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Title: Tying Notes · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Late Third Age: Gondor
Drabbles · ID: 378
Reviewer: Inkling · 2008-08-09 07:56:54
"World music" comes to Gondor...I love it! This just seems so like
Faramir to be more entranced by the musicians than the dancers!

Imhiriel's imagery is lush and evocative, especially the sense of the
perfume being stirred by the dancers. And the musical symbolism of the
title is very nice!



Title: Wonderful Tonight · Author: Violin Ghost · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 320
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-08-09 08:32:41
This is a very touching series of Faramir/Eowyn moments, capturing the
tenderness of their love and the blessedness of peace for both of
them, and was nicely framed by the lyrics of the songs yet managed not
to be constrained by it. A very tender portrait of this couple.

Title: Burdens · Author: Meril · Genres: Drama: General Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 219
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-08-09 09:43:36
This drabble series was well-executed, doing exactly what vignette
series do best: giving distinct snapshots of life that together
communicate a variety of experience. The burdens carried, both actual
objects and emotional baggage, hint at what these elves dream to find
in Arda. I found their worries and hopes to be wholly individual and
very thought-provoking.

Title: To See A World · Author: Nightwing · Genres: Adventure:
Incomplete · ID: 330
Reviewer: nau_tika · 2008-08-09 13:15:41
Spoilers!
This is an amazing story of friendship tried by physical and emotional
challenges, each friend shielding the other from some secret guilt or
other cause of distress. Legolas and Aragorn are written differently
in this story than any other I have read, yet remain true to what fan
fiction readers love about them. There are unexpected explosions of
fury and also almost paralyzing fear. We see the ingenious ways
Legolas adapts to his new situation in order to help Aragorn meet
their needs for survival in this largely unfriendly area. We watch
Aragorn struggle against his every instinct to 'allow' him to do it.

Only one other story do I recall reading where the animal(s) in it
were written in such a way that they took on a real value to me and in
this one, 'Squeaky' is especially important in furthering the
storyline. I recommend the author take good care of both and place
them in good homes 'ere the story ends!

In the midst of this sad and stressful situation, the author gives us
wonderful moments of humor that literally make us laugh out loud, no
matter where we are when we read them.

The author also does a wonderful and subtle job of always keeping
Legolas' condition in the story in the way he touches things and
listens for things.

The strength of this story is the two friends together, when they are
torn asunder - as is necessary to the story - those chapters, though
well written, still seem to be lacking that something special. I
rejoiced to see Aragorn return after an absence, but was not truly
placated until the two were together again.

The original characters in this story are outstanding. Even the old
man, who we truly never meet, becomes very real to us under the
author's hand. The faithful Alun, who remembers the two strangers even
in the midst of turmoil, could have a story of his own someday, so
well is he written. The healer who goes from fiery to sugary in five
seconds would be excellent support for him! And I would have the young
boy meet the King of Mirkwood.

There is much more that could be said about this story, but I try as
much as possible not to reveal secrets to those who have not yet read
it, so I end it with a dream of what is to come.

I wonder about Thranduil's reaction to his son's condition, as well as
the reaction of the other elves of Mirkwood and of Elrond and the
twins. But the elves of Imladris did not have unresolved issues with
Legolas. I would have the King and his son fully reunited through this
crisis.

I crave to see Thranduil enter this story and deal with those who
treated his son in such a way, as I crave to see what the author has
in store for our heroes next. At one time, I never wanted to see this
story end, but now, I would be thrilled to see each and every upcoming
chapter posted by years end…unhurried, but wonderfully complete. I
would also enjoy a sequel with the 'new' confident Legolas who sees
with his soul.



Title: Courage · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor · ID: 41
Reviewer: Aranel Took · 2008-08-09 16:45:13
Spoilers!
This one made me laugh! I so understand Gimli's dilemma (it took me an
hour to pluck up the courage to try escargot!) but of course he can't
let a girl or an *elf* outdo him. Ha! And the ending was very
touching, with his glance at Legolas and the understanding Gimli has
for his friend.

