Yahoo Forum Archive

This is an archive of the MEFA Yahoo Group, which was shut down by Yahoo in 2019. The archive can be sorted by month and by topic ID. You can use your browser to search by keyword within the month or topic you have open.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2004---18210426558925263362316285
20051895610753834744697276194358565136
200623166277611713912756676615979
200720257-297299143318583103
2008561335424014127477516090106
2009283-39194101722722153624
201067-14103138129321316330
20111-172625906132758
201230---812276-----
2013------------
2014---------1-2
2015------------
2016------------
2017------------
2018------------
2019---------1--

Msg# 8557

MEFA Reviews, Mid-day January 1 2008 (Part 1) Posted by Ann January 01, 2008 - 12:55:02 Topic ID# 8557
Title: Dissonance · Author: EdorasLass · Races: Cross-Cultural: Gondor
· ID: 450
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-12-30 01:08:21 Score: 4
A very compelling vignette in which a woman healer finds an unusual
patient in the Houses of Healing after the Battle of the Pelennor.
This is a fine story of suppositions being challenged, and war
reducing barriers as well as building them. The nobility of the OMC is
nicely conveyed here, easily and naturally, as she fights her own very
understandable prejudices in the face of something beyond her
experience that nonetheless brings out her humanity. And the plight of
the patient is rendered in touching, credible detail.

Title: A Thankless Task · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Drama: Youth ·
ID: 49
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-12-30 01:11:26 Score: 4

This story is as well-written as I have come to expect from its
talented author; especially in showing young boys who are not perfect
- Faramir being something of a know-it-all and Boromir showing his
arrogance. And we see evidence, from a distance, of Denethor's
favoritism of his firstborn. EdorasLass is one of the best writers of
children in Tolkien fandom, and she puts her skill to good use here.

Title: Shadowfax, Lord of all Horses · Author: grey_wonderer · Races:
Cross-Cultural: With Pippin · ID: 597
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2007-12-30 01:12:16 Score: 3
As always is true of any story by GreyWonderer, this is another very
humorous look at Pippin, this time involving Shadowfax! Poor Pip, the
lord of all horses knows what's best for the lad even if Pippin
himself doesn't!

Title: A Noble Thing · Author: Lily Baggins · Genres: Drama: Ithilien
· ID: 596
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2007-12-30 01:18:20 Score: 4
I can only imagine how much a kindness such as a hot bath must have
meant to Frodo and Sam after all they had been through. And to be
cared for by the man who holds them captive, and then later sets them
free. Then, to wake after everything that's happened in the Houses of
Healing to find him there with them. Fate is a funny thing. Faramir is
a very special man and LilyBaggins captures him wonderfully in this
all too short story!

Title: Green Magic · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Crossover ·
ID: 312
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2007-12-30 01:29:51 Score: 3
It's nice to see a story with that much overlooked, rarely written
about Tom Bombadil. He's as spry and mysterious as ever, and as
helpful in the end. This story captures his essence beautifully and
the characters of the mother and sons are charming and well realized.
The twist at the end is chilling as well. A great little vignette for
a dark and stormy night.

Title: She Watches · Author: Larner · Races: Hobbits: Gapfiller · ID: 640
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2007-12-30 01:31:18 Score: 2
I love the way Larner portrays Sam in this little vignette. Just such
a lovely and emotional tale.

Title: I Bid You Stand · Author: storyfish · Genres: Adventure · ID: 225
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-30 01:33:31 Score: 10
(Spoiler Alert)

This is a superb story, my favourite by this author. The setup to the
battle is described so wonderfully; Merry's determination, Pippin's
desire to protect his cousin and his realisation of the futility of
the attempt, the love between all of the characters, especially
between Merry and Pippin and Gandalf and Pippin (though Pippin doesn't
quite believe that affection is the wizard's true motivation),
Aragorn's insight, showing the reader just how much he has come to
know and care for these two hobbits, in part as evidenced by my
favourite lines from this section: [Pippin returned the gaze, then
looked away quickly. Something in Aragorn’s look--the pride, the
concern--for a moment, Pippin could have been in the Shire, glancing
into his father’s eyes.] and his foreboding about Merry and the
remaining Nazgul...all of this sets up the next part of the story
perfectly.

