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Title: Ever in your Arms · Author: White Gull · Races: Cross-Cultural
· ID: 668
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2007-12-07 12:56:54
[Contains spoilers]

I thought this title sounded familiar.... Starting to read this tale,
I found that I actually had read it a while back, but it consisted
then of only the first chapter, telling of a last chance for love for
Frodo before he sailed, with an unusual woman, ending in the
conception of a child (of which Frodo knew nothing). It appears that
you have gone on to write additional chapters, depicting significant
moments in the intervening (and prequel) years, thus fleshing out the
backstory. The chapters between the original story and the new ending
(2-8) don't always move from one to another with ease, and the
multiplicity of authorial styles detracts a little, but they do
provide enlightening vignettes.

I very much like that you introduced (through your OFC) a strand of
the book's portrayal of what always seemed to me a little crush Frodo
had on Tom Bombadil's wife, the River-daughter. He always seemed
notably starry-eyed in her presense. In pairing him with your OFC, who
bears connections to Goldberry and her "spirit", you allow the reader
to experience a sense of that might-have-been relationship, even if
obliquely.

But, for me, the jewels in this tale are the inset poems. I hope you
have posted them as stand-alones. The poems for Ch. 4, "Ebb and flow
of childhood dreams" is a very fine piece of love poetry, which could
be appreciated without any reference to the story's characters.
Likewise, "Look to me, my love, my lady" is a courtly ballad that woos
its hearers whether othey know it is supposed to be about Beren and
Lúthien or not. The poem that opens and closes the piece, appearing in
Chs. 1 and 9, "Round me joyful flowers gleam", is also extremely good:
lyrical, emotionally resonant and a pleasure to recite (or sing, if it
were set to good music).



Title: Stranger in a strange land · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men:
General Drabble · ID: 695
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-07 21:01:25
This drabble is very evocative; it skilfully and flowingly appeals to
all the senses. It uses vocabulary and structure very purposefully to
highlight just the most effective and indicative details of the scene.

The heat and dust of the desert is caputured very vividly, as well as
the glare of the still sun unrelieved by the slighted breeze.

I think this conveys very well Aragorn's mood and his emotions as he
is "forced" to sit through an endless pageant because of diplomatic
necessity, made worse by a headache.

I like the "double flashback" structure of the drabble. First, Aragorn
thinks back on his memories as an anonymous wanderer during his past
journeys to Harad. It is left open which of the two scenarios he
actually prefers, but in any case, neither one can compete in his mind
with the life that Strider experienced in the cool environment of
Arnor and the simple but hearty fare of Butterbur's kitchen.

Title: And We Will Travel North · Author: bewize · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 39
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-07 21:01:40
The twins' commitment to Estel to be his ["brothers of the heart and
brothers at arms"] is conveyed very movingly.

I like that this drabble lets them explore the other part of their
heritage; that it is not Estel who is trying to become one of the
Elves among whom he grew up, but that the two (Half-)Elves try to
follow the ways of Men for a time.

Title: Remembering Anew · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 88
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-07 21:01:54
Good characterisations of both canon and original characters, and
well-written drama and suspense.

The thought-provoking themes of how history may be distorted all out
of proportion by time and neglect, and of fighting against ideology,
censorship, and oppression of free thinking is developed very
poignantly (and sometimes painfully).

The picture you draw of Hobbit society as parochial, prejudiced, and
condemning and persecuting even with violence and a farce of a trial
everything that even *dares* to challenge established opinions was a
real shock, because it showed how some negative traits already known
from the trilogy could increase all out of proportion and be taken to
a *very* ugly extreme.

Title: Snare · Author: Ruby Nye · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022 TA
· ID: 539
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-07 21:02:10
Chillingly evocative descriptions. Very good use of PoV; I was
shuddering and my skin was crawling right alongside Pervinca.

A remarkable portrait of the strength and determination of a Hobbit
during the Troubles; and that she is Pippin's sister is the icing on
the cake - in her own way, she is just as courageous as he is.

She shows extraordinary fortitude and bravery to purposefully expose
herself to the sickening attentions of the Ruffians to see through
some plan - and I dearly hope that plan contains the timely rescue of
herself! The purposefuly vage details of the plan and the open ending
certainly enables a wide range of speculation of what exactly will happen.

Title: Night Terrors · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Mid Third Age: 2851 -
3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 752
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-07 21:02:26
I was smiling all through this drabble - little Estel was really
adorable, but not in an overblown way. It was so funny - and so
typical of all children, for him, a bath a day was quite sufficient.
Never mind where - wet is wet, isn't it? - and nevermind what
adventures he might have afterwards where he might acquire new mud and
dirt.

But even more did I enjoy this brief glimpse of Gilraen as the brisk,
no-nonsense mother, who lets her child run free, without letting him
run wild.

