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Title: Fire and Ice · Author: NeumeIndil · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA · ID: 318
Reviewer: Robinka · 2007-10-05 10:28:41
"Fire and Ice" is one of the installments of Neume's saga "Nights in
Rohan", a long-term and still ongoing project, which I've been eagerly
following since the very first part. The set of stories follows the
movie version of canon and introduces a number of original characters,
among them the lead original female character, a prostitute from
Gondor – Morwen. The stories present her life in Edoras shortly before
the War of the Ring and her romantic relationship with Gamling, the
Door Guard to Théoden King.

I can wholeheartedly recommend the entire series, but it should be
noted that most of the stories are intended for an adult audience due
to their content and ratings.

Now, on to a proper review :-).

Neume has an amazing talent for story-telling. She never fails to
impress me at how easily she crafts an intriguing and captivating
story. Needless to say, she made me dive into the realm of the race of
men, even though I'm a devoted elf fancier ;-). Even if I read bits
and pieces prior to posting, when she asks me to give her opinion on a
certain matter or part of the story she's not sure about, the
resultant work always makes me, sort of fangirly, go like: "Awwww!".

The course of events in this part shows the constant increase of
Gríma's influence upon the king of Rohan and more and more important
position he is gaining in the court due to his not-so-clear business.
That is presented with a note of foreshadowing what is to come during
the War of the Ring, in a believable way, also it provides a great
insight into Gamling's thoughts and feelings toward his country and
his deep concerns for the king. As a newly promoted Keeper of the
Helm, he has many a duty upon his shoulders and is confronted fully
with the, later traitorous, councilor. Here, Neume gives us a glimpse
at politics and somewhat creeping conflicts between Théoden's faithful
knights and Gríma. The conflicts that somewhat cannot be openly solved.

The panorama of an official life in Edoras is greatly balanced with
the portrayals of the main and secondary characters' doings and family
life. And we have plenty to marvel on here. Neume, apart from having a
knack for fleshing out the main characters, brings a number of
supporting characters, both canon and original, onto the stage, and
they have a truly important role in making the whole tale believable
and hooking. She characterizes them throughout the interactions with
the main characters, letting them bring humor or tension where it's
needed. Certainly, one of my most favorite secondary characters is
Walda, an elderly owner of the tavern where Morwen and other women
work. It didn't surprise me that he, even though grumpy and sometimes
harsh man, and most importantly – the owner of a whorehouse, could
develop a kind of family ties with the women. Neume's characters
aren't flat – black and white. She gives them depth and significance
no matter how brief their appearance may seem. They are made of flesh
and blood, and don't seem only figurines, by any means.

Neume's writing style is something that draws me into the story
immediately. She keeps a good balance between the narrative parts and
the dialogues, that sometimes sizzle with wit, other times can bring
me on the verge of tears. The descriptions are richly detailed, though
– where needed – they leave a lot to imagine for the reader. That
proves the quality of work, in my opinion. The not overdone usage of
old English and old Norse adds to the depiction of the Riddermark.

As for the main characters, Gamling and Morwen have come to a
difficult moment of their relationship. Well, it certainly can be
stated that their romance has never been an easy one: both being
strong-willed, stubborn, yet equally passionate, and with Morwen's
profession hovering in the background like a shadow. The circumstances
lead them to the point where a rift ensues, the most serious ridge in
the love they have been forging since the first story of the saga. At
a certain point, it seems as if they aren't able to see things
clearly, and it's up to the other characters, especially Hama (another
well rounded and fascinating character), to show them the way out. A
touch of melodrama is woven into the tale, but not overused. It seems
just fitting, and makes this rich story more poignant.

One of the most important advantages of Neume's story is its almost
raw realism she blends with great characterizations. This is, I think,
what makes the characters come to life so truly and vividly. They are
real, and sometimes I think I know them personally as if they were my
neighbors or even good friends.

"Fire and Ice" provides us with a wonderful read. I'm very happy to
see that the saga is rolling on, and I perceive many delightful
evenings spend on exploring the world of Neume's stories. I'm
excitedly looking forward to seeing each and every new chapter.

PS. And this is by far the longest review I've ever written. Go me! ;-).

Title: The Northmen · Author: SheBit · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Drabble · ID: 451
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-10-05 11:04:30
This is a delightful drabble contrasting the merits of north and
south, with some lovely, good-natured teasing between the two groups
of men. SheBit includes some beautiful phrasing – I especially liked
[be curdled like milk] – and the structure of the drabble is well
executed to lead the reader through. Good work!

