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Msg# 9361
MEFA Reviews for Friday, August 8, 2008 (Part Two) Posted by annmarwalk August 08, 2008 - 20:56:03 Topic ID# 9361Title: Invisible Ink · Author: alex_quine · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Boromir or Faramir · ID: 4
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-07-31 11:58:33
The scenes and characters are described very vividly, projecting a
three-dimensional world you can see and hear and smell, almost touch.
A version of Rohan's culture is extrapolated believably, especially
the worth of oral tradition (and its drawbacks). While I'm more on
Faramir's side, I liked the even-handedness of the argument about
["book and song"], and found the list of mnemonic tricks to aid memory
retention interesting and plausible.
Title: Seven Stones and Seven Stars and One White Tree · Author:
shirebound · Races: Other Beings · ID: 121
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-07-31 11:58:43
Wonderfully imagined perspectives. Shirebound digs deep for the
essences of three different parts of creation, examines them
carefully, and presents them credibly and poignantly. She employs an
inventive twist on the rhyme used (slightly altered) as the title.
I not only liked to read about those intriguing narrators, but also
how they reacted to their environment, and especially, of course, how
they viewed and judged the members of the Fellowship. They seemed keen
observers, so to speak, and I liked how they each mused about how
characteristics and/or background of the Nine Walkers related to
themselves.
The anticipation of the change sensed all around is conveyed well, and
it brought home the fact that the whole of Middle-earth, not only the
people, had a stake in the success of the Quest, and rejoiced when it
came to pass. It also showed the connection between the Valar to
living beings to plants to a humble stone.
It was interesting to "recapitulate" snapshots of history through the
narrators, which all added up to a rich examination on Middle-earth's
remote or more recent history.
The ending was perfect: lovely and lush and uplifting, pointing to a
bright future.
Title: In the Hands of the King · Author: fantasyfan · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 231
Reviewer: White Gull · 2008-07-31 13:57:52
This is a lovely, comforting and moving vignette of Frodo's healing. I
love the small interaction between Aragorn, Elladan and Elrohir, all
with such concern for the ringbearer. And I love Arwen's part. Just as
her gem will bring him comfort, the blanket brings him aid when he
needs it most. Very nice touch, fantasyfan.
Title: Forfeit · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Times: Late Third
Age: Gondor Drabbles · ID: 401
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-31 18:41:05
Spoilers!
Another one I wish I'd written! This is wonderfully evocative, and
packs a wallop of plot and emotion into a short piece, without
drowning the reader in sentiment. How does Branwyn do it, and do it so
well!
Beregond is the ultimate in Faithful, not necessarily to orders and
rules, but to those he loves, and what he prizes most. Here, Branwyn
shows, through the medium of conversation with an unnamed friend, that
Beregond prizes his honor, and that of his family, above his own life;
he has broken an oath to prevent an atrocity, but he refuses to run
like a coward. And, as importantly, Beregond refuses to leave his son.
Beregond's noble, strong character simply shines here. An excellent
drabble, which I highly recommend.
Title: Birthday Outing · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 386
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-31 18:54:32
Spoilers!
A delightful look at Aragorn at the age of 200, showing off his
Rangering skills and showing up two much younger princes. An inspired
concept well-delivered. I love it that Aragorn still has that wry
sense of humor; which his son seems to share.
Title: Faithful · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Second and Early Third
Age · ID: 105
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-31 22:16:19
Spoilers!
The Kin-Strife always seems to me to be a tragedy like unto our Civil
War, where everyone has to choose a side, and brothers can be found
facing brothers on the field of battle.
Whether Amrazar of Dol Amroth in Dwimordene's ficlet has a brother is
never said. But certainly he has conflicting loyalties, and in the
end, he makes his choice. A momentous occasion deftly described in
very few words.
