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Title: Don't Be Deceived · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 351
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 21:29:55 Score: 3
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a funny case of authorial misdirection; the character drinking
in the inn is very familiar, so we think we know who he is and what is
about to happen.

But he isn't. And it doesn't. And we are surprised.

Very funny!

Title: On the Banks of the Brandywine (Berilac's Song) · Author:
Dreamflower · Genres: Poetry: With Hobbits · ID: 712
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-30 21:30:30 Score: 2
A charming Hobbit love song in the style of an old English folk song.
What Hobbit lass could resist if this were sung to her by her love?

Title: The Great Hobbiton Race 1435 · Author: Llinos · Races: Hobbits:
Incomplete · ID: 83
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-30 21:33:37 Score: 10
Once more Llinos has outdone herself with a story that has me rolling
about laughing out loud with each and every chapter! The centrepiece
of this story is the grandly named [Great Steam Vapour Spindle
Activated Vegetation Dissection and Lubrication Apparatus �" by
Appointment to Thain Peregrin I, and under Chartered Licence from
Meriadoc Brandybuck, Master of Buckland, dedicated to the Hobbits of
Bywater and Hobbiton in the Year 1435.] Leave it to Merry to make sure
that he has the licensing rights! For all of its fancy title it is in
fact simply a steam driven contraption meant to cut grass, a fact
which only comes to light after some very funny musings by the
townsfolk as to its possible purpose. Though Merry and Pippin are
bursting with pride over the device the other more provincial hobbits
aren't quite sure, such a thing being quite out of their reckoning and
Sam's take on it is in wonderful character, cutting to the heart of
the matter in typically few words. I loved his reaction when Merry and
Pippin announced that they would provide a practical demonstration:
[Sam sighed, grinned and waited for the worst.] He has come to know
these two quite well over the years and has no delusions that anything
to do with this extravagant and unnecessary piece of machinery would
go just exactly right with Merry and Pippin in charge of it. And he is
quite right about that!

The reactions of the various hobbits when the thing is fired up are
very funny as is the image of Pippin proudly ensconced as the driver
and Merry spouting techno-babble to an unconvinced Sam. It made me
think of the sudden appearances of new inventions in the Victorian and
Industrial Ages when the common folks probably had much the same
thoughts about these devices as the hobbits do towards this fancy
lawnmower!

The contest (which will soon become The Wager) which is finally
decided upon gives the reader a glorious feeling of "Uh oh!" and we
aren't disappointed at the ensuing mayhem! All of the near disasters
as Merry and Pippin race their magnificent machine against the sedate
pace of Sam and Frodo-lad using more traditional methods are
uproarious, without being over the top. This is something that I
really admire about Llinos' humour; she is able to write incredibly
hilarious situations without making them seem unbelievable.

The various predicaments and impediments to the proper operation of
the machine have me laughing out loud every time I reread this story
(which is often!). The various tussles with gears, hedges and
townspeople, Pippin's unintentional acrobatics, the descriptions of
the driverless contraption tearing across the party field, Frodo-lad's
narrow escape over the hedge and oh dear, the wasps!…just terrific,
all of it! It is slapstick of the very best kind, the kind that just
builds and builds and yet remains believable within the context of the
story.

Of course Merry and Pippin couldn't get through this challenge without
tempers flaring (theirs and the spectators, lol!) and one of my
favourite bits comes when they are trying to figure out why their
machine has ceased working:

Pippin: ["Can you identify the problem?"
"Apart from you?" Merry frowned. "No!"]

Simple lines, yes, but at that precise point in the story they hit the
reader right in the funnybone!

As she often does Llinos has written a lovely song that is included in
the story which Pippin sings to the crowd and as always it is
wonderfully hobbity. I must say that I love the way that this author
drops verses into her stories, mainly because it is so reminiscent of
Professor Tolkien himself! It is also truly the mark of a talented
writer and sets her apart from the amateur as most of the professional
writers that we read are able to do this almost as if it were a
required attribute of any accomplished author.

Sam and Merry are getting quite competitive and hot under the collar
in the last posted chapter and I love Pippin as the peacemaker here.
He is very sweet-natured despite his own competitiveness.

The characterisations in this story are quite simply marvellous and so
is the dialogue. The original characters and canon characters both
major and minor are spot-on and everyone interacts in a well
choreographed way that doesn't have the reader wondering what is going
on in the other corner of the field. In fact the action is so fast
paced the reader barely has time to recover from one episode before
another hilarious calamity ensues.

The next chapter looks to be another terrific one and I simply can't
wait! I have in fact been given several hints of where the story will
go and think it will be a total surprise for every one.

