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Msg# 9474
MEFA Reviews for Sunday, October 5, 2008 (Part One) Posted by annmarwalk October 05, 2008 - 20:23:48 Topic ID# 9474Title: Light of the Westering Sun · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 126
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-05 03:59:00
These scenes do a very nice job of expanding on the Caranthir/Haleth
"'ship", which I have always found to be one of my favorite fanons in
Silmfic. I particularly liked the first and the last ones, as I think
they're very perceptive about the relationship between a passion like
love and wisdom.
Title: Some Seasons · Author: sophinisba solis · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Ring War · ID: 199
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-05 06:32:57
Spoilers!
I don't usually read Hobbit stories unless Aragorn is in them,but I'm
so pleased that the awards tempted me to read this warm hearted and
delightful gem.
I loved the way,Sam, Frodo and Rosie cared for each other through
their cooking and pregnant Rosie's cravings were very true to life.
Most touching was Frodo's appreciation of water,which Rosie
understands somewhat surprisingly. How often we fail to appreciate the
simple things without which,we could not live.
A beautiful story,well worth reading.
Title: Birthday Outing · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 386
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-05 06:40:41
Spoilers!
Nice to see Aragorn still going strong and enjoying Rangering at
200.What a great way to celebrate day 200!This was one of my
favourites of the drabble a day series.The image of the two hundred
year old King having more energy than either his son or Faramir's
grandson is delicious and gives hope to those of us a little long in
the tooth. This delightful drabble reminded me of a trip out with a
friend oldler than I and her teenage daughter.The teenager was begging
to rest while her mother and I walked on up a hill to enjoy the view.
Barahir reminds me of the young girl and brings back memories of a
happy day out.
I like to think that Aragorn had a happy old age rather than the
somewhat lonely one I sometimes envisage.
A truly delicious drabble to hearted anyone getting older.
Title: Wife of the Thain · Author: LA Knight · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 513
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 12:42:18
The drabble form really helps create this piece, as tidbits are
dropped along the trail for the reader to follow. But it also hampers,
as episodes take on microscopic focus, and slow the story. Still, a
wonderful concept and a good yarn.
Title: A Fitting Occupation · Author: Radbooks · Races: Men: Pre-Ring
War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 601
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 12:48:29
Spoilers!
This is a great subject for a gap-filler, nicely rendered. The author
does a great job finding a small moment, a personal story, through
which to imagine how relations between Dwarves and Men might have been
after the establishment of Dain's realm at Erebor.
Title: Aftermaths and Consequences · Author: Gwynnyd · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond · ID: 268
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 12:53:31
Spoilers!
This is excellent. The great situation of how life might be in Minas
Tirith after the War is well personified in these two unique, but no
doubt, 'mainstreet' characters. The details here are well-imagined and
deep, but never forced and the reader picks them up as supports to the
story, not well interwoven. More chapters from these lives would be
most welcome.
Title: Of Old It Was Not Darksome · Author: EdorasLass · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 70
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 12:57:52
Spoilers!
What I enjoyed about this story was not only the tale it tells of
rebuilding, reclimation, and remembrance, but also how it casts
ripples toward the aftermath of any war or tragedy, when compassion,
mourning and life go hand and hand with death and sweeping away.
Title: Mournful Fords · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 368
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 13:00:58
Spoilers!
Very fine. I do love it when talented authors find the holes in
Tolkien's story and fill them in. I found it thoroughly appropriate
that while mourning his son, Theoden would wonder at his own
culpability. It is very characteristic, and like any parent to wonder
what they might have done differently.
Title: Cold Be Hand and Heart and Bone · Author: Imhiriel · Races:
Villains: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 286
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 13:03:02
Ugh, definitely gives a chill! I was thinking as the ending
approached, 'well, this isn't so creepy'. I was wrong! Excellent.
Title: ...and the sound of a battered heart, beating · Author:
Lindelea · Genres: Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 690
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 13:05:53
Spoilers!
What's so nice about this - and shows the author's talent - is how
just a word or two encompass the whole history of these two
characters. I like that Frodo is depicted here as someone who watched
over his friends, even when they were 'safe'. And the aphorism at the
end is very hobbitish. Nicely done.
Title: Nightfall · Author: Jael · Times: Second and Early Third Age ·
ID: 87
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-05 17:27:25
Spoilers!
One has lost his father, one will lose his son, the son who remained
supposedly "safe" back in the camp; between them they will see to it
that the black gates remain open so that the forces camped upon the
Dagorlad can enter in and bring the siege within Mordor itself!
