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Msg# 9382
MEFA Reviews for Thursday, August 14, 2008 (Part One) Posted by annmarwalk August 14, 2008 - 21:16:00 Topic ID# 9382Title: Possessing the greatest powers · Author: Tanaqui · Times:
Multi-Age: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 387
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-08-11 02:57:31
Spoilers!
I love every one of the drabbles in this series. Each is a stand-alone
mini-story, complete with wonderful prose, careful structuring,
perfectly in-character allusions and vivid descriptions. Yet they take
on even more power and grace by being linked together into a cycle of
birth and death, as it were. Tanaqui brings out the uniqueness of each
of the Three Elven Rings, imbuing them with an individuality that
beautifully complements each bearer.
The first drabble sets the stage very well: the Three absorb
attributes needed to fight Evil, tied to three of the greatest Valar.
I *love* the hint that more may have entered the rings than even
Celebrimbor realized or strove for. The Valar helped only indirectly
in Middle-earth after the end of the First Age; was this another of
their quiet ways of assisting? A ["Wellspring"] of resistance indeed.
And then on to the bearers...
I absolutely adore the connection clearly drawn between Galadriel's
power held in ["the land between the rivers"] and Ulmo himself. The
last two lines are particularly poignant and do an excellent job of
linking the loss of Nenya to her sudden sea-longing. Elrond's drabble
is wonderfully, deeply moving; the emphasis on the timing of his
inheritance of Vilya really brought home how much he had to absorb in
a short period of time, among all the other sorrows of his life. The
description of weightlessness, and his reaching out to anchor himself,
are just perfect.
I also like very much that Gandalf's PoV frames the final scene, being
right there at the Black Gates where ["a new certainty was born from
the ashes"]. Great job, Tanaqui!
Title: The Turning Wheel · Author: Elen Kortirion · Genres: Romance:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 517
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-11 04:11:31
Spoilers!
A beautifully written drabble series that describes the beginning of a
possible relationship between Aragorn and Boromir. Both men have had
partners before and memories of them. Both men recognize the worth of
their previous partners and the new one they are contemplating. That
the drabbles culminate at the turning of the year is most appropriate.
Title: Where Shadows Lay No More · Author: Cathleen · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond · ID: 358
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-11 04:14:41
Spoilers!
A poignant treatment of Aragorn's coronation by the one member of the
Fellowship who is unable to attend. Or so they think...The majority of
this movie-verse story is from the point of view of Boromir's "little
ones" and that is most fitting.
Title: Sharing Good News · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Humor: Drabbles
· ID: 216
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-11 04:16:15
Spoilers!
Bilbo and Aragorn are obviously good friends of long standing in LOTR.
So I really enjoyed this drabble about a sneak visit to Bag End from a
certain scruffy Ranger, who has momentous news to tell.
Title: Bitter Sweet · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Steward's Family · ID: 536
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-11 04:21:49
Spoilers!
Sniff! Sniff! A very touching AU, in which Theodred lives but makes a
sacrifice of another sort and turns away from his true love to marry
for policy, as rulers often find necessary for the sake of their
realms. For many years he is both loving and faithful in this marriage
and though he suffers yet another sad loss, his constancy and faith is
ultimately rewarded in the end.
Title: Daybreak · Author: Cinzia · Races: Men: Steward's Family · ID: 591
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-11 04:28:21
Spoilers!
The author gives an incest warning for this story, and it could be
read in that way, or it could not. While movie-verse, I think it
depicts the loving relationship between the Brothers Mir in a way that
is true to the books as well. Faramir obviously worships his older
brother and Boromir's protectiveness is very evident.
Title: Tangled Webs · Author: Ribby · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 100
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-11 04:31:36
Spoilers!
It's an interesting idea that Aragorn, with his Dunedan gift of
foresight, would visit someone who divines in another way. The
lace-maker reminds him that even those who are lost are not entirely gone.
