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Title: Journeys in High Places · Author: Illwynd · Genres: Adventure:
Pre-Ring War · ID: 259
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-09-12 03:34:23
Very evocative descriptions, good characterisations. I didn't quite
like the few intrusions of the narrative voice, but apart from that,
the story flowed very smoothly.

An interesting look at the training of the Rangers; I found it very
plausible that it might have followed this or similar patterns;
especially the fact that they were already experienced warriors in
other areas before joining the Rangers.

The landscapes of the mountains, the abundance and challenge they
represent, are conveyed so immediately, I could really immerse myself
in the experiences of the protagonists.

What struck me as an intriguing detail was the comment in ch.1 about
Denethor *liking* the arguments between himself and Faramir, that they
were not (only?) due to a problematic relationship.

Title: Lighting Fires · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Adventure: Pre-Ring
War · ID: 95
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-09-12 03:42:40
The plot of the story is built very well, with vibrant descriptions of
scenes and actions; good and fittingly varied pacing and suspense;
complex characterisations and lively dialogues.

Elrohir as viewpoint character was a good choice: he is young enough
to still be able to empathise with Estel, and be seen by him as a
comrade rather than an authority figure, and on the other hand, he is
old enough and aware enough of the dangers that the world has in
store, for Estel specifically, to be able to guide and tutor him. I
liked the several references to the difficulties in preparing him for
his future role without revealing it.

Estel's stage in his maturing, on the cusp between childhood and
adolescence, is captured extremely well, by action instead of
exposition. It's nice to see how he can completely immerse himself
into the reality of the "manoeuvre".

One of my favourite things was how Estel's - for a child so typical -
behaviour derailed the looming neat denouement at the end of ch. 5. It
contributed to the believability of the plot and let the resolution of
the final chapter feel more "earned".

Title: Exploring the Wild · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Adventure:
Pre-Ring War · ID: 30
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-09-12 03:43:10
An entertaining story that had me smiling often at the picture of the
two boys on their first "adventure". The characterisations of the boys
are delightful, and those of the original characters distinct and
realistic.

I liked the portrayal of Denethor very much. It is seldom that the
focus is on his capacity as a father, much less a good father to
*both* his sons. But I did miss at least a *brief* mention about
Finduilas' whereabouts, because judging from this: ["grouchy
four-year-old"], she was still alive at the time.

Title: Way Out West · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Adventure: Pre-Ring
War · ID: 769
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-09-12 03:45:08
I always find stories interesting about Hobbits exploring over the
boundaries of the Shire, and Merry & Pippin doing so only a few years
before their "real" adventure was an added bonus here.

I especially liked the short visit in Greenholm, with the two
tweenagers having to find some good reason to explain their far
journey to the innkeeper for *not* involving the word "adventure" -
Merry's solution was really a good one, and believable.

The story passes by too quickly for my taste, though, unfortunately -
one has barely time to enjoy the different stages. It was also a pity,
though understandable from the Elves' (and canon?) point of view, to
make them forget they had actually reached their goal.

Title: The Harper · Author: juno_magic · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 10
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-09-12 04:20:01
This story is a marvellous blending of style and content, both
informing and supporting each other.

The descriptions are evocative and poignant, from the details of the
harsh life in the mountains to the gatherings in the hall to hear
songs and news from the remote happenings ["down below"]; the
characterisations are complex and layered.

The portrayal of the difficult, unaccomodating harper is particularly
fascinating, with his genius, his bitterness and pain, and his secrets
that can be guessed at, but never pierced. I like the fact that the
hints that he might be Maglor are so subtle, and that it is never
stated as a certainty.

The spare, even austere style has a piercing clarity like the rare air
in the Ered Nimrais, the setting for the piece. The repetitions of
certain passages, the alliterations, the word order, which seem at
first glance drab or awkward, is in fact very effective, and fits the
epic style of the story: It insinuates the words in the readers' mind
like a chant, gaining power as they are repeated.

The flow and rhythm of the narrative voice further evokes and
strengthens the tight bond between language and plot in that it feels
like an epic which ought to be read aloud by a bard like the two
protagonists.

Reading the poem that inspired the story gave an even deeper insight
into the imagery and symbolism used in the story.

