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Title: With No Pity · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Villains:
Drabble · ID: 391
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-29 03:22:38 Score: 5
Ooooh, this is *nice*! I don't know how I missed it before, because I
LOVE when an author will take the bad guys' perspective, and you've
done an excellent job of it here! I imagine that Elves, descending
upon you with the full intent of wiping you and your kin off the face
of the earth would be quite a horrific sight; the fear and defiance of
the orc - or goblin?- here is very well portrayed. Those of us who are
not particularly inclined towards the Elven point of view may forget
that they are, indeed, capable of being ferocious fighters - thank you
so much for the reminder! Lovely!




Title: Come Back to Me · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance · ID: 67
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-29 03:27:39 Score: 4
What a unique and extraordinary tale! I love the implicit as well as
the subtle explicit and all the layers and tendrils of this, both
those woven in and those reaching out to tickle in other directions. I
often said that my favorite stories are those that weave between the
lines of canon and offer up delicious new ways of thinking and you
have done that here in full measure.

Title: Naming Places · Author: Elen Kortirion · Genres: Romance:
Drabble · ID: 447
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-29 03:34:48 Score: 5
Mmmmmm, I do love the Theodred-Boromir dynamic, and this drabble is an
absolute gem. I like how Theodred's men are making no doubt rude
remarks, how Theodred just grins and pays them no mind, and how
Boromir doesn't even notice.

And oh, what a language lesson! I feel certain that even the most
difficult student would pay close attention, with such a tutor -
although of course the actual words might be forgotten amidst the
later distractions.
Very sensual, and although I myself am guilty as anyone in going with
the inherent angst of this pair, I do feel that these two should more
often be portrayed as playful and taking great joy in each other's
presence.




Title: A Life Between II · Author: Elen Kortirion · Genres: Romance:
Drabble · ID: 445
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-29 03:42:53 Score: 5
Oooh, more Theodred-Boromir goodness, and goodness it is indeed! This
is one of those pieces that proves that one does not have to be at all
explicit to portray passion and sensualism, or to be extremely
provocative. Theodred's intense concentration on Boromir's hand, his
careful exploration, Boromir's reactions to Theodred's attention - all
these things conspire to successfully express the physical attraction
between the two, as well as the bittersweet nature of their
assocation, for not only do they have very little time *together*, as
the last line reminds us, they both have very little time left in
their lives at all.

Title: A Life Between - No Secrets · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races:
Men: General Drabble · ID: 446
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-29 03:51:40 Score: 7
Ever since I became a fan of this pairing, I've thought it fortunate
that neither Boromir nor Theodred was able to hear of the other's
death, and this drabble only reinforces that opinion. It makes a great
deal of sense to me that these two would have no secrets between them
- they are so alike that I would imagine their hopes, dreams and fears
are much the same, and after a certain amount of time, each would
realize how very similar they are, and cease to worry about revealing
such secrets.

It also makes a great deal of sense that the one secret they *do* have
between them would be the fear of the other's death, for, being the
warriors they each are, I would expect that they've long since come to
terms with the notion of their *own* death in battle. I'm sure if
either one stopped and thought about it, he'd realized the other has
the same dread, but that's rather the point, isn't it, that neither
wants to speak of it?

Title: On Starless Waters Far Astray · Author: Empy · Genres:
Crossover · ID: 557
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-29 04:04:55 Score: 10
I have so much love for this story that it's a little unreasonable,
but I think it's all right, as it was graciously, surprisingly written
for me as part of a fic exchange. I didn't think anyone would take my
Imrahil-James Norrington request seriously, but Empy did, and I am
still squeaking with joy.

I really didn't expect the logical "don't speak each other's language"
route, either - it seems to so rarely happen in crossover fic, when,
in fact, language would be the biggest hurdle in such an unlikely
situation. But it works beautifully - it creates a much more tense
atmosphere, and casts poor Norrington even further adrift than he
already is literally. I love like the way that the whole situation is
so uncertain, how it just sort of cascades along with no way of
stopping it or knowing where it's going to end, and all Norrington can
do is go along with it, because there's just not a damn thing he can
do to explain his situation or even his very existence. It's a very
shivery, helpless feeling.

