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Msg# 9510
MEFA Reviews for Friday, October 24, 2008 Posted by annmarwalk October 24, 2008 - 21:01:34 Topic ID# 9510Title: Frodos Dremes · Author: Gentle Hobbit · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 235
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-10-24 02:14:06
It's canon that Frodo had prescient dreams, and in TAoTB, we have the
poem ["The Sea-Bell"] which is supposed to also be one of his dreams.
In this series of vignettes, GentleHobbit gives us some of Frodo's
dreams--they are very dreamlike in that disjointed feeling of reality
that dreams give. Most of them are quite dark and disturbing, very
likely given Frodo's state of mind after the Quest. But the last one,
with its message of hope is my favorite.
Beautiful writing, evocative and thoughtful.
Title: Lily Took · Author: Cathleen · Races: Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 147
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-10-24 02:29:07
Another entry in Cathleen's chronicles of the adventures of Pippin and
his knitted piggy, Tulip. In this sweet bit of fluff, Pippin makes a
very interesting discovery. As always, little Pippin is adorable and
lively, and Tulip is her usual sardonic self.
Title: The Lowest Circle · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Elves: Drabbles ·
ID: 449
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-10-24 02:32:54
How *did* Morgoth corrupt Elves to create the Orcs? Here's one very
sad, chilling and likely possibility.
Title: In the Van · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres: Humor ·
ID: 72
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-10-24 02:36:10
This extended pun made me giggle excessively. It's quite funny; dare I
say, that JRRT with his love for word play might even have gotten a
smile from it.
Title: Put Aside Your Doubt · Author: sophinisba solis · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Frodo and Faramir · ID: 187
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-24 02:46:09
Spoilers!
A gentle exploration of Frodo's doubts towards Faramir, reinforced by
his memories of Boromir, and the evolution in their brief relationship
at Henneth Annun. I like the sense here, delicately conveyed, of
Faramir being a living shield to Frodo.
Title: Courage · Author: rhyselle · Times: First Age and Prior: House
of Finwe · ID: 69
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-24 03:03:20
Spoilers!
A beautifully textured gapfiller exploring Finrod's decision to
support Beren's quest. Finrod is one of the most appealing, courageous
and tragic figures in the Silmarillion; a noble king who takes the
path of honor, knowing it could well lead to his own death, which it
(sob!) does.
Rhyselle writes the story in Tolkienesque language; it felt like I was
reading part of the Silmarillion that I had not seen before.
Title: Fulfilling Oaths · Author: Nieriel Raina · Times: Multi-Age ·
ID: 332
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-24 03:16:39
Spoilers!
A stellar account at the sacrifice of Finrod and its impact on Beren
and his heirs, from the First Age into the Fourth. I love the way
Nieriel Raina starts and finishes the story in Finrod's voice; and the
journey of Finrod's ring is wonderfully concluded. A lovely look at
the interwoven legends of the brave Elven-king and the heirs of Barahir.
Title: Loss · Author: SurgicalSteel · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort ·
ID: 196
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-24 03:36:43
Spoilers!
An in-depth look at the birth and subsequent death of the third child,
born too soon, of Halbarad and Serinde in Surgical Steel's epic tale
of Serinde, surgeon of Minas Tirith and the north. Surgical Steel
conveys the medical details and the heart-wrenching emotion very well,
with excellent use of Halbarad's sensible but pain-filled narration.
The perils of life in the north, with its dearth of qualified medical
practitioners in the towns of Men, come brilliantly to life, as one of
the few expert practitioners nearly dies in childbirth assisted by an
inexpert midwife.
Title: Love at First Sight · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 432
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-10-24 05:35:45
Spoilers!
I particularly admire how Gwynnyd managed to convey so many different
moods in this ficlet without them clashing or cancelling each other
out. There is the Míriel's exhaustion and almost disinterest after
birthing her child. There is the proud papa who doesn't quite know
what to do. There is the baby reacting to each new sensation and sight
- and is particularly fascinated by the light of the two Trees. And
overlaying it all is the foreshadowing of things to come, of fthe
fault lines, already showing themselves in these family dynamics.