Title: Fatherhood · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Drabbles · ID: 547
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-31 22:20:09
A sweet drabble with a bit of a surprise twist to it. Annmarwalk
writes Imrahil the way I envisage him-as a loving father who is
nonetheless well aware of the realities of his exalted position and is
pragmatic about them. He is also pragmatic about his daughter's
destiny, as this drabble demonstrates.
Title: Rose, Rose, Rose · Author: White Gull · Genres: Romance · ID: 619
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-31 22:25:29
An absolutely gorgeous little piece, full of sensual and sensory
detail. I have sometimes wondered how Rosie felt towards Frodo, moving
into his house with Sam as she did. White Gull does a superlative job
of exploring one erotic possibility. Though Rosie undoubtedly loves
her Sam, she's married, not dead after all...
Title: Recognition · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor Drabbles · ID: 481
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-31 22:29:10
Spoilers!
Ioreth is insightful in this Dwimordene drabble. (Perhaps it's because
her mouth isn't running!) In any event, she sees the White Lady of
Rohan more truly than many accounted Wise. And she likes her well
enough to be happy for her, when it seems Eowyn has found a kindred
spirit at last.
Title: Tide of Destiny - Part One: Choices · Author: Lady Bluejay ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 159
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-31 22:36:44
Spoilers!
An enjoyable story that alternates between Eomer and Lothiriel's POVs.
Eomer's is probably a little easier to handle, in that Rohan is
already battling the Enemy, but Lady Blujay does a good job of
depicting his culture and several OC friends whom he interacts with.
Eomer's progression from a callow young rider into a leader of men is
clearly delinieated.
As a woman, Lothiriel's story would seem upon first glance to be less
interesting. Lady Blujay has punched it up a bit by making her a bit
of a tomboy and giving her a gift of healing from her Elven forbears.
She also creates a plausible villain in the person of an Umbarian lord
who is courted by the lords of Gondor and who obsesses upon obtaining
Lothiriel as his wife.
I certainly have NO place complaining about a WIP that ends too soon,
that would be hypocrisy of the worst sort, so I'll just close by
saying that I hope she does finish this story in the near future.
Title: One Summer Day · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor ·
ID: 535
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-31 22:39:37
Spoilers!
An enjoyable series of drabbles that are all interrelated with a
common theme of gardening and cooking. I must say, I never thought of
Boromir as having any interest in gardening, but Annmarwalk makes it
seem plausible. I can, however, see Imrahil learning to cook seafood
with expertise and panache! Her OC Mag is also included here, and as
always, is a pleasure.
Title: Battle upon the Quays · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 376
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-31 22:43:48
Spoilers!
Some days it just doesn't pay to get out of bed, as the Corsair
Captain in this piece finds out. Battle luck is a fickle thing, and in
the course of a hundred words he finds himself deprived of a princely
prize and with a deadly opponent to face.
Title: Moon Over Water · Author: Avon · Genres: Drama: Final Partings
· ID: 518
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-01 00:19:49
Spoilers!
Very well written! I have read many stories concerning Faramir
remembering his brother on the banks of the Anduin,but this one is
quite unique, in that long before Boromir's death, ghosts could be
seen on the river once a year and Boromir would take his little
brother to see them.It seems whether the ghosts appear is linked to
Gondor's fortunes.
I almost felt I was at the river with Faramir and sharing the
wonderous vision, which should comfort him through all the years ahead.
I think many have gained comfort through dreams of dreams of deceased
loved ones with all age,sorrow and sickness gone from them and this
story will strike a chord in anyone who has lost a loved one,as,alas
have most of us.
This story is just breathtaking! It is so mysterious,haunting and
beautiful.Very well written!
Title: Relief · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General Drabbles · ID: 446
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-01 00:23:32
A very enjoyable drabble, I could almost feel the cool water as I was
reading. I love watching Sharpe shirtless, as a feast for female
eyes,so have those images in my head when I think of Boromir, even
though I'm a book girl.A very vivid drabble.
Title: Tolkien's Parish: The Canonical Middle-earth · Author: Steuard
Jensen · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 91
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-01 00:33:19
Spoilers!
