and excellent
talent for description.
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Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Races: Elves [38]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 09:41:13 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 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 09:44:25 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 · Races: Men [73]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 09:49:21 Score: 3
Raksha is a dab hand at writing stories that never fail to satisfy,
whatever the genre or style. Her greatest strength in my opinion is the
exceptional depth that she is able to bring to her characters.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 10:11:50 Score: 3
Raksha is a dab hand at writing stories that never fail to satisfy,
whatever the genre or style. Her greatest strength in my opinion is the
exceptional depth that she is able to bring to her characters.
-----------------------------------------
Author: SurgicalSteel · ID: 616 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 10:15:11 Score: 3
SurgicalSteel is a wonderfully descriptive author whose first hand
knowledge of healing brings an incredible depth to her stories. She is
also generous with her time in assisting other fanfic authors who wish
for medical accuracy in their own tales.
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Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Times: Early Third Age [7]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 10:28:07 Score: 3
I am always impressed at how lush and lyrical Marta's stories and
drabbles can be, or how stark and angsty. The language is always
beautiful. She also unfailingly chooses thoughtful topics and writes her
characters in perfect voice!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Bodkin · ID: 411 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 10:29:50 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: grey_wonderer · ID: 62 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 10:39:07 Score: 4
Grey Wonderer writes some of the most enjoyable hobbit fanfiction that I
have had the pleasure to read. She writes the hobbits wonderfully,
especially little hobbits, and her Merry and Pippin are a delight! Her
take on their relationship is spot-on and their voices are perfect in
every tale. GW also has a knack for unusual plots that she writes in
such a way as to make them perfectly plausible. Her talent for writing
humour is just terrific and everything that she writes is a gem!
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Author: Lindelea · ID: 27 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 10:40:05 Score: 2
Lindelea is skilled at writting OC's and canon characters, no matter
what their race or species! I always enjoy the detail and dialogue in
her stories.


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Author: Werecat · ID: 83 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 10:40:50 Score: 2
Werecat never fails to please, whether it be a drabble or a long story.
Her work always holds the reader's attention and is descriptive and
skilfully written.
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Author: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 10:41:52 Score: 1
I always enjoy the detail and craftsmanship that goes into one of
Dwimordene's stories.
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Author: Cathleen · ID: 579 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 10:45:59 Score: 2
Cathleen's stories move along at a fast pace that is quite suited to her
material. Her hobbits are imbued with a sense of fun and mischief and
her plots are enjoyable.
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Author: grey_wonderer · ID: 62 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 10:46:57 Score: 4
Grey Wonderer writes some of the most enjoyable hobbit fanfiction that I
have had the pleasure to read. She writes the hobbits wonderfully,
especially little hobbits, and her Merry and Pippin are a delight! Her
take on their relationship is spot-on and their voices are perfect in
every tale. GW also has a knack for unusual plots that she writes in
such a way as to make them perfectly plausible. Her talent for writing
humour is just terrific and everything that she writes is a gem!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 10:57:05 Score: 4
Dreamflower has created a complex and enjoyable society for her hobbits.
I love the way that each tale fits in with the others, giving the reader
the pleasure of immersing themselves in her wonderful and familiar
universe that never fails to please. Her hobbits are fantastic, the
characterisations of Merry and Pippin and their bond especially. She
writes the non-hobbit members of the Fellowship and her OC's skilfully,
and her plots are involved and believable. Dreamflower also gives a
great deal of her time helping other authors.
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Author: Gryffinjack · ID: 621 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 10:59:26 Score: 2
Gryffinjack writes with a lovely attention to detail and an obvious love
of her subject matter. I have never read a story of hers that I did not
enjoy immensely!
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Author: Mariole · ID: 492 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 11:01:59 Score: 2
Mariole writes in a sophisticated style that gives her readers real
insight into her characters. Her descriptions are well done; natural and
realistic.
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Author: pippinfan88 · ID: 331 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 11:03:13 Score: 3
Pippinfan's stories can be guaranteed to bring pleasure to the reader
that loves hobbity tales. She is never afraid to write realistically and
doesn't avoid topics that might be angsty, yet her stories are not ever
too heavy or too sombre, she always balances them just right with a mix
of genres to suit the individual tale.
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Author: Marta · ID: 16 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 11:04:37 Score: 3
I am always impressed at how lush and lyrical Marta's stories and
drabbles can be, or how stark and angsty. The language is always
beautiful. She also unfailingly chooses thoughtful topics and writes her
characters in perfect voice!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Pearl Took · ID: 72 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 11:15:51 Score: 3
Pearl has a way of adding a touch of the fantastical to her tales while
keeping them completely believable. She is very good at writing the
relationships between characters, especially Merry and Pippin. Her plots
are always original and enjoyable, and she is adept at varying the style
of her writing as appropriate to the speaker or circumstances.
-----------------------------------------

