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Msg# 9385
MEFA Reviews for Friday, August 15, 2008 (Part Two) Posted by annmarwalk August 15, 2008 - 18:30:21 Topic ID# 9385Title: Fit for a King · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 217
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-14 09:54:12
Spoilers!
Shadowfax's last foal has accepted a name, and it must be very
flattering to Aragorn. Nice, slightly humorus in nature. Love the
natural feel to the paddock and those who are examining the young
stallion.
Title: Charge! · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Ring War Drabbles ·
ID: 444
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-14 15:14:36
Very visceral writing: the atmosphere of the battle, the excitement
projected from the title onwards is elicited very well. I could feel
my heart speeding up, as the narrative picked up steam.
I like the sense of the protagonist being in the midst of his
comrades-at-arms, and of his bond with his steed.
And a clever bit of very, very subtle misdirection (which I admit I
failed to recognise at first).
Title: ...and the sound of a battered heart, beating · Author:
Lindelea · Genres: Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 690
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-14 15:14:56
A thought-provoking snapshot. Wonderfully realistic dialogue that
makes the characters come to life. I could feel Estella's confusion
and, yes, anger at Frodo's attitude. And Frodo's answer was absolutely
perfect, and immensely powerful; a poignant and sooo eternally true
statement.
Title: The Shadow · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 25
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-14 21:02:40
Spoilers!
Wonderfully apt language. The uneven rhythm of long and short
sentences, of questions and statements elicit a very unsettling feel,
complementing the content of the drabble itself.
These questions remain unanswered, and the musings evoke the picture
of a disturbed (and perhaps obsessed?) Frodo, really demonstrate the
fact that there was no coming home for him to the Shire and living as
before the Quest, that there was no possibility of him recovering
fully here in Middle-earth.
The drabble also manages to explore the fact of the bond/kinship Frodo
feels towards Sméagol/Gollum which seems so inexplicable to many in
the books (and perhaps also many readers).
Title: Gone Amiss · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 44
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-14 21:04:27
Spoilers!
Very evocative, very moving. Raksha describes and conveys the absolute
incomprehension and disbelief of Aragorn at Boromir's death, his
feeling of impotence and inadequacy, which must pain him all the more
with him being such a capable healer. Also his guilt - both survivor's
guilt and the guilt of the one in charge of people who die - strike me
as very realistic and I wonder just how often Aragorn had to battle
with this feeling - and will still battle in the years to come
(foreshadowing also his Númenórean longlevity).
The description of how Boromir passes on is immensely sad and elegiac.
The mention of Boromir's smile also offers a poignant contrast to
Aragorn's inner turmoil and grief.
The ending is particularly brilliant: what a terrible irony that
Aragorn asks the helpless question of how to impart the sad news to
Denethor, while the reader knows that the opportunity won't even come
to pass; that, once again, Aragorn will be too late.
Title: Now the Green Blade Riseth · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 37
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-14 21:04:59
Spoilers!
The personalities of the characters are captured very well. The
gaffer's voice feels very authentic: no-nonsense, a bit querulous and
suspicious of all that doesn't conform to the "proper" and regular
order; but with a soft core and a love for and pride of his son. And
you can almost see him melting in contentment at the sight of that
lovely tree, emphasising, again, just how connected he is with all
things green and growing.
Considering that Sam is only described with a few single words, it is
remarkable just how present and alive he seems in the drabble. The
descriptions are completely spot-on in characterisation.
Title: Wedding Nerves · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Times: Late Third
Age: Gondor · ID: 48
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-15 02:02:12
Spoilers!
In the midst of conflicting "help" and tastes, the king appears
unlikely to make it to his own wedding--ever! Enter the voice of
reason--and fraternal teasing. Bless the sons of Elrond for their
timely intervention!
Aragorn is properly nervous, his new advisors without a clue! Nicely
subtle in its humor.
Title: Spoiled · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 119
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-15 02:09:22
Spoilers!
