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Msg# 9352
MEFA Reviews for Wednesday, August 6, 2008 (Part One) Posted by Ann August 06, 2008 - 20:46:10 Topic ID# 9352Title: Tide of Destiny - Part One: Choices · Author: Lady Bluejay ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 159
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-27 20:30:40
A masterful blending of canon and gap-filler, very entertaining and a
good way to spend a few minutes getting "lost" in Middle Earth. I
enjoy the way Lady Bluejay writes her romances, Eomer and Lothiriel
are so well-fleshed out and the plot so well constructed that I always
look forward to her updates. I find myself hanging on to every
word--all the tension, the drama, the details--they all work together
so well which makes this one of my favorite romance and adventure stories.
Title: Alqualondë · Author: Moreth · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 220
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-27 20:34:29
You really knocked me out with these two drabbles. They are intense
and contain such a level of realism and emotion, yet are so spare and
utterly without cloying sentimentality. I am not fond of the subject
matter either (Alqualondë or any of the so-called kinslayings for that
matter—"so-called" for me, because in the world we live in they would
be called wars or military engagements, which doesn't make the moral
complexities less, but does could lead someone to consider if there
might be some). Additionally, the internet seems awash in stories of
Alqualondë that are purely and simply Fëanorian angst-fests.
Hand-wringing Fëanorians have never been something I could easily wrap
my mind around. They simply did too much and accomplished too much
before the end to have had the time to stand around being a bunch of
Middle-earth versions of Hamlet, with one hand on their forehead and
the other clutching their chest, chanting "Woe is me!"
By contrast, the insight of the author in taking a step back from all
that and viewing the scene from the point of view of two ordinary, not
legendary or bigger-than-life, participants effectively takes the
story right out of that whole genre and frees the author to write of
what it really might have been like. The first one really stands apart
for me, although the second is extremely well done and thoughtful
also. The surprise, lack of preparation or consideration, and the
protagonist's final words before he dies, are just perfect. What an
introductory piece—really outstanding—you have set the bar high for
yourself.
Title: The Ritual Disturbed · Author: Larner · Genres: Horror · ID: 68
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-27 21:25:13
An interesting glimpse at an under-appreciated book scene from an
unexpected point of view.
Title: The Revenge of Curufin's Horse · Author: Moreth · Genres: Humor
· ID: 139
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-27 21:28:37
Celegorm, whatever else one might think of him, is so gentle and
patient with the horse here. Good job to her, too, for getting back to
where she thinks she belongs.
Title: A Matter of Ill Reputation · Author: Lily · Races: Hobbits:
Childhood · ID: 210
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-27 21:36:13
Yes, some bullies need to be beaten at their own game. I can see this
mischievous streak you've written into Frodo ticking Tolkien's fancy
too. Thanks for the laugh.
Title: The Prisoner of Time · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Steward's Family · ID: 313
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-27 21:47:17
Spoilers!
How bleak, not only for Denethor who may or may not have deserved his
fate, but also for the Rohirrim bereft of Theoden king and their
princess, and those of Gondor who loved the nobility and quiet
strength of Faramir. I think I'm glad he died.
Title: The Wedding Gift · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 40
Reviewer: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · 2008-07-27 21:55:24
Spoilers!
As others have said, not enough is written about the dwarves. It may
be partly Peter Jackson's fault for showing them as ugly buffoons, and
it may be partly Tolkien's fault for telling us so little about them.
In this tender piece, Ann portrays a moment in their unseen domestic
life. These little "still life" scenes, drawn in luminous colors and
filled with exquisite details, are one of Ann's specialties.
It is touching that Gloin offers the best materials he can find and
afford, yet he still feels they are an unworthy accompaniment to
Nandi's loveliness. I liked the parallel with Gimli who also uses his
art to celebrate the beauty of his beloved. Gloin's belief that [ever
was beauty sanctified by purpose] echoes one of the mantras of 20th
century industrial design—"form ever follows function." I think Gloin
would probably enjoy browsing in an IKEA store! [Strong as bird's
bones] is a nice turn of phrase; it sounds like an oxymoron, but of
course it is not—for their size and weight, birds' hollow bones are
relatively strong, a masterpiece of design, and Gloin is probably well
aware of it.
