Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Trouble at Bag End · Author: Angiet · Races: Hobbits: Childhood
· ID: 728
Reviewer: kitt_otter · 2008-07-12 20:22:54
Spoilers!
It is certainly fun (and oh so fluffy) to imagine Aragorn had met a
wee Frodo! Poor Bilbo seems to have had a rough time! Oh my, "Orc"?
Just what sort of stories has Bilbo been telling the baby?
Enjoyable descriptions of Frodo: ["His entire hand was about half the
size of the baby hobbit"]; ["his face like a storm"]… But Aragorn
saved the day – a coming tooth *would* make anyone cranky.
This had the most adorable images; Aragorn is already Frodo's
protector and remained so.


Title: A Cat in King Elessar's Court · Author: agape4gondor · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 66
Reviewer: SurgicalSteel · 2008-07-13 00:41:13
This was an intriguing concept - telling the story of the Siege of
Gondor and the battle before the Black Gates from the point of view of
a cat. Not just any cat, though, but a descendant of one of
Beruthiel's cats, and one that's been loyal to Denethor for years.
Most of the action sticks fairly close to canon, and it's interesting
seeing the cat's reaction to Pippin, to Denethor's death, etc. I mean
this as a compliment when I say that I think folks who enjoy stories
like 'Charlotte's Web' would enjoy this.

Title: Many Branches · Author: Baranduin · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Frodo and Faramir · ID: 420
Reviewer: SurgicalSteel · 2008-07-13 00:49:42
This feels like a quiet moment that could and should have happened:
Faramir and Frodo sit on the walls of Minas Tirith and trade stories
of their homes. There's discussion of hobbit geneaolgy and gentle
teasing about events that happened in Ithilien during the Quest and
Faramir sounding scholarly, and two wounded souls watching a river
flow. There's a sense of calm and peace that seems to permeate this
story, and I liked it very much!

Title: Riding the Waves · Author: Claudia · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 211
Reviewer: SurgicalSteel · 2008-07-13 00:53:25
A gorgeous short piece that explores how Frodo might have spent
certain anniversaries in the West - the imagery of the waves and the
clear blue sky feel like a painting with words. Beautiful and peaceful.

Title: Arranged Marriage · Author: Claudia · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 725
Reviewer: SurgicalSteel · 2008-07-13 00:57:08
Spoilers!
For those who know Claudia's work, you'll know what I mean by this:
this is wild Claudia AU-ness at it's cracky best. It's one of her
Frodo in Bree AUs, and so of course Frodo's in trouble with the law
and has to be bailed out of trouble by a stern Ranger. The twist in
this particular story is that the authorities in Bree insist on Frodo
and Aragorn marrying one another - and what follows is definitely
anything but domestic bliss! It's a fun romp if you don't mind wild AUs.

Title: Sun · Author: Claudia · Races: Cross-Cultural: Frodo and
Faramir · ID: 223
Reviewer: SurgicalSteel · 2008-07-13 01:00:46
I think this may actually be the first of Claudia's stories that I
ever read. In it, Frodo and Faramir look over the rubble of the ruined
portions on Minas Tirith. It's one of those pieces that could have
come across as grim and sad but actually feels hopeful: the feeling is
that even though much of the city is damaged and it will never be
exactly the same, it will be rebuilt. Beautifully done.

Title: Lost · Author: Claudia · Genres: Adventure · ID: 226
Reviewer: SurgicalSteel · 2008-07-13 01:04:41
Spoilers!
An angsty piece, in which the Ring is lost while the Fellowship is in
Hollin, and must be found. Most of the action though, is really in
Frodo's head - the fear that he's losing himself to desire for the
Ring. Aragorn tries to give Frodo a bit of comfort over those issues
once the Ring's recovered, but you get the feeling that Frodo's not
really believing him. Definitely angsty.

Title: Shadow King · Author: Claudia · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Angst/Tragedy · ID: 227
Reviewer: SurgicalSteel · 2008-07-13 01:06:39
Gracious, this was a hideously angsty AU - a version of Aragorn's
coronation in which the Ring hasn't been destroyed because Aragorn
claimed it. Not for the faint of heart, that's for certain. This gave
me shivers.

