Yahoo Forum Archive
This is an archive of the MEFA Yahoo Group, which was shut down by Yahoo in 2019. The archive can be sorted by month and by topic ID. You can use your browser to search by keyword within the month or topic you have open.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | - | - | - | 182 | 1042 | 655 | 89 | 25 | 263 | 362 | 316 | 285 |
| 2005 | 189 | 56 | 107 | 538 | 347 | 446 | 97 | 276 | 194 | 358 | 565 | 136 |
| 2006 | 231 | 66 | 27 | 76 | 117 | 139 | 127 | 56 | 67 | 66 | 159 | 79 |
| 2007 | 20 | 25 | 7 | - | 29 | 72 | 99 | 143 | 3 | 185 | 83 | 103 |
| 2008 | 56 | 13 | 3 | 54 | 240 | 141 | 274 | 77 | 51 | 60 | 90 | 106 |
| 2009 | 28 | 3 | - | 39 | 194 | 101 | 72 | 27 | 22 | 15 | 36 | 24 |
| 2010 | 67 | - | 1 | 4 | 103 | 138 | 129 | 32 | 13 | 16 | 3 | 30 |
| 2011 | 1 | - | 17 | 2 | 6 | 25 | 90 | 61 | 32 | 7 | 5 | 8 |
| 2012 | 30 | - | - | - | 8 | 122 | 76 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2013 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2014 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 2 |
| 2015 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2016 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2017 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2018 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2019 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
Msg# 9364
MEFA Reviews for Saturday, August 9, 2008 (Part Two) Posted by annmarwalk August 09, 2008 - 20:49:33 Topic ID# 9364Title: Fait Accompli · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Mystery · ID: 381
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-03 02:33:00
Spoilers!
The identity of Legolas' tormentor truly came as a surprise to me, as
did the reason he was being punished. The scenes of punishment, which
could have become merely titillating or in-your-face to the extent
that they would have lost their impact, were deftly handled, and the
story was skillfully written.
Title: Choices · Author: brindlemom2 · Times: First Age and Prior ·
ID: 184
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 02:34:53
What might it have been like for the twin sons of Earendil and Elwing
to part at last? A gently sad possibility, and sad that another's
heart also was disturbed.
Title: Some Seasons · Author: sophinisba solis · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Ring War · ID: 199
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 02:43:31
Spoilers!
A night of disturbed sleep manages to bring peace to Frodo, Sam, and
Rosie. The situation is true-to-life, and the caring expressed is lovely.
Title: WOUNDS: Invisible Scars · Author: Fiondil · Races: Elves: House
of Finwe · ID: 57
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 02:51:39
Spoilers!
Finrod is finding some things about being reembodied difficult to
appreciate, leaving him wondering if his life and sacrifices within
the Mortal Lands were worthwhile. Learning his father also has scars
that are not visible helps....
It would be so difficult to try to appreciate all that a renewed life
might mean, I think; and Fiondil communicates this well.
Title: In Good Company · Author: foxrafer (csevans8) · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 20
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 02:57:28
A nice, concise look at a day in the life of Faramir as Prince of
Ithilien. I would love to see it fleshed out even more! Love his
visitors and how they enjoyed the late afternoon.
Title: Faeries · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 304
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 03:25:58
Spoilers!
Children can be wonderful--and infuriating. And it's mean that the
Brandybuck lads are being today. Now it's time for Faramir to learn
perhaps some more of his family history, and Pippin's the Hobbit to
tell it....
So realistic to the way children behave, both the teasers and the
teased. Descriptions are vivid, and the tears are real.
Title: Relief · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General Drabbles · ID: 446
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 03:33:28
Spoilers!
Ah, a very sensual, sensuous glimpse of our favorite Captain General
of Gondor cooling off on a hot day. Most enticing images! Heh!
Title: Flickers · Author: Meril · Times: Multi-Age: Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 390
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 03:50:20
Spoilers!
Oh, Meril--this is one of the most perfect series of drabbles I've
seen. Images and flickering awareness of the relationship between
these two is--I can't say delightful, but what can I say? It is
RIGHT--and so appropriate.
