Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: South · Author: Aliana · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond: Gondor
or Rohan · ID: 8
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 03:33:01I already knew that this author
could write hobbits from her Eowyn-and-Frodo vignette from I think the
2006 awards, but in this piece her skill really shines. They are adult
and have weighty concerns that must be addressed and dealt with, yet
they still have that buoyancy I love so much, and it hits the reader
all the harder because Merry is so very weighed down by his wartime
horrors. Excellent character writing, Aliana.

Title: To Light the Way · Author: Dot · Races: Elves: With Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 12
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 03:41:26
This piece runs on a risky tension that could have descended into
sentimentality if handled by a less skilled writer, or simply
cancelled each other out and left the reader feeling "blah". On the
one hand, there is the high energy of the Mirkwood elves and even at
times the twins. This is well developed and even through their
melancholy we see moments that calls to mind the ["pretty fair
nonsense"] of the Rivendell Elves in _The Hobbit_. But there is also
the darker undertones of the weariness and the general grief the elves
have had to suffer, and the hopelessness of their general situation.
It reminds me a bit of Eowyn's hopelessness of finding a death worthy
of song, only without the hopelessness. Because the elven (or perhaps
Sindarin/Avarin) joviality wins through, giving us a glimpse of a
people that are too buoyant to be held down. It's a remarkably
effective way of characterizing a people, and it works marvellously
well here.

Title: The man in the woods · Author: Dot · Races: Men: Eriador or
Rivendell · ID: 13
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 03:47:46
This was very well done. The little girl and her brother were so
realistic, and I think this is just how life might have been in the
North in those years.

Title: Multicultural Interactions · Author: annmarwalk · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Gondor · ID: 18
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:00:03
In "Multicultural Interactions" Annmarwalk puts her gift for
characterization to extremely good use as she has to deal with two
minor characters who are barely names in the canon, and from very
different cultures. Elanor could not be anything other than a hobbit,
really, and the curiosity tempered with common sense that Ann infuses
her with are just what you'd expect from Sam's and Rosie's daughter.

Yet the character who really stole my heart in this tale is Elboron.
He is a bit like Bergil in his way, and also has characteristics that
remind you of any teenage boy: tripping over himself with excitement
at the things happening around him. But there's also Gondorian pride
and a touch of how Faramir treats the hobbits in Henneth Annûn. It's a
lovely portrait of a boy growing up in a time of peace.

Really, this pair of stories made my birthday week when she wrote it
for me. Some of my favorite work by her; I doubt it will disappoint.


Title: Bliss and Beauty · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Romance: Drabble
· ID: 20
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:06:33
This is really nice. The imagery you use is exquisite, and the use of
the numbers creates a very poetic look at their love, which I found
fitting.

Title: Escape · Author: Bodkin · Times: Mid Third Age: 2851 - 3017 TA
· ID: 24
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:12:00
This was really nice work. I love stories where we only figure out
peoples' identities slowly, when they're done well, and this
definitely qualifies. You also do a good job of developing the
tensions between men and elves. It reminded me somehow of the Battle
of the Five Armies, where the so-called "good guys" would have been at
each others' throats if the baddies hadn't shown up.

Title: Exploring the Wild · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Adventure:
Pre-Ring War · ID: 30
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:13:55
This was a lot of fun to read. Your young Boromir and Faramir are
always so full of life, and Nanny was laugh-out-loud funny at points.
And I got a definite giggle at the revelation that even Haloth doesn't
know Nanny's real name. I guess nobody does. Nice work, EL!

Title: Thirst · Author: sophinisba solis · Races: Hobbits: Vignette ·
ID: 32
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:14:09
What I most liked about this set of vignettes was the subtle way the
theme of water was used. It's not always obvious, but it always felt
natural and the different ways it connected Merry to other people he
met seemed to mirror his changing experiences quite well.

