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# 9380
MEFA Reviews for Wednesday, August 13, 2008 (Part Two) Posted by annmarwalk August 13, 2008 - 21:01:20 Topic ID# 9380Title: Enticements · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Boromir or Faramir · ID: 266
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-10 06:57:17
Spoilers!
Ah, to finally know what kind of "offer" was made to Boromir by the
Lady of the Golden Wood during the moments she held his eyes and
thoughts. His brother's estrangement from his father ended; the
Steward actually moving to end the stalemate with Mordor; his beloved
come to be by his side----
But would he accept Theodred should he give up his proper place? And
what of the rest?
IF Boromir were to have such a love, I could easily see this happen.
Title: Acquittance · Author: Aprilkat · Genres: Drama · ID: 337
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-10 07:18:02
Spoilers!
When someone feels honored to take one of your original characters and
add FF stories about that character, you KNOW you're doing well
indeed. And to see Surgical Steel's Serinde of Dol Amroth so honored
by both Aprilkat and the prostitutes of Minas Tirith is marvelous.
Title: Dark Dreams · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 550
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-10 07:55:20
An anniversary has come, and the memory of it is heavy on the two
cousins inhabiting Crickhollow. A very gentle hurt/comfort story with
a feeling for place and time.
Title: Rude Awakening · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 692
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-10 08:05:30
Spoilers!
Four Hobbits returned to the Shire, having paid the cost of heroism;
but now and then it appears interest is owed. So when Pippin has a
nightmare allowing him to relive the battle before the Black Gates, he
finds himself seeking to protect Beregond by slaying the troll, only
to fell----
Well, he IS Pippin, after all, and has an affinity for baths and
bathing rooms, and it WAS as large as a troll....
Humorous, and yet poignant, as we know the cause of his somnambulance.
But there will be clearing up in the morning!
Excellent pacing and use of tension. Well recommended.
Title: Seaworthy · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 349
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-10 09:36:25
Intriguing vignette with two characters rarely juxtaposed in Tolkien
fanfiction - Legolas and Imrahil. I like the way they relate to each
other, and that Imrahil has something to teach someone so much older
than he is. The characterisation is excellent.
Title: Boromir at the Bat · Author: White Gull · Genres: Poetry: Late
Third Age · ID: 632
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-10 09:42:14
Spoilers!
Very cleverly written poem set to the rhythm of 'Casey and the Bat',
and focussing on Boromir's struggles to seize the Ring and escape the
orcs in FOTR. It's an original and amusing combination!
Title: Wind of Change · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 47
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-10 10:04:18
Spoilers!
This ficlet elicits a mood of expectancy, anticipation, of a moment on
the cusp of some momentuous event. The various strands - anxiousness
and then joy about a deeply personal event, the memory of a prophecy
from long ago newly awakened by foresight - come together well.
The mood also reflects very well Éowyn's nature: there is something
fierce and wild in the way the settings are described, and we can see
that from the very beginning of her life, her defiant nature is
obvious. I loved all those exciting descriptions of Éowyn, which
radiate out from the image of the little, fearless infant far beyond
into the past of Glorfindel's memories and into the future of the
readers' knowledge.
I also liked how Raksha showed the connections between wildly
disparate people, who can sense that somehow something happened that
day that will affect them.
Title: Birthday Present · Author: Aranel Took · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 441
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-10 10:04:46
Spoilers!
This ficlet is absolutely charming, without being cloying. I love the
interaction of the characters, which is very natural, down-to-earth,
acerbic and yet obviously warm and affectionate. The charaterisations
are spot on, and I'm especially entertained by little Pippin's
stubbornness and single-mindedness which really captures a child's
behaviour in a similar situation.
I'm also reminded of some ideas in Tolkien's letters that birthday
presents from and for little Hobbit children were supposed to be small
and simple; a story seems to me a particularly appropriate idea (and I
can imagine that Bilbo's stories were especially sought-after). I like
the emphasis of the importance of story-telling in the various
cultures of Middle-earth.
Title: The Roses of Imloth Melui · Author: Aervir · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 435
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-10 12:13:27
Spoilers!
There is something very sensual in the drabble series: the scents, the
colours, the sensation of touching things etc. are elicited very
vividly. As the narrative is understated and restrained, those
descriptions and "pointers" attribute much to the effect of what is
being told so subtly.
The repetition of the roses as motif in the individual drabbles work
well to link together the drabbles, and the variations in the actual
meaning of this motif in the respective contexts form a very complex
and nuanced imagery.
