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Title: Snare · Author: Ruby Nye · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022 TA
· ID: 539
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-04 02:32:35
A chilling incident in the brief interregnum of the Ruffians' takeover
of the Shire; as Pervinca helps the resistance effort in a
particularly dangerous and painful way. Good usage of small details
contribute to the horror of the situation.

Title: Weary Beyond Joy Or Sorrow? · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Late
Third Age: 3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 671
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-10-04 02:32:52
This is a powerful and moving character moment that helps fill in a
noticeable gap in book-verse. Halbarad's death receives such cursory
mention, and yet how did Aragorn respond to it? In all that happens
after the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, does he have time to mourn,
to reflect, to fully realize the sacrifices made that day?

Imhiriel's answer here is: Yes. And it's explored in such a way as to
give maximum impact. The moment is key: Aragorn is exhausted, pushed
to the point of collapse, and barely capable of hiding his emotions.
Now he is faced with the evidence of what he has lost, in exchange for
all that he has gained. His grief is shown to us clearly and
tellingly, and his reaction to Gandalf's compassion is perfect as his
composure slips. I can feel myself grieve with him, and be glad that
Gandalf's long friendship is there to comfort him.

I love a well-chosen title, and as usual this one is no exception: The
twist on the quote (denoted by a simple question mark) is well-played.

Title: Daybreak · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 705
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-10-04 02:33:22
This is so nicely done. I love the opening line, because immediately I
want to know what is going on. Then the reference to his memories
returning ["like the pages of a great tale of old"] - this is so
evocative of Faramir that I wouldn't even have needed the author to
tell me whose PoV we are sharing. His joy and wonder come through
beautifully and clearly, and the title brings out thoughts of a new
day dawning for Gondor and Faramir alike.

Title: Darkness Visible · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 725
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-10-04 02:33:58
The contrast between good and evil weather gives this drabble so much
of its punch. First, there is the darkening sky that brings relief,
prosperous crops, fresh water - a welcome sight and one that brings
life. Then we're given the ["darkness visible"], manifested by the
abnormal, fear-inspiring clouds of Sauron's creation - a horror that
forewarns of death.

Tanaqui does this with her usual deft handling of magnificent
descriptive phrases, creating stark images in my mind that leave me
thinking longingly of the rainstorms of my youth, or shivering in
thankfulness that I've never faced a Dawnless Day...

Title: A Collection of Sindarin Tanka · Author: juno_magic · Genres:
Poetry · ID: 224
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2007-10-04 05:59:36
These are beautifully crafted poems, both the Sindarin and the
English. Having written poems in Quenya myself I know how difficult it
is to translate English phrasing using an extremely limited
vocabulary, even if one takes into account any neo-Eldarin
constructions (always problematic). Sindarin is even more difficult
because the vocabulary is even less and the choices fewer, yet, these
poems reflect great thought and care in the use of the elvish words.

What is interesting is that when one translates the Sindarin
literally, it often does not say exactly the same thing as the
English, for example, translating "lalaith" as "smile" though it
actually means "laughter". Yet, rather than detract from the poems,
such instances enhance their believability, providing us with
sense-translation rather than a literal translation that would end up
making the poems stilted and uninteresting.

I particularly liked "Niniel - Tearful". It is a beautiful example of
taking a known real-world source and adapting it to Middle-earth. I
suppose living in China as I do I am particularly attracted to this
poem, but beyond that, I just love the sound of it and like to read
the Sindarin aloud. I think it is the best of the lot.

I particularly like the illustrations, for they ably illuminate the
themes of these poems, themes of loss and longing, so prevelant in
Elvish poetry. The illustration for "Olthad o'Laur - To Dream of
Light" is especially haunting, as is the poem itself, perhaps my other
"favorite" poem in this collection.