The hint of eroticism is convincing yet also slightly alien (he lifts
her beard, lol!). I liked how he noticed the curve of her neck—even at
this most personal moment, he sees with the eyes of a craftsman,
analyzing the visual elements that please him. This drabble offers a
fascinating glimpse into Gloin's mind.
Title: Five Things that Never Happened to Serinde of Dol Amroth ·
Author: SurgicalSteel · Genres: Alternate Universe: Angst/Tragedy ·
ID: 222
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-27 22:00:15
I think, of everything that *didn't* happen to Serinde, I rather like
the line from the second bit about biting her cheeks to keep some
control over her mouth. But the last section, of course, is my
favorite. Yes, I'm a soft-headed woman and a sloppy romantic, but the
nice thing about "5 Things that Never Happened" stories is that we get
to daydream. I enjoyed this almost as much as I enjoyed the original.
Title: Scholarship · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 43
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-07-27 22:51:51
Spoilers!
I always imagine Faramir as a very good father in contrast to his own
and this well written story shows that he does indeed enjoy an
excellent relationship with his son.
I am not sure,given Tolkien's deep Roman Catholic faith if he would be
so liberal about Elboron reading a pornographic scroll or fail to warn
him about waiting for marriage.I think Faramir would confiscate it and
punish Elboron, but as Tolkien does not tell us anything of such
matters, we are all free to our own interpretations of how deeply
Tolkien's religion is reflected in his good characters.I'm also not
sure if Elboron would call his father [sir] in private, but again each
reader and writer can imagine what they choose.After all, Faramir is
the Steward of Gondor.
I liked it that Elboron felt able to talk to his father and that
Faramir would answer his questions about the birds and the bees and
warn the boy not to take advantage of women.
I think everyone who has had a child or even watched children grow up
with epathise with Faramir lamenting how swiftly his little boy is
growing up.
I especially enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the orchard and
Faramir's reflections onsearching for forbidden knowledge as a boy. At
least Elboron can talk to his father,unlike Faramir.
A thought provoking story about the difficulties encountered by
parents,which is very topical still.
Title: Undivided · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 46
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-07-27 23:32:13
I cannot say that I am a fan of Elladan and Elrohir,maybe because of
all the dreadful stories around showing them as silly pranksters,I
assume.This story,however,is quite different and shows the brothers as
I believe Tolkien envisaged them, twins almost like a single entity.
I have read many true life accounts of identical twins being like one
person in two bodies and even of unusual closeness between none
identicals,such as a twin brother who experienced stomach pains while
his sister was in labour,which happened to friends of mine.
These two brothers are consumed with grief and rage over what happened
to their mother.
This story is set just before Celebrian sails and the twins discuss
something I've always wondered about,why none of the family go with
her.The brothers are consumed with grief and guilt over not being able
to rescue their mother and can only find comfort in their closeness to
each other.
Elladan and Elrohir know that they still have work to do on
Middle-earth and must avenge what happened to their mother by killing
the vile orcs that defiled her and threaten others.
The final image of their intense brotherly embrace is both beautiful
and heartrending. This is a truly powerful and brilliantly written story.
Title: Pippin's Secret · Author: shirebound · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 599
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-27 23:46:34
This is a cute bit of AU. Of course nothing is mentioned of the
particulars of the party aside from Bilbo's surprising exit, but
knowing what we know of hobbits, this seems to fit. Very nice.
Title: Fatherhood · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Drabbles · ID: 547
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-07-28 00:26:18
Spoilers!
This delightful drabble made me smile.I can well believe that
Lothiriel might have been seen as a suitable bride for Theodred. How
clever of her father to prepare her by getting her a pony when she is
small!
Title: Acquittance · Author: Aprilkat · Genres: Drama · ID: 337
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 00:53:38
Spoilers!
Having finally read "King's Surgeon" I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It
fits so well with the theme of common people doing uncommon things
that Surgical Steel worked into her stories. I love the voice of the
prostitute and the collective kindness of a group that, most likely,
aren't used to being treated as much like people as objects. What a
lovely gift!
Title: Fit for a King · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 217
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 01:25:50
Personally I'd take the remaining lord of all horses naming himself
after me to be quite the compliment. This was a nice one shot of a
calm, peaceful moment in the 4th age.
Title: Handy With A Sword · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 437
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 01:49:19
LMAO. While I don't necessarily think this sort of behavior would have
continued long into their marriage, I can see Eowyn still having some
Shield-maidenish tendencies early on. The question will always be,
though, whether or not he "let her win". :) The song lyrics at the end
were just the cherry on the sundae.
