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Msg# 8239

MEFA Reviews for October 11, 2007 (Part 1) Posted by Ann October 11, 2007 - 5:24:53 Topic ID# 8239
Title: By Sorrow Unawares · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits:
Gapfiller · ID: 254
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-23 11:02:37
They are on their journey, and Pippin finds himself startling awake
while on guard in Hollin to find a badger within the camp. Only all is
not as it seems, and Pippin startles awake to find the badger and the
rising well that had stolen Gandalf away are themselves a bad dream,
as was the previous wakening; but Gandalf is still gone. And once
again the Ring has succeeded in convincing a member of the Fellowship
of guilt. Wonderfully eerie and well written.

Title: A Ranger's Love (Song to Arda) · Author: Michelle · Races: Men:
Eriador or Rivendell · ID: 112
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-23 11:09:23
A lyrical look at the world inhabited by the Rangers of Eriador, seen
in each of the seasons with a final look at Arda as a woman, harsh and
embracing by turns. A most interesting characterization of the
Ranger's habitat.

Title: It's No Mystery, Really · Author: grey_wonderer · Races:
Hobbits: Merry and Pippin · ID: 36
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-23 11:17:09
Is it a mystery if one has followed the story a time or three before?
Merry and Pippin debate this question as Merry steers a cold-laden and
grouchy Pippin to bed.

The love is there, and the illness-borne grouchiness, well presented
and described.

Title: A Wish for Yestare · Author: rhyselle · Races: Men: Gondor ·
ID: 178
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-23 11:33:50
Not all Denethor-Faramir stories are filled with rancor between father
and younger son. In this when Faramir's fingers fashion a parchment
boat proper to the Yestare tradition of sending candles down the
Anduin to bear wishes for the coming year Denethor takes it, not in
criticism for his younger son's inattention, but to share with his
son, both wishing for the safe return for Boromir's return from the
trackless north.

A very well done piece, and a foreshadowing of Boromir's own eventual
commitment to the River.

Title: The Treasure Hunt · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races: Elves ·
ID: 320
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-23 11:45:04
Young Elladan and Elrohir have been demanding to know when their
parents will return--perhaps a bit too often; so Glorfindel sets a
treasure hunt in which the twins seek to find further clues by solving
the riddles he presents them with.

A charming tale of keeping children of any sort busy when they can't
wait for mom and dad to return home.

Title: With No Pity · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Villains:
Drabble · ID: 391
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-23 11:49:55
Although the thoughts of the defenders would be applicable to either
heroes or villains, this time it is the Enemy's forces that find their
camp attacked by Elves. Unfortunately, in this war it is kill or be
killed.

Very well constructed drabble.

Title: Tales of Thanksgiving · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First
Age and Prior · ID: 184
Reviewer: Oshun · 2007-08-23 17:02:11
Where do I even start with this one? Dawn Felagund has created a whole
new canon of the Fëanorians, the entire the House of Finwë, for that
matter, beginning with her wonderful novel Another's Man Cage. Every
single character has a rich and fully-developed backstory that is
consistent throughout this story cycle and reflected in these ficlets
and drabbles. The stories are filled with tragedy and comedy, warmth
and humanity, and completely internally consistent with one another.
Even character lives and breathes. The book canon is seriously
considered and reflected. The psychological insights and her ability
to engage and emotionally involved the reader, utterly without
manipulation or any easy shortcuts or cheap tricks, are outstanding in
a writer who is so young. Every story stands on its own and yet all
enrich the others and make me so look forward to their development as
she continues with this saga. Please do not stop writing these, Dawn!
Waiting for the prequel and sequel to Another Man's Cage, these short
stories and ficlets provide a much desired temporary satisfaction for me.

Favorites for me include ["Hatred"] a dark, edgy Fingon/Maedhros slash
ficlet (actually a departure from Dawn's personal canon for the two
protagonists). Another one that really moved me was the near-endgame
story of interactions between Maedhros and Maglor, ["Evidence Of"]
which made this reader question which one was truly the crazier of the
two at this point. I cannot count the number times I have read
["Hatred"]. Oops! Now the reader of this review is wondering if I am
crazy. I don't think so--just really taken in by Dawn's ability to
paint a vivid picture. This atmospheric piece takes off and tries to
explain, leaving much to the imagination, how Fingon and Maedhros
might have found themselves estranged before the flight of the Noldor.

