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Title: Night Terrors · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 433
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-12 14:57:32
Spoilers!
I do not know if the author is herself a mother but, as a mother, for
me this drabble brought back almost viscerally those feelings of
fragility one cannot help but have with a small child, no matter how
strong, protected and loved. I am glad I can now smile in rememberance
and hindsight at these experiences!

I also appreciated the portrait of Faramir as both a doting and
nervous father; I have always imagined him with a keen sense of all
possibilities.

Title: Of Dreams... · Author: Avon · Races: Men: General Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 7
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-12 15:15:45
This ficlet poses a powerful question most gently: is someone who
fights for peace a man of war? We can only imagine this must have been
the defining question of Tolkien's own wartime experiences. The author
here has reexamined it with exceeding grace.

Title: The Healers from the Sea · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 202
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-12 20:42:46
The descriptions are lovely and as if steeped in light, and have a
very uplifting feel to them. The depth of detail and the sensory
information manage to paint intricate images.

The voyage sounds as if it was already the beginning the time of
much-needed recovery for Frodo. The mood of soothing, salutary quiet
is elicited very well.

The scenes with the dolphins were absolutely charming. Their gentle
playfulness was exactly what Frodo needed. There are programmes that
actually use contact and playing with dolphins for healing and
recovery purposes, and this story is a very good representation of such.

Title: Kin-Strife · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 92
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-12 21:20:28
Spoilers!
Intricate, engrossing plot with a great depth of detail; a cast of
fabulously-written characters; vivid, realistic dialogue; and a tight
and seamless weaving of canon and original imagination (including neat
interweaving with other stories or references from Isabeau's verse).

The sub-plots are intriguing on their own, but I also like the way
they are coming together and are also "stepping-stones" for many other
other themes and stories Isabeau has been (and is still) exploring:
the beginning of the relationship between Andrahar and Imrahil, how it
developed and changed over the years, leading to increasing closeness
even in the face of their different leanings; Andrahar's difficulties
as a Haradrim in Gondor; Imrahil's relationship with Thorongil and how
it reflects on canon events during the WotR; the dynamic between
Imrahil, Finduilas and Denethor; the glimpses of foresight etc.

The characters all feel so very real in their behaviour and their
interactions, and I expecially appreciate that there is a clear arc of
development throughout the narrative that is very consistent but
realistic (meaning for example that despite Imrahil visibly maturing
over the course of the narrative, he still has bouts of "brattiness").

Title: Philosophia to Philomythus and Misomythus · Author:
pandemonium_213 · Genres: Poetry · ID: 50
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-08-13 02:43:40
When I read a fanfiction novel, I am willing to forgive minor
imperfections. If a writer can entertain me and challenge me when
writing about my favorite characters or situations I am delighted and
likely to forgive a plethora of small problems. The authors are not
being paid; this is not their life's work, and for all the
intellectual intensity and passion they may bring to the crafting of
the story, it is essentially a hobby. They do not have the backup of
professional editors and copy-checkers that a published novelist may
be assumed to have.

However, I cannot suffer an inferior poem. I do not care who wrote it
or what it is about. The entire point of a poem is that it be
carefully crafted and a perfect little jewel in its own right, whether
it is written by a poet laureate or my downstairs neighbor. A bad poem
is just a bad poem.

When I read Pandemonium's poem I was delighted that it is technically
a fine example of the poetic form of the original poem that it chose
to critique. It also projected her point of view in a lovely,
rational, and passionate manner. I do not view the early Enlightenment
through rose-colored glasses. One could argue that some of the
short-sightedness of the those early days of the modern world still
remain to be overcome in the period in which we live. However, I would
not trade modern medicine, 18th century infant mortality rates, or
lack of civil rights for the loveliest cottage in an untouched
pristine countryside. Nor is myth or art mutually exclusive of a
respect for science. I have known too many serious scientists too well
to believe that they should be painted with the brush of soulless
philistines without a conscience.

It is endlessly fascinating to me to contemplate the similarity of
myth in different time periods and different cultures, widely
geographically dispersed. I do not believe that greater understanding
of this phenomenon is anathema to science, but, actually, quite the
contrary. I believe through study and the use of the scientific method
we can understand more of what myth reveals about the human
experience. And I do, even as a layperson, appreciate the wonder in
science.

Congratulations on producing a poem that is readable and so
beautifully conveys your point of view.


