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Title: The Return · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Drama · ID: 167
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-06 07:20:30
Spoilers!
An outstanding story from a writer who until now has been known for
some wonderful Eomer/Lothiriel stories. This is the tale of Duinhir of
Morthond's return to his land, after he had led his men to fight on
the Pelennor, and lost many of them, including his own two sons.

Excellent characterisation of a provincial lord who is careful and
kind-hearted to his most lowly subjects as well as his battle-scarred
horse; even while haunted by his sons' terrible death. It seemed very
credible to me that he was thinking of ways to make up for the
shortness of manpower in the farms and village when he saw the
relatively small harvest.

One can only hope that Duinhir and his bereaved wife can make a new
and good life after the terrible blow they and many of their people
suffered.



Title: Seeking the Sun · Author: Linda hoyland · Races: Men · ID: 488
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-06 07:57:37
Spoilers!
We rarely see the stories of those people of Gondor who suffered after
the epic struggle against Sauron was won, and Tolkien did not have
time to write them. Althought we know the land eventually prospered
and thrived under Elessar's rule, there must have been some people who
knew loss and at least some privation after the battles that destroyed
land, property, and, worst of all, lives.

This is the story of one such person, a soul who is lost and
foundering in a time of victory and celebration. Linda presents a
moving portrait of Niniel, a young woman who has lost her family,
including a husband and her unborn child, as well as her home and
livelihood. There is help available to her, King and Steward are not
painted as heedless tyrants here, but Niniel is too proud to avail
herself of charity - which is consonant with Tolkien's own portraits
of Gondorians as proud people.

Niniel's attitude toward the new lord of Gondor and his queen is
well-written; there must have been some people who were less than
thrilled by the change in regime, after nearly a thousand years of
Stewards' rule, to have a Northern stranger and his mysterious Elven
bride take over must have mystified many people, and the change might
well have been viewed by some with suspicion and hostility, at least
for a short while.

The circumstances through which Niniel's precarious situation is
addressed, and her perspective changed, flow very naturally in the
tale. The ending is wonderful, and the last line particularly beautiful.

Title: Lost and Found · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Times: Mid
Third Age · ID: 23
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-06 10:07:49
Spoilers!


I adore this story. Not only is it one of the best presentations of
Faramir as a child, but it really captures Gandalf, as much as a
character as great and deep and ancient as Gandalf can be captured.

Here, Faramir is not just a scholarly child, he is an active little
boy, confident, curious, and, as Gandalf noticed, very observant. In
so many ways, he is indeed Denethor's son, but he seems less
self-absorbed. And I love the way Branwyn portrays Faramir's restless
nature; I've always thought he's a kid who would find it hard to keep
still unless he was was reading, learning, or observing something of
interest - then it would be hard to move him!

Branwyn is a master of descriptions that pull in the reader without
overloading or overwhelming. She shows, not tells, the reader, how the
library looks and smells. And she conveys that Faramir is as much in
his element here in the library as he will be in Henneth Annun many
years hence - only here, of course, he is happier.

This line is flat-out gorgeous, and so very apt for Gandalf and Faramir:
[The wizard placed a hand on the boy's shoulder and could feel the
warmth and the tremulous spirit, as quick as the flutter of wings,
that were bound in his flesh.]


Here is the genesis and heart of the "wizard's pupil" connection
between Gandalf and Faramir. A delightful and moving portrait of two
people separated by age and species but united in friendship.

Title: Star of Hope · Author: Linda hoyland · Times: Mid Third Age:
Eriador · ID: 34
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-06 10:09:21
Spoilers!
The few Arathorn-Gilraen stories that I have read feature Gilraen as a
young woman happily in love with Arathorn before they wed. In this
story, talented Aragorn aficionado Linda gives us a somewhat different
take on the relationship of the parents of the High King.