I especially loved the encounter between Sam and Nerdanel, and the
recognition he has of the shared pain the two of them have known. I
would love how that visit came to pass, even though I personally think
it should have happened on Tol Eressea--but then this is perfect
nonetheless.
And I have yet another bunny hopping about the house now! Aack!
Title: Rivendell International Airport · Author: Primsong · Genres:
Humor: Elven Lands · ID: 345
Reviewer: Inkling · 2008-08-03 03:56:48
Spoilers!
This really made me grin! In this Middle-earth *everyone* flies, from
Wild Men to Orcs: ["Will passengers Ugluk and Shagrat please report to
the boarding desk. Mr. Luk and Mr. Rat, please report to the boarding
desk."]
The Fellowship's struggle to navigate the Rivendell Airport provides
some hilarious moments, as Bill is whisked off on the baggage conveyor
belt, Gimli is strip-searched, and Legolas bribes the security Elves
with lembas-on-a-stick.
There are sly canon references as well, as Gandalf forgets which
corridor to take and a security guard asks Frodo ["What do you have in
your pockets?"]
I'd love to see the security check at MOX!
Title: Temptation · Author: Princess Artemis · Genres: Poetry · ID: 416
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 05:45:17
Spoilers!
An unusual, deeply compelling poem voicing the essence of the
relationships the Ring developed over the millenia to each of its
bearers (or those it came close to tempt), from its creation to its
final demise.
The rhythm and repetition or slight variations of certain lines convey
a very unsettled and unsettling sensation. I love the fact that the
voice has a formality and this slight archaic touch in the unusual
word order.
The "personality" with which the Ring is vested here is complex and
fully-rounded, with flaws and strengths and obsession, not always
aware of them. Its arrogance and "feeling of superiority" comes
through clearly, and it seems that it has difficulties disguising its
scorn for its victims even while trying to tempt them.
I think my favourite part may be that about Curunir, because the Ring
uses the same tactics the Wizard employed, and there is a certain
schadenfreude in the fact that the Ring succeeded without even being
in direct contact with him. I also liked that the author used the
duality of Sméagol/Gollum.
Title: Rekindling · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 255
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 06:11:09
Feanor and the Trees rekindled--Feanor made perfect and consummated in
the rekindling. A great and blessed and terrible moment, all at the
same time. As for Nerdanel--
Slightly overpowering, and yet uplifting as well. Excellent
interpretation of the Master's thoughts on the subject.
Title: For the Want of ... · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 681
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-03 06:12:53
Spoilers!
An elegant vignette that chronicles various episodes in the lives of
Faramir and Pippin between the Battle of the Pelennor and Aragorn's
coronation. Larner has written conversations between all four of the
Fellowship hobbits and Faramir; and while I would enjoy seeing them
presented together, they each stand quite well on their own.
Larner writes the eager young hobbit and the somewhat older but
already seasoned veteran Captain-now-Steward of Gondor very well. She
shows that these are both the heirs of power in the King's name in
their lands; the hobbit is coming into his own and needs to prove
himself on the field of battle; while the Man has assumed his father's
mantle at least for the moment but is forced by injuries to stay
temporarily on the sidelines, after a long time seeing rather too much
of warfare and death. Faramir and Pippin's mutual respect and liking
shine through here.
The ending, with Aragorn's refreshingly friendly letter to Faramir, is
a nice capstone on the story.
Title: At Cormallen · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort ·
ID: 730
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 06:42:21
Yes, I think Frodo would rest more peacefully once his Merry was with him.
Such a beautiful look at the camp at Cormallen, as Merry is reunited
at last with his beloved cousins and Sam and sees them beginning to
recover from their privation and injuries. Particularly of interest to
those who love good Cormallen pieces.
Title: The Prisoner of Dol Guldur · Author: Soledad · Genres: Drama:
Final Partings · ID: 102
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 08:44:22
Interesting premise, engagingly written. It's unfortunate that the
readers are repeatedly thrown out of the flow of the story by numerous
typos and some random head-hopping.
As ever, Soledad's uses extensive world-building to enrich her
stories. I'm not sure I'm convinced by everything, but I'm impressed
by the inventiveness and the depth of detail.
