Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Cophetua · Author: Jael · Genres: Romance · ID: 242
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2007-12-09 15:14:46
This is a wonderful, many-layered and thoughtful variation of a
Thranduil/OFC pairing, and on top of that, it even manages to remain
compatible with canon and the LACE, in the end!

Jael manages to craft a setting for her OFC Sigrid that let the
character and the dire circumstances of the woodmen where she grows up
instantly come alive, and also gives all the necessary clues we will
need and understand only far later in the story. Sigrid's encounter
with the Elvenking is written both compelling and believable (and on
top pretty funny, regarding Sigrid's thoughts about the sense for
practicability of rich men there). The problems caused for her by this
relationship are not omitted.

Besides the lovely pairing and erotica elements, the story gives us a
compelling view at Thranduil and at life in Eryn Lasgalen during the
last years while his son stays in Middle Earth - and after Legolas
leaves for Aman, with intense emotional depth. And finally, the
astonishing conclusion of the tale. Marvelously done!

As always, Jael's characters come alive with a vengeance, stay with
the reader long afterwards, and come across totally believable. I do
not normally read much het erotica, and even less canon/OFC, but this
tale invites to read it several times over, and never gets old in
doing so. What a great tale!

Title: Last Light · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Drama · ID: 194
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2007-12-09 15:22:10
A beautiful tale, with effective and poetic use of language which is
very fitting to the POV of the narrator of the tale. I love the way
the observed creatures are called is emphasizing the unique
perspective of the narrator and draws us in. Great idea, lovely executed!

Title: My Dear Bandobras · Author: Le Rouret · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 818
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2007-12-09 15:33:06
This is one of the most amazing and most compelling variations of
"Legolas paired with an OFC" and the old topic of an "enforced/
political marriage" that I have ever seen. The way the letter format
is used here is astonishing, as the whole tale perfectly enfolds in
the correspondence between some of the characters, and still, in the
different POV's of the corresponding characters, we get a very clear
view what is going on, and all characters of the tale manage to come
alive enough to care about them.

Le Rouret's power of storytelling is palpable not the least in the
fact that she manages to have us sympathetic even with the poor bride,
in the end, despite the increasing wish to strangle her at times...

A very enjoyable read and a very intelligent take on the "Legomance"
topic, with a twist. One of my favorite reads!

Title: Rage · Author: Deandra · Genres: Drama: Minas Tirith · ID: 353
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-09 16:27:46
[spoilers]
In this Lothiriel/Eomer romance Lothiriel stays in Rohan after
Theoden's funeral to get to know Rohan's king better and to see
whether an alliance between the two is possible. Eomer is greatly
troubled by his experiences of the war and the desperate situation of
his people. He is not in the mood for the Gondorian princess and at
first all Lothiriel's efforts are in vain. I like the characterization
of Eomer. I found it very believable that the war leaves invisible
scars behind. I loved Lothiriel's comparison of the past and the
future with the picture of their path in the snow.

Title: The Sword of Elendil · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres:
Drama: Incomplete · ID: 69
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-09 16:30:04
[spoilers]
I follow this story through it's development for some time. With every
re-write the story gets richer and more colorful. I love the
characterization of Aragorn as a youthful man who has still a lot to
learn, but he shows already glimpses of what he will become. I like
the way his relationship to Arwen is portrayed. The tale of Aragorn
and Arwen in the appendices is so stylized that it is hard to see real
emotion there. In this story the emotional underpinnings are much
stronger. Arwen's cool disregard and sometimes anger with Aragorn's
youthful infatuation as she sees it, broke not only Aragorn's heart,
but mine as well.

Aragorn's development into the chieftain of the Dunedain is embedded
into the richly painted culture of the Angle and the people living
there with their struggle to survive, their struggle with their
heritage and duty. When Aragorn shows up unexpectedly, some of the
people had lost hope and are ready to turn away from their heritage
and their fight against the darkness to try to save what is left of
their people. They are not happy to have a new untried chieftain
nobody has seen until now.

The characters of Aragorn's family are well-drawn and fleshed out. I
especially like Aragorn's great-grandmother Saelind, who ties several
generations of chieftains together for Aragorn.

The tale is not finished and I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapters


Title: Outmatched · Author: Tiana Luthien · Genres: Drama: Vignette ·
ID: 132
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-09 16:33:18
Eomer spars with Faramir to the entertainment of the onlookers. On the
surface it seems this is all the sparring match is about, to show the
Rohirrim Faramir's worth in battle, but on a second level this shows
Eomer's mindset on how to test Faramir's worth as a husband to Eowyn.
And Faramir beautifully rises to the occasion.

