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Msg# 9442
MEFA Reviews for Wednesday, September 17, 2008 (Part One) Posted by annmarwalk September 17, 2008 - 20:56:05 Topic ID# 9442Title: Charge! · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Ring War Drabbles ·
ID: 444
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-09-15 06:06:06
Spoilers!
Tanaqui is a mistress of misdirection, and this drabble is a brilliant
example.
It starts as a relatively standard, though very well-executed,
retelling of the triumphant charge of the Riders of the Mark at the
Battle of the Pelennor. The descriptions of horns and the other noises
from the battlefield, and the effects the sounds have on both friends
and foes is pitch-perfect, as is the mention of the Rider's steed as
it reacts appropriately to the Rider's directions.
The language really evokes the throes of battle-fury; phrases like
[clash of harness], [press of foes], and [chaos and trampling
destruction] give the reader a clear mental image.
But at the very end Tanaqui pulls away our blinders, and we see that
the Rider and the steed are not who we expected... and it is a total
shock!
Very well done!
Title: No Mercy · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: General Drabbles ·
ID: 443
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-09-15 06:26:51
Spoilers!
Ah, another excellent example of misdirection!
Tanaqui's description of the massive battle front reminds me of the
descriptions of the charge of the Rohirrim at the Battle of the
Pelennor, loud roar and terrified combatants and all.
The words are horrifying; for some reason I reacted most strongly to
[Horses screamed in fear]; that phrase somehow really brought home the
stark terror of the battle.
Most especially poignant was the vain attempts of those fighting as
rear-guard; how devastating it must have been to sacrifice their
lives, but not gain the lives of their comrades who were retreating.
And then, in the final sentence, we find out who the combatants were,
and the horror is gut-clenching. I never had such an overwhelming
reaction to Tolkien's rather detached description of this event.
Brilliant, emotionally-wrenching work!
Title: The North Delving Incident · Author: Dana · Genres: Drama · ID: 26
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 06:34:31
Spoilers!
It appears that not quite all the ruffians were run out of the Shire
at the time the Travellers led the Battle of Bywater; five found their
way to North-delving where they took hostages and settled in. A year
later Peregrin Took found himself caught in the midst of this
situation, and tries--almost singlehandedly--to rectify matter.
An interesting tale that examines courage and motivations from the
points of view of three different characters going through much the
same situation. Loved Merry's POV here.
Title: Scholarship · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 43
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 06:46:52
Spoilers!
Elboron is now fifteen, and beginning to be curious about--well, what
fifteen-year-old boys everywhere tend to be curious about. As his
father notes, it is better he seek further enlightenment on the
subject as he does rather than through more personal experience, for
although his interest is engaged perhaps he is physically and
emotionally still a bit young....
But the interest leads to a desire to understand perhaps more as the
creator of this particular text intended to describe, and the father
is led to translate.
Very sensitive and indeed pleasant look at Faramir's son growing up
and the trust between father and son. I wish it were this easy and
open for all entering this portion of adolescence.
Title: Dreamscape · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 442
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-09-15 06:53:09
Spoilers!
This is a beautiful example of Tanaqui's exquisite word-pictures. I
can almost hear the Dwarrowdelf music from the "Fellowship of the
Ring" movie swell as Gimli [floods the hall with light]... just that
phrase alone makes one expect great things.
Love the implicit references to "The Hobbit" -- Gimli joining Gloin,
one of Thorin's company, there... a [set of double doors] preventing
the dragon from sullying this particular hall... sometimes Tanaqui's
drabbles are almost too rich in references and imagery to wrap my mind
around!
And the subtle differences between the two realms: in Ered Luin, the
Mountains of Moria are etched large on gray stone walls, or tiny in
[gold filigree] jewelry, which, though exquisite in craftsmanship,
conserves what little gold they have available.
In contrast, one of the halls under the Lonely Mountain has huge and
life-like pictures, mosaics that are made of precious gems! It must
have been breathtaking in more than one way....
Beautifully and evocatively written, Tanaqui!
Title: Slings and Arrows · Author: Ancalime8301 · Genres: Drama:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 185
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 06:56:30
Not badly written, but the point is obscure. Feels unfinished.
Title: Old Friends · Author: Marta · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 651
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 07:02:19
Spoilers!
For one who knew nearly two thousand years in the guise of an elderly
Man, to live in the perfection of Aman must indeed at times lead to a
state of ennui (even if the Master didn't particularly approve of
things--and particularly words--French).
A wonderful look at a pleasantly surprised Olorin reacting to a recent
arrival to Tol Eressea. Delightful!
Title: Only Water in Your Veins · Author: Michelle · Races: Men · ID: 154
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 07:28:17
Spoilers!
