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Title: FAULT: The Doctor Is In · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Humor:
Valar & Maiar · ID: 545
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-07-03 04:36:40
Spoilers!
*giggles* I can certainly see even Namo needing help with this bunch,
and bringing in Freud was laugh-worthy. And then the turn around at
the end, that was positively inspired. A fun little story.

Title: Homecoming · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 706
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-07-03 05:01:15
This ficlet raised a real cheer in my chest. It was really nice
imagining that what-might-have-been moment. You really captured the
exuberance and immediacy that is Boromir; I can see him needing
physical contact even more than other characters like Faramir or
Imrahil. Well told.

Title: Two Prisoners · Author: Lord Branwyn · Genres: Alternate
Universe · ID: 724
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-07-03 06:36:40
This was a fun story, Lord B.! I particularly liked the linguistics -
I could see Tolkien himself approving. And that last line made me
laugh out loud. Nice work.

Title: A Cat in King Elessar's Court · Author: agape4gondor · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 66
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-03 08:01:39
Queen Beruthiel was considered evil, almost a witch, paranoid and
rather vicious, using her cats to spy and terrorize. But it appears
that the lineage of her cats has continued, and their progeny still
serve the rulers of Gondor. Only Denethor is going mad, while
apparently a stranger comes from the north to supplant him. What is
Alquallonde to do?

A marvelous addition to the Master's creations and characters, as we
watch the Cat learn to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and
expand the number of those it loves marvelously. Humorous and poignant
by turns, and yet always hopeful.

Title: The Waker · Author: Nancy Brooke · Races: Villains:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 287
Reviewer: Robinka · 2008-07-03 08:17:33
This is a fine drabble by an fantastic drabble-author and an excellent
response to the challenge. Its creepy, chilling atmosphere -- combined
with an insight into the "mind" of a character that does not have a
language to use and does not even realize that it actually thinks --
emerges slowly within the scene like a beast that approaches out of
darkness.

Greatly done!

Title: Messengers from the West · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Genres:
Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 98
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-07-03 15:31:36
Short and sweet! And of course, I am always a sucker for a story that
includes linguistic shenanigans - clever twins!

An enjoyable birthday ficlet for my favorite Ranger!

Title: Possessing the greatest powers · Author: Tanaqui · Times:
Multi-Age: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 387
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-07-03 15:41:34
Spoilers!
These form a lovely drabble series. The Rings of Power are characters
in their own right, though it is hard to put them directly in the
spotlight without robbing them of one of their central 'features':
their elemental elusiveness that pervades as a background force
without taking greater shape, most often, than their object-appearances.

The opening drabble was, for that reason, my favorite: it introduces
us to the Rings, using their maker as a lens to suggest their powers
and the modes of their powers, but also that 'something more' that
Celebrimbor did not control. That 'something more' is undoubtedly what
makes them what they are.

The drabbles that follow, devoted to each bearer, make good use of the
motifs of each Ring's special elemental domain. Galadriel's 'flood'
brought to a stillness by Ulmo was beautifully written and resonates
with the watery power of Nenya; atmospheric pressure for Vilya and the
joy that lifts it at the end at least do some justice to poor Elrond's
tragic existence; and Gandalf's flame of hope is slotted in seamlessly
to the crisis and triumph at the Black Gates.

Very well done!

Title: The Visitor · Author: Rowan · Genres: Drama · ID: 174
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-07-03 15:53:47
Spoilers!
A very unusual character interaction here, and pulled off beautifully.
I think the story manages to balance that sense of tragedy and a sort
of loss-of-a-loss, the loss of a chance to lose someone, with the
practicality of a hobbit's life, filled with family and food. It
avoids the pitfall of easy sentimentality, which I appreciate.

Elanor's memories, and her growing up in a thicket of memories of
Frodo that make him a kind of benign, ghostly presence, sets up the
dream sequence very well. That atmosphere of gently wishful regret
transitions to the dream-images and peacefulness beautifully. The nice
touches that suggest that this is no simple dream - Frodo's changed
appearance, the sort of hyperreality of the dream, and his calm
acceptance of her presence in it with him - nevertheless feel very
natural. I liked, too, that this dream is used to bring out Elanor's
more 'elven' side.