Title: Summer's Lease · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 650
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 02:06:39
Spoilers!
Ooh. There's a wet, half naked elf in Eowyn's garden and still, she is
stirred by the sight of her husband. I can only conclude that it is,
in fact, true love. :)
Title: Heavens' Embroidered Cloths · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 292
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 02:34:39
I think what I like about this series (truthfully a bit more than the
matching tale) is the glimpse we get of family life before the death
of Findulias. Denethor is first and foremost here a father, as well as
lore-master and Steward, and we see Findulias as a mother, not an
invalid. It's a fresh point of view that incorporates an interesting
subject from canon.
Title: Seven Stones and Seven Stars and One White Tree · Author:
shirebound · Races: Other Beings · ID: 121
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 03:14:45
No wonder she was so scared for her trees and flowers on Arda. This is
a very melancholy piece, short as it is. You do a good job of packing
her loneliness and sense of, well *failure* in a way, into a short
space. Very nice.
Title: The Lost Restored · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 59
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 03:46:49
They stayed to look for Smeagol/Gollum, and the fact that his loss
pains Gandalf after the fact, I think, is the underlying difference
between the Enemy and the Men of the West. But I think the best part
of the tale is that Smeagol has a reward waiting for him too. It is
rare to see pity for Smeagol put across so well, even though Tolkien
apparently saw him as a pitiful creature, and you give us the joy of
watching Pippin and the rest wake up as well.
Title: Star's End · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of Elrond ·
ID: 283
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-07-28 03:53:55
Spoilers!
A haunting and beautifully written AU on Arwen's death. I have to say
I prefer Tolkien's version of events, but this story had a unique
twist and i was glad I came upon it.I was highly impressed by its
haunting melancholy.
Title: Gently Held · Author: viv · Genres: Romance: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 6
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-07-28 04:56:35
Spoilers!
Beautiful is the only word to describe this truly exquisite ficlet.
Why does Arwen love Aragorn? I'm sure every Aragorn devotee,including
myself ,can think of many many reasons. He is noble, brave,
compassionate,has a good sense of humour, humility,goodness:the list
is endless.
The answer here is surprising. Arwen loves Aragorn for his hands. Yet,
is it truly so surprising ,as those are the hands of a healer,of a
warrior and of a lover. Hands than can deal dearth with the sword or
life with their wondrous healing powers.My favourite scene from the
book is Aragorn using his hands for healing.
I always thought that Aragorn in the film had especially elegant
hands, despite them being marred by the scars of battle.I noticed
there were many closeups to underline this.
This ficlet makes me think of Durer's famous painting,which captures
the beauty of work worn hands.
Arwen reflects as those hands tenderly caress their baby son and in
his hands lies her fate.
I cannot recommend this gem highly enough.It vividly portrays the love
of a wife for her husband, a queen for her king and an immortal who is
prepared to choose mortality totake this remarkable man's hand in
marriage.
This is a beautifully written and told story.
Title: BRIDGE: Pá Valaraucar ar Námier · Author: Fiondil · Races:
Other Beings · ID: 415
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 05:36:46
I have to laugh at Gandalf being taken to task for over-estimating
himself. What a great idea. And here I always thought (in the film at
least) his mistake was in wording. "Your evil shall not pass" might
have kept that last coil of whip away from his ankle. Nicely done.
Title: Some Confusion in Accounts · Author: viv · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 276
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 05:43:46
Spoilers!
LMAO. Tongue in cheek works so well for you, Viv. I don't feel I could
manage the same sort of sarcastic humor half so well, though in this
case, at least, my mind would inevitably run parallel to Galadriel's.
LaCE be darned, and take a 'pass' on the small clothes!
Title: Writer's Bloke · Author: stefaniab · Genres: Humor: Drabbles ·
ID: 431
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 05:47:56
Spoilers!
I had to laugh, while reading this, not because Faramir has a tendency
to track me down randomly and demand my attention, but rather because
his brother-in-law does. I'm sure there are many who would call us
nuts, but at least one reader understands the undeniable *presence* of
what I at least call a Muse. Thanks for an enjoyable one-shot.
Title: Home · Author: Aranel Took · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 533
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-28 07:04:06
Spoilers!
