Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Hide the Knives · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 485
Reviewer: Neilia · 2008-07-16 07:09:39
Niri! It is great to see this tale nominated! I loved it when I first
read it and I enjoyed the second reading very much. Arwen's reaction
to the unexpected pain of labor and birth is so true to life. Blaming
Estel is too! Him ordering all the knives hidden is super funny! Hugs,
Neilia

Title: Young Fëanáro Makes A Stone · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor:
Valar & Maiar · ID: 77
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-16 09:00:44
A fine tale of Feanor as a young apprentice to Aule - with
particularly good characterisation of the Noldo prince; ambitious,
awkward, and undeniably brilliant. I loved Aule's reaction to Feanor's
feat; it seems to follow very closely upon Tolkien's...

Title: Full Brothers in Blood · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor · ID: 212
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-16 09:03:34
Spoilers!
Anyone who has ever been a younger sibling, suffered envy of more
flamboyant and assured visiting relatives, or been a junior member of
a powerful and large family, should appreciate this well-textured and
thoughtfully written portrait of young Turgon, his older brother
Fingon, and many of their relatives, in Valinor before the loss of
Finwe and the Silmarils broke apart their House.

And even someone who has not been reared amongst pushy visiting
cousins and kingly grandfathers should also enjoy the story. The
characterisation of Turgon, Fingon, Celegorm and Finwe is particularly
good.

Title: PROPHECY: Changing the Future · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Humor
· ID: 11
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-16 09:04:43
Spoilers!
Another delightful tale of the Valar by Fiondil, one of the people who
seems to know them very, very well. Here, a prophecy is found and
somewhat altered, which explains discrepancies between HoME and the
Silmarillion. And Namo may have the last word, but it seems that
Iluvatar himself is getting the last laugh - a lovely ending, btw.

A well-written and humorous vignette.

Title: The Game of Kings · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Humor · ID: 28
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-16 09:05:51
Spoilers!
What a great vignette, as cheerful as the hearth of the Prancing Pony,
but with as much a hint of mystery as some of the "Pony"'s guests possess.

As usual, Branwyn's narrative shines with descriptive details that
enhance the scene without over-burdening it - the northern wind
rattling the shutters, the Rangers' worn boots, Butterbur's marvelous
thought that [This pastime seemed as amusing as watching the grass
sprout on the Greenway], which conveys the substance of a modern
real-life saying in language appropriate to Middle-earth.

This vignette brings the reader right into the inn, and conveys the
atmosphere of homey cheer, with the wonder of several races/groups
co-existing in harmony - local people, dwarves, Shire hobbits, and the
grim, enigmatic Rangers.

Branwyn conveys the sense of much of Middle-earth encapsulated in the
small provincial inn - the mysterious hard-traveling Rangers, the
hobbits, the dwarves, the Men of Bree; all involved in one way or
another with an old and sophisticated game that speaks of ancient
power. And extra points for wonderful characterisation of Butterbur.


The title [Game of Kings] seems to me to be a double-entendre - the
Rangers themselves play a dangerous game, guarding a kingly bloodline
out of danger while its posessor leads them through peril; and they
find relief in chess, which is of course also the game of kings.

Wonderfully atmospheric and evocative! And the last line is so
marvelously appropriate!






Title: Vodka · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Times: First Age and Prior:
House of Finwe · ID: 714
Reviewer: Robinka · 2008-07-16 11:50:28
A very intriguing short tale that presents a cynical Maglor -- who has
an undeniable human touch to his behavior here, falling into a
sardonic mood with the help of strong beverage. A very evocative and
insightful portrayal, set in the time after Fingon's rescue mission.
Very refreshing and well written.