The line about ["the Last King and the Snowmen"] was a brilliant touch
of hinting at the history and heritage of this little boy.

Title: Brotherhood · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 733
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-07 21:02:50
This is a moving, by turns tender, amusing or thought-provoking look
at how Gilraen and Estel acclimatise into Rivendell, to slowly become
part of the family. The different registers of mood are balanced very
well.

The main focus are the characters, and all of them, their interaction
among each other, as well as the growing relationship, are captured
marvellously, in a nuanced and believable way. I especially liked the
characterisations of Gilraen and Elrond, and their developing bond.

The differences between Men and Elves are brought out in precise,
insightful comparison, and often described in very vivid and
resonating imagery.

The problems of Estel as the only child of Men in Imladris, and of
having to raise him in secrecy both towards others and towards himself
while simultanenously preparing him for his future role as the leader
of his people are expressed very incisively, and I appreciate it that
you forego facile answers or solution.

Although the story focusses mostly on the characters, the environments
become nevertheless real through succinct, evocative descriptions,
highlighting just the right details to paint a complete picture of the
scenery.

Title: Tales of the Innkeeper · Author: Allee · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 237
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-07 21:03:03
Vivid narrative voice; addressing the readers directly as if they were
part of the audience fit in the story's context.

I liked this look at Aragorn from someone *not* close to him.

Title: Elf Interrupted · Author: Fiondil · Races: Elves: Incomplete ·
ID: 77
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-07 21:03:52
This is a sprawling, richly detailed epic, which holds the interest of
its readers despite its length.

There is suspense, drama, adventure, humour and philosophical
explorations aplenty; plot(s) and themes fit together well to form a
well-structured unit.

The characterisations are consistently good, and the great host of
canon and original characters is well-handled; each one distinctive,
not only regarding the culture they belong to, but also as individuals
(although I'm looking forward to the promised character list *g*).

But even though Glorfindel and Finrod might be the principal
characters, the most impressive portrayals, IMO, are those of the Valar.

Your Valar are wonderful, sympathetic characters (first and foremost
Námo), going from majestic and awe-inspiring to caring, fun-loving, or
even humbly serving. I also like the way you portray their community,
how they confer, assist, and tease each other.

Occasionally, the tendency of the Elves to bolt precipitously when
upset or startled seems a little overdone, but mostly fits well into
the context.

Title: Daybreak · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 705
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-07 21:04:47
I liked how the immensely eventful and world-changing preceding day
gets summarised in two short sections - yet the reader get a full
picture, not only of what is known to have happened from canon, but
also the revelry afterwards - and it must have truly been a revely, to
give Faramir such a hangover *g*!

But my favourite image is that of Faramir looking ["for the first time
upon a dawn free of Shadow"], and his palpable joy at this discovery.

Title: Bitter Springs · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Mid Third Age:
2851 - 3017 TA · ID: 634
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2007-12-07 21:05:35
I like how the setting of the scene is used to lead into the theme of
the story.

The dire situation Théodred lays out is clearly conveyed, despite (or
because) his matter-of-fact tone, the underlying implications are
subtly hinted at.

The emotions are captured well, the frustration at seeing clearly and
not being able to do something against it, at being actively balked.
At having to scurry in secret to protect the land, to use deceit to
wrest some small crumbs of advantage past spying eyes.

The most haunting part is, perhaps, that even though Théodred suspects
Gríma's motives, and feels there is something rotten in the state of
Rohan (to quote The Bard *g*), he still can't quite put two and two
together, and is further hampered by loyalty to his King and father. I
wonder if he realised the truth, and the extent of Gríma's and
Saruman's plot before he fell.

I loved the brief mention of Háma's loyalty.

Title: Circumstantial Heroes · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Minas
Tirith · ID: 684
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2007-12-08 00:55:06
"Circumstantial Heroes' is a multi-layered tale that examines the
different aspects of heroism, as illustrated in a fateful
incident--the skirmish that arose around the pyre of Denethor. The
story's framework is a conversation between Aragorn, the newly
coronated King Elessar, and Pippin, who quickly has a bit too much
miruvar.

The heroism of the parties involved is examined: Beregond, who
disobeys Denethor in an effort to save Faramir's life, the OC
Brithnir, a Tower Guardsman who obeys all orders without questioning,
the former majordomo Hithdol, and Pippin himself. The result is a
thoughtful piece about the nature and politics of heroism in Middle
Earth and in any age.

Title: All in a Day's Work · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 421
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2007-12-08 01:05:52
Ah hah, a brief tale that fulfills my love of nautical adventure.
Gwyndd's ficlet group tells of a Corsair attack on Dol Amroth, from
the point of view of the various Gondorians involved. Events unfold
from the perspective of a simple farmer, a marine, the ship's captain,
down to Prince Imrahil, himself. The result is an exciting set that
keeps the action flowing.