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Title: Frogdom · Author: Neilia · Genres: Humor: Elven Lands · ID: 192
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2008-07-21 23:02:02
A very cute,what if? story. Poor Pippin!

Title: A Summer Night's Peace · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 694
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2008-07-21 23:55:12
Spoilers!
In this delightful story Aragorn is is found near the White Tree by
Frodo.Poor Arwen is starting to experience the common lot of women,so
her bridegroom must seek out the company of his friends. Poor Frodo is
embarrassed by the talk of female matters having been brought up in an
all male enviroment.

I loved this touching glimpse of the bond between Aragorn and Frodo. I
also like the way you see the White Tree.A pity Frodo will not visit
the Hallow as he helped so much to restore the Kings. This story has
distinct shadowings of Frodo's decline,despite all Aragorn's love and
care.

I was intrigued by the idea that Aragorn had visited the Hallow before
with Ecthelion.

This story is full of good things and a most enjoyable read.

Title: Fennas Haradren · Author: Linaewen · Genres: Adventure · ID: 280
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-07-22 01:16:57
Spoilers!
I highly enjoyed this story about Gondor in the years before the War
of the Ring. It is very original, developing a southern fortress never
(to my knowledge) mentioned in canon, yet it does not feel in the
slightest bit A.U. I could easily see our heroic Boromir acting like
he did, and his frustrations felt very real. It had a feel almost of
Beowulf, like the last battle where Beowulf dies, and I found the use
of adventure and the heroic to be very fitting with Boromir. And even
with all of that, there's still time for humor. This quote had me
chuckling out loud:

["When next I meet a cave troll!" exclaimed Boromir. "There will be no
such time! I trust I shall never have to face another such creature
again; once is surely enough for me!"]

Finally, it has to be said: Linaewen does a better job of battle
strategy (both in the battles portrayed and in Gondor's larger
military strategy) than P.J. did with all of his advisors. Granted,
I'm no expert at such things, but I was thoroughly convinced. A nice,
adrenaline-pumping read through out; Boromir fans won't want to miss it.

Title: Homeward Bound · Author: Werecat · Genres: Alternate Universe ·
ID: 430
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-07-22 02:52:30
Spoilers!
You know, given the comparative dearth of cats in Tolkien canon, I am
always surprised that Werecat has found so much room for fanfic in
which cats play a primary part. I don't think I've ever read a story
by this author where cats did not play some part. Yet, she keeps
finding new scenarios to explore, and this one is no different.

In this story we see Radagast still wandering through what was once
Middle-earth - what has become our "modern" earth (not in contemporary
times, but in near-history). The transformation of Radagast into a
hobo seemed particularly fitting, as he was only ever on the fringe of
acceptable canon even in The Lord of the Rings. His connection with a
cat who likewise has an ancient history breathes new life into the
ancient story of Radagast, making it poignant and touching. by the end
I was a bit misty-eyed.

Touchingly done with creative twists on canon - I highly enjoyed
re-reading this one.

Title: National Treasure · Author: Baranduin · Times: Modern Times ·
ID: 201
Reviewer: Súlriel · 2008-07-22 03:21:07
This is one of my favorite kind of stories to read – the "what if". I
think, at heart, we all want to believe and this is a wonderful foray
into that. One of my favorite movie quotes is Tim Allen in Galaxy
Quest when he says ["It's real. It's all real."] I'd love to know that
feeling and this story gives me a glimmer of hope.

Title: Orc Dreams · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 448
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-22 03:35:55
From an apparently throw-away line from ROTK in which the orc on the
stair of Torech Ungol encounters Sam, Tanaqui has crafted a most
marvelous nightmare, a nightmare in which an orc is threatened by the
very objects that tend to inspire hope and awe in the hearts of those
inclined to the Light. The story is short and direct, and well conveys
the discomfort known by the unfortunate orc as he seeks relief in two
ways, one particuluarly orcish in nature.

Very deftly and convincingly written, and alternate names are well
chosen indeed.

Title: There shall be Mirth at our Meeting · Author: Imhiriel ·
Genres: Humor: Drabbles · ID: 377
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-22 03:41:39
Oh, but I've loved this drabble since the first time I read it. There
are two described within LOTR who are described as being founts of
humor at times, and this one is marvelously depicted, and particularly
the deliberate reference to the similarities this one has for the
other. And love the two who are discussing him as well!

Imhiriel has such a way with drabbles, and remains one of my favorite
masters of the genre.

Title: On Far Fields · Author: Dwimordene · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 106
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-22 04:07:13
Spoilers!
Isabeau's OMC Andrahar of Umbar is probably my favorite of her
original characters. Here, Dwimordene borrows the good Captain for a
great vignette about the conflict of roots versus friendship.