Title: The Prisoner of Dol Guldur · Author: Soledad · Genres: Drama:
Final Partings · ID: 102
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-11 06:09:59
Spoilers!
We know many disappeared into the depths of Dol Guldur, and few
returned. Now that Sauron and his Nazgul are gone, the victorious
Elves come forward, those of the Golden Wood and those of Eryn
Lasgalen together, to throw down the Necromancer's tower and open his
dungeons to the light of day--and find one survivor, one who was
brought by Sauron's folk out of the ruins of Mordor during the final
days of the Last Alliance--the older brother to Legolas, torn and all
but destroyed by what he's undergone for the past thousand years.
This tale of his healing at the hands of those who love him as one
they knew all his life until his supposed death, those who offer him
succor in Lorien, and others who come to know and care for him is
gentle and filled with scenes of love and beauty. Perhaps he will sail
one day and find his final healing on Tol Eressea as was true of
Frodo; but he is one who has great patience.
A beautiful tale.
Title: Cold Be Hand and Heart and Bone · Author: Imhiriel · Races:
Villains: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 286
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-11 06:16:19
Spoilers!
Now there are a few who have looked at the wraith who later was to
capture Frodo and his companions. Love this haunting that wakens the
unnamed prince from his deathwound. Shuddery!
Images are perfect!
Title: Pulling the Wool · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 95
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-11 06:26:47
A wonderful drabble series, looking at how wool might be indeed pulled
over one's eyes, figuratively and literally.
Humorous, vigorous, grieving--Boromir will ever look the world in its
face.
Title: Confidence · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Minas Tirith · ID: 38
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-11 06:36:31
Ann's ability to show us the servants of the Ruling Steward is so
wonderful! From Mags to Mormegil, she's breathed life into the
Steward's quarters within the Citadel.
Charming, and particularly the last vignette, where the steward's sons
are cautioned to seek out Mormegil's advice. Humorous and delightful.
Title: The Least of Rings · Author: Marta · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Drabbles · ID: 621
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-11 06:41:35
Spoilers!
Oh, indeed the least of rings lies against Frodo's breast, much as
described by the Nazgul who came as messenger to the Dwarves. And only
Boromir knows the truth--for now...
Definitely a new scenario as to how the Ring might have come into
Boromir's hands. Well done, Marta.
Title: The Gardener Speaks · Author: Armariel · Genres: Poetry:
Hobbits · ID: 428
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-11 06:49:03
And when the Gardener speaks, he speaks beautifully, realizing that
Frodo has been as much a nurturer of beauty as Sam himself was raised
to be. Definitely an ode to the brotherhood between the two Hobbits
who took the darkest road together.
So wonderful a poem, lyrical and poignant, as Armariel's poems always
are. I hope in time she will share her poems with us again, or at
least let me know where I can find them elsewhere.
Title: My Sword Weeps · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Boromir or Faramir · ID: 316
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-11 08:25:23
Spoilers!
This ambitious and complex tale is the second entry in Agape's AU "My
Sword" series. Things have gone from bad (the murders of two Stewards
in the first story) to worse (the illness of the latest, and most
fragile, Steward of Gondor, six-year-old Faramir). The heroine,
Denethor's fierce sister Indis, sets out on a desperate journey to
find help for her stricken nephew...
I like the plotline of the parallel quests - Indis is seeking help for
Faramir by journeying towards RIvendell while Aragorn is traveling
from Rivendell to help the sick child. Agape writes a suspenseful
story, full of angst, cliff-hangers, magic, treachery, and battle.
Title: Look Not With Longing · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 479
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-11 08:51:02
Spoilers!
A lovely vignette that deals with the joy and sadness of surviving a
time of horror and sorrow. Faramir was marked more heavily than some,
and also had the strength and imagination to adapt happily to the
changes of the Fourth Age. But as perceptive as he is, it is not
surprising that Faramir can see the differences between those who
lived through the same crucible that forged him, with sympathy, and a
certain wistful longing for the greatness of the past that is equalled
by his relief that the children of the newer age will never have to
face "gods and demons".
