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Title: Three Things About Pippin · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres:
Humor: Children · ID: 133
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2007-12-28 14:02:56
A delightful and very humourous look at a young Pippin and his
sister's exasperation with his latest escapade! Each of the lasses
while uniquely individualized in their characterizations, come across
as indignantly united against one small hobbit's mischief. I love it
when their mother makes them think hard about what they actually have
come to value dearly about their young sibling. Pippin's interactions
when Frodo shows up are especially hilarious!

Title: A Mother's Work · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits:
Vignette · ID: 134
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2007-12-28 14:03:31
A very heartwarming tale of the parts mothers play in the lives of
their families. Each is captured doing everday things but with their
own special touches.

Title: The Burning of the Year · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times:
Late Third Age: 3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 2
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2007-12-28 14:20:10
What a magnificently haunting piece. I love the poetic flow of the
wording as much as the sharp visual Raksha's story calls to mind. I
can easily picture both Denethor and Faramir, and their differing
emotions in this. Their strained relationship and Faramir's yearning
for peace between them and the wish for love from his father reaches
out to touch the reader in many and unique ways. Denethor's face does
indeed appear to be set in stone at most times during those years, as
one can picture his heart is the same, at least where it concerns his
younger son. The reader knows that Boromir will not return, making
this a doubly heartbreaking glimpse into what will not be. Lovely!

Title: Cultural Exchanges In Gondor · Author: Llinos/Marigold
CoAuthors · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlet · ID: 94
Reviewer: trikywun · 2007-12-28 15:16:47
(spoilers)

LOL! These were all exquisitely funny! I love the images of the
hobbits gazing around wide-eyed in this foreign country, soaking up
the cultural differences. These are all so different that I want to
say just a little bit about each one.

The first one had me snickering at Frodo's and Sam's obvious
appreciation for foreign cultures! It was wonderful that the two
hobbits that you might think would be the most staid were the ones
that appreciated the entertainment the most and I think that was a
good call as Frodo is definitely sophisticated enough to appreciate
what he is seeing and Sam is philosophical enough to just go with the
flow. Youthful Pippin's open-mouthed entrancement is just what I would
expect from a tween who has lived a sheltered life. But I think that
Merry's spluttering shock and attempts to stop the others from looking
was a hoot!

I feel the exact same way about prawns! I liked Merry's shock that
Pippin actually wasn't going to eat something and the wordless way
that he offered the peeled prawn to Pippin was just lovely. He could
have been greedy and eaten them all himself and I liked that he cares
enough about Pippin enjoying something new and nice that he would peel
the prawns for him. Merry watching Legolas so that he could see what
to do was a nice touch I thought.

Merry being the one to try his hand at cigar making was the perfect
choice! He *would* be the one out of all of them that would have a go
at such a thing. I can just see him introducing these to the Shire! I
liked the way that he assembles the cigar and doesn't tell any of the
others what it is until it's finished. I thought that it was a very
nice touch that he offered Frodo the first puff.

I really like the way the scene is set in the next one - I can really
picture the three of them sauntering along and Pippin's embarrassment
is so easy to picture. I liked Merry;s gentle teasing. The camaraderie
between all three was well done. I liked this exchange especially:

[“I thought that she meant that she’d made some crumpets or something.”

“Not that she was a bit of crumpet!” Merry laughed.] and that Sam
didn't understand at first what they were talking about.

Having just returned from a trip to America I definitely feel for the
hobbits lack of decent tea! I loved the details about proper
tea-making - adding the milk, warming the pot. I also thought the
little details like:

[Sam looked on anxiously as his master carefully combed his foothair.]
and [Frodo examined his neatly groomed feet] and [Pippin surrendered
patiently as Merry straightened his dress uniform.] really brought
this one to life. I felt like I was right there while the hobbits got
ready for Arwen's tea party. I loved that however many millennia old
Arwen might be that she has never learned to make decent tea! Frodo's
admission that he doesn't like it either was great and I thought that
it was very hobbitlike that he was determined to do his duty and be
polite.

