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Msg# 8323

MEFA Reviews for October 19, 2007 (Part 2) Posted by Ann October 19, 2007 - 4:35:42 Topic ID# 8323
Title: Starlit Memories · Author: Ellie · Genres: Romance: Second Age
or Earlier · ID: 510
Reviewer: Istarnie · 2007-09-28 10:34:38
Another poignant, but also rather feel-good, story from this author. I
was really drawn by the beauty of this particular piece of writing
from the first I saw it; it's `almost' innocently gentle descriptions
of nature with stargazing and the waterfall, it's `almost' cloaked
sensuality in Glorfindel's first encounter with his Vanya wife-to-be
and their ensuing dance. It is lovely to see Glorfindel portrayed in
such a happy and pensive manner – stargazing in memory of the one from
whom he must be temporarily parted. This tale has the feel of the
first of a series of `memories' to it; I hope that Ellie will write
more in this vein when she gets time.


Title: Lost love · Author: Ellynn · Genres: Drama: Second Age or
Earlier · ID: 516
Reviewer: Istarnie · 2007-09-28 11:15:36
I have been following Ellynn's stories for some time now, and am very
impressed by the way her writing has developed and how she presents
this tale - particularly as English is not her first language. I think
her account of the bittersweet love between the Elf, Laeron, and
Nienor during her time in Thingol's halls is one of her strongest
pieces of writing to date; both in it's account of Learon's despair in
his final battle against the sons of Fëanor and their followers, and
in his memories of his all-too-short relationship with the golden
haired sister of Turin. It is a tale that I expected from the opening
words to have an unhappy ending – so in a way, I didn't want to read
it all through; but the storyweaving of Ellynn is such that I had to
finish. I really like the way she moves effortlessly between the
battle scenes, and the developing relationship of the couple – between
joy and numbness. To me there seems to be a sense of music and dance
in her use of words. And I felt so sorry for Laeron's final
hopelessness, that I could have cried! Well done!




Title: Never Speak Nor Sing · Author: Claudio · Times: First Age and
Prior: House of Fingolfin · ID: 130
Reviewer: Jael · 2007-09-28 17:54:30
This was the story that made a First Age fan out of me. Fingolfin?
Fingon? What a bunch of noble, boring, prissy elves, or so I thought
after reading the Silmarillion. Well, not in this story! You give us
complex, utterly believable characters who are actually interesting.

The setting of Eithel Sirion, previously unknown to me, comes alive
for me, seen through the eyes of a very young Glorfindel, newly
arrived from Valinor. The culture clash between the Noldor and the
Sindar, whose land they seem to have casually co-opted, is handled
very well through the language differences, difficulties in
communication, and little offhand details you throw in.

Your original characters come alive for me. In particular, Armion, a
former proud Sindarin leader, run afoul of the Noldorin sense of
entitlement to newly 'discovered' lands, broken, and now bitter. And
Lailanel, a sweet, if rather clueless young lady who reads the Elven
version of romance novels and has a hopeless yen for her cousin. I
find myself looking forward to learning what happens to those two.

Your take on the canon characters is equally interesting. This is not
Tolkien's noble Fingon the Valiant. Yours is frighteningly flawed,
dark, yet compelling all the same. And your Oropher! I never expected
to see a version of Oropher serving in such a 'unique' capacity to
King Fingolfin, but I have fallen in love with this young Sindarin
lad, outwardly simple and direct, while hiding an ambitious streak and
making the best of a depressing situation.

This is professional quality work in fanfiction -- a very rare thing.

Title: Mistaken Identities · Author: Greywing · Races: Elves · ID: 201
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-09-29 05:50:36
I have watched with delight as you compile these wonderful sorta but
not always quite twisted tales for us. You have not just a wonderful
imagination, but a talent in seeing the possibilities through the
other stories. I love the concept of taking our realworld legends and
turning them back in through Tolkien's mythology... It makes me think
of the big taffy machine at the state fair mixing two colors of taffy
until it's bright and beautiful and smooth.
I especially love this one as Greek Mythology is a favorite of mine
and you've worked in some of my favorite guys. I'd love to think it's
true, that it's ALL true!

Title: Fell Memories · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 191
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-09-29 06:15:26
This is a difficult work Gwynnyd. It's so emotional, visceral really,
it's hard to see Aragorn going through that and you present it so
terribly realistically, it makes this a hard piece to read on that
level. But I like your grasp of canon and I like playing with the
elements and inconsistencies like this one, with the timing of the
trip and his assumed condition. And of course, I like that you don't
pull punches and pretty it up. For all the wonderful fantasy, it was a
harsh world as well and it's a rare gem that tells that side of the
story as well as you do in this one.