Tanaqui had been challenged to describe what type of person Aragorn
might have grown to had he known his heritage from the beginning. She
has succeeded marvelously, and has shown a newly returned chieftain
who truly needs to be put in his place! The attitude of this upstart
is very clearly shown with a marvelous economy of words.
Title: Brotherhood · Author: Violin Ghost · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 261
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-15 02:19:49
Now, this is a most wonderful look at the relationship between the
brothers Mir, as Faramir, after his trothplighting with Eowyn, swims a
river of Rohan and remembers several times he'd sung a particular
warsong with his brother. Grief and pride, memory and hope for the
future are all well represented, and images are marvelously depicted.
Well, well worth the read for those who love tales of Faramir and his
lost brother Boromir.
Title: FAULT: The Doctor Is In · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Humor:
Valar & Maiar · ID: 545
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-15 02:33:38
Spoilers!
Ah--a far more--modern--healer of minds has come to Namo's halls and
has offered to assist in the work to restore the six resident sons of
Feanor and their father prepared for rehousing. But is it working? And
will the good doctor find himself distracted by the desire to analyze
the Master of those halls?
A hilarious Might-Have-Been we could hope never happened! Poor
Namo--he's met someone almost as relentless as Feanor himself, I fear!
Heh!
Title: Silver Blossoms Blown · Author: Ignoble Bard · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 646
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-15 02:39:12
Spoilers!
The depiction and eventual grief known by Varda as she thinks on the
people of the Elves, their initial promise and current
destructiveness, is delicately portrayed. Ah, so sweet and emotional
tale! Well constructed.
Title: 25 Rethe, S.R. 1422: The Three Travellers Remember · Author:
Dreamflower · Genres: Poetry: Drama · ID: 679
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 02:40:47
Spoilers!
My own aptitude for writing poetry is rather poor, so I am in awe of
people who can write good poems. And this is one is not only good,
it's rather astonishing. I've never heard of the unique structure, but
it's wonderful and neat, and I don't know quite how Dreamflower
managed to set up the poem like that, but it certainly works well.
Lovely comparisons between the way, in general, the world of Men
honors Frodo and the way his homeland remembers him.
Title: O Kheled-zâram fair and wonderful! · Author: Imhiriel · Races:
Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 354
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-15 02:43:36
Spoilers!
And what better place for lovers to meet and pledge their troth than
there, by Durin's Pillar--when, of course, those lovers are Dwarves?
Lovely drabble, and it's always a delight to celebrate Dwarvish
relationships.
Title: Horse Sense · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 22
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 02:43:59
Spoilers!
A delightful vignette with a perspective on the Fellowship's
leavetaking from Rivendell that we don't often see in fanfiction -
that of Bill the Pony.
Bill's point of view is very credibly written, and his body language
seems quite horsy. It is his interaction with another member of the
Fellowship that truly shines here, a trans-species bond that forms
despite the savvy horse's initial distrust. The writer puts her
knowledge of horses to excellent use here.
As usual, this talented writer produces beautiful, understated
description that adds to the story without distracting from it. I have
long admired her ability to blend the earthy and the lofty, without
short-changing either aspect; and she does it again here, expanding
the commonplace (the horse's role in the Fellowship) and incorporating
its details, and adding a touch of the sublime in Gimli's appreciation
of Bill, and Bill's recognition of the Dwarf's essential goodness.
Absolutely a must-read for fans of the Fellowship and good horses
everywhere!
Title: Charge! · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Ring War Drabbles ·
ID: 444
Reviewer: Phyncke · 2008-08-15 02:46:49
I love how this captures that cavalry charge of the Rohirrim. It is an
awesome moment and the drabble presents it simply and elegantly.
Title: This crown of stars · Author: Fawsley · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 586
Reviewer: Phyncke · 2008-08-15 02:50:23
Such a melancholy Strider and though we know what he does become, we
can feel his sadness and hopelessness. Year upon year in the wild,
fighting evil with little thanks.
I really liked this one.
Title: Leaving Home · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 39
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 04:41:45
Spoilers!
A delightful story of domesticity in Emyn Arnen, viewed through the
eyes of Faramir and Eowyn's six-year-old son.
