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Msg# 8411
MEFA Reviews for November 13, 2007 (Part 1) Posted by Ann November 13, 2007 - 4:40:33 Topic ID# 8411Title: The River of Stars · Author: Marta · Races: Men: General
Drabble · ID: 412
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-28 07:14:38
The theme of Numenor Uber Alles resonates loudly and sadly in the
Kin-Strife, to the detriment of all Gondor; as this deftly written
drabble testifies. Marta reprises, in her own brief and telling words,
Tolkien's theme that change should not and cannot always be fought;
and those who would tear apart a land to hold it do not necessarily
deserve to keep it.
Title: New Life · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: General Drabble · ID: 686
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-10-28 09:19:32
[spoilers]
A touching look at Elrond's farewell to his daughter.
I especially liked the link between ripening corn and new life with
the NEW Age that Arwen is now part of.We know this union will be
fruitful and worthwhile whatever the cost for Elrond.
Title: Duty and Devotion · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 411
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-10-28 09:25:07
[spoilers]
I found this drabble interesting and thought provoking though it
differs from my personal views of Beregond's decision to help Faramir.
Title: Circumstances · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 621
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-10-28 09:31:47
[spoilers]
An interesting look at Aragorn as Denethor's sisters ponder the
mysterious captain who has won their father's favour.I enjoyed their
speculations and how far off they were! It seems,they are not immune
to Thorongil's charms,ut who could not be?
Title: The Smile That Wins · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 258
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-10-28 09:35:35
[spoilers]
A very enjoyable drabble as Faramir ponders the mystery of the lady he
has recently met and wonders if she can be wooed and won.I love his
patience in trying to understand her. Very well written.
Title: Don't Be Deceived · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 351
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-10-28 12:30:42
Imhiriel pulls off a neat bit of misdirection in this drabble by
combining two bits of paralleled canon. I was definitely deceived for
the first few lines. Well done!
Title: The Smile That Wins · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 258
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-10-28 12:32:26
Marta has produced an insightful drabble about the start of Faramir
and Eowyn's relationship in which the notions she gives us say as much
about Faramir as they do Eowyn. Summer lightning is a wonderful
metaphor for Eowyn's quickness, brightness, strength and power, and
it's very perceptive of Faramir to see that. And, having just escaped
from the literal and metaphorical "fire" of his relationship with
Denethor, I can see him being afraid of putting himself in anyone's
power, and interpreting that power as "fire" - even though he's
clearly already completely smitten by her and it's too late. Very nice
use of language and culture here, too. Well done!
Title: Iron to Iron · Author: mrkinch · Times: Second Age: Drabble ·
ID: 662
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-10-28 12:42:42
The drabble about the Silmarils – from the perspective of the jewels
themselves – is a diamond in its own right. I love the sense of
fierceness conveyed here, fitting for something made of energy, as
well as the insight into Feanor's character evident in his attitude
towards and treatment of the jewels. Very well done!
Title: The Inner Light · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 236
Reviewer: Doc Bushwell · 2007-10-28 14:39:19
It is fitting that I write this review of [The Inner Light] in the
waning of the year, because that is what Rhapsody captures so well in
this story: the autumn of the Noldor in Middle-earth as told through
the voice of Erestor. This atmospheric piece inexorably pulls the
reader into the palpable sense of regret and loss experienced by the
Eldar as written by Tolkien.
Rhapsody develops Erestor as a fully realized character within a short
story. His loyalty to - and love for - his lieges, past and present,
are clearly illuminated. As he recalls his life from Fëanáro's
rallying of the Noldor in Aman to the Third Age, Rhapsody's
characterization of Erestor serves a touchstone for the history of the
Noldor in Middle-earth.
Rhapsody effectively paints Erestor as world-weary, having witnessed
far too much grief in his life, yet he does not wallow in his sorrow,
but carries on by virtue of his intense loyalty. Juxtaposing Erestor
with Elrond's sons nicely conveys a sense of age for this Noldorin exile.
Rhapsody invokes powerful images with deft strokes. For example: [Lord
Fëanor shone as a fierce beacon in the dark that suddenly fell on us.]