Title: Romance · Author: Greywing · Genres: Humor: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 375
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-09-29 16:40:11
How utterly delightful. I love your dancing warrior and your young
not-quite-a-lady. There are so many different interpretations of this
couple and I love almost everyone one, but this is one is such a
lovely match, it's one of my favorites.


Title: Outmatched · Author: Tiana Luthien · Genres: Drama: Vignette ·
ID: 132
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2007-09-30 02:54:29
Eomer is probably close to the top of the list of LOTR's most
(over)protective brothers - where Eowyn is concerned, he is ready risk
imprisonment and his own life, as his lines about Wormtongue reveal.

So once he discovers his dear sister is betrothed, and in light of
Eowyn's own silent remarking of Faramir's warriorly prowess, every fan
of Eomer is just waiting for Eomer to administer the required test of
Faramir's worth.

Ti'ana Luthien does not need many words to put a very fine point to
Eomer's 'investigation', as it were, even if in the end it isn't
Faramir looking down the sharp end of Eomer's sword. Eomer's
monosyllabic acknowledgment of Faramir's feat, after a couple of
hard-fought rounds, is nicely done, as is the pause, before he
delivers the real verdict on Faramir. Understated, appropriately
unsentimental - just a handshake and a quiet approval of his future
brother-in-law.

Fans of Eomer should enjoy this one, short as it is, and I imagine
that Faramirites will also get a smile out of it. Well done, Ti'ana
Luthien!

Title: Requesting Mercy · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 681
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-30 05:17:05
This is one of the most scary Tolkien fanfic stories I have ever read.
The fright element lies not so much in the supernatural threat to
Frodo; but in the terrible choice that Frodo and Sam are forced to
consider.

It's a chilling piece, one of Larner's best, and really raises the
reader's hackles, as well as bringing up some uncomfortable questions.

What a narrow escape Sam and Frodo had here! And of course, it speaks
well of Frodo that he had the presence of mind to ask Sam, rather than
Aragorn or the younger hobbits, to give him the "mercy"; and of Sam,
who accepted an unacceptable duty in the name of friendship. The
nature and strength of Sam and Frodo's mutual (and platonic) love is
explored here, without ever descending into over-sentimental territory.

Title: Divided · Author: Pen52 · Genres: Drama: The Fellowship · ID: 223
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-30 05:17:45
A fine vignette that raises all kinds of interesting themes and
questions through the use of Pippin's unquenched curiosity as a
catalyst. Pippin's desire to know more about the "Swertings" reveals
and intensifies a conflict between Boromir and Aragorn about the
nature of the Haradrim, how much of their ferocity is due to Sauron's
influence, and how Gondor should treat with them if they were not at war.

What I like most about this story is that it does not preach -
Boromir's anger towards the Haradrim is certainly not unjustified; and
makes a most effective contrast towards Aragorn's effort to understand
their foes and think of reasons why they behave as they do instead of
blindly hating them.

Well-conceived and well-written.

Title: Perchance To Dream · Author: Cathleen · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 386
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-30 05:31:59
Interesting vignette about how Pippin's doubts and fears during the
cold stretch of the journey across Caradhras were eased. Good use of
Middle-earth legend; not to mention the very basic comfort that
associations with pets can bring anyone.

I liked the bit where Aragorn, experienced Dunedain Ranger that he is,
strips off all foot coverings because some pebbles were caught in his
boots, making a miserable trek even more uncomfortable - it just seems
very human and sensible (of course he puts his socks and boots back on
after getting rid of the pebbles).

Title: Relaxation Techniques · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Romance:
Pre-Ring War · ID: 283
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-30 05:54:18
A quasi-slashy interlude in Edoras with an angry, frustrated Theodred
and Boromir, the latter attempting to calm the Rohir prince.

EdorasLass writes sensibly of two strong men who are at ease and in
love with each other. It's interesting to see Boromir portrayed
convincingly as someone who can be reflective and persuasive.

Title: A Useful Skill · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Children ·
ID: 46
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-30 06:44:05
Another of EdorasLass' charming 'Bitty Mirs' tales of young Boromir
and/or Faramir - this one has a surprised Denethor see that his
younger son has learned to darn his own socks, a task suited for women
and servants but also for soldiers in the field who have only their
own hands to keep their clothing whole.

Good characterisation of Denethor.

Title: Boys Will Be Boys · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor:
Children · ID: 555
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-30 06:44:32
Boromir the Bold crosses the line between boldness and foolhardiness
in the time-honored way of young boys, risking his neck on a dare; and
reaps the consequences - pain and his own feelings of humiliation.

Ann writes the young Steward's heir very well, capturing his brash,
proud nature. And the ending is seriocomic and very effective.