All of which is expressed beautifully here, through Faramir, by
Dwimordene. Well worth reading!
Title: Faithful · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Second and Early Third
Age · ID: 105
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-11 09:00:39
Spoilers!
Dwimordene never disappoints, and this tale predating and presaging
the Kin-strife is no exception. Excellent use of the title, and
concept of, [Faithful]. And of course the research is outstanding; and
Dwim deals with the historic and political ramifications easily and
naturally, while building up the suspense of a difficult time in
Gondor's history, and implying the terrible changes that were to come.
Title: Least Expected · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 512
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-11 09:03:28
Spoilers!
This is one of the most chilling what if's I've ever read. What if
Grima Wormtongue had intercepted Halbarad on his way to join his
kinsman. That seems bad enough, but the final chilling line shows that
even worst has happened.The very thought makes me shiver!
Chillingly well written.
Title: The Legend of the Grey Riders · Author: Jay of Lasgalen ·
Races: Cross-Cultural: Elves and Men · ID: 176
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-11 09:09:57
Spoilers!
What a truly delightful story, which seems so logical, that I'm
surprised I've never seen this plot before.The twins listen to Eomer
tell a tale of days of old and seem to know more about it that he
does. Hardly surprising given their vast ages, which are often easy
for other characters and the reader to forget.
A most enjoyable tale.I especially enjoyed the twist at the end.
Title: Epiphany · Author: Larner · Races: Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 293
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-11 09:20:23
Spoilers!
I'm not usually keen on stories about the twins but I greatly enjoyed
this drabble,which is quite unique. Elladan and Elrohir are watching
Aragforn's coronation and trying to reconcile the child they once knew
with the great man their little foster brother has become.I think we
can all identify with moments like this on a less exalted scale.
I loved it that the twins recognised Aragorn as more kingly than most
Elves could be and perceiving him as truly the hallowed and chosen
King, by no less than the One. A lovely drabble,which I highly reccomend.
Title: Heavens' Embroidered Cloths · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 292
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-11 15:34:50
Beautiful writing, and a deeply moving premise and execution. How
wonderful to combine such concepts as star-gazing with mettarë
traditions, especially featuring Faramir and Éowyn as a loving couple.
What a wonderful gift Éowyn gives her husband, not only by reviving
the old traditions of celebrating, but also by reawakening in him
memories of a happy childhood when the family was still whole and happy.
The depth of detail in each of these drabbles is impressive,
especially considering that plot, character moments, and prose get as
much careful attention in the space of 100 words each. I particularly
liked the subtle reference to Finduilas' mantle.
The retelling of legends, some rooted in canon, some in our own
folklore, are particularly lyrical and moving, the prose lucid and
sparkling like stars.
I like how the drabbles weave the story in a tapestry, not through a
straight narrative, but come from various PoV or chronological order.
Title: Surprise Inspection · Author: AmandaK · Genres: Humor: Gondor ·
ID: 207
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-11 17:37:35
This is very cute, and well-executed and evenly paced regardless of
its light-heartedness.
Title: Generations · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Drama: Featuring Aragorn
· ID: 508
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-11 17:54:19
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. With seeming effortlessness
it combines Tolkien's seriousness of tone with an ordinary and
universal situation told with keen human observation. Well done.
Title: Seaworthy · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 349
Reviewer: docmon · 2008-08-11 23:34:48
Spoilers!
Thundera carries the themes of fortune and skill (necessary traits for
a successful sailor) deftly throughout this story without feeling
redundant. Her writing is as sharp as ever, evoking the images of the
sea and the bitterness of Legolas's decision. Imrahil's character is
the perfect balance of concerned fatherly figure and stern master. I
enjoyed his elusive responses to Legolas's questions, which served to
lead Legolas to the answer, rather than telling him outright.
Imrahil's insight shows his understanding of both the elf and the sea.
I began the piece entirely rooting for Legolas and his desire to put
his ship into the water. But by the end, I had been convinced by
Imrahil's argument and wanted that ship, and its captain, to stay put.
