Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: The Otters of Imladris · Author: chaotic_binky · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 491
Reviewer: Tena · 2008-08-25 01:19:45
I was so happy to have Binky write this story for me. It is utterly
charming. I love that Haldir and Erestor are such a wonderful couple
and parents to their new pup. They take great care in caring for the
otter and making sure it would remain wild.

Binky is a wonderful story teller and her stories are always imaginative.

Title: The Myth of the One Ring's Power · Author: Dreamflower ·
Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 532
Reviewer: Dawn Felagund · 2008-08-25 01:27:17
Dreamflower's essay takes a popular interpretation of Tolkien's
works--that the One Ring was unsurpassed in power and could corrupt
nearly anyone--and thoroughly studies that basis of that claim. "The
Myth of the One Ring's Power" is a thorough and well-documented essay
(with exhaustive citations and footnotes so that, if you don't take
Dreamflower's word for it, you can see for yourself!) that makes a
strong point for revisiting how many of us view this all-powerful
artifact.

But the true strength of this essay, I thought, was Dreamflower's
reasoning about *why* the One Ring held sway over some but not others,
and why some were able to resist, whereas others were briefly
corrupted (as with Boromir), and others were ruined entirely (as in
Gollum and Saruman). The connection between the Ring's/Sauron's
desires and the desires of it various bearers--and how the One Ring
could, indeed, fail to provide those desires--is soundly argued.
Furthermore, this interpretation underscores the strength, honor, and
nobility of most of the citizens of Middle-earth so that, in the end,
even the One Ring in all of its evil stands, ultimately, as a symbol
of hope.

This essay is a must-read for anyone interested in the deeper meanings
in Tolkien's works, as well as for anyone who wants to examine more
closely the common assumptions and fanon that have developed around
readings of those works.

Title: Possessing the greatest powers · Author: Tanaqui · Times:
Multi-Age: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 387
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-25 03:57:01
Spoilers!
What a great concept for a series of drabbles - the Three Rings and
their bearers at the moment that Sauron was cast down and the Rings
themselves lost power, plus a look at their creation by the
mysterious, gifted Celebrimbor. Tanaqui imbues each drabble with a
jewel-like beauty, with images of divinity and magic and color, to
describe the Three in individual glory. I particularly liked "Air
Pressure", but all the drabbles make for great reading.

Title: Fit for a King · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 217
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-25 04:05:18
Spoilers!
Ooh, what a treat - three of my favorite LOTR hunks hanging out at the
corral after the RingWar!

I love the weaving in of LOTR history - the references to Shadowfax,
and Aragorn's "Wingfoot" nickname - which fit easily into the drabble.
And Faramir's skill with horses is noted too. Above all, there's a
great sense of ease and friendship between the three lords, as they
relax and watch the horses. I especially liked the bit with Aragorn
chewing on a piece of straw; which seems like a very Striderish thing
to do...

Title: Expert Treasure Hunter · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Villains:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 447
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-08-25 05:43:35
This drabble especially glitters among the drabbles that Tanaqui has
written in her drabble-a-day personal challenge. We get a saucy,
succinct view of Smaug and his good taste in jewels. In fact, Tanaqui
has the dragon savor the taste of the jewels he steals in addition to
enjoying their shiney, visual delights.

Title: Feet That Wander · Author: Linaewen · Races: Cross-Cultural ·
ID: 576
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-25 10:40:46
Spoilers!
I had never, ever considered the possibility that these two might
meet. But I suppose it's possible that Boromir might have strayed so
far off his road, given that his folk knew nothing of the location of
Imladris. Tom is himself here, in fine feather, and Boromir is wearily
courteous after narrowly avoiding evil. I enjoyed this story!

Title: Leather · Author: Marta · Genres: Romance: Other Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 297
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-25 10:45:13
Spoilers!
Yummy, yummy drabbles filled with sensual descriptions about touch and
how it is linked to memories. Two are from Boromir's and Theodred's
childhoods and two are of them together. The latter two are definitely
hot! One of my favorite pairings, particularly when handled by a good
writer like Marta.

