Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Elflings · Author: Jael · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 348
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-16 09:07:53
Spoilers!
Ah, the childhood of young Elves--just as likely to be--disturbing--as
the childhood of our own offspring! A tale of two young elven lads and
a toad--and how they interrupted what was intended to be a
particularly relaxing night. Definitely raises a chuckle or three! Enjoy!

Title: The Lowest Circle · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Elves: Drabbles ·
ID: 449
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-16 09:16:36
Spoilers!
A rather disturbing drabble on one of the most disturbing activities
played at by those who would become Dark Lords--the corruption of
other beings to make of them orcs. This ficlet with its decided
allusion to Dante is guaranteed to make one shiver. Well wrought indeed.

Title: Silver Blossoms Blown · Author: Ignoble Bard · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 646
Reviewer: Moreth · 2008-10-16 11:16:50
Spoilers!
I'm delighted by this short piece exploring Varda's relationship with
Elves.

The first joyful meeting and the moment of chilling foresight into the
future make this a moving insight into the Vala's thoughts. The author
uses Varda's actions and observations to highlight the differences
(and similarities) between the Valar and the Elves: ['...their forms
constrained to one aspect.']

Certainly an interesting meeting between races!

Title: A Harmony In Autumn · Author: Oshun · Genres: Romance: Elven
Lands · ID: 49
Reviewer: Moreth · 2008-10-16 14:41:37
Oshun has drawn a poignant and compelling picture of the final autumn
in Nevrast, and the impact that a relocation to Gondolin has on two
friends.

The main story concerns the (long-delayed!) admission of love between
the two protagonists, but interwoven into this is a very well-drawn
and imaginative idea of political differences and family disputes. The
scenes and dialogue between the lovers have wonderful touches of
humour, halfway through an erotic scene it's impossible not to laugh
aloud at a wry comment from one of the characters! This totally human
dialogue makes the writing come to life.

The colours of autumn are beautifully depicted, and the seasonal
backdrop echoes the transience of Vinyamar (and later, of course, of
Gondolin itself). I especially like the description of a [stony divide
on the land side of the beach], which sketches an amazing image of a
sea-coast in my mind that many longer descriptions have failed to evoke.

The skepticism of Glorfindel towards the Valar in general, and
Turgon's 'vision' in particular is amusing and intriguing - I can't
help but wonder how this attitude is involved in Glorfindel's eventual
fate!

Of course, the presence of Fingon as a side character does nothing to
harm the story! As in Oshun's other writing, he is both charming and
uninhibited by convention.

This serves as an interesting introduction of characters and places
that (I hope) will one day be given a longer story!

Title: Vodka · Author: Ford of Bruinen · Times: First Age and Prior:
House of Finwe · ID: 714
Reviewer: Moreth · 2008-10-16 15:18:47
A politically-incorrect, sarcastic Maglor trying to work through his
feelings by getting drunk, and written with a touch of (black) humour.
This really is an superb vignette and presents an interesting
interpretation on the relationship between Maedhros and Maglor.

The dialogue excellently paced and every action adds to the depiction
of the character. I would say 'charming' but, really, he is not!

Title: Five things that never happened to Nerdanel · Author: Meril ·
Genres: Alternate Universe: Angst/Tragedy · ID: 389
Reviewer: Moreth · 2008-10-16 18:36:50
These short pieces give five well-considered possibilities for
Nerdanel's fate, and make interesting 'what-if' scenarios.

The two most intriguing are #4 and #5. In each it appears that one
partner in the marriage becomes dominant and over-rides the other's
will. It makes for an excellent opposition of view points!

A fascinating study in who Nerdanel was (not).



Title: A Fitting Occupation · Author: Radbooks · Races: Men: Pre-Ring
War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 601
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2008-10-16 20:56:36
Spoilers!
This series of drabbles tells a charming story about finding one's
proper place in the world. King Bard and the second son that Radbooks
has given him are neatly and convincingly characterised, Bard's wisdom
and the humour of Baird's misunderstanding are well handled, and the
final line is a treat. Nicely done!

Title: The Captain's New Clothes · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres:
Humor: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 421
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2008-10-16 20:56:50
Spoilers!
With her usual deft wit, Raksha the Demon provides an entertaining
explanation for Faramir's attire in a somewhat wince-inducing
illustration of the meeting of the Captain of the Ithilien Rangers
with Frodo Baggins, Hobbit of the Shire. Although this a light-hearted
piece set in a distinctly alternate universe (since Faramir's garb in
the picture is definitely at odds with Tolkien's description), the
glimpses into the lives of the Rangers and the privations of Henneth
Annun are sketched extremely effectively, as is the affection of
Faramir's men for their leader, and the reasons why he is held in such
high regard. Raksha's lighter stories about Faramir are always
enjoyable, and this is no exception. Well done!