To find that Aglarond had become his home must have felt both strange
and strangely right! And love the final thought--so Gimli!
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 159
Reviewer: whitewave · 2008-07-27 20:30:40
A masterful blending of canon and gap-filler, very entertaining and a
good way to spend a few minutes getting "lost" in Middle Earth. I
enjoy the way Lady Bluejay writes her romances, Eomer and Lothiriel
are so well-fleshed out and the plot so well constructed that I always
look forward to her updates. I find myself hanging on to every
word--all the tension, the drama, the details--they all work together
so well which makes this one of my favorite romance and adventure stories.
Title: Alqualondë · Author: Moreth · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 220
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-07-27 20:34:29
You really knocked me out with these two drabbles. They are intense
and contain such a level of realism and emotion, yet are so spare and
utterly without cloying sentimentality. I am not fond of the subject
matter either (Alqualondë or any of the so-called kinslayings for that
matter—"so-called" for me, because in the world we live in they would
be called wars or military engagements, which doesn't make the moral
complexities less, but does could lead someone to consider if there
might be some). Additionally, the internet seems awash in stories of
Alqualondë that are purely and simply Fëanorian angst-fests.
Hand-wringing Fëanorians have never been something I could easily wrap
my mind around. They simply did too much and accomplished too much
before the end to have had the time to stand around being a bunch of
Middle-earth versions of Hamlet, with one hand on their forehead and
the other clutching their chest, chanting "Woe is me!"
By contrast, the insight of the author in taking a step back from all
that and viewing the scene from the point of view of two ordinary, not
legendary or bigger-than-life, participants effectively takes the
story right out of that whole genre and frees the author to write of
what it really might have been like. The first one really stands apart
for me, although the second is extremely well done and thoughtful
also. The surprise, lack of preparation or consideration, and the
protagonist's final words before he dies, are just perfect. What an
introductory piece—really outstanding—you have set the bar high for
yourself.
Title: The Ritual Disturbed · Author: Larner · Genres: Horror · ID: 68
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-27 21:25:13
An interesting glimpse at an under-appreciated book scene from an
unexpected point of view.
Title: The Revenge of Curufin's Horse · Author: Moreth · Genres: Humor
· ID: 139
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-27 21:28:37
Celegorm, whatever else one might think of him, is so gentle and
patient with the horse here. Good job to her, too, for getting back to
where she thinks she belongs.
Title: A Matter of Ill Reputation · Author: Lily · Races: Hobbits:
Childhood · ID: 210
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-27 21:36:13
Yes, some bullies need to be beaten at their own game. I can see this
mischievous streak you've written into Frodo ticking Tolkien's fancy
too. Thanks for the laugh.
Title: The Prisoner of Time · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Steward's Family · ID: 313
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-27 21:47:17
Spoilers!
How bleak, not only for Denethor who may or may not have deserved his
fate, but also for the Rohirrim bereft of Theoden king and their
princess, and those of Gondor who loved the nobility and quiet
strength of Faramir. I think I'm glad he died.
Title: The Wedding Gift · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 40
Reviewer: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · 2008-07-27 21:55:24
Spoilers!
As others have said, not enough is written about the dwarves. It may
be partly Peter Jackson's fault for showing them as ugly buffoons, and
it may be partly Tolkien's fault for telling us so little about them.
In this tender piece, Ann portrays a moment in their unseen domestic
life. These little "still life" scenes, drawn in luminous colors and
filled with exquisite details, are one of Ann's specialties.
It is touching that Gloin offers the best materials he can find and
afford, yet he still feels they are an unworthy accompaniment to
Nandi's loveliness. I liked the parallel with Gimli who also uses his
art to celebrate the beauty of his beloved. Gloin's belief that [ever
was beauty sanctified by purpose] echoes one of the mantras of 20th
century industrial design—"form ever follows function." I think Gloin
would probably enjoy browsing in an IKEA store! [Strong as bird's
bones] is a nice turn of phrase; it sounds like an oxymoron, but of
course it is not—for their size and weight, birds' hollow bones are
relatively strong, a masterpiece of design, and Gloin is probably well
aware of it.
The hint of eroticism is convincing yet also slightly alien (he lifts
her beard, lol!). I liked how he noticed the curve of her neck—even at
this most personal moment, he sees with the eyes of a craftsman,
analyzing the visual elements that please him. This drabble offers a
fascinating glimpse into Gloin's mind.
