Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Left Behind · Author: Elanor · Genres: Drama: With Merry · ID: 28
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-08-19 01:50:59
Oh my goodness - what a delightful, sad, sorrowful, joyful, tense,
ernest, incredible tale.

I loved every piece and part of it - the normal - being left behind is
so very sad... but the terror that Faramir and Merry must endure -
first at the thought of what their friends would find at the Black
Gate - but even further - with the repercussions of the Black Breath
upon them... both of them had it twice over - Faramir at the battle of
the bridge in June, right before Boromir left on the quest - and Merry
at Weathertop. *shivers*

I am madly in love with Denethor and struggled as I began to read your
'explanation' of Finduilas' death. I can accept it - and to me that is
very good writing. I could see Denethor putting Gondor before her -
Eru forgive him. And, sadly, I could see her accepting it. *shivers again*

And Faramir and Boromir's part - how they had ever survived and grew
to be strong and sure men of Gondor, I do not know.

Very well written. I am grateful to have found this tale and been able
to 'share' in Merry and Faramir's experience.

Title: Candles · Author: Eretria · Genres: Drama: With Merry · ID: 305
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-08-19 02:41:25
This was a very nice tale. I had to shiver, of course, at the ending,
but found the tale well written.

PS - I love the look of your website.

Title: The Use of a Good Bit of Chain · Author: bodldops · Races:
Hobbits: Vignette · ID: 344
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-20 05:21:22
Very clever way of answering the 'girl-saves-M-e' challenge. Daisy is
definitely not a Mary Sue; just a rather sweet-natured Hobbit lass
trying to do something nice for Frodo. And thereby hangs the tale; of
which it could be written that Even the Smallest of Good Deeds Can
Make A Difference...

Title: A Game of Chess · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble
· ID: 605
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-20 18:07:34
Methinks that Denethor will not be able to write off Lieutenant
Thorongil's chess skills as 'beginner's luck' for very long. Maybe not
even this first time, given that Denethor is perceptive and I suspect
that Thorongil isn't above letting a little of his intention shine
through in the end. Nice snapshot!

Title: When the King Comes Back (the Great Smials) · Author:
Dreamflower · Genres: Drama: The Shire · ID: 262
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-21 06:42:07
Intriguing and sensitively written account of the changes in the
relationship of Pippin and his father, Merry and his family, after the
end of ROTK, and the hobbits who stayed in the Shire's receiving
official notice of the King's Return.

I liked the characterisation of Paladin; a tough older hobbit who has
not always had patience with his rather scapegrace heir, and now has
to face that not only has the kid grown up fast, but he suffered along
the way. I loved Paladin's insistence that his son was going to be
kept busy with his duties so he could not get into any more trouble -
at that point, Paladin really had very little comprehension of how
Pippin had matured, not to mention traveling through so much danger.
There's an interesting parallel of Paladin/Pippin to Denethor/Faramir;
though it is made clear that Paladin is a better father and dearly
loves all his children.

Title: Resurrection · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 265
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-22 06:10:51
A beautifully told Alternate Universe story of the injured Halbarad's
physical and emotional recovery. Badly wounded and close to death, he
survived, and grappled with the strangeness of renewed life in a new
world he had not expected to see.

I like the way that Halbarad, whose strength and courage have never
been in question, does not easily accept his own survival; he has been
marked by battle, pain, and suffering, and the acceptance of the death
that was nearly his. But he does not give up; there is no death-wish
here, merely curiosity as well as the will to endure.

Aragorn's appearance is perfectly written; Dwim writes the two old
comrades and warriors very well, their relationship one of understated
friendship and love.

Title: Enter the Fourth Age, Hastily · Author: Dwimordene · Times:
Fourth Age and Beyond: Drabble · ID: 140
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-08-22 06:22:52
Excellent evocation of Treebeard and his slow, but accurate,
observations of the changing world.




Title: The Essence of Fire · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: General
Drabble · ID: 278
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-08-22 20:19:37
The drabble has a compelling, driving rhythm, supported by the
repetition of ["fire"]. The actual and metaphorcial uses of fire in it
paint a convincing, evocative picture of Caranthir's set of mind, his
feelings and his motivations, driven as he is by passionate creativity
on the one hand, and destructive force and violence (in words and
deeds) on the other - just as fire can be both creative and destructive.

It's remarkable just how many events which support the premise and
which build on one another - both canonical and original - are touched
on here in the space of just 100 words.

Title: Thengling Mighty · Author: Linda hoyland · Times: Late Third
Age: 3018-3022 TA: General Drabble · ID: 420
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-08-22 20:20:48
An alliterative drabble for the Rohirrim - nice idea, and so very
fitting for the culture! I think the beginning is a little flat, but
the second half truly makes up for it, and the last sentence is wonderful.

Title: A Moment Lost · Author: Fawsley · Races: Men: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 491
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-08-22 20:23:50
Lyrical, poignant style which evokes Aragorn's thoughts very well, I
think: calm, introspective, perhaps with a touch of self-irony. I
think it's very in-character that it is more an inner process than
outward manifestations that would be the decisive factor for him in
embracing the kingship.

