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Title: With Many "Fond" Acknowledgments · Author: Thundera Tiger ·
Genres: Humor · ID: 472
Reviewer: Yeade · 2008-09-27 01:50:47
Spoilers!
What a delightful piece of humor that I'd say also functions as meta
on two levels: _The Lord of the Rings_ as a fictional adaptation of a
legendary source, the Red Book of Westmarch, and the trials of the
writing process in general.

First, the latter, as I haven't yet collected my thoughts on the
former, lol. I'm no writer, but it occurs to me that, though this fic
certainly shows the danger of too many eager fingers in the pudding,
the terrible trio and Faramir can easily be seen as muses. You know,
the little voices in your head that often take the form of known
characters and whisper about how so-and-so in your story would never
do this-or-that. Wouldn't such-and-such be cool? Why go with one
telling over another? What's my *motivation*? On and on and on. In a
way, I think Sam's standing in for all authors everywhere--head
buzzing with ideas that, if you don't take care, have a tendency to
leap right to the page without your input.

As for the other concept, I've often wondered how LOTR's supposed
origins affected the material Tolkien chose to present and the style
in which he did so. There's at least one case wherein Tolkien changed
what he originally drafted out of respect for the Hobbits' POV: "The
Tale of Aragorn and Arwen," which got cut from the book proper, was
moved to the appendices, and cited as the work of Faramir's grandson.
Not to mention all the discrepancies and strange behavior folks have
been trying to explain since LOTR was published. Why Aragorn carts the
shards of Narsil about the wilderness and, apparently, no other
weapons in FOTR, for example. Did the Three Hunters really compose a
funeral lay for Boromir on the spot? Éomer suddenly bursts into song
while hacking through hordes of enemies on the Pelennor? (Speaking of
which, that hymn for the fallen gives away the Ring's destruction half
a dozen chapters before it happens.) Balrogs--actual wings or poetic
license? The arguments of Sam's bickering friends strike me as a
reminder of sorts that the geography of Middle-earth and basic
chronology of events are perhaps the only canon elements that are
incontestable.

Enough of that. Thundera Tiger, as always, your prose sparkles with
wit and perfect comedic timing. Faramir's role as
savior-turned-traitor is especially amusing though not surprising, I
feel, for a scholar of his caliber. Furthermore, despite heated
tempers, I get a real sense of, well, fellowship. That Legolas and
Gimli have so many embarrassing stories about each other is a mark of
their long and close acquaintance. And, truly, only friends are keen
on constantly sharing personal news or arguing with such fervor about
trivial matters. Lends a very comfortable warmth to a discussion that
could've been a bit dry, IMO. Excellent!

Title: Fidelis · Author: Pentangle · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort · ID: 612
Reviewer: Yeade · 2008-09-27 02:35:39
Spoilers!
For starters, I must admit the huge blocks of text throughout
"Fidelis" sometimes make it difficult for me to continue reading. Not
that the prose is purple--there's far more overwrought description in
my review, lol--but the exposition and, occasionally, dialogue go on
at such length I despair of finishing or forget the beginning.

That said, I think this story is absolutely worth the effort. Set in
the contentious time prior to FOTR during which Aragorn and Legolas
may or may not have known each other well, "Fidelis" deals with an
issue they must surely have faced at some point in their friendship:
To wit, when you bond so strongly to one who's bound to die long
before you that your existence is almost defined by a place in his or
her life and experiences shared, what should you do when the
inevitable happens?

"Fidelis" presents three distinct case studies, IMO: Lenwë-Nienor,
Kenuric and, obviously, Aragorn-Legolas.

