Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: The Dark One · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama · ID: 411
Reviewer: viv · 2008-07-18 21:17:25
I've mentioned to you before how horrible (in the best possible way,
literarily) I find the piglet. What an excruciating subplot! But it
draws the setting so well, makes everything seem on the cusp of
darkness and tragedy, just handing on by a thread. (That's the setting
you're going for, right?) And Morwen's past fits into that tableu
nicely. Even now, having gotten away from some of the darkness, she's
just barely staying above water.

I think I've also mentioned how impressive your attention to detail
is. With few words, you give the physical setting and really draw a
reader in. This series goes from pit-deep blackness to chuckles to
torrid smut, completely without blinking. I dig the wild ride.

Characterizations in this story are also rich and evocative, and
though the OFC appears at first to be a pwp sort of gal, it becomes
clear that she is in fact *not* amoral, whatever her past. This story
is one of a series featuring this OFC, and so far I've enjoyed every
one I've read.

Title: The Ring That Sauron Forged · Author: Larner · Genres: Poetry:
Hobbits · ID: 645
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-07-18 23:34:45
"The Ring That Sauron Forged" is a clever, amusing, and ultimately
poignant tongue-twister style poem that should be required reading for
everyone who loves Tolkien's universe. The verses tell the basic story
of the One Ring in a surprising fashion that aptly summarizes the main
themes and characterizes the dramatis personae of Tolkien's most
reknown tale.

Larner's poem should be required reading for any English students who
are looking for an aid to remember the key events in "Lord of the
Rings" for their book reports!! Moreover, us Tolkien fans should be
made to memorize this poem. Then we can then meet as a group and
individually recite the lines as fast as we can go. That would put to
best use this lovely poem with its surprising and moving ending.

Title: Sing All Ye People! · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 249
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-07-18 23:57:45
In "Sing All Ye People," Raksha gives us Faramir's point of view of an
incident in Lord of the Rings where I personally thought Tolkien
seriously overdid it with religiousity and saccarine. Raksha frames
the believability straining arrival of the singing eagle who announces
Sauron's defeat into a touching meditation by Faramir on the meaning
of the strange creature's words. The affect is haunting and touching.
This story was far easier for me to accept than the original. (Sorry
'bout that, JRRT).



Title: The Ritual Disturbed · Author: Larner · Genres: Horror · ID: 68
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-19 01:26:10
A scary scene to work with, and characters Larner doesn't write too
often, show her grasp of horror as well as hurt/comfort and humor and
history in Tolkien fanfiction. I really liked the characterisation of
Tom Bombadil/Iarwain, a being of great power cloaked with bright
colors and silly rhymes...

Title: Concerning Walls · Author: Larner · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Frodo and Faramir · ID: 112
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-19 02:52:32
Spoilers!


One of the scenes I dearly wish that Tolkien had written was the
reunion of Faramir and Frodo, that Faramir himself had wistfully
mentioned in Ithillien, when both Captain and Ringbearer parted to
journey into terrible danger.

In this short story, the reunion that neither Frodo nor Faramir had
believed they would live to see, is written with understated grace and
poignancy. The dialogue, which could, in less inspired hands, come out
stilted or over-sentimentalized, flows naturally; as the hobbit and
the Steward discuss history, flowers, types of residential
architectture in Shire and Minas Tirith, and the changes that loom
over both their homelands like the no-longer-shadowed Ephel Duath.
Frodo and Faramir are kindred spirits, not only by their shared love
of lore and friendship with Mithrandir, but because of having walked
through some of the same fires.

I particularly like the characterisation of Faramir here; he is as
keenly perceptive and incisive as he was in Henneth-Annun, but more
gentle, free to be more overtly compassionate.

Title: Pip-napped! · Author: Dreamflower/Lindelea CoAuthors · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 669
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-19 04:13:56
Spoilers!
I've seen the plot of hobbits kidnapped in post-RingWar Minas Tirith
written more than once before, but it is always intriguing to see how
it is played out. And in this story, it is played out very well. I
really like how Pippin is characterised here, resourceful enough to
turn the tables on his kidnappers and, in a tribute to his goodness of
heart, actually pity them.

Title: The Last Stand · Author: Rhapsody · Times: First Age and Prior
· ID: 82
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-19 05:13:03
Thanks for giving us a good glimpse of how the Elven host and their
allies would have felt behind the lines. The images were quite vivid
to me, I liked how you portrayed Beleg. I also like the way you
fleshed out Echthelion. The Gondolin host had always been somewhat of
an enigma for me.

