Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: The Web of Darkness · Author: Soledad · Genres: Adventure:
Incomplete · ID: 101
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-08-02 00:47:16
Soledad gives us a neat twist on the Marty Stu in "The Web of
Darkness." This time the guy who falls into Middle Earth is the
formidable Drizzt Do'Urden, dark elf anti-hero of R.A. Salvatore's
"Forgotten Realms" epics. Salvatore unabashedly uses Tolkien's
mythology as well as the Forgotten Realms RPG as the basis for his
stories.

Drizzt fits in well with his Middle Earth surroundings. For Soledad
takes him to the Long Lake of "The Hobbit" to participate in the
Battle of Dale that coincides with the siege of Minas Tirith. Like her
"Young Knights," this story was filled with a wealth of details that
add so much depth and excitement. In fact, most of the tale is viewed
through the eyes of her OCs, including a race of Easterlings, the Khimmer.

"Web" is still a work in progress and highly recommended for those who
love a good action tale.

Title: National Treasure · Author: Baranduin · Times: Modern Times ·
ID: 201
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-02 01:47:26
Spoilers!
An intriguing short story that I rather wish had been expanded. The
story tells of two modern archeologists who, looking for Templar ruins
in Scotland, find something else that is definitely much older.

Baranduin does a fine job conveying the excitement and mystery
surrounding the finding of the ruin and some of its contents.

Title: Thicker Than Water · Author: Noliel · Genres: Drama: Featuring
the Noldor · ID: 541
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-02 01:52:19
Spoilers!
A fine gapfiller that focusses on the mysterious Celebrimbor, and his
equally mysterious relationship with his father Curufin. Good use of
Celebrimbor's interest in and bond with Galadriel. The interaction
between Celebrimbor and his father is excellently, quietly, and
effectively written here.

Title: Murder The Dawn · Author: crowdaughter · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 383
Reviewer: Jael · 2008-08-02 02:36:56
Spoilers!
What can I say about this story?

The parent story to this AU dark tale, Mael-gul, was one of the most
affecting stories I have ever read. It got into my mind and has stayed
there for two years.

Warning: This is not a feel-good story. However, it does make the
reader feel, and feel deeply. Something has gone terribly wrong, and
otherwise good and noble characters are pushed into actions that in
any other story would be horrible out of character. Here, they make
chillingly logical sense.

There are times in the parent story that the reader, affected horribly
by Legolas's dire situation, wants to scream, "Fight, Legolas -- fight
back. They have no right to do this to you!"

In Murder the Dawn, Legolas fights back, doing the unthinkable to
bring both salvation and doom upon his people. We know it cannot end
well, yet, despite all, we cheer Legolas on as he races to complete
his mission -- at a horrible cost to himself both physically and
spiritually.

In the most recent chapter of this work in progress,
Thranduil exacts his retribution upon the tormentors of himself, his
family, and his people. It is predictably harsh, yet, again, we
forgive him.

This story is the opposite of exploitive -- it tells us what people
will do when driven beyond the breaking point. As sad as the ending of
this story must inevitably be, I look forward to seeing how this
tragedy will play out.

Title: A Moment Away · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 474
Reviewer: Avon · 2008-08-02 03:19:22
A very sweet drabble. Its simplicity belies the depth of story it
tells. I'd never even thought of this moment and now I have a perfect
explanation given to me. It's a great portrait of Morwen, who I've
always had a fondness for.

Title: Five Things that Never Happened to Serinde of Dol Amroth ·
Author: SurgicalSteel · Genres: Alternate Universe: Angst/Tragedy ·
ID: 222
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-02 05:41:07
Spoilers!
This set of five AU ficlets is disturbing--and in the last one
reassuring. Serinde of Dol Amroth, with her bony figure, partial
amputation of her foot, acerbic nature, and highly competent and
driven nature, has become a favorite of many of us; to think she might
have died as she did in the first four is disturbing, while many of us
wish the last had happened!

All too possible, considering the natures of those involved. All too
desirable, the last one!

Fabulous series.

