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Title: Enter the Fourth Age, Hastily · Author: Dwimordene · Times:
Fourth Age and Beyond: Drabble · ID: 140
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-07-26 18:00:40
This is a lovely idea, but the form - the extraneous dashes and the
painfully run-on sentence - made it almost impossible for me to read.

Title: Sticky Sweet · Author: SheBit · Races: Men: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 196
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-07-26 18:03:19
This is interesting, but there's a step missing - the reader must
infer that it was the color which reminded Aragorn of berries, which
reminded him of the pastries; the connection itself is not in the words.

Title: Celebration · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Drabble · ID: 139
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-07-26 18:06:08
Nice! This was well done and, as a only good drabble can, appeared
effortless and in no way constricted. The contrast drawn between Eowyn
and Faramir - she involved, he standing back until requested, and then
shining - was lovely, interesting, and enhanced both characterizations.

Title: The Undiscovered Country · Author: Wimsey · Genres: Drama:
Elves in Later Ages · ID: 715
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-07-27 00:29:33
A sad, haunting look at the last months of Arwen's life, from the
death of Aragorn to her own passing. Arwen's reactions are very
credible; particularly in the 'anger' phase, when she rages against
the Valar and begs them for respite from the pain she feels.

Arwen is also written as a queen, whose words and desire still carry
weight, even in her decline, rather than a fragile fading flower. She
makes a decision and sticks to it.

A thoughtfully written story...

Title: Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush · Author: Isabeau of
Greenlea · Genres: Romance: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 512
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-07-28 06:28:49
A delightful piece focussing on Pippin's reacquaintance with the
feisty and passionate young Diamond of Long Cleeve, after he has made
his heroic return from the Ring War.

Pippin seems to have met his match here, and hasn't yet figured out
whether to be puzzled or pleased - which is very much in character for
a hobbit who has matured, but has not completely grown up yet. I like
his mention of Diamond's cooking skills as well as her physical charms
- that seems very Hobbitish. And the story is a wonderfully
appropriate response to the "P Like A Pink Pippin" Challenge!

Title: The Departure of Boromir · Author: Narnian Sprite · Genres:
Drama · ID: 622
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-07-28 20:49:00
Yes, this piece is short, but it has a beautiful, poetic quality about
it. Boromir's transition from his last moments on Middle-earth to his
last journey to the unknown future is described in a touching way. I
like the Halls of Waiting as a place to reflect on one's life and a
place to heal and get ready for the last journey over the sea.

Title: Foreign Ways · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor or
Rohan · ID: 54
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-07-28 20:50:14
This is a nice little story. Getting some familiar food in a foreign
land is really important, I can say from my own experience. I like the
way you describe Mag's experience in the tavern.

Title: Drawing Straight With Crooked Lines · Author: Fiondil · Genres:
Drama · ID: 76
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-07-28 20:50:54
Boromir dies and has a very interesting conversation with Namos. I
love the way, how you answer some questions I always had about
Boromir's death in the book. What he did was betrayal, but if he
didn't do it, what would have happened then? The whole story is
touching and spreads a sense of peace and calm. I loved the
conclusion. A solution worthy of Boromir.

Title: Force of Nature · Author: shirebound · Genres: Alternate
Universe: The Shire or Buckland · ID: 360
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-07-28 20:51:57
The Quarantined universe is slightly AU since Aragorn gets to know his
companions on the quest already as children, but I don't mind, they
all can keep a secret. The characters are true to how I imagine they
would be at their age, and in this story Halbarad gets introduced to
the hobbits. After a little Angst because of the strange poison
Halbarad and Frodo get exposed to all ends well. I love the addition
of the little pup who hides in Halbarad's boots. Luckily Halbarad was
in no condition to need his boots.

Title: The Undiscovered Country · Author: Wimsey · Genres: Drama:
Elves in Later Ages · ID: 715
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-07-28 20:52:59
In this story we follow Arwen from Aragorn's death to her own leaving
this world on Cerin Amroth. It is a sad story, but it describes the
stages of her grieving realistically. The part about her stage of
depression was the most touching to me. It was described so true to
what I know of depression. But at the end there is a ray of hope.

