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Msg# 8418
MEFA Reviews for November 16, 2007 (Part 2) Posted by Ann November 16, 2007 - 4:13:02 Topic ID# 8418Title: The Boatbuilder · Author: DrummerWench · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 536
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 18:12:26
I liked this very much and didn't see it as an AU at all but of
something that could easily be as true as anything in Tolkien's universe.
The hopeful thought that there could be elves (and therefore
descendants of hobbits and of Numenor or Rohan) in modern times is a
happy one but even more so is the possibility shown here that when
this world, so different from that the elves once knew becomes too
much of a burden that Cirdan waits as he ever did with his ships and
the elves have this chance to pass to their true home. I can see
Cirdan witing until the very last elf is ready to sail.
Wonderfully imaginative and well thought out, particularly in
describing Dan's physical acclimation to the modern world.
Title: Vocabulary Lessons · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 521
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 18:12:45
What a pleasure to find this story! I enjoyed this very much. The
story is told in a straightforward way with just the right amount of
an undercurrent of humour. The dialogue is excellent and very
appropriate to each character.
I really liked the references to the still scarce supplies and that
the King's own household prefers to do without so that others more in
need have what is necessary - that is exactly as Aragorn would see
things done. And I enjoyed the protocol and the servant's references
and reactions to Frodo and Sam; respectful and reverential and yet
treating them as they wished to be treated.
I agree that there must have been some, like Ivormil and his father,
that looked to their own interests during the war as much as could be
done. Hopefully Ivormil will have learned that he has not had the best
example to look up to in his own father and will take the new King's
words and the lesson given him to heart. I don't have the greatest
hope that his father will though - I can just imagine the father's
reaction when Ivormil takes the King's message back home and can see
him simpering and trying to say what he thinks the King wants to hear
during his own audience. He'll find out though that Ellesar is not
deceived! Ivormil just might find himself lord in his father's place!
Excellent story!
Title: There and Back · Author: Lindelea · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 801
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 18:15:31
It's hard to believe that this was Lindelea's first work of
fanfiction! She has done an excellent job of capturing the characters
here. The dialogue is very Tolkienesque - not over the top with angst
or overly dramatic, but much as he would have written the dialogue for
this scene himself I think. The understatedness makes the content even
more dramatic and meaningful in my opinion.
The way that Pippin's memories are scattered throughout as he wanders
in his dreams is very effective and the choices Lindelea has made for
the memories are just exactly right. Her decision to use both
filmverse and bookverse works very well here.
All of the characters are well-written but I especially like the
dialogue and interaction of Merry and Pippin in this story. They are
very much bookverse Merry and Pippin; they are clearly adults. Their
dialogue is hobbity but it is not childish or overly sentimental and
the same goes for their actions.
Well done Lindelea! This is a first (or tenth or twentieth) story to
be very proud of!
Title: Bransle Royal · Author: Ribby · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 473
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 18:16:15
I had really enjoyed the story where Ellesar was given the woman's
braid in tribute so I was very, very pleased to come across this! What
a wonderful way for the King to show that he treasured the gift! I
think that he is just the type to want to move amongst his people as
one of them and to sometimes experience life as they do so as to be a
better ruler. And in this case, he also shows his gratitude for a
treasure truly given from the heart - and in turn gives the couple
their own secret treasure.
There is a wonderful energy in this short story - both in the
descriptions of the dancing and in the spirits of the people as they
celebrate.
Title: My Dear Bandobras · Author: Le Rouret · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 818
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 18:16:38
I enjoyed the style of this, an intriguing story told through letters
both by and to Legolas. Each letter is told in the voice of the
character writing it and the author has managed to capture Bandobras's
hobbity down to earth style and Legolas's fond yet courtly tone very
well; the supporting characters are equally well done. Through the
letters also come wonderful pictures of Ithilien and the Shire.
An interesting idea and well executed.
Title: The Scars of Stone And Sky · Author: Lady Elina · Times: Late
Third Age: 3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 719
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 18:16:58
Not a pairing I usually read but the context that this story was set
in is very believable. The language is lovely and the author is
skilled in her description of emotions and in setting the mood and
scene. Nicely done!