Title: Some Dark Place · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 226
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-08-23 19:47:25
The descriptions of the Nuzgûl sound truly horrifying, and Aragorn's
difficulties at regaining his composure are very understandable.

That he was so affected that he lost all dignity and still shivers
even long after he was rescued really explains his strong reaction
even years afterwards when he alludes to his encounter with the
Ring-wraiths in FotR. His fear at the certainty that he would have to
confront them again in his future is an additional layer.

I very much like the idea that it was Halbarad who came to the rescue
of his chieftain; and you manage to depict a strong bond between them
without being so overt it would distract from the focus of the story.

The story is well-structured, shifting between the reassurance of his
rescue and the comfort of Rivendell to look forward to, and the
flashes of memories of his terrifying encounter; ending with the
ominous thoughts about the future.

Title: Sarn Gebir · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 398
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-08-23 19:48:30
Gives a strong sense of urgency, of the tension of the moment.
Boromir's alertness, his stress, his concern for the others' welfare,
his ability as a leader who looks after those who are in his care, are
very clear. A nice gap-filler for this moment in their journey,
especially as the undercurrent of tension between him and Aragorn at
this moment in time is also subtly evident.

Title: First Among Equals · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 564
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-08-23 19:49:27
Faramir's excitement before the battle actually starts communicates
itself to the readers. The small details of the reality of the battle
- sweating hands, the grazes, the hunger afterwards - ground the
narration and flesh it out.

It seems to me that after the first arrow until the end of the story,
Faramir blends out his emotions (not only his fear), but this, too, is
realistic, and the best way to deal with it.

Title: Letter to Frodo · Author: AmandaK · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 540
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-08-23 20:59:10
Intriguing premise. I wish we could know if Frodo "received" the
letter, but the actual ending leaves me with the same uncertainty as
Boromir himself, which is an equally good choice.

Title: Kindred Spirits · Author: Cathleen · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 377
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-08-23 23:45:27
This touching story nicely shows the growing bond between Pippin and
Boromir. Both love their families and miss them, but Pippin can barely
comprehend Boromir's harsh background. Boromir's love for his brother
is very apparent here,even being willing to draw Denethor's wrath away
from him.

Title: "A Cat Of A Different Color" · Author: Cathleen · Genres:
Mystery · ID: 385
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-08-23 23:50:07
As the owner,or more accurately slave, of two tortoiseshell cats, i
found this story a sheer delight. Boromir entertains the company with
a tale of a cat from days gone by, which has a clever twist in the
tale,or should I say tail? it is nice to imagine that the Fellowship
may have shared stories to entertain each other on their travels

Title: The Eagle's Gift · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
Minas Tirith · ID: 591
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-08-24 00:05:32
It is Denethor's wedding night and the proud heir to the Stewardship
is surprisingly nervous as he waits to bed his bride. To his dismay,
his thoughts are interrupted by Thorongil, his father's favourite
Captain who comes with a gift from Ecthelion, a fertility charm, a
small horn to be worn around the bridegroom's neck.

How very ironic, in light of future events that it will be Aragorn who
ensures the survival of Denethor's line, by reviving the son whom
Denethor tried to burn! It seems apt, then, then Aragorn bears the
charm, which is supposed to ensure that the House of Hurin continues.

The tension between the two men and their discomfort, is brilliantly
written and you can feel the air crackling between them. Denethor
softens somewhat at the realisation that he has a lovely bride
awaiting him, while the rumours of Thorongil's virility, are just idle
talk.

It is so tragic that Denethor's jealousy of the man he felt had
usurped his father's affection, should so poison his feelings towards
Thorongil. These two scions of Númenor could have been friends as
close as brothers.

I think this is the best Thorongil and Aragorn story I have ever read
for the writer truly understands what motivates these characters.


