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Msg# 9460
MEFA Reviews for Sunday, September 28, 2008 (Part Two) Posted by annmarwalk September 28, 2008 - 19:10:59 Topic ID# 9460Title: Summer's Lease · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Romance:
Gondor · ID: 650
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-09-28 13:51:43
This is such a *visceral* story on every level. Raksha truly captures
Éowyn's every emotion, every sensation she experiences, and every
detail and sensory quality of the scene she witnesses. The story,
though light in tone, has a headiness to it, like rich white wine; the
pure sense of summer in a lush garden.
There is a directness to the descriptions, as if they manage to
transmit themselves nearly unfiltered from the "page" to the
imagination of the reader (well, to put it in more blunt terms, I
could tell *exactly* how exciting this sight must have been to Éowyn *g*).
What I like the most is that although she spies on them, and although
Éowny righty enjoys looking at those two fine specimen of males, there
is no feeling of sneakiness or prurience about it. It's an honest
appreciation of beauty in all its forms, and a desire to just let
one's eyes drink in and enjoy this beauty. And woven through it all is
the love and fondness of a wife for her husband.
Title: The Dark One · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama · ID: 411
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 18:07:02
Spoilers!
I've read other stories of Morwen the prostitute in past years, and it
was a joy to read this one as well. Trained as a professional slave
dancer, she was released from the school due to her exceptionally fair
skin and appearance, and has worked in her profession throughout much
of Gondor and now Rohan, where her growing love of Gamling, Keeper of
the King's Helm, has managed to make her unfit any longer for her
former work.
This tale is nowhere as long as some of the others I've read in the
series, but is remarkably intriguing nonetheless. The attempt to bring
witnesses to atrocities done by Wormtongue's (and thus Saruman's as
well) men throughout the Westfarthing may have failed, but Theodred
now knows the truth.
Fascinating look behind the scenes within the Hall of Meduseld as we
see Morwen interacting with each of the principals, including the
Captain-General from Gondor, who appears to have lost his horse
perhaps a bit early in this tale.
Title: The Clear Ringing Of Silver Trumpets · Author: Lithilien
Quicksilver · Genres: Drama: Featuring Boromir or Faramir · ID: 278
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 18:13:37
A worthy description of the final hour of movie-Boromir and his
internal battle. As for the end--perfect! Very well done indeed!
Title: Seaworthy · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 349
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 18:19:32
Spoilers!
I see that I managed somehow to miss the posting of the review I did
of this earlier, when I first read this story.
This interaction between Legolas and Imrahil as Legolas prepares
himself for the day when he will finally give way to his Sea Longing
and sail from Ennor to Aman is absolutely perfect, as the Prince of
Dol Amroth carefully prepares the Elf with what is needed, not only in
the question of craft but of emotional and spiritual preparation to
successfully accept what is presented one by the Sea itself.
Dialogue is well written, and images sparkling like the light on the
water of the Bay of Belfalas.
Title: Promise and Sorrow · Author: Virtuella · Times: Late Third Age
· ID: 607
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 18:35:17
Spoilers!
One of the best examinations I have seen of how it was the War of the
Ring affected regular people, from the distracted rambling of the
Rohirric mother wondering what is to be done with the former footwear
of her now one-legged son, the one who was always so sturdy on his
feet and who cannot now sit a horse and has no need at all for two
boots to the bridegroom who watched his intended struck down by one of
the shots sent over the walls of the city against the defenders of
Minas Tirith to the one imagining what Ithilien will now become, now
that the Enemy's folk are no longer free to roam it with impunity.
Imagery is sharp and keen; characterizations for each of these unnamed
souls is so compelling we feel we are seeing indeed through their
eyes. The vignettes presented were perfectly crafted, and the whole
compelling. Definitely a series to read and reread, written by one who
shows herself a master of characterization.
Title: The Scribe and the Heir · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres:
Drama: Featuring the Noldor · ID: 256
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-09-28 18:36:37
Spoilers!
Good description of the way the conflict between those two parts of
family builds an d haunts the two sons who do not fit in the pattern.
Dawn takes the few words about the growing estrangements between
Feanor and his brothers, and their respective families, and shows the
process here in one simple side, as well as the conflicting feelings
of those who get caught in it. Very well done!
Title: One Last Wish · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age and
Prior: House of Finwe · ID: 323
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 18:47:37
Spoilers!
For Nerdanel the wind that blows open the door to her forge is a
traitor. The last time the door had opened that way her husband had
come to her, seeking her return to him, to his bed and their family,
seeking the chance to parent a last child between them; now it is his
shade, perhaps, that enters in.
Sad, poignant, and heart-rending; beautiful as Feanor's own face,
perhaps. A beautiful read.