The process of slow and arduous recovery, whereby Enadar slowly pieces
together his memories and his life, is portrayed well.
Title: Elanor of Westmarch: Still There · Author: Baranduin · Genres:
Drama: Final Partings · ID: 183
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 09:07:05
The relationship between Elanor and her father was very well drawn,
there was always an underlying, subtle sense of the care they both
have for each other without the need to spell it out or speak much
about it.
The emotions, though subtle, were well-drawn, particularly the
wistfulness of Elanor.
The theme of cherishing mementos, inheriting them or passing them on
to others who would herish them, was woven resonantly throughout the
story.
Title: The Rescue of Celebrian · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 382
Reviewer: Robinka · 2008-08-03 09:20:21
Spoilers!
With this story, Neume plunges into the dominion of the Elves and
takes on the heart-breaking moment in the life of Elrond's family –
the abduction and rescue of Celebrian. And this is a very intriguing
start to what I hope is going to be a multi-chapter story.
As usual, Neme approaches her characters with a knack for developing
them so that they become fully rounded people – and as always with
Neume's writing, I have an impression that I have known those people's
for years. I especially like the portrayals of Elladan and Elrohir
here: they are true lords, descendants of a noble house and fierce
warriors. Their characterizations come through the action – they set
out to rescue their mother and then have to watch her madness and
ponder how to hasten her recovery.
The writing style is smooth and engaging – Neume grips the reader with
the very first lines of each chapter, and leaves them in need for more
of the story.
Great work!
Title: The Tower Hills · Author: DrummerWench · Genres: Drama: Final
Partings · ID: 608
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 09:22:14
The language is wonderfully "Tolkien-ish", it really feels as if this
is an expansion of the chapter that just got left out of the book.
The descriptions are evocative, and I thought it particularly
well-done how the scene within Elostirion is infused with the slight
ambiguity, the unease Sam feels about the Tower.
I liked the determination of Sam in overcoming his fears with a view
to the future.
Title: In The Midst Of Summer · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Drama:
Final Partings · ID: 270
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 12:05:15
Oh, this is a lovely story. The description of the garden and the
various flowers painted a colourful picture in my mind and made me
long to stroll through and sniff here and there. It somehow mixed in
my mind with Sam's memories of how Rosie ["has always been the center
of the smial, the warmth and the hearth fire"], how ["the kitchen was
always filled with her singing voice, her infectious laughter, with
the clatter of pots and pans and the delicious smell of the food she
used to cook"], until I thought the garden, too, was a reflection of
her, despite Sam regarding it usually as his own domain.
I do wonder if Sam deludes himself when he things his going would be
easier for his family than bearing (and eventually overcoming) their
grief together.
Title: At Cormallen · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort ·
ID: 730
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 12:05:42
Merry's thoughts and feelings are conveyed vividly; the readers see
the bustling camp through his eyes, and his anxiety over his friends.
The characterisations are spot-on, and I liked the the silently
supporting presence of Legolas, and Aragorn's steady care as a healer.
It was wise of him to recognise that Merry still needed as much
healing as the other three.
I found Merry's deductions about how Frodo lost his finger intriguing
and wonder what he thought when he found out the truth.
The story is very descriptive, with a depth of detail that paints a
very clear picture.
Title: The King's Time · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: Final
Partings · ID: 333
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 12:07:04
Spoilers!
I love how the concept of "time" was woven and emphasised throughout
the story, from the title onwards, to various devices people have
invented to measure time, to Aragorn's reflections on time and
timelessness.
Another, related theme, is also conveyed here, that of closure: ["He
thoughtfully pinched out the candles, turned down the oil lamp, and
quitted the room at last, closing the door one final time."] There is
a calmness and thoughtfulness about it that I found very soothing and
appealing.
The story shows the variety and culturual richness of the many
different people of Middle-earth Aragorn has touched in one way or
another throughout his whole life.
Aragorn's serenity with his life heretofore, as well as his decision
to lay it down now and partake of the Gift of Men in faith and, well
"estel", is very moving. It is a contented reflection back on his
life, the optimism that he leaves everything ordered and in the best
of hands, and the readiness for what lies beyond.