It also seems to me very believable that it would be a slow, gradual
process with many steps in between in fits and starts. Some of them
momentuous and sharply defined, like when Elrond revealed his lineage
to him when he became 20, or when the quest started; but some of them
an unobtrusive development where it is difficult to see a transition
or delineation, for example learning to be the Dúnadan to his people
in the North, or the times in various countries of Men where he garner
invaluable experiences over longer periods of time.

Title: The Arachnid's Appeal · Author: TrekQueen · Genres: Humor · ID: 114
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-08-22 20:28:29
The premise alone had me in stitches. And no, I won't ask how this
letter would be practically possible - I imagine a very, very large
parchment and sundry blotches on the letter, Shelob and her
surroundings might be part of it...

I love the idea of Shelob as a fastidious connoisseur, and the
*timing* of the letter is priceless. It makes me wonder if Sauron
received it yet before his demise.

Title: Between Friends · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Poetry · ID: 396
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-08-22 20:32:15
The language of this short poem is very clear and stark, fitting for
the context. The descriptions are stripped to essentials. Nothing
fancy or elaborate, yet evocative and moving, quite appropriate for
the simple and relatively unsophisticated protagonists.

The beginning of each stanza shows the good times, the real friendship
between Sméagol and Déagol, which make the respective ends - showing
what Sméagol's nature as it is being exacerbated and twisted by the
Ring, made him do - even more horrifying in contrast. And not only his
deeds, also his apparent detachment in recounting them make for a
chilling impression.

Title: Safe In My Arms · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Drama · ID: 470
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-23 00:31:35
It is always nice to see Denethor get a little grace and forgiveness!

Title: Of Numenor That Was · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 424
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-23 00:37:24
Thank you, Marta, for my birthday present!

Rereading these, I'm still caught most by Gimilbeth and Nenheri -
Gimilbeth is so evidently confused, it's hard to tell what her state
of mind is. One cannot but feel for her, but one also wonders: did she
agree to this? If so, did she know what she was agreeing to? Or was
she an unwilling sacrifice? Who is this woman, about to give her all,
or have it taken from her, for the sake of the Dark Lord?

Nenheri's tale, water to fire, brings a necessary redemptive moment to
the story. It's not clear whether she considers Gimilbeth a child of
the One in the sense that *all* creatures are children of Iluvatar, or
whether she means that Gimilbeth in the end was faithful. In either
case, her compassion and determination to right what can be righted
have a cleansing effect and help round out the story in a way that is
satisfactorily cathartic, but doesn't cheapen the horror.

Title: Shadows of the Past · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: General
Drabble · ID: 331
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-23 00:41:34
Marta's inner Gollum-fangirl gets a day and drabble out. I like the
understatedness of this piece - there's a lot of distance toward the
character, and yet that distance is written in such a way as to feel
like a disavowal. That brings us right back in close to
Smeagol/Gollum, to Gollum at war with Smeagol and the guilt that
cannot be purged, no matter how well-hidden it may be. It's an eerie
look into the sad and strife-ridden inner world of a character who is
being eaten alive by Ring-lust and self-loathing. Well done!

Title: Leaf Subsides to Leaf · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Drama:
Elves in Later Ages · ID: 105
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-23 00:49:03
Generally speaking, my interest in Legolas is... not exactly high. But
this was a lovely scene between Legolas and Thranduil - one gets the
sense of them both having endured beyond enduring, and yet finding it
in them to part without bitterness in the end. Legolas's patience is
very beautifully portrayed, and Thranduil's pain as well. But it is
the lightening of the story at the end, as they move through the anger
that comes with hurt and bewilderment to acceptance of loss that makes
the wounds shown here have meaning.

Well done, Ignoble Bard!

Title: Charms of Wisdom and Grace · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Drama: Ithilien · ID: 460
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-23 00:52:45
An interesting domestic vignette - Faramir seems to acquire many an
unusual talent for a young nobleman, but all to the good for his peace
of mind, it seems. And although he weaves for the warriors in his
life, he stays true to his own sense of what is worthwhile in Gondor:
not the warfare itself, but wisdom, grace, peace.

Title: Following the King · Author: sophinisba solis · Genres: Drama:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 735
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-23 00:57:08
Sophinisba writes a wonderful Pippin, and does not need many words to
bring him to life. I like the way the drabble revolves around the
notion of all their struggle being "for Frodo": the thought initially
comforts, motivates, spurs Pippin onward until circumstances conspire
to turn that "for Frodo" around in its meaning, making it a mockery of
that same effort. But then there's the second reversal, as Pippin
moves through horrific disappointment to the grim determination to
face that last stand, once again for Frodo, in a tribute to him.

Very well done!

Title: Conversion · Author: Pentangle · Genres: Drama: With Aragorn ·
ID: 169
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-23 00:59:16
Pentangle gives us the story of the war from the perspective of the
peasants of Gondor, who inevitably would suffer, overlooked as all
attention goes to the warriors who man the walls.

