Yahoo Forum Archive
This is an archive of the MEFA Yahoo Group, which was shut down by Yahoo in 2019. The archive can be sorted by month and by topic ID. You can use your browser to search by keyword within the month or topic you have open.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | - | - | - | 182 | 1042 | 655 | 89 | 25 | 263 | 362 | 316 | 285 |
| 2005 | 189 | 56 | 107 | 538 | 347 | 446 | 97 | 276 | 194 | 358 | 565 | 136 |
| 2006 | 231 | 66 | 27 | 76 | 117 | 139 | 127 | 56 | 67 | 66 | 159 | 79 |
| 2007 | 20 | 25 | 7 | - | 29 | 72 | 99 | 143 | 3 | 185 | 83 | 103 |
| 2008 | 56 | 13 | 3 | 54 | 240 | 141 | 274 | 77 | 51 | 60 | 90 | 106 |
| 2009 | 28 | 3 | - | 39 | 194 | 101 | 72 | 27 | 22 | 15 | 36 | 24 |
| 2010 | 67 | - | 1 | 4 | 103 | 138 | 129 | 32 | 13 | 16 | 3 | 30 |
| 2011 | 1 | - | 17 | 2 | 6 | 25 | 90 | 61 | 32 | 7 | 5 | 8 |
| 2012 | 30 | - | - | - | 8 | 122 | 76 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2013 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2014 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 2 |
| 2015 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2016 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2017 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2018 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2019 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
Msg# 9512
MEFA Reviews for Sunday, October 26, 2008 Posted by annmarwalk October 26, 2008 - 19:41:15 Topic ID# 9512Title: The Apprentice · Author: pandemonium_213 · Races: Villains · ID: 52
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-26 01:15:10
Spoilers!
I remember having a discussion with Dwimordene a while ago about the
fact that the Tolkien fandom, by its very nature, made it very hard to
get true geekitude like you would in a fandom set in modern times. I
stand by that statement, but I also think that "The Apprentice" is as
close as we're likely to ever get. Pandemonium brings her experience
as a working scientist to this piece in a way that is perhaps too
close to this graduate student's comfort in the way that the academic
environment actually works. (I really felt for Samaril at his
defense...) Such connection is the mark of a skilled writer, and
anyone who has ever been vetted in a similar fashion will appreciate
that aspect of this piece.
In one of the chapter end-notes Pande comments on the irony of such an
AU piece being concerned about the finer points of canon, and in a way
she's right; this isn't like any other fanfic piece you'll probably
ever read. The elves swear and sing bawdy drinking songs, Latin is
used regularly, and there is a debasement about the Numenoreans and
many other characters that I don't think I had ever encountered. All
of which doesn't make it bad fanfic, but it does give the piece a
different feel, both from most fanfic and from the canon. And yet, by
the end of it, I found that Pande was saying something very
significant about the canonical events, and about the nature of
Sauron's character in particular. I am still churning that significant
comment over in my mind, so can't talk about it explicitly, but
there's something deep going on.
All in all, a very worthwhile piece - I highly recommend it for people
who enjoy having their preconceptions about Arda challenged and
expanded a bit.
Title: The Ribbon · Author: Gentle Hobbit · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 336
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-26 01:15:26
I'm sure that Frodo would have had moments like this, where he was
thankful for people just acting naturally around him. I could very
easily see this happening - nice work.
Title: No Mercy · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: General Drabbles ·
ID: 443
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-26 01:16:01
Spoilers!
*shivers* This drabble is fantastically affective - I felt myself
backing away from my computer into my desk chair as I read it. I can
well imagine that the battle would have been like this, both in its
faceless evil and in the unpredictability of that gruesome day. It's a
horrifying but very well-done glimpse into the Dagor Bragollach, and I
highly recommend it to all drabble lovers.
Title: Where Shadows Lay No More · Author: Cathleen · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond · ID: 358
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-26 01:16:11
This is a very sweet story about Merry and Faramir looking back. The
author captured their grief quite well, and I liked that they had this
moment of assurance. It's nice to see the hobbits' close relationship
with Boromir (really fleshed out in the movies, but certainly there in
the books as well) honored in this unique way.