Title: Adrift · Author: fantasyfan · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: Gondor · ID: 313
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 18:17:14
This fic is filled with beautiful and evocative language with not a
word wasted. From the light touch upon his senses in the beginning to
his final awaking, Frodo's journey back to awareness is breathtaking.
Excellent!
Title: Conjuror · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: General Drabble · ID: 432
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-11-05 18:39:03
[this review contains spoilers]
Gosh, what an incredibly powerful, profound and subtle drabble. And
what a treat to stumble across it so unexpectedly.
In this brief sketch of Denethor and Mithrandir, Branwyn has woven
together ideas and words to create one of the best drabbles I have
ever read.
The tense interplay between Denethor and Mithrandir is beautifully
handled in terse, pitch-perfect dialogue. We gain so much knowledge of
their relationship just from this short scene, which is a remarkable
achievement given so few words, as well as their individual
characters. Denethor's strength and pride are clear, while Mithrandir
is his usual maddeningly cryptic self!
The different kinds of kinship between Mithrandir and Sauron are
delicately drawn out. Branwyn touches on both their inherent natures,
of which Mithrandir knows the truth and Denethor perhaps only guesses,
and also on their behaviours, as Denethor perceives them (and, in
truth, Gandalf's shaping of the events of the age is not so far off
the mark). We see here the fertile soil of Denethor's frustration into
which Sauron can plant and nurture the paranoia we find in him in the
book.
The use of the stone to demonstrate the extent and limits of power is
a masterstroke of imagery.
This is a drabble I will keep reading over and over and feel as if can
never truly appreciate all the layers of meaning Branwyn has wrapped
in it. Quite superb. Bravo!
Title: Frodo's Thoughts - Boromir · Author: trikywun · Genres: Drama:
General Drabble · ID: 674
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-11-05 18:47:55
An excellent take on how Frodo perceives the conflict between
Boromir's obligations to Gondor, his obligations to the Fellowship and
the Ringbearer, and his desire for the Ring. I love the sense of
inevitabile doom in Frodo's reasoning, and the way Frodo clearly feels
complicit for bringing this conflict down on Boromir. Very nicely done.
Title: Fire and Ice · Author: NeumeIndil · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA · ID: 318
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 19:05:19
There are some wonderful original characters in this story as well as
a nice glimpse of some of the minor characters in Edoras. The author
has created a very realistic universe with this series and this
instalment is one of the best.
Title: Longing · Author: Larner · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond · ID: 468
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 19:48:59
I hadn't read the quotes from Tolkien about the nature of lembas
before I found this story. I found the possibilities fascinating. The
author has taken these quotes and what we know of Merry and Pippin's
last days and written a very thoughtful story. I am glad that Faramir
understood in the end.
Title: The Course of Love · Author: Aranel Took · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 179
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 19:52:49
I was really pleased to read this sequel to Roots of the Ivy. The
author has created a wonderful universe here, filled with both
familiar characters and original characters that it is impossible not
to be fond of. There is a good mixture of drama and humour and the
dialogue is just right.
Title: Renascence · Author: Kenaz · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond · ID: 577
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 20:00:17
This story is beautifully written, the language evocative. The pairing
here comes across as natural and I found myself quite caught up in
this very elvish tale.
Title: Sometime Ever After · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 363
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 20:07:04
Poor Aragorn - it must have been so difficult for him to lose Halbarad
just as he was coming into his own at last. It makes sense that
Halbarad would visit Aragorn in his delirium and likely in other
dreams over the years.
Nice dreamlike quality and strong writing.
Title: Sent Unto Men · Author: Alassiel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond
· ID: 346
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 20:13:13
A beautifully written tale connecting two universes together. Very
moving and thoughtful with quite a pleasant and surprising plot twist.
Tolkien would have liked this very much I think - I certainly did.
Title: Stranger in a strange land · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men:
General Drabble · ID: 695
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:41:32
Wonderful turnabout here, with Aragorn now the one being honoured and
no longer the one on the outside envisioning the luxuries within and
out of reach. And the fact that he is as uncomfortable in his new
status there as much as he was in years past is very much in Aragorn's
character. He is very much a man with simple desires for all that he
is King.
