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Msg# 9451
MEFA Reviews for Monday, September 22, 2008 Posted by annmarwalk September 22, 2008 - 21:00:28 Topic ID# 9451Title: Lost · Author: Claudia · Genres: Adventure · ID: 226
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-22 01:39:06
Spoilers!
Had the Ring somehow become lost along the way, how would everyone
within the Fellowship have reacted. Claudia has given us an idea of
how it might have been.
I like the brooding Frodo experiences.
Title: All these hands · Author: Elitihien · Races: Elves: Noldor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 534
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-22 01:51:46
The story of Idril's life told by the memory of the hands of those
whose lives touched hers. Poignant.
Title: Saruman of Many Colours · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 439
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-22 01:56:14
Spoilers!
An interesting, even fascinating series of drabbles following the
career of Saruman, from idealistic but snobbish new-come Istar to the
betrayer on the steps of Bag End.
Well written; the moments illustrated well chosen and described. One
can begin to appreciate the former White Wizard's fall into hubris and
treachery as he seeks to force his own will upon Middle Earth, then
seeks vengeance at all costs when all else seems lost to him.
Title: Courage · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor · ID: 41
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-22 02:08:03
Oh, lovely and humorous and moving all at once.
Gimli's voice sounds just right (I seem to recall that annmarwalk
really handles dwarves well), and I chuckled through nearly the entire
piece. His list of trusted friends balanced against his suspicions of
these new acquaintances is set out nicely, as is his final decision to
not be outdone, darn it!
That moment of insight near the end, though, and sharing the final
toast with Legolas - the perfect touch. The bittersweet contrast to
the humor that came before really heightens the impact of the whole.
And as for the objects in question? LOVE them! I'm on board. *g*
Title: One Summer Day · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor ·
ID: 535
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-22 02:08:16
Simply and utterly charming... This story really does have a peaceful,
summery feel to it, casual and relaxing, the tone set beautifully by
annmarwalk's flowing and descriptive writing. Boromir's thoughts about
gardening's benefits are so true that I actually could imagine him in
that situation (a first!), and the interactions between all the
characters are completely enjoyable. It's not the kind of story that
makes me laugh out loud, but leaves me feeling all warm, smiley and
contented through and through.
Imrahil being one of my LotR favorites, I admit that I adored his
reminiscing section most. And true words of wisdom, indeed: ["It's
always a good thing to be friends with the cook."] Amen!
Title: Surprise Inspection · Author: AmandaK · Genres: Humor: Gondor ·
ID: 207
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-22 02:08:36
I've read ["Surprise Inspection"] before, and it's still great fun
even when you know what is coming! The setup is carried out very well,
and bit by bit, Boromir notices one clue after another that eventually
leads to the final revelation. The descriptions lend themselves to
wonderful visuals, particularly near the end (inside non-spoiler
comment, there), and I love Boromir's characterization: he expects
performance and adherence to duty, but he is also just and flexible,
as a good leader should be.
Lieutenant Gornir is a definite favorite. Brave enough to face the
fire of his foremost commanding officer, forward-thinking, and his
last suggestion - well, I think his perception may have guaranteed him
a promotion down the line...
Title: Leaving Home · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 39
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-22 02:09:45
Sweet and humorous! The child's perspective is handled well, and how
clever of Eowyn to find a way to get an energetic and precocious
little boy out of her hair for the birth and immediate aftermath. It's
beautiful to see all the affection between family and friends
presented through Elboron's eyes. And I dearly loved the tribute to
Faramir's beloved Nanny.
Title: Brotherhood · Author: Violin Ghost · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 261
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-22 02:10:04
A very nice interlude. The scene unfolds clearly and offers an
excellent way to segue into his first memory. I really like that the
song provides not just a thread of continuity between memories, but
also complements the memories that are brought out, from moving to
horrifying to loving. Lovely connection at the end between a brother
lost and a brother found.
Title: Child of Hope · Author: Galadriel · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 97
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-22 02:12:32
I think the perspective of this story is just exquisitely carried out.
The writing itself is excellent: I found the way we are shown the
thoughts of one very bored and restless little boy to be incredibly
entertaining and so true to life. Mightly Boromir, indeed! Awesome
visualization of his history lessons.
