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Msg# 9477
MEFA Reviews for Tuesday, October 7, 2008 Posted by annmarwalk October 07, 2008 - 20:08:21 Topic ID# 9477Title: Tarnished Ivory · Author: Yavie Feels Pretty · Genres:
Adventure: Incomplete · ID: 464
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-07 01:50:49
Spoilers!
A definitely might-have-been beginning in which Yavie has managed to
deftly catch each member of the Fellowship as it floats down the river
in the elven boats, each feeling the tension growing and most
realizing that Boromir is the epicenter of the growing storm. Boromir,
who is polite and controlled, who threatens no one, whose comments are
quiet but consistent. Why is it Elf, Dwarf, and Ranger together all
feel as uncomfortable about Frodo's decision to travel on this route
as do Frodo and Sam themselves?
Characterizations are superbly done, each character caught perfectly.
The mood is exquisitely portrayed and the narration and dialogue are
both well done and well balanced. I only hope she soon continues on
with the story--I want to see how it ends!
Title: By Ship or Grave · Author: Larner · Genres: Poetry: Hobbits ·
ID: 618
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-07 02:01:11
Spoilers!
A very Frodo-ish poem, written with Larner's usual elegance and a
touch of angst. I like the repetition of [by ship or grave]; the
phrase is haunting and is nicely woven into the theme of Frodo's
greater journeys through and beyond life.
Title: Recognition · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor Drabbles · ID: 481
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-07 02:29:03
Spoilers!
There's something in the distinction between "feminine" (or
["womanly"] in the language of this drabble) and "skilled" that I
found really interesting. I know that in academia too often we are
asked to choose between the two; and I suspect the same would be true
of most other professions -- perhaps never moreso than within
Middle-earth. Ioreth, as a fellow woman-artisan, would be in a unique
position to recognize this in Eowyn. there is an interesting tension
in the fact that Eowyn is about to sacrifice her art for (as she says,
she'll ["be a shieldmaiden no longer, nor vie with the great Riders."])
Even without these intriguing and deep thoughts, I found this a vvery
soothing character moment, and a nice gapfiller for Eowyn's healing
process so that she could accept Faramir's love. Beautiful writing
throughout, and a thoroughly worthwhile read.
Title: Love at First Sight · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 432
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-07 02:55:41
Spoilers!
When I first saw the summary, I expected something quite different!
The ending came as a surprise, but a pleasant one, and it strikes me
as very fitting to Feanor's personality that this should be his first
love. Nice work, Gwynnyd!
Title: Regarding Ents · Author: PipMer · Races: Hobbits: Post-Ring War
· ID: 525
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-07 03:12:06
I quite enjoyed Sam's confusion over what exactly the ents were,
whether they were walking trees or what. Given what Halfast said (in
canon) about the trees on the northern marches, it's a natural
confusion, and one that I'm sure has plagued many Tolkien readers.
(Sometimes I wonder whether Tolkien *himself* was confused, or at
least had his opinion evolve.) And it was told in a most hobbity way,
that took into account both the familiarity and difference in social
standing between the different characters. Very well done.
Title: Meddling · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Mid Third Age: Eriador ·
ID: 695
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-07 04:03:29
Spoilers!
Dwimordene writesof two rarely paired LOTR characters - Gandalf and
Halbarad.
She's right on the mark with the characterisation and speech patterns
of Gandalf; who is as wise as he is in LOTR, and tempers his mission
with compassion when he can.
I loved the conversation between the two - the old, world-worn wizard
and the Ranger who is still in his youth, angry and yet not lacking
respect nor forbearance. Gandalf's conviction that Aragorn needed to
leave, that he was fated for a higher purpose than to be the
Dunedain's chieftain is conveyed in just the right wizardly style.
Title: Out of Memory and Time · Author: Shireling · Genres: Drama:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 136
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-10-07 14:11:30
Spoilers!
Shireling makes a Middle-earth-shattering return with "Out of Memory
and Time"! It had been quite awhile since readers were treated to a
new story by this remarkable author and I was thrilled to see this
complex and captivating story from her. It is a riveting tale from
start to finish, the characters well developed and well written.
Minnow's appearance at the beginning of the story sets the stage for
mystery and suspense and leaves the reader wondering just who he is
and what is going to happen next. The graphic scenes are well-executed
and appropriate to the tale. Shireling carries her readers away on a
journey they won't forget, and the ending is bittersweet, yet hopeful,
culminating in the handfasting and return of Faramir with his "Golden
Lady" where they are received back into the King's service with
heartfelt joy. I hope we see a great deal more from this author.
Title: Sing My Worth Immortal · Author: Perelleth · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 168
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-07 16:53:45
Very amusing and imaginitive. Elves have a song and a story for
everything, don't they?
Title: Child of Hope · Author: Galadriel · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 97
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-07 17:00:05
A charming portrayal of the young Boromir and his family.