The writing was very evocative - I could feel the heat and Aragorn's
discomfort. Very well done to set such a vivid scene in so few words.
Title: Dark Vision · Author: White Wolf · Genres: Adventure: Minas
Tirith · ID: 483
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:41:44
An exciting premise and I enjoyed the depth of the bond between
Aragorn and Legolas.
Title: Four Voices - Autumn, 3018 · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Romance: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 756
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:42:15
Very interesting pairing and the writing is loving and has a quality
of nobleness about it. I especially liked Eomer's part and his vision
of Boromir and Theodred. It's nice to think that Boromir had his lover
waiting for him in death and that they would have a chance to be
together and happy with no further parting.
Title: Kindness Rewarded · Author: White Wolf · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 494
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:42:55
A very sweet story but in no way cloying and the writer tells it
simply, as is exactly appropriate for the subject matter. I could
easily see Legolas doing just this and very much liked the connection
he made with the mother bird. This scenario works very well with an
elf as the protagonist and Legolas has definitely made a loyal friend.
I enjoyed this!
Title: The Smile That Wins · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 258
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:43:43
I enjoyed Faramir's uncertainly in this, a typical young man in love.
He is eager to get to know and to win Eowyn and yet afraid, evidenced
through the metaphor of fire, that she will consume who he is at the
same time.
Very nice example of the uncertainties of love and with an ending that
shows us that there is hope for them.
Title: Family Jewels · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 464
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:44:21
Faramir's nobility really shines through here. His true nature has
always been to strive to do and understand that which is *just* and
*right* and I found the natural progression of his growing wisdom to
be very realistic and believable. It is easy to imagine from his
change of perspective here how he will continue to gain wisdom as he ages.
I enjoyed seeing him here, happy and content with his life and family.
Title: Some Dark Place · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 226
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:44:56
I had often considered just when in his past Aragorn had his initial
close altercation with the Nazgul and I enjoyed this description of
that first brush with them very much. Aragorn is written very well
here, very human despite his heritage, an aspect of his character that
I appreciate in LotR and the writer has managed to capture that
humanism here very well. His relationship with Halbarad is also very
well depicted.
I appreciated the realism here - the writer does not overgrandise
Aragorn's abilities by having him defeat the Nazul; rather he only
just escapes with his life and not without aid. Also, the writer
doesn't worry about offending the readers sensibilities in regard to
Aragorn's involuntary physical reaction but just tells it like it was.
I don't have any doubt that Aragorn might have reacted just this way,
that the terror of the altercation could have affected him physically
as well as emotionally. This doesn't lessen the nobility of Aragorn's
character in the least, but rather adds to it as in later years he
will face them again without hesitation, despite the fact that this
initial experience was so overwhelming.
Like Marigold, I also felt that Aragorn's very real terror here adds
to his future heroism at Weathertop and gives even more understanding
of the heroism of the other characters that later will face the
Nazgul. In my next reading of these sections of the Book I too will
have even more respect for any character that comes in contact with
any of the Nine.
Title: Beginnings · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 503
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:45:38
I liked this short ficlet very much. There is nothing one dimensional
about Eowyn here - she is captured very well in all of her complexity.
She is noble and commanding and yet also caring and nurturing. When
she sent the pot to Faramir I couldn't help but think that she would
have done so irregardless of her unadmitted feelings towards him.
Indeed, at this time those feelings may not have even begun to grow
and she may have seen Faramir as nothing more than another invalid in
need of comforting ease as she was herself and she has the compassion
within herself to provide that for him, a near stranger still.
The difference in the healing teas seemed symbolic of the differences
between Minas Tirith and Rohan. The City being hard and bitter through
long hardships and Rohan being more free and wild and where there is
still sweetness on the open rolling plains.
Very nice!
Title: The Odd Couple · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Romance:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 270
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:46:45
The last line of these was totally unexpected!
Title: Fell and Fair · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 526
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:47:09
This is a highly original series and I am impressed at the ability the
writer has to write so many pov's so very well. I especially enjoyed
the deft use of nuances of language.