Oh, Jael, you've taken Galion from "The Hobbit" and given him a being,
an identity, and a soul, and I thank you for it.
A marvelous tale, and I feel I was there. Written with heart,
compassion, and a full share of spirit--and then some! Well, well
worth the read!
Title: Baker's Dozen · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 372
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-05 17:48:04
Spoilers!
A messenger rider whose frustration perhaps led to the establishment
of Gondor's own post office; one who must check out the sewage system
for Minas Tirith; the capture of a tomb raider out to make a quick
buck on certain ashes and their alleged properties; a slave-driver
near the banks of sad Lake Nurnen; the tour guide upon the
Pelennor--they are all represented here in this collection of drabbles
examining how many make their livings within Middle Earth.
A marvelous collection, down to the film noir denouement! Tanaqui
again fills corners we didn't realize we wished to explore within
Middle Earth but that we thank her for lighting up for us with her
often witty and always thought-provoking drabbles!
Title: As Close As · Author: Dana · Genres: Romance · ID: 88
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-05 18:29:00
Spoilers!
The response to a challenge, this tale fills it marvelously as we
realize there was a history of mutual attraction between Merry and
Estella that allowed them to come to terms with this arranged
marriage. But as I read it I found some of the Prophet's words running
through my mind:
"Drink from one another's cup, but not from the same cup." "Let there
be spaces between your togetherness."
Gibran would approve of this story, I think.
As far as LOTR goes, I tend to be hopelessly heterosexual, and not
even your writing can coax me into accepting slash between Merry and
Pippin, I fear. The implied acceptance of this state within Estella I
therefore find perhaps disturbing, yet somehow endearing as well. But
I so love when she realizes just how deeply Frodo's leaving has left
her beloved bereft. Thank you for that scene--it moved me more than I
can say.
Title: Meant to Be · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Other Beings · ID: 137
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-05 18:39:39
Spoilers!
Cathleen's Tulip is definitely safe in Pearl Took's hands as we see
her beginnings from her own point of view! So very perfect a creation
for the little pink piglet that serves as Mamma's voice as well as
Pippin's external conscience as he goes about the business of being a
Hobbit lad doing all the things children do as they learn themselves
and their place in the world.
Sweet!
Title: Hammer · Author: Aranel Took · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 468
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 18:39:48
It's always fun to see things in new ways!
Title: Gone Amiss · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 44
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 18:41:36
This is a funny one; I'm not sure what to make of it. I like the first
two paragraphs very much, and I like the last lines, but the two
sections go together uncomfortably for me.
Title: Relief · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General Drabbles · ID: 446
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 18:43:06
A yummy image, so far as it goes.
Title: Pirates Ye Be Warned · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: Gondor
Drabbles · ID: 353
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 18:44:35
I always enjoy 'Imrahil on the high seas' stories, and this is no
exception.
Title: Second Best · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 384
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 18:45:51
This plays nicely on the reader's expectations, and so tells two
stories at once.
Title: Loudwater · Author: Adaneth · Times: Late Third Age: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 63
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 18:47:37
An interesting perspective on the event described.
Title: Wild Swan · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 328
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-05 18:52:37
Spoilers!
I'd always thought Annmarwalk and Imhiriel to be the masters at
drabbling. I've done a few, but cannot match them at all in their
skills at saying so much with so few words.
Then I was introduced to you and your work. What can I say, Tanaqui?
You are a master also, and your series of series are all marvelous!
As for this series of vignettes of Imrahil's life--from the regret
that Denethor and not Thorongil won the love of his sister to the joy
that his grandsons will know only the White Tree blooming--this is
absolutely perfect! The care for motherless Faramir and Boromir; the
sharing of the beauty of the sea....
Yes, perfect!
Title: Dreamscape · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 442
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 19:06:20
This is a vivid image, and an interesting idea linking the dwarf
homelands.
Title: There shall be Mirth at our Meeting · Author: Imhiriel ·
Genres: Humor: Drabbles · ID: 377
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 19:08:53
This is a fun drabble, and a nice view of Aragorn during his
errantries. It's nice to think of him there, and imagine the breadth
of his travels leading to that place.
Title: Messengers from the West · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Genres:
Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 98
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 19:10:39
Spoilers!
I appreciate that you imagined Eowyn comforted in that dark place by
another strong woman of her family, and that that woman encouraged her
to return to life.
Title: A Moment Away · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 474
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 19:16:07
Spoilers!
I appreciate that you imagined Eowyn comforted in that dark place by
another strong woman of her family, and that that woman encouraged her
to return to life.
Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 126
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-05 03:59:00
These scenes do a very nice job of expanding on the Caranthir/Haleth
"'ship", which I have always found to be one of my favorite fanons in
Silmfic. I particularly liked the first and the last ones, as I think
they're very perceptive about the relationship between a passion like
love and wisdom.
Title: Some Seasons · Author: sophinisba solis · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Ring War · ID: 199
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-05 06:32:57
Spoilers!
I don't usually read Hobbit stories unless Aragorn is in them,but I'm
so pleased that the awards tempted me to read this warm hearted and
delightful gem.
I loved the way,Sam, Frodo and Rosie cared for each other through
their cooking and pregnant Rosie's cravings were very true to life.
Most touching was Frodo's appreciation of water,which Rosie
understands somewhat surprisingly. How often we fail to appreciate the
simple things without which,we could not live.
A beautiful story,well worth reading.
Title: Birthday Outing · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 386
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-05 06:40:41
Spoilers!
Nice to see Aragorn still going strong and enjoying Rangering at
200.What a great way to celebrate day 200!This was one of my
favourites of the drabble a day series.The image of the two hundred
year old King having more energy than either his son or Faramir's
grandson is delicious and gives hope to those of us a little long in
the tooth. This delightful drabble reminded me of a trip out with a
friend oldler than I and her teenage daughter.The teenager was begging
to rest while her mother and I walked on up a hill to enjoy the view.
Barahir reminds me of the young girl and brings back memories of a
happy day out.
I like to think that Aragorn had a happy old age rather than the
somewhat lonely one I sometimes envisage.
A truly delicious drabble to hearted anyone getting older.
Title: Wife of the Thain · Author: LA Knight · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 513
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 12:42:18
The drabble form really helps create this piece, as tidbits are
dropped along the trail for the reader to follow. But it also hampers,
as episodes take on microscopic focus, and slow the story. Still, a
wonderful concept and a good yarn.
Title: A Fitting Occupation · Author: Radbooks · Races: Men: Pre-Ring
War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 601
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 12:48:29
Spoilers!
This is a great subject for a gap-filler, nicely rendered. The author
does a great job finding a small moment, a personal story, through
which to imagine how relations between Dwarves and Men might have been
after the establishment of Dain's realm at Erebor.
Title: Aftermaths and Consequences · Author: Gwynnyd · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond · ID: 268
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 12:53:31
Spoilers!
This is excellent. The great situation of how life might be in Minas
Tirith after the War is well personified in these two unique, but no
doubt, 'mainstreet' characters. The details here are well-imagined and
deep, but never forced and the reader picks them up as supports to the
story, not well interwoven. More chapters from these lives would be
most welcome.
Title: Of Old It Was Not Darksome · Author: EdorasLass · Races:
Dwarves · ID: 70
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 12:57:52
Spoilers!
What I enjoyed about this story was not only the tale it tells of
rebuilding, reclimation, and remembrance, but also how it casts
ripples toward the aftermath of any war or tragedy, when compassion,
mourning and life go hand and hand with death and sweeping away.
Title: Mournful Fords · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 368
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 13:00:58
Spoilers!
Very fine. I do love it when talented authors find the holes in
Tolkien's story and fill them in. I found it thoroughly appropriate
that while mourning his son, Theoden would wonder at his own
culpability. It is very characteristic, and like any parent to wonder
what they might have done differently.
Title: Cold Be Hand and Heart and Bone · Author: Imhiriel · Races:
Villains: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 286
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 13:03:02
Ugh, definitely gives a chill! I was thinking as the ending
approached, 'well, this isn't so creepy'. I was wrong! Excellent.
Title: ...and the sound of a battered heart, beating · Author:
Lindelea · Genres: Drama: Ring War Drabbles · ID: 690
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 13:05:53
Spoilers!
What's so nice about this - and shows the author's talent - is how
just a word or two encompass the whole history of these two
characters. I like that Frodo is depicted here as someone who watched
over his friends, even when they were 'safe'. And the aphorism at the
end is very hobbitish. Nicely done.
Title: Nightfall · Author: Jael · Times: Second and Early Third Age ·
ID: 87
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-05 17:27:25
Spoilers!
One has lost his father, one will lose his son, the son who remained
supposedly "safe" back in the camp; between them they will see to it
that the black gates remain open so that the forces camped upon the
Dagorlad can enter in and bring the siege within Mordor itself!
Oh, Jael, you've taken Galion from "The Hobbit" and given him a being,
an identity, and a soul, and I thank you for it.
