Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Foreign Ways · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor or
Rohan · ID: 54
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-30 20:07:22 Score: 4
Just Lovely! I could so see Mag feigning ignorance to bond in a way
with Eowyn. I do think she would like to explore new recipes, and
Eowyn's experience with Rohirric cooking would seem like an adventure
to her. The described memory, too, was highly entertaining - I could
see it happening all too easily. Nice writing all around, Ann - it
earned a good chuckle from me.

Title: Leaf Subsides to Leaf · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Drama:
Elves in Later Ages · ID: 105
Reviewer: Oshun · 2007-12-30 20:08:32 Score: 6
I really like this story. I like the characterization so much: you
made me believe and care about both Legolas and Thranduil. The issues
between the father and son are clear and yet their affection and
respect for one another are clearer still. It is a thoughtul,
psychologically genuine piece and so moving and beautifully written. I
absolutely share your opinion that Thranduil would not leave. I know
we have very little explicit canon evidence to back up that opinion
one way or the other, but the bulk of the story of the world of
Thranduil, his history and the history of the Sindar would support
that, in my opinion. I notice that you wrote the story for Jael and I
am sure she must have appreciated it greatly, because it neatly
dovetails her characterization of the two elves, while being very much
your own piece.



Title: In the Bloody Cottage · Author: Soubrettina · Races: Men:
Eriador or Rivendell · ID: 581
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-30 20:10:38 Score: 10
How you've managed to make this story slightly cold and infused with
warmth, I just don't know, but it suits perfectly, both the process of
childbirth and the rather difficult life Gilraen (and all the women of
the Dúnadan) has to lead. I particularly like the depiction of Dúnadan
women as raised to be strong, sturdy, and hardy as the men, and,
although the idea that a girl-child is a mistake is deeply annoying
from a modern viewpoint, it is in fact demonstrably true in the past
of many cultures, and I do agree that the Dúnadan would surely look on
a daughter as not entirely useful.

The glimpses of the courtship between Arathorn and Gilraen are nicely
done - I like the hints of humour between the two, the implication
that the match was not entirely approved of by all observers, and I
also get the impression that their marriage was rather unexpected as
well. But there is clearly love and attachment between the two, no
matter how surprising their union might have been.

Having never been through childbirth, I can't tell you how accurate
Gilraen's worries, fears, and pains are, but they *feel* accurate. It
tires me out a bit just to read of how weary Gilraen is after she's
actually given birth, and I feel for her, going through such a process
in a lonely, chilly cabin in the woods, watched over by strange Elven
eyes, being uncertain, at this point, whether or not both she and her
child will actually survive.

Title: In Shadow Realm · Author: Legolass · Genres: Adventure · ID: 266
Reviewer: nau_tika · 2007-12-30 20:11:02 Score: 3
This was a very enjoyable fiction. The writer has proven herself
before, but her depiction of Legolas' loyalty continues to be
excellent. I had problems putting this story down long enough to
submit reviews on it.

Title: No Harm Will Come of It · Author: Marigold · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 456
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-12-30 20:11:34 Score: 10
[spoilers]

A wonderfully thought out set of drabbles! At first glance this would
appear to be about Sam and his journey of discovery into the wonderful
world of the written word, but in fact it is actually about the
Gaffer's own discovery of reading, something that no other author has
ever explored to the best of my knowledge. You might think that the
Gaffer learning to read seems out of character but after reading these
lovely drabbles it will all make perfect sense and seem the most
natural thing in the world.

At first he appears slightly dubious, but the Gaffer certainly has no
doubts about his son's ability to learn to read and only paused at
Bilbo's offer to keep poor Sam in suspense, which is actually very
sweet and indicative of a close relationship with his son. He is more
worried about how others might view such an upper class skill and the
repercussions that Sam might have to face. Despite those misgivings
though, he has no intention of his Sam missing out on this opportunity
to better himself.

Nevertheless all qualms are quickly assuaged by pride in his children,
especially when Sam passes the skill on to his young sister Marigold.
Sam's lessons with Marigold are actually the impetus that starts the
Gaffer on his own quest for knowledge, though he starts off simply. He
has no intentions yet to take it so far as he winds up doing by the
end of the series.

The Gaffer's voice is beautifully reflected all the way through this
set, not only his speech patterns, as it is written from his point of
view, but also his attitude which is one of the most original that I
have seen in fanfiction about this subject. The acceptance of reading
into his family has not diminished his misgivings about such things as
travel or reading about fanciful adventures. Marigold deals
sympathetically with these issues whilst skilfully taking the Gaffer
all through the Troubles, filling a nice gap along the way as to why
there is no mention of the author's namesake when the Travellers
return to scour the Shire.

