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Title: Reconcilation · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama · ID: 86
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-25 03:06:07
I remember reading this chapter-by-chapter when Dwim was writing it
earlier in the year, and the scheduled updates could not come quickly
enough! A fascinating and well thought-out mix of psychological
battles and the more physical kind, ["Reconciliation"] grabbed me and
didn't let go until the very end. Actually, it didn't let go even
then, as the timeless and heart-rending struggles of Elethil, Peloren
and Andrahar played through my mind again and again...

It was not until I had completed the story and had the chance to look
back on it as a whole, though, that I really comprehended the
masterful way that the author builds up to the climax. Had it happened
too quickly I might have struggled with some of it, but Dwimordene
gives us a concrete foundation - complex and tightly-woven - that
leaves the progress (or non-progress) of the protagonists seeming
inevitable. The pressures, and the stakes, gradually and constantly
increase, so that we join one of the characters near the end in
wondering, "How did it *get* this far?"

Dwim accomplishes this with excellent pacing and detail, wonderful
side stories and minor characters, simply delightful expansions of
existing characters and believable political extrapolations. Much of
the story is (appropriately) rather dark, but the epilogue is
uplifting and the final resolution fit each individual so very well -
even when some of the results were entirely unexpected! A superb
must-read all on its own, and even more impressive when its perfect
fit into the Unabeauverse is considered.

Title: Fell and Fair · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 526
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-25 03:10:32
What an astonishing, ambitious accomplishment - and one of the best
things about it is that more is to come.

Although initially inspired by the HoMe quote concerning the Battle of
the Field of Celebrant, I like that it is not just about the battle
but ranges far before and after; and most particularly, the
repercussions. Even more impressive is the exploration of such a large
number of perspectives, from the various allies on both sides; and not
just the warriors, but also the innocent who are impacted by the
fallout. All are well done: the characterizations are consistent
through many situations and centuries, and the alternating PoVs of
single scenes are especially effective.

There are many, many lovely phrases, moving passages and telling
observations throughout the series. They are at turns poignant,
uplifting, insightful, painful and entertaining. Perhaps...
["Celeborn, with Galadriel"] the sweetest and most sensuous, with an
excellent look at sea-longing; ["Félarof, father of horses"] might be
the most delightful PoV (though that's a very hard one to chose); ["A
loyal steed"] the most wickedly startling; and ["A Balchoth war
widow"] was almost certainly the most wrenching for me. However, I am
most intrigued by the infamous lost Celeborn-Hirvegil sparring
drabble... Any chance that might be excavated?

I admit that I burst out laughing when I saw the author's notes tally
(particularly for a series of tightly controlled drabbles): almost
24,000 explanatory words! *g* That said, I love A/Ns, and greatly
enjoyed perusing these: not only a truly fabulous resource but
extremely entertaining in their own right.

Title: Calm after the Storm · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 350
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-25 03:11:32
It is very tempting to dwell at length on the delightful "mind-candy"
that Imhiriel so evocatively conjures at the end, but this drabble
also contains the author's trademark depth and insight and wonderful,
wonderful background-setting.

I had not realized just how many ways a person could say "hot" in
reference to the same scene, but Imhiriel manages it well: never
repetitive, each piece of the description fits together perfectly and
adds another facet to the whole, until I feel like I'm right in the
middle of the sweltering seas with those brave fighters. Blending so
well with the uncomfortable heat is the uncomfortable aftermath of
battle. Those of true heart do not fight because they enjoy killing,
but because they are protecting hearth and home of their people. The
Prince's distaste at the remnants of death reflects on the sense of
duty of the entire crew, brought home to me even more forcefully by
the recovered pirated goods - symbols of what they are fighting for.

The final shot we have, of a commander seeking out the means to return
home, and then finding his own temporary relief in the cooling waters
of his land, is poignant and moving.

As well as providing fodder for any number of tantalizing daydreams,
of course...

