Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Tales of the Innkeeper · Author: Allee · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 237
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 07:20:08
Ah, Allee has written a wonderful series of tales from the POV of an
innkeeper who finds himself hosting the new King during a very cold
winter period. Voice is superb, and the looks at the King and his
court, particularly one young squire who's rather dissatisfied with
life, is marvelous.

Definitely worth the reading!

Title: A New Reckoning · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 308
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 07:25:04
I read this last summer, sitting for several days before the computer
to read it through. The Time of Troubles is over and the Travelers
returned, and now word is sent from Gondor letting the people of the
Shire know that they are now part of the greater reunited kingdom. A
deputation of Gondorian and Rohirric folk have come to explain what
was done and the Shire's place in the new order; but not all within
the Shire are happy, particularly the Banks lads and their father and
friend, who during the Time of Troubles were too complicit with
Lotho's schemes and fear what might come out if the Thain, Master, and
Mayor look too deeply. But the attack on one of the Rohirrim wasn't
perhaps the best way to distract folk from what they'd been doing.

A marvelous, fascinating tale, and well, well worth the read.

Title: Lighting Fires · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Adventure: Pre-Ring
War · ID: 95
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 08:30:56
Poor Estel--cut off from companions of his own age and kind, with a
growing boy's desire not to have to do boring things, hides from
Erestor when it's time for lessons, and Elrohir finds himself trying
to find some way to convince the boy that perhaps going out to fight
orcs isn't the best thing to contemplate now when he's still so young.
So he sets out to test Estel's skills at remaining hidden and
strategizing and finding ways out of difficulties, and both he and the
child learn some valuable lessons--Estel about the need for learning
more than just swinging a sword, and himself about just how worthy a
descendant of Elendil this one is.

Marvelous setting of mood and conveyance of the situation and setting
for the piece. Very, very well done.

Title: On the Banks of the Brandywine (Berilac's Song) · Author:
Dreamflower · Genres: Poetry: With Hobbits · ID: 712
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 08:35:28
Hobbit love poetry--with mention of food, drink, and sweet Hobbit
maidens, and eventually marriage and a lovely fauntling as well.

A sweet poem, and truly worthy of Meriadoc's cousin Berilac. May we
all know such ease of life, there on the banks of the Brandywine.

Title: Maitimo and Findekáno · Author: Oshun · Genres: Romance: Second
Age or Earlier · ID: 57
Reviewer: Doc Bushwell · 2007-10-06 13:59:08
Prior to my discovery of Tolkien-flavored fan fiction, I viewed slash
as a pop cultural curiosity. My opinion was fueled primarily by
exposure to the "Trekkies" documentary as well as the occasional
sneering commentary aimed at this sub-genre. Thus, I figured that
slash was little more than PWP as it is termed in ficcish parlance.
However, my skepticism regarding the genre was thoroughly and
completely shattered by noteworthy authors in the realm of Tolkien fan
fic, and oshun stands out among them.

In "Maitimo and Findekano," oshun crafts a heartfelt and intelligent
story describing the culmination of love between these two Noldorin
icons. The underlying theme of the erastes and eromenos is apparent,
but oshun sets this concept solidly in Tolkien's Aman. She embellishes
the theme through her infusion of wit, poignancy, well-articulated
emotional states of the characters.

Through each man's voice, she lends insight into their relationship as
it blossoms in Aman. Oshun's Káno and Maitimo were captivating as this
reader followed their initial hesitation and misgivings as they
acknowledge their love for one other to its full expression. The
author captures the introspection of each character as he contemplates
the ramifications of his feelings for his lover. She paints their
relationship with many layers from the abiding affection of genuine
friendship to heated sexuality to the transcendence of love. Their
love and friendship feel very natural and real. The eroticism is
effectively interwoven into the whole of the story. Oshun also takes
care to allow that the nature of their relationship is not one that
would be widely accepted in Eldarin society, even if it is among
Maitimo's immediate family, thus lending the harsh edge of reality to it.

Swirling around Findekáno and Maitimo is the complexity that is the
Finwean family dynamic. Again, oshun captures this effectively through
Káno and Maitimo's voices within the acceptance and intimacy of
Fëanor's lively family (as noted by Maitimo, nothing is ever simple
for the Fëanorians) to the political undercurrents of Finwë's court.

