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Title: The Harper · Author: juno_magic · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 10
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-28 01:42:14
I enjoyed the pace of this piece particularly. It unfolds evenly, with
the repetitions serving to emphasize the musical aspects. It doesn't
hurry, but rewards patience, just as the story teller does.

Title: Kindred Spirits · Author: Cathleen · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 377
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-28 01:52:28
The Steward's Son and the Thain's have much in common and it's nice to
see it drawn out here.

Title: A Crown of Woodland Flowers · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races:
Elves: With Mirkwood Elves · ID: 180
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-12-28 02:35:11
This story gives us a glimpse of the deep, abiding love between
Thranduil and his wife, Telpariani, as they escape the
responsibilities of leadership and take a day solely for themselves.
It is a beautiful, well-written story that makes us want to chuck our
cares, run away and do something just like that.

It made me believe this was the very way Thranduil got his crown of
woodland flowers. I love it.

Title: A Pirate's Life for Me! · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 438
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-28 04:43:18
Playing at pirates definitely has a universal appeal, perhaps from the
sense of freedom of the open seas. For Gondorian children it would
take on a slightly different cant due to the preying of their Corsair
enemies, and the subtle influences of the Kin-strife that would be
embedded in their racial memories. Raksha does a very good job of
imbuing this into her ficlets, as well as other not-so-lighthearted fare.

The interactions are simply wonderful: uncle and nephew first, then
that same nephew many years later with his own children. Faramir
offers an excellent continuity beyond having two sets of children
playing similar games. There's a sense of his history, and how the
values he learned as a child have been translated into his being a
wise and loving father. The shifts between the "game" language and the
adult/child discussions are particularly well done.

My favorite part, however, may be the premonition that Imrahil has
near the end of the first vignette. The description and sense of
unease that it imparts adds a poignancy to the child's play, and
provides a deeper contrast to the second piece, where we see one
family that came through that would-be Corsair invasion to happiness
on the other side.

Title: Journeys to Harad · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 502
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-28 04:44:22
This pair of drabbles still makes me laugh aloud. The contrast is so
well drawn between journey #1 and journey #2 via Aragorn's widely
varying accompaniments on the road.

In the first drabble, what strikes me most is Arwen's tender care,
offering critical supplies from her healer and Elven heritage; Aragorn
wisely and immediately accepts, but phrases it in perfect lover's
language. I'm also reminded very forcibly of how lonely his travels were.

In the second - ah, that majordomo! A wonderful character sketched in
the briefest of terms. And Aragorn's final list of important things
strikes me as just right: ["A bath, a bed, and his lady"] - perhaps,
but not necessarily, in that order. *g*

Title: A Little Knowledge Can Be A Dangerous Thing · Author: Tanaqui ·
Races: Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 352
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-28 04:45:29
As a self-confessed bibliophile, I can completely engage with
Faramir's enamored reaction to Arwen's dowry. It is not just the
knowledge, new worlds and enlightening perspectives contained therein;
but there is something to the physical feel of the page, the scent of
the ink and even that musty smell that comes from aged tomes that
speaks to me in ways that electronic media never will. But I
digress... *g*

At times I forget the dramatic impact that the printing press made on
cost and availability, and how immeasurably more precious books of any
kind would be in M-e. Tanaqui's reminder of this weaves throughout the
series, providing a prompt for both the emotional development and the
humor. I love the relationships revealed here: Arwen and Faramir just
starting to know one another, and Aragorn's (somewhat self-serving)
rewards to his valued steward. All of it is explored with the author's
usual beautiful and flowing prose.

And I must say, I also connect very well with Aragorn's dislike of
fancy clothes, and the image of a ["reluctant peacock"] is priceless.

Title: Wings · Author: ErinRua · Genres: Romance: With Rohirrim · ID: 9
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-28 04:49:40
Rereading ["Wings"] after some time has passed, I find myself laughing
aloud again just as I did then. Not *at* Eomer, mind you; not at
silliness or frivolity or anything else which might *seem* to be here
on the surface, but really is not. Rather, my response is one of
simple, pure, recognized joy in a fellow human being. It's too seldom
that our hearts blossom like this, expanding outward so much and
quickly that it is almost painful. Like Imrahil, I get tears prickling
my eyes - Eomer's glee resonates very powerfully with me.

The scenery is vividly, beautifully portrayed, particularly the nature
and sensation of the ocean. I've long loved Tolkien's thoughts about
humanity's attraction of the sea, and I think it's reflected well
here. I especially love the part about the anchored boats appearing to
be on the verge of whisking away over the edge of the horizon; it
nails the sense of possibility, of the call of the waves.

The characterizations are dazzling. Eomer shows clearly the "whole"
man that he is: not just fierce warrior but intense and exuberant
lover. It reminds me of the author's poem, ["The Lion and the Swan"],
where Lothiriel reflects on a side of Eomer that few others see.
Imrahil is being shown this side, and his reaction says much of him as
well: he does not really laugh at Eomer but with him, and recognizes
how treasured and well-understood his beloved daughter will be. More
than that, I think, I love his understanding as a ["father of strong
sons"] that Eomer's "silly" behavior actually springs from a solid
foundation, a strength that comes from knowing who he is as King of
Rohan, and what is truly important to him. And of course, I love the
connection highlighted at the end, of their newly forged bond as
father and son.

