Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Out of the Blue · Author: Jael · Races: Elves · ID: 205
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-09 17:01:40
Spoilers!
Having thoroughly enjoyed "Not Fade Away", I really enjoyed seeing
this story set in the same universe. I hope that Jael will write more
of thees stories about modern day Elves.

I think what was the most fun, was watching all of the clues which of
course, the viewpoint character was not in any position to catch. She
was highly observant, but all her interpretations were based on her
own pre-conceptions. It was nearly as fun to see all the wrong
conclusions she would come to, and how each one was discarded as new
observations came to light.

I'd definitely like to see more of Ms. Jankowski!


Title: Battle upon the Quays · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 376
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-09 17:02:32
What a skillful drabble! It is quite easy to see and imagine just such
an event at the harbor of Umbar, and to believe in such a strategy
hatched by the invading Gondorians. And by the masterful stroke of
just one word, Imhiriel manages to completely describe the unnamed
narrator! That was brilliant and not at all inconceivable.

Title: Twentynine White Horses · Author: Jael · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 557
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-09 17:03:15
Very amusing, and very likely! You know, I'm sure that JRRT never gave
a second thought to some of the things that are burning questions to
those of us who read and love his world. Now, I'd never thought of
this particular one before--but I instantly recognized it as something
that I really needed an answer to!

I loved Thranduil's reactions, as well. To the end of time, indeed.

Title: Seven Stones and Seven Stars and One White Tree · Author:
shirebound · Races: Other Beings · ID: 121
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-09 17:03:53
Those who are more used to Shirebound's lighter fare may find
themselves surprised at this much different set of vignettes. No fluff
here, but a solid appreciation of the kind of world that Middle-earth
is, and what it means that stones and plants and trees all have their
own voices. Yet it should not be a surprise, because even with her
lighter stories, Shirebound is like her name--bound to the world we
all love, and carefully rooted in canon.

Title: Balm · Author: Armariel · Genres: Adventure · ID: 459
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-09 17:04:26
This memory of Frodo's is so movingly accounted, Frodo remembering his
misery in Cirith Ungol, and Sam's rescue of him. The sensory details
are acute, and yet there is also something decidedly surreal about it
as well. The ending lends it all a sharp poignancy.

Title: Dragons In The Trollshaws · Author: Bodkin · Genres: Adventure
· ID: 170
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-09 17:05:26
This is such a fun story-- a bit adventurous and suspenseful, but what
drives it is the witty dialogue that Bodkin excels in. Her Elladan and
Elrohir especially, have a talent for sharp banter that never slips
over the top. I really enjoy this story--it's a very good read!

Title: Wars of the Valar · Author: Fiondil · Genres: Longer Works · ID: 3
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-09-09 17:19:12
This story gives a nice glimpse into a period of the history of Ea
that I never gave any thought to. I particularly liked the way that
the Valar were portrayed as fallible, because they're certainly not
perfect even in the fullness of time; I could see these characters
developing into the ones we see in the Silmarillion.

Title: I Ain't Got Nobody · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Humor:
Valar & Maiar · ID: 568
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-09-09 17:44:09
Spoilers!
*Snort* The idea of Glorfindel the Hazardous, who seems unable to keep
his Hroa for more than a few days in a row, is hilarious - and as
delightful as the idea of what Namo uses to do with all these fine,
well-crafted bodies. Gives a whole lot of a new meaning to these
re-embodiment powers the Valar possessed. A wonderfully cheeky and
funny approach at the most-reveled Valar, and I also like the slashy
elements. Very well done! :)

Title: Out, Damn'd Spot! Out, I Say! · Author: Alassante · Races:
Elves: Noldor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 260
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-09-09 18:03:19
Spoilers!
What a compelling short piece, and what a great reflection about the
impact the kin-slaying must have had on those who first committed it.
In the horror about the deed itself, we too often forget that those
who were the killers were as new at this heinous act as those to whom
it first happened. Assalante's choice to show this psychological
impact by the reaction of one of the youngest of the kinslayers,
drives the point home even more. A great piece, and very well written,
too. Very well done!

Title: A Great Cause for Concern · Author: Alassante · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Post-Ring War · ID: 682
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-09-09 18:15:41
Spoilers!
Interesting approach on the complications Gimli's entering of the
Undying lands might have caused. I liked Aule's curiosity and Gimli's
noble spirit. Only Legolas came over as a bit naive and somewhat too
unconcerned for my taste, since he would probably have known very well
what reason the Valar might have had to summon only days after he
entered the Undying Lands - with a Dwarf in tow.

Anyway, I liked the story very much. Thank you for writing and sharing.

Title: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled · Author: Fiondil · Times:
Fourth Age and Beyond · ID: 578
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-09 18:29:10
Spoilers!
I was quite taken with this characterization of Namo. Long-suffering
indeed! Thankfully, he's easily amused, which has to offset the picky
mortals who just refuse to leave. But even more than Namo, I loved how
Arwen was gently taken down a peg. Eowyn set the tone beautifully
there. I also love the joke that she and Namo are playing on Faramir,
and it made me want to see the conversation they had once they were
reunited.