Definitely a well, well written tale. Love seeing Aragorn here
learning first-hand of the desert, and found myself thinking both of
"Lawrence of Arabia" and "Hidalgo" as we see to what the desert
reduced him. But the hospitality he finds and the succor when he is
perhaps only inches from death is marvelous.
Excellent feel for time and place and the nature of his condition; and
the paean spoken of the desert by Rajal is perfect for such a one.
A must-read--that is certain.
Title: Waterloo · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 158
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 07:32:32
Ah, but when he accepted the hospitality of Prince Imrahil's city
house, Eomer could not have expected to have found himself sleeping in
the bed of one who would eventually join him in his own....
A lovely and different Eomer-meets-Lothiriel story that takes place
largely in the Houses of Healing. Definitely recommended!
Title: A Maid Waiting · Author: Larner · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 691
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 07:34:14
one of the things i enjoyed about this one is the way you take two
immature self centered individuals and shove them out of center and
make them find their own balance of power.
Title: Where the Sky Kisses the Horizon, There My Dreams Lie · Author:
Lindelea · Races: Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 689
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 07:42:24
is that another hit on the scruffy ranger? well planned and worded
softly reassuring and comforting all over. thanks.
Title: The Birthday Blessing · Author: Larner · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 687
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 07:44:48
better timing then cherry blossoms huh? i like those stories where
people pass messages to each other via those talented trees.
Title: Things as they were in all the days of my life · Author:
Tanaqui · Races: Men: Pre-Ring War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 393
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-09-15 07:51:26
Spoilers!
This is a powerful sequence of drabbles that follows much of Denethor
II's life. Many of the drabbles use the canon character Hurin of the
Keys as a kinsman, friend, and supporter of Denethor.
The different aspects of Denethor's personality displayed here are
interesting. He is a prankster when young (though the pranks become
meaner later on with Thorongil); he goes to great lengths to win
Finduilas' hand, and later shows a tender devotion to her during an
illness; and he shows a wry sense of humor in "A Politic Lesson".
Then, at the end, Hurin looks back on Denethor's descent into madness
and tries to understand how it could have happened in front of him.
And we feel all the poignancy of the decline of such an intelligent
and honorable man, and it makes us sad.
Title: Five Turnings of the Year · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Ring War · ID: 685
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 07:56:26
isn;t it strange how hard we will work to keep a holiday the same way
we have for years untold?
Title: What Goes Up · Author: Dana · Times: Late Third Age: Gondor
Drabbles · ID: 683
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 07:58:27
you give pippin a great story line and then you expect him not to get
side tracked? goose.
Title: A Great Cause for Concern · Author: Alassante · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Post-Ring War · ID: 682
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 08:02:13
nicely turned out. beautiful finished product.
Title: For the Want of ... · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 681
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 08:07:43
my english teachers raved about the necessity of finding universal
meaning in our readings and you make their raves so easy to live with.
Title: Bombur's Diet · Author: Primsong · Races: Dwarves · ID: 677
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 08:10:02
my kind of dieter. pass the rolls this way please.
Title: Dreamscape · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 442
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 08:20:07
A fantastically crafted drabble, as brightly polished as any dwarven
filigree, describing the memorial to their roots the Dwarves of Erebor
raised in their halls. Each word is as carefully chosen as the most
precious jewel, and places as marvelously as the finely crafted link
in a sparkling chain of finest gold.
Oh, but well, well worth the read!
Title: Pip-napped! · Author: Dreamflower/Lindelea CoAuthors · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 669
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 08:21:02
you know i'm not enjoying it as much the fifth time through, a little
to much crime drama to keep re-hashing so often. but both of you are
so good at writing i know that there will be more soon. good luck.
Title: Secrets · Author: Aprilkat · Races: Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 229
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 08:27:55
Spoilers!
Rosie is willing to keep Frodo's secret from Sam--IF he will accept a
secret she's not yet shared with another. And it appears that this
secret will help him hold on--at least for a time.
Sweet and gentle as Rosie herself, this is a nice gem of a tale.
Title: Another Country · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 438
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 08:34:26
A marvelous pair of drabbles as Boromir and Denethor share experiences
of pride and betrayal by the arts of the Enemy. Well crafted and
delicately written.
Title: Hearts of Stone · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 12
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 08:39:48
A delicately crafted trio of drabbles.
Title: The Kindly Airs · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 480
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-09-15 15:56:46
Spoilers!
This is indeed an unusual perspective, and a very welcome one. You
imagined the East wind very much within the boundaries the Professor
established, even while giving it a voice of its own. Well done.
Title: Handy With A Sword · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 437
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-09-15 16:14:44
This was witty, and fun, but lost something by being constrained into
drabbles. In the first it was a bit hard to keep the speakers
straight, and I was disappointed the sparring match wasn't a bit more
even.
ID: 444
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-09-15 06:06:06
Spoilers!