Title: Moon Over Water · Author: Avon · Genres: Drama: Final Partings
· ID: 518
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-02 06:11:45
Spoilers!
Dreamlike, quiet language and beautiful descriptions perfectly evoke
the atmosphere of the surroundings and Faramir's mood. The use of
present tense gives the piece an immediacy which draws the readers
directly into this mood - I actually felt soothed when reading.

The characterisations are very good, especially the shift in portrayal
between the young Faramir and the adult one. The deep love between the
brothers is elicited very well: Boromir as the protector and big
brother who shows his little brother the wonders of the world, Faramir
touchingly trusting.

There are so many lovely lines, but for some reason, the following
quote struck a chord with me: ["It had been strange to see Boromir,
the practical one, the warrior, so entranced by something so mystical.
Indeed, by the next day Boromir had shrugged off his attempts to talk
about it and had instead vanished for a day's hunting in the woods
with his new bow."] Boromir the pragmatic who still longs and hopes
for something beyond the mundane and went to search for it by
following a riddle out of a dream.

I couldn't help remembering another occasion when Faramir saw watching
a boat glide down the Anduin, and reading the final scene Avon
describes with this in mind added a particular poignancy.

Title: The Onion Riddle · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Post-Ring War · ID: 13
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-08-02 06:42:11
Branwyn's mildly ribald tale frames an Anglo Saxon double entendre
riddle within a Middle Earth context of mistaken identity. Though it
certainly provides a good laugh, "The Onion Riddle" also combines
cultural attitudes towards homosexuality in Fourth Age Middle Earth
with certain myths about the Dwarven race. I guessed the malady of the
mysterious nephew before the reveal, but still took great delight at
the closing punchline. A fun story for the 18 and older set.

Title: Temptation · Author: Princess Artemis · Genres: Poetry · ID: 416
Reviewer: Inkling · 2008-08-02 06:54:18
Spoilers!
This is without a doubt one of the most unusual and thought-provoking
works of fan fiction I have read. Certainly there are other fics
featuring a sentient, malevolent One Ring, but I know of no others
written from the first-person POV of the Ring--and a fascinating,
chilling perspective it is!

In a few searing lines of prose poetry, Princess Artemis has deftly
captured the entire history of the Ring and its bearers (and
almost-bearers). Especially intriguing is her take on Sauron as merely
the first in a long line of fools to be ensnared by the Ring's siren
song (alternatively, this could be also be an egomaniacal conceit on
the part of the Ring).

But the author's most impressive accomplishment is investing the Ring
with an actual personality beyond pure and simple evilness. I don't
mean that it has any redeeming qualities, but rather that it is a
complicated, faceted portrait of evil. The Ring shows itself to be
arrogant and cunning, with clear favorites among its bearers. But it
also succumbs to the occasional frustrated temper tantrum, and has
blind spots a mile wide that ultimately prove its undoing.

Not surprisingly, the Ring's most complex--and sick--relationship is
with Gollum [the lesser me], who is treated as an ill-used lover: [i
want you back, precious...]. Sméagol, then, becomes the rival who must
be eliminated: [Then Gollum is my precious...and i slay thee swiftly...].

In the end, the reader is left to ponder the poem's implications: was
this Ring no more than an extension of Sauron's own will and spirit,
or was it truly a separate entity, as it seems to believe...a
Frankenstein's monster of a creation that quickly spun out of its
master's control, though their fates remained intertwined?


Title: Lingering Shadow · Author: Shireling · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Boromir or Faramir · ID: 412
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-02 12:47:54
A sad story as Faramir finds himself facing what appears a ghost from
his past, as one of the Rangers thought lost in the final assault on
Osgiliath threatens him. But why?

One feels for both Faramir and the one who has stalked him, and why
the man has become deranged.

Title: The Last Dance · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits: Family ·
ID: 397
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-02 12:54:27
Spoilers!
As new duties overwhelm them, the new Thain and his Lady learn that
it's hard to find time for the romance they need to keep their love
and happiness for and with one another active; but Peregrin proves
wise enough to deal with the situation.

