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Msg# 8554

MEFA Reviews, Morning, January 1 2008 (Part 3) Posted by Ann January 01, 2008 - 6:01:59 Topic ID# 8554
itle: Reconcilation · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Drama · ID: 86
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-12-29 23:07:21 Score: 4
Once again Dwimordene has given us a fantastically detailed look at
life within Gondor, now looking at two young Men returning to their
training to become Swan Knights after a period of demotion to the foot
after taking part in an attack on a Haradrim esquire.

Characters are superbly drawn, and the training based on that of
squires in England and much of Europe during the Middle Ages. One
feels as if one were indeed within Dol Amroth.

Title: Who The Sword Devours · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Men · ID: 364
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-29 23:09:57 Score: 10
[plenty of spoilers here]

I am not such a fan of Boromir in the books or movies and when asked
why I could answer quite easily. I know that Nancy worked hard and
long on this story, asked a sundry of questions that made me very
curious about it and voila, finally she finished it to post it. [Who
The Sword Devours] might ruffle some feathers of proud Boromir
defenders, but I found Nancy’s take on him confirming all what I don’t
like about this character, yet she did something marvellous with this
character that gave me more insight in what circumstances he lived and
what formed him. This story feels complete and even though I do know
that Nancy loves Boromir dearly, she does not shy away from portraying
his lesser sides with skill. Boromir holds a great passion for his
city and for women, is used to get what he wants, and will use his
power to get there if there are any obstacles in the way. Still, I can
understand, because after all after so many years and the so-called
cabin fever of being contained in this city, I can see why he claims
such reprieve. The Battle of Osgiliath is immensely well described, as
expected it is full of action, but in order to translate all plans and
movements to paper and bring it to your reader, Nancy conveyed this
extremely well.

[So we persevered, row by row. We persevered as the dark deepened and
the stars faded above us. We persevered until that hour of dark when
all souls feel hollow, men shudder and women wake listening; that
desolate hour which neither Dawn nor Night seems ever to own, but
hangs between unclaimed. It changed hands that night in Osgiliath. We
heard the deal struck, though to neither the departing Night nor the
coming Dawn, but to Death. It came in a sudden absence of wind, a
deepening of dark, a deafness of sound ...] This scene alone gave me
the shivers and the ‘meeting’ with the Witch King made it appear in
the story that all time froze: what a moment!

Still not all make it until the end of the story and at the banks of
the Anduin, Boromir realises their own folly:
[Then again I tasted the ash of Mordor on my tongue and knew the
veracity of the Nazgûl’s vision; my proud ignorance the final
arrogance: we were all far beyond saving.]. This combined with his
stay at Tharbad, far away from his beloved city and Minas Tirith, it
seems that Boromir has come to his senses, still though we know he
brings his passion for his city and people to Rivendell. Everything in
this story links so well together: the blindness and arrogance,
understanding of what awaits them and that they just merely bought
time. The brief bits with Denethor and Faramir (although a bit
longer), reveals their difficult family bonds and yet love and care
for another.


Title: Despair · Author: Silivren Tinu · Genres: Drama: The Fellowship
· ID: 171
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-12-29 23:13:26 Score: 3
Legolas awakes in a camp along the Anduin to hear Aragorn and Boromir
arguing as to the advisability of seeking to use the Ring against the
Enemy. In setting out to warn Boromir to turn aside from the conceit
the Ring could be used for good, Legolas finds himself under attack.

Good expression of the tension of this movi-verse gapfiller.

Title: Yule · Author: rhyselle · Races: Hobbits: Merry and Pippin ·
ID: 764
Reviewer: Larner · 2007-12-29 23:14:01 Score: 3
Shortly after meeting Boromir, the warrior taught the Hobbits a custom
celebrated at the turning of the year in Gondor; now Merry and Pippin
repeat it, first themselves alone, but in time with others from Brandy
Hall, remembering those they've always known and loved, both remaining
in Middle Earth and elsewhere.



Title: Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux · Author: Fiondil
· Genres: Drama: Elves in Later Ages · ID: 77
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-29 23:14:37 Score: 4
(Possible spoilers within:)

An interesting story about Glorfindel in the Halls of Mandos, and
especially after he leaves to be re-embodied in the Blessed Realm. All
the major Elven Kings of Aman are featured, as well as Finrod and
Glorfindel and many OCs. Oh, and did I mention the Valar? Each and
every single one of them....