Title: Wind and Fire · Author: elfscribe · Times: First Age and Prior
· ID: 539
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-08-13 04:05:25
Elfscribe is one of my favorite writers and while I love her work for
its heart and humor, I am also greatly attached to her stupendous
command of dialogue. Her characters speak in a manner that is never
glaringly modern and, therefore, incongruent with her protagonists,
Elves, nor is it ever stiff or archaic. She is able to translate
dialogue into warm and natural voices, in which one can literally hear
intonations. That talent and craft add immensely to her capacity for
character development. Her characters' language can be humorous,
witty, sarcastic, and moving, but never unnatural or contrived.

This story turns her usual technique completely on its head. In this
story, she renders the dialogue between Fëanor and Manwë a high and
lofty style, similar in its tone to certain sections of The
Silmarillion. However, while doing so, she does not sacrifice her
ability to develop character and convey convincing voices. I am not a
great fan of what I often, in a fit of impatience when I read it
poorly done, call "pseudo-archaic." Elfscribe's dialogue could not be
further from that unfortunate clumsy of use of the archaic. It not
only works in this piece, but also greatly enhances the story. I am
impressed.

Her characterization of both Fëanor and Manwë is masterful. I adore
the first look we get at Feanor through Manwe's point of view:
["Fëanor turned and looked up. He turned with a warrior's precision as
he pulled his sword; his long dark hair and cloak spun and settled
around him. His armor was cleverly wrought: black inlaid with silver,
the helm topped with a fiery red plume. Never did Fëanor set his hand
to anything that was not well done. All about him crackled with
reckless beauty. Truly, he was the most wonderful and terrible of
Eru's creations."] That is purely and simply Tolkien's Fëanor
perfectly described and I absolutely am convinced that Manwë would
have seen him that way as well.

If the style and characterization were not enough to make this a
wonderful story, she takes on the whole complex theme of the nature of
the Silmarili and the manner of their creation and spins an entire
theory around these which is not in any way incompatible with the
canon sources. Yet this is gradually throughout the piece revealed
both to the reader and to Manwë.

She also takes on a very interesting concept that I have seen very few
writers handle so well, which is how does the corporeal form a Maia or
Vala might take affect what they physically experience, and how that
could change how they perceive reality under those conditions.
Pandemonium does this well and effectively in her stories about Sauron
as Annatar. Elfscribe uses a similar logic in depicting Manwë's
responses to Fëanor refracted through the prism of a bodily form,
which is not identical to, but similar to and compatible with that of
an Elf. In this story, Manwë's godlike control of his responses and
reactions short circuit and cause him and Fëanor a whole lot of trouble.

It is a sad and tragic story with a twist and is intellectually
stimulating on a whole series of different levels. I highly recommend
this creative and original version of the roots of Fëanor's
frustration, anger, and despair, which lead to his rebellion against
the Valar and a whole new vision of Manwë's role in the entire disaster.


Title: Forsaken · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Elves: Drabbles · ID: 369
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-08-13 04:26:47
I really love the way you wrote this. I like the point-by-point
format. I found Finrod's voice convincing. I found each of the points
convincing and really believeable until the bitter end of the series.
That he considered.Orodreth pivotal for me was a bit anti-climatic. I
would have thought it hurt him more that the rest of the lords of
Nargothrond, who followed Finrod there and helped him build it, did
not take his side against Curufin and Celegorm. I never really saw any
signs of strength of character in Orodreth and, therefore, was
somewhat surprised that Finrod had expected so much more and better
from him. Maybe, I felt differently the first time I read it. But
Orodreth so underwhelmed me as a character, I found it difficult to
believe that Finrod had high expectations of him. I still really like
the piece for Finrod's voice throughout, however.

Title: Rivendell International Airport · Author: Primsong · Genres:
Humor: Elven Lands · ID: 345
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-13 05:50:06
Spoilers!
Bwah! Okay, I have to confess that I haven't laughed this hard in a
good long while. This was one of the funniest things I've come across
in recent years. I think part of the humor is that the Fellowship
feels like they're still in the books. They just also happen to be in
an airport. I had great fun watching the members of the Fellowship
adapt to their new surroundings with varying degrees of success. In
the beginning, it seemed as though Gandalf was going to have to hold
everyone's hand through security and boarding. Thank goodness Legolas
quickly caught on to just how much clout a royal title could earn him
(and the rest of the Fellowship, too).