The expansion of the filmverse battle before the Black Gates is
excellent. It was thrilling seeing Merry and Pippin's initial charge
through the eyes of others [the Men of the West felt a strange
stirring in their hearts to see the charge lead by the two small
figures, hardly bigger than children. Only a few knew their fates
rested in the hands of two hobbits just like these. But it gave them
courage nonetheless to see how desperately these halflings’ hearts
were thrown into this last stand, how bravely they ran to their dooms]
and Gandalf's reaction was excellent - he must have felt so much guilt
over what all of the hobbits went through on the Quest and how it
changed them even though he knew that it was necessary.

The descriptions of the battle are very exciting and fast-paced and I
loved that Pippin got his troll and that Merry was there this time to
save him. And then the arrival of the Nazgul was chilling - Merry
echoing Frodo's creepily delivered line from the film; [“They’re
here,”]. Pippin's attempt to defend Merry from the stalking Nazgul was
superb and so was their realisation that they were going to die
together [Merry turned to look into Pippin’s face. His Took cousin
smiled sadly. Merry held his gaze, and for a moment, he saw in
Pippin’s face the same small hobbit that followed him everywhere in
the Shire, but full grown now, and wise.]

Then just when we think that all will be well we are hit with the
knowledge that such isn't the case and we are thrown back into battle.
Merry and Pippin's desperate struggle to reach the healers is
heart-wrenching and I love the image when Gimli reaches them [Not just
one pair of hobbit feet to guide him to his fallen comrades, but two,
side-by-side on the field.] - I could see that image so clearly.

Their awakening is lovely and Pippin's chatter is cheerful and a
wonderful payoff for all of the preceding angst. The setup to the
scene in which they run to greet Frodo is one that I will remember now
each time that I see the film.

A most satisfying and entertaining story!


Title: In Passing · Author: Lily · Races: Hobbits: Post-Grey Havens ·
ID: 613
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2007-12-30 01:37:02 Score: 3
The best story of this nature that I have read to date. Lily truly has
a way of capturing the sheer essence of the character and touches the
emotional center of the reader. When a story can reduce the reader to
tears, the writer knows she has achieved perfection.

Title: A Long Road, There and Back · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits:
Gapfiller · ID: 27
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2007-12-30 01:40:20 Score: 2
A very lovely, emotional exploration of a difficult period of time.
Dana has a special perception of each character and it shines through
in every sentence!

Title: The Scars of Stone And Sky · Author: Lady Elina · Times: Late
Third Age: 3018-3022 TA: Gondor · ID: 719
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2007-12-30 01:40:33 Score: 5
I've been meaning to review this story since I first read it because
it is, thematically and characterwise, the best Aragorn/Legolas story
I've ever read. One feels Aragorn's burden and the attraction between
he and Legolas makes perfect sense here. And it's not only a good
slash story but just a really good, all around, well written story
with a deep emotional core. I love this story and think it deserves
every accolade that can be heaped upon it. Anyone who thinks there is
no new ground to cover on the Aragorn and Legolas relationship front
needs to read this one.

Title: Shadowfax, Lord of all Horses · Author: grey_wonderer · Races:
Cross-Cultural: With Pippin · ID: 597
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-30 01:43:25 Score: 2
This was clever and cute! I chuckled out loud at the image of Pippin
being carried by the seat of his pants, and as always the author's
comedic timing was spot-on. Very enjoyable.

