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Msg# 9387
MEFA Reviews for Sunday, August 17, 2008 (Part One) Posted by annmarwalk August 17, 2008 - 20:28:37 Topic ID# 9387Title: A Path of Wisdom · Author: Dana · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 641
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 02:43:44
Now, here's an AU version I'd never thought to even consider. HAD
Lotho survived the Time of Troubles, what might have befallen him?
With whom would he have stayed? Who might have helped him recover?
What lessons would he have learned, and under what tutelage?
A fascinating thought, thinking of Lotho undergoing his own
apprenticeship learning compassion and understanding.
Sometimes difficult to appreciate the changes in POV, but definitely
thought-provoking in the most positive manner possible.
Title: The Search · Author: rhyselle · Genres: Poetry: Late Third Age
· ID: 501
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 02:48:44
Spoilers!
From imaginary wandering footprints running over the map of Middle
Earth, Rhyselle has written the desire of one of those who sought the
Ring, both send to find it and desiring it for himself. Definitely
true to the character, and well worth the read.
Title: 25 Rethe, S.R. 1422: The Three Travellers Remember · Author:
Dreamflower · Genres: Poetry: Drama · ID: 679
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-17 04:47:47
I liked this poem very much and the final line was especially poignant
and verytrue.
Title: Only Water in Your Veins · Author: Michelle · Races: Men · ID: 154
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-17 04:55:58
Spoilers!
This is an especially gripping, moving and angsty story which had
me,the devoted Aragorn angst fan glued to my seat throughout.
Poor Aragorn is caught in a nightmare scenario during his years as
Thorongil,when his horse is killed in battle and he finds himself in
the desert without water.JUst reading of his struggle to survive in
the heat and his increasing thrist,made me reach for a drink to
reassure myself!
This story is full of good things, from Aragorn's grief for his fallen
comrade and horse,his vividly depicted ordeal and finally his rescue
by nomads of Harad.
I loved the way the writer shows how there can be good even in a
nation at that time aligned with Sauron.The Harradrim show great care
and corner for Aragorn and he comes to like and respect them.
A well written,wellpaced and enjoyable story.
Title: Sun · Author: Claudia · Races: Cross-Cultural: Frodo and
Faramir · ID: 223
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-17 05:53:50
Spoilers!
A touching reunion for Frodo and Faramir as they contemplate Minas
Tirith after the war.Claudia takes an unusual twist in that Frodo is
the more optomistic of the pair,which makes perfect sense,as Faramir
has seen much of his home destroyed.Both Hobbit and human can now
enjoy the sun and look foreward to a future. I enjoyed this very much.
Title: The Chieftain of the Dunedain · Author: Avon · Races: Men:
Pre-Ring War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 623
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-17 05:58:44
Spoilers!
A telling and perceptive look at Aragorn through Halbarad's eyes. I
greatly enjoyed this drabble as we rarely see how the young Aragorn
appears in his kinsman's eyes. I liked the way that Halbarad could
sense future greatness.The last line brings an abrupt change of mood,
which is pure delight.
Title: Cat's Paws · Author: pandemonium_213 · Races: Villains · ID: 58
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 06:49:41
Spoilers!
A rather distressing story showing how it was Annatar worked as he
cozened Celebrimbor into trusting him. The graphic demostration with
the paws of his cat Tifil that served to prove to the Elf his true
power so as to bring Celebrimbor to the point of serving as the title
of the piece was--disturbing, to say the least.
Finely crafted indeed. And that Sauron should choose to use the oaths
he did indicates how much he disdained the Valar he'd once served.
Title: Last Stroke · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Drabbles · ID: 465
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-17 06:57:02
Spoilers!
A horrifying glimpse of the doom of most, if not all, Elves of
Middle-earth if the Ring War had not been won. Very descriptive, I
could see the power of the Corsairs' ships, and feel the pathos of
Cirdan's doomed defiance.
I am so very glad that this was AU!
Title: As Was Dwarven Tradition · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 553
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-17 07:00:46
Spoilers!
A fitting tribute to the most famous Elf of the late Third and early
Fourth Age. Nieriel Raina paints a colorful and convincing picture of
a dwarven birthday celebration; and the friendship between Gimli and
Legolas, and certain other members of their families, shines here.