The pain and frustration of the characters underscores for me that the
bigger tragedy was that the Eldar were not united on that battle and
how things could have turned out differently had it been otherwise.
Like I said before, Beleg is getting more and more interesting the
more I read about him.

Title: Care to Ride My Hot-Rod Fell Beast? · Author: viv · Genres:
Humor: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 180
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-07-19 05:18:21
Good work, Viv. This double drabble is just hysterical, a modern,
punkish take on Eowyn versus the Witch King. Every Tolkien fan should
give this one a look. The Wiki's final comments are priceless.

Title: Midwinter Thoughts · Author: Rhapsody · Races: Elves: Noldor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 570
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-19 05:22:51
Spoilers!
The Feanorians are my favorite, Maitimo most of all, so this is a
treat to read. It's nice that you gave my favorite elf something more
pleasant to think about. I also liked the passing references you gave
to the other Feanorions and am very curious to find out more about the
particular lady that Maitimo is about to propose to. I have had
several pet theories as to why a majority of the Feanorians never
married, and somehow it always occurs to me how much different events
could have turned out if Maitimo or Tyelkormo had been married. Thanks
for sharing this.

Title: Autumn · Author: Linda hoyland · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 489
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-19 05:27:12
Spoilers!
What must it have been like for Aragorn, who wandered the wilds for so
many years, to give up the freedom of wood and mountain for the
obligations of the highest throne in western Middle-earth?

Here, Linda Hoyland gives a possible answer, or at least a partial
answer, in a mere hundred words.

Though Aragorn is surely the mightiest of a race that is nigh super in
strength and stamina (not to mention having the body of a 40-year-old
at an actual age when most humans need canes or coffins), he is still
mortal. When autumn chills the air and brings grey skies, drizzling
rain and even frost, even Aragorn would feel weariness, not to mention
the cold and the damp. In this drabble, Linda conveys Aragorn's
appreciation of some aspects of a more settled existence - not so much
the kingly trappings as warmth, home, and the presence of family and
friends. The relationship between Aragorn and Arwen is fittingly
portrayed as being both comforting and passionate.

A lot of description, and feeling, powerfully delivered in this
drabble. And there's a lovely last line, too!

Title: The Last Words · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: Featuring
the Noldor · ID: 409
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-19 05:44:26
Spoilers!
I've always considered the estrangement of Feanor and Nerdanel very
tragic and sad and reading your story emphasized this for me. How
different things could have turned out if this had not happened, or if
she joined him in Middle Earth. It's also a treat to see the spotlight
more on Ambarussa here than on the other Feanorions. I think this also
gives a good glimpse of what could have been going through Nerdanel's
mind and how she must have felt after being supplanted by the jewels
in her husband's regard, truly, they could qualify as "mistresses".
Nerdanel's question of why the Valar released Morgoth and how it
affected her family is my favorite line. The most heart breaking scene
is the part where she actually holds them and addresses them like they
were living beings and how even after she denies any more love for
him, she still does not want him destroyed. The hopeless romantic in
me thinks that if anything, that is still an indication that she loves
him.

Title: Unwilling · Author: Elena Tiriel · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 64
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-19 14:57:55
A lovely drabble that seems to have relevance in what happens today. I
was particularly struck by the observation that Men had stolen the
stars. So many folks today who live in cities never see them.

Title: Healing · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves · ID: 419
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-19 15:19:10
Spoilers!
This is a truly beautiful, if depressing, story about why it was
Celeborn stayed behind when his wife went to Valinor and what it was
that moved him to finally rejoin her. Reunited with Galadriel, he
recounts the events while resting beneath trees that do not die.

Celeborn has always been one of my favorite characters-the quiet,
seemingly innocuous Elf who is married to the formidable Galadriel,
surnamed the Wise-and apparently, the one person who can actually turn
her from a chosen course (or so it always seemed to me!). His strength
is of a different sort than hers, but no less strong. Here, however,
he is drained and in need of solace. And Bodkin depicts that and his
ages-old love for his wife wonderfully well.