Title: Apart · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 551
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 12:07:23
Spoilers!
Engaging and brisk. I don't know if I'm making much sense, but somehow
I was reminded of a funnel into which are poured two liquids (which
unite but still don't mingle). The paralleling of Legolas' and Gimli's
thoughts, then the reunion and reconciliation, but with the
acknowledgement - now less acrimonious - of their still remaining
differences.
Title: No Mercy · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: General Drabbles ·
ID: 443
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 13:37:00
Spoilers!
The quick pacing of the drabble works excellently to depict the
relentless, unstoppable, literally breath-taking advance of the fire.
A stark, exciting portrayal of the "Battle of Sudden Flame".
The true nature of the enemy is only slowly revealed, and named only
with the very last word.
This is a neat writing conceit, but it also serves to point out that
something like this is terrifying and annihilating even without having
been unleashed by a dark force (as Tanaqui alludes to in her author's
notes). At the same time, one could read it like there it is infused
with some evil intent the way the story is framed: the good forces are
- of course - seen to be destroyed, whereas the flames serve as a
vanguard, a distraction and a cover for Morgoth's forces.
Title: Terra Incognita · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Humor: Drabbles · ID: 723
Reviewer: Elen Kortirion · 2008-08-03 14:05:19
I was charmed by this brief glimpse into a relatively young life that
was indelibly shaped by war. It took me a few moments to realise where
I was in the tale, something that in itself made me smile, as did the
final part of the last line. A lovely little imagining of a very
possible incident.
Title: Now the Green Blade Riseth · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 37
Reviewer: Elen Kortirion · 2008-08-03 14:26:58
The use of accent to create an auditory image here is exemplary. The
Gaffer lives and breathes in this short piece and the reader can so
easily imagine him, trousers tied up with bailing string, shapeless
felt hat securely clamped to his head as he stands and nods sagely,
dispensing words of advice - be they wanted or not - to his returned
son, a son he is secretly so proud of even if he scarcely says so.
They might say it takes a gardner to know the heart of another
gardner, annmarwalk certainly does.
Title: The Wedding Gift · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 40
Reviewer: Elen Kortirion · 2008-08-03 14:42:59
As deftly and delicately crafted as the gift itself, this ficlet
embodies concepts of dwarven culture so simply and naturally that it
may only be on a second or third reading that the viewer will think,
'yes, that would be so, that is just as it would be done'. The images
themselves are constructed with beautifully constrained language, not
florid and heavy but using exactly the right phrase [delicate of
design yet strong as bird's-bones] to convey a familiar idea - a groom
carefully choosing a wedding gift for his bride to be - but also the
subtle strangeness of the dwarven race in how that gift is delivered
and accepted.
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-03 02:33:00
Spoilers!
The identity of Legolas' tormentor truly came as a surprise to me, as
did the reason he was being punished. The scenes of punishment, which
could have become merely titillating or in-your-face to the extent
that they would have lost their impact, were deftly handled, and the
story was skillfully written.
Title: Choices · Author: brindlemom2 · Times: First Age and Prior ·
ID: 184
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 02:34:53
What might it have been like for the twin sons of Earendil and Elwing
to part at last? A gently sad possibility, and sad that another's
heart also was disturbed.
Title: Some Seasons · Author: sophinisba solis · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Ring War · ID: 199
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 02:43:31
Spoilers!
A night of disturbed sleep manages to bring peace to Frodo, Sam, and
Rosie. The situation is true-to-life, and the caring expressed is lovely.
Title: WOUNDS: Invisible Scars · Author: Fiondil · Races: Elves: House
of Finwe · ID: 57
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 02:51:39
Spoilers!
Finrod is finding some things about being reembodied difficult to
appreciate, leaving him wondering if his life and sacrifices within
the Mortal Lands were worthwhile. Learning his father also has scars
that are not visible helps....
It would be so difficult to try to appreciate all that a renewed life
might mean, I think; and Fiondil communicates this well.
