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Title: Midnight · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Romance · ID: 18
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-19 03:28:43
Lovely, lovely schmoop! A delightful look at two formidable warriors
in an intimate, restful moment. Even though Boromir is the observed
and not the observer, his personality is nonetheless palpable. Gotta
love a man who has his own special soap recipe! Lyrical, sensual
descriptions.

Title: In Passing · Author: Altariel · Races: Men · ID: 104
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-19 04:02:05
Spoilers!
Chess games are a repeating motif in Altariel's stories, and they've
had their place in mine as well, which is interesting since I don't
believe either of us play. This story leads me to believe she might
have taken some lessons since we first met. Faramir, the accomplished
chess player, ever the scholar, uses the game as a means of
communicating to his great-grandson the history closest to his heart,
during a rainy morning that finds the energetic, artistic youngster
cooped up inside.

Beren, wary as the young often are of their oldest relatives, warms up
eventually to the old man, and leaves him a hopeful promise for the
future. As usual with Altariel, the words are sparse, lyrical and used
to good purpose.

Title: The Wanderer · Author: Lackwit · Genres: Adventure: Incomplete
· ID: 627
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-19 04:11:49
Spoilers!
This is a wonderful concept for a Middle-earth adventure story, the
tale of Odysseus' return set in Fourth Age Gondor with Faramir
returning incognito after a long and mysterious absence in Harad.
Lackwit sets a very intriguing stage; and I wish she would return to
the story and finish it, because I'm dying to see how it all turns out!

Good use of Beregond as Faramir's confidant and helper in a strangely
dangerous situation.

Well worth reading.

Title: The Least of Rings · Author: Marta · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Drabbles · ID: 621
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-19 04:15:42
Spoilers!
Boromir resorts to cleverness, rather than force or persuasion, to
successfully take the Ring in this well-written Alternate Universe
drabble. Marta springs the plot twist on the unsuspecting reader with
skill, and makes it work. A fine addition to AU Ring tales.

Title: Bears With Honey · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor:
Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 243
Reviewer: DrummerWench · 2008-08-19 04:19:55
Spoilers!
Here's another humorous yet insightful ficlet showing just how
universal human (or not-so-human) experiences can be. Just how -did-
Beorn's wife (he must have had one--where else did the Bornings come
from) pass the time while her husband galivanted about bear-shaped?

Title: Wars of the Valar · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Longer Works · ID: 3
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-19 04:27:31
Spoilers!
Fiondil has undertaken a truly cosmic story here - the creation of the
universe (or at least a good part of it) by the Valar, and the wars of
the loyalist Valar with Melkor and his followers.

Fiondil carves out a place as a sort of the George Lucas, or Cecil B.
DeMille of Tolkien fandom with this tale, which is epic in scope and
has a cast of at least hundreds; and special effects and cosmic
phenomena by the boatload (to mix metaphors). It's a great astronomic
and theological thrill ride - and even Olorin (Gandalf) has a part to
play.

Sensitively written; with excellent use of Quenya, other Tolkien
sources outside the Silmarillion, and outstanding knowledge of
astronomy and science.

Title: A Meeting in the Tower Hills · Author: Imhiriel · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 374
Reviewer: DrummerWench · 2008-08-19 04:29:43
Spoilers!
This drabble is an insightful look at the first meetings and tentative
steps toward alliance between newly encountered peoples, laced with
both suspicion and humor. It's a very nice elaboration on a meeting
which must have taken place more than once during the growth of
Númenor. Excellent job!

Title: With Many "Fond" Acknowledgments · Author: Thundera Tiger ·
Genres: Humor · ID: 472
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-19 05:03:59
This shows in an entertaining, fresh way the perils of writing a story
based on facts when you have the witnesses, and their conflicting
accounts, and their wish for a greater part in it, to contend with.

Wonderfully wry tone, which at the same time allows for a more
detached PoV as it brings the readers squarely into the midst of this
bickering circle of friends. Good pacing and timing.

The characters are drawn well, taking into account possible
developments since the events of tWotR as well as the fact that this
is a humour piece.

This line cracked me up: ["Moreover, the competition became so fierce
that they would accost either Eomer or myself and force us to follow
them when they hunted enemies so that there might be a witness to
verify the number."] I also particularly liked the loooong, drawn-out
back-and-forth about what can (or cannot) rightly described as ["weary"].

Title: Incarnation · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor:
Drabbles · ID: 242
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-19 06:41:30
Spoilers!
An excellent nod to the perils of mortality. The writer provides
wonderful characterisation of Gandalf here - his past as an immortal
Maia, his lofty association with Manwe, are expertly contrasted with
the practical, grouchy overlay to our favorite wizard's late Third Age
persona.