Wrapping it all together is ErinRua's wonderful writing. Just delightful!

Title: The Spear of the Lily · Author: The Bookbinder's Daughter ·
Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 11
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-28 04:50:43
Oh, what gorgeous, graceful, poetic imagery... This truly does feel
like a painting, one completed with rich blends and heavy brush
strokes, a bit impressionist and having plenty of texture and
highlights. I can see Eowyn in my mind very clearly, perhaps a bit
dreamy and far-away herself at that moment as she gazes
contemplatively out the window. I imagine her as rather practical, and
being delighted in Faramir's odes to her in an appreciative yet
somewhat gently exasperated way.

The language and form of this is simply perfect, lovely and lyrical
and almost beyond prose into poetry itself. I love the introductory
poem, and its inspiration is glimpsed throughout the vignette. I also
love how Faramir's beginning reflection (["This time of day suits her
best..."]) is repeated at the end, bookending his musings and leaving
us with the image of the dawn; it points to how Eowyn's life began
anew in many ways with her marriage. It is also very suitable that the
scholar realizes mere words' inadequacy in capturing what he sees and
feels.

The choice of title is extremely apt and evocative of Eowyn: not only
borrowed from Wilde, and the lily reference hearkening to the RotK
phrase, but the "spear" also recalls for me Eowyn's fierce warrior
side - no mere fragile flower, but a woman with a core of steel.

Title: A Game of Chess · Author: Altariel · Genres: Romance: Gondor ·
ID: 609
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-28 04:52:33
AGoC was among the first major fanfic works that I read. I loved it
enthusiastically then, and I think it says much about its quality that
I yet feel the same, rereading the story now after having enjoyed so
many other well-written sagas. There is, of course, some bias - the
"first love" syndrome, so to speak. But I am still caught up
unabashedly in the author's succinct and descriptive prose, feeling
myself struggle with the characters, at turns sympathizing and then
wanting to give them a good shake - though not quite a la Denethor...

The characterizations are what leave me dazzled the most, I think,
even beyond the wonderful writing itself. I grumble to myself over
some of Faramir's angsty responses, but I can see this sensitive and
lyrical soul that Altariel has crafted, and how he could easily be
["war-fettered"] by having to force himself to perform to such a high
level, against his better nature. Eowyn is also very well drawn here,
able to understand and accept Faramir's limitations even as she
celebrates his beauty. Like too many of us, though, they are each
hampered by upbringing and pride, stumbling their way to true unity.

And I doubt that I need to elaborate on my love of Imrahil; he gets
some brilliant moments as the loving and sometimes too-intrusive
uncle, only belatedly realizing just how much Faramir (rightly) is
Denethor's son. Some of my favorite parts are uncle and nephew's own
coming to terms.

For all its realism ["after the fairy-tale wedding"] - or, actually,
because of it - AGoC is a glowing tribute to the strength of love and
the sacrifices of self that committed partners make to one another.
Having had my own fumbles in the relationship department, whether with
husband or parents, I find much of this story strongly resonates with me.

And, yes, of course, as always: I love the chess imagery!

Title: A Million Little Stars To Light Their Way · Author: Cathleen ·
Genres: Drama: The Shire · ID: 387
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-28 04:59:56
A touching little story which shows Boromir's death and memories of
him continuing to haunt Merry and Pippin three years afterwards and
how they find a way to cope.

Title: The Inner Light · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 236
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-28 05:03:53
A moving and well written tale in which Erestor looks back over his
life and most especially his friendship with Elrond and his family.
This story captures the pain that one having lived so long must have
witnessed.

Title: Measures of Time · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 50
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-28 06:46:47
I've seen the author touch on this subject before - the aging of Eowyn
long before Faramir starts to show his years. I think Raksha has an
insightful grasp of the dynamics between them, and manages to explore
sensitively even as she bares a painful facet of their union with
unflinching honesty.

Eowyn's pride and bitterness come through very clearly, but it is not
something that distances me from her; I am instead drawn closer in
sympathy. But I certainly do not pity her - I wouldn't dare! My
empathy is strengthened by her seeking for a noble response to what
she knows is a petty feeling, and her determination to overcome this
struggle as she has so defiantly overcome many others in her life.

And Faramir... Ah, what is not to love about this man, who not only
loves his wife deeply but understands and respects her to the core? He
intuitively senses exactly what a lady of her caliber needs: a
challenge. This is a beautiful, graceful testimony to their love, and
I hope Raksha bends more of her talent to this period of their life.

Excellently written, and a wonderful title, too: it captures the
musical nature of the scene, and also hints at time's constant passage
and how we "measure out" our lives.

Title: Between Crown and Mantle · Author: Marastar · Times: Late Third
Age: 3018-3022 TA · ID: 701
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-28 06:54:14
Marvelous and subtle, the story insinuates itself past the reader's
expectations to conclude with not one, but two pointed and startling
comparisons that I had never entertained before. It seems wholly
appropriate that Gandalf is the one to bring this about for both Eowyn
and the reader.