Title: Celevon a Mallen · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 279
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-26 01:16:22
Spoilers!
this drabble series is very endearing and does a very nice job of
characterizing Celeborn and Galadriel through the small every-day
events. A lot of fics look at how historically significant events
might have affected them, but this drabble series shows how the
silver-and-gold duo would have been affected by events that were just
their own. Whether you want to see their first attraction, the rearing
of their children, or the quiet longing brought about by the their
separation at the end of Lord of the Rings, this series won't disappoint.
It's hard to choose a favorite because each drabble is endearing in
its own way; but all told I think I was most moved by "Letting Go" and
"Father of the Bride," as they show the trials of being a father and
how that would have affected Celeborn. I found myself smiling at the
tenderness that was mixed in with his strength. Many Noldor can't brag
of as much!
If you have ever wanted to play a bit more with what Celeborn's and
Galadriel's private life might have been like, this drabble series is
well worth the read.
Title: The Dooming of Small Hands · Author: Thundera Tiger · Times:
Late Third Age · ID: 639
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-26 03:32:00
Spoilers!
I am not sure I believe that Gandalf intended Frodo to be the
Ringbearer before the conclusion of the Council of Elrond, but this
story explores the possibility that Gandalf did indeed plan on it,
even while Frodo was recovering from the wound of the Morgul-blade.
And what is especially, it explores Gandalf's motivations very
intelligently. Thundera Tiger shows Gandalf's ambivalence towards his
course of action; although it is the path most likely to result in
Sauron's end, he is not happy about the sacrifice of an innocent being
to accomplish it.
The story makes me wonder about all the other sacrifices that Gandalf
must have witnessed, perhaps some that he himself initiated out of
necessity - the reader feels the wizard's weariness and sorrow. He
does not make this sacrifice lightly or out of mere expedience; but
because he can see no other way. The saddest thing is, as we will see
later, Frodo would be in full agreement with Gandalf's reasoning.
A thoughtful gapfiller indeed.
Title: A Time to Hope · Author: PipMer · Races: Hobbits: Incomplete ·
ID: 302
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-26 05:36:17
Spoilers!
Ah, another story I hope to see added to soon.
In the aftermath if the battle at the Black Gate Merry must sit and
worry. Pippin, Sam, and Frodo are reportedly alive, but how does one
be certain they will waken again when they lie in an unnatural healing
sleep? So it falls to the non-Hobbit members of the Fellowship to keep
an eye upon the young Hobbit and reassure him.
A sweet story, a bit movie-verse, in which we see how close the
Hobbits are to one another. Merry's tendency to worry is
well-conveyed, as is the concern recovering Pippin shows for him.
Now, FINISH IT! Heh!
Title: Whatever Harm Encroached · Author: Nieriel Raina · Times:
Second and Early Third Age · ID: 708
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-26 06:11:42
Spoilers!
An interesting vignette where the winter chill is effectively
contrasted with the warm heart and kingly determination of Thranduil.
Good portrait of Thranduil as a hunter and provider for his people
during a time of privation.
Title: All these hands · Author: Elitihien · Races: Elves: Noldor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 534
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-10-26 09:22:39
Spoilers!
Beautiful, lyrical prose that shines especially in the evocative
descriptions and metaphors. The images presented are exquisite like
fine miniature portraits and/or still lifes, and each fits perfectly
for the requisite character Idril chooses to describe in the chapter.
I love how each character's personality is revealed by the hands Idril
focusses on; it's fascinating and touching to bear witness to just how
expressive and versatile hands and gestures are in meaning.
Each chapter offers an eloquent glimpse in important stations in
Idril's life and the persons closest to her. I like how the last
chapter not only gives a succinct summary, but also looks with hope to
the future.
I think my favourite chapter is the one about Aredhel, perhaps because
it gave me insight into a relationship I had never thought about.
Title: Noldolantė · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races: Elves: House of
Finwe · ID: 253
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-26 18:23:40
Spoilers!
What went into the crafting of Maglor's Noldolante, his magnum opus?
All of the love of family that can come from a life where seven sons
share the love of their father and mother, where the loss of the
father of their father has led to the greatest tragedy and atrocity in
all of Aman....
