Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Answers and Questions · Author: Peredhil lover · Genres: Drama:
Youth · ID: 189
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-01 17:51:22
I liked the frank explanation that Elrohir gave regarding Elladan's
behaviour towards Estel. Most fanfic that I have read involving the
twins and Estel have them all three very close and I found the reasons
behind Elladan's distance and fault-finding to be very logical. It
must have been terribly hard for an elf to lose one mortal friend
after another.

Thinking about this made me consider various aspects of Aragorn's
later relationship with Legolas and it become suddenly much clearer to
me why Legolas waited for Aragorn's death to cross over the Sea - he
didn't want to miss one moment of the life of a mortal that he had
become deeply attached to. I really enjoy it when a fic makes me think
about various points in canon that I had not previously considered too
deeply before.

Title: Erestor and Estel: Hidden · Author: Pentangle · Genres: Drama:
Youth · ID: 167
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-01 18:08:08
I really enjoyed the relationship between these two! Even at such a
young age Estel has learned to see the truth of a person's heart and
worth beneath their outward appearance.

This story also made me think about what sort of life a young active
boy would have had among the elves - certainly not all of them were
grave and aloof but still I still can't imagine Imladris as a place
where a child would be encouraged often to whoop and run about. It was
very easy to picture him in this story, engaging in the quiet pastimes
of the elves yet choosing to do so in companionship with one he
considers a friend.


Title: Regrets and Consolations · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama:
Youth · ID: 430
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-01 18:49:54
The descriptiveness of this story is just wonderful - everything from
dress to surroundings. The characters and their appearance and
emotions are described clearly, colourfully and in marvellous detail
and yet the descriptions are not overdone; they enhance the telling of
the tale rather than distract from it. I particularly liked the way
that Merry is drawn here. Though he is still largely inarticulate we
know all about him from the excellent descriptions of his cheery
nature and appearance, both before and after the incident in question.

The relationships between the characters is well done too and the plot
a very believable one. Near disasters like this one can happen to any
small child and I thought that the reactions of all of the characters
very well done.

I also liked the workings of Brandy Hall in this story. I have always
thought the Brandybucks, including the Master and his family, to be
very hands-on, self-sufficient hobbits and I find it quite believable
that Saradoc and Frodo are busy in the fields along with the other
workers and that Esmie is in charge of the accounts - I can imagine
that the Brandybucks have quite a number of investments, not to
mention the outgoing funds needed to support the Hall.

I liked this story very much!




Title: Blooded · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Youth · ID: 3
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-01 19:06:07
How sad for Faramir, to be forced to take on a role so unsuited to his
temperament. And to be trapped in that role, knowing that there would
be no escape unless the impossible happened must have been a terrible
burden to bear, but bear it he must because others depended upon him.

How wonderful for him that after the King came back that Faramir was
largely given the opportunity to be the man of peace his nature
compelled him to be!

Title: Hossis · Author: Fawsley · Genres: Drama: Youth · ID: 520
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-01 19:21:25
Very cleverly written so that we aren't quite sure of the characters
until near the end, but this is not done in a distracting way. I liked
this young woman and her son even before I found out their identity.
The little boy is a joy, off in his own little world and oblivious to
that fact that his life has changed. Well done story.

Title: Drawn With Love · Author: MerryK · Genres: Drama: Youth · ID: 569
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-01 19:46:52
This is a beautifully done story. I liked very much the relationship
between the two brothers - Faramir goes to Boromir knowing that he can
make things right and Boromir painstakingly strives to make sure that
his little brother has what his heart desires.

I thought the description of the painting process very good - I used
to paint myself so I appreciate the accuracy of the details, down to
the mixing to get just the right colours. This attention to detail
really brought the scene to life.

A very nice story!




Title: Dawning Hope · Author: Radbooks · Genres: Drama: Youth · ID: 498
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-01 20:07:56
I especially liked the relationship between Eowyn and Eomer here - it
was a very realistic look at a brother and sister, both staunchly
loyal to the other and yet occasionally quarrelsome.

Both children must have felt alone and out of place at having their
lives turned upside down. I liked that Theoden and Theodred were so
concerned that they settle into their new home and find happiness.