Title: The Dooming of Small Hands · Author: Thundera Tiger · Times:
Late Third Age · ID: 639
Reviewer: docmon · 2008-08-12 00:29:48
Spoilers!
In this story, Thundera carefully crafts a conversation between two of
the most powerful people in Middle-earth. The story opens with
effective contrasts between Gandalf's dark mood and the peaceful
setting of Imladris. And even in a story of such weight, Thundera's
humor shows through.
As with any meeting between two powerful people, there is disagreement
and negotiation. One is reminded of the stature of Gandalf and Elrond,
and with such an endeavor and decisions facing them, I find it hard to
believe that such a debate as Thundera has created did not occur.
Thundera creates a scene that is at once a discussion among powerful
individuals accustomed to making decisions for others and a
conversation between two who care very much for another who will
suffer for all of them. And Gandalf's concise summation of all of the
history of Middle-earth as a journey that inevitably has come to that
moment is powerful.
What is ironic, and demonstrates Thundera's abilities, is that despite
knowing what does happen in Tolkien's stories, I am still convinced,
temporarily at least, by Elrond's arguments. Gandalf's arguments prove
at least as effective though, and as he describes why Frodo is the
only possible Bearer my heart breaks for him. He was portrayed as
steadfast, stern, and always knowing what needed to be done and what
was right. We rarely get this glimpse of Gandalf struggling with what
must be done. And though he never wavers in what he intends to do,
after reading this, I imagine this decision must have indeed left a
bitter taste in Gandalf's mouth.
Title: A Fitting Occupation · Author: Radbooks · Races: Men: Pre-Ring
War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 601
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-08-12 00:43:03
What a great story! The drabble series works wonderfully well here,
each compact tidbit setting up perfectly for the next. The two
characters are perfectly drawn as well: Baird's moody truculence
turned to exuberant joy; Bard doing the right thing as both father and
king. I imagine, with the coming of "The Hobbit" film, we'll be seeing
more stories of the Laketown folk; I look forward to reading many more
stories as charming and insightful as this one from this fine author.
Multi-Age: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 387
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-08-11 02:57:31
Spoilers!
I love every one of the drabbles in this series. Each is a stand-alone
mini-story, complete with wonderful prose, careful structuring,
perfectly in-character allusions and vivid descriptions. Yet they take
on even more power and grace by being linked together into a cycle of
birth and death, as it were. Tanaqui brings out the uniqueness of each
of the Three Elven Rings, imbuing them with an individuality that
beautifully complements each bearer.
The first drabble sets the stage very well: the Three absorb
attributes needed to fight Evil, tied to three of the greatest Valar.
I *love* the hint that more may have entered the rings than even
Celebrimbor realized or strove for. The Valar helped only indirectly
in Middle-earth after the end of the First Age; was this another of
their quiet ways of assisting? A ["Wellspring"] of resistance indeed.
And then on to the bearers...
I absolutely adore the connection clearly drawn between Galadriel's
power held in ["the land between the rivers"] and Ulmo himself. The
last two lines are particularly poignant and do an excellent job of
linking the loss of Nenya to her sudden sea-longing. Elrond's drabble
is wonderfully, deeply moving; the emphasis on the timing of his
inheritance of Vilya really brought home how much he had to absorb in
a short period of time, among all the other sorrows of his life. The
description of weightlessness, and his reaching out to anchor himself,
are just perfect.
I also like very much that Gandalf's PoV frames the final scene, being
right there at the Black Gates where ["a new certainty was born from
the ashes"]. Great job, Tanaqui!
Title: The Turning Wheel · Author: Elen Kortirion · Genres: Romance:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 517
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-11 04:11:31
Spoilers!
A beautifully written drabble series that describes the beginning of a
possible relationship between Aragorn and Boromir. Both men have had
partners before and memories of them. Both men recognize the worth of
their previous partners and the new one they are contemplating. That
the drabbles culminate at the turning of the year is most appropriate.