In my opinion, the appreciation of literature is highly subjective.
With that in mind, oshun's prose and distinctive style greatly appeal
to me as she draws the details of scenes and paints the portraits of
multifaceted characters. Plus, her Noldor are so darned loquacious!
And that is exactly how I imagine this clan of the Eldar.

With "Maitimo and Findekano," oshun offers to the reader a combination
of enticing lust and the realization of genuine love between two
compelling characters of The Silmarillion, woven together into a
well-crafted story. Thumb's up on this story. It ensures that I will
follow oshun's vision of these Noldor and their clans, and opened my
eyes to the fact that the genre of slash lends itself to artistry in
the right hands.


Title: Seasons · Author: Robinka · Races: Elves: Fixed-Length Ficlet ·
ID: 655
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-10-06 14:15:49
I will admit flat out that I am prejudiced when it comes down to this
work: gifted as a Christmas gift, this was a great story to receive
especially since it featured my favourite characters. Curufin and
Celegorm are up to no good and Robinka writes the Tale of Tinuviel in
a quite refreshing way with refined drabble technique. This story is
brought full circle in an amazing way: just as the seasons pass,
beloved characters has to pass on to make place for a new generation
of heroes and heroines. Celegorm learns, develops further as a
character, being the central CC in this piece (although Curufin plays
a more hidden role and it is subtly woved into it). From fresh
curiousity one would associate to Spring, the supposed one-sided love
of one grows full, but can never be ful filled. The parting of ways
and the seemingly sundering of fates in Fall and the allusion of
seeing her again, but mirrored in her son, the next generation is
greatly written. To bad that both die in Menegroth, but Nimloth will
pass on the line and the cycle starts anew at Sirion, just with other
Fëanorians. My absolute favourite bit from this work is this one:

["You, Princess, beware. The day may come when you regret your
stupidity and you come to me on your knees," he called out proudly.
"Know that I will show you and your kin no mercy. For no one can claim
what belongs to me!"]

It makes the reader wonder if he means the jewel or her, especially
when he saw her dancing in the forests as well. This is a great ficlet
series where the author put the cycle of nature to good use from a
fresh perspective, without re-hashing what Tolkien himself once wrote.

Title: The Blue Book of Bilbo Baggins, or, Tales of the Forbidden
Silmarillion · Author: Gandalfs apprentice/Greywing CoAuthors ·
Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 195
Reviewer: Doc Bushwell · 2007-10-06 14:26:09
Gandalf's Apprentice (GA) wields her sharpened spear of splendid prose
and wit to take deadly aim at Tolkienian canon in [The Blue Book of
Bilbo Baggins or Tales of the Forbidden Silmarillion] (The Blue Book).
The author deftly turns canonical characters and notions on their
heads in a hilarious fashion that has the added feature of wicked
insight. While the tales of The Blue Book may be anathema to the more
orthodox devotees of Tolkien canon, GA's clever digs at the latter –
and in particular at the Laws and Customs of the Eldar - are sheer,
unadulterated pleasure for this often irreverent and always skeptical
reader. The Silmarillion – and the Lord of the Rings for that matter -
are written as histories and as such are subject to interpretation by
various scholars. GA's interpretation in the guise of Bilbo Baggins is
an excellent one.

GA adroitly uses the device of often hilarious prologues to tie the
chapters from the 4th Age into First Age (and earlier) mythology.
Bilbo is believable as the good-humored, donnish scholar with a
discerning eye for the ribald.

GA stirs a lusty mélange of Greek and other Western European
mythologies into the chaste entrees of Tolkien's high-fantasy
secondary world. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the whole of the
collection and the many wink-and-a-nod references to my favorite myths
contained therein, I'll note a few of my favorite bits.

As a one time aspiring marine botanist, I loved the tale of [Uinen and
the Children of Numenor] and the vivid description of the
marine-Maia's gardens beneath the sea. But even more than that, I
appreciated the telling exchange between Ulmo and Uinen when the Vala
questioned the Maia's action to transform the children of Numenor to
sea mammals and birds. Her retort reflected a blinkered view that was
limited to "her people." Ulmo's pointed response reflects moral
complexity and speaks to the paralysis, er, I mean *actions* of the
hideously ineffectual and capricious - no, no, strike that - *angelic*
Valar and Maiar. In this tale and the rest, Bilbo/GA tells us that the
Valar and Maiar - and the Children of Iluvatar for that matter - are
appropriately viewed in shades of grey, and not with the binary
starkness of "Good and Evil."

