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If I mess up this set, may I go back to bed and start the day over?
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Title: All Lies and Jest · Author: Jael · Races: Elves: With Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 104
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-10 17:30:14
This story raises some important, maybe uncomfortable questions
regarding Tolkien's infamous LaCE essay, and how an Elf of
Middle-earth might view the distant Valar he has never seen.

What if a married couple of Elves is separated by the death of one of
them? Is the other able, or indeed *allowed*, to find happiness again
with another in re-marriage? What about the desire for children when
chance had not allowed such?

The narrative itself presents a likely and very moving case, and
Thranduil's ponderings how best to answer the request had me
sympathise with him.

I enjoyed the snide commentary Oropher wrote on the customs of the
Noldor, a brief spark of laughter in an otherwise sad and haunting story.

Title: And Happily Ever After (A Romantic Interlude) · Author: Unsung
Heroine · Genres: Romance: Second Age or Earlier · ID: 643
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-10 17:30:54
Lyrical prose with a dreamlike quality, that seems to draw a gauzy
veil over the happenings in the narrative.

Nevertheless, the passion and love between the two protagonists is
obvious and sizzling even in its understatedness. The fact that their
love is secret, or, if gossiped about, even frowned upon, makes their
intimacy all the more precious and meaningful. As does the fact that
they try to live in the moment, knowing all to well that beyond it,
there will most likely be *no* happy ending for them.

The brief but beautiful descriptions to set the scene are exactly
right: they set an atmospheric mood, but then leave the readers free
to focus on the character interaction.

Title: Heart of Lamedon · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men: Gondor
Drabble · ID: 288
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-10-10 17:31:35
I have always had a soft spot for Angbor, so I'm glad to get to know
your vision of him.

I loved the beginning, with his indignant questions immediately
bringing to the readers' mind the picture of a proud, forceful man.
["Fearless"], Aragorn will call him later, and yet Angbor admits to
fearing the unknown lurking in the mountains. But admitting to his
fears, and not backing down from them when they manifest before his
eyes, shows a truer kind of courage, as does his will to meet whatever
his fate will be head-on in Minas Tirith.

Angbor calling Aragorn a ["ragged eagle of a man"] raises the
intriguing question of whether he might be old enough to have known
Thorongil, and now recognises him.

Title: The Land of Gift · Author: Maeve Riannon · Times: First Age and
Prior: House of Fingolfin · ID: 108
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-10-10 19:06:16
Maeve calls this story untolkienesque, but I don't agree. The author
gives us a different look at canon and presents us the reader a
fantastic gap filler about the fate of Tuor and Idril. From the start,
the opening and the dialogue captivate the reader: we - just as Tuor -
do not know where we are and as a hook for a story, you truly want to
find out. The conflict within this story shines through on many
levels: the current state of Tuor and Idril's relationship, their
frustration on trying to return to home, and well the difference
between races. After all only Earendil reached Valinor as an Edain and
no pardon for others were given.

I think in this piece Maeve explored what Tolkien ever said about
man/elf unions extremely well, such unions were often ill fated and
this one is not different. What makes this more complicated is that
Idril is an exiled Noldo. Both know Tuor will die; Idril will have to
live on without him and Maeve captures this desperation so well. I
know that the Silmarillion does not state much about their final fate
(besides that Tuor was counted as a man amongst the elves), but this
was a skilful interpretation. I like Maeve's take that both fates are
tied to Númenor, being spirits that can be heard. But oh! The moment
Númenor arose from the seas: that was such a brilliant moment and so
incredibly well written. Magnificent, the land of gift becomes their
gift since they finally meet their destination as ghosts! That gives
me a happy feeling because I know that their spirits will be together
forever. Maeve just knows how to weave in details here and there; the
culmination of the tale is well timed which just shows great
craftsmanship in storytelling!

Title: I'm Your Pain When You Can't Feel · Author: Robinka · Genres:
Drama: General Drabble · ID: 103
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-10-10 19:15:52
Wah! This drabble simply gives me the chills. Finrod is nearly dead,
but instead of being well busy with his own death and the consequences
there off, this drabble shows Finrod's loyalty to the end, not sure of
what Beren will have to endure, even before he dies, he simply tries.
It feels just so fitting that even though Finrod knew his ending was
dark, he would fight to live up to that costly oath's as much as he
could. In that respect, Finrod was not different from his cousins and
you capture that drive extremely well here. Strongly drabbled!