Linda takes a more subtle and interesting approach. Her Gilraen,
though honored to have been chosen by Arathorn and respectfully trying
to be a good and dutiful wife to him, is not in love with him when
they wed, nor even months later. Then, as the Dunedain celebrate a
festival in the ruins of Annuminas, husband and wife share a night of
gentle romance, and Gilraen discovers that marital relations can be
joyful as well as necessary.

I love the gravity and dignity of Arathorn and Gilraen's relationship,
and the discrete but telling hints of rising tenderness. The paragraph
revealing the couple's sexual union is brief and well-written, evoking
passion as well as love in a few non-graphic sentences.

The story is as much about the memory and the importance of love as it
is about the physical act of love. The story has a wonderful framing
sequence, which has Gilraen and Elrond planning a third birthday
celebration for little Estel; where it is made clear that the child is
a result of love and is still loved, by both his mother and Elrond.

And of course, I loved the star imagery; and the last line is
terrific. A truly gorgeous story!

Title: Seven Stones and Seven Stars and One White Tree · Author:
shirebound · Races: Other Beings · ID: 121
Reviewer: SurgicalSteel · 2008-07-06 12:38:19
This is a beautifully done set of three ficlets from unusual
perspectives: the stony ground of Hollin, the flowers of Lothlorien,
and the White Tree of Gondor. In the first two, the passing of the
Fellowship leads the land to hope that change is coming, and in the
last, there is rejoicing for the change that has occurred. They're
well done enough that I actually didn't even notice that the author
had reversed the order of two components of Gandalf's 'rhyme of lore'
from The Two Towers - but the reverse order works really well.
Wonderfully written.

Title: Courage · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor · ID: 41
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-07-06 12:42:02
This was absolutely delightful! I myself have never experienced what
Gimli has to here, so I can certainly identify with his initial
reaction to the whole experience.

Well done!

Title: Yule Tails · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 303
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-06 13:02:37
Spoilers!
A charming story, spun from an ingenious premise - a comparison of the
ponies, and horses, with which Faramir and Pippin were gifted in their
youth. The very different atmospheres of Minas Tirith and the Shire,
the family dynamics of Denethor's house and the Tooks', are
effectively compared - both of them hold love, expressed in different
ways.

Nice ending, too!

Title: Labour of Love · Author: Aprilkat · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Frodo and Faramir · ID: 733
Reviewer: SurgicalSteel · 2008-07-06 13:11:48
This was a fun read! Pregnant Frodo undergoing graphic examinations,
having cravings, and cursing the father of his child while in labor. I
may have to borrow a few of those curses for a character of mine!
MPreg is not my usual thing, but when AprilKat's writing it, you know
it'll be entertaining!

Title: Kementari · Author: Marta · Times: First Age and Prior · ID: 99
Reviewer: SurgicalSteel · 2008-07-06 15:00:50
This is a gloriously melancholy story centering around Yavanna's
thoughts and feelings following the destruction of the Two Trees. I
liked the way that her depression was expressed through the
suppression of the urge to create plant-life that most of us would
consider unlovely. Her resentment of the other Valar also really felt
genuine to me - that they still have children, but the pinnacle of her
creative abilities has been destroyed and few even remember the
shepherds of the Trees. Gorgeous and haunting and sad.

Title: Shelter From the Storm · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 315
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-07-06 15:02:27
What a sweet story! I enjoy stories that highlight the special
friendship between Boromir and the two youngest hobbits. I love how he
made sure he gave no reason for the hobbits to lose hope, even when he
himself must have been unsure as to their ultimate fates.

Title: Between Childhood and Coming of Age · Author: Dreamflower ·
Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 141
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-07-06 15:59:56
Once again, Dreamflower has written an enchanting and captivating
story. She delves into areas of a hobbit's life that one wouldn't
normally think of. She explores Pippin's entry into adolescence, and
does it with both restraint and humour. I really enjoyed this!

Title: A Promise · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 149
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-07-06 16:20:40
What a tender, sad and sweet story all rolled into one. I especially
loved the Rainbow Bridge. I had tears in my eyes as I read.

Well done.

