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Msg# 8438

MEFA Reviews for November 23, 2007 (Part 2) Posted by Ann November 23, 2007 - 6:22:59 Topic ID# 8438
Title: Emmaus · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama: Vignette · ID: 636
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-11-16 11:55:41
[spoilers]
A new and original take on the ever popular HOuses of Healing theme,
my favourite part of the book.
This story is unusual in that Faramir's dream world is not unpleasant.
I loved the way Aragorn appears to him. The title is very apt too.
A most enjoyable story.

Title: Well-Lettered (The Director's Cut) · Author: Ribby · Races:
Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 762
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-11-16 12:02:35
[spoilers]
A truly delighted and heartwarming glimpse of just how much Aragorn
and Faramir have in common and how their shared love of lore and
learning creates a mutual bond.
The image of them them both bent over a book engrossed,is one to
treasure.Beautifully written.

Title: Breath of Spring · Author: Ribby · Races: Men: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 763
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-11-16 12:05:13
[spoilers]

Beautiful is the only word to describe this stunning drabble.I loved
the way the writer uses the images of light and spring as Tolkien
does.A lovely angle on a familiar and well loved tale.

Title: Gifts of the People · Author: Ribby · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 472
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-11-16 12:06:57
An enjoyable drabble, showing Aragorn as a wise and caring King,who
puts his people's welfare first.

Title: Bransle Royal · Author: Ribby · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 473
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-11-16 12:13:00
An enjoyable ficlet in which Aragorn gives the gift of a dance to a
loyal subject.

Title: Risen From Flame · Author: Ribby · Races: Men: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 761
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-11-16 12:26:16
[spoilers]
This outstanding drabble crams many profound ideas into a very few
words. I always feel that Tolkien spared Faramir has he represented
the best of Gondor. Both he and Gondor have risen phoenix like from
the ashes to a bright future in which Aragorn is King. just lovely!

Title: The Perfect Girl · Author: nikara · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 232
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2007-11-16 17:41:39
The author tackles dangerous territory: a serious and thoughtful
consideration of the heinous world of Mary Sue. The excellent research
and intimate knowledge of fanfiction result in an essay that is a true
contribution to the writing of fanfic.

The essay also jives with a couple of strongly held personal views of
my own: 1) there is no inherently "superior" form of genre. You can
write within "Mystery" or "SciFi" or "Fantasy" and write something
every bit as good as "serious literature." Consider the greatest
English poet of them all: Shakespeare. He wrote for the unwashed
public, including buffoonery, drunkenness and gratuitious sex and
violence. 2) He also stole most of his plots and characters from
history or other authors. It's the insight and excellence of language
that makes a work "great." I seem to remember, for example, that one
celebrated English poem, "Paradise Lost," is based on some old
religious book or other..... Some of those Mary Sues might lead, in
the end, to some really great stuff!

Just to say, guys, lighten up and let a hundred flowers bloom!

Title: The Beginning · Author: Oshun · Genres: Romance: Second Age or
Earlier · ID: 339
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2007-11-16 17:50:56
What can I possibly say about Oshun's work? I am, of course,
completely without objectivity, as she is a dear friend. She has also
begun to branch into an area of fanfic writing that has yet to entice
my own writing: Silmarillion. I see some contradiction in this, on her
part: the Sil is full of grandeur and violence, but Oshun likes the
quiet moments, and only addresses the aftermath of violence, not its
bloody course. She is interested in the secret, inner life of
Tolkien's heroes.

And this little story is a perfect example. We get a glimpse into the
mind of that oh-so-neglected hero, Gil-galad, who, it seems, was
created by Tolkien simply to provide an excuse for a bit of poetry
(then he had to back-write him into the Sil), and an enticing portrait
of a young and vulnerable Elrond.

Don't pass it up.

Title: The Turn of the Tide · Author: Altariel · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 72
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-11-17 00:45:51
Absolutely, an incredible AU. Spare and subtle, there is so much
contained therein that a reader wishes could be expanded upon; like
Tolkien's LotR, there is a backstory only glimpsed, which adds depth
to the bare essentials that Altariel has chosen to share with us. It
is left to our imaginations how the ["wreck of Rauros"] fell out, how
Faramir's presence altered the dynamics of the trip through Mordor,
and how (oh, I *wish* we could see this!) Aragorn and Denethor's first
meeting goes. I think in the end the ambiguity only increases the
power of this alternate vision.