There is a wonderful character arc throughout the series, Ioreth
growing from the child through painful memories and shyness at being
in the large city to a confident woman. And throughout her life,
despite the bad that happened, she seems undaunted and persevering.
A poignant touch was how the series comes full circle, starting with a
bird's grave and ending with Ioreth's last days.
Title: Elanor of Westmarch: The Return · Author: Baranduin · Races:
Hobbits: Family · ID: 78
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-10 13:33:01
Spoilers!
Quite a lovely account of Elanor's last day; a subject not covered in
most fanfiction. The depiction of her character seems both true and
very hobbity. I loved the bit with Sam and Frodo, and the legacy of
the hat.
Sad, but not sentimental, a compelling read.
Title: A Midsummer Day's Dream · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 422
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-10 13:58:32
Spoilers!
This ficlet wonderfully fulfils what the title promises. The mood and
setting is captured extremely well, the drowsiness and idyll of the
scene is poignant in its stillness and loveliness. The prose is
elegant and lyrical, perfectly complementing the subject matter.
I can clearly feel Faramir's contentment as he looks around him and
sees his past, present and future coming together, equally serene
about his memories and his dreams, his comfort in being surrounded by
his loved ones and in the expectation of his imminent death and the
hope of reunion with those who went before him.
The ending is particularly well-done, because it captures the feeling
of Faramir slowly removes himself from the sphere of the living, all
the while still connected to them by love and affection.
Title: Bombur's Diet · Author: Primsong · Races: Dwarves · ID: 677
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-10 18:55:48
This is an all-round enjoyable read, fast-paced and entertaining.
The character of Bombur is particularly well-done - I just *love* how
he so obviously appreciates good food obstinately, unrepentantly, and
with such great gusto. I had pity at his (and his stomach's *g*)
misery at his "diet", and sniggered at his various rebellious actions.
But the other characters are equally-well done, and their interactions
and their sense of community.
The dialogue is wonderfully witty and lively, and well-tailored to
each individual. I especially appreciate how Primsong shows how
conversations can be sidetracked and downright mired into confusion
when the conversants don't operate on common ground.
The humour is great in this: hilarious, teasing without going over the
edge into getting mean.
Title: Thoughtful Company · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 16
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-10 19:04:19
Spoilers!
I liked this very much, and the consideration of Gandalf as a fatherly
figure without offspring.
Title: Hammer · Author: Aranel Took · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 468
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-10 19:04:21
Naughty! And yet there is a feeling of innocence in this drabble, as
two young Dwarves take their first uncertain steps into flirting and
romance. The characterisations are to the point and vivid, with some
telling details.
And I like the compare-and-contrast: "customs" that are only too
well-known in today's culture in a Dwarven context.
Title: An Elf-lord Revealed · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 406
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-08-10 19:58:37
Spoilers!
Glorfindel is one of those ambiguous characters that fanfic can revel
in: powerful, a mighty warrior and obviously important individual, who
plays a key role in more than one pivotal event spread across multiple
Ages. And yet Tolkien offers little definitive information about his
background, family, etc. - it's even open to interpretation as to
whether there are one or two Glorfindels listed so prominently in the
Master's tales!
Tanaqui does a wonderful job of exploring some of the many facets of
this character. Even though the drabbles were written at different
times in response to different prompts, they nonetheless follow a
clear, consistent interpretation of Glorfindel's place in the Tolkien
universe as the author takes us to various points of his life. There's
powerful emotion here, touching interactions, and some humor, too -
all highlighting a lordly Elf both brave and kind.
Tanaqui's excellent prose draws you into each drabble, although of
course there are some specific sections that I particularly love. From
the first: ["It was as if some enemy had rained down blow after blow
upon his very spirit."] I think this is a superb way to relate
Glorfindel's feelings at this particular event. I love the description
of flocking fear in the second installment; and then the list he
applies to the Nazgul in the next! Wonderful, and it serves to
highlight all the more his following respectful and generous
interactions with mortals. My favorite, though, is probably the
awesome, subtly humorous discussion with Gandalf, completed by the
lovely finale - just what I'd expect!
Title: Moon Over Water · Author: Avon · Genres: Drama: Final Partings
· ID: 518
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-10 20:49:17
Spoilers!
This was lovely, beautifully written and sweet, but in no way
overdone. I liked how the writer turned the familiar scene of Faramir
seeing the death boat of Boromir, into something with history, weight,
and peace. Nicely done.