Title: Cat's Paws · Author: pandemonium_213 · Races: Villains · ID: 58
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-09-09 18:30:00
Spoilers!
This story was my first venture into the world of Pandemonium 213, and
I am most impressed. "Cat's Paws" highlights a pivotal moment in
Second Age history, where Sauron in the form of the metal worker
Aulendil seals a pact of friendship with elven craftsman Celebrimbor.
In Pandemonium's "verse," Aulendil has the knowledge of a modern
scientist. Moreover, Pandemonium has him engaging in experiments that
reminded me of mad scientists in twentieth century horror flicks, like
"The Island of Dr. Moreau" or "O Lucky Man."

For me, the highlight of the story is the characterization of
Celebrimbor. The arrogant, self-absorbed elf thirsts for the knowledge
Aulendil dangles before him, yet some part of him nevertheless
realizes that there is something wrong and dangerous in Aulendil's
promises.

I highly recommend this story. I do caution that I was uncomfortable
about the experiment done on the cat. I've certainly read creepier
stuff, but some might be very troubled by the climax of "Cat's Paws."

Title: Rekindling · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 255
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-09 18:30:21
Spoilers!
Brilliant and imaginative use of canon to make for a very compelling
story! The plot drew me in, and strange as it may sound, I enjoyed
watching the end of the world. But as compelling as the plot was, it
was the characters that made the story for me. For starters, I
thoroughly enjoyed Feanor's characterization. He was as clever, proud,
and bold as he was in the Silmarillion, and the lack of fear (well,
the lack of all except one fear) seemed a subtle addition at first but
quickly proved to be one of the main pivot points for the end of the
world. I was also very fond of Namo's characterization. I can only
imagine the head-butting that went on between him and Feanor. But the
one who really caught my interest was Nerdanel. I've seen her in a
variety of characterizations, but this may be my favorite. She's a
willful and independent character, but she's also willing to give way
before another authority. She's strong in her own right, but her
strength doesn't necessarily have to clash with Feanor's, which makes
for a unique and nuanced woman. She's definitely someone I could see
Feanor falling for.

Title: Faeries · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond ·
ID: 304
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-09 18:31:24
Spoilers!
Something I really wish I saw more of would be the stories that
reached out and pulled in the faerie myths. Tolkien's works, for all
that they draw from folklore and old tales, have the feel of an epic
legend to them rather than the feel of a mysterious fireside story. So
it's always a treat to get a hint of the myth in a Tolkien setting and
also to have it pulled off believably.

It's also very nice to get a mature characterization of Pippin. He's
definitely grown into fatherhood, but even more importantly, you can
see echoes of a younger Pippin in him as he considers how to approach
Faramir. This is a developed characterization rather than a contrived
one, and it makes the story feel very natural and very integral with
Tolkien's world. Beautifully done!

Title: Seeing Stars · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 360
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-09 18:33:30
Spoilers!
I was completely sold on this story after the first paragraph.
Actually, I was laughing a little too hard to continue for a while,
but once I calmed down, I thoroughly buried myself in the rest of the
story and found my efforts greatly rewarded. Raksha has crafted a
masterpiece, and what makes it all the more amazing is that it's been
crafted from the perspective of a thoroughly inebriated Faramir.

There are only a few characters in Tolkien's world that I would trust
to carry off an insightful perspective while completely intoxicated,
and Faramir is one of these characters. Despite his weaving steps, he
is prone to profound insights. And in the midst of his somewhat
rambling excitement, he covers a wealth of fascinating topics. His
encounter with the White Tree was probably my favorite, and I love how
much hope he found in that symbol: hope for both himself and his new heir.

The capstone on the story, though, was Aragorn's appearance. He was
like the catalyst that set off the rest of Faramir's thoughts, and his
gentle and amused guidance kept me smiling as he coaxes Faramir to
bed. I also loved the quiet cameos of characters like Arwen and
Legolas, which gave this story a feeling of being broad and
encompassing without ever moving it away from its true focus. The
final moments of the story sealed the deal as Faramir makes promises
to himself, his son, and his absent brother. Both heartwarming and
humorous, which is quite the trick. If only we could all be so gifted!

Title: Riding the Waves · Author: Claudia · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 211
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-09 18:34:27
Spoilers!
It always boggles my mind when such short stories carry such an
impact, and this is a very good example of that kind of talent. To
begin with, the descriptions are vivid and engrossing. They
immediately pull the reader into the waves with Frodo, and soon the
reader is body surfing along with him. Along with the descriptions,
the emotions are also well portrayed. You can feel both the fear and
the daring that accompanies each wave, and you can feel the excitement
of getting the timing right and being able to ride higher and higher.
But the true power of this story lies in its conclusion, as it reveals
just when all this excitement is taking place. The significance of the
date hammers home the power of the healing that Frodo has undergone,
and the final notes of the story are those of relief as the reader
leaves the waves behind so that Frodo can splash and play free without
fear that the pain of his memories might interrupt.