For all it is composed of vignettes and does not truly look at Maglor
crafting the words and music himself, yet this is indeed a powerful
examination of what led to the Noldolante and how it came to be. Love
and sibling rivalry and mutual envy and love again; finding and
losing; grief and joy; and the loss of the coherence of all of these,
the pain of fury and exile and pride brought low--all of these manage
yet to be reflected.
A beautiful series, full of intimate details and the constant surprise
Macalaure knows at being separated from the rest of his family as well
as that equally surprising joy of the constant reassurance he is
nevertheless at the heart of it.
Title: Turning Points · Author: Cathleen · Races: Hobbits: Incomplete
· ID: 357
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-26 18:36:06
Spoilers!
Peregrin Took is growing up, thinking about the lasses, restless under
his parents' rules, dealing with growing awareness of the world around
him.... How can his parents truly understand when they could never
have gone through what he's going through now? What does he do when he
begins to experience Tookish Sight and he's not certain what it means?
How does he deal with the confusion he feels about Sam Gamgee's
younger sister and his envy of Merry's relationships with those lasses
he's been courting? What do the dreams and visions he's beginning to
experience mean to the future? What does all of this have to do with
himself, Merry, Frodo, and Sam Gamgee?
Growing wisdom and confusion lie side by side, uneasy bedfellows, it
seems. And through it all we see each step Pippin makes toward being
what he will be during the quest--the wise fool, the lightener of
burdens, the lynchpin of the conspiracy, the one who refuses to stay
behind or be quashed, not even by the weight of trolls or growing
maturity.
I cannot wait to see this story added to.
Title: The Heart of a Knight · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 335
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-26 18:56:05
Spoilers!
It's not often Imhiriel ventures from shorter works into novels, and
when she does, what wonders come of it! In this we see the beginnings
of the transformation of Beregond from Guard of the Citadel to the
Captain of the White Company, as he comes to terms with his new rank
and the place in this transformation played by those close to him.
It is wonderful to see Beregond's story being fleshed out, and as he
comes to terms with the knowledge that he, one with no training in
command, must learn such skills now; as well as his awareness that not
all greet his change in status with the joy he, his son, and his
brother know. There are those who feel this advance is too sudden, and
others who are angered the one who slew family members is receiving
preference rather than punishment.
A tale I await the rest of!
Title: The Autumn of His Discontent · Author: jodancingtree · Races:
Hobbits: Incomplete · ID: 157
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-26 19:43:46
Spoilers!
Oh, how much I have hoped to see this story continued! How long--how
long shall it be allowed to languish?
Frodo has determined to make a jaunt through the Shire, but decides he
wishes to do so on his own. Thus he has convinced Sam to stay behind,
calling upon his loyalty to see to the integrity of the home fires and
the gardens during the master's absence, but just what disaster might
await him? And when during his journey he does manage to suffer an
accident in the rain and ends up suffering an injury, the situation
becomes serious.
As you can tell, I'm rather impatient in hoping for the next
installment, so we can see exactly how it is that others manage to
come to Frodo's aid in this moment of peril, and how his extended
family reacts to what they manage to learn of the situation
afterwards. Will she take the hint? (Poke, poke!)
As is usual with Jodancingtree, her writing is fascinating and her
descriptions are lyrical. She makes me appreciate just how much Frodo
is desiring distraction at the moment, and why he wants to do his
wandering about alone. And the cleverness of his arguments in
convincing Sam to take care of things about the Hill while he's gone
is delightful. Nicely done so far, Jo. Now, can you bring yourself to
keep going with it? We are waiting.... (Drums fingers impatiently.)
Title: Shadows · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 698
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-26 19:53:16
Spoilers!
A fulfilling tale to read again--a tale of a haunting of sorts
completed, a binding loosened properly. The mood is solemn and
thoughtful as Legolas visits the ashes that mark the grove where his
mother died--died protecting him when he was but a child. Always he's
come here to visit this grove with a feeling that her awareness
lingers here and delights in his visits, perhaps as proof her
sacrifice of herself was not in vain.
Does her fea remain here in the living lands? If so, he would see her
now released. And the tying of this tale into that of the quest is
delicately done indeed.
A poignantly told story, and the mood is well sustained throughout it.
