Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Dawn of a New Age: First Age · Author: elliska · Times: First Age
and Prior: Incomplete · ID: 406
Reviewer: picara · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 8
I love elliska's Thranduil, so I have really high hopes for the rest of
his House as portrayed in this story. Even though it is only one chapter
along (and I hope she continues it soon), I am already enjoying it. I am
excited to see such a big cast, including apparently some characters
from her other story. I think elliska's biggest strength as a writer is
characterization. Her stories have really big casts, like this one, some
canon characters and some original characters--the canon characters seem
to fit Tolkien well and the originals are all very unique, not just
cookie-cutter. In this story, I particularly liked two parts. First, I
think the battle scene, like those in her other stories, was really well
strategized and realistically written. Second, I liked the part with the
rising of the Moon. That description seemed very magical, as the moment
must have seemed to the Elves of Middle Earth. Finally, the end with
Manarindë--I hope we get to see how she came to be as evil as she is in
your other stories. Please continue this soon!! I really enjoy reading it!
-----------------------------------
Title: Until Light Returns · Author: elliska · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet Featuring Legolas or Thranduil · ID: 707
Reviewer: picara · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
I really cannot rave about this drabble enough. It contains one of the
prettiest images that I have ever read. I can so feel what Thranduil
must have felt when he looked down upon what would become his kingdom
for the first time. With the word ['refugee'] elliska captures all that
he had experienced up to that point and that really emphasizes how
important that beautiful view of the forest was to him--it was his Two
Trees, his Simaril, his strength. And I think the way elliska compared
the natural beauty/light of the Greenwood the Great to the light of the
Two Trees really is an incredible image and it shows the importance of
the forest to Thranduil. And I like the way this drabble portrays
him--he fought with no ring to give him strength. He only had the
natural beauty/magic of the forest to sustain him. This drabble is like
poetry to me. I just adore it. Great job!
-----------------------------------
Title: Interrupted Journeys: Journeys of Discovery · Author: elliska ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 163
Reviewer: picara · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
I am a really big fan of this series of stories and this particular part
is no exception. I am enjoying seeing how young Legolas is
developing/growing and I am enjoying seeing how Marti and her
co-conspirators are going to impact this story. I think elliska's
strength in this story is the cast of characters that she has developed.
It is a very big cast with Thranduil's whole family, but all the
characters are very different and unique. And they have all
changed/learned from the first story in the series. I like that. I
really enjoy this story and I hope elliska updates it soon.
-----------------------------------
Title: Trust · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama · ID: 216
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 9
I didn't know what I was getting when I began reading this story.
Generally speaking I don't read slash pairings, though not because I
disapprove of such relationships. Rather, I often find it difficult to
find slash paired stories which show thought to characterization, canon
plausibility and avoid causing plot-holes in the larger body of
Tolkien's work. While this story is part of a larger series of works,
standing on its own with no preamble other than what is provided here,
'Trust' is a thoroughly engaging piece of fiction that I am glad to say
I've both read and enjoyed. It fills the "Why did Boromir not marry? Who
was his love interest?" what if in an entirely plausible and engaging
way. The characterization- of all the men involved- is excellent, and
the language is wonderfully formal, though not so obscure as to distract
from the story itself. Narrative flow was, likewise, delightful,
transitioning from character to character seamlessly. There was a ring
of reality to the piece that I've not often seen in other works,
regardless of pairing. This was a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend an hour.
-----------------------------------
Title: Home Again · Author: Súlriel · Times: Early Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 863
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
I enjoy this drabble every time I read it. It is so very "catty" in
tone, flow and imagery. You have done such a good job of slipping into
the mind of a slippery creature and seeing the world from her
perspective- the smell of the sea and fish accompanied by that of her
companion, the joy of digging claws into a plank of wood, the arrogance
inherent in knowing that her companion would only be welcome for a time.
I often think that my cat thinks and feels in this way, though her
loyalties are not those of one of Queen Beruthiel's legendary friends.