Title: Friendship of Their Kind · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Early
Third Age: 1-2850 TA · ID: 425
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-25 03:12:39
Tense and taut, the entire lead-in of this story is pure excellence.
The description of the Rangers' harrowing ascent is told with such
immediacy that I am *with* them, in every sense, and wholly
sympathetic to their trial - even after finding out that the two
youngest rather earned this disagreeable duty. Dwimordene always
carefully constructs the surroundings that her characters act against,
and here is no exception. The details about the stench, the kill-hole
and the Rangers' practiced and surreptitious stalk are what help make
this story feel so tangibly real.

And such lovely characters to act against her backdrop... The young
and inexperienced pair are marvelously matched with the kind of mentor
that anyone would be fortunate to have. Halandur's calm and measured
demeanor, his sharp eyes and protective warnings, are what will help
keep his charges alive; his compassion and understanding, and wisdom
with regard to their enemy dead, are what will help retain Televor and
Belendir's humanity and nobility.

One danger in a horrific, seemingly endless and downhill fight is for
the warrior to degrade to the level of an appalling enemy. (Somehow,
it never seems to work the other way round.) This is what Halandur
seeks to instill in his young Rangers: that the distance between them
and those they abhor can be vanishingly small, and every action that
can maintain that distance should be religiously followed.

Title: Passages · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 60
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-25 03:16:01
I find it difficult to be entirely coherent about this story, as it
contains nearly all of my favorite characters (canon and OC) written
by this author. All squeeing suppressed, however, I can attest that
Isabeau is producing yet another entertaining and thought-provoking
work, filled with character development that is by turns delightful
and painful.

The Best-Loved Son story arc is mostly linear but there are skips in
time and place from story to story. One thing that can be established
about Isabeau, however, is the firm grasp she has on her characters.
They clearly and believably change as they gain age and experience,
even if she doesn't show every step of their growth to us; and yet
fundamentally they remain those we love and admire. Her OCs (and minor
canon characters) are among the very best I've ever read in years of
loving fanfic.

With all that I've just said, she also provides a spectacular, living,
breathing world for them to interact in. It blends beautifully with
Tolkien's, but contains her own particularities and personal touches.
The story-telling is first rate, whether we are dealing with
heart-thumping, action-filled passages or deep introspections, and
everything in between.

Title: All in a Day's Work · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 421
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-25 03:17:45
["All in a Day's Work"] truly captures the best of a drabble series:
complete, stand-alone drabbles that each add an important component to
the bigger picture; together, they tell the story in all its
fascinating entirety. The individual parts are all well-balanced
against one another, and proceed smoothly and logically from Corsair
raid to Imrahil's retaliation. I love the way the title clearly
conveys that this is standard fare for this well-trained response team.

Gwynnyd very effectively highlights a different individual's
perspective in each drabble. This gives a particularly well-rounded
view of the situation and the planning and sacrifice necessary to
efficiently lay the trap. The characterizations are quick but deftly
and fully constructed - limitations on word count have not kept the
author from developing a full complement of interesting Gondorians to
work with, from the simple but determined farmer to the wily and
commanding Prince.

An amazing amount of detail is incorporated into each section, but the
author's pacing never falters, driving us through to an excellent and
cheer-worthy end. (And, may I add, a great deal of happy personal
contemplation of "piratey" Imrahil.) Excellent work!

Title: The Young Knights · Author: Soledad · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 98
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-25 03:46:32
One of the things I love most about Soledad's stories (at least, in
the ones that I've read so far) is the depth and breadth of the
descriptions. The scene truly comes alive each time, almost a
character in its own right: rich and full descriptions that blend with
Tolkien's world but have their own distinct and flavorful feel. The
author has said she borrows heavily from the realities of medieval
times; although her scholarly aptitude is evident, the representation
of her own vision of M-e is never dull or dry. Here, Carvossonn and
the fair, the tournament and the knighting seem to spring from the
screen, glorious and vibrant, complete with a well-developed
historical significance.