Title: Above All Shadows · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Alternate
Universe · ID: 492
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-07-16 12:18:38
Spoilers!
This is such a magnificent story and it is a unique read at that!
IgnobleBard picks out two main events of Legolas' life (the events of
Dol Guldur with the Quest of the Ring) and connects them with such
grace: it just makes sense to me. Perhaps it is a what if scenario,
however to me it just feels right that Sauron would foresee
Thranduil's son to get involved in a way and to have him as a kind of
back-up plan. As I read this story, I loved to read how the author
slowly reveal the details, just as logical how it might return to
Legolas' conscious mind as he struggles with the truth on what
happened with him back then and what made him at that moment. It is
such a clever approach to write how Legolas has to peel away several
constructed memories in his brain to reach the core of his
shadow/curse. Besides that, his bravery to still face what fate Sauron
had in mind for him, that makes Legolas a more tangible character to
me as on how he was written in the book. The way the author portrays
the Ring War events through his eyes gives me as a reader the
opportunity to 'see' him, something that did not quite happen in how
the professor wrote him. Secondly, it is very tempting to narrate all
Ring war events, especially since Legolas was one of the nine. What I
appreciate here is that the author completely stuck to what he
observed and he deemed necessary to remember given his mental
condition. This story reads as a tale Legolas would tell many years
after to someone else late at night and it reads as his personal
account with the colouring of his memories and impressions. At the
end, it is good to read that he gains release being with Aragorn,
although before that many things have been set in motion, but that
piece feels like the icing on the cake. Yeps, this makes a fabulous read!

Title: The Librarian · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races: Elves: Family
· ID: 700
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-16 14:51:12
Spoilers!
A wonderful romp through the Adventure of Parenting Legolas. Thranduil
is a good, kindly father who is nonetheless struggling with the
apparently limitless capacity of little Legolas for intelligent
mischief. Legolas himself is written very well here - smart,
compassionate, but with a somewhat Dennis-the-Menace affinity for
pulling unorthodox to potentially dangerous stunts. I can see here, in
Legolas' capacity for stretching the bounds of his comfortable
existence, glimpses of the future Wood-elven warrior who cheerfully
joins the Fellowship and becomes a friend to Men and one particular Dwarf.

Good characterisation of Thranduil and the OC librarian. I loved the
episode of the wolf; and Legolas' discovery of what his own father did
as a child...

Title: Incarnation · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor:
Drabbles · ID: 242
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-16 15:05:59
I always wondered why Olórin who could have chosen a much more
comfortable form to use when walking about on Middle-earth picked the
one he did. I have heard the theories as to why his choice might have
been wise, but I still always have thought it must have been quite an
experience for the Maia. You don't expound on the question in this
story, but with sly humor and a little dig at moralism you give a hint
if how he might have felt. I must quote my favorite line: ["Olórin,"
Manwe had said, "beware the temptations of the flesh. Beware wine,
women and other lusts!"] Just recovering from a cold as I write this
and being a victim of one of Gandalf's few vices of the flesh as well,
which likely made it worse, he certainly has my sympathy.

Title: FAULT: The Doctor Is In · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Humor:
Valar & Maiar · ID: 545
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-16 15:34:29
Spoilers!
The use of Sigmund Freud with the sons of Feanor is a stroke of
genius. I began reading this story with a bit of trepidation, because
I often feel that authors give the Fëanárians a rough deal (as though
they had no motivation or principles, when they were drawn to do the
things they did). But you overcame my reluctance and made me laugh. I
howled when Dr. Freud said in response to Namo's speculation over
whether any of his efforts were worth it: ["It is the first time the
twins have spoken since we started these little sessions."] Also, the
punch line at the end was priceless.

Title: The Making of Werewolves · Author: Ignoble Bard · Races:
Villains · ID: 42
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-16 15:54:47
The tone and language and atmosphere of this are perfect. I expect to
see a number of reviews on this story, which say that it reads "just
like Tolkien." Normally, that would not necessarily be a good thing in
my opinion. (Hey, you've read my rant on this one hundred times, but
maybe you won't mind it again, since you will be getting paid for it
this time--in points on the story.) This piece does read like Tolkien
and to great effect. It is a gap-filler of a very particular kind, the
success of which depends upon setting the mood and drawing the reader
into believing that this is really the way it happened. (My complaint
about imitations of Tolkien style in general are 1) they usually don't
succeed, and 2) when they explore elements, as mine often do (in-depth
characterization of a particular sort, for example), that Tolkien
chose to leave in the shadows, the use of an imitation of his style
can jar instead of please.) In this case, you are slipping into canon,
delicately and making it fit, an explanation that is entirely
plausible and fits with the original. I always say I don't like horror
fics in general. This of is Utterly and perfectly creepy. I like the
use of the singing and how Sauron appreciates their malice, the way
they attack the orcs, but ["fawned like cubs"] over him. Eww: this is
just so perfectly nasty. And their development for the taste of elves
and men--chilling. Great job. No more complaining about reading
werewolf fics from me.