Title: Battle upon the Quays · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 376
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-10 20:52:56
Spoilers!
This has many delightful elements. It's interesting to see this
mention given a more detailed treatment, and I enjoy the thought of
Imrahil and Thorongil working together.
Title: Recognition · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor Drabbles · ID: 481
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-10 21:05:33
Spoilers!
I particularly appreciate that you put the 'recognition' of the title
into Ioreth's eyes. Showing her as something of a career woman, a
woman who might have been succeeding in a man's world, throws a new
and clearer light on her as well as on Eowyn.
Title: Spoiled · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 119
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-10 21:11:23
Spoilers!
This reminds me of the Lenny Bruce routine "Thank You, Masked Man,"
which examines what the Lone Ranger would do if he ever stayed around
to hear a 'thank you' - he would start feeling entitled ... This is
wonderfully imagined and very powerfully brought forth, perhaps even
more so for it's directness.
Title: The Roses of Imloth Melui · Author: Aervir · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 435
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-08-11 01:31:30
Spoilers!
Ioreth is one of those characters that is hard to like, I think. Minor
character, a chatterer, on the wrong end of the irritation of people
like Aragorn and Gandalf, she seems made to be the old woman whose
wisdom requires the interpretation of men before it can make any sense.
I love, therefore, to see someone take her up and do something with
her that's more substantial. Aervir's lovely drabble series, held
together by the scent of roses and different shades and meanings of
red, is one such tale that rounds out Ioreth magnificently. Readers
familiar with her will find her quiet in this series: she doesn't talk
much, but she does take everything in: sound, scents, colors. Death
seems to mark the stages of Ioreth's life: we see her evolution from a
young girl struck by the death of a bird to a young woman who must
deal with the death of a child, then to a healer who must deal with
the deaths of others, and finally to an old woman facing her own
death. She acquires a certain worldliness: she's seen things, had life
happen to her. She also displays a sense of judgment which opens a
surprising relationship with a main character who, though unnamed, we
are able to recognize nonetheless.
Aervir manages to get a whole and very full life into ten lyrical
drabbles. Gondor fans, and the rare Ioreth fan should give these a read!
Title: Saruman of Many Colours · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 439
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-08-11 01:31:44
Spoilers!
Writing wizards is always a difficult task, but Tanaqui is up to the
challenge. As we might guess from the title, this portrayal begins
after Saruman has already made an essential turn from being a servant
of the Valar, to desiring lordship of the lands he was sent to help.
Thus we go from the tipping point, the high point of pride, down to
the petty and ruined creature of RoTK. Throughout, Saruman remains
convincing.
I think my favorite drabble was the ring-making drabble: Saruman's
copying of Sauron is very clear, but still we are surprised at the end
by the horrific way in which he gains the ring that we see upon his
finger in Gandalf's recounting of their meeting in FoTR. Chilling, and
it adds depth to the relationship with Fangorn.
Title: As Was Dwarven Tradition · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 553
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-08-11 01:31:58
Interesting invention of Dwarven custom - I like it! I was very
surprised, but pleased, by Thranduil's appearance in all of this:
that's an interaction you don't often see. And it is interesting to
think that Gimli gets a visit from a foreign king, even if not
Erebor's king.
Title: Symbols of Love · Author: Larner · Genres: Adventure · ID: 130
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-11 01:59:06
Spoilers!
I just love this story on several different levels.I enjoy seeing the
the King's and Steward's sons and their fathers portrayed like a happy
family group and I also loved seeing the quilt again, which must be so
precious to Aragorn.This is a delightful story.It was full of good
things, the young boys eager to please their fathers,Aragorn and
Faramir's wager, Aragorn's good humour and patience were amongst the
many highlights.
Title: The Keys of the Realm · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Aragorn · ID: 477
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-11 02:04:44
Spoilers!
I especially enjoyed meeting the shadowy Hurin in this story,who has
always interested me.I also enjoyed the glimpse of Aragorn going
around the City healing. The preparations for the coronation and the
circlets for the Hobbits were another nice touch to the story.
Title: The King's Time · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: Final
Partings · ID: 333
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-11 02:12:17
This is an outstanding story ! It is just wonderful! So sad and very
moving,yet hopeful.When I read it I was sorry I'd used up all my
nominations and was so glad someone did nominate it.
I've read many stories about Aragorn's death,but this is told from a
new and unique angle as the king contemplates the many clocks that
surround him as they count down the minutes of his final day within
the circles of the world.