And of course, everyone would wish for some form of reassurance that
all is well with dear departed loved ones. Making Elanor a mediator
instead of Frodo making direct contact with Sam and the others works
well with the Fourth Age fading of magic: there's still a little
there, but not quite enough to bridge the gap between a thoroughly
grounded hobbit and the Tol Eressea.

Title: Sun · Author: Claudia · Races: Cross-Cultural: Frodo and
Faramir · ID: 223
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-07-03 16:02:22
Spoilers!
This story seems to hover between two favorite lines from TTT:
Faramir's wish that Minas Tirith be remembered for her ancientry and
wisdom, and his foreboding that he and Frodo would not meet again
under the sun.

But we know that they do, and Claudia seems to emphasize the undoing
of Faramir's foreboding with the very title chosen, while at the same
time emphasizing the correctness of that original wish. There is no
going back to what Minas Tirith has been, yet this is not in itself a
bad thing, as Frodo reminds his solemn Ranger friend. Faramir seems
always to balance on the edge of the deadly Numenorean nostalgic
impulse, and I like the way Frodo and the simple joy of experiencing
the sunlight, are able to undercut it.

Nice vignette!

Title: Return of the King · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 355
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-07-03 16:06:25
Spoilers!
Eldacar is potentially such an interesting character to explore, given
his place in Tolkien's imagined history of Gondor. I love characters
who are caught between places and peoples, and Eldacar is certainly
caught, and painfully so, by the racist history of the South Kingdom
where the difference between Dunedain and other Men is concerned.

I can easily imagine he would be extremely ambivalent and torn about
returning to claim Gondor, but I like that his unnamed kinsman's
appeal, on behalf of those who have not rejected Eldacar, and the need
to do justice by them and their suffering, is what moves the would-be
king to action.

Well done!

Title: Last Stroke · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Drabbles · ID: 465
Reviewer: kitt_otter · 2008-07-03 16:36:22
As a Círdan lover, I was thrilled by this. Every word well placed; I
could hear and see the alarm. Just these two words excited me most:
["ancient sword"] – that said a lot about the Shipwright's defiance of
the darkness.
The words drew me in and left me satisfied.


Title: Five things that never happened to Nerdanel · Author: Meril ·
Genres: Alternate Universe: Angst/Tragedy · ID: 389
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-07-03 17:43:27
Spoilers!
Ooh, chilling! I love these "five things" pieces because they show so
well how the canon events could have easily have happened otherwise.
You captured very well the affect that Nerdanel had (or could have
had) on canon events, running the gamut of tragedy, romance, and even
"happily ever after" - something I admit I never expected to see in a
story involving Feanor. Nice work, Meril.

Title: --and it was done · Author: Neoinean · Genres: Adventure · ID: 527
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-03 20:24:51
While his accompanying Rangers remain in their cold camp, Aragorn goes
forth to find Legolas, who's been taken prisoner by a group of Men.
They are near the borders to Angmar, and things are not pleasant; and
as he works his way forward the Healer King and the vigilant Ranger
vie for predominance.

Mood is superbly communicated, as well as Aragorn's acceptance that he
is much changed from the callow youth he'd once been and the noble
individual he wished he could be.

Well written and depicted.

Title: A Fitting Occupation · Author: Radbooks · Races: Men: Pre-Ring
War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 601
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-03 20:31:18
Spoilers!
Just how wise was Bard the Bowman? Oh, very wise indeed, as he proved
when he accepted his younger son Baird had not the makings of a
diplomat or bureaucrat in him. So he envisioned a far different course
of study for his son, one that would please the boy and allow him full
scope for his imagination, skills, and desires.

When we so often decide for our children what they ought to be, it's
refreshing to see that Bard has the wisdom to accept his son for what
he is, even if it's going to take negotiations with the Dwarves to
make it so.