Title: Five Things that Never Happened to Serinde of Dol Amroth ·
Author: SurgicalSteel · Genres: Alternate Universe: Angst/Tragedy ·
ID: 222
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-27 22:00:15
I think, of everything that *didn't* happen to Serinde, I rather like
the line from the second bit about biting her cheeks to keep some
control over her mouth. But the last section, of course, is my
favorite. Yes, I'm a soft-headed woman and a sloppy romantic, but the
nice thing about "5 Things that Never Happened" stories is that we get
to daydream. I enjoyed this almost as much as I enjoyed the original.
Title: Scholarship · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 43
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-07-27 22:51:51
Spoilers!
I always imagine Faramir as a very good father in contrast to his own
and this well written story shows that he does indeed enjoy an
excellent relationship with his son.
I am not sure,given Tolkien's deep Roman Catholic faith if he would be
so liberal about Elboron reading a pornographic scroll or fail to warn
him about waiting for marriage.I think Faramir would confiscate it and
punish Elboron, but as Tolkien does not tell us anything of such
matters, we are all free to our own interpretations of how deeply
Tolkien's religion is reflected in his good characters.I'm also not
sure if Elboron would call his father [sir] in private, but again each
reader and writer can imagine what they choose.After all, Faramir is
the Steward of Gondor.
I liked it that Elboron felt able to talk to his father and that
Faramir would answer his questions about the birds and the bees and
warn the boy not to take advantage of women.
I think everyone who has had a child or even watched children grow up
with epathise with Faramir lamenting how swiftly his little boy is
growing up.
I especially enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the orchard and
Faramir's reflections onsearching for forbidden knowledge as a boy. At
least Elboron can talk to his father,unlike Faramir.
A thought provoking story about the difficulties encountered by
parents,which is very topical still.
Title: Undivided · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 46
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-07-27 23:32:13
I cannot say that I am a fan of Elladan and Elrohir,maybe because of
all the dreadful stories around showing them as silly pranksters,I
assume.This story,however,is quite different and shows the brothers as
I believe Tolkien envisaged them, twins almost like a single entity.
I have read many true life accounts of identical twins being like one
person in two bodies and even of unusual closeness between none
identicals,such as a twin brother who experienced stomach pains while
his sister was in labour,which happened to friends of mine.
These two brothers are consumed with grief and rage over what happened
to their mother.
This story is set just before Celebrian sails and the twins discuss
something I've always wondered about,why none of the family go with
her.The brothers are consumed with grief and guilt over not being able
to rescue their mother and can only find comfort in their closeness to
each other.
Elladan and Elrohir know that they still have work to do on
Middle-earth and must avenge what happened to their mother by killing
the vile orcs that defiled her and threaten others.
The final image of their intense brotherly embrace is both beautiful
and heartrending. This is a truly powerful and brilliantly written story.
Title: Pippin's Secret · Author: shirebound · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 599
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-27 23:46:34
This is a cute bit of AU. Of course nothing is mentioned of the
particulars of the party aside from Bilbo's surprising exit, but
knowing what we know of hobbits, this seems to fit. Very nice.
Title: Fatherhood · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Drabbles · ID: 547
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-07-28 00:26:18
Spoilers!
This delightful drabble made me smile.I can well believe that
Lothiriel might have been seen as a suitable bride for Theodred. How
clever of her father to prepare her by getting her a pony when she is
small!
Title: Acquittance · Author: Aprilkat · Genres: Drama · ID: 337
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 00:53:38
Spoilers!
Having finally read "King's Surgeon" I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It
fits so well with the theme of common people doing uncommon things
that Surgical Steel worked into her stories. I love the voice of the
prostitute and the collective kindness of a group that, most likely,
aren't used to being treated as much like people as objects. What a
lovely gift!
Title: Fit for a King · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 217
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 01:25:50
Personally I'd take the remaining lord of all horses naming himself
after me to be quite the compliment. This was a nice one shot of a
calm, peaceful moment in the 4th age.
Title: Handy With A Sword · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 437
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 01:49:19
LMAO. While I don't necessarily think this sort of behavior would have
continued long into their marriage, I can see Eowyn still having some
Shield-maidenish tendencies early on. The question will always be,
though, whether or not he "let her win". :) The song lyrics at the end
were just the cherry on the sundae.