Against this, Soledad creates some absolutely lovely original
characters and plays beautifully with canon individuals. Far from
perfect, always fabulously well-rounded, they interact against her
wonderful backdrops with all the range of human capacity: brave and
struggling, petty and grand, generous and stingy, gracious and ugly,
etc. As others have mentioned, I particularly enjoy how the author has
developed an entire culture for the first peoples of Gondor, and
focuses so much of her energy and talents on highlighting the noble
nature of the so-called "non-nobility".

Title: Requiem · Author: Rhapsody · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 280
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-25 04:43:16
The use of quotes from the Requiem Mass was inspired for this moving
story and lament for the great hound, Huan.Although I'm a cat person,
I love Huan and wish he had not been killed.This story provides a
fitting tribute to him.

Title: Brothers at Heart · Author: Radbooks · Times: Mid Third Age:
2851 - 3017 TA · ID: 330
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-12-25 05:47:05
A masterful account of that critical period in the life of our
favorite Returned King - the time when he returned to his kindred and
changed from the Elven fosterling Estel to Aragorn, young chieftain of
the Dunedain of Arnor. Radbooks writes with authority and credibility
- I was particularly enthralled by the episode of the four bandits who
Aragorn and his comrades encounter, and the lessons learned from the
justice of Bree.

One of the better works of this talented writer.

Title: Emissary of the Mark · Author: Soledad · Genres: Adventure:
Incomplete · ID: 356
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-25 09:04:04
The very first chapter of ["Emissary of the Mark"] is a fabulous
exploration of possible Rohirric customs. I can't help but think that
Tolkien would have appreciated the vision set out here, with the
language, the attention to detail and the flawless blending into
book-canon. As usual, I am drawn right into the scene, and the
author's devotion to her subject matter is unmistakable.

And again, here we have wonderful OCs and enhancements to canon
characters to move against Soledad's brilliantly-woven tapestry. They
raise my hackles (Grima), my admiration (Elfhelm, Aud, Theodred) and
my sympathy (Theoden). Knowing the fate of many of them adds a tinge
of sorrow to the celebrations, but it is good to see joyful times
before the war strikes.

Where this story takes off, however, is in its exploration of the
people of Rhun, with interesting OCs and original and somewhat
startling cultural details. The story is just in the beginning stages
of leading us into this nearly unexplored land, and I fervently hope
that the author is able to continue it soon! I have an idea of who
"the girl" is, and it is going to be one fascinating journey for
Elfhelm to not only escape with his life but win her over - especially
as she's the one vowed to kill him if he is false to her Khimmer lord...

Title: Strange Stars · Author: Jael · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 120
Reviewer: Michelle · 2007-12-25 12:46:04
I cannot claim to have read all of Jael's stories, but every time I
pick one of her tales I am once again amazed at the inventive plots,
dead-on characterizations, superb prose and simple beauty of her
storytelling. Jael's ideas are always outside the box, which is once
again proven by "Strange Stars", in which Legolas is sent to Harad as
a concubine. Of course, stated so plainly, it sounds like an
outrageous idea, but Jael manages to make a plausible cause, instead
of presenting the reader with nothing more than a cheap plot device.
Already by the end of the first chapter, you very much believe that
there is no other choice for Legolas than to go to Harad.

The Harad court is depicted very convincingly, as are the characters
who play a major role there. I found Phazan and Zori to be the most
enjoyable, but that is merely subjective taste. All characters are
three-dimensional and play their role in the bigger scheme of things.
It is just that I have a thing for the outlaws who are truly heroes
(Phazan) and the odd characters who lighten things up (Zori).