Title: The Misty Month · Author: Le Rouret · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Post-Ring War · ID: 454
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-09 16:46:49
Spoilers!
This is another adventure in LeRouret's 'Green Knight' series; wherein
the Green Knight, otherwise known as Legolas, comes to the aid of
Eowyn, who is in dire circumstances on her way home from Edoras; her
escort attacked and killed by Dunlendings, and Eowyn herself beginning
labor two months before her time.

Legolas is not only a great warrior, it seems; but also an experienced
deliverer of infants both Elven and human. Legolas' efforts to deliver
a baby out in the wilderness, convince Eowyn to relax and allow him to
perform the rather embarrassing but necessary tasks entailed by
childbirth, and get her to obey him when needed, form the meat of this
entertaining story.

LeRouret strikes a fine balance between very believable tension and
gentle comedy as the Elf and the Lady struggle to bring her baby into
the world. The physical details of childbirth are written naturally;
with a matter-of-fact honesty that neither belabors the obvious messy
occurrences nor diminishes the eventual wonder and joy of the birth.

Title: Incarnation · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor:
Drabbles · ID: 242
Reviewer: DrummerWench · 2008-08-09 16:52:07
Hahaha! This is a great, humorous short, showing some of the drawbacks
of taking on the shape of Men, not the least of which is an
impertinent youngster!

Title: The Captain's New Clothes · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 421
Reviewer: Aranel Took · 2008-08-09 16:52:40
Poor Faramir! I'm sure that outfit could frighten Haradrim! But at
least he has pants, unlike his brother in the other paintings. ;-) I
love the reaction of his men, pushing Faramir to wear the clothes so
they can continue to get the goodies. Faramir has certainly proved his
courage, making such sacrifices for cranberries! :-D

Title: A New Day · Author: Oshun · Genres: Longer Works · ID: 35
Reviewer: pandemonium_213 · 2008-08-09 17:15:18
I was introduced to oshun's Maitimo and Findekáno (Maedhros and
Fingon, respectively) when I read the eponymous story
(http://www.silmarillionwritersguild.org/archive/home/viewstory.php?sid=28)
last year (I highly recommend this). [A New Day] continues the story
of these two icons of The Silmarillion to Middle-earth, each man
having followed separate paths to arrive, but retaining their bond of
friendship and love.

The theme of healing in A New Day not only applies to the divisions
among the Noldor (as much as can be expected among these notoriously
and gloriously contentious people) but also to Maedhros and Fingon.
Their world has been turned upside down upon the flight of the Noldor
to Middle-earth, Fëanor's death and then Maedhros' horrific
imprisonment. This presents challenges to the two men's friendship and
love.

Oshun not only captures the overarching politics of these massive
changes, but also impact of the new -- and alien -- environment of
Middle-earth. Such observations of how the light of the sun differs
from Laurelin highlights the contrast to the world they have known.
There are many similar other "environmental" details that enrich
oshun's interpretation of Beleriand and create in [A New Day], to
borrow from Tolkien, a world with a "green sun."

The characterizations in [A New Day] are exceptional and speak to a
writer who is very well-read herself. From the protagonists to
Fingolfin to Finrod to Maglor, Curufin and many others, oshun gives
each character his or her own "voice," making them distinct and very,
very human. Fingon has an optimisitic, irrepressible personality yet
his underlying strength and courage are always apparent. Maedhros is
likewise strong and brilliant (his scholarly nature comes through),
but the reader is also aware of Fëanor's eldest's vulnerability.
Finrod is a joy to read in this story as is Maglor. Fingolfin comes
across as a smart, dignified man, certainly worthy of becoming king of
the Noldor as Maedhros plans. The complex family dynamics are great!

Among oshun's strengths are her dialogs (I always compare them to a
screenplay for "Masterpiece Theatre") and her knack for interweaving
history and politics into the story. These shine in [A New Day]. Her
description of the Eldarin social structures also enrich the backdrop
of the story.

Then there is the relationship between Maedhros and Fingon, who in
oshun's story are not only lovers but true friends and fellow
warriors, too. She writes their relationship with wonderful
authenticity. Although I realize that the term "slash" is used for
convenience in fandom, to me, it's almost insulting to use such a
designation for this story, because the eroticism (delicious, too --
warm without being clinically explicit or overwrought) is one of many
components to this novella. The lovers just happen to be two men.