Title: Where Shadows Lay No More · Author: Cathleen · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond · ID: 358
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-11 04:14:41
Spoilers!
A poignant treatment of Aragorn's coronation by the one member of the
Fellowship who is unable to attend. Or so they think...The majority of
this movie-verse story is from the point of view of Boromir's "little
ones" and that is most fitting.
Title: Sharing Good News · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Humor: Drabbles
· ID: 216
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-11 04:16:15
Spoilers!
Bilbo and Aragorn are obviously good friends of long standing in LOTR.
So I really enjoyed this drabble about a sneak visit to Bag End from a
certain scruffy Ranger, who has momentous news to tell.
Title: Bitter Sweet · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Steward's Family · ID: 536
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-11 04:21:49
Spoilers!
Sniff! Sniff! A very touching AU, in which Theodred lives but makes a
sacrifice of another sort and turns away from his true love to marry
for policy, as rulers often find necessary for the sake of their
realms. For many years he is both loving and faithful in this marriage
and though he suffers yet another sad loss, his constancy and faith is
ultimately rewarded in the end.
Title: Daybreak · Author: Cinzia · Races: Men: Steward's Family · ID: 591
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-11 04:28:21
Spoilers!
The author gives an incest warning for this story, and it could be
read in that way, or it could not. While movie-verse, I think it
depicts the loving relationship between the Brothers Mir in a way that
is true to the books as well. Faramir obviously worships his older
brother and Boromir's protectiveness is very evident.
Title: Tangled Webs · Author: Ribby · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 100
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-11 04:31:36
Spoilers!
It's an interesting idea that Aragorn, with his Dunedan gift of
foresight, would visit someone who divines in another way. The
lace-maker reminds him that even those who are lost are not entirely gone.
Title: The Prisoner of Dol Guldur · Author: Soledad · Genres: Drama:
Final Partings · ID: 102
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-11 06:09:59
Spoilers!
We know many disappeared into the depths of Dol Guldur, and few
returned. Now that Sauron and his Nazgul are gone, the victorious
Elves come forward, those of the Golden Wood and those of Eryn
Lasgalen together, to throw down the Necromancer's tower and open his
dungeons to the light of day--and find one survivor, one who was
brought by Sauron's folk out of the ruins of Mordor during the final
days of the Last Alliance--the older brother to Legolas, torn and all
but destroyed by what he's undergone for the past thousand years.
This tale of his healing at the hands of those who love him as one
they knew all his life until his supposed death, those who offer him
succor in Lorien, and others who come to know and care for him is
gentle and filled with scenes of love and beauty. Perhaps he will sail
one day and find his final healing on Tol Eressea as was true of
Frodo; but he is one who has great patience.
A beautiful tale.
Title: Cold Be Hand and Heart and Bone · Author: Imhiriel · Races:
Villains: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 286
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-11 06:16:19
Spoilers!
Now there are a few who have looked at the wraith who later was to
capture Frodo and his companions. Love this haunting that wakens the
unnamed prince from his deathwound. Shuddery!
Images are perfect!
Title: Pulling the Wool · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 95
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-11 06:26:47
A wonderful drabble series, looking at how wool might be indeed pulled
over one's eyes, figuratively and literally.
Humorous, vigorous, grieving--Boromir will ever look the world in its
face.
Title: Confidence · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Minas Tirith · ID: 38
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-11 06:36:31
Ann's ability to show us the servants of the Ruling Steward is so
wonderful! From Mags to Mormegil, she's breathed life into the
Steward's quarters within the Citadel.
Charming, and particularly the last vignette, where the steward's sons
are cautioned to seek out Mormegil's advice. Humorous and delightful.
Title: The Least of Rings · Author: Marta · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Drabbles · ID: 621
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-11 06:41:35
Spoilers!
Oh, indeed the least of rings lies against Frodo's breast, much as
described by the Nazgul who came as messenger to the Dwarves. And only
Boromir knows the truth--for now...