Very enjoyable and nicely done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Sixteen Singing Eagles · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 678
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
I laughed so hard I accidentally woke people up! While I'm not sure how
and why exactly Huntress has- ahem- concert with the eagles, I am highly
amused by the fact that she, like they, seems to have gifts other than
those vocal. I suppose even the eagles of Manwe can't have *everything*.
What an interesting piece.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Rabbits Tale · Author: grey_wonderer · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: The Shire · ID: 982
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 10
This utterly charming little literary treat, told from the point of view
of Pippin's childhood toy, a stuffed rabbit named Errol, simply touched
the heart of the child that dwells yet within the confines of the heart
of a fifty two year old woman. I found myself identifying strongly with
this story, as the little stuffed dog named Pinto, residing now behind
the glass of a small cabinet in my kitchen, can tell you.

This is a bittersweet little gem, lending the reader a breif but
brilliant set of sparkling childhood memories that seem so natural I
wouldn't be surprised if a similar text written by The Master Himself
were discovred under a stack of abandoned manuscripts in some dusty old
attic.

The point of view is handled well, creating a sweet, but never
saccharin, underpinning laced through with the innocence of childhood
and the sad graces of leaving childhood behind. It is a wonderful story
which is highly relective and seasoned with just the right amounts of
hope and acceptance.
I liked the characterizations as well, and feel she got both hobbits
spot on.

I've had an incredibly busy year, which accounts for my lack of
participation on the level which I should have liked, but I'm so very
glad I made time for this little gem This is a story that sticks with
you, as satisfying as a home-cooked meal. I hope others find the same
nourishment in this story which I did.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Change In The Weather · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits:
Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 692
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 10
These little vignettes are as spare and sharp as the edge of a razor's
blade, and like a razor's blade, they slice right into the stream of
consciousness of each of the four hobbits who were in the Fellowship,and
with the inner turmoil of each hobbit, the reader finds the writer
revealing tantalizing tidbits of the psyche of each beloved character.
These glimpses into the hopes, fears, memories and longings of Frodo,
Sam, Merry and Pippin are as short and sharp as the report of an
impending electrical storm. The literary airs are charged with the
coming flash of lightning and the sky-cracking thunder. They reveal
strengths and weaknesses both hidden and apparent. I've never quite got
the hang of writing anything this compact, and when I read stories like
that, I feel a little envious. This alone is enough to tell if the work
is a worthy peice, and this one is most certainly of that ilk. The
zen-like simpliity reveals, as ever it does, that the most simple things
can be the most complex. Insight is sound enough to stand upon.
Emotional content is strong and sinewy. Some stories are brilliant all
the more for their brevity. This is one of them. It flits by the reader
in a flash, yet remains long in the tail of the mind's eye.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Letter · Author: Gryffinjack · Races: Hobbits: Post-Sauron's
Fall · ID: 955
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
This is a wonderful story which addresses a situation I have long
wondered about: How would our hobbit heroes explain what had happened to
their loved ones?

I liked best the dialogue in this story, though Pippin's character
developement runs it a very close second. The reactions of his parents
to the letter was very believable. The writer payed close attention to
small detais which lends the tale the verisimilitude so badly needed in
all fantasy stories.

Descriptives were good, as was use of the language. The ovreall
emotional content was also well filled-out. Very craftily handled.
-----------------------------------
Title: In a Heartbeat · Author: Piplover · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Pippin or Merry · ID: 928
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
This was a lovely little peek into the heart of my favorite hobbit and
his relationships with his fellow travelers. I liked the stream of
consciousness and the dialogue, and some of the descriptives were
near-lyrical. A very good Pippin angst and healing story. I feel it was
well thought out, especially the emotional content.
