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Title: Endings and Beginnings · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Second Age:
Drabble · ID: 726
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-10-09 20:46:34
Oh, this made my day! A crossover drabble between Tolkien and Stargate
Atlantis. It has the vibe that I so love of SGA, but it is a bit hard
to make the connection to Tolkien at first sight. I could see the
character stepping through the Stargate and looking up, but after you
let this drabble sink for a while, the connection to this
Numenorean/Atlantean surfaces. This is an absolute treat for SGA fans!

Title: Coda · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Second Age: Drabble · ID: 627
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-10-09 21:02:17
Coda is a drabble that takes you by surprise and is absolutely one of
my favourite Imhiriel drabbles. The opening paragraph just speaks for
itself; it just shows the carnage, the debris left of ships that were
smashed at the rocks of the sea, treasures that still find their way
to Middle-earth. Yet on the waves a binding floats there. The contrast
in that bit alone gives me the chills, it nearly forces you to stand
still and take into account that this huge tragedy just happened… then
you start to ponder and slowly the author reveals to you what it
actually is. Once the author of the book is known and why it was
gifted, it still leaves you as a reader with questions: how did it get
there? When did Maglor gave it to Elros, how, when, why? Who was on
that ship that did not survive the destruction, how could the
Noldolante not have been heeded as a warning. What did Maglor write
and also about his own end?! So many questions, this ficlet alone is
still a plot bunny trying to nibble at your ankles. All in all
Imhiriel, you give us a thought provoking drabble here that nearly
tells a small tale in itself in such short format. This was a great
way of storytelling where you show us a scene, but in not too
excessive wording. Greatly drabbled.

Title: The Blue Book of Bilbo Baggins, or, Tales of the Forbidden
Silmarillion · Author: Gandalfs apprentice/Greywing CoAuthors ·
Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 195
Reviewer: Oshun · 2007-10-09 21:05:28
What a team! Gandalfs Apprentice with Greywing. This hilariously
disrespectful rant--ahem, I mean collection of stories--is beautifully
written, as always. True, the author's own rampant prejudices bleed
through on every page. Ha! I'm onto you, G.A.!

One just has to love her Nekkid Lúthien pulling a
Salome-dances-before-Herod in order to get her greedy (or should I say
lusty) little hands on that Silmaril. (I note, however, that Lúthien
in the form of a cat is an obvious insertion of at least one of G.A.'s
own feline companions.)

Then there are the insidiously well-hidden attacks against those who
have bored her into a stupor sending her emails on such questions as
to whether or not they should decide to write Third-Age Glorfindel as
one and the same as the famous Balrog slayer. Well, congratulations:
[Worst of all was that so many believed that he, Glorfindel, was the
same man as (he counted on his fingers) Manwë's catamite; a singing
cricket; and a few other Glorfindels guilty of unspeakable behavior.]
After reading this, I'm afraid I will have to settle on G.A. canon and
go with Manwë's catamite. (Perhaps I am, as usual, too full of myself
here and you were actually taking a poke at Claudio's version of
Glorfindel?)

There is little that G.A. doesn't take on in this piece. She debunks
the so-called "LaCE." She not too subtly puts in a pitch for women's
rights. She even questions the morals of the Valar for wiping out all
those purportedly innocent Númenórean babies.

But pairing up with Greywing quite takes the cake and speaks to the
confidence of G.A. in her own craft--that clever Greywing could steal
the whole show from a lesser writer, but instead supplements and
enhances in the best way imaginable. Greywing's paintings are amazing
and really capture the tone of the collection. Greywing's Appendix is
also brilliant and provided me with two of my favorite
lines-of-the-year: [Þurrender the Þilmaril!] and ['Daeron,' said
Maglor. `The piping fellow.'] Yeah, go get him, Maglor, how dare
anyone imply that love-struck Moriquendi might be the greater artist.
(Oops! Sorry, think my objectivity is slipping here.)

This is a classic. It is a definite must-read.