The hobbits first visit to the seaside is wonderful! I love Gandalf's
patient
and amused attitude. Patient to a point - there is suble hint that
Gandalf doesn't want the inquisitive hobbits to get started asking too
many questions! I thought that it was brilliant when Sam asked about
the lack of flowers but my favourite bit was Merry and Pippin being
totally unaware that the water was salty! This part ["Eeow! Gandalf,
someone's put salt in it!" Pippin complained, "Who would do such a
thing?"] was one of the funniest lines ever and it makes sense too;
for all Pippin knows it could be a depredation of Sauron!

In the next one I could just see Sam sitting there not knowing what to
do and not wanting to ruin the spaghetti by breaking it. Again there
is a nod to Merry's quick and logical mind as he solves the problem!

The ostrich egg was very clever. Merry and Pippin are definitely
rubbing off on Sam! I too can imagine Marigold's face when she finds
it. I liked Frodo here too,and how he is eager to go to the shop.

In the next one I loved the nod to filmverse with the reference to
Merry and Pippin being familar with fireworks. I can just see Merry
importing sparkling wine back to the Shire along with those cigars!

And they saved the best one for last! I can just see Merry, Frodo and
Sam lounging in the steam room, Sam just a bit suspicious about the
whole thing! I really liked the image of Frodo finally being
thoroughly relaxed after his ordeal. Pippin's line here is even better
than the one about the salt - ["They offered to do me twice!" Pippin
declared, "on account of my size."]! I can just imagine the
expressions on the faces of the others!

I would have loved to have seen what happened when they all went off
to that next room!





Title: Glimpses from Cormallen · Author: Marigold · Times: Late Third
Age: 3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 614
Reviewer: trikywun · 2007-12-28 15:39:00
This is a really nice series of drabbles. The author really manages to
capture everyone's personalities, especially Pippin's. And I like how
the different drabbles create a story even though they are all very
separate and meaningful moments. The author says as much here in her
drabbles as some authors would take a whole multi-chapter story about
Cormallen to convey.

Merry's smacky kiss and Pippin's response in the first one is such a
good example of how close these two are. I love how the author shows
their relationship through actions as well as dialogue. It makes the
moments more vivid in my opinion.

Pippin's cheerfulness in the second is also very in character but I
can't help giving a shiver at this [Of that, and other things… ]
because I get the feeling that Pippin isn't thinking of pleasant
memories here. But he doesn't let the others know, which is so like him.

Gandalf's care of Pippin is just so lovely! The gentle and caring way
that he tucked him in, the story that he began - these thing really
sum up their closness. I am one of those that believes that Gandalf
was like a grandsire to Pippin and this drabble really captures that.

In the next one I thought that Pippin's youthful exuberance at the
beginning was great and the way that the author contrasted this with
his weariness and foretelling of the rain was an excellent way to show
how he has been changed and yet remains the same.

In the last one my favourite bit was the nod to Merry and his
herblore. I love how the author incorporates details like that in her
stories.

Title: To Light the Way · Author: Dot · Races: Elves: With Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 12
Reviewer: fantasyfan · 2007-12-28 15:49:08
Elves take the long view of things. And so in this story, having spent
so many years fighting the long war against evil, Elladan and Elrohir
are filled with the long defeat, with seeing too much evil, with a
sneaking suspicion that they may never see a resolution to constant
struggle. It is good to see them learning to appreciate the good in
simple things. The restoration of hope is such a theme for Tolkien,
and I like how it is explored here through the characters of ancient
elves who have no real, tangible reason to hope, yet find a way to do
so anyway.