A wonderful reminder that we need to be there for one another even as
we struggle with life's stresses. The love and caring is well
rendered, as is the relief that Peregrin also perceives the need for
mutual reassurance and confirmation of what has always been there.
But, then, what else would one expect from our favorite Took?

Title: Black Memory · Author: mrkinch · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 603
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-02 12:58:49
Spoilers!
Hmm. The idea that Morgoth's crown with its three Silmarils was so
heavy that he could not bear it easily is indeed an intriguing one.
Yes, I can see this! Fascinating image.

Title: Charge! · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Ring War Drabbles ·
ID: 444
Reviewer: kitt_otter · 2008-08-02 15:16:12
The very title sets the atmosphere and the rest lives up to it. I
could hear the sounds of battle and feel the excitement. Makes me want
to charge something... well done!

Title: O Kheled-zâram fair and wonderful! · Author: Imhiriel · Races:
Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 354
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-02 17:16:39
Spoilers!
I like the image of the lake of Kheled-zaram as a dwarven lover's
lane. And the imagery of heat, metals and fiery hair, in the
dwarf-woman, is very appropriate to a dwarven romance. Skillfully done!





Title: Circle of Silver · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves: House of
Finwe · ID: 717
Reviewer: Phyncke · 2008-08-02 22:21:53
Spoilers!
I really love this story about Gil Galad. It is one that fills in so
many blanks in his life, as fan fiction should do, as I like it to do.
In this story the reader feels the mantle of responsibility settling
squarely on this elf. In one moment he is relaxing and looking at the
sea. Admittedly he is thinking about some responsibilities but he is
able to relax there in his favorite nook (I love that he has a
favorite spot).

Then he gets the news and we know his life is changed. His thoughts of
those who died before him, make him very compassionate but that mantle
settles. He is now king.

This story does what you mean to. It tells this small moment and
expands it to the significance that it must have. The news is carried
and the succession is set. Gil Galad is king. I remember reading this
on the journals and doing so a few times, just to enjoy the
description of him and your way with words here.

I really enjoyed this tale.

Title: A Great Cause for Concern · Author: Alassante · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Post-Ring War · ID: 682
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-03 00:22:31
Spoilers!
Yes, much explaining to do. I loved that Gandalf had been required to
account for Frodo and Bilbo, but perhaps what really made the story
for me was Gimli's attitude. He never seemed to doubt his place. You
could tell by his expectant looks toward Legolas, and when Gimli
himself spoke, it was with confidence and courage. Great characterization.

Title: The Misty Month · Author: Le Rouret · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Post-Ring War · ID: 454
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-03 00:24:08
Spoilers!
Whenever I sit down to read a story by Le Rouret, I end up associating
this amazing author with Sir Walter Scott because the story usually
reminds me of Ivanhoe (which I love). There's amazing attention to
detail insofar as nobility and royalty and propriety are concerned,
but in addition to that, Le Rouret surpasses Sir Walter Scott with
brilliant wordplay and and the best deadpan delivery I have ever seen
from Legolas. That's probably one of the things I like best about this
story. Legolas is so matter-of-fact about what needs to be done, which
was probably of great comfort to Eowyn though she didn't necessarily
recognize it at the time. But in the course of this practicality,
Legolas comes off with some absolutely priceless one-liners that
hammer home the inevitability of the situation to Eowyn.

As for Eowyn, she is also in rare form this story. Her courage is
obvious, but pain can cripple even the bravest warrior and Eowyn is no
exception. Watching her battle through her contractions (as well as
her mortification at Legolas's care) was a testament to me of the
fiery Rohirrim spirit that Le Rouret can craft so well. In fact, the
whole story was one seamless work of art from start to finish.
Excellent tension throughout and amazing dialog sequences. Thank you
very much for such a gem!