Title: The Wink of an Eye · Author: Linda hoyland · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 664
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-10-05 11:05:29
Wow! I'd never thought of Sauron having a sense of humour – albeit a
cruel one – but this is a very neat concept, and a perfect approach
(umm, in a bad way, of course!) for someone as intense and serious as
Denethor. This made me both laugh and shiver…. Well done!

Title: Black Eyes · Author: Lialathuveril · Genres: Romance: With
Rohirrim · ID: 177
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-05 11:20:30
This story was such an enjoyable romp - with the mood of the fair
princess of Dol Amroth undergoing a distinct change. It must be
infuriating for her to have her life sorted out for her without her
consent - not that she would really have expected much say in the
matter - but I don't think her protest is going to work! Lothiriel all
kitted out in Barbie pink with a green veil over her hair makes me
think of a fishing fly. Just presenting herself in the best way (quite
against her will) to ensure that the predatory Eomer-fish snaps her
up. She'd have been more nondescript in her favourite green frock.
Camouflaged with all the rest of the available maidens displaying to
attract the attention of Rohan's king.

And then - she has to go and show herself off to advantage in a way
that cannot be overlooked. Very brave of her to rescue the King of
Rohan - who really should have been warned about the dangers of riding
on the beach. Stuck on a small island together until the tide goes
down! With her all wet and in clingy clothes! And him able to show his
manly strength and versatility. The stuff of dreams ...

She definitely warms to Eomer once her kin are less enthusiastic. And
starts to take an interest in the plight of the King of Rohan. Nothing
like putting in the way a few barriers that need to be surmounted -
and make it feel like the maiden's choice.

I love the characters - they feel like people, and what better
compliment can there be to a writer than to know that their characters
feel real. Good fun!




Title: Bound by Duty · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance: With
Rohirrim · ID: 175
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-05 11:27:58
It's interesting to look at a version of the Lothiriel and Eomer story
that is not an instant love story. Because, if you think about it, why
would it be? Lothiriel must always have known that she would most
likely end up married for Gondor's advantage rather than her own - and
the process of getting to know a husband from a different culture
would be bound to lurch from one hiccup to the next. And immediate
pregnancy would hardly have helped matters - even if it might have
made her presence much more acceptable to Eomer's heir-hungry council.

I love Lothiriel's resignation - and her dignity and her determination
not to whinge. And her view of herself as an ambassador expected to
lie with the foreign head of state. It certainly seems to be how
everyone around her is treating her. It's just as well Eowyn was there
to give her some insights into the human being who will become her
husband. I think Eowyn learned enough about Lothiriel to know she
would welcome her as a sister-in-law, even if the two parties most
involved were still strangers.

The maid's happiness at going to Rohan is probably good for both of
them - better, at any rate than Moreth's disapproval. Only poor
Lothiriel is behaving here as if she is a matron rather than a girl of
twenty - she is too resigned to her fate. I'm rather hoping that she
and the explosive Eomer have a rather less bloodless marriage.

The ending is sweet - it's an emotional time at the best of moments -
but crying because her son looked like Imrahil! Elfwine will be a good
Rohirric prince, raised among his kin - I doubt anybody will even
notice his looks (except to admire them, of course). And the marriage
has definitely turned out very well, considering Lothiriel's initial
doubts.





Title: There and Back · Author: Lindelea · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 801
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-05 13:04:28
Reading one of Lindelea's works is always such a pleasure, and
certainly Cormallen stories are almost always a joy. Put the two
together, and we have this--a superb blend of gapfiller, book-, and
movie-verse, as we see Pippin's thoughts and his companion's words as
he struggles to recover after the troll falls on him before the Black
Gate. Certainly a wonderful story, and so well worth the time invested
reading it. And the finding of the elusive Hobbit is so masterfully told!

Please continue to feed us these works, Lindelea.

Title: Jewels · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits: Incomplete · ID: 311
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-05 13:10:23
This revision of an older tale is well done indeed, as we see Merry
and Pippin in the wake of Frodo's departure from Middle Earth, still
recovering from the physical and emotional and spiritual trauma as
well as the loss of their beloved cousin, finding purpose and love,
and knowing the other, more ordinary losses that are such a part of
life as well, such as the loss of a first love.

This appears somewhat disconnected at times, but only the way that the
various happenings of our life are disconnected from one another all
too often in everyday life. It is filled with laughter and tears, joy
and pathos, and shows a rich tapestry of Shire life.

