Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: The Void · Author: SheBit · Races: Villains: Drabble · ID: 452
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-10-07 22:24:11
Two descriptions of the void beyond the bounds of Arda, complete with
the promise of Morgoth's intent to return to the destruction of mankind.

Yes, a dark drabble for a dark topic.

Title: Lords of Gondor · Author: Linaewen · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 154
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-10-07 23:00:23
I had started reading this story several years ago, but was overtaken
by events and lost track of it and its author. What a pleasure to
cross paths with both again! I adore the Boromir!Lives subgenre, and
Linaewen's tale is a wonderful addition to my collection of favorites.

First of all, her language is simple and sooothing, both for narrative
and dialogue. It is Tolkienesque without coming across as heavy-handed
or stilted (unlike Professor Tolkien himself). The transitions between
her AU and canon are smoothly and plausibly handled. Linaewen's
characterizations are all spot-on, especially with vivid original
characters such as the members of Boromir's troop sent to his rescue;
the crusty healer Linhir (who reminded me so much of Star Trek's
"Bones" that I had to laugh out loud; and Boromir's manservant Dûrlin,
caring for all members of the Steward's family with love and grace.

The relationship between Denethor and Faramir is realistically and
lovingly portrayed. Most moving of all is Boromir's emotional journey,
from guilt and despair and on through patience to hope. I was
disappointed at the end of Chapter 32 to discover that this was still
a work-in-progress (Note to self: read the story summary!) but now
that I have found this gem, I won't lose track of it again.

Title: An Alphabet for Middle-earth · Author: Dreamflower · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 231
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-10-07 23:18:23
A very imaginative and well written response to a challenge on Live
Journal in which participants were required to write a drabble of
ficlet for every letter of the alphabet. Few writers managed to
complete the challenge but Dreamflower magnificently rises to the
occasion with a a well written series of stories of varying lengths.
I especially enjoyed Arwen dealing with nastiness towards Elanor and
Thorongil's adventures with the Corsairs.

A great and enjoyable acheivement.


Title: Reunion · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama · ID: 727
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-10-07 23:26:26
This moving story examines Sam's departure for the west. he is now as
much in need of Healing,maybe as Frodo having lost his beloved wife,
but there are many left who love him and will miss him, from his
family to his King.

I like the idea that Frodo and Sam can,like Aragorn depart at a time
of their choosing and that departure is beautifully written and I defy
any reader not to shed a tear.

Other lovely moments were the butterflies and the Elves curiosity
about the different life cycle of Eru's other children.

Title: Sometime Ever After · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 363
Reviewer: Aliana · 2007-10-07 23:31:19
Of the many things I adore about Dwimordene's writing, one of the most
outstanding aspects is the density of her style, the ability to pack
in loads of layers, emotions, and allusions into very small
spaces--"Sometime Ever After" is no exception. In this brief vignette,
she manages to include past, present and future; the abrupt brutality
of warfare and the calm sweetness of peacetime; also, as she alludes
to in her summary, this piece manages to incorporate the sadness of
the end of the Third Age and the departure of magic and legend-making
feats--at the same time, however, this loss is counterweighted by the
new beginnings of the Fourth Age: the stirrings of new life and
promises, when Aragorn, Arwen and the rest of our heroes and heroines
begin to grow into their roles as mothers and fathers, husbands and
wives, becoming, in a sense, the men and women that they were always
meant to be.

Except of course, for those who were lost along the way, like
Halbarad. Dwimordene's Halbarad has long been one of my favorites, and
the way she portrays his relationship with Aragorn (in all its
possibilities and incarnations!) brings out depths barely hinted at in
the steadfast friendship that Tolkien gives us. I especially liked the
bit towards the conclusion in which Aragorn ruminates on the silent
understandings of friendship, the things that don't need to be said,
but that ought to be given voice anyway. A fine, bittersweet,
affectionate and longing farewell between these two. As it should be.

Once again, well done, Dwim!