An interesting and thought provoking essay on how to approach
Tolkien's works as a consistent picture of the universe he created.The
author reaches the wise conclusion that despite some inconsistencies,
Tolkien's world feels 'real' to its readers.
Title: One Summer Day · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor ·
ID: 535
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-01 01:08:39
Spoilers!
Ann's Mag is one of the most wonderful OCs I can think of, so devoted
to Boromir--and Faramir, also, of course. And when Boromir sets out to
do some clearing of his mother's garden Faramir, after a frustrating
interview with the Steward (I note it's NOT his father he refers
to--must have been VERY frustrating) chooses to join them, knowing Mag
will bring them a veritable feast when it's time. With the comments by
Imrahil and the thoughts on how the Prince of Dol Amroth has taught
her to cook seafood, Mag adds steamed crab to the basket.
Ranger lovers will love the images of the two soldiers turned gardener
as they work; food lovers have Mag's cooking to imagine; Minas Tirith
lovers have descriptions of how the gardens of the city came to be....
What's not to love?
Title: And so our friendship began... · Author: Amarok · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Elves and Men · ID: 281
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-01 08:02:35
A most interesting look at how Aragorn and Legolas might have met and
developed the friendship seen between them in the movie. The trust
Aragorn gives Legolas is moving and convincingly portrayed, as is the
initial distrust the Elf returns--and with good reason.
Excellent villains, and I love how Aragorn gets rid of them--and how
he convinces Legolas he does indeed know Elladan and Elrohir well.
Title: Restoration · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Races: Men:
Minas Tirith · ID: 19
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-01 13:43:23
Sleeping Faramir, exhausted Beregond who follows orders exactly,
watching King-to-be, all come together in a tableau of healing, all
finding rest and [restoration] in a brief moment in the aftermath of
the Battle of the Pelennor and the concommitant battle for Faramir's
life within the Hallows. This story in and of itself is restful and
restorative in spite of its brevity.
It is wonderful to find Hope returned to Gondor in this manner.
Title: Even Legends Fade · Author: Star In Ruin · Races: Elves · ID: 555
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-01 14:21:05
Spoilers!
This look at the grief of Arwen and Legolas through the unnamed eyes
of a citizen of Gondor is extraordinarily moving, particularly to see
how the two of them find at least momentary relief for their pain
through song and contemplation of the stars. And the citizen's feeling
that the realm is now being watched from above lifts my heart!
Title: The Heart of a Home · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 257
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-01 14:47:18
Sweet little story. The homey scene Bilbo returns charmed me as much
as it obivously did him. I could almost smell the delicious scents of
the cooking (makiny my mouth water *g*).
Title: On Amon Sûl · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Frodo or Sam · ID: 299
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-01 14:47:42
The narration felt very immediate, very close. Frodo's state of mind
was evoked cleverly by totally focussing on what he presently feels
and perceives. There are no thoughts beyond the here-and-now.
The ebb-and-flow of Frodo's awareness, how he comes closer to the
"surface" and then is being dragged down again by the Ring's whispers,
is presented well.
I liked how the others' love and protectiveness shines through, even
though Frodo is not always able to appreciate it.
Title: The Scribe and the Heir · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres:
Drama: Featuring the Noldor · ID: 256
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-01 19:47:51
Spoilers!
An interesting set-up: We see the main subject matter only indirectly:
once through Maedhros overhearing the conversation between his two
half-uncles, once through his recollection of his encounter with his
father and another overheard coversation between his parents. This
could have "dampened" the emotions by being "filtered", but in this
case, Maedhros' own emotions - frustration, defiance, pity,
exasperation - only add to the intensity, and emphasise the cost of
this quarrel.
The contrast between the two "sides" - Fëanor vs. Fingolfin, Formenos
vs. Tirion - are played out very well with telling details. Also the
irony, that as much as there are big differences, there is so much
that is alike. And the painful realisation that these similarities
will not lead to finding common ground, that everything that happens
will seen only through the respective personal lenses.