Title: Vengeance's Folly · Author: Rhapsody · Races: Elves: Noldor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 718
Reviewer: Robinka · 2008-07-06 17:26:18
In this wondrous double drabble, Rhapsody -- the authoress of
fantastic drabbles and a devoted fan of Celegorm -- explores the
feelings and thoughts of her favorite character after the Battle of
Unnumbered Tears. She skilfully brings a scene in which the brothers,
gathered around a campfire, rest and "lick their wounds" -- as she
says -- after the sour defeat. Her Celegorm struggles with the failure
and tries to swallow the bitter pill of humiliation and abandonment.
Very insightful and finely drawn portrayal that is drawn with both
deep admiration for the character and great knowledge. Excellently done!

Title: Bitter Sweet · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Steward's Family · ID: 536
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-07 03:04:12
Oh, you wicked, wicked girl. What a lovely AU story. I've always had a
certan fondness for that pairing (yours and those of a couple of
others) and it works very well here. I like the way that you divide
the account of their attachment to one another into the two individual
characters' points of view. Well, I would think after all of that
self-denial and self-sacrifice for the sake of politics that they
would deserve a happy ending. You also manage to say a lot in very few
words.

Title: Rich and Fair · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 548
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-07 03:11:27
I just hate it when people begin a review of something of mine and
say, "I usually don't like X, Y or Z, but I really liked this one."
But I have to say it: I usually don't like tiny stories with very few
words, but this one is awesome. You really manage to set a scene and
build a relationship between two characters in a really short piece. I
can't say which I liked best of the two parts. I would really hate to
have to chose. Of course, the second follows beautifully upon the
first, so it would not be fair to even ask me.

Title: The Westering Fire · Author: Aprilkat · Races: Hobbits · ID: 200
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-07 05:42:28
Spoilers!
We don't get enough fanfiction from Rosie's point of view; and this
welcome ficlet does not disappoint. Rosie is written as worried and
vulnerable; but still the strong hobbit-maid who is a fit mate for a
Ring-bearer. I like her purpose, and resolve, and determination to
keep going, helping her family and friends despite the overwhelming
danger of the Ruffians.

Title: Many Branches · Author: Baranduin · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Frodo and Faramir · ID: 420
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-07 06:03:22
Spoilers!
Bilbo's poem goes, "The road goes ever on and on," and he had
cautioned Frodo that the Road was as a river with its springs at every
door, and that if you didn't keep to your feet there was no telling
where yoy might get swept off to. I was very much reminded of both of
these by this description of Frodo describing family trees and the
Water, both with so many branches.

A gentle tale.

Title: Courage · Author: rhyselle · Times: First Age and Prior: House
of Finwe · ID: 69
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-07 06:19:27
Although almost all had clamored with affirmation when Finrod
announced he would honor his oath to Barahir by seeking to aid his
son, most changed their minds when the sons of Feanor spoke to remind
all of the oath they had made their father. In the end only ten lords
followed their lord and the Adan.

Imagery is excellent, and mood is well communicated.

Title: The Dance · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres: Romance: Elven
Lands · ID: 128
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-07 06:26:07
Spoilers!
I liked the lightness and sweetness of this story almost as much as
the details: How Feanaro invited her (for once he is not so
confident), Nerdanel's discomfort in her dress (what a "Cinderella"
moment!), Feanaro's behavior during the dance and how he approached
her (who ever thought he could actually feel nervous! I re-read their
awkward first steps in the dance and enjoyed its sweetness immensely,
made me feel like it was a scene from a romantic comedy. The cherry on
the decadent chocolate cake is Feanaro's "realization" and confession
of his love for her was such a "squee" moment for a hopeless Feanorian
fan girl like me. It made very nice, pleasant reading.