Title: The Spear of the Lily · Author: The Bookbinder's Daughter ·
Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 11
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-09-12 04:23:01
This short story draws a picture full of light and warmth, with a
dreamy, sensuous quality. The language is rich, elegant and lyrical,
using imagery and symbolism to great effect, yet never overwhelming
the narration. It is incredibly moving and poignant. The poem at the
beginning sets the mood perfectly, and it is wonderful to see echoes
of it later on in the story, seamlessly interwoven to fit with the
original metaphors.

It is a study of Éowyn as a dearly-beloved wife, made by Faramir, who
is observant and and insightful as ever. He can clearly see her beauty
of form and spirit, and has attempted time and again, even after years
of marriage, to capture it in spoken or written words as a token of
his love, although he is well aware of the fact that words can only
convey a small glimpse of reality. I like the slightly wry tone of
this realisation and his not too serious self-deprecation.

The fact that Faramir compared her to a lily withered by frost echoes
back to the passage in RotK when Aragorn says something quite similar
when he calls her back in the Houses of Healing. It is a wonderful
additional twist to connect the two men in this subtle way. It also
fits of course perfectly with title and poem, especially in throwing
into relief the changes since this first encounter that time and
new-found happiness have wrought.

Title: Unstrung · Author: Tehta · Times: First Age and Prior · ID: 161
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-09-12 04:25:16
A marvellous, compelling, forceful piece of work. Masterful use of
language, a tightly-plotted story, evocative and haunting
characterisations. The layers and symbolism of the story are poignant.
The seven-stringed lyre is an outstanding example of this, in
particular as the line between metaphor and actuality is unclear in
this case.

I love how themes are introduced early, resurface from time to time,
and are brought to a satisfying conclusion or leave the readers with
thought-provoking questions.

I also find details that show some facts from canon (or fanon) in a
new light or an unexpected twist very intriguing, in particular that,
for Maglor, the Noldolantë does not have the great importance it
usually is been given.

Maglor's thoughts on truth and art are particularly fascinating and
resonant; they reveal his true heart, as well as his fractured mind.
They also show that his narration might not be completely truthful,
that his point of view is unreliable, and that readers will have to
decide for themselves how much to believe him, which increases the
tense, unsettled feel of the story.

The lines that perhaps capture best, in all their ambiguity, his
character in this story are the following: ["I have perfect emotional
pitch"], and a short while later: [That I love, perhaps too much. That
I am an artist, and therefore a seeker of truth. And that I am a
mimic, and therefore a liar"] - the second passage in particular is
"proven" time and again in the course of the narrative.

Title: Pest Control · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Cross-Cultural: Drabble
· ID: 697
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-09-12 04:30:07
This drabble is constructed excellently: it begins so harmless, with
the stars and waving branches, quite the lovely, idyllic picture. But
then, like the protagonist, the readers slowly become aware of the
intruding note. The tension increases, the mood gets more violent, and
Fimbrethil's wrath explodes in carnage - but not mindless; she
actually has enough presence of mind and the pragmatism of a nurturer
and caretaker to think of a practical use for her "victims".

In addition, the sensory details go hand-in-hand with this
construction: first there is sight of her immediate surroundings. Then
smell; it seems quite appropriate for an Ent to have a better sense of
smell than of hearing, and also it seems to suggest that the stink of
Orcs can be smelled from very far away. Then sound, coupled, finally,
with sight again; and then she herself acts with power and determination.

Details I also liked were the fact that the odour of Orcs (*g*) can
clearly be distinguished from that of Men; and also that while
Fimbrethil ponders exactly this point, there is a slightly more
peaceful moment - and one that cleverly refers back to the passage
quoted in the author's notes - when she thinks about these Men who are
being taught by her.

Title: Sea King; Seeking · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 689
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-09-12 04:33:31
The story of Aldarion and Erendis as exemplified here shows how
ambiguous it would be to judge Aldarion's neglect of home and family.
He clearly has some form of sea-longing, even before he met his wife:
["But I was wedded to the sea long before I ever espoused her"],
looking forward to the sea instead of back at the home he left as
Vëantur notices.

His inclinations prove fortuitous for Gil-Galad and Middle-earth in
their renewed struggle against Sauron, so he has a - belated -
justification for continuing his voyages, as his father Meneldur
ponders. Meneldur seems to have been a rather conflict-shy man
himself, judging from sparse details in canon (notably UT) - captured
here very skilfully - which could not have helped with his
strong-minded family.