For that matter, did I mention the Valar's opulent wardrobes, which
are almost characters unto themselves? LOL!

I enjoyed reading the adventures of a rather adventurous Glorfindel
and his many friends. Well done!

Title: Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush · Author: Isabeau of
Greenlea · Genres: Romance: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 512
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-29 23:23:49 Score: 4
Ha! Very funny and entertaining look at one Hobbit hero's (exceedingly
personal and private) welcome back to the Shire. I love the bit about
Diamond's temper, and of course one of her greatest attractions would
be her cooking skills; and also how a ["knight of Gondor took his
chastisement like a proper hero"] - Pippin learned a lot while he was
gone. The characterization of Pippin feels true to the books, and
Diamond's is simply wonderful. I like how their previous encounter
behind a mulberry bush is repeated, with much different results.

Title: Stranger in a strange land · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men:
General Drabble · ID: 695
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-29 23:25:38 Score: 6
Such wonderful descriptions of the surroundings, the blistering heat,
and the unique desert events and people. I can really feel for
suffering Aragorn; there's nothing quite like suffering through
never-ending ceremonies when you already feel bad. And I think his
longing for the plain fare of the Prancing Pony ties in perfectly with
another theme the author has been expanding on: Aragorn's dislike of
fancy clothes. All those years on the road have spoiled him for the
kingship! Certainly his original journey as vagabond and this one as
visiting ruler are being similarly viewed, despite the change in
circumstances.

My favorite phrase remains: ["...added grace notes to a headache
gifted by the remorseless sun."] It is a perfect description of the
nasty throbbing that noise (especially unfamiliar and/or unappreciated
noise) will bring to an already-aching head. I still wince in sympathy
for the poor man.

Title: Great and Terrible · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General
Drabble · ID: 721
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-29 23:26:07 Score: 4
Brrr... A shiver-worthy exploration of the seductive power of the Ring
- not just in luring others to claim it, but how it slowly twists even
good intentions into evil. This is heightened by the revelation at the
end that Aragorn *still* thinks he is doing the right thing, despite
the conflicting evidence all around him. It makes me wonder: where is
Arwen in all this, and what is her perspective?

Very effective imagery, and excellent use of the pertinent RotK quote
in choosing the title.

Title: They also serve who only stand and wait · Author: Tanaqui ·
Races: Men: Gondor Drabble · ID: 724
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-29 23:26:42 Score: 7
Tanaqui deals so well with ordinary people in her drabbles, and here
we get a look into what really is a vital (if monotonously boring)
part of Gondor's defenses. What may be hardest, in my mind, is that
these soldiers are likely posted to the beacons for fairly long
periods of time, and thus are rather separated from their fellow
soldiers and family. And yet, they know that they have an important
job to do, such that their pride can remain intact.

The descriptions really draw me into the scene, particularly with the
individual soldiers and their respective disabilities. There is just
enough given for each one that I can envision a far more detailed
background, and they become very real for me. (For example, is the
soldier from Osgiliath one of the survivors of the Nazgul attack? And
if so, they are soon going to prove their worth indeed...) The litany
of specific duties they must constantly attend to is also very
informative, without overwhelming the power of the drabble.

Title: A Life Between II · Author: Elen Kortirion · Genres: Romance:
Drabble · ID: 445
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-30 00:01:18 Score: 2
This drabble has an awful lot of sensual details which the author uses
to good affect to create an intense mental image of how things might
have happened. B/T fans should enjoy this.

Title: Anchor · Author: Songspinner · Genres: Drama: Elves in Later
Ages · ID: 772
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-30 00:01:50 Score: 5
[spoilers]

Legolas and his sea longing, this combined with him restoring Ithilien
after the Ring War, it must have been difficult for him to hear those
seagulls crying. What Songspinner does here is portraying how much
this effected the elf as he struggles with his promises and duties,
feeling obviously torn between finding his own healing and what he
wishes for others. He tries to hang on with those he knows so well and
suddenly I can see why he did so. This a well-crafted story that
simply approaches Legolas from a fresh perspective! This is
beautifully written Songspinner!

Title: The Tolkienian War on Science · Author: Doc Bushwell · Genres:
Non-Fiction · ID: 444
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2007-12-30 00:12:34 Score: 10
I love the way this article is written, with the passion of a
scientist and the enthusiasm of a fan. The touches of humor [Sauron.
He's not quite as horrible as his big boss, Dick Cheney, er, I mean,
Morgoth] are fun and very much to the point, and the concept that
Tolkien was anti-science is compelling and thought provokng.

