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Msg# 8227
MEFA Reviews for October 10, 2007 (Part 1) Posted by Ann October 10, 2007 - 4:45:49 Topic ID# 8227Title: Under the Eyes of the Evenstar · Author: Raksha the Demon ·
Genres: Drama: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 680
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-15 22:47:05
In watching Boromir bathe Arwen realizes this one is perhaps not as
great a threat to Aragorn's destiny as she first thought. A moment of
foresight brings her compassion to the fore where but moments before
she verged on resentment of his words to her beloved at the Council.
Well written and gives an appreciation for the setting and situation.
Title: Once Upon a Strongbow · Author: Legolass · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Gondor · ID: 685
Reviewer: aralas · 2007-08-16 15:54:41
Once Upon a Strongbow reads like one of those warm, easy fairy tales
or fables you tell by the fireside as the day draws to a close, and it
actually does achieve that effect, but what it also does is touch on
values and issues that are pertinent to real life and real people.
The writer refers to a recurrent theme in Tolkien's works – that of a
great bond between an elf and a human – and weaves her own delightful
story around it. The story features a much older Aragorn, and
heartwarming interaction between adults and children.
The contents of the tale are lovely, but what makes this story truly
unique is the way Legolass has done the narration. She has not only
inserted elements from two of Tolkien's stories into her own, but has
also played around with timelines using a creative technique I have
not come across elsewhere, not even in published works. The
deceptively simple fable-like tale is in fact a pretty complex piece
of writing, but it is crafted so well that it looks effortless. I
cannot say more without giving away the plot, but I will say that it's
well worth reading the story if only to enjoy the superb crafting of it.
All in all, Once Upon a Strongbow is an excellent read. It has no
grand adventures or heart-stopping drama, but in its own quiet way, it
left a lasting impression on me.
Title: Inroads · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 45
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-08-16 17:49:29
This is a lovely, inventive and insightful moment, well and truly
depicted. I can't help but focus more on the young women, notably,
than Eowyn. Here Raksha gives us a wonderful glimpse into a full
character. It is easy to imagine how war has changed her and her
world; she was, indeed, brave to approach the lady and to have lived
through all that went before that night.
Title: Better Days Ahead · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 51
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-08-16 20:50:30
Good stuff! Chilling and humorous all at once, which is a neat trick.
I particularly liked Shagrat launching a rape campaign in that it
echoes what we read in the news from current ethnic conflicts, and
that they're blood will rise up, perhaps long after they themselves no
longer can. Well done and never rushed.
Title: Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush · Author: Isabeau of
Greenlea · Genres: Romance: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 512
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-08-16 20:52:54
I liked the premise of this story, but it disappointed. The writer
never lets us see what Pippin likes in Diamond, except for her looks
and her forwardness, so he comes off as an opportunist. Where's the
love or even glimmer of it, here? What makes them more than the hobbit
equivalent of a one-night stand?
Title: A Mother's Touch · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 44
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-08-16 20:57:09
I really liked this. At first, the identity of the mother was
wonderfully ambiguous, and then, when it is revealed, artfully embued
with the tenderness and firmness that is any mother's hallmark. So
much history and culture is woven in here, and yet it remains a most
specific and individual vignette.
Title: Some Dark Place · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 226
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-08-16 21:00:41
Very nice! the author has teased only the barest mention into a
wonderfully telling and probably story. Well done!!
Title: Duty and Devotion · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 411
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-08-16 21:03:59
Oooooh! Interesting! That Beregond would have gone to Faramir's side
not immediately, not out of pure love for his commander, but after
some several minutes deliberation, after some smallness of spirit
(resentining Pippin), and only after a fatalistic vision of the
Nazgul. Very interesting!! Well done.
Title: Calm after the Storm · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 350
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-08-16 21:06:51
This is nicely done, evocatively depicting the heat of the day, the
aftermath of battle, the weariness, but I couldn't help wanting more -
some mote of Imrahil's individuality. This sailor commander could be
anyone.
Title: Burning Your Bridges · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Poetry · ID: 125
Reviewer: Chathol-linn · 2007-08-17 02:22:42
I liked the spare and vivid imagery of the night battle. The author's
use of fire imagery was very effective in contrast to the black pitch.