Title: Hope Remains · Author: Baggins Babe · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 118
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-09 18:36:56
Spoilers!
Great story that does a good job of reaching beyond Aragorn's death to
create a tale that still feels as though involves the Fellowship. The
descriptions were particularly vivid, and I love how Aragorn's
presence was enough to deter some would-be-robbers. But really, the
thing that got to me in this story was a single line of someone
referring to Samwise as Gaffer Sam. For all his fame and all his
accomplishments, Sam would be remembered as a simple hobbit. And that
is perhaps the most fitting tribute that I can think of for Sam.

Title: Where Shadows Lay No More · Author: Cathleen · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond · ID: 358
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-09 18:37:36
Spoilers!
Ha! I knew it! ALL the Fellowship was there for the coronation. I love
this glimpse through Boromir's eyes. He can definitely appreciate the
significance of what's happening, and the different POVs offered here
provide the contrast needed to show what home really meant to Boromir.
But as high and lofty as the coronation is, it's also down-to-earth
thanks to the hobbits. Nice blend of perspectives.

Title: Tales from Tol Eressëa · Author: shirebound · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 214
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-09 18:37:58
This is a series of very gentle and peaceful tales, each one managing
to make me smile. My favorites were those in which the hobbits were
able to interact with elves, possibly because I'm a sucker for
anything that plays with mismatches. Frodo and Sam are vivid
characters, and they both compliment and contrast the elves they run
across. I love the similarities they find as well as the differences.

Title: When the King Came Back · Author: Cathleen · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 514
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-09 18:38:40
Spoilers!
Homecomings are definitely not easy. That's partially why I love the
fact that Tolkien didn't just end with the destruction of the Ring.
That's only part of the tale. The rest of the tale is getting the
heroes back where they belong, and Cathleen tackles this beautifully
by expanding Pippin's homecoming. I love the characterization of
Paladin, who is portrayed as a good father with a fierce love for his
son. That just makes the homecoming more complicated, because his fear
for his son transformed into anger along the way, and getting past
that anger is difficult for Pippin, especially when he first arrives
and is only prepared to meet his father's anger with the loss of his
own temper. Excellent family dynamics and wonderful little story woven
neatly around and after the scouring of the Shire.

Title: Aftermaths and Consequences · Author: Gwynnyd · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond · ID: 268
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-09 18:40:56
Spoilers!
The mood of this story is something of a small masterpiece. With some
very clever narrative, Gwynnyd presents a complete and nuanced
original character who is proud, stubborn, and looking down the long
road to ruin. Through this character's observations, a second original
character is presented, who is stalwart, brave, and seems to be coming
back from the long road to ruin. The both awkward and matter-of-fact
way that the housing contract between the two is arranged is amusing
and heart-warming. I love the way that Calendes tests Borion by asking
him if he would still buy the house even if she did not agree to wed
him. This story is proof that there is always hope, even though some
might not know where to look in order to see it.

Title: Look Not With Longing · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 479
Reviewer: Thundera Tiger · 2008-09-09 18:42:55
Spoilers!
The first word that came to mind while reading this story was the word
"bittersweet." Which is actually my favorite kind of ending for a long
story, and it's the kind of ending that Dwimordene's story is all
about. Faramir, of course, would be among those able to comprehend and
understand these kinds of feelings, and he makes for a great conduit
to help the readers understand, also. I loved his musings on how this
was what they fought for but how in achieving this, something was
lost. In particular, the idea that the world was ["dimmer"] after
victory really caught my attention. Without the contrast of Sauron,
there's nothing to force the opposing forces to be that much better or
to look that much brighter. It goes back to the idea that the shining
ages of chivalry are just that in societal memory: shining. And
despite the darkness of Sauron, there's something about the past that
Faramir misses. Because in losing it, he lost the part of himself that
was trained to contend with it.

But Faramir, being Faramir, is also able to see the good. And even as
he mourns his lost self, he's ready to embrace the new. And his
ability to find that readiness in the faces of others is a wonderful
note on which to conclude. Powerful story!

Title: Between Childhood and Coming of Age · Author: Dreamflower ·
Races: Hobbits: Friendship · ID: 141
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-09 19:37:36
as i began to re-read to review, one thing kept coming to mind "and
then he met tree beard 'and the sap began to rise' "! that first dance
back in Shire may be very enlightening.

Title: The Last Summer · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits · ID: 143
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-09 19:41:57
review: aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwww.
condolences on loss congrats on memories.

Title: Promises Broken and Kept · Author: periantari · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 144
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-09 20:10:27
i fear my diagnosiiie is life long love sickness. would like to make
arrangements for follow-up visits.