Of course the article raises an important question. Was Tolkien
anti-science? This question could include many authors through the
years, not just the writings of one fantasy author who conceived his
world of Elves and Vala more than fifty years ago. The question, IMO,
goes to the heart of how science and technology is viewed by the
people who benefit from the advances produced by these arts without
always fully understanding their methods and processes.

As Arthur C. Clarke said, ["Any sufficiently advanced technology is
indistinguishable from magic."] I think Tolkien understood this, on
some level at least, when he wrote about Feanor and the Silmarils.
Keeping in mind that Tolkien's intent was ostensibly to create a
mythology as deeply rooted in the collective unconscious as that of
the Norse and Greeks, it seems to me that, while following the themes
of these myths, and adding elements of biblical stories as well
(consciously or not) he chose to exploit the love/hate relationship
with which men have always viewed technology. Fire, while useful and
necessary, is also destructive, weapons created to hunt can also be
used in war, etc.

How Tolkien felt about all this personally remains a matter for
debate. However, Tolkien wrote that being possessive of the knowledge
and craft used to create the Silmarils was a "sin" worthy of
punishment. If only the Valar had been as high minded and pure of
intent as they expected the Elves to be, Feanor might have fared much
better. But then we would have a different story altogether.

An excellent article that brought me new insights into the
Silmarilliion (which I still have not finished).

Title: City of Trees · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Elves: With Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 641
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-12-30 00:16:44 Score: 2
Now that is what I call a peace offering! It clearly shows the deep
love that existed between Galadriel and Celeborn. Loved the
conversation with Thranduil.

Title: The man in the woods · Author: Dot · Races: Men: Eriador or
Rivendell · ID: 13
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-30 00:26:55 Score: 3
This is a very moving story with a vividly depicted and delightful
young heroine. This story is quite unusual in that it shows the
hardships of Ranger life through the eyes of a child. I'm glad the
young heroine saw Aragorn's caring side. A vivid look at what life
must have been like.



Title: The Steward's New Clothes · Author: GypsieRose · Genres: Humor:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 511
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-30 00:32:40 Score: 3
A hilarious tale of Denethor's battle of wits with his tailor.We learn
the Steward likes black very much ,adores Boromir and has a rather
saucy surprise for his wife. A rare treat to read such a funny story
about a character one rarely associates with humour.

Title: A Game of Chess · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble
· ID: 605
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-30 00:37:37 Score: 3
A well written and thought provoking drabble in which two masters of
stragey meet, Aragorn and Denethor. Aragorn knows he must play the
fool and not show his hand too clearly. The writer conveys the
mistrust and distance between these two brilliantly.

Title: The Three Hunters · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Adventure ·
ID: 333
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-30 00:38:47 Score: 10
(Spoiler Alert)

This story is a particular favourite of mine, because although it is
from the pov's of Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli it is very much about
Merry and Pippin and to a lesser extent Sam. Through the use of
flashbacks and the thoughts of the three hoping to rescue Merry and
Pippin from the orcs Dreamflower paints a wonderful picture of the
character and mettle of the hobbits.

Aragorn's part is my favourite and I was really pleased to see the
expansion of this particular part of the book. It goes into far more
detail about just how much the hobbits endured as Glorfindel and
Aragorn led them all at such a furious and unforgiving pace to keep
ahead of the Nazgul. The details such as the hobbits being too weary
even to eat really emphasised their determination and valour and the
description of what transpired at the Ford inspired me when I first
read this story to write a bit of something of my own upon a certain
part aspect of the aftermath. I am still hoping that Dreamflower will
expand upon that part of the scene herself as I would really like to
hear more about it in her own words.

I also liked the parts from Legolas and Gimli's pov's and thought that
she captured their characters very nicely indeed.

It was lovely to see just how much all three of these members of the
Fellowship cared for Merry and Pippin and esteemed them as comrades.

Title: Seen in the Halls of Dwarrowdelf · Author: Aruthir · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 73
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-12-30 00:38:54 Score: 3
This gave me chills. As the story progressed, I kept saying, 'Don't do
it!'. But of course, I knew they would, and I knew what they would
find. The imagery and deep feelings of joy, of fear, of greed and of
death came through with startling clarity. This is the best story on
this subject I've read so far.

