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Msg# 9448
MEFA Reviews for Friday, September 19, 2008 (Part Two) Posted by annmarwalk September 19, 2008 - 20:26:47 Topic ID# 9448Title: Black Memory · Author: mrkinch · Races: Villains: Fixed-Length
Ficlets · ID: 603
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-09-18 23:17:22
The art of drabbling is so often the art of evocation - of somehow
managing to say without saying in so many words the horizon that will
imbue a single line with its proper significance. There's no time to
luxuriate in a nice, chronologically ordered build-up of description.
Mr Kinch thus takes the approach of the defense lawyer: "I thank my
learned colleague, but my defense is such that I have no need to
mention his client's well-known habit of slipping out after midnight
or his extreme antipathy for cats", when of course it's *all* about
the cats after midnight, or some such thing. Luthien's memory of what
does *not* capture her attention when it comes to Morgoth brings up an
entire array of sensations and emotions that lend their weight to what
catches her eye.
And what a thing to catch! Unexpected, but in light of the entire
story, wholly appropriate and a testimony to her insight, that she
should notice it.
Very well done!
Title: Thoughtful Company · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 16
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-09-19 00:16:50
Spoilers!
A lovely look at the relationship of Gandalf and the child Faramir;
seen through the eyes of Faramir's loving, and perceptive, nanny.
EdorasLass writes Faramir as the bright, inquisitive child that I am
sure Tolkien envisioned; and the conversation between the boy and the
wizard is wonderfully written. Great use of Middle-earth history and
Gandalf's own history, too.
Title: No Man's Land · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Drabbles · ID: 726
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:49:36
Spoilers!
I think of all of the AUs I've ever read, this one is the scariest
ever. It makes me shudder to contemplate how the entire history of the
last century--including my personal history--would have been changed
for the worse. And what makes it so cold-bloodedly frightening is just
how likely an AU it is.
One tiny little change...
*shudder*
Title: Rude Awakening · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 692
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:53:14
*grin* I really love it when I inspire a fic, and while I won't say
I'm glad my own particular mishap happened, as it was expensive enough
and rather uncomfortable, I'm very glad that Lin was able to get such
a cute story out of it. I just love Merry's obvious concern for
Pippin, and the warm love he shows to his younger cousin in rather
cold and dank circumstances! Lovely!
Title: Pippin's Secret · Author: shirebound · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 599
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:54:25
What a secret! Yes, I could see this being so--like Merry, Pippin had
hidden wells of discretion, and a wise devotion to his cousin. It's
definitely a secret he would keep. And I loved his Pippish reason for
being in the right place to discover it.
Title: Birthday Present · Author: Aranel Took · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 441
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:54:43
This just made me smile. Of course that would be Bilbo's *best* present!
Title: Sun · Author: Claudia · Races: Cross-Cultural: Frodo and
Faramir · ID: 223
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:56:38
One of the very last things that Faramir says to Frodo in Ithilien in
Return of the King before he and Sam head off in Gollum's company is
[" I do not hope to see you again on any other day under the Sun. Yet
if ever beyond hope you return to the lands of the living, and we
re-tell our tales, sitting by a wall in the sun, laughing at old
grief, I shall rejoice to be with you once more! "]. This touching
little vignette explores just how that conversation might have gone.
The comfort these two grief-stricken and wounded friends can be to one
another is beautiful, as is Frodo's simple insight. One of Claudia's best.
Title: A Treasured Piece of Cloth · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits:
Family · ID: 600
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:56:58
Bilbo is a very clever and wise hobbit!
Title: A Promise · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 149
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:57:26
Golden has a talent for finding real life's difficult moments and
transferring them into her stories. This little fic, in which
anticipated joy turns to sorrow, and ends in comfort is very touching.
Title: The Quest for the Hairless Cat · Author: GamgeeFest · Races:
Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 524
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:58:21
Seems odd that such a bit of fluff would concern a completely
non-fluffy feline, LOL! GamgeeFest gives her own little twist to this
story, and it's a lot of fun to see how the quest eventually turns out
so many years later!
Title: Chance Encounter · Author: Telcontar Rulz · Times: Late Third
Age · ID: 203
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:59:08
I chose this story for two reasons: the title is the same as one of my
own stories, which caught my eye, and I have seen ["The Kingdom of
Heaven"] so I knew the character. It was surprisingly engrossing, a
good long read as well, fitting the intrusion into canon without
interrupting the Quest. And it's amazing how well the character fit
into M-e.
Title: Gone Amiss · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 44
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:59:35
The breaking of the fellowship and the death of Boromir is one of the
most affecting and touching scenes in FotR--in either book or movie
version. It is no wonder that after Boromir's death, Aragorn would
doubt himself. This drabble captures his thoughts beautifully.