Author: Pearl Took · ID: 72 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 11:16:46 Score: 3
Pearl has a way of adding a touch of the fantastical to her tales while
keeping them completely believable. She is very good at writing the
relationships between characters, especially Merry and Pippin. Her plots
are always original and enjoyable, and she is adept at varying the style
of her writing as appropriate to the speaker or circumstances.
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Author: Rabidsamfan · ID: 380 · Times: The Great Years [56]:
Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 11:34:03 Score: 2
Rabidsamfan is especially skilled at revealing characters thoughts and
emotions and turning them into excellent stories!
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Author: Rabidsamfan · ID: 380 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 11:34:33 Score: 2
Rabidsamfan is especially skilled at revealing characters thoughts and
emotions and turning them into excellent stories!
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Author: Rabidsamfan · ID: 380 · Genres: Drama [107]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 11:35:07 Score: 2
Rabidsamfan is especially skilled at revealing characters thoughts and
emotions and turning them into excellent stories!
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Author: Marigold · ID: 98 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-30 11:37:57 Score: 3
Marigold not only writes hobbits with credibility, she manages to depict
their interactions with friends of other races with equal grace and
sensitivity. She has a particular talent for conveying hobbits'
enjoyment of simple pleasures, without making them seem either foolish
or childlike.
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Author: Larner · ID: 242 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 11:38:45 Score: 2
Larner's plots are always imaginative, and she writes every genre
believably. Her characterisations of the hobbits are always well done.

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Author: Marigold · ID: 98 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-30 11:38:55 Score: 3
Marigold not only writes hobbits with credibility, she manages to depict
their interactions with friends of other races with equal grace and
sensitivity. She has a particular talent for conveying hobbits'
enjoyment of simple pleasures, without making them seem either foolish
or childlike.
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Author: Marigold · ID: 98 · Races: Cross-Cultural [28]: General
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-30 11:39:16 Score: 3
Marigold not only writes hobbits with credibility, she manages to depict
their interactions with friends of other races with equal grace and
sensitivity. She has a particular talent for conveying hobbits'
enjoyment of simple pleasures, without making them seem either foolish
or childlike.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Marigold · ID: 98 · Races: Hobbits [106]: General
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-30 11:40:09 Score: 3
Marigold not only writes hobbits with credibility, she manages to depict
their interactions with friends of other races with equal grace and
sensitivity. She has a particular talent for conveying hobbits'
enjoyment of simple pleasures, without making them seem either foolish
or childlike.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Marigold · ID: 98 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2006-11-30 11:41:35 Score: 3
Marigold not only writes hobbits with credibility, she manages to depict
their interactions with friends of other races with equal grace and
sensitivity. She has a particular talent for conveying hobbits'
enjoyment of simple pleasures, without making them seem either foolish
or childlike.
-----------------------------------------
Author: SilverMoonLady · ID: 343 · Races: Hobbits [106]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2006-11-30 12:02:39 Score: 4
I always love Silvermoonlady's Hobbit fics because they bring life in
the Shire off the page with such depth and fullness, even while seeming
effortlessly and gently rendered. She takes Hobbits and Hobbit life
seriously, without ever being ponderous, pedantic or self-important, but
merely (!) by seeing the everyday with a clear and appreciative eye. She
crafts complicated stories, which always measure life at its fullest.
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Author: Llinos · ID: 25 · Times: The Great Years [56]: Poetry
Reviewer: Marigold · 2006-11-30 13:19:40 Score: 10
I absolutely love Llinos' writing! Her ability to bring life to songs
and poems is a rare gift indeed! She not only writes the songs or poems
themselves technically perfect, she crafts each one with spot-on
characterisations and descriptions. Every detail is just right, and
never feels forced. Her work is always appropriate to the character and
subject matter.

She skilfully varies her style as is appropriate, depending upon what
she is writing and whose *voice* she is writing it in. Whatever the
style, type of piece, plot or subject matter, her work never fails to be
just marvellous! The way that she is able to take requests from her
readers and come up with the perfect piece of writing is just simply
amazing!

Llinos has an extensive knowledge of canon, and she grew up in the Shire
at the time that Tolkien was writing LoTR. This adds an exceptional
realism to her work; she has the real Shire all around her, knows the
flora, fauna, and food that Tolkien would have been familiar with,
understands the class differences. Details and nuances like this really
enhance her work. She also has the film characterisations down pat, as
is evident in her limericks. To be able to write, on request, a spot-on
limerick about the old guy at Helm's Deep is a mark of her great talent.

I look forward to everything that Llinos writes!
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Author: Werecat · ID: 83 · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond [31]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-30 13:56:49 Score: 3
Werecat really has a knack for writing less popular characters and
races. And her treatments of them would feel fresh even if hundres wrote
about dwarves, orcs, and her other subjects the way they do about elves
or Gondorians. She sees the world toward a very earthy point of view,
and it makes for a unique vantage-point.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-30 13:57:16 Score: 4
Raksha is one of the few authors who have made Aragorn approachable for
me. As I mentioned in another review I found him too perfect before
fanfic, but through her stories I have seen him warts and all, presented
in a way that makes him seem to have more in common with me without
becoming less than the king Tolkien wrote. Its a very thin line to
walk, but Raksha does it well, providing us with a character who
resonates emotionally but still feels tied to the canon character.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Werecat · ID: 83 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-30 13:57:59 Score: 3
Werecat really has a knack for writing less popular characters and
races. And her treatments of them would feel fresh even if hundres wrote
about dwarves, orcs, and her other subjects the way they do about elves
or Gondorians. She sees the world toward a very earthy point of view,
and it makes for a unique vantage-point.
-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races: Dwarves [12]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-30 13:58:48 Score: 10
It's a little hard to know how to describe Ann as a writer, because if I
*just* talked about what she writes then I would be ignoring the
encouraging affect she has had on so many authors, myself included,
because she is a world-class beta and reviewer. It's a truly rare
combination to find someone who can do all three effectively, but Ann
definitely qualifies. If I had to choose which of the three she's best
at I would probably choose betareading because she has it down to an
art, and I have never felt like I was losing control of my story.