Title: Winds of Change · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance: With
Rohirrim · ID: 228
Reviewer: Lialathuveril · 2007-10-10 19:23:46
One of my favourite stories about Eomer, King of Rohan, and Lothiriel,
Princess of Dol Amroth. Set in the time just after the end of the ring
war, the story is told from Eomer's point of view and takes us through
the time when the victorious armies come back from Cormallen to when
he has to leave for Rohan.

I really liked the interaction between Eomer and his sister, as well
as the introduction of a supporting cast of riders. That one of them
should have lost a leg in the fighting provides a realistic touch and
shows what problems Eomer will have to contend with.

And then of course is the beautiful mystery woman who he thinks is
engaged to Amrothos... The misunderstandings add a touch of humour and
I also liked how Lothiriel is drawn as an engaging young woman who
knows her mind. (Although Eomer doesn't always get it when she
encourages him!)

It's very well written by one of my favourite authors and I look
forward to more Eomer/Lothiriel stories by her.

Title: Measures of Time · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 50
Reviewer: Lialathuveril · 2007-10-10 19:24:27
Well done! A reminder of the heartbreaking consequences of love
between one of the blood of Numenor and a shorter lived mortal.
Although Eowyn's brother Eomer lived to over ninety, so I always
thought (or hoped) that Eowyn would have a long life, too. How human
of her to feel jealous of her own daughter and to feel guilty over it.
And it's nice how you showed that she still holds Faramir's heart and
always will do so.

Title: The Witch-king's Cloak · Author: Radbooks · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 106
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-10-10 19:25:47
This is just hilarious! This bit makes me laugh so hard!

[The one he hated.
The one that was too short.
The one that was not quite black enough.]

And no, it isn't about the Ring, nopes, it is about his cloak. It gets
only better:
[Perhaps he would first go and deal with the spineless little tailor
in Minas Morgul who had made this wretched cloak.]

Okay, that is just... Radbooks, I just love this piece: you capture
the begrudged WK so well, I mean he's so pissed off about the failure
on Weathertop that I can see him stomping around and glowering at
anyone that looks at him. Of course the others have better cloaks ;)
Well it surely explains the ferocity, in which he chased Frodo and
Aragorn, only to get soaked and drenched (in that sense a great
gap-filler!). Let's not hope the cloak doesn't shrink as well
otherwise I just so feel for that tailor! This is a delightful ficlet,
which just cheers you up immensely after a rough day. this was greatly
written Radbooks!

Title: Keeper of the Jewels · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Adventure:
Minas Tirith · ID: 64
Reviewer: Lialathuveril · 2007-10-10 19:32:02
I enjoyed this story very much. The original character from whose
viewpoint most of the story is told has her own view of the world,
coloured by her profession - Artanis is the Keeper of the Jewels at
King Elessar's court. Accordingly she sees the world and the people in
it in shades of precious stones. Artanis to come to term with the loss
of her much loved brother in the war and how that affects her father,
whom she desperately wants to please. As the story unfolds she slowly
begins to question his views and motives and learns to make up her own
mind in the end.

The hobbits who play an important role are as usual well characterized
and likeable, especially Sam and Frodo, while Arwen is suitably
elvish. I also enjoyed the well thought out plot (the mixup over Sam
cutting his finger and the carrier pigeons were a nice touch) and
fitting climax, involving Aragorn falling back on his 'ranger' persona
and rescuing poor Sam.
Most of all what sticks in my mind though is the lyrical and very
poetic style in which the story is written - a trademark of Cuthalion.
Well done!

Title: Where Once My Enemy Stood · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races:
Elves: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 109
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-10-10 19:48:54
This ficlet is one of NiRi's strongest written work out there: it is
nicely written, compact and a good introspective feel for the
character. She crawls under Thranduil's skin and allows us to follow
his reasoning about a tender subject. What are the responsibilities of
a king, towards his heritage, his people, and his own son? I love the
ending, his doubt if he could speak up about his change of heart. NiRi
leaves the end open and lets the reader decide for themselves what
Thranduil will do: will he stand up and say so, or keep this all
private to himself. Well done NiRi!