Title: Elements: Dreams of the Dead, Visions of the Living · Author:
pipkinsweetgrass · Genres: Alternate Universe: The Shire or Buckland ·
ID: 202
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2007-12-30 01:46:11 Score: 4
This story is one of my absolute favorites by this wonderfully
perceptive author. Pipkin has just an incredible way with words and
with drawing out the deeper meaning within any story she is telling. I
particularly loved the faerie element and felt that it was so very
well done. It was extremely easy to visualize Pippin's actions
throughout this wonderful tale! More!

Title: The Fire of Their Hearts Was Young · Author: Oshun · Times:
First Age and Prior: House of Fingolfin · ID: 672
Reviewer: Ignoble Bard · 2007-12-30 02:12:04 Score: 5
As in love as I am with Maitimo and Findekano, Oshun managed to draw
me into to Finrod's sphere with this story about he and Findekano
finding a moment of comfort in each other's arms on the Helcaraxe.
Although Findekano's bond with Maitimo can never be broken, there is
room for comradeship and consolation from the delightfully mischievous
Finrod. Oshun writes all her characters with such personality, it's
impossible for the reader not find themselves thinking about them with
a smile days later. I look forward to each new chapter in the lives of
her engaging Elves.

Title: The Unbearable Smugness of Being Feanor · Author: Ignoble Bard
· Genres: Humor · ID: 164
Reviewer: Oshun · 2007-12-30 02:17:43 Score: 9
When I first read this story, I literally squealed aloud. I don't know
even how to begin to describe just how silly and how right this story
really is. It is wonderful story written in a smart and highly
ridiculously way. This reader is one who adores Fëanor and think he
got the rawest deal in all of Tolkien's mythology, but even with those
high standards, I must admit that the author captures a certain voice
and quality of his with absolute perfection. No thees or thous or
profundities are needed. The author has complained to me before that
he has trouble writing dialogue. Well, clearly he does not. He is
obviously must have been talking about having trouble finding just
that perfect voice. Fëanor and Morgoth herein are quite believable. I
have already told him that I do appreciate and entertain a happy sense
of true smugness myself over the fact that Fëanor is far, far more
eloquent and has the far superior vocabulary. (But then we all knew
that he was a whole lot smarter than Melkor I hope, which just goes to
prove that everything Fëanor thought about his relationship to Valar
can be substantiated in this exchange.)



Title: The Odd Couple · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Romance:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 270
Reviewer: Doc Bushwell · 2007-12-30 02:35:08 Score: 6
For me, [The Odd Couple] is similar to a favorite comedy on a DVD that
I pull out to watch when I need a good laugh. Every time I've read
this, I snicker, chortle and guffaw (depending on the chapter).

Gandalf's apprentice's take on the Legolas-Gimli - or more accurately,
Legolas/Gimli - relationship is hilarious. It's a witty send-up of the
prickly canonical relationship of famous Elf and Dwarf as well as the
more turgid styles of slash.

Each ficlet starts with the set-up and *zing* - there's the line that
gets the laughs. In the best comedic tradition since Jack Lemon and
Walter Matthau originated the roles, Gimli and Legolas take it a step
further in this cross-cultural romantic comedy: [The Odd Couple] meets
"Guess Who's Coming to Mirkwood, er, Dinner." I'm hoping that
gandalf's apprentice retains creative control when she sells the film
rights.

Title: None may live now as they have lived · Author: Tanaqui · Times:
Late Third Age: 3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 687
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-12-30 02:36:31 Score: 2
It's stories like this that show just how right Arwen was for Aragorn.
He's distracted with last minute details, and she's offering him
encouragement and undying faith in him.

Title: Shadows of a Nameless Fear · Author: Budgielover · Genres:
Adventure: Minas Tirith · ID: 766
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-30 02:51:35 Score: 10
[Spoiler Alert]

This is just about my favourite story by Budgielover! Even for an
author so well-known for her cliffhangers she outdoes herself in this
one, each chapter leaving you breathless for the next.