I like the way that Elboron is written as slightly jealous of the
attention given the visiting hobbits but also intrigued by them. The
description of Eowyn's treatment of Merry's 'wound' is wonderful. And
the end is heart-warming.
Title: Mournful Fords · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 368
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 04:46:21
Spoilers!
Much fanfiction and even a few lines of LOTR is given over to
Denethor's mourning of his lost firstborn son, but there is far less
written about Theoden's reaction to the loss of his only child. This
drabble addresses that lack, and very nicely, too. Theoden is
well-written, he does not fall apart or turn on others in his grief,
but his feelings are credible, and the pathos of a father marking his
son's fall too late really tugs at the heartstrings.
Title: Battle upon the Quays · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 376
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 04:59:25
Spoilers!
A lively snippet from the great battle on the Quays; from the point of
view of an unlucky corsair. Imrahil's youthful personality, and the
cleverness of the strategy of Thorongil's force, is excellently
conveyed here.
Title: Star-songs of the Eorlingas · Author: Tanaqui · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 291
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-15 05:04:09
Spoilers!
On later pages within this year's competition is a series of ficlets
relating the tales told amongst the folk of Gondor about the histories
of the Constellations; here we have the same, but of the tales told
amongst the Rohirrim. Such a marvelous pair these two tales make,
particularly when put together--the first set told to Eowyn as she
looks at the banners hung up in the hall as she and Faramir look to
celebrate the feasts of the stars their first year together; then she
telling these tales as the two of them look to make the future such
feasts THEIRS. Wonderful--so definitely the tales of Rohan in this set.
Title: Relief · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General Drabbles · ID: 446
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 05:07:06
Spoilers!
A lovely look at Boromir cooling off on a hot day in Osgiliath.
Tanaqui's imagery is sensuous without being vulgar, the water's touch
is almost that of a playful lover. Boromir, of course, just wants to
get cool; very typical for this soldier. The drabble should appeal to
all Boromir-fans, and many who just like a well-written little
snapshot of a hot (in every sense of the word!) Gondorian Captain
taking a refreshing dip in the Anduin.
Title: Expert Treasure Hunter · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Villains:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 447
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 14:19:26
Spoilers!
This is a wonderful drabble about Smaug. The notion of his being a
connoisseur of gold, silver, jewelry in the way that some people are
of fine wines, is delightful. The drabble has a playful, almost lazy
rhythm that works perfectly for the tale of a very large and
fire-breathing vandal and jewel thief.
Title: Out of the Blue · Author: Jael · Races: Elves · ID: 205
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 17:27:18
Spoilers!
Here's a fine story of Elves living very well and happily in modern
times, from the point of view of a social worker who has been assigned
the task of investigating the welfare of the youngest member of the
family.
While I usually gravitate more to the Tolkien characters in fanfic
stories where Modern-Human-Meets-Tolkien-Characters; this time I was
totally drawn to the OFC narrator. Jane is a very real and credible
character, dedicated to a job that is grueling, but not so dedicated
that she is a fanatic, and posessing a pleasing wry sense of humor.
She is determined to judge the child's circumstances fairly, despite
the oddness and great wealth of his family; and not falsely accuse
people. I found myself liking Jane as well as admiring her.
And I had to feel sorry for the poor Elves who kept trying to politely
call her "Miss" instead of the more recent appellation "Ms.". To them,
it probably was just a little while ago they were calling mortal women
"Mistress" or "Lady" or "Ma'am".
Title: The Healers from the Sea · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 202
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-08-15 19:52:33
Spoilers!
Mews has a knack for using sensory detail to create a story that
imbues everyday experience with an almost spiritual quality. She uses
this knack to create a gentle tale of Frodo interacting with some
dolphins that are escorting the ship on which he sailed.
Very touching.
Title: Tying Notes · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Late Third Age: Gondor
Drabbles · ID: 378
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-08-15 19:53:00
In this drabble we catch sight of Faramir in an unusual setting and
situation, and gain an insight into his personality. It's nothing ever
mentioned in canon, and yet, at the same time it so appropriately fits
his canon characterization.