Anyway, back to her writing, I do not want to underemphasize that
aspect. Her writing is always crisp as one would expect from a fine beta
reader. The mechanics are all there and her word economy i such that her
pieces never feel rushed (even in her non-drabbles, though this really
stands out in her drabbles). But what I love most about Ann's writing is
the quiet humor that seems to invade her writing, will she or no. If
there's anything I hope Ann never writes it's angst. Her stories just
all have this very natural feel to them of everyday life. From the hawt
quality of new love to the comfort of a long-stranding relationship to
the gentle jostlings of siblings to the tenderness of new parenthood --
it all feels so like real. And that makes for a very three-dimensional
world she writes.

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Author: Gandalfs apprentice · ID: 175 · Genres: Romance [51]:
Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-30 13:59:18 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: Dwimordene · ID: 8 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-30 13:59:56 Score: 10
A lot of what I have described about why I like Dwimordene's writing so
much, I have already said in other story reviews. The quality that
perhaps I have not touched on, that seems to inform almost every piece
of hers that I have ever read (and that's quite a lot), is how *deep*
her writing is. The four of her five pieces that are in this year's
MEFAs that I have read are all about very different issues, as divergent
as spousal domestic abuse to survivors' guilt. Yet in none of these
stories are we offered a pat answer. Instead, we have to face the
situation in all its' complexity, which can be disconcerting but is in
the end more satisfying.

In her piece "That Which Remains Us" Dwimordene shows us a side of her
writing that I don't think I've seen so clearly in the other pieces of
hers that I've read: the raw technical skill of her writing. It really
evokes the scenes and the characters involved. There's just something
about the way Dwim describes the room, the volume of poems  I can
almost see the single elegant line where Denethor crosses out a word.
The poetry, both the verses that work and those that Denethor feels
uneven, just describe his character so perfectly. It's not plotting or
pacing or even the thoughts of Denethor or Faramir, it's the words they
both use.