We share Legolas's grief both for the loss both of trees and the
spirit they'd protected for so long, as well as his acceptance of that
loss as a timely and necessary thing, now that the world has been
changed by the victory over Darkness and the Ring is gone, as are the
last ones privy to the blasphemous secrets of corrupting the Children
of Eru into the orcs who've committed this desecration of one site
that had been sacred in the eyes of the son of Thranduil----
Definitely one of Bodkin's best works, although even her least works
exceed most of my own. A solemn joy to read.
Title: A Hobbity Wizard · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits: Childhood ·
ID: 596
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-26 20:06:33
This is a charming romp, a bit hard to imagine on Gandalf's part, but
fun nonetheless.
Title: One Equal Temper of Heroic Hearts · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres:
Romance: Gondor · ID: 334
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-26 20:23:59
Although told from Aragorn's perspective, the figure that most
impresses me in this story is Arwen. She is patient, kind, thoughtful
and playful with her love - a good partner!
Title: Look Not With Longing · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 479
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-26 20:42:19
This is wonderfully thoughtful, and the author turns over each thought
and shows it to the reader even as her character does. Faramir's
thoughts are appropriately restless, and flow easily and almost
randomly from one to another. Thus the author captures both Faramir's
experience, and a common human experience, perfectly.
Title: Healing the Long Cleeve · Author: TopazTook · Genres: Longer
Works · ID: 133
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-10-26 20:46:44
Spoilers!
This is a heartwarming tale that tells of the courtship of Pippin and
Diamond... after their marriage!
Pippin and Diamond enter into an arranged marriage, having hardly
known each other. Through the following months, glimpses of their
married life show how they slowly but surely fall in love.
We get to know some interesting and intriguing OC's, such as Pip's
brother-in-law Everard Took, a simple but lovable hobbit whose
devotion to Pippin's sister Pimpernel is sweet and heart-warming. Then
there is Diamond's nasty brother, who will stop at nothing to defend
the North-tooks' honour.
A delightful story, well told and very much enjoyed!
Title: Enticements · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Boromir or Faramir · ID: 266
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-26 20:48:27
Spoilers!
So many authors examining this circumstances choose to see it as the
beginning of Boromir's downfall, but here we see it as perhaps the
last stand of his honor - he choses truth and compassion before
self-centered desires.
Title: Silenced · Author: Illwynd · Genres: Horror · ID: 31
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-26 20:54:39
Spoilers!
This is a really fresh depiction of corruption! Well done.
Title: Tower of the Moon · Author: Nath · Times: Multi-Age · ID: 577
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-26 20:58:46
Spoilers!
It's always fascinating and effective to consider the frailty in
things we think of as permanent. This dichotomy is well explored here.
Title: Promises Broken and Kept · Author: periantari · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 144
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-10-26 21:10:05
Spoilers!
This is an instance of Frodo being the caregiver in a hurt/comfort
situation, instead of the other way around. It is beautifully done!
It is a sweet little story showcasing the relationship between Frodo
and young Merry, as Frodo prepares to move in with Bilbo. Merry
isn\\\'t too happy about that, thinking that this is Frodo abandoning
him. He can\\\'t quite understand why Frodo would want to move so far
away from him.
After Frodo is gone, Merry falls dangerously ill. Frodo, being the
ever vigilant older cousin, rushes back to Buckland to care for his
young \\\'brother\\\'.
A tender story, very well done!
Title: Celebrity · Author: Bodkin · Races: Men: Minas Tirith · ID: 635
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-26 21:11:21
This is nicely told. The author's restraint matches the story and
helps lead the reader along nicely. It also enhances the ambiguity of
the last line most effectively. This is an intriguing and fresh
perspective.
Title: The Making of a Ringbearer I: Adrift · Author: obelia medusa ·
Races: Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 145
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-10-26 23:31:23
I love this medium-sized tale, that covers the time between the death
of Frodo's parents until his adoption by Bilbo. It's heart-warming,
sad, touching and poignant, all at the same time. From Frodo's
encounters with his bullying cousin Bolo, to his loving friendship
with his little cousin Merry, to the extremely close relationship
between Bilbo and Frodo from his earliest days, the tale kept me
enthralled the entire time.
A highly recommended tale!