Title: Summer's Lease · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 650
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 02:06:39
Spoilers!
Ooh. There's a wet, half naked elf in Eowyn's garden and still, she is
stirred by the sight of her husband. I can only conclude that it is,
in fact, true love. :)
Title: Heavens' Embroidered Cloths · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 292
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 02:34:39
I think what I like about this series (truthfully a bit more than the
matching tale) is the glimpse we get of family life before the death
of Findulias. Denethor is first and foremost here a father, as well as
lore-master and Steward, and we see Findulias as a mother, not an
invalid. It's a fresh point of view that incorporates an interesting
subject from canon.
Title: Seven Stones and Seven Stars and One White Tree · Author:
shirebound · Races: Other Beings · ID: 121
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 03:14:45
No wonder she was so scared for her trees and flowers on Arda. This is
a very melancholy piece, short as it is. You do a good job of packing
her loneliness and sense of, well *failure* in a way, into a short
space. Very nice.
Title: The Lost Restored · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 59
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 03:46:49
They stayed to look for Smeagol/Gollum, and the fact that his loss
pains Gandalf after the fact, I think, is the underlying difference
between the Enemy and the Men of the West. But I think the best part
of the tale is that Smeagol has a reward waiting for him too. It is
rare to see pity for Smeagol put across so well, even though Tolkien
apparently saw him as a pitiful creature, and you give us the joy of
watching Pippin and the rest wake up as well.
Title: Star's End · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of Elrond ·
ID: 283
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-07-28 03:53:55
Spoilers!
A haunting and beautifully written AU on Arwen's death. I have to say
I prefer Tolkien's version of events, but this story had a unique
twist and i was glad I came upon it.I was highly impressed by its
haunting melancholy.
Title: Gently Held · Author: viv · Genres: Romance: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 6
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-07-28 04:56:35
Spoilers!
Beautiful is the only word to describe this truly exquisite ficlet.
Why does Arwen love Aragorn? I'm sure every Aragorn devotee,including
myself ,can think of many many reasons. He is noble, brave,
compassionate,has a good sense of humour, humility,goodness:the list
is endless.
The answer here is surprising. Arwen loves Aragorn for his hands. Yet,
is it truly so surprising ,as those are the hands of a healer,of a
warrior and of a lover. Hands than can deal dearth with the sword or
life with their wondrous healing powers.My favourite scene from the
book is Aragorn using his hands for healing.
I always thought that Aragorn in the film had especially elegant
hands, despite them being marred by the scars of battle.I noticed
there were many closeups to underline this.
This ficlet makes me think of Durer's famous painting,which captures
the beauty of work worn hands.
Arwen reflects as those hands tenderly caress their baby son and in
his hands lies her fate.
I cannot recommend this gem highly enough.It vividly portrays the love
of a wife for her husband, a queen for her king and an immortal who is
prepared to choose mortality totake this remarkable man's hand in
marriage.
This is a beautifully written and told story.
Title: BRIDGE: Pá Valaraucar ar Námier · Author: Fiondil · Races:
Other Beings · ID: 415
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 05:36:46
I have to laugh at Gandalf being taken to task for over-estimating
himself. What a great idea. And here I always thought (in the film at
least) his mistake was in wording. "Your evil shall not pass" might
have kept that last coil of whip away from his ankle. Nicely done.
Title: Some Confusion in Accounts · Author: viv · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 276
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 05:43:46
Spoilers!
LMAO. Tongue in cheek works so well for you, Viv. I don't feel I could
manage the same sort of sarcastic humor half so well, though in this
case, at least, my mind would inevitably run parallel to Galadriel's.
LaCE be darned, and take a 'pass' on the small clothes!
Title: Writer's Bloke · Author: stefaniab · Genres: Humor: Drabbles ·
ID: 431
Reviewer: NeumeIndil · 2008-07-28 05:47:56
Spoilers!
I had to laugh, while reading this, not because Faramir has a tendency
to track me down randomly and demand my attention, but rather because
his brother-in-law does. I'm sure there are many who would call us
nuts, but at least one reader understands the undeniable *presence* of
what I at least call a Muse. Thanks for an enjoyable one-shot.
Title: Home · Author: Aranel Took · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 533
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-07-28 07:04:06
Spoilers!
To find that Aglarond had become his home must have felt both strange
and strangely right! And love the final thought--so Gimli!
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