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Title: Star of Hope · Author: Linda hoyland · Times: Mid Third Age:
Eriador · ID: 34
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2008-07-04 05:52:03
This is a good idea for a story, executed to a high standard. The star
motif is well handled. I liked it that Gilraen had old-fashioned
notions like being contented in an arranged marriage and feeling
honoured about her husband's status. The frame added another dimension
to the tale, since it is set at a time when Arathorn is already
deceased. This makes the moment of loving interaction between them all
the more poignant.

Title: Maglor's Harp · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Genres: Horror · ID: 660
Reviewer: Robinka · 2008-07-04 08:27:22
This is an excellently dark, creepy and fascinating tale of madness.
It captures the horror that drove to insanity and the one that is
caused by the obssession that rules a human (elf's) mind. A
masterfully done piece, full of tension, rich in detail and
captivating from the very first line.

Title: Full Brothers in Blood · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor · ID: 212
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-07-04 18:17:52
Spoilers!
This is a very charming moment of the Feanorians in Valinor. The fact
that it is told through the child's eye makes the tensions all the
more real, yet it allows Oshun to keep angst and politics from
overcoming the story. And Turgon's sultry attitude fits adolescence
perfectly. A fun read all around.

Title: The Return · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Drama · ID: 167
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-04 20:04:49
Spoilers!
The word "Victory!" is hollow to those who've lost the most in the
winning of it. This truth Duinhir knows, and it comes home to his wife
as well as he returns home without their sons, who Tolkien tells us
fell upon the Pelennor, seeking to down the Mumakil that the Haradrim
were using to such effect against those who sought to protect the city
of Minas Tirith.

Tolkien himself sought to express this in his lists of the fallen; her
Lady BlueJay has managed to reinforce that truth. War may be necessary
at times, but its cost should never be discounted or ignored.

One of the most effective stories I've ever read regarding the true
costs of war, even in self-defense.

Title: The Making of a Ringbearer II: Anchored · Author: obelia medusa
· Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 189
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-04 20:54:54
Ah--the life Frodo knows as Bilbo's heir, living in Bag End. A
thoughtful tale, and one that indicates that at least once Bilbo was
forced to leave Bag End for a time, getting caught in hiding when
seeking for Balin to call him back from the intended task of
resettling Moria.

Fun and sad by turns. The one thing I continue to have difficulties
with is the rate at which her Hobbit children mature--VERY slowly.


Title: Call of the Dream · Author: Queen Galadriel · Genres: Poetry:
Drama · ID: 402
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-04 21:02:36
An achingly sad poem, filled with beautiful, moving rhythms and lonely
images. Frodo, his imagination caught in melancholy, could perhaps
have written this, wondering whether or not the promise would be
properly fulfilled for him should he accept the Queen's Gift.

Queen Galadriel is a gifted poet, as has been shown true many times.
May all rejoice to see her work showcased as it is here.

Title: Bombur's Diet · Author: Primsong · Races: Dwarves · ID: 677
Reviewer: kitt_otter · 2008-07-04 23:43:09
This is the type of story I look for and am in raptures when I find
it. The Dwarves *are* the same Dwarves I loved from The Hobbit. Bilbo
is Bilbo: clever, kind, practical, and well, hobbity. And Bombur… he
is every bit I imagined him to be like as an important Dwarf of the
Mountain. I mean, good-natured and simple and much, much bigger. All
together, this is so cute, so funny! Bombur's diet – what a perfect
dilemma. This has very skilled story-telling; the descriptions are fun
and bright; it is just like reading chapters of The Hobbit that had
gotten lost, which is a dream come true for this reader.

Title: Rivendell International Airport · Author: Primsong · Genres:
Humor: Elven Lands · ID: 345
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-07-05 01:02:29
Spoilers!
Anyone who has flown will appreciate the humor in this one - I found
myself laughing at several places at the absurdity. (GwaihAir and
checking Bill were particularly lol-worthy.) And even in this unlikely
setting, the characters seemed remarkably close to canon, and you
incorporated quite a bit of book references without it feeling like
you were trying to hit the high notes. All in all, a very clever piece
of parody. Nice job!