The acceptance, srenity and grace with which Aragorn faces death are
beautifully conveyed here. This is a story which has stood out in my
reading this year as something special.
Boromir or Faramir · ID: 266
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-10 06:57:17
Spoilers!
Ah, to finally know what kind of "offer" was made to Boromir by the
Lady of the Golden Wood during the moments she held his eyes and
thoughts. His brother's estrangement from his father ended; the
Steward actually moving to end the stalemate with Mordor; his beloved
come to be by his side----
But would he accept Theodred should he give up his proper place? And
what of the rest?
IF Boromir were to have such a love, I could easily see this happen.
Title: Acquittance · Author: Aprilkat · Genres: Drama · ID: 337
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-10 07:18:02
Spoilers!
When someone feels honored to take one of your original characters and
add FF stories about that character, you KNOW you're doing well
indeed. And to see Surgical Steel's Serinde of Dol Amroth so honored
by both Aprilkat and the prostitutes of Minas Tirith is marvelous.
Title: Dark Dreams · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 550
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-10 07:55:20
An anniversary has come, and the memory of it is heavy on the two
cousins inhabiting Crickhollow. A very gentle hurt/comfort story with
a feeling for place and time.
Title: Rude Awakening · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 692
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-10 08:05:30
Spoilers!
Four Hobbits returned to the Shire, having paid the cost of heroism;
but now and then it appears interest is owed. So when Pippin has a
nightmare allowing him to relive the battle before the Black Gates, he
finds himself seeking to protect Beregond by slaying the troll, only
to fell----
Well, he IS Pippin, after all, and has an affinity for baths and
bathing rooms, and it WAS as large as a troll....
Humorous, and yet poignant, as we know the cause of his somnambulance.
But there will be clearing up in the morning!
Excellent pacing and use of tension. Well recommended.
Title: Seaworthy · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 349
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-10 09:36:25
Intriguing vignette with two characters rarely juxtaposed in Tolkien
fanfiction - Legolas and Imrahil. I like the way they relate to each
other, and that Imrahil has something to teach someone so much older
than he is. The characterisation is excellent.
Title: Boromir at the Bat · Author: White Gull · Genres: Poetry: Late
Third Age · ID: 632
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-10 09:42:14
Spoilers!
Very cleverly written poem set to the rhythm of 'Casey and the Bat',
and focussing on Boromir's struggles to seize the Ring and escape the
orcs in FOTR. It's an original and amusing combination!
Title: Wind of Change · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 47
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-10 10:04:18
Spoilers!
This ficlet elicits a mood of expectancy, anticipation, of a moment on
the cusp of some momentuous event. The various strands - anxiousness
and then joy about a deeply personal event, the memory of a prophecy
from long ago newly awakened by foresight - come together well.
The mood also reflects very well Éowyn's nature: there is something
fierce and wild in the way the settings are described, and we can see
that from the very beginning of her life, her defiant nature is
obvious. I loved all those exciting descriptions of Éowyn, which
radiate out from the image of the little, fearless infant far beyond
into the past of Glorfindel's memories and into the future of the
readers' knowledge.
I also liked how Raksha showed the connections between wildly
disparate people, who can sense that somehow something happened that
day that will affect them.
Title: Birthday Present · Author: Aranel Took · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 441
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-10 10:04:46
Spoilers!
This ficlet is absolutely charming, without being cloying. I love the
interaction of the characters, which is very natural, down-to-earth,
acerbic and yet obviously warm and affectionate. The charaterisations
are spot on, and I'm especially entertained by little Pippin's
stubbornness and single-mindedness which really captures a child's
behaviour in a similar situation.
I'm also reminded of some ideas in Tolkien's letters that birthday
presents from and for little Hobbit children were supposed to be small
and simple; a story seems to me a particularly appropriate idea (and I
can imagine that Bilbo's stories were especially sought-after). I like
the emphasis of the importance of story-telling in the various
cultures of Middle-earth.
Title: The Roses of Imloth Melui · Author: Aervir · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 435
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-10 12:13:27
Spoilers!
There is something very sensual in the drabble series: the scents, the
colours, the sensation of touching things etc. are elicited very
vividly. As the narrative is understated and restrained, those
descriptions and "pointers" attribute much to the effect of what is
being told so subtly.
The repetition of the roses as motif in the individual drabbles work
well to link together the drabbles, and the variations in the actual
meaning of this motif in the respective contexts form a very complex
and nuanced imagery.