In a single sentence, the uncertainty and fear of the Noldor are
conveyed, and Fëanor is shown as their hope and rallying point in
bewildering darkness. There are others, too, notably the aftermath of
Glaurung's conflagration. That moved this typically cynical and less
than sentimental reader to tears.
Rhapsody's pen name is apt. She writes with a lyrical style, and to
this reader, [The Inner Light] has the quality of a dream, a nod to
the state of mind invoked by the elvish minstrels. Erestor's song of
loss, loyalty and hope comes highly recommended.
Title: A Game of Chess · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble
· ID: 605
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 15:23:24
Ha! Cunning Thorongil - he's learned a lot from living with elves.
Denethor might not find himself doing quite as well in this game as he
expects - and might well end up wondering just how the Captain managed
to get ahead. Very entertaining.
Title: Decorum · Author: Larner · Genres: Humor: The Shire or Buckland
· ID: 59
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 15:33:08
Naughty Frodo - to tease his well-intentioned and respectable aunt
like that! Perhaps the lessons he is learning from his
rather-less-respectable Uncle Bilbo are not quite the ones she would
want passed on to the impressionable younger generation.
Or perhaps she does understand, after all, that the most important
gift you can give is love and that manners are just a way of showing it.
Title: Darkness Visible · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 725
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 15:37:19
Very evocative. And multisensory, too. I like the appeals to touch and
taste.
Title: Winds of Change · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance: With
Rohirrim · ID: 228
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 15:47:54
I like your different approaches to the romance of Eomer and
Lothiriel. It's rather fun to have Eomer inclined to lose his heart
all unknowing - even if the sheer political practicalities push him
towards Imrahil's daughter. And I'm glad to see Eowyn has good sibling
manipulation skills and Eomer reacts just as his sister (and half the
Gondorian court) want him to. But at least he thinks it's his own choice.
Another enjoyable Lothiriel/Eomer story.
Title: Reconcilation · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama · ID: 86
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 15:54:44
Oh yes! I loved this story. Poor Peloren and Elethil - I am not at all
sure that those dismissed from the esquires didn't have the easier
sentence. These two are still struggling with the penalties for what
they were involved in. So, really, is Andrahar - a fact that might, in
the end, strengthen their relationship.
I was worried for Peloren - but more worried for Elethil. I was fairly
sure he was going to end up a victim of institutional bullying in the
name of brotherhood and was glad that it wasn't as bad as I suspected.
It's a good thing that the Princes of Dol Amroth are, on the whole, a
wise, determined and perceptive bunch - they do a good job at running
a paternalistic princedom and looking after their dependents.
Most enjoyable.
Title: Tom Cotton · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey
Havens · ID: 774
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 15:59:23
Tom is perceptive, isn't he? He understands the closeness between
those who left and returned - and their sorrow at the loss of one of
the four. It must seem odd to him for his childhood companion to be
more closely bonded to the gentlehobbits than to his double
brother-in-law. It's good of him to hold back - and to hold on. I'm
sure Sam appreciates his loyalty.
Title: Temptation · Author: Linda hoyland · Times: Mid Third Age: 2851
- 3017 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 419
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 16:05:03
It must have been hard on Aragorn to wait forty years for his
betrothed. Sixty, if you count his Luthien-and-Beren moment. But he is
strong and resolute - and kind, too, to save the girl from her master.
One who knows that truth is more important than appearance, since his
actions could be misconstrued by any watcher.
Title: Stricken From the Book · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: The
Shire · ID: 348
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 16:09:21
Poor Frodo. The worst of his injuries weren't physical, really. Much
deeper and harder to heal.
I'm glad Fosco reinstated him. The Shirefolk needed that, even if it
no longer mattered one whit to Frodo himself.
Title: A Dragon in Buckland · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Mystery ·
ID: 206
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 16:15:08
I like omniscient Aunt Esmeralda, knowing all the time that Pippin was
involved. And of course Merry couldn't keep out of it entirely - not
once he cottoned on. He had to make sure his little cousin was safe.
Mind you, Pippin is devious enough for anything. He did a good job on
the bullies, without even touching them. Nothing like making a lad wet
himself to bring him down a peg or ten. Great fun!
