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Msg# 9511
MEFA Reviews for Saturday, October 25, 2008 Posted by annmarwalk October 25, 2008 - 19:40:20 Topic ID# 9511Title: One Last Wish · Author: Dawn Felagund · Times: First Age and
Prior: House of Finwe · ID: 323
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 02:10:03
It is a rare thing for a story to move me to such deep emotion, let
alone tears. A story that has me pausing to read again that I just
read and then stop and gape at the pain and truth in the words. And
yet full of such dark beauty. Dawn Felagund in this story has managed
to capture Nerdanel in such a way, I do believe this could be canon.
Nerdanel's hope, pain, loss and bitterness ring as truth, and so many
of her reflections hold true for so many women in this world.
Thought provoking, vivid and moving, this should be a must read for
all Silmarillion fans, and especially fans of Feanor. Dawn, this story
touched me beyond words. As I sit here and weep for Nerdanel, I find I
also weep for myself and friends who have been so hurt by the love of
a man. It is as if you have tapped into the collective consciousness
of women and spoken dark truths that reside in many of us all.
Bitter, dark, but beautifully written.
Title: Murder The Dawn · Author: crowdaughter · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 383
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 02:11:48
A dark, bitter and emotionally gripping tale. An AU story of
magnificent and chilling proportions. Aislynn writes with vivid detail
and moving description of the final revenge for a family long tortured
and wronged.
Aislynn, it was nice to see Elrond get what was coming to him. Well done!
Title: Dark Dreams · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 550
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-10-25 02:33:21
Spoilers!
A small but sweet ficlet, featuring Merry in need of some comfort from
Pippin. I love Slightlytookish's handle on Merry's and Pippin's
relationship, showing that Pippin takes care of Merry as well as the
other way around. I love Pippin's solicitousness in this. Their
conversation is hobbity--they acknowledge the seriousness of Merry's
memories, and then move on, lightly, with tea and conversation.
Title: Sing All Ye People! · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 249
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-10-25 02:39:07
The great Eagle, singing out the marvelous news of Sauron's fall to
all of Minas Tirith is one of my very favorite songs in LotR. It
sounds like a hymn--and in this lovely first person vignette, Faramir
*hears* it like a hymn, full of hope and joy and majesty and even
divinity--as he with his Numenorean sensibilities understands it.
Raksha conveys the utter glory of the moment beautifully!
Title: Pirates Ye Be Warned · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: Gondor
Drabbles · ID: 353
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-10-25 02:43:14
An altogether realistic scenario. Pirates are pirates, after all, and
at least in JRRT's world they are not there to be admired or
emulated--they are to be punished. And Imrahil does his princely duty
well.
Title: Brotherhood · Author: Violin Ghost · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 261
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:15:41
Spoilers!
I loved the way Boromir was remembered in song and the hopeful ending
for Faramir and what appears to be a growing bond with Eomer.
Title: Too Many Rangers · Author: Larner · Races: Hobbits · ID: 116
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:22:58
Spoilers!
I just loved this and laughed out loud. Thank Goodness Tolkien decided
on our beloved Strider and Frodo! Trotter and Bingo don't have the
same ring somehow!
One of the funniest stories I have read in a long while and a
brilliant and clever idea to use Tolkien's discarded drafts to create
this delightful story.
Title: The Lost Restored · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 59
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:28:56
Spoilers!
It was fascinating to see events from Gollums viewpoint and moving
too.I liked it as well you gave a plausible explanation of the rescue
and how Aragorn was waiting.This was a very moving story and I was so
glad that Gollum was granted redemption,which in turn helped Frodo
find peace.
Title: I Stand No Longer Alone · Author: Larner · Races: Men: Minas
Tirith · ID: 62
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:31:27
Spoilers!
I loved this unique story.What a lovely idea that the throne itself
should be concious of Aragorn's coming!
It is fascinating to speculate what if?After so many years the throne
must have been delighted to find such a worthy King to sit upon it!
Title: The Ritual Disturbed · Author: Larner · Genres: Horror · ID: 68
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:37:20
Spoilers!
A Chilling tale !The Barrorwights are amongst Tolkien's scariest
creations! Frodo's courage is amazing when he confronts them. I always
thought Frodo kept his own clothes though?I must check my book
again.This is perfect reading for Halloween and guaranteed to chill
the blood!
Title: For the Want of ... · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 681
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:41:11
Spoilers!
I greatly enjoyed this .I just started thinking maybe Pippin's
presence helped make Sauron suspect the army must have the Ring and
distract from Frodo's mission? I wonder if that was why Aragorn took
him to the Black Gate rather than simply to represent the free
peoples? Of course, Pippin would have been asked were that so.
