Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: The End of Dark Days · Author: annmarwalk/EdorasLass CoAuthors
· Genres: Drama: Minas Tirith · ID: 56
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-30 06:17:07 Score: 3
This vivid and moving story deals with what Tolkien chose not to tell
us,but many readers wonder about,how did Faramir deal with the fact
his father tried to kill him? I especially liked the description of
Faramir's healing and Denethor's madness

Title: No Pain, No Gain · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 435
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-30 06:21:43 Score: 3
I loved these amusing drabbles in a challenge to use the same dialogue
in both. Trust a male to make as much fuss over a tattoo as a woman
over childbirth! Arwen's stoism does her great credit.

Title: Green · Author: annmarwalk · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 461
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-30 06:37:18 Score: 3
A stunningly beautiful drabble about very favourite moment in LOTR
when Aragorn heals Faramir.I love the way the writer descibes the
different sensations Faramir experiences as stumbles through his dark
dreams then he hears Aragorn's voice and smells the aethelas. Faramir
has indeed found hope after a very long wait

Title: Where There's Life, There's Hope (and in need of vittles) ·
Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble · ID: 463
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-30 06:42:21 Score: 4
Oh, this is simply lovely. It's exactly the sort of detail that would
never have made it in to "Lord of the Rings," but I can see it so
easily taking place. I hope Aragorn was encouraged by the smell of
baking bread -- I know how encouraging that smell can be when I'm
having a bad day. It's so nice to think of Mag's contribution to the
war effort, as it shows just how easily the small things can make a
big difference. *grins* Nicely told, Ann, I thoroughly enjoyed this
touching drabble.

Title: Passages · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 60
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 06:56:12 Score: 10
(Possible spoilers within:)

An fascinating story about Brandmir, the lowly and illegitimate son of
Boromir and a former prostitute. After he is discovered by Andrahar,
the Haradric friend of Imrahil of Dol Amroth, he is given a home and
adopted as heir by Andrahar. He is educated and, much to his surprise,
at fourteen he becomes a newly-minted lord of Gondor, with lands of
his own.

He learns a secret about Andrahar that strains their relationship, but
is inconveniently kidnapped by Corsair slavers off the docks of Dol
Amroth; however, he ingeniously manages to stave off danger for
himself and his child charges on board the slaver ship long enough to
be rescued.

After the rescue, he must decide how to reconcile with his beloved
guardian, and being just a lad, he does not know how to do that.
Misunderstandings abound, but I am hopeful that they can be resolved
before Andrahar, Imrahil, and Aragorn depart for Rhovanion for a year
to fight Easterlings.

This story has an intricate, fascinating plot, complete with realistic
stresses between the characters... and the characters themselves, both
canon and OC, are well-drawn and realistic. I look forward with great
anticipation to each new chapter of this story. It is an absolute joy
to read!

Title: With No Pity · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Villains:
Drabble · ID: 391
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-12-30 07:18:55 Score: 2
This is the perfect example of being led to believe one thing is true
when it turns out to be something completely different. I guess it
just depends on your POV. Loved the twist.

Title: The Tenant from Staddle · Author: Larner · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Incomplete · ID: 408
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2007-12-30 07:25:09 Score: 5
[SPOILERS]

I've really enjoyed this work-in-progress that is mostly original
characters. Larner does a wonderful job with detailing a family of
hobbits who were displaced during the war and are now looking to start
a new life away from Bree. But then they find out that their new home
is owned by Frodo and they have to deal with lawyers and such and it's
a bit overwhelming for such simple hobbits. I like the lawyer that
comes from Minas Tirith with his dog to learn about contracts and then
of course there is the hobbit lawyer, Bartolo, who doesn't like Frodo
but does a good job for him nonetheless.

It's a very well written, very well told story and I highly recommend
it. Thanks for sharing it!

Title: The Harper · Author: juno_magic · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 10
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 07:37:53 Score: 8
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a story of a simple village lad who befriends an ancient blind
minstrel one day, and a whole new world is opened for him.

The author's style is spare, suiting the austere character of the
narrator, who starts out as a poor boy in a subsistence village in the
White Mountains. But the boy's persistent questions break through the
reticence of the embittered minstrel. The boy begs him to teach him
music, and the Elf finally complies. We get a glimpse of the ancientry
of the Elf through his songs, which he finds repugnant, but the boy
finds fascinating.