Title: Mettarë · Author: Galadriel · Races: Men · ID: 34
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:14:25
Oh, this was beautiful. What I like most about this is the theme that
you develop here about the price that Gondor must have paid to resist
Mordor so long. There is a taint that settles on them, much as they
might fight against it, and you portray it really well, first by
Boromir's disdain for the holiday and then by his need to hear the
song again. If Aragorn's treatment of Boromir is any indication, I
think he'll be a good king for Gondor.

Title: Three Turnings of the Year · Author: Ruby Nye · Races: Hobbits
· ID: 37
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:14:51
These vignettes were delightful. It doesn't surprise me given the
author that she should capture the pastoral quality often associated
with hobbit life, without them seeming that childish. That's a hard
quality to get at (innocence but not childishness), and the author
sidesteps the problem by giving the hobbits real problemms. Vinca's
concern for Pippin and the after-effects of the Shire Occupation in
particularly give these encounters weight, but they are still holidays
and they never descend into angst. Good work; I think anyone who likes
serious but not overly depressing stuff will enjoy these.

Title: Outmatched · Author: Tiana Luthien · Genres: Drama: Vignette ·
ID: 132
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:15:08
LOL! Great interaction between Eomer and here, I can see a
friendly-antagonistic relationship working good between those two. It
really seems to fit their character, and the humor here was very sharp
and in-character for the two of them. I really liked this, Ti!

Title: Gentlemen's Night Out · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor: Gondor
or Rohan · ID: 181
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:15:25
This story is a really fun read--I love imagining the gradual dawning
of realization on Legolas and the twins' revulsion about not wanting
to know who Legolas has slept with. And that line, [The Edain consider
such things a virtue?], really had me chuckling. You had some good
characterizations, and an innovative approach to LACE as well.

Title: Seeking to Please · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Romance: Pre-Ring
War · ID: 193
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:17:04
This was really nicely done, Gwynnyd. It always seemed odd to me that
Aragorn and Arwen parted the way they did, then came together again
and were betrothed with nothing happening in between. Very mythic, but
also rather unrealistic. You've done a good job of filling in this
pocket of time when they might have been less comfortable with each
other.And having Elrohir give a more distanced view of things was a
touch of briliance, I loved his observations.

Title: Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush · Author: Isabeau of
Greenlea · Genres: Romance: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 512
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:17:25
Hee! This was a fun little read. It's fun to see hobbits in their
element, and you certainly wrote them there. Pippin had best watch
himself around that lass.

Title: Fell and Fair · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 526
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:17:49
Oh! This drabble series took my breath away. I have always loved Elena
Tiriel's drabbles for both their excellent writing and deft use of
canon. As with all of her stuff, "Fell and Fair" uses what little
canon we have about the Battle of the Fields of Celebrant to great
use, and in fact the whole series is inspired by a rather obscure
quote in HoMe. But the series is not stultified as many gapfillers can
be, and it tells us a whole new side of canon. It reminds me of
nothing so much as Marnie's "The Battle of the Golden Woods", one of
my favorite fanfic stories--only this is in drabbles, which makes the
accomplishment all the greater.

"Fell and Fair" has another thing in common with Marnie's novel: the
Sindarin elves are really in their element, and Celeborn especially.
Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a Celeborn fangurl, but it
has to be a certain type of Celeborn. For one, he has to be passionate
and wise at the same time, and have a good sense of humor. Check on
that count; his interactions with his lieutenant and their remembrance
of Doriath was absolutely hilarious, and the (rather misleading….)
tension of the fencing match with Elrohir was…. well, passionate is a
good word here, as the author knows from my previous comments. :-D I
most love Celeborn when he is not only Sindarin but very central to
Doriath's politics, and Celeborn & Galadriel also need to be in
balance, with Celeborn neither being overwhelmed by Galadriel's power,
or vice versa. Again, check on both accounts; F&F definitely succeeds.

The making of the lembas, the departure of Celebrian, Elrohir's and
Elladan's connection to the Edain, fleshing out the Gondorian
history…. there is *so* much to love in this series, and the only
regret I have is that it's not finished yet.