The opening of this poem reminded me of the way Seamus Heaney begins
his translation of Beowulf – urgent and immediately present. Nice job.
Title: Hiraeth · Author: Llinos · Genres: Poetry · ID: 803
Reviewer: Chathol-linn · 2007-08-17 02:36:41
This contemplative poem gets its poignancy from the poet's love of
natural beauty – the trees, the quiet rill or dene, the Sun and Moon.
The reader is there in the greenwood, where desire for the sea fades
and returns with no release. An effective capturing of the Elven
sea-longing in a few words. I loved the title and admired the author's
idea to select that particular Welsh word. It definitely added to the
haunting Elvish quality of the poem.
Title: The hunt across Tirion · Author: Tinni · Genres: Poetry · ID: 607
Reviewer: Chathol-linn · 2007-08-17 02:43:10
I was taken by the idea of the hunt for the crystal roses, which
seemed like a pretty original device for a poem about Valinor. I think
the author must be very well versed in Silmarillion lore, because of
the careful attention paid to the Quenya names. And the ending was an
expression of love. You don't often get that with Fëanor. Nice Job.
Title: Come Back to Me · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance · ID: 67
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-17 05:53:57
I am somewhat ambivalent about reviewing this story, because, to me,
Tolkien and most Slash do not mix. I may read Tolkien slash, but
cannot find it in my heart to believe most of it in the same way I
read other quality Tolkien fanfic.
This story is well-paced and well-written; with good dialogue. Marta
does a particularly fine job with Goldberry's voice. Slash aficionados
should enjoy the story; it is certainly a novel pairing.
Title: Gone Fishin' · Author: Aranel Took · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 322
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-17 06:30:08
A wonderful way of showing, not telling of, Aragorn's occasional
discontent in his role as King. He has spent so much of his life as a
wanderer in the wilds; that being settled, having a home and wife, and
others to which he is constantly accountable, is not yet a perfect fit
and might never be. Aranel Took uses only a hundred words to convey
all this with a very smooth and natural drabble; giving us a king who
still yearns for the simplicities of a Ranger's life.
Title: Duty and Devotion · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 411
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-17 06:40:45
Excellent and thought-provoking drabble. I'm not sure I agree that it
was a realization of imminent Doom that finally galvanized Beregond to
make his fateful decision, but it could have happened that way and the
concept works well within this drabble.
I like the attention paid to the gravity of the choice that Pippin has
hastily thrust on Beregond.
Of course, the last line made me want to jump up and yell Go, Berry,
Go!...
Title: The Inner Light · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 236
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-17 07:48:52
Intriguing story which creates, delineates, and sustains a connection
between Erestor and Maglor. Erestor's backstory and chosen fate were
very credible; and I loved the ending.
Title: And Thought How Blessed He Was · Author: Imhiriel · Genres:
Romance: Drabble · ID: 670
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-17 07:52:00
A lovely drabble anticipating and framing the wedding night that
Aragorn had dreamed of for so long. There's a wonderful sense of both
tension and awe; the reader can feel the weight of years upon Aragorn,
how long he has waited for this moment. And Arwen's blend of
sensuality and tenderness is just right. She is giving him permission
to feel sorrow as well as joy, to finally find release in all senses
of the word.
The sexuality is very lightly implied here; just right for the ficlet.
Very well done.
Title: Keep your secrets · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Hobbits: Drabble ·
ID: 751
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-17 08:19:56
Merry's justifiably concerned that during the trip from Bag End to
Crickhollow Pippin just might let something slip to alert Frodo to the
Conspiracy. Wonderful humorous moment caught in drabble form.
Title: A Game of Chess · Author: Altariel · Genres: Romance: Gondor ·
ID: 609
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-17 11:56:14
The marriage between Eowyn and Faramir might have been one of the most
romantic threads within LOTR, but in many ways it was also a rather
rushed one. The idea that in the stresses of new parenthood and the
first period during which Faramir is active Steward while the King is
fighting a defensive war to the east the marriage between the Prince
and Princess of Ithilien might have suffered is all too likely,
perhaps. The preconceptions and self-absorption of each leads to what
appears to be a break in their happy marriage. At least the two of
them do manage to recommense communication with more openness, and in
the end their marriage and commitment are the stronger.