Tanaqui is a mistress of misdirection, and this drabble is a brilliant
example.
It starts as a relatively standard, though very well-executed,
retelling of the triumphant charge of the Riders of the Mark at the
Battle of the Pelennor. The descriptions of horns and the other noises
from the battlefield, and the effects the sounds have on both friends
and foes is pitch-perfect, as is the mention of the Rider's steed as
it reacts appropriately to the Rider's directions.
The language really evokes the throes of battle-fury; phrases like
[clash of harness], [press of foes], and [chaos and trampling
destruction] give the reader a clear mental image.
But at the very end Tanaqui pulls away our blinders, and we see that
the Rider and the steed are not who we expected... and it is a total
shock!
Very well done!
Title: No Mercy · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: General Drabbles ·
ID: 443
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-09-15 06:26:51
Spoilers!
Ah, another excellent example of misdirection!
Tanaqui's description of the massive battle front reminds me of the
descriptions of the charge of the Rohirrim at the Battle of the
Pelennor, loud roar and terrified combatants and all.
The words are horrifying; for some reason I reacted most strongly to
[Horses screamed in fear]; that phrase somehow really brought home the
stark terror of the battle.
Most especially poignant was the vain attempts of those fighting as
rear-guard; how devastating it must have been to sacrifice their
lives, but not gain the lives of their comrades who were retreating.
And then, in the final sentence, we find out who the combatants were,
and the horror is gut-clenching. I never had such an overwhelming
reaction to Tolkien's rather detached description of this event.
Brilliant, emotionally-wrenching work!
Title: The North Delving Incident · Author: Dana · Genres: Drama · ID: 26
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 06:34:31
Spoilers!
It appears that not quite all the ruffians were run out of the Shire
at the time the Travellers led the Battle of Bywater; five found their
way to North-delving where they took hostages and settled in. A year
later Peregrin Took found himself caught in the midst of this
situation, and tries--almost singlehandedly--to rectify matter.
An interesting tale that examines courage and motivations from the
points of view of three different characters going through much the
same situation. Loved Merry's POV here.
Title: Scholarship · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 43
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 06:46:52
Spoilers!
Elboron is now fifteen, and beginning to be curious about--well, what
fifteen-year-old boys everywhere tend to be curious about. As his
father notes, it is better he seek further enlightenment on the
subject as he does rather than through more personal experience, for
although his interest is engaged perhaps he is physically and
emotionally still a bit young....
But the interest leads to a desire to understand perhaps more as the
creator of this particular text intended to describe, and the father
is led to translate.
Very sensitive and indeed pleasant look at Faramir's son growing up
and the trust between father and son. I wish it were this easy and
open for all entering this portion of adolescence.
Title: Dreamscape · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 442
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-09-15 06:53:09
Spoilers!
This is a beautiful example of Tanaqui's exquisite word-pictures. I
can almost hear the Dwarrowdelf music from the "Fellowship of the
Ring" movie swell as Gimli [floods the hall with light]... just that
phrase alone makes one expect great things.
Love the implicit references to "The Hobbit" -- Gimli joining Gloin,
one of Thorin's company, there... a [set of double doors] preventing
the dragon from sullying this particular hall... sometimes Tanaqui's
drabbles are almost too rich in references and imagery to wrap my mind
around!
And the subtle differences between the two realms: in Ered Luin, the
Mountains of Moria are etched large on gray stone walls, or tiny in
[gold filigree] jewelry, which, though exquisite in craftsmanship,
conserves what little gold they have available.
In contrast, one of the halls under the Lonely Mountain has huge and
life-like pictures, mosaics that are made of precious gems! It must
have been breathtaking in more than one way....
Beautifully and evocatively written, Tanaqui!
Title: Slings and Arrows · Author: Ancalime8301 · Genres: Drama:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 185
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 06:56:30
Not badly written, but the point is obscure. Feels unfinished.
Title: Old Friends · Author: Marta · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond:
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 651
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 07:02:19
Spoilers!
For one who knew nearly two thousand years in the guise of an elderly
Man, to live in the perfection of Aman must indeed at times lead to a
state of ennui (even if the Master didn't particularly approve of
things--and particularly words--French).
A wonderful look at a pleasantly surprised Olorin reacting to a recent
arrival to Tol Eressea. Delightful!
Title: Only Water in Your Veins · Author: Michelle · Races: Men · ID: 154
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 07:28:17
Spoilers!
Definitely a well, well written tale. Love seeing Aragorn here
learning first-hand of the desert, and found myself thinking both of
"Lawrence of Arabia" and "Hidalgo" as we see to what the desert
reduced him. But the hospitality he finds and the succor when he is
perhaps only inches from death is marvelous.
Excellent feel for time and place and the nature of his condition; and
the paean spoken of the desert by Rajal is perfect for such a one.
