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Title: Tales of the Innkeeper · Author: Allee · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 237
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-12-30 16:22:30 Score: 4
This is a delightful series of vignettes from the POV of the author's
OMC--a Gondorian innkeeper, who due to bad weather, finds the High
King Elessar himself wintering at his humble inn. His observations on
the King's character are astute and lively. And while he tells us much
about this wonderful king, we also get to know the innkeeper as well.

I really like the voice the author has given her narrator--he really
has quite a personality.

Title: Lords of Gondor, Sons of the Shire · Author: Gandalfs
apprentice · Races: Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 379
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-12-30 16:23:07 Score: 5
These were cute! I loved these encounters between hobbits and the
sturdy sons of Denethor. Boromir's encounter with Sam was
enlightening--I loved Sam's stout defense of "old Strider", and
Boromir's realization of the sense of it.

Pippin and Faramir in the second one, well, that was purely
delightful! I love fics which play up what must have been a very close
friendship, as it resulted in Pippin naming his son after the young
Steward!

*grin* And the picture brought to mind by the last line was wonderful!

I hope the author writes some more of these!

Title: Mercy · Author: conniemarie · Races: Hobbits: Post-Ring War ·
ID: 730
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-12-30 16:23:39 Score: 3
I read this AU story a good while back, and it remains indelibly
etched in my mind. It is very angsty, and yet, considering the
circumstances as they are shown here, it is not at all over-the-top.
Beautiful, but so very, very sad.

Title: The Rose in the Courtyard · Author: claudia6032000 · Races:
Cross-Cultural: The Fellowship · ID: 560
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-12-30 16:23:58 Score: 2
A very nice portrait of Frodo's forgiving nature--and I love the
metaphor of the rose and the sun that Claudia uses.

Title: Twice blessed is help unlooked for · Author: Tanaqui · Times:
Late Third Age: 3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 631
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-12-30 16:24:24 Score: 1
What a delightful concept, that Imrahil might have recognized his old
comrade-in-arms!

Title: Looking Awfully Hard · Author: Gryffinjack · Races: Hobbits:
Merry and Pippin · ID: 779
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-12-30 16:24:43 Score: 3
Gryffinjack shows us a conversation that must have taken place at some
point. What a contrast between Merry's experience with Theoden, and
Pippin's with Denethor! But the last part is purely Pippin!

Title: Diversion · Author: Mar'isu · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: General Drabble · ID: 708
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2007-12-30 16:25:07 Score: 3
There has often been debate about the story-external reasons that
Glorfindel did not accompany the Nine Walkers when they set out--but
here is a perfectly logical story-*INTERNAL* explanation. He had his
own task to do--very well concieved!

Title: Seeking to Please · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Romance: Pre-Ring
War · ID: 193
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2007-12-30 16:26:20 Score: 4
I enjoyed this because of the humor and because of how Gywnnyd
portrayed Aragorn. It's the first time Arwen has seen him since he'd
declared his love for her and she is very skeptical and he is very
mature and smooth and with a quick wit, etc. And through it all is a
silent, hidden observer. It's just very well done and a most enjoyable
read. Thanks so much for sharing this tale with us!

Title: Blackest Fate · Author: Branwyn · Times: Mid Third Age: 2851 -
3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 476
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 16:29:09 Score: 3
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a heartbreaking vignette of a pair of slaves from Rohan who
reach out to comfort each other and help bear the burden of their
captivity. We empathize with them so much, even -- especially --
through the surprise at the end, when we learn more about who they
are. Well done!

Title: Fell Memories · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 191
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2007-12-30 16:33:29 Score: 4
I am not a fan of drabbles, but Fell Memories made me see how they can
be used in a series like this in a very powerful way. It is not a
story for the faint at heart, but it is a very realistic portrayal of
things that would happen if anyone fell into the hands of orcs - if
they didn't kill you immediately. While I don't say it was an
'enjoyable' read because of the subject matter, it is a story that is
a 'must' read because it is so very well written. Thanks for sharing it.

Title: Iron to Iron · Author: mrkinch · Times: Second Age: Drabble ·
ID: 662
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 16:35:58 Score: 3
(Possible spoilers within:)

A truly interesting and unusual take on how the light of the Two Trees
might react to being imprisoned in the Silmarilli, then in Formenos,
then in Angband....

A compelling possibility. Well done!