-----------------------------------
Title: Hard To Forgive, Hard To Forget · Author: laiquendi · Genres:
Drama: Incomplete · ID: 922
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
This is a really great story of Legolas and Gimli after the War of the
Ring. I always love stories that feature Legolas and Gimli
together--they have such a fascinating relationship with so much
potential for fun, and this story truly captures that potential. In
particular, I like the dialogue in this story--it is very witty, sharp
and in character. I like how you have detailed backstory for the
characters that you reveal slowly. And I especially like all the details
that you add--such things really make the story come to life. And I like
the care you have taken with the canon facts that you include. Great story!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Healer and the Warrior · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 140
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
The are tons of Lothiriel and Eomer stories out there but this series is
far and away the best. In this first of the series, I love how 'the
healer' and 'the warrior' interact with one another. So typical of how
people in such position, even today, react. But I can completely see how
they charmed one another, especially Lothiriel's obvious compassion for
the wounded Rohirrim. We get a glimpse here of her character, which is
developed so richly in the rest of the series, and it draws us in just
as it did Eomer.
-----------------------------------
Title: Imrahil's Daughter · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 183
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 7
The are so many things I love about this story--Eomer's opening
interaction with Lothiriel's youngest brother; Eomer's interaction with
Galadriel (wonderful and perfect); Eomer and Gimli's interchange about
the beauty of Arwen versus Galadriel (such a wonderful fleshing out of
something was had such a brief moment in canon)--and all that is in the
first chapter. Eomer's conversation with Lothiriel was wonderful and
better still was the appearance of her older brother. And her actions
the next morning (and Eomer reaction) had me roaring with laughter. That
interchange also included my favorite description of Lothiriel, from
Eomer's mouth--his question about whether there is anything she is not
curious about and her answer to that quiestion. That sums her up very
well. And it is the reason why I love here character so much. She is
very realisitically strong and intelligent.

And the final chapter! Delicious!
-----------------------------------
Title: A Bride for a King · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 777
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Lothiriel, Amrothos and Imrahil are so wonderful in this part of the
story! It is impossible for me to say which conversation I like
best--the one Lothiriel has with her brother or the one she has with her
father. Amrothos is such a rogue. I just love him and his discomfort
with the things Lothiriel wants to discuss. And Imrahil is great as
well--poor Lothiriel when he revealed that he knew that she had been in
Eomer's chambers! You do a great job showing a really loving family
dynamic. And the dialogues are just so sharp and witty. Great story!
-----------------------------------
Title: To Become A Queen · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 157
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Lothiriel's arrival in Rohan certainly must have made a good
impression--nothing like saving someone, being greeted by those you had
previously saved and giving such important gifts to establish your
popularity. :-) I love the uncertainty between Eomer and Lothiriel in
this. It creates a delicious tension on so many levels. And I love how
you resolve it with the wedding ceremony. That was wonderfully done.
Very romantic and very touching. As was their first night together. You
conveyed her emotions in a very realistic way and a way that seemed very
true to her character. Wonderfully done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Curious Mind, Noble Heart · Author: Nilmandra · Genres: Adventure
· ID: 270
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
Little Estel was so adorable in this story. From his inability to decide
whether to follow or finish his book, to standing on his toes to keep
Glorfindel from pulling his ear, to running in shouting that he'd killed
Elrohir (a miracle everyone survived that), to his concern that he was
the only one that had ever done naughty things like disobeying (that was
my favorite--how hard to grow up the only child among so many elves), to
his gift to Elrohir. I loved imagining Elrond's reaction to Estel's
comment that must not have punished many naught boys since he didn't
pick the horrible punishments Estel had read about. And he said that to
Elladan and Elrohir! This story was so sweet. I absolutely loved seeing
the happy family that Estel enjoyed.
-----------------------------------
Title: History Lessons: The Third Age · Author: Nilmandra · Genres:
Drama · ID: 167
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 7
Wow! Where do you start with a review of this story? I have loved the
entire series. History Lessons is as much canon to me as anything
Tolkien wrote. And this was really an incredible culmination for the
rest of the series. Just about every chapter of this had me bawling like
a baby. I think you did all of Elrond's reactions so well in this--from
the loss of his ring's power to the loss of Arwen, the story was
powerfully written. I was particularly please with the role Celebrian
played in it. And I also loved Eärendil's part in the last chapters.