Despite the tremendous shifts to the original storyline, none of the
characterizations deviate from the books. Eowyn still loves despite
the brevity of her meetings with her intended, appreciates
forthrightness and is wounded in body and soul; Faramir is perceptive
and can read Men's hearts, and pities and loves Eowyn immediately;
Denethor is yet stern and rigid and without hope. Boromir is perhaps
the most interesting individual in some ways, as here Altariel reveals
the unusual situation of the favored son dealing with his father's
displeasure. Marvelous interactions, particularly those between Eowyn
and Denethor, buoyed along by excellent and evocative writing.

The story resonates strongly with me not just because the ending is
what I wish had truly happened (although I do *love* this ending), but
because Altariel has blithely appropriated so many minor details from
the original story and applied her own delightful twists: the
Steward's Son that meets Eowyn on the walls is Boromir; the love that
Eowyn follows South is Faramir, and not solely out of despair; the
Anduin brings Faramir to Boromir - alive; Denethor visits Eowyn and
gives her a cloak; and perhaps my favorite, Eowyn proclaims Imrahil's
words to Denethor, but in triumph!

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful...

Title: Lords of Gondor · Author: Linaewen · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 154
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-11-17 03:29:05
A long, epic and well-reasoned variation on the Boromir Lives! AU
theme. Here, Aragorn is able to successfully treat Boromir's wounds,
saving the Steward's heir from death; and the story proceeds with
Boromir's endeavor to recover and return home, while Denethor and
Faramir wait anxiously for word of his life or death.

Good characterisation of the Gondorian OC's. I especially liked it
that Boromir was still not convinced of Aragorn's suitability to be
King of Gondor after Aragorn healed him, and is man enough to admit
it. I look forward to seeing where this story will take Boromir and
his father and brother.

Title: Leaf Subsides to Leaf · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Drama:
Elves in Later Ages · ID: 105
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-11-17 04:48:48
The differing paths that Legolas and Thranduil chose for their
destinies was a hard one to accept. Their exchange was exactly the way
I think their last meeting would have gone.

The scene at the end where they are on each side of the closed door
broke my heart. It makes me keep hoping they will somehow be reunited.

Title: Merry's Wedding · Author: Larner · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest ·
ID: 84
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-11-17 05:30:44
Larner always displays great skill at bringing the customs and
everyday lives of hobbits to life, as well as the Great Years, and
this story is no exception; as young Merry takes part in an unusual
ceremony that will be repeated one day with greater significance.

Title: The Gates · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Races: Dwarves · ID: 70
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-11-17 05:46:05
Snorri is a very wise dwarf. He knew that it was dwarves like Gimli
who made it all work out. Gimli, bless him, didn't see that until it
was explained to him. I'm glad he was honored the way he was. It was
funny that he couldn't avoid making a small swipe at Legolas and his
love of Nature. I liked this entertaining story.

Title: Time · Author: Bodkin · Races: Cross-Cultural: Gondor · ID: 414
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-11-17 06:14:06
What a wonderful story. It's so like Legolas's character for him to
believe that it's important for those who lived and died and left no
record to be remembered. Thank goodness for Thimbriel. I really liked her.

The fact that Legolas went to great lengths to find out about the
people who lived in that abandoned farmhouse spoke clearly of his deep
feelings. And the fact that he wanted to keep the doll was poignant
and again, so like him. Well done.

Title: To This My Love Hath Come At Last · Author: Roh_wyn · Genres:
Romance: Incomplete · ID: 699
Reviewer: agape4gondor · 2007-11-17 06:27:08
I found this delightful reading and truly hope the author completes
this. For I really wonder what is going to happen between Boromir and
this woman from the south. I very much like the poetry inserted. Done
well.

I loved their meeting, I loved his grandmother, I loved Imrahil and
the intrigue of the southern court. I very much love Boromir's
character. And hope he's not going to become 'too' bitter. I loved her
little piece of subterfuge about her 'warrior' capabilities. LOL And I
loved the Faramir/Boromir part.

I love the ease with which the two seem to have fallen 'into' each
other. This is a pleasant story so far, and I much hope to read it
when it is complete. Nicely done little romance.

Title: February Bride · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Romance · ID: 678
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-11-17 06:58:54
This is utterly beautiful. Very romantic and I love the way Pippin
takes charge of the wedding plans, making the announcement and setting
the date. Diamond is lovely in this and Pippin is strong and very
heroic but both are very much hobbits. I enjoyed this very much.