Beyond · ID: 536
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 18:12:26
I liked this very much and didn't see it as an AU at all but of
something that could easily be as true as anything in Tolkien's universe.
The hopeful thought that there could be elves (and therefore
descendants of hobbits and of Numenor or Rohan) in modern times is a
happy one but even more so is the possibility shown here that when
this world, so different from that the elves once knew becomes too
much of a burden that Cirdan waits as he ever did with his ships and
the elves have this chance to pass to their true home. I can see
Cirdan witing until the very last elf is ready to sail.
Wonderfully imaginative and well thought out, particularly in
describing Dan's physical acclimation to the modern world.
Title: Vocabulary Lessons · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 521
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 18:12:45
What a pleasure to find this story! I enjoyed this very much. The
story is told in a straightforward way with just the right amount of
an undercurrent of humour. The dialogue is excellent and very
appropriate to each character.
I really liked the references to the still scarce supplies and that
the King's own household prefers to do without so that others more in
need have what is necessary - that is exactly as Aragorn would see
things done. And I enjoyed the protocol and the servant's references
and reactions to Frodo and Sam; respectful and reverential and yet
treating them as they wished to be treated.
I agree that there must have been some, like Ivormil and his father,
that looked to their own interests during the war as much as could be
done. Hopefully Ivormil will have learned that he has not had the best
example to look up to in his own father and will take the new King's
words and the lesson given him to heart. I don't have the greatest
hope that his father will though - I can just imagine the father's
reaction when Ivormil takes the King's message back home and can see
him simpering and trying to say what he thinks the King wants to hear
during his own audience. He'll find out though that Ellesar is not
deceived! Ivormil just might find himself lord in his father's place!
Excellent story!
Title: There and Back · Author: Lindelea · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 801
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 18:15:31
It's hard to believe that this was Lindelea's first work of
fanfiction! She has done an excellent job of capturing the characters
here. The dialogue is very Tolkienesque - not over the top with angst
or overly dramatic, but much as he would have written the dialogue for
this scene himself I think. The understatedness makes the content even
more dramatic and meaningful in my opinion.
The way that Pippin's memories are scattered throughout as he wanders
in his dreams is very effective and the choices Lindelea has made for
the memories are just exactly right. Her decision to use both
filmverse and bookverse works very well here.
All of the characters are well-written but I especially like the
dialogue and interaction of Merry and Pippin in this story. They are
very much bookverse Merry and Pippin; they are clearly adults. Their
dialogue is hobbity but it is not childish or overly sentimental and
the same goes for their actions.
Well done Lindelea! This is a first (or tenth or twentieth) story to
be very proud of!
Title: Bransle Royal · Author: Ribby · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 473
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 18:16:15
I had really enjoyed the story where Ellesar was given the woman's
braid in tribute so I was very, very pleased to come across this! What
a wonderful way for the King to show that he treasured the gift! I
think that he is just the type to want to move amongst his people as
one of them and to sometimes experience life as they do so as to be a
better ruler. And in this case, he also shows his gratitude for a
treasure truly given from the heart - and in turn gives the couple
their own secret treasure.
There is a wonderful energy in this short story - both in the
descriptions of the dancing and in the spirits of the people as they
celebrate.
Title: My Dear Bandobras · Author: Le Rouret · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 818
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 18:16:38
I enjoyed the style of this, an intriguing story told through letters
both by and to Legolas. Each letter is told in the voice of the
character writing it and the author has managed to capture Bandobras's
hobbity down to earth style and Legolas's fond yet courtly tone very
well; the supporting characters are equally well done. Through the
letters also come wonderful pictures of Ithilien and the Shire.
An interesting idea and well executed.
Title: The Scars of Stone And Sky · Author: Lady Elina · Times: Late
Third Age: 3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 719
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 18:16:58
Not a pairing I usually read but the context that this story was set
in is very believable. The language is lovely and the author is
skilled in her description of emotions and in setting the mood and
scene. Nicely done!