Title: In The Shadows I Wait · Author: Pentangle · Genres: Drama:
Youth · ID: 248
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-01 20:36:22
Most of all in this story I liked the thoughts and motivations of the
sword - they were very well done. The technical details really added
to my enjoyment and to the believability of the story. There was also
a wonderful sense of history. I also liked the characterisations,
especially of Elrond and Estel.



Title: Day and Night · Author: Peredhil lover · Genres: Drama: Youth ·
ID: 190
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-01 22:28:37
There is a bit of everything in this story - drama, humour, angst and
hurt/comfort. All of the main characters are wonderfully individual
and well-written. I liked the premise and the descriptions of the
battle, in particular the way that Elrohir and the last surviving
troll were each motivated by the same emotion.

Most of all though, I thought that the way that Estel summoned his
gift of healing for the first time was very realistically done, out of
desperation, when he had nothing else to aid him. The different
reactions of Elrohir, Elladan and Estel to the significance and
possibilites of Estel's gift were well done.

I liked Glorfindel here too, with his touches of humour and pride in
his cooking skills, and behind the light facade a very great wisdom.

Title: The Witch-king's Cloak · Author: Radbooks · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 106
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-01 22:37:23
Oh dear! After this I am never going to be able to watch the Witch
King all ablaze in the film or read about Aragorn driving him off on
Weathertop in the book without laughing out loud! Well, he was a real
king at one point after all, and was probably used to being
well-dressed - why shouldn't that desire for sartorial splendour carry
over into the wraithworld?

Title: The Tragedye of Leaflet, Prince of Mirkwood · Author: Jael ·
Genres: Humor: Parody · ID: 243
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-01 23:22:50
My favourite parts of this humorous parody had to be the digs at
fanon, the ones pertaining to slash fics in particular. Among many
other funny lines the mpreg reference and the comment relating to
fanon-Aragorn's aversion to bathing really tickled me. But what made
me laugh out loud was [LEGOLAS: I prithee, take thy fingers from my .
. . too, too solid flesh. On second thought, leave them there.]

I really enjoyed this!




Title: At the Sign of the Hungry Hobbit · Author: Mews1945 · Genres:
Humor: Parody · ID: 475
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-01 23:37:55
Well I didn't see *that* ending coming!

Leave it to Merry to be the one to draw up all of the plans and I
thought that it was wonderful that Pippin was the one one to name
everything and of course Sam would take care of the flora - very
fitting to their characters!

A very clever way to put Frodo into the godlike position that his
character is interpreted by some to be!

Title: Pour Me One More · Author: Marta · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Drabble · ID: 402
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-11-02 00:27:16
A drabble as fresh and lively as its two OC protagonists. The drabble
expresses the vigorous new prosperity and cross-cultural opening of
Dale in a drink-off between two young friends.

Original and well-written.

Title: Healing Lessons · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Cross-Cultural:
With Pippin · ID: 296
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2007-11-02 05:06:34
I really liked this story. It is one of true cultural exchange. Parsow
learns about dwarves as people as well as a couple of the secrets of
their healing arts. Gimli shows a side of himself that few ever get to
see, and Pippin is coming to understand just how much he means to to
the dwarf.

Parsow also has his mind opened to the possibility that there are more
healing methods than the ones he is used to. This will stand him in
good stead once he becomes a full-fledged healer.

Title: If I Keep You Beside Me · Author: sophinisba solis · Races:
Cross-Cultural: With Pippin · ID: 548
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2007-11-02 05:10:25
Despite Pippin's open and generous heart, in the end, he could save
neither Boromir nor Denethor. Maybe He was the only one who saw the
true moral in the tale after all.

Title: Shells · Author: pipkinsweetgrass · Races: Cross-Cultural: With
Pippin · ID: 506
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2007-11-02 05:24:45
The "meat" of this story is really the story within the story. A crab
can not only be tasty, but it can be a wonderful teaching device as well.

Title: Shadowfax, Lord of all Horses · Author: grey_wonderer · Races:
Cross-Cultural: With Pippin · ID: 597
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2007-11-02 06:08:22
This is classic Grey Wonderer. A humorous tale that keeps the reader
guessing just what all the fuss and confusion is about.

Title: Pippin's Little Experiment · Author: Budgielover · Races:
Cross-Cultural: With Pippin · ID: 291
Reviewer: Garnet Took · 2007-11-02 06:27:59
This story made me think of that rhyme about the five monkeys jumping
on the bed. Pippin learns that that activity can be dangerous, and
Merry, Sam and Frodo have to bail him out once again. Very amusing stuff.