"Strange Stars" is a bit of a coming-of-age story for Legolas. He has
to "entertain" men as well as women. Sometimes that entertainment
consists of nothing more than conversation, sometimes things get a
little more heated. Legolas is out of his depth, because he has never
lain with another. But he never lets his role get the better of him,
he avoids what he can and learns what he must - and in the end
realizes that some things he always took for granted might not be
true. So it's a double journey for Legolas, because once he returns to
Gondor he is twice changed - in body and in mind.

Simply put - a wonderful story that should have something for
everyone: some slash, some het, and intriguing plot, good character
development and wonderful original characters. What more could you ask
for?

Title: Anchor · Author: Songspinner · Genres: Drama: Elves in Later
Ages · ID: 772
Reviewer: Michelle · 2007-12-25 12:47:37
I always love stories about Legolas' sealonging. It is a topic you can
never fully understand - like a thought that's on the tip of your
tongue without properly forming. And because elven sealonging is so
elusive, I love to see what fanfiction authors decide to do with it.
It seems to be an internal struggle for Legolas: He needs to leave,
but at the same time there are so many things he still wants to see
and do. The moment where he practically shouts his [I have not
finished] to the world, is a very poignant one. It's also very sad,
that a strong character like Legolas would feel like his own body/mind
is defeating him.

Title: Farewell · Author: Vilwarin · Genres: Drama: With Aragorn · ID: 706
Reviewer: Michelle · 2007-12-25 12:48:37
A quiet piece about Aragorn and Halbarad. A very short story, but
still Vilwarin manages to portray the deep friendship and trust
between the two.

Title: The Scars of Stone And Sky · Author: Lady Elina · Times: Late
Third Age: 3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 719
Reviewer: Michelle · 2007-12-25 12:50:34
The plot itself is far from new: Aragorn, having lived most of his
adult life with a quiet and diffuse yearning for Legolas, lets his
feelings come to the forefront at the eve of battle. The idea itself,
though done often enough, never loses its appeal for me, because I
feel that it is very true to both their characters. While Aragorn is
bound to Arwen and his fate and therefore would not pursue Legolas,
Legolas in return would never interfere with Aragorn's choices and
instead step back without much fuss. Lady E seems to think the same:
While Aragorn works up his courage to finally approach Legolas,
Legolas gives the man several chances to change his decision.

The prose is simply breathtakingly beautiful. It borders on poetry.
The style mirrors the plot. A special moment between two people that
somehow feels suspended in time, is described with feather-light words
that beg to be read in a quiet and whispered voice. It's subtle and
introspective, capturing the mood expertly. The story has a dream-like
quality while at the same time the frame (first a young Estel picking
up a stone and later Aragorn picking up a stone before riding into
battle) sets this one night within a larger scale, letting it seem
fated. Simply a beautiful way to look at Aragorn and Legolas. One of
the best A/L stories I've read in a very long time.

Title: Waiting By the Water · Author: Linaewen · Genres: Drama: With
Aragorn · ID: 395
Reviewer: Michelle · 2007-12-25 12:52:58
A beautiful story about friendship and missed goodbyes. Since it deals
with death it is very solemn, but at the same time refuses to be
bitter or overly sad. The setting reminds me a bit of the
dream-sequence in TTT, where Faramir sees the boat with his brother's
body pass by. I have always loved that scene, it has something so
otherworldy while it is visually stunning that it tends to bring tears
to my eyes even if it's very short in the film.

The story is a bit similar, but makes Aragorn the focal point. It
draws on the water as a motif - Boromir's body had been delivered to
the stream and now Aragorn is waiting by the water only to see a
spectre of that boat pass by. The moment is wisely chosen: Aragorn
uses a quiet moment between battles to take a deep breath, to focuse
and to calm his mind. And in exactly that moment he is met with the
chance to say his final goodbye to Boromir. That is something he feels
he missed when Boromir had to be "buried" in a hurry, because the
living needed their attention more than the dead. On the one hand the
story is deeply personal - establishing kinship and brotherhood
between Aragorn and Boromir. On the other hand this vision of Boromir
serves to remind Aragorn of his purpose: To save Minas Tirith and
fulfill his oath to Boromir.