A worthwhile read if there is one.

Title: Elladan and Elrohir's Not So Excellent Adventure · Author:
Fiondil · Races: Elves · ID: 97
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-05 13:29:53
I just love the twins in this story. They are so young and hopeful ...
and foolhardy and convinced of their own skill and wisdom. (Give them
a few centuries and I'm afraid the gloss will wear off their egos.)

It must be very handy to be able to send the Secret Service out to
pursue your sons through their first brave, on-their-own adventure. A
great comfort to the folks at home! Or, at least, to the folks at home
who know the stealth team is there! Only, typically of Elrond's
heedless offspring, they seem to have put themselves in the way of
rather more danger than anyone expected. This is going to seem a very
long journey for Thandir and Eluwen - a very, very long journey!

I love the dwarves, too - (what a great bunch they are!) and they
turned up at just the right moment. They loved this, didn't they?
Practical joking par excellence. Although, hopefully, they felt guilty
for making Elrohir take the long way when he was wounded. Still -
Thandir and Eluwen deserve a bit of light entertainment after the
trouble the twins gave them.

Then - Thandir really showed Elladan the advantage that experience
offers in desperate situations - and they did a good job in making
sure that Elrohir survived until the cavalry arrived.

And Celeborn! What power and glory and general all-round splendaciousness!

I think Erestor should be rewarded for realising that keeping the
twins in sight was the only really sensible way of making sure they
were all right! After all, it was his rescue squad that was there at
the key moment. And, embarrassing as it was to be rescued, the
alternative would have been so much worse!

Delightful.



Title: Keepsake · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits: Vignette · ID: 256
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-05 13:32:08
Ah, the silver ear of wheat has returned, this time in mithril and
gold, to remind the future Thain of the Shire of all that he has known
an accomplished since he first met the Grey Wizard. No magic token,
but one nevertheless blessed.

Title: Knowing · Author: rhyselle · Genres: Drama: Elves in Later Ages
· ID: 765
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-10-05 14:44:53
A very sweet and touching account of Glorfindel, and an important
moment in his life! It makes me want to read the fic said to have
inspired it.

Title: Love Story · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 273
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-05 17:06:55
A truly charming piece which makes me smile, to imagine the Hobbit
children playing this epic tale.

Astounding how you have packed so many different layers into a
drabble: the piece itself, with the true epic still resonating under
the "modifications" - including the emphasis on the need for food (of
course!) - then the "reality" of the Hobbit children and their
personal quirks, and Bilbo's completely incongruous and absurd
critique and implied amusement (and perhaps dismay?).

It all fits so well together, and many of the details can surprise the
readers even after reading the drabble multiple times - for example, I
noticed "Lúthien's" ["checkered woolen scarf"] only later, and thought
it a very funny reference to Pippin's scarf in the films.

Every character in the drabble is fully-rounded, which is quite a feat
to achieve in 100 words for the 4 protagonists. I think the
indidvidual parts you have chosen for each of the children fit also
well together. Of course, in light of later developments, Sam would
perhaps have been the more logical choice as Beren to Rosie's Lúthien,
but as they are only children here, and considering Fatty's higher
social rank, it seems natural that Sam would have left him the role of
the hero. And Merry as the "director" also fits very well with his
ability to organise things.

Title: None may live now as they have lived · Author: Tanaqui · Times:
Late Third Age: 3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 687
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-05 17:07:50
A rare moment of nervous distraction on Aragorn's part, but very
understandable just before the departure of the Fellowship. It also
fits very well with the passage in FotR which describes Aragorn with
his head bowed when the Fellowship assembles to set out.

We are given also a brief but insightful sketch of Aragorn as the
Dúnadan, the captain of his Rangers, the chieftain of his people.

And Arwen shows her strength and her immense *hope* and faith in
Aragorn. I love her absolute certainty that the Quest will be
successful and the condition Elrond set for the marriage will be met.

I wager she, too, was anxious here when Aragorn was about to leave,
but she conceals it to give him the strength to depart with a high heart.

A further remarkable feature of this drabble to my mind was the fact
that while Arwen acknowledges the darkness that threatens should
Aragorn fail after all, she doesn't see the Northern Dúnedain as
succumbing to despair, but ready to do what has to be done despite it
all - reminiscent of Galadriel's words in Lothlórien of ["fighting the
long defeat"] and Tolkien's theme of going on even when there is no hope.