Title: Before the Gate · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 704
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-10-28 17:56:34
Nice fleshing out of this moment. I could totally see this happening,
and liked the way you got across the connection between the brothers.
Title: Mighty among both Elves and Men · Author: Tanaqui · Times:
Multi-Age: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 606
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-10-28 17:56:41
[spoilers]
There are some really great moments in each of these drabbles. I
particularly liked Elrond's meeting with Tom Bombadil and Cirdan's
reasoning for giving his ring to Gandalf rather than to Saruman. Some
very nice gapfillers throughout. And at a higher level, the drabble
series as a whole works admirably well, showing how Elrond both
remains the same essential character but is changed by what happens
over the years. Fans of drabble series won't want to miss this one.
Title: The Use of a Good Bit of Chain · Author: bodldops · Races:
Hobbits: Vignette · ID: 344
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-10-28 17:56:47
This is a touching story, getting at the heart of hobbit generosity
and the way small choices have big affects. Nice work!
Title: And We Danced · Author: Phyncke · Times: First Age and Prior:
House of Fingolfin · ID: 110
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-10-28 21:24:30
[this review contains spoilers]
This short story sparkles with energy and is filled with vivid
descriptions. The tale takes place during the siege of Angband and all
feel a bit freer to truly enjoy their stay in the lands of Beleriand,
but the tension of a possible threat is there. I like the way how
Phyncke gave us insight in both Fingon's and Aegnor's private life by
means of a diary fragments. By using this technique, both characters
have such distinct voices in this piece, while at the same time we get
the chance to see and experience intimate things through their eyes.
With this the author also gives us insight in how the two different
houses arranged their business as in traditions, positions, and etiquette.
The story has a gentle pacing, it is very atmospheric with a fine
balance between action and relaxation, new discoveries and memories of
old. Moreover it comes with a sad touch of foreshadowing at the end,
knowing what is to come you just grant them this joyful winter together.
The parallel with the dancing festivities and the end of the hunt
(especially given the first encounter) was very cleverly written as
the intent of Aegnor becomes clear at the end as both lie there so
peacefully. This is a magnificent short story where the members
belonging to the houses of Fingolfin and Finarfin meet and well dance
before fate strikes again.
Title: The Blessing · Author: Golden/Pearl Took CoAuthors · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Incomplete · ID: 235
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-10-29 00:40:16
This is a work in progress by Pearl Took and Golden, so I won't give
away too many details. Pearl and Golden have taken yet another view of
the gap the Professor left open with regard to Pippin being crushed by
the Troll at the last stand before the Black Gate. The difference in
this tale is that they are delving deep into a more realistic view of
what probably transpired in the wake of the incident. Using Golden's
professional skills and experiences, Pippin is portrayed with maladies
that are more chronic, life-threatening, and forcing the lad to
readjust himself to life, and for his friends to readjust themselves
to him. And life will no longer be the same for Pippin, unlike how the
Professor left him. A very tender story, well crafted, and an absolute
delight to read.
I cannot say enough about the talents of Pearl Took and that of
Golden, as well. I am more familiar with Pearl's works and have yet to
be disappointed with any of her stories. This story, like her others,
captures the reader from the very start and won't let go. If anyone
has missed this story so far, I encourage them to catch this wonderful
tale in progress.
Title: An Alphabet for Middle-earth · Author: Dreamflower · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 231
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-10-29 01:01:42
This is an amazing take that Dreamflower used in that each letter of
the alphabet is used to create a title for story. As a result, this
"volume" contains 26 individuall stories that portray an array of
characters, from Eru to Elves to Men, Dwarves, and finally the
Hobbits. She doesn't limit herself to only one genre or Race, and
nearly every conceivable type of story is offered; vignette, drabbles,
poetry, and a fulll variety of wonderful short stories. I looked
forward to reading the next chapter, as the title is what usually
tickled my fancy. My favourites Letters, naturally, were M and P.
And I was never disappointed with any tale and Dreamflower's talent
never wavers. An absolute delight to read.
Title: The princess from the sea : a Gondorian fairy-tale · Author:
Fawsley · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 652
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-29 03:44:28
This is a very smoothly written fairytale version of Denethor and
Finduilas' courtship; as gentle and lovely as the daughter of Dol
Amroth herself. A unique and elegant version of what had to be a
singular romance. Well done!