I think the thing I like most about this entire series though is how
noble that characters come across. All of them, and this is a really big
cast of all canon characters, are so rich and 'in character' and
admirable. Self-sacrifice is obviously an important theme in Tolkien and
you capture the emotions of it well. You create a world I would truly
love to live in and that Tolkien would love,

Great story. I hope there is one more section to it.


-----------------------------------
Title: Call yourself Thorongil · Author: Nilmandra · Times: Late Third
Age · ID: 731
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
I love this story for a number of reasons. First of all, I absolutely
adore Gandalf in it. You have captured him perfectly from his opening
lines and all throughout the story. Second, along those lines, Gandalf
never shows up by accident and I love the idea of him having played a
role in Aragorn's decision to go to Rohan and Gondor. I really like
seeing canon fleshed out like that. Third, I love the explanation for
Thorongil and its connection to Elessar. That was another clever
expansion of canon. And finally, I love the humor in the story--from
Gandalf coming upon the future King essentially with his pants down to
Aragorn's parting comment about being used to his name. Perfect. Great
story!
-----------------------------------
Title: In the Woods · Author: Werecat · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 119
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Werecat has done a few stories like this--stories of more 'modern' (by
Middle Earth, not 21st century standards) people encountering someone
from Tolkien's world. I love them. But this one is probably my favorite.
I am certainly no longer a child, but I would love to stumble upon
Radagast! :-) I love the picture of his hut, a place where he still
blessed the animals and the forest. This was wonderfully done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Of Stone and Fire · Author: Werecat · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 124
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Hehehe! I lve this. I can so see Feanor absolutely raging upon hearing
this, because to learn that Galadriel gave to a dwarf what she refused
him would certainly add insult to injury. But of course it is Gimli's
reaction that really makes this drabble. And especially the last line.
Perfect. I loved it!
-----------------------------------
Title: For a cause, a friend, a loved one · Author: Werecat · Genres:
Humor · ID: 120
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
I have never read one of Werecat's animal stories that I did not love
and this is no exception. I love all the animals and I am amazed at how
unique they all are and how well Werecat gives them each a uniquie
voice. Of course the cat in the story is bound to be a star but all the
little creatures are dear. And I think this fits Tolkien very well,
frankly. Every creature, no matter how great or small, had a role to
play in saving the world (but the mice were wise to flee). ;-) Great
story, Werecat!
-----------------------------------
Title: And all in evil ended be · Author: Werecat · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 122
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Hehehe! I don't think I saw this one before I read it for the MEFAs. I
saw the title and braced myself because your dark stories can be really
powerful. Cockroaches! Oh I about died laughing! And I think you are
absolutely right, both about the fact that those nasty little things
have to be spawn of Morgoth and about the way you portrayed Morgoth as
thinking he will have the last laugh with them. Hilarious! Great job!
-----------------------------------
Title: Athelas · Author: Waltraute · Times: The Great Years: Gondor ·
ID: 243
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
I found this story when categorizing for the MEFAs and I really was
impressed by it. The author portrays very well the urgency/desperation
of the boy to find the athelas. And the old man is a very compelling
character. I had tears in my eyes that he did not survive to see the
return of the king. This is a really powerfully written story. Great job!
-----------------------------------
Title: The King's Surgeon · Author: SurgicalSteel · Races: Men:
Incomplete · ID: 845
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
This is a really great story. I am not usually a big fan of OC's but
really well written ones can pull me in. This one certainly did. Serindë
is such a strong personality and has such a fascinating history that I
couldn't help but be drawn in to her tale. In addition to her character,
the details of her life are so realistically portrayed that the plot of
the story is truly fascinating. Great story. I really enjoyed it!
