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Title: Love at First Sight · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 432
Reviewer: Robinka · 2008-07-17 09:33:33
This is a very poignant and beautifully written drabble that shows the
momnet right after the birth of Feanor. Gwynnyd has captured Finwe's
first moments as a father and the instantly blooming love for his son,
and also Miriel's exhaustion that lingers like a shadow in the story.
I like in particular how Feanor's fascination of the light of the two
trees is brought in this short piece -- an excellent touch of what is
to come and what was crucial for Feanor himself and his family.
Greatly done!

Title: Trinity · Author: pandemonium_213 · Times: Modern Times · ID: 51
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2008-07-17 11:54:47
Robert Oppenheimer was perhaps one of the twentieth century's greatest
minds, along with Einstein and Heisenberg. His is a complex and tragic
story of genius and moral compromise against the backdrop of the last
days of the Second World War, with the invention of the atomic bomb
and the concomitant consequences that arose from its creation. In this
fascinating look at a man poised on the brink of history, we see the
conflicted nature of a brilliant scientist who, in a Feanor-like need
to create the ultimate form of sublime power and a Sauronesque desire
for order, is responsible of what follows and accepts that responsibility.

The `dream' sequence is an exercise in understatement on the author's
part and it isn't until the end that one is left with no doubt as to
who these two "scientists" from an ancient, unknown past truly are.
Tolkien always denied that the One Ring was the atomic bomb, since he
created that image before the first mushroom cloud ever darkened the
skies of Arda, but he recognized the horror of what was created and
deplored the need for scientists to create such things, usually out a
sense of arrogance rather than from an actual desire to better the
world. So often, they just end up making things worse.

The quotations from John Donne and the Bhagavad-Gita I thought were
particularly apt. An interesting modern-day story that is also timeless.

Title: To Be A King · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves · ID: 252
Reviewer: Fiondil · 2008-07-17 13:08:45
What does it mean to be a king? What do people look for in one? These
are the questions Gil-galad asks himself as he wonders how he can make
what amounts to an empty title - High King - into an actuality, a
position of relevance to the scattered groups of Elves and Men who are
the remnants of once great kingdoms clinging to a precarious existence
by the Mouths of Sirion as Morgoth's minions overrun Beleriand. His
discussion with Cirdan on the nature of kingship and the right to rule
makes up the bulk of this interesting look at a young Gil-galad
struggling to create a meaningful identity as, not just High King of
the Noldor, but simply as King. As Gil-galad comes to certain
conclusions and decisions born from his talk with Cirdan we begin see
the great king he will eventually become.

Title: Trinity · Author: pandemonium_213 · Times: Modern Times · ID: 51
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-07-17 14:13:47
Spoilers!
This story gave me the absolute chills and the elaborate author notes
are a gem at itself, it is very enlightening, for me especially the
reaction of the professor himself to the atomic bomb. It leaves me to
wonder how much Oppenheimer's project and outcome might have
influenced the professor himself as he pictures the more evil
characters. It is surely food for thought! The particular bit is this one:

["Don't you think I have considered the ethics of what I have done?
That my conscience has not wrestled long and hard over this? In the
end, I am a scientist. I led the project. We came up with the
technology. Let the politicians and the military make the decisions as
to its disposition."]

The dialogue that follows places both Sauron and Fëanor in a different
light, making me nod at their assessment and to me the risk that lies
in giving such technologies to those who will ultimately decide over
life and death. Both Sauron and Fëanor made such calls on themselves
and they are rightfully so correct in telling Oppenheimer that does
not mean he can wash of his hands like that. Of course, in our time,
these decisions also turned out to help humanity and well, even
Oppenheimer's project did change matters during WWII drastically, so
it is not easy to pass judgement on this (and it saddens me to read
that during the cold war, Oppenheimer was stripped of all his dignity
and prestige in front of a committee). However this is something you
will also find in the main body of Tolkien's world where there are
several gradations in good and evil.

Also as I read this, I wonder or perhaps marvel at Doc's B recurring
theme in most of her story: the Trinity which can be found in science,
connected to the Bhagavad-Gita. It just seems to me that all three
`gods' sit there together in that dream. Fion/Fëanor the creator,
Oppenheim as the Preserver and Sauron as the Destroyer. On the other
hand, perhaps I am getting ahead of myself, but that was one thought
that struck me as not that odd (although this might not be what the
author intended). This is masterfully written, complete with the
fifties vibe!