Title: Friendship of Their Kind · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Early
Third Age: 1-2850 TA · ID: 425
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2007-12-30 16:49:52 Score: 5
Young Rangers and dragons, what could make for a better story? I
enjoyed reading a mostly original character story and really Aragost
at the end is almost an OC since no one writes him! But it's rare to
find a story like this and Dwim always does a nice job with her
original characters. Going into a dragon lair is unimaginable and yet
they do it anyway. Having to do it because the young men had stumbled
into something they shouldn't have is a 'punishment' that will ensure
they won't do it in the future. I like the older Ranger and the
steadying influence he brings and the lesson he teaches. Nicely done!

Title: The Days of the King · Author: Randomrattle · Genres: Drama:
With Aragorn · ID: 399
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2007-12-30 16:57:03 Score: 5
This is a novel length tale set at the beginning of the fourth age as
Aragorn begins his rule in Minas Tirith. I like the characters and how
they interact with each other, though there is a little mysticism
about the elves which is different, but that's all right... it's fun
reading someone else's take on things.

There is nice tension - with the water problems and the cave in, etc.,
and then periods where life is just moving on as it should. In short,
it's just like real life in that sense!

I am only about two thirds done with the story and hope to finish it
soon, but I can really recommend it as it is very well written.

Title: A Moment Lost · Author: Fawsley · Races: Men: Gondor Drabble ·
ID: 491
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 16:57:57 Score: 2
(Possible spoilers within:)

An unusual take on when Aragorn implicitly became king.

Of course! The Army of the Dead recognized him!

Even better than having healing hands....

Title: The Taming of the Badger · Author: Pentangle · Genres: Drama:
With Aragorn · ID: 234
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2007-12-30 17:06:00 Score: 5
Another wonderful story by Pentangle, this one set when Aragorn
returns to the Dunedain and finds that at least one of the men do not
accept him. One, a healer, has never accepted Arathorn's death and
wants nothing to do with Aragorn and treats him rudely and with
disdain to the dismay of the other men.

The original characters are well written and believable and the story,
which I believe sets up another of Pentangle's stories, is very
enjoyable. I very much like the way she writes Aragorn as well as
Elladan and Elrohir who also make an appearance in this story.

Thanks for sharing this!

Title: No Escape · Author: Aranel Took · Times: Mid Third Age: 2851 -
3017 TA: Drabble · ID: 324
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 17:06:26 Score: 3
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a chilling drabble about the last stand of the Dwarves who had
recolonized Khazad-dum under Balin's command in the Chamber of
Mazarbul. Whereas we might have thought that the dwarven remains all
belonged to warriors, this vignette shows that that might not be so.
It is heart-breaking.

Title: Too Many Adverbs · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Humor: Drabble ·
ID: 660
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 17:15:40 Score: 3
(Possible spoilers within:)

Okay, I reluctantly admit it -- I burst out laughing hysterically when
I read this initially.... and then wildly giggled afterward.

Most especially well done!

Title: Despair · Author: Silivren Tinu · Genres: Drama: The Fellowship
· ID: 171
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2007-12-30 17:18:20 Score: 5
This is a short gap-filler based on the movie that takes place as the
Fellowship sails down the Anduin. Legolas talks to Boromir after the
man has his bitter confrontation with Aragorn. Legolas speaks to
Boromir about the Ring and the effects and the darkness in Mirkwood, etc.

It is so unusual to have a wonderful story featuring Boromir and
Legolas as the main characters - though Aragorn is also there. The two
did have much in common with the way their lands were so tainted by
evil and how they had to fight against the darkness for so long.

Silivren Tinu did an excellent job portraying the characters and the
tension between them and especially the conflict inside Boromir. It's
a well written story. Thanks for sharing!

Title: The Promise in her Eyes · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor:
Gondor or Rohan · ID: 100
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-30 17:18:25 Score: 4
[minor spoilers]
This is an enchanting story of a young Eowyn fooling around with a
stranger passing through Edoras. I like the fact that we see this
first kiss of a female when there are so many stories about romantic
firsts for male characters, and even though it is Eowyn's first kiss
she is very much in charge of it. I also liked the slow way Eowyn's
identity is revealed; the details EdorasLass uses to tell this story
establish a teenage Eowyn who I can easily see growing into the
shieldmaiden. Highly enjoyable all around.

