Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Who is this Gil-galad, of Whom You Speak? · Author: Erunyauve ·
Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 250
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2007-12-23 01:47:02
A feat of truly Sherlock Holmes-like stature--culling the story of
Gil-galad from the dribs and drabs Tolkien left us.

Gil-galad, like so many others (Galadriel springs especially to mind),
was a character not invented until LotR--but then a past had to be
invented for him. It is both our good fortune and our doom that
Tolkien didn't get very far in this. So much room for imagination!

I especially appreciate the points about Gil-galad's strengths and
weaknesses. Someone needs to write a story about why he kept those
Rings secret.

Title: Last Light · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Drama · ID: 194
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-23 01:48:47
This is wonderfully deep and heart-wrenching. It is so perfectly and
so deeply in character and so consistently in the first-person point
of view that the truth only creeps in slowly and the reader realizes
slowly, with wonder and horror, who is speaking - and wants to scream
and cry with their death.

Title: Marking Fours · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 1
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2007-12-23 01:51:16
Raksha shows us what a drabble series ought to be--each stands on its
own, but the whole is more than the sum of its parts, and holds
together by more than one thread.

I particularly like the deeper understanding of Denethor at the end.

Title: A Little Knowledge Can Be A Dangerous Thing · Author: Tanaqui ·
Races: Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 352
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2007-12-23 01:54:51
Tanaqui shows yet again that she is the Queen of the art of the drabble.

I like to imagine Elrond giving the bulk of his treasure over to
Aragorn to fund the rebuilding of Middle-earth--and surely these
volumes would be part of it.

Title: I Will Comfort Thee · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 458
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2007-12-23 03:31:53
This is a very poignant piece, full of pathos yet ending with a sense
of hope and peace. I loved the way one is not entirely sure about
Boromir’s presence there when Faramir visits his brother’s death scene
with Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Merry and Pippin. The use of the tree is
especially beautiful, especially the image of it embracing Faramir, or
as he says, cuddling him, just as his older brother might have done
when they were younger and Faramir needed comforting. The reactions of
the others to their memories of what happened at Parth Galen were also
well shown and it’s obvious that Boromir was great loved and missed by
them all.

Title: Risen From Flame · Author: Ribby · Races: Men: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 761
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-23 04:58:07
[spoilers]
This drabble develops a lovely parallel between Minas Tirith and
Faramir itself. Though it, Ribby characterizes the struggle the people
of the White City faced in the Ring War. It's a very affective
technique, and is well-executed in this drabble. Gondor fans won't
want to miss it.

Title: The Horses of Eorl · Author: Branwyn · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Drabble · ID: 477
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-23 06:21:32
I loved this! The horsenapping of Rohan's black horses is one of my
favorite references in canon, it's a subplot that is intriguing in all
its implications. This is a nice examination of the aftermath of it.
It seems perfectly Rohirric that Eomer would seek help for even the
emotional wellbeing of these brave horses, and Radagast is the perfect
person to turn to. Add to that the author's knowledge of horses, and
it all adds up to a thoroughly enjoyable drabble.

Title: Waiting By the Water · Author: Linaewen · Genres: Drama: With
Aragorn · ID: 395
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-23 06:36:45
This is a really neat idea. Aragorn's mourning for Boromir isn't a
theme that I've seen explored in a vignette by itself, but Lin does it
really well, offering much insight into both characters. People who
enjoy either character but especially Aragorn should probably enjoy this.

Title: Green No Longer · Author: Allee · Genres: Drama: Vignette · ID: 666
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-12-23 07:26:00
A small moment in time in which the loss of innocence by a young boy
after the Battle of Helm's Deep is observed by three experienced
warriors. Touching and well-written.

Title: Bitter Springs · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Mid Third Age:
2851 - 3017 TA · ID: 634
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2007-12-23 07:53:28
Boromir and Theodred are so similar in so many ways; their ages, their
positions, even the date of their deaths. In this piece, the two of
them come together as equals, both fretting about constraints that
keep them from taking the action that they would wish. They are
obviously friends of long standing, and both are frustrated. Grima's
foul hand is very evident here, even though he is not present. And it
is telling that this tale takes place in March, even as the ultimate
resolution of the Ring War does.

Title: Anchor · Author: Songspinner · Genres: Drama: Elves in Later
Ages · ID: 772
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-12-23 08:18:43
I love this story demonstrating the deep friendship between Legolas
and Aragorn, with the elf's sea-longing, shown both past and present,
at its center. It's easy to see how and why Legolas stayed in
Middle-earth as long as he did and what it cost him to do so. I also
loved little Eldarion in this wonderful little tale

Title: In the Dark · Author: White Wolf · Genres: Mystery · ID: 484
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-12-23 09:22:33
Ouch - this is one scary little story; all the more so because the
ending is somewhat up in the air/ambiguous, which is deliberate and
adds to the tale's eeriness, which is already considerable, without
the aid of Nazgul or Barrow-wights.