Title: Exploring the Wild · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Adventure:
Pre-Ring War · ID: 30
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-09 21:07:37
Beautiful. I love the excited, bouncy loud boys - having the most
wonderful day of their lives in the company of real Rangers, and with
their own favourite guard to watch over their sleep. I love it that
Denethor is out there himself putting up their tent - and that he
won't let Boromir get away with arrogance towards Nanny. He goes up in
my estimation enormously!

Then - Faramir's need for his rabbit is just so typical of a small
child ... and his need for Nanny to settle him to sleep. And, come to
that, his literalness about trench foot!

Yet another absolutely gorgeous episode in the life of Nanny and her
charges. And, sad to say, a sign of times to come. I hope you are
inspired, one day, to write about a Nanny whose boys have grown up.
And about her meeting with Faramir after the war.



Title: The man in the woods · Author: Dot · Races: Men: Eriador or
Rivendell · ID: 13
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-09 21:15:03
This is just the most amazing story! I love the point of view - the
girl on the cusp of innocence, at the point where she learns some of
the harsh reality of Dunedain life. And Dunedain female life in
particular. The end - where the women's eyes inflict their hard-earned
wisdom on the child - is haunting. As is her clutching for comfort and
reassurance in the temporary and only too short-term presence of her
father ... and, of course, their chieftain, Aragorn. I love it that
she - unlike everyone else, to whom he represents hope - doesn't like
Aragorn, because, to her, he is an ominous presence, one who always
arrives to take her father away. That it just such a perfect childish
reaction and understanding of events. And the echoes of Dunedain
society - the constant echo of a glorious past in a threadbare present
- come over so clearly.

I love Alagos as much as Falathren. And although Eirien is asleep, her
character comes over pretty clearly, too! The woods, and their games -
and the suggestion that, when the blessed day comes, the glory will be
epitomised by the fact that all elves will let children ride on their
horses - are just gorgeous. With a remarkable counterpoint of horror
in the blue-tinged corpse. A cared-for blue-tinged corpse with an
embroidered tunic and a broken bow.

Poor kids. Whatever they knew about the world in the backs of their
minds, they've taken a step into the adult world here - and they'll
never be able to go back.

It's a gorgeous story, Dot.

Title: An Unexpected Party · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Humor: Drabble
· ID: 16
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-10-09 23:41:49
*claps hands with glee* Ok, it took me a little bit to catch on – I'm
not the sharpest knife in the drawer sometimes – but once I did, I
read and reread, chortling each time, and then tucked this drabble
away in my "Emergency: For When Cheering Up Is Required" folder, to be
hauled out furtively when life in The Counseling Suite gets to be just
too much. What a sly slap in the face to those whose only knowledge of
dwarves comes from Disney!


Each bit is perfectly in character for its respective dwarf, while the
imagery [ The beardless youngling gave Thorin a dopey stare] and the
dialog ["We will come to a bad end."] is priceless. But the final line
[Very funny, Gandalf. I will throttle that wizard.] is the killer. I
wonder what exactly transpired between Gandalf and Thorin that the
wizard must exact such painful revenge upon his old friend.

Title: ...To the Edge of Night: Seven Tells of a Moment · Author: Elen
Kortirion · Races: Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 439
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-10-09 23:42:21
The storyteller answers the question, "What happens next?" In this
somberly lovely drabble series,
Kortirion has peered into the hearts of seven witnesses to the fateful
scene in which Denethor orders his son, and many others, to their deaths.

The main participants – Denethor, Faramir, Pippin – are marvelously
drawn. We easily share and empathize wth Pippin's nervousness in his
position as cup-bearer, his loneliness for the Shire, his concern for
his companions, his utter shock at what he has seen and heard.
Faramir's resignation to, and acceptance of, the command which will
bring him and his men to their doom is heartbreaking, even as he calls
out psychically to the brother he adored and expects to meet again
soon. Even Denethor is compassionately drawn, acknowledging
responsibility for this most horrific of commands as a means to
attempt to delay the inevitable. He does not see any hope of his city,
but (at this point, if not later) he will not let it go without a fight.