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 217
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-14 09:54:12
Spoilers!
Shadowfax's last foal has accepted a name, and it must be very
flattering to Aragorn. Nice, slightly humorus in nature. Love the
natural feel to the paddock and those who are examining the young
stallion.
Title: Charge! · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Ring War Drabbles ·
ID: 444
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-14 15:14:36
Very visceral writing: the atmosphere of the battle, the excitement
projected from the title onwards is elicited very well. I could feel
my heart speeding up, as the narrative picked up steam.
I like the sense of the protagonist being in the midst of his
comrades-at-arms, and of his bond with his steed.
And a clever bit of very, very subtle misdirection (which I admit I
failed to recognise at first).
Title: ...and the sound of a battered heart, beating · Author:
Lindelea · Genres: Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 690
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-14 15:14:56
A thought-provoking snapshot. Wonderfully realistic dialogue that
makes the characters come to life. I could feel Estella's confusion
and, yes, anger at Frodo's attitude. And Frodo's answer was absolutely
perfect, and immensely powerful; a poignant and sooo eternally true
statement.
Title: The Shadow · Author: Linda Hoyland · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 25
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-14 21:02:40
Spoilers!
Wonderfully apt language. The uneven rhythm of long and short
sentences, of questions and statements elicit a very unsettling feel,
complementing the content of the drabble itself.
These questions remain unanswered, and the musings evoke the picture
of a disturbed (and perhaps obsessed?) Frodo, really demonstrate the
fact that there was no coming home for him to the Shire and living as
before the Quest, that there was no possibility of him recovering
fully here in Middle-earth.
The drabble also manages to explore the fact of the bond/kinship Frodo
feels towards Sméagol/Gollum which seems so inexplicable to many in
the books (and perhaps also many readers).
Title: Gone Amiss · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 44
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-14 21:04:27
Spoilers!
Very evocative, very moving. Raksha describes and conveys the absolute
incomprehension and disbelief of Aragorn at Boromir's death, his
feeling of impotence and inadequacy, which must pain him all the more
with him being such a capable healer. Also his guilt - both survivor's
guilt and the guilt of the one in charge of people who die - strike me
as very realistic and I wonder just how often Aragorn had to battle
with this feeling - and will still battle in the years to come
(foreshadowing also his Númenórean longlevity).
The description of how Boromir passes on is immensely sad and elegiac.
The mention of Boromir's smile also offers a poignant contrast to
Aragorn's inner turmoil and grief.
The ending is particularly brilliant: what a terrible irony that
Aragorn asks the helpless question of how to impart the sad news to
Denethor, while the reader knows that the opportunity won't even come
to pass; that, once again, Aragorn will be too late.
Title: Now the Green Blade Riseth · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 37
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-14 21:04:59
Spoilers!
The personalities of the characters are captured very well. The
gaffer's voice feels very authentic: no-nonsense, a bit querulous and
suspicious of all that doesn't conform to the "proper" and regular
order; but with a soft core and a love for and pride of his son. And
you can almost see him melting in contentment at the sight of that
lovely tree, emphasising, again, just how connected he is with all
things green and growing.
Considering that Sam is only described with a few single words, it is
remarkable just how present and alive he seems in the drabble. The
descriptions are completely spot-on in characterisation.
Title: Wedding Nerves · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Times: Late Third
Age: Gondor · ID: 48
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-15 02:02:12
Spoilers!
In the midst of conflicting "help" and tastes, the king appears
unlikely to make it to his own wedding--ever! Enter the voice of
reason--and fraternal teasing. Bless the sons of Elrond for their
timely intervention!
Aragorn is properly nervous, his new advisors without a clue! Nicely
subtle in its humor.
Title: Spoiled · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Drabbles · ID: 119
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-15 02:09:22
Spoilers!
Tanaqui had been challenged to describe what type of person Aragorn
might have grown to had he known his heritage from the beginning. She
has succeeded marvelously, and has shown a newly returned chieftain
who truly needs to be put in his place! The attitude of this upstart
is very clearly shown with a marvelous economy of words.
