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Msg# 9403

MEFA Reviews for Saturday, August 23, 2008 Posted by annmarwalk August 23, 2008 - 21:11:16 Topic ID# 9403
Title: Tower of the Moon · Author: Nath · Times: Multi-Age · ID: 577
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-23 03:38:45
Spoilers!
I love the symmetry employed by Nath here - two drabbles from
Isildur's point of view, set in the time of Minas Ithil's creation,
and two drabbles from the viewpoint of Isildur's heir, set in the time
of the pale city's ruin and then its destruction. Aragorn has a rather
neat 'Ozymandias' moment at the end of the last drabble, which is a
melancholy and fitting conclusion to the series.

Title: Clear Conscience (The Clear Shot Remix) · Author: Dreamflower ·
Genres: Alternate Universe: Angst/Tragedy · ID: 680
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-23 03:40:49
Spoilers!
A lovely might-have-been; where a chance meeting between the sons of
Denethor and Frodo many years before the Ring War affects certain
behaviors and decisions during the more familiar time of 3018-3019.
The chain of events and emotions resulting in Boromir's survival with
integrity, and body, intact is well and plausibly written.

Title: Bitter May · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Angst/Tragedy · ID: 265
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-23 04:08:27
Spoilers!
A darkly fascinating look at an OFC's life in the Shire during the
TIme of Troubles, and after, as she deals with the terrible
consequences of rape. Lily's state of mind, her struggle to cope with
Lotho's brutality, and her fears of being forever bound to him as a
reluctant bride, are sadly convincing; and the reader definitely can
feel her loneliness and misery.

Title: Before the Black Gate · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late
Third Age · ID: 45
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-23 07:42:09
Spoilers!
It is morning, and the Army of the West rises in the knowledge that
today they face the enemy at the gate of Sauron's stronghold; and
Pippin and Beregond find themselves sharing what may well be their
last meal together, complete with sips of Miruvor sent Pippin by way
of Beregond. What else do they share, and how do they feel?

There is a feeling of isolation in spite of the fact they are part of
an army; and the acceptance that there simply may not be another
morning for the two of them to face is well conveyed. The mood is
solemn, with a tinge of unreality to it as Pippin examines his own
feelings and readiness for what they must be willing to do....

Title: Rebirth · Author: Aranel Took · Genres: Poetry: Late Third Age
· ID: 471
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-23 07:58:08
Spoilers!
This tanka poem well depicts how intent life can be to renew itself,
even in those lands blasted by their former inhabitants. Stubbornly it
seeks to cover over and negate all signs of evil done there.

Lovely use of the poetry form.

Title: Reflections in the Smoke · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times:
Late Third Age: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 294
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-23 08:05:37
Spoilers!
Almost two thousand years has he labored; and now his task is finished
he finds himself contemplating how it was done, and going home. Alas
for his brother in his arrogance, but at least it was managed at the last.

One can sense the weariness and surprise to find that with the purpose
fulfilled, this one for once can truly sit back--before he leaves at last.

Title: Homecoming · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 706
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-08-23 08:08:31
Spoilers!
If Boromir had come home and if he had such a relationship with one
such as Andrahar, I would wish such a greeting.

Title: The King's Surgeon · Author: SurgicalSteel · Genres: Longer
Works · ID: 90
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2008-08-23 20:42:27
What an epic tale and I cannot believe that despite the volume of the
story, that I finished it so soon (yes I surely wanted more, but I
also know that there are lots of side stories written)! From the
career of the author's character to the last bits, it held me
captivated, turning page after another just wanting to know what would
happen next. From laughter, to chilling moments and to tears of
sadness, this story/epic has it all (and for those who worked in the
medical world it surely is a treat!). What made this gapfiller novel
such a jewel is that despite that it follows the rise and reign of
Aragorn: it just never feels forced. By choosing the point of view
from a healer/surgeon, the plot just feels unique, fresh from
Tolkien's main work. You just can see as a reader how the ofc matures,
finds her way, grows older and despite that she aims to be a tough
character, it feels just so logical in this story how much the events
occurring in the ofc's life affects her. When I started to read, I
felt myself drawn into the story after a few pages, often found myself
thinking that this could not simply happening to the ofc and at that
point, I realised how much I was hooked. This is not always easy to
achieve with original characters in a fanfic, but SurgicalSteel did a
tremendous job. I loved how she fleshed out the minor characters, like
Halbarad or Serinde's children, but at the same time made good use of
Tolkien's main characters by just diving in just a bit deeper.
Skilfully written and don't let the number of chapters intimidate you:
it is most certainly worth it!