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Title: Triumphal Entry · Author: Garnet Took · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 244
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2007-12-25 19:36:13
A tender and touching story of the return of the victorious Army of
the West after the Battle before the Black Gate. What do the hobbits
see as they make their way from the main gate of Minas Tirith up to
the Citiadel? We follow Pippin mostly as he sees much that makes him
think.

Beautifully done Garnet!!

Title: Gentlemen's Night Out · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor: Gondor
or Rohan · ID: 181
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2007-12-25 19:41:22
I'm still chuckling from my latest read of Oshun's hilarious tale.
Poor drunken Legolas thinks he's earned the right to some fun after
months and months of danger and despair--and so he has. And his good
friends drag him from the embrace of a buxom mortal lass and save him
from being hung by his thumbs by some outraged dad.

Then there's the desperation of the young Elves upon discovering the
horror of LACE--until it is revealed to be a hoax. Those poor young
Elves--kind of like the chastity pledges those poor teenagers have to
endure in school these days.

But I think my very favorite exchange is the one between Legolas and
Elladan and Elrohir about Aragorn. What a hoot! Every time I hit that
word, "huffily," I just howl.

Many authors have poked fun at LACE (which will not die, alas), but
Oshun gets to the heart of the matter: such value placed on chastity
and "virtue" is always to control women. It's no less than an
ideological chastity belt. Of course Tolkien would never have seen it
that way, because he was so caught up in that moral code himself.

I'd like to see Oshun tackle the woman's point of view here. It's more
dangerous ground, for the consequences, in real life, can be "honor
killings." Those who think there's something romantic or sweet about
LACE ought to give it another thought.

Title: Capturing the Moonlight · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Romance:
Second Age or Earlier · ID: 279
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2007-12-25 19:50:43
A well-done and enchanting erotic piece, raising intriguing questions.
Here Melian is truly like an earthbound goddess, inspiring creation
with her very sexuality. I didn't quite understand why Beleg was her
partner, though.

Anyway, it's a lovely, beguiling image of eroticism in the moonlight.
In the river Esgalduin, no less! The enchanted river.....

Title: Setting the Captives Free · Author: pippinfan88 · Races:
Hobbits: Post-Ring War · ID: 245
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2007-12-25 20:16:50
It's amazing how the same starter can spawn totally different stories!
With the same starting quote, Garnet Took wrote of a meaningful scene
in Minas Tirith and Pippinfan wrote of a heartwrenching, but good,
scene in The Shire.

Hobbits have been held captive in the Lockholes under the rule of the
Ruffians, some for many months. What will the Travellers find both on
their way to Michael Delving and once the Lockholes are opened? In
what ways have the hobbits they know and they themselves changed?

Pippinfan takes us on a marvleous exploration of these questions.
Beautifully written as always!

Title: Fate and Destiny · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits:
Pre-Quest · ID: 300
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2007-12-25 20:33:26
This is the continuation of a story line that Pippinfan started in
"Merry's Graduation" but actually traces back further than that as the
character of Degger is introduced in her story "Riches to Rags"

Pippinfan handles well that Ferumbras was apt to be somewhat like his
snobby mother, and apt to look down his nose at any efforts to help a
poor orphan. I love her Paladin Took, who is a generous and caring hobbit.

Here we find out even more about Degger, more of his mysterious past
and his questionable future. Like the coal that becomes a diamond,
there is more to Degger than there appears to be.

A wonderful story, intricately crafted. A joy to read!! Pippinfan
never disappoints!!

Title: Tea for Two · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits: Children ·
ID: 304
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2007-12-25 20:54:10
A sweet touching story of a young child having to contend with losing
her place in the eyes of the adults to her infant brother.

Five year old Pervinca is confused. She can do so many things and
Pippin, who is doing well to be sitting on his own, is getting all the
praise and attention . . . until a very special cousin notices the
talented little lass and takes an interest in her abilities.

Well done again, Pippinfan!



Title: I Will Comfort Thee · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 458
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2007-12-25 21:20:12
A strong and tender story, like the men it is written about.

Faramir needs to visit the place where his beloved brother fell.
Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Merry and Pippin go with him and in the end,
Faramir finds the release and comfort he needs.

Beautiful and a joy to read. Thank you Agape4Gondor!

Title: The Broideress Arc · Author: Maeve Riannon · Times: First Age
and Prior · ID: 745
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-25 21:24:18
[spoiler alert]

[The Broideress Arc] is just one stunning piece of strong writing.
Maeve tells us Míriel’s story and how a woman so prideful and strong
wove her own destiny and that of her family. It starts so enchanting,
Maeve takes us back to the shores of Cuiviénen where we see the places
or villages through Finwë’s eyes. Even there Míriel feels as if she
stands above all others, who are they to constrain her to wherever she
chooses to go. This strong characterisation is a solid theme
throughout the four chapters of this story and I just pity the child
that is born from this marriage, what guilt he must felt to hear the
accusations coming from his own mother and his own perceptions that
she is not what she is supposed to be. Their final night together is
moving and when Finwë awakens he sees what she has wrought for the
future all along. From there, the first saplings of her pride takes
root, Indis visits her in Mandos Halls, a meeting that gives me the
chills and yet it is written so immensely in character. There you see
what has driven Míriel all along and how far she is willing to go to
make sure her child will not be cast aside and honoured as he should.
Indis stands strongly, but will swear an oath before the terrible oath
of Míriel’s son. One that will proof just to be just as destructive
for all the Noldor:

["Quiet!" the Broideress hissed. "If I consent to the breaking of our
eternal bond between husband and wife, which no Elda has broken
before... if I condemn myself to a life of burial in the Halls of the
Dead, and then you, Indis" Her smile became sinister now, even while
she pronounced her name, "you or your children ever usurp Fëanáro´s
place before Finwë or the Noldor, I swear that we will rise with a
great fire, and burn you and your family to ashes!"]

This bit specifically stands out so strongly because that is exactly
what will happen once of the Finweans threatens to sway from this
oath. It is simply magnificent. The final chapter brings all full
circle as if Maeve herself completes the tapestry of Míriel's life. I
loved how she took us to Mandos and to Vairë's place and commanded the
attention of the reader to this work immediately, just as Vairë
commands Míriel to complete her task. This is simply outstanding,
evocative, and poignant piece. It leaves you wondering at what time
Míriel has started to weave and put things in motions, even before she
touched the tapestry of that of the Noldor.


Title: Bilbo's Gifts · Author: Llinos/Marigold CoAuthors · Races:
Hobbits: Children · ID: 207
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-12-25 23:49:59
If only I could think of such wonderful ideas! This dynamic duo of
brilliant and talented authors have once again caputured the lifestyle
of hobbits and family dynamics in the Shire, doing a most excellent
job in the process.

Each story focusses on one of our beloved hobbits, Pippin, Merry,
Frodo, and Sam, turning the age of three and featuring a host of
favourite relatives. Each child has their own happy, or not so happy,
birthday. But even what might appear to be a dark ending actually ends
quite nice. I like happy endings. I always delight in reading about
their extended families, cousins interacting and such.

Both authors have blended their world of hobbits which work
wonderfully for this glimpse into the life of a three-year-old child.
I thoroughly enjoyed each story; all well written, well thought out,
and very well done.

Title: A Dragon in Buckland · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Mystery ·
ID: 206
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-12-26 00:04:55
I just adored this story! I absolutely enjoyed reading about Pippin
doing Good and not being a truant or cleverly concocting mischief. I
don't mind those stories at all, but this painted a different picture
of our beloved young hobbit at his best. This tale brought a breath of
fresh air that I truly found enjoyable.

Instead of following his older cousin around Brandy Hall and being a
general pain because he doesn't understand Merry's responsibilities,
this author portrays Pippin and very much indeed understanding his
cousin's duties and behaves accordingly. Interestingly enough, he
finds more productive ways to spend his time at Brandy Hall. Pippin,
we find, takes his first adventure into philanthropy by way of a
benevolent dragon. I liked the turnabout he plays on Ilberic Brandybuck!

Excellent portrayal of Pippin, and Merry, too! Both are characterized
beautifully in this marvellous tale. Very well done!

Title: Falling Into Shadow · Author: Marigold · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 205
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-12-26 00:21:11
I am always in awe of this author and how she precisely portrays these
well-known characters. She knows them inside and out, and nails their
personalities every time. She has a gift for capturing the essence of
her hobbits and the imaginations of her readers.

I was overjoyed when I first read this story of how Marigold explores
exactly what transpired with Merry being affected by the Black Breath.
I can't say that many authors give it any real thougt, not even
myself, though I would wonder about it from time to time. Her
characature of Merry's courage was spot on, and Pippin's love for his
cousin was very much in-character as I see it in my humble opinion.
Glorfindel also happens to be one of my favourite elves, so I truly
enjoyed the story.

Very well done!



Title: Concerning the Curious Healing Properties of Soup · Author:
pipkinsweetgrass · Races: Cross-Cultural: The Fellowship · ID: 571
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2007-12-26 00:25:23
It's a cold winter's night, perfect for reading such a warming story.
Pippin gets a cold as the company come down off of Caradhras and is
settled only by some good story telling on Boromir's part and good
soup made by Sam from birds and herbs fetched by Aragorn and Legolas.
The whole group are comforted by the story and the soup. A beautiful
story by a talented writer. Thank you Pipkin!!

Title: Observations · Author: grey_wonderer · Races: Hobbits: Children
· ID: 204
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-12-26 00:48:22
[“Frodo said that you can learn all about a job or a person if you
just watch and listen.” ]

Wow! Out of the mouths of babes. I just love stories that have the
protagonist learning a valuable life-lesson, and this story is a prime
example in that sense. Saradoc is perplexed by his ten-year-old son's
peculiar behaviour and is determined to get to the bottom of it. He
repeatedly asks Merry to explain his behaviour but Merry continually
rebuffs the requests. As it turns out, young Merry has taken to heart
a certain remark from his beloved older cousin, using his own father
as his personal project to test Frodo's theory. When Saradoc learns of
it, he in turn takes the same remark to heart and lives it for the
rest of his days. Awesomely written, obviously well thought out, not
one word out of place or over done. Most excellently well done!