The clincher has to be the last two drabbles â€" the conclusion was
hinted at vaguely before but Marigold delivers it in a neat and
touching way that leaves the reader feeling very satisfied and maybe a
little teary-eyed. Not to mention wondering what the Gaffer will do
with his newfound skill in the future. I have the idea that Sam may
not be the only Gamgee borrowing books from the Baggins library!


Title: Circumstantial Heroes · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Minas
Tirith · ID: 684
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2007-12-30 20:13:05 Score: 8
A very well written look at the first days of Aragorn's kingship and
the concerns Pippin has about the servants who helped Denethor kill
himself. It was something I had not considered before and Pippin has a
very valid point about making sure that Aragorn is safe from these
servants who perhaps would be willing to harm this new king. I am
impressed with Pippin's maturity here (in spite of the drinking!) and
his understanding of the situation and his offer to sacrifice himself
along with Beregrond since he convinced the guard to leave his post.

The two servants we meet are such a contrast. The one makes you
shudder. I can't imagine why he would even think to treat Pippin the
way he did knowing that he was a friend of the king. And then his
attitude toward Aragorn just floored me. The head servant is properly
respectful and knows how to serve and will do quite well in the new
household.

It's a very well told tale and I really enjoyed it. Both Aragorn and
Pippin are well written and seem true to the way Tolkien portrayed
them and the original characters are also well drawn.

Nicely done and thanks for sharing!

Title: Glimpses from Cormallen · Author: Marigold · Times: Late Third
Age: 3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 614
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-12-30 20:15:40 Score: 10
A set of drabbles is a good vehicle for this subject, for although
Tolkien neglected to give us much information about Pippin's recovery
from Troll-slaying, the fan writers have given us a wealth of stories.
That is why I think Marigold's choice of just showing us glimpses of
her take on it through drabbles is well done as there is only so much
more to be said and most readers know the situation backwards.

Nevertheless, this is a neat view and although we naturally see Merry
doing much of the caring, is not overly sentimentalised or
angst-ridden. Gandalf and Aragorn make welcome appearances and Pippin
is good-natured and chirpy and not dragged down by his injuries,
although Marigold skilfully gives us a clue that he is making lighter
of things than might be expected. I particularly liked Pippin's use of
private profanity, indicating that he is being stoic to his companions
and healers, but is actually in far more discomfort than he is letting on.

We also learn a little of Merry's development, not just his
knighthood, as is usually portrayed, but added talents which most
writers neglect but are hinted at strongly by Tolkien.

A well done set by a talented drabble writer, understated in a way
that allows room for the readers own take on the recovery process, but
with enough caring and healing to warrant another read â€" if not several!


Title: In the Waiting · Author: Altariel · Races: Men: Gondor · ID: 392
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-30 20:17:18 Score: 2
Nice gapfiller - I could really see this being Faramir, both the
introspection and the twinge of need of approval. And the first person
gave it a nice sense of immediacy. Well done.

Title: A Time to Reap · Author: Linda hoyland · Genres: Adventure:
Incomplete · ID: 415
Reviewer: nau_tika · 2007-12-30 20:17:33 Score: 3
I am enjoying this fic even more than the one that came before it. The
changes in the friendship between Faramir and Aragorn were welcome and
well done. I'm really looking forward to the continuation of this story.

Title: Shadow and Thought · Author: Linda hoyland · Genres: Drama:
With Aragorn · ID: 122
Reviewer: nau_tika · 2007-12-30 20:23:05 Score: 2
This was the first story of this author's that I ever read and it put
me on a wonderful road with Faramir's and Aragorn's friendship.

Title: Passages · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 60
Reviewer: Radbooks · 2007-12-30 20:26:06 Score: 10
[Spoilers]

A wonderful tale by one of my favorite authors. While the story has
many original characters, I've grown to enjoy them almost as much as
many canon characters. This story has a lot of angst in it as young
Brand discovers some things about his foster father and his real
father that, frankly, he would rather not have known. He's captured by
pirates and 'meets' his father in a vision, but that meeting is not
quite what he had hoped for, though it does help him deal with the
pirates. While all of this is going on, he becomes a lord and while
that is not dwelt on in the story, it still must have been slightly
unnerving for the young man.