Title: The Heart of a Knight · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 335
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-17 07:14:39
Spoilers!
A promising beginning to the postRingWar story of Beregond. I like the
depiction of Beregond's relationship with his son. The feeling of
tension and excitement of rapid change and a new regime is well
integrated into the story.
I am looking forward to the rest of the story.
Title: A Time to Hope · Author: PipMer · Races: Hobbits: Incomplete ·
ID: 302
Reviewer: Elanor · 2008-08-17 14:39:56
This Field of Cormallen story, told in seven short chapters, focuses
on Merry's emotional state as he waits--sometimes with impatience,
sometimes with hope, and sometimes in outright despair--for Pippin,
Frodo and Sam to "come back" from the life-threatening injuries they
have sustained on their adventures. Alone of the four hero hobbits, it
is Merry who faces the unthinkable prospect of going home alone and
his determination that this should not happen fuels a passionate and
occasionally frightening vigil.
Evenly paced and interestingly supported by a sub-plot that showcases
Aragorn's role as Master Healer and Gandalf's as steady friend and
wise mentor, this is a story for those who find the emotional honesty
of hobbits to be among their most appealing attributes. Merry's
struggles with guilt, fear and incipient loss--along with powerful
lingering shadows of his brush with the Black Breath--make for very
compelling reading.
Title: The Game of Kings · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Humor · ID: 28
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-17 15:20:13
I don't know if the expression makes much sense, but while reading
this short ficlet, what sprang to my mind as the term to describe it
was "melancholy whimsy". The scenes are described in a language both
measured and charming.
There is a sense of comfortableness and homeliness in it, of a
community of diverse people coming together in friendship. Bree's
extraordinary position as a town where so many different cultures live
together or pass through in harmony is elicited very well.
The use of Barliman as PoV was a good choice, because he is immersed
in this cultural diversity without really realising it, he is part of
it and yet is here more a neutral onlooker. He is both observant and
oblivious to the undercurrents the readers know regarding the mystery
around the Rangers, not knowing just how apt it is that they should be
playing ["The Game of Kings"].
I liked how each of the spectators had to contribute something
according to their own cultural origins, especially the Hobbit's
idiosyncratic renaming of the chess pieces.
Title: In the Van · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres: Humor ·
ID: 72
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-17 15:20:34
Oh, what fun! Branwyn takes a perfectly innocuous military expression
of Tolkien and spins a hilarious story out of the word's meaning in
another context.
The dialogue is wonderful - funny, snappy, and in-character (despite
sounding like that of bickering children, a not inconsiderable feat).
I loved Gandalf's quip about Boromir's (lack of) skills in
["orienteering"].
Title: Playing with Fire · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men: Minas
Tirith · ID: 21
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 17:45:53
Unfortunately some lessons are best learned by allowing the student to
learn the natural consequences of an action. Aragorn makes the painful
decision to do so in this case.
All too realistic a scenario, and well and thoughtfully told.
Title: Star of Hope · Author: Linda Hoyland · Times: Mid Third Age:
Eriador · ID: 34
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 17:53:56
A beautiful, vibrant look at the wish made by Gilraen and how it was
fulfilled. A wonderful proof that Linda is good at writing other
characters as well as Aragorn and Faramir.
The contrast between the customs of Men and Elves is well delineated;
the desire for privacy even with those we know well and trust
implicitly is believably shown.
Very nice.
Title: A Dainty Dish · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Friendship · ID: 722
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 17:59:28
What is commonly appreciated within the Shire is dismissed as "common
fare" by the great chefs of Gondor. However, Merry and Pippin, with
Aragorn's assistance, change all that.
Nice look at cultural differences.
Title: Seeking the Sun · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men · ID: 488
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 18:08:44
Spoilers!
Family and hope and joy lost in the war, one survivor wishes only that
the new King share the despair felt--until the King is personally
encountered. Only then is the Hope embodied by the Lord Elessar fully
appreciated.
One truly empathizes with the woman depicted here with her loss of
husband, child, and support; and the changed feelings as she has her
hope restored by King and Queen is palpable. Another strong work by
LindaHoyland.