Title: The Blessing · Author: Golden/Pearl Took CoAuthors · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Incomplete · ID: 235
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2007-12-28 15:54:32
I'm not quite sure where to start with this extremely touching,
heartbreaking, and yet hopeful tale! Having followed it from the
beginning, Pearl's and Golden's depiction of an AU in which Pippin
suffers dire effects from the troll crushing him at the Black Gate is
magnificent. Very difficult to read at times, but that is simply a
compliment to the vivid depictions of both Pippin's tremendous
suffering and the dire sense of hopelessness he displays in the
beginning. The reader easily finds herself travelling closely at the
youth's side, cheering him on, while he attempts to make the
neccessary adjustments and learn how to accept what has happened to
him, along with the fact that it is a permanent condition. The scene
where he contemplates killing himself at the height of his
helplessness is tragically emotional and makes the reader wish to
reach out and gather the desperate little hobbit into her arms in
order to protect him. Indeed, I've experienced this feeling at many
points during this story. Pippin's despair is easily felt at every
turn, along with the emotions of his kinsman and his friends. If not
for the glimmer of hope that is offered, a shining thread that runs
consistently throughout the tale, reading it would be unbearable. One
also feels strongly for Merry, who of all the hobbits, is having the
most difficult time reconciling himself to his cousin's illness.
Indeed, when Pippin secretly stops taking the medicine that Aragorn
and Elrond have concocted for him, he suffers an almost fatal setback,
and is reduced to such a state that Merry is truly unable to cope for
a time. Thank goodness for the constant support both Frodo and Sam
offer to both of them. The characters of Mallefinnros and Sunshine add
a certain surreal and magical atmosphere to the story, and also help
the reader focus on the promise of hope. We are not quite sure just
what the little girl is, or how much more than merely a dog that
Sunshine is, but their appearance offers a great deal of comfort for
our young hobbit, and indeed, prevent him from actually harming
himself. Sunshine accompanies Pippin wherever he goes and she is
acutely attuned to the hobbit's illness and knows when she needs to
keep an extra eye on him! Things will never be quite the same again,
but they will improve, and Pippin will survive and ultimately be
stronger for the experience. I anticipate each new chapter eagerly!

Title: A Game of Chess · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble
· ID: 605
Reviewer: Makamu · 2007-12-28 16:13:18
Chess has always been one of my favourite games when used in
Middle-earth themed writing. Why? Some reasons for this choice are
masterfully exemplified in these hundred words.

From the way that Denethor showcases his "superior" knowledge of the
game and the way Aragorn sets a trap for the Steward's Heir by keeping
his own skill hidden to the fact that they are both competent players
at the board as well as in society, this drabble is full of layers and
meanings that might riddle the most competent chess player.

In the end, the reader is left with a sense of regret that these two
characters that are so alike did become enemies instead of friends.
But such is Vaire's chess game, I think.

Title: Pointy-Eared Mischief · Author: TrekQueen · Genres: Crossover ·
ID: 782
Reviewer: Doc Bushwell · 2007-12-28 16:22:53
I stumbled across TrekQueen's [Pointy-Eared Mischief] through
Rhapsody, a mutual e-friend, and I'm delighted that I did. What a
wildly entertaining ride!

I'm a long-time fan of both Tolkien and Star Trek - particularly THG
and DS9 even though I cut my sci-fi TV baby teeth on STO. TrekQueen
takes these established fandoms and then runs and plays with them.

TQ's crossover appeals to me in many ways: the culture clash among
familiar canon characters; mutual suspicion that gives way to
cooperation; similar - and intelligent - approaches to problem
solving; the light touch with romance. TQ's style is great - nicely
paced and with plenty of good humor. I got a chuckle (as I do with all
sci-fi) out of the fast-and-loose scientific underpinnings of these
two secondary worlds, and I'm also tickled to find that the author and
I have similar notions as to the nature of the Valar!

[Pointy-Eared Mischief] exemplifies one of the best features of fan
fic of any type: Fun with a capital 'F'!

Title: Summer Daze · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Pre-Ring War ·
ID: 471
Reviewer: Makamu · 2007-12-28 16:22:55
Faramir has always been a favourite character of mine, ever since I
first read the books. But it has been hard for me to see him as a
sexual being prior to his meeting and falling in love with Éowyn. He
seemed for me to a bit of a mind over matter person.

This story convinced me that there are ways to make Faramir a sexual
being without losing the scholarly bend of bookish Faramir. Some of
his remarks would undoubtedly have led to an eyeroll from his brother,
but they were so quintessentially in character that I could not help
but laugh or smile at them.