There were many superb moments throughout the story, but three really
stand out in my mind. The first is the entire process of turning Bill
into a sort of checked luggage collective. I had to wipe spittle off
my screen after that one. The second was Boromir's attempt to [act
natural,] which apparently meant anticipating ambushes in the
bathrooms. But the icing on the whole delicious cake had to be Frodo
getting the Ring through security. Absolutely priceless!

All in all, a cleverly executed and superbly well-timed story that had
me clutching my sides with every new chapter.

Title: The Right to Bear Arms · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 653
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-13 05:50:27
Spoilers!
Hobbits never fail to surprise, and the big surprise in this story is
Pippin. The whole situation is a very nice role reversal for Boromir,
especially in light of what Boromir will ultimately sacrifice for both
Merry and Pippin. By the end of the story, I'm left feeling that there
will be many things they will learn from each other before that day comes.

Title: Frogdom · Author: Neilia · Genres: Humor: Elven Lands · ID: 192
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-13 05:50:53
So that old saying about meddling in the affairs of subtle and
quick-to-anger wizards? It turns out that the wizards aren't very
subtle after all. Although, I have wondered just what Gandalf could do
if someone really decided to push him, and I can't say I'm surprised
that the someone in question turned out to be Pippin. But what really
got me was Frodo. I loved his reaction! Very enjoyable.

Title: Orc Talk! · Author: kitt_otter · Genres: Humor: Elven Lands ·
ID: 703
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-13 05:51:16
What I love about this story is the true-to-life feel of the youth in
the first section. I could so easily picture a group of young elves
gathered around regaling the youngest member of their gang with horror
stories. The unfolding of the rest of the story revealed some
excellent characterization of Thranduil and some wonderful insight
into life in Mirkwood.

Title: Bad Idea · Author: StarLight9 · Genres: Humor: Elven Lands ·
ID: 610
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-13 05:52:07
Spoilers!
I fell in love with Gloin from the very beginning of this story. I
love the idea that both he and Gimli think this is not a good idea,
and I enjoyed how hopeful Gimli seemed when he thought his father
might not come. Little did he know Gloin, and I love the fact that
Gloin is going through with this just to prove it is a [bad idea]. But
perhaps my favorite part was how in the end, even though all seemed to
work out, we were once again on the verge of what could possibly be
yet another [bad idea].

Title: MAGIC: The Password · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Humor: Elven
Lands · ID: 451
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-13 05:53:14
Spoilers!
Here is an absolutely fantastic example of how to blend canon and
modern world concepts and also how to milk them for all they're worth
in the humor department. I love the musings over other stronghold
doors that poor Thranduil could have chosen. If it were up to me, I'd
have gone with the deadbolt (simplest is sometimes the best), but I
also loved the shoutout to magical keys and Songs of Power. The
concept that Thranduil has locked the password in the stronghold is
hilarious. But perhaps best of all, I love the idea of Radagast
serving as the password retriever in the event that the user (in this
case, Thranduil) can't remember the word. Which he can't. And given
the nature of this word, I don't know that I blame him. Mary Poppins
was a crafty lady...

Title: Horse Sense · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 22
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-13 05:53:56
Spoilers!
There is something wonderfully endearing about this little story. To
begin with, it makes use of some tragically underused characters
(namely Gimli and Bill). And then it begins to hint at cultures and
perspectives that are coming into direct clash as the Fellowship
prepares to depart. I have no doubt but what Gimli believes in his
people's treatment of ponies, but in this instance, I have to
sympathize with Bill. I'd much rather roll around on my back in the
grass than go off with this group.

Title: Here's To The King! · Author: Jael · Genres: Humor: Elven Lands
· ID: 204
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-08-13 05:55:39
Spoilers!
Full props are awarded to Jael for so masterfully capturing a very
weary and very put upon Legolas. This story feels like it came right
out of canon, and I was grinning the entire way. I thoroughly enjoyed
the first part, where a tired Legolas, newly returned from patrol,
discovered that he was apparently the only one around who could deal
with an insubordinate elf. His exhaustion and resignation leaped off
the page, and despite the fact that he was not the most lively
character in this story, he was vivid and fully developed as an
individual. His discovery of the rebel's identity was priceless, and I
laughed hard when Legolas threatened to simply leave him in the
dungeons. I laughed even harder when Legolas escorted him out, much to
the confusion and dismay of both the guards and Naruthir. But perhaps
my favorite moment came in the story's last section when Naruthir kept
giving Legolas speculative looks about the fact that this rebel has
never been seen again. That alone was priceless, but the real topper
was the idea that Legolas did not necessarily see this as a bad thing.
I see many shades of his father in him. As for Thranduil, he was
absolutely delightful the moment he entered the tale, and his apparent
glee in the song he'd sung was brilliant. Wonderful story, all around!