Title: Marbles · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 197
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-09-30 07:01:09
An amusing story about Frodo and Merry's efforts to look after the
Most Mischievous Baby In the Shire, a.k.a. Pippin. Frodo is loving and
gentle wtih the baby, Merry rougher, after Pippin swallows several of
his marbles; and Pippin responds with good humor to both.

Good characterisation of a cute and grabby infant hobbit along with
his older cousins.

Title: Emissary of the Mark · Author: Soledad · Genres: Adventure:
Incomplete · ID: 356
Reviewer: Makamu · 2007-09-30 17:52:51
It is hard to count the virtues of Soledad's extensive and dedicated
work on her own Ardaverse, which is a complex interlacing of stories
for various cultures and personalities (mostly minor characters in
canon). But Elfhelm's adventures give a nice and detailed overview of
them.

The story begins with a look at Elfhelm in the context of a Rohirrim
High holiday and there was little doubt for me as a reader that this
*was* Elfhelm the dutiful and true who would permit Éowyn to ride with
him, seeing her wishes and accepting them. Also, I felt an odd sense
of comfort at the happiness of the Rohirrim, made all the more lovely
by my knowledge of its short life at this point.

As is always the case with Soledad's stories the most charm lies in
the details of her work. The story of Idis and the legends of the
Easterlings made me long for the day when the story will be continued.

And there is one other, more private joy this particular reader is
given here; I am sure Soledad knows what I mean...

All in all, this story richly deserves all the praise it can get and more.


Title: Bonfires of Trust, Flashfloods of Pain · Author: Klose ·
Genres: Drama: Second Age or Earlier · ID: 413
Reviewer: Istarnie · 2007-09-30 19:33:07
I was very moved by this tale when I first read it on ff.net – and it
seems to have only got better with my subsequent readings. So many
issues are perceptively observed here: the kinslaying, the death of
Finwë and his possible wish to remain in Mandos with Míriel; the
determined desire of Fingolfin's sons to have lands to rule. I
particularly appreciated reading the hints at the struggle of wills
and relationship between Fingolfin and Fëanor. Although I had already
read an account of this specific incident portrayed from the point of
view of Anairë, I was enthralled by the glimpse offered into the mind
and heart of Fingolfin himself, in one of the direst moment of his
life. That Anairë chose not to accompany her family on the exile
because of her great friendship with Eärwen never sounded totally
convincing to me. Although she would have been distraught at the
slaughter of Eärwen's kin, I thought there had to be further reasons
for such a `betrayal' of her husband and children. Klose has managed
to give a convincing and thoughtful presentation of those further
reasons. The horror of the kinslaying is powerfully conveyed through
Fingolfin's surveillance of the scene he comes upon; particularly the
sight of his son, Findekáno, without any hint of being mawkish. His
ensuing thoughts over the loss of his child' innocence is
heart-rending. Although the result of the conversation between
Fingolfin and Anairë is a foregone conclusion – I found myself willing
her to convince him to stay. I felt the agony of their final parting;
the sundering of a union that had dimisnished in heat in the aftermath
of events at Alqualondë, yet that both parties wished would be for all
time – but was convinced by both her argument that she should stay,
and by his that he should leave. The final sentence almost had me in
tears. Thank you, Klose, for giving such enlightenment on these
characters.

Title: I'm Your Pain When You Can't Feel · Author: Robinka · Genres:
Drama: General Drabble · ID: 103
Reviewer: Istarnie · 2007-09-30 19:45:50
What a wonderful portrayal of the nobility of Finrod. - surely one of
the noblest of the Eldar! The capture of Beren and Finrod's group, and
subsequent events move me almost to tears, and you have captured the
essence in that second to last sentence perfectly.

Title: I Will Comfort Thee · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 458
Reviewer: Istarnie · 2007-09-30 20:00:13
What a poignantly beautiful tale! I enjoy reading about Faramir and
Boromir, and this story was a particularly moving account of Faramir
moving towards the emotional healing he so desperately needed. I liked
all of the characterisations - Gimli is wonderful, and Aragorn so
understandingly supportive of his Steward. The part where Faramir is
comforted by the tree and his brother's spirit is haunting in it's
imagery. I almost sighed with satisfaction at Faramir finding a sense
of peace. This story will stay fresh in my mind for some time.

Title: Crossroads of Time · Author: Ellie · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 382
Reviewer: Istarnie · 2007-09-30 21:36:38
I have only recently started reading this story, but am already
captivated by the originality and descriptive prowess of the author.
Ellie has written some amazing stories, but this one is superb in it's
conception of time travel back from Imladris to the First Age, and in
its characterisation of Glorfindel, Ecthelion, and the inhabitants of
Gondolin. As for her OOC, Ariella, Ellie has developed the character's
background and struggle with something akin to the 'Prime Directive' -
not wanting her presence to alter the course of history - to the
extent of making me really care what happens to her. I can actually
empathise with this time travelling alien; doomed to love one who is
himself doomed. Ellie also shows much of the innate nobility of the
Eldar - the strength of will of Idril and the sternness of Turgon in
the chapters I have read. All this, plus the usual beauty of her
prose, has enabled me to view the known characters afresh, and I feel
I have gained a much better understanding of them. I can't wait for
time to finish reading the whole thing.