I enjoy Brand's relationship with Hethlin (if only because I enjoy her
so much and these tiny glimpses are better than nothing!), and I
especially liked it when Brand and Imrahil were eating in the kitchen
late at night and Brand worked it out so Hethlin and Imrahil were left
sitting alone at the table. It was nicely done on his part.

I'm hoping that Brand and Andrahar's relationship will be mended soon
because I hate to see them at odds with each other. The two of them
need each other. Though, I'm afraid that when it does the story will
be ending so that's not good either!

Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

Title: Taking Leave · Author: Soubrettina · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Gondor or Rohan · ID: 326
Reviewer: EdorasLass · 2007-12-30 20:30:19 Score: 10
Yes, I'm [not big on the death of..] stories, either, but this one
definitely stays in my memory.

You certainly don't pull any punches; Eowyn's wildly swinging moods
and declining health - both mental and physical- are never overdone,
while showing exactly how low the diease has brought her, and it's
achingly painful to see the Eowyn of the Ring War all but helpless,
sometimes lost in memories or utterly confused as to what's happening
around here. The bits of humour work well, but while they work, they
also reinforce the fact that there's nothing any of them can do for
Eowyn but ease her on her way, which makes it all the more heartrending.

I love how Aragorn gets annoyed with Faramir for trying to hide his
grief, and I do love how he seems to almost immediately assume that
Faramir just doesn't see Eowyn's decline, that he's still seeing her
as that vibrant , strong young woman who slew the Witch-King. And when
Aragorn realizes that no, Faramir sees, sees very well indeed, this
turns into one of the few fics that makes me utterly weepy.

It does seem so very, *very* Eowyn that she would try to hide her
sickness as long as she could; her anger and worry for what Faramir
will do once she's gone, the utter helplessness and frustration of all
those around her are perfectly drawn, and the image of her friends
gathering, all aging themselves, is really just completely beautiful.

Title: Bonfires of Trust, Flashfloods of Pain · Author: Klose ·
Genres: Drama: Second Age or Earlier · ID: 413
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-30 20:34:02 Score: 6
Oi, what a story and I did not recognise it immediately since I read
the same story with a different title. Klose picks out a short moment
from the Silmarillion and gives the parting of Fingolfin and Ainarë so
much more depth. After reading this, I am not sure why Ainarë chose
her friend above that of her children, especially since she proudly
claims [they who are the very flesh of my womb.]. I ponder if this
regret will haunt her later on and it seems that Fingolfin has more
forgiveness in his heart than his wife. Come to think of it, that is
what makes him so valiant. This is a great character piece featuring
Fingolfin, especially now that he is father away from the Valar, it
seems that he now can comprehend what has escaped him for so long.
This bit specifically stands out:
["Melkor has done more than commit an evil murder," I say, after a
short time of silence. "The nightmare that has been the past few
years, it has all been a result of his machinations. Would that I had
known better, and turned down his counsel."]

This is a graceful story with a fabulous title that frames a moment
that deserved to be expanded upon.


Title: Falling Into Shadow · Author: Marigold · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Incomplete · ID: 205
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-12-30 20:35:46 Score: 10
[Spoilers]

Not many people seem to have realised or understood that poor Merry
has already encountered the Black Breath three times by Rivendell, so
this story was an eye-opener and makes the reader realise with a jolt
just what a devastating effect this could well have had on the hobbit.

Marigold starts her tale quite mysteriously, as it is not immediately
obvious where Merry and Pippin are. At first it would seem that they
may be in the Houses of Healing, but as the story unfolds we find that
the Travellers have only reached Rivendell and that, whilst most of
the attention is focussed on Frodo, Merry too is suffering ill-effects
from his exposure to evil though neither of them realise at this point
what is wrong with him.

Marigold is very knowledgeable when it comes to canon and incredibly
astute at picking up these seemingly small details and then turning
them into a dramatic situation. We fear for Merry even more here as we
know that Frodo, quite rightly, is demanding most of the attention at
the moment. Merry's selfless insistence that no one be distracted when
Frodo has need of them is marvellously in character. I liked how
Marigold has Pippin resolve the problem of the shortage of healers by
seeking out Glorfindel, which is perfectly logical, as at that stage
he would be the one elf with whom the hobbits would have been familiar.

This, hopefully proves a good choice, as not only does Glorfindel
understand the problem, but enlists Pippin as the main succour for his
ailing cousin. Perhaps Pippin would have found this solution on his
own, for lack of other aid, but the elf Lord gives him the confidence
he needs to help Merry. Pippin too is wonderfully in character, fierce
and protective of his cousin yet unsure of his abilities. I also liked
the way that Glorfindel was portrayed, to my knowledge the first time
Marigold has attempted to write his character, though you would never
guess it.