-----------------------------------
Title: Home Again · Author: Súlriel · Times: Early Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 863
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
I love the animal stories! The cat here is great. The whole scene is
really well portrayed--the smells make it seem so much more vivid. But
this cat! She'll take the Tom's love and then return to her satin
pillow! What a tease! Great job!
-----------------------------------
Title: Ships Passing · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Vignette · ID: 302
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
I think you captured Faramir very in this. I particularly liked the part
where he contemplated what he took most comfort in--I can definitely see
him saying that. And I am impressed with how much of Halbarad comes
through in this when it isn't even his thoughts we are seeing. I like
the idea of Faramir having this moment. Great story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Man of the North · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Aragorn
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 684
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
This is really cool. Thengel is certainly a character you almost never
get a chance to see. I enjoyed his appraisal of Aragorn's appearance and
demeanor (poor Aragorn--I laugh everytime I think of who he is but
picture him so scruffy). And I liked how Thengel identified with
Aragorn's situation. Nice drabble.
-----------------------------------
Title: Holding the Line · Author: Marta · Times: The Great Years: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 581
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
This is a nice one! Shocker that a drabble about Legolas would appeal to
me! ;-) But the idea of Legolas and Aragorn trading stories while
travelling together has really sparked a plot bunny in my
mind--particularly on their experiences in battle. I especially liked
the "Yrch" line and the last line where you liken climbing the Mumak to
climbing a tree. Never thought of that. I really liked seeing Legolas's
thoughts on this moment--one of the silliest in the movies but I admit
one of my favorites as well. Loved it!
-----------------------------------
Title: Truly Exposed · Author: Marta · Races: Elves: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 689
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
Very sensual. I love Galadriel and Celeborn. They are two of my favorie
characters and you portrayed them well here. I like how their connection
is so subtle but strong here.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Shield-maid's Dance of Death · Author: Marta · Times: The
Great Years: Poetry · ID: 694
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Wow, Marta! This is awesome! The cadence/flow and rhyme of this poem is
absolutely outstanding. I think it is particularly hard to make poetry
work when one is imitating another poem. You really did a great job of
that here. And I love Eowyn's thoughts, particularly the comparisons she
makes between herself and the Witch King--the death of their honor and
especially the evidence of her life (quick breathing and fast-beating
heart) vs the evidence that he is not entirely alive. But the last four
lines--their dance of death and her lack of anything to lose--that was
really powerful! Great poetry and great subject matter. This is really
fantastic! I loved it!
-----------------------------------
Title: We Shall Return · Author: Marta · Times: Early Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 650
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
Ooo! Well done. I love all the canon worked into this drabble, on a
subject we almost never see. And it has an appropriately ominous tone.
Great job!
-----------------------------------
Title: Hidden Wonders · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Fixed-length
ficlet · ID: 420
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
I like the image of Eowyn being drawn in by Faramir's books, especially
since she had never seen so many before. And the last part is very
sensual. And sweet. Nicely done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Until the King Returns · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Vignette ·
ID: 540
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
I am really enjoying reading these stories you have written about lesser
known events. I am impressed at how much you were able to flesh out both
Mardil and Eärnur in such a short story. Mardil's thoughts are so heavy,
but it seems very realistic to me--that was one heck of a burden that he
had laid on him because of Eärnur's actions (and what he did was really
not bright). Great story!
-----------------------------------
Title: Spirit of Fire · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Fixed-length
ficlet · ID: 196
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 2
Again, very sensual. You capture Feanor very well. The images of his
hands and the fire in his eyes were really hot (no pun intended). But
the last line is my favorite. Very well done!
-----------------------------------
Title: Stronger Songs · Author: Marta · Times: First Age and Prior:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 688
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Now this is a pairing that would either drive you insane or make you
laugh until you were silly! Treebeard and Tom together! Personally, I
would love it. This is one I'd like to see expanded.