Some of the Sindarin is incorrect, especially the use of prepositions
and correct mutations. Yet, as flawed as some of these poems are
linguistically, they are a joy to read and contemplate for the delight
and solace they offer to the soul. Anyone who loves poetry and
especially Sindarin will find these little gems a treasure not to be
hoarded but shared.

Title: Mardil Goes A-Courting · Author: Le Rouret · Genres: Humor:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 366
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2007-10-04 06:06:38
This is a funny tale and I love how each chapter begins with the same
line, though spoken by different characters. It sets the tone for the
entire story. Like all of the Green Knight of Dol Galennehtar tales,
the tone of the story, it's use of archaic speech and words, and
descriptions of various settings are reminiscent of such stories as
Sir Walter Scott's "Ivanhoe" and even Malory.

Most of the humor is in the conversations between Legolas and his
mortal friends as he attempts to arrange a marriage for his friend
Mardil. Perhaps the funniest part of the story is in chapter 5 where
Legolas explains the differences between "love" and "being in love" to
Lady Aranath who keeps referring to the Elf-prince as a young man. I
laughed out loud when the lady declared herself the eldest in the room.

The interesting part of this story is how the focus is solely on
Legolas and his machinations. It is not until the end that you learn
who is really behind it all. It was a clever way of throwing the
reader off up to the very end and very satisfying.

And I completely agree with others that Legolas needs to be taken down
a peg or two. He is way too smug in this story. But, then again,
that's what makes him such a delightful character.

Title: My Sword Sings · Author: agape4gondor · Races: Men: Gondor ·
ID: 426
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2007-10-04 06:10:22
While AU, this story retains the feel of canon and is a very well
crafted tale of treachery and intrigue. It was heartbreaking to see
Boromir dying so young. I suppose it was never his fate to be the
Steward of Gondor. I loved the character of Indis. It's rare to see
strong women characters who don't come off sounding like total
harridans and shrews. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with.
The introduction of canon characters, especially those who are minor
characters in LOTR, such as Targon, or, like Éomund, are already dead,
was cleverly and seamlessly done.

It's harrowing to read of the abuse of children who are seen only as
pawns in the cruel game of politics. Amandil and his cronies care
nothing for the well-being of Boromir and Faramir. Unfortunately, such
things still happen even in our world, such as with the Lost Boys of
the Sudan and even on the streets of my own country.

I liked the portrayal of Théodred, who we know only from the reports
of others, as he dies off-screen, so to speak, in LOTR. I had to go
back to the Appendices to discover that he and Boromir were indeed the
same age. That is something I never knew. It's even more interesting,
when you look at the Tale of Years for 3019, that Théodred and Boromir
die one day apart from one another.

This tale was both gripping and yet hard to read because of the plot
and the sense of doom that hangs over the characters. Yet, I enjoyed
the story very much and look eagerly to readi8ng the sequels.


Title: Crossroads of Time · Author: Ellie · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 382
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2007-10-04 06:11:44
The characters in this story were well delineated, especially
Glorfindel. The exchange between Glorfindel and his brothers in
Chapter 13, for example, was quite funny and with four brothers of my
own I could totally relate. It was also interesting to see something
of daily life in Gondolin and how Ariella interacted with the people
there while trying to prepare for the eventual destruction of the
city. However, the premise of an alien race "rescuing" Arda had me
wondering and much is not explained. Did Ariella's people come to Arda
before, during, or after the Ring War and how did their coming affect
the history of Middle-earth at the end of the Third Age as we know it?
It would have been nice if some of this could have been explained in
the story more fully even if Ariella did not explain it to anyone in
Gondolin. In spite of this, though, I thought it a good first novel.

Title: The Captain and the King · Author: plasticChevy · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 738
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2007-10-04 06:13:51
This is only the second Boromir!LIves story I have ever read and the
first was rather unique in its solution as to how Boromir does survive
Parth Galen, so it's hard to compare and say whether this story works
or not. That being said, I think it works rather well. The point of
departure from canon is believable, that Sauruman suspects that
Aragorn carries the One Ring and that the Uruk-hai have been
instructed to capture the Men, not the Hobbits.