There is a wonderful character arc throughout the series, Ioreth
growing from the child through painful memories and shyness at being
in the large city to a confident woman. And throughout her life,
despite the bad that happened, she seems undaunted and persevering.
A poignant touch was how the series comes full circle, starting with a
bird's grave and ending with Ioreth's last days.
Title: Elanor of Westmarch: The Return · Author: Baranduin · Races:
Hobbits: Family · ID: 78
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-10 13:33:01
Spoilers!
Quite a lovely account of Elanor's last day; a subject not covered in
most fanfiction. The depiction of her character seems both true and
very hobbity. I loved the bit with Sam and Frodo, and the legacy of
the hat.
Sad, but not sentimental, a compelling read.
Title: A Midsummer Day's Dream · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 422
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-10 13:58:32
Spoilers!
This ficlet wonderfully fulfils what the title promises. The mood and
setting is captured extremely well, the drowsiness and idyll of the
scene is poignant in its stillness and loveliness. The prose is
elegant and lyrical, perfectly complementing the subject matter.
I can clearly feel Faramir's contentment as he looks around him and
sees his past, present and future coming together, equally serene
about his memories and his dreams, his comfort in being surrounded by
his loved ones and in the expectation of his imminent death and the
hope of reunion with those who went before him.
The ending is particularly well-done, because it captures the feeling
of Faramir slowly removes himself from the sphere of the living, all
the while still connected to them by love and affection.
Title: Bombur's Diet · Author: Primsong · Races: Dwarves · ID: 677
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-10 18:55:48
This is an all-round enjoyable read, fast-paced and entertaining.
The character of Bombur is particularly well-done - I just *love* how
he so obviously appreciates good food obstinately, unrepentantly, and
with such great gusto. I had pity at his (and his stomach's *g*)
misery at his "diet", and sniggered at his various rebellious actions.
But the other characters are equally-well done, and their interactions
and their sense of community.
The dialogue is wonderfully witty and lively, and well-tailored to
each individual. I especially appreciate how Primsong shows how
conversations can be sidetracked and downright mired into confusion
when the conversants don't operate on common ground.
The humour is great in this: hilarious, teasing without going over the
edge into getting mean.
Title: Thoughtful Company · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 16
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-10 19:04:19
Spoilers!
I liked this very much, and the consideration of Gandalf as a fatherly
figure without offspring.
Title: Hammer · Author: Aranel Took · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 468
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-10 19:04:21
Naughty! And yet there is a feeling of innocence in this drabble, as
two young Dwarves take their first uncertain steps into flirting and
romance. The characterisations are to the point and vivid, with some
telling details.
And I like the compare-and-contrast: "customs" that are only too
well-known in today's culture in a Dwarven context.
Title: An Elf-lord Revealed · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 406
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-08-10 19:58:37
Spoilers!
Glorfindel is one of those ambiguous characters that fanfic can revel
in: powerful, a mighty warrior and obviously important individual, who
plays a key role in more than one pivotal event spread across multiple
Ages. And yet Tolkien offers little definitive information about his
background, family, etc. - it's even open to interpretation as to
whether there are one or two Glorfindels listed so prominently in the
Master's tales!
Tanaqui does a wonderful job of exploring some of the many facets of
this character. Even though the drabbles were written at different
times in response to different prompts, they nonetheless follow a
clear, consistent interpretation of Glorfindel's place in the Tolkien
universe as the author takes us to various points of his life. There's
powerful emotion here, touching interactions, and some humor, too -
all highlighting a lordly Elf both brave and kind.
Tanaqui's excellent prose draws you into each drabble, although of
course there are some specific sections that I particularly love. From
the first: ["It was as if some enemy had rained down blow after blow
upon his very spirit."] I think this is a superb way to relate
Glorfindel's feelings at this particular event. I love the description
of flocking fear in the second installment; and then the list he
applies to the Nazgul in the next! Wonderful, and it serves to
highlight all the more his following respectful and generous
interactions with mortals. My favorite, though, is probably the
awesome, subtly humorous discussion with Gandalf, completed by the
lovely finale - just what I'd expect!
Title: Moon Over Water · Author: Avon · Genres: Drama: Final Partings
· ID: 518
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-10 20:49:17
Spoilers!
This was lovely, beautifully written and sweet, but in no way
overdone. I liked how the writer turned the familiar scene of Faramir
seeing the death boat of Boromir, into something with history, weight,
and peace. Nicely done.
Title: Battle upon the Quays · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 376
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-10 20:52:56
Spoilers!