Whether Denethor was always abusive toward his younger son is
uncertain; certainly in the last couple years, at least, their
relationship was not good. If it was abusive, then that Faramir turned
out as well as he did is a wonder and a blessing.
Some will be distressed by Faramir's memories of his father, but they
are well depicted here, I think. The first-person POV going back and
forth between Faramir and Eowyn with occasional visions from Imrahil's
POV are well done. Descriptions are marvelous, and the feeling for the
settings are remarkably well done. All in all, well, well worth the read.
Title: Crossroads of Time · Author: Ellie · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 382
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-08-18 02:47:19
I started reading your tale about 2 days ago - got hooked - line and
sinker - and so last night I thought I'd just try to read as far as I
could and then go to bed - WELL - I never got to bed till 2:30am -
read from 6:30pm on - with a quick break for a bite and then back into
the thick of Gondolin...
You write very well - the story was riveting, the characters very good
and the situations were plausible... I thought your premise was
believable - with the time machine and such. My heart broke for the
entire family - and I loved the ending. Though I was ready to deal
with their separation, I rejoiced in their reunion.
I was very surprised that you took the story all the way to the Fall
of Gondolin - The four hour timespan had me thinking this was going to
be a short pice - BUT I loved that you wrote that time! Their
courtship was delightful, the ban by Turgon rescinded believably, and
their children were a delight. Sadness abounds for the Elves but you
made the tale positive. I liked that very much.
The story really, really works! Great job and thanks for sharing!!!
Title: The princess from the sea : a Gondorian fairy-tale · Author:
Fawsley · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 652
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-08-18 02:50:20
This was a very nice tale. I think it is more a fable than a fairy
tale. Ask Finduilas to forgive me - my favorite character was the
horse! I love how he walked, then plodded, then continued on! Delightful.
I also very much loved the outside/inside and what makes a person
worthy. Nice job!
Title: Wherever the Surge May Sweep · Author: sparkofire · Genres:
Alternate Universe · ID: 579
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-08-18 02:56:00
I shouldn't review this! As I read, I went back to make sure it was
complete - for I was sucked into this story - completely and I knew I
could not bear it being something I would have to wait to see what
happens.
I shouldn't review this! But every chapter, after Lothlorien, was
filled with tears.
I shouldn't review this! But your writing is beautiful; the tension
you build (and have now left me wallowing in) is incredible; and the
situations and characters are gorgeous.
I shouldn't review this because I read it from start to finish -
started at 10pm - against my better judgement - and could not stop
until I read the very last word. At 4AM.....
The story is so chock full of angst that I just sat on the edge of my
seat and held my breath! Every chapter was so full. Legolas and
Aragorn were perfect!
I can't say how beautiful this story is, how much it has touched me to
the core, and how much I respect your writing! I don't have the words
and I am ashamed. Your characterizations are beautiful, your settings
easy to imagine, but your 'heart' imbedded in this tale, makes it alive!
Please - tell me when the next book is ready???? Please!
Title: The Love of Lore · Author: Oshun · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 271
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-18 05:21:16
This is a delightful short piece with two chapters dealing with small
boys who have a bent towards lore and scholarship - Faramir, and,
decades later, his own son Elboron.
Young Boromir's anger at his baby brother stealing a favorite book,
followed by skepticism at the child's claim and then pride in his
brother's accomplishment, ring very true.
And I adore the second chapter, with Faramir accepting Aragorn's
compliments with an appealing modesty as well as joy. The imagery of
little Elboron reading to little Eldarion is just perfect, and also
believable.
Charming and very entertaining, with good characterisation.
Title: The Beginning · Author: Oshun · Genres: Romance: Second Age or
Earlier · ID: 339
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-18 05:27:04
Well-written vignette with Gil-galad and Elrond beginning a romance.
Slash aficionados should enjoy it. The tale is sweet without being
cloying, with a slight and appropriate edge, and definite without
being graphic; promising passion to come.
Title: The Witch-king's Cloak · Author: Radbooks · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 106
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-18 06:33:48
It seems the Witch-King is in a royal snit because his cloak was
destroyed at Weathertop; and the spare cloak is not as well-made.
Snork! A funny and clever piece - of course the WiKi would be arrogant
in all things, even his clothing. Next thing you know, he'll be
swapping fabric swatches with the Uruk-Hai.