Title: The Warmth of Morning · Author: Spindle Berry · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 148
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-10-26 23:44:18
This is a beautiful telling of the waking of Pippin upon the Field of
Cormallen... waking to a waiting and anxious Merry. The author vividly
describes the feelings at war within Pippin... the agony and despair
fighting against hope and warmth. The warmth of Merry\\\'s love keeps
him anchored safely to this world, while despair threatens to pull him
under and away forever.
I absolutely love every story that I\\\'ve read by this author; highly
recommended.
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-26 01:15:10
Spoilers!
I remember having a discussion with Dwimordene a while ago about the
fact that the Tolkien fandom, by its very nature, made it very hard to
get true geekitude like you would in a fandom set in modern times. I
stand by that statement, but I also think that "The Apprentice" is as
close as we're likely to ever get. Pandemonium brings her experience
as a working scientist to this piece in a way that is perhaps too
close to this graduate student's comfort in the way that the academic
environment actually works. (I really felt for Samaril at his
defense...) Such connection is the mark of a skilled writer, and
anyone who has ever been vetted in a similar fashion will appreciate
that aspect of this piece.
In one of the chapter end-notes Pande comments on the irony of such an
AU piece being concerned about the finer points of canon, and in a way
she's right; this isn't like any other fanfic piece you'll probably
ever read. The elves swear and sing bawdy drinking songs, Latin is
used regularly, and there is a debasement about the Numenoreans and
many other characters that I don't think I had ever encountered. All
of which doesn't make it bad fanfic, but it does give the piece a
different feel, both from most fanfic and from the canon. And yet, by
the end of it, I found that Pande was saying something very
significant about the canonical events, and about the nature of
Sauron's character in particular. I am still churning that significant
comment over in my mind, so can't talk about it explicitly, but
there's something deep going on.
All in all, a very worthwhile piece - I highly recommend it for people
who enjoy having their preconceptions about Arda challenged and
expanded a bit.
Title: The Ribbon · Author: Gentle Hobbit · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 336
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-26 01:15:26
I'm sure that Frodo would have had moments like this, where he was
thankful for people just acting naturally around him. I could very
easily see this happening - nice work.
Title: No Mercy · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Drama: General Drabbles ·
ID: 443
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-26 01:16:01
Spoilers!
*shivers* This drabble is fantastically affective - I felt myself
backing away from my computer into my desk chair as I read it. I can
well imagine that the battle would have been like this, both in its
faceless evil and in the unpredictability of that gruesome day. It's a
horrifying but very well-done glimpse into the Dagor Bragollach, and I
highly recommend it to all drabble lovers.
Title: Where Shadows Lay No More · Author: Cathleen · Times: Fourth
Age and Beyond · ID: 358
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-26 01:16:11
This is a very sweet story about Merry and Faramir looking back. The
author captured their grief quite well, and I liked that they had this
moment of assurance. It's nice to see the hobbits' close relationship
with Boromir (really fleshed out in the movies, but certainly there in
the books as well) honored in this unique way.
Title: Celevon a Mallen · Author: Tanaqui · Genres: Romance: Other
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 279
Reviewer: Marta · 2008-10-26 01:16:22
Spoilers!
this drabble series is very endearing and does a very nice job of
characterizing Celeborn and Galadriel through the small every-day
events. A lot of fics look at how historically significant events
might have affected them, but this drabble series shows how the
silver-and-gold duo would have been affected by events that were just
their own. Whether you want to see their first attraction, the rearing
of their children, or the quiet longing brought about by the their
separation at the end of Lord of the Rings, this series won't disappoint.
It's hard to choose a favorite because each drabble is endearing in
its own way; but all told I think I was most moved by "Letting Go" and
"Father of the Bride," as they show the trials of being a father and
how that would have affected Celeborn. I found myself smiling at the
tenderness that was mixed in with his strength. Many Noldor can't brag
of as much!
If you have ever wanted to play a bit more with what Celeborn's and
Galadriel's private life might have been like, this drabble series is
well worth the read.
Title: The Dooming of Small Hands · Author: Thundera Tiger · Times:
Late Third Age · ID: 639
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-26 03:32:00
Spoilers!