On the Pelennor, after the great battle in LOTR, Andrahar is caught
between memories and traditions of the life he left behind and his
loyalty to Dol Amroth and its prince.

There is no question of betrayal here; but Andrahar is only human, and
can feel sorrow at the loss of honor endured by the warriors of the
people who were once his; and wonder as to his own honor and purpose.
The misery of the captive Southrons is extremely well written; their
song a masterpiece of evocative prayer - I especially like the
incorporation of Sauron-as-Annatar into their mythology.



Title: Frodos Dremes · Author: Gentle Hobbit · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 235
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-22 04:45:27
We know that Frodo from time to time knew prescient dreams and
visions. The dreams described here are often disturbing as Frodo
Baggins as a younger Hobbit and then after the quest was achieved
finds himself facing dreams that leave him filled with questions, and,
at the end, the grief of knowledge of how deeply he was injured by the
Ring.

Disturbing and vivid--and all too likely. Imagery is clear and sharp
as a surgeon's knife, and the grief felt incalculable. Well done.

Title: Moon Over Water · Author: Avon · Genres: Drama: Final Partings
· ID: 518
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-07-22 05:00:52
This is a lovely, very atmospheric piece showing how hope and "magic"
transcends the generations before and after the Ring War. Nice work, Avon.

Title: Wild Swan · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 328
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2008-07-22 05:06:53
Spoilers!
I greatly enjoyed this series of ficlets about Prince Imrahil and his
family and friends. I was especially stirred by the image of the
graceful Thorongil preparing to dive,moved by Imrahil's care for
Faramir and gladdened when Aragorn gives the Prince a well deserved
gift.These charming drabbles provide the reader with a sense of the
man and the history he has lived through.

Title: Shall We Dance? · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Races: Men:
Steward's Family · ID: 93
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-22 05:08:23
Spoilers!
Ah--a glimpse of young Lothiriel of Dol Amroth being presented at
sixteen to the court of Gondor, intent on seeing an old custom
renewed. Now, if she can only convince her uncle to give over his
memories of loss and his self-isolation to see it done.

Descriptions are vivid and inviting; the thoughts of those involved
are well rendered and true to character as I understand them; the
memories and the foreshadowing well done.

Title: Parting Gifts · Author: Fiondil · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Post-Ring War · ID: 452
Reviewer: pen_iaur · 2008-07-22 05:08:35
I loved this story - The relationship between Gimli and Legolas was
beautifully written. I cried. Fiondil has always made the Tolkien
characters come alive for me.

Title: Horse Sense · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 22
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-22 05:13:07
Spoilers!
I love stories about Bill, our tenth walker (and a nudge here to
Lindelea, whose story I'm still waiting to see finished!), and this is
no exception. He has reason to be concerned about one of the company's
comments--or maybe not.

Delightful tale, and Bill's reaction to the new additions is well
rendered. And the conversation in question is marvelous! Yes, delightful!

Title: WAR: A Promise Before Dying · Author: Fiondil · Times:
Multi-Age · ID: 55
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-22 05:34:23
Spoilers!
Elrond swore to his Lord that he should see the Ring destroyed that
Sauron not rise again. But how he might take responsibility for this
promise when the son of Elendil had physical possession of the thing
apparently Gil-galad had taken no thought to, not that he had a great
deal of say in the matter at the moment, considering his state. Over
the millennia the question remained as to what had happened in the
Mortal Lands and why until the latest Grey Ship brought the answer,,,,

Fiondil's rehoused Twice-born are child-like in their earlier stages,
their innocence restored--for a time at least. I've never been certain
I completely agree with this, but it works well in his tales. But this
reunion is well depicted on the part of the Elves involved, although,
being me, I would have a good deal more for the Ringbearers to say....

I love it anyway. A worthy read.

Title: And all was made ready · Author: Dreamflower · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 427
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-22 05:45:20
Spoilers!
In this enthralling story. Dreamflower writes of Aragorn's coronation
from the point of view of the four hobbits.

Dreamflower has an eye for hobbit character, and writes it in a way
that lightens the load of the tremendous significance of the historic
occasion. Being hobbits, Pippin, Merry, Sam and Frodo must eat first,
and then be grandly dressed for the coronation. In a rather neat bit,
Pippin may have grown so much that his sword-calloused hand is
stronger and larger than Frodo's,but he still insists on eating every
bit of the honey they are given.

There are so many neat bits here - Sam's discomfiture at riding with
Prince Imrahil giving way to ease when Imrahil asks Sam about his kin
in the Shire; and of course Sam tells him about every Gamgee relation;
the way Faramir and Gandalf have arranged to spare Frodo discomfort in
the handing over of the crown, the hobbits' appreciation of the beauty
of the day and the mountains and the city and the Steward's great
white banner...