Title: And Then There Was Cake, or Begetting Day Horrors · Author:
Klose · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 540
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-16 16:02:56
This is a perfectly silly and tongue-in-cheek an account of a
gathering of a particularly boisterous group of young people with very
strong egos. It reeks of testosterone and adolescence. And has clearly
been written by a writer who has a keen eye for the humor to be found
in the extended family setting. Coming from a large family myself, and
liking to write about the experience, is only one of the things that
has drawn me to this particular set of characters. The Finwëans
provide open hunting season for tracking down a multitude of ways of
dealing with these dynamics, whether the stories that result are
merely tempered with humor and have a serious base or, as in the case
of this story, the writer has pulled out all the stops. Nice work.
Although I have to admit it made me cringe at point! Boys are just so
nasty.

Title: The Shadow · Author: Linda hoyland · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 25
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-16 16:20:21
Spoilers!
This drabble is probably the only Frodo-centric piece by writer Linda
Hoyland, who usually focusses on aspects of Aragorn's life.

In a hundred troubling, haunting words, Linda explores Frodo's
sorrowful reflections after the end of the Ring War - reflections in
more way than one; since the drabble examines a character who can be
said to be a sort of doppleganger of Frodo, and the perverse bond
between two diverse spirits who both knew the burden of the One Ring.

The entire drabble serves Frodo and Tolkien well. The last four
sentences are particularly effective; as Frodo tries and fails to find
a definitive answer, in his own mind and heart, to the questions he
poses. We are left wondering, just a little, if Frodo is truly haunted
by an unquiet spirit; or is it just the memories of Smeagol, who was
both Frodo's worst nightmare and his dark mirror?

A powerful exploration of the bonds between Ringbearers - between
Frodo and Smeagol, and, interestingly, its brighter reflection, the
bond between Frodo and Sam. It's rather heart-rending that Frodo is
feeling closer to Smeagol than he is to Sam, but Linda skillfully
shows that Frodo's love for Sam is as strong as ever, even though the
shadow of Smeagol seems to be forcing Frodo to distance himself from
his friend - a clever touch, since the gap that Frodo feels between
himself and Sam can be seen as proof of the terrible effect of [The
Shadow].



Title: Autumn · Author: Linda hoyland · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 489
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-16 17:09:27
The King finds reasons to like the autumn.

Linda has written a brief glimpse into the feelings of our favorite
Ranger turned King, at how he feels about his life and the change in
his fortunes. And we, like him, look forward to that comfort.

A warm, loving story.

Title: Name Calling: Group Identity and the Other among First Age
Elves · Author: Angelica · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 322
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-16 17:22:55
Oh, Angelica, this is a perfectly wonderful piece and a terrific
resource, and one that I definitely will go back and read and refer to
again and again. It is absolutely the best of the non-fiction entries
of this year. I feel I ought apologize to others who have worked hard
on exploring elements of canon and enriched our resources greatly (and
I entered one of own pieces as well, so I consider myself within that
grouping), but this one stands completely apart and alone in the depth
of thought it reflects.

My favorite section is the one exploration the original separation of
the Eldar and Avari, and its consideration not just of the separation
itself but the attitudes of the self-conception of those groups and
their definition of the other. The article raised so many questions I
had considered and not completely worked out: small thing like the
degree to which such terms as Moriquendi, or even the Sindarin word
lachen ('flame-eyed') used to refer to the returned Noldor, were
simply words or had a distinctive pejorative connotation (always or
sometimes?). Very fascinating also is to consider the attitudes of the
Noldor to the Sindar: like us but not really equal or more like the
Avari? I intend to read your piece again more carefully and think
about these questions further.