Title: Celebrity · Author: Bodkin · Races: Men: Minas Tirith · ID: 635
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-13 06:20:22
Spoilers!
A touching story of a chance meeting; where King Elessar encounters a
face from a time in his younger days, and the memories of a less
burdened existence. Excellent use of flashbacks in thought - just long
enough to encompass past experience and not long enough to overwhelm
the reader.



Title: Engineering · Author: SurgicalSteel · Races: Men: Minas Tirith
· ID: 696
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-13 06:27:38
Spoilers!
Charming story of the entry of Serinde, Surgical Steel's lively and
formidable OFC, into the Houses of Healing as a child. I applaud
Steel's choice of an OMC, the Chief Surgeon, as the narrator rather
than young Serinde; it gives the narrative a fresh viewpoint.


Title: Arwen in the Afternoon · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres:
Romance: Elven Lands · ID: 244
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-13 06:53:47
Definitely doesn't subscribe to LaCE.

Title: Letters To A Dear Friend · Author: Antane/Frodo of the Shire
CoAuthors · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 670
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-13 07:00:04
An interesting series of letters. Healing will come.

Title: The Haradric Whore and Her Son · Author: annmarwalk/EdorasLass
CoAuthors · Races: Cross-Cultural · ID: 124
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-13 08:01:44
Spoilers!
An excellent tale of Boromir and a lesser love, set in the
Boromir/Theodred universe. Characters are extremely well drawn, and
motivations and actions well described. One can come to love these two
people and those who came to care for them, including Boromir.

Title: The Portrait · Author: agape4gondor · Races: Men: Pre-Ring War
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 288
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-13 08:09:18
A gentle depiction of the brothers Mir as Boromir seeks the proper
Yule gift. One is left to imagine the subject of the gift found, but
clearly Boromir and Faramir feel it is perfect for their father.

The tension of the search is well drawn, as well as the disappointment
when they do not find what Boromir seeks. Good use of ambiguity to
draw the reader into the story. Very nice.

Title: Letters From Faramir · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Boromir or Faramir · ID: 425
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-08-13 16:22:32
Spoilers!
These letters have some wonderful moments - how Faramir cannot bear to
write the word 'death', and how he imagines Boromir with him
coporeally so often.

Title: Gone Amiss · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 44
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-08-14 05:16:52
"Gone Amiss" is absolutely stunning. Aragorn's remorse is beautifully
done, his amazement at how Boromir could be dead while he had not so
much sustained a scratch. Raksha's deft handling of language is so
skillful, too. I like how Aragorn had been hoping to have Boromir as
his Steward. Now he grieves and dreads the moment he must face
Denethor with the news of his son's death.

The trouble with Raksha's drabbles is that I keep wanting more
paragraphs. Darn. But drabbles are supposed to leave you wanting more.

Title: Good King Elessar · Author: Dreamflower · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 2
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-14 06:26:22
Spoilers!
Blessings on Dreamflower for bringing "Good King Wenceslaus" into
Middle Earth. Perhaps Hobbits don't celebrate St. Stephen's Day, but
they do know the service of a good King; and when King Elessar sees a
ragged Man near the hunting lodge Merry and Pippin had built for his
use that they might freely spend time with him just outside the Shire
he decides to make a cold winter night a bit warmer for him.

A wonderful tale of caring and trust as King and page Frodo Gamgee
seek out the Man's small dwelling to bring him what comfort they can;
and young Frodo realized just what a wonderful one he's pledged
himself to serve for the next year.

Filled with charm, comfort, and delight.

Title: A White Coverlet to Cool a Hobbit's Toes · Author: Claudia ·
Races: Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 73
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-14 09:34:10
A sweet story of Frodo wanting to experience snow and an adventure
that wasn't truly dangerous. Snowstorms and wolves and accidents and
fierce battles....

Not fully within book or movie canon, but very enjoyable.