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Msg# 9496
MEFA Reviews for Monday, October 13, 2008 Posted by annmarwalk October 13, 2008 - 20:20:14 Topic ID# 9496Title: In Search of Stillness · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves:
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 704
Reviewer: nau_tika · 2008-10-13 01:20:38
The author is very skillfully in presenting the Legolas and Gimli
friendship. I had not considered the sea longing in comparison to the
seasons. I especially liked the description of Thranduil. All this
story needs is a sequel!
Title: Mournful Fords · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 368
Reviewer: nau_tika · 2008-10-13 01:27:09
Short, but sweet. Theoden paid a high price for his 'weakness' and
this story illustrates his awareness of that very well.
Title: A Cat in King Elessar's Court · Author: agape4gondor · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 66
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-13 03:29:47
Spoilers!
A delightful new perspective on the last days of Steward Denethor and
Aragorn's ascension. Agape writes the cat poignantly, with wisdom and
loyalty and grace.
Title: In Good Company · Author: foxrafer (csevans8) · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 20
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-13 03:39:04
Spoilers!
A lush paean to the beauty of Ithilien and the goodness of friendship;
as foxrafer skillfully draws these four unlikely individuals - elf,
hobbit and the two men - together. The descriptions are beautiful.
Title: Good King Elessar · Author: Dreamflower · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 2
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-13 04:03:36
Spoilers!
A charming story of Fourth Age King Elessar and young Frodo Gamgee;
very seasonal, catching the flavor of both Fourth Age northern
Middle-earth and the Yule season. Dreamflower proves again why she is
one of the best hobbit fanfiction writers.
Title: Amara · Author: Claudia · Genres: Mystery · ID: 236
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-13 05:46:50
A most enjoyable tale for Halloween.I especially enjoyed the
friendship between Faramir and Frodo. The dream/vision/ghost was very
vivid and haunting!
Title: Fulfilling Oaths · Author: Nieriel Raina · Times: Multi-Age ·
ID: 332
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-13 06:47:52
This story really brought home to me the courage of Finrod.It was a
nice idea Aragorn sending the Ring to Valinor back to him with
Legolas,yet I felt sad such an ancient heirloom would not pass to
Eldarion and remain in the world of Men.A touching story which held my
attention throughout,though I only read the Simarillion once and tend
to get the names mixed up!
Title: Rivendell International Airport · Author: Primsong · Genres:
Humor: Elven Lands · ID: 345
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-13 08:39:01
Spoilers!
A wonderfully clever and amusing story which sets the Fellowship in a
modern airport,yet somehow manages to remain true to Tolkien's
characters.A witty satire on airport security and looking"right" to
get through it.It would indeed be quicker to walk like they do in the
book! Three cheers for Legolas here!
Title: Moved to Pity · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama: General
Drabbles · ID: 366
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-13 08:42:07
Spoilers!
A beautiful drabble concerning the reaction of the Valar to Luthien's
choice. I especially liked the idea that her destiny was woven into
the future of Middle-earth.Luthien was indeed a great heroine.
Title: That Fate Them Bore · Author: Cara Loup · Races: Hobbits:
Incomplete · ID: 476
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-13 13:26:15
Spoilers!
A well-written series of stories in which we follow Frodo from his
realization that he must leave the Shire into the Marish, not quite to
Farmer Maggot's farm.
The writing has a three-dimensional feel to it, as if we were
accompanying Frodo, Pippin, and Sam through the Woody End, trying to
avoid nettles and thorns with them, as if we walked by their sides
through stands of thistles, as if we hid transfixed while the cries of
the Nazgul shuddered through the air.
Each chapter is told from a different one's point of view. We see
Pippin's quicksilver mind, Sam's steadiness, Frodo's grief and
unwillingness to lead others into danger, the fascination all feel for
Gildor's folk....
Beautifully and evocatively written; and I cannot wait until the
series is continued.
Title: Lock Out · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits · ID: 307
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-13 13:34:25
Spoilers!