I loved the play on words in the title, and also how the many
strong-willed *women* of the family are here given a voice.

Title: Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady · Author: Marta · Genres:
Romance: Gondor · ID: 604
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2007-09-12 05:19:11
This story is a sweet bit of fluff, but it rings true. Marta uses the
backstory of Faramir and Eowyn's romance to illustrate the hesitations
and the bold moves of a man in love. She also gives us insight into
the minor character of Hurin, Keeper of the Keys.

Title: Who is this Gil-galad, of Whom You Speak? · Author: Erunyauve ·
Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 250
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2007-09-12 05:22:01
Erunyauve's essay speculates on the nature of one of Tolkien's most
elusive characters, the Elven King Gil-galad. The essay includes
quotes from the few existing Gil-galad references in Tolkien's
writings. Erunyauve speculates on the various cues about Gil-galad's
lineage, his position as a leader in Second Age Middle Earth, and even
his character--a nebulous proposition at best, but one ripe for
picking by fanfic-ers.

The piece is well written and recommended for anyone hungry for more
information about Gil-galad and other minor elven characters.

Title: Could Will Have Its Way · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men:
Gondor Drabble · ID: 286
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2007-09-12 05:22:41
This haunting drabble is perfect for anyone who harbors a secret (or
not so secret) fondness for Denethor. Nancy Brooke presents a logical
and very sympathetic reason why the Steward of Gondor turned to the
palantir and began his slow descent into madness. The mood that she
creates in "Could Will Have Its Way" lingers long after the 100 words
are gone. The story fulfills the purpose of a drabble, in my opinion:
big impact with as few words possible. Well done!

Title: The Accidental King: Five Reasons Why Finarfin Deserves an
Appreciation Month · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 5
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2007-09-12 05:24:42
Dawn Felagund is a veritable font of knowledge about the First Age.
Her Silmarillion summaries for the Henneth Annun (HA) yahoo group are
such an excellent source for anyone who wants to make sense of the
Sil, let alone write fanfic that merely alludes to the events in those
mythic years.

This particular essay is more of an opinion piece than her summaries.
Here Dawn presents her opinion of Finarfin, the least reknown and
least appreciated son of Finwe, original leader of the Noldor. While
son Feanor is most reknown for creating the Silmarils and son
Fingolfin for his heroic deeds in the ancient battles in Beleriand,
Finarfin is known for what? For being one of the more vague, confusing
F characters that pervade the Silmarillion?

After you read Dawn's essay, you will appreciate how difficult
Finarfin's role was as leader of the diminished Noldor in Tirion. Dawn
exhorts that Finarfin wasn't weak or vacilating for not following his
older brothers to Middle Earth. Unlike them, Finarfin was a healer and
a peace maker. Moreover, for nothing else Finarfin is important for
siring his two illustrious children, Fingon and Galadriel, who play
important roles in the key conflicts of the First and Third Age.

Now, as I plunge into "The Children of Hurin," I particularly
appreciate Dawn's efforts to illuminate the Silmarillion and other
First Age tales for those of us who once were confused by them. All I
can say is, thank you and more please.

Title: The Most Beautiful · Author: Meril · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 508
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2007-09-12 05:25:27
Melian is one of my favorite female characters of the Tolkien canon.
So I really appreciate this lovely little story that examines what her
character might have been like, and what the reservations about being
"incarnate" and what her joys might have been.

Title: The Gates · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Races: Dwarves · ID: 70
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-09-12 14:19:49
When Gimli speaks to you, he comes through well and clearly. Here we
get not only an enjoyable tale, but one that showcases glimpses into
the world of dwarves and brings out some wonderful highlights to
Gimli's own character. Talents that made him an excellent member of
the Fellowship and Legolas's friend are beautifully drawn out and
broadened.

You give us a deep and realistic culture. Details are nicely shown,
like Snorri's age, in ways that paint a vivid picture of the
character. And Snorri in particular is an excellent and well-developed
OC: His interactions with Gimli are priceless (["Elvish mooning"] -
ha!), and his wise handling of Gloin's son is gradually and cleverly
revealed. Naturally the artisans are reverenced most among The Smith's
people, but Snorri wisely and rightly points out the irreplaceability
of those who sustain them. It is even more telling that he recognizes
the value of moving to the Glittering Caves to continue his and his
wife's crafts under Gimli's support.