Title: Circle of Silver · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of
Finwe · ID: 717
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-17 14:17:45
Spoilers!
This is an elegant gapfiller about a pivotal moment in the life of a
fabled king about whom Tolkien just did not write enough - Gil-galad.
Before the harpers sadly sang of him, he was once a young, untried
prince of the Noldor. This story chronicles how Ereinion learned that
he was now the de facto King of the Noldor in Middle-earth, and how he
reacted.

Excellent job in bringing Gil-galad to vivid life. And I loved the
cameo of little Erestor.

Title: My Shining Stars · Author: Oshun · Races: Elves: House of
Elrond · ID: 371
Reviewer: Gandalfs apprentice · 2008-07-17 17:18:50
Anyone who has read Oshun's Silmarillion stories knows that she has an
agenda: to wash the hysterical muck off the house of Feanor, splashed
onto them by readers who misunderstand the complexities of Tolkien's
tale of the three jewels.

Here, she points out that Maedhros and Maglor, not Earendil, raised
Elrond and Elros, who have reasons to look askance at both their
biological parents, who abandoned them--for what? Voyaging? The very
Silmaril that caused all the trouble in the first place? The ultimate
dysfunctional family!

The story paints a lovely picture of the two sons of Feanor--proud and
beautiful. I myself find the sentiments Oshun ascribes to Elrond to be
a bit tilted toward the other side: I find it rather a stretch that
Elrond would so easily dismiss the kinstrife against Elwing's people,
but that's me. It's wonderful that the gaps Tolkien left in the
Silmarillion allows for so many varied interpretations!

Title: Journey's End · Author: Ignoble Bard · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 234
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-07-17 19:49:56
Spoilers!
This drabble links many strands of Arwen and Aragorn's love story
together with subtle references to key points in their relationship.

I think the premise is a marvellous illustration of this line in FotR,
Lothlórien: ["...he left the hill of Cerin Amroth and came there never
again as living man."], with the particurly lovely touch that it is
told through Aragorn's PoV, which makes it manifest that he is indeed
"there", in some "real" way.

A further reference is to another line in the same chapter: ["For the
grim years were removed from the face of Aragorn, and he seemed
clothed in white, a young lord tall and fair"]. Here, in a nice twist,
the description applies to both of them, "grim" taking into account
her desolation after his death, which falls away now they are reunited.

All these references are interwoven naturally, never interrupting the
flow of the narration itself, which is smooth, graceful, and very
romantic. The love they have for one another is evoked very
touchingly, in this case of course especially the love of Aragorn for
Arwen as we see her through his - it must be said, still completely
smitten (*g*) - eyes.

I find it remarkable that nowhere in this drabble is there any mention
of the sad reality the described moment shows: Arwen's death. This
strengthens the drabble's message, that this is a joyful reunion
between the two lovers, and it also wonderfully exemplifies the
argument that death is indeed a gift for Men, and not the end of their
existence.

Title: Healing · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves · ID: 419
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-07-17 19:51:55
An intimate conversation between Celeborn and Galadriel, yet at the
same time a sobering look at Middle-earth after it became the dominion
of Men.

Intriguingly, much of it consists of dialogue, with little
descripition initially. At first, I thought it a pity, because I
always enjoy Bodkin's lyrical descriptions, but I do think it serves a
purpose here. You're right in the story from the very start, curious
what these two people have to talk about. Furthermore, it illustrates
a theme of the story: the importance of nature for Elves, and in this
case especially for Celeborn.

The descriptions that are then strewn in are all the more powerful. As
ever, Bodkin manages to convey the connection between Elves and trees,
how they react and interact with each other. And all the more clear
just how much an impact it must have had on Celeborn when they slowly
faded.

I like the flashbacks to his time in M-e, not just to see what we was
up to before he finally took ship (*g*), but but because the way his
relationships with other people are portrayed is a wonderful example
of "show - don't tell".