I especially loved Aragorn's letter and Pippin and Faramir's conversation.
Title: With Hope and Without Hope · Author: docmon · Genres:
Adventure: Incomplete · ID: 466
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:45:30
Spoilers!
I'm not usually very partial to AUs but this had me gripped as it was
so skilfully written and gave every character a chance to shine.I
especially admired the courage of Pippin and felt for Aragorn's pain.
Never have I been so glad to see Gandalf,not even in the original! A
very well written story.
Title: Apart · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 551
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:49:32
Spoilers!
A bitter sweet moment for Legolas and Gimli when an argument briefly
threatens their friendship. I'm not a big fan of these two, but I
enjoyed this very much.
Title: Pulling the Wool · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 95
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:53:55
Spoilers!
I loved these poignant drabbles and their clever play on words. Poor
Boromir,he was the most deluded yet sure of himself member of the
Fellowship.The last line was truly heart-rending.
Title: The Water's Song · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races: Elves: Family
· ID: 707
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:58:54
A fascinating premise that Legolas was always meant to hear the call
of the sea rather than the cry of the gulls causing his sea
longing.How heart rending for his father to realise this.At least
Gimli will be able to go with him.I hope Thanduril will one day sail too.
Title: Oathbreakers · Author: Thundera Tiger · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 470
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-25 05:32:05
Spoilers!
A fascinating vignette focussing on the sons of Elrond as they prepare
to follow their foster-brother on a strange and quite scary path. I
really like the characterisation of the Peredhel here; Thundera Tiger
shows the duality of the twins' elven and human natures. They are
human, but also more than that, and it seems to me that they are a bit
tired of the dichotomy, as well as weary of the war and all that they
can sense as Elves. Thundera also shows the strength of the respect
and love they bear towards Aragorn, to follow him, though he is
growing more dangerous and more kingly very quickly, on such a
desperate mission.
Title: Hold To Hope · Author: Nieriel Raina · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 709
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-25 06:19:43
Spoilers!
An intriguing look at Thranduil's reaction to learning that Legolas
had joined the Fellowship rather than returning to Mirkwood. Nieriel
Raina effectively contrasts the Elvenking's dichotomy in reacting as a
father terrified for his child's safety and the more wiser, detached
king who must consider the good of his realm. Thranduil's faith in his
son is evoked in a touching factory, along with his great love.
Title: The Rescue of Celebrian · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 382
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-25 08:30:01
Spoilers!
Of the many tragedies of Middle Earth, that of the wounding of
Celebrian has always felt the strongest to me, perhaps because I
always felt I knew her husband. How grievous, to find one's mother,
one's wife, with spirit so damaged, and by such a cause!
The inclusion of a female orc as leader for those who'd taken
Celebrian and then seeking her again was fascinating, and to see
Elrohir grieving for the bride he'd not yet taken is very sad.
Very interesting tale, and I look forward to seeing it finished.
Title: Refuge · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Elves: Noldor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 423
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-10-25 22:52:29
Spoilers!
Captures the viewpoint of a small child very well, with the simple yet
vivid language. Despite the simplicity, the readers can glimpse the
real horror and tumult of the situation; the confusion and shock and
terror the twins are feeling. And the contrast between Maedhros'
appearance and Maglor's shows how very, very careful and calm the
latter must have advanced to gain the trust of two terrified children.
To tie the founding of Imladris with the refuge Elrond found with
Maglor for a time is a very moving, thought-provoking idea which I
find very effective and which, in my opinion, enriches both canon facts.
Title: A Problem Shared · Author: Dot · Races: Elves: Mirkwood Elves ·
ID: 169
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-10-25 22:52:40
Very evocative descriptions, although the particular context of the
scene remains a little vague.
I was charmed by Radagast being portrayed as an eccentric man a bit
oblivious of things around him, but in truth easing Thranduil's
tension in a very round-about way. I cheered when Thranduil saw
through his game and chose to answer in the same spirit.
One burning question remains; I wonder if this line: ["You wouldn't
want to confront an angry rabbit, let me tell you."] was supposed to
be a sly reference to the "Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog" *g*...
Title: Bearer of the Ring · Author: ConnieMarie · Genres: Poetry:
Hobbits · ID: 396
Reviewer: MithLuin · 2008-10-25 23:27:26
Nicely done! You've captured Frodo's experience (and role) well in
such a short piece. Bittersweet, with nothing missing.