Title: The Dancer · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Minas Tirith ·
ID: 150
Reviewer: Aliana · 2007-10-07 23:45:08
As one of Annmarwalk's beta readers for this story, I might be a
little bit biased, but not too much, I think! Told in spare,
unsentimental language and all the more effective for that, this is a
story of unrequited love and hope abridged in the life of a Gondorian
noblewoman. Irilde is a sympathetic and realistic original character,
and through her we are also able to see a younger and less severe
Denethor than the one that Tolkien gives us. Although Annmarwalk's
register is more modern and direct than Jane Austen's, I couldn't help
but thinking of Austen in the short line in which Irilde tells us that
she could see all her future--the husband she could not obtain, and
the man she would take as a consolation prize of sorts--in a single
instant. An evocative, bittersweet story about the type of woman we
rarely or never see in the canon--the woman standing steadfastly in
the background waiting, the woman who is painfully aware of the
curtailed set of options in her own life and who never quite gets the
chance to follow her heart's true wishes. Lovely, Annmarwalk.

Title: In the Bloody Cottage · Author: Soubrettina · Races: Men:
Eriador or Rivendell · ID: 581
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-08 03:04:13
Probably the most unusual story of a birth of a LOTR hero that I've
ever read - Gilraen's stream of consciousness is endearing, engaging,
and far from Tolkien's own narrative style. But Soubrettina writes
Gilraen as such a fierce young woman, determined to be taken as an
adult by her besotted and older husband, determined to give her son
life even at the price of her own, that the narrative style doesn't
matter, because it sweeps up the readers and carries us along on the
wild, scary, roller-coaster ride of a woman barely out of girlhood
going through an agonizing childbirth to bring forth Aragorn.

The dreamed, or dreamlike appearance, of the Elves, is odd, but very
effective. I loved Gilraen's description of Elrond, which is rather
Tolkienish:

["The Elf-stone." Gilraen raised her eyes; an elf stood over her, dark
haired, old as mountains, yet unblemished by time, his grey eyes
bearing joy, sorrow and mighty wisdom. "So he shall be. Your son shall
earn you a place in memory beyond time, little Gilraen."]

I hope that Soubrettina eventually writes original fiction of her own.



Title: When the King Comes Back (Brandy Hall) · Author: Dreamflower ·
Genres: Drama: With Merry · ID: 713
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-08 03:55:47
This is a companion tale to the story of the same name dealing with
Pippin; and it's hard to tell where one leaves off and the other
begins. Very good portrayal of all the hobbits, the ones who stayed at
home and the four heroes who left the Shire - all have changed, but
most of all Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin. Even though the latter two
were never Ring-bearers, their lives are forever altered and can never
totally be re-absorbed into the peaceful mundane fabric of the Shire.

The story clarifies two things that happened in the Shire after the
return of its prodigal sons - the reasons behind Merry and Pippin's
going to live in a hobbit bachelor pad at Crickhollow, and the ban on
Men's entry to the Shire. I like that the hobbits themselves have some
input into the ban on Men; that it was not just Elessar arbitrarily
deciding on his own what was good for the hobbits.



Title: Pest Control · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Cross-Cultural: Drabble
· ID: 697
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-08 04:02:50
In which it is seen that the female of the Ent species is at least as
deadly as the male, when it comes to orc intrusion.

Lovely language here, and a clever and properly nasty twist at the
end. Fimbrethil is as practical about pest disposal as any good
gardener. I would seriously not like to make an enemy of this or any
Entwife!





Title: Iron to Iron · Author: mrkinch · Times: Second Age: Drabble ·
ID: 662
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-08 04:16:42
One of the oddest, and most interesting Silm-based drabbles I've ever
read. It works perfectly, too. I can't help but feel the wrench
endured by the narrator(s).


Title: Journey's End · Author: Altariel · Genres: Drama: Ithilien ·
ID: 442
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-08 04:18:11
One of my favorite Aragorn/Faramir friendship stories never mentions
them by name.

In this smoothly written story, the narrator is a woman who runs an
inn, and, on a day several years after the end of the Ring War,
welcomes two mysterious Dunedain travelers who look alike as a father
and son.

The travelers' reactions to a song about a hero lost in war bring out
the narrator's own past losses as well as the sorrow of one of the
travelers.

All this flows seamlessly from Altariel's virtual pen - the woman's
grief for the young man she loved and lost is a good counterpoint to
Faramir's sorrow and an acknowledgement that, of course, many more
besides the named characters lost family in the Ring War.

Luckily, the story shows that the wounds of war can heal, even if they
cannot be forgotten.

The relationship between the incognito King and Steward is marvelously
and credibly written, too...Even when seen through the eyes of a
stranger, their charisma and strength, and mutual esteem, and
familiarity with each other's habits are visible, in the way of
longtime friends.