I always find your OCs impressive, Pentangle-linnon.* Lenwë and Nienor
are no exception. Lenwë is all calm acceptance in face of his death
but, I feel, kind of desperately determined to assure Nienor's safety
and happiness afterwards. His wound reopened because he pushed too
hard for Rivendell, after all, and I think it's clear his final
actions in forcing Aragorn, who'd only ever been kind to him, to do as
he wished wouldn't have been so manipulative, almost cruel, if
Nienor's life hadn't been on the line. Silent Nienor is incredibly
open and expressive. That his rare and exceptional beauty, his sweet
personality, his *potential* are ultimately lost is heartbreaking but,
after some thought, I believe he chose wisely. He and Lenwë greatly
remind me of Aragorn and Arwen, except that Lenwë's relationship with
Nienor is basically paternal rather than romantic. Like Arwen,
however, Nienor's love for Lenwë is so deep in him that losing Lenwë
is akin to a mortal injury. I'm assuming, too, that Elven hearts are
less likely than human ones to heal from such scars no matter how much
time passes. What's more, Lenwë and Nienor's tale has a happy ending
in that they'll be together once Mandos releases them. Just as Aragorn
and Arwen meet again beyond the circles of the world. A triumphant
tragedy. I might've been moved to tears. Particularly by Nienor's slow
passing (another echo of Arwen). If, you know, I were the crying sort.
As is, my soul's a little bruised.

Kenuric's in fine style as well. His impassioned plea to Nienor is a
high point in a fic full of them. Small details really bring Kenuric
to life for me--the way his hands convulsively tighten on a roll of
bandages when Aragorn expresses his desire to be Elrond's true son,
for instance, or how his concern for Aragorn leads him to consider,
for the briefest moment, that it'd be easy to let Nienor die.
Kenuric's truly a magnificent character, IMO, and I'm fond of his
gruff yet caring ways.

Finally, Aragorn and Legolas. For most of the fic, I kind of want to
smack their heads together. Their inability to communicate and be of
comfort to each other is sheer torture because it's not what either
desires and I feel the situation need not lead to estrangement.
Legolas is right that both knew from the start the price of their
friendship and the best they can expect, the only worthy way unless
they don't wish to remain friends, is to live their time together to
the fullest. OTOH, Aragorn's pained avoidance of the issue is
understandable and, I think, a reaction he'll continue to have once in
a while with not only Legolas but his other close Elven relations.
Many of Legolas and Aragorn's conversations about their eventual
separation strike me as especially poignant as I know how the story
ends. It's interesting that Legolas sort of compromises by sailing in
that Middle-earth no longer holds joy enough for him but neither does
he fade or die. Of course, the sea-longing and Gimli are big factors then.

Besides all this deep contemplation of mortality's effect on the
living left behind, there's Aragorn and Kenuric's healer dilemma of
granting Nienor's wish for death. Man, I *hurt* for everyone involved.
There's simply no good answer. Stylistically, I appreciate the
detailed medical action despite how it makes me wince in sympathy;
Aragorn's examination of Nienor's throat is nearly as uncomfortable
for me as it is for Nienor. In addition, the pacing is ideal for a
thoughtful, wistful look at these topics--slow and lingering, very
thorough, without dragging. This last is helped a lot by the clean and
unpretentious narration, IMO. All in all, a satisfying read to curl up
with on a rainy afternoon. It's perhaps a bit melancholy but
fulfilling nonetheless.


* Probably my favorites of all your works are "Contagion" and
"Conversion," both of which feature OCs. Incidentally, Aragorn also
plays key roles... and I'm totally transparent, aren't I? ^^;;

Title: No Mercy · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: General Drabbles ·
ID: 443
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-27 02:36:11
Tanaqui's ["No Mercy"] is clearly intended to wring out a powerful
visceral reaction from the reader, and succeeds admirably. It deals
with only one part of one major battle, something given only a brief
and rather distant description in the Silm. Here, however, the author
brings a terrible clarity and realism to what those attacked must have
experienced.

The personification is awesome, brilliantly written, and truly gives
life to the protagonist even as it underscores its lack of conscience.
Few things can bring on terror faster, and this work highlights how
strategically important the scenario was to the battle's success.

I think the drabble format is actually the perfect method to frame the
idea explored: too much more and a reader might turn away from graphic
horror; and the few given examples are so vivid that my mind "filled
in the gaps" on its own anyway.

Title: My Legacy · Author: spookystoy · Genres: Drama: General
Drabbles · ID: 407
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-27 02:36:29
This would indeed be a difficult meeting; the tension is nicely
carried. And of course, the son's legacy has its own marring...