-----------------------------------
Title: A New Age · Author: Marta · Races: Elves: Fixed-Length Ficlet
Featuring Legolas or Thranduil · ID: 685
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
Oh, now this is a drabble that I absolutely love (imagine me loving a
drabble with Thranduil and Celeborn in it! Who would have guessed?!) But
this is great. Thranduil is perfect. I can so see him ignoring all the
talk and politics and just focusing on the new life in the trees. I love
the picture of him putting Celeborn's hand on the tree and helping him
focus on the important things. I absolutely love this one!
-----------------------------------
Title: The Age of Men · Author: Marta · Races: Cross-Cultural: With
Hobbits · ID: 401
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
I always loved Treebeard as a character (I'm a total tree hugger, so the
idea of vengeful trees makes me laugh) so I really enjoyed Treebeard's
thoughts here. His perception of Pippin was sweet but I particularly
liked his thoughts about the Entwives. I hope he found them. Nice drabble.
-----------------------------------
Title: Homecomings · Author: Marta · Times: The Great Years: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 225
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 6
As you well know, this is one of my all time favorite drabble series.
There are so many things about these drabbles that I like. First of all,
I think the theme behind the drabbles--the thoughts of the fathers of
the members of the Fellowship--is absolutely brilliant. Those fathers
must indeed have had a lot to say to their sons! Second, I am amazed at
how well you capture the voices of all these characters--dwarves and
elves and hobbits--they are all so unique. And so in character. Their
reactions are exactly what I would have expected. I particularly liked
Gimli's father's efforts, and each of the hobbits--it's impossible for
me to say which of them I liked best. They were all perfect. Wonderful
series, Marta! I absolutely love it!
-----------------------------------
Title: Boats To Build · Author: Nancy Brooke · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 300
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
This is a wonderful story. Young Boromir is very realistically portrayed
with all the knowledge of youth. And Adrahil is a great character. I
loved everything he taught Boromir. Along with great characterization,
the settings/descriptions are very rich and vivid. All around a great
read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Legacy · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Hobbits: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 299
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
This moment seems perfectly portrayed to me. As jolly as the hobbits
are, they had their somber sides too and I think they would certainly
take a moment to think about the debt they owed at this moment. Very
poignant and powerful. A great drabble!
-----------------------------------
Title: Forlorn Hope · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men: Steward's Sons
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 301
Reviewer: elliska · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
Wow! Talk about powerful! Faramir's thoughts on hope at that moment--now
that is Faramir! But of course NancyBrooke could protray him so well. I
especially loved the last line. Great drabble!
-----------------------------------
Title: Theme and Variations · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres:
Humor: Gondor · ID: 784
Reviewer: Erynhith · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 8
This is a wonderful story, skilfully weaving together so many
interesting characters with the main emphasis on Faramir and Aragorn.
The writing flowed beautifully and guided us through the many questions
that were left after Sauron had been defeated: how did Eowyn really feel
about Aragorn, and how would Faramir feel about that? And I never really
thought before of the question of Aragorn marrying his sister, although
surely many people would have gossiped about it, as they did about the
many imaginative things which Gandalf's Apprentice gives them to
speculate about before they actually meet the King in person. I also
really liked the other characters, particularly Denethor's sister
Morwen, who came across as very convincing and infuriating. Faramir did
well to keep his temper.

I loved the idea of Sam bringing the old garden back to life for Aragorn
and Arwen and their future offspring. At the end of this story I felt
very satisfied, sharing with those who had survived and won the terrible
war of the Ring the well-deserved years of rebuilding and relaxing that
followed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Work Detail · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Romance:
Fixed-length ficlet · ID: 789
Reviewer: Erynhith · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
This story beautifully suggests a duty which Aragorn would surely have
enjoyed performing! In just a few words, Gandalf's Apprentice conjures
up the royal bedchamber and the quick and sultry foreplay Arwen employs
on her husband. If this is work I expect Aragorn wouldn't mind being
permanently on this detail.