Title: Name Calling: Group Identity and the Other among First Age
Elves · Author: Angelica · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 322
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-13 03:52:38
This piece is very informative and it was obvious that there was a
substantial amount of research and work involved in coming up with it.
The sundering of the elves had always been a fascinating subject, in
that it made the seemingly ethereal beings feel more "human" to me.
The Avari are the most interesting of all the groups and I wonder how
different things would have been if all the elves had put aside any
prejudices against each other and united against Morgoth. I wish that
there had been more material from Tolkien that tells more about the
Sundering and what happened to those who were left behind.

I've read only one story so far that deals directly with the subject
and hopefully will read more.

Title: Vengeance's Folly · Author: Rhapsody · Races: Elves: Noldor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 718
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-13 03:57:36
This presents a very interesting snapshot of the Feanorians, my
favorite Eldarin house, at a vulnerable stage in their campaign
against Morgoth. Thanks for sharing. I appreciate the subtle
undercurrents of the balance of power between the brothers and find
myself wishing that I could read more from this thread.

Title: As the Tide by the Moon · Author: EdorasLass · Genres:
Alternate Universe · ID: 9
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-13 04:28:24
Spoilers!
A fascinating story that is something of a Cinderella tale set mostly
in the darkness of Wormtongue's rise to ascendancy in Meduseld. He
beguiles a lonely young serving-woman who has become infatuated with
him into doing some exceedingly dirty work for him.

Part of that work entails the serving-woman, Lathwyn (as she is
called), seducing Theodred. What neither Lathwyn nor Grima foresee is
that Theodred and Lathwyn come to genuinely care for each other, and
therein further snarl an already tangled web. When Lathwyn realizes
just exactly what Grima has had her giving Theoden in the guise of
medicine, she is placed in a nearly impossible position - betray
Grima's plot and risk her own death, or keep silent and let the King
be poisoned by her reluctant hand. The choice that Lathwyn makes is a
difficult one, and yet is utterly credible, given the character that
EdorasLass has created and the circumstances that have shaped her from
childhood through recent weeks.

A beguiling plot, a heroine that one slowly begins to cheer for, and a
romance that is almost impossible to end well, can all be found in
this well-written story.

Title: Journeys of Vása · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races: Elves:
Incomplete · ID: 140
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-13 04:32:54
The tragic triangle between Arien, Melkor and Tilion reminded me of a
book I read once about how angels or spiritual beings fought--not with
spears nor with blows but rather a battle of wills which is much
stronger and is much more intense than anything physical. Very much
like mental scars are deeper and takes longer to heal than broken
bones or scars. This is also one of the concepts that I've been
entertaining on how Melkor corrupted the elves into orcs. I felt that
it must have taken more than physical strength to turn something
beautiful into something very ugly.

Mahtan is a very interesting character and it would be great to read
more about him. The detail you placed about his father remaining in
the Wildlands holds much promise for me, having read (and obsessed)
about "Another Man's Cage". I could not help but cross my fingers that
we'll be hearing more about the sundering from you in your future
work. Thanks for writing more about Mahtan and what he thinks about
his son-in-law. He must have been a strong character too to have been
able to train Feanor, raise Nerdanel and subsequently become the
father-in-law of the "greatest" of the Eldar. The second chapter gives
a good glimpse of what the elves who remained in Aman might have felt
at the rising of the sun and moon upon Arda. I re-read the passage
about Nerdanel and could not help but think that could she somehow
feel the pain that her eldest son is currently experiencing, or about
the death of her husband? The possibilities are endless.

As for the third piece, I've never been fond of Fingolfin and have
always preferred his "bad boy" brother to him but it made me laugh
when I read the line you wrote for him: "bureaucracy". I think that
was the word I was looking for in describing him: bureaucratic but
practical as a Noldo would have been, in my mind at least. I also
liked his line when he compares him and his three brothers to items
and what purpose they serve to his father. I enjoyed the interaction
between Pengolodh and Fingolfin and the possible reasons why he was
chosen above all the others. My favorite line for this chapter is "a
candle in the window". I think it summarizes the hope that is still in
the hearts of the Elves that there will be redemption someday even for
those who chose exile rather than stay in Aman. It is also heartening
to note that despite some of their more questionable decisions, the
Valar did not utterly forsake the Children of Eru. Pengolodh's last
line was priceless: ["...Imagine the bureaucracy it must have taken to
accomplish that!"] Very nice touch--in my humble,
not-formally-trained-in-writing opinion, I think it ties the chapter
all together and gives it a sort of "unity".


