Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Unstrung · Author: Tehta · Times: First Age and Prior · ID: 161
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-03 01:58:38
Interesting narrative by Maglor about many events from the
Silmarillion. I like the way Tehta gets inside Maglor's head without
revealing all, showing the mystery and genius of Feanor's only
surviving son.,

Title: Renascence · Author: Kenaz · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 577
Reviewer: Oshun · 2007-09-03 02:38:22
There are few special people who write Tolkien fanfiction who really
move me consistently and without fail. Kenaz is one of those. Each
story of hers is uniquely imagined and yet always carries the mark of
her own inimitable style, rich in psychological insight and fully-
developed characterizations. Her first Marchwarden novel was one of
the first fanfiction slash stories I had read and I recall writing a
gushy, soul-bearing letter in response. Since then I have been one of
her biggest fans and she has never disappointed me. This story is no
exception. I truly loved everything about this story. It contains one
of the most believable and inspired descriptions of sealonging that I
have read. It builds a new and expected relationship between the two
protagonists slowly and with care. One recognizes Legolas from canon
and believes entirely in the character she paints for Elrohir. The
use of the mythology and astronomy from Tolkien's legendarium is a
brilliantly executed device. Yet all of the most fantastical elements
are grounded by a solidly realistic portrayals. Legolas's differences
with his father and their deeply rooted love and commitment to one
another is beautifully written and described. I loved the use of the
inspiration of the poem of Edna St. Vincent Millay. The economical
yet lyrical writing of the love scenes is beautiful as always.

Title: Stirrings of Shadow · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Adventure:
Incomplete · ID: 233
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-09-03 03:53:26
A great tale - one which I will continue to watch for - to see where
you take this.

I love the idea of Aragorn's time in Edoras - the tale you are
weaving is quite good... I very much like him bringing someone from
the Angle with him. Sounds quite plausible. I also am enjoying the
story itself - great tension and many surprises. The fact that
Thengel is so sorely beset - by not only friends, but family too, is
difficult to read, but believable. I very much like Aragorn's
character - you write it well. I also like the Elves being 'slightly'
involved in things in Rohan. This also makes sense, at least the way
you have written it. The things Aragorn has to endure and then the
plague and then the nastiness with Thengel's mother. She seems to
have been a perfect spouse for his horrid father! Aragorn really has
become a beloved and helpful 'man of Rohan!' AND I really like your
OC's.

Very nice tale! Well-written too!



Title: Bathing Boromir · Author: Marta · Genres: Humor: Drabble · ID:
645
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-09-03 03:57:12
Giggling as only a love-sick woman of Gondor, I read this with
delight. Who would NOT love to bathe Boromir - be still my heart.
Delightful moments - and I do so love that you have Ioreth there with
him. I absolutely adore her thought about none will get close to HER
boy! Delightful. I also love the metaphor, if you will, between
Ioreth and Smaug! Thanks for sharing it.

Title: Emmaus · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama: Vignette · ID: 636
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-09-03 06:52:30
A very different idea of the wanderings of Faramir's spirit before
Aragorn called him back to life within the Houses of Healing, in
which he is tempted to hide in his memories of the Sea and Dol Amroth
as he remembers it from his youth.

A most visually compelling work, one that would do well, I think, as
a short filmed vignette. And to be called back to life from that, to
think he must go forth and face death and lead others to death upon
the fields of battle again and again, only to waken to the King
Returned....

Very good.

Title: And We Will Travel North · Author: bewize · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 39
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-09-03 18:22:51
I really like the way you've brought in theme of the doom of the
Elves being entwined with that of Estel, and the man he will become:
[ ...that day will be bittersweet. Our hope is for his success; our
alternative is our common deaths.] How farsighted of the Elves to see
so much in the hands of a child!

[ ...becoming for a short time that which we are not: Men of the
North.] This is a very intriguing concept, and one which I don't
recall seeing to much of: the Mannish heritage of the Peredhel, and
how they recognized and accepted that part of themselves to join with
the Dunedain, pledging their lives in fealty to both kin and king.


Title: Sticky Sweet · Author: SheBit · Races: Men: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 196
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-09-03 18:45:45
This startling drabble, by one of our most original writers, starts
innocuously enough: a cozy kitchen, a delicious treat warm from the
oven, a child's delight. The imagery and language is exquisite,
delighting the senses: [feather-light, honey-rich, wild, fragrant].
How fortunate we are to share in this vision, a well-loved child's
happy memory!