The brief glimpses of the relationship between Celeborn and Galadriel
show the deep love between them, despite (or because of) both being
very strong-minded and independent people.

Title: The Dwarves Treasure · Author: eiranae · Races: Dwarves · ID: 312
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-17 20:58:53
Spoilers!
A wonderful concept - the idea of a bereaved dwarf taking in an
orphaned elf is, given the geography of Erebor, certainly possible.
Will the dwarf, who loves the foundling girl more each day, be able to
keep her, as her presence is not revealed to her true people, or will
he have to let her go? I look forward to reading more of the story
as/when it is written.

Title: Sunset Gates · Author: Ignoble Bard · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles
· ID: 342
Reviewer: Jael · 2008-07-17 21:13:22
Spoilers!
I have always held a soft spot for this deceptively simple little
piece, probably because of the clever bait and switch tactic you
employed. Gimli sailing to his final home. The Lady, with her arm
raised in greeting. His box with the three precious hairs clutched to
his chest.

We think we are seeing something and then . . . we are not. What is
Gimli doing there and why? I'd like to know, but you wisely let us,
the readers, fill in the blanks.

Bravo, Ignoble Bard! Nicely done.

Title: Parth Galen · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Steward's Family · ID: 705
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 21:56:58
There are a number of AUs in which Boromir makes different choices or
there are different outcomes at Parth Galen. This one is a very
plausible one. It is set in the author's universe, and makes use of
OCs, but the memories which give Boromir the strength he needs are
clear enough even if the reader is unfamiliar with them.

Title: Meant to Be · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Other Beings · ID: 137
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 21:57:52
This is a sweet little tribute to Cathleen's OC, a very memorable
Person of the Fabric Persuasion named Tulip.

I love Pearl's rendition of Eglantine. She is such a sweet and patient
mother to her irrepressible little Pippin. This story is gentle and
warm, and the details are very hobbity.

Title: As Close As · Author: Dana · Genres: Romance · ID: 88
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 21:58:15
This is an unusual story for Dana, one that does not fit perfectly
into her accustomed continuity. It was written as a request for a fic
exchange, and so needed to fulfil the person's wishes for a story
about an arranged marriage between Merry and Estella.

I think that she did that brilliantly, in her very subtle way. Dana's
writing is all about nuances--much is implied, and there is always a
lot of subtext. This story is an excellent example of that. Few could
manage to make a story about a honeymoon stay within the required
rating of PG-13.

There is a sweetness to the relationship of Merry and Estella in this
story. We see Estella's point-of-view as she and Merry embark upon a
journey of discovery. It seems clear that they love one another--it
was just that they did not expect to be married quite so soon and in
quite this way. Nevertheless, and in spite of initial awkwardness,
they find themselves getting on well.

One of the things I love about this are all the hints, hints about
Frodo especially, without ever mentioning him by name.

Estella is a very distinct personality in this story. She is quiet and
observant and determined. I love the way she begins to piece together
the things about Merry that she hasn't known before, and the ways in
which his journey changed him.

There are a lot of beautiful passages, for Dana's prose is, as always
both sharp and gentle, but I think the following is one of my favorite
parts: ["There was something shining about Merry, and she hadn't ever
noticed it before – but now she found it difficult that she would see
him as anything else than this shining bright lad, her Merry,
brilliant as the Sun."]

A lovely and lyrical story.



Title: The Heart of a Home · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 257
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 21:58:32
Mews always paints such a sweet and loving relationship between Bilbo
and his Frodo-lad. This little story shows just how much Frodo
appreciates his "uncle", and how much Bilbo has come to rely on having
his young "nephew" about the smial. It is all the quiet little
domestic details that bring this little story to life. She excels at
those, lending meaning and love to even the simplest of chores or
small favors.

Title: Temptation · Author: Princess Artemis · Genres: Poetry · ID: 416
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 21:59:02
A very interesting inner monologue of the Ring, in an unusual
structure. I did very much like the insights on Bilbo and Faramir in
particular.

Title: The Farmer's Son · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits:
Incomplete · ID: 509
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 21:59:28
For those who are very familiar with Lindelea's own "Shire universe",
this story enters entirely new and *unfamiliar* territory. She breaks
from her usual timeline to explore how Paladin dealt with the Ruffians
and the Troubles in the Shire during the year in which Pippin was
gone. This Paladin is not burdened with the difficulties that her
"usual" Paladin had, and the family dynamics are completely different.

