Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: The Archives Incident · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Adventure: Minas Tirith · ID: 38
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-03 01:18:38

Frodo and Pippin have a harrowing day in, of all places, the Archives
of Minas Tirith. Dreamflower brings out danger and suspense in a
usually benign setting, and shows the strong bond between the two cousins.

And I loved the less-than-stellar poem about Thorongil.

Title: Maiden Voyage · Author: Fawsley · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Drabble · ID: 654
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-03 01:19:27
The tale of Gimli and Legolas' departure for the West has been told
many time in Tolkien fanfic; but this happens to be a particularly
elegant, and eloquent, version, in only a hundred words. I loved the
bit where the elf and dwarf salute Middle-earth one last time.

Title: Bounty · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Drabble · ID: 572
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-03 01:20:11
An excellent drabble with lush, sensory details - the evocation of
what the scars on Eowyn's body can tell, from childish stumbles on
rocks, arms practice, and the great deed on the Pelennor. Here,
Faramir's love and tenderness transmutes the knowledge of Eowyn's past
into promises of joy in their future.



Title: The Arachnid's Appeal · Author: TrekQueen · Genres: Humor · ID: 114
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-03 01:21:30
This an amusing letter from Shelob to her business associate in
Barad-dur; wishing him luck in his latest enterprise and including
some complaints as to the attitudes of various servitors and snacks,
and a plea for some special equipment.

Amusing and unprecedented. If there is not a sequel, there should be.

Title: The Fëanorieli · Author: Istarnie · Genres: Humor · ID: 530
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-03 01:22:40
One little trick in the chromosome sequence, and Feanor could have
ended up with seven lively and contentious daughters instead of the
ill-starred sons he and Nerdanel did have.

I really, really felt sorry for Feanor here, as his desperation to
escape the preponderance of female voices and complaints in his
household increases. These gals would drive a father to drink, or to
Silmaril-obsession!

Thankfully, things are not as they seem. And brownie points to the
author for good use of Quenya.

The story also makes me wonder whether Nerdanel ever felt isolated
among her testosterone-heavy clan.

A wonderful reading experience!

Title: "Dumpling" · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor: The Shire
or Buckland · ID: 777
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2007-10-03 01:40:24
Merry outwitted by a sheep? But this is no average sheep. This is the
pet of the Tooks of Whitwell. For them, she's a sweet ewe who let's
Pippin ride her. For Merry, she's an escape artest who thinks a young
Brandybuck makes a nice bed.

Grey Wonderer comes up with some of the most interesting insults for
Merry to shout at the sheep. And her sheepdog is too clever and funny
by half.

This is a very fun read.

Title: Poking The Badger · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor: The
Shire or Buckland · ID: 209
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2007-10-03 02:22:16
This is a wonderful story. Most people don't give Merry and Pippin's
sudden change in hieght that much thought, but it could not have been
easy for the two tallest hobbits in history to fit in. They face a
whole different set of problems than the did in the outside world.

Merry isn't coping well with the changes. He is fighting mad because
he can no long compete with his friends in things like arm wrestling.

Pippin, by contrast, is perfectly happy with his new hieght. He does
his best to show Merry the up-side of being tall.

Pippin's comparison of Merry and a badger at the beginning of the
story is just great. The image of a badger wearing Merry's waistcoat
and sitting at the table was priceless.

Title: The Waves' Song · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: General
Drabble · ID: 6
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-03 02:49:21
This drabble is an evocation of Arwen's last days (or hours) that is
sumptuous in the richness of its imagery: the metaphors for seaborn
things such as vessels and winds and waves mesh with, rather than
distract from, the scenery of Arwen's actual woodland location. The
seascape exists mostly in the bereaved queen's mind, and the words
drive her sorrow home without even mentioning it. Yet the sea-longing
makes sense; since Arwen has Elven blood and is a descendant of
mariners. The sea as a means, in Arwen's weary mind, of deliverance,
to take her beyond the walls of the world and by implication to
Aragorn, is also skillfully woven into the narrative.

The prose is as beautiful and descriptive as I have come to expect
from this talented writer.

Haunting and compelling; the drabble is like a painting or a piece of
music that just sticks in your mind and takes up residence there;
impossible to forget. One of the best tales of Arwen's last days I've
ever read.


Title: City of Trees · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Elves: With Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 641
Reviewer: Oshun · 2007-10-03 03:10:38
I got a real kick out of this story. The first part of it brought to
mind lyrics from a Joni Mitchell song: "They paved paradise And put up
a parking lot." Poor Celeborn, rightly nervous, but Galadriel is
inventive and plans to get her man back. I like to think that their
relationship was intense with lots of rocks (boulders?) in the road.
Your footnote about the canon basis also gave me a chuckle--hey, you
could pretty much write what you want and it could take a panel of
experts quite some time to sort out whether or not it is defensible.