It is only when we read further that we discover to our shock that
the joyful small boy is Aragorn, now grown to manhood, taking refuge
for a moment in a comforting childhood memory from the shock and
anguish of Boromir's death.

It's difficult for me to articulate exactly what I love about
SheBit's writing. She doesn't write sweetness and light ( though she
does have moments of droll humor.) Often I have to stop and reread
several times, to try to decipher the hints she's slyly hidden in the
choice of a particular word, or bit of punctuation. I think what
fascinates me the most is SheBit's ability to see beyond the obvious,
to draw amazing and insightful and unusual parallels, to make me look
at Tolkien's world in a whole new way.





Title: With No Pity · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Villains:
Drabble · ID: 391
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-09-03 19:03:22
A very vivid and descriptive drabble with an unexpected twist. We are
used to tales of brutal and bloodthirsty slaughter, of desperate
defenders and small outposts overrun; but seldom have we seen the
words [blood-hungry, ravening, fell] used as they are in this unique
story. Yet we should not be surprised; the Professor wrote much, much
more of the fierce and terrible bright-eyed elves of "The
Silmarillion" than he did of the slighty woozy-sounding tra-la-lally
elves of "The Hobbit". Kortirion has given us an unforgettable view
of elves: vengeful, implacable, merciless.


Title: Glistening · Author: Ellie · Races: Elves · ID: 383
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-04 04:43:09
Intriguing set of short pieces, using the word 'glistening' in
connection with several generations of one line of Elves, from
Thingol to Elrohir. My favorite piece was that describing Elrond's
acquisition of Vilya; there's some lovely description of the fabled
ring. The last vignette, Elrohir's, is quite haunting as well.

Title: Elladan and Elrohir's Not So Excellent Adventure · Author:
Fiondil · Races: Elves · ID: 97
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-04 04:44:30
A truly excellent adventure story, with an undercurrent of humor and
immense charm. Young Elrohir and Elladan desire to travel alone from
Imladris to Lorien; their father grants the request, thinking he's
got all the angles covered to support his sons in their attempt to
make it on their own; but fate, and the youngsters' own rather
adolescent rebelliousness, combine to imperil the Peredhil.

There are a few instances of quasi-modern language, but overall, the
Middle-earth ambiance is credibly presented, the use of Sindarin and
Quenya first-rate, and the characterisation quite good. There are
several OC's - including some Dwarves.

I liked the way that the level of danger goes from amusingly low to
quite intense.

Title: Mistaken Identities · Author: Greywing · Races: Elves · ID: 201
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-04 04:50:40
A very amusing tale wherein several Elves who stayed on until Middle-
earth became Earth find their way into Greek mythology; but not
always the way one would think.

Poor Haldir. And how embarrassing for Celeborn!

Interesting concepts, used well with a light, refreshing writing
style.

Title: Beneath a Gibbous Moon · Author: Bodkin · Races: Cross-
Cultural · ID: 4
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-04 04:53:25
A beautiful tapestry of a story; woven of the meetings of three
generations of Elves with many more generations of one line of Men,
each one in the late night and early morning between momentuous
events - Oropher's conversation with Elros, Thranduil's talk with
Isildur, and of course, in a pleasing symmetry - Legolas and Aragorn
awaiting victory or death in the last hours before the last battle in
March 3019.

I think my favorite chapter is the first; mostly because the meeting
of Elros and Oropher is, I believe, unprecedented in Tolkien fanfic;
and Bodkin writes them both with such authority and skill. Elros
rings very true here; a young but already wise and perceptive fellow,
choosing to be a Man and a future King. He is definitely drawn with
elements of both kindreds; the vigor and restlessness of the Edain,
and the ancient wisdom of the Eldar; and his Noldor streak is most
definitely recognizable. And I love Oropher's description of drowned
Menegroth and Doriath - the language there is exquisite.

Title: What Was That Job Description? · Author: Larner · Genres:
Crossover · ID: 523
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-04 04:57:11
An elegant and amusing fanfiction universe crossover, with the least
likely denizen of Harry Potter's world ending up in Middle-earth, at
Elessar's court, of all places.

It's Gilderoy Lockheart, former golden boy of the Hogwarts Faculty.

Larner captures the golden-tongued wizard in all his glory as smooth-
talking impresario. Gilderoy tries his best, but the King of Gondor
is less credulous than the Hogwarts faculty, it seems. And no one is
impressed by Gilderoy's multiple winning of the [Witches Weekly Most
Charming Smile Award].