Humorous and poignant; our Radbooks has given us a tale of wonder that
is worthy of her profession.

Title: My Shining Stars · Author: Oshun · Races: Elves: House of
Elrond · ID: 371
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2008-07-03 22:08:13
Oshun's "My Shining Stars" provides a unique and not often written
perspective on how Elrond might have viewed the various parents in his
life, both his biological parents and his foster fathers. Without the
wishful romanticizing of Earendil and Elwing--canonically, one
chronically absent and the other wont to abandon her children,
respectively--she conveys the lingering hurt of a small child
incapable of understanding such matters and uses this to build a
feasible explanation of how Elrond grew to love his captors. As one
familiar with Oshun's work, one of her greatest skills as an author is
giving each character a unique voice, and this piece is no different:
Elrond comes across as rational and deliberate, with the voice of one
used to centuries of hurt, unique and distinct from her other characters.

Title: Chasing Blackie · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Mid Third Age:
Eriador · ID: 655
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-04 02:02:17
Spoilers!
Perhaps only Peregrin Took could come up with an explanation for a
bloody nose and being covered in mud that included an imaginary
kitten! And his mother may indeed love him, but at the same time is
exasperated.

A charming look at the possible childhood of our irrepressible
favorite Took! Delightfully told.

Title: Pip-napped! · Author: Dreamflower/Lindelea CoAuthors · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 669
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-04 02:41:15
Charming, delightful story in which newlywed Pippin and Diamond find
themselves caught in their first quarrel, only for Pippin to find
himself caught by kidnappers before he can quite make up with his bride.

Characterizations are well done, and the villains stupid enough one
feels merely sorry and annoyed rather than thoroughly angry with them.
The humor is well done, and the heroics of our Hobbits wonderfully
dashing. It was a pleasure to read it again.

Title: Men of the Twilight · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres: Romance:
Drabbles · ID: 209
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-04 02:51:12
This glimpse of Faramir first seeing Eowyn with her brother in the
gardens of the Houses is moving, particularly as he considers the
apparently inappropriate name by which those of Rohan have ever been
known in Gondor. A lovely slice of awareness told most succinctly.

Title: Heart of the Wood · Author: Kenaz · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Friendship · ID: 60
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-04 03:06:27
As is usual in the case of this particular writer, this story is most
beautifully and elegantly written and constructed.. She captures the
differences between Elf and Man and incorporates them into her story
is a unique and thoughtful way: rash and cursed Turin's relationship
with Beleg, an impressive elf who had weathered great threats in the
past but encounters his own doom in the person of this son of the
Second Born who has become his dearest friend. I love the way in which
she handled their relationship, with Beleg's capacity for passion
despite his elvish capacity for wisdom and self-control.

The original story is mindnumbingly tragic and is one of two slash
pairings that I am able consider almost-canon. (I'm sure anyone who
knows my work can guess what the other is.) I'm an inveterate romantic
and the fact that Tolkien repeats over and over again that Beleg loved
Turin makes it easy for me to suspend my disbelief for just a moment
and choose to believe him literally. It adds such a wonderful
dimension to the already heartbreaking final outcome of the story. It
also takes quite a bit of courage to write a story that has been done
(and I have read at least one other Beleg and Turin romance that I
thought was done wonderfully), but to make a story like this
completely new and one's own is quite a feat. The writer accomplishes
this in this story.

Title: Spaces in the Heart · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of
Elrond · ID: 251
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-04 03:28:43
This writer holds a special place in my heart for her gorgeous
description of a young Elrond. He is not the Elf you know from later
history, but manifestly the most plausible version I have read, or at
least the one most attractive to me, of the young Elf who would grown
up to be the Elrond we know.

This piece, although very short, embodies a depth of characterization
and a breadth of the great history of the First and Second Ages as it
intersects two beloved canon figures, Elrond and Glorfindel. One is
struck that, on some level, that Glorfindel recalls too vividly for
comfort much of his history: Valinor, the Helcaraxe, Gondolin, and
more, while being faced with a changed world, both geographically and
in virtually all of his past has been removed from it or relegated to
history. Elrond on the other side, retains little of his own personal
history, having grown up apart from his own immediate family, but
makes up for it by trying to learn as much as he can.