Definitely a new scenario as to how the Ring might have come into
Boromir's hands. Well done, Marta.
Title: The Gardener Speaks · Author: Armariel · Genres: Poetry:
Hobbits · ID: 428
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-11 06:49:03
And when the Gardener speaks, he speaks beautifully, realizing that
Frodo has been as much a nurturer of beauty as Sam himself was raised
to be. Definitely an ode to the brotherhood between the two Hobbits
who took the darkest road together.
So wonderful a poem, lyrical and poignant, as Armariel's poems always
are. I hope in time she will share her poems with us again, or at
least let me know where I can find them elsewhere.
Title: My Sword Weeps · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Boromir or Faramir · ID: 316
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-11 08:25:23
Spoilers!
This ambitious and complex tale is the second entry in Agape's AU "My
Sword" series. Things have gone from bad (the murders of two Stewards
in the first story) to worse (the illness of the latest, and most
fragile, Steward of Gondor, six-year-old Faramir). The heroine,
Denethor's fierce sister Indis, sets out on a desperate journey to
find help for her stricken nephew...
I like the plotline of the parallel quests - Indis is seeking help for
Faramir by journeying towards RIvendell while Aragorn is traveling
from Rivendell to help the sick child. Agape writes a suspenseful
story, full of angst, cliff-hangers, magic, treachery, and battle.
Title: Look Not With Longing · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 479
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-11 08:51:02
Spoilers!
A lovely vignette that deals with the joy and sadness of surviving a
time of horror and sorrow. Faramir was marked more heavily than some,
and also had the strength and imagination to adapt happily to the
changes of the Fourth Age. But as perceptive as he is, it is not
surprising that Faramir can see the differences between those who
lived through the same crucible that forged him, with sympathy, and a
certain wistful longing for the greatness of the past that is equalled
by his relief that the children of the newer age will never have to
face "gods and demons".
All of which is expressed beautifully here, through Faramir, by
Dwimordene. Well worth reading!
Title: Faithful · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Second and Early Third
Age · ID: 105
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-11 09:00:39
Spoilers!
Dwimordene never disappoints, and this tale predating and presaging
the Kin-strife is no exception. Excellent use of the title, and
concept of, [Faithful]. And of course the research is outstanding; and
Dwim deals with the historic and political ramifications easily and
naturally, while building up the suspense of a difficult time in
Gondor's history, and implying the terrible changes that were to come.
Title: Least Expected · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 512
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-11 09:03:28
Spoilers!
This is one of the most chilling what if's I've ever read. What if
Grima Wormtongue had intercepted Halbarad on his way to join his
kinsman. That seems bad enough, but the final chilling line shows that
even worst has happened.The very thought makes me shiver!
Chillingly well written.
Title: The Legend of the Grey Riders · Author: Jay of Lasgalen ·
Races: Cross-Cultural: Elves and Men · ID: 176
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-11 09:09:57
Spoilers!
What a truly delightful story, which seems so logical, that I'm
surprised I've never seen this plot before.The twins listen to Eomer
tell a tale of days of old and seem to know more about it that he
does. Hardly surprising given their vast ages, which are often easy
for other characters and the reader to forget.
A most enjoyable tale.I especially enjoyed the twist at the end.
Title: Epiphany · Author: Larner · Races: Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 293
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-11 09:20:23
Spoilers!
I'm not usually keen on stories about the twins but I greatly enjoyed
this drabble,which is quite unique. Elladan and Elrohir are watching
Aragforn's coronation and trying to reconcile the child they once knew
with the great man their little foster brother has become.I think we
can all identify with moments like this on a less exalted scale.
I loved it that the twins recognised Aragorn as more kingly than most
Elves could be and perceiving him as truly the hallowed and chosen
King, by no less than the One. A lovely drabble,which I highly reccomend.
Title: Heavens' Embroidered Cloths · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 292
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-11 15:34:50
Beautiful writing, and a deeply moving premise and execution. How
wonderful to combine such concepts as star-gazing with mettarë
traditions, especially featuring Faramir and Éowyn as a loving couple.