Title: Of Echoes of Bruinen · Author: Berzerker Prime · Races: Elves ·
ID: 345
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-09 16:39:49
A very nice retelling of the scene in the first movie where Arwen lets
the waters of the Bruinen rise to bury the Ring-wraiths. In this
ficlet, it is not Arwen who is the cause of the river rising, which
makes a lot more sense.

Title: The Tenant from Staddle · Author: Larner · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Incomplete · ID: 408
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2007-12-09 16:55:42
This is a great and very thought-provoking tale. What we learn from
canon of the Scorching of the Shire is slim, and we have few hints of
the impact that time has on the Hobbit's society. To see the Hobbits
now dealing with the aftermath of that time, as well as with the way
law was abused and bent during the rule of "Sharkey", gives a
compelling view into the ruptures caused by that power abuse. Also, we
get a wonderful, deep view into the way the Hobbits think and how
their justice system works, here.

This tale is very enriching to what clues we already have about
Hobbits from canon; also, it gives detailed, believable characters and
makes a very enjoyable and interesting read. Simply brilliant! I do
not normally like Hobbit centered LOTR fanfic, but this fic had the
power to make me a proselyte. :)

Kudos to Larner to craft such an enriching reading experience!

Title: In Aragorn's Safekeeping: Life in the King's House · Author:
Radbooks · Genres: Alternate Universe: Incomplete · ID: 416
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-09 17:03:41
[spoilers]
Thomas and Rebecca, the two teenagers who ended up in Middle-earth
after a traffic accident, now stay in Middle-earth and have to build
up a new life. As adopted children of the King of Gondor they have the
advantage that they won't have to worry about their next meal and a
roof over their head, but still Aragorn won't let them sit on their
hands. So, there is schooling in the skills and history of
Middel-earth and the wedding between them to plan.

But it is not only an adjustment for the two young people. The
northern Rangers who stay with King Elessar also have adjustments to
life in the south to make. During the winter holidays the differences
in customs especially come to the front. I love the way how Thomas and
Rebecca try to introduce Christmas to Minas Tirith and the
difficulties they have to explain the Christmas tree and glass
decorations to Aragorn and Arwen.

The characters of Thomas and Rebecca come to life and also Aragorn and
Arwen, and a host of more original characters.



Title: A Texas Gay Boy in King Thranduil's Court · Author: Ignoble
Bard · Genres: Humor: Parody · ID: 182
Reviewer: Doc Bushwell · 2007-12-09 18:06:04
(Comic Book Guy voice) Best. Self. Insertion. Ever.(/Comic Book Guy
voice)*

Sometimes comedy in Middle-earth works. Sometimes it doesn't. This is
one of the former and how! IgnobleBard's parody aims wickedly at many
aspects of Tolkienism like preternaturally sharp elven arrows. The
author's humor is relentless so I'm hard pressed to single out any one
scene or line as "the best" but the Snickers scene had me hooting out
loud as did, umm, the scene surrounding the [no sticky mess to clean
up] line. Really, I smiled, chortled and guffawed while reading this.

IgnobleBard's style is crisp and fast-paced. Description and dialogue
are nicely balanced with great turns of phrase. The overall premise -
modern guy drops into Middle-earth - is not only a great send-up of a
common theme in Tolkien fan fic, but also a nice tribute to Sam
Clemens as Mike wields observational wit throughout the story.

*For those sheltered from American pop culture, this is a reference to
The Simpsons.

Title: O, Cruel Fate · Author: Greywing · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Incomplete · ID: 58
Reviewer: Doc Bushwell · 2007-12-09 18:32:17
[O Cruel Fate] was one of the earlier works of Tolkien fan fiction
that I read - I am a stumbling neophyte in this milieu. One of my
favorite exercises some months and a few enjoyable re-reads later is
to try to cast this hilarious story for a cinematic production. I
still hone in on the 1970s era Monty Python crew. Greywing's romp is,
to my mind, written in the best Pythonesque tradition.

She starts with the thoroughly incongruous - and hootworthy -
incarnation of nerdly botany student, Ellie (as a former undergrad
botany major, I can relate) into one of the more exalted characters
(at least in fan ficcery) of Tolkien's legendarium. Through Ellie as
Glorfindel, Greywing cheerfully eviscerates characters, concepts and
canon.

And Neldor. What can I say? I'm predisposed to the mad scientist
types, but Neldor takes the cake and analyzes for its composition, no
doubt. He is simply fabulous in his machinations, his inquisitiveness
which knows no bounds (especially as pertains to Ellie-Glorfindel),
and his unending envy of Elrond. Neldor is a superlative example of a
great OC.