Even though I know Imrahil's not, say, a pirate, I was still awfully
wary of him here. There's just so little way to tell what his actual
intentions are, what his conclusions about the whole situation will
be, or what he'll eventually decide to do with James. He would be
fully within his rights to simply have him executed, and in Imrahil's
context, it would likely be the wisest thing to do. Very unnerving!
Though I did have a bizarre mental picture of Norrington fighting
Corsairs in three years.

And the ending is just a kick to the head. Is the entire scenario
going to repeat itself endlessly? Is there some obscure way for James
to break the cycle and perhaps find his way home? Or - always an
option with crossovers - is Norrington perhaps just lying delirious or
maddened with fever on some foreign shore? It's wonderful in its
ambiguity and sense of utter confusion, and I can't thank Empy enough.

Title: If You Could See What I Hear · Author: Cathleen · Races:
Hobbits: Incomplete · ID: 488
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2007-12-29 04:08:26 Score: 3
I totally and completely love this story! Cathleen has done such a
marvelous job with making Pippin's wee friend so believable. And I
like the mysterious person they meet in the mysterious woods as well.

A well crafted and fun story!

Title: The Arachnid's Appeal · Author: TrekQueen · Genres: Humor · ID: 114
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-29 04:19:01 Score: 3
[ Mr. I-am-the-former-king-of-Angmar-hear-me-roar]

LMAO!!! Very good! I laughed all the way through. I have to admit she
has very good points in her argument. It's always especially fun to
find a sweet tale like this, steeped in twisted canon.

Title: A Very Good Teacher · Author: Cathleen · Races: Hobbits: Merry
and Pippin · ID: 700
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2007-12-29 04:26:22 Score: 3
A well done story with Merry and Pippin in a situation one doesn't
often find them in. When Pippin gets careless with his talk in the
Prancing Pony, Merry decides to give the lad a good lecturing. The
lecture ends up getting way out of hand.

Great story Cathleen!

Title: Safe In My Arms · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Drama · ID: 470
Reviewer: Linaewen · 2007-12-29 04:28:03 Score: 9
Favorite story themes of mine are closure and reconciliation. This
tale has both and is an all-time favorite for reading again and again.

The title fits well the theme of feeling safe, and how one is trapped
without it. Faramir and Boromir must both learn to feel safe, but I
love Boromir's realization that the lesson in safety is more for him
than it is for Faramir. He struggles to let go and allow himself to be
cared for, but eventually he manages it. It is fitting that the one he
thought he was helping turns out to be his teacher!

The descriptions of Lord Namo are vivid, right down to his expressions
and what he is wearing; his manner towards the brothers is very
touching. I love the relationship they have with him, one of comfort
and friendship mixed with reverence and awe.

I cannot read this story without tears, it is so heartwarming to see
each one released from the burdens they have long carried, to be
healed and comforted at last. I also cannot help but laugh at the
humor present - the thought of what Eomer is going through while
Boromir is away is quite entertaining! And I love the fact that they
are all going to be waiting together until Aragorn comes. I hope to
read of that reunion one day!

Title: Better Days Ahead · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Humor:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 51
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-29 04:31:14 Score: 2
This is wonderful. I love alternate viewpoints and this comes from
very deeply in the Orc's head without a slip. I found it a terribly
fun read.

Title: The Return · Author: mistycracraft · Races: Men: Eriador or
Rivendell · ID: 90
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-29 04:48:15 Score: 3
I enjoyed this touching story of kindness repayed. Your Aragorn as
well as your OMCs were well-fleshed out and seemed real to me. I can
well imagine 'Strider' returning to such an Inn and seeking out a few
minutes with an old friend.

Title: Ten Thousand Years Will Not Suffice · Author: agape4gondor ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 407
Reviewer: Linaewen · 2007-12-29 04:49:06 Score: 10
I truly cannot praise this epic tale highly enough! It is simply
glorious! Being an intense fan myself of all things Gondorian, I truly
relish all the things that can be learned about the culture and the
way of life in Gondor which are provided in this story. The tale is
rich in details that make the story live â€" it is obvious that the
author, Agape4gondor, is thorough and inspired in her research!

But the real wonder of the tale lies in the characters. Denethor is a
most complex individual, yet Agape treats him with insight and
tenderness so that we slowly but surely come to understand the
complexities of what makes him the powerful and honorable man that he
is. We love him, we ache for him, we cheer for him, we feel sad for
him. So much loss endured, so many cares that wear him down, yet he is
strong in spite of it.