Title: Handy With A Sword · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 437
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 18:56:12
Spoilers!
Oh, just so perfect--for Faramir to find himself reading a dropped
parchment that lampoons his own love for a shieldmaiden who has
managed to best him in sparring! Wonderful to see that sparring
described; and that final scene is the perfect capper for it! [Handy
with a sword] indeed!
(So she says as she sets herself to finding another tale to read and
review, still giggling and snerking over Tanaqui's series on Faramir
and Eowyn!)
Thanks so for the chuckles, Tanaqui!
Title: A Woman in Few Words: The Character of Nerdanel and Her
Treatment in Canon and Fandom · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres:
Non-Fiction: Character Studies · ID: 107
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-09-28 18:56:37
This is a very informed, very clearly written and wonderfully coherent
essay about the wife of Feanor, and the fact that she is has sparked
such interest among many fanfiction writers. I love especially the
diligent distinction between canon and fanon, as well as the careful
quoting of sources. Very informative and a delight to read. Thank you!
Title: The Heart of a Home · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 257
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 19:09:04
Ah--but what is the heart of the home? For Bilbo Baggins and his
adopted cousin-heir, it has come to be the love and acceptance and
welcome each finds in the other. A perfect tale of home-coming in all
its possible meanings.
Title: Seven Sisters · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Other Beings · ID: 388
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 19:12:50
Spoilers!
Slightly eerie and yet compelling, this mixture of a coming-of-age
story with a haunting ghostly story is a wonderful tale woven around
our Peregrin Took as he watches--or possibly dreams--the seven sisters
and their sad progress. Myth and this beloved legend meld; a night of
too much drink becomes one of awe and wonder and a bit of fear.
Perfectly balanced between mundane and aetherial, this is a tale to be
savored.
Title: Aulë the Smith · Author: Oshun · Genres: Non-Fiction: Character
Studies · ID: 530
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 19:22:10
Spoilers!
A well-written description of the Smith of the Valar and his place not
only in the creation of Ea and Arda and the Dwarves, but also of his
teaching of the Noldor as well as those of the Maiar who would one day
rebel against the Valar and Eru Himself. His own ability to maintain
his own integrity in the face of temptations to betray himself and his
fellows is well established, as well as his inability to strengthen
that characteristic in his pupils. The pride that led to the downfall
of Aulendil, Curumo, and Feanor was certainly not an imitation of
their mentor's own pride.
Title: First Time · Author: Sivan Shemesh · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Boromir or Faramir · ID: 672
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 19:23:55
A sad tale.
Title: The Strength of Men · Author: Savageseraph · Times: Second and
Early Third Age · ID: 584
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 19:28:05
Spoilers!
I disagree strongly with the slash elements here, but agree with
Elrond's arguments. I see that the locket told of in UT is not
mentioned, but the chain of the movie is substituted instead.
Title: Bad Idea · Author: StarLight9 · Genres: Humor: Elven Lands ·
ID: 610
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 23:20:25
It is said that "All things work to the good for those who love the
Lord," or in this case perhaps "for those who love their sons" might
be the proper adapatation of the sentiment. Yes, Legolas's original
plan was a [bad idea] that managed in spite of itself to work out well.
Good use of humor and introspection. A nice light read.
Title: A Problem Shared · Author: Dot · Races: Elves: Mirkwood Elves ·
ID: 169
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-09-28 23:26:04
Spoilers!
Interesting story. I like the description of Thranduil and the way he
is communicating with the trees. However, Radagast came over a bit too
seemingly confused for my taste, and the whole story seems somewhat
incomplete; we never get a clear idea of the context of the events
described.
Aside from that, though, I like this little fic. I love stories that
give us a glimpse at the Greenwood Elves and how they lived with the
growing shadow encroaching their homes, therefore I like this one, too.
Title: The Visitor · Author: Rowan · Genres: Drama · ID: 174
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 23:39:02
A very nice example of the "Frodo meets older Elanor" stories. Was it
but a dream, or perhaps the result of Elanor holding the ring given
her by the Queen? Whatever brought it on, it was gentle and reassuring
for both sides. A nice way to tie on the movie-verse sentiment as well!
Yes, very nice.
Title: Ed'ledhron · Author: Elanor Silmarien · Races: Hobbits · ID: 392
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 23:46:58
With what can the Ringbearer refill himself, emptied as he's been by
the carrying of the Ring and the healing he's begun?
The beginning of a newer, spiritual quest.
Title: Tales from Tol Eressëa · Author: shirebound · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 214
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 23:51:38
A delightful series that has managed on occasion to inspire me to
write more of the period as well. Several perfect gems examining
Frodo's life on the Last Isle as he finds his healing.