Title: I Bid You Stand · Author: storyfish · Genres: Adventure · ID: 225
Reviewer: fantasyfan · 2007-12-28 16:28:58
A sweet story focusing on the bond between Merry and Pippin. After
their separation during the seige of Minas Tirith, they vow to be
there to protect each other. And true to the movieverse this story is
written in, Merry persuades Aragorn to allow him to fight at the Black
Gates, even though there is danger. I found it very amusing how the
author worked the book-canon's troll into this movie-verse story, and
has Merry save Pippin from (at least some of) his canon injuries,
although both suffer consequences of the battle. I enjoyed the
portrayal of the hobbits as determined, protective, and yet still
lighthearted when they are able, and even though Merry's and Frodo's
awakenings are in Minas Tirith instead of Ithilien, the joy rings true.

Title: Gifts of the People · Author: Ribby · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 472
Reviewer: Makamu · 2007-12-28 16:33:01
Aragorn as King Elessar- would that be a totally different person than
Strider the Ranger whom the Hobbits met at Bree? Different authors
have different answers to this question.

Ribby's answer is a resounding no. She shows the reader a true
people's king who appreciates his people and is appreciated by them in
turn. This small vista even spawned follow-ups, marking it as a very
attractive glimpse of the King.

Title: Beauty · Author: Marta · Races: Hobbits: Drabble · ID: 646
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-12-28 16:33:43
This is a beautiful drabble about beauty. Marta has pulled off the
difficult task of showing Sam's lack of facility with words while
herself creating a drabble of remarkable eloquence. While we are shown
Sam's fumblings to express himself, Marta's words are powerful and
rich, with similes that ring true to a simple hobbit gardener, all
wrapped in pacing and structure that enhance the mood. Beautiful! Well
done!

Title: The Lesson · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 29
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-12-28 16:34:32
Oh , this drabble is so very much in keeping with Faramir's
philosophising as written by Tolkien. Faramir's awareness of the slow
steps by which he has been led along the path to accepting an act �"
killing another person �" which in all other circumstances except war
would be anathema to him and many others is quite brilliantly exposed.
In just a few words, Branwyn gives us a clear understanding of the
details of how his training is carried forward �" in terms of both
physical and mental advancement. Every word Branwyn uses has clearly
been chosen and weighed carefully, and contributes to the final
picture without a wasted syllable. This drabble could itself stand as
a "lesson" in how to practice the art of drabble-writing. Bravissimo!

Title: When the King Comes Back (the Great Smials) · Author:
Dreamflower · Genres: Drama: The Shire · ID: 262
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2007-12-28 16:36:19
When I read this story for the first time I found it very difficult to
believe it was the author's first fanfic! Dreamflower is obviously an
accomplished writer previous to entering the world of fanfiction. We
who enjoy reading LOTR inspired fanfiction are doubly blessed that she
chose to enter this arena and create such wonderful tales of hobbity
adventure for us! I adore this story from start to finish. Her vivid
descriptions and attention to detail are second to none. The author
brings the characters to life with a special, and extremely skilled
touch that is quite obviously a labor of love. In this particular
story, Pippin is shown returning from the Great Ring War and faces his
parents for the first time since he left the Shire so secretly with
his cousins an entire year before. His father, unable to bear the
heartache of not knowing what has happened to his son, has given him
up for dead. Paladin has even made it so final as to set a
"Remembrance Stone", much to his wife's and family's dismay. When
Pippin returns, the pair face their own uncertainties and some rough
adjustments. Father and son each have a long road ahead towards their
ultimate reconcilation. One of my favorite parts of this tale centers
around the author's descriptions of the special gifts Pippin shopped
for prior to his return. The presents the young hobbit chooses
demonstrates his keen awareness of each recipient's personality.
Indeed, each and every gift he presents is exquisitely perfect for the
person it is intended for. Pippin's shyness after giving his family
the gifts is endearing, while Paladin's inner thoughts and reactions
are heartwrenching for this reader. I truly felt like shaking Paladin
at one point. Which is, of course, a tribute to the author and her
ability to evoke such depth of emotion in her readers!The writer makes
it plain that each member of the Took family has suffered in the
extreme during the past year. The ending, in which Pippin and his
father are able to talk at last is well worth waiting for. Paladin is
at last aware of just how much his son has suffered, while Pippin is
at last able to feel that he has finally made it all the way home. Ah,
what a tender story, it really touched my heart, and it will always
remain a fast favorite of mine.