The later chapters with Boromir and Faramir are simply wonderful. I
love their relationship and can’t get enough of their times together.
We learn much about these two brothers as well, why their brotherly
love endures all tests, and how much they care for their father and
want to see him succeed and be at peace.

It is sad knowing what will eventually come to this precious family,
and yet I am not afraid to go there with Agape4gondor as my guide,
because I know she will treat that which is difficult and
heartbreaking with as much sympathy and care as she does the happy
times that Denethor and his dear ones experience.

This is truly a tale worth telling, and a story worth reading! I
relish every word, and look forward to more!


Title: A Ranger's Love (Song to Arda) · Author: Michelle · Races: Men:
Eriador or Rivendell · ID: 112
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-29 04:52:45 Score: 3
As someone who greatly enjoys the out-of-doors, I easily connected
with this work, either as Aragorn or from anyone who travels the
wilds. I found it to be touching and insightful. I think it's true
that, especially the Rangers, must have truly loved Arda both for her
changeable ways and her steadfastness.

Title: The Most Beautiful · Author: Meril · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 508
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-29 05:01:54 Score: 1
I enjoyed this view of Melian seeing the beauty and feeling the joy of
being a mother.

Title: Where Once My Enemy Stood · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races:
Elves: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 109
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2007-12-29 05:08:17 Score: 3
I found this to be a very well done version of a fun turn around from
anger and offense to grudging acceptance - staying deep in the
Elven-king's point of view with a haughty and arrogant voice, proud
and confident, even in concession.

Title: A Little Closer to the Edge, My Love … · Author: Súlriel ·
Races: Elves: Incomplete · ID: 247
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-12-29 05:25:55 Score: 5
Interesting story of the relationship between Finwe and Miriel;
beginning with their attraction to each other. Good characterisation
of Miriel; who is entranced by Finwe's fire but nervous of it as well;
which can be read as a foreshadowing of her inability to cope with the
motherhood which eventually results from their love.

I like the characterisation of Finwe as an adventurous sort who also
yearns for permanence in that he wants to seal their passion with
marriage. Finwe seems to embrace life, while Miriel is more withdrawn
from it; which certainly fits with what we have seen in THE SILMARILLION.

I hope that the writer continues and finishes the story.

Title: The Departure of Boromir · Author: Narnian Sprite · Genres:
Drama · ID: 622
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2007-12-29 07:40:48 Score: 10
This is a story written with both the mind and the heart of the
author. One need not read for very long to see the author has done her
homework. The stream of consciousness is very sound, the voice is
natural and close to source material and the descriptives are quite
lyrical at times without crossing over into purple prose. It is an
introspective piece and as such is highly reflective. Emotional
content is also a strong point without becoming maudlin, as such
Boromir-afterlife stories are prone to do. I liked the small touches
here and there as well. The meeting with some of the departed who once
fought under Boromir's command is rich in subtext, a thing dear to me
as both a reader and a writer. One does not usually look to stories
about the afterlife for verisimilitude, but if verisimilitude is as
important to you as it is to me, then I have to say this is a story
for you. This is a story that cries to be read more than once, and is
a fitting tribute to both Tolkien and to his character. The author has
taken pains with a balancing between detail and introspection without
getting herself bound up in book or movie verse. All in all, very
sound, honest and just plain good writing. All this and a most
satisfying portrait of one of Tolkien's most complicated characters.

Title: Diversion · Author: Mar'isu · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: General Drabble · ID: 708
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-29 08:33:33 Score: 5
(Possible spoilers within:)

An interesting premise, that Glorfindel would go with Galdor to the
Grey Havens and pretend to take the One Ring there and thence across
the Sea.

I enjoyed the backstory between these two old acquaintances, with both
Glorfindel and Galdor being lords from Gondolin lingering in -- or, in
Glorfindel's case, having returned to -- Middle-earth.

We do know that Elrond recommended the diversion of attacking Sauron
in Mordor to distract him from the Ring-bearer crossing his realm;
pretending to be bearing the Ring away from where it is actually being
taken is consistent with that strategy. Well done.