I begin to feel sorry for the little tailor of Minas Morgul.
Genres: Drama: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 680
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-15 22:47:05
In watching Boromir bathe Arwen realizes this one is perhaps not as
great a threat to Aragorn's destiny as she first thought. A moment of
foresight brings her compassion to the fore where but moments before
she verged on resentment of his words to her beloved at the Council.
Well written and gives an appreciation for the setting and situation.
Title: Once Upon a Strongbow · Author: Legolass · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Gondor · ID: 685
Reviewer: aralas · 2007-08-16 15:54:41
Once Upon a Strongbow reads like one of those warm, easy fairy tales
or fables you tell by the fireside as the day draws to a close, and it
actually does achieve that effect, but what it also does is touch on
values and issues that are pertinent to real life and real people.
The writer refers to a recurrent theme in Tolkien's works – that of a
great bond between an elf and a human – and weaves her own delightful
story around it. The story features a much older Aragorn, and
heartwarming interaction between adults and children.
The contents of the tale are lovely, but what makes this story truly
unique is the way Legolass has done the narration. She has not only
inserted elements from two of Tolkien's stories into her own, but has
also played around with timelines using a creative technique I have
not come across elsewhere, not even in published works. The
deceptively simple fable-like tale is in fact a pretty complex piece
of writing, but it is crafted so well that it looks effortless. I
cannot say more without giving away the plot, but I will say that it's
well worth reading the story if only to enjoy the superb crafting of it.
All in all, Once Upon a Strongbow is an excellent read. It has no
grand adventures or heart-stopping drama, but in its own quiet way, it
left a lasting impression on me.
Title: Inroads · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 45
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-08-16 17:49:29
This is a lovely, inventive and insightful moment, well and truly
depicted. I can't help but focus more on the young women, notably,
than Eowyn. Here Raksha gives us a wonderful glimpse into a full
character. It is easy to imagine how war has changed her and her
world; she was, indeed, brave to approach the lady and to have lived
through all that went before that night.
Title: Better Days Ahead · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 51
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-08-16 20:50:30
Good stuff! Chilling and humorous all at once, which is a neat trick.
I particularly liked Shagrat launching a rape campaign in that it
echoes what we read in the news from current ethnic conflicts, and
that they're blood will rise up, perhaps long after they themselves no
longer can. Well done and never rushed.
Title: Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush · Author: Isabeau of
Greenlea · Genres: Romance: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 512
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-08-16 20:52:54
I liked the premise of this story, but it disappointed. The writer
never lets us see what Pippin likes in Diamond, except for her looks
and her forwardness, so he comes off as an opportunist. Where's the
love or even glimmer of it, here? What makes them more than the hobbit
equivalent of a one-night stand?
Title: A Mother's Touch · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 44
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-08-16 20:57:09
I really liked this. At first, the identity of the mother was
wonderfully ambiguous, and then, when it is revealed, artfully embued
with the tenderness and firmness that is any mother's hallmark. So
much history and culture is woven in here, and yet it remains a most
specific and individual vignette.
Title: Some Dark Place · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 226
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-08-16 21:00:41
Very nice! the author has teased only the barest mention into a
wonderfully telling and probably story. Well done!!
Title: Duty and Devotion · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 411
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-08-16 21:03:59
Oooooh! Interesting! That Beregond would have gone to Faramir's side
not immediately, not out of pure love for his commander, but after
some several minutes deliberation, after some smallness of spirit
(resentining Pippin), and only after a fatalistic vision of the
Nazgul. Very interesting!! Well done.
Title: Calm after the Storm · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 350
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-08-16 21:06:51
This is nicely done, evocatively depicting the heat of the day, the
aftermath of battle, the weariness, but I couldn't help wanting more -
some mote of Imrahil's individuality. This sailor commander could be
anyone.
Title: Burning Your Bridges · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Poetry · ID: 125
Reviewer: Chathol-linn · 2007-08-17 02:22:42
I liked the spare and vivid imagery of the night battle. The author's
use of fire imagery was very effective in contrast to the black pitch.
The opening of this poem reminded me of the way Seamus Heaney begins
his translation of Beowulf – urgent and immediately present. Nice job.