Title: Mistaken · Author: Fawsley · Genres: Humor: Drabble · ID: 490
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-11-02 07:28:48
[warning - some spoilers]

A reconstruction of a pivotal scene in FOTR turns the entire trilogy
on its ear, shortens it drastically, and gives the unwitting Frodo a
whole new lease on life.

Well done, with a great last line.

Title: Reunion · Author: Fawsley · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Drabble · ID: 489
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-11-02 07:34:15
Wonderful little character sketch of an old soldier declining in his
final years, who gets a surprise after the Ring War in the form of a
long-ago acquaintance in a new guise.

And my inner Faramirist joyfully notes the proper characterisation of
the prince-Steward, whose tendancy to kindness is the catalyst for an
unexpected sconfrontation.

Title: Blooded · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Youth · ID: 3
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-02 09:03:28
Indeed a story I'd read before, and one that I found managed somehow
hit home both then and now.

Faramir and his fellow new warriors have just survived their first
battle, and although he didn't retch as did some of the others, the
Steward's younger son is not as elated as many of his fellows in the
aftermath. And as the rest discuss by what names their weapons will be
known, Faramir considers the fact that today he was forced to slay
someone much of an age and as afraid of dying as himself.

A thoughtful and rather profound look at how those who must fight to
protect their lands and people are often affected by what they must
do. An excellently written piece indeed.

Title: Making Acquaintance · Author: Bodkin · Times: Mid Third Age:
2851 - 3017 TA · ID: 216
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-02 09:17:02
It is said that the Wizards, having begun as Maiar, were intended to
be serving angels--GUARDIAN angels. And so Gandalf proves as he
arrives precisely when he means to--just as an adventurous and rather
reckless Peregrin Took starts to fall from the beech tree he'd been
climbing.

Young Pippin and Merry--you can see their disparate natures already as
they have their first encounter with [Bilbo's Gandalf], and as he
looks his first on the Brandybuck and Took he must one day convince
others to trust to see things done properly.

Title: A Mother's Wish · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: General
Drabble · ID: 429
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-11-02 09:21:58
He came not home again, but his song was yet heard and returned. Alas
for Nerdanel, who longed for her remaining son to return to her.

Achingly poignant.

Title: It Is Custom · Author: Mar'isu · Races: Cross-Cultural: The
Fellowship · ID: 820
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-11-02 12:15:34
[mild spoilers]

This story has some very interesting discussions on the place of sex
(and in particular prostitution) in the various cultures of
Middle-earth represented by the Fellowship. I can see these kinds of
situations arising very easily, and it appealed to my sociological
bent to see the "why" presented so logically. It also creates some
very interesting cross-cultural moments that I found very illuminating
to read. It made sense of Boromir's later disdain and distrust of some
of the Lothlorien Elves.

The ending, though, was sobering. Boromir is deeply wounded, and the
hurt he carries into Lothlorien will make him more susceptible to
Galadriel's pryings - and his inability to lean on others will make
him more susceptible to the Ring's call. Chilling.

Title: Rock and Hawk · Author: Adaneth · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 221
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-11-02 15:53:12
A thoroughly fascinating, captivating story, told in a language
perfectly suited to its setting and the people inhabiting it, and a
marvellous way to fill in some "blanks" in Middle-earth history and
geography. You have managed to create a profoundly original world
which is nevertheless deeply and smoothly integrated into what Tolkien
gave us.

The wind-swept landscape ["between the Mountains and the Sea"], harsh
yet beautiful in its wildness, is created before the readers' eyes in
intricate, careful detail, appealing to all senses, often enough part
of the plot itself in how its bounty is put to various uses, and how
the weather affects it, and all of it just as much a character as the
people encountered in the narrative.

The characterisations are complex, nuanced, and immediately engaging
in all their diversity, in particular the two protagonists Saelon and
Veylin.

The Dúnedain woman is forthright and strong-minded, but behind her
confident and solitary facade lie also loyalty, a caring heart, and a
certain fragility.

All this is recognised by her new acquaintance and unlikely friend,
Veylin the Dwarf. Curious, enterprising, willing to take a chance in
what the earth may yield to his skilled hands, and in this woman from
another culture