A marvelous tale, and I feel I was there. Written with heart,
compassion, and a full share of spirit--and then some! Well, well
worth the read!
Title: Baker's Dozen · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 372
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-05 17:48:04
Spoilers!
A messenger rider whose frustration perhaps led to the establishment
of Gondor's own post office; one who must check out the sewage system
for Minas Tirith; the capture of a tomb raider out to make a quick
buck on certain ashes and their alleged properties; a slave-driver
near the banks of sad Lake Nurnen; the tour guide upon the
Pelennor--they are all represented here in this collection of drabbles
examining how many make their livings within Middle Earth.
A marvelous collection, down to the film noir denouement! Tanaqui
again fills corners we didn't realize we wished to explore within
Middle Earth but that we thank her for lighting up for us with her
often witty and always thought-provoking drabbles!
Title: As Close As · Author: Dana · Genres: Romance · ID: 88
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-05 18:29:00
Spoilers!
The response to a challenge, this tale fills it marvelously as we
realize there was a history of mutual attraction between Merry and
Estella that allowed them to come to terms with this arranged
marriage. But as I read it I found some of the Prophet's words running
through my mind:
"Drink from one another's cup, but not from the same cup." "Let there
be spaces between your togetherness."
Gibran would approve of this story, I think.
As far as LOTR goes, I tend to be hopelessly heterosexual, and not
even your writing can coax me into accepting slash between Merry and
Pippin, I fear. The implied acceptance of this state within Estella I
therefore find perhaps disturbing, yet somehow endearing as well. But
I so love when she realizes just how deeply Frodo's leaving has left
her beloved bereft. Thank you for that scene--it moved me more than I
can say.
Title: Meant to Be · Author: Pearl Took · Races: Other Beings · ID: 137
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-05 18:39:39
Spoilers!
Cathleen's Tulip is definitely safe in Pearl Took's hands as we see
her beginnings from her own point of view! So very perfect a creation
for the little pink piglet that serves as Mamma's voice as well as
Pippin's external conscience as he goes about the business of being a
Hobbit lad doing all the things children do as they learn themselves
and their place in the world.
Sweet!
Title: Hammer · Author: Aranel Took · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 468
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 18:39:48
It's always fun to see things in new ways!
Title: Gone Amiss · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 44
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 18:41:36
This is a funny one; I'm not sure what to make of it. I like the first
two paragraphs very much, and I like the last lines, but the two
sections go together uncomfortably for me.
Title: Relief · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: General Drabbles · ID: 446
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 18:43:06
A yummy image, so far as it goes.
Title: Pirates Ye Be Warned · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: Gondor
Drabbles · ID: 353
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 18:44:35
I always enjoy 'Imrahil on the high seas' stories, and this is no
exception.
Title: Second Best · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 384
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 18:45:51
This plays nicely on the reader's expectations, and so tells two
stories at once.
Title: Loudwater · Author: Adaneth · Times: Late Third Age: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 63
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 18:47:37
An interesting perspective on the event described.
Title: Wild Swan · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 328
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-05 18:52:37
Spoilers!
I'd always thought Annmarwalk and Imhiriel to be the masters at
drabbling. I've done a few, but cannot match them at all in their
skills at saying so much with so few words.
Then I was introduced to you and your work. What can I say, Tanaqui?
You are a master also, and your series of series are all marvelous!
As for this series of vignettes of Imrahil's life--from the regret
that Denethor and not Thorongil won the love of his sister to the joy
that his grandsons will know only the White Tree blooming--this is
absolutely perfect! The care for motherless Faramir and Boromir; the
sharing of the beauty of the sea....
Yes, perfect!
Title: Dreamscape · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Dwarves: Drabbles · ID: 442
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 19:06:20
This is a vivid image, and an interesting idea linking the dwarf
homelands.
Title: There shall be Mirth at our Meeting · Author: Imhiriel ·
Genres: Humor: Drabbles · ID: 377
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 19:08:53
This is a fun drabble, and a nice view of Aragorn during his
errantries. It's nice to think of him there, and imagine the breadth
of his travels leading to that place.
Title: Messengers from the West · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Genres:
Drama: Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 98
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 19:10:39
Spoilers!
I appreciate that you imagined Eowyn comforted in that dark place by
another strong woman of her family, and that that woman encouraged her
to return to life.
Title: A Moment Away · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men: General
Drabbles · ID: 474
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-05 19:16:07
Spoilers!
I appreciate that you imagined Eowyn comforted in that dark place by
another strong woman of her family, and that that woman encouraged her
to return to life.
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..