Title: If I Had One Wish · Author: Ellie · Times: First Age and Prior:
House of Finwe · ID: 658
Reviewer: viv · 2008-08-01 19:59:26
Spoilers!
Oh, no. Oh, no, you did *not* write that ending. Take it back! I was
totally caught up in your happy golden fantasy, swallowing it whole it
as un unusually bright and glorious alternative-universe fiction. And
then you pulled *that* ending out of the ether. I am stunned. Haunted.
Horrified. Like Indis, I want that fantasy back, please, all bright
and beautiful and *real*. Not sure if I've ever hated Feanor more than
I do right now, for taking away all possibility of that simple
wish.(Although, I suppose this is much how the whole darkening of the
trees and First Murder in Valinor played out among the denizens there:
sudden and shocking and immutable. You know, even though this is a
very personal story about Indis, it is possible to expand the sorry
and suddenly empty feeling to everyone left behind in that typhoon
called Feanor. Interestingly, you named several of those left-behind
sorts there at the end, which leads me to believe you *meant* to show
how the story could be applied universally to everyone who had their
solid floors yanked away. How subtle and sneaky of you.) Ellie, this
was marvelous, simple, powerful writing.
Title: I Married for Love · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Genres: Poetry ·
ID: 661
Reviewer: viv · 2008-08-01 20:10:10
Indis feels so sweet in this, even her bitterness tempered by a gentle
soul. She's sad, deeply so, rather than vengeful. And maybe a little
bit blindsided by it all. I feel like wrapping her in a big warm
blanket and singing her a lullaby. What lovely characterization in
poetic form.
Title: The Wedding Gift · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 40
Reviewer: Avon · 2008-08-02 00:27:23
This story is beautiful and polished - just like the wedding gift. in
a very short space it uses words that make pictures and also tells a
very complete story. It is the little details that make it - the
description of both his tools and the materials he uses and the matter
of fact strangeness of sweeping aside her beard. I've always loved
this story.
Boromir or Faramir · ID: 4
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-07-31 11:58:33
The scenes and characters are described very vividly, projecting a
three-dimensional world you can see and hear and smell, almost touch.
A version of Rohan's culture is extrapolated believably, especially
the worth of oral tradition (and its drawbacks). While I'm more on
Faramir's side, I liked the even-handedness of the argument about
["book and song"], and found the list of mnemonic tricks to aid memory
retention interesting and plausible.
Title: Seven Stones and Seven Stars and One White Tree · Author:
shirebound · Races: Other Beings · ID: 121
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-07-31 11:58:43
Wonderfully imagined perspectives. Shirebound digs deep for the
essences of three different parts of creation, examines them
carefully, and presents them credibly and poignantly. She employs an
inventive twist on the rhyme used (slightly altered) as the title.
I not only liked to read about those intriguing narrators, but also
how they reacted to their environment, and especially, of course, how
they viewed and judged the members of the Fellowship. They seemed keen
observers, so to speak, and I liked how they each mused about how
characteristics and/or background of the Nine Walkers related to
themselves.
The anticipation of the change sensed all around is conveyed well, and
it brought home the fact that the whole of Middle-earth, not only the
people, had a stake in the success of the Quest, and rejoiced when it
came to pass. It also showed the connection between the Valar to
living beings to plants to a humble stone.
It was interesting to "recapitulate" snapshots of history through the
narrators, which all added up to a rich examination on Middle-earth's
remote or more recent history.
The ending was perfect: lovely and lush and uplifting, pointing to a
bright future.
Title: In the Hands of the King · Author: fantasyfan · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 231
Reviewer: White Gull · 2008-07-31 13:57:52
This is a lovely, comforting and moving vignette of Frodo's healing. I
love the small interaction between Aragorn, Elladan and Elrohir, all
with such concern for the ringbearer. And I love Arwen's part. Just as
her gem will bring him comfort, the blanket brings him aid when he
needs it most. Very nice touch, fantasyfan.