The interweaving of canon events into the story of Aragorn and
Boromir's capture and subsequent rescue is cleverly and seamlessly
done. The characters are well delineated and three-dimensional. If
anything, Saurman here is even more evil and corrupt than even
Christopher Lee potrayed him and the torture scenes, while not
graphic, were clearly visible to the mind's eye.

My favorite part of the story was Boromir's interaction with Gil. She
is an original character in more ways than one and I enjoyed the
bantering between them. I was hoping for a romance and suspected that
somehow they might eventually marry, and I was proved correct in the
Epilogue.

The relationship between Boromir and Merry is especially poingnant and
well drawn. One can see the love and devotion between these two
unlikely friends and share in the sorrow of their separation when
Merry returns to the Shire, leaving Boromir in Minas Tirith.

While I questioned some of the characterizations of beloved canon
characters, such as Imhrahil and Faramir, and was confused by Halbarad
still being alive, as the story progressed I began to understand, if
not totally accept, the premises which dictated these characters'
motives and actions.

Taken as a whole, the story was riveting and nicely plotted, the
characters were believable and the writing clear and flowing.

Title: Elements: Dreams of the Dead, Visions of the Living · Author:
pipkinsweetgrass · Genres: Alternate Universe: The Shire or Buckland ·
ID: 202
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2007-10-04 06:15:47
This is one of those gentle stories that weaves its subtle spell with
its first words and before you know it you are caught and cannot
escape, nor do you want to.

["Well the best dreams are the ones in which I am dying."]

This is probably one of the most haunting lines I have ever read
anywhere and this, more than anything, kept me reading.

I loved how this was more about Boromir than about Pippin and Merry,
even though they are the central characters. Yet, Boromir, to me,
seems to be the most central character. The discussion the two hobbits
have about what Boromir might have learned from them was poignant and
the scene showing what Boromir saw in Galadriel's Mirror was
harrowing. Yet, it makes sense and shows how truly noble and
courageous Boromir was, contrary to those who insist that he was a
failure and not a hero at all, whatever he might have done at the end.

The final chapter showing Pippin meeting Boromir at last was wonderful
and I hope that such an ending is available even to those of us who
are not all that heroic or special. I liked the mention of a "House of
Healing" where one's heart and spirit, broken by life's sorrows and
evils, are able to heal, if needed, before one is allowed to enter
into Joy. I also liked how the images of the Elements act as the
backdrop to the story and that the Fifth Element is Infinite Love
which binds all the other Elements to each other in a coherent Whole,
which is Ea and all that is contained therein.

Title: Thyme is a great healer · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond: Drabble · ID: 723
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2007-10-04 10:43:09
A sweet drabble, and a good commentary upon the connection between
scent and memory. Two people use that same device to bring back
different memories, and though they are not thinking of the same
thing, there is still a connection between them.

Title: Rauros, golden Rauros-falls · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Humor:
Drabble · ID: 624
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2007-10-04 10:56:13
OK now...I'm a sucker for Boromir Lives! stories as well, but as you
said in your comments for this one, sometimes you can have too much of
a good thing! This is evil, totally evil. And totally funny as well.

Title: A Mother's Wish · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: General
Drabble · ID: 429
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-10-04 13:26:37
This is a wonderful moment of connection between two characters - I
very much like the notion that Maglor's voice still reaches across the
Sundering seas to his mother, and that perhaps he can hear her
response. Nicely done.

Title: The Lesson · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 29
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-04 17:50:41
The progression of the effectiveness and force of Faramir's weapons
and the things they are aimed at are on the one hand so common and
natural, but on the other hand increasingly difficult to one of tender
conscience.

Each task, separately, is needful: for food, for protection, for
defence. But they also desensitise, train children in such a society
from early on to not doubt or hesitate about future duties as a
soldier expected to kill enemies.