Title: The Captain's New Clothes · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 421
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-07-05 01:18:00
Very cute! A most ingenuous explanation of the painting, and a nice
character moment for Faramir besides.

Title: Put Aside Your Doubt · Author: sophinisba solis · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Frodo and Faramir · ID: 187
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-07-05 04:26:04
Spoilers!
What I most like about this story are the characterizations of Boromir
and Faramir. I could see in both of them the characters that Tolkien
created, even in Frodo's dreams (so not in the "real world" of waking
life). That made this fic seem very true to the canonical events and
characterizations that I love, and so Frodo's comfort in the last
dream is all the more poignant. *cheers*

Title: Comes the moment to decide · Author: Linda hoyland · Times:
Late Third Age: Gondor · ID: 418
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-05 04:30:01
Spoilers!
This is a powerful story that, although it trods familiar ground, does
so with sensitivity and poignancy.

I for one, can never get enough of good retellings of the Siege of
Gondor, the aftermath of the Battle of the Pelennor, and other great
moments in Minas Tirith in ROTK. Here, Linda essays some of these
events in a Faramir-centric story focusses on the decision that
various characters make. The story is seen mostly from Faramir's point
of view, though Imrahil has a short entry to contribute, and there is
a rather grand and chilling chapter where Denethor progresses, through
sorrow to suicidal despair.

The chapter where Faramir wanders, tortured and confused, in the dark
vale, until Aragorn saves him, contains horrifying images - that of
the maze filled with bodies of Faramir's dead comrades is particularly
effective.

One of the best chapters is the powerful epilogue; where Faramir shows
that he is, at least for a great and pivotal moment, the Ruling
Steward of Gondor as well as a shrewd judge of men and a student of
history - making the choice, over the conflicted and vacillating
Councillors, to support Aragorn's claim to the throne.

The quotes that begin the chapters are particularly appropriate, and
add to the intensity of the story.

Title: Flame of Life · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 114
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-05 05:43:35
Spoilers!
Imhiriel has penned a most unusual double-drabble here. Its subject is
the Imperishable Flame; and, to add to the challenge of writing about
such a primal force, the ficlet is told from the point of view of the
Flame itself.

The power and duality of the Flame is captured beautifully in the
narration. I particularly love this passage:

[Whosoever is touched by my fire will burn with passion to bring into
being the designs of their heart and mind. The passion to give comfort
and warmth to the world, to enrich and adorn it. But equally the
passion to bring destruction and pain, to develop devices of strife
and domination.]

The contrast between the usage of this power for creation and its
usage for destruction, Brahma and Shiva if I remember my Hindu
mythology correctly, is evoked here. Imhiriel knows her Silmarillion;
and Melkor's actions serve to illustrate the duality inspired by, and
possessed by the Flame itself.

A rare and daring look at a force at the heart of Tolkien's cosmos.
And brownie points for the reference to the "Man of La Mancha" musical!


Title: Too Many Rangers · Author: Larner · Races: Hobbits · ID: 116
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-05 05:58:11
Spoilers!
Exploring the many volumes of Tolkien's The History of Middle-earth is
an intellectual treat for Tolkien aficionados. To see the many roads
the plot of LOTR took before the story was set down in its final form
is a fascinating look into JRRT's creative process.

Larner brings HoME to vivid life in this delightful story. For a time,
Strider existed in Tolkien's mind as a mysterious hobbit called
Trotter; and Frodo went through more than one evolution, including
that of being called by the rather overdone name of Bingo
Bolger-Baggins. Larner takes these variations and milks their comedic
potential for all they're worth; and the worth is considerable.

Here we have poor Butterbur alternatively confused and annoyed by the
odd propensity of Trotter to regularly turn from Hobbit to Man and
back again, four familiar hobbits looking for Gandalf, and Strider
appearing to make matters even more convoluted, and more amusing.