Title: Forfeit · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Times: Late Third
Age: Gondor Drabbles · ID: 401
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-31 18:41:05
Spoilers!
Another one I wish I'd written! This is wonderfully evocative, and
packs a wallop of plot and emotion into a short piece, without
drowning the reader in sentiment. How does Branwyn do it, and do it so
well!
Beregond is the ultimate in Faithful, not necessarily to orders and
rules, but to those he loves, and what he prizes most. Here, Branwyn
shows, through the medium of conversation with an unnamed friend, that
Beregond prizes his honor, and that of his family, above his own life;
he has broken an oath to prevent an atrocity, but he refuses to run
like a coward. And, as importantly, Beregond refuses to leave his son.
Beregond's noble, strong character simply shines here. An excellent
drabble, which I highly recommend.
Title: Birthday Outing · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 386
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-07-31 18:54:32
Spoilers!
A delightful look at Aragorn at the age of 200, showing off his
Rangering skills and showing up two much younger princes. An inspired
concept well-delivered. I love it that Aragorn still has that wry
sense of humor; which his son seems to share.
Title: Faithful · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Second and Early Third
Age · ID: 105
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-31 22:16:19
Spoilers!
The Kin-Strife always seems to me to be a tragedy like unto our Civil
War, where everyone has to choose a side, and brothers can be found
facing brothers on the field of battle.
Whether Amrazar of Dol Amroth in Dwimordene's ficlet has a brother is
never said. But certainly he has conflicting loyalties, and in the
end, he makes his choice. A momentous occasion deftly described in
very few words.
Title: Fatherhood · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Drabbles · ID: 547
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-31 22:20:09
A sweet drabble with a bit of a surprise twist to it. Annmarwalk
writes Imrahil the way I envisage him-as a loving father who is
nonetheless well aware of the realities of his exalted position and is
pragmatic about them. He is also pragmatic about his daughter's
destiny, as this drabble demonstrates.
Title: Rose, Rose, Rose · Author: White Gull · Genres: Romance · ID: 619
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-31 22:25:29
An absolutely gorgeous little piece, full of sensual and sensory
detail. I have sometimes wondered how Rosie felt towards Frodo, moving
into his house with Sam as she did. White Gull does a superlative job
of exploring one erotic possibility. Though Rosie undoubtedly loves
her Sam, she's married, not dead after all...
Title: Recognition · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor Drabbles · ID: 481
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-31 22:29:10
Spoilers!
Ioreth is insightful in this Dwimordene drabble. (Perhaps it's because
her mouth isn't running!) In any event, she sees the White Lady of
Rohan more truly than many accounted Wise. And she likes her well
enough to be happy for her, when it seems Eowyn has found a kindred
spirit at last.
Title: Tide of Destiny - Part One: Choices · Author: Lady Bluejay ·
Genres: Drama: Incomplete · ID: 159
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-31 22:36:44
Spoilers!
An enjoyable story that alternates between Eomer and Lothiriel's POVs.
Eomer's is probably a little easier to handle, in that Rohan is
already battling the Enemy, but Lady Blujay does a good job of
depicting his culture and several OC friends whom he interacts with.
Eomer's progression from a callow young rider into a leader of men is
clearly delinieated.
As a woman, Lothiriel's story would seem upon first glance to be less
interesting. Lady Blujay has punched it up a bit by making her a bit
of a tomboy and giving her a gift of healing from her Elven forbears.
She also creates a plausible villain in the person of an Umbarian lord
who is courted by the lords of Gondor and who obsesses upon obtaining
Lothiriel as his wife.
I certainly have NO place complaining about a WIP that ends too soon,
that would be hypocrisy of the worst sort, so I'll just close by
saying that I hope she does finish this story in the near future.
Title: One Summer Day · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor ·
ID: 535
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-31 22:39:37
Spoilers!