Gondor · ID: 650
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-09-28 13:51:43
This is such a *visceral* story on every level. Raksha truly captures
Éowyn's every emotion, every sensation she experiences, and every
detail and sensory quality of the scene she witnesses. The story,
though light in tone, has a headiness to it, like rich white wine; the
pure sense of summer in a lush garden.
There is a directness to the descriptions, as if they manage to
transmit themselves nearly unfiltered from the "page" to the
imagination of the reader (well, to put it in more blunt terms, I
could tell *exactly* how exciting this sight must have been to Éowyn *g*).
What I like the most is that although she spies on them, and although
Éowny righty enjoys looking at those two fine specimen of males, there
is no feeling of sneakiness or prurience about it. It's an honest
appreciation of beauty in all its forms, and a desire to just let
one's eyes drink in and enjoy this beauty. And woven through it all is
the love and fondness of a wife for her husband.
Title: The Dark One · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama · ID: 411
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 18:07:02
Spoilers!
I've read other stories of Morwen the prostitute in past years, and it
was a joy to read this one as well. Trained as a professional slave
dancer, she was released from the school due to her exceptionally fair
skin and appearance, and has worked in her profession throughout much
of Gondor and now Rohan, where her growing love of Gamling, Keeper of
the King's Helm, has managed to make her unfit any longer for her
former work.
This tale is nowhere as long as some of the others I've read in the
series, but is remarkably intriguing nonetheless. The attempt to bring
witnesses to atrocities done by Wormtongue's (and thus Saruman's as
well) men throughout the Westfarthing may have failed, but Theodred
now knows the truth.
Fascinating look behind the scenes within the Hall of Meduseld as we
see Morwen interacting with each of the principals, including the
Captain-General from Gondor, who appears to have lost his horse
perhaps a bit early in this tale.
Title: The Clear Ringing Of Silver Trumpets · Author: Lithilien
Quicksilver · Genres: Drama: Featuring Boromir or Faramir · ID: 278
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 18:13:37
A worthy description of the final hour of movie-Boromir and his
internal battle. As for the end--perfect! Very well done indeed!
Title: Seaworthy · Author: Thundera Tiger · Races: Elves: Mirkwood
Elves · ID: 349
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 18:19:32
Spoilers!
I see that I managed somehow to miss the posting of the review I did
of this earlier, when I first read this story.
This interaction between Legolas and Imrahil as Legolas prepares
himself for the day when he will finally give way to his Sea Longing
and sail from Ennor to Aman is absolutely perfect, as the Prince of
Dol Amroth carefully prepares the Elf with what is needed, not only in
the question of craft but of emotional and spiritual preparation to
successfully accept what is presented one by the Sea itself.
Dialogue is well written, and images sparkling like the light on the
water of the Bay of Belfalas.
Title: Promise and Sorrow · Author: Virtuella · Times: Late Third Age
· ID: 607
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 18:35:17
Spoilers!
One of the best examinations I have seen of how it was the War of the
Ring affected regular people, from the distracted rambling of the
Rohirric mother wondering what is to be done with the former footwear
of her now one-legged son, the one who was always so sturdy on his
feet and who cannot now sit a horse and has no need at all for two
boots to the bridegroom who watched his intended struck down by one of
the shots sent over the walls of the city against the defenders of
Minas Tirith to the one imagining what Ithilien will now become, now
that the Enemy's folk are no longer free to roam it with impunity.
Imagery is sharp and keen; characterizations for each of these unnamed
souls is so compelling we feel we are seeing indeed through their
eyes. The vignettes presented were perfectly crafted, and the whole
compelling. Definitely a series to read and reread, written by one who
shows herself a master of characterization.
Title: The Scribe and the Heir · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres:
Drama: Featuring the Noldor · ID: 256
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-09-28 18:36:37
Spoilers!
Good description of the way the conflict between those two parts of
family builds an d haunts the two sons who do not fit in the pattern.
Dawn takes the few words about the growing estrangements between
Feanor and his brothers, and their respective families, and shows the
process here in one simple side, as well as the conflicting feelings
of those who get caught in it. Very well done!
Title: One Last Wish · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age and
Prior: House of Finwe · ID: 323
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 18:47:37
Spoilers!
For Nerdanel the wind that blows open the door to her forge is a
traitor. The last time the door had opened that way her husband had
come to her, seeking her return to him, to his bed and their family,
seeking the chance to parent a last child between them; now it is his
shade, perhaps, that enters in.
Sad, poignant, and heart-rending; beautiful as Feanor's own face,
perhaps. A beautiful read.
Title: Handy With A Sword · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 437
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 18:56:12
Spoilers!