What a wonderful gift Éowyn gives her husband, not only by reviving
the old traditions of celebrating, but also by reawakening in him
memories of a happy childhood when the family was still whole and happy.
The depth of detail in each of these drabbles is impressive,
especially considering that plot, character moments, and prose get as
much careful attention in the space of 100 words each. I particularly
liked the subtle reference to Finduilas' mantle.
The retelling of legends, some rooted in canon, some in our own
folklore, are particularly lyrical and moving, the prose lucid and
sparkling like stars.
I like how the drabbles weave the story in a tapestry, not through a
straight narrative, but come from various PoV or chronological order.
Title: Surprise Inspection · Author: AmandaK · Genres: Humor: Gondor ·
ID: 207
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-11 17:37:35
This is very cute, and well-executed and evenly paced regardless of
its light-heartedness.
Title: Generations · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Drama: Featuring Aragorn
· ID: 508
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-11 17:54:19
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. With seeming effortlessness
it combines Tolkien's seriousness of tone with an ordinary and
universal situation told with keen human observation. Well done.
Title: Seaworthy · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 349
Reviewer: docmon · 2008-08-11 23:34:48
Spoilers!
Thundera carries the themes of fortune and skill (necessary traits for
a successful sailor) deftly throughout this story without feeling
redundant. Her writing is as sharp as ever, evoking the images of the
sea and the bitterness of Legolas's decision. Imrahil's character is
the perfect balance of concerned fatherly figure and stern master. I
enjoyed his elusive responses to Legolas's questions, which served to
lead Legolas to the answer, rather than telling him outright.
Imrahil's insight shows his understanding of both the elf and the sea.
I began the piece entirely rooting for Legolas and his desire to put
his ship into the water. But by the end, I had been convinced by
Imrahil's argument and wanted that ship, and its captain, to stay put.
Title: The Dooming of Small Hands · Author: Thundera Tiger · Times:
Late Third Age · ID: 639
Reviewer: docmon · 2008-08-12 00:29:48
Spoilers!
In this story, Thundera carefully crafts a conversation between two of
the most powerful people in Middle-earth. The story opens with
effective contrasts between Gandalf's dark mood and the peaceful
setting of Imladris. And even in a story of such weight, Thundera's
humor shows through.
As with any meeting between two powerful people, there is disagreement
and negotiation. One is reminded of the stature of Gandalf and Elrond,
and with such an endeavor and decisions facing them, I find it hard to
believe that such a debate as Thundera has created did not occur.
Thundera creates a scene that is at once a discussion among powerful
individuals accustomed to making decisions for others and a
conversation between two who care very much for another who will
suffer for all of them. And Gandalf's concise summation of all of the
history of Middle-earth as a journey that inevitably has come to that
moment is powerful.
What is ironic, and demonstrates Thundera's abilities, is that despite
knowing what does happen in Tolkien's stories, I am still convinced,
temporarily at least, by Elrond's arguments. Gandalf's arguments prove
at least as effective though, and as he describes why Frodo is the
only possible Bearer my heart breaks for him. He was portrayed as
steadfast, stern, and always knowing what needed to be done and what
was right. We rarely get this glimpse of Gandalf struggling with what
must be done. And though he never wavers in what he intends to do,
after reading this, I imagine this decision must have indeed left a
bitter taste in Gandalf's mouth.
Title: A Fitting Occupation · Author: Radbooks · Races: Men: Pre-Ring
War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 601
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-08-12 00:43:03
What a great story! The drabble series works wonderfully well here,
each compact tidbit setting up perfectly for the next. The two
characters are perfectly drawn as well: Baird's moody truculence
turned to exuberant joy; Bard doing the right thing as both father and
king. I imagine, with the coming of "The Hobbit" film, we'll be seeing
more stories of the Laketown folk; I look forward to reading many more
stories as charming and insightful as this one from this fine author.
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