Although Fingon & Maedhros experience worry and difficulties, they
never descend to pathos, thus creating a more realistic portrait of
life, whether it is of those with indefinite longevity of JRRT's
secondary world or our own primary world. The mythology of The
Silmarillion is quite dark, but in A New Day, oshun captures how
people live, Man or Elf, in that we all look for those glimmers of
light (and humor) in the darkness.

[A New Day] reads as well -- well, truth be told, often better -- than
many original works of fiction. oshun's portrayal of Maedhros and
Fingon are so convincing that I have incorporated them into my own
vision of Middle-earth. I look forward to the next stage of their
lives in Beleriand with that pang of knowing what will eventually
happen to each of these brilliant Noldorin men.


Title: Arwen in the Afternoon · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres:
Romance: Elven Lands · ID: 244
Reviewer: DrummerWench · 2008-08-09 17:22:35
Surely there would be culture clashes between that of the Dúnedain and
that of Imladris! Gandalfs Apprentice gives us an AU but highly
believable look at the differences and the shock they cause the
hapless Dúnadan visiting from the Angle. As with everything she
writes, the characters are consistent and realistic. We see the Hidden
Valley as a believable "other-worldly" domain of the Elves, who are
shown as definitely Not Men. This is a highly enjoyable look at
Aragorn, Arwen, Halbarad, Gilraen, and Elrond.

Title: Summer's Lease · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 650
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-08-09 17:51:07
What a sunny, lovely, fun-filled story! It brought to mind (as I'm
sure you planned) the fountain scene from the film of "Much Ado About
Nothing", all that joyous, boyish, unrestrained splashing.

I really liked Eowyn's forthright appraisal of Legolas's charms, as
well as her own Lord's - no girlish shyness there at, but honest
appreciation of male beauty without guilt or shame.

And of course I had to snort at [She thinks proudly of the size and
draw weight of Faramir's longbow; and how easily he nocks arrow to
string and shoots, and with such skill.] because, though
chronologically I am fiftyish and matronly and should know better,
mentally, I'm about twelve. Too much bawdy fanfic will do that to you.
Great job, Raksha!

Title: Arwen in the Afternoon · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres:
Romance: Elven Lands · ID: 244
Reviewer: pandemonium_213 · 2008-08-09 17:54:52
Gandalf's Apprentice (G.A.) describes [Arwen in the Afternoon] as an
AU* of her AU ([Sword of Elendil], her current and highly recommended
WIP), but to me, this offering fits seamlessly into her interpretation
of Aragorn, his life, his trials and his loved ones.

[Arwen in the Afternoon] combines the serious with the humorous, not
an easy balance, but G.A. achieves it here. Throughout the story, she
interweaves emotional yearning and conflict of Halbarad with the
cultural schism between the Dúnedain of the late Third Age and the
Firstborn of Imladris. Halbarad both dreads and anticipates his visit
to the hidden valley. Aragorn, on the other hand, has his feet in both
worlds, and this comes across beautifully in the story. G.A.'s Elves
are recognizably human, but nonetheless, there's peril in many guises
under the Faerie Hill. A mortal does not step into that fey world
without some effect and we see that and then some in this story!

From the opening scene of Aragorn and Halbarad swimming (most
swoonworthy, and so easy to see why Halbarad is drawn to his lifelong
friend) to the hilarious pantomime in Rivendell (GA's sly and
subversive use of a literary crossover - one of her trademarks) to
Arwen's suggestion in the garden, this is pure pleasure to read. It's
a wonderful side trip for Aragorn and Halbarad, two characters I have
come to love from [Sword of Elendil]. And I have definitely warmed up
to Arwen, or at least GA's version of her.

On the use of AU -- probably not accurate really (and I likely apply
the term inaccurately to my own work), because to my mind, G.A. is
interpreting a *mythology*. If anyone has studied Graeco-Roman
mythology (or for that matter, other world mythologies), "canon" is
not a particularly useful term since various versions of a tale handed
down through the ages exist. G.A.'s vision here in A in the A and in
other works is a wonderful vision of a component of Tolkien's
mythopoeia, a vision that resonates so well with me that these
characters, Aragorn in particular, have become engraved as part of my
own 'verse.

