Title: Out of the Blue · Author: Jael · Races: Elves · ID: 205
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-09-07 23:52:45
Spoilers!
Stories about Elves in modern times are tricky - tzhey can be
delightful and compelling and completely believable, or corny and
unlikely as heel. But rarely they come across as naturally and
believable, and as likely, as Jael's story does, here.
The long waited-for sequel to [Not Fade Away], this tale gives us
another glimpse at "Aaron Rivers" and his family and crew of surviving
Elves, now living in our time and society. The approach of the tale to
let us see that glimpse out of the eyes of a public service servant
and social worker makes both for maximum culture clash and great
humor, that derives directly from the fact that, of course, in this
case we, the readers, know more of the characters than the poor,
clueless observer.
At the same time, the personality of the OFC comes over as wry and
naturally as possible, without any cliché or Sueness in sight. And
still, we get to see a plethora of delightful details, and a story
that makes hungry for more. This is one of the great things of Jael's
NFA series: giving the possibility of many more stories around the
experiences of our most favorite Elves in modern times, that story arc
can cause real addiction.
All in all, a wonderful story and a delightful read, and I am waiting
already for the next possible installment of this story arc. Highly
recommended!
Title: Shadow King · Author: Claudia · Genres: Alternate Universe:
Angst/Tragedy · ID: 227
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-09-08 00:25:00
Spoilers!
A truly chilling story, with a dark vision of an Aragorn at far beyond
the way we know him from canon - and yet, chillingly and disquietingly
possible and close to canon itself. It is Legolas who says at one
point in LOTR that he looked at Aragorn and saw what a terrible ruler
Elessar couild have become, if he had taken the Ring.
In this tale, we see what Aragorn might have become in that case. It
is as chilling as clever a move to let us see that dark alternative
out of the eyes of Frodo. Yet the most chilling image, for me, I
believe, was the dead branch of the White tree, at the end. Hope is
truly gone, from this version of Middle Earth.
An AU at it's best, and as an AU should be: firmly grounded on the
base of canon, and very believable, but fearlessly exploring even the
worst possible development. Great stuff! Thank you for writing and
sharing!