Title: Family Jewels · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 464
Reviewer: dancingkatz · 2007-07-29 04:44:22
This is a lovely piece, with so many connections between Faramir and
his family and the Feanoreans from Chapter 9 of the Silmarillion. In
other hands the parallels and the point where Faramir chose a
different way than Maglor could have been unwieldy and so
in-the-reader's-face obvious that it would be a difficult and
uncomfortable read. However, you handled this so well that the
parallels are more than apparent while the writing and storytelling
remain beautifully smooth.

Additionally, it was lovely seeing how a grown-up Faramir who is a
parent has a different understanding of the events and actions of
Feanor than he did as a child and even a young man with no family.
Even better was his choice to forgive Denethor instead of following
Maglor's refusal (or failure) to forgive Feanor.

Even the naming of Faramir's daughter, Miriel, while a somewhat more
obvious parallel to the reader, doesn't jar. It's a perfectly
appropriate name in my opinion given that Faramir considers his
marriage and family to be gifts he had never expected to have.

An excellent read, touching, thought-provoking and well-crafted.

Title: Returning the Favor · Author: cpsings4him · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Ring War · ID: 340
Reviewer: dancingkatz · 2007-07-29 04:47:19
This is one of the loveliest character pieces regarding Pippin and his
relationship with his cousin Frodo, that I have ever read. Unlike so
many stories that I have read, Pippin here is an adult, not a faunt in
an adult's body. He's still under age and still gets so excited or
enthusiastic that he ignores the rules of common courtesy, but what
goes on in his head is definitely the thoughts and feelings of a grown-up.

I'm not usually fond of stories written in first person but when the
muse says that's how it needs to be done, there is little an author
can do but comply and do his or her best. And your best here is
absolutely superb. The characterization, the hints of how the people
of Minas Tirith see the Ringbearer (and Pippin, for that matter), the
descriptions of a hobbit attempting to adapt to a physical world made
for people nearly twice his size all add to the texture and atmosphere
of this piece.

I highly recommend Returning the Favor to any fan of Pippin or Frodo.
Most excellent work!

Dancingkatz

Title: Coda · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Second Age: Drabble · ID: 627
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-07-30 05:41:47
That this token of Maglor's love for his foster-son should end up in
the sea as wreckage is heartbreaking, both for the loss of the
sentiment it represents and the lore itself.

A sad testimony to the power of nature, and angered gods, to destroy
some things, and doubtless people, of worth.

Title: The Case of the Purloined Mushrooms · Author: Inkling · Genres:
Mystery · ID: 298
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-07-30 05:43:27
A fine hobbit mystery, set in the youth of Frodo Baggins, and making
wonderful use of the hobbit fondness for mushrooms, and Frodo's
history of having purloined them in his childhood.

There's an angry farmer whose mushrooms are being stolen, intrusions
by the well-meaning but rather pushy Dora Baggins, the usual bad
behaviour of the Sackville-Bagginses, an unusual black watchdog who is
not entirely what he seems, and a very well-written Frodo at the heart
of the mystery.

I liked the unassuming but crafty and good-hearted OC hero, Abelard
Archer, hobbit postman, quite a bit. He is both quite hobbitish and
rather Sherlockian in his skill as a problem-solver and amateur detective.

I love the allusions to Austen and Doyle, too!

Title: In Aragorn's Safekeeping: Life in the King's House · Author:
Radbooks · Genres: Alternate Universe: Incomplete · ID: 416
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-07-30 05:46:40
A worthy sequel to [In Aragorn's Safekeeping], with the consistent
characterisation seen in the first story. I liked the fact that Thomas
and Rebecca have not become instant Gondorians; that although they are
happy, they miss many aspects of the home to which they cannot return.
Their determination to have an American/Gondorian "Christmas" is
touching and quite reasonable, considering their origins.

Title: Wind of Change · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Crossover · ID: 669
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-07-30 06:00:57
Maglor's presence in modern times or known history is a fairly common
subject for Tolkien fanfiction, but I have never seen him brought into
this particular event.

Maglor's involvement in the celebration of a great event in recent
German history is well and credibly written. I could just picture the
ancient and beautiful Elf, standing apart from the common humans, but
drawn into their joy.

Imhiriel paints some lovely word-pictures, in particular this one, of
Maglor's voice raised in song:

[It was borne on the wind like seeds, like gleaming snowflakes, like
scintillant, flaring sparks of fire, like nourishing drops of rain. It
made the melody, made the other voices transcend their simplicity, to
be transformed into an overwhelming expression of joint celebration.]