The other four witnesses – courtier, guard, ostler, and cook – have
their own part to play, and for each one of them, Kortirion has drawn
some tiny, memorable element that allows them to retain their pride in
themselves and their City before all is lost. It's a hallmark of
Kortirion's rich writing that, immediately upon meeting them, we can
feel that we know these minor characters almost as well as we know the
major ones. She has gifted each with their own unique voice and
history, providing us with fleeting, ephemeral portraits that just
leave us longing for more.


Title: Bransle Royal · Author: Ribby · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 473
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-10-09 23:43:14
Often there's a lovely synergy between writers, where they can borrow
each other's characters, settings, and plotlines to spin merry tales
of their own. Dwimordene and Isabeau do it, with gloriously
heartaching results; we see it also this year in the Sock!Fic tales of
EdorasLass and AmandaK. "Bransle Royal" provides a happy closure to
the circle started by Ribby with "Gifts of the People" and continued
by EdorasLass in "A Suitable Tribute."

Ribby's description of the sights and sounds of the village
celebration are wonderfully vivid, like a painting by Pieter Brueghel
brought to life. In this charming scene, the Ranger-King is visiting
surreptitiously to surprise a young woman with her heart's desire. How
wonderful to see Aragorn seize the opportunity to put away his kingly
trappings for a day, and reclaim the simple life! This whole tale
reminds me so much of Faramir's words, which I'm sure would resonate
with his king as well: "I do not love the bright sword for its
sharpness....I love only that which they defend." These are the folk
for whom all was risked; their love and loyalty are the king's truest
riches.

It's very touching that Marrin and her husband keep their memory of
the special visitor, repaying a gift in kind, to themselves, though
I'm sure it's the kind of story their daughters and granddaughters
would have loved to pass on! As we would have loved to hear it; though
I suppose some of the lovely simplicity would have been lost through
generations of fanciful embroidery. giggles

Title: Free and Gay · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 81
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-10-09 23:46:19
["...whatever he did with his battle-sword, if he could not master his
other weapon, force himself to bed one of them and produce an heir he
would be remembered for that failure and naught else."] I may be one
of the few people who believe in a canonically gay Boromir. I feel
that "taking no wife, and delighting chiefly in arms" is as close as
the deeply religious Professor Tolkien could bear to come to
describing a character modeled on what he had seen all around him in
social, academic and military circles. Professor Tolkien was not
naïve, nor was he a fool – he may have "hated the sin, yet loved the
sinner"; and wrote with great compassion to give us a character of
noble spirit. self-sacrifice, and ultimate redemption.

But I digress! More than just a tale of male bonding or brotherly
companionship, I found this to be a very powerful character study of
Boromir in a moment of realization that will effect his entire future.

The setting is unusual, vividly and imaginatively described: a
traditional holiday celebration for soldiers in the field, those who
can take their time in turn for drinking and dancing to celebrate
Yule. Boromir and Faramir chat, as brothers do, about their pleasure
in being together for this occasion, free for a time from the
pressures of life at Court. On this particular night, all seems to be
as it has always been.

Yet, as Boromir takes his turn to lead the dance, he is struck the
blinding realization – gloriously understated but implicit in the tale
– as to exactly why he prefers this celebration to the stultifying
festivities in the White City. The image of Boromir - stunned
speechless, motionless by the clarity of this revelation, as his
brother watches with growing concern – is incredibly powerful. Marta
has given us a lovely sense of Boromir's acceptance of the truth about
himself, and the peace of mind his acceptance brings him.

Title: Gifts of the People · Author: Ribby · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 472
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2007-10-09 23:46:58
In this touching drabble, Ribby movingly demonstrates Aragorn's
compassion, empathy, and generosity of spirit. He does not insult the
dignity of his people by deferring the tithe altogether – it is, after
all, their duty to provide it, and his to accept it. But by widening
the opportunities for in-kind giving, he is providing them the chance
to examine their gifts and talents, identifying how they can give not
only their required tithe, but a means to enrich the community as a whole.