Title: Requesting Mercy · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 681
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-08-24 00:12:33
This story is all too chillingly plausible and addresses a question I
have often considered.What if Frodo had not been rescued in time,or
what if Elrond had been unable to remove the shard of the Morgul
blade? It is very likely that Frodo would have vastly prefered death
to life as wraith, something Sauron cannot understand, that it is
better to trust the One than linger in a life that is no life.
This story explores the question of who Frodo would have asked to kill
him him and the choice falls on Sam.
This story beautifully portrays the feelings of Sam, Frodo and Aragorn
and the bond of love between them.

Title: For all the Gold in Harad · Author: Elendiari22 · Genres:
Drama: Incomplete · ID: 584
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-08-24 00:20:53
This delightful and heartwarming story concerns the adventures of
young Eldarion and a Princess from Harad who becomes his teacher.

Eldarion proves every inch his parent's child in his compassion,warmth
and resourcefulness.

The lovable Princess is soon taken under Aragorn and arwen's wing and
taken on a holiday with them, where young Eldarion unexpectedly helps
to bring the lonely Princess well deserved happiness.

I love the way the writer shows how these characters enrich one
another's lives and goodness and compassion triumphs.

Title: Despair · Author: Silivren Tinu · Genres: Drama: The Fellowship
· ID: 171
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-24 01:22:24
After Lothlorien, as we all know, tension rises within the Fellowship
as, in the wake of grief, the Ring feeds, perhaps, on the fear and
anticipation that everyone feels. Silivren Tinu highlights the
mounting antagonism between Boromir and Aragorn, giving substance to
the possibility that ultimately, their relationship will be one of
bitter rivalry. But she turns then to Legolas, who shows himself to
have more in common with Boromir than Boromir himself recognizes.

Legolas breaks the rule of elvish thumb against the giving of advice -
in this situation, though the stakes are high and he may be wrong, he
cannot do otherwise than to risk showing his hand, as it were, and in
no uncertain terms. Not that that hand could be said to be totally
unheralded, but for Legolas to actively warn and beg a hearing goes
against the usual elvish tendency to reticence.

We know how Boromir's story ultimately ends, so we know in advance
that Legolas's advice will, in the end, fail to take root. But I liked
very much the way Silivren Tinu handled this - she didn't end it on a
definite note, with Boromir's mind made up. She leaves us with a
foreboding but ambivalent image of him, which heightens the tension
for the reader as he or she compares this ending with what we know
lies ahead. Well done!

Title: Dear · Author: Febobe (Frodo Baggins of Bag End) · Genres:
Drama: The Fellowship · ID: 811
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-24 01:30:41
Febobe does an excellent job getting Sam's voice in this story - I can
very easily slip into his perspective and the world looks about as I
would imagine it for a hobbit of his interests and age and class.

Sam's worries for Frodo, his sense of being still far from home, are
spot on. His way of handling that distance, and of handling the
spiritual ache that comes of it, is the kitchen and his master. Of
course, everyone is worried about Frodo, but I get the sense that for
Sam, there's a way in which worrying about Frodo's appetite also helps
bring a sense of normalcy to life, and certainly it gives him an
excuse to bring a bit of the Shire home by way of his frying pan and
the dishes that come out of it.

Very enjoyable! Sam fans will most certainly like this one.

Title: In Silence Remembered · Author: fantasyfan · Genres: Drama: The
Shire · ID: 598
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-24 01:41:08
Fantasyfan draws us into an account of the Battle of Bywater through
the eyes and thoughts of her anonymous OC. Sometimes, it is hard to
get the tone of a character to work with a story - some characters
don't seem able to narrate certain stories very well. With OCs, there
is no text to fall back on to gauge one's efforts, unless one looks
very generally at similar characters and settings. Fantasyfan
successfully gives a sort of Everyman perspective, one that sounds
convincingly like a hobbit who'd gone through the Troubles, but who
is, at the end of the day, an ordinary denizen of the Shire who needed
someone else to help him to the point of acting on his frustrations
and fears and sense of injustice.