The assignment to write a story focused on an original Hobbit saying
is well done indeed, particularly as Pippin and Diamond find
themselves locked out of the Crickhollow house and wish they had one
of those useless locksmiths to hand.
Humorous and a bit suggestive. A cute chuckle!
Title: Tales of the Eldandili · Author: Alassiel · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 502
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-13 13:37:05
A most interesting beginning to the tale as we see modern-day
elf-friends preparing to fight the darkness of our day, and learning
more about Arda and its background.
A provocative beginning that I'm waiting impatiently to see continued.
Title: Oathbreakers · Author: Thundera Tiger · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 470
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-13 17:35:17
Spoilers!
They hear the whispering of those who broke their oath long ago, and
see another tempted to do the same. What can they do but pray that the
one tempted should be led to the RIGHT choice for the circumstances?
The mood and uncertainty are well conveyed, as is the dreariness of
the place and the frustration of the two overheard. A perfect gapfiller.
Title: Lost and Found · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Times: Mid
Third Age · ID: 23
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-13 18:12:16
This is a really original twist on the "bitties" subgenre of fanfic. I
love young Faramir that feels like he could grow into canon!Faramir
(and this story certainly qualifies on that count), but I love even
more the fact that this story involved more than just the usual
suspects without feeling like a stretch in the least. I'm also now
wondering whether (adult) Faramir realies the importance of this
afternoon spent in the archives. It's an endearing moment in which
both characters really shine, and lighthearted even in light of the
reader's knowledge of future events. Really nice work, Branwyn.
Title: The Lowest Circle · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Elves: Drabbles ·
ID: 449
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-13 18:12:44
Spoilers!
There's a special torture in losing track of days - in not being able
to sleep at night and be awake during the day, and so having a sense
that time moves on. I can see the tortured elf in this drabble feeling
like the horribleness of the "now" was all there was, making the
degradation that much worse. That the memory of Varda's lanterns (as I
tend to call the stars :-D) has become part of the torture is sad
indeed, but fitting. Nice job, Tanaqui; this drives home the horrors
endured by those first orcs without getting too explicit, somehow
making it all the more affective.
Title: Rebirth · Author: Aranel Took · Genres: Poetry: Late Third Age
· ID: 471
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-13 18:12:59
Spoilers!
This poem reminded me very much of Carl Sandburg's poem "The Grass"
[http://www.bartleby.com/104/78.html%5d, of how nature covers the scars
left by humanity. That theme seemed very fitting, both for a tanka
(typically focused on nature) and for a Tolkien fanfic poem given his
thoughts on technology vs. nature. Very nicely done, Aranel; I enjoyed it.
Title: Stewards · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Late Third Age: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 450
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-13 18:15:23
As a Denethor lover, I find myself as much drawn to tales of his
faults as his strength, if they are done well, and this drabble
definitely qualifies. It's a strong portrait of Gandalf, to be sure,
but by foiling him with Denethor, Tanaqui shows us just how Denethor's
taint by [mere politics] affected him. I was reminded of how Shire
maps didn't portray lands much beyond the borders of the Shire; here,
Denethor's focus on Gondor is reactive rather than from lack of
knowledge or power, I think, and that gets very well at the heart of
the matter. This is a very nice character moment for both stewards,
told with the author's usual economy of words and grace of language.
Title: Men of the Twilight · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres: Romance:
Drabbles · ID: 209
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-13 19:16:00
Spoilers!
What a delightfully original twist on Faramir's description of the
Rohirrim as Men of the Twilight! I had always thought of it as a
derogatory term, suggesting that Rohirrim were not as "high" as the
Dunedain (and still suspect it can be read this way), but it also fits
with their warrior's stoicism that light would have a hard time
reaching them. Sort of similar to a mountain valley with steep walls
on either side, so the sun only shines in a few hours a day. Really,
this is a very nice view of the beginning of this courtship, and
speaks of a promising beginning for both Faramir and Eowyn.