Title: It Gives a Lovely Light · Author: Oshun · Genres: Drama: Second
Age or Earlier · ID: 338
Reviewer: Doc Bushwell · 2007-12-30 00:39:35 Score: 6
Like jewels strung on a golden chained necklace (crafted by a Noldorin
smith, no doubt), oshun's vignettes sparkle. They serve as accessible
introductions to her 'verse and worthy examples of fine Silm fic
writing. The series is multifaceted: poignant, funny, bittersweet and
heart-wrenching. Even in short drabbles and ficlets, oshun's
distinctive skill with dialog and setting is present. Similarly, the
family and social dynamics are captured. To achieve this with an
economy of words is impressive.

Among the ficlets is oshun's first plunge into Silmarillion based fan
fic (An Old Familiar Song). Immensely sad and full of regret yet
infused with love, this captures the spirit of oshun's Fëanárions and
their kin in this gem of a series as well as in her other works.

Title: Sent Unto Men · Author: Alassiel · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond
· ID: 346
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-30 00:49:08 Score: 3
A beautiful and unique little story, very appropriate for this time of
year. I love the idea that the Star of Earendil was the Star in the
East that led the Wise Men to Bethlehem ! Very convincingly and nicely
told.

Title: Mistaken Identities · Author: Greywing · Races: Elves · ID: 201
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2007-12-30 00:51:52 Score: 4
I don't know how I managed to miss this one, but I'm glad I found it.
The Elves being mistaken for Greek gods is just too good a concept.
And you have exectuted it beautifully. It really gave me a good laugh
to think of Haldir sprinting through the woods with the hunters all
mooning over him (no pun intended). You have such a great way with
stories like this. What an imagination!

Title: The Tragedye of Leaflet, Prince of Mirkwood · Author: Jael ·
Genres: Humor: Parody · ID: 243
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-30 00:52:33 Score: 5
Oh no you just did not…. Oh my goodness, upon seeing the images first,
I braced myself for an upcoming play called Hamlet done in the
Mirkwood way. Giggles started to surface:

[FIRST ELF: Bury her, dolt! In truth, I tell thee, thou art not the
sharpest arrow in yon quiver! (falls to digging)

SECOND ELF: I know thou art, but, prithee, what am I?]

And then the [Tra-la-lally] kicks in… but oh my, Aragorn as Horatio &
Legolas as Hamlet errr Leaflet.

[(ARAGORN receiveth ye dirtye look)] Yeah you lost me there to a long
fit of giggles, so cue in a second attempt to finish this terrific
tale. Not that it helped much because soon I find myself as a
spectator giving comments as well (hands off Galion!!!) This is just
brilliantly done, now if my jaws wouldn’t hurt so much from laughing…


Title: Where There's Life, There's Hope (and in need of vittles) ·
Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble · ID: 463
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-30 00:57:12 Score: 3
A delightful drabble with gives new insight into what helped Aragorn
cope during his long night of healing- the smell of freshly baking
bread !I can well believe that such an everyday and homely scent could
indeed inspire the soon to be King.

Title: O, Cruel Fate · Author: Greywing · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Incomplete · ID: 58
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2007-12-30 01:02:49 Score: 4
This is the crown jewel of Greywing's oveure and one that never fails
to raise a laugh. Ellie navigating her way through an unfamiliar land
in an unfamilar body is funny and touching. It's a treat to see all
the usual fanfiction suspects in attendance as well, especially a well
utilized Cirdan. Neldor is a great OC creation also, always up to
something and knowing more than he lets on. Anyone who likes humor and
satire would be hard pressed to find a more entertaining and humorous
read.

Title: Passages · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 60
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2007-12-30 01:04:38 Score: 8
[spoilers]

This is the story of Brandmir, illegitimate son of Boromir, an OC in
Isabeau's stories. When Brand turns fourteen, he discovers the
relationship between his father and his foster-father Andrahar,
another of Isabeau's OCs. Brand is greatly disturbed by this
discovery, but before he can resolve this dilemma, he gets kidnapped
by slave-traders and an angst-filled action-adventure follows. Brand
survives the ordeal and handles himself well during this crisis.

The characters are richly drawn, original and canon characters alike,
and we meet all our favorite characters of Isabeau's stories. I love
the interaction between Brand and Andrahar, although it is sometimes
painful to read. I can understand them both so well.

Another of my favorite parts is Brand's dream of his father Boromir.
Since it has so little of what Brand imagined Boromir to be, it has an
authenticity that tells Brand more than anything that this was a true
vision. The final confirmation comes from the reaction of Andrahar
when he hears of this.