Title: Spiced Wine On A Snowy Day · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races:
Elves: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 558
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-10-24 05:36:17
The description conveyed the wonder and the joy of snow perfectly - I
felt elated, the way I alway feel when I watch the first snow fall.
The feeling of comfort, of warmth and companionship in winter, is
conveyed very well. It also really capture that special "stillness"
that comes over a landscape in white.
Not a story per se, but a wonderful still life of a comradely scene
with the added benefit that it actually captured more than the visual
sense. Hm, and I admit the idea of mulled wine just now makes me quite
looking forward to it when soon it gets really cold here.
Title: Shadows · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 698
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-24 06:48:41
Spoilers!
A haunting story wherein Legolas faces the destruction of the place
where his mother died, and is finally able to release her unhoused
soul from Middle-earth. The story within the story, of her untimely
death, is superbly written, and the whole story resonates with the
bittersweetness of death and release and the peculiar sorrow of
Legolas' fate.
Title: Dol Amroth Yule · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 295
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-24 07:32:14
Spoilers!
Hethlin has several strikes against her in her training to become a
Swan Knight--she is female, a northerner, elf-trained, and a stranger,
and certainly Master Andrahar has made it plain he intends to make
things miserable for her. But she is also observant, and that ability
to observe and respond quickly stands all with the castle of Dol
Amroth well during the feast for Yule.
Well written, and characters are drawn with detail and their
personalities are fascinating.
Title: Many Branches · Author: Baranduin · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Frodo and Faramir · ID: 420
Reviewer: Antane · 2008-10-24 18:10:14
A lovely, gentle, loving tale of two friends reunited beyond all hope.
I do hope they did actually have such a meeting or something like it.
I think Faramir is a hobbit in a man's skin because he has such a
gentle heart and no wonder he and Frodo would get along so well, both
being scholars also, and be able to tease each other. How nice to see
Frodo not suffering but just enjoying the company and the day. I love
the thought that they would be united in heart by the water. Bravo!
Title: Slings and Arrows · Author: Ancalime8301 · Genres: Drama:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 185
Reviewer: Antane · 2008-10-24 18:18:39
[Mind yourself, and listen to Sam when he thinks you need to stop and
rest.] So Faramir has already figured out these two! And how stubborn
Frodo can be and that Sam has his hand and his heart wrapped around
his beloved treasure.
Title: GOBLINS: The Herald's Summons · Author: Fiondil · Times: First
Age and Prior · ID: 53
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-10-24 18:58:19
Spoilers!
In this story, Fiondil encapsulates a pivotal moment in First Age
history. As the War of Wrath begins, Manwë's herald Eönwë assembles
the Noldor High King Arafinwë' (aka Finarfin), his wilflul daughter,
and her "lowly" Sindarin husband for a chat. Poor Arafinwë', already
troubled by having personally killed Atani in battle, must then hear
the Valars' doom of his daughter Artanis.
Title: The Houseless · Author: Jael · Genres: Horror · ID: 178
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 00:53:53
An engaging, and yet eerily beautiful tale. Jael takes us along with
Legolas on a hunting trip where he experiences a rather strange
adventure. Vivid imagery captivates the reader, taking them inside the
story. Jael captures Legolas's character in a unique, yet familiar
way. Her original characters shine as being genuine and realistic. The
settings are well described and the plot of the story moves easily and
yet not too quickly. And even Legolas's horse has a personality worth
remembering.
A wonderful tale for Halloween or any time of the year. This is one I
will definitely read again and again. Well done, Jael!
Title: Sing All Ye People! · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 249
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 00:57:38
Beautiful and moving! A wonderful ficlet of Faramir's thoughts in such
a joyous moment.
Title: The Weaving Cow · Author: cactuskim · Genres: Humor · ID: 675
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 00:58:57
Delightfully humorous, wickedly amusing. This is a must read, provided
one doesn't have food or drink in their hand.