Title: Dance of the Deer and Mûmak · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Post-Ring War · ID: 559
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-03 00:25:27
Spoilers!
One of the great travesties in the Tolkien fandom is that when many
writers get around to talking about dwarves (another travesty is how
few ever do), they invariably focus on what said dwarves can learn
from the elves. Only a handful talk about what the elves can learn
from the dwarves, which is why stories like this are so important.
Sure, there are the occasional vignettes that have Gimli showing
Legolas something neat, but very few do it in mass and have Gimli show
MANY elves something awe-inspiring. So I must thank NiRi from the
depths of my heart for such a wonderful tribute to all that the
dwarves have to offer. She really gets dwarves in a way that few
authors do. She understands their connection to earth, she
extrapolates a feel for rhythm, and when Gimli starts dancing, it's a
measured, intense, and independent thing of beauty. Which is exactly
how the dwarves should be portrayed.

Title: Parting Gifts · Author: Fiondil · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Post-Ring War · ID: 452
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-03 00:26:23
Spoilers!
The thing I loved most about this story was how Gimli was so direct. I
think it helped take the edge off. At least, it did for me as a
reader. Legolas seemed alternately exasperated and saddened by it, but
then, I'm not sure Gimli could have hoped for anything better. Anyway,
Gimli is rock solid in this story, which is how I like my dwarf: No
wavering. No wasted efforts. Just dwarven courage and dwarven strength
that not even his failing body can counter.

The hints we get of what Legolas has been up to since sailing paint a
sad picture of an elf who just won't let go of the past. I can only
hope that Gandalf can look after him. Lovely story that encompasses a
very broad picture without ever losing sight of its focus.

Title: The Onion Riddle · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Post-Ring War · ID: 13
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-03 00:27:32
Spoilers!
It has been so long since I heard the Onion riddle that I'd actually
forgotten all about it, so thank you for reminding me! On to the story
itself, I guessed early on what the true nature of the relationship
between Bror and Nalin was, and from that, it wasn't hard to deduce
what was afflicting Bror. But even though the revelation at the end
came as no surprise to me, I still very much enjoyed getting to it. Or
rather, watching Beregond get to it, and that is the hallmark of a
good story. It doesn't need a surprise twist to make a good plot. The
characters take care of that. Excellent use of minor characters and
original characters, and kudos for such a good depiction of a culture
clash to which many in Beregond's company seemed completely oblivious.
I get the sense that this is not uncommon for the dwarves of Middle-earth.

Title: Rekindling · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 255
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-03 02:11:53
Spoilers!
It's been a while since I read the Silm, but Dawn's Feanor is
certainly his old intransigent self, not fearing to tell even the
Valar where to go. After countless centuries, it seems he will be
released from Mandos' halls at last...while in the intervening time
his wife Nerdanel has done her best to forget he has ever existed...

Tolkien describes Elven marriage as a union of two souls and that is
what is depicted here. Despite all that stands between them, in the
end Nerdanel and Feanor truly love each other. I found the end a bit
dismaying, for I had taken comfort in their reunion.

Title: Hammer · Author: Aranel Took · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 468
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-03 02:13:20
Spoilers!
Where do little dwarves come from? From illicit house parties when the
folks are away, apparently. A cute drabble with an all-too-predictable
dwarven pickup line.

Title: Your Father Loves You · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men:
Pre-Ring War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 424
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-03 02:16:49
Spoilers!
A contemplative moment from a Denethor not yet totally given over to
responsibility and not yet hardened by loss. An interesting premise,
that he might wish his second child a girl, that he be spared the
anguish of having to send another son to war. Raksha's Denethor is
only too human and sympathetic in this piece.

Title: Handy With A Sword · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 437
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-03 02:25:47
Spoilers!
Faramir ends up a loser at arms but a winner at love in Tanaqui's
series of drabbles. It was amusing to see Eowyn put her
soon-to-be-husband on his back, and Faramir's good nature about the
whole business. These pieces were of personal interest to me, since
they were inspired by a ballad written by a certain notorious SCA Duke
who actually was my opponent in my authorization battle long ago!

Title: Hammer · Author: Aranel Took · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 468
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 02:28:17
Spoilers!
So--even Dwarves have pick-up lines? Obviously she is willing! Hee!

Nice glimpse of Dwarvish courtship!