Title: In the Hours of Joy · Author: Spindle Berry · Genres: Drama:
With Merry · ID: 289
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-11-17 07:20:11
This is a very interesting look at Merry's time spent waiting and
worrying while his three dearest friends heal. What made this so
enjoyable for me was the fact that the author included Gimli in the
tale. Gimli's concern for Merry was very well written as the dwarf
tried to help Merry through the waiting. Very well done!

Title: Returning the Favor · Author: cpsings4him · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Ring War · ID: 340
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-11-17 07:35:43
I very much enjoyed seeing a newly mature Pippin caring for Frodo
while he slept. Pippin's joy and his whole reason for running to see
Frodo change when he arrives and sees that his dear cousin is
sleeping. Pippin's thoughts are very well expressed in this and you
realize that in some ways Pippin and Frodo have exchanged roles. Now
it is Pippin who is the caretaker. Lovely!

Title: I Will Comfort Thee · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 458
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-11-17 07:39:03
I think that this was something that should have been done. I found it
very believable that Faramir would need to see the place where Boromir
had fallen. A very thoughtful, well-written story.

Title: Pippin's Little Experiment · Author: Budgielover · Races:
Cross-Cultural: With Pippin · ID: 291
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-11-17 07:41:58
This story always makes me smile. I have read and re-read this one and
I never tire of it. Absolutely wonderful and I enjoy Frodo's reactions
in this one very much!

Title: Beauty · Author: Marta · Races: Hobbits: Drabble · ID: 646
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-11-17 07:44:48
I do so admire drabbles and this one is excellent. Sam's point of view
in this one is very well done and his observations ring true like
always. Sam always sees more than most. Great drabble and even though
the description is of Frodo, I could see Sam while reading it.

Title: Concealment · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: With Rohirrim ·
ID: 649
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-11-17 07:52:16
I had not read any fiction with Théodred in it until this one and I
must say I did enjoy the author's way of writing him. Boromir was very
entertaining in this and, well, lets fact it shall we, this is a very
hot story. I loved the the character, Isilwen. She was a very
interesting person and I would like to read more about her life. I
usually stick to stories with hobbits in them but I'm glad I gave this
one a read.

Title: Signs · Author: permilea · Races: Hobbits: Children · ID: 384
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-11-17 07:59:00
This is very cute. I liked the way Pippin decided on and justified his
little trick. Adorable!

Title: Irreverence · Author: Aratlithiel · Genres: Humor · ID: 619
Reviewer: grey_wonderer · 2007-11-17 08:10:48
Lots of fun and I enjoyed the banter between Frodo and Pippin. Lots of
stubborn Tookishness and a wonderful test of determination between the
two cousins.

Title: Crossing towards Sunrise · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 14
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-11-17 08:17:06
I came away from ["Crossing towards Sunrise"] with a much fuller
appreciation of Elrond's history, and a new view of his state of mind
during this journey. Although I knew he would be grieved at leaving
his children behind when he sailed, I had always imagined he'd also be
traveling with the joy of soon seeing his wife, restored and well.
Imhiriel, however, poignantly illustrates just how much the long fight
has cost Elrond. The starkness of his "list of loss" made his refusal
to hope only too plausible, for what had victory against evil ever
brought him before?

["Crossing"] is full of beautiful, evocative descriptions that awaken
every sense: I absolutely had the sensation of being aboard ship, of
feeling the rain and smelling Bilbo's pipeweed. So many small bits are
tucked in, unobtrusive but fleshing out the background, reminding us
of the other personal histories that are on their way to a new future
in Aman.

I have not read many works that use Gandalf's PoV, but I think it is
an excellent choice here: not only well handled and believable, but
Gandalf is in the unique position of being close to all the other
characters, and yet his Maian status also sets him apart such that he
can be a slightly more removed observer, one that can bear witness to
many things without being overwhelmingly involved in any of them. In
particular, the ending is set up cleverly to allow him to watch
unhindered as Celebrian and Elrond reunite. There are wonderful
characterizations all around, large and small; even Finarfin's very,
very brief appearance speaks worlds about him and his daughter - as
well as making me laugh every time.

Last but not least, I always enjoy a well-chosen title. This properly
carries a message of hope - precisely what Elrond has denied himself
and yet will find at the end of this crossing. Celebrian is rightly
clothed in the colors of the dawn, for she is representative of the
new day, the new and hopefully wholly-healed life that Elrond has
found in Aman.