Eowyn is masterfully characterized. The author easily brings us into
the Lady Wraith-slayer's head to witness all the doubts and painful
memories therein. The comparison between herself and Faramir the First
is developed at the same pace for both Eowyn and the reader, so that
we share understanding at the same time. Gandalf seems to offer no
judgement, but only a consideration of the results of similar acts,
for the fallout of Faramir I's desertion also has a positive impact of
sorts - it is simply centuries before it materializes. Secondarily,
and almost as an afterthought, I am reminded of Eowyn's Faramir, one
named after that first deserter, who too was derelict in his duty
(when he refused to bring the Ring to Denethor) to beneficial results
and mixed reception.

The tapestry is used well: as a common draw for the protagonists; as
another path of insight into Eowyn's past and present; and finally as
a brilliant commentary on the transient nature of history, of how what
was of immediate importance to one generation is pushed into a dusty
and little-considered corner with time's passage, its message fading
from memory.

Title: Future Imperfect · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Mid Third Age: 2851
- 3017 TA · ID: 749
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-12-28 07:24:47
[some plot spoilers]




Here, Tanaqui explores the conflict between duties of state and duty
to family. In this vignette, young Faramir overhears a conversation
between his grandfather Adrahil and his father; the subject being his
own military disposition. Adrahil wants to give Faramir a slightly
safer berth in the fleet of Dol Amroth; while Denethor knows he
cannot, as Steward of Gondor, spare either of his sons. Denethor is
well-written here as a man who must make painful decisions regardless
of his own inclinations.

Title: The Gaze of the Lady Galadriel · Author: Aprilkat · Genres:
Drama: The Fellowship · ID: 600
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-28 10:09:49
A touching ficlet which speculates on what Galadriel saw in Frodo's
heart.Aragorn offers silent support to the troubled Hobbit.A Nice
glimpse of a supportive friendship.

Title: Sunshine and Roses · Author: shirelinghpc · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Gondor · ID: 531
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-28 10:13:37
This was a lovely story in which the ever perceptive Faramir realises
all is not well with Sam and sets out to help him. I loved the
characterisation here of stoic Sam,never complaining and Faramir
noticing what others miss.

Title: Night Terrors · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Mid Third Age: 2851 -
3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 752
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-28 10:40:09
A delightful drabble concerning Aragorn and his mother,an all too rare
combination in fanfic. I love seeing Estel as a typical little boy who
likes getting dirty !

Title: Don't Be Deceived · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 351
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-28 10:45:23
A delightful tongue in cheek drabble which has the reader fooled right
until the end by playing on the similiarities between two of Tolkien's
great heroes.Most enjoyable.

Title: Shadowfax, Lord of all Horses · Author: grey_wonderer · Races:
Cross-Cultural: With Pippin · ID: 597
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-28 10:55:59
A delightfully amusing tale in which Pippin gets to ride the Lord of
all Horses. How I wish I could have see them in the streets of Minas
Tirith !

Title: Love Story · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 273
Reviewer: Oshun · 2007-12-28 12:47:31
Ha. It's way better than the original. (Whoops. Not my favorite story
in Tolkien's canon. I know that's heresy, but I can't help it.)
Actually, reminds me of the real thing. By that I don't mean Beren and
Luthien, but putting on plays with my brothers and sisters when I was
a kid. One of the advantages of having a really big family. Hairy
feet, oh my! It is a very funny piece/

Title: She Watches · Author: Larner · Races: Hobbits: Gapfiller · ID: 640
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-12-28 13:25:18
This is a lovely bit of inner monologue from Rose's POV. In it we see
her remarkable understanding of Sam and what he went through, and her
own confidence in his love for her, to keep him by her side--even
though she knows that he's seen many wonderful things and people in
his journey. And the ending, with her sympathy for the one who waits,
is lovely.

Title: Through the Generations · Author: Elemmire · Races: Hobbits:
Vignette · ID: 821
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-12-28 13:25:44
A very cute re-working of a modern children's classic to fit into
Middle-earth. The theme is just right for hobbits, and the author
makes it into a very hobbity tale.

Title: If You Could See What I Hear · Author: Cathleen · Races:
Hobbits: Incomplete · ID: 488
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-12-28 13:26:22
This story, about a very young Pippin and his stuffed knitted Piglet,
is a tribute to a child's imagination, as well as an intriguing
exploration of what Faerie means in Middle-earth. The author works in
a number of RL myths about Faeries, and I am eager to see how she
resolves the problem she has set up, and reunites little Pippin with
his worried family.

Title: Merry's Wedding · Author: Larner · Races: Hobbits: Pre-Quest ·
ID: 84
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-12-28 13:26:49
This is quite touching and funny, and is not necessarily what one
would expect from the title of the story! I especially like all the
trouble Frodo takes in his role!

Title: Missing · Author: conniemarie · Races: Hobbits: Vignette · ID: 731
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2007-12-28 14:02:21
This wonderful series of vignettes has a little something for
everyone. An extremely well done tale, mixing together some of the
best of each character.