Title: Moira · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits · ID: 676
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:18:06
This is a neat look at the hobbits, and their place in the Song. It
was nice to see how they were not forgotten by the PTB, even if the
other races didn't take much notice of them.

Title: A Kingly Discussion · Author: GamgeeFest · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 780
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:18:28
Oh, this was really fun to read, Gamgee Fest. The hobbits' reaction to
the Big Folk was perfectly believable. You really captured that
hobbity sense of humor well here, putting a unique spin on the
canonical facts about both races.

Title: Forcing a Path · Author: Linaewen · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 400
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-08-01 04:19:07
This is a nice little moment. I always wondered what happened when
Boromir and Aragorn left the Fellowship at Caradhras, and you've
filled that gap well.

Title: Perturbation of Fate · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama:
General Drabble · ID: 428
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-01 04:57:05
Effective, but sad, Maglor drabble. The piece presents a good reason
for Maglor's not returning to the West; but it's also a terribly
tragic one; that he still feels bound to his oath and to its object,
the Silmaril.

Rhapsody presents a haunting portrait here of an Elf bound too much to
a past as horrible as it was glorious, and his refusal to leave it behind.

Title: Marking Fours · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 1
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-08-01 05:06:36
This amazing drabble quartet densely packs a whole gamut of emotions
and ideas into just four hundred words. I was especially impressed by
the themes of the good/bad father,light and darkness and the
progression of time and grief.
It is ironic that Denethor who as his father gave Faramir life, should
seek to take that life away. I see Aragorn as becoming a symbolic
father to Faramir, by his healing of him. Faramir has a rebirth by
again coming forth from the darkness at his King's bidding.

For a man of Faramir's character, knowing the manner of his father's
death must have been a cruel blow. I like the author's idea that he
met Eowyn the day he heard the dreadful news.

I like the way Lothiriel helps and advises her cousin on preparing a
home for Eowyn. Faramir is finally starting to shake off Denethor's
shadow when he realises he no longer cares what his father would have
thought.
I always imagine Faramir as a good father, but having some issues to
overcome in being able to be the father that Denethor was not to his
own children. it is fitting that Elboron's first word,and hearing
himself addessed as "father" should finally unleash Faramir's long
supressed grief.

These drabbles are a fine writing acheivement and I highly reccomend them.

Title: The Burning of the Year · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times:
Late Third Age: 3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 2
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-08-01 05:06:54
This is a haunting and somewhat chilling tale, which seamlessly blends
ancient myths with Tolkien's world.

Mettare is being celebrated in what will eventually prove to be one of
the most momentous years in Gondor's history. As Boromir is seeking
the answer to the riddle that he and his brother dreamed, it is
Faramir's place to lead the New Year procession.

The Steward's younger son tries hard to keep up his spirits, despite
knowing that the hour of destiny is at hand and badly missing his
elder brother.

It is heartrending to see how hard Faramir tries to win his father's
approval but always to be compared to Boromir and found wanting.

A sense of foreboding overshadows this story and what should be a
joyous celebration for Faramir and his father is overshadowed by the
knowledge that none may live to see the year out.

The writer skilfully uses the sacrificial rituals that form part of
our history and culture to show Faramir as the chosen victim, albeit a
symbolic one

Faramir hopes for some show of warmth from the father he admires but
can never please but is given only grudging praise.

The author uses a variety of symbols, which strike a chord in the
reader, light and darkness, life and death, old and new, fire, two
wreaths, one living and one dead.

The story is dark with foreboding throughout and ends with a chilling
foreshadowing of what Denethor will eventually do to his son. The
symbolic sacrifice, almost becomes a real one.


Title: Blooded · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Youth · ID: 3
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-08-01 05:07:17
What must it be like to kill? That is fortunately a question we most
likely will never know the answer to.. For a sensitive young man like
Faramir, Killing must have been a traumatic experience, especially for
the first time.