Title: My Sword Weeps · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Boromir or Faramir · ID: 316
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 18:16:56
Spoilers!
A most interesting might-have-been. Faramir is in a state of near
catatonia after the murder first of his father and then his brother.
and his aunt decides to take him north in hopes of finding the
legendary domain of the healer Elrond, just as one of those trained by
Elrond heads south, having experienced foresight that his help is
needed by Gondor.
Saruman's forces, however, are hoping to capture the young Steward of
Gondor and his companions; and Aragorn is joined by his Elven brothers
just in time for the three together to face the White Wizard himself.
Spells and treachery, poisons and power all play their part in this story.
A wonderful AU adventure.
Title: Farewell · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama: Final Partings
· ID: 127
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 18:25:27
Spoilers!
So many read of Denethor and see him as almost too arrogant to bear
and possibly abusive toward his younger son. Agape doesn't do this,
seeing much of the final estrangement between Denethor and Faramir as
the result of prolonged stress.
A well crafted tale of [Farewell] as Boromir, realizing his brother
may have foreseen his death if he accepts the quest for Imladris and
the Sword that was Broken, comes to speak one last time with Faramir.
A gentle tale of acceptance and familial love.
Title: Eight Weeks · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 273
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2008-08-17 21:58:42
Delightful! It's great to see Faramir and Denethor in league together!
There were a couple of moments when I felt you had moulded Denethor in
the image of Prachett's Lord Vetinari - a sure way to get triple
thumbs-up from me.
Title: Sun · Author: Claudia · Races: Cross-Cultural: Frodo and
Faramir · ID: 223
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2008-08-17 22:04:53
This is a very poignant short story that conveys much meaning with few
words. I enjoyed reading it.
Title: Letters From Faramir · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Boromir or Faramir · ID: 425
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 22:18:20
I write this as a serious storm approaches--the thunder has rolled for
some hours now, and the rain has come and gone and should return soon
with a vengeance. It fits the mood.
There was, we know, great love between the two sons of Denethor. How
terrible it must have been for Faramir to find himself drawn to the
vision of the Elven boat drifting on the tide, seeing his brother's
body lying, lapped in the water, as it made its long journey to the Sea,
The catharsis of writing when grief assails I know, having used it
myself. And this series of letters is marvelous in its gentleness.
Faramir shines here, and to a lesser extent, so does Pippin. May the
Brothers Mir ever shine in the firmament of our imaginations!
Title: The Birthday Blessing · Author: Larner · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 687
Reviewer: Antane · 2008-08-17 22:44:57
How indeed Frodo smiled! I love the idea of them having this shared
moment, so far apart physically but a heartbeat away otherwise and
that's the distance that mattered.
Title: Cold · Author: febobe · Genres: Drama: Featuring Frodo or Sam ·
ID: 239
Reviewer: Antane · 2008-08-17 23:11:59
Spoilers!
This considers the aftermath of my favorite scene in The Two Towers
movie and adds much. It is split between chapters of Faramir and
Frodo's POV and I much enjoyed the Faramir chapters because of the
insights he gains about the providential meeting of him and the
hobbits, the nature of his strengths and Boromir's and the shame he
feels about treating Frodo so shabbily, something he knows his father
would be proud of but he most definitely wasn't himself. This Faramir
seems to be a combo of the gentle hobbit in a man's skin that he is in
the book and the rough man he is at Osgiliath in the film and it is
well worth 'eavesdropping' on the thoughts of his heart and soul as he
tends to Frodo and changes from that rough man to more of what 'book
Faramir' was. It increases my love for him.
Title: Of First Impressions and Old Friends · Author: Dreamflower ·
Races: Cross-Cultural: Frodo and Faramir · ID: 146
Reviewer: Antane · 2008-08-17 23:21:53
Spoilers!
Love Frodo's mild amusement at the Ring's disappointment that it
couldn't corrupt Faramir and how he was ready, even exhausted, to
exert his will to protect Faramir from being corrupted. What strength
that took the entire time to keep others safe and no wonder he was
empty afterwards. Love also the laughter of the hobbits to Boromir's
retelling of the tale of Faramir's first meeting with Mithrandir, when
Gandalf uses the same words he used in greeting Bilbo and love
Boromir's reaction to that laughter.
Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 641
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 02:43:44
Now, here's an AU version I'd never thought to even consider. HAD
Lotho survived the Time of Troubles, what might have befallen him?
With whom would he have stayed? Who might have helped him recover?
What lessons would he have learned, and under what tutelage?
A fascinating thought, thinking of Lotho undergoing his own
apprenticeship learning compassion and understanding.
Sometimes difficult to appreciate the changes in POV, but definitely
thought-provoking in the most positive manner possible.
Title: The Search · Author: rhyselle · Genres: Poetry: Late Third Age
· ID: 501
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 02:48:44
Spoilers!
From imaginary wandering footprints running over the map of Middle
Earth, Rhyselle has written the desire of one of those who sought the
Ring, both send to find it and desiring it for himself. Definitely
true to the character, and well worth the read.
Title: 25 Rethe, S.R. 1422: The Three Travellers Remember · Author:
Dreamflower · Genres: Poetry: Drama · ID: 679
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-17 04:47:47
I liked this poem very much and the final line was especially poignant
and verytrue.
Title: Only Water in Your Veins · Author: Michelle · Races: Men · ID: 154
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-17 04:55:58
Spoilers!
This is an especially gripping, moving and angsty story which had
me,the devoted Aragorn angst fan glued to my seat throughout.
Poor Aragorn is caught in a nightmare scenario during his years as
Thorongil,when his horse is killed in battle and he finds himself in
the desert without water.JUst reading of his struggle to survive in
the heat and his increasing thrist,made me reach for a drink to
reassure myself!
This story is full of good things, from Aragorn's grief for his fallen
comrade and horse,his vividly depicted ordeal and finally his rescue
by nomads of Harad.
I loved the way the writer shows how there can be good even in a
nation at that time aligned with Sauron.The Harradrim show great care
and corner for Aragorn and he comes to like and respect them.
A well written,wellpaced and enjoyable story.
Title: Sun · Author: Claudia · Races: Cross-Cultural: Frodo and
Faramir · ID: 223
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-17 05:53:50
Spoilers!
A touching reunion for Frodo and Faramir as they contemplate Minas
Tirith after the war.Claudia takes an unusual twist in that Frodo is
the more optomistic of the pair,which makes perfect sense,as Faramir
has seen much of his home destroyed.Both Hobbit and human can now
enjoy the sun and look foreward to a future. I enjoyed this very much.
Title: The Chieftain of the Dunedain · Author: Avon · Races: Men:
Pre-Ring War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 623
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-08-17 05:58:44
Spoilers!
A telling and perceptive look at Aragorn through Halbarad's eyes. I
greatly enjoyed this drabble as we rarely see how the young Aragorn
appears in his kinsman's eyes. I liked the way that Halbarad could
sense future greatness.The last line brings an abrupt change of mood,
which is pure delight.
Title: Cat's Paws · Author: pandemonium_213 · Races: Villains · ID: 58
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 06:49:41
Spoilers!
A rather distressing story showing how it was Annatar worked as he
cozened Celebrimbor into trusting him. The graphic demostration with
the paws of his cat Tifil that served to prove to the Elf his true
power so as to bring Celebrimbor to the point of serving as the title
of the piece was--disturbing, to say the least.
Finely crafted indeed. And that Sauron should choose to use the oaths
he did indicates how much he disdained the Valar he'd once served.
Title: Last Stroke · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Drabbles · ID: 465
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-17 06:57:02
Spoilers!
A horrifying glimpse of the doom of most, if not all, Elves of
Middle-earth if the Ring War had not been won. Very descriptive, I
could see the power of the Corsairs' ships, and feel the pathos of
Cirdan's doomed defiance.
I am so very glad that this was AU!
Title: As Was Dwarven Tradition · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 553
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-17 07:00:46
Spoilers!
A fitting tribute to the most famous Elf of the late Third and early
Fourth Age. Nieriel Raina paints a colorful and convincing picture of
a dwarven birthday celebration; and the friendship between Gimli and
Legolas, and certain other members of their families, shines here.
Title: The Heart of a Knight · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 335
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-17 07:14:39
Spoilers!