In this story, the Elves of the Fourth Age do linger for a time,
trying to heal the land of what Sauron had done to it. Celeborn tells
of Arwen's death, and of Elladan's and Elrohir's unwillingness to flee
Arda until she is gone. Thranduil and Glorfindel make brief
appearances, and Glorfindel in particular is simply marvelous! What
eventually forces Celeborn to flee or face fading is something I had
never considered before, but it makes such a great deal of sense that
I wondered why it had never occcured to me. A lovely, lovely tale, Bodkin!

Title: The Last Words · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: Featuring
the Noldor · ID: 409
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-19 15:52:06
Spoilers!
A fascination confrontation between Nerdanel and her rivals for
Feanor's love. What I found most intriguing was that despite
Nerdanel's assertions that she was done with the Spirit of Fire, she
is still emotionally invested in her husband's welfare; still loves
him. Which is not at all surprising. Rhapsody knows her House of
Finwe, and brings off this episode in Nerdanel's life with pleasing
intensity.

Title: Music hath Charms · Author: Linda hoyland · Races: Men: Minas
Tirith · ID: 361
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-07-19 16:33:59
This story begins as a scene of domestic discord among Gondor's two
highest couples, the likes of which would provide fodder for Minas
Tirith gossip TV--if such a thing existed. However, events resolve
smoothly, as the King and his Steward prove the axiom in Linda's
title. A gentle bit of fluff that is perfect for a summer's day, or
for healing any blues that you might have.

Title: Homeward Bound · Author: Werecat · Genres: Alternate Universe ·
ID: 430
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-07-19 16:58:28
On its surface, "Homeward Bound" is a modern encounter between a
hungry hobo and the middle aged cat lady who feeds him. But there is
much more lingering below the story's surface. This tale is a
resolultion of Tolkien's unfortunate short paragraphs on Queen
Beruthiel that rises the ire of cat lovers among his fans. Werecat
envisions a better future for the much maligned queen in 21st century
England. (I presume, partially because an American would more likely
provide hearty chicken soup and bread for lunch, rather than
shepheard's pie, as Missus Beth does.) The story touched me and left
me in tears.

I think there should be an archive somewhere for Tolkien-oriented
stories featuring animals. "Homeward Bound" would be a prime candidate.

Title: Of Old It Was Not Darksome · Author: EdorasLass · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 70
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-07-19 17:01:12
Spoilers!
Brilliant little snapshot of scene! The appearance of Boromir's cloak
was a welcome touch, and I like the way Gimli's memories of it were
handled. Very moving story.

Title: Bombur's Diet · Author: Primsong · Races: Dwarves · ID: 677
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-07-19 17:03:46
Spoilers!
Oh dear, I haven't laughed so hard in a good long while. This is some
of the best dwarf writing I've ever seen. Bilbo is definitely Bilbo,
and the dwarves are all definitely dwarves. You couldn't switch the
names around or the characters. The writing (and the dialogue
especially) fits both the race and the individual. Truly, this is a
masterpiece of characterization.

But what really makes this story shine is the humor. It's a droll,
laid back style of humor, and it makes you smile at every turn. Bilbo
is in rare form, and his wry observations kept surprising laughs out
of me. Bombur's nonchalance about his growing weight still makes me
smile, and the antics of his cousins are not to be missed. Then there
are the other dwarves, who put in cameo appearances of a sort by the
end of the tale, and though their initial reaction is confusion, they
recover quickly enough to make some great quips of their own. The
final twist thrown in by both Bilbo and Bombur in order to drive home
a vital point made me both laugh and nod my head in understanding. I
don't know that I can completely agree with them (I think his
increasing weight will eventually impact his cousins), but they
certainly make their point clearly and persuasively. Full applause all
around for all the characters and for a sharp, witty tale.

Title: Trading Pledges · Author: Adaneth · Races: Dwarves · ID: 339
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-07-19 17:04:43
Spoilers!
I think one of the big opportunities for writers of Tolkien fanfiction
is to open up doorways into the cultures that Tolkien only hinted at.
And there are many of them, not least of which would be the dwarves.
Tolkien gave us a few tidbits to work with, but by and large, they're
a reticent group. That is, they are until Adaneth grabs hold of them.
This is easily one of my all-time favorite dwarf stories, and also one
of my favorite romances. I'm not generally a fan of the latter (which
should tell you something about how much I like this story) and I have
lots of favorites among the former (which should also tell you
something about how much I like this story). Simply put, this is a
masterpiece that wedges its way into a hidden world and makes it
accessible. It's completely dwarven. This could never be mistaken for
anything else. But it's dwarven in a way that readers can comprehend
and understand. We feel along with the dwarves. We get a sense of the
propriety of courtship, the fear that lingers behind the battle
preparations, and the feel of choice and destiny and pledges made on
the eve of war. Finally, I have to award large kudos for bridging
territory into the lives of the elusive Firebeards. Durin's line tends
to hog the spotlight. All in all, this is a very full and very
encompassing look at a culture that is only briefly glimpsed by canon.