I highly recommend that all avid hobbit fans, indeed all Lord of the
Rings fans, watch for the update and make sure you are sitting safely
and comfortably before you begin to read �" it will be another roller
coaster ride!

Title: Where Once My Enemy Stood · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races:
Elves: Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 109
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 21:34:00 Score: 3
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is an interesting vignette of how Thranduil refuses to accept
Gimli as his son's friend, and the consequences of his rejection; but
the story ends on a hopeful note.

Title: A Boy and His Lob · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Humor · ID: 162
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2007-12-30 21:37:30 Score: 5
[spoilers here]

Now first of all, movie Haldir does have a nice ass! Secondly, Legolas
as a adolescent was such a treat, especially with his pouting about
previous pet, no matter if they killed others. And when I read [the
tiny, shoulder-high spider], I wondered if Legolas had been asleep
during geometry classes, because... [shoulder-high] to become the size
of a [war horse]! How big is his room! But alas, the drama prince does
not get what he wants and emotionally he wants to get rid of his
[doilies], but leave it up to his father to turn this in an lucrative
deal.

This piece is a brilliant satire (just be careful what you utter
during a moment of relief), lovely written and yes, I do want to know
how grateful Haldir is up in that talan!


Title: Beginnings · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 503
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 21:38:11 Score: 3
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a vignette of Eowyn in the Houses of Healing, in pain from her
Wraithbane wound, but not able to stomach the healing potions of the
Gondorians. In typical shieldmaidenly fashion, she takes her healing
in her own hands.... and shares the better-tasting medicine with Faramir.

Short but sweet, and well done!


Title: Good Rest Ye Merry · Author: Llinos · Genres: Poetry · ID: 798
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-30 21:38:55 Score: 10
I love Llinos' song parodies to bits! This particular one I know
started because she was humming the original carol and the first line
started coming out "God Rest You Merry and Pippin", instead of "God
Rest you Merry Gentlemen". The rest is just sheer genius.

I loved the idea that Merry and Pippin were in fact hitching a lift
off the Uruk-hai rather than being captured and that they should not
worry about Gandalf �" as he'll be back!

The exhortation to Frodo to take it easy and the very gently implied
naughtiness about taking a stroll with Sam, fit in perfectly with the
tone of the humour as does the suggestion that this is more important
than ditching the Ring.

Aragorn does not escape a bit of Mickey taking and I love the idea
that his application to be King is in the mail.

Legolas too gets a little poke although nothing too unkind and any
other implications are purely in the mind of the reader!

Boromir and his departure are dealt with in like funny fashion,
although he is completely redeemed before the close.

The scan and rhythm is perfect and I was amused at the way the writer
extends the monosyllable in the beginning of several of the verses (I
am learning all about poetry, lol) to fit the tune. This is done to
good humorous effect and very reminiscent of the way children sing
carols, putting so much emphasis on these discrepancies.


Title: The Archives Incident · Author: Dreamflower · Genres:
Adventure: Minas Tirith · ID: 38
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-30 21:39:49 Score: 4
This is a delightful story in which poor Frodo's trials are not over
after the destruction of the Ring. The poor Hobbit is interested in
the City archives and goes there with Pippin only to get locked in
with rats for company !

The poor Hobbits get hungrier and hungrier as they await
rescue.Luckily, SAm, Merry, Aragorn,Gandalf and Faramir are all eager
to find them.

I especially enjoyed the glimpse of Aragorn relaxing and the King's
concern for his friends when he knows they are missing.


Title: The Witch-king's Cloak · Author: Radbooks · Genres: Humor:
Parody · ID: 106
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-30 21:42:01 Score: 3
Did you ever wonder how the Witch King reacted to having his cloak
ruined by Aragorn? This delightfully amusing ficlet will tell you the
answer. Watch out Aragorn as the Chief Nazgul likes you nat at all !

Title: Hiraeth · Author: Llinos · Genres: Poetry · ID: 803
Reviewer: Marigold · 2007-12-30 21:43:16 Score: 10
This is a total departure for Llinos as she is predominantly a hobbit
writer within the fandom, though she writes all sorts of themes in her
poetry in real life. Nevertheless she obviously has a good
understanding of elves and this poem is quietly contemplative and
fills the reader with a sweet sadness and understanding of the dilemma
of longing to satisfy an urge that comes from deep within, while not
yet being ready to give up what is known and loved.

The language is so very descriptive and it is easy to imagine the deep
green woodland that the elf inhabits and why he is so reluctant to
abandon that place. At the same time the lure of the sea is immediate
and compelling also.