My favourite thing about this story is how it gives Pippin a chance to
absolutely shine! His bravery in this as he attempts to protect Frodo
is just superb. He risks everything for his cousin only to go on to
face torture and certain death as his most feared nightmare comes to
pass and he is once again taken captive by orcs. He is not written as
unbelievably heroic; he is afraid certainly, but the way that he takes
action despite his fear is is written in a very hobbity way.

Merry too has his moments of glory and the relationship between these
two cousins and Frodo and Sam and the rest are marvellously described
through dialogue. actions and emotions. The love and devotion of each
character for the others is unmistakable and clear to see.

I was really pleased to see some of my favourite Budgie OC's appear in
this story - Peter, Marly, Rich and Brion have made it to Minas Tirith
and at last are truly rewarded for their actions as described in a
previous story by this author.

The story abounds with hurt/comfort, another forte of the author and
the healing techniques were obviously very carefully researched.

The lighthearted bits with Pippin and Arwen and Merry and Eowyn are
the perfect relief to all of the angst that has gone before and the
story has a very satisfying conclusion.

Now, I'd really love to see the scene where Frodo finds out in great
detail exactly what Pippin did and faced to save him! Hint hint!



Title: The Essence of Fire · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: General
Drabble · ID: 278
Reviewer: Doc Bushwell · 2007-12-30 02:55:29 Score: 5
This is a powerful piece in an economy of words. Rhapsody strikes a
rhythm with her prose as Curufin's litany invokes the creative and
destructive force of fire and how it burns into the events of his life.

I find Tolkien's technologists to be fascinating characters. JRRT
frequently paints them as morally compromised. Curufin was certainly
portrayed canonically in this manner. So I find Rhapsody's drabble to
be tremendously refreshing since she portrays Curufin as a morally
complex and multidimensional individual: skilled craftsman, passionate
lover, and fiercely loyal son rather than just the guy who fomented
unrest in Nargothrond and tried to off Beren.

Title: An Apple for Your Thoughts? · Author: Demus · Races:
Cross-Cultural: The Fellowship · ID: 716
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2007-12-30 02:56:09 Score: 10
This story was well worth the read for several reasons. One usually
doesn't find many Frodo and Boromir fiction that isn't full of angst,
or without painting Frodo as the eternal victim or Boromir as outright
evil. This is such a refreshing story and wonderfully
Fellowship-driven. I do have some constructive criticism, but the
flaws do not stop me from enjoying the story. I would gently point out
that terms such as *upside the back of his head* are jarring and
breaks the verisimilitude of the story. I am not too sure it is even
grammatically correct. Also, while Merry and Pippin's antics are
amusing at times I found some of the scenario a bit of a strain. I
would respectfully point out that nowhere in book or movie canon do
the cousins behave like very young children. I would underline this
constructive criticism by pointing out all the wonderful things about
this fiction. And truly, the good outweighs these very minor flaws
with ease. For instance, I found Boromir to be very canon compliant,
and enjoyed his conversation with Frodo completely. I liked the
cultural exchange between these two and particularly loved Boromir's
reaction to Frodo pointing out that Merry and Pippin would someday be
the heads of their respective clans. I would end this review with the
sincere wish that more Frodo and Boromir fiction be written in this vein.

Title: Not an Ordinary Day · Author: nau_tika · Genres: Drama: The
Fellowship · ID: 737
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2007-12-30 02:58:19 Score: 7
This story may be sad, even poignant---yet still somehow it managed to
remain somehow humorous. This one makes a few points without taking
itself too seriously. I think it's the humor which made the whole
thing hold together for me. Actually, that's some trick. Regardless of
the fact that I kind of saw the ending--no pun intended--the story
lost nothing in the way of the charm of the tale. I particularly liked
the point of view, that of Legolas. This particular point of view
calls for a writing voice which is slightly off plumb when compared to
the stream of consciousness of a man, a hobbit or a dwarf. I also
liked the author's characterization of Pippin. The dialog is sound and
pretty much canon compliant. Of course Boromir's kindness touched my
heart and underscored the characterization of my favorite Gondorian.
The embarrassing nature of the wound is, of course, what drives this
story. Even so, the fact that I guessed the location of the wound, I
still felt satisfied at the conclusion.