Title: Beneath a Gibbous Moon · Author: Bodkin · Races: Cross-Cultural
· ID: 4
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-05 17:09:02
Atmospheric descriptions of the setting, conveying the look of the
environment as well as the mood of the characters. I like the constant
shift between thoughtful and resonating ideas, and the mundane details
of the moment.

It was a very original idea to show scenes between the House of
Oropher and Eärendil's descendents at three pivotal points of history.
The first two (between Oropher & Elros and Thranduil & Isildur) were
encounters that I have never before seen in a story, yet it seems
entirely possible that they might have happened.

Their respectively so different outlooks, experiences and motivations
give the dialogues a fascinating tension; especially as the readers
also can take into account the facts of what happened *after* these
encounters.

I particularly liked the first chapter; the dialogue between Elros and
Oropher was fascinating, the latter's conflict about Elros, his mixed
heritage, the War of Wrath and its consequences, the past and what
future to build from it, was conveyed in a very believable and moving way.

Title: Hope Unquenched · Author: White Gull · Genres: Poetry: With
Hobbits · ID: 410
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-05 17:09:54
Wonderful and moving. Very lyrical imagery, beautiful, evocative, but
at the same time restrained, without once crossing over the line
towards maudlin and/or purple. The rhymes don't feel forced, but flow
naturally as the narration goes on; even the contractions fit nearly
without a hitch.

Sam's grief made me feel for him. I gather the poem is set right after
Rosie's death which, I imagine, makes his feelings of loss - both the
fresh one of his wife, and the old wound of missing Frodo - all the
more keen. "His" tree - yes, I can see him thinking about the Mallorn
tree in this way, and, as an Elven-tree originally from Valinor, that
it might also symbolise a connection to Frodo.

The last stanzas, in their turn, gave a very hopeful, uplifting
feeling, with the idea that Frodo (or perhaps some Higher Power?)
somehow senses his distress and sends comfort and strength and the
certainy of a future reunion.

Title: Drawn With Love · Author: MerryK · Genres: Drama: Youth · ID: 569
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-05 17:10:47
The descriptions in the story shine, and are very evocative.

As the map is slowly taking shape in careful details, the reader can
literally watch the trees and mountains and other features appear in
their proper places. I especially like the care Boromir takes to even
differentiate in painstaking detail the various species in such a
small space.

The heart of the story, Boromir painting his mother's image, combines
detailed and believable descriptions of how to paint and of the object
to paint - Finduilas - with Boromir's palpable feelings as he is
working. And while he draws his mother, she becomes alive again in his
memory - and also in the mind of the readers.

Title: Celebration · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Drabble · ID: 139
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-05 17:11:44
A quietly joyful drabble, showing a day of festivity for the people of
Ithilien some time in the New Age. All are involved in different
contests of physical or manual skill, children, old people, men and
women, and the Prince and his Lady.

The details paint a very complete picture of the activites of the day,
and the vocabulary (for example ["nuncheon"], ["goodwife"]) give it a
subtly old-fashioned tone that helps to bring the readers even closer
as "observers".

I appreciate that there is no single dark cloud here to mar the
perfection of this day, no bitter memories to cut an edge.

It is wonderful to see how involved Faramir and Éowyn are, without any
boundaries or hesitation from the populace towards them. And I hope
the urging of the people for a tale by Faramir was successful at the
end after his resistance in the morning... For myself, I'm certain he
would fulfil their wish, but I thought it an intriguing twist that you
left it open.

Title: Miss Dora Baggins' Book of Manners · Author: Dreamflower ·
Races: Hobbits: Incomplete · ID: 239
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-05 17:12:58

This story is a wonderful idea developed from just one passage in
LotR. It exactly matches the tone of similar books of manner, but
stands completely on its own in the execution and individual touches
fitting for the characters and the society the book is concerned with.
The emphasis on everything to do with food and ["Predictability"] were
especially well-done.

The tone of the narrative matches that of a prim and proper, older
lady eager to spread her advice to all and sundry (whether welcomed or
not), and yet it is clear that she is not some dry old spinster
detached from the realities of the world, but from someone benign and
kind (or rather ["Kind"] *g*?) and very much immersed in the society
and, it seems, well-liked.

I love the eccentric touch of the quirky capitalising, it gives the
"book" another very individual feel.

And despite the fun of the story, most of the advice is actually very
valid and reasonable, which is an additional "advantage". There are
quite a few people in the real world who could - and probably should -
take a leaf or two out of that book!