Title: Tonight We Are Alive · Author: Eyborg · Races: Dwarves · ID: 504
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-07-19 17:05:18
Superb little canon gapfiller! I've seen many stories on Bilbo's
return and also on what happened during Bilbo's absence, but I think
people sometimes forget that there were three dwarves on the Quest for
Erebor who never came home. And who knows who might have been waiting
for them? Thankfully, that's where touching stories like this come in.

Title: As Was Dwarven Tradition · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 553
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-07-19 17:05:59
Spoilers!
Anyone knows me well know that I'm a big sucker for anything involving
Legolas and Gimli. So of course I immediately fell for this story. It
made me smile, it made me laugh, and it warmed my heart. I love the
way Gimli keeps looking for Legolas, never quite losing the hope that
his friend would appear. I also love his conviction that this would be
a very long night. Thranuil's appearance was definitely not expected,
and that was a great surprise. But even better was Legolas's eventual
arrival, and the way in which he carried it out. Great birthday
surprise, and very endearing story.

Title: The Dwarves Treasure · Author: eiranae · Races: Dwarves · ID: 312
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-07-19 17:06:30
I keep wanting to call this story "precious," except that in LotR
culture, that has an entirely different meaning. But if I could use
the normal sense of the word, I would. It's not quite "A Connecticut
Yankee in King Arthur's Court" or "The Ugly Duckling," but the premise
is similar and the elven child is definitely cuter. Fun, charming, and
endearing.

Title: Alqualondë · Author: Moreth · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 220
Reviewer: Robinka · 2008-07-19 17:16:00
Spoilers!
This set of two drabbles is Moreth's debut, and what a powerfully done
and the most impressive one! She told so much in so few words that it
is really amazing. The drabbles both depict the tragedy of the first
kinslaying in Alqualondë, but each takes on a different point of view:
an innocent victim in the first one and a trained, skilled in fighting
assailant in the second drabble.

Moreth conveyed the contradiction of these viewpoints perfectly: the
chaos and horror of the attack as seen through the eyes of those who
were attacked (represented here by a young Teler), and the steel-cold
drive of those who were the attackers, prepared to kill and die, but
not thinking about it at the time. Remorse comes later.

Heart-breaking, splendidly captured scene! Outstandingly done!

Title: What Goes Up · Author: Dana · Times: Late Third Age: Gondor
Drabbles · ID: 683
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-07-19 17:21:30
What a wonderful drabble! It's a perfect metaphor for Pippin, isn't
it? Poised between his 'tweenhood, using a child's skill ["he was good
at it, and it was something that Frodo had shown him first, and
something he'd excelled at "] to set actions in motion that will move
him inexorably toward adulthood. ["Now Pippin stands a world away from
anything he's ever known, alone with the quiet of the wind and the
crack of hot fire – and the quiet of his thoughts, so far away from
home."]

The last line, of course, is the kicker, as it should be in a drabble;
the bit that twists the whole story on its head. Just terrific!

Title: Eagle of the Star · Author: alex_quine · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Aragorn · ID: 152
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-07-19 17:22:34
Spoilers!
This was a most intriguing story. I don't know that I've read such a
well drawn characterization of Ecthelion, shrewd and wise, but also
farsighted and suprisingly compassionate. The characterization of
Denethor was quite unusual too: briliiant, yet somewhat pampered and
overprotected, reckless and eager to prove himself. The sexual
relationship between Denethor and Thorongil was very different from
others of this pairing I've read: Denethor portrayed as a bored
dilettante, pouncing upon Thorongil almost for the novelty of it,
while Thorongil, poor Thorongil, can't quite decide to be flattered or
overwhelmed. The idea of Thorongil feeling heartsick over his
impending exile, longing for the city he has come to love, made my
heart ache, too. The final scene, where Ecthelion gifts Thorongil with
a token in earnest of his future claim, was unexpected, and quite moving.