Title: Pride and Despair: A Defense of Ecthelion's Son · Author: Marta
· Genres: Non-Fiction: Character Studies · ID: 624
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-09-27 02:38:59
["And so an essay was born."]

And a superb one at that, with sound reasons for even beginning to
unravel the complexity that is Ecthelion's (only known) son.

The entire essay is extremely readable and laid out well, with one
area of exploration flowing smoothly into the next. It's laudable
simply as a single source for quotes from the many different writings
that contain the information presented here (very importantly, all
contexts and source materials are carefully noted), but I would also
recommend this for the author's assumptions and extrapolations. Other
views are credited, and of course interpretations will differ, but
those laid out in this essay are all well thought-out and reasonable.
YMMV, but it's still worth considering what Marta puts forth about
Denethor, if only so one's own thoughts are strengthened by the challenge.

I think one of the nicest "smaller" points of the essay is when Marta
discusses both the movie and book treatments of certain scenes. There
are many Tolkien fans who knew the movies first, and perhaps only, so
I can imagine that drawing a distinction between how things are
presented in each medium could be very helpful, particularly to
highlight how alternate conclusions can be drawn from how differently
the same details or conversations are shown.

Great work, Marta, and I'm already eagerly anticipating your next
foray into Denethor's head!

Title: King Stag · Author: Jael · Races: Elves: Mirkwood Elves · ID: 86
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-09-27 03:18:02
Spoilers!
A bittersweet and fascinating look at the early days of Thranduil's
marriage, and a ritual he performed to convince his Avari in-laws of
his worth. The story presents wonderful contrasts between various
Elven tribes; and outstanding characterisation of Thranduil himself.
There's a simplicity, a passion and an otherworldliness about the
rituals that is very convincing - this is not the average fangurl's
Mirkwood, but one that is deeper and more complex.

The epilogue is almost unbearably sad; though Thranduil's stubborn
courage and toughness still survive and keep him going when almost
everyone he knew and loved has gone.

Title: Oathbreakers · Author: Thundera Tiger · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 470
Reviewer: docmon · 2008-09-27 04:20:25
Spoilers!
I really enjoyed this interlude between the sons of Elrond the night
before their entrance into the Paths of the Dead. There are small
details that make the vignette grab your attention, so you are easily
engrossed despite it being a short piece. It struck me how the thought
of not seeing the stars for so many days gave Elladan such pause. His
sensing of the nearby Oathbreakers, the power of the mountain, and his
sense of foreboding intertwine to give the reader a reminder of his
mixed heritage and clarification of the many forces pressing on him.
The heightened feeling of duality makes for a more interesting
character than usual.
I like Elladan's debate with himself on whether he should eavesdrop.
It's telling that he chooses his status as brother as paramount. His
protectiveness of Arwen is clear. Elrohir's view of history makes for
an interesting contrast to the Rohirric version. But Elladan's
response to his brother's question on whether they should be worried
is excellent! Quite the summary of the situation at the moment. It's
hard to decide if this or Elrohir's response to it is better.
The comparison of the oathbreakers to elves was astute and well done:
["...To linger in twilight while all around them fades into naught."
"To suffer the fate of the elves," Elrohir whispered.]
That Elladan goes too far in his comparison and angers Elrohir is a
nice opportunity to show the two as brothers, who will argue, rather
than twins that are mirror images that always complement the other.
The squabble between the brothers deftly displays the concerns and
worries of all those involved at the moment as they stand on the brink
of war. It serves as a brief summary of where Tolkien's story has gone
and is going. A succinct picture of the risks they now face, of how
much they have to lose, and how much there is to decide. It makes you
remember that all those decisions were not predetermined. The
uncertainty of the brothers echoes the uncertainty of those making
those decisions. All those difficult decisions had to be made by
someone, and others had to trust, sometimes blindly, sometimes against
their better judgment, that a decision was right. That the sons of
Elrond can walk away and trust Estel in that moment is perhaps a sign
that those who trust in the decision makers will not be disappointed.

