Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Fell Memories · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 191
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 15:42:13
Very dark and thought-provoking with no punches pulled. This gave me
even deeper insight into Aragorn's determination to save Merry and
Pippin from the Uruk-hai.

Title: Oliphaunts and String · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 658
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 15:48:04
Very sad, especially the grandmother wondering where Deagol had gone
in death. I liked the simplicity of the people as a whole which to me
helped explain how Smeagol was so wholly corrupted by the Ring almost
instantaneously, enough to commit the murder of his cousin so soon
after It was found.

Title: Under the Eyes of the Evenstar · Author: Raksha the Demon ·
Genres: Drama: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 680
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 16:00:49
I liked the nobility of both Arwen and Boromir in this. I had never
wondered before how Arwen would view Boromir, who was a potential
obstacle to Aragorn attaining the throne and thus an obstacle to her
own desire. Her foreknowledge at the end was a nice touch and I wonder
how it may have affected any subsequent meetings between them.

Title: A Quadrabble for Sam · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 397
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 16:05:31
A good example of how sometimes even the simplest things can set off
the memory of past events. The humour at the end was very "Sam".

Title: The Green Knight and the Heir of Meduseld · Author: Le Rouret ·
Genres: Adventure · ID: 170
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-08 16:05:44
I do enjoy the Green Knight world. There's a lovely, stylized quality
to to it - formal and elegant and appropriately old-fashioned. Legolas
is ... well, suitably gorgeous - but the rest of the cast are
beautifully differentiated. As are their individual fiefs and ways of
life. (I wonder how Lothiriel really took to Rohan. It must have
seemed disconcertingly backward in comparison to Dol Amroth.)

I could empathise with Fastred's lack of desire to go off and become
his uncle's heir. And enjoyed Legolas's way of bringing the
recalcitrant boy to do his duty. Without ever really eating away
Fastred's love and admiration for his Lord Lassah! While the
adventures they indulged in once they got to Rohan - well, it's
surprising Legolas survived. That's all I'll say in that vein!

Fastred is a very good kid! It's a huge statement for the heir
presumptive to introduce the heir apparent to his people and accept
his greater claim to the throne. I wonder if he will still have to
spend most of his time in Rohan for a while - until everyone is
convinced that the big baby will grow up into a healthy man. Or
whether, now that Lothiriel has borne this one, that she will now go
on to have several more little Rohirrim - as mothers often seem to
after having great difficulty producing their first.

Good story - I've thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to more
instalments in the tales of the Green Knight.


Title: Family Jewels · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 464
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 16:13:28
A wonderful example of how a change in ones own circumstances can
change our perceptions of what we once thought that we knew and
understood. Faramir shows himself to be nobler than those he had once
admired, understanding and able to appreciate what is truly important.

Title: The Young Knights · Author: Soledad · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 98
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-08 16:16:42
This was such a beautiful gathering of characters - and there is such
an aura of sadness over their partings - lots of 'nevermore,
nevermore'. Which is, in truth, how happy times like this tend to end
at the best of times - and this can hardly be described as the
beginning of a triumphant ever after. All those who were there will
have glorious memories of wondrous days that can never be recaptured -
but all too many of them won't have too long to treasure their
recollections.

There is a delicious weaving of Tolkien's cast with some delightful
additions of your own - in a world which seems to meld wonderfully
with what we actually know. I love Aud - and feel extremely
sympathetic for the unfortunate Madenn. However well she deals with
her fate, it is still most definitely unfair that she should be worth
so much less than her sister - both financially and in the eyes of
those who judge matrimonial worth. I'm also rather sad that Herumor
isn't going to have a happy ever after. And that Halabor won't be
there in the glorious morning that - eventually - follows on from that
red dawn.

You are very, very good at complex world-building, and I do enjoy
seeing what you make of your characters and the situations in which
they find themselves. Lovely stuff. Well worth re-reading.




Title: Sea King; Seeking · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 689
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 16:18:55
The way that the theme of this drabble set was tied together by the
very different voices and viewpoints was very skilfully done. Each one
was insightful and in perfect voice of the individual character. Very
impressive!

Title: Of Numenor That Was · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 424
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 16:27:29
A very chilling series made all the more so by the implication that
such an atrocity was commonplace. I liked the different viewpoints and
the way that each drabble added to the whole picture of what was
taking place and why. The last drabble was the perfect ending.
Difficult subject matter crafted with skill.

Title: Point of View · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Drabble · ID: 750
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 16:38:20
Leave it to Sam that even after all his honours that he doesn't
understand why the King would want a version of the tale in the words
of the hobbits. His humility is central to his character and that is
well shown here.

I liked that Pippin had a wider understanding of the Book's
importance, to the outside world as well as the Shirefolk. This is
also in character as both Pippin and Merry seem to me to have
developed very much into citizens of the world during the Quest.