Even though the story has just begun--only four chapters as I write
this--it's marvelous to see the shape of things unfolding, and I love
her take so far on how the Tooks came to be able to repel the
Ruffians. I really look forward to seeing this continued.

Title: Old Friends · Author: Marta · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 651
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 22:00:12
It's wonderful to think that Gandalf would welcome being reunited with
his only remaining companions from the Quest. Somehow, I think that as
Olorin he would miss being Gandalf--and seeing Legolas and Gimli again
would be delightful to him.

Title: Of Cake and Crumbs and Distant Dreams · Author: Lindelea ·
Races: Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 688
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 22:00:33
I have always had a great weakness for those stories in which Frodo
gets the chance to play the comforter and care-taker of his friends
and cousins, especially if they are set post-Quest. They are all too
rare--most stories show Frodo as the one in need of comfort. This
particular vignette, which is a long-time favourite of mine, and which
features Pippin and Frodo, gives Frodo the chance to shine in the role
of caring older cousin, and manages to push all the right buttons for me.

I really love the atmospheric way Lindelea goes about setting the mood
here. It is a melancholy mood, yet a gentle one--evoking both
homesickness and nostalgia. I often think of how homesick the hobbits
must have been, when the Quest had been accomplished, all great deeds
done, and all that remained was to wait to go home. The waiting must
have been very difficult for them. Pippin is in just such a mood,
alone and sad, when Frodo comes across him, and sets out to cheer him
up and to distract him much as he had done when Pippin was a child.

The real love and understanding and closeness that we see between the
cousins is just beautiful, and this is a story that always both brings
a smile to my face and tears to my eyes every time I read it.


Title: Dangerous Folk · Author: Budgielover · Genres: Adventure · ID: 546
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 22:01:04
Spoilers!
This is another of Budgielover's thrilling gapfillers. She has a knack
for putting the Fellowship through the wringer, and this one's no
exception--Frodo is kidnapped by a group of water-orcs, and his
friends must try to retrieve him!

One of the things I love about her action/adventure stories is the way
she shows the strengths of each member of the Fellowship--everyone
gets a chance to show his mettle at some point. She also has a way of
coming up with clever solutions that leave the Company back on track
for the Quest--however AU her gapfillers may be during the time they
take place, by the time they are finished we are once more on the road
to Mt. Doom.

Really exciting, and lots of cliffies!

Title: Elrond's Farewell · Author: Armariel · Genres: Poetry · ID: 269
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 22:01:29
Powerful imagery, as Elrond muses on his only daughter, and the fate
that has sundered him from her. I especially liked the metaphor ["My
heart was a fragile pitcher"] that was extended ["Your feet
now bleed as they step
on my shards, yet your dance
goes on, as I would have it so"] so beautifully. This author has a
wonderful talent for poetry.



Title: Pride and Despair: A Defense of Ecthelion's Son · Author: Marta
· Genres: Non-Fiction: Character Studies · ID: 624
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 22:02:20
This was a very thought-provoking essay, aimed at softening the
perception of canon!Denethor. She brought out some facts, especially
those regarding his childhood and early life of which I had been
previously unaware. And she also brought out several very cogent
arguments in favor of re-interpreting some of the major passages in
the books regarding his character.

I have to say, as one who has disliked his character for over forty
years, she definitely had a certain amount of success. Not one hundred
per cent, as I do disagree with her on some of her interpretations,
but enough to make me rethink some of my attitude, at least.

Excellent essay, and clearly and carefully laid-out arguments.
Definitely worth the reading for anyone who likes looking behind the
scenes of canon.

Title: Dreamflower's Bunny · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits:
Incomplete · ID: 644
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 22:02:48
How can I not love a story named for me? LOL! At some point in the far
distant past, I told Lindelea how much I would love to see a story in
which we learned of something that happened to Merry and his cousin
Ferdibrand before Pippin was born. Well, of course, that meant they
were *VERY* young. I was anticipating a brief and sweet little fluffy
childhood vignette.