Title: At Long Last · Author: Astara · Genres: Romance: Pre-Ring War ·
ID: 746
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-03 03:13:36
Well-written and convincing story of the Denethor/Finduilas romance. I
particularly like the portrait of Denethor as a reserved, intelligent
and almost too cerebral man in danger of retreating from all human
connection when he meets the Prince's attractive grand-daughter.
Interesting that he relates to Finduilas first as a friend - it works
well in this story.

And I very much like the author's inclusion of a good reason for
Denethor to name his son "Boromir".

Title: Gondor's Sons · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
Vignette · ID: 728
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-10-03 03:19:37
These are a delightful pair of ficlets concerning what must have been
very important moments in the life of Faramir; the births his
first-born son and his presentation to the people..

Everything happens just as I would imagine when young Elboron is born
with Ioreth attending Éowyn and Arwen at her side. Meanwhile, Faramir
is supported by his brother in law and his King. It is hard to say
whether father or uncle to be is the more nervous! Little wonder Éomer
gets on Faramir's nerves! Yet, the moment when they clasp hands out of
fear for a woman loved by both, is very moving. I am not surprised
Faramir thinks of his long lost brother when he sees his son.

The second ficlet is told from a unique angle as Aragorn contemplates
the birth of Faramir's child and looks forward to a child of his own.
I agree that in some sense the child is Aragorn's too as he restored
both parents to life.

The ficlet ends with Faramir, full of hope and confidence for the
future foresees the birth of Aragorn's child and the joy that will
bring to the country they both love.

I especially enjoyed the way the writer portrays the obvious
friendship and respect between King and Steward. Gondor will blossom
like the White Tree under the rule of these great men and the sons
that will follow them.



Title: Gondor's Sons · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
Vignette · ID: 728
Reviewer: Oshun · 2007-10-03 03:28:19
Awww. I love good Faramir stories and this one satisfied that craving.
I had the pleasure to be present a couple of months ago when my
daughter gave birth to her first child--I found myself envying Arwen
for being able to be there. It is quite the experience and you
communicate this from the other side--waiting outside. I particularly
like the line where Faramir muses about big versus small. Big to a
midwife maybe, but small to him--nice touch--and you also communicate
well Faramir's mild anxiety about how fragile he seems and wondering
how best to hold him.

Title: 13th Birthday · Author: stefaniab · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 138
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-10-03 03:30:52
This is a well written story and I enjoyed the first part very much.

I cannot,however envision Tolkien's Faramir visiting a brothel or
Denethor condoning it.

I did enjoy the first chapter very much and loved the relationship
between Boromir and Faramir shown here.The differences between the two
boys is well portrayed as is the growing unease they feel about their
father.

I liked Denethor's present to his son, a lute is a most appropriate gift.

Title: Elements: Dreams of the Dead, Visions of the Living · Author:
pipkinsweetgrass · Genres: Alternate Universe: The Shire or Buckland ·
ID: 202
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2007-10-03 03:48:08
This is an incredibly magical and beautiful story, written with
incredible craftsmanship by Pipkin Sweetgrass.

We are taken on a marvelous journey that starts not long after the
Travellers return to the Shire and complete the Scouring. Pippin
develops a knack for carving and what he carves are small figurines of
the members of the Fellowship, starting with Boromir - the first of
their number to leave Middle-earth. Next is Frodo and Gandalf, who
leave together on the Elven ships that sail from the Grey Havens.
Some, he carves even though they have not yet left, Legolas, Gimli and
Aragorn and Sam. The small figures are intricate and wondrously detailed.

There are many wonderful twists and turns in this story and both Merry
and Pippin learn a great deal about each other and their friend
Boromir. I love how Pipkin has her Merry and Pippin. They are strong,
mature individuals and not at all over done in either Pippin's
innocence nor in their very close relationship. They aren't sappy or
slashy. they are very much like how Tolkien writes the two cousins in
LOTR. She also writes a wonderfully real Boromir. A believable
character who has come to terms with the choices the quest places
before him and chooses the only path that shows any hope for the city
he loves, the brother he loves and the hobbits he has grown to love.

All this and a happy ending! What more could one ask for?

Title: The Big Green Bottle · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor:
The Shire or Buckland · ID: 208
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2007-10-03 04:18:49
The Queen of Hobbit Humor strikes again!

This delightful story features Merry and Pippin on the eve of Pippin's
twenty second birthday, and does Pippin have a gift for Merry - a
large green bottle of . . .

Neither of them knows.

But it sure does work fast!

Grey Wonderer's drunk hobbits are hilarious. She has come up with
fantastic twisted sentences and illogical logic as the cousins are
totally drunk before the bottle is even half gone. The poor lads
aren't even aware that they get found, passed out in a parlor in
Brandy Hall, by the one who made the wicked stuff to begin with - none
other than Frodo Baggins himself!