Title: Another Doom · Author: mrkinch · Races: Men: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 663
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-10-01 00:41:09
[From the day that he could tell East from West, Boromir knew that
only an early death would keep him from being Gondor's last Steward.]

What a gorgeous piece. It's so in character for Boromir, the idea that
he would bury himself in the minutia of military leadership in order
to keep his despair at bay. Each moment he spends planning and
organizing the matters directly before him is a moment he doesn't have
to spend agonizing over the bleakness of The Big Picture, and the fact
that, in his heart of hearts, he believes there is no hope for Gondor.
We see him here anguished over his perceived falling-out with Faramir,
for he has never actually shared these feelings with his
brother:[Surely his wise heart understood that war and hardship held
Boromir's despair at bay.] What a comfort it would have been for him
to release some of this carefully concealed pain with the one who
loves him best! Yet I think he would have been even more hesitant to
show emotional fraility, especially since his physical courage has
never been in doubt. Poor, dear, Boromir!

[...to be the last brought unlooked-for hope.] There's a Chinese (I
think) proverb: "The other side of disaster is opportunity." Not to be
understood here in the sense of greed or selfish opportunism; but the
concept that yes, the world is changing, and the stirrings of the wind
can bring many tidings. It's just a perfect ending note for a drabble
that is both subtle and rich in hope.

Title: Sorgbyrðen · Author: Aranel Took · Races: Men · ID: 275
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-01 01:37:08
This is an intriguing juxtaposition of two stressful periods in the
life of the young Eowyn - her father's last leavetaking and death and
its effects, and Eomer's first ride as a member of an eored. Eomer's
likeness to their father, his hope that he will find and slay orcs,
frighten Eowyn - this is just one of the Neat Bits in a credible,
understated story of a war-scarred brother and sister.

Title: Charcoal, Stone and Cloud · Author: shadow975 · Races: Men ·
ID: 610
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-01 01:38:14
Sweet and sensitively written vignette about a conversation between
Aragorn and Boromir; and the memories of Thorongil's time in Gondor
and his relationship with the very young Boromir, as well as Boromir's
own love for his brother and father. Intriguing revelations. I found
Boromir's comparisons of Faramir and Aragorn to each other and to
Denethor quite intriguing.

Title: Blackest Fate · Author: Branwyn · Times: Mid Third Age: 2851 -
3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 476
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-01 01:43:46
This drabble gets me every time I read it; it's simple, sympathetic,
and utterly heart-rending.

The drabble presents the sorry lot of two of Sauron's most silent
slaves; and how they manage to endure their unhappy fate. Even in the
doleful environment of captivity, friendship can lift spirits; as it
does here, in an unsentimental but beautiful moment.

As usual, Branwyn evokes moments and moods with minimal verbiage and
maximum emotion.

Title: Passages · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 60
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-01 02:34:10
This is a whopping good yarn that is in turn compelling, scary and
agonizing, with hints of grace and tenderness throughout.

Brandmir, Isabeau's OMC introduced in an earlier story, Boromir's
illegitimate son, now found and adopted by Imrahil's sword-brother
Andrahar (another of Isabeau's intriguing OCs, and my favorite among
them), goes through a terrifying ordeal as he turns fourteen - and
also discovers the truth about his father's relationship with Andra,
which in a sense is equally terrifying.

Brand survives one ordeal, but is left with questions,
misunderstandings, and the consequences of his own inability to
resolve some very adult issues.

The characterisation of Brand is what makes this story really work -
he is a particularly believable teenaged boy who, though bright and
physically strong and quite brave, still struggles with the legacy of
his father's unconventional love for another man. Brand's reaction to
the other ordeal he faces in the story is also right on target.

I look forward to more chapters of this intriguing and well-written tale.





Title: Ten Thousand Years Will Not Suffice · Author: agape4gondor ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 407
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-01 02:56:01
An impressively complex story of Denethor, from his birth onwards;
currently in the darkening time of 3017.

I admire the writer's ability to juggle the cast of near-thousands she
has assembled for this story. Her battle and action scenes are quite
well-written.

Agape paints a sympathetic portrait of Denethor as a man who lost much
but held on to Gondor (at least until the sad last day that has not
yet been written in the story), dedicating his life and his sons to
his land.