Larner keeps the right balance between confusion and wit, with Strider
breaking the Fourth Wall while keeping his usual dry wit. The Hobbits'
dialogue and Butterbur's thoughts and speech patterns are right on
target, even in this strange-even-for-Middle-earth situation; and the
Prancing Pony is right out of FOTR,

Title: The Roses of Imloth Melui · Author: Aervir · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 435
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-05 07:14:55
Spoilers!
Ah, Marta--how wonderful a set of drabbles. Ioreth as a girl burying
the fallen bird or creature, then living always, it seems, with roses
or their bushes about her, loving red and scarlet until the day of the
Battle of the Pelennor when she saw too much of it.

Ioreth's was a life well lived, I think. And as one who has written
her several times, I find I've always had a soft spot for the
chattering woman whose heart was yet open and true and whose
chattering never had aught of ill to it.

Love the vignettes from Ioreth's life, and the hints at her having
been seduced and seeking after a new life in its aftermath. The mood
is consistent and the images catch at the imagination.

Title: Riding the Waves · Author: Claudia · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 211
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-05 07:22:02
Within the Undying Lands Frodo finds a wonderful way to counter the
darkness he used to know on the anniversary of the day on which he was
stabbed with a Morgul knife. The counter is marvelous, and the mood is
expertly expressed. I find myself wishing I were there to ride the
waves alongside him!

Title: Messengers from the West · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Genres:
Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 98
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-05 09:51:40
Ah--they come in secret to wish him----

A lovely double drabble as we see Thorongil receiving visitors to his
lord's realm. Subtle but effective humor, and filled with charm. WE
know who they are, and rejoice that they've come on that day.

Title: Forsaken · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 369
Reviewer: Robinka · 2008-07-05 15:03:13
A very well written drabble that provides an interesting insight into
Finrod's life and thoughts. A nicely drawn portrayal in a limited
number of words. Finely crafted!

Title: Seaworthy · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 349
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-07-05 20:02:57
Spoilers!
This a beautiful story. Like many of Thundera's tales, the author
balances personal considerations very well against the political
reality. Legolas and Imrahil are not just having a buddy moment here:
they are lords of neighboring states, and though Legolas has become a
student of Imrahil's for several years, the need for truth is tempered
by diplomatic considerations, yet the story is not overrun by this.
Legolas and Imrahil are clearly princes and diplomacy has its role,
but I could feel the personal investment Imrahil felt in Legolas.

And I liked Legolas's response to that question of whether Legolas had
heard the story of Amroth. Thranduil (or at leas Oropher) may very
well have *known* Amroth! Too often, stories ignore the fact that
canon characters might know the tales better than their readers. A
very wholistic approach to Middle-earth - well done.

Title: Some Confusion in Accounts · Author: viv · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 276
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-07-05 20:46:55
Spoilers!
I have to admit, Galadriel has a point here! I wouldn't have wanted to
wait either. You capture the moment well and tell it with just the
right amount of detail. Nice job.

Title: Galdor: An Elf By Any Other Name.... · Author: Marta · Genres:
Non-Fiction: Character Studies · ID: 475
Reviewer: kitt_otter · 2008-07-05 22:03:43

This was very fun and easy to read (a nice quality for an essay).
Besides that, I loved this because Galdor is one of my favorite
characters – however swiftly he does appear and fade away. I've been
trying to do my own research on him, so this was a big help! To
discover who he is requires Holmes-like detection from the bits in the
Council of Elrond. And here you did that research well and thoroughly.
I never knew what to think of Christopher Tolkien's comment on Galdor…
could he really be not so wise? But surely he *would* have been
trusted by Círdan, and Círdan being Círdan would not have chosen an
representative he had not full confidence in. I like your explanation
out of philosophical reasoning (I love philosophy myself) and they
make the utmost sense. I *really* like the idea that Galdor is
Socratic – not foolish and impulsive but rational. This strengthened
the muse, I must say.
Thanks for sharing your research!