Prior: House of Finwe · ID: 323
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 02:10:03
It is a rare thing for a story to move me to such deep emotion, let
alone tears. A story that has me pausing to read again that I just
read and then stop and gape at the pain and truth in the words. And
yet full of such dark beauty. Dawn Felagund in this story has managed
to capture Nerdanel in such a way, I do believe this could be canon.
Nerdanel's hope, pain, loss and bitterness ring as truth, and so many
of her reflections hold true for so many women in this world.
Thought provoking, vivid and moving, this should be a must read for
all Silmarillion fans, and especially fans of Feanor. Dawn, this story
touched me beyond words. As I sit here and weep for Nerdanel, I find I
also weep for myself and friends who have been so hurt by the love of
a man. It is as if you have tapped into the collective consciousness
of women and spoken dark truths that reside in many of us all.
Bitter, dark, but beautifully written.
Title: Murder The Dawn · Author: crowdaughter · Genres: Alternate
Universe: Incomplete · ID: 383
Reviewer: Nieriel Raina · 2008-10-25 02:11:48
A dark, bitter and emotionally gripping tale. An AU story of
magnificent and chilling proportions. Aislynn writes with vivid detail
and moving description of the final revenge for a family long tortured
and wronged.
Aislynn, it was nice to see Elrond get what was coming to him. Well done!
Title: Dark Dreams · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 550
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-10-25 02:33:21
Spoilers!
A small but sweet ficlet, featuring Merry in need of some comfort from
Pippin. I love Slightlytookish's handle on Merry's and Pippin's
relationship, showing that Pippin takes care of Merry as well as the
other way around. I love Pippin's solicitousness in this. Their
conversation is hobbity--they acknowledge the seriousness of Merry's
memories, and then move on, lightly, with tea and conversation.
Title: Sing All Ye People! · Author: Raksha the Demon · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 249
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-10-25 02:39:07
The great Eagle, singing out the marvelous news of Sauron's fall to
all of Minas Tirith is one of my very favorite songs in LotR. It
sounds like a hymn--and in this lovely first person vignette, Faramir
*hears* it like a hymn, full of hope and joy and majesty and even
divinity--as he with his Numenorean sensibilities understands it.
Raksha conveys the utter glory of the moment beautifully!
Title: Pirates Ye Be Warned · Author: Imhiriel · Races: Men: Gondor
Drabbles · ID: 353
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2008-10-25 02:43:14
An altogether realistic scenario. Pirates are pirates, after all, and
at least in JRRT's world they are not there to be admired or
emulated--they are to be punished. And Imrahil does his princely duty
well.
Title: Brotherhood · Author: Violin Ghost · Races: Men: Steward's
Family · ID: 261
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:15:41
Spoilers!
I loved the way Boromir was remembered in song and the hopeful ending
for Faramir and what appears to be a growing bond with Eomer.
Title: Too Many Rangers · Author: Larner · Races: Hobbits · ID: 116
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:22:58
Spoilers!
I just loved this and laughed out loud. Thank Goodness Tolkien decided
on our beloved Strider and Frodo! Trotter and Bingo don't have the
same ring somehow!
One of the funniest stories I have read in a long while and a
brilliant and clever idea to use Tolkien's discarded drafts to create
this delightful story.
Title: The Lost Restored · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 59
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:28:56
Spoilers!
It was fascinating to see events from Gollums viewpoint and moving
too.I liked it as well you gave a plausible explanation of the rescue
and how Aragorn was waiting.This was a very moving story and I was so
glad that Gollum was granted redemption,which in turn helped Frodo
find peace.
Title: I Stand No Longer Alone · Author: Larner · Races: Men: Minas
Tirith · ID: 62
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:31:27
Spoilers!
I loved this unique story.What a lovely idea that the throne itself
should be concious of Aragorn's coming!
It is fascinating to speculate what if?After so many years the throne
must have been delighted to find such a worthy King to sit upon it!
Title: The Ritual Disturbed · Author: Larner · Genres: Horror · ID: 68
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:37:20
Spoilers!
A Chilling tale !The Barrorwights are amongst Tolkien's scariest
creations! Frodo's courage is amazing when he confronts them. I always
thought Frodo kept his own clothes though?I must check my book
again.This is perfect reading for Halloween and guaranteed to chill
the blood!
Title: For the Want of ... · Author: Larner · Times: Late Third Age:
Gondor · ID: 681
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:41:11
Spoilers!
I greatly enjoyed this .I just started thinking maybe Pippin's
presence helped make Sauron suspect the army must have the Ring and
distract from Frodo's mission? I wonder if that was why Aragorn took
him to the Black Gate rather than simply to represent the free
peoples? Of course, Pippin would have been asked were that so.
I especially loved Aragorn's letter and Pippin and Faramir's conversation.