The one piece of Dwim's nominated this year that I haven't read,
"Wizardry", is only a ficlet and I could probably read it in time to
vote on it this year. But I like saving all of Dwim's stuff for when I'm
in the right mood and have the time to let it seep in. Her stories
deserve to be read, "aired" in the mind, and read again. There are just
so many layers to unpack, this is an author whose stories have some real
meat that needs to be digested.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Agape4Gondor · ID: 688 · Races: Men [73]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-30 14:04:32 Score: 3
I have not read that much of Agape's stuff beyond what was in this
year's MEFAs, but that's something I'd like to change. She has a real
gift for getting emotional depth into a piece without making it feel too
heavy.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Dreamflower · ID: 115 · Genres: Drama [107]: Poetry
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-30 14:17:56 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: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Races: Men [73]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-30 14:21:49 Score: 4
Raksha is one of the few authors who have made Aragorn approachable for
me. As I mentioned in another review I found him too perfect before
fanfic, but through her stories I have seen him warts and all, presented
in a way that makes him seem to have more in common with me without
becoming less than the king Tolkien wrote. Its a very thin line to
walk, but Raksha does it well, providing us with a character who
resonates emotionally but still feels tied to the canon character.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Linda Hoyland · ID: 527 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-30 14:22:19 Score: 2
Linda describes Fourth Age Gondor in a really light way. It's really
nice to imagine Aragorn, Arwen, Faramir, and Eowyn getting on in
peacetime like this, after the war.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Raksha the Demon · ID: 178 · Races: Men [73]: General
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 14:49:19 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 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: Men [73]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 14:50:01 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 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: Elves [38]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 14:50:34 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 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: NeumeIndil · ID: 618 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-30 15:28:28 Score: 6
Neumeindil loves her Rohirrim and has a warm heart for Gamling and her
OFC Morwen. Neume mainly writes her series Rohirrim Nights which are a
delight to read, but I know she can her extend her talents to other
areas as well. Her stories always have a vivid and evocative feel over
them, pulling you into the story and it is heard to break out of it
because you cannot stop reading. Neumes skills have a wide range: from
romance, drama to humour: she can write it all in various length and
style, giving us characters who we all start to love, one way or
another. Besides all of this Neume is a great beta with a knack for
helping ESL-writers finding their way (thank you so much for helping me
out on occasion), providing sanity checks once a while or shaking pom
poms where it is needed.
-----------------------------------------
Author: NeumeIndil · ID: 618 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-30 15:30:33 Score: 7
Neumeindil loves her Rohirrim and has a warm heart for Gamling and her
OFC Morwen. Neume mainly writes her series Rohirrim Nights which are a
delight to read, but I know she can her extend her talents to other
areas as well. In her story 'How the Eorlings Ride' she shows how she
can also branch out to other races than her stouthearted Rohirrim and
Gondorian's alone. Her stories always have a vivid and evocative feel
over them, pulling you into the story and it is heard to break out of it
because you cannot stop reading. Neumes skills have a wide range: from
romance, drama to humour: she can write it all in various length and
style, giving us characters who we all start to love, one way or
another. Besides all of this Neume is a great beta with a knack for
helping ESL-writers finding their way (thank you so much for helping me
out on occasion), providing sanity checks once a while or shaking pom
poms where it is needed.
-----------------------------------------
Author: NeumeIndil · ID: 618 · Times: Late Third Age [26]: Fixed-Length
Ficlet
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-30 15:34:12 Score: 8
Neumeindil loves her Rohirrim and has a warm heart for Gamling and her
OFC Morwen. Neume mainly writes her series Rohirrim Nights which are a
delight to read, but I know she can her extend her talents to other
areas as well. In her story 'How the Eorlings Ride' she shows how she
can also branch out to other races than her stouthearted Rohirrim and
Gondorian's alone. Alothough her splendid drabble How Grima Lost His
Eyebrows on Gríma and Saruman& it is simply amazing how she wrote that
moment with so much skill! Her stories always have a vivid and evocative
feel over them, pulling you into the story and it is heard to break out
of it because you cannot stop reading. Neumes skills have a wide range:
from romance, drama to humour: she can write it all in various length
and style, giving us characters who we all start to love, one way or
another. Besides all of this Neume is a great beta with a knack for
helping ESL-writers finding their way (thank you so much for helping me
out on occasion), providing sanity checks once a while or shaking pom
poms where it is needed.
-----------------------------------------
Author: SilverMoonLady · ID: 343 · Genres: Romance [51]: General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-30 15:46:57 Score: 10
Silvermoonladys stories have a warm place in my heart. Not only because
they have filled many pleasant rainy afternoons on the couch with a mug
filled with something nice, but her work always touches me deeply. There
is something so amazing and down to earth about her stories, in a way
she always reminds me to celebrate life and yet again, she does not
hesitate to show the tragic sides of life as well, which brings forth
many memories, but also healing where that is needed (I do think you
know what I mean and the tissues are here).

Her material simply shines in the evocative power: whether it is a
stunning visual, the impact of emotions by means of narrative or
dialogue. I do know she can manage characters from other races or
fandoms easily, which makes her writing range quite impressive. Sil
knows a lot about the hobbits and is always around to answer every
question you might have. She simply has an amazing talent with whatever
story she embarks on, mostly accompanied by cakes or other beverages.
Silvermoonlady always says that she is a true hobbit at heart, but this
comes also with a naughty side, which always makes me & others laugh.
Thank you so much Sil, with everything you so generously share or
creating a place where fellow writers always feel at home.
-----------------------------------------
Author: SilverMoonLady · ID: 343 · Races: Hobbits [106]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-30 15:50:15 Score: 10
Silvermoonladys stories have a warm place in my heart. Not only because
they have filled many pleasant rainy afternoons on the couch with a mug
filled with something nice, but her work always touches me deeply. There
is something so amazing and down to earth about her stories, in a way
she always reminds me to celebrate life and yet again, she does not
hesitate to show the tragic sides of life as well, which brings forth
many memories, but also healing where that is needed (I do think you
know what I mean and the tissues are here).

Her material simply shines in the evocative power: whether it is a
stunning visual, the impact of emotions by means of narrative or
dialogue. I do know she can manage characters from other races or
fandoms easily, which makes her writing range quite impressive. Sil
knows a lot about the hobbits and is always around to answer every
question you might have. She simply has an amazing talent with whatever
story she embarks on, mostly accompanied by cakes or other beverages.
Silvermoonlady always says that she is a true hobbites at heart, but
this comes also with a naughty side, which always makes me & others
laugh. Thank you so much Sil, with everything you so generously share or
creating a place where fellow writers always feel at home.
-----------------------------------------
Author: DrummerWench · ID: 626 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2006-11-30 16:01:34 Score: 7
I know when I get an alert from DrummerWench that I am in for a quality
read--a unique blend of the otherworldly and the everyday.

In "Fairy Tales," the author keeps to a remarkably simple, clear
language, and conveys such a wide variety of mood and feeling, from
deeply sad (as in the King's son who mourned forever the loss of both
his family and the Wood) to joyful, to scary (the Dwarf in Moria). Each
is at once unique while clearly part of a whole--the sum of the whole is
more than the parts. The prologue, setting the context of a book created
by Sam to read to his children, works perfectly.

"The Green Flash" evokes the sea in a way at once Elvish and reminiscent
of sand castles. The tale of the Elf-maiden turned dolphin brings to
mind John Sayles' lovely movie "The Secret of Roan Inish," about the
Selkies of Irish legend.