There are actually quite a few motives to be found in the story, but
they are all handled very subtly, which causes the story to appear
feather-light, when in fact it gives you much to think about.

Title: The haunting of Minas Tirith · Author: Fawsley · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 651
Reviewer: Michelle · 2007-12-25 12:54:27
Hardly anyone writes horror stories set in Middle Earth, even though I
can't really understand why. There are the Nazgul and the Army of the
Dead, vampires and werewolves, so it's not like the universe wouldn't
lend itself to the genre. Fawsley writes a mix of horror and humour
and it works wonderfully. The first part is the classic urban legend,
and the second part deconstructs that urban legend and turns it into
something terribly funny.

Boromir should definitely be mentioned here. He comes across as a bit
clumsy and boyish - a thing that is most amusing in and of itself. But
it's his speech that impressed me most. He likes to hear himself talk,
very flowery at times and very direct as well. I enjoyed his account
of the tale immensely. He and his dog Jumble are an absolute dream team.

All in all "The Haunting of Minas Tirith" is a clever and witty story,
flawlessly written with a convincing twist at the end.

Title: Cophetua · Author: Jael · Genres: Romance · ID: 242
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-25 15:47:32
[this review has spoilers, I think]

I don’t know why I did this to myself, again. [Cophetua] is such a
beautiful novel and again, as soon as I have read the first
paragraphs, the story does not let go. Hours later all I can think is:
darn Jael did it again! You know it is coming, the end of this
marvellous romance, still you want to read again of their years of
bliss, love and yes sorrow of a life almost fulfilled. So page after
page, I have to read this compelling story, even though I know how it
ends. This story features a strong woman named Sigrid who is forced
from her home and taken in by Thranduil. Jael’s storytelling speaks of
the power of love and finding your mate, the cruelty of dead, but also
that of gossip mongering. A part of me cannot believe Thranduil is
loosing his love again and it feels so immensely cruel, still in a
way, I am grateful that he discovered this filthy maid on the road.
This bit is still my favourite part, it says so much without giving
away the story:

[The white one had proved to be a climber, twining itself around the
trunk of an ancient oak that grew at the edge of the glade. Galion had
offered to prune it back saying, "It will choke the tree, Sire," but
Thranduil had refused.]

Still, besides this strong ofc, I will say that I adore the [champion]
Galion, as a minor character, he feels like such an important cast
member, I would not dare to say that he carries the story, but as a
side kick (sorry Galion LOL), he simply captures your heart. And ah
Thranduil, strong and outspoken king, born to savour life, but being
punished by it all the same. For anyone who loves stories set in the
Fourth Age, or loves a powerfully written romance, or is a Thranduil
fancier: this story comes highly recommended. Jael’s writing is
beautiful, gripping and enchanting all the same. Just be assured to
have Kleenex nearby.


Title: Green Magic · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Crossover ·
ID: 312
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-25 16:07:58
Wah, this story still gives me the creeps when I read it. Yes, I know
[Tom the Ranger] is there to safe the day (or not?), but the tension
mingled with touches of magic works fabulously here. The observations,
warnings of this merry ranger ring through, especially at the end. I
nearly want to turn towards G.A. for telling me this story with such a
twist, but she's kinda far away to do this. yet it says a lot about
the story telling here, as if it was told to me in the oral tradition.
This is a story that will appeal to many, wether you like horror or
mystery: its a fabulous story to tell at a campfire... late at night.

Title: Outmatched · Author: Tiana Luthien · Genres: Drama: Vignette ·
ID: 132
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-25 16:41:35
Leave it up to two men to work things out this way. Testosterone and
male alphaness all about and nearly jumping off screen, Éomer tests
Faramir if he's good enough for his little sister. Having grown up
with only brothers, I surely could imagine Éomer's way to go about it.
Especially that last line had me laughing aloud. It is so Éomer! This
ficlet is sharply written and I surely would love to see more Éomer
stories written by this author!