Title: Comfort and Joy · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Mid Third Age:
Eriador · ID: 656
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 03:00:56
Well, I think the summary says it all. Poor Pippin--cold feet can be a
problem, can't they? Still, it hardly seems fair to poor Merry and
Frodo, does it? *grin*
Title: The Captain's New Clothes · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 421
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 03:01:45
Such a fun story to be inspired by a bit of calendar art. I have some
of the Brothers Hildebrandt calendars from the mid-seventies, and
while some of the illustrations are beautiful, others, well, they beg
explanation. This is one of those, and the explanation of *why*
Faramir is wearing such ridiculous clothes is just perfect.
Title: Nine Companions · Author: Aranel Took · Genres: Humor: Drabbles
· ID: 259
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 03:05:13
That was fun! I love the idea of it! The anachronism just makes it
even more fun!
Title: Forfeit · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Times: Late Third
Age: Gondor Drabbles · ID: 401
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 03:07:36
A very plausible occurence! I love how well the author shows
Beregond's honor and courage in just 100 well-chosen words. It's the
last line that packs the most punch.
Title: Hammer · Author: Aranel Took · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 468
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 03:09:49
Spoilers!
Cute and a little raunchy without being graphic. I hope Gimli doesn't
read this though...no one likes to think about their parents "that way".
Title: Portrait of a Queen · Author: Aruthir · Races: Men · ID: 338
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-09-19 04:55:04
Spoilers!
Intriguing exploration of the life of Numenor's second Ruling Queen,
Tar-Telperien. The frustrations of an upbringing that appears to
encourage passivity and conformity in a strong-willed child are
well-conveyed here; and the use of Ancalime's ghost is a stroke of
genius - the reader is driven to ask the question of whether
Telperien's bitterness is born of her situation, her descent from the
bitter, unhappy Ancalime, or the ghostly influence of the long dead queen.
Title: Coming Home to Crickhollow · Author: calanthe11 · Genres:
Romance · ID: 445
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-09-19 14:39:42
A sensitive exploration of a difficult relationship. There is a tense
undercurrent throughout the story, keeping you reading even as the
tone is still and the complex, confused and confusing emotions are
conveyed subtlely, so much only hinted at or left unspoken.
Wonderfully descriptive writing, every detail of the surroundings and
of the action comes alive.
Good handling of PoV; and I particularly liked Merry's incisive
observations which at times were truly poetic.
I was very interested in the exploration of how shocked the Hobbits
were at what had happened to the Shire during their absence (and the
still lingering effects of what they themselves experienced).
Title: One Summer Day · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor ·
ID: 535
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-09-19 23:43:47
This is a very entertaining glimpse of just an everyday afternoon in
the Citadel. No great events to be told (which is of course part of
what makes it all so fun and enjoyable), but some very charming
characterizations all around and some amusing anecdotes - a thoroughly
enjoying glimpse into the inner world of the Steward's Family.
Title: King Stag · Author: Jael · Races: Elves: Mirkwood Elves · ID: 86
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-09-20 00:38:30
Spoilers!
[Very mild spoilers only—I am reluctant to even mark it, although it
does reveal some plot details, which IMHO should not prevent anyone
from enjoying the story, but people insist . . .]
I am very happy to see this story here. It has always been one of
yours that I have particularly liked. I love your characteristic blend
of humor with high seriousness. I am also an absolute sucker for good
dialogue and you capture the voices so well:
["Whatever is amiss with you, you great royal fool?" Thranduil came
out of his musings to see that Lalaithiel had stopped, turned and
stood staring at him, hand on hip. "You look as if you were heading to
your own execution, rather than to meet my mother and my father."
Thranduil was not so sure that an execution would not be the case.
"What if they don't like me?" he asked lamely.
"How could they not?" she laughed.]
Just perfect. You convince me right there that Lalaithiel is the right
woman for him. Thranduil's previous POV observations on his feelings
for her, memory of physical intimacy, all of those details, are very
nice for setting the mood. But the interaction between them is what
convinces me.
Love her father and his voice. Thranduil falling out of the tree is a
great touch, especially when it is referred back to at the end of the
story. The entire set up of cultural differences is beautifully done
and compelling. I adore the created ritual, the use of the concept of
old image, gives it such depth and which fits so well in your universe
and with your characterization of Thranduil. This is a wonderfully
rendered story. And thank you again so much for inspiring me in my own
tattoo sequence in a recent story of mine.
Title: Seaworthy · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 349
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-09-20 00:47:44
There are several interesting concepts in this story. I find the
entire conversation satisfying. I appreciate the point that Legolas's
sea-longing is still not strong enough to overcome those competing
forces. I never liked the genre where Legolas lives in misery fighting
against sea-longing. I also really like Imrahil's analogies with the
sea (I am a great sea lover and of sea stories as well). Adding in the
legend of Amroth and Nimrodel was lovely frosting on the cake.