Title: Adrift · Author: fantasyfan · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: Gondor · ID: 313
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 18:17:14
This fic is filled with beautiful and evocative language with not a
word wasted. From the light touch upon his senses in the beginning to
his final awaking, Frodo's journey back to awareness is breathtaking.
Excellent!
Title: Conjuror · Author: Branwyn · Races: Men: General Drabble · ID: 432
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-11-05 18:39:03
[this review contains spoilers]
Gosh, what an incredibly powerful, profound and subtle drabble. And
what a treat to stumble across it so unexpectedly.
In this brief sketch of Denethor and Mithrandir, Branwyn has woven
together ideas and words to create one of the best drabbles I have
ever read.
The tense interplay between Denethor and Mithrandir is beautifully
handled in terse, pitch-perfect dialogue. We gain so much knowledge of
their relationship just from this short scene, which is a remarkable
achievement given so few words, as well as their individual
characters. Denethor's strength and pride are clear, while Mithrandir
is his usual maddeningly cryptic self!
The different kinds of kinship between Mithrandir and Sauron are
delicately drawn out. Branwyn touches on both their inherent natures,
of which Mithrandir knows the truth and Denethor perhaps only guesses,
and also on their behaviours, as Denethor perceives them (and, in
truth, Gandalf's shaping of the events of the age is not so far off
the mark). We see here the fertile soil of Denethor's frustration into
which Sauron can plant and nurture the paranoia we find in him in the
book.
The use of the stone to demonstrate the extent and limits of power is
a masterstroke of imagery.
This is a drabble I will keep reading over and over and feel as if can
never truly appreciate all the layers of meaning Branwyn has wrapped
in it. Quite superb. Bravo!
Title: Frodo's Thoughts - Boromir · Author: trikywun · Genres: Drama:
General Drabble · ID: 674
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-11-05 18:47:55
An excellent take on how Frodo perceives the conflict between
Boromir's obligations to Gondor, his obligations to the Fellowship and
the Ringbearer, and his desire for the Ring. I love the sense of
inevitabile doom in Frodo's reasoning, and the way Frodo clearly feels
complicit for bringing this conflict down on Boromir. Very nicely done.
Title: Fire and Ice · Author: NeumeIndil · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA · ID: 318
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 19:05:19
There are some wonderful original characters in this story as well as
a nice glimpse of some of the minor characters in Edoras. The author
has created a very realistic universe with this series and this
instalment is one of the best.
Title: Longing · Author: Larner · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond · ID: 468
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 19:48:59
I hadn't read the quotes from Tolkien about the nature of lembas
before I found this story. I found the possibilities fascinating. The
author has taken these quotes and what we know of Merry and Pippin's
last days and written a very thoughtful story. I am glad that Faramir
understood in the end.
Title: The Course of Love · Author: Aranel Took · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 179
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 19:52:49
I was really pleased to read this sequel to Roots of the Ivy. The
author has created a wonderful universe here, filled with both
familiar characters and original characters that it is impossible not
to be fond of. There is a good mixture of drama and humour and the
dialogue is just right.
Title: Renascence · Author: Kenaz · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond · ID: 577
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 20:00:17
This story is beautifully written, the language evocative. The pairing
here comes across as natural and I found myself quite caught up in
this very elvish tale.
Title: Sometime Ever After · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 363
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 20:07:04
Poor Aragorn - it must have been so difficult for him to lose Halbarad
just as he was coming into his own at last. It makes sense that
Halbarad would visit Aragorn in his delirium and likely in other
dreams over the years.
Nice dreamlike quality and strong writing.
Title: Sent Unto Men · Author: Alassiel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond
· ID: 346
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-11-05 20:13:13
A beautifully written tale connecting two universes together. Very
moving and thoughtful with quite a pleasant and surprising plot twist.
Tolkien would have liked this very much I think - I certainly did.
Title: Stranger in a strange land · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men:
General Drabble · ID: 695
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:41:32
Wonderful turnabout here, with Aragorn now the one being honoured and
no longer the one on the outside envisioning the luxuries within and
out of reach. And the fact that he is as uncomfortable in his new
status there as much as he was in years past is very much in Aragorn's
character. He is very much a man with simple desires for all that he
is King.