A fantastically wonderful story!!

Title: Waters of Life · Author: Linda hoyland · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 423
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-03 04:56:12
A sweet vignette wherein Aragorn and Arwen snatch some rest and
recreation at a mountain lake. There's an almost biblical feel about
the story; purity and sanctity, that in no way lessens the love and
tenderness conveyed in the tale.

Title: No Man's Child · Author: Anoriath · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Incomplete · ID: 198
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-03 06:46:50
Interesting AU tale about a young woman of the Dunedain who is chosen
to wed Aragorn, when, evidently, his romance with Arwen fails.

The story is written from the viewpoint of the young woman, who, in
accepting the offer Halbarad gives on Aragorn's behalf, lets herself
in for a lot more than a title and a bigger house to run.

The chronicle of the daily life of a Dunedain Chieftain's Lady is
credibly told. Aragorn's brief appearances are well-written, and his
scenes with his young son are charming.

Title: Rohan's Future · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Humor: Gondor or
Rohan · ID: 79
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-03 07:37:13
Another delightful episode in the lives of the families of Rohan and
Dol Amroth. I must say I enjoyed the elements of Amrothos torture
inherent in getting the innocent? ... naive? ... deserving? uncle to
look after his extremely enterprising nephews.

And Ælfwine, Éomund and Hroðgar are very lucky in their parents! First
because they have endowed their offspring with curiosity, enterprise
and intelligence, and secondly because both Eomer and Lothiriel are
prepared to let them grow - and learn from their mistakes without
cracking down in an authoritarian reaction. And of course, since the
three of them treat their parents with the utmost respect, there is
really no reason why said parents shouldn't treat them like
(reasonably) rational beings. Of course they are very young still! I
felt for Hrodgar, caught up in his older brother's mischief and
attempting to be grown up and brave - and for his mother, who managed
to restrain her urge to baby him.

I'm not sure that the other inhabitants of Edoras are quite as
laid-back about the boys' activities as their parents are. Probably
because they are far bouncier in the presence of others! I can
empathise with Amrothos - the royal princes are far more amusing when
you are not responsible for trying to keep them in line.

And Elphir must have chosen Master Caevudor as tutor - only he would
have sent such an arrant snob to try to educate the fortunately
five-eighths Dunedain Princes of Rohan. Ecgbehrt is right - Eomer must
have become remarkably serene not to have even suggested removing the
idiot's head with a blunt axe. (I wonder if his serenity has increased
in direct response to the - interesting nature - of his so-far handful
of children?)

Perhaps Amrothos should be encouraged to spend more time in close
contact with his nephews. He didn't do a bad job of involving them in
the joys of education - even it he would have been better guiding them
in boat-building skills. And I'm glad that - after a five-day dringing
binge - he decided that married life definitely had its joys too.
(Although twin sons wouldn't do him any harm...)

Great characters. Fun story. Loved it.


Title: The Boatbuilder · Author: DrummerWench · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 536
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-03 07:44:06
A great vignette with two AU elements; but otherwise very true to
Tolkien's vision. The other stories showing Tolkien Elves in modern
Earth usually focus on Maglor or Legolas, Thranduil or the sons of
Elrond; this tale stars Cirdan, who is still building boats.

Very credible story; with excellent POVs of the modern humans and
Cirdan himself.

Title: Farrod a Rodwën în · Author: Redheredh · Races: Elves: With
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 92
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-03 07:44:29
I love the detail you put into stories - and the sheer complexity of
elements that never occurred to me until I read them. And that then
make me think about the differences between all the elements of elven
society - and their sometimes hidden similarities.

And Oropher, of course, is such a delightful candidate for expansion.

I'm not surprised he had his prickly edges - to be the best and yet
still overlooked because of matrilineal rather than patrilineal
descent is exactly the sort of thing that leads to lifelong
resentment. And Ivrellas - wow! What a powerful character - and one
who would appeal to a very headstrong and independent suitor.
(Parallels between Aragorn and Arwen? Needing to be a king in order to
win your beloved?)

They both manage self-discipline and control along with the love and
dedication - and are so deserving of success! Even though they are
still going to have to wait a long time before it is fulfilled.

And I love the end bit - Hrassa draped over a tree as he tells
stories, while Celebrian attempts to cut chunks from Amroth's hair,
and Thranduil and Amdir dice. It's a gorgeous extended-family moment
in such a lovely setting. (I must say that Hrassa is one of my very
favourite characters. There's just something about that cogndir!)

I hope this tale develops further! I want to know more about Oropher
and Ivrellas and how they made their way through to the rule of Lasgalen.