Title: In Good Company · Author: foxrafer (csevans8) · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 20
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 02:57:28
A nice, concise look at a day in the life of Faramir as Prince of
Ithilien. I would love to see it fleshed out even more! Love his
visitors and how they enjoyed the late afternoon.
Title: Faeries · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 304
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 03:25:58
Spoilers!
Children can be wonderful--and infuriating. And it's mean that the
Brandybuck lads are being today. Now it's time for Faramir to learn
perhaps some more of his family history, and Pippin's the Hobbit to
tell it....
So realistic to the way children behave, both the teasers and the
teased. Descriptions are vivid, and the tears are real.
Title: Relief · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General Drabbles · ID: 446
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 03:33:28
Spoilers!
Ah, a very sensual, sensuous glimpse of our favorite Captain General
of Gondor cooling off on a hot day. Most enticing images! Heh!
Title: Flickers · Author: Meril · Times: Multi-Age: Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 390
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 03:50:20
Spoilers!
Oh, Meril--this is one of the most perfect series of drabbles I've
seen. Images and flickering awareness of the relationship between
these two is--I can't say delightful, but what can I say? It is
RIGHT--and so appropriate.
I especially loved the encounter between Sam and Nerdanel, and the
recognition he has of the shared pain the two of them have known. I
would love how that visit came to pass, even though I personally think
it should have happened on Tol Eressea--but then this is perfect
nonetheless.
And I have yet another bunny hopping about the house now! Aack!
Title: Rivendell International Airport · Author: Primsong · Genres:
Humor: Elven Lands · ID: 345
Reviewer: Inkling · 2008-08-03 03:56:48
Spoilers!
This really made me grin! In this Middle-earth *everyone* flies, from
Wild Men to Orcs: ["Will passengers Ugluk and Shagrat please report to
the boarding desk. Mr. Luk and Mr. Rat, please report to the boarding
desk."]
The Fellowship's struggle to navigate the Rivendell Airport provides
some hilarious moments, as Bill is whisked off on the baggage conveyor
belt, Gimli is strip-searched, and Legolas bribes the security Elves
with lembas-on-a-stick.
There are sly canon references as well, as Gandalf forgets which
corridor to take and a security guard asks Frodo ["What do you have in
your pockets?"]
I'd love to see the security check at MOX!
Title: Temptation · Author: Princess Artemis · Genres: Poetry · ID: 416
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 05:45:17
Spoilers!
An unusual, deeply compelling poem voicing the essence of the
relationships the Ring developed over the millenia to each of its
bearers (or those it came close to tempt), from its creation to its
final demise.
The rhythm and repetition or slight variations of certain lines convey
a very unsettled and unsettling sensation. I love the fact that the
voice has a formality and this slight archaic touch in the unusual
word order.
The "personality" with which the Ring is vested here is complex and
fully-rounded, with flaws and strengths and obsession, not always
aware of them. Its arrogance and "feeling of superiority" comes
through clearly, and it seems that it has difficulties disguising its
scorn for its victims even while trying to tempt them.
I think my favourite part may be that about Curunir, because the Ring
uses the same tactics the Wizard employed, and there is a certain
schadenfreude in the fact that the Ring succeeded without even being
in direct contact with him. I also liked that the author used the
duality of Sméagol/Gollum.
Title: Rekindling · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 255
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 06:11:09
Feanor and the Trees rekindled--Feanor made perfect and consummated in
the rekindling. A great and blessed and terrible moment, all at the
same time. As for Nerdanel--
Slightly overpowering, and yet uplifting as well. Excellent
interpretation of the Master's thoughts on the subject.
Title: For the Want of ... · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 681
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-03 06:12:53
Spoilers!
An elegant vignette that chronicles various episodes in the lives of
Faramir and Pippin between the Battle of the Pelennor and Aragorn's
coronation. Larner has written conversations between all four of the
Fellowship hobbits and Faramir; and while I would enjoy seeing them
presented together, they each stand quite well on their own.