Title: The Right to Bear Arms · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 653
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 01:29:41
Pearl Took has a wonderful talent for writing Hobbits. Four Hobbits in
particular. Completely in character, full of wit and seriousness.
Pearl has written an entertaining tale of Boromir and the Hobbits in
Rivendell that could have come from the books. Well done!
Title: Autumn · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 489
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 01:32:23
Lovely and well written.
Title: Some Confusion in Accounts · Author: viv · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 276
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 01:35:01
Full of wit and good humor. A true knee slapper of a tale. Hilarious.
Title: Wayward Sons · Author: Jael · Races: Elves · ID: 408
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 01:40:23
Once again Jael brings us a well written tale of the Elvenking, full
of vivid imagery, deep emotion, a moving plot and wonderful
characterization. Thranduil at his lowest is heart wrenching, and yet,
as always in Jael's works, there is hope.
Title: Bibliophile · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Romance: Drabbles ·
ID: 370
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-10-25 01:42:34
This is a lovely drabble about Éowyn actually, but shedding some light
on both the Third Age and the First Age Finduilas. I agree with
Finduilas of Gondor and Dol Amroth, that I would have been less than
wildly enthusiastic about constantly being presented with versions of
the grim and tragic story of Finduilas of Nargothrond. I got a chuckle
because you hit a nerve for me. I have been forced, in the past year
in my own research projects more times than I would have liked, to
look at the fates of those intertwined with the doom of Húrin's children.
Title: With Many "Fond" Acknowledgments · Author: Thundera Tiger ·
Genres: Humor · ID: 472
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 01:43:19
When Thundera writes humor, you can be sure you'll be chuckling and
snorting as you read. This story is no exception. Written from Sam's
point of view, we get a unique, and delightfully humorous look, at
some of our favorite characters. I truly do pity Sam and his poor
headache after enduring such conversations.
Well done, Thundera!
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 235
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-10-24 02:14:06
It's canon that Frodo had prescient dreams, and in TAoTB, we have the
poem ["The Sea-Bell"] which is supposed to also be one of his dreams.
In this series of vignettes, GentleHobbit gives us some of Frodo's
dreams--they are very dreamlike in that disjointed feeling of reality
that dreams give. Most of them are quite dark and disturbing, very
likely given Frodo's state of mind after the Quest. But the last one,
with its message of hope is my favorite.
Beautiful writing, evocative and thoughtful.
Title: Lily Took · Author: Cathleen · Races: Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 147
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-10-24 02:29:07
Another entry in Cathleen's chronicles of the adventures of Pippin and
his knitted piggy, Tulip. In this sweet bit of fluff, Pippin makes a
very interesting discovery. As always, little Pippin is adorable and
lively, and Tulip is her usual sardonic self.
Title: The Lowest Circle · Author: Tanaqui · Races: Elves: Drabbles ·
ID: 449
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-10-24 02:32:54
How *did* Morgoth corrupt Elves to create the Orcs? Here's one very
sad, chilling and likely possibility.
Title: In the Van · Author: Branwyn (Lady Branwyn) · Genres: Humor ·
ID: 72
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-10-24 02:36:10
This extended pun made me giggle excessively. It's quite funny; dare I
say, that JRRT with his love for word play might even have gotten a
smile from it.
Title: Put Aside Your Doubt · Author: sophinisba solis · Races:
Cross-Cultural: Frodo and Faramir · ID: 187
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-24 02:46:09
Spoilers!
A gentle exploration of Frodo's doubts towards Faramir, reinforced by
his memories of Boromir, and the evolution in their brief relationship
at Henneth Annun. I like the sense here, delicately conveyed, of
Faramir being a living shield to Frodo.
Title: Courage · Author: rhyselle · Times: First Age and Prior: House
of Finwe · ID: 69
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-24 03:03:20
Spoilers!
A beautifully textured gapfiller exploring Finrod's decision to
support Beren's quest. Finrod is one of the most appealing, courageous
and tragic figures in the Silmarillion; a noble king who takes the
path of honor, knowing it could well lead to his own death, which it
(sob!) does.
