Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Youngest Son · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Romance: Second Age or
Earlier · ID: 406
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-29 14:01:26 Score: 6
This story has a dreamlike quality; it feels as it happened once, far
far away. Bodkin tells the story on how Finarfin and Earwen finally
agreed on a some sort of courtship, although there is a brother stuck
in between. This brother gives a delightful dry commentary which makes
me chuckle, but at the end of this piece the feeling of serenity and
how Valinor once was is the impression that overrules all. This piece
has a strong narrative, although Earwen's change of heart comes a bit
abruptly to me and could use perhaps a bit more attention. Then again,
both characters do not appear to have reached their majority, so who
can tell. The foreshadowing of Finarfin combined with the geographical
detail of Alqualondë’s location is very well done. Overall: this is a
nice piece!

Title: Inroads · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 45
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2007-12-29 14:02:21 Score: 3
Raksha has created a moving ficlet about court intrigue, the
viciousness of women â€" and the courage of those of good heart. The
reader feels Eowyn's mix of frustration, patience, kindness â€" and
gratitude. A lovely vignette of post-War life.

Title: Lords of Gondor, Sons of the Shire · Author: Gandalfs
apprentice · Races: Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 379
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-29 14:06:48 Score: 2
One fic made from these little moments found between, but left out of
Tolkien's own words. Pippin's responses - personal and immediate - I
thought were particularly in keeping.

Title: Fourth Age, Year 13 · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 628
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-29 14:06:51 Score: 4
Well, Aragorn needs a challenge to make up for the monotony of
monarchy. And, by goodness, he seems to have acquired a challenge in
his firstborn child. At least he has the sense to know he needs to
cherish every minute - for none of it will last long and he needs to
store up the memories.

A delightful gallop through Aragorn's early years as king, husband and
- most tellingly - father.

Title: Behind Every Great Man... · Author: annmarwalk · Times: Mid
Third Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 52
Reviewer: Elen Kortirion · 2007-12-29 14:09:38 Score: 5
The real secret of this drabble is how it rings so very true with us,
the readers. How many times have we come across 'powerful men' who
without the right entourage would be nowhere near as successful as
they are perceived to be.

I very much enjoyed this portrayal of a perfect manservant... and one
who Ann has tailored so accurately to fit Denethor's needs... He is
professional, has an eye for tiny details, yet makes himself invisible
to nearly everyone but his master. And the last line makes me giggle
and shake my head, but it's going to be oh so true of a man who will
rule a country at war, and has probably spent most of his adult life
training to that end to the exclusion of all else - A very nice double
portrait here!

Title: A Crown of Woodland Flowers · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races:
Elves: With Mirkwood Elves · ID: 180
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-29 14:10:45 Score: 3
A lovely thought, but more than that, a lovely story truthfully told
and without cliche. Your Thranduil is perfectly balanced - despite the
mishap with the rock - equal parts joyful husband and forceful
bureaucrat. The voices here sound most natural.

Title: Marking Fours · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 1
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-29 14:10:59 Score: 3
You made great use of this prompt, giving this series a structure that
illuminated Faramir's process without confining it. I especially liked
"his bedchamber wall being adorned by the armor of my Rohirric bride":
a nice collection of contradictions showing the new world Faramir
seems so comfortable in.



Title: The Arachnid's Appeal · Author: TrekQueen · Genres: Humor · ID: 114
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-29 14:11:23 Score: 2
A great source of humor is to make the formal informal and the unique
into the everyday and the author has used that to great advantage, here.

Title: Transformation · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: General Drabble
· ID: 185
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-29 14:11:35 Score: 2
I love this vision of Dol Amroth's sea-going culture, and the idea
that - naturally! - Imrahil would be a sailor, and a monarch.

Title: For All Things a Cost · Author: Súlriel · Times: Second Age:
Drabble · ID: 268
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-29 14:11:45 Score: 2
Fascinating!! Besides the fact that this has a humorous side, the idea
of Orc females needs to be explored more! How hard is it for them to
be soft and tough?

Title: He Came To Meet Me · Author: sophinisba solis · Genres: Romance
· ID: 33
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-29 14:11:58 Score: 3
What a rich and vivid life you've created for Diamond! It's just
wonderful, and yet understated and plain at the same time, kind of
like your heroine. I loved this story, it has a fresh perspective and
an unassuming style that bring it across perfectly. Beautifully done.