Title: The Steward's Archives · Author: dancingkatz · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 337
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-08 04:19:21
Intriguing set of drabbles inspired by various word prompts, all
focussing on and from the thoughts of, Denethor.

I really liked the metaphor of Finduilas as the water bringing life
and color to the stone that was Denethor. His grief over her loss, and
his wondering that it took her loss for him to fully realize her
importance, is very touching.

Title: Drink Down the Sun · Author: Michelle · Races: Men: Eriador or
Rivendell · ID: 355
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-08 05:01:49
A fine story about the birth of Aragorn from the point of view of his
father. I particularly like the interaction of the midwife with
Arathorn; how she dares kick him out of the chamber where Gilraen
labors - Arathorn's discomfiture at being ordered about in that
fashion seems very real - and then the return of the midwife's
previously polite manner; it's amusing and credible.

The end is poignant and heartbreaking; Arathorn's quiet delight in his
newborn heir, his promise to the baby that he will protect him and
watch over him and be there for him is all the more sad because we
know that Arathorn won't live to see his precious son grow up. I like
the concept that Arathorn beheld a vision of Aragorn as a man; at
least he had that much.

Title: Lord Námo's Yule Gift · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Humor · ID: 335
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2007-10-08 05:39:01
This is one of the most charming of your Mandos stories! Merry and
Pippin drive the Lord of Mandos crazy is such a wonderful idea! From
the opening seriousness of Namo checking on the reborn elves, to
getting the alert that THEY had arrived, this story is a mix of
wonderfully written humor and serious topics. Yavanna's little gifts
actually had me laughing out loud! I also loved how the Hobbits got
the mortals all riled up with such simple comments, and I agree with
them that it could be a little more cheery. Namo's musings especially
had me grinning and when he tried to send them on right away, I
snickered. I loved how they wanted to wait for Aragorn and their
reunion with Boromir and Eomer. But the thing that stands out the most
in this, especially after reading Elf Interrupted, is Namo's care of a
still sleeping Turgon. It touched me greatly.

It is rare to see the Valar portrayed in such a manner as you do, and
especially Lord Namo. Very refreshing to see his irritation and even
anger at times, but yet he loves all in his care greatly.

I also must comment on your portrayal of Merry and Pippin. Pippin's
remarks were so wonderfully in character, and Merry's protection of
his cousin, so far as reaching for a non-existent sword made me smile.
They have always been my favorites of the Hobbits and you did not
disappoint in the way you presented them here.

Wonderful story!


Title: Elf Interrupted · Author: Fiondil · Races: Elves: Incomplete ·
ID: 77
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2007-10-08 05:50:20
Let me start by saying this is my favorite story of all time, even
over published works, and it is not even complete! *grin* From the
start the reader is captured and held hostage by the author with vivid
descriptions, stark emotions, epic story line and personable Valar!
Never have I read a story more engaging. I have laughed hard, cried
long, raged and fumed, shook with anticipation, bit off all my nals,
and had my backside go numb from reading this story. Once started, one
cannot put it down, even the second or third read through it. And of
course, this is the story that prompted me to actually finish reading
the Silmarillion and actually enjoy the tale along the way.

My favorite part of this story so far is the way you draw the reader
into each character's life, hook us, and then leave off to explore
another character or two and then bring it all together in a climax
that leaves one breathless and very sated. And then there are the
Valar. I have immensly enjoyed seeing you handle each of the Valar,
one by one, interacting with various elves, and most epecially Namo.
The Lord of Mandos used to frighten me until I read this story. He is
now one of my favorite characters in Tolkien's world.

The threesome of Glorfindel, Finrod and Sador make this story so
multifaceted. I have truly enjoyed seeing each of their new lives
unfold and await each new chapter with bated breath, to read on the
edge of my seat grinning like a fool.

The highest compliment I can give this story is that I am reading it
to my eleven year old daughter, who praises it greatly as well. The
story, besides being greatly entertaining, has taught her many new
words and opened the door for some interesting discussion. You are to
be commended for this brilliant epic.

Title: Deadly Fate · Author: TrekQueen · Times: First Age and Prior:
House of Fingolfin · ID: 282
Reviewer: Robinka · 2007-10-08 10:01:01
This is such a compelling story. The imagery is vivid and simply
awesome. I could see in my mind's eye the scene from the book. I also
love the elegant, emotive language of this piece.