["There I was actually able to indulge my one true talent besides
killing Orcs, and help the Men prospect a new vein of higher quality
ore."] Modest Gimli - and now you know there is another skill, and one
much rarer than the first two. Although I can't blame Gimli for being
reluctant to embrace it, when the result is being destined for endless
council meetings.

Title: The Ground Portends · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 638
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-09-12 14:20:41
An insightful peek into Gimli's passionate and secretive heart. This
gave me a strong understanding of his innate connection to the earth
(not just stone), and his almost jealous guarding of how it gives up
its secrets. Small wonder that Legolas's connection in Eregion
bothered him; it's like a stranger, who shouldn't even speak your
language, horning in on a long and cherished friendship.

And we get more: His affection for friends; his still-wary respect of
Legolas; his appreciation of Eowyn. I liked the consistent and clever
use of appropriate dwarven metaphors, especially ["like a blade
pressed to a turning wheel"]; and also how both those he's newly met
(Eomer) and those who've known him for months (Legolas) still can't
completely decipher his complex being. On top of it all, stellar
characterizations and great writing. The final touch was wonderful:
Gimli having to put his helmet back on so he could sleep. Nicely done!

Title: Seen in the Halls of Dwarrowdelf · Author: Aruthir · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 73
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-09-12 14:21:27
Extremely evocative - I could feel the Dwarves' fierce drive to
overcome this obstacle to their dreams, and the despair and agony of
the writer resonates throughout. The writing style precisely draws out
my reaction: Even though events are being recalled from far in the
past, the story has an immediacy that brings a reader right into each
moment described, as if I'm sitting and listening to the narrator
speak his tale. Your word choice and the structure of the story are
carefully considered, and there are many wonderful phrases that stuck
with me afterwards.

The pride and arrogance of the dwarves, the reasons behind their push
to uncover this mithril vein, are well described. In particular, I
love how we are led up to the actual release of the Balrog: How they
had almost given up when the least among them found such slight
success; the way the dwarves are singing, so overjoyed to make
progress on that (excellently conceived) monolith that they miss every
warning sign. I took away several morals for our own times.

Title: Fissures · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Dwarves · ID: 804
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-09-12 14:22:06
A fascinating dwarven perspective of Gimli, post-Fellowship, by one
well-positioned to see his friend's alterations. The moment when Odin
uncovers the root (*cough*) of his unease ("It's a tree!") is
precious: Odin is grieved, Gimli is delighted, and the fissure
revealed. Excellent title, too, with many layers of meaning that can
be applied.

Very good job on the PoV. The interactions and Odin's inner thoughts
are insightful, entertaining and well-handled. It took time for me to
understand Odin's great dismay, until he thinks frankly of the
unchanging nature of Dwarves, and the Elven way of changing all. Then
I began to see how the deep alterations in Gimli might be seen
extremely negatively by his people, even as a rejection of his own
heritage. And it is telling that Gimli has been avoiding the topic
himself, in a signal that he may perceive some of this also, but
refuses to bend to it.

Title: For the Dwarves, Gimli · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Dwarves ·
ID: 155
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-09-12 14:22:24
Mothers... I laughed aloud at the warm socks, enjoyed Gimli's sharing
with Boromir, and empathized with Nandi's feelings at the end. You
conveyed her emotions very touchingly.

Title: The Weregild · Author: tyellas · Races: Dwarves · ID: 522
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-09-12 14:24:18
This is an excellent tale that spins out one possible method used by
devious and clever Annatar to snare a dwarf-lord. He applies just the
right levers to insinuate the ring past Bolin's formidable suspicions.
There is a terrific use of a female dwarf, and Tolkien's canon is very
smoothly integrated with the extrapolations of the story.

The setting is marvelous, beautifully described and very well thought
out: The audience chamber, the dais, the weregild and the ring itself
- they blended perfectly with dwarven culture and Annatar's purposes.
Annatar himself is only briefly shown but to great effect; obviously
he understands the people made by his one-time mentor only too well.
It's a bitter twist that he uses that knowledge to snare Mahal's own
creations so quickly, although we know in the end that he
underestimated their resilience to all but the gold-lust.