I very much liked the use of the moon and its drag upon the tides to
describe how the elf feels drawn to take ship and one is left with the
feeling that the elf will yet linger in spite of the call. For how can
he abandon his precious trees?

It is not clear from the poem who the elf is, but I suppose it could
apply to any of the elves who could not quite make the break and I get
the strong feeling that this particular elf is so reluctant to leave
that he has been left behind which is terribly sad.

A lovely poem with excellent rhyming and rhythm, not too long and yet
still conveying much. I especially liked the way it is broken into two
parts, the first dealing with the woodland, with a mere hint of the
problem and the second with the deep yearning that will not cease.


Title: A Game of Chess · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Gondor Drabble
· ID: 605
Reviewer: Dot · 2007-12-30 21:46:01 Score: 3
I really liked this! You do a great job of showing how aware Aragorn
is of how Denethor’s mind works �" and how his own strategy here is to
sit back and let Denethor’s pride do its work. I love the slightly
sarcastic tone and that feeling almost of smugness in Aragorn. Very
cleverly done.

Title: First Flight · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 513
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 21:46:16 Score: 4
(Possible spoilers within:)

This is a lovely vignette of an eagle family -- not just any family,
but that of the Lord of the Eagles. They have brought Radagast to
their nest to witness a momentous occasion: the first flight of their
two eaglets, one of whose wing Radagast had healed some weeks before.

This is poignant and loving, and we are thrilled to see the outcome.
Very well done!


Title: Sometime Ever After · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 363
Reviewer: Anoriath · 2007-12-30 21:50:29 Score: 9
Oh, Halbarad. How are we not given more of this man in Lord of the
Rings? Seldom does Aragorn's grimness fall from him with such
suddenness that his joy at seeing Halbarad upon the plains of Rohan is
akin to nothing more than the burst of morning rays upon a sleepless
night. Halbarad is an excellent foil to Aragorn. There is a rare
intimacy in their relationship that allows Halbarad to mirror
Aragorn's depths in a way not even the closeness of the Nine Walkers
can rival.

So, despite the incongruity of circumstances, or perhaps because of
it, Halbarad is an excellent choice of foil in Sometime Ever After.
The past and future pass before Aragorn's inner eye, the choices and
path of his life illuminated through his relationship with Halbarad.
There his kin is, the warmth, companionability, telegraphic speech of
long worn parallel grooves of thought, ever the mirror that reflects
Aragorn's drive, passion and yearning.

Oh my. This piece, among others that you've written Dwim, really make
me long for more of Aragorn and Halbarad, just as Aragorn clearly
yearns for his kin and grieves the whole his loss left behind.

Title: Stone from Above · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Men · ID: 284
Reviewer: docmon · 2007-12-30 21:51:00 Score: 4
This story is a terrific gapfiller that gives one possible scenario
for Hama's end. The vivid descriptions of what Hama went through in
the process of dying give the story more than a touch of realism. The
reader will feel Hama's body failing along with him. The story is also
quite a tribute to any soldier who fights to the end and demonstrates
the power of hope in the face of all obstacles. But more than
anything, the story shows Hama's loyalty to his station and mission
and who he was.

Title: Bathing Boromir · Author: Marta · Genres: Humor: Drabble · ID: 645
Reviewer: Dot · 2007-12-30 21:52:24 Score: 3
Very enjoyable! I love how you draw Ioreth �" I certainly wouldn’t want
to be taking her on, even if it was for a chance to glimpse Boromir at
bath-time! It made me laugh, and I was impressed too by how you gave
us an idea of life in the houses of healing what seems like
effortlessly. Very well done.

Title: In the Dark · Author: White Wolf · Genres: Mystery · ID: 484
Reviewer: docmon · 2007-12-30 21:52:44 Score: 5
This is a wonderfully creepy short story that draws you in but doesn't
let you go! It begins very naturally, even casually, with few hints as
to what is to come. The realization of the extent of the problem comes
over the main character and the reader slowly and the reader's
desperation builds with his. The ride continues into panic until it
descends literally into madness. The ending is so perfectly creepy,
knowing that this will go on, you want the story to go as well. How
chilling to know the end will be the same, no matter how the road to
madness may differ.

Title: Osgiliath · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 626
Reviewer: docmon · 2007-12-30 21:54:14 Score: 5
An incredibly powerful and moving drabble. I am amazed that one
hundred words can say so much. The writer has really captured the
sense of Boromir's character, who can do nothing other than stand
before the Shadow, in the face of death. I know he would fight
fiercely, with all he had, believing that it would be enough. But he
had to learn the harsh lesson of the Darkness, described so succinctly
with the heart-breaking phrase: ["valor cannot win this war."]
Beautifully crafted, with wonderful rhythm, the drabble ends as simply
as it began. And leaves your heart aching for Boromir and all that he
has lost, and all that he will lose.