Mirkwood Elves · ID: 704
Reviewer: nau_tika · 2008-10-13 01:20:38
The author is very skillfully in presenting the Legolas and Gimli
friendship. I had not considered the sea longing in comparison to the
seasons. I especially liked the description of Thranduil. All this
story needs is a sequel!
Title: Mournful Fords · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama: Ring War
Drabbles · ID: 368
Reviewer: nau_tika · 2008-10-13 01:27:09
Short, but sweet. Theoden paid a high price for his 'weakness' and
this story illustrates his awareness of that very well.
Title: A Cat in King Elessar's Court · Author: agape4gondor · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 66
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-13 03:29:47
Spoilers!
A delightful new perspective on the last days of Steward Denethor and
Aragorn's ascension. Agape writes the cat poignantly, with wisdom and
loyalty and grace.
Title: In Good Company · Author: foxrafer (csevans8) · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 20
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-13 03:39:04
Spoilers!
A lush paean to the beauty of Ithilien and the goodness of friendship;
as foxrafer skillfully draws these four unlikely individuals - elf,
hobbit and the two men - together. The descriptions are beautiful.
Title: Good King Elessar · Author: Dreamflower · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 2
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-13 04:03:36
Spoilers!
A charming story of Fourth Age King Elessar and young Frodo Gamgee;
very seasonal, catching the flavor of both Fourth Age northern
Middle-earth and the Yule season. Dreamflower proves again why she is
one of the best hobbit fanfiction writers.
Title: Amara · Author: Claudia · Genres: Mystery · ID: 236
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-13 05:46:50
A most enjoyable tale for Halloween.I especially enjoyed the
friendship between Faramir and Frodo. The dream/vision/ghost was very
vivid and haunting!
Title: Fulfilling Oaths · Author: Nieriel Raina · Times: Multi-Age ·
ID: 332
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-13 06:47:52
This story really brought home to me the courage of Finrod.It was a
nice idea Aragorn sending the Ring to Valinor back to him with
Legolas,yet I felt sad such an ancient heirloom would not pass to
Eldarion and remain in the world of Men.A touching story which held my
attention throughout,though I only read the Simarillion once and tend
to get the names mixed up!
Title: Rivendell International Airport · Author: Primsong · Genres:
Humor: Elven Lands · ID: 345
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-13 08:39:01
Spoilers!
A wonderfully clever and amusing story which sets the Fellowship in a
modern airport,yet somehow manages to remain true to Tolkien's
characters.A witty satire on airport security and looking"right" to
get through it.It would indeed be quicker to walk like they do in the
book! Three cheers for Legolas here!
Title: Moved to Pity · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama: General
Drabbles · ID: 366
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-13 08:42:07
Spoilers!
A beautiful drabble concerning the reaction of the Valar to Luthien's
choice. I especially liked the idea that her destiny was woven into
the future of Middle-earth.Luthien was indeed a great heroine.
Title: That Fate Them Bore · Author: Cara Loup · Races: Hobbits:
Incomplete · ID: 476
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-13 13:26:15
Spoilers!
A well-written series of stories in which we follow Frodo from his
realization that he must leave the Shire into the Marish, not quite to
Farmer Maggot's farm.
The writing has a three-dimensional feel to it, as if we were
accompanying Frodo, Pippin, and Sam through the Woody End, trying to
avoid nettles and thorns with them, as if we walked by their sides
through stands of thistles, as if we hid transfixed while the cries of
the Nazgul shuddered through the air.
Each chapter is told from a different one's point of view. We see
Pippin's quicksilver mind, Sam's steadiness, Frodo's grief and
unwillingness to lead others into danger, the fascination all feel for
Gildor's folk....
Beautifully and evocatively written; and I cannot wait until the
series is continued.
Title: Lock Out · Author: pippinfan88 · Races: Hobbits · ID: 307
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-13 13:34:25
Spoilers!