A promising beginning to the postRingWar story of Beregond. I like the
depiction of Beregond's relationship with his son. The feeling of
tension and excitement of rapid change and a new regime is well
integrated into the story.
I am looking forward to the rest of the story.
Title: A Time to Hope · Author: PipMer · Races: Hobbits: Incomplete ·
ID: 302
Reviewer: Elanor · 2008-08-17 14:39:56
This Field of Cormallen story, told in seven short chapters, focuses
on Merry's emotional state as he waits--sometimes with impatience,
sometimes with hope, and sometimes in outright despair--for Pippin,
Frodo and Sam to "come back" from the life-threatening injuries they
have sustained on their adventures. Alone of the four hero hobbits, it
is Merry who faces the unthinkable prospect of going home alone and
his determination that this should not happen fuels a passionate and
occasionally frightening vigil.
Evenly paced and interestingly supported by a sub-plot that showcases
Aragorn's role as Master Healer and Gandalf's as steady friend and
wise mentor, this is a story for those who find the emotional honesty
of hobbits to be among their most appealing attributes. Merry's
struggles with guilt, fear and incipient loss--along with powerful
lingering shadows of his brush with the Black Breath--make for very
compelling reading.
Title: The Game of Kings · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Humor · ID: 28
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-17 15:20:13
I don't know if the expression makes much sense, but while reading
this short ficlet, what sprang to my mind as the term to describe it
was "melancholy whimsy". The scenes are described in a language both
measured and charming.
There is a sense of comfortableness and homeliness in it, of a
community of diverse people coming together in friendship. Bree's
extraordinary position as a town where so many different cultures live
together or pass through in harmony is elicited very well.
The use of Barliman as PoV was a good choice, because he is immersed
in this cultural diversity without really realising it, he is part of
it and yet is here more a neutral onlooker. He is both observant and
oblivious to the undercurrents the readers know regarding the mystery
around the Rangers, not knowing just how apt it is that they should be
playing ["The Game of Kings"].
I liked how each of the spectators had to contribute something
according to their own cultural origins, especially the Hobbit's
idiosyncratic renaming of the chess pieces.
Title: In the Van · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres: Humor ·
ID: 72
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-17 15:20:34
Oh, what fun! Branwyn takes a perfectly innocuous military expression
of Tolkien and spins a hilarious story out of the word's meaning in
another context.
The dialogue is wonderful - funny, snappy, and in-character (despite
sounding like that of bickering children, a not inconsiderable feat).
I loved Gandalf's quip about Boromir's (lack of) skills in
["orienteering"].
Title: Playing with Fire · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men: Minas
Tirith · ID: 21
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 17:45:53
Unfortunately some lessons are best learned by allowing the student to
learn the natural consequences of an action. Aragorn makes the painful
decision to do so in this case.
All too realistic a scenario, and well and thoughtfully told.
Title: Star of Hope · Author: Linda Hoyland · Times: Mid Third Age:
Eriador · ID: 34
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 17:53:56
A beautiful, vibrant look at the wish made by Gilraen and how it was
fulfilled. A wonderful proof that Linda is good at writing other
characters as well as Aragorn and Faramir.
The contrast between the customs of Men and Elves is well delineated;
the desire for privacy even with those we know well and trust
implicitly is believably shown.
Very nice.
Title: A Dainty Dish · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Friendship · ID: 722
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 17:59:28
What is commonly appreciated within the Shire is dismissed as "common
fare" by the great chefs of Gondor. However, Merry and Pippin, with
Aragorn's assistance, change all that.
Nice look at cultural differences.
Title: Seeking the Sun · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men · ID: 488
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 18:08:44
Spoilers!
Family and hope and joy lost in the war, one survivor wishes only that
the new King share the despair felt--until the King is personally
encountered. Only then is the Hope embodied by the Lord Elessar fully
appreciated.
One truly empathizes with the woman depicted here with her loss of
husband, child, and support; and the changed feelings as she has her
hope restored by King and Queen is palpable. Another strong work by
LindaHoyland.
Title: My Sword Weeps · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Boromir or Faramir · ID: 316
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 18:16:56
Spoilers!
