Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Good King Elessar · Author: Dreamflower · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Friendship · ID: 2
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-10-18 20:33:26
Wonderful characterisations all around, especially of the Hobbits.
Dreamflower's take on Frodo-lad is absolutely convincing, you can see
both his parents in him, and yet he is his own person, shaped by being
heir to extraordinary events yet not being a direct part of it. I also
liked how he was described as being on the cusp between adolescence
and adult responsibility, with the adventurous spirit of adolescence
often winning over.

It was heart-warming to witness the intimate relationship here between
Aragorn and Frodo-lad, and how this episode offers them the
opportunity to get to know each other better.

The story has a lovely seasonal feel to it, just right for the premise
and the themes of the carol woven through it. There is a warmth there
and good winter cheer right from the start. And goodwill to all men!

Title: The Onion Riddle · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Post-Ring War · ID: 13
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-10-18 20:33:46
I like the many cross-cultural aspects of this story, which includes
not only Gondorians and Dwarves, but also indirecty Rohirrim.

The akwardness in dealing with a strange culture is conveyed very
well, that mix of intending to be polite and open, and yet have
preconceptions and misjudgements.

I guessed early on what the mystery was, but it was funny to follow
the hints and wait for the revelation.

Title: Moonset over Gondor · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Drama:
Gondor Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 652
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-18 21:14:23
This was a nice glimpse into Faramir after the war. I particularly
like how Eowyn has become his confidante as well as wife. Those two
are well-matched, and Raksha shows how the complement each other well
here.

Title: Essecarmë · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 247
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-18 21:14:52
Spoilers!
I never would have thought how Feanor's giving his own father-name to
his fifth-born son would have affected those already born; yet Dawn
does a convincing job of doing this, and in her typical skilled
manner. I particularly loved the evocative descriptions of the cold;
having just walked home through cold rain, I can sympathize with how
that makes things more gloomy, and it was a very fitting setting for
such a story. Nice work, Dawn!

Title: The Dance · Author: Dawn Felagund · Genres: Romance: Elven
Lands · ID: 128
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-18 21:15:03
Nerdanel is probably the character that keeps drawing me back to the
Quenta Silmarillion more than any other (what must it have been like
to be marred to an elf like Feanor!), and so it's perhaps not
surprising that I've read a lot of F/N romances. I think this is the
first one that I've come across, however, that had a true sense of
realism about it. There isn't the slightest bit of mushiness to be
found here, in fact, it reminded me of nothing so much as my first
middle-school dance. Geek that I am, I could completely identify with
Nerdanel but also with Anganer and Mahtan and a host of others. It was
a very fun read for anyone who has ever felt socially awkward. (Which
is, you know, pretty much everyone, especially in fandom.)

Beyond that, though, there is a kernel of truth not to be missed. It
seems that Nerdanel and Feanor are a much better match for each other
than anyone else could have been, and one wonders how much more later
events would have corrupted his character if he had not learned to
connect with another woman and his family - if he had taken a trophy
life? So buried underneath the fun, Dawn gives us a gleaming insight
into Feanor's character - for which I applaud her.

Title: In The Midst Of Summer · Author: Cuthalion · Genres: Drama:
Final Partings · ID: 270
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-18 21:15:18
Spoilers!
This story does a touching job of portraying Sam in the wake of
Rosie's death. I could easily see just this combination of emotions
leading to his decision to sail west at last. Nicely done.

Title: The Fire of Hope · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Men:
Pre-Ring War Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 625
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-18 21:15:28
Spoilers!
This story is full of some absolutely gorgeous imagery, especially
regarding Aragorn's description of Arwen. It was easy to see why he
loved her so much - much more clear than as described by Tolkien
himself, actually! A nice glimpse into Aragorn's thoughts.

Title: Where the Sky Kisses the Horizon, There My Dreams Lie · Author:
Lindelea · Races: Cross-Cultural: Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 689
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-18 23:02:20
Spoilers!
A deeply moving glimpse of Aragorn and Legolas comforting the
unconscious and injured Frodo with an Elven cloak.A lovely moment
showing the depths of caring and affection that exist between the
fellowship members.