Title: Now the Green Blade Riseth · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 37
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-09 18:25:00
Spoilers!
A most beautiful look at the planting of the Mallorn by Sam, from the
POV of the Gaffer. Imagery and descriptions are, as always with Ann,
perfect! A wonderful glimpse into the renewal of the Shire.

Title: The Captain's Mare · Author: The Lauderdale · Races: Villains ·
ID: 575
Reviewer: pandemonium_213 · 2008-08-09 18:31:55
I'm pleased to be the first to review this short story. I'm a big fan
of The Lauderdale's interpretation of the orcs of Middle-earth. I
highly recommend her WIPs, [Orc Brat] and [Treed], both of which I am
following avidly. They can be found at HASA and on fanfic.net. The
protagonist of this short story can be found as a character in [Orc
Brat]. [The Captain's Mare] provides an excellent back story to this
guy and more insight on the nature of orcs.

The hallmark of Lauderdale's interpretation of orcs is her ability to
show us their humanity and culture, and this more than comes across in
this story. The protagonist is called upon to gentle an intransigent
mare. He takes pride in his ability to communicate with horses, and
some of his methods are rather intimate. Yet the latter, while a
disturbing concept, has a poignancy to it: ["They wanted touch and so
did I; that's all we ever wanted. Just to touch and to be touched in
turn."] There's yearning and gentleness in this goblin, who is
regarded as next to nothing by the Uruk-hai and others. In spite of
his particular predilection, the reader feels sympathy for this
fellow, and not just for his difficult interaction with the proud
mare, but also as a common soldier who really would rather be off
somewhere else instead of being a pawn to the White Hand or the Great Eye.

The Lauderdale adriotly writes with an "orcish" voice yet her
protagonist is demonstrably intelligent, and even sensitive e.g.,
["I'm filth and I don't pretend to be more than filth, but I can walk
on two legs and speak in complete f****** sentences and I don't eat
off the ground. I think that should mean something in the scheme of
things."]

With her skill as a wordsmith and story teller, The Lauderdale has
created a well-realized world of orcs, and hands down the best and
most believable that I have read. Tolkien once said (paraphrasing
here) that in war and in the trenches, all men become orcs. The orcs
of The Lauder!verse ring true to this sentiment, and the reader is
always confronted with their inherent humanity, however brutal it may
be. Yet the underlying features of what makes us human are present,
and so they are in the goblin of [The Captain's Mare.]

Title: Discretion · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age and
Prior: House of Finwe · ID: 254
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-08-09 19:49:58
Spoilers!
This story is not only an interesting take on the Finrod/Maedhros
pairing (one of my favorites in Silmfic), but also on the strained
relations between the sons of Finwe in this period. The shift of the
point of view from Finrod or Maedhros to the comparative outside
Caranthir was a stroke of brilliance, letting us see the larger
implications without descending into angst or excuse. And Caranthir's
feelings of displacement were a nice touch, allowing for a certain
degree of tension without being too judgmental. I really enjoyed this
piece.

Title: Alqualondë · Author: Moreth · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 220
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-09 22:05:22
The spareness of the language and the lack of detail urges the reader
to pay close attention to what is being told, creating a sympathy for
both narrators and their emotions and experiences. I can feel the
confusion of the first, and the almost-numbness of the second narrator.

The theme - inexperience vs. experience - is explored very well;
complex and yet so simple that there is no time to think, to reflect,
to feel.

Title: Arwen · Author: Neoinean · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 359
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-08-10 00:26:00
Spoilers!
This beautiful story describes the adjustment both Aragorn and Arwen
have to make to married life. The way they have to learn about their
nightmares and their joys and their grieves. The way they have to get
used to the idiosyncrasies of the other. The language of this story
has a poetic feel to it, and the bridge between the scenes of a
married life is all the different ways Aragorn has of saying her name.