[How Luthien Stole the Silmaril], e.g. "the tale of Luthien as Bilbo
heard it from Beorn" is a perfect and perfectly amusing example of how
tales are told from different perspectives and thus change according
to cultural context. GA imparts a wonderful infusion of sexuality into
the tale. Hat's off to the master (JRRT) for the love story, but one
does think that he "sanitized" it. GA/Bilbo's version gives it
much-needed juice.

[Beren and the Troll Hag] is a toothsome (literally – ha!) and lusty
northern European fairy tale taken into the court of King Thingol.
GA's description of the troll hag dining during the wedding feast, and
her new husband's fortitude as he observes such, and then the wedding
night caused my computer monitor to be decorated with coffee spray.

My mythology fanatic was thrilled by the [Passions of Manwë], *cough*
Zeus-and-Leto *cough*, Dionaisë was a hootworthy "Quenyanisation." GA
weaves in more myths through Loqë and Thuriel,: the archetypal
trickster and the faces of the White Goddess, respectively. The tale
of Glorfindel (he of the dubious identity as GA/Bilbo notes cheekily),
first as cupbearer to the randy Manwë, then as Irildë's version of
Tithonus, illustrates the hard life and times of the object of
fangods' and fangoddess' affections. [Great Mother] examines Gaia (and
various other flavors of the female earth-deity) in Middle-earth and
taps into the ancient theme of the generative power of the female and
the male's fear of it. It's no wonder the Noldor tried to suppress it.

Greek and Roman myths and indeed many Northern European fairy tales
were scrubbed clean of their naughty bits by prudish latter day
scholars and reduced to children's tales or at least tales for
grown-up prigs. GA perfectly casts Master Aelfwine as repressed
Victorian scholar who "tidies up" the Blue Book by his disposal and
subsequent reformulation of it.

Then there is the crowning glory of the collection: [Notes from the
Translator]. Thanks to the citations (*especially* the citations), the
learned post-modern analyses of the text, and greywing's thornish
shibboleth of an appendix, I couldn't breathe from laughing.

I will not dwell on the technicalities of GA's writing because I do
not have the expertise to do so. That said, I subjectively know what I
like and GA's style has all that: good pacing and detailed but not
overwrought descriptions. She has a deft touch with anachronistic
language and uses the latter to good effect so that the tales truly
read as well, faerie tales. GA's talents and experience as a writer
are more than evident to me. She consistently tells a darned fine
story whether it addresses an uncertain young Aragorn (cf. Sword of
Elendil) or a squirming naked Glorfindel in the clutches of a horny
(but gloriously white) eagle.

Taken as a whole, the Blue Book is a hilarious and pointed examination
of Tolkienian canon, GA's collection of tales is also a sub-textual
(good grief, did I actually write that word? I blame Chapter 8)
excursion into the broader mythologies of Northern Europe that fueled
JRRT's imagination, much of which he evidently overlooked in his quest
to craft a mythological substrate for England. The Blue Book is a
must-read for not only for skeptically irreverent types such as myself
but also for the dogmatic canonist who may need a good-humored
reminder that histories are subject to cultural influence and
interpretation. Hat's off to Professor Baggins, er, I mean - Gandalf's
Apprentice - for sharing this scholarly collection.

A final note: Greywing's fine illustrations of the Blue Book are
wonderful additions to the story. The expression on Tuor's face
("Judgment of Tuor") is priceless as is the much put-upon Dior
"Where's my analgesic, dude?" of Doriath.


Title: Green Magic · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Crossover ·
ID: 312
Reviewer: Doc Bushwell · 2007-10-06 14:33:48
First, I must admit my attraction to Middle-earth themes grafted onto
the modern world in new and exciting ways. Thus, [Green Magic] is
exactly my cup of tea.

The author sets the scene skillfully by her vivid description of the
verdant cathedral of a coastal forest and the characters. I felt like
I was tromping along with Andy and his mother amidst the redwoods, and
I could practically smell the woods. Jimmy, the sullen adolescent
brother is so easy to visualize, twitching and blasting away on his
Game Boy, acne glistening (oh, man, that is great) and grunting in
monosyllables.