Well-written and constructed.
Ficlets · ID: 603
Reviewer: Dwimordene · 2008-09-18 23:17:22
The art of drabbling is so often the art of evocation - of somehow
managing to say without saying in so many words the horizon that will
imbue a single line with its proper significance. There's no time to
luxuriate in a nice, chronologically ordered build-up of description.
Mr Kinch thus takes the approach of the defense lawyer: "I thank my
learned colleague, but my defense is such that I have no need to
mention his client's well-known habit of slipping out after midnight
or his extreme antipathy for cats", when of course it's *all* about
the cats after midnight, or some such thing. Luthien's memory of what
does *not* capture her attention when it comes to Morgoth brings up an
entire array of sensations and emotions that lend their weight to what
catches her eye.
And what a thing to catch! Unexpected, but in light of the entire
story, wholly appropriate and a testimony to her insight, that she
should notice it.
Very well done!
Title: Thoughtful Company · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 16
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-09-19 00:16:50
Spoilers!
A lovely look at the relationship of Gandalf and the child Faramir;
seen through the eyes of Faramir's loving, and perceptive, nanny.
EdorasLass writes Faramir as the bright, inquisitive child that I am
sure Tolkien envisioned; and the conversation between the boy and the
wizard is wonderfully written. Great use of Middle-earth history and
Gandalf's own history, too.
Title: No Man's Land · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Drabbles · ID: 726
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:49:36
Spoilers!
I think of all of the AUs I've ever read, this one is the scariest
ever. It makes me shudder to contemplate how the entire history of the
last century--including my personal history--would have been changed
for the worse. And what makes it so cold-bloodedly frightening is just
how likely an AU it is.
One tiny little change...
*shudder*
Title: Rude Awakening · Author: Lindelea · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 692
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:53:14
*grin* I really love it when I inspire a fic, and while I won't say
I'm glad my own particular mishap happened, as it was expensive enough
and rather uncomfortable, I'm very glad that Lin was able to get such
a cute story out of it. I just love Merry's obvious concern for
Pippin, and the warm love he shows to his younger cousin in rather
cold and dank circumstances! Lovely!
Title: Pippin's Secret · Author: shirebound · Races: Hobbits:
Friendship · ID: 599
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:54:25
What a secret! Yes, I could see this being so--like Merry, Pippin had
hidden wells of discretion, and a wise devotion to his cousin. It's
definitely a secret he would keep. And I loved his Pippish reason for
being in the right place to discover it.
Title: Birthday Present · Author: Aranel Took · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 441
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:54:43
This just made me smile. Of course that would be Bilbo's *best* present!
Title: Sun · Author: Claudia · Races: Cross-Cultural: Frodo and
Faramir · ID: 223
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:56:38
One of the very last things that Faramir says to Frodo in Ithilien in
Return of the King before he and Sam head off in Gollum's company is
[" I do not hope to see you again on any other day under the Sun. Yet
if ever beyond hope you return to the lands of the living, and we
re-tell our tales, sitting by a wall in the sun, laughing at old
grief, I shall rejoice to be with you once more! "]. This touching
little vignette explores just how that conversation might have gone.
The comfort these two grief-stricken and wounded friends can be to one
another is beautiful, as is Frodo's simple insight. One of Claudia's best.
Title: A Treasured Piece of Cloth · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits:
Family · ID: 600
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:56:58
Bilbo is a very clever and wise hobbit!
Title: A Promise · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 149
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:57:26
Golden has a talent for finding real life's difficult moments and
transferring them into her stories. This little fic, in which
anticipated joy turns to sorrow, and ends in comfort is very touching.
Title: The Quest for the Hairless Cat · Author: GamgeeFest · Races:
Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 524
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:58:21
Seems odd that such a bit of fluff would concern a completely
non-fluffy feline, LOL! GamgeeFest gives her own little twist to this
story, and it's a lot of fun to see how the quest eventually turns out
so many years later!
Title: Chance Encounter · Author: Telcontar Rulz · Times: Late Third
Age · ID: 203
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:59:08
I chose this story for two reasons: the title is the same as one of my
own stories, which caught my eye, and I have seen ["The Kingdom of
Heaven"] so I knew the character. It was surprisingly engrossing, a
good long read as well, fitting the intrusion into canon without
interrupting the Quest. And it's amazing how well the character fit
into M-e.
Title: Gone Amiss · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 44
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 02:59:35
The breaking of the fellowship and the death of Boromir is one of the
most affecting and touching scenes in FotR--in either book or movie
version. It is no wonder that after Boromir's death, Aragorn would
doubt himself. This drabble captures his thoughts beautifully.