Title: Come Back to Me · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance · ID: 67
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-25 17:43:29
[spoiler alert!]

Oh brilliantly done: a relationship well explored and a riddle solved.
In a very satisfactionary way. In LotR we know that the entwifes left
Fangorn one day, leaving Treebeard a bit confused as to the why.
Fimbrethil in this piece reflects that same confusion and
bewilderment. It is such a touching note, to have the entwifes
guarding the shire in their own way with Hobbits around them. Another
thing I so liked is the exploration of free will in this piece and to
me free will given by Eru also applies to love. I deeply wish that
this Goldberry would had a chat with Aelfwine about this ;) Still I
think it is true and a gift given for all creatures walking upon Arda,
to chose as they seem fit, no matter what. Marta explores this so
beautifully in this short story and Goldberry comes across as a free
spirited Maia: Yet she sees to her own task in earnest, but just as
Melian in her own way. This gives the characterisation a certain charm
in this piece; I can surely imagine why Tom wanted to keep her around
on her own terms or why Treebeard misses his wife so. As for
Fimbrethil, she simply grows in this piece as a character and it is
great to read that she overcame her conflict. This makes the ending is
very satisfying, where Fimbrethil has come to terms as to why she is
separated for now from Treebeard in Fangorn, perhaps one day she will
return. This just gives this tale such a complete feeling, although
the ending might promise more tales of these two.

Title: The Return · Author: mistycracraft · Races: Men: Eriador or
Rivendell · ID: 90
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2007-12-25 19:00:30
A charming and fun tale of a moment in Aragorn's life that every
Aragorn writer dreams of writing: his first encounter with the Bree
folk after he is crowned king.


Title: The hunt across Tirion · Author: Tinni · Genres: Poetry · ID: 607
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-25 19:17:20
This poem conveys two things: an adventure that every child would
enjoy and a heartfelt family moment. The style is vividly and reminds
me of those pieces of folklore that is set in a rhyming scheme so that
it can be easily remembered and passed on. The eagerness of Fingon and
Turgon is very tangible; Fëanor's response to this treasure hunt is
just very much in character. This is a lovely poem set during the time
before Morgoth would walk amongst the elves: it feels very carefree
and joyful!

Title: A Simple Wish · Author: Claudio · Times: First Age and Prior ·
ID: 220
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2007-12-25 19:22:04
Here we have a vignette of Claudio at his best: the secret thoughts,
told with a combination of a gentle chuckle and a knowing snicker,
that beset most of us--those honest enough to admit it, anyway.

Hey, if I was Celeborn, I'd want to get out and play sometimes, out of
the reach of my formidable wife.

A standout: Ithilbor licking his lips. So much is told in so few, so
discrete words. Bravo!

I wish I had more time to read Claudio's work--but my fanfic time is
reduced to practically nothing these days. But I've enjoyed everything
of his that I've read, and recommend his tales to anyone who likes
emotional intensity--often not pretty--and more than a little wicked wit.

Title: Growed · Author: agape4gondor · Races: Men: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 218
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2007-12-25 19:25:11
This story goes from sweet to chilling in the blink of an eye! A
fantastic use of words in the short space of a quaddrabble. It is
truly a gift to be able to convey so much in such a short amount of
words. I'm in awe, Agape!

Title: I Bid You Stand · Author: storyfish · Genres: Adventure · ID: 225
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2007-12-25 19:26:22
This is such an amazing story! A wonderful and intense look at what
might have happened in the movie version of the Battle before the
Black Gate. Merry is there, even though not fully healed. Pippin and
Merry fight bravely, but both end up with a more intense fight on
their hands than they had reckoned for.

I wish storyfish's version had made it to the screen!!