Greywing's style is lively, and her writing moves the reader right
along in the narrative. Clever asides are inserted adroitly with
little or no interruption in the pace. The leaping from Middle-earth
the the halls o' the gods (Valinor) is handled well and is easy to follow.

Here's hoping that Greywing keeps adding to this hilarious WIP. In the
meantime, I will fantasize about a scenario in which the late Graham
Chapman is cast as Ellie-Glorfindel, Eric Idle (hair dyed dark, of
course) as Neldor, and John Cleese as Elrond - or maybe Gil-galad.


Title: The Young Knights · Author: Soledad · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 98
Reviewer: phyloxena · 2007-12-09 18:38:40
A lovely story. Most of the characters are original: bright, brave and
sympathetic each in own way (and even lord Forlong's poisonous wife
and witchy mother are great reading). Tolkien's, or Numenorian,
obsession with blood lines and genetically inherited nobility is
something I cannot accept very well -- that is, I do as long as I
reread LotR, re-enchanted every time, but it is not my favorite idea
-- so I particularly like the way people of lesser blood and lower
social status are acting with honor and fortitude fitting their
situations.
The world described in "The young knights" is different from what we
know from LotR -- the city there wondering of the nine never takes us,
the castle different from Minas Tirith. It is different visually, at
least for me: Tolkien's descriptions revoke grey and green watercolor,
while this tale is like an illumination with lots of gold and scarlet
(well, people dress better for tournaments than for commando
operations). Old folks way, peasants' beliefs, Haradric tales and
street singers (and illegitimate children) are absolutely original.
All this adds new depth to the culture of Gondor. And more hope to the
Forth Age, I must add, if Gondor is to come to its former glory with
not much of the Dunedain breeding stock.

Book characters are either those who got barely mentioned by name in
Lord of the Rings (or appendixes and even drafts) or much younger than
in the book and in completely different position, making the question
of being "in character" irrelevant. The only exception is Denethor,
who didn't change much in twenty years beside despairing. Young
Faramir is very young, credible and a little sketchy -- seems like
Soledad intentionally put in this tale everything specific to him: a
bookworm, a dreamer, an archer; he displeases his father and he falls
for a shield-maiden. I don't recall any appearance of his
characteristic pity and compassion, but this is a joyous tale (and he
is the only one who became happier than before by the time of grim
epilogue). Boromir is great -- strong, honorable, burdened and well
loved. I particularly liked his silent line about being happier for
the lack of Dunedain blood. I was glad to see him with loyal friends
-- and also that he wasn't given any romantic episode in this story.
Romances don't work very well here, and Boromir is tragic enough
"married to his sword".
Unlike majority fanfiction stories (including some of my favorite
ones), this one is balanced and independent. It is enchanting itself,
because of the composition, language, setting and everything else that
is Soleded's talent or expertise, not because it is about my favorite
character or fills some gap I am anxious to see filled.

Title: The Oarsman · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 357
Reviewer: phyloxena · 2007-12-09 18:44:38
Very much said in very little words. This goes for most of Tanaqui's
drabbles and drabble sequences. "The Oarsman" is especially tactile.
Which is hard to write and interesting to read, and makes sense
because ITB the whole episode is in the dark.

Title: Blades of the Downfallen West · Author: Tanaqui · Genres:
Drama: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 441
Reviewer: phyloxena · 2007-12-09 18:51:24
I liked the first drabble better because of the historical references
-- or, better say, broad context for a seconds-long episode.

Title: Journey's End · Author: Altariel · Genres: Drama: Ithilien ·
ID: 442
Reviewer: phyloxena · 2007-12-09 19:01:00
Beautifully written, from the point of view if an inn-keeper with a
sad memory . The writing evokes the imagery of peaceful Ithilien and
gives very convincing picture of the years before the peace was
achieved in very few words. For some reason, midnight surgery
impressed me most of all -- probably because of all splinters removal
and bandage applying performed with a LED pocket light.
Of course, these two Rangers are always a treat. I am glad Aragon can
heal the heart; that the King and the Prince can go rangering, and
they are friends, apparently.

Title: First Among Equals · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 564
Reviewer: phyloxena · 2007-12-09 19:02:40
I like this sequence's realistic, physical details: blotting hands in
"Blooded" and hunger in "Embattled", and the lack of sentimentality.
The line about his father didn't feel quite right to me.