Title: Hiraeth · Author: Llinos · Genres: Poetry · ID: 803
Reviewer: Chathol-linn · 2007-08-17 02:36:41
This contemplative poem gets its poignancy from the poet's love of
natural beauty – the trees, the quiet rill or dene, the Sun and Moon.
The reader is there in the greenwood, where desire for the sea fades
and returns with no release. An effective capturing of the Elven
sea-longing in a few words. I loved the title and admired the author's
idea to select that particular Welsh word. It definitely added to the
haunting Elvish quality of the poem.
Title: The hunt across Tirion · Author: Tinni · Genres: Poetry · ID: 607
Reviewer: Chathol-linn · 2007-08-17 02:43:10
I was taken by the idea of the hunt for the crystal roses, which
seemed like a pretty original device for a poem about Valinor. I think
the author must be very well versed in Silmarillion lore, because of
the careful attention paid to the Quenya names. And the ending was an
expression of love. You don't often get that with Fëanor. Nice Job.
Title: Come Back to Me · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance · ID: 67
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-17 05:53:57
I am somewhat ambivalent about reviewing this story, because, to me,
Tolkien and most Slash do not mix. I may read Tolkien slash, but
cannot find it in my heart to believe most of it in the same way I
read other quality Tolkien fanfic.
This story is well-paced and well-written; with good dialogue. Marta
does a particularly fine job with Goldberry's voice. Slash aficionados
should enjoy the story; it is certainly a novel pairing.
Title: Gone Fishin' · Author: Aranel Took · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 322
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-17 06:30:08
A wonderful way of showing, not telling of, Aragorn's occasional
discontent in his role as King. He has spent so much of his life as a
wanderer in the wilds; that being settled, having a home and wife, and
others to which he is constantly accountable, is not yet a perfect fit
and might never be. Aranel Took uses only a hundred words to convey
all this with a very smooth and natural drabble; giving us a king who
still yearns for the simplicities of a Ranger's life.
Title: Duty and Devotion · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 411
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-17 06:40:45
Excellent and thought-provoking drabble. I'm not sure I agree that it
was a realization of imminent Doom that finally galvanized Beregond to
make his fateful decision, but it could have happened that way and the
concept works well within this drabble.
I like the attention paid to the gravity of the choice that Pippin has
hastily thrust on Beregond.
Of course, the last line made me want to jump up and yell Go, Berry,
Go!...
Title: The Inner Light · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 236
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-17 07:48:52
Intriguing story which creates, delineates, and sustains a connection
between Erestor and Maglor. Erestor's backstory and chosen fate were
very credible; and I loved the ending.
Title: And Thought How Blessed He Was · Author: Imhiriel · Genres:
Romance: Drabble · ID: 670
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-17 07:52:00
A lovely drabble anticipating and framing the wedding night that
Aragorn had dreamed of for so long. There's a wonderful sense of both
tension and awe; the reader can feel the weight of years upon Aragorn,
how long he has waited for this moment. And Arwen's blend of
sensuality and tenderness is just right. She is giving him permission
to feel sorrow as well as joy, to finally find release in all senses
of the word.
The sexuality is very lightly implied here; just right for the ficlet.
Very well done.
Title: Keep your secrets · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Hobbits: Drabble ·
ID: 751
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-17 08:19:56
Merry's justifiably concerned that during the trip from Bag End to
Crickhollow Pippin just might let something slip to alert Frodo to the
Conspiracy. Wonderful humorous moment caught in drabble form.
Title: A Game of Chess · Author: Altariel · Genres: Romance: Gondor ·
ID: 609
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-17 11:56:14
The marriage between Eowyn and Faramir might have been one of the most
romantic threads within LOTR, but in many ways it was also a rather
rushed one. The idea that in the stresses of new parenthood and the
first period during which Faramir is active Steward while the King is
fighting a defensive war to the east the marriage between the Prince
and Princess of Ithilien might have suffered is all too likely,
perhaps. The preconceptions and self-absorption of each leads to what
appears to be a break in their happy marriage. At least the two of
them do manage to recommense communication with more openness, and in
the end their marriage and commitment are the stronger.
Whether Denethor was always abusive toward his younger son is
uncertain; certainly in the last couple years, at least, their
relationship was not good. If it was abusive, then that Faramir turned
out as well as he did is a wonder and a blessing.