I would think killing with a sword would be especially nasty and
gruesome. Maybe the reason Faramir became an archer, was that is a
more distant method of despatching an enemy?

This thought provoking and well-written story explores the young
Faramir's feelings on making his first kill. Unlike his companions he
does not boast of his deeds, neither does he rush off to be sick.

The other young men hasten to give their swords heroic names. Faramir
has only a dagger to name, the sword being an old one of his father's
already named, ut can only think of a very prosaic title.

Reading this moving story made me realise how hard it must have been
for someone like Faramir who would rather play a lute or become a
scholar, to embrace the destiny that Sauron had forced on Gondor's
young men.

Faramir fears being unable to do his duty. We knowing, Faramir, know
he will but at what cost?

This story shows Faramir as a man apart, set at a distance from the
other young men, both by his rank and his qualms about killing. Unlike
Boromir, he is not a natural soldier, but the fact he has to overcome
his revulsion and fear, makes his triumph over it all the greater.


Title: Keeper of the Jewels · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Adventure:
Minas Tirith · ID: 64
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-08-01 05:21:04
This story had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish,eagerly
awaiting each new chapter of this exciting adventure.

I love the way the Fellowship show they can still work together when
Sam is kidnapped in a case of mistaked identity.I especially enjoyed
the writer's portrayal of Aragorn and his devotion to the missing Hobbit.

It is always a risk to use original characters in a work of
fanfiction, but the original character is a highlight of this story.

Lady Artanis begins as one of the villains, but shows herself more
than capable or redemption.Neglected by her family, she is drawn into
their scemes against Aragorn, but gradually comes to see his true
nobility. Aragorn ,for his part, shows true greatness in his treatment
of her when all is revealed.

A most enjoyable read.

Title: The Tides of the World · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late
Third Age: 3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 101
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-08-01 05:34:42
This is a beautifully written and bittersweet vignette which shows
Aragorn's greatness and also his humanity.

I read of his exploits on March 15th 3019 with awe, as he raises the
Army of the Dead,overthrows the Corsairs sails to Gondor, fights in
the battle and then instead of resting,spends all night healing the sick !

This touching ficlet explores the aftermath of Aragorn's exploits on
that memorable day. When the weary soon to be King is finally able to
seek his tent, he is so exausted that he can hardly walk and Elladan
and Elrohir anxiously escort him and tenderly care for their foster
brother. They give him wine and try to coax him to eat, but he cannot.

Finally, they undress him and put him to bed. I loved the image of
shirtless Aragorn, while wondering if he would not be cold despite the
fur covering in March !

Now free to rest,as so often happens, Aragorn's mind is too
overwrought to sleep and he mulls over the events of the momentous
day, the victories and the deaths,most especially the loss of
Halbarad. This brave warrior is all too often overlooked as his death
must have been a grievious blow indeed for Aragorn, who obviously
cared deeply for his kinsman and friend.

This ficlet is a delight for anyone who loves Aragorn as it gives a
welcome glimpse into the humanity and frailty of this wonderful man

Title: Adolescence · Author: Larner · Races: Cross-Cultural: Gondor ·
ID: 143
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-08-01 05:35:31
I think every parent will identify with this story about the problems
of raising teenagers, be they human, Hobbit or Princesses who are part
Elf !

Aragorn and Arwen's teenage daughter and Samwise's Elanor are weary of
parentel restrictions and like teenagers everywhere, decide to see if
they can get round them and slip out unnnoticed.

The young Princess had not reckoned with her royal father's
considerable tracking skills from his Ranger days and he catches up
with her and Elanor, just in time to save them from getting into trouble.

The King had fears he was growing apart from his daughter as she grows
up,but her escapade,does at least allow them to enjoy an afternoon
together,as it does for Sam and Elanor.

I loved this charming and delightful story and the way the friendships
between the families are obviously spanning the new generation.