Drabble · ID: 412
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-28 07:14:38
The theme of Numenor Uber Alles resonates loudly and sadly in the
Kin-Strife, to the detriment of all Gondor; as this deftly written
drabble testifies. Marta reprises, in her own brief and telling words,
Tolkien's theme that change should not and cannot always be fought;
and those who would tear apart a land to hold it do not necessarily
deserve to keep it.
Title: New Life · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: General Drabble · ID: 686
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-10-28 09:19:32
[spoilers]
A touching look at Elrond's farewell to his daughter.
I especially liked the link between ripening corn and new life with
the NEW Age that Arwen is now part of.We know this union will be
fruitful and worthwhile whatever the cost for Elrond.
Title: Duty and Devotion · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 411
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-10-28 09:25:07
[spoilers]
I found this drabble interesting and thought provoking though it
differs from my personal views of Beregond's decision to help Faramir.
Title: Circumstances · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 621
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-10-28 09:31:47
[spoilers]
An interesting look at Aragorn as Denethor's sisters ponder the
mysterious captain who has won their father's favour.I enjoyed their
speculations and how far off they were! It seems,they are not immune
to Thorongil's charms,ut who could not be?
Title: The Smile That Wins · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 258
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-10-28 09:35:35
[spoilers]
A very enjoyable drabble as Faramir ponders the mystery of the lady he
has recently met and wonders if she can be wooed and won.I love his
patience in trying to understand her. Very well written.
Title: Don't Be Deceived · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 351
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-10-28 12:30:42
Imhiriel pulls off a neat bit of misdirection in this drabble by
combining two bits of paralleled canon. I was definitely deceived for
the first few lines. Well done!
Title: The Smile That Wins · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 258
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-10-28 12:32:26
Marta has produced an insightful drabble about the start of Faramir
and Eowyn's relationship in which the notions she gives us say as much
about Faramir as they do Eowyn. Summer lightning is a wonderful
metaphor for Eowyn's quickness, brightness, strength and power, and
it's very perceptive of Faramir to see that. And, having just escaped
from the literal and metaphorical "fire" of his relationship with
Denethor, I can see him being afraid of putting himself in anyone's
power, and interpreting that power as "fire" - even though he's
clearly already completely smitten by her and it's too late. Very nice
use of language and culture here, too. Well done!
Title: Iron to Iron · Author: mrkinch · Times: Second Age: Drabble ·
ID: 662
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-10-28 12:42:42
The drabble about the Silmarils – from the perspective of the jewels
themselves – is a diamond in its own right. I love the sense of
fierceness conveyed here, fitting for something made of energy, as
well as the insight into Feanor's character evident in his attitude
towards and treatment of the jewels. Very well done!
Title: The Inner Light · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 236
Reviewer: Doc Bushwell · 2007-10-28 14:39:19
It is fitting that I write this review of [The Inner Light] in the
waning of the year, because that is what Rhapsody captures so well in
this story: the autumn of the Noldor in Middle-earth as told through
the voice of Erestor. This atmospheric piece inexorably pulls the
reader into the palpable sense of regret and loss experienced by the
Eldar as written by Tolkien.
Rhapsody develops Erestor as a fully realized character within a short
story. His loyalty to - and love for - his lieges, past and present,
are clearly illuminated. As he recalls his life from Fëanáro's
rallying of the Noldor in Aman to the Third Age, Rhapsody's
characterization of Erestor serves a touchstone for the history of the
Noldor in Middle-earth.
Rhapsody effectively paints Erestor as world-weary, having witnessed
far too much grief in his life, yet he does not wallow in his sorrow,
but carries on by virtue of his intense loyalty. Juxtaposing Erestor
with Elrond's sons nicely conveys a sense of age for this Noldorin exile.
Rhapsody invokes powerful images with deft strokes. For example: [Lord
Fëanor shone as a fierce beacon in the dark that suddenly fell on us.]
In a single sentence, the uncertainty and fear of the Noldor are
conveyed, and Fëanor is shown as their hope and rallying point in
bewildering darkness. There are others, too, notably the aftermath of
Glaurung's conflagration. That moved this typically cynical and less
than sentimental reader to tears.