Title: Crossing towards Sunrise · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 14
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-03 07:44:35
Intriguing look at Elrond during his voyage to, and welcome in, Aman,
from the Grey Havens. An unusual choice of narrator in Gandalf, but it
works well enough. The ending is lovely, with Galadriel's brother and
parents welcoming her, and Elrond's guilt over his failure to bring
his children ebbing with Celebrian's understanding and lack of blame.

Title: Sometime Ever After · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 363
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-03 07:45:17
Dwimordene pens a haunting vignette about a dreamed and dreamlike
encounter between Aragorn and Halbarad, some two years after the
latter's death.

Poignant and effective, with a wonderful ending.

Title: My Dear Bandobras · Author: Le Rouret · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 818
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-03 07:46:55
LeRouret has constructed a fascinating version of Ithilien in the
early Fourth Age, where Legolas is building both a prosperous elven
domain and cultivating ties of friendship with Faramir and other lords
of Gondor as well as worthy folk of other races. Her writing style and
the milieu she has constructed is more reminiscent of Sir Walter Scott
than Tolkien - there are tournaments, Legolas is frequently called the
Green Knight, etc. But she is meticulous in her detail of the
functioning of the beautiful Elven realm, from the pretty towers and
clothing to the more gritty details of politics and agriculture.

This story is a charming and intricate epistolary novel; composed in
the letters of various parties concerning an episode in Legolas' life.
The "Bandobras" of the title is a young relative of Pippin's, who
became Legolas' friend and esquire in an earlier story; he corresponds
from the Shire to both Legolas and Gimli, becoming increasingly
concerned for Legolas' welfare.

The story unfolds in a plot that is not unusual in Legolas-centric
fanfiction stories: Legolas' parents and other Elves are determined to
find him a worthy wife; and an orphaned Elven maiden with good family
connections is found, brought to Legolas' court, and bowls him over
with her beauty and charm. But that's when things begin to get
interesting; since the young lady is no Mary-Sue, no indeedy.

This is not a usual romance by any means; and perhaps because of it,
it grabs my heart and hangs onto it. I haven't ever seen a Tolkien
fanfic story like this. Don't read it if you're looking for a sweet,
traditional, Boy Meets Girl Elf-style romance with a fairy-tale
ending. It's far more intriguing and downright powerful at times.

Title: The Promise in her Eyes · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 100
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-03 08:04:27
I did enjoy the adventures of the poor nameless musician! His
encounter with the future White Lady and Wraithslayer ... and her big
brother, the fearsome future King of Rohan ... were definitely
instructive. And I am sure that in later years, when he looked back at
the incident, he felt that he had got off very lightly.

Eomer's reaction to the kiss was predictable - in the big-brotherly
'do as I say, not as I do' sort of way! (I certainly cannot imagine
Eomer going out of his way to avoid a certain amount of lip contact
with the willing damsels of Rohan!) Nevertheless, simply to satisfy
himself with one blow and the suggestion that the minstrel should
remove himself from Edoras was remarkably reasonable.

It's good to think of a bright and experimental Eowyn, cheerfully
investigating the joys of flirtation while kissing an unsuitable young
man in the days before the shadows bore down on them all and her life
became a cage. And a minstrel probably isn't a bad choice of partner -
at least he is definitely not expecting to use her as a stepping stone
to influence and power! Whilst having enough political sense not to
take more advantage than he can get away with. Eomer must have been
tearing his hair out as he tried to keep one step ahead of his little
sister.

I found this a most entertaining story.


Title: Journey Home · Author: Dot · Races: Elves: With Mirkwood Elves
· ID: 102
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-03 08:08:44
This is an absolutely delightful story! Everything about it is just so
well crafted - and the characterisation is excellent. Legolas is a
superb captain - and I loved what he said about his Adar! And I could
just see Thranduil's proud smile when he heard young Nendir's shy
praise of his son. After all - he is Adar as well as King, and there
isn't a parent alive who doesn't bloom at praise of their beloved child.

Lovely point of view too - I really enjoyed seeing through the eyes of
a young warrior - one, too, who was in pain and feeling particularly
insecure at that moment. And isn't it just the truth that when we're
hurt we want to be home - but that as soon as we get there the concern
of parents becomes rather stifling! I loved Nendir's response to
reaching safety - and hearing children, both as a reassurance and as a
reminder of why he became a warrior.

And then there are things like the community of warriors - the feeling
of being part of a team that Nendir had barely realised until he was
going home, and the horror of battle and the response to killing of
even battle-hardened warriors - and how they are willing to share that
to comfort one who has barely dipped his toes into the job.

Thranduil's royal visit - the effect he has on the healers and
patients! There goes an elf with charisma! I'm glad to see that the
proud father can overshadow the gracious king, too.

That is a gorgeous story, Dot. Just delightful. I loved it.