Title: Full Brothers in Blood · Author: Oshun · Genres: Humor · ID: 212
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-27 05:28:24
Spoilers!
An instructive look at the family life that led to the differences in
temprament between Fingon and Turgon, particularly the relationship
each knows with the children of Feanor and Nerdanel.

The mixture young Turgon feels between envy and hero-worship for his
older brother is palpable.

Title: Songs of Innocence and Experience · Author: Tanaqui · Races:
Men: General Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 440
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-09-27 08:17:12
A truly delightful trio of drabbles.

Title: Fait Accompli · Author: Ignoble Bard · Genres: Mystery · ID: 381
Reviewer: Michelle · 2008-09-27 12:31:58
„Fait Accompli" is a little masterpiece, a what-could-have-been
providing an ending for Legolas` story that is probably not at all
what Tolkien had envisioned for that character, but which doesn`t seem
totally unlikely – at least to me.

This is darkfic, expertly told from a first-person POV. Like Legolas
himself, the reader is lost in the situation. We don`t know how
Legolas ended up in this situation. We don`t know, what this situation
actually is. Who is his captor? What is his agenda? From very early on
I got the impression that Legolas` captor is not at all evil, as
Legolas perceives him to be, but it was only until I was two-third
into the story that I could finally take a guess at what was going on.
And even then, the details of Ignoble Bard`s finely woven mystery
evaded me. The ending came as a surprise – of the kind that feels like
a fist to the gut.

Apart from the overall feel of the story, what I admire most about it
is the tight reign Ignoble Bard has on Legolas` character. Following
his inner journey from fighting against his captivity and his bonds to
giving in little by little because he believes his death will mean
freedom. And finally, embracing his fate and the punishment meted out.
Ignoble Bard is taking the character apart bit by bit and that was
fascinating to witness.

Title: Elanor of Westmarch: The Return · Author: Baranduin · Races:
Hobbits: Family · ID: 78
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2008-09-27 16:16:46
Spoilers!
This is one of the best Elanor-stories I've read. I thought it was
lovely how the author gave the reader a glimpse into the mind of the
elderly; Ellie's body may grow feable, or even break and die, but not
her mind! I liked that! I should think it very difficult to be the
last of one's generation. As I read, I felt a certain loneliness that
Ellie must have experienced, which prepared the reader to know that
she was ready to join those who had gone on before her. The yearning
to once again see those she most dearly loved must have been a
constant ache in Ellie's heart. A kudo to the author! The author's
portrayal of the Fairbairns' eccentricity is excellent, the story well
written, and in keeping with the spirit of the Professor's epic. I
thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderful, captivating tale.

Title: Engineering · Author: SurgicalSteel · Races: Men: Minas Tirith
· ID: 696
Reviewer: pippinfan88 · 2008-09-27 16:57:30
I really enjoyed Serindë's character; she is one tough little girl!
The idea of Talagan ingratiating himself to Serindë's father was true
to life then; most livelihood depended upon Trade. Great story!

Title: Pride and Despair: A Defense of Ecthelion's Son · Author: Marta
· Genres: Non-Fiction: Character Studies · ID: 624
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-27 17:03:45
An excellently written, reasoned, and supported examination of
Denethor and his actions during the beginning moves of the final War
of the Rings. I can find very little with which to disagree, actually;
and I try myself to write him in light of many of Marta's thoughts on
the Man.

Indeed well, well worth the read.

Title: Seven Stones and Seven Stars and One White Tree · Author:
shirebound · Races: Other Beings · ID: 121
Reviewer: Yeade · 2008-09-27 21:32:36
Spoilers!
To be frank, I'm not a fan of drabbles and ficlets. Or, rather, I
rarely *review* anything less than several thousand words because I
end up writing either a one-line epithet or a line-by-line
analysis--there's no happy middle. The length makes it hard for me to
process the fic; it's over just as I begin sinking my mental teeth
into it. Highly unsatisfying. Unfortunately, this means I have near
zero motivation to read roughly 40% of this year's nominated stories.