Rhyselle writes the story in Tolkienesque language; it felt like I was
reading part of the Silmarillion that I had not seen before.
Title: Fulfilling Oaths · Author: Nieriel Raina · Times: Multi-Age ·
ID: 332
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-24 03:16:39
Spoilers!
A stellar account at the sacrifice of Finrod and its impact on Beren
and his heirs, from the First Age into the Fourth. I love the way
Nieriel Raina starts and finishes the story in Finrod's voice; and the
journey of Finrod's ring is wonderfully concluded. A lovely look at
the interwoven legends of the brave Elven-king and the heirs of Barahir.
Title: Loss · Author: SurgicalSteel · Genres: Drama: Hurt/Comfort ·
ID: 196
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-24 03:36:43
Spoilers!
An in-depth look at the birth and subsequent death of the third child,
born too soon, of Halbarad and Serinde in Surgical Steel's epic tale
of Serinde, surgeon of Minas Tirith and the north. Surgical Steel
conveys the medical details and the heart-wrenching emotion very well,
with excellent use of Halbarad's sensible but pain-filled narration.
The perils of life in the north, with its dearth of qualified medical
practitioners in the towns of Men, come brilliantly to life, as one of
the few expert practitioners nearly dies in childbirth assisted by an
inexpert midwife.
Title: Love at First Sight · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Elves: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 432
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-10-24 05:35:45
Spoilers!
I particularly admire how Gwynnyd managed to convey so many different
moods in this ficlet without them clashing or cancelling each other
out. There is the Míriel's exhaustion and almost disinterest after
birthing her child. There is the proud papa who doesn't quite know
what to do. There is the baby reacting to each new sensation and sight
- and is particularly fascinated by the light of the two Trees. And
overlaying it all is the foreshadowing of things to come, of fthe
fault lines, already showing themselves in these family dynamics.
Title: Spiced Wine On A Snowy Day · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races:
Elves: Other Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 558
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-10-24 05:36:17
The description conveyed the wonder and the joy of snow perfectly - I
felt elated, the way I alway feel when I watch the first snow fall.
The feeling of comfort, of warmth and companionship in winter, is
conveyed very well. It also really capture that special "stillness"
that comes over a landscape in white.
Not a story per se, but a wonderful still life of a comradely scene
with the added benefit that it actually captured more than the visual
sense. Hm, and I admit the idea of mulled wine just now makes me quite
looking forward to it when soon it gets really cold here.
Title: Shadows · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 698
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-24 06:48:41
Spoilers!
A haunting story wherein Legolas faces the destruction of the place
where his mother died, and is finally able to release her unhoused
soul from Middle-earth. The story within the story, of her untimely
death, is superbly written, and the whole story resonates with the
bittersweetness of death and release and the peculiar sorrow of
Legolas' fate.
Title: Dol Amroth Yule · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Genres:
Adventure · ID: 295
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-24 07:32:14
Spoilers!
Hethlin has several strikes against her in her training to become a
Swan Knight--she is female, a northerner, elf-trained, and a stranger,
and certainly Master Andrahar has made it plain he intends to make
things miserable for her. But she is also observant, and that ability
to observe and respond quickly stands all with the castle of Dol
Amroth well during the feast for Yule.
Well written, and characters are drawn with detail and their
personalities are fascinating.
Title: Many Branches · Author: Baranduin · Races: Cross-Cultural:
Frodo and Faramir · ID: 420
Reviewer: Antane · 2008-10-24 18:10:14
A lovely, gentle, loving tale of two friends reunited beyond all hope.
I do hope they did actually have such a meeting or something like it.
I think Faramir is a hobbit in a man's skin because he has such a
gentle heart and no wonder he and Frodo would get along so well, both
being scholars also, and be able to tease each other. How nice to see
Frodo not suffering but just enjoying the company and the day. I love
the thought that they would be united in heart by the water. Bravo!