Title: Strange Stars · Author: Jael · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 120
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-10-10 20:10:02
This story has an intriguing storyline; great characters and explores
the rich Harad culture so well. Besides that, it has dialogue that
should come with a beverage alert…

["That is exactly what Arwen said when I first broached the subject.
And when I persisted in it to the point of inviting you here to
discuss the matter, she . . . Well, I regret to inform you that I am,
at present, sleeping in my dressing room."]

Just the dryness in that statement, poor Aragorn, but Legolas is being
asked to do Gondor a huge favour, and often Legolas shall remind
himself for whom he is doing it. Jael describes two court cultures in
this piece and despite the different customs: they are at its very
core the same. Legolas is in for so many new discoveries and has to
face some very unusual challenges, but he comes out of every single
one of them with a new thing learnt.

Oh the end came way too soon if you ask me! I'd love to see more court
intrigue and what will happen to the Haradrim characters. They really
started to grow on me while I read this story. And ah Legolas, still
keeping his tattoo and feeling the pain & consequences of mortality,
loosing his dear friends eventually. Strange stars is such a great
story, captivating from start to finish.

Title: Sons of the Stars · Author: TrekQueen · Genres: Romance:
Incomplete · ID: 267
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-10-10 21:10:10
Sons of the stars starts out with this genuine Star trek feeling.
Picard has an off day and crashes on an unknown planet (why isn't the
computer system giving such unhelpful solutions? Hah, so truly ST: the
next generation!). The whole crash is written so vividly and TrekQueen
continues with Picard waking up. The floating strange words combined
with the injuries suffered… its so well done and vividly written, this
fabulous writing doesn't stop there! To Picard it just feels like
another m-class planet, but all will change soon for him as he meets
their care takers and slowly falls in love. It just happens gradually
from where he just awaits for his crew to find him soon to where he
becomes one of those who live in Rivendell. What I so love about this
wip is how these two worlds merge, and why we would feel helpless in a
Sindarin settlement when we don't have a communicator nearby that
helps us understanding those around us. Just don't loose it in the
water Picard! Argh! There I said it.

The tie-in between these two well cultures is well done, this combined
with their personal background, I just can't wait to see what happens
next: Picard has his own struggles whereas Elrond is trying to get
used to his own created stronghold and lordship that comes along with
it. This combined with the occasional cameo of Glorfindel and Erestor
(probably the most commonly slashed couple ;)): it makes the story
captivating with great dialogue and beautiful narrative. I am always
looking forward to the next installment especially now that the plot
thickens even more!

Title: The Minstrel to the War Is Gone · Author: Pentangle · Races:
Elves: With Mirkwood Elves · ID: 813
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-10-11 01:15:08
This story has an unusual pairing of main characters. Legolas
accompanies Lindir, the Minstrel of Imladris, to Lothlorien. On the
way they are ambushed by bandits and through a bit of bad luck Legolas
is captured while Lindir remains free. I like the way the relationship
between Legolas and Lindir is portrayed. Lindir feels inferior, since
he is no warrior, but he still devises a plan to try to save Legolas
or at least stall the bandits from killing him until help can arrive.
His solution is unique and cost him dearly. They both survive, but it
takes a long time for the wounds to heal. I loved the bits of humor in
an otherwise dark tale, especially Glorfindel's no nonsense approach
to Legolas' and Lindir's avoidance tactics when dealing with the
aftermath of their ordeal.

Title: More than Meets the Eye · Author: Dadgad · Genres: Humor: The
Shire or Buckland · ID: 128
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-10-11 02:28:57
A delightful tale narrated from the point of view of the twins in
which they tell their surprised father that Hobbits are not as
helpless as they look. The hobbit tactics for repelling Orcs are both
effective and highly amusing as well as unexppected.