Title: Prince of Winter · Author: jastaelf · Genres: Alternate
Universe · ID: 93
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-08 16:45:41
I very much enjoy your writing - and there is something about the
tragic and cruel Dark Leaf world that really catches at my emotions!
This poor rescued elfling! I am surprised - in a way - that he managed
to survive long enough to be drawn back out into the sunlight ... but
so glad that he was. And he is doing remarkably well - with the amount
of tender and delicate care he is receiving. I love the patient way
Celeborn and Haldir give him the time and space to make up his own
mind - and accept his decisions.

Celeborn - that is a tremendous portrayal, and I just love the way he
interacts with the rather fragile and sensitive shell of Legolas. (Not
to mention Legolas's description of him. That is a joy.)

I was strongly tempted to kick the elleth and friend who called the
elfling a freak. That infuriates me, even at the other end of a story.
However, Ellinariel might be fair of face, but she certainly managed
to drop herself - most deservedly - in a whole load of malodorous
excrement. While her audience are definitely more than a little sorry
that they didn't muzzle her as soon as she opened her mouth. Good for
Saeros. Who is a mightily scary elf.

Beautiful ceremony. Beautifully carried out. And Legolas did well. And
will continue to do well with the care he is receiving here among his kin.

I loved it.



Title: Thyme is a great healer · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond: Drabble · ID: 723
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 16:46:53
I liked the way that the different scents brought back memories for
each of them. The mention of Eowyn was very effective, making it clear
how much time has passed and how much things have changed. Yet people
and events will not be forgotten, they are always there in our
memories waiting for a trigger to bring them to the fore.

Title: The Northmen · Author: SheBit · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Drabble · ID: 451
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 16:52:10
Very good descriptions here highlighting the perceived differences
between these allies that, deep down, are not so different after all.

Title: Enter the Fourth Age, Hastily · Author: Dwimordene · Times:
Fourth Age and Beyond: Drabble · ID: 140
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 17:00:51
I loved the way that the inclusion of the dashes forces the reader to
read the piece in Treebeard's voice - slow and stately and giving each
word proper importance and deep meaning. The final word [peace]
immediately brought the hobbits to mind; quick and to the point.

But it is also obvious that both races treasure peace, never mind
their differences in expressing it, and both know the other race feels
the same.

I really enjoyed this - it was different and cleverly done.

Title: Regrets and Consolations · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama:
Youth · ID: 430
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-08 17:35:51
The rendition of Brandy Hall and the surroundings is evocative, as are
the descriptions of the protagonists, down to small details of dress.

Esmeralda's emotions, and notably her worry for the missing Merry, are
conveyed very clearly. And Merry as a toddler is sweet, but not in a
cloying way.

I especially appreciated the fact that at the end, Frodo had to get
back to work, that Saradoc did not put sentiments over practicality.

Title: Dawning Hope · Author: Radbooks · Genres: Drama: Youth · ID: 498
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-08 17:36:52
Engaging story, with lovely characterisations and character
interactions. I enjoyed the deep love between brother and sister,
comforting and protecting each other, but also teasing and quarreling
with each other.

I think the story captures well the time directly after Théodwyn's
death and Éomer's and Éowyn's first time in Meduseld, when they were
still mourning their mother's (and father's) loss, and everything was
still strange and unfamiliar.

This was my favourite line: ["She stared at the hand and peered up at
him through her eyelashes for a long moment before finally slipping
her small hand into his large calloused one."]

Title: In The Shadows I Wait · Author: Pentangle · Genres: Drama:
Youth · ID: 248
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-08 17:38:36
The 1st person PoV of the unusual narrator (alternated with a more
distant 3rd person perspective) is executed very well. Small details
that are idiosyncratic to it and how it is treated are interwoven
effectively into the narrative.

Highly descriptive images, and you know obviously much about weapons,
or have researched carefully to bring the technical terms into the
narrative in such a natural way. Some spelling errors slightly mar the
enjoyment, though.

I tend to heartily dislike stories where the narrator directly
"addresses" the readers, but even this works well here.

My favourite passage: ["But we know of singing—the high keening of
death dealing—and we know of sun glancing along our edges when held
aloft before a charge. We know the acid burn of blood left to dry. We
know the gritty caress of polish, and the salt tang of sweat."]

Title: Irreverence · Author: Aratlithiel · Genres: Humor · ID: 619
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-08 17:39:44
Brilliant dialogues, full of inventive snarking and sniping. The
cousins constantly trying to outdo and outwit each other was
hilarious, even though at the same time it was somehow unsettling to
watch them make fun of and deride each other for their most gruesome
adventures.

Good pacing, with clear descriptions of gestures and and expressions.

There were some inspired lines, but my favourite is definitely this:
["You hitched a ride up the mountain and another off of it."]