Title: Tillecking Night in Bree · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men:
General Drabble · ID: 455
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-12-28 16:36:38
Oh, this is a wonderful little drabble suffused with the spirit of
Tolkien's world. I'm sure the Professor would have loved the fabulous
play on language that Elen Kortirion gives us here (in ["Tillecking
writ'ns"]), while the hobbit custom seems entirely in keeping with the
kind of rural village society he envisaged for them. On the surface a
piece of charming fluff, this drabble is in truth suffused with a
depth of Middle-earth history reminiscent of the way The Hobbit gives
us glimpses of an older and loftier world. To manage all that in one
hundred words is a fine achievement �" well done!

Title: Healing Lessons · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Cross-Cultural:
With Pippin · ID: 296
Reviewer: fantasyfan · 2007-12-28 16:40:02
Dwarves are one of Tolkien's most mysterious races. They have separate
origins, a secret language, disguised sexes, and a magic of their own.
It is utterly plausible that they would have healing arts for
themselves that are unknown to the rest of middle-earth, and also
completely plausible that those arts would involve gemstones. Like the
language of flowers in victorian times, gemstones also have been said
to have meaning and properties of virtue. So for Gimli to use gemstone
healing on Pippin seems perfectly in character to me.

I am fond of Parsow, the OC healer in this story. He allows a point of
observation of the more familiar characters, and in his admiration and
observation, it allows us reflection and understanding. I also like
Gimli's interactions with Pippin. Gruff Gimli melts a little when he
deals with the youngest member of the fellowship, one who has cost him
pains in the trek across Rohan and in the search of the battlefield at
the Black Gate. I enjoy seeing the affection under the gruff manner.

Title: A Suitable Tribute · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Drama · ID: 474
Reviewer: Makamu · 2007-12-28 16:40:57
Glimpses into the minds of ordinary Gondorians are rare in fandom but
this is definitely one of the outstanding examples that were produced
this year. The reader feels the struggle for the appropriate gift and
rejoices when a suitable one is finally found. The pognant price of
the tears reminds us that all gifts come at a price, even those
willingly given.

Title: Bransle Royal · Author: Ribby · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 473
Reviewer: Makamu · 2007-12-28 16:49:42
There are many things I could say in honour of this drabble. The
highest form of praise I can give is probably that the writing was
vivid enough for me to actually be there with the characters. And the
choice of dance being reminiscent of the gift that started it all
makes this vignette a very nice note within the music of the Ainur,
which I am glad to have heard.

Title: Many Guises and Many Names · Author: Gandalfs apprentice ·
Times: Mid Third Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 380
Reviewer: Oshun · 2007-12-28 17:05:33
Gandalfs_Apprentice has taken the opportunity to share some of her
musings on backstory and characterization of Aragorn (her big
interest) with us in the drabbles and extended drabbles. They are
thoroughly entertaining and give us a clue into her thinking on the
subject, which is particularly enlightening if one is following her
novel, but each stand alone on their own.

Marta made a remark in her note on this above that you imply that
Arwen wanted Aragorn to become king before they married. That was not
the way I read it. I thought that the implication was that Elrond
asked for that and Aragorn required it of himself, because he thought
she deserved nothing less.

The one about Arwen being happy he finally showed up to pursue her
again was a bit of a tease: making the jump from her early rejection
of him as a callow youth in her novel to this point, made me want to
hear the story of the in between years. Also, liked the description of
the change perceived in him after that visit to Lothlórien. I like the
way he manifests respect and such fondness for Gandalf, without being
overawed or intimidated. I wonder what he knew/suspected about who
Gandalf really was? I loved Gandalf’s remark about him wanting to be
Beren as well as Elendil. Knowing the way you write the two characters
that cracked me up�"Gandalf’s being cheeky and Aragorn tolerating it.