A most interesting might-have-been. Faramir is in a state of near
catatonia after the murder first of his father and then his brother.
and his aunt decides to take him north in hopes of finding the
legendary domain of the healer Elrond, just as one of those trained by
Elrond heads south, having experienced foresight that his help is
needed by Gondor.
Saruman's forces, however, are hoping to capture the young Steward of
Gondor and his companions; and Aragorn is joined by his Elven brothers
just in time for the three together to face the White Wizard himself.
Spells and treachery, poisons and power all play their part in this story.
A wonderful AU adventure.
Title: Farewell · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama: Final Partings
· ID: 127
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 18:25:27
Spoilers!
So many read of Denethor and see him as almost too arrogant to bear
and possibly abusive toward his younger son. Agape doesn't do this,
seeing much of the final estrangement between Denethor and Faramir as
the result of prolonged stress.
A well crafted tale of [Farewell] as Boromir, realizing his brother
may have foreseen his death if he accepts the quest for Imladris and
the Sword that was Broken, comes to speak one last time with Faramir.
A gentle tale of acceptance and familial love.
Title: Eight Weeks · Author: Dwimordene · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 273
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2008-08-17 21:58:42
Delightful! It's great to see Faramir and Denethor in league together!
There were a couple of moments when I felt you had moulded Denethor in
the image of Prachett's Lord Vetinari - a sure way to get triple
thumbs-up from me.
Title: Sun · Author: Claudia · Races: Cross-Cultural: Frodo and
Faramir · ID: 223
Reviewer: Virtuella · 2008-08-17 22:04:53
This is a very poignant short story that conveys much meaning with few
words. I enjoyed reading it.
Title: Letters From Faramir · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Boromir or Faramir · ID: 425
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-17 22:18:20
I write this as a serious storm approaches--the thunder has rolled for
some hours now, and the rain has come and gone and should return soon
with a vengeance. It fits the mood.
There was, we know, great love between the two sons of Denethor. How
terrible it must have been for Faramir to find himself drawn to the
vision of the Elven boat drifting on the tide, seeing his brother's
body lying, lapped in the water, as it made its long journey to the Sea,
The catharsis of writing when grief assails I know, having used it
myself. And this series of letters is marvelous in its gentleness.
Faramir shines here, and to a lesser extent, so does Pippin. May the
Brothers Mir ever shine in the firmament of our imaginations!
Title: The Birthday Blessing · Author: Larner · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 687
Reviewer: Antane · 2008-08-17 22:44:57
How indeed Frodo smiled! I love the idea of them having this shared
moment, so far apart physically but a heartbeat away otherwise and
that's the distance that mattered.
Title: Cold · Author: febobe · Genres: Drama: Featuring Frodo or Sam ·
ID: 239
Reviewer: Antane · 2008-08-17 23:11:59
Spoilers!
This considers the aftermath of my favorite scene in The Two Towers
movie and adds much. It is split between chapters of Faramir and
Frodo's POV and I much enjoyed the Faramir chapters because of the
insights he gains about the providential meeting of him and the
hobbits, the nature of his strengths and Boromir's and the shame he
feels about treating Frodo so shabbily, something he knows his father
would be proud of but he most definitely wasn't himself. This Faramir
seems to be a combo of the gentle hobbit in a man's skin that he is in
the book and the rough man he is at Osgiliath in the film and it is
well worth 'eavesdropping' on the thoughts of his heart and soul as he
tends to Frodo and changes from that rough man to more of what 'book
Faramir' was. It increases my love for him.
Title: Of First Impressions and Old Friends · Author: Dreamflower ·
Races: Cross-Cultural: Frodo and Faramir · ID: 146
Reviewer: Antane · 2008-08-17 23:21:53
Spoilers!
Love Frodo's mild amusement at the Ring's disappointment that it
couldn't corrupt Faramir and how he was ready, even exhausted, to
exert his will to protect Faramir from being corrupted. What strength
that took the entire time to keep others safe and no wonder he was
empty afterwards. Love also the laughter of the hobbits to Boromir's
retelling of the tale of Faramir's first meeting with Mithrandir, when
Gandalf uses the same words he used in greeting Bilbo and love
Boromir's reaction to that laughter.
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