I am not sure I believe that Gandalf intended Frodo to be the
Ringbearer before the conclusion of the Council of Elrond, but this
story explores the possibility that Gandalf did indeed plan on it,
even while Frodo was recovering from the wound of the Morgul-blade.
And what is especially, it explores Gandalf's motivations very
intelligently. Thundera Tiger shows Gandalf's ambivalence towards his
course of action; although it is the path most likely to result in
Sauron's end, he is not happy about the sacrifice of an innocent being
to accomplish it.
The story makes me wonder about all the other sacrifices that Gandalf
must have witnessed, perhaps some that he himself initiated out of
necessity - the reader feels the wizard's weariness and sorrow. He
does not make this sacrifice lightly or out of mere expedience; but
because he can see no other way. The saddest thing is, as we will see
later, Frodo would be in full agreement with Gandalf's reasoning.
A thoughtful gapfiller indeed.
Title: A Time to Hope · Author: PipMer · Races: Hobbits: Incomplete ·
ID: 302
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-26 05:36:17
Spoilers!
Ah, another story I hope to see added to soon.
In the aftermath if the battle at the Black Gate Merry must sit and
worry. Pippin, Sam, and Frodo are reportedly alive, but how does one
be certain they will waken again when they lie in an unnatural healing
sleep? So it falls to the non-Hobbit members of the Fellowship to keep
an eye upon the young Hobbit and reassure him.
A sweet story, a bit movie-verse, in which we see how close the
Hobbits are to one another. Merry's tendency to worry is
well-conveyed, as is the concern recovering Pippin shows for him.
Now, FINISH IT! Heh!
Title: Whatever Harm Encroached · Author: Nieriel Raina · Times:
Second and Early Third Age · ID: 708
Reviewer: Raksha the Demon · 2008-10-26 06:11:42
Spoilers!
An interesting vignette where the winter chill is effectively
contrasted with the warm heart and kingly determination of Thranduil.
Good portrait of Thranduil as a hunter and provider for his people
during a time of privation.
Title: All these hands · Author: Elitihien · Races: Elves: Noldor
Fixed-Length Ficlets · ID: 534
Reviewer: Imhiriel · 2008-10-26 09:22:39
Spoilers!
Beautiful, lyrical prose that shines especially in the evocative
descriptions and metaphors. The images presented are exquisite like
fine miniature portraits and/or still lifes, and each fits perfectly
for the requisite character Idril chooses to describe in the chapter.
I love how each character's personality is revealed by the hands Idril
focusses on; it's fascinating and touching to bear witness to just how
expressive and versatile hands and gestures are in meaning.
Each chapter offers an eloquent glimpse in important stations in
Idril's life and the persons closest to her. I like how the last
chapter not only gives a succinct summary, but also looks with hope to
the future.
I think my favourite chapter is the one about Aredhel, perhaps because
it gave me insight into a relationship I had never thought about.
Title: Noldolantė · Author: Dawn Felagund · Races: Elves: House of
Finwe · ID: 253
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-26 18:23:40
Spoilers!
What went into the crafting of Maglor's Noldolante, his magnum opus?
All of the love of family that can come from a life where seven sons
share the love of their father and mother, where the loss of the
father of their father has led to the greatest tragedy and atrocity in
all of Aman....
For all it is composed of vignettes and does not truly look at Maglor
crafting the words and music himself, yet this is indeed a powerful
examination of what led to the Noldolante and how it came to be. Love
and sibling rivalry and mutual envy and love again; finding and
losing; grief and joy; and the loss of the coherence of all of these,
the pain of fury and exile and pride brought low--all of these manage
yet to be reflected.
A beautiful series, full of intimate details and the constant surprise
Macalaure knows at being separated from the rest of his family as well
as that equally surprising joy of the constant reassurance he is
nevertheless at the heart of it.
Title: Turning Points · Author: Cathleen · Races: Hobbits: Incomplete
· ID: 357
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-26 18:36:06
Spoilers!
Peregrin Took is growing up, thinking about the lasses, restless under
his parents' rules, dealing with growing awareness of the world around
him.... How can his parents truly understand when they could never
have gone through what he's going through now? What does he do when he
begins to experience Tookish Sight and he's not certain what it means?