Don't read this alone on a dark night; or if you're claustrophobic.

One of the most unusual and original mystery stories I've read anywhere.

Title: Gentlemen's Night Out · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor: Gondor
or Rohan · ID: 181
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-23 11:48:27
I could have sworn that I reviewed this piece, but I guess that I did
that somewhere, not for the mefa's as I thought I had... Anyway, this
is such a delightful piece. This lovely short story carries that exact
tone: the mingling of own observation and a piece of advise, a few
words here and there about missing your child. The letter from father
to son reminds me of the letters the professor sent to his sons
whereas he advised them on matters of love and morality. That is not
it! The dialogue between Legolas, Elladan, and Elrohir is simply
hilarious, you can simply sense how a lot of weight has dropped of
their shoulders, the mood is joyous, and all feel so free. Even
Erchirion feels as if he was freed from a burden. Actually, I loved to
see Legolas; the half-elven twins tell Erchirion about how Elves
really go about sex (although the Mirkwood way to go about it sound
rather cruel, yet incredibly funny as a rite of passage) and it also
kind of explains how a Numenorean like Aelfwine should have benefited
to be a witness of this conversation. The writing is brisk and
fast-paced, leaving me wanting to read more about Oshun’s take on
these characters. Another matter that stood out for me was the vivid
depiction of the scene considering the form the author chose to
address this matter: it is so well done! I as a reader felt as I just
stood behind her main character in this piece.

Oh and [Our visit to the pavilion of Dol Amroth's most prestigious
ladies of evening is also a tale worth telling, but the hour grows
late and my bed beckons. I will save it for another time.] I really
hope Oshun will treat us to this story soon!


Title: The Beginning · Author: Oshun · Genres: Romance: Second Age or
Earlier · ID: 339
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-23 12:06:14
It has been a while since I read this beautiful vignette where
Gil-Galad shows us a young and eager Elrond, yet a certain wisdom has
come over the half-elf. It conveys tenderness, caution of a love yet
not claimed whereas the elder patiently waits and observes. This bit
is just precious:
[“Are you questioning my judgment or do you perhaps plan to disclose
secret details about yourself that I have not yet discovered?”]

It comes at such a well-timed moment and it describes Gil-galad so
well at that point: you can simply tell so much about their
relationship before the kiss and defines the elf lord as a fabulous
observer. The final kiss at the end is leaving me with a happy
feeling; it just feels so fitting somehow. The writing is balanced (I
read it as first draft), delicate even, which makes this an excellent
vignette. Given the title, I deeply hope that Oshun will explore this
pairing in the future.


Title: For All Things a Cost · Author: Súlriel · Times: Second Age:
Drabble · ID: 268
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-23 12:29:35
When it comes down to Orcs, everything the firstborn and secondborn
have held in regards, will be seen as something despicable in the eyes
of this race. Yet what remains central in this piece is the love and
pride a mother feels for her offspring.

[How 'bout we start a replacement."] This line is just a fine example
of this train of thoughts coming from an orc, but oh the end line is
just perfect: [But he'd make her proud.]

Strongly & effectively drabbled, Sulriel just knows how to give the
orcs a voice in a compelling manner.


Title: Gondor's Sons · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
Vignette · ID: 728
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-23 17:07:31
These were both quite lovely! I especially loved Eomer covering his
nervousness with talk of horse and that both of Faramir's {unlikely
brothers} were so caught up in the experience with him. The naming of
the baby was described wonderfully.

In the second I thought that Faramir's prophecy concerning Aragorn's
own son to come was marvellous!

Title: Sometime Ever After · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 363
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2007-12-23 19:26:51
I wish I could repeat some of what I already said about another
Aragorn/Halbarad tale of Dwim's--only this one, here, is not actually
AU. And here I go blubbering away like a big baby, crying over dead
Halbarad. I will never forgive Tolkien for denying Aragorn BOTH of his
best friends just as he becomes king. (Gandalf leaving for Heaven,
which I can't but think he will find very dull, being the other one.)

Here, Halbarad lives in Aragorn's mind--and we know that it's not just
poison that brings him to life in a sick man's dreams. In fact,
Halbarad will go on speaking to Aragorn all his life. Why is it that
Dwimordene writes such great stories about nightmare states? Do I want
to know the answer?

The flashbacks to their young manhood work very well, especially the
transition from the current battle/wound to the campfire. It's quite a
challenge to write something like that well.

And of course Halbarad would look after Aragorn's children--I imagine
that Aragorn's unmarried, heirless state must have been quite a source
of discontent among the Dunedain before the War of the Ring. One of my
own ideas for finding some comfort in Halbarad's death is to imagine
Eldarion marrying one of his granddaughters.

Title: Heart's Blood · Author: ChristineX · Genres: Romance · ID: 709
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-12-23 19:27:53
Marigold made me sit down at her computer and read this story! It
certainly is an unexpected and unique tale, one I liked very much.