I think if Tolkien had written more about the coronation, it would
have read very much like this story.

And I loved the ending!

Title: Return of the King · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 355
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-22 05:51:02
Ah, but it's a different King who considers whether to return to
Gondor; but it is the responsibility involved in the oath he has taken
to the people of that land that draws him back.

Very good characterization, and most appropriate motivation given for
his choice! Again, Imhiriel, your ability to say so much so succinctly
impresses me mightily.

Title: Giving Gifts · Author: Marta · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 426
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-22 06:19:12
Spoilers!
Marta, definitely one of your greatest humorous ficlets. The idea of
these two men tweeking one another about via such gifts to the other's
children is marvelous. And the planned revenge is so wonderful to
calculate upon! Such a decidedly delightful look at the humor of the
two participants, and so deftly chosen of weapons! Heh! I so love such
tales, particularly when as well told as this!

Title: House of Ransom · Author: Robinka · Races: Elves: Drabbles ·
ID: 657
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-07-22 09:59:42
Spoilers!
This is a drabble that portrays a pivotal moment in Beleg's fate. Just
after the request has been made to him, Beleg set out to find Túrin
after his self-inflicted banishment; it reads as if is Túrin's mentor
follows and scrutinises all he has achieved so far. Yet, Beleg fan's
and other readers alike also know there is more to this. What Robinka
manages to bring across so well in this drabble is Beleg's quarry, it
feels as if his heart is held in ransom, and it reads as a great test
of his unwavering friendship and loyalty to this young man. Yet, at
the same time, Beleg notices that camaraderie or friendship can also
come at the cost of death or more when he notes the carnage inflicted
upon the outlaws. All these facets are portrayed so well here. Besides
the gapfiller thought of this elf, it also shows the complexity of
Beleg opinions about Túrin and his own question regarding his motives.
That is beautifully drabbled with this line: [Yet I had listened to my
heart, not wisdom.]. The drabble ends with a turning point ahead of
this elf, the author ends this moment perfectly and yet leaves the
reader with the knowledge what happens next while Beleg continues his
search. This is finely drabbled and it is surely an appetiser for more
that will make you want to re-read that particular chapter in [the
Silmarillion].

Title: The Sky Is Over · Author: Robinka · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 83
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-07-22 10:25:33
Spoilers!
This drabble gives the reader such an intimate peek in Finrod's
thoughts and his foresight of what lies ahead. Knowing what happened
before and also what answer he will give to his sister, this ficlet
gives me the chills after having read it often. Ever since I read that
particular quote and how Finrod lived up to it, I felt for him and the
fate the professor had in mind for him.

While writing this piece, Robinka finds a beautiful blend between
angst and romance, she portrays Finrod in such grace and dignity by
using her drabble skills to touch upon love and to be loved without
forcing it. Another thing this author is good at is picking out
important character turning points (or gapfiller moments), lifting
them out of the known story and brings it to the reader. However, this
drabble has so much more! I love the allusion between Galadriel's
touch and that of Amarie because it says so much: to me it feels as if
he draws strength from it especially knowing what is to come. At the
same time, it also shows this Noldo valiant nature, his strength where
he draws from, unknowingly or not. This ficlet is beautifully written,
it gives the reader a very vivid image, and it reads very intimate and
is at the same time immensely powerfully brought with great skill.

Title: For the Want of ... · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 681
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-07-22 11:04:09
A well-written story with excellent characterization and very vivid,
lively dialog. I particularly enjoyed Aragorn's letter to Faramir,
reminiscing over Denethor in a manner meant to lift Faramir's heart,
something he sorely needed at that point. I'd love to see what this
this author would do with Denethor and Thorongil.

Title: Dawn Twilight · Author: viv · Times: Modern Times · ID: 182
Reviewer: elea24 · 2008-07-22 14:46:56
Whoa! What a rip roaring ride! I pretty much read this all in one
sitting as I couldn't pull myself away from it. The one time I did
have to break away I was itching to get back to it. The storyline is
thrilling and has just the right amount of suspense. It leaves you
wondering and questioning, and trying to work out what the answers
could be without dictating the whole picture to you straight off the
bat. A lot is left unsaid, or rather hinted at, with just beautiful
description and emotive language to feed your imagination until it is
all drawn together wonderfully at the end.
It is also extremely amusing and heartwarming. The protagonist, Moira,
is a joy to read. She is snarky, vulnerable, clueless, brave,
compassionate -all rolled into one adorably complicated young adult.
Viv does a wonderfully witty job of expressing Moira's feelings. So
much so that I had to stop eating and drinking whilst I read it due to
the amount of times I nearly choked from laughing so hard.
I sometimes find 'elves in modern time' stories to be a little forced,
with the characters being squashed into a setting and given a voice
that just doesn't seem to fit. I found no such problems with this
story. The mix of Tolkien's world with the modern age works really
well (with a lot of attention paid to cannon) and the characters all
sound natural in their environment. Viv has clearly thought through
where it is each character has come from, and how that would influence
their actions, behavior and speech, making this piece rich, dynamic
and highly entertaining.