The excitement of a wonderful event is brought to life here through
the onlookers and through the presence of our friend from so long ago...





Title: A New Reckoning · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 308
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2007-07-30 09:34:35
Wow. What an epic undertaking this was, but what a wonderful outcome
it gave! I thoroughly enjoyed the pure Hobbityness of this story, and
all in one sitting. I simply couldn't make myself wait to finish it.
(I also find myself inexplicably craving a mushroom and cheese
omelet...) I did find the odd typo or awkward spot here and there, but
with seventy chapters those are expected, and were very *very* few.
Your beta should be proud as well.

I truly love your Legolas; a perfect mix of the inquisitive and
mischievous with the wise and regal. He is, to me, the Legolas of the
books. And speaking of the differences in movie and book canon,
Pippin's chagrin about the song in the Green Dragon was a perfect
touch! I wept my way through the wedding from the moment Gaffer Gamgee
saw his son until Pippin went off to MC, so to speak. The only real
disappointment I felt as I read was when I realized I could find no
meaning or Old English equivalent for the name Pybba. It has always
been one of my favorite of Tolkien's little jokes that the
underestimated mount of an underestimated hero was named "Stumpy".

Finally, but most remarkably to me, is the entirety of Chapter 29. I
once discussed with a fellow college literature major friend the
possibility of telling a story in print through lines of interrupted
dialogue. I have not yet found the courage to attempt it. It was
excellent. Seamless transitions from speaker to speaker, location to
location, with very good flow. It was truly a joy to read, and I
smiled through the whole chapter. So, so well done. I will be
recommending this to my friends outside of the awards as well. One of
the best hobbit pieces I've read to date.

Title: Golfing Fever · Author: lbilover · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest ·
ID: 75
Reviewer: GamgeeFest · 2007-07-31 01:34:09
This is an absolutely charming fic that focuses on an area of canon
often overlooked by fan fiction writers: golf in the Shire. Just as in
present day, golf was all rage for obsessed hobbits everywhere,
including our very own Sam Gamgee. As he slips further and further
into the golfing madness, doting on about his wonderfully amazing
golfing mentor Mungo Chubb-Baggins, the usually level-headed Frodo
comes to the slow determination that in love, war and golf, all is
fair game. The high jinx that ensue will keep the reader giggling with
delight, and the number of innuendos scattered throughout is just
amazing - who would have thought that golf would lend itself to so
many arousing images! The tournament is surprisingly action-packed and
nail-biting and kept this reader on the edge of her seat. And the
author does all this while keeping our wonderful hobbits in character.
This is a Frodo I can very much see going on to carry the One Ring
some day. The author also does a marvelous job of explaining all the
confusing golf terminology and rules for us laypeople while keeping
the reader entertained with this delightful screwball comedy. I have
read this story many times, and it always leaves me chuckling and
feeling all warm and sappy inside. This story is a definitive hole-in-one.

Title: Circumstantial Heroes · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Minas
Tirith · ID: 684
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-07-31 02:35:45
A really lovely tale. It seems perfectly clear to Pip that Aragorn
needs protecting. It's a shame, for Denethor. Really quite lovely.

Title: Exploring the Wild · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Adventure:
Pre-Ring War · ID: 30
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-07-31 02:41:55
Delightful tale. I loved Denethor's part in this. Putting a tent in
the garden turned into such an adventure for the boys. And the Rangers
who came to help them 'grow' were just perfect. As I said, a
delightful tale.

Title: Respite · Author: Linaewen · Times: Mid Third Age: 2851 - 3017
TA · ID: 389
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-07-31 02:45:06
An incredibly beautiful picture calls forth an incredibly beautiful
tale. The woman looks like Finduilas might have, the boys are lovely
in their innocense. The sense of 'peace' and 'respite' is enchanting.
Evocative image, gorgeous words.

To have lived under the Shadow with two young sons - how incredibly
horrifying - especially in knowing that they might very well die
defending Gondor. She has probably already seen too much death and
destruction.

And yet, the peaceful scene that you and the painter portray gives one
hope!

Title: Honor Unabated · Author: Linaewen · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 570
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-07-31 03:02:58
This was absolutely delightful. You had me in tears during many parts
of it. Finding Theoden, seeing Faramir, and Pippin - so beautifully
written. My heart went out to Denethor; how glad I was to see Boromir
come to his 'rescue' and help bring him peace. Each part was
wonderfully described and full of such emotion that it sometimes
became difficult to read.