Title: Comfort and Joy · Author: Pearl Took · Times: Mid Third Age:
Eriador · ID: 656
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 03:00:56
Well, I think the summary says it all. Poor Pippin--cold feet can be a
problem, can't they? Still, it hardly seems fair to poor Merry and
Frodo, does it? *grin*
Title: The Captain's New Clothes · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 421
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 03:01:45
Such a fun story to be inspired by a bit of calendar art. I have some
of the Brothers Hildebrandt calendars from the mid-seventies, and
while some of the illustrations are beautiful, others, well, they beg
explanation. This is one of those, and the explanation of *why*
Faramir is wearing such ridiculous clothes is just perfect.
Title: Nine Companions · Author: Aranel Took · Genres: Humor: Drabbles
· ID: 259
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 03:05:13
That was fun! I love the idea of it! The anachronism just makes it
even more fun!
Title: Forfeit · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Times: Late Third
Age: Gondor Drabbles · ID: 401
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 03:07:36
A very plausible occurence! I love how well the author shows
Beregond's honor and courage in just 100 well-chosen words. It's the
last line that packs the most punch.
Title: Hammer · Author: Aranel Took · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 468
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-09-19 03:09:49
Spoilers!
Cute and a little raunchy without being graphic. I hope Gimli doesn't
read this though...no one likes to think about their parents "that way".
Title: Portrait of a Queen · Author: Aruthir · Races: Men · ID: 338
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-09-19 04:55:04
Spoilers!
Intriguing exploration of the life of Numenor's second Ruling Queen,
Tar-Telperien. The frustrations of an upbringing that appears to
encourage passivity and conformity in a strong-willed child are
well-conveyed here; and the use of Ancalime's ghost is a stroke of
genius - the reader is driven to ask the question of whether
Telperien's bitterness is born of her situation, her descent from the
bitter, unhappy Ancalime, or the ghostly influence of the long dead queen.
Title: Coming Home to Crickhollow · Author: calanthe11 · Genres:
Romance · ID: 445
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-09-19 14:39:42
A sensitive exploration of a difficult relationship. There is a tense
undercurrent throughout the story, keeping you reading even as the
tone is still and the complex, confused and confusing emotions are
conveyed subtlely, so much only hinted at or left unspoken.
Wonderfully descriptive writing, every detail of the surroundings and
of the action comes alive.
Good handling of PoV; and I particularly liked Merry's incisive
observations which at times were truly poetic.
I was very interested in the exploration of how shocked the Hobbits
were at what had happened to the Shire during their absence (and the
still lingering effects of what they themselves experienced).
Title: One Summer Day · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor ·
ID: 535
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-09-19 23:43:47
This is a very entertaining glimpse of just an everyday afternoon in
the Citadel. No great events to be told (which is of course part of
what makes it all so fun and enjoyable), but some very charming
characterizations all around and some amusing anecdotes - a thoroughly
enjoying glimpse into the inner world of the Steward's Family.
Title: King Stag · Author: Jael · Races: Elves: Mirkwood Elves · ID: 86
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-09-20 00:38:30
Spoilers!
[Very mild spoilers only—I am reluctant to even mark it, although it
does reveal some plot details, which IMHO should not prevent anyone
from enjoying the story, but people insist . . .]
I am very happy to see this story here. It has always been one of
yours that I have particularly liked. I love your characteristic blend
of humor with high seriousness. I am also an absolute sucker for good
dialogue and you capture the voices so well:
["Whatever is amiss with you, you great royal fool?" Thranduil came
out of his musings to see that Lalaithiel had stopped, turned and
stood staring at him, hand on hip. "You look as if you were heading to
your own execution, rather than to meet my mother and my father."
Thranduil was not so sure that an execution would not be the case.
"What if they don't like me?" he asked lamely.
"How could they not?" she laughed.]
Just perfect. You convince me right there that Lalaithiel is the right
woman for him. Thranduil's previous POV observations on his feelings
for her, memory of physical intimacy, all of those details, are very
nice for setting the mood. But the interaction between them is what
convinces me.
Love her father and his voice. Thranduil falling out of the tree is a
great touch, especially when it is referred back to at the end of the
story. The entire set up of cultural differences is beautifully done
and compelling. I adore the created ritual, the use of the concept of
old image, gives it such depth and which fits so well in your universe
and with your characterization of Thranduil. This is a wonderfully
rendered story. And thank you again so much for inspiring me in my own
tattoo sequence in a recent story of mine.
Title: Seaworthy · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 349
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-09-20 00:47:44
There are several interesting concepts in this story. I find the
entire conversation satisfying. I appreciate the point that Legolas's
sea-longing is still not strong enough to overcome those competing
forces. I never liked the genre where Legolas lives in misery fighting
against sea-longing. I also really like Imrahil's analogies with the
sea (I am a great sea lover and of sea stories as well). Adding in the
legend of Amroth and Nimrodel was lovely frosting on the cake.
Well-written and constructed.
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..