Title: Brotherhood · Author: Violin Ghost · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 261
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-15 02:19:49
Now, this is a most wonderful look at the relationship between the
brothers Mir, as Faramir, after his trothplighting with Eowyn, swims a
river of Rohan and remembers several times he'd sung a particular
warsong with his brother. Grief and pride, memory and hope for the
future are all well represented, and images are marvelously depicted.
Well, well worth the read for those who love tales of Faramir and his
lost brother Boromir.
Title: FAULT: The Doctor Is In · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Humor:
Valar & Maiar · ID: 545
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-15 02:33:38
Spoilers!
Ah--a far more--modern--healer of minds has come to Namo's halls and
has offered to assist in the work to restore the six resident sons of
Feanor and their father prepared for rehousing. But is it working? And
will the good doctor find himself distracted by the desire to analyze
the Master of those halls?
A hilarious Might-Have-Been we could hope never happened! Poor
Namo--he's met someone almost as relentless as Feanor himself, I fear!
Heh!
Title: Silver Blossoms Blown · Author: Ignoble Bard · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 646
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-15 02:39:12
Spoilers!
The depiction and eventual grief known by Varda as she thinks on the
people of the Elves, their initial promise and current
destructiveness, is delicately portrayed. Ah, so sweet and emotional
tale! Well constructed.
Title: 25 Rethe, S.R. 1422: The Three Travellers Remember · Author:
Dreamflower · Genres: Poetry: Drama · ID: 679
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 02:40:47
Spoilers!
My own aptitude for writing poetry is rather poor, so I am in awe of
people who can write good poems. And this is one is not only good,
it's rather astonishing. I've never heard of the unique structure, but
it's wonderful and neat, and I don't know quite how Dreamflower
managed to set up the poem like that, but it certainly works well.
Lovely comparisons between the way, in general, the world of Men
honors Frodo and the way his homeland remembers him.
Title: O Kheled-zâram fair and wonderful! · Author: Imhiriel · Races:
Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 354
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-15 02:43:36
Spoilers!
And what better place for lovers to meet and pledge their troth than
there, by Durin's Pillar--when, of course, those lovers are Dwarves?
Lovely drabble, and it's always a delight to celebrate Dwarvish
relationships.
Title: Horse Sense · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 22
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 02:43:59
Spoilers!
A delightful vignette with a perspective on the Fellowship's
leavetaking from Rivendell that we don't often see in fanfiction -
that of Bill the Pony.
Bill's point of view is very credibly written, and his body language
seems quite horsy. It is his interaction with another member of the
Fellowship that truly shines here, a trans-species bond that forms
despite the savvy horse's initial distrust. The writer puts her
knowledge of horses to excellent use here.
As usual, this talented writer produces beautiful, understated
description that adds to the story without distracting from it. I have
long admired her ability to blend the earthy and the lofty, without
short-changing either aspect; and she does it again here, expanding
the commonplace (the horse's role in the Fellowship) and incorporating
its details, and adding a touch of the sublime in Gimli's appreciation
of Bill, and Bill's recognition of the Dwarf's essential goodness.
Absolutely a must-read for fans of the Fellowship and good horses
everywhere!
Title: Charge! · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Ring War Drabbles ·
ID: 444
Reviewer: Phyncke · 2008-08-15 02:46:49
I love how this captures that cavalry charge of the Rohirrim. It is an
awesome moment and the drabble presents it simply and elegantly.
Title: This crown of stars · Author: Fawsley · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 586
Reviewer: Phyncke · 2008-08-15 02:50:23
Such a melancholy Strider and though we know what he does become, we
can feel his sadness and hopelessness. Year upon year in the wild,
fighting evil with little thanks.
I really liked this one.
Title: Leaving Home · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 39
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 04:41:45
Spoilers!
A delightful story of domesticity in Emyn Arnen, viewed through the
eyes of Faramir and Eowyn's six-year-old son.