It seems very in-character for Faramir to see this clearly, regret it,
and yet also see the necessity and do his duty.

Title: In Silence Remembered · Author: fantasyfan · Genres: Drama: The
Shire · ID: 598
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-04 17:52:46
An unusual point of view on the Battle of Bywater, but one that is
engaging from the start. And it is a necessary one, I think, to be
able to see those events through the eyes of the average Hobbit, the
ones that *didn't* go away, the ones that were the direct victims of
the Ruffians (I also enjoyed the brief outsider view on the four
Travellers).

Stillness and chatter are woven with great poignancy throughout the
story, and only in hindsight can the readers can more fully appreciate
the full meaning and impact of the opening passage.

Language and pace is very appropriate to the respective plot points,
picking up speed and losing coherency once the battle starts.

And the ending is so appropriate to the Hobbit's terrible experience
of battle - confusion, and unsettledness and detachment, not knowing
what to think, what to feel.

Title: Letting Go · Author: Rowan · Genres: Drama: The Shire · ID: 310
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-04 17:53:39
Lovely language, elegant but warm. Beautiful descriptions of the
scenery. I like the characterisations and the interactions between
Frodo and Bilbo; the emotions rang very true and were moving. The love
they feel for each other is conveyed very clearly. The readers feel
the familiarity and comfort of their relationship.

Bilbo's regrets and his self-recriminations at wanting to leave are
evident, but simultaneously, his longing to go, his need to do so, is
equally plain to see. Frodo was very brave and compassionate to
relieve him of his guilt and letting him go with a smile.

I can't imagine that some open talk about Bilbo's departure like the
one you wrote here didn't take place. They are both so very important
for one another, and Bilbo's decision such a momentuous event in their
relationship, that it must have been discussed in some form. If Bilbo
had left just so, Frodo would certainly not held him in such fond
memory in the intervening years until their reunion in Rivendell.

Title: Green No Longer · Author: Allee · Genres: Drama: Vignette · ID: 666
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-04 17:54:36
Shows in grisly detail the reality of the aftermath of the battle of
Helm's Deep. The humorous play on words only reinforces the
seriousness of the situation. I liked how Aragorn appreciated the
boy's courage and and determination to do all in his power to help
despite his queasy stomach.

Title: Outmatched · Author: Tiana Luthien · Genres: Drama: Vignette ·
ID: 132
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-04 17:55:07
The action of this vignette is conveyed very well, it felt very
exciting to read even the two short paragraphs detailing the fencing
match. It brought out the contrast to Éomer's calm and ungrudging
acknowledgement and handshake and so brought it into even sharper focus.

I enjoyed the ambiguousness of Éomer's ["Acknowledged,"]; I felt that
part of this approval - for Faramir as winner of the match, and by
extension, as his future brother-in-law - stemmed not only from the
win as such, but also from Faramir not backing down when they gazed
into each others' eyes.

Title: Emmaus · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama: Vignette · ID: 636
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-04 17:55:46
A fascinating, fresh way to interpret the "place" from which Aragorn
had to call Faramir back.

The scenery is rendered in vibrant details, evoking the warmth of the
sun on waves and sand, the smell of the sea, the crying of the gulls.
The beauty of it makes the intruding flashes of reality all the more
cutting, even as Faramir gradually loses himself in his wanderings.

Faramir living the reality of the dream and simultaneously being aware
(at least in the beginning) that it *is* a dream, this "double-vision"
is captured very realistically, and I enjoyed the way you used the
specific theme of Faramir the Dreamer.

The encounter with Aragorn was deeply moving, the instant conviction
that he knows this stranger, Aragorn's gentleness as guide, drawing
him on by stimulating his curiosity and his sense of duty. The way
Faramir slowly found his way back to reality and integrated his recent
memories, was atmospheric and resonating.