Title: Seas of Fate · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Elves and Men · ID: 487
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2008-08-25 10:57:31
Spoilers!
Thundera's Imrahil is a wise man and a perceptive one. Wise enough
that his council and aid are sought by Legolas, older by him than
centuries. But Imrahil has vast experience upon one subject that
Legolas does not. Legolas seeks him out, while hiding from his friends
that he is doing so, because he knows that what he seeks will upset
them. He needs knowledge of ships and the Sea, so that he will be
prepared when he ultimately sails West. The Sea-longing may not be
held at bay forever.

Imrahil, who understands that longing as few can, gently disabuses
Legolas of a few ideas he has about the Sea. Though the exact date of
the tale is not stated, I'm assuming it's later in Imrahil's life,
perhaps not far from his death, even, given that he lived until F.A.
35 and Legolas sailed much later. The two are very comfortable with
each other in this well-written piece, and that comfort implies a
friendship of some duration. Imrahil offers his help with the ready
generosity that I have always felt he had.

A great read for Imrahil lovers! Legolas is lovely as well.



Title: The Legend of the Grey Riders · Author: Jay of Lasgalen ·
Races: Cross-Cultural: Elves and Men · ID: 176
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-08-25 19:45:41
Spoilers!
I love Tolkien fanfiction stories where the nature of legends and
reality in Middle-earth are contrasted or expanded on, or both. Jay
picks a wonderful bit of Tolkien's Middle-earth history - the presence
of Elladan and Elrohir on the Field of Celebrant - and spins it into a
clever vignette taking place centuries later, after the Ring War.

The contrasts between past legend and present are fascinating - the
epic excitement of the great battle where the unity of the Horse-lords
and the people of Gondor was forged dovetails into a more happy and
peaceful time, a rest after bitter war, where the Horse-lords and
Gondorians are still allies, and have not only united to help save
Minas Tirith and destroy Sauron but where, after a King of Rohan gave
his life in Gondor's defense, another King of Rohan gives his sister
to a lord of Gondor to wife. And the twins who saw one great battle
have also fought in the others, and lend a historic unity, however
ironic, to the saga.

And then there's the comedic undercurrent. Eomer tells the story of
his mighty ancestor Eorl's great day with passion and drama,
mentioning the darkness and portents of doom, while the twins remember
skylarks singing as they rode under a mid-day sun. They can't resist
listening to the recitation of their exploits without revealing their
role in the saga; while Eomer and Eowyn argue about the identity of
the mysterious grey riders (little knowing that they're right in front
of them).

An excellent story; with an ironic ending provided by the Peredhil and
the ever-perceptive Faramir.

Title: Many Branches · Author: Baranduin · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Frodo and Faramir · ID: 420
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-08-26 01:35:14
[Sitting here with Frodo under the hot sun and chatting about the most
inconsequential hobbity things seemed to Faramir the very essence of
all he had fought for all his life without complaint. ]

A very enjoyable story. I'm a detail girl - no sparse writing for me,
please! - so I just love phrases like [pottery cool and damp against
his palm] and [bitter ale] and [infuriating smirk] (Oh, how I laughed
at loud at this description of Frodo the Noble!). In fact, there are
any number of droll turns of phrase: [Faramir saw an opening, and like
any good Captain of Men, he darted into it though to his mind, it was
a quick, slithering sort of maneuver, subtle-like.] If I quoted them
all, there would be very few eligible characters in the review. I also
deeply appreciate the fact that Sam is nowhere in evidence, that Frodo
was able to get away from his hovering (or, conversely, that Sam
presumably got to go do something fun for himself, while someone else
was minding Frodo for a hour or so.) The imagery of the flask rolling
off the edge to crash several levels below, as Frodo and Faramir watch
helplessly, just made me howl with laughter. A very fun read!

Title: Shelter From the Storm · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 315
Reviewer: annmarwalk · 2008-08-26 01:35:42
I always enjoy stories which focus on Boromir's relationship with
Merry and Pippin, and this one is particularly heartwarming. I really
like the imagery of Merry's and Pip's feet swathed in that lovely
cloak! It's good to see some emphasis on Boromir's background as a
leader and trainer of troops, and his reminiscing about training under
adverse weather conditions was well in character. A very nice insight
into the Captain-General's prior life and experience and how he
contributed those skills to the Fellowship.