Larner writes the eager young hobbit and the somewhat older but
already seasoned veteran Captain-now-Steward of Gondor very well. She
shows that these are both the heirs of power in the King's name in
their lands; the hobbit is coming into his own and needs to prove
himself on the field of battle; while the Man has assumed his father's
mantle at least for the moment but is forced by injuries to stay
temporarily on the sidelines, after a long time seeing rather too much
of warfare and death. Faramir and Pippin's mutual respect and liking
shine through here.
The ending, with Aragorn's refreshingly friendly letter to Faramir, is
a nice capstone on the story.
Title: At Cormallen · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort ·
ID: 730
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-03 06:42:21
Yes, I think Frodo would rest more peacefully once his Merry was with him.
Such a beautiful look at the camp at Cormallen, as Merry is reunited
at last with his beloved cousins and Sam and sees them beginning to
recover from their privation and injuries. Particularly of interest to
those who love good Cormallen pieces.
Title: The Prisoner of Dol Guldur · Author: Soledad · Genres: Drama:
Final Partings · ID: 102
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 08:44:22
Interesting premise, engagingly written. It's unfortunate that the
readers are repeatedly thrown out of the flow of the story by numerous
typos and some random head-hopping.
As ever, Soledad's uses extensive world-building to enrich her
stories. I'm not sure I'm convinced by everything, but I'm impressed
by the inventiveness and the depth of detail.
The process of slow and arduous recovery, whereby Enadar slowly pieces
together his memories and his life, is portrayed well.
Title: Elanor of Westmarch: Still There · Author: Baranduin · Genres:
Drama: Final Partings · ID: 183
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 09:07:05
The relationship between Elanor and her father was very well drawn,
there was always an underlying, subtle sense of the care they both
have for each other without the need to spell it out or speak much
about it.
The emotions, though subtle, were well-drawn, particularly the
wistfulness of Elanor.
The theme of cherishing mementos, inheriting them or passing them on
to others who would herish them, was woven resonantly throughout the
story.
Title: The Rescue of Celebrian · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 382
Reviewer: Robinka · 2008-08-03 09:20:21
Spoilers!
With this story, Neume plunges into the dominion of the Elves and
takes on the heart-breaking moment in the life of Elrond's family –
the abduction and rescue of Celebrian. And this is a very intriguing
start to what I hope is going to be a multi-chapter story.
As usual, Neme approaches her characters with a knack for developing
them so that they become fully rounded people – and as always with
Neume's writing, I have an impression that I have known those people's
for years. I especially like the portrayals of Elladan and Elrohir
here: they are true lords, descendants of a noble house and fierce
warriors. Their characterizations come through the action – they set
out to rescue their mother and then have to watch her madness and
ponder how to hasten her recovery.
The writing style is smooth and engaging – Neume grips the reader with
the very first lines of each chapter, and leaves them in need for more
of the story.
Great work!
Title: The Tower Hills · Author: DrummerWench · Genres: Drama: Final
Partings · ID: 608
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 09:22:14
The language is wonderfully "Tolkien-ish", it really feels as if this
is an expansion of the chapter that just got left out of the book.
The descriptions are evocative, and I thought it particularly
well-done how the scene within Elostirion is infused with the slight
ambiguity, the unease Sam feels about the Tower.
I liked the determination of Sam in overcoming his fears with a view
to the future.
Title: In The Midst Of Summer · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Drama:
Final Partings · ID: 270
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 12:05:15
Oh, this is a lovely story. The description of the garden and the
various flowers painted a colourful picture in my mind and made me
long to stroll through and sniff here and there. It somehow mixed in
my mind with Sam's memories of how Rosie ["has always been the center
of the smial, the warmth and the hearth fire"], how ["the kitchen was
always filled with her singing voice, her infectious laughter, with
the clatter of pots and pans and the delicious smell of the food she
used to cook"], until I thought the garden, too, was a reflection of
her, despite Sam regarding it usually as his own domain.
I do wonder if Sam deludes himself when he things his going would be
easier for his family than bearing (and eventually overcoming) their
grief together.
Title: At Cormallen · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort ·
ID: 730
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 12:05:42
Merry's thoughts and feelings are conveyed vividly; the readers see
the bustling camp through his eyes, and his anxiety over his friends.