Title: Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair · Author: Marta ·
Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 405
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-07 17:15:07
Spoilers!
Normally I shy away from stories with slash content but, in this case,
the feelings of Denethor and Aragorn add an interesting and fresh
dimension through which the author examines the relationship and
rivalry between these two strong men.
Title: The Last Summer · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits · ID: 143
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-07 17:21:50
This is a lovely story, very well rendered: not too cutesy, not too
dry; not too wordy, not too terse; not too sentimental nor too plain.
The author walks a tight rope here to give the reader an experience of
depth and breadth. Nicely done.
Title: The Nag · Author: celticbard · Races: Men: Steward's Family ·
ID: 347
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-07 17:35:40
This situation you've chosen does a great job at bringing out all your
characters, not just those present, but those mentioned as well.
Title: One Step More - The Heroism of Frodo Baggins · Author:
ConnieMarie · Genres: Non-Fiction: Character Studies · ID: 395
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-10-07 21:50:50
ConnieMarie has produced a tender, lovely tribute to a True Hero,
wherein she deftly explores the undeniable impact that this individual
can have upon the psyches of others.
The author entertainingly defines just what qualifies as heroism - a
heroism, in particular, that most of us can relate to. (I easily
connected with her examples; we obviously come from the same
generation. *g*) She follows this up with a movingly-illustrated
dissection of Frodo's specific qualities that speak most clearly to
her - and by extension, to any of us who experience suffering and
setbacks in life.
It's all tied together with an effective and clear writing style that
I enjoyed tremendously on its own merits.
Title: In Search of Stillness · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves:
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 704
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-10-07 23:54:12
Spoilers!
Very visual and sensuous writing. The descriptions of the
rain-dripping leaves and the squelching mud makes me almost smell the
fresh, clean air and the green of the forest. There is also a delicate
balance between showing the characters' emotions and motives without
making it too obvious; instead teasing it out in hints and subtext.
The obvious friendship, companionship and the level of comfort Legolas
and Gimli have towards one another is conveyed wonderfully. There is a
give-and-take here in that both know why they have come to the forest,
but both pretend it's no small matter, and at the same time Gimli
makes it clear that he is concerned while Legolas indicates he
appreciates the consideration. What I found very effective was how in
the course of the story it becomes tangible that Legolas is able to
gradually relax at least a little.
I also liked the details of camping and making-do in the wild. And
Thranduil's cameo was a lovely touch to end the story on.
One of my favourite lines: ["the unwrapping of the forest in spring,
the warm hum of summer, the generosity of autumn, followed by the
sleep of winter."] Succinct yet lush.
Adventure: Incomplete · ID: 464
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-07 01:50:49
Spoilers!
A definitely might-have-been beginning in which Yavie has managed to
deftly catch each member of the Fellowship as it floats down the river
in the elven boats, each feeling the tension growing and most
realizing that Boromir is the epicenter of the growing storm. Boromir,
who is polite and controlled, who threatens no one, whose comments are
quiet but consistent. Why is it Elf, Dwarf, and Ranger together all
feel as uncomfortable about Frodo's decision to travel on this route
as do Frodo and Sam themselves?
Characterizations are superbly done, each character caught perfectly.
The mood is exquisitely portrayed and the narration and dialogue are
both well done and well balanced. I only hope she soon continues on
with the story--I want to see how it ends!
Title: By Ship or Grave · Author: Larner · Genres: Poetry: Hobbits ·
ID: 618
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-07 02:01:11
Spoilers!
A very Frodo-ish poem, written with Larner's usual elegance and a
touch of angst. I like the repetition of [by ship or grave]; the
phrase is haunting and is nicely woven into the theme of Frodo's
greater journeys through and beyond life.
Title: Recognition · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor Drabbles · ID: 481
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-07 02:29:03
Spoilers!
There's something in the distinction between "feminine" (or
["womanly"] in the language of this drabble) and "skilled" that I
found really interesting. I know that in academia too often we are
asked to choose between the two; and I suspect the same would be true
of most other professions -- perhaps never moreso than within
Middle-earth. Ioreth, as a fellow woman-artisan, would be in a unique
position to recognize this in Eowyn. there is an interesting tension
in the fact that Eowyn is about to sacrifice her art for (as she says,
she'll ["be a shieldmaiden no longer, nor vie with the great Riders."])
Even without these intriguing and deep thoughts, I found this a vvery
soothing character moment, and a nice gapfiller for Eowyn's healing
process so that she could accept Faramir's love. Beautiful writing
throughout, and a thoroughly worthwhile read.
Title: Love at First Sight · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 432
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-07 02:55:41
Spoilers!
When I first saw the summary, I expected something quite different!
The ending came as a surprise, but a pleasant one, and it strikes me
as very fitting to Feanor's personality that this should be his first
love. Nice work, Gwynnyd!