This story is awaiting a conclusion and, whilst in no real doubt about
the outcome, I am eager to see how Marigold, via Pippin, brings this
about. I will also, from now on, think about the cumulative effects of
the Black Breath on Merry when I am rereading that chapter of the
book, something that will make one of my favourite sections even more
dramatic.


Title: The Exile · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 537
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 20:45:05 Score: 4
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is an Alternate Universe story describing "what if?": what it
would have been like for Beregond if Elessar had exiled him from Minas
Tirith. His pain at being separated from the home of his birth is
palpable, and his mournful situation breaks the heart.

This story makes me truly glad that the canon Elessar in fact promotes
rather than punishes Beregond, as shown by the quoted passage, because
-- as this story so aptly demonstrates -- exiling him would have been
a very serious miscarriage of justice.


Title: Keepsake · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits: Vignette · ID: 256
Reviewer: Llinos · 2007-12-30 20:47:30 Score: 10
[Spoilers]

How could I not love this story? It was written for my birthday and is
complementary to a tale of my own, "More Than Just Years".

Marigold had always felt sad that I ended my own story with Pippin
losing his special Magnick ear of wheat that Gandalf had gifted to
him! And I had to agree with her, but the story demanded it. So it was
a lovely conclusion that she writes here and does not diminish the
original in any way as it takes place at the very end of the Gandalf
and Pippin relationship, at least in Middle-earth. So what better way
of resolving the situation than to write her own ending and it is a
lovely one.

I know that Marigold does not readily write negative stories but it is
hard to pull many positive thoughts from the sad departure of Frodo,
Bilbo and Gandalf. Nevertheless she achieves this with glimmers of
hope for a final reunion beyond the grey rain curtain and that is all
to the good, especially as those thoughts come early in the story.
Pippin's understanding and acceptance of the inevitable are indicative
of the maturity he has gained during his adventures and show just how
much wisdom he has gained to temper and balance his youthful and more
ebullient traits.

She handles Gandalf's leave taking of Pippin with emotion and a new
sense that the elderly wizard now acknowledges Peregrin Took as a
responsible adult. For all that he berated and teased him in early
days, he is now happy to hand over the reins of the Shire to a worthy
hobbit who will become in his own words the greatest Thain in hobbit
history.

But, more than that, in the simple gesture of replacing Pippin's lost
talisman, not with one exactly the same, but a similar, albeit more
cunningly designed token, one more suited to a responsible adult in
its richness, the author cements the lasting bond of friendship that
we all know must have existed but that Tolkien left for us to spell
out for ourselves and to each other.

In addition to the emotional aspects of the story the setting is also
vividly described and the characterisations are just lovely.

This is a story that I highly recommend.


Title: Measures of Time · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 50
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-30 21:02:26 Score: 5
[spoiler alert]

Oh this is such an elegant piece, it just flows on the steps or music
of the dance. Éowyn just feels so Éowyn: strong as a lily, but she is
aging, although that of course will not mean that her spirit will
fade. Her musings surely tells us this! And ah, Faramir, he is such a
gentleman and their love is just as strong as the day they met in the
Houses of Healing. This piece tells us of a happy married life, Éowyn
sounds so content, and will try to get the best out of it as long as
she can. Raksha’s writing is very vivid and leaves the story with a
beautiful portrait of Faramir and Éowyn dancing.

Title: Many Guises and Many Names · Author: Gandalfs apprentice ·
Times: Mid Third Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 380
Reviewer: Anoriath · 2007-12-30 21:02:37 Score: 10
We Dúnedain-fanciers are a small but rather passionate lot. *g* We so
rarely get to peek inside Aragorn's head. He emotes freely on so few
occasions and so often appears grim and self-sufficient, that it is
easy to take him for granted. (Ah, certainly this is the
warrior-monk-hidden king drawn from the usual fantasy stable of
characters.) Depth of appreciation for Aragorn, I think, often grows
slowly over time, and only once the reader has developed a sufficient
comfort with perceiving the man between the lines, the personality
that drives his grim ardor. Because it is hard-won, I think the
appreciation of Aragorn is all the more precious.

The man Aragorn, in all his quiet passion, is hard to capture, but
Gandalf's Apprentice has done so here, and with so few but well-chosen
words.