A must-read--that is certain.
Title: Waterloo · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 158
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 07:32:32
Ah, but when he accepted the hospitality of Prince Imrahil's city
house, Eomer could not have expected to have found himself sleeping in
the bed of one who would eventually join him in his own....
A lovely and different Eomer-meets-Lothiriel story that takes place
largely in the Houses of Healing. Definitely recommended!
Title: A Maid Waiting · Author: Larner · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 691
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 07:34:14
one of the things i enjoyed about this one is the way you take two
immature self centered individuals and shove them out of center and
make them find their own balance of power.
Title: Where the Sky Kisses the Horizon, There My Dreams Lie · Author:
Lindelea · Races: Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 689
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 07:42:24
is that another hit on the scruffy ranger? well planned and worded
softly reassuring and comforting all over. thanks.
Title: The Birthday Blessing · Author: Larner · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 687
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 07:44:48
better timing then cherry blossoms huh? i like those stories where
people pass messages to each other via those talented trees.
Title: Things as they were in all the days of my life · Author:
Tanaqui · Races: Men: Pre-Ring War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 393
Reviewer: Elena Tiriel · 2008-09-15 07:51:26
Spoilers!
This is a powerful sequence of drabbles that follows much of Denethor
II's life. Many of the drabbles use the canon character Hurin of the
Keys as a kinsman, friend, and supporter of Denethor.
The different aspects of Denethor's personality displayed here are
interesting. He is a prankster when young (though the pranks become
meaner later on with Thorongil); he goes to great lengths to win
Finduilas' hand, and later shows a tender devotion to her during an
illness; and he shows a wry sense of humor in "A Politic Lesson".
Then, at the end, Hurin looks back on Denethor's descent into madness
and tries to understand how it could have happened in front of him.
And we feel all the poignancy of the decline of such an intelligent
and honorable man, and it makes us sad.
Title: Five Turnings of the Year · Author: Dana · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Ring War · ID: 685
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 07:56:26
isn;t it strange how hard we will work to keep a holiday the same way
we have for years untold?
Title: What Goes Up · Author: Dana · Times: Late Third Age: Gondor
Drabbles · ID: 683
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 07:58:27
you give pippin a great story line and then you expect him not to get
side tracked? goose.
Title: A Great Cause for Concern · Author: Alassante · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Post-Ring War · ID: 682
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 08:02:13
nicely turned out. beautiful finished product.
Title: For the Want of ... · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 681
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 08:07:43
my english teachers raved about the necessity of finding universal
meaning in our readings and you make their raves so easy to live with.
Title: Bombur's Diet · Author: Primsong · Races: Dwarves · ID: 677
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 08:10:02
my kind of dieter. pass the rolls this way please.
Title: Dreamscape · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 442
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 08:20:07
A fantastically crafted drabble, as brightly polished as any dwarven
filigree, describing the memorial to their roots the Dwarves of Erebor
raised in their halls. Each word is as carefully chosen as the most
precious jewel, and places as marvelously as the finely crafted link
in a sparkling chain of finest gold.
Oh, but well, well worth the read!
Title: Pip-napped! · Author: Dreamflower/Lindelea CoAuthors · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 669
Reviewer: nancylea · 2008-09-15 08:21:02
you know i'm not enjoying it as much the fifth time through, a little
to much crime drama to keep re-hashing so often. but both of you are
so good at writing i know that there will be more soon. good luck.
Title: Secrets · Author: Aprilkat · Races: Hobbits: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 229
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 08:27:55
Spoilers!
Rosie is willing to keep Frodo's secret from Sam--IF he will accept a
secret she's not yet shared with another. And it appears that this
secret will help him hold on--at least for a time.
Sweet and gentle as Rosie herself, this is a nice gem of a tale.
Title: Another Country · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 438
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 08:34:26
A marvelous pair of drabbles as Boromir and Denethor share experiences
of pride and betrayal by the arts of the Enemy. Well crafted and
delicately written.
Title: Hearts of Stone · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 12
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-15 08:39:48
A delicately crafted trio of drabbles.
Title: The Kindly Airs · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 480
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-09-15 15:56:46
Spoilers!
This is indeed an unusual perspective, and a very welcome one. You
imagined the East wind very much within the boundaries the Professor
established, even while giving it a voice of its own. Well done.
Title: Handy With A Sword · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 437
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-09-15 16:14:44
This was witty, and fun, but lost something by being constrained into
drabbles. In the first it was a bit hard to keep the speakers
straight, and I was disappointed the sparring match wasn't a bit more
even.
If you have any questions about the archive, or would like to report a technical problem, please contact Aranel (former MEFA Tech Support and current Keeper of the Archive) at araneltook@mefawards.org or at the MEFA Archive group..