Title: Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady · Author: Marta · Genres:
Romance: Gondor · ID: 604
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-05 17:14:28
Although I have a different background for "my" Húrin, I found yours
equally valid and interesting.

I did wonder at his so casual mention of Denethor: for a close friend
of him, and as someone who surely knows the details of his death -
moreover in contrast to Faramir - it seems odd.

I liked the focus on minutiae of administration in the talk between
the two men; they give a believable picture of the realities in Minas
Tirith in the days after the host marched to the Black Gate and while
Faramir slowly recovered and could take over his duties.

The almost "strategic" evaluation of Éowyn seems very apt as a further
topic in their discussion. Your take on Faramir's reasons for giving
her the blue cloak was very original.

Title: True Silver · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Drabble · ID: 612
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-05 17:15:31
You make very engaging use of the canonical "fixation" *g* with
Galadriel's hair and give it an unexpected but very moving twist. Here
it's not her being asked for a lock of her hair as memento, but
Celeborn, as a sign of love.

As a sign also of the difference between Noldor and Sindarin and how
she adapts while dwelling in Doriath: where before she had bound it
with an intricate piece of craft, now she prefers something simple but
deeply personal.

Title: Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush · Author: Isabeau of
Greenlea · Genres: Romance: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 512
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-05 17:16:09
Diamond's portrayal was wonderful and very funny. I liked how it began
so conventionally, with the description of her looks, and - an
important value to Hobbits - her skills as a cook (for some reason,
the exclamation mark after this last struck me as especially funny).
But then she appears like a veritable force of nature and sweeps
Pippin off his feet - literally and figuratively. And Pippin, the
knight of Gondor and Troll-Slayer, doesn't stand the slightest chance!
Not that he seems to complain overmuch...

I also liked the descriptions of the party going on in the background.

Title: Fun with Farm'n · Author: Súlriel · Races: Villains: Drabble ·
ID: 269
Reviewer: Jael · 2007-10-05 17:47:10
Oh, this was truly wicked! Short, and with a twist that made me first
go, 'Eeew!' and then giggle. But I think that's what you were aiming for.

I don't quite understand what crop they were planting, and I don't
want to know. LOL

Nice job!

Title: Safe In My Arms · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Drama · ID: 470
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2007-10-05 17:48:20
Wow. I read this for the first time months ago and still all I can say
about it is "wow". The healing that comes to them both by being able
to redo their childhood is so profound an idea. Combining this with
your other tales of Namo's halls, I'm most impressed by the psychology
of the characters and how Namo understands every one of them better
than he understands himself. The telepathic communications between
Namo and the rest are a wonderful source of humor as well. Very nicely
done set of stories.

Title: Of the Silmarils · Author: Isil Elensar · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 111
Reviewer: Robinka · 2007-10-05 18:03:24
[And Feanor's heart was fast bound to the Silmarils, created by his
own hands. They were his, and he was theirs. Forever.]

This is another skillfully crafted set of beautiful drabbles done by
Isil. She has a great talent for creating a detailed scene in so few
words. This time, she gives us a glimpse at the process of creating
the Silmarils and the influence that had upon those who saw them --
the Valar (Melkor among them) and Feanor himself. The last line of the
final drabble says it all, and is a wonderful and foreboding at the
same time conclusion of the set. The creation becomes independent of
its creator, gains the life of its own, still it has an ineradicable
connection with the craftsman. It makes me wonder who the master was
in this case.

Isil's drabbles are beautifully written, elegant and thought provoking.

Excellently done!

Title: Sons of Hador · Author: TrekQueen · Races: Men · ID: 115
Reviewer: Robinka · 2007-10-05 18:36:01
This is an insightful ficlet and an excellent gap-filler. TrekQueen
gently compares the luxury of Turgon's city, as seen by the two Edain,
to the conditions and standards of living in Beleriand. Huor and Hurin
see the Hidden City of the elves and they are the awed recipients of
the elven hospitality. But the brothers' rest is disturbed by the
worry for their homeland.

Very well done!

Title: For All Things a Cost · Author: Súlriel · Times: Second Age:
Drabble · ID: 268
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2007-10-05 19:02:28
In this drabble Sulriel tackles a subject that has often given me
pause--Orc women and the raising of "orclings." Can a female orc show
mother love and, if true, what might be the cost? This is a subtle,
concise drabble, which I had to read twice to truly get Sulriel's
point. And then I said, "Brava, brava." Recommended especially for
those who want more tales about Tolkien's "bad guys."