I did so wish that it could end otherwise, for I agree with Boromir's
assessment - that Denethor loved his people and did the best he could.
Both men needed to hear what Boromir had learned.

Very well done indeed.

Title: Even Quicker Than Doubt · Author: Keiliss · Genres: Romance:
Second Age or Earlier · ID: 365
Reviewer: Oshun · 2007-07-31 05:23:38
I had read this amazing piece "Even Quicker Than Doubt" earlier and
lost it! Was thrilled to find it again recently. It centers on an
infrequently covered time frame of the early-Second Age immediately
before the departure of Elros for Númenor. Is chock full of great
characterization, setting and mood. Its youthful Elrond is absolutely
adorable. One cannot help but love this character.

The way the author casts the differences between Elrond and Elros: the
elf side flightier and the man side more stoic and solid, but nothing
black and white--is a refreshing departure from the more common
noble-elf routine. I was able to accept the setup of Elrond's and
Elros's choice/separation as a heartless crime of the Valar--or at
very least really badly done.

A most wonderful little dog is developed as a real character and
serves as a catalyst for important reflections on the personalities of
others. Galadriel is presented as a believable pain-in-the-ass, while
still retaining her dignity and remaining one of the "good guys."
Gil-Galad is kingly, masterful and lovable; of course, Glorfindel is
incredibly appealing and Erestor is a priceless gem with his own
well-documented history.

The story is visual in a seemingly effortless way--which, of course,
as a writer I realize is actually quite difficult. It makes me want to
film it.

(I love the differences between the early-Second-Age and
late-Third-Age versions of all of these characters--making implicit
that a lot of life and living goes on in the interval.) I also love
the way the writer distinguishes the bred-in-Aman elves and those that
awakened at Cuiviénen from the ordinary born-and-bred-in-Middle-earth
elves. Congratulations to Keiliss on a wonderful achievement.

Title: A Boy and His Lob · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Humor · ID: 162
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-07-31 22:37:58
This was one of the first stories by Ignoble Bard's that I've read,
and it captured my interest right away. It is hard to write humor that
does not feel cliched or forced or modern, and this story captures so
much of that. It never becomes too adult, but parts of it feel
delightfully naughty. Yet there is more to this piece than just that.
When Legolas is sulky because his last pet ate a chambermaid, it made
me chuckle out loud. My own brother might have reacted the same way
(had we grown up to Mirkwood), and it gives the piece a quirkiness
that really, really pops (to borrow a phrase from the author).

If you like to laugh at things that are just a little risque without
completely leaving PG territory behind, this piece is a nice fun read.


Title: Friendship of Their Kind · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Early
Third Age: 1-2850 TA · ID: 425
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-07-31 22:39:08
I have read nearly all of the pieces that Dwim has posted in recent
years (save the sprawling WIPs), and as I've read them I've noticed
that there is always a nugget of deep thought buried somewhere in
them. Even in her humor or drabble, or (in this case) what might have
turned into a simple adventure story in less capable hands. It has all
the qualities, and it certainly works on that level. She caught my
attention immediately with Belendir's opening cry of ["Faugh!"] and
her use of details within the cave was both horrifying and
gut-wrenchingly, wonderfully graphic. Just as it should be.

But then she moves into what might be called deeper territory. Not
convinced to give us a simple tale of rangers destroying a dragon's
nest (which would be fresh territory in fanfic and good in its own
way), she gives us a piercing portrait of what is the difference
between the rangers and the type of men that characters like Barliman
Butterbur might mistake them for. Her experienced ranger Halandur has
his two green recruits prepare final rites not just for the dragons'
victims but also for the dragons' young. When Televur and Belendir
question this, she has Halandur explain, ["because you are Rangers,
not brigands and not beasts, and this is often that little distance
that makes the difference"]. In a way this reminds me of Christ's
statement, ["You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and
hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies. (…) If you love
those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax
collectors doing that? (Mt 5:43-44, 46)] We like to think of our
rangers only doing nice things, but in the wilds when facing darkness,
I think that their hands might get a little dirty at times.
Distinctions like this come to make all the difference. Statements
like that make this story more than just a thrilling adventure tale,
or an engaging gapfiller, or a coming-of-age fic. They give the piece
lasting depth.