One turn of phrase after another had me grinning or laughing. I love,
too, Boromir's thoughts about his little brother (relative uselessness
and turn at Steward, particularly); they are wonderfully handled, as
are the things that Boromir Will Not Put Up With when he is in charge.
I wish dearly that I could have seen Denethor's face at the end.
Title: Scholarship · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 43
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-22 02:14:28
Spoilers!
Yes, in every age, war or peace, children start growing up and seeking
knowledge...
Raksha presents some absolutely wonderful characterizations in this
story: Faramir is kind, wise and exactly the sort of father we all
want to have around to explain the more confusing and intriguing
things of life; and Elboron is brave and honorable and so, so much his
father's son. The son's request for his father's scholarly help with
this particular scroll speaks volumes for how delightfully close and
trusting their relationship really is. And perhaps Faramir himself
could put some new knowledge to good use?
Title: Essecarmë · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 247
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-22 06:01:15
Spoilers!
All waited for the moment in which Feanor would bestow upon his fifth
son his father name; and the name finally given was perhaps the
greatest offense he could have bestowed upon his firstborn.
This story gives an intimate view of the family dynamics for the
household of Feanor and Nerdanel, a fascinating glimpse into a
household of the sort to base Masterpiece Theatre presentations upon.
Writing is superb, and the building to the tension of the naming is
palpable. Well done indeed.
Title: The Right to Bear Arms · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 653
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-09-22 06:11:08
A charming story, wherein the Captain-General of Gondor learns that
size doesn't always matter. It's great to watch Boromir's respect for
the four 'little ones' increase.
Title: The Elanor Bloom · Author: Claudia · Genres: Drama: Incomplete
· ID: 194
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-22 06:16:38
Spoilers!
I'd rather hoped this one would be continued by now--perhaps this will
stimulate Claudia to doing some more writing on it.
To see the trust growing between Frodo and the Hobbits' new companion
Strider is welcome and heartwarming. This is presented much as I
myself tend to view things, and much from Striders point of view, with
Frodo's growing expressed trust and the man's increasing appreciation
for Frodo's intelligence and native Hobbit charm. A lovely pair of
chapters so far--now if she'll only work on completing it!
Title: A Smile · Author: Aria · Races: Elves: House of Finwe · ID: 321
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-22 06:36:45
Spoilers!
A possible reason given for the smile the Silmarillion tells us
Curufin gave as Orodreth banished him and his brother from what had
been Finrod's realm, once Finrod left to take up Beren's quest, robbed
of aid mostly by fear of what Feanor's sons might do should that quest
prove successful. With his son safe on repudiating his father and
uncle's deeds, he can leave with a feeling of relief.
The detail given provides a sense of time and place, drawing the
reader into the story. Perhaps the most sympathetic rendering of
Curufin within Ennor I've read.
Title: Journey's End · Author: Ignoble Bard · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 234
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-09-22 19:24:13
Spoilers!
That's a really lovely thought, that Aragorn should be waiting for
Arwen here at the End. It captures very well the idea that their love
was unending.
Title: Wedding Nerves · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Times: Late Third
Age: Gondor · ID: 48
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-09-22 22:57:07
This is a really fun, quick-paced beat of Aragorn's wedding day,
filled with good-natured humor and a convincing family dynamic. I
particularly liked the fact that Aragorn needed (or at least
graciously accepted) help yet did not feel at all "weak" - something I
know that is not always easy to do. I enjoyed it.
Title: In Search of Stillness · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves:
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 704
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-09-22 22:57:27
Spoilers!
I've become a growing afficionado of the post-War-Gimli-and-Thranduil
subgenre, of which there seem to be several examples in this year's
MEFAs. (What can I say, I'm a dwarf-lover at heart, but the Sindar
have grown on me as well.) Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised by how
close this story came to fitting there. I might not describe it that
way since it's not the main point of the story, but I was absolutely
tickled to see a Gimli and Thranduil who have reached some manner of
(albeit uneasy) acceptance of each other, years after their first meeting.
I also loved the easy kidding between Legolas and Gimli. Gimli may say
that Legolas won't find it so easy to rile him, but I think Gimli is
also trying to get a rise out of the elf as well. It speaks to a long
friendship and was a delight to read.