The gifts that Ribby so lovingly describes here - artwork, craftwork,
a tangible representation of an intangible value – are given with
pride and honor, blessing both the giver and the receiver. Very warmly
written!



Title: Shells · Author: pipkinsweetgrass · Races: Cross-Cultural: With
Pippin · ID: 506
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-10-10 00:31:12
Pipkinsweetgrass has this wonderful way of weaving the most beautiful,
thought-provoking Boromir and Pippin centric tales that I have ever
read. I have always ejoyed the tale-within-a-tale format, and this is
no exception. I love how this brilliant author makes patience a true
virtue by giving us a glimpse into a period of her characters' lives
when patience is needed the most. Pippin is recouperating from an
illness and Boromir is coping with one of life's twisting turns and
caring for a young brother who idolizes him.

When Pipkin writes a story, the Reader listens. It's easy to follow,
full of wonderful detail, and never over-the-top. The Reader takes the
ride along with the characters, no matter where in Middle-earth the
story takes place. A very tender story that includes her two most
beloved characters.

Title: Healing Lessons · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Cross-Cultural:
With Pippin · ID: 296
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-10-10 00:33:10
In this lovely tale, Gimli takes a different, more holistic approach
to Pippin's healing after the War. I admire the research Pearl Took
put into the healing stones, drawn from various expert websites, or
her own vast storehouse of experience. I believe Pearl captures the
spirit of the Professor's own Gimli in this tale, and also others in
which she portrays him. When I first read the story, she truly made me
rethink my characterization of Dwarves and their capability of
healing, and of course, their healing would be found in the very
stones that they mine, nonetheless. A captivating story that is well
worth the read!

Title: Keepsake · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits: Vignette · ID: 256
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-10-10 00:40:57
This is a sweet tale of the last farewells at the Grey Havens. Pippin,
already in tears, is given a special gift by Gandalf the Wizard to
remember him by. We see just how special the gift is when the author
takes on another of Pippin's own journey. The lad's heart already
contains numerous memories of laughter and tears from the Quest, and
the scent of a certain wizard that he loved more like a Grandfather.
This gift given is also in reference to an earlier time in Pippin's
life that is told by another author, but I believe that this story is
the icing on the big cake. Its pure delight to watch Pippin's surprise
and to get a wee glimpse into his heart of hearts as he once again
recalls the adventure of a lifetime. A very tender story, brilliantly
written, and most certainly, a great read!

Title: Of Difficulties and Delicate Situations · Author: Garnet Took ·
Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey Havens · ID: 255
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-10-10 00:46:44
This is a very interesting story told from a slightly different
perspective in that Faramir could quite possibly be an only child,
though not necessarily because Pippin and Diamond did not want any
more children, but perhaps there was another reason that some writers
may have not considered. Though mostly drama, the story gets rather
humourous when Diamond is subject to Pippin's therapy administered by
a very well-known Healer. The story ends happily, yet I wonder about
subsequent attempts by this famous couple. Quite plausible, well
thought-out story, and well done.

Title: Knave of Hearts · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor:
Children · ID: 252
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-10-10 01:06:28
This author has an inherent and amazing gift for making readers laugh
at her hobbits even when placed in the most mundane and common
circumstances. I just love the interactions she portrays between Frodo
and Merry and Baby Pippin and we need not forget the Raspberry Tarts!
With temptation a constant reminder to the little ones, the tarts may
as well be a character, too.

This author always portrays that underlying and undying love between
the cousins in this story and others, however, at such a young age
with regard to Merry, that love can sometimes be tempered with the
typical sibling rivalry towards Pippin, but it's never maliciously
written; her hobbits are always in character. With Grey Wonderer,
there is ever a rhyme and a reason for the comedic element in her
tales and the situaion is always believable.