Title: By Sorrow Unawares · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Hobbits:
Gapfiller · ID: 254
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-12-26 00:59:05
Here again is a lovely story about Pippin in the aftermath of Moria.
Young Pippin, subconciously in a dream, is desperately trying to deal
with just that. In his dream he befriends a badger, who listens
intently to his every word about the Shire, Pippin's family and way of
life. I truly enjoyed the entire scenario between Pippin and badger.
And then the dream starts to take over; I love dream sequences. An
author can be extremely creative in this medium, and this story no
less so. It's interesting to see the various objects that enter
Pippin's dream that he has encountered on the Quest. In the end, we
see just how grief stricken the lad has indeed become.

Excellent story to read, very well done, as always from this author.

Title: Gone Fishin' · Author: Aranel Took · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 322
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-26 01:19:42
I have often thought that all the schooling and training in the world
wouldn't really be able to prepare the Ranger to be the King. I love
the thought that he'd be smart enough to sneak away and take the time
he needs for himself.

Title: And We Will Travel North · Author: bewize · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 39
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-26 01:25:14
Such a simple thing as love and loyalty, yet so strong. This is a very
nice drabble, simple and yet powerfully done.

Title: More than Meets the Eye · Author: Dadgad · Genres: Humor: The
Shire or Buckland · ID: 128
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-26 01:43:10
Oh my goodness! This is absolutely delightful. I giggled and even
laughed out loud from start to finish. The humor is woven in
throughout a tale of fright and danger and bravery. I especially love
stories with the kind of layers this one has, the light humor and the
gentle tale and yet underneath lurks deeper truths, noble deeds and
tales of unsung heroes and legends. You have an engaging style and
voice, and your characters are strong and distinct and wonderfully in
character. Thank you muchly for sharing this work with the fandom.
This is the first story of yours that I've read but it won't be the last.


Title: The Horses of Eorl · Author: Branwyn · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Drabble · ID: 477
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-26 01:48:26
I like this a lot, not just because it's about the horses, but because
it's unusual in that they don't generally get this kind of attention
and it may be a niche that has been missed in the fandom. Horses bond
strongly with their people, and can be greatly traumatized by events
such as these horses went through. I love the thought of Radagast
coming to help heal them. Thank you for sharing this.

Title: The Accidental King: Five Reasons Why Finarfin Deserves an
Appreciation Month · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 5
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2007-12-26 01:54:08
Finarfin (or Arafinwe as I think of him) has always been a sympathetic
character for me and much underrated since the focus of “The
Silmarillion” is on the deeds of his brothers, nephews and children.
It had to have been a nearly impossible task to take up the kingship
of the Noldor-in-Aman when one has presumably no leadership skills and
little resources, given the circumstances. The fact that Finarfin
succeeds is a testament to his true worth as Finwe’s heir. Returning
to Tirion was an act of courage unparalleled by anything any of the
exilic Noldor accomplished. Dawn’s insightful and clearly stated
reasons for why January should be considered “Finarfin Appreciation
Month” certainly has my vote.

Title: Miss Dora Baggins' Book of Manners · Author: Dreamflower ·
Races: Hobbits: Incomplete · ID: 239
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-26 02:22:22
I loved this. I giggled and nodded my agreement all the way through
this fun and insightful guide into the heads and hearts of Hobbits.

Title: Aragorn's Moment · Author: docmon · Races: Men: Eriador or
Rivendell · ID: 509
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-26 02:25:39
I especially like Aragorn's silent strength in the face of what must
be done, that he does willing take the weight of all the world on his
shoulders, what he risks and yet what he stands for. Very insightful
and well done.

Title: A Passing Troll · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Humor: The
Shire or Buckland · ID: 210
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-26 02:30:00
Oh dear! I don't know if I should laugh or cry, or perhaps both. Kudos
to Sam, though, for his most excellent 'down to earth' suggestion to
keep the thing from frightening the kids.

Title: The Boatbuilder · Author: DrummerWench · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 536
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-26 02:37:00
oops! I can't believe I almost missed this one, I didn't realize it
was here this year. I love this story, you know that! It has a
beautiful subtle flow - but more than that, the thought that they are
still here. I can well imagine that 'Dan' is still on the job.

Title: Wings · Author: ErinRua · Genres: Romance: With Rohirrim · ID: 9
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-26 02:51:29
I love the comparision and connection that Eomer recognizes between
the wide open grasslands and the mighty horses of teh Rohirrim with
the vast beauty and strength of the open sea. More insightful than
silly, I think.

Title: Hossis · Author: Fawsley · Genres: Drama: Youth · ID: 520
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-26 03:02:25
Beautifully done and heartbreaking. You have a talent and a real
strength that translates into powerful story telling, using fewer
words rather than more and pulling the reader's self into the story
with their imagination so they feel the fear as they suspect and then
the pain when they realize, along with the young mother, that they
were right.