This has many delightful elements. It's interesting to see this
mention given a more detailed treatment, and I enjoy the thought of
Imrahil and Thorongil working together.
Title: Recognition · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor Drabbles · ID: 481
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-10 21:05:33
Spoilers!
I particularly appreciate that you put the 'recognition' of the title
into Ioreth's eyes. Showing her as something of a career woman, a
woman who might have been succeeding in a man's world, throws a new
and clearer light on her as well as on Eowyn.
Title: Spoiled · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 119
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-10 21:11:23
Spoilers!
This reminds me of the Lenny Bruce routine "Thank You, Masked Man,"
which examines what the Lone Ranger would do if he ever stayed around
to hear a 'thank you' - he would start feeling entitled ... This is
wonderfully imagined and very powerfully brought forth, perhaps even
more so for it's directness.
Title: The Roses of Imloth Melui · Author: Aervir · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 435
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-08-11 01:31:30
Spoilers!
Ioreth is one of those characters that is hard to like, I think. Minor
character, a chatterer, on the wrong end of the irritation of people
like Aragorn and Gandalf, she seems made to be the old woman whose
wisdom requires the interpretation of men before it can make any sense.
I love, therefore, to see someone take her up and do something with
her that's more substantial. Aervir's lovely drabble series, held
together by the scent of roses and different shades and meanings of
red, is one such tale that rounds out Ioreth magnificently. Readers
familiar with her will find her quiet in this series: she doesn't talk
much, but she does take everything in: sound, scents, colors. Death
seems to mark the stages of Ioreth's life: we see her evolution from a
young girl struck by the death of a bird to a young woman who must
deal with the death of a child, then to a healer who must deal with
the deaths of others, and finally to an old woman facing her own
death. She acquires a certain worldliness: she's seen things, had life
happen to her. She also displays a sense of judgment which opens a
surprising relationship with a main character who, though unnamed, we
are able to recognize nonetheless.
Aervir manages to get a whole and very full life into ten lyrical
drabbles. Gondor fans, and the rare Ioreth fan should give these a read!
Title: Saruman of Many Colours · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 439
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-08-11 01:31:44
Spoilers!
Writing wizards is always a difficult task, but Tanaqui is up to the
challenge. As we might guess from the title, this portrayal begins
after Saruman has already made an essential turn from being a servant
of the Valar, to desiring lordship of the lands he was sent to help.
Thus we go from the tipping point, the high point of pride, down to
the petty and ruined creature of RoTK. Throughout, Saruman remains
convincing.
I think my favorite drabble was the ring-making drabble: Saruman's
copying of Sauron is very clear, but still we are surprised at the end
by the horrific way in which he gains the ring that we see upon his
finger in Gandalf's recounting of their meeting in FoTR. Chilling, and
it adds depth to the relationship with Fangorn.
Title: As Was Dwarven Tradition · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 553
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-08-11 01:31:58
Interesting invention of Dwarven custom - I like it! I was very
surprised, but pleased, by Thranduil's appearance in all of this:
that's an interaction you don't often see. And it is interesting to
think that Gimli gets a visit from a foreign king, even if not
Erebor's king.
Title: Symbols of Love · Author: Larner · Genres: Adventure · ID: 130
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-11 01:59:06
Spoilers!
I just love this story on several different levels.I enjoy seeing the
the King's and Steward's sons and their fathers portrayed like a happy
family group and I also loved seeing the quilt again, which must be so
precious to Aragorn.This is a delightful story.It was full of good
things, the young boys eager to please their fathers,Aragorn and
Faramir's wager, Aragorn's good humour and patience were amongst the
many highlights.
Title: The Keys of the Realm · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Aragorn · ID: 477
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-11 02:04:44
Spoilers!
I especially enjoyed meeting the shadowy Hurin in this story,who has
always interested me.I also enjoyed the glimpse of Aragorn going
around the City healing. The preparations for the coronation and the
circlets for the Hobbits were another nice touch to the story.
Title: The King's Time · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama: Final
Partings · ID: 333
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-11 02:12:17
This is an outstanding story ! It is just wonderful! So sad and very
moving,yet hopeful.When I read it I was sorry I'd used up all my
nominations and was so glad someone did nominate it.
I've read many stories about Aragorn's death,but this is told from a
new and unique angle as the king contemplates the many clocks that
surround him as they count down the minutes of his final day within
the circles of the world.
The acceptance, srenity and grace with which Aragorn faces death are
beautifully conveyed here. This is a story which has stood out in my
reading this year as something special.
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..