I like the way that Elboron is written as slightly jealous of the
attention given the visiting hobbits but also intrigued by them. The
description of Eowyn's treatment of Merry's 'wound' is wonderful. And
the end is heart-warming.
Title: Mournful Fords · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 368
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 04:46:21
Spoilers!
Much fanfiction and even a few lines of LOTR is given over to
Denethor's mourning of his lost firstborn son, but there is far less
written about Theoden's reaction to the loss of his only child. This
drabble addresses that lack, and very nicely, too. Theoden is
well-written, he does not fall apart or turn on others in his grief,
but his feelings are credible, and the pathos of a father marking his
son's fall too late really tugs at the heartstrings.
Title: Battle upon the Quays · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 376
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 04:59:25
Spoilers!
A lively snippet from the great battle on the Quays; from the point of
view of an unlucky corsair. Imrahil's youthful personality, and the
cleverness of the strategy of Thorongil's force, is excellently
conveyed here.
Title: Star-songs of the Eorlingas · Author: Tanaqui · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 291
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-15 05:04:09
Spoilers!
On later pages within this year's competition is a series of ficlets
relating the tales told amongst the folk of Gondor about the histories
of the Constellations; here we have the same, but of the tales told
amongst the Rohirrim. Such a marvelous pair these two tales make,
particularly when put together--the first set told to Eowyn as she
looks at the banners hung up in the hall as she and Faramir look to
celebrate the feasts of the stars their first year together; then she
telling these tales as the two of them look to make the future such
feasts THEIRS. Wonderful--so definitely the tales of Rohan in this set.
Title: Relief · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General Drabbles · ID: 446
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 05:07:06
Spoilers!
A lovely look at Boromir cooling off on a hot day in Osgiliath.
Tanaqui's imagery is sensuous without being vulgar, the water's touch
is almost that of a playful lover. Boromir, of course, just wants to
get cool; very typical for this soldier. The drabble should appeal to
all Boromir-fans, and many who just like a well-written little
snapshot of a hot (in every sense of the word!) Gondorian Captain
taking a refreshing dip in the Anduin.
Title: Expert Treasure Hunter · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Villains:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 447
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 14:19:26
Spoilers!
This is a wonderful drabble about Smaug. The notion of his being a
connoisseur of gold, silver, jewelry in the way that some people are
of fine wines, is delightful. The drabble has a playful, almost lazy
rhythm that works perfectly for the tale of a very large and
fire-breathing vandal and jewel thief.
Title: Out of the Blue · Author: Jael · Races: Elves · ID: 205
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-15 17:27:18
Spoilers!
Here's a fine story of Elves living very well and happily in modern
times, from the point of view of a social worker who has been assigned
the task of investigating the welfare of the youngest member of the
family.
While I usually gravitate more to the Tolkien characters in fanfic
stories where Modern-Human-Meets-Tolkien-Characters; this time I was
totally drawn to the OFC narrator. Jane is a very real and credible
character, dedicated to a job that is grueling, but not so dedicated
that she is a fanatic, and posessing a pleasing wry sense of humor.
She is determined to judge the child's circumstances fairly, despite
the oddness and great wealth of his family; and not falsely accuse
people. I found myself liking Jane as well as admiring her.
And I had to feel sorry for the poor Elves who kept trying to politely
call her "Miss" instead of the more recent appellation "Ms.". To them,
it probably was just a little while ago they were calling mortal women
"Mistress" or "Lady" or "Ma'am".
Title: The Healers from the Sea · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 202
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-08-15 19:52:33
Spoilers!
Mews has a knack for using sensory detail to create a story that
imbues everyday experience with an almost spiritual quality. She uses
this knack to create a gentle tale of Frodo interacting with some
dolphins that are escorting the ship on which he sailed.
Very touching.
Title: Tying Notes · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Late Third Age: Gondor
Drabbles · ID: 378
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-08-15 19:53:00
In this drabble we catch sight of Faramir in an unusual setting and
situation, and gain an insight into his personality. It's nothing ever
mentioned in canon, and yet, at the same time it so appropriately fits
his canon characterization.
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