Title: Lord Námo's Yule Gift · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Humor · ID: 335
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-08 17:40:35
A cheerful, amusing story despite the "setting". I appreciate the fact
that despite the light-hearted tone, the theme of death is not taken
lightly, that, in fact, the story embraces death as a fact that is
natural to every human being, and thus not to be avoided or feared.

I liked the fact that the souls are not suddenly all pure and good,
but that they keep all the characteristics - good and bad - of their
former lives.

The ending is very moving, from the encounter with Éomer and Boromir,
to the Hobbits not wanting Námo to spend Yule alone, to the glimpse of
the sleeping Turgon being cared for so reverently.

Title: Great Books · Author: Lady Aranel · Genres: Humor · ID: 149
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-08 17:41:10
It was a fun idee to transfer the fanon debates and meta discussion
about LaCE into an actual Middle-earth context.

The story was structured well, with Legolas always torn between
feeling suspicious about being set up by the twins, and apprehensive
that what they tell him might be true.

I also liked the subtle interweaving of some comments on the cultural
differences between Imladris and the Greenwood.

The real reason for the twins' prank was amusing, as was the idea that
their endeavours might just have led to the very thing they wanted to
prevent, when Arwen decides to go to the library, as well.

This was my favourite passage: ["That the document is nothing but the
inane ramblings of a jealous Noldo that wished to keep us from their
wives and daughters?"]

Title: A Boy and His Lob · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Humor · ID: 162
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-08 17:41:45
A hysterically funny premise, consequently executed throughout the
story. Legolas' reasoning for taking the spider for a pet were so
twisted and odd, but from Legolas' PoV clearly understandable (even
after the episode with the black squirrel...).

The way the spider's behaviour towards Legolas is told is equally
amusing, and once it begins expressing its gratefulness and adoration
for its "master", it gets even better, piling gag on embarrassment on
gag. I believe I came to pity the death of the poor spider, and this:
["...Legolas held its hairy foot and sang a wordless song as it
slipped away."] is my favourite of many memorable lines, as is the
image of Lake-town decked out with these particular doilies.

The modern terms and concepts fit somehow into this odd story,
increasing the impression of Legolas as a pubescent teenager.

Title: Reunion · Author: Fawsley · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Drabble · ID: 489
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-10-08 17:41:57
The descriptions of age were especially well done here. I'd love to
see the scene that must have played out after this one!

Title: No Harm Will Come of It · Author: Marigold · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 456
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-08 17:44:10
There is a widespread fanon convention that the Gaffer was reluctant
to allow Sam to learn his letters, and I am very glad that you chose
to go the other way here, to make him consent to it, make him see the
advantages of it, and let him be proud of his intelligent and learned
children.

I love his slow progress as he changes his mind about his own reading
skills; first reserving it so to speak only for his children, then
learning at least his name. And later, as one of the few things
allowed during the Troubles, as something able to take his mind from
the bleak times, and because it is a bond with his absent son, even
refusing to burn the books to give some much-needed warmth, for
however short a time the burning of a book would have given it.

In the last drabble, I could literally hear his pleased tone as he
gratefully declines Frodo's offer of help to read the king's letter!

Title: Fading Embers · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 760
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-08 17:45:39
Nerdanel's feelings are conveyed in an evocative and very moving
manner. The readers can feel her pride and love for her seven sons,
which makes her pain and grief over their deeds, and about losing
them, all the sharper and more bitter.

In the course of the narrative, she seems to become more and more
numb, as her hope dwindles of a reunion with them, and at last, maybe,
even gives up.

Equating the forging of jewels with bearing children was an inspired
touch, extremely appropriate and so very poignant.

I liked the thought that Fëanor's first creations were given to
Nerdanel as a gift, to represent their sons.

Title: Fell Beasts · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Villains: Drabble · ID: 403
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-08 17:47:13
The sheer scope of this drabble is astounding: it encompasses
pre-history in mythic terms (Melkor's fall from grace) as well as
actual history (dinosaurs) and links it together to one coherent unit
in the context of Middle-earth.

A further theme is the difference betwen the way Melkor (ab)uses his
power, twisting creatures to his own ends; and Manwë's approach,
requesting something, but leaving the final decision to the free
choice of the ones affected.

I like the idea that the Fell Beasts might perhaps not be under the
direct command of Sauron but, like Shelob, rather "associates in
evil". And the image of them nesting in the Ephel Dúath is chilling,
but seems so very probable (a further parallel to the Eagles living in
the Hithaeglir).

I believe my favourite line is this: ["When Thangorodrim fell, they
fled into the dark, haunting the legends of Men who had never known
the light"]. It seems to me in keeping with Tolkien's somewhat
reluctant acceptance of modern prehistoric science as applicable to
his invention of the Fell Beasts he exhibits in Letter #211.