Title: Shadows of the Past · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: General
Drabble · ID: 331
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-29 14:12:14 Score: 3
Fascinating how a moment of compassion - giving his victim a grave
marker - becomes torture for Smeagol and, eventually, just another
symbol of the Ring's evil. Incisive insight, Marta.

Title: For Eyes to See That Can · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races:
Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 770
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-29 14:12:25 Score: 3
Not being familiar with "Took Sight" I found this piece confusing, and
think the story would have been more poignant and interesting without
it - a Hobbit doing something extraordinary by ordinary means. Isn't
that what true heroism is?

Title: South · Author: Aliana · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond: Gondor
or Rohan · ID: 8
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-29 14:13:21 Score: 5
I loved everything about this story. I think it the height of fan
fiction to begin a story with an element - Merry's dreaming of horses
- unsupported by Tolkien's text that is so perfectly plausible as to
fit seamlessly into this very plausible and insightful tale.

I really enjoy post-war fics such as this one: the best of them, and I
believe this one to be among those, are tender, insightful, and kind
even while exposing sometimes traumatic after-effects. This story is
so gently written, unfolding slowly, woven of details that do not
always divulge thier significance immediately but shine out from the
narrative nonetheless and touch the reader.

Title: The Right Choice · Author: Linda hoyland · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Drabble · ID: 437
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-29 14:13:41 Score: 3
This explores a very interesting connection - that choosing to become
a mother (with Aragorn) means never seeing Arwen's own mother again.
That's a profound, incisive observation, here told with lovely simplicity.

Title: The Beginning of a Wonderful Friendship · Author: Imhiriel ·
Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 629
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-29 14:13:47 Score: 10
(Possible spoilers within:)

There is so much to love about this delightful vignette!

Let me start with Lúthien; she is annoyed at Celeborn for getting
distracted when he was about to lead her onto the dance floor -- for
her favorite dance, no less! -- and does not hesitate to let him know
it. She is clearly an outspoken princess, not in the least bit cowed
by Celeborn's princely status. I like this portrayal of her, partly
because I think it shows that Celeborn is not in the least bit
dismayed by strong, opinionated, royal women.

And Finrod... ever courteous and courtly Finrod, totally out of his
element, thinking that it is perfectly appropriate to call those who
have not seen the light of the Two Trees Dark Elves, not realizing
that he is insulting them while believing himself to be complimenting
them... well, what can I say? (Other than, can I take him home with me?)

And then there's Galadriel, who never misses a chance to tweak her big
brother... intelligent, opinionated, diplomatic when appropriate,
earthy when appropriate, Galadriel... who has a beautiful laugh....

No wonder Celeborn was lost!

I absolutely love the characterization of Celeborn here; he is
Sindarin through and through - less wise and definitely more
dangerous. Quick to take offense, but also quick to appreciate
strength and beauty when he sees it.

Yes, your Celeborn and your Galadriel definitely deserve each other!


Title: The Spear of the Lily · Author: The Bookbinder's Daughter ·
Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 11
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-29 14:13:57 Score: 3
My overall impression of this is - Too Much!! it has several lovely,
unique, poetic moments, but more that are overwrought and too rich. If
pared down, it would seem to me something much finer.

Title: Ten Thousand Years · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA · ID: 565
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-29 14:14:15 Score: 4
Marta's fiction is always thoughtful and thought-provoking, and this
story is no exception. There are many who might have painted these two
as adversaries, or secret conspirators (and have), but few to see them
as she has here, calmly discussing their fears and doubts, discovering
similarities and sympathies, coming to terms with one another,
reaching an understanding and resting comfortably with their
differences. It is a unique vision. Marta's work

Title: Of Numenor That Was · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 424
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-29 14:16:26 Score: 6
What I so like about these drabble series is that Marta tells the
downfall of Númenor and shows it through the actions of the more
common people (well except for the eagle that is). After all, we could
point the finger of blame to the main antagonists, but what Marta
writes so brilliantly is how commoner followers have come to this:
sacrificing for them to their true one. The secondborn has made such a
mistake before, this is so well told in the second and third drabble,
and again punishment is upon them. You can imagine how the omc is
misguided and how the ofc in this tale tries to justify her sacrifice.
Chilling? Most certainly and I can imagine this was not easily to
write, but Marta turns these four drabbles into a tale none can forget.