My favorite quotes were:
[He thinks he beautiful...no wonder that he is so long in coming to
success for his work. Clearly, his concept of beauty is lacking."]
["I know that."... then why does it hurt so much?]
[...his name upon one card...and at his side, a card naming a lady
unfamiliar to Nerdanel....disappointment plunked hard in her stomach...]
[...a sonorous, overlong name clearly belonging to someone better than
the daughter of artisans...]
[I am ugly and--No. Worse than ugly. Invisible.]
[But Feanaro stood so quickly that his chair nearly fell--indeed, had
to be caught by the King...]














Title: Surprise · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age and Prior ·
ID: 131
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-07 06:28:35
It is always great to read of excellent "fillers" regarding Nerdanel,
who played a significant role but was so under-exposed in the
Silmarillion. She must have come from quite an exceptional family who
moulded her into what she had become--wife to the greatest (and most
temperamental) Eldar and father to his seven equally fiery sons.

Title: The Last Messenger: A Tale of Numenor · Author: Fiondil ·
Times: Second and Early Third Age · ID: 8
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-07 06:29:09
Spoilers!
Ar-Pharazon has fallen under the dark spell of Sauron, and has not
only forbidden the people of Numenor to climb the holy mountain, but
has begun taking known members of the Faithful prisoner and killing
them upon the altars established by the one he'd had brought as a
prisoner and vassal. When Isildur enters the sacred precincts to steal
a fruit of Nimloth, he barely makes it home sorely wounded; and a
companion has disappeared.

The Valar have asked the healer Elf Laurendil, friend to the reborn
Finrod, to take their last message to Numenor, and he arrives to find
himself caught up in the quest to find and aid the missing companion,
only to learn the answer to the riddle of what became of his own
friend Earnur when he disappeared in a storm at sea, having been
sailing with a Man of the same name, one who had remained faithful to
the oaths of Tar-Minyatur.

Will they be able to escape with two former prisoners in tow, and what
will become of them afterwards?

A fascinating adventure.

Title: The Flute · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits: Post-Ring War ·
ID: 150
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-07 06:36:55
Spoilers!
I've found there is a basic need we have to know that the ones we miss
realize that we are thinking of them. And through a special flute
given him by Gandalf Pippin is able to express his longing for his now
distant, beloved cousin, and to receive an unexpected answer.

A most heartwarming tale, poignant, and well, well written.

Title: Essecarmë · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 247
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-07 06:37:36
It is always a treat for me to read anything before the Oath that
portrays the Feanorians as more than just one-dimensional, inveterate
rule breakers or rebels without a cause, which is why reading Dawn's
very well-crafted details is always enjoyable. It's like stepping into
a period/costume movie with a delectable and complex cast. What I
liked most in this particular story is the emotional tension between
the characters and the way it sets the stage for what happens in the
future, especially for my favorites Maitimo and Macalaure who among
all the seven sons of Feanor would have had the most influence among
their younger brothers. But despite their obvious unease with their
demanding father, it makes one wonder what motivated them to still
take the oath and pursue it to the very end says a lot about the
strength of their family's bond.

Title: Wind of Change · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 47
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-07 06:45:22
Spoilers!
Ah, Eowyn daughter of Eomund and Theodwyn, born to be a shieldmaiden
of the Mark! And the wind carries the news throughout the known world,
and Glorfindel realizes his prophecy is now certain while the
Witch-king wonders what the wind presages.

A most marvelous foreshadowing of what is to come, and a reminder that
the Wind is under Manwe's command....

Imagery is perfect!

Title: A Woman in Few Words: The Character of Nerdanel and Her
Treatment in Canon and Fandom · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres:
Non-Fiction: Character Studies · ID: 107
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-07 06:47:52
I've always thought that it was a shame that Nerdanel did not get as
much screen time in the book as I would have wanted. She must have
been of exceptionally strong character to be able to catch and keep
the attention of Feanor become his wife and bear his brood of seven
strong-willed sons. It must have been a daily test of endurance for a
weaker woman to thrive in that sort of household, compounded by the
fact that they are no ordinary Noldorin family. I appreciate the
obvious hard work, research and objective analysis that went behind
all of these details and am looking forward to seeing more of such
work in the future.