[Seven Stones and Seven Stars and One White Tree] is an exception; I
read it before MEFA started. I'm a real sucker for unusual POVs as
well as the fading of much that's beautiful and magical from the Third
Age to the Fourth, so I figured it wouldn't be *so* hard to kick my
lazy self into reviewing this once. Here goes nothing!

Diction is especially important when you've only got a few hundred
words to get your ideas across. Personally, I look for turns of phrase
that are clever and pretty without being flowery (no pun intended).
What I don't want to see are wasted words or repetition to no purpose.
I do think the word choice could've been more varied in spots. For
example, the use of 'tarry' in the first paragraph of
"Hollin"--particularly odd as Gandalf, who never tarries, is tarrying
with the rest of the Fellowship--or 'measure' twice in quick
succession in the last. Overall, however, the ficlets read smooth and
pleasant. My favorite passage is probably the first paragraph of
"Mount Mindolluin." It includes one of my most loved descriptions,
wheeling stars, used well, and the voice of Yavanna guiding Nimloth's
last descent simply feels *right*. All the dropped and rearranged
parts of speech--[a voice bidding me sleep until Yavanna sing me to
movement]--give the sentences an almost loping poetic cadence, too.

Regarding characterization, I would've liked a bit more distinction
between the narrators--stone, flower, and tree. Specifically,
consideration of their very different concepts of time and what sort
of collective identity they might have. Stone retains all of the past,
IMO, the constituent minerals that make up any given rock being as old
as the planet though transformed by geological processes. Elanor,
OTOH, is likely short-lived, as flowers are; the blooms that witnessed
Aragorn and Arwen plighting their troth are long, long dead. A legend
passed by generations of elanor to those in FOTR? Maybe perennials
have a racial memory, lol. That said, kudos for noting how rock would
most perceive sound and the rhythm of footsteps, plants the natural
elements that nurture them. Also, the shift from barren, isolated
Hollin to Gondor, filled to bursting with people.

I think the strongest aspect of all three stories is the observation
of canon characters and events. Gimli and Legolas impress me in
"Hollin"--the Dwarf as a [true son] of stone and the Elf seeking echos
of Eregion. Aragorn, of course, in "Lórien"--much changed yet
fundamentally the same as the young man who stood with Arwen, whose
light feet remind me of her great-grandmother Idril Celebrindal.
Finally, the White Tree as a symbol of the preserved memory of ages
gone despite the message of inexorable change driven through every
other sentence. The wistful but hopeful, perhaps a little fearful,
tenor is perfect for this period of transition.

At any rate, the final measure of any fic is whether it's fun to read,
IMO, and you pass that test with flying colors on my part, shirebound.

Title: The Keys of the Realm · Author: Larner · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Aragorn · ID: 477
Reviewer: Yeade · 2008-09-27 22:01:58
Spoilers!
So, Larner, I've something of a love-hate relationship with your fics.
On the one hand, you're a writer I can count on to think of
*everything*--minor canon characters abound, there's fantastic
attention to detail from the chronology of events to the socioeconomic
and -political workings of Middle-earth, themes are true to the spirit
of Tolkien's universe, and plots are painstakingly researched for
accuracy and plausibility. OTOH, I think you need to learn when *not*
to include a fact or explanation, you have a distressing tendency to
review the entirety of LOTR in your longer stories (e.g. "Lesser
Rings," "The King's Commission"), and generally could do with more
showing instead of telling.

I've found the magnitude of these traits that irk me so are directly
proportional to length. At around the middle of the spectrum between
your epics and vignettes, "The Keys of the Realm" is correspondingly
an even mix of my likes and dislikes. What finally makes the story for
me is Húrin.

Kind of embarrassing to admit now, but it took me until the author's
notes, a quick check of the Encyclopedia of Arda (so many Húrins!),
and a re-read of ROTK to figure out who Húrin the Tall is and what he
did. I'd mentally grouped all the named Dúnedain who fought on the
Pelennor as 'lords of Gondor' with the exceptions of Prince Imrahil
and Halbarad, lol.