Title: Dangerous Place · Author: Ushmushmeifa · Genres: Drama: Minas
Tirith · ID: 590
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2007-12-29 14:22:45 Score: 2
An interesting idea - to personify Boromir's love and duty in the body
of this little refugee.

Title: Of Numenor That Was · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 424
Reviewer: Elen Kortirion · 2007-12-29 14:23:46 Score: 4
It is difficult to write that one enjoys something when it is so very
evocative and chillingly cold-blooded as this series of drabbles is...
rather I enjoyed the finely drawn threads of this tiny story that
encapsulates the whole vast tragedy of Numenor and its downfall.

The cruelty, deception and generally twisted logic portrayed here are
sadly representative of what religious fervour can commit in the hands
of those who pursue 'the lore' - or is that 'law? - without
questioning the path they are taking. Well done.

Title: Comforting Silence · Author: Radbooks · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 157
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-29 14:26:07 Score: 5
After all is said and done, Famamir longs for a moment of solitude
after his Éowyn died. You can sense his frustration of not being left
alone, even though all is well intended or should by ceremony, or
diplomacy happen. Radbooks picks out a moment, days after the first
stabs of grief and portrays an intimate scene between two friends
where on simply is and does not ask any questions. This piece gives
the reader a beautiful insight in these two characters: Faramir who
always comes across as so intense, Aragorn a man full of wisdom and
compassion. This is very thoughtfully written and it might sound
strange given the subject, a very enjoyable piece.

Title: Matchmakers · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Drama: With Merry ·
ID: 587
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2007-12-29 14:33:30 Score: 10
Pearl Took is a writer that never fails to deliver, and this story is
no exception! In this story our favorite Took has got himself in yet
another fine mess, and this one is a mess which only Pippin could
manage. Of course it's for a very good cause, Pippin being Pippin, but
this time he really pulled a good one. The tale is told in a manner
that runs the gamut from whimsy to suspense, sometimes both at once,
such as Pippin's fainting when he is found out and accused. The author
has given us a situation that is completely believable, that of
unsupervised young ones with no money, but too much time on their
hands . Pippin, having seen what these youngsters are up to, decides
to further investigate and suggest better solutions to the youngsters.
I loved his reaction when the King got wind of his doings, and of
course his loyal Merry is there right by his side. Pearl having Merry
visit the library for legal advice is so very in character for our
erstwhile Mister Brandybuck, and the King deals with his smallest
Knight in a manner so quintessentially Aragorn-like that it's all
quite canon. The dialog is lively, use of voice and action is strong
and good to the last letter. Pearl's storytelling style is quite her
own, but she has taken good care of the source material. She has a
knack for hobbit-y writing, and some of her best work involves Pippin.
As stated, she never disappoints. This a story worth more than one
read, and I have to recommend it heartily.

Title: Decorum · Author: Larner · Genres: Humor: The Shire or Buckland
· ID: 59
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-29 14:35:41 Score: 5
[There will be spoilers]

[Decorum] shows that etiquette that is expected on the outside of the
home, is not always followed behind closed doors. I love to read Frodo
and Bilbo like this and how they spent their time together reading
books and debating matters, while of course a meal is on the stove.
Dora’s indignation about it felt at place, especially given the
courteous reactions of those two before. It jusy feels so Frodo and
Bilbo somehow! At the end Dora shows her tender side during these
difficult times for Frodo. This is a piece which makes you laugh and
is deeply moving. And on top of that makes a wonder full addition to
Dreamflower's story. Well done Larner!

Title: A Passing Troll · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Humor: The
Shire or Buckland · ID: 210
Reviewer: Dadgad · 2007-12-29 14:42:46 Score: 3
This is lovely, and it had me re-reading the rest of Dreamflower's
hobbit stories. Very skillfully written, in that we quickly feel sorry
for the Troll rather than the (literally) 'poisonous' Hyacinth.