Not all is bliss in this marriage between equals. I had to laugh at
this description of Aragorn's impatience when waiting for Arwen:
[First came the foot-tapping, followed by distracted pacing, and then
absent-minded cleaning or fiddling or rearranging (which, admittedly,
was mostly a game to see if the maids could find where he'd hidden the
sugar spoon, or the letter-opener, or his left slipper, or—)]

I love the characterization of Arwen here as a strong woman who knows
her way and knows that she made the right choice. Her realization why
she really chose a mortal life and her grief that her family will
never be able to understand this made me teary eyed.

Aragorn is endearing in all his different moods from shy to impatient
to authoritative to shaken by nightmares. I loved Arwen's attempt to
help him through his nightmares by going to Faramir to may be gaining
an understanding of what Aragorn is saying when in the grip of his
dreams. Faramir as the scholar is spot on.

I think this is a very good description of how a marriage should be
and that a marriage is not a static affair, but needs constant work
from both sides to be successful.

Well done!



Title: Footsteps in Time · Author: Keiliss · Races: Elves · ID: 76
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-08-10 00:27:07
Spoilers!
This is a bittersweet tale about the early years of Celeborn and
Galadriel's marriage. It is heartbreaking to see Galadriel's joy at
venturing out on their own with Celeborn and a few adventurous
followers falling apart in the years of battles, as she sees in her
premonitions what befalls her family, but is unable to do anything
about it.

I like the description of Melian, suitably alien as a Maia, living in
her own world where only Elu Thingol is really of consequence.

Title: The Night's Eye · Author: Vana Tuivana · Races: Men · ID: 343
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-08-10 00:27:54
Spoilers!
This story is very poignant and touches on some deep beliefs of the
Rangers and their never ending hope for the future. I love it that the
night candle custom harks back into the distant past, but what comes
now? It seems that Halbarad's appearance is something new, and then
the candle goes out. Will it be lit again?

The scene with Firiel telling her son the night candle story is very
touching. Haldan's eternal question "Why?" is so typical for children
and there are not always good answers.

Title: The Blessing · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Frodo or Sam · ID: 228
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2008-08-10 00:28:40
This is a very tender piece from the pov of a common soldier in the
camp of Cormallen. As helper of the healer he can watch Aragorn and
the Ring-bearers from up close.

I like the way this soldier changes his views on women and halflings
and courage in the aftermath of the battle. The story brings the
atmosphere in the camp to life.

Title: Wizards' Pupils · Author: Altariel · Races: Men: Minas Tirith ·
ID: 108
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-10 01:16:48
Spoilers!
Barahir, heir to Elboron as Steward of Gondor and Prince of Ithilien,
hears words of wisdom regarding reasoning and debate from his father,
part of which was related to him by Faramir, learned from encounters
with Saruman and Gandalf. Quite a contrast is shown between the two
wizards, and the way the spell of Saruman's voice affected Denethor is
plainly seen.

Mood and environment are well conveyed, as is the message. Technique
of first-person narrative is very appropriate to the story as it's
being related.

Title: Dorwinion Wine · Author: Lindelea · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 663
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-10 02:10:55
Spoilers!
Ah, the poor troubador and his broken string, and trying to do things
rightly when confronted with a Hobbit intent on taking advantage of a
hangover! A wonderful, light laugh! And like the thought of young
Estel smirking when the string breaks!

Title: A Cat in King Elessar's Court · Author: agape4gondor · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 66
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-08-10 02:12:51
Spoilers!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from the point of view of Denethor's
cat, Alqualonde. He's not an ordinary cat, nor an ordinary pet--he's a
descendant of Queen Beruthial's cats, and he can communicate when he
wishes.

Other than the presence of the cat, the author sticks very close to
canon in her depiction of events. She even makes me sympathize with
Denethor, not an easy thing to do!

A very good read!

Title: A Day in Time · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Multi-Age · ID: 230
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-08-10 02:13:18
This was a fascinating little story, just a bit on the surreal side.
What I most loved about it was those brief glimpses of the older
generations on the Brandybuck tree. We very seldom get to see fic
featuring them!

Title: Sour Milk · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 521
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-10 02:13:21
Spoilers!
Now, this isn't exactly OUR Elessar, is it? Love the fairy tale,
Aesop's fable cast to this story of the sour King who got all the cats
in the White City upset with him. An interesting tale that sounds like
it was perhaps made up by a political opponent to Aragorn! Heh!