Gilderoy might do better to try the Star Trek universe and see if he
can convince anyone that he's related to Trelane or Q.



A great little read.

Title: Green Magic · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Crossover
· ID: 312
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-04 04:57:34
An outstanding story from a talented author, [Green Magic] is an
unusual variation on the 'Middle-earth Character In Modern Times'
theme.

In this story that is enchanting and sinister by turns, an American
woman traveling with her two sons encounters Tom Bombadil and some
leafy acquaintances, in a Western forest. What seems like a lovely,
quiet wood turns out to have some strange twists and turns,
literally, as paths disappear and strange voices come from old trees.

And the ending is...well, you'll just have to read it, but it works
very well in the context of the story.

Wonderful characterisation of old Tom, and the trees are nigh
Tolkienesque.

Title: Bound by Duty · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance: With
Rohirrim · ID: 175
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-04 05:43:02
A lively Lothiriel/Eomer romance. In this variation, Lothiriel
accepts the King of Rohan's marriage offer out of a sense of duty -
understanding and love of her husband and adopted country come slowly
during the course of the story.

Good use of language in constructing Rohir names. And I like the bit
about Lothiriel's being concerned about the newborn Elfwine's
resemblance to his Gondorian grandfather rather than his Eorling
longfathers.

Title: Some Dark Place · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Adventure: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 226
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-09-04 23:17:21
[...What still set his heart racing and his hands to unmanly
trembling, what brought a cold sweat to his brow was the certainty
that sometime, somewhere, he would have to face the Riders again.]

An extraordinarily vivid tale of Aragorn's first encounter with the
Ringwraiths, alluded to in "The Fellowship of the Ring." What makes
this tale particularly noteworthy is that Aragorn here is not young
and inexperienced, but already well on his way to being one of the
greatest fighters and trackers and travelers of the age. He is
already chieftain of the Dunedain; yet his terror and anguish and
humiliation are very realistic and palpable, revealing him as as one
of us, as frail and fearful as we are. It is how he has learned to
deal with his fears that has made him the firm and charismatic leader
we know and love. It's a unique and courageous view of Aragorn, well-
handled by one of his best writers. Bravo, Raksha!

Title: Anchor · Author: Songspinner · Genres: Drama: Elves in Later
Ages · ID: 772
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-09-04 23:17:54
Short, sweet friendship fic for Aragorn and Legolas. Legolas's sea-
longing gets a number of interpretations in fandom, and here we see
him struggling with it and finding an anchor in Aragorn and his
family. Aragorn (and others) likewise finds an anchor and help in
Legolas, so everyone keeps each other steady as the years pass. It's
nice that it's a mutual supporting.

Title: Field of Dreams · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama · ID:
374
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-09-04 23:24:32
Sad and sweet - after the war, there would have been many women, and
many families of only women with all their menfolk dead or still away
from home, in similar straits. The effort to bring the harvest in
short-handed and understrength would be grindingly hard, and the
knowledge that loved ones would not return to share the burden of the
work and the joy of it would weigh heavily on the survivors, as Agape
shows. Well done.

Title: Matchmakers · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Drama: With Merry ·
ID: 587
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-09-04 23:42:30
Clever Pippin, although he might've saved himself a lot of trouble if
he'd enlisted official help from the get go. There would be a lot of
orphans caught in between needing constant care and needing the work
that grown men do but for which they're not quite ready. Good to see
Merry and Pippin go to bat for them.

Title: Under the Eyes of the Evenstar · Author: Raksha the Demon ·
Genres: Drama: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 680
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-09-04 23:55:33
Arwen's relationship to Boromir is not often explored. One imagines
she must've met him and had an opinion of Aragorn's rival. I like the
ambivalence of her assessment. The turn from outright hostility to
understanding in the face of his exhaustion is well done, as is the
shift from there to unhappy foresight of his demise, which is nicely
understated in terms of tone.

Title: Worship · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: General Drabble · ID:
586
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-09-05 00:01:00
Osram must be quite frustrated and puzzled by his slave's
steadfastness - most others would have given up and made themselves
adapt, hidden all traces of their own thoughts and hopes. Tuor
doesn't - not completely. He still looks up to the sky and he doesn't
surrender hope, which must be just galling for his captor. I think
the choice to show Tuor from the outside is a good one - it keeps him
an enigma, and if the enemy is made, in a way, to testify to the
strength of his captive's conviction by his very frustration with
him, that has a stronger impact, in some ways, than hearing Tuor's
own thoughts.