Title: Loving a Book Lover · Author: Avon · Genres: Romance: Drabbles
· ID: 721
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2008-10-16 20:57:01
Spoilers!
Avon has crafted an amusing drabble about how Eowyn tackles one of her
husband's more annoying habits. I particularly enjoyed the glimpse of
the way Faramir's character and behaviour had been formed by his
brother in the line ["he had learnt to shut out Boromir’s attempts to
disturb his reading."] Eowyn, of course, is capable of being
distracting in an entirely different and clearly un-ignorable fashion.
Most entertaining.


Title: Moved to Pity · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama: General
Drabbles · ID: 366
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2008-10-16 20:57:11
Spoilers!
This is a marvellous drabble from Imhiriel showing Namo's reaction to
Luthien's pleading to be united with Beren. While his reaction is
beautifully showm, what I most love about this piece -- and the part
that I think is its true genius -- is the attention given to the
somewhat neglected character of Vaire. Even in Tolkien's own writings,
she merits relatively few lines, and in the Silmarillion comes across
as somewhat tokenistic, simply one of the conventional goddess types
with which Tolkien rounds out the numbers of the Valier. In this
characterisation, Imhiriel shows her in her true light as one of the
Great Powers: not just as a supportive helpmeet to her powerful
husband or a skilled craftswoman, but with wisdom of her own as deep
and profound as Namo's. This is definitely one of those
wish-I'd-thought-of-that pieces. Bravissima!


Title: No Man's Land · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres:
Alternate Universe: Drabbles · ID: 726
Reviewer: Tanaqui · 2008-10-16 20:57:24
Spoilers!
Oh, thank goodness this alternative universe didn't come to pass!
Branwyn has put together a very clever drabble about how Tolkien's
experiences during the Great War might have turned out. I especially
like the deft touch of the mispronunciation of his name. Nicely done.

Title: There Was A Hobbit · Author: agape4gondor · Genres: Humor:
Drabbles · ID: 111
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2008-10-16 21:00:33
This just totally cracked me up! Absolutely fantastic - especially to
have the Elves of Lothlorien being the ones singing it. Also, made all
the more hilarious seeing as Tolkien, at one time, had Frodo being
called Bingo.

A wonderful drabble, Agape!

Title: Concerning Walls · Author: Larner · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Frodo and Faramir · ID: 112
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2008-10-16 21:08:42
I really enjoyed your use of walls of varying kinds, Larner. Physical
walls, city walls, house walls, straight and rounded walls - and
mental/emotional walls as well. You weave that theme throughout with
great artistry.

Also, it was interesting to read a story with Faramir and Frodo, I've
not seen many of those.

I loved Frodo saying that it had been a comfort, of sorts, that the
hidden stairs were outside, and I loved Faramir's surprise at this. It
made for a great transition for a discussion of the differences
between life in The Shire and life in the cities of Men.

I was glad you have a strong Frodo here. This is a beautiful and
realistic conversation for Frodo and Faramir.

Most Excellently Well Done!

Title: Boromir and Teddy · Author: Ithil-valon · Genres: Drama: Final
Partings · ID: 113
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2008-10-16 21:25:52
This is a most beautiful and haunting story, Ithil-valon.

I like that so many have Boromir and Theodred being close friends and
the thought of their deaths being something to further draw Eomer and
Faramir together as friends and brothers by marriage is wonderful. It
was right and proper for them to go together to Theodred's mound on a
misty morning with mourning doves cooing their melancholy call.

I liked the touch you added of Eomer having to assure a guard that all
is well. It is so realistic. It is one of the hard parts of being a
ruler; you get watched over.

Thank you for this marvelous story!

Title: Pippin-Frog For A Day · Author: Neilia · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 115
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2008-10-16 21:28:53
Spoilers!
What could be cuter than a sweet little frog? But what do you do when
that cute little froggy is your cousin and friend?

Merry and Pippin have been being their usual mischievious selves while
the hobbits are at Rivendell before leaving on the Quest. Pippin has
pushed things too far with Gandalf and the next thing everyone knows
is there is a small green eyed froggy on the floor of Frodo's room.
The wizard assures them it only lasts a day, eldest cousin Frodo
decides it might just teach the youngster a lesson and so we get to be
treated to the adventures of Pippin the Frog.

I can hardly wait to see what Neilia does with her charming tale. It
is funny, exciting and fanciful and written in a believable manner.
Believable? Well, Gandalf *is* a wizard.

Bravo Neilia!!

Title: Hope Remains · Author: Baggins Babe · Times: Fourth Age and
Beyond · ID: 118
Reviewer: Pearl Took · 2008-10-16 21:47:08
Spoilers!
A marvelous, haunting story of the gentle presence of a special ghost.

I will admit, it caught me off guard that Frodo and Sam were buried in
the Shire, but it was easy to just realize that this must be an AU
where they didn't have to leave and read on. With that firmly in mind
the rest of the story pulled me in and wove a beautiful ghost story.

I loved the touch of the athelas growing to form a boarder around the
graves and the effort the Thain, Master and Mayor took in making sure
no one would know something else had been interred with Rosie, Sam and
Frodo.

The appearance of the Ranger to protect Hancho Proudfoot on his way
home from Bree was so fortuitous. And I loved that he had to search
his mind to recognize the name the Ranger gave him.

A wonderful, hopeful, story.