Title: Stars of the Lesser · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age
and Prior · ID: 74
Reviewer: pandemonium_213 · 2008-07-22 15:06:10
In the interest of full disclosure [Stars of the Lesser] was written
for me as a gift by Dawn. As I noted in a previous review, this story
fits me like a pair of hand-knitted mittens, shaped perfectly for the
shape of my hands and length of my fingers, and for my rather
heretical view of Tolkien's world. So, naturally, I have my biases,
and in fact, this story addresses bias.

Tolkien created his legendarium with the conceit that it represents an
imaginary history written by similarly imaginary historians (Baggins,
Pengolodh, Rumil). Any history is subject to interpretation of
objective events through the lenses of the historian. A good historian
will reach beyond his or her comfort zone to critically analyze events
and people. Dawn applies the same to Tolkienian "canon" or history in
[Stars of the Lesser.]

Here we find a young Pengolodh stepping outside of his comfort zone
and even disobeying his parents: sneaking peeks at a "forbidden" book
and clambering out among the slippery rocks along the sea near
Nevrast. There he meets a young Celebrimbor who is diving in the
frigid ocean in search of marine organisms. In the course of their
exchange, Pengolodh is challenged to think about what he has been
taught in a different way. Using the example of a bioluminescent
invertebrate, the inquisitive Fëanorian provides a provocative -- and
to Pengolodh, disturbing -- viewpoint of the origins of light and of
Arda itself.

Couched in "Arda-ized" language and imagery, we hear Pengolodh's
challenge to Celebrimbor which subtly reminds one of Wilberforce
addressing Huxley. The young Fëanorian advises that there are multiple
sides to every story, and how the revelation of history is dependent
upon light cast upon it.

[Stars of the Lesser] is custom-fit to my love of science, my
fascination with and empathy for the Fëanorians and the Noldor, and my
inherent skeptical (and irreverent) nature. Nonetheless, this
provocative story is well worth reading for any Tolkien fan. Whether
one agrees with its underlying themes or not, it is always good to
think and turn the facets of history around in the light.



Title: Don't Explain · Author: gwidhiel · Races: Elves: Incomplete ·
ID: 289
Reviewer: pandemonium_213 · 2008-07-22 15:26:53
[Don't Explain] is a sly title for a novel-in-progress which in fact
explains much. Gwidhiel is a newcomer to Tolkienian fan fiction, but
in this story, she demonstrates her considerable knowledge of
Tolkien's world. She offers an extraordinarily insightful treatment of
the family dynamics of the House of Finwë. Although such family
dynamics have been the subject of other stories, [Don't Explain]
shines because of the beautifully crafted portraits of the women --
wives, sisters, aunts and daughters -- whose lives were entwined with
Finwë, the family patriarch, most notably Indis, Findis, Galadriel and
Miriel Serindë.

Prompted by the reunion of her grandchildren who have either been
reincarnated or returned from Middle-earth, Indis, the protagonist,
seeks to heal the wounds of her living family, but most critically,
herself. Accompanied by daughter Findis and granddaughter Galadriel,
she seeks counsel from Estë and Irmo and thence to Vairë's workshop.
In her quest to heal, Indis discovers hard truths about her own
motivations and complicity in what transpired when Finwë sought
permission from the Valar to wed her.

Gwidhiel's women are marvelous -- all rich, multi-faceted characters.
Indis herself is a compelling character, determined to seek her own
healing, and open to other avenues of thought. I am especially taken
with Findis, who is no more than a name in the Shibboleth of Fëanor.
Findis here is a fully realized person who sees the world in nuanced
shades of gray, an independent woman with her own distinctive
viewpoints who has obviously acted as her mother's sounding board.
Findis, as the eldest child of Indis and Finwë, brings forth welcome
sympathetic treatment of her older (half) brother, Fëanáro.

Gwidhiel builds the story well. [Don't Explain] is not a thriller or
an adventure, but it nonetheless is a digital page-turner. When
reading the story, I always had "what will happen next?" "How will X
react to Y?" questions that pulled me along.

[Don't Explain] is an intelligent, introspective WIP, and I can't help
but imagine it as an independent film in an "art house" cinema! I look
forward to forthcoming chapters.

Title: Light of the Westering Sun · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 126
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-22 16:24:06
A very sweet set of double drabbles telling backwards the romance
between these two unlikely lovers.

Characterizations are excellently done, and the atmosphere is perfect.
And I love the elderly Haleth's self-identification with a hapless
girl brought to her for judgment.