Title: With Hope and Without Hope · Author: docmon · Genres:
Adventure: Incomplete · ID: 466
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:45:30
Spoilers!
I'm not usually very partial to AUs but this had me gripped as it was
so skilfully written and gave every character a chance to shine.I
especially admired the courage of Pippin and felt for Aragorn's pain.
Never have I been so glad to see Gandalf,not even in the original! A
very well written story.
Title: Apart · Author: Nieriel Raina · Genres: Drama: Gondor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 551
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:49:32
Spoilers!
A bitter sweet moment for Legolas and Gimli when an argument briefly
threatens their friendship. I'm not a big fan of these two, but I
enjoyed this very much.
Title: Pulling the Wool · Author: Elen Kortirion · Races: Men: General
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 95
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:53:55
Spoilers!
I loved these poignant drabbles and their clever play on words. Poor
Boromir,he was the most deluded yet sure of himself member of the
Fellowship.The last line was truly heart-rending.
Title: The Water's Song · Author: Nieriel Raina · Races: Elves: Family
· ID: 707
Reviewer: Linda Hoyland · 2008-10-25 03:58:54
A fascinating premise that Legolas was always meant to hear the call
of the sea rather than the cry of the gulls causing his sea
longing.How heart rending for his father to realise this.At least
Gimli will be able to go with him.I hope Thanduril will one day sail too.
Title: Oathbreakers · Author: Thundera Tiger · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 470
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-25 05:32:05
Spoilers!
A fascinating vignette focussing on the sons of Elrond as they prepare
to follow their foster-brother on a strange and quite scary path. I
really like the characterisation of the Peredhel here; Thundera Tiger
shows the duality of the twins' elven and human natures. They are
human, but also more than that, and it seems to me that they are a bit
tired of the dichotomy, as well as weary of the war and all that they
can sense as Elves. Thundera also shows the strength of the respect
and love they bear towards Aragorn, to follow him, though he is
growing more dangerous and more kingly very quickly, on such a
desperate mission.
Title: Hold To Hope · Author: Nieriel Raina · Times: Late Third Age ·
ID: 709
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-25 06:19:43
Spoilers!
An intriguing look at Thranduil's reaction to learning that Legolas
had joined the Fellowship rather than returning to Mirkwood. Nieriel
Raina effectively contrasts the Elvenking's dichotomy in reacting as a
father terrified for his child's safety and the more wiser, detached
king who must consider the good of his realm. Thranduil's faith in his
son is evoked in a touching factory, along with his great love.
Title: The Rescue of Celebrian · Author: NeumeIndil · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 382
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-25 08:30:01
Spoilers!
Of the many tragedies of Middle Earth, that of the wounding of
Celebrian has always felt the strongest to me, perhaps because I
always felt I knew her husband. How grievous, to find one's mother,
one's wife, with spirit so damaged, and by such a cause!
The inclusion of a female orc as leader for those who'd taken
Celebrian and then seeking her again was fascinating, and to see
Elrohir grieving for the bride he'd not yet taken is very sad.
Very interesting tale, and I look forward to seeing it finished.
Title: Refuge · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races: Elves: Noldor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 423
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-10-25 22:52:29
Spoilers!
Captures the viewpoint of a small child very well, with the simple yet
vivid language. Despite the simplicity, the readers can glimpse the
real horror and tumult of the situation; the confusion and shock and
terror the twins are feeling. And the contrast between Maedhros'
appearance and Maglor's shows how very, very careful and calm the
latter must have advanced to gain the trust of two terrified children.
To tie the founding of Imladris with the refuge Elrond found with
Maglor for a time is a very moving, thought-provoking idea which I
find very effective and which, in my opinion, enriches both canon facts.
Title: A Problem Shared · Author: Dot · Races: Elves: Mirkwood Elves ·
ID: 169
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-10-25 22:52:40
Very evocative descriptions, although the particular context of the
scene remains a little vague.
I was charmed by Radagast being portrayed as an eccentric man a bit
oblivious of things around him, but in truth easing Thranduil's
tension in a very round-about way. I cheered when Thranduil saw
through his game and chose to answer in the same spirit.
One burning question remains; I wonder if this line: ["You wouldn't
want to confront an angry rabbit, let me tell you."] was supposed to
be a sly reference to the "Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog" *g*...
Title: Bearer of the Ring · Author: ConnieMarie · Genres: Poetry:
Hobbits · ID: 396
Reviewer: MithLuin · 2008-10-25 23:27:26
Nicely done! You've captured Frodo's experience (and role) well in
such a short piece. Bittersweet, with nothing missing.
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..