Title: Farewell · Author: Vilwarin · Genres: Drama: With Aragorn · ID: 706
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-29 08:35:15 Score: 6
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a heartening and hopeful (though melancholy) vignette
exploring the depths of the long-term friendship between Aragorn and
Halbarad, Dunadan of the North, part of the Grey Company. We see these
two on the Corsair ship, sailing towards the Battle of the Field of
Pelennor, where Halbarad has foreseen that he will meet his death in
battle.

This story touched me deeply, and left me (not to mention the
characters) in tears. While Aragorn's gratitude to his friend and his
grief at the thought of his loss are profound, there is still the
underlying hopeful idea that at the very least they had a chance to
say farewell to each other, and to let each other know how important
he was in their life.

Very well done!

Title: Before the Gate · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 704
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-29 08:35:56 Score: 5
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a truly bittersweet reminder of the fact that the sons of
Elrond are, in fact, great warriors and veterans of many battles, both
small Orc skirmishes with the Rangers of the North and large battles
like the one at the Field of Celebrant. They know, as others who have
not been warriors cannot comprehend, how dangerous and actually
hopeless their situation is.

But I like that their main thought is for each other; their courage
while standing together is overwhelming. I find it moving that they
are so courageous together... and cannot imagine what a tragedy it
would be if one lived, and one died.


Title: Daybreak · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 705
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-29 08:36:20 Score: 5
(Possible spoilers within:)

I like how this vignette starts out in such a mysterious manner; we do
not know who the protagonist is, and we do not know why he suffers
from a happy hangover (so to speak). Then his memories begin to return
ever so slowly... and we are gifted with a vision of an enormous
Eagle, carrying tidings of a great fall and a great victory, which are
celebrated throughout the city....

Through Faramir's memories, we see what a momentous and moving
occasion it really was... and then we realize that this peace comes to
a life that has never known it. A thoughtful and hopeful unveiling of
understanding throughout!

Title: Fell Beasts · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Villains: Drabble · ID: 403
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-29 08:37:04 Score: 6
(Possible spoilers within:)

What a dark fable! I knew Morgoth could twist anything to evil, but
somehow I tend to think of birds as being... above it all, so to
speak. Which of course, Manwe's Eagles are, as this drabble points out.

There is a certain epic quality to the language in this drabble, which
is fitting for such an ancient legend. The thought of Morgoth
"twisting" birds really chills me; but at least they did not hang
around in Thangorodrim, like some of the Balrogs apparently did. So
they hung out in the East, huh? Well, guess that explains some things
about the Easterlings....

My favorite line is about evil being attracted, just like the magnet
is always attracted to the north; the whole last paragraph is a
powerful and chilling climax.


Title: Dragon Lore · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Villains: Drabble · ID: 404
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-29 08:37:22 Score: 5
(Possible spoilers within:)

Oh, my! I think this is even more chilling than Fell Beasts, though
they are such a well-matched pair of dark drabbles.

This one gives a glimpse into the mind of Morgoth; on the one hand, he
considers himself all-powerful, but on the other hand, he feels
beleaguered, and spied upon -- and he wants to swat at these
insignificant spies that dare to bite at him, like mosquitoes.

So, he found that the fell beasts are no match for Manwe's Eagles?
Imagine that! I'd never dare to cross them, myself.

But it is a fascinating prospect that Balrogs would choose to use
their fire in a more selective way.... the last line is absolutely
chilling, especially its emphasis on the dragons' cunning.

Title: Building the Future · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Mid Third Age:
2851 - 3017 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 644
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-29 08:37:44 Score: 7
(Possible spoilers within:)

What a thoroughly satisfying series! I like all the astute
descriptions of tiny details that make this drabble series so
realistic, like [till fields that had seen no crops but weeds for many
a year], [But I must do my duty. Will you have me even so?], [as
trussed up as the suckling pig], and my favorite of the entire series,
[pliant yet strong, sweet yet serviceable]. LOL! Bows and women, I
guess they are not that different....

The author patiently puts together each step of the process as Bard
went through it: rebuilding Dale from its ruins, seeing families
return, realizing that he needs a wife and heir, finding the right
woman (one who is as wise, straightforward, and down-to-earth as he
is), an awkward and nearly failed wooing - which shows us that she is
even more suitable than he realized at first, and a marriage that
highlights the burdens of kingship, but even more the joys of sharing
those burdens with a suitable helpmeet.

And at one point, Bard longs for the simple life, when all he had to
worry about was a dragon! I really enjoy the humor that marks the
observations in this drabble series.