The characterisations are spot-on, and I liked the the silently
supporting presence of Legolas, and Aragorn's steady care as a healer.
It was wise of him to recognise that Merry still needed as much
healing as the other three.
I found Merry's deductions about how Frodo lost his finger intriguing
and wonder what he thought when he found out the truth.
The story is very descriptive, with a depth of detail that paints a
very clear picture.
Title: The King's Time · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: Final
Partings · ID: 333
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 12:07:04
Spoilers!
I love how the concept of "time" was woven and emphasised throughout
the story, from the title onwards, to various devices people have
invented to measure time, to Aragorn's reflections on time and
timelessness.
Another, related theme, is also conveyed here, that of closure: ["He
thoughtfully pinched out the candles, turned down the oil lamp, and
quitted the room at last, closing the door one final time."] There is
a calmness and thoughtfulness about it that I found very soothing and
appealing.
The story shows the variety and culturual richness of the many
different people of Middle-earth Aragorn has touched in one way or
another throughout his whole life.
Aragorn's serenity with his life heretofore, as well as his decision
to lay it down now and partake of the Gift of Men in faith and, well
"estel", is very moving. It is a contented reflection back on his
life, the optimism that he leaves everything ordered and in the best
of hands, and the readiness for what lies beyond.
Title: Apart · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 551
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 12:07:23
Spoilers!
Engaging and brisk. I don't know if I'm making much sense, but somehow
I was reminded of a funnel into which are poured two liquids (which
unite but still don't mingle). The paralleling of Legolas' and Gimli's
thoughts, then the reunion and reconciliation, but with the
acknowledgement - now less acrimonious - of their still remaining
differences.
Title: No Mercy · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: General Drabbles ·
ID: 443
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-03 13:37:00
Spoilers!
The quick pacing of the drabble works excellently to depict the
relentless, unstoppable, literally breath-taking advance of the fire.
A stark, exciting portrayal of the "Battle of Sudden Flame".
The true nature of the enemy is only slowly revealed, and named only
with the very last word.
This is a neat writing conceit, but it also serves to point out that
something like this is terrifying and annihilating even without having
been unleashed by a dark force (as Tanaqui alludes to in her author's
notes). At the same time, one could read it like there it is infused
with some evil intent the way the story is framed: the good forces are
- of course - seen to be destroyed, whereas the flames serve as a
vanguard, a distraction and a cover for Morgoth's forces.
Title: Terra Incognita · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Humor: Drabbles · ID: 723
Reviewer: Elen Kortirion · 2008-08-03 14:05:19
I was charmed by this brief glimpse into a relatively young life that
was indelibly shaped by war. It took me a few moments to realise where
I was in the tale, something that in itself made me smile, as did the
final part of the last line. A lovely little imagining of a very
possible incident.
Title: Now the Green Blade Riseth · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 37
Reviewer: Elen Kortirion · 2008-08-03 14:26:58
The use of accent to create an auditory image here is exemplary. The
Gaffer lives and breathes in this short piece and the reader can so
easily imagine him, trousers tied up with bailing string, shapeless
felt hat securely clamped to his head as he stands and nods sagely,
dispensing words of advice - be they wanted or not - to his returned
son, a son he is secretly so proud of even if he scarcely says so.
They might say it takes a gardner to know the heart of another
gardner, annmarwalk certainly does.
Title: The Wedding Gift · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 40
Reviewer: Elen Kortirion · 2008-08-03 14:42:59
As deftly and delicately crafted as the gift itself, this ficlet
embodies concepts of dwarven culture so simply and naturally that it
may only be on a second or third reading that the viewer will think,
'yes, that would be so, that is just as it would be done'. The images
themselves are constructed with beautifully constrained language, not
florid and heavy but using exactly the right phrase [delicate of
design yet strong as bird's-bones] to convey a familiar idea - a groom
carefully choosing a wedding gift for his bride to be - but also the
subtle strangeness of the dwarven race in how that gift is delivered
and accepted.
If you have any questions about the archive, or would like to report a technical problem, please contact Aranel (former MEFA Tech Support and current Keeper of the Archive) at araneltook@mefawards.org or at the MEFA Archive group..