I very much appreciated the point that while the Eldar looked down
upon the Avari, that the Avari, of course, considered themselves the
True Elves and that they would consider that it was the Eldar who had
severed themselves from who and what they were. I was also reminded of
the attitude about self and other reflected in native American culture
and mythology and of each groups placement of their particular
ethnicity or nation within the world as they perceived it. For
example, the Inca name Cuzco for their great capital, which can be
translated from the Incan language as ombligo or navel—meant for them
quite literally that they considered it (and themselves, of course)
indisputably the center of the universe. There is a parallel in that
self-concept of North American indigenous groups who referred to
themselves simply as "the people" and other surrounding tribes as the
others, i.e., somewhat less than human. I have not read the book you
list in your bibliography, [La Conquista de América: El problema del
Otro] but after reading your article, I do plan to try to find and
purchase the book and read it (just hope it doesn't cost an arm and a
leg!).


Title: Sour Milk · Author: Linda hoyland · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 521
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-16 17:40:56
You got me three times where it hurt in this one. First, the
illustration which you used as an inspiration for this story has never
failed to give me a chuckle. Thank you interpretating it. I am not
lways the world's biggest fan of genre of fairy tales set in
Middle-earth either, but you sucked in with this one. And, finally,
I'm not a huge cat fancier compared to a lot of my friends, but the
ginger cat in this one was a formidable character. Nice work.

Title: The Nag · Author: celticbard · Races: Men: Steward's Family ·
ID: 347
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-16 17:44:44
Ah, a wonderful tale, and especially for those who love the brothers
Mir as they look for a riding horse for their father's use--not that
this horse is likely to get much use, as Denethor hasn't left the
Citadel for ages.

The care Faramir feels for the stable-mistress is well conveyed, as is
the state of the place. One feels the despair of the widow and the
concern of the son, and the hatred of the decision to sell the one
bequest they have from their lost husband and father.

Characters are as well drawn as is the setting. A lovely depiction of
the caring we have all come to treasure in Denethor's younger son.

Title: Comes the moment to decide · Author: Linda hoyland · Times:
Late Third Age: Gondor · ID: 418
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-16 17:48:06
Alas for Faramir, who seems incapable of pleasing his father no matter
what he does or fails to do. One sees the hopelessness of the son and
the growing madness of Denethor, and feels the despair the Enemy has
sought to overwhelm both with, up to the moment that Faramir decides
he will accept his father's decision, intent on pleasing the Steward
if he dies in the attempt.

Mood is very well conveyed in Linda's story. Highly recommended.

Title: Shadow King · Author: Claudia · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Angst/Tragedy · ID: 227
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-16 17:59:34
Spoilers!
The King has come again to Gondor--but at the cost of all that Gondor
held dear. For Aragorn has fallen to the Ring's call, and had
convinced the Ringbearer to lend him the Ring--and there is little to
indicate that he will ever return the loan. Nay, Frodo of the Seven
Fingers has reason to regret his weakness, as do all others.

A horrible but fascinating look at what Might Have Been as we consider
to what Gondor might have come had the Ring been able to capture
Aragorn's attention rather than Boromir's. Having considered in one of
my own tales Frodo's realization that he could not hope to defy the
northern Ranger as he could the southern Captain, I see this as all
too likely a scenario.

Well, well recommended.

Title: Songs of Innocence and Experience · Author: Tanaqui · Races:
Men: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 440
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-16 18:07:15
Oh, a most worthwhile series of three drabbles in which Faramir is
first beguiled by one and then entreated by another. One's wish he'd
hoped to grant, only to find she'd sought to use him; the other he
feels honor-bound to deny, as what she desires is apparently a
meaningless death--and his heart has been captured.

One can feel the disappointment he feels in the one and the attraction
he is beginning to feel for the other. Lovely!

Title: The North Delving Incident · Author: Dana · Genres: Drama · ID: 26
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-07-16 18:10:24
Spoilers!
The thing I love most about this story is its tense. Not tension,
though that's good, too, but rather verb choice. Which probably sounds
like an odd compliment, but the tense does so much to set the tone.
It's a present tense story, and I'm usually a bit leery of those. But
it works so well here! There's a real sense of immediacy to the
action. You feel as though you are living it right alongside the
hobbits. The first section, in particular, had some brilliant pacing
and excellent POV work for Pippin. It was just hazy enough to give us
a sense of his physical wellbeing, but it was never too fuzzy that we
lost track of the narrative completely. Great balancing work by the
author. I was very impressed.