Title: The Beginning of a Wonderful Friendship · Author: Imhiriel ·
Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 629
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-11 02:41:22
An impolite remark by Finrod overheard by Celeborn in Doriath leads to
a fateful meeting - intriguing vignette. I like the use of the
presence of Luthien. The story could easily be expanded, but is also
fine at its present length.

Title: The Dancer · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Minas Tirith ·
ID: 150
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2007-10-11 05:18:17
"The Dancer" is a bittersweet portrayal of Denethor at various points
of his life, as seen through the eyes of a Gondorian noblewoman. The
protaganist Irilde pines for Denethor, originally a friend of her
brothers, with all the futility of unrequited love. Through her we
learn that the man who became the icy and formidible Steward of Gondor
was once handsome and considerate--and appreciative of a woman's
intelligence as well as her beauty. And he could dance! What a great
catch.

But catching Denethor was not Irilde's fate.

I'm glad that Annmarwalk gave Irilde a life after the sad reveal that
marriage with Denethor was not to be. Her dreams were wrecked but her
life went on, and was fulfilled in ways she could not have imagined
while she pined without hope for Denethor.

Title: In the Waiting · Author: Altariel · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 392
Reviewer: phyloxena · 2007-10-11 05:34:41
It's my favorite Faramir moment, and this short ficlet is practically
a poem. I'm not sure I agree with the notion that Faramir would think
mostly of his father; but then again, in the ruling family it's not
just family matter.

Title: A Game of Chess · Author: Altariel · Genres: Romance: Gondor ·
ID: 609
Reviewer: phyloxena · 2007-10-11 05:37:26
First, great story. Second, very disagreeable. Third, still great.

The whole idea of the story is very uncomfortable to me. I could
barely believe Faramir would suffer from PTSD, even less in abusive
Denethor, and the whole family violence issue in AGoC seems to me too
modern. And father-figure-ish, hair cutting Aragorn. And small
neurotic mannerisms, ring-twisting and nail-gnawing, to the boot. That
said, every character is very credible, and fits in what little is
told about characters' introspections ITB. I reread AGoC two times
after being irritated and miserable with the whole thing, and now I'm
rereading it the third time, finding more and more little precious
details. The story is very well told, compelling and consistent, and
made me trust it even as I wish it didn't. I almost cried at some
particularly cruel to Faramir moment.

Reading AGoC is like reading an original story. The only thing from
LotR one absolutely has to know to appreciate AGoC is a description of
the battle on outwalls; there is no use to magic, there is nothing
Elvish about the Queen, no need to know more than mentioned here and
there in AGOC about the politics and history of Gondor; AGoC stands
very well on it's own. I believe it's a praise.

My favorite line in AGoC is "vacuous and vain"; it is a jewel itself,
and Faramir gets to show his anger, at least once.

Title: From the Sea · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Times: First Age and
Prior: House of Fingolfin · ID: 113
Reviewer: Robinka · 2007-10-11 07:38:22
A thoughtful and nicely written take on the meeting of Tuor and Idril.
I particularly like the change in Tuor's reception of Gondolin when he
met Turgon's daughter and the detailed description of the city, which
he found overwhelming at first. A very well done short story.

Title: Of the Silmarils · Author: Isil Elensar · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 111
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-10-11 09:33:46
This ficlet series is very strongly written, Fëanor's voice and
thoughts make my skin crawl when I read it. At first sight, the theme
seems to be about the creation of the jewels in three stages: the
gathering and selection of the material, the making of them, and the
final product. Isil does a great job here in conveying Fëanor's
intentions and thoughts. Fëanor himself changes over time and by
selecting these moments, Isil illustrates how such a mighty elf could
have fallen for lies and deceit. Because that is another layer to this
series, that Isil has woven into it; the fall of the Noldor and the
corruption of their minds by Melkor as he walked amongst them.