DrummerWench has at least one tale in the works that I know of, and it
brings the same enchanting blend of magic and every day--to our century.
Read Cirdan "The Boatbuilder."
-----------------------------------------
Author: Space Weavil · ID: 235 · Races: Elves [38]: General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-30 16:43:19 Score: 10
Wow Space, what to say about your incredibly wide range of writing
talents? Or your unique voice? Or your very unique elves? Or your very
incredibly take on the Witchking? Or how you simple write any character,
genre or plot you embark upon? Space Weavils stories set in the Second
Age always have an unique perspective that she so generously share with
us. For some reason, the way Space writes Gil-Galad for example, is how
I envision him or see written in Tolkiens works. The same goes for
Cirdan, Elrond, and Glorfindel. But then there Space also has an
impressive background story featuring the Witchking of which Master of
Shadows deals with small discarded fragments of it. If you liked that
work, then And in the Darkness Bind Them is a great work to read.

Space simply comes up with an ideas (sometimes very crazy or naughty
ones), she selects her characters, and with her skills, she always can
weave an excellent story for us. Spaces material most often have
intriguing plotlines, and she mingles them and does not shy to separate
them when she deems its necessary for the story. But when you as a
reader reach the end of a story, you connect everything with such an
excellent craft, that I most often go back and read the story again.
Space Weavil is an incredible all-round author writing in more fandoms
than Tolkien alone and I always look forward to new works of her.
-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races: Dwarves [12]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 16:44:48 Score: 10
Anns pieces are so true to life and fresh that it seems as if she is
there in Gondor or Rohan, scribbling in a notebook, recording events as
they unfold. She often draws her subjects from the fleeting, everyday
moment, revealing beauty and meaning in what might otherwise seem
commonplace. A workbasket, a salamander, an artists unsigned sketch, a
toy ponyall become touchstones. Servants, children, and women, the
unheard or rarely heard characters of Tolkien's world, are given a
voice. Her work shows deep insight into human nature, and she seems to
take an unflinching but kindly view, realistic but not unsympathetic.

As a person interested in history, I love how her pieces incorporate the
details of material culture, details which are carefully researched and
deftly woven into the narrative. In her writing, the natural world is
sensitively portrayed with a naturalists keen eye. Her command of
sensory imagery amazes me. Visuals are drawn with a sure and graceful
hand, and light and color are used to great effect. Sounds, tastes, and
touch are vividly described.

Many of her pieces have the concentrated force of a poem, and not a word
is wasted. Her love of Tolkiens characters (and one in particular
*grin*) infuses all of her work and makes it shimmer with joy.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Space Weavil · ID: 235 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-30 16:45:15 Score: 10
Wow Space, what to say about your incredibly wide range of writing
talents? Or your unique voice? Or your very unique elves? Or your very
incredibly take on the Witchking? Or how you simple write any character,
genre or plot you embark upon? Spaceweavils stories set in the Second
Age always have an unique perspective that she so generously share with
us. For some reason, the way Space writes Gil-Galad for example, is how
I envision him or see written in Tolkiens works. The same goes for
Cirdan, Elrond, and Glorfindel. But then there Space also has an
impressive background story featuring the Witchking of which Master of
Shadows deals with small discarded fragments of it. If you liked that
work, then And in the Darkness Bind Them is a great work to read.

Space simply comes up with an ideas (sometimes very crazy or naughty
ones), she selects her characters, and with her skills, she always can
weave an excellent story for us. Spaces material most often have
intriguing plotlines, and she mingles them and does not shy to separate
them when she deems its necessary for the story. But when you as a
reader reach the end of a story, Space connects everything with such an
excellent craft, that I most often go back and read the story again.
Space is an incredible all-round author writing in more fandoms than
Tolkien alone and I always look forward to new works of her.
-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races: Men [73]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 16:45:49 Score: 10
Anns pieces are so true to life and fresh that it seems as if she is
there in Gondor or Rohan, scribbling in a notebook, recording events as
they unfold. She often draws her subjects from the fleeting, everyday
moment, revealing beauty and meaning in what might otherwise seem
commonplace. A workbasket, a salamander, an artists unsigned sketch, a
toy ponyall become touchstones. Servants, children, and women, the
unheard or rarely heard characters of Tolkien's world, are given a
voice. Her work shows deep insight into human nature, and she seems to
take an unflinching but kindly view, realistic but not unsympathetic.

As a person interested in history, I love how her pieces incorporate the
details of material culture, details which are carefully researched and
deftly woven into the narrative. In her writing, the natural world is
sensitively portrayed with a naturalists keen eye. Her command of
sensory imagery amazes me. Visuals are drawn with a sure and graceful
hand, and light and color are used to great effect. Sounds, tastes, and
touch are vividly described.

Many of her pieces have the concentrated force of a poem, and not a word
is wasted. Her love of Tolkiens characters (and one in particular
*grin*) infuses all of her work and makes it shimmer with joy.