Title: Hidden Watcher · Author: kitt_otter · Genres: Drama · ID: 702
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-07-16 18:10:54
Spoilers!
There is some lovely descriptive work in this story. In particular, I
love how Gollum is identified by smell; it gave us something other
than the usual visual and audio cues we've come to expect from Gollum.
The image of Legolas sinking down and bowing his head so as to focus
his hearing is another great tidbit. All in all, very nice.

Title: Answering the Call · Author: docmon · Genres: Drama · ID: 340
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-07-16 18:13:10
Spoilers!
This is one of those haunting stories that stays with you long after
you've read it and draws you back to revisit some truly spectacular
moments. The thing that impresses me most about this story is the
sheer variety in each of the little AUs. And it works so well for each
character! Sometimes you see how and why a character would have come
by the Ring (Merry and Pippin, for example). At other times, you're
beyond that point in the story and you primarily see the effect
(Gandalf, Aragorn, and Boromir come to mind). It's a great study in
characterization, because for hobbits like Merry and Pippin, the "why"
needs to be told. The temptation isn't the same for them as it is for
their larger companions, and the difference makes the "why" all the
more important. But for Gandalf, Aragorn, and Boromir, the "why" is
already pretty obvious, and there's never much doubt that these three
could obtain the Ring if they really set their minds on it. With them,
it's more about just how bad things will get and what form that ruin
will take.

My favorite vignettes by far, though, are the two about Legolas and
Gimli. Which is probably a little predictable since they're my two
favorite Fellowship members. But going into specifics, the sense of
shame that pervades the Legolas-vignette is tangible, and I love what
Docmon does with Aragorn in that scene. He's stern when he needs to
be, and he's firm throughout. But he also showcases an ability to step
back and analyze what went wrong, giving us the origins of Legolas's
temptation. As for Gimli, I've long held the opinion that if the
hobbits had been unavailable to act as Ring-bearers, the dwarves would
have been the next best option. I really do think Gimli's got a chance
to see it through at the end of his vignette, and ending the story on
that note of hope was a stroke of genius. Thank you, Docmon, for a
truly spectacular ride.

Title: The Return · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Drama · ID: 167
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-07-16 18:15:11
Spoilers!
It takes a bravo author to give her readers a sad ending, so brave to
Lady Bluejay for being willing to take the risk. And I think it pays
off. As readers, we really feel the weariness that infuses these
returning men. We feel the grief, we feel the pain, and as the story
closes, we feel the homecoming that is devastated by loss.

Something else I really like about this story is the attention to
detail. For example, I enjoyed the naming of the horse and the fact
that poor Duinhir is unable to pronounce the Rohirric name. It's not
something directly associated with his return or the loss of his sons,
but it's good distraction that helps emphasize the mood later, and it
makes the story that much richer. The fact that he has a new Rohirric
horse is also a great addition, and I can see it fitting into canon
given what he and his sons did on the Pelennor. It's little touches
like these that broaden the canvas of the story and make it feel as
though it fits into a greater whole. All in all, a very solid story!

Title: Choosing · Author: docmon · Genres: Drama · ID: 473
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-07-16 18:23:22
Spoilers!
This story is a study in contrasts. It's very short, yet it's
characters are vividly portrayed. I think part of this comes from the
way they're played against each other. They never meet, but their
differing opinions on their chosen messengers to Rivendell is very
telling, especially when there are comparisons available. Dain's
vignette seems to have a sense of hope. The dwarf has a hard decision
to make, but he's going to make the right call and hope that Gloin can
get back in time with some counsel on what to do next. The idea of
sending Gimli along as backup is done with little sense of the role
that Gimli will ultimately undertake. He's just there for support. By
sharp contrast, Thranduil has deep forebodings about Legolas's choice
to go to Rivendell, and those forebodings go beyond the grim tidings
that Legolas has to bear. It's made all the starker by the fact that
this vignette follows on the heels of Dain's, and then we get
Denethor. His has more of a militaristic feel. A political feel. His
love and respect for Boromir can be felt, but more clearly perceived
is his love and respect for Gondor. Brilliant take on all three leaders.