Gandalf's Apprentice (GA) makes Forest Service Tom Bombadil a far more
appealing character (to my mind at least) than Fellowship of the Rings
Bombadil. Last post in Washington, you say? He's jovial and weird
enough that I'd guess he spent some time in Haight-Ashbury in the not
so distant past. Somehow, I can easily imagine GA's Tom Bombadil
grooving at a Grateful Dead concert. Nonetheless, he's not out of
character and thus GA steers her Tom clear from "Bored of the Rings"
parody.

Tom's warnings are cheery yet ominous. His remark that the cougars
know to avoid the trees is chilling. I immediately thought that the
trees' nitrogen source might just be mountain lion. When Andy
disappeared into the dark woods, my heart was in my throat. GA does a
great job in building the tension in that scene. I'm especially taken
that the tree is "Old Mother" instead of Old Man Willow. This is a
welcome modernization.

My only quibble, and it's a characteristically nerdsome
pharmacological one, is that Andy's mom might do better with a low
dose of an antipsychotic than Prozac. Yet if one messed around with
her dopaminergic system, she might not grok Old Mother Redwood. Very
well then, I'll set my nerdsomeness aside for this one.

The ending has a delicious Stephen Kingesque touch.

In short, this was an excellent short story with a well-paced
narrative and enough mystery around each dark, woodsy corner to keep
the reader fully engaged.

Title: Of Numenor That Was · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 424
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2007-10-06 16:11:03
This ficlet is a very well written 'horror' story - for lack of a
better word to describe the agony and heartache that is contained
within the four drabbles that make up the story. It's just very moving
and I liked seeing the event from four different points of view.

Title: Erestor and Estel: Hidden · Author: Pentangle · Genres: Drama:
Youth · ID: 167
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2007-10-06 16:29:32
A wonderful little story about the relationship between Estel and
Erestor when Estel is about five. Erestor is portrayed as a grumpy elf
that has no time for children - or others - and yet Estel is able to
see through that exterior to the true 'hidden' kindness inside. A very
enjoyable tale as are all of the ones in this series.

Title: The Accidental King: Five Reasons Why Finarfin Deserves an
Appreciation Month · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 5
Reviewer: Robinka · 2007-10-06 16:46:56
When it comes to failing to take account of Finarfin, I'm guilty as
charged, if anyone asks me. I can admit I'm a devoted Sindar fan, and
though I have respect for the Noldor, none of them could get to me
(with the exception of Glorfindel, to be honest. But I digress). It is
so easy to overlook characters such as Finarfin. Great deeds or
horrible crimes are more, let us say, spectacular than having to take
care of one's people and their well-being. And, let's face it,
Finarfin pales in comparison to his brothers, Feanor and Fingolfin, in
the 'command-and-conquer' regard. But...

Thanks to Dawn and her effort to show that Finarfin really deserves
the reader's attention, thoughts and, finally, appreciation, I will
look at him differently from now on. Thanks Dawn! Great job!

Title: Dissonance · Author: EdorasLass · Races: Cross-Cultural: Gondor
· ID: 450
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 16:55:18
When a young healers' aide hears cries of distress from a remote and
isolated room that no one save senior healers has entered, her
curiosity moves her to enter. In it she finds a dying Southron
warrior, and in spite of her initial revulsion at finding and enemy
here she is moved to aid him as she can.

A moving and well done piece.

Title: Droplets · Author: Perelleth · Genres: Adventure: Incomplete ·
ID: 166
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 16:57:03
As one who primarily loves the Shire and Aragorn, I don't usually read
a good deal about Elves, but this series is a pleasure and joy to read.

Thank you for writing so well.

Title: Escape · Author: Bodkin · Times: Mid Third Age: 2851 - 3017 TA
· ID: 24
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 17:19:59
Ah--when like calls to like! When a Dunedan warrior is pursued into an
Elven forest near the valley of the Anduin by fifteen orcs, to find
himself being aided by an unfamiliar Elf with a marked suspicion of
Men was not what he'd expected. These Elves are warriors born and
bred, and very efficient at their work.

But Halbarad is not at liberty (much less able) to share the message
Gandalf has sent via him to Radagast as he once again "borrows"
Aragorn for some purposes of his own, and the Elf shares his
frustration at what appears to be more machination by wizards.

A superb story, well told; engaging and drawing one into the forest
and the company of supercilious Elves.