What I got instead was a full blown multi-chapter story full of both
adventure and angst in spite of the protagonists' young ages! Lindelea
used the story-within-a-story format, as Merry and Ferdi recount the
incident to their friends around a campfire. There is humor and
hobbity banter; of course we realize that the outcome of the adventure
will be a good one--eventually!

This does not keep it from being both thrilling and sorrowful. Two
little hobbits--one of them barely more than a toddler, the other only
a few years older--are wandering about the Shire and into untold
dangers, while frantic family members search for them. And the two
little ones prove to be very resourceful, brave and clever, in spite
of their young ages!

It's still a WIP as of the writing of this review, but I am expecting
Lin to bring it to a triumphant conclusion very soon!


Title: ...and the sound of a battered heart, beating · Author:
Lindelea · Genres: Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 690
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 22:04:25
One of my favorite of Lindelea's long stories--perhaps my favorite--is
"A Small and Passing Thing". While it deals with Frodo's struggles on
returning to the Shire, it is just as much concerned with that of
Fredegar Bolger's recovery from his long imprisonment in the
lockholes. This little drabble is set as a gapfiller during that time
period, a little dialogue between Frodo and Estella Bolger as they
watch over an ill Fredegar.

It captures the wisdom of post-Quest Frodo in just a few perfect
words. Absolutely lovely and very true to character.

Title: Merry on the Pelennor Fields · Author: Primsong · Genres:
Poetry: Drama · ID: 720
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 22:04:51
One of the most dramatic moments in The Return of the King is the
glimpse we get of Merry's point-of-view upon the battlefield at the
Pelennor--a rare descent into a deeper point-of-view than JRRT
normally graces us with.

This is a very powerful poem. Here we go even deeper into Merry's
thoughts as he experiences the horror of seeing those he loved struck
down in battle: Snowmane, Eowyn, Theoden. The language is filled with
terror and angst and despair--yet the imagery is, in its own dreadful
way, beautiful--Primsong is a skilled poet, knowing how repetition
lends strength to images, and how the placement of a single word can
alter the impact of a phrase.

Merry's grief and despair, are as we know, not only the result of
seeing his companion on the field of battle struck down, and of seeing
the man he had come to love and revere die in his arms, but also of
the blow he gave to the Witch-king, leaving him in the grip of the
Black Breath. His anguish is palpable here--described in far more
graphic and visceral language than it originally was in canon.

Here is one of my favorite parts:

["My dear beloved Lord, as a father you were to me…
Gone grey as ash, pale as the smoke that rises above us.
As the colorless wash of a winter's twilight sky.
Your dead eyes are blind to both banner and kin.
Empty windows of a plundered house.
My arm hangs heavily as I kneel,
So cold, so cold.
In the wind my tears bite like trails of ice,
Is the warmth of life so fleeting?"]

It brings tears to my eyes, and makes me want to gather Merry up and
comfort him.

The use at the end of the poem of the simple language of the original
gives a stark contrast, and leaves us with Merry feeling bereft and
numb with grief.



Title: A Path of Wisdom · Author: Dana · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 641
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-07-17 22:05:10
Spoilers!
This is a very beautifully constructed drabble-set placed in one of my
favourite of Dana's AUs: in this AU, Lotho survives the Occupation of
the Shire and the Traveller's return.

In twenty-four drabbles, Dana alternates Lotho's point-of-view with
that of others. She does not name the other points-of-view, but to the
reader the voices of the other characters are fairly clear. We see
through their eyes and through Lotho's how things deteriorate, and how
he finds himself a prisoner deep within Bag End--so far, all perfectly
correct and according to canon. But it is there that the story
diverges into a new course. Dana's explanation of how that happened
seems perfectly reasonable, as does her explanation of what happens in
his life afterwards.

This is an introspective and character driven piece, as most all of
Dana's stories are. The interest lies not nearly so much in the why
and how of things, but in the way the characters think about the
events and what those thoughts mean to their lives. And in spite of
the alteration in circumstance, each character *remains* in
character--their motives and reactions are very much in keeping with
Tolkien's own view of Middle-earth and the place of certain things
like mercy and grace in the overall scheme of things.

Normally, I do not have much sympathy for Lotho, but I do in this story.