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-22 01:39:06
Spoilers!
Had the Ring somehow become lost along the way, how would everyone
within the Fellowship have reacted. Claudia has given us an idea of
how it might have been.
I like the brooding Frodo experiences.
Title: All these hands · Author: Elitihien · Races: Elves: Noldor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 534
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-22 01:51:46
The story of Idril's life told by the memory of the hands of those
whose lives touched hers. Poignant.
Title: Saruman of Many Colours · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama:
General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 439
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-22 01:56:14
Spoilers!
An interesting, even fascinating series of drabbles following the
career of Saruman, from idealistic but snobbish new-come Istar to the
betrayer on the steps of Bag End.
Well written; the moments illustrated well chosen and described. One
can begin to appreciate the former White Wizard's fall into hubris and
treachery as he seeks to force his own will upon Middle Earth, then
seeks vengeance at all costs when all else seems lost to him.
Title: Courage · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor · ID: 41
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-22 02:08:03
Oh, lovely and humorous and moving all at once.
Gimli's voice sounds just right (I seem to recall that annmarwalk
really handles dwarves well), and I chuckled through nearly the entire
piece. His list of trusted friends balanced against his suspicions of
these new acquaintances is set out nicely, as is his final decision to
not be outdone, darn it!
That moment of insight near the end, though, and sharing the final
toast with Legolas - the perfect touch. The bittersweet contrast to
the humor that came before really heightens the impact of the whole.
And as for the objects in question? LOVE them! I'm on board. *g*
Title: One Summer Day · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Humor: Gondor ·
ID: 535
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-22 02:08:16
Simply and utterly charming... This story really does have a peaceful,
summery feel to it, casual and relaxing, the tone set beautifully by
annmarwalk's flowing and descriptive writing. Boromir's thoughts about
gardening's benefits are so true that I actually could imagine him in
that situation (a first!), and the interactions between all the
characters are completely enjoyable. It's not the kind of story that
makes me laugh out loud, but leaves me feeling all warm, smiley and
contented through and through.
Imrahil being one of my LotR favorites, I admit that I adored his
reminiscing section most. And true words of wisdom, indeed: ["It's
always a good thing to be friends with the cook."] Amen!
Title: Surprise Inspection · Author: AmandaK · Genres: Humor: Gondor ·
ID: 207
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-22 02:08:36
I've read ["Surprise Inspection"] before, and it's still great fun
even when you know what is coming! The setup is carried out very well,
and bit by bit, Boromir notices one clue after another that eventually
leads to the final revelation. The descriptions lend themselves to
wonderful visuals, particularly near the end (inside non-spoiler
comment, there), and I love Boromir's characterization: he expects
performance and adherence to duty, but he is also just and flexible,
as a good leader should be.
Lieutenant Gornir is a definite favorite. Brave enough to face the
fire of his foremost commanding officer, forward-thinking, and his
last suggestion - well, I think his perception may have guaranteed him
a promotion down the line...
Title: Leaving Home · Author: annmarwalk · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 39
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-22 02:09:45
Sweet and humorous! The child's perspective is handled well, and how
clever of Eowyn to find a way to get an energetic and precocious
little boy out of her hair for the birth and immediate aftermath. It's
beautiful to see all the affection between family and friends
presented through Elboron's eyes. And I dearly loved the tribute to
Faramir's beloved Nanny.
Title: Brotherhood · Author: Violin Ghost · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 261
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-22 02:10:04
A very nice interlude. The scene unfolds clearly and offers an
excellent way to segue into his first memory. I really like that the
song provides not just a thread of continuity between memories, but
also complements the memories that are brought out, from moving to
horrifying to loving. Lovely connection at the end between a brother
lost and a brother found.
Title: Child of Hope · Author: Galadriel · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 97
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-22 02:12:32
I think the perspective of this story is just exquisitely carried out.
The writing itself is excellent: I found the way we are shown the
thoughts of one very bored and restless little boy to be incredibly
entertaining and so true to life. Mightly Boromir, indeed! Awesome
visualization of his history lessons.