Title: The Craft of the Elven Smith · Author: Larner · Times:
Multi-Age · ID: 1
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-19 06:53:38
Spoilers!
Larner usually writes of the Third Age; but here she presents a lovely
story that focusses on Nerdanel and the legacy of her craft, through
the Second and Third Ages.

It is hard to imagine how Nerdanel, one of Tolkien's most tragically
bereft characters, could find peace or any sort of happiness; but
Larner carries it out brilliantly in this story. In the story, the
Valar themselves come to Nerdanel sometime after the fall of Morgoth
and initiate the beginning of her healing, by suggesting she take up
her smithwork again for the benefit of unknown people in Middle-earth.
Under the Valar's guidance, Nerdanel destroys some of the works that
her unforgiven husband had given her and remakes the materials, as
well as making a few new things and tools. The way that the things of
her crafting, great and small, reach Middle-earth and find their way
into the hands of those we know, is told beautifully, and makes the
reader smile; as a legacy of sorrow is transformed into tools to make
a mighty banner or a warming scarf, a healing jewel or a jewel to
adorn a certain reforged sword.

Beautiful use of transformation, as a concept and healing process.
This story is definitely one of the best by this prolific and talented
writer.

Title: On Hobbits · Author: Aratlithiel · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 457
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-19 13:00:56
Spoilers!
I've been bypassing this essay for the past couple months, preferring
to read the short stories and a few others, sticking to the fiction
and fantasy we all love. Now I've finally read it, and must rejoice
that I did.

My favorite character in the works has always been Aragorn, the high
and noble spirit, the hidden king. But the one I write about most
is--Frodo, and for all the reasons Aratlithiel gives here.

I see this essay has been around for a time; I'm only sorry it has
taken me so long to find it and finally actually read it.

Title: Harmony · Author: Elwen · Races: Hobbits · ID: 195
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-19 14:58:50
A most marvelous look at how it was that Frodo Baggins found healing,
seen from the point of view of Elrond. Interesting in that throughout
the tale Frodo himself barely speaks. The use of Frodo's soul song to
heal him is well done indeed.

Title: Look Not With Longing · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 479
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-19 15:07:54
Spoilers!
In the growing day of the Fourth Age Faramir finds himself realizing
how much of what he is and has and knows is rooted in the age he
helped bring to an end, and knows that the very evil of that time yet
allowed a great good to flourish that those who know only this age
cannot yet approach.

What a novel and yet profound idea, that we need in part the Shadow of
the past to allow the Light to be seen more clearly.

In my own stories my characters often bewail the loss of the highest
that occurs even as the orcs and trolls and other constructs of
Morgoth and Sauron dwindle in number as well as potency. The world
becomes mundane until there is a great reason to strive for excellence.

Title: Of First Impressions and Old Friends · Author: Dreamflower ·
Races: Cross-Cultural: Frodo and Faramir · ID: 146
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-19 15:23:07
Spoilers!
They have met, Faramir and the Ringbearer, and seeing Frodo resting by
Sam's protective presence, Faramir, thinking on the report given that
Mithrandir had died, remembers the first time he met the Wizard, even
as Frodo remembers Boromir's tale of the same meeting. In knowing the
Wizard had trusted the other, each finds it easier to think on the
other as a friend.

The use of the four points of view--Faramir the child's, Faramir the
adult's, Boromir's, and Frodo's, we see the forging of what will be an
unusual yet enduring friendship, even if Frodo does leave the mortal
lands.

Title: Loss · Author: SurgicalSteel · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort ·
ID: 196
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-19 15:32:58
Spoilers!
The loss of an expected and desired child can be devastating, I know
from bitter experience. The loss of Serinde's third child and the
subsequent illness, much brought on by a careless midwife, was a
shockingly common experience in the past, and is drawn very realistically.

The feelings of all concerned are well drawn, and the pain and
acceptance is well portrayed--perhaps too well portrayed as I remember
my own loss.

Most poignant.

Title: Feelings of Superiority · Author: Gwynnyd · Times: Multi-Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 362
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-08-19 15:37:43
Personally, I am quite happy about Gwynnyd's indecision with regard to
the prompt that inspired these, as we get six well-written and
cleverly-constructed perspectives instead of only one! From Elves to
Men, the range of exploration is impressive: some I had thought about
before, some were reversals of expectations, and at least one was a
PoV I'd never even considered.

There is a nice balance, too, between Firstborn and Second. Assuredly,
there are many other racial PoVs available to choose from, but I like
the focus on Elves and Men because it emphasized to me that in any
interaction, even regarding beings of the same species and having
once-common backgrounds, each side is going to be guilty of holding on
to assumptions about the other.

I think I appreciate most of all that Gwynnyd's creations are each
built around the unifying idea of fathers and sons, and how prejudices
are oh-so-smoothly passed down from one generation to another.