One of my favorites of this small collection is Aragorn and Gandalf's
meeting in the Prancing Pony. Gandalf functions well as a mirror in
which Aragorn's resolve, humility, master of men, confidence, and
boundless well of hope. He is a good choice. Who else would be able to
needle Aragorn and hope to come out of the process unscathed.

Another favorite of mine is Aragorn as Thorongil, listening to yet
another rendition of the Lay of Luthien. I had not thought of this
particular emotional reaction, so I had to laugh with delight when
Gandalf's Apprentice portrays Aragorn as unamused. [Why must every
young singer take on the test of this song? he asked himself irritably.]

Title: Oliphaunts and String · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 658
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-12-30 21:06:02 Score: 2
This is a very chilling prelude to what we know is coming for this
tragic character. Good imagery and dialogue.

Title: Duty and Devotion · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 411
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-30 21:11:49 Score: 5
[spoilers ahoy]

This is an interesting exploration of Beregond's motives, I can see
why he felt pushed aside by charming Pippin, who compared to others
rose quickly in ranks just because he spent some days with Boromir.
Beregond anger feels justified and something needs to well, snap him
out of it. What better way than a Nazgul approaching, making Beregond
think he wasted his time and finally realised what he ought to do:
defending his city and honour. Although I don't think that was the
Nazgul's intent though ;) Still this worked very well for this
character. Another thing that crossed my mind was that even though
this was a double drabble, it had the feel much more was conveyed to
the reader. Well done!

Title: A Little Knowledge Can Be A Dangerous Thing · Author: Tanaqui ·
Races: Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 352
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 21:15:39 Score: 7
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a delightful series exploring what it would be like if Arwen's
dowry included copies of many volumes from Elrond's library. Faramir
the scholar practically bursts with glee when he first hears of the
wondrous gift, and he sets about helping Arwen to decide to which
Gondorian towns the books should be bestowed. Aragorn secretly orders
that Emyn Arnen is to receive a copy of every one, causing the Steward
Faramir distress because of the cost. Here is where the humor sets in:
the author starts a running gag where Elessar says that he can afford
to avoid wearing uncomfortable court clothes to afford more books for
the realm, and that theme is continued in several of the drabbles. In
the end, Elessar contentedly spends a rainy afternoon in Emyn Arnen
with Faramir, perusing the new books.

Any drabble-lover, or any book-lover or
fancy-uncomfortable-clothes-hater for that matter, would love this
series! Well done!

Title: Respite · Author: Lindelea · Races: Men: Gondor Drabble · ID: 303
Reviewer: White Wolf · 2007-12-30 21:18:47 Score: 2
This is a thoughtful piece showing how precious a moment for yourself
is, when duties are never far away.

Title: Brothers at Heart · Author: Radbooks · Times: Mid Third Age:
2851 - 3017 TA · ID: 330
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-30 21:20:58 Score: 5
A very enjoyable and well told story concerning Aragorn's return to
his own people and his gradual learning to become a great and caring
leader. Another major theme is Aragorn's forming of a close friendship
with Halbarad and becoming as a brother to him. I like Halbarad and
only wish there were more stories written about him.
I especially enjoyed Aragorn's growth as a leader and the sometimes
harrowing decisions he has to make,especially concerning a young OC. I
can easily believe this was how Tolkien intended Aragorn's training to
be for the great King he will become. This is a favourite story of
mine and I highly reccomend it.

Title: Well-Lettered (The Director's Cut) · Author: Ribby · Races:
Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 762
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 21:23:45 Score: 5
(Possible spoilers within:)

I enjoyed reading this double-drabble tremendously. It shows how
Steward Faramir and King Elessar have so much in common, both being
scholarly when they can afford the time to be so, and both loving
Elven poetry in particular. I especially enjoyed the hints that, now
that the War of the Ring was finally over, both of these men would at
least sometimes have some leisure time to pursue their more scholarly
interests. And also, it is especially hopeful that these two have
learned to share their love of books. Very nicely done!

Title: Dawning Hope: A Day Out · Author: Radbooks · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA · ID: 659
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-30 21:25:54 Score: 4
I admit I usually find stories about Theodred boring or distasteful,
but this one truly caught my attention as it brings Theoden's heir to
life as a warm hearted and likeable young man who does his best to
help his orphaned couisins when they come to live with his Uncle.

The children are beautifully characterised,especially young Eowyn and
her gnawing grief for her mother.

This is a heartwarming family story and also an adventure when
Theodred's plans to give his young couisins a day out go awry.