The writing was very evocative - I could feel the heat and Aragorn's
discomfort. Very well done to set such a vivid scene in so few words.
Title: Dark Vision · Author: White Wolf · Genres: Adventure: Minas
Tirith · ID: 483
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:41:44
An exciting premise and I enjoyed the depth of the bond between
Aragorn and Legolas.
Title: Four Voices - Autumn, 3018 · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Romance: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 756
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:42:15
Very interesting pairing and the writing is loving and has a quality
of nobleness about it. I especially liked Eomer's part and his vision
of Boromir and Theodred. It's nice to think that Boromir had his lover
waiting for him in death and that they would have a chance to be
together and happy with no further parting.
Title: Kindness Rewarded · Author: White Wolf · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 494
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:42:55
A very sweet story but in no way cloying and the writer tells it
simply, as is exactly appropriate for the subject matter. I could
easily see Legolas doing just this and very much liked the connection
he made with the mother bird. This scenario works very well with an
elf as the protagonist and Legolas has definitely made a loyal friend.
I enjoyed this!
Title: The Smile That Wins · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 258
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:43:43
I enjoyed Faramir's uncertainly in this, a typical young man in love.
He is eager to get to know and to win Eowyn and yet afraid, evidenced
through the metaphor of fire, that she will consume who he is at the
same time.
Very nice example of the uncertainties of love and with an ending that
shows us that there is hope for them.
Title: Family Jewels · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 464
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:44:21
Faramir's nobility really shines through here. His true nature has
always been to strive to do and understand that which is *just* and
*right* and I found the natural progression of his growing wisdom to
be very realistic and believable. It is easy to imagine from his
change of perspective here how he will continue to gain wisdom as he ages.
I enjoyed seeing him here, happy and content with his life and family.
Title: Some Dark Place · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 226
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:44:56
I had often considered just when in his past Aragorn had his initial
close altercation with the Nazgul and I enjoyed this description of
that first brush with them very much. Aragorn is written very well
here, very human despite his heritage, an aspect of his character that
I appreciate in LotR and the writer has managed to capture that
humanism here very well. His relationship with Halbarad is also very
well depicted.
I appreciated the realism here - the writer does not overgrandise
Aragorn's abilities by having him defeat the Nazul; rather he only
just escapes with his life and not without aid. Also, the writer
doesn't worry about offending the readers sensibilities in regard to
Aragorn's involuntary physical reaction but just tells it like it was.
I don't have any doubt that Aragorn might have reacted just this way,
that the terror of the altercation could have affected him physically
as well as emotionally. This doesn't lessen the nobility of Aragorn's
character in the least, but rather adds to it as in later years he
will face them again without hesitation, despite the fact that this
initial experience was so overwhelming.
Like Marigold, I also felt that Aragorn's very real terror here adds
to his future heroism at Weathertop and gives even more understanding
of the heroism of the other characters that later will face the
Nazgul. In my next reading of these sections of the Book I too will
have even more respect for any character that comes in contact with
any of the Nine.
Title: Beginnings · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 503
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:45:38
I liked this short ficlet very much. There is nothing one dimensional
about Eowyn here - she is captured very well in all of her complexity.
She is noble and commanding and yet also caring and nurturing. When
she sent the pot to Faramir I couldn't help but think that she would
have done so irregardless of her unadmitted feelings towards him.
Indeed, at this time those feelings may not have even begun to grow
and she may have seen Faramir as nothing more than another invalid in
need of comforting ease as she was herself and she has the compassion
within herself to provide that for him, a near stranger still.
The difference in the healing teas seemed symbolic of the differences
between Minas Tirith and Rohan. The City being hard and bitter through
long hardships and Rohan being more free and wild and where there is
still sweetness on the open rolling plains.
Very nice!
Title: The Odd Couple · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Romance:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 270
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:46:45
The last line of these was totally unexpected!
Title: Fell and Fair · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 526
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-11-05 20:47:09
This is a highly original series and I am impressed at the ability the
writer has to write so many pov's so very well. I especially enjoyed
the deft use of nuances of language.
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