Title: Five things that never happened to Nerdanel · Author: Meril ·
Genres: Alternate Universe: Angst/Tragedy · ID: 389
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-13 04:41:28
Spoilers!
I always enjoy the 'Five Things That Never Happened' exercise; it is a
great way to explore a character. Meril's version focusses on Feanor's
fabled consort, and, like most of Meril's works, does not disappoint.

Here we see five plausible AU paths that Nerdanel did not take -
fleeing from the young Feanor in fear after a vision alerts her to
terrible potentiality, seeing Feanor wed another, dying in childbirth,
uniting totally and utterly with Feanor's fell purpose in Middle-earth
(this was truly the most terrifying; and yet, given their characters,
entirely credible), and going into a different and more gentle exile
with Feanor. I wish that the last one had happened; but if it had, how
much more death and destruction would Morgoth have caused in Middle-earth?

Powerfully written, each piece an intriguing nugget of what might have
been.

Title: A Dream Come True · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 162
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-13 05:01:29
As always, I enjoyed reading about the interaction between Eomer and
his deputy Eothain. I also enjoy the details you place when setting up
the scene and mood of the story. The first few paragraphs made me feel
excited and I find myself anticipating how Lothiriel would figure in
the story and what kind of role she would play. I laughed out loud at
the images you drew of the previous hang-overs of Eothain, the line
about mumak-piss had me chuckling! What I like most when you write
humorous lines is that they are subtle and unexpected (at least for
me) and hits me right in the middle.
I've read a number of your stories previously but I must say that I
always like all the "first meeting" scenes you have so far written for
my favorite "mortal" pair (I'm more of an elf watcher). This is among
the funniest and most "physical" of all.
I also enjoyed how they both "tortured" Imrahil by keeping him in the
dark of their intentions and real feelings. The ending was priceless!

Title: Love at First Sight · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 432
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-13 05:08:47
I am very interested in any story about Feanor before the Oath and
this is a sweet find because it also includes Finwe and Miriel. It's
good that you were able to convey in a few words how ominous Miriel's
tiredness is and the baby's future when he looked at the light of the
trees. Thanks for sharing this.

Title: Light of the Westering Sun · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 126
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-13 05:24:19
I've always preferred elf-to-elf pairings in the stories I read but
Caranthir and Haleth's had always been too interesting for me to pass
up. I especially liked how you describe the Feanorions, thanks to AMC
I've always pictured Caranthir/Carnistir as a cherubic, pink-faced
baby who bounced on his family member's knees--a picture of innocence.
But here I'm treated to a very different Caranthir/Carnistir--a
grown-up and utterly irresistable image of physical attractivness and
power.
In my opinion, he is the most mysterious and probably the least
developed Feanorion and having him fall in love with one of the
Second-born adds to his "appeal". I liked how you compared the color
of his eyes to the setting sun--I thought it was romantic. The first
and last scenes served their purpose well; I think they "united" the
whole story. I wish I could give more technical comments but I'm
afraid I'm only limited to writing about how your story moved me. I'm
hoping to read a few more stories about Haleth and Carnistir/Caranthir
from you in the future, maybe lighter, happier ones too. Thanks for
sharing this.

Title: Estel I Was Called · Author: Marta · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 351
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-13 05:27:59
Spoilers!
This is an intriguing vignette about a time in Aragorn's life about
which Tolkien gives minimal information - his return as a young man to
the Dunedain he is destined to rule.

Aragorn's sense of distance from his Dunedain kindred and especially
his unremembered father are skillfully woven into the vignette. Marta
shows, rather than tells, that Aragorn is something of a misfit, a
very special young man of whom much is expected but who has very
little to hold onto, only a name that he dare not reveal.

I thought the reference to Halbarad's having been briefly fostered at
Imladris himself to be a very sensible addition to fanon - I always
thought that Aragorn is too good at dealing with Men (as well as
Elves, Dwarves, etc.) to have not known any in childhood.