I hadn't really been aware of this before, but now that I re-read the
story, it is almost like the narrator - the boy grown up into a
minstrel himself - is speaking in a manner best suited to story-telling.

I was captured by this unfolding story from beginning to end, and was
pleased that my guess about the identify of the Elf was confirmed.
That the author includes a picture of a blind minstrel, and the poem
that inspired the story is a pleasant bonus at the end. Very well done!

Title: Salt · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age and Prior · ID: 743
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 07:43:41 Score: 8
Dawn has a knack for developing the odd, surprising, decidedly unusual
twists in her personal Feanorian storyverse. Yet her own logic and
vision run consistently throughout, tying it all together so that I
never disengage from the story - even when my eyebrows are raised as
high as they can go. Her incredibly engaging prose also helps with
this, artfully dropping beautiful and startling phrases and imagery at
every turn.

What strikes me most in this story about Caranthir is how his talent
for osanwe-kenta is used as a wholly reasonable explanation for his
strangeness. I felt tremendous sympathy for what should on all
accounts be an unsympathetic character, especially because there seems
to be noone available to mentor him through his struggles, and he
seems incapable of broaching the subject with his family. His
uniqueness results in almost total aloneness.

Caranthir's unhappy connection with the sea, and how the sea speaks
and responds to him, is an incredibly powerful theme; and the final
scene, where he forgoes the Silmaril for a final communion with his
brother - breathtaking.

Title: Dissonance · Author: EdorasLass · Races: Cross-Cultural: Gondor
· ID: 450
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 07:44:40 Score: 7
["Dissonance"] does a very good job of capturing the antipathy between
enemies, and the shift in perspective that can happen when we are
brought face-to-face with our foe's humanity - most effectively in the
face of helplessness. The title perfectly captures what the story goes
on to elaborate: the lack of harmony between these strains in the
Great Music, artificially imposed by Sauron and Man's own failings.

Excellent characterizations, with the point of the story brought home
quietly but clearly. With the dangerous nature of the Southron mostly
neutralized, the female aide is allowed the time to actually look at
him and observe the similarities between him and any wounded man. She
doesn't come away with true understanding of why he was there to fight
Gondor, or of his unique culture (I loved his sung eulogy!), but she
does seem to get a glimpse of the deeper truth: ["There is only one
man in all the world and his name is All Men" (Carl Sandburg)].

Thank you for this timely and well-written reminder, Edoraslass!

Title: Life Lessons · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 582
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 07:45:27 Score: 5
A lovely exchange between two of the most powerful women in Gondor. I
love the peek we get into Elven culture, particularly the waybread
with the women's dominion over its preparation. I also like that
Galadriel, powerful and mighty, took the time among her overwhelming
sea-longing to take the place of departed Celebrian in preparing Arwen
for the birth of her first child.

It seems appropriate that Arwen, having chosen the Doom of Men, should
take all she learned in her long life - including lembas lore - and
share it judiciously with her new people.

Title: The Last Temptation · Author: Maeve Riannon · Genres: Drama:
Second Age or Earlier · ID: 264
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 07:45:57 Score: 5
Painful and sad and a very, very creative way of looking at this
episode. Melian's actions are indeed strange, the way they are glossed
over in the Silm. I liked the author's thoughts on this, and
especially the vivid description of Melian's connection to the land,
and of her first embodiment for Thingol's sake.

Her temptation was presented realistically, with the loss of these two
little descendants the "last straw." The vision of what she would
become - a mirror of Morgoth - was painted so clearly that it was a
bit of a shock to find that it was actually a vision, and that in the
end she let Eru's plan unfold untrammelled.

Title: Respite · Author: Lindelea · Races: Men: Gondor Drabble · ID: 303
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 07:46:33 Score: 6
["Respite"] does a very good job of scene-setting, and of describing
the hustle that is part of a Ranger's life. Excellent
characterization, too: Faramir as a leader of men and as the scholar,
sneaking in a few moments of escape from the war's burdens. At least,
this is Faramir in my mind, since those facets of his personality are
firmly embedded in my concept of the man, although the author leaves
it ambiguous enough that it could be any Ranger commander.

The drabble is well-structured, for bookending the brief respite with
the times of action gives the reader the same feeling of "not enough",
of the brevity of these times of enjoyment - and yet they are what
help maintain a fighter's sanity. Very good use of language to
maximize the impact in the given word count.