-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Genres: Romance [51]: General
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 16:46:10 Score: 10
Anns pieces are so true to life and fresh that it seems as if she is
there in Gondor or Rohan, scribbling in a notebook, recording events as
they unfold. She often draws her subjects from the fleeting, everyday
moment, revealing beauty and meaning in what might otherwise seem
commonplace. A workbasket, a salamander, an artists unsigned sketch, a
toy ponyall become touchstones. Servants, children, and women, the
unheard or rarely heard characters of Tolkien's world, are given a
voice. Her work shows deep insight into human nature, and she seems to
take an unflinching but kindly view, realistic but not unsympathetic.

As a person interested in history, I love how her pieces incorporate the
details of material culture, details which are carefully researched and
deftly woven into the narrative. In her writing, the natural world is
sensitively portrayed with a naturalists keen eye. Her command of
sensory imagery amazes me. Visuals are drawn with a sure and graceful
hand, and light and color are used to great effect. Sounds, tastes, and
touch are vividly described.

Many of her pieces have the concentrated force of a poem, and not a word
is wasted. Her love of Tolkiens characters (and one in particular
*grin*) infuses all of her work and makes it shimmer with joy.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Space Weavil · ID: 235 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-30 16:47:26 Score: 10
Wow Space, what to say about your incredibly wide range of writing
talents? Or your unique voice? Or your very unique elves? Or your very
incredibly take on the Witchking? Or how you simple write any character,
genre or plot you embark upon? Spaceweavils stories set in the Second
Age always have an unique perspective that she so generously share with
us. For some reason, the way Space writes Gil-Galad for example, is how
I envision him or see written in Tolkiens works. The same goes for
Cirdan, Elrond, and Glorfindel. But then there Space also has an
impressive background story featuring the Witchking of which Master of
Shadows deals with small discarded fragments of it. If you liked that
work, then And in the Darkness Bind Them is a great work to read.

Space simply comes up with an ideas (sometimes very crazy or naughty
ones), she selects her characters, and with her skills, she always can
weave an excellent story for us. Spaces material most often have
intriguing plotlines, and she mingles them and does not shy to separate
them when she deems its necessary for the story. But when you as a
reader reach the end of a story, Space connects everything with such an
excellent craft, that I most often go back and read the story again.
Space is an incredible all-round author writing in more fandoms than
Tolkien alone and I always look forward to new works of her.
-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races: Dwarves [12]: General
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 16:48:03 Score: 10
Anns pieces are so true to life and fresh that it seems as if she is
there in Gondor or Rohan, scribbling in a notebook, recording events as
they unfold. She often draws her subjects from the fleeting, everyday
moment, revealing beauty and meaning in what might otherwise seem
commonplace. A workbasket, a salamander, an artists unsigned sketch, a
toy ponyall become touchstones. Servants, children, and women, the
unheard or rarely heard characters of Tolkien's world, are given a
voice. Her work shows deep insight into human nature, and she seems to
take an unflinching but kindly view, realistic but not unsympathetic.

As a person interested in history, I love how her pieces incorporate the
details of material culture, details which are carefully researched and
deftly woven into the narrative. In her writing, the natural world is
sensitively portrayed with a naturalists keen eye. Her command of
sensory imagery amazes me. Visuals are drawn with a sure and graceful
hand, and light and color are used to great effect. Sounds, tastes, and
touch are vividly described.

Many of her pieces have the concentrated force of a poem, and not a word
is wasted. Her love of Tolkiens universe and his characters (and one in
particular *grin*) infuses all of her work and makes it shimmer with joy.

-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Races: Hobbits [106]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 16:49:10 Score: 10
Anns pieces are so true to life and fresh that it seems as if she is
there in Gondor or Rohan, scribbling in a notebook, recording events as
they unfold. She often draws her subjects from the fleeting, everyday
moment, revealing beauty and meaning in what might otherwise seem
commonplace. A workbasket, a salamander, an artists unsigned sketch, a
toy ponyall become touchstones. Servants, children, and women, the
unheard or rarely heard characters of Tolkien's world, are given a
voice. Her work shows deep insight into human nature, and she seems to
take an unflinching but kindly view, realistic but not unsympathetic.

As a person interested in history, I love how her pieces incorporate the
details of material culture, details which are carefully researched and
deftly woven into the narrative. In her writing, the natural world is
sensitively portrayed with a naturalists keen eye. Her command of
sensory imagery amazes me. Visuals are drawn with a sure and graceful
hand, and light and color are used to great effect. Sounds, tastes, and
touch are vividly described.

Many of her pieces have the concentrated force of a poem, and not a word
is wasted. Her love of Tolkiens universe and his characters (and one in
particular *grin*) infuses all of her work and makes it shimmer with joy.

-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Times: The Great Years [56]: General
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 16:49:51 Score: 10
Anns pieces are so true to life and fresh that it seems as if she is
there in Gondor or Rohan, scribbling in a notebook, recording events as
they unfold. She often draws her subjects from the fleeting, everyday
moment, revealing beauty and meaning in what might otherwise seem
commonplace. A workbasket, a salamander, an artists unsigned sketch, a
toy ponyall become touchstones. Servants, children, and women, the
unheard or rarely heard characters of Tolkien's world, are given a
voice. Her work shows deep insight into human nature, and she seems to
take an unflinching but kindly view, realistic but not unsympathetic.