Some will be distressed by Faramir's memories of his father, but they
are well depicted here, I think. The first-person POV going back and
forth between Faramir and Eowyn with occasional visions from Imrahil's
POV are well done. Descriptions are marvelous, and the feeling for the
settings are remarkably well done. All in all, well, well worth the read.
Title: Crossroads of Time · Author: Ellie · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 382
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-08-18 02:47:19
I started reading your tale about 2 days ago - got hooked - line and
sinker - and so last night I thought I'd just try to read as far as I
could and then go to bed - WELL - I never got to bed till 2:30am -
read from 6:30pm on - with a quick break for a bite and then back into
the thick of Gondolin...
You write very well - the story was riveting, the characters very good
and the situations were plausible... I thought your premise was
believable - with the time machine and such. My heart broke for the
entire family - and I loved the ending. Though I was ready to deal
with their separation, I rejoiced in their reunion.
I was very surprised that you took the story all the way to the Fall
of Gondolin - The four hour timespan had me thinking this was going to
be a short pice - BUT I loved that you wrote that time! Their
courtship was delightful, the ban by Turgon rescinded believably, and
their children were a delight. Sadness abounds for the Elves but you
made the tale positive. I liked that very much.
The story really, really works! Great job and thanks for sharing!!!
Title: The princess from the sea : a Gondorian fairy-tale · Author:
Fawsley · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 652
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-08-18 02:50:20
This was a very nice tale. I think it is more a fable than a fairy
tale. Ask Finduilas to forgive me - my favorite character was the
horse! I love how he walked, then plodded, then continued on! Delightful.
I also very much loved the outside/inside and what makes a person
worthy. Nice job!
Title: Wherever the Surge May Sweep · Author: sparkofire · Genres:
Alternate Universe · ID: 579
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-08-18 02:56:00
I shouldn't review this! As I read, I went back to make sure it was
complete - for I was sucked into this story - completely and I knew I
could not bear it being something I would have to wait to see what
happens.
I shouldn't review this! But every chapter, after Lothlorien, was
filled with tears.
I shouldn't review this! But your writing is beautiful; the tension
you build (and have now left me wallowing in) is incredible; and the
situations and characters are gorgeous.
I shouldn't review this because I read it from start to finish -
started at 10pm - against my better judgement - and could not stop
until I read the very last word. At 4AM.....
The story is so chock full of angst that I just sat on the edge of my
seat and held my breath! Every chapter was so full. Legolas and
Aragorn were perfect!
I can't say how beautiful this story is, how much it has touched me to
the core, and how much I respect your writing! I don't have the words
and I am ashamed. Your characterizations are beautiful, your settings
easy to imagine, but your 'heart' imbedded in this tale, makes it alive!
Please - tell me when the next book is ready???? Please!
Title: The Love of Lore · Author: Oshun · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 271
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-18 05:21:16
This is a delightful short piece with two chapters dealing with small
boys who have a bent towards lore and scholarship - Faramir, and,
decades later, his own son Elboron.
Young Boromir's anger at his baby brother stealing a favorite book,
followed by skepticism at the child's claim and then pride in his
brother's accomplishment, ring very true.
And I adore the second chapter, with Faramir accepting Aragorn's
compliments with an appealing modesty as well as joy. The imagery of
little Elboron reading to little Eldarion is just perfect, and also
believable.
Charming and very entertaining, with good characterisation.
Title: The Beginning · Author: Oshun · Genres: Romance: Second Age or
Earlier · ID: 339
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-18 05:27:04
Well-written vignette with Gil-galad and Elrond beginning a romance.
Slash aficionados should enjoy it. The tale is sweet without being
cloying, with a slight and appropriate edge, and definite without
being graphic; promising passion to come.
Title: The Witch-king's Cloak · Author: Radbooks · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 106
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-18 06:33:48
It seems the Witch-King is in a royal snit because his cloak was
destroyed at Weathertop; and the spare cloak is not as well-made.
Snork! A funny and clever piece - of course the WiKi would be arrogant
in all things, even his clothing. Next thing you know, he'll be
swapping fabric swatches with the Uruk-Hai.
I begin to feel sorry for the little tailor of Minas Morgul.
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