The story deals with the first meeting of these two characters and
explores an emotional connection based in the past and one that feels
very tangible on the part of both that will expand and continue for at
very least two more Ages into the future. The author's perspective
provides great satisfaction which, for this reader at least, is rare
in short, short works. One learns something new about the
personalities of two individuals and is convinced the interpretation
is so extremely right in the context of the canon upon which the
writer has built it. This is a beautifully written and poignant piece
of work.

Title: To Be A King · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves · ID: 252
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-04 03:31:52
I always really love your characterization of Gil-galad in all of your
stories so looking at him as a young man in this story is particularly
appealing. He is wonderfully human, warm, intelligent and able to grow
and learn in daunting circumstances. I find it very appealing to think
he actually must have had those characteristics. After all, as the
last High King of the Noldor, whose reign was to far outlast any of
those of his predecessors he certainly faced challenges and met them,
assuring the survival of the elves remaining in Middle-earth. Taking
up the High Kingship of the Noldor in the First Age, after the death
of Turgon in the fall of Gondolin (who did little or nothing as High
King as far as I can see, what an act to follow in those dire days
when leadership was so desparately needed). It could not have been an
easy task and Gil-galad so very young. But enough rambling about my
own interpretations of events in The Silmarillion and yours mirror
many of those.

I particularly enjoyed this story because it does analyze the likely
political situation at the time. I always love your strong sense of
the setting of a story and this one, although short, does not
disappoint. That along with your descriptions of the characters (not
just how they look—although I greatly appreciate your mastery of
that—but how they reflect cultural and ethnic differences). You manage
to create a world that is vivid and concrete for me: almost filmic in
its sense of the visual. Another strong story that I highly recommend.



Title: Labour Pains · Author: Aratlithiel · Genres: Humor: Shire · ID: 483
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-04 03:35:24
Spoilers!
Ah--Wodehouse in the Shire! Rosie is expecting her first child in six
weeks, and suddenly Sam finds himself facing a [gardening emergency]
of epic proportions, leaving a decided bachelor trying to deal with
mood swings, cravings, and false labor.

I've not laughed so much about a post-quest Frodo in a LONG time, poor
dear! Humor is expertly done, and one almost expects Jeeves to come
out with a pithy comment and some off-the-wall scheme that still
manages to save the day! As for Sam--he well deserved the
repercussions Frodo planned for him but managed to withhold. Well
worth the read!

Title: Tolo Dan Na Ngalad · Author: Elwen · Races: Hobbits · ID: 735
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-04 05:04:12
Spoilers!
Frodo's pain is great as Elrond and Mithrandir together seek to
relieve Frodo of the shard from the Morgul blade. But will they be
able to remove it in the end when every attempt to call back Frodo's
spirit is met with overwhelming pain, isolating him and seeking to
take them Elrond as well?

A fascinating look at the strengths of Frodo, Elrond, Sam, and Gandalf.

From Aragorn's call for his Elven brothers to join him in the
aftermath of the Battle of the Pelennor, I suspect Elrohir's abilities
were more honed that shown here; but a wonderful examinaton at one
possible scenario for the removal of that shard.

Title: Summer's End · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits: Post-Ring
War · ID: 380
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-04 05:18:24
This tale is both joyful and sad--sad because a decision has been made
and one guest suspects this will be his last attendance at such a
gathering. The tale within the tale is filled with delightful Hobbity
touches, and has its share of poignancy due to what we know of what is
to come.

Title: A Sea Visit · Author: Elen Kortirion · Genres: Humor: Drabbles
· ID: 96
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-04 05:26:04
Even Aragorn son of Arathorn may be taken by surprise now and then as
he meets a neighbor to those Elves who live near the sea. A lovely
surprise as I consider an Aragorn who is perhaps a bit more than half
naked--heh!