In this story, Frodo is the typical naiive child-minder while Baby
Pippin really gives the eldest cousin a run for his money. Now that I
think of it, Merry doesn't do a half bad job of it, either. Poor Frodo
is at his wits end by the end of the story. If you want a good laugh,
I highly recommend this most excellent tale.



Title: A Hobbit's Tale · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Poetry: With
Hobbits · ID: 253
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-10-10 01:09:14
This exceptional author truly knows how to write poetry! This one in
particular grabbed my attention from the first line and I simply could
not let go. It weaves the wondrous tale of Bilbo Baggins and how he
recounted his story time and again with the very hobbits whose own
story would be intertwined with his in the not so distant future. I
absolutely loved this poem; it gave me a wistful sensation while
reading it and thinking of Biblo and their own adventure yet to come.
Great timing, great writing. Excellent poem!

Title: Moira · Author: illyria-pffyffin · Races: Hobbits · ID: 676
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-10-10 01:49:55
This is delightful on so many levels. The writing itself is
technically clean and eases the reader along with the beautiful flow
of thoughts and ideas. I love the lines about strengths and weaknesses
and the Hobbits place in the world. very well done.

Title: Friendship of Their Kind · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Early
Third Age: 1-2850 TA · ID: 425
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-10 02:44:43
A well-told tale of three Dunedain Rangers, long before The Hobbit or
LOTR, cleansing a dragon's nest. The tale is remarkable for the
attention to both human nature and the gritty details of the measures
taken, with a slain dragon's dead victims and soon-to-be born young. I
really liked the characterisation; the young Rangers being seasoned by
a messy task, and their wise commander who is compassionate as well as
tough as nails.

Title: Promises to Keep · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Times: Early Third
Age: 1-2850 TA · ID: 321
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-10 02:45:51
Lovely, haunting and sweet, though not cloying. I liked this
explanation for Legolas' name, and of course, his dead grandfather's
blessing. Good characterisation of Thranduil's strong will as well as
his love of family.

Title: Swan Song · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 637
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-10 03:11:17
A lyrical look at a long-ago Prince of Dol Amroth, facing his own
mortality as he stands on his beloved seashore for what he knows is
the last time. The language is gorgeous, capturing the beauty and
power of the sea. The cry of the lone swan is a fateful, elegant touch.

Title: Thirst · Author: sophinisba solis · Races: Hobbits: Vignette ·
ID: 32
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2007-10-10 03:19:12
Beautifully constructed, with the theme of water and drinking tying
the four vignettes together, along with Merry's POV. This story takes
us from Bree to Cormallen, with points in between. Rich in detail,
solid characterization.

Title: Truly Tested · Author: Súlriel · Times: Mid Third Age: 2851 -
3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 257
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2007-10-10 03:20:04
Sickening in its detail, infusing its images with incredible power
even as it shows the contrast between practicing, honing skills, and
actually using what was learned on the battlefield. One of the most
effective drabbles I've seen.

Title: And We Will Travel North · Author: bewize · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 39
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2007-10-10 03:20:23
A nice picture of the relationship between the sons of Elrond and the
future King. [So we will journey with him until he no longer needs us
by his side and that day will be bittersweet.]

Title: Fell Wisdom · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: General Drabble · ID: 323
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2007-10-10 03:21:58
A take on Theoden's mindset that I hadn't considered before, but
plausible.

Title: The Dryad · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: General Drabble · ID: 71
Reviewer: Lindelea · 2007-10-10 03:22:36
Ooo. Taking a glowing word out of one of JRRT's descriptions and
blowing on it until a flame springs forth, nicely done!

I love the description of the dryad's subtle defiance. [Protecting the
Guardians in producing thickets for hiding, foliage for camouflage,
rocks for shelter.]

And the description of Faramir fits the footnote, JRRT's own
description of Faramir's advent, very well. [The first time she saw
him walking into the woods of Ithilien, she knew him for what he was:
a champion to cherish and safeguard the land with endurance, courage
and faith.]