Rhapsody's pen name is apt. She writes with a lyrical style, and to
this reader, [The Inner Light] has the quality of a dream, a nod to
the state of mind invoked by the elvish minstrels. Erestor's song of
loss, loyalty and hope comes highly recommended.
Title: A Game of Chess · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble
· ID: 605
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 15:23:24
Ha! Cunning Thorongil - he's learned a lot from living with elves.
Denethor might not find himself doing quite as well in this game as he
expects - and might well end up wondering just how the Captain managed
to get ahead. Very entertaining.
Title: Decorum · Author: Larner · Genres: Humor: The Shire or Buckland
· ID: 59
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 15:33:08
Naughty Frodo - to tease his well-intentioned and respectable aunt
like that! Perhaps the lessons he is learning from his
rather-less-respectable Uncle Bilbo are not quite the ones she would
want passed on to the impressionable younger generation.
Or perhaps she does understand, after all, that the most important
gift you can give is love and that manners are just a way of showing it.
Title: Darkness Visible · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 725
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 15:37:19
Very evocative. And multisensory, too. I like the appeals to touch and
taste.
Title: Winds of Change · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance: With
Rohirrim · ID: 228
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 15:47:54
I like your different approaches to the romance of Eomer and
Lothiriel. It's rather fun to have Eomer inclined to lose his heart
all unknowing - even if the sheer political practicalities push him
towards Imrahil's daughter. And I'm glad to see Eowyn has good sibling
manipulation skills and Eomer reacts just as his sister (and half the
Gondorian court) want him to. But at least he thinks it's his own choice.
Another enjoyable Lothiriel/Eomer story.
Title: Reconcilation · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama · ID: 86
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 15:54:44
Oh yes! I loved this story. Poor Peloren and Elethil - I am not at all
sure that those dismissed from the esquires didn't have the easier
sentence. These two are still struggling with the penalties for what
they were involved in. So, really, is Andrahar - a fact that might, in
the end, strengthen their relationship.
I was worried for Peloren - but more worried for Elethil. I was fairly
sure he was going to end up a victim of institutional bullying in the
name of brotherhood and was glad that it wasn't as bad as I suspected.
It's a good thing that the Princes of Dol Amroth are, on the whole, a
wise, determined and perceptive bunch - they do a good job at running
a paternalistic princedom and looking after their dependents.
Most enjoyable.
Title: Tom Cotton · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey
Havens · ID: 774
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 15:59:23
Tom is perceptive, isn't he? He understands the closeness between
those who left and returned - and their sorrow at the loss of one of
the four. It must seem odd to him for his childhood companion to be
more closely bonded to the gentlehobbits than to his double
brother-in-law. It's good of him to hold back - and to hold on. I'm
sure Sam appreciates his loyalty.
Title: Temptation · Author: Linda hoyland · Times: Mid Third Age: 2851
- 3017 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 419
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 16:05:03
It must have been hard on Aragorn to wait forty years for his
betrothed. Sixty, if you count his Luthien-and-Beren moment. But he is
strong and resolute - and kind, too, to save the girl from her master.
One who knows that truth is more important than appearance, since his
actions could be misconstrued by any watcher.
Title: Stricken From the Book · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: The
Shire · ID: 348
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 16:09:21
Poor Frodo. The worst of his injuries weren't physical, really. Much
deeper and harder to heal.
I'm glad Fosco reinstated him. The Shirefolk needed that, even if it
no longer mattered one whit to Frodo himself.
Title: A Dragon in Buckland · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Mystery ·
ID: 206
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-10-28 16:15:08
I like omniscient Aunt Esmeralda, knowing all the time that Pippin was
involved. And of course Merry couldn't keep out of it entirely - not
once he cottoned on. He had to make sure his little cousin was safe.
Mind you, Pippin is devious enough for anything. He did a good job on
the bullies, without even touching them. Nothing like making a lad wet
himself to bring him down a peg or ten. Great fun!
Title: Before the Gate · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 704
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-10-28 17:56:34
Nice fleshing out of this moment. I could totally see this happening,
and liked the way you got across the connection between the brothers.