The assignment to write a story focused on an original Hobbit saying
is well done indeed, particularly as Pippin and Diamond find
themselves locked out of the Crickhollow house and wish they had one
of those useless locksmiths to hand.
Humorous and a bit suggestive. A cute chuckle!
Title: Tales of the Eldandili · Author: Alassiel · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 502
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-13 13:37:05
A most interesting beginning to the tale as we see modern-day
elf-friends preparing to fight the darkness of our day, and learning
more about Arda and its background.
A provocative beginning that I'm waiting impatiently to see continued.
Title: Oathbreakers · Author: Thundera Tiger · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 470
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-13 17:35:17
Spoilers!
They hear the whispering of those who broke their oath long ago, and
see another tempted to do the same. What can they do but pray that the
one tempted should be led to the RIGHT choice for the circumstances?
The mood and uncertainty are well conveyed, as is the dreariness of
the place and the frustration of the two overheard. A perfect gapfiller.
Title: Lost and Found · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Times: Mid
Third Age · ID: 23
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-13 18:12:16
This is a really original twist on the "bitties" subgenre of fanfic. I
love young Faramir that feels like he could grow into canon!Faramir
(and this story certainly qualifies on that count), but I love even
more the fact that this story involved more than just the usual
suspects without feeling like a stretch in the least. I'm also now
wondering whether (adult) Faramir realies the importance of this
afternoon spent in the archives. It's an endearing moment in which
both characters really shine, and lighthearted even in light of the
reader's knowledge of future events. Really nice work, Branwyn.
Title: The Lowest Circle · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Elves: Drabbles ·
ID: 449
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-13 18:12:44
Spoilers!
There's a special torture in losing track of days - in not being able
to sleep at night and be awake during the day, and so having a sense
that time moves on. I can see the tortured elf in this drabble feeling
like the horribleness of the "now" was all there was, making the
degradation that much worse. That the memory of Varda's lanterns (as I
tend to call the stars :-D) has become part of the torture is sad
indeed, but fitting. Nice job, Tanaqui; this drives home the horrors
endured by those first orcs without getting too explicit, somehow
making it all the more affective.
Title: Rebirth · Author: Aranel Took · Genres: Poetry: Late Third Age
· ID: 471
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-13 18:12:59
Spoilers!
This poem reminded me very much of Carl Sandburg's poem "The Grass"
[http://www.bartleby.com/104/78.html%5d, of how nature covers the scars
left by humanity. That theme seemed very fitting, both for a tanka
(typically focused on nature) and for a Tolkien fanfic poem given his
thoughts on technology vs. nature. Very nicely done, Aranel; I enjoyed it.
Title: Stewards · Author: Tanaqui · Times: Late Third Age: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 450
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-13 18:15:23
As a Denethor lover, I find myself as much drawn to tales of his
faults as his strength, if they are done well, and this drabble
definitely qualifies. It's a strong portrait of Gandalf, to be sure,
but by foiling him with Denethor, Tanaqui shows us just how Denethor's
taint by [mere politics] affected him. I was reminded of how Shire
maps didn't portray lands much beyond the borders of the Shire; here,
Denethor's focus on Gondor is reactive rather than from lack of
knowledge or power, I think, and that gets very well at the heart of
the matter. This is a very nice character moment for both stewards,
told with the author's usual economy of words and grace of language.
Title: Men of the Twilight · Author: Elena Tiriel · Genres: Romance:
Drabbles · ID: 209
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-13 19:16:00
Spoilers!
What a delightfully original twist on Faramir's description of the
Rohirrim as Men of the Twilight! I had always thought of it as a
derogatory term, suggesting that Rohirrim were not as "high" as the
Dunedain (and still suspect it can be read this way), but it also fits
with their warrior's stoicism that light would have a hard time
reaching them. Sort of similar to a mountain valley with steep walls
on either side, so the sun only shines in a few hours a day. Really,
this is a very nice view of the beginning of this courtship, and
speaks of a promising beginning for both Faramir and Eowyn.
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..