Title: Farewell · Author: Vilwarin · Genres: Drama: With Aragorn ·
ID: 706
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-09-05 00:05:38
Poor doomed Halbarad! But I think his strength is, as ever, that he
does accept what's demanded of him without regret. I liked the
fumbling on the "thanks" - Halbarad throws Aragorn off a bit, but
that seems right. Aragorn has a lot to thank him for, and while much
of it might be duty in one way, Halbarad hasn't ever done only his
duty where Aragorn is concerned.

Title: Naming Places · Author: Elen Kortirion · Genres: Romance:
Drabble · ID: 447
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-09-05 00:30:03
This has always been one of my very favorite Boromir/Théodred
stories. Set very early in their relationship, we glimpse sly
Théodred plotting the exact method of Boromir's seduction. (The
imagery of his guards, chuckling to themselves in the background, is
an amusing touch – they know their prince all too well). An
imaginative and uninhibited lover, Theodred takes advantage of a
teachable moment to give Boromir a language lesson he will recall
breathlessly for years to come. For his part, Boromir seems
uncharacteristically hesitant, almost shy; perhaps the somewhat
straightlaced Son of Gondor is startled when he realizes exactly what
the golden prince is ready and willing to teach. His [wavering voice]
betrays his fear that this might be too good to be true!

The focus of the drabble is almost entirely on Théodred: it's
fascinating to see his mood change quickly from playfully lecherous
to reverent to almost worshipful by the time he reaches the final
word. In the space of just a few moments his world view has shifted,
as he begins to realize that his relationship with Boromir will be
more than just a passing flirtation. It's a tantalizing tale,
stopping just at the perfect spot to allow our imaginations to soar.


Title: God of Wrath · Author: Katzilla · Genres: Drama · ID: 369
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-09-05 00:34:35
One of the things that can get lost in adventure stories is the
effect that war, especially a long one, can have on the men and women
who fight it. Nobility is something we require of our heroes, or else
they fail to materialize for us as such, but the cost of war cannot
be wholly ignored. Katzilla takes a look at the brutal leveling
effect that warfare has on warriors and shows that the heroes of the
story are not immune and can be brought absolutely as low as the orcs
and sadists among us, for whom war is a form of normality.

Eomer's descent is appropriately sparked by what he fears most - not
dying, and not the death of his men (necessarily), but the thought of
a useless death that wouldn't save his sister. He can handle just
about anything short of that, but when he rides into a situation that
touches on that traumatic idea, he explodes. It takes an equally
traumatized survivor of another battle, a woman who has lived through
the nightmare Eomer envisions for his sister, to put a stop on his
fall. One hopes that both of them will have found the confrontation
cathartic and that perhaps they might regain a little more of
themselves than they had had before.

Title: Circumstantial Heroes · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Minas
Tirith · ID: 684
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-09-05 01:05:17
Gwynnyd gives us a king to be reckoned with, even if he is a bit out
of the loop and in a dressing gown. One can only imagine the upheaval
of (a) having a king after centuries of stewards, and (b) *being* the
king after that same period. Everyone would be playing catch up,
tripping over forgotten protocols, trying to figure out the place
they are supposed to occupy - Aragorn included.

In all that chaotic running about and getting accustomed to change,
it wouldn't be surprising if some things, even important things, got
accidentally left aside or shuffled to the back of a long line of
tasks. Not for any malice, but because there's just not enough time
to get all the details that would make the matter appear in its
proper light. Fortunately, Aragorn has Pippin to clue him in, even if
it happens unexpectedly one night, in a way that catches the new king
by surprise.

I've seen the attempt to handle Beregond's sentencing written a few
times, but Gwynnyd does a masterful job of setting the context, and
then letting it unfold in a way that doesn't give anyone involved
short shrift, but also shows that something has definitely slipped
through the cracks. Linking Beregond's fate to the set of Denethor's
most loyal servants who remain in Aragorn's service was well done,
and that interview with Brithnir was a sharp piece of writing in more
than one sense of that word.

Hithdol is another great character, and, as the title indicates, a
circumstantial hero just as much as Beregond or Pippin - a solid,
down to earth sort of fellow who isn't too proud to know his limits
and exploit them to the hilt to serve his people. He and Aragorn
ought to do well together. Nice comic moment between him and his king
over the matter of, um, keeping the king 'entertained' in his off-
hours and the problems of rumors.

A very well done vignette, chock full of politics that mark the
intersection of high justice and lower decks service. Highly
recommended!