Title: Slings and Arrows · Author: Ancalime8301 · Genres: Drama:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 185
Reviewer: Antane · 2008-10-24 18:18:39
[Mind yourself, and listen to Sam when he thinks you need to stop and
rest.] So Faramir has already figured out these two! And how stubborn
Frodo can be and that Sam has his hand and his heart wrapped around
his beloved treasure.
Title: GOBLINS: The Herald's Summons · Author: Fiondil · Times: First
Age and Prior · ID: 53
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2008-10-24 18:58:19
Spoilers!
In this story, Fiondil encapsulates a pivotal moment in First Age
history. As the War of Wrath begins, Manwë's herald Eönwë assembles
the Noldor High King Arafinwë' (aka Finarfin), his wilflul daughter,
and her "lowly" Sindarin husband for a chat. Poor Arafinwë', already
troubled by having personally killed Atani in battle, must then hear
the Valars' doom of his daughter Artanis.
Title: The Houseless · Author: Jael · Genres: Horror · ID: 178
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 00:53:53
An engaging, and yet eerily beautiful tale. Jael takes us along with
Legolas on a hunting trip where he experiences a rather strange
adventure. Vivid imagery captivates the reader, taking them inside the
story. Jael captures Legolas's character in a unique, yet familiar
way. Her original characters shine as being genuine and realistic. The
settings are well described and the plot of the story moves easily and
yet not too quickly. And even Legolas's horse has a personality worth
remembering.
A wonderful tale for Halloween or any time of the year. This is one I
will definitely read again and again. Well done, Jael!
Title: Sing All Ye People! · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 249
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 00:57:38
Beautiful and moving! A wonderful ficlet of Faramir's thoughts in such
a joyous moment.
Title: The Weaving Cow · Author: cactuskim · Genres: Humor · ID: 675
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 00:58:57
Delightfully humorous, wickedly amusing. This is a must read, provided
one doesn't have food or drink in their hand.
Title: The Right to Bear Arms · Author: Pearl Took · Genres: Humor:
Elven Lands · ID: 653
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 01:29:41
Pearl Took has a wonderful talent for writing Hobbits. Four Hobbits in
particular. Completely in character, full of wit and seriousness.
Pearl has written an entertaining tale of Boromir and the Hobbits in
Rivendell that could have come from the books. Well done!
Title: Autumn · Author: Linda Hoyland · Races: Men: Gondor Drabbles ·
ID: 489
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 01:32:23
Lovely and well written.
Title: Some Confusion in Accounts · Author: viv · Genres: Humor: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 276
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 01:35:01
Full of wit and good humor. A true knee slapper of a tale. Hilarious.
Title: Wayward Sons · Author: Jael · Races: Elves · ID: 408
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 01:40:23
Once again Jael brings us a well written tale of the Elvenking, full
of vivid imagery, deep emotion, a moving plot and wonderful
characterization. Thranduil at his lowest is heart wrenching, and yet,
as always in Jael's works, there is hope.
Title: Bibliophile · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Romance: Drabbles ·
ID: 370
Reviewer: Oshun · 2008-10-25 01:42:34
This is a lovely drabble about Éowyn actually, but shedding some light
on both the Third Age and the First Age Finduilas. I agree with
Finduilas of Gondor and Dol Amroth, that I would have been less than
wildly enthusiastic about constantly being presented with versions of
the grim and tragic story of Finduilas of Nargothrond. I got a chuckle
because you hit a nerve for me. I have been forced, in the past year
in my own research projects more times than I would have liked, to
look at the fates of those intertwined with the doom of Húrin's children.
Title: With Many "Fond" Acknowledgments · Author: Thundera Tiger ·
Genres: Humor · ID: 472
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 01:43:19
When Thundera writes humor, you can be sure you'll be chuckling and
snorting as you read. This story is no exception. Written from Sam's
point of view, we get a unique, and delightfully humorous look, at
some of our favorite characters. I truly do pity Sam and his poor
headache after enduring such conversations.
Well done, Thundera!
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..