Title: Belonging · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Romance: Second Age or
Earlier · ID: 422
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 07:49:10 Score: 10
Beautifully sensual and loving... The reader gets a very clear and
tantalizing picture of the Lord and Lady of Imladris and their
(relatively) newly-forged and still-developing bond. (Twenty years and
still newlyweds - Elves!) Bodkin's usual excellent writing leaves me
grinning and inwardly cheering at their joyful marital bliss, and
sniffling at the end when a moment of foreshadowing briefly darkens
their glowing future. But these two do not know of it, and I rejoiced
in what must have been many, many times of great happiness before the
painful separation.

Marvelous characterizations. Elrond is wonderfully portrayed; it's
very nice to see him in all his ogle-worthy near-naked physical being
instead of the intellectual scholar. Celebrian is the real delight,
however. I love her more risque attitude; it seems to fit her partial
Sindarin heritage, which I think of as being rather down-to-earth
compared to Elrond's more formal Feanorian upbringing. She is a
forthright and intelligent woman, and an excellent match for the
mighty loremaster and warrior.

I love her thoughts about their marriage and union being a
["dedication"] to each other. And this thought of Elrond is absolutely
beautiful: ["Her love had healed something in him that he had not even
realised needed mending and she was now the steel that held him
together."]

Title: Duty and Devotion · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 411
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 07:50:56 Score: 7
I think this is a profoundly realistic look at Beregond's thoughts
right before he springs into action. I can well believe that it took
some consideration for him to leave his honored post, and Marta does a
masterful job of laying out the reasons for his hesitation. While
everyone would like to think that we'd leap unresistingly into being
heroes, it's likely that many of even the bravest and most determined
souls have a quick spell of "Why me?"

Beregond's restless fidgeting and dulled senses are described
exceedingly well, and clearly reveal the torments of his heart. I like
that the Nazgul, normally a harbinger of overwhelming fear, here
serves as the catalyst for bringing what is important to the forefront
of Beregond's mind. I don't see his final decision so much as, "We're
all going to die - what the heck"; but: "We're all going to die - I
will do so pursuing the most good I can in the time remaining."

Perceptive, eloquent and very interesting gap-filler!

Title: Of the Silmarils · Author: Isil Elensar · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 111
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-12-30 07:51:02 Score: 4
Skillfully written set of three drabbles focussing on Feanor's
creation of those famous First Age gewgaws.

I like how the emotion that seems to rule Feanor in the making and
keeping of the Silmarils, is the pride that eventually undid him. Not
that anyone who crafted something like those three baubles shouldn't
be proud of the achievement, but Feanor goes a bit over the top, and
we all know where that will lead.


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: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 07:52:03 Score: 7
*sniffle* Just beautiful... Even the most centered and dedicated
individuals must have their moments of doubt and anxiety, and Aragorn
is now facing the "do or die" test, following on years and years of
wandering and often desperate battle. In the face of encroaching
darkness and his all-too-possible failure, he thinks of his people and
final responsibilities.

Leave it to wise and faithful Arwen to point out what should be
obvious: that the Dunedain of the Angle already know their roles if
Sauron overruns the known world. As they would have done if Isildur's
line died out at any point in history, they will stand and fight for
Good to the last person.

The language relays very well the state of mind of the protagonists:
Aragorn's shuffling restlessness vs. Arwen's determined calm. I love
how she refers to her "Estel", and means both her beloved *and* the
hope based on things not seen. Her steadfast faith will help carry
Aragorn through to his destiny.

Title: Gone Fishin' · Author: Aranel Took · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 322
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 07:52:25 Score: 3
I can completely see Aragorn needing to get away periodically -
perhaps not so much from Arwen, but definitely from the paperwork and
endless council meetings. You don't spend years in relative freedom on
the road and not miss certain aspects of it. I like how it we are led
along briefly without knowing who is actually featured in the drabble.

Title: Glimpses from Cormallen · Author: Marigold · Times: Late Third
Age: 3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 614
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 07:53:08 Score: 3
Oh, very nice! I think the relationship between Merry and Pippin is
vividly and sweetly conveyed, although the "guest appearances" of
Aragorn and Gandalf are also handled well. Pippin's determined
cheerfulness is so in-character, as is Merry's gentle guardianship. I
love: ["Merry resisted the urge to complete the gesture with a loud
sloppy smooch to Pippin’s forehead... But only for a moment."], and
Gandalf's bedtime story.