Oh, just so perfect--for Faramir to find himself reading a dropped
parchment that lampoons his own love for a shieldmaiden who has
managed to best him in sparring! Wonderful to see that sparring
described; and that final scene is the perfect capper for it! [Handy
with a sword] indeed!
(So she says as she sets herself to finding another tale to read and
review, still giggling and snerking over Tanaqui's series on Faramir
and Eowyn!)
Thanks so for the chuckles, Tanaqui!
Title: A Woman in Few Words: The Character of Nerdanel and Her
Treatment in Canon and Fandom · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres:
Non-Fiction: Character Studies · ID: 107
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-09-28 18:56:37
This is a very informed, very clearly written and wonderfully coherent
essay about the wife of Feanor, and the fact that she is has sparked
such interest among many fanfiction writers. I love especially the
diligent distinction between canon and fanon, as well as the careful
quoting of sources. Very informative and a delight to read. Thank you!
Title: The Heart of a Home · Author: Mews1945 · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 257
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 19:09:04
Ah--but what is the heart of the home? For Bilbo Baggins and his
adopted cousin-heir, it has come to be the love and acceptance and
welcome each finds in the other. A perfect tale of home-coming in all
its possible meanings.
Title: Seven Sisters · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Other Beings · ID: 388
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 19:12:50
Spoilers!
Slightly eerie and yet compelling, this mixture of a coming-of-age
story with a haunting ghostly story is a wonderful tale woven around
our Peregrin Took as he watches--or possibly dreams--the seven sisters
and their sad progress. Myth and this beloved legend meld; a night of
too much drink becomes one of awe and wonder and a bit of fear.
Perfectly balanced between mundane and aetherial, this is a tale to be
savored.
Title: Aulë the Smith · Author: Oshun · Genres: Non-Fiction: Character
Studies · ID: 530
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 19:22:10
Spoilers!
A well-written description of the Smith of the Valar and his place not
only in the creation of Ea and Arda and the Dwarves, but also of his
teaching of the Noldor as well as those of the Maiar who would one day
rebel against the Valar and Eru Himself. His own ability to maintain
his own integrity in the face of temptations to betray himself and his
fellows is well established, as well as his inability to strengthen
that characteristic in his pupils. The pride that led to the downfall
of Aulendil, Curumo, and Feanor was certainly not an imitation of
their mentor's own pride.
Title: First Time · Author: Sivan Shemesh · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Boromir or Faramir · ID: 672
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 19:23:55
A sad tale.
Title: The Strength of Men · Author: Savageseraph · Times: Second and
Early Third Age · ID: 584
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 19:28:05
Spoilers!
I disagree strongly with the slash elements here, but agree with
Elrond's arguments. I see that the locket told of in UT is not
mentioned, but the chain of the movie is substituted instead.
Title: Bad Idea · Author: StarLight9 · Genres: Humor: Elven Lands ·
ID: 610
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 23:20:25
It is said that "All things work to the good for those who love the
Lord," or in this case perhaps "for those who love their sons" might
be the proper adapatation of the sentiment. Yes, Legolas's original
plan was a [bad idea] that managed in spite of itself to work out well.
Good use of humor and introspection. A nice light read.
Title: A Problem Shared · Author: Dot · Races: Elves: Mirkwood Elves ·
ID: 169
Reviewer: crowdaughter · 2008-09-28 23:26:04
Spoilers!
Interesting story. I like the description of Thranduil and the way he
is communicating with the trees. However, Radagast came over a bit too
seemingly confused for my taste, and the whole story seems somewhat
incomplete; we never get a clear idea of the context of the events
described.
Aside from that, though, I like this little fic. I love stories that
give us a glimpse at the Greenwood Elves and how they lived with the
growing shadow encroaching their homes, therefore I like this one, too.
Title: The Visitor · Author: Rowan · Genres: Drama · ID: 174
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 23:39:02
A very nice example of the "Frodo meets older Elanor" stories. Was it
but a dream, or perhaps the result of Elanor holding the ring given
her by the Queen? Whatever brought it on, it was gentle and reassuring
for both sides. A nice way to tie on the movie-verse sentiment as well!
Yes, very nice.
Title: Ed'ledhron · Author: Elanor Silmarien · Races: Hobbits · ID: 392
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 23:46:58
With what can the Ringbearer refill himself, emptied as he's been by
the carrying of the Ring and the healing he's begun?
The beginning of a newer, spiritual quest.
Title: Tales from Tol Eressëa · Author: shirebound · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 214
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-09-28 23:51:38
A delightful series that has managed on occasion to inspire me to
write more of the period as well. Several perfect gems examining
Frodo's life on the Last Isle as he finds his healing.
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..