Title: Dark Dreams · Author: Avon · Races: Men: Steward's Family · ID: 282
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-06 03:03:16
Spoilers!
It's hard to say enough of how poignant this tale is--Imrahil finds a
defensive Boromir comforting a weeping Faramir, and learns Faramir
shares the dreams of Numenor's foundering he himself has known.

How we wish to protect those we love, particularly when they are so
young and appear so fearful of discovery. But visions of Boromir and
Faramir as they will be as the Battle of the Pelennor reaches its
climax also reach him, and he realizes he can't do so.

A sad, grievous tale, but one which reinforces the desire we all have
to protect our own as we can, and our decision to do what we can to
see that the worst will happen never again.

Writing is delicate; images somewhat shadowy, perfect for Boromir's
bedroom as he comforts his brother after that dark dream.

Title: Spoiled · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 119
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-06 06:20:44
Spoilers!
A wonderful subject for an AU ficlet - I don't think that anyone's
ever done it before!

Here, Aragorn did not grow up to be the proud, ambitious but
noble-to-the-core Heir of Isildur that most of us know and love.
Something went wrong and this Aragorn turned out to be a spoiled and
disdainful brat.

Tanaqui shows us how easily things could have gone wrong, for this
Aragorn is a shallow, over-indulged young man who lacks compassion for
the reduced living conditions of those not lucky enough to be born or
fostered into Imladris. I do think that even Tolkien's young Aragorn
would have felt some culture shock when he returned to the Dunedain,
but not this utter disdain and sense of entitlement and little else.
In this drabble, Aragorn views the long-suffering Dunedain as mere
vassals, important only to the extent that they can serve him.

The bit with the kid gloves is just perfect; the small details
showing, not telling, nuances of Aragorn's character.

I'm not sure how Tanaqui manages all this in just a hundred words -
but I wish she could bottle it and give one such bottle to me.

Title: Wave-Singer · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Drabbles · ID: 33
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-06 06:21:57
Spoilers!
A lovely, sad drabble that haunts the reader as much as the narrator
is haunted by the drabble's subject.

Branwyn has chosen an unusual milieu for her mini-ghost story -
Colonial, or at least pre-industrial, New England, in the Northeastern
United States, at a time when the Micmac Indians and white men still
interacted. A settler is the narrator, speaking of a ghost who appears
on a lake, dressed [all queer] but with his hair in Indian-like
braids. Kudos to Branwyn for picking this setting, so far away from
Tolkien's Middle-earth, for a visit from someone that Silmarillion
readers know and love.

The settler's earthy language contrasts with the eerie, fey quality of
the haunting vision, and makes the latter all the more effective.

It is a measure of both Branwyn's skill and the power of Tolkien's
creation that the settler is awed by and has pity for the ghostly
singer. The last line is powerful and one of which Tolkien himself
would have approved. Personally, I find the line hard to forget; it
lingers, along with the sorrow of the singer and the almost grudging
sympathy of the narrator.



Title: Lost Love · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 271
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-06 06:26:23
Spoilers!
Two elegant drabbles evoking the strange meeting and brief union of
Imrazor and Mithrellas. Tanaqui has a drabble from each of the fabled
lovers' point of view, which is a great idea and works really well. I
like the way Imrazor feels that he had a chance to find and hold
something wondrous, be part of a great legend, only to lose it. And
Mithrellas, like so many of Tolkien's characters, is haunted by the
Sea; but unlike Sam, she does not have the strength to stay and raise
her children.

Sad and beautiful.

Title: Invisible Ink · Author: alex_quine · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Boromir or Faramir · ID: 4
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-06 07:18:37
Spoilers!
Definitely one of the best Eomer/Faramir slash stories that I have
read; because there is so much more going on here than sex or even
sexual attraction. The comparison of cultures, the value and immediacy
of the spoken word to the people and lords of the Mark, are
intelligently explored. The sex is only lightly implied; and seems
secondary to the rest of the story; which, given the power of the
writing, is a good thing.