Title: Stopping by Woods · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Vignette ·
ID: 19
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-04 17:57:15
Very atmospheric and lyrical in its stillness of language, appropriate
for the snowy forest the travellers stop in. And at the end of the
story, the forest again lies in calmness and peace, while the
travellers go to enjoy a night of comradeship and feasting.

I very much enjoyed how the metaphors and Robert Frost's poem and the
surface narrative are intertwined so naturally.

Faramir is in the winter of his age, still unbent, still full of hope.
Yes, there is loss and melancholy, and he takes a moment to
contemplate it, but he accepts it as a natural way of life that one
day (but not now) he, too, will follow. And in the meantime, he will
celebrate life, his own and that of his brother, and so convert
sadness to joy.

Knowing the story this is a companion piece for lets the readers
discover even more layers and resonances humming in the background.

Title: Waiting By the Water · Author: Linaewen · Genres: Drama: With
Aragorn · ID: 395
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-04 17:57:57
The stillness of the early morning by the harbour is conveyed in
expressive prose, complementing Aragorn's leisurely musings about
Boromir. The readers are drawn in to wonder with him about the reason
he feels drawn to the water, waiting alongside him for the mystery to
resolve.

A wonderful idea to let Aragorn see Boromir one last time, and bid him
farewell on his imminent departure for Minas Tirith. His questions
["You have tarried on your way to the Sea, have you not? Have you been
saying a slow farewell to the lands you loved? Looking one last time
upon the white walls of Minas Tirith, or perhaps taking your leave of
kin you may have met upon the way?"] at once explain the basis for the
premise, and if - as seems likely - Boromir would have answered them
positively, seem very in-character, in particular when taking into
account Faramir's sighting of the boat in Ithilien.

Title: Senses · Author: mistycracraft · Genres: Drama: With Aragorn ·
ID: 367
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-04 17:58:40
Aragorn's limitation are conveyed realistically, as is the way his
family tries to reach him, and help him to deal with it. His slow way
back to finding worth and joy in his life was very moving.

The choice to tell the story from Aragorn's PoV was used to great
effect, and sustained consistently until right before the end (IMO, it
was a pity to shift PoV so abruptly at the very end).

Title: Conversion · Author: Pentangle · Genres: Drama: With Aragorn ·
ID: 169
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-04 17:59:21
An unusual, but believable perspective on the aftermath of war. The
narrator is a deeply bitter man, and his experiences colour his views
on the developments in Gondor, which ought to be reason for hope for a
better future.

His encounter with Aragorn was moving; it was good to see the slow
change in opinion as he actually got to know the king, no longer
relied on hearsay and prejudices. When he collapsed and Aragorn showed
him so much patience and compassion - and a way towards healing - I
admit I was swallowing a few tears. How ironic that he thinks the king
should have been named Hope instead of Elessar!

I liked the way the story is framed by what the narrator knows from -
right or wrong, important or trivial - gossip.

Title: The Witch-king's Cloak · Author: Radbooks · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 106
Reviewer: Robinka · 2007-10-04 18:10:48
This is a delightful little story, which had me laugh out loud. A
gravely irritated Witch King grumbled about his lost cloak and the man
who had caused him to lose it. And certainly, I wouldn't mind to see
just what he was going to tell the tailor of Minas Morgul about the
new, apparently ill-sized and less black than it should be, piece of
clothing. Needless to say, what a miserable job that had to be: to try
to fit clothes on a Ring wraith.

Very amusing and well written!

Title: The Fëanorieli · Author: Istarnie · Genres: Humor · ID: 530
Reviewer: Robinka · 2007-10-04 18:42:47
What if Feanor and Nerdanel had seven daughters? Certainly, a very
interesting idea presented by Istarnie in a very amusing and charming
way. The story has me wondering just how Feanor would have dealt with
possible suitors of the gals. And I feel sorry for him -- a father
desperately seeking peace and solitude in the house full of girlish
squabble. Good thing -- it was only a dream.

Very entertaining!