You give an absolutely wonderful introduction of Nili, catching me by
surprise but also with a definite feeling of, "But of course!" The
dwarven characterizations and cultural explorations in general were
carefully crafted and well done: Their insular and proud demeanor, the
interactions between Bolin and Nili, the admiration of the weregild
(and how it was packed!) and their refusal to accept loot from Eregion.

I particularly loved the way you portrayed Bolin's respect for and
appreciation of his wife. Indeed, I thought his sudden deceptive
behavior towards her at the end was the most telling method you could
have used, to show how deep and terrible a hold Sauron's ring
immediately gained on him. In fact, I wondered if the ring he removed
from his left hand was his wedding ring - a shudder-worthy symbolism.

Title: Lord Námo's Yule Gift · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Humor · ID: 335
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2007-09-12 18:08:44
This is a very sweet story. It may have been written tongue-in-cheek,
but it has a quality seldom found on humor pieces. The power of love
so clearly covers a multitude of sins, for many characters.

I loved the thoughts exchanged by the Valar and the Maiar. They gave
them a human quality not often seen in portrayals of the devine.

Wonderful story.

Title: A Crown of Woodland Flowers · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races:
Elves: With Mirkwood Elves · ID: 180
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-09-14 01:41:53
Dynamic story-telling, very vivid dialogues. Evocative descriptions.
It's so nice to read about this day away from duty, just the two of
them enjoying freedom, nature, and being together. The fact that in
the beginning we are told some of Thrandul's duties, makes Telparian's
plan all the more understandable.

Both characters are fully-realised and sympathetic. The interaction
between the characters is realistic, moving and very romantic.

I like this portrayal of Thranduil's wife: I have always thought she
must have had a strong personality, but with a softer, playful side,
and your version of her fits very well with this idea. Thranduil
himself is characterised equally well: he is clearly a king, but
relatively new to his duties after his father's death (not yet the
imperious authority figure of TH), and with great love for his wife.

And what a wonderful idea for the origin of the crown! His wife's
idea, the "magic" to keep the flowers fresh, the fact that the crown
would change with the seasons...

Title: Gone Fishin' · Author: Aranel Took · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 322
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-09-14 01:46:00
You give a real sense of what Aragorn is doing, every detail is so
vivid with an appealing economics of words. Paced unhurriedly, very
fitting for Aragorn's activity, yet with enough movement to keep it going.

Aragorn's wish to escape stifling formalities is palpable, especially
as the contrast between this and the natural environment of his
current whereabouts is so well drawn.

Title: The Ground Portends · Author: Thevina Finduilas · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 638
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-09-14 01:47:39
Gimli's character and his mindset as a Dwarf are conveyed in a very
consistent and insightful manner. Language, imagery and vocabulary
reflect the chosen point of view in a subtle way, and so give the
story a distinctive "flavour".

Gimli's discomfort during the ride is depicted believably, and I got
the feeling that this only helps him to appreciate his natural
element, the solid earth, all the more. I couldn't suppress a smile at
Gimli's constant worshipful reminiscences about Galadriel, and that it
apparently discomfitted him - even so long after it had happened -
that Legolas as a Wood-elf had been able to hear the stones of Eregion.

The closer and more detailed look at this episode in LotR, filtered
through Gimli's PoV, brings it closer to the readers' attention and
makes even this rather uneventful scene interesting.

Title: Salt · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age and Prior · ID: 743
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-09-14 01:50:14
The beginning sets the mood for a strange tale, quite in keeping with
the theme of strangeness set forth in the summary. I'm used to your
portrayal of Caranthir as an odd character, but that it is Nerdanel
who collects the tears of her children into phials to wear as a
necklace takes it to a new level of pecularity!

Very intimate portrait of Fëanor's family, and the special abilities
and character of Caranthir provide unique insight into the dynamics.
Tightly interwoven narrative, beautiful language and very good use of
symbolism and imagery, particularly, of course, of the Sea.

Although Caranthir talks about a broad span of time of his life, he
still comes back again and again to his earliest memories, showing how
they shaped him and influenced him even in much later times.

How extraordinary that the brother who is said to have no feelings is
so overcome at Celegorm's dying that he lets Elwing - and with her the
Silmaril - go without any hesitation.

It is difficult to single out one passage, but I think the one
beginning with ["At last, I understood why the sea had always risen in
wrath against my father and my brothers..."] in ch. 2 may be my favourite.