-----------------------------------
Title: Teatime in Rivendell · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 373
Reviewer: Erynhith · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
I found Bilbo really convincing in this story: it's just the sort of
long-memoried cunning sort of thing he would do, leaving Legolas
presumably clueless about what had just happened. But Bilbo comes across
as someone whose spiky behaviour could just as quickly relent once he
had had his fill of cakes, and I can imagine him chatting amiably with
Legolas later on.
-----------------------------------
Title: Of All the Pretty Little Horses · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor:
Gondor · ID: 736
Reviewer: Erynhith · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 3
An easy mistake to make...and Faramir's equine commentary is curiously
appropriate, giving an earthy edge to Eomer's appreciation of Lothiriel.
This story pulls you in straight away, so vividly that not only can we
see the two men watching the lively, attractive woman, but we can
virtually smell the tang of horse and hear their laughter.
-----------------------------------
Title: Recalled To Life - Alqualonde · Author: AWing · Races: Elves:
Feanorians · ID: 787
Reviewer: Erynhith · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
This is a beautiful lyrical story, choosing as its subject a moment of
grief and tragedy and the hope of forgiveness after long suffering.
Maitimo I think is one of Tolkien's most fascinating characters, and the
writer catches his noble bearing and the way experience has changed him
as well as the pride and unyielding character of one of the sons of
Feanor. I also loved the description of Alqualonde itself, its wonderful
architecture and the three rings of walls with their open gate.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Gift · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age and Prior ·
ID: 131
Reviewer: Erynhith · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
I really liked the structure of this story, the way it took us back to
the gift and what it was supposed to bring about, and the way the ring
did bring Tyelkormo happiness in the end, but in the most unexpected of
ways. The relationship between the two brothers is poignantly described,
the way the door between their rooms is always kept locked, and the hope
their parents have that they will one day be friends. Maitimo the eldest
brother does his best to bring comfort in impossible circumstances, and
I'm left with a feeling of a real family going through real crises, and
all the love and hate of family life, which in the end holds them together.
-----------------------------------
Title: Paper · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races: Elves: Feanorians · ID: 492
Reviewer: Erynhith · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
I really liked the idea of Curufinwe being so keen on paper and on
enjoying his visit to the paper merchant's. Writing what he would really
like to happen and then burning it sounds like therapy of a sort,
something which helped him to stay sane in a large family. I loved the
idea about the paper itself having a history, even before anything was
written on it, and the way the ink spreading across it seems to parallel
the pain he feels when he gets hit in the head: art following nature or
something like that. The girl with apple-green eyes and chocolate-brown
hair sounds really delicious.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Singer · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits · ID: 979
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 5
Here is a tale with thrills, chills and frights worthy of Stephen King.
The creature created in the author's rich imagination certainly ranks
with any a master of horror might conjure up. The excitement level is
quite high, the mytery dark and rich and the heroism is coupled with
magic of a brighter kind to balance out both light and dark. If it's
thrills you want, this would be a good place to start. The language is
wonderful, weilded with a skilled love of the craft. The descriptives
are colorful, vivid and easily vsualised. The story arc was swift and
sharp and denoument was lovely. All in all a good fic by a favorite author.
-----------------------------------
Title: Bedtime Story · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor:
Children · ID: 355
Reviewer: Erynhith · 2006-12-01 00:00:00 Score: 4
I liked the idea of Aragorn doing all the usual fatherly things once the
epic struggle against Mordor was over, and of course his son would be
excited by the heroic tales of his father's past. The image of Legolas
prancing around as Gollum was great: I can just see him really enjoying
himself. It was a nice surprise: I had thought Eldarion would have taken
that role, and I expect Aragorn was a little surprised too. The style of
writing creates a lovely atmosphere, something like the feeling of peace
and reward after the fight.
-----------------------------------