How does he deal with the confusion he feels about Sam Gamgee's
younger sister and his envy of Merry's relationships with those lasses
he's been courting? What do the dreams and visions he's beginning to
experience mean to the future? What does all of this have to do with
himself, Merry, Frodo, and Sam Gamgee?
Growing wisdom and confusion lie side by side, uneasy bedfellows, it
seems. And through it all we see each step Pippin makes toward being
what he will be during the quest--the wise fool, the lightener of
burdens, the lynchpin of the conspiracy, the one who refuses to stay
behind or be quashed, not even by the weight of trolls or growing
maturity.
I cannot wait to see this story added to.
Title: The Heart of a Knight · Author: Imhiriel · Genres: Drama:
Incomplete · ID: 335
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-26 18:56:05
Spoilers!
It's not often Imhiriel ventures from shorter works into novels, and
when she does, what wonders come of it! In this we see the beginnings
of the transformation of Beregond from Guard of the Citadel to the
Captain of the White Company, as he comes to terms with his new rank
and the place in this transformation played by those close to him.
It is wonderful to see Beregond's story being fleshed out, and as he
comes to terms with the knowledge that he, one with no training in
command, must learn such skills now; as well as his awareness that not
all greet his change in status with the joy he, his son, and his
brother know. There are those who feel this advance is too sudden, and
others who are angered the one who slew family members is receiving
preference rather than punishment.
A tale I await the rest of!
Title: The Autumn of His Discontent · Author: jodancingtree · Races:
Hobbits: Incomplete · ID: 157
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-26 19:43:46
Spoilers!
Oh, how much I have hoped to see this story continued! How long--how
long shall it be allowed to languish?
Frodo has determined to make a jaunt through the Shire, but decides he
wishes to do so on his own. Thus he has convinced Sam to stay behind,
calling upon his loyalty to see to the integrity of the home fires and
the gardens during the master's absence, but just what disaster might
await him? And when during his journey he does manage to suffer an
accident in the rain and ends up suffering an injury, the situation
becomes serious.
As you can tell, I'm rather impatient in hoping for the next
installment, so we can see exactly how it is that others manage to
come to Frodo's aid in this moment of peril, and how his extended
family reacts to what they manage to learn of the situation
afterwards. Will she take the hint? (Poke, poke!)
As is usual with Jodancingtree, her writing is fascinating and her
descriptions are lyrical. She makes me appreciate just how much Frodo
is desiring distraction at the moment, and why he wants to do his
wandering about alone. And the cleverness of his arguments in
convincing Sam to take care of things about the Hill while he's gone
is delightful. Nicely done so far, Jo. Now, can you bring yourself to
keep going with it? We are waiting.... (Drums fingers impatiently.)
Title: Shadows · Author: Bodkin · Races: Elves: Family · ID: 698
Reviewer: Larner · 2008-10-26 19:53:16
Spoilers!
A fulfilling tale to read again--a tale of a haunting of sorts
completed, a binding loosened properly. The mood is solemn and
thoughtful as Legolas visits the ashes that mark the grove where his
mother died--died protecting him when he was but a child. Always he's
come here to visit this grove with a feeling that her awareness
lingers here and delights in his visits, perhaps as proof her
sacrifice of herself was not in vain.
Does her fea remain here in the living lands? If so, he would see her
now released. And the tying of this tale into that of the quest is
delicately done indeed.
A poignantly told story, and the mood is well sustained throughout it.
We share Legolas's grief both for the loss both of trees and the
spirit they'd protected for so long, as well as his acceptance of that
loss as a timely and necessary thing, now that the world has been
changed by the victory over Darkness and the Ring is gone, as are the
last ones privy to the blasphemous secrets of corrupting the Children
of Eru into the orcs who've committed this desecration of one site
that had been sacred in the eyes of the son of Thranduil----
Definitely one of Bodkin's best works, although even her least works
exceed most of my own. A solemn joy to read.
Title: A Hobbity Wizard · Author: Golden · Races: Hobbits: Childhood ·
ID: 596
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-26 20:06:33
This is a charming romp, a bit hard to imagine on Gandalf's part, but
fun nonetheless.