I find this bit especially moving: [His golden hair brightened his
image spilling out beneath his helm, as if Fingolfin himself emanated
the lost light of the Two Trees from Valinor.] Fingolfin challenged
the one who had destroyed the Light, and I cannot help but think that
in this ficlet he impersonated the lost Light -- as if the Light
itself returned for this one moment. This is a very meaninful metaphor.

Despite the tragedy, Fingolfin's sacrifice has a message of hope to
it. The hope that his death, of which he was sure, was not going to
waste and that the future generations would continue the fight.

Wonderfully done!

Title: Swan Song · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 637
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 13:41:12
Beautiful and hauntingly sad. Not a wasted word; every word choice is
descriptive and adds to the setting of the scene and the Prince's
sense of fatalistic acceptance and melancholy. The Sea clearly comes
across as a living being in this drabble, something that many authors
attempt to convey but rarely have I seen it done with such naturalness
and to such good effect, especially in a piece of only one hundred
words. It is clear that the Prince is akin to the Sea, that it is a
natural part of who he is and though he must physically leave it
behind, it will remain in his soul, forever a part of him. There is
nothing forced about making this concept understood by the reader - it
just simply *is* and the concept is elegantly implied.

I thought that this was an absolutely lovely drabble despite its
sadness, and even though this Prince of Dol Amroth is not the Imrahil
that we are all familiar with, I felt that I knew him, and was
privileged to share this intensely personal moment with him, maybe the
last moment of peace and contentment (and I did feel that he was
content and accepting despite the fact that he knew he would never
return) that this man would ever know. An excellent drabble and one
that I will reread often.

Title: The Lesson · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 29
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 13:57:12
I had never given much thought to the insidious progression of how a
man of this time could be desensitised to killing another thinking
being. The progression here makes perfect sense though.

I thought that it was very much in Faramir's character to realise and
ponder this learned desensitation even as he did his duty.

Title: A Game of Chess · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble
· ID: 605
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 14:17:28
Nicely done! This drabble makes me wonder all sorts of things - did
Denthor suggest the game as an overture of friendship or as a way to
best a rival who happens to be unskilled at this one game? If he later
found out that Thorongil deceived him, did that add to an already
distrustful nature or did it cause the untrustful nature in the first
place?

I understood Thorongil's motivations for acting as he did but I also
felt sorry for Denethor, to be so deceived by one who should be a
friend as he will one day be decieved by the Enemy.

I also felt for Aragorn, always having to be careful about how much he
revealed about his true self, always having to hide his past, never
able to take things soley at face value.

This drabble made me ask all sorts of questions about the characters
of the two men involved and I liked that very much!

Title: Where There's Life, There's Hope (and in need of vittles) ·
Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble · ID: 463
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 14:29:18
I liked the way that the author shows us that the simplicity of an
everyday activity can be so very important. Despite all that has
happened the smell of baking bread is enough to bring Aragorn out of
his dark thoughts and weariness, for a time at least. A gentle
reminder to anchor him and us to the reality that life goes on and
that the human spirit will endure through trials of the grimmest nature.

Title: Geometry · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble · ID: 80
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 14:34:40
What a clear way to show the impact the loss of Boromir would have on
Faramir and Denethor. Without the strong line of Boromir holding them
together the symbolic lines denoting Faramir and Denethor would soon
collapse - they could no longer maintain their secure position without
him to hold them together. Excellent symbolism.

Title: End Times · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble
· ID: 702
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 14:41:14
I really liked the way that this drabble conveyed the chaos and
uncertainty of the moment from the pov of one standing on the fringes
of great deeds. There was a wonderful sense of sound and motion and
disturbance. Very good!

Title: Celeborn's Trees · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 514
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-10-08 14:56:53
Celeborn proves not only that he is indeed among the wisest, but that
he's also a romantic. Very nice!

Title: Standards · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: General Drabble · ID: 541
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-10-08 14:57:13
I love the ironic optimism of this drabble, as Halbarad evinces no
doubt that Arwen shall be queen, yet the reader knows, as they do not,
that he will not live to see it.

Title: Knave of Hearts · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor:
Children · ID: 252
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-10-08 14:57:41
Another of GWs brilliant humor pieces featuring
baby!Pippin,little!Merry and young!Frodo. Frodo is set to guarding
both Pippin and Esmeralda's tarts--made for an upcoming social event.
The two tasks are not exactly compatible, as Pippin proves, and Merry
is far less than helpful. And I adore Saradoc in this one--he's a very
wise hobbit!