Title: Bounty · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Drabble · ID: 572
Reviewer: Dot · 2007-12-30 21:58:08 Score: 3
This is gorgeous. It’s a beautiful glimpse of Eowyn’s past and seems
to promise so much for the future as gentle, loving hands caress the
scars that make her who she is. The language is stunning and there’s
so much that can be read into this short piece that it takes my breath
away. Wonderful.

Title: The Green Hill · Author: Baranduin · Races: Cross-Cultural: The
Fellowship · ID: 562
Reviewer: Firya · 2007-12-30 21:59:22 Score: 9
While I always believe there should be some tender moments between
Frodo and Aragorn, this seems to be the perfect setting. There were
many similarities among these two, and an additional hesitance to
fulfill their destiny in the movie version. It might be a bit
hilarious for Aragorn to act so lovesick suddenly, but it’s very
amusing. ‘He folded his arms across his chest and cocked his head at
Aragorn’, what a typical gesture when we had the first glimpse of the
impish hobbit with Gandolf in the beginning of FotR, which reminding
us of the primal carefree side of him.
The scene that Aragorn held Frodo closely is moving, and I just can’t
help loving Frodo’s reaction of Aragorn’s confession and his
reassurance at the end. This ficlet catches the same sensitivity of
them and shows their mutual understanding. Usually Aragorn was the
one, who gave hope to others, but here he had enough trust in Frodo to
expose his uncertainty about the future and maybe his greatest fear to
him, and here the hobbit was the anchor. ‘“Yes,” Frodo said. “I see
it.”’ might not be a kind of foresight, but the reassurance both of
them need the most.

Title: No Harm Will Come of It · Author: Marigold · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 456
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2007-12-30 22:00:11 Score: 10
This author possesses an amazing ability to give her readers a brief
but lovely glimpse into her wonderful world of hobbits. Her hobbits
are always in character, the "look" and feel of the atmosphere is
fantastic. This is another author who can make me feel fully immersed
into the story, as if I am standing right beside her characters
watching them interact.

This is yet another excellent story with many glimpses of watching
Hamfast soften his heart to his Sam learning his letters. Then we
observe Sam growing into them, teaching his little sister, and then
even Hamfast gets into the spirit of tackling the "riddles" of words.
And we see how knowing their letters affects their lives as time
passes on.

But I want more! In my humble opinion, each of these glimses has a
story attached to it that I believe the author may expound upon when
she gets the time to do so. I should love to read about what exactly
transpired for Hamfast to allow his youngest lass to ride off to Great
Smials. Or the bit about Sam receiving a Yule gift from young Mr.
Frodo, and addressing it to his "friend". I can imagine more to this
story, too, but I'd rather read it from this spendid author! Loved
this wonderful collection of tales from beginning to end!

Title: Aragorn's Moment · Author: docmon · Races: Men: Eriador or
Rivendell · ID: 509
Reviewer: Firya · 2007-12-30 22:08:53 Score: 3
This is a quite believable gap-filler. Though this is more
book-version, but it also resonates well with the revealing of Anduril
scene in RotK. I like this sentence [For the moment, he knew only that
he would not walk this way again.] For me, it sounds definitely like
what a warrior would think before charge.

Title: Respite · Author: Lindelea · Races: Men: Gondor Drabble · ID: 303
Reviewer: Inkling · 2007-12-30 22:10:02 Score: 3
This poignant drabble made me think at once of another young
soldier-scholar: Tolkien said that of all his characters he identified
most with Faramir. I can well imagine the budding author in the
trenches at the Battle of the Somme, finding refuge, like Faramir, in
writing or reading amid the horrors of the front line.

Title: Kindness Rewarded · Author: White Wolf · Races: Elves:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 494
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 22:10:50 Score: 2
(Possible spoilers within:)

LOL! This casts a new light on that old saying that what goes around
comes around.... Well done!


Title: Duty and Devotion · Author: Marta · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 411
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2007-12-30 22:18:39 Score: 3
(Possible spoilers within:)

Yes, indeed... why stand on ceremony when the world is literally
falling apart around you? A poignant look at a very difficult decision
by a very honorable man.

Well done!

Title: Osgiliath · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
3018-3022 TA: Gondor Drabble · ID: 626
Reviewer: Dot · 2007-12-30 22:20:44 Score: 3
This is very powerful. For such a short piece the emotions are
heartwrenching �" the rage, the fear, the overwhelming sense of
futility, and that realisation that Shadow can’t always be banished
with daylight. This is so well written; I’m in awe.