Title: One Equal Temper of Heroic Hearts · Author: Gwynnyd · Genres:
Romance: Gondor · ID: 334
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-26 20:23:59
Although told from Aragorn's perspective, the figure that most
impresses me in this story is Arwen. She is patient, kind, thoughtful
and playful with her love - a good partner!
Title: Look Not With Longing · Author: Dwimordene · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 479
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-26 20:42:19
This is wonderfully thoughtful, and the author turns over each thought
and shows it to the reader even as her character does. Faramir's
thoughts are appropriately restless, and flow easily and almost
randomly from one to another. Thus the author captures both Faramir's
experience, and a common human experience, perfectly.
Title: Healing the Long Cleeve · Author: TopazTook · Genres: Longer
Works · ID: 133
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-10-26 20:46:44
Spoilers!
This is a heartwarming tale that tells of the courtship of Pippin and
Diamond... after their marriage!
Pippin and Diamond enter into an arranged marriage, having hardly
known each other. Through the following months, glimpses of their
married life show how they slowly but surely fall in love.
We get to know some interesting and intriguing OC's, such as Pip's
brother-in-law Everard Took, a simple but lovable hobbit whose
devotion to Pippin's sister Pimpernel is sweet and heart-warming. Then
there is Diamond's nasty brother, who will stop at nothing to defend
the North-tooks' honour.
A delightful story, well told and very much enjoyed!
Title: Enticements · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Featuring
Boromir or Faramir · ID: 266
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-26 20:48:27
Spoilers!
So many authors examining this circumstances choose to see it as the
beginning of Boromir's downfall, but here we see it as perhaps the
last stand of his honor - he choses truth and compassion before
self-centered desires.
Title: Silenced · Author: Illwynd · Genres: Horror · ID: 31
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-26 20:54:39
Spoilers!
This is a really fresh depiction of corruption! Well done.
Title: Tower of the Moon · Author: Nath · Times: Multi-Age · ID: 577
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-26 20:58:46
Spoilers!
It's always fascinating and effective to consider the frailty in
things we think of as permanent. This dichotomy is well explored here.
Title: Promises Broken and Kept · Author: periantari · Genres: Drama:
Featuring Frodo or Sam · ID: 144
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-10-26 21:10:05
Spoilers!
This is an instance of Frodo being the caregiver in a hurt/comfort
situation, instead of the other way around. It is beautifully done!
It is a sweet little story showcasing the relationship between Frodo
and young Merry, as Frodo prepares to move in with Bilbo. Merry
isn\\\'t too happy about that, thinking that this is Frodo abandoning
him. He can\\\'t quite understand why Frodo would want to move so far
away from him.
After Frodo is gone, Merry falls dangerously ill. Frodo, being the
ever vigilant older cousin, rushes back to Buckland to care for his
young \\\'brother\\\'.
A tender story, very well done!
Title: Celebrity · Author: Bodkin · Races: Men: Minas Tirith · ID: 635
Reviewer: Nancy Brooke · 2008-10-26 21:11:21
This is nicely told. The author's restraint matches the story and
helps lead the reader along nicely. It also enhances the ambiguity of
the last line most effectively. This is an intriguing and fresh
perspective.
Title: The Making of a Ringbearer I: Adrift · Author: obelia medusa ·
Races: Hobbits: Childhood · ID: 145
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-10-26 23:31:23
I love this medium-sized tale, that covers the time between the death
of Frodo's parents until his adoption by Bilbo. It's heart-warming,
sad, touching and poignant, all at the same time. From Frodo's
encounters with his bullying cousin Bolo, to his loving friendship
with his little cousin Merry, to the extremely close relationship
between Bilbo and Frodo from his earliest days, the tale kept me
enthralled the entire time.
A highly recommended tale!
Title: The Warmth of Morning · Author: Spindle Berry · Times: Late
Third Age: Gondor · ID: 148
Reviewer: PipMer · 2008-10-26 23:44:18
This is a beautiful telling of the waking of Pippin upon the Field of
Cormallen... waking to a waiting and anxious Merry. The author vividly
describes the feelings at war within Pippin... the agony and despair
fighting against hope and warmth. The warmth of Merry\\\'s love keeps
him anchored safely to this world, while despair threatens to pull him
under and away forever.
I absolutely love every story that I\\\'ve read by this author; highly
recommended.
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..