When the reader looks closely at the drabbles within this series
again, you can see how this was done. In the first drabble Fënaor's
mind is fully devoted to his craft and the possibility that the Valar
and others would marvel at his craftsmanship, the second drabble shows
the outrage of Fëanor when the Valar seemingly started to covet them.
And then at the end, such a great foreshadowing of what is to come and
the damage is truly done. Then there is a fourth and a fifth layer
that can be noticed in this piece: the fate of the jewels change by
drabble, from simple creations to awe the Valar, with the intent to
create a piece of craft to the set of Jewels that would change the
fate of Arda an the elves forever. In this piece the reader can also
sense how the mindset of the Valar changed in these three drabbles:
first a simple creation, until it came into being to the
possessiveness and ignoring the true ownership of the Jewels: Fëanor
himself. Now all of this is just not done in a novel, oh no! Moreover,
that makes this piece so outstanding to me: in 300 words. It is not so
easy to convey such depths and themes in a drabble series. Simply wow
Isil!

Title: Thoughts in the Night · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 479
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-10-11 15:12:02
I always enjoy stories told from a new perspective. It was intriquing
to see these familiar events with fresh eyes, and I liked that the
narrator had a curious nature, like Pippin's.

Title: The Three Hunters · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Adventure ·
ID: 333
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-11 15:39:41
This is a most enjoyable look at a ... surprisingly hobbit-free
group!! (Except, of course, that hobbits, if not present in body, are
present in three very determined minds. Good flashback to exhausted
and hungry hobbits. Of course, their stress about Frodo wouldn't have
allowed them to be in first class condition even if they had been fed
and transported in a pumpkin coach. But you can see why Aragorn is
desperate to catch up with Merry and Pippin and do his best to
retrieve them.

I enjoyed seeing Legolas remember his time up a tree with Pippin! He
and Pippin seem to have developed a good relationship. I like him
appreciating the young hobbit's intelligence and enterprise - and
working beyond that to realising that Merry was all right (to a
certain definition of all right) if Pippin was able to consider
leaving clues. And Legolas knows that the hobbits may not be big, but
they have resources of their own. Mind you, I would have liked to see
Pippin with a bow! And perhaps Legolas and Pippin can indulge their
musical talents in Cormallen and beyond. Legolas is right. The younger
hobbits not being all right is unthinkable!

And I love the way the hobbits have crept into Gimli's heart! Failure
here is indeed unthinkable. Gimli is the most likely one to have
noticed the unexpected growth spurt! After all - the difference
probably isn't that great to a Dunadan and an elf. The three must have
been hugely relieved to get the hobbits back largely undamaged - so
relieved, probably, that they didn't really notice how they have
changed. Yet.

Good story!



Title: When Day is Done · Author: Dana · Genres: Alternate Universe ·
ID: 23
Reviewer: PipMer · 2007-10-11 15:49:57
I was blown away by this story. I originally found it through
Marigold's Recommendations, and it truly was a treat to read. The
vivid descriptions are reminiscent of Tolkien's own, and in some
places it was hard to tell the author's words from Tolkien's! It was
that good.

This is an AU in which Merry and Pippin accompany Frodo instead of Sam
into Mordor. I found it comforting that the three cousins would stick
together through it all. It was an interesting exploration of what
might have been. Now I can hardly wait to see the Sam AU that is
supposed to come out of this!

Title: A Passing Troll · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Humor: The
Shire or Buckland · ID: 210
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-11 15:52:35
Poor troll. Who'd have thought you could feel more pity for a troll
than for a hobbit? But any troll with Hyacinth gurgling in his innards
would certainly welcome being petrified! It would definitely be the
best option, by far. For Hyacinth is - most emphatically - one of the
most unpleasant hobbits in your entire version of the Shire.

And I must say that I love Ludo and Euphhorbia's not-quite-secret
relief at being rid of her festering presence! Their lives have most
certainly looked up.

This is such a fun story. In a slightly gruesome, but more than
understandable sort of way!


Title: The Adventures of Frodo Gardner · Author: Dreamdeer · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Incomplete · ID: 25
Reviewer: PipMer · 2007-10-11 15:53:40
This is another story that I found through Marigold's Recommendations.
It is an interesting take on what might have happened to Frodo Gardner
if he had been sent to Mordor in order to replenish the soil there
with his gardening skills. There is plenty of action and adventure in
this story, as well as vivid descriptions of the landscape of Mordor.
I was pulled into this story and could not stop reading it. It is a
work of art.