Title: Three Arrows · Author: HikoMokushi · Genres: Drama: With Merry
· ID: 717
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2007-12-30 02:59:25 Score: 7
This is an amazing little jewel of a story, so good if so short, told
from Merry's point of view. This story was well worth the read for me.
In all honesty I'm very biased when it comes to Boromir, Merry and
Pippin. They are, for me, a compelling trio and really do bounce off
each other. This, for me, has everything in the world to do with
Boromir learning to have dealings with a people which he had thought
were merely mythical creatures, something from a child's bedtime
story. I do have issues with some of the more modern turns of phrase,
sentence structure, punctuation and voice, but the emotional content
more than makes up for it. I also found the story refreshing since it
is told from the point of view of Merry. Stories of this sort usually
are told from the point of view of Pippin, so I did really like that
Merry took up the tale this time. All in all, even with the minor
issues written about above, I found this story to be touching and
enjoyable.

Title: Dangerous Place · Author: Ushmushmeifa · Genres: Drama: Minas
Tirith · ID: 590
Reviewer: pipkinsweetgrass · 2007-12-30 03:13:16 Score: 10
There are stories which delight. There are stories which make the
blood pound in the ears with excitement. And then there are stories
like this one. A Dangerous Place it is called, and this story takes
the reader to that most perilous of terrain: the human heart. This is
a story that will break your heart. I found the emotional content so
honest, so true, that this story has simply refused to leave my stream
of consciousness for very long, much like Pearl Took's Alone, Yourself
and Nameless. I can almost feel the thin and too-light body of the
little girl asd if I carried her as Boromir did. I could almost smell
the battleground, the wrecked hovels wherein many bodies lay unknown
and unmourned. The author has written Boromir's stream of
consciousness so well and with so little artifice that the tale
transcends. This story is filled with tragic beauty without coming off
as heavy-handed or commonplace. It is difficult to write a story like
this without the tale suffering from cliché or all but oozing with
angst. But this author has turned out the tale quite beautifully with
one foot grounded firmly in reality: war truly is hell. And I
particularly loved the brief encounter between the brothers Húrin.
This is a story which could take place here and now. It is also a good
gapfiller, and could well explain much of Boromir's actions. Like the
best of gapfillers, it could have been part of the source work very
easily. This tale is carved into the very lumber of my soul.

Title: No Pain, No Gain · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 435
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-12-30 03:40:31 Score: 3
Oh, I had to grin at this! I loved them both, and the author rose
beautifully to the challenge of two very different stories using the
exact same dialogue. I have to admit though, I liked the first one
best--hobbits, you know!

Title: Stopping by Woods · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Drama: Vignette ·
ID: 19
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-12-30 03:40:50 Score: 2
We seldom see an aged Faramir. It's so touching that he thinks of his
long-gone brother's journey as one he himself will be taking.

Title: Keeper of the Jewels · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Adventure:
Minas Tirith · ID: 64
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-12-30 03:41:08 Score: 7
This is a story of intrigue, danger and adventure.

[spoilers]

A case of mistaken identity puts Sam's life in danger while the
Fellowship still lingers in Minas Tirith after the War. It seems not
everyone was pleased at the return of the King, and someone wants
leverage and revenge on the new ruler of Gondor.

There are many reasons to like this story. It's a page turner (or
would be if it were a book) holding the interest with a strong plot
and solid characterizations. It also has a wonderful and beautifully
drawn three dimensional OFC. It has a despicable, but three
dimensional villain.

And it has brave, determined and strong hobbits--all of them, Frodo,
Merry and Pippin get a chance to shine in the rescue attempts, and Sam
is very, very brave in his captivity! Add to this a noble and
compassionate Aragorn and Faramir, and we have a slam-dunk!

For anyone who likes cliff-hangers and hobbits-in-danger, I can't
reccommend this enough!