An enjoyable series of drabbles that are all interrelated with a
common theme of gardening and cooking. I must say, I never thought of
Boromir as having any interest in gardening, but Annmarwalk makes it
seem plausible. I can, however, see Imrahil learning to cook seafood
with expertise and panache! Her OC Mag is also included here, and as
always, is a pleasure.
Title: Battle upon the Quays · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 376
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-07-31 22:43:48
Spoilers!
Some days it just doesn't pay to get out of bed, as the Corsair
Captain in this piece finds out. Battle luck is a fickle thing, and in
the course of a hundred words he finds himself deprived of a princely
prize and with a deadly opponent to face.
Title: Moon Over Water · Author: Avon · Genres: Drama: Final Partings
· ID: 518
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-01 00:19:49
Spoilers!
Very well written! I have read many stories concerning Faramir
remembering his brother on the banks of the Anduin,but this one is
quite unique, in that long before Boromir's death, ghosts could be
seen on the river once a year and Boromir would take his little
brother to see them.It seems whether the ghosts appear is linked to
Gondor's fortunes.
I almost felt I was at the river with Faramir and sharing the
wonderous vision, which should comfort him through all the years ahead.
I think many have gained comfort through dreams of dreams of deceased
loved ones with all age,sorrow and sickness gone from them and this
story will strike a chord in anyone who has lost a loved one,as,alas
have most of us.
This story is just breathtaking! It is so mysterious,haunting and
beautiful.Very well written!
Title: Relief · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General Drabbles · ID: 446
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-01 00:23:32
A very enjoyable drabble, I could almost feel the cool water as I was
reading. I love watching Sharpe shirtless, as a feast for female
eyes,so have those images in my head when I think of Boromir, even
though I'm a book girl.A very vivid drabble.
Title: Tolkien's Parish: The Canonical Middle-earth · Author: Steuard
Jensen · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 91
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-01 00:33:19
Spoilers!
An interesting and thought provoking essay on how to approach
Tolkien's works as a consistent picture of the universe he created.The
author reaches the wise conclusion that despite some inconsistencies,
Tolkien's world feels 'real' to its readers.
Title: One Summer Day · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor ·
ID: 535
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-01 01:08:39
Spoilers!
Ann's Mag is one of the most wonderful OCs I can think of, so devoted
to Boromir--and Faramir, also, of course. And when Boromir sets out to
do some clearing of his mother's garden Faramir, after a frustrating
interview with the Steward (I note it's NOT his father he refers
to--must have been VERY frustrating) chooses to join them, knowing Mag
will bring them a veritable feast when it's time. With the comments by
Imrahil and the thoughts on how the Prince of Dol Amroth has taught
her to cook seafood, Mag adds steamed crab to the basket.
Ranger lovers will love the images of the two soldiers turned gardener
as they work; food lovers have Mag's cooking to imagine; Minas Tirith
lovers have descriptions of how the gardens of the city came to be....
What's not to love?
Title: And so our friendship began... · Author: Amarok · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Elves and Men · ID: 281
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-01 08:02:35
A most interesting look at how Aragorn and Legolas might have met and
developed the friendship seen between them in the movie. The trust
Aragorn gives Legolas is moving and convincingly portrayed, as is the
initial distrust the Elf returns--and with good reason.
Excellent villains, and I love how Aragorn gets rid of them--and how
he convinces Legolas he does indeed know Elladan and Elrohir well.
Title: Restoration · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Races: Men:
Minas Tirith · ID: 19
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-01 13:43:23
Sleeping Faramir, exhausted Beregond who follows orders exactly,
watching King-to-be, all come together in a tableau of healing, all
finding rest and [restoration] in a brief moment in the aftermath of
the Battle of the Pelennor and the concommitant battle for Faramir's
life within the Hallows. This story in and of itself is restful and
restorative in spite of its brevity.
It is wonderful to find Hope returned to Gondor in this manner.