Lithiníel is a very well done original character. Her appearance in
Mordor is explained logically enough and like Marigold I found myself
wondering if the Valar had a hand in the whole situation, wondering if
perhaps Sauron was distracted enough by his consort over those forty
years before, and during the Quest, to have not been paying quite as
much attention to the outside world as he might have done, to the ruin
of all.

I especially liked the added tension of the Mouth of Sauron's
machinations against Lithiníel. The descriptions of the interior of
Barad-dur and the behaviour of the servants there were nicely
described and so were the dream sequences.

All in all an original and enjoyable story, one well worth reading!



Title: Fun with Farm'n · Author: Súlriel · Races: Villains: Drabble ·
ID: 269
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-23 20:28:52
[this review comes with spoilers]

I really like how Sulriel interpreted the challenge and wrote these
two orcs who so casually go about 'sowing' for the upcoming harvest.
Two farmers, but just not something we'd like to think about often,
especially since their last victim is alive.

Title: An Interview with a Woodelf · Author: dreamingfifi · Races:
Elves: Incomplete · ID: 227
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2007-12-23 21:29:01
Dreamingfifi's story has got to be one of the most original I've ever
seen in fanfic. It veers from high comedy to very, very sad. A
challenging story--I think it will be difficult to finish. I wish you
all writing luck and inspiration!

Title: Requesting Mercy · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 681
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-12-23 22:02:12
(Spoiler Alert)

Thank goodness it didn't come to the worst! Frodo's reasoning was well
thought-out and who could blame him for not wanting to become a
wraith? His reasons for asking Sam was also very logical.

Title: Despair · Author: Silivren Tinu · Genres: Drama: The Fellowship
· ID: 171
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-12-23 22:05:02
I enjoyed seeing Legolas reveal some small part of his true nature to
Boromir. The dialogue and scenario were realistic.

Title: Tales of Thanksgiving · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First
Age and Prior · ID: 184
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-23 22:15:36
It has been a while since I read most of these pieces in this
collection. They are all small treasures of their own, written for
friends who have their own likes in the rich palate of what Dawn has
to offer in her writings. My experience is that you can toss Dawn an
idea to write about and most often she comes back with a great short
story or a drabble series. For those who love to read about the
various persons within the House of Finwë, I highly recommend this
series. Besides that rather large family, Dawn also included an
absolutely stunning piece featuring Rúmil and how he creates the
Sarati in [Hands and Voices]. Caranthir is a well loved character by
many and I find it hard to tell which short work in this collection I
like the most, it’s so hard to tell. For me personally I thoroughly
enjoyed reading [Of Love, Mischief, and Flowery Prose] again, where
she writes a young and rebellious Celegorm who tries to fix something
with a touching gesture. For every Maglor fan, there is a lot to be
found here, Dawn writes a great set of different fates regarding this elf.

Dawn is a very versatile writer with a deep love �" and knowledge �" of
her characters. Some might call these little works within this
collection character studies, but I do believe it goes beyond that as
she explores canonical events just as easily and skilfully.


Title: The Lady’s Offer · Author: pippinfan88 · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 805
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-12-23 22:19:32
(Spoiler Alert)

The offer that Galadriel makes to Pippin here seems very logical to
me. I liked the look into Pippin's character that we see in this all
too short story. His understanding of what Galadriel offers is mature
and shows the reader how much he has grown already. Yes, he wishes
that Gandalf lived and he knows that Gandalf's return would help the
Fellowship, probably in more important ways than Pippin can himself,
but he must be true to his word and understands in his heart that
Frodo needs his presence and support.

So instead of taking what would be the easier road for him, and
allowing the burden of the Quest to be borne by others, he faces up to
the responsibilty that he accepted earlier. Excellent character study.



Title: Wind of Change · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Crossover · ID: 669
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-23 22:41:38
[this review contains spoilers]

This is such a marvellous story. I still remember the events of the
fall of the Berlin wall so clearly and as I read this piece, I just
could hear Scorpion singing the song that also features as the title
for this story. After three paragraphs I realised who the man on the
wall is, after that moment the story becomes richer as the events
evolve. Just the thought of Maglor hoisting people up the wall or
helping them to get over it is so incredibly touching. It feels as if
he can relate to the knowing he cannot return as an exiled one. It
just seems fitting that in our history (which makes this an excellent
crossover story), he would give the people of East Berlin that which
he could not have for himself. The moment he gets handed the twins,
who look up to him in utter trust, is the moment where �" to me �"
Maglor relives the moments he took care of Elros and Elrond, the twins
who in the end returned to their people as well. [Winds of change]
indeed and he plays a role in this in reuniting kin that never though
that day would come for them, but will this ever be the case for him?
I think it is needless to say that I love this story; it is moving,
brilliant, and so incredibly well written by Imhiriel.