Title: Green · Author: annmarwalk · Times: Late Third Age: 3018-3022
TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 461
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 17:36:53 Score: 4
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a beautifully-written vignette describing when Faramir is
called back to renewed life by Aragorn in the Houses of Healing. The
scents that he notices as he awakens are compelling... first the dead
reek of smoke from the funeral pyre when his father tried to murder
him, then the living fragrance of the athelas. The last line is an
especially compelling climax. Well done!

Title: Answers and Questions · Author: Peredhil lover · Genres: Drama:
Youth · ID: 189
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2007-12-30 17:38:25 Score: 6
[Spoilers]

Peredhil Lover chose her pen name well. She writes Elladan and Elrohir
so very well and she makes them unique individuals which many authors
do not. Here Aragorn is a young man on his first patrol and when a
stern Elladan points out all of his mistakes, Elrohir tries to comfort
him. While Elrohir gives Aragorn some of the answers he wants and
needs to hear, by the end of their conversation he realizes he has
even more questions.

A very well written story from a talented author. Aragorn is
convincingly portrayed as a confused young man who needs reassurance
and Elrohir is, in turns, a light hearted and caring older brother and
then a wise and ancient elf who has seen much in his many years.
Things that Aragorn cannot possibly understand.

I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. Thanks for
sharing it!

Title: Flame Rekindled · Author: Istarnie · Races: Elves: Incomplete ·
ID: 370
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-30 17:41:11 Score: 7
Istarnie has a magnificent way to write Fëanor and Nerdanel. In his
story Fëanor is the central character and I love the way how she
scrawls under his skin and brings out his character: my goodness it
truly sparkles of this screen. The Vala Mandos/Námo feels very
authentic, questioning but not relenting. Together with Fëanor, I do
not get the impression that he really understands him and it feels so
true that Fëanor feels well restricted even there. His anger and pride
just bursts of the screen as you read it. Istarnie’s own OC’s are
mingled into the story, placing this wip firmly in her own created
!verse as she also weaves in canonical events regarding the Noldor in
Beleriand ánd memories from the past. Istarnie shows Nerdanel’s gentle
love and wisdom for him, but also the events that took place while
Melkor spread lies amongst the Noldor. I find this idea very original
and intriguing, it’s a pity that Istarnie hasn’t come around to post
new chapters yet. Especially with such a cliff hanger!

Title: She Watches · Author: Larner · Races: Hobbits: Gapfiller · ID: 640
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-30 17:50:42 Score: 4
This is such a intense ficlet. I found it very touching and moving:
her love for Sam shines through in every word and brings tears to my
eyes. I enjoyed reading how Rosie recapped all that happened to Sam
while he was away, and at the end it shows her immense strength to
help him find his place in his Shire again. She might watch, but at
the same time she also knows how to act. Beautifully done Larner, very
powerful!

Title: Miss Dora Baggins' Book of Manners · Author: Dreamflower ·
Races: Hobbits: Incomplete · ID: 239
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-30 17:56:14 Score: 4
I really loved reading how Dora wrote her book, it almost as an essay
feel with all the details about proper Shire etiquette, but underneath
the long lists on how to go about things, you can really see how the
Shirelings interacted amongst each other. I can really see how this
project can be of use for those who write stories featuring hobbits,
especially given the thought and energy Dreamflower has put in this.

Title: Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux · Author: Fiondil
· Genres: Drama: Elves in Later Ages · ID: 77
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2007-12-30 17:58:17 Score: 10
An incredible story that has so many twists and turns that it is hard
to know where to start with my review.

The characters. The characters are all so well drawn and so believable
and I don't just mean the canon characters but all of the original
ones as well. I was drawn to the story because of Glorfindel, who is
my favorite elven character, but Finrod has moved up my list now and
I'd read next to nothing about him before this story. The way the
Valar are portrayed seems quite convincing to me, I've read other
stories with them and I shudder because they seem too otherwordly for
beings that created Arda and walked and interact with elves on a
regular basis.

The story. I really like the idea that there is tension between those
that rebelled and left Aman and those that stayed behind and
especially those that died and have been reborn. There should be some
animosity because they are after all people and that always exists
between groups of people when one group thinks it's superior. I like
the fact that people are changing and growing throughout the story,
and not just the reborn, but also people like Ingwion who was pretty
arrogant and Alassiel who was the same way.

There is so much going on in the story and yet it wasn't hard for me
to keep things straight with the separate storylines. I look forward
to the continuation of this story because there is still so much
unfinished business.

Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful story with us, Fiondil! It
is a wonderfully written and well crafted story.