Title: Mighty among both Elves and Men · Author: Tanaqui · Times:
Multi-Age: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 606
Reviewer: phyloxena · 2007-12-09 19:16:55
The sequence explores Elrond in his various roles in his long life. My
favorite pieces are "Foundations", because it feels like Elrond plans
something like Notre Dame de Chartres; "Unexpected", because there is
too little of Tom Bombadil around and we could do with more of him;
"Bloodline", because I am fascinated with obsessed, crafty, proud
Noldor; and "Echoes", because of the ambiguous, two-fold "imperfectly
greeted him" line. It seems to refer both to the mutated language and
diluted family resemblance.

Title: Circumstantial Heroes · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Minas
Tirith · ID: 684
Reviewer: phyloxena · 2007-12-09 19:18:14
A great story on every level. True to The Book, the setting -- long
chilly corridor, austere and uncomfortable study, the view of Pelennor
at down -- are very visual in not so many words. Dialogs (and Aragorn
running inner monologue) are great.
The anxious, suspicious (with good reason) Pippin is very endearing,
both servants are credible and palpable in their contrast (but, as a
minor reality check, would Brethnir be <i>so</i> uncooperative in
finding better sleeping arrangement for Pippin? What makes him so sure
that rugged upstart won't behead him on the spot?). It is somehow very
comforting to know that domestic, non-violent Hithdol previously
served Boromir. And, as we currently re-reading ROTK with kids and
just got to the HOH part, I am happy that somebody made sure Aragorn
had soup. Speaking of Aragorn -- ITB he shifts roles, fits into any
situation, and appears kingly and legendary in mud-caked boots and
all, if needed. In "Circumstantial heroes" he is just as composed
barefoot with a drunk hobbit and unsympathetic servants.

Title: Lighting Fires · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Adventure: Pre-Ring
War · ID: 95
Reviewer: phyloxena · 2007-12-09 19:34:51
I didn't realize until now this story wasn't yet awarded! Gwynnid's
Aragorn stories all form continuous timeline, and since this one
belongs to his chilhood, it felt an old story. "Lighting fires" is
very satisfactory, to say the least, on several levels. It is well
written as a whole. It is rich with LotR-consistent descriptions -
while Tolkien magically uses words like "splendid', leaving the rest
to the reader's imagination, and it doesn't fall flat, details are
always gratifying. Gwynnid's details are also realistic both for our
physical world and for my intuition of Middle Earth reality. As a
parent, I can identify with Elrond's and Erlohir's pedagogic problems.
I was very angry with Estel loosing interest in geometry and very
sorry for him when he dwelled on his mistakes. I applauded Erlohir who
stoically thought the urge to comfort the boy. I felt some
"elvisheness" was missing -- Erlohis is stronger and more skilled than
Estel, but he would've been if h was just a grownup. On the other
hand, he is half-elven and probably tries to interact with Estel on
human level.

Title: Beginnings · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 503
Reviewer: phyloxena · 2007-12-09 19:42:31
Made me consider trying willow bark next time I need aspirin. Very
sweet (tale, not concoction). I like friendly, compassionate Eowyn.
Often she is described as withdrawn, passive and uninterested in the
beginning of her relationship with Faramir. It is probably true to the
book, but I also believe that on some level she could appreciate and
return friendship and sympathy from the beginning.

Title: Fell Memories · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 191
Reviewer: phyloxena · 2007-12-09 19:52:18
This story is more explicit than Tolkien would ever write, but still
stays on this side of graphic; Aragorn is incredibly strong and
strong-willed, but no more than he is incredible in LotR, on this side
of natural or unnatural endurance. His self-hypnotic method of
protecting his wits, dignity and identity is priceless. I loved "..he
pays attention to grammar and accent. It is a long poem".

Title: Journeys to Harad · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 502
Reviewer: phyloxena · 2007-12-09 19:55:18
It is good to be king, indeed. Very funny.

Title: Still Round the Corner · Author: lbilover · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 515
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-12-09 20:24:37
A confusion of Frodos as one waits to bid farewell to one he loves,
even though he first tries vainly to talk him out of going. How
difficult this must have been.

I, too, have played with how this departure went, as have others
greater than I. This one is masterfully done.

Title: Worship · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: General Drabble · ID: 586
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-12-09 20:27:44
The Easterling lord who held Tuor did his best to insult his captive
and his folks' traditions and beliefs, seeking to break him. We see
Tuor has learned to hold his tongue, but that his heart remains strong.

Well, well depicted, and love the contrast between Tuor and the
Easterling.

Title: Tea and Crumpets · Author: Llinos · Genres: Humor: The Shire or
Buckland · ID: 799
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-12-09 20:34:43
I don't usually review slash, but this was humorously done. Poor Pippin.