Talion's bitterness and sense of powerlessness to prevent loss, to
prevent any of the misfortunes that have befallen his village and
family, are clearly portrayed and find a target in the person of
Aragorn. Aragorn fortunately recognizes the desperation behind the
rage and insults, and instead of lashing back, is able to give Talion
some of his dignity back. And also, some of the tools he will need in
order for the peasants to begin to recover.

Title: Fell Memories · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 191
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-23 00:59:28
Ah, I remember these! Thanks to Tolkien's incredibly overloaded
timeline for Aragorn in 2980, all sorts of questions arise as to where
exactly he was, what he was doing, how long he was about it, and what
effects they might have had on him.

Gwynnyd chooses to let him stumble into the hands of orcs and a nasty
situation that might fit with the notion that the enemy has laid traps
for Aragorn before. That he escapes at all is a miracle, and it lends
the irony of his self-description to the Elves ('weary') a very
painful edge. Weary in more than body, though he is certainly that,
but struggling with the psychic bruising that comes of having to
reevaluate precisely how he is supposed to handle his role as Heir of
Isildur, implacable opponent of Sauron.

Very dark, and the more so for the brevity of the individual
snapshots. Well done.

Title: Seven Deadly Sins - Theodred · Author: EdorasLass · Genres:
Drama: Vignette · ID: 754
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-23 00:59:40
EdorasLass gives us Theodred in several different moods, possibly
'sinful' as the challenge requires, but really! I doubt there's must
to apologize for in most of these, but that is a part of the charm of
the series.

I think my favorite was the envy one - world-weary warrior contrasted
with his beloved young, and extremely naive still, cousin is always an
interesting encounter. Poor Theodred! Nicely written, as always - it's
good to see Theodred get some time in the fanfictional limelight, and
EdorasLass never disappoints on that score.

Title: Wings · Author: ErinRua · Genres: Romance: With Rohirrim · ID: 9
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-08-23 01:28:43
This short story has such an uplifting feeling!

The portrayal of Éomer is marvellous - true and vivid and so very
*present* and tangible. Both the honesty of his feelings, his
directness, and his worth as captain and leader of men are apparent,
especially in my favourite passage: ["Pale eyes searched the prince's
closely, their intensity a reminder why Éomer of Rohan was reckoned a
captain among men. Yet at the same time, that look held something
astonishingly open, something that was being offered with the entirety
of a great and noble heart."]

Éomer's mood comes through so clear in this story, his elation is
truly contagious. At every re-read, I feel this giddy, burbling
feeling inside myself. And I love it that he can appreciate the beauty
of the seascape when it is such an alien environment for him. And that
he also can find similarities with his beloved grass plains.

Wonderful description of the setting, especially of the sea in all her
glory. And the characters' relation towards each other and towards
Lothíriel, love and respect and affection is depicted very real, clear
and believable in just a few well-chosen, succinct words and images.

Your Imrahil is also wonderful and just as I imagine him and his
relationship to his son-in-law. Amidst his understandable sorrow that
his daughter will leave him to live far away, he never begrudges it,
he knows Éomer will cherish and love her and both will be happy, and
he knows he really doesn't *lose* Lothíriel, but *gains* a new member
of the family.

Title: All in a Day's Work · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 421
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-08-23 01:33:55
This series is constructed marvellously well. Not only is each drabble
complete in itself, but each builds on the previous one, and so the
entirety of it paints a picture that is bigger than its individual
parts. Additionally, it portrays some of the many diverse professions
it takes to work together successfully in such a scheme.

The strategy for this battle is devised very well. I can clearly see
Imrahil being so inventive and sneaky!

I admire the amount of small details you managed to include in each of
the drabbles: the marines tossing the bales onto the dock, the ship
having to be handled ineptly to fool the corsairs - to the chagrin of
the rowers - the archer being asked to think of the chained oarsmen
(captured Gondorians) on the enemy ship etc.

And the last drabble, reserved for the Prince himself, was a worthy
climax. Of course he would make good use of the Corsair ship and all
it contained!

Each of the characters, from the farmer who is so quick to ride to
alert the soldiers, to the factor who is concerned about his wares,
from the clearly inexperienced marine to Imrahil himself, all are so
very real and three-dimensional. All have their defining character
traits, which sometimes (or even most of the time) don't even have to
be described, but are shown by a gesture, a way of speaking or
evaluating things.

Title: Between Friends · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Poetry · ID: 396
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-23 10:45:31
An interesting poetic expression of the betrayal and murder of Deagol
by Smeagol. Ah, what that small band of gold wrought! This poem
manages to capture the feeling of violence that appears to follow the
Ring wherever it goes.

Title: Jewel · Author: Aranel Took · Genres: Romance: Drabble · ID: 325
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-23 10:50:44
I'd never thought to be enchanted by the courtship of Dwarves, but
this one of Gloin and his lady love is delightful. The image of Gloin
giving the object of his desire the reverence usually reserved for a
rich vein of ore is priceless!