Title: Mighty among both Elves and Men · Author: Tanaqui · Times:
Multi-Age: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 606
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-10-28 17:56:41
[spoilers]
There are some really great moments in each of these drabbles. I
particularly liked Elrond's meeting with Tom Bombadil and Cirdan's
reasoning for giving his ring to Gandalf rather than to Saruman. Some
very nice gapfillers throughout. And at a higher level, the drabble
series as a whole works admirably well, showing how Elrond both
remains the same essential character but is changed by what happens
over the years. Fans of drabble series won't want to miss this one.
Title: The Use of a Good Bit of Chain · Author: bodldops · Races:
Hobbits: Vignette · ID: 344
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-10-28 17:56:47
This is a touching story, getting at the heart of hobbit generosity
and the way small choices have big affects. Nice work!
Title: And We Danced · Author: Phyncke · Times: First Age and Prior:
House of Fingolfin · ID: 110
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-10-28 21:24:30
[this review contains spoilers]
This short story sparkles with energy and is filled with vivid
descriptions. The tale takes place during the siege of Angband and all
feel a bit freer to truly enjoy their stay in the lands of Beleriand,
but the tension of a possible threat is there. I like the way how
Phyncke gave us insight in both Fingon's and Aegnor's private life by
means of a diary fragments. By using this technique, both characters
have such distinct voices in this piece, while at the same time we get
the chance to see and experience intimate things through their eyes.
With this the author also gives us insight in how the two different
houses arranged their business as in traditions, positions, and etiquette.
The story has a gentle pacing, it is very atmospheric with a fine
balance between action and relaxation, new discoveries and memories of
old. Moreover it comes with a sad touch of foreshadowing at the end,
knowing what is to come you just grant them this joyful winter together.
The parallel with the dancing festivities and the end of the hunt
(especially given the first encounter) was very cleverly written as
the intent of Aegnor becomes clear at the end as both lie there so
peacefully. This is a magnificent short story where the members
belonging to the houses of Fingolfin and Finarfin meet and well dance
before fate strikes again.
Title: The Blessing · Author: Golden/Pearl Took CoAuthors · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Incomplete · ID: 235
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-10-29 00:40:16
This is a work in progress by Pearl Took and Golden, so I won't give
away too many details. Pearl and Golden have taken yet another view of
the gap the Professor left open with regard to Pippin being crushed by
the Troll at the last stand before the Black Gate. The difference in
this tale is that they are delving deep into a more realistic view of
what probably transpired in the wake of the incident. Using Golden's
professional skills and experiences, Pippin is portrayed with maladies
that are more chronic, life-threatening, and forcing the lad to
readjust himself to life, and for his friends to readjust themselves
to him. And life will no longer be the same for Pippin, unlike how the
Professor left him. A very tender story, well crafted, and an absolute
delight to read.
I cannot say enough about the talents of Pearl Took and that of
Golden, as well. I am more familiar with Pearl's works and have yet to
be disappointed with any of her stories. This story, like her others,
captures the reader from the very start and won't let go. If anyone
has missed this story so far, I encourage them to catch this wonderful
tale in progress.
Title: An Alphabet for Middle-earth · Author: Dreamflower · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 231
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-10-29 01:01:42
This is an amazing take that Dreamflower used in that each letter of
the alphabet is used to create a title for story. As a result, this
"volume" contains 26 individuall stories that portray an array of
characters, from Eru to Elves to Men, Dwarves, and finally the
Hobbits. She doesn't limit herself to only one genre or Race, and
nearly every conceivable type of story is offered; vignette, drabbles,
poetry, and a fulll variety of wonderful short stories. I looked
forward to reading the next chapter, as the title is what usually
tickled my fancy. My favourites Letters, naturally, were M and P.
And I was never disappointed with any tale and Dreamflower's talent
never wavers. An absolute delight to read.
Title: The princess from the sea : a Gondorian fairy-tale · Author:
Fawsley · Genres: Alternate Universe · ID: 652
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-10-29 03:44:28
This is a very smoothly written fairytale version of Denethor and
Finduilas' courtship; as gentle and lovely as the daughter of Dol
Amroth herself. A unique and elegant version of what had to be a
singular romance. Well done!
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