Well, after that confusion was cleared up, I could fully appreciate
how expertly Húrin's used as a character. He's really an ideal
narrator for the events surrounding Aragorn's coronation as he's close
enough in position and duties to interact with all the key players (no
pun intended) while remaining an observer. I like his past with
Thorongil and how he occasionally reverts to thinking of this man who
would be king as the captain who took his arm and gave him Leonid even
to the end. Of all his descriptions, I think the one of Gandalf is
probably the best. Again, there's just so much history behind it.
Húrin most struck me as a personality in two sections: 1) His
realization that the King has returned which starts in the Houses of
Healing from conversation with Pippin, then Elladan and builds, after
a increasingly urgent and excited search, to his meeting Aragorn and
finding, to his shock, Thorongil. The sudden, unexpected appearance of
so many legendary figures has the poor man in a daze! 2) His simple
but deep and powerful joy following Sauron's final overthrow. I burst
out laughing at his joke about the throne being so polished Elessar
might very well slip from it, and his sense of his daughter's pride in
him as he leads the King into his city is quite moving. Húrin, I love
you so! XD

Other points of interest (i.e. awesome stuff): Éomer being gifted with
the tusks of the largest mûmakil in honor of Rohan's valor. My first
thought? What a cool decoration for the walls of Meduseld! The
peregrine falcons nesting in the royal wing, of course. Too bad for
Imrahil, who doesn't clue into Aragorn-as-Thorongil until "The King's
Commission," IIRC. Húrin hastily excusing himself from Ioreth's
ramblings--hilarious! Faramir's deft handling of his council and his
relief at a job well done--worthy of serious swooning! Legolas and
Gimli's crafting of tokens for Frodo, Sam, and Aragorn. Petrified
trolls as statues in city squares all across Gondor--a bold
landscaping fad for the new age! And, lastly, Húrin's adorable
daughters. Yes, Sauron's really, really gone, lol.

I greatly anticipate your next fic, Larner. Actually, I rather hope
you'll return to "Stirring Rings"...


P.S. I notice this story's competing in [Drama: Featuring Aragorn].
That's somewhat misleading, IMO, seeing as how Aragorn isn't actually
present for most of the fic. Then again, like many stories set in
Gondor after the Battle of the Pelennor, Aragorn's existence is felt
even in absentia. I suppose that counts, too. ^^;;

Title: Now the Green Blade Riseth · Author: annmarwalk · Genres:
Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 37
Reviewer: kitt_otter · 2008-09-28 00:36:25
Now this was perfect Gaffer-speech. Very like him to shake his head
over Sam's 'fretting'. I am glad he saw in the end why it was worth
fretting for.

Title: In absentia · Author: Robinka · Races: Elves: House of Finwe ·
ID: 84
Reviewer: kitt_otter · 2008-09-28 00:53:09
I was very impressed by the description of the fire in the beginning;
it drew me right in. Oh, how sad was this broken Maedhros! His
non-response to Fingon was chilling and the point where he did react
was alarming. I liked Fingon's memories of youth, riding out with
Maedhros; I like that he has not given up on his cousin. All in all, a
moving, angsty little tale.

Title: Brotherhood · Author: Violin Ghost · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 261
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-09-28 00:54:49
Spoilers!
Violin Ghost is quickly becoming one of my favorite "new" authors in
this year's MEFAs (as in, an author I'd never read before this year's
awards), and this story exemplifies why that's so. As a writer of
vignettes and short stories I am inspired by authors who can string
scenes together in a lyrican and beautiful fashion, yet still manage
to tell a coherent story. And Violin Ghost does that very well in this
piece.

What really makes "Brotherhood" outstanding, though, is the
characterization, of Boromir in praticular. I love the way the author
interprets Tolkien's line about Boromir being a man-at-arms like
Earnur; he is brave and heroic but that heroism is given a softer side
here. I was moved to tears in a few places, but happy tears to be
sure. This story tells the reader *why* Boromir and Faramir were so
close with it all seeming very natural, nd carries the theme of
brotherhood into the next phase of Faramir's life as well.

Highly recommended to fans of the brothers 'mir; I don't think you'll
be disappointed.