In the first drabble, I love the boy's outlook (innocence) contrasted
to the father's (self-serving); there is much future history
germinating in that final quote. Then there is an excellent mirroring
set of actions in the second drabble: one of my favorite lines comes
from the young man selling the stallion, and his inner thoughts at the
time! The third is a powerful statement on assumptions about those you
strive against; both sides often have the exact same motivations.

The fourth and fifth are practically companion drabbles; I love how
they set up the foundations for misunderstanding and conflict, not
just between peoples but perhaps within one specific Tolkien family.
The last drabble, though, is absolutely my favorite of all, and puts a
whole new spin on the possible ways to view "betrayal". Wonderfully done!

Title: Five Hair Care Tips for Rohirrim · Author: EdorasLass · Genres:
Humor · ID: 71
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-19 16:49:51
This story uses a modern conceit to hilarious effect in Tolkien's
world: beauty tips - specifically concerning hair care - for none less
than the proud Riders of the Mark. The oh-so-earnest tone of the
narrator only enhances the absurdity of the premise; it feels as if
he/she is completely serious in their attempts at given good advice.
The comical asides, strike-throughs and other funny "gimmicks" (like,
for example, writing as if there is a conversation going on between
the narrator and his sceptic audience) are also a nice touch.

I think my favourite device was the constant comparison to the care
for their horses the Rohirrim are so passionate about - "if it's good
for your horses, it's good for you!"

Title: The Conscience of the King · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor · ID: 649
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-19 16:50:03
A very moving look at what Éomer's innermost feelings might have been
as he witnesses his sister marrying Faramir. The ambiguity is
presented very realistically and understandably, as Éomer's selfish or
resentful thoughts battle with his more generous and reasonable nature.

The light humour in this short story ony enhances the underlying
seriousness of the inner debate.

I like how the arc of of the narrative is built up to keep peeling
away the more obvious rationalisations to get at the heart of the
matter, forcing Éomer to face it, accept it, and grow beyond it as he
lets go of his negative feelings.

The brief references to Éowyn's actions and her obvious happiness were
a further plus and also helped to put her brother's musings into a
broader context in the story.

Title: Nine Companions · Author: Aranel Took · Genres: Humor: Drabbles
· ID: 259
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-19 17:56:38
I like the sense of easy comfort and and friendship this drabble
conveys. It was a lovely touch that although Faramir was named as
being in place for his brother, there was no sense he was a "mere"
replacement, but instead fit seamlessly in.

Title: Terra Incognita · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Humor: Drabbles · ID: 723
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-19 17:57:55
The drabble evokes the reality of life in the WW1 trenches very
realistically with some brief but poignant details. The perspective of
the common soldiers unfamiliar - of course - with Tolkien's work
strikes me as very plausible and I can easy imagine such or similar
conversations taking place between those who might have got a look at
his work, complete with some uneasy speculations about its meaning.

Title: Incarnation · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Humor:
Drabbles · ID: 242
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-19 17:58:41
Oh - poor Gandalf! His trials and tribulations are conveyed so vividly
that you can't help but feel pity for him. His misery comes through
very clearly, enhanced by his almost petulant memories of the true
power he abrogated temporarily when he took on his mission to
Middle-earth.

There is a sense almost of cosmic justice or a punishment for
complacency in that Gandalf resisted the great temptations only to
neglect the smaller stumbling blocks of error or misjudgement.

Having a young "fool of a Took" spouting platitudes must have made
matters only worse...

Title: A Sea Visit · Author: Elen Kortirion · Genres: Humor: Drabbles
· ID: 96
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-08-19 17:59:21
The reality of the setting is evoked marvellously - I can almost hear
the sound of the surf and taste the salt on my lips.

Aragorn is clearly dubious about this trip and doesn't entirely trust
the Elves' explanations and benign intentions, almost feeling the fact
they are setting him up for something.

The description of the surprise visitor is lovely, and I like how "he"
is joining in the good-natured teasing.

Title: Creation Myths · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: General
Drabbles · ID: 300
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-19 22:19:06
Spoilers!
A marvelous comparison between Eru's creation and those of Feanor. A
jewl shared or three hidden? Which is/are more beautiful in the end?

Very thought-provoking.

Title: Homeward Bound · Author: Werecat · Genres: Alternate Universe ·
ID: 430
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-19 22:24:02
Spoilers!
So, now we know precisely where the barge on which Beruthiel was sent
into exile fetched up! Love the recognition between queen and wizard,
and the exotic capabilities and mundane pursuits of the cat! Heh!

Title: The Language of Waves · Author: Claudia · Races: Hobbits · ID: 193
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-19 22:52:32
It is a beautiful spot that Gildor shows Frodo! What a gift of a
marvelous afternoon for the Ringbearer.