Title: Sea Food · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Children · ID: 53
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 17:27:57
Ah, the innocence of children. Imrahil's attempts to give his two
nephews a treat by catching and steaming crabs on the beach backfires.
The children, after all, now know these crabs, having caught them
themselves, and having appreciated the life in them. So it is they
refuse to have a part in the second planned activity their uncle had
intended.

So reminiscent of children I've known--and was myself, once upon a
time--unable to eat an animal I'd known personally! Heh!

Lovely mood, and the setting is well described and wonderful.

Title: Web of Treason · Author: Linda hoyland · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 124
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 17:30:48
Not all the lords of Gondor are happy with the new regime; some would
prefer to return to the rule of the Stewards--as long as they are the
ones truly in charge, of course.

When the Queen begs Faramir to dissemble and appear to join the rebels
to find and restore the kidnapped Elessar, he does so reluctantly--but
at what cost to both?

Heartbreaking and ruthless, and a story to keep one reading until done.

Title: The Blue Book of Bilbo Baggins, or, Tales of the Forbidden
Silmarillion · Author: Gandalfs apprentice/Greywing CoAuthors ·
Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 195
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 17:32:16
A charming, hilarious, and slightly bawdy look at the OTHER history of
Arda! Yes, well worth the read indeed! Thanks for many giggles and laughs.

Title: Thoughts in the Night · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 479
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 17:55:07
For those raised ever in peace to find themselves in the midst of war
is distressing, and so it had proved for Peregrin and Meriadoc. After
going nearly sleepless in horror and dread for days, Pippin is in
nearly as bad of straits as is Merry, recovering from the Black
Breath. So Aragorn is summoned to help deal with Pippin's physical and
spiritual well-being, helping Pippin recognize how drawn he is himself
as well as easing his spiritual distress and helping remove the
feeling of taint from having run through the blood of the dying and dead.

Marvelously communicates the distress war causes, and does perfectly
at communicating the love the Hobbits draw to themselves. Pearl Took's
love of Hobbits at its best.

Title: Circumstances · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 621
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 18:05:20
Ah--the question--who or what is Thorongil, Ecthelion's new favorite?
Denethor's sisters wonder, thinking him probably a jumped-up commoner
of some sort, but still they watch.

A nice look at the newcomer to the Citadel from the POV of two who are
rarely mentioned.

Title: Pick Your Battles · Author: Aliana · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 550
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 18:07:10
Now, if the siege of Minas Tirith had taken place as did World War
Two, it could have been like this indeed. And Narrator?

Humorous, but blackly so. An interesting read indeed.

Title: The End · Author: trikywun · Genres: Poetry: With Hobbits · ID: 783
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 18:11:00
A sad poem expressing Frodo's thoughts at leaving his Sam to go to
Eressea.

Title: Breath of Spring · Author: Ribby · Races: Men: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 763
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 18:13:16
For Faramir, wandering in the disassociation of the Black Breath and
his fever, the call to live again is a breath of Spring, even before
he wakens to the King's presence.

Lovely.

Title: Renewal · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Mid Third Age: 2851 - 3017
TA: Drabble · ID: 692
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-06 18:52:21
Yes, how wondrous to see Erebor and the lands about it coming back to
life. If inspired by that photo, I can well understand. And coming
from one who saw the ash rise, this hits home with me.

Title: Decorum · Author: Larner · Genres: Humor: The Shire or Buckland
· ID: 59
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-10-06 19:35:18
I could not help but love this little story, as it was inspired by one
of my own (though in my story Dora's book did not make its appearance
until Bilbo had left) and Larner's Aunt Dora is very much as I've
always imagined her: prim, proper, a little stodgy and full of the
certainty that she is always right--but with a heart of gold
underneath it all.

I couldn't help but enjoy the irony that had Frodo pick out the very
passages of her advice that she would see for herself how well it was
followed, but what I loved most was her response to Frodo the night of
the Party, when we see how much she really loves her nephew.

Title: Property Rights · Author: Salsify · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 74
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-10-06 19:42:36
How few and far between are gapfillers and stories set during The
Hobbit! This is a wonderfully thought-provoking piece, showing just
how badly misunderstood each side was by the other--preconceptions and
prejudice on the sides of both Dwarves and Men doomed their parley
before it began. I loved the way the author skillfully used the same
incident from past history, shown from two different POVs.

It's no wonder it took the clear eyes and simple heart of a hobbit to
settle the problem.