Title: Aulë the Smith · Author: Oshun · Genres: Non-Fiction: Character
Studies · ID: 530
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-13 05:32:53
I always enjoy reading a good, well-researched biography especially
about one of my favorite Vala. I agree that he is indeed the most like
Melkor, and not Manwe who is supposed to be the brother of Melkor. His
affinity with the Noldor, especially Mahtan and Feanor is also one of
the interesting facts about him (at least for me). In my opinion, he
is the only Vala I think who could relate the most to the children of
Eru especially the craftsmen. He set himself apart from the others
when the other Vala wanted (almost forced) Feanor to give up his
Silmarils, and most likely provoked the elf more. If the other Vala
had listened to his intervention, things may have turned out differently.

Title: Steward's Trumpets · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Times:
Late Third Age: Gondor Drabbles · ID: 400
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-13 06:05:49
Spoilers!
Sigh. Why can't I write exquisite little drabbles like this?

Branwyn can; and make it look easy, natural, the words just flowing
out like a brook flowing between flowery banks.

This is an inspired notion, Faramir facing the scene of his father's
horrible death, the death his father ordered for him as well, in the
ruin of the House of the Stewards, and finding signs of spring.

Beautiful descriptions of the ivy and flowers, from a writer who knows
how to produce description so well that the reader barely notices
something is actually being described, the described objects are just
there, skilfully inserted into the narrative.

The sense of nature's renewal of desolation comes across strongly in
the atmosphere and specifics. And the whole thing is quite
Tolkienesque - I know that the Prof would have approved this piece!

Title: A Little Misunderstanding · Author: Radbooks · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Elves and Men · ID: 275
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-13 06:12:21
Spoilers!
A touching story about Halbarad's childhood and a meeting with the
sons of Elrond, who the small boy fears. How and why he fears them,
and how his fear is dealt with, make for an appealing tenstion.
Halbarad is well-written as a smart, strong little boy who is
frightened by forces far beyond his control, and events he could only
endure rather than control.

I like the idea of a Halbarad who is slightly older of Aragorn and
protective of him.

Title: Feet That Wander · Author: Linaewen · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 576
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-13 07:33:15
Ah, I so love the idea that Tom might have set those particular
wandering feet upon the proper path for his destination, and shortly
after he saw four Hobbits set along their way. The description of Tom
patrolling his borders and becoming aware of stray travelers is
wonderful, as is the growing awareness of the threat posed by another
barrow wight. Nice.

Title: The Pirate · Author: Sivan Shemesh · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 674
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-13 07:44:34
A cute story.

Title: Pirates Ye Be Warned · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: Gondor
Drabbles · ID: 353
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-13 07:51:38
Spoilers!
Ah--Imrahil of Dol Amroth meets--Jack Sparrow? Sparrow or someone like
him, at least. Nice use of dialogue from PotC in the drabble, although
I rather wish Imrahil were being identified with a more congenial
character from the Disney film.

Realistic scenario!

Title: Your Father Loves You · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men:
Pre-Ring War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 424
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-13 07:57:48
Spoilers!
The relationship between Denethor and his younger son has the power to
fascinate, and this look at that relationship in its earliest days is
very satisfying. We see the loving father yet already setting himself
up to become rather distant, and the reasoning is all to possible.

Mood is excellently conveyed, and we can identify with Denethor well here.

Title: And Then There Was Cake, or Begetting Day Horrors · Author:
Klose · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 540
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-13 08:09:25
I've read this before and have just read it again and I enjoyed it
both times. But before I start I must tell you that I am quite partial
to the Feanorians, especially for Maitimo. I thought that the "you
bloody bastard" line was most promising the first time I read it and I
wasn't disappointed. I also like the unique POV and the banter and the
humiliation suffered by our intrepid Maitimo--the "fragrant" pile-up
was priceless! I relish any scene involving any silly domestic scene
about the Feanorians and this one is at the top of my list.

I have so many favorite lines and I might end up quoting the entire
thing, except the adverbs and the articles perhaps, but forcing myself
to choose a favorite line, this is what I came up with: ["If ever
there was an elf of greater vanity than yourself, it would be
Tyelkormo. Even if it was you who inherited the superior good looks of
the family."]

The best take-away "image" is the one where Feanor is loudly singing
his son's Begetting Day song and the "phallic symbol" cake. Thanks for
sharing this!