Title: Lords of Gondor, Sons of the Shire · Author: Gandalfs
apprentice · Races: Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 379
Reviewer: Oshun · 2007-12-28 17:16:22
The first drabble in the series is interesting--Boromir and
Sam--subtle and believable and say a lot in a few words. The second,
however, really caught my attention. (Oh, yeah, I am so obvious and
predictable, put Faramir in a library and I go all fangirly, of
course.) Nicely the way you lead up to the final part. You paint the
Faramir I love, all earnest and scholarly. Give a bit of a history of
the north and then turn it back around by ending with a Hobbit dance.
The voices of both characters is convincing. The bit at the end,
doesn't just say something about history and the hobbits, but gives a
new look into another facet of Faramir--not just a stodgy
stick-in-the-mud. Very nicely done.

Title: Rage · Author: Deandra · Genres: Drama: Minas Tirith · ID: 353
Reviewer: Lialathuveril · 2007-12-28 17:45:31
What I enjoyed about this story was the unusual characterization of
Eomer. Here is a darker Eomer than usual, struggling with his demons,
not the self-confident, able warrior as which he is usually depicted.
A very interesting and daring scenario! And I also liked that
Lothiriel showed spirit in her confrontation with him.

The end is realistic in how he is not completely turned into a more
cheerful man (which would be unrealistic in such a short time), yet we
get a glimpse of a more carefree future.

Title: Friendship of Their Kind · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Early
Third Age: 1-2850 TA · ID: 425
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-28 17:58:40
Well this was not what I expected when I read the summary, but this
was an excellent story featuring a cast of original characters being
ordered to clean out a dragon's layer. The reason why this 'lucky'
rangers were assigned to do this in the first place, leads up to the
moral back story of this tale: the responsibility they have for the
lives of others and of those who perished - evil or not. Evil is evil
and will feast on a less opportune creature when they can, this mixed
that every creature in Arda deserves a proper burial was surely a wise
lesson to learn for these two young rangers. I do like these [two
yearling Rangers], they do appear to be good guys who can fight very
well, however they are just a complete newby to rangering, to me good
ranger material nonetheless. For a moment, I wondered what this young
dragon would be different than our famed Smaug or Glaurung, but the
description of the bounty in the cave settled it firmly in Tolkien's
world. This is a story with wonderful detail, sympathetic characters
(or sturdy trusty ones in a leadership role), and a splendid plot that
is magnificently written with as an extra bonus the author notes that
gives more background information about little details (including the
smell of dragons).

Title: Field of Dreams · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama · ID: 374
Reviewer: Oshun · 2007-12-28 18:00:10
This is an extremely well-written description of a moment of one woman
being overwhelmed by life and the cost of war for ordinary people. I
get teased a lot for wanting to write the great tragic stories of The
Silmarillion, but seeking out the moments of joy. You have turned my
impulse on its head and written of a great victory from the
perspective of someone who has lost nearly everything.

The key word is nearly. If she had lost everything, she would not have
the capacity remaining to have done the things you describing her
doing in the vignette. I kept wanting to write a sequel in my head,
however. She prevails, the kids grow up, the Pelennor flourishes again
and, of course, knowing me and my relentless optimism, some handsome
generous guy shows up and falls head over heels in love with her. I am
sure you will forgive me my lack of courage here. A great story and
recognizable for most of us who have survived to the age of 40.

Title: Gentlemen's Night Out · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor: Gondor
or Rohan · ID: 181
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-28 18:00:48
Hahah! Loved this one with it's [indomitable], [grumpy] and
[footloose] lords. I especially enjoy the characterizations of the
various cultures as related to how well they make merry. The
discussions of the varied ethics of sexuality between your little
group deep in their cups kept me giggling all the way through. Well done.