Title: Regarding Ents · Author: PipMer · Races: Hobbits: Post-Ring War
· ID: 525
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-07 03:12:06
I quite enjoyed Sam's confusion over what exactly the ents were,
whether they were walking trees or what. Given what Halfast said (in
canon) about the trees on the northern marches, it's a natural
confusion, and one that I'm sure has plagued many Tolkien readers.
(Sometimes I wonder whether Tolkien *himself* was confused, or at
least had his opinion evolve.) And it was told in a most hobbity way,
that took into account both the familiarity and difference in social
standing between the different characters. Very well done.
Title: Meddling · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Mid Third Age: Eriador ·
ID: 695
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-07 04:03:29
Spoilers!
Dwimordene writesof two rarely paired LOTR characters - Gandalf and
Halbarad.
She's right on the mark with the characterisation and speech patterns
of Gandalf; who is as wise as he is in LOTR, and tempers his mission
with compassion when he can.
I loved the conversation between the two - the old, world-worn wizard
and the Ranger who is still in his youth, angry and yet not lacking
respect nor forbearance. Gandalf's conviction that Aragorn needed to
leave, that he was fated for a higher purpose than to be the
Dunedain's chieftain is conveyed in just the right wizardly style.
Title: Out of Memory and Time · Author: Shireling · Genres: Drama:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 136
Reviewer: Cathleen · 2008-10-07 14:11:30
Spoilers!
Shireling makes a Middle-earth-shattering return with "Out of Memory
and Time"! It had been quite awhile since readers were treated to a
new story by this remarkable author and I was thrilled to see this
complex and captivating story from her. It is a riveting tale from
start to finish, the characters well developed and well written.
Minnow's appearance at the beginning of the story sets the stage for
mystery and suspense and leaves the reader wondering just who he is
and what is going to happen next. The graphic scenes are well-executed
and appropriate to the tale. Shireling carries her readers away on a
journey they won't forget, and the ending is bittersweet, yet hopeful,
culminating in the handfasting and return of Faramir with his "Golden
Lady" where they are received back into the King's service with
heartfelt joy. I hope we see a great deal more from this author.
Title: Sing My Worth Immortal · Author: Perelleth · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 168
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-07 16:53:45
Very amusing and imaginitive. Elves have a song and a story for
everything, don't they?
Title: Child of Hope · Author: Galadriel · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 97
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-07 17:00:05
A charming portrayal of the young Boromir and his family.
Title: Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair · Author: Marta ·
Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 405
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-07 17:15:07
Spoilers!
Normally I shy away from stories with slash content but, in this case,
the feelings of Denethor and Aragorn add an interesting and fresh
dimension through which the author examines the relationship and
rivalry between these two strong men.
Title: The Last Summer · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits · ID: 143
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-07 17:21:50
This is a lovely story, very well rendered: not too cutesy, not too
dry; not too wordy, not too terse; not too sentimental nor too plain.
The author walks a tight rope here to give the reader an experience of
depth and breadth. Nicely done.
Title: The Nag · Author: celticbard · Races: Men: Steward's Family ·
ID: 347
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-07 17:35:40
This situation you've chosen does a great job at bringing out all your
characters, not just those present, but those mentioned as well.
Title: One Step More - The Heroism of Frodo Baggins · Author:
ConnieMarie · Genres: Non-Fiction: Character Studies · ID: 395
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2008-10-07 21:50:50
ConnieMarie has produced a tender, lovely tribute to a True Hero,
wherein she deftly explores the undeniable impact that this individual
can have upon the psyches of others.
The author entertainingly defines just what qualifies as heroism - a
heroism, in particular, that most of us can relate to. (I easily
connected with her examples; we obviously come from the same
generation. *g*) She follows this up with a movingly-illustrated
dissection of Frodo's specific qualities that speak most clearly to
her - and by extension, to any of us who experience suffering and
setbacks in life.
It's all tied together with an effective and clear writing style that
I enjoyed tremendously on its own merits.
Title: In Search of Stillness · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves:
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 704
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-10-07 23:54:12
Spoilers!
Very visual and sensuous writing. The descriptions of the
rain-dripping leaves and the squelching mud makes me almost smell the
fresh, clean air and the green of the forest. There is also a delicate
balance between showing the characters' emotions and motives without
making it too obvious; instead teasing it out in hints and subtext.
The obvious friendship, companionship and the level of comfort Legolas
and Gimli have towards one another is conveyed wonderfully. There is a
give-and-take here in that both know why they have come to the forest,
but both pretend it's no small matter, and at the same time Gimli
makes it clear that he is concerned while Legolas indicates he
appreciates the consideration. What I found very effective was how in
the course of the story it becomes tangible that Legolas is able to
gradually relax at least a little.
I also liked the details of camping and making-do in the wild. And
Thranduil's cameo was a lovely touch to end the story on.
One of my favourite lines: ["the unwrapping of the forest in spring,
the warm hum of summer, the generosity of autumn, followed by the
sleep of winter."] Succinct yet lush.
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