Title: Even Legends Fade · Author: Star In Ruin · Races: Elves · ID: 555
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-01 14:21:05
Spoilers!
This look at the grief of Arwen and Legolas through the unnamed eyes
of a citizen of Gondor is extraordinarily moving, particularly to see
how the two of them find at least momentary relief for their pain
through song and contemplation of the stars. And the citizen's feeling
that the realm is now being watched from above lifts my heart!
Title: The Heart of a Home · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 257
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-01 14:47:18
Sweet little story. The homey scene Bilbo returns charmed me as much
as it obivously did him. I could almost smell the delicious scents of
the cooking (makiny my mouth water *g*).
Title: On Amon Sûl · Author: Dreamflower · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Frodo or Sam · ID: 299
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-01 14:47:42
The narration felt very immediate, very close. Frodo's state of mind
was evoked cleverly by totally focussing on what he presently feels
and perceives. There are no thoughts beyond the here-and-now.
The ebb-and-flow of Frodo's awareness, how he comes closer to the
"surface" and then is being dragged down again by the Ring's whispers,
is presented well.
I liked how the others' love and protectiveness shines through, even
though Frodo is not always able to appreciate it.
Title: The Scribe and the Heir · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres:
Drama: Featuring the Noldor · ID: 256
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-01 19:47:51
Spoilers!
An interesting set-up: We see the main subject matter only indirectly:
once through Maedhros overhearing the conversation between his two
half-uncles, once through his recollection of his encounter with his
father and another overheard coversation between his parents. This
could have "dampened" the emotions by being "filtered", but in this
case, Maedhros' own emotions - frustration, defiance, pity,
exasperation - only add to the intensity, and emphasise the cost of
this quarrel.
The contrast between the two "sides" - Fëanor vs. Fingolfin, Formenos
vs. Tirion - are played out very well with telling details. Also the
irony, that as much as there are big differences, there is so much
that is alike. And the painful realisation that these similarities
will not lead to finding common ground, that everything that happens
will seen only through the respective personal lenses.
Title: If I Had One Wish · Author: Ellie · Times: First Age and Prior:
House of Finwe · ID: 658
Reviewer: viv · 2008-08-01 19:59:26
Spoilers!
Oh, no. Oh, no, you did *not* write that ending. Take it back! I was
totally caught up in your happy golden fantasy, swallowing it whole it
as un unusually bright and glorious alternative-universe fiction. And
then you pulled *that* ending out of the ether. I am stunned. Haunted.
Horrified. Like Indis, I want that fantasy back, please, all bright
and beautiful and *real*. Not sure if I've ever hated Feanor more than
I do right now, for taking away all possibility of that simple
wish.(Although, I suppose this is much how the whole darkening of the
trees and First Murder in Valinor played out among the denizens there:
sudden and shocking and immutable. You know, even though this is a
very personal story about Indis, it is possible to expand the sorry
and suddenly empty feeling to everyone left behind in that typhoon
called Feanor. Interestingly, you named several of those left-behind
sorts there at the end, which leads me to believe you *meant* to show
how the story could be applied universally to everyone who had their
solid floors yanked away. How subtle and sneaky of you.) Ellie, this
was marvelous, simple, powerful writing.
Title: I Married for Love · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Genres: Poetry ·
ID: 661
Reviewer: viv · 2008-08-01 20:10:10
Indis feels so sweet in this, even her bitterness tempered by a gentle
soul. She's sad, deeply so, rather than vengeful. And maybe a little
bit blindsided by it all. I feel like wrapping her in a big warm
blanket and singing her a lullaby. What lovely characterization in
poetic form.
Title: The Wedding Gift · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 40
Reviewer: Avon · 2008-08-02 00:27:23
This story is beautiful and polished - just like the wedding gift. in
a very short space it uses words that make pictures and also tells a
very complete story. It is the little details that make it - the
description of both his tools and the materials he uses and the matter
of fact strangeness of sweeping aside her beard. I've always loved
this story.
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