Title: Last Light · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Drama · ID: 194
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 07:53:53 Score: 5
Very chilling, despairing and insightful story. The PoV is superbly
carried out, with appropriate perceptions and metaphors.

The tree's remembrances of happier times serve to throw light on just
how bad things have become, and the slow onslaught of change. It is
particularly poignant how the beginnings of evil were noted, but
ignored; now there is no turning it, at least from what the tree knows.

The images are dismally but clearly rendered, giving us a
disheartening view of the tree's nearing demise. Excellent title, as
it captures the encroaching darkness of Saruman's reign from Orthanc,
and the fading life of the tree.

Title: Tales of Thanksgiving · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First
Age and Prior · ID: 184
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 07:55:38 Score: 6
My goodness, each one of these is gem in its own right, and deserves
fulsome praise. They range through many characters and times, with an
equally varied mix of emotions and events. Every single PoV is
absolutely well told: clear, distinct, illuminating and often surprising.

Dawn Felagund has a lovely and personal style of writing that makes
you feel like the stories are being told by a dear friend, that you
can actually reach out and touch the remarkable individuals being
explored in these ficlets. I loved nearly all of them, although I
think ["The Wanderer"] is probably my favorite; of a collection that
captures its characters wonderfully well, this one really nails my
impression of Finrod; and I adore the way he meets his "stranger"
relatives at the end, complete with the very serious little boy greeting.

Title: Hossis · Author: Fawsley · Genres: Drama: Youth · ID: 520
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2007-12-30 07:58:43 Score: 3

A marvelous, though bittersweet, treat for the reader, this vignette
starts out sweetly, with an excited toddler announcing the arrival of
the "hossis" that heralds his father's return, and ends with one of
the saddest moments in the LOTR backstory. The small boy and his young
mother are written well, as are the Elves.

Title: The Oarsman · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 357
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 07:59:05 Score: 8
Tanaqui takes the reader right into the experiences of these
lowest-of-the-low: captured slaves rowing the Corsair ships meant to
invade Gondor. The brutalities of their lives are detailed with a
wicked clarity and attention to detail, so that in the first drabble
we can understand why the slaves do not panic or rebel when the
Corsairs are overtaken by a soul-chilling Army of the Dead: their
souls are already numbed beyond all feeling - they only know how to
endure.

Setting up this first scenario so tellingly also gives us the reason
for the slaves' reaction in the second drabble. Aragorn could very
well have whipped them as cruelly as their former masters - or even
forced them in less evil ways - to row the ships up the Anduin, all in
the name of the greater good and with promises of freedom afterwards.
But he shows his true noble nature when he orders them freed now, and
fed, clothed and warmed, and then *asks* for their aid. Who wouldn't
row to the ends of the earth for him? Wonderful prose and a believable
gap-filler for a seldom-visited moment in the books.

Title: A Boy and His Lob · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Humor · ID: 162
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 07:59:43 Score: 5
Oh, my - my sides are still aching. I remember rolling on the floor
when I first read this a while back, and I think it has only improved
with "aging". The whole premise is so improbable and tongue-in-cheek,
and IgnobleBard's lovely writing carries you through with just the
right balance between ridiculous and delightful.

The comedic timing and pacing is perfect, turning out one quirky
lunacy after another. I love the oddball characterizations; while they
are decidedly NOT behaving like Tolkien's Elves, they are still
Elvish, with many hilarious plays on fanon situations and attitudes.

Title: Outmatched · Author: Tiana Luthien · Genres: Drama: Vignette ·
ID: 132
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2007-12-30 08:02:16 Score: 8
["Outmatched"] gives some truly wonderful interaction between these
two warriors, and Eomer is the only one to speak: all of four words.
Yet Tiana Luthien's descriptive writing carries volumes and paints an
exceedingly clear picture in my mind. This is true of the physical
sparring, which is vividly and eloquently portrayed, using both
language and pacing to convey the quick movement and intensity. And it
is also true of the underlying emotion, brought out perfectly by the
tone of Eomer's actions and words at the end of the match. Only then
do we see that this has been a test of sorts, one not only appropriate
for a warrior of Faramir's prowess, but for the suitor of a
shieldmaiden as well.

I love the locked gaze - Faramir knows just what is going on, and no
way is he backing down before his would-be brother-in-law. The fact
that he disarms Eomer speaks worlds to his skills, too: Faramir may
not have fought in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, but he has
decidedly bested one of only three men to emerge from that battle
unharmed.

Go, Steward of Gondor!