She also captures the confusion of battle, and its ugliness, in a way
that is not over-the-top, but which feels appropriate to the
character. The death of his best friend, Matty, is well-portrayed, and
his reaction to that loss seems very credible, psychologically. I
loved that it was Sam who helped lift him briefly out of his shock and
despair, and that it was more a certain look or shine to Sam than
anything Sam actually said.

Haunting, but hopeful! Good job!

Title: The Last Temptation · Author: Maeve Riannon · Genres: Drama:
Second Age or Earlier · ID: 264
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-24 01:47:40
["The last temptation is the greatest treason, to do the right thing
for the wrong reason."]

I ended up reading ["Murder in the Cathedral"] solely for that one
line. I can certainly appreciate the translation, here: Melian, who
might have taken form and fought back as only an outraged Maia could,
to protect failing Elured and his brother from a cruel death in the
snow or at the hands of invading Feanorians, is tempted for a moment
to do just that.

But we see very quickly, as the vision of her vengeance unfolds, that
something else is at work - something far more frightening. There is a
smothering quality to her 'justice', and an insularity to it as well,
that lead straight to a disfiguring of the beauty that belongs to a
Maia who serves. Her actions might well have been 'the right thing',
but they would be poisoned at the root.

Title: Father and Son · Author: Istarnie · Genres: Drama: Second Age
or Earlier · ID: 718
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-08-24 01:54:28
Go not to the elves... not even with a direct question about the state
of one's knowledge, it seems!

Feanor can tell himself that he did not know that one of his sons was
still aboard the ships, but even if that is objectively true, that
slip - ["Yes and no"] - that is not really a slip, is all too
revealing. If he truly had thought Amras would betray him, one gets
the feeling that he would have acted no differently, that he did, in
some way, wish him dead.

Maedhros may or may not see it that way, but Feanor's anguished wish
for Nerdanel's understanding (or rather, her forgiveness underneath it
all) seems quite telling. Well done.

Title: Through the Eyes of Another · Author: grey_wonderer · Races:
Hobbits: Merry and Pippin · ID: 136
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-08-24 02:50:41
The feelings of Pippin's discomfort on the journey is evoked very
well. The slow, gradual revelation of just *when* this journey is
taking place and what Pippin's *real* problems are was a neat trick,
and had me fooled for quite a while, until I stumbled over Merry's
revelation of his old age and it became clear they were camping near
Dol Baran on their final journey from the Shire to Rohan and then Gondor.

I like it that the limitations age has set them are acknowledged, but
they are in no way a hindrance to what they want to achieve - Pippin's
discomfort is as much because of rough outdoor living as about his
memories of the palantír.
Wonderfully vivid and in-character dialogue between the two close
friends and cousins.

Title: Bilbo's Gifts · Author: Llinos/Marigold CoAuthors · Races:
Hobbits: Children · ID: 207
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-08-24 02:51:09
Long in places, but lovely character interaction. The way the children
spoke was especially sweet, as were small details like Frodo's toys &
Merry's assorted "gifts".

Title: The Company of Heroes · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 393
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-08-24 02:53:44
A wonderful family portrait. All characters are distinct, each with
their own personality, and the mannerisms of little children are very
spot-on.

Sam's ambiguousness towards Boromir even after all these years, his
reluctance to even think about him or re-evaluate his opinion strikes
me as very in character for Sam, as does the fact that he would
seriously think about it when the question is directly put to him by
one he cherishes. His final assessment may still be a little
luke-warm, but it is honest, and understandable considering his fierce
loyalty towards Frodo.

Title: Spring after Winter · Author: annmarwalk · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 462
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-08-24 05:17:06
Ann has always been able to say so much with such an economy of words!

Sam awakens reluctantly to find Gandalf, a laughing, joyous guardian
angel, beside him, there where he and Frodo sleep within Ithilien.
This is such a bright, shining moment, and so very well caught.
Descriptions of Sam's reluctance to wake and the delight of finding
Gandalf by him and that he lies in such a pleasant place--how truly
wonderful!

As always, Ann, hooray!