As a person interested in history, I love how her pieces incorporate the
details of material culture, details which are carefully researched and
deftly woven into the narrative. In her writing, the natural world is
sensitively portrayed with a naturalists keen eye. Her command of
sensory imagery amazes me. Visuals are drawn with a sure and graceful
hand, and light and color are used to great effect. Sounds, tastes, and
touch are vividly described.

Many of her pieces have the concentrated force of a poem, and not a word
is wasted. Her love of Tolkiens universe and his characters (and one in
particular *grin*) infuses all of her work and makes it shimmer with joy.

-----------------------------------------
Author: annmarwalk · ID: 177 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Branwyn · 2006-11-30 16:50:18 Score: 10
Anns pieces are so true to life and fresh that it seems as if she is
there in Gondor or Rohan, scribbling in a notebook, recording events as
they unfold. She often draws her subjects from the fleeting, everyday
moment, revealing beauty and meaning in what might otherwise seem
commonplace. A workbasket, a salamander, an artists unsigned sketch, a
toy ponyall become touchstones. Servants, children, and women, the
unheard or rarely heard characters of Tolkien's world, are given a
voice. Her work shows deep insight into human nature, and she seems to
take an unflinching but kindly view, realistic but not unsympathetic.

As a person interested in history, I love how her pieces incorporate the
details of material culture, details which are carefully researched and
deftly woven into the narrative. In her writing, the natural world is
sensitively portrayed with a naturalists keen eye. Her command of
sensory imagery amazes me. Visuals are drawn with a sure and graceful
hand, and light and color are used to great effect. Sounds, tastes, and
touch are vividly described.

Many of her pieces have the concentrated force of a poem, and not a word
is wasted. Her love of Tolkiens universe and his characters (and one in
particular *grin*) infuses all of her work and makes it shimmer with joy.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Trekqueen · ID: 671 · Genres: Romance [51]: General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-30 17:08:21 Score: 10
Trekqueens story was the first story that showed me, besides Tolkiens
books, how Turgon and his family went through so much pain and effort to
end up in Gondolin. Soon after that, I discovered so much more works
written by her, her story Eternal is part of her he Laurëlumenyárë
Tales and I have read many excellent pieces that belong to these
series. Besides that, if I have any question about the Gondolin culture,
shes the first I ask.

Trekqueen has a very captivating way of telling her story, she takes her
time building her characters and setting up relationships between
characters whether they are friendships or not. Her characters, whether
original or canon, are multi-dimensional and you can connect to them
quite quickly. I cannot find another way to describe her voice of
storytelling than to say it is mesmerizing. I often found myself reading
deep into the night, turning pages after another, wanting to know what
would happen next. Whenever I talk to her or when she answers her
reviews with her warm enthusiasm, there is a deep love shining through
for her characters and Tolkiens works, but also for Star Trek as well.
With her romance-wip Sons of the Stars, but also with Drunken Hobbits
and an Irishman or Pointy-Eared Mischief she shows an amazing talent
in combining two fandoms with an incredible ease but with outstanding
comprehension of the characters.

Besides being such an unique author, Trekqueen is also an invaluable
help as a beta reader for many she so spontaneously volunteers for:
thank you so much for this!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Marigold · ID: 98 · Races: Hobbits [106]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Llinos · 2006-11-30 17:15:12 Score: 10
Marigold took to writing drabbles like they had been made just for her!
She denies that she is any kind of a poet, but reading her work in this
area would make anyone disagree.

She certainly brings a lyrical style to her drabbles that are
reminiscent to me of some of the best, unstructured verse I have ever
read, which is no easy task. I admire her skill in this area enormously
as I know how very difficult, for me anyway, writing unstructured verse
is. In fact I can't do it! My sad drabbles always come out in verse, no
matter how hard I try not to let them.

Marigold's drabbles always sum up the situation or character to
perfection. Not only that but she manages to find original and unique
perspectives all the time, which I think is largely due to her love of
all aspects of Tolkien's works  in particular the hobbits and more
specifically, Merry and especially Pippin. Her enthusiasm for the genre
shines through, not just in her own work, but in her unrelenting
encouragement of many, many other writers in the fandom.

In addition, it shows clearly to the reader that once she is on a roll
with a particular drabble she teases and pokes at it with a tenacity
that ensures the finished product will be as close to perfection as is
possible. I know it is a common compliment to drabble writers to say
"not a word wasted" but in Marigold's case this is as true as it could
possibly be.