One turn of phrase after another had me grinning or laughing. I love,
too, Boromir's thoughts about his little brother (relative uselessness
and turn at Steward, particularly); they are wonderfully handled, as
are the things that Boromir Will Not Put Up With when he is in charge.
I wish dearly that I could have seen Denethor's face at the end.
Title: Scholarship · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 43
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-22 02:14:28
Spoilers!
Yes, in every age, war or peace, children start growing up and seeking
knowledge...
Raksha presents some absolutely wonderful characterizations in this
story: Faramir is kind, wise and exactly the sort of father we all
want to have around to explain the more confusing and intriguing
things of life; and Elboron is brave and honorable and so, so much his
father's son. The son's request for his father's scholarly help with
this particular scroll speaks volumes for how delightfully close and
trusting their relationship really is. And perhaps Faramir himself
could put some new knowledge to good use?
Title: Essecarmë · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 247
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-22 06:01:15
Spoilers!
All waited for the moment in which Feanor would bestow upon his fifth
son his father name; and the name finally given was perhaps the
greatest offense he could have bestowed upon his firstborn.
This story gives an intimate view of the family dynamics for the
household of Feanor and Nerdanel, a fascinating glimpse into a
household of the sort to base Masterpiece Theatre presentations upon.
Writing is superb, and the building to the tension of the naming is
palpable. Well done indeed.
Title: The Right to Bear Arms · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 653
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-09-22 06:11:08
A charming story, wherein the Captain-General of Gondor learns that
size doesn't always matter. It's great to watch Boromir's respect for
the four 'little ones' increase.
Title: The Elanor Bloom · Author: Claudia · Genres: Drama: Incomplete
· ID: 194
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-22 06:16:38
Spoilers!
I'd rather hoped this one would be continued by now--perhaps this will
stimulate Claudia to doing some more writing on it.
To see the trust growing between Frodo and the Hobbits' new companion
Strider is welcome and heartwarming. This is presented much as I
myself tend to view things, and much from Striders point of view, with
Frodo's growing expressed trust and the man's increasing appreciation
for Frodo's intelligence and native Hobbit charm. A lovely pair of
chapters so far--now if she'll only work on completing it!
Title: A Smile · Author: Aria · Races: Elves: House of Finwe · ID: 321
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-22 06:36:45
Spoilers!
A possible reason given for the smile the Silmarillion tells us
Curufin gave as Orodreth banished him and his brother from what had
been Finrod's realm, once Finrod left to take up Beren's quest, robbed
of aid mostly by fear of what Feanor's sons might do should that quest
prove successful. With his son safe on repudiating his father and
uncle's deeds, he can leave with a feeling of relief.
The detail given provides a sense of time and place, drawing the
reader into the story. Perhaps the most sympathetic rendering of
Curufin within Ennor I've read.
Title: Journey's End · Author: Ignoble Bard · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 234
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-09-22 19:24:13
Spoilers!
That's a really lovely thought, that Aragorn should be waiting for
Arwen here at the End. It captures very well the idea that their love
was unending.
Title: Wedding Nerves · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Times: Late Third
Age: Gondor · ID: 48
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-09-22 22:57:07
This is a really fun, quick-paced beat of Aragorn's wedding day,
filled with good-natured humor and a convincing family dynamic. I
particularly liked the fact that Aragorn needed (or at least
graciously accepted) help yet did not feel at all "weak" - something I
know that is not always easy to do. I enjoyed it.
Title: In Search of Stillness · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves:
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 704
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-09-22 22:57:27
Spoilers!
I've become a growing afficionado of the post-War-Gimli-and-Thranduil
subgenre, of which there seem to be several examples in this year's
MEFAs. (What can I say, I'm a dwarf-lover at heart, but the Sindar
have grown on me as well.) Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised by how
close this story came to fitting there. I might not describe it that
way since it's not the main point of the story, but I was absolutely
tickled to see a Gimli and Thranduil who have reached some manner of
(albeit uneasy) acceptance of each other, years after their first meeting.
I also loved the easy kidding between Legolas and Gimli. Gimli may say
that Legolas won't find it so easy to rile him, but I think Gimli is
also trying to get a rise out of the elf as well. It speaks to a long
friendship and was a delight to read.
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