Marigold's drabbles are coherent, persuasive, informative and a delight
to read.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Dana · ID: 264 · Races: Hobbits [106]: General
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-11-30 17:51:56 Score: 2
Dana has a lyrical style, an economy of words, a master's touch at
establishing mood and getting under the reader's skin, both satisfying
and leaving you wanting more.
-----------------------------------------
Author: Marigold · ID: 98 · Races: Hobbits [106]: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2006-11-30 17:58:03 Score: 2
Marigold has an amazing way with words, not surprising, considering her
deft beta-work. She packs so much meaning into so few words!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Ellie · ID: 609 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-30 18:00:44 Score: 5
Ellie has a few of her finest works competing in the MEFAs this year,
but she has written so many incredibly stories featuring Finarfin and
his family. Whispers on the Wind is another beautiful story written by
her which so grandly explores the concequences of the events &
sacrifices brought during the First Age. All of her stories are unique
gems, giving us as a reader a magnificent insight in the other two sons
of Finwe & their wives and the sacrifices that they bring. With that,
Ellie dares to dive deep into the character traits and simply gives us
the full scope in an in-depth characterisation. I highly recommend her
work to every other Finarfinatics out there!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Ellie · ID: 609 · Times: First Age and Prior [23]: General
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-30 18:01:45 Score: 5
Ellie has a few of her finest works competing in the MEFAs this year,
but she has written so many incredibly stories featuring Finarfin and
his family. Whispers on the Wind is another beautiful story written by
her which so grandly explores the concequences of the events &
sacrifices brought during the First Age. All of her stories are unique
gems, giving us as a reader a magnificent insight in the other two sons
of Finwe & their wives and the sacrifices that they bring. With that,
Ellie dares to dive deep into the character traits and simply gives us
the full scope in an in-depth characterisation. I highly recommend her
work to every other Finarfinatics out there!
-----------------------------------------
Author: Marigold · ID: 98 · Genres: Humor [50]: General
Reviewer: Llinos · 2006-11-30 20:12:21 Score: 10
Marigold has grown considerably in stature as an author over the last
year or two. Renowned for her tenacious encouragement of others in the
LoTR genre, through challenges, recommendations and tireless betaing of
others work, it is good to see her establish herself as a fine and
skilful writer who can turn her hand to many different styles.

Her drabbles impressed me from the start and now she is proving to be an
adroit writer of short stories too. Certainly her love of hobbits, in
particular of Merry and especially Pippin, shines through in all she
does and that is no bad thing.

Not only that, Marigold has now proved her skill in writing dialogue, an
area she seems a trifle timid of in the beginning. Any doubts about her
ability in this area must surely have been resolved with the sparkling
wit, humour as well as heartfelt feeling she is able to produce. Her
hobbit voices, in particular, always ring true to character and
demonstrate her deep understanding of their personalities.

All these factors link well with her comprehensive knowledge of canon,
which for a long time she has put to good and effective use for the
benefit of others through her betaing and now can call upon to good
effect in her own work.

I, and I imagine the rest of the fandom, trust and hope that she will
continue to write more stories in the future as they are always a breath
of fresh air, as her love of the subject continues, unabated.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Marigold · ID: 98 · Races: Hobbits [106]: General
Reviewer: Llinos · 2006-11-30 20:13:05 Score: 10
Marigold has grown considerably in stature as an author over the last
year or two. Renowned for her tenacious encouragement of others in the
LoTR genre, through challenges, recommendations and tireless betaing of
others work, it is good to see her establish herself as a fine and
skilful writer who can turn her hand to many different styles.

Her drabbles impressed me from the start and now she is proving to be an
adroit writer of short stories too. Certainly her love of hobbits, in
particular of Merry and especially Pippin, shines through in all she
does and that is no bad thing.

Not only that, Marigold has now proved her skill in writing dialogue, an
area she seems a trifle timid of in the beginning. Any doubts about her
ability in this area must surely have been resolved with the sparkling
wit, humour as well as heartfelt feeling she is able to produce. Her
hobbit voices, in particular, always ring true to character and
demonstrate her deep understanding of their personalities.

All these factors link well with her comprehensive knowledge of canon,
which for a long time she has put to good and effective use for the
benefit of others through her betaing and now can call upon to good
effect in her own work.

I, and I imagine the rest of the fandom, trust and hope that she will
continue to write more stories in the future as they are always a breath
of fresh air, as her love of the subject continues, unabated.

-----------------------------------------
Author: Marigold · ID: 98 · Genres: Drama [107]: General
Reviewer: Llinos · 2006-11-30 20:13:40 Score: 10
Marigold has grown considerably in stature as an author over the last
year or two. Renowned for her tenacious encouragement of others in the
LoTR genre, through challenges, recommendations and tireless betaing of
others work, it is good to see her establish herself as a fine and
skilful writer who can turn her hand to many different styles.

Her drabbles impressed me from the start and now she is proving to be an
adroit writer of short stories too. Certainly her love of hobbits, in
particular of Merry and especially Pippin, shines through in all she
does and that is no bad thing.

Not only that, Marigold has now proved her skill in writing dialogue, an
area she seems a trifle timid of in the beginning. Any doubts about her
ability in this area must surely have been resolved with the sparkling
wit, humour as well as heartfelt feeling she is able to produce. Her
hobbit voices, in particular, always ring true to character and
demonstrate her deep understanding of their personalities.

All these factors link well with her comprehensive knowledge of canon,
which for a long time she has put to good and effective use for the
benefit of others through her betaing and now can call upon to good
effect in her own work.

I, and I imagine the rest of the fandom, trust and hope that she will
continue to write more stories in the future as they are always a breath
of fresh air, as her love of the subject continues, unabated.

-----------------------------------------